cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Pediatric and Young Adult Nonrhabdomyosarcoma Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

Purpose To evaluate the prognostic factors, outcomes, and complications in patients aged ≤30 years with resectable nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft-tissue sarcoma treated at the University of Florida with radiotherapy (RT) during a 34-year period. Methods and Materials A total of 95 pediatric or young adult patients with nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft-tissue sarcoma were treated with curative intent with surgery and RT at the University of Florida between 1973 and 2007. The most common histologic tumor subtypes were synovial sarcoma in 22 patients, malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 19, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in 11 patients. The mean age at RT was 22 years (range, 6–30). Of the 95 patients, 73 had high-grade tumors; 45 had undergone preoperative RT and 50 postoperative RT. The prognostic factors for survival, local recurrence, and distant recurrence were analyzed. Results The median follow-up was 7.2 years (range, 0.4–30.5). The actuarial 5-year local control rate was 88%. A microscopically negative margin was associated with superior local control. Although 83% of local recurrence cases initially developed in the absence of metastases, all patients with local failure ultimately died of their disease. The actuarial estimate of 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival was 65% and 63%, respectively. Of all the deaths, 92% were disease related. An early American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, tumor Conclusion In the present large single-institution study, we found positive margins and locally advanced features to be poor prognostic factors for both local progression and survival. The results from the present study have helped to characterize the therapeutic ratio of RT in pediatric and young adult sarcoma patients and have provided a basis for identifying high-risk patients for whom treatment intensification might be justified.
Statistical analysis of measured and computed thickness and interfacial temperature of free-falling turbulent liquid films

Abstract This study examines the evolution of film thickness and interfacial temperature in turbulent, free-falling water films that are subjected to sensible heating. Measured temporal records of film thickness and interfacial temperature are subjected to thorough statistical analysis to understand the influence of interfacial waves on the distribution, periodicity and interdependence of these two parameters. A computational model of the film is constructed and its predictions subjected to similar statistical analysis. The statistical tools employed in this study include probability density, auto-covariance, cross-covariance, auto-spectrum and cross-spectrum. Probability density of film thickness shows an increase in substrate thickness and amplitude with increasing Reynolds number, while auto-covariance of thickness captures dominant frequencies corresponding to the large waves. Cross-covariance of film thickness and interfacial temperature difference captures a clear phase shift between the two parameters, with the temperature reaching a maximum in the relatively thin film region between the substrate and wave peak. Statistical results for both parameters exhibit clear dependence on axial location in the thermal entrance region, and point to fully developed wave structure downstream. The statistical results based on computed film thickness and interfacial temperature difference agree well with the results based on the measured, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the adopted computational tools at predicting the complex transport phenomena associated with wavy liquid–vapor interfaces.
Localization of a kinesin-related protein to the central pair apparatus of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagellum

Affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies raised against the conserved motor domain of Drosophila kinesin (alpha HD) recognized a 110 kDa component of the Chlamydomonas flagellar axoneme. Whole-mount immunogold labeling of splayed axonemes showed the striking localization of this antigen along one of the two microtubules of the central pair apparatus. Interestingly, the alpha HD antigen was also localized along the central axis of mutant axonemes lacking the central pair microtubules. These results suggest that a 110 kDa kinesin-related protein is a structural component of the flagellar central pair apparatus and that it is correctly targeted even in the absence of the central pair microtubules.
Influence of dietary iodine on susceptibility of rats to alpha naphthylthiourea poisoning.

SummaryThis study has shown that iodine given either as Lugol's solution or as potassium iodide protected rats against ANTU poisoning. The ability of the animals to tolerate ANTU was proportional to the quantity of iodine which had been ingested over a 1-2-day period.
Spectroscopic and kinetic study of the gas-phase CH3I-Cl and C2H5I-Cl adducts.

Time-resolved UV–visible absorption spectroscopy has been coupled with UV laser flash photolysis of Cl2/RI/N2/X mixtures (R = CH3 or C2H5; X = O2, NO, or NO2) to generate the RI−Cl radical adducts in the gas phase and study the spectroscopy and reaction kinetics of these species. Both adducts were found to absorb strongly over the wavelength range 310–500 nm. The spectra were very similar in wavelength dependence with λmax ≈ 315 nm for both adducts and σmax = (3.5 ± 1.2) × 10−17 and (2.7 ± 1.0) × 10−17 cm2 molecule−1 (base e) for CH3I−Cl and C2H5I−Cl, respectively (uncertainties are estimates of accuracy at the 95% confidence level). Two weaker bands with λmax ∼ 350 and 420 nm were also observed. Over the wavelength range 405–500 nm, where adduct spectra are reported both in the literature and in this study, the absorption cross sections obtained in this study are a factor of ∼4 lower than those reported previously [Enami et al. J. Phys. Chem. A 2005, 109, 1587 and 6066]. Reactions of RI−Cl with O2 were n...
Acute Splenic Tumor Produced by Non-Bacterial Antigens

