cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Imaging of Integrin Receptor-Positive Tumors by Bioluminescence, Fluorescence, Gamma Scintigraphy, and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Using a Cyclic RGD Peptide Labeled with a Near-Infrared Fluorescent Dye and a Radionuclide

Integrins, particularly the α v β 3 heterodimers, play important roles in tumor-induced angiogenesis and invasiveness. To image the expression pattern of the α v β 3 integrin in tumors through a multimodality imaging paradigm, we prepared a cyclic RGDyK peptide analogue (LS308) bearing a tetraazamacrocycle 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and a lipophilic near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye cypate. The α v β 3 integrin binding affinity and the internalization properties of LS308 mediated by the α v β 3 integrin in 4t1luc cells were investigated by receptor binding assay and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. The in vivo distribution of 111 In-labeled LS308 in a 4t1luc tumor‐bearing mouse model was studied by fluorescence, bioluminescence, planar gamma, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The results show that LS308 has high affinity for α v β 3 integrin and internalized preferentially via the α v β 3 integrin-mediated endocytosis in 4t1luc cells. We also found that LS308 selectively accumulated in α v β 3 -positve tumors in a receptor-specific manner and was visualized by the four imaging methods. Whereas the endogenous bioluminescence imaging identified the ensemble of the tumor tissue, the fluorescence and SPECT methods with the exogenous contrast agent LS308 reported the local expression of α v β 3 integrin. Thus, the multimodal imaging approach could provide important complementary diagnostic information for monitoring the efficacy of new antiangiogenic drugs.
The PAR Proteins: Fundamental Players in Animal Cell Polarization

The par genes were discovered in genetic screens for regulators of cytoplasmic partitioning in the early embryo of C. elegans, and encode six different proteins required for asymmetric cell division by the worm zygote. Some of the PAR proteins are localized asymmetrically and form physical complexes with one another. Strikingly, the PAR proteins have been found to regulate cell polarization in many different contexts in diverse animals, suggesting they form part of an ancient and fundamental mechanism for cell polarization. Although the picture of how the PAR proteins function remains incomplete, cell biology and biochemistry are beginning to explain how PAR proteins polarize cells.
Menu costs, multiproduct firms, and aggregate fluctuations

Golosov and Lucas recently argued that a menu-cost model, when made consistent with salient features of the microdata, predicts approximate monetary neutrality. I argue here that their model misses, in fact, two important features of the data. First, the distribution of the size of price changes in the data is very dispersed. Second, in the data many price changes are temporary. I study an extension of the simple menu-cost model to a multiproduct setting in which firms face economies of scope in adjusting posted and regular prices. The model, because of its ability to replicate this additional set of microeconomic facts, predicts real effects of monetary policy shocks that are much greater than those in Golosov and Lucas and nearly as large as those in the Calvo model. Although episodes of sales account for roughly 40% of all goods sold in retail stores, the model predicts that these episodes do not contribute much to the flexibility of the aggregate price level.
Minimizing radiation exposure to the vascular surgeon

Objectives To determine radiation exposure for members of an endovascular surgery team during imaging procedures by varying technique. Methods Digital subtraction angiography imaging of the abdomen and pelvis (Innova 4100; GE, Fairfield, Conn) was performed on cadavers, varying positioning and technique within the usual bounds of clinical practice. Radiation exposure was monitored in real-time with dosimeters (DoseAware; Philips, Andover, Mass) to simulate the position of the operator, assistant, and anesthesiologist. The DoseAware system reports radiation exposure in 1-second intervals. Three to five consecutive data points were collected for each imaging configuration. Results Operator radiation exposure is minimized with detector-to-patient distance Conclusions Varying imaging techniques results in different radiation exposure to members of an endovascular surgery team. Knowledge of the variable intensity of radiation exposure may allow modification of the technique to minimize radiation exposure to the team while providing suitable imaging.
Induction of benign prostatichypertrophy in baboons

Abstract Hormonal manipulation of intact male baboons has produced prostatic features resembling benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in man. Long-acting androgen, testosterone enanthate (TE), given weekly (200 mg i. m.) for up to six months, caused significant gravimetric and volumetric increases in the prostate; a definite glandular and marked stromal hyperplasia with fibrosis developed in the caudal lobe (CD). After twenty weeks of TE treatment, there were dysplastic (atypical) changes in the glandular lining epithelium in the CD, causing pseudostratification of the lining cells with nuclear hyperchromatism. By the twenty-eighth week, there was an increase of stromal tissue with papillary ingrowth or invagination of glandular epithelium in the CD. Serum levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were significantly elevated from 10 nm/ml and 2–3 ng/ml to 30–40 ng/ml and 5–6 ng/ml, respectively. There was a 3 to 4-fold increase in androstenedione levels and an increase in estradiol-17β from 20 pg/ml to 80–90 pg/ml. These steroidal levels may have played a direct role in the induction of early BPH in the baboons. Cytoplasmic and nuclear androgen receptor levels were higher in the CD compared to those of the cranial lobe (CR); AR concentration was increased in the cytosol and decreased in the nuclei of both lobes in TE treated animals. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed heavy deposition of collagen fibers (fibrosis) in the central and periurethral regions of the CD after the administration of TE. Glandular as well as epithelial hyperplasia was most notable in the peripheral zone of the CD. These findings are similar to observations establish in human BPH, indicating that the baboon prostate may be a useful model for studying various parameters of BPH.
In situ TEM of radiation effects in complex ceramics

