cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combination chemotherapy increases cytotoxicity of multiple myeloma cells by modification of nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity.

The nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway is critical in myeloma cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and emergence of therapy resistance. The chemotherapeutic drugs, dexamethasone (Dex) and bortezomib (BTZ), are widely used in clinical protocols for multiple myeloma (MM) and inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway by distinct mechanisms. This study evaluates the efficacy of combination therapy with Dex and BTZ and investigates the mechanistic underpinning of endogenous and therapy-induced NF-κB activation in MM. Human myeloma cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were used in monocultures and cocultures to determine the cytotoxic effects of Dex and/or BTZ. Our results show that combined treatment of Dex with BTZ enhanced direct apoptosis of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant myeloma cells. In the presence of BMSCs, Dex plus BTZ combination inhibited ionizing radiation–induced interleukin 6 secretion from BMSCs and induced myeloma cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, Dex treatment increased IκBα protein and mRNA expression and compensated for BTZ-induced IκBα degradation. Dex plus BTZ combination inhibited basal and therapy-induced NF-κB activity with cytotoxicity in myeloma cells resistant to BTZ. Furthermore, combination therapy downregulated the NF-κB–targeted gene expression of interleukin 6 and manganese superoxide dismutase, which can induce chemo- and radio-resistance in MM. This study provides a mechanistic rationale for combining the NF-κB–targeting drugs Dex and BTZ in myeloma therapy and supports potential combinations of these drugs with radiotherapy and additional chemotherapeutic drugs for clinical benefit in MM.
N-Methyl-N-nitroso-p-toluene-sulfon-amide.

The crystal structure of the title compound, C8H10N2O3S, displays predominant C—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding and π–π stacking inter­actions. The hydrogen bonds are between the O atoms of the sulfonyl group and H atoms on methyl groups. The π–π stacking inter­actions occur between adjacent aromatic rings, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.868 (11) A. These inter­actions lead to the formation of chains parallel to (101).
Patterns and Predictions of Resident Misbehavior—A 10-Year Retrospective Look

Background Surgical educators are charged with ensuring that their trainees conduct themselves in a professional manner. The authors retrospectively reviewed a 10-year experience of incident reports on surgical housestaff to determine patterns and predictors of behavior. Methods A retrospective review of all letters, e-mails, and incident reports was conducted for general surgery residents from 1995 to 2005. Descriptive variables were selected for binary categorization (not mutually exclusive): poor professional conduct, protocol violation, administrative deficiency, verbal mistreatment, physical boundary issues, mistreatment of superiors, and deficient medical student interaction. Resident status was defined as current, graduate, and attrition. Results Of 110 residents {90 [82%] categorical, 23 [21%] undesignated preliminary (3 overlapped both groups); 87 [79%] male, 23 [21%] female} who trained at the University of Pennsylvania during this period, 66 complaints were generated about 29 individuals. Overall, 50 of the 66 complaints (76%) were directed toward men and the remaining 16 (24%) toward women; 24% of all men and 35% of all women received 1 or more complaints. A total of 76% of complaints concerned categorical residents and 24% undesignated preliminary residents. And 26% of all categorical residents and 26% of all preliminary residents received at least 1 complaint. The most common complaints concerned professional conduct (83%), protocol violation (33%), verbal mistreatment (23%), deficiencies of administrative duties (8%), violations of physical boundaries (5%), deficient medical student interaction (5%), and mistreatment of attendings by residents (3%). Recipients of verbal mistreatment included staff nurses (27%), radiology technicians (13%), medical students (13%), environmental services employees (7%), security guards (7%), patients (7%), surgery attendings (7%), anesthesia attendings (7%), internal medicine chief residents (7%), and pharmacists (7%). A total of 31% of the complaints were regarding residents who involuntarily departed and 7% regarding residents who left voluntarily before completion. The mean PGY level at first complaint was 2.2 years. Of the 29 residents receiving complaints, 16 had recurrent offenses (range 2 to 7 total complaints, positive predictive value [PPV] 53%). Conclusion Resident misbehavior manifests early and recurs often. Furthermore, it is frequently directed toward perceived subordinates. Nondesignated preliminary status, premature departure from the program, and the eventual selection of specific subspecialty fellowships seems to increase the risk for resident misbehavior. Identified residents require close surveillance and remediation.
Lasing and optical gain around 500 nm from optically pumped lasers grown on c-plane GaN substrates

Using the variable stripe length method we demonstrated positive net optical gain around 500 nm for an optically pumped laser with InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells grown on c-plane freestanding GaN substrates. We found that owing to low optical gain, reducing optical losses is crucial to increasing lasing wavelength. We demonstrated lasing at 502 nm by using a 3-mm-long cavity with cleaved facets.
Myelodysplasia: Differentiating Neoplastic from Nonneoplastic Syndromes of Ineffective Hematopoiesis in Dogs:

