cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global and National Inequality: Are They Connected?

Most studies consider the trends of income inequality between nations and between individuals within nations separately. In this paper, we analyze between-nation and within-nation inequality together. We ?nd that income inequality both within and between nations has been increasing over time. Furthermore, we show that the rate of change for both are synchronous. We speculate that this synchronicity is due to the formation of a global class system. We also ?nd evidence that these inequalities can move in opposite directionsduring the only period the global income gap declines, inequality within non-core countries reaches its peak. We conclude by hypothesizing that the observed convergence might result from global opposition (i.e., increasing global inequality between nations) producing national cohesion, causing the observed lessening of income inequality scores within non-core countries.
Monensin Level during Grain Adaption and Finishing Performance in Cattle

Two finishing trials were conducted to measure the response of cattle adjusting to high-concentrate diets to dietary monensin level. In trial 1, 54 individually fed Hereford-Angus steers (312 kg), previously fed a two-thirds corn silage: one-third corncob-based diet, were allotted in a 2  3 factorial arrangement of treatment with tylosin (0, 11 mg/kg) and monensin (0, 11, 33 mg/kg) fed during a 28<t, grain-adaptation period (fed 75% concentrate for 6 d and then fed 95% concentrate). After 28 d, all steers were continued on their respective levels of tylosin and 33 mg/kg monensin for the remaining 119 d. Daily intake patterns indicated digestive upset in all treatments during adjustment to the 95%-concentrate diet. Blood samples taken during the first 28 d revealed no differences in acid-base status in response to monensin level; however, all steers exhibited reduced (P<.O1) pH and HCO 3 and increased (P<.01) lactate after 4 d on a 75%-concentrate diet. In the initial 28 d, intake decreased (linear P<.05) as the level of monensin increased. In the total finishing period, however, increasing the level of monensin fed during grain adaptation decreased (linear P<.05) intake and tended to decrease (linear P=.20) gain with no effect on feed efficiency. In trial 2, 162 mixed yearling steers (358 kg) and 92 Hereford-Angus heifers (339 kg) were allotted in a 2  3 factorial arrangement of treatments with a fast (55, 75 and 95% concentrate for 4, 2 and 15 d, respectively) or slow (55, 65, 75, 85 and 95% concentrate for 4, 2, 5, 2 and 8 d, respectively) step-up period and three monensin levels (0, 11, 33 mg/kg) fed during a 21-d grain adaptation. After 21 d, all cattle were fed 33 mg/kg monensin until slaughter (avg additional days on feed = 113). During the first 21 d, cattle stepped-up slowly had higher gains (P<.10) and improved feed efficiencies (P<.10) than those stepped-up fast. All cattle exhibited a linear (P<.IO) and quadratic (P<.IO) increase in feed efficiency and a trend toward a quadratic (P=.12) increase in gain with higher monensin level. Feeding monensin during grain adaptation improved intake patterns and performance; however, these effects were not manifested in total finishing performance.
A Mutation in the Subunit of the Platelet Integrin IIbβ3 Identifies a Novel Region Important for Ligand Binding

An unbiased genetic approach was used to identify a specific amino acid residue in the alphaIIb subunit important for the ligand binding function of the integrin alphaIIbbeta. Chemically mutagenized cells were selected by flow cytometry based on their inability to bind the ligand mimetic antibody PAC1 and a cell line containing a single amino acid substitution in alphaIIb at position 224 (D-->V) was identified. Although well expressed on the surface of transfected cells, alphaIIbD224Vbeta3 as well as alphaIIbD224Abeta3 did not bind alphaIIbbeta3-specific ligands or a RGD peptide, a ligand shared in common with alphavbeta3. Insertion of exon 5 of alphaIIb, residues G193-W235, into the backbone of the alphav subunit did not enable the chimeric receptor to bind alphaIIbbeta3-specific ligands. However, the chimeric receptor was still capable of binding to a RGD affinity matrix. alphaIIbD224 is not well conserved among other integrin alpha subunits and is located in a region of significant variability. In addition, amino acid D224 lies within a predicted loop of the recently proposed beta-propeller model for integrin alpha subunits and is adjacent to a loop containing amino acid residues previously implicated in receptor function. These data support a role for this region in ligand binding function of the alphaIIbbeta3 receptor.
Conceptualizing the Child: An Analysis of Early Childhood Care and Education Policy in Tanzania

Rehema is a five-year-old boarding student at a private school on the outskirts of a small city in western Tanzania. Even though this school is a full day’s travel away from her home and the cost to go there is nearly prohibitive, Rehema attends preschool there because her parents believe it will help her succeed in primary school and beyond. While few Tanzanian families can afford a private school education, Rehema’s situation is a symbol of how early childhood education has captured the imagination of many Tanzanian parents, government officials, and policy makers.
Pulsed laser fracturing of renal and biliary stones

