cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Routes and Realms: The Power of Place in the Early Islamic World

It is fashionable these days to study history through one particular lens. This approach provides depth, nuance, and a new way of approaching well-trawled literature and it is having a major impact...
Environment monitoring with sensors for autonomous vehicles

In 2001, the United States Congress mandated, ";It shall be a goal of the Armed Forces to achieve the fielding of unmanned, remotely controlled technology such that by 2015, one-third of the operational ground combat vehicles are unmanned"; [2]. Lone Wolf is an autonomous vehicle developed to operate under urban conditions. To ensure safe operations of the Lone Wolf, a network of sensors such as temperature, voltage, and light are designed and installed to closely monitor the vehicle's operational environment. This paper discusses the selected sensors and significant improvements made over an initial design for better microcontroller performance, cost efficiency and design robustness.
Effects of pairing aggressive and nonaggressive children in strategic peer affiliation.

Examined the behavior of 118 second graders who participated in a 6-week summer school program that incorporated strategic peer affiliation (a “buddy system”). Moderately aggressive children (the targets of the intervention) were paired with nonaggressive peers throughout the program. All participants were observed playing foosball with their buddies and with aggressive and nonaggressive nonbuddies as teammates. Aggressive children had lower levels of disruptive behavior when their teammate was nonaggressive, regardless of whether the teammate was a buddy. Nonaggressive children showed elevated disruptive behavior when playing with an aggressive nonbuddy, but not when playing with an aggressive buddy. The highest level of aggressive behavior was seen in pairs of aggressive teammates who were friends. One year later, no increase in peer-rated aggressive behavior was found in either group. Results suggest that unidirectional peer influence is possible and that strategic peer affiliation can be an effective intervention that does not put nonaggressive children at risk for acquiring undesired behaviors.
A Systematic USFG Design Approach for Integrated Reconfigurable Switched-Capacitor Power Converters

A systematic design approach using signal flow graph (SFG) is presented in this paper, tailored for integrated reconfigurable switched-capacitor (SC) power converters. To achieve an optimal power stage, an unified signal flow graph (USFG) model is developed. System transfer function and I/O impedance can be evaluated based on it. To verify the design approach, the paper demonstrates a step-up/down reconfigurable SC power converter with five optional gain ratios. A dual-loop control scheme is employed to reconfigure the converter according to the instantaneous line/load conditions. A low-power, digital controller is designed in the subthreshold region for the feedback control loop. The converter was fabricated with a 130-nm CMOS process. Experimental results show that its output can be continuously regulated from 0.4 to 2.2 V, while allowing the input voltage to randomly vary between 0.9 and 1.5 V. The line regulation is maintained below 1.4%, with a lowest value of 0.07%. The maximum efficiency of 90.22% is measured at 0.55-V output voltage and 20-mW load.
Super Enhancers in Cancers, Complex Disease, and Developmental Disorders

Recently, unique areas of transcriptional regulation termed super-enhancers have been identified and implicated in human disease. Defined by their magnitude of size, transcription factor density, and binding of transcriptional machinery, super-enhancers have been associated with genes driving cell differentiation. While their functions are not completely understood, it is clear that these regions driving high-level transcription are susceptible to perturbation, and trait-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occur within super-enhancers of disease-relevant cell types. Here we review evidence for super-enhancer involvement in cancers, complex diseases, and developmental disorders and discuss interactions between super-enhancers and cofactors/chromatin regulators.
Higher composition laws II: On cubic analogues of Gauss composition

In our first article [2] we developed a new view of Gauss composition of binary quadratic forms which led to several new laws of composition on various other spaces of forms. Moreover, we showed that the groups arising from these composition laws were closely related to the class groups of orders in quadratic number fields, while the spaces underlying those composition laws were closely related to certain exceptional Lie groups. In this paper, our aim is to develop analogous laws of composition on certain spaces of forms so that the resulting groups yield information on the class groups of orders in cubic fields; that is, we wish to obtain genuine "cubic analogues" of Gauss composition. The fundamental object in our treatment of quadratic composition [2] was the space of 2 x 2 x 2 cubes of integers. In particular, Gauss composition arose from the three different ways of slicing a cube A into two 2 x 2 matrices Mi, Ni (i = 1, 2, 3). Each such pair (Mi, Ni) gives rise to a binary quadratic form QA(x, y) = Qi (x, y), defined by Qi(x, y) = -Det(Mix + Niy). The Cube Law of [2] declares that as A ranges over all cubes, the sum of [Qi], [Q2], [Q3] is zero. It was shown in [2] that the Cube Law gives a law of addition on binary quadratic forms that is equivalent to Gauss composition. Various other invariant-theoretic constructions using the space of 2 x 2 x 2 cubes led to several new composition laws on other spaces of forms. Furthermore, we showed that each of these composition laws gave rise to groups that are closely related to the class groups of orders in quadratic fields. Based on the quadratic case described above, our first inclination for the cubic case might be to examine 3 x 3 x 3 cubes of integers. A 3 x 3 x 3 cube C can be sliced (in three different ways) into three 3 x 3 matrices Li, Mi, Ni (i = 1,2,3). We may therefore obtain from C three ternary cubic forms fl(x, y, Z), f2(x, y,z), f3(x, y,z), defined by
Systems, stakeholders, and students: including students in school reform:

