jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Choline and NMDG directly reduce outward currents: reduced outward current when these substances replace Na+is alone not evidence of Na+-activated K+currents

Field: Neuroscience (Life Sciences)

Choline chloride is often, and N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG) sometimes, used to replace sodium chloride in studies of sodium-activated potassium channels. Given the high concentrations used in sodium replacement protocols, it is essential to test that it is not the replacement substances themselves, as opposed to the lack of sodium, that cause any observed effects. We therefore compared, in lobster stomatogastric neurons and leech Retzius cells, the effects of applying salines in which choline chloride replaced sodium chloride, and in which choline hydroxide or sucrose was added to normal saline. We also tested, in stomatogastric neurons, the effect of adding NMDG to normal saline. These protocols allowed us to measure the direct effects (i.e., effects not due to changes in sodium concentration or saline osmolarity or ionic strength) of choline on stomatogastric and leech currents, and of NMDG on stomatogastric currents. Choline directly reduced transient and sustained depolarization-activated outward currents in both species, and NMDG directly reduced transient depolarization-activated outward currents in stomatogastric neurons. Experiments with lower choline concentrations showed that adding as little as 150 mM (stomatogastric) or 5 mM (leech) choline reduced at least some depolarization-activated outward currents. Reductions in outward current with choline chloride or NMDG replacement alone are thus not evidence of sodium-activated potassium currents. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that choline or N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG) directly (i.e., not due to changes in extracellular sodium) decrease outward currents. Prior work studying sodium-activated potassium channels in which sodium was replaced with choline or NMDG without an addition control may therefore be artifactual.
The glycobiological landscape of breast cancer: insights into galectins and O-GlcNAc homeostasis-related genes

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to assess the functional associations between genes of the glycobiological landscape encoding galectins and O-GlcNAc cycle enzymes in the context of breast cancer biology and clinical applications. Methods An in silico analysis of the breast cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was conducted comparing expression, pairwise correlations, and prognostic value for 17 genes encoding galectins, O-GlcNAc cycle enzymes, and cell stemness-related transcription factors. Results Multiple general and breast cancer subtype-specific differences in galectin/O-GlcNAc genetic landscape markers were observed and classified. Specifically, LGALS12 was found to be significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissues across all subtypes while LGALS2 and GFPT1 showed potential as prognostic markers. Remarkably, there was an overall loss of both correlation strength and correlation relationship between expression of galectin/O-GlcNAc landscape genes in the breast cancer samples versus normal tissues. Six gene pairs (GFPT1/LGALS1, GFPT1/LGALS3, GFPT1/LGALS12, GFPT1/KLF4, OGT/LGALS12, and OGT/KLF4) were found to be potential diagnostic markers for breast cancer. Conclusions These findings indicate that the glycobiological landscape of breast cancer underwent significant remodeling, which might be associated with switching galectin gene regulation within a framework of O-GlcNAc homeostasis.
Efficient supervised learning in networks with binary synapses

Field: Computer Science (Physical Sciences)

Recent experimental studies indicate that synaptic changes induced by neuronal activity are discrete jumps between a small number of stable states. Learning in systems with discrete synapses is known to be a computationally hard problem. Here, we study a neurobiologically plausible on-line learning algorithm that derives from Belief Propagation algorithms. We show that it performs remarkably well in a model neuron with binary synapses, and a finite number of `hidden' states per synapse, that has to learn a random classification task. Such system is able to learn a number of associations close to the theoretical limit, in time which is sublinear in system size. This is to our knowledge the first on-line algorithm that is able to achieve efficiently a finite number of patterns learned per binary synapse. Furthermore, we show that performance is optimal for a finite number of hidden states which becomes very small for sparse coding. The algorithm is similar to the standard `perceptron' learning algorithm, with an additional rule for synaptic transitions which occur only if a currently presented pattern is `barely correct'. In this case, the synaptic changes are meta-plastic only (change in hidden states and not in actual synaptic state), stabilizing the synapse in its current state. Finally, we show that a system with two visible states and K hidden states is much more robust to noise than a system with K visible states. We suggest this rule is sufficiently simple to be easily implemented by neurobiological systems or in hardware.
Cognitive effects after epidural vs general anesthesia in older adults. A randomized trial

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Objective.

—To compare the effect of epidural vs general anesthesia on the incidence of long-term cognitive dysfunction after total knee replacement surgery in older adults.

Design.

—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting.

—Orthopedic specialty academic hospital.

Patients.

—A total of 262 patients undergoing elective primary total knee replacement with a median age of 69 years; 70% women.

Intervention.

—Random assignment to either epidural or general anesthesia.

Main Outcome Measures.

