cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduced Efficacy of Low-dose Topical Steroids in Dry Eye Disease Associated With Graft-versus-Host Disease

Purpose To compare the response of dry eye disease (DED) to treatment with topical steroid in patients with and without graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). Design Post hoc analysis of a double-masked, randomized clinical trial. Methods This single-center study included 42 patients with moderate-to-severe DED associated with (n = 21) or without (n = 21) chronic GVHD. In each group, patients received either loteprednol etabonate 0.5% ophthalmic suspension or artificial tears twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical data, including Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), conjunctival lissamine green staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer test, were evaluated before and after treatment. Results There were no significant differences in signs and symptoms of DED between the groups at baseline. In non-GVHD patients receiving loteprednol treatment, the average OSDI score decreased by 34% from 49.5 ± 5.9 to 32.6 ± 4.8 (mean ± standard error of the mean, P = .001) and the average CFS score decreased by 41% from 5.6 ± 0.6 to 3.3 ± 0.9 ( P = .02). On the other hand, loteprednol treatment in GVHD patients resulted in minimal change in OSDI (59.2 ± 6.7 to 61.1 ± 7.1, 3% increase, P = .66) and CFS (5.5 ± 0.5 to 5.3 ± 1.1, 4% decrease, P = .85) scores. Treatment with artificial tears resulted in 22% decrease of OSDI ( P = .10) and 32% decrease of CFS ( P = .02) scores in non-GVHD patients, and had minimal effect in patients with GVHD. Conclusions DED patients with ocular GVHD have a less favorable response to a low-dose topical steroid regimen compared with those without ocular GVHD even with similar baseline disease severity.
Data-Driven Analysis of Functional Connectivity Reveals a Potential Auditory Verbal Hallucination Network

Schizophrenia is a severe global health problem, with over half of such patients experiencing auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs). A better understanding of the neural correlates differentiating patients experiencing AVHs from patients not experiencing AVHs and healthy controls may identify targets that lead to better treatment strategies for AVHs. Employing 2 data-driven, voxel-based measure of functional connectivity, we studied 46 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (28 experiencing AVHs and 18 not experiencing AVHs). Twenty healthy controls matched for age, gender, ethnicity, education level, handedness, and estimated verbal intelligence were included for comparison. The intrinsic connectivity distribution (ICD) was used to model each voxel's connectivity to the rest of the brain using a Weibull distribution. To investigate lateralization of connectivity, we used cross-hemisphere ICD, a method that separates the contribution of each hemisphere to interrogate connectivity laterality. Patients with AVHs compared with patients without AVHs exhibited significantly decreased whole-brain connectivity in the medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex, less lateralized connectivity in left putamen, and more lateralized connectivity in left interior frontal gyrus. Correlations with Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) and post hoc seed connectivity analyses revealed significantly altered network connectivity. Using the results from all analyses comparing the patient groups and correlations with AHRS, we identified a potential AVH network, consisting of 25 nodes, showing substantial overlap with the default mode network and language processing networks. This network as a whole, instead of individual nodes, may represent actionable targets for interventions.
Ultrafast Wide-Field Fluorescence Microscopy

A Kerr-gated microscope capable of collecting diffraction limited 2D fluorescence images with sub 100 fs time resolution is presented. The concept is based on the insertion of a solid state optical Kerr gate into a wide-field microscope. The ultrafast fluorescence dynamics of gold nanoparticles is presented as an example of the capabilities of the instrument
Tobacco, the Smoking Gun?

Because of its highly addictive nature and ready availability, tobacco is probably the most abused drug in our society today. Despite aggressive antismoking campaigns that have resulted in the passage of laws in many states banning smoking in public places, monumental fines against the tobacco companies, and dramatic increases in taxation, abuse of tobacco remains the primary preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States [1].
Building a Supportive Oncology Practice that Impacts Emergency Department Visits, Hospice Utilization, and Hospital Admission.

Abstract Introduction: Palliative care remains underutilized despite evidence supporting its value. Multiple professional organizations have endorsed broader and earlier access to palliative care, ...
Evaluation of retraction time as a predictor of postoperative motor dysfunction after minimally invasive transpsoas interbody fusion at L4-L5.

