cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proton Therapy With Concurrent Chemotherapy for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Technique and Early Results

Abstract Background Proton therapy can deliver a more conformal dose distribution than photon radiation and may allow safe dose escalation in stage III lung cancer. Early outcomes are presented here for patients who received proton therapy with concurrent chemotherapy for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods Nineteen patients with regionally advanced NSCLC were treated with concurrent chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel [n = 18]) and proton therapy from August 2008 to April 2010 either with (n = 7) or without (n = 12) induction chemotherapy. Eighteen patients had stage III NSCLC, and 1 patient had stage IIB disease. The median proton therapy dose was 74 cobalt gray equivalent (CGE) in 2 CGE fractions with 18 patients who received ≥70 CGE. Twelve patients also received selective nodal proton therapy to the adjacent uninvolved nodal regions, with a median dose of 40 CGE (range, 40-46 CGE). The patients were routinely evaluated for treatment-related toxicity and disease progression every 3 months, with a history, physical, and computed tomography or positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Results The median follow-ups for living patients were 15 and 16 months (range, 7-26 months), respectively. Nonhematologic and hematologic acute grade 3+ toxicity ( Conclusion Mediastinal proton therapy with concomitant chemotherapy was associated with acceptable toxicity. Although encouraging, longer follow-up with more patients is needed to confirm the long-term efficacy of this treatment.
Does Social Class Predict Substance Problems in Young Adults with ADHD

The relationship between social class and substance use problems is unclear. We aimed to clarify this association in a sample of young adult males with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We included 69 ADHD and 78 control subjects. Substance use problems were measured with the Drug Use Screening Inventory–Revised (DUSI). Among ADHD subjects, we found a U-shaped association, with elevated risk for substance-related problems at both ends of the SES spectrum. No significant association was found in controls. These findings indicate that substance use risk in ADHD subjects is especially vulnerable to social class. (Am J Addict 2007;16:403–409)
Periodontal repair of periapical lesions: the borderland between pulpal and periodontal disease

Abstract A series of cases demonstrating the destruction of periapical periodontal structures, without pulpal involvement has been presented. Treatment using both surgery and antibiotics resulted in extensive healing without any concommitant endodontic therapy. The results suggest that lesions affecting the apical periodontium are either periodontal or pulpal in origin. Careful diagnosis allows the maintenance of pulp vitality in cases where apical destruction has a source other than an infected pulp. The commonly held belief that lateral and accessory canals are a significant source of pulpal contamination from deep periodontal pockets has been questioned.
Pass Rates on the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Exam by Residency Location and Size

Background: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) sets residency performance standards for the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Examination. This study aims are to describe the compliance of residency programs with ACGME standards and to determine whether residency pass rates depend on program size and location. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, residency performance from 2007 to 2011 was compared with the ACGME performance standards. Simple linear regression was performed to see whether program pass rates were dependent on program size. Regional differences in performance were compared with χ2 tests, using an α level of 0.05. Results: Of 429 total residency programs, there were 205 (47.8%) that violate ACGME performance standards. Linear regression showed that program pass rates were positively correlated and dependent on program size (P Conclusions: Approximately half of the family medicine training programs do not meet the ACGME examination performance standards. Pass rates are associated with residency program size, and regional variation occurs. These findings have the potential to affect ACGME policy and residency program application patterns.
Markers of atresia in ovarian follicular components from rhesus monkeys treated with estradiol-17 beta.

A new modelfor the investigation of atresia in rhesus monkeys is presented. This model is based upon the reliable induction of an atresia-like process in the dominant preovulatory follicle (DF) by estradiol-l 7f3 administered subcutaneously via Silastic capsules for 24 h. Data obtained from follicular contents aspirated from treated animals demonstrated alterations in the putative markers of atresia similar to those described in other models of atresia. Although follicle size and appearance and volume of follicular fluid (FF) were unaltered in treated animals, FF was much more viscous than that aspirated from follicles in untreated animals; this was apparently due to a greater quantity of intercellular matrix that was sensitive to digestion by hyaluronidase. In treated animals, FF concentrations of estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) were depressed 3- and 6.6-fold, respectively. Viability of granulosa cells (GC) from these animals was reduced by 40%, as was their ability to release basal amounts of E and P in vitro. Accumulation of P by GC from treated animals approximated unstimulated control levels when human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) was included in the culture. Therefore, FSH may have a limited capability to “rescue” GC from atresia induced by estradiol. The percentage of cells that bound ‘251-hFSH maximally, as measured by autoradiography following 72 h in culture, was not altered by treatment. Oocytes from animals treated with estradiol showed signs of degeneration at aspiration, and deteriorated further in culture. This model is unique in that atresia can be induced in the single DF of a primate species, and thus avoids the disadvantages inherent to studying atresia of heterogeneous follicles in polytocous species. These results validate the putative markers of atresia and the model itself We anticipate that this model will be a valuable tool for studying the process of atresia.
Computer generation of king and color polynomials of graphs and lattices and their applications to statistical mechanics