Stones formed by precipitation of solutes in bile and urine frequently obstruct the biliary or urinary tracts and require surgical removal. Flashlamp-pumped dye lasers were used to study stone fracturing in vitro. Pulses ranging in energy from 10 to 100 mJ were delivered via 200-μm quartz fibers in direct contact with the stones. Immersion in water, saline, or bile greatly enhanced the fracturing process, suggesting that inertial confinement of a mechanical impulse generated by laser pulse absorption leads to stone fracture. Removal of fragments from stones is associated with a loud acoustic signal, sharp recoil of the delivery fiber, and broad-spectrum-induced emission consistent with plasma formation.
Complexity Because of the “Size” of the Largest Molecule in the System

Previously we have defined chemical complexity either by considering the number of molecules in the systems or by considering the size of the largest molecule of the system. To the two situations there is correspondingly two different approaches in performing simulations.
Prognostic Significance of Digital Rectal Examination and Prostate Specific Antigen in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Arm

Purpose: The absence of definitive data or explicit guidelines regarding the use of digital rectal examination for prostate cancer screening may lead to confusion for physicians and patients alike. We evaluated the prognostic value of abnormal digital rectal examination and prostate specific antigen following the widespread dissemination of prostate specific antigen testing in the U.S.Materials and Methods: Collectively, men comprising the screening arm of the PLCO cancer screening trial who underwent digital rectal examination screening (35,350) were followed for 314,033 person-years. Adjusted analyses with competing risks regression were performed to assess the association of suspicious (nodularity, induration, asymmetry) digital rectal examination and abnormal prostate specific antigen (4 ng/ml or greater) with the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, prostate cancer specific mortality and overall mortality.Results: Among all screening encounters with a suspicious digital rectal examina...
Perfect mid-infrared absorption by hybrid phonon-plasmon polaritons in hBN/metal-grating anisotropic structures

Abstract A nanostructure based on periodic metal gratings and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) films is proposed here. As a phononic two-dimensional (2D) material, hBN has two Reststrahlen bands with natural hyperbolic responses. Magnetic polaritons (MPs) in metal gratings can couple with hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPPs) in hBN to create hybrid hyperbolic phonon-plasmon polaritons, resulting in perfect or near-perfect absorption. It is found that the majority of the power absorbed by the hybrid polaritons is dissipated in the hBN film with a unique tunable location-dependent absorption profile. Meanwhile, out of the hyperbolic region, optical phonons in hBN can couple with MPs in gratings to yield resonance absorption. The radiative properties and dissipation profiles are calculated based on rigorous coupled-wave analysis, which has been extended to include anisotropic materials, to elucidate the mechanisms of the perfect and near-perfect absorption. This work reveals the possibility of using 2D materials and nanostructures to achieve unique radiative properties for applications such as energy harvesting, radiative cooling, and photodetection.
Incorporating Research into Healthcare Decisions

This chapter addresses the misalignment between clinical research and practice. The extent to which clinical research findings can be feasibly implemented in clinical settings is still not completely understood. Practical implementation barriers to the integration of research findings into clinical practice include the constantly expanding body of knowledge, lack of long-term follow-up results, and logistical hurdles. Theoretically, research studies—conducted to draw inferential conclusions about an entire population—are not designed for applicability to individuals. Also, because research trials are frequently designed to study diseases of interest, researchers statistically minimize the influence of individual differences within their samples. This practice directly contrasts that of physicians, who must consider individual patient characteristics before recommending a course of treatment. As such, research is not an obvious theoretical fit with the patient-centered care model. Evidence-based practice is said to bridge the research–practice gap. Clinicians who use evidence-based practice maintain a working knowledge of current research findings and incorporate findings into clinical decision-making according to the patient’s needs, values, and clinical presentation. This chapter provides concrete communication strategies for physicians who use evidence-based practice to discuss research findings with their patients.
Ablation of a Unique Focal Ventricular Tachycardia in Repaired Truncus Arteriosus

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a known sequela in patients with repaired congenital heart disease (CHD) [(1)][1]. The mechanism frequently involves anatomic isthmuses created during surgical repair [(2,3)][2]. Disruption of normal tissue architecture from artificial patches and baffles as well as
Readiness for integrating mobile learning in the classroom: Challenges, preferences and possibilities

Mobile learning readiness is a new aspect of technology integration for classroom teachers. Determining the best strategies for successfully implementing mobile devices in order to improve learning...
Abstract P056: Emerging Lifestyle Markers Predict Regression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Scores

