cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 35-year-old woman with asthma and polycystic lung disease.

(CHEST 2002; 121:256 –260) A 35-year-old white woman with a history of asthma since childhood went to her primary-care physician with symptoms of fever, cough, and yellowish sputum of 2 days in duration. A chest radiograph showed a right upper lobe infiltrate and multiple thin-walled cysts scattered over both lung fields (Fig 1), and findings were confirmed on a CT scan (Fig 2). The upper lobe infiltrate resolved after 10 days of antibiotic treatment. Because of persistent polycystic lung disease, the patient was referred to a pulmonologist for further investigation and treatment. The most severe asthmatic exacerbations the patient experienced were during menses, while receiving birth control pills (for uncomplicated uterine leiomyoma), and during pregnancy. Her asthma was relatively stable over the last years, with intermittent use of albuterol as rescue inhaler. Other significant medical history consisted of four episodes of pneumonia (localized in different lobes, without any other pulmonary lesions on the chest radiographs). A rash reaction was documented to sulfa drugs in the past; no aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sensitivity was noted. The family history included hypertension and diabetes mellitus (father), vipoma (mother), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (brother), systemic lupus erythematosus (maternal aunt), and reactive arthritis (one daughter). There was no family history of asthma or other allergic conditions. On physical examination, she was an alert, young woman in no acute distress. Her weight was 70 kg and her height was 162 cm. She had a BP of 120/70 mm Hg; heart rate, 60 beats/min and regular; respiratory rate, 16 breaths/min; temperature, 38.8°C; and pulse oximetry, 96% on room air. The head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat were normal; the neck was supple, without any masses, lymph nodes, thyroidomegaly, or jugular venous distension. The lung examination revealed scattered rhonchi and no wheezes or crackles. The cardiac examination was unremarkable; she had no clubbing, cyanosis, rashes, or alopecia. The remainder of the examination was normal.
Method for optimizing the design of photodetector circuitry

Several photodetector applications require optimizing pulse response at moderate bandwidths. With current technology, such detector circuits can be op-amp based transimpedance amplifiers. Unfortunately, the usual transimpedance topology, having a single feedback resistor, does not give enough control over pole placement for design optimization. If the single resistor is replaced by a tee-network, however, the transimpedance amplifier can be made to approximate any desired second-order network response. We present an analysis that shows how to choose resistor values to achieve desired second-order parameters: damped natural frequency and damping coefficient. Experimental results are presented that confirm the validity of our design method.
The effects of VEs on mobility impaired users: presence, gait, and physiological response

We are investigating if/how Mobility Impaired (MI) persons and healthy persons respond differently to Virtual Environments (VE). Previous research on healthy users has investigated a VE's effects on presence, gait (i.e., walking patterns), and physiological responses (e.g., heart rate). However, almost all of the previous research studies have been conducted only with healthy persons. Thus, it very little is known about how MI persons respond to a VE physiologically, how a VE will affect their gait (i.e., walking patterns), or how their sense of presence may differ from healthy persons. To begin investigating this, we designed a VE that included a range of multimodal feedback to induce a strong sense of presence and was novel to the participants. Using this VE, we conducted a study with two different populations: 8 MI persons and 8 healthy persons. The healthy participants were of similar demographics (e.g., age, weight, height) to the MI participants. The MI population was symptomatically homogeneous (e.g., they all walked with canes) and no participants had cognitive impairment. This is one of the first studies to investigate how a VE can affect MI users' gait, physiological response, and presence.
Leveraging YouTube to Engage Patients and the Public for Health Education

Consumers increasingly use social media including online videos to seek answers to health questions (1, 2). Among the many online video tools to choose from, YouTube is the most popular and evidenc...
Human thermoregulatory responses during serial cold-water immersions

This study examined whether serial cold-water immersions over a 10-h period would lead to fatigue of shivering and vasoconstriction. Eight men were immersed (2 h) in 20°C water three times (0700, 1...
A system for imaging infection and gene expression in the body in 3-D

We have been internally generating light within whole animals, and using the radiated light as a quantitative homing beacon for infection and gene expression. Now, we present a system for reconstruction of such images in 3-D.
US gender- and sexuality-related asylum law: The politics of transgender asylum:

This essay addresses the politics undergirding the incorporation of transgender refugee provisions in the US system of political asylum. I first outline how asylum provisions for trans persons have...
Butterfly Citizen Science Projects Support Conservation Activities among their Volunteers