A computer program is developed in Pascal for the generation of king and color polynomials of graphs. The king polynomial was defined by Motoyama and Hosoya and was shown to be useful in dimer statistics, enumeration of Kekule structures, etc. We show that the king polynomial of a lattice is the same as the color polynomial of the associated dualist graph, where the color polynomial is defined here as the number of ways of coloring the vertices of a graph with one type of color (say, green) such that two adjacent vertices are not colored with the same color. Applications of these polynomials to exact finite method of lattice statistics are outlined.
Effects of Flunixin Meglumine on Dogs with Experimental Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) was created experimentally and maintained for 90 minutes in 16 anesthetized, mixed-breed dogs. After the GDV was corrected, normal saline solution (0.044 mL/kg intravenously [IV]) was administered to eight dogs (controls), and flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg IV) was administered to eight dogs. Microspheres labeled with radioactive cobalt, scandium, tin, or niobium were injected intravenously at baseline (before GDV) and minutes 90, 100, and 270, respectively, to determine tissue blood flows. Plasma endotoxin and prostacyclin were measured at the same intervals. Electrocardiogram, mean arterial pressure, portal pressure, and cardiac output were recorded continuously. Dogs were euthanatized at minute 270 and necropsied. There was no significant difference between treatment groups for any measured variable at any time. Endotoxin levels increased significantly during GDV. Prostacyclin levels were lower in dogs treated with flunixin meglumine than in controls at minutes 210 and 270. Histopathologic findings were similar for all dogs and consistent with those associated with endotoxemia. Flunixin meglumine treatment did not alter cardiac indices or tissue blood flows significantly. However, elevation of prostacyclin was inhibited by flunixin meglumine, which suggested that continued effects of endotoxic damage might be attenuated or inhibited.
Cerebral protection during carotid endarterectomy.

Abstract Background Perioperative stroke rates with carotid endarterectomy are 3.4% for asymptomatic and 5.2% for symptomatic patients. Several methods are used to limit perioperative stroke. Methods A retrospective chart review of consecutive carotid endarterectomies from January 1, 2000 to February, 28, 2003, was performed. Data were collected on patient demographics, operative procedure, intraoperative monitoring, and outcome. Comparative analysis of intraoperative monitoring and outcome was performed. Results Two hundred twenty-nine patients underwent 251 carotid endarterectomies. In 196 procedures decision to shunt was based on intraoperative monitoring, 129 by electroencephalogram (EEG), and 67 by stump pressures. Sixteen neurologic events occurred perioperatively, one transient ischemic attack and 15 strokes. The EEG group had 12 strokes, with a 38% event rate in procedures with EEG changes without shunting. The stump pressure group had one stroke. Stroke rate for intraoperative EEG monitoring was elevated (P = 0.02). Conclusions Intraoperative EEG based decision to shunt may not be as effective as other methods for prevention of perioperative neurologic events. When EEG changes occur, shunting is necessary.
Liquefaction of Rice Starch from Milled Rice Flour Using Heat‐Stable Alpha‐Amylase

Decreased processing temperatures and times were used in conjunction with a commercial heat-stable α-amylase preparation (Termamyl 120L) to liquefy the starch fractions of long and short grain varieties of rice. Yields of liquefied starch in excess of 82% dry flour weight (94% total starch) were obtained using a single-step process and did not require prior heat treatment to gelatinize the starch. Maximum reducing sugar concentrations for both varieties were obtained at 7o°C, while liquefied starch yields were highest at 80–90° and 90°C for the short and long grain, respectively. HPLC analyses of the low molecular weight saccharides (DP l–10) showed similarities in product profiles between short and long grain samples processed at the same temperatures.
Anxiety, fear of cancer, and perceived risk of cancer following lung cancer screening.

Background. Lung cancer screening can result in a high rate of indeterminate findings and has not yet been proven to be efficacious in reducing mortality. To date, the psychological consequences of receiving an indeterminate screening result are not known.Methods.Four hundred individuals were recruited into this study. Participants completed 4 surveys: baseline, after lung screening results were known, and at 6 and 12 mo after screening. Demographics, state/trait anxiety, fear of cancer, and perceived risk of lung cancer were measured. Mixed-model regressions were used to determine whether the levels and time trends of outcome variables were different among individuals with different screening outcomes.Results.An indeterminate screening result increased state anxiety of participants, although anxiety then decreased over time. The objective risk of cancer is lower for individuals with an indeterminate screen than their initial perceived risk, and screening did not change their perceived risk of cancer. Tho...
Paths of hydrophilic solute flow across excised bullfrog lung.

