cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental test of revised similarity hypotheses without Taylor's hypothesis.

The refined similarity hypotheses (RSH) and their extension to passive scalar (RSH-P) are tested experimentally using simultaneous velocity and scalar data in a turbulent jet. Different from the single-point hot-wire probe in a previous experimental test, a combined particle image velocimetry and planar laser induced fluorescence technique enable us to obtain the test data without applying Taylor's hypothesis. RSH is successfully validated with direct examinations of its three hypotheses. RSH-P is partially supported, where the hypothesis of independent behavior of the stochastic variable ${\ensuremath{\upsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\theta}}$ is not supported. The conditional probability density functions (PDFs) of $\ensuremath{\upsilon}$ and ${\ensuremath{\upsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\theta}}$ cannot be described by Gaussian distributions when ${\mathrm{Re}}_{\mathrm{r}}l5$ for $\ensuremath{\upsilon}$ and ${\mathrm{Re}}_{\mathrm{r}}l300$ for ${\ensuremath{\upsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\theta}}$, and their Gaussian peaks converge when ${\mathrm{Re}}_{\mathrm{r}}g100$ for $\ensuremath{\upsilon}$ and ${\mathrm{Re}}_{\mathrm{r}}g1000$ for ${\ensuremath{\upsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\theta}}$. In addition, the bimodal behavior of the PDFs and oscillations at small $r$ in previous experimental tests are not observed in this study.
High Density Dry Etching of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 and LaNiO3

High density plasma etching of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST) and LaNiO3 (LNO) thin films was performed in two different plasma chemistries, Cl2/Ar and CH4/H2/Ar. While the latter chemistry produced extremely low etch rates (≤ 100 A-min−1) under all conditions, the Cl2/Ar produced a smooth anisotropic pattern transfer. The etching was still strongly ion-assisted, but maximum removal rates of ∼900 A min−1 for both materials were achieved with selectivities of ∼16 for BST and ∼7 for LNO over Si. A single layer of thick (∼7 μm) photoresist is an effective mask under these conditions.
The Support Vector Machine for Turbine Vibration Forecast Based on Chaotic Phase-space Reconstruction

Turbine vibration has serious effect on the security of the unit.Vibration data prediction is important to its stable operation.Support vector machine is a common good development method of vibration prediction.However,the input characteristics have great effects on the accuracy of prediction and feature selection has been one common concern.This article uses phase space reconstruction theory to predict vibration.And with the comparison of two conventional methods,it verifies that the prediction method based on phase space reconstruction is superior.
The Clinical Manifestations of Cardiac Failure in Adults

Recognition of the clinical symptoms and signs that indicate the heart is no longer adequately fulfilling its prime mission as a pump depends less on the use of sophisticated techniques than on a systematic probing of the history, physical signs, and x-ray findings. A step-by-step approach is outlined through which a complete and harmonious picture may be obtained to serve as a basis for treatment.
Amino acid accumulation by human reticulocytes.

1. The concentrations of certain amino acids were measured by ion exchange chromatography in mature red cells, in red cells with a high percentage of reticulocytes, and in the plasma in which these red cells had been suspended. The concentration ratio as a measure of net accumulation of the red cells for amino acids was derived from these data. 2. Adult red cells can accumulate glycine and alanine, but not methionine, valine, isoleucine or leucine. 3. Reticulocytes can accumulate glycine best, then alanine, then methionine, isoleucine, and leucine to approximately the same extent. They were unable to maintain a concentration gradient for valine. 4. In two patients with thalassemia, no abnormality was found in the plasma or red cell levels of citrulline, proline, glycine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, or phenylalanine. In one of the thalassemic patients no abnormality of histidine was found. The amino acid accumulation by thalassemic, or fetal red cells was the same as for normal red cells of comparable reticulocyte percentage.
Faraday rotation and the SMAP radiometer

Faraday rotation is an issue to be taken into account in remote sensing from space at L-band. This is especially so for a conical scanner such as SMAP with a focus on soil moisture because the rotation angle varies with position around the scan and because the angle retrieved over land is noisy. Examples are reported. This is part of research to determine the accuracy of the retrieval of the rotation angle and the optimum way to deal with Faraday rotation over land.
Emotional Intelligence and the Counselor: Examining the Relationship of Trait Emotional Intelligence to Counselor Burnout

Given the intimate and emotional nature of counseling, counselors are often highly susceptible to counselor burnout. Scholars have reported on how important it is for counselors to find strategies that mitigate stressful scenarios and prevent burnout. Emotional intelligence could be a preventative factor. This article describes a correlational investigation that examined the relationship of practicing mental health and marriage and family counselors' (N = 539) emotional intelligence to their degree of burnout. The results from this study indicate that participants' level of emotional intelligence negatively predicted their level of burnout (r = −.62, p < .001; 38% of the variance explained). This article provides a description of our findings, suggestions for future research, and implications for counselors.
Oligomeric Conjugated Polyelectrolytes Display Site-Preferential Binding to an MS2 Viral Capsid

