cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recognizing human action efforts: an adaptive three-mode PCA framework

We present a computational framework capable of labeling the effort of an action corresponding to the perceived level of exertion by the performer (low - high). The approach initially factorizes examples (at different efforts) of an action into its three-mode principal components to reduce the dimensionality. Then a learning phase is introduced to compute expressive-feature weights to adjust the model's estimation of effort to conform to given perceptual labels for the examples. Experiments are demonstrated recognizing the efforts of a person carrying bags of different weight and for multiple people walking at different paces.
Limits on contribution of cosmic nuclearites to galactic dark matter

Negative results of searches for tracks of magnetic monopoles in subsurface mica crystals and mountain-top arrays of plastic detectors, and of searches for tracks of ultraheavy cosmic rays in plastic detectors in the Skylab spacecraft, allow one to rule out nuclearites of strange matter, in the mass interval ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}16}$ g to ${10}^{2}$ g, as the source of the dark matter in our Galaxy.
A Kuhnian Critique of Psychometric Research on Peer Review

Psychometrically oriented researchers construe low interrater reliability measures for expert peer reviewers as damning for the practice of peer review. I argue that this perspective overlooks different forms of normatively appropriate disagreement among reviewers. Of special interest are Kuhnian questions about the extent to which variance in reviewer ratings can be accounted for by normatively appropriate disagreements about how to interpret and apply evaluative criteria within disciplines during times of normal science. Until these empirical-cum-philosophical analyses are done, it will remain unclear the extent to which low interrater reliability measures represent reasonable disagreement rather than arbitrary differences between reviewers.
Bim and PD-1 identify effector CD8 T cells responsive to anti-PD-1 therapy in metastatic melanoma patients

Although PD-1 blockade therapy demonstrates promising therapeutic effects in a portion of metastatic melanoma patients, clinical outcomes remain variable, with some patients achieving durable responses, others experiencing early disease worsening followed by later tumor reduction, while some show no benefit. Thus, it is critical to identify patients with melanoma who are most likely to benefit from continued anti-PD-1 therapy, therefore increasing drug efficacy and decrease toxicity through a personalized approach to treatment. Since anti-PD-1 blockade therapy aims to block the interaction of PD-1 and its ligands (i.e. B7-H1/PD-L1), measurement of PD-1 downstream signaling molecule may enable us to monitor or predict T cell responses to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients. In this report, we established that CD8 T cells expressing high levels of Bim (a pro-apoptosis molecule) and PD-1 are effector cells that are responsive to anti-PD-1 therapy. Among tumor-related CD11a high CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood of metastatic melanoma patients, Bim expression was significantly associated with expressions of PD-1 and effector cell markers (T-bet and granzym B). In human tumor tissues, Bim expression was strongly correlated with B7-H1 and PD-1 expression. Genetic absence of PD-1 prevented Bim up-regulation in tumor-related CD8 T cells in tumor tissues. B7-H1 fusion protein or B7-H1-expssred by tumor cells directly induced Bim protein up-regulation in pre-activated CD8 T cells via regulation of AKT activation and phosphorylation of Bim. Bim up-relation was coincident with T cell apoptosis induced by B7-H1. In metastatic melanoma patients, the frequency of Bim+ PD-1+ CD8 T cells significantly increased in the peripheral blood compared to healthy donors. Importantly, the baseline frequency of Bim+ per PD-1+ CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood of melanoma patients was higher in responders to anti-PD-1 therapy than in non-responders. After four cycles of anti-PD-1 treatment, the frequency of Bim+ per PD-1+ CD8 T cells dramatically decreased in the peripheral blood of responders than in non-responders. Our results indicate that Bim is a downstream signaling molecule of PD-1, which reflects the degree of PD-1 interaction with its ligand (B7-H1) in effector CD8 T cells. Measurement of the frequency of Bim in tumor-related PD-1+ CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood of metastatic melanoma patients may provide a less invasive method to monitor or predict responses to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Giardiasis in the United States – an epidemiologic and geospatial analysis of county-level drinking water and sanitation data, 1993–2010

Giardiasis is the most commonly reported intestinal parasitic infection in the United States. Outbreak investigations have implicated poorly maintained private wells, and hypothesized a role for wastewater systems in giardiasis transmission. Surveillance data consistently show geographic variability in reported giardiasis incidence. We explored county-level associations between giardiasis cases, household water and sanitation (1990 census), and US Census division. Using 368,847 reported giardiasis cases (1993-2010), we mapped county-level giardiasis incidence rates, private well reliance, and septic system reliance, and assessed spatiotemporal clustering of giardiasis. We used negative binomial regression to evaluate county-level associations between giardiasis rates, region, and well and septic reliance, adjusted for demographics. Adjusted giardiasis incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) were highest (aIRR 1.3; 95% confidence interval 1.2-1.5) in counties with higher private well reliance. There was no significant association between giardiasis and septic system reliance in adjusted models. Consistent with visual geographic distributions, the aIRR of giardiasis was highest in New England (aIRR 3.3; 95% CI 2.9-3.9; reference West South Central region). Our results suggest that, in the USA, private wells are relevant to giardiasis transmission; giardiasis risk factors might vary regionally; and up-to-date, location-specific national data on water sources and sanitation methods are needed.
Abstract TP397: Validation of a Pneumonia Score in Acute Stroke

