cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altering bioelectricity on inhibition of human breast cancer cells

Membrane depolarization is associated with breast cancer. Depolarization-activated voltage-gated ion channels are directly implicated in the initiation, proliferation, and metastasis of breast cancer. In this study, the role of voltage-gated potassium and calcium ion channel modulation was explored in two different invasive ductal human carcinoma cell lines, MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative) and MCF7 (estrogen-receptor-positive). Resting membrane potential is more depolarized in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells compared to normal human mammary epithelial cells. Increasing extracellular potassium concentration up to 50 mM depolarized membrane potential and greatly increased cell growth. Tetraethylammonium (TEA), a non-specific blocker of voltage-gated potassium channels, stimulated growth of MCF7 cells (control group grew by 201 %, 1 mM TEA group grew 376 %). Depolarization-induced calcium influx was hypothesized as a requirement for growth of human breast cancer. Removing calcium from culture medium stopped growth of MDA and MCF7 cells, leading to cell death after 1 week. Verapamil, a blocker of voltage-gated calcium channels clinically used in treating hypertension and coronary disease, inhibited growth of MDA cells at low concentration (10–20 μM) by 73 and 92 % after 1 and 2 days, respectively. At high concentration (100 μM), verapamil killed >90 % of MDA and MCF7 cells after 1 day. Immunoblotting experiments demonstrated that an increased expression of caspase-3, critical in apoptosis signaling, positively correlated with verapamil concentration in MDA cells. In MCF7, caspase-9 expression is increased in response to verapamil. Our results support our hypotheses that membrane depolarization and depolarization-induced calcium influx stimulate proliferation of human breast cancer cells, independently of cancer subtypes. The underlying mechanism of verapamil-induced cell death involves different caspases in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231. These data suggest that voltage-gated potassium and calcium channels may be putative targets for pharmaceutical remediation in human invasive ductal carcinomas.
Immanent Critique and the Exhaustion Thesis: Neoliberalism and History’s Vicissitudes

The chapter departs from earlier discourses over the exhaustion of immanent critique, one-dimensionality, and the end of alternatives. The author addresses the current profound contradictions of capitalism and the environment, which have loomed earlier in capitalism’s growth imperative but have accelerated enormously with the latest phase of globalization and the consequent growth of the global economy relative to the biosphere (i.e., with massive increases in the production of waste and throughput of resources). This chapter addresses climate change and related ecological problems (e.g., biodiversity), and also focuses on their intersection with enormous class inequality. The core theme is the unsustainability of capitalism as we have known it, the role of critical theory, and the relation of critical theory to natural science.
Prevalence of high symptom burden and its impact on functioning and quality of life in patients with multiple myeloma 3-9 months following autologous transplant.

e19580 Background: Although multiple myeloma (MM) patients are expected to have lower disease burden post autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AuSCT), symptom burden and its impact on patient’s quality of life (QoL) have not been prospectively studied in this time period, when maintenance therapy may be implemented. Methods: 51 patients with MM were enrolled at 3 months post AuSCT. Patients rated symptom severity and interference weekly on the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-MM) for 6 months. Trajectory modeling identified a subgroup of patients who constantly reported higher symptom burden. Linear mixed-effect models and regression models were used to examine symptom impact on total symptom interference, and on QoL (EORTC-QLQ30 at 9 month). The effects of lenalidomide maintenance therapy on symptoms was examined. Results: Of 51 patients, 22 (43%) received lenalidomide maintenance therapy, 29 (57%) were in observation. Over time, the most severe symptoms were pain, fatigue, numbness...
Whole breast nodal irradiation using supine VMAT and prone 3D planning: A case study

The purpose of this study was to compare the variations in doses to the ipsilateral lung and heart between the supine whole breast and nodal volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique and the prone 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) technique. In this study, 3 patients who were simulated in the prone and supine positions were planned using supine VMAT and prone 3DCRT techniques to compare planning target volume (PTV) coverage as well as dose to organs at risk (ORs), including the heart and ipsilateral lung. Although all constraints were met, the ideal treatment technique depended on the patient's anatomy and lumpectomy location. Supine VMAT provided excellent coverage to the target structures but encountered difficulty in limiting dose to the ipsilateral lung and heart. When compared with the supine VMAT technique, the prone 3DCRT limited dose to the ipsilateral lung and heart but provided less dose coverage to the target volumes.
Establishment and activity of the D quadrant organizer in the marine gastropod Crepidula fornicata

