cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Six Decades of Vitiligo Genetics: Genome-Wide Studies Provide Insights Into Autoimmune Pathogenesis

Generalized vitiligo (GV) is a complex disease in which patchy depigmentation results from autoimmune loss of melanocytes from affected regions. Genetic analyses of GV span six decades, with the goal of understanding biological mechanisms and elucidating pathways that underlie the disease. The earliest studies attempted to describe the mode of inheritance and genetic epidemiology. Early genetic association studies of biological candidate genes resulted in some successes, principally HLA and PTPN22, but in hindsight many such reports now seem to be false-positives. Later, genome-wide linkage studies of multiplex GV families identified NLRP1 and XBP1, which appear to be valid GV susceptibility genes that control key aspects of immune regulation. Recently, the application of genome-wide association studies to analysis of GV has produced a rich yield of validated GV susceptibility genes that encode components of biological pathways reaching from immune cells to the melanocyte. These genes and pathways provide insights into underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and possible triggers of GV, establish relationships to other autoimmune diseases, and may provide clues to potential new approaches to GV treatment and perhaps even prevention. These results thus validate the hopes and efforts of the early investigators who first attempted to comprehend the genetic basis of vitiligo.
Immunoassay for Extracted Insulin

A rapid, accurate, and reproducible assay has been developed for commercial insulin. The assay is based on the competition between the insulin sample to be analyzed and I 131 -labeled insulin for binding to guinea pig anti-insulin antibody. Antibody bound insulin is separated from free insulin by the salt precipitation technique of Grodsky and Forsham. This procedure is described in detail together with the adjustment of variables that must be made. Examples are given to show the influence of the purity of the samples, species differences, statistical variation, and specificity of the assay. Comparisons with the mouse convulsion and U.S.P. rabbit assays show that this immunological approach is valid and has many advantages over the in vivo assays.
The Murine CD99-Related Molecule CD99-Like 2 (CD99L2) Is an Adhesion Molecule Involved in the Inflammatory Response

CD99, a glycoprotein found on the surfaces of leukocytes and concentrated at the borders of endothelial cells, plays a major role in the migration of leukocytes across endothelial cells into sites of inflammation, and has other roles in thymocyte development. The human and mouse genomes encode only two proteins related to CD99. One of these, XGA, is a red blood cell surface antigen. The function of the other, CD99-like 2 (CD99L2), is not known. We cloned mouse CD99L2 and used CD99L2 isolated from transfected cells to raise specific antibodies. Similar to human CD99, CD99L2 was expressed at the borders between transfected cells as well as on mouse leukocytes and vascular endothelial cells in situ. Transfection of L cell fibroblasts with CD99L2 imparted to them the ability to adhere to each other in a divalent cation-dependent, homophilic manner. Anti-CD99L2 antibody blocked influx of neutrophils and monocytes into a site of inflammation in vivo.
A cost-benefit case for RFID implementation in hospitals: adapting to industry reform

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze a conceptual framework to identify significant benefit and cost attributes of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for asset tracking in healthcare facilities. Sources of value function for RFID in healthcare are categorized according to major improvement. Several cost functions are proposed to measure aspects of automated tracking implementation. Design/methodology/approach – The four phases of problem definition, literature identification, assessment and analysis were used to begin the research. A cost–benefit analysis (CBA) was completed to identify the factors within healthcare with major benefits, and finally, a recommended group of items were identified to track with the CBA. Findings – RFID to manage mobile devices increases the utilization rate, decreases annual spending, allows withdrawal of funds for underutilized assets and establishes confidence that equipment is readily available when needed. These benefits provide improved staff productivity, quicker patient turnover, higher quality of care and more cost savings. Real-time location system technologies allow hospitals to be prepared for emergencies requiring the immediate use of medical devices without delay and allow staff to determine the status, condition and location of essential equipment, leading to a decrease in patient wait time. Additional improvements were also found. Originality/value – The transition from pay-for-service to pay-for-performance is taking place in an industry hampered by rising costs and limited available resources. Healthcare expenditures are estimated to grow dramatically, and various factors contribute to rising expenses, including an aging population and increased chronic conditions resulting in higher demand for care, poor quality and operational inefficiencies. Therefore, understanding benefits of new technology use like RFID is critical for improvement and efficiency in healthcare.
Thermal instability&#8212;The precursor to switching in inhomogeneous thin films

Thermal stability criteria capable of explaining Thoma's observations that bias-induced reversible switching transitions in inhomogeneous thin insulating and semiconducting films occur at a critical value of local power density are developed and analyzed. One model, based on a relation between the temperature and heat current, is then applied to specific inhomogeneous thin amorphous chalcogenide films, and good qualitative agreement is shown to exist between theory and experiment.
Temporal Relation Extraction from Medical Discharge Summaries