In the context of human hematopathology, the terms myelodysplasia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are applied to disorders of hematopoiesis that are clonal, neoplastic, and, in most forms, manifested as ineffective hematopoiesis with characteristic morphologic abnormalities in multiple cell lines. Studies of human patients have provided the conceptual framework that MDS evolve from a multipotential hematopoietic stem cell (CFU-GEMM) that has undergone neoplastic transformation as the result of acquired genetic mutations. The diagnosis of MDS in human patients is based largely on morphologic examination of marrow but can be confirmed by detection of cytogenetic abnormalities. Spontaneous, neoplastic myelodysplasia occurs in dogs, but rarely. Nonneoplastic syndromes of ineffective hematopoiesis are more common in dogs, can resemble MDS, and are probably immune mediated in many cases. Drugs and their metabolites are potential causes of dysmorphic maturation and ineffective hematopoiesis. Without methods to confirm clonality by cytogenetic analysis, the diagnosis of neoplastic myelodysplasia in dogs is based onlight microscopic examination of bone marrow smears. This paper discusses and illustrates the characteristic morphologic and cytochemical features of neoplastic myelodysplasia and nonneoplastic ineffective hematopoiesis in dogs.
Ribosomal RNA cistron number in a polyploid series of plants

A comparison has been made of the amount of DNA coding for ribosomal RNA present in a polyploid series of plants of Datura innoxia. The plants which were produced by in vitro culture of pollen grains were haploid, diploid, triploid, tetraploid and hexaploid. In all instances there was a similar proportion of DNA coding for ribosomal RNA. The implications of these results are discussed, and the data compared with that available from other series of plants of different DNA content or ploidy.
Logical modeling of temporal data

In this paper we examine the semantics and develop constructs for temporal data independent of any traditional data model, such as the relational or network data models. Unlike many other works which extend existing models to support temporal data, our purpose is to characterize the properties of temporal data and operators over them without being influenced by traditional models which were not specifically designed to model temporal data. We develop data constructs that represent sequences of temporal values, identify their semantic properties, and define operations over these structures.
Examiner Accuracy during Protocol Completion

This study investigated examiner accuracy in the completion of protocols during actual test sessions. The performances of 22 language handicapped preschoolers, each tested by a familiar and strange examiner, were videotaped. Eleven examiners were inexperienced; another 11 examiners were professionally experienced. Protocols generated by the actual examiners and by independent raters, who viewed the tapes, were scored. Analysis of variance revealed that examiners' protocols yielded significantly higher scores than did raters' protocols; children scored significantly higher when tested by familiar, rather than unfamiliar examiners; and children's scores were similar whether examiners were experienced or inexperienced. Additionally, a significant three-way interaction among protocol completer (rater vs. examiner), familiarity, and examiner experience indicated that examiner in- accuracy was greater for inexperienced testers during familiar testing sessions, but greater for experienced testers during unfamili...
Effects of Coagulation on the Ceramic Membrane Fouling during Surface Water Treatment

AbstractEvaluating the pretreatment conditions and fouling behavior is a prerequisite to the effective implementation of the coagulation-ceramic membrane hybrid processes for surface water treatment. Little is known about the performance of the hybrid processes; previous studies have dealt mainly with polymeric membranes. A coagulation-ceramic microfiltration system performed better in the treatment of select U.S. surface waters than a polymeric counterpart in terms of relative pressure in a constant-flux mode and normalized flux in a constant-pressure mode. The operating pressure for the filtration of river waters with the ceramic membrane system was 2.1–2.8 times the pressure for pure water, while it was 3.7–5.6 times with the polymeric membrane system, and the normalized flux in a constant pressure mode was higher with the ceramic membrane system (0.54 and 0.44 for ceramic and polymeric systems, respectively). Less severe fouling and higher cleaning efficiency observed in the ceramic hybrid system sugg...
Intestinal lymphangiectasia in a 33-month-old girl

A case of intestinal lymphangiectasia in a 33-month-old girl is presented. Light microscopy showed only focal lesions consistent with this entity. The ultrastructural findings of normal absorptive cells with expansion of the basolateral intercellular spaces containing fluid and occasional lymphocytes in histologically normal adjacent areas of jejunal biopsies suggest that the use of electron microscopy may help to diagnose intestinal lymphangiectasia when the lesions are focal or less evident under light microscopy.
N-Polar GaN/AlN MIS-HEMT With $f_{\rm MAX}$ of 204 GHz for Ka-Band Applications

In this letter, we demonstrate the state-of-the-art small-signal performance from N-polar GaN-based metal insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors by using a double-gate-recess technology. The device consists of an AIN/GaN superlattice as a back barrier to reduce alloy scattering. "Funnel" contacts are employed to achieve a low ohmic con tact resistance of 0.12 Ω · mm. Peak fT and fMAX of 82 and 197 GHz, respectively, were obtained for LG = 112 nm, and that of 95 and 204 GHz, respectively, were obtained for LG = 75 nm. Large signal measurements for LG = 112 nm resulted in an excellent linear transducer power gain of 12 dB at 30 GHz. The merits and the challenges of the technology toward high output power Pout and power-added efficiency have been also discussed.
2′,5′-oligo(A)-activated endonuclease in NIH 3T3 mouse cells chronically infected with moloney murine leukemia virus

