cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast pulsed THz communication

We study the problem of wireless communication over indoor pulsed terahertz (THz) channels. First, we characterize the THz channel using measurements and derive a channel model. This channel model is then implemented in a Matlab simulator that we use to study different modulation schemes. In this paper, our focus is on examining frequency-domain differential phase shift keying (FD-DPSK) modulation schemes. We show that absorption due to water vapor leads to high bit error rate (BER). To combat this, we propose adaptive modulation schemes in which, depending on the humidity level of the channel and the distance between transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx), the system excludes some bands of the pulsed signal from the modulation scheme. Using FD-D64PSK modulation scheme and multiple transmitters in a time division multiplexing (TDM) channel, data rates as high as 5.994 Tbit/s can be achieved when the relative humidity (RH) is 0% over a distance of 50 cm. When the RH increases to 40% and 80% data rates decrease to 5.938 Tbit/s and 5.817 Tbit/s, respectively.
Annexin-directed β-glucuronidase for the targeted treatment of solid tumors

Enzyme prodrug therapy has the potential to remedy the lack of selectivity associated with the systemic administration of chemotherapy. However, most current systems are immunogenic and constrained to a monotherapeutic approach. We developed a new class of fusion proteins centered about the human enzyme β-glucuronidase (βG), capable of converting several innocuous prodrugs into chemotherapeutics. We targeted βG to phosphatidylserine on tumor cells, tumor vasculature and metastases via annexin A1/A5. Phosphatidylserine shows promise as a universal marker for solid tumors and allows for tumor type-independent targeting. To create fusion proteins, human annexin A1/A5 was genetically fused to the activity-enhancing 16a3 mutant of human βG, expressed in chemically defined, fed-batch suspension culture, and chromatographically purified. All fusion constructs achieved >95% purity with yields up to 740 μg/l. Fusion proteins displayed cancer selective cell-surface binding with cell line-dependent binding stability. One fusion protein in combination with the prodrug SN-38 glucuronide was as effective as the drug SN-38 on Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells and HAAE-1 endothelial cells, and demonstrated efficacy against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. βG fusion proteins effectively enable localized combination therapy that can be tailored to each patient via prodrug selection, with promising clinical potential based on their near fully human design.
Thank God for Mississippi

This concluding chapter revisits a concept from the introduction: that Mississippi’s persistent educational shortcomings and oppressive actions cause leaders of other states to remark, “Thank God for Mississippi,” as the state keeps others out of the bottom of national rankings. We ask if this sentiment could be reinterpreted in light of resistance work going on in the state. We describe the ways in which Mississippi can render legible the workings of oppression, and serve as a bellwether of oppressive efforts that might migrate to other states. We also describe the ways that resistance work in Mississippi can be instructive for those working elsewhere. Finally, we offer theories about moving toward social justice and equity in Mississippi adult and higher education.
A Single-Institution Experience with Pineal Region Tumors: 50 Tumors Over 1 Decade

Background Pineal region tumors are rare intracranial tumors that are more common in children than adults. Surgical management of tumors in this region using a tailored approach is a strategy that enhances extent of resection and neurological outcome. Objective To review our institutional experience with pineal region tumors in children and adults over the past 10 years. Methods Our institutional pathology database and patient records were retrospectively reviewed for details regarding clinical and radiological presentation, surgical management, extent of resection, morbidity, and neurological outcome. Statistical analysis was performed to assess for variables related to functional outcomes. Results Fifty patients were identified as having undergone surgical management of a pineal region tumor with at least 1 year of follow-up. Forty-one percent presented with a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of 70 or less, all of whom had concomitant hydrocephalus that required urgent treatment. The following variables were statistically significant to KPS score on admission: age, tumor volume, preoperative hydrocephalus, length of hospitalization (total and intensive care unit), and elevations in serum tumor markers. The median postoperative (2 months) KPS score was 90. The following variables were statistically significant with respect to change in KPS score postoperatively: tumor maximum diameter, KPS score on admission, and intensive care unit length of stay. The specific surgical strategy did not correlate to extent of tumor resection, morbidity, immediate neurological outcome, and progression-free survival. Conclusion Extent of resection, neurological outcome, and progression-free survival in the patients in our series were not related to the specific surgical approach employed and its perioperative complications.
The role of post-mastectomy radiotherapy among 3,437 women with pathologic T3N0M0 breast cancer in the national cancer data base.

