cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Images in clinical medicine. Miliary tuberculosis involving the central nervous system.

Figure 1. A 28-year-old woman with a 10-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus presented with fever, back pain, and bilateral paresthesias and weakness of the legs of 10 days' duration. She had been taking prednisone for the preceding nine months for the management of flares. On examination her neck was supple. She had decreased power and sensation in her legs, with diminished knee and ankle reflexes, an extensor right-plantar response, and an equivocal left-plantar response. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging after the administration of contrast medium revealed an enhancing lesion within the spinal cord at the T11 level (Panel . . .
Hypersecretion of Renin in Dogs with a Chronic Aortic–Caval Fistula and High-Output Heart Failure

SummaryThe rate of renin secretion was measured in six dogs with large aortic—caval fistulas and evidence of cardiac failure. At the time of the study, the dogs showed a decrease in mean femoral arterial pressure, increased mean right atrial pressure, marked sodium retention, edema and ascites. Renin secretion was measured by determining renal blood flow with an electromagnetic flowmeter and the renal venous–arterial difference in plasma renin activity. Renin secretion was elevated to 1978 ng angiotensin/min in the six dogs with an aortic—caval fistula and cardiac failure in comparison with a value of 607 ng angiotensin/min for seven normal dogs studied similarly (p < 0.01).
A decomposition-based heuristic for stochastic emergency routing problems

Abstract This paper proposes a decomposition-based heuristic for a network delivery problem in which relief workers acquire valuable emergency supplies from relief warehouses, and transport them to meet the urgent needs of distressed population centres. The problem context dictates that the relief items reach these population centres before critical deadlines. However, co-ordination challenges and random disruptions introduce uncertainty in both network travel times and the destination deadlines. Hence, relief workers have to negotiate the tension between ensuring a high probability of punctual delivery and maximising the combined value of the relief supplies delivered. For an arbitrary routing scheme which guarantees punctual delivery in an uncertainty-free state of nature, the heuristic yields an upper bound on the probability that, under uncertainty, the routing scheme described will lead to tardy delivery. We demonstrate our solution approach on a small numerical example and glean insights from experiments on a realistically sized problem. Overall, our central model and proposed solution approach are useful to managers who need to evaluate routing options and devise effective operational delivery plans in humanitarian crisis situations.
How to Draw the 3D Conduit

How to draw the 3D conduit is the main idea in this article. The important issue is how to join the points of the conduit's endpoints, another problem is how to insert the valves automatically. All these programs are worked out by the ObjectARX (for AutoCAD2000).
Integrating a Portfolio of Representations to Solve Hard Problems

This paper advocates the use of a portfolio of representations for problem solving in complex domains. It describes an approach that decouples efficient storage mechanisms called descriptives from the decision-making procedures that employ them. An architecture that takes this approach can learn which representations are appropriate for a given problem class. Examples of search with a portfolio of representations are drawn from a broad set of domains.
Carbachol-induced cytosolic free Ca2+ increases in T84 colonic cells seen by microfluorimetry

Changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in response to the secretagogue carbachol have been characterized in the human colon cancer cell line T84, a model Cl- secretory cell. In this study, [Ca2+]i was determined with the fluorescence indicator fura-2 at the single-cell level with a fluorescent microscope-imaging system. Basal [Ca2+]i in T84 cells in Ringer-HCO3 solution was 76 +/- 4 nM and was decreased by exposure to Ca2+ free solution or 25 microM verapamil. The cholinergic agonist carbachol caused a concentration-dependent rise in [Ca2+]i with a Km of 4 microM and a peak increase in [Ca2+]i of approximately 50 nM. The onset of the [Ca2+]i increase was within 3 s, occurred uniformly among cells, and peaked at 10-15 s. The increase in [Ca2+]i was heterogenous in the length of time the [Ca2+]i remained elevated above basal, and cell responses could be divided into at least two groups on that basis. Blocking the contributions of intracellular Ca2+ with dantrolene inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i as early as could be determined, whereas blocking the extracellular contribution with ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), verapamil, or nifedipine inhibited a slightly later increase in [Ca2+]i. In conclusion, the initial detectable increase in [Ca2+]i caused by carbachol is due to the release of Ca2+ from internal stores, whereas the contribution of extracellular Ca2+ occurs later and at least partially involves a nifedipine- and verapamil-sensitive process.
What Hath the Courts Wrought to the Texas Estate Planner

This article discusses recent judicial developments relating to the Texas law of intestacy, wills, estate administration, trusts, and other estate planning matters. The discussion of each case concludes with a moral, i.e., the important lesson to be learned from the case. By recognizing situations that have led to time consuming and costly litigation in the past, estate planners can reduce the likelihood of the same situations arising with their clients.
HPIDB 2.0: a curated database for host-pathogen interactions.