Abstract Background Complications associated with the lateral lumbar transpsoas approach largely comprise various nerve-related syndromes particularly at L4-5. Quadriceps weakness can occur from stretch injury to the femoral nerve during retraction. Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of retraction time in the development of postoperative neuropathic motor weakness at the L4-5 level. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database at a single institution was reviewed over a two-year period (March 2014–2016) for a single surgeon. Twenty-six patients undergoing single level LLIF at L4-5 were identified. Pre- and postoperative data collection obtained included motor function grading (0–5/5) with a minimum of 3-month postoperative follow-up. Intraoperative data collection included retraction time (RT) defined as the time the retraction system was affixed to the spine and expanded to the time of closure and removal. Two-Tailed T-Test was used to determine clinical significance. Results 50% of patients had leg weakness after surgery (13/26). All postoperative motor deficits were at least antigravity strength (>3/5) and all deficits resolved. The mean RT for the motor dysfunction cohort was 29 min (14–51) compared to 27.5 min for the cohort without postoperative weakness (19–37) (p = 0.685). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that longer retraction time (within a range of 14–51 min) did not correlate with a greater risk of postoperative neuropathic quadriceps muscle dysfunction for lateral lumbar interbody fusions performed at L4-5. Other factors may contribute to postoperative neurologic dysfunction regardless of RT. Motor deficits resolved quickly after surgery.
Effect of a study skills course on student self-assessment of learning skills and strategies.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine whether a study skills course taken by first professional year pharmacy students improved their self-assessment of study skills and strategies. Methods This study analyzed student responses to the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI), an online assessment with questions in 10 subject areas: anxiety, motivation, concentration, test strategies, study aids, selecting main ideas, attitude, self-testing, information processing, and time management. Students in an elective study skills course in 2012–2017 completed the self-assessment prior to and at the end of the course. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare class score pre- and post-course. Results Over a five-year period, 312 students completed both the pre- and post-course LASSI assessment. Average percentile scores increased significantly from the beginning to the end of the course in all 10 areas. Notably, average pre-course scores in seven subject areas (attention, concentration, self-testing, selecting main ideas, study aids, time management, and test strategies) were all below the 50th percentile, indicating a need for improvement in those skills to see increased academic success. Average post-course scores in each area increased to between the 50th and 75th percentile. Conclusions This evaluation shows that a study skills course improves students' self-assessment of skills and attitudes associated with success in post-secondary education. Future studies will look at the effect of such a course on academic outcomes.
Behind the Scenes: Design, Collaboration, and Video Creation with Youth

Youth content creators have been under-researched on video platforms such as Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, etc. In order to better understand the ways that technology could support youth as content creators we conducted a 30-week series of workshops with an intergenerational design team including pre-teen youth and undergraduate designers-in-training. Qualitative analysis of workshop videos and notes revealed underlying challenges in video creation related to the social dynamics of creating videos in groups. In line with previous work, we note that a primary motivation for using social media is to spend time with friends. We found that existing video technology reveals opportunities and challenges to support the collaboration and interaction that motivates youth creators. We offer illustrative designs of potential collaborations in video sharing technology and propose that some of the concerns of youth social media use could be addressed by incorporating more opportunities for social creation.
Priapism, hemoglobin desaturation, and red blood cell adhesion in men with sickle cell anemia.

Abstract Priapism is a serious, but episodic, complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). We had previously reported that subjects with SCD had variable red blood cell (RBC) adhesion to the immobilized sub-endothelial protein laminin (LN). We examined adhesion to LN in a microfluidic device, of RBCs from men with homozygous sickle cell anemia. Adhesion under hypoxic, but not ambient, conditions was greater in men with a history of priapism, with median adhesion of 529 RBCs per 32 mm2/unit area (range 5–5248) rising to 3268 RBCs per 32 mm2/unit area (range 49–18,368, P = 0.004), under ambient and hypoxic conditions, respectively (n = 14). This was not seen in RBCs from men without a history of priapism (median 402 (range 14–785) and 122 (range 31–4112) RBCs per 32 mm2/unit area, ambient and hypoxic conditions, respectively (P = N.S., N = 12)). We also observed an association between hypoxia-enhanced RBC adhesion in vitro and a history of hemoglobin desaturation in vivo independent of priapism. Prolonged Hb desaturation may increase sickle polymer formation and RBC damage, resulting in enhanced RBC adhesion, hemolysis, and endothelial dysfunction. The identification of distinct RBC phenotypes could prompt clinical evaluation for suitability for novel or under-used therapies, like oxygen.
On the evolving nature of c/a ratio in a hexagonal close-packed epsilon martensite phase in transformative high entropy alloys.

Activation of different slip systems in hexagonal close packed (h.c.p.) metals depends primarily on the c/a ratio, which is an intrinsic property that can be altered through alloying addition. In conventional h.c.p. alloys where there is no diffusion-less phase transformation and associated transformation volume change with deformation, the c/a ratio remains constant during deformation. In the present study, c/a ratio and transformation volume change of h.c.p. epsilon martensite phase in transformative high entropy alloys (HEAs) were quantified as functions of alloy chemistry, friction stir processing and tensile deformation. The study revealed that while intrinsic c/a is dependent on alloying elements, c/a of epsilon in transformative HEAs changes with processing and deformation. This is attributed to transformation volume change induced dependence of h.c.p. lattice parameters on microstructure and stress state. Lower than ideal c/a ratio promotes non-basal pyramidal 〈c + a〉 slip and deformation twinning in epsilon phase of transformative HEAs. Also, a unique twin-bridging mechanism was observed, which provided experimental evidence supporting existing theoretical predictions; i.e., geometrical factors combined with grain orientation, c/a ratio and plastic deformation can result in characteristic twin boundary inclination at 45–50°.
Treatment Adherence Within Consultation-Liaison Services

