cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: a path toward more appropriate use.

Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of preventable death in hospitalised patients and its prevention with pharmacological prophylaxis has been rated a top patient safety practice.1 Furthermore, the rate at which VTE prophylaxis is administered to ‘at-risk’ patients along with the rate of ‘potentially preventable’ VTE events are national performance measures for US hospitals.2 As a result, many hospitals have spent considerable time and effort implementing processes designed to increase rates of VTE prophylaxis. Missed doses due to patient refusal of VTE prophylaxis is a commonly encountered barrier. Strategies to minimise anticoagulant refusal in patients who would otherwise benefit from prophylaxis are needed. Baillie et al 3 describe a multifaceted approach designed to increase adherence to pharmacological VTE prophylaxis in hospitalised patients. By standardising the nursing response to patient refusal of heparin injections (which included a strong focus on patient education), assessing successful administration of VTE prophylaxis on a daily basis via a multidisciplinary rounding checklist, and receiving regular feedback on patient refusal rates, the authors were able to demonstrate a reduction in missed doses in over 20 000 patient admissions to medical and oncology units. Much of the improvement was due to reductions in patient refusal. The fact that the reduction in missed doses was not seen in several units serving as the control group further supports the effectiveness of the intervention. As the authors highlight, which aspects of the multifaceted intervention primarily …
Molecular Dissection of the Human Antibody Response to the Structural Repeat Epitope of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite from a Protected Donor

Background: The circumsporozoite surface protein is the primary target of human antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites, these antibodies are predominantly directed to the major repetitive epitope (Asn-Pro-Asn-Ala)n, (NPNA)n. In individuals immunized by the bites of irradiated Anopheles mosquitoes carrying P. falciparum sporozoites in their salivary glands, the antirepeat response dominates and is thought by many to play a role in protective immunity. Methods: The antibody repertoire from a protected individual immunized by the bites of irradiated P. falciparum infected Anopheles stephensi was recapitulated in a phage display library. Following affinity based selection against (NPNA)3 antibody fragments that recognized the PfCSP repeat epitope were rescued. Results: Analysis of selected antibody fragments implied the response was restricted to a single antibody fragment consisting of VH3 and VκI families for heavy and light chain respectively with moderate affinity for the ligand. Conclusion: The dissection of the protective antibody response against the repeat epitope revealed that the response was apparently restricted to a single VH/VL pairing (PfNPNA-1). The affinity for the ligand was in the µM range. If anti-repeat antibodies are involved in the protective immunity elicited by exposure to radiation attenuated P. falciparum sporozoites, then high circulating levels of antibodies against the repeat region may be more important than intrinsic high affinity for protection. The ability to attain and sustain high levels of anti-(NPNA) n will be one of the key determinants of efficacy for a vaccine that relies upon anti-PfCSP repeat antibodies as the primary mechanism of protective immunity against P. falciparum.
An /spl infin/-LQ regulator and sliding mode controller for a flexible structure with synchronous motor

In this paper the steady-state linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) is considered as the nominal or desired control for a simplified model of a flexible structure with torque actuation at its hub. Next, a synchronous motor is used as the source of the torque input with dynamics given by a set of nonlinear differential equations. Finally, a sliding-mode controller is designed for the synchronous motor using a sliding manifold that effectively ensures that the optimal regulator control law is generated. Preliminary simulations in SIMULINK are included to illustrate the results on a one-mode model of a flexible link.
Regulation of Bcl2 phosphorylation and potential significance for leukemic cell chemoresistance.

