cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Outcomes in 10-Year Survivors of Early-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Purpose Although radiation therapy improves progression-free survival in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), substantial concerns remain regarding the impact of delayed normal tissue effects on quality of life and survival. We hypothesized that treatment with combined-modality therapy (CMT; chemotherapy and radiation therapy) improves overall survival among 10-year survivors compared with treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy alone. Methods and Materials We compared patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database who received a diagnosis of stage I/II HL between 1983 and 2006 who received chemotherapy and/or external beam radiation and survived at least 10 years. Our primary study outcome was overall survival; we also analyzed cause-specific and other-cause-specific survival. Results Of 10,443 ten-year survivors of stage I/II classical HL, 33.6% received chemotherapy alone, 23.8% radiation therapy alone, and 42.6% CMT. Median follow-up was 16.1 years. On multivariate analysis including race, stage, sex, age, and “modern” treatment in 1995 and later, 10-year survivors who received CMT had improved overall survival relative to survivors who received RT alone (hazard ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.64; P Conclusions This survival difference was driven by an increase in death from both HL and non-HL causes in those treated with chemotherapy alone. Our analysis suggests that CMT offers optimal survivorship for patients with stage I/II HL.
Association of the Usability of Electronic Health Records With Cognitive Workload and Performance Levels Among Physicians

Importance Current electronic health record (EHR) user interfaces are suboptimally designed and may be associated with excess cognitive workload and poor performance. Objective To assess the association between the usability of an EHR system for the management of abnormal test results and physicians’ cognitive workload and performance levels. Design, Setting, and Participants This quality improvement study was conducted in a simulated EHR environment. From April 1, 2016, to December 23, 2016, residents and fellows from a large academic institution were enrolled and allocated to use either a baseline EHR (n = 20) or an enhanced EHR (n = 18). Data analyses were conducted from January 9, 2017, to March 30, 2018. Interventions The EHR with enhanced usability segregated in a dedicated folder previously identified critical test results for patients who did not appear for a scheduled follow-up evaluation and provided policy-based decision support instructions for next steps. The baseline EHR displayed all patients with abnormal or critical test results in a general folder and provided no decision support instructions for next steps. Main Outcomes and Measures Cognitive workload was quantified subjectively using NASA–Task Load Index and physiologically using blink rates. Performance was quantified according to the percentage of appropriately managed abnormal test results. Results Of the 38 participants, 25 (66%) were female. The 20 participants allocated to the baseline EHR compared with the 18 allocated to the enhanced EHR demonstrated statistically significantly higher cognitive workload as quantified by blink rate (mean [SD] blinks per minute, 16 [9] vs 24 [7]; blink rate, –8 [95% CI, –13 to –2];P = .01). The baseline group showed statistically significantly poorer performance compared with the enhanced group who appropriately managed 16% more abnormal test results (mean [SD] performance, 68% [19%] vs 98% [18%]; performance rate, –30% [95% CI, –40% to –20%];P Conclusions and Relevance Relatively basic usability enhancements to the EHR system appear to be associated with better physician cognitive workload and performance; this finding suggests that next-generation systems should strip away non–value-added EHR interactions, which may help physicians eliminate the need to develop their own suboptimal workflows.
Reduced PAX2 expression in murine fallopian tube cells enhances estrogen receptor signaling

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is thought to progress from a series of precursor lesions in the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE). One of the preneoplastic lesions found in the FTE is called a secretory cell outgrowth (SCOUT), which is partially defined by a loss of paired box 2 (PAX2). In the present study, we developed PAX2-deficient murine cell lines in order to model a SCOUT and to explore the role of PAX2 loss in the etiology of HGSOC. Loss of PAX2 alone in the murine oviductal epithelium (MOE) did not induce changes in proliferation, migration and survival in hypoxia or contribute to resistance to first line therapies, such as cisplatin or paclitaxel. RNA sequencing of MOE PAX2shRNA cells revealed significant alterations in the transcriptome. Silencing of PAX2 in MOE cells produced a messenger RNA expression pattern that recapitulated several aspects of the transcriptome of previously characterized human SCOUTs. RNA-seq analysis and subsequent qPCR validation of this SCOUT model revealed an enrichment of genes involved in estrogen signaling and an increase in expression of estrogen receptor α. MOE PAX2shRNA cells had higher estrogen signaling activity and higher expression of putative estrogen responsive genes both in the presence and absence of exogenous estrogen. In summary, loss of PAX2 in MOE cells is sufficient to transcriptionally recapitulate a human SCOUT, and this model revealed an enrichment of estrogen signaling as a possible route for tumor progression of precursor lesions in the fallopian tube.
Heat transfer and melt dynamics of millimetric ice particles impacting a heated water bath