Abstract It has been suggested by Panet et al. (Virology 114 , 567–572, 1981) that NIH 3T3 cells chronically infected with Moloney murine leukemia virus are deficient in 2',5'-oligo(A dependent endoribonuclease (RNase L). However, we detected RNase L activity in extracts of these NIH 3T3 cells prepared in the presence of the protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. These extracts could bind labeled 2',5'-oligo(A) in a binding assay and specific polypeptides in these extracts could be crosslinked to a periodate-oxidized derivative of 2′,5′-oligo(A). Similar polypeptides were detected in cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts of HeLa cells, which showed RNase L activity even in the absence of added phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride.
Power efficient photonic networks for many-core architectures

Continuous technology scaling will enable future many-core architectures to interconnect hundreds and even thousands of cores within multi-chip modules. With increasing number of cores, it becomes essential to reduce the hop count while delivering high interconnect bandwidth at low power. In this paper, we propose SPRINT (Scalable Photonic Reconfigurable Interconnect) that can scale to large cores using photonic switching implemented with silicon microring resonators. Micro-ring resonators are low-power, high-bandwidth switching devices that can be arranged to function as a high-radix router with reduced complexity and power. We will first show the design of a 64 core cluster using optical interconnects and electrical packet switching. To build scalable switching crossconnects, we investigate the design of 256, 512 and 1024-socket versions of SPRINT connected using passive arrayed waveguide grating (AWG). Our proposed switching crossconnect minimizes the hop count to four for a 1024 core network while reducing the power dissipation, increasing the bandwidth and reducing the switching complexity.
A Comparison of the Classroom Dynamics of a Problem-Solving and Traditional Laboratory Model of Instruction Using Path Analysis.

The classroom dynamics (class setting, lesson structure, student interactions, and student behaviors) of a traditional laboratory and a problem-solving Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) model of instruction were compared using path analysis. Class setting was based on small-group/large-group settings. Lesson structure variables were problem finding/refining, research designing, data collecting, data analyzing, and evaluating. The student-student interactions variable was determined by student-student responding, student-student initiating, and student (self-) interaction; while the teacher-student interaction variable was based on teacher-student initiating and teacher-student responding. The dependent variables of student behavior consisted of attending, responding, following, soliciting, and giving. A causal model was hypothesized for both instructional models based on the independent and dependent variables. The hypothesized causal model was tested using path-analysis procedures described by Pedhazur (1982). The hypothesized causal models were adjusted based on path coefficients with levels of significance greater than p = 0.05. While the descriptive data indicated a similarity in the classroom dynamics of the two instructional models, path analysis indicated a difference in the classroom dynamics. In the traditional laboratory model, student behaviors did not correlate to lesson structure, class setting, or student interactions, whereas in the SSCS problem-solving model student behaviors correlated to aspects of the lesson structure, class setting, and student interactions.
'Gentleman athlete': Joe DiMaggio and the celebration and submergence of ethnicity.

Joe DiMaggio has been revered, and now remembered, as an Italian-American hero, one whose achievements differed sharply from other famous and notorious Italian-Americans, such as `Lucky' Luciano, A...
First-episode versus recurrent acute rheumatic fever: Is it different?

Background: Recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever (RF) can lead to rheumatic heart disease with considerable disability and mortality in children. RF can recur in the absence of secondary prophylaxis. The differences in clinical manifestations and outcome between first-episode and recurrent RF have been less studied. Methods: A cross-section of patients under 14 years was studied for 2 years (2003–2005) in order to compare the clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic profile and outcome of first-episode RF with recurrent attacks, and risk factors for recurrence and mortality. Patients without a previous history of RF and/or mitral stenosis (MS) and/or aortic stenosis (AS) were defined as first-episode patients, and patients with previous history of RF and/or MS and/or AS, were defined as recurrent RF patients based on the Jones criteria. Results: Of 51 patients in total, 26 had first-episode RF and 25 had recurrent RF. Arthritis occurred in a significantly higher number of first-episode patients (P = 0.047) whereas shortness of breath (SOB; P = 0.003), palpitation (P = 0.034), and aortic regurgitation (AR; P = 0.001) occurred in a significantly higher number of recurrent RF patients. Audible murmur of corresponding echocardiographic regurgitation was present in all recurrent RF patients whereas audible murmur was present in 61.5% and echocardiographic regurgitation in 81% in first-episode patients (P = 0.007). Palpitation, SOB, audible murmur, thrill, age and AR on admission were independent predictors of recurrence. Palpitation, age and AS on admission were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Subclinical carditis occurred only in the first-episode patients, which requires further evaluation for clinical significance. Because all deaths occurred in recurrent RF group (P = 0.02), secondary prophylaxis and management of sore throat need re-emphasis.
Wagner's Musical Prose: Texts and Contexts

