cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skin biopsy: Identifying and overcoming errors in the skin biopsy pathway

The skin biopsy pathway involves numerous communication requirements, technical events, human handoffs, and cognitive decisions. Every step in the process has an error rate >0. To deliver the highest quality care, dermatologists obtaining skin biopsy specimens should implement systems in their office to minimize errors. This includes the prevention of wrong-site surgery, which in most instances involves accurate communication of the correct biopsy location to the performing surgeon. Part II of this continuing medical education article presents techniques for assessing and planning improvement to the skin biopsy pathway in your office, and provides a simple online quality improvement activity that allows Board-certified dermatologists the opportunity to potentially improve aspects of the skin biopsy process in their own practices, and in the process obtain Maintenance of Certification credit.
The Aspect Marker -Le in Early Child Mandarin

Cross-linguistically, researchers have found a distributional bias of tense/aspect markers in child languages, namely, children initially use past or perfective morphology with telic predicates and use present or progressive morphology with atelic predicates. One attempt to explain this phenomenon is the Prototype Account, which argues that children acquire a linguistic category starting with the prototype of the category and later extend its application to less prototypical cases (Shirai & Andersen 1995). Based on the English data, they argue that children do not distinguish between past/perfective and telicity, which is the prototype for category past and category perfective. This study presents evidence from Mandarin data of two young children, which supports the distributional bias found in the older children in Li (1990), but opposes the Prototype Account given the fact that Mandarin-speaking children do not have a macro-category of past/perfective/telic marked by the perfective -le. The finding argues for (i) a separation between past and perfective/telic and a separation between perfective and telic in child Mandarin, (ii) the necessity to distinguish perfective -le from sentence final le, (iii) the legitimacy to treat Mandarin adjectives as stative verbs, and (iv) the importance to examine verbs appearing in their basic forms without aspect markers.
Alleged “Reflex” Occular Immunity.

Following repeated injection of B. typhosus vaccine into an anterior chamber of the rabbit eye, Shamburow1 found the specific B. typhosus agglutinin titer of the aqueous humor of that eye increased to as much as 8 times the synchronous agglutinin titer of the blood stream. The non-vaccinated eye often showed 2 to 3 times the synchronous serum titer. He believes his data prove: (1) a local synthesis of specific agglutinin in the vaccinated eye, and (2) a neurological reflex, causing a similar local antibody synthesis in the non-vaccinated eye.In our attempts to confirm his data, 8 half-grown rabbits were repeatedly injected in one anterior chamber with heat-killed or living B. typhosus, doses and time intervals being the same as that used by the Russian investigator. Forty-eight parallel titrations of the resulting antiserums and immune aqueous humors are summarized in Table I, each recorded titer being the mathematical average of the readings from 8 rabbits.In no individual rabbit of our series did the ag...
Using community-based participatory research to identify health issues for Cambodian American youth

Lack of data disaggregated by ethnic group and the widespread perception of Asian Americans as "model minorities" often masks the health needs of specific groups within the Asian American population. Limited research focuses on health and psychological well-being among Cambodian American youth despite risk of negative educational and behavioral outcomes as well as high levels of trauma and psychiatric symptoms among first-generation Cambodian refugee adults. This article describes the development of a health survey with Cambodian American youth using community-based participatory research (and illustrates how youth can actively engage in research to inform change in health-related programs and policies.
Prevalence of the Diagnoses of Alzheimer's Dementia, Non-Alzheimer's Dementia and Vascular Dementia Among Hospitalized Stroke Patients: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis, 1999-2012 (P1.125)

Objective: To evaluate prevalence of dementia (Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), Vascular (VaD) and Non-Alzheimer’s dementia (NAD)) among the stroke population. Background: It is estimated that stroke incidence has declined by as much as 20[percnt] over the last two decades in US. We assessed trends in the proportion of dementia patients among patients with stroke in the United States. Methods: Data were derived from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample. All patients admitted to hospitals between 1999 and 2012 with a primary diagnosis of stroke (identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes) were included. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify the relationship between AD, VaD and NAD and stroke by race. Results: We identified 2,930,610 patients admitted with the primary diagnosis of stroke. Prevalence of AD, VaD within this population 68. 2[percnt], 58 [percnt], and 53 [percnt] were women in the AD, Vascular dementia, and NAD populations respectively. In the AD group Caucasians constituted 75.9[percnt], 12.9 [percnt] were African American, 6.9 [percnt] Hispanic, and 4.2 [percnt] other. In the VaD group 72.6 [percnt] were Caucasian, 17.8 [percnt] were African American, 5.2[percnt] Hispanic, and 4.2 [percnt] were other. In the NAD population 74.4 [percnt] were Caucasian, 13.7[percnt] were African American, 6.5 [percnt] Hispanic, and 5.2 [percnt] were other. Prevalence of HTN in the AD, VaD, and NaD were 0.07[percnt], 0.07[percnt], and 0.13[percnt], respectively. Diabetes was present in 22.5[percnt], 30.4[percnt], and 30.3[percnt] of AD, VaD, and NaD, respectively. African American has lower odds of NAD compared to Whites (OR 0.640, CI 0.575-0.725). Over the years, the risk increased for AD compared to VAD (OR 1.053, CI 1.02-1.087), while NAD did not change. Conclusions: The odds for AD increased over the years for stroke patients, compared to VaD. Disclosure: Dr. Sherzai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sherzai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pilot has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ovbiagele has nothing to disclose.
Outlet of the Tourism Cities Under the Haze Weather——Take Zhaoqing city for Example