Abstract In metallic additive manufacturing using direct energy deposition, particles and melt pool undergo complex interactions, including particle impact, penetration, and melting. The spatio-temporal evolution of these processes dictates the solidified material microstructure and final workpiece quality. However, due to the opaqueness of metallic melt pools, in-situ visualization is nearly impossible. To model this system, we use high-speed imaging to investigate the heat transfer and melting dynamics of spherical ice particles (D ≈ 2 mm) impacting heated water baths of varying temperatures (23–70 °C) with velocities ranging from 0.8 to 2.1 m/s. To visualize the outflow of molten ice, representative of mixing and material homogeneity, the particles were colored with food dye. We show that after impact, molten liquid forms an annular plume travelling downwards in the bath, until hitting the bottom of the enclosure and expanding radially. Due to positive buoyancy forces, unmolten ice particles rise to the top of the water bath, where they fully melt. As temperatures increase, we observe random particle movement, indicating the presence of convective currents. Through video analysis, we examine the relationships between bath temperature, impact velocity, and heat transfer. As expected, increasing the bath temperature decreases the total melt time of the ice particle. Interestingly, the impact velocity has only a minor effect on the melting time. Using non-dimensional analysis, we derive an expression for the correlation between Nusselt and Stefan numbers. Insights from this work can be used to match characteristic time scales during additive manufacturing to tailor material properties.
Smart Self-Driving Multilevel Gate Driver for Fast Switching and Crosstalk Suppression of SiC MOSFETs

Wide-bandgap devices, such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, have high switching speed potential. However, the actual speed in practical application is limited by circuit parasitics and interaction between high-side switch and low-side switch in a phase-leg configuration, known as crosstalk effect. This article proposes an isolated voltage source gate driver with crosstalk suppression capability to take full advantage of the inherent high switching speed ability of silicon-carbide devices. By applying variable gate voltage through the auxiliary circuit, the crosstalk problem can be mitigated. Using the original gate–source voltage as auxiliary circuit driving signal, the gate driver does not introduce any extra control signals, which avoids additional signal/power isolations and makes the auxiliary circuit very convenient to be implemented on the existing commercial gate driver. The auxiliary circuit makes the gate voltage rise from 0 V other than −5 V when the switch turns on, leading to faster switching speed and lower switching loss compared with a traditional gate driver. LTSPICE simulation and double pulse test experiment based on 1.2-kV/60-A silicon-carbide MOSFETs are conducted to evaluate the crosstalk suppression capability of the proposed gate driver.
The Demography of Water Use: Why the Past Is a Poor Predictor of the Future

The concept of gallons per capita per day (GPCD) expresses the relationship between population and water. US trends in GPCD between 1950 and 2015 reflect changing technology, policy, and lifestyles. Water managers use GPCD for long-term infrastructure planning and water resource management. GPCD grew from 1950 to 1980, remained steady from 1980 to 2000, and then fell sharply due to the implementation of the 1992 US Energy Policy Act. This legislation mandated water-efficient fixtures and appliances in new and remodeled homes and focused on indoor water use. The new frontier of water conservation is now outdoor use where behavioral and cultural forces interact with policy and technology to reduce GPCD. Regional trends reveal significantly higher water use in western than eastern states due in part to their warm, dry climates. California, Texas, Nevada, and New Mexico led a regional decline with some other western states unaffected by national trends. The rapidly changing and geographically dispersed pattern of declining GPCD has refocused attention to outdoor water. Uncertainties associated with climate change; city, state, and federal conservation policies; lifestyles; and public attitudes imply a change in water management practices from traditional predict-and-plan methods of long-term water planning to scenario planning, exploratory modeling, and decision-making under uncertainty (DMUU).
Context and Timing Matter: Language Brokering, Stress, and Physical Health

Using a bioecological perspective, the current study explored the dynamic relationship between a proximal process (i.e., language brokering [LB]), LB perceptions, environmental stress context, and timing of LB experiences on well-being. College students (N = 559; 19.6% Asian American, 32.0% European American, 33.5% Latino, and 14.9% multiracial/other ethnicity) reported on LB frequency, feelings about LB as a burden or source of role reversal, perceived stress, age of LB onset, and health (i.e., height, weight, somatic symptoms). Among brokers (M = 23.13, SD = 5.66; 78.3% female), younger LB age onset was significantly associated with higher BMI when perceived stress was high but unrelated when perceived stress was low. For individuals who reported high perceived stress or high LB role reversal, but not both, younger LB age onset was associated with greater somatic symptoms. These results highlight the importance of psychosocial context and timing of life events in capturing the effect of immigrant and family experiences on physical health.
Amino acid sequence of cytochrome c from Aspergillus niger.

