cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Microstructure of Silicon-on-Insulator Structures Formed by High Dose Oxygen Ion Implantation

Cross-sectional and plan view transmission electron microscopy and high resolution scanning electron microscopy have been used to characterize the microstructure of silicon-on-insulator formed by high dose oxygen ion implantation. The complete microstructure was observed to be composed of a series of distinct zones. The top silicon layer was {100} single crystal with a very low dislocation density. The second layer was a mixture of fine grained polysilicon and amorphous SiO 2 . The third layer was pure SiO 2 , followed by a second mixed layer. Finally, there was a layer of {100} silicon with an extremely high dislocation density. Some of the dislocations extended as far as 1 μm into the Si substrate. The relative widths of the layers were found to depend on the total ion fluence. The oxide layer did not occur for low doses and the two mixed layers merged into one zone. At high doses, the silicon-silicon dioxide interfaces are abrupt due to internal oxidation.
LONG-TERM HYPERTENSIVE THERAPY AND STROKE PREVENTION: A META-ANALYSIS

Stroke yearly produces about 6.7 million worldwide deaths as the second leading cause. Pharmacotherapy for hypertension, an independent stroke risk factor, significantly reduces incidence. Although prior meta-analyses demonstrate various antihypertensive classes are superior to placebo in reducing
Ergot alkaloids induce vasoconstriction of bovine uterine and ovarian blood vessels

Fescue toxicosis is a syndrome that impairs growth and reproduction in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum [(Schreb.].) Darbysh)] in the United States, resulting in approximately $1 billion in annual economic loss in species that utilize this forage resource. Approximately 90% of tall fescue contains an endophytic fungus (Epichloe coenophiala) that produces ergot alkaloids. Ergot alkaloids cause vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the extremities; however, it remains unknown how blood flow to the reproductive organs is affected in cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue reduce blood flow to the reproductive organs, thus hindering reproductive function. Angus heifers (n = 36) naive to ergot alkaloids were placed in Calan gates and randomly assigned to receive either endophyte-infected fescue seed (E+) or noninfected fescue seed (E-; control) in a total mixed ration for 63 d. Weekly measurements were taken to monitor heifer growth and response to ergot alkaloid exposure. Reproductive measurements, including ovarian structures, uterine and ovarian vessel diameter, and hormone concentrations were determined after heifers were synchronized using the standard CO-Synch + 7 d CIDR protocol to ensure all measurements were collected at the same stages of the estrous cycle (0, 4, 10, and 17 d). Data were analyzed using repeated measures in PROC MIXED of SAS. Average daily gain was decreased for the E+ group (0.8 kg/d) compared to control heifers (1.0 kg/d). Body condition scores tended to be greater in control heifers compared to the E+ group (P = 0.053). Additionally, hair coat and hair shedding scores were greater in E+ heifers compared to controls (P 0.05). Vasoconstriction was observed in the caudal artery, but not the caudal vein, in heifers consuming the E+ fescue seed (P 0.05). There was a significant decrease in the diameter of arteries and veins servicing the ovary and uterus on day 10 and 17 of the estrous cycle. Reduction in blood flow to the reproductive organs during critical times in the estrous cycle may contribute to the reduced ovarian function and pregnancy rates associated with fescue toxicosis.
27 Clinical outcomes of unprotected left main stem percutaneous coronary intervention in a non-surgical centre

Introduction The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of unprotected LMS percutaneous interventions (PCI) in a non-surgical centre. Methods The data on LMS PCI cases performed over 41 months was collected from local database and discharge summaries. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were also recorded at 6 and 12 months. Results A total of 147 patients with multiple risk factors had unprotected LMS PCI performed. Demographics were: 73% males with an average age of 70 years. 48% were elective procedures, 31% NSTEMI and 15%PPCI. Bail out stenting was required in 1%. Over 70% of procedures were performed transradially. The average EURO score was 2.89%. The anatomical distribution was: 47% distal LMS, ostial 23% and 22% mid-LMS. Of the lesions 51% involved only the LMS. Additional imaging was used in 41% of PCIs. The mean Syntax score was 34.4. 74% patients had drug eluting stents, followed by bare metal stents (8%), drug eluting balloons (8%) and combo stents. 5% of patients were in cardiogenic shock and 6% had Intra-aortic balloon pump inserted. Procedural success was reported in 96.6% of cases. In-hospital MACE was 3.4%. The MACE rates for 6 months and 12 months were 10.2% and 13.6% respectively. There were 4 in-hospital deaths recorded (2.7%). The study revealed a procedural success of over 95%. The in-hospital MACE was 3.4% and the 12 month MACE rate was comparable to the reported data. Conclusion This study demonstrates that PCI in LMS lesions performed in a non-surgical centre is both safe and effective.
A kinematic methodology to optimize the landing trajectory for the Boeing 737 jet undergoing total loss of thrust