Opportunistic bacteria and viruses are a worldwide health threat prompting the need to develop new targeting modalities. A class of novel synthetic poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE)-based oligomeric conjugated polyelectrolytes (OPEs) have demonstrated potent wide-spectrum biocidal activity. A subset of cationic OPEs display high antiviral activity against the MS2 bacteriophage. The oligomers have been found to inactivate the bacteriophage and perturb the morphology of the MS2 viral capsid. However, details of the initial binding and interactions between the OPEs and the viruses are not well understood. In this study, we use a multiscale computational approach, including random sampling, molecular dynamics, and electronic structure calculations, to gain an understanding of the molecular-level interactions of a series of OPEs that vary in length, charge, and functional groups with the MS2 capsid. Our results show that OPEs strongly bind to the MS2 capsid protein assembly with binding energies of up to −30 kc...
How Vital Is Price to Compulsive Collectors

Collecting is a widespread consumer behavior, as an estimated third of all adults collects something. According to Belk, collecting is “the process of actively, selectively, and passionately acquiring and possessing things removed from ordinary use and perceived as part of a set of non-identical objects or experiences” (1995, p. 67). It is an intensely involving form of consumption that can become an addiction, obsession, and compulsion (Belk et al. 1991). Compulsive collecting can lead to a host of problems, including individual, family and societal. A scale measuring compulsive collecting has been recently developed and validated (Kukar-Kinney and Ridgway 2013). In this paper, we use that measure to examine the relationship between consumers’ reaction to price and compulsive collecting.
Predictive Validity of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) Born Very Preterm.

Objective To examine the predictive validity of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) administered at age 24 months for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosed at 10 years of age in a US cohort of 827 extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) followed from birth. Study design We examined the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the M-CHAT in predicting an ASD diagnosis at age 10 years based on gold standard diagnostic instruments. We then assessed how these predictive parameters were affected by sensorimotor and cognitive impairments, socioeconomic status (SES), and emotional/behavioral dysregulation at age 2 years. Results Using standard criteria, the M-CHAT had a sensitivity of 52%, a specificity of 84%, a PPV of 20%, and an NPV of 96%. False-positive and false-negative rates were high among children with hearing and vision impairments. High false-positive rates also were associated with lower SES, motor and cognitive impairments, and emotional/behavioral dysregulation at age 2 years. Conclusions Among extremely preterm children with ASD, almost one-half were not correctly screened by the M-CHAT at age 2 years. Sensorimotor and cognitive impairments, SES, and emotional/behavioral dysregulation contributed significantly to M-CHAT misclassifications. Clinicians are advised to consider these factors when screening very preterm toddlers for ASD.
Abstract 238: Angiogenesis Requires G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2-Interacting Protein 1 (GIT1): A Novel GIT1-ERK1/2-Cortactin Pathway Controls Endothelial Cell Directional Migration

Introduction— GIT1 is a multidomain scaffold protein involved in diverse cellular processes including cell adhesion and migration. GIT1 is required for vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) signaling in endothelial cells (EC) and translocates to lamellipodia during directional migration. Lamellipodia are regions of very rapid actin remodeling which is mediated in part by the cortical actin remodeling protein, cortactin. We hypothesize that GIT1 mediates directional migration of EC by regulating cortactin localization and activation. Methods and Results— To determine the role of GIT1 in directional migration of EC, we used a Dunn’s chamber and in vitro scratch wound healing assay. In Dunn’s chamber, the migration of GIT1 siRNA transfected Human Umbilical Vein EC (HUVEC) was decreased by 66±9.1% compared to control siRNA transfected EC in response to 50ng/ml VEGF gradient. Furthermore, the extent of wound healing was decreased by 63±7.8% in GIT1 knock out (GIT1-KO) mouse lung microvascular EC (MLMEC). We next studied the localization pattern of cortactin in MLMEC from GIT1 wild type (GIT1-WT) and GIT1-KO mice. In GIT1-KO MLMEC the number of cells with cortactin localized by immunofluorescence (IF) at the leading edge during wound healing was reduced by 73±5.7% compared to GIT1-WT. Dual IF for cortactin and GIT1 at the leading edge of HUVEC showed extensive co-localization. In response to 50ng/ml VEGF for 15 min, serum deprived HUVEC exhibited a 75.6±11.3% increase in GIT1-cortactin association as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation (IP). Among GIT1 domains, the Spa homology domain (SHD) is unique to GIT1 and is required for signal transduction. We next transfected GIT1-KO MLMEC with GIT1(1-770), GIT1(1-420) that contains SHD, and GIT1(1-250+420-770) that lacks SHD. IF and IP analysis of MLMEC showed that SHD was required for cortactin membrane localization and cortactin-GIT1 association. Finally, we showed that GIT1 regulates VEGF induced ERK1/2 mediated phosphorylation of cortactin Ser405, a requirement for cortactin activation. Conclusion— The unique SHD of GIT1 is essential for VEGF induced EC migration by assembling a GIT1-ERK1/2-cortactin complex suggesting that SHD of GIT1 may be a therapeutic target to limit pathological angiogenesis.
Designing an interdisciplinary graduate program in knowledge management: Special Topic Section on Knowledge Management in Asia

