cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of δ18O analyses on individual planktic foraminifer (Orbulina universa) shells by SIMS and gas-source mass spectrometry

Abstract The oxygen isotope (δ18O) compositions of final chamber fragments of individual shells of the planktic foraminifer Orbulina universa were measured in situ via secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and by traditional gas-source mass spectrometry (GSMS) entailing acid digestion of sampled calcite. The paired SIMS-GSMS analyses were performed on final chamber fragments of fossil shells taken from the top of a sediment core (Holocene) as well as shells grown in laboratory culture. Multiple iterations of SIMS-GSMS analyses were conducted on final chamber fragments treated with a variety of cleaning protocols. The series of paired analyses yielded an average SIMS-GSMS δ18O offset (Δ18OSIMS-GSMS) of −0.9 ± 0.1‰ (±2 SE). The volume of material analyzed in 10-μm SIMS spots is ~105 times smaller than that analyzed by GSMS; hence, the extent to which these Δ18OSIMS-GSMS values represent real differences in analyte vs. instrumental factors remains unclear. Possible contributing factors to the SIMS-GSMS δ18O difference include sample-standard mismatch by SIMS, differences in standardization of SIMS and GSMS, and non-calcite contaminants in samples. Although the two datasets are consistently offset, SIMS values reproduce inter-shell δ18O variability delineated by shell fragment GSMS values. This strong positive covariance proved useful for bringing the two datasets into agreement (i.e. Δ18OSIMS-GSMS = 0), and confirms that SIMS-based foraminifer δ18O values record changes in calcification temperature and/or δ18O of seawater. Whether shells of foraminifer taxa with differing microcrystalline structures, chemical composition, and/or preservation histories register a similar Δ18OSIMS-GSMS value is a subject of ongoing testing.
Analysis of the first‐time pass rate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care certifying examination (2010–2015)

Author(s): Jandrey, Karl E; Goggs, Robert; Kerl, Marie; Guillaumin, Julien; Kent, Michael S | Abstract: ObjectivesTo disseminate information regarding the annual pass rates for the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) certifying examination. To compare the first-time pass rates (FTPR) of ACVECC residents trained in academic and private practice settings.DesignRetrospective study.SettingACVECC examination.AnimalsNone.InterventionsNone.Measurements and main resultsAnonymized ACVECC examination performance data from 2010-2015 inclusive were analyzed. Overall pass rates and FTPR were calculated for all candidates and categorized by type of residency training program. The overall pass rate for all candidates was 64.3%. The median pass rate for the 6-year period was 63.8% [IQR 59.3-67.3%]. The FTPR for residents trained in academic programs was significantly higher than for residents trained in private practice (77.1% vs 47.2%, P l 0.0001). When residents were subdivided by species-focus of training program, there was no significant difference between academic versus private practice training programs for large-animal candidates (P = 0.2), but there remained a significant difference between residency training programs for small-animal candidates (P l 0.0001).ConclusionsBetween 2010 and 2015 residents trained in academic training programs were significantly more likely to pass the ACVECC certifying examination compared to those trained in private practice training programs. The causes of this difference are uncertain, are likely multifactorial and warrant further investigation.
Peak Oil, Market Crash, and the Quest for Sustainability: Economic Consequences of Declining EROI

Much of what traditional economics believes “works” because of clever technology, substitutions, and intelligent investments, in fact does so only because we have had huge amounts of cheap energy to throw at the problem [1]. Our present situation is perhaps most readily captured by the phrases “the end of cheap oil” and “the second half of the age of oil,” created by petroleum geologists Colin Campbell and Jean Laherrere. These concepts also apply to a very much broader suite of the basic resources and environmental conditions required to fuel our economy (Fig. 18.1). Although many people are taught and believe that technology has made natural resources increasingly irrelevant, this book contains a great deal of evidence to show the contrary. Our national and global society is becoming more, not less, dependent upon natural resources, as oil, for example, underlies essentially everything we do economically. Second, many of the things that are treated as externalities in conventional economics, that is, as supposedly secondary issues not properly included in prices, are instead what we believe to be often the main issues of economics. Depletion of highest quality fuels is one such issue. More generally, understanding and protecting the basic systems of the Earth, such as the atmosphere, far from being a luxury or an externality as is indicated in conventional economic analysis, are the critical issues for economics.
The Psychology of Good and Evil: Basic Human Needs and Their Role in Altruism and Aggression

