cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Wearable Robotic Leg Orthosis on the Weight Bearing Symmetry during Sit-to-Stand in Individuals Post-stroke

Sit-to-stand (STS) is an important component of independent mobility and is impaired in individuals post-stroke. We studied the effects of a wearable, robotic exoskeleton on hemiparetic limb asymmetry during STS. The device appears to facilitate weight bearing through the affected leg by providing assistance during the countermovement and rebound phases of STS.
Nines in the Endings of Stock Prices

In this paper, we ask whether investors' responses to nines in the rightmost digits of stock prices are similar to consumers' responses to nines in the rightmost digits of retail prices. In contrast to the increase in demand that is often observed for 9-ending retail prices, excessive overnight selling tends to follow stocks that close on 9-ending prices. Additional analysis indicates this may be due to a resistance level created by round-dollar stock prices. This finding sheds light on alterative explanations offered for the clustering of ending digits in prices and may provide guidance on how to expand or adjust the maximizing explanations for the phenomenon.
Fairness in the World Economy: U.S. Perspectives on International Trade Relations (Book Review)

WTO supporters and antiglobalization activists do not agree on much. However, they emphatically share the assessment that the international trading system is unfair. Thus, in recent years, substantial diplomatic and scholarly energies have been devoted to making the trade regime fairer. But what features mark a trade system as fair? Is fairness to be found in procedural rules, substantive norms, or economic outcomes? Should we be concerned with fairness to states, or with fairness to individuals in those states? This essay reviews Americo Beviglia Zampetti's Fairness in the World Economy: US Perspectives on International Trade Relations, which traces the role of fairness in U.S. trade policy discourse. Zampetti argues that U.S. trade policy has focused upon a level playing field conception of fairness. In this short essay, I review Zampetti's main arguments and critically examine the conceptual and normative coherence of the conception of fairness that he describes.
Inheritance of an Esterase Locus in Culex pipiens

The inheritance of 2 carboxylesterase alleles was studied in Culex pipiens L. Mosquitoes were inbred to produce lines homozygous for Esterase 5, Esterase 7 , and a null allele, which proved to be alleles at a single locus. The null allele was recessive to the esterase alleles, which were inherited as codominants. The esterases were inherited independently of sex and of markers in the 2nd linkage group but showed 0.101±0.033 recombination with plum-eye in female heterozgotes and 0.196±0.058 in males. plum-eye does not show linkage with sex or linkage group 2 markers, which suggests that Est 5, Est 7 and plum-eye are all in linkage group 3. The esterase enzymes studied here have not been previously described and are not associated with reduced viability.
A thoracic benign mesenchymoma in association with hemihypertrophy.

A thoracic benign mesenchymoma was removed from an 18-year-old Caucasian male who also had hemihypertrophy. The very large benign mesenchymoma which was removed was found to consist of an admixture of cytologically mature vascular spaces, adipose tissue, and smooth muscle. After removal of the tumor, the patient has had no recurrence with one year of follow-up. Patients with hemihypertrophy appear to be at a high risk to develop neoplasms. Malignant neoplasms of the adrenal gland, kidney, and liver are most common. It is suggested that patients with hemihypertrophy should be followed periodically for their entire life because of their propensity to develop tumors.
An ethical risk communication protocol for science and mass communication

This paper explores the philosophical foundations of risk communication, develops a protocol for ethical risk communication to be used by scientists, journalists and public relations practitioners, and applies the protocol to two cases of risk communication. We argue that the goals of risk communication are firstly to do no harm, and secondly to promote a public dialogue about risk. After outlining the philosophical foundation for these goals, we develop the protocol which will allow both the creators and the recipients of risk communication messages to evaluate their content. The protocol focuses on questions of accuracy, context, mobilizing information, and public environmental literacy.
An analysis using the hobo genetic system reveals that combinatorial signaling by the dpp and wg pathways regulates dpp expression in leading edge cells of the dorsal ectoderm in Drosophila melanogaster

Our laboratory has contributed to the development of a genetic system based upon the hobo transposable element in Drosophila melanogaster. We recently reported that hobo, like the better-known P element, is capable of local transposition. In that study, we mobilized a hobo enhancer trap vector and generated two unique alleles of decapentaplegic (dpp), a transforming growth factor-beta family member with numerous roles during development. Here we report a detailed study of one of those alleles (dpp(F11)). To our knowledge, this is the first application of the hobo genetic system to understanding developmental processes. First, we demonstrate that lacZ expression from the dpp(F11) enhancer trap accurately reflects dpp mRNA accumulation in leading edge cells of the dorsal ectoderm. Then we show that combinatorial signaling by the Wingless (Wg) pathway, the Dpp pathway, and the transcriptional coactivator Nejire (CBP/p300) regulates dpp(F11) expression in these cells. Our analysis of dpp(F11) suggests a model for the integration of Wg and Dpp signals that may be applicable to other developmental systems. Our analysis also illustrates several new features of the hobo genetic system and highlights the value of hobo, as an alternative to P, in addressing developmental questions.
Enforcing Privacy Rights: Class Action Litigation and the Challenge of cy pres

