cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of PCAOB Regulatory Actions and Engagement Risk on Auditors’ Internal Audit Reliance Decisions

This paper examines how external auditors’ reliance decisions on the internal audit function (IAF) are affected by two Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) regulatory actions (the risk-based audit approach required by auditing standards and a change in the focus of the PCAOB inspection process) and engagement risk. As predicted, we find a significant interaction between these three factors that shows the following. First, when the riskiness of the audit tests is low, the effect of focus of the PCAOB inspection process is not significant on the auditors’ reliance on the IAF when engagement risk is low. However, when engagement risk is high, the auditors placed significantly greater reliance on the IAF when a balanced focus is used for the PCAOB inspection process compared to an effectiveness focus. Second, when the riskiness of the tests to be performed is high, the auditors relied more on the IAF in the balanced focus of the PCAOB inspection process condition regardless of the level of engagement risk. Lastly, we find that under the new regulatory regime external auditors rely more on the IAF to perform tests of controls than substantive procedures.
Raman Cross Sections of Chemical Agents and Simulants

The differential Raman scattering cross sections of the chemical agents GA, GB, HD, and VX, and the chemical agent simulants DMMP and DIMP have been measured with visible and UV wavelength excitation. These compounds proved to be weak Raman scatterers with cross sections for the strongest lines on the order of 6 to 10 × 10−30 cm2/sr/molecule with 514.5-nm excitation. Excitation at 363.8 nm yielded only a slight preresonance enhancement of the Raman cross sections. Because of the small cross sections and the lack of enhancement, remote Raman detection of chemical agents appears doubtful.
COMPETITION AND PRICING IN THE CREDIT CARD MARKET

Many credit card issuers charge “fixed rates” that remain the same for three to five years, while the rest charge “variable rates” that are indexed to market rates. The presence of these two distinct rate types forces prices at firms selling an otherwise identical product to move asynchronously; variable rates move one-for-one with the index, while fixed rates stay constant. Empirical and theoretical analysis shows that this pricing structure provides an explanation for the simultaneous (yet seemingly contradictory) existence of high rate-cost margins and aggressive non-price competition for new customers, a phenomenon that existed in the credit card market in the early 1990s.
Fine structure of Sporocytophaga myxococcoides.

Electron microscopic examination of thin sections of vegetative cells and microcysts of S. myxococcoides indicates that the vegetative cells have a fine structure basically identical to that of other gram-negative bacteria. Microcysts, on the other hand, possess not only an extensive internal membrane system, an additional “intermediate layer” interposed between the plasma membrane and cell wall, but also a thick fibrillar outer coat or capsule.
Acute Respiratory Infections

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, any intervention that would help reduce the incidence, decrease the severity, or improve the clinical course of these infections would be a huge advance for the care of people around the world. Vitamin D supplements may be such an intervention for populations with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Unfortunately, examining ARI as an outcome measure is complex given its protean categorization. Nonetheless, multiple case–control studies have noted an association between children with rickets and increased ­incidence of ARI. Furthermore, prospective, observational studies have linked low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with adverse impact on both the incidence and clinical course of ARI. More recently, randomized controlled trials have been conducted, but these trials have had mixed results for reducing ARI incidence. Despite the mixed RCT results, when all of the data about vitamin D and ARI are taken together, we believe that current evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation of individuals with low vitamin D status decreases the incidence of ARI. Nevertheless, firm recommendations will require larger RCTs, with adequate dosing of vitamin D supplementation and enrollment of diverse populations that include both high-risk and non-high-risk groups. Furthermore, the scientific rigor and accuracy of these RCTs will evolve as we learn more about not only vitamin D dosing, metabolism, and genetics but also specific ARI viruses, viral–bacterial interactions, and the potential importance of the respiratory microbiome.
Variation in bidder's organ volume is attributable to reproductive status in Bufo woodhousii

A unique rudimentary ovarian structure known as the Bidder's organ (BO) occurs at the anterior end of the gonads of male bufonids. I examined BO volume in reproductively active (RA) versus nonreproductively active (NRA) males of Bufo woodhousii to examine changes in BO volume in relation to reproductive status. BO volume was larger in NRA males, suggesting that cues associated with sexual maturity influence BO volume.
Moving beyond a traditional algorithm in whole number subtraction: Preservice teachers’ responses to a student’s invented strategy

Although students’ invented strategies typically prove to be meaningful and effective in improving the students’ mathematical understanding, much remains unexplored in the current literature. This study examined, through a teaching-scenario task, the nature of 80 preservice teachers’ reasoning and responses to students’ informal and formal strategies for whole number subtraction. This study also examined challenges reported by preservice teachers attempting to connect students’ informal strategies to a traditional method. The broader implications of this study for the international community are discussed, and recommendations for teacher education programs are presented in accordance with the findings of the study.
The Financiers of Congressional Elections: Investors, Ideologues, and Intimates

