cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PGE2 activates MAPK/Erk pathway in non-small cell lung cancer cells in an EGF receptor-independent manner

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 3934 Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) overexpression is found in a wide variety of human cancers and is linked to all stages of tumorigenesis. Elevated tumor COX-2 expression is associated with increased angiogenesis, tumor invasion, suppression of host immunity and promotes tumor cell resistance to apoptosis. Previous reports have linked the COX-2 product PGE2 to the abnormal activation of MAPK/Erk kinase pathway. Here we demonstrate that PGE2 is able to rapidly stimulate Erk phosphorylation in a subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. This effect is not evident in normal lung epithelial cells. In contrast to previous reports in colon cancer, we found that Erk activation by PGE2 was not inhibited by pre-treatment of the cells with EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, despite the fact that this treatment completely abrogated EGF-induced signaling. Activation of the Erk pathway by PGE2 was also resistant to src kinase inhibitors. PGE2 effects are mediated through four G-protein-coupled receptors — EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4. Selective inhibition of EP receptors revealed the possible involvement of Ca2+ and/or protein kinase A-dependent signaling in PGE2-mediated activation of Erk. Our data suggest the presence of yet unknown, EGFR-independent cross-activation of MAPK/Erk pathway by PGE2 in lung cancer cells. These findings provide evidence for the possible link between tumor COX-2 overexpression and elevated Erk-mediated cancer cell proliferation and migration. This new understanding in turn may lead to significant advances in the use of COX-2 inhibition in combination with other targeted or standard therapies. Importantly, these findings suggest that COX-2 overexpression may be a contributor to EGFR inhibitor resistance in NSCLC. Supported by the UCLA Lung Cancer SPORE NCI P50 CA90388.
TruePaiR: Software for the Accurate Identification of Complementary piRNA Read Pairs in High-Throughput Sequencing Data

piRNAs and their biogenesis pathways are well-conserved in Metazoans (Grimson et al. 2008). piRNAs have been implicated in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational regulation (Grivna et al. 2006; Lin & Yin 2008; Brennecke et al. 2008; Brennecke et al. 2007; Aravin et al. 2007). We analyze the signatures of a critical process in the primary and secondary mechanism of piRNA biogenesis, referred to as the amplification loop. The presence of U-1 and A-10 bias within piRNA populations is an indicator, but not an absolute measure of piRNA amplification. By further considering imperfect and perfect sequence complementarity within the first ten base pairs of piRNAs, the active site promoting secondary piRNA biogenesis, we developed practical and statistically powerful metrics to observe relative piRNA amplification. TruePaiR is a fast and effective general software tool to assess the relative utilization of piRNA amplification in high throughput sRNA sequencing data. The results of TruePaiR runs in seven species and five tissues serve as a benchmark for meaningful context of piRNA amplification. The TruePaiR metrics provide foundational data regarding the in terms of species specificity, tissue specificity, as well as the relative participation based upon origin-based piRNA subsets regarding piRNA amplification. The low degree of variability of same sample TruePaiR runs allows for metric reliability, reproducibility, as well as the ability to detect subtle differences in piRNA amplification within and between species and tissues. Given that TruePaiR serves as an effective and consistent metric of piRNA amplification across species, it can represent a new, meaningful standard in the degree of piRNA amplification in a specific organism and tissue that is or is not expected to undergo piRNA amplification.
Abstract 1501: Sideroflexin4: A novel regulator of iron metabolism in ovarian cancer

The five year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer is 9-34%. This high mortality is due to late stage diagnosis, marginally effective treatment and frequent disease recurrence. Alterations in metabolism have been widely recognized as an important hallmark of cancer. Metabolism of the micronutrient iron is significantly altered in many cancers, including ovarian cancers. The expression of genes governing iron transport (TFR1 and FPN), iron storage (FTL and FTH) and iron regulation (IRP1 and IRP2) are significantly altered in ovarian cancer compared to normal ovarian epithelial cells, resulting in higher intratumoral iron retention. However, specific pathways of intracellular iron utilization that are altered in cancer cells, and the functional consequences of disrupting these pathways, remain poorly understood. To identify pathways of iron utilization that are perturbed in ovarian cancer, we analyzed the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism using a publicly available microarray database of ovarian cancer and normal oviduct (GSE69428). We observed that sideroflexin4 (SFXN4), an inner mitochondrial membrane protein that is essential for mitochondrial respiratory homeostasis, was significantly upregulated (p= 0.002) in ovarian cancer patient samples. We screened several ovarian cancer cell lines and observed that SFXN4 was similarly up-regulated both at the mRNA and protein level when compared to normal human ovarian surface epithelial cells. To test the role of SFXN4 in ovarian cancer cells we performed knockdown and overexpression studies. Knockdown of SFXN4 induced S and G2-phase cell cycle arrest and reduced the ability of MDAH2774 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells to form colonies. Further investigation revealed that modulation of SFXN4 alters mitochondrial respiration by affecting iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. Thus, knock-out cells exhibited impaired respiratory activity and a phenotype similar to cells with defects in iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, including increased IRP-IRE binding and a decrease in IRP1/ACO1 aconitase activity. Furthermore, SFXN4 knock-out decreased the activity of iron-sulfur cluster-containing enzymes such as mitochondrial aconitase and succinate dehydrogenase. Based on these observations, we postulate that SFXN4 acts as a molecular mediator that channels the excess iron present in ovarian cancer cells to iron-sulfur cluster-dependent metabolic pathways that favor growth and metastasis. SFXN4 may be a potential druggable target in ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Bibbin Paul, Miranda Lynch, Frank Torti, Suzy Torti. Sideroflexin4: A novel regulator of iron metabolism in ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1501. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1501
LABORATORY EVALUATION OF PHOSALONE FOR CONTROL OF WESTERN SPRUCE BUDWORM (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

