cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speech recognition with neural networks and network fusion

Large neural networks can be segmented into several small subnetworks, trained independently, and combined. In the present work, a rule termed network fusion is derived for combining these subnetworks. This rule can be implemented with a single-layer neural network and is optimal if the output of the subnetworks is independent. The rule is demonstrated on a Gaussian random process and applied to a small vocabulary speech recognition system. The proposed method of combining the separately designed subnetworks into a large network exhibits a performance that approaches the Bayes limit. >
Toward Awakening Consciousness A Response to EcoJustice Education and Science Education

In “Ecojustice Education for Science Educators,” Rebecca Martusewicz, John Lupinacci, and Gary Schnakenberg break new ground for the field of science education in relating long-known limits to our ability to understand the cosmos to those eternal mysteries they identify as the meaning of “sacred.” Our fundamental unawareness was well-understood by the medical researcher and gifted science writer, Lewis Thomas, who wrote that, “[t]he only solid piece of scientific truth about which I feel totally confident is that we are profoundly ignorant of nature” (1974, p. 58). Beginning with the premise of our fundamental inability to ever fully know, Martusewicz, Lupinacci, and Schnakenberg argue that to achieve a sustainable society in proper relation to the ecosystem, science educators will have to rethink the curriculum and adopt a different approach to instruction.
Direct shoot organogenesis from needles of three genotypes of Sequoia sempervirens

Using in vitro-grown needles of Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don.) Endl., direct shoot organogenesis was induced. The effects of three genotypes and two cytokinins, N6-benzyladenine (BA) and N-benzyl-9 (2-tetrahydropyranl) adenine (BPA), in combination with 2,4-D were investigated. Among tested cytokinins, BPA produced the highest frequency of shoot organogenesis from all three genotypes tested. Adventitious shoots were induced directly from explants without intervening callus within 5 weeks following incubation. Shoots were elongated on a 1/2 Wolter and Skoog (WS) medium supplemented with activated charcoal but without growth regulators. Later, elongated shoots were transferred to a 1/4 WS medium, but without activated charcoal and free of plant growth regulators to promote continued shoot growth. These shoots rooted spontaneously.
Ultra-Wideband Signal Propagation Experiments in Liquid Media

Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals exhibit different characteristics upon propagation through matter compared with narrow-band signals. The latter keeps a sinusoidal shape during different forms of signal propagation. The behavior of narrow-band signals does not apply to UWB signals in many cases. Presently, the possibilities for development of UWB signaling technology remain largely unexplored. Few applications have been developed due to strict regulations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In this paper, we describe a series of experiments that have been carried out to determine the behavior of UWB signals and their properties. A transverse electromagnetic (TEM) horn antenna has been made for radiating UWB signals. A procedure for propagating UWB signals through a liquid medium of given salt concentration has been demonstrated, providing a basis for studying UWB signal propagation in biological matter. A new pulsewidth definition was adopted, which is suitable for propagated UWB signals.
Management of Lipids in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Events

Lipid-modifying therapy has been proven to significantly reduce cardiovascular events and total mortality. Most of the data have come from statin trials. Statin therapy is generally well-tolerated and safe, and for patients who are at higher than average risk of cardiovascular disease, the benefit of lipid-modifying therapy far exceeds the risk. Careful risk assessment is a critical component of effective lipid-modifying therapy. In the foreseeable future, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) will remain the primary therapeutic target, and combination therapy is likely to become the norm. The major questions are how low to treat and how to achieve increasingly aggressive targets in lipid-lowering therapy. Many patients on LDL-lowering therapy continue to have abnormalities of the triglyceride-high-density lipoprotein (TG-HDL) axis, so additional drug therapy is often considered for such patients. In this review, we briefly discuss new developments in cardiovascular risk assessment, then discuss recent developments in treatment to reduce LDL, and finally discuss current concepts regarding therapy targeting the TG-HDL axis.
Positive Psychotherapy to Improve Autonomic Function and Mood in ICD Patients (PAM‐ICD): Rationale and Design of an RCT Currently Underway

BACKGROUND Improving mental and physical health of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) is critical because this group is at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death and depressed or anxious cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients appear to be at even higher risk for mortality compared to nondepressed or nonanxious CVD patients. Further, autonomic dysfunction is present in these patients, and negative emotions and arrhythmias form a downward spiral further worsening mood, well-being, and cardiovascular health. Much research demonstrates that positive emotion is related to health benefits, improved physiology, and increased survival. METHODS AND RESULTS This is a two-arm randomized controlled trial aiming to recruit 60 adult ICD patients comparing 12 individually delivered, weekly sessions of: (1) a positive emotion-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (Quality of Life Therapy [QOLT]), and (2) Heart Healthy Education. Autonomic functioning, heart rhythm indices, and psychosocial health are measured at baseline, 3 months, and 9 months. The first goal is feasibility and acceptability, with the primary outcome being arrhythmic event frequency data. CONCLUSION This study is designed to test whether QOLT produces changes in mood, quality of life/well-being, autonomic function, and arrhythmic and ICD therapy event rates. This feasibility trial is a foundational step for the next trial of QOLT to help determine whether a 3-month QOLT trial can reduce arrhythmias occurrences among ICD patients, and examine a mechanism of autonomic functioning. This study may help to develop and implement new medical or psychological therapies for ICD patients.
Married with Kids and Moving: Achieving Recognition for Same-Sex Parents Under the Uniform Parentage Act