ABSTRACTAlthough contemporary twin-engine airliners offer superior fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels compared to yesterday's three- and four-engine airliners, they are more vulnerable to total loss of thrust due to reduced engine redundancy. In the event of total loss of thrust, quick reference handbooks are designed to provide a successful recovery of at least one engine. However, if an engine recovery is not achieved, flight crews are left with little to no guidance on how to handle the engines-out landing. Therefore, the idea of engines-out landing trajectory optimization should be further developed for contemporary twin-engine airliners. A major obstacle to the development of this idea is the inaccessibility of aircraft-specific aerodynamic data for airliners. To fill in this gap, this study applies a kinematic trajectory optimization method to the Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG), which is the second best-selling aircraft family as of today after the competing Airbus A320. Unlike conventional t...
Manipulation of Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-18 Production by Yersinia pestis Effectors YopJ and YopM and Redundant Impact on Virulence

Innate immunity plays a central role in resolving infections by pathogens. Host survival during plague, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Yersinia pestis, is favored by a robust early innate immune response initiated by IL-1β and IL-18. These cytokines are produced by a two-step mechanism involving NF-κB-mediated pro-cytokine production and inflammasome-driven maturation into bioactive inflammatory mediators. Because of the anti-microbial effects induced by IL-1β/IL-18, it may be desirable for pathogens to manipulate their production. Y. pestis type III secretion system effectors YopJ and YopM can interfere with different parts of this process. Both effectors have been reported to influence inflammasome caspase-1 activity; YopJ promotes caspase-8-dependent cell death and caspase-1 cleavage, whereas YopM inhibits caspase-1 activity via an incompletely understood mechanism. However, neither effector appears essential for full virulence in vivo Here we report that the sum of influences by YopJ and YopM on IL-1β/IL-18 release is suppressive. In the absence of YopM, YopJ minimally affects caspase-1 cleavage but suppresses IL-1β, IL-18, and other cytokines and chemokines. Importantly, we find that Y. pestis containing combined deletions of YopJ and YopM induces elevated levels of IL-1β/IL-18 in vitro and in vivo and is significantly attenuated in a mouse model of bubonic plague. The reduced virulence of the YopJ-YopM mutant is dependent on the presence of IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1. Thus, we conclude that Y. pestis YopJ and YopM can both exert a tight control of host IL-1β/IL-18 production to benefit the bacteria, resulting in a redundant impact on virulence.
Research on the association between the statue of work and the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases of science and technology personnel in Beijing

Objective To learn the association between the nature of work and the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases of science and technology personnel in Beijing. Methods Cluster sampling was used to get three research institutions at random in urban area of Beijing. All staff in these three institutions aged 18-60 was included in the questionnaire investigation. Results Among the 432 participants,the overall number of patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was 52 people making the prevalence 12. 0%. In terms of the nature of work,43. 5% of respondents were satisfied with the work environment; the length of working time of 74. 1% respondents was 8-10 hours; 48. 1% of respondents sometimes feel their work was very intense; 76. 6% of them liked or like the current work very much; 63. 7% of them were fully qualified or qualified for this job; 44. 0% of them believed that their work was completely recognized or recognized by their leaders; 54. 6% of them thought that they had great sense or sense of accomplishment. The risk factor analysis found that age( OR = 1. 084,95% CI: 1. 045-1. 124) was risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,the more people like the current work,the lower prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases they would have( OR = 2. 893,95% CI: 1. 163-7. 197)( P 0. 05). Conclusion The prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases among science and technology personnel was associated with age and the passion of their work,and attention should be paid to strengthen the sense of work identity in occupational groups.
Disc Sensitivity Testing

The disc method of testing bacterial susceptibility to various antibiotics is simple and rapid. It gives reliable, reproducible results, however, only when a standardized technique is performed exactly as described, with all conditions other than bacterial susceptibility that may influence inhibition zone size held constant. The authors describe one well-standardized method and provide a zone-size interpretative chart.
Evil and God's Toxin Puzzle

I show that Kavka's toxin puzzle raises a problem for the “Responsibility Theodicy,” which holds that the reason God typically does not intervene to stop the evil effects of our actions is that such intervention would undermine the possibility of our being significantly responsible for overcoming and averting evil. This prominent theodicy seems to require that God be able to do what the agent in Kavka's toxin story cannot do: stick by a plan to do some action at a future time even though when that time comes, there will be no good reason for performing that action (and very good reason not to). I assess various approaches to solving this problem. Along the way, I develop an iterated variant of Kavka's toxin case and argue that the case is not adequately handled by standard causal decision theory.
Overallegorizing and Other Davidic Misinterpretations in 2 Samuel 11–12

