cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploratory efficacy endpoints in the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Immunization Trial in Adults (CAPiTA).

Abstract Background The Community-Acquired Pneumonia Immunization Trial in Adults (CAPiTA) assessed vaccine-type community-acquired pneumonia (VT-CAP) and vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (VT-IPD) prevention with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in adults aged ⩾65 years. We report vaccine efficacy (VE) of PCV13 for the remaining 23 exploratory endpoints and serotype distributions for pneumococcal CAP and IPD. Methods This was a parallel-group, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial comparing single-dose PCV13 with placebo. Exploratory CAP endpoints included first episode of confirmed non-VT (NVT) pneumococcal CAP; all confirmed episodes of NVT pneumococcal CAP, pneumococcal CAP, nonbacteraemic/noninvasive (NB/NI) VT pneumococcal CAP, and NB/NI pneumococcal CAP; and first and all episodes of culture-confirmed VT pneumococcal CAP, culture-confirmed pneumococcal CAP, culture-confirmed NVT pneumococcal CAP, probable VT pneumococcal CAP, probable NVT pneumococcal CAP, and probable and possible pneumococcal CAP. Exploratory IPD endpoints included all episodes of VT-IPD and IPD, and first and all episodes of NVT-IPD. The per-protocol and modified intent-to-treat (mITT) populations were evaluated. Results In total, 84,496 participants were enrolled. Eight of 23 exploratory CAP and IPD endpoints were statistically significant in both populations. In the per-protocol population, these included VE of 29% for all episodes of confirmed pneumococcal CAP, 43% for all NB/NI episodes of VT pneumococcal CAP, 52% for all episodes of culture-confirmed pneumococcal CAP, and 53% for all episodes of IPD. Comparable VE estimates were observed in the mITT population. The most common VT serotypes were 1 (10 first episodes of confirmed pneumococcal CAP; 2 first episodes of IPD) and 7F (22; 7) among PCV13 and placebo recipients, respectively. Conclusions The results of this analysis yielded statistically significant PCV13 VE for all episodes of confirmed pneumococcal CAP (including NB/NI and culture-confirmed episodes) and for all episodes of IPD in adults aged ⩾65 years. These findings are consistent with the primary efficacy analysis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00744263 .
Survival trends of oligodendroglial tumor patients and associated clinical practice patterns: a SEER-based analysis.

There is limited information on the management strategies and survival trends for oligodendroglioma patients. Here we used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER, 1999–2012) database to analyze the historical trends of oligodendroglioma patient survival and correlate these trends to evolving clinical practice of radiation therapy (RT) use and surgical practice of gross total resection (GTR). We identified 2689 World Health Organization (WHO) grade II oligodendroglioma (abbreviated as O2) and 1191 WHO grade III oligodendroglioma (abbreviated as O3). Time-trend analyses were performed for overall survival, radiation treatment (RT) use, and extent of surgical resection (EOR). In multivariable Cox models that accounted for age, race, sex, tumor size, tumor location, EOR, and RT status, the hazard of dying from O3 has significantly decreased over the study period (p < 0.01), while the hazard of dying from O2 has remained largely unchanged. A search of the published literature revealed articles reporting results largely supportive of these observations. The pattern of surgical practice and RT for O3 patients remained unchanged throughout the study period, suggesting that the survival improvement may be related to evolving patterns of medical management. Results from the SEER database indicate significant gains have been made in survival for O3 patients between 1999 and 2012. Such gains were not observed for O2 patients during this study period.
The Management of Cyanotic Spells in Children with Oesophageal Atresia.

Cyanotic spells, also known as blue spells, dying spells, or apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs), refer to a bluish tone visible in the mucosal membranes and skin caused by an oxygen decrease in the peripheral circulation. Although this decrease may be transient and benign, it may also be indicative of a severe underlying problem that requires immediate intervention. Children with oesophageal atresia (OA) are at risk for a number of coexisting conditions that may trigger cyanotic spells. This current article will focus on the management of cyanotic spells both in children with innominate artery compression and those with tracheomalacia
Prognosticating the Future of Gravitational Lenses

About 20 years elapsed between my first and second papers on gravitational lenses (Press & Gunn 1973; Press, Rybicki & Hewitt 1992ab). Therefore, the conference organizers have asked me to prognosticate on the future of gravitational lenses. Their reasoning, if I understand it correctly, is that I will likely go to sleep for another 20 years immediately following this conference. So, if I simply look ahead to my very next paper on the subject, I will be in effect prognosticating over two decade’s span.
Further clarifying the relationship between metformin, acute kidney injury and lactic acidosis

Further clarifying the relationship between metformin, acute kidney injury and lactic acidosis
Clinicians can independently predict 30-day hospital readmissions as well as the LACE index.

