cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plastome sequences of two New World bamboos--Arundinaria gigantea and Cryptochloa strictiflora (Poaceae)--extend phylogenomic understanding of Bambusoideae.

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY Two New World species of Bambusoideae, Arundinaria gigantea and Crytpochloa strictiflora, were investigated in a phylogenomic context. Complete plastome sequences have been previously determined and analyzed for nine bambusoid species that exclusively represent Old World lineages. The addition of New World species provides more complete information on relationships within Bambusoideae. • METHODS Plastomes from A. gigantea and C. strictiflora were sequenced using Sanger methods. Phylogenomic and divergence estimate analyses were conducted on both species with 23 other Poaceae. • KEY RESULTS Phylogenomic and divergence analyses suggested that A. gigantea diverged from within Arundinarieae between 1.94-3.92 mya and that C. strictiflora diverged as the sister to tropical woody species between 24.83 and 40.22 mya. These results are correlated with modern relative diversities in the two lineages. • CONCLUSIONS The two New World bamboos show unique plastome features accumulated and maintained in biogeographic isolation from Old World taxa. The overall evidence for A. gigantea is consistent with recent dispersal, and that for C. strictiflora is consistent with vicariance.
Tax Professional Decision Biases: The Effects of Initial Beliefs and Client Preference

While many studies have inferred confirmation bias in a tax decision‐making context, the tax professional's initial belief has usually been the same as the client‐preferred position. The objective of this study was to disentangle the effects of evidence direction (confirming or disconfirming evidence) and client preference on tax professionals' belief revisions following the examination of additional evidence. In a repeated‐measures design, participants recorded an initial belief and a revised belief in response to two independent fact scenarios. Consistent with research related to auditors, but inconsistent with the psychology literature, the results of this study indicate that tax professionals react in a manner opposite to the predictions of confirmation bias, particularly when the evidence reviewed is counter to the client's wishes. Further examination reveals that the client preference has a more substantial effect on tax professional judgments when the evidence being reviewed confirms the profession...
Secondary hemochromatosis and mechanical circulatory support with a total artificial heart

Figure 1 Laboratory evidence of severe persistent hemolysis in a patient supported witha TAH for 130 days. A 62-year-old man with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy developed cardiogenic shock, and a total artificial heart (TAH) was implanted due to profound biventricular failure. Within days of device implantation the patient developed severe hemolysis. Over the subsequent weeks, despite aggressive anticoagulation with bivalirudin, aspirin, dipyridamole and pentoxyfilline, he continued to have hemolytic anemia (mean hemoglobin [Hb] 5.7 g/dl, nadir Hb 3.1 g/dl; mean lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] 1,693 U/liter, peak LDH 2,628 U/liter) (Figure 1), receiving 37 units of packed red blood cells (RBC) and several infusions of intravenous iron sucrose over the 130 days of TAH support. The TAH parameters were within normal limits. No device malfunction or thrombosis was detected on intracardiac echocardiography or upon direct inspection of the TAH at the time of heart transplantation. Post-transplantation recovery was uneventful. Later, the patient presented with a febrile illness. Computer tomography of the abdomen revealed a hepatic lesion. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated secondary hemochromatosis to the liver and spleen. The previously identified hepatic lesion represented an area of normal tissue sparing. The pancreas was not affected, favoring a secondary, rather than primary, etiology of hemochromatosis (Figure 2). In addition, iron deposition was noted in the renal cortex, a finding specific to intravascular hemolysis (Figure 3). Ferritin concentration was markedly elevated. Liver function studies showed mild transaminitis that normalized within 1 week. Because total iron concentration and transferrin saturation remained within normal limits, and there was no liver dysfunction, both hematology and hepatology consultants did not recommend treatment with phlebotomy or iron chelation as long as no further blood transfusions were required. We retrospectively identified a 68-year-old woman who was supported with TAH for 254 days. The patient had chronic hemolytic anemia, alveolar hemorrhage and
STOCKLESS AND FAST PRODUCTION: REVIEW AND RESEARCH AGENDA

Stockless Production (or Just-in-Time or Zero Inventory) and Fast Production (or Time-Based Competition or Competing Against Time) are important topics in the practice of operations management and in the fields of Operations Research and Management Science (OR/MS). Both topics will be reviewed here.
Disc Players, the Records Manager/Archivist, and the Development of Optical Imaging Applications

Although the computer literature is full of stories about successful imaging (optical disc) applications, records management professionals have countless stories about failed ones. As the technology matures, archivists and records managers are increasingly being asked to join imaging application development teams. How can these disciplines contribute to a successful application? This paper suggests some indicators archivists and records managers can use in evaluating imaging applications and some questions they can pose to improve the chances that the application will be a successful one. It is not the goal here to look at long-term storage and transportability issues; rather, the essay concentrates on what records professionals can do to improve the odds that an imaging application—either their own or one whose records they may someday inherit—is a success.
A Distributed Direct Load Control Approach for Large-Scale Residential Demand Response

