cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intra-ocular melanoma metastatic to an axillary lymph node: A case report

Background: Unusual metastatic presentation of intra-ocular melanoma. Study Design: Case report. Discussion: Extra-regional lymphatic spread of intra-ocular melanoma has not been reported previously in the literature. The usual pattern of metastasis for intra-ocular melanoma is hematogenous. There are few reports of regional spread to the maxillofacial bones. We report an interesting case of a 51 year old female with prior history of right eye melanoma, now presenting with metastasis to the left axilla, which is an extra-regional nodal basin. Conclusion: In female patients presenting with an isolated axillary mass, with a negative breast work up and known prior history of melanoma, the differential diagnosis should include possible metastatic melanoma. Core biopsy will confirm the diagnosis and tailor subsequent management.
A framework for efficient minimum distance computations

We present a framework for minimum distance computations that allows efficient solution of minimum distance queries on a variety of surface representations, including sculptured surfaces. The framework depends on geometric reasoning rather than numerical methods and can be implemented straightforwardly. We demonstrate performance that compares favorably to other polygonal methods and is faster than reported results for other methods on sculptured surfaces.
Hindbrain contributions to anorexia.

feeding behavior is the complex functional output of distributed neural networks, with critical components located at every level of the central neuraxis ([1][1], [20][2]). Nevertheless, the ability of any internal or external factor to modulate food intake ultimately depends on its ability to
Anesthetic properties of carbon dioxide in the rat.

Background Carbon dioxide decreases halothane minimum alveolar concentrations (MAC) in dogs when Paco(2) exceeds 95 mm Hg. We sought to confirm these findings for several potent inhaled anesthetics in rats. Methods Groups of eight rats were anesthetized with halothane, isoflurane, or desflurane. MAC was determined for each anesthetic alone, and then with increasing concentrations of inspired CO(2). A fourth group was given CO(2) alone to determine the MAC of CO(2). Results Increasing inspired CO(2) concentrations produced a linear dose-dependent decrease in MAC of each potent inhaled anesthetic. With elimination of CO(2), the MAC of isoflurane and desflurane returned to the original MAC. As determined by extrapolating these data to 0% of the inhaled anesthetic, the MAC of CO(2) was approximately 50% of 1 atm. Given alone, CO(2) proved lethal. Conclusions Unlike dogs, no threshold for the CO(2)-MAC response arose with halothane, isoflurane, or desflurane in rats. The ED(50) for CO(2) is also approximately 50% greater in rats than reported in dogs.
New membrane-associated and soluble peptide methionine sulfoxide reductases in Escherichia coli.

Abstract It is known that reactive oxygen species can oxidize methionine residues in proteins in a non-stereospecific manner, and cells have mechanisms to reverse this damage. MsrA and MsrB are members of the methionine sulfoxide family of enzymes that specifically reduce the S and R forms, respectively, of methionine sulfoxide in proteins. However, in Escherichia coli the level of MsrB activity is very low which suggested that there may be other enzymes capable of reducing the R epimer of methionine sulfoxide in proteins. Employing a msrA/B double mutant, a new peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase activity has been found associated with membrane vesicles from E. coli . Both the R and S forms of N -acetylmethionine sulfoxide, d -ala-met(o)-enkephalin and methionine sulfoxide, are reduced by this membrane associated activity. The reaction requires NADPH and may explain, in part, how the R form of methionine sulfoxide in proteins is reduced in E. coli . In addition, a new soluble Msr activity was also detected in the soluble extracts of the double mutant that specifically reduces the S epimer of met(o) in proteins.
Enhanced immunoglobulin A response and protection against Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium in the absence of the substance P receptor.

The development of the neurokinin-1 receptor-deficient (NK1R−/−) mouse permitted inquiry into the regulation of secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) responses by substance P (SP) after oral immunization with a Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium vector expressing colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I) from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. In NK1R−/− mice, mucosal and serum IgA anti-CFA/I fimbrial responses were augmented, while secreted IgG anti-CFA/I fimbrial responses remained unaffected compared to those of BALB/c (NK1R+/+) mice. Supportive antibody-forming cells were present in the small intestinal lamina propria and spleen. To gain insight as to why the augmented S-IgA responses occurred, minimally, the responses were not attributed to differences in vaccine colonization of Peyer's patch (PP) and spleen or in their respective tissue weights. However, these S-IgA responses were supported by increased numbers of PP CD4+ T helper (Th) cells secreting interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IL-6 and splenic CD4+ Th cells secreting IL-6 compared to NK1R+/+ mice. Challenge of naive NK1R−/− mice with wild-type Salmonella showed improved median survival compared to naive NK1R+/+ mice. Data from peritoneal macrophage infection studies suggest that this survival is in part contributed by increased IL-10 production. Oral vaccination with Salmonella CFA/I or Salmonella vector showed no significant differences in conferred protection against wild-type challenge for either NK1R−/− or NK1R+/+ mice. Thus, these studies suggest that SP mediation contributes to proinflammatory responses to Salmonella infections.
Staphylococcal coronary arteritis as a complication of septicemia.

