cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
South Africa’s Land Reform Crisis: Eliminating the Legacy of Apartheid

South Africa. Reclaiming this land became an important rallying cry for liberation movements in both countries; but in the years after white minority rule ended, it was extremely difficult for the new regimes to redistribute the land fairly and efficiently. In recent years, as the unaddressed land inequality in Zimbabwe became a pretext for President Robert Mugabe's demagoguery and led to Zimbabwe's demise, many observers have asked: Could South Africa be next?
Percolation and Clustering

Percolation theory deals with the effects of varying the connectivity of elements (e.g., particles, sites, or bonds) in a random system. A cluster is simply a connected group of elements. Roughly speaking, the percolation transition, or threshold, of the system is the point at which a cluster first spans the system, i.e., the first appearance of long-range connectivity. In the thermodynamic limit, the percolation threshold is the point at which a cluster becomes infinite in size. The percolation transition is a wonderful example of a second-order phase transition and critical phenomenon.
Multicentre Clinical Trials Evaluating the Breast Biophysical Examination in the Assessment of Breast Disease

The Breast Biophysical Examination (BBE) is meant to be an adjunctive modality, designed to aid in the identification of patients likely to have either a benign or malignant breast lesion. The test is intended to be complementary to mammography and physical examination. The nature and technical requirements of the test are such that its use is of particular potential value relatively early in the sequence of diagnostic evaluation of women with breast lesions of unknown significance.
How do we die

Within the next two decades, the elderly population in the United States will reach its zenith, comprising 73 million individuals, 20 percent of the nation, the baby boomers' final surge. The process of their dying may become contentious. Should policymakers and bioethicists be satisfied with our current approach to dying, or should they begin now to reconceptualize it? We distill end-of-life discussions in the bioethics literature and popular press, paying particular attention to physician-assisted suicide and its uptake where legal. Evidence so far indicates that few of the dying opt for this alternative, suggesting that its role in assuring “death with dignity” cannot be, as may have been hoped, a leading one. The end-of-life literature on the whole lends credence to the fear that most of the dying, along with their families and physicians, will muddle through a morass of uncoordinated options, with futile medical intervention the most prominent outcome — despite more palliative strategies, such as home hospice care, being favorably described. We found no reason to recommend persistence in our current approach to dying and found good reason to urge early, conscientious, and thoroughgoing reconceptualization in policy and practice as well as in theory.
Transformative Learning: Reader's Guide

Mezirow's 1978 transformative learning was influenced by Kuhn's 1962 paradigm and Freire's 1970 emancipatory learning. In this paper, the author provides readers a clear guide about the main components of transformative learning: Experience, critical reflection, and rational discourse. The author emphasizes that experience in transformative learning is not the ordinary, daily mundane experience, or the new experience added on top of our old experiences, but that experience which fundamentally conflicts with what our assumptions can explain. Transformative learning is to challenge or disturb the fixed assumptions. Through critical reflection, learners examine the origins of beliefs in their historical and biological context and take actions to change their pre-existing assumptions to better understand the current disoriented experience. Finally, the author provides recommendations about how to apply transformative learning in practice.
A Context-Driven Framework for Proactive Decision Support With Applications

Major challenges anticipated in the future C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) operations involve rapid mission planning/ re-planning in highly dynamic, asymmetric, unpredictable, and network-centric environments. Developing decision support for such complex mission environments requires automated processing, interpretation, and development of proactive decisions using large volumes of structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data, while simultaneously decreasing the time necessary to arrive at a decision. To overcome this data deluge, there is a need for mastering information dominance via acquisition, fusion, and transfer of the right data/information/knowledge from the right sources in the right mission context to the right decision-maker (DM) at the right time for the right purpose (6R). The fundamental challenge in achieving the 6R is to conceive a generic framework that encompasses the dynamics of relevant contextual elements, their interdependence and correlation to the current and evolving situation, while taking into account the cognitive status of the DM. In this paper, we propose a context-driven proactive decision support (PDS) framework that comprises: 1) adaptive model-based dynamic graph models (e.g., Dynamic Hierarchical Bayesian Networks) and the concomitant inference algorithms for context representation, inference, and forecasting, 2) information selection, valuation, and prioritization methods for context-driven operations, including uncertainty management approaches, and 3) application of PDS concepts for courses of action recommendations across representative maritime operations.
Red cheeks to red cell aplasia: parvovirus B19 in a heart transplant patient.

![Figure][1] A 66-year-old man developed dizziness and fatigue 2 months after orthotopic heart transplant for ischemic cardiomyopathy. His immunosuppressive regimen included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. He was found to be severely anemic (hemoglobin, 6.6 g/dL). Clinical
Robotic Stereotactic Assistance (ROSA) Utilization for Minimally Invasive Placement of Intraparenchymal Hematoma and Intraventricular Catheters.