As the successive haze weather, China excellent tourist city-Zhaoqing city is not immune. Due to the air pollution of haze, Zhaoqing tourism industry is influenced a certain degree. From the points of view of the economic development, it analyzes the cause of the haze. The measure of "green GDP" achievements can restrain the behavior of local officials who one-sided pursuit of local economic development, which effectively protect the local tourism industry. At last, it puts forward the tourism industry is the first step of economic development.
Statistical Relational Learning for Handwriting Recognition

We introduce a novel application of handwriting recognition for Statistical Relational Learning. The proposed framework captures the intrinsic structure of handwriting by modeling fundamental character shape representations and their relationships using first-order logic. Our framework consists of three stages, 1 character extraction 2 feature generation and 3 class label prediction. In the character extraction stage, handwriting trajectory data is decoded into characters. Following this, character features predicates are defined across multiple levels - global, local and aggregated. Finally, a relational One-vs-All classifier is learned using relational functional gradient boosting RFGB. We evaluate our approach on two datasets and demonstrate comparable accuracy to a well-established, meticulously engineered approach in the handwriting recognition paradigm.
Discovery, Optimization, and Characterization of Novel D2 Dopamine Receptor Selective Antagonists

The D2 dopamine receptor (D2 DAR) is one of the most validated drug targets for neuropsychiatric and endocrine disorders. However, clinically approved drugs targeting D2 DAR display poor selectivity between the D2 and other receptors, especially the D3 DAR. This lack of selectivity may lead to undesirable side effects. Here we describe the chemical and pharmacological characterization of a novel D2 DAR antagonist series with excellent D2 versus D1, D3, D4, and D5 receptor selectivity. The final probe 65 was obtained through a quantitative high-throughput screening campaign, followed by medicinal chemistry optimization, to yield a selective molecule with good in vitro physical properties, metabolic stability, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. The optimized molecule may be a useful in vivo probe for studying D2 DAR signal modulation and could also serve as a lead compound for the development of D2 DAR-selective druglike molecules for the treatment of multiple neuropsychiatric and endocrine disorders.
Aperiodic dynamics and the self-organization of cognitive maps in autonomous agents: Research Articles

When we look at the dynamics produced by biological neuronal populations, we are immediately struck by the fact that aperiodic, chaotic-like dynamics appear to be the normal operating state of such systems. Recent work has shown that such aperiodic dynamics, at least in perceptual systems, may not only be the result of random perturbations experienced by the system from external stimulation, but that the brain itself generates aperiodic dynamics to deal more flexibly and reliably with noisy environmental stimulation. Complex systems concepts are helping us to understand the properties of nonlinear systems that are fundamental for the emergence of complex spatiotemporal patterns in natural and biological systems. Advances in neuroscience and computational neurodynamics are applying these concepts of self-organization to understanding the spatiotemporal patterns observed in biological brains. In this article, we introduce a neural population model that is capable of replicating the generation of these types of aperiodic dynamics observed in biological brains. We use the model to self-organize cognitive maps in an autonomous agent through the agent's interaction with its environment. We show how such high-dimensional spatiotemporal dynamics may be shaped by environmental input and learning to form chaotic attractors that come to represent “meanings” for the agent. We discuss how the internal generation of such aperiodic dynamics may aid in the formation and recognition of such noisy environmental stimuli in biological organisms in general and in our simulated agents specifically. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Int Syst 21: 955–971, 2006.
Neuropeptide-Induced Mast Cell Degranulation and Characterization of Signaling Modulation in Response to IgE Conditioning.

