cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circadian rhythm in prostacyclin activity in gastric tissue of the fasting rat.

Abstract Gastroduodenal ulcer disease may result from the desynchronization of the circadian rhythms of gastric protective and destructive factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether gastric tissue 6-keto prostaglandin F 1α (PGF 1α ) catabolic derivative of the putative protective factor prostacyclin, is produced in a circadian fashion in the rat model. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were acclimatized in sound-attenuated, lightproof chambers for 3 weeks on a 12:12 hour light/dark entrainment schedule. After an 18-hour fast, six rats were killed at each of eight sampling times. The stomachs were exposed, remove and assayed for total 6-keto PGF 1α content by radioimmunoassay. Cosinor analysis of the data showed significant (p = 0.0262) circadian rhythmicity in 6-keto PGF 1α content with an acrophase (peak time) value of 0503 HALO (hours after lights on) or in the middle of the lights-on inactive period for the rats. Hypothetically, the circadian rhythm in some gastric protective factors may render the gastric mucosa vulnerable to injury in a circadian fashion.
Decreasing frequency of office visits on fridays.

Abstract Objectives: To determine if the frequency of physician visits on Fridays varied over the course of 1997 to 2010, and if it varied by geographical region. Methods: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) of the National Center for Health Statistics were analyzed to examine the frequency of office visits with physicians on Friday from 1997 to 2010, and the same data were also stratified by geographical location. Results: Fewer office visits occurred on Fridays compared to other weekdays, and the percentage of total visits that occurred on Fridays decreased over time (p = 0.04). Comparing between the different geographical regions, the South had the lowest rate of Friday visits and the West had the highest rate. The Northeast (p = 0.003) and South (p < 0.0001) had significantly lower rates than the West. Conclusion: Although patients and physicians alike are disappointed in the amount of time physicians and patients spend face to face, physicians are currently not utilizing eve...
Substituted Acetamidomalonic Esters and dl-2-Acetamido Acids as Antitumor Agents

Abstract Substituted acetamidomalonic esters and dl -2-acetamido acids were prepared for the screening program of the Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center. The synthesis of these compounds was accomplished by conventional methods. The results of screening tests performed on these compounds in the tumor systems employed by the CCNSC are given. None of the compounds on the basis of these tests appears to be a useful antitumor agent, but the results of the tests aid in establishing other approaches to the problem of cancer chemotherapy.
Density Operators for Fermions

The mathematical methods that have been used to analyze the statistical properties of boson fields, and in particular the coherence of photons in quantum optics, have their counterparts for Fermi fields. The coherent states, the displacement operators, the P representation, and the other operator expansions all possess surprisingly close fermionic analogues. These methods for describing the statistical properties of fermions are based upon a practical calculus of anticommuting variables. They are used to calculate correlation functions and counting distributions for general systems of fermions.
iSPLICE3: a new simulator for mixed analog/digital circuits

A simulator called iSPLICE3 is described for the analysis of mixed analog/digital circuits is described. It combines electrical, switch-level timing and logic simulation modes using event-driven selective-trace techniques. This simulator features a hierarchical schematic capture package called iSPI for design entry and simulation control. It uses a novel approach to improve the speed and robustness of the DC solution. The details of the simulator architecture, circuit partitioning, mixed-mode interface, and event scheduling are provided along with the results of mixed-mode simulations of a recently designed memory circuit
Cardiac MRI of a contained ascending aortic rupture extending into the pericardium.

A 44-year-old male with past medical history of HIV infection and sinus venosus atrial septal defect repair 3 years ago presented to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of chest pain and dyspnoea on exertion for past 1 month. In the ED, serum troponin levels were found to be 1.7 ng/mL (<0.4 ng/mL) and creatine kinase-MB level of 8.5 ng/mL (0–3 ng/mL). The electrocardiogram showed T-wave inversion in leads V1–V4 with new right-axis deviation. An emergent left …
Conjugate Fabry–Perot cavity pair for improved astro-comb accuracy

We propose a new astro-comb mode-filtering scheme composed of two Fabry–Perot cavities (coined “conjugate Fabry–Perot cavity pair”). Simulations indicate that this new filtering scheme makes the accuracy of astro-comb spectral lines more robust against systematic errors induced by nonlinear processes associated with power-amplifying and spectral-broadening optical fibers.
Three-dimensional computer simulation in deep regional hyperthermia using the finite-difference time-domain method

The finite-difference-time-domain method is used for detailed three-dimensional simulation of the specific-absorption-rate distribution for various prototype applications used in deep regional hyperthermia. The ability to simulate the patterns from the near field of the applicators is demonstrated by comparison with measured data. The method is also used to simulate treatments with commercially available equipment using a detailed model of a cancer patient constructed from computerized axial tomography scans. The model has 1-cm resolution and consists of 34751 cells. The method is further used to anticipate results of treatments with prototype applicators. >
Nuclear polarizability corrections to pion elastic scattering

