cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimized control of the "flying"-capacitor operating voltage in "gear-box"-charge-pumps-the key factor for a smooth operation

Traditional regulated charge-pumps have the basic problem that their efficiency is directly coupled to the ratio of input to output voltage. A charge-pump topology consisting of more than one "flying" capacitor with a flexible capacitor arrangement between charge and discharge phase of the converter can overcome this limitation. The most critical situation for such a "gear-box" SC-converter will occur when the conversion rate needs to be changed (due to a change in supply-voltage or load current), since any disturbance (current glitches) to the input- and output ports of the SC-converter must be avoided. Therefore the voltage level on the "flying" capacitors is NOT allowed to change when the converter switches from one conversion ratio to another one. When we regulate the output voltage of the SC-converter by means of a variable internal resistance we have the freedom to choose the conversion phase to be regulated. Doing this we can stabilize the operating voltage on the "flying" capacitors to that value which is the same for both conversion rates N so that when changing the arrangement of the capacitors no additional charge is transferred between the "flying" capacitors and the ports of the converter. It can also be seen that by choosing this "optimum" phase for regulation then in the nonregulated phase the two "flying" caps are always in parallel, so both capacitors are periodically "reset" to the same voltage level even with asymmetric regulation or capacitor mismatch. Another consequence is that a glitch free operation of a "3-gear"-SC-converter cannot be achieved by the regulation of solely one conversion phase. Finally, when the operating voltage on the "flying" capacitors is used as criteria the "ideal" point to change the conversion rate can be detected, since then the resistive losses in the unregulated phase of the conversion cycle are already covered.
Teaching the principles of mine fire using an intelligent computer-aided instruction

The purpose of this paper is to describe a feasibility prototype of a Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI) system, developed for mining engineering students and mine and safety personnel to teach the complex interrelationships between a mine ventilation system and a mine fire. The system employs an artificial intelligence technique to increase students' involvement in the learning process of "interrogation and confrontation". To deepen the understanding of the problem, the author utilized heuristic as well as algorithmic methods combined to simulate, diagnose, and explain certain fire situations. The CAI system mentioned above uses extensively a mine fire simulator that enables a real time graphics animation of almost all the changes occurring in the ventilation network while under the influence of fire.
Flathead Catfish Age and Size at Maturation in Texas

Abstract One hundred ninety-nine flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris, ranging in total length from 290 to 999 mm, were collected from 31 Texas reservoirs to determine the relationship between size and age at sexual maturation. Logistic regression indicated that length, age, and geographic location of capture were significantly related to sexual maturity. Weight was significantly related to maturity only if length was not included in the model. There was no difference between males and females in length at maturity. Five models were developed to predict the proportion of mature fish within a population. A length-only model derived for predicting sexual maturity indicated that 50% of flathead catfish reached sexual maturity at 390 mm. This information was used to help establish new statewide length limit regulations based on the desired level of protection of the sexually mature population.
Genetic and environmental influences on LDL subclass phenotypes

There is accumulating evidence that subclasses of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are important in atherosclerosis. Several case-control studies have demonstrated that a predominance of small, dense LDL (LDL subclass phenotype B) is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Phenotype B is also consistently characterized by an atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype, including increased levels of plasma triglyceride and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Family studies and genetic linkage studies demonstrate that LDL subclasses are influenced by a single major gene effect, although this locus (or loci) remain to be definitively mapped. Twin studies confirm the presence of genetic effects, but also show that non-genetic influences are important. Hypolipidemic drugs, beta-blockers, diet and exercise, in particular, appear to influence the expression of LDL subclass phenotypes. This combination of genetic and environmental influences may provide opportunities to develop targeted intervention strategies to reduce CHD risk among genetically susceptible individuals.
HISTORICAL POPULATION SIZE CHANGE OF BOWHEAD WHALES INFERRED FROM DNA SEQUENCE POLYMORPHISM DATA

Nucleotide sequence data from the mitochondrial control region were used from a phylogenetic context to investigate the long-term history of a population of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). In addition, the coalescence time of these sequences was used to estimate the age of the inferred patterns of population size change. The results indicate that mitochondrial genetic polymorphism was not affected by a recent bottleneck that occurred near the turn of the 20th century, thereby preserving the signature of historical population size change in the mitochondrial genome. Further analysis showed that this population underwent an expansion initiated in the Middle to Late Pleistocene. As such, early Holocene changes in Arctic sea ice distribution appear to have had little influence on patterns of genetic variability in this population.
The Mouse INO80 Chromatin-Remodeling Complex Is an Essential Meiotic Factor for Spermatogenesis

