cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting regional variation in growth of channel catfish

Abstract We related the length at age of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, an indirect measure of growth, to three climatic and five morphoedaphic variables in 144 Texas reservoirs. Growth of channel catfish ages 3 through 6 was negatively related to longitude, a factor that explained as much as 34% of the variation in length at age. Channel catfish length at age was not significantly related to latitude, conductivity, morphoedaphic index, mean depth, and maximum depth in all age-classes. Among age-7 channel catfish, length at age was positively related to reservoir area, which explained 35% of the variation in growth. A quadratic model for growing-season length explained 7–17% of the variation in length at age in all age-classes. Overall, length at age for channel catfish was greatest in reservoirs with intermediate growing seasons (approximately 270 d in length) and was lower when the growing-season length was either longer or shorter. Our results provide the first evidence that the length of growing...
Expressive motives and third-party candidates

The electoral success of an extremist party usually attracts considerable attention. Yet, they rarely have an opportunity to directly influence policy as they are, more often than not, shut out of the policy-making process by mainstream parties. Extremist parties may, however, influence policy indirectly by inducing mainstream parties to adjust their electoral strategies. I consider a model of electoral competition between an expressive extremist party and two mainstream parties in first-past-the-post and majority runoff elections. The presence of an extremist party results in an equilibrium policy outcome that is further away from the extremist’s preferred policy but the magnitude of the effect is shown to depend on the type of electoral system.
Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Children

How should sleep-related rhythmic movements in children be assessed and treated? Rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) represents an unusual variety of childhood parasomnia characterized by repetitive motion of the head, trunk, or extremities, which usually occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep or arises during sustained sleep. Although the condition most often affects infants and toddlers in a transient and self-limited fashion, the condition occasionally persists in a problematic fashion, which may nevertheless be amenable to treatment. Since RMD may occasionally cause injury or resemble nocturnal seizure, prompt recognition, and appropriate management on the part of the clinician is essential. This article will examine the spectrum of RMD in children, including their common clinical manifestations; data regarding their epidemiology and natural history; the role of polysomnography, electroencephalography; and other diagnostic testing. Potential causes of the condition and available methods of treatment are also examined.
Have gene knockouts caused evolutionary reversals in the mammalian first arch

Summary Many recent gene knockout experiments cause anatomical changes to the jaw region of mice that several investigators claim are evolutionary reversals. Here we evaluate these mutant phenotypes and the assertions of atavism. We argue that following the knockout of Hoxa-2, Dlx-2, MHox, Otx2, and RAR genes, ectopic cartilages arise as secondary consequences of disruptions in normal processes of cell specification, migration, or differentiation. These disruptions cause an excess of mesenchyme to accumulate in a region through which skeletal progenitor cells usually migrate, and at a site of condensation that is normally present in mammals but that is too small to chondrify. We find little evidence that these genes, when disrupted, cause a reversion to any primitive condition and although changes in their expression may have played a role in the evolution of the mammalian jaw, their function during morphogenesis is not sufficiently understood to confirm such hypotheses. BioEssays 20:245‐255, 1998. r 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Harnack estimates: the case p>2

We will establish a Harnack-type estimate for non-negative weak solutions of degenerate parabolic equations of the type $$\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}{u \in {C_{loc}}(0,T;L\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}{_2} \\{^{loc}}\end{array}(\Omega )) \cap L\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}{_p}\\{^{loc}}\end{array}(0,T;W\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}{{}_{1,p}} \\{{}^{loc}}\end{array}(\Omega )),p >2,} \\{ut - div{{\left| {Du} \right|}^{p - 2}}Du = 0,in {\Omega _T}.}\end{array}} \right.$$ (1.1)
Carbon-14 as a Tracer for Metabolic Studies in Man

Extensive use of organic compounds labeled with isotopic carbon, has helped biochemists and physiologists in their endeavors to elucidate vital mechanisms.
Problems associated with distinguishing between singlet oxygen and electron transfer photooxygenation reactions.

In the introduction a review is given of the various methods available for probing the mechanism of photooxygenation reactions. To illustrate the methodology, some new results on the the photooxygenation of α-ketocarboxylic acids and esters is given in which it is shown that these compounds sensitise singlet oxygen formation but are relatively unreactive to this oxidising species. Alternative mechanistic schemes are proposed.
Quantification of tunicamycin-induced protein expression and N-glycosylation changes in yeast

