cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Search for radiative production of the "exotic" mesons X(3872,3915,3930,3940) from ψ(4160)

The ``exotic'' mesons $X(3872)$, $X(3915)$, $X(3930)$ and $X(3940)$, have been searched for in their radiative production in the $586\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{pb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation data taken with the CLEO-c detector at the $\ensuremath{\psi}(4160)$ resonance, and their decay in the two modes, $X\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}J/\ensuremath{\psi}$ and $X\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}J/\ensuremath{\psi}$, with $J/\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. No evidence for any of the four mesons is found. Upper limits for the product branching fractions, ${\mathcal{B}}_{1}(\ensuremath{\psi}(4160)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}X)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathcal{B}}_{2}(X\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}J/\ensuremath{\psi},\ensuremath{\gamma}J/\ensuremath{\psi})$ have been determined. The limits at 90% confidence level range from $0.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ to $1.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$.
Factors associated with caregiver experience in families with a child with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: Managing the stresses of parenting a child with cerebral palsy (CP) can be challenging. This study sought to identify factors that are associated with higher levels of caregiver stress. METHODS: A retrospective review of data from the Learn From Every Patient TM project conducted in an interdisciplinary CP clinic were used to compare caregiver responses on 2 subsets (financial and time/emotional) of the Assessment of Caregiver Experience in Neuromuscular Disorders (ACEND) and physical and medical characteristics of the child. RESULTS: The range of scores in both the financial and emotional subset was large. The presence of behavior problems, seizures, and severity of CP showed the strongest associations with emotional stress and accounted for 14% of the variance in scaled scores (r = 0.392, adj R 2 = 14.3, p< 0.01). The child’s age was not significantly related to parental stress. The most highly reported areas of stress were worry about the child’s pain, and the financial impact of lost wages. CONCLUSION: Caregiver experience varied widely and is associated with a range of factors among families caring for a child with CP. Further research is needed to test whether interventions to minimize the areas of greatest stress could make a meaningful difference in family functioning.
Role differentiation in small groups.

SMALL group research provides a most fruitful meeting-ground for psychological and sociological thinking. Few fields of study lend themselves so easily to this dual perspective. The concept of "role" holds a potentially strategic position in this rapprochement, but its use in empirical studies has thus far left this potentiality unexploited. We might define a role as a more or less coherent and unified system of items of behavior. With even this minimal definition it becomes apparent that role performance in the small group situation will have both consequences which are important to the functioning of the group in which the role is performed and personal consequences of importance to the individual who performs it. Similarly, an individual may be motivated to perform a role both by specific inducements offered by the group and by more general needs operating within the individual himself. The rather general failure to consider simultaneously both of these aspects of role performance has constituted a very real stumbling-block in small group research. This paper will attempt to illustrate the way in which consideration of both psychological and sociological factors may aid in the interpretation of tendencies for members of small experimental groups to behave in systematically differentiated ways. Our research in this area 1 has been centered around five problems:
Observation of the combination therapy of several laser modalities for treatment of divided lid nevi

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficient and safety of combination therapy with various laser strategies for divided lid nevi,to provide a new feasible treatment which may improve the cure rate of the disease. Methods 20 cases with divided lid nevi were treated with combination laser strategies including Vlteapulse CO2 laser,Q755nm laser and 810 nm semiconductor laser.Super pulse CO2 laser was firstly applied for slight peel treatment,after that Q755 nm laser was applied.If there were hairs on divided lid nevi,810 nm semiconductor laser were employed for hair removal treatment.The treatment interval was 3~6 month.The patients were followed up at 6 months after treatment with clinical outcomes and side effects all recorded. Results All patients underwent 1 ~3 combination therapy courses. Clinical outcome showed 11 cases cured(55%),8 cases significant improved(40%),1 cases improved(5%),with an effective rate of 100.Side effect included superficial scar in 2 cases and slight depigmentation in 1 case. Conclusion A combination therapy of super pulse CO2 laser,Q755nm laser and 810 nm semiconductor laser provide easy, effective and safe strategy for treatment of divided lid nevi.
Determination of 13 Volatile Aromatic Compounds by SPME and GC-MS

A method for the determination of 13 volatile aromatic compounds in soil with an Agilent 5977A and manual SPME technique is described. A manual SPME method for the sample pretreatment is used. The matrix modifying solution is a good tool to increase the recovery of the targets. The good linearity appeared in the soil with aromatic compounds from 5. 0,10,20,40 μg / kg and 5 0 μg / kg,the R2are all better than 0. 995. The testing results proved that this method is practical and effective for the determination of volatile organic compounds in soil in the field. The lowest detection amount of this method is 1. 0 μg / kg in soil.
Economics and the Global Environment: Trade-Environment Policy: Evolution of the Debate and Taxonomy of the Issues