Abstract We describe a case of staphylococcal coronary arteritis in the setting of sepsis due to arteriovenous fistula and dialysis catheter infection. The left circumflex coronary artery was the only vessel involved. The patient was a 77-year-old, insulin-dependent diabetic man with chronic renal failure. The immunosuppressed state in diabetes with subsequent septicemia may have facilitated a large number of bacteria to lodge in the atheromatous plaque of the coronary artery. We briefly review previously reported cases and suggest that bacterial arteritis may be an underrecognized cause of acute coronary occlusion.
Finite Stage Centipede Game and Other Finite Two Player Dynamic Games with Bounded Rationality

Subgame Perfect Nash Equilibrium (SPNE), as a predictive theory, has been found to be inconsistent with experimental evidence in many dynamic games. This working paper introduces bounded rationality of varying degrees through a distribution of the types of each player in finite dynamic games, and checks if that rationalizes observed/”intuitive” behavior. Each of these types has a different degree of limited foresight which causes them to be bounded rational. In this scenario, the solution concept applied is a self developed variation of the Perfect Bayesian Nash Equilibrium. This analysis with presence of bounded rational player types gives justification for strategies that are suboptimal in the sense of subgame perfection serving as equilibrium strategies even when two rational players interact. A specific analysis of the Centipede Game (which is cited as one of the major critiques of subgame perfection) using this modeling of bounded rationality brings forth results more compatible with experimental evidence -- even with arbitrarily small ex-ante probability on the different bounded rational types of a player, given large enough “k” stages in the Centipede Game, we have equilibrium cooperation till the (k-2)th stage.
Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of TiN-AIN Thin Film Heterostructures

TiN and AlN are promising thin film materials. There is continuing interest in their mechanical, electronic and optoelectronic properties. Our studies have shown that mechanical properties can be changed by forming thin film heterostructures of the two materials. We report on our pulsed laser deposition assisted synthesis, microstructural characterizations and mechanical properties of TiN/AlN multi-layer structures. The TiN/AlN superlattice structures are fabricated on (100) silicon substrates at different temperatures (400-800oC) and different nitrogen ambient pressures. The nano-mechanical hardness properties of the multi-layered structures were examined as a function of thickness of individual layers keeping the overall thickness of heterostructures constant. Thickness variations of the films are measured with a optical phase-shift interferometer. The mechanical properties of the TiN-AlN heterostructures have been found to be associated with interfacial interaction between layers. The interfacial interaction, in turn, depends on processing parameters the most important among which is substrate temperature.
Evaluation of metropolitan traffic flow with agent-based traffic simulator and approximated vehicle behavior model near intersections

In this paper, we introduce a metropolitan traffic simulation with microscopic vehicle agents with approximated behavior near intersections. We simulate a metropolitan traffic flow for Tokyo and surrounding four prefectures with fine-grained traffic demand obtained from Tokyo Person Trip survey. Though this simulator has an ability to manage signal control, it is difficult to obtain the real signal data of the city. Without signal data, the behavior of vehicles in a city becomes too smooth because they do not stop at intersections. This causes differences in traffic volume distribution. In this paper, we introduce a virtual vehicle that appears virtually in the front of the lead vehicle on each road to achieve natural deceleration with a car following speed model. We evaluate the aggregated effect of the virtual vehicle by comparing simulated traffic volume and trip length with real traffic data including road traffic census and person trip survey data.
Critical information literacy as core skill for lifelong STEM learning in the 21st century: reflections on the desirability and feasibility for widespread science media education

Grace Reid and the late Stephen Norris argue in this issue the urgent need for widespread Science Media Education (SME) as an integral part of formal and informal science education. SME is to achieve two goals: First, allow learners to critically evaluate any media as a source for scientific information by understanding the socio-economic and socio-cultural context of how and why news and entertainment media are created, and secondly, utilize media as a legitimate and productive source for science education and science learning. While laudable, I will argue that SME as an integral part of STEM education is unrealistic, and offer instead that the broader concept of Information Literacy might be more easily achieved within the current strong movement to conceptualize STEM education via science and engineering practices and within the broad goals of strengthening learners’ 21st century skills.
Hot-Flushing for ACC in Winter

Hot-flushing process needs to be carried out on ACC during commissioning of the direct air cooling system of one air cooling unit located in areas with extremely cold winter.Because of the low temperature in winter,freeze prevention measures shall be taken as preparation for the flushing of ACC.The actual results after application have proved that these measures are effective.
Rapid Intravenous Rehydration Therapy in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundRapid intravenous (IV) rehydration is commonly used for the management of pediatric gastroenteritis in the emergency department. The current practice shows wide variation in the volume and rate of rapid IV hydration. The aim of this review was to assess the efficacy of rapid IV rehydration
MO-F-201-02: Panel Member

