cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subtractive Clustering Based Clustering Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

Based on LEACH(Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy) algorithm,a new algorithm named SCC(Subtractive Clustering based Clustering routing algorithm for wireless sensor networks) is proposed.In SCC,the subtrac-tive clustering method is used to choose the cluster-heads and generate the cluster-heads where the node density is high;besides,the current non-cluster head attribution mechanism is modified to distribute the expenditure of energy averagely into the whole network.Simulation results show that the SCC algorithm can provide the reasonable arrangement of cluster-head,longer lifetime of the first node and even longer lifetime of the network to balance the energy expenditure of all the nodes in the network.
Wireless Based Multimedia Messaging System

As the significant increase of mobile device users, more wireless information services and mobile commerce applications are needed. Wireless multimedia messaging service is one of them. To meet the increasing needs of mobile users in this area, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) has been defined as a standard. This paper reports a research project on developing a wireless multimedia messaging system for mobile device users. It allows them to send, receive, and browse multimedia-based messages (in audio, text, image, video formats) in their private message boxes over a wireless network. The paper covers the system architecture, functional features, and design. Moreover, it presents its validation and performance evaluation results. Finally, some application examples, and the design challenges and lessons are reported.
CD123 Is a Useful Marker for Prediction of Clinical Outcome and Risk Stratification for Prognosis in Leukemia Patients

CD123 (interleukin-3 receptor α chain) is highly expressed on leukemic stem cells but not on normal hematopoietic cells; therefore, it may contribute to the proliferative advantage of leukemic cells. In this study, in order to explore the expression of CD123 in various subpopulations of leukemia stem cells as well as repopulating hematopoietic progenitor cells in correlation with patient clinical …
Colette’s Courtesan Fiction: The Final Evolution

Colette created intriguing and sympathetic portraits of Belle Epoque demi-mondaines in three courtesan novels: Cheri (1920), La Fin de Cheri (1926), and Gigi (1944). Colette, who did not write from personal experience but rather out of sympathy for the courtesans with whom she socialized, explores the demi-mondaine’s life beyond prostitution and youth. Cheri continues—in the tradition of de Pougy’s Idylle—to counter the heterosexual norm. La Fin and Gigi however disrupt the remorseful and doomed tone of some of the courtesan novels. Colette’s three works ultimately mark a radical shift in perspective on the courtesan because they exhibit a complete departure from the stereotype of the self-sacrificing but doomed woman.
Recent Developments in Protein NMR Spectroscopy

For the last fifteen years, protein NMR spectroscopy has been a field which continues to develop at a rapid pace, fueled by significant advances in NMR pulse sequence methodology and improvements in spectrometer hardware. Although the concepts on which modern NMR pulse sequences rely have been well understood for over 40 years, interesting and useful applications of these old ideas are driving the field of biomolecular NMR to a level where it is possible to study both the average three-dimensional structure and the internal motions of biological macromolecules at a very detailed level. Below, three of such methodological advances are addressed. However, as detailed accounts of the principles and applications underlying these experiments have been or are being published in the original literature, only a brief overview will be presented.
Fully integrated fast response Switched-Capacitor DC-DC converter using reconfigurable interleaving

A novel double-bound hysteretic regulation scheme to control multi-phase interleaved Switched-Capacitor DC-DC converters is presented. The control scheme adjusts the number of interleaved phases with the SC converter's switching frequency to significantly reduce the required operating frequency of the control comparator, enabling the practical application of hysteretic control with large number of interleaved phases. A 16-phase 2:1 SC converter is designed in 65-nm TSMC low-power CMOS process using the proposed technique. The converter with the new hysteretic control achieves fast dynamic response under fast varying load currents.
Targeting the GABA B Receptor for the Treatment of Pain

Pharmacological and neurobiological data indicate that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is involved in pain processing and perception, with both basic and clinical studies demonstrating that selective activation of GABAergic transmission yields a nociceptive response. This is particularly true for agents that stimulate GABAB receptors. While these findings are in accord with the neuroanatomical localization of GABAB receptors on nociceptive pathways, such work has yet to yield a clinically useful analgesic. Some reasons for this failure are the side effects associated with GABAB agonists and the tolerance that develops to their therapeutic effects. Described in this chapter are the neuroanatomical localization and function of GABAergic neurons as they relate to nociception and to the antinociceptive responses to GABAB receptor agonists. Particular emphasis is placed on detailing possible reasons why GABAergic compounds, especially orthosteric receptor agonists, display limited clinical efficacy as analgesics. Among these are the variations in GABA receptor expression and function that occur with the persistent receptor activation associated with a painful stimulus and the chronic administration of orthosteric compounds. Strategies are described for developing GABAergic drugs, such as allosteric GABAB receptor modulators, that by selectively activating sites associated with pain pathways provoke fewer side effects and less tolerance than orthosteric agents.
Opt-Out Patient Navigation to Improve Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Homeless Women