Introduction Trade-environment policy issues are complex and often controversial. This chapter describes the evolution of the debate and presents an analytical framework for sorting out the relevant questions. Most trade-environment policy issues can be fitted into one of four categories: competitiveness questions and appropriate policy response; questions of market access and market opportunity, which include environmentally related product standards, ecolabelling, and “green” trade; the use of trade measures to secure international environmental objectives; and the effects of trade and trade liberalization on environmental and natural resources. The first three categories are concerned with the effects of environmental regulations on the international trade system. The fourth turns the question around and examines how trade and trade policy affect environmental objectives. It is useful to start with three observations. First, although currently fashionable and much debated, trade-environment policy issues are not new, but were first addressed in the early 1970s. The interesting question is why discussions became increasingly strident in the early 1990s. Second, at a high level of generality there is no fundamental conflict between good trade policy and good environmental policy. Both require the internalization of the full social costs of production, including environmental protection costs, by either passing these costs forward to consumers in prices or backward to the factors of production. Often what appears to be a conflict between trade and environment is the result of either poor trade policy or inadequate environmental protection.
Education That Is Multicultural and Promotes Social Justice: The Need

In this chapter, De Gaetano asserts that education that is multicultural and promotes social justice is critical to the development of young children. She points out, however, a mismatch between what we know to be good early childhood development and what parents, teachers, and administrators of early childhood programs often do. She believes that education that is multicultural and promotes social justice is currently not being implemented in most early childhood settings for several reasons. More prominent at this time is the focus on developing academic skills earlier and earlier in young children as a result of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Early learning and the development of skills are not in opposition to an education that focuses on fairness; however, children’s individual and age readiness for certain skills and learning, as well as their cultural and linguistic differences, have to be taken into consideration for learning to occur. A dynamic focus on multicultural and social justice education means that there must be equity in the learning process for all children. De Gaetano ends the chapter with examples of multicultural strategies that some teachers are implementing in their classrooms and makes recommendations for how to teach within an educational framework that is multicultural and promotes social justice.
New forecasting method for liquid rich shale gas condensate reservoirs with data driven approach using principal component analysis

Abstract Accurate production performance evaluation and forecasting in shales during the early stages of development can play an important role in minimizing uncertainties associated with unconventional reservoirs. Given the limited reliability in forecasts from traditional decline models when applied to unconventional reservoirs, new tools to supplement the ones in use today are required to improve the accuracy of production forecasts. In this study, we present a method involving principal component analysis (PCA), which is a simple, non-parametric method of extracting relevant information from large data sets to perform production forecasting of liquid rich shale gas condensate reservoirs. We used a comprehensive compositional reservoir model to create several iterations of synthetic production histories from liquid rich shales (LRS) wells based on Monte Carlo simulation with predefined probability distributions. Cumulative gas, gas rate, and condensate-to-gas ratio (CGR) for the simulated cases were decomposed into principal component (PC) scores and coefficients were used to recreate the original data. The dataset was cross-validated to check its ability to predict the missing production data based on PC scores and coefficients of the limited production data. Principal component analysis was further applied to the field data from several wells from Eagle Ford shale. We re-created and cross-validated the field data by using limited PC which led to good matches of the original production data. Two to three PC's were required to recreate the initial data with reasonable accuracy depending on the quality of the input data. During the validation step, we observed that some of the wells exhibited significant error which could be attributed to significantly different production profiles of those wells compared to the other wells. For simulated data, four PC was enough to yield the prediction with average error of 0.16%, 0% and 0.77% respectively for gas rate, cumulative gas and CGR respectively. For field data, three PC yielded the best prediction with average error of 1.63% and 2.98% for gas rate and oil rate respectively. This work shows that multivariate statistics and data driven methods can be used as an important approach to complement existing tools like reservoir simulation and decline curve analysis to perform production data analysis. PCA can also be used and can generate accurate results relatively quickly. We recognize that even more rapid approximate methods will be required for routine analysis. Understanding the limitations of different approximate methods and application of methods to overcome these limitations in given circumstances should lead to optimal use of these methods.
The Combination of AZT/Interferon-α Therapy with the HDAC Inhibitor Valproic Acid for the Treatment of Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma

Abstract Abstract 4877 Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) carries a dismal long-term prognosis and is generally chemotherapy resistant. We and other groups have demonstrated that the combination of AZT and interferon (IFN) alpha can effectively suppress ATLL long-term; however, these drugs fail to eradicate malignant ATLL clones as patients ultimately progress. We recently tested our hypothesis that histone deacelytase (HDAC) inhibitors would re-activate latent HTLV-I in ATLL cells harboring intact provirus thus helping to eliminate residual disease after cytoreductive treatment. Histone acetylation can result in HTLV-I promoter activation and viral transcription. We found that HDAC inhibitors, including the inexpensive drug valproic acid (VPA), reactivated HTLV-I expression in ATLL cells and caused apoptosis. Based on these concepts, we recently completed a pilot trial for ATLL using AZT/IFN and adding VPA during the maintenance treatment phase. Thirteen subjects with aggressive acute-type ATLL were enrolled in the study, including 11 treatment-naive patients. The estimated 12-month overall survival rate was 46%. In 12 evaluable subjects (10 naive) the complete response (CR) rate was 33% and overall response 42% (5 patients). A total of eight subjects (66%) had a hematologic response, including 5 complete hematologic responses (38%). VPA was added at the beginning of month 3 during AZT/IFN maintenance in 3 subjects. One subject achieved a molecular remission and clearance of ATLL after adding VPA as measured by serial multiplex PCR studies. This subject remains disease-free 2.5 years later. Our findings were surprising, as previous studies performed on long-term responders treated with AZT/IFN alone had not demonstrated any molecular remissions. Our data suggest that VPA could potentially eradicate ATLL clones in vivo. The dual anti-neoplastic and viral inducing roles of HDAC inhibitors can be exploited in the treatment of ATLL. This exciting approach may help advance the cure for this disease. We will present our updated interim clinical trial results at the conference. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Remote Sensing of Tropospheric Aerosol Optical Depth From Multispectral Monodirectional Space-Based Observations

Owing to the wide range of effects aerosols have on health, air quality, the hydrological cycle, and climate the importance of their monitoring is undeniable. In this contribution we use a recently developed algorithm to demonstrate in detail how the columnar aerosol optical depth (AOD) and a likely model of aerosol are simultaneously retrieved over water and over snow-free dark and bright land from passive multispectral measurements taken at single directions. We discuss the inherent limitations of such retrievals arising from the need to prescribe, rather than retrieve, key properties like size distribution, particle shape, and absorption.
Developments in pseudo‐random number generators

Monte Carlo simulations have become a common practice to evaluate a proposed statistical procedure, particularly when it is analytically intractable. Validity of any simulation study relies heavily on the goodness of random variate generators for some specified distributions, which in turn is based on the successful generation of independent variates from the uniform distribution. However, a typical computer-generated pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is a deterministic algorithm and we know that no PRNG is capable of generating a truly random uniform sequence. Since the foundation of a simulation study is built on the PRNG used, it is extremely important to design a good PRNG. We review some recent developments on PRNGs with nice properties such as high-dimensional equi-distribution, efficiency, long period length, portability, and efficient parallel implementations. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Use of Seed Gums in Low-Fat Ground Pork: Fffect on Physical and Sensory Characteristics

Abstract Consumer demand for low-fat meat products has increased. Low-fat meat products have decreased palatability. Decreased fat content in ground meats has been associated with decreased juiciness and tenderness. Gums have been reported to retain moisture and improve overall textural characteristics of ground beef Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of seed gums, i.e., guar gum (GG) and locust bean gum (LBG) on physical and sensory properties of low-fat ground pork. Ground pork (8% fat) was made into meat balls of 25g and cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C. A control sample and two test samples containing GG at 1% level and LBG at 1% level were studied. Percent cooking losses were 47.1±1.48 and 31.9±3.06 for GG and LBG, respectively. Meat balls made with LBG retained significantly more juiciness compared to GG (p
Marital Satisfaction, Cross-Cultural Adjustment Stress, and the Psychological Sequelae:

A population of missionaries experiencing the stress of cross-cultural adjustment in their first assignment abroad was used to examine the relationship of marital satisfaction and psychological sym...
Signal or noise? Isolating grain size effects on Nd and Sr isotope variability in Indus delta sediment provenance