Tunicamycin is a potent protein N-glycosylation inhibitor that has frequently been used to manipulate protein glycosylation in cells. However, protein expression and glycosylation changes as a result of tunicamycin treatment are still unclear. Using yeast as a model system, we systematically investigated the cellular response to tunicamycin at the proteome and N-glycoproteome levels. By utilizing modern mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we quantified 4259 proteins, which nearly covers the entire yeast proteome. After the three-hour tunicamycin treatment, more than 5% of proteins were down-regulated by at least 2 fold, among which proteins related to several glycan metabolism and glycolysis-related pathways were highly enriched. Furthermore, several proteins in the canonical unfolded protein response pathway were up-regulated because the inhibition of protein N-glycosylation impacts protein folding and trafficking. We also comprehensively quantified protein glycosylation changes in tunicamycin-treated cells, and more than one third of quantified unique glycopeptides (168 of 465 peptides) were down-regulated. Proteins containing down-regulated glycopeptides were related to glycosylation, glycoprotein metabolic processes, carbohydrate processes, and cell wall organization according to gene ontology clustering. The current results provide the first global view of the cellular response to tunicamycin at the proteome and glycoproteome levels.
Bee Journals and Organizations In Europe1

The status of beekeeping publications in Europe is discussed and the desirability of official organs by the various organizations of beekeepers in the United States is suggested.
Renin secretion by rat kidney slices in vitro.

SummaryThis study was performed in order to evaluate the status of renin release from rat kidney slices. The results suggest that renin release in vitro is an active process occurring under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The rate of renin release is accelerated during the in vitro incubation, and any further stimulation with the addition of renin-stimulating drugs to the medium was not demonstrated. The rate of release could be depressed by placing the rat on a high-salt diet.The authors thank Jacquelyn K. Huff for her excellent technical help.
NOTE ON ANALYTIC SOLUTIONS OF NONLINEAR ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AT AN IRREGULAR TYPE SINGULARITY

Publisher Summary This chapter presents note on the analytic solutions of nonlinear ordinary differential equations at an irregular type singularity. For the analytic study of a system of differential equations, one usually tries to reduce the given equations to a system as simple as possible and then investigates the solutions of the simplified system of equations. The simplification in turn is performed in two steps. The first step is to find a transformation given in a sort of formal expression, which is in a formal power series of the independent variable for a simple case or that of a certain function in a more complicated case. The second step is to inquire into the analytic meaning of the formal transformation; namely to seek out a function whose convergent or asymptotic expansion agrees with the formal transformation. As the transformation is for differential equations, it must itself satisfy certain differential equations. However, it is satisfactory to obtain a particular solution satisfying some properties for the purpose of transformation. Thus, the problem of analytic simplification of a system of differential equations is reduced to find a particular analytic solution of another system of differential equations, which, more often than not, resembles the original system.
THD-optimal staircase modulation of single-phase multilevel inverters

This paper considers the problem of achieving the minimum THD of the staircase-modulated output voltage of single-phase multilevel inverters, with or without elimination of the lowest harmonics. The minimal THD values together with the corresponding necessary step angles (and also dc source ratios when the source values are not constrained to be equal) have been obtained for various waveform cases. The results show that requiring harmonic elimination yields slightly to somewhat worse distortion, and that using unequal dc source voltages is better than using equal ones, as expected.
Leading Is Teaching: Real-Life Ways to Connect Theory to Practice and Address Issues of Social Injustice in School Culture

This chapter examines specific topics, lessons, and professional practices that translate theory into practice for those who prepare school leaders as well as those who lead schools. The discussion opens by exploring the idea of social justice through understandings of how language is used to create meaning. Next, instructional strategies to address uncomfortable dynamics inside critical discussions are offered. What concludes this chapter is a list of axioms that can be used in everyday leadership practice in both graduate classroom and in school systems.
Alternate Week Administration of the Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor Tipifarnib (ZARNESTRA®, R115777) in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Results of a Phase 1 Study.

Tipifarnib (ZARNESTRA®, R115777), an oral selective inhibitor of farnesyltransferase (FTase), demonstrates potent antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects. This phase 1 study assessed the tolerability and response rate in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) receiving tipifarnib on an alternate week (1 week on/1 week off) schedule. Starting dose of tipifarnib was 100 mg BID, for a total initial treatment period of 8 weeks, with a standard 3+3 design. Dose escalation was 100 mg PO BID until grade 2 nonhematologic toxicity was observed, then 100 mg total dose per day escalation until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached. Sixty-three patients were treated (median age 68 years; range, 35–84 years) with RA (n = 15), RARS (n = 6), RAEB (n = 26), RAEB-t (n = 8), and CMMoL (n = 8). Five patients (8%) had IPSS score low, 27 (43%) INT-1, 23 (36%) INT-2, and 8 (13%) high. Three patients had an N-Ras mutation and one had a K-Ras mutation. A total of 63 patients were evaluable for toxicity and 61 were evaluable for response (1 noncompliant, 1 ineligible). This alternate week regimen of tipifarnib was well tolerated; the most common toxicity was myelosuppression (all grades, 60% of patients). No side effects were reported by 20% of patients. Nonhematologic toxicities (all grades) included fatigue (20%), skin rash (9%), diarrhea (16%), increase in SGPT (14%), increase in bilirubin (11%), and nausea (11%). Dose-limiting toxicities of ataxia (n = 1), insomnia (n = 1), fatigue (n = 1), nausea (n = 1), and neutropenic fever (n = 2) occurred at tipifarnib 1,300 mg/day to 1,500 mg/day. The MTD of tipifarnib in this patient population was 1,200 mg/day. Fifteen of 61 (25%) evaluable patients responded (3 CRs and 12 hematologic improvements). Major platelet responses were most common; they were observed in 11 of 15 responders. There was no obvious dose-response relationship and three of the fifteen patients (20%) at the lowest dose level (100 mg bid) responded including one CR. Only one patient among the responders (hematologic improvement) had a Ras (N-Ras) mutation. Median time to response was eight weeks (range, 4–32 weeks). In conclusion, an alternate week regimen of tipifarnib was well tolerated and a response rate of 25% was achieved in this phase 1 study in MDS patients. Responses were seen at all dose levels, and major platelet responses were most common. This schedule is therefore conducive to combination regimens as well as to maintenance therapy.
Synchrotron-Based X-ray Microtomography Characterization of the Effect of Processing Variables on Porosity Formation in Laser Power-Bed Additive Manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V

