cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transforming the School Reform Agenda: A Framework for Including Student Voice in Urban School Renewal.

This article advances a framework for educators to create pathways to elicit students’ diverse perspectives as qualitative data sources in the process of urban school renewal. Elements of the framework are discussed in conjunction with relevant research and findings from videotaped interviews with elementary (n = 144) and secondary (n = 28) students. Examples are shared through web links to two documentary short films co-produced by the authors that feature authentic student voices sharing their unique perspectives within urban public school contexts. Listening to students enables educators and other adults who work in urban schools to reflect on their beliefs and practices, and to engage students in organized public engagement and decision-making as members of school committees. If educators are to support the academic and affective development of all learners within a positive school culture, listening to students share their stories must be as important as analyzing quantitative measures such as standardized assessment results.
Electrophysiological evidence for two transduction pathways within a bitter-sensitive taste receptor

Glendinning, John I. and Thomas T. Hills. Electrophysiological evidence for two transduction pathways within a bitter-sensitive taste receptor. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 734–745, 1997. Among the sapid s...
Poly(ester amine) Constructed from Polyethylenimine and Pluronic for Gene Delivery in vitro and in vivo

A series of poly (ester amines) (PEAs) constructed from low molecular weight polyethyleneimine (LPEI, Mw: 0.8k, 1.2k Da) and Pluronic (different molecular weight (Mw) and hydrophilic-lipophilic-balance (HLB)) components were synthesized, and evaluated in vitro and in vivo as gene delivery carriers. Most PEA polymers were able to bind and condense plasmid DNA effectively into particles of approximately 150 nm in solution at the polymer/DNA ratio of 5 and above. Transfection efficiency of the PEA polymers depends on particle size of the polymer/DNA complex, molecular weight and HLB of the Pluronics and the size of PEI within PEA composition, as well as the cell type. Significant improvement in gene delivery efficacy was achieved with PEA01/04/05 composed of Pluronic size (Mw: 3000-5000 Da), and HLB (12-18) in CHO, C2C12 and HSkM cell lines; and the effective transfection was reflected with PEA 01/04/07 composed of Pluronics with size (2000-5000 Da) and HLB (12-23) in mdx mice. The best formulation for pDNA delivery was obtained with PEA 01 producing transgene expression efficiency 5, 19-folds of that of PEI 25k in vitro and in vivo, respectively. These results potent some of these PEA polymers as attractive vehicles for gene or oligonucleotide delivery.
Current Practices Regarding Perioperative Management of Patients With Fracture on Antiplatelet Therapy: A Survey of Orthopedic Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE There continues to be controversy over whether operative delay is necessary for patients on antiplatelet therapy, particularly for elderly patients with hip fractures. This study sought to assess current clinical practices of orthopedic surgeons regarding perioperative management of these patients. METHODS A 12-question, Web-based survey was distributed to orthopedic surgeons via e-mail. Questions regarding timing of surgery assumed patients were on antiplatelet therapy and assessed attitudes toward emergent and nonemergent orthopedic cases as well as operative delay for specific closed fracture types. Responses were compared using unpaired, 2-tailed Student t tests for continuous variables and Pearson chi-square tests with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for categorical variables. Statistical significance was defined as a P value <.05. RESULTS Overall 67 orthopedic surgeons responded. Fifty-two percent (n = 35) of the respondents described their practice as academic. Thirty-nine percent (n = 25) of the surgeons indicated that no delay was acceptable for urgent but nonemergent surgery, and 78% (n = 50) reported no delay for emergent surgery was acceptable. Sixty-eight percent (n = 46) of respondents felt patients on antiplatelet therapy with closed hip fractures did not require operative delay. Surgeons who opted for surgical delay in hip fractures were more likely to delay surgery in other lower extremity fracture types (OR = 16.4, 95% CI 4.48-60.61, P < .001). Sixty-four percent (n = 41) of the surgeons indicated there was no protocol in place at their institution. CONCLUSIONS There continues to be wide variability among orthopedic surgeons with regard to management of patients with fracture on antiplatelet therapy. Over a quarter of surgeons continue to opt for surgical delay in patients with hip fracture. This survey highlights the need to formulate and better disseminate practice management guidelines for patients with fracture on antiplatelet therapy, particularly given the aging population in the United States.
Design and Application of Dredged Foundation for Transmission Tower in Xinjiang Gobi Area