Radiogenic elements, such as neodymium (Nd) and strontium (Sr), are commonly used to decipher the provenance and weathering histories of bulk siliciclastic sediments worldwide, although increasing evidence for diagenetic and sediment transport-driven bias of isotope signatures calls into question the utility of bulk isotope compositions as effective tools. This study evaluates grain size-dependence and variability of Nd and Sr compositions in the Indus delta of Pakistan, documenting both a significant isotopic evolution and coarsening upward sequence during the last deglaciation (~15 ka). Grain size analysis, trace element geochemistry, and Nd and Sr geochemistry are determined for bulk and separate grain size fractions ( 250 μm) from four core sampling sites with similar provenance. Isotopic compositions are controlled by grain size distribution, in turn variably controlled by size fraction mineralogy. Fine-grained bulk sediment Nd isotope compositions are primarily dictated by the finest (<125 μm) sediments enriched in Nd-bearing monazite and allanite, with coarser bulk sediments influenced by mica. The most abundant grain size fraction drives bulk sediment Sr isotope compositions, with the finest grain size fractions indicating strong control by potassium feldspar, mica, epidote, and/or volcanogenic clay minerals. Over the last 15 k.y., resolvable provenance-driven trends are confidently identified in Nd isotope compositions. Long-term trends remain consistent with previous findings although the isotopic shift in delta compositions must be less than previously envisaged (~4 vs. 0.69–1.91 e units). Although considerable variability is observed in bulk Sr isotope compositions, <63 μm and 63–125 μm fraction Sr/Sr compositions evolve in parallel through time and show fractionation by ~0.005–0.01 as a result of grain size. Within the isotopically diverse Indus drainage system, bulk isotopic compositions are estimated to deviate on average no than ±1.04 e units and ±0.0099 for Sr/Sr values for any sediment as a result of mineralogy, grain size distribution, and analytical error. Isotopic excursions beyond these uncertainties can be unambiguously assigned to either a change in upstream provenance and/or chemical weathering.
Modulation of respiratory activity by hypocretin-1 (orexin A) in situ and in vitro.

Release of hypocretins (orexins) by neurons in the lateral hypothalamus is an important contributor to arousal state, thermoregulation, feeding behavior, and has recently been proposed to play a role in breathing and central chemosensitivity. Using the in situ arterially perfused juvenile rat preparation, we determined the effect of hypocretin-1 (hcrt-1) and SB-408124 (antagonist for hypocretin receptor subtype 1, hcrt-r1) on phrenic nerve activity, a neural correlate of breathing (neuroventilation), and the neuroventilatory sensitivity to CO2. Application of hcrt-1 through the perfusate had little effect on baseline firing. Blocking hcrt-r1, however, prevented the phrenic burst frequency response normally associated with hypercapnia. These data suggest that endogenous hypocretinergic modulation enhances neuroventilatory chemosensitivity. Further studies using the in vitro medullary slice preparation explored the effect of hcrt-1 on hypoglossal nerve activity, a correlate of ventilation in vitro. Application of exogenous hcrt-1 failed to significantly alter hypoglossal burst output in neonatal rat slices, indicating that this portion of the neuroventilatory circuit is insensitive to hcrt-1. Taken together, these data suggest that hcrt-1 is a modulator of central chemosensitivity.
What the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Doesn't Do: 'Discrete Acts' and the Future of Pattern or Practice Litigation

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act clarified the application of the EEOC charge filing period for purposes of determining whether a claim of compensation discrimination is timely. But a number of timeliness questions remain unanswered for claimants alleging discrimination on grounds other than compensation discrimination. This Essay examines one question left open after the enactment of the Ledbetter Act, specifically: When, if ever, does the EEOC charge filing period begin to run in cases where the plaintiff alleges that defendant engaged in a "pattern or practice" of unlawful "discrete acts" of discrimination? In this Essay, I consider the difficulties that arise when attempting to apply the seemingly straightforward timely-filed charge requirement to pattern or practice cases. I evaluate the policy arguments supporting the competing interpretations of the timely-filed charge requirement as applied to pattern or practice cases, and I suggest a number of possible legislative solutions that could provide certainty to employers and potential claimants.
Cardiogenic shock: evolving definitions and future directions in management

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a complex and highly morbid entity conceptualised as a vicious cycle of injury, cardiac and systemic decompensation, and further injury and decompensation. The pathophysiology of CS is incompletely understood but limited clinical trial experience suggests that early and robust support of the failing heart to allow for restoration of systemic homoeostasis appears critical for survival. We review the pathophysiology, clinical features and trial data to construct a contemporary model of CS as a systemic process characterised with maladaptive compensatory mechanisms requiring prompt and appropriately tailored medical and mechanical support for optimal outcomes. We conclude with an algorithmic approach to acute CS incorporating clinical and haemodynamic data to match the patient’s cardiac and systemic needs as a template for contemporary management.
The Urban Concentration of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Agricultural and Natural Resource Industries