INTRODUCTION: Accurate prediction of pneumonia (PNA) risk after stroke would 1) allow clinicians to target interventions to patients at highest risk, and 2) help researchers to determine the efficacy of those interventions. We previously derived a PNA risk score based on data available at the time of admission, purposefully leaving out information on swallowing function, which may not be available at time of admission. Items for the 11-point score and point values were: age > 75 (2), male (1), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score > 10 (2), mechanical ventilation (4), coronary artery disease (1), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1). In a retrospective single-hospital cohort of 1,924 patients with acute ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), we used medical records and discharge diagnosis codes to derive the score: C-statistic = .79 (95% CI, .76 - .81). In the current study, we tested whether the score could accurately predict PNA in two other cohorts. METHODS: The one cohort (n=398 with acute ischemic stroke or ICH) was obtained retrospectively and presented to various hospitals within the same city during a time period prior to the derivation cohort. Data on predictor variables and the outcome of PNA were obtained from medical records and discharge diagnosis codes. The other cohort (n=89 with acute ischemic stroke) was a subset of the derivation cohort. Data were collected prospectively, and the diagnosis of PNA was ascertained using rigorous criteria that included clinical, radiographic, and culture data. RESULTS: Within the retrospective cohort, PNA was diagnosed in 46 (12%), and the score achieved a C-statistic of .71 (95% CI, .66 -.75). Within the prospective cohort, pneumonia was diagnosed in 9 (10%), and the C-statistic for the score was .88 (95% CI, .79 -.94). CONCLUSION: The predictive value of the PNA score was validated in two additional cohorts, one with data collected retrospectively and the other, prospectively. The score performed best within the prospective cohort, but sample size was relatively small and the 89 patients were a subset of the derivation cohort. Further refinement and validation of the score is planned.
Itaipu Technology Park: A Territorial Development Tool

The Itaipu Technology Park (Parque Tecnologico Itaipu – PTI) was created in 2003 motived by a new strategic vision from Itaipu Binacional to broaden social responsibility and sustainability, at regional level. The PTI has been building a new model to interact within the Quadruple Helix participants in order to promote the Parana West territorial development. This chapter describes the challenges to implement this model in a retrospective view since the creation of PTI, and emphasizes the efforts to build the capabilities and conditions through the education, science, technology and the innovation. As a mechanism to promote innovation and territorial development, the PTI placed into the territorial innovation system as a driving element in the system. To manage and operate the PTI, Itaipu created the FPTI, a private, non-profit foundation which is responsible for providing economic and financial support for laboratory infrastructure, seeking sponsorship for research, and attracting partners from other regions, with the aim to complement local capacity via scientific development. This chapter also emphasizes the relationship between the FPTI and Universities in order to promote and expand public and free higher education as well as a role of projects aimed to the science popularization. The Park provides shared spaces for classrooms and laboratories, besides environments for fellowship and active participation in cooperative projects shared by FPTI, universities, and Itaipu. For this purpose, the FPTI develop it projects by the concept defined by “action in the intersection”, within two main relationship strategies: the “extra park” and “intra park”. Furthermore, using logical organizational structures called ST&I platforms to stimulate technology development, and promote innovation in an environment of shared usage of infrastructure and resources via streamlined mechanisms and cooperative functions, as an induction vector of strategic themes. In conclusion, the chapter demonstrate how PTI has been contributing to the territorial development process and encourage to consider it as a successful alternative park model and example to be observed and studied.
The Statute of Northampton (1328) and Prohibitions on the Carrying of Arms

The Statute of Northampton (1328) has been claimed as an ancient prohibition on civilians carrying deadly weapons in public. Analysis of its history and subsequent interpretation reveals otherwise.
An Export Strategy Model for Firms with Small Home Markets

In this paper, a model for evaluation of target countries by exporting firms with small home markets is proposed. The importance to such firms of successful export to foreign countries is discussed, as are issues in country identification and comparison. The framework consists of three steps: identifying domestically successful strategies; identifying environmentally sensitive components of these strategies; and adapting these components to the requirements of the new environment. A simple positioning analysis, and case histories of successful entry strategies, are used to exemplify and clarify model application.
Domestic institutions, leader tenure and the duration of civil war

