cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy and Cyclic Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Nine patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (4 squamous, 4 adenocarcinoma, 1 large cell) were treated with a combination of radiation therapy and cyclic chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate and platinum. Four previously untreated patients had stage III, 2 having distant metastases, 5 previously treated patients were restaged as stage III with distant metastasis in one. Moderate hematologic toxicity was noted. Objective responses occurred in 67 per cent, regardless of previous treatment or performance status. Responders survived for a median of 11 months with one complete response patients surviving at 14 months while 5 partial response patients survived for a median of 10 months. This regimen is feasible and its utility as the initial treatment of locally advanced disease should be further investigated.
A systematic review of disease-related stigmatization in patients living with inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic illness stigma is a global public health issue. Most widely studied in HIV/AIDS and mental illness, stigmatization of patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic autoimmune conditions affecting the digestive tract, has garnered increasing attention in recent years. In this paper, we systematically review the scientific literature on stigma as it relates to IBD across its three domains: perception, internalization, and discrimination experiences. We aim to document the current state of research, identify gaps in our knowledge, recognize unique challenges that IBD patients may face as they relate to stigmatization, and offer suggestions for future research directions. Based on the current review, patients living with IBD may encounter stigmatization and this may, in turn, impact several patient outcomes including quality of life, psychological functioning, and treatment adherence. Significant gaps exist related to the understanding of IBD stigma, providing opportunity for future studies to address this important public health issue.
Detaining Due Process: The Need for Procedural Reform in 'Joseph' Hearings after Demore v. Kim

In Demore v. Kim, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of mandatory detention of legal permanent residents who had conceded removability. This Article critiques the Court's excessive reliance on the noncitizen's concession of removability in justifying mandatory detention and the Court's assumption that the availability of a so-called "Joseph" hearing, at which a noncitizen may contest her inclusion in the mandatory detention statute, adequately protects noncitizens from the erroneous deprivation of liberty. This Article argues that the procedures in place at the Joseph hearing violate procedural due process under Mathews v. Eldridge and explores possible procedural reforms.
Strong Carbon-Surface Dative Bond Formation by tert-Butyl Isocyanide on the Ge(100)-2 × 1 Surface

Carbon dative bond formation between an organic molecule and a semiconductor surface is reported here for the first time. Our studies show that the adsorption of tert-butyl isocyanide on the (100) surface of germanium, measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption, and density functional theory calculations, occurs via formation of a dative bond to the surface through the isocyanide carbon. The experimentally observed adsorption energy of 26.8 kcal/mol is the largest among any organic molecule dative bonded on the Ge(100)-2 × 1 surface studied to date. The dative-bonded adsorbate is characterized by a N≡C stretching frequency significantly blue-shifted from that of the free molecule. Moreover, the adsorbate N≡C vibrational frequency red-shifts back toward that of the free molecule upon increasing coverage. These spectroscopic effects are attributed to σ-donation of the isocyanide lone pair electrons to the surface.
Multiple Chronic Condition Combinations and Depression in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently called for a paradigm shift from the study of individual chronic conditions to multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). We identify the most common combinations of chronic diseases experienced by a sample of community-dwelling older people and assess whether depression is differentially associated with combinations of illnesses. Methods Self-reports of diagnosed chronic conditions and depressive symptoms were provided by 5,688 people participating in the ORANJ BOWL(SM) research panel. Each respondent was categorized as belonging to one of 32 groups. ANOVA examined the association between depressive symptoms and combinations of illnesses. Results People with more health conditions experienced higher levels of depression than people with fewer health conditions. People with some illness combinations had higher levels of depressive symptoms than people with other illness combinations. Conclusions Findings confirm extensive variability in the combinations of illnesses experienced by older adults and demonstrate the complex associations of specific illness combinations with depressive symptoms. Results highlight the need to expand our conceptualization of research and treatment around MCCs and call for a person-centered approach that addresses the unique needs of individuals with MCCs.
Theoretical Comparative Study of Oxygen Adsorption on Neutral and Anionic Agn and Aun Clusters (n = 2–25)

Using density functional theory, we performed a theoretical comparative study of oxygen adsorption on neutral and anionic Agn and Aun clusters in a large size range of n = 2–25. Ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs) of the pure clusters and the Mnq–O2 binding energies Ebind(Mnq–O2) in the (MnO2)q complexes (M = Ag, Au; q = 0, −1) were determined. Three density functionals, namely, BP86, revPBE, and B3LYP, were used in the calculations, among which the BP86 functional gave the best results for IPs and EAs, while B3LYP gave the best results for Ebind(Mnq–O2). A number of differences between the silver and gold clusters and their reactivities toward O2 adsorption are accounted for by the calculations. One interesting result is that the calculated Aun––O2 binding energies are in good, quantitative agreement with the measured relative reactivities of the Aun– cluster anions toward O2 adsorption.
Ontario Provincial Elections, 1934–55: A Preliminary Survey of Voting