This study draws on detailed information on inventor address from 34,196 patented biotechnology inventions, made in the United States between 1970 and 2010, as indicators of innovation and entrepreneurship in three largely rural industries—(1) agriculture, (2) bioenergy, and (3) environment. Three approaches (mapping, Moran I, and negative binomial panel regression analysis) are used to analyze the spatial distribution of patented inventions by region, to identify the density of inventions overall as well as the space–time dynamics of invention cumulativeness. We find these inventions have been spatially concentrated in about 30 major metropolitan clusters, and that spatial distribution has remained remarkably stable over time. Factors of population and earnings are unsurprisingly correlated with invention counts. However, farm proprietor income is also positively related to the number of invention counts, suggesting that more linkages and spillovers within the industry lead to more opportunity for inventions. Significant policy implications include the distribution of public research funding, technology transfer strategies, regional collective action for fostering (largely urban) entrepreneurship for (largely rural) industries, and the actual roles and impacts of (again urban) innovation in these industries on commonly held policy objectives for rural economic development. There are also important implications from the extent to which (urban) innovators and (rural) producers in these industries are not intimately colocated.
The Impact of Ad Customization and Content Transportation on the Effectiveness of Online Video Advertising

This study examined how ad customization and content transportation influence the effectiveness of online video advertising. A between-subjects experiment (N = 113) found that the effect of ad cust...
Risk of Tuberculosis Infection among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bengaluru City.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infection is most likely to occur when an individual is exposed to someone with pulmonary TB on a day-to-day basis, such as by living or working in close quarters with someone who has an active disease. This study was undertaken using reliable screening and investigation tools for assessing the incident latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methodology: This descriptive longitudinal study was conducted among 600 HCWs at a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru city for a period of 1 year 4 months (March 2016–June 2017). All HCWs were stratified according to their work profile as doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, nursing aides, pharmacists, laundry workers (only those who come in contact with patients), dietary workers (only those who come in contact with patients), and workers from housekeeping department. Study subjects were enrolled in proportion to their population size. The data were collected by administering TB screening questionnaire and performing tuberculin skin test (TST). All the subjects who had negative TST reaction were followed up after 1 year from March 2017 to June 2017. Results: The study subjects consisted of 600 HCWs with a mean age of 27.8 ± 7.1 years. Initially, 600 study subjects underwent TST, 2 of whom were not contactable between 48 and 72 h of test administration. Of the remaining 598 subjects, 120 (20.1%) had a positive TST reaction. After 1 year, of the 478 subjects who tested negative, 345 study subjects underwent the repeat TST and 67 (19.4%) of the study subjects had a positive TST reaction. Conclusion: The prevalence of LTBI was 20.1% and it was significantly associated with age, place of residence, education, work commute time, and mode of transport. The incidence of LTBI was 19.4% and it was significantly associated with gender, place of residence, education, work commute time, and marital status.
Entropy noise from shock containing nozzles of military jets at afterburner

This paper considers the noise of military jets operating at afterburner. Boosting by the afterburner, the jet velocity and temperature are much higher than those of laboratory jets. Under these conditions, do we anticipate the noise components of these jets the same as those of laboratory jets, i.e., consisting mainly turbulent mixing noise? Do we expect new noise sources in these jets, since they operate at much higher velocities and temperatures and that the combustion processes in the afterburner are highly unsteady. In this paper, we explore one plausible new noise mechanism; the generation of entropy noise inside the shock containing nozzles of military jets. It is well-known that hot and cold spots (entropy waves) from unsteady combustion when convecting through a non-uniform mean flow would create fluctuating pressure and hence acoustic radiation. We investigate this possibility by performing numerical simulation of the flow and noise inside a rectangular nozzle typical of that of the F-22 Raptor. These nozzles are imperfectly expanded. There are shocks inside. We find that because shocks have very steep velocity gradients, their presence leads to the generation and emission of strong entropy noise when entropy waves from the afterburner pass through them.
An exploration of the Razumikhin stability theorem with applications in stabilization of delay systems

Abstract In this paper, we establish a new evolution property of Lyapunov functions that satisfy the Razumikhin Stability Theorem conditions. The derived property is shown to be a valid alternative criterion to prove the asymptotic stability of a delay system without calculating the derivative of the Lyapunov function, and it is especially useful in solving stabilization problems for time delay systems when the delay is unknown. As an example application of this derived property, we investigate the stabilization of continuous-time linear systems with an unknown time-varying delay, by proposing a switched low gain feedback control technique that utilizes the derived property. Existing literature on stabilization of continuous time delay systems all require some knowledge, such as an upper bound, of the delay. In this work, by proposing a switched low gain feedback control law utilizing the derived property, we are able to achieve asymptotic stabilization of the system without any knowledge of the delay. Furthermore, the proposed switched low gain feedback law also significantly improves the closed-loop system performance in terms of overshoot and convergence speed, in comparison with the traditional fixed gain low gain feedback design. Simulation study verifies the theoretical results.
CavityQED with Nano-diamond color centres coupled to silicon MIE resonators for fibre-optic quantum communication