Abstract We study the corrections to pion elastic scattering given by the process in which the pion excites a collective mode of the target nucleus and then de-excites it leaving the target in the ground state. A perturbative scheme enables us to calculate these corrections easily and without solving coupled-channel equations. Results are presented for pion scattering on 12 C, 58 Ni and 176 Yb. The corrections that we calculate are small except at the diffraction minima where they cause a deepening, and at back angles.
Zener diode - a protecting device against voltage transients

This paper begins with a discussion of the different modes of operation of a zener diode and continues with a study of its behavior during voltage transient conditions. A critique of the accepted electrical analogies of the thermal circuit of a zener diode is conducted, and the analysis of the thermal response of a zener diode to a power pulse is made in a highly simplified thermal model. A brief review of basic semiconductor knowledge is included as a frame of reference for the discussion of the causes of zener diode failure. The concept of zener diode failure produced by a high rate of rise of the junction temperature is introduced.
Impact of formulary restriction with prior authorization by an antimicrobial stewardship program

In an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance and few antimicrobials in the developmental pipeline, many institutions have developed antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) to help implement evidence-based (EB) strategies for ensuring appropriate utilization of these agents. EB strategies for accomplishing this include formulary restriction with prior authorization. Potential limitations to this particular strategy include delays in therapy, prescriber pushback, and unintended increases in use of un-restricted antimicrobials; however, our ASP found that implementing prior authorization for select antimicrobials along with making a significant effort to educate clinicians on criteria for use ensured more appropriate prescribing of these agents, hopefully helping to preserve their utility for years to come.
RITODRINE AND TERBUTALINE COMPARED FOR THE TREATMENT OF PRETERM LABOR

A prospective study comparing intravenous ritodrine and terbutaline was initiated to assess the efficacy of each drug in arresting preterm labor. Delivery was delayed for 25.8 days in patients treated with terbutaline and 13.0 days in patients treated with ritodrine. Patients treated with terbutaline gave birth to infants with a mean birthweight of 2 588 grams and 60% achieved a gestation of 36 weeks. Patients treated with ritodrine gave birth to infants with a mean birthweight of 2 392 grams and 39% achieved a gestation of 36 weeks. From this study it is evident that parturition was more effectively delayed in women treated with terbutaline than in a similar group of women treated with ritodrine.
Television viewing habits of Saudi Arabian young adults

This research first reviews the historical development of television in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia from political and cultural perspectives. Then the authors discuss a national survey done among a random sample of Saudi university students in the late 1980s. Data are presented showing television viewing amounts, program preferences, as well as information on both the importance and credibility of the visual medium.
What Changes In Survival Rates Tell Us About US Health Care

Many advocates of US health reform point to the nation’s relatively low life-expectancy rankings as evidence that the health care system is performing poorly. Others say that poor US health outcomes are largely due not to health care but to high rates of smoking, obesity, traffic fatalities, and homicides. We used cross-national data on the fifteen-year survival of men and women over three decades to examine the validity of these arguments. We found that the risk profiles of Americans generally improved relative to those for citizens of many other nations, but Americans’ relative fifteen-year survival has nevertheless been declining. For example, by 2005, fifteen-year survival rates for forty-five-year-old US white women were lower than in twelve comparison countries with populations of at least seven million and per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of at least 60 percent of US per capita GDP in 1975. The findings undercut critics who might argue that the US health care system is not in need of major c...
Imagining Metaphorical Actions: Embodied Simulations Make the Impossible Plausible

Can people form coherent mental images for metaphorical actions that are physically impossible to perform such as grasping a concept, chewing on an idea, and coughing up a secret? This article reports the findings from two experiments that investigated the products of people's imagining metaphorical and nonmetaphorical actions given different forms of real and imagined bodily engagement. Our hypothesis was that people should be able to form coherent mental images for metaphorical actions because many abstract concepts are partly understood in terms of enduring embodied metaphors. For example, we conceive of “ideas” as physical entities that we can grasp, juggle, hold on to, chew, swallow, digest, and spit out given wide-spread conceptual metaphors like IDEAS ARE PHYSICAL ENTITIES. We argue that our data demonstrate the importance of embodied simulations of action in how people learn to make sense of why certain metaphors have the specific meanings they do, even in cases where these phrases refer to imposs...
Excited states of the nucleon

Many experiments have been performed with π+ and π- mesons incident on protons. Other experiments have been done with π+ and π- incident on deuterons to obtain information on the pion-neutron cross sections. These latter experiments have generally tended to confirm charge independence and, as a byproduct, to yield information about the deuteron. We shall consider only experiments with proton targets.
A survey of university system of Georgia cyber security programs

This paper presents the results of a survey of the University System of Georgia Universities that offer academic programs in the area of Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology and Cyber Security. The objective of the study was to identify security related degrees and/or certificates and their areas of specialization/concentration.
Acute Ozone-Induced Pulmonary and Systemic Metabolic Effects Are Diminished in Adrenalectomized Rats.