IN this paper I intend to do little more than sketch in very broad outline some of the main features of the electoral anatomy of the province of Ontario as revealed by the official provincial election returns.l Since I have relied solely on the actual voting record, which is, of course, tabulated by constituencies, my method is ecological and, unlike survey methods, provides only rough and indirect measures of the social and economic factors related to voting behaviour. My findings are entirely descriptive and do not go much beyond what is accessible to any alert newspaper reader who may have followed Ontario politics over the past two decades. The chief methodological problem confronting ecological analysts of voting behaviour is how to equate electoral units with the administrative units by which population characteristics are tabulated in the census. In Ontario the smallest units for which official election statistics are given are polling subdivisions, but these fail to correspond to any units for which data on population characteristics are available. However, data on voting by townships can be derived from the election returns, and the census tabulates population characteristics by townships. I have made some determination of the voting habits of ethnic groups from data on townships, but have not set out these findings in detail in the present paper, which does not analyse units smaller than constituencies, and is thus confined to a very broad scrutiny of differential voting patterns. Ontario constituencies are by no means homogeneous in socio-economic composition. Thus, in the absence of data from surveys or smaller break-downs of the vote by polling subdivisions, it is impossible to arrive at precise and reliable conclusions about the party preferences of the various social groups making up the electorate. Where each constituency is internally heterogeneous and resembles its neighbours very closely in socio-economic composition, one can tell very little about the differential voting patterns of groups from an analysis of the vote by constituencies. However, the internal heterogeneity of the constituencies is not as great an obstacle in Ontario as it would be in a less regionally diversified area (southern England, for example).2
Measurement of surface diffusion by second harmonic diffraction from a monolayer grating

Surface diffusion is a subject of great importance in modern surface science. It often plays a major role in limiting a surface reaction and can be used to probe potential variation along the surface. Research in this area is, however, limited because of the lack of convenient tools. We introduce here a novel method for surface diffusion measurements. In this method, two pulsed laser beams intersecting on the surface under investigation are used to burn a monolayer grating by thermal desorption of an adsorbed molecular monolayer. Subsequently, diffraction of surface second harmonic generation (SHG) from the grating is used to detect smearing of the grating due to surface diffusion of the adsorbed molecules.
Cranial dural permeability of inflammatory nociceptive mediators: Potential implications for animal models of migraine

Background Application of inflammatory mediators to the cranial dura has been used as a method to activate and sensitize neurons in the meningeal sensory pathway in preclinical behavioral studies of headache mechanisms. However, the relatively high concentrations and volumes used in these studies raise the question of whether the applied agents might pass through the dura to act directly on central neurons, thus bypassing the dural afferent pathway. Methods We used a radiolabeling approach to quantify the meningeal permeability of two of the inflammatory mediators, 5-HT and PGE2, when applied to the cranial dura as part of an inflammatory mixture used in preclinical headache models. Results Both agents could be detected in samples taken four hours after dural application in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and, in measurements made only for PGE2, in the central nervous system (CNS) as well. Based on our measurements, we made estimates of the CSF and CNS levels that would be attained with the higher concentrations and volumes of 5HT and PGE2 that were exogenously applied in previous pre-clinical headache studies. These estimated levels were comparable to or larger than normal endogenous levels, potentially large enough to have physiological effects. Conclusions The finding that the cranial meninges are permeable to the two tested inflammatory mediators PGE2 and 5-HT raises some uncertainty about whether the behavioral changes observed in prior pre-clinical headache studies with these as well as other agents can be attributed entirely to the activation of dural nociceptors, particularly when the agents are applied at concentrations several orders of magnitude above physiological levels.
Abstract 2699: A cancer treatment based on synergy between anti-angiogenic and immune cell therapies

A mathematical model integrating tumor angiogenesis and tumor-targeted cytotoxicity by immune cells was developed to identify the therapeutic window of two distinct modes to treat cancer: 1) an anti-angiogenesis treatment based on the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab that targets tumor vasculature, and 2) immunotherapy involving the injection of unlicensed dendritic cells to boost the anti-tumor adaptive response. The angiogenic cytokine Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) contributes to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which is responsible for the short-lived therapeutic effect of cancer-targeted immunotherapy. The effect of immunosuppression on the width of the therapeutic window of each treatment was quantified. Experimental evidence has shown that neutralizing immunosuppressive cytokines results in an enhanced immune response against infections and chronic diseases. The model was used to determine treatment protocols involving the combination of anti-VEGF and unlicensed dendritic cell injections that enhance tumor regression. The model simulations predicted that the most effective method to treat tumors involves administering a series of biweekly anti-VEGF injections to disrupt angiogenic processes and limit tumor growth. The simulations also verified the hypothesis that reducing the concentration of the immunosuppressive factor VEGF prior to an injection of unlicensed dendritic cells enhances the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells and results in complete tumor elimination. Feasible treatment protocols for tumors that are diagnosed late and have grown to a relatively large size were identified. Citation Format: Luis F. Soto-Ortiz. A cancer treatment based on synergy between anti-angiogenic and immune cell therapies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2699.
Functional Psychopathy in Morally Relevant Business Decisions