This Article offers a hypothetical scenario involving same-sex parents at risk of being stripped of their parental rights if they relocate. The author offers an argument for recognition of parental rights in other jurisdictions with a gender neutral reading of the Uniform Parentage Act (UPA) which requires courts to recognize the parental status created by same-sex marriage, even if a state's Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prohibits recognition of the marriage itself. Finally, this article analyzes the nature of the parental rights afforded by the marriage to a non-biological parent and explores a variety of precedents supporting interstate recognition of a same-sex spouse's parental rights under the UPA.
Death and Eloquence

The lesson of Homer’s Iliad is that eloquence arises out of a confrontation with death. Perhaps the most dramatic of these confrontations is the death of Patroclus, an event that elicits epideictic speech by three parties: immortal horses, Xanthos and Balios; an immortal god, Zeus; and a mortal human, Patroclus. However, although the reaction of the horses and of Zeus reflect the pathos and logos of eloquence, respectively, this essay argues that true eloquence grows out of an experience of a divided self that heroically judges its own life meaningful—thereby constituting ethos through speech—in the face of death.
Germination of Blue Grama Seeds Buried by Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Natural establishment of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) seedlings is not reported to occur on shortgrass prairie. Lack of adequate moisture at the soil surface prevents germination, and, once germination has occurred, rapid drying of surface soils frequently results in the death of elongating seminal roots. Establishment of blue grama seedlings may be facilitated by dung-burying beetles. Greenhouse experiments with Canthon pilularius showed that blue grama seeds mixed into fresh cattle feces survived formation and burial of brood balls, larval development within the brood ball, and subsequent emergence of adult beetles. Blue grama seedlings were recorded at several sites where C. pilularius had buried dung in cages filled with sterilized (autoclaved) potting soil.
Filling Gaps in Asymmetric Hydrogenation Methods for Acyclic Stereocontrol: Application to Chirons for Polyketide-Derived Natural Products

The large volume of research studying hydrogenation catalysis might suggest that stereoselective hydrogenation of alkenes is a solved problem, but we believe the most important parts of asymmetric hydrogenation methodology remain unmastered. The most popular chiral catalysts, Rh- and Ir-diphosphine complexes, do not hydrogenate the largest categories of prochiral alkenes, hindered tri- and tetra-substituted ones, at useful rates unless the substrate has a “classical” coordinating functional group (CFG), for example, amides or homoallylic alcohols, to anchor the substrate to the metal. Therefore, while many methods are available for the asymmetric hydrogenation of alkenes with appropriate CFGs, synthetic chemistry would benefit from chiral hydrogenations of substrates with functional groups that typically do not coordinate in Rh- and Ir-diphosphine complexes.In this Account, we demonstrate the application of chiral analogues of Crabtree’s catalyst to asymmetric hydrogenations of coordinating unfunctionaliz...
Modeling park-and-ride location choice of heterogeneous commuters

There is extensive literature on drive-to-transit trips, yet very few studies focus on commuters’ park-and-ride location choice decisions. This study investigates park-and-ride location choice behavior of heterogeneous commuters in the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area. Data from a transit on-board survey conducted by Capital Metro in 2010 were used. Besides, schedule-based transit networks and a detailed regional highway network were used to calculate path attributes. A thorough analysis on the choice set generation was conducted, and two criteria were used to determine the most appropriate park-and-ride choice set for each observed trip. Finally, user heterogeneity was accounted by adding interaction terms in the utility functions and by using mixed logit models. Empirical models reveal that designation of a park-and-ride facility by transit agency and the frequency of transit paths to destination have the highest positive effect, while transit transfers, auto travel time, and walking time have the most significant negative impact on the utility of a park-and-ride location. More specifically, correlation analysis reveals that travelers who are more likely to be motivated by short auto travel time are also more likely to be motivated by few transfers and short walking time. In addition, this study implies that non-Caucasians prefer higher fraction of their auto path on freeways; and commuters with higher income are less motivated by high transit service frequency. The estimated models in this study can have immediate application in travel forecasting, specifically for drive-to-transit trip assignment, as well as in setting policy for park-and-rides service design.
Lorcaserin Administration Decreases Activation of Brain Centers in Response to Food Cues and These Emotion- and Salience-Related Changes Correlate With Weight Loss Effects: A 4-Week-Long Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Lorcaserin is a serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2c receptor agonist effective in treating obesity. Studies in rodents have shown that lorcaserin acts in the brain to exert its weight-reducing effects, but this has not yet been studied in humans. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with 48 obese participants and used functional MRI to study the effects of lorcaserin on the brain. Subjects taking lorcaserin had decreased brain activations in the attention-related parietal and visual cortices in response to highly palatable food cues at 1 week in the fasting state and in the parietal cortex in response to any food cues at 4 weeks in the fed state. Decreases in emotion- and salience-related limbic activity, including the insula and amygdala, were attenuated at 4 weeks. Decreases in caloric intake, weight, and BMI correlated with activations in the amygdala, parietal, and visual cortices at baseline. These data suggest that lorcaserin exerts its weight-reducing effects by decreasing attention-related brain activations to food cues (parietal and visual cortices) and emotional and limbic activity (insula, amygdala). Results indicating that baseline activation of the amygdala relates to increased efficacy suggest that lorcaserin would be of particular benefit to emotional eaters.
Abstract 763: Exosomal miR-6126 as a novel tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer

Tumor microenvironment has been known to play a key role in cancer by the development of drug resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis and angiogenesis. There is emerging evidence that cancer originated exosomes may contribute to the tumor microenvironment to promote tumorigenesis. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that contain non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs or siRNAs. Non-coding RNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of the majority of cancer and reveals a new layer of complexity in the molecular architecture of tumorigenicity. The purpose of this study is to identify miRNA content of both sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer-cell derived exosomes for the identification of exosomal RNA-mediated tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer. Using miRNA microarray profiling, we identified differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs in three sensitive (Heya8, Skov3, A2780) and resistant (Heya8-MDR, Skov3-TR, A2780-CP20) isogenic ovarian cancer cell lines. miR-6126 was found to be only miRNA significantly up-regulated in all cancer cell exosomes released to tumor microenvironment. In vitro functional assays showed that miR-6126 act as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation. miR-6126 acts as a novel potential tumor suppressor through targeting integrin beta-1, leading to inhibition of PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf signaling. In vivo experiments also demonstrated that administration of miR-6126 into the nude mice with established tumors inhibited tumor weight. Immunohistochemistry results showed that miR-6126 treatment inhibits many oncogenic functions such as proliferation and angiogenesis of ovarian cancer. We believe that these findings help the identification of exosomal RNA-mediated tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Pinar Kanlikilicer, Mohammed Mohammed H. S. Rashed, Recep Bayraktar, Rahul Mitra, Cristina Ivan, Burcu Aslan, Xinna Zhang, Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian, Emine Bayraktar, Martin Picher, Bulent Ozpolat, George A. Calin, Anil K. Sood, Gabriel Lopez-Berestein. Exosomal miR-6126 as a novel tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 763.
Zoonoses and Occupational Health

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews zoonoses that can be acquired from handling hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other miscellaneous rodent species. The risk of acquiring a disease from many types of laboratory animals has decreased because most laboratory animals are now produced with defined microbiologic profiles but there are still instances when wild animals or field-collected animals are required for research. The use of wild rodents or field-collected rodents may expose the research staff to diseases that have been excluded, if not eliminated, from research colonies. Some of these diseases require vectors for the transmission to humans while others can be directly transmitted. The control of vectors such as biting insects can effectively limit the spread of some vector-transmitted diseases. For some parasitic diseases, humans can serve as an intermediate host; for others humans are the final host of the parasite. In the latter case, the elimination of the intermediate host should prevent the complete lifecycle and protect the laboratory animal worker. Knowledge about the transmission of the disease plays an important part in effectively reducing the risk of the pathogen. The focus here is to review diseases that might be present in research animals and might be transmitted to immunocompetent research staff during experiments. Finally, allergic reactions to laboratory animals are discussed in the chapter because exposure to animal allergens represents a significant risk to personnel who handle animals.
EVALUATION OF PRODUCTION CONDITIONS OF MANUFACTURING-GRADE RAW MILK BY FIELDMEN RATINGS AND BY BACTERIAL TESTS

Standard microbiological tests, Standard Plate Count, direct microscopic count, methylene blue reduction test, and several variations of the resazurin reduction test were correlated with fieldmen's ratings of sanitary condition of milking area, milk house, and milking utensils. Correlation coefficients were low, in general, approximately 0.2. The effect of different production facilities and practices on these correlations was variable. Results suggest that bacterial tests and fieldmen's inspection be used concurrently since they appear to measure different sanitary factors on the producing farms.
Products and Duality

Now we begin discussion of several varieties of products that can be introduced into homology and, especially, cohomology. First, we need to discuss a sign convention.
Proteinuria Predicts Resistance to Antiplatelet Therapy in Ischemic Stroke