The education system in the United States is under pressure from a variety of sources to reform and improve the delivery of educational services to students. Change across a system as complex and dynamic as the educational system requires a systemic approach and requires the participation or buy-in of all participants and stakeholders. This article examines the importance of including students as stakeholders in systemic change efforts. The analysis of this research, framed in the context of including stakeholders in change efforts, will create an opportunity for conversation of ways in which to bring students' voices into school reform.
Industry and government DBMS security and privacy needs-a comparison

An overview of the database security requirements for both the private and government sectors is presented. It is concluded that both sectors require database management systems (DBMSs) capable of supporting secrecy and integrity policies. However, the government counts secrecy as the more important consideration because its data affects the lives and privacy of every citizen. The private sector considers integrity considerations more important because corrupt data undermines corporate strategies. The primary difference between the two sectors is that a global policy for secrecy in the government sector was well-established before computers came along, and that a similar global integrity policy has never truly existed. In the private sector, individual integrity policies for corporations are a fact of life. Corporate secrecy policies are enforced through physical security measures. The difference between the two sectors is one of scale, not requirements. >
Islamitisch en homoseksueel in Nederland – een dubbele psychische belasting?

According to the Minority Stress Model, immigrants have an increased risk of mental health problems compared with the general population. Homosexual feelings can form an additional minority stress factor next to ethnic minority status, given the social disapproval of homosexuality within non-Western cultures, the open manifestations of homosexual behavior in the western society, and the influence of religion, such as the Islam. It is unknown whether Islamic homosexuals indeed have an increased risk of developing mental health problems as compared to the general population or indigenous homosexual people. The aim of this study is to obtain a first insight into mental health problems of Islamic men and women with homosexual feelings in order to tailor health care services to their possible needs. The Islamic sample consisted of 51 men and 6 women and was compared with the Dutch norm group (N=1009) and with a group of indigenous Dutch homosexuals (N=61). Indicators of mental health problems were the anxiety and depression subscales of the SCL-90. Both the Islamic and the indigenous homosexual group reported significantly more symptoms of anxiety and depression than the Dutch norm group. The Islamic homosexual group did not differ significantly from the indigenous homosexual group with regard to anxiety, but showed a trend for higher depression. Despite the limitations, this unique study has provided an important first insight into this complex to reach population, warranting more research. Potential consequences for prevention policy and clinical implications are discussed.
Expression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-2 (CCL2) is predictive of response to chemotherapy and overall survival in primary ovarian cancer

16013 Background: CCL2, a determinant of macrophage infiltration in tumors, is expressed in normal human ovarian surface epithelium but silenced or down-regulated in ovarian adenocarcinomas (Br J C...
Rector and Gore: Two Recent FLP Cases

Rector and Gore are two recent family limited partnership (FLP) memorandum opinions from the Tax Court. In both cases, the coveted FLP marketability and minority discounts eluded the estates.
Effects of Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin on the excretory function of the isolated perfused rat liver.

SummaryThe LPS (Boivin type) from S. enteritidis caused dose-dependent reductions in bile secretion and excretion of ICG in the isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL). The transport maximum of BSP was also impaired by this endotoxin (Westphal type). Since two types of LPS preparations were used in these studies, the results suggest that the observed effects were a biological property of the endotoxin and not the result of contaminants left by one of the extraction procedures. This LPS had no effect on either the rate of perfusate flow or on the rate of aspartate aminotransferase release by the IPRL. These data have provided additional evidence that inhibition of hepatic excretory pathways is a biological activity of LPS and are consistent with the theory that impairment of hepatic excretion by bacterial endotoxins might play a role in the patho-genesis of the cholestatic jaundice seen during gram-negative bacterial infections.
The Study of Surface Phonons by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy: Theory of the Excitation Cross Section

In the past few years, experimental developments in electron energy loss spectroscopy have allowed study of the dispersion relations of surface phonons, on clean and adsorbate covered surfaces. Also, theoretical analyses of the angle and energy variation of the excitation cross sections have been developed. These have guided the choice of scattering geometry, and also have assisted directly in the interpretation of the data. We review the recent work, with emphasis on the theoretical side.
The Development of Early Thought in Marketing and Promotion

