cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) as an Environmental Stress Sensor and Regulator of Skin Barrier Function: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor responsive to both xenobiotic and endogenous ligands involved in skin barrier adaptations in response to environmental and endogenous stressors. Due to the fundamental role that AhR-controlled signaling plays in skin barrier formation, homeostasis, resilience to environmental stressors, and damage repair, AhR-directed pharmacological strategies that aim at AhR-orchestrated signaling for anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, cancer chemopreventive, and barrier enhancing intervention show great therapeutic promise, delivering unique patient-directed benefit by targeting specific skin pathologies (including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and solar radiation-induced skin photodamage) that have remained elusive and difficult to treat. The ever expanding and accessible range of chemically diverse physiological and synthetic AhR-modulators that differ with regard to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile, AhR-directed potency, metabolic stability, and off-target effects through engagement of other signaling pathways provides a versatile and accessible compound platform of prototype agents and therapeutic leads for experimental intervention through AhR engagement, potentially representing breakthrough therapeutics that can quickly be optimized, developed, and formulated into novel AhR-directed cutaneous therapeutic entities.
Would You Be Mine: Appropriating Minecraft as an Assistive Technology for Youth with Autism

Those with disabilities have long adopted, adapted, and appropriated collaborative systems to serve as assistive devices. In this paper, we present the results of a digital ethnography in a Minecraft virtual world for children with autism, specifically examining how this community has used do-it-yourself (DIY) making activities to transform the game into a variety of assistive technologies. Our results demonstrate how players and administrators "mod" the Minecraft system to support self-regulation and community engagement. This work highlights the ways in which we, as researchers concerned with accessible and equitable computing spaces, might reevaluate the scope of our inquiry, and how designers might encourage and support appropriation, enhancing users' experience and long-term adoption.
NOS gene polymorphism

Nitric oxide(NO), a potent vasodilator produced by endothelial cells, plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and regional blood flow, and also inhibits platelet aggregation and leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium and inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Various genetic polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) gene have been reported as susceptibility genes in a number of cardiovascular diseases. The functional significance of these polymorphisms has not yet been demonstrated, but recent study revealed that eNOS Glu298Asp variant is likely to have a functional effect on the eNOS protein. The missense Glu298Asp variant was correlated with increased coronary spasm, myocardial infarction, essential hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, carotid atherosclerosis, and cerebral infarction.
P309 Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) improves microcirculation and reduces hypoxia and neuronal death in a hypertensive rat brain

Introduction We previously showed that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) increased microvascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation by nitric oxide-induced vasodilation in a healthy rat brain ( Bragin et al., 2015 ). We also showed that high intracranial pressure (ICP) in rats caused a transition from capillary (CAP) to non-nutritive microvascular shunt (MVS) flow, tissue hypoxia and blood brain barrier (BBB) degradation ( Bragin et al., 2011 ). Objectives To evaluate whether PEMF attenuates the detrimental effects of non-nutritive MVS flow induced by high ICP. Materials and methods By in vivo 2-photon laser scanning microscopy over the rat parietal cortex, we evaluated the effects of PEMF on microvascular blood flow, tissue oxygenation (NADH), BBB permeability (dye extravasation) and neuronal necrosis (i.v. propidium Iodide) during 4 h of high ICP. Doppler cortical flux, rectal and cranial temperatures, ICP and arterial pressure, blood gases and electrolytes were monitored. After baseline imaging at normal ICP (10 mmHg), rats were subjected to high ICP (30 mmHg) by raising an artificial cerebrospinal fluid reservoir connected to the cisterna magna. At ICP of 30 mmHg, PEMF was applied for 30 min and imaging continuously performed after the treatment. Controls were untreated with PEMF. Results PEMF decreased tissue hypoxia (NADH reduced by 14.6 ± 3.7% compared to control, n = 10 rats per group, mean ± SEM, p Conclusions PEMF reduced tissue hypoxia, BBB degradation and neuronal necrosis by modulating cerebral blood flow at high ICP. PEMF could be an effective treatment for high ICP after severe cerebral insults. Support Rio Grande Neurosciences.
Clinical presentation and outcomes of norovirus infection in intestinal allograft compared to native intestine

