cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Institutions and Domestic Compensation: The IMF and the Politics of Capital Account Liberalization

Certain governments have been faster than others in relaxing their restrictions on the cross-border movement of capital. How can we explain the timing and extent of financial liberalization across countries since the 1970s? We argue that IMF stabilizationprogramsprovideawindowofopportunityforgovernmentstoinitiatefinancialreforms,butthatpolicymakers are more likely to seize this opportunity when welfare expenditures are high. Large loans from the IMF shield policy makers from the costs of financial reform, while welfare expenditures provide credibility to the government’s ex ante promises of compensation to individuals who are harmed by the reforms. We test this hypothesis on data for 87 countries from 1975 to 2002. We employ a spatial autoregressive error sample selection model which accounts for the nonrandom participation of countries in IMF programs as well as the processes of international policy diffusion. The results provide strong support for the interactive effect of IMF programs and domestic welfare expenditures on financial liberalization.
Brillouin-scattering determination of vibrational relaxation in dichloromethane

A Brillouin-scattering experiment was performed on dichloromethane to investigate the vibrational relaxation in the liquid. A comparison of the experimental results with theoretical predictions indicates that there is a single. relaxation of all but the lowest-frequency vibrational mode.
The Summer Hydrography and Surface Circulation of the East Siberian Shelf Sea

During the ice-free summer season in 1995 the authors deployed and subsequently tracked 39 surface drifters to test the hypothesis that the discharge from the Kolyma River forces a buoyancy-driven coastal current from the East Siberian Sea toward Bering Strait. The observed mean flow is statistically significant at the 95% level of confidence, but its direction contradicts their initial hypothesis. Instead of a coastally trapped eastward flow, the authors find a laterally sheared westward flow with maximum velocities offshore that correlate only weakly with the local winds. At a daily, wind-dominated timescale the drifter data reveal spatially coherent flows of up to 0.5 m s21. The Lagrangian autocorrelation scale is about 3 days and the Lagrangian eddy length scale reaches 40 km. This spatial scale exceeds the nearshore internal deformation radius by a factor of 3; however, it more closely corresponds to the internal deformation radius associated with the offshore ice edge. Bulk estimates of the horizontal mixing coefficient resemble typical values of isotropic open ocean dispersion at midlatitudes. Hydrographic observations and oxygen isotope ratios of seawater indicate a low proportion of riverine freshwater relative to sea ice melt in most areas of the East Siberian Sea except close to the Kolyma Delta. The observations require a reevaluation of the conceptual view of the summer surface circulation of the East Siberian Sea. Eastward buoyancy-driven coastal currents do not always form on this shelf despite large river discharge. Instead, ice melt waters of a retreating ice edge act as a line source of buoyancy that in 1995 forced a westward surface flow in the East Siberian Sea.
Molecular Biology of the Androgen Receptor

Androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid hormone receptor family of molecules. AR primarily is responsible for mediating the physiologic effects of androgens by binding to specific DNA sequences that influence transcription of androgen-responsive genes. The three-dimensional structure of the AR ligand-binding domain has shown it is similar to other steroid hormone receptors and that ligand binding alters the protein conformation to allow binding of coactivator molecules that amplify the hormone signal and mediate transcriptional initiation. However, AR also undergoes intramolecular interactions that regulate its interactions with coactivators and influence its activity. A large number of naturally occurring mutations of the human AR gene have provided important information about AR molecular structure and intermolecular interactions. AR is also a critical mediator of prostate cancer promotion, conferring growth signals to prostate cancer cells throughout the natural history of the disease. Late-stage prostate cancer, unresponsive to hormonal deprivation, sustains AR signaling through a diverse array of molecular strategies. Variations in the AR gene may also confer genetic predisposition to prostate cancer development and severity. Further understanding of AR action and new strategies to interfere with AR signaling hold promise for improving prostate cancer therapy.
Quantitative delineation of heart murmurs using features derived from autoregressive modeling

In this paper, the focus is on systolic heart murmurs of clinical significance, quantitative features characterizing the murmurs are derived by dividing the systole into many short non-overlapping segments and using second order autoregressive (AR) models. Features thus derived can provide a quantitative delineation of the murmur with respect to the onset, duration, intensity and pitch (frequency). We applied the said approach to examine several systolic murmurs and obtained rather accurate descriptions that parallel closely to published clinical documentation.
A mixed-variational approach for the analysis of circular plate-elastic halfspace interaction

Abstract The Hellinger-Reissner mixed-variational principle is used to study the flexural interaction of thin circular plates resting in smooth and continuous contact with an isotropic elastic halfspace. In this approach, both the plate deflection and the plate flexural moments are approximated independently by power series in terms of radial coordinate and unknown coefficients such that they satisfy the kinematic and force constraints at the boundary. The unknown coefficients are evaluated by utilizing the stationary property of the Hellinger-Reissner's mixed-variational functional. The proposed analysis technique can accurately predict the plate deflections as well as the flexural moments. Comparison of numerical results with those obtained by more rigorous techniques shows an excellent agreement.
Simulation of an optical model sensor for the pinhole/occulter facility