On-demand single photon sources are a crucial element of quantum key distribution and quantum computing. Such devices face major challenges in achieving high performance, which include realized necessary environmental isolation, preservation of coherence over time, and reliable triggering of multi-photon emission. Nanodiamonds exhibit uniquely good characteristics at room temperature, but emission rates are still limited. Here, we consider how nitrogen and Xenon color centers with electronic triggering can increase emission rates, by carefully modeling the interaction between rapid voltage pulses and the resulting photonic emission. If realized experimentally, this work will pave the way for short-wavelength infrared quantum communications.
Evidence on Growth, Increasing Returns and the Extent of the Market

We examine two sets of economies, (19th century U.S. states and 20th century less developed countries) where growth rates are positively correlated with initial levels of development to document how these dynamic increasing returns operate. We find that open economies do not display a positive connection between initial levels and later growth; instead, closed economies do display this positive correlation (i.e. divergence). This evidence suggests that increasing returns operate by expanding the extent of the market (as in the big push theories of Murphy, Shleifer and Vishny (1989)). For U.S. states, we also find that larger markets enhance growth by increasing the division of labor. Among LDCs, while more diversified production increases growth, diversification is negatively associated with openness for the poorest economies (as in the quality ladder theories of Boldrin and Scheinkman (1988), Young (1991) and Stokey (1991)). However, and despite the negative effect that openness has on the diversity of production and, thus, on growth, we find that openness still substantially increases growth for these poorer economies.
Using i-tree canopy vegetation cover subtype classification to predict peri-domestic tick presence

While extant literature has generally indicated significant associations between vegetation cover and tick activity, no study has demonstrated the relative association between peri-domestic area vegetation cover subtypes and tick presence. In this study, we seek to determine whether neighborhood wood index and residential tick control practices confound or modify the effect of peri-domestic vegetation cover subtypes on tick presence. We conducted an ecological inventory of vegetation cover distribution using i-Tree Canopy on 210 private residential/peri-domestic properties in Indiana, USA. Results were paired with field obtained tick presence/absence data for each property together with online survey data provided by primary occupant of the property. Amblyomma americanum was the predominant tick species in peri-domestic areas. Higher proportion of vegetation cover in the peri-domestic area was significantly associated with tick presence. Of the four vegetation cover subtypes, (grass, shrubs, understory, and canopy), canopy was the most prevalent vegetation in peri-domestic areas of Indiana, USA. It was also the most significant predictor of tick presence. Among residential tick control processes, frequent leaf litter removal was significantly associated with reduced likelihood of peri-domestic tick presence. Neighborhood Wood Index (NWI) confounded the relationship between canopy and peri-domestic tick presence, while leaf-litter removal confounded the effect of understory vegetation subtype on peri-domestic tick presence. Compared to peri-domestic areas in neighborhoods with sparse NWI, those in neighborhoods with heavy/dense NWI had a 3.5x odd of peri-domestic tick presence (AOR = 3.46; 95 % CI: 1.23-9.65). Compared to peri-domestic areas in the central region, those in the southern region of Indiana were 8.7x more likely to have peri-domestic tick presence. Canopy as a vegetation cover subtype and frequent leaf litter removal represent particularly key peri-domestic variables that have significant implications for peri-domestic tick presence. Beyond parcel-scale landscape features, neighborhood wood index also plays an important role in peri-domestic tick presence. Additionally, i-Tree Canopy represents a promising methodological tool for identifying landscape features that predict tick presence.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) inhalation-induced alterations in the plasma lipidome as promoters of vascular inflammation and insulin resistance.

We found that circulating plasma constituents are responsible for air pollution-induced vascular pathologies. Inhalation of fine particulate matter (≤PM2.5) promotes a unique form of dyslipidemia t...
U.S. national, regional, and state-specific socioeconomic factors correlate with child and adolescent ADHD diagnoses pre-COVID-19 pandemic.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most diagnosed emerging neurodevelopmental disorder in children, is a growing health crisis in the United States. Due to the potential increase in ADHD severity during and post the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyzed recent national and two state-specific ADHD data distribution among U.S. children and adolescents by investigating a broad range of socioeconomic status (SES) factors. Child and adolescent ADHD diagnosis and treatment data were parent-reported via National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). The nationwide childhood prevalence of ADHD is 8.7%, and 62.1% of diagnosed children are taking medication. Louisiana (15.7%) has the highest percentage of children diagnosed with ADHD and California (5.6%) has the lowest, followed by Nevada (5.9%). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA, n = 51,939) examining 30 factors highlights four areas of interest at the national and state level: race/ethnicity, financial status, family structure, and neighborhood characteristics. Positive correlations between ADHD diagnosis and unsafe school, unsafe neighborhood, and economic hardship are evident nationally and statewide, while the association between a lack of ADHD diagnosis and higher urban neighborhood amenities are evident nationally, but not in two opposing outlier states—Louisiana or Nevada. National and state-specific hierarchical analyses demonstrate significant correlations between the various SES factors and ADHD outcomes. Since the national analysis does not account for the demographic heterogeneity within regions or individual states, the U.S. should rely on comprehensive, county-specific, near real-time data reporting to effectively model and mitigate the ADHD epidemic and similar national health crises.
Comorbid Diabetes and Depression Impacts Diabetic, Cognitive and Affective Outcomes among Mexican Americans