1018Background: The role of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in breast cancer patients with pathologic T3N0M0 disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of PMRT on overall survival among pT3N0M0 breast cancer patients in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Methods: Using the NCDB, 3,437 women diagnosed with pT3N0M0 breast cancer between 2003 and 2011 were identified. All received initial treatment with mastectomy. 1,644 (47.8%) received PMRT. Univariable and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed to identify patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics associated with PMRT and factors predictive of overall survival (OS). Tests of interaction between PMRT and relevant variables were performed. Additionally, propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to reduce treatment selection bias. Results: On MVA, treatment with PMRT was associated with age < 40 (p = 0.02), private insurance coverage (p < 0.01), increasing tumor size (p = 0.04), use of chemotherapy ...
Querying Workflow Logs

A business process (BP or workflow) is an assembly of tasks to accomplish a business goal. Business process management (BPM) aims to provide support for the design, configuration/implementation, enactment and monitoring, diagnose/analysis, and re-design of workflow. Business analytics or intelligence (BI) is a necessary step towards re-design/improvement. The traditional methodology for BI is the well known sequence of ETL, data/process warehouse, and OLAP tools. In this paper, we focus on the problem of ad hoc querying process enactments for data-centric business processes. We develop an algebraic query language based on "incidents" to allow the user to formulate ad hoc queries directly on workflow logs. A formal semantics and an preliminary query evaluation algorithm are provided.
Chemomobilization: Overview of an Educational Quality Improvement Project for Recipients of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Background In preparation for an autologous stem cell transplantation, patients undergo chemomobilization; however, a dearth of standardized, evidence-based patient education on chemomobilization exists in the literature and in practice. . Objectives The purpose of this quality improvement educational initiative is to identify an evidence-based approach to appraise the educational needs of patients and their caregivers and to enhance chemomobilization education. . Methods A review of the literature related to chemomobilization was conducted, as well as an informal survey of educational practices at five National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers. A 14-item survey was administered to 50 patients who underwent chemomobilization to assess their educational needs, experiences, and preferences. . Findings Patients prefer written information to review. Receiving verbal education from reliable healthcare providers in a structured format may enhance effective comprehension and retention. Patients identified timing, process, side effects, and expectations about chemomobilization as the most important topics to include in education.
Sobre algunos problemas textuales en la poética de Caviedes

Los ultimos veinticinco anos de investigaciones literarias y culturales sobre el periodo colonial pueden caracterizarse por el creciente numero de criticos en este hemisferio y en Europa que han contribuido de manera notable a nuestro conocimiento de la vida intelectual en los Virreinatos. No es necesario sacar a lucir una lista de estos eruditos, pero los muchos articulos y estudios monograficos que aparecen con frecuencia nos ofrecen testimonio de la progresiva erudicion en este fertil campo que estuvo casi sin cultivarse durante siglos.
RhoC-GTPase and IGF-1 interact to regulate prostate cancer adhesion to bone marrow endothelium

5375 Prostate cancer metastasizes preferentially to the bone matrix, where it can cause patients significant pain and becomes chemo-resistant. Upon autopsy, 90% of patients who die of prostate cancer have bone metastases (Dolloff 2005). The mechanism by which prostate cancer invades the bone is still not well understood. Our lab has previously found that treating PC-3 prostate cancer cells with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) causes them to adhere less strongly to bone marrow endothelial cells, allowing them to mobile gain traction and move onward into the bone matrix. RhoC-GTPase is a protein involved in actin cytoskeletal organization, regulation of transcription factors, and cell cycle progression through stage G1 (Croft 2006). It has been implicated in several forms of cancer, including prostatic, mammary, and pancreatic, and has been found to be necessary for metastasis. In particular, it appears to increase directed motility (i.e. toward a chemoattractant) while simultaneously reducing random cell movement (Yao 2006). To determine if IGF-1 and RhoC-GTPase are part of the same cell signaling pathway, we performed adhesion assays on PC-3 cells, PC-3 cells containing a dominant negative vector for RhoC (PC-3/dnRhoC), and PC-3 cells containing an empty vector (PC-3v). Some cells from each of these lines were exposed to IGF-1 for 24 hours before the assay, while others remained in serum-free media. The assay measured all of the cells ability to adhere to Bone Marrow Endothelial Cells (BMECs). Our results show that non-IGF-1-treatedPC-3/dnRhoC cells are much more adherent to BMECs than are parental PC-3s and PC-3vs, but if these same cells are exposed to IGF-1, this phenomenon disappears. In addition, PC-3/dnRhoC cells exposed to IGF-1 contain greater concentrations of RhoC-GTPase in their lysates. This suggests that IGF-1 decreases PC adhesion to bone marrow endothelium by increasing RhoC-GTPase expression in PC cells.
Cytomegalovirus and Macrophage Interaction

Infection of human promyelocytic cells or monocytes with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) results in transcriptional enhancement of many important inflammatory mediator genes. These include IL-1β, TNF-α, CSF-1, and IL-8/NAP-1. Housekeeping genes and constitutively expressed genes such as lysozyme were not influenced. While IL-1β messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were elevated for at least 4 days postinfection, apparent translational activity was more transient. In situ hybridization techniques were used to demonstrate that a low but significant proportion of monocytes persistently expressed high levels of IL-1β mRNA, similar to that observed immediately after infection. Transfection studies using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) constructs of the pro-IL-1β promoter in combination with various HCMV intermediate early (IE) gene region DNA fragments confirmed that the IE region products, particularly region 2, were capable of transactivating inflammatory mediator genes such as IL-1β. Thus a significant proportion of monocytes are persistently modified to express important cytokines that can profoundly modulate systemic immunity.
Fourth Critique of Buchman and Chalfin’s Analysis