Literature addressing organizational ethical behavior has focused intensely on cognitive moral development, and more recently the automatic and natural moral inclinations (i.e., moral intuitions). Research addressing the incapacity for moral reasoning, such as psychopathy, is rarely addressed in organizational behavior (Smith & Lilienfeld, 2013; Stevens, Deuling, & Armenakis, 2011). Our first aim is to develop a construct definition for functional psychopathy that is appropriate for organizational science and theoretically consistent with the extensive previous clinical and criminal research in this field. Second, we apply two versions of a scale not previously used in business research relative to moral judgments. This scale is a self-reported measure of functional psychopathy and is useful for its relationships with ethically relevant business decisions. Further, we examine which factors emerge as having the highest relationship with ethical decision making. Third, we seek to advance the usefulness of t...
Validating model-based design simulation: The impact of abstraction and fidelity levels

For many complex engineered systems, a risk informed approach to design is critical to ensure both robust safety and system reliability. Model-based design enables this through early design stage failure analysis. This paper describes initial work in the use of an experimental testbed to validate a function-based failure analysis method. The behavioral abstraction and model fidelity levels that allow this method to be used in the early design stages ultimately affect the validation metrics needed to understand and quantify the uncertainty of that analysis. To that end, in this paper, we present the computational and experimental simulation of failure scenarios on a robotic arm. This analysis provides insights into how behavioral abstraction relates to the type of behaviors that can be validated and how different model fidelity levels can be related to each other. Ultimately, the goal of this work is to develop a method and set of metrics for validating design-stage, model-based failure analysis. This research effort will enable objective comparison and certification of these design methods.
Quickest intrusion detection in mobile active user authentication

In this paper, we address the problem of quickly detecting intrusions with lower false detection rates in mobile Active Authentication (AA) systems. Bayesian and Minimax versions of the Quickest Change Detection (QCD) algorithms are introduced to quickly detect intrusions in mobile AA systems. Furthermore, we introduce a new evaluation metric for comparing the performance of different AA systems. Effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated using three publicly available unconstrained AA datasets. It is shown that the proposed QCD-based intrusion detection method can perform better than many traditional AA methods in terms of latency and low false detection rates.
Do Restrictions Beget Responsibility? The Case of U.S. Abortion Legislation:

Over the past decade, more than 25 U.S. states enacted legislation surrounding abortions. By analyzing state abortion legislation and proxying how the cost of obtaining an abortion varies across st...
Survey on Detection and Tracking of UAVs Using Computer Vision

Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly popular in the last several years. This paper explores numerous methods to detect and track small UAVs using computer vision.
A Stochastic Model for Visual Evoked Optic Nerve Discharge Patterns

Abstract Investigations in our laboratory of certain statistical parameters and frequency spectrum characteristics of simultaneously recorded electroretinograms (ERG) and cortical visual evoked responses (VER) have led us to formulate a model by which we can begin to relate these electrophysiological phenomena measured by gross electrodes to nerve cell discharge patterns measured by microelectrodes. We begin by accounting for recent experimental measurements of discharge patterns at various points in the visual pathway (optic nerve, optic tract, lateral geniculate body, and visual cortex) by a model. The experimental measurements included studies of spontaneous and evoked discharge interval histograms for various background lighting and flash stimulus conditions. The results of these statistical measurements indicate that a Poisson shower of neural activity is gated on and off in synchrony with the light stimulus waveform. It is this latter pehonmenon that is the foundation of our model. The probability density function for the time interval between successive impulses in the gated Poisson process is developed and related to published results. This development shows how statistical parameters of the gated Poisson process (the nerve cell discharge pattern) are related to the light stimulus waveform. The model is then used to partially explain and predict certain experimental results with regard to such visual phenomena as after-images and fl icker-fusion. A particular result in this regard is that we can predict an upper bound for flicker-fusion which agrees remarkably well with experimental data reported in this area. Finally we employ the statistical features of the model to account for parameter variations in the ERG and VER for corresponding parameter variations in the 1ight stimulus, e.g., an increase in the intensity of the 1ight stimulus causes, an increase in the peak-to-peak evoked potential of the ERG and VER; this in turn is shown to be directly related to an increase in the average neural discharge rate that is gated on and off in synchrony with the I ight stimulus.
Outline of Music Semantics