The ability to faithfully transmit genetic information across generations via the germ cells is a critical aspect of mammalian reproduction. The process of germ cell development requires a number of large-scale modulations of chromatin within the nucleus. One such occasion arises during meiotic recombination, when hundreds of DNA double-strand breaks are induced and subsequently repaired, enabling the transfer of genetic information between homologous chromosomes. The inability to properly repair DNA damage is known to lead to an arrest in the developing germ cells and sterility within the animal. Chromatin-remodeling activity, and in particular the BRG1 subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, has been shown to be required for successful completion of meiosis. In contrast, remodeling complexes of the ISWI and CHD families are required for postmeiotic processes. Little is known regarding the contribution of the INO80 family of chromatin-remodeling complexes, which is a particularly interesting candidate due to its well described functions during DNA double-strand break repair. Here we show that INO80 is expressed in developing spermatocytes during the early stages of meiotic prophase I. Based on this information, we used a conditional allele to delete the INO80 core ATPase subunit, thereby eliminating INO80 chromatin-remodeling activity in this lineage. The loss of INO80 resulted in an arrest during meiosis associated with a failure to repair DNA damage during meiotic recombination.
Incapacitated and Surrogateless Patients: Decision Making for the Surrogateless Patient: An Attempt to Improve Decision Making.

Incapacitated and surrogateless patients are an ever-growing trend in the world of health care. Although the extent of the issue is unknown, 1 out 20 deaths in the intensive care unit (ICU) occurre...
Properties of a “Herellea” Antigen Which Reacts with Ornithosis Antibody

Antigen. The characteristics of the HL organism of the Bacterium anitratum group used to prepare the antigen for the CF test have been described in detail by Shimizu and Bankowski [6]. Preparation of the bacterial CF antigen has also been described elsewhere [5]. Briefly, the HL bacteria were cultured on 50 tryptose agar plates for 18 hr at 37 C. Cells were harvested from the agar surface,1 pooled, washed in 0.85^o saline solution, and resuspended in 150 ml of
Brain 2‑Arachidonoylglycerol Levels Are Dramatically and Rapidly Increased Under Acute Ischemia‑Injury Which Is Prevented by Microwave Irradiation

The involvement of brain 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in a number of critical physiological and pathophysiological regulatory mechanisms highlights the importance for an accurate brain 2-AG determination. In the present study, we validated head-focused microwave irradiation (MW) as a method to prevent postmortem brain 2-AG alterations before analysis. We compared MW to freezing to prevent 2-AG induction and estimated exogenous and endogenous 2-AG stability upon exposure to MW. Using MW, we measured, for the first time, true 2-AG brain levels under basal conditions, 30 s after brain removal from the cranium, and upon exposure to 5 min of brain global ischemia. Our data indicate that brain 2-AG levels are instantaneously and dramatically increased approximately 60-fold upon brain removal from the cranium. With 5 min of brain global ischemia 2-AG levels are also, but less dramatically, increased 3.5-fold. Our data indicate that brain tissue fixation with MW is a required technique to measure both true basal 2-AG levels and 2-AG alterations under different experimental conditions including global ischemia, and 2-AG is stable upon exposure to MW.
The Impact of Budget Cutbacks on Music Teaching Positions and District Funding in Three Midwestern States

The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence and impact of budgetary cutbacks to music teaching positions and district funding in three Midwestern states, namely Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. The results revealed cuts to staffing and district funding of music programs without a reduction in student enrollments in 2011–2012 following a downward trend the previous 3 to 4 years. Increases in teaching responsibilities and student fees were also trends. Based on collected data, staffing and budgetary reductions will continue to increase teacher workloads. Recommendations are provided for music education advocates, music teacher education programs, and state music education organizations to adapt to changing fiscal realities and needs of schools.
The fifth tuberculosis epidemiological survey of Wuhan City in 2010

Objective To investigate the prevalence and trend of pulmonary tuberculosis( TB),and to provide relevant references for improving TB control program in Wuhan City from 2011 to 2020. Methods The population under the current study was randomly sampled,using both stratified clustering sampling methods. A total of 5 clusters were established. People over 15 years old in sampled survey points were administered chest X-ray. Sputum microscopy and culture were given to all suspected cases. All surveyed people received TB knowledge awareness questionnaire. Results The examination rate was 96. 3%. The prevalence of active,smear positive and bacteriological positive pulmonary TB were 436. 3/100 000,63. 8 /100 000,and 178. 5 /100 000,respectively among population over 15 years old in 2010. Compared with the survey data of 2000,the prevalence of active TB was decreased by 2. 6%,with the annual descending rate of active TB being 0. 3%,the smear positive was decreased by 53. 4%,with the annual descending rate of smear positive tuberculosis being 7. 4%,the bacteriological positive pulmonary TB decreased by 23. 7%,with the annual descending rate of bacteriological positive pulmonary TB being 2. 7%. The prevalence status was higher in male( active TB χ2= 30. 56,P 0. 001; smear positive TB χ2= 4. 69,P = 0. 030; bacteriological positive pulmonary TB χ2= 15. 39,P 0. 001),elderly population( active TB χ2= 7. 83,P = 0. 007; bacteriological positive pulmonary TB χ2= 3. 98,P = 0. 046),and rural areas( active TB χ2= 2. 59,P = 0. 047). The general public TB knowledge awareness rate was 64. 4%. The general public TB knowledge awareness rate in people over 65 years old was 53. 3%,farmers' general public TB knowledge awareness rate was much lower than urban residents. Conclusions Remarkable progress in TB control work has been made since the past decade ago in Wuhan City. The epidemic continues to show a downward trend. Wuhan City still has high TB burden with many challenges. National TB control strategy should be implemented thoroughly with more supports.
Study and Application of Wireline Pumping Rod in China