The porosity observed in additively manufactured (AM) parts is a potential concern for components intended to undergo high-cycle fatigue without post-processing to remove such defects. The morphology of pores can help identify their cause: irregularly shaped lack of fusion or key-holing pores can usually be linked to incorrect processing parameters, while spherical pores suggest trapped gas. Synchrotron-based x-ray microtomography was performed on laser powder-bed AM Ti-6Al-4V samples over a range of processing conditions to investigate the effects of processing parameters on porosity. The process mapping technique was used to control melt pool size. Tomography was also performed on the powder to measure porosity within the powder that may transfer to the parts. As observed previously in experiments with electron beam powder-bed fabrication, significant variations in porosity were found as a function of the processing parameters. A clear connection between processing parameters and resulting porosity formation mechanism was observed in that inadequate melt pool overlap resulted in lack-of-fusion pores whereas excess power density produced keyhole pores.
10.2 A digitally controlled 94.8%-peak-efficiency hybrid switched-capacitor converter for bidirectional balancing and impedance-based diagnostics of lithium-ion battery arrays

With the growing adoption of electrified transportation and need for active storage in the electrical grid, electrochemical energy storage has become increasingly important. Past electrochemical management systems have suffered from low efficiency, limited functionality, and extreme cost sensitivity in storage applications [1]. Most battery management systems used for state-of-charge (SOC) equalization in large arrays use resistive shunts, which have low efficiency and lack bidirectionality. Efficient solutions are known, but have not been widely adopted in part due to the size and cost of magnetic components [2]. Resonant/hybrid switched-capacitor (SC) approaches are particularly attractive for electrochemical balancing/equalization, as the voltage ratio between series-connected cells or modules is typically 1∶1 with only minor variation due to cell impedance and state-of-charge (SOC) levels. Compared to pure SC approaches, they can achieve higher efficiency due to soft-charging and expanded capabilities for variable regulation. Compared to traditional buck-boost converters, the needed inductor volume can be 10 to 100× lower due to the reduced volt-second product (flux linkage) provided by the SC stage [3].
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HYPNOTEACHING METHOD TO IMPROVE MOTIVATION AND MATHEMATICS LEARNING RESULT OF CLASS VII STUDENTS AT SMPN 41 BULUKUMBA

This study is an pre-experiment research which aims at examining (1) the implementation result of hypnoteaching method in Mathematics learning of class VII students at SMPN 41 Bulukumba, (2) the learning motivation of class VII students at SMPN 41 Bulukumba before and after being taught using hypnoteaching method, and (3) the extend of improvement of students’ learning result of class VII at SMPN 41 Bulukumba taught by using hypnoteaching method. The population of the study was all class VII students at SMPN 41 Bulukumba. The sample was class VIIb students at SMPN 41 Bulukumba. The sample was class VIIb students’ learning result on learning using hypnoteaching method. Based on the effectiveness level criteria, the hypnoteaching method learning was adequately effective to be implemented on rectangular subject. It was proved by the students’ learning result of class VII at SMPN 41 Bulukumba before implementing hypnoteaching method which achieved the mean score 40.24 and was in incomplete category; whereas after being taught by using hypnoteaching method, it achieved the mean score 76.59 that approximately 75% students had fulfilled minimal completeness criteria so it achieved classical completeness with fair category. The result of the study showed that the implementation of learning using hypnoteaching method for six sessions was in the category of completely implemented with the mean score 3.6. There was improvement of learning motivation of students after being taught by using hypnoteaching method from the mean score 95.96 improved to 112. There was improvement of Mathematics learning result of students in class VII at SMPN 41 Bulukumba after being taungt by using hypnoteaching method with the improvement of students’ learning result counted using normalized gain formula by 0.61
Fraïssé’s conjecture in Π11-comprehension