The Financiers of Congressional Elections: Investors, Ideologues, and Intimates. By Peter L. Francia, John C. Green, Paul S. Herrnson, Lynda W. Powell, and Clyde Wilcox. New York: Columbia University Press, 2003. 205p. $59.50 cloth, $22.50 paper. This book begins with a simple but important premise: “When political activists have distinctive views and special access to policymakers, representation and democracy may become distorted” (p. 18). Building on previous research showing that such representational “distortion” is particularly large in the case of campaign contributors, Peter Francia, John C. Green, Paul S. Herrnson, Lynda Powell, and Clyde Wilcox collect and analyze an ocean of new survey data on the characteristics, motives, participation, and activities of significant donors (those who contributed more than $200 to at least one congressional candidate in 1996). The authors reach the “troubling” conclusion that significant donors do, in fact, “have a greater voice both in elections and the policymaking process than do most other Americans…. The degree to which donors hold diverse views on policy and possess different motives for giving serves to mitigate but not eliminate this distortion” (p. 162).
Exploring Shared Control in Automated Driving

Automated driving systems that share control with human drivers by using haptic feedback through the steering wheel have been shown to have advantages over fully automated systems and manual driving. Here, we describe an experiment to elicit tacit expectations of behavior from such a system. A gaming steering wheel electronically coupled to the steering wheel in a full-car driving simulator allows two participants to share control of the vehicle. One participant was asked to use the gaming wheel to act as the automated driving agent while another participant acted as the car driver. The course provided different information and visuals to the driving agent and the driver to simulate possible automation failures and conflict situations between automation and the driver. The driving agent was also given prompts that specified a communicative goal at various points along the course. Both participants were interviewed before and after the drive, and vehicle data and drive video were collected. Our results suggest that drivers were able to interpret simple trajectory intentions, such as a lane change, conveyed by the driving agent. However, the driving agent was not able to effectively communicate more nuanced, higher level ideas such as availability, primarily due to the steering wheel being the control mechanism. Torque on the steering wheel without warning was seen most often as a failure of automation. Gentle and steady steering movements were viewed more favorably.
Time-Course of Cardiac Myofibrillar Contractile Properties during the Progression of Rat Hypertensive Heart Failure

Heart failure arises, at least in part, from a constellation of changes in cardiac myocytes including remodeling, energetics, calcium handling, and myofibrillar function. The aim of this study was to determine the time-course of changes in myofibrillar functional properties during the progression of heart failure. The rodent spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) model was used to test the hypothesis that myocytes in compensated hearts exhibit increased force, higher rates of force development, faster loaded shortening, and greater power output; however, with progression to overt clinical signs of heart failure we predicted a marked depression in all these properties. We assessed contractile properties in skinned cardiac myocyte preparations from left ventricles of Wistar-Kyoto control rats and SHHF rats at 3-months, 12-months and 22-months of age. The Wistar-Kyoto control rats were studied to evaluate the time-course myofilament properties associated with normal aging processes compared to myofilaments from rats with a pre-disposition to heart failure. In the control group, force, rates of force development, loaded shortening, and power were unchanged throughout the time-course. Conversely, in the SHHF group, force, force development rates, loaded shortening, and power all tended to increase at 12-months and markedly fell at the 22-month time point, as did the fractional shortening of left ventricles in vivo. Interestingly, the fall in loaded shortening and normalized peak power output corresponded with the onset of clinical signs of heart failure (e.g., labored breathing, ascites, edema). This study indicates that depressed myofibrillar loaded shortening and power output coincides with symptomatic end-stage heart failure.
Responses to Cold in Transgenic Russet Burbank and Bolivian Potato

Proteins with specific antifreeze properties were first characterized in winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) and shorthorn sculpin (Yang et al.,.1988). The simplest of these proteins, Type I from the winter flounder, are alanine-rich, amphiphilic, α-helices about 3–5 kD in size (Davies and Hew, 1990).
The role of CXCR6 in lung airway memory CD8 T cell recruitment and maintenance (P3202)

Tissue-resident memory T (T RM ) cells are uniquely positioned to provide an initial line of defense against invading microorganisms; airway-resident memory CD8 T (T ARM ) cells have been shown to confer protective immunity against a number of respiratory pathogens, including influenza virus and M. tuberculosis. Unlike T RM at other anatomical sites, T ARM are not maintained via cytokine-driven homeostatic proliferation in the airways but must be continuously recruited from the circulation. We show that there exists a defect in T ARM cell recruitment in mice infected with influenza virus via either intramuscular or intraperitoneal route as compared to the intranasal route. However, the mechanism(s) that enable intranasally-primed memory T cells to preferentially migrate to the airways have not been identified. Based on our preliminary data, we hypothesize that the candidate chemokine receptor, CXCR6, is responsible for steady-state trafficking of influenza-specific T ARM cells to the airways from the general circulation. Our results show that CD8 T cell recruitment to the lung airways is significantly restricted in CXCR6 KO mice as compared to WT, while CD8 T cell numbers in the spleen remain constant. This study could help advance the field of cell-mediated vaccines to promote pathogen-specific T cell recruitment to the lung airways, enhancing protective immunity to respiratory pathogens.
Incoherent transport in NEMO5: realistic and efficient scattering on phonons

