cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-Resistance to α-Cypermethrin After Xanthotoxin Ingestion in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450) are membrane-bound hemoproteins that play important roles in conferring protection against both naturally occurring phytochemicals and synthetic organic insecticides. Despite the potential for common modes of detoxification, cross-resistance between phytochemicals and synthetic organic insecticides has rarely been documented. In this study, we examined the responses of a susceptible strain of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), a polyphagous noctuid, to exposure by an allelochemical infrequently encountered in its host plants and by an insecticide widely used for control purposes. Within a single generation, survivors of xanthotoxin exposure displayed higher levels of tolerance to α-cypermethrin than did unexposed control larvae. The F1 offspring of xanthotoxin-exposed survivors also displayed higher α-cypermethrin tolerance than did offspring of unexposed control larvae, suggesting that increased α-cypermethrin tolerance after xanthotoxin exposure represents, at least in part, heritable resistance. Administration of piperonyl butoxide, a P450 synergist, demonstrated that resistance to both xanthotoxin and α-cypermethrin is P450-mediated. α-Cypermethrin-exposed survivors, however, failed to show superior growth on xanthotoxin diets. Assays with control larvae, larvae induced by both xanthotoxin and α-cypermethrin, and survivors of LD50 doses of both compounds indicated that H. zea midgut P450s are capable of metabolizing both xanthotoxin and α-cypermethrin. Metabolism of each compound is significantly inhibited by the presence of the other compound, suggesting that at least one form of P450 in H. zea midguts degrades both compounds and may constitute the biochemical basis for possible cross-resistance. Compared with control larvae, xanthotoxin- and α-cypermethrin-induced larvae displayed 2- to 4-fold higher P450-mediated metabolism of both compounds. However, xanthotoxin- and α-cypermethrin-exposed survivors exhibited much higher (2.5- to 11-fold) metabolism of both compounds than did the induced larvae. The metabolism results, like the bioassay results, are consistent with the interpretation that increased α-cypermethrin tolerance after xanthotoxin exposure is attributable mainly to heritable resistance.
Framework for hyperspectral image processing and quantification for cancer detection during animal tumor surgery

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an imaging modality that holds strong potential for rapid cancer detection during image-guided surgery. But the data from HSI often needs to be processed appropriately in order to extract the maximum useful information that differentiates cancer from normal tissue. We proposed a framework for hyperspectral image processing and quantification, which includes a set of steps including image preprocessing, glare removal, feature extraction, and ultimately image classification. The framework has been tested on images from mice with head and neck cancer, using spectra from 450- to 900-nm wavelength. The image analysis computed Fourier coefficients, normalized reflectance, mean, and spectral derivatives for improved accuracy. The experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of the hyperspectral image processing and quantification framework for cancer detection during animal tumor surgery, in a challenging setting where sensitivity can be low due to a modest number of features present, but potential for fast image classification can be high. This HSI approach may have potential application in tumor margin assessment during image-guided surgery, where speed of assessment may be the dominant factor.
The effects of dopamine on edema formation in two models of traumatic brain injury.

The risk of vasopressors worsening cerebral edema has been raised. Previously we have reported that dopamine was able to restore cerebral blood flow in a model of monotonically rising intracranial pressure. In this study the effects of dopamine on cortical contusion and diffuse injury with secondary insult are examined. Adult male rats were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 32) - Impact Acceleration Injury (IAM) with 30 minutes hypoxia and hypotension; group 2 (n = 12) - controlled cortical impact (6.0 m/ sec, 3 mm depth). Dopamine was administered 2 hours post-injury (10–60 µg/kg/min iv). Cerebral water content and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) values were measured at baseline and four hours post-injury using MRI. Preinjury water content was the same in each group. Group 1 was subdivided into Groups 1A & 1B based on the ADC profile. Post-injury water content in Group 1A did not differ between saline or dopamine treated animals. Water content was higher in Group 1B-dopamine (83.4 ± 1.1%) than Group IB-saline animals (81.4 ± 1.3%, p = 0.006). Contusion caused significant edema formation, however there was no significant difference between the dopamine treated or untreated group when considering either ipsilateral or contralateral cortex. Dopamine however significantly worsened edema in ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampus and both temporal cortices. ADC remained unchanged except in the contralateral hippocampus where both water content and ADC rose with dopamine suggesting precipitation of a vasogenic edema. In this study dopamine clearly worsened edema formation in two models of traumatic brain injury, and we conclude that there may be analogous clinical situations; therefore pressors should not be considered a ‘blanket’ therapy for all patients with a low cerebral perfusion pressure.
The Constitutional Life of Legislative Instructions in America