Phosalone was tested to estimate the optimal time and minimum application rate for 90% population mortality of western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, larvae. The optimal time o...
Optimizing source placement for noise minimization using hybrid acoustic simulation

Abstract Environmental noises can have a large impact on workplace productivity and health. We address the problem of designing large CAD structures that automatically meet the noise guidelines and standards. We present a novel approach that determines the optimal placement of sound sources such as generators, machinery, fans and HVAC appliances that can conform to these design requirements in indoor scenes. Our approach uses a hybrid sound propagation algorithm that combines elements of both geometric and wave-based techniques for handling higher and lower frequencies, respectively. We use an efficient simulated annealing approach for acoustic optimization that uses impulse response caching and sound source clustering to improve the convergence time. Finally, we present our approach in the context of a traditional CAD pipeline, where noise conformance requirements can be integrated during the early stages of the digital design phase. We highlight the approach’s performance on many complex CAD models corresponding to an office and a warehouse.
Association of postprocedural aortic regurgitation with mitral regurgitation worsened after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background There is a paucity of investigation which demonstrates a predictor of mitral regurgitation (MR) worsened after aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Aim The aim of this study was to identify the predictor of worsened MR after transcatheter TAVR. Methods We retrospectively studied a total of 209 patients with mild or less MR at baseline who underwent TAVR for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis with the balloon-expandable device. We found the presence of MR worsened after TAVR in 6% (12 patients) of all patients. Moderate or more postprocedural aortic regurgitation (AR) (odds ratio, 8.104; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-36.87; P = .007) was identified as a predictor of MR worsening after TAVR. In-hospital outcomes indicated that patients within whom MR worsened suffered congestive heart failure more than those with unchanged or improved MR after TAVR (P Conclusion Significant postprocedural AR was associated with MR worsened from mild or less to moderate or more after TAVR. Worsened MR might affect in-hospital congestive heart failure.
Umbilical Hernia Repair: Overview of Approaches and Review of Literature.

Umbilical hernias are ubiquitous, and surgery is indicated in symptomatic patients. Umbilical hernia defects can range from small (<1 cm) to very large/complex hernias, and treatment options should be tailored to the clinical situation. Open, laparoscopic, and robotic options exist for repair, with each having its advantages and disadvantages. In general, mesh should be used for repair, because it has been shown to decrease recurrence rates, even in small hernias. Although outcomes are generally favorable after umbilical hernia repairs, some patients have chronic complaints that are mostly related to recurrences.
Reducing Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Respiratory Infections: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Problem Approximately 50% of antibiotics prescribed are not necessary; nevertheless, in the United States among the many outpatient prescriptions, there are few more widely prescribed than antibiotics. The overuse of antibiotics to treat viral infections has been largely responsible for the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted among a sample of eight urgent care providers who received the 1-hour Reducing Outpatient Antibiotic Resistance (ROAR) educational intervention on antibiotic overuse and appropriate prescribing. Outcomes measured included provider antibiotic prescribing rates for viral illnesses before and after intervention, prescribing practices among the providers, and provider awareness and beliefs regarding antibiotic prescribing and resistance. Results The antibiotic prescribing rate decreased from 30% to 20% after intervention, p = .078. Pre-intervention patients had a 3.3 times (p = .001) and post-intervention patients had a 4.2 times (p ≤ .0005) greater likelihood of being prescribed an antibiotic if they were seen by a physician than if they were seen by a nurse practitioner. Within their setting, 87% believed antibiotics are overused, and 99% believed antibiotic resistance is a problem. Discussion Additional research utilizing the ROAR intervention is necessary to evaluate its effect on antibiotic prescribing in the urgent care setting.
Deterministic Systems and Input