We prove Fraisse’s conjecture within the system of Π11-comprehension. Furthermore, we prove that Fraisse’s conjecture follows from the Δ20-bqo-ness of 3 over the system of Arithmetic Transfinite Recursion, and that the Δ20-bqo-ness of 3 is a Π21-statement strictly weaker than Π11-comprehension.
THE EXTENT OF THE MARKET AND INTEGRATION THROUGH FACTOR MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM WHOLESALE ELECTRICITY

We document the influence of factor markets in determining the extent of the market, appealing to the Mundell hypothesis that trade in goods and factor markets are substitutes. We confirm this influence using the U.S. wholesale market for electric power. Although the Eastern, Western, and Texas regions cannot trade electricity, inputs such as natural gas move freely across these regions. Through a set of price transmission ratios, and a supply model for natural gas, we find regional electricity shocks do propagate across regions. We conclude output markets institutionally in autarky achieve modest degrees of economic integration through factor markets. (JEL C32, L94, Q41)
Weighted abdominal traction for assistance in abdominal closure

Abstract Introduction Loss of abdominal domain is an unsolved problem in many complex abdominal procedures. We report three patients who underwent weighted traction and use of retention sutures to prevent fascial retraction. Cases Our first patient had esophageal metaplasia and a recalcitrant esophageal stricture after having esophageal atresia repair as an infant. Due to vascular congestion of his new conduit, his abdomen was left open. Respiratory compromise was noted on attempted closure, so the patient's abdominal fascia was placed on 20 pounds of traction to prevent fascial retraction. His abdomen was able to be closed after 7 days. Our second patient had a caustic ingestion and underwent a jejunal interposition. Due to the length of the procedure, the abdomen was left open. The fascia was sutured to a silastic silo and placed on 30 pounds of traction. After 8 days, the patient's abdomen was able to be closed primarily. Our third patient presented with persistent aspiration after esophageal atresia repair. Due to concern for her jejunal conduit, her abdomen was left open and placed on weighted traction. Once the abdomen was suitable for closure, an abdominal vac was placed, and continuous fascial tension was applied using #5 Ethibond sutures. Her abdomen was fully closed 10 days later. Discussion One of the concerns with temporary abdominal closure is retraction of the fascia. We report three cases where the fascia and abdominal wall were placed on weighted traction, which allowed for retention of abdominal domain and delayed primary closure without grafts or mesh. This approach adds to the options available to aid in closure of the complex abdomen.
Principles for Thinking about the Future and Foresight Education

Most fields of study have introductory textbooks with the word “principles” in the title: “Principles of Economics,” “Principles of Ecology,” and many others. The principles explained in these text...
Charter Schools, Free Schools, and School Choice

This chapter focuses on the philosophical questions and tensions involved in the phenomenon of charter schools (United States), free schools (United Kingdom), and similar schools that give students and parents greater choice within public school systems. After a brief review of these reforms and their shared rationales, I focus on the philosophical questions about the purposes, aims, and values raised by autonomous schools of choice. This chapter reviews these philosophical questions along two broad dimensions: (1) rights, pluralism, and autonomy and (2) democracy, justice, and equity. I conclude by sketching out implications of these philosophical questions for choice policy and practice and some recommendations for employing philosophical frameworks in the analysis of these policies.
Introduction: Beyond bulk semen parameters

What can the analysis of semen reveal about the fertility potential of sperm? A series of articles reviews the current status and limitations of basic and advanced semen testing.
A new twist on V(D)J recombination.

A series of new cryo-EM structures reveals a surprising twist in how the RAG complex initiates V(D)J recombination. The initial complex with substrate DNA adopts two conformations: in one, the DNA is relatively undistorted but the scissile phosphate is far from the active site, and in the other the DNA is partially melted and unwound by half a turn, which allows the scissile phosphate to dock into the active site. Similar pre-catalysis DNA melting may occur with other DDE recombinases, for which equivalent complexes with uncleaved substrate DNA are not yet available.
Acute kidney injury after out of hospital pediatric cardiac arrest

