cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of trypsin on cardiac ATP-sensitive K+ channels

Treatment with trypsin of the cytoplasmic surface of excised inside-out membrane patches from guinea pig ventricular myocytes altered multiple regulatory properties of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels including their sensitivity to intracellular ATP (ATPi), intracellular ADP (ADPi), glibenclamide, and cromakalim. The single-channel conductance, reversal potential, and inward rectification (in the presence of intracellular Mg2+) were unaltered after trypsin treatment. KATP channels also remained sensitive to intracellular Ca(2+)-induced rundown after trypsin treatment (n = 6). The effects of trypsin were not prevented by including either 15 mM ATPi (n = 7), 1 mM ADPi (n = 4), or 10 microM glibenclamide (n = 4) during exposure to trypsin, suggesting that occupancy of these binding sites did not prevent access of trypsin to the proteolytic sites responsible for its effects. Treatment of excised membrane patches with 1 mM phenylglyoxal (n = 4) or 5 mM glyoxal (n = 4), which cleave polypeptides at arginine residues, did not increase the dissociation constant for suppression of KATP channels by ATPi. Because trypsin cleaves peptides at both arginine and lysine residues, these results suggest that modification of the regulatory properties of KATP channels by trypsin may result from proteolytic digestion of lysine residues located in cytosolic regions of the channel protein.
Prognosis of high sinus heart rate after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Aims Although atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation increases sinus heart rate (HR), its mechanism and prognosis have not yet been clearly elucidated. We hypothesize that post-AF ablation high sinus HR (PA-HSR) is associated with a better clinical outcome of AF ablation without adverse cardiac effects. Methods and results We studied 991 AF patients (75% male, 58 ± 11 years old, 70% paroxysmal AF) with HR variability (HRV) at 3 months and 1 year after catheter ablation, and pre- and post-1-year echocardiograms. Post-AF ablation high sinus HR was defined as an average HR greater than 2 SD (≥92 bpm) as measured by 24 h Holter. (1) Average HR increased significantly ( P < 0.001), and PA-HSR was observed in 28 patients (2.8%) 3 months after AF ablation. At 1 year after catheter ablation, 21% were taking β-blockers and 36% maintained an average HR of ≥92 bpm. (2) Post-AF ablation high sinus HR was independently associated with pre-procedural high average HR (OR 1.097; 95% CI 1.029–1.169, P = 0.005), high left atrium (LA) electrogram voltage (OR 3.545; 95% CI 1.183–10.618, P = 0.024), and reduced root mean square of differences between successive NN intervals (rMSSD) at 3 months HRV (OR 0.959; 95% CI 0.919–0.999, P = 0.047). (3) At 1 year echocardiography, size reduction of LA ( P = 0.055) or LV ( P = 0.372) and the improvement in ejection fraction ( P = 0.529) were not significantly different between patients with PA-HSR and those without. (4) Throughout 27 ± 17 months of follow-up, patients with PA-HSR showed significantly lower clinical recurrence than those without (log rank, P = 0.020). Conclusion Post-AF ablation high sinus HR was observed in patients with smaller LA size and higher LA electrogram voltage and significant vagal modulation without adverse cardiac effects. Post-AF ablation high sinus HR was associated with a significantly lower clinical recurrence of AF after catheter ablation.
Correlative Cryogenic Spectromicroscopy to Investigate Selenium Bioreduction Products

Accurate mapping of the composition and structure of minerals and associated biological materials is critical in geomicrobiology and environmental research. Here, we have developed an apparatus that allows the correlation of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and synchrotron hard X-ray microprobe (SHXM) data sets to precisely determine the distribution, valence state, and structure of selenium in biofilms sampled from a contaminated aquifer near Rifle, CO. Results were replicated in the laboratory via anaerobic selenate-reducing enrichment cultures. 16S rRNA analyses of field-derived biofilm indicated the dominance of Betaproteobacteria from the Comamonadaceae family and uncultivated members of the Simplicispira genus. The major product in field and culture-derived biofilms is ∼25-300 nm red amorphous Se0 aggregates of colloidal nanoparticles. Correlative analyses of the cultures provided direct evidence for the microbial dissimilatory reduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV) to Se0. Extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy showed red amorphous Se0 with a first shell Se-Se interatomic distance of 2.339 ± 0.003 A. Complementary scanning transmission X-ray microscopy revealed that these aggregates are strongly associated with a protein-rich biofilm matrix. These findings have important implications for predicting the stability and mobility of Se bioremediation products and understanding of Se biogeochemical cycling. The approach, involving the correlation of cryo-SHXM and cryo-TEM data sets from the same specimen area, is broadly applicable to biological and environmental samples.
Mindfulness Infusion Through CACREP Standards