Treatment nonadherence, the extent to which a person’s behavior matches medical advice, is critical for the maintenance of optimal health outcomes and is a major public health concern; half of pediatric patients are nonadherent to their prescribed medications. A hospital admission or outpatient medical clinic visit provides the CL psychologist with the opportunity to identify difficulties with adherence, reinforce the importance of treatment adherence, and implement tailored strategies for improving adherence. This chapter examines the use of the pediatric self-management model (Modi, A. C., Pai, A. L., Hommel, K. A., Hood, K. K., Cortina, S., Hilliard, M. E., … Drotar, D., Pediatrics 129:e473–485, 2012) as a guide for (1) conceptualizing adherence within a contextual framework, (2) assessing treatment adherence and related barriers, (3) providing evidence-based adherence interventions and recommendations within the context of CL service, and (4) communicating adherence-related issues with the physicians, nurses, and other health-care providers. Specifically, components of a comprehensive adherence assessment, including medical chart review, interviews with the patient and family, and input from the medical team as well as effective adherence interventions utilizing educational, behavioral, organizational, and combined approaches are discussed.
Far-right violence as backlash against gender equality: A county-level analysis of structural and ideological gender inequality and homicides committed by far-right extremists

In the aftermath of the far-right rally in Charlottesville that led to the murder of counter-protester Heather Heyer in August 2017, attention turned to the reaction by extremists on far-right webs...
Trade-Offs in Choice.

To explain trade-offs in choice, researchers have proposed myriad phenomena and decision rules, each paired with separate theories and idiosyncratic vocabularies. Yet most choice problems are ultim...
Jón Leifs and the Musical Invention of Iceland: by Árni Heimir Ingólfsson, Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Press, 2019, 383 pp., $38.00 (paper), ISBN 978-0-253-04405-1

An absorbing and significant work, Jon Leifs and the Musical Invention of Iceland by Arni Heimir Ingolfsson chronicles the life and career of that nation’s most prominent composer. Iceland itself e...
Secondary Management of Nonnail Perionychial Deformities: Restoring Aesthetic and Functional Subunits

Delayed finger and thumb tip reconstruction should try to optimally reconstruct perioncyhial aesthetic and functional units by replacing tissue as closely resembling the original loss as possible. Avoid thinking in terms of a "reconstructive ladder" but rather going directly to the reconstructive choice that seems most suited to the task. Some reconstructive choices may seem more attractive because of their simplicity, but may not necessarily give the best functional and aesthetic result. Free flaps and the newer advancements with vascular island flaps give many more and versatile reconstructive options.
A Systematic Review of Palpitations Prevalence by Menopausal Status

The purpose was to systematically review evidence on the prevalence of palpitations by menopausal stage. Palpitations are a feeling of missed, irregular, or exaggerated heart beats. Carefully delineated search, screening, and data extraction strategies resulted in five articles for review. Articles offered cross-sectional findings from menopausal symptom surveys from five countries between 1974 and 2011 with clinic- and community-based samples of premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women. Reported studies were good (n = 2) to fair (n = 3) quality with low (n = 2) to moderate (n = 3) bias. Menopausal palpitations were not the focus of any study but were assessed as a single item of heart racing, pounding, or discomfort over the past 2 weeks, month, or year. Palpitations prevalence rates by menopausal stage were 3.7 to 40.2% premenopausal, 20.1 to 40.2% perimenopausal, and 15.7 to 54.1% postmenopausal. Three of five articles showed that compared with premenopausal and postmenopausal women, palpitation prevalence was significantly higher among perimenopausal and surgically postmenopausal women. Good-quality evidence on palpitation prevalence by menopausal stage is limited but suggests that physiological changes of menopause may play a role in this symptom. Measurement varied, suggesting a need to standardize the assessment of menopausal palpitations. The review findings suggest a strong need for clinicians and researchers to collaborate to standardize documentation of menopausal palpitations across the menopause transition.
Measurements of Thermal Expansion and Thermal Equilibrium Defects in Silver Chloride

Linear thermal expansion of silver chloride has been measured by simultaneous macroscopic and x-ray methods on the same sample and the same temperature scale (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C). The two expansions agree within the experimental error of about 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ throughout the measurement range, from -62\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C to within 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} of the melting point. This implies that the equilibrium concentrations of Schottky defects are less than 9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ and that their enthalpy of formation is greater than 1.45 eV. This limit is consistent with results of Compton for chlorine diffusion. Results of other workers for high-temperature variations in ionic conductivity, thermal expansivity, silver diffusivity, and heat capacity can be interpreted in terms of a single species of defect, the cation Frenkel defect. An empirical Mie-Gr\"uneisen equation of state represents, by a suitable choice of fitting parameters, the measured expansion of silver chloride when defect concentrations are small. However, the values of the fitting parameters appear to be inconsistent with those to be expected from the Gr\"uneisen phenomenological theory. Because the concentrations of Frenkel defects are relatively large, an extrapolation method applied to the thermal expansion can be used to estimate their formation enthalpy as 1.4 eV. Further analysis is consistent with the suggestion that the defects make an explicit contribution to the thermal expansion coefficient of the crystal.
Nattokinase atherothrombotic prevention study: A randomized controlled trial.