Cytochrome c fromAspergillus niger consists of two forms, a major one (80%) with 111 amino acid residues and a minor one (20%) with 108 residues, missing the three N-terminal residues of the major one. The primary sequence ofA. niger cytochrome c was determined by standard spinning-cup Edman degradation of purified peptides and of pairs of peptides, from which the desired sequence was readily deduced by subtraction of common sequencies. Except for the extension and some variability at the N-terminal sequence, theA. niger protein conforms well with other cytochrome c structures.
Regreso al futuro. Continuidad del diálogo sobre el trabajo y la tecnología en la OIT

La preocupacion por el desempleo tecnologico no es nueva. Los debates que tuvieron lugar en el decenio de 1960 sobre la automatizacion reflejaban tanto optimismo como preocupacion por la potencial destruccion de empleo causada por la tecnologia. Al estudiar los archivos de la OIT, y en particular la informacion recopilada por su «Oficina de Automatizacion», se observa que muchas propuestas actuales se debatieron durante aquel periodo, aunque nunca se tradujeron en politicas de reglamentacion. La autora reabre este antiguo debate, como un buen punto de partida para abordar los problemas actuales en consonancia con el mundo del trabajo que aspiramos a construir. Palabras clave: futuro del trabajo, cambio tecnologico, automatizacion, desempleo, inseguridad laboral, politica de desarrollo, historia, funcion de la OIT.
Two Caenorhabditis elegans calponin-related proteins have overlapping functions to maintain cytoskeletal integrity and are essential for reproduction

Multicellular organisms have multiple genes encoding calponins and calponin-related proteins, and some of these are known to regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics and contractility. However, functional similarities and differences among these proteins are largely unknown. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, UNC-87 is a calponin-related protein with seven calponin-like (CLIK) motifs and is required for maintenance of contractile apparatuses in muscle cells. Here, we report that CLIK-1, another calponin-related protein that also contains seven CLIK motifs, has an overlapping function with UNC-87 to maintain actin cytoskeletal integrity in vivo and has both common and different actin-regulatory activities in vitro. CLIK-1 is predominantly expressed in the body wall muscle and somatic gonad, where UNC-87 is also expressed. unc-87 mutation causes cytoskeletal defects in the body wall muscle and somatic gonad, whereas clik-1 depletion alone causes no detectable phenotypes. However, simultaneous depletion of clik-1 and unc-87 caused sterility due to ovulation failure by severely affecting the contractile actin networks in the myoepithelial sheath of the somatic gonad. In vitro, UNC-87 bundles actin filaments. However, CLIK-1 binds to actin filaments without bundling them and is antagonistic to UNC-87 in filament bundling. UNC-87 and CLIK-1 share common functions to inhibit cofilin binding and allow tropomyosin binding to actin filaments, suggesting that both proteins stabilize actin filaments. Thus, partially redundant functions of UNC-87 and CLIK-1 in ovulation is likely mediated by their common actin-regulatory activities, but their distinct activities in actin bundling suggest that they also have different biological functions.
Perioperative Cannabis as a Potential Solution for Reducing Opioid and Benzodiazepine Dependence

Importance Cannabis is increasingly being used for medicinal purposes but remains outside Western medical practice. Data on perioperative use and outcomes are scarce. Few surgeons receive training regarding legal endorsement, reported medicinal benefits, and potential risks, making it difficult to advise patients. Guidelines and additional research are needed. Observations It is legal to recommend cannabis, which can be obtained in states with medical cannabis programs. There are many methods of consumption, oral being the safest. Activity is primarily through Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) via cannabinoid receptors, which may be potentiated when taken together in the plant or plant extract. The known effects of cannabis on inflammation and malignancy are largely limited to laboratory experiments. However, there are higher-quality data to support adjunctive use of cannabis for relief of pain, nausea, and insomnia, which may be useful postoperatively and could potentially decrease reliance on opiates and benzodiazepines. There are prospective trials in surgical patients, but no reported data regarding surgical complications or other surgical outcomes. Currently, cannabis is regulated differently than other controlled substances, and there are issues with purity/homogeneity, making it difficult for surgeons to accept or significantly explore its medical benefits. Conclusions and Relevance Recommendations are made for surgeons advising patients who use cannabis based on the limited existing data. While cannabis likely has some therapeutic benefits, it must be treated as other medical controlled substances to truly elucidate its role in surgical patient care.
Stencil-printed Lithium-ion Micro Batteries for IoT Applications

Abstract A battery design and fabrication process is demonstrated to make Lithium-ion (Li-ion) microbatteries with high capacity to power IoT devices. The battery consists of printed anode and cathode layers based on graphite and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) respectively. The active area of the electrodes is scaled down to 1 mm2 and the resulting electrochemical performance is evaluated. These miniature batteries demonstrate a significantly higher discharge capacity (6.4 mAh/cm2) and energy density (23.6 mWh/cm2) than thin-film and thick-film, and 3D microbatteries. This work shows a miniaturized Li-ion battery capable of powering a MEMS-based wireless sensor system with peak current requirements as high as 4 mA, demonstrating its effectiveness as a power source for integrated electronics.
Workforce development systems efforts for system-involved youth: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Most studies that have examined the employment prospects of system-involved youth have done so from the perspective of the child welfare system or the juvenile justice system to determine employment-related outcomes. In the current study, by contrast, the focus is on the workforce development system and the extent to which these systems address the needs of youth in child welfare or juvenile justice. The key research question for the study is: How do State and Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) address the needs of system-involved youth? Data were collected via open-ended qualitative interviews with key workforce personnel in 10 states. The data identify mechanisms by which WDBs addressed these specific populations of youth as well as strengths and gaps in these efforts. We offer suggestions for further efforts to meet the employment and training needs of these highly vulnerable populations.
Basic Anatomy and Physiology of Bowel Control