The enforcement of rights is a critical requirement of privacy law. Absent actual enforcement, there is little meaningful incentive for companies to comply with privacy requirements. Enforcement also helps to ensure that the individuals whose privacy is placed at risk are fairly compensated. In matters involving a large number of consumers, providing a remedy to all users affected by a company’s practice is difficult and often times inefficient. For this reason, courts in the US provide for “class action litigation”, lawsuits brought on behalf of a large number of individuals in similar circumstances. The theory is that it is more efficient to merge all of the individual suits that might otherwise be brought. But class action litigation has its own shortcomings. Attorneys who represent the class members frequently settle these cases with the companies and agree to terms that provide benefits to the company, such as eliminating the possibility of all future lawsuits, and sacrifice the benefits that the individuals who they purport to represent might otherwise achieve. US courts are sensitive to the problem of collusion between the lawyers in class action settlements and have increasingly scrutinised these agreements to ensure that the settlements protect the interests of class members and are consistent with the purposes for which the lawsuit was brought. In the area of consumer privacy, the problem is particularly serious with class action attorneys increasingly trading the privacy rights of Internet users for their own private benefit. As a consequence, US consumer privacy organisations are challenging the settlements and turning to the Federal Trade Commission and others to block their adoption. In this article, the authors recommend that the US courts continue to closely scrutinise these agreements for fairness to the class members. Regarding the allocation of funds from such settlements, the authors propose that courts adopt objective criteria to ensure that the monies will be distributed for purposes that serve the interests of the class and are consistent with the reason for the litigation. The authors contend that these factors are the fundamental requirements for cy pres allocations.
Night time blood pressure dip

The advent of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring permitted examination of blood pressures during sleep and recognition of the associated circadian fall in pressure during this period. The fall in pressure, called the “dip”, is defined as the difference between daytime mean systolic pressure and nighttime mean systolic pressure expressed as a percentage of the day value. Ten percent to 20% is considered normal. Dips less than 10%, referred to as blunted or absent, have been considered as predicting an adverse cardiovascular event. This view and the broader concept that white coat hypertension itself is a forerunner of essential hypertension is disputable. This editorial questions whether mean arterial pressures over many hours accurately represent the systolic load, whether nighttime dipping varies from measure to measure or is a fixed phenomenon, whether the abrupt morning pressure rise is a risk factor or whether none of these issues are as important as the actual night time systolic blood pressure itself. The paper discusses the difference between medicated and nonmedicated white coat hypertensives in regard to the cardiovascular risk and suggests that further work is necessary to consider whether the quality and duration of sleep are important factors.
Smooth muscle selectivity in bradykinin analogs with multiple D-amino acid substitutions.

Two novel analogs of bradykinin (BK), [DA1a7 ]-BK and DArg-BK, exhibited a dissociation of smooth muscle activities toward higher potency on the uterus than on the ileum, in spite of increased metabolic stability to pulmonary enzymatic breakdown in the rat blood pressure assay. Analogs having a combination of the substitution of D-alanine in position 7 with a D-aromatic amino acid residue in position 6 show even greater uterus specificity. The addition of a D-arginine residue to the N-terminal greatly enhances this selectivity. Relative to BK, these poly-substituted analogs are up to 17 times as potent on the uterus as on the ileum. Still greater uterus selectivity is found among analogs in which glycine replaces the serine residue at position 6 and a D-hydrophobic amino acid residue (such as D-phenylalanine or D-p-chloro-phenylalanine) is present in position 7. These [ Gly6, D-Hydrophobic7 ]-BK analogs are 20–40 times as potent on uterus as on ileum. [ Gly6,DPhe7]-BK is the most uterus-selective analog described. In contrast, [Aib7]-BK is quite ileum-selective, having a uterus/ileum potency ratio of 0.1.
Mechanics of Options

This chapter introduces methods used in dealing with optionality in financial instruments. It discusses options from the point of view of an options market maker. In the chapter, options are not presented as instruments to bet on or hedge against the direction of an underlying risk. Instead, options are motivated as instruments of volatility. This chapter intends to show that an option exposure, when fully put in place, is an impure position on the way volatility is expected to change. A market maker with a net long position in options is someone who is “expecting” the volatility to increase. A market maker who is “short” thinks that the volatility of the underlying is going to decrease. Sometimes such positions are taken as funding vehicles.
Ion permeation. mechanisms of ion selectivity and block