In this paper we discover temporal relations in patient discharge summaries, when the relevant medical events and temporal expressions were provided in the training data.
interpreting slavery Tourism

Abstract This inquiry explores the manner in which tourists endow a former slave plantation with meaning by promoting or demoting its cultural authority. Drawing on the encoding/decoding model, this study utilizes interviews to examine the ways in which tourists decode the plantation by acquiescing or negating the preferred cultural text through the adoption of dominant, negotiated or oppositional readings. The findings indicate that as active recipients of the preferred reading tourists interpreted/decoded the plantation in dichotomous polarized ways based on the meaning structures and knowledge frameworks of the interpretive communities within which they are situated. In essence, the decoding process, much like the encoding process is viewed as constituting an array of dominant ideologies.
Effect of age on the structure of Meissner corpuscles in murine digital pads

A light and electron microscopic study was performed to determine age changes in Meissner corpuscles. In forepaw digital pads of mice aged to their maximum life expectancy, corpuscles were found to increase in size and complexity until middle age, and then to become smaller, disorganized and lobulated with more advanced age. Nerve terminals at more advanced ages became attenuated with a loss of axonal processes, increased density of the axoplasm, and disordered arrangement of the organelles. Degeneration of axonal mitochondria accelerated with age. Lamellar cell processes investing the axons often become dense and attenuated with fewer plasmalemma-associated vesicles. Basal laminae remained where lamellar processes had disintegrated. Lipofuscin was seen in the lamellar cells only at extremely old age. Extracellular material composed of fine basal lamina substance and collagen fibrils increased remarkably with age. Increased growth and complexity of corpuscles until middle age perhaps compensated for age-associated loss of corpuscles and primary sensory neurons. Changes predominating at older ages are attributed to distal axonopathy and atrophy of the sensory neurons. The probable effect of these age changes on cutaneous sensitivity is considered in relation to current theory of mechanoelectric transduction. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Techniques and uncertainty analysis for interferometric surface figure error measurement of spherical mirrors at 20K

This report describes the facility and experimental methods at the Goddard Space Flight Center Optics Branch for the measurement of the surface figure of cryogenically-cooled spherical mirrors using standard phase-shifting interferometry, with an uncertainty goal of 6 nm rms. The mirrors to be tested will be spheres with radius of curvature of 600 mm , and clear apertures of 120 - 150 mm . The optic surface will first be measured at room temperature using standard "absolute" techniques with an uncertainty of 2.6 nm rms; and then the change in surface figure error between room temperature and 20 K will be measured with an uncertainty goal of 5.4 nm rms. The mirror will be cooled within a cryostat, and its surface figure error measured through a fused-silica window. The facility and techniques are being developed to measure the cryogenic surface figure error of prototype lightweight mirrors being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and by US companies in SBIR's for NASA. This paper will present the measurement facility, methods and uncertainty analysis.
Impact Study of Tobacco Possession Law Enforcement in Florida

This study of tobacco possession law enforcement was conducted in four selected counties in Florida, the first state to report statistically significant annual declines in youth tobacco use during the 1990s. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of possession enforcement on youth attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors by comparing results of a survey administered in high-enforcement counties with results from low-enforcement counties and by examining the survey results for relationships of tobacco use to perceptions and awareness of laws and enforcement activity. The survey was administered to a sample of 2,088 randomly selected youth, in conjunction with a qualitative study of law enforcement officials reported elsewhere. Findings indicate that possession enforcement, as a component of comprehensive tobacco control, appears to help reduce youth tobacco use and may be a critical component of the most successful youth tobacco prevention program, documented in the previous decade.
Spontaneous Calcium Waves without Contraction in Cardiac Myocytes

Spontaneous Ca2+ waves were visualized in quiescent cardiomyocytes loaded with the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent probe, Fluo-3, and imaged by laser confocal microscopy. No sarcomere shortening was detected during wave propagation. This type of Ca2+ waves began at the periphery or in a central region of a myocyte and propagated the length of the cell in one or two directions. The average velocity of wave propagation was 32 microns/sec and the estimated concentration of Ca2+ oscillated from 124, at the bottom, to 311 nM, at the pick of the wave. Ca2+ waves were not confined to a single cell but could spread from cell to cell. These results describe a type of spontaneous Ca2+ waves which does not induce a contractile response in cardiomyocytes.
A randomized controlled trial of mailed osteoporosis education to older adults