Diabetes in Mexican Americans is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Older Mexican Americans experience higher rates of depression than other groups and are especially susceptible to comorbid...
Scattered data interpolation in three or more variables

This is a survey of techniques for the interpolation of scattered data in three or more independent variables. It covers schemes that can be used for any number of variables as well as schemes specifically designed for three variables. Emphasis is on breadth rather than depth, but there are explicit illustrations of different techniques used in the solution of multivariate interpolation problems.
Stresses in a quasi-isotropic pin loaded connector using photoelasticity

Birefringent glass-epoxy and a numerical stress-separation scheme are used to compute the stresses in the vicinity of a pin-loaded hole. The radial and circumferential stresses at the hole edge, and the net-section and shear-out stresses are computed. The numerical and experimental results of other investigators are compared with the computed stresses. The fixture used to load the connector is discussed and typical isochromatic- and isoclinic-fringe patterns are presented. The stress-separation scheme is briefly described.
Abstract 2910: Androgen receptor splice variant-7 predicts resistance to enzalutamide in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer

Background: Androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7) is a truncated form of the androgen receptor (AR) protein which lacks the ligand-binding domain, the target of enzalutamide, but remains constitutively active as a transcription factor. Following from preclinical studies implicating AR-V7 as a mechanism of resistance to novel AR-directed therapies, we hypothesized that the presence of AR-V7 in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from men with advanced prostate cancer would be associated with primary resistance to enzalutamide. Methods: We used quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase-chain-reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis to interrogate CTCs for the presence or absence of AR-V7 from prospectively enrolled patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer initiating treatment with enzalutamide. We examined associations between AR-V7 status and PSA response rates (the primary clinical endpoint of the study), PSA-progression-free-survival (PSA-PFS), and clinical/radiographic-progression-free-survival (PFS). Multivariable Cox regressions were performed to determine the independent effect of AR-V7 status on clinical outcomes to enzalutamide treatment. A prespecified sample size of 30 patients would yield 85% power to detect a difference in PSA response rates from 10% (in AR-V7-positive men) to 60% (in AR-V7-negative men), using a two-sided α=0.10. Results: Thirty-one (31) enzalutamide-treated patients were enrolled in the study, of which 38.7% (12/31) had detectable AR-V7 mRNA from CTCs. Compared to AR-V7-negative patients, AR-V7-positive men had worse PSA response rates (0% [0/12] vs 52.6% [10/19], P=0.004); in fact, no patient with detectable AR-V7 achieved a PSA response. Furthermore, AR-V7-positive patients had shorter PSA-PFS (median: 1.4 vs 5.9 months, HR 7.4, 95%CI 2.7-20.6, log-rank P Conclusions: Detection of AR-V7 mRNA in circulating tumor cells from patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer may be associated with primary resistance to enzalutamide. If confirmed by other investigators in larger-scale prospective studies, this could be used as a biomarker to predict enzalutamide resistance (and to direct AR-V7-positive patients away from further AR-targeting therapies). Citation Format: Emmanuel S. Antonarakis, Changxue Lu, Hao Wang, Brandon Luber, Mary Nakazawa, Jeffrey C. Roeser, Yan Chen, Helen L. Fedor, Tamara L. Lotan, Angelo M. De Marzo, John T. Isaacs, William B. Isaacs, Rosa Nadal, Channing J. Paller, Samuel R. Denmeade, Michael A. Carducci, Mario A. Eisenberger, Jun Luo. Androgen receptor splice variant-7 predicts resistance to enzalutamide in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2910. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2910
A Binary Additive Problem of Erdős and the Order of 2 mod p 2

We show that the problem of representing every odd positive integer as the sum of a squarefree number and a power of 2, is strongly related to the problem of showing that p 2 divides 2 p-1 – 1 for “few” primes p.
Assessment Assemblage: Advancing Portfolio Practice through the Assessment Staging Theory