The current state of a system is commonly given by the solution of a deterministic differential, algebraic, or integral equation. For example, the functions giving the displacements of the points of a solid satisfy partial differential equations obtained from equilibrium conditions, kinematic constraints, and material constitutive laws. Generally, it is not possible to solve analytically the equations defining the system state. Numerical methods are needed for their solution. Most numerical methods are global that is, they determine the solution everywhere or at a large number of points in a system even if the solution is needed at a single point.
Educational Placement of Children who are Blind or have low Vision in Residential and Public Schools: A National Study of Parents’ Perspectives:

This study analyzed parents’ perceived reasons for placing their children with visual impairments in residential or public schools. It found that children were more likely to be placed in residenti...
Radioisotope-Guided Parathyroidectomy

Radioisotope-guided parathyroidectomy is performed in cases of primary hyperparathyroidism or when reoperation is required. This chapter lists the indications, essential steps, common technical variations, and complications of the procedure. A detailed template operative note is included.
Virtual consults: A paradigm shift for second opinions in oncology care.

e18049Background: Lack of access to specialized oncology care is increasing. The underprivileged and underserved are at a great disadvantage, as time and financial expenses can create barriers to r...
Bayesian estimation of total fertility from a population's age–sex structure

AbstractWe investigate a modern statistical approach to a classic deterministic demographic estimation technique. When vital event registration is missing or inadequate, it is possible to approxima...
Nano-Al (OH)3 and Mg (OH)2 as flame retardants for polypropylene used on wires and cables

While materials sustainability is mostly considered in terms of their long-time aging, fires are more important—while polymers are flammable. We have developed flame retardants (FRs) for polypropylene (PP) with varied FR concentrations since PP is a very widely used polymer. Stearic acid (SA) has been added to increase filler–matrix interactions and filler dispersion in the matrix. Effects of filler types, particle size, and their concentrations on fire resistibility of different composite samples have been determined via limiting oxygen index tests and burning times. As expected, the oxygen index increases with increasing concentration of either FR. The highest value of the index is seen for 10 wt% 50 nm Al (OH)3 sample. Mixing the two hydroxides does not provide a synergy effect. The longest burning time is seen for 5 wt% 50 nm Al (OH)3 + 7 wt% SA, longer than the time for pure PP sample by 137%. Neat PP has a relatively high dynamic friction value, while addition of 5% SA results in the lowest friction value of all. The highest tensile modulus is seen for PP with 7.5 wt% 15 nm Al (OH)3 particle addition. Thermogravimetric analysis shows high thermal stability for PP with 5% each of Al (OH)3 and Mg (OH)2. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the surfaces of Al (OH)3-containing samples are slightly rougher than those with Mg (OH)2. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy shows uniform distribution of both Al and Mg atoms in the composites.
Global Political Economy and War: Four Paradigmatic Views

Any explanation of war is based on a worldview. The premise of this book is that any worldview can be associated with one of the four broad paradigms: functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist. This chapter takes the case of war and discusses it from the four different viewpoints. It emphasizes that the four views expressed are equally scientific and informative; they look at the phenomenon from their certain paradigmatic viewpoint; and together they provide a more balanced understanding of the phenomenon under consideration.
Cellular and molecular consequences of Patched haploinsufficiency: Perturbation of cell cycle and signal transduction pathways in the developing cerebellum

4611 Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling regulates proliferation and cell fate determination in the developing nervous system. Mutations of a component of the Shh receptor complex, Patched (Ptch), are associated with developmental anomalies and the formation of medulloblastoma. These tumors are thought to arise from the external germinal cell layer (EGL) of the developing cerebellum as they express Math-1, a marker of cells in the EGL. To identify intracellular as well as extracellular signals that predispose cells of the developing cerebellum to undergo neoplastic transformation, we sought to identify genes whose expression was modulated by Ptch haploinsufficiency in the EGL and IGL of developing murine cerebellum. So as to avoid perturbing gene expression by in vitro passage or purification of the cells and to capture the entire EGL microenvironment, discrete regions of postnatal day 6 murine cerebellum were isolated using laser assisted microdissection. Gene expression profiles from the external germinal (EGL) and internal germinal (IGL) layer were generated using Affymetrix mouse 2.0 gene arrays. A distinct cohort of > 100 genes differentially expressed between Ptch +/− EGL and WT EGL (p
Comparison of Prominences in Hα and He II 304 Å