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with ion permeation and ion selectivity. Ion channels are membrane proteins found in all domains of cellular life. They are needed in every type of cell and probably in all intracellular membranes as well as the plasma membrane. They have transport functions, facilitate net movements of ions and salts and signaling functions, generate electrical signals, and regulate the cellular free calcium concentration. In each of these roles, ion channels open and close in response to local stimuli and pass a select subset of ions at high rates. Like enzymes, they are regulated catalysts with high substrate specificity and rapid throughput operating at nearly diffusion-limited rates. Ion-selective permeability is necessary for ion channels to play their physiological roles. For electrical signaling it is essential to have two classes of ion channels with different electromotive forces, so that alternating opening of one or the other causes the membrane potential to change between two levels. In many ion channels, the selectivity is not perfect. Ion selectivity is explained using several examples of ligand-gated synaptic ion channels. Furthermore, the principles of mechanisms of ion selectivity are detailed. Finally, the study discusses blocking of ion channels and summarizes some permeant ions and pore blockers for common ion channels. The properties of the same are understood in terms of pore geometry, which is explained.
VENO-ARTERIAL ECMO PROGRAM FOR REFRACTORY CARDIOGENIC SHOCK IN THE CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: FEASIBILITY AND OUTCOME DATA AT A LARGE TERTIARY ACADEMIC CENTER

Background: Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a rescue tool for refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) and it has traditionally been placed and managed by cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS). A cardiologist managed (CM) VA-ECMO program is an attractive option to optimize care,
Compressive image sensor technique with sparse measurement matrix

This paper presents compressive image sensor techniques based on sparse measurement matrices. Existing compressive sensing (CS) CMOS image sensors use dense random measurement matrices, which face the challenges of excessive hardware overhead and large signal swing requirement. The sparse measurement matrices proposed in this paper dramatically simplify the circuit implementation and relax the signal swing requirement. The validity of the proposed sparse measurement matrices is justified and their performances are compared with results reported in literature as well as results obtained using dense random measurement matrices in our own study. Circuit techniques to implement CS image sensors based on sparse measurement matrices are discussed and a 250×250 Pixel image sensor with a compression rate of 250/62 is designed using a 0.13 µm CMOS technology. Circuit simulation shows that the image sensor can achieve a peak signal to noise ratio of 31.7dB.
Hierarchical Clustering to Find Representative Operating Periods for Capacity-Expansion Modeling

Power system capacity-expansion models are typically intractable if every operating period is represented. This issue is normally overcome by using a subset of representative operating periods. For instance, representative operating hours can be selected by discretizing the load-duration curve, which captures the effect of load levels on system-operation costs. This approach is inappropriate if system-operating costs depend on parameters other than load (e.g., renewable-resource availability) or if there are important intertemporal operating constraints (e.g., generator-ramping limits). This paper proposes the use of representative operating days, which are selected using clustering, to surmount these issues. We propose two hierarchical clustering techniques, which are designed to capture the important statistical features of the parameters (e.g., load and renewable-resource availability), in selecting representative days. This includes temporal autocorrelations and correlations between different locations. A case study, which is based on the Texan power system, is used to demonstrate the techniques. We show that our proposed clustering techniques result in investment decisions that closely match those made using the full unclustered dataset.
Myelodysplastic syndrome presenting as a Behçet's-like disease with aortitis.

A 46-year-old Hispanic man presented with fever, genital ulcers, left eye redness and chest pain. Physical examination was notable for a healed oral ulcer and scrotal ulcers, and bilateral superficial thrombophlebitis. He was found to have new-onset pancytopenia. CT of the chest showed pericardial and pleural effusions and rapidly progressing inflammation of the aortic arch and ascending vessels. Although the patient had Behcet’s disease (BD)-like symptoms, pancytopenia could not be explained by the diagnosis, prompting a bone marrow biopsy which showed myelodysplastic syndrome. This report highlights the importance of excluding alternate disorders before making a diagnosis of Behcet’s disease if atypical, BD-incompatible or incomplete constellations of symptoms and findings are present.
Compositional effect on microstructure and properties of NbTiZr-based complex concentrated alloys