As tissue-resident immune cells, mast cells are frequently found in close proximity to afferent neurons and are subjected to immunoactive mediators secreted by these neurons, including substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Neurogenic inflammation is thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Unraveling the cellular mechanisms at the interface between the immune response and the peripheral nervous system is important for understanding how these diseases arise and progress. In this work, mast cell degranulation following direct exposure to CGRP and SP was studied both at the bulk and single-cell levels to characterize the mouse peritoneal mast cell response to neuropeptides and compare this response to well-studied mast cell activation pathways. Results show that mast cells secrete fewer chemical messenger-filled granules with increased IgE preincubation concentrations. The biophysical characteristics of mast cell degranulation in response to SP and CGR...
In Vivo T Cell Depletion with Thymoglobulin or Alemtuzumab Is Associated with Worse Outcome Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Transplanted in Remission

In vivo T Cell Depletion with Thymoglobulin or Alemtuzumab Is Associated With Worse Outcome Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Transplanted in Remission. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) reduces relapse risk in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) due in large part to the potent graft-versus-leukemia effect of donor lymphocytes. However, this benefit must be balanced by the increased morbidity and mortality associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Serotherapy, in the form of thymoglobulin or alemtuzumab, has been used for in vivo T cell depletion as a strategy to reduce GVHD. We analyzed 144 consecutive AML patients transplanted in remission (CR1 - 111, CR≥2 - 33) from either a matched related (MRD, n=44), unrelated (MUD, n=62), or haploidentical (haplo, n=38) marrow of PBSC donor, in order to analyze the effect of serotherapy, in relation to other disease-, patient- and transplant-related risk factors, on post-transplant outcomes. Patients were transplanted at a single institution between 3/15/06 to 12/19/14. Baseline characteristics of the patient cohort included age >50 in 88 (61%), KPS Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Georgia Peach: Culture, Agriculture, and Environment in the American South

Imprinted on license plates, plastered on billboards, stamped on the tail side of the state quarter, and inscribed on the state map, the peach is easily Georgia's most visible symbol. Yet Prunus persica itself is surprisingly rare in Georgia, and it has never been central to the southern agricultural economy. Why, then, have southerners - and Georgians in particular - clung to the fruit? The Georgia Peach: Culture, Agriculture, and Environment in the American South shows that the peach emerged as a viable commodity at a moment when the South was desperate for a reputation makeover. This agricultural success made the fruit an enduring cultural icon despite the increasing difficulties of growing it. A delectable contribution to the renaissance in food writing, The Georgia Peach will be of great interest to connoisseurs of food, southern, environmental, rural, and agricultural history.
Recruitment of Community College Students Into a Web-Assisted Tobacco Intervention Study.

Background: United States college students, particularly those attending community colleges, have higher smoking rates than the national average. Recruitment of such smokers into research studies has not been studied in depth, despite a moderate amount information on study recruitment success with smokers from traditional four-year colleges. Recruitment channels and success are evolving as technology evolves, so it is important to understand how to best target, implement, and evaluate recruitment strategies. Objective: The aim of this paper is to both qualitatively and quantitatively explore recruitment channels (eg, mass email, in-person referral, posted materials) and their success with enrollment into a Web-Assisted Tobacco Intervention study in this priority population of underserved and understudied smokers. Methods: Qualitative research methods included key informant interviews (n=18) and four focus groups (n=37). Quantitative research methods included observed online responsiveness to any channel (n=10,914), responses from those completing online screening and study consent (n=2696), and responses to a baseline questionnaire from the fully enrolled study participants (n=1452). Results: Qualitative results prior to recruitment provided insights regarding the selection of a variety of recruitment channels proposed to be successful, and provided context for the unique attributes of the study sample. Quantitative analysis of self-reported channels used to engage with students, and to enroll participants into the study, revealed the relative utilization of channels at several recruitment points. The use of mass emails to the student body was reported by the final sample as the most influential channel, accounting for 60.54% (879/1452) of the total enrolled sample. Conclusions: Relative channel efficiency was analyzed across a wide variety of channels. One primary channel (mass emails) and a small number of secondary channels (including college websites and learning management systems) accounted for most of the recruitment success. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01692730; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01692730 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qEcFQN9Q) [JMIR Res Protoc 2017;6(5):e79]
The Critical Roles of Health Professionals in Climate Change Prevention and Preparedness.