Background No data are available on clinical manifestations and course of norovirus gastroenteritis (NVE) in intestinal allograft (from intestinal and multivisceral transplant recipients, ITR) compared to native intestine (from other allograft recipients, nITR). Methods This was a retrospective study of solid organ transplant recipients with NVE at two centers from January 1, 2010 to April 1, 2014. Chi-square, t-test, linear and logistic regression analyses were done to compare NVE in ITR vs nITR patients. Results ITR (45 patients) were compared to nITR (107 patients). ITR were younger (odds ratio [OR]=0.90; P<.0001), less likely to receive anti-lymphocyte induction therapy (OR=0.15; P<.0001), had shorter time from transplant to NVE (OR=0.99; P=.008). On presentation ITR had less frequent nausea (OR=0.11; P<.0001) or vomiting (OR=0.36; P=.01), higher white blood cell count (OR=1.09; P=.001), and higher glomerular filtration rate (OR=1.02; P<.0001). ITR were less likely to receive anti-motility agents (OR=9.6; P<.0001). ITR were more likely to stay longer on intravenous (IV) fluids (OR=1.18; P<.0001); have recurrent NVE (OR=4.25; P <.0001); have longer hospital stay (OR=1.07; P<.0001); develop acute rejection (OR=5.1; P =.006); and have lower overall survival (OR=0.28; P=.006). Conclusions Compared to nITR, the ITR with NVE were significantly younger, had less nausea and vomiting at presentation, received less anti-motility agents, required more IV fluids, and had longer hospital stay. A trend was seen for lower survival with NVE in ITR. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Optimizing Enteral Nutrition in Medical Intensive Care Patients

Critically ill patients have increased metabolic requirements as well as increased protein catabolism. Nutrition support and in particular enteral nutrition have been recently a topic of increased research and commentary in the critical care literature. Although there remains a paucity of large randomized multi-center trials to answer definitively the questions of best timing, delivery, how to monitor for tolerance, and enteral formula selection, there is good overall data to support the use of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients. In applying the existing evidence, clinicians must be cautious to use the evidence based on the trial population and the nutritional status of patients enrolled and not make broad-based clinical decisions that what is best for one patient population is good for all. This review focuses on evidence and existing guidelines to help clinicians optimize use of enteral nutrition in medical critical care patients.
Improved Genetic Algorithm to Reduce Mutation Testing Cost

Mutation testing is a fault-based testing technique that helps generating effective test cases. Mutation testing is computationally expensive, because it requires executing hundreds and even thousands of mutants. In this situation, search-based approaches like genetic algorithm can help to automate test case generation to reduce the cost. In this paper, we present an improved genetic algorithm that can reduce computational cost of mutation testing. First, we present a novel state-based and control-oriented fitness function that efficiently uses object-oriented program features to evaluate a test case. We then empirically evaluate it using our implemented tool, eMuJava, and compare it with the standard fitness function. Results show that although our proposed fitness function provides detailed information about fitness of a test case but standard genetic algorithm is incapable of using that effectively to repair the test cases. Therefore, we propose a new two-way crossover and adaptable mutation methods that intelligently use the fitness information to generate fitter offspring. Finally, we compare the improved genetic algorithm with random testing, standard genetic algorithm, and EvoSuite. Experiment results prove that our proposed approach can find the optimal test cases in less number of attempts (reduces computational cost). Besides that it can detect software bugs from suspiciously equivalent mutants and these mutants eventually get killed (increases mutation score).
Beyond the limits of classic backscattering communications: A quantum tunneling RFID tag

Sensor networks, radio-equipped drones, and satellites are widely used to retrieve sensor data in many applications such as health care, smart cities and precision agriculture. Nevertheless, the high-power costs of communication per distance unit lead to poor technical solutions, particularly in terms of flexibility and efficiency. A future of devices connected through an Internet of Things (IoT) network will require billions of sensors that will affect costs and increase the energy requirements if not equipped with backscattering technologies such as RFID. This work shows how a quantum tunneling RFID tag enables the use of RFIDs in new applications by minimizing battery waste and by drastically improving the range of backscattering systems. The highly sensitive 5.8 GHz quantum tunneling RFID tag achieves backscattering free space ranges above 1.2 km while consuming biasing powers as low as 20.4 µW. This is over 10 times higher than the maximum range of a semi-passive 5.8 GHz RFID ideal link. The quantum tunneling tag is characterized by return gains as high as 35 dB, a simple RF front-end, a sensitivity of −84 dBm, and increasing SNRs for increasing RF impinging powers. This work lays out the basis for both entrepreneurial and research activities that will lead to a new class of long-range backscattering passive sensors with power consumption far lower than traditional radios.
Evidence for a transient hydromechanical and frictional faulting response during the 2011 Mw 5.6 Prague, Oklahoma earthquake sequence