A number of psychological theories include assumptions about central human needs. A few theories have focused on universal human needs. However, even though the need theories of Maslow and Murray are part of most personality psychology textbooks, human needs theory has not gained much prominence in psychology. Perhaps the reason is that the role of human needs in psychological functioning has not been extensively examined. If there are basic, universal psychological needs, they must have a substantial role in human life. The purpose of this chapter is to offer a conception of basic psychological needs. They are important for this book because, in my view, the frustration of basic needs is central in the development of hostility and aggression, while their fulfillment is central in the development of caring about other people's welfare and altruism. While the work presented in this book is in no way dependent on a conception of basic needs, I believe that such a conception provides a useful framework for understanding helping and harm-doing. basic psychological needs One of the deepest concerns of psychologists and some other social scientists has been the identification of the springs of human action. What moves us to action and/or determines the direction of our strivings? Our motives, described by concepts like needs, desires, aims, goals and aspirations, not only shape our actions, but their fulfillment or frustration also deeply affect our inner life, our experience of ourselves and the world. Basic needs are conceptualized here as the most fundamental motives.
Abstract 3338: Inflammatory Cell-Localized Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors 1 and 2 Have Divergent Effects on Post-Infarction Left Ventricular Remodeling

The effects of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF) in heart failure (HF) are receptor (R) specific: TNFR1 exacerbates, whereas TNFR2 ameliorates, LV remodeling and inflammation. We hypothesized that TNFR-specific responses localized to inflammatory cells (macrophages) contribute to these dichotomous remodeling responses. We generated chimeric mice using bone marrow (BM)-ablated wild-type (WT) mice reconstituted with BM from TNFR1 KO mice (R1KOc, n=24), TNFR2 KO mice (R2KOc, n=22), or WT mice (WTc control, n=15). These mice, which exhibit loss of either TNFR1 or TNFR2 in inflammatory cells, underwent coronary ligation or sham operation. Compared to WTc sham, 4 weeks after surgery, WTc HF hearts exhibited significantly (p increased LV size (EDV 90±16 vs. 38±6 μ L) and dysfunction (LVEF 32±4 vs. 68±5%); greater hypertrophy (LV/tibia length [TL] 3.9±0.5 vs. 2.9±0.4, ~4-fold greater atrial natriuretic factor [ANF] mRNA; increased fibrosis (13.4±2.1% vs. 1.4±0.4%) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA expression, and increased (~2-fold) mRNA levels of TNF, interleukin (IL)-1 β , and IL-6. WTc HF mice also had markedly reduced survival (45% vs. 90%) and increased blood levels of activated F4/80+/CD11b+ monocytes vs. WTc sham mice. In contrast, compared to WTc HF, R1KOc HF mice exhibited significantly (p 1) improved survival (75%), 2) less LV dilatation and improved LVEF (43±11%), 3) less hypertrophy (LV/TL 3.1±0.2) and ANF mRNA, 4) less fibrosis (5.1±2.2%) and CTGF mRNA, 6) less cardiac TNF and IL-1 β mRNA expression, and 7) higher circulating levels of CD4+/CD25+ anti-inflammatory regulatory T lymphocytes. Also, compared to WTc HF, R2KOc HF mice exhibited significantly (p β mRNA expression, and greater cardiac fibrosis (26.9±13.0%). We conclude that inflammatory cell-localized TNFR1 signaling exacerbates LV remodeling, inflammation, and cardiac fibrosis in HF, whereas inflammatory cell TNFR2 signaling moderates many of these effects. Modulation of global inflammatory cell function induces profound localized alterations in LV remodeling; TNFR1/R2 signaling plays an important role in these effects. This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, Great Rivers Affiliate (Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania & West Virginia).
Electrification in Hurricanes: Implications for Water Vapor in the Tropical Tropopause Layer

This study explores the relation between lightning frequency associated with hurricanes and water vapor in the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL) over the Tropical Americas (Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico) during the 2005 hurricane season. The hypothesis herein is that hurricanes that exhibit increases in lightning frequency are associated with stronger updrafts that can transport more moisture into the TTL. This added moisture can potentially be transported irreversibly into the stratosphere and alter the chemical and radiative properties of this layer of the atmosphere. Several studies predict increases in hurricane intensity, particularly in the Atlantic basin, as a result of increases in sea surface temperature due to global warming. Given that climate forecasts are very sensitive to water vapor concentrations in the TTL and in the stratosphere, it is essential to understand the effect that hurricanes have on TTL moisture.
Resistance in Arthropod Predators and Parasites

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the resistance in arthropod predators and parasites. The development of insecticide resistance among field populations of arthropod parasites has never been experimentally documented. However, arthropod predators and parasites are known to develop resistance to pesticides in laboratory experiments. Evidence that such a potential exists has been demonstrated in laboratory experiments with several hymenopterous species. With Macrocentrus ancylivorus, a braconid parasite of the oriental fruit moth, a twelvefold resistance to DDT was produced after 19 generations of selection. Seven phytoseiid species have been reported resistant to one or more insecticides in widely scattered areas of the world—including Amblyseius chilenensis, Amblyseius fallacis, Amblyseius hibisci, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Typhlodromus caudiglans, Typhlodromus occidentalis, and Typhlodromus pyri. Among A. fallacis populations, strains resistant to DDT, carbaryl, and several organophosphorus-related compounds such as azinphosmethyl, parathion, phosmet, diazinon, and stirofos have been found.
Failure to Rescue After Emergency General Surgery in Geriatric Patients: Does Frailty Matter?