Citizen science has the potential to provide participants with information about conservation issues and to encourage additional conservation actions. In this case study, we describe the current state of conservation education among butterfly citizen science projects in the United States. To determine the extent to which these citizen science projects are promoting an understanding of, and engagement in, conservation among their participants, we used an online questionnaire to census project leaders and assessed their websites for the presence of educational conservation information. We found that the majority (91%, n = 22) of butterfly citizen science projects in the United States include a conservation focus, and that they are educating their participants about key conservation threats and action strategies. Many are also using personal appeals, behavioral incentives, and the social interactions among participants to encourage their participants to engage in butterfly conservation outside the project. We found room for improvement on educating participants, especially about indirect conservation opportunities such as financial donations and outreach activities. We also suggest more widespread and effective use of project websites to disseminate conservation information.
Response of fish assemblages to declining acidic deposition in Adirondack Mountain lakes, 1984–2012

Abstract Adverse effects of acidic deposition on the chemistry and fish communities were evident in Adirondack Mountain lakes during the 1980s and 1990s. Fish assemblages and water chemistry in 43 Adirondack Long-Term Monitoring (ALTM) lakes were sampled by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation during three periods (1984–87, 1994–2005, and 2008–12) to document regional impacts and potential biological recovery associated with the 1990 amendments to the 1963 Clean Air Act (CAA). We assessed standardized data from 43 lakes sampled during the three periods to quantify the response of fish-community richness, total fish abundance, and brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis) abundance to declining acidity that resulted from changes in U.S. air-quality management between 1984 and 2012. During the 28-year period, mean acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) increased significantly from 3 to 30 μeq/L and mean inorganic monomeric Al concentrations decreased significantly from 2.22 to 0.66 μmol/L, yet mean species richness, all species or total catch per net night (CPNN), and brook trout CPNN did not change significantly in the 43 lakes. Regression analyses indicate that fishery metrics were not directly related to the degree of chemical recovery and that brook trout CPNN may actually have declined with increasing ANC. While the richness of fish communities increased with increasing ANC as anticipated in several Adirondack lakes, observed improvements in water quality associated with the CAA have generally failed to produce detectable shifts in fish assemblages within a large number of ALTM lakes. Additional time may simply be needed for biological recovery to progress, or else more proactive efforts may be necessary to restore natural fish assemblages in Adirondack lakes in which water chemistry is steadily recovering from acidification.
Where to Apply for Funding: Making the Right Choices

The completion of a grant application is an immensely time-consuming and intensive process. It is therefore critical that you decide to apply for grants that you are most likely actually going to receive. But identifying those potential funding sources can often be truly daunting and a great deal more vexing. With an ever-growing number of foundations and other not-for-profits looking to spearhead research into a specific disease, a large and vast array of federal opportunities, and still other opportunities through universities and research institutions, deciding where to spend your effort in applying for funding is usually not simple. However, it is worth a great deal of time and effort to make the right decision about what to apply for. Submitting a grant application to an organization that is simply not interested in what you are doing is a tremendous waste of time and effort. Similarly, submitting a grant to the right organization but with the wrong funding mechanisms is equally self-destructive. And finally, not only do you need to think through whether the funders are on the same page, but you also have to consider whether the people reviewing the grants are also in sync with the goal of the funder. The truth is that before submitting any grant application, you should learn as much as you possibly can. If, after extended review, you have decided that this is indeed a real possibility, only then should you start piecing together the complexities of the application. Bottom line: don’t just start applying for the first grant that you come across or because you learn of a single promising solicitation.
A cross-cultural comparison of information privacy concerns in Singapore, Sweden and the United States

We propose to investigate the antecedents and consequents of information privacy concerns from a cultural perspective. Using Hofstede's dimensions of cultural values, we will gather data from countries that reportedly differ with respect to these dimensions and study the role of culture at the individual level in shaping individuals' privacy-related behavior. Other relevant constructs will also be included in the research model.
Un)Commonly Connected

As states continue to implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), state educational agencies (SEAs) are providing professional development and curricular resources to help districts and teach...
Young Consumers’ avoidance towards Public Bus Services of urban areas in Bangladesh

In this paper; young consumers’ generic avoidance nature towards urban public transportation facilities in Bangladesh ha s been discussed. From the discussion, four major categories of negative associations regarding public transportation in the urban areas were identified. While three of them have already been explained in the brand avoidance model, another new dimension added to this particular public bus service context was the safety concerns. According to this study result, public bus services are being highly avoided by young urban consumers due to the safety concerns. All the respondents reported some experience or idea about public bus services in the urban city that put them in a n unsafe situation. Physical, financial and psychological safety concerns have been experienced by many individuals. Some of them continued traveling with fear of safety concern implanted in mind whereas most of them stopped traveling through public bus services especially during off peak hour or late night hours. The findings are particularly of managerial interest as further transportation management strategies can be crafted to reduce negative customer associations with public transportation facilities.
Correlation between pelvic congestion syndrome and body mass index