Acute ozone exposure increases circulating stress hormones and induces metabolic alterations in animals. We hypothesized that the increase of adrenal-derived stress hormones is necessary for both ozone-induced metabolic effects and lung injury. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats underwent bilateral adrenal demedullation (DEMED), total bilateral adrenalectomy (ADREX), or sham surgery (SHAM). After a 4 day recovery, rats were exposed to air or ozone (1 ppm), 4 h/day for 1 or 2 days and responses assessed immediately postexposure. Circulating adrenaline levels dropped to nearly zero in DEMED and ADREX rats relative to SHAM. Corticosterone tended to be low in DEMED rats and dropped to nearly zero in ADREX rats. Adrenalectomy in air-exposed rats caused modest changes in metabolites and lung toxicity parameters. Ozone-induced hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance were markedly attenuated in DEMED rats with nearly complete reversal in ADREX rats. Ozone increased circulating epinephrine and corticosterone in SHAM but not in DEMED or ADREX rats. Free fatty acids (P = .15) and branched-chain amino acids increased after ozone exposure in SHAM but not in DEMED or ADREX rats. Lung minute volume was not affected by surgery or ozone but ozone-induced labored breathing was less pronounced in ADREX rats. Ozone-induced increases in lung protein leakage and neutrophilic inflammation were markedly reduced in DEMED and ADREX rats (ADREX > DEMED). Ozone-mediated decreases in circulating white blood cells in SHAM were not observed in DEMED and ADREX rats. We demonstrate that ozone-induced peripheral metabolic effects and lung injury/inflammation are mediated through adrenal-derived stress hormones likely via the activation of stress response pathway.
Theoretical Explanatory Model of International Adoption Failure: Attachment and Ecological Systems Perspectives

ABSTRACTInternational adoption, the transfer of children for parenting purposes from one nation to another, presents an extreme form of what is often known as “stranger” adoption, in contrast to relative adoption (Bartholet, 2005, p. 8). Adoption brings major changes to the lives of children and adoptive parents. Intercountry adoptions are associated with high monetary costs, long waiting periods to adopt, changes of the family environment, and cultural challenges, along with other bureaucratic and socioeconomic factors. This paper explores the issue of international adoption failure through the prism of two theories: attachment theory and ecological systems theory. The author begins with a brief history of international adoption into the United States, followed by a discussion of factors contributing into adoption failure as discussed in other literature. Next, adoption failure is theoretically analyzed using the concepts of attachment and ecological systems theories. Suggestions for adoption practitione...
Differences between first and fourth year medical students’ interest in pursuing careers in academic medicine

Objective The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the differences in the attitudes of first and fourth-year medical students regarding careers in academics. We also sought to identify any factors associated with an increased interest in academic medicine. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2013 at the University of Louisville. All first and fourth year medical students were invited to complete an online survey utilizing a survey instrument developed through literature review. Demographic data and information about background experiences were collected in addition to participants' perceptions regarding careers in academia using a 5-point Likert scale. Participants were also queried about their current interest in a career in academics and the likelihood they would pursue academic medicine. Results Of the 330 potential participants, 140 (42.4%) agreed to participate. Overall, fourth-years reported a higher likelihood of pursuing an academic career than first-years. Research experience, publications, distinction track interest or involvement, and belief that a career in academics would reduce salary potential were positively correlated with reported likelihood of pursuing academic medicine. Conclusions Findings from this pilot study demonstrate differences in interest in academic medicine between junior and senior medical students. Additionally, several factors were associated with a high likelihood of self-reported interest in academic. Based on these findings, efforts to increase medical students' interest in academic medicine careers could be supported by providing more research and teaching opportunities or distinction track options as a structured part of the medical school curriculum.
Tax Avoidance as a Sustainability Problem

This manuscript proposes that tax avoidance can be better understood and mitigated as a sustainability problem. Tax avoidance is not just a financial problem for tax authorities, but one that erodes critical common spaces necessary for the smooth functioning of regulatory compliance, organizational integrity, and society. Defining tax avoidance as a sustainability problem offers a broader and more holistic understanding of the organizational and societal consequences of tax avoidance behavior. Sustainability is also a mature and legitimized concept that can readily incorporate taxation. A variety of established sustainability metrics have the capacity to incorporate anti-tax avoidance measures or publicize firms that engage in fair tax practices. This manuscript concludes that integrating sustainability principles, in conjunction with important extant work on corporate social responsibility and taxation, can advance the goals of decreasing the occurrence and acceptability of tax avoidance.
Contrast media reactions: Ian Tritschler discusses DMG treatments commonly used in contrast media reactions