Mechanisms for the delayed triggering between the Mw 4.8 foreshock and Mw 5.6 main shock of the 2011 earthquake sequence near Prague, Oklahoma, USA were investigated using a coupled fluid flow and fault mechanics numerical model. Because the stress orientations, stress magnitudes, fault geometry, and earthquake source mechanisms at the Prague site have been well-characterized by previous studies, this particular earthquake sequence offered an opportunity to explore the range of physical processes and in-situ fault properties that might be consistent with the 20 hour delayed triggering effect observed at the site. Our numerical experiments suggest that an initial undrained response resulting from elastic stress transfer from the foreshock followed by transient fluid flow along the fault may have contributed to the earthquake nucleation process. The results of the numerical experiments were used to constrain fault compliance and fault transmissivity for the fault that hosted the Mw 5.6 event. Relatively compliant behavior in response to changes in normal stress, corresponding to Skempton pore pressure coefficients near 1, was consistent with the field observations. Fault transmissivity was estimated to range from 10−18 to 10−15 m3. This study has implications for understanding hydraulic properties, frictional properties, and faulting behavior of basement faults in Oklahoma that are large enough to host damaging earthquakes.
Rotator Cuff Repair with Patch Tissue

Multiple studies have identified the modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for structural failure after rotator cuff repair. Patient-specific factors such as age, medical comorbidities, and smoking status and tear-specific factors such as large tear size, retraction, revision surgery, and muscle atrophy can negatively impact healing rates. Dermal patch augmentation has emerged as a clinical technique aimed to improve healing rates in complex and revision rotator cuff repairs.
Switching function based analysis of the modular multilevel converter for low/medium voltage applications

The advantages of the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) as a Voltage Source Converter (VSC) is well known. These includes scalability, increased reliability, lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in output variables, fault tolerance and so forth. The MMC has found its most application in High Voltage DC (HVDC) systems again because of the stated advantages. In the analysis of such systems, because of the high number of Sub-Modules, several assumptions and approximations including the components of the arm current and form of each component are made. In reality however, the component of the arm current and their form could vary from one circuit configuration to another. In this paper, a switching function based analysis of the MMC is performed using a generalized model of the MMC. The model is developed in the QD reference frame and uses the sum and differences of upper and lower arm sub-module capacitor voltages. Simulation results have been included to show the form of the model variables.
Continuum Theory of Epitaxial Crystal Growth. I

We present various continuum limits to describe epitaxial thin film growth. We consider a hierarchy of models which can take into account the diffusion of terrace adatoms, attachment and detachment of edge adatoms, vapor phase diffusion and the effect of multiple species. The starting point is the Burton–Cabrera–Frank type step flow model. We have obtained partial differential equations in the form of a coupled system of diffusion equation for the adatom density and a Hamilton–Jacobi equation for the film height function. This is supplemented with appropriate boundary conditions at the continuum level to describe the growth at the peaks and valleys on the film. The results here can be used in a macroscopic description of thin film growth.
Descriptivist Reference and the Return of Classical Theism

Publications addressing traditional questions in philosophical theology have increased in recent years, and have come largely from analytic philosophers. This marks a substantial shift in relations between theology and analytic philosophy, which only a few decades ago were best described as adversarial. What accounts for this shift? In this paper I argue that theology’s disenchantment with analytic philosophy resulted from the dominance of Russell’s descriptivist program in philosophy of language and the falsification challenge that depended on it. By the time Kripke’s causal theory of reference, and his contributions to modal logic and possible world semantics began to revolutionize analytic philosophy of language and metaphysics, theologians had turned their attention elsewhere. Consequently, while theologians mostly remain reticent about engaging analytic philosophy, new developments in classical theistic doctrines are in large part the work of philosophers able to explore the opportunities that Kripke, his cohorts and followers have opened up.
Using atomic force microscopy to investigate solution crystal growth

Publisher Summary Over the past 10 years, the atomic force microscope (AFM) has become a common tool for investigating the growth of crystal surfaces from solutions. This chapter describes the basic operation of the AFM and present examples of its application to crystal growth science. The dynamic range of the AFM makes it possible to access features with sizes from tens of nanometers to tens of microns. Operation of the AFM is possible in different environments including air, vacuum, vapor (including H2O), and solution. The choice of environment clearly depends on the objectives of the experiment. The majority of AFM studies on crystal surfaces have been performed either ex situ in air at room temperature or in situ in solution in the vicinity of room temperature. Despite the many reasons why in situ imaging is more desirable than ex situ imaging for investigating solution crystal growth physics, a simple analysis shows that many crystal systems simply grow too rapidly to allow for in situ operation. By increasing the super saturation, one can unambiguously monitor the transition to 2D nucleation using the AFM. The chapter provides examples of 2D nucleation on calcite, canavalin, and satellite mosaic tobacco virus (STMV).
Integration of optimization methodology to evaluate pavement maintenance strategies for deteriorated low-volume roads