In America's early history, state legislatures often formally instructed their federal representatives on particular votes. This practice flourished for a century, but then died out - a change that many scholars attribute to the Seventeenth Amendment. This Note argues that previous scholars have ignored other, more important reasons for the demise of instructions. The six-year term length for United States senators, combined with the increasingly rapid turnover in state legislatures, prevented binding instructions from becoming entrenched. Instructions were held in place only by constitutional culture, but even this did not last. After Southern Democrats vigorously used the practice to purge Whigs from the Senate, instructions were indelibly linked to the South. Not surprisingly, the doctrine of instructions was one of the casualties of the Civil War. The roles had been reversed: Now the states - especially the Southern states - were taking instructions from the federal government. Today, instructions still exist, but as nonbinding "requests" for action. This new conception of instructions returns us full circle, to James Madison's conception of the proper role of instructions: A right of "the people . . . to express and communicate their wishes" to their representatives.
Just and Patriotic: Creating a National Museum in Guatemala (1831–1930)

This article traces a century of efforts to create a National Museum in Guatemala City. Political instability and natural disasters thwarted these efforts, which nevertheless formed a significant chapter in the country's museum history. The contents of the laws and decrees that ordered the formation of museums provide indications about their political context and aims, while travellers’ reports and museum publications provide a hint at the collections and exhibitions of the first and second national museums, which functioned at the Sociedad Economica de Amigos del Pais (1866–1881) and the Palacio de La Reforma (1898–1917). In addition to local politics, both the country's participation in international expositions and foreign involvement in archaeological research and collecting played a role in museum formation and demise. Special attention is given to the laws and initiatives of the 1920s, which led to the opening of a National Museum in 1930, with a critique of previous work on this important period of...
Collaborative action research for middle grades improvement

Technology’s rapid evolution applies constant pressure to educational organizations, suggesting a need to continually re-envision schools for the digital age. Yet educators often struggle to understand the growing chasm between students’ out-of-school and in-school technology lives. This gap is particularly noticeable during the middle grades years, when home technology use increases dramatically. The purpose of this research was to examine the experiences of teachers and students engaged in collaborative action research for middle school improvement in technology-rich settings. We begin by outlining our theoretical framework, emphasizing Fletcher’s Ladder of Student Involvement. We then describe our case-study design and methods. Findings are organized by action research components and a discussion of key themes follows. Finally, we consider the implications of this study for action research as a means of student involvement and teacher learning.
Trends in the Concomitant Prescribing of Opioids and Benzodiazepines, 2002-2014.

Introduction Although many clinical guidelines caution against the combined use of opioids and benzodiazepines, overdose deaths and emergency department visits involving the co-ingestion of these drugs are increasing. Methods In this ecologic time series study, the IMS Health Total Patient Tracker was used to describe nationally projected trends of patients receiving opioids and benzodiazepines in the U.S. outpatient retail setting between January 2002 and December 2014. The IMS Health Data Extract Tool was used to examine trends in the concomitant prescribing of these two medication classes among 177 million individuals receiving opioids during this period. The annual proportion of opioid recipients who were prescribed benzodiazepines concomitantly was calculated and stratified by gender, age, duration of opioid use, immediate-release versus extended-release/long-acting opioids, and benzodiazepine molecule. The proportion of patients with concomitancy receiving opioids and benzodiazepines from the same prescriber was also analyzed. Analyses were conducted from April to June 2015. Results The nationally projected number of patients receiving opioids and benzodiazepines increased by 8% and 31%, respectively, from 2002 to 2014. During this period, the annual proportion of opioid recipients dispensed a benzodiazepine concomitantly increased from 6.8% to 9.6%, which corresponded to a relative increase of 41%. Approximately half of these patients received both prescriptions from the same prescriber on the same day. Concomitancy was more common in patients receiving opioids for ≥90 days, women, and the elderly. Conclusions Concomitant prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines is increasing and may play a growing role in adverse patient outcomes related to these medications.
Periprosthetic Fracture of the Femur After Long-Term Bisphosphonate Use: A Case Report.

Bisphosphonates are popular drugs that are used for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. This class of medication suppresses bone turnover by inhibiting osteoclast function and promoting osteoclast apoptosis, a beneficial process in attenuating bone resorption. However, there have been recent concerns that although bisphosphonates reduce the incidence of classical forms of osteoporotic fractures, they may be linked to atypical subtrochanteric fractures. Recently, a task force for the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) reported their findings after reviewing published reports and preclinical studies1, in which they found that 94% of atypical fractures of the femur were in patients on bisphosphonate therapy. A relationship between these atypical fractures and bisphosphonate use remains to be demonstrated1,2, although a characteristic atypical radiographic fracture pattern has been observed in patients presenting with these fractures, namely that of so-called “beaking” and thickening of the lateral cortex at the subtrochanteric region of the femur2-4. In retrospective reviews, this finding was observed in patients who had sustained fractures after receiving several years of bisphosphonate therapy and was frequently observed bilaterally1,5, suggesting a systemic process6. However, the subtrochanteric region has been identified as the site of maximal bending7, suggesting that there is also a biomechanical component. We report a case demonstrating an atypical femoral fracture below a total hip prosthesis to alert surgeons to this relatively new phenomenon and provide additional support to the biomechanical hypothesis as a cause for atypical fractures of the femur. The patient was informed that data concerning her case would be submitted for publication, and she provided consent. In September 2010, an eighty-one-year-old …
Influence of respiratory acidosis on ECG and pressor responses to epinephrine, norepinephrine and metaraminol.