Abstract Background Failure to rescue (FTR) is considered as an index of quality of care provided by a hospital. However, the role of frailty in FTR remains unclear. We hypothesized that the FTR rate is higher for frail geriatric emergency general surgery (EGS) patients than nonfrail geriatric EGS patients. Methods We performed a 3-y (2015-2017) prospective cohort study of all geriatric patients (age ≥ 65 y) requiring EGS. Frailty was calculated by using the EGS-specific Frailty Index (EGSFI) within 24 h of admission. Patients were divided into two groups: frail (FI ≥ 0.325) and nonfrail (FI Results Three hundred twenty-six geriatric EGS patients were included, of which 38.9% were frail. Frail patients were more likely to be white (P Conclusions Our study demonstrates that in geriatric EGS patients, a frail status independently contributes to FTR and increases the odds of FTR threefold compared with nonfrail status. Thus, it should be included in quality metrics for geriatric EGS patients.
Stick To It: pilot study results of an intervention using gamification to increase HIV screening among young men who have sex with men in California.

Background: In the United States, young men who have sex with men (YMSM) experience a disproportionate burden of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, including those that incorporate elements of games (“gamification”), have the potential to improve YMSM engagement in desirable sexual health services and behaviors. Gamification leverages theory and tools from behavioral science to motivate people to engage in a behavior in a context of fun. The objective of the study was to determine whether an intervention using gamification is acceptable to YMSM in California and potentially increases repeat HIV screening. Methods: Eligible YMSM were: (I) 18–26 years, (II) born as and/or self-identified as male, (III) reported male sexual partners, and (IV) lived in a zip code adjacent to one of the two study clinics in Oakland and Hollywood, California. The gamification intervention, Stick To It , had four components: (I) recruitment (clinic-based and online), (II) online enrollment, (III) online activities, and (IV) ‘real-world’ activities at the clinic. Participants earned points through online activities that could be redeemed for a chance to win prizes during HIV/STI screening and care visits. The primary outcome was intervention acceptability measured with participant engagement data and in-depth interviews. The secondary outcome was the intervention’s preliminary effectiveness on repeat HIV screening within 6 months, restricted to the subset of men who provided consent for review of medical records and who had ≥6 months of follow-up. Outcomes were compared to a historical control group of similar YMSM who attended study clinics in the 12 months prior to intervention implementation. Results: Overall, 166 of 313 (53%) eligible YMSM registered. After registration, 93 (56%) participants completed enrollment and 31 (19%) completed ≥1 online activity in the subsequent 6 months. Points were redeemed in clinic by 11% of the 166 users (27% and 5% of those who enrolled in the clinic and online, respectively). Despite moderate engagement, participants provided a positive assessment of the program in interviews, reporting that the inclusion of game elements was motivating. The analysis of repeat HIV testing was assessed among 31 YMSM who consented to medical record review and who had ≥6 months of follow-up. During follow-up, 15 (48%) received ≥2 HIV tests compared to 157 (30%) of a historical comparison group of 517 similar YMSM who lived in the same zip codes and who received care at the same clinics before the intervention (OR =2.15, 95% CI: 1.03–4.47, P=0.04). Conclusions: Engagement in the intervention was modest, with YMSM who enrolled in a clinic more actively engaged than YMSM who enrolled online. Among the subset of participants recruited in the clinic, repeat HIV screening was higher than a comparison group of similar YMSM attending the same clinic in the prior year.
The Four Holmes Novels

Crowe provides an analysis centered on the idea of a Gestalt shift of the Sherlock Holmes stories that appeared in the four Holmes novels: A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of the Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and The Valley of Fear. Crowe concludes that this Gestalt shift approach works very well for all but the third of these books. The Hound of the Baskervilles is especially important because in it Holmes solves the case based on an examination of a portrait of Hugo Baskerville, which examination may be one of the first detailed accounts of what is now known as a Gestalt shift.
Bridge Plate Failure with Extensor Tendon Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background. Dorsal spanning plate fixation is an increasingly popular method of fixation for certain distal radius fractures. Published outcomes are encouraging, but complications are still reported. Methods. We present a case report of a 26-year-old woman with spanning plate breakage and extensor pollicis longus (EPL) metallosis, fraying, and near-complete rupture. The patient’s unsuccessful follow-up led to this complication. Metallosis and damage to the extensor indices (EI) and distal extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) were intraoperative obstacles for tendon transfer to restore EPL function. Results. Tendon transfer in the setting of bridge plate failure has not yet been described in the literature. There are reports of spanning plate failure indicating that breakage often happens through the plate’s holes and after fracture healing. Conclusions. The compounded complication of plate failure with extensor tendon injury emphasizes the important relationship between the local anatomy, barriers to patient care, and potential problems after spanning plate fixation.
Planning considerations for persons with access and functional needs in a disaster—Part 1: Overview and legal