During development in metazoan embryos, the fundamental embryonic axes are established by organizing centers that influence the fates of nearby cells. Among the spiralians, a large and diverse branch of protostome metazoans, studies have shown that an organizer sets up the dorsal-ventral axis, which arises from one of the four basic cell quadrants during development (the dorsal, D quadrant). Studies in a few species have also revealed variation in terms of how and when the D quadrant and the organizer are established. In some species the D quadrant is specified conditionally, via cell-cell interactions, while in others it is specified autonomously, via asymmetric cell divisions (such as those involving the formation of polar lobes). The third quartet macromere (3D) typically serves as the spiralian organizer; however, other cells born earlier or later in the D quadrant lineage can serve as the organizer, such as the 2d micromere in the annelid Capitella teleta or the 4d micromere in the mollusc Crepidula fornicata. Here we present work carried out in the snail C. fornicata to show that establishment of a single D quadrant appears to rely on a combination of both autonomous (via inheritance of the polar lobe) and conditional mechanisms (involving induction via the progeny of the first quartet micromeres). Through systematic ablation of cells, we show that D quadrant identity is established between 5th and 6th cleavage stages, as it is in other spiralians that use conditional specification. Subsequently, following the next cell cycle, organizer activity takes place soon after the birth of the 4d micromere. Therefore, unlike the case in other spiralians that use conditional specification, the specification of the D quadrant and the activity of the dorso-ventral organizer are temporally and spatially uncoupled. We also present data on organizer function in naturally-occurring and experimentally-induced twin embryos, which possess multiple D quadrants. We show that supernumerary D quadrants can arise in C. fornicata (either spontaneously or following polar lobe removal); when multiple D quadrants are present these do not exhibit effective organizer activity. We conclude that the polar lobe is not required for D quadrant specification, though it could play a role in effective organizer activity. We also tested whether the inheritance of the small polar lobe by the D quadrant is associated with the ability to laterally inhibit neighboring quadrants by direct contact in order to normally prevent supernumerary organizers from arising. Finally, we discuss the variation of spiralian organizers in a phylogenetic context.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Methane Concentrations, Fluxes, and Sources in Lakes in Arctic Alaska

Climate warming may lead to a positive feedback of increased emissions of CH4 from sediments beneath Arctic lakes, but the contribution of these lakes to the global CH4 budget is poorly quantified. Here we present results of a study of CH4 concentrations and sources from a series of 50 lakes in Arctic Alaska across an 80,000 km2 spatial gradient and a two-year time period. We measured dissolved CH4 concentrations and stable isotopes of CH4 in lakes in the North Slope of Alaska in August 2014 and 2015, and April 2015 (under ice). Stable isotopes indicated biogenic CH4 dominated versus thermogenic sources, with both acetate fermentation and carbonate reduction sources. Dissolved CH4 was about 100 times higher under the ice than during the summer, indicating that the spring ice-off period is a large source of atmospheric CH4. Open-water dissolved CH4 concentrations had a negative relationship with latitude in both years of our study, although CH4 fluxes were consistent among a subset of lakes measured along a ~150 km north to south transect in both years (14 lakes in 2014 and 12 in 2015). Dissolved CH4 concentrations and fluxes were significantly higher in August 2015 versus August 2014, concurrent with a 3°C higher mean water temperature in 2015 versus 2014. Much longer-term monitoring is needed, however, to conclude that CH4 emissions from Arctic lakes mirror observed warming trends. This study provides valuable baseline data and can inform methods for future studies investigating carbon cycle – climate change feedbacks in Alaskan Arctic lakes.
Osteocalcin level in children with steroid dependent/frequently relapsing and steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome

Background: Children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) may be at risk for metabolic bone disease because of biochemical derangement caused by renal disease as well as steroid therapy. Osteocalcin (OC) functions as an inhibitor of bone mineralization. We aimed to evaluate linear growth and bone turnover markers (including serum osteocalcin) in children with steroid-dependant/frequently-relapsing and steroid resistant NS in comparison to a matched control group. Methods: Our study was a cross-sectional study conducted at children’s hospital, Cairo University, Egypt from July 2014 to August 2015. The study included 60 patients, aged 2 - 15 years recruited from outpatient nephrology clinic. Twenty eight age- and sex- matched healthy children were included as a control group. Serum OC was measured by immune-radiometric assay. Results: Serum OC levels were significantly higher in both SDNS/FRNS and SRNS than in control group, with P value 0.02 and 0.01, respectively. There was statistically significant negative correlation between OC and serum calcium. There was a negative correlation between height for age percentile and number of relapses. There were also negative correlations between height for age percentile and steroids, cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine duration of treatment. We found that both of our patients groups (SDNS/FRNS and SRNS) showed lower height for age percentile compared to control group (P = 0.017 and 0.001 respectively). Conclusions: Height as a growth parameter is more affected when recurrent relapses occur with multiple courses of steroid therapy. Use of OC as screening tool is recommended for bone turnover while patients on steroids.
Structure/Function Relationships Among Murine Class II Molecules: Sequence Analysis of I-A cDNA Clones