Abstract Background: A patient navigation model was implemented to improve breast and cervical cancer screening among women who were homeless in five shelters and shelter clinics in New York City in 2014. Materials and Methods: Navigation consisted of opt-out screening to eligible women; cancer health and screening education; scheduling and following up for screening completion, obtaining, and communicating results to patients and providers; and care coordination with social services organizations. Results: Women (n = 162, aged 21–74, 58% black) completed mammogram (88%) and Pap testing (83%) from baselines of 59% and 50%, respectively. There was no association between mental health or substance abuse and screening completion. Adjusted analysis showed a significant association between refusing/missing Pap testing and older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.20); independent predictors of mammogram included more pregnancies (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37–0.88) and older age (OR 0.84, 95%...
The effect of increasing dairy calcium intake of adolescent girls on changes in body fat and weight.

Background: Overweight is epidemic in adolescents and is a major concern because it tracks into adulthood. Evidence supports the efficacy of high-calcium, high-dairy diets in achieving healthy weight in adults. However, no randomized controlled trials of the effect of dairy food on weight and body fat in adolescents have been reported to our knowledge.Objective: The aim was to determine whether increasing calcium intake to recommended amounts with dairy foods in adolescent girls with habitually low calcium intakes would decrease body fat gain compared with girls who continued their low calcium intake. Participants had above-the-median body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2).Design: We enrolled 274 healthy postmenarcheal 13- to 14-y-old overweight girls who had calcium intakes of ≤600 mg/d in a 12-mo randomized controlled trial. Girls were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to 1 of 2 groups within each of 3 BMI percentiles: 50th to control; P < 0.45). The effect of the intervention did not differ by BMI percentile stratum. There was no difference in weight change between the 2 groups.Conclusion: Our findings that the dairy group gained body fat similar to the control group provide no support for dairy food as a stratagem to decrease body fat or weight gain in overweight adolescent girls. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01066806.
Surgical and pathological outcomes of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in the community setting

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with urinary diversion is commonly performed in community hospitals. While little data exist on RARC outcomes in this setting, community hospitals may improve access to care for bladder cancer patients. We conducted a retrospective review of 76 patients who underwent RARC between 2006 and 2016 by two robotic-trained surgeons in two local community hospitals. A total of 76 patients (60 males and 16 females; ages 46–89) underwent RARC with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion (69 ileal conduits, 7 neobladders) for muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (79%), recurrent high-grade carcinoma (17%), unresectable tumor (2%), or refractory gross hematuria from chemotherapy (2%). Median-estimated surgical blood loss (EBL) was 400 mL, and median operating time was 386 min. Transfusion rate was 22% and median length of hospital stay was 6 days. Our 90-day complication rate was 47%, with no mortalities in the 90-day post-operative period. The majority of complications (58%) were Clavien grade 1–2. We observed a significant difference in incidence of complications among patients receiving neobladder vs. ileal conduit (p = 0.002). On pathology, zero patients had positive bladder specimen margins. Among 28 patients with at least 3-year follow-up, overall survival was 85.7%, and among 9 patients with at least 5-year follow-up, overall survival was 100%. Contrary to some studies, our findings suggest similar short-term surgical and pathologic outcomes for RARC performed in the community hospital setting compared to high volume centers. We defined several criteria for low volume centers to effectively and safely perform RARC.
Trust and Betrayal from a Husserlian Standpoint

AbstractThis paper provides an interpretation of trust and betrayal within political communities from the perspective of Husserl’s concept of social communities. I situate the paper amidst Margaret...
Index to Volume 46, 1939 the American Mathematical Monthly

(1939). Index to Volume 46, 1939 the American Mathematical Monthly. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 46, No. 10, pp. 665-674.
Nullis in Verba: The Free Software Movement as a model for Openness and Transparency

Nullis in verba was chosen as the motto of the Royal Society, as it embodied the culture of transparency and collaboration that were the hallmarks of the Royal Society and of the scientific method ...
Forward-scatter bistatic range resolution with demonstrated results

This paper derives closed form expressions for bistatic synthetic aperture radar ground range resolution of a generalized system from the k-space or the wavenumber domain. From these equations, significant resolution is found in both range and cross-range forecasting a forward-scatter bistatic synthetic aperture radar image when the elevation angles of each bistatic platform are significantly different. Lab testing demonstrates the forward scatter resolution.
An assessment of diagnostic tools for improved soil and crop management