Why do some civil wars end sooner than others? Extant theory focuses on how exogenous factors, such as resources or third parties, exacerbate the commitment problem faced by belligerents. In explaining the duration of civil war, we focus on factors endogenous to the disputing parties. We advance a theory suggesting that the tenure of a state’s leader influences war duration. Specifically, we argue that longer-tenured leaders tend to fight longer civil wars. This is because long-tenured leaders have a more predictable policy reputation. Based on this predictable reputation, opposition groups have decided to fight the leader rather than bargain peacefully. Therefore, they will be unlikely to believe any policy concessions the leader might offer. This commitment problem looms larger for leaders who do not have domestic institutions that can credibly commit the leader to policy changes. We find robust statistical support for our conjecture. The findings have important implications for leader-centric studies o...
PDA-based Mobile Query Tool for Reservoir Scheduling Automation System

The TCP/IP communication mechanism is adopted in a PDA-based mobile query tool for reservoir scheduling automation system.The PDA terminal connects to private network through GPRS and communicates with the server by WebService.This System has been applied to the reservoir scheduling automation system of Fujian power grid.It provides effective communication technology for reservoir scheduling decision-making,and the scheduling response and work efficiency are greatly improved.
Ethnic identity politics in Nepal: liberation from, or restoration of, elite interest?

The ethnic issue has dominated Nepal’s political landscapes since the birth of the Republic of Nepal in 2007. For decades, Nepal witnessed a series of peasant rebellions against the state and landed aristocrats. Ethnic peasants were at the forefront, demanding autonomy, dignity, and an end to state violence. Since the 1980s, however, the ‘ethnic question’ has become a development issue and the developmental idea of indigeneity has consolidated both ethnic elites and peasants. Recently, identity politics has become a dominant ideological force, rapidly unraveling the course of radical political developments in the country. Interestingly, this political movement emerged in a particular historical conjuncture where Nepali politics has been extensively shaped by the recent Maoist revolution and a long history of international development. This paper explores various aspects of ethnic peasantry and argues that the notions of indigeneity and identity politics have reinforced elite domination by depoliticizing e...
Correlation of performance test scores with “tissue concentration” of lysergic acid diethylamide in human subiects

Previously published plasma concentrations of LSD-25, observed following intravenous iniection of 2 mcg. per kilogram of LSD-25, have been found to be explained by the two-compartment open model. Performance scores on arithmetic tests were shown to be highly linearly correlated with the concentration in the “tissue” (outer) compartment. The estimated volume of the plasma (inner) compartment was 16.3 per cent of body weight, which is approximately the value reported for extracellular water; the estimated volume of the tissue compartment was 11.5 per cent of body weight. The estimated half-life for loss of LSD-25 from the plasma compartment, based on the model, was 103 minutes compared with a half-life of 180 minutes calculated directly from plasma concentrations.
Predictors of Exercise Adherence in Patients With Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis.

Abstract Objective To identify predictors of poor exercise adherence in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and meniscal tear. Design Secondary analysis of data gathered over the first 12 weeks in the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Setting Seven referral centers. Participants Most of the patients in the MeTeOR trial (N=325 of 351) were included in the analysis, each of whom was aged ≥45 years and had a meniscal tear and osteoarthritic changes on imaging studies; 26 were excluded because of missing data from which to derive the primary outcome variable. Interventions All patients received a structured, supervised exercise program focused on strengthening, along with prescribed home exercises; half were randomly assigned to also receive arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Main Outcome Measure Poor exercise adherence through 12 weeks, defined as performing Results Thirty-eight percent of the MeTeOR cohort showed poor exercise adherence. In the multivariate model, adjusting for treatment group, those who earned ≤$29,000 per year had 1.64 times the risk of nonadherence (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–2.43) than those who earned >$100,000 per year; and those without baseline pain with pivoting and twisting had 1.60 times greater risk of nonadherence than those with these symptoms (95% CI, 1.14–2.25). Conclusions Low income was associated with poor exercise adherence among patients aged ≥45 years with OA and a meniscal tear, as was absence of pain with pivoting and twisting. Our findings highlight the need for further research into exercise adherence and for interventions to enhance adherence among those with low incomes.
Abstract 2862: The balance of divergent IRE1α signaling regulates pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor growth

The Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) is an intracellular signaling pathway that communicates the protein folding status of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the nucleus to maintain ER homeostasis. Hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, proteasome dysfunction, or sustained demands on the secretory pathway–conditions often encountered by solid tumor cells–lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER and cause “ER stress.” However, the precise role of UPR signaling in the development and maintenance of cancer remains controversial. We reasoned that pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) might be one class of solid tumor that may be particularly sensitive to protein folding stress due to their high secretory activity. The Master UPR regulator IRE1α is an ER transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease (RNase) that acts as a critical life-death switch depending on the level of ER stress. We analyzed primary human PanNET samples for activation of UPR components and found strong evidence of ER stress and IRE1α hyperactivation in this tumor type. We used a variety of chemical-genetic tools to selectively manipulate IRE1α9s homeostatic and apoptotic outputs in a PanNET xenograft model and found that the precise balance of IRE1α signaling is critical for tumor growth in vivo. Disrupting this balance by pushing the pathway in either direction is detrimental to PanNET survival. Moreover, targeting IRE1α with highly selective small molecules in a preclinical mouse model phenocopied the results of genetic manipulation. Our results indicate that IRE1α is an important regulator of PanNET cell survival and growth, and provide a strong rationale for therapeutically targeting this kinase in PanNETs and other cancers that experience high levels of ER stress. Citation Format: Jenny Y. Qi, Paul C. Moore, Maike Thamsen, Rajarshi Ghosh, Micah J. Gliedt, Dustin J. Maly, Bradley J. Backes, Feroz R. Papa, Scott A. Oakes. The balance of divergent IRE1α signaling regulates pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2862.
Response to letter to the editor: Why does Leigh syndrome responds to immunotherapy?

