cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The State of Economic and Social Human Rights: Beyond a Minimum Threshold: The Right to Social Equality

Introduction Over the past two decades, a growing number of human rights scholars and practitioners have focused on defining the content of the economic and social rights guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), as well as other international human rights instruments. Numerous works now elaborate on the “minimum core content” of these rights, which grouped together form an international human rights-based poverty line (CESCR 2001; Chapman & Russell 2002; Vizard 2006; Bilchitz 2007). Some works also explore the idea of an “adequate” level of social rights, as explicitly guaranteed in the UDHR and the ICESCR (UDHR Article 25; ICESCR Article 11). Both of these approaches to defining economic and social rights describe the content of the rights in terms of a minimum threshold to which a person is entitled without much, if any, regard for the overall equality in the enjoyment of these rights by the people within a society. Yet, today there is mounting evidence indicating that economic and social inequality adversely affect many dimensions of people's lives (Commission on the Social Determinants of Health [CSDH] 2008; Wilkinson 2005). Indeed, a growing number of studies show that more unequal societies have higher homicide rates; lower life expectancies; lower average standards of health; greater discrimination against women, racial minorities, and other marginalized groups; and lower participation in elections (Wilkinson 2005). These dimensions correlate strikingly closely to human rights recognized in international human rights legal instruments, including the rights to life, health, nondiscrimination, personal security, and political participation. Thus, the research suggests that economic and social inequality adversely affects the enjoyment of human rights. In view of this evidence, it is timely to consider the extent to which the International Bill of Human Rights encompasses a guarantee of some level of economic and social equality – just as it guarantees some level of civil and political equality.
Minimally intrusive optical probe for in situ shock tube measurements of temperature and species via tunable IR laser absorption

An optical probe was developed for in situ laser absorption spectroscopy measurements of target species concentration and temperature near a shock tube endwall. The optical components of a single-ended sensor, including two sapphire rods with a separation of 2.8 cm (effective optical path length), were coupled with a custom-machined shock tube end cap. This hardware design—complemented by a scanned wavelength direct absorption (scanned DA) optical sensing scheme, targeting CO2—enabled minimally invasive, sensitive and spatially resolved measurement of CO2 along the shock tube axis in the reflected shock region. Scanned direct absorption of two adjacent, discrete, rovibrational features in the ν3 fundamental band of CO2 near 4.2 µm, with a single interband cascade laser, allowed measurement of temperature from the ratio of integrated absorbances. Several tests were conducted to validate the accuracy of the sensor and confirm that shock conditions were unperturbed by the probe. The probe-measured temperature and CO2 mol fraction in the reflected shock region, accurate within ~ 1 and ~ 5%, respectively, at a rate of 20 kHz, in shocks with 1–7% carbon dioxide diluted in argon or nitrogen and at temperatures of 1200–2000 K and pressures of 0.7–1.2 bar. Agreement with multiple metrics for validation was confirmed. No evidence of perturbed shock conditions was found.
The effect of charter competition on unionized district revenues and resource allocation

Abstract This study examines the impact of competition due to charter school entry on the level of revenues and the composition of expenditures within traditional public school districts (TPSDs). I leverage a policy change affecting the location and timing of charter entry to account for endogenous charter competition. TPSDs respond to competition by allocating resources away from instructional and other expenditures toward new capital construction. Using teacher contracts, I show that collectively bargained salaries are largely unresponsive to competition and that declines in instructional spending are primarily due to decreases in the number of employed teachers. Competition depresses appraised housing valuations, in turn causing TPSDs to lose property tax revenues resulting in a decline in overall spending.
Catalytic Carbo- and Aminoboration of Alkenyl Carbonyl Compounds via Five- and Six-Membered Palladacycles

A palladium(II)-catalyzed alkene difunctionalization reaction has been developed, wherein B2pin2 is used to trap chelation-stabilized alkylpalladium(II) intermediates that are formed upon nucleopalladation. A range of carbon and nitrogen nucleophiles were found to be suitable coupling partners in this transformation, providing moderate to high yields. Both 3-butenoic and 4-pentenoic acid derivatives were reactive substrate classes, affording β,γ- and γ,δ-difunctionalized carboxylic acid derivatives. This work represents a new strategy to synthesize highly functionalized secondary boronates that complements existing methods.
Feminizing Genital Gender-Confirmation Surgery.