Introduction: CVD remains the number one cause of mortality in the western world. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a safe & reliable predictor of future CVD risk. This study assesses which lifestyle factors best predict a change in IMT over time. Hypothesis: We assessed the null hypothesis that all lifestyle changes are effective. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional analysis of 289 men & women undergoing health & cardiovascular risk screening every 1-2 years at an outpatient wellness center in Florida. This study reflects the first visit at the clinic, & a second visit that occurred on average 2.8 years later. These subjects ranged in age from 23-65 (mean = 48.2). In addition to testing, subjects received nutrition, fitness, & health coaching. Measurements were made of fitness using VO2max stress testing, diet intake using a 3-day dietary intake survey. Laboratory & anthropometric measures were obtained fasting. Mean IMT scores used high resolution B-mode ultrasonography of the common carotid arteries. Each subject had ≥10 images collected from the far wall of both distal 1 cm of the common carotid arteries at end diastole. The carotid intimal thickness was measured as a continuous variable, using both multivariate & bivariate linear regression, adjusting for age & gender; as our site IMT precision was = 3%, we selected a 4% change as significant. Results: The average decrease in IMT score in this cohort was -0.018 mm over 2.8 years, a 2.04% reduction. The bivariate analyses showing a significant association with a ≥4% reduction in IMT in 62 of 288 subjects; they were a decrease in: Body mass index (BMI) (p=0.047), body fat (p=0.025), total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.031), LDL cholesterol (p=0.028), TC/HDL (0.002), or an increase in dietary intake of: magnesium (p=0.0001), fiber (p=0.017), vitamin D (p=0.016), vitamin K (p=0.001), potassium (p=0.001), & calcium (p=0.024). In a multivariate analysis, starting a statin medication (p=0.0007), a decrease in BMI (p=0.042), baseline IMT, male gender, diastolic BP decrease, & years of follow up were predictive of 4% IMT decline. Prior use of a statin medication was not significant. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study shows that a reduction in IMT score over 2.8 years is associated with a decrease in: BMI, body fat, TC, LDL, TC/HDL ratio, & diastolic BP; or, an increase in intake of: magnesium, fiber, vitamins K & D, potassium, & calcium; or, starting a statin medication.
Evaluation of Freeway Corridor Assignment Equilibria

In recent years, ramp controls and advanced freeway designs to improve freeway traffic operations have received considerable attention. Concurrently, work has been undertaken to develop coordinated design and/or control systems to improve street operations. However, unless an integrated approach to design and/or control of both freeway and the adjacent street network (Urban Freeway Corridor) is developed, an effective balancing of traffic against available capacity cannot be attained.
Visual Attention and Saccadic Eye Movements

The primate visual system extracts information from the environment actively and sequentially by way of saccadic eye movements. Every saccade must accurately position targets of interest onto the fovea where visual acuity is greatest. In this chapter, we described the psychophysical and physiological evidence of highly interconnected mechanisms for visual representations and saccade preparation. This evidence includes correlates of saccade planning within visual cortex as well as changes in visual cortical signals following perturbations of saccade representations and thus argues for a reciprocal relationship between the coding of visual features and of saccade metrics. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that this reciprocal interaction serves as the basis for covert spatial attention.
Genetic Epidemiology of Obesity and Cancer

To understand the genetic epidemiology of obesity and cancer means to consider the genetics of not only these two complex diseases but also the many risk factors associated with them and the molecular mechanisms likely to contribute to their underlying etiology. It is therefore the purpose of this chapter to highlight the following: genetic mapping studies that have been done to isolate genes related to obesity, genetic studies aimed to identify genes for obesity risk factors, and, finally, a discussion of the genes shared across or among the studies of obesity and/or its risk factors and the various cancers. This is by no means an exhaustive discussion as these are each complex traits with complex molecular mechanisms. It is, however, intended to be an overview of the genes likely to be involved in the cascade of pathways linking obesity and cancer.
Schumpeter and the Economic Problems of Today

The year 1883 now seems in the rather remote past. Yet it saw the death and two births of economists whose works were so significant that some of them still condition the way economists think today. The year 1883 saw the death of Karl Marx, whose economic and other teachings have obviously had an enormous and continuing impact on world history, though not always in the way he had intended. The year of 1883 also saw the birth of John Maynard Keynes, whose economic teachings helped found the whole new subject of “macroeconomics”, and also influenced the making of economic policy in much of the world for at least forty years, with its concentration on achieving full employment. Nor is this Keynesian emphasis yet dead, despite the reversion to monetarist doctrines in the late 70’s and early 80’s when it seemed that the inflationary cost of full employment policies was becoming unbearable in much of the world.
World Status of Oats and Biological Constraints to Increased Production

The title of this paper tends to convey a negative feeling about oat production, and this scepticism, in a historical sense, is probably justified. After all, oat hectareage world wide has decreased by half during the past 30 years (Fig. 1), from 53,671,000 hectares in 1954 to 26,588,000 hectares in 1983(1). Furthermore, it is readily apparent that biological and environmental constraints to production abound in many oat-growing regions of the world based on the fact that ‘high-yielding’ countries have average grain yields as high as 4,000 to 4,600 kg/ha. As conscientious oat workers, I suggest that we approach this topic in a positive sense, and I will proceed as though the title of this paper was ‘Genetic and Production Improvements in Oats, and Biological Opportunities for Increased Production’.
What is to be done with curriculum and educational foundations' critical knowledges? Toward critical and decolonizing education sciences

