cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renal Nerve Denervation, Adherence, and Management of Resistant Hypertension.

Article, see p 847 Since publication of the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial (Renal Denervation in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension) results in 2014, which reported a similar blood pressure (BP) reduction in subjects with resistant hypertension who had either renal nerve denervation (RND) or sham intervention, there has been much discussion as to whether RND truly provides antihypertensive benefit.1 The discussion has included suggestions that RND functionally does very little, if anything, such that any associated BP reductions are placebo related; that observed benefit with RND is likely a consequence of a large regression to the mean effect in patients with high baseline BP values; and, in the case of SYMPLICITY HTN-3, inadequate nerve ablation by interventionalists inexperienced with the RND procedure resulting in reduced treatment benefit. There has also been concern that changes in medication adherence by patients participating in RND trials, in particular, immediately after having the procedure done or not, might be confounding the observed results. To explain the BP reductions in both the truly treated and sham-treated groups that occurred in SYMPLICITY HTN-3, one would have to suppose that the procedure had little effect and both patient groups were suddenly, but equally more adherent after randomization, such that the similar BP reductions were simply attributable to patients actually taking their medications; or, alternatively, that the procedure did have a true antihypertensive effect that was, however, obscured by increased medication adherence in the sham-treated patients. Because SYMPLICITY HTN-3 did not include biochemical assessment of medication adherence, such consideration has had to remain speculative. In this issue of Circulation , Azizi et al2 provide important results relating to medication adherence and the true of effects of RND in a randomized trial format. They report no …
Negotiating Visibility and Surveillance

Our presence on digital platforms generates digital footprint, and our electronic communication is subject to constant surveillance. For example, our phone conversation, web surfing, e-mail, web preferences and habits, credit/debit card information, bank, and insurance records are under surveillance (Baran, 2015). Such pervasive practices made American citizens concerned about the protection of their personal information.
Pulmonary Hypertension and Palliative Care: What, When, Where, and Why?

Summary: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be associated with a high level of symptom burden from the disease as well as its treatment. Involvement of palliative care (PC) services may help facilitate discussion regarding goals of care, prognostic planning, and treatment options focused on improving quality of life (QOL). Background: PC is active total care of a patient whose disease is not fully responsive to curative therapies, with symptom control as the top priority. After a life-limiting diagnosis is made, health care teams and patients determine prognosis, whether cure is attainable or reasonable, what treatment options are available, risks and benefits of associated treatments, and how treatment or nontreatment will impact QOL and survival. QOL is often the focus of palliative interventions, with the goal to minimize symptoms and empower patients with accurate information to help affirm life and meet objectives of care. Implications for clinicians: PC can begin at the onset of symptoms in a disease t...
Influence of Power Delivery Timing on the Energetics and Biomechanics of Humans Wearing a Hip Exoskeleton.

A broad goal in the field of powered lower limb exoskeletons is to reduce the metabolic cost of walking. Ankle exoskeletons have successfully achieved this goal by correctly timing a plantarflexor torque during late stance phase. Hip exoskeletons have the potential to assist with both flexion and extension during walking gait, but the optimal timing for maximally reducing metabolic cost is unknown. The focus of our study was to determine the best assistance timing for applying hip assistance through a pneumatic exoskeleton on human subjects. Ten non-impaired subjects walked with a powered hip exoskeleton, and both hip flexion and extension assistance were separately provided at different actuation timings using a simple burst controller. The largest average across-subject reduction in metabolic cost for hip extension was at 90% of the gait cycle (just prior to heel contact) and for hip flexion was at 50% of the gait cycle; this resulted in an 8.4% and 6.1% metabolic reduction, respectively, compared to walking with the unpowered exoskeleton. However, the ideal timing for both flexion and extension assistance varied across subjects. When selecting the assistance timing that maximally reduced metabolic cost for each subject, average metabolic cost for hip extension was 10.3% lower and hip flexion was 9.7% lower than the unpowered condition. When taking into account user preference, we found that subject preference did not correlate with metabolic cost. This indicated that user feedback was a poor method of determining the most metabolically efficient assistance power timing. The findings of this study are relevant to developers of exoskeletons that have a powered hip component to assist during human walking gait.
Longitudinal Effects of Personality on Physical Activity Among College Students: Examining Executive Function as a Potential Moderator.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between personality and physical activity, with a specific focus on whether executive function moderates this relationship.MethodsOne hundred twenty-six young adults provided complete data at baseline and the five-month follow-up assessment. Executive function was assessed via the parametric Go/No-Go computer task; outcome measures of parametric Go/No-Go were mean reaction time and percent of correct target detection across executive function tasks (simple rule and repeating rule). Personality and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were assessed via validated questionnaires; one-week test–retest was established on a random sample of the participants, with pedometry employed in the subsample.ResultsIndividuals with a higher baseline conscientiousness personality type had greater five-month follow-up moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (β = 18.5; 95% confidence interval: 5.3, 31.7; p = .006). There was no evidence of an interaction ef...
Abstract 575: Complement Activation in Placental Ischemia-induced Hypertension is not dependent on Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor

Early onset preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension, reduced placental perfusion, intrauterine growth restriction and increased activation of complement, part of innate immunity. We reported that inhibition of complement activation attenuated reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP)-induced hypertension in the pregnant rat. Although recent studies in pregnant mice indicate injection of autoantibodies to angiotensin II Type 1 receptor (AT1-AA) activate complement and increase blood pressure, the sequence of events following placental ischemia remains unknown. Thus, we hypothesized AT1-AA interaction with its antigen was responsible for complement activation critical to placental ischemia-induced hypertension. The AT1 antagonist losartan prevents AT1-AA interaction with the AT1 receptor. Thus, we determined the effect of losartan on complement activation following placental ischemia in rat. Dams received drinking water with or without 30 mg/kg/day losartan on gestation day (GD)13-19. On GD14, rats underwent Sham surgery or RUPP surgery with placement of clips on abdominal aorta and uterine arteries to decrease placental perfusion. On GD19, mean arterial pressure (MAP) via arterial catheter and serum C3a as an indicator of complement activation were measured. As expected, RUPP surgery increased complement activation (C3a) and MAP and decreased fetal weight compared to Sham. Importantly, losartan treatment did not significantly change RUPP-induced increase in C3a. These data indicate AT1-AA interaction with the AT1 receptor does not mediate complement activation and its subsequent involvement in hypertension following placental ischemia.
Right for the Wrong Reasons: Implications of Data Insufficiency in Bilateral Versus Single Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting Analysis

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a major success story in modern medicine, providing improved quality of life and survival to millions around the world since its inception. Although the incident rate of CABG procedures has declined in recent years with improvements in medical therapy and
Cardiac Syndrome X: Update 2014

Cardiac Syndrome X (CSX), characterized by angina-like chest discomfort, ST segment depression during exercise, and normal epicardial coronary arteries at angiography, is highly prevalent in women. CSX is not benign, and linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes and a poor quality of life. Coronary microvascular and endothelial dysfunction and abnormal cardiac nociception have been implicated in the pathogenesis of CSX. Treatment includes life-style modification, anti-anginal, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-ischemic medications. Non-pharmacological options include cognitive behavioral therapy, enhanced external counterpulsation, neurostimulation, and stellate ganglionectomy. Studies have shown the efficacy of individual treatments but guidelines outlining the best course of therapy are lacking.
Modules of Zeros for Linear Multivariable Systems

How should we interpret the motto: The zeros of a linear system become the poles of its inverse system? Rudolf Kalman first introduced the idea of the set of poles of a system as a module over an appropriate polynomial ring. Through the lens of the motto above, this historical survey discusses the work of Mike Sain and his coauthors on the module-theoretic approach to zeros of a linear system and the application of these ideas to inverse systems and system design.
Zebras and Horses: Can the Medical Literature be Used to Anwer Clinical Questions

Clinicians are aware of the fact that they cannot know everything they need to know, and that medical information is growing by quantum leaps. So it is important to identify resources, which can fill information gaps as they arise. Literature databases, such as MEDLINE, provide access to information that clinicians need, but do clinicians use the literature to answer their questions? This evidence-based literature review examines the clinical use of computerized literature databases.
Functional anatomy and biomechanics of the thumb.

SUMMARY The thumb is a mechanical unit consisting of strong ligaments and dynamic muscles, providing the resistance to the fingers and palm during pinch and grip. Each thumb joint has a mechanical equivalent that helps explain elements of thumb stability. The trapeziometacarpal joint is potentially the most unstable but has adapted to its unique position by special joint geometry and, in particular, a combination of support ligaments that permit a wide range of motion yet stability. New anatomic and mechanical studies demonstrate the key support structures that must be duplicated by reconstructive surgical procedures if thumb stability is to be maintained.
Malory's Library: The Sources of the Morte Darthur