The intimate relationship between Ia antigens and immune responsiveness to a multitude of natural and synthetic antigens has been known for some time (1, 2). Recent studies using either anti-Ia antisera or monoclonal antibodies to block immune responses strongly suggest that la antigens are the products of Ir genes (3–5), but how a limited number of Ia antigens differentially regulate responses to a myriad of antigens is yet to be resolved. Presumably, their role in the presentation of antigen to immunocompetent cells is of fundamental importance and, as with other systems, Ia:antigen interactions will surely be dictated by the structures of the individual components of the la:antigen complex on the surface of the antigen-presenting cell. Primary structural alterations in the alpha and beta chains of the Class II heterodimer likely result in a failure to present antigen in a configuration appropriate for recognition and thus the failure of an animal to mount an immune response to that antigen. These alterations must also account for the multiple allelic variations recognized by both antibodies and T-cells.
The Definition and Computation of Average Neutron Lifetimes

A precise physical definition is offered for a class of average lifetimes for neutrons in an assembly of materials, either multiplying or not, or if the former, critical or not. A compact theoretical expression for the general member of this class is derived in terms of solutions to the transport equation. Three specific definitions are considered. Particular exact expressions for these are derived and reduced to simple algebraic formulas for one-group and two-group homogeneous bare-core models.
Effect of fractionally damped compliance elements on amplitude sensitive dynamic stiffness predictions of a hydraulic bushing

Abstract Hydraulic bushings exhibit significant amplitude dependent behavior which cannot be captured with the linear time-invariant system theory. Accordingly, Fredette et al. (2016) have proposed a nonlinear model, but the amplitude sensitivity has not been adequately described as it is affected by multiple inherent design features. To further improve the predictive capability of nonlinear models, this article extends the prior work by including two key dissipation effects within the (elastomeric) fluid compliance chambers. First, the conventional fluid compliance element is replaced by an equivalent mechanical spring representing the nonlinear elasticity of the pumping chambers. Fractional calculus based and friction-type damping elements are added in parallel to the nonlinear spring elements of pumping chambers. Second, improved quasi-linear models are proposed at four sinusoidal excitation amplitudes, demonstrating amplitude sensitivity in model parameters. Third, new nonlinear models are proposed and numerically simulated, predicting dynamic stiffness magnitudes and loss angles at multiple excitation amplitudes. The sensitivity of dynamic properties to the fractional and frictional damping parameters is qualitatively evaluated. Finally, both quasi-linear and nonlinear models are experimentally validated and are found to be superior to the ones in the literature.
Phaseolus (Fabaceae) in archaeology: AMS radiocarbon dates and their significance for pre-Colombian agriculture

Beans of several species were domesticated in tropical America thousands of years ago, to be combined with maize and other crops in highly successful New World agricultural systems. Radiocarbon dates on charcoal associated with Phaseolus in archaeological sites, in Mexico and Peru indicated the presence of domesticated beans as early as 10 000 years ago. However, direct dates on the beans and pods themselves by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) do not provide evidence for the cultivation in Mexico of common beans, P. vulgaris, and teparies, P. acutifolius, before about 2500 B.P. in the Tehuacan Valley, and of common beans about 1300 years ago in Tamaulipas and 2100 years ago in the Valley of Oaxaca. AMS dates support the presence in the Peruvian Andes of domesticated common beans by about 4400 B.P. and lima beans by about 3500 B. P. and lima beans by about 5600 B.P. in the coastal valleys of Peru. The late appearance of common and lima beans in the Central Highlands of Mesoamerica supports the importance of missing evidence that may be obtained from prehistoric agricultural sites in western Mexico and in Central America which are located within the range of the wild populations of these species. Additionally, biochemical studies of subsamples of the dated specimens should be carried out in order to extend the molecular evidence for the independent domestication of North and South American common beans.
Efficient Calculation of the Negative Thermal Expansion in ZrW2O8.

We present a study of the origin of the negative thermal expansion (NTE) on ZrW2O8 by combining an efficient approach for computing the dynamical matrix with the Lanczos algorithm for generating the phonon density of states in the quasi-harmonic approximation. The simulations show that the NTE arises primarily from the motion of the O-sublattice, and in particular, from the transverse motion of the O atoms in the W-O and W-O-Zr bonds. In the low frequency range these combine to keep the WO4 tetrahedra rigid and induce internal distortions in the ZrO6 octahedra. The force constants associated with these distortions become stronger with expansion, resulting in negative Gruneisen parameters and NTE from the low frequency modes that dominate the positive contributions from the high frequency modes. This leads us to propose an anharmonic, two-frequency Einstein model that quantitatively captures the NTE behavior.
Evaluation of the B-Smart manometer and the CompuFlo computerized injection pump technology for accurate needle-tip injection pressure measurement during peripheral nerve blockade