Climate change is a burgeoning public health concern, with implications for chronic health conditions; nutrition and food security; food-, water-, and vector-borne diseases; and social disruption, injuries, displacement, and death associated with extreme weather.1 Climate change is contributing to health disparities in the United States by having a disproportionate impact on low-income individuals, some communities of color, and those with higher vulnerability to chronic health conditions.1 Moreover, these vulnerabilities can co-occur. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 26, 2017: e1–e2. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.304044)
Protein kinase C α enhances migration of breast cancer cells through FOXC2-mediated repression of p120-catenin

Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, metastasis remains the main cause of death. Since migration of tumor cells is considered a prerequisite for tumor cell invasion and metastasis, a pressing goal in tumor biology has been to elucidate factors regulating their migratory activity. Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) is a serine-threonine protein kinase implicated in cancer metastasis and associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. In this study, we set out to define the signaling axis mediated by PKCα to promote breast cancer cell migration. Oncomine™ overexpression analysis was used to probe for PRKCA (PKCα) and FOXC2 expression in mRNA datasets. The heat map of PRKCA, FOXC2, and CTNND1 were obtained from the UC Santa Cruz platform. Survival data were obtained by PROGgene and available at http://www.compbio.iupui.edu/proggene . Markers for EMT and adherens junction were assessed by Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Effects of PKCα and FOXC2 on migration and invasion were assessed in vitro by transwell migration and invasion assays respectively. Cellular localization of E-cadherin and p120-catenin was determined by immunofluorescent staining. Promoter activity of p120-catenin was determined by dual luciferase assay using a previously validated p120-catenin reporter construct. Interaction between FOXC2 and p120-catenin promoter was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. We determined that PKCα expression is necessary to maintain the migratory and invasive phenotype of both endocrine resistant and triple negative breast cancer cell lines. FOXC2 acts as a transcriptional repressor downstream of PKCα, and represses p120-catenin expression. Consequently, loss of p120-catenin leads to destabilization of E-cadherin at the adherens junction. Inhibition of either PKCα or FOXC2 is sufficient to rescue p120-catenin expression and trigger relocalization of p120-catenin and E-cadherin to the cell membrane, resulting in reduced tumor cell migration and invasion. Taken together, these results suggest that breast cancer metastasis may partially be controlled through PKCα/FOXC2-dependent repression of p120-catenin and highlight the potential for PKCα signal transduction networks to be targeted for the treatment of endocrine resistant and triple negative breast cancer.
LAST VEIN LEFT: DUAL CHAMBER PACEMAKER INSERTION VIA LEFT SUPERIOR VENA CAVA FOR LIMITED VENOUS ACCESS

Persistence of left superior vena cava (LSVC) is present in 0.3% of the general population but increased in congenital heart disease, ranging from 3-4%. Often incidentally discovered, this anatomic variant may provide access for dual chamber pacing when vascular access is limited. A 33-year old
Single-loop control of buck power-pulsation buffer for AC-DC converter system

Power converters interfacing single-phase ac and dc power sources and loads typically require an energy storage device to handle the double-line frequency power ripple. Among the active power storage solutions, called power-pulsation buffers (PPBs), the bidirectional buck topology is popular for its low component count and voltage stress, as well as good performance. However, existing control methods of the buck PPB are rather complex and typically employ at least two feedback loops. This paper presents a simplified, single-loop control of the buck PPB. To achieve the dc-bus-voltage-ripple magnitude below 3 % of the average bus voltage, the voltage feedback loop action was supplemented with current feedforward control. The performance of the proposed control was evaluated on a 1-kW PPB experimental prototype.
Learning compassion through practices of encounter in l'Arche

This article is concerned with the role of encounter in the development of identities of compassion in the communities of l'Arche. The relational practices of compassionate care and the welcoming o...
Sora ( Porzana carolina ) Parasitism of Red-winged Blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) Nests

Sora ( Porzana carolina ) is a conspecific brood parasite that also occasionally parasitizes nests of other species. Sora parasitism in nests of passerines is rare. Of 129 Red-winged Blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) nests found in North Dakota in 2009 and 2010, two (1.6%) were parasitized by Soras. The conditions favouring this rare parasitic behaviour may include competition for nest sites and high Sora density.
Establishing the genuinity of remote computer systems

A fundamental problem in distributed computing environments involves determining whether a remote computer system can be trusted to autonomously access secure resources via a network. In this paper, we describe a means by which a remote computer system can be challenged to demonstrate that it is genuine and trustworthy. Upon passing a test, it can be granted access to distributed resources and can serve as a general-purpose host for distributed computation so long as it remains in contact with some certifying authority. The test we describe is applicable to consumer-grade computer systems with a conventional network interface and requires no additional hardware. The results of the test can be conveyed over an unsecured network; no trusted human intermediary is needed to relay the results. We examine potential attacks and weaknesses of the system and show how they can be avoided. Finally, we describe an implementation of a genuinity test for a representative set of computer systems.
KEY DIRECTIONS FOR RESEARCH