It is well known that during the course of bacterial infections the spleen undergoes a change designated by the term “acute splenic tumor”. The significance of this change has never been clearly understood. The essential microscopic characteristic of the condition is an increase in mononuclear cells which have not the appearance of ordinary lymphocytes. These cells appear first in the margins of the Malpighian bodies and spread throughout the pulp in advanced cases. Some are definitely plasma cells, but the majority have large vesicular nuclei and abundant basophilic cytoplasm, and there has never been any general agreement as to their nature or function. Some have described them as macrophages, some as lymphoblastic cells, but most writers have regarded them as young myeloid cells and have interpreted their presence as representing an activity of the spleen in the manufacture of granulocytes under the stimulus of the infection.Although young myeloid cells may be found in the spleen (as in the blood) in b...
Writing Outside the (Sociological) Box

Sociologist Sudhir Venkatesh discusses the nuances of non-specialist writing and offers guidance on how sociologists can reach broader audiences.
Initial clinical experience imaging scatterer size and strain in thyroid nodules.

Objective. This article describes a new research ultrasound scanner that can be programmed to produce elastograms and backscatter parametric images in real time. Its performance was evaluated in a clinical setting. Methods. Radio frequency data were acquired from 13 patients with thyroid nodules and from 4 normal thyroids, along with reference phantom data. Scatterer size was deduced by measuring the backscatter versus frequency and fitting data to a model. Strain was obtained by a cross-correlation method, comparing precompression and postcompression radio frequency signals. Scatterer size contrast was defined as the observed contrast between the "normal" and "abnormal" tissue in the same gland or, when considering diffuse conditions, by comparing with normal values. Strain contrast was estimated if abnormal and normal tissue was captured in the same palpation, that is, excluding diffuse disease, which was the case for 9 subjects. Results. On scatterer size images, 4 nodules exhibited positive contrast versus the adjacent normal parenchyma, indicating larger scatterers. Five nodules were isoechoic, and 4 had negative contrast. Four nodules exhibited positive strain contrast, indicating that they were softer than the normal parenchyma. Two nodules had the same brightness, and 3 were darker than the background thyroid tissue on strain images. Conclusions. Contrast was observed between nodules and thyroid parenchymal tissue for both types of parametric images. Further work is needed to determine whether the diagnostic importance of these parameters in characterizing thyroid nodules might be worthwhile. Both modes must be of a sufficient frame rate to provide real-time feedback to operators, which will require further work.
"CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE": SYNDROME OF CLINICAL EXPEDIENCY.

Careful antemortem appraisal and pathologic investigations on a whole-lung basis can bring about significant advances in understanding of chronic pulmonary disease. With this approach, omnibus terms such as “obstructive lung syndrome,” “asthma and emphysema,” and “chronic irreversible lung disease” can be eliminated and the etiologic and pathogenic factors in these disparate forms of disease elucidated.
Alpha 2-adrenergic receptors regulate Na(+)-H+ exchange via a cAMP-dependent mechanism

The mechanism by which alpha 2-adrenergic receptors regulate Na(+)-H+ exchange activity in opossum kidney (OK) cells was studied. Because receptors linked to inhibition of adenylate cyclase, like alpha 2-receptors, also can interact with additional signaling mechanisms, we examined specifically the role of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in the signaling pathway controlling Na(+)-H+ activity in OK cells. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), prostaglandin (PGE1), and forskolin, agents that stimulate cAMP production in these cells, inhibited the rate of amiloride-sensitive 22Na+ uptake by up to 40%. Epinephrine and UK 14304, acting through alpha 2-receptors, were able to reverse this inhibition of 22Na+ uptake to near-control levels and also attenuate PTH-, PGE1-, and forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Likewise, serotonin (5-HT) and SDZ21-009, acting through 5-HT1b receptors, could reverse inhibition of 22Na+ uptake and also attenuate stimulated cAMP accumulation. Neither epinephrine nor serotonin affected the rate of uninhibited 22Na+ uptake. Pertussis toxin pretreatment abolished the effects of alpha 2- and 5-HT1b receptors on both cAMP accumulation and 22Na+ uptake, suggesting that receptor-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation is involved in receptor modulation of Na(+)-H+ exchange activity. In contrast, epinephrine was not able to alter the inhibition of 22Na+ uptake mediated by the membrane-permeant cAMP analogues 8-bromo-cAMP and dibutyryl cAMP at any concentration of analogue that significantly inhibited 22Na+ uptake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Elements Involved In Promoting Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) are food allergen-induced allergic gastrointestinal disorders, characterized by accumulation of highly induced eosinophils in different segments of gastrointestinal tract along with eosinophil microabssess and extracellular eosinophilic granules in the epithelial layer. EGID are both IgE- and cell-mediated group of diseases that include eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), eosinophilic gastritis (EG), eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) and eosinophilic colitis (EC). Despite the increased incidences and considerable progress made in understanding EGID pathogenesis. It has been shown that IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-15, IL-18, eotaxin-1, eotaxin-2 and eotaxin-3 play a critical role in EGID pathogenesis. Currently, the only criterion for diagnosing EoE, EGE and EC are repetitive endoscopic and histopathological evaluation of biopsies along with other clinical characteristics/ manifestations. Antigen elimination and corticosteroid therapies are the most effective therapies currently in practice for the treatment of EGID. The cytokines (anti IL-5 and Anti-IL-13) therapy trials were not very successful in case of EoE. Most recently, a clinical trial using anti-IL-13 reported only 60% reduced esophageal eosinophilia without achieving primary endpoint. This clinical finding is not surprising and is in accordance with our earlier report indicating that IL-13 is not critical in the initiation of EoE. Notably, EGID still has no reliable noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers. Hence, there is a great necessity to identify novel noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers that can easily diagnose EGID and provide an effective therapy. Now, the attention is required to target cell types like iNKT cells that produce eosinophil active cytokines and is found induced in the pathogenesis of both experimental and human EoE. iNKT cell neutralization is shown to protect allergen-induced EoE in experimental model. In this review, we have discussed the key elements that are critical in the disease initiation, progression, pathogenesis and important for future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for EGID.
Using binder and mixture space diagrams to evaluate the effect of re-refined engine oil bottoms on binders and mixtures after ageing