Science demands precise measurements with defined tolerances. Flight requires measurements of lift, drag, thrust and gravity without which one leaps off a tower with nothing more than blind faith and a more certain result than that afforded the Wright brothers. The social sciences also need measurements without which there can be no rational programmes to improve the lot of society. But these measurements cannot be made without a definition as to what one is measuring and while some definitions such as infant mortality, maternal mortality and longevity are precise, the social sciences also use abstract terms as “quality”, “equality”, “fairness” and “justice” that are often highly subjective and measured by “reasonable” consensus that makes the social sciences more Art than Science as illustrated in Dunstan’s words: … It is to be measured by the quality of lives preserved or restored; and by the quality of the dying of those in whose interest it is to die; and by the quality of human relationships involved in each death [1].
Reconstitution of the Photosystem I Complex with Genetically Modified PsaC & PsaD Polypeptides Expressed in Escherichia Coli

There are, in general, two ways to use the techniques of molecular biology to study the functions of the low molecular mass polypeptides in Photosystem I. One method is to induce modifications of the targeted polypeptide by altering the appropriate gene in vivo, and then to study the effect of structure on function after isolating the Photosystem I complex from the thylakoid membrane. A second method is to purify the Photosystem I core by dissociating the low molecular mass polypeptides in vitro and then to study the effect of structure on function by reconstituting the complex with modified polypeptides that have been expressed in Escherichia coli. We chose the latter strategy because we have developed techniques for the isolating the intact P700 and Fx-containing Photosystem I core [1] and for rebinding the PsaC, PsaD and PsaE proteins onto the purified Photosystem I core, thereby reestablishing electron flow from P700 to the terminal acceptors FA/FB [2]. This methodology might have been of limited utility had we not also developed a protocol for reinserting the FA and FB iron-sulfur clusters into the isolated PsaC apoprotein [3]. In theory, this technique allows a modified PsaC apoprotein to be expressed in Escherichia coli, isolated and purified, reconstituted with the FA/FB iron-sulfur clusters, and rebound to the Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301 Photosystem I core for functional analyses.
Beware of infection: 48-year old woman with refractory mucocutaneous blisters

A 48-year-old previously healthy woman presented with 3 months of worsening weeping mucocutaneous erosions, generalized weakness, and malaise (Figure). A skin biopsy for routine microscopy and direct immunofluorescence confirmed the diagnosis. Despite treatment with systemic corticosteroids (oral and intramuscular) and topical corticosteroids, she continued to develop new lesions. She had not been taking any medications prior to the onset of the rash.
Abstract 19597: Cardiac Hypertrophy is Associated With Differential Protein Isoform Expression

Introduction: Alternative splicing contributes significantly to the diversification of the mammalian proteome by enabling one gene to give rise to multiple proteins, e.g., fetal and adult isoforms. Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is commonly associated with the re-expression of fetal genes, whereas mutations in splicing factors can cause cardiomyopathies. Advances in RNA-seq have led to the discovery of many novel isoform transcripts, but the protein-level existence and thus physiological functions of many isoforms are poorly understood. Hypothesis: Cardiac hypertrophy is associated with widespread differential alternative splicing, which can modulate cardiac phenotypes by altering the ratios of protein isoforms expressed in cardiac cells. Methods: We developed an integrated omics approach, which combines re-analysis of RNA-seq data, shotgun proteomics experiments, and computational algorithms to characterize proteome-wide alternative isoform expression. Splice isoforms specific to the C57BL/6J mouse heart were acquired from public ENCODE data (ENCSR000BYQ) and analyzed via a Bowtie-Tophat-rMATS pipeline. We then built a custom software tool to determine transcript translation frames and translate cell-type specific protein sequences. We then searched in-house proteomics datasets on mouse cardiac hypertrophy against the custom sequences to identify protein isoforms during disease progression. Results: We identified 816 distinct splice junction peptides in the mammalian heart proteome, including 41 instances in which unique peptides from both alternative isoforms are simultaneously identified. Our data present the first direct protein-level evidence for the existence of a number of alternative splicing events in the heart. We also observed differential expression of alternative isoforms, and present proteomics evidence of the isoform shift of pyruvate kinase (PKM1/2) and alpha-enolase (ENO1), etc., in cardiac hypertrophy. Conclusions: Integrated proteotranscriptomics approaches have the potential to expand the catalogue of known molecular changes during cardiac remodeling, and may be applied to identify novel disease drivers and drug targets in other heart disease models.
Labeling recommendations based on exposure-response relationships to minimize musculoskeletal related adverse reactions of a Hedgehog inhibitor.