Gravel soil is one of the special ground in Xinjiang Gobi area.In order to give full play to its good engineering mechanics properties,dredged foundation is usually used for transmission line foundation engineering in this area.Aimed at the selection and design problems of dredged foundation for transmission tower in Xinjiang Gobi area,the foundation's applicability in this area is studied through the analysis of the load test results of dredged foundation in several gravel soil sites,based on the characteristics of dredged foundation and gravel soil in Gobi area.Stability analysis methods and design conditions of dredged foundation are proposed,which have been applied in the supported project of Xinjiang area and have achieved good economic and social benefits.The design and application of dredged foundation show that the foundation is suitable for the transmission line projects at different voltage level in Xinjiang,which can play good shear behavior of gravel soil foundation,thus having a good prospect of popularization and application.
Analysis on Microbiological Monitoring Results of Laboratory Animals from 2006 to 2010 in Hunan Province

Objective To know the laboratory animal's microbial quality in Hunan Province,and to provide the important basis for scientific management of experimental animals,to ensure the quality of laboratory animals,the experimental results and the occupational health and safety of animal science workers.Methods laboratory animals' microbiological test in accordance with GB 14922.2-2001、GB/T 14926-2001 and GB/T 14926.21-2008.Sample testing with the principle of simple random on the breeding colony in the relevant unit.Results SPF rat,SPF mice,Normal New Zealand rabbits,guinea pigs' batch qualified rate was 73.68%,77.78%,60.61% and100% respectively.Conclusions It is showed that microbiological quality of laboratory animals from 2006 to 2010 in Hunan province had a downward trend on the earlier stage,and had been improved greatly.Measures should be taken to strengthen the management of laboratory animals and to eliminate microbial infections in experimental animals.
Flank Donor Nephrectomy: Efficacy in the Donor and Recipient

AbstractSince August 1983, 115 patients have undergone live donor nephrectomy via an extraperitoneal flank approach with rib resection. Over-all hospital stay was short and morbidity was negligible. Early graft function was excellent as determined by urinary output in the first 20 hours postoperatively (mean 6,442 cc) and low nadir serum creatinine (mean 1.57mg. per dl.). Acute tubular necrosis or urinary fistula developed in 3 kidneys (2.6 per cent). In the entire series, only 1 graft (0.8 per cent) was lost to technical complications. We conclude that an extraperitoneal flank approach to live donor nephrectomy is safe for the donor, and provides a structurally and functionally sound allograft for the recipient.
The production and utilization of lactic acid by certain propionic acid bacteria.

LACTIC ACID has long been recognized as a substrate for the propionic acid bacteria. Fitz [1880], the first to present an equation for the propionic acid fermentation, suggested that it might be expressed as 3CH3CHoHc6OH 2CH3CH2COOH + CH3COOH + CO2+ H20. Only recently has this compound been regarded as a possible end product. Foote et al. [1930] reported that under certain conditions some cultures of the propionic acid bacteria accumulate this acid. Other investigators [Wood & Werkman, 1937; Fromageot & Tatum, 1933] have reported other conditions which yield similar results. The amount of laetic acid produced varies with pH, nutrients and probably with other factors. The optical properties of the lactic acid produced by these organisms have not been determined. While lactic acid has often been used as a substrate the availability of the optical isomerides of this acid has not been studied. The present studies were undertaken to determine conditions under which lactic acid would accumulate and to isolate and characterize the lactic acid formed by some of the propionic acid bacteria. The availability of the optical isomerides was also studied. Cultures and methods
The impact of sedimentary coatings on the diagenetic Nd flux

Abstract Because ocean circulation impacts global heat transport, understanding the relationship between deep ocean circulation and climate is important for predicting the ocean's role in climate change. A common approach to reconstruct ocean circulation patterns employs the neodymium isotope compositions of authigenic phases recovered from marine sediments. In this approach, mild chemical extractions of these phases is thought to yield information regarding the eNd of the bottom waters that are in contact with the underlying sediment package. However, recent pore fluid studies present evidence for neodymium cycling within the upper portions of the marine sediment package that drives a significant benthic flux of neodymium to the ocean. This internal sedimentary cycling has the potential to obfuscate any relationship between the neodymium signature recovered from the authigenic coating and the overlying neodymium signature of the seawater. For this manuscript, we present sedimentary leach results from three sites on the Oregon margin in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Our goal is to examine the potential mechanisms controlling the exchange of Nd between the sedimentary package and the overlying water column, as well as the relationship between the eNd composition of authigenic sedimentary coatings and that of the pore fluid. In our comparison of the neodymium concentrations and isotope compositions from the total sediment, sediment leachates, and pore fluid we find that the leachable components account for about half of the total solid-phase Nd, therefore representing a significant reservoir of reactive Nd within the sediment package. Based on these and other data, we propose that sediment diagenesis determines the eNd of the pore fluid, which in turn controls the eNd of the bottom water. Consistent with this notion, despite having 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater Nd concentration than the bottom water, the pore fluid is still
Patient and Practitioner Privacy