In this work, the coherent and incoherent transport simulation capabilities of the multipurpose nanodevice simulation tool NEMO5 are presented and applied on transport in tunneling field-effect transistors. The comparison with experimental resistivity data confirms the validity of NEMO5's phonon-scattering models. Common pitfalls of numerical implementations and the applicability of common approximations of scattering self-energies are discussed. The impact of phonon-assisted tunneling on the performance of TFETs is exemplified with a concrete Si nanowire device. The communication-efficient implementation of self-energies in NEMO5 is demonstrated with a scaling comparison of self-energies solved with blocking and nonblocking MPI-communication.
Measuring the thermal sensitivity of a fiber Fabry-Pérot interferometer

We introduce a general technique for frequency stability characterization of Fabry-Perot etalons that are being explored for astronomical spectrograph calibration. In our approach a frequency-stabilized laser frequency comb is employed as a reference for a scanning CW laser measurement of the temperature sensitivity of a fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FFP). For an in-house constructed, actively stabilized FFP, we observe the thermal sensitivity of a resonance mode at 1319 nm of ∼7.4 GHz C−1, which corresponds to a fractional thermal sensitivity of ∼3.2 × 10−5 C−1. We compare these results to a simple model and discuss further the materials construction and stabilization of the FFP. Our measurement technique is one step toward a broad characterization of Fabry-Perot instruments, and this FFP in particular is currently being investigated as a wavelength calibration source in precision radial velocity spectroscopy to discover terrestrial-mass exoplanets.
Why Love Leads to Justice: Love across the Boundaries

This book tells the stories of notable historical figures who, by resisting patriarchal laws condemning adultery, gay and lesbian sex, and sex across the boundaries of religion and race, brought about lasting social and political change. Constitutional scholar David A. J. Richards investigates the lives of leading transgressive artists, social critics, and activists including George Eliot, Benjamin Britten, Christopher Isherwood, Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Margaret Mead. Richards shows how ethical empowerment, motivated by love, allowed these figures to resist the injustices of anti-Semitism, racism, sexism, and homophobia, leading to the constitutional condemnation of these political evils in the United States, Britain, and beyond. Love and law thus grow together, and this book shows how and why. Drawing from developmental psychology (including studies of trauma), political theory, the history of social movements, literature, biography, and law, this book will be a thought-provoking tool for anyone interested in civil rights.
Postoperative pain therapy

This chapter reviews alternative and adjunctive modes of delivering postoperative analgesia, and summarises what is known about efficacy and outcome. It presents the evidence for the commonly utilised analgesic modalities as they pertain to postoperative outcome in light of our overall goal of rapid return to normal physiologic function after surgery and the increasing movement towards a multimodal approach to analgesia. Randomised trials and meta-analyses overwhelmingly support the superior analgesic efficacy of epidural analgesia compared with "conventional analgesia" and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) administered opioids. Multiple studies, and meta-analyses, confirm an average 30-50% opioid-sparing effect of NSAIDs. The focus of postoperative pain trials has been on assessing new modes of analgesia with particular regard both to their analgesic efficacy and to their ability to improve surgical outcome. Epidural analgesia offers a number of distinct benefits and appears to hasten recovery.
Chronic myelodysplastic syndrome (preleukemia) with the Philadelphia chromosome

A patient with severe anemia, reticulocytopenia, and erythroid hyperplasia of the bone marrow developed fatal acute nonlymphocytic leukemia after 3 yr. A Philadelphia chromosome with the typical 9/22 translocation t(9q +;22q-) was identified by banding techniques in a small number of bone marrow cells throughout the preleukemic phase of the illness (14%--38% of metaphases) and during the acute transformation (50%). Granulocytic colony formation in vitro was abnormal in the preleukemic phase. The diagnosis of chronic granulocytic leukemia was excluded on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. The identification of the Ph1 chromosome in this form of chronic myelodysplastic syndrome (preleukemia) provides a new example of a hematologic disorder predisposing to acute leukemia in which this chromosomal abnormality occurs.
Anesthesia and Radiotherapy Suite

Radiotherapy is an important treatment modality for several cancers. Brachytherapy involves the placement of radioactive material inside of the body. External Beam Radiation uses a machine to deliver radiation from outside of the body. The anesthesia technique for brachytherapy will depend on several factors including the area of the body, length of case and anesthesia provider availability. It may further be complicated by the need to transport the patient to an MRI or CT scanner. External Beam Radiation in adults does not usually require anesthesia. However, if it is required, usually sedation with propofol is adequate.
Vernacular Insurrections: Race, Black Protest, and the New Century in Composition-Literacies Studies by Carmen Kynard