This study addresses the New England state transportation agencies concerns associated with the use of Re-refined Engine Oil Bottoms (REOB) in asphalt binders and mixtures. The effect of REOB on the physical and rheological properties of a straight run asphalt binder was investigated after short-term and long-term aging and after extended long-term aging. Also, the effect of REOB modified binders on the performance of asphalt mixtures after short and long-term aging was evaluated in terms of moisture damage, rutting, and cracking. Rheological results showed that the addition of REOB caused the binders to age more relative to the straight run binder. The results also indicated that the use of higher dosages of REOB can cause increased binder aging. Overall, when the results from the particular mixture tests used in this study were plotted on a Performance Space Diagrams, the diagrams did not provide evidence that using REOB decreases performance.
Survey of the Parasitoids of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Coastal South Carolina Using Yellow Sticky Traps

A survey was conducted to identify which native parasitoids of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring (sweetpotato whitefly strain-B = silverleaf whitefly) are present in coastal South Carolina and to monitor their seasonal abundance. South Carolina is the northern geographic limit of year-round field populations of B. argentifolii in the eastern U.S. Yellow sticky cards were used to monitor the parasitoids. Parasitoid abundance varied over time and among five coastal South Carolina sweetpotato field locations where pesticide was not used. Five species of parasitoids were found (Encarsia pergandiella, E. nigricephala, E. strenua, E. quaintancei, and Eretmocerus sp.). The most abundant species were E. nigricephala and E. pergandiella (89% in 1993; 70% in 1994). No parasitoid fauna of B. argentifolii had heretofore been reported from fields in South Carolina. This background information will aid in developing a biological control component in a management strategy for B. argentifolii.
Hormones as Performance-Enhancing Agents

Success in sports is often defined by winning, which drives athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs to gain an advantage over opponents. The use of doping agents in sports has a long history, especially over the last years, secondary to scandals and controversy. Athletes and the general public are now more aware and educated about this issue. The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) mission is to lead a collaborative worldwide campaign for doping-free sport. A list of doping substances and methods banned in sports is published yearly by WADA (http://www.wada-ama.org). A substance or method might be included in the list if it fulfills at least two of the following criteria: enhances sports performance, represents a risk to the athlete’s health, or violates the spirit of sports.
Variation in nocturnal light levels does not alter mate choice behavior in female eastern gray treefrogs ( Hyla versicolor )

Nocturnal light levels vary throughout the course of the lunar cycle, being darkest during the new moon and brightest during the full moon. Many nocturnal animals change their behavior in response to this natural variation in moonlight intensity. Frequently, these behavioral changes can be attributed to the way in which moonlight affects the ability of predators to spot potential prey. Mate sampling females may expose themselves to predators, making mate choice a behavior likely influenced by moonlight. Because mate choice is an important cause of sexual selection, understanding the causes of variation in mate choice decisions can yield a better understanding of the strength and direction of sexual selection under natural conditions. We predicted that female eastern gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) would prefer longer calls (i.e., more attractive males) and/or be choosier, under darker conditions, because cover of darkness may aid in predator evasion. However, light treatment did not affect how females responded to variation in call duration, nor did it affect female choosiness or aspects of their approach behavior. This suggests that in gray treefrogs, variation in light levels associated with the changing phases of the moon does not alter the sexual selection regime on male call traits. Looking for the perfect mate can be very dangerous, especially when environmental conditions make it more likely to be spotted by potential predators. Changes in mate choice behavior associated with predator exposure is quite common in nature, yet have rarely been examined in connection with the drastic variation in nocturnal illumination associated with the changing phases of the moon. We investigated whether females of a nocturnal treefrog change their behavior depending on whether they look for mates under simulated new moon or full moon conditions. We found that females preferred longer calls under both conditions, and that they also did not move more stealthily during bright compared to dark conditions. Our results suggest that males with long calls always have a mating advantage, and that sexual selection by female choice is uniformly strong across the lunar cycle.
Simulation of Uranium Transport with Variable Temperature and Oxidation Potential: The Computer Program Thcc