Abstract Objective Previous studies of men suggested that patients with varicocele may be leaner than the normal population. No such work exists in women with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). This study evaluated the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and PCS. Methods A case-control study at a single institution was performed of women who had the objective diagnosis of PCS. Data were prospectively collected for 100 consecutive patients with PCS. BMI was calculated for every patient and categorized into normal weight (BMI 30). Diagnosis of PCS was made by ultrasound and venography. Mean BMI was compared with that of the general female population of the United States from 1999 to 2002. Furthermore, analyses included comparison of patients with and without ovarian vein dilation and pelvic varices. Results There were 100 women with a median age of 44 years (range, 24-73 years). The mean BMI of the study group was 25 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 . The cohort was categorized into 59 women with normal BMI, 23 overweight women, and 18 obese women. The study cohort's BMI was less than that of the general U.S. female population ( P = .02). The majority of the study group were white with lower BMI ( P P = .01). Patients with ovarian vein dilation had significantly lower BMI (24.1 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 and 26.7 ± 5.4 kg/m 2 ; P = .036). No differences were identified for pelvic varices or reflux. Conclusions Women with PCS are more likely to have a normal BMI with ovarian vein dilation compared with obese women, who are more frequently affected by leg varicosities.
Review: Architecture in Translation: Germany, Turkey, and the Modern House by Esra Akcan

Esra Akcan Architecture in Translation: Germany, Turkey, and the Modern House Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 2012, 408 pp., 143 b/w illus. $24.95 (paper), ISBN 9780822353089; $89.95 (cloth), ISBN 9780822352945 Esra Akcan’s Architecture in Translation is a study in the remarkable migrations of modern architecture from Central Europe’s German-speaking lands to Turkey. Extrapolating from a linguistic metaphor, Akcan calls what transpired from the mid-1920s to the mid-1940s “architecture in translation.” The author’s insight that the modern house and housing are two of the most contested constructs of German and Turkish architecture, and the way she locates architecture within the linguistic debates concerning translation in Turkey at the time, are brilliant. The historical material presented in this book, the extensive archival work, and the author’s ambition to devise a theory of translation, make it indispensable reading for anyone interested in the international experience of the modern movement. The first phase of “translations” traced in this book began when Hermann Jansen, a professor of architecture in Berlin, won the competition for the master plan of Turkey’s new capital. Jansen’s plan for Ankara amounted to a German reincarnation of the English garden city. Ankara’s modern layout, functional infrastructure, and hygienic green spaces were meant to highlight the Turkish Republic’s project for radical modernization and “Westernization.” In providing a new history of this episode, Akcan is attentive to the discrepancy in the perceptions of the garden city in Germany and in Turkey. Although it may have appeared outlandish to a Turkish audience in 1929, Jansen’s garden city offered a politically conservative alternative to Weimar Germany’s modernist social housing projects ( Siedlungen ). The German professor had an inclination to design suburban communities, inspired by the local vernacular, even when his Turkish clients demanded a “cubic” architecture to showcase their own modernity. A clear pattern emerges in these years: The Turkish bureaucrats recruited figures of professional authority in Germany, Austria, and France. Many of the new capital’s most representative buildings were commissioned to the Austrian professor Clemens …
Increased leukotoxin production: Characterization of 100 base pairs within the 530 base pair leukotoxin promoter region of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (LtxA) is a major virulence factor that kills leukocytes permitting it’s escape from host immune surveillance. A. actinomycetemcomitans strains can produce high or low levels of toxin. Genetic differences reside in the “so called JP2” ltxA promoter region. These hyper-leukotoxin producing strains with the 530 bp deletion have been studied in detail. However, regions contained within the 530 bp deletion that could be responsible for modulation of leukotoxin production have not been defined. Here, we report, for the first time, on regions within the 530 bp that are responsible for high-levels of ltxA expression. We constructed a deletion of 530 bps in a primate isolate of A. actinomycetemcomitans, which produced leukotoxin equivalent to the JP2 strain. We then constructed sequential deletions in regions that span the 530 bps. Results indicated that expression of the ltxA transcript was reduced by a potential transcriptional terminator in promoter region 298 to 397 with a ΔG = −7.9 kcal/mol. We also confirmed previous findings that transcriptional fusion between the orfX region and ltxC increased ltxA expression. In conclusion, we constructed a hyper-leukotoxin producing A. actinomycetemcomitans strain and identified a terminator located in the promoter region extending from 298–397 that alters ltxA expression.
One-Stop Shopping: Ask-A-librarian Technology in the Electronic Medical Record

ABSTRACTThis article describes the events that led to the implementation of the Ask-A-Librarian button within the hospital’s electronic medical record. Various marketing techniques used to educate health care professionals regarding the new service, as well as the significant increase in library usage results, are discussed. This article also provides insight as to why the librarians undertook such an ambitious project, and it is the authors’ hope that it will inspire others to do the same at their institution.
Agriculture, Ethics, and Law