Preface 1. Wagner and the problematics of 'absolute music' in the nineteenth century 2. Beethoven reception and the hermeneutic impulse: 'poetic ideas' and new forms 3. Engendering music drama: Opera and Drama and its metaphors 4. The 'poetic-musical period' and the 'evolution' of Wagnerian form 5. Endless melodies 6. Motive and motivations: leitmotif and 'symphonic' drama Appendices Bibliography Index.
Electrically erasable f.a.m.o.s. memory structure using avalanche injection from floating gate

A new principle is proposed for an electrically erasable f.a.m.o.s. device using a simple m.o.s. technology with double polysilicon layers in which the lower (electrically floating) polysilicon gate is left undoped. Writing is accomplished by avalanche injection of electrons from a p-n junction in the substrate as in the original f.a.m.o.s. structure. Erasing proceeds by avalanche injection of electrons from the floating gate induced by voltage pulses applied to the heavily doped upper (control) gate.
Competencies for midwifery teachers.

Saving women's lives with cost-quality effective midwifery care is based on sound pre-service and ongoing education. Effective midwifery education requires competent, caring, and compassionate teachers. In this paper, I address the basic competencies required of midwives who teach others to be midwives. These competencies are important regardless of level of student taught, type of educational programme, or number of years of midwifery experience that learners bring to the educational setting. The competencies are based on the midwifery philosophy, values and model of care. Competent midwifery teachers must be competent midwifery clinicians for their primary role is to set the boundaries of safety for each level of learner. Formal preparation for teaching, understanding how adults learn, understanding how to develop an appropriate plan for learning (curriculum), and developing competency in a variety of teaching methods for both theory and clinical practice are included in the competencies discussed in this paper.
Simultaneous comparison of many triphasic defibrillation waveforms.

Biphasic defibrillation waveforms are now accepted as being more effective at terminating ventricular fibrillation (VF) than monophasic waveforms. If two phases are better than one, this naturally leads to the hypothesis that additional phases improve efficacy. This study tests the hypothesis by adding one additional phase. We examined the efficacy of 18 different triphasic waveforms simultaneously. We tested the rate of recovery, i.e., successful defibrillation, of 21 guinea pigs (820-1,050 g) using triphasic, monophasic and biphasic defibrillation waveforms. The biphasic and monophasic were control waveforms. VF was electrically induced twenty times per animal and a single defibrillation attempt was made using a test waveform VF episode. Every waveform was adjusted to the energy required to defibrillate that animal 50% of the time, using a biphasic waveform as a control. The success rate of each triphasic waveform was pair-wise compared to the biphasic and monophasic control using the adjusted McNemar statistical test. Of the 18 triphasic waveforms tested, two were significantly poorer than the monophasic control (p<0.05). One was superior to the biphasic waveform (p<0.1), but not statistically so. We concluded that, while adding a phase to a monophasic waveform does improve efficacy, adding an additional phase to a biphasic waveform does not necessarily improve efficacy.
Adrenal catecholamines in alaskan snowshoe hares during years of decline in popuation density

Abstract 1. 1. Adrenal epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) were determined in adult snowshoe hares during a two year period of the “10 year” cycle when population density declined from over 600 hares/km2 to about 100 hares/km2. 2. 2. E ranged from 51 to 117 μg/adrenal·kg body weight (mean of 76.50) and averaged 95% of the total catecholamines (CA). 3. 3. There was no correlation between total CA, E or NE in the adrenals and population density. 4. 4. The results suggest that adult hares do not experience chronic depletion of adrenal CA due to stress at high population densities.
Detection of Gonatocerus ashmeadi (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) parasitism of Homalodisca coagulata (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) eggs by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of esterases.

Abstract Gonatocerus ashmeadi is an important egg parasitoid of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata , in California. Although adults of this parasitoid are easily identified from morphological characteristics, their identification as immatures within eggs is more difficult, particularly during the early stages of development. In this study, we show that esterase profiles determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) can be used to detect this species in parasitized eggs within two days of parasitization. The expression of esterase E 0.17 occurred at a time when mymarid parasitoids would be expected to hatch within the host egg. The intensity of this band increased as the parasitoid developed within the sharpshooter egg. After five days, a second parasitoid esterase, E 0.13 , was detected. These two esterases were clearly distinct from all sharpshooter esterases. The electrophoretic technique was also sensitive enough to detect a polymorphic esterase locus in adult insects originating from San Juan Capistrano in California.
Model simulations of DNA denaturation dynamics