Significant effort has been directed at developing prediction tools to identify patients at high risk of unplanned hospital readmission, but it is unclear what these tools add to clinicians’ judgment. In our study, we assess clinicians’ abilities to independently predict 30-day hospital readmissions, and we compare their abilities with a common prediction tool, the LACE index. Over a period of 50 days, we asked attendings, residents, and nurses to predict the likelihood of 30-day hospital readmission on a scale of 0–100% for 359 patients discharged from a General Medicine Service. For readmitted versus non-readmitted patients, we compared the mean and standard deviation of the clinician predictions and the LACE index. We compared receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for clinician predictions and for the LACE index. For readmitted versus non-readmitted patients, attendings predicted a risk of 48.1% versus 31.1% (p < 0.001), residents predicted 45.5% versus 34.6% (p 0.002), and nurses predicted 40.2% versus 30.6% (p 0.011), respectively. The LACE index for readmitted patients was 11.3, versus 10.1 for non-readmitted patients (p 0.003). The area under the curve (AUC) derived from the ROC curves was 0.689 for attendings, 0.641 for residents, 0.628 for nurses, and 0.620 for the LACE index. Logistic regression analysis suggested that the LACE index only added predictive value to resident predictions, but not attending or nurse predictions (p < 0.05). Attendings, residents, and nurses were able to independently predict readmissions as well as the LACE index. Improvements in prediction tools are still needed to effectively predict hospital readmissions.
Effects of emotional visuals and company–cause fit on memory of CSR information

Abstract This study explores the cognitive effects of emotional visuals and company–cause fit in CSR communication. We conducted a 2 (valence of visuals: positive vs. negative) × 2 (company–cause fit: high vs. low) within-subjects experiment to examine the effects of valence and company–cause fit on participants’ memory of CSR information, measured by recognition sensitivity and cued recall of company information in CSR messages addressing three different CSR issues. Results showed that negative emotional visuals were more effective than positive emotional visuals. Company–cause fit also played a significant role, but its effect depended on the level of cognitive effects aimed for. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications.
Panic, Sociology of

The term ‘panic’ is widely used in everyday speech, as well as in the literature of different professional areas and scientific disciplines. This article confines itself primarily to discussing how sociologists, historically and currently, view the phenomenon. The justification for such a focus is that the concept has long been used in the discipline, especially in the sociological subspeciality of collective behavior, and much of the relevant empirical work has been done by sociologists studying behavior in natural and technological disasters. Early approaches to panic were vague in defining the phenomenon. However, most formulations view panic as either extreme and groundless fear, or flight behavior. Both phenomena are supposedly widespread in crisis situations. Present-day discussions about panic also revolve around whether or not the behavior is irrational, and whether it is highly contagious or not. Three major empirical studies that have heavily influenced current sociological views about panic are presented. Two of the studies particularly challenge widespread ideas in the literature about the phenomenon, showing for example that panic flight is very rare, and has few of the characteristics typically attributed to the behavior, even in situations where it might be expected. There are two questions that will loom even larger in the future. One is why, despite the research evidence, the idea of ‘panic’ captures the popular imagination and continues to be evoked by scholars of human behavior. A second basic question is whether there is still any scientific justification for the continuing use of the concept in any technical sense in the collective behavior area.
Scaling Up: Micro to Macro Science and Practice

In collaboration with the North Kona Dryland Forest Working Group, over the next several years an expanding network of colleagues and I embarked on numerous scientific research and on-the-ground restoration programs within the six-acre Ka‘upulehu Dry Forest Preserve. Although each project had its own unique goals and methodologies, our collective efforts zeroed in on what we believed was the crucial overarching restoration question for this ecosystem: what is the best way to simultaneously control fountain grass and facilitate native plant establishment at ever larger spatial scales?
Chloroplast-Derived Therapeutic and Prophylactic Vaccines

Despite the development of advanced vaccine technology, as many as 15 million deaths occur annually as a result of inadequate prophylactic or therapeutic treatments against infectious diseases (World Health Organization 2008). The emphasis on profitability by the pharmaceutical industry has led to development of high-cost vaccines targeting diseases with high profit margins, resulting in an annual death toll for developing countries that is largely preventable. Daniell and ­co-investigators published the first expression of a vaccine antigen, cholera toxin subunit B, through transgenic tobacco chloroplasts in 2001. The polyploidy nature of the chloroplast genome enables engineering of a high copy number of target gene, while the translational machinery of the plastid directs the synthesis of bioactive proteins with proper folding, disulfide bond formation, and lipidation. Furthermore, gene integration is site-specific, expression is polycistronic, and natural gene containment occurs due to the maternal inheritance of the chloroplast genome. The chloroplast transformation technology (CTT) has been used to express proteins of bacterial, viral, protozoan, and recently mammalian origins that may be subsequently utilized in immunization strategies to produce protective or therapeutic immunity. Such chloroplast-derived vaccines represent an inexpensive and effective means of producing antigen-subunit vaccines. Furthermore, transformation of edible crops such as lettuce could generate stable orally-deliverable vaccine antigens through inexpensive field production and agricultural drying techniques. This platform could therefore obviate cold-chain logistics and the requirement of sterile injectables, drastically reducing downstream production costs of such biopharmaceuticals. With these proof-of-concept studies, focus within CTT is shifting towards establishing a viable platform for human immunization by demonstrating the ­functionality of such chloroplast derived proteins, emphasizing the need to develop edible plant-based alternatives to tobacco, and improving efficacy through ­additional peptide fusion-domains.
Nitric Oxide Activates β-Cell Glucokinase by Promoting Formation of the “Glucose-Activated” State