Vernacular Insurrections Race, Black Protest, and the New Century in Composition-Literacies Studies is a masterful study of race, literacy, rhetoric and composition that deserves the widest readership. Building on four decades of scholarship that reexamine the Student-led, Black Protest phase of the 1960’s movement, Vernacular Insurrections underscores the critical role of Black student organizations and the Black Arts Movement in the development of African American Literacies, Rhetorics, and Resistance.
Methane Conversion in AC Electric Discharges at Ambient Conditions

Natural gas reserves, with methane as the primary constituent, are found in abundant quantities in different parts of the world. Industrial usage of natural gas is still limited to primarily a combustion fuel. The present industrial processes for the manufacture of methanol and other hydrocarbons from methane are economically feasible in areas where large reserves of natural gas are available. It is also not generally feasible to transport natural gas from remote places to areas of utilization. Therefore, to utilize such reserves economically, the conversion of methane to liquid products has been of great interest to many researchers.
Risk Stratification for Surgical Site Infections in Colon Cancer.

Importance Surgical site infections (SSIs) feature prominently in surgical quality improvement and pay-for-performance measures. Multiple approaches are used to prevent or reduce SSIs, prompted by the heavy toll they take on patients and health care budgets. Surgery for colon cancer is not an exception. Objective To identify a risk stratification score based on baseline and operative characteristics. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included all patients treated surgically for colon cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2004 through 2014 (n = 1481). Main Outcomes and Measures The incidence of SSI stratified over baseline and perioperative factors was compared and compounded in a risk score. Results Among the 1481 participants, 90 (6.1%) had SSI. Median (IQR) age was 66.9 (55.9-78.1) years. Surgical site infection rates were significantly higher among people who smoked (7.4% vs 4.8%; P = .04), people who abused alcohol (10.6% vs 5.7%; P = .04), people with type 2 diabetics (8.8% vs 5.5%; P = .046), and obese patients (11.7% vs 4.0%; P P = .05) and in nonlaparoscopic approaches (clinically significant only, 6.7% vs 4.1%; P = .07). These risk factors were also associated with an increase in SSI rates as a compounded score ( P P P = .27); patients with 3 factors (n = 384) had a 7.8% SSI rate (relative risk, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.91-2.11; P = .13); and patients with 4 or more risk factors (n = 198) had a 13.6% SSI rate (relative risk, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.77-4.12; P Conclusions and Relevance This SSI risk assessment factor provides a simple tool using readily available characteristics to stratify patients by SSI risk and identify patients at risk during their postoperative admission. Thereby, it can be used to potentially focus frequent monitoring and more aggressive preventive efforts on high-risk patients.
The Science of Empathy

Empathy plays a critical interpersonal and societal role, enabling sharing of experiences, needs, and desires between individuals and providing an emotional bridge that promotes pro-social behavior. This capacity requires an exquisite interplay of neural networks and enables us to perceive the emotions of others, resonate with them emotionally and cognitively, to take in the perspective of others, and to distinguish between our own and others' emotions. Studies show empathy declines during medical training. Without targeted interventions, uncompassionate care and treatment devoid of empathy, results in patients who are dissatisfied. They are then much less likely to follow through with treatment recommendations, resulting in poorer health outcomes and damaged trust in health providers. Cognitive empathy must play a role when a lack of emotional empathy exists because of racial, ethnic, religious, or physical differences. Healthcare settings are no exception to conscious and unconscious biases, and there is no place for discrimination or unequal care afforded to patients who differ from the majority culture or the majority culture of healthcare providers. Much work lies ahead to make healthcare equitable for givers and receivers of healthcare from all cultures. Self- and other-empathy leads to replenishment and renewal of a vital human capacity. If we are to move in the direction of a more empathic society and a more compassionate world, it is clear that working to enhance our native capacities to empathize is critical to strengthening individual, community, national, and international bonds.
Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) gene therapy for cystic fibrosis: current barriers and recent developments.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Since the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene was discovered in 1989, researchers have worked to develop a gene therapy. One of the most promising and enduring vectors is the AAV, which has been shown to be safe. In particular, several clinical trials have been conducted with AAV serotype 2. All of them detected viral genomes, but identification of mRNA transduction was not consistent; clinical outcomes in Phase II studies were also inconsistent. The lack of a positive outcome has been attributed to a less-than-efficient viral infection by AAV2, a weak transgene promoter and the host immune response to the vector.Areas covered: Herein, the authors focus on AAV gene therapy for CF, evaluating past experience with this approach and identifying ways forward, based on the progress that has already been made in identifying and overcoming the limitations of AAV gene therapy.Expert opinion: Such progress makes it clear that this is an opportune time to push forward toward the development of a gene th...
Climbing fibers predict movement kinematics and performance errors.