Study and application of wireline pumping rod in China's Oilfields are analyzed, technical performance and characteristics of the wireline rod are introduced. Increasing the pumping efficiency, improving fluid production and saving electric energy with the wireline pumping rod are described in combination with field application. It is considered that there exist some problems to be solved in the study and application of the wireline pumping rod.
Serum levels of CD8 antigen in childhood lymphoid malignancies: a possible indicator of increased suppressor cell activity in poor-risk patients

Serum concentrations of CD8 antigen were measured at diagnosis with an enzyme-linked immunoassay in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 344) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 65). All patients had detectable levels of the serum antigen, which in its soluble nonreduced form appeared to be a 52-Kd homodimer as compared with the 66-Kd surface membrane component on most thymocytes and on a subset of functionally distinct T cells (suppressor/cytotoxic). Increased serum levels of CD8 in leukemia patients were significantly related to recognized high-risk prognostic features: high leukocyte count, large liver and spleen size, high serum lactic dehydrogenase level, T-cell immunophenotype, presence of a mediastinal mass, pseudodiploid karyotype, DNA index less than 1.16, and chromosomal translocation. Children with serum CD8 levels greater than or equal to 450 U/mL were more likely to fail treatment than were those with lower levels (P = .002), even in the group with non-T-cell leukemia (P = .003). In a multivariate analysis, serum CD8 antigen contributed independent prognostic information beyond that conveyed by age, leukocyte count, and race (P = .02). High serum CD8 antigen levels also correlated with advanced stages of disease in children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or B-cell leukemia. Children with higher serum CD8 antigen levels (greater than or equal to 700 U/mL) had a poorer treatment outcome (P = .003), even after results were adjusted for disease stage and serum lactic dehydrogenase level (P = .05). Measurement of serum levels of CD8 antigen not only has important prognostic value in childhood lymphoid malignancies but also could be useful in assessing the immunoregulatory role of T cells in patients with cancer.
Jib System Control of Industrial Robotic Three Degree of Freedom Crane using a Hybrid Controller

Background/Objectives: Cranes are used to carry loads effectively. During movement, often undesired fluctuations of lifted payload occur, which needs to be controlled. Control is the basic requirement for desired operation of crane. Objective is to control the trolley position and swing angle of payload. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The continual flow requires an effective control methodology to achieve a high positioning control of the trolley carrying payload and suppression of swing angle of payload during operation. Optimal control techniques can be used to control these undesired vibrations. These techniques result in some undesired overshoot and undershoot causing the payload to swing prior to system getting stable. However if these techniques are combined with intelligent control techniques then a more stable system can be obtained. Findings: In this paper a hybrid controller called neuro-optimal controller has been used to control the swing angle of lifted payload by controlling the trolley position.The proposed technique of using a hybrid controller has stabilized the system by reducing the overshoot, undershoot and settling time. Application/Improvements: The proposed technique is very useful in many industrial applications. Experimental analysis can further provide the insight and limitations of the proposed techniques.
The Effects of Ants on Grasslands

Four recent books on grassland ecosystems make no mention of ants, while a fifth contains several entries in the index, most of which bear no relation to the text (Spedding 1971; Heal and Perkins 1978; Innis 1978; French 1979; Huntley and Walker 1982). This suggests that ants arc of little significance in grasslands; however, the evidence presented here shows that ants can have a major impact upon grassland vegetation.
Preclinical models of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and drug resistance.

Newer therapeutic strategies are emerging in Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM), which has traditionally been an orphan disease diagnosis. Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor was FDA-approved in 2015 as the first ever drug for the treatment of WM. This being a targeted therapy, has given rise to increased research into novel agents and pathways that can be exploited for clinical benefit in WM. In order to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease behavior as well as to test the benefit of various drugs, appropriate preclinical models are required. Historically there had been a lack of representative preclinical models in WM, but in recent years this has dramatically changed. This review highlights the currently available preclinical models and data regarding drug resistance pathways in WM. Knowledge from these will certainly help in paving the future course of treatment in this rare disorder which is indolent and yet, so far incurable.
MACRO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA

The study investigated the role of macroeconomic environment in FDI inflows in Nigeria and found a joint significant effect of all variables chosen as proxies for the macroeconomy. A linear equation and F test were used. Most core proxies were individually significant, exhibiting the expected signs except growth of the economy which proved to be not significant, as well as current account balance which showed a negative relationship. We recommend a highly co-ordinated and focused development plan implementation. In particular, we recommend priority attention to infrastructural development and security challenges as well as an overhaul of training facilities in the country.
Effect of sampling on BACE-1 ligands binding free energy predictions via MM-PBSA calculations.