Background In patients with supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, intrahematomal catheter placement may allow for intraclot thrombolysis and drainage. Robotic assistance may be used for the stereotactic placement of catheters. Case Description A 76-year-old male presented with altered mental status and left-sided weakness. Noncontrast computed tomography of the head showed a right ganglionic intraparenchymal hemorrhage with resultant entrapment of the temporal horn. Using Robotic Stereotactic Assistance, intrahematomal and intraventricular catheters were placed. The temporal horn was immediately decompressed, and the hematoma almost completely resolved with scheduled administration of intrathecal alteplase in the ensuing 48 hours postoperatively. Conclusion Frameless image-guided placement of intraparenchymal hematoma catheter using Robotic Stereotactic Assistance is safe and efficient.
Civic media literacy as 21st century source work: Future social studies teachers examine web sources about climate change

Abstract Civic media literacy entails understanding complex topics and events that are increasingly mediated by digital sources of information and where it can be challenging to evaluate the reliability merits of these sources. The goal of this study was to discern the ways undergraduate preservice social studies teachers with different climate change beliefs read and evaluated the reliability of four diverse Web sources about the complex socioscientific topic of climate change. Findings highlight clear alignment between most participants with climate change beliefs at either end of a beliefs continuum with less alignment for participants with climate change beliefs toward the middle of a continuum. Findings also point to the benefits of whole group deliberation to help participants more critically evaluate a Web source that opposed the scientific consensus about climate change. In an age of “alternative facts,” this study points to the importance of students and educators having opportunities to evaluate, discuss, and determine the credibility of a range of online sources.
Evaluation of the reproducibility and repeatability of GCMS retention indices and mass spectra of novel psychoactive substances

Abstract Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) are synthetically derived compounds designed to mimic the effects of other illicit drugs. An endless cycle of NPSs continually reach the drug market due to limitations in drug legislation creating two problems – non-availability of standards and multiple isobars indistinguishable even to high resolution mass spectrometry. Lacking standards, laboratories rely on published gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) spectra to postulate compound identification. The ability to make such identifications provides vital investigative data and may help uncover new structural variants. However, central to such identifications is an understanding of how much spectral patterns vary across laboratories; the assumption that variation is minimized through the use of a standard tuning compound (PFTBA) has yet to be rigorously tested and demonstrated. In the present study, the variation of mass spectral fragmentation patterns characterized by percent relative abundance was evaluated using three GCMS instruments and 16 NPS compounds. The variation of retention indices was also studied. Retention indices showed
Persistent Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring Changes in Scoliosis Surgery Correlate with Postoperative Deficits (P5.017)

Objective: To test if transient and/or persistent IONM changes correlate with wake-up testing and new postoperative neurologic deficits. Background: The most common treatment for severe scoliosis is posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSIF), which carries risk of paralysis. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) is used in scoliosis surgery to detect injury, which may allow the surgical team to take corrective measures before that injury becomes permanent. Alert criteria are well established, but better characterization of changes, interventions, and prognostic data are still needed. Methods: 465 PSIF cases monitored with IONM between 2007 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed for IONM changes and postoperative deficits using electronic medical records and stored neurophysiologic traces. IONM modalities included somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs). IONM changes were classified as transient (resolving by end of case) or persistent (not resolving by end of case). Stagnara wake-up testing was performed in some cases. Interventions performed due to IONM changes were analyzed. Results: 23/465 cases had IONM changes. 11/23 had persistent changes: 5 developed new postoperative deficits, and 6 did not. 12/23 had transient changes, and none developed new postoperative deficits. None of the cases without IONM changes (442/465) developed new deficits. 7 wake-up tests were performed for IONM changes: 3/7 patients passed (moved both feet) and 4/7 failed (did not move both feet). 3/4 that failed their wake-up tests awoke with new deficits. Conclusions: These results indicate that persistent IONM changes correlate with postoperative deficits. Transient IONM changes do not, but this may be the result of interventions done intraoperatively as a result of the change. In addition, failure of wake-up tests correlate with postoperative deficits. Intervening and trying to reverse IONM changes when they occur, such as by increasing blood pressure or removing instrumentation, may prevent new postoperative deficits. Disclosure: Dr. Nguyen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cho has nothing to disclose. Dr. Le has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lopez has received research support from Earlogic/Good Ear Company.
Evaluation of the effect of aircraft size on indoor annoyance caused by sonic booms and rattle noise