In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been extensively applied to study radiation effects in a wide variety of materials, such as metals, ceramics and semiconductors and is an indispensable tool in obtaining a fundamental understanding of energetic beam-matter interactions, damage events, and materials' behavior under intense radiation environments. In this article, in situ TEM observations of radiation effects in complex ceramics (e.g., oxides, silicates, and phosphates) subjected to energetic ion and electron irradiations have been summarized with a focus on irradiation-induced microstructural evolution, changes in microchemistry, and the formation of nanostructures. New results for in situ TEM observation of radiation effects in pyrochlore, A2B2O7, and zircon, ZrSiO4, subjected to multiple beam irradiations are presented, and the effects of simulta- neous irradiations of a-decay and b-decay on the microstructural evolution of potential nuclear waste forms are discussed. Furthermore, in situ TEM results of radiation effects in a sodium borosilicate glass subjected to electron-beam exposure are introduced to highlight the important applications of advanced analytical TEM techniques, including Z-contrast imaging, energy filtered TEM (EFTEM), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), in studying radiation effects in materials microstruc- tural evolution and microchemical changes. By combining ex situ TEM and advanced analytical TEM techniques with in situ TEM observations under energetic beam irradiations, one can obtain invaluable information on the phase stability and response behaviors of materials under a wide range of irradiation conditions. Microsc. Res. Tech. 72:165-181, 2009. V C 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A viscoelastic material model to represent smooth muscle shortening

The mechanical properties of a contracting smooth muscle can be changed by changing its length. A viscoelastic material model was developed to predict the length-dependent stiffness changes when a constrained muscle is allowed to shorten under a constant external force. Three-dimensional finite element simulations were carried out to estimate the stiffness changes and compared to available experimental data. A good agreement was found indicating that the viscoelastic material model developed gives a valid representation of the length dependent stiffness changes of a smooth muscle. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine the relative effects of material constants in the model on the length dependent stiffness.
Oscillating susceptibility andg factor of a two-dimensional electron fluid

By making use of a sum rule, the exchange contribution to the grand partition function is obtained for a two-dimensional electron fluid in a strong magnetic field at low temperatures. The dHvA type oscillations of the dielectric constant, internal energy and effectiveg factor are derived explicitly. The amplitude of the oscillations of the effectiveg factor is found to depend on density rather strongly.
Meeting Students Where They Are Online, but Leading Them Somewhere More Interesting: Reflections on Teaching the Facebook Class.

ABSTRACTThis article describes a unique interdisciplinary course on social media and the self developed and taught by the authors at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The article describes challenges facing humanities faculty who wish to teach on topics with high societal currency and student interest. Current research into humanistic approaches to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter is summarized. The authors discuss their inquiry-driven pedagogy in the classroom, how the course was redesigned based on student feedback, and assignments designed to encourage critical thinking about students' use of social media. Finally, the article argues that humanities faculty should offer more classes that utilize a humanistic approach to social media and other new digital technologies.
Assessment of a Severity-Based Algorithm to Detect Signals of Severe Drug-Induced Liver Injury Using Spontaneous Reporting Database

Severe drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major safety concern in pharmacovigilance. It would be beneficial to develop a robust method for early detection of hepatic safety signals. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a severity-based algorithm in detecting signals of severe DILI. We assessed a method using preferred terms (PTs) listed in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. PTs were grouped into three categories based on severity and relatedness of liver injury (category A: typical for severe DILI; category B: atypical for DILI regardless of severity; category C: severity not specified regardless of etiology). The disproportionality of these categories was then analyzed using the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Adverse Event Reporting System based on the empirical Bayesian geometric mean (EBGM). A lower bound of the 90% confidence interval of the EBGM (EB05) >2 for category A in two continuous quarters was used to define a signal of severe DILI. Selected drugs with (positive controls) and without (negative controls) known hepatotoxicity were tested. Time to initiation of regulatory action (none, withdrawal, or boxed warning) was compared and contrasted using the severity-based algorithm and a previously published algorithm. Our method detected signals of severe DILI in the fourth quarter (EB05 = 8.83), twenty third quarter (EB05 = 2.14), and tenth quarter (EB05 = 3.14) for troglitazone, leflunomide, and telithromycin, respectively, after launch in the US market. Compared with the previously published algorithm, the severity-based algorithm proposed in our study identified a signal of severe DILI in the same quarter (troglitazone and telithromycin) or earlier (leflunomide) for the positive controls. For the negative controls, no signal for severe hepatotoxicity was detected. The results indicate that the severity-based algorithm is sensitive in the early detection of severe hepatotoxicity and can add value to routine pharmacovigilance. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method.
An In Vivo role of Runx1 Subnuclear Targeting In Regulating the Gene Expression Program of Definitive Hematopoiesis