Designing an interdisciplinary graduate program in knowledge management requires a good understanding of knowledge processes and the ability to differentiate between information management and knowledge management. Given the complexity of knowledge and the nature of its existence, there is a need for graduate programs to go beyond information management and include in the curriculum disciplines that deal with social, cultural, and economic issues such as communication, cognitive science, and business. An understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge management is necessary for a more balanced and practical approach to the development of a knowledge management curriculum. In this article, the design and development of an interdisciplinary graduate program in knowledge man-agement at Nanyang Technological University in Singa-pore is reported. The initiation of the program was influenced by the strong demand from the public sector in Singapore for knowledge management professionals. It was developed in close association with the information studies program at Nanyang Technological University. In the first year, the program attracted 230 applicants, of which 45 were selected—22 students came from the public sector and 23 students came from the private sector. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ADMA: Amplitude-Division Multiple Access for Bacterial Communication Networks

In a communication network with extremely high processing delays, an efficient addressing and multiple-access control mechanism to improve the throughput performance of the system is a necessity. This paper focuses on source addressing in multiple-source single-receiver bacterial communication networks. We propose amplitude-division multiple access (ADMA), a method that assigns the amplitude of the transmitted signal as the address of the source. We demonstrate using genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacteria in a microfluidic device that using amplitude for addressing is feasible. We analyze the performance of the network with several addressing mechanisms and propose an amplitude sequence and a low-complexity receiver design that minimizes error in resolving the source addresses in the presence of collisions. Finally, we demonstrate that ADMA implicitly solves the problem of multiple-access control.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure to treat lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its mechanism of action is temperature-induced coagulative necrosis of prostatic tissue via precisely targeted, high-energy microwave radiation that is delivered transurethrally, and its recovery time and side effects are minimal. Innovations in the past couple of decades have centered around improving control over the area of ablation and minimizing collateral damage to urethral tissue, and device manufacturers have each chosen to focus on a different subset of the problem. Nonetheless, there remains a distinct paucity of evidence supporting the adoption of any particular TUMT modality over the others. In comparison to the longstanding surgical gold standard, transurethral resection of the prostate, a growing body of evidence finds TUMT to be marginally inferior in terms of symptom reduction and retreatment rate but superior with respect to serious perioperative adverse events.
Octapartite negative-sense RNA genome of High Plains wheat mosaic virus encodes two suppressors of RNA silencing.

Abstract High Plains wheat mosaic virus (HPWMoV, genus Emaravirus; family Fimoviridae), transmitted by the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella Keifer), harbors a monocistronic octapartite single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome. In this study, putative proteins encoded by HPWMoV genomic RNAs 2–8 were screened for potential RNA silencing suppression activity by using a green fluorescent protein-based reporter agroinfiltration assay. We found that proteins encoded by RNAs 7 (P7) and 8 (P8) suppressed silencing induced by single- or double-stranded RNAs and efficiently suppressed the transitive pathway of RNA silencing. Additionally, a Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV, genus Tritimovirus; family Potyviridae) mutant lacking the suppressor of RNA silencing (ΔP1) but having either P7 or P8 from HPWMoV restored cell-to-cell and long-distance movement in wheat, thus indicating that P7 or P8 rescued silencing suppressor-deficient WSMV. Furthermore, HPWMoV P7 and P8 substantially enhanced the pathogenicity of Potato virus X in Nicotiana benthamiana. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the octapartite genome of HPWMoV encodes two suppressors of RNA silencing.
The Equity Risk Premium in 2018

We analyze the history of the equity risk premium from surveys of U.S. Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) conducted every quarter from June 2000 to December 2017. The risk premium is the expected 10-year S&P 500 return relative to a 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yield. The average risk premium is 4.42% and is somewhat higher than the average observed over the past 18 years. We also provide results on the risk premium disagreement among respondents as well as asymmetry or skewness of risk premium estimates. We also link our risk premium results to survey-based measures of the weighted average cost of capital and investment hurdle rates. The hurdle rates are significantly higher than the cost of capital implied by the market risk premium estimates.
The geophysics, geology and mechanics of slow fault slip