“How good and delightful it is when kin dwell together in unity!” –Psalm 133:1b “[T]he fable, according to its proper character, does not pursue moral goals but tries simply to present a truth, a reality, something as typical and which is as it is. Frequently, the discourse of the truth drives it into the realm of cruelty.” –Gerhard von Rad, Wisdom in Israel The parable that Nathan tells David in 2 Sam 12:1b–4 is arguably the best known parable in the Hebrew Bible. It reads: Two men were in one city; one rich and one poor. The rich one had very many flocks and cattle, but the poor one had nothing except one small ewe-lamb that he purchased. He raised her. She grew up with him and his sons together. From his morsel she ate, from his cup she drank, and in his bosom she slept. She was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man, but it seemed a pity to him to take from his own flocks and cattle to prepare for the wayfarer who came to him. Instead, he took the poor man's ewe-lamb and prepared her for the man who came to him. Many readers can connect the parable to the events of the previous chapter (2 Samuel 11) concerning David and Bathsheba even before Nathan makes these connections in vv. 7–12. Israel's war with Ammon provides the setting for the events in 2 Samuel 11.
Emerging Trends in Health Communication: The Powerful Role of Subjectivism in Moderating the Effectiveness of Persuasive Health Appeals

In this article, we draw from key lessons in social psychology in order to organize emerging trends in health communication. A quarter century ago, Ross and Nisbett (1991) distilled social psychology's major insights into three fundamental principles: situationism, subjectivism, and tension systems. The principle of subjectivism – the idea that to predict and successfully change behavior, we must first appreciate a person's understanding of a given situation – is of particular importance and has the potential to bring together health-related investigations of (i) message framing, (ii) regulatory focus, (iii) construal level, and (iv) psychological mindset. These lines of research are readily applied to goal setting and self-regulation, and they illustrate the powerful role of subjectivism in determining the effectiveness of health communication. We summarize this research and discuss how a better appreciation of subjectivism illuminates these investigations and gives rise to a cohesive set of implications for designing more persuasive health appeals.
The effect of farrowing induction on colostrum and piglet serum immunocrits is dependent on parity

Farrowing induction is a common practice among swine producers to manage timing of farrowing and the labor associated with farrowing. In this experiment, the effect of induction of labor using cloprostenol on Day 114 of gestation (n = 88) was compared to our standard farrowing protocol at USMARC (natural farrowing with induction using cloprostenol on Day 116 if needed, n = 82) in gilts and sows up to fourth parity. In a subset of dams (n = 10 each treatment), colostrum was collected within 30 min of birth of the first piglet, and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h. Colostrum samples were measured for immunoglobulin G (IgG) using the immunoglobulin immunocrit and porcine IgG specific ELISA, and for total protein. Blood samples were collected from each live piglet on d 1 of age and measured using the immunocrit assay, and average immunocrit was calculated for each litter. Total piglets born and born alive, birth and weaning weights, and the stillbirth rate and preweaning mortality rate were also recorded for each litter. Results indicated that induction of farrowing by cloprostenol treatment on d 114 reduced average gestation length by 0.5 to 1 d depending on parity (P < 0.05), and reduced overall colostrum immunocrit, IgG and total protein (P < 0.05). Colostrum immunocrits and IgG concentrations were well correlated (R = 0.89; P < 0.01) but IgG was curvilinearly related to total protein. Litter average immunocrits were similar in gilts between treatments, but were reduced in later parity sows induced to farrow using cloprostenol on d 114 of gestation. Total born, born alive, birth and weaning weights, and stillbirth and preweaning mortality rates were unaffected by treatments. In conclusion, induction of farrowing using cloprostenol injection on d 114 reduced colostrum IgG concentrations in dams, but this was reflected in a reduction in litter average immunocrit only in later parity sows. This reduction in litter average immunocrit was not sufficient to influence preweaning mortality, but other effects are possible given the reported influence of colostrum on growth and reproductive traits.
Retrospective Cost Adaptive Control of Generic Transport Model Under Uncertainty and Failure

This paper presents a case study on the application of retrospective cost adaptive control to the NASA generic transport model under conditions of uncertainty and failure. To apply retrospective co...
Note: Color Preference in the Pigeon, Utilizing Drinking as the Response Measure

The ability of the pigeon to discriminate color is noted and attention is drawn to the possibility of utilizing the drinking response as a unique and simple measure of color preference. Preliminary study indicates definite preferences when this method is employed, evidenced by the observed preference for blue over green and red in the present investigation.
Through the Boob Window: Examining Sexualized Portrayals in Transmedia Comic Franchises

As comics have moved from a perceived specialized media to major records-breaking blockbuster franchises, the opportunities for expanding the awareness and fandoms of male characters has increased. Women characters, by contrast, have played within the media narrative as plot points for advancing male characters’ stories as either love interests or tragic victims. We will deconstruct the narratives of male heroism (and super-heroism) with particular attention to the problematic reinforcement of the vigilante and the tech-savior, two tropes that have also been widely embraced in tech culture. These oft-repeated and exaggerated tropes help to shift the baseline expectations of male behavior within the community. They also present a point of contrast for participation by women.
Describing K-12 online teachers’ online professional development opportunities for students with disabilities

Online teacher professional development (oTPD) researchers have been concerned with design features, teacher change in practice, and student learning, as well as establishing guidelines for directing funding support. Even so, previous work suggests that high-quality instructional support for all SWD is still on the horizon. As a response to the need for better instruction, professional development for SWD has emerged in all settings, including teachers who are not just receiving oTPD, but who are online teachers themselves. The purpose of this study was to use online teachers’ descriptions of their oTPD for SWD to learn about the professional learning opportunities available to teachers around serving SWD and their families. Teachers and administrators from various online/virtual learning schools around the country participated in this study. Even though teachers had SWD in their courses and were directly responsible for SWD, most teachers and administrators described few professional development opportunities for learning to teach SWD in the online learning environment beyond giving and receiving information about legal compliance. However, there was some evidence that some teachers in some schools were supported in forming informal collaborative communities with the potential for developing promising practices for these students.
Why is interstellar object 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua) rocky, tumbling and possibly very prolate?