Abstract Introduction For many patients with gender dysphoria, gender-confirmation surgery (GCS) helps align their physical characteristics with their gender identity and is a fundamental element of comprehensive treatment. This article is the 2nd in a 3-part series about the treatment of gender dysphoria. Non-operative management was covered in part 1. This section begins broadly by reviewing surgical eligibility criteria, benefits of GCS, and factors associated with regret for transgender men and women. Then, the scope narrows to focus on aspects of feminizing genital GCS, including a discussion of vaginoplasty techniques, complications, and sexual function outcomes. Part 3 features operative considerations for masculinizing genital GCS. Aim To summarize the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) surgical eligibility criteria and describe how patients with gender dysphoria benefit from GCS, provide an overview of genital and non-genital feminizing gender-confirmation procedures, and review vaginoplasty techniques, preoperative considerations, complications, and outcomes. Methods A review of relevant literature through April 2017 was performed using PubMed. Main Outcome Measures Review of literature related to surgical eligibility criteria for GCS, benefits of GCS, and surgical considerations for feminizing genitoplasty. Results Most transgender men and women who satisfy WPATH eligibility criteria experience improved quality of life, overall happiness, and sexual function after GCS; regret is rare. Penile inversion vaginoplasty is the preferred technique for feminizing genital GCS according to most surgeons, including the authors whose surgical technique is described. Intestinal vaginoplasty is reserved for certain scenarios. After vaginoplasty most patients report overall high satisfaction with their sexual function even when complications occur, because most are minor and easily treatable. Conclusion GCS alleviates gender dysphoria for appropriately selected transgender men and women. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations of feminizing genital gender-confirmation procedures were reviewed. Hadj-Moussa M, Ohl DA, Kuzon WM. Feminizing Genital Gender-Confirmation Surgery. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:457–468.
EA5, novel EphA2-targeted monoclonal antibody, inhibits growth and metastasis in human breast cancer xenografts

561 Rationale: Overexpression and altered function of EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase are critical in the progression of breast cancer and may provide a novel target for breast cancer therapy. EA5, a novel monoclonal EphA2 antibody, mimics binding of the natural ligand and induces EphA2 phosphorylation and degradation. We have previously demonstrated that EA5 decreases breast cancer cell growth and restores tamoxifen sensitivity in EphA2-transfected MCF-7 cells in vitro . In this study, we evaluated the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of the EA5 antibody using both transfected MCF-7 EphA2 and naturally EphA2-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 xenografts in athymic mice. Methods: 1x10 6 MCF7 EphA2 or MDA-MB-231 cells were implanted into mammary fat pad (20 mice per group) of athymic mice treated with supplemental estrogen. The EphA2 antibody EA5 (2 mg/kg twice weekly to 14 mg/kg daily) or vehicle (PBS) control were administered as an intraperitoneal injection once tumors reached an average volume of 100 mm 3 (∼day 18 post-implantation). To determine the impact of EA5 on spontaneous metastases, MDA-MB-231 tumors were allowed to reach a volume of ∼500 mm 3 , then resected. Treatment with EA5, 2 mg/kg/d or PBS was initiated two days following resection. Lung metastases were assayed by Bouins solution after 6 weeks of therapy. Results: Daily administration provided superior control of primary tumor growth in both models. Maximum inhibition of the MCF-7 EphA2 xenografts was achieved at 2 mg/kg (67% inhibition, p≤ 0.05). In contrast, 7 mg/kg was required to provide maximal inhibition in the MDA-MB-231 xenografts (66% inhibition, p=0.05); increasing the dose to 14 mg/kg did not alter results. As predicted by our in vitro studies, EphA2 expression was decreased in EA5 treated tumors in vivo in both models. Additional analysis of resected tumors, including proliferation (Ki-67) and microvessel density (CD31) is ongoing. EA5 treated mice had fewer lung metastasis (mean 6 vs. 10.18; p=0.02). EA5 treated mice remained active and displayed no obvious toxicity or weight loss. Conclusion: Our results suggest that EA5 has inhibits primary tumor growth and metastasis of EphA2-overexpressing breast cancers.
Modulating the Folding Landscape of Superoxide Dismutase 1 with Targeted Molecular Binders

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is characterized by motor neuron death with average survival times of 2 ‐ 5 years. One cause of this disease is the misfolding of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a protein whose stability and aggregation propensity are affected by point mutations spanning the protein. Here, we use an epitope‐specific, high‐throughput screen to identify peptides that both stabilize the native conformation of SOD1 as well as accelerate its folding by 2.5‐fold. Ligands targeted to the electrostatic loop on the periphery of the protein tightened the non‐metalated structure and accelerated its folding. This strategy may be useful for fundamental studies of protein energy landscapes as well as designing new classes of therapeutics.
Marriage and the Family