NASA plans to use a low-boom flight demonstration supersonic aircraft for community annoyance studies of sonic booms. As previously reported, laboratory studies were conducted in NASA's Interior Effects Room (IER) to help determine the relevance of using a sub-scale aircraft. Indoor annoyance was evaluated for a variety of sonic booms predicted for several different sizes of vehicles, whose levels were adjusted to the same range of loudness levels. Although no significant effect of aircraft size was found for equivalent loudness levels, a new laboratory study was conducted in the IER to extend this investigation to include the effect of secondary rattle noises. The rattle noise playback was determined from window rattle measurements performed in the IER that resulted in a database of rattle noises matched with sonic booms predicted for different aircraft, at different boom levels. The main objective was to test whether aircraft size is still not significant when realistic window rattles are included in the simulated indoor sound field. The data have also been used to evaluate a variety of noise metrics. Results using metrics computed on exterior boom levels show greater variation in subjective annoyance than in previous studies conducted without rattle.
The Development of Place Identity in the Child

Developmental psychology and, to a lesser extent, social psychology have taught us that individuals, groups, and still larger aggregates of people change in the patterning of their physical, biological, social, and cultural characteristics over time. This “life-cycle” approach can be applied with equal success to the physical settings that define people’s day-to-day lives. Conceptualizing the changing character of physical settings over extended periods of time requires that the environmental psychologist be very sensitive to and fully informed about the processes of human development.
Experimental Determination of Nonlinear Transfer Functions Characterizing Shock Wave/Turbulent Boundary Layer Interactions

Shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interactions have been the topic of numerous investigations and yet many aspects of the physical mechanisms associated with the interaction remain poorly understood. The extension of low speed turbulence closure models to the interaction region between a shock wave and turbulent boundary layer can lead to predictions of wall pressure distribution, skin friction, mean velocity profile, and turbulence quantities which are far from satisfactoryl. The failure of equilibrium based turbulence models is generally attributed to the extreme rapid distortion of the flow field. Nonequilibrium turbulence closure models based upon rapid distortion theory have met with some success. Anyiwo and Bushnell2 noted, however, that the physics of the turbulent stress amplification which has been experimentally demonstrated to occur across the shock needs to be incorporated into the current generation of rapid distortion theories. A simple linearized model by Anyiwo and Bushnell2 theoretically demonstrates three primary modes of turbulence amplification across the shock: (1) a “direct” inviscid vorticity amplification, (2) conversion of incident acoustic and entropy modes into vortical modes and (3) turbulence production due to shock wave oscillation.
Organizational Stress and Trauma-Informed Services

Frequently, we think of service delivery in an abstract way, as if human emotions and human life experiences play little if any role in the “delivery” of services. The words themselves give rise to images of help being sent through a mail slot or dropped down the chimney like the legendary stork carrying a new baby. But clearly that is a rationalization we use, perhaps to protect our discourse from the messiness of all-too-human emotions.
Detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, stx1, stx2 and Salmonella by two high resolution melt curve multiplex real-time PCR

Abstract In the United States, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and six non-O157 serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145 are considered adulterants in non-intact beef. Further, Salmonella is responsible for one of the highest numbers of foodborne infections worldwide. Multiple foods, especially meats, are routinely tested for these pathogens using methods like PCR. However, with such a large group of organisms, multiplexing using probe-based PCR assays is expensive due to the need for differently labeled oligonucleotide probes and sophisticated instrumentation. The aim of this study was to design low-cost multiplex real-time PCR assays for the detection of seven STEC serogroups, stx1, stx2 genes and virulent Salmonella. Two multiplex real-time PCR melt curve assays with internal amplification controls (IAC) were standardized. The first assay detected E. coli O121, E. coli O145, E. coli O157, stx1, and stx2. The second assay targeted E. coli O26, E. coli O111, E. coli O103, E. coli O45, and Salmonella. Ground beef and beef trim inoculated with 5–27 CFU/325 g of STEC and 9–36 CFU/325 g of Salmonella could be detected following an 8–10 h enrichment at 40 °C ± 2 °C in buffered peptone water containing 8 mg/L vancomycin. The assays showed reproducible results for beef products with different fat contents. These assays do not rely on fluorescent-labeled probes or immunomagnetic beads, yet accurately detect seven STEC serogroups, seven stx gene subtypes and Salmonella, making them suitable for routine testing of STEC and Salmonella in beef.
A Beginning to Principles of Ethical and Regulatory Oversight of Patient-Centered Research

The editorialist discusses the ethical and regulatory recommendations presented by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and explains why direct, continuous involvement of patients in de...
Whose Dublin Is It Anyway? Joyce, Doyle, and the City

Every year, Bloomsday is celebrated as a literary pilgrimage that reasserts Joyce’s ownership of Dublin. The fact that Joyce left Dublin and only wrote about the city from memory while abroad seems to make little difference. The centenaries of the writing and publication of Dubliners have been commemorated by The New Dubliners (edited by Oona Frawley in 2005) and Dubliners 100 (edited by Thomas Martin in 2014). Though these collections offer different portrayals of Dublin in the twenty-first century, both pay homage to Joyce and his legacy and reference themselves, if only by their titles, as reiterations of Dubliners.
Analysis of parallel implementations of centrality algorithms