Abstract Abstract 3151 Runx1, a master regulator of hematopoiesis, is critical for the emergence of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), as observed by gene ablation or replacement studies where either the entire gene is disrupted or replaced with specific mutations that abolish DNA binding activity. Like many phenotypic transcription factors, endogenous Runx1 localizes to distinct foci within the nucleus through a unique subnuclear targeting signal. Clinically relevant is the observation that many Runx1 translocations that are associated with acute myeloid leukemias (e.g., AML1/ETO) retain Runx1 DNA binding activity but exhibit modified localization due to the loss of subnuclear targeting signal and transactivation domains. We hypothesized that altered subnuclear routing of translocation-encoded leukemic proteins plays a key role and provides a common mechanism in the onset and progression of human leukemias. We created a knock-in mouse with a C-terminal truncation by introducing a single nucleic acid substitution (Runx1 Q307X) in the native Runx1 locus. This mutation models genetic lesions observed in patients with leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders. The Runx1 Q307X homozygous mouse exhibited mid-gestation lethality at 12.5dpc due to central nervous system hemorrhage and a complete lack of HSC function. Importantly, Runx1 Q307X, which retains DNA binding activity, failed to activate target genes, resulting in deregulation of various hematopoietic markers. This phenocopy of the complete Runx1 ablation models highlights the critical importance of subnuclear targeting and transactivation activity for Runx1 function during development. We next examined specific contributions of subnuclear targeting in vivo to this phenotype by creating another knock-in mouse model replacing endogenous Runx1 with a mutant (Runx1 HTY350-352AAA). This mutation specifically abrogates subnuclear localization of the protein without altering other known functions. Embryos homozygous for Runx1 HTY350-352AAA bypass the mid-gestation lethality observed with the other Runx1 mutants and survive till birth. Thus, the precise subnuclear targeting of Runx1 does not appear to be essential for emergence of the HSC and the start of definitive hematopoiesis. However, expression of Runx1 target genes that mediate hematopoiesis is modified in mice with this mutant. These findings together suggest a development independent role for Runx1 subnuclear targeting in controlling the hematopoietic gene program that is often modified in human leukemia. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
None of the above: thrombotic microangiopathy beyond TTP and HUS

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are appropriately at the top of a clinician's differential when a patient presents with a clinical picture consistent with an acute thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). However, there are several additional diagnoses that should be considered in patients presenting with an acute TMA, especially in patients with nondeficient ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) activity (>10%). An increased awareness of drug-induced TMA is also essential because the key to their diagnosis more often is an appropriately detailed medical history to inquire about potential exposures. Widespread inflammation and endothelial damage are central in the pathogenesis of the TMA, with the treatment directed at the underlying disease if possible. TMA presentations in the critically ill, drug-induced TMA, cancer-associated TMA, and hematopoietic transplant-associated TMA (TA-TMA) and their specific treatment, where applicable, will be discussed in this manuscript. A complete assessment of all the potential etiologies for the TMA findings including acquired TTP will allow for a more accurate diagnosis and prevent prolonged or inappropriate treatment with plasma exchange therapy when it is less likely to be successful.
Occupancy Dynamics of Avian Species in Relation to A Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic

Recent epidemics of mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae) will fundamentally alter Rocky Mountain forests, impacting management decisions related to fire, logging, and wildlife habitat. We evaluated effects of a recent mountain pine beetle epidemic on occupancy dynamics of 46 avian species. Seventy-six point count stations were randomly located in four, 250 ha study units within pine (Pinus spp.) forests in the Elkhorn Mountains, Montana. Each point was visited 3 times during the breeding seasons (May-Jul) 2003-2006 (pre-outbreak) and 2009-2011 (post-outbreak). We used a Bayesian hierarchical model of multi-species occupancy that accounts for imperfect detection and allows for estimates of rare, as well as common species. Occupancy was modeled for all species with respect to preoutbreak years, year since the outbreak, and proportion of ponderosa pine. Results supported our prediction that occupancy rates would increase after the outbreak for bark-drilling woodpeckers (Picoides spp.). Occupancy rates of foliage-gleaning chickadees (Poecile spp.) and bark-gleaning nuthatches (Sitta spp.) declined soon after the peak in beetle-induced tree mortality (2008); however, their rates began to rise within 3 years. Bark-gleaning species’ occupancy relationships with ponderosa pine changed after the outbreak. Our results will help inform forest management activities for the persistence of species that evolved with largescale disturbances.
Regulation of Genes Involved in T-DNA Processing: An Initial Step in the Genetic Modification of Plant Cells