The occurrence of a stroke while on antiplatelet agents presents a therapeutic dilemma. One of the main causes for recurrent strokes is antiplatelet resistance more commonly known as high on treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR). Prior studies have established that proteinuria is associated with HTPR following myocardial infarction. Here, we investigated whether dipstick proteinuria correlates with HTPR in patients presenting with stroke. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 102 patients admitted for a recurrent ischemic stroke that had either a VerifyNow aspirin or VerifyNow clopidogrel laboratory test performed to assess platelet reactivity. Dipstick proteinuria was defined as > 30 mg/dl (2+ or more). HTPR was defined as an aspirin resistance unit > 550 for aspirin and a P2Y12 reactivity unit > 208 for clopidogrel. Patients with proteinuria on dipstick were significantly more likely to have HTPR to either aspirin (p value 0.017) or clopidogrel (p value 0.017). After controlling for age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, CAD and GFR, proteinuria was an independent predictor of HTPR for patient taking aspirin (p = 0.025). Platelet resistance is an entity that undermines the activity of antiplatelet agents in reducing stroke risk. Here, we demonstrate an association with increased platelet reactivity and proteinuria. This highlights a potential new therapeutic target in reducing future stroke risk.
Patient Satisfaction and Hospital Structure: How Are They Related?

This paper investigates the multiple dimensions of patient satisfaction measured by the HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey in the United States. The analysis reveals that even the highest rating hospitals do not excel on all dimensions of satisfaction. While satisfaction levels with nurse and doctor communication are high, satisfaction levels with discharge information and explanation of medications could be significantly improved. In addition, low rating hospitals seem to be doing better than the high rating hospitals on these critical dimensions for the quality of care. The paper also investigates how hospital structural characteristics captured in the American Hospital Association (AHA) survey affect different dimensions of patient satisfaction. The analysis reveals that these structural factors may have differential effects, i.e. the type of hospitals (e.g., teaching vs. non-teaching) has a relatively small effect on the hospital room environment than on communication and responsiveness. The results suggest that considering all patient satisfaction dimensions helps provide a more accurate picture of the care received by patients, makes it possible to pinpoint specific areas where hospitals are deficient that are not reflected in the overall satisfaction scores, and assists hospital management to design actionable strategies for improvement.
The Structure and Practice of Residential Facilities Treating Sex Trafficking Victims

ABSTRACTTen administrators were interviewed from residential facilities that serve sex trafficking victims in the United States in order to gain a better understanding of the programs they use to treat their clients. Residential facilities are defined as centers designed to separate victims from their perpetrators while proving residential treatment and training to maintain a life outside of sex trafficking. Study participants were asked to describe the clients they serve, the services they provide, the way services are structured, and the standards they use to measure success. Key findings show that residential facilities designed treatment around five program categories to address multiple needs of sex trafficking victims. These are social support, counseling, education, job skills, and life skills. The study also found that residential facilities do not have standards for the evaluation of their programs or a standard definition of success.
THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE: RESPONSE TO FRANK THOMAS SAUTTER

Frank Sautter’s questions are directed at the precise senses of the words ‘invention’ and ‘creation’ used in my remarks on the origin of language, and at the connection between Jorgensen’s and my views on the development of language. In my response I clarify my use of the words ‘invention’ and ‘creation’ vis-a-vis Frank’s suggested interpretations, and examine Jorgensen’s distinction of stages in the development of language in relation to imperatives and the “directive use of language”. Resumo:As perguntas de Frank Sautter estao direcionadas ao sentido mais preciso das palavras ‘invencao’ e ‘criacao’ utilizadas em minhas observacoes sobre a origem da linguagem, e a relacao de meu ponto de vista sobre o desenvolvimento da linguagem ao de Jorgensen. Em minha replica esclareco meu uso das palavras ‘invencao’ e ‘criacao’ comparativamente as diversas interpretacoes sugeridas por Frank, e examino a distincao de estagios no desenvolvimento da linguagem proposta por Jorgensen em relacao aos imperativos e ao “uso direcionado da linguagem”.Palavras chave: Linguagem. Criacao. Jorgensen. Imperativos.
Publication of Federal Regulations

The Federal Register Act (49 Stat. 500) was passed by Congress in 1935, establishing a daily publication known as the Federal Register, in which was to be published all certified documents1 issued by the President or a federal agency.2 Prior to that time, there was no central system for the publication of government regulations and other documents issued by the executive branch of the Government, whereas systems had been used by the legislative and judicial branches for a long time. It was often a chaotic experience for a person to go to an agency in an attempt to find regulations of interest to him or her. Often the agency was just as confused because of its inability to retrieve or certify its own regulations.
Seasonal Variation in Human Adenovirus Conjunctivitis: A 30-Year Observational Study.