The development of human civilization was directly dependent on the creation of a secure and predictable food supply by way of plant and animal agriculture. Both forms of agriculture required sustainability. In animal agriculture, this was assured by good husbandry, i.e. respect for animals ‘needs and natures’. The development of civilization and technology paradoxically led to the undoing of this ancient contract with animals, and of sustainability in plant agriculture. Industry and the search for profit and productivity supplanted husbandry and stability. Industrial agriculture for animals supplanted agriculture as a way of life. The loss of husbandry was pervasive throughout animal agriculture, and turned good husbandry and animal welfare into major moral issues, rather than a presupposition of raising animals. This in turn led to a societal demand for a new ethic for treatment of animals in agriculture. As Plato pointed out, new ethics evolve out of established ethics, so society turned to its ethic for humans, mutatis mutandis, as a basis for a new animal ethic and as a way of assuring respect for animal nature or telos. The chartering of the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production created a vehicle for exposing the general public to the numerous problems growing out of industrial animal agriculture. These problems fell into five interconnected categories: antimicrobial resistance; environmental despoliation; rural sociology; human and animal health; and animal welfare. Though the Commission offered numerous recommendations for remedying these problems, none have as yet been legislatively mandated.
Exploration of Combustion CVD Method for YSZ Thin Film Electrolyte of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Recently we developed a new method to deposit YSZ thin films based on combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) technique. YSZ thin films have been processed on polished silicon and MgO substrates from combustion of an aerosol jet. Thin and uniform films have been obtained. The film growth rate was greatly enhanced by utilizing high reagent concentrations, proper substrate temperature, and application of DC bias.
Universal two-qubit interactions, measurement, and cooling for quantum simulation and computing

By coupling pairs of superconducting qubits through a small Josephson junction with a time-dependent flux bias, we show that arbitrary interactions involving any combination of Pauli matrices can be generated with a small number of drive tones applied through the flux bias of the coupling junction. We then demonstrate that similar (though not fully universal) results can be achieved in capacitively coupled qubits by exploiting the higher energy states of the devices through multiphoton drive signals applied to the qubits' flux degrees of freedom. By using this mechanism to couple a qubit to a detuned resonator, the qubit's rotating-frame state can be nondestructively measured along any direction on the Bloch sphere. Finally, we describe how the frequency-converting nature of the couplings can be used to engineer a mechanism analogous to dynamic nuclear polarization in NMR systems, capable of cooling an array of qubits well below the ambient temperature, and outline how higher-order interactions, such as local three-body terms, can be engineered through the same couplings. Our results demonstrate that a programmable quantum simulator for large classes of interacting spin models could be engineered with the same physical hardware.
Lateral position and utility of navigation for posterior fixation of unstable cervical fracture with ankylosing spondylitis.

Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy within the spectrum of rheumatologic diseases. The systemic inflammation that characterizes AS leads to bone resorption and reformation. Pathologic remodeling may include kyphosis, osteoporosis, and multi-segment auto-fusion. Cervical fractures account for 53-78% of spinal trauma seen with AS. Surgical planning is often challenging owing to spinal deformity, medical comorbidities, the cervicothoracic foci of injury, and gross instability of these fracture. Case description A 55-year-old male with AS was presented with a three-column injury at the C6 level. The C6 vertebra was fractured, minimally displaced, and there was a focal kyphotic deformity. Attempted posterior fixation 2 days after presentation was aborted; the patient could not tolerate prone positioning, and there were further technical limitations to a posterior approach. Cervicothoracic fixation from C2 to T2 was then performed using the right lateral decubitus position employing the Mayfield head holder, a beanbag, and spinal neuronavigation. Conclusion In this study, we presented a unique approach to posterior fixation of an unstable cervicothoracic fracture in a patient with AS utilizing the lateral position and neural navigation under intraoperative physiological monitoring.
A 60-GHz Transceiver and Baseband With Polarization MIMO in 28-nm CMOS