ABSTRACTMindfulness-based practices have been a focus of research for over 30 years. Particular strategies involving mindfulness have been incorporated into training programs within various health professions. In addition, mindfulness has been suggested as a training technique within counselor education as the benefits of mindfulness cohere with counselor values of wellness, development, and prevention. This article examines the extant mindfulness literature relevant to these values endorsed by counselor education. Next, a case is presented for mindfulness infusion throughout the first semester of counselors-in-training studies. Finally, implications of mindfulness infusion and further research are discussed.
Chronic intrauterine pulmonary hypertension increases main pulmonary artery stiffness and adventitial remodeling in fetal sheep.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a clinical syndrome that is characterized by high pulmonary vascular resistance due to changes in lung vascular growth, structure, and ton...
Telestroke: Solid support for virtual acute stroke care

IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) within 4.5 hours of symptom onset has been established as an effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke.1 Over the past 2 decades, systems of care and quality assurance teams have developed to ensure that all potentially eligible patients receive IV rtPA in a timely and effective manner.2 Many neurologists cannot arrive rapidly to the emergency department for in-person acute stroke assessment, and many rural areas lack 24/7 coverage by neurologists. Telemedicine has brought neurologic expertise through real-time audiovisual technical link to the emergency department for assessment of patients within the narrow treatment window.3 Studies have shown that telemedicine (telestroke) is superior to a telephone (only) for acute stroke consultation and decision-making.4 Patient outcomes from telestroke administration of IV rtPA can rival outcomes from an in-person stroke team treatment.5 Multiple health economic analyses have demonstrated high cost-effectiveness for telestroke practice and likely cost savings from both the societal and hospital perspectives.6,7
Higher Education and the War

Virginia Gildersleeve’s prominence and influence in the United States reached its zenith during World War II. She was instrumental in forming public opinion about advanced education for women, women’s places in the armed services, and planning for postwar life and careers. She was aided in this by Elizabeth Reynard, with whom she helped form the WAVES, which was first headed by Wellesley President Mildred McAffee.
nab-Paclitaxel for the treatment of breast cancer: an update across treatment settings

The purpose of this systematic review is to discuss recent studies and ongoing trials of nab-paclitaxel in breast cancer and to examine the potential role of nab-paclitaxel as a backbone for immuno-oncology therapies. PubMed and selected congress proceedings were searched for studies of nab-paclitaxel in breast cancer published between 2013 and 2015. All phase II and III clinical trials, retrospective analyses, and institutional studies were included. Active, ongoing, phase II or III trials on nab-paclitaxel that were listed on ClinicalTrials.gov were also included. Sixty-three studies, including 23 in early-stage and 30 in metastatic breast cancer (some studies not classifiable by setting), were included in this analysis. Trials of neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel–containing regimens have reported pathological complete response rates ranging from 5.7 to 53%. Median overall survival in metastatic breast cancer studies ranged from 10.8 to 23.5 months, depending on dose and regimen. Adverse event profiles of nab-paclitaxel were generally similar to those reported from previous studies. Several ongoing trials are evaluating nab-paclitaxel in the early-stage and metastatic settings, including in combination with immuno-oncology agents. nab-Paclitaxel continues to demonstrate promising efficacy in breast cancer. Recent studies demonstrate high pathological complete response rates in early-stage breast cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer, an area of high unmet need, and encouraging overall survival in metastatic breast cancer across doses and schedules. Ongoing trials will provide further insights into the role of nab-paclitaxel in breast cancer including use as a potential backbone chemotherapy agent for immuno-oncology therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors.
Lecture notes on descriptional complexity and randomness

A didactical survey of the foundations of Algorithmic Information Theory. These notes are short on motivation, history and background but introduce some of the main techniques and concepts of the field. The "manuscript" has been evolving over the years. Please, look at "Version history" below to see what has changed when.
Physicians and advanced practice registered nurses: the supervisor-employer relationship.

Conflicts of interest may arise when nurse practitioners employ physicians to supervise them. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
The fate of untreated moderate rheumatic aortic valve incompetence after mitral valve surgery: A one-year follow-up study

Abstract Background Most of the previous studies agreed that the moderate aortic Regurgitation (AR) has a slow progression over a very long period of time. There is no major consensus on how to deal with concomitant moderate rheumatic AR during mitral valve surgery. The current work evaluates the course of untreated moderate rheumatic AR following mitral valve surgery over a period of 1 year. Methods We prospectively enrolled 30 patients who had moderate rheumatic AR associated with pure rheumatic mitral stenosis in 15 patients (group S) and 15 patients with pure rheumatic mitral incompetence (group R). Quantification of the degree of the AR was done by echocardiography using the percentage of the width of the regurgitant get to the width of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) method. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up were done over 1 year. Results There were no early or late postoperative deaths and we achieved 100% follow-up. No patient had aortic valve replacement (AVR) after one year. Preoperatively, the width of the regurgitant jet was 34.67 ± 2.72% and 35.73 ± 1.87% in group S and group R respectively with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.22). Postoperatively after 1 year follow up the width of the regurgitant jet in group S increased significantly to 37.27 ± 4.67% (p = 0.005), while in group R almost remained unchanged 34.73 ± 4.13% (p = 0.3). However. both figures are still in the moderate category between (≥25 to ≤64%). Conclusions After 1-year follow-up, the moderate rheumatic AR didn't increase to the severe category necessitating AVR. Longer follow-up duration is recommended.
Effects of Very Short-Term Dynamic Constant External Resistance Exercise on Strength and Barbell Velocity in Untrained Individuals