Although disasters can affect anyone in a given community or region, those with access and functional needs have the highest rates of morbidity and mortality during an emergency or disaster. There are many unique and complex issues that should be considered when planning and caring for these individuals in a disaster situation. Who are these individuals, what specific issues should be addressed when considering these members of the population, and what recommendations can be made to address their unique needs? How can we include them as part of the all-hazard, comprehensive approach to disaster management? The first part of this three-part series identifies who is included in this population and what are the legal considerations that arise in caring for, not only this unique group but also all the members of the community in a disaster. The second part considers evacuation, sheltering, sheltering in place, communication, medical needs, independence, supervision, and transportation (CMIST) with a focus on mental health. The third part deals with the medical aspect of CMIST and with recommendations that may aid disaster responders and planners in caring for these high-risk individuals in a disaster.
Simultaneous selection

We generalize Chade and Smith's (2006) simultaneous search problem to a class of discrete optimization problems. More precisely, we study the problem of maximizing a weighted sum of utilities of objects minus the sum of costs of acquiring these objects, given the constraint that the sum of weights cannot exceed the value of some submodular function.We show that the problem has a simple solutions in the particular case in which the submodular function depends only on the number of objects. Namely, the optimal set of objects can be found by the greedy algorithm. We provide some economic applications of this result. The particular case studied in the present paper, and the particular case studied by Chade and Smith complement one another, but they do not exhaust all instances of our general discrete optimization problem. We also show that in the general case the problem does not have a simple solution.
Transactional flash

Transactional flash (TxFlash) is a novel solid-state drive (SSD) that uses flash memory and exports a transactional interface (WriteAtomic) to the higher-level software. The copy-on-write nature of the flash translation layer and the fast random access makes flash memory the right medium to support such an interface. We further develop a novel commit protocol called cyclic commit for TxFlash; the protocol has been specified formally and model checked.Our evaluation, both on a simulator and an emulator on top of a real SSD, shows that TxFlash does not increase the flash firmware complexity significantly and provides transactional features with very small overheads (less than 1%), thereby making file systems easier to build. It further shows that the new cyclic commit protocol significantly outperforms traditional commit for small transactions (95% improvement in transaction throughput) and completely eliminates the space overhead due to commit records.
Intracellular chloride: a regulator of transepithelial transport in the distal nephron.

Purpose of reviewThis review focuses on the role of intracellular chloride in regulating transepithelial ion transport in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) in response to perturbations in plasma potassium homeostasis.Recent findingsLow dietary potassium increases the phosphorylation and activity of
On the Measurement of “Grayness” of Cities

We consider a situation where individuals belonging to multiple groups inhabit a space that can be divided into smaller distinguishable units, a feature characterizing many cities in the world. When data on an economic attribute (in our case, income) is available, we conceptualize a phenomenon that we refer to as “Grayness”—a combination of spatial integration based upon group-identity and income. Grayness is high when cities display a high degree of spatial coexistence in terms of both identity and income. We lay down some desirable properties of a measure of Grayness and develop a simple and intuitive index that satisfies them. We provide an illustration by using data from the Indian city of Hyderabad, and selected American cities.
Development of an open-sourced automated ultrasonic-assisted soldering system

Abstract As the electronics, automobile and other industries seek to eliminate the use of flux when joining dissimilar materials, ultrasonic-assisted soldering (UAS) has emerged as a prime candidate to replace conventional soldering to improve wetting at bonded joint surfaces. A challenge for UAS is to effectively scale up techniques for industrial use. This paper presents a modular, open-sourced automated system that was designed to allow for flexible and repeatable experimentation of the UAS process. Key process parameters include solder tip speed, tip distance from the substrate, ultrasonic power supplied to the molten solder, and the extrusion rate of the solder onto the substrate. Each of these parameters are user-controlled in our automated system, which is capable of soldering a general curved path while maintaining leading-edge orientation of the soldering tip. A compatible, low-cost profilometer attachment is retrofitted to our system in order to non-destructively characterize the wetting behavior of the solder-substrate system.
Diagnostic Mycology: Xtreme Challenges

Developing any diagnostic assay that receives United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval can be a slow and difficult process. FDA-approved assays for fungal diagnosis are generally few in number and are focused mainly on diagnosing candidiasis, which is caused by several species of Candida, in addition to a limited number of systemic mycotic agents. While all microbial diagnostic assays face challenges before they are FDA approved and reach the market, there are a number of challenges to fungal diagnostic assay development that have been difficult hurdles to overcome. These hurdles include template preparation, fungal morphology, how many fungi should be identified in a single assay (scope), taxonomy and nomenclature, discriminating colonizers from invasive infection, combining identification with antifungal susceptibility, and navigating the administrative hurdles required to integrate an assay into a clinical laboratory. Some of these challenges are easier to overcome than others, but all seem to be particularly difficult for fungal diagnostic assays.
Breaking the Chain of Command Culture: A Call for an Independent and Impartial Investigative Body to Curb Sexual Assaults in the Military