Abstract Phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of six complex concentrated alloys, NbTiZr, NbTiZrV, NbTiZrVMo, NbTiZrVTa, NbTiZrVCr, and NbTiZrVAl0.24, are reported. The alloy density was in the range from 6.34 g/cm3 to 8.43 g/cm3. After homogenization annealing at 1400 °C or 1200 °C, only the ternary NbTiZr alloy had a single-phase BCC crystal structure. NbTiZrV and NbTiZrVTa produced predominantly single-phase BCC structure with clusters of fine V-rich precipitates inside NbTiZrV grains and fine, Zr-rich grain boundary precipitates in NbTiZrVTa. The other three alloys contained BCC and Laves phases, and NbTiZrVMo also contained a second BCC phase. After compression deformation at 1000 °C, noticeable changes in the phase composition were found in NbTiZrV, NbTiZrVTa and NbTiZrVAl0.24, while the phase composition of other alloys retained unchanged. NbTiZr, NbTiZrV and NbTiZrVTa showed good ductility and noticeable work hardening rate at room temperature, while the ductility of other alloys rapidly decreased with increasing the amount of Laves phase. The RT yield stress varied from 975 MPa for NbTiZ to 1510 MPa for NbTiZrVMo. At 1000 °C, all the alloys showed excellent compression ductility; however only NbTiZrVCr and NbTiZrVMo were stronger than NbTiZr. The results indicate that increasing the composition complexity of refractory near-equiatomic alloys by increasing the number of the alloying elements does not necessary result in a simpler phase structure and/or better mechanical properties. The type of the alloying elements seems to be more important than their number. Additions of V, Al or Ta decrease while additions of Cr or Mo increase the 1000 °C strength of NbTiZr.
Spatial distribution of building energy use in the United States through satellite imagery of the earth at night

Abstract Despite the importance of geospatial analysis of energy use in buildings, the data available for such exercises is limited. A potential solution is to use geospatial information, such as that obtained from satellites, to disaggregate building energy use data to a more useful scale. Many researchers have used satellite imagery to estimate the extent of human activities, including building energy use and population distribution. Much of the reported work has been carried out in rapidly developing countries such as India and China where urban development is dynamic and not always easy to measure. In countries with less rapid urbanization, such as the United States, there is still value in using satellite imagery to estimate building energy use for the purposes of identifying energy efficiency opportunities and planning electricity transmission. This study evaluates nighttime light imagery obtained from the VIIRS instrument aboard the SUOMI NPP satellite as a predictor of building energy use intensity within states, counties, and cities in the United States. It is found that nighttime lights can explain upwards of 90% of the variability in energy consumption in the United States, depending on conditions and geospatial scale. The results of this research are used to generate electricity and fuel consumption maps of the United States with a resolution of less than 200 square meters. The methodologies undertaken in this study can be replicated globally to create more opportunities for geospatial energy analysis without the hurdles often associated with disaggregated building energy use data collection.
Capital Punishment and Dangerousness

This chapter applies principles I have developed elsewhere regarding the state's ability to intervene on the basis of dangerousness to the ultimate form of prevention detention, capital punishment. More specifically, it addresses the following issues: (1) whether dangerousness may be considered an aggravating factor that justifies imposition of a death sentence on a person convicted of capital murder; and, if so, (2) how dangerousness should be defined in that context; and (3) how to resolve the two-edged sword problem (which arises when ostensibly mitigating mental disability is also the cause of an individual's dangerousness). My conclusions on these issues can be sketched out as follows. In theory, dangerousness is a legitimate aggravating factor in capital cases. In practice, however, it should virtually never form the basis for a death sentence, for two reasons: the government will seldom be able to demonstrate the level of risk it must demonstrate to justify the ultimate penalty nor will it usually be able to show that execution is the least restrictive means of achieving harm prevention in an individual case. Furthermore, on those rare occasions when the government is able to meet both of these stipulations, a death sentence might still be barred if serious mental illness contributed to the capital offense. While mental disability can cut both ways - supporting both an argument for reduced culpability and an argument for increased dangerousness - when it significantly impairs the individual's conduct at the time of the offense, retributive and deterrence considerations bar imposition of the death penalty, regardless of how dangerous the individual might be.
Challenges in Developing Analytically Validated Laboratory-Derived Dietary Supplement Databases

The Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) is sponsored by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM). It provides a searchable, free database of the contents of ∼65,000 supplement labels. A companion database of analytically verified product labels [the Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID)] was created by ODS, NLM, and the USDA. There are considerable challenges to populating both databases, but the DSID faces unique analytic chemistry challenges. This article describes the challenges to creating analytically verified marketplace surveys of dietary supplement (DS) product content claims for inclusion in public databases. Nutritionists and public health scientists require information on actual exposures to DS constituents because labeled content may not match labeled product content. Analytic verification of composition of DSs provides a link to actual exposure. A public database of analytically derived DS content was developed to provide more accurate estimates of dietary intake in population-based epidemiologic studies. The DSID has conducted surveys of several types of vitamin- and mineral-containing DSs. Results showing label content claims as analytically derived values are available in the current DSID. A recent pilot project explored the feasibility of adding botanical DS products to the DSID. Candidates for future botanical DSID studies will be based on sales volume, potential public health impacts, and the availability of validated analytic methods and reference materials. Databases like DSID and the DSLD are essential for researchers and clinicians to evaluate dietary ingredient intakes in population-based epidemiologic studies. Together, these databases provide a picture of the DS marketplace. The DSID provides an analytic survey of marketed DSs. However, selection of future botanical supplements for DSID evaluation involves analytic challenges. Even when appropriate resources are available, method selection and data evaluation are resource- and time-consuming.
Aerodynamic characteristics of generic ice shells