In this letter, we bring attention to prominences which show different morphology in Hα and He ii 304 A, as observed simultaneously by BBSO and EIT on board SOHO. Those two lines have been thought to represent similar chromospheric structures although they are formed at significantly different temperatures. We give two examples representing two kinds of anomaly: (1) prominences showing strong Hα emissions in the lower part and strong He ii emissions in the upper part, and (2) erupting prominences showing extensive He ii emission, but nothing in Hα. Our results indicate that a part or the whole of a prominence may be too hot to emit Hα radiation, possibly due to heating or thermal instability. Please note that these are not just two isolated cases, many other prominences show the similar differences in Hα and He ii 304 A.
Abstract 1119: S100A4 alters mitochondrial metabolism to promote invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer cells through upregulation of NDUFS2

It is generally accepted that alterations in metabolism are critical for the metastatic process; however, the mechanisms by which the metabolic changes are controlled by the major drivers of the metastatic process remain elusive. Here, we find that S100A4, a major metastasis-promoting protein, alters metabolic plasticity to drive tumor invasion and metastasis. Investigating how S100A4 regulates metabolism, we find that depletion of S100A4 decreases oxygen consumption rate, mitochondrial activity, and ATP production, and shifts cell metabolism to be more glycolytically active. We further identify that the 49 KD mitochondrial complex I subunit NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) Fe-S protein 2 (NDUFS2) is regulated in an S100A4-dependent manner and that S100A4 and NDUFS2 exhibit co-occurrence at significant levels in various cancer types (cBioPortal). Importantly, we find that knockdown of NDUFS2 inhibits mitochondrial complex I activity, reduces cellular ATP level, and decreases the invasive capacity in three-dimensional (3D) growth, thus mimicking the biological effect resulting from S100A4 knockdown in A549 cells. Likewise, silencing S100A4 and NDUFS2 dramatically decreases the rate of metastasis as well as tumor growth in vivo. Finally, we provide evidence that cells with S100A4 and NDUFS2 depletion shift metabolism toward glycolysis through upregulating hexokinases expression and that suppressing S100A4 signaling sensitizes lung cancer cells to glycolysis inhibition. Together, our findings uncover a novel function of S100A4 in mitochondrial metabolism and highlight the importance of NDUFS2 in regulating the plasticity of mitochondrial metabolism by S100A4 to promote the invasion and metastasis in lung cancer. Citation Format: Lili Liu, Lei Qi, Teresa Knifley, Dava W. Piecoro, Piotr Rychahou, Jinpeng Liu, Mihail I. Mitov, Jeremiah Martin, Chi Wang, Jianrong Wu, Heidi L. Weiss, D. Allan Butterfield, B. Mark Evers, Kathleen L. O9Connor, Min Chen. S100A4 alters mitochondrial metabolism to promote invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer cells through upregulation of NDUFS2 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1119.
Exclusion Criteria as Measurements I: Identifying Invalid Responses:

Background. In a systematic review, Engel et al. found large variation in the exclusion criteria used to remove responses held not to represent genuine preferences in health state valuation studies. We offer an empirical approach to characterizing the similarities and differences among such criteria. Setting. Our analyses use data from an online survey that elicited preferences for health states defined by domains from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®), with a U.S. nationally representative sample (N = 1164). Methods. We use multidimensional scaling to investigate how 10 commonly used exclusion criteria classify participants and their responses. Results. We find that the effects of exclusion criteria do not always match the reasons advanced for applying them. For example, excluding very high and very low values has been justified as removing aberrant responses. However, people who give very high and very low values prove to be systematically different in ways suggesting that such responses may reflect different processes. Conclusions. Exclusion criteria intended to remove low-quality responses from health state valuation studies may actually remove deliberate but unusual ones. A companion article examines the effects of the exclusion criteria on societal utility estimates.
Exploring Themes of Relinquishment and Loss

Prison dog programs rely on positive relationships between and among people and dogs. The downside of these strong attachments is that inmate/handlers have to grapple with the issue of ending their time with a bonded dog and watching it leave the corrections context. This chapter begins by discussing the many different types of loss that offenders confront during their time in jail or prison. Next, it analyzes the different emotions associated when a person loses a dog that he or she cares about. The third part of the chapter recommends practical strategies for coping when dogs exit the program to join the family or individual who has been selected give the animal a permanent home. The chapter concludes with the central message of this chapter: loss of a companion animal is a legitimate cause for grief, an opportunity to develop personal insight, and a challenge that can be better managed with the support of a caring community.
Levels of angiogenic markers in second-trimester maternal serum from in vitro fertilization pregnancies with oocyte donation.