Low-volume roads (LVRs) are restricted with limited maintenance funding due to the recent national economic downturn. Only few selected LVRs with deteriorated pavements are typically rehabilitated in which poor LVRs are expected to continue deteriorating to extreme levels of distress. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is evaluating pavement treatments on LVRs to find the most cost-effective maintenance strategies. As part of these efforts, a comprehensive optimization analysis is adopted in this paper to investigate alternative maintenance strategies and define the capital improvement plans for deteriorated LVRs with marginal pavement conditions. A proposed strategy was found to enhance the effectiveness of current policies followed by CDOT. However, the results emphasize the need for additional resources at network level for dealing with deteriorated LVRs. The optimization procedure described in this paper can be followed by other agencies nationwide to identify strategies and establish fundin...
Action Detection and Recognition in Continuous Action Streams by Deep Learning-Based Sensing Fusion

This paper presents a deep learning-based sensing fusion system to detect and recognize actions of interest from continuous action streams, which contain actions of interest occurring continuously and randomly among arbitrary actions of non-interest. The sensors used in the fusion system consist of a depth camera and a wearable inertial sensor. A convolutional neural network is utilized for depth images obtained from the depth sensor, and a combination of convolutional neural network and long short-term memory network is utilized for inertial signals obtained from the inertial sensor. Each sensing modality first performs segmentation of all actions and then detection of actions of interest for a particular application. A decision-level fusion of the two sensing modalities is carried out to achieve the recognition of the detected actions of interest. The developed fusion system is examined for two applications: one involving transition movements for home healthcare monitoring and the other involving smart TV hand gestures. The results obtained show the effectiveness of the developed fusion system in dealing with realistic continuous action streams.
A comparison of the structure and bonding in the donor–acceptor complexes H 3 N → BR(OH) 2 and H 3 N → BRH(OH) (R = H; NH 2 , OH, and F): a computational investigation

Boronic acids, R–B(OH)2, play an important role in synthetic, biological, medicinal, and materials chemistry. Borinic acids, R–BH(OH), find relevance in similar fields, although their properties, e.g., binding affinity to diols, can vary significantly. Dative boron–nitrogen bonds, N → B, are critical for protecting the boron atom in these acids from nucleophilic attack. In this article, we study the structure, bonding, and formation thermodynamics of the model donor–acceptor complexes H3N → BR(OH)2 and H3N → BRH(OH) (R = H; NH2, OH, and F). Geometry optimizations were performed using second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) with the Dunning–Woon aug-cc-pVTZ basis set; single-point CCSD(FC)/aug-cc-pVTZ//MP2(FC)/aug-cc-pVTZ level calculations were used to generate a QCI density for analyses of the bonding. Extensive comparisons are made with results from density functional theory (DFT) optimizations with/without empirical dispersion corrections. The addition of an ammonia molecule dative bonded to the boron atom for these boronic and borinic acids results in the elongation of bonds to the boron atom, e.g., the boron–oxygen bond lengths increase in the range from ~ 4.5 to ~ 6.5%. The calculated values of ∆ $$ {H}_{298}^0 $$ for the ammoniation reactions, R–B(OH)2 + NH3 → H3N → BR(OH)2 are − 0.6, + 4.6, + 0.1, and − 6.0 kcal/mol for R = H, NH2, OH, and F, respectively, at the CCSD(FC)/aug-cc-pVTZ//MP2(FC)/aug-cc-pVTZ level; the corresponding values of ∆ $$ {H}_{298}^0 $$ for the borinic acid reactions are − 8.9, + 2.1, − 1.5, and − 7.9 kcal/mol.
Student perceptions and use of feedback during active learning: a new model from repeated stimulated recall interviews

AbstractAs active learning pedagogies continue to increase in popularity in higher education, new questions have emerged about how instructors can manage all of the associated ‘moving parts’ of active learning, including how and when to deliver feedback. Currently, little is known about how students perceive the effects of verbal feedback during in-class activities. This study examined two large sections of introductory biology held in an active learning SCALE-UP (Student-Centred Active Learning Environments with Upside-down Pedagogies) classroom. Thematic analysis of repeated stimulated recall interviews with 15 students (72 total interviews) uncovered three main categories of feedback effects that students perceived: assure, alert and add (AAA). These three categories were supported by repeated stimulated recall surveys with a larger student population (262 students). We describe each category, quantify the frequency of each category in the target course, outline the students’ perceived impact of each o...
The Evidentiary Significance of Automotive Paint from the Northeast: A Study of Red Paint.