Summary and Conclusions1. Sympathomimetic agents were administered to intact dogs under conditions of respiratory acidosis and at normal blood pH. Arterial pressure responses and electrocardiograms were obtained. In the presence of respiratory acidosis, the pressor responses were somewhat diminished and ECG abnormalities were absent or minimal as compared to the control state. 2. The same agents were administered to dogs subjected to total cardiac by-pass. Pressor responses under conditions of respiratory acidosis were uniformly much less in these animals than responses subsequently obtained in the same animals in which the arterial blood pH was at or near normal values.
INVITED EDITORIAL COMMENT: Ambiguity Management

1. Brian Jacobsen 1. is chief portfolio strategist for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, and an associate professor at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI. (brian.jacobsen{at}wellsfargo.com) Inspiration almost always comes from unexpected places. Such was the case for me on February
Volatile Products of Cellulose Pyrolysis

Cellulose was pyrolyzed under various conditions, and 82 compounds were identified as volatile products. The temperature for maximum formation of most of these compounds in nitrogen was in the range of 600°C~650°C, while it was 50°C~200°C lower in air. The maximum yield of most of the products was also lower in air than in nitrogen. The temperature for maximum formation of most volatile products of filter paper treated with potassium nitrate was 50°C~100°C lower than the temperature required for untreated paper, although the maximum yields of volatile products from treated filter paper did not bear any relationship to the maximum yields from untreated paper.Comparisons between volatile pyrolysis products and components of cellulose cigarette smoke proved that they were qualitatively similar, but that most pyrolysis products were obtained in much larger quantities than smoke components per weight of cellulose.
Power factors of askarel and askarel-filled transformers

Power factor measurements are one of a series of tests performed during periodic Preventative Main tenance shutdowns to determine the serviceability of transformers. Measurements have been made on units insulated with mineral oil and askarel (PCBfs) and on dry-type units. Wide variations in power factor values have been recorded for service-aged askarel liquid and askarel-filled transformers. Various organizations have suggested power factor limits — sane high, sane low.3'4,5,6 what power factor limits should be used to determine if a unit is still serviceable? The power factor guidelines suggested by Monsanto Company, the manufacturer of the liquid, are quite broad while electrical insulation consultants such as Doble Engineering Company have published very low limits but have also suggested higher values. Transformer manufacturers have a different set of values. Our experience indicates that power factor limits should be at more reasonable values, more in line with actual data being recorded for today's transformers. What are the determining factors that may help establish practical upper limits for safe operation? Present and proposed standards for acceptable power factor values are reviewed and suggested tolerances are presented for consideration. As a basis for carparison, power factors for oil and askarel liquid and for oil and askarel immersed transformers are presented.
Metabolic effects of eradicating breath methane using antibiotics in prediabetic subjects with obesity.

Objective Methanogens colonizing the human gut produce methane and influence host metabolism. This study examined metabolic parameters in methane-producing subjects before and after antibiotic treatment. Methods Eleven prediabetic methane-positive subjects (9F, 2M) with obesity (BMI 35.17 ± 7.71 kg/m2) aged 47 ± 9 years were recruited. Subjects underwent breath testing, symptom questionnaire, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile, and stool Methanobrevibacter smithii levels, gastric transit, and energy utilization analyses. After a 10-day antibiotic therapy (neomycin 500 mg bid/rifaximin 550 mg tid), all testing was repeated. Results Baseline stool M. smithii levels correlated with breath methane (R = 0.7, P = 0.05). Eight subjects (73%) eradicated breath methane and showed reduced stool M. smithii (P = 0.16). After therapy, methane-eradicated subjects showed significant improvements in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.028), total cholesterol (P = 0.01), and insulin levels on OGTT (P = 0.05 at 120 minutes), lower blood glucose levels on OGTT (P = 0.054 at 90 minutes), significant reductions in bloating (P = 0.018) and straining (P = 0.059), and a trend toward lower stool dry weight. No changes were detected in gastric emptying time or energy harvest. Conclusions Breath methane eradication and M. smithii reduction are associated with significant improvements in total cholesterol, LDL, and insulin levels and with lower glucose levels in prediabetic subjects with obesity. The underlying mechanisms require further elucidation.
The Nonuse, Misuse, and Proper Use of Pilot Studies in Experimental Evaluation Research