Background Described to be antithrombotic and antihypertensive, nattokinase is consumed for putative cardiovascular benefit. However, no large-scale, long-term cardiovascular study has been conducted with nattokinase supplementation. Objective To determine the effect of nattokinase on subclinical atherosclerosis progression and atherothrombotic biomarkers. Methods In this double-blinded trial, 265 individuals of median age 65.3 years, without clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were randomized to oral nattokinase 2,000 fibrinolytic units or matching placebo. Primary outcome was rate of change in subclinical atherosclerosis measured by serial carotid ultrasound every 6 months as carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid arterial stiffness (CAS). Additional outcomes determined at least every 6 months were clinical parameters including blood pressure and laboratory measures including metabolic factors, blood rheology parameters, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis factors, inflammatory markers and monocyte/macrophage cellular activation markers. Results After median 3 years of randomized treatment, annualized rate of change in CIMT and CAS did not significantly differ between nattokinase supplementation and placebo. Additionally, there was no significant effect of nattokinase supplementation on blood pressure or any laboratory determination. Conclusions Results of this trial show that nattokinase supplementation has a null effect on subclinical atherosclerosis progression in healthy individuals at low risk for CVD.
The Geography of Poverty in United States at the Spatial Scale of the County

This chapter includes identification of the poorest counties in 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010, and details about cores of persistent poverty. In addition the author discusses changes in poverty over the 30-year study period. Tables that detail the poorest 50, 100, and 157 (5%) of counties are provided for each study year. Maps of the poorest 5% of counties for 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010 are also included in the chapter.
Multi-omics mapping of human papillomavirus integration sites illuminates novel cervical cancer target genes.

Integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) into the host genome is a dominant feature of invasive cervical cancer (ICC), yet the tumorigenicity of cis genomic changes at integration sites remains largely understudied. Combining multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas with patient-matched long-read sequencing of HPV integration sites, we developed a strategy for using HPV integration events to identify and prioritise novel candidate ICC target genes (integration-detected genes (IDGs)). Four IDGs were then chosen for in vitro functional studies employing small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown in cell migration, proliferation and colony formation assays. PacBio data revealed 267 unique human–HPV breakpoints comprising 87 total integration events in eight tumours. Candidate IDGs were filtered based on the following criteria: (1) proximity to integration site, (2) clonal representation of integration event, (3) tumour-specific expression (Z-score) and (4) association with ICC survival. Four candidates prioritised based on their unknown function in ICC (BNC1, RSBN1, USP36 and TAOK3) exhibited oncogenic properties in cervical cancer cell lines. Further, annotation of integration events provided clues regarding potential mechanisms underlying altered IDG expression in both integrated and non-integrated ICC tumours. HPV integration events can guide the identification of novel IDGs for further study in cervical carcinogenesis and as putative therapeutic targets.
Do nursing and pharmacy students practice what they preach on safe drug storage and disposal? A cross-sectional study.

Abstract Background Research has confirmed a lack of knowledge regarding the risks of unused medications including diversion, misuse, or accidental overdose among health care professionals (Abdulmajeed, 2020). Nurses and pharmacists are often who patients interact with the most regarding medications; therefore, early education on proper storage and disposal is vital (Bowen, Rotz, Patterson, & Sen, 2017; Celio, Ninane, Bugnon, & Schneider, 2018). Objectives The study's objective is to explore safe drug storage and disposal knowledge, attitudes, and practices of professional pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and nursing students. Design This research is an exploratory cross-sectional study from May to September 2019. Methods An anonymous online survey was administered to a purposive sample of Pharm.D. and nursing students who were 18 years and older and enrolled in the site's accredited Pharm.D. and nursing programs (N = 210). Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Common disposal methods reported by students of their personal medications such as pills and liquids included discarding medications with the household trash (range 30% to 55%) and medication disposal products/bag (range 19% to 28%). More than half of the participants (50.4%) had unused prescription medication at home, 35% kept the medication for later use, and almost 20% of the participants reported sharing personal medications with others. Conclusion Although the majority of student participants had adequate knowledge of the appropriate methods for safe drug disposal, few reported using them for their own personal medications. The findings suggest there is a disconnect between the participants' knowledge of the appropriate methods of safe drug storage and disposal in a professional setting and their own practices. Further research is needed to explore and address the reasons for this disconnect. Additionally, findings from this research will assist in the development of and/or the improvement of interdisciplinary educational materials among pharmacy and nursing students.
DC Local Power Distribution with microgrids and nanogrids