The goal of this session is to provide guidance to medical physicists undergoing the American Board of Radiology certification process in therapeutic medical physics. This panel discussion will focus on parts 2 (computer-based) and 3 (oral) of the examination. Unlike the latter portions of the exam which are specialty-driven, part 1 is universal for all medical physics fields and will not be addressed. This session is structured into different topics that aim to guide the participants on how to successfully prepare for the board exams. The subjects of discussion will include timing and strategies for exam preparation, crucial differences in preparing for the clinical computer-based exam versus the oral exam, what study tools are currently available for each, etc. The panel discussion format will allow the speakers to collectively present their experience and advice relating to each topic and foment audience participation. Learning Objectives: 1.Know the main differences between what is expected for parts 2 and 3 2.Know different resources for test preparation 3.Know how to formulate a plan to best study for each part based on the specific skill set the two parts require 4.Know how to best present his/her answers during the oral examination – demeanor, answer structure, etc.
The Fictional Animal Project: a Tool for Helping Students Integrate Body Systems.

when teaching physiology, faculty members typically guide students in learning the body systems one at a time: examining the organs and tissues, overall functions, and how processes are carried out at a cellular level. We then move on to another body system, then another, etc. While this is a
Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 5-substituted-salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazones

Binuclear nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with four 5-methoxysalicylaldehyde N(3)-substituted thiosemicarbazones and nickel(II) complexes of four 5-nitro-salicylaldehyde N(3)-substituted thiosemicarbazones have been prepared and characterized. I.r., electronic, and e.s.r. spectra of the complexes, as well as i.r., electronic, and 1H- and 13C-n.m.r spectra of the thiosemicarbazones, have been obtained. None of these compounds show significant growth inhibitory activity against the fungi Aspergillus niger and Paecilomyces variotii.
Pain in the Spinal Oncology Rehabilitation Patient

Pain is very common in patients with spine tumors. It is multifactorial and can be subdivided into neurogenic, mechanical, and oncologic biological pain. Understanding the type of pain can guide the clinician in regard to selecting the appropriate treatment. Furthermore, spinal tumors have three general locations: (1) intramedullary-intradural; (2) extramedullary-intradural; (3) extra-dural. The location of these tumors influences the surgical approaches and strategies.
Using inkjet printed circuits on a transparent substrate for microwave energy harvesting for space based solar power

A promising alternative to traditional fossil fuel energy generation is space-based solar power (SBSP). In a SBSP system, solar energy is gathered by a satellite placed in geostationary orbit and then transmitted to a ground station on Earth via 5.8 GHz microwave signals. The frequency was chosen for its low dielectric loss in atmosphere compared to vacuum of ∼3% [1] and its availability in ISM bands. The ground station, modeled in this project as a rectenna (rectifying antenna), receives and converts the incoming RF signal into DC power.
The loss of hemoglobin and myoglobin does not minimize oxidative stress in Antarctic icefishes

ABSTRACT The unusual pattern of expression of hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) among Antarctic notothenioid fishes provides an exceptional model system for assessing the impact of these proteins on oxidative stress. We tested the hypothesis that the lack of oxygen-binding proteins may reduce oxidative stress. Levels and activity of pro-oxidants and small-molecule and enzymatic antioxidants, and levels of oxidized lipids and proteins in the liver, oxidative skeletal muscle and heart ventricle were quantified in five species of notothenioid fishes differing in the expression of Hb and Mb. Levels of ubiquitinated proteins and rates of protein degradation by the 20S proteasome were also quantified. Although levels of oxidized proteins and lipids, ubiquitinated proteins, and antioxidants were higher in red-blooded fishes than in Hb-less icefishes in some tissues, this pattern did not persist across all tissues. Expression of Mb was not associated with oxidative damage in the heart ventricle, whereas the activity of citrate synthase and the contents of heme were positively correlated with oxidative damage in most tissues. Despite some tissue differences in levels of protein carbonyls among species, rates of degradation by the 20S proteasome were not markedly different, suggesting either alternative pathways for eliminating oxidized proteins or that redox tone varies among species. Together, our data indicate that the loss of Hb and Mb does not correspond with a clear pattern of either reduced oxidative defense or oxidative damage.
Role of pretest counseling sessions on increasing subjective knowledge about HIV and hepatitis transmission among the beneficiaries of a free of charge, voluntary counseling and testing program in Constanta, Romania.