This article discusses the nonuse, misuse, and proper use of pilot studies in experimental evaluation research. The authors first show that there is little theoretical, practical, or empirical guidance available to researchers who seek to incorporate pilot studies into experimental evaluation research designs. The authors then discuss how pilot studies can be misused, using statistical simulations to illustrate the error that can result from using effect sizes from pilot studies to decide whether to conduct a full trial or using effect sizes from pilot studies as the basis of power calculations in a full trial. Informed by the review of the literature and these simulation results, the authors conclude by proposing practical suggestions to researchers and practitioners on how to properly use pilot studies in experimental evaluation research.
Some unusual manifestations of parathyroid disease.

Hyperparathyroidism can masquerade as many diseases, can be associated with many diseases, and can present technical difficulties in surgical removal of diseased glands. Twelve cases reflect some of the interesting problems in each of these areas.
Animal Models of Addiction

Addiction is a vastly complex disorder – with biological, psychological, social, and spiritual determinants. To a degree, the psychological, social, and spiritual determinants can be studied at the human level. This is highly problematic for the biological determinants, as it would almost certainly involve probing and manipulating the living human brain – with its many neural circuits and systems subserving choice, impulsivity, compulsive behavior, positive affect, negative affect, drug-seeking, drug-taking, drug craving, and relapse. Therefore, animal models have been developed to model the various biological and, in parallel, behavioral aspects of drug-seeking, drug-taking, and relapse. These models possess both face validity and a significant degree of construct validity and predictive validity. Such models have yielded significant insights into the neurobiological substrates of addiction and have proven useful in the search for potentially effective anti-addiction, anti-craving, and anti-relapse medications to be used as adjuncts to other (e.g., cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, group support) therapeutic modalities.
Vacation experiences begin at home: A cruise line example

ABSTRACTA cruise ship passenger is asked to complete a customer satisfaction survey a few days after returning home from her vacation. The passenger details a nightmarish ordeal concerning her departure day experiences and comments that while her experience on the ship met her expectations, the moments that stand out most in her mind are those of travelling to the ship and reaching her cabin for the first time. While she acknowledges that the cruise line was not directly responsible for most of her misery, she asks that the managers of the cruise line do what they can to mitigate these problems.
Design, Synthesis, and Amplification of DNA Pools for In Vitro Selection

Preparation of a random-sequence DNA pool is presented. The degree of randomization and the length of the random sequence are discussed, as is synthesis of the pool using a DNA synthesizer. Purification of a single-stranded pool and conversion to a double-stranded pool are presented as step-by-step protocols. Support protocols describe determination of the complexity and skewing of the pool, and optimization of amplification conditions.
Does Disruptive Behavior Among Anesthesia Care Providers Decrease Patient Safety

Over the last few years, Andrew, an anesthesiology faculty member, has been doing primarily high-profile case assignments and taking a significant amount of overnight call. He has been extremely helpful and attentive to his colleagues, patients, needs of the department, and requests of the surgeons. Andrew’s demeanor is jovial and friendly with members of the department and operating room (OR) staff. Over the last 2 months, however, he has called out sick several times and he has stopped teaching residents. As a director of the OR, you learn that one of your fellow anesthesiologists, Nicholas, often makes derogative and humiliating comments to Andrew in regard to his clinical abilities and rapport with surgeons. The situation has been made worse as others appear entertained by Andrew’s ordeal.
Seeking medical care abroad: A challenge to empathy.

On an otherwise pleasant evening during the first week of July 2016, a businessman who was a citizen of the United Arab Emirates visiting Cleveland for medical treatment was falsely accused of links to a terror organization. Officers stormed his hotel with assault rifles and handcuffed and arrested
STRUCTURE AND CLASSIFICATION OF HEREDITARY NOETHERIAN PRIME RINGS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structure and classification of hereditary noetherian prime rings. A HNP-ring R is a pseudo-Dedekind ring if R has only a finite number of idempotent ideals, and every nonzero ideal of R contains an invertible ideal. It is known that pseudo-Dedekind rings have a rather uncomplicated ideal theory and that they form a very extensive class of HNP-rings. A HNP-ring R is a Dedekind ring if R has no proper idempotent ideals. In fact, a Dedekind domain is a domain that is also a Dedekind ring. It is observed that Dedekind domains need not be commutative. The chapter presents a structure theorem for arbitrary pseudo-Dedekind rings is presented. It presents all the known structure theoretic results for various classes of pseudo-Dedekind rings and provides new information even in the classical case.
Structural Health Management of Damaged Aircraft Structures Using the Digital Twin Concept