Abstract Modern geodetic and seismologic observations describe the behavior of fault slip over a vast range of spatial and temporal scales. Slip at sub-seismogenic speeds is evident from top to bottom of lithospheric faults and plays an important role throughout the earthquake cycle. Where earthquakes and tremor accompany slow slip, they help illuminate the spatiotemporal evolution of fault slip. Geophysical subsurface imaging and geologic field studies provide information about suitable environments of slow slip. In particular, exhumed fault and shear zones from various depths reveal the importance of multiple deformation processes and fault-zone structures. Most geologic examples feature frictionally weak and velocity-strengthening materials, well-developed mineral fabrics, and abundant veining indicative of near-lithostatic fluid pressure. To produce transient slow slip events and tremor, in addition to the presence of high-pressure fluids a heterogeneous fault-zone structure, composition, and/or metamorphic assemblage may be needed. Laboratory and computational models suggest that velocity-weakening slip patches smaller than a critical dimension needed for earthquake nucleation will also fail in slow slip events. Changes in fluid pressure or slip rate can cause a fault to transition between stable and unstable fault slip behavior. Future interdisciplinary investigations of slow fault slip, directly integrating geophysical, geological and modeling investigations, will further improve our understanding of the dynamics of slow slip and aid in providing more accurate earthquake hazard characterizations.
The Entanglement and Disentanglement of Church and State in Irish Social Policy

This chapter examines the changing nature of the partnership of church and state amid shifting religious and secular currents in Irish society. It highlights recent significant changes in the religious landscape, including a sharp decline in Catholic affiliation and church participation and an increase in ethnic and religious minorities. These developments, coupled with the political and economic strains of a post-austerity state and cultural expectations of a more pluralistic and inclusive society, are shifting the public discourse on the deeply embedded relationship between church and state in education, health, and social welfare. Using case analyses, the chapter shows that the terms of this discourse are highly nuanced. The public arguments advanced vary depending on the specific issue, but in all cases expose the tensions in secular expectations of both the church and the state. The chapter concludes by drawing out the implications of cultural context for inter-institutional relations and definitions of the good or just society.
The Complex Cognitive Systems Manifesto

In a complex system the overall behavior of the system cannot be analytically explained in terms of the underlying mechanism that causes the behavior. This paper argues that the human cognitive system is almost certainly a partial complex system, and that one consequence of this complexity is that if we try to understand human cognition by looking only for the locally-most-optimal models of all aspects of the system, we will generate models that can never converge on a unified theory. This has serious implications for the methodology of cognitive science. To solve this “complex systems problem,” it is proposed that researchers move toward a new, more theoretically intensive research paradigm that shifts the focus away from local models and toward parameterized “generators” of large sets of models. These generators would then be organized using frameworks, each of which is a prototype of a unified theory of cognition, and the research methodology would involve constraint relaxation among the generated models. The paper concludes with a description of a specific framework, based on a generalized version of connectionism, and the suggestion that this new methodology can only be realized if a new class of software tools is built to support it.
Assessment of Discipline Styles Among Parents of Preschool Through School-Age Children

The Parenting Scale (D.S. Arnold, S.G. O'Leary, L.S. Wolff, & M.M. Acker, 1993) is a self-report measure of parenting practices that has demonstrated sound psychometric properties when used with the parents of young children. However, less is known about the use of this measure with parents of older children. This study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Parenting Scale in a normative sample of parents with children 2–12 years old. Findings reveal that the psychometric properties remain strong among the parents of elementary school children, with minimal differences in scores as a function of children's age. However, the data suggest that the factor structure may differ from that proposed by the authors. Although statistically significant correlations with ADHD symptoms were revealed, the magnitude of these correlations was relatively small. Suggestions for future research and clinical use of this scale are discussed.
Pharmacological Effects of Remacemide and MK-801 on Memory and Hippocampal CA1 Damage in the Rat Four-Vessel Occlusion (4-VO) Model of Global Ischemia

Rationale for Pharmacotherapy of Remacemide in 4-VO Model: Studies have reported memory impairment (25) and a selective and delayed onset of CA1 pyramidal cell necrosis in man after global ischemia (18). Memory tests demonstrated anterograde amnesia in a patient (R.B.) who developed circumscribed memory impairment following an ischemic episode. Prior to death, R.B. showed no signs of cognitive impairments other than memory loss. Histological evaluations revealed selective and bilateral CA1 pyramidal cell loss (28). The 4-VO model is widely used for studying the phenomenon of “selectively vulnerable, delayed onset” pathophysiology of hippocampal CAl neurons in global ischemia (19,20). Post-ischemic pharmacological treatments may modify the functional and morphological outcome of global ischemia in the hippocampus, involving ischemically compromised but possibly still “viable” CA1 neurons (20). There is credible evidence for a critical role of the hippocampus in a specific type of spatial, representational, or episodic memory (23,24,28). Circumscribed memory impairment with selective CA1 cell necrosis has been reported in the 4-VO model (15,26). Protection of hippocampal CA1 cell damage may represent a valid “neural endpoint”, or target for drug intervention (20).
An Agent-Based Simulation of A Jit Material Handling System

Material handling is a loose loop in most assembly plants. Just-in-time (JIT) is a management philosophy that strives to eliminate sources of manufacturing waste by producing the right part in the right place at the right time. We propose to apply JIT principles to material handling in assembly plants. Material Kanbans are introduced as an effective means to control and balance the physical material/part flow in the plant floor. An agent-based simulation prototype is implemented using Anylogic™. The flexibility of the agent-based approach, facilitates the simulation of various “what-if” scenarios including different layout designs, objective parameters and dynamic situations in the plant floor.
Marxist Educational Theory: Reflections in Cambodia.