Abstract Freezing rain and wet snow can cause ice to accumulate on the surface of bridge cables. Subsequently, a rise in temperature and wind can cause ice to shed from the surface of cables. Several instances of ice and wet snow shedding from bridge cables have been observed in Canada. Environmental predictive models have been proposed to predict the ice shedding behaviour and its trajectory from bridge cables. The current study aims at measuring the aerodynamic force and moment coefficients of generic ice fragments detached from a bridge cable as a priori for a subsequent ice trajectory model. Nine representative generic, ice shells were selected to represent different aspect ratios, curvatures, ice thicknesses, and external ice surface conditions. Aerodynamic forces and moments were measured for each of the ice shell models in turbulent flow for a wide range of orientations. The use of a curved shape as opposed to a flat plate resulted in a significant difference in the aerodynamic coefficients. It was found that the aspect ratio was the most important geometric factor in determining the aerodynamic forces and moments on the curved models. The findings of this study will be implemented in future ice trajectory models.
Sexual Identity and Behavior Among U.S. High School Students, 2005–2015

Sexual orientation is a multidimensional construct which is increasingly recognized as an important demographic characteristic in population health research. For this study, weighted Youth Risk Behavior Survey data were pooled across 47 jurisdictions biennially from 2005 to 2015, resulting in a national sample of 98 jurisdiction-years (344,815 students). Respondents were a median of 15.5 years, 49.9% male, and 48.8% White. Sexual identity and behavior trends from 2005 to 2015 were assessed with logistic regression analysis. Overall, 13.9% of females and 7.0% of males identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB), or not sure, while 9.1% of females and 4.2% of males indicated both same-and-different-sex behavior or same-sex behavior. In total, 17.0% of female and 8.5% of male youth reported non-heterosexual (LGB or not sure) sexual identity, same-sex sexual behavior, or both. LGB youth were approximately twice as likely as other youth to report lifetime sexual behavior. White and Asian youth were less likely to report non-heterosexual identity and/or have engaged in same-sex sexual behaviors than youth of other races/ethnicities. Prevalence of non-heterosexual identities increased over time for both sexes, but only female youth reported significantly more same-sex behavior over time. This is the first study to simultaneously assess adolescent sexual identity and behavior over time within a national dataset. These findings are critical for understanding the sexual health needs of adolescents and for informing sexual health policy and practice.
Pre-clinical and post-clinical process of committing to e-psychiatric treatment—an evaluation of patient perspective with emphasis on designing cost-effective longitudinal treatment

Background: e-Health is a branch of medicine, specializing in providing cost-effective care, using computer-based technologies. This study evaluates the patient-centered perspective on the process of committing to e-based therapies, emphasizing pre-clinical contemplation stage and post-clinical commitment to treatment stage. Methods: We set up an online focus group. Participants (15 M, 15 F) were recruited through postings on health sites promoting e-health solutions. Each participant received login information and was asked to participate in a two-hour, moderated and recorded conversation with the principal investigator about the use of e-health solutions. Results: The results stratify data into two stages of acquisition and processing information about e-health solutions: pre-clinical and clinical. In the pre-clinical stage, most patients are health information seekers, meaning that they seek to learn about e-psychiatric solutions as much as possible, comparing different treatment modalities. To accomplish this, they research health sites, discussion forums, and read review notes to evaluate the best course of action; Patients prioritize finding an easy and affordable solution that offers access to the qualified provider without the hassle of attending treatment in person. In clinical stage, patients devote time to understanding their interaction with the provider—they look whether the doctor is flexible in offering blended therapeutic approach; they will often tell the physician that they are concerned with cost of treatment, and believe that e-health solutions give them access to a dedicated provider when needed, which lowers the overhead cost of treatment. Once the patient is comfortable with his treatment planning, they establish commitment toward extended psychiatric care. Conclusions: This study evaluated how patients decide on what providers to access when seeking e-psychiatric health solutions. We show that the cost of treatment and the provider’s commitment to cost-effective, flexible e-health follow-ups predicts the patient’s success of remaining in treatment long-term.
Teleological Essentialism: Generalized