This chapter reviews the various marriage systems and family functions from a cultural perspective. The family is a complex institution that can be investigated and understood according to various dimensions, including the individual members of the family, the subsystem of the family, the interaction patterns of the family as a group, the life cycle of the family, and the family as a system. Although marriage and the formation of families rest on the biological complementarity of male and female and on the biological process of reproduction, both marriage and family are cultural patterns. In order to provide culturally relevant assessment and treatment for families of different cultural backgrounds, it is essential to understand the cultural aspects of marriage and family systems and functions. Every society has certain rules pertaining to the choice of a candidate for marriage. In exogamy marriage partners are chosen from outside one's own kin group or community. In contrast, in endogamy, a person is obligated to marry within his or her own culturally defined group. Arranged marriage refers to marriages in which the partners are selected primarily by someone other than the partners themselves, usually by their parents or other kin. In contrast, a marriage partner may be chosen by self-selection or through free love, the method preferred by young members of most contemporary societies. In free love, affection and love are the major concerns, even though other factors, such as the character and personal background of the partner, may be taken into consideration.
Comparison of nonlinear control designs for a ducted fan model

Abstract In this paper we compare different nonlinear control design methods by applying them to the planar model of a ducted fan engine. Those design can be divided into two steps. The first step requires the derivation of a Control Lyapunov Function (CLF), while the second involves using an existing CLF to generate a controller. The main premise of this paper is that by combining the best of these two phases, it is possible to find controllers that achieve superior performance when compared to those that apply each phase independently. All of the results are compared to the optimal solution which is approximated by solving a trajectory optimization problem with a sufficiently large time horizon.
Modeling dynamics and control of type-3 DFIG wind turbines: Stability, Q Droop function, control limits and extreme scenarios simulation

Abstract In this paper, a type-3 DFIG wind turbine is considered for a time domain dynamical study and mathematical modeling. The paper provides a full differential equations based model that is implementable by stiff solvers, such as Matlab ODE15s. The proposed model is validated vs. real measured data. The paper focuses and investigates further the so-called Q Droop function integrated with the wind turbine control system. Even with promising experimental results presented by General Electric studies, this function has rarely been studied throughout the literature. The paper emphasizes the effect of adding the Q Droop function to the reactive power control, and how this affects the whole dynamics in the system. We provide stability and control limits analysis for the system with and without the Q Droop function. Our results supported by simulations suggest the importance of the Q Droop function for stabilizing the system during sudden changes in wind speed, terminal voltage, or a severe drop in impedance. The paper also shows that the system has attraction limits that exceed the control limits suggested by General Electric and others. This can lead to either relaxing/changing the limiters or re-evaluate the state of the art modeling literature.
Review of a forensic pseudoscience: Identification of criminals from bitemark patterns

The forensic sciences are a combination of laboratory procedures and physical comparisons of objects associated with victims, perpetrators, and crime scenes. The former is largely university-based protocols adopted by crime labs. The latter is predominantly pattern-matching tools originally developed by police examiners or experts deemed by courts to be relevant to forensic matters. These Court accepted experts bring their reasoning and conclusions into the legal arena. This subgroup of forensics has undergone significant scrutiny in regards to its history of exaggerated claims and weak scientific foundations. This paper addresses the rise and fall of bitemark pattern analysis (i.e. "matching" bitemarks in human flesh to human teeth) in the environment of opposing interests and agendas.
Georgia, Terrorism, and Foreign Fighters

Some 200 foreign fighters from Georgia were among those who left their homes and traveled to fight in Syria and Iraq. The Georgian case is interesting due to the large number of foreign fighters bu...
Evaluation of Various Techniques to Warm-Start a Successive Linear Programming Algorithm for Solving the IV ACOPF

Successive linear programming (SLP) has shown promising potential for solving the ACOPF problem. It is, however, essential to improve the computational performance of the algorithm. One way to achieve this goal is through initialization of the algorithm with a near-optimal solution. This paper examines various approaches to initialize the SLP-ACOPF, including uniform, flat, and warm start. AC- and DC-based techniques as well as a hybrid method are developed for warmstart initialization. The DC-based technique employs the solution to a DCOPF, while the AC-based methods employ the solution to a second order conic programming (SOCP) relaxation of the ACOPF. We also examine a hybrid method, where voltage magnitudes are obtained by SOCP and voltage angles are taken from DCOPF. The methods are tested on a range of systems, using off-the-shelf solvers, i.e., Gurobi and CPLEX, and the results are presented and compared.
Multi-level remodeling of transcriptional landscapes in aging and longevity

In multi-cellular organisms, the control of gene expression is key not only for development, but also for adult cellular homeostasis, and gene expression has been observed to be deregulated with aging. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the transcriptional alterations that have been described to occur with age in metazoans. First, we discuss age-related transcriptional changes in protein-coding genes, the expected functional impact of such changes, and how known pro-longevity interventions impact these changes. Second, we discuss the changes and impact of emerging aspects of transcription in aging, including age-related changes in splicing, lncRNAs and circRNAs. Third, we discuss the changes and potential impact of transcription of transposable elements with aging. Fourth, we highlight small ncRNAs and their potential impact on the regulation of aging phenotypes. Understanding the aging transcriptome will be key to identify important regulatory targets, and ultimately slow-down or reverse aging and extend healthy lifespan in humans. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(1): 86-108].
Special Populations and Topics in Adolescent Substance Use

