cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can Getting Enough Vitamin D during Pregnancy Reduce the Risk of Getting Asthma in Childhood

The worldwide increase in asthma prevalence during the last decades and the re-emergence of vitamin D deficiency in many populations hinted towards an underlying association between these two conditions. Since asthma is presented with high incidence in childhood and neonatal vitamin D stores depend on maternal vitamin levels, a possible programming effect of maternal vitamin D status during gestation was suggested. Observational and longitudinal studies on this subject led to inconclusive results with glimmer of positivity. In the randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) that followed, increased doses of vitamin D were tested in pregnant women being at high risk of having an asthmatic child. Although, the results of RCTs showed a potential association with rather asthma-related phenotypes than asthma per se, the low toxicity of Vitamin D supplements make it tempting to speculate that pregnant women at a high risk of obtaining a child with asthma may be benefited, especially if they are vitamin D deficient.
Non-Standard Typography Use Over Time: Signs of a Lack of Literacy or Symbolic Capital?

New technologies have provoked a debate regarding the role of non-standard typography (e.g. !!!, :-*). Some contend that new technologies undermine literacy while others state that new technologies provide new spaces for expressive writing and signal a form of symbolic capital. While previous research has primarily focused on age and gender to account for non-standard typography, we analyze socio-economic variables – education and income level and the use of NST over time. This study entertains these two competing hypotheses by analyzing non-standard typography in text message exchanges over three and a half months in an underprivileged population: people living in an urban public housing. Data reveal that, within this sample, use of NST increased over time and participants with higher education levels were more likely to use non-standard typography than less educated counterparts. Experience with texting was found to mediate this effect. Findings support a symbolic capital hypothesis of non-standard typography use, suggesting NST is not associated with stigmatizing lack of knowledge or literacy, but rather may signal the knowledge of discourse norms ascribed to texting in a community.
The Technique and Benefits of Angiographic Embolization of Inferior Epigastric Arteries Prior to Pedicled TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction: Results from a Single Center.

To report a single center’s experience with selective arterial embolization of the deep inferior epigastric arteries (DIEA) prior to pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction including techniques and outcomes. Retrospective chart review was performed for 15 patients who underwent pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction after selective embolization of bilateral DIEA. Data were analyzed to display the spectrum of postoperative outcomes following the TRAM flap procedure status post-selective angiographic embolization of the bilateral DIEA to improve vascularity of the TRAM flaps by rendering the tissue partially ischemic to undergo neovascularization. We then compared our results to historical controls of those delayed by ligating the DIEA via traditional surgical means to see if the outcomes are similar. We also compared our results to historical non-delayed TRAM flap reconstruction. One patient had a small area of partial flap skin necrosis, and no patients had total flap loss. 13.3% of patients had clinically significant TRAM flap fat necrosis. Outcomes of TRAM flaps delayed by selective arterial embolization are comparable to historical controls of those delayed by traditional surgical means and better than non-delayed flaps. Angiographic delayed TRAM flap reconstruction procedure is a reasonable safe alternative to the surgical delayed TRAM flap reconstruction procedure with less morbidity and is better than non-delayed TRAM flap procedures.
Naïve Justice in the Ancient Greek Novel

This article discusses three trial scenes from three different ancient Greek novels (by Chariton, Achilles Tatius, and Longus), in which naive justice seems to be deliberately subverted. The titular concept of “naive justice” is defined here in terms borrowed from Aristotle’s Poetics , where the term “double resolution” is used, disparagingly, of plots in which the good characters are all rewarded and the bad characters all punished. The argument is made that the trial scenes under discussion should raise doubts in the reader’s mind as to which of the parties is truly guilty, and which is truly innocent. This can be seen as a reflection of unexpectedly mature ethical sensibilities on the part of these often-underestimated writers, who seem to have grasped that the “double resolution” may make the reader feel good, but has little to do with the real world.
Phenotype and Antimicrobial Activity of Th17 Cells Induced by Propionibacterium acnes Strains Associated with Healthy and Acne Skin

Studies of the human skin microbiome suggest that Propionibacterium acnes strains may contribute differently to skin health and disease. However, the immune phenotype and functions of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells induced by healthy (PH) versus acne (PA) skin-associated P. acnes strains are currently unknown. We stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors and observed that PA strains induce higher IL-17 levels than PH strains. We next generated PH and PA strain-specific Th17 clones and show that P. acnes strains induce Th17 cells of varied phenotype and function that are stable in the presence of IL-2 and IL-23. Although PH- and PA-specific clones expressed similar levels of LL-37 and DEFB4, only PH-specific clones secreted molecules sufficient to kill P. acnes. Furthermore, electron microscopic studies showed that supernatants derived from activated PH and not PA-specific clones exhibited robust bactericidal activity against P. acnes, and complete breaches in the bacterial cell envelope were observed. This antimicrobial activity was independent of IL-26, because both natural IL-26 released by Th17 clones and rhIL-26 lacked antimicrobial potency against P. acnes. Overall, our data suggest that P. acnes strains may differentially modulate the CD4+ T-cell responses, leading to the generation of Th17 cells that may contribute to either homeostasis or acne pathogenesis.
Health-related quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors: are there differences between sporadic and hereditary patients?