Despite extensive reform in the military's treatment of sexual assaults of service members, recent data suggests that the problem persists at disturbing rates. Successful investigation, prosecution, and conviction of offenders remain significantly low. This Article identifies two shortcomings in the military justice system that might explain why existing measures fail to foster change. First, a significant problem stems from the current institutional structure of the military's reporting and investigation mechanisms. The reporting and investigative power lies with the military commander, who enjoys an unprecedented authority in deciding if and how to proceed with a complaint involving military sexual assault. Commanders currently have the authority to kill sexual assault complaints by preventing them from evolving into official reports, which commanders would be required to transfer to the military police for investigation.Second, a major problem rests with the nature and quality of criminal investigations of military sexual assaults. Military investigative agencies use investigative tactics and techniques that adversely affect the future of a significant number of sexual assault complaints. These practices not only result in notable underreporting of military sexual assault but also often impede their prosecution. The path to successful reform lies in challenging these investigative practices, along with the prevailing military culture, myths and stereotypes that undergird them.To address these problems, the Article proposes that military commanders are stripped of their authority to dispose of sexual assault complaints. Instead, this authority should rest solely with an independent and impartial body after the military police conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Epicatechin Modulates Mitochondrial Redox in Vascular Cell Models of Oxidative Stress

Diabetes mellitus affects 451 million people worldwide, and people with diabetes are 3-5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. In vascular tissue, mitochondrial function is important for vasoreactivity. Diabetes-mediated generation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to vascular dysfunction via damage to mitochondria and regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We have identified (-)-epicatechin (EPICAT), a plant compound and known vasodilator, as a potential therapy. We hypothesized that mitochondrial ROS in cells treated with antimycin A (AA, a compound targeting mitochondrial complex III) or high glucose (HG, global perturbation) could be normalized by EPICAT, and correlate with improved mitochondrial dynamics and cellular signaling. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with HG, AA, and/or 0.1 or 1.0 μM of EPICAT. Mitochondrial and cellular superoxide, mitochondrial respiration, and cellular signaling upstream of mitochondrial function were assessed. EPICAT at 1.0 μM significantly attenuated mitochondrial superoxide in HG-treated cells. At 0.1 μM, EPICAT nonsignificantly increased mitochondrial respiration, agreeing with previous reports. EPICAT significantly increased complex I expression in AA-treated cells, and 1.0 μM EPICAT significantly decreased mitochondrial complex V expression in HG-treated cells. No significant effects were seen on either AMPK or eNOS expression. Our study suggests that EPICAT is useful in mitigating moderate ROS concentrations from a global perturbation and may modulate mitochondrial complex activity. Our data illustrate that EPICAT acts in the cell in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating hormesis.
Abstract B29: Development of CTC-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse models from early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients

Introduction: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are liquid biomarkers with high potential for application in precision medicine cancer care. However, no robust methods have been developed to culture CTCs from early-stage cancer patients owing to their rarity from limited disease burden and instability. Here, we describe a successful protocol to establish CTC culturing and CTC-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse models from early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: Surgically resected primary tumor fragments from patients with early-stage I NSCLCs were subcutaneously (s.c.) implanted to immunodeficient NOD SCID gamma (NSG) mice to generate patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Once palpable tumor reached a diameter of 1.5 cm, animals were euthanized and blood was collected via retro-orbital vein puncture. CTCs were enriched with OncoQuick® and cultured in vitro. These patient-derived CTCs were further characterized by immunostaining with antihuman antibodies against CK 8/18/19, Napsin, TTF-1, and CD45. Once human CTCs were confirmed, we then injected expanded CTCs s.c. and intravenous (i.v.) into naive NSG mice to establish CDX models. Tumor growth and metastatic potential in CDX models were measured by MRI, autopsy, and histopathology. Results: Human NSCLC primary tumor fragments implanted in NSG mice were tumorigenic at the s.c. implantation site, metastatic to distant organs, and passaged successfully to naive NSG generations to maintain the PDX colonies. CTCs enriched from the PDX models were successfully cultured in vitro and positive for human NSCLC-specific markers (CK 8/18/19, Napsin, and TTF-1), but negative for human leukocyte marker CD45. Cultured PDX-derived CTCs that were xenografted into naive NSG mice by s.c. and i.v. implantation demonstrated tumorigenicity and metastatic potential in CDX models. Conclusion and Future Perspectives: This approach establishes CDX models from early-stage NSCLC patients at a high rate for personalized precision medicine. Models provide a unique opportunity to characterize rare patient-derived CTCs from curable, nonmetastatic NSCLC patients towards understanding CTC tumor biology and developing effective anticancer therapeutic strategies. Further, combined genetic and proteomic characterization of primary, PDX, and CDX tumors will be highly useful in discovering novel diagnostic/therapeutic target(s) specific to NSCLC. Citation Format: Suvilesh Kanve Nagaraj, Yariswamy Manjunath, Vijay Radhakrishnan, Diego Avella, Eric Kimchi, Kevin Staveley-O9Carroll, Guangfu Li, Jussuf Kaifi. Development of CTC-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse models from early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Liquid Biopsies; Jan 13-16, 2020; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(11_Suppl):Abstract nr B29.
Determining Alternative Protein Isoform Expression Using RNA Sequencing and Mass Spectrometry