—A thorough neuropsychological assessment was performed preoperatively and repeated at 1 week and 6 months postoperatively. Cognitive outcome was assessed by within-patient change on 10 tests of memory, psychomotor, and language skills. Prospective standardized surveillance for cardiovascular complications was performed to allow simultaneous assessment of anesthetic effects on cognitive and cardiovascular outcomes.

Results.

—The two groups were similar at baseline in terms of age, sex, comorbidity, and cognitive function. There were no significant differences between the epidural and general anesthesia groups in within-subject change from baseline on any of the 10 cognitive test results at either 1 week or 6 months. Overall, 5% of patients showed a long-term clinically significant deterioration in cognitive function. There was no difference between the anesthesia groups in the incidence of major cardiovascular complications (3% overall).

Conclusions.

—The type of anesthesia, general or epidural, does not affect the magnitude or pattern of postoperative cognitive dysfunction or the incidence of major cardiovascular complications in older adults undergoing elective total knee replacement. This is the largest trial of the effects of general vs regional anesthesia on cerebral function reported to date, with more than 99% power to detect a clinically significant difference on any of the neuropsychological tests. (JAMA. 1995;274:44-50)
Amphetamine availability predicts amphetamine-related mental health admissions: A time series analysis

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Objective: Amphetamine use and availability have increased in Australia and there are concerns that this has led to more frequent hospital admissions with amphetamine-related psychosis. This study examines whether amphetamine-related admissions to mental health units are more common at times of greater amphetamine availability. Methods: We conducted an ecological study using aggregate crime and health service data for NSW, Australia, from January 2000 to March 2015. Amphetamine-related criminal incidents (arrests or cautions for possession or use) were used as an indirect measure of amphetamine availability. Semiparametric time series analysis was used to compare monthly arrest rates to monthly hospitalisation rates for (1) amphetamine abuse or dependence, (2) amphetamine-related psychosis and (3) any psychosis. Results: Amphetamine-related admissions to NSW mental health units have increased four- to fivefold since 2009 and comprised approximately 10% of all admissions to these units in early 2015. There was a significant association between arrests and amphetamine-related admissions. After adjustment for seasonal variation, this effect demonstrated a time lag of 1–2 months. There was no relationship between amphetamine arrests and overall admissions for psychosis. Conclusion: Greater amphetamine availability significantly predicts admissions for amphetamine use disorders and amphetamine-related psychosis. Better treatment strategies are needed to break the nexus between drug availability and drug-related harm.
Storing Method of Learning Resources based on Cluster for e-Learning

Field: Computer Science (Physical Sciences)

SCORM에서 학습 자원은 공유 가능 콘텐츠 객체 또는 하나 이상의 애셋(asset)으로 구성된다. 이러닝 환경에서 애셋을 신속하게 검색하고 재사용할 수 있는 저장 방법이 필요하지만 아직 관련된 연구가 거의 없다. 본 논문에서는 클러스터에 기반을 둔 애셋의 저장 방법을 제안하고 수학적으로 정형화하여 정의하였다. 또한, 애셋을 평가하는 기준과 각 애셋을 평가하는 절차를 제시하였다. 실험을 통하여 제안한 클러스터저장 방법에 기반을 둔 검색이 텍스트 카테고리화에 기반한 검색보다 처리시간과 정확도 측면에서 성능이 우수함을 보였다. A learning resource is a SCO or a collection of on or more assets in the SCORM. A storage policy is required to search rapidly and reuse assets in e-learning environment. However there are not research results about it. In this paper, We propose a storing method for assets based on cluster and define the mathematical formulation of it. Also, we present criteria for assets evaluation and describe procedure to evaluate each asset. We show that the search based on proposed cluster storing method increase performance than the categorization search through performance evaluation.
Effect of bromhexine on clinical outcomes and mortality in COVID-19 patients: A randomized clinical trial

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Introduction: Bromhexine is a potential therapeutic option in COVID-19, but no data from a randomized clinical trial has been available. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bromhexine in intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Methods: An open-label randomized clinical trial study was performed in Tabriz, North-West of Iran. They were randomized to either the treatment with the bromhexine group or the control group, in a 1:1 ratio with 39 patients in each arm. Standard therapy was used in both groups and those patients in the treatment group received oral bromhexine 8 mg three times a day additionally. The primary outcome was a decrease in the rate of ICU admissions, intubation/mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Results: A total of 78 patients with similar demographic and disease characteristics were enrolled. There was a significant reduction in ICU admissions (2 out of 39 vs. 11 out of 39, P = 0.006), intubation (1 out of 39 vs. 9 out of 39, P = 0.007) and death (0 vs. 5, P = 0.027) in the bromhexine treated group compared to the standard group. No patients were withdrawn from the study because of adverse effects. Conclusion: The early administration of oral bromhexine reduces the ICU transfer, intubation, and the mortality rate in patients with COVID-19. This affordable medication can easily be administered everywhere with a huge positive impact(s) on public health and the world economy. Altogether, the verification of our results on a larger scale and different medical centers is strongly recommended. Trial Registration: IRCT202003117046797N4; https://irct.ir/trial/46969.
Workability and microstructural properties of red-mud-based geopolymer with different particle sizes