We provide the outline of a semantics for music. We take music cognition to be continuous with normal auditory cognition, and thus to deliver inferences about “virtual sources” of the music. As a result, sound parameters that trigger inferences about sound sources in normal auditory cognition produce related ones in music. But music also triggers inferences on the basis of the movement of virtual sources in tonal pitch space, which has points of stability, points of instability, and relations of attraction among them. We sketch a framework that aggregates inferences from normal auditory cognition and tonal inferences, by way of a theory of musical truth: a source undergoing a musical movement m is true of an object undergoing a series of events e just in case there is a certain structure-preserving map between m and e . This framework can help revisit aspects of musical syntax: Lerdahl and Jackendoff’s (1983) grouping structure can be seen to reflect the mereology (“partology”) of events that are abstractly represented in the music. Finally, we argue that this “refentialist” approach to music semantics still has the potential to provide an account of diverse emotional effects in music.
Liquid Hydrogen Microgravity Flight Experiment Concept

A technological breakthrough is needed in the area of zero-g hydrogen management capabilities to enable future NASA, Air Force, and commercial missions, which all depend on liquid hydrogen and oxygen, the highest energy liquid rocket propellants available. In terms of liquid hydrogen fluid transfer, slosh, storing and dumping, there has been very little or no flight technology demonstrations applicable to the current needs of NASA, the Air Force, and the commercial sector. In order to enable the efficient, reduced risk, and low cost missions necessary in today’s austere space program environment, it is crucial to provide the fluid technologies needed for current and advanced upper stages and future hydrogen-fueled vehicles. This technology will allow launch systems to provide greater payloads at a reduced cost through more efficient zero and low-gravity handling of cryogenic propellant liquids in launch vehicle tanks. A design concept for a four-tank arrangement, packaged to perform the major objectives of subcritical liquid hydrogen handling experiments in zero-g, is presented, and is capable of fitting into several candidate NASA carriers. The baselined COMET (Commercial Experiment Transporter), launched on the Conestoga launch vehicle, would function as a free-flying experiment for at least three months at a microgravity environment of 10-5 g’s or lower.1 The completion of this experimental program will advance the state-of-the-art in the technology areas of cryogenic fluid transfer, storage, and slosh control dynamics in microgravity environments.
The importance of pheochromocytoma case detection in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report and review of literature:

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a complex, multi-system genetic disorder that is associated with an increased prevalence of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma compared to the general population, 1.0%–5...
The Hegemony of Heritage: Ritual and the Record in Stone

The Hegemony of Heritage makes an original and significant contribution to our understanding of how the relationship of architectural objects and societies to the built environment changes over time. Studying two surviving medieval monuments in southern Rajasthan—the Ambikā Temple in Jagat and the Śri Ekliṅgjī Temple Complex in Kailāshpurī—the author looks beyond their divergent sectarian affiliations and patronage structures to underscore many aspects of common practice. This book offers new and extremely valuable insights into these important monuments, illuminating the entangled politics of antiquity and revealing whether a monument’s ritual record is affirmed as continuous and hence hoary or dismissed as discontinuous or reinvented through various strategies. The Hegemony of Heritage enriches theoretical constructs with ethnographic description and asks us to reexamine notions such as archive and text through the filter of sculpture and mantra. “Makes visible the multiple methodologies that can be mobilized to write nuanced histories of Hindu temple architecture. The author’s approach is both refreshing and new. Skillfully weaving in postcolonial theory, object ontologies, and affect theory, among other approaches, the book opens up an exciting paradigm in the study of South Asian art and architecture.” SUGATA RAY, Assistant Professor of South Asian Art and Architecture, University of California, Berkeley
Effect of Commuter Time on Emergency Medicine Residents.

Background The impact of resident work hours on resident well-being and patient safety has long been a controversial issue. Objectives What has not been considered in resident work hour limitations is whether resident commuting time has any impact on a resident's total work hours or well-being. Methods A self-administered electronic survey was distributed to emergency medicine residents in 2016. Results The survey response was 8% (569/6828). Commuter time was 30 minutes or less in 70%. Two residents reported a commuter time of 76 to 90 minutes and one resident had a commuter time of 91 to 105 minutes. None reported commuter times greater than 105 minutes. Of most concern was that 29.3% of the residents reported falling asleep while driving their car home from work. We found 12% of respondents reporting being involved in a car collision while commuting. For residents with commute times greater than one hour, 66% reported they had fallen asleep while driving. When asked their opinion on the effect of commute time, those with commute times greater than one hour (75% of residents) responded that it was detrimental. Conclusions While the majority of emergency medicine residents in this survey have commuter times of 30 minutes or less, there is a small population of residents with commuter times of 76 to 105 minutes. At times, residents whose commute is up to 105 minutes each way could be traveling a total of more than 3.5 hours for each round trip. Given that these residents often work 12-hour shifts, these extended commuter times may be having detrimental effects on their health and well-being.
Error Backprojection Algorithms for Non-Line-of-Sight Imaging