Soil quality and its determination have received much attention in recent years. A number of indicators have been suggested for inclusion in a minimum dataset for the determination of soil quality. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provided an opportunity for evaluation of particulate organic matter as an indicator of changes in organic carbon. A site in Taylor county, Southwest Iowa that had been under CRP for 8 years was selected for this study. The predominant soils at the site are Clarinda (fine montmorillonitic, mesic typic Argiaquolls) silty clay loam and Clearfield (fine montmorillonitic, mesic haplaquoll). The field was plowed in mid-June and maintained as a bare fallow until the end of the growing season. Soil samples were collected before plowing, three days after plowing and on a weekly basis thereafter. The objective of the study was to investigate temporal and spatial changes in particulate organic matter during the growing season. The following parameters were determined: whole soil total carbon and nitrogen, mineral fraction total carbon and nitrogen, particulate organic matter total carbon and nitrogen and pH. Results showed that total carbon in the whole soil sample declined in the upper depth (0 15 cm) and increased in the lower depth (15 30 cm) because of residue incorporation. 29 Fluctuations in whole soil and mineral fraction total carbon and particulate organic matter were observed during the season. Particulate organic matter declined contributed to a higher percentage of the whole soil organic carbon at the begining of the season than at the end. It is concluded that particulate organic matter is a sensitive indicator for assessing soil quality effects of post-CRP management practices.
Inactivation of Creatine Phosphokinase by Superoxide during Reperfusion Injury

Creatine Phosphokinase (CK) release is commonly used to assess myocardial damage in laboratory models as well as clinically. At least part of the myocardial damage observed during reoxygenation of the heart appears to be mediated by superoxide produced by xanthine oxidase.1 While many reports have shown protection of reoxygenated myocardium by superoxide dismutase (SOD), occasional reports fail to observe protection by SOD.2 When we examined CK release by the continuously perfused anoxic/reoxygenated rat heart we saw marked protection by SOD;1 when we varied the model and examined the rat heart subjected to global no-flow ischemia/reperfusion, we saw an apparent paradoxical exacerbation of CK release in the presence of SOD, as described below. This led us to examine the possibility that SOD might, in fact, protect CK from partial inactivation by O 2 - .
Galileo's Ariosto: The Value of a Mixed Methods Approach to Literary Analysis

Using Galileo Galilei's Saggiatore (1623) and Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando furioso (1532) as a focal point, this article evaluates a mixed methods approach for identifying matches of words and phrases that are rich material for close reading and contextualization. The method focuses on ngram matches and networks of phrases that are used together. The similarity of Galileo's treatise to Ariosto's poem is compared to 45 other early modern Italian texts to evaluate the relative exceptionalism or normality of the findings. Ngram matches reveal a series of previously unknown connections between the Saggiatore and Furioso, which indicate an analytical understanding of the poem, rather than borrowing of narrative or figurative expression. Network analysis offers a preliminary outline for two communities of texts that frequently use the same ngrams found in the Furioso.
Social impairment and social language deficits in children and adolescents with and at risk for psychosis.

Abstract Intro One of the more debilitating functional outcomes of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders is social impairment. Previous studies have identified impaired social functioning both in the prodromal phase of psychosis and after acute symptoms abate, suggesting that social impairment represents a core deficit in psychosis not directly linked to psychotic episodes or symptom severity. To date, research in this area has focused primarily on adult populations rather than children, and has not directly assessed social language in individuals across the psychosis continuum. Methods 81 youth ages 7–18 (N = 24 Typically Developing [TD], N = 36 Clinical High Risk [CHR], N = 21 Psychotic Disorder [PD]) were recruited. Youth participants were administered the Social Language Development Test (SLDT), and parent(s)/guardian(s) completed the Social Responsiveness Scale-II (SRS-II). Results Social language ability was not associated with social impairment. PD participants performed significantly worse on the SLDT than TD participants. CHR and PD participants were both rated as having experienced significantly greater social impairment than TD participants on every subscale of the SRS-II. Discussion Deficits in social language ability and social functioning are strong candidates for phenotypic markers of psychosis, and may be evident earlier in development than previous work has demonstrated. Additionally, the severity of social impairment did not differ between CHR and PD participants, further supporting that social cognitive deficits and social impairment, while related to symptom severity, are discrete deficits in individuals with and at risk for psychosis. These results highlight the importance of addressing social skills for individuals presenting in clinical settings with psychotic symptoms, including children.
Pulsed-laser epitaxy of topological insulator Bi2Te3 thin films

Determining optimized conditions necessary to achieve high-quality films by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) for materials with multiple volatile elements is challenging. In this work, we present the optimized growth of epitaxial films of the topological insulator Bi2Te3 on Al2O3 (0001) substrates using PLD. It is found that the key to maximize film quality requires balanced control of the Ar background pressure (PAr) and growth temperature (TG). Within a narrow window (200 ≤ PAr < 350 mTorr and 300 ≤ TG < 350 °C), we find that Bi2Te3 thin films are flat, stoichiometric, and of the highest crystalline quality. This is a result of balancing the kinetics of ablated species in the PLD plume and the bulk thermodynamics of Bi2Te3. This work demonstrates that a careful optimization of the growth parameters can enable PLD to successfully grow multielemental materials containing volatile constituents.
ON STICKS AND STONES AND BROKEN BONES: Stereotypes and African American Health