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the need for a more rigorous general conceptual framework and its further development for a multi-nation system with explicit military sectors and functions, in line with Hirshleifer's contention that most national economies are geared simultaneously to war and peace. One direction would involve further development of the interconnection of the micro and macro aspects of an economy and set of economies. Others would involve the incorporation of disequilibrium aspects into some, if not many, of the diverse economic processes covered, some recognition of forms of irrational/rational behavior and strategy, a more satisfactory consideration of the play of expectations (rational or not) and uncertainty, and the encompassing of political economy factors. These frameworks should be extended to permit more effective study of how different technologies, military and other, and institutions can promote cooperation and restrict conflict and how models of potential high level violence (wars) can be extended to cover situations of low level conflict.
Data Hiding in Digital Images

Steganography is the art of hiding a piece of data within a transferred message. The secret data must be concealed in a way such that anyone observing the message should not notice any artifacts of its concealment. In our case, the message is an image file and the secret piece of data is any file we wish to hide.
When a Correction Contradicts: Countermessages May Increase Adolescents’ Ambivalence in Response to Drinking-Related Narratives

Entertainment narratives targeting youth frequently include favorable portrayals of risky behaviors, such as drinking alcohol. Countermessages (e.g., epilogues and public service announcements) may...
Return of an Intact Hook Test Result: Clinical Assessment of Biceps Tendon Integrity After Surgical Repair:

Background:The hook test is a sensitive and specific tool that has been previously described for diagnosing distal biceps tendon ruptures in an efficient, cost-effective manner. However, its applic...
Inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor for rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract Clinical trials of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have produced consistently outstanding results with no major side effects in patients refractory to other available treatments. The improvement, determined using either the Paulus or the American College of Rheumatology evaluation criteria, is rapid and has persisted over the 2 years of followup data currently available. Trials of 2 drugs are reviewed--infliximab, currently approved for treatment of Crohn's disease, and etanercept, recently approved for RA therapy.
Rethinking the Role of Languages in the US: Toward a More Diverse Cultural Identity

This article examines the English-only post-colonial narrative that has driven the development of US cultural memory and cultural identity does not sufficiently allow for the presence of other languages and cultures that form part of our diverse cultural identity -- past, present, and future. It finds that the current US foreign language deficit, including both lack of necessary foreign language skills among Americans and lack of motivation among Americans -- believing that English is the global lingua franca -- to learn other languages, impacts national and economic security as well as our communities and our society. The author concludes that the resurgence of Spanish, French, and other languages as our languages, rather than foreign languages, empowers us all. Access to foreign language learning from the earliest grade levels for all interested students will not only impact our economic and national security, but will create a new, and more diverse and sustainable "English plus" American identity for generations to come.
Examining water conservation behaviors and attitudes: evidence from the city of Ada, Oklahoma, USA

The study reported here provides the most current empirical data on household water conservation strategies and behaviors in the city of Ada, Oklahoma. Survey data was collected in the summer of 2017. The results indicate that households in Ada employ several strategies to conserve water including checking and repairing water leakages around the house (90%), washing dishes by hand (83%), lowering the water level on washing machines and using the dishwasher with full loads (72%). Additionally, the following factors are identified as having the greatest influence on a household water conservation drive; drought (92%), pollution of fresh water, and substantial increases in water bills (91%). In contrast to previous works, it is notable that our findings on pollution of freshwater sources as a water conservation motive are unique to this study. Regarding efficacy, the results indicate that households in Ada are aware of the need to conserve water and generally have a positive attitude towards water conservation (90%). These findings are remarkable for several reasons. Most importantly, they provide recent data on a collection of conservation strategies employed by household in a rural American town. We conclude the study by suggesting policy options that should be considered by policymakers when developing strategies to incentivize effective water conservation practices. These include; encouraging water efficiencies regarding the use of household appliances, the use of pricing, and the application of restrictive local ordinances.
Addressing the Medical and Support Service Needs of People Living with HIV (PLWH) through Program Collaboration and Service Integration (PCSI).