Objective To determine whether differences exist in angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) and antiangiogenic soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1; both being early markers of placental ischemic disease) in oocyte-donation (OD) pregnancies, compared with autologous in vitro fertilization (aIVF) and spontaneous pregnancies. Design Case-control study of residual second-trimester serum samples from women undergoing prenatal screening. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Fifty-seven OD pregnancies were identified. Each OD pregnancy was matched to two spontaneous pregnancies (n = 114) and one aIVF pregnancy (n = 57). Interventions(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Second-trimester serum PlGF and sVEGFR-1 levels. Result(s) sVEGFR-1, PlGF, and unconjugated E2 levels were similar among the three study groups. The ratio of sVEGFR-1 to PlGF was significantly higher in the OD group. Consistently with previous studies, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the OD group was significantly elevated compared with spontaneous pregnancy. Both aIVF and OD groups had greater levels of inhibin A than the spontaneous pregnancy group, and the OD group had significantly higher levels of inhibin A than the aIVF group. hCG levels were significantly elevated in aIVF compared with spontaneous pregnancy; however, levels were not different between aIVF and OD. Conclusion(s) Second-trimester serum sVEGFR-1 and PlGF levels were not significantly altered in OD pregnancies. Our data support previous findings that OD pregnancies have uniquely increased second-trimester AFP, hCG, and inhibin A levels compared with aIVF. However, the biologic basis of these marker elevations in OD may not be related to placental angiogenesis.
Pathways of Gender Development

Historically, theories of gender development have focused on normative and variant development, with a focus on characteristics that identify children as members of one group or the other. There is increasing understanding of the multidimensional nature of gender as a complex latent characteristic that can be estimated at best through the windows of self-identification, expression, interests, developmental milestones, physical characteristics, and biological indicators. Both health care and social discourse have focused on developmental paradigms that incorporate diversity as a normative aspect of human growth and actualization of an authentic self. In this chapter, we will provide an overview of gender development, a critical commentary on how conceptualizations of gender have changed over the prior decades, and an update on recent developments in gender development research. We conclude with a brief discussion of considerations regarding gender affirmative clinical care and informed assent for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) minors.
Preservation Practices of Videogames in Archives

This literature review delves into the subject of videogame archiving practices. The scholarly sources which we have collected reveal the myriad problems faced by this burgeoning field of study. We discuss the current standards employed by the community in choosing videogame materials for archival preservation, as well as positing further avenues of future research for the archival community to expand upon.
Development of a quantitative method to evaluate the printability of filaments for fused deposition modeling 3D printing

Lack of a conventional quantitative characterization method for filament printability has been recognized as a critical barrier to fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing application. In this study, a small molecule drug, indomethacin, was utilized as a model compound. Polymers with various solubility were mixed with model drug and extruded into filaments using hot melt extrusion method. Thirty-two filaments with or without indomethacin were evaluated by texture analyzer to study the correlation between mechanical properties and the printability. Three different texture analysis methods were utilized and compared, and a parameter "toughness" calculated by stiffness test was identified to quantitatively describe the printability of filaments in the FDM 3D printer. The toughness threshold value of printable filament was defined as a process window of certain FDM printing. This study provides a quantitative way to evaluate and predict filament printability, and it has great potential to be applied to FDM filament development and quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmacy Students’ Perception of an Elective Course on Evidence-based Learning Strategies

Objective. To examine whether pharmacy students used evidence-based learning strategies, adopted healthy lifestyle habits that promote learning, and developed an awareness of the benefits of evidence-based learning strategies as a result of attending a learning strategies elective course. Methods. Pre- and post-course survey questionnaires were administered to students who enrolled in the elective course, to determine the learning strategies they utilized prior to course attendance, track their use of evidence-based learning strategies and observance of healthy lifestyle habits, and assess their perception of the course. A written assignment was given for students to reflect on the learning outcomes that resulted from their application of evidence-based learning strategies. Pre- and post-survey mean scores were analyzed using a general linear model repeated measures test. Results. The fifty-nine students in this study predominantly used less effective strategies (eg, re-reading and re-writing of notes) prior to taking the course. They reported increased utilization of evidence-based learning strategies, particularly, retrieval practice and elaboration, and practice of healthy lifestyle habits (enough sleep, exercise, good nutrition) after course attendance. Students believed that using the above learning strategies improved their learning and memory, performance in graded assessments, among other benefits. They had a positive perception of the course. Conclusion. The elective course was associated with increased use of effective learning strategies, adoption of healthy lifestyle practices that aid learning, and increased appreciation for evidence-based learning strategies. Future studies are needed to examine actual learning outcomes and barriers to implementation of evidence-based learning techniques.
Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19 Disease and High Oxygen Requirements