Marxist educational thinkers have produced, in recent years, a powerful humanist critique of educational practice and theory. Yet, the Cambodian Government's assault upon its own people, the oblite...
Dominant Role of Entropy in Stabilizing Sugar Isomerization Transition States within Hydrophobic Zeolite Pores.

Lewis acid sites in zeolites catalyze aqueous-phase sugar isomerization at higher turnover rates when confined within hydrophobic rather than within hydrophilic micropores; however, relative contri...
Knowledge, attitude, and awareness of mothers toward emergency management of dental trauma in high literacy population

Aims and Objectives: Most important oral health problem observed in childhood is dental trauma. This frequently occurs at home or during outdoor activities so emergency care is essential for good prognosis of the injury. For the better prognosis, parents have important role. Before planning educational promotion, it is essential to consider the understanding level of parents, where mothers play an important role. Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude as well as awareness in mothers toward immediate management in traumatic dental injuries. Materials and Methods: A 3-month survey was conducted among 120 mothers who visited the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry for treatment. Fifteen closed-ended questions based on knowledge, attitude, and awareness were provided to the mothers, who were between 20 and 60 years of age. Results were statistically evaluated by using chi-square test, and the level of significance was set as P ˂ 0.05. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the statistical analysis. Independent two sample t-test was applied for comparing the mean difference of numerical variables between groups. Results: Results indicated the low knowledge level of mothers about immediate management of traumatic dental injuries. Residential status as well as education of mothers did not affect their awareness toward dental trauma, mother’s experience also had no effect in the preservation of avulsed tooth. No statistical significance was observed in either of the cases. Conclusion: The assessment showed a want of awareness and knowledge in mothers toward emergency management of traumatic dental injuries. Knowledge of parents in this area needs to be improved by educational programs.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Regulators of Bone, Muscle, and Fat Formation

The controversial concept of a “mesenchymal stem cell”, also known as “multipotent stromal cell” or “MSC”, has served as a cell biological foundation upon which to build and test hypotheses examining the complex relationships between bone, fat and skeletal muscle. Multiple independent studies have demonstrated the presence of MSC-like cells within connective tissues including bone, fascia, fat, marrow, skeletal muscle, and tendon. The MSC has been defined based on its plastic adherence and proliferative properties in vitro, its trilineage (adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic) differentiation ability, and its distinctive surface immunophenotype. Moreover, the differentiated MSC adipocytes, myocytes and osteoblasts secrete distinct profiles of growth factors termed “adipokines”, “myokines” and “osteokines”. These “-kines”, which include both anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, account in part for the MSC’s immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive functions in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies have focused on the MSC’s secretion of microvesicular “exosomes” containing cytokines, adhesive surface proteins, and microRNAs capable of positively or negatively modulating lineage specific signal transduction pathways. This chapter reviews the history and recent discoveries relating MSCs to the biological aging-associated pathologies of obesity, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia.
Comparison of Cardiovascular Events Among Users of Different Classes of Antihypertension Medications: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Importance Antihypertension medications have been associated with prevention of cardiovascular events, although less is known about the comparative effectiveness of different medication classes. Objective To compare contemporary aggregated first-in-trial cardiovascular events among patients with hypertension and no substantial comorbidities. Data Sources The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for articles published between January 1, 1990, and October 24, 2017. Study Selection Randomized clinical trials that tested commonly used antihypertension medications (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, β-blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretics) and that reported selected cardiovascular outcomes for at least 6 months of follow-up. Data Extraction and Synthesis The analysis was conducted from October 2017 to December 2019. Two reviewers extracted the number of cardiovascular events at the end of treatment for all study groups. For each outcome, a frequentist network meta-analysis was used to compare risk reductions between medication classes (random-effects models weighted by the inverse variance). The dose-response association between a 10–mm Hg reduction of systolic blood pressure and a 5–mm Hg reduction of diastolic blood pressure and the risk of first-in-trial cardiovascular events was estimated. Main Outcomes and Measures First-in-trial cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization. Results In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, data were pooled from 46 eligible clinical trials (248 887 total participants with a mean [SD] age of 65.6 [5.8] years; 52.8% men). In the network meta-analysis, compared with placebo, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics were reported to be similarly effective in reducing overall cardiovascular events (25%), cardiovascular death (20%), and stroke (35%); angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were reported to be the most effective in reducing the risk of myocardial infarction (28%); and diuretics were reported to be the most effective in reducing revascularization (33%). In the metaregression analyses, each 10–mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure and 5-mm Hg reduction in diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular death, stroke, and overall cardiovascular events. Conclusions and Relevance In this network meta-analysis of clinical trials of patients with hypertension and no substantial comorbidities, different classes of antihypertension medications were associated with similar benefits in reducing cardiovascular events. Future studies should compare the effectiveness of combinations of antihypertension medications in reducing cardiovascular events.
A Social Robot for Rehabilitation: Expert Clinicians and Post-Stroke Patients’ Evaluation Following a Long-Term Intervention