A New study of Malory's sources reveals much about how the work was created and about Malory himself. The first book-length study of the sources of Sir Thomas Malory's 'Morte Darthur' since 1921 and the first comprehensive study since that of Vinaver's three-volume edition, 'Malory's Library' collects the results of over one hundred years of scholarship, providing new discussions of the major sources of the eight tales recognised in the standard edition. It also, for the first time, explores possible minor sources of the 'Morte Darthur', evaluating the case for them to see what conclusions may be drawn of Malory's life, work, and mental furnishings. In so doing, it clarifies the process by which Malory created his work. It shows that Malory carried an eclectic body of literature in his mind and worked at least partly from memory; and it illuminates his interest in characters of his own social class, the breadth of his enthusiasm for Arthurian literature, and the depth of his commitment to provide his countrymen with 'the hoole book of kyng Arthur and of his noble knyghtes of the Round Table'. RALPH NORRIS teaches in the Department of English at Kennesaw State University.
Patient-Reported Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Background Barriers experienced by patients influence the uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Prior research has quantified how often patients encounter these challenges but has generally not revealed their complex perspective and experience with barriers. Purpose This mixed-methods study was conducted to understand current perspectives on CRC screening. Methods A two-part, mixed-methods study was conducted of primary care patients recruited from Virginia Ambulatory Care Outcomes Research Network practices. First, in June–July 2005 a survey was mailed to 660 patients aged 50–75 years posing an open-ended question about "the most important barrier" to CRC screening. Second, beginning in October 2005, seven gender- and largely race-specific focus groups involving 40 patients aged 45–75 years were conducted. Beginning in October 2005, survey verbatim responses were coded and quantitatively analyzed and focus group transcripts were qualitatively analyzed. Results Responses to the open-ended survey question, answered by 74% of respondents, identified fear and the bowel preparation as the most important barriers to screening. Only 1.6% of responses cited the absence of physician advice. Focus group participants cited similar issues and other previously reported barriers, but their remarks exposed the intricacies of complex barriers, such as fear, lack of information, time, the role of physicians, and access to care. Participants also cited barriers that have little documentation in the literature, such as low self-worth, "para-sexual" sensitivities, fatalism, negative past experiences with testing, and skepticism about the financial motivation behind screening recommendations. Conclusions Mixed-methods analysis helps to disaggregate the complex nuances that influence patient behavior. In the present study, patients explained the web of influences on knowledge, motivation, and ability to undergo CRC screening, which clinicians and policymakers should consider in designing interventions to increase the level of screening.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Associated with posterior urethral valves.

Abstract Transient nephrogenic diabetes insipidus associated with urinary tract obstruction has been reported in the literature. This association with posterior urethral valves is extremely rare and permanent nephrogenic diabetes insipidus has never been documented. We report a case of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus after resection of posterior urethral valves, with a review of the literature. Problems in patient fluid and electrolyte management and a review of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are presented.
Complete Visibility for Oblivious Robots in \(\mathcal{O}(N)\) Time

We consider the distributed setting of N autonomous mobile robots that operate in Look-Compute-Move cycles following the classic oblivious robots model. We study the fundamental problem where starting from an arbitrary initial configuration, N autonomous robots reposition themselves to a convex hull formation on the plane where each robot is visible to all others (the Complete Visibility problem). We assume obstructed visibility, where a robot cannot see another robot if a third robot is positioned between them on the straight line connecting them. We provide the first \(\mathcal{O}(N)\) time algorithm for this problem in the fully synchronous setting. Our contribution is a significant improvement over the runtime of the only previously known algorithm for this problem which has a lower bound of \(\varOmega (N^2)\) in the fully synchronous setting. The proposed algorithm is collision-free – robots do not share positions and their paths do not cross.
The Influence of Online Teaching on Face -to -Face Teaching Practices

The integration of online technologies in educational practice is rendering new opportunities for teaching and learning. It is known that instructors who have taught fully online courses have acquired new skills and have had the opportunity to implement novel pedagogical practices in the online environment. However, it is unclear whether direct exposure to fully online teaching facilitates the integration of technology in traditional classrooms. This qualitative investigation examined the transfer of four experienced faculty members’ pedagogical practices from online to face-to-face teaching. Results of this case study show that (a) the instructors’ online teaching experience influenced their perceptions and understanding of online pedagogical strategies, and (b) the transfer of pedagogical strategies back to the classroom is a complex process influenced by the instructors’ teaching style, satisfaction with working in the online environment, and the similarity of content and context between online and face-to-face courses. These findings have the potential to inform innovations in faculty training and development and to promote further research in this area.
Citraturic Response to Oral Citric Acid Load

It is possible that some orally administered citrate may appear in urine by escaping oxidation in vivo. To determine whether this mechanism contributes to the citraturic response to potassium citrate, we measured serum and urinary citrate for 4 hours after a single oral load of citric acid (40 mEq.) in 6 normal subjects. Since citric acid does not alter acid-base balance, the effect of absorbed citrate could be isolated from that of alkali load. Serum citrate concentration increased significantly (p less than 0.05) 30 minutes after a single oral dose of citric acid and remained significantly elevated for 3 hours after citric acid load. Commensurate with this change, urinary citrate excretion peaked at 2 hours and gradually decreased during the next 2 hours after citric acid load. In contrast, serum and urinary citrate remained unaltered following the control load (no drug). Differences of the citratemic and citraturic effects between phases were significant (p less than 0.05) at 2 and 3 hours. Urinary pH, carbon dioxide pressure, bicarbonate, total carbon dioxide and ammonium did not change at any time after citric acid load, and did not differ between the 2 phases. No significant difference was noted in serum electrolytes, arterialized venous pH and carbon dioxide pressure at any time after citric acid load and between the 2 phases. Thus, the citraturic and citratemic effects of oral citric acid are largely accountable by provision of absorbed citrate, which has escaped in vivo degradation.
The Vascular Flora of Snake Creek Gorge in the Georgia Piedmont