Many aspects of our electricity systems are rapidly changing, including the ability to locally generate power with renewable energy sources and integrate local storage. Key factors that led to our current grid architecture may no longer hold in the near future. A new approach to power distribution within buildings is Local Power Distribution (LPD). In LPD individual devices are organized into nanogrids (a single domain of power) with nanogrids networked to each other, to local generation, and to a building-wide microgrid. Nanogrids inherently incorporate DC power for efficiency. This new model for electricity distribution in buildings is implemented with a layered model of power - called Network Power Integration (NPI) - that isolates communication about power from communication for functional purposes.
Model to examine pathways of carbon flux from lactate to glucose at the first branch point in gluconeogenesis

The first branch point in gluconeogenesis occurs at the conversion of pyruvate to oxaloacetate. To determine the amount of lactate carbon reaching glucose via the direct pyruvate carboxylase pathway versus the tricarboxylic acid cycle, adult rat hepatocytes in primary culture were incubated for 2 h with one of the following isotopic substrates: [1-14C]lactate, [U-14C]lactate, or [1,2-14C]acetate. Production of 14CO2 and [14C]glucose from each substrate was assessed. The amount of lactate carbon 2 and 3 incorporated into glucose or oxidized to CO2 was determined by subtracting values using [1-14C]lactate from those using [U-14C]lactate. After quantitation of CO2 formed from carbons 2 and 3 of lactate, the amount of these carbons incorporated into glucose via the tricarboxylic acid cycle can be determined by simple proportionality from the ratio of label incorporated into glucose or CO2 from [1,2-14C]acetate. The remaining carbons 2 and 3 of lactate incorporated into glucose are derived from the pyruvate carboxylase pathway directly. Ethanol which on oxidation provides NADH and acetate decreased lactate oxidation and enhanced the pyruvate carboxylase pathway. Glucagon increased carbon flux through both pathways but primarily through the pyruvate carboxylase pathway. In summary, a simple model is presented to examine carbon flux from lactate via the pyruvate carboxylase and tricarboxylic acid pathways during gluconeogenesis.
Effective pulmonary blood flow in preterm infants with and without respiratory distress: a simple bedside method using nitrous oxide.

We have devised a method of measuring pulmonary capillary blood flow (Qpc eff) suitable for infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). The uptake of nitrous oxide is measured during a 40-second period of rebreathing 40% nitrous oxide in oxygen from a 40- to 80-ml bag. The rate of uptake of nitrous oxide is divided by the solubility in cord blood and the mean alveolar concentration to give Qpc eff. We studied 14 preterm infants, 7 hours to 14 days of age, on 73 occasions; nine had classical IRDS and five were healthy preterm infants (controls). During the first five days of life Qpc eff was significantly lower in infants with IRDS than in the control infants, 106 ml/kg/min compared with 177 ml/kg/min (P
Arab Approaches to Conflict Resolution: Mediation, Negotiation and Settlement of Political Disputes

This book examines Arab approaches to mediation, negotiation and settlement of political disputes. This book proposes that two clusters of independent variables are potentially responsible for the distinctive nature of Arab conflict resolution. Firstly, those linked with Arab political regimes and imperatives, and secondly those linked with Arab and /or Islamic culture. The text also focuses on the Arab League and its history of involvement in crisis and conflict situations, along with the roles of individual leaders, emissaries and extra-regional actors such as IGOs (Inter-Governmental Organisations) in undertaking mediation initiatives. IGO and Arab League activity has taken on new importance since the various intervention attempts in connection with the 'Arab Spring' since 2011. During the negotiation process, most Arab regimes tend to view conflicts within a broad historical context and Islamic culture prioritises the cohesion of the community and internal stability of the state over individual autonomy. This has created an authoritarian style of leadership, and in practice, leaders in the Middle East have had near absolute authority in the decision-making process—a fact which will have a lot of weight in conflict management and whether peace will endure for a long period of time. This book is unique in studying these clusters through comparative systematic case study analysis of events prior to and subsequent to the 'Arab Spring', augmented by a quantitative analysis of sample data on Arab disputes, compiled from a larger and newly augmented study comprising the years 1945-2000. Complementary data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program’s (UCDP) data base of armed conflicts since 1975 is also utilized. This book will be of much interest to students of conflict resolution, peace and conflict studies, Middle Eastern politics and IR in general.
Regulating e-cigarettes to help them realise their potential as an anti-smoking tool