Purpose The aim of this study is to measure the seasonal trends of adenovirus conjunctivitis. Methods A total of 926 positive cases of HAdV conjunctivitis were reviewed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in Pittsburgh (Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA) from 11th March 1987 to 15th December 2016. To determine seasonal variation, daily counts were adjusted for yearly changes in Allegheny County population size, modelled as a function of long-term trend using Basis-spline (B-spline), and analysed for seasonal trend by quarter (1Q = January to March, 2Q = April to June, 3Q = July to September, 4Q = October to December). Results The number of adenovirus conjunctivitis cases in 3Q was 45% higher than that of 2Q (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.74, P = 0.0001). When 3Q is compared to 1Q and 4Q, it was not statistically significant (95% CI 0.96-1.42, P = 0.1209 and 95% CI 0.96-1.41, P = 0.1180, respectively). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report and the longest time-series evaluating the potential seasonality of adenovirus conjunctivitis in the USA. We observed the highest number of cases from July to September and the lowest number of cases from April to June in our study population. Knowledge of seasonality can be used to guide outbreak expectations, limit antibiotic over-prescription, and enhance disease prevention.
Progressive Cardiomyopathy in TTR Amyloidosis after Liver Transplant

Introduction Familial transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a rare disorder characterized primarily by progressive neuropathy and cardiomyopathy. The source of amyloid protein is the liver, thus early liver transplantation can significantly slow disease progression. Unfortunately, for some patients without significant cardiomyopathy at the time of transplant, cardiac disease can subsequently progress due to enhanced deposition of wild-type amyloid protein. Promising new medical therapies may soon replace liver transplant as the gold standard treatment. Case report A 67 year-old male with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome presented with hematuria and was found to have bladder masses that stained positive for amyloidosis. A work-up for systemic amyloidosis included a normal bone marrow biopsy and an echocardiogram with LVH in the absence of increased voltage on ECG. Two years later he had a cardiac arrest in the setting of sustained VT. A left heart catheterization revealed normal coronary arteries. His endomyocardial biopsy Congo red stain was positive. He was diagnosed with a previously undiscovered mutation of familial TTR amyloidosis (Glu61Gly) and five years later underwent liver transplantation. He was NYHA Class I and did well for ten years before his functional capacity gradually declined. Serial echocardiograms showed a slow progression of LV wall thickness from 1.3 to 1.7 cm and a decline in LVEF from 50% to 30%. In addition, the defibrillation threshold of his ICD progressively increased. He underwent heart transplantation due to end stage amyloid cardiomyopathy. Postoperatively he developed ulcerative esophagitis and ultimately expired due to fungal pericarditis. Discussion Although liver transplantation can slow the progression of TTR amyloidosis and is an appropriate treatment for select individuals, new alternative medical therapies may replace early transplantation. Diflunisal, an anti-inflammatory drug, stabilizes the TTR tetramer in vitro and in a randomized trial slowed progression of neuropathy in familial TTR. Combined doxycycline and tauroursodeoxycholic acid disrupt TTR amyloid fibrils and appear to slow disease progression. Tafamadis, a small molecule that inhibits the dissociation of TTR tetramers has been shown in phase 2 and 3 trials to slow neuropathy progression and decrease mortality and heart failure hospitalizations. Patisiran is a small interfering RNA that blocks TTR synthesis and has demonstrated stabilization of neuropathy. Inotersen is an antisense oligonucleotide that has also shown promise in familial TTR patients with polyneuropathy. Most recently, an investigational monoclonal antibody has been designed to target and remove amyloid deposits. Conclusion Familial TTR amyloidosis is characterized by progressive neuropathy and cardiomyopathy for which patients may undergo liver transplant, though cardiac disease can subsequently progress. Promising new medical therapies may soon replace liver transplant as the gold standard.
Effects of psychological stress during exercise on markers of oxidative stress in young healthy, trained men.

Abstract Purpose Those engaged in high stress occupations such as firefighters and military personnel are exposed to a variety of psychological and physiological stressors. The combination of mental and physical stress [i.e., dual stress challenges (DSC)] results in significant increases in stress hormones, which causes oxidative stress (OS) and contributes to elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. However, data are needed to determine the impact of DSC on markers of OS in exercise-trained individuals. Method Fourteen healthy trained men aged 21–30 yrs. participated in a randomized, cross-over design to investigate the impact of DSC on blood markers of OS. The exercise alone condition (EA) consisted of 35 min of cycling at 60% VO2 peak. The DSC involved 20 min of mental stress challenges during exercise. Blood was sampled before exercise, as well as immediately, and 30 and 60 min after exercise and analyzed for glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). Result No significant treatment × time interactions were found. No time effects were noted for SOD, or H2O2; however, AOPP were reduced at 30 (p = .034) and 60 min post exercise (p = .006). GSH was reduced at 30 (p = .009) and 60 min post exercise (p = .031). Conclusion These results indicate the OS response from DSC is not greater than that produced from EA in exercise trained men. Future work should investigate the impact of chronic resistance and endurance exercise training on OS resulting from DSC.
Inclusion of Phosphorus in the Nutrition Facts Label.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance of phosphorus is 700 mg/d for adults ≥19 years of age ([1][1]). However, the mean daily intake of phosphorus for all age groups exceeded 1000 mg/d in a 2011–2012 analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and over 1400 mg/d in
Comparison of 1908 and 1940 nm wavelengths for thulium fiber laser lithotripsy