Background and Objectives The exact mechanism of peripheral nerve blocks causing/leading to nerve injury remains controversial. Evidence from animal experiments suggests that intrafascicular injection resulting in high injection pressure has the potential to rupture nerve fascicles and may consequently cause permanent nerve injury and neurological deficits. The B-Smart (BS) in-line manometer and the CompuFlo (CF) computerized injection pump technology are two modalities used for monitoring pressure during regional anesthesia. This study sought to explore the accuracy of these two technologies in measuring needle-tip pressures in a simulated environment. Methods In seven simulated needle–syringe combinations, the BS and the CF devices were connected in series through a closed system and attached to a digital manometer at the tip of various needles. The pressures were evaluated in three trials per needle-syringe combination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy (F1 Score) were determined for each needle type and overall. Results For pressures ≥15 psi and ≥20 psi, respectively, the CF device demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, 100%; specificity of 96%, 98%; positive predictive value 93%, 93%; and negative predictive value of 100%, 100%. The BS device demonstrated a sensitivity of 60%, 100%; specificity of 99%, 95%; positive predictive value of 96%, 85%; and negative predictive value of 85%, 100%. Accuracy, as measured by the F1 Score, for detecting a pressure of ≥15 psi was 0.96 for the CF and 0.74 for the BS. Conclusions Future research is needed to explore in-vivo performance and evaluate whether either of these devices can impact on clinical outcomes.
Evaluation of the reliability of a new low dose CBCT acquisition protocol in diagnosing impacted canines: an ex-vivo imaging study

Permanent canines are the second most commonly impacted teeth after third molars with females being affected twice as much as males. Impacted canines can be located buccal, palatal or mid-alveolar and further be placed mesially, distally, horizontal, or inverted. Traditionally, permanent canines are radiographically localized using Clark’s method where a straight periapical radiograph of the area of interest/canine is taken, then the tube is shifted either mesial or distal to take a second radiograph. Another approach to localize an impacted canine could use a panoramic radiograph. Both of these 2D methods do not adequately depict the location of the tooth. To be able to localize the canine correctly is important for surgical exposure for further orthodontic treatment. More adequate imaging is 3D imaging in which a 360 degree Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is generally used, however, a different protocol using a 180 degree technique can reduce the radiation dose by 40%. This is important as it would limit the exposure of radiologically sensitive organs in the head and neck region.
Enhancement, Authenticity, and Social Acceptance in the Age of Individualism.

Conrad and colleagues’ (2019) project is intriguing and potentially pathbreaking. We identify one particular line of inquiry suggested by their article, offer some suggestions about how to clarify ...
Advances in Microbial Protoplasts (Bacillus licheniformis β-lactamase and the Protoplast Surface)

The changing nature of the research reported at these Symposia over the past two decades is noted, especially the current emphasis on plant protoplasts. Improvements in procedures for the preparation and regeneration of microbial protoplasts are summarized and the definition of optimal conditions for fusion and genetic transfer. The efficiency of fusion now attainable has led to considerable advances in the genetics of yeasts and mycelial fungi and of bacteria.
A Bayesian ensemble approach to combine PM2.5 estimates from statistical models using satellite imagery and numerical model simulation

Abstract Ambient fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) has been linked to various adverse health outcomes. PM2.5 arises from both natural and anthropogenic sources, and PM2.5 concentrations can vary over space and time. However, the sparsity of existing air quality monitors greatly restricts the spatial-temporal coverage of PM2.5 measurements, potentially limiting the accuracy of PM2.5-related health studies. Various methods exist to address these limitations by supplementing air quality monitoring measurements with additional data. We develop a method to combine PM2.5 estimated from satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) and chemical transport model (CTM) simulations using statistical models. While most previous methods utilize AOD or CTM separately, we aim to leverage advantages offered by both data sources in terms of resolution and coverage using Bayesian ensemble averaging. Our approach differs from previous ensemble approaches in its ability to not only incorporate uncertainties in PM2.5 estimates from individual models but also to provide uncertainties for the resulting ensemble estimates. In an application of estimating daily PM2.5 in the Southeastern US, the ensemble approach outperforms previously developed spatial-temporal statistical models that use either AOD or bias-corrected CTM simulations in cross-validation (CV) analyses. More specifically, in spatially clustered CV experiments, the ensemble approach reduced the AOD-only and CTM-only model's root mean squared error (RMSE) by at least 13%. Similar improvements were seen in R2. The enhanced prediction performance that the ensemble technique provides at fine-scale spatial resolution, as well as the availability of prediction uncertainty, can be further used in health effect analyses of air pollution exposure.
On the Fate of Alternative Gravitation & Extra-Dimensional Theories