Arts education faces challenges from continual pressure for educational accountability. How should art educators assess inventive and divergent learning in ways that communicate to those outside the arts? The answer matters not only for the development of useful art assessment, but also in securing a place for the arts in public education. Prior assessment efforts are deeply rooted in distinct epistemological stances on the nature of learning and are tied to a particular learning theory, resulting in competing goals that undermine the efforts to document learning from other perspectives. In order to assemble together current assessment efforts through an epistemologically pluralistic approach to assessment, this article uses the metaphor of increasingly formal theatrical staging to review existing and emerging research on arts assessment. Just as the process of assemblage lets artists create new meaning from disparate objects, this article introduces a comprehensive new approach, called assessment assembl...
The Effects of Engine Oil Additives on Vehicle Fuel Economy, Emissions, Emission Control Components and Engine Wear

Engine oils containing either colloidal or soluble friction modification systems may provide a measurable and appreciable fuel economy improvement to the motoring public. However, the friction modification improvements seen during EPA testing do not appear to reach full potential at the critical 6,437 km. test point, but require considerably more kilometer accumulation for maximum fuel economy benefits. Friction modified oils exhibit a greater fuel economy benefit during cold and transient engine conditions due to decreased friction at the piston ring/cylinder wall during periods of high cylinder gas pressures. The friction modified, fuel efficient oils tested did not appear to contribute to abnormal engine wear, emission component deterioration or catalyst poisoning.
On the regulation of estrogen production by cortisol and ACTH in human pregnancy at term. Memorial Foundation award thesis.

Abstract Maternal and fetal adrenals provide precursors for placental estrogens. Mechanisms of adrenal control were studied in patients undergoing elective cesarean section at term. Ten patients served as controls; six received 150 mg. of cortisol intravenously and 13 received 40 I.U. of Depo-ACTH intramuscularly. Maternal venous and cord venous and arterial plasma were analyzed for ACTH, total and unbound unconjugated cortisol, DHEA and DHEA sulfate, estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Cortisol increased maternal and—after placental transfer—fetal cortisol and subsequently estrogen precursors, and estrogens in mother and fetus. ACTH first appears to increase estrogens; four to seven hours after its injection, estrone and estradiol normalize while estriol decreases to subnormal values in mother and fetus. Interpretation of these findings is given. The data further support the hypothesis that ACTH is a regulating hormone for the fetal adrenal, although no evidence was obtained to substantiate transfer of ACTH from mother to fetus.
Physicians and Physician Trainees Rarely Identify or Address Overweight/Obesity in Hospitalized Children

Objectives To determine how frequently physicians identify and address overweight/obesity in hospitalized children and to compare physician documentation across training level (medical student, intern, resident, attending). Study design We conducted a retrospective chart review. Using an administrative database, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention body mass index calculator, and random sampling technique, we identified a study population of 300 children aged 2-18 years with overweight/obesity hospitalized on the general medical service of a tertiary care pediatric hospital. We reviewed admission, progress, and discharge notes to determine how frequently physicians and physician trainees identified (documented in history, physical exam, or assessment) and addressed (documented in hospital or discharge plan) overweight/obesity. Results Physicians and physician trainees identified overweight/obesity in 8.3% (n = 25) and addressed it in 4% (n = 12) of 300 hospitalized children with overweight/obesity. Interns were most likely to document overweight/obesity in history (8.3% of the 266 patients they followed). Attendings were most likely to document overweight/obesity in physical examination (8.3%), assessment (4%), and plan (4%) of the 300 patients they followed. Medical students were least likely to document overweight/obesity including it in the assessment (0.4%) and plan (0.4%) of the 244 hospitalized children with overweight/obesity they followed. Conclusions Physicians and physician trainees rarely identify or address overweight/obesity in hospitalized children. This represents a missed opportunity for both patient care and physician trainee education.
Opinion: Celebrating R and D expenditures badly misses the point.

As we in academic health centers are acutely aware, government funding for the biomedical sciences has gotten scarcer in the United States in recent years. The NIH budget peaked in 2010 at $31.2 billion; in 2014, it was $30.15 billion (1). This is concerning.
Height, Weight, and Age Predict Quadriceps Tendon Length and Thickness in Skeletally Immature Patients

Background:Quadriceps tendon autografts have been used with success in adults and are becoming a popular graft option in pediatric patients because of size, decreased donor site morbidity, ease of harvest, and favorable biomechanical characteristics. However, little is known about the length and thickness of the quadriceps tendon in pediatric patients.Purpose:This study aimed to determine whether quadriceps tendon length and thickness follow a predictable pattern of development based on height, weight, age, and body mass index in skeletally immature patients.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The height, weight, age, and sex of 151 children between 4 and 16 years old were recorded. Ultrasound measurements of the length and thickness of bilateral quadriceps tendons were performed by a single technician and recorded for statistical analysis.Results:The average quadriceps tendon length and thickness were 6.87 ± 1.49 cm and 0.37 ± 0.12 cm, respectively. Tendon length averaged 3.8...