The rate of permeation of radiolabeled glycerol, Cl−, urea, Na +, choline, mannitol, sucrose, rafflnose, cyancobalamin, and inulin across the alveolar epithelium of the excised short-circuited bullfrog lung was measured. In addition, the flows of cyancobalamin, angiotensin I, and human calcitonin were estimated by radioimmunoassay. In general, the flow of most solutes was compatible with passive permeation through aqueous channels but estimates of equivalent pore radius were hampered by contamination of tritiated and 14C-labeled solutes by small radioactive breakdown products. The more rapid permeation of fragments spuriously raised the apparent permeability coefficient of the larger parent compound and, usually, the estimate of the pore radius. Other limitations of the evaluation of equivalent pore radius from relative rates of probe molecule flow across excised epithelia are discussed. The most reliable data can be accounted for by a single population of pores of 1.1 nm radius, a value that lies within ...
Synthesis and Characterization of WOx Nanowires and their Conversion to WS2 Nanotubes

In this paper, we report for the first time the conversion of tungsten oxide (WOx) nanowires to tungsten sulfide (WS2) nanotubes using hydrogen (H2) gas and sulfur (S) powder as precursors instead of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. Both the morphology and diameter of WS2 nanotubes were affected by the use of WOx nanowires. The diameter and length of the WOx nanowires were controlled by the growth temperature. A series of experiments confirmed that the higher the temperature was, the larger and longer the diameter and length of the WOx nanowires. When the temperature increased from 600 °C to 800 °C, the nanowire diameter increased from ∼ 15 nm to ∼50 nm. Furthermore, electron microscopy characterization reveals that the conversion of WS2 nanotubes from WOx nanowires started from outside the WOx nanowires and the conversion was not symmetrically uniform along the radial directions of the WOx nanowires.
beta-MHC transgene expression in suspended and mechanically overloaded/suspended soleus muscle of transgenic mice

Non-weight-bearing (NWB) activity [space flight and hindlimb suspension (HS)] results in the loss of soleus muscle mass, a slow-to-fast fiber-type conversion, and decreased beta-myosin heavy chain (beta-MHC) protein and mRNA expression. To identify beta-MHC promoter sequences required for decreased beta-MHC expression in response to HS, we have modified an existing noninvasive hindlimb unweighting model to accommodate the use of (transgenic) mice. After 2 wk of HS, body and muscle (soleus > gastrocnemius > plantaris) weights were decreased as was the proportion of histochemically classified type I fibers in HS soleus muscle. Northern blot analysis revealed decreases in endogenous mRNA representing beta-MHC, slow myosin light chain 1 and 2, and cardiac/slow troponin C, whereas those representing skeletal troponin C, muscle creatine kinase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase increased. Protein extracts prepared from HS soleus (SS) muscle of mice harboring transgenes comprised of 5.6 or 0.6 kilobase of wild type (wt) mouse beta-MHC promoter (beta 5.6 wt, beta 0.6wt) and those carrying the simultaneous mutation (mut) of the MCAT, C-rich, and beta e3 subregions (beta 5.6mut3, beta 0.6mut3) revealed decreases in chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) specific activity relative to respective controls. Decreased CAT mRNA was observed for transgene beta 5.6mut3, line 85. Two weeks of the simultaneous imposition of mechanical overload (synergist ablation) and HS (MOV/HS) countermanded the loss in absolute and normalized SS weight but did not decrease beta 0.6wt transgene expression. These transgenic results demonstrate that regulatory sequences within a 600-base pair beta-MHC promoter are sufficient to direct decreased transcription of beta-MHC transgenes after 2 wk of HS.
Nucleation by rRNA Dictates the Precision of Nucleolus Assembly

Membrane-less organelles are intracellular compartments specialized to carry out specific cellular functions. There is growing evidence supporting the possibility that such organelles form as a new phase, separating from cytoplasm or nucleoplasm. However, a main challenge to such phase separation models is that the initial assembly, or nucleation, of the new phase is typically a highly stochastic process and does not allow for the spatiotemporal precision observed in biological systems. Here, we investigate the initial assembly of the nucleolus, a membrane-less organelle involved in different cellular functions including ribosomal biogenesis. We demonstrate that the nucleolus formation is precisely timed in D. melanogaster embryos and follows the transcription of rRNA. We provide evidence that transcription of rRNA is necessary for overcoming the highly stochastic nucleation step in the formation of the nucleolus, through a seeding mechanism. In the absence of rDNA, the nucleolar proteins studied are able to form high-concentration assemblies. However, unlike the nucleolus, these assemblies are highly variable in number, location, and time at which they form. In addition, quantitative study of the changes in the nucleoplasmic concentration and distribution of these nucleolar proteins in the wild-type embryos is consistent with the role of rRNA in seeding the nucleolus formation.
C. elegans S6K Mutants Require a Creatine-Kinase-like Effector for Lifespan Extension