Snake Creek Gorge is in the Brevard Fault Zone of the Georgia Piedmont, USA. We conducted an inventory of the vascular plants of the gorge throughout the 2016 growing season in a 20 ha study area and additionally evaluated variation in community compositions in 91 100 m2 quadrats. We measured six habitat and community characteristics in each plot: relative elevation in the gorge, slope percentage, slope aspect, canopy cover, soil pH, and basal area. Ordination analyses of the plant communities were conducted and the six plot characteristics were included to evaluate correlations between habitat and community composition. The dominant natural community was mesic forest, while other community types included dry-mesic forest, riparian zones, boggy seepage areas, and rock outcrops. We documented 436 species and subspecific taxa. In the Georgia Piedmont, 62 of the taxa are uncommon, 27 are rare—including two threatened species—and 53 are not native. Twenty of the taxa are endemic to the southeastern USA, ten are common in the Appalachians but uncommon or rare in the Georgia Piedmont, and eleven are common in the Coastal Plain but uncommon or rare in the Georgia Piedmont. Ordination showed that the characteristic most strongly correlated with community composition was relative elevation, followed by slope percentage, slope aspect, and canopy cover. Soil pH was more weakly correlated with community composition, and basal area was most weakly correlated. These findings provide baseline information that should be valuable in understanding the ecology of these unique habitats.
The relationship insurance role of financial conglomerates: Evidence from earnings announcements

Abstract This paper uses earnings announcements to analyze the trading behavior and associated price impacts of institutions that have a lending or underwriting relationship with client firms and also hold client firms' shares. Buying support from relationship institutions mitigates the negative impact of earnings surprises on client firms' stock prices, predicts subsequent negative earnings surprises, and is also associated with less selling by independent institutions holding the same firms' shares. Price reactions for firms without relationship institutions are significantly larger. Price support from relationship institutions appears to help resolve uncertainty accompanying clients' temporary earnings shocks, thus reducing noise in the capital markets.
TCT-461 Outcomes of Emergent Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: A Single-Center Experience

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) has been established as a safe and effective option for patients with heart failure and moderate and/or severe secondary mitral regurgitation. However, the role of emergent TMVR as rescue therapy in cardiogenic shock or severe acute decompensated heart
Coronary Normal Variants

Many normal variants of the coronary arteries exist. In this chapter we will only review coronary artery dominance and a few other common coronary artery normal variants. Other normal variants are described throughout the other chapters of the book.
Individualizing systemic therapy for advanced soft tissue sarcomas based on tumor histology and biology

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare, malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin with over 75 subtypes characterized by unique morphology, genomic aberrations, and clinical behavior [1]. Approximately 1...
Postscript: Social Intelligence as the Social Construction of Reality—An Augmented Agenda for Social-Intelligence Research

I propose an extension to existing paradigms for studying social intelligence. This extension moves beyond the study of what cues, and with what accuracy, people use in social situations to the study of how and why the exact same cues can lead to radically different constructions of social reality. These differences are tearing the world apart. Social-intelligence researchers have a unique contribution to make in terms of helping us understand how the same cues can be interpreted so differently and lead to such different actions based on these interpretations.
Is Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Improving Over Time

Abstract Background It is unknown whether the outcomes of treatment for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) are improving with time. This study evaluated trends in PJI treatment outcomes in the hip and knee following 2-stage exchange arthroplasty and irrigation and debridement (I&D) over the last 17 years. Methods We reviewed 550 two-stage exchange arthroplasties and 194 I&Ds between 2000 and 2016 at our institution. Treatment success was defined according to the Delphi consensus criteria and Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves were generated. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was generated to determine time trends in the outcome of PJI treatment with the year of surgery included as both a continuous covariate (per 1-year increase) and a categorical covariate (2000-2010 or 2011-2016). Results The survivorship of I&D, 2-stage revision, and the total combined cohort were comparable between 2000-2010 and 2011-2016 groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the year of surgery was not associated with treatment failure following an I&D or 2-stage exchange arthroplasty, and neither did it increase the risk of non-reimplantation. When year of surgery was considered as a categorical variable, there remained no significant difference in treatment failure following an I&D or 2-stage exchange arthroplasty between the 2000-2010 cohort and 2011-2016 cohort. Conclusion Despite the increasing clinical focus, research advances, and growing literature relating to PJI, we were unable to detect any substantial improvement in the treatment success rates of PJI at our institution over the 17 years examined in this study. Novel treatments and techniques are certainly needed as current and prior strategies remain far from optimal.
Mediating Islamic State: Introduction