The development of multidisciplinary integrated Structural Health Management (SHM) tools will enable accurate detection, and prognosis of damaged aircraft under normal and adverse conditions during flight. As part of the digital twin concept, methodologies are developed by using integrated multiphysics models, sensor information and input data from an in-service vehicle to mirror and predict the life of its corresponding physical twin. SHM tools are necessary for both damage diagnostics and prognostics for continued safe operation of damaged aircraft structures. The adverse conditions include loss of control caused by environmental factors, actuator and sensor faults or failures, and structural damage conditions. A major concern in these structures is the growth of undetected damage/cracks due to fatigue and low velocity foreign object impact that can reach a critical size during flight, resulting in loss of control of the aircraft. To avoid unstable, catastrophic propagation of damage during a flight, load levels must be maintained that are below a reduced load-carrying capacity for continued safe operation of an aircraft. Hence, a capability is needed for accurate real-time predictions of damage size and safe load carrying capacity for structures with complex damage configurations. In the present work, a procedure is developed that uses guided wave responses to interrogate damage. As the guided wave interacts with damage, the signal attenuates in some directions and reflects in others. This results in a difference in signal magnitude as well as phase shifts between signal responses for damaged and undamaged structures. Accurate estimation of damage size, location, and orientation is made by evaluating the cumulative signal responses at various pre-selected sensor locations using a genetic algorithm (GA) based optimization procedure. The damage size, location, and orientation is obtained by minimizing the difference between the reference responses and the responses obtained by wave propagation finite element analysis of different representative cracks, geometries, and sizes.
St. Anselm : A Perspective on Anti-Administration

This article shows that we can learn about anti-administration and about contemporary Public Administration discourse by reflecting on the 11th - 12th century perspective of St. Anselm, a successful and brilliant 11th -12th century Bishop. The medieval perspective can underline the limited parameters of our traditional discourse.
Flexible Interconnects for Electronic Textiles

Conformable electrical systems integrated in textiles offer revolutionary possibilities. Textiles constitute an obvious choice as a multifunctional electronic platform, since they are worn and used to cover many surfaces around us. The primary focus of the emerging area of electronic textiles (e-textiles) is on developing transformative technologies to produce flexible, conformable, and large-area textile-based electronic systems. One of the main roadblocks to development of e-textiles is making (fiber-to-fiber) interconnects within textiles, with rigid semiconductor-based circuits and other devices, and efficiently routing these circuits. This problem is compounded by the need for the textile and other materials to withstand the stresses and strains of manufacturing and end-use. The fundamental challenge of forming these interconnects involves making them flexible, robust, and environmentally stable while ensuring adequate electrical connectivity. From a mechanical standpoint, the transition from soft to hard materials should occur with minimum stress/strain concentration. These challenges, if unaddressed, will remain a barrier to large-scale development of textile-based electronic systems. This work reviews the technological issues related to the textile interconnect, providing an overview of flexible interconnects, including relevant materials, electrical and mechanical characterization techniques, ways of forming flexible conductive pathways, and potential research directions and challenges.
Lanthanum Promotion of Ru/Zeolite X Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis

A series of La-promoted Ru/zeolite X catalysts (∼2 wt% Ru) was examined in the ammonia synthesis reaction at 20.7 atm total pressure. Results were compared with those reported previously for analogous Ba-promoted Ru/zeolites. Exchange of the zeolite cations with La3+ formed an Ru catalyst (Ru/LaX) that was superior to one exchanged with Ba2+ (Ru/BaX). Incorporation of La3+ and Ba2+ beyond ion-exchange capacity improved the turnover frequency on Ru/LaX and Ru/BaX, respectively. However, an La-promoted sample proved to be the most active. Interestingly, all of the La-containing catalysts exhibited a weak dependence of the rate on H2 whereas the Ba-loaded samples were strongly inhibited by the reactant. These results suggest that an appropriate choice of promoter might overcome the well-known inhibition on Ru catalysts by H2 without sacrificing high reactivity.
Laparoscopic Application of an Ultrasonically Activated Scalpel

The ultrasonically activated scalpel possesses virtually all the features ones would consider in the ideal electromagnetic energy form for laparoscopic procedures. This article discusses the device, mechanism of action, applications, and the future of the device.
Bariatric Surgery Needs a Seat at the Children's Table: Bridging the Perception and Reality of the Role of Bariatric Surgery in the Treatment of Obesity in Adolescents.