A simulator of reactive chemical transport has been constructed with the capabilities of treating variable temperatures and variable oxidation potentials within a single simulation. Homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions are simulated at temperature-dependent equilibrium, and changes of oxidation states of multivalent elements can be simulated during transport. Chemical mass action relations for formation of complexes in the fluid phase are included explicitly within the partial differential equations of transport, and a special algorithm greatly simplifies treatment of reversible precipitation of solid phases. This approach allows direct solution of the complete set of governing equations for concentrations of all aqueous species and solids affected simultaneously by chemical and physical processes. Results of example simulations of transport, along a temperature gradient, of uranium solution species under conditions of varying pH and oxidation potential and with reversible precipitation of uraninite and coffinite are presented. The examples illustrate how inclusion of variable temperature and oxidation potential in numerical simulators can enhance understanding of the chemical mechanisms affecting migration of multivalent waste elements.
Primary Atmospheric Drivers of Pluvial Years in the United States Great Plains

AbstractPrecipitation variability has increased in recent decades across the Great Plains (GP) of the United States. Drought and its associated drivers have been studied in the GP region; however, ...
Can Deliberative Democracy Work in Hierarchical Organizations

Some measure of equality is necessary for deliberative democracy to work well, yet empirical scholarship consistently points to the deleterious effect that hierarchy and inequalities of epistemological authority have on deliberation. This article tests whether real-world deliberative forums can overcome these challenges. Contrary to skeptics, it concludes that the act of deliberation itself and the presence of trained moderators ameliorate inequalities of epistemological authority, thus rendering deliberative democracy possible, even within hierarchical organizations.
Abstract 2137: Osteoblast-lineage cells protect AML cells from cytarabine-induced apoptosis via a mechanism sensitive to HDACi and reduced cell-cell contact

The endosteal niche is a component of the bone marrow microenvironment that can serve to protect hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from standard chemotherapies such as cytarabine (Ara-C). Surviving AML cells harbored by this niche can eventually lead to relapse. The endosteal niche is rich in osteoblast lineage cells. U937 or KG1a AML cell lines were cultured with or without osteoblast lineage cells (MC3T3 or W-20-17 cell lines), challenged with doses of 0µM, 0.1µM, 0.5µM, 1µM, 5µM, or 10µM of Ara-C, and assayed for apoptosis via annexin-V staining and flow cytometry. Osteoblast lineage cells (MC3T3 or W-20-17 cell lines) were able to protect AML cells (U937 or KG1a cell lines) from Ara-C-induced apoptosis. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) globally alter gene expression within cells. When we pre-treated osteoblast lineage cells (MC3T3) with the HDACi vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, SAHA), it reduced the ability of the osteoblast lineage cells (MC3T3) to protect AML cells (U937) from Ara-C-induced apoptosis, which we have previously confirmed in the KG1a AML cell line as well. This indicates that osteoblast lineage cell-mediated protection of AML from Ara-C occurs via an HDACi sensitive mechanism. To begin to further explore the mechanism of action, we co-cultured AML cells (KG1a or U937) with and without osteoblast lineage cells (MC3T3) in the presence or absence of a transwell. We found that the presence of the transwell reduced the osteoblast lineage cell-mediated protection, indicating that osteoblast lineage cell-mediated protection of AML from Ara-C is cell contact dependent. Thus, osteoblast lineage cells can protect AML cells from Ara-C induced apoptosis, this protection can be reduced by pre-treatment of the osteoblast lineage cells with the HDACi vorinostat, and osteoblast lineage cell-mediated protection from Ara-C is cell contact dependent. These studies begin to characterize the mechanisms of osteoblast lineage cell-mediated protection of AML from Ara-C. Manipulating the protective properties of osteoblast lineage cells of the endosteal niche may help make AML cells more susceptible to chemotherapeutics. Therefore, developing combination therapies that target the protective mechanisms of osteoblast-lineage cells may help to further deplete the bone marrow microenvironment of AML cells and prevent relapse of disease. Citation Format: Rosalie M. Sterner, Kimberly N. Kremer, Meagan R. Rollins, Amel Dudakovic, Jennifer J. Westendorf, Andre J. van Wijnen, Karen E. Hedin. Osteoblast-lineage cells protect AML cells from cytarabine-induced apoptosis via a mechanism sensitive to HDACi and reduced cell-cell contact [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2137.
Altitude and Variable Effects on Infant Mortality in the United States.