How does the group that calls itself “Islamic State” communicate? How has Islamic State been understood and contested? This Special Section gathers emergent scholarly voices, many deploying humanistic inquiry, to probe a phenomenon that has predominantly been the province of social scientists, to explore and understand the players, patterns, and practices that have mediated Islamic State: the communicative ways in which the group has been studied, reported on, visualized, narrated, mocked, spoofed, and resisted. We use “mediation” rather than “media” to shift public discourse on Islamic State beyond the focus on technology that has characterized research on media and sociopolitical change generally, and Islamic State communication in particular. We seek to understand the historical, ideological, technological, and cultural complexity of Islamic State, meshing translocal struggles with global geopolitics. Mediation connotes a broad approach to media, which includes words, images, bodies, platforms, and the expressive capacities and meaning-making practices that communicators generate when they deploy these media.
The Exploration of Geometric Modular System in Textile and Apparel Design

The fashion industry today is plagued withlarge quantities of textile waste. The waste of resources caused by fastfashion because of the short-term life cycle of each garment has awakened wideconcern in society. To investigate the concept of modularity in textile andapparel design and explore the possibilities of creating fitted garmentsallowing more modular design options, the researcher focused on creating twomodular designs based on a modular system to test out the effectiveness of thedesign research. The purpose of this design research was to develop a modularsystem for textile and apparel design allowed for the creation of fittedgarment constructions to elevate the potential of modular design and provide aframework for research in modular design practice.
PTSD improvement and incident cardiovascular disease in more than 1000 veterans

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether clinically meaningful PTSD improvement is associated with lowering CVD risk is unknown. Methods Eligible patients (n = 1079), were 30–70 years old, diagnosed with PTSD and used Veterans Health Affairs PTSD specialty clinics. Patients had a PTSD Checklist score (PCL) ≥ 50 between Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 and FY2012 and a second PCL score within 12 months and at least 8 weeks after the first PCL ≥ 50. Clinically meaningful PTSD improvement was defined by ≥20 point PCL decrease between the first and second PCL score. Patients were free of CVD diagnoses for 1 year prior to index. Index date was 12 months following the first PCL. Follow-up continued to FY2015. Cox proportional hazard models estimated the association between clinically meaningful PTSD improvement and incident CVD and incident ischemic heart disease (IHD). Sensitivity analysis stratified by age group (30–49 vs. 50–70 years) and depression. Confounding was controlled using propensity scores and inverse probability of exposure weighting. Results Patients were 48.9 ± 10.9 years of age on average, 83.3% male, 60.1% white, and 29.5% black. After controlling for confounding, patients with vs. without PTSD improvement did not differ in CVD risk (HR = 1.08; 95%CI: 0.72–1.63). Results did not change after stratifying by age group or depression status. Results were similar for incident IHD. Conclusions Over a 2–7 year follow-up, we did not find an association between clinically meaningful PTSD improvement and incident CVD. Additional research is needed using longer follow-up.
Performance of machine learning classification models of autism using resting-state fMRI is contingent on sample heterogeneity

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions. In fMRI studies, including most machine learning studies seeking to distinguish ASD from typical developing (TD) samples, cohorts differing in gender and symptom severity composition are often treated statistically as one "ASD group". Using resting-state functional connectivity (FC) data, we implemented random forest to build diagnostic classifiers in 4 ASD samples including a total of 656 participants (NASD = 306, NTD = 350, ages 6-18). Groups were manipulated to titrate heterogeneity of gender and symptom severity and partially overlapped. Each sample differed on inclusionary criteria: (1) all genders, unrestricted severity range; (2) only male participants, unrestricted severity; (3) all genders, higher severity only; (4) only male participants, higher severity. Each set consisted of 200 participants per group (ASD, TD; matched on age and head motion), 160 for training and 40 for validation. FMRI time series from 237 regions of interest (ROIs) were Pearson correlated in a 237×237 FC matrix and classifiers were built using random forest in training samples. Classification accuracies in validation samples were 62.5%, 65%, 70% and 73.75%, respectively for samples 1-4. Connectivity within cingulo-opercular task control (COTC) network, and between COTC ROIs and default mode and dorsal attention network contributed overall most informative features, but features differed across sets. Findings suggest that diagnostic classifiers vary depending on ASD sample composition. Specifically, greater homogeneity of samples regarding gender and symptom severity enhances classifier performance. However, given the true heterogeneity of ASDs, performance metrics alone may not adequately reflect classifier utility.
Woodrow Wilson and Wilsonianism a Century Later