Identification and analysis of host–pathogen interactions (HPI) is essential to study infectious diseases. However, HPI data are sparse in existing molecular interaction databases, especially for agricultural host–pathogen systems. Therefore, resources that annotate, predict and display the HPI that underpin infectious diseases are critical for developing novel intervention strategies. HPIDB 2.0 (http://www.agbase.msstate.edu/hpi/main.html) is a resource for HPI data, and contains 45, 238 manually curated entries in the current release. Since the first description of the database in 2010, multiple enhancements to HPIDB data and interface services were made that are described here. Notably, HPIDB 2.0 now provides targeted biocuration of molecular interaction data. As a member of the International Molecular Exchange consortium, annotations provided by HPIDB 2.0 curators meet community standards to provide detailed contextual experimental information and facilitate data sharing. Moreover, HPIDB 2.0 provides access to rapidly available community annotations that capture minimum molecular interaction information to address immediate researcher needs for HPI network analysis. In addition to curation, HPIDB 2.0 integrates HPI from existing external sources and contains tools to infer additional HPI where annotated data are scarce. Compared to other interaction databases, our data collection approach ensures HPIDB 2.0 users access the most comprehensive HPI data from a wide range of pathogens and their hosts (594 pathogen and 70 host species, as of February 2016). Improvements also include enhanced search capacity, addition of Gene Ontology functional information, and implementation of network visualization. The changes made to HPIDB 2.0 content and interface ensure that users, especially agricultural researchers, are able to easily access and analyse high quality, comprehensive HPI data. All HPIDB 2.0 data are updated regularly, are publically available for direct download, and are disseminated to other molecular interaction resources. Database URL: http://www.agbase.msstate.edu/hpi/main.html
Reply to: “Commentary on ‘A new drug with a nasty bite: A case of krokodil-induced skin necrosis in an intravenous drug user’”

To the Editor: I thank the authors for their reply to our article. Levamisole, an adulterant most commonly found in cocaine, can be associated with skin vasculitis resulting in ulcerating lesions.1, 2 The most common cutaneous findings are characteristic purpuric lesions, including retiform purpura or palpable purpura, which often occur in conjunction with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. These lesions favor acral surfaces such as the helical rim or fingertips and are often antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive.1, 2 On the contrary, large ulcerations on the forearms would be an unusual presentation for levamisole toxicity, especially in the absence of more classic findings as noted above. In cases such as these, physical examination is important, and cutaneous findings must be emphasized. The patient only had involvement where she directly injected the substance, another finding that is unusual for levamisole, which often affects areas distal to areas of injection owing to systemic activity without antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity. Finally, the patient voluntarily reported purchasing krokodil immediately before the ulcerations occurred. I caution against the author's sentiment of completely excluding patient history, especially when clinical findings support the history provided. We believe that doctors should continue to exercise vigilance and keep krokodil on their differential of possibilities in cases of large ulcerations in patients with a history of intravenous drug use.
Abnormal vocal behavior predicts executive and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease

Speakers respond automatically and rapidly to compensate for brief perturbations of pitch in their auditory feedback. The specific adjustments in vocal output require integration of brain regions involved in speech-motor-control in order to detect the sensory-feedback error and implement the motor correction. Cortical regions involved in the pitch reflex phenomenon are highly vulnerable targets of network disruption in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined the pitch reflex in AD patients (n = 19) compared to an age-matched control group (n = 16). We measured the degree of behavioral compensation (peak compensation) and the extent of the adaptive response (pitch-response persistence). Healthy-controls reached a peak compensation of 18.7 ± 0.8 cents, and demonstrated a sustained compensation at 8.9 ± 0.69 cents. AD patients, in contrast, demonstrated a significantly elevated peak compensation (22.4 ± 1.2 cents, p < 0.05), and a reduced sustained response (pitch-response persistence, 4.5 ± 0.88 cents, p < 0.001). The degree of increased peak compensation predicted executive dysfunction, while the degree of impaired pitch-response persistence predicted memory dysfunction, in AD patients. The current study demonstrates pitch reflex as a sensitive behavioral index of impaired prefrontal modulation of sensorimotor integration, and compromised plasticity mechanisms of memory, in AD.
Discussion of Special Issue Articles “A Rorschach Case Study: Multiple Psychoanalytic Models of Interpretation”

Abstract. Psychoanalytic theory offers multiple ways of organizing clinical data. In this paper, I comment on the preceding papers and offer an integrative discussion of Rorschach test analyses from the perspectives of object relations, ego psychology, interpersonal psychology, self psychology, and attachment theory. Each theory approaches the case somewhat differently, highlights different data points, and focuses on different inferences. In the end, however, each separate analysis reaches a similar endpoint with respect to the identification of core themes as manifested on the Rorschach test.
A case for the resuscitation of infants born at less than 24 weeks gestation

Despite improvements in survival of extremely preterm infants, the decision whether to begin intensive care for infants at borderline viability is controversial. A great deal of this controversy focuses on concerns of survival, cost and neurodevelopmental outcome. Why are these concerns more emphasized in discussions of prematurity than other areas of medicine?
Nutrients and temperature additively increase stream microbial respiration

