cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insights into ascending aortic aneurysm pathogenesis using in vivo and ex vivo imaging systems in angiotensin II-infused mice.

Thoracic aortic diseases, primarily ascending aortic aneurysms and dissection, are devastating clinical conditions with high risk of death. Genetic disorders are a common etiology of ascending aortic aneurysms and dissection (1). Although there are multiple genetic disruptions that lead to ascending aortic aneurysms and dissection, these diseases can be mimicked by manipulations in animal models. It is worth noting that angiotensin II (Ang II) and its type 1 (AT1) receptor activation contribute to the development and progression of ascending aortic pathologies in all of these animal models (2-7). Ascending aortic aneurysms are one risk factor for aortic dissection. A systematic review of published clinical investigations also provides evidence that aortic dissection is one cause of the progression of ascending aortic aneurysms (8), which is consistent with what has been reported in ascending aortic aneurysms induced by Ang II infusion in mice (9). This mouse model has several distinct aortic pathological features: (I) early time point intramural hematoma that is most apparent in the outer medial layers; (II) rapid and progressive luminal dilation; (III) elastin fragmentation; (IV) aortic wall thickening; (V) and penetrating ulcers. Consistent with the human disease, Ang II-induced ascending aortic aneurysms are not associated with hypercholesterolemia (9), whereas hypercholesterolemia augments Ang II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms (10). This mouse model has provided insights into understanding associations between aortic dissection and ascending aortic aneurysms (9,11,12).
Bayesian persuasion with multiple senders and rich signal spaces

Abstract A number of senders with no ex ante private information publicly choose signals whose realizations they observe privately. Senders then convey verifiable messages about their signal realizations to a receiver who takes a non-contractible action that affects the welfare of all players. The space of available signals includes all conditional distributions of signal realizations and allows any sender to choose a signal that is arbitrarily correlated with signals of others. We characterize the information revealed in pure-strategy equilibria and show that greater competition tends to increase the amount of information revealed.
A shared Runx1-bound Zbtb16 enhancer directs innate and innate-like lymphoid lineage development

Zbtb16-encoded PLZF is a signature transcription factor (TF) that directs the acquisition of T-helper effector programs during the development of multiple innate lymphocyte lineages, including natural killer T cell, innate lymphoid cell, mucosal-associated invariant T cell and γδ lineages. PLZF is also essential in osteoblast and spermatogonial development. How Zbtb16 itself is regulated in different lineages is incompletely understood. Here, by systematic CRISPR/Cas9-assisted deletions of chromatin accessible regions within the Zbtb16 locus in mouse, we identify a critical enhancer controlling PLZF expression exclusively in innate lymphoid lineages. Multiple sites within this enhancer express canonical motifs for the TF Runx1, which is essential for the development of these lineages. Notably, some regulatory sites control the kinetic rather than the overall level of PLZF expression. Thus, our comprehensive, unbiased analysis of regulatory elements in vivo reveals critical mechanisms of Zbtb16 regulation shared between innate and innate-like lymphoid lineages. Zbtb16-encoded transcription factor PLZF directs the differentiation of multiple innate and innate-like cell lineages, but how Zbtb16 itself is regulated remains unclear. Here the authors show, using CRISPR gene editing, ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq, that specific Runx1-bound enhancer elements critically modulate lineage-dependent expressions of PLZF.
Two-argument total scatter factor for small fields simultaneously collimated by MLC and jaws: application to stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy.

Direct use of the total scatter factor (Slsubgtotl/subg) for independent monitor unit (MU) calculations can be a good alternative approach to the traditional separate treatment of head/collimator scatter (Slsubgcl/subg) and phantom scatter (Slsubgpl/subg), especially for stereotactic small fields under the simultaneous collimation of secondary jaws and tertiary multileaf collimators (MLC). We have carried out the measurement of Slsubgtotl/subg in water for field sizes down to 0.5 × 0.5 cmlsupg2l/supg on a Varian TrueBeam STx medical linear accelerator (linac) equipped with high definition (HD) MLCs. Both the jaw field size (c) and MLC field size (s) significantly impact the linac output factors, especially when c gg s and s is small (e.g. s l 5 cm). The combined influence of MLC and jaws gives rise to a two-argument dependence of the total scatter factor, Slsubgtotl/subg(c,s), which is difficult to functionally decouple. The (c,s) dependence can be conceived as a set of s-dependent functions ("branches") defined on domain [slsubgminl/subg, slsubgmaxl/subg=c] for a given jaw size of c. We have also developed a heuristic model of Slsubgtotl/subg to assist the clinical implementation of the measured Slsubgtotl/subg data for small field dosimetry. The model has two components: (i) empirical fit formula for the s-dependent branches and (ii) interpolation scheme between the branches. The interpolation scheme preserves the characteristic shape of the measured branches and effectively transforms the measured trapezoidal domain in (c, s) plane to a rectangular domain to facilitate easier two-dimensional (2D) interpolation to determine Slsubgtotl/subg for arbitrary (c,s) combinations. Both the empirical fit and interpolation showed good agreement with experimental validation data.
Image-guided cancer nanomedicine