Gornall’s article captures the substance and passion of the controversy over e-cigarettes.1 But debates over exactly how harmful e-cigarettes are and about their role in smoking cessation or youth nicotine initiation are an unnecessary distraction and a harmful diversion. Lindblom suggests that, on the basis of what is already known, it would …
Libration Point Orbits and the Three‐Body Problem

Libration point orbits in the three-body problem play an important role in mission design. Their size, shape, location, and dynamical features are attractive for many different science and exploration missions, with objectives ranging from the collection of solar observations and measurements, to a search for the first massive black holes, to the direct imaging of planets within the habitable zone of stars beyond our solar system. The gravitational forces of two massive bodies govern the dynamics in the vicinity of the libration points and the motion in this regime is vastly different from traditional Keplerian motion. This chapter presents a historical overview of the three-body problem, its formulation and assumptions, and the corresponding equations of motion. Methods of analytically and numerically computing libration point orbits are presented, along with a discussion on orbit stability. Invariant manifolds, trajectories that asymptotically approach or depart a nominal orbit, are described, as is their application for constructing transfers between orbits. Additionally, a brief survey of past, future, and proposed libration point orbit missions is presented. Keywords: restricted three-body problem; libration points; periodic; orbits; invariant manifolds; dynamical systems theory
Chromosome Segregation and Aneuploidy

Of all genetic afflictions of man, aneuploidy ranks as the most prevalent. Among liveborn babies aneuploidy exist to the extent of about 0.3%, to about 5% among stillborns and a dramatic 25% among miscarriages. The burden is too heavy to be taken lightly. Whereas cytogeneticists are capable of tracing the origin of the extra or missing chromosome to the contributing parent, it is not certain what factors are responsible for this ‘epidemic’ affecting the human genome. The matter is complicated by the observation that, to the best of our knowledge, all chromosomes do not malsegregate with equal frequency. Chromosome number 16, for example, is the most prevalent among abortuses -one-third of all aneuploid miscarriages are due to trisomy 16 (Chandley, 1987) — yet it never appears in aneuploid constitution among the liveborn. Some chromosomes, number 1, for example, appear only rarely, if at all. In the latter case painstaking efforts have to be made to karyotype very early stages of embryonic development, as early as the 8-cell stage. Even though no convincing data are yet available, it is conceivable that the product of most aneuploid zygotes are lost before implantation.
Markov processes with creation of particles

The connection with a semigroup of nonlinear operators is exploited to prove an existence theorem. A rigorous description of the process is provided which does not depend on any scheme for indexing particles.
Developing chaplain/physician relationships in obstetrics.

Effective and comprehensive pastoral care within the obstetrical hospital unit depends on a close working relationship with the entire health care team. This article describes the intentionality, time and energy required to develop these relationships and openness to pastoral ministry. A brief history of obstetrics and pastoral care within this hospital is discussed. Building relationships with obstetricians requires involvement in clinical situations with patients/families, responses to ethical issues, and contribution to their continuing medical education. Lastly, the article describes some advantages of a woman chaplain in obstetrics.
Fluctuations of water‐surface in observation‐wells and at stream gaging‐stations in the Mokelumne Area, California, during the earthquake of December 20, 1932

On December 20, 1932, much of the western United States felt a pronounced earthquake-shock which caused noticeable fluctuations of the water-surface in several observation-wells and at two stream gaging-stations in the Mokelumne Area, central California. These effects of the earthquake are reported briefly in this paper. According to Dr. Byerly (personal communication, February 9, 1933), in charge of the seismograph-station of the University of California at Berkeley, the earthquake- vibrations at that place began at 10h 11m 00s p.m., Pacific Standard Time, December 20, 1932, and continued three hours on the records of his most sensitive instruments. He reports further that the maximum double amplitude of the Earth-motion at Berkeley was of the order of two mm and that the north-south and east-west components of the amplitude were approximately equal. In the Mokelumne Area, which centers about the City of Lodi, 57 miles north 70° east from the seismograph-station at Berkeley, the pronounced initial Earth-shock caused chandeliers to sway, upset some bric-a-brac, and in at least one building opened a few cracks in the interior plastering. At Stockton, 15 miles south of Lodi, the glass of at least one display-window in a shop was cracked.
tmRNA on its way through the ribosome: two steps of resume, and what next?