This paper assesses competing interpretations of President Wilson's statecraft and diplomacy during and after World War I, and his legacy of Wilsonianism over the next century. Focusing on recent scholarship by historians and political scientists, it examines how different views of Wilson's legacy have been used to justify or criticize post-Cold War U.S. foreign policy.
Experimental shell-side surface pressure measurements on tubes within a model helical coil heat exchanger

Abstract The tube and shell Helical Coil Heat Exchanger (HCHX) geometry, also known in multiple industries as the Coil-wound (CWHE), and Spiral-wound heat exchanger (SWHE), has recently been under greater investigation due to the interest in cryogenic, solar, and nuclear industry applications. Helical Coil Steam Generators (HCSGs) have adjacent tube bundles that coil in opposite directions at different helical pitches. While this design is known to increase heat transfer and provide a higher volumetric efficiency, few studies look at the changes the coiling arrangement has on forces acting on the tube. This study investigates the pressure on the surface of the tubes in this complex type of cross-section arrangement as compared to standard tube bundle arrangements. Experiments were conducted at Reynolds Numbers 8500 and 11,700 based on tube diameter and free-stream velocity. Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) was used on the shell-side surface of the tubes along with dynamic pressure sensors to visualize tube surface pressure and measure pressure fluctuations. Instantaneous pressure analysis using PSP and dynamic pressure transducers showed agreement with peaks of transient pressure fluctuations at approximately 9.8, 19.7 and 27.5 Hz. Previous studies have grouped tube surface pressure based on geometric parameters such as lateral pitch ratio, while the analysis of the pressure fields from this geometry showed pressure profiles unique to individual planes regardless of equivalent lateral pitch ratio.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Chloroprene-g-Isobutylene)

Poly(chloroprene-g-isobutylene) was synthesized by cationic grafting of isobutylene from polychloroprene, using diethylaluminum chloride as coinitiator. Pure graft copolymers were isolated by selective solvent extraction. Effects of reaction conditions on grafting efficiency were investigated. Determination of branch molecular weight was carried out by oxidation degradation of graft copolymer backbones, followed by isolation and characterization of residual polyisobutylene. Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of grafted polyisobutylene were indistinguishable from corresponding values for ungrafted homopolyisobutylene formed in the same polymerization.
Rescuing Our Democracy by Rethinking New York Times Co. v. Sullivan

New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) is an iconic decision, foundational to modern First Amendment theory, and in a string of follow-on decisions the Court firmly grounded free speech theory and practice in the need to protect democratic discourse. To do this the Court provided broad and deep protections to the publishers of falsehoods. This article recognizes that New York Times and its progeny made sense in the “public square” of an earlier era, but the justices could never have foreseen the dramatic changes in technology and the media environment in the years since, nor predict that by making defamation cases virtually impossible to win they were harming, rather than helping self-government. In part because of New York Times, the First Amendment has been weaponized, frustrating a basic requirement of a healthy democracy: the development of a set of broadly agreed-upon facts. Instead, we are subject to waves of falsehoods that swamp the ability of citizens to effectively self-govern. As a result, and despite its iconic status, New York Times needs to be reexamined and retooled to better serve our democracy.
Imaging HER2-positive metastatic esophagogastric cancer with 89Zr-trastuzumab PET and 18F-FDG PET.

4068Background: Variations in HER2 expression between primary tumor and metastases may contribute to drug resistance in HER2-positive mEG cancer. Whole body imaging with 89Zr-trastuzumab PET has a ...
Fundamental limits for large-area meta-optics

We identify fundamental limits to light-matter interactions in large-area metasurfaces. Our framework relies on accelerated computations using an infinite set of conservation laws embedded in Maxwell’s equations, for applications from focusing to power generation.
Deservingness and Punishment in Juvenile Justice: Do Black Youth Grow Up “Faster” in the Eyes of the Court?:

The present study investigated whether race moderates the effect of age on juvenile court dispositions in ways that illuminate a subtler form of racial disparities than has been previously identifi...
Hip Flexibility of College Women as Related to Length of Body Segments

Abstract Sixty-six college women were measured on three hip flexibility tests, an Adapted Kraus-Weber Floor Touch Test, Leighton Flexometer, and Wells Sit and Reach. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the three selected tests of hip flexibility in the antero-posterior plane and the following anthropometric measures: distance from greater trochanter to floor, standing reach, and standing height. Results indicate: (1) No significant relationship between the flexibility of the hipjoint in the antero-posterior plane and the length of body segments; (2) The Adapted Kraus-Weber is the most objective of the three flexibility tests; (3) The Wells Sit and Reach and Adapted Kraus-Weber tests correlate .95.
Clinical observations of a synthetic oxytocic with a tokodynamometer.

