cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Can Be Done About School Shootings? A Review of the Evidence

School shootings have generated great public concern and fostered a widespread impression that schools are unsafe for many students; this article counters those misapprehensions by examining empirical evidence of school and community violence trends and reviewing evidence on best practices for preventing school shootings. Many of the school safety and security measures deployed in response to school shootings have little research support, and strategies such as zero-tolerance discipline and student profiling have been widely criticized as unsound practices. Threat assessment is identified as a promising strategy for violence prevention that merits further study. The article concludes with an overview of the need for schools to develop crisis response plans to prepare for and mitigate such rare events.
Mainland Puerto Rican women: A sociocultural approach

This article examines a doubly oppressed group: mainland Puerto Rican women. Sociocultural and gender-related problems are analyzed within the context of cultural change. The crucial role played by the Puerto Rican woman in the transculturation of the mainland diaspora is pinpointed. Community paradigms relevant to psychological interventions with this group are discussed, and guidelines are suggested to the community psychologist working with Puerto Rican women.
An Interactive and Intelligent Learning System for Physics Education

Students tend to retain naive understandings of concepts such as energy and force even after completing school and entering college. We developed a learning environment called the Virtual Physics System (ViPS) to help students master these concepts in the context of pulleys, a class of simple machines that are difficult to assemble and use in the real world. Several features make the ViPS noteworthy: it combines simulation and tutoring, it customizes tutoring to address common misconceptions, and it employs a pedagogical strategy that identifies student misconceptions and guides students in problem solving through virtual experimentation. This paper presents the ViPS and describes studies in which we evaluated its efficacy and compared learning from the ViPS with learning from constructing and experimenting with real pulleys. Our results indicate that the ViPS is effective in helping students learn and remediate their misconceptions, and that virtual experimentation in the ViPS is more effective than real experimentation with pulleys.
Temperature and storage duration effects on esterase activity in fresh-cut cantaloupe melon

The effect of storage time and temperature (4 °C or 15 °C) on esterase (ES) activity in fresh-cut cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud) was determined. Enzymatic activity, after 24 h in storage, was reduced by 40% and 10% in fruit stored at 4 °C and 15 °C, respectively. The ES in cantaloupe melon was determined to be carboxylesterase with 2 isozymes (pI = 6.1 and pI = 9.5) and low thermal stability. Pectin methyl esterase activity in cut fruit also decreased by about 25% at both temperatures after 24 h, but greatly increased after 72 h only in 15 °C stored fruit. ES in cantaloupe melon appears to be regulated by metalloproteases, presumably metallo-exoproteases.
The hydrolysis of phosphate esters

Abstract . The hydrolysis of a phosphate, phosphonate or phosphinate ester generally takes place either through a trigonal bipyramidal hydroxyphosphorane as intermediate (with expansion of the coordination number of phosphorus from four to five) or (at least for phosphates) through a monomeric metaphosphate as intermediate (with contraction of the coordination number of phosphorus from four to three). These processes parallel the principal mechanisms for the hydrolysis of carboxylic esters, which require either the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate or that of an acylium cation.
Changes in net portal nutrient flux in response to weaning transition and ionophore supplementation in dairy calves.

Abstract Dairy calf weaning is associated with ketone concentrations that exceed the levels occurring in adults, and weaning represents a potential energy loss that may be mitigated by ionophore supplementation. To assess the effects of weaning and ionophore supplementation on net nutrient flux across portal-drained viscera (PDV) tissues in dairy calves, concentrations of glucose, acetoacetate (ACAC), β -hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids, volatile fatty acids, lactate, pyruvate, insulin, and glucagon and PDV flux rates were determined in Jersey bull calves (n=19) at 35, 56, 84, and 112 d of age. Calves were randomly assigned at birth to either a commercial pelleted starter without (CON) or with lasalocid (TRT; 83mg/kg of dry matter). Calves were fed only milk replacer from d 3 to 34 (d 3 to 20=454g/d; d 21 to 34=56g/d). After blood sampling on d 35, calves received replacer (d 35 to 41=45g/d; d 42 to 48=22g/d) and had free access to the CON or TRT starter, and from d 49 to 112 they received CON or TRT ad libitum. Catheters were implanted in the portal vein and in the mesenteric vein and artery between d 21 and 28. Blood flow was measured by continuous infusion of p -aminohippurate into the mesenteric vein. Six serial samples were taken at 30-min intervals from the arterial and portal vein catheters simultaneously. Portal blood flow increased with age but did not differ between CON and TRT calves. Glucose was released preweaning and was extracted postweaning by PDV, but was not affected by ionophore. The portal flux of nonesterified fatty acids was not different from zero during any of the 4 sample ages. Fluxes of ACAC and BHBA in CON and TRT calves went from no measurable flux preweaning to a postweaning PDV release that peaked at d 84, but the d-84 release of ACAC and BHBA was lower in TRT calves. The portal flux of volatile fatty acids increased with age, and PDV release of both butyrate and propionate was lower at d 84 in TRT than in CON calves. However, TRT calves had a greater PDV release of lactate on d 84, partially compensating for the lower release of propionate. Glucagon was greater in CON than in TRT calves at d 84 and could be a response to the elevated ketogenesis observed in CON calves during this period. Changes in the metabolic profile and nutrient flux of transition calves were demonstrated in response to weaning and ionophore supplementation. Inclusion of an ionophore appeared to moderate alimentary output at a postweaning period (d 84) at which ketone concentrations have the potential to exceed the whole animal capacity for utilization.
The Effects of Changing Land Cover on Streamflow Simulation in Puerto Rico