An optical modal control sensor (MCS) for use in vibration control of the pinhole/occulter facility (P/OF) has been designed and simulated. The MCS system comprises a He-Ne laser source, linear zone plates, linear photodiode arrays, and sample/hold and A/D converting circuits. The flexible modes of P/OF are detected by the deflection of the image focused by the zone plates. Three algorithms for laser beam centroid estimation are investigated: linear three point centroid, quadratic three point centroid, and probability density centroid. A comparison of estimating errors as functions of centroid location and beam size for the three different methods is made. These simulations account for the nonuniform response of the photodiode pixels. >
A 7.5-GS/s 3.8-ENOB 52-mW flash ADC with clock duty cycle control in 65nm CMOS

A 7.5-GS/s 4.5-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in 65nm CMOS is presented. A two-stage track-and-hold (TAH) with clock duty cycle control reduces bandwidth requirements on the slow TAH output to enable high sampling rates with low power consumption. The 7.5-GS/s flash ADC consumes 52-mW and occupies 0.01-mm2. Clock duty cycle control improves ENOB from 3.5 to 3.8 with an input sinusoid at the Nyquist frequency.
Foodmunity: designing community interactions over food

Communities contain a rich diversity of backgrounds, personal experiences, and viewpoints. Fortunately, online social networks can make it even easier for people within a community to meet each other. This leads to an opportunity space for exposing people to the differences of their neighbors through mutual interaction. Our study presents Foodmunity, a social networking site that facilitates the organization of food-related events by members of a community. Meeting over a meal provides a more comfortable environment for experiencing new ideas, new people, and new viewpoints. Foodmunity utilizes themed events based on personal experiences its users have with food. This serves as both a cultural representation of those individuals and as a method of bonding between neighbors. By encouraging its users to reflect on the experiences they want to share and the experiences they have attending others' events, our system facilitates the growth of communities and a deeper understanding of the differences within.
Comparison of Kretschmann-Raether angular regimes for measuring changes in bulk refractive index.

We compare 2 angular regimes for the measurement of changes in the real refractive index of bulk fluid analytes. The measurements are based on the use of the Kretschmann-Raether configuration to sense a change in reflectivity with index. Specifically, we numerically simulate the relative sensitivities of the total internal reflection (TIR) and surface-plasmon resonance (SPR) regimes. For a fixed-angle apparatus, the method which gives the greatest change in reflectivity varies with metal film thickness. For films thicker than the skin depth, the SPR regime is the most sensitive to index changes. For thinner films, however, the TIR angle is then dominant, with increases in sensitivity on the order of 75% for 10 nm gold or silver media.
A combined semiempirical‐DFT study of oligomers within the finite‐chain approximation, evolution from oligomers to polymers

A computationally cheap approach combining time-independent density functional theory (TIDFT) and semiempirical methods with an appropriate extrapolation procedure is proposed to accurately estimate geometrical and electronic properties of conjugated polymers using just a small set of oligomers. The highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap (HLG) obtained at a TIDFT level (B3PW91) for two polymers, trans-polyacetylene -the simplest conjugated polymer, and a much larger poly(2-methoxy-5-(2,9-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene (MEH-PPV) polymer converge to virtually the same asymptotic value than the excitation energy obtained with time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations using the same functional. For TIDFT geometries, the HLG is found to converge to a value within the experimentally accepted range for the band gap of these polymers, when an exponential extrapolation is used; however if semiempirical geometries are used, a linear fit of the HLG versus 1/n is found to produce the best results. Geometrical parameters are observed to reach a saturation value in good agreement with experimental information, within the length of oligomers calculated here and no extrapolation was considered necessary. Finally, the performance of three different semiempirical methods (AM1, PM3, and MNDO) and for the TIDFT calculations, the performance of 7 different full electron basis sets (6-311+G**, 6-31+ +G**, 6-311+ +G**, 6-31+G**, 6-31G**, 6-31+G*, and 6-31G) is compared and it is determined that the choice of semiempirical method or the basis set does not significantly affect the results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
Cell cross-talk mediates PPARα null hepatocyte proliferation after peroxisome proliferator exposure