Background: Approximately 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV, and about 50,000 new infections occur each year. People living with HIV (PLWH) have numerous medical and psychosocial needs that impact HIV disease progression and challenge treatment outcomes. Purpose: Using CDC’s Program Collaboration and Service Integration (PCSI) framework, we examined strategies, challenges, and lessons learned from a local health department’s efforts to institute PCSI to address the diverse needs of their patients with HIV. Methods: We captured case study data through: 1) semi-structured interviews with key program administrators, 2) analysis of program documents, and 3) site observations and review of clinic procedures. Results: Findings highlight the importance of co-locating services, partnering to leverage resources, and conducting cross-training of staff. Providing co-located services reduced wait times and enhanced coordination of care. Partnering to leverage resources increased patient referrals and enhanced access to comprehensive services. Staff cross-training resulted in more coordinated care and efficient service delivery. Conclusion: The results show that PCSI is essential for optimal care for PLWH. Incorporating PCSI was a vital component of the health department’s comprehensive approach to addressing the multiple medical and support service needs of its HIV-infected clients.
The value of reusable feminine hygiene products evaluated by comparative environmental life cycle assessment

Abstract New options for feminine hygiene products could greatly reduce solid waste impacts and have other environmental benefits. As a group of widely used but rarely examined consumer products, feminine hygiene products offer great potential for impact reduction if alternative products are used or conventional products improved. Through a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of three menstrual products: disposable tampons and sanitary pads, and reusable menstrual cups, this study details the mid-point impacts of each product. Data from the Ecoinvent database and literature were used to complete the assessment. Disposable tampons and sanitary pads had far greater impacts across each category than the re-useable menstrual cup. Between the two disposable options, sanitary pads were the most impactful product, though the quantitative differences between the two disposable products is within uncertainty associated with variable use habits among women. The use of wood pulp as a component of the absorbent material in sanitary pads has substantial benefit for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, that benefit is coupled with increased toxicity, mostly due to the potential for dioxin generation during bleaching. For tampons, removing the applicator from the product substantially reduced several of the impacts and generally made them a better choice than a sanitary pad. The impacts of the reusable menstrual cup used for one year were less than 1.5% the environmental impacts of the disposable products and approximately only 10% of the cost. Thereby clearly demonstrating the overall value of the reusable option in a class of highly used and important consumer products.
Human gene and disease associations for clinical-genomics and precision medicine research

We are entering the era of personalized medicine in which an individual's genetic makeup will eventually determine how a doctor can tailor his or her therapy. Therefore, it is becoming critical to understand the genetic basis of common diseases, for example, which genes predispose and rare genetic variants contribute to diseases, and so on. Our study focuses on helping researchers, medical practitioners, and pharmacists in having a broad view of genetic variants that may be implicated in the likelihood of developing certain diseases. Our focus here is to create a comprehensive database with mobile access to all available, authentic and actionable genes, SNPs, and classified diseases and drugs collected from different clinical and genomics databases worldwide, including Ensembl, GenCode, ClinVar, GeneCards, DISEASES, HGMD, OMIM, GTR, CNVD, Novoseek, Swiss-Prot, LncRNADisease, Orphanet, GWAS Catalog, SwissVar, COSMIC, WHO, and FDA. We present a new cutting-edge gene-SNP-disease-drug mobile database with a smart phone application, integrating information about classified diseases and related genes, germline and somatic mutations, and drugs. Its database includes over 59 000 protein-coding and noncoding genes; over 67 000 germline SNPs and over a million somatic mutations reported for over 19 000 protein-coding genes located in over 1000 regions, published with over 3000 articles in over 415 journals available at the PUBMED; over 80 000 ICDs; over 123 000 NDCs; and over 100 000 classified gene-SNP-disease associations. We present an application that can provide new insights into the information about genetic basis of human complex diseases and contribute to assimilating genomic with phenotypic data for the availability of gene-based designer drugs, precise targeting of molecular fingerprints for tumor, appropriate drug therapy, predicting individual susceptibility to disease, diagnosis, and treatment of rare illnesses are all a few of the many transformations expected in the decade to come.
Fertility potential in adult men treated for uncorrected bilateral cryptorchidism: A systematic literature review and analysis of case reports

Objective Reports of adult orchidopexy for bilateral undescended testicles (bUDT) are sparse, and fertility outcomes are not well established. Our aim was to determine prognosis for restoration of spermatogenesis among adult men (≥18 years) undergoing orchidopexy for bUDT. Methods A systematic literature review, conforming to the PRISMA statement, was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through March 2020 using search terms "adult" AND "bilateral orchidopexy" OR "bilateral cryptorchidism." Relevant referenced articles from non-indexed journal were identified by Google Scholar search and additionally included. Results Fifty-seven publications including adult men with uncorrected bilateral UDTs were identified. Baseline semen analysis was reported in 157 men, all of whom demonstrated azoospermia. Testosterone values were reported in 82 cases and were normal in 89%. Germ cells could not be identified in 72.6% of histologic specimens from 62 testicles. Abdominal testicles more frequently lacked germ cells (90%, p = 0.038) on univariate analysis. Eleven cases identified ejaculated spermatozoa following adult bilateral orchidopexy (8 publications). Sperm extraction (TESE) during orchidopexy or orchiectomy was reported in 13 men without success. Delayed TESE (median 10 months) was performed in 22 persistently azoospermic men with success in 10 (45.5%), none of whom had abdominal testicles prior to orchidopexy. Six men experienced successful paternity via natural conception (3) or assisted reproduction (3). Conclusion Fertility is possible in adult men with inguinal bUDT following orchidopexy. Subsequent sperm retrieval may involve ejaculated specimens or delayed TESE. TESE performed prior to or at time of orchidopexy is unlikely to be of benefit.
UNDERSTANDING THE LONG-RUN DECLINE IN INTERSTATE MIGRATION: DECLINE IN INTERSTATE MIGRATION