Multifunctional nanoparticles with superior imaging properties and therapeutic effects have been extensively developed for the nanomedicine. However, tumor-intrinsic barriers and tumor heterogeneity have resulted in low in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The poor in vivo targeting efficiency in passive and active targeting of nanotherapeutics along with the toxicity of nanoparticles has been a major problem in nanomedicine. Recently, image-guided nanomedicine, which can deliver nanoparticles locally using non-invasive imaging and interventional oncology techniques, has been paid attention as a new opportunity of nanomedicine. This short review will discuss the existing challenges in nanomedicine and describe the prospects for future image-guided nanomedicine.
Host-pathogen metapopulation dynamics suggest high elevation refugia for boreal toads.

Emerging infectious diseases are an increasingly common threat to wildlife. Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is an emerging infectious disease that has been linked to amphibian declines around the world. Few studies exist that explore amphibian-Bd dynamics at the landscape scale, limiting our ability to identify which factors are associated with variation in population susceptibility and to develop effective in situ disease management. Declines of boreal toads (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) in the southern Rocky Mountains are largely attributed to chytridiomycosis but variation exists in local extinction of boreal toads across this metapopulation. Using a large-scale historic data set, we explored several potential factors influencing disease dynamics in the boreal toad-Bd system: geographic isolation of populations, amphibian community richness, elevational differences, and habitat permanence. We found evidence that boreal toad extinction risk was lowest at high elevations where temperatures may be suboptimal for Bd growth and where small boreal toad populations may be below the threshold needed for efficient pathogen transmission. In addition, boreal toads were more likely to recolonize high elevation sites after local extinction, again suggesting that high elevations may provide refuge from disease for boreal toads. We illustrate a modeling framework that will be useful to natural resource managers striving to make decisions in amphibian-Bd systems. Our data suggest that in the southern Rocky Mountains high elevation sites should be prioritized for conservation initiatives like reintroductions.
Immersion of virtual reality for rehabilitation - Review

Virtual reality (VR) shows promise in the application of healthcare and because it presents patients an immersive, often entertaining, approach to accomplish the goal of improvement in performance. Eighteen studies were reviewed to understand human performance and health outcomes after utilizing VR rehabilitation systems. We aimed to understand: (1) the influence of immersion in VR performance and health outcomes; (2) the relationship between enjoyment and potential patient adherence to VR rehabilitation routine; and (3) the influence of haptic feedback on performance in VR. Performance measures including postural stability, navigation task performance, and joint mobility showed varying relations to immersion. Limited data did not allow a solid conclusion between enjoyment and adherence, but patient enjoyment and willingness to participate were reported in care plans that incorporates VR. Finally, different haptic devices such as gloves and controllers provided both strengths and weakness in areas such movement velocity, movement accuracy, and path efficiency.
Chronic Facet Pain

Chronic lumbar facet pain originates from pathologic changes in the facet joints, located in the posterolateral aspect of the spine. It is classically described as a deep ache, made worse with twisting, lateral bending, and hyperextension. Some common causes of chronic lumbar facet pain include aging, repetitive strain, and trauma. As radiologic examination does not have significant utility in diagnosis, the diagnosis is made clinically. A Kemp’s test may aid in diagnosis. Conservative management includes short courses of non-opioid medication and an individualized physical therapy program. When conservative measures fail, medial branch blocks, followed by radiofrequency ablation, may provide prolonged symptomatic relief. If progressive neurologic symptoms are present, urgent surgical referral is indicated.
Safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in copperhead snakebite patients.

Introduction: Current management guidelines for pit viper envenomations recommend against the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain control due to concern for platelet dysfu...
Catholic Moral Teaching and Natural Law: Changing the Way We Think About and Teach Professional Legal Ethics

Lawyers have had a hand in virtually every financial scandal in recent news. These lawyers are hired to advise clients about how to structure hedge funds, financial products, and financial transactions. Because global economies are becoming more interconnected, when large and risky financial transactions fail, they shake the stability of markets around the world. The “hired gun” mentality is prevalent throughout the legal profession. In this mindset, lawyers believe that because they are engaged by a client, they must do their client’s bidding, and must be singularly focused on their client’s sole interests. Can we do anything to encourage lawyers to consider not only the interests of their individual clients, but also the ramifications of their actions on the common good? A lawyer’s conduct is deemed “unethical” if it fails to meet standards set forth in the professional ethics rules of the states in which they practice. If the bar association of any state wants to deter additional forms of conduct, the mechanism in place today would require the enactment of higher statutory standards. Our society and our profession should demand more than the present overly narrow focus on the individual good of the client, especially where such focus has serious negative repercussions on the good of society. We should demand that lawyers act not only as competent legal professionals, but also as good citizens and morally upright human beings. On this score, our Catholic moral tradition—which teaches that human flourishing comes through the development of good moral
The Endocrine Pancreas, Past and Present