The experimental Thulium fiber laser (TFL) is currently being explored as an alternative to the gold standard Holmium:YAG laser for lithotripsy. The TFL emits laser radiation at two primary wavelengths, 1908 or 1940 nm, which closely match high and low temperature water absorption peaks in tissue, respectively. Water is a primary absorber of infrared laser radiation, and is present in the pores of kidney stones in the urinary tract. Constant saline irrigation is also applied through the ureteroscope working channel to clear stone debris and improve visibility and safety during lithotripsy. Previous studies have shown that the water absorption peak shifts from 1940 nm to 1920 nm, as water temperature increases heating. At high water temperatures, the absorption coefficient (μa) is ~ 150 cm-1 at 1908 nm and ~ 135 cm-1 at 1940 nm. The goal of this study was to determine whether this 10% difference translates into a measurable difference in kidney stone ablation rates. Two Thulium fiber lasers (1908 and 1940 nm) were tested at similar laser parameters of 35 mJ energy per pulse, 500 μs pulse duration, 300 Hz pulse rate, and 10.5 W average power, with energy delivered through 200-μm-core optical fibers. The handheld fiber was maintained in contact with 6-9 mm diameter uric acid (UA) stones, immersed in a saline bath with saline flow (n=10 stones per group). Time to fragment and pass all stone fragments through a 1 mm sieve was measured, and then divided into initial stone mass to calculate ablation rate. For each laser group, 1908 and 1940 nm, initial stone mass was 270 ± 60 mg vs. 260 ± 50 mg, respectively (p = 0.9). Stone ablation rates measured 0.9 ± 0.2 and 0.9 ± 0.1 mg/s, respectively (p = 0.9). Stone ablation thresholds also measured 8 ± 7 and 5 ± 13 J/cm2, respectively (p = 0.8). There was no significant difference in UA stone ablation thresholds and ablation rates between 1908 and 1940 nm TFL wavelengths.
How Should Engineered Nanomaterials Be Regulated for Public and Environmental Health

A central ethical and policy issue regarding minimizing and managing risks of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is whether existing legal frameworks sufficiently protect public health and the environment. This article argues that policymakers should (1) use existing laws to regulate ENMs and the best available evidence to inform appropriate levels of regulation and (2) support additional research on risks of ENMs. Were they to do so
Digoxin as an inhibitor of global hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) expression and downstream targets in breast cancer: Dig-HIF1 pharmacodynamic trial.

TPS1144 Background: Unlike normal cells, tumor cells thrive in a hypoxic microenvironment, and intratumoral hypoxia correlates with increased tumor invasiveness, metastasis, and poor prognosis in c...
A Novel Platelet Function Assay for Trauma.

Abstract Background Platelet function tests such as thrombelastography platelet mapping and impedance aggregometry have demonstrated universal platelet dysfunction in trauma patients. In this study, we introduce the measurement of platelet contraction force as a test of platelet function. We hypothesize that force will correlate with established coagulation tests such as thrombelastography, demonstrate significant differences between healthy subjects and trauma patients, and identify critically ill trauma patients. Methods Blood samples were prospectively collected from level 1 trauma patients at initial presentation, assayed for force of and time to contraction and compared with thrombelastography. Blood from healthy subjects was assayed to establish a reference range. Results from trauma patients were compared with healthy controls and trauma patients that died. Results The study includes one hundred trauma patients with mean age 45 y, 74% were male, and median injury severity score of 14 ± 12. Patients that survived (n = 90) demonstrated significantly elevated platelet contraction force compared with healthy controls (n = 12) (6390 ± 2340 versus 4790 ± 470 μN, P = 0.043) and trauma patients that died (n = 10) (6390 ± 2340 versus 2860 ± 1830 μN, P = 0.0001). Elapsed time to start of platelet contraction was faster in trauma patients that survived compared with healthy controls (660 ± 467 versus 1130 ± 140 s, P = 0.0022) and those that died (660 ± 470 versus 1460 ± 1340 s, P Conclusions In contrast with all existing platelet function tests reported in the literature, which report platelet dysfunction in trauma patients, contractile force demonstrates hyperfunction in surviving trauma patients and dysfunction in nonsurvivors. Platelet contraction reflects platelet metabolic reserve and thus may be a potential biomarker for survival after trauma. Contractile force warrants further investigation to predict mortality in severely injured trauma patients.
A Temporal Model for Task-Based Functional MR Images