We appreciate Dr. Finsterer et al. [1] interest in our case report [2]. They express doubts about the diagnosis of Leigh syndrome (LS). Our patient's diagnosis was based on the presence of a known ATPase 6 gene pathogenic mutation (T9176C), previously described in other LS cases [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8] , and also in a form of hereditary spastic paraplegia [9] leukodystrophy [10] and bilateral striatal necrosis [11].This mutation has been shown to affect ATP synthesis and the assembly or stability of complex V [9], [12]. There was no consanguinity in her family. The mother and other relatives refused genetic testing for personal (life insurance) and financial reasons. Patient and family also refused to have muscle biopsy done as she clinically improved. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was not performed because genetic testing found a known pathogenic mtDNA mutation. Regarding follow up imaging, brain MRI done 1 year later showed improvement in bilateral basal ganglia and periaqueductal region T2 hyperintensities. Patient did have a staring spell, with decreased oxygen saturation and was started on levetiracetam after her second admission. There was no family history of epilepsy. We agree with Dr. Finsterer et al. comprehensive list of POLG mutation-associated diseases. Regarding treatment effect, we want to reiterate that the exact mechanism by which plasmapheresis or immunoglobulin (IVIG) had beneficial effect in our patient is unknown; however as mentioned in the article, we think that reduced ATP production can increase the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (with resultant hyperpolarization) and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production [13], which can in turn activate the necroptosis pathway [14]. Impaired ATP synthesis can also induce necroptosis [15]. Resultant cell necrosis can lead to release of immunogenic material and activate immune and inflammation pathways (inflammasome) [14], [16]. IVIG has been shown to suppress inflammasome-mediated neuronal death in ischemic stroke models [17]. Of note, in mice, mitochondrial complex I mutations have been shown to cause inflammation and retinal ganglion cell death [18], further highlighting the possible relationship between mitochondrial mutations/diseases and inflammation. Additionally, a case of mitochondrial myopathy responsive to intravenous immunoglobulin [19] and patients with acute central nervous system inflammation possibly associated with ND4 and DARS2 mutations and responsive to plasmapheresis, steroids and rituximab have been described in a small report [20]. Further research in the role of autoimmunity and inflammation in mitochondrial disease is needed.
Reply to ''Alcohol and Liver Transplantation''.

We thank Drs Testino and Leone for their interest in our manuscript publication entitled ‘Alcohol use after liver transplantation is independent of liver disease etiology’ in the recent issue of Alcohol and Alcoholism (Russ et al ., 2016). We read with interest the letter and agree on their comment regarding concern for higher risk for development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and malignancy …
General Trends and Causes of High Compensation of Government Managers in the OECD Countries

Government managers play a central role in the public administration of countries to support their overall efficiency. The compensation of central government senior managers has received considerab...
Role of hierarchical morphology of helical carbon nanotube bundles on thermal expansion of polymer nanocomposites

The thermal expansion behavior of polymer carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites was investigated, and a micromechanical model was proposed to explain the highly nonlinear dependence of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the nanocomposite with CNT content for the CNT/polyimide nanocomposite. The microscopic analysis of CNT/polyimide matrix showed homogeneous dispersion of bundles composed of CNTs. Therefore, the proposed model to predict the thermal expansion behavior of the nanocomposite considered a random, homogeneous distribution of CNT bundles with a hierarchical arrangement of helical CNTs within the polymeric matrix. The CNT bundle morphology influenced the thermal expansion response of the nanocomposite through (i) bundle volume fraction and (ii) degree of helicity, affecting thermo-mechanical properties of the bundle. The effective, homogenized, properties of CNT bundles were determined by the elasticity based solution of the layered cylinder model. Bundle effective properties were used in the micromechanical model implementing the homogenized strain rule of the mixture expression to predict the thermal expansion behavior of nanocomposite in a wide range of CNT volume contents. The proposed micromechanical analytical model was found to correlate closely with the experimental results for polyimide/CNT nanocomposite films as measured using a digital image correlation method.
Power consumption of future event list implementations in discrete event simulations