Objectives To describe the characteristics of clients who enrolled into of an opt-in, HIV, HBV & HCV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Program in Dobrogea Region, Romania (VCT) and to identify the utility of the pre-test counseling sessions in increasing subjective perception regarding transmission knowledge for the clients attending the VCT program. Methods Cross sectional data collection, between August 2015 and September 2016. Sociodemographic and behavioral information were collected for the clients who enrolled at two Baylor centers. Counselors were trained regarding the delivery of standardized information during the session, to reduce variation. After the pre-test session clients evaluated the subjective level of knowledge (SK) increase regarding viral transmission. Results 3065 clients were screened at the two centers and completed the SK increase assessment after the pre-test session. About 9% of all persons tested had reactive results to any of the infections in the context of high exposure risks for 62% and low hepatitis B vaccination rates (8%). 78% of attendees perceived that their knowledge regarding HIV and viral hepatitis transmission increasing with more than 60% as the result of the pretest counselling; more information was gained about hepatitis transmission compared with HIV. Conclusion Cumulative prevalence in Dobrogea community is high. The NGO-run VCT program is helping the healthcare system to efficiently screen for undiagnosed HIV and hepatitis cases. Pre-test counselling is directly contributing to increasing SK among attendees. Routine HIV and hepatitis integrated pre-test counseling should be considered as a good-practice even in settings where it is not compulsory by law.
Measurement and Finite Element Model Validation of Immature Porcine Brain-Skull Displacement during Rapid Sagittal Head Rotations.

Computational models are valuable tools for studying tissue level mechanisms of traumatic brain injury, but in order to produce more accurate estimates of tissue deformation, these models must be validated against experimental data. In this study, we present in situ measurements of brain-skull displacement in the neonatal piglet head (n=3) at the sagittal midline during six rapid nonimpact rotations (two rotations per specimen) with peak angular velocities averaging 51.7±1.4 rad/s. Marks on the sagittally cut brain and skull/rigid potting surfaces were tracked, and peak values of relative brain-skull displacement were extracted and found to be significantly less than values extracted from a previous axial plane model. In a finite element model of the sagittally transected neonatal porcine head, the brain-skull boundary condition was matched to the measured physical experiment data. Despite smaller sagittal plane displacements at the brain-skull boundary, the corresponding finite element boundary condition optimized for sagittal plane rotations is far less stiff than its axial counterpart, likely due to the prominent role of the boundary geometry in restricting interface movement. Finally, bridging veins were included in the finite element model. Varying the bridging vein mechanical behavior over a previously reported range had no influence on the brain-skull boundary displacements. This direction-specific sagittal plane boundary condition can be employed in finite element models of rapid sagittal head rotations.
no blokes Is Essential for Male Viability and X Chromosome Gene Expression in the Australian Sheep Blowfly

Summary It has been hypothesized that the Drosophila 4 th chromosome is derived from an ancient X chromosome [1]. In the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina , the heterochromatic X chromosome contains few active genes and orthologs of Drosophila X-linked genes are autosomal. Of 8 X-linked genes identified previously in L. cuprina , 6 were orthologs of Drosophila 4 th -chromosome genes [2]. The X-linked genes were expressed equally in males and females. Here we identify an additional 51 X-linked genes and show that most are dosage compensated. Orthologs of 49 of the 59 X-linked genes are on the 4 th chromosome in D. melanogaster . Because painting of fourth ( Pof ) is important for expression of Drosophila 4 th -chromosome genes [3], we used Cas9 to make a loss-of-function knockin mutation in an L. cuprina Pof ortholog we call no blokes ( nbl ). Homozygous nbl males derived from homozygous nbl mothers die at the late pupal stage. Homozygous nbl females are viable, fertile, and live longer than heterozygous nbl females. RNA expression of most X-linked genes was reduced in homozygous nbl male pupae and to a lesser extent in nbl females compared to heterozygous siblings. The results suggest that NBL could be important for X chromosome dosage compensation in L. cuprina . NBL may also facilitate gene expression in the heterochromatic environment of the X chromosome in both sexes. This study supports the hypothesis on the origin of the Drosophila 4 th chromosome and that a POF-like protein was required for normal gene expression on the ancient X chromosome.
Stress, Toxicity, and Adaptation

In the biosphere, there are large and long-interval phenomena that shock ecosystems with infrequent destructive pulses. Examples are storms, floods, volcanic actions, fires, or surges of long-period consumers, such as snowy owls. When conditions change, ecosystems reorganize When outside influences cause severe disruption, new succession follows. To better understand these processes of stress, environmental impact, and recovery, agencies of environmental protection have supported extensive research on the effects of chemical, physical, and biological factors on microcosms.
Online grocery shopping: promise and pitfalls for healthier food and beverage purchases.