As editors of the special issue in Teaching Education titled What Is To Be Done with Curriculum and Educational Foundations’ Critical Knowledges? New Qualitative Research on Conscientizing Preservi...
Racial/Ethnic Hierarchy and Urban Labor Market Inequality: Four Poignant Historical Cases:

The sociological literature, although rich on the topic of racial/ethnic hierarchy, often overlooks its spatially varying nature relative to group tensions and inequality. In this article, we addre...
Trends for and Clinical Factors Associated with Choice of Oral P2Y12 Inhibitors for Patients on Chronic Dialysis

Trends and clinical factors associated with prescribing choices for oral P2Y12 inhibitors (P2Y12-I) remain unknown for patients on chronic dialysis, i.e., with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). From 2011–2014 U.S. Renal Data System registry, we identified 36,542 ESRD patients who received new prescriptions for P2Y12-I (median age 64.0 years and 54% males). Of the cohort, 93% were receiving hemodialysis and 7% on peritoneal dialysis. We analyzed trends and investigated clinical factors associated with specific P2Y12-I prescribed. Clopidogrel was prescribed for 95%, prasugrel for 3%, and ticagrelor for 2%. Clopidogrel was favored for those ≥75 years (18% of cohort). Compared to Caucasians, African Americans (36% of cohort) and Hispanics (19% of cohort) were less likely to receive prasugrel and ticagrelor (P<0.05). Patients receiving hemodialysis versus peritoneal dialysis were less likely to receive prasugrel over clopidogrel, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.67 (0.55-0.82). Each additional year of dialysis decreased the odds of receiving prasugrel over clopidogrel, aOR 0.91 (0.85-0.98). History of atrial fibrillation reduced the odds of receiving ticagrelor or prasugrel over clopidogrel, aOR 0.69 (0.54-0.89) and 0.73 (0.60-0.89), respectively. Concomitant oral anticoagulant use was not associated with choice of P2Y12-I. Occurrence of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction or percutaneous coronary intervention within the 6-month period prior to the index date favored ticagrelor over prasugrel, aOR 1.31 (1.06-1.62) and 1.29 (1.01-1.66), respectively. However, prescribing trends favoring ticagrelor over prasugrel were not observed for deployment of drug-eluting, or multiple coronary stents. Between 2011 and 2014, clopidogrel remained the most common P2Y12-I whereas ticagrelor and prasugrel remained underutilized in ESRD patients. Prescribing practices for these drugs were based upon clinically approved indication for their use in the general population as well as perceived complexity of an ESRD patient including demographics, dialysis-related factors and comorbidities. Comparative effectiveness studies involving ESRD patients are needed to prove that ticagrelor and prasugrel are just as safe and effective as clopidogrel before clinicians can make informed decisions for choice of P2Y12-I in this patient population.
Practical Approach: Practical Approach to Personal Needs of Life Insurance with Dynamic Systemic Framework

Practical diversity among behavioral factors related to the demand for life insurance is explained by using this new framework (i.e., the Dynamic Systemic Framework).
Combined HIV-1 Tat and oxycodone activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and -gonadal axes and promote psychomotor, affective, and cognitive dysfunction in female mice.

Abstract The majority of HIV+ patients present with neuroendocrine dysfunction and ~50% experience co-morbid neurological symptoms including motor, affective, and cognitive dysfunction, collectively termed neuroHIV. In preclinical models, the neurotoxic HIV-1 regulatory protein, trans-activator of transcription (Tat), promotes neuroHIV pathology that can be exacerbated by opioids. We and others find gonadal steroids, estradiol (E2) or progesterone (P4), to rescue Tat-mediated pathology. However, the combined effects of Tat and opioids on neuroendocrine function and the subsequent ameliorative capacity of gonadal steroids are unknown. We found that conditional HIV-1 Tat expression in naturally-cycling transgenic mice dose-dependently potentiated oxycodone-mediated psychomotor behavior. Tat increased depression-like behavior in a tail-suspension test among proestrous mice, but decreased it among diestrous mice (who already demonstrated greater depression-like behavior); oxycodone reversed these effects. Combined Tat and oxycodone produced apparent behavioral disinhibition of anxiety-like responding which was greater on diestrus than on proestrus. These mice made more central entries in an open field, but spent less time there and demonstrated greater circulating corticosterone. Tat increased the E2:P4 ratio of circulating steroids on diestrus and acute oxycodone attenuated this effect, but repeated oxycodone exacerbated it. Corticotropin-releasing factor was increased by Tat expression, acute oxycodone exposure, and was greater on diestrus compared to proestrus. In human neuroblastoma cells, Tat exerted neurotoxicity that was ameliorated by E2 (1 or 10 nM) or P4 (100, but not 10 nM) independent of oxycodone. Oxycodone decreased gene expression of estrogen and κ-opioid receptors. Thus, neuroendocrine function may be an important target for HIV-1 Tat/opioid interactions.
One of these things is (not) like the others: Form, genre, and presidential portraits

In the field of communication studies, an understanding of the relationship between form and genre is essential for mastering both practical skills and theoretical concepts in core courses such as ...
Sex Differences in Oral Anticoagulation and Outcomes of Stroke and Intracranial Bleeding in Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation.