This population study was conducted to assess the frequency of physical, microscopical, and chemical properties of automotivepaint chips. Population studies of trace evidence provide valuable analytical data for criminalists to assess evidentiary significance. Two-hun-dred automotive paint chips were collected from auto body shops from the Northeastern United States. All samples were analyzed using stere-omicroscopy, brightfield, and polarized light microscopy. Red paints were targeted for further analysis using a sequence of moderninstrumental techniques commonly used by forensic paint examiners: Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) microspectroscopy. The discrimination potential of each analytical method was evaluated by inter-comparing the paint samples. Resultsdemonstrated that macroscopic and microscopic properties were able to differentiate 99.995% of the population (one undifferentiated pair outof 19,900). When combined with either FT-IR or UV–Vis microspectroscopy, all paints were differentiated. The results of this research lead tothe conclusion that one would not expect to encounter two indistinguishable paint chips originating from different sources during the investiga-tion of a single event.
Exploring Aerosols Near Clouds With High-Spatial-Resolution Aircraft Remote Sensing During SEAC4RS

Since aerosols are important to our climate system, we seek to observe the variability of aerosol properties within cloud systems. When applied to the satellite-borne Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the Dark Target (DT) retrieval algorithm provides global aerosol optical depth (AOD at 0.55 μm) in cloud-free scenes. Since MODIS' resolution (500 m pixels, 3 km or 10 km product) is too coarse for studying near-cloud aerosol, we ported the DT algorithm to the high-resolution (~50 m pixels) enhanced-MODIS Airborne Simulator (eMAS), which flew on the high-altitude ER-2 during the Studies of Emissions, Atmospheric Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS) Airborne Science Campaign over the U.S. in 2013. We find that even with aggressive cloud screening, the ~0.5 km eMAS retrievals show enhanced AOD, especially within 6 km of a detected cloud. To determine the cause of the enhanced AOD, we analyze additional eMAS products (cloud retrievals and degraded-resolution AOD), co-registered Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL) profiles, MODIS aerosol retrievals, and ground-based Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) observations. We also define spatial metrics to indicate local cloud distributions near each retrieval, and then separate into near-cloud and far-from-cloud environments. The comparisons show that low cloud masking is robust, and unscreened thin cirrus would have only a small impact on retrieved AOD. Some of the enhancement is consistent with clear-cloud transition zone microphysics such as aerosol swelling. However, 3D radiation interaction between clouds and the surrounding clear air appears to be the primary cause of the high AOD near clouds.
Using the payback framework to evaluate the outcomes of pilot projects supported by the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance.

Introduction: The Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) seeks to improve population health by accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries in the laboratory and clinic into practices for the community. CTSAs achieve this goal, in part, through their pilot project programs that fund promising early career investigators and innovative early-stage research projects across the translational research spectrum. However, there have been few reports on individual pilot projects and their impacts on the investigators who receive them and no studies on the long-term impact and outcomes of pilot projects. Methods: The Georgia CTSA funded 183 pilot projects from 2007 to 2015. We used a structured evaluation framework, the payback framework, to document the outcomes of 16 purposefully-selected pilot projects supported by the Georgia CTSA. We used a case study approach including bibliometric analyses of publications associated with the selected projects, document review, and investigator interviews. Results: These pilot projects had positive impact based on outcomes in five “payback categories”: (1) knowledge; (2) research targeting, capacity building, and absorption; (3) policy and product development; (4) health benefits; and (5) broader economic benefits. Conclusions: Results could inform our understanding of the diversity and breadth of outcomes resulting from Georgia CTSA-supported research and provide a framework for evaluating long-term pilot project outcomes across CTSAs.
Prediction of Gait Cycle Percentage Using Instrumented Shoes with Artificial Neural Networks