The BACE-1 enzyme is a prime target to find a cure to Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we used the MM-PBSA approach to compute the binding free energies of 46 reported ligands to this enzyme. After showing that the most probable protonation state of the catalytic dyad is mono-protonated (on ASP32), we performed a thorough analysis of the parameters influencing the sampling of the conformational space (in total, more than 35 μs of simulations were performed). We show that ten simulations of 2 ns gives better results than one of 50 ns. We also investigated the influence of the protein force field, the water model, the periodic boundary conditions artifacts (box size), as well as the ionic strength. Amber03 with TIP3P, a minimal distance of 1.0 nm between the protein and the box edges and a ionic strength of I = 0.2 M provides the optimal correlation with experiments. Overall, when using these parameters, a Pearson correlation coefficient of R = 0.84 (R2 = 0.71) is obtained for the 46 ligands, spanning eight orders of magnitude of Kd (from 0.017 nm to 2000 μM, i.e., from −14.7 to −3.7 kcal/mol), with a ligand size from 22 to 136 atoms (from 138 to 937 g/mol). After a two-parameter fit of the binding affinities for 12 of the ligands, an error of RMSD = 1.7 kcal/mol was obtained for the remaining ligands. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards optimal two-source extractors and Ramsey graphs

The main contribution of this work is a construction of a two-source extractor for quasi-logarithmic min-entropy. That is, an extractor for two independent n-bit sources with min-entropy Ο(logn), which is optimal up to the poly(loglogn) factor. A strong motivation for constructing two-source extractors for low entropy is for Ramsey graphs constructions. Our two-source extractor readily yields a (logn)(logloglogn)Ο(1)-Ramsey graph on n vertices. Although there has been exciting progress towards constructing O(logn)-Ramsey graphs in recent years, a line of work that this paper contributes to, it is not clear if current techniques can be pushed so as to match this bound. Interestingly, however, as an artifact of current techniques, one obtains strongly explicit Ramsey graphs, namely, graphs on n vertices where the existence of an edge connecting any pair of vertices can be determined in time poly(logn). On top of our strongly explicit construction, in this work, we consider algorithms that output the entire graph in poly(n)-time, and make progress towards matching the desired Ο(logn) bound in this setting. In our opinion, this is a natural setting in which Ramsey graphs constructions should be studied. The main technical novelty of this work lies in an improved construction of an independence-preserving merger (IPM), a variant of the well-studied notion of a merger, which was recently introduced by Cohen and Schulman. Our construction is based on a new connection to correlation breakers with advice. In fact, our IPM satisfies a stronger and more natural property than that required by the original definition, and we believe it may find further applications.
Recyclable Trifluoromethylation Reagents from Fluoroform.

We present a strategy to rationally prepare CF3– transfer reagents at ambient temperature from HCF3. We demonstrate that a highly reactive CF3– adduct can be synthesized from alkali metal hydride, HCF3, and borazine Lewis acids in quantitative yield at room temperature. These nucleophilic reagents transfer CF3– to substrates without additional chemical activation, and after CF3 transfer, the free borazine is quantitatively regenerated. These features enable syntheses of popular nucleophilic, radical, and electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagents with complete recycling of the borazine Lewis acid.
Frequency of Adverse Event Monitoring in Ambulatory Patients on Amiodarone or Dofetilide

Background:Published studies state that adherence to regular laboratory assessments for anti-arrhythmic drugs is as low as 20%. Monitoring adherence is important as other studies have shown that up...
Pneumatic microvalves fabricated by multi-material 3D printing

We report an innovative and simple approach for fabricating pneumatic microvalves via an assembly-free 3D printing technique. These valves are based on monolithic elastomeric valves fabricated by multilayer soft lithography but this method circumvents the need for specialized layering, alignment and bonding. 3D printed microfluidic devices containing flow channels and pneumatic valves were fabricated and tested for functionality. Using these devices, we successfully demonstrate valve actuation for precise liquid flow control and on/off operation. The speed and simplicity of this approach make it a promising technique for rapid prototyping and manufacturing of 3D printed microfluidic devices with fully integrated components.
The influence of cellulosic coacervate composition on the flux of an entrained agent through a coacervate/sebum barrier.