Privacy pertains to people’s right to be left alone, free from intrusion and anonymous postings about them, and in control of when, how, and how much information is disclosed about them. The digital revolution may be changing the traditional definition of privacy. Concepts of privacy may vary between individuals and groups, and may come into conflict. Regulating privacy has proved very challenging in the Internet era, and considerable evidence suggests that both patients and practitioners are at risk of having their privacy violated online. Cyberharassment and cyberstalking are two particularly severe forms of privacy violation which are illegal in many jurisdictions. Health-care professionals should expect that their patients will search for information about them online. Professionals may also be inclined to perform online searches about their patients, thus potentially violating their patients’ privacy. Before doing so, they should think carefully about their motivations and potential consequences and try to preserve the treatment frame.
Book review: Wendy Harcourt, W. and Nelson, I.L., editors. 2015: Practising Feminist Political Ecologies: Moving beyond the ‘Green Economy’

Wendy Harcourt, W. and Nelson, I.L., editors. 2015:Practising Feminist Political Ecologies: Moving beyond the ‘Green Economy’. London: Zed Books. 326 pp. £65 (hardback). ISBN: 9781783600885
Towards a calculus for software SIL

Safety integrity level (SIL) is very widely used to define the safety properties of software, but because it does not take account of the scale of software in terms of size and complexity it can give a misleading impression of the potential unsafe failure rate. This paper proposes an approach to assessing the SIL achieved by software so as to include the effects of scale. (5 pages)
Nonlinear Materials and Processes for Electronic Devices and 3D Optical Storage Memory Applications

Many commercial and military applications generate enormous amounts of data which must be stored and be available for rapid parallel access and very fast processing. The major component which is expected to modulate the practical limits of high speed computing, will most probably be the memory. In addition because of the huge data storage requirements, the need for the parallel execution of tasks and necessity of a compact, very high capacity low cost memory is becoming a practical necessity. However, at the present time, CD-ROMs and DVDs and even some of the most advanced optical storage systems, such as the 4.5 GB DVD, are not sufficient to fulfill some of the stringent demands imposed today by multimedia, medical and other applications. This method utilizes the inhomogeniously broadened zero phonon band as the storing medium. Storage media, including magnetic disk, electronic RAM and optical disks are fundamentally limited by their two-dimensional nature. The data capacity is proportional to the storage area divided by the minimum bit size. Three dimensional optical storage surmounts this limitation by extending the storage into the third dimension. They offer, therefore, an attractive possibility for highly parallel access, large storage capacity and high bandwidth memory. To circumvent this deficiency we have developed a high density fast read-out 3D optical storage memory system1–4. Our method relies on the non-linear absorption of two photons which causes changes in the structure and spectra of organic molecules.
Modeling and analysis of identity threat behaviors through text mining of identity theft stories

Identity theft, fraud, and abuse are problems affecting the entire society. Identity theft is often a gateway crime, as criminals use stolen or fraudulent identities to steal money, claim eligibility for services, hack into networks without authorization, and so on. The available data describing identity crimes and their aftermath are often in the form of recorded stories and reports by the news press, fraud examiners, and law enforcement. All of these sources are unstructured. In order to analyze identity theft data, this research proposes an approach which involves the novel collection of online news stories and reports on the topic of identity theft. Our approach pre-processes the raw text and extracts semi-structured information automatically, using text mining techniques. This paper presents statistical analysis of behavioral patterns and resources used by thieves and fraudsters to commit identity theft, including the identity attributes commonly linked to identity crimes, resources thieves employ to conduct identity crimes, and temporal patterns of criminal behavior. Furthermore, the automatically extracted information is validated against manually investigated news stories. Analyses of these results increase empirical understanding of identity threat behaviors, offer early warning signs of identity theft, and thwart future identity theft crimes.
Integrate social tagging to build an online collaborative learning community

Social tagging available in social media can potentially be integrated to build an effective online collaborative learning community. The purpose of this study is to understand the nature of social tagging for graduate students in an online learning program and how does their social tagging relate to building online collaborative learning communities and student engagement in distributed social bookmarking resources? The research questions are: how do students perceive building collaborative learning communities through social tagging in distributed learning resources? How do students build a collaborative learning community through social tagging in distributed learning resources? Mixed methods, survey, and tag analyses were utilised to collect the data from 44 online graduate students. This study concluded that the learners' social tagging nature is mainly using content tags rather than community-connected tags. Learners tagged to share with the general public to build communities of interests and passion, not with specific teammates or collaborators to build communities of purpose and practice. It suggests social tagging architecture as a social tagging literacy to support learners to build effective online collaborative learning communities.
Development of dual-band/dual-polarized metamaterial antenna in an electrically-small form factor for efficient wireless data and power transfer