Abstract Levine, Robert S., Jason L. Salemi, Maria C. Mejia de Grubb, Sarah K. Wood, Lisa Gittner, Hafiz Khan, Michael A. Langston, Baqar A. Husaini, George Rust, and Charles H. Hennekens. Altitude and variable effects on infant mortality in the United States. High Alt Med Biol. 19:265–271, 2018. Aims: To explore whether altitude has different effects on infant mortality from newborn respiratory distress, nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Results: Infants born in the US Mountain Census Division (AR, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT, and WY) had lower mortality from newborn respiratory distress (p < 0.001, mortality rate ratios [MRR] = 0.5 for non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites and 0.6 for Hispanic whites) relative to infants born elsewhere in the United States, while Mountain Division non-Hispanic white infants had significantly higher mortality from nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (MRR = 1.3 [1.1, 1.6] p < 0.001). After adjustment for state average birth weight, gestati...
Removing the magnetic sphincter augmentation device: operative management and outcomes

Recurrent or persistent symptoms of reflux, dysphagia, or device erosion can lead to removal of the magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA aka Linx) device. Device removal has been previously reported, and outcomes of various surgical management strategies at the time of removal have not been well described. This is a retrospective review of patients undergoing MSA removal from March 2009 to September 2017 in a single institution. Reason for removal, operative management, and short-term outcomes are reported. During the study, 435 MSA devices were implanted, 24 of which required removal (5.5%). Removal was due to refractory dysphagia in 1.8% (8/435), for recurrent or persistent GERD in 2.9% (13/435), and secondary to erosion in 0.5% (2/435). Mean time from implant to removal was 863 days (range 119–1762 days). The most common reasons for removal were recurrent GERD (54%), dysphagia (38%), or erosion (8%). Significant operative findings included recurrent or progressive hiatal hernia (38%), erosion (8%), and normal anatomy (46%). Hiatal hernia was found and repaired at the time of device removal in 38% of patients (9/24). The MSA device was removed through laparotomy (4%), laparoscopically (88%), or through a combination of endoscopy and laparoscopy (8%). After removal patients underwent repeat MSA (33%), fundoplication (21%), gastrectomy (4%), or no additional procedure (42%). Symptoms prompting removal of the MSA device had resolved in 52% of patients and improved in an additional 35% at last contact. Of the 10 patients having no anti-reflux procedure after removal, 9 were available for follow-up at a mean of 97 (106) days of whom 22.2% (2/9) had symptoms of GERD or required any anti-reflux medication. No major complications occurred after removal. MSA removal when necessary can be accomplished through minimally invasive means. Repeat Linx or fundoplication can be performed after removal, however may not be necessary in patients with removal for dysphagia.
Vortex-Induced Vibration of symmetric airfoils used in Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines

The present work considers a flexibly-mounted NACA 0021 airfoil, allowed to oscillate in the crossflow direction to investigate its Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) response at different angles of attack. This airfoil is considered, since it is one of the airfoils used in Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) designs. Based on the experimental results of the current work, for smaller angles of attack, α, no oscillation was observed. Oscillations started at α = 60°, with a rather small amplitude and small lock-in range, and grew in peak amplitude and width of the lock-in range through α = 90°, where VIV persisted for a wide range of reduced velocities: 1.7 < U* < 12 (where U* = U/fnD, is the reduced velocity, U is the flow velocity, fn is the structure’s natural frequency in otherwise still water, and D is the chord length) and reached an amplitude of A* = 1.93 (defined as A* = A/D, where A is the amplitude of oscillations and D is the chord length of the airfoil). Flow visualizations were conducted using Bubble Image Velocimetry (BIV) technique, with image pairs captured by a high-speed camera. These flow visualizations indicated 2S vortex shedding patterns in the wake of the oscillating airfoils at a frequency equal to the oscillation frequency, confirming that the observed oscillations are VIV.
The Cassette in the 1980s Indie Music Scenes

ABSTRACTThe cassette format took on three central functions within 1980s independent music (indie) in the United States: It served as a means of connection among musicians, facilitated the process ...
On an Exponential Functional for Gaussian Processes and Its Geometric Foundations

After setting geometric notions, we revisit an exponential functional which has arisen in several contexts, with special attention to a set of geometric parameters and associated inequalities.
The Edge-Removal Problem’s Connections to the Zero-Error and $\delta$ -Dependence Problems in Network Coding

The edge-removal problem addresses the loss in capacity obtained by the removal of an edge of capacity $\lambda $ from a given network. In the context of network coding, the edge-removal problem has been solved for certain families of networks (such as instances with co-located sources). However, the problem is open for general instances. This work ties the edge-removal problem to two additional problems in the context of network communication: (a) the “ zero-error” network coding problem, which asks whether the zero-error network coding capacity differs from the capacity when error probability is allowed to tend to zero as the blocklength grows; and (b) the “ $\delta $ -dependence” problem, which measures the advantage of message dependence in network coding capacity.
Neurologic complications of melanoma

Neurologic complications are common in patients with melanoma and are often associated with a poor prognosis. In an era with new, effective treatments, patients are living longer, and this has resulted in an increase in complications of both the disease and the therapy. A multidisciplinary approach to neurologic complications in patients with melanoma, with involvement from medical oncology, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, and often neurosurgery, is necessary. In this review, neurologic complications of melanoma, including clinical implications and treatment strategies, are described.
Development of a Versatile and Sensitive Direct Ligand Binding Assay for Human NR5A Nuclear Receptors.