The release of insulin from the pancreas is tightly controlled by glucokinase (GCK) activity that couples β-cell metabolism to changes in blood sugar. Despite having only a single glucose-binding s...
Neuropathological and neuropsychological associations in hippocampal sclerosis of ageing; the 90+ study (P1.183)

Objective: To identify the relationship between hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and other common degenerative brain pathologies and to identify neuropsychological impairments associated with HS Background: Hippocampal sclerosis of ageing is a common neuropathological finding in the oldest-old who die with dementia. HS has a strong association with dementia (5 times stronger than Alzheimer’s disease (AD)) and during life, is commonly misdiagnosed as AD. Previous studies have consistently shown a relationship between TDP-43 and HS and conflicting associations between HS and other degenerative pathologies. Design/Methods: We studied 143 participants from the 90+ study, a population based study of people aged 90 and older (the oldest-old). Neuropathology data was available for HS, Alzheimer’s disease, TDP-43, Lewy body disease (LBD), arteriolosclerosis, atherosclerosis, and infarcts. We used Neuropsychological data closest to onset of cognitive impairment or death (for cognitively normal participants). We used regression analyses to study the associations between HS and other neuropathologies and to study the effect of neuropathologies on global and domain specific cognitive measures. Results: 96% (21/22) of participants with HS had dementia at death. In the whole sample, there was no difference in demographics between those with and without HS. Logistic regressions revealed TDP-43 (OR: 20.1, p Conclusions: In the oldest-old, HS is associated with TDP-43 and LBD but not AD. Differential involvement of cognitive domains in HS and TDP-43 vs. AD might help diagnosing HS during life. Study Supported by: NIA grant R01AG21055 Disclosure: Dr. Sajjadi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Corrada has nothing to disclose. Dr. Robinson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Trojanowski has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Kawas has nothing to disclose.
Preliminary Investigation Into the Effect of ACTN3 and ACE Polymorphisms on Muscle and Performance Characteristics

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the phenotypic and performance outcomes associated with ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms. Ten trained men (age = 25.8 +/- 3.0 years, height = 183.3 +/- 4.1 cm, body mass = 92.3 +/- 9.3 kg, and back squat to body mass ratio = 1.8 +/- 0.3) participated. Blood samples were analyzed to determine ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms. Standing ultrasonography images of the vastus lateralis (VL) were collected to determine whole muscle cross-sectional area (CSA-M), and a percutaneous muscle biopsy of the VL was collected to determine type I-specific CSA (CSA-T1), type II-specific CSA (CSA-T2), and type II to type I CSA ratio (CSA-R). Isometric squats were performed on force platforms with data used to determine peak force (IPF), allometrically scaled peak force (IPFa), and rate of force development (RFD) at various timepoints. One repetition maximum back squats were performed, whereby allometrically scaled dynamic strength (DSa) was determined. Cohen's d effect sizes revealed ACTN3 RR and ACE DD tended to result in greater CSA-M but differ in how they contribute to performance. ACTN3 RR's influence seems to be in the type II fibers, altering maximal strength, and ACE DD may influence RFD capabilities through a favorable CSA-R. Although the findings of the current investigation are limited by the sample size, the findings demonstrate the potential influence of ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms on isometric and dynamic strength testing. This study may serve as a framework to generate hypotheses regarding the effect of genetics on performance.
AFM Peakforce QNM mode for measurement of nanosurface mechanical properties of Pt-cured silicones

Abstract Sylgard 184 is used for diverse applications including nanoimprinting, micro-electronic and mechanical systems (MEMS), soft robots, ice-phobic coatings and tactile and epidermal sensors. For such applications, understanding effects of processing conditions on nanoscale mechanical properties is essential for performance. It is surprising, then, that little attention has been paid to effects of cure temperature on surface and mechanical properties. The present work adds depth to understanding the complex relationships among hydrosilylation and little recognized autoxidation of Si H to Si OH and secondary network formation by condensation. Peakforce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PF-QNM), an atomic force microscopy (AFM) mode was used to provide a nanoscale map of deformation, adhesion, dissipation, modulus and morphology as a function of varying cure temperature and base-to-crosslinker ratio. The interaction of the Si OH rich oxide layer of the silicon AFM tip with the outermost Sylgard 184 silicone surface provided modulus and adhesion measurements that revealed important effects of cure conditions and composition. Results were interpreted in terms of a model for the concentration of near surface Si OH from autoxidation and changes due to Si OH condensation at high temperature cure. Moduli were found to be comparable with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), supporting PF-QNM as a tool for mechanical property measurements. The dependence of nanosurface mechanical properties on composition and network formation conditions provides guidance for future work using Pt-cured silicones.
Profile Analysis for Cryptocurrency in Social Media