This paper proposes a distributed direct load control scheme for large-scale residential demand response (DR) built on a two-layer communication-based control architecture. The lower-layer network is within each building, where the energy management controller (EMC) uses wireless links to schedule operation of appliances upon request according to a local power consumption target. The upper-layer network links a number of EMCs in a region whose aggregated demand is served by a load aggregator. The load aggregator wants the actual aggregated demand over this region to match a desired aggregated demand profile. Our approach utilizes the average consensus algorithm to distribute portions of the desired aggregated demand to each EMC in a decentralized fashion. The allocated portion corresponds to each building's aforementioned local power consumption target which its EMC then uses to schedule the in-building appliances. The result will be an aggregated demand over this region that more closely reaches the desired demand. Numerical results show that our scheme can alleviate the mismatch between the actual aggregated demand and the desired aggregated demand profile.
Psammoma bodies in diffuse toxic goiter.

The frequent association of psammoma bodies and adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland is well known. Psammoma bodies are infrequently seen in benign thyroid conditions, and many pathologists regard their presence in the thyroid gland as strongly indicative of carcinoma. The cases of two patients with diffuse toxic goiter, in which psammoma bodies were microscopically observed, are presented. Subserial sectioning of both thyroid glands failed to disclose occult carcinoma. Despite the strong statistical association of psammoma bodies with adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland, they are not pathognomonic of malignancy.
Multiple Syntheses of (C5Me5)3U

Several new synthetic routes to the sterically crowded (C5Me5)3U complex have been developed. (C5Me5)3U can be prepared by (a) reaction of [(C5Me5)2UH2]2with tetramethylfulvene, (b) reduction of (C...
Solid-State Examination of Conformationally Diverse Sulfonamide Receptors Based on Bis(2-anilinoethynyl)pyridine, -Bipyridine, and -Thiophene

Utilizing an induced-fit model and taking advantage of rotatable acetylenic C(sp)–C(sp2) bonds, we disclose the synthesis and solid-state structures of a series of conformationally diverse bis-sulfonamide arylethynyl receptors using either pyridine, 2,2′-bipyridine, or thiophene as the core aryl group. Whereas the bipyridine and thiophene structures do not appear to bind guests in the solid state, the pyridine receptors form 2 + 2 dimers with water molecules, two halides, or one of each, depending on the protonation state of the pyridine nitrogen atom. Isolation of a related bis-sulfonimide derivative demonstrates the importance of the sulfonamide N–H hydrogen bonds in dimer formation. The pyridine receptors form monomeric structures with larger guests such as BF4– or HSO4–, where the sulfonamide arms rotate to the side opposite the pyridine N atom.
Direct nanorod assembly using block copolymer-based supramolecules.

Developing routes to control the organization of one-dimensional nanomaterials, such as nanorods, with high precision is critical to generate functional materials since the collective properties depend on their spatial arrangements, interparticle ordering, and macroscopic alignment. We have systematically investigated the coassemblies of nanorods and block copolymer (BCP)-based supramolecules and showed that the energetic contributions from nanorod ligand–polymer interactions, polymer chain deformation, and rod–rod interactions are comparable and can be tailored to disperse nanorods with control over inter-rod ordering and the alignment of nanorods within BCP microdomains. By varying the supramolecular morphology and chemical nature of the nanorods, two highly sought-after morphologies, that is, nanoscopic networks of nanorods and nanorod arrays parallel to cylindrical BCP microdomains can be obtained. The supramolecular approach can be applied to achieve morphological control in nanorod-containing nanoco...
Determination of Plasma Thrombomodulin Levels and Its Significance in Children with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Nephritis

Objective To investigate the expression of thrombomodulin(TM) and its significance in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis(HSPN).Methods The levels of plasma TM were measured by ELISA in 146 children with HSPN and 60 healthy children.The children with HSPN were divided into two groups:HSPN group(86 children with HSPN diagnosed by renal biopsy) and control group(60 children without renal lesions).Results Plasma TM levels in HSPN group,control group and healthy children group were(2.36±0.78)mg·L-1,(1.21±0.49)mg·L-1 and(0.56±0.63)mg·L-1,respectively,and there were obvious differences among the three groups(P0.05).In the classification of nephritis pathology,gradeⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ-Ⅵ were(1.53±0.68)mg·L-1,(1.95±0.67)mg·L-1,(2.76±1.13)mg·L-1 and(3.26±0.98)mg·L-1,respectively,and the differences were significant among the four grades(P0.05).Conclusion The levels of plasma TM significantly increase in children with HSPN.Moreover,the higher the plasma TM levels,the more serious the renal lesions.Therefore,the levels of plasma TM may be used as indexes to determine the occurrence of HSPN and the degree of renal lesions.
Epidemiological survey of prevalence of mumps in Jining city in 2011