Trans-translation is a universal quality-control process eubacteria use to degrade incompletely synthesized proteins and rescue ribosome stalled on defective mRNAs. This process is facilitated by a ribonucleoprotein complex composed of transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA)—a chimera made of a tRNA-like molecule and a short open reading frame (ORF) —and small protein B (SmpB). Determination of the structure of tmRNA and SmpB in complex with the ribosome, at the stage when translation has resumed on tmRNA, has provided an increased understanding of the structure of tmRNA as it transits the ribosome, and unique insights into the complex mechanism of template switching on the ribosome and SmpB-driven selection of the correct reading frame on tmRNA’s ORF.
Heme-mediated reactive oxygen species toxicity to retinal pigment epithelial cells is reduced by hemopexin

Catalysis of the formation of reactive oxygen species (RO2S) by low molecular weight complexes of iron has been implicated in several pathological conditions in the retina since photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells are likely to be especially sensitive to RO2S. Since protective proteins cannot cross the blood-retinal barrier, it is likely that the retina performs its own protective functions by synthesizing proteins that bind iron and nonprotein iron complexes, the major catalysts of RO2S generation. Investigations were carried out to determine whether pigment epithelial cells are themselves sensitive to iron-generated RO2S and whether apo-transferrin and apo-hemopexin, known to be made locally in the retina, can perform a protective function. In 51Cr release assays, the toxicity of exogenous RO2S including hydrogen peroxide or superoxide (generated by xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine) to human retinal pigment epithelial cells was inhibited by the iron chelators, desferrioxamine and apo-transferrin. Free but not protein-bound ferric iron and heme exacerbated the toxic effect. The toxic effect of heme was abolished by the heme-scavenging, extracellular antioxidant, apo-hemopexin, and also by exogenous bovine serum albumin. In addition, heme toxicity was inhibited by a 3 h preincubation of cells with either heme, apo-hemopexin, or heme-hemopexin 24 h prior to the toxicity assay. It is concluded, first, that toxic effects of iron and heme can be prevented by apo-transferrin or apo-hemopexin and, second, that exposure of RPE cells to free heme or hemopexin sets in motion a series of biochemical events resulting in protection against oxidative stress. It is probable that these include heme oxygenase induction.
Association of Dietary Fish and n-3 Fatty Acid Intake With Hemostatic Factors in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Abstract—Hemostatic factors play an important role in the complications of ischemic heart and vessel disease. Dietary fats such as n-3 fatty acids have been shown to possibly influence hemostatic factors. However, most studies reporting an inverse association between cardiovascular disease and fish and n-3 fatty acid consumption used supplemental doses of fish oil or intakes exceeding the typical amount consumed by the US population. This report examined the associations of usual intakes of fish, linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid with fibrinogen, factor VII, factor VIII, and von Willebrand factor in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. The analyses reported here included 1672 black and white men and women aged 24 to 42 years in 1992 to 1993. After adjustment for age, body mass index, diabetes, number of cigarettes smoked per day, race, and energy and alcohol consumption, no significant associations were observed between those who consumed no fi...
Rebuilding Stakeholder Trust in Business: An Examination of Principle-Centered Leadership and Organizational Transparency in Corporate Governance1

As management guru Peter Drucker (1992) keenly observes, trust is an essential commodity at all levels of business operations and relationships. Shareholders must trust managers, employers must trust employees, buyers must trust sellers, and government must trust business. And this trust must be mutual and reciprocal. Trust among these and the many other stakeholders interacting in commerce is an absolutely indispensable facet of the free market.
Post‐transcriptional stimulation of transforming growth factor β1 mRNA by TGF‐β1 treatment of transformed human osteoblasts

Following exogenous administration of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) polypeptide to the human osteosarcoma cell line TE-85, we observed a 2- to 6-fold stimulation of steady-state TGF-β1 mRNA. The stimulation was dose- and time-dependent, as judged from Northern blot hybridization analyses. A 2- to 6-fold increase of the TGF-β1 polypeptide was also found in the media of these cells after TGF-β1 treatments. The autostimulation of TGF-β1 mRNA was nullified by cycloheximide treatment of the cells. The in vitro transcription rates of the TGF-β1 gene by isolated nuclei were not altered by TGF-β1 treatment. Under conditions of transcriptional inhibition, the stability of TGF-β1 mRNA was enhanced nearly two-fold by TGF-β1 treatment. Our findings indicate that TGF-β1 can stimulate autologous gene expression and subsequent polypeptide translation by a post-transcriptional mechanism requiring protein synthesis in human osteoblast-like cells. The recognized versatility of TGF-β1 autostimulation mechanisms (transcriptional and post-transcriptional) in other mesenchymal cells may apply also to skeletal cells, further underscoring the broad and potent activities of this cytokine.
Effects of concentration of ethanol injected intraperitoneally on taste aversion, body temperature, and activity.