The priority queue implementation holding the list of future events is central to discrete event simulations. Mobile computing now allows the possibility of executing online discrete event simulations that are driven by dynamic real time data. The simulation system must be energy efficient in order to be effectively deployed in energy constrained environments such as mobile systems operating from battery power. Memory hierarchy and memory access plays a critical role on the overall energy consumption of priority queue implementations. This paper investigates the effect that memory access has on power consumption for four priority queue implementations: linked list, implicit heap, explicit heap, and splay tree.
Electron-transfer reactivity of metalloproteins in folded, partially unfolded, and completely unfolded forms

We study, by laser flash photolysis, the mechanism of quenching the triplet state of zinc cytochrome c, 3Zncyt, by the iron(IH), iron(H), iron-free, and heme-free forms of cytochrome c. The method of inserting zinc(II) ion into the heme group in a protein overcomes the difficulties in studying redox reactions between two heme proteins having similar absorption spectra. Quenching of positively charged 3Zncyt by these positively charged reactants is promoted at high ionic strength, n = 1500 mM, which shields electrostatic charge and weakens protein-protein repulsion. Upon addition of potential quenchers, the rate constant for 3Zncyt decay becomes higher in the following order: ferrocytochrome c < iron-free cytochrome c « ferricytochrome c. However, upon addition of as much as 350 pM heme-free cytochrome c, the rate of 3Zncyt decay remains unchanged. The bimolecular rate constants for the reactions of 3Zncyt are as follows: (1.5 ± 0.2) x 104
Correlates of Not Using Antiretroviral Therapy Among Transwomen Living with HIV: The Unique Role of Personal Competence

Abstract Purpose: This study tested three psychosocial measures for their potential to serve as counseling goals for promoting ART to transgender women living with HIV (TWLH). Methods: Among 69 TWL...
Ontology-Based Semantic Modeling of Disaster Resilient Construction Operations: Towards a Knowledge-Based Decision Support System

Construction sites are dynamic and complex; they are the most vulnerable environments to natural disasters such as hurricanes. Wind-caused damage to the construction sites could cause millions of dollar losses, considerable schedule delays, and threats to both worker safety and public safety. Therefore, there is sorely a need to enhance the overall resilience of construction projects and implement resilient construction operations. However, there is a lack of research that focuses on enhancing the resilience of construction operations during the construction phase as most existing research focuses on enhancing the structural resilience of the completed buildings or infrastructures. There is a lack of holistic and systematic knowledge that ensures whole life-cycle disaster management of construction projects. To address the gap, this paper aims to develop an ontology-based semantic model of disaster resilient construction operations to formally represent and reason about the knowledge of resilient construction operations during wind disasters. This paper starts by presenting the research method, and it follows by presenting our initial modeling and validation efforts towards a formal semantic model on disaster resilient construction operations. Finally, the paper discusses our proposed framework for a knowledge-based decision support system that allows for knowledge access, classification, and transfer on disaster resilient construction operations. The model, together with its potential application of the knowledge-based system would allow construction professionals to share and transfer domain-specific knowledge on construction disaster resilience, which will eventually contribute to enhance the whole life-cycle disaster resilience of construction projects.
Evaluation of centrifugal blood pumps in term of hemodynamic performance using simulated neonatal and pediatric ECMO circuits.

The objective of this translational study was to evaluate the FDA-approved PediMag, CentriMag, and RotaFlow centrifugal blood pumps in terms of hemodynamic performance using simulated neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits with different sizes of arterial and venous cannulae. Cost of disposable pump heads was another important variable for this particular study. The experimental circuit was composed of one of the centrifugal pump heads, a polymethylpentene membrane oxygenator, neonatal and pediatric arterial/venous cannulae, and 1/4-inch ID tubing. Circuits were primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed human red blood cells (hematocrit 35%). Trials were conducted at 36°C using the three pump heads and different cannulae (arterial/venous cannulae: 8 Fr/18 Fr, 10 Fr/20 Fr, and 12 Fr/22 Fr) at various flow rates (200-2400 mL/min, 200 mL/min increments) and rotational speeds. Pseudo patient pressure was 60 mm Hg. Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded for analysis. The RotaFlow pump had a higher pressure head and flow range compared with the PediMag and CentriMag pumps at the same rotational speed and identical experimental settings (P < 0.001). The PediMag pump had lower flow output than others (P < 0.001). Small-caliber arterial cannulae and higher flow rates predictably created higher circuit pressures and pressure drops. There was no significant difference in hemodynamic energy delivered to the pseudo patient with each of the three pumps. The arterial cannula had the highest pressure drop and hemodynamic energy loss in the circuit when compared to the oxygenator and arterial tubing. The RotaFlow centrifugal pump had a significantly better hemodynamic performance when compared to the PediMag and CentriMag blood pumps at identical experimental conditions in simulated neonatal and pediatric ECMO settings. In addition, the cost of the RotaFlow pump head ($400) is 20 to 30-fold less than the other centrifugal pumps [CentriMag ($12 000) or PediMag ($8000)] that were evaluated in this translational study.
Protocols in genetic mice models of pancreatic cancer