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors with sporadic CRC to those with hereditary cancer, specifically Lynch syndrome (LS). Participants completed a mailed self-administered questionnaire that assessed, among other things, demographics, clinical characteristics, and health-related quality of life. Using a case-case design, CRC survivors with LS or sporadic cancer were matched on age, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer stage, geography, and time since diagnosis. Participants were recruited from patient registries at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) (n = 33 LS; n = 75 sporadic) and through social media (n = 42 LS). The final sample included 71 LS and 74 sporadic CRC survivors. For LS patients, the mean FACT-C HRQoL score was 84.8 (11.9) [Median = 86.0; Interquartile Range-17] compared to sporadic patients mean score of 85.8 (16.7) [Median = 92.0; Interquartile Range-21], which indicates high quality of life for both groups. LS patients and sporadic CRC patients had similar HRQoL mean scores across 7 different HRQoL metrics, with no significant differences between groups. Exploratory regression analyses indicate some differences in known predictors of HRQoL by group despite no bivariate differences. HRQoL is an important component of survivorship in CRC patients. Given the clinical distinctions between LS and sporadic patients, we expected to find significant differences between these patients. However, the patients’ experiences/quality of life does not appear to illustrate such a clear dissimilarity within CRC survivors. Given the limited data in this area, larger studies, ideally with data obtained from multiple sites, is needed to better investigate the alignment between clinical determination and patient experience as well as to explore the relationship between HRQOL, treatment regimens, and health outcomes.
Uniformity among Weather Modification Laws

Although there have been efforts to secure uniformity, wide diversity remains among state laws regulating weather modification. Differences stem from ignorance of other states' laws, legal experimentation, different perceptions of weather modification efficacy, and desire to be consistent with local jurisprudence. Uniformity can be achieved through Federal legislation, interstate compacts, and uniform or model state laws. Funding arrangements and administrative structures should vary among the states. Some diversity, mixed with some uniformity, is appropriate for issuing operational permits, allocating weather modification runoff water rights, and determining legal liability. Professional licensing, record keeping, and reporting should be uniformly regulated. Weather modification advocates should support state laws that preserve the strengths of diversity and secure needed uniformity, and Federal legislation allowing diversity where it is advantageous.
Cybernetics and the Behavior of Microorganisms

The most obvious advantage of studying sensory phenomena in unicellular rather than in higher organisms is, of course, the fact that the processes involved in sensory transduction are much less complex, and thus presumably more easily understood, in the former. When I first became interested in the subject, it was with the now common idea that the stimulus/response systems of unicells might be suitable models for the sensory systems of higher organisms. While this view is justified to a significant extent (as will be evident to the reader of this book), I soon became thoroughly fascinated as well with the unique mechanisms which motile unicells have evolved to utilize information from their environment for seeking out favorable external conditions. Moreover, the analysis of these sensory systems has, for one or two organisms, now reached the stage where we have been able to devise computer models and cybernetic analogues of the organisms which exhibit all of their known properties with respect to motor responses toward stimulation. While this goal is as yet unattainable in the case of higher organisms, the approaches described below could well prove useful for future attempts in that direction.
Representative Clinical Case: Occipital Neuralgia

The patient is a 44-year-old African-American female who presented with severe, lancinating occipital pain. Her medical history was notable for a motor vehicle collision resulting in a whiplash injury and a Chiari malformation for which she underwent decompression surgery. The pain was predominantly right-sided and described as constant, stabbing, and sharp and made worse with palpation and neck movement. The patient was neurologically intact on physical examination, although had a positive Tinel’s sign with exquisite tenderness to palpation over the greater occipital nerve on the right side predominantly, as well as the left side to some degree. She achieved notable but transient pain relief with selective occipital nerve blocks and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Anticonvulsant medications resulted in pain relief initially, but were less effective over time.
Potentially modifiable factors of dofetilide-associated risk of torsades de pointes among hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation

There is a significant variation in the clinical approach of initiation and dose adjustment of dofetilide in atrial fibrillation (AF). Excessive QT prolongation could predispose patients to torsades de pointes (TdP), which can be fatal. We performed a retrospective case-control study at Mayo Clinic Rochester (January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2016). “TdP risk” cases were defined as patients on dofetilide therapy for AF with subsequent TdP or excessive QTc prolongation requiring dose reduction or discontinuation (N = 31). A control group was matched 1:1 with cases by age, gender, year of admission, and dofetilide dose (N = 31). Using multivariate regression analysis, independent predictors of TdP risk included baseline QTc exceeding recommendations (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] 4.57; P = 0.023); underlying AF with rapid ventricular rate (AOR 16.95; P = 0.004); and diuretic therapy for acute heart failure (AOR 8.42; P = 0.007). Poor inter-observer agreement was identified among QT interval measurement in patients with AF and rapid ventricular rate compared to those in rate controlled AF or sinus rhythm. TdP risk cases receiving diuretics for acute heart failure had a significant decline in creatinine clearance than controls, although serum electrolytes and replacement did not differ among the two groups. Excessive QTc prolongation and AF with rapid ventricular rate at time of dofetilide initiation (likely due to difficulty in measuring QT intervals), and diuretic therapy for acute heart failure were independent factors for dofetilide-related TdP risk. Based on these data, possible preventive strategies could be adapted for safety protocols among hospitalized patients.
Two additional species of Gymnopus (Euagarics, Basidiomycotina)

For more than a decade, a combination of molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological characterisation has led to a renovation of the Omphalotaceae, especially of Gymnopus sensu lato. Numerous new genera have been proposed, but Gymnopus sensu stricto has also seen an accretion of species and species complexes. In this manuscript, two species are added to Gymnopus sensu stricto within Section Androsacei.
Validation of gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS) for radionuclides analysis of environmental and food samples

The validation of the experimental methodology, employed at the Laboratory of Environmental Radioactivity of the Environmental Protection Agency of Calabria, Italy to determine the presence of gamma-emitting radionuclides in environmental and food samples, is reported in the present study. The validation process aims to demonstrate the validity of a method for its use by verifying that the requirements that the laboratory aims to achieve are met. High purity germanium spectrometry was employed to determine activity concentrations in certified reference materials obtained from the international atomic energy agency, with the aim to verify the linearity, repeatability, accuracy, trueness and detection limit of the methodology. Investigated radionuclides were 137Cs, 40K, 228Ac and 212Pb. The setup was calibrated using standard sources. Obtained results demonstrate the adequacy of the procedure under consideration; they also document the competence of the operator and provide sufficient data to define the control limits useful for ensuring the quality of the data.
Empathy: A Social Neuroscience Perspective

The concept of empathy is applied to various phenomena which cover a broad spectrum ranging from experiencing emotions that match another individual's emotions, feelings of concern for other people and knowing what the other is thinking or feeling. This conceptual diversity explains the difficulties in measuring empathy. None of the attempts to quantify it with self-reports, peer ratings, or rating scales of observed behavior have been able to capture the entire range of affective, cognitive, and behavioral components of empathy. In this article, we will expound that human empathy is better understood with reference to the phylogeny of the social brain. Empathy has deep evolutionary, biochemical, and neurological underpinnings. Even the most advanced forms of empathy in humans remain connected to core mechanisms associated with affective communication, social attachment, and parental care. Empathy is mediated and moderated by multiple physiological and brain systems as well as social context. Finally, drawing from patients–doctor relationships in medicine, we will show that empathy is adaptive for oneself and for others.
RadioTalk: A Large-Scale Corpus of Talk Radio Transcripts.

We introduce RadioTalk, a corpus of speech recognition transcripts sampled from talk radio broadcasts in the United States between October of 2018 and March of 2019. The corpus is intended for use by researchers in the fields of natural language processing, conversational analysis, and the social sciences. The corpus encompasses approximately 2.8 billion words of automatically transcribed speech from 284,000 hours of radio, together with metadata about the speech, such as geographical location, speaker turn boundaries, gender, and radio program information. In this paper we summarize why and how we prepared the corpus, give some descriptive statistics on stations, shows and speakers, and carry out a few high-level analyses.
Gastric cancer in the remnant stomach after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A case series.

Background Gastric cancer (GC) occasionally develops in the remnant stomach following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). In those who have undergone PD for adenocarcinoma, however, the interval and frequency of anastomotic GC are unknown. Methods We searched our institutional database for patients who had undergone PD for adenocarcinoma and subsequently developed GC between 1994 and 2018 and found six patients. We summarized the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of these patients with anastomotic GC. Results The median interval from PD to development of GC was 111.5 months. Four patients underwent curative resection of gastrojejunal anastomosis. Pathologic analysis showed signet ring cell carcinoma in four patients. The median overall survival after developing GC was 61 months. Conclusion Our findings indicate that GC in the remnant stomach after PD is rare but can occur at gastrojejunostomy anastomosis after a prolonged period. Periodic and long-term follow-up +/- surveillance endoscopy to facilitate early detection of GC in the remnant stomach is recommended, particularly for symptomatic patients. Recognition of the anastomotic tumor as a second primary and not a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma recurrence/metastasis is crucial in the optimal treatment of these patients, as curative resection of early-stage GC may prolong survival.
Exponentially Fast Estimation of Power System Oscillation Modes Using Distributed Phasor Data