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(alpha) (PPARalpha) mediates the liver's responses to peroxisome proliferator compounds. These responses include induction of specific hepatic enzymes, peroxisome proliferation and hepatocyte proliferation. PPARalpha null mice, which lack receptor in all cells of the body, do not respond to peroxisome proliferators, indicating that hepatocellular proliferation and other responses require the presence of this receptor in at least some cells. To determine if PPARalpha is required specifically in hepatocytes for each response, we used hepatocyte transplantation to generate chimeric livers composed of PPARalpha null and positive hepatocytes in PPARalpha null or positive hosts. Upon exposure to a peroxisome proliferator, peroxisome proliferation and enzyme induction were restricted to receptor positive hepatocytes, indicating that these responses are cell autonomous with respect to hepatocyte receptor status. However, both PPARalpha null and positive hepatocytes in chimeric livers displayed elevated DNA synthesis regardless of host receptor status, as long as at least some hepatocytes contained receptor. These findings indicate that the mitogenic response to peroxisome proliferators does not require PPARalpha in all hepatocytes.
Insecure Attachment Behavior and Partner Violence: Incorporating Couple Perceptions of Insecure Attachment and Relational Aggression

Intimate partner violence and insecure attachment are therapeutically relevant concepts when working with couples. The link between attachment and intimate partner violence has been examined in the literature, but an area of aggression that often goes unexamined is relational aggression, or using third parties as a means of being aggressive toward a partner. We asked how participants' attachment behaviors were related to their own and partners' relational and physical aggression. We used structural equation modeling to estimate actor-partner interdependence among these relationships in 644 heterosexual couples. Results indicated significant partner paths from attachment to relational aggression, as well as significant actor paths between relational aggression and physical aggression. Implications were discussed. Data for this study were collected from the RELATE assessment.
Low complexity feedback decoding algorithms for noncoherent trellis coded phase modulation

Noncoherent decoding of trellis codes using multiple-symbol overlapped observations was shown to achieve close to the coherent performance. Optimal decoding by the Viterbi algorithm (VA) for L-symbol observations requires a number of states which grows exponentially with L. In this paper two novel suboptimal algorithms are presented, based on the VA, for which the number of states is the same as the original code, yielding complexity depending weakly on L. The first algorithm, is called the basic decision feedback algorithm (BDFA). It uses feedback from previous decisions to achieve low complexity. Due to the feedback, it suffers from error propagation. A modification of the BDFA called the modified decision feedback algorithm (MDFA) serves to greatly reduce the error propagation and improve the bit error rate performance. >
Attaining Thermal Integrity in Nanometer Chips

As technology moves into the nanometer era, undesirable trends such as increasing power density, leakage power, and temperature variation within a chip have made thermal effects emerge as a major bottleneck for further technology scaling. Thermal effects are no longer just considered as a reliability issue, but it has also become a fundamentally important and comprehensive problem that includes timing and power issues as well. This paper first overviews the impact of thermal effects on power and performance. Two thermal-aware design techniques, area optimization and low-power cache design, are briefly described. The paper states that there is still plenty of room for further improvement in the area of thermal-aware design.
Empirical research to evaluate ethics committees' burdensome and perhaps unproductive policies and practices: a proposal.

The U.S. system for the protection of human research subjects, particularly its ethics committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB) component, is excessively burdened. Many commentators, myself in...
Induction of the Chemokines Interleukin-8 and IP-10 by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Tat in Astrocytes

A finding commonly observed in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients is invasion of the brain by activated T cells and infected macrophages, eventually leading to the development of neurological disorders and HIV-1-associated dementia. The recruitment of T cells and macrophages into the brain is likely the result of chemokine expression. Indeed, earlier studies revealed that levels of different chemokines were increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1-infected patients whereas possible triggers and cellular sources for chemokine expression in the brain remain widely undefined. As previous studies indicated that HIV-1 Tat, the retroviral transactivator, is capable of inducing a variety of cellular genes, we investigated its capacity to induce production of chemokines in astrocytes. Herein, we demonstrate that HIV-1 Tat(72aa) is a potent inducer of MCP-1, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and IP-10 expression in astrocytes. Levels of induced IP-10 protein were sufficiently high to induce chemotaxis of peripheral blood lymphocytes. In addition, Tat(72aa) induced IL-8 expression in astrocytes. IL-8 mRNA induction was seen less then 1 h after Tat(72aa) stimulation, and levels remained elevated for up to 24 h, leading to IL-8 protein production. Tat(72aa)-mediated MCP-1 and IL-8 mRNA induction was susceptible to inhibition by the MEK1/2 inhibitor UO126 but was only modestly decreased by the inclusion of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB202190. In contrast, Tat-mediated IP-10 mRNA induction was suppressed by SB202190 but not by the MEK1/2 inhibitor UO126. These findings indicate that MAPKs play a major role in Tat(72aa)-mediated chemokine induction in astrocytes.
A comparative study among GTD and PTD techniques for circular discs