Our certain knowledge of the relationship between pancreatic function and diabetes mellitus is roughly 100 years old. However, informed speculation of a possible role played by this gland recurred in the literature periodically from 1787 onward. The story is a fascinating one, full of advances and retreats, faultless logic and foolish errors, but above all serendipity, which finally led to the proven relationship established by Minkowski and Von Mering in 1889.
PALEOCEANOGRAPHY, PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROXIES | Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca Paleothermometry

The distribution of sea surface and bottom water temperature and salinity is perhaps the best representation of the state of the climate system, as the ocean plays a fundamental role in the evolution of Earth’s climate. Therefore, determining the past temperature evolution of the ocean is key for understanding Earth’s history. This article discusses the four important paleotemperature proxies, namely Mg/Ca in planktonic foraminifera and Sr/Ca in corals as recorders of sea-surface temperatures and Mg/Ca in benthic foraminifera and ostracods as proxies of bottom-water temperatures. A clear advantage of these carbonate-based thermometers is that coupling δ18O and Mg/Ca measurements in foraminifera or Sr/Ca in corals, provides a novel way to adjust for the temperature-dependency of δ18O and isolate the record of δ18Owater, which can then be used to reconstruct local changes in evaporation-precipitation (and by inference salinity) and provide valuable information about changes in continental ice volume.
Tribological properties of woven para-aramid fabrics and their constituent yarns

The tribological behaviours of woven fabrics made from Kevlar® (DuPont's registered trademark) yarns of different linear densities were compared with the friction properties of their constituent yarns with different surface treatments. The latter were examined with a traditional friction meter, and the woven fabrics were studied with a pin-on-disc tribometer in alternate and continuous sliding mode. Scoured fabrics, a poly(tetrafluoroethylene)-coated fabric, and fabrics made of surface-treated yarns (polysiloxane oil, hydrophobic paraffin or ester oil lubricant) were compared. These treatments are not representative of commercial Kevlar® yarn finishes but are suitable models for simulating various tribological situations. Both the yarn texture and the surface treatment have an influence on friction coefficient values. Relative humidity affects the friction coefficient only in the case of hydrophilic surfaces, whereas hydrophobic surfaces exhibit fairly constant tribological characteristics. The largest impact on friction seems to be evidenced by the linear density factor. This comparative tribological analysis could lead the way to correlations between yarn friction, weaving performance and woven structure tribological characteristics.
Using a MEMS gyroscope to stabilize the attitude of a fly-sized hovering robot

Creating an autonomous flying vehicle the size of a honeybee presents a number of technical challenges because of its small scale. As vehicle wingspan diminishes, angular acceleration rates increase, necessitating sensing and control systems with high bandwidth. Hovering demonstrations have so far required feedback from highspeed motion capture cameras to estimate the angular velocity, attitude, and position of the vehicle to provide the continuous corrective feedback necessary to avoid tumbling. To achieve autonomous flight, it will be necessary to incorporate a suite of sensors carried onboard. Here we present a step in this direction by integrating a MEMS gyroscope onto an 80 mg flapping-wing micro air vehicle to provide attitude feedback in flight. This enables 25 s hovering flights in which the motion capture system provides only position feedback. Our vehicle, and likely others in the future of similar scale, is propelled by flapping wings that generate vibration. Our results indicate that the resulting accelerations, measured as high as 5 g by the sensors accelerometer, significantly distort readings from the accelerometer but not the gyroscope.
Biplane Fluoroscopic-Guided Balloon Rhizotomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Technical Note.

BACKGROUND The classic percutaneous technique used to cannulate the foramen ovale for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia can place important anatomic structures, such as the distal cervical internal carotid artery, at risk. OBJECTIVE To use fixed anatomic landmarks to safely and reliably locate the foramen ovale on anteroposterior (AP) fluoroscopy. METHODS Locating the foramen ovale was initially tested using AP fluoroscopy on cadaveric skulls in the neurosurgical simulation lab. Fluoroscopic landmarks were identified and utilized to assist in successfully locating the foramen ovale during percutaneous balloon rhizotomy procedures in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. This technique has been successfully used in multiple patients. In this report, we describe our technique in detail. RESULTS The AP fluoroscopy is directed laterally in the coronal plane until a line drawn inferiorly from the lateral orbital rim bisects the inner concavity of the mandibular angle. Fluoroscopy is then directed inferiorly until the top of the petrous ridge bisects the mandibular ramus. The foramen ovale will come into view within the window between the mandibular ramus and hard palate. Two case illustrations are provided. CONCLUSION Balloon rhizotomy is a commonly used treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia. Direct visualization of the foramen ovale can reliably be achieved on AP fluoroscopy using specific anatomic landmarks. This technique can be utilized to increase the accuracy and safety of the procedure.
Beliefs and Evaluations About Counseling Services (BEACS): Scale Development.