We address the problem of distributed estimation of eigenvalues in power system models using synchronized phasor measurements. The power system is partitioned into a set of non-overlapping areas, each of which is equipped with a local estimator. Online measurements of bus voltage and current phasors from a limited number of buses in each area are used for identifying the characteristic polynomial of the system in a distributed fashion by exchanging information between these local estimators and a central estimator. We develop a new variant of distributed least squares for carrying out this estimation, and show that the algorithm converges with exponential speed. The identified characteristic polynomial is finally used for estimating the eigenvalues. Both synchronous and asynchronous versions of the algorithm are proposed. The algorithm can be implemented without any matrix inversion with minor modification. Results are validated using the IEEE 68-bus power system model with five areas.
Algorithmic Decision Making Undermines Affective Commitment

We propose that using algorithms to make human resource decisions (e.g., selection, promotion, compensation, etc.) will undermine employees’ affective commitment. Specifically, we posit that algori...
Brigatinib and lorlatinib: their effect on ALK inhibitors in NSCLC focusing on resistant mutations and central nervous system metastases.

Major issues in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma are acquired resistance against anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors and control of central nervous system metastasis. The development of these inhibitors has changed therapeutic strategy in patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma. Brigatinib and lorlatinib were designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and to inhibit resistant mutations against anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors. We review the clinical data supporting treatment of advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma with brigatinib and lorlatinib. Brigatinib has shown promising antitumour activity, including substantial activity against central nervous system metastases, in crizotinib-treated (ALTA trial) patients and crizotinib-naive (ALTA-1L trial) patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma. In addition, brigatinib improved progression-free survival compared with crizotinib in anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor-naive patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma. Lorlatinib has demonstrated clinical antitumour activity against both intracranial and extracranial lesions in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase- or c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1)-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma. Ongoing trials and further studies of these agents' biological and clinical properties would provide insight into the optimal therapeutic strategy for administering them to achieve the best survival benefit.
Increased videoconferencing after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders increased depression and anxiety but did not impact appearance satisfaction or binge eating

Abstract Time spent viewing selfies significantly increases body dissatisfaction, body checking, and eating psychopathology. We examined whether (1) self-viewing screen-time while videoconferencing increased from February to April 2020, following stay-at-home orders across most states. We hypothesized that: (2) participants’ anxiety, depression, appearance orientation, and binge eating would increase and appearance satisfaction would decrease after COVID-19 lockdowns; and (3) recent (“past two weeks”) videoconferencing duration would significantly predict worsened depression, anxiety, binge eating, appearance orientation, and appearance satisfaction. Participants (N ​= ​143; 53% female) were recruited through campus and Mechanical Turk for a study entitled: “Users’ Experiences with Videoconferencing before and during COVID-19.” In late April 2020, participants rated a range of videoconferencing experiences, including time spent viewing themselves on screens in February (retrospective recall) and the “past two weeks,” completing measures of depression, anxiety, appearance orientation, appearance satisfaction, and binge eating for February and April 2020. Anxiety and depression increased, and appearance orientation and satisfaction decreased significantly after COVID-19 lockdowns. Self-viewing time significantly predicted recent depression and anxiety, but not appearance orientation, appearance satisfaction, or binge eating. Most research on the effects of selfies was in higher risk samples, namely adolescent girls. Future research should examine whether videoconferencing is harmful in at-risk populations.
Equine respiratory viruses, airway inflammation and performance in thoroughbred racehorses

Equine asthma is a common cause of poor performance in racehorses but it is unclear if respiratory viruses contribute to its etiology. The objective of the study was to determine if respiratory viruses were associated with clinical signs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine herpesviruses (EHV-1, 2, 4, 5) and equine rhinitis A and B viruses (ERBV, ERAV) genomes were quantified by qPCR in nasopharyngeal, tracheal, and BALF samples collected after racing. The relationships between virus detection and load and clinical signs, performance, BALF cytology, and environmental exposures were examined with generalized linear mixed models. Ninety-two samples were collected from 31 horses. EHV-1 and ERAV were not found; EHV-4 was detected in only one sample. EHV-2, EHV-5 and ERBV were more likely to be detected in upper airway samples than in BALF (P < 0.0001). Neither respiratory virus detection nor load was associated with clinical signs or performance. Nasopharyngeal detection and load of ERBV and tracheal detection and load of EHV-5 were associated with increased proportions of neutrophils in BALF (P < 0.003). However, nasopharyngeal detection and load of EHV-5 was not (P = 0.11). Nasopharyngeal detection and load of EHV-2 were associated with decreased BALF mast cell proportions. Respirable dust exposures were significantly higher in horses with detection of ERBV when compared to horses with no detectable ERBV (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that ERBV, EHV-2 and EHV-5 are commonly present in upper airways of healthy racehorses; however, the role they play in the etiology of equine asthma remains unclear.
Surgical and Peri-Operative Considerations for Brain Metastases.