Two groups of techniques based on the geometric theory of diffraction (GTD) and the physical theory of diffraction (PTD) are studied by using a canonical problem consisting of a conducting circular disc and an infinitesimal dipole feed. The GTD group includes the GTD, the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction, and the uniform asymptotic theory. The PTD group includes Mitzner's incremental length diffraction coefficients, Michaeli's equivalent edge currents, and Ando's modified physical theory of diffraction, which are modifications of Ufimstev's PTD. These solutions are compared with those obtained by the physical optics and the method of moments. Features of the far-field radiation patterns that are of particular interest include the performances at reflection boundaries, boresight caustics, and near theta =90 degrees as well as the prediction of cross-polarized fields, sidelobe levels, and nulls. Although only far-field radiation is considered, these methods can also be used for near-field calculations. The bistatic radar cross section calculated by these techniques is also examined. >
Institutional Design, Ethnic Heterogeneity, and Party System Fragmentation

Taking into proper account the geographic distribution of ethnic groups and the operation of electoral systems reveals that the impact of ethnic diversity and electoral systems on the number of parties has been badly underestimated. Contrary to earlier findings, ethnic diversity spurs party proliferation in countries with both majoritarian and proportional electoral systems, though the effect is stronger in the latter. The insights gained here provide a theoretically derived measure of ethnic diversity useful for estimating its effect on specifically political phenomena and an improved holistic measure of the impact of electoral systems. More crucially, the results indicate that electoral system designers have greater capacity to structure electoral outcomes with hopeful implications for efforts to promote interethnic peace through institutional design. The results rely on multivariate models created using a new database with election results from 1990 through 2011 in 65 free democracies.
Quantitative Estimation of Some Phosphatides and Their Hydrolysis Products by Thin Layer Chromatography.

SummaryThe use of thin layer chromatography for analyzing phosphatides and their hydrolysis products quantitatively is described and applied to the analysis of serum phosphatides. The results are similar to those obtained with silicic acid impregnated paper chromatography and column techniques, though the time for the analysis is markedly shortened.
The Ascocarpic Stage of Species of Scopulariopsis

The asexual fructifications of ascomycetes are as often as not misleading when it comes to determining relationships. Monilia may be the conidial stage of certain species of Sclerotinia, a discomycete, on the one hand, or it may be connected with species of Neurospora, a pyrenomycete, on the other. Botrytis may be the asexual stage of certain other species of Sclerotinia in one case, but be connected with a Lachnea, quite a different type of discomycete, in another case. Much of our knowledge of the morphology of the ascocarp of Aspergillus and Penicillium dates back to the time of de Bary, Zukal and Brefeld, and to the cytological work of Fraser and Chambers and of Dale. The group Plectascales may be a heterogeneous one including forms of doubtful relationship. Should Thielavia as represented by T. basicola and T. terricola be included along with Aspergillus in this group? Neither species of Thielavia has a conidial stage and their carbonaceous ascocarps are quite unlike those of either Aspergillus or Penicillium. The disposition of the ascogenous hyphae and asci is such, however, as to suggest in a general way a relationship. The writers have recently had under observation two species of ascomycetes which in the manner of the origin and develop? ment of the ascogenous hyphae and asci, taken in connection [Mycologia for July-August (23: 147-311) was issued July 1, 1931] 313
Structural water in ferrihydrite and constraints this provides on possible structure models

The dry thermal transformation of 2-line ferrihydrite to hematite was investigated using combinations of thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis, along with in situ DSC and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of X-ray total scattering data and in situ temperature controlled infrared (IR) spectroscopy. TG data show a 25.6 ± 0.1% weight loss below 300 °C, ascribed to the removal of surface water since PDF analysis shows no change in the structure of ferrihydrite up to this temperature. The transformation to hematite occurs at around 415 ± 1 °C (peak temperature) at a heating rate of 10 °C/min, with no obvious weight change during or after the transformation. In situ PDF analysis indicates that the ferrihydrite bulk structure remained intact up to the direct transition to crystalline hematite, with no intermediate phases, crystalline or amorphous, formed. In situ IR data shows the extent of absorption attributable to OH stretching in ferrihydrite at 215 °C dropped to 10% of its room-temperature value. These results suggest ferrihydrite contains very little structural OH: the molar ratio of OH/Fe is 0.18 ± 0.01. A recently proposed akdalaite-like ferrihydrite model has an OH/Fe equal to 0.2, consistent with this result. The 3-phase model proposed by Drits et al. (1993) has an average formula close to FeOOH, with an OH/Fe equal to 1.0, far more than suggested by our experiments. Based on the constraints set by the estimated water content and the PDF signatures, we examined possible anion packing types and local structural motifs in ferrihydrite, and demonstrate that ABAC is the only feasible packing type and that a peak at 3.44(2) A in PDF provides indirect evidence for the presence of tetrahedral Fe.
High Temperature Mechanical Properties of Al2O3/ZrO2(Y2O3) Fibers

In-situ composite fibers produced by directional solidification of two phase oxide eutectics are one means of producing fibers with good strength and higher creep resistance than single crystal fibers. In this work, directionally solidified alumina-yttria stabilized zirconia eutectic fibers have been grown by the laser heated float zone (LHFZ) method at NASA Lewis. The average tensile strength of the alumina-zirconia (60.8 m/o Al2O3; 39.2 m/o ZrO2 (9.5 m/o Y2O3)) eutectic fibers was 1.2 GPa at room temperature. The high temperature tensile strength and creep resistance of the eutectic fiber were determined and compared to single crystal Al2O3.
Efficiency in General Agency Models with Imperfect Public Monitoring