Abstract The high attrition rates in cancer drug discovery indicate that there is a need to revamp the ways in which precursor preclinical research is being performed. The majority of preclinical studies are either done in cancer cell lines (in 2D or 3D culture) or subcutaneous xenograft. Recently, patient derived xenograft (PDX) and patient organoid derived (PDOx) mice tumor models have emerged. However, these preclinical models are not truly reflective of the tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment. PDX are usually grown subcutaneously and are infiltrated with mouse stroma. The orthotopic models are developed by injecting an organoid suspension at the organ site. Unfortunately, the organoid models do not recapitulate the tumor mass which is composed of so many different types of closely knit cells (fibroblast, stellate, tumor cells, immune cells among others). Genetically engineered models are more representative of human tumors and recapitulate the microenvironment to a significant extent. Given they are developed in immune-competent mice, therefore, they also are able to help in immune-related cancer biology and drug discovery studies (though mice immune system). Although cumbersome and costly, genetic mice models serve as better models for cancer development and drug discovery studies. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to provide an overview of the protocols in genetic mice breeding with a focus on pancreatic cancer genetically engineered models.
A triaxial-stress experiment on yield condition in plasticity

A triaxial-stress experiment was developed for the determination of the intersections of the initial and subsequent yield surfaces with a hydrostatic stress-principal stress plane. Results of an experiment on Nittany No. 2 brass of the soft grade were reported. Information so obtained makes it possible for one to see the yield condition in the sense of a three-dimensional surface rather than a two-dimensional curve as observed in conventional biaxial-stress tests.
Abstract 407: Modeling Atrial Fibrillation in a Dish Using Atrial iPSC Derived Cardiomyocytes

Mutations in multiple genes have been linked with familial atrial fibrillation (AF) but the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and implications for therapy remain poorly understood. To characte...
Interconnection of the Antenna Pigment 8-HDF and Flavin Facilitates Red-Light Reception in a Bifunctional Animal-like Cryptochrome.

Cryptochromes are ubiquitous flavin-binding light sensors closely related to DNA-repairing photolyases. The animal-like cryptochrome CraCRY from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii challenges the paradigm of cryptochromes as pure blue-light receptors by acting as a (6-4) photolyase, using 8-hydroxy-5-deazaflavin (8-HDF) as a light-harvesting antenna with a 17.4 A distance to flavin and showing spectral sensitivity up to 680 nm. The expanded action spectrum is attributed to the presence of the flavin neutral radical (FADH•) in the dark, despite a rapid FADH• decay observed in vitro in samples exclusively carrying flavin. Herein, the red-light response of CraCRY carrying flavin and 8-HDF was studied, revealing a 3-fold prolongation of the FADH• lifetime in the presence of 8-HDF. Millisecond time-resolved ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy showed the red-light-induced formation and decay of an absorbance band at 458 nm concomitant with flavin reduction. Time-resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and density functional theory attributed these changes to the deprotonation of 8-HDF, challenging the paradigm of 8-HDF being permanently deprotonated in photolyases. FTIR spectra showed changes in the hydrogen bonding network of asparagine 395, a residue suggested to indirectly control flavin protonation, indicating the involvement of N395 in the stabilization of FADH•. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a decrease in the energy transfer efficiency of 8-HDF upon flavin reduction, possibly linked to 8-HDF deprotonation. The discovery of the interdependence of flavin and 8-HDF beyond energy transfer processes highlights the essential role of the antenna, introducing a new concept enabling CraCRY and possibly other bifunctional cryptochromes to fulfill their dual function.
Focal EEG abnormalities and focal ictal semiology in generalized epilepsy

In clinical practice, the diagnosis of focal vs generalized epilepsy dictates the management of the patient. The distinction between generalized and focal epilepsy is at times imperfect and some epilepsies have features that fall in between these two extremes. An example is the occurrence of focal interictal and focal ictal abnormalities in generalized epilepsies. As a part of the special issue on "The epileptogenic zone in pediatric epilepsy surgery", this focused narrative review will discuss different focal abnormalities seen in generalized epilepsy. An overlap of focal and generalized epileptiform abnormalities may support a continuum between focal and generalized epilepsy. When evaluating patients in the "gray zone", other factors such as ictal semiology, neuroimaging, genetic testing and functional deficits may need to be considered to reach an accurate diagnosis. Being aware of possible occurrence of focal clinical and EEG features in generalized epilepsy will help clinicians select more preferred AED (s), avoiding potential iatrogenic side effects and inappropriate consideration for epilepsy surgery.
Heterogeneity and Spatial Distribution of Intravertebral Trabecular Bone Mineral Density in the Lumbar Spine Is Associated With Prevalent Vertebral Fracture