Abstract Complex coacervation is the primary mechanism used in rinse-off formulations to deliver topical agents to the skin and hair; this process produces polycation-surfactant anion coacervates that entrain the agent and enhance its substantivity at these sites. This study investigates the relationship between the transport of agents released from a coacervate vehicle into artificial sebum and the coacervate's composition and properties. The flux of a model compound, kinetin, through a variety of cellulosic coacervate/sebum composite barriers prepared on cell culture inserts was determined. These values were interpreted according to a semi-empirical model based on the composition of the coacervate, polymer properties, and the material stiffness. A multivariate analysis using composition and polymer descriptors yielded a strong correlation ( r 2 = 0.72) to the experimental kinetin transport data. Variables that describe the degree of entanglement of the surfactant-linked polymer chain web (specifically, the molar ratio of anions to cations and wt% water) emerged as important predictive variables for kinetin transport. According to the developed model, compositional or ingredient manipulations that expand and untangle the web favor a more rapid release of entrained agents from the coacervate into sebum and, consequently, higher bioavailability on the skin surface.
MakerSpaces as Figured Worlds

This short paper will present findings from a research study on how a group of early adolescents and their facilitators created a figured world where the youth could do the work of "figuring" their identity around technology. The figured world explored in this study was a game design class offered as part of an after-school enrichment program at a school serving a typically underrepresented population in STEM fields, both professional and hobbyist.1
Exception tracking in an open world

Abstract A refinement is a predicate on the elements of a type that describes their execution behavior. Much work has gone into developing refinements in a closed world, in which the classes of values of a type are fixed statically, as in the case of the natural numbers with zero and succ . Relatively little work has gone into developing refinements in an open world in which new classes may be added dynamically. Here we examine the problem of exception tracking, a perennially problematic typing concept for programming languages, from the point of view of refinements in an open world. Exceptions are decomposed into separate control and data mechanisms, the latter motivating the need for open-world refinements. Exception tracking is thereby repositioned as a matter of program verification, rather than structural typing, integrating behavioral typing with theorem proving even in an open world. Some further applications of dynamic classification and open-world refinements are suggested.
Teacher participation and attitudes toward instructional television

Bruce H. Westley is associate proJessor of journalism and research coordinator for the Division of Radio-Television Education at the University oJ Wisconsin. Harvey K. Jacobson, a doctoral candidate in mass communications at Wisconsin, is director of news and public information at the University oJ North Dakota. This is their second* report of a study o] the effects on teachers and pupils of participation in two experimental mathematics courses broadcast to fourth and ninth grades.
Web Development and Management: Using the Cohort Model

Organizing technology work in teams that meet in a larger group called a “cohort” can create a learning organization that uses time and energy effectively. Developing and maintaining World Wide Websites for information storage, dissemination, and for business transactions in a cohort is one way to reorganize work processes, but it requires learning and adaptation. An organizational cohort can allow members to learn from each other, thereby expanding the knowledge base and accomplishing tasks more quickly than working in isolation. This chapter demonstrates how a cohort is used to develop Websites and policies by profiling one case -The Center for Technology in Government’s Internet Testbed Project. Practical tools, such as stakeholder analysis, best practices research, strategic framework, prototyping, and a cost performance analysis are highlighted and explained as part of a successful cohort undertaking. A discussion of effective means of developing policy and managing a Website is also included.
Pulmonary shunting during anaesthesia in man

$$\dot Qs/\dot Qt$$ was determined during halothane and oxygen anaesthesia in 22 patients. All were believed to have no pulmonary dysfunction. A surgical operation was in progress and respiration was controlled. $$\dot Qs/\dot Qt$$ was minimal in 15 of these patients (mean 3.9 ± 0.3 per cent), indicating that anaesthesia and operation can be conducted in man without a significant increase of pulmonary shunting. The level of shunting was increased in the other seven patients. In neither group was $$\dot Qs/\dot Qt$$ altered by the passage of time. Age varied between 23 and 61 years and was directly and significantly correlated to $$\dot Qs/\dot Qt$$ (r = 0.57, P < 0.01).
A simple extension of inverted pendulum template to explain features of slow walking

Abstract Locomotion involves complex interactions between an organism and its environment. Despite these complex interactions, many characteristics of the motion of an animal's center of mass (COM) can be modeled using simple mechanical models such as inverted pendulum (IP) and spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) which employ a single effective leg to model an animal's COM. However, because these models are simple, they also have many limitations. We show that one limitation of IP and SLIP and many other simple mechanical models of locomotion is that they cannot model many observed features of locomotion at slow speeds. This limitation is due to the fact that the gravitational force is too strong, and, if unopposed, compels the animal to complete its stance in a relatively short time. We propose a new model, AS-IP (Angular Spring modulated Inverted Pendulum), in which the body is attached to the leg using springs which resist the leg's movement away from the vertical plane, and thus provides a means to model forces that effectively counter gravity. We show that AS-IP provides a mechanism by which an animal can tune its stance duration, and provide evidence that AS-IP is an excellent model for the motion of a fly's COM. More generally, we conclude that combining AS-IP with SLIP will greatly expand our ability to model legged locomotion over a range of speeds.
Improving Handoffs Between Operating Room and Pediatric Intensive Care Teams: Before and After Study.