Polarization (pol) selectivity has been widely adopted in modern RF transceivers to enable the channel diversity. This paper utilizes orthogonal pol modes to support simultaneous independent data streams on the same frequency channel, thereby doubling the effective channel capacity. The energy-efficient 60-GHz transceiver prototype uses two transmit/receive (TX/RX) chains with a single printed circuit board (PCB) antenna to demonstrate over-the-air (OTA) 2 $\times $ 13.9 Gb/s 16 quadrature-amplitude modulation (QAM) dual-pol (DP) multiplexing-based multi-input and multi-output (MIMO), thus achieving 2 $\times $ higher communicated bits/symbol than a single-pol transceiver. At these multi-Gb/s rates, multi-path ISI and cross-pol effects limit the feasibility of DP–MIMO. To mitigate these channel effects, a mixed-signal 384-coefficient feed-forward equalizer (FFE)- and 2400-coefficient decision-feedback equalizer (DFE)-based area- and energy-efficient RX baseband is also presented. The baseband supports DP–MIMO up to 40 Gb/s for line-of-sight (LOS) 16QAM and 14 Gb/s non-line-of-sight (NLOS) QPSK, at 3 $\times $ to 38 $\times $ better energy efficiency per coefficient than state of the art.
Long-term outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of adult chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background There is a striking lack of long-term, prospective outcomes data for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) using validated instruments. Our primary objective in this study was to report long-term outcomes (>10 years) after ESS for CRS obtained by prospective data collection. Methods An observational cohort (n = 59) of adult patients with CRS electing ESS was enrolled between 2004 and 2008. Long-term, disease-specific quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes, health utility values (HUV), revision surgery rate, development of asthma, and patient expectations/satisfaction with outcomes of ESS were examined using descriptive statistics and simple fixed-effects linear modeling. Results Fifty-nine adult patients were followed for 10.9 years (±13.8 months), on average. Mean QOL significantly improved between baseline and 6 months and remained durable to 10 years. HUV improved to normal. A 17% revision surgery rate within the 10-year follow-up period was observed with a 25% revision rate in CRS with polyposis. New-onset asthma after ESS occurred at a rate of 0.8%/year. Patient satisfaction with ESS outcomes was generally high. Conclusions Ten-year prospective outcomes of ESS for CRS demonstrate that the initial clinically significant improvements in QOL seen 6 months postoperatively are durable over the long term. Over 75% of patients reported clinically significant long-term QOL and HUV improvement. HUV returned to normal. Revision surgery rate was 17% and worse postoperative endoscopy scores within 18 months of initial ESS were associated with higher likelihood of revision surgery. Most patients would pursue ESS again and recommend the procedure to other patients considering this treatment option.
Development of chitosan/Spirulina sp. blend films as biosorbents for Cr6+ and Pb2+ removal.

Abstract Chitosan film, Spirulina sp. film and its blend were developed as biosorbents to remove Cr6+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The kinetic study and the pH effect on biosorption efficiency were evaluated to comprehend the interactions between the ions and biosorbents. The characterization analyses pointed out that occurred interaction between both biomaterials, which resulted in structural alterations through the blend. The Spirulina sp. film exhibited the highest biosorption capacities for Cr6+ (43.2 mg g−1) and Pb2+ (35.6 mg g−1) ions, however, its physical integrity was not kept in acid medium. The blend film showed results slightly lower (35.8 mg g−1 for Cr6+ and 31.6 mg g−1 for Pb2+), but its physical integrity remained intact in all assays. Chitosan film presented the lower biosorption capacities (15.4 mg g−1 for Cr6+ and 20.9 mg g−1 for Pb2+). Elovich and pseudo–second order models were the most suitable to express the kinetic behaviors for Cr6+ and Pb2+, respectively. Therefore, chitosan/Spirulina sp. blend could be a green alternative for Cr6+ and Pb2+ removal, because this biosorbent showed high biosorption capacity obtained from Spirulina sp. and great physical integrity obtained of chitosan.
Challenges and Gratitude: A Diary Study of Software Engineers Working From Home During Covid-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 dramatically changed how organizations worked. Microsoft was one of the first to ask employees to work from home (WFH). We developed an anonymous nightly diary study with 435 participants and learned about their experiences over the first 10 weeks of the WFH directive. We found the largest challenges were having too many meetings, feeling overworked, and physical and mental health. However, engineers reported gratitude for family, increased flexibility, being employed, and team support. We also learned that the simple act of reflecting nightly during the study could be helpful: people who reported no gratitude were 22% (p-value=.000007) less likely to report being satisfied that day. Our management used the anonymized, aggregate data to create new programs (such as No Meeting Friday) to address these challenges. We then saw immediate feedback on these programs in the diaries and used that to inform future decisions.
Feminist Praxis Revisited: Critical Reflections on University-Community Engagement

Book under review: Dean, Amber, Johnson, Jennifer L., and Susanne Luhmann, eds. 2019. Feminist Praxis Revisited: Critical Reflections on University-Community Engagement. Waterloo: Wilfred Laurier Press.
Psychopathic traits and different types of criminal behavior: An assessment of direct effects and mediating processes

Abstract Purpose This study explored the overall impact of psychopathic traits on crime by examining both the direct effects of psychopathic traits on criminal behavior, as well as the indirect effects of psychopathic traits through risk factors. Methods Relying on a juvenile offender sample (N = 1354), a multiple mediator model was employed to examine (1) the direct effects of psychopathic traits on offending, (2) the direct effects of risk factors on offending, (3) the indirect effects of risk factors on the link between two factors, and (4) the total effects of psychopathic traits on offending via various risk factors. Results Overall, psychopathic traits had significant effects on the different types of criminal behavior and risk factors. Some risk factors also exerted significant indirect impacts, depending on the type of criminal behavior. Deviant peer association remained as a significant risk factor in all models. Conclusions These results show that psychopathic traits themselves linked to increased offending and that the effects of psychopathic traits on offending are precipitated through risk factors. Findings shed light on those risk factors that are most likely to trigger deviant behavior and suggest that eliminating proximal risks around them may enhance public safety
The financial impact of online customer reviews in the restaurant industry: A moderating effect of brand equity