e14121Background: On July 24, 2015, FDA approved Odomzo (sonidegib) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma. At the recommended dose of 200mg once daily, 68% of pat...
Transformations of cycloalkenes over aluminum silicates

1. A study was made of the catalytic transformations of cyclohexene over aluminum silicates. 2. At 300–350° at atmospheric pressure, about 60% of the cyclohexene is isomerized into methylcyclopentenes, which are then partially hydrogenated to methylcyclopentane. About 40% of the cyclohexene is dimerized, and the dimer is isomerized into hydrocarbons of the decalin and octalin series; subsequent isomerization, hydrogenolysis, and dehydrogenation of these lead to the formation of tetraalkylbenzenes and dialkylnaphthalenes as end products. 3. On the basis of the study of the transformations of cyclohexene it is suggested that in the processing of petroleum products over aluminum silicates, together with other aromatization reactions, the transformations of unsaturated cyclic compounds play an important part. 4. Of the hydrogen consumed in the course of the transformations of cyclohexene, 50–55% is accounted for by the polymeric compounds transformed in the process into aromatic and naphthalene hydrocarbons, and 45% is accounted for by coke-forming condensation products.
Predictive Semiclassical Model for Coherent and Incoherent Emission in the Strong Field Regime: The Mollow Triplet Revisited

We reinvestigate the famous Mollow triplet and show that most of the well-known quantum characteristics of the Mollow triplet—including incoherent emission and a nonstandard dependence of the sidebands on detuning—can be recovered quantitatively using semiclassical dynamics with a classical light field. In fact, by not relying on the rotating wave approximation, a semiclassical model predicts some quantum effects beyond the quantum optical Bloch equation, including higher-order scattering and asymmetric sideband features. This Letter highlights the fact that, with strong intensities, many putatively quantum features of light–matter interactions arise from a simple balance of mean-field electrodynamics and elementary spontaneous emission, which requires minimal computational cost. Our results suggest that the application of semiclassical electrodynamics to problems with strong light–matter coupling in the fields of nanophotonics and superradiance are likely to yield a plethora of new information.
Scheduling Concurrent Visual Feedback in Learning a Continuous Balance Task

This investigation held concurrent visual feedback frequency at 50% in the acquisition phase and manipulated three different feedback schedules while comparing those to a 0% feedback frequency. In ...
EFFECTS OF PERCENT REINFORCEMENT ON PIGEON'S ACCURACY IN MIDSESSION REVERSAL TASKS [University of Kentucky]

This experiment tests the effects of a reducing the value of one stimulus compared to another. We hypothesize that in a midsession reversal task, accuracy would improve by devaluing choice of S2 relative to S1. A midsession reversal task requires a simultaneous discrimination between 2 stimuli (S1, S2), during which, halfway through the session the reinforcing stimulus is reversed. A current theory, win-stay/lose-shift, is a strategy for optimal choices in this task. In this strategy, an animal would continue to repeat choice of a correct stimulus, but once the stimulus becomes incorrect, the animal should switch to the other stimulus. In this experiment, ten unsexed White Carneau pigeons were used as subjects. The experiment took place in an operant test chamber. Inside, three horizontally aligned circular response keys are attached to a response panel. The keys are lit by mounted projectors showing red and green hues. Reinforcement consisted of 1.5 seconds of access to mixed-grain from a feeder. In the experimental group, all correct responses to S1 were reinforced but only a random 20% of the correct responses to S2 were reinforced. Our findings suggest that paradoxically, the reduction in the probability of reinforcement for correct S2 responses from 100% to 20% had a net positive effect on correct responses. There was a significant reduction in errors prior to the feedback from the reversal as well as no increase in errors following the feedback from the reversal. Analysis of the trials on either side of the reversal made it clear that there was a net benefit in percentage correct due to the decrease in the probability of reinforcement associated with correct responses to S2. This study suggests the negative impacts of too much reinforcement on subjects performance in a task.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Clostridium difficile Infection: A One-Center Experience.

Background Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive, anaerobic, and spore-forming bacillus, which is responsible for the majority of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis. Objective Determine if fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective in a population sample from Connecticut. Methods We report the clinical experience of 92 consecutive patients from one gastroenterology practice in central Connecticut treated by colonoscopy with FMT for infection with Clostridium difficile from 2012 to 2017. The analyses are based on clinical follow-up up to 3 months after the FMT procedure and on medical chart review. Results Overall, complete recovery occurred in 86% of patients. As previously reported in a limited number of previous studies, community-acquired cases were more common than hospital-acquired cases, and community-acquired cases were more likely to be female. Conclusions Consistent with some previous reports, we found the following: the source of the donor for FMT did not make a difference in recovery: material from nonrelatives was as effective as from close relatives; and the presence of multiple comorbidities did not make a difference in recovery: patients with 2 or more comorbidities did as well as those with one or none.
Role of Glucosylceramide in Lung Endothelial Cell Fate and Emphysema