Introduction: Brain metastases are the most common brain tumors in adults, whose management remains nuanced. Improved understanding of risk factors for surgical complications and mortality may guide treatment decisions. Methods: A nationwide, multicenter analysis was conducted with a retrospective cohort. Adult patients in the 2012-2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS NSQIP) databases who received a craniotomy for resection of brain metastasis were included. Results: 3500 cases were analyzed, of which 17% were considered frail and 24% were infratentorial. The most common 30-day medical complications were venous thromboembolism (3%, median time-to-event [TTE] 4.5 days), pneumonia (4%, median TTE 6 days), and urinary tract infections (2%, median TTE 5 days). Reoperation and unplanned readmission occurred in 5% and 12% of patients, respectively. Infratentorial approach and frailty were associated with reoperation before discharge (OR 2.0 for both; p=0.01 and p=0.03 respectively), but not after discharge. Infratentorial approaches conferred heightened risk for readmission for hydrocephalus (OR 5.1, p=0.02) and reoperation for cerebrospinal fluid diversion (OR 7.1, p<0.001).Overall 30-day mortality was 4%, with nearly three-quarters occurring after discharge. Pre-frailty and frailty were associated with increased odds for post-discharge mortality (OR 1.7 and 2.7, p<0.05), but not pre-discharge mortality. We developed a model to identify pre-/peri-operative variables associated with death, including frailty, thrombocytopenia, and high American Society of Anesthesiologists score (AUROC 0.75). Conclusions: Optimization of metrics contributing to patient frailty and heightened surveillance in patients with infratentorial metastases may be considered in the peri-operative period.
HER-2/neu-positive breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy response after implementation of 2018 ASCO/CAP focused update.

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), a routinely tested breast cancer marker, is associated with worse prognosis yet increased sensitivity to targeted neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in breast cancer patients. The presence of HER2 in breast carcinoma can be detected with either immunohistochemistry (IHC) or in situ hybridization (ISH). In this study, we examine the relationship between clinicopathological features, HER2 detection method (IHC vs ISH), and prognostic outcomes in NAT-treated HER2-positive breast cancer patients. We included 99 HER2-positive patients from three academic institutions following 2018 HER2 testing updates and conducted a retrospective correlational study. Seventy-one (72%) were HER2-positive by IHC and 28 (28%) were positive following reflexive ISH. Multivariate analysis showed biomarker status to be significantly associated with pathologic complete response (pCR) (p = 0.003), Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) (p = 0.007), and tumor size downstaging (p = 0.002) and HER2 detection method of IHC to be significantly associated with pCR (p = 0.05), RCB (p = 0.004), and nodal downstaging (p= 0.03). In conclusion, HER2 detection method and biomarker subtype allow for further prognostic stratification of HER2-positive patients when 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American Pathologists (CAP) guideline updates are applied.
Colorectal Cancer Screening After Changes in US Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines With Increased Screening Options.

Introduction In 2016, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) added multitarget stool DNA and computed tomography colonography (CTC) as accepted colorectal cancer screening modalities to the already recommended tests: fecal immunochemical test (FIT), sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. The aim of our study was to determine trends in screening after the USPSTF update, with the effect of additional tests on the use of existing colorectal cancer screening modalities and overall screening rates. Methods We prospectively compared monthly colorectal cancer overall screening rates and the mean total numbers of patients screened by multitarget stool DNA, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CTC, and FIT 6 months prior to the new USPSTF guidelines until 30 months after. Results At completion of the study, 72,202 patients were eligible for screening. The overall rate of eligible patients screened for colorectal cancer did not change (80.9% vs 81.3%; P = 0.287). There was a significant increase in the percent of patients screened with multitarget stool DNA (1.6% to 15.6%; P = .001) and a significant decrease in the percent of patients screened using CTC (3.8 % to 1.5%; P = .004), FIT (9.3% to 4.9%; P = .003), and sigmoidoscopy (2.4% to 1.5%, P = .024). There was a nonsignificant decrease in the percent use of screening colonoscopy, from 82.9 % to 76.5% (P = .313). Conclusion While the overall colorectal cancer screening rate did not increase after the USPSTF update with additional recommended screening tests, practice patterns did change with a shift in the type of screening test used.
“Please Let It Stop”: Fear, Anxiety, and Uncertainty on the Neoliberal Tenure Track