We analyze the secular decline in interstate migration in the United States between 1991 and 2011. Gross flows of people across states are about 10 times larger than net flows, yet have declined by around 50 percent over the past 20 years. We argue that the fall in migration is due to a decline in the geographic specificity of returns to occupations, together with an increase in workers' ability to learn about other locations before moving there, through information technology and inexpensive travel. These explanations find support in micro data on the distribution of earnings and occupations across space and on rates of repeat migration. Other explanations, including compositional changes, regional changes, and the rise in real incomes, do not fit the data. We develop a model to formalize the geographic-specificity and information mechanisms and show that a calibrated version is consistent with cross-sectional and time-series patterns of migration, occupations, and incomes. Our mechanisms can explain at least one-third and possibly all of the decline in gross migration since 1991.Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Having more virtual interaction partners during COVID-19 physical distancing measures may benefit mental health.

Social interactions play an extremely important role in maintaining health and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated physical distancing measures, however, restricted the number of people one could physically interact with on a regular basis. A large percentage of social interactions moved online, resulting in reports of "Zoom fatigue," or exhaustion from virtual interactions. These reports focused on how online communication differs from in-person communication, but it is possible that when in-person interactions are restricted, virtual interactions may benefit mental health overall. In a survey conducted near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (N2020 = 230), we found that having a greater number of virtual interaction partners was associated with better mental health. This relationship was statistically mediated by decreased loneliness and increased perceptions of social support. We replicated these findings during the pandemic 1 year later (N2021 = 256) and found that these effects held even after controlling for the amount of time people spent interacting online. Convergent with previous literature on social interactions, these findings suggest that virtual interactions may benefit overall mental health, particularly during physical distancing and other circumstances where opportunities to interact in-person with different people are limited.Open Science Framework repository: https://osf.io/6jsr2/ .
The Utility of Chest Imaging for Surveillance of Atypical Lipomatous Tumors

Background Unlike other soft tissue sarcomas, atypical lipomatous tumors (ALTs) are thought to have a low propensity for metastasis. Despite this, a standard of care for pulmonary metastasis (PM) surveillance has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of chest imaging for PM surveillance following ALT excision. Methods This was a multi-institution, retrospective review of all patients with primary ALTs of the extremities or superficial torso who underwent excision between 2006 and 2018. Minimum follow-up was two years. Long-term survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results 190 patients with ALT were included. Average age was 61.7 years and average follow-up was 58.6 months (24 to 180 months). MDM2 testing was positive in 88 patients (46.3%), and 102 (53.7%) did not receive MDM2 testing. 188 patients (98.9%) had marginal excision, and 127 (66.8%) had marginal or positive margins. Patients received an average of 0.9 CT scans and 1.3 chest radiographs over the surveillance period. 10-year metastasis-free survival was 100%, with no documented deaths from disease. Conclusions This study suggests that chest imaging does not have a significant role in PM surveillance following ALT excision, but advanced local imaging and chest surveillance may be considered in cases of local recurrence or concern for dedifferentiation.
Laugh, but Don’t Seek: A Reassessment of the Gateway Hypothesis

In this article we revisit the gateway hypothesis, which argues that political satire programs open the door to people using more hard news content. Using over-time survey data, we examine whether use of satire leads people to use more cable news. Although our cross-sectional analyses replicate previous results attempting to assess the gateway hypothesis, our over-time data suggest that satire does not lead to increased use of news programming on cable outlets. However, we did find support for the gateway hypothesis when looking at a mediation model where political attitudes serve as the intervening variable between satire use and cable news use.
Consumer Perceptions of Developing Countries

This study investigates whether the willingness to buy apparel from developing foreign countries is influenced by their economic development, culture realm, and political system as suggested by previous research. The results indicate that this is not the case and a substantive evaluation of willingness to buy is undertaken for the country clusters identified.
Application of the cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) for gynecological laparoscopic surgery using the rabbit as an animal model.