W HEN we go back into early history, we find that the trader was not well regarded by society. All value was thought to come from the land, and agriculture and keeping of sheep and cattle were considered noble occupations, worthy of the virtuous man. Manufacturing, such as it was, was not ill-regarded by the philosophers, although it ranked well below agricultural pursuits. The trader, however, was considered a rather immoral person by nature and his status was low indeed, as is shown in the following quotation from Plato's The Republic:
Paradoxical Synergism and Antagonism Between Serum and the Antibacterial Activity of Colistin

Most gram-negative bacteria are at least partially susceptible to the bactericidal activity of antibody and complement (AbC) in human serum. Traub and Sherris recently found that polymyxin B acted synergistically with human serum on Escherichia coli [1]. The synergism was attributed to the concerted action of AbC and polymyxin B on the cytoplasmic membrane of the bacteria [2-5]. Ampicillin and kanamycin were not synergistic with serum.
Cooling and Operation of the MSU Cyclotron Gas-Stopper Magnet

The two coils of the cyclotron gas-stopper magnet at Michigan State University (MSU) were each cooled down and filled with liquid helium made from 300-K gas separately using three PT415 coolers in the fall of 2014. The magnet was first powered in late 2014. During the process of powering the magnet, discharges occurred because the interlock system caused the magnet to discharge. As the magnet was powered to higher currents, the coil positions were changed using the cold mass support adjustments to ensure that forces on the cold mass supports were within the design limits. The force pattern on the cold mass supports was expected to change as the iron pole pieces saturated. Changes in the coil inductance were expected and observed as the iron pole pieces saturated. This paper describes the process that brings the magnet current up to its full current.
Application of Language Testing in the Formative Assessment System

According to the College English Curriculum Requirements,a comprehensive,objective,scientific and accurate evaluation system is of vital importance to the achievement of course goals.It not only helps teachers obtain feedback,improve the administration of teaching,and ensure teaching quality but also provide students with an effective mans to adjust their leaning strategies and methods,improve their learning efficiency and achieve the desired learning effects.This article systematically discusses the theoretical base for formative assessment,introduces classification of language tests,states the criteria for language testing,and further states how to apply language testing to the formative assessment system.
[Comparative studies on the composition and antibiotic-resistance of pathogenic bacteria between children with community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia].

Objective This research was to explore the difference between children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in the composition and antibiotic-resistance of pathogenic bacteria. Methods 241 CAP and 116 HAP with positive sputum culture who were hospitalized from January to December in 2008 in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Suzhou University were selected in this study. The bacteria were identified by traditionally manual method and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed by K-B method. The chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used for statistical test. Results In 241 CAP, Streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenza accounted for (42.2%, 106/251) and(12.4% ,31/251 ) infection, respectively; however in 116 HAP, Enterobacteriaceae and Non-fermenters accounted for (88. 2% ,127/144). In addition,methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus weren't isolated, however, its detection rate was 66.7% in HAP. The drug resistance was 1.5 times higher in HAP than that in CAP for several types of antibiotics, such as ceftazidime (37.5% (6/16) vs 75.6% (31/41)), cefepime (37.5% (6/16)vs 78.0%(32/41)), aztreonam(50. 0% ( 8/16 ) vs 90. 2%(37/41)), cefoperazone/sulbactam (12.5%(2/16) vs 51.2%(21/41)) and piperacilin/tazobactam (12. 5% (2/16) vs 56. 0% (23/41)). Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from HAP had higher drug resistance than that isolated from CAP against some antibiotics,for example,gentamicin(0 vs 63.6% (7/11 ) ) ,SMZ+TMP(20.0%(1/5)vs 63.6%(7/11)) and cefoperazone/sulbactam(0 vs 54.5% (6/11) ). We also found Enterobacter cloacae isolated from HAP showed high drug resistance than that isolated from CAP against imipenem(0 vs 46.7%(7/15)), aztreonam(9.1%(1/11)vs 60.0%(9/15)) and cefoperazone(18.2%(2/11 ) vs 80. 0% (12/15)) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from HAP had higher resistance than that from CAP against gentamicin (0 vs 50.0%(9/18)) ,amikacin(0 vs 38.9% (7/18)),ceftazidime(0 vs 55.6%(10/18)),cefepime(0 vs 50.0% (9/18)) and cefoperazone(33.3% (2/6) vs 94.4% (17/18)).The detection rates of ESBLs for Escherichia coli were 84. 6% (11/13) and 93.3% (14/15) in CAP and HAP,respectively(x2=0.553, P＞0.05); while for Klebsiella pneumoniae, they were 81.3% ( 13/16 ) and 95.1%(39/41),respectively(x2=2.767, P＞0.05).Conclusiou CAP was mainly comprised of Streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenza; while HAP was mainly comprised of Enterobacteriaceae and Non-fermenters. The drug resistance of gram-negative bacilli was higher in HAP than that in CAP. Key words: Child; Community-acquired infections; Cross infection; Pneumonia; Drug resistance; Disk diffusion antimicrobial tests
The Mathematical Model