I have anxiety and I am not alone, although I have felt that way. Anxiety and depression are mental health issues that impact millions of individuals in our society. While discussions about mental ...
Toxicity and Efficacy Following Adjuvant Vaginal Brachytherapy Using 30 Gy in 6 fractions for Stage I and II Endometrial Cancer

Abstract Objective To evaluate outcomes and toxicity in endometrial cancer patients following our institutional adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VBT) fractionation scheme. Methods We identified women with FIGO stage I-II endometrial cancer who underwent surgical staging and adjuvant high-dose rate VBT without external beam radiation. All patients received 30 Gy in 6 fractions to the upper one third of the vagina, prescribed to a depth of 5 mm and delivered twice weekly. Toxicities were prospectively elicited at each follow up, and rates of recurrence and survival were retrospectively assessed. Results We identified 247 eligible patients treated from 1992-2018 with a median follow-up of 5.8 years (0.1-24.7 years). Most had stage I disease (52% IA, 37% IB), while 11% were stage II. Deep myometrial invasion was predictive of local recurrence (p=0.002). Five-year rates of local recurrence, regional recurrence, and distant metastases were 5%, 5%, and 7%, respectively. Five-year overall and disease-free survival were 91% and 83%, respectively. The most common grade 1 toxicities were acute fatigue (11% crude rate) and urinary frequency (11%) and chronic (> 6 months) urinary frequency (13%), urinary incontinence (13%), and vaginal stenosis (21%). There were few grade 2 toxicities (all Conclusion The adjuvant VBT fractionation scheme of 30 Gy in 6 fractions results in low rates of toxicity, with no grade 3 or higher adverse events, and local control rates comparable to those from other published series utilizing different fractionation schemes.
Solving Linear Algebra by Program Synthesis.

We solve MIT's Linear Algebra 18.06 course and Columbia University's Computational Linear Algebra COMS3251 courses with perfect accuracy by interactive program synthesis. This surprisingly strong result is achieved by turning the course questions into programming tasks and then running the programs to produce the correct answers. We use OpenAI Codex with zero-shot learning, without providing any examples in the prompts, to synthesize code from questions. We quantify the difference between the original question text and the transformed question text that yields a correct answer. Since all COMS3251 questions are not available online the model is not overfitting. We go beyond just generating code for questions with numerical answers by interactively generating code that also results visually pleasing plots as output. Finally, we automatically generate new questions given a few sample questions which may be used as new course content. This work is a significant step forward in solving quantitative math problems and opens the door for solving many university level STEM courses by machine.
Rehabilitation of Patients with Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) represents a wide spectrum of pathology from isolated mononeuropathies that cause pain and/or weakness but do not significantly limit an individual’s daily activities, to generalized polyneuropathies that can be life threatening or life limiting. In either clinical scenario a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) can serve as a valuable consultant for the general practitioner seeking further evaluation and conservative treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome, the surgeon seeking assistance with pre-operative electrodiagnostic evaluation or post-operative rehabilitation for a brachial plexus injury, or the neurologist seeking comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services for a generally debilitated patient with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This chapter provides an overview of the approach of a PM&R physician to the evaluation and treatment of a wide variety of PNI through case based scenarios and outlines the latest rehabilitation research in these areas.
Statistical E1 and M1 gamma strength functions from heavy-ion, xn gamma data.

A statistical model analysis of heavy-ion, xn\ensuremath{\gamma} data puts constraints on the electromagnetic dipole strength functions at low energies, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$\ensuremath{\sim}0.5--4 MeV. The M1 strength is inferred to be up to an order of magnitude smaller than at the higher energies of neutron capture gamma rays. The analysis supports the Kadmensky-Markushev-Furman shape of the E1 strength function, with a low-energy tail of the giant resonance that is suppressed relative to the shape based on a Lorentzian. The data considered include the yrast feeding pattern in the N=92 isotones $^{160}\mathrm{Er}$, $^{162}\mathrm{Yb}$, and $^{164}\mathrm{Hf}$, and in $^{152}\mathrm{Dy}$ up to spin 60\ensuremath{\Elzxh}.
A Comparative Laboratory Evaluation of Band-Shaped Prefabricated Drains

Theoretical studies pertaining to the design and application of vertical drainage systems, and recommendations for the selection of design spacing for band-shaped prefabricated (wick) drains, were examined. It was the intent of this study to examine the effects of band-shaped prefabricated drains on the consolidation characteristics of a clay soil, and in addition to evaluate and contrast the efficiency of the prefabricated drains in a laboratory experiment in a way that would guide the engineering application of prefabricated drains in the field. An apparatus referred to as a "wick drain consolidometer" was designed and constructed to fulfill the above-stated intent of study. Five different prefabricated drains were tested: Castleboard, Franki-Kjellman, Mebradrain, Geodrain, and Alidrain. All wick drains with a central core and loosely fitted filter jacket performed better than the Franki-Kjellman wick, which had the filter glued to the core. Based on compression versus time data, the Alidrain wick performed the best, with Castleboard, Mebradrain, and Geodrain all performing approximately the same.
Agile Computing Middleware Support for Service-Oriented Computing over Tactical Networks