This study examined the effect of an upper body dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) exercise (barbell bench press [BP]), using the very short-term training (VST) model on strength and barbell velocity. Ten (5 females, 5 males) subjects (mean ± SD age: 21.4 ± 2.8 yrs; height: 1.75 ± 0.12 m; body mass: 83 ± 8.8 kg) completed two pre-test visits (pre-test 1 and pretest 2) to serve as the within subjects control, three training visits, and one post-test visit. The subject's 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for the BP as well as the mean (BPMV) and peak (BPPV) barbell velocities were determined during pre-test 1, pre-test 2 and post-test visits. The barbell bench press throw (BT) mean (BTMV) and peak (BTPV) velocities were also measured utilizing 35% of the subject's BP 1RM as resistance. The three training visits consisted of 5 sets of 6 repetitions, at 65% of the subject's 1RM. Statistical analyses included one-way repeated measures ANOVAs and paired samples t-tests (alpha level of p≤0.05). The post-test 1RM, BTMV, and BTPV were all significantly greater than pre-test 1 (p=0.002, p=0.0001, and p=0.002) and pre-test 2 (p=0.008, p=0.034, and p=0.015), with no significant differences seen between pre-test 1 and pre-test 2 for any of the variables. The posttest BPMV and BPPV were significantly greater than pre-test 1 (p=0.024 and p=0.005), but not pre-test 2 (p=0.131 and p=0.069). These findings showed the VST model, utilizing an upper body DCER exercise improved strength and barbell velocity in untrained subjects.
Evolution and Classification of CRISPR-Cas Systems and Cas Protein Families

The CRISPR-Cas modules are adaptive antivirus immunity systems that are present in most archaea and many bacteria. These systems function by incorporating fragments of alien genomes into specific genomic loci, transcribing the inserts and using the transcripts as guide RNAs to destroy the genome of the cognate virus or plasmid. This RNA interference-like immune response is mediated by numerous, highly diverse Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins, several of which form the Cascade complex involved in the processing of CRISPR loci transcripts and cleavage of the target DNA. Comparative analysis of the CRISPR-Cas modules led to the classification of the CRISPR-Cas systems into three types (I, II and III) that are characterized by distinct sets of cas genes. Classification of Cas proteins into families and superfamilies is a non-trivial task because of the fast evolution of many cas genes. Exhaustive sequence comparison aided by analysis of the available crystal structures led to the delineation of approximately 30 protein families that can be further classified into several superfamilies. By far the most common domain in Cas proteins is the RNA Recognition Motif (RRM). The RRM domains show remarkable diversity within the CRISPR-Cas systems and in particular comprise the scaffold of the Cascade complex. In addition to the numerous RRM domains, including a distinct polymerase-cyclase domain, the Cas proteins contain a distinct Superfamily II helicase domain, and several diverse nuclease domains. Detailed comparative analysis of the sequences and structures of Cas proteins structures shed light on the deep relationships between Type I and Type III systems and allowed us to propose a simple evolutionary scenario for the origin of CRISPR-Cas system. Moreover, combination of experimental structural studies and comparative analysis provides for detailed models of the structures of the Cascade complexes from different CRISPR-Cas types revealing remarkable architectural uniformity.
Status and Prospects for Psychopharmacology

Modern psychopharmacology has been evolving since the 1950s. Its contributions have been enormous and of fundamental importance to modern psychiatric therapeutics, encouraging and enabling the shift away from long-term institutional care, to brief inpatient interventions for crises, and reliance on ambulatory care. In addition, the clinical benefits provided by much of psychiatric chemotherapy, though typically incomplete, have stimulated decades of renewed efforts to develop a more biomedically based theoretical and academic psychiatry. In addition, the psychopharmaceutical industry has been especially successful in blending science and business to provide products of considerable social value.
Psychological Interventions for Children with Chronic Physical Illness and Their Families

The importance of and necessity for psychological interventions with children with chronic physical illness stem from several sources. First, chronic physical illness affects large numbers of children and families. Depending on how a chronic condition is defined, estimates of affected children vary from 5% to 30% (Newacheck & Taylor, 1992). For the purpose of this chapter, a chronic or ongoing health condition is defined as one that lasts a year or longer and requires specialized treatments, technologies and/or causes limitations of function, activities, or social roles, compared with physically healthy peers (Stein, Bauman, Westbrook, Coupey, & Ireys, 1993). Second, a chronic illness and its treatment place significant physical and psychological burdens on children and families that affect the quality of their lives, including their mental health. Although children demonstrate a wide range of psychological adjustment patterns to their chronic conditions (Drotar, 1981; Drotar & Bush, 1985), the heightened risk to the child’s mental health associated with chronic conditions is relatively well documented. For example, population-based studies such as the Ontario Health Study have reported a threefold risk of mental health and social problems among children with chronic physical illness, especially among those who also have physical disabilities (Cadman, Boyle, Szatmari, & Offord, 1997). Meta-analyses have also indicated an elevated risk for mental health disorders, especially internalizing problems, among children with a chronic illness (Lavigne & Faier-Routman, 1992).
Eukaryotic DNA Polymerase α