Natural/social kind essentialism is the view that natural kind categories, both living and non-living natural kinds, as well as social kinds (e.g., race, gender), are essentialized. On this view, artifactual kinds are not essentialized. Our view-teleological essentialism-is that a broad range of categories are essentialized in terms of teleology, including artifacts. Utilizing the same kinds of experiments typically used to provide evidence of essentialist thinking-involving superficial change (study 1), transformation of insides (study 2), and inferences about offspring (study 3)-we find support for the view that a broad range of categories-living natural kinds, non-living natural kinds, and artifactual kinds-are essentialized in terms of teleology. Study 4 tests a unique prediction of teleological essentialism and also provides evidence that people make inferences about purposes which in turn guide categorization judgments.
Abstract 93: AMPK alpha1 and AMPK alpha 2 control TNBC proliferation through cell cycle regulation

Introduction. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is very aggressive, has a higher metastatic rate than other breast cancer subtypes, and lacks traditional targetable factors. AMPK-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important energy regulator within the cell that also impacts cancer progression. AMPK9s catalytic subunit is composed of α1 and α2 isoforms, but little is known about their individual roles in TNBC. The purpose of this study was to establish the specific function of each isoform in TNBC with respect to expression, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and metabolism. Methods. (i) Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting were used to determine the expression and localization of AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 in TNBC PDX samples or cell lines. (ii) To study the role of each isoform individually, TNBC cells were transfected with siRNA to NTC, AMPKα1, or AMPKα2 (50 nM) and were either harvested for immunoblotting or subseeded for cell cycle analysis, proliferation assays, or Seahorse analysis. Results. (i) AMPKα1 expression was localized in the cytoplasm of all 9 TNBC PDX cell lines, whereas AMPKα2 was expressed predominantly in the nucleus in 6 of the 9 of TNBC samples. IF analysis of MDA-MB-231 cells confirmed expression findings in the PDX cell lines with AMPKα1 expression noted in the cytoplasm and AMPKα2 expression in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. (ii) siRNA knockdown of AMPKα1 or AMPKα2 induced G1 cell cycle arrest and decreased proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, knockdown of AMPKα1 decreased levels of cyclin D1 in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and BT-20 cells. siRNA knockdown of AMPKα1, but not AMPKα2, led to decreased basal and compensatory glycolysis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that both AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 can impact cell cycle progression and proliferation in TNBC; both isoforms promote progression through the cell cycle, thus supporting the proliferative capacity of TNBC. Importantly, AMPKα1 may also affect TNBC proliferation by increasing energy availability through glycolysis. Citation Format: Jeremy Johnson, Piotr Richahou, B. Mark Evers. AMPK alpha1 and AMPK alpha 2 control TNBC proliferation through cell cycle regulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 93.
A Green Sulfur Bacterium From Epsomitic Hot Lake, Washington, USA

Hot Lake is a small heliothermal and hypersaline lake in far north–central Washington State (USA) and is limnologically unusual because MgSO4 rather than NaCl is the dominant salt. In late summer, ...
Dopamine-based mechanism for transient forgetting.

Active forgetting is an essential component of the memory management system of the brain1. Forgetting can be permanent, in which prior memory is lost completely, or transient, in which memory exists in a temporary state of impaired retrieval. Temporary blocks on memory seem to be universal, and can disrupt an individual’s plans, social interactions and ability to make rapid, flexible and appropriate choices. However, the neurobiological mechanisms that cause transient forgetting are unknown. Here we identify a single dopamine neuron in Drosophila that mediates the memory suppression that results in transient forgetting. Artificially activating this neuron did not abolish the expression of long-term memory. Instead, it briefly suppressed memory retrieval, with the memory becoming accessible again over time. The dopamine neuron modulates memory retrieval by stimulating a unique dopamine receptor that is expressed in a restricted physical compartment of the axons of mushroom body neurons. This mechanism for transient forgetting is triggered by the presentation of interfering stimuli immediately before retrieval. A dopamine neuron that underpins transient forgetting in Drosophila is activated by the presentation of interfering stimuli immediately before memory retrieval, modulating this retrieval by stimulating a dopamine receptor in mushroom body neurons.
Cognitive multi-user free space optical communication testbed