Rising temperatures and nutrient enrichment are co-occurring global-change drivers that stimulate microbial respiration of detrital carbon, but nutrient effects on the temperature dependence of respiration in aquatic ecosystems remain uncertain. We measured respiration rates associated with leaf litter, wood, and fine benthic organic matter (FBOM) across seasonal temperature gradients before (PRE) and after (ENR1, ENR2) experimental nutrient (nitrogen [N] and phosphorus [P]) additions to five forest streams. Nitrogen and phosphorus were added at different N:P ratios using increasing concentrations of N (~80-650 μg/L) and corresponding decreasing concentrations of P (~90-11 μg/L). We assessed the temperature dependence, and microbial (i.e., fungal) drivers of detrital mass-specific respiration rates using the metabolic theory of ecology, before vs. after nutrient enrichment, and across N and P concentrations. Detrital mass-specific respiration rates increased with temperature, exhibiting comparable activation energies (E, electronvolts [eV]) for all substrates (FBOM E = 0.43 [95% CI = 0.18-0.69] eV, leaf litter E = 0.30 [95% CI = 0.072-0.54] eV, wood E = 0.41 [95% CI = 0.18-0.64] eV) close to predicted MTE values. There was evidence that temperature-driven increased respiration occurred via increased fungal biomass (wood) or increased fungal biomass-specific respiration (leaf litter). Respiration rates increased under nutrient-enriched conditions on leaves (1.32×) and wood (1.38×), but not FBOM. Respiration rates responded weakly to gradients in N or P concentrations, except for positive effects of P on wood respiration. The temperature dependence of respiration was comparable among years and across N or P concentration for all substrates. Responses of leaf litter and wood respiration to temperature and the combined effects of N and P were similar in magnitude. Our data suggest that the temperature dependence of stream microbial respiration is unchanged by nutrient enrichment, and that increased temperature and N + P availability have additive and comparable effects on microbial respiration rates.
Believe it or not: Health education works

This study tested the effectiveness of a targeted intervention in the form of healthy food consumption education and discount coupons for healthy food. A field experiment was used to implement healthy food consumption education among low-income families in Alabama. In collaboration with the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE), two grocery stores serving low-income families, interventions such as food consumption education and discount coupons for healthy food were tested. Results show that access to healthy food and education about healthy food consumption encouraged low-income families to purchase healthier food.
Physics of HIV

This review summarizes over a decade of investigations into how membrane-binding proteins from the HIV-1 virus interact with lipid membrane mimics various HIV and host T-cell membranes. The goal of the work was to characterize at the molecular level both the elastic and structural changes that occur due to HIV protein/membrane interactions, which could lead to new drugs to thwart the HIV virus. The main technique used to study these interactions is diffuse X-ray scattering, which yields the bending modulus, KC, as well as structural parameters such as membrane thickness, area/lipid and position of HIV peptides (parts of HIV proteins) in the membrane. Our methods also yield information about lipid chain order or disorder caused by the peptides. This review focuses on three stages of the HIV-1 life cycle: 1) infection, 2) Tat membrane transport, and 3) budding. In the infection stage, our lab studied three different parts of HIV-1 gp41 (glycoprotein 41 fusion protein): 1) FP23, the N-terminal 23 amino acids that interact non-specifically with the T-cell host membrane to cause fusion of two membranes, and its trimer version, 2) CRAC (cholesterol recognition amino acid consensus sequence), on the MPER (membrane proximal external region) near the membrane-spanning domain, and 3) LLP2 (lentiviral lytic peptide 2) on the CTT (cytoplasmic C-terminal tail). For Tat transport, we used membrane mimics of the T-cell nuclear membrane as well as simpler models that varied charge and negative curvature. For membrane budding, we varied the myristoylation of the MA31 peptide as well as the negatively charged lipid. These studies show that HIV peptides with different roles in the HIV life cycle affect differently the relevant membrane mimics. In addition, the membrane lipid composition plays an important role in the peptides' effects.
Exploring the Patterns of Dual Attitude Changes in the Context of Athlete Endorsement: The Interplay of Fit, Evaluative Conditioning, and Introspection Focus

Through this study, the author aimed to elucidate the asymmetrical patterns of dual attitude changes in the context of athlete endorsement. The main experiment included a test of the interactions of: Fit (low vs. high fit) × Evaluative conditioning (endorsement–positive vs. endorsement–negative feelings) × Introspection focus (logics vs. feelings). Based on the results, fit changed explicit attitudes, leaving implicit attitudes unchanged, whereas evaluative conditioning changed implicit attitudes to a greater extent. Introspection focus on logics (feelings) led participants to operate syllogistic inferences (associative evaluations); consequently, the logicality of fit (the conditioned feelings) determined both explicit and implicit attitudes and behavioral intentions. The study helps broaden current understandings of endorsement effectiveness by identifying situations in which dual attitude shifts intentions. Managers should be aware of the manipulability of consumers’ evaluation systems, and it is recom...
Identification and characterization of two novel alternatively spliced E2F1 transcripts in the rat CNS.