Polymerase α-primase is the only DNA polymerase capable of de novo DNA synthesis in eukaryotic cells. The enzyme mainly functions to provide primers for DNA replication, but it is implicated in other cellular processes such as telomere maintenance and epigenetic regulation. Due to its pivotal role in initiating DNA synthesis, the activity of Pol α is tightly regulated by cell-cycle-dependent kinases and measures are taken to ensure integrity of the protein. As we learn more about the many functions of Pol α, it appears that Pol α plays a central role in orchestrating the progression of the replication fork, not only in coordinating the rate of the DNA unwinding and DNA synthesis engines but also in coordinating the repair of DNA damage and attenuation of DNA replication in response to intra-S-phase checkpoint signals.
Radiation Dose and Risk Estimates of CT-Guided Percutaneous Liver Ablations and Factors Associated with Dose Reduction.

To determine the radiation dose associated with CT-guided percutaneous liver ablations and identify potential risk factors that result in higher radiation doses. Between June 2011 and June 2015, 245 consecutive patients underwent 304 CT-guided liver ablation treatments. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics and procedural parameters were identified and analyzed. The peak skin dose and effective dose were assessed for each procedure. Excess relative risk related to radiation effects was calculated. A logistic regression model was prepared by means of stepwise logistic regression to identify variables predictive of increased radiation exposure. Tumor ablations were performed with microwave (n = 220), radiofrequency (n = 74) or irreversible electroporation (IRE) (n = 10). The mean peak skin dose for ablations was 239.2 ± 136.4 mGy, and the mean effective dose was 36.6 ± 22.3 mSv. Of the patient and procedural parameters that were analyzed, increasing weight, use of intravenous contrast and/or hydrodissection during the procedure, together with treatment of multiple lesions in the same sitting were all associated with higher radiation exposure. The mean increase in the absolute risk of fatal malignancy from a single procedure was 0.18% (range 0.02–0.9%). No deterministic skin changes were identified in the patient cohort. The overall risk of stochastic and deterministic effects from radiation associated with CT-guided ablations is low compared with other inherent procedural complications. This study identifies several factors that are associated with higher radiation dose in percutaneous liver ablation procedures.
Large field of view distortion assessment in a low-field MR-linac.

Purpose MR-guided radiation therapy (RT) offers unparalleled soft tissue contrast for localization and target tracking. However, MRI distortions may be detrimental to high precision RT. This work characterizes the gradient nonlinearity (GNL) and total distortions over the first year of clinical operation of a 0.35T MR-linac. Methods For GNL characterization, an in-house large field of view (FOV) phantom (60 × 42.5 × 55 cm3 , >6000 spherical landmarks) was configured and scanned at four timepoints with forward/reverse read polarities (Gradient Echo sequence, FA/TR/TE = 28°/30 ms/6 ms). GNL was measured in Anterior-Posterior (AP), Left-Right (LR), and Superior-Inferior (SI) frequency-encoding directions based on deviation of the auto-segmented landmark centroids between rigidly registered MR and CT images and assessed based on radial distance from magnet isocenter. Total distortion was assessed using a 30 × 30 cm2 grid phantom oriented along the cardinal axes over >1 year of operation. Results The scanner's spatial integrity within the first ~10 months was stable (maximum total distortion variation = 10/6/8%, maximum distortion = 1.41/0.99/1.56 mm in Axial/Coronal/Sagittal planes, respectively). GNL distortions measured during this time period 1 mm. Conclusions GNL distortions were negligible within a 10 cm radius from isocenter. However, in the periphery, non-negligible distortions of up to ~7 mm were observed, which may necessitate GNL corrections for MR-IGRT for treatment sites distant from magnet isocenter.
Genus-specific host range of Phomopsis amaranthicola (Sphaeropsidales), a bioherbicide agent for Amaranthus spp.