This study quantitatively explores whether land cover changes have a substantive impact on simulated streamflow within the tropical island setting of Puerto Rico. The Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) was used to compare streamflow simulations based on five static parameterizations of land cover with those based on dynamically varying parameters derived from four land cover scenes for the period 1953-2012. The PRMS simulations based on static land cover illustrated consistent differences in simulated streamflow across the island. It was determined that the scale of the analysis makes a difference: large regions with localized areas that have undergone dramatic land cover change may show negligible difference in total streamflow, but streamflow simulations using dynamic land cover parameters for a highly altered subwatershed clearly demonstrate the effects of changing land cover on simulated streamflow. Incorporating dynamic parameterization in these highly altered watersheds can reduce the predictive uncertainty in simulations of streamflow using PRMS. Hydrologic models that do not consider the projected changes in land cover may be inadequate for water resource management planning for future conditions.
Trust and deception in mediated communication

Guided by interpersonal deception theory and the principle of interactivity, this investigation examined whether communication modalities differentially affect the extent to which group members develop trust or are vulnerable to manipulation and deceit, based on the degree of interactivity the modalities afford. According to the principle of interactivity, involvement and mutuality should increase as one move from text to audio and audiovisual (AV) modalities, to face-to-face (FtF) communication. Under nondeceptive circumstances, greater interactivity should elicit corresponding increases in trust and credibility; under deceptive circumstances, it should produce greater truth biases and inaccurate detection of deceit. This effect should be partly mitigated in text and audio modalities due to the presence of diagnostic deception indicators Pairs were assigned to a truthful or deceptive condition in one of three mediated conditions, or in a face-to-face condition. In the deceptive condition, one member of each pair was enlisted to deceive during the interaction. Following discussion, participants rated their communicative behavior and the credibility of the truthful or deceptive actor. Truth bias and accuracy in judging deceptive information was calculated. Results are compared to previous findings from face-to-face deception. Implications for collaborative technologies are advanced.
Discrete vs. continuous surface electromyographic interface control

Over 50% of the 273,000 individuals with spinal cord injuries in the US have cervical injuries and are therefore unable to operate a keyboard and mouse with their hands. In this experiment, we compared two systems using surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded from facial muscles to control an onscreen keyboard. Both systems used five sEMG sensors to capture muscle activity during five distinct facial gestures that then mapped to five cursor commands: move left, move right, move up, move down, and click. One system used a discrete movement and feedback algorithm, in which the user would make one quick facial gesture, causing a corresponding discrete movement to an adjacent button. The other system was continuously updated and allowed the user to move in any 360o direction smoothly. Information transfer rates (ITRs) in bits per minute were high for both systems. Users of the continuous system showed significantly higher ITRs (average of 68.5; p < 0.02) compared to users of the discrete system (average of 54.3 bits/min).
Maternal versus infant factors related to breast milk intake and residual milk volume : the DARLING study

Factors related to milk volume and sources of variance in intake were examined using data at 3 months from the longitudinal Davis Area Research on Lactation, Infant Nutrition and Growth study. Milk intake of 73 exclusively breast-fed infants was measured by 4-day test-weighing, correcting for insensible water loss. Total volume extracted was assessed by a combination of test-weighing and expression of breast contents during a subsequent 24-hour period. Residual milk volume was calculated as volume extracted minus intake. Intake, volume extracted, and residual milk volume averaged 818, 914, and 109 g/d, respectively. The interindividual coefficient of variation in intake (16.3%) was greater than within-individual day-to-day variation (8.9%). In comparing those with low (
Application of Airway Pressure Therapy in Veterinary Critical Care: Part II: Airway Pressure Therapy