The recently discovered first interstellar object 1I/2017 U1 (`Oumuamua) has brightness that varies by a factor of 10, a range greater than that of any Solar System asteroid, a spectrum characteristic of Type D asteroids, and no evidence of evaporating volatiles, contrary to expectation for exo-Oort clouds. This object was the first example of the proposed "Jurads", objects depleted in volatiles and ejected from planetary systems during the post-main sequence evolution of their parent star. I suggest that heating by the star's giant stage fluidized a precursor cometary object as volatiles escaped, causing it to assume the Jacobi ellipsoidal shape of a self-gravitating incompressible liquid. The collision that produced the inferred tumbling motion must have occurred thousands of years after the formation of 1I/2017 U1 `Oumuamua. Jacobi ellipsoids have a unique relation among rotation rate, density and axial ratio. The inferred axial ratio $\gtrapprox 5$ implies a lower bound on the density of 1.6 g/cm$^3$, excluding an icy interior unless it is almost entirely frozen CO$_2$. This object is the first Jurad to be discovered and may be related to accreting objects that pollute white dwarf atmospheres and may make Soft Gamma Repeaters.
Abstract 732: The P2Y2 Receptor Selectively Binds to Filamin A to Regulate Spreading and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The functional expression of the G protein-coupled P2Y 2 nucleotide receptor has been associated with the development of intimal lesions. Activation of this receptor also stimulates actin cytoskeleton reorganization and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Since cell migration has been linked to the dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, which transmits biochemical signals and forces necessary for cell locomotion, the aim of the present study was to identify cytoskeletal proteins that bind to the P2Y 2 receptor and potentially regulate SMC migration. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we isolated filamin A, a filamentous actin-cross linking protein that interacts with the C-terminal domain of the P2Y 2 receptor and we used deletion mapping to identify amino acid deletion in the P2Y 2 receptor that led to selective loss of filamin A binding. Ex-vivo treatment of aortic explants with the P2Y 2 receptor agonist UTP (10 μmol/L) significantly promoted migration of SMCs in wild type but not in P2Y 2 receptor −/− mice. Likewise, using a Transwell migration assay we showed that UTP increased migration of SMCs in wild type (3.5 folds, P 2 receptor −/− mice (P 2 receptor restored UTP-mediated cell migration in P2Y 2 receptor −/− mice whereas infection of a mutant P2Y 2 receptor that does not bind filamin A did not. UTP-induced migration was preceded by a rapid phosphorylation of filamin A that was not observed either in P2Y 2 receptor −/− SMCs or in P2Y 2 receptor −/− SMCs infected with the mutant P2Y 2 receptor that does not bind filamin A. Treatment of SMCs from wild type mice with UTP (10 μmol/L) caused a 4-fold increase in spreading to collagen I as compared to unstimulated cells. The UTP-mediated increase of SMC spreading was not found in P2Y 2 receptor −/− SMCs but was restored by adenoviral infection of the full length P2Y 2 receptor cDNA into these cells. However, adenoviral delivery of a mutant receptor −/− which does not bind to filamin A did not restore UTP-mediated spreading of P2Y 2 receptor SMCs to collagen. This study demonstrates that P2Y 2 -dependent modulation of the actin cytoskeleton selectively regulates spreading and migration of SMC.
Regulation of SLC1A4 and SLC1A5 in Prostate Cancer-Response.

In our study, we stated that SLC1A4 was a glutamine transporter. We acknowledge that this has never been directly shown. To that end, the first articles describing SLC1A4 (ASCT1), which was cloned from the brain, reported in 1993 that the protein was unable to transport glutamine in HeLa cells or
A UNIQUE CASE OF AMELOBLASTOMA MIMICKING A MALIGNANT LESION