The authors present a summary of the most recent publications related with the etiology, pathogenesis, and genetics of anorectal malformations. Special attention is dedicated to the issue of the “modern anatomic findings.” A detailed description of the intrinsic anatomy of anorectal malformations is presented, in an effort to eradicate traditional concepts, based on repetition of myths and “sacred” concepts, without factual evidence such as the characteristics of the “internal sphincter,” “external sphincter,” and “puborectalis muscle.”
Regulation of TNF-α- and Fas-Induced Hepatic Apoptosis by NF-κB

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and Fas are two potent hepatotoxic agonists in human diseases and animal models. When either TNF-α or Fas ligand (FasL) binds to its respective receptor, it initiates parallel cascades leading to either apoptosis or the induction of antiapoptotic proteins. The transcription factor NF-κB is a critical mediator of antiapoptosis in the liver in vivo and in cultured hepatocytes. The mechanisms by which NF-κB blocks the apoptotic pathway are under intense investigation. In the hepatocyte, NF-κB induces at least two antiapoptotic proteins, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Bcl-xL. Understanding the regulation of NF-κB and apoptosis in hepatocytes may provide insights into the development of novel therapies for liver disease.
EPR Studies in Autoxidation

Autoxidation processes generally proceed via free radical chain processes involving both the autoxidizing compound itself and also, potentially, any other components of the system. Thorough understanding of such processes thus requires kinetic and structural data about the free radical reaction steps and intermediates comprising variously the initiation, propagation, and termination phases.
Anticholinergic Agents in Respiratory Diseases

The origin of the anticholinergic agents is found in the belladonna plants from which atropine and scopolamine are derived. In ancient times, extracts of these plants were used as poisonous agents because of their potent physiological effects. The first recorded use of belladonna alkaloids for the treatment of respiratory diseases comes from India where the smoke of burning jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) was used to treat asthma symptoms. British settlers in India introduced the use of belladonna alkaloids into western medicine in the 19th century. Atropine was isolated in its pure form by Mein in 1831. Although found to be useful for the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma and disorders of gastrointestinal motility, these substances were limited by their toxicity, including the effects on the heart and the undesirable side effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention and pupillary dilation. Recently there has been an effort to develop anticholinergic substances with little or no undesirable side effects. These efforts have led to the development of quaternary ammonium compounds of atropine such as ipratropium bromide that share with atropine beneficial effects on the respiratory tract with few undesirable effects. The addition of the quaternary ammonium structure makes this medication poorly absorbable through the mucosa of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract (Fig. 1). This property confers its low potential for side effects.
Schools as Public Spaces: The Tensions and Resources of Arendt

The challenge that Ernie Cortes, community organizer, poses to his audience — to initiate, engage, agitate, design our public schools — has become a more and more familiar refrain. The call for greater public investment, engagement, and ownership of our schools has been steadily building from different areas of educational theory and practice. Alternately, championing increased parental engagement, decentralized decision making, and community ownership, these calls share a common assumption: schools are, and should be, preeminently public spaces.
Grisham vs. Solmssen

A close comparative analysis of the law-related works of two excellent story-tellers, one celebrated (John Grisham) and the other (Arthur G. Solmssen) even more worthy of fame.
Degradation of Giardia lamblia cysts in mixed human and swine wastes.

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the persistence of Giardia lamblia cysts in mixed septic tank effluent and swine manure slurry and to correlate fluorescein diacetate-propidium iodide staining of G. lamblia cysts with their morphology under low-voltage scanning electron microscopy. Under field conditions, G. lamblia cysts were degraded more rapidly in the mixed waste than in the control Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). For total and viable cysts, the mixed waste had D values (time for a 90% reduction in number of cysts) of 18.3 and 15.5 days, and the Dulbecco's PBS control had D values of 41.6 and 26.8 days. The rates of cyst degradation in septic tank effluent and in Dulbecco's PBS were similar. Increasing the proportion of swine manure slurry in the mixed waste favored degradation of the parasite. These results indicate that the mixed waste treatment was the predominant factor affecting the cyst persistence and that it was swine manure slurry that played the role of degrading the parasite. Visualization of viable and nonviable Giardia cysts with low-voltage scanning electron microscopy revealed an excellent correlation between the viability of the cysts determined by fluorescein diacetate-propidium iodide staining and their electron microscopic morphology.
Towards a Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment –Lessons Learned from the Unprevented Exposure of Miners to Coal Dust☆