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Jining city in 2011 and to provide scientific evidence for mumps control and prevention.Methods Data of mumps infections in 2011 were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology.Results The total reported cases were 2 377 and the incidence rate was 29.4/100 000.The incidence was the highest in the districts of Renchengt and Shizhong and the counties of Jiaxiang,Jinxiang and Wenshang accounted for 84.9% of total cases.The infection peaks were in May and June.Patients aged below 20 years were accounted for91.63% of total reported cases concentrating in the age group of 3-10 years.The number of male cases were 1 623 more than that of female ones.Most of the infections were students,preschool children and scattered children.Conclusion Incidence of mumps in different county and districts varied without showing significant difference between urban and rural areas.Youngsters below 20 years old and children were the high-risk group of mumps.
Fiber-optic fluorescence measuring system suitable for pesticides in soil

In order to realize on-line measurement for pesticide residua in soil,a fiber-optic fluorescent measuring system was put forward.The foundational principle of organic molecules emitting fluorescence and the feasibility of measuring pesticides by fluorescence method were analyzed.Then,a fiber-optic fluorescent measuring system was established based on the techniques of fiber-optic sensing and fluorescence analysis.In the system,a pulsed xenon lamp was used as an excitation lamp source and a self-made cone-shape fiber-optic probe was used for detecting the fluorescence,a small-sized flat field grating spectrometer for dispersing fluorescence and a high-speed datum-collecting module for collecting and converting the fluorescent signals.The fluorescence spectrum of the pesticide could be obtained with only one exposure of the system.In this way,the fluorescence experiments on carbaryl of different concentrations in soil were carried out and the working curve and the minimum detecting limit of the system were examined.Experimental results show the system can get high-resolution fluorescence spectra with a linear relationship between the fluorescence intensity and the concentration in the range of 0.005~0.1 mg/kg.For the Limits of Detection(LOD) of 0.005 mg/kg and the Relative Standard Deviation(RSD) of ≤3 %,the system can surely meet the needs of detecting pesticides in soil.
Multiple domains of stress predict postpartum depressive symptoms in low-income Mexican American women: the moderating effect of social support

Prenatal stress can have a lasting effect on women's mental health after childbirth. The negative effects may be particularly salient in women from low income and ethnic minority backgrounds, who are at increased risk for postpartum depression. However, social support may have the potential to attenuate the negative impact of stress. The present study evaluated 269 Mexican American women (ages 18-42; 83 % Spanish-speaking; median income $10,000-$15,000) for prenatal stress (daily hassles, family stress, partner stress, and culture-specific stress) in relation to depressive symptoms 6 weeks postpartum. Prenatal social support was examined as a buffer against the impact of prenatal stress. Partner stress, family stress, and daily hassles uniquely predicted depressive symptoms. Moderate and high levels of social support attenuated risk for depression due to family stressors. Prenatal interpersonal and daily stressors negatively impact the mental health of women after birth, but social support can mitigate some of these effects. Among Mexican American pregnant women, effective interpersonal support and stress management may be associated with reduced risk for postpartum depression.
The Later Life of David Ricardo

David Ricardo is considered to be the father of classical political economy theory, and one of the most influential economic thinkers of the pre-neoclassical era, ranking perhaps second only to Adam Smith in stature, but surpassing his predecessor in both rigor and intuition.1 Ricardo was one of the first formal thinkers to advocate for the role of free trade and the significance of a well-managed money supply. In 1816, he had published a plan to return to the gold standard in an attempt to prevent England’s central bank from manipulating the currency and causing inflation. By backing paper currency with gold, the nation was able toretain the benefits of paper money but without the uncertainties. Five years later, and two years after he became a member of Parliament, England adopted his proposal.
Strategic Scorecard for Governments

Linking back to research on socio-economic accounting in 1960s and 1970s that called for augmenting financial reporting for governments with meaningful performance analysis, this paper develops a conceptual framework to evaluate government performance. Specifically, we leverage the new availability of citizens’ well-being data and adapt the balanced scorecard and strategy map approach to show how to track cause-and-effect relations linking resources and policies to government performance. We adopt citizens’ well-being as the objective of government and operationalize Musgrave’s (1973) three-branch model of public policy to develop possible metrics for allocation, stabilization, and distribution policies. We illustrate the conceptual framework by empirically estimating the impact of national resources and government policies on national health, education and income outcomes and then citizens’ well-being. National health and education outcomes only indirectly affect citizens’ well-being through national income. This study is likely to be of use to policy makers and governmental agencies.
CHAPTER 145 – Type 2 PIP4-Kinases