Gait training is widely used to treat gait abnormalities. Traditional gait measurement systems are limited to instrumented laboratories. Even though gait measurements can be made in these settings, it is challenging to estimate gait parameters robustly in real-time for gait rehabilitation, especially when walking over-ground. In this paper, we present a novel approach to track the continuous gait cycle during overground walking outside the laboratory. In this approach, we instrument standard footwear with a sensorized insole and an inertial measurement unit. Artificial neural networks are used on the raw data obtained from the insoles and IMUs to compute the continuous percentage of the gait cycle for the entire walking session. We show in this paper that when tested with novel subjects, we can predict the gait cycle with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 7.2%. The onset of each cycle can be detected within an RMSE time of 41.5 ms with a 99% detection rate. The algorithm was tested with 18840 strides collected from 24 adults. In this paper, we tested a combination of fully-connected layers, an Encoder-Decoder using convolutional layers, and recurrent layers to identify an architecture that provided the best performance.
Effect of Exposure to e-Cigarettes With Salt vs Free-Base Nicotine on the Appeal and Sensory Experience of Vaping: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Alkaline free-base nicotine is bitter and a respiratory irritant. High-nicotine electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products contain acid additives that change nicotine from a free-base to a protonated salt chemical form, which could improve the sensory experience of vaping, particularly among never smokers unaccustomed to inhaling free-base nicotine. Objective To determine whether exposure to e-cigarettes with salt vs free-base nicotine formulations improves the appeal and sensory experience of vaping e-cigarettes and whether nicotine formulation effects differ by e-cigarette flavor and ever combustible cigarette smoking status. Design, Setting, and Participants Single-visit double-blind within-participant randomized clinical trial was conducted in an academic medical center outpatient clinical research facility in Southern California. Participants were 119 individuals with past 30-day e-cigarette or combustible cigarette use aged 21 years or older recruited from November 2019 to March 2020. Interventions Participants self-administered standardized puffs of each 10 differently flavored e-cigarette solutions using a pod-style device. Each flavor was administered in salt (benzoic acid added) and free-base (no benzoic acid) nicotine formulations with commensurate nicotine concentrations (mean, 23.6 mg/mL). The 20 solutions were administered in randomly assigned sequences. Immediately after puffing each solution, participants rated appeal and sensory attributes. Main Outcomes and Measures Self-reported appeal (mean oflike,dislike[reverse-scored], andwillingness to use againratings) and 4 sensory attributes (sweetness,smoothness,bitterness, andharshness; analyzed individually) on visual analog scales withnot at allandextremelyanchors (range, 0-100). Results Of the 119 participants; 39 (32.8%) were female. The mean (SD) age was 42.1 (14.4) years; 105 (88.2%) were ever combustible cigarette smokers, and 66 (55.5%) were current e-cigarette users. Salt vs free-base nicotine formulations produced higher ratings of appeal (salt vs free-base mean difference effect estimate: b = 12.0; 95% CI, 9.9-14.1;P Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial of adult current nicotine or tobacco product users, controlled exposure to e-cigarette puffs with salt vs free-base nicotine formulations appeared to increase product appeal and improve the sensory experience of vaping, particularly among never smokers. Regulatory policies limiting acid additives in e-cigarettes might reduce the appeal of high-nicotine e-cigarettes among populations deterred from vaping e-cigarettes that emit harsh aerosol. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT04399031
Blockchain-Enabled Collaborative Intrusion Detection in Software Defined Networks

Collaborative intrusion detection system (CIDS) shares the critical detection-control information across the nodes for improved and coordinated defense. Software-defined network (SDN) introduces the controllers for the networking control, including for the networks spanning across multiple autonomous systems, and therefore provides a prime platform for CIDS application. Although previous research studies have focused on CIDS in SDN, the real-time secure exchange of the detection-relevant information (e.g., the detection signature) remains a critical challenge. In particular, the CIDS research still lacks robust trust management of the SDN controllers and the integrity protection of the collaborative defense information to resist against the insider attacks transmitting untruthful and malicious detection signatures to other participating controllers. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-enabled collaborative intrusion detection in SDN, taking advantage of the blockchain's security properties. Our scheme achieves three important security goals: to establish the trust of the participating controllers by using the permissioned blockchain to register the controller and manage digital certificates, to protect the integrity of the detection signatures against malicious detection signature injection, and to attest the delivery/update of the detection signature to other controllers. Our experiments in CloudLab based on a prototype built on Ethereum, Smart Contract, and IPFS demonstrates that our approach efficiently shares and distributes detection signatures in real-time through the trustworthy distributed platform.
The Current Role of General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery

The use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery has declined in the last decades due to the widespread utilization of neuraxial techniques and the understanding that neuraxial anesthesia can be provided even in urgent circumstances. In fact, the role of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery has been revisited, because despite recent devices facilitating endotracheal intubation and clinical algorithms, guiding anesthesiologists facing challenging scenarios, risks, and complications of general anesthesia at the time of delivery for both mother and neonate(s) remain significant. In this review, we will discuss clinical scenarios and risk factors associated with general anesthesia for cesarean delivery and address reasons why anesthesiologists should apply strategies to minimize its use. Unnecessary general anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with maternal complications, including serious anesthesia-related complications, surgical site infection, and venous thromboembolic events. Racial and socioeconomic disparities and low-resource settings are major contributing factors in the use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery, with both maternal and perinatal mortality increasing when general anesthesia is provided. In addition, more significant maternal pain and higher rates of postpartum depression requiring hospitalization are associated with general anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Rates of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery have overall decreased, and while general anesthesia no longer is a contributing factor to anesthesia-related maternal deaths, further opportunities to reduce its use should be emphasized. Raising awareness in identifying situations and patients at risk to help avoid unnecessary general anesthesia remains crucial.
The drama of information literacy: Collaborating to incorporate information literacy into a theatre history curriculum

Information literacy (IL) has been studied extensively, but little has been written about IL applied to the study of theater. This study addresses that lacuna by evaluating the success of a librari...
Survey of Self-Play in Reinforcement Learning.