Background: Approximately 19% of people infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) progress to severe or critical stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a mortality rate exceeding 50%. We aimed to examine the characteristics, mortality rates, intubation rate, and length of stay (LOS) of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 disease with high oxygen requirements (critically ill). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis in a single center in Brooklyn, New York. Adult hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease and high oxygen requirements were included. We performed multivariate logistic regression analyses for statistically significant variables to reduce any confounding. Results: A total of 398 patients were identified between March 19th and April 25th, 2020 who met the inclusion criteria, of which 247 (62.1%) required intubation. The overall mortality rate in our study was 57.3% (n = 228). The mean hospital LOS was 19.1 ± 17.4 days. Patients who survived to hospital discharge had a longer mean LOS compared to those who died during hospitalization (25.4 ± 22.03 days versus10.7 ± 1.74 days). In the multivariate analysis, increased age, intubation and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were each independently associated with increased odds of mortality. Diarrhea was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.4; CI 0.16, 0.99). Obesity and use of vasopressors were each independently associated with increased intubation. Conclusions: In patients with COVID-19 disease and high oxygen requirements, advanced age, intubation, and higher LDH levels were associated with increased mortality, while diarrhea was associated with decreased mortality. Gender, diabetes, and hypertension did not have any association with mortality or length of hospital stay. J Clin Med Res. 2021;13(1):26-37 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4405
Recent Progress on the Black Hole Information Paradox

We give a brief overview of the black hole information problem and describe qualitatively the recent research that shows that the von Neumann entropy of Hawking radiation follows the Page curve, and hence is consistent with unitary, information preserving time evolution.
Deep neural network classification of EEG data in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia(SZ) is a disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis and is ranked by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten diseases contributing to the global burden of disease. Studying the internal physiological differences between EEG of schizophrenia patients and normal individuals is important for diagnosing and treating schizophrenia in order to determine objective physiological diagnostic criteria. The EEG data of patients with schizophrenia were preprocessed and markers were extracted. The convolutional neural network was used to characterize the difference of distributed structure of data for classification and the classification results were given. The accuracy of the classification was 92%, and the disease classification was effectively performed using deep learning networks.
Thermalization of Exciton-Polaritons in Strongly Coupled 2D Hybrid Perovskites

We study thermalization of exciton-polaritons in 2D hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites strongly coupled to a planar microcavity. The integrated PL exhibits a bottleneck effect and the extracted lattice temperature shows cooling behavior of up to 35 meV.
Long-term lower urinary tract sequelae following AUS cuff erosion.

AIMS To examine the rate of lower urinary tract complications (LUTC) and urinary diversion (UD) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) explantation with the acute reconstruction of AUS cuff erosion defects. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent in-situ urethroplasty (ISU) for AUS cuff erosion from June 2007 to December 2020. Outcomes included LUTC (urethral stricture, diverticulum, fistula), AUS reimplantation, and UD. Defect size was prospectively estimated acutely and a subanalysis was performed to determine the impact of erosion severity (small erosions [<33% circumferential defect] and large erosions [≥33%]) on these outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to compare survival between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 40 patients underwent ISU for urethral cuff erosion. The median patient age was 76 years old with a median erosion circumference of 46%. The overall LUTC rate was 30% (12/40) with 35% (14/40) of patients requiring permanent UD. Secondary AUS placement occurred in 24/40 (60%) patients with 11/24 (46%) leading to repeat erosion. On subanalysis, small erosion was associated with improved LUTC-free and UD-free survival but not associated with AUS reimplantation. CONCLUSIONS Lower urinary tract complications are common after AUS cuff erosion and can lead to the need for permanent UD. Patients with larger erosions are more likely to undergo UD and reach this end-stage condition earlier compared to patients with small erosions.
Introduction: An Overview of Identities in Action

This introductory chapter overviews some of the important findings that emerge in this volume. Most of the chapters were presented and discussed at the Third Biennial Conference on Identity Theory and Research held in 2018 at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. The chapters covers a wide array of issues. The volume is organized into three parts on the theme of identities in action. They include ethnicity and race; family, religion, and work; and networks, homophily, and the physical environment.
Barriers to mental health care and stigma perception in doctor of pharmacy students across the United States

Abstract Introduction Pharmacy students are significantly less likely than medical students to seek on-campus mental health services, though barriers are not well known. This study's objective is to expand on perceived barriers to seeking care for mental health concerns among doctor of pharmacy students in the United States. Methods An institutional review board-exempt, online survey was disseminated to eight pharmacy programs' students assessing mental health barriers to care, resource interest, attitudes towards treatment, and stigma. Quantitative data were analyzed aggregately and by gender, program type, employment status, and education year. Free-text response analysis used thematic coding. Results Common barriers to care included lack of time (20.2%), financial support or resources (13.2%), and preferring to solve the issue independently (13.2%). About half agreed their programs had sufficient resources to support mental health (58.4%). Suggested resources included on-site counselors (14.5%), pet therapy (13.4%), and wellness activities (12.3%). Students reported high rates of perceived internal stigma, yet low rates of stigma towards others. No significant differences were found among employment status or program type, but first-year students had more positive attitudes towards mental health treatment. Females were significantly more likely to agree mental health treatment was effective and less likely to view someone differently who received treatment. Conclusions Common barriers to care included lack of time, finances or resources, and concerns of being viewed differently. Additionally, substantial stigma exists, particularly public perception and concern for negative impact on future opportunities. Programs should take initiative to understand students' needs and interest in support services.
A Physically Universal Quantum Cellular Automaton