Despite new biochemical, genetic, and structural information that has been acquired in recent years, the type 2 PIP4-kinase family remains a mystery to cell biologists who are trying to identify the physiologic role for the alternative pathway for PtdIns-4,5-P2 synthesis, catalyzed by these lipid kinases. Future experiments involving inactivation or suppression of the type 2 activity in cell or animal models are likely to shed a light on this intriguing question. Despite new biochemical, genetic, and structural information that has been acquired in recent years, the type 2 PIP4-kinase family remains a mystery to cell biologists who are trying to identify the physiologic role for the alternative pathway for PtdIns-4,5-P2 synthesis, catalyzed by these lipid kinases. Future experiments involving inactivation or suppression of the type 2 activity in cell or animal models are likely to shed a light on this intriguing question.
Impact of CRM in Mechanizing University's Process, Business and Productivity

All universities and educational institutions seek to maintain information of all its currently enrolled students, affiliated colleges, Departments, alumni and participants. Moreover in the modern scenario it has become the need of Universities to consider their students as eCustomers for providing them 100% satisfaction. As a result of increasing enrolments day by day, there is a need of support system to better manage the ever increasing data and work processes. Currently, day to day operations of a university are carried out by manual process. Also, to monitor any activity sometime it requires the physical appearance of the user. Therefore, there is a great need to automate the university's manual processes using the CRM. It will optimize its operations by automating routine tasks and standardizing best practices to improve the day to day activities and of course the students/management satisfaction level. It will also enable authorities to make faster decisions through enhanced tracking of course enrolments and will give the ability to plan for new opportunities.
Industry and Water Distribution in California: The East Bay Municipal Utility District, 1920–1930

In the American West, water conflicts and their resolutions have been well documented. For many decades, local, state, and federal authorities built new dams to eliminate water wars that pitted cities against irrigators. As the political and fiscal costs of these projects rose, and as fisheries and environmentalists came to question the merits of dam-building itself, water-management agencies have found themselves with fewer means to provide ample water to all. In 1992, this combination of water needs and opposition to new dams prompted California Representative George Miller to introduce to Congress a bill that shifted millions of gallons of water from federally funded irrigation projects to cities and wildlife preservation in his home state. Urban residents, tired of subsidizing irrigation, saw the new water
Acute care nurses' responses and recommendations for improvement of hand hygiene compliance: A cross-sectional factorial survey research study.

Background Hand hygiene is promoted as an effective practice to counter health care–acquired infections; however, compliance is less than optimal. Nurses have many patient contact opportunities and therefore are frequent participants in intervention research. The optimal combination of efficient and effective intervention components has not been conclusively identified. Methods A factorial survey research design offers an efficient method to assess multiple factors simultaneously by combining elements into vignettes. This article describes a process, grounded in the framework of Bandura's social cognitive theory, that explored environmental and individual factors that potentially influence nurses' hand hygiene behavior in acute care settings. Survey respondents consisted of nurses employed in patient care; respondents also could address an open response item. Results A total of 466 participants scored a total of 3,685 vignettes. Statistically significant parameters included goal, supervisor priority, electronic monitoring, and rewards. The most frequently mentioned open response item was the need to keep hand hygiene product dispensers refilled. Participants also suggested that culture and intrinsic motivation influenced hand hygiene behavior. Conclusions Researchers might consider assessing promising factors, especially use of goal setting, as an intervention rather than as components of an intervention. Further research is indicated to better understand how nurses define and view hand hygiene culture.
A Suite of Models for Producing Synthetic, Small-scale Thermal Imagery of Vegetated Soil Surfaces

A high-resolution, computational suite has been constructed to produce synthetic thermal imagery of vegetated soil surfaces. Because a soil’s moisture affects its thermal response, the model suite must include both moisture and energy movement within the soil and plants. Thus, the suite consists of a soil model, a vegetation model, and a ray-casting model. The models run simultaneously on a single, parallel or serial computer and communicate using sockets. The soil model is a three-dimensional, spatially adaptive, continuous Galerkin, finite element model that simulates partially-saturated flow and heat transport, coupled to two-dimensional surface water flow. The vegetation model simulates infrared absorption, reflection, and transmission by discretized plant leaves and stems. Ray casting provides boundary conditions for the soil and vegetation thermal models, and produces multi-spectral images of energy reflected and emitted from the synthetic scene. Subsurface phase change, distributed root zone moisture uptake and transpiration, and flow through macropores and cracks are processes under construction. Example calculations to be presented include a multi-million-element simulation for an arid test site that is only a few meters in its longest dimension. The models are driven with meteorological data and are built using material property data collected at the field site. Synthetic images produced are compared against those from thermal cameras. A long-term goal of this work is to help build inversion software to estimate ground state information (soil moisture and physical property distributions) from airborne imagery.
Crowding Stabilizes DMSO-Water Hydrogen-Bonding Interactions.