We developed a novel gamified system for post-stroke long-term rehabilitation, using the humanoid robot Pepper (Soft Bank, Aldebaran). Here, we present a participatory-design study with insights from both expert clinicians and from stroke patients who underwent a long-term intervention with the robot. We first present the results of a qualitative study with expert clinicians $(\mathrm{n}=12)$ on the compatibility of this system with the needs of post-stroke patients, and then the preliminary results of a long-term intervention study with post-stroke participants $(\mathrm{n}=4)$ in a rehabilitation facility. Both the clinicians and the patients found the robot and the gamified system engaging, motivating and meeting the needs of upper limb rehabilitation. The clinicians gave specific recommendations that may be applicable to a wide range of technologies for post-stroke rehabilitation. ACM Reference format: Ronit Feingold Polak and Shelly Levy-Tzedek. 2020. A Social Robot for Rehabilitation: Expert Clinicians and Post-Stroke Patients’ Evaluation Following a Long-Term Intervention. In Proceedings of HRI ’20: 2020 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction, March 24–26, 2020, Cambridge, UK. ACM, NewYork, NY, USA, 10 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/3319502.3374797
A subcutaneous pancreatic islet transplantation platform using a clinically applicable, biodegradable Vicryl mesh scaffold - an experimental study.

Pancreatic islet transplantation into the liver is an effective treatment for type 1 diabetes but has some critical limitations. The subcutaneous site is a potential alternative transplant site, requiring minimally invasive procedures and allowing frequent graft monitoring; however, hypoxia is a major drawback. Our previous study without scaffolding demonstrated post‐transplant graft aggregation in the subcutaneous site, which theoretically exacerbates lethal intra‐graft hypoxia. In this study, we introduce a clinically applicable subcutaneous islet transplantation platform using a biodegradable Vicryl mesh scaffold to prevent aggregation in a diabetic rat model. Islets were sandwiched between layers of clinically proven Vicryl mesh within thrombin‐fibrin gel. In vitro, the mesh prevented islet aggregation and intra‐islet hypoxia, which significantly improved islet viability. In vivo rat syngeneic islet transplantations into a prevascularized subcutaneous pocket demonstrated that the mesh significantly enhanced engraftment, as measured by assays for graft survival and function. Histological examination at six weeks showed well‐vascularized grafts sandwiched in a flat shape between the mesh layers. The biodegradable mesh was fully absorbed by three months, which alleviated chronic foreign body reaction and fibrosis, and supported long‐term graft maintenance. This simple graft shape modification approach is an effective and clinically applicable strategy for improved subcutaneous islet transplantation.
Iodoindenes: Synthesis and application to cross-coupling

Abstract An expeditious synthesis of 5-, 6-, and 7-iodoindenes from the corresponding aminoindan-1-ones in more than 70% yield employing readily available precursors and ubiquitous reagents is reported. The 4-iodoindene has been prepared analogously in 40% overall yield. A three-step sequence involves diazotization-iodination of aminoindan-1-one followed by the reduction and dehydration. The iodoindenes serve as effective substrates for the regioselective Stille coupling with vinyl stannanes but isomeric mixtures are produced during Sonogashira coupling with alkynes in the presence of triethylamine.
Acoustic Emission Signatures of Various Rock Types in Unconfined Compression

An investigation of ten rock types in unconfined compression has led to four distinct types of stress versus acoustic emission response curves, that is, signatures. These are the originally proposed Mogi type, and three variations of this generalized behavior, that is, unstable, dense, and dense unstable types. They have been correlated to conceptual ideas on brittle rock behavior. Frequency analysis on all rock types at each stage of the various stress ranges has also been performed. Trends in peak frequency shifting are presented with implications as to the use of this information. (Authors)
Structure and Function of an in vivo Assembled Type III-A CRISPR-Cas Complex Reveal Critical Roles of Dynamics in Activity Control