Directed genetic modification of plants requires the transmission of specific foreign DNA to the host plant, where the DNA is incorporated and stably maintained in the plant nuclear genome. Although there are several DNA transmission techniques, the transfer of DNA mediated through the natural transmission of T-DNA of Ti plasmids of Agrobacterium tumefaciens has proven relatively efficient and practical. The initial processing and transmission of the T-DNA requires genes situated on the Ti plasmid and on the bacterial chromosome. The T-DNA processing genes on the Ti plasmid are located in the virulence (Vir) region. The virD2 gene of the virD operon, which appears to be involved in the formation of T-DNA intermediates by encoding a specific endonuclease, is constitutively synthesized in a permissive mutant ros of A. tumefaciens. Gene fusions to reporter genes such as the luciferase cassette of Vibrio fischeri made it possible to measure the expression of Vir genes during the on-going interaction between A. tumefaciens and carrot disks. Using phenolic inducers such as acetosyringone, virB, virC, virD and virE were identified as inducible operons of the Vir region in the presence of virA, virG and inducer. virC and virD are also controlled by the ros gene of the chromosome as mutations in the ros gene results in the constitutive expression of these operons. This has enabled us to study the formation of double stranded T-DNA intermediates in the absence of acetosyringone or other phenolic inducers. Integration of the T-DNA was directly observed in Haplopappus gracilis chromosome A by in situ hybridization analysis.
Moisture and Moist Static Energy Budgets of South Asian Monsoon Low Pressure Systems in GFDL AM4.0

AbstractThe mechanisms that lead to the propagation of anomalous moisture and moist static energy (MSE) in monsoon low and high pressure systems, collectively referred to as synoptic-scale monsoonal disturbances (SMDs), are investigated using daily output fields from GFDL’s atmospheric general circulation model, version 4.0 (AM4.0). On the basis of linear regression analysis of westward-propagating rainfall anomalies of time scales shorter than 15 days, it is found that SMDs are organized into wave trains of three to four individual cyclones and anticyclones. These events amplify over the Bay of Bengal, reach a maximum amplitude over the eastern coast of India, and dissipate as they approach the Arabian Sea. The structure and propagation of the simulated SMDs resemble those documented in observations. It is found that moisture and MSE anomalies exhibit similar horizontal structures in the simulated SMDs, indicating that moisture is the leading contributor to MSE. Propagation of the moisture anomalies is g...
Controlled Growth and Electronic Properties of Gallium Nitride Nanowires

High-quality single crystalline gallium nitride (GaN) nanowires are synthesized via a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using gold nanoparticles as the catalyst. This method enables control over several important aspects of the growth, including control of the nanowire diameter by using mono-dispersed gold clusters, control of the nanowire location via e-beam patterning of the catalyst sites, and control of the nanowire orientation via epitaxial growth on aplane sapphire substrates. Transport properties of these GaN nanowires are studied. Our work opens up new ways to use GaN nanowires as nano-building blocks.
Trade Size and the Adverse Selection Component of the Spread: Which Trades are

Existing research suggests adverse selection spread components are positively related to trade size, consistent with informed traders trading in larger sizes. However, if market makers use quoted depth to limit losses to informed traders, the size of a trade relative to the depth quoted at the time of the trade is potentially a better indicator of informed trading than is trade size alone. We show that much of the variation in adverse selection estimates can be explained by variation in the ratio of trade size to depth. Further, the previously documented relation between adverse selection spread component estimates and raw trade size largely disappears when the ratio of trade size relative to depth is held constant. Finally, we find that the previously documented intraday pattern in adverse selection estimates does not exist for trade sizes that approach or exceed the quoted depth. That is, for large (relative to depth) trades, the time of day at which a trade occurs provides virtually no incremental information about the probability the trade is informed. In sum, our results indicate whether a trade is 'large', and therefore indicative of informed trading, depends on the depth in effect when the trade occurs.
Implementation of an Evidence-Based Care Program Within a Multihospital Health Care System.