As regulators of steroidogenesis, development, and metabolism, the nuclear receptor 5A (NR5A) subfamily members steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and liver receptor homologue 1 (LRH-1) are important pharmacological targets for cancers and metabolic diseases. Evaluation of small molecule modulators and candidate endogenous ligands for these orphan receptors has been hindered by the lack of accessible, robust direct-binding assays. Here, we leverage the potency of our new NR5A agonist (6N) to create a high-affinity probe for fluorescence polarization competition assays by conjugating 6N to fluorescein (FAM). The 6N-FAM probe tightly binds the NR5A receptors and detects direct binding of synthetic and phospholipid ligands. For 25 LRH-1 agonists, affinity predicts potency in cellular activation assays, demonstrating the potential for this assay in drug discovery. Moreover, phospholipids dilauroylphosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol(4,5)phosphate bind with high affinity, demonstrating this assay is robust ...
Mannequin-Based Simulators and Part-Task Trainers

Mannequin simulators and task trainers have become an essential part of simulation in anesthesiology. High-fidelity mannequin simulators heighten the physical and emotional fidelity of simulations by eliciting realistic physical exam findings and mimicking changes in physiology related to the scenario. Much research and development has gone into this technology, starting from very simple, low-fidelity cardiopulmonary resuscitation simulators to wireless, tetherless, complex mannequins capable of mimicking a myriad of patient signs and symptoms. Task trainers are simulation devices aimed at teaching one focused skill or procedure. Examples of these include difficult airway trainers, central venous access trainers, and neuraxial anesthesia trainers. These often serve as stand-alone resources; however, manufacturers are increasingly integrating these into high-fidelity mannequins. In this chapter, we review the history of mannequin simulators, evidence behind their use, contemporary examples, and future directions in the field.
Spade phalanx sign of acromegaly

This is a radiograph (fig 1) of the spade phalanx sign of acromegaly. The patient was a 32 year old woman with a history …
Cost-effectiveness of Preemptive Therapy Versus Prophylaxis in a Randomized Clinical Trial for the Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Disease in Seronegative Liver Transplant Recipients With Seropositive Donors.

BACKGROUND The relative costs of preemptive therapy (PET) or prophylaxis for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in high-risk donor CMV-seropositive/recipient-seronegative (D+/R-) liver transplant recipients have not been assessed in the context of a randomized trial. METHODS A decision tree model was constructed based on the probability of outcomes in a randomized controlled trial that compared valganciclovir as PET or prophylaxis for 100 days in 205 D+/R- liver transplant recipients. Itemized costs for each site were obtained from a federal cost transparency database. Total costs included costs of implementation of the strategy and CMV disease treatment-related costs. Net cost per patient was estimated from the decision tree for each strategy. RESULTS PET was associated with a 10% lower absolute rate of CMV disease (9% vs 19%). The cost of treating a case of CMV disease in our patients was $88 190. Considering cost of implementation of strategy and treatment-related cost for CMV disease, the net cost-savings per patient associated with PET was $8707 compared to prophylaxis. PET remained cost-effective across a range of assumptions (varying costs of monitoring and treatment, and rates of disease). CONCLUSIONS PET is the dominant CMV prevention strategy in that it was associated with lower rates of CMV disease and lower overall costs compared to prophylaxis in D+/R- liver transplant recipients. Costs were driven primarily by more hospitalizations and higher CMV disease-associated costs due to delayed onset postprophylaxis disease in the prophylaxis group.
Abstract 17292: Does Morbid Obesity Worsens Outcomes in COVID-19?

Introduction: Given the high prevalence of obesity around the globe, patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at an increased risk of devastating complications. Hypothesis: We hypothes...
A “Tug of War” maintains a dynamic protein-membrane complex as shown in all-atom simulations of C-Raf RBD-CRD bound to K-Ras4B at an anionic membrane

Association of Raf kinase with activated Ras triggers downstream signaling cascades, towards regulating transcription in the cells9nucleus. Dysregulation of Ras: Raf signaling stimulates cancers. We investigate the C-Raf RBD and CRD regions when bound to oncogenic K-Ras4B at the membrane. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the membrane plays an integral role in regulating the configurational ensemble of the complex. Remarkably, the complex samples a few states dynamically, reflecting a competition between C-Raf CRD and K-Ras4B- membrane interactions. This competition arises because the interaction between the RBD and K-Ras is strong and the linker between the RBD and CRD is short. This study reveals a mechanism that maintains a modest binding for the overall complex at the membrane to facilitate fast signaling processes. It is likely a common mechanism for other multi-protein, if not multidomain proteins at membranes.
Racial and Gender Disparities among Evicted Americans