Background Female sex is an independent predictor of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Older data suggest undertreatment with anticoagulation among women compared with men. However,...
50 Years of Lassa Fever Research.

Lassa fever was first described as a clinical entity fifty years ago. The causative agent Lassa virus was isolated from these first known cases. This chapter reviews the key publications on Lassa fever research that appeared in the scientific literature at that time and over the ensuing decades.
Benign endobronchial lesion causing massive haemoptysis in a patient with haemophilia B.

A 69-year-old man smoker with a prior medical history significant for severe haemophilia IX (B) on weekly factor-IX replacement and HIV, who presented with haemoptysis of a few hours duration. Initially, the patient’s vitals were stable. Shortly after, he became altered with more haemoptysis and
Numerical Analysis Investigation of Acoustic Shadow Moiré Interference

Acoustic shadow moire has unique properties to be used for many potential applications in medical diagnostics, manufacturing, and material characterization. In this paper, numerical analysis, using Comsol, is used to investigate the principles of acoustic moire interference phenomenon. The study confirmed that the expected fringe images of shadow interference can be created at Talbot distances. The study confirms the experimental results reported by this group [1] and proves without any doubt that acoustic moire interference phenomenon exists.
Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment: A Global and Historical Comparison: Ahmet T. Kuru, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2019). 316 pp. $34.99 paperback.

Ahmet Kuru seeks to answer big questions. In Secularism and State Policies Toward Religion, he asked why secular states pursue different policies towards religion. In order to answer that question,...
Strong and Efficient Consistency with Consistency-aware Durability

We introduce consistency-aware durability or Cad, a new approach to durability in distributed storage that enables strong consistency while delivering high performance. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach by designing cross-client monotonic reads, a novel and strong consistency property that provides monotonic reads across failures and sessions in leader-based systems; such a property can be particularly beneficial in geo-distributed and edge-computing scenarios. We build Orca, a modified version of ZooKeeper that implements Cad and cross-client monotonic reads. We experimentally show that Orca provides strong consistency while closely matching the performance of weakly consistent ZooKeeper. Compared to strongly consistent ZooKeeper, Orca provides significantly higher throughput (1.8--3.3×) and notably reduces latency, sometimes by an order of magnitude in geo-distributed settings. We also implement Cad in Redis and show that the performance benefits are similar to that of Cad’s implementation in ZooKeeper.
SIMPLE FORMULAE FOR THE CALCULATION OF Li LIKE AND Be LIKE IONIC ENERGIES OF GROUND STATES

s Using the two parameter variational method,the simple formulae for the calculation of Li like and Be like ionic energies of ground states has been derived,which show convenience in calculation and accuracy.
Using Neural Networks to Predict Wages Based on Worker Skills

This paper describes the results of our Neural Network (NN) models that predict annual wages based on the combination and levels of 35 different skills possessed by wage earners. These models can estimate the value of skills for skill-based compensation systems. They can be used by employers to determine how much to compensate different combinations of skills and by employees to estimate what they should be paid. Finally, governments can use the models to support the development and analysis of labor policies. We collect and integrate official U.S. Government data on 35 general job skills with the annual wage data for over 900 standard occupations. The skills data is then used as inputs to train an artificial intelligence (Al) neural network (NN) models. The resulting NN models train to above 70 percent accuracy in predicting annual wage levels based on the combination and levels of 35 different skills. This research makes use of authoritative U.S. Government data in new ways that can be used to better understand the connections between general skills and their relationships to wages. The need for these types of analytical tools is all the more important as changes in the job market have been severely impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic and are increasingly at risk of being replaced by automation. © 2021 Otto James et al., published by Sciendo 2021.
Direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation and bioprosthetic valve replacement: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES This systematic review and meta-analysis compares direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with atrial fibrillation and bioprosthetic valve replacement or repair (BVR). BACKGROUND The optimal anticoagulation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation and a history of bioprosthetic valve replacement or repair (BVR) is not well understood. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review to identify clinical studies that compared anticoagulation therapies for patients with atrial fibrillation and BVR. The primary outcomes of stroke, major bleeding, and mortality were reported as random effects risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval. No prior ethical approval was required since all data is public. RESULTS Our search yielded 101 potential studies. We included six studies reporting on 1911 patients. There was a lower risk of stroke and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation after BVR treated with DOACs when compared to VKAs with risk ratios of 0.44 (95% CI 0.24-0.82, p < 0.01) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.34-0.83, p < 0.01), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients with atrial fibrillation after BVR treated with DOACs compared to patients treated with VKAs with a risk ratio of 1.12 (95% CI 0.73-1.74, p = 0.60). CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that DOACs are superior to VKAs with respect to stroke and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation and BVR.
The X-Factor: Global Impact of Women in the Awareness and Management of Coronary Artery Disease