Summary As the specialties of emergency medicine and critical care have grown and evolved in both human and veterinary medicine, so has the need for more advanced care of patients with primary lung disease. Treatment of acute respiratory failure has been the focus of several articles in the human medical literature of the past few years.1,8 This paper deals with airway pressure therapy and its application in cases of acute respiratory failure in veterinary medicine. The reader is referred to part I of this paper for a reveiw of respiratory mechanics and hypoxemia as they apply to respiratory therapy.
Genomic Sequences Necessary for Transcriptional Activation by Amino Acid Deprivation of Mammalian Cells

The human genes for C/EBP homology protein (chop) and asparagine synthetase (AS) are model systems to investigate transcription induced by nutrient limitation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The genomic cis-elements in the promoters of these two genes that mediate these responses have been identified and partially characterized. Multiple cis-elements are functional in each gene, but differences exist in the molecular mechanisms by which these genes respond to amino acid or glucose deprivation. Whereas chop expression is associated with cell stress and apoptosis, activation of the AS gene by ER stress indicates that asparagine may also be critical for cellular processes other than protein synthesis.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL FLIGHT MECHANICS MODEL INCORPORATING A RAPIDLY ROTATING AIRFOIL

A two-dimensional simulation model was developed to investigate the flight mechanics of an aircraft incorporating a rapidly pitching or oscillating airfoil. Inputs to the model consist of aircraft characteristics and flight parameters. The lift, drag, and moment coefficients for the pitching and oscillating airfoils are obtained from wind tunnel experimental data or computational results. The output of the model includes the aircraft trajectory, velocities and accelerations, pitch angle, and angles-of-attack of the aircraft and the rotating airfoil. The model is capable of handling the interaction between a rotating wing and a horizontal tail as well as a rotating canard and a fixed main wing. The model shows good agreement with the solution of the appropriate differential equations describing an aircraft with a rotating airfoil. It was found that in many cases, average coefficients can substituted for detailed coefficient histories with good results and much more efficient computation. The investigation has pointed out where experimental and/or computational data is needed to fully assess the potential benefit of rapidly rotating airfoils to enhance dynamic lift. Nomenclature AR
A study of the reduction of fatigue impact on productivity through optimal rest break scheduling.

The variable-k with penalty (VKP) model was developed to determine optimal individual rest break policies. The goal is to maximize worker output over a specified time horizon. A rest break policy consists of the number, duration, and placement of rest breaks. This study examined the validity of the VKP model in an experiment that involved 10 subjects engaged in the demanding physical task of riding an ergometer. In separate sessions, the subjects first used a self-determined rest break policy and then the model's policy. A comparison of the results indicated that, on the average, work output increased by nearly 13% when the subjects used the model's policy.
The Effect of Extended Holding Time, Temperature, and Dietary Energy on Yields of Broilers

Abstract Feed was withdrawn, but water was available, for 12 hr before 8-week-old broilers were held in crates at 10.0 and 32.2 C for 8 and 16 hr or at 26.7 C for 16 hr. The effects of holding time, holding temperature, and dietary energy on shrinkage and processing yields were investigated. The rates of live weight loss were linear with holding time and were .219 and .513%/hr for birds held at 10.0 and 32.2 C, respectively. Male birds tended to have higher weight loss than the females. When based on preholding weight, carcass yields decreased significantly for both holding times at both temperatures; however, yields tended to slightly increase with time when based on the postholding weight. Broilers reared on a 3325 kcal/kg ration lost significantly more than those reared on a 3100 kcal/kg ration after 16 hr of holding at 26.7 C. Eviscerated carcass yields were significantly higher for the birds reared on the low energy diet than for those reared on the higher energy diet. Increased holding time reduced viscera weight and the weight of blood and feathers lost during slaughter.
Synthesis of regiospecifically labeled [18O]glycolic acid and [18O]acyldihydroxyacetone phosphate.

Methods are detailed for the preparation of [2-18O]glycolate from chloroacetic acid and for the direct conversion of these intermediates to regiospecifically labeled [2-18O]-2-O-acylglycolic acids containing approximately 90% 18O at the C-O-acyl bond. Methods are also detailed for optimization of reaction conditions and yields for each synthetic step in previously published methods for the preparation of 1-O-acyldihydroxyacetone-3-O-phosphate (DHAP) from acyloxyacetic acid (i.e., 2-O-acylglycolic acid), where acyl is tetradecanoyl, hexadecanoyl, or heptadecanoyl. The optimized reaction conditions generate 1-O-acyl DHAP in its acid form, both in high overall yield and in high purity, without requiring a final chromatographic purification of the product, 1-O-acyl DHAP. Combining these new methods, efficient and facile preparations of regiospecifically labeled [1-18O]-1-O-hexadecanoyl DHAP and [1-18O]-1-O-heptadecanoyl DHAP have now been demonstrated, in which approximately 90% 18O is specifically located only at the C-O-acyl position. Some mechanistic postulates are offered to account for the optimized yields, regioselectivities, and high 18O incorporation which are observed in the reactions we have employed to generate 1-O-acyl DHAP from glycolate intermediates.
The Dandy Coup de Théâtre: Homosexual Eros and the London Stage