Osteoporosis represents a growing public health concern; however, current rates of management are sub-optimal. The aim of our study was to assess, in a randomized controlled trial, the effect of a mailed educational intervention on older adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding osteoporosis. The setting was a large publicly funded state pharmacy benefits program. The patients were 31,715 Medicare beneficiaries from Pennsylvania who participated in a drug benefits program for low-to-moderate income elderly people. All women aged over 65 years, and all men and women with a history of fracture or long-term oral use of glucocorticoid, were included. Approximately half of the participants (intervention group) were randomly selected to receive three mailings aimed at improving knowledge of osteoporosis and enhancing preventive activities, such as using calcium and vitamin D, reducing fall risks in the home, obtaining a bone mineral density (BMD) test, and taking medications when necessary. The other participants did not receive the intervention mailings and served as controls. We surveyed a sample of intervention and control subjects to determine the effects of the intervention on knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy (confidence in one’s ability to perform specific activities), and behavior regarding osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Six hundred randomly selected participants in the intervention group and an equal number in the control group were invited to participate. Twenty-six had died and 636 of the remaining 1,185 (54%) completed the survey. Respondents and non-respondents did not differ significantly with respect to measured sociodemographic factors. All scales had good reliability (all Cronbach’s alphas >0.65). Knowledge of osteoporosis was generally very good and did not differ between intervention (mean = 65% correct responses) and control subjects (mean = 67% correct; P=0.4). Perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis was relatively high and similar across groups (P=0.4). Self-efficacy for participating in osteoporosis prevention and treatment was very strong in both the intervention (mean = 4.3 on a 0–5 scale) and control (mean = 4.2, P=0.03) groups . On average, subjects in the intervention group reported participating in 3.5 of 6 preventive osteoporosis activities compared with 3.4 in the control group (P=0.5). Compared with the controls, a mailed educational intervention for osteoporosis was not associated with better knowledge, higher perceived susceptibility, or performance of preventive measures among the at-risk older adults that we studied. The intervention group demonstrated a small increase in self-efficacy. More intensive patient interventions or intervention aimed at other aspects of the care process may be required to bring about changes that lead to a reduction in fractures.
Using a systems biological approach to develop novel therapeutics.

With the human genome sequence available and with an exponentially growing number of completely sequenced genomes from various model organisms, the research paradigm is shifted towards the analysis of the function of interacting genes and gene-product. The reduced estimate of 30,000-40,000 genes in the human genome strongly indicates that the functional complexity expected for an organism such as human may originate in locations and processes beyond the identified genes. Functional genomics emerges as valuable research area for the identification of key-players in the complex processes within a living organism. It is complemented by Systems Biology [7,103,104], a new research area that combines data obtained from Functional Genomics analysis with biocomputation and simulation of cellular networks. Both Functional Genomics and Systems Biology outline the analysis, prediction and control of complex biological systems.
Specific extinction coefficient of flame generated smoke

The experimental results for the mass specific extinction coefficient (σs) at λ=633 nm for flame generated smoke are summarized for seven studies involving 29 fuels. The measurements are for post-flame smoke generated by overventilated burning. From an analysis of variance for the seven studies, it was found that between-laboratory differences were the major source of variability. The estimated mean value of σs is 8.7 m2/g with an expanded uncertainty (95% confidence interval) of 1.1 m2/g. A major implication of this nearly universal value is that one can infer mass concentration of smoke by making light extinction measurements. Published in 2000 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
An update on the immunohistochemical localization of estrogen receptors in mammary carcinomas utilizing polyclonal anti-receptor antibodies.

Abstract An immunohistochemical (IF) method utilizing polyclonal antibodies to cytoplasmic estrogen receptors (ER) and a tissue processing procedure which allows in situ precipitation of cytoplasmic ER without denaturation of antigenic sites were first described in this journal. In this report we present data on the immunohistochemical classification of 153 cases of human breat carcinomas (123 frozen sections, 28 cytological specimens) as ER-positive (IF+) or ER-negative (IF−). Results on correlation between the biochemical vs immunohistochemical assessment of the ER status and the relationship between quantity of ER and the proportion of IF+/IF− tumor cells are presented. In addition, a procedure which has been successfully applied to study in vitro translocation of cytoplasmic ER in cryostat sections of human breast carcinomas is described. A positive correlation between ER translocatability and status of progesterone receptors (PR) was obvious. All biochemical and immunohistochemical data are collectively reviewed and the question of whether the antibodies are detecting Type I ER is examined.
Evaluation of quality of life for diverse patient populations

Quality of life is used increasingly as a primary and secondary endpoint of clinical investigations of new therapies. Quality of life information may be especially useful for the assessment of cancer treatments, where increases in survival may be accompanied by detrimental side effects. The recognition of the importance of quality of life has led to the recent proliferation of cancer specific quality of life instruments. As more is understood about the heterogeneity of patient populations, however, we must assess how culturally defined factors may impact patient quality of life and its assessment. Quality of life instruments are diverse, ranging from those focusing on objective measures of functionality to those assessing subjective measures of patient preferences for their current health state. These instruments have been developed for use in the general population and for disease-specific populations. Assessment of the appropriateness of potential quality of life instruments in specific clinical settings, in addition to understanding the cultural diversity of the clinical population being studied, will guide the researcher in the choice of an appropriate quality of life instrument for cancer clinical trials.
The timing of raises and other payments