Field: Materials Science (Physical Sciences)

Red mud (RM) can be used in large quantities in geopolymer technology to reduce the usage of ordinary Portland cement products. The effect of varying the particle size of RM on the potential reactivity of geopolymers and the properties of RM-based geopolymers was investigated in this study. Five different mean particle sizes (MPSs) were blended with blast-furnace slag to prepare RM-based geopolymers. The dissolution efficiency of the RM and the workability, hardening process, compressive strength and microstructure of RM-based geopolymers were analysed. The results showed that the dissolution efficiency of Al3+ and Si4+ decreased with an increase in the MPS, the setting time and fluidity of the RM-based geopolymer increased with a finer MPS, the compressive strength first decreased and then increased with increasing MPS and the RM-based geopolymer paste exhibited the rheological characteristics of the Herschel–Bulkley model. RM participated in the reaction and had a micro-aggregate effect. The effect of RM MPS on the properties of RM-based geopolymer was analysed by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy.
Bis(tetra-n-butylammonium) Bis(μ-1,1-dicyanoethene-2,2-diselenolato)dithallate(I) Acetone Solvate, [(C4H9)4N]2[Tl2{Se2C=C(CN)2}2].2(CH3)2CO

Field: Chemistry (Physical Sciences)

In the dimeric anion two Tl atoms are coordinated by Se atoms of two different ligands forming a distorted orthorhombic bipyramid. The Bu 4 N + cations form hydrogen bonds with both N atoms but only one of the Se donor atoms of each ligand in the anions: C-H...N and C-H...Se distances are 2.56-2.64 (2) and 2.80-3.19 (1) A, respectively
CEO Preferences and Acquisitions

Field: Business, Management and Accounting (Social Sciences)

This paper explores the impact of target CEOs' retirement preferences on the incidence, the pricing, and the outcomes of takeover bids.Mergers frequently force target CEOs to retire early, and CEOs' private merger costs are the forgone benefits of staying employed until the planned retirement date.Using retirement age as an instrument for CEOs' private merger costs, we find strong evidence that target CEO preferences affect merger patterns.The likelihood of receiving a takeover bid increases sharply when target CEOs reach age 65.The probability of a bid is close to 4% per year for target CEOs below age 65 but increases to 6% for the retirement-age group, a 50% increase in the odds of receiving a bid.This increase in takeover activity appears discretely at the age-65 threshold, with no gradual increase as CEOs approach retirement age.Moreover, observed takeover premiums and target announcement returns are significantly lower when target CEOs are older than 65, reinforcing the conclusion that retirement-age CEOs are more willing to accept takeover offers.These results suggest that the preferences of target CEOs have first-order effects on both bidder and target behavior.
Changes in endogenous gibberellin-like substances in onion bulbs (Allium cepa L.) cv. Sochaczewska during storage

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Onions cv. Sochaczewska were dried up under an umbrella roof till October 15th or till November 15th and thereafter stored in a cold room at 0-1°C until May 15th. During 4-year of experiment gibberellin activity was determined each month during storage. Three periods of high activity of gibberellins were found in most cases: in December, in February-March and in late spring. In general, onions dried longer (till November 15th), showed lower gibberellin activity than onions dried shorter. Gibberellin-like substances under investigation are localized in almost all Rf zones of chromatogram. Sprouting and rooting was related to gibberellin activity.
Effects of an Arctic Environment on the Origin and Development of Freshwater Lakes1

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences (Physical Sciences)