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women and a major contributor to morbidity and disability. This statement cannot be repeated enough and is often neglected. In 2008, there were 9,127,416 cardiovascular deaths in women worldwide, accounting for 33.2 % of all deaths in women. Coronary artery disease (CAD) differs in symptom presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in women compared to men. We have made great strides in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. However, this progress continues to be overshadowed by the improvements made on the understanding and management of CVD in men.
The Path to Specificity

A major challenge in the study of intracellular signaling has been the elucidation of the physical and biological principles by which the network of signaling molecules is assembled to execute signaling programs. In their Perspective, Zuker et al. address recent work focusing on the organization of signaling components into macromolecular assemblies, in particular, the tyrosine kinase and G protein-coupled receptor pathways.
John of Salisbury's Entheticus and the Classical Tradition of Satire

John of Salisbury's modern reputation depends chiefly on his prose writings. The Metalogicon and Policraticus have established the author's position as an eminent Christian humanist of the twelfth ...
Subpopulations of human T lymphocytes. XI. T cells with receptors for IgM or IgG and locomotion of T and non-T cells in peripheral blood from patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.

Abstract Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 13 patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) and one healthy unaffected mother were examined for the proportions of Tμ and Tγ cells and for locomotor properties of T and non-T cells toward casein and endotoxin-activated serum. Five of the thirteen patients had diminished locomotor responses to chemoattractants and 7 of 13 had low ratios of T μ T γ cells when compared to that of controls. Four of five patients with abnormal locomotor properties of T cells also had abnormally low ratios of T μ T γ cells. Interestingly, the healthy unaffected mother of a patient with CMC, who had decreased T cells, a low T μ T γ ratio and a diminished locomotor response to chemoattractant, also had all these abnormalities in her circulating lymphocytes. These observations are discussed in relation to immunodeficiencies in CMC.
SPLINES AND ROLLER COASTERS A CALCULUS PROJECT USING MAPLE

ABSTRACT The use of a computer algebra system has been advocated as a means of enriching the calculus curriculum. In practice it is not always easy to develop projects which are both stimulating and accessible. This paper describes a set of linked projects which involve students in mathematical modeling without a heavy science “front end”, and which combine in such a way as to create a first semester calculus experience that is, in part, project based.
Digital Assignments: The Importance Of Pedagogical Context

We assess students appreciation and use of various tools designed to extend effective learning beyond the classroom. For a given tool, results vary depending upon the overall pedagogical approach of the course.
Classical Model of SF6 Multiphoton Dissociation

The interaction of a polyatomic molecule with intense laser radiation represents a very interesting but difficult problem. The study has obvious applications to isotope separation, to the production of highly excited vibrational and rotational states of the system, and the possible production of frequency selective chemical reactions. There have been many experimental observations of such phenomena. However, in general, the theory has not kept up well. It would be very useful to have an adequate theory with good predictive features.
Hobbes and the Law of Nature – By Perez Zagorin

One of the unfortunate divides in contemporary scholarship is that between the historian of ideas and the “pure” philosopher. To those interested in bridging this gap, the late Perez Zagorin's Hobb...
Hologram restoration and enhancement in photorefractive media

We have proposed and analyzed a new and simple optical method for the enhancement and restoration of decaying holograms in photorefractive media. The results indicate that extremely weak holograms can be enhanced provided that the two-beam coupling is sufficiently strong. Steady-state photorefractive holograms can be maintained continuously without decay by using a double-side alternating readout schedule in conjunction with a phase conjugator. The result also provides an explanation for the formation of mutually pumped phase conjugation in terms of the successive enhancement of an initial noise grating. >
Prediction, precaution, and policy under global change

great deal of research to inform envi-ronmental conservation and manage-ment takes a predict-and-prescribe strategy in which improving forecasts about future states of ecosystems is the primary goal. But sufficiently thor-ough understanding of ecosystems needed to reduce deep uncertainties is probably not achievable, seriously limiting the potential effectiveness of the predict-and-prescribe approach. Instead, research should integrate more closely with policy development to identify the range of alternative plausible fu-tures and develop strategies that are robust across these scenarios and responsive to un-predictable ecosystem dynamics.Calls for improving forecasts of future ecosystem states are common [e.g., (
Anesthetic considerations for hepatic cryotherapy

The evolution of hepatic cryotherapy as an accepted treatment for patients with non-resectable hepatic malignancy has required concurrent evaluation and development of perioperative anesthetic management of these cases. Review of published and institutional experience demonstrates that hepatic cryotherapy presents the anesthesiologist with an array of challenges, all of which are not intuitively apparent. Specifically, such issues as management of coexisting physiologic perturbations of the oncology patient, heat conservation during the procedure, and readiness for a more extensive procedure would be readily anticipated by most clinicians. Description and reasonable management of problems ranging from mild or moderate postoperative thrombocytopenia to the so-called cryoshock syndrome with the possibility of severe postoperative coagulopathy, renal dysfunction, and pulmonary complications, however, could emerge only with the education of experience. The goal of this article is to address the key issues faced by anesthesiologists consulted in the perioperative care of patients undergoing hepatic cryotherapy.
Structure functions and charge ratios in muon-nucleon scattering