Abstract The frequency of evaluations and raises in the labor market and the repayment structure of loans have many common elements. It is argued that frequent payments provide additional information to workers and lenders. These agents are willing to pay for the information. That rather obvious point yields a number of implications about the structure of labor and financial markets. It suggests, for example, that workers with firm-specific human capital are less likely to be evaluated, that senior workers should be evaluated less frequently than junior ones, and that students should take most of thier qualifying exams early in their careers. It also implies that evaluation should be more common in firms where the probability of failure and turnover rates are high and in activities where performance is highly correlated over time. The theory provides an explanation for the virtual universality of installment loans on real estate coupled with the widespread existence of zero-coupon securities, which are almost never used in real estate financing.
486 Self-Care Agency and Its Predictors among Lung Transplant Recipients

Hospital Charges for Pediatric Heart Transplant Hospitalizations in the United States from 1997 to 2006 J.W. Rossano, S. Law, J.A. Decker, J.F. Price, A.G. Cabrera, D.E. Graves, D.L.S. Morales, J.S. Heinle, S.W. Denfield, W.J. Dreyer, J.J. Kim. Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX.
Close membrane-membrane proximity induced by Ca(2+)-dependent multivalent binding of synaptotagmin-1 to phospholipids.

Synaptotagmin acts as a Ca2+ sensor in neurotransmitter release through its two C2 domains. Ca2+-dependent phospholipid binding is key for synaptotagmin function, but it is unclear how this activity cooperates with the SNARE complex involved in release or why Ca2+ binding to the C2B domain is more crucial for release than Ca2+ binding to the C2A domain. Here we show that Ca2+ induces high-affinity simultaneous binding of synaptotagmin to two membranes, bringing them into close proximity. The synaptotagmin C2B domain is sufficient for this ability, which arises from the abundance of basic residues around its surface. We propose a model wherein synaptotagmin cooperates with the SNAREs in bringing the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes together and accelerates membrane fusion through the highly positive electrostatic potential of its C2B domain.
Supplement use among cancer survivors in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study cohort.

Objectives: Although dietary supplement use is believed to be prevalent among patients with cancer, less is known about specific associations of supplements with types of cancer. These analyses describe the use of specific supplements by 10,857 cancer survivors in comparison to cancer-free controls (n = 64,226). Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Subjects/settings/location: Participants were members of the VITAL (Vitamins and Lifestyle) study, a cohort study of 75,288 men and women in western Washington State, 50–76 years of age, examining supplement use and future cancer risk. Interventions/outcome measures: Respondents completed a 24-page questionnaire, including information on cancer history, demographic characteristics, and current use of vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. Results: In this cohort, cancer survivors used similar numbers of supplements as cancer-free controls. Analyses examined the association of a diagnosis history of 11 specific cancers (n ≥ 280), by anatomic site, with the h...
Anterior sacral meningocele

Abstract Three cases of an unusual congenital anomaly of the spinal column, anterior sacral meningocele, are reported. A brief review of the literature and discussion are presented.
Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Composites and Their Effect on Composite–Adhesive–Dentin Bonding

This study evaluates the bond strength and related properties of photo-polymerizable, remineralizing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) polymeric composite–adhesive systems to dentin after various periods of aqueous aging at 37°C. An experimental ACP base and lining composite was made from a photo-activated resin comprising 2,2-bis[p-(2′-hydroxy-3′-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (Bis-GMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and zirconyl dimethacrylate (ZrDMA); designated BTHZ. An experimental orthodontic composite was formulated from a photo-activated resin comprising ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA), TEGDMA, HEMA and methacryloxyethyl phthalate (MEP); designated ETHM. In both composite series three fillers were compared: (i) freshly precipitated zirconium-modified ACP (as-prepared Zr-ACP), (ii) milled Zr-ACP and (iii) an ion-leachable fluoride glass. In addition to the shear bond strength (SBS), work to fracture and failure modes of the ortho...
The Surgical Management of Acute Pericarditis

1. Six cases of acute pericarditis, three of which are discussed, required pericardiectomy after failure to respond to medical therapy. 2. Reference is made to etiologic agents, operative approach and extent of the pericardiectomy to relieve tamponade and prevent constriction. 3. Median sternotomy approach with removal of the pericardium anterior to and surrounding the hilar structures of the lung is the procedure of choice while the left anterolateral approach with anterior and left pericardiectomy may suffice for cases with acute onset and of short duration. Transthoracic drainage is preferable to external drainage. 4. A plea is made for better timing and a more aggressive attitude to avoid critical situations and operations performed under life-threatening circumstances. 5. The physiology of pericardial effusion-tamponade is discussed.
A Lower Bound on Prediction Errors for Randomly Accelerating Targets