Rationale: The loss of pulmonary endothelial cells in emphysema is associated with increased lung ceramide. Ceramide perturbations may cause adaptive alterations in other bioactive sphingolipids, with pathogenic implications. We previously reported a negative correlation between emphysema and circulating glycosphingolipids (GSLs). Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), the initial GSL synthesized from ceramide by GCS (GlcCer synthase), is required for embryonic survival, but its role in the lung is unknown.Objectives: To determine if cigarette smoke (CS) alters lung GlcCer and to elucidate the role of GCS in lung endothelial cell fate.Methods: GlcCer was measured by tandem mass spectrometry in BAL fluid of CS- or elastase-exposed mice, and GCS was detected by Western blotting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease lungs and CS extract-exposed primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs). The role of GlcCer and GCS on mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling, autophagy, lysosomal function, and cell death were studied in HLMVECs with or without CS exposure.Measurements and Main Results: Mice exposed to chronic CS or to elastase, and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exhibited significantly decreased lung GlcCer and GCS. In mice, lung GlcCer levels were negatively correlated with airspace size. GCS inhibition in HLMVEC increased lysosomal pH, suppressed mTOR signaling, and triggered autophagy with impaired lysosomal degradation and apoptosis, recapitulating CS effects. In turn, increasing GlcCer by GCS overexpression in HLMVEC improved autophagic flux and attenuated CS-induced apoptosis.Conclusions: Decreased GSL production in response to CS may be involved in emphysema pathogenesis, associated with autophagy with impaired lysosomal degradation and lung endothelial cell apoptosis.
Application of the SCALE TSUNAMI Tools for the Validation of Criticality Safety Calculations Involving 233U

The Radiochemical Development Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been storing solid materials containing 233U for decades. Preparations are under way to process these materials into a form that is inherently safe from a nuclear criticality safety perspective. This will be accomplished by down-blending the {sup 233}U materials with depleted or natural uranium. At the request of the U.S. Department of Energy, a study has been performed using the SCALE sensitivity and uncertainty analysis tools to demonstrate how these tools could be used to validate nuclear criticality safety calculations of selected process and storage configurations. ISOTEK nuclear criticality safety staff provided four models that are representative of the criticality safety calculations for which validation will be needed. The SCALE TSUNAMI-1D and TSUNAMI-3D sequences were used to generate energy-dependent k{sub eff} sensitivity profiles for each nuclide and reaction present in the four safety analysis models, also referred to as the applications, and in a large set of critical experiments. The SCALE TSUNAMI-IP module was used together with the sensitivity profiles and the cross-section uncertainty data contained in the SCALE covariance data files to propagate the cross-section uncertainties ({Delta}{sigma}/{sigma}) to k{sub eff} uncertainties ({Delta}k/k) for each application model. The SCALE TSUNAMI-IPmore » module was also used to evaluate the similarity of each of the 672 critical experiments with each application. Results of the uncertainty analysis and similarity assessment are presented in this report. A total of 142 experiments were judged to be similar to application 1, and 68 experiments were judged to be similar to application 2. None of the 672 experiments were judged to be adequately similar to applications 3 and 4. Discussion of the uncertainty analysis and similarity assessment is provided for each of the four applications. Example upper subcritical limits (USLs) were generated for application 1 based on trending of the energy of average lethargy of neutrons causing fission, trending of the TSUNAMI similarity parameters, and use of data adjustment techniques.« less
Carbon multicharged ions emission from femtosecond laser plume

Abstract Carbon ion emission from femtosecond laser ablation of a glassy carbon target is studied. A Ti:sapphire laser (pulse duration τ ~ 150 fs, wavelength λ = 800 nm, laser fluence F ≤ 6.4 J cm−2) is used to ablate the carbon target while ion emission is detected by a time-of-flight detector equipped with a three-grid retarding field analyzer. A strong effect of the laser pulse fluence on the yield of carbon ions is observed. Up to C6+ ions are detected. The carbon ion time-of-flight signal is fit to a shifted Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and used to extrapolate the effective plasma ion temperature Tieff = 6.9 eV. Applying an external electric field along the plasma expansion direction increases ion extraction, possibly due to the retrograde motion of the plasma-vacuum edge.
Gpr17 signaling decreases GLP-1 secretion in GLUTag cells