Objective To study the potential application of the cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) in gynecological laparoscopic surgery using a rabbit animal model. Design Twenty-six rabbits were prospectively randomized into two groups. Laparoscopically directed standard injuries were made on the randomly assigned horn and sidewall in all animals with the CUSA. Contralateral injuries were made with a contact neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in group 1 and with bipolar cautery in group 2. Adhesion and inflammation scores were assessed for two animals in each group at 24, 48, and 72hours, and seven animals in each group at 14days. Setting University animal research facility. Main Outcome Measures Adhesion and inflammation scores were compared between animals in the CUSA versus Nd:YAG study and the CUSA versus bipolar cautery at 14days. Results No significant difference in uterine or sidewall adhesion scores was noted between the CUSA versus Nd:YAG or the CUSA versus bipolar cautery. Bipolar cautery produced significantly less inflammation on the uterine horn compared with the CUSA (3.0±0.2 versus 5.3±0.7, P =0.0001), but no difference in sidewall inflammation was noted between the CUSA compared with bipolar cautery. No difference in inflammation was observed between the CUSA and the Nd:YAG laser. Conclusions The bipolar cautery appears to be preferable to the CUSA for coagulation of uterine lesions, although dissection of the uterus is not possible with bipolar cautery. The CUSA and the Nd:YAG appear to be comparable for uterine horn dissection. Because the CUSA causes similar adhesion formation and tissue inflammation at the sidewall when compared with the Nd:YAG laser and bipolar cautery and may be less likely to damage blood vessels, ureters, or other collagen-rich tissues, the CUSA may represent a promising new surgical tool for laparoscopically directed peritoneal dissection.
Database scalability, elasticity, and autonomy in the cloud

Cloud computing has emerged as an extremely successful paradigm for deploying web applications. Scalability, elasticity, pay-per-use pricing, and economies of scale from large scale operations are the major reasons for the successful and widespread adoption of cloud infrastructures. Since a majority of cloud applications are data driven, database management systems (DBMSs) powering these applications form a critical component in the cloud software stack. In this article, we present an overview of our work on instilling these above mentioned "cloud features" in a database system designed to support a variety of applications deployed in the cloud: designing scalable database management architectures using the concepts of data fission and data fusion, enabling lightweight elasticity using low cost live database migration, and designing intelligent and autonomic controllers for system management without human intervention.
Understanding the effects of multiple sources of seasonality on the risk of pathogen spread to vineyards: vector pressure, natural infectivity, and host recovery

Seasonality plays an important role in the dynamics of infectious disease. For vector-borne pathogens, the effects of seasonality may be manifested in the variability in vector abundance, vector infectiousness, and host-infection dynamics over the year. The relative importance of multiple sources of seasonality on the spread of a plant pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, into vineyards was explored. Observed seasonal population densities of the primary leafhopper vector, Graphocephala atropunctata, from 8 years of surveys in northern California were incorporated into a model of primary spread to estimate the risk of pathogen infection under different scenarios regarding seasonality in vector natural infectivity (i.e. constant or increasing over the season) and grapevine recovery from infection (i.e. none or seasonal recovery). The extent to which local climatic conditions affect risk estimates via differences in vector abundance was investigated. Seasonal natural infectivity, seasonal recovery, and especially the combination, reduced (up to 8-fold on average) within-season and cumulative yearly estimates of pathogen spread. Estimated risk of infection also differed greatly among years due to large differences in vector abundance, with wet and moderate winter and spring conditions favouring higher G. atropunctata abundance. Seasonal variation of the pathogen–vector interaction may play an important role in the dynamics of disease in vineyards, reducing the potential prevalence from what it could be in their absence. Moreover, climate, by affecting sharpshooter leafhopper abundance or activity, may influence Pierce’s disease dynamics.
Arteriovenous shunts in the myometrium.

Abstract Arteriovenous shunts were found in the muscular portion of 16 of 25 surgically removed uteri. These shunts were demonstrated by plastic casts of the vessels obtained by injecting arteries and veins with vinyl acetate of different colors. Glass spheres with a diameter many times that of capillaries passed from arteries into veins with the plastic. In several myomatous uteri large venous sinusoids containing plastic from both arteries and veins were found around the periphery of the tumors, indicating that shunts were present. Shunts were demonstrated in 4 pregnant uteri, but there was no perfect correlation of shunts with any other physiological or pathological condition. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.
Air change rate vs airflow pathway: bioaerosol containment and removal in patient rooms

Recent studies have shown that higher air change rates may have the unintended consequence of creating turbulent airflows that entrain high concentrations of infectious particles within the breathing zone, and possibly, breakdown pressure relationships necessary to contain the spread of infectious particles to other clinical spaces.