The need for evidence-based guidance at the local hospital level is challenged by lack of clinician resources to critically appraise and synthesize evidence, and the applicability and timing of ext...
Applying system dynamics simulation to proactively identify and address unintended consequences

This paper outlines how managers or policy makers can use system dynamics tools to clarify their thinking in order to better identify and address the unintended consequences created by their change efforts. Prominent systems thinkers have maintained that to truly understand a complex system you have to observe how the parts of the system interact. System dynamics tools allow people to create and observe these interactions in a condensed time frame, which in turn allows them to learn from the model and then apply these insights to reality. The key stumbling block has always been the uncertainty that a model accurately reflects reality. In this paper we show that insights can be gained simply by building the model. Once our thinking becomes visible to others we can refine and improve our models using group processes.
High-C x /Co Hollow Disk Resonators

Mass and stiffness reduction via hollowing out a ca-pacitive-gap transduced radial mode disk resonator while maintaining resonance frequency and transduction area has enabled a measured electromechanical coupling strength $(c_{x}/c_{o})$ of 0.56% at 123 MHz without electrode-to-resonator gap scaling. This is a more than $5\times$ improvement in $C_{x}/C_{o}$ compared with a conventional radial contour-mode disk at the same frequency. $c_{x}/c_{o}$ increases like this stand to improve the passbands of channel-select filters targeted for low power wireless transceivers, as well as lower the power of MEMS-based oscillators.
Are Cognitive Habits in the Intellect? Durand of St.-Pourçain and Prosper de Reggio Emilia on Cognitive Habits.

Once Socrates has thought something, he comes to acquire an item such that he is then able to think such thoughts again when he wants, and he can, all other things being equal, do this with more ease than he could before. This item that he comes to acquire medieval philosophers called a cognitive habit. Most medieval philosophers maintained this item was a new quality added to Socrates’s intellect. However, some disagreed. In this paper, I will examine an interesting alternative theory put forward by Durand of Saint-Pourcain and Prosper de Reggio Emilia about the location of cognitive habits. On their view, cognitive habits are not to be located in the intellect but in something on the side of the body or sensitive soul.
Examining the Relationship Between Media Use and Political Engagement: A Comparative Study Among the United States, Kenya, and Nigeria

Given the growing use of and dependency that individuals have on media, the relationship between media use and political engagement has been a subject of study among scholars across nations. The current study expands this line of research using a secondary analysis of a worldwide survey ( N = 1,775) collected by Pew Research to examine antecedents of political engagement in three nations: the United States, Kenya, and Nigeria. This study examines country-specific differences in how ­­­views on national politics and media use differently relate to political engagement. Results identify differences in the effects of traditional and new media use on political engagement between countries. Specifically, accessing news from social media and online news platforms is related to higher levels of political participation across countries. However, the influence of positive perceptions of the economy on political participation is found to differ in each nation. Implications for research on media use and political behavior across countries varying in democratization are discussed.
Propensity Matched Analysis Comparing Conscious Sedation Versus General Anesthesia in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Conscious sedation (CS) has been increasingly utilized in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aim to compare safety, efficacy, efficiency, and direct cost outcomes of patients who underwent TAVI with general anesthesia (GA) to those with CS. Records for all adult patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI at our institution between February 2012 and September 2018 were retrospectively screened. Patients were grouped by anesthesia treatment (GA or CS) and propensity matched. Safety (in-hospital and 30-day mortality, in-hospital and 30-day stroke, cardiac arrest, need for permanent pacemaker, and composite bleed/vascular adverse events), efficacy (follow-up echocardiographic findings), efficiency (procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital length-of-stay, and discharge to home), and direct cost outcomes were compared. A total of 589 patients met our inclusion criteria. Propensity matching yielded 154 GA patients and 154 CS patients. There were no differences in the safety outcomes of in-hospital or 30-day mortality, in-hospital or 30-day stroke, cardiac arrest, and need for permanent pacemaker between GA and CS groups. There was a significant reduction in composite bleeding/vascular events in the CS group (8.4% vs 19.5%, p
Enhancing the capture velocity of a Dy magneto-optical trap with two-stage slowing

Magneto-optical traps (MOTs) based on the 626-nm, 136-kHz-wide intercombination line of Dy, which has an attractively low Doppler temperature of $3.3\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$, have been implemented in a growing number of experiments over the last several years. A challenge in loading these MOTs comes from their low capture velocities. Slowed atomic beams can spread out significantly during free flight from the Zeeman slower to the MOT position, reducing the fraction of the beam captured by the MOT. Here we apply a scheme for enhancing the loading rate of the MOT wherein atoms are Zeeman slowed to a final velocity larger than the MOT's capture velocity and then undergo a final stage of slowing by a pair of near-detuned beams addressing the 421-nm transition directly in front of the MOT. By reducing the free-flight time of the Zeeman-slowed atomic beam, we greatly enhance the slowed flux delivered to the MOT, leading to more than an order-of-magnitude enhancement in the final MOT population.
Evaluation of Sex Differences in the Elasticity of Demand for Nicotine and Food in Rats