Abstract E2F1 is a transcription factor classically known to regulate G0/G1 to S phase progression in the cell cycle. In addition, E2F1 also regulates a wide range of apoptotic genes and thus has been well studied in the context of neuronal death and neurodegenerative diseases. However, its function and regulation in the mature central nervous system are not well understood. Alternative splicing is a well-conserved post-transcriptional mechanism common in cells of the CNS and is necessary to generate diverse functional modifications to RNA or protein products from genes. Heretofore, physiologically significant alternatively spliced E2F1 transcripts have not been reported. In the present study, we report the identification of two novel alternatively spliced E2F1 transcripts: E2F1b, an E2F1 transcript retaining intron 5, and E2F1c, an E2F1 transcript excluding exon 6. These alternatively spliced transcripts are observed in the brain and neural cell types including neurons, astrocytes, and undifferentiated oligodendrocytes. The expression of these E2F1 transcripts is distinct during maturation of primary hippocampal neuroglial cells. Pharmacologically-induced global translation inhibition with cycloheximide, anisomycin or thapsigargin lead to significantly reduced expression of E2F1a, E2F1b and E2F1c. Conversely, increasing neuronal activity by elevating the concentration of potassium chloride selectively increased the expression of E2F1b. Furthermore, experiments expressing these variants in vitro show the transcripts can be translated to generate a protein product. Taken together, our data suggest that the alternatively spliced E2F1 transcript behave differently than the E2F1a transcript, and our results provide a foundation for future investigation of the function of E2F1 splice variants in the CNS.
The Effect of Open Student Model on Learning: A Study

We conducted a within-subjects study of the effect on student learning of using open student model in the form of taxonomic concept map. We found a significant improvement in learning on two questions related to the topic of the tutor, and no pre-post improvement on questions unrelated to the topic of the tutor. These preliminary results suggest that students may learn concepts indirectly by viewing the open student model presented as taxonomic concept map after each problem.
AI-08 Characterization of human age-associated B cells (ABCs) in normal and lupus peripheral blood

Background Age-associated B cells (ABCs) are associated with autoantibody production in lupus-like mice. This population is expanded upon exposure to self-antigen and interferon-γ. ABCs in mice are identified as CD11c+, CD21− and T-bet+. However, the characterization of these cells and factors promoting their generation in human SLE is unclear. The purpose of this study was to define ABCs in human SLE patients and their association with interferon (IFN) status. Methods Peripheral blood leukocytes were purified by density gradient centrifugation from 26 lupus patients with a range of disease activity (n=10 with flaring disease, n=16 controlled disease) and 6 normal healthy donors. Surface and T-bet intracellular antibody staining was analyzed in a blinded fashion by flow cytometry. A putative population of ABCs was defined as CD3− CD19+ CD11c+ CD21− cells. Samples were divided into groups regardless of disease status based upon percentage of B cells with putative ABC phenotype. B cell subset analysis was completed on the groups expressing minimal (≤2%), intermediate (2%–7%), or high (≥8%) levels of ABCs. In addition, the B cell subset distribution (switched memory, unswitched memory, total naive, and CD27- IgD- double negative) and phenotypic markers (CXCR3, T-bet, CD24, IgD, and CD27) of putative ABCs were assessed. IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-λ levels were quantitated by ELISA from sera drawn at the same time. Results Five samples were identified as having high putative ABC levels (range 8.4%–20.5% of B cells, mean 14.9%). These CD11c+CD21− CD19+CD3− cells were predominantly CD24− CD27− IgD−. Across all 32 samples, the percentage of putative ABCs positively correlated with percentage of T-bet+ B cells (r=0.819, p=5.4 × 10−9), IgD- CD27- (double negative) B cells (r=0.59, p=0.0003), and CD24- double negative cells (r=0.74, p=8.72 × 10−7) with a high degree of statistical significance. Paired serum samples had a range of type I and type IIII interferon levels (mean +SEM for all samples): 6.2±2.1 pg/m (IFN-α), 4.0±0.6 pg/ml (IFN-β), and 44.1±9.6 pg/ml (IFN-λ1). Analysis including correlation between B cell subsets, interferon status, clinical features and disease activity is in progress. Conclusions An expanded putative ABC population (CD11c+ CD21− CD19+ CD3−) was identified in a subset of human peripheral blood samples. This subset is positively correlated with IgD−CD27−CD24− B cells (DN2 cells), whose expansion has been described previously in lupus patients.
Trouble Falling Asleep After Concussion Is Associated With Higher Symptom Burden Among Children and Adolescents

Our objective was to identify factors associated with trouble falling asleep postconcussion. Patients seen for care after sport-related concussion were assessed ≤10 days postinjury and were between...
Four Orders of Classification Theory and Their Implications

This article provides an interpretation of the structure of classification theory literature, from the late 19th Century to the present, by dividing it into four orders, and then describes the rela...
Recent Advances in Giant Cell Myocarditis