Youth who use substances face increased risks and require additional treatment considerations. This chapter examines special issues affecting youth who use substances including injection drug use, pregnancy, homelessness, incarceration, and sexual identity. Youth who inject drugs require a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach which may include pharmacologic or behavioral health treatment, harm reduction, and overdose education/prevention. Pregnant adolescents who use substances face acute and chronic effects for mother and baby that need to be addressed during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth face high rates of substance use and may have difficulty accessing adequate care. Incarcerated and homeless youth also face unique barriers to accessing care. General considerations that can be tailored to each individual’s needs will be highlighted by examining the prevalence of use, adverse consequences, and clinical recommendations for providers through these special populations.
Los gobiernos corporativos como pilar de la sostenibilidad: Un desafío pendiente en Latinoamérica

Changes in society have positioned companies as highly relevant actors in the satisfaction of people’s needs. This fact, together with the phenomenon of the penetration of social networks and consumers frustrated due to corporate abuses, places companies on a new stand from where they are exposed to unprecedented scrutiny. Thus, new challenges and opportunities for companies around the world are posed. Corporate sustainability refers to the set of practices necessary for adequately addressing those challenges and seizing such opportunities. Based on a systematic study of relevant literature and considering the conditions of Latin American economies, this article suggests concrete, realistic, and context-specific practices that may contribute to making companies in the continent sustainable from a corporate standpoint. These practices prioritize business management based on principles of high performance, high integrity, and sound risk management.
Chemotherapy-induced neuronal dysfunction in the absence of axon degeneration.

e15091Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the three most prevalent cancers. Mortality rates have largely decreased due, in part, to advanced treatments such as platinum-based chemotherapy (e.g....
Birds of a feather: Common variable immune deficiencies

Abstract Objective To update the reader on recently proposed common variable immune deficiency (CVID) diagnostic criteria, newly uncovered CVID pathobiology, freshly identified CVID-related genes, and novel CVID therapies. Data Sources PubMed Central. Study Selections We selected 60 clinical and translational research articles that have shaped CVID diagnostic criteria, introduced personalized therapies, and advanced our understanding of CVID biology and genetics. We have incorporated recent articles and older published work that are foundational to the modern understanding of this protean disease. Results CVID has proven to be a heterogenous group of antibody deficiency diseases driven by defects in diverse biologic processes, including B-cell development, activation, tolerance, class-switch recombination, somatic hypermutation, and lymphoproliferation. Recent genetic advances have enabled identification of several CVID-related gene defects that may contribute to patients' infectious and noninfectious symptoms. Conclusion Improved understanding of the aberrant biologic processes that drive CVID and the disease's genetic basis may be useful in directing therapeutic decisions, especially in cases complicated by autoimmune, lymphoproliferative, and inflammatory features.
Female-male differences in prescription pain reliever dependence levels: Evidence on newly incident adolescent and young adult users in the United States, 2002-2014.

Abstract Background A comprehensive epidemiology of dependence on prescription opioid pain relievers requires evidence about age-specific female-male differences, possibly manifest during adolescent and early adult years. In this study, we identified newly incident extra-medical users of prescription pain relievers (EMPPR), all observed with onsets before the 22nd birthday. We then quantified female-male differences in clinical features or manifestations of opioid dependence (OD), devised a measurement-equivalent OD dimension, and estimated age-specific female-male differences in OD levels. Method The population under study included 12-to-21-year-old non-institutionalized civilian community residents of United States sampled for recent nation-scale surveys. Confidential computer-assisted self-interviews identified newly incident EMPPR users (n = 10,188). Analysis-weighted estimation procedures yielded cumulative incidence proportions for each OD feature, evaluated measurement non-equivalence across subgroups, and estimated female-male differences age-by-age. Results (1) Tolerance and salience (‘spending a lot of time’) are most common OD features. (2) Measurement non-equivalence (bias) was found across sex- and onset-age groups. (3) With biasing features removed, we can see elevated OD levels for female new initiates, age-by-age. Subsidiary analyses suggested possibly accelerated progression toward higher OD levels when extra-medical PPR use starts before age 18. Conclusions Dimensional approaches to OD and other drug use disorders have gained popularity but can be fragile when differential measurement biases are left uncontrolled. This study’s bias-corrected dimensional view of female-male differences shows elevated OD levels among newly incident female EMPPR users relative to new male initiates. Future studies can check for accelerated progression to higher OD levels when EM use starts before age 18 years.
Targeting PD-L1 Initiates Effective Antitumor Immunity in a Murine Model of Cushing Disease.