Recent advances in computer vision and inverse light transport theory have resulted in several non-line-of-sight imaging techniques. These techniques use photon time-of-flight information encoded in light after multiple, diffuse reflections to reconstruct a three-dimensional scene. In this paper, we propose and describe two iterative backprojection algorithms, the additive error backprojection (AEB) and multiplicative error backprojection (MEB), whose goal is to improve the reconstruction of the scene under investigation over non-iterative backprojection algorithms. We evaluate the proposed algorithms’ performance applied to simulated and real data (gathered from an experimental setup where the system needs to reconstruct an unknown scene). Results show that the proposed iterative algorithms are able to provide better reconstruction than the unfiltered, non-iterative backprojection algorithm for both simulated and physical scenes, but are more sensitive to errors in the light transport model.
Rabbit Serum Monoamine Oxidase: II. DETERMINANTS OF SUBSTRATE SPECIFICITY

The interactions of primary, aliphatic amines with the highly purified monoamine oxidase of rabbit serum have been studied. The pH dependence of Michaelis and inhibitor constants supports previous evidence that protonated amines are bound by an unprotonated enzyme group (pKa, 6.2). The competitive inhibition by ammonium chloride is consistent with this mechanism of substrate binding. Methylene residues of n-alkylamines enhance the affinities of these substrates for the enzyme. The kinetic data are consistent with the hypothesis that the active center of the enzyme contains hydrophobic areas and that the interactions of substrate residues with these areas determine maximal velocities as well as affinity constants. Affinity constants determined for a variety of substrates and substrate analogues indicate that substrate groups other than ammonium and hydrocarbon residues may affect substrate binding. The increased affinities of substrates with p-chloro-, p-hydroxy-, and p-methoxyphenyl groups support previous evidence that the active center of the enzyme contains a polar site for interactions involving electronegative substituents. Aliphatic alcohols selectively stimulate the oxidation of certain monoamines by increasing their affinities for the enzyme. Although the stimulation appears to be complicated, the available data are consistent with the simple hypothesis that aliphatic alcohols are bound in a tertiary complex with enzyme and substrate, that alcohol binding depends upon hydrophobic interactions, and that the alcohols increase the effectiveness of the hydrophobic areas of the enzyme for substrate binding.
Overview of GEF Mandate in Energy Efficiency

Open image in new window As an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has a mandate to provide financial resources to support the diffusion and transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) to developing countries, and the development of such technologies within these countries. The GEF is also designated by the UNFCCC to finance capacity building and development in climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. In addition, the GEF Council has frequently articulated the importance of co-finance to maximize global environmental benefits with limited resources of the GEF. This chapter presents basic information about the GEF as a financial institution and its governance. The information will improve the understanding of how a GEF project is designed, managed, implemented, and evaluated by different GEF stakeholders. A number of key parameters in GEF energy efficiency project development and evaluation are discussed in the context of closing the gap of global energy efficiency.
Molecular-weight-dependent effects of nonanticoagulant heparins on allergic airway responses

We have hypothesized that antiallergic activity of inhaled heparin is molecular weight dependent and mediated by “nonanticoagulant fractions” (NAF-heparin). Therefore, we studied comparative effect...
Abstract LB-126: Nanoparticle-incorporated STING activator as an immunotherapeutic for PD-L1 resistant triple-negative breast cancer

Current immune checkpoint inhibitors (eg. PD-L1) shows limited efficacy for varies cancer types, especially the difficult-to-treat triple-negative breast cancer. This study uses liposomal nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver the STING agonist, cGAMP, as an alternative approach to amplify innate immune activation and anti-tumor treatment. We studied the impact of cGAMP-NPs on macrophage reprograming and activation by determining M1/M2 biomarkers on polarized M2(+) cells and cytokines from secreted supernatants. The critical role of STING/IFNAR signaling in cGAMP-NP-mediated response was also examined. The efficacy was further evaluated in an orthotopically-transplanted model (C3(1)Tag model) for basal-like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and a spontaneous genetic engineered mouse (GEM) model of basal-like TNBC (C3(1)Tag GEM). Both of these preclinical models that are resistant to PD-L1 checkpoint blockade and most other therapies, which parallels TNBC in humans. cGAMP-NPs were shown to activate STING and induce both innate and adaptive host immune responses. Also, cGAMP-NPs accumulated within macrophages at the tumor site and reversed a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Effective tumor suppression was achieved by intravenous delivery in orthotopic and GEM of TNBC with no responsivity to anti-PD-L1 and in B16F10 melanoma with limited responsivity to anti-PD-L1. The anti-tumor immunity was achieved in a STING-dependent fashion that relies on T cells and macrophages but does not require prior knowledge of the tumor antigen. cGAMP-NPs were shown to induce M2-like macrophages to skew towards a M1-like phenotype, cytokine production, MHC and co-stimulatory molecule expression, enhanced CD4+ and CD8+ T cells infiltration, and tumor apoptosis. Moreover, cGAMP-NPs alone induced durable anti-tumor T cell responses and prevented the formation of secondary tumors. We demonstrated the amplified efficacy of liposome formulation relative to soluble cGAMP as an anti-tumor therapeutic that obviates the need of intratumoral injection. Our data suggested that cGAMP-NPs are a potent treatment regimen to modulate the microenvironment of tumors with limited or no responsivity to anti-PD-L1. Citation Format: Ning Cheng, Rebecca Watkins-Schulz, Robert Junkins, Clement David, Brandon M. Johnson, Stephanie A. Montgomery, Kevin J. Peine, David B. Darr, Hong Yuan, Karen P. McKinnon, Qi Liu, Lei Miao, Leaf Huang, Eric M. Bachelder, Kristy M. Ainslie, Jenny P-y Ting. Nanoparticle-incorporated STING activator as an immunotherapeutic for PD-L1 resistant triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-126.
The influence of motivation versus experience on recreation satisfaction: how appreciative- versus achievement-oriented recreation experience preferences relate to hunter satisfaction.