INTRODUCTION Animal studies can inform policy regarding nicotine levels in tobacco products and e-cigarette solutions. Increasing the price of nicotine-containing products decreases their use, but it is unknown how the relationship between price and consumption is affected by both sex and nicotine dose. METHODS A behavioral economics procedure was used to determine the demand elasticity for nicotine in male and female rats. Demand elasticity describes the relationship between price and consumption. A high level of elasticity indicates that consumption is relatively sensitive to increases in price. The rats self-administered a low dose (0.01 mg/kg/inf) or a standard dose (0.03 mg/kg/inf) of nicotine for 9 days under a fixed-ratio (FR) 1 schedule. Then the price (FR schedule) of nicotine was increased, and a demand analysis was conducted. A similar study was conducted with palatable food pellets. RESULTS There were no sex differences in nicotine or food intake under the FR1 schedule. However, demand for 0.03 mg/kg/inf of nicotine was more elastic in females than males. Demand for 0.01 mg/kg/inf of nicotine and food was more elastic in males than females. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that there are no differences in nicotine and food intake between males and females when the price is low. When the price of nicotine or food is increased, males maintain their old level of intake longer than females when they have access to a standard dose of nicotine, and females maintain their intake longer when they have access to a low dose of nicotine or food. IMPLICATIONS This behavioral economics analysis indicates that there is no sex difference in nicotine intake when the price of nicotine is low. Increasing the price of nicotine decreases nicotine intake in a dose- and sex-specific manner. Males maintain their old level of intake longer when they have access to a standard dose of nicotine and females when they have access to a low dose. This has implications for tobacco regulatory policy. In a regulatory environment where only low nicotine-containing products are allowed, increasing the price of nicotine products may lead to a greater decrease in nicotine use in males than females.
An exergy analysis methodology for internal combustion engines using a multi-zone simulation of dual fuel low temperature combustion

Abstract Increasing fuel efficiency of internal combustion (IC) engines is an imperative economic and environmental need. To this end, in the present work, an exergy analysis methodology was developed and incorporated within a previously validated, closed cycle, multi-zone, thermodynamic simulation of diesel-methane dual fuel low temperature combustion (LTC). To study in-cylinder exergy transformation, the diesel start of injection (SOI) was varied from 300 crank angle degrees (CAD) to 340 CAD for a fixed engine load 6 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) and speed (1700 rev/min). Gross indicated fuel conversion efficiency (iFCE) and exergetic efficiency (including exhaust exergy at exhaust valve opening) were computed for different SOIs. Results show that at all SOIs ~41–42 percent of the total input exergy was destroyed due to combustion irreversibilities. When combustion started, in-cylinder chemical exergy reduced significantly due to exergy transfers associated with work transfer and heat transfer as well as exergy destruction. While at SOI = 340 CAD (representative of conventional dual fuel combustion), ~14 percent of the fuel chemical exergy exited as exhaust physical exergy, this reduced to ~5.5 percent at SOI = 300 CAD (representative of dual fuel LTC). The “maximum efficiency SOI” was SOI = 310 CAD with an iFCE of 43.6 percent and an exergetic efficiency of 52.2 percent.
Chronic Care Management

As Americans live longer and the baby boom generation ages, the elderly will constitute an ever greater percentage of the US population in the coming decades. Many will struggle with chronic illnesses. This growing wave of chronically ill elderly is expected to stress healthcare resources and drive up the costs of care. It will require a fundamental shift in how healthcare will be delivered and financed. For this reason, competency in chronic care management for geriatric patients will become increasingly important for all healthcare practitioners. Underscoring the point, the American Medical Association recently identified core competencies in this field for inclusion in medical school curricula. This chapter will discuss the changing practice environment, introduce a model for managing chronic care, and review special clinical considerations that pertain to geriatric patients presenting with multiple chronic illnesses.
Fidelity and feasibility of a multicomponent physical activity intervention in a retirement community

This pilot study examined the fidelity and feasibility of a multicomponent physical activity intervention in a retirement community. Eighteen older adults participated in an 8-week intervention. The intervention included offering group exercise lessons, combined with providing participants wearable activity trackers. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the feasibility and fidelity. The retention of the study was 83.3% and the average attendance of group lessons was 88.2%. Participants wore the activity trackers on 93.9% of the required days. Individual interviews indicated that participants were generally satisfied with the intervention. However, the Tai Chi session of exercise lessons and the activity trackers were not favored by the majority of the participants. Future interventions should provide tailored and adaptable exercise programs to meet the various physical health conditions of older adults and ease the use of technology to facilitate behavior change.
Large chondral fragment of the lateral femoral condyle treated with arthroscopic internal fixation in an elite young athlete - A case report

Focal chondral lesions in the adolescent population create a particular challenge for orthopedic surgeons, and currently there exists no consensus on proper treatment. Numerous techniques for addressing focal chondral defects are employed in both pediatrics and adults, including fragment excision, debridement and fixation, bone marrow stimulation and microfracture techniques, cell-based options, as well as chondral and osteochondral grafts. Although historical evidence is mixed, recent reports of primary fixation of displaced cartilage fragments have shown favorable results. We present a case of reduction and fixation of a large displaced cartilage lesion in an elite young tennis player. Our results, in addition to other reports mentioned in this manuscript, highlight the importance of considering primary fixation of large chondral lesions when amenable to repair.
Effect of Nonvisit Care on Resident Workload in a Family Medicine Residency.