Purpose: Although pituitary adenoma is classified as benign, Cushing disease is associated with significant morbidity due to the numerous sequelae of elevated cortisol levels. Successful therapy for Cushing disease remains elusive due to high rates of treatment-refractory recurrence. The frequent emergence of lymphocytic hypophysitis following checkpoint blockade for other cancers, as well as the expression of PD-L1 on pituitary adenomas, suggest a role for immunotherapy. Experimental Design: This study confirms PD-L1 expression on functioning pituitary adenomas and is the first to evaluate the efficacy of checkpoint blockade (anti–PD-L1) therapy in a preclinical model of Cushing disease. Results: Herein, treatment with anti–PD-L1 was successful in reducing adrenocorticotropic hormone plasma levels, decreasing tumor growth, and increasing survival in our model. Furthermore, tumor-infiltrating T cells demonstrated a pattern of checkpoint expression similar to other checkpoint blockade–susceptible tumors. Conclusions: This suggests that immunotherapy, particularly blockade of the PD1/PD-L1 axis, may be a novel therapeutic option for refractory Cushing disease. Clinical investigation is encouraged.
MPC-Based Distributed Control for Intelligent Energy Management of AC Microgrids

Power scheduling of distributed storage devices and renewable energy resources in microgrids is crucial for their reliable and optimal operation. Conventionally, the power scheduling problem is sol...
Formation of samarium(II) in synthetic sborgite prepared in air at low temperature

Abstract A mixture of boric acid combined with trivalent samarium doped sodium borate was fired in air at 450 °C. The addition of water to the hot residue resulted in the generation of a product in which the incorporated samarium has been reduced from the trivalent form to the divalent state as identified by emission spectroscopy. This product has been identified as a synthetic form of the mineral sborgite. The divalent samarium emission appears to result from the samarium ion occupying a boron site in the material.
A Wireless Wearable RF Sensor for Brumation Study of Chelonians

We present a low-power wireless radio-frequency (RF) sensor to perform continuous vital-sign monitoring for chelonians in various stages of brumation. Due to their unique body structure, vital signs of chelonians cannot be recorded without substantial animal handling in previous methods, which would severely bias the brumation condition. In contrast, our sensor on harness can couple significant RF energy into various body parts to evaluate the heartbeat, respiration and activity levels. The self-contained unit is lightweight for ease of wearable deployment and low power to avoid unnecessary heat generation as well as frequent battery replacement. We recorded the shell temperature, heart rate, respiration rate and activity levels of a Russian tortoise during the entire brumation cycle and found that the heart rate correlated with the ambient temperature well, while the breath rate did not significantly reduce during brumation. This experimental study is minimally invasive and thus least biased.
Negative‐pressure wound therapy does not reduce superficial SSI in pancreatectomy and hepatectomy procedures

Introduction Surgical site infections (SSIs) lead to increased morbidity and cost. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) removes wound exudate and improves local blood flow, but its effect on SSI is unproven following hepatectomy and pancreatectomy. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of NPWT on SSI in this population. Methods Patients were randomized to incisional NPWT or sterile island dressing following surgery. SSI predictive factors were recorded as well as patient comorbidities. Wound complications and type of SSI were recorded prospectively. Results Forty patients received the standardized perioperative bundle. Twenty patients received sterile island: 11 hepatic and 9 pancreatic resections; 20 patients received NPWT: 11 hepatic and 9 pancreatic resections; 23 patients were male; mean age 60.8 years (SD ±10.3); mean BMI 31.7 (SD ±7.0). There were three incisional wound infections: two with sterile island, one with NPWT; six organ space infections: four sterile island and two NPWT. There were no significant differences in SSI rates between groups (P = .57). Conclusion NPWT does not improve SSI rates over simple sterile dressing following hepatectomy or pancreatectomy. Improvements in SSI must be directed toward organ-space infections, which are unaffected by NPWT.
Public health implications of a delay differential equation model for COVID 19

This paper describes the strategies derived from a novel delay differential equation model[1], signifying a practical extension of our recent work COVID -19 is an extremely ferocious and an unpredictable pandemic which poses unique challenges for public health authorities, on account of which “case races” among various countries and states do not serve any purpose and present delusive appearances while ignoring significant determinants We aim to propose comprehensive planning guidelines as a direct implication of our model Our first consideration is reopening, followed by effective contact tracing and ensuring public compliance We then discuss the implications of the mathematical results on people's behavior and eventually provide conclusive points aimed at strengthening the arsenal of resources that are helpful in framing public health policies The knowledge about pandemic and its association with public health interventions is documented in the various literature-based sources In this study, we explore those resources to explain the findings inferred from delay differential equation model of covid-19 © 2020, Copyright held by the author(s)
Cold Power: Energy and Public Housing