Deeply embedded in everyday discourse, social interactions, and institutional practices, racism negatively affects the health and well-being of Black people in the United States. Theory and empirical research on the impact of racism on health have focused on stressful events and individual perceptions of racism, although racism is not expressed only as racist acts. Racism subordinates people and diminishes their importance; stereotyping is one of the most insidious forms of such subordination. The stereotypes that underlie social discourse about race influence how others perceive Black people and, to some extent, how Black people perceive themselves. Thus stereotypes help maintain and promote racism. Despite the importance of stereotypes in understanding racism and its effects on Black people, little attention has been paid to the impact of stereotypes on health. This paper explores the adverse effects of stereotypes on African American health, focusing on the psychological and structural pathways through which stereotyping operates. Psychological pathways are salient for these reasons: stereotyping constitutes a form of racism that may be experienced vicariously; stereotypes induce vigilance and rumination as people caricatured by them anticipate their use and spend time trying to disconfirm them; stereotypes may be internalized. Structural pathways occur because stereotypes that portray Black people as deviant, undeserving, and ultimately less human negatively affect opportunity structures and physical environments.
Fast and Reversible Chemiresistive Sensors for Robust Detection of Organic Vapors Using Oleylamine-Functionalized Palladium Nanoparticles

Chemiresistive sensors fabricated by oleylamine-functionalized palladium nanoparticles (OLA-PdNP) have been studied in hydrogen sensing, but not so much in organic vapor sensing. Like the extensive...
Experimental Demonstration of Distributed Beamforming on Two Flying Mini-Drones

Combing distributed small wireless systems on mobile platforms such as swarm airborne mini-drones has been explored recently. Localization and synchronization of the mobile drones are the main challenges limiting its practical applications. In this paper, we proposed a new approach to circumvent this limits by considering the drones as relay nodes, where the received signals are modulated to different frequencies and then re-transmitted to the final receiver for demodulation and beamforming. Real-time adaptive beamformer algorithm is used to compensate for the phase delay difference among drone elements in RF circuitry and in propagation paths caused by different drone elements positions. A beamforming array based on two-drones uses to demonstrate this concept. Improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) has been experimentally demonstrated with such beamforming approach. The proposed beamforming system architecture is expected to extend to a large of number distributed mini-drones for future wireless sensing and communication systems.
Switching Antiretroviral Therapy in the Setting of Virologic Suppression: A Why and How-To Guide

This review provides a synopsis of key clinical considerations for switching antiretroviral therapy (ART) for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus who have maintained a routinely suppressed viral load. There may be benefits but also risks involved in every ART regimen change, so strategies for prioritizing individuals for a switch based on the specific antiretroviral agents in the regimen are discussed, along with approaches to ensure maintenance of viral suppression after treatment modifications. Controversial and evolving questions in the area of ART switches and simplifications are also considered.
Effects of environmental factors (physical and social environment) and design on quality of life in older adults with dementia

Date Presented 04/05/19 The number of individuals living with dementia is rapidly increasing. Individuals with dementia often have difficulty interacting with the environment, thus affecting their quality of life. This research analyzed the most recent research evidence to determine environmental factors that impact quality of life among individuals with dementia. OTs may use this research to further their own practice or to take on a consultative role in designing or modifying facilities. Primary Author and Speaker: Danielle Jecklin
Contemporary Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty Results in Patients with Hemochromatosis.

BACKGROUND Hemochromatosis can result in metabolic bone pathology (due to excessive iron absorption) and degenerative joint disease, leading to total joint arthroplasties. The aim of this study is to analyze the survivorship, complications, radiographic results, and clinical outcomes of patients with hemochromatosis who received either a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS We identified 34 lower extremity arthroplasties in 29 patients with hemochromatosis performed between 2000 and 2016. There were 17 primary THAs in 15 patients and 17 primary TKAs in 14 patients. Mean age at arthroplasty was 63 years with 76% being male. The mean body mass index was 28 kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 5 years. RESULTS The survivorship free from any revision for THAs was 94% at 10 years. One patient was revised for aseptic loosening of the femoral stem at 6 months. In THA patients, no infections, no other complications, and no radiographic evidence of aseptic loosening were identified. Harris Hip Scores improved from a mean of 55 preoperatively to 94 postoperatively (P < .001). The survivorship free from any revision for TKAs was 100% at 10 years. Two patients (12%) developed acquired idiopathic stiffness postoperatively; no infections were identified. There was no radiographic evidence of aseptic loosening in any TKA. Knee Society Scores improved from a mean of 61 preoperatively to 94 postoperatively (P < .001). CONCLUSION This study found excellent survivorship, significant improvements in clinical outcomes, and a very low complication profile for both THA and TKA in patients with hemochromatosis.
Toward Improving Patient Safety and Surgeon Comfort in a Synergic Robot-Assisted Eye Surgery: A Comparative Study