Miniaturized dual band/ dual polarized metamaterial antenna for simultaneous information and power transfer application is proposed and designed in this paper. The superior radiation pattern and electrical small size of this antenna are results of the composite right/left-hand (CRLH) substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) artificial operation. Miniaturized single polarized SIW resonant type antenna has been previously proposed [1]. However dual polarized antennas are less sensitive to incident fields with varying polarization, thus can greatly increase overall power reception efficiency [2]. In order to minimize the polarization mismatch the proposed dual polarization antenna is preferred. This antenna is fed by two orthogonal ports and realized by altering the electrical field of a planar SIW with interdigital slots on the surface to provide a CRLH response. The concept is validated with simulation and measurement results including resonance frequency and radiation pattern.
Equations for Bilateral Heat Transfer to a Fluid Flowing in a Concentric Annulus

Theoretical equations have been derived for calculating heat transfer coefficients for a fluid flowing through a concentric annulus for the following two cases: (A) constant and equal heat fluxes f...
Numerical investigation of ultrashort laser interaction with dielectric materials based on a plasma-temperature combined model

Abstract Numerical study of ultrashort laser-induced ablation of dielectric materials is presented based on a one-dimensional plasma-temperature model. Plasma dynamics including photoionization, impact ionization, relaxation and electronic diffusion are considered through an improved single-rate equation. Material decomposition is captured by a temperature-based ablation criterion. Dynamic description of ablation process has been achieved through instant material removal. Behaviors of laser-induced ablation threshold, transient optical properties and ablation depth have been investigated with respect to incident fluence and pulse duration. Good agreements are shown between numerical predictions and experimental observations. Fast increase of ablation depth, followed with saturation, is observed with the increase of the incident fluence. The ablation efficiency decreases with fluence after reaching the peak value at the fluence twice of the ablation threshold. Material processing at low laser fluence and ultrashort pulse duration is proved to be able to provide higher ablation efficiency and reduced thermal damage. The divergence of tightly focused Gaussian beam in transparent materials has been revealed to significantly affect the ablation process, particularly at high laser fluence. This effect is found to be negligible in laser processing of metals.
Porous silicon and related composites as functional tissue engineering scaffolds

Abstract: This chapter describes the fundamental properties of porous silicon (PSi) that make it an appealing choice for use as a therapeutic scaffold in the field of tissue engineering. We begin with a discussion of the unique ability of the mesoporous form of this material to be resorbed in vivo, followed by the tunability of its degradation kinetics through surface chemistry. Practical manipulation of the PSi is made possible by formulation with appropriate polymers, and representative in vitro/in vivo studies of these composites in the areas of orthopedics are subsequently presented. Finally, we conclude with a presentation of data suggesting the possible future uses of PSi as a ‘smart’ biomaterial in the field of orthopedic applications and opportunities in ophthalmological tissue engineering.
Feasibility and Validity of Discriminating Yaw Plane Head-on-Trunk Motion Using Inertial Wearable Sensors

A consequence of vestibular loss is increased coupling of head-on-trunk motion, particularly in the yaw plane, which adversely affects community mobility in these patients. Inertial sensors may provide a means of better understanding normal decoupling behaviors in community environments, but demonstration of their validity and responsiveness is needed. This paper examined the validity and measurement sensitivity of inertial sensors in quantifying yaw plane head-trunk decoupling during unrestricted and restricted cervical motion conditions in healthy adults. Peak head turn amplitude and velocity, head-trunk coupling, and trunk turn lag were simultaneously measured using wearable inertial sensors and a motion capture system. Agreement between motion capture and the inertial sensors was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients(2,1) >.75) for all measured outcomes during a static head turn task and for peak head turn velocity and trunk turn lag during a walking task. Cervical collar use significantly reduced head turn amplitude and velocity, and increased coupling of head-on-trunk motion (p<.02). Measurement of head and trunk coordination during gait activities using inertial sensors is valid and feasible. Amplitude and velocity outcomes were most reliable and responsive to experimental alterations in head motion. Using inertial sensors to quantify abnormal kinematics following vestibular loss may provide insights into recovery of head-trunk coordination in these individuals.
Advanced MIMO Signal Processing Techniques Enabling Long-Haul Dense SDM Transmissions

Space division multiplexing (SDM) transmission technology is the prime candidate for next technological breakthrough in fiber-optic communication systems, as spatially structured multicore fibers and multimode fibers allow exploitation of the spatial degrees of freedom. Although the use of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) signal processing has significantly contributed to the development of MIMO-SDM transmission, differential mode delay (DMD) and mode dependent loss (MDL) remain as restricting factors of long-haul MIMO-SDM transmission. This paper starts by reviewing the recent progress demonstrated by SDM transmission experiments. Issues with MIMO-SDM transmission including DMD and MDL are then discussed with their methodologies based on optical and digital approaches. Next, brief descriptions of linear and nonlinear MIMO signal processing techniques that enable robust and reliable MIMO-SDM transmission are provided with complexity and performance comparisons, followed by a discussion of their adaptation in coherent MIMO-SDM transmission. We also elucidate the experimental evaluation of frequency selective channels in a multicore few-mode fiber with experimental evaluations, and discuss their impact on MIMO-SDM signal transmission from a signal processing perspective.
Nutritional composition and in vitro digestibility of grass and legume winter (cover) crops