Blockchain ushers in a new era for the global financial system with the advent of digital currency (cryptocurrency), and its impact can be felt in many related industries. Because of its possible applications, cryptocurrency draws significant attention from researchers. Although there are a number of risks (e.g., speculation, 51% attack) related to cryptocurrency, billions of dollars are invested in them, because of transparency, traceability, low transaction cost, and highly profitable potential. In December 2017, the most famous cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has reached almost $20,000.00 per coin. Such short-term, high gain potential attracts many new small investors. However, speculative movements raise many questions related to safety and privacy, just to name a few. In order to understand public opinion about cryptocurrency and to protect small investors financial interests, sentiment analysis can be done by using social media activities of individuals who are interested or investing in cryptocurrencies. One of the most important steps in the analysis is to understand the profiles of the users. Therefore, in this paper, we determine education levels of investors or users who are interested in eight cryptocurrencies by using seven readability techniques on Reddit comments as a part of profiling. Results show that the education levels of users are approximately 60% in middle school, 30% in high school, and 10% in other levels according to the average of the seven readability technique results. The results and analysis, which are provided in this paper, help new investors and developers to obtain profile information about the users who are interested or investing in cryptocurrency.
Static and Dynamic Work Activity Classification from a Single Accelerometer: Implications for Ergonomic Assessment of Manual Handling Tasks

A single wearable sensor (accelerometer) on the chest was employed to classify static and dynamic activities commonly observed in manual handling jobs. Utilizing only two features obtained from thi...
Evidence for the Galactic origin of gamma-ray bursts

We investigate the angular distribution of the γ-ray bursts in the publicly available BATSE catalogue, using the measures of burst brightness B and short-time-scale (≤0.3 s) variability V which we introduced earlier. We show that the 54 type I (log V ≤−0.8) bursts lying in the middle brightness range of 490≤B≤1250 count (corresponding to one-third of all type I bursts) exhibit a Galactic dipole moment of =0.204±0.079 and a deviation of the Galactic quadrupole moment from 1/3 of −1/3=−0.104±0.041. Using Monte Carlo simulations that include the BATSE sky exposure map, and taking into account division of the type I bursts into three equal samples, we find that the probability by chance of an isotropic distribution of 54 bursts exhibiting values of and the negative of −1/3 that equal or exceed the observed values is 6.6×10 −5
Cigarette Smoking and ARDS After Blunt Trauma: The Influence of Changing Smoking Patterns and Resuscitation Practices.

Background Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing ARDS. However, whether changes in smoking patterns or processes of care impact this relationship is unclear. Research Question Are changes in smoking and resuscitation patterns associated with changes in the relationship between smoking and ARDS? Study Design and Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of critically injured adults with blunt trauma from 2005 to 2015. Plasma cotinine, a tobacco biomarker, was measured to categorize patients by smoking status. We used regression to assess the relationship between smoking, resuscitation practices, and ARDS over time. Results In the overall cohort, active (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0-3.5; P = .046) and passive (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.8; P = .002) smoking were associated with an increased risk of developing ARDS in multivariate analyses. In contrast to the dose-response relationship in patients enrolled from 2005 to 2008, passive cigarette smoke exposure was associated with the highest risk of developing ARDS in patients enrolled from 2009 to 2015, suggesting a threshold effect. Packed RBC (pRBC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions were associated with an increased risk of developing ARDS, particularly in active smokers (pRBC: OR, 5.6; P Interpretation Despite changes in resuscitation and smoking patterns, cigarette smoking remains associated with an increased risk of developing ARDS. However, this relationship changed over time, with passive smokers at particularly increased risk of developing ARDS in later years, which may be related to changes in smoking patterns or transfusion practices over time. These findings highlight the need for additional mechanistic and epidemiologic studies of the effects of low levels of cigarette smoke exposure on lung health.
Towards Agile Integration: Specification-based Data Alignment

Utilizing data sets from multiple domains is a common procedure in scientific research. For example, research on the performance of buildings may require data from multiple sources that lack a singular standard for data reporting. The Building Management System might report data at regular 5minute intervals, whereas an air-quality sensor might capture values only when there has been significant change from the previous value. Many systems exist to help integrate multiple data sources into a single system or interface. However, such systems do not necessarily make it easy to modify an integration plan, for example, to accommodate data exploration, new and changing data sets or shifts in the questions of interest. We propose an agile data-integration system to enable quick and adaptive analysis across many data sets, concentrating initially on the data alignment step: combining data values from multiple time-series based data sets whose time schedules. To this end, we adopt a Domain Specific Language approach where we construct a domain model for alignment, provide a specification language for describing alignments in the model and implement an interpreter for specification in that language. Our implementation exploits a rank-based join in SQL that produces faster alignment times than the commonly suggested method of aligning data sets in a database. We present experiments to demonstrate the advantage of our method and exploit data properties for optimization.
Melanoma Cell Intrinsic GABAA Receptor Enhancement Potentiates Radiation and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Response by Promoting Direct and T Cell-Mediated Antitumor Activity.