Objectives (i) To determine the current state of online grocery shopping, including individuals' motivations for shopping for groceries online and types of foods purchased; and (ii) to identify the potential promise and pitfalls that online grocery shopping may offer in relation to food and beverage purchases. Design PubMed, ABI/INFORM and Google Scholar were searched to identify published research. Setting To be included, studies must have been published between 2007 and 2017 in English, based in the USA or Europe (including the UK), and focused on: (i) motivations for online grocery shopping; (ii) the cognitive/psychosocial domain; and (iii) the community or neighbourhood food environment domain. Subjects Our search yielded twenty-four relevant papers. Results Findings indicate that online grocery shopping can be a double-edged sword. While it has the potential to increase healthy choices via reduced unhealthy impulse purchases, nutrition labelling strategies, and as a method to overcome food access limitations among individuals with limited access to a brick-and-mortar store, it also has the potential to increase unhealthy choices due to reasons such as consumers' hesitance to purchase fresh produce online. Conclusions Additional research is needed to determine the most effective ways to positively engage customers to use online grocery shopping to make healthier choices.
Observational constraints on the cometary impact flux on Mars and Earth

Abstract While dynamical models indicate that both cometary and asteroid collisions likely contribute to the population of bodies that impact the inner solar system, the distinction between the craters produced by the two populations remains uncertain. Although cometary impacts larger than 10 km in diameter are rare, dynamical studies cannot confidently eliminate their possible contribution to the total impact population at levels lower than ~10%. Due to the speed and volatile content of comets, their impact should couple more energy with a planetary atmosphere and result in observable signatures. The tenuous atmosphere of Mars makes the planet an ideal location to recognize such signatures. Here we use computational simulations and laboratory experiments to model both asteroid and cometary impacts on Mars. We explore the relationship between such impacts and enigmatic radial streaks that form around certain impact craters due to high-speed, long-duration winds. While lower speed asteroid impacts into thick (500 m) surface ices also can produce intense outward winds, the global distribution of craters with impact-generated wind streaks limits this mode of origin to just a few candidates; the rest are likely cometary. Based on the occurrence and relatively young age of these craters, we conclude that ~1% of the impactors on Mars over the last 2 Ga resulted from Long-Period cometary impacts, which should be about 6 times higher on Earth. Inclusion of Jupiter-Family and Haley-type comets (but not including cometary asteroids) then predicts that ~ 16% of all terrestrial impacts, with important implications for future impact hazards on Earth.
Species diversity and dispersal traits alter biodiversity spillover in reconstructed grasslands

Grasslands are among the planet’s most imperilled ecosystems, largely because habitat conversion has caused extreme biodiversity loss. In response, managers and scientists aim to recreate grassland habitat, yet these reconstructed grasslands are often species‐poor and lose diversity through time. One potential mechanism to promote biodiversity in grasslands is spillover, or the targeted dispersal of species across habitat boundaries from areas of high to low biodiversity. There is potential for native species to disperse via spillover from high‐quality remnant habitat and establish in reconstructions, thus increasing biodiversity. However, plant dispersal and establishment are often context dependent, and the conditions that promote spillover in grasslands are largely unknown. Here we examine the contexts under which spillover can enhance biodiversity in grasslands. Specifically, we investigate whether the species richness of reconstructions and individual plant dispersal traits alter spillover. To do so, we surveyed plant species richness at reconstructed grasslands of varying diversity adjacent to remnant grasslands. We found that spillover from remnants supplies reconstructions with rare species that would otherwise not be present, but only in reconstructions with lower overall richness. Furthermore, spillover was more likely to occur for species with wind dispersed seeds than species with unassisted seed dispersal. Synthesis and applications. Our results show that the context dependency of both dispersal and establishment processes are critical to understanding when and where spillover can promote biodiversity in reconstructed systems. Understanding these contexts will help land managers leverage natural dispersal to mitigate biodiversity loss by anticipating which species are likely to arrive in reconstructions without assistance and when they are likely to establish.
“I’ve Always Been Scared That Someday I’m Going to Sell Out”: Exploring the relationship between Political Identity and Learning in Computer Science Education

While academic, cultural, and racial identities have been important concepts in sociocultural theories of learning and development, less attention has been given to political identity. Research on ...
The effect of body position on intraocular pressure in anesthetized horses.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of four recumbent body positions on intraocular pressure (IOP) in anesthetized normal horses. ANIMALS STUDIED Ten nonglaucomatous adult horses. PROCEDURES Intraocular pressure was measured with a rebound tonometer in both eyes of standing sedated horses (baseline), then under general anesthesia during four randomized recumbent body positions, including Trendelenburg (Tr; 15-degree head down), reverse Trendelenburg (RTr; 15-degree head up), dorsal, and lateral; only the superior eye was measured in lateral positions. The mean of 3 IOP readings was taken at each position, allowing a minimum of 2 minutes of acclimatization after each position change before obtaining measurements. Repeated Measures Analysis with Newman-Keuls Multiple Comparison Post hoc was used to compare IOPs in different positions, and linear regression was used to compare IOP with age and weight cofactors. RESULTS When compared to baseline, the greatest change in IOP occurred in Tr (increase of 25.63 ± 8.12 mm Hg). When comparing all recumbent positions to baseline, IOP significantly increased in 3 of 4 body positions (P < .001), with no significant difference identified between RTr and baseline. When comparing all body positions to each other, the greatest IOP difference occurred between the Tr and the RTr positions (increase of 26.95 ± 5.41 mm Hg). Age and weight were not correlated with IOP in any position. CONCLUSIONS Recumbent body position significantly increases IOP in normal eyes of horses under injectable anesthesia.
Minimally invasive triple valve surgery: A single center experience.