Let X(t) be the number of tumor cells at time t, and Pr{X(t) = n} = pn(t) is the density of X. A “birth”, i.e., an increase of one of the total population of cancer cells, can occur either by mutation of a normal cell caused by the action of the carcinogen, consisting of randomly (Poisson) distributed hits, or by reproduction of existing cancer cells. A death of a tumor cell occurs as an additive combination of non-immunological and immunological elements. Once a tumor is initiated by carcinogenic action, it undergoes a birth and death process with infinitesimal birth rate linear and infinitesimal death rate composed of a linear and a nonlinear term, the former due to non-immunological deaths, the latter to immunological feedback. The death rate per tumor cell due to immunological response is proportional to the total number of antigen-producing (tumor) cells; thus, the total death rate is quadratic. Although this assumes a very simple mechanism for the action of immunological feedback, it is nevertheless a first step.
Subacute Progressive Ascending Myelopathy (SPAM)

This is a condition of degeneration of the neurological deficit after spinal cord injury due to extension of the cord damage cephalad through four or more segments developing within 4–86 days, with median of 13 days.
Re-evaluation of 1906 surface faulting, geomorphic expression, and seismic hazard along the San Andreas fault in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains

The lack of through-going, right-lateral surface rupture accompanying the Loma Prieta earthquake has raised questions about the behavior of the San Andreas fault in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains. We re-evaluated previously published reports of ground deformation due to the 1906 earthquake in this region to determine if San Andreas fault surface rupture accompanied this event and whether any of the reported values of offset are reliable. In addition, our search for historical data has brought to light new information about the 1906 earthquake in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains. None of the reports provides indisputable evidence for 1906 San Andreas fault surface rupture. However, taken together with a study of the geomorphology of the fault zone and relationships exposed in excavations across the fault, they do provide a basis for believing that surface rupture extended through the region in 1906. None of the reported values for 1906 offset is a reliable measurement, however, calling into question current and pre-1989 seismic-hazard assessments for the Loma Prieta area. The geologic and geomorphic relationships indicate that shallow, right-lateral crustal strain is typically expressed as surface rupture across a narrow San Andreas fault zone, in contrast to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
Parameter Learning and Convergent Inference for Dense Random Fields

Dense random fields are models in which all pairs of variables are directly connected by pairwise potentials. It has recently been shown that mean field inference in dense random fields can be performed efficiently and that these models enable significant accuracy gains in computer vision applications. However, parameter estimation for dense random fields is still poorly understood. In this paper, we present an efficient algorithm for learning parameters in dense random fields. All parameters are estimated jointly, thus capturing dependencies between them. We show that gradients of a variety of loss functions over the mean field marginals can be computed efficiently. The resulting algorithm learns parameters that directly optimize the performance of mean field inference in the model. As a supporting result, we present an efficient inference algorithm for dense random fields that is guaranteed to converge.
Factors Associated with Recurrence and Regional Adenopathy for Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. With advanced CSCC of the head and neck, there is conflicting evidence on what constitutes high-risk disease. Our objective is to evaluate which factors are predictive of recurrence and nodal spread and survival. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary academic institution. Subjects and Methods Patients with advanced head and neck CSCC treated with primary resection identified by chart review. Results A total of 212 patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 70.4 years; 87.3% were men. Mean tumor diameter was 3.65 cm, with an average depth of invasion of 1.38 cm. The mean follow-up time was 35 months (median, 21.5), and over that period 67 recurrences were recorded, 49 of which were local. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of disease-free survival for the cohort was 53.2%. On Cox multivariate analysis, recurrent disease, perineural invasion (PNI), and poorly differentiated histology were independent predictors of recurrence. On multinomial logistic regression, patients with primary tumors on the ear, cheek, temple, or lip, as well as those with PNI, were more likely to present with nodal metastasis. Conclusion For advanced CSCCs of the head and neck, patients with recurrent disease, PNI, and poorly differentiated tumors are at highest risk for local recurrence. Patients with tumors or the ear, cheek, temple, or lip, as well as those with PNI, are at increased risk of harboring nodal disease.
The effect of North Carolina free clinics on hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among the uninsured.