Purpose Most patients with metastatic melanoma show variable responses to radiation therapy and do not benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Improved strategies for combination therapy that leverage potential benefits from radiation therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors are critical. Methods and Materials We analyzed metastatic melanoma tumors in the TCGA cohort for expression of genes coding for subunits of type A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (GABAAR), a chloride ion channel and major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor. Electrophysiology was used to determine whether melanoma cells possess intrinsic GABAAR activity. Melanoma cell viability studies were conducted to test whether enhancing GABAAR mediated chloride transport using benzodiazepine-impaired viability. A syngeneic melanoma mouse model was used to assay the effect of benzodiazepine on tumor volume and its ability to potentiate radiation therapy or immunotherapy. Treated tumors were analyzed for changes in gene expression by RNA sequencing and presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Results Genes coding for subunits of GABAARs express functional GABAARs in melanoma cells. By enhancing GABAAR-mediated anion transport, benzodiazepines depolarize melanoma cells and impair their viability. In vivo, benzodiazepine alone reduces tumor growth and potentiates radiation therapy and α-PD-L1 antitumor activity. The combination of benzodiazepine, radiation therapy, and α-PD-L1 results in near complete regression of treated tumors and a potent abscopal effect, mediated by increased infiltration of polyfunctional CD8+ T cells. Treated tumors show expression of cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions and overrepresentation of p53 signaling. Conclusions This study identifies an antitumor strategy combining radiation and/or an immune checkpoint inhibitor with modulation of GABAARs in melanoma using benzodiazepine.
Direct method gas-phase oxygen abundances of four Lyman break analogs

We measure the gas-phase oxygen abundances in four Lyman break analogs using auroral emission lines to derive direct abundances. The direct method oxygen abundances of these objects are generally consistent with the empirically derived strong-line method values, confirming that these objects are low oxygen abundance outliers from the mass-metallicity (MZ) relation defined by star forming Sloan Digital Sky Survey galaxies. We find slightly anomalous excitation conditions (Wolf-Rayet features) that could potentially bias the empirical estimates toward high values if caution is not exercised in the selection of the strong-line calibration. The high rate of star formation and low oxygen abundance of these objects is consistent with the predictions of the fundamental metallicity relation, in which the infall of relatively unenriched gas simultaneously triggers an episode of star formation and dilutes the interstellar medium of the host galaxy.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) response following COVID-19 infection: Implications for the ADAMTS-13-von Willebrand factor axis.

One of the most prominent hematologic effects of infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increased thrombotic risk. The mechanisms of this hypercoagulable state, which defies even therapeutic anticoagulation, are under intense investigation. Autopsy studies have confirmed thrombotic disease not only at the macrovascular scale (pulmonary emboli, venous thromboses) but also with microthrombi in alveolar capillaries and severe endothelial injury. Several studies have reported elevated levels of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) activity, VWF antigen, and factor VIII levels in COVID-19, and incremental increases are reported with severity of disease.
Does earnings guidance affect market returns? The nature and information content of aggregate earnings guidance

Abstract We investigate whether earnings guidance affects aggregate stock returns through its effects on expectations about overall earnings performance and/or aggregate expected returns. We find that aggregate guidance, especially relative levels of quarterly downward guidance, is associated with analyst- and time-series-based measures of aggregate earnings news. We find more modest evidence that guidance, again, largely downward guidance, is associated with market returns—market returns appear to respond to guidance toward the end of each calendar quarter, when most earnings preannouncements are released, and there is some evidence that firm-level guidance affects market returns in short windows around its release.
Influence of Antenna Pattern on Synthetic Aperture Radar Image Sidelobe Level in NDE Applications