Introduction Patient transfer between teams and units is known to be a high-risk event for miscommunication and therefore error. We instituted a quality improvement initiative to formalize patient handoffs from the operating room (OR) to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). We hypothesized that measures of information transfer would improve. Methods In this before and after study, a multidisciplinary team developed a standardized handoff protocol (including a checklist) instituted in the Dartmouth PICU over the summer of 2016. We directly observed pediatric admissions from OR to PICU and collected data on information transfer and patient outcome metrics both before and after the institution of the handoff protocol at the time of transfer (intervention). Results We directly observed 52 handoffs (29 preintervention, 23 postintervention). The mean patient age was 9.3 years (SD, 6.5), with 55% male. Preintervention the average information transfer was 56% (upper control limit, 76%; lower control limit, 36%), whereas postintervention it was 81% (upper control limit, 97%, lower control limit, 65%). The improvement in information transfer postintervention was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant change in maximum pain score in the first 6 hours after admission (preintervention, 4.5, SD 3.9; postintervention, 2.9, SD 1.3, P = 0.15). There was no difference in the time required for handoff pre- versus postintervention (8.7 minutes, SD 5.5 versus 10.1 minutes, SD 4.6, P = 0.34). Conclusion Standardization of OR to PICU patient transfers using a predetermined checklist at the time of handoff can improve the completeness of information transfer without increasing the length of the handoff.
State Level Firearm Concealed-Carry Legislation and Rates of Homicide and Other Violent Crime.

Background Over the last 30 years, public opinion and state level legislation regarding the concealed-carry of firearms have shifted dramatically. Previous studies of potential effects have yielded mixed results, making policy recommendations difficult. We investigated whether liberalization of state level concealed-carry legislation was associated with a change in the rates of homicide or other violent crime. Study Design Data on violent crime and homicide rates were collected from the US Department of Justice Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over 30 years, from 1986 to 2015. State level concealed-carry legislation was evaluated each study year on a scale including "no carry," "may issue," "shall issue," and "unrestricted carry." Data were analyzed using general multiple linear regression models with the log event rate as the dependent variable, and an autoregressive correlation structure was assumed with generalized estimating equation (GEE) estimates for standard errors. Results During the study period, all states moved to adopt some form of concealed-carry legislation, with a trend toward less restrictive legislation. After adjusting for state and year, there was no significant association between shifts from restrictive to nonrestrictive carry legislation on violent crime and public health indicators. Adjusting further for poverty and unemployment did not significantly influence the results. Conclusions This study demonstrated no statistically significant association between the liberalization of state level firearm carry legislation over the last 30 years and the rates of homicides or other violent crime. Policy efforts aimed at injury prevention and the reduction of firearm-related violence should likely investigate other targets for potential intervention.
RECURRENT ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AFTER AN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have a high risk of readmission within 90 days of discharge, often with another AMI. The readmission risk for AMI over time has not been previously described. We analyzed all hospital admissions for a primary diagnosis of AMI at a single
Examining tourist preferences to slow glacier loss: evidence from Alaska.

Climate change has affected the rate at which glaciers are receding around the globe. Much of the research on glacier loss has focused on its effects on rising sea levels and water supply. However,...
A 20.1-μW 1.8 -GHz Near-Field Dielectric Plethysmography (NF-DPG) Heart-Rate Sensor with Time-based Edge Sampling

This paper presents a near-field dielectric plethysmography (NF-DPG) heart-rate sensor for low-power operation. By interrogating the contracting and expanding blood vessels with GHz-frequency fringing electric fields from the on-board coplanar electrodes, pulsing heart-rate signals are detected through changing permittivity at the fingertips. The sensor employs large-signal time-based edge sampling and double-integration chopper stabilization technique to maximize the sensitivity and to minimize the flicker noise. Implemented in $0.18-\mu \mathrm{m}$ CMOS technology, the NF-DPG heart-rate sensor consumes $20.1\ \mu \mathrm{W}$ at a 100-Hz sampling rate while achieving an RMS inaccuracy of 1.64 bpm.
A generalized Benders decomposition-based branch and cut algorithm for two-stage stochastic programs with nonconvex constraints and mixed-binary first and second stage variables