Abstract The salient impact of electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) on firm performance has been widely noticed by scholars and practitioners. While eWOM serves as an important source of information that helps reduce perceived uncertainty risks in service purchases, it is highly likely that other sources of information are simultaneously used with eWOM in the purchase decisions. Thus, this study empirically examined the financial effects of restaurant eWOM (review volume and review rating) and their changes in the presence of brand equity. Three-stage least squares analysis was employed in the empirical investigation. Our findings revealed that review volume and review rating contributed to restaurant profitability. Brand equity was found to moderate the effects of the review attributes on restaurants profitability, which implies that eWOM has a greater influence on the financial performance of weak-branded restaurants than strong-branded ones. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Epidemiology and outcomes of COVID-19 in HIV-infected individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the risk of mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) is largely unknown. PLWHA are unique due to their altered immune system from their history of chronic HIV infection and their use of antiretroviral therapy, some of which have been used experimentally to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the epidemiology of SARS-COV-2/HIV coinfection and estimate associated mortality from COVID-19 (Prospero Registration ID: CRD42020187980). PubMed, SCOPUS, OVID and Cochrane Library databases, and medRxiv preprint repositories were searched from January 1, 2020, to December 12, 2020. Data were extracted from studies reporting COVID-19 attack and mortality rates in PLWHA compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. Pooled attack and mortality risks were quantified using random-effects models. We identified 22 studies that included 20,982,498 participants across North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The median age was 56 years, and 50% were male. HIV-positive persons had a significantly higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection [risk ratio (RR) 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.46)] and mortality from COVID-19 (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.21–2.60) than HIV-negative individuals. The beneficial effects of tenofovir and protease-inhibitors in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and death from COVID-19 in PLWHA remain inconclusive. HIV remains a significant risk factor for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection and is associated with a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19. In support of the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, persons with HIV need priority consideration for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
Deriving Prognostic Continuous Time Bayesian Networks from Fault Trees

Probabilistic graphical models have been applied successfully to a number of Prognostic and Health Management (PHM) applications. Continuous time Bayesian networks (CTBNs) are one such model, and they are capable of representing discrete systems that evolve in continuous time. In this work, we propose a method for constructing a CTBN from a fault tree, a model often used for evaluating system reliability. Additionally, we provide a method for reducing the number of required CTBN parameters by pruning unnecessary portions of the fault tree. Furthermore, we take advantage of the information encoded in the remaining gates of the tree and make use of the Noisy-OR model, offering additional reductionsin the number of parameters needed to specify the CTBN model. We show how a CTBN derived from a fault tree can be combined with a CTBN derived from a D-matrix to form a unified model. This allows for a description of faults and effects that evolve in continuous time based on test outcomes. We demonstrate the derivation and parameterization processes using a running example, and show how the resulting model can be queried to obtain information about the state of the system over time.
Targeting Pyruvate Kinase M2 Phosphorylation Reverses Aggressive Cancer Phenotypes.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with low survival rate and a lack of biomarkers and targeted treatments. Here we target pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a key metabolic component of oncogenesis. In TNBC patients, PKM2pS37 was identified as a prominent phosphoprotein corresponding to the aggressive breast cancer phenotype that showed a characteristic nuclear staining pattern and prognostic value. Phosphorylation of PKM2 at S37 was connected with a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) pathway in TNBC cells. In parallel, pyruvate kinase activator TEPP-46 bound PKM2pS37 and reduced its nuclear localization. In a TNBC mouse xenograft model, treatment with either TEPP-46 or the potent CDK inhibitor Dinaciclib reduced tumor growth and diminished PKM2pS37. Combinations of Dinaciclib with TEPP-46 reduced cell invasion, impaired redox balance, and triggered cancer cell death. Collectively, these data support an approach to identify PKM2pS37-positive TNBC and target the PKM2 regulatory axis as a potential treatment.
A Predictive Model for Functional Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy.