Multi-point free space optical communication (FSOC) has been identified as a valuable and promising technology for meeting high-capacity and -density demands of future space and terrestrial communication networks. FSOC’s point-topoint nature has boosted extensive research on technologies and methods that support multi-user optical networks. An FSOC system platform is essential for fully characterizing, testing, and evaluating state-of-the-art, multi-user prototypes and technologies developed by both businesses and academic communities. This paper presents an experimental FSOC testbed that demonstrates next generation FSO systems and allows cognitive, multi-point communication. These systems provide a significant improvement over those with currently hampered with single-user limitations. The FSOC testbed is multi-node, modular, and high-speed with real-time ability to test O-PHY modules and O-MAC schemes. The testbed consists of multiple, independently tunable optical transmitters and receivers that can be configured to emulate various communication scenarios (e.g., point-to-point (P2P), point-to-multipoint (P2MP), and multi-point-to-multipoint (MP2MP). At the receiver side, a cognitive controller performs real time, blind processing of received signals for identifying the number of concurrent transmissions. Accordingly, the controller drives an optical switch to route detected signals to pre-defined paths. Given that a single-user transmission is detected on multiple paths, diversity combining will be performed to improve received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). If multiple-user transmissions are identified, signals are routed into separate high-speed photodetectors for processing. The work described below details hardware components integrated in the platform, as well as software development for the cognitive controller. Furthermore, this work provides an experimental demonstration of the testbed capabilities for single-user and multiple-user scenarios.
Utilization of Airway Pressure Release Ventilation as a Rescue Strategy in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background:Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) is a pressure controlled intermittent mandatory mode of ventilation characterized by prolonged inspiratory time and high mean airway pressure. ...
Discovery and Characterization of a Rapidly Fungicidal and Minimally Toxic Peptoid against Cryptococcus neoformans.

A limited number of antifungals are available to treat infections caused by fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. Current clinical antifungals are generally toxic, and increasing resistance to these therapies is being observed, necessitating new, effective, and safe antifungals. Peptoids, or N-substituted glycines, have shown promise as antimicrobial agents against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Herein we report the discovery and characterization of an antifungal peptoid termed RMG8-8. This compound was originally discovered from a combinatorial peptoid library using the Peptoid Library Agar Diffusion assay to screen against C. albicans. Though the efficacy of RMG8-8 against C. albicans was modest (25 μg/mL), the efficacy against C. neoformans was excellent (1.56 μg/mL). Cytotoxicity against a panel of cell lines proved RMG8-8 to be minimally toxic, with selectivity ratios ranging from 34 to 121. Additional studies were carried out to determine the pharmacological importance of each peptoid monomer in RMG8-8, characterize the killing kinetics of this compound against C. neoformans (t1/2 = 6.5 min), and evaluate plasma protein binding and proteolytic stability. Finally, a liposomal lysis assay suggested that RMG8-8 likely exerts fungal killing through membrane permeabilization, the generally accepted mechanism of action for most antimicrobial peptides and peptoids.
Current update on imaging for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNEN) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with differing pathological, genetic, and clinical features. Based on clinical findings, they may be categorized into functioning and nonfunctioning tumors. Adoption of the 2017 World Health Organization classification system, particularly its differentiation between grade 3, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNET) and grade 3, poorly-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (panNEC) has emphasized the role imaging plays in characterizing these lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound can help obtain biopsy specimen and assess tumor margins and local spread. Enhancement patterns on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to classify panNEN. Contrast enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging have been reported to be useful for characterization of panNEN and quantifying metastatic burden. Current and emerging radiotracers have broadened the utility of functional imaging in evaluating panNEN. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and somatostatin receptor imaging such as Gallium-68 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid-octreotate PET/CT may be useful for improved identification of panNEN in comparison to anatomic modalities. These new techniques can also play a direct role in optimizing the selection of treatment for individuals and predicting tumor response based on somatostatin receptor expression. In addition, emerging methods of radiomics such as texture analysis may be a potential tool for staging and outcome prediction in panNEN, however further investigation is required before clinical implementation.
Promoting Efficient Institutions and Providing Insurance Services: A Dual Role for Multilateral Agencies

This paper uses a Costly State Verification model to analyze risk-sharing arrangements between a coalition of countries when there is uncertainty about the realization of a key performance variable. The realization of the performance variable is a country's private information, and the cost of verifying performance differs across countries. The cost of verification reflects the "transparency" of a country's institution. We characterize the constrained optimal multilateral insurance contract and show that forming a coalition provides complete risk sharing across countries and across states - the total cost of verification of the coalition is shared equally by all countries. This cost sharing feature of the contract generates a negative externality and results in moral hazard. We also show that high verification costs limits the number of countries that can participate in risk sharing and may result in "insurance rationing" - some countries are excluded from the coalition although they prefer to join. This provides a rationale for the coalition to implement policies that will promote transparency and accountability in member countries. We then analyze a policy that a multilateral agency with limited enforcement powers may use to ameliorate these problems.
Testing intelligent power supplies for the Los Alamos National Laboratory Accelerator Complex