We developed the Beliefs and Evaluations About Counseling Services (BEACS) scale by incorporating a mathematical formula adopted from the Theory of Reasoned Action. We conducted three studies using...
Getting to the heart of low sensitivity to alcohol: Context moderates low cardiovascular response to alcohol in persons with a family history of alcohol use disorder

Background Low sensitivity to alcohol in persons with a family history of alcoholism (FH+), compared to those without (FH-), contributes to risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, sensitivity of FH+ cardiovascular response to alcohol is not well understood. This gap is significant because cardiovascular processes contribute to emotional regulation and stress response problems theorized to be central to the development and persistence of AUD. This study compared changes in heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) between FH groups after consuming alcohol and control beverages and examined how these changes were moderated by emotional and alcohol-related contexts. Methods Young adults (N = 165) with FH+ (n = 110) or FH- (n = 55) each completed 2 sessions, separated by 1 week. They received one of 3 different beverages (alcohol, placebo, and told-no-alcohol) in each session. Electrocardiogram data were recorded during pre-beverage consumption and post-beverage consumption baselines, and then during 4 picture cue tasks (neutral, positive, negative, and alcohol-related). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine differences in cardiovascular reactivity (changes in HR and HRV power at ~ 0.1 Hz) across FH groups, beverage conditions, and picture cue tasks. Results A significant beverage condition × cue task × FH interaction effect on HRV was observed. The FH+ group, compared to the FH- group, showed (a) significantly less HRV suppression in specific cue contexts following alcohol, (b) a mixed pattern of more and less HRV suppression across cue contexts following placebo, and (c) a similar HRV reactivity pattern in the told-no-alcohol condition across cue tasks. For HR, there were no significant effects involving FH. Conclusions Diminished cardiovascular sensitivity to oral alcohol in FH+ persons varied within a given drinking episode depending on emotional and alcohol-related features of the context, suggesting that environmental characteristics play a role in the expression of low sensitivity to alcohol among FH+ individuals.
Ectopic expression of a homeobox gene changes cell fate in Xenopus embryos in a position-specific manner

We have injected XIHbox 6 mRNA together with the lineage tracer colloidal gold into individual dorso-anterior blastomeres of the 32-cell stage Xenopus embryo and analyzed their cell fate during embryogenesis. While the developing tadpoles appeared entirely normal, the fate of the progeny of the injected blastomere was altered. In the brain injected cells failed to differentiate terminally, as indicated by a loss of labeled cranial nerves. Differentiation of spinal nerves remained unaffected. Fate change in the CNS occurred at about the time of normal XIHbox 6 protein expression. In addition, progeny of injected blastomeres gained head epidermal fate and lost anterior notochord fate as a result of altered cell migrations during gastrulation. The results show that a homeodomain protein is capable of altering cell fate in a position-specific and cell-autonomous manner in Xenopus embryos. The experimental approach used here should be applicable to other molecules specifying cell fate.
Reductive Stress: Neglected Science

Over the past six decades, the concept of "redox" was focused on one arm of the redox spectrum: oxidative stress. In fact, a vast majority of experimental and clinical studies addressing redox mechanisms claimed "oxidative stress" as the culprit for acute or chronic disease conditions. Recent studies have documented that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial signaling molecules facilitating various cellular processes. Thus, abrogation of these key ROS signaling through abundant antioxidant systems will result in detrimental effects. This Forum highlights the emerging concepts and related mechanisms of the other extreme of the redox spectrum, known as "reductive stress (RS)." The Forum including original research and review articles discusses the causes and consequences of RS in various biological and pathological conditions such as metabolism, cancer, drug resistance, cardiac hypertrophy, and microbial adaptations.
Chapter 8 – Geothermal Energy: – electricity generation and environmental impact

Geothermal energy is widely used as a reliable source of electricity generation. In 21 countries geothermal plants are in operation and have a combined installed capacity of over 6 000 MW. Technology now permits the utilization of a broad range of resources, from moderate-temperature to hypersaline brines, as well as natural steam with high levels of non-condensable gases. This paper describes geothermal energy conversion systems and the potential environmental impacts associated with geothermal plants. In comparison with alternatives, geothermal plants are among the most environmentally benign. Emissions abatement, water and land-use, and other aspects are discussed, along with the costs for environmental controls.
Analysis of lawsuits related to diagnostic errors from point-of-care ultrasound in internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine and critical care in the USA