Summary Alternative splicing greatly expands the coding capacity of the human genome, but how many alternative transcripts are translated as proteins or carry functional importance remains unknown and awaits experimental verification. Here, we describe a protocol that combines transcriptomics (RNA-seq) and proteomics (mass spectrometry [MS]) analyses to identify alternative isoforms in proteomes. This workflow is applicable to custom-generated RNA-seq and MS data from matching samples, as well as the reanalysis of existing transcriptomics and proteomics datasets in public repositories. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lau et al. (2019) .
Cold Anaphylaxis: A Case Report.

Abstract Background Cold anaphylaxis is a severe form of hypersensitivity reaction to cold temperatures. Such reactions include a spectrum of presentations that range from localized symptoms to systemic involvement. The condition can be acquired or heritable, although it may also be idiopathic. Treatment consists of second-generation H1 antihistamines, epinephrine, and supportive care. Prevention involves avoidance of known triggers, most commonly cold immersion due to environment or water exposure. Case Report We report the case of a 34-year-old man with cold-induced urticaria/anaphylaxis who presented to our emergency department with hypotension and shortness of breath after exposure to cold air after getting out of a shower. He required two doses of intramuscular epinephrine and was ultimately started on an epinephrine infusion. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for anaphylaxis monitoring and was found to have a positive ice cube test, reinforcing the suspected diagnosis. Why Should An Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Cold anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening phenomenon with specific testing. It is occasionally described in the emergency medicine literature. Providers should be aware of the potential for cold anaphylaxis as it can change patient guidance and alter management. This condition can also contribute to otherwise unclear and sudden decompensation in critically ill patients, as has been reported in cases of cold anaphylaxis induced by cold IV infusions.
Postoperative Ileus and Postoperative Gastrointestinal Tract Dysfunction: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Novel Treatment Strategies Beyond Colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols

Postoperative ileus (POI) and postoperative gastrointestinal tract dysfunction (POGD) are well-known complications affecting patients undergoing intestinal surgery. GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, pain, abdominal distention, bloating, and constipation. These iatrogenic disorders are associated with extended hospitalizations, increased morbidity, and health care costs into the billions and current therapeutic strategies are limited. This is a narrative review focused on recent concepts in the pathogenesis of POI and POGD, pipeline drugs or approaches to treatment. Mechanisms, cellular targets and pathways implicated in the pathogenesis include gut surgical manipulation and surgical trauma, neuroinflammation, reactive enteric glia, macrophages, mast cells, monocytes, neutrophils and ICC's. The precise interactions between immune, inflammatory, neural and glial cells are not well understood. Reactive enteric glial cells are an emerging therapeutic target that is under intense investigation for enteric neuropathies, GI dysmotility and POI. Our review emphasizes current therapeutic strategies, starting with the implementation of colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery protocols to protect against POI and POGD. However, despite colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery, it remains a significant medical problem and burden on the healthcare system. Over 100 pipeline drugs or treatments are listed in Clin.Trials.gov. These include 5HT4R agonists (Prucalopride and TAK 954), vagus nerve stimulation of the ENS-macrophage nAChR cholinergic pathway, acupuncture, herbal medications, peripheral acting opioid antagonists (Alvimopen, Methlnaltexone, Naldemedine), anti-bloating/flatulence drugs (Simethiocone), a ghreline prokinetic agonist (Ulimovelin), drinking coffee, and nicotine chewing gum. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms for short and long-term outcomes is necessary before we can develop better prophylactic and treatment strategies.
Role models in finance: Lessons from life cycle productivity of prolific scholars

This paper examines the nature of lifecycle intellectual contributions (publication productivity and quality) of prolific scholars in finance, i.e., those that have published twelve or more scholarly papers in finance journals. Like other scholars, their productivity increases dramatically in the years before tenure and early success seems to be a useful forecast of future quality and quantity of publications. However, unlike the average finance Ph.D., these role models begin publishing earlier and they maintain a high level of productivity over long periods with productivity appearing to decline only slightly after tenure. Further, there is increasing tendency to publish with co-authors and there is high concentration of these prolific scholars especially at the five top-rated finance journals. Our findings have important implications for aspiring new finance professors.
COVID-19 Aftershocks on Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: An Early Cross-Sectional Report From the U.S. Epicenter.