Up to 40% of intracellular water is confined due to the dense packing of macromolecules, ions, and osmolytes. Despite the large body of work concerning the effect of additives on the biomolecular structure and stability, the role of crowding and heterogeneity in these interactions is not well understood. Here, infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations are used to describe the mechanisms by which crowding modulates hydrogen bonding interactions between water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Specifically, we use formamide and dimethylformamide (DMF) as molecular crowders and show that the S═O hydrogen bond populations in aqueous mixtures are increased by both amides. These additives increase the amount of water within the DMSO first solvation shell through two mechanisms: (a) directly stabilizing water–DMSO hydrogen bonds; (b) increasing water exposure by destabilizing DMSO–DMSO self-interactions. Further, we quantified the hydrogen bond enthalpies between the different components: DMSO–water (...
Medicaid policy and the substitution of hospital outpatient care for physician care.

Abstract This article explores the effects of reimbursement and utilization control policies on utilization patterns and spending for physician and hospital outpatient services under state Medicaid programs. The empirical work shows a negative relationship between the level of Medicaid physician fees relative to Medicare and private fees, and the numbers of outpatient care recipients, suggesting that outpatient care substitutes for physician care in states with low fee levels. In addition, it shows a positive relationship between Medicaid physician fees and outpatient spending per recipient, suggesting that in low-fee states outpatient departments are providing some types of care that could be provided in a physician's office. Finally, the analysis demonstrates that reimbursement and utilization control policies have significant effects in the expected directions on aggregate Medicaid spending for physician and outpatient services.
ON THE ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF C60

We determine the electronic energy levels of C60 using a combination of theoretical and experimental results. The hopping Hamiltonian for the truncated icosahedron is solved analytically for the unequal coupling case using group lattice methods. Then, an analysis of previously preformed experiments on electronic structure is undertaken. When these approaches are combined, a fairly clear picture of the location of the electronic levels emerges.
Multiple Sclerosis: Immune System Molecule Expression in the Central Nervous System

The fundamental message emerging from immunologic and immunopathologic analyses of the brain and spinal cord in multiple sclerosis (MS) is that during inflammation, the central nervous system (CNS) is capable of interactions with the lymphoid system, mainly through induced (as opposed to constitutive) expression of immune system-specific molecules on CNS elements. CNS endothelium, astrocytes and microglial cells are the main participants, with oligodendrocytes and neurons remaining essentially inert. There appears to be nothing unique about the manner in which the CNS responds to inflammation or in the molecules expressed. The ensuing adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines, histocompatibility molecules, and T and B cell markers, are difficult to distinguish from those occurring in peripheral lymphoid tissue. However, differences certainly exist in the outcome of an inflammatory insult in the CNS versus other, peripheral tissues, whereby there is generally a poor reparatory response. Reasons for the latter appear to lie in the anatomical complexity of the CNS, its vulnerability to damage by soluble mediators, and in the white matter (the battlefield for the inflammatory attack in MS), the exquisite sensitivity of the oligodendrocyte and its myelin to exogenous factors. With the aid of examples drawn from experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, the prime animal model for MS, a number of approaches to prevent or downregulate CNS inflammation during immune-mediated demyelination are presented as possible therapeutic avenues for MS, some of which are already under investigation.
Effects of microsporidiosis and food availability on the two-spotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata L., and convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville.

Abstract Two species of microsporidia have been described from lady beetles that are commercially available for biological control: Nosema adaliae from the two-spotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata L., and Tubulinosema hippodamiae from the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville. These pathogens delay larval development under controlled conditions, but little is known regarding the effects that microsporidia cause when their hosts are subjected to stressful conditions that are often experienced in nature. In this study, the combined effects of microsporidiosis (N. adaliae on A. bipunctata and T. hippodamiae on H. convergens) and irregular food availability were observed on host fitness (larval development and mortality, sex ratios, and adult morphometrics). For each beetle species, 24 h-old larvae were provided either an uninfected or microsporidia-infected conspecific egg. After the egg was eaten, some larvae were provided an abundance of aphids daily, whereas others were provided aphids on an irregular basis. Development was delayed significantly for larvae that consumed a microsporidia-infected egg, and for those fed irregularly. For A. bipunctata, a significant interaction was observed between infection status and food availability. This suggests that N. adaliae-infected A. bipunctata larvae that have an irregular supply of aphids undergo further developmental delays than those with a generous food supply. This interaction was not observed for T. hippodamiae-infected H. convergens. For both species, larval mortality and sex ratios did not differ significantly, regardless of infection status or food availability. Adults that were fed daily as larvae were significantly larger than those fed irregularly. However, the elytra of N. adaliae-infected A. bipunctata were significantly larger than the elytra of their uninfected cohorts, and T. hippodamiae-infected H. convergens had wider pronota and head capsules than uninfected H. convergens. Because N. adaliae and T. hippodamiae prolong larval development of their respective hosts under controlled conditions, one would expect these pathogens to cause more profound effects when their hosts experience stressful conditions. The results from this study indicate that this was the case for A. bipunctata, but not for H. convergens.
Senior NCLEX-RN Coaching Model: Development and Implementation.