ABSTRACT In dairy farming systems, growing winter crops for forage is frequently limited to annual grasses grown in monoculture. The objectives of this study were to determine how cropping grasses alone or in mixtures with legumes affects the yield, nutritional composition, and in vitro digestibility of fresh and ensiled winter crops and the yield, nutritional composition, and in vitro digestibility of the subsequent summer crops. Experimental plots were planted with 15 different winter crops at 3 locations in Virginia. At each site, 4 plots of each treatment were planted in a randomized complete block design. The 15 treatments included 5 winter annual grasses [barley (BA), ryegrass (RG), rye (RY), triticale (TR), and wheat (WT)] in monoculture [i.e., no legumes (NO)] or with 1 of 2 winter annual legumes [crimson clover (CC) and hairy vetch (HV)]. After harvesting the winter crops, corn and forage sorghum were planted within the same plots perpendicular to the winter crop plantings. The nutritional composition and the in vitro digestibility of winter and summer crops were determined for fresh and ensiled samples. Growing grasses in mixtures with CC increased forage dry matter (DM) yield (2.84 Mg/ha), but the yield of mixtures with HV (2.47 Mg/ha) was similar to that of grasses grown in monoculture (2.40 Mg/ha). Growing grasses in mixtures with legumes increased the crude protein concentration of the fresh forage from 13.0% to 15.5% for CC and to 17.3% for HV. For neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations, the interaction between grasses and legumes was significant for both fresh and ensiled forages. Growing BA, RY, and TR in mixtures with legumes decreased NDF concentrations, whereas growing RG and WT with legumes did not affect the NDF concentrations of either the fresh or the ensiled forages. Growing grasses in mixtures with legumes decreased the concentration of sugars of fresh forages relative to grasses grown in monoculture. Primarily, this decrease can be attributed to low concentrations of sugars of mixtures with HV (10.5%). Growing grasses in mixtures with legumes reduced the fiber digestibility of both winter crops (75.7% to 72.8% NDF). Growing grasses in mixtures with legumes did not affect estimated DM yield, nutritional composition, or digestibility of the succeeding summer crops. In conclusion, growing grasses in mixtures with legumes as winter forage crops can increase forage estimated DM yields and its nutritional quality in dairy farming sytems.
The Theory and Practice of the Science of Biodiversity: A Personal Assessment

Diversity is a property, not an entity in itself. It refers to the property of a set of objects of not being identical, of varying one from another in one or more characteristics. When applied to organisms, it refers to the universal attribute of all living things that each individual being is unique, that is, no two organisms are identical. The origin of this variability is to be found in the basic and fundamental property of the DNA molecule that the order of the bases does not affect the free energy of the molecule, in other words all combinations of the four bases that form the genetic code are chemically equally viable. This characteristic combined with natural selection allows the acquisition and accumulation of favorable mutations, and in the approximately 3 thousand million years that life has existed on Earth these processes have produced the enormous biological variation that we see today, which is at best only a very small percentage of all the variation that has existed in the past. Today this diversity of life is threatened by human activities, although the exact rate of species loss is difficult to ascertain. And species loss is only one aspect of the profound transformation of the terrestrial landscape that is presently taking place, brought about by the growth of human populations and their economic activities. This transformation extends from genes to ecosystems. The transformation of the worlds habitats by people has many causes, and many effects. As long as there is doubt regarding the exact mechanism underlying this transformation, there will be differences of opinion concerning the impact, and people who always are reluctant to change their behavior will use these varying opinions to rationalize their actions. Only a rigorous, unbiased, and mechanistic science of biodiversity can help resolve these differences.
The Reasons for Foreign Exchange Reserves Accumulation in Hong Kong: A Cointegration and Vector Error Correction Approach

This paper empirically investigates the reasons for the large amounts of foreign exchange reserves accumulation in Hong Kong in both long run and short run. The Johansen cointegration test results show a positive long-run relationship between broad money supply and foreign exchange reserves holding, and no significant long-run relationship between exchange rate and foreign exchanges reserve holding, indicating that the increase in money supply is a reason for the rise of foreign exchange reserves holding in long run. The long-run relationships are confirmed by Granger causality test results, and are explained by Hong Kong’s small open economy under fixed exchange rate regime. This paper establishes a vector error correction model to measure the short-run dynamics and the tendency to restore to its long-run equilibrium. The coefficient of error correction term implies a low speed of adjustment of foreign exchange reserves, indicating that the monetary authority of Hong Kong has to hold large amounts of foreign exchange reserves to be effective in foreign exchange reserves intervention and management. The low speed of adjustment in the short run is the second reason why Hong Kong’s foreign exchange reserves holding increases rapidly.
Schrödinger evolution of self-gravitating discs