Abstract Introduction Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a well-established treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Variability in outcomes among thrombectomy patients results in a need for patient centered approaches to recovery. Identifying key factors that are associated with outcomes can help prognosticate and direct resources for continued improvement post-treatment. Thus, we developed a comprehensive predictive model of short-term outcomes post-thrombectomy. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of adult patients who underwent EVT at our institution over the last four years. Primary outcome was dichotomized 90-day mRS (mRS 0–2 v mRS 3–6). Bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by logistic regression modelling via a backward-elimination approach to identify the best fit predictive model. Results 326 thrombectomies were performed; 230 cases were included in the model. In the final predictive model, adjusting for age, gender, race, diabetes, and presenting NIHSS, pre-admission mRS = 0–2 (OR 18.1; 95% 3.44–95.48; p Conclusion Our model identified low pre-admission mRS score, low post-thrombectomy NIHSS, non-smoker status and not requiring a DHC as predictors of good functional outcomes at 90-days. Future works include developing a prognostic scoring system.
A mosquito larvicidal diterpenoid isolated from Podocarpus totara D. Don ex Lambert.

Totarol, a diterpenoid phenol isolated from Podocarpus totara (D. Don ex Lambert) root bark, was found to be active against second- and fourth-instar Culex pipiens Coquillett with the 24 h LC50 val...
Semi-Classical Pictures of Non-Adiabatic Induced Electron Ejection in Molecular Anions

ABSTRACT Download : Download full-size image Molecular anions that possess excess internal vibrational and/or rotational energy can eject their “extra” electron through a radiationless transition event involving non Born-Oppenheimer coupling. In such processes, there is an interplay between the nuclear and electronic motions that allows energy to be transferred from the former to the latter and that permits momentum and/or angular momentum to also be transferred in a manner that preserves total energy, momentum, and angular momentum. There are well established quantum mechanical expressions for the rates of this kind of radiationless process, and these expressions have been used successfully to compute electron ejection rates. In this paper, we recast the quantum rate equation into more physically clear forms by making use of semi-classical approximations that have proven useful in rewriting the quantum expressions for rates of other processes (e.g., photon absorption) in a more classical manner. It is hoped that by achieving alternative and clearer interpretations of the electron ejection rate equation, it will be possible to more readily predict when such rates will be significant.
Emerging Roles of Social Work in Perinatal Services

Perinatal social work is a recent field of practice with expanding opportunities and responsibilities for social workers in direct practice, research and education. This paper discusses the emergence of high technology in the perinatal field and the specialization of social work knowledge, skills and roles which are developing in tandem with bio-medical advances. The need to reconcile compelling needs for preventive social work practice with those of specialization are examined.
Spatial-spectrum estimation using vectors closest to the array manifold

Consideration is given to multiple narrowband source localization using arbitrarily configured arrays and spatial-spectrum estimation. A new eigenspace based approach is described which employs projections onto a particular vector in the estimated noise-only subspace. The vector is one which is, in some sense, closest to the section of the array manifold corresponding to a source location sector of interest. This approach incorporates a priori knowledge of the array manifold over a location sector of interest to provide signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) spectral-resolution thresholds and location estimation variances which are lower than those of the MUSIC and MIN-NORM methods. For some arrays, these can be substantially lower. Several CLOSEST vector estimators are developed by employing different measures of closeness. Simulations comparing CLOSEST with MUSIC and MIN-NORM methods are presented. The results indicate that CLOSEST vectors can, for some arrays, perform significantly better than MIN-NORM vectors. >
A Pseudo Random Number Generator in Mobile Agent Interactions

The Current trend of computer technology is towards secure computation and communication between parties which requires strong cryptography algorithms, especially with agent based issues. Since random number generators are the main constituents of such algorithms and autonomous actions, they are required to be fast and adequately secure. Although there are some good quality and fast approaches, most of them either use large primes (which are hard to handle) or the cost of getting data from the source is very high. With respect to these drawbacks and considering current expectations, a fast and easy way to implement Pseudo Random Number Generator (PRNG) and its application in mobile agent environment is proposed. The proposed approach uses Java Garbage Collector data to generate the key of the Polymorphic Encryption and Decryption (PED) encryption algorithm. Since Garbage Collector is run by Java Virtual Machine as default, no additional computation is required. According to the test conducted, it has high entropy and hashes of the Garbage Collector outputs are unique.
The effect of nicotinamide and homologs on the activity of inducible enzymes and NAD content of the rat liver.