Abstract Phomopsis amaranthicola, a newly described species discovered in Florida, is under development as a biological control agent for weeds belonging to the genus Amaranthus. Host-range testing was performed on the fungus, using the centrifugal phylogenetic scheme, with Amaranthus hybridus as the focal plant. Forty-five accessions of 21 species in the genus Amaranthus were tested for susceptibility to infection by this fungus. Fifty-six plant species outside the genus Amaranthus were also tested. The latter included crops in which the fungus might be used as a bioherbicide, members of genera that are closely related to Amaranthus, and selections of species that have been reported as hosts of other species of the genera Phomopsis or Diaporthe. Phomopsis amaranthicola did not infect any of the plants from outside the genus Amaranthus but was highly pathogenic to several species in the genus Amaranthus. All Amaranthus species tested were infected to varying degrees by P. amaranthicola; the resulting mort...
Bezold’s abscess: A rare complication of suppurative mastoiditis

Bezold's abscess is a suppurative complication of mastoiditis rarely seen in the current era of antimicrobials. It can lead to seriously sequelae if not diagnosed and treated early. We describe a patient with recurrent bilateral otalgia who had received multiple courses of antimicrobials who presented with severe headache, neck pain and right sided hearing loss. Imaging studies showed chronic mastoiditis and formation of a Bezold's abscess. Drainage was performed but symptoms persisted. Our report highlights the need for further evaluation of patients presenting with complicated mastoiditis and the need for prolonged antimicrobial therapy.
The C. elegans intestine: organogenesis, digestion, and physiology

The comparatively simple Caenorhabditis elegans intestine fulfills many of the complex functions of the mammalian digestive tract, liver, and fat tissues, while also having roles in pathogen defense, immunity, and longevity. In this review, we describe the structure of the C. elegans gut and how it develops from the embryonic precursor E. We examine what is currently known about how the animal's microbial diet is moved through the intestinal lumen, and how its enzymatic functions contribute to physiology and metabolism. The underlying gene regulatory networks behind both development and physiology are also described. Finally, we consider recent studies that examine metabolism and digestion and describe emerging areas for future work.
Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis Does Not Affect Rotatory Knee Instability in Anatomic ACL Reconstruction

Objectives:Single-bundle, anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may not fully restore rotatory knee stability, and the addition of a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has ...
Mitigating Supplier Default Risk: Information and the Demand for Trade Credit

We bring to light a benefit of trade credit relationships in which large investment-grade firms borrow from their smaller suppliers despite the ability to secure less expensive financing elsewhere. The use of trade credit allows a firm, which is wary of a supply disruption, to indirectly acquire information regarding the stability of a supplier. This information allows the firm to improve its sourcing decisions and to better protect against supply chain disturbances. We also show that the demand for trade credit increases with the probability that a supplier is unstable and with the cost of supplier failure to the focal firm. These results provide theoretical justification for various empirical associations documented in the literature on trade credit. Paradoxically, we also show that a necessary condition for trade credit to arise in our setting is that a bank or other financial intermediary holds a comparative advantage in lending over the other firms in our model. This result stands in contrast the much of the theoretical literature on trade credit which justifies inter-firm lending by assuming the advantage in lending lies with a supplier.
Iron: Key player in cancer and cell cycle?

Abstract Background Iron is an essential element for growth and metabolic activities of all living organisms but remains in its oxyhydroxide ferric ion form in the surrounding. Unavailability of iron in soluble ferrous form led to development of specific pathways and machinery in different organisms to make it available for use and maintain its homeostasis. Iron homeostasis is essential as under different circumstances iron in excess as well as deprivation leads to different pathological conditions in human. Objective This review highlights the current findings related to iron excess as well as deprivation with regards to cellular proliferation. Conclusions Iron excess is extensively associated with different types of cancers viz. colorectal cancer, breast cancer etc. by producing an oxidative stressed condition and alteration of immune system. Ironically its deprivation also results in anaemic conditions and leads to cell cycle arrest at different phases with mechanism yet to be explored. Iron deprivation arrests cell cycle at G1/S and in some cases at G2/M checkpoints resulting in growth arrest. However, in some cases iron overload arrests cell cycle at G1 phase by blocking certain signalling pathways. Certain natural and synthetic iron chelators are being explored from few decades to combat diseases caused by alteration in iron homeostasis.
Anterior Revision Hip Arthroplasty is Associated With Higher Wound Complications but Fewer Dislocations Compared to Posterior Revision Hip Surgery.

Abstract Background Wound complication after primary direct anterior (DAA) hip arthroplasty has been reported in the literature but there has been no comparison regarding revision anterior vs revision posterior (PA) hip arthroplasty. The authors hypothesize that anterior approach revision surgery may have increased wound complications compared with posterior hip revisions and also report on secondary outcome metrics. Methods Ninety-nine DAA and 191 PA revisions were included for analysis. Preoperative demographic characteristics, indication for revision, operative details, type of revision performed, components utilized, and postoperative complications were compared between DAA and PA groups including multivariate analysis. Results The DAA cohort demonstrated an increased risk of superficial wound complications (7.1% vs 0.5%, P = .003) and a decreased dislocation rate (2.0% vs 13.1%, P = .002). There was a trend toward increased overall complications in the PA group (OR 1.71, P = .078). Conclusion Revision DAA THA is associated with an increased risk of superficial wound complications, but may impart a decreased dislocation rate.
Abstract A85: The role of LAP positive immune cells in cancer