I odinaced contrast media have been an important part of diagnostic radiology for more than 50 years. They are commonly used for imaging in excretion urography of the kidney and for vascular angiography of the myocardium, brain, spinal cord and kidney. Contrast media are classified as ionic or non-ionic. Chemically, conventional ionic media are salts and will create solutions of very high osmolality. Ionic media in iodine concentrations have osmolalities in the range five to seven times greater than the osmolality of blood.
Pointing and geolocation for the SMAP Passive instrument

We present an assessment of the precision of the pointing and geolocation of the SMAP (Soil Moisture Actice and Passive) satellite's passive instrument, based on the first year of on-orbit operation. The SMAP radiometer has an effective footprint of 39-by-47 km (HPBW) and a geolocation requirement of 4 km.
Changes in Postmortem Identity and Grief.

This article reviews the concept of postmortem identity, noting its relationships to other concepts such as relational trauma. Identity is a very fluid concept that can change even after an individ...
EMBRYONIC LOSS AND CONCEPTUS INTERFERON PRODUCTION

Considerable prenatal mortality occurs in all mammals. In the human, a species that appears to exhibit extremely high rates of embryonic loss, a successful pregnancy occurs only in about 1 in 5 menstrual cycles in women having regular intercourse and not practicing contraception (1). Although it is not clear to what extent fertilization failure contributes to this low success rate, failure of embryos to implant appears to be a much more important cause of pregnancy loss (2). In sheep (3) and cattle (4), where fertilization rates are very high, about 70% of ovulations usually give rise to live births. Most of these losses appear to occur within the first three weeks of pregnancy. In litter bearing animals such as the pig, between 30 and 40% of conceptuses are lost at sometime during gestation, and fertilization failure is again rare. The majority of these losses are embryonic and occur before Day 30 of pregnancy. The net result, however, is that of 15 to 16 ova shed and fertilized, only 9 to 10 piglets are born (5). In cattle, the majority of embryonic deaths occur before Day 18 of gestation (6,7). This early period of pregnancy also seems to account for most losses in sheep (8).
Regulation of Male Gonaducts and Sex Accessory Structures

In this chapter I shall review briefly the development of the male genital tract (including the gonaducts and associated glands as well as derivatives of the urogenital sinus), secondary sexual characters and the hormonal factors influencing development, structure and function. Emphasis is placed on fishes, amphibians and reptiles, but occasional observations concerning birds and mammals are included.
Ovarian Teratoma Associated with Coexisting Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Autoimmune Meningoencephalitis in an Adolescent Girl: A Case Report

Abstract Background Ovarian teratomas are rarely associated with paraneoplastic autoimmune meningoencephalitis. In addition to the well known N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antibody, the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody is a novel biomarker of autoimmune meningoencephalitis that might be seen in patients with ovarian teratoma. Case A 13-year-old girl with acute-onset meningoencephalitis and incidental finding of ovarian teratoma was found to have coexisting anti-NMDA-R and GFAP antibodies present in her cerebrospinal fluid. Summary and Conclusion NMDA-R and GFAP autoimmune encephalitis should be considered in adolescent patients with neurologic or psychiatric symptoms and an ovarian teratoma. Prompt diagnosis and surgical resection increase the likelihood of full neurologic recovery.
Integrated vector control of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes around target houses.

The developing fetuses of pregnant women are at high risk of developing serious birth defects following Zika virus infections. We applied an Integrated Vector Control (IVC) approach using source reduction, larviciding, and mass trapping with non-insecticidal sticky traps to protect targeted houses by reducing the density of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. We tested the hypothesis that Ae. aegypti density could be reduced to below three female mosquitoes/trap/week around a target house in the center of a circular area with a 150 m radius using IVC. Two non-adjacent areas within the same neighbourhood were selected and randomly designated as the treatment or control areas. Sentinel Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps (SAGO traps) were placed in each study area and were sampled weekly from May to November, during the 2016 Zika epidemic in Puerto Rico. The experimental design was longitudinal with pre-and post-IVC treatment observations between treatment and control areas, and a partial cross-over design, where IVC was applied to the original control area after 2 months to determine if Ae. aegypti density converged to levels observed in the treatment area. Pools of female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were analyzed by RT-PCR to detect Zika, dengue and chikungunya virus RNA. Overall, pre-treatment mosquito densities in the inner (0–50 m; 15.6 mosquitoes/trap/week), intermediate (50–100 m; 18.1) and outer rings (100–150 m; 15.6) were reduced after treatment to 2.8, 4.1, and 4.3 in the inner, middle, and outer rings, respectively. Density at the target house in the treatment area changed from 27.7 mosquitoes/trap/week before IVC to 2.1 after IVC (92.4% reduction), whereas after treating the original control area (cross-over) density changed from 22.4 to 3.5 (84.3% reduction). Vector reductions were sustained in both areas after IVC. Zika virus was detected in Ae. aegypti, but the low incidence of the virus precluded assessing the impact of IVC on Zika transmission during the study. Applying IVC to circular areas that were surrounded by untreated areas significantly decreased the number of mosquitoes around target houses located in the center. Gravid Ae. aegypti females in the center of the 150 m areas fell below threshold levels that possibly protect against novel invading arboviruses, such as chikungunya and Zika.
Prophets and Profits of Racial Science