The influence of the antenna gain pattern on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image sidelobe level is analyzed in this article. The traditionally used antenna with wide beamwidth results in relatively constant and large sidelobe level in SAR image. The presence of these sidelobes can mask adjacent weak indications, which often necessitate windowing or implementation of other signal processing techniques in order to help reduce the effect of image sidelobes associated with strong target indications. Alternatively, using an antenna with a relatively narrow beamwidth provides for an inherent weighting function applied to the target spectrum, which is calculated within the SAR algorithm, along the cross-range direction, and this weighting function is directly related to the scanning antenna gain pattern properties. Consequently, an antenna with a relatively narrow beamwidth produces a lower SAR image sidelobe level along the cross-range direction. Corroborating results from numerical simulations and measurements are provided to illustrate the impact of antenna gain pattern on SAR image sidelobe level.
Effectiveness of Physical Therapy in Addressing Sexual Dysfunction in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report sexual dysfunction, a condition that may result in low sexual satisfaction and decreased quality of life. Although sexual dysfunction is usually treated pharmacologically, physical therapists, especially those trained in pelvic floor physical therapy (PT), are well-equipped to address a variety of impairments that contribute to poor sexual function. The current evidence for effectiveness of PT interventions in improving sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, and the emotional well-being aspect of quality of life was analyzed. Methods The PubMed, CINAHL, and PEDro databases were searched through December 2019. Articles were included if participants had a clinical diagnosis of MS, reported sexual dysfunction or pain with intercourse, and had an intervention within the PT scope that addressed sexual dysfunction. Means and SDs were extracted from each study independently by two authors. Effect sizes (d) and 95% CIs were calculated within and across studies. Results Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Combined effects were significant and large across six studies for sexual function (d = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.57-1.06), moderate across seven studies for sexual satisfaction (d = 0.65, 95% CI, 0.43-0.87), and moderately large across two studies for emotional well-being (d = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.17-1.40). Between-group differences reached significance for sexual satisfaction (d = 0.29, 95% CI, 0.03-0.55). Conclusions Sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and emotional well-being can all be effectively addressed with various PT interventions. Highly effective interventions included pelvic floor muscle training and mindfulness. Future research should compare PT interventions with non-PT controls to determine best practice in this population.
Intrinsic Signal Amplification by Type-III CRISPR-Cas Systems Provides a Sequence-Specific SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic

Summary There is an urgent need for inexpensive new technologies that enable fast, reliable, and scalable detection of viruses. Here, we repurpose the type III CRISPR-Cas system for sensitive and sequence-specific detection of SARS-CoV-2. RNA recognition by the type III CRISPR complex triggers Cas10-mediated polymerase activity, which simultaneously generates pyrophosphates, protons, and cyclic oligonucleotides. We show that all three Cas10-polymerase products are detectable using colorimetric or fluorometric readouts. We design ten guide RNAs that target conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Multiplexing improves the sensitivity of amplification-free RNA detection from 107 copies/μL for a single guide RNA to 106 copies/μL for ten guides. To decrease the limit of detection to levels that are clinically relevant, we developed a two-pot reaction consisting of RT-LAMP followed by T7-transcription and type III CRISPR-based detection. The two-pot reaction has a sensitivity of 200 copies/μL and is completed using patient samples in less than 30 min.
MAGUS+eHMMs: Improved Multiple Sequence Alignment Accuracy for Fragmentary Sequences.

Multiple sequence alignment is an initial step in many bioinformatics pipelines, including phylogeny estimation, protein structure prediction, and taxonomic identification of reads produced in amplicon or metagenomic datasets, etc. Yet, alignment estimation is challenging on datasets that exhibit substantial sequence length heterogeneity, and especially when the datasets have fragmentary sequences as a result of including reads or contigs generated by next-generation sequencing technologies. Here we examine techniques that have been developed to improve alignment estimation when datasets contain substantial numbers of fragmentary sequences. We find that MAGUS, a recently developed MSA method, is fairly robust to fragmentary sequences under many conditions, and that using a two-stage approach where MAGUS is used to align selected "backbone sequences" and the remaining sequences are added into the alignment using ensembles of Hidden Markov Models further improves alignment accuracy. The combination of MAGUS with the ensemble of eHMMs (i.e., MAGUS+eHMMs) clearly improves on UPP, the previous leading method for aligning datasets with high levels of fragmentation. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Interpreting Ancient Figurines: A Cross-Cultural Explanation for Female Figurines?

Could there be a general cross-cultural explanation for the making of female figurines by prehistoric peoples? We considered a specific suggestion along these lines in Chapter 1. The results were not encouraging, although the effort got us out from among the “trees” of prehistoric figurine making in the Mediterranean and Mesoamerica. From a worldwide perspective, it became apparent that trees were clumped into “forests” of considerable spatial and temporal scope and that the forests were few in number. Still, there were at least four deep-prehistoric cases. In each case, figurines have regularly been identified as female. Universalism-as-usual would examine those cases to see what they have in common. We might then declare any commonality to have “caused” the making of female figurines. Yet, there are many plausible causes for image making, with no accepted means of sorting among them. Any commonality found will be heavily laden with theory and likely impervious to falsification. Moreover, the as-usual approach distracts attention from the possibility that there may be no common explanation by ostentatiously debating what the best explanation (now assumed to exist) might be. It is no wonder that there are those who reject cross-cultural explanation altogether. My goal in this chapter is something else: As an experiment in holistic archaeology, I put contextualist method to work in the service of universalist explanation. The idea is to build a synthesis of patterning midway between “evidence” and “interpretation.”
Glycosphingolipid β-Galactosidases IV. ELECTROFOCUSING CHARACTERIZATION IN Gm1-GANGLIOSIDOSIS