Abstract Importance Many children with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) following cardiac arrest (CA) experience acute kidney injury (AKI). The impact of therapeutic hypothermia on the epidemiology of post-CA AKI in children has not been fully investigated. Objective The study aims were to: 1) describe the prevalence of severe AKI in comatose children following out-of-hospital CA (OHCA), 2) identify risk factors for severe AKI, 3) evaluate the impact of therapeutic hypothermia on the prevalence of severe AKI, and 4) evaluate the association of severe AKI with survival and functional outcomes. Design A post hoc secondary analysis of data from the Therapeutic Hypothermia after Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Out-of-Hospital (THAPCA-OH) trial. Setting Thirty-six pediatric intensive care units in the United States and Canada. Participants Of 282 eligible subjects with an initial creatinine obtained within 24 h of randomization, 148 were randomized to therapeutic hypothermia and 134 were randomized to therapeutic normothermia. Main Outcomes and measures Primary outcome was prevalence of severe AKI, as defined by stage 2 and 3 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) consensus definition; secondary outcome was survival with a favorable neurobehavioral outcome. For this study, risk factors and outcomes were compared between those with/without severe AKI. Results Of the 282 subjects enrolled, 180 (64%) developed AKI of which 117 (41% of all enrolled) developed severe AKI. Multivariable modeling found younger age, longer duration of chest compressions, higher lactate level at time of temperature intervention and higher number of vasoactive agents through day 1 of intervention associated with severe AKI. There was no difference in severe AKI between therapeutic hypothermia (39.9%) and therapeutic normothermia (43.3%) groups (p = 0.629). Survival was lower in those with severe AKI at 28 days (21% vs no severe AKI 49%, p Conclusions and relevance Severe AKI occurs frequently in children with ROSC after OHCA, especially in younger children and those with higher initial lactates and hemodynamic support. Severe AKI was associated with worse survival and functional outcome. Therapeutic hypothermia did not reduce the incidence of severe AKI.
Improved bounds for the greedy strategy in optimization problems with curvature

Consider the problem of choosing a set of actions to optimize a real-valued polymatroid function subject to matroid constraints. The greedy strategy, an approximate solution, is known to satisfy some bounds in terms of the total curvature. The total curvature depends on function values on sets outside the constraint matroid. If the function is defined only on the matroid, the problem still makes sense, but the existing bounds involving the total curvature do not apply, which is puzzling. This motivates an alternative formulation of such bounds. The first question we address is whether it is possible to extend a polymatroid function defined on a matroid to one on the entire power set. This was recently shown to be negative in general. Here, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of an incremental extension of a polymatroid function defined on the uniform matroid of rank k to one with rank $$k+1$$ , together with an algorithm for constructing the extension. Whenever a polymatroid function defined on a matroid can be extended to the entire power set, the bounds involving the total curvature of the extension apply. However, these bounds still depend on sets outside the constraint matroid. Motivated by this, we define a new notion of curvature called partial curvature, involving only sets in the matroid. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for an extension to have a total curvature equal to the partial curvature. Moreover, we prove that the bounds in terms of the partial curvature are in general improved over the previous ones. We illustrate our results with two contrasting examples motivated by practical problems.
[PI282] Toxicity of Common Indoor Household Insecticides Registered in Florida

Insecticides are designed to control insect pests, but they can also be toxic (poisonous) to desirable plants and animals, including humans. Some pesticides are so highly toxic that very small quantities can kill a person, and almost any pesticide can make people ill if they are exposed to a sufficient amount. Because even safe pesticides, such as those intended for household use, can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or mouth, it is a good idea to understand how pesticides can be toxic so you can follow practices designed to reduce or eliminate your exposure to them. This new 3-page document addresses the acute toxicity of common indoor household insecticide active ingredients registered in Florida and provides a table with mammalian toxicity values for each of these insecticides. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information office. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi282
Ethnic Discrimination and Authoritarian Rule: An Analysis of Criminal Sentencing in China

This paper presents the first analysis of ethnic discrimination in sentencing patterns in the People's Republic of China, focusing on drug cases in Yunnan province. We posit the ``problem minority" hypothesis, which holds that discrimination in an authoritarian system emerges when an ethnic group becomes associated with behavior that generates social instability. On average, minority defendants in Yunnan have sentences that are about 1.5 to 7.5 months longer than Han defendants that have committed similar drug crimes. Further analysis of data from all provinces reveals that this bias is largest for groups heavily involved in the drug trade, and in provinces with significant minority populations and drugs.
A Language for Molecular Computation

Advances in molecular computing have been thwarted by the lack of theoretical underpinnings that are both generalizable and experimentally practical. In a recent issue of iScience, Duenas-Diez and Perez-Mercader begin to fill this void by illustrating the correspondence between Chomsky’s hierarchy of formal grammars and example chemical automata.
Cognitive dynamical models as minimal models

The debate over the explanatory nature of cognitive models has been waged mostly between two factions: the mechanists and the dynamical systems theorists. The former hold that cognitive models are explanatory only if they satisfy a set of mapping criteria, particularly the 3M/3M* requirement. The latter have argued, pace the mechanists, that some cognitive models are both dynamical and constitute covering-law explanations. In this paper, I provide a minimal model interpretation of dynamical cognitive models, arguing that this both provides needed clarity to the mechanist versus dynamicist divide in cognitive science and also paves the way towards further insights about scientific explanation generally.
Repurposing FDA-Approved Drugs for COVID-19 Using a Data-Driven Approach