Abstract Particularly challenging for the development of meaningful performance baselines associated with health hazards in construction is the lack of statistics on the number and on the understanding of chronic occupational illnesses within the sector. That health issues from the continued exposure to hazards does not commonly result in an immediate but in a long-term condition likely evident once workers are not active in the industry explains such lack of and understanding. By exploring the origins and consequences of the prevalent attitudes within the coal industry that facilitated the excessive exposure of miners to coal dust, prospects for mitigating potential negative outcomes of present and future interactions between worker and work environment can be assessed. Thus, lessons learned from the unprevented exposure of coal miners are analyzed and discussed in this article with the expectation that they can be used to mitigate the unprevented exposure of construction workers to health hazards.
Morphology of the synlophe and genital cone of Parostertagia heterospiculum (Trichostrongylidae) with comments on the subfamilial placement of the genus

The genus Parostertagia is referred to the Cooperiinae with reference to a suite of shared characters of the synlophe and genital cone postulated as derived homologies for the subfamily. The genus has traditionally been relegated to the Graphidiinae or Ostertagiinae, but unique structural attributes of the synlophe and genital cone indicate close affinities with the Cooperiinae. The synlophe of Parostertagia heterospiculum is characterised by a relatively low number of ridges in the cervical zone (16–20 at the excretory pore), a frontal axis of orientation, sequential increase in ridges posteriorly, lateral addition of ridges, minuscule lateral-most ridges and hypertrophy of specific ridges in the lateral field of females. The genital cone with a tripartite “0” papilla, a pair of dorsal cloacal papillae (a character potentially homologous with lateral protuberances in some cooperiines, but reported for the first time in this study), and paired “7” papillae supporting a small accessory bursal membrane appear unique among the trichostrongylids. Additionally, Parostertagia was found to possess minuscule cervical papillae and a rudimentary (or reduced?) cephalic and cervical expansion. Inclusion of Parostertagia within the Cooperiinae is based on shared characters with this subfamily (postulated synapomorphies) rather than differences that may be utilized to separate this genus from members of other subfamilies of the Trichostrongylidae.
The Impact of Strategic Investment Choices on Post-Issue Operating Performance and Survival of US IPO Firms

Abstract: We examine the impact of strategic investment choices at the time of the IPO on: (i) the post-issue operating performance and (ii) the likelihood of failure and time-to-failure of newly public US firms. Our post-issue operating performance analysis uses various performance metrics, benchmarks, and expectation models. Overall, our evidence indicates that the extent of diversification and industry-adjusted capital expenditures intensity are generally positively related to changes in operating performance. We do not, however, document a consistent relation between industry-adjusted R&D expenditures and changes in operating performance. The results from our survival analysis suggest that pre-issue managerial commitment to R&D spending and developing diversified product lines enhance the ability of IPO issuing firms to remain viable for longer periods of time. Our study highlights the impact of various managerial investment decisions on the subsequent performance of newly public firms.
“PLAY IT AGAIN SAM”: COMPARISON OF TEENAGERS' VALUATION OF SELF-REPORTED HEALTH STATUS VERSUS A HYPOTHETICAL SCENARIO (“SAM”) OF SAME HEALTH STATE. † 1653

Background: There is some evidence in the literature that valuation of personal health status by patients may be higher than ratings provided for the same health state by other respondents. However, it is not known if the patients would provide similar ratings if their personal health state were presented as a hypothetical scenario. Objectives: To determine if there are any differences in teenagers valuation of their health-related quality of life (HRQL) based on self-report of their subjectively-defined health status (SDHS), versus the ratings provided for“Sam”, which was an objective description of their personal multi-attribute health status written as if it were a hypothetical scenario.Design: Health status measures of teens' own health were obtained by professional interviewers using a multi-attribute health status (HUI2) classification system. To elicit preferences, we utilized the visual analogue scaling (Feeling Thermometer) which ranks health states under conditions of certainty on a scale of 0 to 100. The respondents were asked to rank their self-reported SDHS and “Sam” (in addition to 4 other hypothetical scenarios of varying severity). Participants: 107 extremely low birthweight (ELBW) survivors and 108 controls (C) between 12 and 16 years of age. Neurosensory impairments were present in 24% ELBW and 2% C.Results: 69% of ELBW and 56% of C rated their own SDHS equal to or higher than “Sam” (p = 0.06). The mean value score of ELBW teenagers for SDHS HRQL was significantly higher than that of“Sam”, the scenario about themselves (89 ± 15 vs. 83± 20, p = 0.001). The differences reported by the C group were in the same direction, although non-significant (91 ± 9 vs 89 ± 15, p = 0.10). Conclusions: Overall, a modest proportion of both cohorts rated their own HRQL equal to or higher than “Sam”, suggesting that personal experience of living in a particular health state is valued more highly than when it is imaginary. Whether the wider discrepancy between HRQL rating of SDHS and “Sam” in ELBW adolescents is due, in part, to a broader range of impairments, or a personal inability to appreciate their own limitations, is not clear. It is possible that ELBW teens value their own HRQL higher than “Sam” due to some undescribed qualities they perceive in themselves. To our knowledge comparisons like these have not been reported before.
A different way to look at varicose veins.