Abstract Hepatic β-galactosidases were studied in tissues of five patients with Gm1-gangliosidosis. Activities of 4-methylumbelliferyl, lactosylceramide, Gm1-ganglioside and asialo Gm1-ganglioside β-galactosidases were deficient in livers of patients. In contrast, activities of galactosylceramide β-galactosidase were generally higher than in control tissues. The peak of residual activities of 4-methylumbelliferyl β-galactosidase had an abnormal isoelectric point of 4.6 to 4.7 by electrofocusing. In a late onset type II patient, the activity peaks of galactosylceramide and lactosylceramide β-galactosidases had isoelectric points similar to those in normal control liver tissues, while two patients with type I disease showed highly abnormal electrofocusing patterns of these enzymes. The peaks were shifted substantially toward lower pH. These findings indicate that, in addition to the frank deficiency of some sphingolipid β-galactosidases, there are more subtle and extensive abnormalities of β-galactosidases in Gm1-gangliosidosis. The difference in the electrofocusing patterns of galactosylceramide and lactosylceramide β-galactosidases suggests another enzymatic criterion which might possibly differentiate the phenotypically defined two types of the disease.
Competition and Sustainability: The Impact of Consumer Awareness

Sustainability, a broad concept that includes numerous environmental and social dimensions, has emerged as an important product evaluation criterion for consumers. We suggest the impact of sustainability on consumer behavior depends on two factors—each individual consumer's unique level of concern about sustainability, and the general level of awareness regarding the sustainability of competing products—that together determine the level of heterogeneity among consumer attitudes toward sustainability. We incorporate sustainability concern and awareness into a model of horizontal competition in a duopoly, where one firm's product is more sustainable than the other's. Our results suggest that marginal increases in awareness can benefit all firms, including the less sustainable one, when awareness is sufficiently high (the explicit goal of recent sustainability labeling initiatives). In several model extensions, we provide additional insights for the following cases: the sustainable firm controls the extent of its sustainability advantage, the sustainable firm can directly influence the general level of awareness, and the distribution of sustainability concern across consumers is nonuniform. Our results enable us to suggest several new insights for managers, both those whose products enjoy a sustainability advantage and those whose products do not.
Coadsorption of cesium and oxygen on Ni(100): I. Cesium probing of NiO bonding

Abstract Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and work function measurements have been used to study the interaction of Cs and O on (100) surfaces of Ni. Deposition of Cs on oxygen-chemisorbed Ni(100) changed the structure of the O array. The work function of this surface showed a minimum at 0.14 monolayer of Cs coverage and a maximum at 0.29 monolayer. On the other hand, Cs on oxidized Ni(100) could not change the oxygen arrangement at all, and the work function remained constant after reaching a minimum value. These two types of behavior of Cs can be used to probe the bonding states of O on metal surfaces. Our results suggest that the c(2×2) structure of O on Ni(100) is simple chemisorption rather than reconstruction and that the c(2×2) coexists with regions of disordered NiO on Ni(100). While LEED intensity variations detect primarily the chemisorbed c(2×2), other measurements like work function, ion neutralization and sticking coefficient should detect both kinds of NiO bonding.
Flavonoid complexes in Pisum sativum—IV. : The effect of red light on synthesis of kaempferol complexes and on growth in sub-apical internode tissues

Abstract Internode tissues of dark-grown peas contain kaempferol-3-triglucoside (KG) as the major flavonoid and smaller amounts of 3- p -coumaroyltriglucosyl-kaempferol (KGC). Tissues harvested 24 hr after irradiation with weak red light showed a 200–300 per cent increase in KG, and also increases in KGC. No quercetin compounds were detectable. The increases in kaempferol compounds were reversed by far-red light treatment given immediately after red irradiation. Kinetic studies showed that the first detectable effect of red light on growth preceded significant red-light-induced increases in both kaempferol complexes.
The formation of plagioclase chains during convective transfer in basaltic magma

The basaltic rock in the lower part of the thick Holyoke lava flow in Connecticut and Massachusetts has been shown to have a remarkable texture, with crystals of feldspar linked together in a continuous three-dimensional network of chains1. Heating experiments have revealed that this network persists to temperatures where the rock is 75% liquid2, and therefore the network was interpreted to have formed at an early stage of crystallization and to have played an important role in the compaction of crystal mush in the lower part of the flow3,4. Despite the texture's importance to our understanding of how such basalt flows form, the origin of the texture has remained uncertain1,2,3. Here we show that, although the network is present in the lower third of the flow, it was actually formed in the upper solidification front and was transported down in plumes of dense crystal mush. Convection of this type has been postulated for intrusive magma chambers, but corroborative field evidence has been equivocal, especially in lava lakes and flows. Preservation of the roof-generated texture in the lower part of a thick flood-basalt flow therefore constitutes important evidence for the role of convection in the solidification and differentiation of a simple magma sheet.
User-initialized active contour segmentation and golden-angle real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance enable accurate assessment of LV function in patients with sinus rhythm and arrhythmias