New high-current, high-precision microprocessor-controlled power supplies, built by Alpha Scientific Electronics of Hayward, CA, have been installed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory Accelerator Complex. Twenty-four power supplies have been ordered, the first of which is a 600 kilowatt supply installed in the Magnet Measurement Facility. Tests were conducted on this supply to verify adherence to specification and to ascertain ultimate long-term stability and performance. Specification of these supplies requires current regulation of 0.002% of maximum output and long-term stability of 0.001% of full current rating over a twelve-hour period. A large (twenty ton) dipole magnet was used as a load to fully exercise the supply up to its 3000 Ampere capability. Test design is described and results are presented. >
Beyond Rights and Morality: The Overlooked Public Health Argument for Same-Sex Marriage

The debate surrounding marriage equality has largely focused on whether same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry and on the inequality of denying such rights. This focus is understandable from a legal perspective, as courts stand as protectors of minority rights. Equality arguments are limited by their own logic, however, as they too-easily lead to the erroneous conclusion that civil unions that confer the benefits of marriage without the name are sufficient to grant equality to same-sex couples.Recognizing the limits of legal arguments about equality, some scholars have made laudable efforts to move beyond a rights-based analysis, arguing that marriages, including those by two people of the same sex, serve an important unitive function, and that marriage is, for many, an important part of identity and self-definition. Those opposing marriage equality counter that same-sex marriages (and the sexual conduct of same-sex couples) is simply wrong.This article contends that the debate has given insufficient attention to the public health and policy justifications for marriage equality. Borrowing from contestable social science research suggesting that marriage has benefits not only to the couple but to the broader society, the article advances the preliminary case that, to the extent such population-wide benefits are real, they would at least to some extent be furthered by allowing same-sex couples to marry. The conclusion is that focusing on such arguments could tip the balance in favor of marriage equality.
Probabilistic Regresses and the Availability Problem for Infinitism

Recent work by Peijnenburg, Atkinson, and Herzberg suggests that infinitists who accept a probabilistic construal of justification can overcome significant challenges to their position by attending to mathematical treatments of infinite probabilistic regresses. In this essay, it is argued that care must be taken when assessing the significance of these formal results. Though valuable lessons can be drawn from these mathematical exercises (many of which are not disputed here), the essay argues that it is entirely unclear that the form of infinitism that results meets a basic requirement: namely, providing an account of infinite chains of propositions qua reasons made available to agents.
Effect of modified ultrafiltration in high-risk patients undergoing operations for congenital heart disease.

Abstract Background. Modified ultrafiltration (MUF) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children decreases body water, removes inflammatory mediators, improves hemodynamics, and decreases transfusion requirements. The optimal target population for MUF needs to be defined. This prospective, randomized study attempted to identify the best candidates for MUF during operations for congenital heart disease. Methods. Informed consent was obtained from 100 consecutive patients with complex congenital heart disease undergoing operations with CPB. They were randomized into a control group (n = 50) of conventional ultrafiltration during bypass and an experimental group using dilutional ultrafiltration during bypass and venovenous modified ultrafiltration after bypass (MUF group, n=50). Postoperative arterial oxygenation, duration of ventilatory support, transfusion requirements, hematocrit, chest tube output, and time to chest tube removal were compared between the groups stratified by age and weight, CPB technique, existence of preoperative pulmonary hypertension, and diagnosis. Results. There were no MUF-related complications. In patients with preoperative pulmonary hypertension, MUF significantly improved postoperative oxygenation (445 ± 129 mm Hg versus control: 307 ± 113 mm Hg, p = 0.002), shortened ventilatory support (42.9 ± 29.5 hours versus control: 162.4 ± 131.2 hours, p = 0.0005), decreased blood transfusion (red blood cells: 16.2 ± 18.2 mL/kg versus control: 41.4 ± 27.8 mL/kg, p = 0.01; coagulation factors: 5.3. ± 6.9 mL/kg versus control: 32.3 ± 15.5 mL/kg, p = 0.01), and led to earlier chest tube removal. In neonates (≤30 days), MUF significantly reduced transfusion of coagulation factors (5.4 ± 5.0 mL/kg versus control: 39.9 ± 25.8 mL/kg, p = 0.007), and duration of ventilatory support (59.3 ± 36.2 hours versus 242.1 ± 143.1 hours, p = 0.0009). In patients with prolonged CPB (>120 minutes), MUF significantly reduced the duration of ventilatory support (44.7 ± 37.0 hours versus 128.7 ± 133.4 hours, p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed between MUF and control patients for any parameter in the presence of ventricular septal defect without pulmonary hypertension, tetralogy of Fallot, or aortic stenosis. Conclusions. Modified ultrafiltration after CPB is safe and decreases the need for homologous blood transfusion, the duration of ventilatory support, and chest tube placement in selected patients with complex congenital heart disease. The optimal use of MUF includes patients with preoperative pulmonary hypertension, neonates, and patients who require prolonged CPB.