Objective The development of varicose veins is commonly attributed to vessel wall degeneration. The idea that varicose veins occur because of pathological processes, however, is challenged by certain observations. For example, their high prevalence (50% or greater) in many populations makes it statistically “normal” to have varicose veins; their well-established genetic predisposition raises the possibility that this high prevalence reflects a survival benefit. One way to explain this apparent contradiction is to theorize that varicose veins are produced by the same mechanism(s) that lead to the growth and remodeling of other types of blood vessels. If so, being “good” at forming varicose veins may also predispose to being “good” at forming various types of collateral blood vessels when necessary. Methods A selected literature review was conducted. Works chosen for review included those suggesting that: the process of varicose vein formation may share the same basic mechanisms as the formation of collateral veins, arteries, and lymphatic vessels; and clinical outcomes may be different between subjects with and without varicose veins. Results Evidence suggests that subjects who are “good” at forming varicose veins may also be “good” at forming various types of collateral vessels, and they may have better overall survival (with less cardiovascular morbidity) than those without varicose veins. Conclusions Varicose veins may be “the price we pay” for an enhanced ability to form collateral vessels when necessary.
Swimming at low Reynolds number in fluids with odd, or Hall, viscosity.

This work presents a theory of swimmers that are moving in two-dimensional fluids with a nonvanishing odd viscosity (e.g, fluids in magnetic fields), which gives rise to a force perpendicular to the motion. The authors find that a swimming stroke which would not cause the swimmer to move in a fluid with conventional (even) viscosity, can cause it to rotate in a fluid with odd viscosity.
Burkitt's lymphoma of the stomach

An unusual case of American Burkitt's lymphoma originating in the stomach of an elderly man is presented. Computed tomography revealed diffuse infiltration of the gastric wall by a solid tumor measuring 2.5 to 5.5 cm in thickness. Despite such bulky tumor, however, distensibility of the stomach was preserved because Burkitt's lymphoma does not induce desmoplastic reaction and linitis plastica.
A Comparison of Aircraft and Jimsphere Wind Measurements

Abstract Upper level wind profiles obtained from a Doppler equipped aircraft and from radar tracking of a Jim-sphere balloon are compared. Simultaneous measurements were made by them methods on 19 and 20 February 1970. The measurements agree closely in terms of rms variation and power spectral density. The effect of small horizontal separation of the measurements (∼10 n mi) was found to be insignificant.
Evaluating capacity- and demand-management decisions at a ski resort

Abstract This model reveals some effective and not-so-effective ways to manipulate customers' behavior to minimize their waiting times in service queues.
Multiple Light-Scattering Probes of Foam Structure and Dynamics

The structure and dynamics of three-dimensional foams are probed quantitatively by exploiting the strong multiple scattering of light that gives foams their familiar white color. Approximating the propagation of light as a diffusion process, transmission measurements provide a direct probe of the average bubble size. A model for dynamic light scattering is developed that can be used to interpret temporal fluctuations in the intensity of multiply scattered light. The results identify previously unrecognized internal dynamics of the foam bubbles. These light-scattering techniques are direct, noninvasive probes of bulk foams and therefore should find wide use in the study of their properties.
Evolutionary Dynamics of Recently Duplicated Genes: Selective Constraints on Diverging Paralogs in the Drosophila pseudoobscura Genome

Duplicated genes produce genetic variation that can influence the evolution of genomes and phenotypes. In most cases, for a duplicated gene to contribute to evolutionary novelty it must survive the early stages of divergence from its paralog without becoming a pseudogene. I examined the evolutionary dynamics of recently duplicated genes in the Drosophila pseudoobscura genome to understand the factors affecting these early stages of evolution. Paralogs located in closer proximity have higher sequence identity. This suggests that gene conversion occurs more often between duplications in close proximity or that there is more genetic independence between distant paralogs. Partially duplicated genes have a higher likelihood of pseudogenization than completely duplicated genes, but no single factor significantly contributes to the selective constraints on a completely duplicated gene. However, DNA-based duplications and duplications within chromosome arms tend to produce longer duplication tracts than retroposed and inter-arm duplications, and longer duplication tracts are more likely to contain a completely duplicated gene. Therefore, the relative position of paralogs and the mechanism of duplication indirectly affect whether a duplicated gene is retained or pseudogenized.
Complex synthetic aperture radar data compression

Existing compression algorithms, primarily designed for visible electro-optical (EO) imagery, do not work well for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. The best compression ratios achieved to date are less than 10:1 with minimal degradation to the phase data. Previously, phase data has been discarded with only magnitude data saved for analysis. Now that the importance of phase has been recognized for Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR), Coherent Change Detection (CCD), and polarimetry, requirements exist to preserve, transmit, and archive the both components. Bandwidth and storage limitations on existing and future platforms make compression of this data a top priority. This paper presents results obtained using a new compression algorithm designed specifically to compress SAR imagery, while preserving both magnitude and phase information at compression ratios of 20:1 and better.
Scientific and Regulatory Reasons for Delay and Denial of FDA Approval of Initial Applications for New Drugs, 2000-2012