In this paper I examine a T-period agency model with imperfect public monitoring between a risk-neutral principal and a risk-averse agent where signals can depend on the agent's past actions and exhibit serial correlation. In this general environment, I show that near-efficiency obtains when T is large if the monitoring technology satisfies two basic properties: concentration of measure and informativeness. The tension between these properties determines the boundary at which asymptotic efficiency obtains in agency models with frequent actions, unifies and extends various efficiency results in the agency literature, quantifies the value of knowing detailed features of signal processes and solves a large class of incentive problems with highly persistent monitoring technologies.
Optimization of transport system and its application in mine design

In view of site selection for ore transport system in mine,general plan optimization method of main production logistics system in mine was discussed in combination with engineering design examples.
Genus Two Curves with Many Elliptic Subcovers

We determine all genus 2 curves, defined over ℂ, which have simultaneously degree 2 and 3 elliptic subcovers. The locus of such curves has three irreducible 1-dimensional genus zero components in ℳ2. For each component, we find a rational parametrization and construct the equation of the corresponding genus 2 curve and its elliptic subcovers in terms of the parameterization. Such families of genus 2 curves are determined for the first time. Furthermore, we prove that there are only finitely many genus 2 curves (up to ℂ-isomorphism) defined over ℚ, which have degree 2 and 3 elliptic subcovers also defined over ℚ.
Distribution and Patterns of Industry-Related Payments to Oncologists in 2014

BACKGROUND Industry-physician collaboration is critical for anticancer therapeutic development, but financial relationships introduce conflicts of interest. We examined the specialty variation and context of physician payments and ownership interest among oncologists. METHODS We performed a population-based multivariable analysis of 2014 Open Payments reports of industry payments to US physicians matched to physician and practice data, including sex, specialty, practice location, and sole proprietor status. Payment data were aggregated per physician and compared by specialty (medical, radiation, surgical, and nononcology), and practice location linked with spending level (low, average, and high). Primary outcomes included likelihood, mean annual amount, and number of general payments. Secondary outcomes included likelihood of holding ownership interests and receipt of royalty/license payments. Estimates for each outcome were determined using multivariable models, including logistic regression for likelihood and linear regression with gamma distribution and log-link for value, adjusted for physician specialty, sex, sole proprietor status, and practice spending. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS In 2014, there were 883 438 physicians, including 22 712 oncologists, licensed to practice in the United States. Among oncology specialties, 52.4% to 63.0% of physicians received a general payment in 2014, totaling $76 million, $4 million, and $5 million to medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, respectively. The median annual per-physician payment to medical oncologists was $632 (IQR = 136-2500), compared with $124 (IQR = 39-323) in radiation oncology and $250 (IQR = 84-1369) in surgical oncology. After controlling for physician and practice characteristics, oncologists were 1.09 to 1.75 times as likely to receive a general payment compared with nononcologists (overall P < 001). There was a 67.6% difference (95% confidence interval [CI] = 63.6 to 71.5, P < .001) in the mean annual value of payments between medical oncology and nononcology specialties (vs -92.7%, 95%CI = -100.2 to -85.0, P < .001] for radiation oncology). Medical and radiation oncologists were more likely to hold ownership interest (adjusted OR = 3.72, 95% CI = 3.22 to 4.27, and 2.27, 95% CI = 1.65 to 3.03, respectively, P < .001 both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS In 2014, industry-oncologist financial relationships were common, and their impact on oncology practice should be further explored.
Comparing fluorescence-based cell-free assays for the assessment of antioxidative capacity of high-density lipoproteins

Background Population studies have shown an inverse association between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). HDL has different functions, including the ability to protect biological molecules from oxidation. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of two fluorescence-based assays in assessing the antioxidative capacity of HDL.
When Crime is not an Option: Inspecting the Moral Filtering of Criminal Action Alternatives

Many theories assume legal compliance stems from rational deliberations about consequences of disobedience. In contrast, morality theories such as Wikstrom’s Situational Action Theory contend personal morality and moral contexts provide a “filter” prohibiting some people from perceiving and contemplating criminal actions as realistic possibilities. We examine this moral filtering hypothesis using face-to-face household survey data from 573 adults in the Dhaka District of Bangladesh. Results suggest individuals with higher levels of personal morality (moral beliefs; guilt from contemplating violence; moral identity; emotional empathy) and exposure to strong moral settings are less likely to contemplate aggressive and violent actions in response to a provocation. Furthermore, these dimensions of personal and contextual morality appear to be indirectly linked to violent criminal actions through individuals’ tendencies to contemplate aggressive actions when provoked. Overall, our initial inspection of the mor...
An ontology of and roadmap for mHealth research