In this paper, we propose a generalized Benders decomposition-based branch and cut algorithm for solving two stage stochastic mixed-integer nonlinear programs (SMINLPs) with mixed binary first and second stage variables. At a high level, the proposed decomposition algorithm performs spatial branch and bound search on the first stage variables. Each node in the branch and bound search is solved with a Benders-like decomposition algorithm where both Lagrangean cuts and Benders cuts are included in the Benders master problem. The Lagrangean cuts are derived from Lagrangean decomposition. The Benders cuts are derived from the Benders subproblems, which are convexified by cutting planes, such as rank-one lift-and-project cuts. We prove that the proposed algorithm converges in the limit. We apply the proposed algorithm to a stochastic pooling problem, a crude selection problem, and a storage design problem. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with a Lagrangean decomposition-based branch and bound algorithm and solving the corresponding deterministic equivalent with the solvers including BARON, ANTIGONE, and SCIP.
Chronic Myelomonocytic leukemia: 2020 update on diagnosis, risk stratification and management.

DISEASE OVERVIEW Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder with overlapping features of myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms, with an inherent risk for leukemic transformation (~15% over 3-5 years). DIAGNOSIS Diagnosis is based on the presence of sustained (>3 months) peripheral blood monocytosis (≥1 × 109 /L; monocytes ≥10%), along with bone marrow dysplasia. Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities occur in ~ 30% of patients, while >90% have gene mutations. Mutations involving TET2 (~60%), SRSF2 (~50%), ASXL1 (~40%) and the oncogenic RAS pathway (~30%) are frequent; while the presence of ASXL1 and DNMT3A mutations and the absence of TET2 mutations negatively impact over-all survival. RISK STRATIFICATION Molecularly integrated prognostic models include; the Groupe Francais des Myelodysplasies (GFM), Mayo Molecular Model (MMM) and the CMML specific prognostic model (CPSS-Mol). Risk factors incorporated into the MMM include presence of nonsense or frameshift ASXL1 mutations, absolute monocyte count>10 × 109 /L, hemoglobin <10 g/dL, platelet count <100 × 109 /L and the presence of circulating immature myeloid cells. The MMM stratifies CMML patients into four groups; high (≥3 risk factors), intermediate-2 (2 risk factors), intermediate-1 (1 risk factor) and low (no risk factors), with median survivals of 16, 31, 59 and 97 months, respectively. RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY Hypomethylating agents such as 5-azacitidine and decitabine are commonly used, with overall response rates of ~40%-50% and complete remission rates of ~7%-17%; with no impact on mutational allele burdens. Allogeneic stem cell transplant is the only potentially curative option, but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
EFFECT OF SARGASSUM ILICIFOLIUM ON OVOGENESIS IN PCOS INDUCED RATS

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Sargassum ilicifolium (S. ilicifolium) on Testosterone induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in rats. Methods: Female Wistar albino rats were divided into 6 groups consisting of 6 rats each. PCOS was induced in all the animals except normal group on administration of Testosterone (2 mg/100 g) for 21 d daily. After PCOS induction the standard group rats were treated with Clomiphene citrate (CC) (1 mg/kg p.o.). The test groups were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Sargassum ilicifolium (EESI) orally and normal animals were administered 2% CMC (2 ml/kg) respectively for 21 d. During induction and treatment period various parameters like oestrus cycle, histopathology, hormonal and biochemical assays have been evaluated . Further to confirm the enhanced fertility rate, the rats were mated and the litter size was observed. Results: The results revealed the normalcy in oestrus cycle, hormonal, biochemical and histopathological parameters. The litter size was increased significantly compared to control. Conclusion: Overall, from the obtained results it is determined that the S. ilicifolium exhibited a good anti-androgenic effect by reducing the Testosterone levels in PCOS induced conditions.
The Discovery of Islands

Preface and acknowledgements Part I. The Field Proposed: 1. The Antipodean perception 2. British history: a plea for a new subject Part II. The Three Kingdoms and the English Problem: 3. The field enlarged: an introduction 4. Two kingdoms and three histories? Political thought in British contexts 5. The Atlantic archipelago and the War of the Three Kingdoms 6. The third kingdom in its history Part III. Empire and Rebellion in the First Age of Union: 7. Archipelago, Europe and Atlantic after 1688 8. The significance of 1688: some reflections on Whig history 9. Empire, state and confederation: the war of American independence as a crisis in multiple monarchy 10. The Union of 1801 in British history Part IV. New Zealand in the Strange Multiplicity: 11. The neo-Britains and the three empires 12. Tangata whenua and Enlightenment anthropology 13. Law, sovereignty and history in a divided culture: the case of New Zealand and the Treaty of Waitangi Part V. Britain, Europe and Post-Modern History: 14. Sovereignty and history in the late twentieth century 15. Deconstructing Europe 16. The politics of the new British history 17. Conclusion: history, sovereignty, identity Bibliographies Index.
Seminal Oxidation-Reduction Potential