We present the fractional energy distributions for positive and negative hadrons produced in muon-proton and muon-neutron scattering, and ensuing charge ratios for the photon fragmentation region. Data presented for a center-of-mass energy range $2.8lWl4.5$ GeV and a virtual-photon mass-squared range $0.5\ensuremath{\le}{Q}^{2}\ensuremath{\le}4.5$ ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$ indicate an overall equality of summed structure functions for neutron and proton targets, which exhibit approximate independence of ${Q}^{2}$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, Implications in terms of quark-fragmentation ideas are discussed.
Public Library Computer Waiting Queues: Alternatives to the First-Come-First-Served Strategy

This paper summarizes the results of a simulation of alternative queuing strategies for a public library computer sign-up system. Using computer usage data gathered from a public library, the performance of these various queuing strategies is compared in terms of the distribution of user wait times. The consequences of partitioning a pool of public computers are illustrated as are the potential benefits of prioritizing users in the waiting queue according to the amount of computer time they desire.
Effects of supplementary feeding in carp ponds on discharge water quality: a review

Discharge of aquacultural wastewater can lead to eutrophication and disruption of natural ecosystems in receiving water bodies. A controlled waste production strategy is necessary, therefore, in order to maintain sustainable aquacultural growth. Along with fertilisation, supplementary feeding is the major source of allochthonous matter in aquaculture and management of aquacultural waste, therefore, should be approached through diet formulation and/or feeding strategy. The introduction of highly digestible feed has reduced solid waste excretion, and further reductions can be achieved through careful selection of ingredients and processing to improve nutrient availability. Dissolved nitrogen waste can be reduced by ensuring a balance between protein and energy, such that fish use non-protein sources as energy, while phosphorous waste can be reduced through careful ingredient selection and processing to improve digestibility. Thermal and mechanical treatment of feed cereals prior to application can also help decrease the amount of poorly or undigested feed. Finally, feeding practices that minimise wastage should also be explored as they have a significant impact, not only on waste output but also on the overall economy of carp pond farming.
Quantification of aortic regurgitation after balloon aortic valvuloplasty using videodensitometric analysis of digital subtraction aortography

Abstract The serial changes in aortic regurgitation (AR) after balloon aortic valvuloplasty have not been quantitatively evaluated. This study assessed the degree of AR by quantitative and qualitative techniques before and immediately after aortic valvuloplasty. Digital subtraction aortography was performed before and after valvuloplasty in 50 patients. The ratio of left ventricular to aortic contrast density during aortography was analyzed by videodensitometric techniques. A time-density curve was obtained by placing a 30 × 30 pixel region of interest over the aortogram and the left ventricular cavity. The ratio of left ventricular to aortic density at peak aortic density defined the videodensitometric ratio. Independent visual interpretation was also assessed and compared to videodensitometric methods. Quantitatively, no significant change in AR could be demonstrated in the mean videodensitometric ratio before or after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (0.33 ± 0.21 vs 0.37 ± 0.25, p = 0.07). Ten (20%) of the patients had a ≥0.10 increase, and 4 (8%) patients a ≥0.10 decrease in the AR ratio. Thus, serial quantitative and qualitative determinations of AR after balloon aortic valvuloplasty confirm that significant increases or decreases in AR severity are unusual after the procedure.
A review on the separation of benzene/cyclohexane mixtures by pervaporation processes

Abstract Separation of benzene (Bz) and cyclohexane (Chx) is one of the most challenging processes in the chemical industry. On account of the only 0.6°C difference in volatilities of the two components, conventional distillation processes are not practical. Azeotropic distillation and extractive distillation, on the other hand, although feasible and in use in many industries, are accompanied by high capital and operating costs and also are complex processes in nature. Membrane pervaporation (PV) is a viable alternative to the conventional techniques both from economical and technical points of view. While extractive distillation/PV hybrid has attracted industrial attention, progresses in PV separation of Bz/Chx suggest that this technique can handle a greater share in the process. In this paper, an extensive review is presented on the properties, production, conventional and alternative separation processes of benzene and cyclohexane. Special emphasis is given to the performance of membrane PV processes.
Comparison of new theoretical models with field data for double-passage laser beam propagation

Using a recent theory of scintillation, including the development of a probability density function (PDF) for the irradiance, a theoretical analysis is carried out on the system performance of a coherent array receiver in terms of the scintillation index, the implied carrier-to-noise (CNR), and signal fade statistics. We also describe a field experiment in which measured data from a wave reflected from a rough (Lambertian) target located 1000 m from the transceiver was used to calculate the scintillation index, CNR, and probability of fade. The results of this study support the theoretical models.
Support interventions for older adults: Confidante relationships, perceived family support, and meaningful role activity