We present methods derived from customer satisfaction research that clarify factors influential to the satisfaction of recreation participants. We conducted mail surveys of Minnesota wild turkey hu...
A Review of: Reason's Dark Champions: Constructive Strategies of Sophistic Argument, by Christopher W. Tindale

Christopher Tindale has for some time been a not-particularly-dark champion of the proposition that the rhetorical dimension of argumentation cannot be ignored. Books such as Acts of Arguing (1999)...
Genomic testing in early stage invasive male breast cancer: An NCDB analysis from 2008 to 2014.

PURPOSE Genomic assays, or tissue gene profiling tests, are widely used to predict recurrence of early stage invasive breast cancer and guide systemic therapy. The purpose of our study was to examine the current national trends of genomic testing in male breast cancer (MBC) and its association with systemic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The National Cancer Database (NCDB) includes 6227 cases of pathologic T1/T2 and N0/N1 MBC from 2008 to 2014 with known genomic testing status. Results of the tests were grouped as low, intermediate, and high risk of recurrence scores (RRS). Statistical analysis included multivariate logistic regression and Chi-square tests. A supplemental analysis in female breast cancer was provided as reference. RESULTS Of the 6227 cases of MBC age 18-90, 1478 (23.74%) underwent genomic testing. Testing was significantly associated with age, race, tumor grade, year of diagnosis, receptor status, and nodal status. Distribution of RRS in MBC was 59.3% low, 27.4% intermediate, and 13.3% high. RRS in men were significantly associated with tumor grade and size, but not nodal status. Those with a low RRS were 7-times more likely to be treated with hormone therapy alone (AOR 7.18, CI 5.78-8.91, P < 0.001). Those with a high RRS were five times more likely to receive a combination of hormone and chemotherapy (AOR 5.16, CI 3.60-7.40, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Rates of testing and distribution of RRS in men and women with early stage invasive breast cancer are similar. Treatment patterns in MBC varied significantly based on genomic testing results, even when adjusted for other clinicopathologic features. Further investigation is required to determine the prognostic and predictive nature of genomic testing in male breast cancer.
Robust Stator-Excited Brushless Synchronous Machine: An Attractive Permanent Magnet-Free Option

Rare-earth-free and permanent magnet-free traction motor have become a significant research topic in the recent years due to several challenging issues of rare-earth permanent magnets. This paper presents design, analysis, and comparative study of a robust stator-excited brushless synchronous machine (SEBSM). First, topology and principle of operation of proposed SEBSM are illustrated. Key design issues are analyzed, including initial sizing equation, pole combination, rotor structure, and influence of leading design parameters. Finally, the electromagnetic performance and torque capability of proposed robust SEBS machine is compared to conventional wound field synchronous machine. The result shows torque capability of proposed SEBSM can reach 85% of conventional wound field synchronous machine.
Efficacy of bracing in skeletally immature patients with moderate-severe idiopathic scoliosis curves between 40° and 60°.