The small RNA-mediated immunity in bacteria depends on foreign RNA-activated and self RNA-inhibited enzymatic activities. The multi-subunit Type III-A CRISPR-Cas effector complex (Csm) exemplifies this principle, but its molecular basis for regulation remains unexplained. Recognition of the foreign RNA, or cognate target RNA (CTR), triggers its single-stranded deoxyribonuclease (DNase) and cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA) synthesis activities. The same activities remain dormant in the presence of the self-RNA, or noncognate target RNA (NTR) that differs from CTR only in its 3-protospacer flanking sequence. Here we captured four structures of in vivo assembled Lactococcus lactis Csm (LlCsm) by electron cryomicroscopy representing both the active and the inactive states. Surprisingly, in absence of bound RNA, LlCsm largely forms a minimal assembly lacking the Csm2 subunit with a stably bound catalytic subunit Csm1. Comparison of the minimal LlCsm structure and activities, both in vitro and in vivo, with those of fully assembled LlCsm reveals a molecular mechanism responsible for the viral RNA-activated and self RNA-inhibited activity of Csm1 through protein dynamics. Graphic Art Summary O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=91 SRC="FIGDIR/small/428455v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (30K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e9c428org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@4d3397org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@76184dorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1359dd5_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
Adaptive optics for imaging through soil minerals

Soil is a highly scattering media that inhibits imaging of plant-microbial-mineral interactions that are essential to plant health and soil carbon sequestration. In this work, we seek to overcome the fundamental challenges of imaging through soil minerals by developing a custom wavefront sensor-less adaptive optics (AO) system for a multiphoton microscope. We are using a combined experimental and modeling approach, characterizing mineral optical characteristics with scatterometry, modeling the wavefront distortion and the image quality degradation after imaging through the soil medium, simulating the image quality improvement with AO correction, and experimentally testing our models with a stand-alone AO testbed.
Evaluation of the Azotest Strip as Recommended for the Estimation of Milk Urea Nitrogen Concentrations in Individual Cow, Milk Line and Bulk Tank Samples

The objectives of this study were to determine inter-reader agreement and to describe the accuracy of the Azotest® strip for estimating urea nitrogen concentrations in milk samples from individual cows (n = 214), milk lines (n = 41) and bulk tanks (n = 41). Samples were split, with one portion used for milk urea nitrogen (MUN) analysis using the Azotest® strip, and the second portion submitted to an accredited diagnostic laboratory for MUN analysis using wet chemistry analysis as the gold standard test.There was excellent inter-reader agreement (Kappa = 0.87) in this study for distinguishing between individual cow samples with either normal or high MUN values. However, the overall accuracy of the Azotest® strip was poor, with MUN results from the Azotest® strip being different than those from wet chemistry analysis (P < 0.01). There was poor agreement between the two test methods (Kappa = 0.12 - 0.14); average Azotest® results were approximately 5 mg/dl units higher than the wet chemistry analysis method for either individual cow, milk line or bulk tank samples. Forty-five percent of individual cow samples, and 45% of milk line and bulk tank samples were correctly categorized as low, normal or high.The sensitivity and specificity of the Azotest® strip for detecting high MUN concentrations (vs normal or low) in individual cow samples was 98.7 and 33.1%, respectively, and in pooled milk line and bulk tank samples was 100 and 21.1%, respectively. For this data set, the predictive value of a positive test result when looking for high MUN measures (vs normal or low) was only 33.1 to 35.7%. Thus, approximately two-thirds of samples identified as high by the test strip actually had a normal MUN concentration.The sensitivity and specificity of the Azotest® strip for detecting low MUN concentrations (vs normal or high) in individual cow samples was 0 and 100%, respectively. The test failed to correctly identify any truly low MUN samples as being low, and overestimated the MUN concentration in a high proportion of truly low and normal samples. Given this high degree of test inaccuracy in these data, we conclude that the Azotest® strip will not be beneficial to commercial dairy producers or dairy consultants. The authors recommend that producers wishing to monitor MUN submit milk samples to an accredited diagnostic laboratory for MUN analysis.
Simple models of complex fluids

I show how discrete lattice gases may be constructed for the simulation of the hydrodynamics of a variety of complex fluids. After reviewing a lattice-gas model of two immiscible fluids, I show how variations of this basic model can simulate a number of considerably different physical systems. Simulations of phase separation, multiphase flow through porous media, emulsions, fluidized particles, and ferrofluids are described.
Epidermal permeability barrier measurement in mammalian skin.

A defective skin epidermal permeability barrier (EPB) is responsible for a high mortality rate in premature infants, and is an important risk factor in inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema. We report here fast and accurate methods for measurement of EPB in animal models or in human patients using simple techniques that monitor diffusion of dyes (X-Gal or Lucifer Yellow) through the upper epidermis and measure transepidermal water loss (TEWL) resulting from a defective skin barrier. Accurate diagnosis and early detection of EPB defects in human patients are critical for effective treatment of certain classes of inflammatory skin diseases.
Relationship of human milk pH during course of lactation to concentrations of citrate and fatty acids.