A lower bound exists for the accuracy with which the future position of a randomly accelerating target can be predicted. This bound applies even when noiseless data is optimally processed. In this correspondence, the prediction error bound is evaluated and presented as a universal curve for the case of a stationary random acceleration process with an exponential autocorrelation function.
Bacterial Pathogenesis: When a turn off is a turn on

Pathogenic bacteria express distinct sets of genes at different stages in their life cycles; inappropriate expression of normally repressed genes during host colonization can interfere with bacterial survival.
Additional notes on the morphology of Meloidogyne spartinae (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae)

Females, males and second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne spartinae were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of M. spartinae is very typical of the genus for most characters in general. However, as expected, some minor differences occur, particularly in the shape of the head, stylet and tail, and morphometrics of several characters. It is not clear at present how the karyotype of seven chromosomes in M. spartinae is related to the 13-18 chromosomes of other apparently related Meloidogyne species. The M. spartinae karyotype may represent an ancestral form from which the other species have evolved, possibly as polyploid-aneuploids. More studies are needed to clarify this point. However, M. spartinae is remarkably similar in morphology to other species and is justly placed within the genus Meloidogyne.
Survey of display technologies for military aircraft cockpit applications

As designers and innovators of aircraft cockpit displays and display systems, we find ourselves in the unique position of participating in the evolving revolution in aircraft cockpit architecture. This revolution will only be limited by the availability of new (or upgraded) aircraft platforms, the innovative creativity of the designers, and - the limits of technology growth. The drivers of this technology growth will be the requirements for the new aircraft to be developed; the "new breed" of flight crew; and the requirement to wring more performance out of man and machine. But, what we must be mindful of, are the limits. The limits of assimilation, and the limits of technology growth. We, the designers, must pace ourselves to what will provide the aircraft industry with the best solution for its challenges without risking program cost and schedule. It is too easy to get into the frame of mind from which we will "push" a technology before it is mature. We all want to create that next advance, be on the leading edge. But, if we get ahead of that leading edge, we may do a disservice to ourselves and the industry. A case in point is the "pushing" of the Active Matrix Liquid Crystal display technology that has occurred. We engineers "know" it can be done!. The users "want" the latest for their new aircraft! The pilots are "fascinated" by its possibilities! However, these drivers must be tempered by reality. We tend to lose sight of what reality is in our desire to accomplish new and better things. Reality is — meeting the real requirements and no more. Reality is - making sure that availability meets schedule. Reality is — making sure that we don't oversell. Reality is - having a true understanding of cost.
Oxidative stress and apoptosis in metal ion-induced carcinogenesis

Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to certain metals causes carcinogenesis. The mechanisms of metal-induced carcinogenesis have been pursued in chemical, biochemical, cellular, and animal models. Significant evidence has accumulated that oxidative stress may be a common pathway in cellular responses to exposure to different metals. For example, in the last few years evidence in support of a correlation between the generation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, tumor promotion, and arsenic exposure has strengthened. This article summarizes the current literature on metal-mediated oxidative stress, apoptosis, and their relation to metal-mediated carcinogenesis, concentrating on arsenic and chromium.
Barrier Net to Reduce Entrainment Losses of Adult Kokanee from Banks Lake, Washington

Abstract A barrier net 1,341 m long was developed to reduce the entrainment of mature kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) into the main irrigation canal intake of Banks Lake in Washington. The dacron net was constructed of 83-mm mesh (stretch measure) and relied on the visual avoidance response exhibited by salmonids. The net was hauled by machine and cleaning was done with high-pressure water jets. The screening efficiency of the barrier was evaluated by numerous methods including sampling the fishes entrained in the irrigation canal with large nets, mark and recapture of adult kokanee in the reservoir, estimates of the number of beach spawners, sonic tracking near the barrier, census of the sport fishery, and mortality of kokanee gilled in the barrier. The annual canal entrainment of kokanee declined from an average of 64% before installation of the net to 10% afterwards, based on 4 years of catch data. An estimated 35,391 adult kokanee, based on mark-and-recapture estimates, were retained in the lake during t...
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transmural Drainage of Postoperative Pancreatic Collections