Drawing on millions of court records of eviction cases filed between 2012 and 2016 in 39 states, this study documents the racial and gender demographics of America's evicted population. Black renters received a disproportionate share of eviction filings and experienced the highest rates of eviction filing and eviction judgment. Black and Latinx female renters faced higher eviction rates than their male counterparts. Black and Latinx renters were also more likely to be serially filed against for eviction at the same address. These findings represent the most comprehensive investigation to date of racial and gender disparities among evicted renters in the United States.
Development of Electrospun Nanofibrous Filters for Controlling Coronavirus Aerosols

Abstract Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 plays a critical role in spreading COVID-19. To protect public health, we designed and fabricated electrospun nanofibrous air filters that hold promise for applications in personal protective equipment and indoor environment. Due to ultrafine nanofibers (∼300 nm), the electrospun air filters had a much smaller pore size compared to the surgical mask and cloth masks (a couple of microns versus tens to hundreds of microns). A coronavirus strain was used to generate aerosols for filtration efficiency tests, which can better represent SARS-CoV-2 than other agents used for aerosol generation in previous studies. The electrospun air filters showed excellent performance by capturing up to 99.9% of coronavirus aerosols, which outperformed many commercial face masks. In addition, since NaCl aerosols have been widely used in filtration tests, we compared the filtration efficiency obtained from the coronavirus aerosols and the NaCl aerosols. The NaCl aerosols were demonstrated as an eligible surrogate for the coronavirus aerosols in the filtration tests, when air filters and face masks with diverse pore sizes, morphologies, and efficiencies were used. Our work paves a new avenue for advancing air filtration by developing electrospun nanofibrous air filters for controlling SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission. Moreover, the removal efficiency of the NaCl aerosols can be reasonably translated into understanding how air filters capture the coronavirus aerosols.
Invited commentary: The Covid-19 pandemic in the United States.

Despite being the wealthiest and one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, the United States has the greatest number of Covid-19 cases and deaths. What accounts for this failure? The dismantling of the country’s public health infrastructure has crippled contact tracing and exacerbated inequality as a disproportionate number of poor people and people of color have fallen ill with Covid-19. Inadequate regulation of the private for-profit sector has adversely affected the efficiency and quality of testing for the virus, and the prescription of costly drugs whose benefit and safety in treating infected patients have not been established. More stringent regulation of the commercial sector has led to the development of efficacious vaccines in a remarkably short time. Still, questions remain about the vaccines’ effectiveness in the real world, and their safety.
When Push Comes to Shove: The Effect of Economic Crisis on the Spending of Government Savings

This study explores whether and how an economic crisis affects the spending of government savings by focusing on its political-economic benefit. Despite a great deal of discussion about the governm...
Investigation of Coherent and Incoherent Scattering from Lakes Using Cygnss Observations

Spaceborne GNSS reflectometry has shown ability to observe the global inland water distribution. It allows generating dynamic maps of rivers, wetlands and inundations using the large variation in the received power while the ground track crosses those objects. Here, we analyze the change of the reflected signal's power and coherence due to surface roughness and cover (ice) observed in the CYGNSS delay-Doppler maps for Qinghai Lake, China. It is shown that a significant attenuation of the reflected coherent signal and emergence of the diffuse component occurs due to wind-generated surface waves. The comparable attenuation effect of the coherent component is observed in the case of the frozen lake. It takes place due to the lower value of the average Fresnel reflection coefficient of ice. A similar effect may occur for reflections from wetlands, when open water and water covered by vegetation could produce comparable reflected powers, however, due to different mechanisms. Understanding the relative scattering characteristics of wetlands in contrast with rougher bodies such as lakes is important for the development of algorithms to detect their dynamic changes.
The Language-Literacy Ripple Effect on College-Goingness for a Refugee-Background Student

Insights revealed about strengths in navigational strategies yielded from a larger study on refugee-background college students prompted an examination of the same phenomena from the perspective of...
Proximal interphalangeal locking compression plate for pastern arthrodesis in horses.

BACKGROUND Outcomes following proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis by a variety of surgical methods are available. Reports detailing clinical outcomes following PIPJ arthrodesis utilising the proximal interphalangeal joint locking compression plate (PIP-LCP) and abaxial transarticular lag screws technique are limited. OBJECTIVES To report survival, radiographic and clinical outcomes following PIPJ arthrodesis with PIP-LCP and abaxial transarticular lag screw fixation. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Medical records of all horses undergoing pastern arthrodesis from 2009 to 2018 were reviewed. Arthrodeses performed using a 3-hole, 4.5 mm narrow LCP, specifically designed for the proximal interphalangeal joint, were included. Patient details, presentation, radiographic findings, intraoperative and post-operative data, and complications were documented. Short- and long-term follow-up was available for 23 horses. RESULTS Thirty PIPJ arthrodeses were performed in 29 horses meeting the criteria for inclusion. Twenty-eight horses (97%, 95% CI 83-100) survived to discharge. Twenty-three horses (79%, 95% CI 60%-92%) had successful outcomes including 12 of the 15 forelimb cases and 11 of the 13 hindlimb cases with available follow-up. Fifteen of 19 performance horses returned to athletic activity. Soundness in performance horses was recognised at less than 3 months in one case, 3 to 6 months in six cases, 6 to 12 months in five cases, and greater than 12 months in six cases. Complications included three implant infections, support limb laminitis (two horses), and fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx (one horse). MAIN LIMITATIONS A retrospectively reviewed, small study population with a variety of breeds and disciplines. CONCLUSIONS The PIP-LCP construct provides a very good prognosis for performance and an excellent prognosis for pasture soundness.
Age Is But a Number: Damage Control Surgery Outcomes in Geriatric Emergency General Surgery.