In reinforcement learning (RL), the term self-play describes a kind of multi-agent learning (MAL) that deploys an algorithm against copies of itself to test compatibility in various stochastic environments. As is typical in MAL, the literature draws heavily from well-established concepts in classical game theory and so this survey quickly reviews some fundamental concepts. In what follows, we present a brief survey of self-play literature, its major themes, criteria, and techniques, and then conclude with an assessment of current shortfalls of the literature as well as suggestions for future directions.
The influence of soil texture on reproduction and pathogenicity of Rotylenchulus reniformis on cotton.

Sixty-day duration studies were conducted under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the influence of three soil textures on reproduction and pathogenicity of three isolates of Rotylenchulus reniformis on Phytogen 375WF, Stoneville 5288B2F, and Stoneville LA887 cotton. Soil with clay content of 25.9% had a significant negative effect on reproduction of the nematode on all three cultivars. Soil texture had a significant main effect on heights of Stoneville 5288B2F and Phytogen 375WF plants. Across the cotton cultivars, there were significant differences in reproduction among the three isolates of reniform nematode. Overall, the Avoyelles isolate reached the highest population density. There was significant soil texture by reniform isolate interaction that affected population density of the nematode only for Phytogen 375WF.
Agent-organized networks for multi-agent production and exchange

As multi-agent systems grow in size and complexity, social networks that govern the interactions among the agents will directly impact system behavior at the individual and collective levels. Examples of such large-scale, networked multi-agent systems include peer-to-peer networks, distributed information retrieval, and agent-based supply chains. One way of dealing with the uncertain and dynamic nature of such environments is to endow agents with the ability to modify the agent social network by autonomously adapting their local connectivity structure. In this paper, we present a framework for agent-organized networks (AONs) in the context of multi-agent production and exchange, and experimentally evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of specific AON strategies. We find that decentralized network adaptation can significantly improve organizational performance. Additionally, we analyze several properties of the resulting network structures and consider their relationship to the observed increase in organizational performance.
Regulation of transgene expression using tetracycline.

Transgenesis has proven useful in creating animal models that mimic certain disease states, providing a mechanistic approach for understanding the underlying disease mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels. With traditional transgenics, the gene of interest is cloned behind a promoter that has the desired expression pattern, allowing the gene to be expressed in those tissues at the developmental times that the promoter is active. In order to more precisely control gene expression both in vitro and in vivo, inducible systems that use pharmacologic intervention to control transgene expression have been developed (unit 16.14). As previously described, the system consists of two components, an activator that is regulated by tetracycline and a responder that is dependent upon the activator. Both limbs of the system will be discussed in the context of inducible and reversible transgene expression that is cell type– or organ-specific, with particular attention paid to the cardiovascular system. Keywords: transgenic; inducible; tetracycline; mouse; genetics
Non-invasive control of aortic pressure and cardiac output in a reciprocating pusher-plate artificial heart

An algorithm has been developed to control reciprocating pusher-plates of an artificial heart in a method that regulates cardiac output to maintain aortic pressure and maximize ventricular filling. A simulation of a total artificial heart (TAH) driven by a control algorithm was coupled to a windkessel model of the circulation to explore the range of the TAH as a function of systemic resistance. The results of this simulation were compared to an isolated natural heart using a time-varying elastance model of the ventricle. The simulation demonstrated the artificial heart controller to have a range of control of cardiac output in which it maintained aortic pressure at a desired level over a broad range of systemic resistance.
Critical Communication History| The Premature Death of Electronic Mail: The United States Postal Service’s E-COM Program, 1978-1985

In the late-1970s, the United States Postal Service (USPS) launched an innovative electronic mail service, “E-COM,” that sought to integrate networked computing and the postal system. Postal management envisioned E-COM as a path-breaking program that would carve out a key place for postal service in the coming information age. The following examination of the ultimate failure of E-COM contributes to the history of networked computing and communications, while additionally providing a unique perspective on the current precarious state of postal service in the United States. Typically, the decline of postal service is considered to be the result of the “natural” obsolescence of an old medium in the face of new technologies, or it is linked to the failings of a public agency in the face of nimble competition. Yet revisiting E-COM challenges these dominate narratives: A consideration of E-COM highlights the role that private telecommunications companies played in preventing the expansion of postal service into new markets and, importantly, draws attention to the ways in which patterns of technological change are historically and politically situated.
Researching CLIL and TBLT interfaces

Abstract The special issue is one of the first attempts at exploring research interfaces between the fields of task-based language teaching (TBLT) and language integrated learning (CLIL). In this commentary, I highlight several lessons learned from the research gathered in the eight articles that comprise the special issue, pointing at fruitful research directions that the contributors open up for the future.
Traumatic Event Debriefing: Service Delivery Designs and the Role of Social Work