When robotic assistance is present into vitreoretinal surgery, the surgeon will experience reduced sensory input that is otherwise derived from the tool’s interaction with the eye wall (sclera). We speculate that disconnecting the surgeon from this sensory input may increase the risk of injury to the eye and affect the surgeon’s usual technique. On the other hand, robot autonomous motion to enhance patient safety might inhibit the surgeons tool manipulation and diminish surgeon comfort with the procedure. In this study, to investigate the parameters of patient safety and surgeon comfort in a robot-assisted eye surgery, we implemented three different approaches designed to keep the scleral force in a safe range during a synergic eye manipulation task. To assess the surgeon comfort during these procedures, the amount of interference with the surgeons usual maneuvers has been analyzed by defining quantitative comfort metrics. The first two utilized scleral force control approaches are based on an adaptive force control method in which the robot actively counteracts any excessive force on the sclera. The third control method is based on a virtual fixture approach in which a virtual wall is created for the surgeon in the unsafe directions of manipulation. The performance of the utilized approaches was evaluated in user studies with two experienced retinal surgeons and the outcomes of the procedure were assessed using the defined safety and comfort metrics. Results of these analyses indicate the significance of the opted control paradigm on the outcome of a safe and comfortable robot-assisted eye surgery.
Rational Degree Algebraic Geometry.

Elementary Algebraic Geometry can be described as study of zeros of polynomials with integer degrees, this idea can be naturally carried over to `polynomials' with rational degree. This paper explores affine varieties, tangent space and projective space for such polynomials and notes the differences and similarities between rational and integer degrees. The line bundles $\mathcal{O}(n),n\in\mathbb{Q}$ are also constructed and their Cech cohomology computed.
Managing in a Post-COVID-19 World

The articles in this special issues address engineering management issues in the era of the COVID-19 world. Presents the views and opinions of experts rom an organization, work, management, and technological perspective.
Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Predicts Mortality and Graft Failure in Transplantation Patients With Portopulmonary Hypertension.

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a pulmonary vascular disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in those with liver disease, conferring a higher mortality in patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT). Although not a transplant indication, patients with POPH can experience significant clinical improvement following LT, and those maintaining a mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) <35mm Hg and a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) <5 Woods units (WU) are granted additional listing points to expedite LT. The effect of POPH on posttransplant outcomes such as mortality and graft failure, however, is not well defined. We performed a retrospective cohort study of the US Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database of all adult patients who underwent LT between January 1, 2006, and December 1, 2020. Using adjusted accelerated failure time models, we examined the relationship between a diagnosis of POPH and outcomes following LT and the relationship between pre-LT hemodynamics and post-LT survival (alive with a functioning graft) in patients with POPH. Compared with those undergoing transplants without exception points, patients with POPH had comparable post-LT survival rates but were significantly more likely to have graft failure. Both pre-LT MPAP and PVR predicted post-LT survival in POPH, with a pre-LT PVR of ≥1.6 WU, more than doubling the hazard for mortality (death or a nonfunctioning graft; coefficient, 2.01; standard error, 0.85; hazard ratio, 2.21; P = 0.02). POPH may confer a significantly higher risk of post-LT graft failure compared with patients with cirrhosis without POPH, and a pre-LT PVR of ≥1.6 WU may predict post-LT survival. Further investigation into the relationship between pre-LT hemodynamics, right ventricular function, and post-LT outcomes of mortality and graft failure in POPH is needed.
Incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia utilizing a polymerase chain reaction-based diagnosis in patients receiving bendamustine.

Background Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening infection occurring in patients receiving bendamustine. The poorly defined incidence, particularly when utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic techniques, precipitates unclear prophylaxis recommendations. Our objective was to determine the cumulative incidence of PJP diagnosed by single copy target, non-nested PCR in patients receiving bendamustine. Methods Patients were evaluated for PJP from initiation of bendamustine through 9 months after the last administration. The cumulative incidence of PJP was estimated using the Aalen-Johansen method. Cox proportional hazard models were used to demonstrate the strength of association between the independent variables and PJP risk. Results This single-center, retrospective cohort included 486 adult patients receiving bendamustine from 1 January 2006 through 1 August 2019. Most patients received bendamustine-based combination therapy (n = 461, 94.9%), and 225 (46.3%) patients completed six cycles. Rituximab was the most common concurrent agent (n = 431, 88.7%). The cumulative incidence of PJP was 1.7% (95% CI 0.8%-3.3%, at maximum follow-up of 2.5 years), after the start of bendamustine (n = 8 PJP events overall). Prior stem cell transplant, prior chemotherapy within 1 year of bendamustine, and lack of concurrent chemotherapy were associated with the development of PJP in univariate analyses. Anti-Pneumocystis prophylaxis was not significantly associated with a reduction in PJP compared to no prophylaxis (HR 0.37, 95% CI (0.05, 3.04), p = 0.36). Conclusions Our incidence of PJP below 3.5%, the conventional threshold for prophylaxis implementation, indicates routine anti-Pneumocystis prophylaxis may not be necessary in this population. Factors indicating a high-risk population for targeted prophylaxis require further investigation.
STEM undergraduates' perspectives of instructor and university responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020.