Oscar Wilde’s literary works as a whole, in the decade from 1880 to 1890, reveal that his central concern is the conflict between biological drives — primarily erotic impulses — and conscious intellectual perceptions in the development of personality. Wilde’s s preoccupation with the relationships between body and spirit in the poetry, between heterosexual eroticism and self-knowledge in the early plays, and between homosexual desire and self-absorbed intellectual exchange in the dialogues reveals his preoccupation with the Classical concept of Eros throughout the phases of his aesthetic development. However, Wilde’s distinct treatments of heterosexual and homosexual themes suggests that variations on the nature of the theme of Eros emerge throughout his work.
Race/ethnicity and acute respiratory distress syndrome: a National Trauma Data Bank study.

Background A study in the general population has shown a higher acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mortality among blacks. We studied whether black blunt-trauma patients experience different ARDS incidence, ARDS-associ-ated mortality, or ARDS case fatality rates.
ALTERED SYMPATHOADRENOMEDULLARY ACTIVITY IN YOUNG PATIENTS WITH SUPPRESSED RENIN RESPONSIVENESS

Plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine and their response to upright posture were measured in 13 patients with primary hypertension, age 9 to 19 years, and 8 young adult normotensive volunteers, age 20 to 24. Plasma volume and extracellular fluid volume were also measured in the hypertensive patients. Five patients with blunted renin activity response to upright posture had reduced norepinephrine responses and increased basal epinephrine when compared to the other patients and normotensive volunteers. Patients with blunted renin responses had expanded plasma volumes. There appears to be a subgroup of children and adolescents with primary hypertension in whom altered sympathoadrenomedullary activity and expanded plasma volume may be important in the cause and maintenance of the elevated blood pressure.
Comparing catheter-related bloodstream infections in pediatric and adult cancer patients

Objective Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential to treatment of children with cancer. There are no studies comparing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in pediatric cancer patients to those in adults, although current guidelines for management of CRBSI do not give separate guidelines for the pediatric population. In this study, we compared CRBSIs in both the pediatric and adult cancer population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 92 pediatric and 156 adult patients with CRBSI cared for at MD Anderson Cancer Center between September 2005 and March 2014. Results We evaluated 248 patients with CRBSI. There was a significant difference in etiology of CRBSI between pediatric and adult patients (P = 0.002), with the former having less Gram-negative organisms (27 vs. 46%) and more polymicrobial infections (10 vs. 1%, P = 0.003). Pediatric patients had less hematologic malignancies (58 vs. 74%) and less neutropenia at presentation (40 vs. 54%) when compared with adult patients. Peripheral blood cultures were available in only 43% of pediatric cases. CVC was removed in 64% of pediatric cases versus 88% of adult cases (P < 0.0001). Conclusion We found higher rates of Gram-negative organisms in adults and higher rates of polymicrobial in children. Because of the low rates of peripheral blood cultures and the low rates of CVC removal, CRBSI diagnosis could be challenging in pediatrics. A modified CRBSI definition relying more on clinical criteria may be warranted.
Effect of cyclooxygenase inhibition on the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex-induced cardiovascular consequences in men.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) products play a role in activating the muscle metaboreflex. It is not known whether COX products contribute to the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex. Herein, we demonstrate that ...
Reconciling postmodern public administration and constitutionalism: some reflections on the ideas of stuart hampshire

Drawing on the ideas of Stuart Hampshire, this paper argues that American constitutionalism, thought of as a set of practices for resolving conflict, may be especially helpful in the postmodern condition because it encourages the resolution of conflict among different cultural conceptions of the good by practices of adversarial argument and procedural justice, rather than simply by force and violence. Consequently, a constitutional approach to American public administration has merit in directing our attention towards our particular practices for resolving value conflict. However, a constitutional approach cannot provide universal standards for the fair resolution of conflict. Also, any attempt to legitimate public administration in our constitutional practices is always potentially problematic because such practices, themselves, are always contestable.
Transnational corporation-bangladesh relations: a resource dependence perspective

This article examines the application of "resource dependency theory" to transnational corporations (TNCs) operating in host countries like Bangladesh to explain the relationship between the TNCs and Bangladesh. Data indicate that while the TNCs' participation in a third world host country is encouraged primarily for promoting its economic development, TNCs are mainly attracted by market size, purchasing capacities (determined mainly by GNP) of the population, and stable political condition of the country. Although examination of the application of resource dependency theory provides some insights into understanding the complicated relationship between TNCs and Bangladesh, several other factors, not explained by resource dependency theory, help explain the behavior of TNCs in a host country
Youth Disclosure of Sexual Orientation to Siblings and Extended Family.