ABSTRACT Background Damage control surgery (DCS) with temporary abdominal closure (TAC) is increasingly utilized in emergency general surgery (EGS). As the population ages, more geriatric patients (GP) are undergoing EGS operations. Concern exists for GP's ability to tolerate DCS. We hypothesize that DCS in GP does not increase morbidity or mortality and has similar rates of primary closure compared to non-geriatric patients (NGP). Methods A retrospective chart review from 2014-2020 was conducted on all non-trauma EGS patients who underwent DCS with TAC. Demographics, admission lab values, fluid amounts, length of stay (LOS), timing of closure, post-operative complications and mortality were collected. GP were compared to NGP and results were analyzed using Chi square and Wilcox signed rank test. Results Ninety-eight patients (n = 50, Conclusions DCS with TAC in geriatric EGS patients achieves similar outcomes and mortality to younger patients. Indication, not age, should factor into the decision to perform DCS.
Resident Involvement in Hip Arthroscopy Procedures Does Not Affect Short-Term Surgical Outcomes.

Purpose To evaluate whether the presence of residents in hip arthroscopy (HA) procedures affects short-term surgical outcomes. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database was used to identify patients who underwent HA from 2006 to 2012. Demographic and 30-day outcome variables were compared between cohorts of patients with and without residents. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify whether resident involvement was an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes. Propensity score matching was performed to control for all demographic and intraoperative variables. Results A total of 869 patients (59.7% female) were included in this study, 626 of which reported data on resident involvement. Patients were mostly White (73.4% of cases without a resident, 51.8% with a resident, P < .05). Those with residents were younger (P = .016), had lower modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) scores (P = .028), and had fewer cardiac comorbidities (P = .008). There was no difference in diabetic status, dyspnea symptoms, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal comorbidity, neurologic comorbidity, cumulative comorbidities, history of bleeding disorders, inpatient vs. outpatient treatment, preoperative functional status, smoking history, and steroid use for chronic conditions. There was no difference in all complications, operative time, length of stay, reoperation, readmission, wound complication, venous thromboembolism, blood transfusions, or sepsis. Propensity score match for demographic and intraoperative differences found no association between resident involvement and increased complications. Resident involvement was not an independent risk factor for all complications studied. Conclusion Resident involvement in HA procedures was not a risk factor for 30-day complications between 2006 and 2012. Resident involvement did not increase the risk of adverse outcomes, readmission, reoperation, or length of stay, nor did it significantly increase operative times.
Pediatric craniosynostosis computed tomography: an institutional experience in reducing radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Children with craniosynostosis may undergo multiple computed tomography (CT) examinations for diagnosis and post-treatment follow-up, resulting in cumulative radiation exposure. To reduce the risks associated with radiation exposure, we evaluated the compliance, radiation dose reduction and clinical image quality of a lower-dose CT protocol for pediatric craniosynostosis implemented at our institution. The standard of care at our institution was modified to replace pediatric head CT protocols with a lower-dose CT protocol utilizing 100 kV, 5 mAs and iterative reconstruction. Study-ordered, protocol-utilized and radiation-dose indices were collected for studies performed with routine pediatric brain protocols (n=22) and with the lower-dose CT protocol (n=135). Two pediatric neuroradiologists evaluated image quality in a subset (n=50) of the lower-dose CT studies by scoring visualization of cranial structures, confidence of diagnosis and the need for more radiation dose. During the 30-month period, the lower-dose CT protocol had high compliance, with 2/137 studies performed with routine brain protocols. With the lower-dose CT protocol, volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) was 1.1 mGy for all patients (0–9 years old) and effective dose ranged from 0.06 to 0.22 mSv, comparable to a 4-view skull radiography examination. CTDIvol was reduced by 98% and effective dose was reduced up to 67-fold. Confidence in diagnosing craniosynostosis was high and more radiation dose was considered unnecessary in all studies (n=50) by both radiologists. Replacing the routine pediatric brain CT protocol with a lower-dose CT craniosynostosis protocol substantially reduced radiation exposure without compromising image quality or diagnostic confidence.
Listeners' Perceptions of Speaker Personality Traits Based on Speech.

Purpose Voice and speech are rich with information about a speaker's personality and other features of identity. This study seeks to determine the extent to which listeners agree about speakers' so...