This paper explores parallel implementations of three network analysis algorithms for detecting node centrality: betweenness centrality (BC), eigenvalue centrality (EC), and degree and line importance (DIL). All solutions were written in the C programming language using OpenMP library for parallelization. We evaluated these implementations for accuracy and parallel scaling performance using five example networks. We found that the algorithms accurately reflect different notions of centrality. While DIL performs better in general because it is asymptotically faster than the other two algorithms, BC demonstrates better parallel strong scaling.
Baseline Requirements For Detecting Biosignatures with the HabEx and LUVOIR Mission Concepts

A milestone in understanding life in the universe is the detection of biosignature gases in the atmospheres of habitable exoplanets. Future mission concepts under study by the 2020 decadal survey, e.g., Habitable Exoplanet Imaging Mission (HabEx) and the Large UV/Optical/IR Surveyor (LUVOIR), have the potential of achieving this goal. We investigate the baseline requirements for detecting four molecular species, H2O, O2, CH4, and CO2, assuming concentrations of these species equal to that of modern Earth. These molecules are highly relevant to habitability and life on Earth and other planets. Through numerical simulations, we find the minimum requirements of spectral resolution, starlight suppression, and exposure time for detecting biosignature and habitability marker gases. The results are highly dependent on cloud conditions. A low-cloud case is more favorable because of deeper and denser lines whereas a no-cloud case is the pessimistic case for its low albedo. The minimum exposure time for detecting a certain molecule species can vary by a large factor (∼10) between the low-cloud case and the no-cloud case. For all cases, we provide baseline requirements for HabEx and LUVOIR. The impact of exozodiacal contamination and thermal background is also discussed and will be included in future studies.
Compositional dependence of the emission color of sodium borate glasses embedded with inorganic ions under diode laser excitation

A few different Sodium borate glasses were made by the melt quenching technique. A sodium borate glass embedded with Dy3+ revealed white color when excited by a diode laser. A chromaticity diagram was developed which revealed color coordinates to be x=0.403 and y=0.426 for 375 nm diode laser excitation. A glass that was embedded with Dy3+, and Sm3+ revealed warm white light under diode laser excitation. However, another glass embedded with Dy3+, Sm3+, and Tb3+ revealed warm white light whose color coordinates are x=0.375 and y=0.455 and the coordinated color temperature is 5173 K.
Adaptive and compliant wingtip devices enabled by additive manufacturing and multistable structures

Multifunctional lifting surfaces can expand the mission capabilities of aerial vehicles with a minimal number of components added to the vehicle. This paper presents a bio-inspired segmented wingtip concept for lift enhancement enabled by passive structural tailoring and active bistable truss mechanisms. The development of wingtips stems from studies of birds with desirable flight capabilities. The structural characteristics and maneuverable changes of a bird’s primary feathers during flight have identified three notable feather degrees of freedom: incidence angle, dihedral angle, and gap spacing. Wind tunnel experiments conducted on multi-wingtip systems have determined that different wingtip orientations and spacings are desired to enhance aerodynamic performance depending on the flight conditions. These results suggest that the wingtip degrees of freedom must be varied during flight to achieve optimal aerodynamic performance. This paper presents two structural concepts, one passive and one active, to achieve desired morphological wingtip parameters during flight. The passive structural concept exploits bend-twist coupling of additively manufactured composite laminate wingtips by using aerodynamic loads to induce passive shape adaptation of the composite wingtips to control the twist and dihedral angles. The active concept utilizes bistable truss mechanisms to vary the wingtip gap spacing. The force-displacement responses of bistable mechanisms and the bending and twist of bend-twist coupled composite wingtips are measured using a universal testing machine and Digital Image Correlation, respectively. Experimental results include the energy storage characterization of the bistable mechanisms as a function of material characteristics and the bend-twist coupling of the composite wingtips as a function of fabrication process and laminate properties.
Anesthetic management of lung transplantation: impact of presenting disease.