We present a model of DNA for use in computer simulations. This model is simple enough to allow long-time large-scale dynamics simulations, while, on the other hand, it is sophisticated enough to describe both double stranded and single stranded DNA and the transition between the two. We employed our simple model in the simulation of denaturation of double stranded DNA helices using Langevin dynamics. These are the first simulations of its kind of DNA denaturation. We have studied the melting behavior for several short double-stranded sequences of different composition. Duplexes of different lengths were considered, and also base pair mismatches were included in the study. Results are in good agreement with experimental data.
MRA of the thoracic vessels

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well suited for the noninvasive evaluation of the thoracic vasculature, and with improvements in scanner technology, the ability of MR to illustrate the thoracic vessels has significantly improved. Dedicated vascular software and pulse sequences have become commercially available, and fast imaging, in particular, has facilitated the time-efficient and comprehensive MR evaluation of most thoracic vascular lesions. Over the years, a host of black and bright blood MRI methods have evolved into practical tools for illustration of the thoracic vessels. As with other MR applications, successful vascular depiction relies significantly on the proper selection and prescription of imaging pulse sequences. In this article, these methods with their specific technical and practical pitfalls for thoracic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) will be discussed. Current clinical indications for thoracic MRA will also be illustrated.
Treatment of phenylketonuria-associated tremor with deep brain stimulation: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism that causes severe neurological impairment, despite dietary treatment. We present a case of PKU-induced cerebellar tremor treated with deep brain stimulation. There have been no previously reported cases of a patient with a PKU tremor treated with deep brain stimulation. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 36-year-old male patient with PKU presented with signs of cerebellar disease including dysmetria, resting tremor, and intention tremor in the left upper extremity. INTERVENTION: A deep brain stimulation electrode was placed in the ventral intermediate nucleus of the right thalamus. CONCLUSION: Immediately after surgery, the patient had nearly complete resolution of intention tremor in the left arm. His resting tremor in the left hand was also greatly improved. The 30-month follow-up examination revealed maintenance of the immediate postoperative improvement.
The T cell receptor.

The primary structure of T cell receptor proteins and genes is well understood. Immunologists are now trying to understand the properties of these interesting molecules. Evidence suggests that T cell alpha beta receptors recognize a complex of an antigen-derived peptide bound to one of the cell-surface products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. It is likely that alpha beta receptors and MHC proteins have coevolved to have some affinity for each other. During T cell development in the thymus, cells bearing self-reactive receptors are deleted by the mechanisms of tolerance, and cells are preferentially allowed to mature if they bear receptors that will be able to recognize antigen plus self-MHC after they have become full-fledged T cells. Some explanations for these phenomena have been tested, but no satisfactory theory can yet be proposed to account for them.
Simulations and measurements of in-mold melt flow during the injection molding of polystyrene

Simulations are often used to model polymer flow during injection molding to design molds and select processing parameters. It is difficult to determine the accuracy of these simulations due to a lack of experimentally measured in-mold velocimetry and melt-front progression data. This article compares the results from commercial mold-filling simulation software to experimental data obtained via particle image velocimetry (PIV) in a special optical-access mold with a rectangular cavity. Moldflow was used to simulate the mold filling by a polystyrene melt in the experimental configuration, and these simulated results are compared to the appropriately averaged time-varying velocity field measurements. Simulated results for melt-front progression are also compared with experimentally observed flow fronts. The ratio of the experimentally measured average velocity magnitudes to the simulation magnitudes was found on average to be 0.99 with a standard deviation of 0.25, and the difference in velocity orientations was found to be 0.9° with a standard deviation of 3.2°. The corner area opposite the gate was most problematic for the simulation. The region behind the front also had a relatively high simulation error, though not as severe as that in the corner. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Biological Outcome of CD40 Signaling Is Dependent on the Duration of CD40 Ligand Expression Reciprocal Regulation by Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-12

CD40 ligand (CD154) expression on activated T cells can be separated into an early TCR-dependent phase, which occurs between 0 and 24 h after activation, and a later extended phase, which occurs after 24 h and is reciprocally regulated by the cytokines IL-4 and IL-12. IL-4 represses, whereas IL-12 sustains CD154 expression. Consistent with this, Th1, but not Th2, cells express CD154 for extended periods. Differences in the duration of CD154 expression have important biological consequences because sustained, but not transient, expression of CD154 on activated T cells can prevent B cell terminal differentiation. Thus, the differential ability of Th cells to sustain CD154 expression is an important part of their helper function and should influence the activities of other CD40-expressing cell types.
Misunderstanding the Risk of Conception from Unprotected and Protected Sex