Deficiency of S6 kinase (S6K) extends the lifespan of multiple species, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. To discover potential effectors of S6K-mediated longevity, we performed a proteomics analysis of long-lived rsks-1/S6K C. elegans mutants compared to wild-type animals. We identified the arginine kinase ARGK-1 as the most significantly enriched protein in rsks-1/S6K mutants. ARGK-1 is an ortholog of mammalian creatine kinase, which maintains cellular ATP levels. We found that argk-1 is possibly a selective effector of rsks-1/S6K-mediated longevity and that overexpression of ARGK-1 extends C. elegans lifespan, in part by activating the energy sensor AAK-2/AMPK. argk-1 is also required for the reduced body size and increased stress resistance observed in rsks-1/S6K mutants. Finally, creatine kinase levels are increased in the brains of S6K1 knockout mice. Our study identifies ARGK-1 as a longevity effector in C. elegans with reduced RSKS-1/S6K levels.
Characteristics, treatment, and survival of invasive malignant melanoma (MM) in giant pigmented nevi (GPN) in adults: 976 cases from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).

Background Malignant melanoma (MM) arising in a giant pigmented nevus (GPN) is a rare disease in adults with no large series published to our knowledge. Objective We sought to describe the characteristics, treatment, and survival of MM in GPN for adults. Methods Adults with invasive MM in GPN (n = 976) reported to the National Cancer Data Base from 1998 to 2012 were evaluated for patient and tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival. For comparison, data from adults with invasive superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) (n = 111,870) and nodular melanoma (n = 35,962) were used. Results Compared with patients with SSM, patients with MM in GPN had a thicker Breslow depth, more positive lymph nodes, and distant metastasis more frequently. Multivariate analysis identified age older than 65 years, Breslow thickness greater than 2 mm, presence of ulceration, presence of distant metastasis, and positive margins as independent predictors of survival in patients with MM in GPN. At all stages, having MM in GPN has similar overall survival compared with SSM. Limitations The study is retrospective and registry-based. Conclusions Invasive MM in GPN occurs in adults, with overall survival similar to SSM. Clinicians should be aware of the continued risk of MM in adults with GPN with low threshold for biopsy.
Alboleptonia from the Greater Antilles

Four new species of Alboleptonia are de- scribed from Puerto Rico and new distribution re- cords for Alboleptonia are noted for Puerto Rico and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Information from ex- amination of the type collections of Alboleptonia ari- poana, A. cyathiformis, and A. hyalodepas is discussed. Clarification of conflicting reports in the literature concerning the application of A. hyalodepas is pre- sented and a lectotype is designated. Two new com- binations are also made for Entoloma minutoalbum
Power and Sample Size for a Collection of 2 x 2 Tables

A simple approximation is presented for the asymptotic power of the Mantel-Haenszel procedure for testing the hypothesis that the common odds ratio in a collection of 2 x 2 tables is unity. This approximation is particularly useful in evaluating the power of a study with several strata which reaches negative conclusions. The corresponding formula is also provided for estimating the sample size before such a study has begun, by approximating the margins of the stratum-specific tables with estimates obtained from pre-existing data. The approximations are good for moderate odds ratios (not greater than 6) and provide estimates which can differ by 10% to 30% from the traditional power estimates based on the overall table of totals obtained by collapsing the stratum-specific subtables.
Measuring Total Mortgage Market Credit Risk

This paper proposes two measures of credit risk for the population of outstanding mortgages. The first uses an average ex ante default probability to characterize risk, the second uses the unexpected loss generated by the asymptotic single factor risk (ASFR) model, a probabilistic model of portfolio risk. Both approaches show that average market–wide expected default rate and the unexpected loss per dollar of outstanding mortgage balances were roughly constant during the 2002-2006 boom in US house prices.
Intervention Efficacy in Engaging Black and White Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder into Treatment.

This study examined racial differences among Black and White Veterans who screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but were not in PTSD treatment and were participating in an intervention trial. Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans with PTSD but not yet engaged in treatment were recruited and randomly assigned to control or intervention conditions. Intervention participants received a cognitive-behavioral engagement intervention by phone. All participants received follow-up calls to assess symptoms and utilization of treatment. Black and White participants were compared to assess differences in treatment utilization. Intervention session notes were analyzed qualitatively for explanatory themes. Participants of both races who received the intervention had higher PTSD treatment initiation than their respective control groups (Blacks: 85% vs. 58% and Whites: 53% vs. 45%, respectively). However, Blacks completed fewer PTSD treatment sessions compared to Whites overall (M = 2.06 [SD = 2.3] vs. M = 3.77 [SD = 9.9]; p < .05). Within the intervention condition, Blacks were significantly more likely to initiate treatment (odds ratio = 2.3, p < .04), and had a greater reduction in PTSD symptom compared to Whites (PTSD Checklist - Military Version [PCL] scores: 12.75 vs. 9.68). Based on qualitative analysis of intervention session notes, themes emerged that may suggest cultural differences involving social connection, attitudes towards treatment, and the desire to appear "okay." Blacks had a higher initiation rate and greater reduction in PTSD severity but completed fewer treatment sessions than Whites. These are promising results with respect to other studies which demonstrate that Black Veterans are less likely to seek treatment for PTSD.
The impact of new-onset cancer among veterans who are receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism.