Retrospective case-series. To evaluate the outcomes of bracing in skeletally immature patients with moderate–severe idiopathic scoliosis (IS) curves ≥ 40°. In contrast to prior beliefs, the recent studies have reported successful outcomes with brace treatment may occur in some patients with moderate–severe scoliosis ≥ 40°. Despite other encouraging case-series, non-operative treatment is rarely attempted and the efficacy of bracing large curves remains uncertain. 100 skeletally immature children (mean 11.8 ± 2.36 years; range 6.1–16.5) with IS ≥ 40° were identified. 80 were adolescent IS (80%) and 20 juvenile IS (20%). The Risser plus score was used to evaluate skeletal maturity. 66 children were Risser 0 (66%). SRS-SOSORT outcome guidelines were used: > 5° progression, stabilization between − 5° and 5° and, > 5° improvement. Mean initial Cobb was 45° ± 3.9° (range 40°–59°), with in-brace and % correction of 30° ± 8.7° (range 7°–48°) and 34 ± 17.5% (range 2–84%), respectively. 57 progressed (57%), 32 stabilized (32%), and 11 improved (11%) after a median of 1.8 years (IQR 1.2–2.9). Open triradiate cartilage at presentation (p = 0.005) and less in-brace correction (p = 0.009) were associated with progression. 58 children (58%) underwent surgery after a mean of 3.0 years (range 0.7–7.3). Surgical patients were younger (11.2 vs. 12.7 years; p = 0.003), more often Risser 0 (79% vs. 48%; p < 0.001); however, presented with similar curves (45° vs. 44°; p = 0.31). Open triradiate cartilage at presentation (OR 15.3; 95% CI 4.3–54.6; p < 0.001) and less in-brace correction (p = 0.03) increased the likelihood of surgery. All 20 JIS patients avoided temporary growth rods, with 18 (90%) eventually requiring surgery. Non-operative treatment was successful in 42% of children. Risk factors for surgery were younger age, open triradiates, and less in-brace correction. Bracing can be effective in delaying surgery until skeletal maturity in patients with curves ≥ 40°. Patients should be counseled on the risks and benefits of bracing and surgery. Level IV.
Afterword: a critical reckoning with the ‘Asian Century’ in the shadow of the anthropocene

What does the advent of an ‘Asian Century’ portend for critical tourism geographies? This commentary argues that two recent developments have made a critical reckoning with the Asian Century more p...
Amino acid systems in the interpeduncular nucleus are altered in a sex‐dependent manner during nicotine withdrawal

Prior work in male rodents established that the medial habenula-interpeduncular nucleus (MHb-IPN) pathway modulates nicotine withdrawal. Specifically, withdrawal severity has been closely associated with inhibitory tone in the IPN via interneurons that release γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Inhibitory tone in the IPN is regulated by projections from the MHb that co-release glutamate and acetylcholine. Within the IPN, inhibitory tone is also regulated via corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 (CRF1) receptors that control GABA release from local interneurons. This study extends previous work by comparing sex differences in GABA, glutamate, as well serotonin levels in the IPN during precipitated nicotine withdrawal. Sex differences in withdrawal-induced neurochemical effects were also compared following systemic administration of a CRF1 receptor antagonist. The results revealed that there were no group differences in serotonin levels in the IPN. A major finding was that females displayed a larger withdrawal-induced increases in GABA levels in the IPN than males. Also, withdrawal increased IPN glutamate levels in a similar manner in females and males. Blockade of CRF1 receptors produced a larger suppression of the withdrawal-induced increases in GABA levels in the IPN of females versus males, an effect that was likely related to the robust increase in glutamate following administration of the CRF1 receptor antagonist in females. These data suggest that amino acid systems in the IPN modulate sex differences in the behavioral effects of nicotine withdrawal. Furthermore, our data imply that medications that target stress-induced activation of the IPN may reduce withdrawal severity, particularly in females.
Role of the otolaryngologist in nasopharyngeal swab training: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract Nasopharyngeal swabs are commonly done in the medical field for a multitude of reasons, and they recently have been an essential component of widespread testing to control the spread of COVID-19. Although rare, improper technique when performing nasopharyngeal swabs has the potential to lead to injury or misleading test results. We present a case of uncontrolled epistaxis requiring hospitalization following a routine nasopharyngeal swab in a healthy patient. Both the complexity and variability of the anatomy of the nasopharynx can contribute to poor swabbing technique. Otolaryngologists should be encouraged to educate and support other healthcare workers to improve the yield and reduce the risk of harm due to nasopharyngeal swabs. Increased comfort levels with performing nasopharyngeal swabs will also improve the sensitivity of screening tests for common respiratory viruses such as influenza, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Histologic and genomic features of breast cancers with alterations affecting the SWI/SNF (SMARC) genes