Abstract Background Recent research suggests that lack of knowledge about the risks of conception from engaging in unprotected and protected sex is associated with not using contraception. A deeper understanding of women's knowledge of the risk of conception and the factors associated with such knowledge is needed. Methods Women with no history of abortion (n = 1,472) at 13 family planning clinics were surveyed regarding their knowledge of the risk of conception from engaging in unprotected sex and while using condoms, oral contraceptive (OCs) pills, and intrauterine contraception (IUC). Findings Very few women (8%) accurately estimated the risk of conception from engaging in one act of unprotected sex. About one quarter (26%) of women correctly rated the effectiveness of condoms and over half correctly rated the effectiveness of OCs (61%) and IUCs (56%). Women who were African American or Latina, living in poverty, and had less than a college degree were more likely to overestimate the failure rate of condoms, OCS, and IUCs. Other factors associated with underestimating the effectiveness of these methods were being pregnant or seeking pregnancy and having recently engaged in unprotected sex. Women were significantly more likely to accurately assess the effectiveness of the method they planned to use. Conclusion These findings suggest that improving women's knowledge of the effectiveness of various methods may encourage more effective and consistent contraceptive use.
Exploratory simulation of collective innovative behavior in global participatory science communities

Better understanding of how and why networks of open innovation and global participatory science communities form and evolve, and how they can be governed or influenced toward sustainable innovation and productive states are critical questions. To this end, a simulation-based exploratory study is conducted to better understand the conditions that confer increased rates of innovation in such socio-technical systems. Three types of open science communities are identified and simulated using agent simulation as a method of inquiry. Simulation results show that centrality, as a measure of degree of connectedness, exhibits positive influence for innovation output in exploratory and service communities up to a point. Also, utility-oriented communities have social network structures with low density and high centrality, suggesting high potential for innovation.
Application of 3D Zernike descriptors to shape-based ligand similarity searching

The identification of promising drug leads from a large database of compounds is an important step in the preliminary stages of drug design. Although shape is known to play a key role in the molecular recognition process, its application to virtual screening poses significant hurdles both in terms of the encoding scheme and speed. In this study, we have examined the efficacy of the alignment independent three-dimensional Zernike descriptor (3DZD) for fast shape based similarity searching. Performance of this approach was compared with several other methods including the statistical moments based ultrafast shape recognition scheme (USR) and SIMCOMP, a graph matching algorithm that compares atom environments. Three benchmark datasets are used to thoroughly test the methods in terms of their ability for molecular classification, retrieval rate, and performance under the situation that simulates actual virtual screening tasks over a large pharmaceutical database. The 3DZD performed better than or comparable to the other methods examined, depending on the datasets and evaluation metrics used. Reasons for the success and the failure of the shape based methods for specific cases are investigated. Based on the results for the three datasets, general conclusions are drawn with regard to their efficiency and applicability. The 3DZD has unique ability for fast comparison of three-dimensional shape of compounds. Examples analyzed illustrate the advantages and the room for improvements for the 3DZD.
The Public Eye

Computer security shares the methods and goals of computer science as a whole but has a couple of features that set it apart.
Neuroprotective Effects of Leptin Against Ischemic Injury Induced by Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation and Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Background and Purpose— Leptin is the major adipose hormone that regulates body weight and energy expenditure by activating leptin receptors in the hypothalamus. Leptin receptors are also present in other cell types, and a potent antiapoptotic effect for leptin has recently been reported. We investigated whether leptin was neuroprotective against ischemic brain injury. Methods— In vitro ischemic injury was induced in rat primary neuronal culture by oxygen-glucose deprivation for 90 minutes. In vivo ischemic brain injury was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice for 60 minutes. Results— Leptin receptors were detected in cultured rat cortical neurons, as well as in the mouse cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. In vitro results showed that leptin, 50 to 100 μg/mL, protected primary cortical neurons against death induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo studies in the mouse brain demonstrated that the intraperitoneal administration of leptin, 2 to 8 mg/kg...
Social programming and policy-making: A realist perspective

Social programming is an evolved mechanism for addressing social needs (among other things). Evaluation focuses largely on social programs. We review selected aspects of the complex dynamic, political, and contextual factors that influence social programming, and from these we draw conclusions about the conduct of emergent realist evaluation.
Tidal heating in icy satellite oceans

Abstract Tidal heating plays a significant role in the evolution of many satellites in the outer Solar System; however, it is unclear whether tidal dissipation in a global liquid ocean can represent a significant additional heat source. Tyler (Tyler, R.H. [2008]. Nature 456, 770-772; Tyler, R.H. [2009]. Geophys. Res. Lett. 36, doi:10.1029/2009GL038300) suggested that obliquity tides could drive large-scale flow in the oceans of Europa and Enceladus, leading to significant heating. A critical unknown in this previous work is what the tidal quality factor, Q , of such an ocean should be. The corresponding tidal dissipation spans orders of magnitude depending on the value of Q assumed. To address this issue we adopt an approach employed in terrestrial ocean modeling, where a significant portion of tidal dissipation arises due to bottom drag, with the drag coefficient O (0.001) being relatively well-established. From numerical solutions to the shallow-water equations including nonlinear bottom drag, we obtain scalings for the equivalent value of Q as a function of this drag coefficient. In addition, we provide new scaling relations appropriate for the inclusion of ocean tidal heating in thermal–orbital evolution models. Our approach is appropriate for situations in which the ocean bottom topography is much smaller than the ocean thickness. Using these novel scalings, we calculate the ocean contribution to the overall thermal energy budgets for many of the outer Solar System satellites. Although uncertainties such as ocean thickness and satellite obliquity remain, we find that for most satellites it is unlikely that ocean tidal dissipation is important when compared to either radiogenic or solid-body tidal heating. Of known satellites, Triton is the most likely icy satellite to have ocean tidal heating play a role in its present day thermal budget and long-term thermal evolution.
Role of apical H-K exchange and basolateral K channel in the regulation of intracellular pH in rat distal colon crypt cells.