The object of this brief note is to point out that the recent discovery of gravitational waves may further constrain brane-worlds models and alternative theories of gravitation.
Vibration‐Energy‐Harvesting System: Transduction Mechanisms, Frequency Tuning Techniques, and Biomechanical Applications

Vibration-based energy-harvesting technology, as an alternative power source, represents one of the most promising solutions to the problem of battery capacity limitations in wearable and implantable electronics, in particular implantable biomedical devices. Four primary energy transduction mechanisms are reviewed, namely piezoelectric, electromagnetic, electrostatic, and triboelectric mechanisms for vibration-based energy harvesters. Through generic modeling and analyses, it is shown that various approaches can be used to tune the operation bandwidth to collect appreciable power. Recent progress in biomechanical energy harvesters is also shown by utilizing various types of motion from bodies and organs of humans and animals. To conclude, perspectives on next-generation energy-harvesting systems are given, whereby the ultimate intelligent, autonomous, and tunable energy harvesters will provide a new energy platform for electronics and wearable and implantable medical devices.
Ube2v1 Positively Regulates Protein Aggregation by Modulating Ubiquitin Proteasome System Performance Partially Through K63 Ubiquitination.

Rationale: Compromised protein quality control can result in proteotoxic intracellular protein aggregates in the heart, leading to cardiac disease and heart failure. Defining the participants and u...
Subgroup Identification for Tailored Therapies: Methods and Consistent Evaluation

In contrast to the “one-size-fits-all” approach of traditional drug development, the paradigm of tailored therapeutics seeks to identify subjects with an enhanced treatment effect. In this chapter, we describe a statistical approach (TSDT) to subgroup identification that utilizes ensemble trees and resampling. For each potential subgroup identified, TSDT produces a multiplicity-adjusted strength of the subgroup finding as well as a bias-adjusted estimate of the treatment effect in the identified subgroup, both of which are important for decision-making in the development of tailored therapeutics. We describe a careful examination of simulation studies in a number of related publications, in order to determine the ideal framework to compare subgroup identification methods. A simulation study is performed to evaluate the performance of TSDT. The method has been implemented in a publicly available R package.
Pressure Cookers, Safety Valves, and Mass Terror during the Oprichnina

It is not possible to understand Ivan iv and his policies, Charles Halperin emphasizes, without taking into account Muscovite political, economic, social, and cultural history. To explain the mass terror that characterized the oprichnina, Halperin delves particularly into social history and finds the roots of the terror in the establishment and enlargement of the gentry, which entailed a high degree of social mobility. Without any mechanisms for releasing the anxiety produced by social mobility, social pressures mounted until the establishment of the oprichnina provided an opportunity for the gentry to release their frustrations in unrestrained violence. An inquiry into a wider range of social and economic developments reveals that the gentry had to deal with stress arising from multiple sources, more disturbing and persistent than social mobility. It also indicates that the gentry did have mechanisms at their disposal to express and alleviate their anxieties. This inquiry does not confirm or reject Halperin’s conclusion that gentry oprichniki, contravening Ivan’s intent, were responsible for unleashing mass terror. It does suggest that to discover the roots of the gentry’s actions it may be necessary to consider a wider range of factors in Muscovy’s complex, dynamic social and economic history.
Reporting of Research by Matched Otolaryngology Residency Applicants

Objectives:Matching to an otolaryngology residency program is a competitive process for medical students, and research performed by students is considered as a factor for granting interviews by pro...
Residue buildup predictive modeling for stencil cleaning profile decision-making using recurrent neural network

Abstract This research proposes a novel framework to control the stencil cleaning profile selection in the stencil printing process (SPP). The SPP is a major contributor to yield loss in surface mount technology (SMT). Enhancement in SPP performance is critical to improving the printed circuit board (PCB) assembly line. The selection of a solvent-based or a dry-based cleaning profile is challenging, but the choice determines the effectiveness and efficiency of the stencil cleaning operation. The amount of residue buildup under the stencil is the main criterion used to decide the appropriate cleaning profile in SPP. In this research, a multi-dimensional temporal recurrent neural network (RNN) approach is used to accurately predict the amount of residue buildup on the underneath surface of the stencil in real-time. Specifically, the long short-term memory (LSTM) architecture is trained using actual residue buildup data. The proposed LSTM prediction model is compared with other state-of-the-art regression models such as multilayer perceptron (MLP) and ensemble learning models. Experimental results show the proposed LSTM model outperforms the state-of-the-art regression models and accurately predicts the stencil status. The proposed research aids decision-makers in the SPP line to select the appropriate stencil cleaning profile adaptively and in real-time. As a result, the overall SPP performance is improved.
From involvement to solidarity: Community engagement to foster culturally-proactive and constructivist pedagogy