To better identify task-activated brain regions in task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (tb-fMRI), various space-time models have been used to reconstruct image sequences from k-space data. These models decompose a fMRI timecourse into a static background and a dynamic foreground, aiming to separate task-correlated components from non-task signals. This paper proposes a model based on assumptions of the activation waveform shape and smoothness of the timecourse, and compare it to two contemporary tb-fMRI decomposition models. We experiment in the image domain using a simulated task with known region of interest, and a real visual task. The proposed model yields fewer false activations in task activation maps.
Reactor Power Level Estimation by Fusing Multi-Modal Sensor Measurements

Estimates of the power level of a nuclear reactor based on measurements from an independent monitoring sensor system can help in the compliance verification of its declared operations. We present a three-level fusion method to estimate the power level of a nuclear reactor using features derived from infrared, electromagnetic, and acoustic sensor measurements collected in proximity to the reactor. Based on a simplified analytical model of the secondary coolant system of the reactor, we identify partial regression functions of the power level in terms of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet of coolant pipes, and the activity levels of four fans and four pumps, which are estimated as features from the sensor measurements. The power level estimator employs a combination of aggregate and complementary fusion steps at three levels to incorporate the multi-modal features in a structure that reflects the secondary cooling system and its partial regression functions. Using the measurements from a test campaign at an operational reactor, we show that this estimator achieves 3.47% or lower root mean square error under 5-fold cross validation. More generally, these results illustrate a progressive reduction in estimation error as additional modalities are appropriately incorporated, and that the fuser outperforms single modality features and their sub-combinations.
Chronological set of E. coli O157:H7 bovine strains establishes a role for repeat sequences and mobile genetic elements in genome diversification

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) is a significant foodborne pathogen that resides asymptomatically within cattle and other ruminants. The EHEC genome harbors an extensive collection of mobile genetic elements (MGE), including multiple prophage, prophage-like elements, plasmids, and insertion sequence (IS) elements. A chronological collection of EHEC strains (FRIK804, FRIK1275, and FRIK1625) isolated from a Wisconsin dairy farm (farm X) comprised a closely related clade genetically differentiated by structural alterations to the chromosome. Comparison of the FRIK804 genome with a reference EHEC strain Sakai found a unique prophage like element (PLE, indel 1) and an inversion (1.15 Mb) situated symmetrically with respect to the terminus region. Detailed analysis determined the inversion was due to homologous recombination between repeat sequences in prophage. The three farm X strains were distinguished by the presence or absence of indel 3 (61 kbp) and indel 4 (48 kbp); FRIK804 contained both of these regions, FRIK1275 lacked indel 4, and indels 3 and 4 were both absent in FRIK1625. Indel 3 was the stx2 prophage and indel 4 involved a deletion between two adjacent prophage with shared repeat sequences. Both FRIK804 and FRIK1275 produced functional phage while FRIK1625 did not, which is consistent with indel 3. Due to their involvement in recombination events, direct and inverted repeat sequences were identified, and their locations mapped to the chromosome. FRIK804 had a greater number and overall length of repeat sequences than E. coli K12 strain MG1655. Repeat sequences were most commonly associated with MGE. This research demonstrated that three EHEC strains from a Wisconsin dairy farm were closely related and distinguished by variability within prophage regions and other MGE. Chromosome alterations were associated with recombination events between repeat sequences. An inventory of direct and inverted repeat sequences found a greater abundance and total length of repeat sequences in the EHEC strains compared to E. coli strain MG1655. The locations of the repeat sequences were biased towards MGE. The findings from this study expand our understanding of the precise molecular events and elements that contributed to genetic diversification of wild-type EHEC in the bovine and farm environments.
Go Read the Threads: Communication at the Forge

This chapter explores the character of communication at the Forge in more depth. It begins with an examination of the philosophy underlying the moderation practices employed by Ron Edwards at the Forge before examining the notorious ‘brain damage controversy’ that roiled the indie scene in 2006 and continued to reverberate for some time. It then turns to a discussion of ‘Actual Play’ or AP as a speech genre or type of post at the Forge, and explores AP as a mode of communication that relies on dialogue for its full effect.
The Role of GDF15 in Regulating the Canonical Pathways of the Tumor Microenvironment in Wild-Type p53 Ovarian Tumor and Its Response to Chemotherapy.

Background: The standard treatment of ovarian cancer is surgery followed by a chemotherapeutic combination consisting of a platinum agent, such as cisplatin and a taxane-like paclitaxel. We previously observed that patients with ovarian cancer wild-type for p53 had a poorer survival rate than did those with p53 mutations. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular changes of epithelial ovarian cancer cells with wild-type p53 in response to treatment with cisplatin could reveal novel mechanisms of chemoresistance. Methods: Gene expression profiling was performed on an ovarian cancer cell line A2780 with wild-type p53 treated with cisplatin. A gene encoding a secretory protein growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) was identified to be highly induced by cisplatin treatment in vitro. This was further validated in a panel of wild-type and mutant p53 ovarian cancer cell lines, as well as in mouse orthotopic models. The mouse tumor tissues were further analyzed by histology and RNA-seq. Results: GDF15 was identified as one of the highly induced genes by cisplatin or carboplatin in ovarian cancer cell lines with wild-type p53. The wild-type p53-induced expression of GDF15 and GDF15-confered chemotherapy resistance was further demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. This study also discovered that GDF15-knockdown (GDF15-KD) tumors had less stromal component and had different repertoires of activated and inhibited canonical pathways in the stromal cell and cancer cell components from that of the control tumors after cisplatin treatment. Conclusions: GDF15 expression from the wild-type p53 cancer cells can modulate the canonical pathways in the tumor microenvironment in response to cisplatin, which is a possible mechanism of chemoresistance.
Tuning Rh(II)-catalysed cyclopropanation with tethered thioether ligands.