Background and Hypothesis: The incidence of obesity and diabetes continues to rise in devastatingly high proportions, making the need for safe, affordable, and effective treatment increasingly apparent. We discovered that the orphan G protein-coupled receptor 17 (Gpr17) is expressed in endocrine cells in the brain and gut and may have an important role in metabolic regulation. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone secreted from enteroendocrine cells, is a strong insulin secretagogue and suppresses appetite. We hypothesized that Gpr17 signaling decreases GLP-1 secretion in gut enteroendocrine cells. Experimental Design or Project Methods: In order to investigate the role of Gpr17 in GLP-1 secretion, we measured GLP-1 secretion in a murine enteroendocrine cell line (GLUTag cells) that expresses Gpr17 and the proglucagon gene and secretes GLP-1 in a regulated manner. GLUTag cells were stimulated with glucose or lipid, oleoyl-lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), in the presence or absence of MDL29,951, a synthetic Gpr17 agonist. After a 2-hour incubation, we measured GLP-1 in the media and cell lysates to determine the percentage of secreted GLP-1. Results: Cells treated with glucose and MDL29,951 had decreased GLP-1 secretion compared to glucose alone, however, the difference was not significant. Cells treated with LPC and MDL29,951 had a significant decrease in GLP-1 secretion compared to LPC alone. Conclusion and Potential Impact: Gpr17 activation by MDL29,951 decreased GLP-1 secretion in GLUTag cells stimulated by both glucose and lipid, which supports our hypothesis that Gpr17 signaling regulates GLP-1 secretion. Therefore, Gpr17 may be a potential pharmacological target for combating obesity and diabetes.
Doping of Two-Dimensional Semiconductors: A Rapid Review and Outlook

Doping, as a primary technique to modify semiconductor transport, has achieved tremendous success in the past decades. For example, boron and phosphorus doping of Si modulates the dominant carrier type between p-type and n-type, serving as the backbone for the modern microelectronic technologies. Doped III-V semiconducting systems exhibit phenomenal optoelectronic properties. Magnesium doped gallium nitride plays an important role to build efficient blue light-emitting diode (LED), which won Nobel Prize in physics in 2014. The rise of two-dimensional (2D) materials sheds light on their potential in next generation electronic, optoelectronic, and quantum applications. These properties can further be controlled via doping of 2D materials, however, many challenges still remain in this field. Here, we present a rapid review on the recent achievements and challenges in the metastable and substitutional doping of 2D materials, followed by providing an outlook on integrating 2D materials into more advanced electronic architectures.
Precise spatial spatial memory in local random networks

Self-sustained, elevated neuronal activity persisting on time scales of ten seconds or longer is thought to be vital for aspects of working memory, including brain representations of real space. Continuous-attractor neural networks, one of the most well-known modeling frameworks for persistent activity, have been able to model crucial aspects of such spatial memory. These models tend to require highly structured or regular synaptic architectures. In contrast, we elaborate a geometrically-embedded model with a local but otherwise random connectivity profile which, combined with a global regulation of the mean firing rate, produces localized, finely spaced discrete attractors that effectively span a 2D manifold. We demonstrate how the set of attracting states can reliably encode a representation of the spatial locations at which the system receives external input, thereby accomplishing spatial memory via attractor dynamics without synaptic fine-tuning or regular structure. We measure the network9s storage capacity and find that the statistics of retrievable positions are also equivalent to a full tiling of the plane, something hitherto achievable only with (approximately) translationally invariant synapses, and which may be of interest in modeling such biological phenomena as visuospatial working memory in two dimensions.
Predicting Biological Signals from Speech: Introducing a Novel Multimodal Dataset and Results

In recent years, diagnosis and awareness of mental health conditions, e. g., chronic stress, have been increasing globally. Biological signals can be an effective way to monitor such conditions, yet acquisition can be cumbersome and invasive. Alternatively, acoustic features offer non-invasive and efficient monitoring of an array of health and wellbeing characteristics. This study presents the BioSpeech Database (BioS-DB), a novel database of audio and biological signals - blood volume pulse (BVP) and skin conductance (SC) - from 55 individuals speaking aloud in front of others, whilst having their emotional state annotated in real time. Through a variation of conventional and state-of-the-art approaches, initial experiments have shown for the first time that acoustic features can be applied for the task of BVP prediction. Notably, using deep representations of audio and a sequence-to-sequence auto-encoders with a GRU-RNN as a time-dependent regressor achieved at best 0.075 and 0.123 RMSE for [0; 1] normalised BVP and SC, respectively.
Automated auditory detection of a rare, secretive marsh bird with infrequent and acoustically indistinct vocalizations

Autonomous recording units (ARUs) provide a non‐invasive and efficient method for acoustic detection of elusive species across large temporal and spatial scales. However, species with indistinct vocalization structures can be a considerable challenge for automated signal recognizers. We investigated the performance of ARUs and signal recognizers in identifying the broadband, short‐syllable, pulsed calls of a secretive, threatened marsh bird, the King Rail Rallus elegans. Other sympatric species in the same habitat also have repetitive calls within the same frequency range that can be difficult to distinguish. Following serial ARU deployments at specified sites in known breeding habitat, we conducted standardized callback surveys and nest searches to provide an independent measure of breeder density. To analyse recordings, we developed a signal recognizer based on user‐input training files to detect two common call types, kek and grunt. Detections that remained following manual review of recognizer output revealed a previously undescribed seasonal decline and crepuscular diel pattern in calling rate. The rate of the grunt call also predicted density. These patterns emerged despite the recognizer's low precision and high false‐positive rate, which were largely due to misclassification of other species' calls, although ambient noise and effective detection radius also limited the detectability of King Rail calls. We demonstrate that with informed ARU scheduling, improved ability to manipulate user‐specified parameters within signal detection software, and attention to quality control, even the simplest call structures can be located consistently in a diverse acoustic landscape. Our behavioural findings will inform improvements to auditory surveys and to management of King Rails across their range.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors induce mitochondrial dysfunction during cardiomyocyte differentiation through alteration of GATA4-mediated networks