Demographic differences between teachers and students and the need for pedagogical approaches that address issues of equity, power, and justice have bolstered arguments for community-engaged teachi...
An updated checklist of Turkish crabronid wasps (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) with new and additional records

An updated checklist of the wasp family Crabronidae in Turkey is provided. It is based on records present in the literature and on newly identified specimens collected in Turkey. In this study, 537 species and 16 subspecies in 65 genera are listed. Among them, five species, namely Dryudella esterinae Pagliano, 2001, Nysson mimulus Valkeila, 1964, Crossocerus pullulus A. Morawitz, 1866, Oxybelus spectabilis Gerstaecker, 1867 and Diodontus insidiosus Spooner, 1938 are recorded for the first time from Turkey. New and additional records for 114 species are given. Collection localities and photographs of newly identified species are provided. Key words: Hymenoptera, Crabronidae, checklist, new records, additional records, Turkey
Co-infection with Coronavirus Disease 2019, previously undiagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and Cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, with possible Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome.

Abstract Background Case reports, case series and cohort studies have been published describing the clinical course and outcomes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) who contract coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. However, the majority of the published work focuses on patients with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Case presentation We present a case of a new diagnosis of HIV with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) made simultaneously to diagnosis of COVID-19, with co-infection with pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and possible cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonitis. The patient decompensated following initiation of ART, suggestive of possible immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Conclusions This case illustrates the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for HIV/AIDS in patients with risk factors. Additionally, this case raises the possibility that IRIS may develop in the setting of ART initiation in patients with COVID-19.
Monte Carlo Variation Analysis of NCFET-based 6-T SRAM: Design Opportunities and Trade-offs

Negative Capacitance FET (NCFET) is one of the most promising variants of the emerging steep-slope transistors, able to overcome the ?Boltzmann limit'. The ferroelectric layer in the gate stack brings in new dynamics to the transistor operation by amplifying the surface potential. Steeper subthreshold slope, higher ON/OFF ratio, and the possibility to attain negative output conductance provide unique opportunities for NCFET-based circuit design. However, NCFETs inherently possess additional sources of variation, and hence, the promise of performance benefits in the nominal designs must be examined through extensive variation analysis. The non-volatile ferroelectric FETs (FEFETs) are promising candidates for storage-class memory, whereas the volatile NCFETs are suitable for high-speed SRAM design. In this work, we first draw a contrast between the modeling approaches ideal for the non-volatile FEFETs and volatile NCFETs. We then utilize a compact model for NCFET to analyze the design possibilities in an NCFET-based 6-T SRAM cell compared with its conventional counterpart ? both implemented in the 10 nm technology node. We examine the read, write, and hold performance of the SRAM cells through Monte Carlo variation analysis. We show that, even with additional variation induced spread in the device characteristics, NCFET-based SRAM cell can achieve better Static Noise Margin (SNM) during read/hold modes and allows more aggressive supply voltage scaling. The increased hold stability imposes a penalty in the write performance ? forcing design trade-offs.
Multi-Electrode Array of Sensory Neurons as an In Vitro Platform to Identify the Nociceptive Response to Pharmaceutical Buffer Systems of Injectable Biologics

Pharmaceutical buffer systems, especially for injectable biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, are an important component of successful FDA-approved medications. Clinical studies indicate that buffer components may be contributing factors for increased injection site pain. To determine the potential nociceptive effects of clinically relevant buffer systems, we developed an in vitro multi-electrode array (MEA) based recording system of rodent dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neuron cell culture. This system monitors sensory neuron activity/firing as a surrogate of nociception when challenged with buffer components used in formulating monoclonal antibodies and other injectable biologics. We show that citrate salt and citrate mannitol buffer systems cause an increase in mean firing rate, burst frequency, and burst duration in DRG sensory neurons, unlike histidine or saline buffer systems at the same pH value. Lowering the concentration of citrate leads to a lower firing intensity of DRG sensory neurons. Increased activity/firing of DRG sensory neurons has been suggested as a key feature underlying nociception. Our results support the utility of an in vitro MEA assay with cultured DRG sensory neurons to probe the nociceptive potential of clinically relevant buffer components used in injectable biologics.
Traces of Darkness in Early Daoism: The Evolution of Vision Metaphors in the Laozi