Free clinics are volunteer based organizations that provide health care services to low-income individuals for free or minimal cost. Communities served by a free clinic can provide ambulatory care services for uninsured individuals, reducing reliance on costly hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. This study examines whether free clinics in North Carolina reduce hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions for uninsured adults. The study used North Carolina hospital discharge data from 2003 to 2007, restricted to uninsured adults residing in North Carolina (N = 270,325). Prevention Quality Indicators identified hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. The entry of new free clinics in some counties during this time period in conjunction with county-level and year fixed effects allows the logistic regression analysis to simulate a pre/post study design. Discharges for ambulatory care sensitive conditions constituted 12.6% of the sample. Despite the limited coverage provided by free clinics, which serve 5.5% of the uninsured in North Carolina, uninsured adults in counties served by a free clinic had an 8.0% reduced odds of a hospitalization being for an ambulatory care sensitive condition. When the model is limited to ambulatory care sensitive conditions related to chronic conditions, the odds of a hospitalization of an uninsured adult for an ambulatory care sensitive condition in counties served by a free clinic is reduced by 9.0%. Free clinics are effective providers of primary care services for uninsured individuals, particularly for those with chronic conditions. To enhance this impact by increasing free clinics’ reach, state and local policy makers should support and encourage development of free clinics in high need areas.
Chemistry of Oxygen and Its Derivatives in the Lung

Oxygen, reactive oxygen species, nitricoxide and reactive nitrogen species have been shown to be involved in regulating both physiological as well as pathological processes. The role oxygen and its derivatives in a living organism is dependent on the particular species formed, its concentration, location, and the presence of antioxidant machinery. Of course, oxygen is necessary in the production of energy. In addition, its derivatives play an important role in cellular signaling by acting as a molecular switch by altering ion channel activity, blood flow, and the stability of transcription factors.
Contribution of Japan Children’s Cancer Registry to Medical Research and Care of Childhood Leukemia and Related Conditions

The Japan Children’s Cancer Registry was established in 1969 as an annual nationwide survey to clarify the status not only of mortality, but also morbidity in childhood malignancies and among long-term survivors. We found that childhood leukemia, which is the most frequent malignancy, accounted for 43% of the total cases in this hospital-based registry. Leukemia showed male dominance and an age peak at 2–3 years, whilst most solid tumors showed no sex predominance and an age peak within 12 months after birth. High concordance in monozygotic twins and a high incidence of specific chromosomal translocation were observed in leukemia. These findings suggest that the etiological mechanism of leukemia differs from some blastomas in which loss of heterozygosity of the genes has been reported. Heterogeneity of leukemia was also suggested by comparisons of characteristic features, among types classified both by FAB and immunological markers, in relation to age distribution, sex ratio, type of chromosomal aberration, frequency of complication of Down syndrome, and family history. The registry will continue to contribute to the study of the etiology and biological nature of leukemia, as well as to the improved care of children with leukemia in general.
Characterization of the diurnal cycle of maximum rainfall in tropical cyclones

Abstract We analyze the diurnal cycle of maximum rainfall from ∼300 TCs from March 2014 through February 2017, by cross-referencing the path of tropical cyclones (TCs) and high-resolution rainfall estimates from IMERG (Integrated Multi-satellitE Rainfall from GPM - Global Precipitation Measurement mission). IMERG is a gridded satellite product that offers high-resolution rainfall estimates at a spatiotemporal resolution of 0.1° × 0.1° every 30 min, which are particularly suitable for these analyses. Because of the nature of the data, we use circular statistics. Circular statistics allows us to account for the natural periodicity of a random variable such as the time of the day at which maximum rainfall from TCs occurs. We follow the non-parametric approach of Mixtures of Von Mises-Fisher distribution (MvMF), which enables an easy-to-interpret parameter identification of multimodal and anisotropic distributions of the TC-rainfall. We stratify our analysis by storm duration, maturity, and intensity, basin of origin, radial proximity to the center of the storm, and whether the storm is over the ocean or land. In general, and across all scales, we find that there are mainly two cycles of maximum TC-rainfall: one diurnal cycle with peaks at ∼10 and ∼22 h (local time), and one semi-diurnal cycle with peaks at ∼2 and ∼5 h (local time). Although in a smaller proportion, the latter exhibits a weak afternoon alternative, i.e., ∼14 and ∼18 h (local time).
The Perverse Impact of Calling for Energy Conservation

Abstract In periods of high energy demand, utilities frequently issue “emergency” appeals for conservation over peak hours to reduce brownout risk. We estimate the impact of such appeals using high-frequency data on actual and forecasted electricity generation, pollutant emission measures, and real-time prices. Our results suggest a perverse impact; while there is no significant reduction in grid stress over superpeak hours, such calls lead to increased off-peak generation, CO 2 emissions, and price volatility. We postulate that consumer attempts at load shifting lead to this result.
STEM Recruitment and Beyond: The Messenger Is the Medium.

We comment on several major factors that contribute to the underrepresentation of specific groups in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational programs, particularly at the advanced graduate levels. Recognition of the structural inequalities that create and reinforce these disparities leads to suggestions for immediate improvements that in many cases can lead to progress, particularly at the point of personal interaction with potential STEM recruits. A crucial factor in recruitment and retention is studentsâ€™ perception of their own suitability and eligibility. We argue that STEM faculty members, regardless of their ethnic background, are the messengers of this eligibility.
Differences in patient population and length of stay between freestanding and hospital-based emergency departments.