Immunotherapy that acts by counteracting the suppressive environment established by the tumor became a very promising approach for the treatment of cancer. Regulatory immune cells promote cancer by suppressing antitumor immune responses, but there are few cell surface molecules that can specifically be targeted to neutralize their function. We characterized a regulatory T-cell population that expresses surface latency-associated peptide (LAP). LAP is an adaptor and regulator of TGF-beta, a potent immunosuppressive cytokine. An increase in LAP+ CD4 T cells has been reported in human cancer, including head and neck and colorectal cancer. To study the regulatory role of LAP+ cells in cancer, we developed a murine monoclonal anti-LAP antibody. We found that treatment with anti-LAP antibody reduces tumor growth and increases survival in various cancer models, including colon carcinoma, glioblastoma and melanoma. Anti-LAP antibody is able to block TGF-beta release from cells expressing LAP and also reduces both the number and suppressive abilities of tumor-associated LAP+ regulatory cells. Anti-LAP antibody treatment triggers a profound peripheral immune response by acting on both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. A synergistic antitumor effect was observed by combining anti-LAP antibody with dendritic cell vaccination. To study different LAP+ immune cells on a single-cell level, we developed a 19-panel flow cytometry approach. Based on the TCGA data analysis, the expression of LAP-associated genes correlates inversely with patient survival in a number of cancers. In summary, LAP+ immune cells contribute to cancer progression, and targeting these cells for cancer treatment represents a promising immunotherapeutic approach against cancer. Citation Format: Galina Gabriely, Andre da Cunha, Rafael Rezende, Nathaniel Skillin, Brendan Kenyon, Lena Walton, Murugaiyan Gopal, Howard Weiner. The role of LAP positive immune cells in cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A85.
Validation of transdermal alcohol concentration data collected using wearable alcohol monitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transdermal alcohol content (TAC) data (i.e. index test) collected with wearable alcohol monitors for assessment of alcohol use or any other alcohol related outcome (e.g., excessive alcohol use) among adults 18 and older. Methods We will systematically search MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI, Web of Science) for TAC validation studies. The reference standards for this systematic review study are alcohol use data collected through self-reports, breathalyzers, or blood samples. If enough studies are available to conduct a meta-analysis, we will use a hierarchical regression approach to pool the results and obtain summary point estimates.
Wake Interactions Of A Tetrahedron Quadcopter

This paper studies the influence of the placement of a quadcopter’s rotors with a tetrahedron shape on its produced thrust. A tetrahedron quadcopter is a rotorcraft with four horizontal rotors, including an upper rotor and three lower rotors placed equidistant around the upper rotor on a lower plane. The goal of this aircraft design is to create an airframe that is structurally rigid in 3-dimensions while being as efficient as an aircraft that has its rotors on the same vertical plane. Due to the wake interaction between the top and bottom propellers, a reduction of thrust is expected compared to a placement of the rotors on the same plane when rotors are close enough. The results presented in this paper illustrate how the wake interactions impact the performance of several configurations of the tetrahedron quadcopter.
Characterization and function of avirulence genes from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato

Avirulence genes in plant pathogens did not evolve for that purpose but are a consequence of the occurrence in plants of surveillance mechanisms that detect highly specific features of only certain pathogen biotypes. Thus, while the functions of avirulence genes in pathogens are generally not known, it is assumed that their role in recognition by plants is gratuitous. If recognition of an avirulent pathogen occurs, the plant undergoes a complex active defense reaction called the hypersensitive response (HR) that restricts further pathogen development. The plant surveillance system is controlled by plant disease resistance genes that are thought to encode specific receptors. They recognize pathogen metabolites called specific elicitors. The formation of these elicitors is poorly understood, but recent evidence suggests that they are either the primary protein products of pathogen avirulence genes or cellular metabolites arising from their catalytic activity. We also know little about the structure and function of plant disease resistance genes, although recent progress has occurred in attempts to clone them (e.g., Bennetzen et al 1988). In contrast, several pathogen avirulence genes have been cloned and sequenced (Keen and Staskawicz 1988).
Long-term monitoring for conservation: closing the distribution gap of Arctocephalus australis in central Chile.

Here, we present the first record of stable colonies of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis), in an area where their presence has never been documented (hereafter distribution gap), as well as an update of the current distribution range of the species in central Chile. A national synoptic aerial census of pinnipeds was performed during the austral summer of 2019 on the Chilean coast. An additional aerial census was conducted in the same area during the austral spring of 2019 as well as a maritime census during the austral summer of 2020. The data showed the presence of South American fur seals in central Chile within their well-known distribution gap. The total abundance was registered in three colonies where fur seals were sighted: one non-breeding colony, Punta Topocalma (summer 2019: mean = 46 ± 3; spring 2019: mean = 9 ± 1); and two breeding colonies, Punta Curaumilla (summer 2019: mean = 595 ± 7; spring 2019: mean = 45 ± 4; summer 2020: mean = 744 ± 5) and Isla Santa Maria (summer 2019: mean = 246 ± 6). Specifically, we suggest that it is crucial to elucidate the origin of the described settled colonies, and to determine whether there has been an augment in the distribution range from either the northern population, the southern population, or both simultaneously.
PuzzleBots: Physical Coupling of Robot Swarms