Importance Some new drug applications fail because of inadequate drug performance and others are not approved because the information submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is unsatisfactory to make that determination. Resubmission of failed applications is costly, delaying marketing approval and the availability of new drugs to patients. Objective To identify the reasons that FDA marketing approval for new drugs was delayed or denied. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective review of FDA documents and extraction of data were performed. We examined all drug applications first submitted to the FDA between 2000 and 2012 for new molecular entities (NMEs), which are active ingredients never before marketed in the United States in any form. Using FDA correspondence and reviews, we investigated the reasons NMEs failed to obtain FDA approval. Main Outcomes and Measures Reasons for delayed FDA approval or nonapproval of NME applications. Results Of the 302 identified NME applications, 151 (50%) were approved when first submitted and 222 (73.5%) were ultimately approved. Seventy-one applications required 1 or more resubmissions before approval, with a median delay to approval of 435 days following the first unsuccessful submission. Of the unsuccessful first-time applications, 24 (15.9%) included uncertainties related to dose selection, 20 (13.2%) choice of study end points that failed to adequately reflect a clinically meaningful effect, 20 (13.2%) inconsistent results when different end points were tested, 17 (11.3%) inconsistent results when different trials or study sites were compared, and 20 (13.2%) poor efficacy when compared with the standard of care. The frequency of safety deficiencies was similar among never-approved drugs compared with those with delayed approval (43 of 80 never approved [53.8%] vs 37 of 71 eventually approved [52.1%]; difference, 1.7% [95% CI, −14.86% to 18.05%]; P = .87). However, efficacy deficiencies were significantly more frequent among the never-approved drugs than among those with delayed approvals (61 of 80 never approved [76.3%] vs 28 of 71 eventually approved [39.4%]; difference, 36.9% [95% CI, 20.25% to 50.86%]; P Conclusions and Relevance Several potentially preventable deficiencies, including failure to select optimal drug doses and suitable study end points, accounted for significant delays in the approval of new drugs. Understanding the reasons for previous failures is helpful to improve the efficiency of clinical development for new drugs.
The chromatic index of multigraphs that are nearly full

Abstract We summarize previous results on the chromatic index of nearly complete simple graphs. Hilton has shown how the first of these results generalizes to multigraphs. We give an extension of another of the simple graph results to a multigraph version.
Cell-specific behavior of P2X7 receptors in mouse parotid acinar and duct cells.

Abstract P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) affect many epithelial cell functions including transcellular ion transport, secretion, and cell death. Here we used parotid acinar and duct cells to reveal the unique cell-specific assembly and gating of the P2X7R channels. Immunolocalization indicated expression of P2X7Rs in the luminal membrane of both cell types. Stimulation with 5 mm ATP raised [Ca2+]i levels in a cell-specific manner and activated multiple currents. The current mediated by P2X7R was isolated by infusing the cells with high [EGTA]. The initial activation of acinar cell P2X7Rs by ATP was slow requiring ∼2.5 min. Subsequent removal and addition of ATP, however, resulted in rapid inhibition and activation (gating) of the P2X7Rs. By contrast, P2X7Rs in duct cells displayed only rapid gating by ATP. Activation of P2X7Rs in both cell types was verified by (a) low Km for ATP, (b) sensitivity to external divalent ions, (c) lack of desensitization/inactivation, (d) permeability to Na+, and (e) inhibition by Brilliant Blue G, Cu2+, and pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid tetrasodium. The slow P2X7R activation in acinar cells was not affected by manipulation of exo-/endocytosis. Rather, disassembly or solidification of the actin cytoskeleton prior to incubation with ATP prevented channel assembly. Remarkably, after completion of the slow activation, manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton no longer affected gating by ATP. Accordingly, manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton had no effect on P2X7R gating by ATP in duct cells. We concluded that P2X7Rs are not active in resting acinar cells. On exposure to ATP, P2X7Rs are assembled into functional channels with the aid of the actin cytoskeleton. Once assembled, P2X7Rs are subject to rapid gating by ATP. Duct cell P2X7Rs are preassembled and therefore continually subject to rapid gating by ATP. This cell-specific behavior may reflect the specific function of P2X7Rs in the two cell types.
Empirical models of pressure and density in Saturn's interior: Implications for the helium concentration, its depth dependence, and Saturn's precession rate