Purpose of review Recent literature has described the emerging role of anesthesiologists as key members of the lung transplantation team and the impact of anesthetic management on outcomes. This review examines the impact of presenting cause of end-stage lung disease (ESLD) on anesthetic management. Recent findings The four primary causes of ESLD are suppurative, obstructive, or restrictive processes, and pulmonary hypertension. Our recent review of perioperative literature revealed new data regarding preoperative risk stratification, intraoperative management, and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Major studies specifically about anesthetic management are lacking; however, the principles studied are readily applicable to the design of a perioperative care plan. The most compelling data have resulted in a revolutionary change in terms of intraoperative support and postoperative planning for pulmonary hypertension patients. Historically treated with cardiopulmonary bypass, significant data have been reported describing the successful use of ECMO both as an intraoperative support with superior outcomes, as well as postoperative support for improved stability during biventricular remodeling post graft implantation. Summary The application of these updated findings should assist anesthesiologists as they develop internal protocols and external guidelines to integrate within multidisciplinary teams caring for the lung transplant patient.
Clandestine Laboratories, Dynamic Systems and the Deep Social Impact of Methamphetamine Abuse in Oklahoma

Ranking third behind California and Missouri on the total number of clandestine laborato­ries seized by law enforcement officers, Oklahoma has the highest number of illegal meth­amphetamine laboratories per capita in the United States. This paper examines the deep social impact of the recent outbreak of clandestine laboratories in Oklahoma and the cor­responding rise in methamphetamine abuse. Because methamphetamine genetically re­structures the human brain, neurophysiological morbidity associated with chronic abuse reveals damage to the limbic system, which, in turn, is associated with correlative behav­ioral problems in abusers that has been characterized as clinically indistinguishable from paranoid-schizophrenia. A useful way of describing how these structural and functional changes in the brain (as a dynamic system) can have overarching effects, both in the individual and society, is the form of analysis known as 'chaos theory'. From this perspec­tive, the behavioral changes are analogous to 'strange attractors' of a chaos theory model, which vividly illustrates the overall impact of methamphetamine abuse on both the individual's quality of life and the lasting effect on the social world.
Predictors of Complications, Functional Outcome, and Morbidity in a Large Cohort Treated With Flow Diversion

Background A dramatic improvement in obliteration rates of large, wide-necked aneurysms has been observed after the FDA approved the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) in 2011. Objective To assess the predictors of complications, morbidity, and unfavorable outcomes in a large cohort of patients with aneurysms treated with PED. Methods A retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database for subjects treated with flow diversion from 2010 to 2019. Results A total of 598 aneurysms were treated during a period extending from 2010 to 2019 (84.28% females, mean age 55.5 yr, average aneurysm size 8.49 mm). Morbidity occurred at a rate of 5.8% and mortality at a rate of 2.2%. Ischemic stroke occurred at a rate of 3%, delayed aneurysmal rupture (DAR) at 1.2%, and distal intraparenchymal hemorrhage (DIPH) at 1.5%. On multivariate analysis, the predictor of stroke was aneurysm size >15 mm. Predictors of DAR were previous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), increasing aneurysm size, and posterior circulation aneurysm. Predictors of DIPH were using more than 1 PED and baseline P2Y12 value. Predictors of in-stent stenosis were the increasing year of treatment and balloon angioplasty, whereas increasing age and previous treatment were negatively associated with in-stent stenosis. Predictors of morbidity were posterior circulation aneurysms, increasing aneurysm size, and hypertension, and incidental aneurysm diagnosis was protective for morbidity. Conclusion Flow diversion is a safe and effective treatment option for aneurysms. A better understanding of predictive factors of complications, morbidity, and functional outcomes is of high importance for a more accurate risk assessment.
Abstract B30: Intratumoral microbes correlate with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in lung cancer RNAseq

Nonhuman sequences have been found in many tumors, but their effect on outcomes remains poorly understood. We hypothesize that intratumoral microbes affect the recruitment of immune cells through local immunostimulatory effects including activation nucleic acid sensing pathways. We obtained RNA-seq data from 480 tumor biopsies including melanoma (16), bladder (104), colorectal (20), renal cell carcinoma (20), sarcoma (118), and lung (202) from patients treated at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center as part of the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN). Reads were aligned to human and exogenous genomes using TopHat2 and Kraken2/Bracken, respectively. Human gene expression was deconvolved to absolute abundances of immune cells using CIBERSORT. An average of 99.87% of reads aligned to the human reference genome across all samples. Inferred counts of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and particularly the immune cell types CD8+ T-cells and M1 macrophages, were significantly enriched in lung cancer relative to the other tested cancers (p-values Citation Format: Daniel Spakowicz, Rebecca Hoyd, YunZhou Liu, Janhavi Sahasrabudhe, Malvenderjit J. Singh, Isaac Arefi, Andrew Denney, David Carbone, Xiaokui Mo. Intratumoral microbes correlate with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in lung cancer RNAseq [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Microbiome, Viruses, and Cancer; 2020 Feb 21-24; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(8 Suppl):Abstract nr B30.
Epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in Shanxi Province from 2011 to 2015