We explore a quantum version of Janzing’s “physical universality”, a notion of computational universality for cellular automata which requires computations to be done directly on the cells. We discuss physical universality in general, the issues specific to the quantum setting, and give an example of a quantum cellular automaton achieving a quantum definition of physical universality.
New Look for AGU Website

You will notice some changes when you visit the AGU website this week. AGU.org has a modern look that is consistent with the Fall Meeting and other AGU meeting websites. Content is easier to find because of new features, including the following:
Heart failure with Preserved EF: A Bird Eye View

The concept of ''diastolic'' heart failure grew out of the observation that many patients who have the symptoms and signs of heart failure had an apparently normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. Thus it was assumed that since systolic function was ''pre- served'' the problem must lie in diastole, although it is not clear by whom or when this assumption was made. Nevertheless, many guidelines followed on how to diagnose ''diastolic'' heart failure backed up by indicators of diastolic dysfunction derived from Doppler echoardiography. Diastolic heart failure is associated with a lower annual mortality rate of approximately 8% as compared to annual mortality of 19% in heart failure with systolic dysfunction, however, morbidity rate can be substantial. Thus, diastolic heart failure is an important clinical disorder mainly seen in the elderly patients with hypertensive heart disease. Early recognition and appropriate therapy of diastolic dysfunction is advisable to prevent further progression to diastolic heart failure and death. There is no specific therapy to improve LV diastolic function directly. Medical therapy of diastolic dysfunction is often empirical and lacks clear-cut pathophysiologic concepts. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors and ARB as well as nitric oxide donors can be beneficial. Treatment of the underlying disease is currently the most important therapeutic approach.
Effects of Polyenes, Detergents, and Other Potential Membrane Perturbants on an Osmotolerant Yeast, Saccharomyces rouxii.

The osmotolerance of Saccharomyces rouxii 48-28 was confirmed with both NaCl- and KCl-fortified growth media, with more tolerance being exhibited for the potassium salt. Washed and buffered cells from unfortified medium were challenged with a variety of compounds (and also with physical treatments) that potentially would elicit membrane perturbations. The efficacy of these brief treatments was judged primarily by monitoring subsequent viability. Change in the degree of expression of β-fructofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.26), which is cryptic in young cells of S. rouxii, was a second criterion. There was a linear correlation between cell death and enzyme expression for treatments with polyenes, detergents, some organic solvents which did not denature the enzyme, and various freeze-thaw regimens in graded amounts of glycerol. The species is relatively insensitive to polyene antimycotics, the order of decreasing effect being filipin, nystatin, and amphotericin B. S. rouxii was found to be less sensitive to osmotic shock than is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but in neither species is β-fructofuranosidase released to the medium. The sensitivity of S. rouxii to ionic detergents, but not to nonionic detergents, was rationalized as being due to cell wall discrimination against larger micelles for the nonionic examples. This was confirmed by showing that protoplasts were sensitive to both classes. In cultures older than 5 days the normal agreement between colony-forming units and methylene blue exclusion (another test of viability) no longer held. Delayed fermentation of sucrose by S. rouxii, which is a diagnostic feature of the species, is explained by death of some cells, expression of their β-fructofuranosidase, and utilization of the monosaccharides by the surviving cells.
Basic amino acid transport in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The uptake of the basic amino acids lysine, ornithine, and arginine is mediated by three transport systems in Escherichia coli K-12 strain 7. Lysine uptake occurs by means of two kinetically distinct systems. One system, with a Km of 10 µm is specific for lysine alone. The other system transports lysine with a Km of 0.5 µm, but this transport can be inhibited by arginine and ornithine. The transport of ornithine may be mediated by a single transport system (Km = 1.4 µm) which is inhibited by lysine and arginine. Arginine appears to be transported by means of a specific, high affinity system (Km = 2.6 x 10-8 m). This system is not inhibited by either lysine or ornithine. Osmotic shock causes a reduction in the initial rate of the high affinity lysine transport system, but does not affect the low affinity system. A lysine-arginine-ornithine-binding protein is found in the shock fluid, as well as two binding proteins specific for arginine. The lysine-arginine-ornithine-binding protein was purified by conventional techniques. Dissociation constants of 1.5, 3.0, and 5.0 µm were found for the complex of the binding protein, and arginine, lysine, and ornithine, respectively. A molecular weight of 26,200 to 30,200 was determined by three different methods. The protein showed an isoelectric point of 5.1 on isoelectric focusing.
Equality in Healthcare: The Formation and Ongoing Legacy of an LGBT Advisory Council