Objective Minimally invasive surgery is a widely accepted surgical treatment for valve disease, however triple valve surgery (TVS) is a complex and challenging procedure. The objective of this study was to describe the morbidity and mortality related to minimally invasive TVS at our institution. Methods This was a retrospective review of all minimally invasive TVS performed between 2012 and 2019. Baseline and perioperative characteristics were reviewed, as were postoperative outcomes. Results Eighteen patients underwent TVS; 12 patients underwent additional procedures at the time of TVS. Median time to initial extubation was 11.5 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 9.8-13.3). Intensive care unit and total length of stay were 1.22 (IQR, 1.16-1.31) and 9 (IQR, 6-17) days, respectively. No hospital deaths occurred; 30-, 90-, and 365-day mortality were 0%. Two postoperative neurologic complications occurred, two patients had acute kidney injuries. The most common complication was rhythm disturbance with five patients requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. Mean follow-up was 39.9 months (252-2642 days). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that minimally invasive TVS utilizing femoral cannulation results in an acceptable risk of complication. Short and intermediate term survival were excellent.
Urban Landscape Genetics: Are Biologists Keeping Up with the Pace of Urbanization?

Urbanization has the potential to jeopardize the sustainability of populations of organisms living within and dispersing across urban areas. Landscape genetics approaches offer a great promise for quantifying how urban features affect ecological and evolutionary processes for species living within and around cities. In this review, we assess the current state (2015–2020) of urban landscape genetics research, examining what types of urban features are quantified, what genetic measures are used, what species are studied, and in which geographic regions they are conducted. We then make recommendations for future research. We identified relatively few landscape genetic studies conducted within urban areas published in the last 5 years. We also found a publication bias towards certain taxa and geographic regions (mainly mammals studied in North America), based on results from relatively few molecular markers. These studies used varied measures of urbanization in their analysis, but the most common was urban land use/land cover measured at different resolutions, followed by buildings/development and transportation infrastructure (roads, railroads, and tramways). The results of these studies reflect previously conducted urban research findings that urban features may inhibit, facilitate, or have no correlation with gene flow, usually a product of which focal taxa is being studied, as well as what urban features are present/measured within variable cityscapes. We urge future research to directly measure urban features and stress the need for explicitly sampling within and around urban areas to gain full understanding of whether urbanization impedes, facilitates, or does not affect genetic differentiation between populations. To facilitate the development of robust theory, we urge the formation of a global network of urban landscape geneticists to collaborate and sample diverse taxa, in varied global landscapes and climates, and analyze genome-wide datasets for more robust conclusions about gene flow and genetic diversity. We advocate for analyzing urban features at multiple scales to allow broad conclusions about the effects of urbanization across studies, taxa, and regions. Finally, we recommend that study designs include social, cultural, and economic differences in human land use, which have the potential to affect how species disperse, survive, and reproduce in urban areas. Taking these factors into account, we can make novel advances in understanding how complex urban landscapes shape contemporary evolution.
The digital city: by Germaine R. Halegoua, New York, NY, USA, New York University Press, 2020, 271 pages, $30.00 (Paperback), ISBN 1479882194

Germaine R. Halegoua’s The Digital City is a carefully researched and densely written book that blends ideas about urban planning, “development,” and power relationships within cities, with the int...
Racial/Ethnic Minorities and Job Strain: Exploring Effective Ways to Reduce Their Job Strain

The present study aimed to enhance our understanding of racial/ethnic minorities’ stress, and suggest possible ways to reduce their stressful feelings at work. Racial minorities were compared with non-minorities in terms of their satisfaction about diverse work environments and the effects of work environment on stressful feelings. Hypotheses were tested, using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses and t-tests. According to the findings, the strain of racial/ethnic minorities was differently affected by work environment factors such as public support and goal attainability, compared to that of non-minorities. Some demographic factors also had different effects on the strain of racial/ethnic minorities.
“I think that she would have wanted...”: Caregiver reflections on goal-concordant care for patients with cancer at the end of life.