Background & Aims: Experts have forewarned about the COVID-19 pandemic environment fomenting the rising incidence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). We performed a cross-sectional study of ALD at our liver transplantation (LT) center, located in the initial U.S. epicenter, New York City (NYC). Results: Centered around the "stay at home" order date in NY state, 3/22/20, we defined 3 time periods: "pre-COVID" (1/1/20-3/21/20); "COVID-quarantine" (3/22/20-4/22/20); and "declining-COVID" (4/23/20-8/25/20).We found a 62% increase in interhospital patient transfers for ALD from pre-COVID (20/93, 21%) to the declining-COVID period (43/127, 34%). Our inpatient liver census with ALD also increased: 38% pre-COVID, 45% COVID-quarantine and 49% declining-COVID.Among 30 severe AH patients not responding to medical therapy since 3/22/20, 9 underwent early LT for AH (16% of the total number of early LT during our 8-year program). Three of 9 early LT recipients reported specific COVID-related stressors.All 25 previous LT recipients with established abstinence pre-COVID maintained abstinence at follow-up visits during declining-COVID period. Of 6 recipients with sustained alcohol use within 6 months before 3/22/20, half regained abstinence during the declining-COVID period. Conclusion: Our findings help confirm the predictions of rising AUD and ALD as an immediate consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This aftershock particularly affected ethnically diverse ALD patients with high inpatient mortality, reflecting the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on underserved and minority populations.Alcohol relapse did not occur in long-term early LT for AH recipients during the time of COVID-19. This lends further support to AH being a viable indication for LT, with recipients able to demonstrate ongoing resilience in the face of this unprecedented universal stressor.
The Shape of Space: Evidence for Spontaneous but Flexible Use of Polar Coordinates in Visuospatial Representations.

What is the format of spatial representation? In mathematics, we often conceive of two primary ways of representing 2D space, Cartesian coordinates, which capture horizontal and vertical relations,...
The Sick Sinus Syndrome

In this chapter the author discusses the anatomy and physiology of the sinus node; the historical aspects of the sick sinus syndrome (SSS); its clinical manifestations, etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical evaluation of suspected SSS; its treatment; and the possibility of futuristic biological pacing.
Performance of Decentralized Cooperative Perception in V2V Connected Traffic

This paper presents and evaluates a unified cooperative perception framework that employs vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) connectivity. At the core of the framework is a decentralized data association and fusion process that is scalable with respect to participation variances. The evaluation considers the effects of the communication losses in the ad-hoc V2V network and the random vehicle motions in traffic by adopting existing models along with a simplified algorithm for individual vehicle's on-board sensor field of view. Furthermore, a multi-target perception metric is adopted to evaluate both the errors in the estimation of the motion states of vehicles in the surrounding traffic and the cardinality of the fused estimates at each participating node/vehicle. The extensive analysis results demonstrate that the proposed approach minimizes the perception metric for a much larger percentage of the participating vehicles than a baseline approach, even at modest participation rates, and that there are diminishing returns in these benefits. The computational and data traffic trade-offs are also analyzed.
Absolute abundance and preservation rate of Tyrannosaurus rex.

Although much can be deduced from fossils alone, estimating abundance and preservation rates of extinct species requires data from living species. Here, we use the relationship between population density and body mass among living species combined with our substantial knowledge of Tyrannosaurus rex to calculate population variables and preservation rates for postjuvenile T. rex. We estimate that its abundance at any one time was ~20,000 individuals, that it persisted for ~127,000 generations, and that the total number of T. rex that ever lived was ~2.5 billion individuals, with a fossil recovery rate of 1 per ~80 million individuals or 1 per 16,000 individuals where its fossils are most abundant. The uncertainties in these values span more than two orders of magnitude, largely because of the variance in the density–body mass relationship rather than variance in the paleobiological input variables.
Effect of COVID-19 Restrictions on 2021 Integrated Plastic Surgery Match Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic (COVID-19), guidelines regarding both elimination of visiting subinternships and substitution of virtual interviews for the 2021 match were adopted. We hypothesize that these changes will result in an increase in home institution match rates compared to previous years. DESIGN Program match data was obtained using information posted to residency program Instagram pages and the hashtag #PRSMatch2021. Chi square was used to assess differences between groups. SETTING Medical school regions were categorized as West, Midwest, South, and Northeast and compared to match program region. PARTICIPANTS Matched candidates to integrated plastic surgery residencies RESULTS A total of 181/187 (96.8%) integrated plastic surgery matched candidates were identified. Compared to historical controls, there was a statistically significant increase in the home match rate (24.3%, p = 0.004) and statistically significant decrease in match rate for students without a home plastic surgery program (21.0%, p = 0.004). Similar to prior years, applicants were more likely to match in their own region for all regions (p CONCLUSIONS The 2021 match cycle resulted in an increase in home program match rates, while decreasing match rates among students without a home plastic surgery program. COVID-19 polices may have resulted in disadvantages to students from diverse institutional backgrounds. Influences of virtual subinternships and virtual interviews should be further evaluated.
Antiterror Tactics Chill U.S. Campuses