The spatial heterogeneity in trabecular bone density within the vertebral centrum is associated with vertebral strength and could explain why volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) exhibits low sensitivity in identifying fracture risk. This study evaluated whether the heterogeneity and spatial distribution of trabecular vBMD are associated with prevalent vertebral fracture. We examined the volumetric quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans of the L3 vertebra in 148 participants in the Framingham Heart Study Multidetector CT study. Of these individuals, 37 were identified as cases of prevalent fracture, and 111 were controls, matched on sex and age with three controls per case. vBMD was calculated within 5-mm contiguous cubic regions of the centrum. Two measures of heterogeneity were calculated: (i) interquartile range (IQR); and (ii) quartile coefficient of variation (QCV). Ratios in the spatial distributions of the trabecular vBMD were also calculated: anterior/posterior, central/outer, superior/mid-transverse, and inferior/mid-transverse. Heterogeneity and spatial distributions were compared between cases and controls using Wilcoxon rank sum tests and t tests and tested for association with prevalent fractures with conditional logistic regressions independent of integral vBMD. Prevalent fracture cases had lower mean ± SD integral vBMD (134 ± 38 versus165 ± 42 mg/cm3 , p < .001), higher QCV (0.22 ± 0.13 versus 0.17 ± 0.09, p = .003), and lower anterior/posterior rBMD (0.65 ± 0.13 versus 0.78 ± 0.16, p < .001) than controls. QCV was positively associated with increased odds of prevalent fracture (OR 1.61; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.49; p = .034), but this association was not independent of integral vBMD (p = .598). Increased anterior/posterior trabecular vBMD ratio was associated with decreased odds of prevalent fracture independent of integral vBMD (OR 0.38; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.71; p = .003). In conclusion, increased trabecular vBMD in the anterior versus posterior centrum, but not trabecular vBMD heterogeneity, was associated with decreased risk of prevalent fracture independent of integral vBMD. Regional measurements of trabecular vBMD could aid in determining the risk and underlying mechanisms of vertebral fracture. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
LEFT MAIN CORONARY ARTERYTO CORONARY SINUS FISTULA

Coronary artery fistulas are a rare cardiac anomaly making up 0.1 to 0.2% of all congenital heart defects. Coronary artery fistulas to the coronary sinus are even more rare. We describe a case of a left main coronary artery fistula to the coronary sinus. The patient is a 66-year-old male with a
JARID1a Ablation in the Liver Alters Systemic Metabolism and Adaptation to Feeding.

Summary The liver is a key regulator of systemic energy homeostasis whose proper function is dependent on the circadian clock. Here, we show that livers deficient in the oscillator component JARID1a exhibit a dysregulation of genes involved in energy metabolism. Importantly, we find that mice that lack hepatic JARID1a have decreased lean body mass, decreased respiratory exchange ratios, faster production of ketones, and increased glucose production in response to fasting. Finally, we find that JARID1a loss compromises the response of the hepatic transcriptome to nutrient availability. In all, ablation of hepatic JARID1a disrupts the coordination of hepatic metabolic programs with whole-body consequences.
Reviving the 'New Handshake' in the Wake of Epidemics

There is no question that the internet has transformed our lives, and we are seeing its importance for creating connection despite forced physical disconnection in the wake of Covid-19. Of course, this is obvious with telemedicine and using Zoom to teach online. However, it also reminds us that online dispute resolution (ODR) is a viable and important avenue for providing access to justice, even if we cannot be in the same room. Indeed, it gives my book with Colin Rule, “the New Handshake,” a whole new meaning. With this in mind, this essay seeks to revive ideas articulated in the book and provide insights on how ODR can be easily deployed to provide access to remedies. People may be “forced” to try ODR in the wake of the epidemic – but that may help usn see how ODR can expand Access to Justice.
A plug-n-play game theoretic framework for defending against radio window attacks

The large scale deployment of multi-antenna wireless networks in homes and office buildings introduces new privacy concerns for people residing in these spaces. By measuring the signal strength using receivers placed outside the premises, an attacker can track the movement of people inside. One way to defend against such an attack is to have the signal strengths of the transmitters vary (sometimes reducing to zero) according to some randomized schedule. We show that the question of finding the schedule that minimizes the worst-case "privacy loss" can be formulated as a constant-sum Stackelberg game between an attacker, whose goal is to place receivers in order to learn the movement of users, and a defender who tries to prevent the attacker while maintaining the connectivity and QoS requirements of the network. We introduce a flexible framework that enables us to capture the constraints of the attacker and the defender. The framework allows us to capture features of modern wireless systems such as directional antennas and also allows us to plug in different path-loss models with minimal changes to the setup. We then formulate the problem of finding the optimal defender strategy as a linear program and show that it can be solved efficiently. We also perform numerical evaluations on how the payoffs are affected as the requirements of the defender and the resources the attacker can afford to exhaust change.
Reply to van Swinderen and Hines: Drosophila model establishes the lipid membrane as a target of anesthetics.