Abstract Synthetic oxytocin ∗ ∗Syntocinon, supplied by Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, Hanover, N. J. was used in a variety of clinical situations in order that its action might be observed in the management of clinical problems where myometrial stimulation is frequently desirable. Oxytocin was synthesized successfully about one year after the chemical structure of the pituitary substance was established in 1952. 1, 2 Such a product should have certain advantages over the natural product, the most important of which would be complete freedom from the biologic activity of other pituitary principles. The pharmacology and toxicology of the synthetic agent have been throughly worked out by other investigators. 3, 4, 5 Clinical observations so far seem to indicate that in its oxytocic action the synthetic is not distinguishable from the natural product. 6–10 In this study synthetic oxytocin was used prenatally in 20 patients and after delivery in 125 instances.
Saints Marching In, 1590–2012

The Catholic Church has been making saints for centuries in the two-stage process of beatification and canonization. We analyse determinants of numbers beatified and canonized (non-martyrs) since 1590 across seven world regions. The number beatified is roughly proportional to a pope's tenure and a region's Catholic population, responds positively since the early 20th century to Catholic–Protestant competition and to secularization, and falls after the virtual ending of warfare between European Catholics and Protestants with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. There is bias in favour of Italy, then Other Western Europe and Eastern Europe countries, and against Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America. The number canonized rises with the stock of beatifieds not yet canonized, rises with Catholic–Protestant competition, and drops after the Peace of Westphalia. Regional bias is minor for canonization, given stocks of beatifieds. The last two popes before Francis, John Paul II and Benedict XVI are large positive outliers in numbers beatified, and John Paul II is also an outlier for numbers canonized.
Comparison of Automated Quantitative Reverse Transcription-PCR and Direct Fluorescent-Antibody Detection for Routine Rabies Diagnosis in the United States

Rabies virus found worldwide and prevalent throughout the United States continues to be a public health concern. Direct-fluorescent antibody (DFA) detection remains the gold standard for rabies virus diagnostics. Assessing the utility of a high-throughput molecular platform such as the QIAsymphony SP/AS, in conjunction with quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), to augment or potentially replace the DFA test, was the focus of this project. Here we describe a triplex qRT-PCR assay, including assembly and evaluation for sensitivity, specificity, and ability to detect variants. Additionally, we compared the qRT-PCR assay to the gold standard direct fluorescent-antibody test. More than 1,000 specimens submitted for routine rabies diagnosis were tested to directly compare the two methods. All results were in agreement between the two methods, with one additional specimen detected by qRT-PCR below the limits of the DFA sensitivity. With the proper continued validation for variant detection, molecular methods have a place in routine rabies diagnostics within the United States.
RhoGDI deficiency induces constitutive activation of Rho GTPases and COX-2 pathways in association with breast cancer progression

Rho GDP Dissociation Inhibitor (RhoGDI) is a key regulator of Rho GTPases. Here we report that loss of RhoGDI significantly accelerated xenograft tumor growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in animal models. At the molecular level, RhoGDI depletion resulted in constitutive activation of Rho GTPases, including RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1. This was accompanied by Rho GTPase translocation from the cytosol to membrane compartments. Notably, COX-2 protein levels, mRNA expression, and biological activity were markedly increased in RhoGDI-deficient cells. The upregulated expression of COX-2 was directly associated with increased Rho GTPase activity. Further, we assessed the expression level of RhoGDI protein in breast tumor specimens (n = 165) by immunohistochemistry. We found that RhoGDI expression is higher in the early stages of breast cancer followed by a significant decrease in malignant tumors and metastatic lesions (p < 0.01). These data suggest that downregulation of RhoGDI could be a critical mechanism of breast tumor development, which may involve the hyperactivation of Rho GTPases and upregulation of COX-2 activity. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting Rho GTPases and COX-2 for treating breast cancers.
Stimulation of toll-like receptor 2 with bleomycin results in cellular activation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Abstract The clinical use of bleomycin results in systemic and pulmonary inflammatory syndromes that are mediated by the production of cytokines and chemokines. In this study, we demonstrate that cell activation is initiated upon the recognition of bleomycin as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern by toll-like receptor (TLR) 2. The THP1 human monocytic cell line, which constitutively expresses high levels of TLR2, secretes interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α during bleomycin exposure. The TLR2-dependent nature of cell activation and cytokine secretion is supported by (1) the inability of TLR2-deficient human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells to exhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and secrete IL-8 in response to bleomycin; (2) the acquired ability of HEK293 to exhibit NF-κB activation and secrete IL-8 upon experimental expression of TLR2; and (3) the inhibition of cell activation in TLR2-expressing HEK293 and THP1 by anti-TLR2 monoclonal antibody. Collectively, these observations identify TLR2 activation as a critical event that triggers NF-κB activation and secretion of cytokines and chemokines during bleomycin exposure. Our in vitro findings could serve as a molecular mechanism underlying the pro-inflammatory toxicity associated with bleomycin. Whether bleomycin engages with other cellular receptors that results in activation of alternate signaling pathways and whether the TLR2-agonist activity of bleomycin contribute to its anti-neoplastic property deserve further study.
A Multimethod Analysis of Risk Perceptions and Health Behaviors in Children.