In the past decade, understanding of the natural history and effect of immunosuppression and transplantation on idiopathic giant cell myocarditis (IGCM) has advanced significantly. IGCM was first described by Sergius Saltikow in a 37 year old man who died suddenly.1 Subsequently dozens of case reports and a few small series documented that IGCM is usually a fatal disorder that generally affects young, otherwise healthy individuals, although, a minority of cases occur in association with autoimmune disorders or thymoma.
Responses to dead and dying conspecifics and heterospecifics by wild mountain gorillas ( Gorilla beringei beringei ) and chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii )

Comparative ["evolutionary")] thanatology is devoted to investigating how animals respond to signs of death and dying, in conspecifics and other species. Responses to corpses often involve fear and confusion, and "deceased infant carrying" by females is widespread in nonhuman primates. Such behavior could result from "animacy detection malfunctions" (Goncalves and Biro in Philos Trans R Soc (B) 373:20170263, 2018): corpses have attributes of animate agents, but-like objects-they do not act, but instead are acted upon by outside forces. Many or most nonhuman primates have core cognitive mechanisms for detecting animacy, but these might not resolve this paradox. Skeletons of conspecifics, seriously injured or ill individuals behaving oddly and not responding as expected to social acts and signals, and corpses, skeletons, and sick or injured individuals belonging to other species could trigger milder animacy detection malfunctions. A central question is whether any nonhuman primates learn from experience that death involves permanent loss of biological functionality and is universal. The relevant literature is mostly anecdotal or devoted to case studies, and this question is open. In response to calls for more information, I describe 25 cases of responses to corpses, skeletons, and mortally injured or ill individuals, both conspecifics and heterospecifics, seen during fieldwork on mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii). Observations were generally consistent with the animacy detection malfunction hypothesis, although cases of prolonged deceased infant carrying are problematic. Also, one case in gorillas apparently involved sympathetic concern for a dying individual, and sympathetic concern might have occurred in a chimpanzee case.
An Intensive Adherence Protocol to CPAP Therapy During Acute Stroke Rehabilitation Is Successful Even With More Severe Stroke Disability

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with worse functional outcomes after stroke. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may improve stroke recovery but has been limited by poor adherence. In a single-arm study, we sought to evaluate an intensive CPAP adherence protocol during and after inpatient rehabilitation on CPAP adherence and stroke recovery. Methods: The adherence protocol included OSA education and an iterative process of CPAP adjustments and feedback by respiratory therapists (RTs) and nurses. A 3-night run-in period of auto-titrating CPAP 4-20 cm H2O was utilized as proxy diagnostic testing for OSA and to assess for CPAP tolerance. Qualifying patients were asked to continue CPAP for 3 months. We assessed for factors associated with 3-month CPAP adherence, defined as ≥ 4 h on ≥ 70% of nights, using logistic regression. The University of Washington Human Subjects Review Committee approved the study. Results: During the run-in, 74 of 90 (82%) subjects experienced problems with CPAP, most commonly mouth dryness (41%), nasal symptoms (48%) and mask fit or leak problems (49%) [see figure]. The most common adjustments were switching the mask type (28%) and adjusting the humidity (30%). Sixty-two of the ninety (69%) participants qualified after the run-in, and 32 of the 52 (62%) who continued CPAP after discharge from rehabilitation were adherent with average of 4.9 ± 2.6 h per night over 3 months. Predictors of adherence included more severe stroke [NIH Stroke Scale ≥ 5: OR 9. 7 (1.6-60.7), P=0.015] and white race [OR 9. 1 (1.7-48. 3), P=0.009]. Patients with any aphasia were more likely adherent (14/15, 93%) than those without (18/37, 49%), P=0.005. Adherence to CPAP did not differ by baseline sleepiness or body mass index. Conclusions: A RT-led intensive CPAP adherence protocol beginning with a short run-in period led to 3-month adherence among nearly two-thirds of stroke patients. Stroke severity, including disability with aphasia, was a significant predictor of adherence, possibly related to a symptomatic benefit in stroke recovery with CPAP or from intensive support. RTs can play a critical role in improving early CPAP acceptance even among severely disabled stroke patients through a process of close supervision with adjustments of mask fitting and machine settings. Further randomized controlled trials with adequate CPAP adherence are needed to further assess the effectiveness of intensive CPAP interventions on stroke recovery.
DAEGEN: A Modular Compiler for Exploring Decoupled Spatial Accelerators

Specialized hardware accelerators, particularly those that are programmable and flexible to target multiple problems in their domain, have proven to provide orders of magnitude speedup and energy efficiency. However, their design requires extensive manual effort, due to the need for hardware-software codesign to balance the degree and forms of specialization to the domains or program behaviors of interest. This article provides the first steps towards one approach for automating much of these processes. The insight behind our work is to recognize that decoupled spatial architectures both define a rich design space with many tradeoffs for different kinds of applications, and also can be composed out of a simple set of well-defined primitives. Therefore, we propose a modular accelerator design framework, DAEGEN, a.k.a. Decoupled Access Excution Accelerator Generator. This article defines an initial compiler and architecture primitives, and we discuss key challenges.
Tutorial on web graphics