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the extent of diagnostic error lawsuits related to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine and critical care, of which little is known. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the Westlaw legal database for indexed state and federal lawsuits involving the diagnostic use of POCUS in internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine and critical care. Retrieved cases were reviewed independently by three physicians to identify cases relevant to our study objective. A lawyer secondarily reviewed any cases with discrepancies between the three reviewers. Results Our search criteria returned 131 total cases. Ultrasound was mentioned in relation to the lawsuit claim in 70 of the cases returned. In these cases, the majority were formal ultrasounds performed and reviewed by the radiology department, echocardiography studies performed by cardiologists or obstetrical ultrasounds. There were no cases of internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine or critical care physicians being subjected to adverse legal action for their diagnostic use of POCUS. Conclusion Our results suggest that concerns regarding the potential for lawsuits related to POCUS in the fields of internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine and critical care are not substantiated by indexed state and federal filed lawsuits.
Element-Based Multi-Objective Optimization Methodology Supporting a Transportation Asset Management Framework for Bridge Planning and Programming

The U.S. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) mandates the development of a risk-based transportation asset management plan and the use of a performance-based approach in tran...
Current trends in the oxidative stress and ageing of social hymenopterans

Abstract Social hymenopteran insects, including wasps, bees, and ants, are amazing insects with a versatile range of physiological and behavioural plasticity. The life span of ageing among different castes can be different from weeks to years. This plasticity is controlled by environmental and genetic factors. Oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms to explain the plasticity of ageing. In this report, we will review the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress, how oxidative stress is associated with caste differentiation, epigenetics, energy and metabolic process, environmental and pesticide contamination in social insects. Future research is still needed to reveal new mechanisms of oxidative stress and ageing in social insects.
COVID-19 Infection and Acute Pulmonary Embolism in an Adolescent Female With Sickle Cell Disease

A previously healthy 20-year-old female presented to the emergency room in April 2020 with complaints of shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. She was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and pulmonary embolism (PE). Workup for anemia led to the diagnosis of sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 are at an increased risk for the development of PE and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Anticoagulation prophylaxis and escalation to treatment dosing are recommended in patients admitted with moderate to severe symptoms of COVID-19. PE and VTE are relatively uncommon in the pediatric and adolescent population. Most commonly, patients are diagnosed with thrombophilia or have an underlying hypercoagulable state such as with SCD. Also, symptoms of COVID-19 infection, acute chest syndrome (ACS), and PE can have overlapping features. In this report, we present a case of a late adolescent female with SCD, who was diagnosed with COVID-19, and whose condition was complicated with PE.
Analysts' Stock Views and Revision Actions

This study analyzes the consistency between analysts’ stock views and their revisions of earnings forecasts, price targets, and recommendations. A hidden Markov model (HMM) is employed to extract analysts’ views. The results show that consistent revisions (i.e., upgrades accompanied by favorable views and downgrades accompanied by unfavorable views) more effectively trigger the stock price reactions than inconsistent revisions. The rigidity of the stock views (i.e., views are unlikely to change) negatively impacts the stock price reactions. The study highlights the importance of inferring analysts’ implicit stock views, as it influences the effectiveness of their stock research outputs.
Sex Differences in Coronary Arterial Calcification in Symptomatic Patients.

Despite the increasing use of Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring for cardiovascular risk stratification in asymptomatic patients, the gender differences in CAC among symptomatic patients have not been well evaluated. We analyzed patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain suggesting possible coronary artery disease (CAD) who received coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio for the association of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and CAC. Patients with a CAC score ≥ 100 were followed for cardiovascular events or changes in medical management. Our cohort included 542 individuals (263 male, 279 female). Ordinal logistic regression model showed that among traditional cardiovascular risk factors, male sex had the highest odds ratio (OR) of 3.04 (p 100 with an average follow-up of 346 days, there was an increase in both aspirin and statin use, yet significant sex differences were observed especially in patients with non-obstructive lesions on CCTA. Among male patients with non-obstructive lesions, 68.2% were on aspirin and 86.4% were on statin therapy after the CCTA compared to 27.3% and 45.5% respectively in their female counterparts. In conclusion, sex not only is the most powerful predictor for higher CAC among traditional cardiovascular risk factors in symptomatic patients but also influences the contribution of various traditional risk factors to elevated CAC. Furthermore, the discovery of CAD led to the initiation of medical therapy in male patients more frequently than in female patients, even after adjusting for the degree of luminal stenosis detected on coronary CT angiography.
Ethics and Economics of Medical Supplies in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The distribution of healthcare resources across local and global communities has triggered alarms throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Injustice and inefficiency in the transfer of lifesaving medical supplies are magnified by the urgency of the public health crisis, ramified through pre-existing socioeconomic tensions, and further aggravated by frictions that plague international cooperation and global governance. Aim: This article explores the ethical and economic dimensions of medical supplies, from the microcosm of distributive algorithms to the macroscope of medical trade. Methods: It first analyses the performance, strategy, and social responsibility of ventilator-suppliers through a series of case studies. Then, the authors seek to redress the need-insensitivity of existing distributive models with a new price-based and need-conscious algorithm. Next, the paper empirically traces the exchange of medical supplies across borders, examines the effect of trade disputes on medical reliance and pandemic preparedness, and makes a game-theoretical case for sharing critical resources with foreign communities. Conclusion: The authors argue that the equitable allocation of medical supplies must consider the contexts and conditions of need; that political barriers to medical transfers undermine a government’s capacity to contain the contagion by reducing channels of access to medical goods; and that self-interested public policies often turn out to be counterproductive geopolitical strategies. In the post-pandemic world, the prospect of medical justice demands a balanced ethical and economic approach that cuts across the borders of nation-states and the bounds of the private sector and the public sphere.
A Novel Model of Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis with Antiestrogen Responsiveness