Abstract Purpose Mobile health or mHealth research has been growing exponentially in recent years. However, the research on mHealth has been ad-hoc and selective without a clear definition of the mHealth domain. Without a roadmap for research we may not realize the full potential of mHealth. In this paper, we present an ontological framework to define the mHealth domain and illuminate a roadmap. Methods We present an ontology of mHealth. The ontology is developed by systematically deconstructing the domain into its primary dimensions and elements. We map the extent research on mHealth in 2014 onto the ontology and highlight the bright, light, and blind/blank spots which represent the emphasis of mHealth research. Findings The emphases of mHealth research in 2014 are very uneven. There are a few bright spots and many light spots. The research predominantly focuses on individuals’ use of mobile devices and applications to capture or obtain health-related data mostly to improve quality of care through mobile intervention. Conclusions We argue that the emphases can be balanced in the roadmap for mHealth research. The ontological mapping plays an integral role in developing and maintaining the roadmap which can be updated periodically to continuously assess and guide mHealth research.
Perioperative Timing of Infliximab and the Risk of Serious Infection After Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Objective: The optimal timing of TNF antagonists before elective surgery is unknown. This study evaluated the association between infliximab timing and serious infection after elective hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods: A retrospective cohort study evaluated U.S. Medicare patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis who received infliximab within 6 months of elective knee or hip arthroplasty from 2007-2013. Propensity adjusted analyses examined whether infliximab stop timing (time between most recent infusion and surgery) was associated with hospitalized infection within 30 days or prosthetic joint infection (PJI) within 1 year. Results: Hospitalized infection within 30 days occurred after 270/4288 (6.3%) surgeries. Infliximab stop timing 10mg/day was associated with increased risk of 30-day infection (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.30, 3.40) and PJI (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.30, 5.60). Other risk factors for infection included elderly age, comorbidities, revision surgery, and previous hospitalized infection. Conclusion: Administering infliximab within 4 weeks of elective knee or hip arthroplasty was not associated with a higher risk of short or long-term serious infection compared to withholding infliximab for longer time periods. Glucocorticoid use, especially > 10mg/day, was associated with an increased infection risk. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Non-Classical Anti-Factor VIII C2 Domain Antibodies Are Pathogenic in a Murine in Vivo Bleeding Model.

Abstract Approximately 30% of patients with severe hemophilia A will develop inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII (fVIII inhibitors). In addition, autoimmune antibodies to fVIII can develop in non-hemophiliacs, producing acquired hemophilia A, which frequently produces life- or limb-threatening bleeding. Patients with congenital hemophilia who develop inhibitors usually have a polyclonal antibody response directed against the A2 and C2 domains of fVIII. Patients with acquired hemophilia typically have a more limited B-cell epitope response with antibodies directed against the A2 or C2 domain not both. Classical anti-C2 antibodies inhibit the binding of fVIII to phospholipid membranes and to von Willebrand factor. We recently have identified anti-C2 antibodies that inhibit the activation of fVIII, but do not inhibit the binding of fVIII to phospholipid membranes or to von Willebrand factor. These non-classical inhibitors are found in the plasmas of most inhibitor patients (Meeks, S.L. et al. Blood 112, 1151-1153, 2008). The pathogenicity of classical and non-classical murine anti-human fVIII monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was tested in a murine in vivo bleeding model. MAbs were injected into the tail veins of –hemophilia A mice to a peak plasma concentration of 60 nM followed by an injection human B domain-deleted fVIII to a concentration of 2 nM. At 2 hours the mice were anesthetized and a 4 mm tail snip was made. The amount of blood lost into a collection tube of normal saline over 40 minutes was measured. 4A4 is a type I anti-A2 inhibitor with an inhibitory titer of 40,000 Bethesda units (BU)/mg IgG. I54 and 1B5 are classical type I anti-C2 inhibitors with inhibitory titers of 1300 and 930 BU/mg IgG, respectively. 2-77 is a non-classical type II anti-C2 inhibitor that produces a residual fVIII level of 40% at saturating concentrations and whose titer is 21,000 BU/mg IgG. 2-117 is a non-classical anti-C2 MAb with inhibitory activity less than 0.4 BU/mg IgG. All of these MAbs except 2-117 significantly increased blood loss over control mice injected with fVIII alone (p= 0.01-0.02, Mann-Whitney Test) (Fig .1). The amount of blood loss was similar at these saturating concentrations of antibody despite inhibitory titers ranging from 930-40,000 BU/mg IgG. Increasing the dose of fVIII to 4 nM could overcome the bleeding diathesis produced by the non-classical MAb 2-77, but not the type I antibodies, 4A4 and I54. Similar results were seen in the in vitro Bethesda assay where 4A4 completely inhibited both 1 U/ml and 3 U/ml fVIII at saturating concentrations, while 2-77 had 40% residual activity with either 1 or 3 U/ml fVIII (0.4 U and 1.2 U respectively) (Fig. 2). These results suggest that high-dose fVIII rather than bypassing agents may be warranted in patients with an inhibitor response dominated by non-classical anti-C2 antibodies. Download : Download high-res image (77KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (95KB) Download : Download full-size image
Dynamic FDG PET imaging using direct 4D parametric reconstruction in cancer patients