Although considered tightly linked, the linkage effectors for proliferation and antiapoptotic signaling pathways are not clear. Phosphorylation of Bcl2 at serine 70 is required for suppression of apoptosis in interleukin 3 (IL-3)-dependent myeloid cells deprived of IL-3 or treated with antileukemic drugs and can result from agonist activation of mitochon-drial protein kinase C a (PKCa). However, we have recently found that high concentrations of staurosporine up to 1 μM can only partially inhibit IL-3-stimulated Bcl2 phosphorylation but completely block PKCα-mediated Bcl2 phosphory lation in vitro, indicating the existence of a non-PKC, staurosporine-resistant Bcl2 kinase (SRK). Although the RAF-1 MEK-1-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is required for factor-dependent mitogenic signaling, a direct role in antiapoptosis signaling is not clear. In particular, the role of phosphorylation in the regulation of death substrates is not yet clear. Our findings indicate a potential role for the MEK/MAPK pathway in addition to PKC in antiapoptosis signaling, involving Bcl2 phosphorylation that features a role for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1 and 2 as SRKs. These findings indicate a novel role for ERKI and 2 as molecular links between proliferative and survival signal ing and may, at least in part, explain the apparent paradox by which Bcl2 may suppress staurosporine-induced apopto sis. Although the effect of phosphorylation on Bcl2 function is not clear, effector molecules that regulate Bcl2 phosphorylation may have clinical significance in patients with acutt myelogenous leukemia (AML) who express detectable levels of Bcl2. Preliminary findings suggest that expression of PKCa, ERK2, and Bax in leukemic blast cells from patients with AML, although individually not prognostic, appears to have potential clinical value in predicting chemoresistanct and survival outcomes.
Environment and Population: The Collapse of Large Irrigation Systems Reconsidered

Irrigation systems were the first source of great abundance that stemmed from the Agricultural Revolution. They were also humanity's first great environmental curse. Long before issues of global warming and freshwater shortages haunted the modem world, irrigation systems blessed and bedeviled humans with their promise and peril. While a well-ordered functional irrigation system provided inhabitants with seed-to-yield ratios that were the envy of any dryfarming regime, these same irrigation systems could collapse in toto, bringing disaster on a scale never seen in rain-fed agricultural systems. This article will examine the tragic ruin of the irrigation system of Egypt in the wake of Black Death depopulation. It will compare this case to that of the dry-farming system in post-plague England. A comparison between the effects of rural labor shortage in the hydraulic economy of Egypt with labor shortage in the rain-fed economy of England reveals a weakness in the otherwise functional pseudo-Malthusian marginal product of labor function.' According to the pseudo-Malthusian model, labor scarcity and land abundance, resulting from depopulation, should lead to higher productivity due to greater marginal returns to labor. Yet, while this did indeed occur in England, Egypt was devastated by labor shortage. Why does this model not seem to work for Egypt's hydraulic system? The answer lies in the second part of the marginal product graph, one that is seldom used by economic scholars of pre-modern history. The following analysis will show that this often overlooked section of the marginal product curve can serve to explain daunting enigmas that lie at the heart of disasters that have affected many irrigation economies.
A new biology of diabetes revealed by leptin

A variety of leptin actions require a re-examination of classic concepts of metabolic diseases. Here we present evidence for two physiologic pathways: a pathway that protects nonadipose tissues from overaccumulation of potentially toxic lipids and unrecognized paracrine interactions between α and β cells revealed by leptin's ability to suppress diabetic hyperglucagonemia. These observations strongly point to new therapeutic possibilities for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Microchannel plates and image detection at soft X-ray wavelengths

Detector systems based on the high-gain microchannel plate (MCP) electron multiplier have been used extensively for imaging at soft X-ray wavelengths both on the ground and in space. The latest pulse-counting electronic readout systems provide zero readout-noise, spatial resolutions (FWM) of 25 microns or better and can determine the arrival times of detected photons to an accuracy of the order of 100 ns. These systems can br developed to produce detectors with active areas of 100 mm in diameter or greater. The use of CsI photocathodes produces very high detective quantum efficiencies to wavelengths between about 100 and 1A (0.1 to 10 keV) with moderate energy resolution. The operating characteristics of the different types of soft X-ray MCP detector systems are described, and the prospects for future developments are discussed.
My Current Thoughts on Coefficient Alpha and Successor Procedures

In 1997, noting that the 50th anniversary of the publication of “Coefficient Alpha and the Internal Structure of Tests” was fast approaching, Lee Cronbach planned what have become the notes publish...
18F-FDG PET as a Routine Test for Posttherapy Assessment of Hodgkin's Disease and Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Where Is the Evidence?