There have been more than 116,000 recorded deaths worldwide to-date caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and over 1 8 million individuals are currently infected Although there are now hundreds of clinical trials for COVID-19, there are currently no effective licensed treatments, while the numbers of infected individuals continue to rise at an exponential rate in many parts of the world Here, we used a data-driven approach utilizing connectivity mapping and the transcriptional signature of lung carcinoma cells infected with SARS-CoV-2, to search for drugs across the spectrum of medicine that have repurposing potential for treating COVID-19 We also performed chemoinformatic analyses to test whether the identified compounds were predicted to physically interact with the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase or main protease enzymes Our study identified commonly prescribed FDA-approved molecules as important candidates for drug repositioning against COVID-19, including flupentixol, reserpine, fluoxetine, trifluoperazine, sunitinib, atorvastatin, raloxifene, butoconazole, and metformin These drugs should not be taken for treating or preventing COVID-19 without a doctorâ€™s advice, as further research and clinical trials are now needed to elucidate their efficacy for this purpose
Abstract 15945: Temporal Analyses of Chromatin Accessibility, Dna Methylation and Epigenomic Structure Identify Mechanisms of Locus-specific Regulation in the Heart

Heart failure can be induced or ameliorated in animal models by regulation of chromatin modifying enzymes, yet the chromatin level actions of these enzymes during pathogenesis is unknown. Because m...
Efficient light trapping in the infrared using gold – black phosphorus nanostructured absorbers

We propose a gold – based nanostructured design for achieving enhanced absorption in ultrathin black phosphorus (BP) layers in the 3 – 5 $\mu$ m wavelength range. By suitably tuning the design parameters, we are able to excite strongly localized modes in BP layers of thicknesses ranging from 5 to 50 nm at a wavelength of 4 $\mu$ m. We test the efficiency of these absorbers by computing their absorption enhancement factor and comparing it against the conventional 4n2 limit. For a BP layer thickness of 5 nm, we are able to achieve an enhancement of 561 at a wavelength of 4 $\mu$ m, which is significantly greater than the conventional value of 4 n2 equal to 34 for an isolated textured BP layer.
From Philosophy-Cinema to Philosophy-Screens: Reflections on the Thought of Mauro Carbone

Mauro Carbone’s most recent book, Philosophy-Screens: From Cinema to the Digital Revolution (SUNY Press, 2019) advances the work and thought of his Flesh of Images: Merleau-Ponty Between Painting a...
Multi-target identity management for unknown and time-varying number of targets in clutter

Abstract A novel multi-target identity management algorithm, called IM-GMPHD (Identity management with Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density) algorithm, is proposed to simultaneously track an unknown and time-varying number of targets in clutter and manage the targets’ identities effectively and efficiently over time. The targets’ identities are managed by recursively computing the target identity beliefs using the target-measurement correlation. An augmented GMPHD filter is also developed in this paper to calculate the target-measurement correlation. In addition, the target identity beliefs can be updated to a lower uncertainty level whenever there is available target identity information. The proposed multi-target identity management algorithm is demonstrated through various illustrative simulation scenarios.
The Role of Calcium in the Transduction of Insulin Action

The year 1983 has particular significance for progenitors of the role of calcium in neurohumoral action and cell regulation, since it was precisely 100 years earlier that Ringer’s classic paper, describing the vital role of calcium in the generation of mechanical events in the heart, was published.(1) Since then, calcium has been shown to be an essential regulator of a diverse constellation of fundamental intracellular processes.(2–5) A fairly large body of evidence has accumulated over the past 20 years that implies an important role of calcium in the molecular mechanism of action of insulin. Suffice it to say that a reexamination of the role of calcium in the action of insulin is thereby both timely and fitting, especially in view of recent developments in this area. These are the issues that are dealt with in this brief review of some new and interesting findings that may once again reemphasize the importance of calcium and permit its reconsideration as an essential factor in the mechanism of insulin action.
The effect of an antihistamine and/or a glucocorticoid on the prolactin response to surgical procedures☆☆☆

Prolactin (PRL) release in response to surgical stress has been demonstrated in a variety of species. Previous studies in rats indicate this response is blunted or blocked by pretreatment with either glucocorticoids or antihistamines. The present study was designed to investigate this phenomenon in man. Serum PRL levels before, during, and after major gynecologic surgery were measured in 20 women randomly assigned to one of four pretreatment regimens: (1) dexamethasone, (2) promethazine, (3) both agents, and (4) neither agent. Type of operation, preanesthetic medication, anesthetic agents, and estrogen status of patients were similar in all groups. Untreated controls exhibited the expected five- to tenfold increase in serum PRL concentration with surgery. Pretreatment with either dexamethasone or promethazine alone failed to suppress this response (in contrast to reported findings in the rat) and in fact promethazine appeared to cause an augmented response. However, patients given dexamethasone and promethazine together exhibited only a two- to threefold PRL increase, a significantly lesser response than that in any of the other groups. Thus, PRL release in response to general anesthesia and surgery is inhibited by the combination of an antihistamine (H-l) receptor antagonist and a glucocorticoid, whereas either agent alone has no suppressive effect.
A Therapeutic Model to Enhance Children's Adjustment to Divorce