This article demonstrates that complex spike (CS) discharge of cerebellar Purkinje cells encodes multiple parameters of movement, including motor errors and kinematics. The CS firing is not driven ...
Domain Adaptation for Robust Classification of Disparate Hyperspectral Images

A major difficulty of remote sensing image classification comes from the lack of quality training data. In this paper, we propose a domain adaptation algorithm to alleviate this problem by leveraging labeled data from an auxiliary data source. The proposed approach aims to align the class distributions of two domains while enhancing their discriminability. Separate transformations are used to project data from the source and target domains into a latent space where the ratio of within-class distance to between-class distance is minimized. A probabilistic framework is presented such that the transformation for each domain is iteratively optimized through an alternating maximizing algorithm. The proposed method is optimized with a distance-based objective function that ensures preservation of stochastic neighborhood and discriminative information of both source and target data in the latent space. The proposed method can be used in original or transformed spaces, and to illustrate this, we provide results of this method in a space generated by the wavelet scattering transform, which imparts further robustness. Additionally, a challenging hyperspectral dataset is introduced for evaluating domain adaptation algorithms. We investigate the proposed method under three domain adaptation scenarios, and experimental results with real-word hyperspectral datasets demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method compared to conventional domain adaptation approaches.
Loss of catchment-wide riparian forest cover is associated with reduced recruitment in a long-lived amphibian

Abstract Land use alteration is recognized as a threat for many aquatic species, but demographic drivers of land use associated declines are poorly studied. We examined hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, demography in six stream reaches stratified across a land use gradient to understand how land use might influence a long-lived species. We used robust-design surveys (2014–2015) to estimate abundance and demographic structure, and all captures recorded between 2007 and 2015 to estimate demographic rates. Catchment-wide riparian (CWR) forest predicted demography better than catchment or local riparian forest. Across space, sub-adult/adult abundance declined and demographic structure became increasingly skewed towards older adults as CWR forest declined. Demographic rates indicated sub-adults/adults were being lost from each reach at a similar rate and most populations remained stable over the period for which data were available (1–8 years per reach). Our findings suggest recruitment (via births, juvenile survival and/or immigration) of young age classes facilitated stability of high-density populations when CWR forest was relatively high. When CWR forest was lower, survivorship and longevity of old adults facilitated persistence of low-density populations for multiple years while recruitment of young age classes suffered. Fine sediment was not correlated with land use but water temperature, conductivity and pH declined as CWR forest increased, highlighting water quality as a possible mechanism linking forest cover to hellbender demography. Our findings suggest maintaining forest in upstream riparian areas is critical for conserving downstream biota, and emphasize the difficulty of detecting declines in long-lived species when environmental alterations act specifically on recruitment of young age classes.
Shields up

In our globally interconnected world, the questions of how we share and what we share is becoming increasingly important.
Deconstructing Pneumococcal Progression from Colonization to Disease

Despite advances in treatment and prevention, the pneumococcus continues to be a dominant cause of severe pneumonia and sepsis and of otitis media, sinusitis, and nonbacteremic pneumonia. Lewnard and colleagues (Infect Immun 86:e00727-17, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.00727-17) used a unique data set of nasopharyngeal and middle ear fluid samples to provide further insight into the progression of nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization to disease. They report the comparative rate of progression from colonization to otitis media by serotype, providing insight into how conjugate vaccines that do not reduce the overall prevalence of pneumococci in the nasopharynx dramatically impact the incidence of acute and complex otitis media.
Differential Sexual Behavior Experiences of LGBQ and Transgender/Nonbinary Young People in Colorado.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth experience numerous disparities, including but not limited to access to health care, HIV risk, safety in school, educational...
Mars Sample Return Lander Mission Concepts

This paper will provide an overview of current concepts and options for the architecture and design of a Mars Sample Return Lander (called Sample Return Lander, SRL). Key mission objectives and the overall baseline mission design will be described, including the mission's constraints and a notional timeline from launch to entry, through surface operations, to delivery of the samples to Mars orbit. The overall lander vehicle concepts will be described, including current options being evaluated. Key lander element options will be discussed, including the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), Sample Fetch Rover (SFR), Orbiting Sample container (OS), and tube transfer robotics systems. Specific challenges and approaches for addressing those challenges will be discussed, including backward planetary protection.
Laparoscopic Transabdominal Colopexy for Prolapse of a Newborn End Colostomy: A Novel Technique.