An understanding of the long-term evolution of self-gravitating discs ranks among the classic outstanding problems of astrophysics. In this work, we show that the secular inclination dynamics of a geometrically thin quasi-Keplerian disc, with a surface density profile that scales as the inverse square-root of the orbital radius, are described by the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. Within the context of this formalism, nodal bending waves correspond to the eigenmodes of a quasi-particle's wavefunction, confined in an infinite square well with boundaries given by the radial extent of the disc. We further show that external secular perturbations upon self-gravitating discs exhibit a mathematical similarity to quantum scattering theory. Employing this framework, we derive an analytic criterion for the gravitational rigidity of a nearly-Keplerian disc under external perturbations. Applications of the theory to circumstellar discs and Galactic nuclei are discussed.
Successful treatment of persistent Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteremia with ceftazidime-avibactam

We report our clinical experience treating a 2-month-old infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia who experienced prolonged bacteremia with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) despite conventional antibiotic therapy and appropriate source control measures. The infection resolved after initiation of ceftazidime-avibactam. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the isolate most closely resembled B. contaminans and identified the mechanism of resistance that likely contributed to clinical cure with this agent. Ceftazidime-avibactam should be considered salvage therapy for Bcc infections if other treatment options have been exhausted.
Is OBOR by China fundamental to Human Progress? A non traditional viewpoint

Abstract. This is a short note that gives a non- traditional view point of One Belt One Road (OBOR) plan by China by suggesting that it is not about Chinese efforts of supremacy on other lands but a prediction of human cognition that seem to suggest that OBAR may well be a step towards creating an intricate balance for the eco system of this planet. Keywords. Economic integration, Political history, Applied cognition. JEL. F15, F36, F50.
Asymptotic Results for an Extreme Value Estimator of the Autocorrelation Coefficient for a First Order Autoregressive Sequence

For an AR(1) process with positive or bounded innovations, an estimate of the autocorrelation coefficient based on an extreme value statistic is proposed. Asymptotic properties are investigated. In particular, an asymptotic essentially nonparametric confidence interval for the autocorrelation coefficient is derived.
Generalized Floquet Operator for Quasiperiodically Driven Quantum Systems

The behaviour of systems with time dependent perturbations can be qualitatively different from the one of isolated quantum systems, e.g. in a bounded spatial domain, or confined by a potential going rapidly to infinity. Since the energy levels of such a system are discrete, the wave function and thus all expectation values and correlation functions will of necessity be almost period in time [1]. This rules out any good ergodic properties or other forms of classical chaoticity, which require decay of correlation functions. Of course as the size of the system becomes large and the spacing between levels becomes very small, the ensemble averages of same classes of quantum variables may exhibit good decay properties over long time periods. These can become, in suitable limits, indistinguishable from those given by chaotic dynamics.
Signals, Conditioned Directed Movements, and Species-typical Response Predispositions in Nonmammalian Vertebrates

Stereotyped directed actions often develop to signals of forthcoming positive or negative events, even though the events would occur regardless of these behaviors (Pavlovian conditioning). Such findings have questioned the “arbitrariness” of certain standard operant responses (e.g., the pigeon’s keypeck) and demonstrated that Pavlovian procedures affect a much broader range and type of behaviors than previously suspected. This paper describes some signal-directed species-typical movements that appear in birds, fish, and reptiles, and relates their appearance and persistence to accounts of learning and performance based on extensions of Pavlov’s notion of stimulus substitution and Skinner’s concept of superstitious reinforcement. The inadequacies of these accounts suggest the need for approaches that more explicitly incorporate evolutionary, ethological, and developmental analyses. Experimental study of simple approach-withdrawal behavior, directed by signals of favorable and unfavorable events, may be useful; such sign tracking reactions are widespread and have obvious survival value.
Photosensitization of Cells

Biologists know that a cell is sensitive only to the radiation it absorbs, but that when the cell takes on a photosensitizer, it can absorb radiation it normally cannot. We know that cells of light-colored human skin normally absorb little visible and UV-A radiation, but all we need do is provide these cells with appropriate photosensitizers and they suddenly absorb these kinds of radiation. This can result in damage to the epidermal prickle cells, much like sunburn. All epidermal cells, whether in people, animals, or plants, and all free-swimming cells, are subject to photosen-sitization. By analogy, consider the photographic process, in which a pure silver chloride emulsion on film is sensitive only to the short end of the spectrum, the blue, violet and ultraviolet rays. If we add a dye, such as pinacyanol, it will absorb over the entire range of visible wavelengths. The dye acts as a sensitizer by transmitting the light energy from all the wavelengths it absorbs to the silver chloride, making the film sensitive to the entire rainbow of colors from violet to red seen by the human eye.
An analysis of gender differences in public administration doctoral dissertation research