The recently published 2 reports of the International Harmonization Project (IHP) in Lymphoma recommended the routine use of 18F-FDG PET for posttherapy assessment of patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common and potentially curable form of aggressive
1200-V Normally Off GaN-on-Si Field-Effect Transistors With Low Dynamic on -Resistance

This letter reports high-voltage GaN field-effect transistors fabricated on Si substrates. A halide-based plasma treatment was performed to enable normally off operation. Atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 gate insulator was adopted to reduce the gate leakage current. Incorporation of multiple field plates, with one field plate connected to the gate electrode and two field plates connected to the source electrode successfully enabled a high breakdown voltage of 1200 V and low dynamic on-resistance at high-voltage operation.
Lapsed attention to elapsed time? Individual differences in working memory capacity and temporal reproduction

Working memory capacity (WMC) predicts individual differences in a wide range of mental abilities. In three experiments we examined whether WMC would predict temporal judgment. Low-WMC temporal reproductions were consistently too long for the shortest duration and too short for the longest, but were accurate (unbiased) for the intermediate. In contrast, high-WMC temporal reproductions were more accurate (unbiased) across the range. Thus low-WMC showed a classic "migration effect" (Vierordt's Law) to a greater extent than high-WMC. Furthermore reproduction errors depended more on temporal context than the absolute durations of "shortest," "longest," and "intermediate." Low-WMC reproductions were overall more variable than high-WMC. General fluid intelligence (gF) was also related to temporal bias and variability. However, WMC-related timing differences were only attenuated and not eliminated with gF as covariate. Results are discussed in terms of attention, memory, and other psychological constructs.
Probing the ultrathin limit of hyperbolic metamaterial: nonlocality induced topological transitions (Presentation Recording)

An ideal hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM), which has a perfect hyperbolic dispersion curve, theoretically can support modes with indefinite wavenumbers, leading to large photon local density of states (LDOS) and many applications such as enhancing light-matter interactions, spontaneous emission and thermal radiation. Here in this presentation, HMMs based on ultrathin metal-dielectric multilayers have been studied by considering the nonlocal response of electrons in metal. Based on the hydrodynamic model of the nonlocal response, we investigate the effect of nonlocality on the performance (dispersion relation, ray refraction, LDOS and spontaneous emission) of HMMs when gradually approaching the ultrathin limit of the unit cell. We show that nonlocality will induce topological transitions of the iso-frequency surfaces and limit the wavenumber as well as LDOS for both type I and type II HMMs. Under nonlocal treatment, the iso-frequency surface of type II HMM transforms from a hyperbola to a bullet shape, while for type I HMM, the surface splits into two branches: a cylindrical-like branch at high k region and an elliptical branch at the low k region. In the high k region, the nonlocality set a cut-off k for the allowed wavenumbers in both type I and type II HMMs. This cut-off k which is defined by the electron Fermi velocity of the metal intrinsically limits the LDOS and light-matter interactions. These results indicate that in the aim of achieving high performance HMMs, merely thinning the constituent films according to the local theories is no longer valid.
Friction modeling and compensation for haptic interfaces

Friction cancellation and high gain force feedback are studied for their relative benefits in mitigating the effects of friction in haptic interfaces. Although either technique alone is capable of significant improvements, we find that a combination of approximate cancellation coupled with variable-gain low-bandwidth force feedback provides excellent friction reduction and is more robust. This improves the feel of the haptic interface, and provides significant linearization of the interface dynamics for more accurate model-based control.
Trapping Effectiveness of Five Species of Nematophagous Fungi Cultured with Mycophagous Nematodes

Four-day cultures of nematophagous fungi that contained mycophagous nematodes exhibited little correlation between increased fungal growth and increased nematode-trapping effectiveness. Increased f...
Design and Evaluation of Protection System for Biosafety Laboratory Level-2 with Negative Air Pressure

[Objective] To guide the design of protection system for biosafety laboratory level-2(BSL-2) with negative air pressure.[Methods] The suggestions were proposed through summarized the significant problems in laboratory construction,experiment process,function isolation,floor layout,organization of people and logistics,ventilation,air flowand other environment parameters.[Results] Buffer room and dressing room should be included in BSL-2 as well as preparation room.The form of animal room should be regulated and should apply co-current system.The entirely current should flow from pristine area to animal room and air current in animal room should flow form relative cleaning to pollution zone.Baric gradient should not be less than 10Pa.The value of negative pressure should be-20Pa in core room included combination animal room and-30Pa in the independence animal room.[Conclusion] The design must consistent with biosafety and requirement of experiment process but also should agree with the need of heating ventilation and construction principle.In the paper,the proposed suggestions can guide the construction of laboratory and have been confirmed in the many projects.
Progressive Collapse Resistance for Steel Building Frames: A Cascading Multi-Hazard Approach with Subsequent Fire