163Background: Experts recognize goal-concordant care (GCC) as among the most important outcomes for those with advanced cancer. Despite a conceptual understanding about ways to measure goal-concor...
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Techniques for Island Heightmap Generation

Traditional approaches to terrain heightmap generation rely on geometric methods to generate a matrix of elevation values using noise functions. More advanced approaches attempt to model the natural processes that shape landmasses in the real world, such as wind, moisture, and rainfall. This survey leverages recent advancements in image generation using generative machine learning models in order to evaluate their effectiveness in this problem space. A variational autoencoder (VAE), generative adversarial network (GAN), and PixelCNN network are trained on real-world island heightmap data and produce realistic island terrain. The author compares the results in terms of image quality and “closeness” to the original real images, and evaluates the trade-off between quality and training/generation speed.
Factors Associated with Medicine Timing Effects: A Meta-analysis

Importance Clinical evidence suggests that the time of day of treatment can affect outcomes in many different diseases, but this information is dispersed, imprecise, and heterogeneous. Consequently, practice guidelines and clinical care recommendations seldom specify intervention time. Objective To understand the sources of variability and summarize clinical findings on the time of day effects of medicine. Data Sources A systematic search of Pubmed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov for chronotherapy OR time of administration. Study Selection Any clinical study since 2000, randomized or observational, that compared the effects of treatment at different times of day. We included pharmacologic or surgical interventions having at least one continuous outcome. Data Extraction and Synthesis For selected studies, we extracted the mean and variance of each time-of-day treatment group. From these, we computed the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the measure of timing effect. Where a study reported multiple outcomes, we selected a single outcome based on a defined order of priority. Main Outcomes and Measures We estimated overall pooled effect size and heterogeneity by a random effects model, followed by outlier detection and subgroup analyses to evaluate how study factors, including drug, design, outcome, and source, associate with timing effect. Results 78 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 48 distinct interventions over many therapeutic areas. We found an overall effect of time on clinical outcomes but with substantial heterogeneity between studies. Predicted effects range from none to large depending on the study context. Study size, registration status, and source are associated with the magnitude of effect. Larger trials and those that were pre-registered have markedly smaller effects, suggesting that the published record overstates the effects of the timing of medicine on clinical outcomes. In particular, the notion that antihypertensives are more effective if taken at bedtime draws disproportionately from one source in the field, which consistently detects larger effects than the community average. Lastly, among the most highly studied drug timing relationships, the aspirin anti-clotting effect stands out, consistently favoring evening over morning dosing. Conclusions and Relevance While accounts of drug timing effects have focused on yes/no, appreciating the range of probable effects may help clarify where circadian medicine meets the threshold for clinical benefit.
Cumulative Axial and Torsional Fatigue: An Investigation of Load-Type Sequencing Effects

Cumulative fatigue behavior of a wrought cobalt-base superalloy, Haynes 188 was investigated at 538 C under various single-step sequences of axial and torsional loading conditions. Initially, fully-reversed, axial and torsional fatigue tests were conducted under strain control at 538 C on thin-walled tubular specimens to establish baseline fatigue life relationships. Subsequently, four sequences (axial/axial, torsional/torsional, axial/torsional, and torsional/axial) of two load-level fatigue tests were conducted to characterize both the load-order (high/low) and load-type sequencing effects. For the two load-level tests, summations of life fractions and the remaining fatigue lives at the second load-level were computed by the Miner's Linear Damage Rule (LDR) and a nonlinear Damage Curve Approach (DCA). In general, for all four cases predictions by LDR were unconservative. Predictions by the DCA were within a factor of two of the experimentally observed fatigue lives for a majority of the cumulative axial and torsional fatigue tests.
238U234U230Th232Th systematics and the precise measurement of time over the past 500,000 years

We have developed techniques to measure the ^(230)Th abundance in corals by isotope dilution mass spectrometry. This, coupled with our previous development of mass spectrometric techniques for ^(234)U and ^(232)Th measurement, has allowed us to reduce significantly the analytical errors in ^(238)U-^(234)-^(230)Th dating and greatly reduce the sample size. We show that 6 × 10^8 atoms of ^(230)Th can be measured to ±30‰ (2σ) and 2 × 10^(10) atoms of ^(230)Th to ± 2‰. The time over which useful age data on corals can be obtained ranges from a few years to ∼ 500 ky. The uncertainty in age, based on analytical errors, is ± 5 y (2σ) for a 180 year old coral (3 g), ± 44 y at 8294 years and ± 1.1 ky at 123.1 ky (250 mg of coral). We also report ^(232)Th concentrations in corals (0.083–1.57 pmol/g) that are more than two orders of magnitude lower than previous values. Ages with high analytical precision were determined for several corals that grew during high sea level stands ∼ 120 ky ago. These ages lie specifically within or slightly postdate the Milankovitch insolation high at 128 ky and support the idea that the dominant cause of Pleistocene climate change is Milankovitch forcing.
The United States health care system under managed care. How the commodification of health care distorts ethics and threatens equity.