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) have estrogen receptor alpha positive (ER+) disease. ER+ BC preferentially metastasizes to bone; at which time it is considered incurable. Treatments for bone metastasis have not advanced in decades, in part due to a lack of appropriate ER+ BC bone metastasis models. We developed an immunocompetent ER+ BC murine model with spontaneous bone metastasis and antiestrogen responsiveness. To do this, we transduced triple-negative (TN) bone-tropic murine BC cell lines 4T1.2 and E0771/Bone to express ER. These cells were then injected into the mammary fat pads of Balb/c (n=21) or C57Bl/6 (n=27), respectively. Once tumors established, mice were treated with either the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen (TAM), the selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) ICI 182,780 (ICI, Faslodex, fulvestrant), or vehicle control for 21 days. Tumor volumes and weights significantly decreased in the ER+ groups treated with TAM and ICI compared with ER+ vehicle-treated groups. Staining for immune profiles and total RNA sequencing demonstrated modified immune cell infiltration between TN and ER-derived tumors. Approximately 25% of the mice with ER+ 4T1.2 tumors developed metastases to long bones while none of the mice with TN tumors developed metastases. This immunocompetent ER+ 4T1.2 BC model may allow for further exploration of ER+ BC bone metastasis mechanisms and for the development of new therapeutics for women diagnosed with bone metastasis from ER+ BC. Simple SummaryEstrogen receptor alpha positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most common subtype of breast cancer. When it metastasizes to bone, it becomes incurable. Little advancement has occurred in the treatment of bone metastasis from ER+ breast cancer, partly due to the lack of animal models. To establish an animal model of ER+ BC, we genetically modified two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines to express ER and injected the cell lines into murine mammary glands. Mice were treated with standard antiestrogen therapies, the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen or the selective estrogen receptor degrader ICI 182,780. We found that compared to mice with triple-negative breast cancer, mice with ER+ breast cancer developed bone metastases and were responsive to antiestrogen therapy. This model allows for further exploration of bone metastasis mechanisms and for the development of new therapeutics, translating into improved clinical outcomes for women with bone metastasis from ER+ breast cancer.
Poly ADP-ribosylation of SET8 leads to aberrant H4K20me1 domains in mammalian cells

In mammalian cells, SET8 mediated Histone H4 Lys 20 monomethylation (H4K20me1) has been implicated in regulating mitotic condensation, DNA replication, DNA damage response, and gene expression. Here we show SET8, the only known enzyme for H4K20me1 is post-translationally poly ADP-ribosylated by PARP1 on lysine residues. PARP1 interacts with SET8 in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Poly ADP-ribosylation on SET8 renders it catalytically compromised and it undergoes degradation via ubiquitylation pathway. Knockdown of PARP1 shifted the relative dynamic equilibrium of H4K20me2 to H4k20me3 in cells. Overexpression or knockdown of PARP1 led to aberrant H4K20me1 domains genome-wide, impacting Wnt signaling pathways genes and transcription factor binding site enrichment. Therefore, SET8 mediated chromatin remodeling and gene expression in mammalian cells are influenced by poly ADP-ribosylation by PARP1.
Fluid Friction on Smooth Planes

Comparison is made of various formulas for the friction of a smooth thin plane in steady translation edgewise through a viscous fluid. Over a wide scale range the formulas agree quite well among themselves and fairly well with the data of many noteworthy experiments, but not with the textbook formulas in use for some decades. Still needed are measurements of skin friction on geometrically similar planes in dynamically similar flow conditions yet further extended and accurately specified.
Implications of switching away from injectable hormonal contraceptives on the HIV epidemic