The design of building frames for progressive collapse resistance typically includes a two-phase sequence: (1) the initial hazard that causes localized damage and (2) the subsequent response of the structure to redistribute loads and bridge over the damaged areas. However, recent events have shown that local damage to building frames is commonly followed by a fire which subsequently ignites near the location of the damage. In current practice, little consideration if any is given to fire as a cascading hazard for progressive collapse-resistant design. Fire exposure for a damaged structure could be detrimental to the short-term stability of that structure and may pose a significant threat to the safe evacuation of building occupants. This chapter explores the effects of fire following an extreme event that causes failure of one column on the perimeter of a steel building frame—this damage scenario represents the typical design case for assessing progressive collapse resistance. Two prototype office buildings are considered: a low-rise (5-story) new construction and a high-rise (38-story) preexisting structure. The approach focuses on implementation of the US Government guidelines for progressive collapse resistance and assumes that the extreme event not only damages one column but also damages active fire protection (i.e., sprinklers) in the vicinity of the structural damage. Results of these studies include estimates of the time to collapse initiation and a correlation between the level of remaining passive fire protection (i.e., fire-resistive materials applied to the structural elements) and the collapse time. The goal of this chapter is to raise awareness of potential fire hazards that may follow extreme events and provide guidance for the assessment of these hazards.
The Lyman Alpha Line in Space

L-a-линия водорода в межпланетном пространстве.Рассматривается характер водородной La-линии,, 1215.67Д j излучаемой солнцем, и ее влияние при поглощении ее в земной атмосфере. Исследованы следующие случаи: интенсивность, ее изменения при солнечных переменах, а также по солнечному диску; профиль линии, ее применение при определении теллурического и межпланетного водорода и при изучении атмосферы солнца; ее роль в образовании слоя -D; эффекты свечения ночного неба.
Programs with Network Structure

IN THIS CHAPTER WE present an algorithm for solving the most fundamental of all network flow problems, the single commodity linear minimum cost flow problem. The algorithm we emphasize is the network simplex algorithm . Our point of view relies heavily on the so-called revised form of the simplex algorithm of linear programming.
Synthesis and organic-inorganic interface of colloidal lead chalcogenide nanocrystals

C nanocrystals (NC) are very promising building blocks for materials with designed functions due to their wide and easy tunability of catalytic, electronic, and optical properties by adjusting the NC composition, shape and size1. The chemistry of organic/inorganic interface in colloidal NC plays an essential role in the synthesis and growth, and strongly affects physical and chemical properties of NC. In spite of advances in the synthesis of NC and significant efforts in comprehension of chemical reactions, reaction products and surface chemistry, an understanding of chemical reactions and how organic molecules bind and pack on nanocrystal surfaces is still ambiguous.
Kinematic Visual Biofeedback Improves Accuracy of Learning a Swallowing Maneuver and Accuracy of Clinician Cues During Training.

Submental surface electromyography (ssEMG) visual biofeedback is widely used to train swallowing maneuvers. This study compares the effect of ssEMG and videofluoroscopy (VF) visual biofeedback on hyo-laryngeal accuracy when training a swallowing maneuver. Furthermore, it examines the clinician’s ability to provide accurate verbal cues during swallowing maneuver training. Thirty healthy adults performed the volitional laryngeal vestibule closure maneuver (vLVC), which involves swallowing and sustaining closure of the laryngeal vestibule for 2 s. The study included two stages: (1) first accurate demonstration of the vLVC maneuver, followed by (2) training—20 vLVC training swallows. Participants were randomized into three groups: (a) ssEMG biofeedback only, (b) VF biofeedback only, and (c) mixed biofeedback (VF for the first accurate demonstration achieving stage and ssEMG for the training stage). Participants’ performances were verbally critiqued or reinforced in real time while both the clinician and participant were observing the assigned visual biofeedback. VF and ssEMG were continuously recorded for all participants. Results show that accuracy of both vLVC performance and clinician cues was greater with VF biofeedback than with either ssEMG or mixed biofeedback (p < 0.001). Using ssEMG for providing real-time biofeedback during training could lead to errors while learning and training a swallowing maneuver.
Brew: A Security Policy Analysis Framework for Distributed SDN-Based Cloud Environments