Maternal drug exposure during pregnancy increases the risks of developmental cardiotoxicity, leading to congenital heart defects (CHDs). In this study, we used human stem cells as an in-vitro system to interrogate the mechanisms underlying drug-induced toxicity during cardiomyocyte differentiation, including anticancer tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) drugs (imatinib, sunitinib, and vandetanib). H1-ESCs were treated with these drugs at sublethal levels during cardiomyocyte differentiation. We found that early exposure to TKIs during differentiation induced obvious toxic effects in differentiated cardiomyocytes, including disarranged sarcomere structure, interrupted Ca2+-handling, and impaired mitochondrial function. As sunitinib exposure showed the most significant developmental cardiotoxicity of all TKIs, we further examine its effect with in-vivo experiments. Maternal sunitinib exposure caused fetal death, bioaccumulation, and histopathologic changes in the neonatal mice. Integrative analysis of both transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility landscapes revealed that TKI-exposure altered GATA4-mediated regulatory network, which included key mitochondrial genes. Overexpression of GATA4 with CRISPR-activation restored morphologies, contraction, and mitochondria function in cardiomyocytes upon TKI exposure early during differentiation. Altogether, our study identified a novel crosstalk mechanism between GATA4 activity and mitochondrial function during cardiomyocyte differentiation, and revealed potential therapeutic approaches for reducing TKI-induced developmental cardiotoxicity for human health. HighlightsO_LIEarly-stage exposure to TKIs induced cardiotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction C_LIO_LIGATA4 transcriptional activity is inhibited by TKIs C_LIO_LINetwork analysis reveals interactions between GATA4 and mitochondrial genes C_LIO_LIGATA4-overexpression rescues cardiomyocytes and mitochondria from TKI exposure C_LI
Adam and Eve Iconography: the Fall of Man Through the Ages

Art historians use the discipline of iconography to identify and describe symbols and themes in the subjects of visual arts. The iconographic inquiry is particularly useful for explaining the religious significance of Christian art. One of the first stories the Christian Bible conveys concerns, Adam and Eve. According to the biblical book of Genesis, Adam and Eve were the first man and woman that God created. Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s directive not to eat the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Christians believe Adam and Eve’s disobedience brought sin and death into the world. This essay explores a select cross-section of portrayals of Adam and Eve during various eras of European art history. The goal is to use iconographic analysis to place the Adam and Eve theme within distinct contexts and by so doing better understand its complex functions.
Value of Energy Storage as Non-Wires Alternative for PV Integration and Stacked Services

Solar PV penetration at distribution circuits is growing steadily across the world. One of the distribution circuit limitations for high PV penetration is thermal violation where feeder line(s) get overloaded due to excess solar generation. Conventional measure to mitigate the thermal overload issue is by replacing or reconductoring the overloaded line(s). This paper presents a case study where energy storage is used as a non-wires alternative (NWA) for increasing PV penetration at distribution circuit. Besides increasing PV hosting capacity by deferring distribution line upgrade, energy storage can provide additional revenue from stacked services. EPRI's opensource valuation tool StorageVET® is used in this study to estimate the maximum economic benefit that the energy storage can provide from market participation. Cost-benefit analysis for the considered case study shows that the NWA approach is 18% more cost-effective than the conventional measure.
Being at Genetic Risk: Toward a Rhetoric of Care

Kelly Pender’s Being at Genetic Risk: Toward a Rhetoric of Care makes an important contribution to scholarship in the rhetoric of health and medicine (RHM); rhetoric of science, technology, and med...
Genes that give our brains their rhythms.

How does the intricate balance of gene regulation and expression within individual neurons relate to electrophysiological oscillations and, ultimately, cognition? In a new study, Berto and colleagues take an important step toward addressing this question by correlating oscillatory biomarkers of successful memory encoding with gene expression on a within-participant basis.
Containing the uncontainable: an analysis of expansive language in The Episcopal Church, 1987–2018:

The Episcopal Church has produced liturgies that use expansive and inclusive language since 1985 and has continued to do so through the last General Convention in 2018. This article examines the ex...
Urban Hydroponic Herb and Spice Garden