Describing the U.S. health care system means describing managed care under commercial forces. Managed care creates new moral tension for practitioners, but more importantly, in its current form it intensifies the commercialization of health expectations and interactions. The largely unregulated marketing of health services under managed care has been a major factor in the increasing number of uninsured citizens, while claims for cost reduction through managed care are equivocal. Risk-rating practices integral to the current medical marketplace thwart concerns for justice in allocation and create vulnerabilities for almost everyone. The political-moral concern of the early 1990s for a right to health care is nowhere in sight.
Integrating Spheres for Mid- and Near-Infrared Reflection Spectroscopy

The sections in this article are Introduction Terminology Historical Review Theory of Sphere Throughput Reflectance Techniques Absolute Reflectance Methods Relative Reflectance Methods Dealing with Error Sources: Sphere Design Considerations Detector Field of View and Sphere Symmetry Baffle Design Coating and Sample BRDF Flat versus Curved Samples Port Design Modern Sphere Instrumentation for Spectroscopy Summary and Discussion Disclaimer Appendix
Giant Planet Atmospheres and Spectra

Direct measurements of the spectra of extrasolar giant planets are the keys to determining their physical and chemical nature. The goal of theory is to provide the tools and context with which such data are understood. It is only by putting spectral observations through the sieve of theory that the promise of exoplanet research can be realized. With the new {\em Spitzer} and HST data of transiting "hot Jupiters," we have now dramatically entered the era of remote sensing. We are probing their atmospheric compositions and temperature profiles, are constraining their atmospheric dynamics, and are investigating their phase light curves. Soon, many non-transiting exoplanets with wide separations (analogs of Jupiter) will be imaged and their light curves and spectra measured. In this paper, we present the basic physics, chemistry, and spectroscopy necessary to model the current direct detections and to develop the more sophisticated theories for both close-in and wide-separation extrasolar giant planets that will be needed in the years to come as exoplanet research accelerates into its future.
A One-Domain Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel in Bacteria

Voltage-gated sodium channels are a feature of excitable mammalian cells such as neurons, but have never been found in bacteria. In his Perspective, [Catterall][1] discusses the discovery of the first bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel ([ Ren et al .][2]) and compares the structure and function of this channel with its mammalian counterpart. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/294/5550/2306 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/294/5550/2372
Reputation-based trust management

We propose a formal model for reputation-based trust management. In contrast to credential-based trust management, in our framework an agent's reputation serves as the basis for trust. For example, an access control policy may consider the agent's reputation when deciding whether to offer him a license for accessing a protected resource. The underlying semantic model is an event semantics inspired by the actor model, and assumes that each agent has only partial knowledge of the events that have occurred. Restrictions on agents' behavior are formalized as licenses, with "good" and "bad" behavior interpreted as, respectively, license fulfillment and violation. An agent's reputation comprises four kinds of evidence: completely fulfilled licenses, ongoing licenses without violations or misuses, licenses with violated obligations, and misused licenses. This approach enables precise formal modeling of scenarios involving reputations, such as financial transactions based on credit histories and information sharing between untrusted agents.
Requirement for Transcription Factor Ets1 in B Cell Tolerance to Self-Antigens

The differentiation and survival of autoreactive B cells is normally limited by a variety of self-tolerance mechanisms, including clonal deletion, anergy, and clonal ignorance. The transcription factor c-ets-1 (encoded by the Ets1 gene) has B cell-intrinsic roles in regulating formation of Ab-secreting cells by controlling the activity of Blimp1 and Pax5 and may be required for B cell tolerance to self-antigen. To test this, we crossed Ets1(-/-) mice to two different transgenic models of B cell self-reactivity, the anti-hen egg lysozyme BCR transgenic strain and the AM14 rheumatoid factor transgenic strain. BCR transgenic Ets1(-/-) mice were subsequently crossed to mice either carrying or lacking relevant autoantigens. We found that B cells lacking c-ets-1 are generally hyperresponsive in terms of Ab secretion and form large numbers of Ab-secreting cells even in the absence of cognate Ags. When in the presence of cognate Ag, different responses were noted depending on the physical characteristics of the Ag. We found that clonal deletion of highly autoreactive B cells in the bone marrow was intact in the absence of c-ets-1. However, peripheral B cells lacking c-ets-1 failed to become tolerant in response to stimuli that normally induce B cell anergy or B cell clonal ignorance. Interestingly, high-affinity soluble self-antigen did cause B cells to adopt many of the classical features of anergic B cells, although such cells still secreted Ab. Therefore, maintenance of appropriate c-ets-1 levels is essential to prevent loss of self-tolerance in the B cell compartment.