354 Objectives To investigate applicability of direct reconstruction of parametric images from dynamic oncologic FDG PET data for the purpose of improved tumor detection. Methods A direct 4D iterative expectation-maximization (EM) image reconstruction algorithm, involving direct estimation of Patlak slope/intercept parameters from the sinogram data, was applied to dynamic oncologic FDG studies. Four 60min FDG studies (6x10s,3x20s,2x90s,2x150s,2x300s,4x600s), performed on patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (total of 7 tumors), were considered. Three types of images were obtained: (i) SUV images based on the last 10min frame, (ii) standard Patlak parametric images as obtained from independently reconstructed frames, (iii) directly reconstructed Patlak parametric images. To estimate the blood input function, the left ventricle or the descending aorta were used (depending on whether the heart was in the field of view). Tumor-to-background contrast-to-noise ratios (T/B CNR) were optimized across varying iterations for each reconstruction method, and compared using paired t-test. Results Compared to SUV images, standard Patlak-slope parametric imaging improved T/B CNR (p Conclusions Direct 4D parametric imaging as applied to dynamic oncologic FDG imaging is a very promising method of enhancing tumor contrast while controlling image noise as one switches from the SUV FDG method to quantitative parametric imaging
HeLa cell plasma membranes.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a method for isolation of HeLa cell plasma membranes. The method has the advantage of being rapid (with practice, a product can be obtained in about 45 minutes) and does not require the use of uncommon equipment. Some observations on the disposition of fucose-containing glycoproteins in HeLa cells are also included, together with preliminary data on the kinetics of their arrival in the plasma membrane. The general design of the method described for the preparation of HeLa cell plasma membranes is based on a series of rate zonal sedimentations which serves to differentially separate cellular components of disrupted cells. The plasma membrane product of various methods has one of three main morphologies, namely: fragments, ghosts, and vesicles. The first methodology utilizes gentle disruption of the liver cells in hypotonic solution followed by the isolation of plasma membranes as large fragments possibly “bile fronts” as identified in the phase contrast and electron microscope. This approach became the basis for many modifications in the isolation of plasma membranes from liver tissues of various mammals. A second and basically different methodology does not preserve the ghost structure, but rather disrupts the cells vigorously in isotonic buffer, converting the entire surface membrane into vesicles. In the process of homogenization, membrane vesicles from other sources also become mixed with the surface membranes.
Adapting operational research training to the Rwandan context: the Intermediate Operational Research Training programme

Background Promoting national health research agendas in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires adequate numbers of individuals with skills to initiate and conduct research. Recently, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have joined research capacity building efforts to increase research leadership by LMIC nationals. Partners In Health, an international NGO operating in Rwanda, implemented its first Intermediate Operational Research Training (IORT) course to cultivate Rwandan research talent and generate evidence to improve health care delivery. Objective This paper describes the implementation of IORT to share experiences with other organizations interested in developing similar training programmes. Methods The Intermediate Operational Research Training utilized a deliverable-driven training model, using learning-by-doing pedagogy with intensive hands-on mentorship to build research skills from protocol development to scientific publication. The course had short (two-day) but frequent training sessions (seven sessions over eight months). Trainees were clinical and programme staff working at the district level who were paired to jointly lead a research project. Results Of 10 trainees admitted to the course from a pool of 24 applicants, nine trainees completed the course with five research projects published in peer-reviewed journals. Strengths of the course included supportive national and institutional research capacity guidelines, building from a successful training model, and trainee commitment. Challenges included delays in ethical review, high mentorship workload of up to 250 hours of practicum mentorship, lack of access to literature in subscription journals and high costs of open access publication. Conclusions The IORT course was an effective way to support the district-based government and NGO staff in gaining research skills, as well as answering research questions relevant to health service delivery at district hospitals. Other NGOs should build on successful programmes while adapting course elements to address context-specific challenges. Mentorship for LMIC trainees is critical for effectiveness of research capacity building initiatives.
Neurologic Complications Following Bariatric Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review (P2.195)