Robot swarms have been shown to improve the ability of individual robots by inter-robot collaboration. In this paper, we present the PuzzleBots - a low-cost robotic swarm system where robots can physically couple with each other to form functional structures with minimum energy consumption while maintaining individual mobility to navigate within the environment. Each robot has knobs and holes along the sides of its body so that the robots can couple by inserting the knobs into the holes. We present the characterization of knob design and the result of gap-crossing behavior with up to nine robots. We show with hardware experiments that the robots are able to couple with each other to cross gaps and decouple to perform individual tasks. We anticipate the PuzzleBots will be useful in unstructured environments as individuals and coupled systems in real-world applications.
Getting Into Equity

For two centuries, common lawyers have frequently talked about a “cause of action.” But “cause of action” is not an organizing principle for equity. This Article shows how a plaintiff gets into equity, and it shows equity is shaped by the interplay of its remedial, procedural, and substantive law. Equity is adjectival, related to law rather than the other way around. Remedies, not rights, are what give it power. And for getting into equity, it is the grievance that is central. To insist on an equitable cause of action is to work a fundamental change in how a plaintiff gets into equity.
Matrix metalloproteinases: a tail of a frog that became a prince

It is 40 years since the first member of what came to be known as the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family was described. Structural, molecular and biochemical approaches have subsequently contributed to piecing together the puzzle of how MMPs work, and how they contribute to various disease processes.
Faith Development in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Abstract This study offers a theoretical perspective to view spiritual faith development of AA members. Survey data from two AA groups (N = 47) were used to test the hypothesis that completion of steps 1 through 3 promoted a deferring God relationship while completion of additional steps engendered a more collaborative God relationship. Extent of self-reported step work did not predict preferred spiritual coping style, while two measures of AA longevity did predict preferred spiritual coping style. In disagreement with earlier work (e.g., Tonigan, Ashcroft, & Miller, 1995), findings suggested that AA groups differ in spiritual beliefs and practices. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Risk-cost-benefit analysis of atrazine in drinking water from agricultural activities and policy implications

[1] This study provides an improved methodology for investigating the trade-offs between the health risks and economic benefits of using atrazine in the agricultural sector by incorporating public attitude to pesticide management in the analysis. Regression models are developed to predict finished water atrazine concentration in high-risk community water supplies in the United States. The predicted finished water atrazine concentrations are then used in a health risk assessment. The computed health risks are compared with the total economic surplus in the U.S. corn market for different atrazine application rates using estimated demand and supply functions developed in this work. Analysis of different scenarios with consumer price premiums for chemical-free and reduced-chemical corn indicate that if the society is willing to pay a price premium, risks can be reduced without a large reduction in the total economic surplus and net benefits may be higher. The results also show that this methodology provides an improved scientific framework for future decision making and policy evaluation in pesticide management.
Chemosensory responsiveness to ethanol and its individual sensory components in alcohol-preferring, alcohol-nonpreferring and genetically heterogeneous rats.

Alcohol activates orosensory circuits that project to motivationally relevant limbic forebrain areas that control appetite, feeding and drinking. To date, limited data exists regarding the contribution of chemosensory-derived ethanol reinforcement to ethanol preference and consumption. Measures of taste reactivity to intra-orally infused ethanol have not found differences in initial orofacial responses to alcohol between alcohol-preferring (P) and – nonpreferring (NP) genetically selected rat lines. Yet, in voluntary intake tests P rats prefer highly-concentrated ethanol upon initial exposure, suggesting an early sensory-mediated attraction. Here, we directly compared self-initiated chemosensory responding for alcohol and prototypic sweet, bitter, and oral trigeminal stimuli among selectively bred P, NP, and non-selected Wistar (WI) outbred lines to determine whether differential sensory responsiveness to ethanol and its putative sensory components are phenotypically associated with genetically-influenced alcohol preference. Rats were tested for immediate short-term lick responses to alcohol (3–40%), sucrose (0.01–1 M), quinine (0.01–3 mM) and capsaicin (0.003–1 mM) in a brief-access assay designed to index orosensory-guided behavior. P rats exhibited elevated short-term lick responses to both alcohol and sucrose relative to NP and WI lines across a broad range of concentrations of each stimulus and in the absence of blood alcohol levels that would produce significant postabsorptive effects. There was no consistent relationship between genetically-mediated alcohol preference and orosensory avoidance of quinine or capsaicin. These data indicate that enhanced initial chemosensory attraction to ethanol and sweet stimuli are phenotypes associated with genetic alcohol preference and are considered within the framework of downstream activation of oral appetitive reward circuits.
Choline Oxidase Activity of Chick Liver Tissue

Abstract It has been established for several years that certain animal species possess an enzyme system capable of oxidizing choline to betaine. The activity of this enzyme in the chick has, at least until recently, been a matter of some dispute. Experiments of Colowick, reported by Jukes and Welch (1942) indicated an increased oxygen uptake by chick liver tissue in the presence of choline or arsenocholine. However, a report by Dubnoff (1949) stated that the young chick does not possess this enzyme. Dinning et al. (1949) reported its occurrence in the mature fowl and more recently Dubnoff (1950) has presented data which were interpreted as indicating an active choline oxidase in chick tissues. In the course of studies dealing with the effect of vitamin B12 on the metabolism of compounds carrying labile methyl groups, we have had occasion to determine the choline oxidase activity of chick liver tissue. Chicks deficient in . . .
Instant photographs for developing esthetics.