Abstract The long-term morbidity of obesity in adolescents is well recognized nationally and represents a major health concern for the population of the near future. Traditional medical management of obesity focuses on addressing behavioral modification, dietary and exercise programs, and, to a lesser degree, pharmaceuticals. Although these strategies are relatively effective, they suffer from the lack of sustained benefit, a high relapse rate, and, in case of pharmacotherapy, potentially dangerous adverse effects. Bariatric surgery in adolescents has often been characterized as a risky intervention with unknown long-term benefits. However, recent data establish that a sustained, clinically meaningful effect on weight loss, as well as a reduction in chronic morbidities related to obesity, can be achieved. The role of bariatric surgery as an accepted adjunctive strategy in the treatment of obesity in adolescents is becoming more recognized; however, a number of barriers exist that prevent the timely evaluation of adolescents with obesity for potential surgical intervention. We examine these barriers in light of recent advancements to help better define the role of bariatric surgery in the treatment of obesity in adolescent population.
Currency Swaps: An Instrument of International Finance:

A currency swap involves exchange of principal and interest payments in two different currencies between two parties. Swaps are off balance sheet transactions and have grown at a phenomenal rate.Th...
Connecting Online and Offline Social Skills to Adolescents' Peer Victimization and Psychological Adjustment.

Peer victimization is a common experience among high school students and is associated with many negative adjustment outcomes, making it necessary to investigate the individual and contextual factors that may ameliorate the consequences of peer victimization. The current study explores whether social competence offline and online mediates the relationship between peer victimization and psychological adjustment for adolescents. High school students (n = 303, Mage = 15.83, 65.2% female) reported about their peer victimization experiences, social skills, perceptions of peers’ acceptance offline and social media acceptance, and self-worth. By considering both online and offline contexts, the underlying assumption that there are important differences between the two contexts and that these differences have a unique impact on teens who experience peer victimization was tested. The results indicate that teens who experience peer-victimization have deficits in both their offline and online social competence. Path analysis revealed that offline social skills mediate the relationship between peer victimization and self-worth. Also, there was a modest correlation between the indicators of offline social skills and online social skills indicating that they are not identical and have different associations with self-worth. Since teens are interacting with social media as another context of their everyday life, the implications for interventions aimed at targets of peer-victimization are meaningful.
Barriers With Implementing a Universal Design for Learning Framework

Abstract Inclusion of students with disabilities in general education settings is often contingent on teachers' liberties to use inclusive instructional strategies. The current qualitative investig...
Fake News, Propaganda, And Plain Old Lies: How to Find Trustworthy Information in the Digital Age

‘Fake news, lies, rumors, propaganda—all are synonyms for misinformation’, writes Donald A. Barclay in his valuable guide on how to discern good or untrustworthy information in the digital age. Bar...
Patient perspectives in gout: a review.

Purpose of reviewRecent studies have produced evidence regarding the patient perspectives in gout including from disease experience to disease outcomes. Therefore, an overview on the topic can help improve our understanding of the patient experience.Recent findingsThis article explores several aspec
Evaluation of Antibiotic Utilization in an Emergency Department After Implementation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist Culture Review Service.

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) have been widely implemented in hospitals to improve antimicrobial use and prevent resistance. However, the role of ASP in the emergency departm...
Triplet and Singlet (n,π*) Excited States of 4H-Pyran-4-one Characterized by Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy and Quantum-Chemical Calculations.

The 4H-pyran-4-one (4PN) molecule serves as a model for investigating structural changes following π* ← n electronic excitation. We have recorded the cavity ringdown (CRD) absorption spectrum of 4PN vapor at room temperature, over the wavelength region from 350 to 370 nm. This spectral region includes the T1(n,π*) ← S0 band system as well as the low-energy portion of the S1(n,π*) ← S0 system. Aided by predictions from ab initio (equation-of-motion excitation energies with dynamical correlation incorporated at the level of coupled cluster singles doubles, EOM-EE-CCSD) and density functional theory (time-dependent density functional theory with PBE0 functional, TDPBE0) calculations, we have made vibronic assignments for about 30 features in the CRD spectrum, mostly T1(n,π*) ← S0 transitions. We have used these results to correct certain vibronic assignments appearing in the previous literature for both T1(n,π*) ← S0 and S1(n,π*) ← S0 band systems. We conclude that the lowest-energy carbonyl wagging fundamen...
State space models of lossless layered media

Abstract : This paper develops time-domain state space models for lossless layered media which are described by the wave equation and boundary conditions. Our models are for non-equal one-way travel times; hence, they are more general than existing models of layered media which are usually for layers of equal one-way travel times. Full state models, which involve 2K states for a K-layer media system, as well as half-state models, which involve only K states are developed and related. Certain transfer functions, which appear in the geophysics literature in connection with models of layered media with equal travel times, are generalized to the situation of non equal travel times. Our state space models represent a new class of equations, causal functional equations, some of whose properties and approaches to simulation are discussed.
Racial disparities in the administration of antenatal corticosteroids in women with preterm birth.