The United States Housing Act of 1937 created a regulatory scheme whereby the federal government provides utility allowances to local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). In 1984, HUD promulgated regulations which granted PHAs the authority to establish utility allowances independent of any federal standards. Energy inefficiency and waste, however, continued to plague the vast public housing sector, compounding the burden imposed upon the poor by the general rise in energy costs. This Article reviews the history of public housing energy regulations and argues that they have actually contributed to the present energy inefficiency of the public housing stock. This article: · examines the federal attempt to regulate the construction and thermal quality of public housing over the last three decades · examines federal regulation of utility meter conversions and fuel choices, as well as the judicial limitations placed upon the resulting administrative discretion · analyzes the complex federal-local interrelationship which forms the framework for public housing energy regulation-including subsidies, performance incentives, and appliance procurement practices · analyzes the utility allowance link between local public housing authorities and tenants and explores the impact of federal regulatory changes on this relationship The article, based on the above factors, proposes an innovative program of action whereby housing authorities may exploit the recent HUD deregulation of utility allowances to finance the investments necessary to increase energy efficiency in public housing. See also Professor Ferrey’s related article published at Harvard: “In From The Cold: Energy Efficiency And The Reform of Hud's Utility Allowance System,” 32 Harvard Journal on Legislation 145, 1995.
Trends in COVID-19 cases and clinical management in Veterans Health Administration medical facilities: A national cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: We explored longitudinal trends in sociodemographic characteristics, reported symptoms, laboratory findings, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, comorbidities, and 30-day in-hospital mortality among hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States Veterans Health Administration between 03/01/20 and 08/31/20 and followed until 09/30/20. We focused our analysis on patients that were subsequently hospitalized, and categorized them into groups based on the month of hospitalization. We summarized our findings through descriptive statistics. We used Cuzick's Trend Test to examine any differences in the distribution of our study variables across the six months. RESULTS: During our study period, we identified 43,267 patients with COVID-19. A total of 8,240 patients were hospitalized, and 13.1% (N = 1,081) died within 30 days of admission. Hospitalizations increased over time, but the proportion of patients that died consistently declined from 24.8% (N = 221/890) in March to 8.0% (N = 111/1,396) in August. Patients hospitalized in March compared to August were younger on average, mostly black, urban-dwelling, febrile and dyspneic. They also had a higher frequency of baseline comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes, and were more likely to present with abnormal laboratory findings including low lymphocyte counts and elevated creatinine. Lastly, there was a decline from March to August in receipt of mechanical ventilation (31.4% to 13.1%) and hydroxychloroquine (55.3% to <1.0%), while treatment with dexamethasone (3.7% to 52.4%) and remdesivir (1.1% to 38.9%) increased. CONCLUSION: Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, we observed a trend towards decreased disease severity and mortality over time.
AVB-500, a receptor tyrosine kinase AXL inhibitor, in combination with olaparib improves response in uterine serous cancer

Objectives: We determined whether inhibition of GAS6/AXL with AVB-500 in combination with olaparib could improve response in homologous recombination proficient (HRP) uterine serous cancer (USC). Methods: ARK1 & ARK4, uterine serous cancer cell lines, were radiated with 10Gy to identify homologous recombination repair status, and RAD51 foci were identified by immunofluorescence (IF). These were treated with AVB-500 (Aravive Biologics, Houston, TX) in combination with the poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, olaparib. Colony forming assays were conducted with either AVB-500 alone, olaparib alone or combination treatment (olaparib + AVB-500). Colonies were stained and absorbance was obtained to calculate relative cell survival using Graph Pad Prism. In vivo studies were performed with treatment every 3 days for 14-days. Treatment groups were vehicle control, AVB-500 alone, olaparib alone and olaparib with AVB-500. Results: ARK1 and ARK4 cells were found to have an increase in gamma-H2AX and RAD51 foci after radiation that was consistent with HRP. In clonogenic assays, colonies were stained and absorbance was obtained for each experimental arm. Olaparib + AVB-500 had significantly less cell colonies survive as seen by a decrease in absorbance than the olaparib only group for ARK1s (0.417nm vs 0.756nm, p=0.001) as well as in ARK4s (0.186nm vs 0.641nm, p=0.003). In an intraperitoneal model with ARK1 tumors, the olaparib + AVB-500 treated group had less tumor weight than those treated with olaparib alone (0.008g vs 0.138g, p=0.002) and AVB-500 alone (0.008g vs 0.145g, p=0.0006) after 14 days of treatment. Conclusions: AVB-500 in combination with olaparib demonstrates an improved response than olaparib alone with a greater decrease in tumor burden in HRP USC models. Additional therapeutic and mechanistic experiments are ongoing.
#GaysOverCOVID: The Social Drama of LGBTQ Representation on Instagram