Background Pancreatic leak is a major cause of morbidity after pancreatectomy. Traditionally, peripancreatic fluid collections have been managed by percutaneous or operative drainage. Data for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of postoperative fluid collections are limited. Here we report on the safety, efficacy, and timing of EUS-guided drainage of postoperative peripancreatic collections. Study Design This is a retrospective review of 31 patients who underwent EUS-guided drainage of fluid collections after pancreatic resection. Technical success was defined as successful transgastric deployment of at least one double pigtail plastic stent. Clinical success was defined as resolution of the fluid collection on follow-up CT scan and resolution of symptoms. Early drainage was defined as initial transmural stent placement within 30 days after surgery. Results Endoscopic ultrasound–guided drainage was performed effectively with a technical success rate of 100%. Clinical success was achieved in 29 of 31 patients (93%). Nineteen of the 29 patients (65%) had complete resolution of their symptoms and collection with the first endoscopic procedure. Repeat drainage procedures, including some with necrosectomy, were required in the remaining 10 patients, with eventual resolution of collection and symptoms. Two patients who did not achieve durable clinical success required percutaneous drainage by interventional radiology. Seventeen (55%) of 31 patients had successful early drainage completed within 30 days of their operation. Conclusions Endoscopic ultrasound–guided drainage of fluid collections after pancreatic resection is safe and effective. Early drainage (
The Effect of Hygrothermal Fatigue on Physical/ Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Neat Epoxy Resin and Graphite/Epoxy Composite

The effect of moisture absorption, desorption, and thermal spiking on the physical/mechanical properties of TGDDM/DDS epoxy resin was investigated and compared to the Gr/Ep composite. The mechanism of moisture diffusion in the neat resin was described on the morphological level. The diffusion rate of moisture in epoxy resin was found to depend on the mobility of molecular chains within an inhomogeneous epoxy network. Two well-known concepts of plasticization of amorphous polymers, the lubricity theory and the gel theory, were invoked to describe the interactions between the absorbed moisture and the resin network. Slight permanent changes in properties of the neat resin were observed after one absorption-desorption cycle. In the thermal spiking experiment, only the spiking temperature above the glass transition of the moisture saturated epoxy resins changed their internal structure and produced very small (thin) microcracks. By comparison with the neat epoxy resin, the Gr/Ep composites contain the reinforcement-matrix boundary region, characterized by the highest restrictions to molecular mobility. The absorbed moisture during the static hygrothermal fatigue cannot effectively plasticize this region. But during thermal spiking, the formation of microcracks is observed within the reinforcement-matrix boundary region as well as an increase in the moisture content.
Reduced-Order Dynamic Model of Permanent Magnet and HTSC Interaction in an Axisymmetric Frame

This paper presents a reduced order model for a permanent magnet (PM) and high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) in an axisymmetric frame. This model is formulated as a bond-graph to aid integration into system models for applications such as lift bearings, where the nonlinear force-displacement interactions are important for stability analysis and control design. The reduced-order model is based on the mechanical and electromagnetic interaction between a PM and bulk HTSC. Performance of the proposed reduced-order model is compared to finite element method (FEM) analysis and experimental tests to confirm the static and transient performance.
Schiestel's derivation of the epsilon equation and two-equation modelling of rotating turbulence

Abstract As part of a more general program of developing multiple-scale models of turbulence, Schiestel suggested a derivation of the homogeneous part of the dissipation rate transport equation. Schiestel's approach is generalized to rotating turbulence. The resulting model reproduces the main features observed in decaying rotating turbulence.
Post-initiation treatment of rats with indole-3-carbinol or β-naphthoflavone does not suppress 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary gland carcinogenesis

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and beta-naphthoflavone (beta-NF), blocking agents of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-initiated mammary gland carcinogenesis, were examined as potential post-initiation suppressing agents. Treatment of female Sprague-Dawley rats with I3C (250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)), beta-NF (20 mg/kg b.w.) or the vehicle ethanol:corn oil (2:3) (2.5 ml/kg b.w.), three times weekly by gavage, started 3 weeks after the initiation with one oral dose of DMBA (20 mg/rat at 7 weeks of age) and continued for up to 12 weeks. I3C- or beta-NF- or vehicle-treated groups did not differ significantly in the overall outcome of mammary tumorigenesis including cumulative mammary tumor incidences and multiplicities, latent periods and number and weight of mammary tumors per tumor-bearing rat for malignant, benign and/or malignant + benign tumors. A tendency of the I3C-treated rats to develop fewer mammary adenocarcinomas with a greater average weight per tumor per rat (2. 32+/-1.50 g) than in the beta-NF- (1.52+/-1.58 g) or vehicle- (1. 55+/-1.53 g) treated groups suggests an effect, yet to be confirmed, of I3C on tumor development and growth. A 12-week treatment with I3C or beta-NF significantly increased the P450-dependent activities of ethoxy-, methoxy-, benzyloxy- and pentoxy-(with I3C only) resorufin O-dealkylase in hepatic microsomes indicating induction of several P450s. The alterations in the P450 complement may affect endogenous estrogen metabolism and mammary gland and tumor characteristics at the molecular level, e.g. estrogen receptor status and/or proliferative activity, which require further studies.
Voting behavior and electoral irregularities in Kenya's 2013 Election