Abstract Instant photographs provide an opportunity for the dentist and the patient to make objective evaluations of the esthetic effect of a restoration before it is completed. Photographs are made quickly and can be used while the patient is being treated. The necessary equipment is readily available, inexpensive, and easy for the dentist or his assistant to use. The result of the use of photographs during the construction phase of denture service is a pleased and confident patient.
Adult Education Policy Formation and Implementation: A Global Perspective

Adult education policies around the world during the post-World War II period owe a debt to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) both in their conception and implementation. Four UNESCO-sponsored world conferences on adult education (UNESCO, 1949; UNESCO, 1963; UNESCO, 1972; UNESCO, 1985) and several other conference reports and surveys (Bhola, 1989b; Lowe, 1982; UNESCO, 1976) have contributed to adult education as an area of study, as a progressive movement in its own right and in developing adult education throughout the Third World, an area of special, but not exclusive, interest in this paper.
Rates of molecular evolution: The hominoid slowdown

It is proposed that early in phylogeny a large proportion of amino acid substitutions were selectively neutral, but that bursts of adaptive substitutions during major radiations of life so increased selective constraints that most mutations in modern proteins are detrimental. Recent findings on DNA nucleotide sequences indicate that decreasing mutation rates further slowed the rate of molecular evolution in the lineage to humans.
What can brain researchers learn from computer engineers and vice versa

The human brain is a network containing a hundred billion neurons, each communicating with several thousand others. As the wiring for neuronal communication draws on limited space and energy resources, evolution had to optimize their use. This principle of minimizing wiring costs, similar to that in computer design, explains many features of brain architecture, including placement and shape of many neurons. However, the shape of some neurons and their synaptic properties remained unexplained. This led us to the principle of maximization of brain’s ability to store information. Combination of the two principles provides a systematic view of brain architecture, necessary to explain brain function. It would be interesting to see whether advances in understanding brain function will make impact on computer design.
The Visual Map in the Corpus Callosum of the Cat

The corpus callosum conveys all the fibers that connect areas 17 and 18 in the 2 cerebral hemispheres of the cat. The purpose of the present study was to ascertain the organization of the visual field map described by these fibers in the corpus callosum. This was achieved by injecting anterograde and retrograde pathway tracers at known locations in the callosally connected zones of areas 17 and 18. The positions of the injection sites were varied systematically to include all visual field elevations represented along the marginal and posterolateral gyri. Overall, the results show (1) that callosal fibers projecting between the 2 marginal gyri, where the lower visual fields are represented, pass through the body of the corpus callosum; (2) that fibers connecting the junction of the marginal and posterolateral gyri in the 2 hemispheres, where central fields are represented, pass through the dorsal splenium of the corpus callosum; and (3) that fibers passing between the ventral portions of the 2 posterolateral gyri, where upper fields are represented, pass through posterior and ventral splenium. In addition, the density of visual fibers in the splenium is greater than in the body of the corpus callosum. Within the overall pattern, a finer arrangement exists, and it was possible, by comparison with the cortical visual field maps, to describe a map of visual field elevations in the corpus callosum. In this map, the representations of the different visual field elevations are not a simple reflection of the map in the cortex. The map of the lower fields contained in the body is spread out, whereas the map of the central and upper fields in the splenium is highly compressed. The high degree with which observations can be reproduced in different cats indicates that the map is stereotyped from one animal to another.
Commissioning experience with the largest superconducting cyclotron, the NSCL K800

The largest of the superconducting cyclotrons, the NSCL K800, was commissioned during the summer of 1988. The first internal beam was accelerated to the extraction radius of 1 m on February 22, 1988, and then, after installation of the extraction elements, the first ion beam was extracted on June 6. This cyclotron is based on a 280 ton superconducting magnet with a magnetic field operating-range of 3–5 T and a maximum magnetic rigidity of 5 Tm (K = 1200). Typical maximum design energies are E/A = 200 MeV for fully stripped N = Z ions and E/A = 48 MeV for = 26 129Xe ions. An ECR ion source and axial injection system has been used with this cyclotron from the beginning. A major initial success in the commissioning is the excellent agreement between the computer calculations and the actual beam trajectories in the intricate extraction system. Initial experience with all major subsystems is discussed: magnetic field data, superconducting magnet, cryogenics, three-phase rf system, ECR ion source/axial injection and electric/magnetic extraction elements.