In this response to Terence Keel and John Hartigan’s debate over the social construction of race, I aim to push the discussion beyond the terrain of epistemology and ideology to examine the contested value of racial science in a broader political economy. I build upon Keel’s concern that even science motivated by progressive aims may reproduce racist thinking and Hartigan’s proposition that a critique of racial science cannot rest on the beliefs and intentions of scientists. In examining the value of racial-ethnic classifications in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine, I propose that analysts should attend to the relationship between prophets of racial science (those who produce forecasts about inherent group differences) and profits of racial science (the material-semiotic benefits of such forecasts). Throughout, I draw upon the idiom of speculation —as a narrative, predictive, and financial practice—to explain how the fiction of race is made factual, again and again.
AN INTRODUCTION TO GEOMETRIC MODELING AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN MECHANICAL DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Geometry plays a crucial role in the design and production of discrete mechanical goods. In early times artisans “carried geometry in their heads” or relied on physical models and analogues. The rise of mass production and job specialization led to the adoption of engineering drawings as a medium for geometric specification, and recently the advent of computers, NC (numerically controlled) plotters, and CRT displays has led to a growing wave of “computerization” of drafting activities.
Friend or frenemy? Experiential homophily and educational track attrition among premedical students.

Abstract Support from experientially similar others—individuals who have been through the same life transition or faced a similar set of stressful circumstances—has been shown to be effective for coping with issues ranging from chronic illness to bereavement. Less research has examined how networks comprised of experientially similar others may shape academic outcomes. Using longitudinal egocentric network data collected from early career premedical students at a large research university (n = 268), results indicate that greater experiential homophily in premeds' networks are associated with a lower likelihood of departing from the premedical career track at the end of the academic year. Interview data (n = 39) highlight three support functions provided by premedical peers that help to explain this relationship: 1) concrete task assistance with assignments and studying, 2) empathic understanding and emotional support, and 3) advice and reassurance from more advanced peers. Results hint at the potential utility of peer support for the retention of students at-risk of straying from the premedical career track, and have implications for other fields of study.
Chloroplast biogenesis: Biosynthesis and accumulation of Mg-protoporphyrin IX monoester and other metalloporphyrins by isolated etioplasts and developing chloroplasts

Abstract Developing chloroplasts isolated from greening cotyledons and isolated etioplasts were capable of synthesizing and accumulating Mg-protoporphyrin IX monoester as well as longer wavelength metalloporphyrins when incubated in the dark, in the presence of air, δ-aminolevulinic acid, and cofactors (coenzyme A, glutathione, adenosine triphosphate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, methyl alcohol, magnesium, potassium, and phosphate). The putative metalloporphyrins exhibited distinct fluorescence emission and excitation properties and were detected by spectrofluorometry in situ and after extraction in organic solvents. The cofactors were previously shown to be required for protochlorophyll, and chlorophyll biosynthesis and grana assembly in vitro . The putative long wavelength metalloporphyrins were suggested earlier to represent intermediates between Mg-protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester and protochlorophyllide. The isolated plastids were similar in this aspect of their biosynthetic activity to etiolated cotyledons greening in distilled H 2 O. In contrast to greening cotyledons, however, the biosynthetic activity of the isolated plastids depended on the addition of exogenous cofactors and δ-aminolevulinic acid. This was interpreted as an indication that the isolated plastids were not capable of generating their own δ-aminolevulinic acid and cofactors under the present incubation conditions. Light was not required for the conversion of added ALA to metalloporphyrins in vitro . The metalloporphyrins synthesized in vitro were more highly fluorescent in situ than those of greening cotyledons. In addition to Mg-protoporphyrin IX monoester and longer wavelength metalloporphyrins, isolated etioplasts synthesized and accumulated Zn-protoporphyrin and Zn-protoporphyrin IX monoesterlike compounds.
Uncommon Presentation of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin and Treatment Challenges

BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common keratinocytic skin cancers, the other being basal cell carcinoma. It is the second most common skin cancer after melanoma. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is mostly a localized disease. The metastatic presentation is rare even in the presence of invasive disease. The metastatic potential depends on the presence of high-risk features at the time of diagnosis. Lung, liver, and bone are the frequent sites of metastasis. Local and locoregional disease undergoes excision with or without adjuvant radiation. However, we lack proper treatment paradigms for this metastatic disease. CASE REPORT We are reporting a case of an elderly female with a history of high-risk localized cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma treated with complete local excision and radiation presenting 5 years later with extensive disease to the lung and liver, abdominal nodes, and spinal fracture. The patient was not a candidate for chemotherapy due to kidney failure. On the basis of ongoing separate trials on different immunotherapies, she was started on nivolumab. CONCLUSIONS Treating metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a challenge considering the absence of phase III trials due to the rarity of this disease. Historically, platinum with or without 5-FU (fluorouracil), bleomycin, doxorubicin, and retinoic acid were used with variable responses. Data on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors on EGFR expressing tumors are available. However, even with the most recent reports on immunotherapy in patients with high programmed death-1 expression or high mutation burden, it is difficult to achieve good response.
Stress-wave propagation in truncated cones against a “rigid” wall

The reflection of stress waves from the conical end of a rod which is placed against a “rigid” wall is investigated. The reflection takes place at the lateral surface of the cone and at the cone-“rigid” wall boundary at low stress amplitudes. When the sum of the amplitudes of the amplified incident and reflected pulses reach the elastic limit near the cone-“rigid” wall boundary, a part of the pulse is reflected at the resulting elasto-plastic boundary.
Narrative Coherence in Adolescence: Relations With Attachment, Mentalization, and Psychopathology

Narrative coherence refers to the overall completeness of the narrative that helps the individual to draw meaning from past events. Research has predominantly focused on developmental trajectories of narrative coherence among typically developing individuals and less research sheds light on narrative coherence in adolescents facing serious psychological difficulties. This study is the first to apply Baerger and McAdams's well-validated coding scheme of narrative coherence to adolescents and to rate narrative coherence based on the content derived from the Child Attachment Interview in the context of attachment security, mentalization, and internalizing and externalizing pathology in 70 inpatient adolescents. Findings emphasized that the coding scheme is applicable for adolescents and attachment narratives. Narrative coherence was negatively correlated with age and no gender differences were found. Higher attachment security and better mentalization both contributed to more coherent narratives. More coherent narratives predicted less externalizing problems, but when controlling for mentalization and attachment security, mentalization was the strongest predictor. The relation between narrative coherence and other social-cognitive constructs is discussed, as well as how poor narrative coherence should be taken into account with respect to psychopathology in adolescence. Finally, the value of this coding scheme to evaluating narrative coherence in adolescence is discussed.
Holographic Complexity in FRW Spacetimes

We examine the holographic complexity conjectures in the context of holographic theories of FRW spacetimes. Analyzing first the complexity-action conjecture for a flat FRW universe with one component, we find that the complexity grows as $t^2$, regardless of the value of $w$. In addition, we examine the holographic complexity for a flat universe sourced by a scalar field that is undergoing a transition. We find that the complexity decreases when the holographic entanglement entropy decreases for this universe. Moreover, the calculations show that, while the entanglement entropy decreases only slightly, the magnitudes of the corresponding fractional decreases in complexity are much larger. This presumably reflects the fact that entanglement is computationally expensive. Interestingly, we find that the gravitational action behaves like a complexity, while the total action is negative, and is thus ill-suited as a measure of complexity, in contrast to the conjectures in AdS settings. Finally, the implications of the complexity-volume conjecture are examined. The results are qualitatively similar to the complexity-action conjecture.
The Added Value of Latinx and Black Teachers for Latinx and Black Students: Implications for Policy:

A research synthesis points to the added value—benefits to social and emotional development, as well as learning outcomes—for students of color taught by teachers of color. Given ongoing education ...
Analysis of Metric Spaces

Metric spaces were introduced and studied by the French mathematician, Maurice Rene Frechet (in his doctoral dissertation published in 1906), and developed later by the German Felix Hausdorff (in his 1914 book Grundzuge der Mengenlehre). It was apparent that to the end of the nineteenth century the mathematical world (partly inspired by Cantor’s fundamental work in set theory) was eager to structure more general sets than conventional ℝn. On the other hand, the needs of complex analysis and the rash development of differential equations accelerated this process. Typical examples are uniform convergence in function spaces, approximation of continuous functions by polynomials and the Riemann mapping theorem. After 1920, the theory of metric spaces, especially fundamental work on normed spaces and their applications to functional analysis, was further developed by the Pole Stefan Banach and his school. Paying tribute to their achievements and of their fellow countrymen followers, an important subclass of metric spaces was named “Polish.” A series of studies of metric spaces was further undertaken in the late 1920s by the Russian school of analysis. At this time, metric spaces have become generalized to topological spaces.
Time-Driven Activity-Based Cost Comparison of Three Imaging Pathways for Suspected Midgut Volvulus in Children.