The ease of programmability in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) makes it a great platform implementation of various initiatives that involve application deployment, dynamic topology changes, and decentralized network management in a multi-tenant data center environment. However, implementing security solutions in such an environment is fraught with policy conflicts and consistency issues with the hardness of this problem being affected by the distribution scheme for the SDN controllers. In this paper we present Brew, a security policy analysis framework implemented on an OpenDaylight SDN controller, that has comprehensive conflict detection and resolution modules to ensure that no two flow rules in a distributed SDN-based cloud environment have conflicts at any layer; thereby assuring consistent conflict-free security policy implementation and preventing information leakage. We present techniques for global prioritization of flow rules in a decentralized environment, extend firewall rule conflict classification from a traditional environment to SDN flow rule conflicts by recognizing and classifying conflicts stemming from cross-layer conflicts and provide strategies for unassisted resolution of these conflicts. Alternately, if administrator input is desired to resolve conflicts, a novel visualization scheme is implemented to help the administrators view the conflicts graphically. We demonstrate the correctness, feasibility and scalability of our framework through a proof-of-concept prototype.
Feeding Problems in Infants and Children: Assessment and Etiology

Feeding problems in infants and young children are common. In healthy children who are developing and growing normally, feeding problems are usually not serious and can be managed conservatively by reassuring the family and providing them with anticipatory guidance and follow-up. A majority of serious childhood feeding problems occur in children who have other medical, developmental, or behavioral problems. These are best evaluated and treated by an interprofessional team who can identify and address issues in the medical and/or developmental history, problems with oral motor control and function, problems with swallowing, and behavioral and/or sensory issues that may interfere with normal feeding.
CADASIL and Animal Models

BBB Blood–brain barrier CADASIL Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy CBF Cerebral blood fl ow CVR Cerebrovascular resistance EGF Epidermal growth factor MCAo Middle cerebral artery occlusion N3KO Notch3 knockout Notch3 ECD Notch3 extracellular domain NOTCH3 ICD Notch3 intracellular domain PID Peri-infarct depolarization SD Spreading depression SVD Small vessel disease WT Wild type Chapter 3 CADASIL and Animal Models
Minimizing occupational exposure to pesticides: Acute and chronic effects of pesticides on human health

As is true of toxic substances in general, pesticides pose several different kinds of threats to health. Defined broadly as “adverse effects,” they are commonly considered either acute effects, developing promptly and resolving rapidly, or chronic effects, which may appear after a delay, but then persist for weeks to years.
Symbolic play performance and early language development

The object-substitution symbolic play abilities of young children at three early language levels (i.e., MLU Stage Pre I, Early Stage I, and Late Stage I) were compared. In addition, the relationship between early language performance and object-substitution symbolic play was investigated. Results support the view that symbolic play performance is related to early language development, and in particular to the beginnings of combinational language (i.e., early syntax). Children at the combinatorial level of language development demonstrated significantly more representational ability than children at the single-word level.
Selectivity for G Protein or Arrestin-Mediated Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are expressed throughout the body in various cell types and organs. The cellular complement of proteins and the immediate scaffolds assembled in proximity to the receptor can determine how a receptor will signal in response to a given agonist. Furthermore, a particular agonist may promote receptor activation such that it favors interactions with different signaling partners within a cell. Therefore, a given receptor may have diverse functions depending on where it is expressed or what ligand is binding to it. β-arrestins are ubiquitously expressed cellular regulatory proteins that can play multifaceted roles in GPCR signaling. This chapter focuses on how different ligands can reveal differential roles of β-arrestins in determining GPCR signaling and regulation. We will focus on the neurotransmitter receptors for serotonin and opioids for specific examples of such functional selectivity.
PS6:124 Algorithms to identify sle from ehr data