Background A host of interventions have been used to improve NCLEX outcomes, yet scant evidence exists to show the influence of academic coaching on pass rates. Purpose To improve NCLEX confidence/readiness and pass rates in a baccalaureate nursing program, an NCLEX Coaching Model was developed and implemented. Method Senior students were paired with faculty for 6 weeks of NCLEX coaching. Students self-assessed strengths, risk factors, and challenges related to NCLEX preparation. Coaches and students co-developed the NCLEX Preparation and Success Plan using standardized NCLEX predictor scores. Success plans represented individualized preparation strategies focused on specific NCLEX Client Needs categories. Result National Council Licensure Examination confidence/readiness scores improved significantly, and first-time NCLEX pass rates improved slightly after coaching. Conclusion An NCLEX Coaching Model can build student confidence/readiness and promote NCLEX success among nursing students. Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations was useful in guiding development and implementation of a coaching model.
Strategic ballot removal: an unexplored form of electoral manipulation in hybrid regimes

The literatures on electoral manipulation and rejected ballots have yet to engage one another in a compelling manner. This article provides the theoretical foundations for rejected ballots as elect...
The broken lens: Equating badness with blackness renders Latino males absent

At first glance, the Latino male condition may seem impervious to notions of blackness. Critical scrutiny of My Brother’s Keeper and the popular documentary Gang Wars: Oakland reveals otherwise. Th...
Joint-Preserving Procedures in Patients with Varus Deformity: Role of Supramalleolar Osteotomies.

The most common cause for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis is posttraumatic, sometimes resulting from concomitant supramalleolar deformity. Aims of the supramalleolar osteotomy include restoring the lower-leg axis to improve intraarticular load distribution and retarding degeneration of the tibiotalar joint. Preoperative planning is based on conventional weight-bearing radiographs. Often advanced imaging, including computed tomography and/or MRI, is needed for a better understanding of the underlying problem. Postoperative complications are not uncommon, including progression of tibiotalar osteoarthritis in up to 25% within 5 years of all patients who have supramalleolar osteotomies.
Neuronal Calcium as a Site of Action for Depressant Drugs

The crucial role of calcium in neurotransmission and neuronal function has attracted attention to this ion as a possible mediator of the effects of depressant drugs. Calcium was first implicated in the action of opiates in a report published in 1936 showing that injection of calcium gluconate decreased development of morphine tolerance and injection of a calcium chelator (oxalate) enhanced tolerance [36]. Thirty years later, evidence was provided that intracerebral injections of calcium antagonized the analgesic effects of opiates and administration of calcium chelators produced the opposite effect [27]. These results were confirmed and extended by Way’s group [5,6,21], and provided the conceptual basis for the hypothesis that opiates act by reducing availability of neuronal calcium (see also MacDonald and Werz, this volume).
Bringing History to Life: A Study on the Implementation of an Oral History Research Project as a High-Impact Practice in Undergraduate History Courses

AbstractOral history research projects are assignments that can foster student engagement and learning in undergraduate survey history courses. However, existing scholarship indicates that these as...
Opioid-Induced Esophageal Dysfunction: Differential Effects of Type and Dose.

Objective Data regarding opioid effects on esophageal function are limited. We previously demonstrated an association between chronic opioid use and esophageal motor dysfunction characterized by esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, distal esophageal spasm, achalasia type III, and possibly Jackhammer esophagus. Our aim was to characterize the influence of different opioids and doses on esophageal dysfunction. Methods Retrospective review of 225 patients prescribed oxycodone, hydrocodone, or tramadol for >3 months, who completed high-resolution manometry from 2012 to 2017. Demographic and manometric data were extracted from a prospectively maintained motility database. Frequency of opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED, defined as distal esophageal spasm, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, achalasia type III, or Jackhammer esophagus on high-resolution manometry, was compared among different opioids. The total 24-hour opioid doses for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tramadol were converted to a morphine equivalent for dose effect analysis. Results OIED was present in 24% (55 of 225) of opioid users. OIED was significantly more prevalent with oxycodone or hydrocodone use compared with tramadol (31% vs 28% vs 12%, P = 0.0162), and for oxycodone alone vs oxycodone with acetaminophen (43% vs 21%, P = 0.0482). There was no difference in OIED for patients taking hydrocodone alone vs hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Patients with OIED were taking a higher median 24-hour opioid dose than those without OIED (45 vs 30 mg, P = 0.058). Discussion OIED is more prevalent in patients taking oxycodone or hydrocodone compared with tramadol. There is greater likelihood of OIED developing with higher doses. Reducing the opioid dose or changing to tramadol may reduce OIED in opioid users.
Design of a Crashworthy Cable-Driven Four-Bar Link Robotic Landing Gear System

In this work a novel crashworthy cable-driven four-bar link mechanism is designed, manufactured, and tested for the development of robotic landing gear for rotorcraft. The paper will demonstrate ho...
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) as a target in human breast cancer cells that have acquired resistance to aromatase inhibitor letrozole