The rationale and problems encountered in implementing a peer-support telephone intervention are described. The research conducted by Heller, Thompson, Trueba, Hogg, and Vlachos-Weber (1991) was based on epidemiological literature documenting the moral enhancing value of confidante relationships. However, that literature may be insufficiently precise to form the basis for an intervention without prior ethnographic study of the local target population. Furthermore, the positive effects of peer friendships may refer to long established relationships rather than to newly formed social ties. It is concluded that future support intervention research with older adults should concentrate on reinforcing meaningful role activities, and that greater attention should be given to strengthening indigenous ties before attempting to create new ones. While prior process research and formative evaluation are of value, we also emphasize the importance of well-controlled field studies in the ultimate test of intervention hypotheses.
The effectiveness of ozone and acidulant treatments in extending the refrigerated shelf life of fresh-cut potatoes

: The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of acidulant dip treatments (with or without aqueous ozone) to reduce enzymatic browning and to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut potato slices during refrigerated storage (4 °C) for 28 d. Potato slices subjected to aqueous ozone (2 ppm) had significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher L-values and lower a-values, but ozone did not appear to have any effect on aerobic plate counts (APCs) or polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. NatureSeal (NS) and sodium acid sulfate (SAS) were the most effective acidulant treatments in reducing browning (significantly [P≤ 0.05] higher L-values, lower a-values, and browning index values) regardless of ozone treatment. NS and SAS also had lower PPO activity compared to other treatments on days 0 and 28, and significantly (P≤ 0.05) lower APCs (≤2.00 log CFU/g) over refrigerated storage. Therefore, the SAS treatment was comparable to NS, a commercially available product, and showed promise as an effective antibrowning dip to reduce browning and spoilage in fresh-cut potato products. Practical Application: A 1% SAS dip treatment which included 1% citric and 1% ascorbic acid was found to be an effective antibrowning dip for fresh-cut potatoes along with NatureSeal®'s PS-10, compared to other treatments. They were both effective in maintaining low microbial counts over refrigerated storage. Additionally, aqueous ozone washes (2 ppm) showed significant benefits to reduce browning; however, ozone did not affect microbial counts or PPO enzyme activity. Therefore, the SAS treatment could have potential use in the fruit and vegetable industry to reduce browning and spoilage in fresh-cut potato products.
Electron-impact excitation of hydrogenic ions

The $1s\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2s$ and $1s\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2p$ excitations of the hydrogenic ions ${\mathrm{C}}^{5+}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{7+}$ are studied using a pseudostate expansion. A small ($3\ensuremath{-}s$, $3\ensuremath{-}p$) basis is used above the $n=3$ threshold while in the resonance region between the $n=2$ and $n=3$ thresholds a larger ($6\ensuremath{-}s$, $5\ensuremath{-}p$, $2\ensuremath{-}d$, and $1\ensuremath{-}f$) set is employed. The coupled integrodifferential equations are solved by a variational approach. High-energy and high-$L$ results are found using the Coulomb-Born approximation with exchange. Positions and widths of resonances are given. An analytic fit to the calculated $K$ matrices is used to determine cross sections in the resonance region. Excitation rates are computed.
A Pattern Reconfigurable Null Scanning Antenna

The design, analysis, and measurement of a reconfigurable null scanning antenna operating at 2.4 GHz are presented. Unlike existing null reconfigurable antennas, this compact antenna scans its pattern null continuously, and maintains its impedance bandwidth without the need for feed reconfiguration. Incorporation of 12 varactors enables null reconfiguration. Full-wave simulations of the antenna, including the bias network and the lumped circuit model for the varactors, predict antenna performance. Impedance and pattern measurements verify simulated results.
Quality of selected cheeses fortified with vegetable and animal sources of omega-3

Abstract Queso fresco , cheddar, and mozzarella were fortified with omega-3 from flaxseed oil (FO) and microencapsulated fish oil (MFO) at specific stages in cheese-making process. The highest omega-3 retention (8.69 mg/g MFO; 5.08 mg/g FO) was observed in cheddar when added during salting; 50–100 g of cheddar would supply the daily recommended amount of omega-3 needed in diets to prevent cardiovascular disease. Some variations observed in the studied cheeses physicochemical properties were in pH and moisture content, and increased weight (cheddar, around 10 g); changes in weight and moisture could be related to the water-holding capacity of rennet when omega-3 is incorporated. Texture Profile Analysis indicated new texture behavior in cheddar after fortification, showing increased hardness, chewiness and gumminess. Cheeses were stored at 4 °C; after 16 d microbial counts were mostly high (9 log). Sensory evaluation (5-point hedonic scale) showed similar color acceptability for all three cheeses regardless of omega-3 source. However, scores ranged from 2.43 to 3.6 for aroma, the lowest score being for MFO cheddar. Flavor of cheese with added FO was preferred by panelists more than MFO fortified cheese. Overall, omega-3 is an excellent nutrient that can be easily added to cheese with only minor changes.