Abstract A recent study showed that progestogen-only injectable hormonal contraception (POIHC) doubles the risk of HIV transmission. This may affect contraceptive use and HIV-related outcomes, if women switch away from POIHC. A deterministic compartmental model of individuals aged 15–49 distinguishing gender and HIV status was used to simulate various contraceptive use scenarios. We specifically tracked HIV prevalence, new infections, HIV-related deaths, vertical transmission, and births over a 15-year period for five African countries. Stopping POIHC use will result in a large increase in births and vertical transmission. Switching from POIHC to other contraceptives limits these increases while still improving HIV outcomes.
Performance of complex noise transfer functions in bandpass and multi band sigma delta systems

The use of complex noise transfer functions for bandpass sigma delta modulation is described and compared with real transfer functions. For bandpass signals centered at higher frequencies, the use of complex noise transfer functions (NTFs) allows performance improvements over a modulator of the same order using real transfer functions. Results are presented that show the performance improvement possible using complex second order modulators.
Recommendations for a Postdoctoral Fellowship

The dissertation or clinical internship is typically the final requirement fulfilled for the psychology doctorate, and its completion is certainly just cause for both celebration and relief. However, completing the doctorate does not necessarily denote the end of “trainee” status. In many of the settings in which psychologists work, a postdoctoral fellowship is increasingly recognized as a desirable, if not necessary, next step prior to employment or licensure as a professional psychologist. Academic institutions and university medical centers increasingly prefer job candidates with advanced postdoctoral training. Such experience may also be required for licensure. Finally, some specialty practice areas within the field (e.g., neuropsychology) now require formal postdoctoral training at an approved program for specialty certification.
Theoretical study of azide anion addition to nonpolar and polar double and triple bonds

Abstract Transition structures for the 1,3-polar addition of azide anion to hydrogen cyanide, formaldimine, nitrogen, cis- and trans-diazene, ethylene and acetylene were obtained at the MP2/6–31 + G∗ theoretical model. The additions can be divided into two groups: addition to a triple bond, giving rise to an aromatic heterocyclic product, and addition to a double bond, forming a non-aromatic product. All transition structures correspond to a concerted mechanism for the polar cycloaddition. Symmetrical dienophiles, apart from cis-diazene, give rise to synchronous transition structures. The anomaly is explained in terms of strong n-n repulsion of the reactants in the transition structure. The reactivity of the compounds can be rationalized in terms of the bond orders of the newly forming bonds, from the frontier orbital energy differences and from the charge transfer from the azide anion to the dienophile. The quantitative correlation of the reactivity has been judged on the basis of the activation energies of the reactions calculated at MP2/6–31 + G∗ and MP3/6–31 + G∗. It is predicted that the addition of azide to nitrogen is the slowest and that the additions to hydrogen cyanide and acetylene have the lowest barriers, in agreement with literature data.
3D teleimmersive activity classification based on application-system metadata

Being able to detect and recognize human activities is essential for 3D collaborative applications for efficient quality of service provisioning and device management. A broad range of research has been devoted to analyze media data to identify human activity, which requires the knowledge of data format, application-specific coding technique and computationally expensive image analysis. In this paper, we propose a human activity detection technique based on application generated metadata and related system metadata. Our approach does not depend on specific data format or coding technique. We evaluate our algorithm with different cyber-physical setups, and show that we can achieve very high accuracy (above 97%) by using a good learning model.
Approximation of stochastic equations driven by predictable processes

A theory of stochastic differential equations driven by predictable processes in Stratonovich sense is developed. These driving processes include a large class of discontinuous semimartingales. The theory of stochastic differential equations driven by continuous semimartingales in Stratonovich sense is extended without involving Lebesgue-Stieltjes integrals as done by Meyer. Moreover, a change of variables formula without extra terms involving the jumps of the processes holds for this theory. Results on approximation of driving processes are preserved.
Thermoelastic solutions for anisotropic cracked thin films

Abstract Thermal stress intensity factors for cracks in anisotropic thin films subjected to uniform heat fluxes are investigated. Based on the method of analytic continuation associated with the alternating technique, the general solution of an anisotropic thin film/substrate under thermal loading is derived. Rapidly convergent series solutions for both the temperature and stress fields are obtained in terms of the corresponding homogeneous potentials. Using the technique of superposition and the Cauchy integral, the solution of the crack problem with arbitrary locations and angles is solved. Some typically numerical results are discussed, showing that a stiffer substrate can efficiently reduce the thermal stress intensity factors of the cracked thin films. The result also shows that the solution is accurate and rapidly converges as the thin film/substrate degenerates to a homogeneous medium.
The influence of target tissue age on neurite outgrowth from chick embryo trigeminal motor nucleus explants