Research has revealed many detrimental effects of divorce upon children often related to ongoing conflict between biological parents. A therapeutic model, demonstrated by a case example, is presented which targets the conflict between divorced parents. This therapeutic approach is based upon negotiating cooperation among custodial and nonastodial parents. This is accomplished by clarifying the changed relationships resulting from divorce between the adults and children allowing all members of the divorced families to grieve the loss of predivorce relationships. Distinct new relationships are defined between all family members which reduce the need for adults to compete in relationships with the children.
Using an Analogy To Model Causal Mechanisms in a Complex Text.

Two experiments examined the role of analogy inthe development of a situation model of atarget passage. Specifically, we examinedwhether an analogous source text could improvecomprehension and inferencing about causalmechanisms in the target. An ``analogy group''studied a fictional pseudo-scientific passageunder the guidance of an analogous passage(also fictional) which shared causal structureswith the target. A ``statement group'' studiedthe target under the guidance of an abstractstatement that characterized the target causalstructures. A ``target-only group'' received noadditional material. All groups received tasksthat assessed their representation of thetarget. In Experiment 1 (N = 92) participantswere asked to list the most important objectsand relations in the passage. In Experiment 2(N = 80) participants were directly asked aboutthe target causal structures. In bothexperiments, responses of analogy subjects weremore likely to include given and inferredinformation that comprised the target causalmechanisms. Analogies in which a sourcepassage models causal mechanisms correspondingto those of a target passage appear to promotebetter representation of the details of targetcausal mechanisms, allowing a more fullydeveloped situation model of the target.
Proto-Neutron Star Neutrino Emission

Neutrino spectra during the cooling phase of neutron stars provide a relatively direct probe of the physics in the hot, dense interiors of these compact objects. Details of the equation of state and instabilities in these extreme physical regimes have a significant affect on the properties of the emitted neutrino spectrum. In addition to the direct ramifications for the cooling time, the natal kicks observed in young pulsars may be the result of asymmetric neutrino emission due to opacity variations within the neutron star itself. Furthermore, such asymmetries in the emission are also reflected in neutrino deposition, resulting in asymmetrically driven winds above the proto-neutron stars where r-process elements are thought to be synthesized. In this proceedings, we present preliminary results from a study of the neutrino emission from neutron stars, including asymmetries arising from magnetoacoustic instabilities and neutron star rotation.
The Single Item Literacy Screener: Evaluation of a brief instrument to identify limited reading ability

Reading skills are important for accessing health information, using health care services, managing one's health and achieving desirable health outcomes. Our objective was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Single Item Literacy Screener (SILS) to identify limited reading ability, one component of health literacy, as measured by the S-TOFHLA. Cross-sectional interview with 999 adults with diabetes residing in Vermont and bordering states. Participants were randomly recruited from Primary Care practices in the Vermont Diabetes Information System June 2003 – December 2004. The main outcome was limited reading ability. The primary predictor was the SILS. Of the 999 persons screened, 169 (17%) had limited reading ability. The sensitivity of the SILS in detecting limited reading ability was 54% [95% CI: 47%, 61%] and the specificity was 83% [95% CI: 81%, 86%] with an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC) of 0.73 [95% CI: 0.69, 0.78]. Seven hundred seventy (77%) screened negative on the SILS and 692 of these subjects had adequate reading skills (negative predictive value = 0.90 [95% CI: 0.88, 0.92]). Of the 229 who scored positive on the SILS, 92 had limited reading ability (positive predictive value = 0.4 [95% CI: 0.34, 0.47]). The SILS is a simple instrument designed to identify patients with limited reading ability who need help reading health-related materials. The SILS performs moderately well at ruling out limited reading ability in adults and allows providers to target additional assessment of health literacy skills to those most in need. Further study of the use of the SILS in clinical settings and with more diverse populations is warranted.
Phase I Study of Oral Topotecan in Hematological Malignancies