Background Ameloblastoma is a true neoplasm of odontogenic epithelium.1,2 It is a locally invasive, slow-growing, and persistent tumor.1-4 It is among the most common odontogenic tumors.1,2 Ameloblastoma can arise from dental lamina, dental organ, epithelial lining of odontogenic cyst, or basal cells of oral mucosa.1,2 Clinical and Radiologic Findings A 56-year-old female patient was referred for evaluation of a slow-growing, long-standing right mandibular swelling. The area was painful at times, with paresthesia of right lower lip. The patient lived in an assisted home and had a poor recall of her history because of mental illnesses. Axial computed tomogrphy (CT) of the head and neck region was performed after administration of 50 mL of Isovue-370 IV contrast. There was a large, well-defined, mixed entity on the right side of the mandible, extending approximately from the second molar region and crossing the midline to the left mandibular canine region. In the anterior region of the mandible, the entity presented a fine sunray appearance. Differential or Definitive Interpretation On the basis of radiographic findings osteosarcoma, ameloblastoma, keratocystic odontogenic tumor, and giant cell granuloma were considered in the differential diagnosis. Osteosarcoma was determined to be the diagnosis because of the unique sunray appearance, history of smoking (0.5 pack/day for 40 years [20 pack-years]), pain, and paresthesia. Initial biopsy analyses were inconclusive because of the nonpathognomonic features. Findings on analysis of the final excisional biopsy specimen, however, were consistent with an ameloblastoma, with an acanthomatous pattern.1,3 Discussion/Conclusions The imaging findings, such as the classic sunray appearance; location of the expansile, destructive lesion in the anterior portion of the mandible; and clinical findings of paresthesia of lip, intermittent pain, and history of smoking led to the formation of an aggressive neoplastic entity. However, the slow-growing nature of the lesion favored diagnosis of a benign neoplastic entity. Ameloblastomas may often mimic other benign lesions, but this is a unique case of an ameloblastoma presenting malignant features, in particular the acanthomatous pattern, is one of the rare types.3
Obesity modifies the effect of WTC exposure on quantitative chest CT measured airway wall thickness

Background: We previously found that wall area percent (WAP), a quantitative CT (QCT) indicator of bronchial airway wall thickness and, presumably, inflammation, is associated with adverse longitudinal expiratory flow trajectories in WTC workers, but that obesity and weight gain are also independently predictive of the latter. Studies in asymptomatic nondiseased subjects have not reported an association of WAP with obesity, so we decided to examine the predictors of WAP in diseased and nondiseased individuals. Methods: We assessed WAP using the Chest Imaging Platform QCT system in the 3rd bronchial generation of the right upper lobe in 285 former WTC workers, and 91 COPDGene WTC-unexposed and asymptomatic subjects. We used multiple regression to model the determinants of WAP in the two groups, including age, height, gender, body mass index (BMI), total lung capacity (TLC CT ), and CT pixel spacing and slice thickness. Results: Unadjusted analyses revealed significant differences between the two groups with regard to WAP, age, height, gender, pixel spacing and slice interval (all p CT (p Discussion: Unlike non-diseased subjects, BMI was linked to WAP among WTC workers, who have a high prevalence of lower airway diseases. Our findings suggest that the adverse effects of obesity on airway inflammation is confined to diseased individuals.
Restriction of HIV-1 Infection in Sickle Cell Disease Trait

Abstract We recently showed that in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), activation of anti-viral restriction factor SAMHD1 and NF-κB inhibitor, IkBα prevented ex vivo HIV-1 infection. SAMHD1 activation was due to its reduced phosphorylation by CDK2, whose activity was inhibited by reduced intracellular iron levels in SCD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We also found that a hazard ratio associated with HIV infection among 11,412 SCD trait subjects was 1.0% comparing to >2% HIV-1 infection among African-Americans in USA. We compared 9 HbAS HIV-1 infected individuals with 107 HbAA or HbAC HIV-1 infected individuals who were enrolled at Howard University clinic. While hemoglobin levels in these two groups were not significantly different, HIV-1 viral load was significantly lower in HbAS group as well the number of HIV-1 associated complications (Hospitalization) were reduced. In the present study, we analyzed ex vivo HIV-1 infection of SCD trait PBMC and determined the expression of iron and hypoxia-regulated host factors including HO-1, NFκB, IKK, IKBα that are implicated in HIV-1 replication. We also analyzed CDK2 activity, SAMHD1 phosphorylation and RNR2 expression in SCD trait PBMCs. One round HIV-1 infection was significantly reduced in in SCD trait PBMC. Expression of HO-1 and IKBα was upregulated in SCD trait whereas IKK and NF-κB expression was downregulated. While CDK2 activity and SAMHD1 phosphorylation were not changed, RNR2 expression was reduced. Expression levels of HIV-1 env and gag mRNA were significantly lower in HIV-1 infected SCD trait subjects. In the same patients, HO-1 and IKBα mRNA levels were upregulated comparing to HIV-1+ HbAA or HbAC subjects. Our findings suggest that HIV-1 infection might be deregulation in SCD trait and that iron metabolism and hypoxia might play a role in this deregulation. This work was supported by NIH Research Grants 1P50HL118006, 1R01HL125005, and 5G12MD007597. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official view of NHLBI, NIMHD or NIH. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Digital Media as a Context for Dating Abuse: Connecting Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Strategies to Young Adult Women’s Well-Being:

As the nature of interpersonal communication has shifted with the widespread use of technology, so have the possibilities for abuse. Like face-to-face abuse, digital abuse can be stressful. Digital...
Microfluidic Mixing Injector Holder Enables Routine Structural Enzymology Measurements with Mix-and-Inject Serial Crystallography Using X-ray Free Electron Lasers.