This article provides a descriptive, multiperspectival account of #GaysOverCOVID, what the late anthropologist Victor Turner termed a “social drama” featuring gay Instagram influencers behaving in a manner that, according to their critics, poorly represents the gay community. Building on other social media scholars’ theorization of the influencer as a kind of representational laborer, this article examines the various “representational imperatives” to which Instagays, Instagram influencers who specialize in homoerotic self-portraiture, were subjected from various publics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from two large data sets, collected during a lengthy participant observation of “gay Instagram,” I endeavor to describe in visual and empirical terms the discursive construction of a public figure. I conclude by examining the impact this “social drama” has on LGBTQ representational politics.
Applying deterrence theory in the context of corporate wrongdoing

Abstract Punitive damages may be awarded in litigation of corporate misconduct in order to punish the corporate offender and to deter wrongdoing in the future. In many states, amounts of punitive damages are determined by juries. After years of trial and appellate proceedings, these awards may exceed actual (compensatory) damages to such an extent that the possibility of corporate bankruptcy becomes more likely than the possibility of payment. The primary theoretical justification for high punitive damages involves their capacity to deter future misconduct. This article argues, however, that enormous punitive awards levied against corporate offenders have little deterrent value. To sustain this argument, three areas were explored: (1) recent Supreme Court cases addressing the constitutionality of excessive punitive awards; (2) deterrence theory as conceived by Beccaria and developed by later criminological theorists; and (3) the application of the principles of deterrence theory to awards of punitive damages in civil litigation involving corporate misconduct.
Mass Spectrometry: Bottom-Up or Top-Down?

A novel approach to mass spectrometry involving fragmentation of intact proteins in the gas phase promises to greatly improve our ability to determine protein modifications.
Babe Ruth: The Media Construction of a 1920's Sport Personality

Les annees 1920 aux Etats-Unis sont caracterisees par la rigidite puritaine de l'ethique du travail et par un hedonisme qui mettait a l'honneur la reussite individuelle et la mobilite sociale ascendante. Pendant ces annees tres agitees, aucune personnalite ne representait mieux l'idee de la celebrite que George Herman « Babe » Ruth. Babe Ruth est devenu le symbole d'une epoque grâce aux medias qui ont commercialise son image et ont tisse un reseau d'information, dans lequel se melaient realite et fiction, ce qui a transforme la vie de Ruth en un veritable roman. L'A. s'arrete principalement sur le premier film qui lanca la star du baseball dans sa carriere parallele d'acteur, « Headin' Home » (1920), afin de montrer la creation du contexte social d'une image publique
Use of rotational angiography in assessing relationship of the airway to vasculature during cardiac catheterization.

Objectives We are the first to describe the use of three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) in creating multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and volume rendering, in the catheterization suite, of airways at risk for compression by adjacent cardiac structures. Background 3DRA has emerged as a promising tool for improved visualization of cardiac and vascular structures in congenital heart disease. Methods This is a retrospective review of all available cases at our institution in which MPR from 3DRA was used to assess airways in relation to surrounding cardiovascular structures. Results Eight cases were reviewed from January 1, 2011 to November 30, 2013. Seven children had complex biventricular anatomy, including repaired truncus arteriosus, repaired absent pulmonary valve, repaired double outlet right ventricle, and vascular rings. One child had double inlet left ventricle and had undergone a hybrid procedure (stenting of the patent ductus arteriosus and banding of bilateral pulmonary arteries) before the Glenn procedure. Six of these cases involved distortion or stenosis of the pulmonary conduit or branch pulmonary arteries. In all cases, the trachea and the main bronchi were clearly visualized using MPR. Management was affected by the visualization of the airways during the catheterization procedure in seven of eight cases. Four cases had intraprocedural bronchoscopy that confirmed airway findings seen by MPR. In one case, computed tomography confirmed left bronchial compression seen by MPR. Conclusions 3DRA can visualize airway anatomy and its relationship to the vasculature accurately. This has significant implications for preinterventional planning, intraprocedural management, as well as postprocedural recovery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Face Saving and Conflicting Frames: An Analysis of Interaction between Native and Nonnative ESL Teachers

This study presents the analysis of a workplace interaction between two nonnative-English as a second language teachers and one native-English as a second language teacher. The aim of the study is to investigate how frames, alignment and footing are signaled in this work-related conversation and to analyze the role of face saving in the appearance of conflicting frames. In addition, this study aims to contribute to the research that has been conducted in both institutional and noninstitutional settings where professionals of different language and cultural backgrounds happen to interact.
Syndromic treatment of gonococcal and chlamydial infections in women seeking primary care for the genital discharge syndrome: decision-making