Objective To explore the processes and experiences associated with disclosing sexual orientation to siblings and extended family. Background Few studies prioritize the experience of disclosing to siblings and extended family, despite its frequency and potential impact on the family unit. Extended family members often act as sources of support for youth; it is therefore worthwhile to consider whether this remains true during and after disclosure of sexual orientation. Method Interview and questionnaire data were gathered from 22 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth, 14 to 21 years of age, from a large Midwestern city. Constructivist grounded theory informed the qualitative methodology and data analysis. We build on concepts of horizontal and vertical family relationships by also introducing the concept of diagonal relationships. Results Participants described their relationships with aunts as possessing characteristics of horizontal and vertical relationships, allowing them to act as moderators and mediators of the parent-child relationship. Conclusion The concepts of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal relationships take into consideration how the structure (e.g., hierarchy, egalitarianism, boundaries) and nature (e.g., closeness, reciprocity, mentorship) of various relationships shape the coming-out process for LGBQ youth, without dismissing the importance of either immediate or extended family members. Implications The emerging conceptualization can guide services and interventions as well as illuminate further research on the family systems of LGBQ youth.
Bottom‐up processes drive reproductive success in an apex predator

One of the central goals of the field of population ecology is to identify the drivers of population dynamics, particularly in the context of predator-prey relationships. Understanding the relative role of top-down versus bottom-up drivers is of particular interest in understanding ecosystem dynamics. Our goal was to explore predator-prey relationships in a boreal ecosystem in interior Alaska through the use of multispecies long-term monitoring data. We used 29 years of field data and a dynamic multistate site occupancy modeling approach to explore the trophic relationships between an apex predator, the golden eagle, and cyclic populations of the two primary prey species available to eagles early in the breeding season, snowshoe hare and willow ptarmigan. We found that golden eagle reproductive success was reliant on prey numbers, but also responded prior to changes in the phase of the snowshoe hare population cycle and failed to respond to variation in hare cycle amplitude. There was no lagged response to ptarmigan populations, and ptarmigan populations recovered quickly from the low phase. Together, these results suggested that eagle reproduction is largely driven by bottom-up processes, with little evidence of top-down control of either ptarmigan or hare populations. Although the relationship between golden eagle reproductive success and prey abundance had been previously established, here we established prey populations are likely driving eagle dynamics through bottom-up processes. The key to this insight was our focus on golden eagle reproductive parameters rather than overall abundance. Although our inference is limited to the golden eagle-hare-ptarmigan relationships we studied, our results suggest caution in interpreting predator-prey abundance patterns among other species as strong evidence for top-down control.
Modification of radiosensitivity following chemotherapy exposure: potential implications for combined-modality therapy.

Treatment protocols for many tumor sites often consist of a combination of poly-chemotherapy with loco-regional radiotherapy. In many instances, these treatments are given in close temporal proximity to each other, either within a few hours (concomitant) or within a few weeks of each other (sequential). In other instances, radiotherapy may be given at some considerable time after completion of chemotherapy to achieve a measure of loco-regional control in tumors that have recurred following front-line chemotherapy. The optimum integration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in all three situations has yet to be fully established. Careful consideration of the impact of clinically relevant chemoresistance on radiation response in these various scenarios, and appropriate adjustments, may lead to qualitative differences in patient quality of life, and hopefully quantitative improvements in disease free survival
Symmetry Properties of Point Defects in Solids

The properties of solids can be altered by substituting a small concentration of a different type of ion for one of the normal ions of the host lattice. This is referred to as doping the solid and is the key to important applications such as solid state laser materials and microelectronics based on n‐ and p‐type doping of semiconductors. The dopant ion can be either at a normal lattice site or at an interstitial site. It acts like a point defect in the host material and its properties are determined largely by its interaction with its nearest‐neighbor ions. The maximum possible concentration and the uniformity of the distribution of dopant ions are determined by the compatibility of the size and valance state of the ion compared to the host lattice ion it is replacing. As an example of the importance of symmetry in determining the properties of doped solids, the case of optically active ions in crystal hosts is described here. To introduce this topic, Sect. 4.1 provides a brief overview of the electronic properties of free ions. Following that, it is shown how group theory is used to determine the number and types of energy levels of these ions in different crystalline environments, and the selection rules for electronic transitions between their energy levels.
Triggering and Activation of Human Neutrophils