Abstract Background Freestanding emergency departments (FEDs) represent over 10% of emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. Little is known about differences in encounter characteristics. We compared ED length of stay (LOS) clinical demographics, method of arrival, acuity level, and patient disposition for encounters to FEDs vs. hospital-based EDs (HBEDs). Methods A multi-center retrospective analysis was performed. Study sites included 6 FEDs and 13 HBEDs from 10/1/2017 to 9/30/2018. Data was abstracted from ED records and discharge summary within the electronic health record. Descriptive statistics were reported with prevalence (95% Confidence Interval [CI]) for categorical variables and mean (standard deviation [SD]) for continuous variables. Multivariable linear regression assessed the relationship between ED facility (FEDs vs. HBEDs) and ED length of stay (LOS). Results 1,263,297 encounters were analyzed. Mean ED LOS was shorter at FEDs (146.62 min (±97.04)) vs. HBED (249.70 min (+287.50)). Nine percent of FED encounters arrived via EMS vs. 21% at the HBEDs. FEDs saw 5.47% emergency severity index (ESI) level 2 vs. 13.76% at the HBEDs. Medicaid and Medicare patients were more prevalent in HBEDs (64.2%) than in FEDs (50.6%). FEDs admitted 13% of patients and HBEDs 27%. All results were significant (p Conclusion Overall ED LOS was significantly less for FED vs. HBED patients. Acuity level, insurance status, method of arrival, and patient disposition were significantly different at FEDs vs. HBEDs.
Ischemic Neuroprotectant PKCε Restores Mitochondrial Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase in the Neuronal NADH Shuttle after Ischemic Injury

The preservation of mitochondrial function is a major protective strategy for cerebral ischemic injuries. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that protein kinase C epsilon (PKCe) promotes the synthesis of mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). NAD+ along with its reducing equivalent, NADH, is an essential co-factor needed for energy production from glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Yet, NAD+/NADH are impermeable to the inner mitochondrial membrane and their import into the mitochondria requires the activity of specific shuttles. The most important neuronal NAD+/NADH shuttle is the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS). The MAS has been implicated in synaptic function and is potentially dysregulated during cerebral ischemia. The aim of this study was to determine if metabolic changes induced by PKCe preconditioning involved regulation of the MAS. Using primary neuronal cultures, we observed that the activation of PKCe enhanced mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in vitro. Conversely, inhibition of the MAS resulted in decreased oxidative phosphorylation and glycolytic capacity. We further demonstrated that activation of PKCe increased the phosphorylation of key components of the MAS in rat brain synaptosomal fractions. Additionally, PKCe increased the enzyme activity of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase 2 (GOT2), an effect that was dependent on the import of PKCe into the mitochondria and phosphorylation of GOT2. Furthermore, PKCe activation was able to rescue decreased GOT2 activity induced by ischemia. These findings reveal novel protective targets and mechanisms against ischemic injury, which involves PKCe-mediated phosphorylation and activation of GOT2 in the MAS.
(Don’t) call me queer: transpédégouine, the global gay, and the logics of Western “liberty”1

The emergence of the antiparastasic term transpedegouine first appeared during Le Zoo conferences of 1996 and 1997. Since then, this denomination has appeared against, as replacements for, but also...
The AMC Scheduling Problem: A Description for Reproducibility

Abstract : The United States Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) is responsible for managing hundreds of airlift and air refueling missions every week on a global scale. Allocating airframes and flight crews to individual missions is a large and complex problem. We have built the AMC Airlift and Air Refueling Allocator to assist planners and schedulers in this task, and the tool is currently transitioning into daily operations. Development of this system has involved us in a number of fruitful areas of research, ranging from building a model that allows end users to interact with the system at varying levels of automation to exploring techniques for maximizing the number of missions assigned in an environment of resource scarcity. In this technical report we present a description of the AMC scheduling problem in a somewhat abstract form, so that interested parties may experiment with it. We provide specifications for building the model, provide pointers to input data, and provide end results for scheduling missions while varying capacity constrainedness.
Synthesizing MXene Nanosheets by Water-free Etching