Objective Racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes are a major concern in the United States.1-3 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has advocated for raising awareness, promoting research and education, as well as determining effective measures to identify existing barriers in efforts to reduce such disparities.1 We sought to determine whether there is a racial/ethnic disparity in the administration of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) in preterm births between 23 and 34 weeks of gestation. Study Design This retrospective cohort study utilized the United States Natality Live Birth database from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the years 2016-2017. Women with in-hospital preterm births between 23 and 34 weeks of gestation were eligible for analysis. Data regarding administration of ACS, defined by the Natality database as ACS for fetal lung maturation received by the mother prior to delivery, in cases with preterm birth were extracted. Cases where ACS exposure was unknown were excluded. Maternal race/ethnicity was self-identified on the birth certificate and characterized as non-Hispanic white (NHW), non-Hispanic black (NHB) and Hispanic. The incidence of ACS administration was compared among the maternal race/ethnic groups using Pearson’s Chi-Squared test with statistical significance set at p 35 years of age, nulliparity, marital status, higher education, private health insurance, no prenatal care, gestational or pre-pregnancy diabetes, history of preterm birth, tobacco use, infertility treatment or delivery by a cesarean delivery. Data was presented as Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). An institutional review board approval was not required as the reported de-identified data are publicly available through a data use agreement with the NCHS.4 Results The study cohort included 183,084 preterm births between 23 and 34 weeks’ gestation. Of those, 89,278 (48.8%) were NHW, 50,140 (27.4%) were NHB and 43,666 (23.8%) were Hispanic. There was a significant difference in the overall rate of administration of ACS between the three groups (NHW: 39,741/89,278 (44.5%), NHB: 18,947/50,140 (37.8%), Hispanic: 16,075/43,666 (36.8%); p Conclusion Our study shows a significant racial/ethnic disparity in the administration of ACS prior to preterm births between 23 and 34 weeks’ gestation. Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic race/ethnicity were independent risk factors for lower administration of ACS. Given the higher prevalence for preterm birth in non-Hispanic blacks5, our findings of suboptimal administration of ACS in this population is of particular concern and may have significant neonatal health implications. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for this disparity.
Abstract 255: A Novel and Accurate Method for Assessing Recoil During CPR Training

Introduction: In addition to accurate measurement depth and rate of each compression, accurate measurement of full recoil, after each compression, is mandatory for the CPR training. Permitting comp...
Association of Nonprofit Hospitals’ Charitable Activities With Unreimbursed Medicaid Care After Medicaid Expansion

Importance In the United States, nonprofit hospitals receive tax-exempt status with the expectation that they provide a high level of benefit to local communities. Prior work has shown that Medicaid expansion reduced hospital spending on uncompensated care. Objective To measure the association of tax-exempt hospital spending with community benefit and changes in uncompensated care after Medicaid expansion. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was performed using a difference-in-differences analysis (ie, a pre-post treatment-control design) to estimate changes in reported charitable categories associated with Medicaid expansion. Data from Internal Revenue Service form 990, Schedule H, tax filings for 2253 tax-exempt hospitals in the United States from 2012 to 2016 were used. Data were analyzed from June to November 2019. Exposure The proportion of the hospital’s tax filing that spanned the period after Medicaid expansion. Main Outcomes and Measures Hospital-reported spending on uncompensated care, unreimbursed Medicaid expenses, and other community benefit spending categories. Results Across 2253 hospitals, mean (SD) uncompensated care costs between 2012 and 2016 were $4.20 million ($8.80 million) and unreimbursed Medicaid expenses were $7.60 million ($18.62 million). Compared with tax-exempt hospitals in states that did not expand Medicaid, those in states that did expand Medicaid reported mean reductions in their provision of uncompensated care of $1.11 million (95% CI, $0.35 million to $1.87 million;P Conclusions and Relevance In this study, large decreases in uncompensated care among tax-exempt hospitals associated with Medicaid expansion were not accompanied by increases in other reportable categories of community health benefit spending. Instead, they were accompanied by increased spending on unreimbursed Medicaid expenses.
Geochemistry of the Dakota Formation of Northwestern New Mexico: Relevance to Radioactive Waste Studies