The function of the neutrophil can be summed up as follows: Upon engagement of its surface receptors by immune reactants or chemoattractants, this motile postmitotic cell seeks and destroys microbes by chemotaxis and phagocytosis. After engagement of these membrane receptors by inflammatory ligands such as C5a, f-Met-Leu-Phe, or leukotriene B4, neutrophils undergo: (1) activation of phospholipases and turnover of membrane phospholipids (Walsh et al.,1981, 1984; Sherman et al.,1983; Korchak et al., 1986; Wynkoop et al.,1986), (2) alterations in ion fluxes and membrane potential (Naccache et al., 1977; Korchak et al., 1978; Horne et al., 1981; Jones et al.,1981; Whitin et al., 1980), (3) increases in cytosolic calcium (Goldstein et al., 1974; O’Flaherty et al.,1978), and (4) phosphorylation of cellular proteins (Schneider et al., 1981; Andrews and Babior, 1984; White et al., 1984). These events regulate the biological functions of aggregation, chemotaxis, degranulation, release of reactive oxygen species, and production of the lipid-derived inflammatory substances acetyl-glyceryl-ether, phosphorylcholine (platelet activating factor, Benveniste et al.,1972), leukotriene B4 (Borgeat and Samuelsson, 1979), and lipoxin A (Serhan et al. 1984).
Principles of successful surgical anti-reflux procedures

most common gastrointestinal disorder in the United States. Although lifestyle changes and medical therapy are the most common forms of therapy, with the advent of laparoscopy, more patients are choosing surgical therapy not only to treat the failures of medical therapy, but as an alternative to it. Surgeons must, therefore, be familiar with the principles of patient selection and with the techniques used to treat this disease. This chapter discusses the indications (and contraindications) and the work-up of patients suspected of having GERD and consulting for it, and the technique of anti-reflux procedures.
Consolidation Trends In California's Health Care System: Impacts On ACA Premiums And Outpatient Visit Prices.

California has heavily concentrated hospital, physician, and health insurance markets, but their current structure and functioning is not well understood. We assessed consolidation trends and perfo...
Risk Aversion or Loss Aversion? The Role of CEO Perceived Control

Much of the research on managerial risk taking is grounded in one of the two leading theoretical perspectives: agency theory and prospect theory. While both perspectives agree that stock-based ince...
Advocacy Differentiating Differentiation

This column describes how to differentiate differentiation using a two-step process. Step 1 differentiates the basic curriculum to meet the general traits of the gifted and Step 2 amends the select...
Some Limit Properties of Markov Chains Induced by Stochastic Recursive Algorithms

Recursive stochastic algorithms have gained significant attention in the recent past due to data driven applications. Examples include stochastic gradient descent for solving large-scale optimization problems and empirical dynamic programming algorithms for solving Markov decision problems. These recursive stochastic algorithms approximate certain contraction operators and can be viewed within the framework of iterated random operators. Accordingly, we consider iterated random operators over a Polish space that simulate iterated contraction operator over that Polish space. Assume that the iterated random operators are indexed by certain batch sizes such that as batch sizes grow to infinity, each realization of the random operator converges (in some sense) to the contraction operator it is simulating. We show that starting from the same initial condition, the distribution of the random sequence generated by the iterated random operators converges weakly to the trajectory generated by the contraction operator. We further show that under certain conditions, the time average of the random sequence converges to the spatial mean of the invariant distribution. We then apply these results to logistic regression, empirical value iteration, and empirical Q value iteration for finite state finite action MDPs to illustrate the general theory develop here.
Conventional PID, Adaptive PID, and Sliding Mode Controllers Design for Aircraft Pitch Control

In this paper conventional PID, Fuzzy PID and Sliding Mode (SM) controllers have been designed and analyzed for the pitch control of an aircraft. The main purpose is to stabilize the aircraft in case of any external disturbance. An appropriate mathematical model for the longitudinal motion of aircraft is considered. Simulations are performed in MATLAB Simulink for the proposed controllers and results are critically and analytically discussed. Furthermore, analysis based on different performance measures i.e. Integral Squared Error (ISE), Integral Absolute Error (IAE), rise time, settling time, and under shoot are performed to compare the response of the controllers. Besides in comparison, the simulation results validate the robustness and better performance of SMC and Fuzzy PID for pitch control of an aircraft.
Frequency regulation service provision in data center with computational flexibility

Abstract The rapid adoption of cloud storage and computing services led to unprecedented growth of data centers in the world. As bulk energy consumers, large-scale data centers in the U.S. rack up billions in electricity costs annually. Fortunately, the operational flexibility of data centers can be leveraged to provide valuable frequency regulation services in smart grids to mitigate the indeterminacy of the renewable generation resources. Specifically, this paper aims to leverage computational flexibility provided by servers, such as dynamic voltage frequency scaling and dummy loads. This paper develops a comprehensive framework for data center’s frequency regulation service provision in both hour-ahead market and real-time operations. A risk constrained hour-ahead bidding strategy along with a real-time data center power consumption control algorithm are developed to minimize electricity bills and the total response time of the requests. The introduction of dummy load, realistic bi-linear server power consumption model, and probabilistic forecast of electricity and frequency regulation service prices enable the data center to accurately follow frequency regulation signals, while reducing the financial risks associated with electricity market participation. The simulation results show that the proposed frequency regulation provision framework results not only in significant cost reduction for data centers, but also limits degradation in quality of service. Meanwhile, the stability and reliability of a power grid will be improved by the frequency regulation service provision.
Communicating extreme event policy windows: Discourses on Hurricane Sandy and policy change in Boston and New York City