Levels of ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion and hypothermia were found to be directly related to the concentration of fixed amounts of ethanol injected i.p. in a range of doses (1.0–1.8 g/kg) and concentrations (8–32% v/v) commonly used in behavioral studies. No effect of ethanol concentration on locomotor activity was obtained. The results of blood-ethanol determinations indicate that a given dose of ethanol is absorbed more rapidly, and thus reaches greater peak levels, when injected in a higher concentration. Thus ethanol dosage might be better manipulated by varying the volume of a single concentration rather than by altering concentration. In this way, dose-response data will not be obscured by concentration-induced differences in absorption.
On the numerical solution of indeterminate steady elliptic flows

Abstract The paper is concerned with the solution of steady two dimensional elliptic flows which possess two gradient-type boundary conditions associated with unknown mass flow rates. It is shown that satisfying the overall continuity is a necessary but not sufficient condition for obtaining the solution for such indeterminate flows. A particular indeterminate flow is studied and a procedure is developed which ensures a converged solution.
Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Non–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction and Coronary Heart Disease Risk

Objectives To determine the relationship between non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) lowering and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk reduction for various lipid-modifying therapies. Background Non–HDL-C is the second lipid target of therapy after low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods Randomized placebo or active-controlled trials were evaluated. The effect of mean non–HDL-C reduction on the relative risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction and CHD death was estimated using Bayesian random-effects meta-analysis models adjusted for study duration. Cochrane's Q was used to test for heterogeneity. Results Inclusion criteria were met by 14 statin (n = 100,827), 7 fibrate (n = 21,647), and 6 niacin (n = 4,445) trials, and 1 trial each of a bile acid sequestrant (n = 3,806), diet (n = 458), and ileal bypass surgery (n = 838). For statins, each 1% decrease in non–HDL-C resulted in an estimated 4.5-year CHD relative risk of 0.99 (95% Bayesian confidence interval: 0.98 to 1.00). The fibrate model did not differ from the statin model (Bayes factor K = 0.49) with no evidence of heterogeneity. The niacin model was moderately different from the statin model (K = 7.43), with heterogeneity among the trials (Q = 11.8, 5 df; p = 0.038). The only niacin monotherapy trial (n = 3,908) had a 1:1 relationship between non–HDL-C and risk reduction. No consistent relationships were apparent for the 5 small trials of niacin in combination. The 95% confidence intervals for the single trials of diet, bile acid sequestrants, and surgery also included the 1:1 relationship. Conclusions Non–HDL-C is an important target of therapy for CHD prevention. Most lipid-modifying drugs used as monotherapy have an ≈1:1 relationship between percent non–HDL-C lowering and CHD reduction.
Model-free vs. model-based linkage analysis: a false dichotomy?

The aim of this article is to dispel some misunderstandings concerning the concepts of model-free or nonparametric linkage analysis (usually meaning affecteds-only analysis) and model-based or parametric analysis (usually meaning classical lod scores) and the implications of these concepts for the linkage analysis of complex genetic diseases. I review basic principles and then briefly indicate actual research findings. Readers may be surprised to learn that, technically, lod score analysis is also non-parametric. All this taken together indicates that classical lod score analysis, performed under a couple of different sets of genetic assumptions and corrected for multiple tests, is often actually superior to model-free analyses, even when the true genetic model is complex and unknown.
Possible lateralization of function in toadfish sound production

Sounds in toadfish are produced by simultaneous contraction of paired swimbladder muscles. Muscle synchronization has been attributed to electric synapses within the midline sonic motor nucleus. This note describes three sounds, which appear to be produced by different contraction patterns of the left and right muscles, suggesting that a single motor nucleus is capable of simultaneously producing two different outputs.
Predictive accuracy of Q-XQ-T ratio, Q-Tc interval, S-T depression and R wave amplitude during stress testing☆

Abstract The sensitivity, specificity and predictive value for Q-X Q-T ratio, Q-Tc interval, S-T segment depression, R wave change and various combinations of these criteria were compared in 50 healthy, normal persons and 50 persons with angiographic coronary artery disease defined as 70 percent or greater stenosis of one or more major coronary vessels. Use of a positive S-T segment response and an increase or no change in R wave amplitude as criteria for coronary artery disease resulted in 84 percent sensitivity and 96 percent specificity levels and a 95 percent predictive value. The Q-X Q-T and Q-Tc criteria offered no improvement in sensitivity, specificity or predictive value over S-T segment depression. When the study group was limited to 74 persons, 36 without and 38 with angiographically significant coronary artery disease, a Q-Tc interval of 1.08 or more in combination with either slowly or rapidly upsloping S-T depression after exercise predicted coronary disease at a sensitivity level of 76 percent compared with 50 percent with use of the S-T segment alone (P 0.05). Use of the R wave response with the presence of upsloping S-T segment depression of 1.5 mm or more 80 msec from the J point improved the sensitivity level from 50 percent for S-T depression alone to 76 percent (P 0.05]). The Q-X Q-T ratio could be measured in only 55 patients (74 percent) and offered no improvement over S-T segment depression. Upsloping S-T segment depression of 1.5 mm or more 80 msec from the J point in the immediate postexercise period is most likely a positive test for ischemia. An increase or no change in R wave amplitude in response to exercise in these patients regardless of the degree of S-T segment depression is probably indicative of coronary artery disease. In patients with upsloping S-T segment depression, a Q-Tc interval of 1.08 or more in the immediate postexercise period is a useful measurement in predicting coronary artery disease.