The emerging technique of Mix-and-Inject Serial Crystallography (MISC) at X-ray free electron laser sources provides atomically detailed structural information about biomolecules as they function. ...
Enhanced family history screening is crucial to individualized cancer surveillance.

e13161Background: Capturing family health history is a simple and cost-effective way to identify individuals at increased risk for hereditary cancers. Several barriers exist to family history colle...
Does 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring act as ischemic preconditioning and influence endothelial function?

Ischemic preconditioning can exert a powerful protection against a subsequent period of ischemia, via repeated inflation and deflation of a blood pressure cuff. Most often, damages of ischemia-reperfusion injury and benefits of preconditioning are evaluated via endothelial function. The ambulatory blood pressure monitoring constitutes repeated bouts of ischemia for 24 h. We examined whether repeated bouts of ischemia accumulated over 24 h influenced endothelial function. Twenty-two apparently healthy non-medicated middle-aged subjects 41 (8) years participated in the study. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03303404). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured as an index of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. The ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device went through an average of 110 (13) inflation/deflation cycles, which resulted in 46 (6) min of cumulative ischemic stimuli. Following 24-h of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, FMD did not change significantly 6.6 (2.0) vs. 6.8 (2.7)%. Similarly, shear rate and reactive hyperemia were unchanged. We concluded that ambulatory blood pressure monitoring did not influence endothelium-dependent vasodilation acting via ischemic preconditioning.
Is There an Optimal Autonomic State for Enhanced Flow and Executive Task Performance

Introduction: Flow describes a state of optimal experience that can encourage a positive adaptation to increasing stress. The aim of the current study is to identify the ideal autonomic state for peak cognitive performance by correlating sympathovagal balance during cognitive stress with 1) perceived flow immersion, and 2) executive task performance. Materials and Methods: Autonomic states were varied in healthy male participants (n=48) using differing combinations of patterned breathing and skeletal muscle contraction that are known to induce differing levels of autonomic response. After autonomic variation, a Stroop test was performed on participants to induce a mild stress response and autonomic state was measured using heart rate variability. Subjective experience of flow was measured by standardized self-report, and executive task performance was measured by reaction time on the Stroop test. Results: There were significant associations between autonomic state and flow engagement with an inverted U-shaped function for parasympathetic stimulation, sympathetic response, and overall sympathovagal balance. There were also significant associations between autonomic states and reaction times. Combining sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to measure overall sympathovagal balance, there was a significant U-shaped relationship with reaction time. Discussion: Our results support the flow theory of human performance in which the optimal autonomic state lies at the peak of an inverted-U function, in which extremes at either end lead to both suboptimal flow experience. Similarly, cognitive task performance was maximized at the bottom of the U-function. Our findings suggest that optimal performance may be associated with predominant, but not total, sympathetic response.
Menstrual Health as a Part of Preventive Health Care

Menstrual health assessment facilitates identification of pathologic conditions (eg, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis), offers the opportunity to educate women on what menstrual symptoms may be normal or abnormal, and provides the opportunity to initiate treatment for women who are suffering because of problems with menstrual bleeding or associated symptoms. Heavy bleeding, pain, fatigue, and mood changes significantly affect a woman's physical, social, and emotional quality of life. Promptly identifying and treating these disorders by incorporating their assessment into routine well-woman care has the potential to positively affect the lives of a substantial number of women.
Imaging crystal stress in diamond using ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy centers

We present a micrometer-scale-resolution stress imaging method with millimeter field-of-view for diamonds containing a thin surface layer of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. In this method, we reconstruct stress tensor elements over a two-dimensional field of view from NV optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) spectra. We use this technique to study how stress inhomogeneity affects NV magnetometry performance and show how NV ${M}_{z,\ensuremath{\kappa}}$ imaging is a useful and direct way to assess these effects. This tool for mapping stress in diamond will aid optimization of NV-diamond sensing, with wide-ranging applications in the physical and life sciences.
Role of nutrient-driven O-GlcNAc-post-translational modification in pancreatic exocrine and endocrine islet development.

While the developing pancreas is exquisitely sensitive to nutrient supply in utero, it is not entirely clear how nutrient-driven post-translational modification of proteins impacts the pancreas during development. We hypothesized the nutrient-sensing enzyme O-GlcNAc transferase (Ogt) that catalyzes an O-GlcNAc-modification onto key target proteins integrates nutrient-signaling networks to regulate cell survival and development. We aimed to study the heretofore unknown role of Ogt in exocrine and endocrine islet development. By genetic manipulation in vivo and by using morphometric and molecular analyses such as immunofluorescence imaging and single cell RNA sequencing, we show the first evidence that Ogt regulates pancreas development. Genetic deletion of Ogt in pancreatic epithelium (OgtKOPanc) causes pancreas hypoplasia, in part by increased apoptosis and reduction of Pdx1 protein. Transcriptomic analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing uncovered cell type heterogeneity and predicted upstream regulator proteins that mediate cell survival, including Pdx1, Ptf1a, p53, putative Ogt targets. In conclusion, these findings underscore the requirement of O-GlcNAcylation during pancreas development and show that Ogt is essential for pancreatic progenitor survival, providing a novel mechanistic link between nutrients and pancreas development.
Mechanisms of increased vascular stiffness down the aortic tree in aging, premenopausal female monkeys