2316 Estrogens play an important role in development and progression of breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) such as letrozole, that block the synthesis of estrogen are proving to be superior to antiestrogens (AEs) and may replace tamoxifen as first line treatment for postmenopausal ER positive breast cancer patients. However, resistance to letrozole therapy remains a major concern. To study the mechanisms of this resisitance we have employed a model system designated as Long Term Letrozole Treated (LTLT-Ca). Human MCF-7 breast cancer cells transfected with aromatase were grown as tumors in female ovariectomized nude mice and then treated with letrozole. The tumors regressed initially but later on began to grow. After 56 weeks of treatment the tumors were removed. The cells were isolated from the tumors and the LTLTCa cell line was developed. LTLT-Ca cells were then routinely cultured in the presence of 1μM of letrozole. These cells were completely cross-resistant to other AIs and AEs. Compared to the parental MCF-7Ca cells, up-regulation of growth factor receptors Her-2 (4 fold) and IGF-I β (3 fold) and activation of down-stream targets such as mTOR (3 fold) was observed using western immunoblotting. The overexpression of mTOR was associated with activation of the downstream effectors p70S6K (2 fold) and S6 ribosomal protein (3 Fold). LTLT-Ca cells responded to growth inhibitory effects of rapamycin (IC50= 55.6 nM) and dual EGFR/Her-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor AEE788 (IC50= 1.5 nM) These cells showed a partial restoration of growth inhibitory effects of letrozole, anastrozole, tamoxifen and fulvestrant after concommitant treatment with AEE788. The cell viability decreased from 83.28% with AEE788 (1nM) alone to 58.21% with AEE (1nM) plus letrozole (1μM). However, rapamycin was unable to restore the responsiveness of these cells to letrozole suggesting that letrozole resistance and mTOR activation may not be connected. Activation of mTOR is usually associated with aberrent activity of Akt. However, LTLT-Ca cells exhibited activation of mTOR inspite of low levels of Akt kinase activity of 0.9 fold compared to MCF-7Ca cells. This suggests that activation of mTOR is independent of Akt activation. It has been hypothesized that when all the erbB activity is blocked, the cells become very sensitive to changes in the mTOR dependent translation. Hence, inhibition of both Her-2 mediated tyrosine kinase signaling and mTOR dependent translation could provide better inhibition of proliferation of breast cancer cells that are refractory to aromatase inhibitor letrozole and may also restore responsiveness to letrozole.
Homophobic bullying victimization trajectories: The roles of perpetration, sex assigned at birth, and sexuality

There is a paucity of research on developmental trajectories of bias-based aggression. We examined homophobic bullying victimization trajectories among high school students (N = 3,064; M age = 13.67; Girls = 50.2%) and how these developmental pathways vary as a function of factors like homophobic bullying perpetration, sex assigned at birth, and sexuality. Using data from a 3-wave longitudinal investigation over a 2-year period, we utilized latent growth mixture modeling to explore the aforementioned trajectories. Findings suggested that there were three distinct classes characterized by high initial rates and declines over time, low initial rates, and increases over time, and low, stable, rate across time. Furthermore, results indicated that homophobic bullying perpetration, sex assigned at birth, and sexuality all predicted class membership.
Mind the Gap: On Bridging the Semantic Gap between Machine Learning and Malware Analysis

Machine learning (ML) techniques are being used to detect increasing amounts of malware and variants. Despite successful applications of ML, we hypothesize that the full potential of ML is not realized in malware analysis (MA) due to a semantic gap between the ML and MA communities---as demonstrated in the data that is used. Due in part to the available data, ML has primarily focused on detection whereas MA is also interested in identifying behaviors. We review existing open-source malware datasets used in ML and find a lack of behavioral information that could facilitate stronger impact by ML in MA. As a first step in bridging this gap, we label existing data with behavioral information using open-source MA reports---1) altering the analysis from identifying malware to identifying behaviors, 2)~aligning ML better with MA, and 3)~allowing ML models to generalize to novel malware in a zero/few-shot learning manner. We classify the behavior of a malware family not seen during training using transfer learning from a state-of-the-art model for malware family classification and achieve 57% - 84% accuracy on behavioral identification but fail to outperform the baseline set by a majority class predictor. This highlights opportunities for improvement on this task related to the data representation, the need for malware specific ML techniques, and a larger training set of malware samples labeled with behaviors.
Imaging of fetal cystic kidney disease: multicystic dysplastic kidney versus renal cystic dysplasia