This article provides a broad overview of the literature on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) health disparities and workplace discrimination, as well as the context that led to the formation of an institutional LGBT Advisory Council. The Council was developed in order to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to LGBT inclusion and to improve the lived experiences for both LGBT patients and staff. A retrospective approach is utilized to explore the LGBT Advisory Council's journey to spearhead advocacy efforts at our institution. The Council's accomplishments include taking a leadership role in obtaining nationally recognized designations such as the Healthcare Equality Index and the Magnet Exemplar for Cultural Sensitivity, as well as adding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression fields to our institution's electronic medical record system. Additionally, the Council guides and promotes ongoing house-wide cultural sensitivity staff training efforts. Most recently, the Council marched as a contingency in the world's largest Pride March for the first time in institutional history. It is our hope that our Council will become an inspiration and exemplar for similar groups to form at healthcare institutions and organizations across the nation. Allowing LGBT members of each individual healthcare community the agency to determine the direction of advocacy efforts is incredibly important; however, this must be coupled with an organizational commitment on behalf of leadership to follow through on these initiatives and to provide them with the resources they need in order to be successful.
A Critical Assessment of the Effects of Pulsed Irradiation on the Microstructure, Swelling, and Creep of Materials

The effects of pulsed irradiation on the response of materials are reviewed in terms of the basic principles behind the experimental and theoretical efforts in this area. A general background on th...
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Design and Performance

As a pathway to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, this chapter discusses the design of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles and the use of alternative energy sources for ground transportation. For each type of advanced vehicle there are multiple design options and driveline configurations and components that can be utilized. In addition, in the case of hybrid vehicles using either engines or fuel cells, there are no different control strategies that can be employed that have significant effects on efficiency, economics, and emissions. The emphasis here will be on the vehicle design and performance, but some considerations will be give to fuel options and requirements as they relate to storage of the fuel on board the vehicle, especially for hydrogen for fuel cells, and the effect of the fuel/energy source on greenhouse gas emissions. Computer simulation results will be give for all the alternative vehicle designs, and available test data will be presented for comparison with the simulation results, and finally, component and vehicle costs will be discussed.
Cu-NMR spectra in UCu4Ni uncover site disorder

Cu-NMR measurements in a random powder of UCu4Ni reveal two types of spectral lines for each of the two isotopes of naturally abundant Cu in the material. These lines, which we label L1 and L2, point to the existence of two inequivalent Cu sites in the sample. We present a study of the NMR line shape in UCu4Ni at three different frequencies (in the range from 40-70 MHz) and two temperature values (10 K and 150 K), that allow us to assign the lines to particular Cu sites. L1 is strongly broadened as the frequency decreases, but changes less with increasing temperature. In contrast, the width of L2 grows in proportion to frequency and decreases noticeably with increasing temperature. This behavior indicates that the crystallographic site corresponding to L1 is exposed to electric field gradients and has lower point symmetry than the site corresponding to L2, which displays some anisotropy but no discernible quadrupole effects. By comparison with the Cu-NMR spectra in UCu4Pd, where only one type of Cu-NMR line has been observed clearly, we can associate L1 with Cu(16e) nuclei: Cu nuclei sitting at the 16e site (Wyckoff notation) in the AuBe5 structure of the parent compound UCu5. This leaves L2 as originating from Cu(4c) nuclei; i.e., those sitting at the 4c site of the same structure. Unlike in UCu4Pd, the appearance of signal from Cu(4c) nuclei in the Ni compound is clear evidence of site disorder in UCu4Ni.
Skeptical Rational Extensions

In this paper we propose a version of default logic with the following two properties: (1) defaults with mutually inconsistent justifications are never used together in constructing a set of default consequences of a theory; (2) the reasoning formalized by our logic is related to the traditional skeptical mode of default reasoning. Our logic is based on the concept of a skeptical rational extension. We give characterization results for skeptical rational extensions and an algorithm to compute them. We present some complexity results. Our main goal is to characterize cases when the class of skeptical rational extensions is closed under intersection. In the case of normal default theories our logic coincides with the standard skeptical reasoning with extensions. In the case of seminormal default theories our formalism provides a description of the standard skeptical reasoning with rational extensions.
A characterization of NC by tree recurrence

We show that a boolean valued function is in NC if it is defined by ramified schematic recurrence over trees. This machine-independent characterization uses no initial functions other than basic tree operations, and no bounding conditions on the recurrence. Aside from its technical interest, our result evidences the foundational nature of NC, thereby illustrating the merits of implicit (i.e. machine independent) computational complexity theory.