This is the first study to examine vascular stiffness down the aortic tree in aging premenopausal females (24 ± 0.7 yr old), whereas prior work studied mainly rodents, which are short-lived and do ...
The Performance Analysis of Generalized Margin Maximizers on Separable Data

Logistic models are commonly used for binary classification tasks. The success of such models has often been attributed to their connection to maximum-likelihood estimators. It has been shown that gradient descent algorithm, when applied on the logistic loss, converges to the max-margin classifier (a.k.a. hard-margin SVM). The performance of the max-margin classifier has been recently analyzed. Inspired by these results, in this paper, we present and study a more general setting, where the underlying parameters of the logistic model possess certain structures (sparse, block-sparse, low-rank, etc.) and introduce a more general framework (which is referred to as "Generalized Margin Maximizer", GMM). While classical max-margin classifiers minimize the 2-norm of the parameter vector subject to linearly separating the data, GMM minimizes any arbitrary convex function of the parameter vector. We provide a precise analysis of the performance of GMM via the solution of a system of nonlinear equations. We also provide a detailed study for three special cases: (1) l₂-GMM that is the max-margin classifier, (2) l₁-GMM which encourages sparsity, and (3) l_∞-GMM which is often used when the parameter vector has binary entries. Our theoretical results are validated by extensive simulation results across a range of parameter values, problem instances, and model structures.
They #Woke: How Black Students in an After-School Community-Based Program Manifest Critical Consciousness:

Background/ContextThough Black Americans have long suffered under racial tyranny, they have made valiant efforts to subvert policies and practices that encroach on their humanity. Nevertheless, sys...
Pandemic Recovery and State and Local Pension Reform

In 2019, few could have predicted that state and local pension funds would be faced with a pandemic that would slash state and local tax revenues and harm investment returns. Nevertheless, fund managers should have spent the past decade preparing for an inevitable market downturn. Instead, just as when the 2008 financial crisis hit, policymakers have spent the previous decade valuing their pension liabilities and assets as if investments always go up. This policy brief explores the deep-seated problems in US state and local pension finance, including underfunding, poor investment choices, and potential avenues for reform.
Fruits, frugivores, and the evolution of phytochemical diversity

National Science FoundationNational Science Foundation (NSF) [1953888, 1856776, 1953934, 1953938]
Atlantic tropical cyclones downscaled from climate reanalyses show increasing activity over past 150 years.

Historical records of Atlantic hurricane activity, extending back to 1851, show increasing activity over time, but much or all of this trend has been attributed to lack of observations in the early portion of the record. Here we use a tropical cyclone downscaling model driven by three global climate analyses that are based mostly on sea surface temperature and surface pressure data. The results support earlier statistically-based inferences that storms were undercounted in the 19th century, but in contrast to earlier work, show increasing tropical cyclone activity through the period, interrupted by a prominent hurricane drought in the 1970s and 80 s that we attribute to anthropogenic aerosols. In agreement with earlier work, we show that most of the variability of North Atlantic tropical cyclone activity over the last century was directly related to regional rather than global climate change. Most metrics of tropical cyclones downscaled over all the tropics show weak and/or insignificant trends over the last century, illustrating the special nature of North Atlantic tropical cyclone climatology.
The Stereoisomers of 4-Methylaminorex

Physical constants and instrumental data (melting point [mp], thin-layer chromatography [TLC] [Rf], gas chromatography [GC] [Rt], [ α ] D 25 , 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], infrared (IR), 70-eV, electron impact-mass spectroscopy [EI-MS], color, and microcrystalline tests) are reported for the individual stereoisomers, racemates, and corresponding hydrochloride salts of 4-methylaminorex (2-amino-4-methyl-5-phenyl-Δ2-oxazoline, 4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-5-phenyl-2-oxazolamine, McN-822, “U4Euh,” “ICE”). The data allow identification and differentiation of illicit samples of 4-methylaminorex.
Ultrasonic irradiation of carbofuran: decomposition kinetics and reactor characterization.

Abstract The sonochemical decomposition of carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl, C 12 H 15 NO 3 ) in a parallel plate near-field acoustical processor (NAP) is reported. Ultrasonic irradiation was performed at 16 and 20 kHz, under a total applied power of 1800 W. Carbofuran decomposition was enhanced with increasing power densities (1.65 W mL −1 –5.55 W mL −1 ), and with decreasing initial concentrations (25 μM vs. 130 μM). The nature of the dissolved gas in solution also influenced the observed decomposition rate. The hydrodynamic behavior of the NAP reactor was characterized by calculating the Reynolds numbers and by performing tracer studies with a conservative tracer, sodium chloride (NaCl). The calculated dispersion coefficients indicate an intermediate amount of dispersion during operation of the reactor.
Sexual Behavior Between Adults and Children: Some Issues of Definition.