Background: Prolapse can occur in up to 20% of newborn end colostomies and may be associated with significant morbidities that require operative intervention. Prolapse repair is traditionally performed through an open parastomal or laparotomy incision. We report on 2 cases that utilized a novel laparoscopic transabdominal colopexy technique, which offered a minimally invasive solution uniquely suited to neonates and infants while obviating the morbidity of open reoperative surgery. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of 2 patients at a single center undergoing a laparoscopic transabdominal colopexy for end colostomy prolapse. The primary outcome measure was prolapse recurrence. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. Results: Both patients who underwent the laparoscopic transabdominal colopexy procedure had prolapsed end colostomies. There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. Both patients had no additional episodes of recurrence during the follow-up period. One patient has since had their colostomy reversed without complications. Conclusion: We present our initial results in the utilization of a novel technique for repair of a newborn end colostomy prolapse-laparoscopic transabdominal colopexy. Our technique thus far has demonstrated success in preventing recurrent prolapse through a minimally invasive technique with no significant morbidity.
Knowledge Gaps among Patients and Providers in HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review:

ObjectiveTo describe the level of knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) among the general population and health care providers.Dat...
Infrared properties of ultracompact H II regions in the Galaxy and the LMC

We report the preliminary results of the study on the infrared properties of ultracompact (UC) H II regions in our Galaxy and in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) based on the GLIMPSE (the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire) and SAGE (Surveying the Agents of a Galaxy’s Evolution) data, respectively. We found that ∼60% of the Galactic UC H II regions do not have IR counterparts. Large extinction and very strong stellar winds evacuating H II regions from dust may explain this result. The same effect is observed in the LMC. One of the goals of this research is to develop a means of identifying UC H IIs based on their mid-IR properties, e.g. positions on color-color and color-magnitude plots and/or shape of spectral energy distributions. GLIMPSE showed that bow shocks, protostellar jets/outflows, and bubbles are common phenomena in massive star formation regions (MSFRs).
Crystal structure of a conformational antibody that binds tau oligomers and inhibits pathological seeding by extracts from donors with Alzheimer’s disease

Soluble oligomers of aggregated tau accompany the accumulation of insoluble amyloid fibrils, a histological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) and two dozen related neurodegenerative diseases. Both oligomers and fibrils seed the spread of Tau pathology, and by virtue of their low molecular weight and relative solubility, oligomers may be particularly pernicious seeds. Here, we report the formation of in vitro tau oligomers formed by an ionic liquid (IL15). Using IL15-induced recombinant tau oligomers and a dot blot assay, we discovered a mAb (M204) that binds oligomeric tau, but not tau monomers or fibrils. M204 and an engineered single-chain variable fragment (scFv) inhibited seeding by IL15-induced tau oligomers and pathological extracts from donors with AD and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This finding suggests that M204-scFv targets pathological structures that are formed by tau in neurodegenerative diseases. We found that M204-scFv itself partitions into oligomeric forms that inhibit seeding differently, and crystal structures of the M204-scFv monomer, dimer, and trimer revealed conformational differences that explain differences among these forms in binding and inhibition. The efficiency of M204-scFv antibodies to inhibit the seeding by brain tissue extracts from different donors with tauopathies varied among individuals, indicating the possible existence of distinct amyloid polymorphs. We propose that by binding to oligomers, which are hypothesized to be the earliest seeding-competent species, M204-scFv may have potential as an early-stage diagnostic for AD and tauopathies, and also could guide the development of promising therapeutic antibodies.
COVID-19 and Exchange Rates: Spillover Effects of U.S. Monetary Policy

This paper investigates the spillover effects of U.S. monetary policy on exchange rates of 11 emerging markets and 12 advanced economies during the pre-COVID-19 versus COVID-19 periods. The investigation is achieved by a structural vector autoregression model, where year-on-year changes in weekly measures of economic activity, exchange rates and policy rates are used. The empirical results suggest evidence for the spillover effects of U.S. monetary policy for several countries during the pre-COVID-19 period, whereas they have been effective only for certain countries during the COVID-19 period that can be explained by the disease outbreak channel. Important policy implications follow.
chapter 1 – Ancient and early influences

Publisher Summary This chapter begins with the contributions of Hippocrates (460-370 B.C.). Specific sections are devoted to the ancient period, the medieval period, the sixteenth century, the seventeenth century, the eighteenth century, and to part of the nineteenth century. Most of the general thought and study concerning physiology during these years took place within the larger context of medicine and medical schools. Most of the early researchers related to the effects of exercise on the body were physicians. The Hippocratic and Galenic traditions in medicine remained dominant throughout the Middle Ages, first in the Islamic world and later in the Christian West, largely through the Arabic and Latin translations of the classic Greek works. The chapter concludes in the mid- to late-nineteenth century when the term “physiology of exercise” began to appear. The American physician, William Byford (1817-1890) first used the term in 1855, in an article published in “The American Journal of Medical Sciences,” followed by another American physician, Edward Hartwell (1850-1922), who published two articles on the physiology of exercise in the “Boston Medical and Surgical Journal.” Also, Fernand Lagrange (1846-1909), a French physician, authored a book entitled the “Physiology of Bodily Exercise” in 1888.
Collective states in 233 U, 235 U, 237 Np, and 239 Pu excited by inelastic deuteron scattering