Male infertility affects 15% of all couples in the world. As healthcare access continues to improve in the developing nation, the number of couples diagnosed with infertility is likely to increase. The current methods to determine male fertility were established by the World Health Organization (WHO) fifth edition guidelines that have several limitations. The main limitations are that they do not evaluate sperm functionality nor do they represent all the regions of the globe. The main aspect of functionality tests is to determine the sperm’s ability to fertilize the oocyte. When functional tests show an impairment in the ability of sperm to fertilize the oocyte, the most common pathologies associated are those mediated by oxidative stress (OS). While many OS pathologies are resolved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) will decrease the success of pregnancy. SDF is predominately induced by OS and thus has spurred developments in assays that can determine OS in semen. The most recent assay, the MiOXSYS system, produces a quick and reliable measure of OS. Not only does oxidation-reduction potential of semen correlate with sperm parameters, it is a cost-effective measure of OS. The MiOXSYS system has been rigorously validated by some investigators and has undergone global validation to become an established metric of OS-induced infertility.
Logarithmic Integrals: A Review from Gradshteyn and Ryzhik to Recent Times

The need to evaluate Logarithmic integrals is ubiquitous in essentially all quantitative areas including mathematical sciences, physical sciences. Some recent developments in Physics namely Feynman diagrams deals with the evaluation of complicated integrals involving logarithmic functions. This work deals with a systematic review of logarithmic integrals starting from Malmsten integrals to classical collection of Integrals, Series and Products by I. S. Gradshteyn and I. M. Ryzhik [1] to recent times. The evaluation of these types of integrals involves higher transcendental functions (i.e., Hurwitz Zeta function, Polylogarithms, Lerch Transcendental, Orthogonal Polynomials, PolyGamma functions). In a more general sense the following types of integrals are considered for this work: \begin{align*} \int_{0}^{a} f(x) \ln{\{g(x)\}} \ dx \end{align*} with $a \in R^{+}$ , $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ both either rational/trigonometric or both type of functions.
“Who’s Been Fooling Who?” Reflections on Truth and Deception in Politics and Their Implications for Public Administration:

This article examines the role of truth and deception in social and political life and its implications for public administration. Because deception is a necessary part of social and political life...
Joint Position, Orientation AND Channel Estimation in Hybrid mmWAVE MIMO Systems

Millimeter wave MIMO communication signals can provide accurate user localization in addition to high data rates. Previous work derives methods for position and orientation estimation assuming, however, unrealistic mmWave MIMO architectures or channel models. In this paper, we consider a band-limited frequency selective channel model and a hybrid MIMO architecture at the base station (BS) and the user equipment (UE). We develop a time domain algorithm that provides an estimation of the channel and the user position and orientation. The proposed approach is based on a compressive channel estimation stage that operates in parallel in the angular and delay domains. Experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms previous work when operating with hybrid architectures and realistic channel realizations.
Quantifying Native Speakerism in Second Language (L2) Writing: A Study of Student Evaluations of Teaching

Despite the continually growing number of non-native English-speaking (NNES) teachers in English language teaching, the profession is nonetheless still shaped by native speakerism (Holliday 2005), the idealization of native English speakers (NESs) as linguistically and culturally superior to their NNES counterparts. Such an ideology leads to negative perceptions toward NNES faculty even if they hold equal qualifications to their NES counterparts. This study sought to determine whether multilingual students themselves evaluate instructors differently based on the instructors’ language background. Based on 5,050 Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) scores compiled over three years (2015–18), independent t-tests and MANCOVA analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between NNES students’ perceptions of teacher effectiveness and instructor’s language background. Such findings were further compounded by instructor’s gender and course variables, additionally disadvantaging NNES instructors. The broader implications are for institutional stakeholders to be cognizant of the prevalence of native speakerism in L2 writing contexts and use holistic models for teacher assessment to adapt more equitable approaches to assessing underrepresented faculty.
Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program at Three Years: Evaluating Satisfaction and Perception

Medical marijuana became legal in Ohio on September 8, 2016 when House Bill 523 (HB 523) became effective. This bill created the framework for the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program (OMMCP), and the architects of HB 523 promised the program would be “fully operational” within two years. But as of July 15th, 2020, the OMMCP was still not fully operational, creating concerns around persistent delays and the overall functionality of the program. After a year and a half of partially operating, the OMMCP continues its slow rollout. With possible future marijuana reforms on the horizon, the perceived effectiveness and success of the current system among Ohioans may shape the long-term future of the program. To our knowledge, the Harm Reduction Ohio (HRO) report1 released in September 2019 was the first concerted effort to survey patients and potential patients to evaluate their experiences and satisfaction with the OMMCP to date. This report looks at how people potentially impacted by the OMMCP perceive its performance and whether there have been changes in their satisfaction levels as compared to last year’s survey data. Our updated survey allows for a new examination into the efficacy of the structure of Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program and how this state’s initial experience with marijuana reform can inform the larger national conversations currently underway.