This article examines a variety of sexual behaviors that occur between adults and children and attempts to clarify some of the confusion in terminology that has resulted from coverage of this topic by the popular press and broadcast media. Based on a review of selected professional literature and clinical practice, the author provides some behavioral distinctions to aid in clarifying the meaning of such frequently used terms as child abuse, sexual child abuse, child molestation, and sexual exploitation. The intent is to contribute to some extent to improved estimates of incidence and also assist in the treatment and control of sex offenders.
Leibniz, Randomness and the Halting Probability

This paper, which is dedicated to Alan Turing on the 50th anniversary of his death, gives an overview and discusses the philosophical implications of incompleteness, uncomputability and randomness.
Collaborative Versus Directive/Prescriptive/Expert School-Based Consultation: Reviewing and Resolving a False Dichotomy

Abstract The collaboration “debate” in the school-based consultation literature is discussed in detail. Early research and theory supporting collaborative approaches are reviewed, followed by a summation and reinterpretation of three seminal microanalyses of consultation that appeared to argue against collaboration (i.e., Erchul, 1987; Erchul & Chewning, 1990; Witt, Erchul, McKee, Pardue, & Wickstrom, 1991 ). Subsequent studies examining the verbal behaviors of consultants and consultees are discussed within the context of the collaboration “debate,” and empirical findings spanning the extant literature are synthesized to highlight the consistencies that have emerged from this body of work. Finally, a rapprochement is suggested that is intended to (a) disentangle the false “collaborative-directive/prescriptive/expert” dichotomy that has appeared in prior analyses and (b) provide direction for future research and practice.
Human ocular torsion and perceived roll responses to linear acceleration.

We investigated if human ocular torsion (OT) and perceived roll (PR) are elicited in response to either dynamic interaural linear acceleration or dynamic roll tilt of the gravito-inertial force (GIF). We expanded a previous study [26] that measured only OT across a limited frequency-range (from 0.35 Hz to 1 Hz) by simultaneously measuring OT and PR at three very low (0.01, 0.02 and 0.05 Hz) and one high (1 Hz) frequencies. Three experimental conditions were investigated: (1) Y-Upright with acceleration along the interaural (Y) axis while upright, (2) Y-Supine with acceleration along the Y -axis while supine, and (3) Z-RED with acceleration along the rostro-caudal (Z) axis with rightear-down (RED). OT was measured by video-oculography, while PR was measured by use of a somatosensory bar. OT and PR were qualitatively different. Large OT responses were measured for Y-Upright and Y-Supine, while large perceived roll responses were observed for Y-Upright and ZRED. OT for Z-RED was small, and PR for Y-Supine was absent. In conclusion, OT and PR appear governed by qualitatively different neural mechanisms. OT appears mostly influenced by central low-pass filtering of interaural graviceptor cues, while PR appears mostly influenced by roll tilt of the GIF.
A method for the determination of sodium, potassium, magnesium and lithium concentrations in erythrocytes

Abstract A technique for the rapid and accurate estimation of intra-erythrocyte concentrations of Na, K, Li and Mg is described. CoEDTA is used as a marker to estimate plasma trapped in the red cell column ; the use of this compound constitutes a novel departure from other marker substances previously used. Plasma trapping was found to average close to 3% (v/v) of the packed cell column. RBC electrolyte values obtained from healthy control subjects were shown to be in good agreement with values reported in the literature.
Can Water Polarizability Be Ignored in Hydrogen Bond Kinetics

The kinetics of forming and breaking water−water hydrogen bonds in neat water, an aqueous solution of ethane, and an aqueous solution of NaCl are studied by molecular dynamics simulations. We compare nonpolarizable and polarizable water models to elucidate the effect of water's polarizability on hydrogen bonds. We find that polarizability strengthens the hydrogen bonds and increases the hydrogen bond relaxation time by a factor of between 50% and 100%. The Gibbs energy of activation for breaking hydrogen bonds is ∼0.2 kcal·mol-1 higher for the polarizable water model. Polarizability also causes the rate of forming and breaking hydrogen bonds to be more dependent on the local environment.
APL and LISP—should they be combined, and if so how?

APL and LISP are very similar languages—both manipulate a complex data structure and the functional structure of the languages has been ideally chosen for convenient manipulation of these structures. Proposals have been made to combine them by embedding one within the other. Another approach is generalization of each into a common superior. This paper will argue that a superior language probably won't work and will then treat the issues by which the proper embedding choice should be made. The talk will be followed by a panel discussion about the relationship between APL and LISP.
Miniature, fast-response five-hole conical probe for supersonic flowfield measurements

Five-hole probes have been used successfully for several decades to measure Mach number, total pressure, and flow angularity of complex, three-dimensional supersonic flowfields. However, the time response of conventional five-hole probes is typically on the order of seconds. A new probe design incorporating internally mounted miniature piezoelectric transducers has improved the time response by more than two orders of magnitude from 5 s to 20 ms, while maintaining better than 1-mm spatial resolution. This probe has been calibrated over the range Mach 2-4, and uncertainties in derived flowfield quantities have been shown to be small. Sample measurements of a supersonic vortex have been made to demonstrate the capabilities of the probe