Purpose: In this Phase I, dose-seeking study, we investigated the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of oral topotecan in patients with hematological malignancies. Experimental Design: Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative disorders, or relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia were treated with 0.6–1.9 mg/m 2 /day oral topotecan for 5 consecutive days on and 2 days off, for 3 weeks (15 doses/course) followed by 2–4 weeks of rest. The DLTs occurring during the first course of treatment were considered for defining the MTD. Preliminary results of antitumor activity were assessed by examining bone marrow status and peripheral blood cell counts. Results: All 26 patients enrolled in the study were evaluable for toxicity, and 24 patients were evaluable for response. A total of 54 courses were administered. The most frequently reported nonhematological toxicities (percentage of courses) were diarrhea (57%), nausea/vomiting (50%), fatigue (24%), and mucositis (9%). DLTs included grade 3 or 4 nausea/vomiting and diarrhea at 1.9 mg/m 2 /day. The MTD for oral topotecan in patients with hematological malignancies was defined at 1.4 mg/m 2 /day. Hematological toxicity was noted in all 26 patients and with all courses but was not considered dose-limiting. Four (17%) patients achieved a complete response, and six (25%) patients experienced hematological improvement. Conclusions: Protracted administration of oral topotecan is safe and well tolerated in patients with hematological malignancies. At the dose-schedule used, single-agent oral topotecan has a definite activity in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia and warrants further investigation alone or in combination with other agents.
Idle Emissions from Medium Heavy-Duty Diesel and Gasoline Trucks

Idle emissions data from 19 medium heavy-duty diesel and gasoline trucks are presented in this paper. Emissions from these trucks were characterized using full-flow exhaust dilution as part of the Coordinating Research Council (CRC) Project E-55/59. Idle emissions data were not available from dedicated measurements, but were extracted from the continuous emissions data on the low-speed transient mode of the medium heavy-duty truck (MHDTLO) cycle. The four gasoline trucks produced very low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and negligible particulate matter (PM) during idle. However, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs) from these four trucks were approximately 285 and 153 g/hr on average, respectively. The gasoline trucks consumed substantially more fuel at an hourly rate (0.84 gal/hr) than their diesel counterparts (0.44 gal/hr) during idling. The diesel trucks, on the other hand, emitted higher NOx (79 g/hr) and comparatively higher PM (4.1 g/hr), on average, than the gasoline trucks (3.8 g/hr of NOx and 0.9 g/hr of PM, on average). Idle NOx emissions from diesel trucks were high for post-1992 model year engines, but no trends were observed for fuel consumption. Idle emissions and fuel consumption from the medium heavy-duty diesel trucks (MHDDTs) were marginally lower than those from the heavy heavy-duty diesel trucks (HHDDTs), previously reported in the literature.
Correlation between low levels of estrogen receptors and estrogen responsiveness in two rat osteoblast‐like cell lines

With the knowledge that estrogen replacement therapy can circumvent postmenopausal osteoporosis and with the discovery of estrogen receptors (ER) in cultures of normal osteoblast-like cells, extensive investigations have been directed toward understanding the role of the ER in normal bone homeostasis. ROS 17/2.8 and UMR-106-01, two established osteoblast-like cell lines derived from rat osteosarcomas, have been shown to have estrogen-regulated biologic responses. Only the ROS 17/2.8 cell line has been reported to contain ER. In this study, high-affinity, saturable binding sites characteristic of the ER were detected in UMR-106-01 cells by binding assays with the high-affinity ligand, [125I]17 beta-estradiol. An initial immunoconcentration step before western blot analysis also allowed detection of the full-length ER protein. In addition, northern blot analysis indicated that the entire ER transcript was expressed and that the half-life of the ER message was increased following cycloheximide treatment. Message levels were also regulated by removal of serum and treatment with estradiol. An estrogen-regulated reporter vector, ERET81CAT, was transfected into the UMR-106-01 cells to determine whether the detected level of ER was transcriptionally functional. Using this assay, estrogen responsiveness was evident; however, the response was inconsistent. Multiple factors, such as serum, estradiol, and cell density, influence the ER levels in these cells and probably cause fluctuations in the abundance of receptors available to induce the CAT response. When the cells are responsive, the ICI 164,384 antagonist could block the estrogen-induced activation of CAT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Observations on regression analysis of travel distance on airline distance

In the modeling of urban areas airline distance is often used as a proxy for travel time or distance. This practice has been justified by a high coefficient of determination (R2) between these variables in a random sample of pairs of traffic zones. The ratio of travel distance to airline distance has been used as a measure of network efficiency and called the route factor. This exercise uses hypothetical examples to examine network structure, congestion, and trip production as determinants of route factors and of R2 values of travel distance regressed on airline distance.
Fully unsteady subsonic and supersonic potential aerodynamics of complex aircraft configurations for flutter applications

A general theory for study, oscillatory or fully unsteady potential compressible aerodynamics around complex configurations is presented. Using the finite-element method to discretize the space problem, one obtains a set of differential-delay equations in time relating the potential to its normal derivative which is expressed in terms of the generalized coordinates of the structure. For oscillatory flow, the motion consists of sinusoidal oscillations around a steady, subsonic or supersonic flow. For fully unsteady flow, the motion is assumed to consist of constant subsonic or supersonic speed for time t or = 0 and of small perturbations around the steady state for time t 0.