Objectives We examined undergraduate STEM students' experiences during Spring 2020 when universities switched to remote instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we sought to understand actions by universities and instructors that students found effective or ineffective, as well as instructor behaviors that conveyed a sense of caring or not caring about their students' success. Methods In July 2020 we conducted 16 focus groups with STEM undergraduate students enrolled in US colleges and universities (N = 59). Focus groups were stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Content analyses were performed using a data-driven inductive approach. Results Participants (N = 59; 51% female) were racially/ethnically diverse (76% race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic white) and from 32 colleges and universities. The most common effective instructor strategies mentioned included hybrid instruction (35%) and use of multiple tools for learning and student engagement (27%). The most common ineffective strategies mentioned were increasing the course workload or difficulty level (18%) and use of pre-recorded lectures (15%). The most common behaviors cited as making students feel the instructor cared about their success were exhibiting leniency and/or flexibility regarding course policies or assessments (29%) and being responsive and accessible to students (25%). The most common behaviors cited as conveying the instructors did not care included poor communication skills (28%) and increasing the difficulty of the course (15%). University actions students found helpful included flexible policies (41%) and moving key services online (e.g., tutoring, counseling; 24%). Students felt universities should have created policies for faculty and departments to increase consistency (26%) and ensured communication strategies were honest, prompt, and transparent (23%). Conclusions To be prepared for future emergencies, universities should devise evidence-based policies for remote operations and all instructors should be trained in best practices for remote instruction. Research is needed to identify and ameliorate negative impacts of the pandemic on STEM education.
Group B Streptococcus Rectovaginal Colonization and Resistance Patterns in HIV-Positive Compared to HIV-Negative Pregnant Patients.

Objective The objective of our study is to determine if human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive pregnant patients have a higher rate of group B streptococcus (GBS) rectovaginal colonization compared with HIV-negative pregnant patients. Methods Our study is a multi-site retrospective study performed at Ochsner Louisiana State University-Health Shreveport and Monroe campuses including patients who delivered between December 2011and June 2019. Rates of GBS rectovaginal colonization between HIV-positive pregnant patients were compared with a control group of HIV-negative patients. The control group was age and race matched in a 2:1 fashion. The primary outcome was to investigate rates of GBS rectovaginal colonization. Secondary outcomes included GBS culture antibiotic sensitivities, presence of GBS urinary tract infection, GBS positivity based on HIV viral load, and GBS positivity based on new vs established diagnosis of HIV. Continuous data were analyzed using an unpaired t-test, and categorical data were analyzed using a Chi-squared test. The probability level of Results A total of 225 patients were included in the final analysis, 75 HIV-positive and 150 HIV-negative controls. Demographic differences were noted. HIV-positive patients were more likely to deliver preterm and were more likely to deliver via cesarean section. Our primary outcome showed no significant differences in incidence of GBS colonization between HIV-positive patients and control group (n = 31, 41.3% vs n = 46, 30.6%, p = 0.136). Antibiotic resistance patterns showed no significant difference between the two groups. There were no significant differences in GBS positivity based on HIV viral load. Conclusion Our study does not show a statistically significant difference in the incidence of GBS colonization between HIV-positive patients and HIV-negative controls. Key Points
US emergency department visits for acute harms from over-the-counter cough and cold medications, 2017–2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Characterization of emergency department (ED) visits for acute harms related to use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications (CCMs) by patient demographics, intent of CCM use, concurrent substance use, and clinical manifestations can help guide prevention of medication harms. METHODS Public health surveillance data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-Cooperative Adverse Drug Event Surveillance project were used to estimate numbers and population rates of ED visits from 2017 to 2019. RESULTS Based on 1396 surveillance cases, there were an estimated 26 735 (95% CI, 21 679-31 791) US ED visits for CCM-related harms annually, accounting for 1.3% (95% CI, 1.2-1.5%) of all ED visits for medication adverse events. Three fifths (61.4%, 95% CI, 55.6-67.2%) of these visits were attributed to non-therapeutic CCM use (nonmedical use, self-harm, unsupervised pediatric exposures). Most visits by children aged <4 years (74.0%, 95% CI, 59.7-88.3%) were for unsupervised CCM exposures. Proportion hospitalized was higher for visits for self-harm (76.5%, 95% CI, 68.9-84.2%) than for visits for nonmedical use (30.3%, 95% CI, 21.1-39.6%) and therapeutic use (8.8%, 95% CI, 5.9-11.8%). Overall, estimated population rates of ED visits for CCM-related harms were higher for patients aged 12-34 years (16.5 per 100 000, 95% CI, 13.0-20.0) compared with patients aged <12 years (5.1 per 100 000, 95% CI, 3.6-6.5) and ≥ 35 years (4.3 per 100 000, 95% CI, 3.4-5.1). Concurrent use of other medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol was frequent in ED visits for nonmedical use (61.3%) and self-harm (75.9%). CONCLUSIONS Continued national surveillance of CCM-related harms can assess progress toward safer use.
Open Question. Could a Causal Discontinuity Lead to an Explanation of Fluctuations in the CMBR Radiation Spectrum