Using data provided in ProQuest: Dissertations and Theses: Global (PQDTGlobal) database from 1890 to 2016, in this study we explore gender differences in historical and contemporary trends in publi...
Elongation Factor P: a Role in Posttranscriptional Control of Gene Expression: Bacterial cells contain thousands of genes; to function smoothly these cells must carefully orchestrate regulation before and after transcription

In a typical Escherichia coli cell, approximately 4,600 genes are tightly regulated by modulating messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription as well as at several points after mRNA molecules are transcribed. For instance, small RNAs and riboswitches play key roles by controlling mRNA stability or by preventing transcripts associating with ribosomes, the molecular machines where the sequences of mRNA molecules are read and translated into proteins. The ribosome itself can regulate the synthesis of specific proteins by sensing properties of peptide chains as they are formed. The several processes that control gene expression are intricate and well-balanced, working in concert to produce appropriate repertoires of proteins in response to the ever-changing needs of the bacterial cell.
Cross‐sectional HIV incidence estimation in an evolving epidemic

The cross-sectional approach to HIV incidence estimation overcomes some of the challenges with longitudinal cohort studies and has been successfully applied in many settings around the world. However, the cross-sectional approach does rely on an initial training data set to develop and calibrate the statistical methods to be used in cross-sectional surveys. The problem addressed in this paper is that the initial training data set may, over time, not reflect the current target population of interest because of evolution of the epidemic. For example, the mismatch between the target population and the initial data set could occur because of increasing use of anti-retroviral therapy among HIV-infected persons throughout the world. We developed methods to adjust the initial training data set with the goal that the adjusted data sets better reflect the target population. These adjustment procedures could help avoid the time and expense of collecting a completely new training data set from the current target population. We report the results of a simulation study to evaluate the procedures. We applied the methods to a dataset of HIV subtype B infection. The adjustment procedures could be applicable in situations other than cross-sectional incidence estimation where complex statistical analyses are to be conducted using an initial data set but those results may not be directly transportable to a new target population of interest. The approach we have proposed could offer a practical and cost-effective way to apply cross-sectional incidence methods to new target populations as the epidemic evolves.
Evaluating informative content and global coherence in fluent and non-fluent aphasia.

Background Discourse analysis is an important component of aphasia assessment because it can provide an insight into functional communication abilities. However, there are many unknowns regarding the levels of discourse breakdowns that occur across aphasia types. The purpose of the current study is to explore the possible differences in discourse-level communication in persons with fluent and non-fluent aphasia during picture description. Aims To examine if persons with fluent and non-fluent aphasia differ on utterance-level discourse measures when evaluating informative content and global coherence. Additionally, to evaluate and compare the types of global coherence violations made by each group. Methods & procedures Data from 31 people with aphasia was collected from AphasiaBank, which included 13 people with fluent aphasia and 18 people with non-fluent aphasia. Discourse samples from three picture descriptions were analysed. Discourse outcomes included utterances with new information (UNIs-relevant utterances containing new information) and global coherence (the extent to which each utterance maintained the overall discourse theme). Additionally, seven types of errors were identified to explore the nature of breakdowns in global coherence. Outcomes & results People with fluent aphasia produced significantly higher proportions of UNIs and had significantly higher average global coherence ratings than those with non-fluent aphasia. Differences in global coherence violations were identified with people with fluent aphasia producing more non-specific, incorrect and off-topic utterances and people with non-fluent aphasia producing more incomplete utterances. One of the most common global coherence error types in both groups was commentary. Conclusions & implications Although people with fluent aphasia produced more types of global coherence errors, including incorrect, non-specific and off-topic utterances, the group was still rated significantly higher on utterance relevance and topic maintenance, indicating that the ability to produce a complete utterance plays an important role in some aspects of discourse production. Additionally, these findings provide an insight into potential targets for intervention.
High-Throughput UHPLC-MS/MS Measurement of Per- and Poly-Fluorinated Alkyl Substances in Human Serum.

Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are a large group of synthetic surfactant chemicals with widespread uses in food packaging and textile manufacturing and as the main constituent of aqueous film-forming firefighting foams. PFASs are highly persistent in the environment, and human exposures are extensive with these chemicals detectable in the blood of almost all adult Americans. PFASs exhibit a range of toxic effects in preclinical models. In humans, PFAS exposure has been associated with lower birth weights, decreased immune responses, cancer and impaired fertility and elevated circulating cholesterol levels. We have developed a sensitive high-throughput method for quantification of representative PFAS in human serum and plasma for biomonitoring and epidemiological studies of human health effects of PFAS exposure. The method combines robust and reproducible 96-well plate format sample preparation with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method was developed, validated and used for targeted measurements of eight short-/long-chain PFAS analytes in human serum. Targeted analytes were measured in 50 microliters of sample using mass-labeled internal standards. Mean spiked recoveries (n = 10) of target analytes for three tiers quality control (QC-low, QC-medium, QC-high) samples ranged from 70 to 127% with 2-14% relative standard deviation (RSD). The average spiked recoveries (n = 10) of surrogates were 79-115% with 8-12% RSD for QC-low, 90-123% with 7-12% RSD for QC-medium and 82-114% with 9-15% RSD for QC-high. The limit of detection for the target compounds was 0.05-0.04 ng/mL. The method was used to reveal regional differences in PFAS exposures in Kentucky residents receiving care at the University of Kentucky Hospitals.
RISK OF CEREBROVASCULAR EVENTS IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Inflammatory bowel disease has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events but its relationship with cerebrovascular events(CVA) is controversial. We sought to explore this relationship using a large US based database. We reviewed data from a large commercial database (Explorys
Deep immune profiling of COVID-19 patients reveals patient heterogeneity and distinct immunotypes with implications for therapeutic interventions

COVID-19 has become a global pandemic. Immune dysregulation has been implicated, but immune responses remain poorly understood. We analyzed 71 COVID-19 patients compared to recovered and healthy subjects using high dimensional cytometry. Integrated analysis of ~200 immune and >30 clinical features revealed activation of T cell and B cell subsets, but only in some patients. A subgroup of patients had T cell activation characteristic of acute viral infection and plasmablast responses could reach >30% of circulating B cells. However, another subgroup had lymphocyte activation comparable to uninfected subjects. Stable versus dynamic immunological signatures were identified and linked to trajectories of disease severity change. These analyses identified three "immunotypes" associated with poor clinical trajectories versus improving health. These immunotypes may have implications for therapeutics and vaccines.
FAM120A-PTPN3 variations in neuroblastoma: Implications for poor prognosis and relapse.

e22512Background: Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common tumor in infants, presents clinical unpredictability of relapse and treatment response. Staging and risk stratification depending on clinical e...
Transnational determinants of health for Central American migrants to the U.S.: Results of a qualitative study

While some research on health determinants for immigrant/refugee populations has considered migration itself as a health determinant, much of this research employs constructs that focus on factors ...
Fish at the spa: too relaxed to care

![Graphic][1] If there was a monstrous night-time thunderstorm and the power went out in your home, all during a zombie apocalypse, you would probably freak out at the slightest unusual noise and flee to your panic room. However, if you’d just got back from a relaxing hot stone massage at
Sphalerite Oxidation in Seawater with Covellite: Implications for Seafloor Massive Sulfide Deposits and Mine Waste

Metal sulfide minerals exist in several marine environments and are in thermodynamic disequilibrium with oxygenated seawater from the time of their formation. Oxidation is both ubiquitous and heter...
Developmental Perspectives on Adolescent Religious and Spiritual Development

Despite the prevalence of religiousness and spirituality among adolescents, little is known about the psychology of adolescent religious and spiritual development. The purpose of this article is to explain how scholars within the discipline of developmental psychology have begun to approach the topic. Specifically, the article details how developmental theory advances understanding of religious and spiritual development and overviews developmental methods that enable rigorous examination of the structure and function of adolescent religious and spiritual development. A Relational Developmental Systems metatheoretical approach, emphasizing longitudinal methods, is utilized to highlight ideographic and nomothetic aspects of adolescent religiousness and spirituality. Examples of theoretically and methodologically cutting-edge developmental research provide illustration. In conclusion, the article shows that developmental psychology provides insight toward a comprehensive approach to the study of religious and spiritual development and broadens the perspectives of other disciplines, while relying on other disciplines to deepen developmentalists’ research.
The Role of the Health Coach in a Global Pandemic

BackgroundWhile medical teams were perplexed about the novel SARS-CoV-2 infection, transmission and impairment of organ systems and immune function, viral infections spread worldwide. Complex inter...
Action Detection with Improved Dense Trajectories and Sliding Window

In this paper we describe an action/interaction detection system based on improved dense trajectories [19], multiple visual descriptors and bag-of-features representation. Given that the actions/interactions are not mutual exclusive, we train a binary classifier for every predefined action/interaction. We rely on a non-overlapped temporal sliding window to enable the temporal localization. We have tested our system in ChaLearn Looking at People Challenge 2014 Track 2 dataset [1, 2]. We obtained 0.4226 average overlap, which is the 3rd place in the track of the challenge. Finally, we provide an extensive analysis of the performance of this system on different actions and provide possible ways to improve a general action detection system.