Developing graphics for a web site is different from developing graphics for other uses. Since web graphics must be downloaded, usually at low speeds, the size of the graphics is very important. It is also important that the graphics be attractive. Anyone who has tried to develop diagrams is familiar with the fuzzy line problem that can occur if you have to resize your graphics a couple of times after you convert it to a binary image. This tutorial will demonstrate some techniques that can be used to create optimal web graphics.
Biochemical and structural insights into how amino acids regulate pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2

Pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) is a key glycolytic enzyme involved in ATP generation and critical for cancer metabolism. PKM2 is expressed in many human cancers and is regulated by complex mechanisms that promote tumor growth and proliferation. Therefore, it is considered an attractive therapeutic target for modulating tumor metabolism. Various stimuli allosterically regulate PKM2 by cycling it between highly active and less active states. Several small molecules activate PKM2 by binding to its intersubunit interface. Serine and cysteine serve as an activator and inhibitor of PKM2, respectively, by binding to its amino acid (AA)-binding pocket, which therefore represents a potential druggable site. Despite binding similarly to PKM2, how cysteine and serine differentially regulate this enzyme remains elusive. Using kinetic analyses, fluorescence binding, X-ray crystallography, and gel filtration experiments with asparagine, aspartate, and valine as PKM2 ligands, we examined whether the differences in the side-chain polarity of these AAs trigger distinct allosteric responses in PKM2. We found that Asn (polar) and Asp (charged) activate PKM2 and that Val (hydrophobic) inhibits it. The results also indicate that both Asn and Asp can restore the activity of Val-inhibited PKM2. AA-bound crystal structures of PKM2 displayed distinctive interactions within the binding pocket, causing unique allosteric effects in the enzyme. These structure-function analyses of AA-mediated PKM2 regulation shed light on the chemical requirements in the development of mechanism-based small-molecule modulators targeting the AA-binding pocket of PKM2 and provide broader insights into the regulatory mechanisms of complex allosteric enzymes.
From the Virocene to the Lovecene epoch: multispecies justice as critical praxis for Virocene disruptions and vulnerabilities

In the Virocene epoch, global pandemics such as COVID-19 disrupt the world order organized by capitalism and racial privilege, making clear the unsustainability of 'normal' ways of organizing society and nature. Despite its failure to address these disruptions, the existing capitalist-racist system attempts to reproduce itself, posing greater risks of disease, inequalities, and injustice to the most vulnerable human and nonhuman populations. The Virocene epoch makes these workings visible, and challenges both hegemonic and counterhegemonic ways of organizing human–nature relations. Political ecology requires new emancipatory theoretical-political strategies firmly grounded in a theory of justice that embodies social and ecological rights in order to imaginatively produce new ways to counter such social and ecological crises arising from the global process of capitalism and viral activities. To this end, political ecology must develop a universal perspective on the justice-rights-power nexus with an explicit moral basis to enhance its emancipatory praxis against the globalizing challenges of the Virocene, without reproducing existing vulnerabilities and without dismissing hegemonic and counter-hegemonic narratives in the name of otherness, difference, universalism or sameness. In this article, I reconfigure the justice-rights-power nexus to dismantle oppression and injustice in pursuit of regenerative solutions. I chart an alternate 'multispecies theory of justice' building upon love as an embodiment of the moral foundations for critical multispecies justice praxis, which produces another world of diverse, interconnected communities committed to social and ecological wellbeing. The 'Lovecene' is an aspirational planetary-order shaped by multispecies (human and non-human) equality and justice that transcends the anthropocentricism of current periodizations of planetary-level social and economic change. It attempts to overcome the limitations of many political-ecological theories of justice centered on notions of 'right order', 'fairness', 'distribution', and 'opportunities and capabilities', thereby successfully addressing the sociological and ecological vulnerabilities of the Virocene. Key Words: Virocene; political economy of health; capitalism; racism, vulnerability, pandemic
Toxicity and survival outcomes in older adults receiving concurrent or sequential chemoradiation for stage III non-small cell lung cancer in Alliance trials (Alliance A151812).