In a previous study, explants from the neural tube of 2-day chick embryos, containing the trigeminal motor nucleus, showed specific enhancement of neurite outgrowth in the presence of culture medium conditioned by target musculature of an age at which innervation would normally be taking place in vivo. In the present study, similar explants were grown in the presence of target-conditioned medium from midincubation (10-day) embryos and late-incubation (18-day) embryos. At both of these later developmental stages, the target muscle-conditioned medium failed to produce enhanced neurite outgrowth. Rather, fewer processes were extended from the trigeminal explants in both experimental conditions compared to control cultures. This inhibitory effect was statistically significant in some cases, and did not appear to be related to the amount of target-conditioned medium present. It is concluded that trophic influences on nerve fiber outgrowth by target tissue are stage-specific in this system, and it is speculated that inhibitory influences such as those demonstrated may interact with excitatory influences in the normal patterning of the developing nervous system.
Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-like growth factor eliminates constraints on activated Kras to promote rapid onset of pancreatic neoplasia

Pancreatic cancer remains as one of the most deadly cancers with few treatment options at late stages and little information about how it develops through earlier stages. Activating mutation of the Kras gene has been implicated in, but is not sufficient for, tumorigenesis. In mouse models of pancreatic cancer, loss of tumor suppressor genes in conjunction with Kras mutation leads to gradual stochastic acquisition of neoplastic precursors and carcinomas, whereas many cells remain phenotypically unaltered in younger mice. Here, we demonstrate that two oncogenic events, mutation of Kras and production of the growth factor heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), are sufficient for rapid and complete neoplastic transformation of the exocrine pancreas. We found that macrophages are the major source of HB-EGF production in pancreatic cancer tissue samples, and that macrophages are present in high density and in close association with human pancreatic cancer lesions. In a mouse model, high macrophage density was observed at the earliest stages of neoplastic transformation. The consequence of elevated HB-EGF signaling was investigated without the confounding effects of other macrophage-produced factors via transgenic overexpression of the active form of HB-EGF. In this model, HB-EGF was sufficient to promote Kras-initiated tumorigenesis, inducing rapid and complete neoplastic transformation of the entire exocrine pancreas shortly after birth. HB-EGF overexpression and Kras(G12D) together, but neither alone, increased proliferation with increased cyclinD1 and decreased Cdkn2a/2d (p16/p19(Ink4A/Arf)). These findings establish the importance of oncogenic synergy in cancer initiation and promotion, and establish a molecular link between inflammation and the earliest stages of tumor induction.
A novel laparoscopic specimen entrapment device to facilitate morcellation of large renal tumors

A reusable laparoscopic instrument consisting of a flexible deployment ring and a barrel was fabricated, and an impermeable sac was sutured to the flexible ring before entrapment of the specimen and morcellation. The laparoscopic specimen entrapment device facilitated placement of large renal tumors within a sac for morcellation.
Unsteady heating and radiation effects of small particles in a thermal plasma

Based on exact solutions for the heat flux to a particle exposed to a thermal plasma given in a previous paper, initial unsteady heating (including heating of the solid phase, melting of the solid phase, heating of the liquid phase, and evaporation) and radiation effects are considered. Closed-form solutions can be obtained for particles with infinite thermal conductivities. The results show that the time periods required for the various steps are all proportional to the square of the particle radius, suggesting that reduced time periods which are independent of the particle radius are appropriate bases for comparison. Results are presented for three materials (alumina, tungsten, and graphite) and three types of plasmas (argon, argon-hydrogen mixture, and nitrogen). It is shown that evaporation (or sublimation) is by the slowest step among all processes in a plasma reactor if complete evaporation (or sublimation) of the particles is desired. Studies of the temperature history of particles with finite thermal conductivities show that temperature gradients within the particles depend on the ratio of the particles' thermal resistance to that of the plasma. In spite of the difference in initial heating, the analytical expressions based on infinite thermal conductivities predict the correct total time spent for both heating and evaporation even for low-conductivity materials such as alumina. The effect of radiation losses from a particle during heating becomes important for large particles, for high-boiling-point materials, and for low enthalpy differences between the plasma and the particle surface.
Perturbation analysis of the variation method

Abstract It is pointed out that an assumption common to all general discussions of the perturbation analysis of the variation method is sometimes unjustified, and some consequences are discussed.
Thin-layer chromatography of organophosphorus pesticides and acids on microchromatoplates

Abstract RF values are given for 31 organophosphorus pesticides in six solvents on microchromaatoplates. The use of microscope slides as supports for thin-layer chromatography adsorbents is described and results obtained for four pesticides and four acids on the microchromatoplates are compared with those obtained with standard thin-layer chromatography plates. Preliminary results on the thin-layer chromatography of alkylphosphoric and organophosphonic acids are presented.