Hydroponics and vertical farming are unconventional methods that forgo the typical large growing area, in favor of faster and more space efficient growing methods. Hydroponics, also known as soilless agriculture, is a method of farming that replaces standard soil with a nutrient rich solution in which the roots of plants are submerged. This method boasts much higher plant yield as the nutrient solution can be formulated specifically for each plant type. Vertical farming is the use of vertical elevation in farming allowing for a larger surface area of growth in confined spaces. Plants are grown on walls or in stacked rows like library books. These two methods are gaining increased popularity due to the need for faster and more space efficient farming methods to feed the rapidly growing world population. Everyday improvements in technology are making these formerly expensive methods cheaper and more efficient as plants can be monitored to ensure they stay in ideal conditions on an ongoing basis. The goal of this student project was to design, build, and test a self-sustaining hydroponic unit for the urban gardener. This unit will allow people to grow their own vegetables and herbs within the city. The hydroponic system was constructed and used to test the practicality of a small-scale gardening unit for home use. The system presented in this article can be used to grow the most expensive spice in the world - saffron - but the eleven-week time frame of this project was a limiting factor in testing the potential of this system to grow a bulb flower. The total cost of this project was USD 217, 45% of which was the cost of plexiglass.
The Right Files at the Right Time

Programs fetch resources, such as files, from the operating system through the process of name resolution. However, name resolution can be subverted by adversaries to redirect victim processes to resources chosen by the adversaries, leading to a variety of attacks. These attacks are possible because traditional access control treats processes as black boxes, permitting all process permissions to all process system calls, enabling adversaries to trick victims into using resources that are not appropriate for particular system calls. Researchers have examined methods for enforcing distinct policies on individual system calls, but these methods are difficult to use because programmers must specify which permissions apply when manually. In this work, we examine the generation of system call-specific program policies to augment access control to defend against such name resolution attacks. Our insight in this paper is that system calls can be classified by the properties of the resources accessed to produce policies automatically. Given specific knowledge about name resolution attacks, such a classification may be refined further to prevent many name resolution attacks with little chance of false positives. In this paper, we produce a policy using runtime analysis for an Ubuntu 12.04 distribution, finding that 98.5 % of accesses can be restricted to prevent typical name resolution attacks and more than 65 % of accesses can be restricted to a single file without creating false positives. We also examine three programs in detail to evaluate the efficacy of using the provided package test suites to generate policies, finding that administrators can produce effective policies automatically.
Gloria Anzaldúa's Seven Stages of "Conocimiento" in Redefining Latino Masculinity: José's Story

Using a case study method, this article applies the Chicana feminist framework of Conocimiento as proposed by Gloria Anzaldua to analyze the transformation of one individual as he readjusts to family life after imprisonment. Jose’s story is presented in detail and begins with his arrest, conviction and time in prison for selling drugs. After his release from prison to live with his family in Northern California, the narrative then shifts to illustrate the principles of Conocimiento used by Jose’s feminist sisters as a viable tool for transforming masculinities. According to the writings by Gloria Anzaldua, the process of Conocimiento consists of seven stages that help individuals to reconsider and readjust their ideas, motivations, and beliefs, all in the service of moving forward in their lives. Conocimiento, in conjunction with an environment of caring broadly defined as community, family, and educators, can indeed offer valuable lessons in transforming Latino masculinities.
Oxygen, nitrate, and molybdenum regulation of dmsABC gene expression in Escherichia coli

Abstract Escherichia coli can respire anaerobically using either trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the terminal electron acceptor for oxidative phosphorylation. To determine whether the regulation of the dmsABC genes, which encode a membrane-associated TMAO/DMSO reductase, are transcriptionally controlled in response to the availability of alternate electron acceptors, we constructed an operon fusion between the dmsA gene, along with its associated regulatory region, and lacZ+. Expression of dmsA'-lacZ was stimulated 65-fold by anaerobiosis versus aerobiosis, while nitrate caused a 12-fold repression. Its expression, however, was unaffected by the presence of the alternate electron acceptors DMSO, TMAO, and fumarate. Anaerobic induction of dmsA'-lacZ was defective in an fnr mutant, thus establishing that Fnr is responsible for anaerobic activation of dmsABC. Repression of dmsA'-lacZ expression by nitrate was independent of oxygen and was shown to be mediated by the products of two genes, narL (frdR2) and narX. dmsA'-lacZ expression was also altered in chlD strains that are defective in molybdenum transport but not in chlA and chlE strains that are defective in molybdopterin cofactor biosynthesis, thus establishing that the molybdenum ion but not the ability to form a functional cofactor is required for regulation. Molybdenum was required both for complete induction of dmsA'-lacZ expression during anaerobic growth and for complete repression of dmsA'-lacZ by nitrate. Additionally, expression of dmsABC varied depending on the carbon source. Expression was highest when cells were grown on sorbitol.
Lessons to be learned from brachytherapy misadministrations

Errors in the delivery of brachytherapy treatments occur with unfortunate frequency. Studying and analyzing the causes of the errors helps identify situations and conditions that tend to increase the risk of untoward events. Such knowledge also points towards parts of procedures that might benefit the most from increased quality control measures. This report looks at preliminary results and conclusions from such an investigation. The presentation includes the retelling of several events in considerable detail with a discussion of lessons learned that apply to most practices.