Energy spectra of inelastically scattered 16-MeV deuterons were measured at angles of 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} using enriched targets of $^{233}\mathrm{U}$, $^{235}\mathrm{U}$, $^{237}\mathrm{Np}$, and $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$. The octupole band resulting from the ground-state coupling to the ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={0}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ octupole vibration of the core is identified in $^{233}\mathrm{U}$, $^{237}\mathrm{Np}$, and $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ and is tentatively assigned in $^{235}\mathrm{U}$. Evidence for the observation of ground-state coupling to the higher lying octupole bands is discussed for $^{233}\mathrm{U}$, $^{237}\mathrm{Np}$, and $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$. Comparison is made of the core vibrations of the odd-$A$ nucleus with those observed in the adjacent even-even nuclei. The $K\ensuremath{-}2$ and $K+2\ensuremath{\gamma}$ bands built on the ground state of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ are seen.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{233}\mathrm{U}$, $^{235}\mathrm{U}$, $^{237}\mathrm{Np}$, $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}(d,{d}^{\ensuremath{'}})$, $E=16$ MeV, measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{{d}^{\ensuremath{'}}},\ensuremath{\theta}=90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{},125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})$. $^{233}\mathrm{U}$, $^{235}\mathrm{U}$, $^{237}\mathrm{Np}$, $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ deduced levels, $J$, $K$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$. Enriched targets.
A Mixed Method Exploration of Building Network Ties in the Apparel Industry

Small-sized apparel manufacturing businesses who operate apparel design, development, and production businesses often experience inadequate knowledge in navigating the complex apparel industry. Key concepts in social capital theory suggest that social interactions and people-oriented organizational cultures advance knowledge sharing and network ties. This mixed method exploration of small-sized Colorado-based apparel manufacturers sought to address the research question: Is external knowledge available, and if so, do aspects of social capital play a role in the process? Study 1 involved a qualitative investigation with interviews and business documents suggesting low levels of knowledge sharing, and challenges in learning aspects of the industry. For Study 2, a quantitative analysis was conducted using stepwise multiple regression with independent variables measured by Likert-like scales involving knowledge absorptive capacity, social interaction, and people-oriented organizational culture. Network ties was the dependent variable. All three variables significantly explained networking ties. Exploratory findings provide both theoretical and pragmatic applications.
Limited usefulness of classic MR findings in the diagnosis of tenosynovial giant cell tumor

To determine the frequency with which MRI of tenosynovial giant cell tumor demonstrates hemosiderin, visible intralesional fat signal, and proximity to synovial tissue. This is a retrospective study of 31 cases of tenosynovial giant cell tumors which had concomitant MRI. Images were examined for lesion size, morphology, origin, bone erosions, MRI signal characteristics, contrast enhancement, and blooming artifact, comparing prospective and retrospective reports. Histology was reviewed for the presence of hemosiderin and xanthoma cells. Eight lesions were diffuse and 23 were localized nodules. Three lesions were located in subcutaneous tissue and 4 adjacent to tendons beyond the extent of their tendon sheath. All lesions exhibited areas of low T1- and T2-weighted signal. Blooming artifact on gradient echo imaging was present in 86% of diffuse and only 27% of nodular disease. There was interobserver variability of 40% in assessing blooming. Iron was visible on H&E or iron stain in 97% of cases. Fat signal intensity was seen in only 3% of cases, although xanthoma cells were present on in 48%. The correct diagnosis was included in the prospective radiology differential diagnosis in 86% of diffuse cases and 62% of nodular cases. Blooming on GRE MRI has low sensitivity for nodular tenosynovial giant cell tumors and is not universal in diffuse tumors. There was high interobserver variability in assessment of blooming. Intralesional fat signal is not a useful sign and may occur adjacent to tendons which lack a tendon sheath and may occur in a subcutaneous location.
Human neutrophil membrane-derived nanovesicles as a drug delivery platform for improved therapy of infectious diseases

Resolvins are a group of specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) enzymatically produced from omega-3 fatty acids during acute inflammation response to infections or tissue injury. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is one of resolvins and is well studied in resolution of inflammation to treat inflammatory diseases. Resolution of inflammation includes the inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment and reduced cytokine production. However, effective delivery of RvD1 to inflammatory tissues is challenging because of its lack of tissue targeting and poor physicochemical properties. Here, we proposed nanovesicles made from human neutrophil membrane which can specifically target inflamed tissues, and we loaded RvD1 on the surface of nanovesicles and antibiotic (ceftazidime, CEF) inside nanovesicles for improved treatment of bacterial infections. In a mouse model of bacterium-induced peritonitis, we demonstrated that human neutrophil cell membrane-formed vesicles (NMVs) enhanced inflammation resolution and bacterial killing after co-delivery of RvD1 and CEF. Our studies reveal that neutrophil nanovesicles may be critical for enhanced therapy to infectious diseases.
Genomics and Epigenomics of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: From Sporadic Disease to Familial Manifestations