Abstract We present ‘empirical’ models (pressure vs. density) of Saturn's interior constrained by the gravitational coefficients J 2 , J 4 , and J 6 for different assumed rotation rates of the planet. The empirical pressure–density profile is interpreted in terms of a hydrogen and helium physical equation of state to deduce the hydrogen to helium ratio in Saturn and to constrain the depth dependence of helium and heavy element abundances. The planet's internal structure (pressure vs. density) and composition are found to be insensitive to the assumed rotation rate for periods between 10h:32m:35s and 10h:41m:35s. We find that helium is depleted in the upper envelope, while in the high pressure region ( P ≳ 1 Mbar ) either the helium abundance or the concentration of heavier elements is significantly enhanced. Taking the ratio of hydrogen to helium in Saturn to be solar, we find that the maximum mass of heavy elements in Saturn's interior ranges from ∼6 to 20 M ⊕ . The empirical models of Saturn's interior yield a moment of inertia factor varying from 0.22271 to 0.22599 for rotation periods between 10h:32m:35s and 10h:41m:35s, respectively. A long-term precession rate of about 0.754 ″ yr −1 is found to be consistent with the derived moment of inertia values and assumed rotation rates over the entire range of investigated rotation rates. This suggests that the long-term precession period of Saturn is somewhat shorter than the generally assumed value of 1.77 × 10 6 years inferred from modeling and observations.
CTH08-6: Context Based Decoding of Split-LDPC Codes

We consider channel decoding of redundant data with context based memory with the recently proposed class of nonsystematic split-LDPC codes. Methods based on denoising techniques and context estimation from universal source coding are used to extract redundancy between decoding iterations of split-LDPC codes. Simulation results show that the use of nonsystematic split-LDPC codes gains in most cases on standard systematic LDPC codes even without prior knowledge of the source statistics. Different context extraction methods are considered, including a novel approach that is used to capture different types of context based redundancy.
Videoconferencing to Reduce Stress Among Hospitalized Children

OBJECTIVES: Family-Link is a videoconferencing program that allows hospitalized children and their parents to virtually visit family members and friends using laptops, webcams, and a secure Wi-Fi connection. We evaluated the association of Family-Link use on the reduction in stress experienced by children during hospitalization. METHODS: We offered Family-Link to pediatric patients who had an expected length of hospitalization equal to or greater than 4 days. We measured the stress levels of hospitalized children at admission and discharge using the previously published Parental Stress Survey. We used propensity score matching and multivariable linear regression methods to evaluate the relationship between the use of Family-Link and stress experienced by children during hospitalization. RESULTS: We included a total of 367 children in the study: 232 Family-Link users and 135 non–Family-Link users. Using the propensity score matching method, we found that the use of Family-Link was significantly associated with a greater reduction in overall mean stress compared with non–Family-Link users among the cohort of patients who lived closer to the hospital and had shorter lengths of hospitalization (β = 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 0.43; P CONCLUSIONS: The use of videoconferencing by some hospitalized children and families to conduct virtual visits with family and friends outside of the hospital was associated with a greater reduction in stress during hospitalization than those who did not use videoconferencing.
Investigating the Role of Proline in Buforin II Function

Buforin II (BF2) is a 21 amino acid long antimicrobial peptide. Unlike many antimicrobial peptides that induce cell death by disrupting the cellular membrane, BF2 exhibits potent antimicrobial activity without significant membrane permeabilization. A histone derivative, BF2 is hypothesized to kill bacteria by translocating across the cell membrane and binding to nucleic acids. Its membrane-penetrating property makes it a potential model for novel drug delivery systems. Pro 11 of BF2 been shown to play an important role in membrane translocation. To investigate the role played by proline, it was replaced with alanine (P11A) or reintroduced at various locations (P11A/G7P, P11A/V12P and P11A/V15P). Changing the location of the proline residue alters the peptide's overall helicity and affects the peptide's antimicrobial activity. Lipid vesicle assays showed that an optimal amount of α-helicity appears related to translocation, as increased or decreased helicity both led to reduced translocation compared to wild type BF2. However, antimicrobial activities did not correlate clearly with translocation abilities. To better understand the antimicrobial mechanism of BF2 and the role of proline, pore formation and DNA binding were investigated. The pore-forming abilities of wild type BF2 and its proline mutants were examined with a lipid vesicle dye-leakage assay. These experiments showed that increased α-helicity correlates with peptides' increased ability to cause membrane permeabilization. A fluorescent intercalator assay was used to determine the peptides' ability to bind nucleic acids. These studies revealed that while P11A/G7P exhibits a significantly stronger DNA binding ability than wild type BF2, the other mutants have similar DNA binding abilities. Together, this data helps to explain the imperfect correlation between the peptides' respective antimicrobial activities and their abilities to translocate and sheds light on the role of proline in BF2 function.
New Insights into the Etiology of Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome of unknown etiology, defined by clinical findings of elevated blood pressure combined with proteinuria and oedema. The decidual portion of the spiral arteries of women who later develop pre-eclampsia does not undergo the normal pregnancy-induced remodelling that converts these vessels to high volume-low resistance conduits. We have postulated that this failure leads to vascular spasm, restricted blood flow, placental ischaemia and the release of toxic substances that enter the maternal circulation, resulting in multi-organ disease. The complex and interwoven pathways of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine factors appear to result in a vicious cycle of endothelial cell dysfunction, which is expressed clinically as pre-eclampsia.