Service-oriented architectures (SoAs) are a popular paradigm for enterprise and data center computing but normally do not perform well on tactical networks, which are often degraded in terms of bandwidth, reliability, latency, and connectivity. This paper presents the agile computing middleware and in particular a transparent network proxy and associated protocols that help address the impedance mismatch that occurs between SoAs and tactical and DIL (Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited) networks.
Hypoxic activation of arterial chemoreceptors inhibits sympathetic outflow to brown adipose tissue in rats

In urethane–chloralose anaesthetized, neuromuscularly blocked, artificially ventilated rats, we demonstrated that activation of carotid chemoreceptors inhibits the elevated levels of brown adipose tissue (BAT) sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) evoked by hypothermia, by microinjection of prostaglandin E2 into the medial preoptic area or by disinhibition of neurones in the raphe pallidus area (RPa). Peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation with systemic administration of NaCN (50 μg in 0.1 ml) or with hypoxic ventilation (8% O2–92% N2, 30 s) completely inhibited BAT SNA. Arterial chemoreceptor-evoked inhibition of BAT SNA was eliminated by prior bilateral transections of the carotid sinus nerves or by prior inhibition of neurones within the commissural nucleus tractus solitarii (commNTS) with glycine (40 nmol/80 nl) or with the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (160 pmol/80 nl; 77 ± 10% attenuation), or by prior blockade of ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors in the commNTS with kynurenate (8 nmol/80 nl; 82 ± 10% attenuation). Furthermore, activation of commNTS neurones following local microinjection of bicuculline (30 pmol/60 nl) completely inhibited the elevated level of BAT SNA resulting from disinhibition of neurones in the RPa. These results demonstrate that hypoxic stimulation of arterial chemoreceptor afferents leads to an inhibition of BAT SNA and BAT thermogenesis through an EAA-mediated activation of second-order, arterial chemoreceptor neurones in the commNTS. Peripheral chemoreceptor-evoked inhibition of BAT SNA could directly contribute to (or be permissive for) the hypoxia-evoked reductions in body temperature and oxygen consumption that serve as an adaptive response to decreased oxygen availability.
60 Birthweight and Mcgoon Index Predict Outcome in Newborn Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).

60 Birthweight and Mcgoon Index Predict Outcome in Newborn Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).
Comparative study of as-implanted and pre-damaged ion-beam-synthesized ZnS nanocrystallites in SiO2

Abstract The semiconducting ZnS nanocrystallites were synthesized by sequential high dose ion implantation of Zn and S in thermally grown SiO 2 on Si(1 0 0) and subsequent rapid thermal annealing (RTA). Some samples were pre-implanted with Ar ions in order to investigate the influence of radiation induced damage on the formation of ZnS nanocrystallites. The crystal structure of the ZnS crystallites, their size distribution and the concentration depth profile were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) and cross-sectional transmission-electron-microscopy (XTEM). The XRD results indicate, that the phase transition from cubic zinc blende to hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnS nanocrystallites begins at temperatures below 1000 °C. The RBS results show a clear redistribution of Zn and S after RTA annealing. The concentration of Zn is seriously reduced due to strong diffusion towards deeper regions and the surface, while Ar pre-implantation partially suppressed the concentration loss of Zn. Moreover XTEM images show that the concentration profile, the radiation induced damage and the annealing temperature have strong influence on the resulting size distribution of formed ZnS nanocrystals.
Wait, are you sad or angry? Large exposure time differences required for the categorization of facial expressions of emotion

Facial expressions of emotion are essential components of human behavior, yet little is known about the hierarchical organization of their cognitive analysis. We study the minimum exposure time needed to successfully classify the six classical facial expressions of emotion (joy, surprise, sadness, anger, disgust, fear) plus neutral as seen at different image resolutions (240 × 160 to 15 × 10 pixels). Our results suggest a consistent hierarchical analysis of these facial expressions regardless of the resolution of the stimuli. Happiness and surprise can be recognized after very short exposure times (10–20 ms), even at low resolutions. Fear and anger are recognized the slowest (100–250 ms), even in high-resolution images, suggesting a later computation. Sadness and disgust are recognized in between (70–200 ms). The minimum exposure time required for successful classification of each facial expression correlates with the ability of a human subject to identify it correctly at low resolutions. These results suggest a fast, early computation of expressions represented mostly by low spatial frequencies or global configural cues and a later, slower process for those categories requiring a more fine-grained analysis of the image. We also demonstrate that those expressions that are mostly visible in higher-resolution images are not recognized as accurately. We summarize implications for current computational models.
Experimental observations on the effects of physical training upon intrinsic cardiac physiology and biochemistry.