An apical membrane ouabain-sensitive H-K exchange and a barium-sensitive basolateral membrane potassium channel are present in colonic crypt cells and may play a role in both K absorption and intracellular pH (pHi) regulation. To examine the possible interrelationship between apical membrane H-K exchange and basolateral membrane K movement in rat distal colon in the regulation of pHi, experiments were designed to assess whether changes in extracellular potassium can alter pHi. pHi in isolated rat crypts was determined using microspectrofluorimetric measurements of the pH-sensitive dye BCECF-AM (2′,7′-bis(carboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxy-fluorescein acetoxy methylester). After loading with the dye, crypts were superfused with a Na-free solution which resulted in a rapid and reversible fall in pHi (7.36 ± 0.02 to 6.98 ± 0.03). Following an increase in extracellular [K] to 20 mm, in the continued absence of Na, there was a further decrease in pHi (0.20 ± 0.02, P < 0.01). K-induced acidification was blocked both by 2 mm bath barium, a K channel blocker, and by 0.5 mm lumen ouabain. K-induced acidification was also observed when intracellular acidification was induced by a NH4Cl prepulse. These observations suggest that increased basolateral K movement increases intracellular [K] resulting in a decrease in pHi that is mediated by a ouabain-sensitive apical membrane H,K-ATPase. Our results demonstrate an interrelationship between basolateral K movement and apical H-K exchange in the regulation of pHi and apical K entry in rat distal colon.
Child Maltreatment and the Adolescent Patient With Severe Obesity: Implications for Clinical Care

OBJECTIVE: To characterize prevalence and correlates of child maltreatment (CM) in a clinical sample of adolescents with severe obesity. METHOD: Multicenter baseline data from 139 adolescents undergoing weight loss surgery (Mage = 16.9; 79.9% female, 66.2% White; Mbody mass index [BMI] = 51.5 kg/m(2)) and 83 nonsurgical comparisons (Mage = 16.1; 81.9% female, 54.2% White; MBMI = 46.9 kg/m(2)) documented self-reported CM (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) and associations with psychopathology, quality of life, self-esteem and body image, high-risk behaviors, and family dysfunction. RESULTS: CM prevalence (females: 29%; males: 12%) was similar to national adolescent base rates. Emotional abuse was most prevalent. One in 10 females reported sexual abuse. For females, CM rates were higher in comparisons, yet correlates were similar for both cohorts: greater psychopathology, substance use, and family dysfunction, and lower quality of life. CONCLUSION: While a minority of adolescents with severe obesity reported a CM history, they carry greater psychosocial burden into the clinical setting. Language: en
Species delimitation and evolution in morphologically and chemically diverse communities of the lichen-forming genus Xanthoparmelia (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) in western North America

Premise of the study Accurate species delimitation is important for understanding the diversification of biota and has critical implications for ecological and conservation studies. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that morphology-based species circumspection in lichenized fungi misrepresents fungal diversity. The foliose lichen genus Xanthoparmelia includes over 800 species displaying a complex array of morphological and secondary metabolite diversity. Methods We used a multifaceted approach, applying phylogenetic, population genetic, and genealogical analyses to delimit species in a single well-supported monophyletic clade containing 10 morphologically and chemically diverse Xanthoparmelia species in western North America. Sequence data from four ribosomal and two low-copy, protein-coding markers, along with chemical and morphological data were used to assess species diversity. Key results We found that traditionally circumscribed species are not supported by molecular data. Rather, all sampled taxa were better represented by three polymorphic population clusters. Our results suggest that secondary metabolite variation may have limited utility in diagnosing lineages within this group, while identified populations clusters did not reflect major phylogeographic or ecological patterns. Conclusions In contrast to studies revealing previously undiscovered fungal lineages masked within lichen species circumscribed by traditional morphological and chemical concepts, the present study suggests that species diversity has been overestimated in the species-rich genus Xanthoparmelia.
Integrating environmental and spatial processes in ecological community dynamics