Background and objectives Primary care physicians can spend 24% of their ambulatory care work day on patient care duties outside the office visit (ie, nonvisit care [NVC]). Resident work hours must be performed within duty hour restrictions defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, making it crucial for program directors to understand how much time residents spend on NVC tasks. Little information is available on resident work hours dedicated to NVC generated in the continuity clinic. We designed this study to look at an objective measure of the time family medicine residents spend on NVC. Methods We collected and categorized from the electronic health record the NVC events completed by 22 family medicine residents in a rural residency training clinic over a 9-month period. With the use of an institutional time study performed in 2014, we identified the average amount of time required to complete a single event in each category of NVC. Results Residents spent a mean of 13.6 hours per month completing NVC, which was equivalent to 127.3 minutes of NVC per 100 empaneled patients per month for each resident. Conclusions This study quantified the amount of time residents spend on NVC, allowing program directors to plan curriculum so that residents can keep their work time within duty hour requirements.
Lipoprotein(a) levels and association with myocardial infarction and stroke in a nationally representative cross-sectional US cohort.

Background Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) has not been well-studied in a nationally representative US cohort. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of Lp(a) and its associations with nonfatal cardiovascular events in a nationally representative cohort. Methods Cross-sectional analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III cohort (1991-1994). We compared Lp(a) levels across demographics and tested the associations between Lp(a) and patient-reported nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) and/or stroke using multivariate logistic regression. Results Median Lp(a) was 14 mg/dL (interquartile range [IQR]: 3, 32) (n = 8214). 14.7% (95% CI: 13.6%-15.9%) had Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL. Women had slightly higher median Lp(a) than men (14 mg/dL [IQR: 4, 33] vs 13 [(IQR: 3, 30], P = .001). Non-Hispanics blacks had the highest median Lp(a) (35 mg/dL [IQR: 21, 64]), followed by non-Hispanic whites (12 mg/dL [IQR: 3, 29]) and Mexican Americans (8 mg/dL [IQR:1, 21]). In multivariate analysis, Lp(a) was associated (odds ratio per SD increase [95% CI], P-value) with MI (1.41 [1.14-1.75], P = .001), but not stroke (1.14 [0.91-1.44], P = .26). Lp(a) associated with MI in men (1.52 [1.13-2.04], P = .006), non-Hispanic whites (1.60 [1.27-2.03], P Conclusion In a nationally representative US cohort, 1 in 7 had Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL, the guidelines-recommended threshold to consider Lp(a) a risk enhancing factor. Lp(a) was associated with nonfatal MI but not stroke, although there were differential associations by sex and race/ethnicity. Future nationally representative cohorts should test Lp(a) to get an updated estimation.
Using natural language processing to construct a metastatic breast cancer cohort from linked cancer registry and electronic medical records data.

Objectives Most population-based cancer databases lack information on metastatic recurrence. Electronic medical records (EMR) and cancer registries contain complementary information on cancer diagnosis, treatment and outcome, yet are rarely used synergistically. To construct a cohort of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients, we applied natural language processing techniques within a semisupervised machine learning framework to linked EMR-California Cancer Registry (CCR) data. Materials and Methods We studied all female patients treated at Stanford Health Care with an incident breast cancer diagnosis from 2000 to 2014. Our database consisted of structured fields and unstructured free-text clinical notes from EMR, linked to CCR, a component of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER). We identified de novo MBC patients from CCR and extracted information on distant recurrences from patient notes in EMR. Furthermore, we trained a regularized logistic regression model for recurrent MBC classification and evaluated its performance on a gold standard set of 146 patients. Results There were 11 459 breast cancer patients in total and the median follow-up time was 96.3 months. We identified 1886 MBC patients, 512 (27.1%) of whom were de novo MBC patients and 1374 (72.9%) were recurrent MBC patients. Our final MBC classifier achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.917, with sensitivity 0.861, specificity 0.878, and accuracy 0.870. Discussion and Conclusion To enable population-based research on MBC, we developed a framework for retrospective case detection combining EMR and CCR data. Our classifier achieved good AUC, sensitivity, and specificity without expert-labeled examples.
The Effect of Obesity on Operating Room Utilization in Breast Surgery.