Abstract Hearts of rats conditioned by a moderate swimming program for 8 weeks were compared with hearts of sedentary animals. Hearts of conditioned rats had greater mechanical responses to tachycardia and to increases in preload and afterload, in part because of improved coronary blood flow and oxygen delivery. Energy stores and intermediary metabolism could not account for improved performance of conditioned hearts. Changes in the properties of myocardial contractile proteins with conditioning were characterized by increased adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity and rates of superprecipitation of actomyosin and by alterations in the availability of sulfhydryl groups at the active site of myosin. Hearts of conditioned rats were partially resistant to hypoxia. During hypoxia they converted chemical energy to external work with greater efficiency than hearts of sedentary rats. The studies indicate that a moderate conditioning program in rats improves potential aerobic cardiac performance. Factors in this improvement include increased capacity for coronary flow and oxygen delivery and higher levels of actomyosin and myosin ATPase activity. Conditioning also confers partial resistance to hypoxia, apparently as a result of improved mechanisms of energy utilization.
Answer to April 2012 Photo Quiz

Answer: Taenia species. The spherical egg shown had a diameter of 40 μm. The thick, radially striated shell and hooked embryo inside the egg are characteristic of a Taenia egg. This egg is surrounded by a thin primary membrane. It is unusual to see the primary membrane of Taenia eggs, because this
BM-11LEPTOMENINGEAL METASTASES IN HIGH-GRADE ADULT GLIOMA: DEVELOPMENT, DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES IN A SERIES OF 34 PATIENTS

Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) in the setting of glioma have often been thought to carry a particularly poor prognosis. We sought to better characterize this phenomenon through a review of patients with glioma seen in our institution over the preceding 10 years. This series of 34 in grade III or IV glioma is the largest of which we are aware. Leptomeningeal spread was present at the time of initial diagnosis in 4 patients. In the others, LM occurred at the time of first progression of disease in 17. The median time to development of LM (excluding those where it was present at initial diagnosis) was 16.4 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.2-43.9). The median time to further progression of disease following LM was 4.9 months (95% CI 3.1-6.9). 25 patients were known to have died at the time of writing. Thus median overall survival (OS) was 10.2 months (95% CI 8.8-14.7) following LM. At the time of diagnosis of LM, some form of treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiation vs. no treatment) increased OS (median 11.7 vs. 3.3 months, p < 0.001 by log-rank test). Use of radiation therapy (vs. no radiation) also increased OS, although the effect was more modest (7.8 vs. 16.8 months, p = 0.07). Higher Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) at the time of diagnosis of LM was associated with OS (p = 0.007, median OS for KPS <= 90 19 months vs. 7.8 for KPS <90). In a two-variable model incorporating the use any treatment (vs. none) and KPS, KPS tended to be a more significant predictor of survival (p = 0.22 vs. p = 0.06 by likelihood-ratio test). This was also true for radiation (vs. none) and KPS (p = 0.27 vs. p = 0.02). No significant benefit could be demonstrated for the use of chemotherapy considered alone, either systemic or intrathecal. However 4/9 receiving intrathecal chemotherapy had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in place.
Studying the meaning of dreams: accurate definition of the independent variable.

Abstract Studying the meaning of dreams is difficult and subject to many methodological pitfalls. One of these is vagueness and inconstancy in defining dream content variables that are used as independent measures. This study evaluated the effect, upon accurate definition of the independent variable, of repeating the dream report and of using associative content as dream material. The importance of controlling these two sources of dream material was demonstrated: when the patient was allowed to repeat the dream and to report associative content, the number of initial references to death and separation variables nearly doubled in comparison to the standard single report of manifest content. Furthermore, there was minimal or no correlation of the number of these variables between manifest content and associative content, providing additional evidence for the unique contribution of associative content. This article also describes a new interview technique, the Staged Interview Technique, which provides a means to control, as well as measure, these potential distortions of the independent variable.
The dissociation dynamics of energy selected o-nitrotoluene ions

Abstract The photoelectron photoion coincidence technique has been used to measure the breakdown diagram and the OH loss rates of energy-selected o-nitrotoluene ions. In addition, the subsequent dissociation of C7H6NO+ ions via CO loss which occurs at higher ion internal energies has also been measured. The measured rates are consistent with a mechanism in which the parent o-nitrotoluene ion rearranges to a more stable structure prior to OH loss. This rearranged ion is calculated to be 1.62 eV more stable than the o-nitrotoluene ion and dissociates with an activation energy of 1.5 eV. The heat of formation for the OH loss product, C7H6NO+, is found to be 900 ± 15 kJ mol−1. The results are discussed in light of the earlier photodissociation data of Beynon and co-workers.