Abstract Background A new cancer diagnosis adds significant complexity and uncertainty to the management of pre-existing warfarin therapy. Objectives To determine how new-onset cancer affects anticoagulation control and outcomes among patients who had been receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to patients who had been receiving warfarin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prior to cancer diagnosis. Patients/methods This cohort study started with 122,875 veterans who had been receiving warfarin for at least six months from a VA Medical Center between 10/1/06 and 9/30/08. We identified patients with incident cancer during this interval, and excluded those with a prior cancer history. We analyzed percent time in therapeutic range (TTR) at 6 and 12-month intervals after cancer diagnosis compared to pre-cancer baseline, as well as crude rates of warfarin-relevant outcomes (stroke, major bleeding, mortality) between patients with AF and VTE. Results Among patients with new-onset cancer, patients anticoagulated for AF outnumbered those anticoagulated for VTE more than 2.5-fold. There were no significant differences in TTR by indication for warfarin in months 0–6 or 7–12 following cancer diagnosis, but TTR decreased significantly compared to the pre-cancer baseline for both groups in months 0–6. As expected, cancer patients with VTE had significantly worse mortality at six months and one year compared to cancer patients with AF. Conclusion Patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy who are newly diagnosed with cancer experience a significant decrease in TTR in the first 6 months after diagnosis, regardless of indication for anticoagulation. This effect appears to attenuate in months 7–12.
A new view of specific and nonspecific thalamocortical connections

Past theories about the circuitry that promotes integration of the whole cerebral cortex and thalamus during forebrain activities that underlie different states of consciousness have relied on the intralaminar nuclei as the sources of diffuse thalamocortical projections that could facilitate spread of activity across many cortical areas. Evidence is presented to show the presence of a matrix of superficially projecting cells extending throughout the whole thalamus that could form a substrate for diffusion of activity across the cortex. The superficially projecting cells in monkeys are distinguished by immunoreactivity for the calcium-binding protein calbindin. They are found in all thalamic nuclei and are increased in some nuclei. They not only project to superficial layers of the cortex but do so over wide areas, unconstrained by boundaries between areas. They are innervated by subcortical inputs that lack the topographic order and physiological precision of the principal sensory pathways. Superimposed on the matrix, but only in certain nuclei, is a core of cells characterized by immunoreactivity for another calcium-binding protein, parvalbumin. These project to middle layers of the cortex in an area-specific and topographically ordered manner. They are innervated by subcortical inputs that are typically precise in having a high degree of topographic order and readily identifiable physiological properties. The parvalbumin cells provide the sensory and other inputs to the cortex that are to be used as a basis for perception. The diffusely projecting calbindin cells can form a basis for the engagement of multiple cortical areas and thalamic nuclei, especially when recruited by corticothalamic connections. Diffusion of activity across multiple areas and thalamic nuclei is essential for the binding of all aspects of sensory experience into a single framework of consciousness.
From Loyal to Hard Opposition: The Political Transformation of the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood

ABSTRACTAfter almost three decades of electoral contestation, the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood (JMB) has moved away from being a ‘loyal opposition’ advocating the Islamization of Jordanian politics and avoiding any open confrontations with the regime, to a ‘hard opposition’ advocating political reforms and from demanding the formation of a functioning constitutional monarchy. This paper will discuss why and how on such a political transformation has taken place by utilizing theories on party change, social movements, political transitions from authoritarianism, state power, Islamic political thought, and democratization in the Middle East. In doing so, it will also critically evaluate the findings of the inclusion-moderation literature, adapt a qualitative methodology, and argue that (1) the Jordanian regime deliberalized as the JMB became electorally successful during the regime’s tactical political opening, that (2) the regime’s deliberalization created internal debates within the JMB in regards to how ...
Wind Waves and the Mechanisms of Air-Sea Transfer