We thank van Swinderen and Hines (1) for their response to our recent article, where we find that anesthetics disrupt lipid rafts and activate phospholipase D (PLD) through a membrane-mediated mechanism (2). Here we take the opportunity to address some minor misunderstandings and clarify our experimental procedures. Our chloroform induction in Drosophila is part of a larger study (3) which we reference in our study (reference 40 in ref. 2), referring the reader to a detailed description of the animal experiments, including the genotype of the wild-type flies (w1118), and full dose–response curves for three anesthetics (chloroform, isoflurane, … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: shansen{at}scripps.edu or rlerner{at}scripps.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Global Fund Contributions to Health Security: Mapping Synergies between Vertical Disease Programs and Capacities for Preventing, Detecting, and Responding to Public Health Emergencies

Background: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a robust vertical global health program. Other work has discussed potential synergies between various global health initiatives, but the extent to which investments from vertical programs support health security has not been investigated. We, therefore, endeavored to quantify the extent to which the budgets of this vertical program support health security. Methods: We examined budgets from the Global Fund for work in 10 countries from 2014–2020. Using the International Health Regulations Joint External Evaluation (JEE) Tool as a framework, we mapped budget items to health security capacities. We blinded researchers who independently reviewed each budget and mapped items to the JEE. We then unblinded the researchers and reviewed the budgets again until a consensus was reached regarding if an item supported health security directly, indirectly, or not at all. Findings: The budgets totaled USD 6,927,284,966, and USD 2,562,063,054 (37·0%) of this mapped to JEE capacities. USD 1,330,942,712 (19·2%) mapped directly to JEE capacities and USD 1,231,120,342 (17·8%) mapped indirectly. Laboratory systems, antimicrobial resistance, and the deployment of medical countermeasures and personnel received the greatest amount of overall budgetary support, while laboratory systems, antimicrobial resistance, and workforce development received the greatest amount of direct budgetary support. Interpretation: Over one-third of the Global Fund’s work supports health security and the Global Fund has budgeted more than USD 2,500,000,000 for activities that support health security in these 10 countries since 2014. Funding Statement: This work was funded by Resolve to Save Lives: An Initiative of Vital Strategies. Declaration of Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: Not required.
Machine learning for network application security: Empirical evaluation and optimization

Abstract Machine learning (ML) has demonstrated great potential to revolutionize the networking field. In this paper, we present a large-scale empirical study to evaluate the effectiveness of state-of-the-art ML algorithms for network application security. In our experiments, six classical ML algorithms and three neural network algorithms are evaluated over three networking datasets, KDDCup 99, NSL-KDD, and ADFA IDS 2017. Measurements are made between the non-optimized and optimized versions of ML algorithms. Furthermore, various training and testing ratios are experimented to assess each algorithm’s optimal performance. The results revealed that optimizing ML algorithms could help achieve better performance in detecting networking attacks. In particular, the Decision Tree proved to be the most accurate and fastest algorithm in the classical ML while the Recurrent Neural Network achieved the best performance among neural network algorithms.
E-PixelHop: An Enhanced PixelHop Method for Object Classification.

Based on PixelHop and PixelHop++, which are recently developed using the successive subspace learning (SSL) framework, we propose an enhanced solution for object classification, called E-PixelHop, in this work. E-PixelHop consists of the following steps. First, to decouple the color channels for a color image, we apply principle component analysis and project RGB three color channels onto two principle subspaces which are processed separately for classification. Second, to address the importance of multi-scale features, we conduct pixel-level classification at each hop with various receptive fields. Third, to further improve pixel-level classification accuracy, we develop a supervised label smoothing (SLS) scheme to ensure prediction consistency. Forth, pixel-level decisions from each hop and from each color subspace are fused together for image-level decision. Fifth, to resolve confusing classes for further performance boosting, we formulate E-PixelHop as a two-stage pipeline. In the first stage, multi-class classification is performed to get a soft decision for each class, where the top 2 classes with the highest probabilities are called confusing classes. Then,we conduct a binary classification in the second stage. The main contributions lie in Steps 1, 3 and 5.We use the classification of the CIFAR-10 dataset as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the above-mentioned key components of E-PixelHop.
The Solution of the Locker Room Problem at the University of Oregon

(1928). The Solution of the Locker Room Problem at the University of Oregon. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 33, No. 10, pp. 670-677.
Micro-finger articulation by pneumatic parylene balloons

Articulated micro-fingers have been developed as an important building block to construct micro-robotic end-effectors such as a micro-hand. This micro-finger features robust finger segments made from bulk silicon, pneumatically driven balloon joints made of Parylene thin film, and monolithic integration to minimize leakage. We present the device concept, joint mechanism, and fabrication processes, as well as test results. For the current specification, each finger is measured to exert over 0.15 mN at 120 psi.