In this issue of Chem, Natu et al. describe the first-ever etching and dispersion of Ti3C2Tz MXenes (ceramic-derived nanosheets) in several polar organic solvents by using ammonium bifluoride as the etchant. This development opens up an entirely new space for the processing and dispersion of MXenes for applications that need to be water-free.
β-Carotene conversion to vitamin A delays atherosclerosis progression by decreasing hepatic lipid secretion in mice.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the pathological accumulation of cholesterol-laden macrophages in the arterial wall. Atherosclerosis is also the main underlying cause of CVDs, and its development is largely driven by elevated plasma cholesterol. Strong epidemiological data find an inverse association between plasma β-carotene with atherosclerosis, and we recently showed that β-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) activity, responsible for β-carotene cleavage to vitamin A, is associated with reduced plasma cholesterol in humans and mice. In this study, we explore whether intact β-carotene or vitamin A affects atherosclerosis progression in the atheroprone LDLR-deficient mice. Compared with control-fed Ldlr-/- mice, β-carotene-supplemented mice showed reduced atherosclerotic lesion size at the level of the aortic root and reduced plasma cholesterol levels. These changes were absent in Ldlr-/- /Bco1-/- mice despite accumulating β-carotene in plasma and atherosclerotic lesions. We discarded the implication of myeloid BCO1 in the development of atherosclerosis by performing bone marrow transplant experiments. Lipid production assays found that retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, reduced the secretion of newly synthetized triglyceride and cholesteryl ester in cell culture and mice. Overall, our findings provide insights into the role of BCO1 activity and vitamin A in atherosclerosis progression through the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism.
Local R&D Strategies and Multi-Location Firms: The Role of Internal Linkages

This study looks at the role of firms' internal linkages in highly competitive technology clusters, where much of the world’s R&D takes place. The leading players in these clusters are multi-location firms that organize and integrate knowledge across sites worldwide. Strong internal links across locations allow these firms to leverage knowledge for competitive advantage without risking critical knowledge outflow to competitors. We examine whether multi-location firms increase internal ties when they face appropriability risks from direct competitors. Our empirical analysis of the global semiconductor industry shows that when leading firms co-locate with direct market competitors, innovations tend to be quickly internalized, and are more likely to involve collaboration across locations, particularly with inventors from the firm’s primary R & D site. Our results suggest that R&D dynamics in clusters are heavily influenced by multi-location firms with innovative links across locations, and that future research on technology innovation in clusters should account for these links.
Follow-up of hospitalized adults with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome

More reports are surfacing about the occurrence of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. However, there is limited data on the long-term symptom persistence and mental health of critical and noncritical COVID-19 patients. Understanding these long-term effects can help healthcare workers provide better and targeted care for their patients. This prospective follow-up survey included 35 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and managed at our academic hospital from March 25,2020 to November 3, 2020. The survey evaluated for persistent post-acute COVID-19 symptoms and COVID-19 related mental health issues or stigma. Demographics, inflammatory markers, diagnostics, and therapy given were also recorded and descriptive analysis performed. In this study, patients were diagnosed 40 to 264 days prior to analysis. Patients comprised of 46.2% females, average of 4 comorbidities, and median age of 64 years old. Over a third of patients were tested in the outpatient setting, while the rest were diagnosed on admission. Of the one-third of patients requiring ICU care, 85.7% of the patients reported persistent symptoms post-discharge. Of the patients with persistent symptoms, dyspnea (57.1%), fatigue (53.6%), headache (35.7%), and loss of smell/taste (17.9%) were common. Patients with persistent symptoms more often required more COVID therapeutics and had higher oxygen requirements and inflammatory markers. Age or time since diagnosis was similar between the two groups. Overall, almost one-third of patients felt worse with people's attitudes towards COVID-19 and felt they were treated differently in the hospital with 15.4% feeling guilty about their diagnosis. Anxiety was reported in 76.9% of all patients, including 20.5% of those without symptoms. Most reported concerns for anxiety were personal health (46%), spreading COVID-19 to others (60%), and reinfection (17%). Anxiety from being isolated was alleviated in 46% of patients with a provider explanation with 18% of patients felt a negative impact from being in isolation. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of patients reported a negative impact due to the no-visitor policy. Amongst those with persistent symptoms, common comorbidities were obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, malignancy history, and chronic lung disorders. More COVID therapeutic use, higher inflammatory markers and higher level of oxygen therapy were associated with persistent symptoms, correlating with more severe disease. Anxiety was common in both groups of patients with predominant worries of personal health and spreading COVID-19 to others. We need to consider the mental health impact on all COVID-19 patients even in those with quick recovery due to the stigmatizing nature of this infection.
Two-dimensional vibrational–electronic spectra with semiclassical mechanics