One outstanding lesson of the previous chapter is that wind waves play a central role in air-sea transfer processes. In this chapter, we examine how wind waves first arise on a wind-blown water surface, what laws govern their growth, what processes are responsible for their decay, and how exactly they facilitate the transfer of momentum and of scalar properties across the air-sea interface. The Origin of Wind Waves In a triumph of early twentieth century fluid mechanics, a combination of theory and laboratory experiment elucidated the origin of turbulence, as Schlichting (1960) has authoritatively chronicled. The theoretical advance was the development of stability theory for laminar shear flowin a boundary layer, with the “Orr-Sommerfeld Equation” (OSE) as its centerpiece and principal tool for analytical investigations. This equation describes the behavior of small-amplitudewave-like disturbances on laminar shear flow that spontaneously grow to large amplitude (“instability waves”). Instability waves in laminar boundary layer flow became known as “Tollmien-Schlichting waves,” after the theoreticians who explored their properties. For some time, such waves eluded efforts at observing them in the laboratory, because laminar flow free of residual turbulence is almost impossible to maintain. Finally, in a wind tunnel made painstakingly clear of other disturbances, the experimentum crucium of Schubauer and Skramstad (1947) demonstrated that Tollmien-Schlichting waves of highest theoretical growth rate were the initially observed surface undulations. This verified the theory on the supposition that minute random disturbances of all other wavelengths were present from the beginning, but only the most unstable ones grew to an observable amplitude.
Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Injuries in the Young Tennis Athlete

As the competitive nature of tennis grows, so do the demands placed on the growing athlete. Their bodies are not as mature as adult professional athletes, and their ligaments, growth plates, and bones are not as strong, predisposing pediatric athletes to injury. Muscles may not be as well developed and imbalances make them prone to injury. Other risk factors for injury include the volume of play, grip position, grip size, racket size, stroke mechanics, body conditioning, neuromuscular training, and flexibility. The majority of injuries associated with tennis playing are due to force overload of the muscle-tendon-bone unit, rather than acute trauma.
Homicide by Insulin Administration

This report describes a case of homicide by insulin administration and a study of the effects of storage conditions on insulin in serum. The study revealed insulin to be remarkably stable at refrigerator temperatures. Therefore, for forensic science purposes, insulin immunoassay data are interpretable even when serum is not stored by the standard laboratory method of freezing.
Evaluating the Cultural Fit of an Approach for Practice Model Development for Tribal Child Welfare

Three American Indian tribes utilized Business Process Mapping (BPM) as a tool to develop culturally-based tribal child welfare practice models. This study employed a multi-methods design to evaluate the cultural fit of BPM when used in tribal settings. Findings indicated that although programs considered BPM a “mainstream” intervention, each still found the process to be an effective means of creating models reflecting child welfare practice within tribal cultural contexts. Findings further suggested that BPM can, however, benefit from examination of how it might better articulate cultural values and norms, as well as differences between tribal and mainstream child welfare approaches.
A new species of Pazu Oman from eastern California (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)

A new species of Pazu, P. Monoinyo , from the Inyo-Mono County area of California is described. Additional occurrence records are provided for Pazu balli (Beamer), and some of its morphological characteristics are illustrated and compared with P. monoinyo .
Individual and Population Benefits of Daily Aspirin Therapy A Proposal for Personalizing National Guidelines

Background—Clinical practice guidelines that help clinicians and patients to understand the magnitude of expected individual risks and benefits would help with patient-centered decision-making and prioritization of care. We assessed the net benefit from taking daily aspirin to estimate the individual and public health implications of a more individualized decision-making approach. Methods and Results—We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey representing all US persons aged 30 to 85 years with no history of myocardial infarction and applied a Markov model based on randomized evidence and published literature to estimate lifetime effects of aspirin treatment in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). We found that treatment benefit varies greatly by an individual's cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Almost all adults have fewer major clinical events on aspirin, but for most, events prevented would be so rare that even a very small distaste for aspirin use would make treatment inap...
Finite-difference elastic wave mode solver for acoustic waveguide design

We demonstrate an eigenmode solver for acoustic waveguides based on the isotropic, linear elastic wave equation. This approach is more computationally efficient than commercial solvers, and enables design of integrated acousto-optic waveguides.
Policy Advocacy and Social Sector Organizations

Jeff Unsicker discusses some of the most important policies that social sector organizations (SSOs) should monitor and seek to influence—policies that can enable or impede the work of SSOs in different national environments. He then addresses some of the reasons why SSOs do not engage in efforts to influence them. Next, as a resource for such organizations that wish to become (more) engaged, he provides an overview of some key concepts and practices of policy advocacy. In so doing, Unsicker draws on lessons that many SSOs have gained through decades of engagement in policy advocacy, including frameworks that are used in the School for International Training curriculum. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of one of the cutting edge issues facing the practice of policy advocacy: evaluation of outcomes and impact. At various places in the chapter, Unsicker illustrates points with relevant experiences from his own 40 plus year career doing and teaching advocacy.
Activating and Sedating Adverse Effects of Second-Generation Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder: Absolute Risk Increase and Number Needed to Harm.