Dirhodium(II) paddlewheel complexes have high utility in diazo-mediated cyclopropanation reactions and ethyl diazoacetate is one of the most commonly used diazo compounds in this reaction. In this study, we report our efforts to use tethered thioether ligands to tune the reactivity of RhII-carbene mediated cyclopropanation of olefins with ethyl diazoacetate. Microwave methods enabled the synthesis of a family of RhII complexes in which tethered thioether moieties were coordinated to axial sites of the complex. Different tether lengths and thioether substituents were screened to optimise cyclopropane yields and minimise side product formation. Furthermore, good yields were obtained when equimolar diazo and olefin were used. Structural and spectroscopic investigation revealed that tethered thioethers changed the electronic structure of the rhodium core, which was instrumental in the performance of the catalysts. Computational modelling of the catalysts provided further support that the tethered thioethers were responsible for increased yields.
Outcomes of Endoscopic Versus Open Skull Base Surgery in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS To characterize the pathology and outcomes of skull base surgery in the pediatric population by open versus endoscopic surgical approach. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS A retrospective review of pediatric patients (<18 years) who underwent skull base surgery for nonmalignant disease from May 2000 to August 2019 was performed. Patient demographics, pathology, and operative characteristics by surgical approach were recorded and analyzed. Patients with a combined endoscopic/open approach were classified as open for the analysis. RESULTS Eighty-two pediatric skull base patients were identified with a mean age of 11.3 years (standard deviation 5.2). A purely endoscopic approach was used in 63 (77%) patients, a purely open approach was used in nine (11%) patients, and a combined open/endoscopic approach was used in 10 (12%) patients. The all-cause complication rate was 9.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in rate of complications between patients with an open versus endoscopic approach for resection (15.8% vs. 7.9%; P = .379). Risk of having a complication did not significantly vary by patient age. The odds of having a complication with an open approach was not statistically significant in a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, race, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, tracheostomy requirement, and vascular flap use (odds ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 0.28-26.94; P = .383). CONCLUSIONS Our retrospective study demonstrates a similar risk of complication for open versus endoscopic approach to resection in pediatric skull base patients at our institution. Safety and feasibility of the endoscopic approach has previously been demonstrated in children, and this is the first study to directly compare outcomes with open approaches. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:996-1001, 2021.
Regionalized Hybrid Courts

International collaboration in the first wave of hybrid criminal tribunals established from 2000-2007 followed a consistent pattern: the international partner in each instance was the United Nations. In the second wave of hybrid courts established since 2013, several of the new and proposed hybrid courts have been structured as partnerships with regional organizations: the African Union and the European Union. This chapter assesses this regional engagement in the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Special Prosecutor’s Office, the Extraordinary African Chambers in the Courts of Senegal, and the proposed Hybrid Court for South Sudan. While regional partnerships in hybrid courts are a new phenomenon, they are an expression of a long-term trend toward the development of regional commitments to transitional justice and international criminal law, as previously signaled by the Malabo Protocol and other initiatives. These regionalized hybrid courts also represent a manifestation of the European Union and African Union’s interests in regional authority, security, and norms. However, regionalized hybrid criminal tribunals do not thus far manifest most of the predicted benefits of regionalized transitional justice institutions that were anticipated by scholars.
How Should a Physician Respond to Discovering Her Patient Has Been Forcibly Sterilized

Forced sterilization has a long history in the United States. Because sterilization requires surgical skill, physicians have been the lone professionals engaging in this practice, although they were not the only experts or Americans to hold eugenic and neo-eugenic views. But physicians have also been whistleblowers who exposed sterilization abuse and led efforts to end it. The commentary on this case suggests that physicians should respond along those lines.
The political economy of sales taxes and sales tax exemptions

I analyze the choice politicians face when seeking votes from groups that lobby for sales tax rate decreases or tax exemptions, given the constraint that politicians want to raise a certain amount of revenue. Using data on sales taxes, I develop a model predicting a positive relationship between the number of exemptions and the sales tax rate. The estimation results provide support for this prediction. Each additional exemption is associated with an increase of between 0.10 and 0.25 percentage points in the tax rate.