Our understanding of the genomics and epigenomics of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has advanced since the initial recognition of RET as a driver of MTC tumorigenesis in familial MTC. We now have insight into the frequency and prognostic significance of specific RET mutations in sporadic MTC. For example, the most common RET mutation in sporadic MTC is the RET Met918Thr mutation, the same mutation that underlies MEN2B and a poor prognosticator. This mutation is relatively infrequent in medullary thyroid microcarcinomas but is over-represented in advanced-stage disease. RAS mutations are detected in 70% of sporadic, RET wild-type MTC. Although next-generation and whole-exome sequencing studies have shown that tumors that are wild-type for RET and RAS mutations essentially lack other recurrent mutations, additional pathways and epigenetic alterations have been implicated in MTC tumorigenesis. Increased insight into the clinical course of patients with familial MTC with specific RET mutations has guided treatment recommendations for these patients. Finally, an understanding of the genomics has informed treatment for patients with advanced MTC. In this review, we will examine the genomics and epigenomics of sporadic and familial MTC, along with the prognostic significance of molecular alterations, management of patients with germline RET mutations, and treatment strategies for MTC patients.
Handling Radionuclides and Radiation Safety

Transport, preparation, administration, and imaging of radiopharmaceuticals inevitably results in low, but non-zero, radiation doses to personnel as well as patients and are thus subject to federal, state and local regulations. Table 3.1 summarizes the relevant regulatory agencies and the scope of their regulatory oversight. These agencies specify records that must be kept and procedures that must be followed to ensure the safe handling of these agents. Such regulatory oversight is not intended to extend to the actual practice of medicine; for example, there is no regulation limiting the administered activity of a radiopharmaceutical prescribed for a patient, as prescription of this activity is considered part of medical practice.
Roads pose a significant barrier to bee movement, mediated by road size, traffic and bee identity

Roads are a major driver of environmental stress, yet we know surprisingly little about how roads impact the movement of insect pollinators, and consequent pollination. We investigated the influence of roads on pollinator movement and pollination by examining patterns of pigment transfer between focal plants of two species, Coreopsis verticillata and Monarda fistulosa. We asked whether roads reduced pigment transfer, and what characteristics of roads were important in driving this reduction. We also evaluated whether pollinator assemblage differed between species, and if this mediated the effect of roads on pigment transfer. Plants across a road from a pigment‐added plant received significantly less pigment than plants on the same side of the road. This effect was stronger for coreopsis than for monarda. The mean body size of visitors to coreopsis was significantly smaller than that of visitors to monarda, suggesting that smaller bees are more limited by roads. Road width was the best predictor of pigment transfer, with a smaller effect of traffic volume; further research is needed to fully disentangle the effects of different road characteristics. Roadside habitat had little influence on pigment transfer, and roadside plants did not receive significantly less pigment than plants in contiguous habitat. Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that roads pose substantial barriers to bee movement, reducing pollen flow between plants located across roadways from one another. Road characteristics, particularly width and traffic volume, mediated this effect, as did bee size. Our results suggest that the effects of roads on pollinators and pollination can be mitigated by many of the same design strategies currently being implemented to reduce human traffic accidents, offering the opportunity for win–win scenarios.
The Effect of Facility Volume on Survival Following Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer

Prior studies assessing colorectal cancer survival have reported better outcomes when operations are performed at high-volume centers. These studies have largely been cross-sectional, making it difficult to interpret their estimates. We aimed to assess the effect of facility volume on survival following proctectomy for rectal cancer. Using data from the National Cancer Database, we included all patients with complete baseline information who underwent proctectomy for non-metastatic rectal cancer between 2004 and 2016. Facility volume was defined as the number of rectal cancer cases managed at the treating center in the calendar year prior to the patient’s surgery. Overall survival estimates were obtained for facility volumes ranging from 10 to 100 cases/year. Follow-up began on the day of surgery and continued until loss to follow-up or death. A total of 52,822 patients were eligible. Patients operated on at hospitals with volumes of 10, 30, and 50 cases/year had similar distributions of grade, clinical stage, and neoadjuvant therapies. 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival all improved with increasing facility volume. One-year survival was 94.0% (95% CI: 93.7, 94.3) for hospitals that performed 10 cases/year, 94.5% (95% CI: 94.2, 94.7) for 30 cases/year, and 94.8% (95% CI: 94.5, 95.0) for 50 cases/year. Five-year survival was 68.9% (95% CI: 68.0, 69.7) for hospitals that performed 10 cases/year, 70.8% (95% CI: 70.1, 71.5) for 30 cases/year, and 72.0% (95% CI: 71.2, 72.8) for 50 cases/year. Treatment at a higher volume facility results in improved survival following proctectomy for rectal cancer, though the small benefits are less profound than previously reported.