Abstract Objective To use time-driven activity-based costing to compare the costs of pathways for evaluating suspected pediatric midgut volvulus using either fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal examination (UGI) or focused abdominal ultrasound (US). Methods Process maps were created through patient shadowing, medical record review, and frontline staff interviews. Using time-driven activity-based costing methodology, practical capacity cost rates were calculated for personnel, equipment, and facility costs. Supply costs were included at institutional purchase prices. The cost of each process substep was determined by multiplying step-specific capacity costs by the median time required for each step, and substep costs were summed to generate total pathway cost. Multivariate sensitivity analyses were performed applying minimum and maximum labor costs. Assuming UGI would be used to troubleshoot nondiagnostic US, a break-even analysis was performed to determine the cost impact of varying frequencies of UGI on the total cost of the US-based pathway. Results Process maps were created from 105 (48 girls, 57 boys) patient encounters. Base case pathway times were 90 min (UGI) and 55 min (US). Base case cost for UGI was $282.74 (range: $170.86-$800.82) when performed by a radiology practitioner assistant and $545.66 (range: $260.97-$1,974.06) when performed by a radiologist. Base case cost for US was $155.67 (range: $122.94-$432.29) when performed by a sonographer and $242.64 (range: $147.46-$1,330.05) when performed by a radiologist. For a US-based pathway, the total cost break-even pathway mix (percent UGI required for troubleshooting) was 57%. Conclusion US can be a faster and less costly alternative to UGI in pediatric patients with suspected midgut volvulus.
Anatomical and hydraulic responses to desiccation in emergent conifer seedlings.

Premise The young seedling life stage is critical for reforestation after disturbance and for species migration under climate change, yet little is known regarding their basic hydraulic function or vulnerability to drought. Here, we sought to characterize responses to desiccation including hydraulic vulnerability, xylem anatomical traits, and impacts on other stem tissues that contribute to hydraulic functioning. Methods Larix occidentalis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Pinus ponderosa (all ≤6 weeks old) were imaged using x-ray computed microtomography during desiccation to assess seedling biomechanical responses with concurrently measured hydraulic conductivity (ks ) and water potential (Ψ) to assess vulnerability to xylem embolism formation and other tissue damage. Results In non-stressed samples for all species, pith and cortical cells appeared circular and well hydrated, but they started to empty and deform with decreasing Ψ which resulted in cell tearing and eventual collapse. Despite the severity of this structural damage, the vascular cambium remained well hydrated even under the most severe drought. There were significant differences among species in vulnerability to xylem embolism formation, with 78% xylem embolism in L. occidentalis by Ψ of -2.1 MPa, but only 47.7% and 62.1% in P. ponderosa and P. menziesii at -4.27 and -6.73 MPa, respectively. Conclusions Larix occidentalis seedlings appeared to be more susceptible to secondary xylem embolism compared to the other two species, but all three maintained hydration of the vascular cambium under severe stress, which could facilitate hydraulic recovery by regrowth of xylem when stress is relieved.
Cervical erector spinae plane block: is it feasible for cervical spine surgeries?

To the Editor As ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine region are being studied and characterized, potential new indications for ESP blocks are being proposed.[1–3][1] We read with great interest, the article by Elsharkawy et al , titled
Vaccination Rates Among Patients Age 65 Years and Older Who Require Interpreter Services in the State of Minnesota.

In the United States, the growing population of older adults with limited English language proficiency (LEP) faces profound health care disparities. Previous research on vaccination of older adults has been based on self-reported data, without clinical verification. We compared pneumococcal vaccination rates between a patient group with LEP and a group of English speakers in an older community-dwelling population. A population-nested matched cohort of participants age 65 years and older was identified in Minnesota. Patients with LEP were identified through an electronic alert within the electronic health record, designed to determine the need for an interpreter. Patients were matched 1 to 1 for age, sex, and Charlson comorbidity index. We used conditional logistic regression for the final analysis. In total, 24,052 patients were identified as older patients (mean [SD] age, 74 [7] years). Of them, 617 patients (2.6%) had LEP. The most common primary languages were Somali (24%), Vietnamese (15%), and Spanish (13%). We found lower rates of vaccination with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in the LEP group compared with English speakers [62% vs 77%; odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) 2.07 (1.61–2.66); P < 0.001]. Results were similar for 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) [60% vs 75%; OR (95% CI) 1.97 91.54–2.51); P < 0.001]. These data are suggestive that older adults who required a language interpreter during health care encounters were less likely to be vaccinated with PCV13 and PPSV23 than older adults who did not require an interpreter. Effectiveness studies are needed to determine which interventions can help improve vaccination rates in the LEP population of elderly patients.
A Pilot Study of Bioenergetic Marker Relationships in Gulf War Illness: Phosphocreatine Recovery vs. Citric Acid Cycle Intermediates