An interesting feature of the language of many Daoist texts is their atypical idealization of Darkness and Obscurity, which contrasts with the positive connotations of Light and Clarity in virtually all great philosophical traditions. This article highlights a formerly unnoted difference between the received and the excavated Guodian 郭店 versions of the Laozi 老子, which reveals an interesting change in the use of Light/Darkness symbolism through the evolution of the text: while the received Laozi uses both metaphorical schemes to roughly the same extent, the presumably earlier Guodian Laozi lacks almost all of the “bright” references that appear in later recensions, thus constituting a much “darker” version of the text. The article discusses the philosophical meaning of this terminological shift and the possible reasons for its occurrence, and closely analyzes three cases (chapters 16, 52, and 55) in which this process of “textual illumination” seems to have taken place during the transition between the Guodian and received version of the text. Alongside more specific implications such as the formerly unknown linkage between ming 明 and chang 常, a suggested stratification of chapter 55, and the possible relationship between the proto-Laozian materials and the Zhuangzi 莊子, this article also proposes a more general hypothesis according to which the absence of light metaphors in the Guodian version represents the jargon of an earlier “dark” stratum of Daoism, traces of which were preserved in some of the texts known to us today.
Issues and challenges in coding interventions for meta-analysis of prevention research.

Meta-analysis is the statistical analysis of a large collection of results from individual studies for the purpose of integrating findings (Glass 1976). In other words, it is a quantitative review of existing research in a substantive area, involving multiple tests of a common hypothesis. When applied to intervention research, meta-analysis can be helpful in determining whether multiple tests of an intervention yield effects on an outcome construct of interest that are similar in direction and magnitude. Although the concept and some of the statistics used in meta-analysis date from the 1930s (Hedges and Olkin 1985), tremendous strides in the acceptance and popularity of meta-analysis have occurred in the last 15 years (Chalmers 1991; Myers 1991).
Effects of structural habitat on drift distance and benthic settlement of the caddisfly, Ceratopsyche sparna

We conducted two experiments in flow-through, artificial streams to examine how habitat structure affected drift and benthic resettlement of larval hydropsychid caddisflies (Ceratopsyche sparna). In the first experiment, we quantified drift distance and the number of times larvae re-entered the drift in 9.0 × 0.51-m channels with contiguous patches (ea. 2.5-m long) of biofilm-covered gravel, biofilm-covered cobbles (− Cladophora), and Cladophora-covered cobbles (+ Cladophora). In the second experiment, we tracked nocturnal movements of larvae after benthic settlement in 2.8 × 0.1-m channels, each containing one of the three habitat types. In experiment 1, drift distance was (1) greatest in gravel and lowest in cobbles + Cladophora, (2) inversely related to hydraulic roughness of habitats, (3) independent of body size, and (4) similar for live and dead larvae. Average drift distance was relatively short (<2.5 m), regardless of habitat type. Number of drift re-entries also varied among habitats, being greatest in gravel and lowest in cobbles + Cladophora. No larvae re-entered the drift after settling in Cladophora patches. Results from experiment 2 revealed that drift propensities were higher for larvae in biofilm-covered gravel and cobbles than in cobbles + Cladophora. Larvae remaining in substrate patches (i.e. not drifting) laid fewer draglines in biofilm-covered stones than in Cladophora patches. Extent of benthic movement (i.e., crawling) by non-drifting larvae did not differ significantly among habitats. However, distance moved did differ with flow direction, being 4× greater downstream than upstream. These results highlight how local substrate and hydraulic conditions interact to affect small-scale movements of caddisfly larvae.
Effects of culture parameters on DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane] biodegradation by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Abstract The lignin degrading system of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium is able to degrade a wide variety of structurally diverse organopollutants to carbon dioxide. Current research is focused on ways to increase or optimize rates of biodegradation in order to apply this technology in practical waste treatment systems using 14 C-DDT as a model organopollutant.
Highlighting Ambiguities: The Fictionalization of a Woman's Life in Lorenza Reynafé o Quiroga, la barranca de la tragedia

Se analiza la figura de la mujer en la novela Lorenza Reynafe o Quiroga, la barranca de la tragedia , de Mabel Pagano.
A bound on the multiplicative efficiency of iteration

For a convergent sequence { x i } generated by x i+1 =( x i , x i−1 ,…, x i−d+1 ), define the multiplicative efficiency measure E to be (log 2 p )/ M , where p is the order of convergence and M is the number of multiplications or divisions needed to compute . Then, ifis any multivariate rational function, E ≤1. Since E =1 for the sequence { x i } generated by x i+1 = x i 2 + x i −1/4 with the limit −1/2, the bound on E is sharp. Let P M denote the maximal order for a sequence generated by an iteration with M multiplications. Then P M ≤2 M for all positive integers M . Moreover this bound is sharp.
Defect sensitivity of a 3D truss material

Abstract The effect of randomly removing members of a three-dimensional truss material on the Young's modulus and compressive strength has been calculated numerically. The results indicate that this structure is more tolerant to this type of defect than open-cell foams.
Differential effect of ischemia versus ischemia/reperfusion on endothelial cells