The activity of tryptophan pyrrolase (L-tryptophan:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC [1.13.1.12][1]) and tyrosine transaminase (L-tyrosine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC [2.6.1.5][1]) of the rat liver increases after intraperitoneal injection of nonphysiological amounts of nicotinamide. Actinomycin D (2 mg/kg), injected 30 minutes prior to nicotinamide, inhibited this effect of nicotinamide. Certain pyridine derivatives related to nicotinamide, such as nicotinic acid, 5-fluoronicotinamide, isonicotinic acid hydrazide, and nikethamide ( N,N -diethylnicotinamide) had similar effects by increasing tryptophan pyrrolase activity. Hypophysectomy abolished the induction of enzymes caused by nicotinamide, 5 mmoles/kg (within 6 hr after injection), while hydrocortisone (5.2 x 10-2 mmoles/kg) in hypophysectomized rats increased enzyme activity 10-fold during the same period. Feeding inhibited by 50% the increase of tryptophan pyrrolase by nicotinamide as compared to the rate of induction in fasted animals. On the other hand, induction of tryptophan pyrrolase by hydrocortisone, 5.2 x 10-2 mmoles/kg, did not depend on the nutritional state of the animals. Augmentation of NAD in rat liver following injection of nicotinamide precedes enzyme induction. Starvation increases NAD accumulation from nicotinamide. Actinomycin D has no effect on NAD augmentation from precursors. Newly formed NAD following injection of nicotinamide is almost exclusively localized in the cytoplasmic cell fraction of rat liver. The rate and degree of NAD accumulation following injection of various metabolic precursors of NAD exhibit marked tissue dependent variation. A working hypothesis is proposed, predicting that nicotinamide causes enzyme induction in liver by augmenting NAD levels of adrenals. Increased pyridine nucleotide content of adrenals may then cause an increased synthesis and release of cortical hormones; thus the latter would be the true inducers of liver enzymes. Toxic nicotinamide homologs that do not augment NAD levels, but act as enzyme inducers, may release cortical hormones directly, without contributing to their continued biosynthesis. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was supported by research grants of the American Heart Association, Inc. (66-652), the National Science Foundation (GB-3488), and the United States Public Health Service (R0l-01239-11 and R01-CA-07955-03), and in part by USPHS training grant HE-5251. [1]: pending:yes
Glycosylation of lactase-phlorizin hydrolase in rat small intestine during development

Age-specific changes in glycosylation of rat intestinal lactase-phlorizin hydrolase were analyzed using enzyme immunoprecipitated from microvillus membranes of suckling, weaning, and adult rats, and carbohydrate moieties were examined by lectin affinity binding, metabolic labeling, and neuraminidase treatment. Lectin binding indicated the presence of N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharide chains containing mannose and galactose throughout development. An age-dependent shift in sialic acid and fucose was seen during the period of weaning; no fucose was detectable in lactase-phlorizin hydrolase until after the rats were 20 days of age, whereas sialic acid was reduced in adult lactase-phlorizin hydrolase. The presence of sialic acid in suckling intestines and fucose in adult was confirmed by metabolic labeling with appropriate radioactive precursors. Sodium dodecyl phosphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of immunoprecipitated lactase-phlorizin hydrolase from the proximal and mid small intestine showed two bands of approximately 220 and 130 kilodaltons in all age groups. In the distal part of the adult small intestine, lactase-phlorizin hydrolase appeared as two bands of similar size to those found in the proximal and mid portions. In contrast, during the suckling and weaning periods, these distal bands were approximately 225 and 135 kilodaltons. [35S]-methionine labeling and fluorography of neonatal intestines confirmed these observations. The size difference between proximal and distal small intestines was virtually eliminated by neuraminidase treatment. These data indicate that the core structure of microvillus membrane lactase-phlorizin hydrolase, consisting of both N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides, remains constant during development, although terminal sugars shift from predominantly sialic acid during the suckling period to fucose in adulthood. This alteration in glycosylation of the protein occurs in a different pattern from the postweaning decline in lactase specific activity. Consequently, age-dependent changes in glycosylation cannot account for the decrease in lactase-phlorizin hydrolase-specific activity observed during development.
Pestilence and Power: The Smallpox Epidemic of 1780–1782 and Intertribal Relations on the Northern Great Plains

Traveling along the Missouri River in 1796, trader James McKay learned of local Indians’ problems with infectious diseases and remarked that “of all those Scourges and Plagues, the most Terrible is...
An unusual development in a girl with recurrent croup - Case report

Background: Recurrent croup is common in childhood. Rare congenital and acquired pathologies may mimic viral croup. Case: A girl with previously suspected laryngomalacia was admitted with a first episode of croup at 8 months of age, only partially responding to inhaled adrenalin. Laryngoscopically, the dorsal tracheal mucosa bulged into the subglottic area causing a 50% narrowing of the airway, and a CT showed a soft tissue mass between trachea and esophagus that was not suggestive of a hemangioma. In view of the inconspicuous appearance, the rapid recovery from the croup, the young age, and the location it was decided not to biopsy the lesion. After an uneventful observational period with decreasing symptoms the girl presented again at 4 years of age with a typical OSAS. With respect to the personal history, a bronchoscopy was made that confirmed significant adenotonsillar hypertrophy, but also revealed marked growth of the subglottic mass. A transtracheal biopsy was performed, and a plexiform neurofibroma was found. Due to the infiltrative growth of the neurofibroma, extensive surgery including partial tracheal resection became necessary. Eventually, the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 was made. Conclusion: Neurofibroma in NF1 may occur in the laryngeal area, presenting early in infancy mimicking common croup.