Objective To explore epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in Shanxi Province during 2011 - 2015, and to provide evidences for making control and prevention strategy. Methods Data and surveillance data of disease outbreaks in Shanxi Province from 2011 to 2015 were collected. The retrospective analysis method was used to analyze the population distribution, regional distribution, time distribution, outbreak situation, serological and pathogenic test results of brucellosis. Results During 2011 - 2015, totally 33 697 brucellosis cases were reported, with an average annual incidence of 18.65/100 000, and one death case was reported. Brucellosis distributed in 119 counties (districts) of 11 cities. The area with most reported brucellosis cases was Datong City. The incidence of the disease had seasonal fluctuation and the incidence peak was from March to July. The male/female ratio of the cases was 3.69∶1.00 (26 515/7 182). Totally 75.77% (25 531/33 697) were at the ages of 40 - < 70 years. The yearly proportion of the cases occurred in the age groups was significantly different (H= 146.263, P < 0.05). Farmer was the predominant occupation group among the cases [82.90% (27 935/33 697)]. Totally 16 cases of human brucellosis outbreaks were occurred during the five years. The epidemic spread to seven counties in five cities. Totally 144 136 cases received serological test, the positive rate was 5.85% (8 426/144 136), and 6 759 cases were found. Totally 164 strains of Brucella melitensis were isolated in human blood culture samples. All of which were Brucella melitensis biotype 3. Conclusions In recent years, the epidemic situation of brucellosis in Shanxi is severe, the total incidence has presented a rising tendency. There are outbreaks of human brucellosis in some countries. Brucella melitensis biotype 3 is the epidemic strain in Shanxi. Key words: Brucellosis; Epidemiological characteristics; Result evaluation
Health Care for Cambodian Refugees

One of the major challenges to the American health care system posed by the hundreds of thousands of Southeast Asian refugees who have come to the United States since 1975 initially appeared to be the containment and treatment of infectious diseases carried by many. However, this challenge was rapidly overshadowed by another more fundamental one: the cultural differences between American care-givers and their refugee patients. Since culture controls perceptions of health, illness, and disease causation and classification, culturally regulated beliefs and practices are key determinants of patient behavior and clinical care. Hospitals and clinics with significant Southeast Asian clientele have attempted to minimize cultural misunderstanding between staff and refugee patients by adding refugees to treatment teams. These refugees act as intermediaries between medical staff and members of their own ethnic communities.
Coronavirus disease 2019 in veterans receiving care at veterans health administration facilities.

Abstract Purpose Veterans represent a significant proportion of the U.S. population (7%), and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in this group of vulnerable patients has been largely overlooked. This analysis reports COVID-19 patient demographics, infection, mortality, and case-fatality rates in the veteran population. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis using the Veterans Affairs informatics and computing infrastructure tool to assess the veterans' COVID-19 infections at the Veterans Affairs facilities from March 4th to June 23rd, 2020. Results Of the 10,621,580 veterans in this analysis, 59.7% were ≥65 yo, 92.5% were men, 68.7% were white, and 14.2% were black. Veterans ≥65 yo comprised 52.1% of cases and 89.9% of deaths. The relative mortality and case-fatality rates of black veterans, when compared with white veterans, were 2.83 (CI 2.56–3.14; P Conclusions Elderly veterans (≥65yo) and veterans with a history of cardiovascular disease represent a large proportion of the VA COVID-19 cases and deaths. Black veterans had higher mortality rates but lower case fatality rates when than white veterans.
Prescribing Psychotropic Medications in Primary Care: Pediatric Resident Perspectives on Training and Practice

Objective: Pediatricians often function as front-line providers for pediatric behavioral health concerns given the shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and barriers to accessing other behavioral health specialists. This study identified pediatric residents’ attitudes, knowledge, comfort and practices regarding managing psychotropic medication regimens for children and adolescents with behavioral …
Hotelkeepers Organize in Twentieth Century to Legitimize and Advance Profession in American Society

Evolving from the simple structure of a colonial inn to a grandiose city hotel by the 20th century, the innkeeper likewise professionally transformed into a hotel keeper. Assisting in this growth w...
System identification of wind effects on multirotor aircraft

Multirotor airplanes are widely used in many outdoor applications, e.g., agriculture, transportation, and public safety, where winds might be strong and prevalent. However, the effects of wind on multirotor aircraft are still not fully understood yet. The objective of this paper is to investigate and model wind effects on a real hovering octocopter. The wind is directly measured and considered as one of the inputs to the bare-airframe model. Then a series of models, each corresponding to a different wind condition, are identified from real flight data through a system identification approach. The time-domain validation results show that an average of 15% error reduction can be achieved by considering wind effects, captured by a wind correction term. The identified models will play an important role for the future development of model-based controllers for outdoor multirotor aircraft.
Novel Cyclic Lipopeptides Fusaricidin Analogs for Treating Wound Infections.