Abstract Introduction. Endothelial cells in transplanted organs are subjected to ischemia/reperfusion. We have previously shown in the monolayer in vitro model of murine endothelial cells that increasing the duration of ischemia with constant duration of reperfusion resulted in a larger percentage of necrotic cells. In this study we examined the effects of ischemia (I) and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in an endothelial tube model of angiogenesis in vitro. Methods. Matrigel was plated onto a 96-well plate on Day 1. On Day 2 human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were trypsinized and added to each well at a concentration of 8 × 104. After 24 h, tubular capillary networks were observed. On Day 3 these tubular networks were subjected to various times of ischemia (100% N2, 2 or 4 h) or various times of ischemia/reperfusion (2 or 4 h of ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion (95% O2)). Tubular networks were then analyzed for disruption by photomicroscopy followed by image analysis. All experiments were performed in triplicate and analyzed with Student’s t-test. Results. The groups subjected to ischemia alone (both 2 and 4 h) demonstrated a significantly denser network of capillary tubes as compared to the cells exposed to ischemia/reperfusion (P
Evaluation of Impacts of Time-of-Day Pricing Initiative on Car and Truck Traffic: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The traffic impacts of the time-of-day pricing program initiated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) on March 25, 2001, are analyzed. The analyses are based on the traffic data routinely collected at all toll lanes by PANYNJ. Since terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center disrupted the transportation network and made it impossible to isolate and analyze user reaction to the PANYNJ toll prices, only the period before the events of September 11, 2001, was considered. The research has confirmed a statistically significant shift toward prepeaks, in both mornings (5 to 6 a.m.) and afternoons (3 to 4 p.m.), in car traffic percentage share after the time-of-day pricing. Also, weekday truck traffic percentage share showed a statistically significant shift to morning prepeak (5 to 6 a.m.) and afternoon postpeak hours (7 to 8 p.m.). However, weekend car and truck traffic percentage shares did not have statistically significant changes during peak shoulder hours (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 8 to 9...
Feudalism and Its Antecedents in England

IN a previous article I reviewed the opinions of various historians on the origin and significance of feudalism and ventured to state some of my own.' Feudalism proper, I concluded, was essentially political, being a phase of government developed by the Frankish kings through the granting of benefices to their vassals. Originally the fief was not any benefice, but a military benefice; the vassal was not any man of a lord, but a military retainer. Vassalage, whatever the derivation of the word, was directly descended from the Germanic custom that Tacitus called the comitatus. Although the benefice was the outgrowth of the Roman precarium, feudal tenure was wholly medieval in that the fief was a benefice held by a vassal. By rewarding their vassals with fiefs, the Carolingians sought to provide themselves with a force of heavy-armed cavalry; by insisting that all great officials should be their vassals, they hoped to strengthen the royal administration; and by extending the privilege of immunity to all fief-holders, they deliberately gave numerous powers of local government to the feudal aristocracy. The disintegration of the Carolingian Empire resulted from its inherent weakness, not from the feudalizing policy of its rulers. Feudal institutions worked effectively in many of the small states that had emerged by the middle of the tenth century. The usefulness of feudal tenures, feudal armies, feudal castles, and the like is evinced by the fact that they came to be adopted throughout medieval Europe. To misunderstand feudalism is to misunderstand the political life of the Middle Ages. The purpose of the present article2 is to apply these conclusions to the feudalism of England, a subject on which a formidable mass of writing has already accumulated. Happily for the reviewer, however, a good part of the mass may be disregarded as too antiquated to require discussion. None of the old constitutional histories of England need even be mentioned except that by William Stubbs.' His views on the feudal development of England may be cited because they show how confused the whole matter remained until J. H. Round had clearly stated and effectively solved the central prob-
Breeding systems of dominant perennial plants of two disjunct warm desert ecosystems.

A comparison of the floral syndromes, flower biomasses, pollen and total sugar production of the dominant perennial species of two climatically similar but disjunct desert scrub ecosystems was made to assess the degree of convergence in breeding systems. Results indicate that the dominants at the northern site in the Sonoran Desert near Tucson Arizona, USA, possess more diverse floral types, utilize more reproductive methods, produce a greater annual biomass of flowers, provide more rewards for potential pollinators and employ a wider array of pollen vectors than those at the southern site near Andalgala, Catamarca, Argentina. The discrepancies in these features can be best explained in terms of the differences in the annual dispersion of rainfall at the two sites. However, when compared to the dominant species of two Mediterranean scrub ecosystems, the breeding systems of the dominants of the desert scrub sites proved to be more similar to one another than to those of a neighboring but different ecosystem type.