The SWI/SNF family of proteins is a multisubunit ATPase complex frequently altered in human cancer. Inactivating mutations in SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin (SMARCs) underpin a subset of tumors such as the malignant rhabdoid tumor and small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type. Here, we investigated the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of breast cancers harboring somatic genetic alterations affecting genes of the SMARC family. We analyzed a series of 6026 primary and metastatic breast cancers subjected to targeted-capture sequencing. SMARC core subunit (SMARCA4, SMARCB1, and SMARCA2) alterations were identified in <1% of all breast cancers, consisting of 27 primary and 30 recurrent/metastatic tumors. The majority of SMARC alterations were monoallelic mutations (47/57, 82%) and thus categorized into two groups: Class 1 alterations consisting of potentially pathogenic mutations and rearrangements and Class 2 alterations consisting of missense mutations and small in-frame deletions of unknown significance. Biallelic events in a SMARC gene were present in a minority of cases (10/57, 18%). Histologic patterns in the form of rhabdoid, composite rhabdoid, sarcomatoid or anaplastic features were observed in a subset of Class 1 primary and metastatic tumors (7/57, 12%). SMARC protein was preserved in nearly all tumors analyzed with immunohistochemistry (26/30, 87%). Four Class 1 tumors demonstrated altered SMARC protein expression in the form of loss (1/30, 3%) or mosaic pattern (3/30, 10%). Complete loss of SMARCA2 (BRM) was observed in a sole tumor with composite rhabdoid morphology, and biallelic hits in the SMARCA2 gene. The genomic landscape of both primary Class 1 and 2 breast cancers did not reveal any characteristic findings. In summary, SMARC alterations likely contribute to the biology of a rare subset of breast cancers in the form of biallelic or pathogenic alterations in SMARC, as evidenced by SMARC-deficient phenotype or altered expression of SMARC protein.
Patterns of Consumption Across a Caribbean Seascape: Roles of Habitat and Consumer Species Composition Through Time

Herbivores, omnivores, and predators transfer energy and structure the communities of many coastal marine ecosystems, and the intensity with which they consume prey and contribute to ecosystem functioning varies substantially among habitats over short time periods. Whether generalities across habitats might emerge for longer time series and using standard methods remains largely untested. Here, we deployed standardized assays of consumption using dried squid (“squidpops”) and five common macrophytes (“weedpops”) to quantify consumption across coral fore reef and patch reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and bare sand from 2015-2019 around Carrie Bow Cay, Belize. We also used video in 2017 to identify the species responsible for consumption. We found that both squid- and weedpop consumption were consistently highest on patch and fore reef habitats, moderate in mangroves, and lowest in seagrass and sand across all years of the survey. Videos showed that the majority of consumption on the reefs in 2017 could be attributed to <5 fish species, and the identity of the dominant consumers differed among habitats. This study validates a key but implicit assumption in marine ecology that relative patterns in consumption across habitats are consistent through space and time in tropical nearshore environments, and reveals that high consumption rates may be the consequence of one or few species in each location.
Policing the pandemic: estimating spatial and racialized inequities in New York City police enforcement of COVID-19 mandates

The use of policing to enforce public health guidelines has historically produced harmful consequences, and early evidence from the police enforcement of COVID-19 mandates suggested Black New Yorke...
Analysis of policy and educational approaches within the Seattle recycling program

This study aims to deepen our understanding of the policy and educational approaches within the Seattle, Washington residential recycling program. Through an analysis of Seattle’s policy approaches and the role of education, this study makes recommendations for both its improvement and other communities looking to bolster and or implement their own recycling program. To guide the recommendations, it was necessary to find how a recycling program can target a broad audience to create more awareness and reach those in the community that have not been involved. Straughan (1999) noted that the success of a community’s’ recycling program relies on the effectiveness of its citizenry’s knowledge and education on recycling. Using instructional design as the lens of analysis, this study investigated how Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) used electronic and paper‐based educational materials to informally educate the community about recycling within the Seattle recycling program. This study also analyzed the policy approaches of Seattle’s formal and informal practices (such as city legislature) constructed to prioritize recycling within the city. The policy analysis revealed Seattle’s major policy approaches are focused in the policy areas of operations, administration, and finance and are key to Seattle’s recycling program and Seattle’s continued success in waste‐stream diversion. The results of the content analysis revealed that the educational documents and materials have a strong educational purpose. Recommendations for policy suggest communities looking to strengthen or augment their current practices could focus on the areas of operations,
Altered Glucose Transport and Its Metabolic Effects in Glomerular Cells

Over many years of investigation it has been found that the mechanisms contributing to the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) are both varied and complex (1-8). A key finding, however, was that hyperglycemia plays an important role in the development of diabetic tissue complications, including nephropathy. A substantial amount of effort has been expended in identifying glucose-induced pathways in the kidney, which contribute to the production of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), which could scar the kidneys, particularly in the form of glomerulosclerosis (3,9, 10, 11, 12), but also in the form of tubulo-interstitial fibrosis (13, 14, 15, 16, 17). More recently, the discovery of numerous new members of the glucose transporter families, both the facilitative glucose transporter family (i.e., GLUTs; solute carrier family SLC2A) and the sodium-glucose cotransporter family (i.e., SGLT, SLC5A), has allowed their investigation in the kidney and a beginning assessment of their roles in normal and diabetic kidneys. The explosion of information that is now occurring in the glucose transporter field is allowing renal researchers many new opportunities to understand how these transporters contribute to normal and altered renal glucose metabolism (18-22).