Impaired bioenergetics have been reported in veterans with Gulf War illness (VGWIs), including prolonged post-exercise recovery of phosphocreatine (PCr-R) assessed with 31Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The citric acid cycle (CAC) is considered the most important metabolic pathway for supplying energy, with relationships among CAC markers reported to shift in some but not all impaired bioenergetic settings. We sought to assess relations of CAC markers to one another and to PCr-R. Participants were 33 VGWIs and 33 healthy controls 1:1 matched on age–sex–ethnicity. We assessed seven CAC intermediates, and evaluated PCr-R in a subset of matched case–control pairs (N = 14). CAC markers did not significantly differ between cases and controls. Relationships of alpha-ketoglutarate to malate, isocitrate, and succinate were strongly significant in cases with materially weaker relationships in controls, suggesting possible shifts in these markers in concert in VGWIs. PCr-R correlated strongly with five of seven CAC markers in controls (succinate, malate, fumarate, citrate, isocitrate, range r = −0.74 to −0.88), but bore no relationship in VGWIs. In summary, PCr-R related significantly to CAC markers in healthy controls, but not VGWIs. In contrast, relations of CAC markers to one another appeared to shift (often strengthen) in VGWIs.
Donor-acceptor conjugates derived from cobalt porphyrin and fullerene via metal-ligand axial coordination: Formation and excited state charge separation

Two types of cobalt porphyrins, viz., meso-tetrakis(tolylporphyrinato)cobalt(II), (TTP)Co (1), and meso-tetrakis(triphenylamino porphyrinato)cobalt(II), [(TPA)4P]Co, (2) were self-assembled via met...
Stratified delirium risk using prescription medication data in a state-wide cohort.

Abstract Objective Delirium is a common condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Medication side effects are a possible source of modifiable delirium risk and provide an opportunity to improve delirium predictive models. This study characterized the risk for delirium diagnosis by applying a previously validated algorithm for calculating central nervous system adverse effect burden arising from a full medication list. Method Using a cohort of hospitalized adult (age 18–65) patients from the Massachusetts All-Payers Claims Database, we calculated medication burden following hospital discharge and characterized risk of new coded delirium diagnosis over the following 90 days. We applied the resulting model to a held-out test cohort. Results The cohort included 62,180 individuals of whom 1.6% (1019) went on to have a coded delirium diagnosis. In the training cohort (43,527 individuals), the medication burden feature was positively associated with delirium diagnosis (OR = 5.75, 95% CI 4.34–7.63) and this association persisted (aOR = 1.95; 1.31–2.92) after adjusting for demographics, clinical features, prescribed medications, and anticholinergic risk score. In the test cohort, the trained model produced an area under the curve of 0.80 (0.78–0.82). This performance was similar across subgroups of age and gender. Conclusion Aggregating brain-related medication adverse effects facilitates identification of individuals at high risk of subsequent delirium diagnosis.
South Caucasus in Motion: Economic and Social Mobility in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of economic and social mobility in countries in the South Caucasus by complementing available household survey data in each of the countries in the subregion with other sources, such as the Life in Transition Survey (2016). The first part of the paper -- concentrated on intragenerational mobility -- finds that despite progress made in reducing poverty over the past decade, there appears to be a significant amount of churning around the poverty line. Moreover, in Georgia and Armenia, roughly one in eight individuals lived in a state of chronic poverty in 2015, and in the case of Georgia, chronic poverty is not an exclusive phenomenon for rural areas. In addition, although social programs have provided a lifeline for the chronic poor, the ability to tap into labor market opportunities has been the ticket out of poverty. The second part of the paper expands the analysis to intergenerational or social mobility. The main findings are that (1) a higher proportion of the population in this subregion considers their pre-transition family life and the lives of their parents when they were of similar age as appropriate benchmarks to evaluate their current economic situations in comparison with the other transition countries, and (2) over half of the Georgian and Armenian population disagreed with the statement that asked their views on having a better in life than their parents, aligning with the ?growing but unhappy? trend that has been reported for the region.
Neural body maps in human infants: Somatotopic responses to tactile stimulation in 7-month-olds

A large literature has examined somatotopic representations of the body in the adult brain, but little attention has been paid to the development of somatotopic neural organization in human infants. In the present study we examined whether the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) elicited by brief tactile stimulation of infants' hands and feet shows a somatotopic response pattern at 7months postnatal age. The tactile stimuli elicited a prominent positive component in the SEP at central sites that peaked around 175ms after stimulus onset. Consistent with a somatotopic response pattern, the amplitude of the response to hand stimulation was greater at lateral central electrodes (C3 and C4) than at the midline central electrode (Cz). As expected, the opposite pattern was obtained to foot stimulation, with greater peak amplitude at Cz than at C3 and C4. These results provide evidence of somatotopy in human infants and suggest that the developing body map can be delineated using readily available methods such as EEG. These findings open up possibilities for further work investigating the organization and plasticity of infant body maps.