Abstract Background The current obesity epidemic is associated with increased health care costs associated with comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease as well as postoperative complications. However, the effect of obesity on operating room (OR) utilization, especially in common breast procedures, has not been completely evaluated. Our study is the first to examine the effect of patient obesity on operative time (OPT) for common breast procedures. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project databases for 2010-2018 were searched for this retrospective review. Patients undergoing common breast operations (lumpectomy, lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) (+/− injection), lumpectomy and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), simple mastectomy, mastectomy with SLNB (+/− injection), and mastectomy with ALND) were filtered out by Current Procedural Terminology code and divided into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI) and weight. Using the two-sample t-test, OPT for the procedures was compared among the lowest and highest BMI and weight categories. We also used a linear regression t-test to demonstrate that for every unit increase in BMI, there was a corresponding increase in OPT for each procedure. Results When the lowest and highest BMI and weight groups were compared, significant differences in OPT (P Conclusions Patient BMI and weight significantly affect OPT for common breast procedures. Therefore, patient BMI should be taken into account to improve OR scheduling.
Characterization of Er 3 + : YV O 4 for microwave to optical transduction

Rare-earth-ion doped crystals are a promising platform for applications in microwave-to-optical transduction. Erbium is of special interest because of its telecom wavelength optical transitions. This work investigates the optical and electron-spin properties of Er${}^{3+}$:YVO${}_{4}$. An initial transduction of classical microwave signal using this material is demonstrated. The measured strong optical dipole moment and narrow ensemble inhomogeneities make Er${}^{3+}$:YVO${}_{4}$ a promising material for microwave-to-optical transduction.
Prevalence of Frailty and Associations with Oral Anticoagulant Prescribing in Atrial Fibrillation

Frailty is often cited as a factor influencing oral anticoagulation (OAC) prescription in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). We sought to determine the prevalence of frailty and its association with OAC prescription in older veterans with NVAF. We used ICD-9 codes in Veterans Affairs (VA) records and Medicare claims data to identify patients with NVAF and CHA2DS2VASC ≥2 receiving care between February 2010 and September 2015. We examined rates of OAC prescription, further stratified by direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) or vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Participants were characterized into 3 categories: non-frail, pre-frail, and frail based on a validated 30-item EHR-derived frailty index. We examined relations between frailty and OAC receipt; and frailty and type of OAC prescribed in regression models adjusted for factors related to OAC prescription. Of 308,664 veterans with NVAF and a CHA2DS2VASC score ≥2, 121,839 (39%) were prescribed OAC (73% VKA). The mean age was 77.7 (9.6) years; CHA2DS2VASC and ATRIA scores were 4.6 (1.6) and 5.0 (2.9) respectively. Approximately a third (38%) were frail, another third (32%) were pre-frail, and the remainder were not frail. Veterans prescribed OAC were younger, had higher bleeding risk, and were less likely to be frail than participants not receiving OAC (all p’s<0.001). After adjustment for factors associated with OAC use, pre-frail (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.87–0.91) and frail (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.64–0.68) veterans were significantly less likely to be prescribed OAC than non-frail veterans. Of those prescribed OAC, pre-frail (OR:1.27, 95% CI: 1.22–1.31) and frail (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.67–1.83) veterans were significantly more likely than non-frail veterans to be prescribed a DOAC than a VKA. There are high rates of frailty among older veterans with NVAF. Frailty using an EHR-derived index is associated with decreased OAC prescription.
Stress, Depression and Quit Attempt Outcomes among Unmotivated Smokers.

Stress and depressive symptoms have been linked to a reduced likelihood of sustaining smoking cessation. Because stress and depressive symptoms may negatively affect motivation to quit, stress and ...
A case report of COVID-19 in an asymptomatic patient with newly diagnosed breast cancer

Abstract COVID-19 can be especially dangerous in vulnerable populations such as those with cancer undergoing treatment. When it is discovered in an asymptomatic patient through imaging, there is a paucity of evidence-based treatment recommendations.
Academic Success: Perceptions of Student-Athletes, Learning Specialists, and Academic Advisors

The current study explores how academic success is defined and perceived by student-athletes and athletic academic support staff professionals, specifically learning specialists and academic advisors. Using qualitative methods, one-on-one interviews were conducted with participants from six “Power 5” programs to establish overarching themes. Academic advisors identified academic achievement and personal development as academic success. Learning specialists identified academic success as maximizing individual potential. Student-athletes identified meeting grade-based standards and work ethic resulting in reaching personal goals as academic success for themselves. Student-athletes also perceived that their advisor would identify eligibility and effort as academic success, and that their learning specialist would view academic success as building academic skills and work ethic.
Promising Pathways: Investigating Personal Factors Promoting Nonprofit Executives

The nonprofit sector has been critiqued for failing to systematically develop leadership to meet the sector’s professionalizing needs. The personal profile of who sits in the nonprofit executive position can be insightful about what experience and training have been deemed appropriate for nonprofit leadership and may reveal career pathways to the executive position. In this paper, the career backgrounds of 185 nonprofit association executives are reported upon, investigating if the credentials and experience held by these executives helped expedite their career pathway to the top position. The findings indicate that nonprofit sector experience was a significant predictor of time to the executive position, but that other career variables, such as education, credentials, and other previous experiences did not significantly impact the time to the position. This study adds to what we know about the professionalization of the nonprofit sector and raises questions about what signals readiness for the sector’s executive position.