Objective: We report a case of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Wernicke encephalopathy, both occuring concurrently following bariatric surgery. We illustrate the clinical course, neurological findings, imaging and rationale that led to the diagnosis. Background: Neurologic complications following bariatric surgery are commonly secondary to vitamin deficiencies. The most common being thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which manifests as Wernicke encephalopathy. GBS is a rare manifestation post bariatric surgeries; however, few reports and studies have recognized this as a complication. Design/Methods: A case report and literature review. Results: This is a 45-year-old woman with hypertension and morbid obesity who had a sleeve gastrectomy 3 months prior to presentation. Six weeks after the surgery she complained of progressive muscle weakness, numbness and tingling in her lower extremities that later progressed to her upper extremities. Simultaneously, she had worsening episodes of inattention, disorientation and staring spells. All her symptoms began after few days of recurrent vomiting of unknown etiology. She had absent reflexes and decreased muscle tone. CSF analysis showed albuminocytologic dissociation. Nerve conduction and electromyography suggested axonal GBS. MRI brain demonstrated increased T2 FLAIR signal within the bilateral dorsal thalami, periaqueductal gray matter and mammillary bodies, consistent with Wernicke encephalopathy. She was treated with IV immunoglobulin and thiamine. At a one-month follow up, she showed significant improvement in her neurological and mental status with physical therapy and oral thiamine. Conclusions: Wernicke encephalopathy is not an uncommon complication following bariatric surgery. Nonetheless, the presence of two different neurological processes status post sleeve gastrectomy is unusual. Clinical evidence supporting GBS as a complication following bariatric surgery is lacking, thus, this case raises a question of whether it is a consequence of surgery. Disclosure: Dr. Shehabeldin has nothing to disclose. Dr. R. Sanchez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Avila has nothing to disclose.
Flying Drosophila maintain arbitrary but stable headings relative to the angle of polarized light

Animals must use external cues to maintain a straight course over long distances. In this study, we investigated how the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster selects and maintains a flight heading relative to the axis of linearly polarized light, a visual cue produced by the atmospheric scattering of sunlight. To track flies' headings over extended periods, we used a flight simulator that coupled the angular velocity of dorsally presented polarized light to the stroke amplitude difference of the animals’ wings. In the simulator, most flies actively maintained a stable heading relative to the axis of polarized light for the duration of 15 min flights. We found that individuals selected arbitrary, unpredictable headings relative to the polarization axis, which demonstrates that D. melanogaster can perform proportional navigation using a polarized light pattern. When flies flew in two consecutive bouts separated by a 5 min gap, the two flight headings were correlated, suggesting individuals retain a memory of their chosen heading. We found that adding a polarized light pattern to a light intensity gradient enhanced flies' orientation ability, suggesting D. melanogaster use a combination of cues to navigate. For both polarized light and intensity cues, flies' capacity to maintain a stable heading gradually increased over several minutes from the onset of flight. Our findings are consistent with a model in which each individual initially orients haphazardly but then settles on a heading which is maintained via a self-reinforcing process. This may be a general dispersal strategy for animals with no target destination.
War, Rebellion, and Intervention under Hierarchy: Vietnam–China Relations, 1365 to 1841

What does international hierarchy look like? The emerging literatures on hierarchy and international orders remain overwhelmingly focused on the contemporary era and on the great powers that comprise the top of the hierarchy. This article addresses that gap by examining diplomacy, war, and domestic politics in the premodern Vietnam–China relationship under the hierarchic tributary system. Specifically, we construct a unique data set of over 1,200 entries, which measures wars and other violence in the region from 1365 to 1789. The data revealed the stable and legitimate nature of tributary relations between formally unequal political units. The Vietnamese court explicitly recognized its unequal status in its relations with China through a number of institutions and norms. Vietnamese rulers also displayed very little military attention to their relations with China. Rather, Vietnamese leaders were clearly more concerned with quelling chronic domestic instability and managing relations with kingdoms to their...
Technology-Enhanced Classroom Activity Breaks Impacting Children’s Physical Activity and Fitness

Background: This study examined the effects of a 4-week technology-enhanced physical activity (PA) interventions on students’ real-time daily PA and aerobic fitness levels. Methods: 116 fifth-graders were assigned to one intervention group (n = 31) participating in daily physical activity engaging the brain with Fitbit Challenge (PAEB-C), another intervention group (n = 29) wearing Fitbits only (Fitbit-O) daily, five days per week, or the comparison group (n = 56). Four-week real-time PA data were collected from the intervention students via Fitbase. Three groups were pre- and post-tested aerobic fitness. Results: The PAEB-C students showed significantly higher steps and minutes of being very active and fairly active (F = 7.999, p = 0.014, ŋ = 0.121; F = 5.667, p = 0.021, ŋ = 0.089; F = 10.572, p = 0.002, ŋ = 0.154) and lower minutes of being sedentary daily (F = 4.639, p = 0.035, ŋ = 0.074) than the Fitbit-O group. Both Fitbit groups exhibited significantly greater increases in aerobic fitness scores than the comparison group over time (F = 21.946, p = 0.001, ŋ = 0.303). Boys were more physically active and fit than girls. Conclusions: Technology-enhanced PA intervention was effective for improving real-time PA and aerobic fitness.