Could a causal discontinuity lead to an explanation of fluctuations in the CMBR radiation spectrum? Is this argument valid if there is some third choice of set structure (for instance do self referential sets fall into one category or another?). The answer to this question may lie in (entangled?) vortex structure of space time, along the lines of structure similar to that generate in the laboratory by Ruutu [1] (1996). Self referential sets may be part of the generated vortex structure, and we will endeavor to find if this can be experimentally investigated. If the causal set argument and its violation via this procedure holds, we have the view that what we see a space time �drum� effect with the causal discontinuity forming the head of a �drum� for a region of about 1010 bits of �information� before our present universe up to the instant of the big bang itself for a time region less than t ~ 10-44 seconds in duration, with a region of increasing bits of �information� going up to 10120 due to vortex filament condensed matter style forming through a symmetry breaking phase transition.
External debt and growth in developing countries: A sensitivity and causal analysis

The paper aims to enhance the existing literature on the debt-growth nexus by analysing the relationship in two separate country groups using the extreme bounds analysis for sensitivity tests and the mixed, fixed, and random coefficient approach that allo
Task force on network storage architecture: management of future storage

Summary form only given. Information storage systems are the bedrock on which a modern company rests: data has to be available to whoever needs it, whenever they need it, from wherever they may be. As a result, emphasis is beginning to shift from a processor centric view of the world towards a storage centric one: it is the information that holds the real value-the processing merely exposes it. Realizing this model requires a storage system that can provide continuous, guaranteed accessibility to potentially vast quantities of shared information, with protection against both malicious attack and accidental failures, and scalability across a wide range of capacity and performance needs. Network based storage, combined with smart storage management, can provide it.
5-(m-Benzyloxybenzyl)barbituric acid acyclonucleoside, a uridine phosphorylase inhibitor, and 2',3',5'-tri-O-acetyluridine, a prodrug of uridine, as modulators of plasma uridine concentration. Implications for chemotherapy.

5-(m-Benzyloxybenzyl)barbituric acid acyclonucleoside (BBBA), the most potent inhibitor known of uridine phosphorylase (UrdPase, EC 2.4.2.3), the enzyme responsible for uridine catabolism, and 2',3',5'-tri-O-acetyluridine (TAU), a prodrug of uridine, were used to investigate the possibility of improving the bioavailability of oral uridine in mice. Oral BBBA administered at 30, 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg increased the concentration of plasma uridine (2.6 +/- 0.7 microM) by 3.2-, 4.6-, 5.4-, and 7.2-fold, respectively. After administration of 120 and 240 mg/kg BBBA, plasma uridine concentration remained 3- and 6-fold, respectively, higher than the plasma concentration at zero time (C0) for over 8 hr. On the other hand, BBBA did not change the concentration of plasma uracil. TAU was far more superior than uridine in improving the bioavailability of plasma uridine. The relative bioavailability of plasma uridine released from oral TAU (53%) was 7-fold higher than that (7.7%) obtained by oral uridine. Oral TAU at 460, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg achieved area under the curve (AUC) values of plasma uridine of 82, 288, and 754 mumol.hr/L, respectively. Coadministration of BBBA with uridine or TAU further improved the bioavailability of plasma uridine resulting from the administration of either alone and reduced the Cmax and AUC of plasma uracil. Coadministration of BBBA at 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg improved the relative bioavailability of uridine released from 2000 mg/kg TAU (53%) by 1.7-, 2.7-, and 3.9-fold, respectively, while coadministration of the same doses of BBBA with an equimolar dose of uridine (1320 mg/kg) increased the relative bioavailability of oral uridine (7.7%) by 4.1-, 5.3-, and 7.8-fold, respectively. Moreover, the AUC and Cmax of plasma uridine after BBBA (120 mg/kg) coadministration with TAU were 3.5- and 11.5-fold, respectively, higher than those obtained from coadministration of BBBA with an equimolar dose of uridine. The exceptional effectiveness of the BBBA plus TAU combination in elevating and sustaining high plasma uridine concentration can be useful in the management of medical disorders that are remedied by administration of uridine as well as to rescue or protect from host-toxicities of various chemotherapeutic pyrimidine analogues.
Understanding Korean Transnational Girls in High School Science Classes: Beyond the Model Minority Stereotype