Data from a unique nationwide exit poll of 6258 voters are employed to explore two central themes of the 2013 Kenyan Election: (1) the correlates of individual vote choice; and (2) the credibility of the electoral process. The analysis reveals several striking relationships between an individual's vote choice, personal attributes, and perceptions of the campaign and candidates. We find that the leading coalitions mostly kept their co-ethnics together, although ethnic alliances proved somewhat less certain than in the past. We find that, for the most part, voters treated Uhuru Kenyatta – not sitting Prime Minister Raila Odinga – as the incumbent. The data show that campaign issues also influenced the vote: Odinga garnered more support on issues related to constitutional implementation, corruption, and the International Criminal Court (ICC), while Kenyatta won on the economy, employment, and security. Exit poll data also reveal irregularities in the electoral process, including some evidence of inflated vot...
Integrative radiation carcinogenesis: interactions between cell and tissue responses to DNA damage

Tissue function requires coordinated multicellular behavior as a consequence of diverse signals integrated through the tissue microenvironment; importantly, these cell-cell and cell-microenvironment interactions also actively suppress cancer. Ionizing radiation (IR) elicits a well-defined cellular response to DNA damage that mediates the fate of the individual cell, concomitantly with a less well-characterized overarching tissue stress response that coordinates the response of multiple cell types via microenvironment signaling. We have now shown that these programs to reestablish homeostasis intersect via mutual regulation by transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta 1), which acts as an extracellular sensor and signal of stress. In this review, the concept that this type of functional integration of cell and tissue stress response programs is essential to cancer suppression will be discussed. Our experiments using IR, and several recent studies that experimentally manipulate stromal TGF beta, show that disruption of microenvironment signaling actively promotes malignant progression. Understanding the dynamic interactions between tissue and cell stress responses will be necessary for an accurate assessment of cancer risk and may also provide targets for prevention.
Community Development Dynamics: National Goals and Local Priorities:

The dynamism of US federalism has been the object of considerable scrutiny among scholars in recent years as federal aid to states and localities increased dramatically. Among the various forms of aid that emerged over the past decade were block grants designed to give greater autonomy to local decisionmakers. However, it is possible to undermine that process goal by aggressive federal administration of the funds. In this paper, the question posed is: ‘whose policy preferences—national or community—have the greater effect’? Data from the field network evaluation study of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program by the Brookings Institution for the period 1974–1980 are used to examine local decisionmaking during the Ford and Carter administrations. Analysis of the decisionmaking process indicates the domination of local, as opposed to national, actors over the content of local CDBG programs. Findings concerning program choices and beneficiaries show the exercise of considerable local autonomy, ...
Functional dysphonia during mental imagery: testing the trait theory of voice disorders.

Purpose Previous research has proposed that persons with functional dysphonia (FD) present with temperamental traits that predispose them to their voice disorder. We investigated this theory in a c...
Effect of wavelength on foveal grating acuity.

Acuity–luminance relations for a grating test object were determined with red, yellow, green, and blue narrow-band chromatic illuminants for five subjects.At intermediate and high luminance levels, acuities for blue were lower than for the other chromatic illuminants in four of the five subjects. One of these subjects also showed lower asymptotic acuity for red at high luminances. The fifth subject, who did not show lower blue acuity, exhibited lower asymptotic acuities than the other subjects. The low blue acuities observed in four of the five subjects are attributed to neural rather than dioptric factors.
Random access decompression using binary arithmetic coding

We present an algorithm based on arithmetic coding that allows decompression to start at any point in the compressed file. This random access requirement poses some restrictions on the implementation of arithmetic coding and on the model used. Our main application area is executable code compression for computer systems where machine instructions are decompressed on-the-fly before execution. We focus on the decompression side of arithmetic coding and we propose a fast decoding scheme based on finite state machines. Furthermore, we present a method to decode multiple bits per cycle, while keeping the size of the decoder small.
Optical Interference Filters By Sol-Gel Processing

Optical interference filters have been synthesized by sol-gel. The selected filter is a multilayer of alternating TiO2 and SiO2 films. In transmission, the filter edge depends on the angle of incident light, which can be tailored through control of thickness and refractive index of the individual films. Theoretical modeling of the filter with film thicknesses obtained by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry is in good agreement with the experimental optical response.
Test of conformal invariance in a one-dimensional quantum liquid with long-range interactions.