The Dakota Formation of the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico consists predominantly of well-cemented sandstones and arenaceous mudstones. Clay mineral-rich rocks, derived from volcanic ash, are mapped as bentonites. The likely physical conditions during burial were temperatures between 35 to 60/sup 0/C and a pressure of about 0.5 kbar. X-ray studies reveal a mixture of montmorillonite, kaolinite, illite, and mixed layer clay minerals. The typical cation exchange capacities range from 20 to 40 meq/100 g for most samples. Radiometric age determinations of clay minerals by the K-Ar method yield 90 to 94 millions of years before present (MYBP) and Rb-Sr ages yield 93 + or - 8 MYBP. These dates agree with paleontological ages and indicate closed-system conditions for potassium, argon, rubidium, and strontium in these rocks. Closed-system conditions for cesium are inferred based on its greater retentivity than rubidium and potassium in clay-rich rocks. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) of the Dakota samples indicates normal lanthanide abundances and distribution in the bentonitic rocks; local lanthanide enrichment is noted where local uranium accumulations are noted. The uranium has been derived from several sources and fixed in the Dakota Formation at various times from roughly 60 to near 0.25 MYBP.more » The chalcophile elements copper, antimony, and lead are often fixed with uranium in organic-rich rocks and apparently have not migrated since fixation, even under oxidizing conditions. No mobilization for the lanthanides and barium is noted either. Collectively, the radiometric ages and NAA data indicate the bentonite and bentonite-sand mix to be suitable for overpack in radioactive waste repositories.« less
No Grand Pronouncements Here...: Reflections on Cancel Culture and Digital Media Participation:

Although there are numerous prominent examples of social media misuse, these cases should not disproportionately characterize the scope or potential of digital media participation as a whole. Using...
Chapter 4 Near Identity Transformations for the Navier-Stokes Equations

Ordinary incompressible Newtonian fluids are described by the Navier–Stokes equations. These equations have been used by engineers and physicists with a great deal of success and the range of their validity and applicability is well established. Together with other fundamental systems like the Schrodinger and Maxwell equations, these equations are among the most important equations of mathematical physics. Nevertheless, their mathematical theory is incomplete and requires cut-offs. This chapter discusses some results reflecting research concerning diffusive-Lagrangian aspects of the Navier–Stokes equations. There are two distinct classes of approximations of the Navier–Stokes equations that are considered. First, the energy dissipation is treated exactly but the vorticity equation is not exact. This class contains the Galerkin approximations and mollified equations, and also treats the vorticity equation exactly although the energy dissipation is approximated. This is the class of vortex methods and their generalizations. This class is related by a change of variables to a class of filtered approximations of the formulation; the models are a subclass of these. The Navier–Stokes equations and their various approximations can be described in terms of near identity transformations. These are diffusive particle path transformations of physical space that start from the identity. The active velocity is obtained from the diffusive path transformation and a virtual velocity using the Weber formula. The active vorticity is computed from the diffusive path transformation and a virtual vorticity using the Cauchy formula. The path transformation and the virtual fields are computed in Eulerian coordinates.
A model for tax advantages of portfolios with many assets

Abstract Taxable portfolios present challenges for optimization models with even a limited number of assets. Holding many assets, however, has a distinct tax advantage over holding few assets. In this paper, we develop a model that takes an extreme view of a portfolio as a continuum of assets to gain the broadest possible advantage from holding many assets. We find the optimal strategy for trading in this portfolio in the absence of transaction costs and develop bounding approximations on the optimal value. We compare the results in a simulation study to a portfolio consisting only of a market index and show that the multi-asset portfolio’s tax advantage can lead either to significant consumption or bequest increases.
High integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) usage justification from safety and reliability point of views

Fugitive emission— a costly phenomenon that pollutes the environment—is a constant concern worldwide. Large amounts of fugitive gasses are burnt and released to the environment on an annual basis. Thus, it is essential to reduce flare emission to protect the environment. Current studies show that a high integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) can be used in addition to pressure safety valves (PSVs) in order to reduce flare emission significantly. However, the usage of HIPPS for the purpose of reducing flare emissions is subject to justification in terms of safety and reliability. This paper provides a flow chart indicating the steps that should be taken in order to implement HIPPS to reduce flare capacity. The most important step is to justify the use of HIPPS by providing that it is safer and more efficient than a PSV alone that—this is the gap of knowledge in the existing literature. Thus, the present paper proposes a methodology based on existing International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards 61,508 and 61,511 to compare the safety and reliability of HIPPS and PSV. Safety integrity level (SIL) and probability of failure (PFD) based on historical data extracted from the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association are used for this analysis. The results indicate that HIPPS is more reliable than PSV, but there are some challenges associated with maintaining HIPPS at SIL3. Thus, partial stroke testing for HIPPS actuated valves is proposed for future research.
x + y: A Mathematician's Manifesto for Rethinking Gender: by Eugenia Cheng. New York: Basic Books, 2020, x+272 pp., $28.00 (hardback), ISBN: 978-1-54-164650-6

Dr. Eugenia Cheng's x + y: A Mathematician's Manifesto for Rethinking Gender examines gender in mathematics. Interestingly, she uses mathematics itself as the lens with which to inspect gender and ...