This study examines six Korean transnational girls enrolled in two advanced placement (AP) biology classes to understand their experiences in science classrooms at the intersection of race, language, and gender. Confronting the model minority stereotype for Asian students, which is particularly salient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related disciplines, I ask why these six girls chose to take advanced science and mathematics classes, in general, and AP biology, in particular, and what challenges they faced in the focal biology classes. Based on an analysis of classroom observation and interview data, I argue that their decisions to take science and mathematics courses were ways of negotiating their positions as members of a racial minority, English learners, and Koreans with stereotyped characteristics. In the class, they encountered challenges related to various modes of language used in advanced science classes, such as unfamiliar science terms, complex texts, social linguistic skills required in discursive practices, and various knowledge going beyond class texts. While challenged, the girls were not empowered enough to pursue academic assistance in the gendered sites of the AP biology class. I discuss research and pedagogical implications of the study focusing on the science education of transnational nonnative English-speaking students.
Will the LOCA mind-set be overcome? (nuclear power station safety)

The author criticizes the LOCA (loss-of-coolant accident) mind-set in the nuclear power industry, by which he means the continuing preoccupation with the general view of reactor safety dominated by the technical subculture created by a billion dollars of LOCA research and now extending itself into the microconsideration of severe accident phenomena. In opposition to this mind-set, he discusses: (1) what contribution to reactor safety is needed for human factors engineering; (2) why it appears that this contribution is not going to be made in the near future; and (3) what might be done to make it more likely that an effective contribution will be made. >
Wallace's ‘Kantian’ Strawsonianism

My account begins with Strawson's celebrated "Freedom and Resentment" lecture.' Here by making the "reactive emotions" (mainly resentment, indignation, and guilt) partly constitutive of holding someone responsible, Strawson offered a deep analysis of what was wrong with the forward-looking, behavior-affecting view of responsibility often espoused by determinists, while apparently avoiding the metaphysical baggage carried by libertarianism. Yet, for all the promise of such a view, there remained the question of what a carefully worked-out, Strawsonian conception of responsibility would actually look like. In this study I examine the thoughtful version of such a theory R. Jay Wallace offers in Responsibility and the Moral Sentiments.2
The Influence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Gender on Genioglossus Activity During Rapid Eye Movement Sleep

Background The mechanisms contributing to worsening of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have been minimally studied. Reduced upper-airway muscle tone may be an important contributor. Because respiratory events and the associated blood gas changes can influence genioglossus (GG) activity, we compared GG activity between OSA patients and control subjects during REM sleep using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to minimize the influences of upper-airway resistance (RUA) and blood gas disturbances on GG activity. Methods Twenty subjects (10 female subjects), 12 healthy individuals, and 8 OSA patients, were studied overnight. Sleep staging, epiglottic pressure, minute ventilation, and GG electromyogram (GGEMG) were recorded. GGEMG was compared between REM sleep with (phasic REM) and without (tonic REM) eye movements, non-REM (NREM) sleep, and wakefulness. Results Breathing frequency increased from stable NREM, to tonic REM to phasic REM sleep, whereas tidal volume and GGEMG decreased ( ie , peak GGEMG: 3.0 ± 0.7 vs 1.7 ± 0.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.3% max, respectively; p Conclusions When RUA and blood gas disturbances are minimized by CPAP, genioglossal activity is reduced in a stepwise manner from stable NREM, to tonic REM to phasic REM sleep to a similar extent in OSA and healthy individuals of both genders. Thus, an inherent abnormality in GG neural control in OSA patients during REM sleep is unlikely to explain the increased upper-airway collapse in this sleep stage. Rather, a generalized reduction in GG activity during REM likely renders individuals who are highly reliant on upper-airway dilator muscles vulnerable to pharyngeal collapse during REM sleep.
Anatomical evidence for a projection from the entorhinal cortex to the contralateral dentate gyrus of the rat.

Abstract A relatively sparse direct projection from the entorhinal cortex to the rostral part of the contralateral dentate gyrus of the hippocampus has been demonstrated by the Fink-Heimer and autoradiographic techniques in normal rats. The fibers terminate in the outer two-thirds of the molecular layer, similar to the projection to the ipsilateral dentate gyrus. Thus extrinsic cortical input is bilaterally directed, further illustrating the principle of the bilaterality of hippocampal projections. A contralateral entorhinal projection has been reported previously only as a consequence of apparent axon sprouting following a unilateral entorhinal lesion. The demonstration of this projection in normal rats indicates the changes following recovery from unilateral entorhinal lesions need not involve extensive new fiber growth as had been previously hypothesized.