The processes controlling the abundances of species across multiple sites form the cornerstone of modern ecology. In these metacommunities, the relative importance of local environmental and regional spatial processes is currently hotly debated, especially in terms of the validity of neutral model. I collected 158 published data sets with information on community structure, environmental and spatial variables. I showed that approximately 50% of the variation in community composition is explained by both environmental and spatial variables. The majority of the data sets were structured by species-sorting dynamics (SS), followed by a combination of SS and mass-effect dynamics. While neutral processes were the only structuring process in 8% of the collected natural communities, disregarding neutral dispersal processes would result in missing important patterns in 37% of the studied communities. Moreover, metacommunity characteristics such as dispersal type, habitat type and spatial scale predicted part of the detected variation in metacommunity structure.
Epoxy‐water interactions

It has been shown that sorbed moisture plasticizes epoxy resins with a resultant depression in the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The nature of the epoxy-water interaction still requires further investigation. The equilibrium sorption and diffusion of water in a high Tg epoxy is examined. Other analytical techniques including differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance are applied to the system. Experimental results suggest that the sorbed water at low concentrations is strongly localized at specific segments or groups in the polymer. Discussion is given relative to the structure-properties of the epoxy and its possible correlation to the experimental data obtained.
On extracting consistent graphs in wireless sensor networks

Robustness and security of services like localisation, routing and time synchronisation in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been critical issues. Efficient mathematical (graph-theoretic) models for these services exist. Since, these services were not designed with robustness and security in mind, new mathematical models are needed to address these issues. In this paper, we propose a practical approach for modelling these services using weighted undirected graphs called Partially Consistent Grounded Graphs (PCGG). In such graphs, malicious behaviour or inaccurate information reporting is modelled as a function that assigns incorrect or inconsistent values (weights) to the edges connecting the corresponding nodes, called inconsistent edges. We formulate two optimisation problems, namely MAX-CON and LARGEST-CON. Given a PCGG, these are the problems of determining the largest induced subgraph (obtained by eliminating a subset of vertices) containing only consistent edges. MAX-CON maximises the number of vertices, while LARGEST-CON maximises the number of consistent edges of the resulting subgraph. We also discuss the practical implications of solving these problems, analyse their computational hardness and provide a comparitive analysis of heuristics-based algorithms for them.
Promoting Cost Transparency to Reduce Financial Harm to Patients.

The escalating costs of health care call for the promotion of cost transparency and physician training on how to discuss medical costs with patients.
Immunotherapy in endometrial cancer - an evolving therapeutic paradigm

Endometrial cancer is the only gynecologic malignancy with a rising incidence and mortality. While cure is routinely achieved with surgery alone or in combination with adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy when disease is confined to the uterus, patients with metastatic or recurrent disease exhibit limited response rates to cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted agents, or hormonal therapy. Given the unmet clinical need in this patient population, exploration of novel therapeutic approaches is warranted, and attention is turning to immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment. Existing evidence suggests that endometrial cancer is sufficiently immunogenic to be a reasonable candidate for active and/or passive immunotherapy. In this review, we critically examine what is known about the microenvironment in endometrial cancer and what has been learned from preliminary immunotherapy trials that enrolled endometrial cancer patients, encouraging further attempts at immunomodulation in the treatment of aggressive forms of this disease.
Offer, Acceptance, and Improper Considerations: A Common-Law Model for the Prohibition of Racial Discrimination in the Contracting Process

The goal of this Article is to demonstrate that contract law's prohibition of racial discrimination in the formation, performance, enforcement, or termination of a contract would be perfectly consistent with its natural, orderly evolution in this century. Part I briefly examines the strong consensus against racial discrimination that has emerged in this society and the federal statutes that reflect this consensus, closing with an examination of the harms caused by racial discrimination in the contracting process. Part II examines the common law of contracts as an institution and studies its evolution. In the process, it demonstrates that in a variety of contexts modern contract law imposes community standards of decency and fairness on contracting parties. Part III explores the mechanics by which the common law of contracts can prohibit racial discrimination in the contracting process. Part III ends with a study of the damages that would be recoverable in contract for racial discrimination. Part IV, explains why state common law should prohibit racial discrimination even though there are already federal (and, in some cases, state) statutes that do so. The discussion emphasizes the importance of the common law of contracts in its role as a separate, independent institution that communicates a great deal about values important to this society. The Article concludes with a proposal to include a new section that prohibits racial discrimination in entering into, performing, enforcing, or terminating a contract in the next Restatement of Contracts.
Hormonal Influences on Chemically-Induced Tumors of the Reproductive System.

SummaryAn attempt was made to influence the development of methylcholanthrene-induced tumors of the reproductive system by means of gonadal and gonadotropic hormones. The results follow: 1. The gonads themselves were found to be highly resistant to the carcinogenic action of methylcholanthrene. 2. Administration of stilbestrol increased the incidence of uterine tumors. 3. The effect of testosterone upon tumors of the male adnexae was contradictory.