AbstractPurpose/BackgroundActivating and sedating adverse effects of antipsychotics can be obstacles to their use.Methods/ProceduresThis study quantified the activating and sedating properties of first-line oral second-generation antipsychotics by examining the rates of adverse reactions as reported
Mortality and Morbidity after Laparoscopic Surgery in Children with and without Congenital Heart Disease.

Objectives To determine the risk of morbidity and mortality after laparoscopic surgery among children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Study design Cohort study using the 2013-2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatrics, which prospectively collected data at 56 and 64 hospitals in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Primary exposure was CHD. Primary outcome was overall in-hospital postoperative mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality and 30-day morbidity (any nondeath adverse event). Among 34 543 children who underwent laparoscopic surgery, 1349, 1106, and 266 had minor, major, and severe CHD, respectively. After propensity score matching within each stratum of CHD severity, morbidity and mortality were compared between children with and without CHD. Results Children with severe CHD had higher overall mortality and 30-day morbidity (OR 12.31, 95% CI 1.59-95.01; OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.57-4.01, respectively), compared with matched controls. Overall mortality and 30-day morbidity were also higher among children with major CHD compared with children without CHD (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.49-8.06; OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.65-2.61, respectively). Children with minor CHD had similar mortality outcomes, but had higher 30-day morbidity compared with children without CHD (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.37-2.13). Conclusions Children with major or severe CHD have higher morbidity and mortality after laparoscopic surgery. Clinicians should consider the increased risks of laparoscopic surgery for these children during medical decision making.
Embroidered biosensors on gauze for rapid electrochemical measurements

Electrochemical biosensors are useful diagnostic tools which possess the capacity for rapid detection of analytes in biofluids. Here, we report the first time embroidered electrochemical sensors on gauze for rapid measurements of wound biomarkers. Robust, flexible electrodes were successfully fabricated onto medical gauze and wound dressings via embroidery. Proof-of-concept was carried out by performing quantitative measurements of uric acid, a biomarker for wound healing, in simulated wound fluid. This gauze-based sensor exhibits excellent linearity from 0 μM to 800 μM. Additionally, we demonstrated that the gauze sensor works excellent and consistent when this is extra layer wrapping over it. Lastly, we show that this biosensor exhibits high specificity and good resilience against mechanical deformation, making it a promising platform for noninvasive wound monitoring.
Monitoring the World Health Organization Global Target 2025 for Exclusive Breastfeeding: Experience From the United States.

Background:Exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months, calculated from a single 24-hour recall among mothers of children 0 to 5 months of age, is a World Health Organization (WHO) indicator used to mon...
Variability in 2-year training programs in vascular surgery based on results of an Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery survey.

Abstract Objective Although a great deal of attention has recently focused on 5-year integrated (0+5) training programs in vascular surgery, a paucity of data exists concerning variability of daily assignments in 2-year (5+2) vascular fellowships. Methods We polled Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery members with 2-year vascular fellowships to determine the number of days in a 5-day work week that first- and second-year fellows were assigned to open vascular operations, endovascular procedures (hospital vs nonhospital facility), arterial clinic, venous clinic, noninvasive vascular laboratory (NIVL), and research. Results Of the 103 program directors from 5+2 vascular training programs, 102 (99%) responded. The most common schedule for both first- and second-year fellows was performing both open and endovascular procedures in the hospital on the same day 4 days of the week and spending time in combined artery and vein clinic 1 day of the week. Program directors developed different schedules for each year of the 2-year fellowship in about half (55% [56]) of the programs. A small minority of programs devoted days to only open surgical cases (13% [13]), a separate venous clinic (17% [17]), or a separate arterial clinic (11% [11]) and performed endovascular procedures in a nonhospital facility (15% [15]). All but three programs had mandatory time in clinic both years. Approximately one-third (30% [31]) of programs designated time devoted to research, whereas the others expected fellows to find time on their own. Although passing the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation examination is required, there was devoted time in the NIVL in only 60% (61) of programs. Conclusions Training assignments in terms of time spent performing open and endovascular procedures and participating in clinic, the NIVL, and research varied widely among Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited 5+2 vascular fellowships and did not always fulfill Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines. In the current era of emphasis on endovascular-based interventions, few programs devoted days to purely open surgical procedures. Endovascular experience in a nonhospital facility (where these procedures will likely become more common in the future), outpatient venous procedures, and designated time devoted to the NIVL and research were lacking in many programs. These results provide a valid data set for the Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery to consider establishing guidelines for training assignments in 5+2 vascular training programs.
A new species of shrimp of the genus Periclimenaeus Borradaile, 1915 (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae) from the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, including a key to the western Atlantic species of the genus