Traumatic events are incidents that lie outside the range of usual human experience and are so powerful that they are capable of overwhelming any person's normal coping abilities and causing severe stress reactions. Traumatic event debriefing (TED), conducted 24 to 72 hours after exposure to the traumatic event, uses a form of intensive group crisis intervention. The method is designed to help reduce acute stress symptoms and accelerate the recovery process, thereby diminishing the subsequent development of posttraumatic stress disorder. Social workers have the precise constellation of skills, social-environmental perspectives, and practice methodologies indispensable both to developing TED teams and to leading the debriefings. This article addresses the evolution of debriefing-type psychological interventions for trauma victims, the debriefing process itself, three environment-specific debriefing team designs, and the unique qualifications of social workers to develop and lead the teams.
Effects of n−3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation

n-3 Fatty acids exert important effects on eicosanoid metabolism, membrane properties, and gene expression and therefore are biologically important nutrients. One n-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, is an important component of neural and retinal membranes and accumulates rapidly in the brain and retina during the later part of gestation and early postnatal life. It is reasonable to hypothesize that maternal n-3 fatty acid intakes might have significant effects on several pregnancy outcomes as well as on subsequent infant visual function and neurodevelopmental status. Studies, both observational and interventional, assessing the influence of n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy or the early postpartum period on duration of gestation and infant size at birth, preeclampsia, depression, and infant visual function and neurodevelopment have been reported. n-3 Fatty acid intakes (both in terms of absolute amounts of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid and the ratio of these 2 fatty acids) varied widely in these studies, however, and no clear consensus exists regarding the effects of n-3 fatty acids on any of these outcomes. The available data suggest a modest effect of these fatty acids on increasing gestational duration and possibly enhancing infant neurodevelopment. Although data from earlier observational studies suggested a potential role of these fatty acids in decreasing the incidence of preeclampsia, this has not been confirmed in randomized, prospective trials. Because of the paucity of data from randomized, prospective, double-blind trials, the effect of n-3 fatty acids on depression during pregnancy or the early postpartum period remains unresolved.
Information warfare American style: the battle for page numbers, real time event data and other factual information. Recent legal developments

The development of the National Information Infrastructure opens new avenues for information products and services. As these information products and services are developed and marketed, the producers of those products and service seek to protect their proprietary interest in the underlying information. Attempts to extend legal protection to basic facts and other public domain information demonstrate that the public information space is eroding. Recent information controversies can form the basis for establishing several predictors useful in determining when future information ownership controversies may develop and result in the loss of public information space. One set of predictors describes the information environment. A second set of predictors characterizes the marketplace environment. Identifying instances where elements of each set of predictors exist suggest a change in information rights or ownership most likely to result in the critical loss of access to public information space.
Non-documented but induced supraventricular tachycardia: a new challenge or a new light?--author's reply.

With great interest we read the letter by Yetkin and Tandogan.1 He pointed to an interesting question regarding the rate of dual atrioventricular (AV) nodal physiology in patients …
Bovine Milk Xanthine Oxidase, Blood Lipids and Coronary Plaques in Rabbits

The effects of prolonged intravenous administration of bovine milk xanthine oxidase (EC 1.2.3.2) on blood lipids and arterial integrity were measured to determine if the administration of this enzyme produces metabolic changes conducive to plaque formation. New Zealand White rabbits were injected intravenously with bovine milk xanthine oxidase at 4-day intervals during a 13-week test period. At the end of the test period, the rabbits were killed and blood, heart, aorta, liver, and kidneys were collected and evaluated. Rabbits injected with phosphate buffer or acid-denatured xanthine oxidase for the same length of time served as negative controls. Additional rabbits fed a diet containing 3% added cho lesterol for the same time period served as positive controls. The administra tion of xanthine oxidase in large amounts over a prolonged period did not alter serum cholesterol or triglycA©ride levels and did not reduce plas malogen levels in the aorta or heart. Xanthine oxidase administration did not induce arterial plaque formation. Cholesterol feeding over the same time period increased serum cholesterol levels, reduced liver xanthine oxidase activity levels and resulted in a marked development of arterial plaques. Although xanthine oxidase activity was found in liver from all rabbits, enzyme activity was not detectable in aorta, heart or kidneys from any rabbit. Free or complexed bovine milk xanthine oxidase could not be demonstrated in heart, aorta, liver or kidneys from any of the rabbits with immunodiffusion or with immunofluorescent techniques. The study showed that when large intravenous doses of bovine milk xanthine oxidase were given to rabbits, the enzyme was not deposited in heart, aorta, liver or kidneys. The study also showed that large intravenous doses of xanthine oxidase over prolonged periods did not deplete arterial or coronary tissue plasmalogens, and did not induce arterial plaque formation. J. Nutr. 107; 758-766,1977.