Abstract Introduction Optimal treatment for older adults with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Here we hypothesized that sequential chemoradiation therapy (sCRT) is better tolerated than concurrent (cCRT) but confers acceptable efficacy. We evaluated these strategies in older adults utilizing Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology data. Materials and methods Pooled analyses from 6 first-line stage III NSCLC CRT trials (Cancer and Leukemia Group B 8433, 8831, 9130, 30106, 30407, 39801) were used to compare toxicity and survival outcomes with cCRT versus sCRT in patients age ≥ 65 years. Grade 3–5 adverse events (AEs), progression-free and overall survival (PFS; OS) are reported with adjustment for covariates. Results Four hundred older adults, of whom 106 (26.5%) had received sCRT and 294 (73.5%) had received cCRT, comprised the cohorts. Virtually all had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 0–1 (99%). More grade 3–5 AEs were observed at any time-point with cCRT than sCRT (94.2% versus 86.8%; 95% confidence interval for difference in proportions, 1.3%, 15.5%) and this finding remained after adjusting for length of study treatment (P = 0.018). Comparable PFS and OS were observed with sCRT versus cCRT (median: 8.0 versus 9.2 months; median: 11.9 versus 13.4 months, respectively) even after adjustment for age, sex, ECOG PS, body mass index, pretreatment weight loss, stage, and cisplatin-based therapy (P = 0.604 and P = 0.906, respectively). Discussion These data show that sCRT was associated with less toxicity than cCRT with no associated statistically significant decrease in efficacy outcomes and that sCRT merits further study in this population.
When (Firsthand) Experience Matters Less than You Expect: The Influence of Advertising on Repurchase Decisions

Although it is well-established that advertising can build awareness and stimulate product adoption, it is less clear how advertisements (or other secondhand information sources) interact with information from firsthand experiences to determine repurchase rates. While it is true that consumers rely heavily on their own personal experiences to form subsequent judgments, research in consumer psychology has also shown that advertising and other types of secondhand information (e.g., product reviews) can exert a surprising level of influence on post-consumption decision making. In this article, we discuss specific factors that may help marketers assess whether or not such information will impact consumer behavior.
Relationship between emotional intelligence and professionalism among second-year dental students.

Introduction Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to a person's ability to evaluate and manage their personal emotions and the ability to respond appropriately to the emotions of others. Limited evidence exists regarding whether EI is related to professionalism. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate for relationships between EI and professionalism among second-year dental students. Methods Using a quantitative cross-sectional research design, the study instrument consisted of 3 parts: (1) The Emotional Quotient Self-Assessment Checklist (EQSAC), including 30 questions comprising 6 domains that measured EI; (2) The Patient Management and Professionalism Scale (PMPS), including 10 questions comprising 5 domains that measured professionalism; and (3) Demographic questions. Results The response rate was 99.2% (n = 117) of second-year dental students. Most EI and professionalism scores were in the moderate range. Female participants had higher domain scores for agreeableness and conscientiousness compared with male participants. Male participants had higher domain scores for emotional stability than female participants. The EI domains were found to be significant predictors of total and domain professionalism levels. Conclusion Understanding methods to improve EI levels may assist dental students in their development of professionalism.
Genetic basis of resistance to the Vip3Aa Bt protein in Helicoverpa zea

Background Helicoverpa zea is a destructive pest and target of maize and cotton expressing Cry and Vip3Aa proteins in North America. The efficacy of Cry proteins against H. zea in the U.S. has been largely compromised by resistance. A rapid shift towards planting Bt cotton and maize producing Vip3Aa will accelerate evolution of resistance to Vip3Aa in H. zea. Research on the genetic basis of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea is urgently needed, and can provide fundamental information for managing resistance of this pest. Here, we characterize the inheritance of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea. Results Susceptibility of a Vip3Aa-susceptible strain (SS), a resistant strain (RR), and progeny from different crosses against Vip3Aa39 was determined. RR was established from an F2 screening of a population sampled from Texas in 2019. RR had a resistance ratio of 45,194.1-fold against Vip3Aa39 relative to SS. Maternal effects and sex linkage were absent in RR. The dominance D value calculated based on LC50 values was -1.0, and the effective dominance (DML ) calculated based on a given Vip3Aa39 concentration was ≤ 0.0 at the concentrations of 0.1-31.6 μg/cm2 . The test using a monogenic mode of inheritance showed that the resistance to Vip3Aa in H. zea was largely due to a single gene. Conclusion Results of this study indicate that the Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea is monogenic, autosomal and recessive. This information is valuable for studying the mechanism of Vip3Aa resistance, monitoring of resistance development, and designing appropriate strategies for preventive management of Vip3Aa resistance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Elionor of Sicily as Courtier and Administrator

Kagay reviews the organization of the Aragonese royal court from its Visigothic origins down to the fourteenth century when these governmental institutions spread across the Crown of Aragon. He then discusses the expansion of the corps of officials responsible for the management of the royal court and government of the realms of the Crown of Aragon. This brings the reader to the responsibilities Elionor exercised over her court and those of her children. Because the agricultural, military, as well as urban sites of all faiths that supplied her revenues were also her feudal vassals, the queen functioned as their lady, serving as an administrator of the first order. From this position, she fell under the influence of court intrigues, leading to the execution of her rival, Bernat de Cabrera.
Age of Australopithecus afarensis from Fejej, Ethiopia

Des etudes geologiques detaillees ont ete effectuees par des methodes physiques afin de dater les sediments volcaniques et sedimentaires du Sud de l'Ethiopie et permettre ainsi de determiner par extrapolation l'âge d'Australopithecus afarensis
Integrins: Bidirectional, Allosteric Signaling Machines