Human milk pH was measured in 309 samples obtained from 52 women who had delivered at term and lactated for as long as 10 months thereafter. The mean pH decreased from 7.45 for colostrum to a nadir of 7.04 during the second week of lactation. Thereafter, the pH of milk remained between 7.0 and 7.1 until 3 months postpartum and then increased gradually to 7.4 by 10 months. The change in hydrogen ion concentration in milk was associated with corresponding changes throughout lactation in the concentration of citrate but not with the concentration of lactose. Lactose concentration increased gradually for 3 weeks; the concentration of saturated medium-chain fatty acids increased more rapidly. One interpretation of these findings is that the hydrogen ions and citrate generated by mammary secretory cell metabolism are used after the second week of lactation for de novo synthesis of fatty acids more rapidly than they are synthesized. Milk samples from ruminants were found to have concentrations of hydrogen ions and citrate that are greater than and pH that is less than the respective measurements in human milk. The significance for the recipient infant of the predictable changes in human milk pH during lactation and of the higher pH of human milk throughout lactation relative to bovine milk is unknown. However, drug excretion into milk, milk enzyme activity, milk leukocyte function, and neonatal gastroin-testinal function are affected by ambient pH and may be influenced by the pH of milk.
A Review of: “Coping with Premature Ejaculation: How to Overcome PE, Please Your Partner, & Have Great Sex”

Common cultural myths suggest that “real men” are skilled sexual experts able to engage in intercourse that lasts for hours, to get an erection at will, and to satisfy their partners every time. Th...
Novel Gain-of-function Mutations of Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα by Valine Mutagenesis in the Cys209–Cys248 Disulfide Loop FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS UNDER STATIC AND DYNAMIC CONDITIONS

Platelet-type von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder resulting from gain-of-function mutations of glycoprotein (GP) Ibalpha that increase its affinity for von Willebrand factor (vWf). The two known naturally occurring mutations, G233V and M239V, both enrich the valine content of an already valine-rich region within the Cys(209)-Cys(248) disulfide loop. We tested the effect of converting other non-valine residues in this region to valine. Of 10 mutants expressed in CHO cells as components of GP Ib-IX complexes, four displayed a gain-of-function phenotype (G233V, D235V, K237V, and M239V) based on (125)I-vWf binding and adhesion to immobilized vWf. The remainder displayed loss-of-function phenotypes. The gain-of-function mutants bound vWf spontaneously and had a heightened response to low concentrations of ristocetin or botrocetin, whereas the loss-of-function mutants bound vWf more poorly than wild-type GP Ibalpha. No distinct gain- or loss-of-function conformations were identified with conformation-sensitive antibodies. Compared with cells expressing wild-type GP Ibalpha, cells expressing the gain-of-function mutants rolled significantly more slowly over immobilized vWf under flow than wild-type cells and were able to adhere to vWf coated at lower densities. In aggregate, these data indicate that the region of GP Ibalpha bounded by Asn(226) and Ala(244) regulates the affinity for vWf.
Selective Elevation of Glutathione Levels in Target Tissues with L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-Carboxylate (OTC) Protects against Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Damage in Protein-Energy Malnourished Rats: Implications for a New Treatment Strategy

It has become recognized that enhancing the antioxidant defense system during the early phase of rehabilitation is important to the survival of wasting protein-energy malnourished (PEM) patients. In this study, we compared the efficacy of dietary protein replenishment and supplementation with L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxyl-ate (OTC, 3.5 mg/d), a cysteine precursor, to protect against hyperoxia-induced lung damage in PEM rats. The PEM rats were produced by feeding weanling rats a protein-deficient diet (0.5% protein) for 14 d. PEM rats were then divided in three dietary treatment groups, 0.5% protein (- Pr), 0.5% protein plus the OTC supplement (+OTC), or 15% protein (+Pr) during 4 d of either hyperoxia (85% O 2 ) or air exposure. Increased lung-to-body weight ratios, indicative of oxidative tissue damage, were observed following exposure to hyperoxia in -Pr and +Pr rats, but not in + OTC rats, even though the OTC supplement and the 15% protein diet contained a comparable amount of cysteine. Tissue reduced glutathione (GSH) status, GSH-dependent enzyme activity and antioxidant defense enzyme activities were monitored in the lung, liver and blood during 4 d of hyperoxia exposure. OTC supplementation enhanced GSH levels significantly in the lung of PEM rats, whereas protein repletion significantly elevated blood GSH concentrations. The protective effect of OTC was not a function of changes in activity of GSH-dependent enzymes or oxygen defense enzymes in the lung. These results indicate that a short-term strategy that selectively elevates GSH levels in the lung is more effective than protein repletion in protecting against hyperoxia-induced oxidative lung damage in PEM rats.
Kappa opioid receptor inhibition of glutamatergic transmission in the nucleus accumbens shell.

Microinjection of κ-opioid receptor agonists into the nucleus accumbens produces conditioned place aversion. While attention has focused primarily on the inhibition of dopamine release by κ-recepto...
Frequency and significance of post-intubation hypotension during emergency airway management

Arterial hypotension is known to follow emergency intubation but the significance of this event is poorly described. We aimed to measure the incidence of post-intubation hypotension (PIH) following emergency intubation and determine its association with in-hospital mortality.