Abstract The potential for extreme weather events to open windows for public policy changes or transitions has been studied from various theoretical and analytical perspectives. Following extreme weather events, the media (including popular press and journalism) contributes to critical moments, where a potential window opens to transform public understandings of issues and challenges in established extreme event discourses. This paper examines government engagement with the media to better understand conditions of the post-event policy window from the perspective of critical discourse moments. More specifically, the paper uses keyword analysis and critical discourse analysis to examine discursive constructions of the post-event policy window following Hurricane Sandy by two city governments– Boston and New York. We contrast the language of city government engagement with media about post-disaster policy responses and compare this with the language of proposed city policies on climate risk adaptation and mitigation strategies. The outcomes of this analysis illustrate differences between government engagement with media in the post-disaster window and their eventual climate policy responses. The results raise questions regarding the influence of the media on post-disaster policy responses and focus attention on the proximity of an extreme weather event as potentially affecting the type of policy response (either proactive or reactive) by a governing body.
Metacognitive monitoring and help-seeking decisions on mathematical equivalence problems

Metacognition is central to children’s cognitive development. However, there is conflicting evidence about children’s ability to accurately monitor their performance and subsequently control their behavior. This is of particular interest for mathematics topics on which children exhibit persistent misconceptions—that is, when children’s knowledge of a topic is inaccurate, yet resistant to change. This study investigated elementary school children’s metacognitive regulation on mathematical equivalence problems (N = 52, ages 6.7–9.8 years), including their ability to accurately monitor their certainty and their ability to control their behavior by making strategic help-seeking decisions. Results revealed that children were exceedingly confident—even when their answers were incorrect—resulting in relatively low accurate monitoring scores. However, their help-seeking decisions were largely strategic—reflecting children’s tendency to not ask for help when feeling confident—resulting in relatively high control scores. Additionally, individual differences in accurate monitoring and in strategic control were positively correlated with children’s comprehensive knowledge of mathematical equivalence, and the correlation with accurate monitoring held up after controlling for baseline accuracy, certainty, and help-seeking. Collectively, these results suggest that children may face unique, but critically important, metacognitive challenges when solving mathematical equivalence problems.
Commentary on 2019 Roepke Lecture “War, Capitalism, and the Making and Unmaking of Economic Geographies”

Erica Schoenberger has done yeoman work over the years digging into European history to reflect on the origins of markets and money. Her Roepke lecture builds on this earlier work to the question o...
Pharmaceutical industry-led partnerships focused on addressing the global burden of non-communicable diseases: a review of Access Accelerated

Abstract Objective In spite of the increasing number of global health partnerships led by biopharmaceutical companies, there is a paucity of information on the number, type, and role of partners. This paper aims to analyze partnerships carrying out company programs included in Access Accelerated, a new industry initiative, focused on addressing the global non-communicable disease burden. Study design Document review and content analysis. Methods We extracted data on the number, type, and role of partners from 63 company programs reported into the Access Observatory, a public platform for reporting on access-to-medicines programs, in 2017. We did a descriptive analysis of the proportion of partners by sector, institution, and location. We used the Fischer’s exact test to analyze the relationship between the program strategies, disease focus, and countries with the type of program partners. Based on our empirical findings, we developed a typology of program partnerships, according to which we categorized each of the 63 programs. Results Programs worked with three partners on average, the majority of which were local governmental or non-governmental organizations (70%). Most programs focused on health service strengthening (83%), community awareness and linkage to care (81%), and health service delivery (60%). Twenty-six of the 63 programs (41%) worked with the local Ministries of Health while 25 (40%) partnered with disease-specific organizations, 21 (33%) with hospitals, and 16 (25%) with academic institutions. Partnering with the Ministries of Health was significantly associated with the use of a health service strengthening program strategy (P = 0.02). Partnering with a hospital (P = 0.004) or private sector partner (P = 0.0009) was significantly associated with a program disease focus on cancer. Seventy-nine percent of the programs were solely funded by pharmaceutical companies. According to our program typology, 40 (63%) programs partnered directly or indirectly with multiple implementing organizations, which delivered the program directly to beneficiaries. Conclusion Pharmaceutical companies play a leading role in funding Access Accelerated programs with local governmental or non-governmental organizations mainly involved in program implementation. A detailed and transparent reporting of the role of local stakeholders in agenda setting, planning, and coordination of programs is needed to ensure public trust and accountability of programs led by pharmaceutical companies. More research is needed to identify the partnerships that are particularly suitable to promote efficient implementation, evaluation, and reporting depending on the nature of the program and context.
Relative expression analysis of light-harvesting genes in the freshwater alga Lympha mucosa (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta).