A new species of symbiotic palaemonid shrimp, Periclimenaeus mcmichaeli sp. nov., is described based on a single male specimen collected near Dry Tortugas, Florida, in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. This new species, the 14 th now known for the genus Periclimenaeus Borradaile 1915 from the western Atlantic, is morphologically most similar to P. wilsoni (Hay, 1917), from which it can be separated by the presence in the new species of two small subdistal teeth on the ventral margin of the rostrum, absence of small spinules or tubercles on ventral margin of the meri of the major and minor chelipeds, presence of three teeth on the cutting edge of the dactylus of the minor chela, and position of dorsal spines on the telson. The presence in this new species of a prominent acute projection on each pleurae of the third and fourth somite is documented, and appears to be a character previously overlooked in the taxonomic literature of species of the genus. This new species is compared with other similar congeners from the western Atlantic as well as other oceanic regions. An updated diagnosis for P. wilsoni , and a key to identify the western Atlantic species of the genus, are also presented.
Expression and Purification of the Pain Receptor TRPV1 for Spectroscopic Analysis

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is an essential component of the cellular mechanism through which noxious stimuli evoke pain. Functional and structural characterizations of TRPV1 shed light on vanilloid activation, yet the mechanisms for temperature and proton gating remain largely unknown. Spectroscopic approaches are needed to understand the mechanisms by which TRPV1 translates diverse stimuli into channel opening. Here, we have engineered a minimal cysteine-less rat TRPV1 construct (eTRPV1) that can be stably purified and reconstituted for spectroscopic studies. Biophysical analyses of TRPV1 constructs reveal that the S5-pore helix loop influences protein stability and vanilloid and proton responses, but not thermal sensitivity. Cysteine mutants retain function and stability for double electron-electron resonance (DEER) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. DEER measurements in the closed state demonstrate that eTRPV1 reports distances in the extracellular vestibule, equivalent to those observed in the apo TRPV1 structure. EPR measurements show a distinct pattern of mobilities and spectral features, in detergent and liposomes, for residues at the pore domain that agree with their location in the TRPV1 structure. Our results set the stage for a systematic characterization of TRPV1 using spectroscopic approaches to reveal conformational changes compatible with thermal- and ligand-dependent gating.
An overview of NOAA's GCOM-W1/AMSR-2 product processing and utilization

Operational weather analysis, forecasting, and warning utilize a wide variety of data products and tools, including satellite imagery and derived products. Satellite observations provide information where in-situ measurements are lacking or not readily available. Passive microwave satellite observations are routinely exploited by forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States (U.S.) to support their weather analysis and forecasts. In this paper, we present examples of ocean measurements and derived products from Advanced Scanning Radiometer –2 (AMSR-2) on the Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM), which is part of the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) that supported critical forecasts.
The Search for Process Intensification and Simplification: Alternative Approaches versus Current Platform Processes for Monoclonal Antibodies

Abstract Over the past 5–10 years, the need for the biopharmaceutical industry to produce and deliver even higher quantity and quality of mAbs to patients has highlighted and accelerated the need for process productivity and simplification. Process developers must carefully weigh the balance of maintaining a platform process that may become obsolete versus improvements to the platform process that increase throughput, aid in ease of manufacturing, or reduce cost of goods. At one extreme, a company may not be willing to evolve their platform, which risks obsolescence of its platform process and failure to meet market demand. At the other extreme is an aggressive culture of innovation which rapidly implements new technology before fully vetting the technology, putting the process at risk for batch failure, delays in regulatory approval, or worst case, compromise of patient safety.
Headspace analysis for screening of volatile organic compound profiles of electronic juice bulk material

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems continues to gain popularity, and there is concern for potential health risks from inhalation of aerosol and vapor produced by these devices. An analytical method was developed that provided quantitative and qualitative chemical information for characterizing the volatile constituents of bulk electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) using a static headspace technique. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were screened from a convenience sample of 146 e-liquids by equilibrating 1 g of each e-liquid in amber vials for 24 h at room temperature. Headspace was transferred to an evacuated canister and quantitatively analyzed for 20 VOCs as well as tentatively identified compounds using a preconcentrator/gas chromatography/mass spectrometer system. The e-liquids were classified into flavor categories including brown, fruit, hybrid dairy, menthol, mint, none, tobacco, and other. 2,3-Butanedione was found at the highest concentration in brown flavor types, but was also found in fruit, hybrid dairy, and menthol flavor types. Benzene was observed at concentrations that are concerning given the carcinogenicity of this compound (max 1.6 ppm in a fruit flavor type). The proposed headspace analysis technique coupled with partition coefficients allows for a rapid and sensitive prediction of the volatile content in the liquid. The technique does not require onerous sample preparation, dilution with organic solvents, or sampling at elevated temperatures. Static headspace screening of e-liquids allows for the identification of volatile chemical constituents which is critical for identifying and controlling emission of potentially hazardous constituents in the workplace.