Two-dimensional vibrational–electronic (2DVE) spectra probe the effects on vibronic spectra of initial vibrational excitation in an electronic ground state. The optimized mean trajectory (OMT) approximation is a semiclassical method for computing nonlinear spectra from response functions. Ensembles of classical trajectories are subject to semiclassical quantization conditions, with the radiation–matter interaction inducing discontinuous transitions. This approach has been previously applied to two-dimensional infrared and electronic spectra and is extended here to 2DVE spectra. For a system including excitonic coupling, vibronic coupling, and interaction of a chromophore vibration with a resonant environment, the OMT method is shown to well approximate exact quantum dynamics.
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS’ VIEWS CONCERNING KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS IN TAJIKISTAN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: This study seeks to explore health care providers’ perspectives of the traditional birth attendants’ knowledge and practices. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2018 with 16 health care professionals working at various levels of maternal health care system in two purposefully selected research settings, Khorog town and Dushanbe, which have different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to gather the data. Duration of interviews ranged from 30-60 min. NVivo software for qualitative research was used to analyse the results. Results: This study has shown that health care workers have extremely negative views of the knowledge and practices of traditional birth attendants. They highlight the lack of adequate knowledge of traditional birth attendants on biomedical aspects of birth, poor skills in infections control and lack of use of clean delivery practices. They also claim that the traditional birth attendants’ practices also lead to different complications while they are woefully unprepared to recognize obstetric complications during birth. Conclusion: The study recommends providing a skilled birth attendant in every area. It also recommends avoiding a homogeneous approach to address maternal health issues in diverse countries of the Global South and reviewing maternal health care policies and programs to provide the most marginalized groups of women with skilled birth services to improve their maternal health and further decrease maternal mortality in Tajikistan.
Disruption of medical care among individuals in the southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Widespread disruptions of medical care to mitigate COVID-19 spread and reduce burden on healthcare systems may have deleterious public health consequences. DESIGN AND METHODS: To examine factors contributing to healthcare interruptions during the pandemic, we conducted a COVID-19 impact survey between 10/7-12/14/2020 among participants of the Southern Community Cohort Study, which primarily enrolled low-income individuals in 12 southeastern states from 2002-2009. COVID survey data were combined with baseline and follow-up data. RESULTS: Among 4,463 respondents, 40% reported having missed/delayed a health appointment during the pandemic; the common reason was provider-initiated cancellation or delay (63%). In a multivariable model, female sex was the strongest independent predictor of interrupted care, with odds ratio (OR) 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-1.89). Those with higher education (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.05-1.54 for college graduate vs ≤high school) and household income (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.16-1.86 for >$50,000 vs <$15,000) were at significantly increased odds of missing healthcare. Having greater perceived risk for acquiring (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.17-1.72) or dying from COVID-19 (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.04-1.51) also significantly increased odds of missed/delayed healthcare. Age was inversely associated with missed healthcare among men (OR for 5-year increase in age 0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.96) but not women (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.91-1.04; p-interaction=0.04). Neither race/ethnicity nor comorbidities were associated with interrupted healthcare. CONCLUSIONS: Disruptions to healthcare disproportionately affected women and were primarily driven by health system-initiated deferrals and individual perceptions of COVID-19 risk, rather than medical co-morbidities or other traditional barriers to healthcare access.
Improving Alternate Lignin Catabolite Utilization of LigAB from Sphingobium sp. strain SYK-6 through Site Directed Mutagenesis

Abstract Protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase (LigAB) catalyzes dioxygenation of multiple lignin derived aromatic compounds—such as protocatechuate (PCA), gallate (GA) and 3-O-methyl gallate (3OMG)—with decreasing proficiency as the molecule size increases. We predicted that phenylalanine-103 of the α subunit (Phe103α) controls substrate specificity through interaction with the C5-funtionality of bound substrates, and mutagenesis would enhance GA and 3OMG catalysis. LigAB with Phe103α mutations (F103V, F103T and F103H) displayed enhanced catalytic efficiency for dioxygenation of 3OMG, with mutants displaying 12- to 31-fold increases in k c a t a p p / K m a p p , making these mutant enzymes more active with 3OMG than its native dioxygenase (DesZ). The F103T and F103V point mutants also exhibited allosteric activation for the dioxygenation of PCA and GA, respectively, in the presence of vanillin, as previously observed for LigAB. The enhanced utilization of substrates by these mutants makes them potentially useful for efforts to develop engineered organisms that catabolize lignin into biofuels or fine chemicals.
The capacitative model for receptor-activated calcium entry.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the receptor-activated Ca 2+ signaling processes and on the mechanism by which receptor activation leads to the entry of Ca 2+ into cells across the plasma membrane. The chapter presents a particular theory termed “capacitative model” for the mechanism by which the entry of Ca 2+ is regulated by agonists acting through the phosphoinositide system. It is now quite well established that the initial, agonist-induced [Ca 2+ ] i signal in such cells is derived from the Ca 2+ -releasing actions of (1,4,5)IP 3 on an intracellular Ca 2+ sequestering organelle. However, in virtually all cells that utilize this mechanism, the initial release of intracellular Ca 2+ is followed or accompanied by an accelerated entry of Ca 2+ into the cytoplasm across the plasma membrane; mechanism by which this process is regulated has been somewhat more elusive and may vary in different cellular systems. Further investigation of this interesting aspect of the Ca 2+ - phosphoinositide system provides with many additional discoveries and surprises in the near future.