Both acute and chronic cutaneous wounds are often difficult to treat due to the high-risk for bacterial contamination. Once hospitalized, open wounds are at a high-risk for developing hospital-associated infections caused by multi drug-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Treating these infections is challenging, not only because of antibiotic resistance, but also due to the production of biofilms. New treatment strategies are needed that will help in both stimulating the wound healing process, as well as preventing and eliminating bacterial wound infections. Fusaricidins are naturally occurring cyclic lipopeptides with antimicrobial properties that have shown to be effective against a variety of fungi and gram-positive bacteria, with low toxicity. Continuing with our efforts toward the identification of novel cyclic lipopeptides Fusaricidin analogs, herein we report the synthesis and test results of the antimicrobial activity for two novel cyclic lipopeptides (CLP), CLP 2605-4 and CLP 2612-8.1 against methicillin resistant S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively, in in vivo porcine full thickness wound model. Both CLPs were able to reduce bacterial counts by approximately 3 log CFU/g by the last assessment day. Peptide 2612-8.1 slightly enhanced the wound healing, however, wounds treated with peptide 2605-4, have shown higher levels of inflammation and impaired wound healing process. This study highlights the importance of identifying new antimicrobials that can combat bacterial infection while not impeding tissue repair
Fatigue Evaluation of Offshore Steel Structures Considering Stress Concentration Factor

The installation of offshore structures and facilities in the marine environment, usually for the production and transmission of oil, gas exploration, electricity, and other natural resources is referred to as offshore construction. Since offshore structures are subjected to changing threats to the environment year-round. Fatigue behavior prediction noticed on these structures should be considered during the design stage. Fatigue is one of the failure mechanisms of offshore steel structures, and it must be investigated properly during system design. The fatigue analysis of offshore structures under drag wave force, total wave force, total moment about the sea bed, and other variables are reviewed thoroughly. The structure's dynamic response becomes a critical aspect in the whole design process. The fatigue analysis was carried out using MATLAB software, material properties of the offshore structure, and wave spectrum characteristics in this study. This study shows the JONSWAP spectrum and stress concentration analysis prediction. The offshore support structure that is predicted during the design phase will help to keep the stress concentration factor below the fatigue threshold and anticipate safe life design, according to the results of the fatigue study. The fatigue performances of tripod and jacket steel support structures in intermediate waters depth are compared in this project (20-50 m). The North Atlantic Ocean is used as a reference site, with a sea depth of 45 meters. The tripod and jacket support structures will be designed by using current industry standards.
Cohort membership, dental insurance and utilization of dental services in adults age 47 and over receiving dental care at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Dentistry

COHORT MEMBERSHIP, DENTAL INSURANCE AND UTILIZATION OF DENTAL SERVICES IN ADULTS AGE 47 AND OVER RECEIVING DENTAL CARE AT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY. By Patricia Brown Bonwell, RDH, BSDH, MSG, PhD A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012. Major Director: James J. Cotter, PhD, Professor, Department of Gerontology Co-Director: Constance L. Coogle, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Gerontology This cross-sectional, non-experimental study evaluates associations between cohort membership, type of dental coverage, and utilization of dental services in all patients age 47 and over who received dental care at Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) School of Dentistry in 2011. Structural Lag Theory poses that society’s institutions lag behind the actuality of a healthy and capable older adult population. The two dynamisms of the Structural Lag Theory were used for this study. The Dynamism of Changing Lives is represented by Cohort differences. Cohort differences include cohort size, people living longer and retaining more of their natural teeth along with different attitudes toward dental care. This dynamism impacts the Dynamism of Structural Change, represented by the institutions of dental coverage and utilization of dental services. Cohort membership is an independent variable. The dependent variable, utilization, is defined as Financial-Total amount spent and Procedural-Routine adult dental prophylaxis. Dental coverage, a dichotomous variable, is used as an independent and dependent variable. Descriptive statistics revealed employer provided dental coverage is the most prevalent type of dental coverage. However, when considered a payment source, out of pocket funding is the primary source of payment for dental services. Using Chi-square and logistic regression, examination of Cohorts (1-Greatest Generation, 2-Silent Generation, 3-Baby Boomer Generation) revealed that Cohort 2 had more dental coverage than Cohort 1, and Cohort 3 had more dental coverage than Cohort 2. Using logistic regression, Cohort 2 showed the highest level of Procedural utilization. Evaluating Financial utilization, multiple regression models showed Cohort 1 utilized more than Cohort 2 and Cohort 2 utilized more than Cohort 3. Those with dental coverage spend more on dental services, fees for routine adult dental prophylaxis make up the majority of the total amount spent, and those with dental coverage utilize more dental services when defined as total amount spent. Because they have experienced different social, political, economic, and technological changes at different times in their life course, the receipt of dental services by new cohorts of older people differs from previous ones. Findings from this study confirm that there is a structural lag in Medicare policy and its coverage of dental services.
An Economics Podlibrary: Student Produced Podcasts to Enhance Concept Learning and Application