Child and adolescent risky behavior rank high as causes of negative health outcomes for contemporary youths. The main focus of the present investigation was to examine the congruence (convergent validity) among several methods (e.g., self, peer, teacher) of assessing youths' risk propensity and to explore the relation of these measures to self-reported frequency of risky health behavior in a sample of 436 children in elementary and junior high school. Findings indicated low degrees of congruence between the rater sources in their assessments of target subject riskiness. There was a tendency, however, for peers and teachers to agree with each other more than either agreed with self-reports. In addition, several interesting developmental patterns in children's risk perceptions were revealed. Specifically, the efficacy of the various measures' ability to predict risk-taking criterion measures varied depending on whether a risky or preventive behavior was being assessed and on the grade level of the target su...
XLPOU 1 and XLPOU 2, two novel POU domain genes expressed in the dorsoanterior region of Xenopus embryos.

Abstract POU domain genes have been shown to be important in tissue-specific gene regulation during development. We have cloned cDNA's encoding two unique Xenopus laevis POU-domain proteins, XLPOU 1 and XLPOU 2. Sequencing revealed that the POU domain of both of these genes have >90% homology with that of the POU III class of proteins. XLPOU 1 gene expression begins at the neural plate stage, while XLPOU 2 gene expression is first detected at the neurula stage; both XLPOU 1 and XLPOU 2 transcripts continue to be expressed throughout development. In adults, XLPOU 1 expression is restricted to the skin and brain, while XLPOU 2 is observed in the kidney and brain. In dissected embryos, both XLPOU 1 and XLPOU 2 are expressed in the dorsoanterior portion of an early tailbud embryo. Consistent with this localization, uv treatment, a condition that “posteriorizes” embryos, greatly reduces the expression of XLPOU 1 and XLPOU 2. Whole-mount in situ hybridization demonstrates that at the neural fold stage, XLPOU 1 transcripts appear to be localized primarily in the anterior neural plate. In sections of embryos, in situ hybridization shows that XLPOU 1 transcripts are localized mostly in the anterior region of the nerve cord of neurula stage embryos. In tailbud stage embryos, the XLPOU 1 transcripts are found predominantly in the eye and brain, with weak expression along the length of the nerve cord. We believe that XLPOU 1 and XLPOU 2, because of their localized and early expression in embryos, may play an important role in the specification of neuronal phenotypes.
Performance-based design of active/hybrid protective systems for vibration reduction of buildings

In this paper, we present two control strategies for applications to civil engineering structures, referred to as the generalized H 2 control and L 1 control, respectively. Both control strategies are capable of addressing the performance-based design of structures, in the sense that the design requirements for the peak response quantities, such as peak interstory drifts, peak shear forces, peak floor accelerations, etc., can be satisfied. Likewise, these two controllers minimize the upper bound of the peak response of the controlled output vector. The design procedures for these two controllers are formulated in the framework of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) so that the LMI toolbox in MATLAB can be used effectively and conveniently for the controller design. These control strategies are applied herein to the wind-excited benchmark problem to demonstrate their applicability to practical problems as well as their control performances. Simulation results illustrate that the performances of both the generalized H 2 controller and the L 1 controller are very plausible in comparison with the LQG control method.
Removal of SO2 and the simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO from simulated flue gas streams using dielectric barrier discharge plasmas

A gas-phase oxidation method using dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) has been developed to remove SO2 and to simultaneously remove SO2 and NO from gas streams that are similar to gas streams generated by the combustion of fossil fuels. SO2 and NO removal efficiencies are evaluated as a function of applied voltage, temperature, and concentrations of SO2, NO, H2O(g), and NH3. With constant H2O(g) concentration, both SO2 and NO removal efficiencies increase with increasing temperature from 100 to 160°C. At 160°C with 15% by volume H20(g), more than 95% of the NO and 32% of the S02 are simultaneously removed from the gas stream. Injection of NH3 into the gas stream caused an increase in S02 removal efficiency to essentially 100%. These results indicate that DBD plasmas have the potential to simultaneously remove SO2 and NO from gas streams generated by large-scale fossil fuel combustors.