The syndromic treatment of gonococcal and chlamydial infections in women seeking primary care in clinics where resources are scarce, as recommended by WHO and implemented in many developing countries, necessitates a balance to be struck between overtreatment and undertreatment. The present paper identifies factors that are relevant to the selection of specific strategies for syndromic treatment in the above circumstances. Among them are the general aspects of decision-making and caveats concerning the rational decision-making approach. The positive and negative implications are outlined of providing or withholding treatment following a specific algorithm with a given accuracy to detect infection, i.e. sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Other decision-making considerations that are identified are related to implementation and include the stability of risk factors with regard to time, space and the implementer, acceptability by stakeholders, and environmental constraints. There is a need to consider empirically developed treatment algorithms as a basis for policy discourse, to be evaluated together with the evidence, alternatives and arguments by the stakeholders.
Marital Expectations and Marital Satisfaction Between African Immigrant and United States Born Married Couples

This study examined the relationship between marital expectations and marital satisfaction among U.S. born (n=157; females=51.6%) and immigrant African couples (n=43; females=44.6%) who were faith community members. The participants completed the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS; Hendrick, 1988), Relationship Pleasure Scale (RPS; PAIRS Foundation, 1993) and the Ngazimbi-Daire Marital Expectations Questionnaire (MEQ), developed by the authors to measure marital expectations. Regression analysis results revealed a significant relationship between marital expectations and marital satisfaction for the African immigrant participants, but not among the United States born married participants.
Anyon explanation for the absence of divalent-copper EPR in high-temperature superconductors and related insulators.

Easy detectability of spin-1/2, orbitally nondegenerate centers by electron paramagnetic resonance follows from the existence of Kramers degeneracy, which is a consequence of time-reversal symmetry. If the spin-1/2 centers in high-temperature superconductors and related insulators are not fermions but are anyons, they will not obey time-reversal symmetry, their spin doublets will be split by inhomogeneous internal local fields, and their EPR may then not be easily detectable.
Laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be safe for treatment of morbid obesity in patients older than 60 years

Abstract Background Previous reports have questioned the safety of bariatric surgery in older patients. The aim of this study was to quantify the perioperative morbidity and mortality of older patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric procedures at our institution. Methods A retrospective chart review of all laparoscopic bariatric procedures performed from February 1999 to September 2005 was performed to identify patients at Mount Sinai Medical Center who were older than 60 years at surgery. Results We identified 55 patients (36 women and 19 men). The mean age was 61.5 years (range 60–70), and the mean body mass index was 46.2 kg/m2 (range 38.1–61.0). Of the 55 patients, 33 (60%) had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en- Y gastric bypass, 9 (16%) laparoscopic gastric banding, 7 (13%) laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, 3 (5.5%) laparoscopic revisional surgery, and 3 (5.5%) laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The mean operative time was 2.3 hours (range 1.1–5.5). No patients required conversion to open surgery, and no perioperative mortality occurred within 30 days. The morbidity rate was 7.3% (n = 4). One patient developed an anastomotic bleed that was treated conservatively, and another patient developed an empyema that was successfully drained with a chest tube. That patient also developed a urinary tract infection, and another patient had a wound infection. The mean length of stay was 2.8 days (range 1–14). Conclusions In a carefully selected patient population in a medical center with appropriate experience, laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be performed safely with low morbidity and mortality in the elderly population.
ARTICLE WITHDRAWN From a Punitive to a Bargaining Model of Sanctions: Lessons from Iraq

Forward Links to Citing Articles:Retraction. International Studies Quarterly 50:1, p.1 This article has been retracted due to plagiarism
Exercise science: research to sustain and enhance performance

Cardiovascular adjustments accompanying exercise in high ambient temperatures are likely responsible for diminished aerobic capacity and performance in such conditions. These adjustments include a phenomenon known as cardiovascular drift in which heart rate rises and stroke volume declines progressively over time during constant-rate exercise. A variety of factors modulate the magnitude of cardiovascular drift, e.g., elevated core and skin temperatures, dehydration, and exercise intensity. Regardless of the mode of manipulation, decreases in stroke volume associated with cardiovascular drift result in directionally and proportionally similar decreases in maximal aerobic capacity. Maximal aerobic capacity is determined by maximal heart rate, maximal tissue oxygen extraction, and maximal stroke volume. Because maximal heart rate and maximal tissue oxygen extraction are unaffected during exercise in the heat, decreased stroke volume associated with cardiovascular drift likely persists during maximal efforts and explains the decrease in maximal aerobic capacity. Decreased maximal aerobic capacity results in a greater perceptual and physiological strain accompanying any given level of work. Therefore, sustaining and enhancing performance involves sophisticated monitoring of physiological strain combined with development of countermeasures that mitigate the magnitude of deleterious phenomena like cardiovascular drift.