Members of the freshwater red algal order Batrachospermales are often described as shade-adapted. Nevertheless, recent ecophysiological studies have demonstrated species-level differences in acclimation to a range of irradiances. Lympha mucosa occurs in open and shaded portions of temperate streams and is abundant during summer months, suggesting it tolerates high and low irradiances. Specimens of L. mucosa were collected from open (sun-acclimated) or shaded (shade-acclimated) sites and exposed to low (<20 μmol photons · m-2 · s-1 ) or high (220 μmol photon · m-2 · s-1 ) light for 72 h to examine mechanisms of photoacclimation at the transcriptional level. High-throughput sequence data were used to design specific primers for genes involved with light harvesting and these were quantified with qPCR. The greatest significant difference in transcript abundances was observed in the psaA gene (Photosystem I P700 apoprotein), and site-type had an effect on these responses. Shade-acclimated thalli were 22-fold down-regulated at high light, whereas sun-acclimated thalli were only 5-fold down-regulated. Another gene involved with Photosystem I (petF ferredoxin) was down-regulated at high light, but only individuals from the shaded site were significantly different (4-fold). In thalli from both sites, cpeA (Phycoerythrin alpha chain) was down-regulated at high light. Although not statistically significant, patterns consistent with previous physiological and transcriptomic studies were uncovered, namely the inverse response of transcriptional activity in genes that encode phycobiliproteins. In support of previous ecophysiological studies of freshwater red algae, these data indicate significant transcriptional changes involving Photosystem I and phycobiliprotein synthesis are required to tolerate and grow at various irradiances.
A novel variation of the suture suspension facelift.

Background We propose a technical variation of the minimally invasive suture suspension facelift. Methods A novel variation of the minimally invasive facelift is proposed. The technique consists of two components. The anterior component addresses aging of the midface by anchoring the SMAS on to the sturdy retroauricular supra-helical deep temporal fascia using approximately 6-8 passes of a 4/0 Mersilene suture. The posterior component addresses cervical aging by securing the posterior edge of the platysma onto the sturdy mastoid fascia, using multiple loops of a 4/0 Mersilene suture. This technique was performed on 100 consecutive patients between 2005 and 2010. Results The technique was found to be safe due to the plane of dissection remaining superficial to the parotid gland in the anterior component. There were no instances of facial nerve injury or sensory disturbance. None of the patients required a secondary procedure within the first 18 months following the procedure. Conclusions This technique offers a safe and effective option for patients who seek a facelift, especially in combination with other procedures. It is envisaged that the use of multiple loops of suture to anchor mobile tissue onto fixed sturdy fascia will contribute to the longevity of the results. The limited skin undermining also makes this procedure a better choice for smokers.
Relating through instructing: affiliative interactional resources used by the teacher when giving feedback on student work

Providing feedback on student work is a vital part of pedagogy. However, instructors may inadvertently create a distance between themselves and students by asserting authority when evaluating stude...
A 120 dB Dynamic Range Logarithmic Multispectral Imager for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Image-Guided Surgery

Despite tremendous developments in preoperative imaging that have enabled physicians to identify cancers with remarkable precision, limited options for intraoperative imaging have left many surgeons ill-equipped to locate tumors in the operating room. Near-infrared fluorescence image-guided surgery has offered to use near-infrared fluorescent dyes and near-infrared sensitive cameras to highlight diseased tissue, but state-of-the-art imaging systems have been unable to provide both the single sensor architecture and the high dynamic range required to facilitate precise surgical procedures under operating room illumination. In seeking a solution, we have monolithically integrated an array of forward-biased photodiodes and an array of interference filters to provide a logarithmic photoresponse across four spectral channels. The resulting single-chip snapshot multispectral imaging system provides an instantaneous dynamic range of >120 dB and a maximum signal-to-noise ratio of ∼56 dB across three color channels and one near-infrared channel. Capable of detecting less than 50 nM of the clinically-relevant fluorescent dye indocyanine green, this image sensor offers the high performance required for real-world surgical application.
DIAGNOSIS OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

The diagnosis of interstitial cystitis is best based on the techniques necessary to elicit the criteria established at the conferences of the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Essentially, this requires a thorough patient history, urodynamic evaluation, and cystoscopy carried out under anesthesia with hydrodistention of the bladder and bladder biopsy. Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis is tightly linked to its definition, and until the latter is crystal clear, the former will continue to be murky.