Washington's war on terror may be quietly taking a toll on unsuspecting quarters - America's universities. To understand the effects of antiterror policies on the U.S. academic sector, it helps to spend time on university campuses in Australia, Singapore, Britain or other countries. From Melbourne to Edinburgh, those institutions are now filled with foreign students, many of whom would have come to the United States had they not been deterred by restrictive visa policies.
Are Avoidance Goals the Right Prescription For a Pandemic? A COVID-19 Case Study

Background : Motivation scientists study goals, self-regulatory tools that are used to help people approach or avoid objects of desire or disdain. Purpose : Using these tools, motivation science can offer insights to guide behaviour and help individuals maintain optimal health and well-being during pandemics, including COVID-19. Results : Avoidance goals help guide behaviour away from negative objects like COVID-19, and are necessary in situations where survival is at stake. Formulating the goal of avoiding COVID-19 is therefore recommended during the pandemic. However, avoidance goals have inherent limitations, in that they tax one’s energy and well-being. To minimize these costs, the pursuit of approach sub-goals may be recommended, such as increasing social connection online or exercising outdoors (particularly prior to widespread vaccination). Conclusion : Adhering to the goal of avoiding COVID-19 prevents infection and saves lives when safe and effective vaccines and treatments are lacking. But avoidance goals have known costs that must be acknowledged and addressed. One solution is to pair avoidance goals with approach sub-goals to bolster mental and physical health while adhering to the ultimate goal of avoiding COVID-19, viral variants, and future contagions. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-0304-7 Full Text: PDF
Efficient analysis of passive microstrip elements

Passive microstrip elements are analyzed by the full-wave, space domain moment method at microwave frequencies. Redundant calculations in the moment matrix are eliminated by using various symmetries manifested by the Green's functions. The Green's functions are, in general, Sommerfeld-type integrals, which are computationally intensive. Recently developed closed-form analytical approximations of the integrals are used to increase the efficiency of the algorithm. Spatial interpolation of the moment matrix and the Green's functions is performed. Sample computed results are presented for the scattering parameters of meander lines and multiturn spiral inductors. >
Bounding Envelopes in Multiphase Material Design

In practice, whenever determining macroscopic effective mechanical properties of materials possessing irregular heterogeneous microstructure, one can only test, numerically or experimentally, finite sized samples. Such materials are exemplified by randomly distributed particles suspended in a homogeneous binding matrix. If one were to compute the effective responses of various equal finite sized samples, with the only mutually distinguishing feature being the various random distributions of the particulate matter, fluctuations would occur. While such fluctuations can be small for large samples, their effects become amplified when computing design sensitivities, such as gradients and Hessians, for macroscopic effective property optimization strategies. Concisely stated, these fluctuations can severely impair the performance of such approaches by destroying the quality of the derivatives. A natural way of eliminating the negative effects of such fluctuations is by ensemble averaging the response of multiple samples until the results stabilize, and then to construct the sensitivities with the stabilized results. The focus of this work is to interpret such an ensemble regularization process, in particular when it is incorporated into effective property design procedures. It is shown that, under certain conditions, this type of regularization produces upper and lower bounding envelopes for objective functions representing desired macroscopic effective responses associated with idealized, fluctuation free, material samples of infinite size.
Sublobar resection is equivalent to lobectomy for T1a non–small cell lung cancer in the elderly: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database analysis

Background Anatomic lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection is considered the optimal management for early stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Limited lung resection may be preferable in the elderly population, who are more likely to have poor pulmonary reserve and multiple comorbidities. Our primary objective was to compare the survival of patients aged ≥75 y who underwent sublobar resection or lobectomy for stage IA NSCLC. Materials and methods We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for patients aged ≥75 y who were diagnosed with stage IA NSCLC from 1998–2007. Patients were divided into three groups based on the type of surgery performed (wedge resection, segmentectomy, and lobectomy). Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard model were used for survival analysis. Results A total of 1640 patients were analyzed. Lobectomy was performed in 1051 patients, 119 underwent segmentectomy, and 470 patients had wedge resection. Overall and cancer-specific survival were significantly lower in the wedge resection group as compared with those in lobectomy (P < 0.05). However, for T1a tumors, no significant difference was found in risk adjusted 5-y cancer-specific survival for patients who underwent wedge resection, segmentectomy (hazard ratio, 1.009; 95% confidence interval 0.624–1.631; P = 0.972), or lobectomy (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.691–1.388; P = 0.908). Conclusions Sublobar resection is not inferior to lobectomy for T1a N0 M0 NSCLC in the elderly and should be considered a viable alternative in this high-risk population.