This paper describes an assignment where students create original podcasts applying economic concepts to real life. This project provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding and ability to apply important economic concepts while practicing their communication skills. In each 3-5 minute original podcast, students provide a definition of the economic concept as well as one or more specific applications of that concept to real life. The framework for each student’s individual podcast is that it contributes to a class ‘library’ of concept definitions and applications. The assignment structure is adaptable to a variety of course topics and levels. The description includes instructions, rubrics and recommendations for instructors to incorporate this assignment into their course, as well as results of a student self-assessment survey on their experience of the assignment.
Abstract 485: CD44 Deficiency Protects Against Diet-Induced Obesity and Reduces Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Mice

Natural genetic variation between C57BL/6J AND C3H/HeJ affects susceptibility to atherosclerosis and its related risk factors. Recent studies from our laboratory identified a genetic network of co-expressed genes regulating these traits and our mechanistic studies in macrophages identified CD44 as a critical mediator of the network. We found that perturbation of CD44 dramatically affects the network and has possible pleotropic effects on metabolism. CD44 is associated with altered immune function in mice and has been reported to affect atherosclerosis and diabetes, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Our current hypothesis that CD44 is a critical mediator of a genetic network altering systemic inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome. Thus, we measured the effects of CD44 deficiency in mice challenged with a high fat diet. Male mice (either C57BL6 wild-type or CD44-/-) were fed a diet high in fat, cholesterol, and sucrose for 7 weeks. While there was no significant difference in final body weight, fat mass accumulation was reduced 30% in CD44-/- mice, relative to wild-type mice. Reduced fat mass could not be attributed to reduced food intake or an increase in energy expenditure as measured by indirect calorimetry. However, we observed altered adipose associated inflammation in epidydimal adipose tissue. We found that expression of macrophage markers F4/80, CD11b, and CD14 were decreased 40-60% and inflammation marker TNF-alpha was reduced 40% in CD44-/- mice, relative to wild-type mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that mice deficient in CD44 exhibit improved metabolic parameters and adiposity, and this may be related to altered adipose tissue inflammation. We are currently extending these studies to include CD44-/- on a C3H/HeJ genetic background to determine if natural variation in macrophage phenotype modulates CD44’s role in adipose tissue associated inflammation.
Cause for Concern: Causation and Federal Securities Fraud

The Supreme Court's decision in Dura Pharmaceuticals dramatically changed federal securities fraud litigation. The Dura decision itself said little, but counseled lower courts to fashion new requirements of causation and harm modeled upon common law tort principles. These instructions have led lower courts to craft a series of confusing and inconsistent decisions that incorporate little of the reasoning upon which the common law principles are based.This Article accepts the Dura challenge and examines both common law causation principles and their applicability to federal securities fraud. In so doing, the Article identifies the failure of the federal courts properly to confront the complex causation challenges presented by securities fraud and the extent to which common law approaches to multiple and indeterminate causation offer guidance. Common law causation analysis further highlights the critical issue of harm specification. The Article demonstrates how, from Basic to Dura, the Supreme Court has refused to address the issue of what constitutes an appropriate economic loss, despite the fact that this determination is a necessary predicate to formulating a causation requirement. The Article goes on to show how, in Basic, the Court shifted the nature of actionable harm and, in so doing, exacerbated the complexity of causation analysis.Defining the appropriate harm involved in securities fraud is challenging. Drawing upon tort law principles, the Article considers several alternatives, ranging from artificial price inflation and ex post stock drop, to increased investment risk. The choice among these alternatives reflects policy judgments about the appropriate goals of private securities fraud litigation. In its final section, the Article considers current critiques of securities fraud litigation and demonstrates how these concerns should influence the scope of the private right of action.
The oh-so straight and narrow path: can the health care expenditure curve be bent?

SUMMARY Although there is much talk about whether or not the current health care reform will ‘bend’ the health care expenditure ‘curve’, exactly which ‘curve’ is to be ‘bent’ is often ill-specified. This essay notes that the ‘curve’ defined by the log of US national health care expenditures per capita plotted against the log of the US gross domestic product per capita has been remarkably straight since 1929 despite Medicare and Medicaid and all of the more recent reform attempts. After establishing stationarity and considering cointegration and endogeneity, the slope of this log–log relationship suggests a per capita expenditure–income elasticity of 1.388. The authors suggest two explanatory hypotheses consistent with the observed constant slope. First, many new technologies are endogenous because their introduction is determined by their expected market, which is in turn dependent on GDP per capita. Second, the authors emphasize the potential utility gained by spending disproportionately larger proportions of our growing income on hope, uncertainty-reducing information, and consumer amenities, all of which may be independent of any improved health outcome. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.