We study the momentum distribution of one-dimensional Bose and Fermi systems with long-range interaction [ital g]/[ital r][sup 2] for the values [ital g]=[minus]1/2, 0, 4, singled out by random-matrix theory. By making explicit use of the predictions of conformal invariance in periodic quantum chains of finite length, we can show that the critical exponents of the momentum distribution are independent of density and in excellent agreement with estimates obtained from [ital c]=1 conformal finite-size scaling analysis. Furthermore we show how the complete functional form of the one-particle reduced density matrix in a finite system considerably simplifies the numerical extrapolation of critical exponents for conformally invariant systems.
The evolutionary firm and Cournot's Dilemma

To transform this competence-based approach into an evolutionary theory, the con nection between the firm and Veblen's concept of social knowledge is more fully devel oped. Once established, the evolutionary theory of the firm is utilised to bypass Marshall's reconciliation problem and solve Cournot's Dilemma.
Texting while Parenting: How Adults Use Mobile Phones while Caring for Children at the Playground

Child development research suggests that using phones while caring for children can be problematic, but limited prior work in this space makes defining appropriate use challenging. We conducted the first exploration of whether adults feel pressure to limit phone use in this context and whether they choose to do so. Through mixed methods, we collected data from 466 adult caregivers at playgrounds. We found that phone use was a small part of playground time, yet a notable source of guilt. Adults engaged in systematic and specific phone-use and phone-non-use behaviors in order to prioritize their children above themselves. Our results indicate that caregiver values and self-control together predict behavior and can be used to model phone use in this context. Users' mixed success with engaging in intentional periods of non-use suggests that a design agenda which prioritizes cycles of engagement, disengagement, and re-engagement may be of value to this group.
A RICH MWPC pad readout by using custom microplex IC

The use of custom microplex integrated circuits to read out directly 10800 of a multiwire proportional chamber based on a ring imaging Cherenkov (RICH) photon detector is described. Analog pedestal substraction for every pad, digitization, sparsification, and hit list are done on the fly while serial analog data is being read from the microplex chips. The overall system uses less than 100 cables. Cost per channel for electronics and pads are $4.00 and $1.07, respectively. >
SimSeq: a nonparametric approach to simulation of RNA-sequence datasets

Motivation: RNA sequencing analysis methods are often derived by relying on hypothetical parametric models for read counts that are not likely to be precisely satisfied in practice. Methods are often tested by analyzing data that have been simulated according to the assumed model. This testing strategy can result in an overly optimistic view of the performance of an RNA-seq analysis method. Results: We develop a data-based simulation algorithm for RNA-seq data. The vector of read counts simulated for a given experimental unit has a joint distribution that closely matches the distribution of a source RNA-seq dataset provided by the user. We conduct simulation experiments based on the negative binomial distribution and our proposed nonparametric simulation algorithm. We compare performance between the two simulation experiments over a small subset of statistical methods for RNA-seq analysis available in the literature. We use as a benchmark the ability of a method to control the false discovery rate. Not surprisingly, methods based on parametric modeling assumptions seem to perform better with respect to false discovery rate control when data are simulated from parametric models rather than using our more realistic nonparametric simulation strategy. Availability and implementation: The nonparametric simulation algorithm developed in this article is implemented in the R package SimSeq, which is freely available under the GNU General Public License (version 2 or later) from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (http://cran.rproject.org/). Contact: sgbenidt@gmail.com Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Overhauling Amd for the '00s: A Case Study of GNU Autotools

The GNU automatic software configuration tools, Autoconf, Automake, and Libtool, were designed to help the portability of software to multiple platforms. Such autotools also help improve the readability of code and speed up the development cycle of software packages. In this paper we quantify how helpful such autotools are to the open-source software development process. We study several large packages that use these autotools and measure the complexity of their code. We show that total code size is not an accurate measure of code complexity for portability; two better metrics are the distribution of CPP conditionals in that code and the number of new special-purpose Autoconf macros that are written for the package. We studied one package in detail—Am-utils, the Berkeley Automounter. As maintainers and developers of this package, we tracked its evolution over ten years. This package was ported to dozens of different platforms and in 1997 was converted to use GNU autotools. We show how this conversion (autotooling) resulted in a dramatic reduction in code size by over 33%. In addition, the conversion helped speed code development of the Am-utils package by allowing new features and ports to be integrated easily: for the first year after the conversion to GNU autotools, the Am-utils package grew by over 70% in size, adding many new features, and all without increasing the average code complexity.
Should Babies Be Watching Television and DVDs

Should babies be watching television and DVDs? This is a reasonable question to ask but a difficult one to answer. This article reviews the theories and related research to examine what is known about infant media use. The review provides evidence both for and against each theory. The importance of infants learning how to watch and learn from screen media presentations is indicated and the new world of media to which babies are exposed is discussed.