Thaw lakes beyond the glacial boundary in northern Alaska may be quiescent, with elliptical saucer‐shaped basins, or they may be actively expanding, with deeply pocked basins. Glacial lakes of the usual types are found in the glaciated southern part of the region. The lakes freeze to a depth of almost 2 meters in winter and warm without stratifying to about 13°C in summer. Of the annual heat budget of some 28,000 cal/cm 2 only 6,000 cal is wind distributed. Total dissolved solids are known to range from 35 to 159 ppm, and the water is of a calcium bicarbonate type except where sea‐spray influence is strong. The silica content is very low. A shore community is poorly‐developed or absent, apparently because of ice‐push, and the standing crop of benthos varies from an indetectable amount to 89.4 kg/ha. Remains of the midge Dryadotanytarsus are found throughout the sedimentary column of one lake, indicating that this genus, which is known only as a late‐Pleistocene fossil, lives there today. The sediments of lakes receiving the products of the widespread processes of arctic weathering are very inorganic, with few and poorly‐preserved microfossils. Computations based on a radiocarbon‐dated pollen chronology suggest a net community productivity averaging less than 2 mg of organic matter/cm 2 /yr, and Bosmina and tendipedid productivities of less than 10/cm 2 /yr during the past 6,000 years. Further computations involving the data of other authors suggest that of the solar energy fixed by a temperate or arctic lake about one‐quarter is preserved in the sediments, one‐half is dissipated by the decomposing organisms and one‐quarter is dissipated by all the other plants and animals. The arctic environment appears to influence lakes principally through physiographic processes affecting origin, sedimentation, and drainage.
Uncovering the Prevalence and Consequences of Cyberbullying Among Female Students as Virtual Violence in Bangladesh

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

This study, titled "Uncovering the Prevalence and Consequences of Cyberbullying Among Female Students as Virtual Violence in Bangladesh," aims to assess the prevalence, identify common forms, examine impacts, and develop policy recommendations for addressing cyberbullying. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data from an online survey of 90 female students from the University of Dhaka and Eden Mohila College with qualitative data from 10 detailed case studies. The findings reveal that 66.6% of respondents are from middle-income families, 24.4% from higher-income families, and 8% from lower-income families. Alarmingly, all respondents reported experiencing cyberbullying or harassment online, with 72% victimized weekly and 86% daily. Inappropriate comments were encountered by 83.3%, primarily on Facebook (87.77%), Messenger (76%) and others chat-based app and online website. The psychological impact is significant, with 7.8% of respondents experiencing high levels of depression and 48.8% suffering from sleep disturbances. Additionally, 43 respondents reported a reduction in their reputation due to online harassment. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced digital literacy and awareness, recommending initiatives by the government and the ICT division of Bangladesh to mitigate the effects of cyberbullying.
Variable effects of speakers’ visual cues and accent on L2 listening comprehension: A mixed-methods approach

Field: Psychology (Social Sciences)

Few studies have explored the influence of a speaker’s accent and visual (facial and gestural) cues on second-language (L2) listening comprehension. The current mixed-methods between-groups design investigated: (1) the effects of accent and visual cues on Arab students’ comprehension of recorded lectures delivered by two speakers: first language (L1) American English and second language (L2) English (strong Vietnamese accent), (2) students’ assessments of the comprehensibility and English nativelikeness of the accents, and (3) students’ perceptions of and preferences for visual cues in communication. A total of 120 Arab university students were distributed across three stimulus conditions: auditory-visual (AV)-gesture-face, AV-face, and A-only within two accent conditions (L1, L2 English). Materials included: a listening comprehension task, 9-point rating scales for comprehensibility and nativelikeness of accent, and a speaker’s accent and visual cues (SAVC) questionnaire. ANCOVAs were conducted on listening comprehension scores and the ratings, with students’ listening proficiency as the covariate. Students with higher listening proficiency received higher comprehension scores and tended to recognize the L1 English accent as nativelike; however, proficiency was not significantly related to their comprehensibility ratings of either accent. The L1 English speaker’s gestures were associated with higher comprehensibility ratings; the L2 English speaker’s gestures were associated with a stronger nonnativelike accent, which students found frustrating to comprehend. Although SAVC responses revealed a general preference for facial cues and gestures in daily communication, the L2 English speaker’s gestures in the study were not considered helpful. Thematic analysis of interviews emphasized: (1) the variable effectiveness of visual cues, (2) the important role of topic and accent familiarity, (3) the relationship between listening proficiency and interlocutor/instructor preference, and (4) strategies to deal with unfamiliar accents. Pedagogical implications include increased awareness of variability in visual cues across speakers and the need to build familiarity with various accents and gesture patterns.
Delayed female sexual maturation

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Delayed sexual development is present when an adolescent girl fails to experience, at an age that is beyond the average for her peers, those pubertal events that are indexes of gonadal function. Adolescent girls whose sexual development is delayed can be divided into three groups: (1) those who have not menstruated but have well-developed secondary sexual characteristics, indicating that they have a functioning hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian mechanism, (2) those with poorly developed secondary sexual characteristics whose hypothalamus and pituitary are functional but who have ovarian failure, as indicated by high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism), and (3) those with poorly developed secondary sexual characteristics whose normal ovaries are not functioning because of a hypothalamic or pituitary disorder, as indicated by low or low normal serum FSH/LH levels (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). There are, in addition, individuals with a female habitus and external female genitalia who were reared as females but have an XY karyotype and come to the physician with a complaint of delayed female sexual maturation.