In their roles as major adhesion receptors, integrins signal across the plasma membrane in both directions. Recent structural and cell biological data suggest models for how integrins transmit signals between their extracellular ligand binding adhesion sites and their cytoplasmic domains, which link to the cytoskeleton and to signal transduction pathways. Long-range conformational changes couple these functions via allosteric equilibria.
A fixed-neighbor, distributed algorithm for solving a linear algebraic equation

This paper presents a distributed algorithm for solving a linear algebraic equation of the form Ax = b where A is an n × n nonsingular matrix and b is an n-vector. The equation is solved by a network of n agents assuming that each agent knows exactly one distinct row of the partitioned matrix [A b], the current estimates of the equation's solution generated by its neighbors, and nothing more. Each agent recursively updates its estimate of A-1b by utilizing the current estimates generated by each of its neighbors. Neighbor relations are characterized by a simple, undirected graph G whose vertices correspond to agents and whose edges depict neighbor relations. It is shown that for any nonsingular matrix A and any connected graph G, the proposed algorithm causes all agents' estimates to converge exponentially fast to the desired solution A-1b.
Trading With A Day Job: Can Automated Trading Strategies Be Profitable?

The focus of the research is the profitability of using automated trading strategies. In other words, can trading strategies that are automatically executed in financial markets be profitable? In this study, three strategies are traded in a simulated environment under two different types of market conditions and on two different underlying assets. The trading strategies are based on a moving average crossover system with 5, 10, and 20 day moving averages. The first strategy uses only this moving average crossover system. The second strategy uses this same moving average system requiring increasing volume confirmation to make a trade. The final strategy uses this moving average crossover system but requires confirmation by a relative strength index to make a trade. The two market conditions used are an upward trending market and a consolidating market. The assets traded are the NASDQ 100 (i.e., QQQQ) and the S&P Deposit Receipts Trust (SPY). These assets tend to have different levels of volatility over time. The automated trading strategies are simulated using historical data and the trading software TradeStation. TradeStation allows for trading strategies to be implemented and tested on historic data at various time intervals and using a variety of time charts. A number of numeric values are also calculated by TradeStation including the number of trades and the profit or loss produced by these trades. The simulation results indicated that for both assets in markets that trend upwards, the moving average strategy with confirmation by the relative strength index dominated the other two strategies in terms of profits. During consolidating market periods, the simulation results are less clear. The magnitude of the profits when trading the relatively stable S&P varied across the three strategies and various time charts. However for the more volatile NASDQ 100, profits tended to be greater for the simple moving average strategy than the other two strategies.
Burn the Rembrandt? Trust Law’s Limits on the Settlor’s Power to Direct Investments

Most but not all rules of trust law are default rules that the settlor (creator) of a trust is free to alter or abridge. There are, however, a few mandatory rules, which the settlor may not vary or defeat. Among them is the long-established rule against capricious purposes, an anti-dead-hand rule that has been applied in rare cases in which settlors attempted to impose trust terms that would have required trustees to destroy or waste trust assets. In recent years, the two most authoritative sources of American trust law - the Restatement (Third) of Trusts and the Uniform Trust Code - have reformulated the rule against capricious purposes, clarifying the principle that has always been its rationale. Section 27(2) of the Restatement provides that “a private trust, its terms, and its administration must be for the benefit of its beneficiaries.” Section 404 of the Code codifies this benefit-the-beneficiaries standard. A few years ago I published an article explaining why the benefit-the-beneficiaries rule should be understood to place outer limits on a settlor's power to require a trustee to make or to retain trust investments that are manifestly harmful to the interests of the beneficiaries. A recent writer has challenged that view, asserting that trust law should “provide no aid in cases where a settlor intentionally and thoughtfully impaired beneficiaries’ economic rights.” The present article explains why such extreme deference to settler's intent would violate fundamental principles of fiduciary obligation. The starting point is Gareth Jones’ arresting observation that although an owner “may destroy his own Rembrandt, …he cannot establish a trust and order his trustees to destroy it.” I discuss the reasons why the benefit-the-beneficiaries requirement prevents a settler from saddling a trust with value-impairing provisions harmful to the interests of the beneficiaries, and why that rule must apply to manifestly harmful investment provisions. Trust law grants the settler virtually unbounded freedom to select beneficiaries, apportion beneficial shares, and tailor administrative provisions, but it does not permit the settlor to destroy the core principles of fiduciary obligation that define a trust.
PCS antennas and human: engineering design data

We focus on presenting engineering design data applicable for the proper estimation of typical antenna-human interactions. Accurate configurations of human biological tissues and antennas can be used via the FDTD method. However, our attempt has been to present parametric data useful for link budget evaluation, absorption loss estimation, etc. To this end, we use the eigenfunction expansion method for rapid computations and concentrate on the 900 MHz and 1.9 GHz bands.