With the advent of routine prenatal imaging, the number of renal anomalies identified prenatally has significantly increased; however, the underlying etiologies of these anomalies and the clinical significance of these findings remains unclear. This confusion is especially true for the prenatal diagnosis of cystic renal changes. The terms “cystic kidney disease” and “renal cystic dysplasia” encompass myriad renal diseases. Although renal cystic dysplasia in infants shares many similarities with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK), it is important to distinguish MCDK from other etiologies that would lead to renal cysts, to ensure proper patient diagnosis and appropriate counseling regarding risks and to guide clinical management. The purpose of this review is to highlight the multiple etiologies of cystic kidney disease, including genetic associations, associations with underlying syndromes, and associations with underlying anatomical abnormalities. Here we focus on prenatal imaging, associated pathological findings, and clinical significance, with an emphasis on the defining characteristics of MCDK as compared to other forms of cystic renal disease.
The Indigenous Politics of Belonging: Opposing Neo-liberal Extractivism with Ethical Cosmologies

The chapter examines four parallel stories that reveal the relative success of indigenous communities in defending their autonomy and examines how their territory is linked to their ability to mobilise external solidarity around the use of national and international legal instruments as effective shields to protect their rights. Considering the past decades of ecological history, it seems that of all the victims of this violence exercised in the Amazon region by economic sectors in collusion with the national Peruvian state, many Indigenous Peoples have been able to endure the aggression and secure some circumstantial victories. Through their political and cultural struggle, these groups have brought to the centre of national and international politics the ethical and environmental principles that should inform the relation of the rest of Peru with the Amazon.
The Link Between the SAMFE and Police Perceptions of Victim Credibility

While research has documented the evidentiary significance of sexual assault medical forensic exams (SAMFEs) to case processing, there has been less focus on SAMFEs’ relevance to extralegal case ch...
Immobilization of oligonucleotides on a large pore support for plasmid purification by triplex affinity interaction.

Triplex affinity interaction provides a new process for the purification of plasmid DNA, which is especially suited to meet the demands of a gene therapy use. We developed a method for the functionalization of a large pore affinity support suitable for this application. A 5′-modified DNA oligonucleotide containing an aldehyde group was coupled to adipic acid hydrazide functionalized Sephacryl beads with a yield of 31% (over all immobilization yield 22.6% from starting oligonucleotide). The resulting selective and covalent immobilization of the ligand via a 16 atom, hydrophilic linker arm enables the oligonucleotide bases to freely bind to the target sequence. The proposed method provides affinity supports that might be used in large scale affinity purification of plasmid DNA.
Entities on a Temporal Scale

Ontological understanding of biological units (i.e. what kinds of things are they) is crucial to their use in experimental design, analysis, and interpretation. Conceptualizing fundamental units in biology as individuals or classes is important for subsequent development of discovery operations. While the criteria for diagnosing individuals are acknowledged, temporal boundedness is often misinterpreted and temporal minima are applied to units in question. This results in misdiagnosis or abandonment of ontological interpretation altogether. Biological units such as areas of endemism in biogeography and species in evolutionary biology fall victim to such problems. Our goal here is to address the misconception that biological individuals such as species and areas of endemism have a temporal minimum. Areas of endemism can persist within small temporal boundaries in the context of metapopulation dynamics, island biogeography, and range expansion and contraction. Similarly, lineage reticulation illustrates examples of short-lived species. Here, examples of known entities are provided to illustrate their persistence on short time scales in attempt to rescue future interpretation of biological units from ontological misdiagnosis, elucidate the philosophical individuality of areas of endemism and species with short lifespans, and provide justification for the "snapshot in time" diagnostic approach.
Halomethanes (other than those listed elsewhere)

Bromoform, dibromochloromethane, bromodichloromethane, dichlorodifluoro-methane, bromomethane, chloromethane, methylene chloride, and trichloro-fluoromethane are the compounds listed in this category. Carbon tetrachloride and chloroform are listed separately.
An Integration and Evaluation Framework for ESPC Coupled Models

Abstract : The long-term goal is a coupled earth system model with predictive skill from 1 week to 1 year. The objectives are: To establish an ESPC Coupling Testbed that allows for collaborative research into coupling technologies, and use it to prototype multi-model optimization techniques focused on computing systems with accelerator technologies. To support migration of optimization strategies from the ESPC Coupling Testbed to infrastructure packages and coupled model applications, and provide support for coupling of optimized components in the ESPC program. To extend ESPC-related computational committees to address new requirements driven by changes in computing architectures and program needs, and to initiate scientific committees.
New speech enhancement techniques using the pitch mode modulation model

Speech enhancement is often required prior to speech recognition and speaker identification (SI) systems. The new speech enhancement techniques described herein are based on the Pitch Mode Modulation Model (PMMM). The PMMM exploits the time-synchrony present in speech to time-warp the speech waveform such that the quasi-periodic signal becomes periodic. After this nonlinear preprocessing step, the speech signal is enhanced by comb filtering and rewarping. The enhancement technique is used with a standard cepstrum-based SI system and is shown to significantly reduce the sensitivity of the system to mismatches between training and testing data. Other applications of the enhancement model are also discussed. >