Data obtained during arrhythmia is retained in real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance (rt-CMR), but there is limited and inconsistent evidence to show that rt-CMR can accurately assess beat-to-beat variation in left ventricular (LV) function or during an arrhythmia. Multi-slice, short axis cine and real-time golden-angle radial CMR data was collected in 22 clinical patients (18 in sinus rhythm and 4 patients with arrhythmia). A user-initialized active contour segmentation (ACS) software was validated via comparison to manual segmentation on clinically accepted software. For each image in the 2D acquisitions, slice volume was calculated and global LV volumes were estimated via summation across the LV using multiple slices. Real-time imaging data was reconstructed using different image exposure times and frame rates to evaluate the effect of temporal resolution on measured function in each slice via ACS. Finally, global volumetric function of ectopic and non-ectopic beats was measured using ACS in patients with arrhythmias. ACS provides global LV volume measurements that are not significantly different from manual quantification of retrospectively gated cine images in sinus rhythm patients. With an exposure time of 95.2 ms and a frame rate of > 89 frames per second, golden-angle real-time imaging accurately captures hemodynamic function over a range of patient heart rates. In four patients with frequent ectopic contractions, initial quantification of the impact of ectopic beats on hemodynamic function was demonstrated. User-initialized active contours and golden-angle real-time radial CMR can be used to determine time-varying LV function in patients. These methods will be very useful for the assessment of LV function in patients with frequent arrhythmias.
Modeling variability in reaching motions

Motion prediction models may give the average reach for an individual of specified characteristics. The actual reach will vary from this reach in a manner that may depend on both systematic and random factors. We describe a modeling approach that incorporates the variability within the reaches of a given subject and that between subjects. This information is useful to designers in investigating phenomena that may not occur during the average reach but may occur during variants such as collision with an obstacle or injury due to over-exertion.
Reparameterized vibrational force constants—I: Method and application to four square-pyramidal molecules

Abstract Vibrational force constants of polyatomic molecules can be more conveniently calculated by least squares when the adjustments are computed for orthogonal linear combinations of the force constants. Beparameterizing the force constants to an orthogonal space is discussed and a method of error analyses described. It is argued that in addition to speeding calculation, this is a statistically sound method of treating underdetermined systems. As an example, force constants with error analyses are reported for XeOF 4 , IF 5 , BrF 5 , and ClF 5 .
Stokes-Einstein Relation in Supercooled Aqueous Solutions of Glycerol

The diffusion of glycerol molecules decreases with decreasing temperature as its viscosity increases in a manner simply described by the Stokes-Einstein relation. Approaching the glass transition, this relation breaks down as it does with a number of other pure liquid glass formers. We have measured the diffusion coefficient for binary mixtures of glycerol and water and find that the Stokes-Einstein relation is restored with increasing water concentration. Our comparison with theory suggests that adding water postpones the formation of frustration domains.
Ab initio molecular orbital study of adsorption of oxygen, nitrogen, and ethylene on silver-zeolite and silver halides

An ab initio molecular orbital study is undertaken on the adsorption of N2, O2, and C2H4 (adsorbate) on Ag−zeolite and Ag halides (adsorbent). Geometry optimization is performed at the HF/3-21G level, while MP2/3-21G with natural bond orbital calculations are performed to obtain energies, atomic charges, orbital energies, and orbital populations (occupancies). The bonding of adsorbate to adsorbent is discussed in the context of σ-donation (i.e., overlap of the 2p orbitals of the adsorbate molecule with the 5s orbital of Ag) and d−π* backdonation (i.e., overlap of the 4dyz orbitals of Ag with the 2p* antibonding orbitals of the adsorbate). For all adsorbate−adsorbent pairs, the ratio of σ-donation to d−π* backdonation is approximately 3:1. Results on occupancy analysis indicate that a considerable electron redistribution from the 4dz2 orbitals to the 4dyz orbitals occurs in Ag during adsorption and that this redistribution has possibly enhanced the d−π* backdonation. Net charge and energy gap (Δe) analyses...
The skeletal bonding and structure of H6Cu6(PR3)6 clusters. X-ray and topological studies on the H6Cu6[P(p-tolyl)3]6 molecule

Abstract The structure of ‘[HCuP(p-tolyl)3]’, whose state of aggregation has been uncertain, is shown to be hexameric by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Its geometry is similar to that of H6Cu6(PPh3)6, consisting of an octahedral core of metal atoms with a pattern of six short [average 2.54(1) A] and six long [average 2.66(1) A] CuCu edges. There are two independent clusters in the unit cell, each situated on a center of inversion symmetry. The structural data, plus the results obtained from a modified form of Mingos' ‘styx’ electron counting method as applied to the (HCuL)6 cluster, appear indicative of the presence of edge-bridging H atoms. Crystallographic details: H6Cu6[P(p-tolyl)3]6 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 , with a = 19.785(11) A, b = 23.057(9) A, c = 15.810(3) A, α = 102.53(2)°, β = 112.39(3)°, γ = 83.96(4)°, Z = 2. Final R factor = 9.1% for 6837 reflections.