Background SLE is difficult to diagnose because of the diverse manifestations occurring over time and across care sites. Electronic health records (EHR) present a rich source of patient information which can be mined for diagnosis and identification to improve quality of care or to enrol patients in studies. Aim Build a rule-based algorithm for each revised 1982/1997 ACR classification criteria for SLE using EHR data. Methods We included patients from the Chicago Lupus Database (CLD) fulfilling 4 or more of the ACR classification criteria for SLE who also had records in the Northwestern Medicine Electronic Data Warehouse (NMEDW) EHR. ICD-9 codes and lab test results for each ACR SLE criterion were ascertained. We queried patient diagnoses, lab results and used a simple chart string for lab test results from physician notes. Results Data from 515/783 patients in CLD and the NMEDW EHR were included. When using ICD 9 codes only 8.8% of patients from CLD/NMEDW were identified. With the addition of lab results to the query concordance increased to 54.7%, and a simple text string query to search physician notes for additional lab results increased identification to 57.5%. Conclusion Using ICD codes plus laboratory data from NMEDW increased fulfilment of classification criteria but is still not optimal for patient identification. Additional strategies such as using natural language processing (NLP) or examining fulfilment of SLICC classification criteria for SLE which includes more lab results than ACR may yield an improved rule-based algorithm for the identification of SLE patients in EHR data.
Provider exclusions in US private health insurance contracts

Two national newspaper articles published in the Fall of 2018 addressed the issue of private health insurance provider contracts that act to exclude specific health systems from health plan networks. Inevitably, the question arises: Are such agreements illegal restraints of trade actionable under federal and state antitrust laws? A long-standing tenet of antitrust law is that it exists to protect competition not competitors. Excluding providers may be a legitimate outgrowth of the contracting process and therefore legal. However, an examination of the contracting process may reveal anticompetitive intent to restrain trade. The specific facts surrounding provider exclusion must be analyzed carefully in an effort to determine if there is illegal restraint of trade.
Demonetization in India: Superfluous discovery and money laundering

Demonetization policy of 2016 in India anticipated that a large share of the old notes was held by tax evaders and criminals, who, in the interest of avoiding legal scrutiny, would not exchange their currency for the new notes in circulation. The Indian government expected a revenue windfall between 10 and 33% of the currency in circulation through unreturned notes. After the demonetization policy, entrepreneurs discovered ways to effectively and swiftly launder money and 99.3% of the revoked currency was returned within the sixty-day window. This paper discusses the kinds of entrepreneurship and superfluous discovery processes post-demonetization that helped circumvent the intended goals of demonetization.
Who We Are and Why It Matters

This chapter discusses the demographics of faculty and students at Hostos Community College of the City University of New York, which is the largest urban public university system in the United States and how this profile compares to community colleges nationwide. The chapter will provide the reader an understanding of the challenges and potential that community colleges have in creating a culture of online teaching and learning and in the adoption of education technology. The chapter will also demonstrate why education technology is important to the context of Hostos in fulfilling its mission of offering access to quality and affordable education, and the opportunity for upward social mobility to populations that have been historically marginalized.
Evaluating Online Learning Orientation Design with a Readiness Scale.

Student online learning readiness (SOLR) has been identified as being closely associated with the success of learning in online environments. Online learning orientations have also been used as a key intervention to support students. However, the evaluation practice and research of online learning orientation design are limited. This research studied the effects of an orientation course on SOLR, using a multiyear design-based research with a one-group pretest and posttest method as the evaluation measurement. The design and implementation of a self-paced orientation course in Canvas learning management system was detailed as the intervention. A 20-item SOLR questionnaire was selected as the pretest and posttest instrument. After the initial cycles, a sample of 2,590 college students were invited to participate in the 2017 orientation and respond to the pretest and posttest. Because separate consent forms were distributed and collected at the pretest and posttest stages, the researcher was able to use 445 pretest and 624 posttest datasets. The independent samples t -test results indicated statistically significant improvement of SOLR competencies. The exploratory factor analysis results also indicated changes of items associated with the SOLR constructs. The reliability coefficients of all subscales were > .90, with an increase in the reliability of the SOLR instrument as a whole from pretest (a = .92) to posttest (a = .95). Implications for the design and evaluation of online learning orientations and preparing student online learning readiness are discussed toward future design and implementation.
Childhood adversity, mental health, and the perpetration of physical violence in the adult intimate relationships of women prisoners: A life course approach.

Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common, with nearly two-thirds of adult samples reporting exposure to at least one and one-quarter reporting exposure to three or more distinct types of ACEs. ACEs have been linked to various negative outcomes across the life course, including mental health problems, and the perpetration of physical violence in intimate relationships. However, little is known about the relationships between ACEs, PTSD symptomology, and use of physical violence against an adult intimate partner among incarcerated women. Objective The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between ACEs, PTSD symptoms, and the perpetration of the physical violence in the adult intimate relationships of women prisoners. Methods Using data from the 2014 Oklahoma Study of Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children (N = 349) and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques, we investigate the potential mediating effect of PTSD symptoms in the relationship between ACEs and perpetrating violence against an intimate partner. Results Our findings indicate that PTSD symptomology fully mediates the relationship between ACEs and the perpetration of physical violence against an adult intimate partner, indicating that PTSD experiences may be central to understanding women’s pathways toward violence. Conclusions Women prisoners who were exposed to ACEs during childhood were at a particularly elevated risk of developing PTSD symptomology and perpetrating physical violence against an adult intimate partner. Based on the current study’s findings, treatment programs that address these complex relationships between ACEs, particularly focusing on the central role of mental health in these processes, are needed for incarcerated women.
Experimental Evolution of Metal Resistance in Bacteria

There has been an increased usage of metallic antimicrobial materials to control pathogenic and multi-drug resistant bacteria, yet there is a corresponding need to know if this usage may lead to genetic adaptations that produce even more dangerous bacterial strains. In this paper we examine important recent results from the literature as well as report results from a series of our own studies. In that work, we utilized experimental evolution to produce strains of Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 resistant to silver (Ag+), excess copper (Cu2+), excess iron (II, III), and the iron analog gallium (Ga3+). Silver and gallium are toxic to bacteria, whereas iron and copper are essential micronutrients that can be toxic in excess amounts. In all cases, the evolution of metal resistance was rapid and resulted in pleiotropic effects that included resistance to other metals as well as traditional antibiotics. Genomic analysis identified mutations in several genes associated with metal resistance, falling in several broad classes: genes that prevent entry of metal into the cell, genes involved in the energy-dependent efflux of metal out of the cell, genes associated with ROS-induced membrane damage, and genes associated with transcription.
Referral Timing and Fundraising Success in Crowdfunding

Problem definition : Crowdfunding, a relatively new approach for raising capital for early-stage ventures, has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years. Entrepreneurs launch a campaign on a ...
A modelling framework for a better understanding of the tropically-forced component of the Indian monsoon variability

An experimental technique is introduced for controlling atmospheric diabatic heating in a fully-coupled climate model (NCEP Climate Forecast System version 2), with the motivation of better understanding the role of tropical forcing in modulating the Indian summer monsoon and contributing to global seasonal prediction skill. The ‘added heating’ mechanistic approach has the benefit of not interfering with any internal model feedbacks. The approach is applied in an iterative fashion to correct bias in the three-dimensional tropical heating over the Indo-Pacific, defined as the difference between the model ensemble mean heating and that estimated from ERA-Interim. The June through September seasonal mean, trend and parabolic fit in diabatic heating are corrected for each year separately over a 20-year set of seasonal re-forecasts, resulting in a 60–90% reduction in the mean-squared error of Indo-Pacific heating from an initial set of control re-forecasts, two-thirds of which is associated with the climatological bias. This results in higher skill in the climatological mean and inter-annual variability of local low-level winds and the underlying sea surface temperature (SST). Improvements are most significant over the equatorial Indian Ocean with a removal of the climatological low-level westerly bias and SST gradient bias along with substantially more skill in inter-annual variability. Although there is very little improvement in the model rainfall over India, there is improvement in the low-level circulation. The lack of significant improvement in rainfall prediction may be partly related to the representation of convection and/or the coarse resolution grid of the model.
From Tax Compliance in Natural Language to Executable Calculations: Combining Lexical-grammar-based Parsing and Machine Learning

Regulatory agencies publish tax-compliance content written in natural language intended for human consumption. There has been very little work on automated methods for interpreting this content and for generating executable calculations from it. In this paper, we describe a combination of lexical grammar-based parsing with encoder-decoder architectures for automatically bootstrapping executable calculations from natural language. The combination is particularly suitable for domains such as compliance where training data is scarce and accuracy of interpretation is of high importance. We provide an overview of the implementation for North American income-tax forms.
Therapeutic concentrations of hydroxocobalamin interferes with several spectrophotometric assays on the Beckman Coulter DxC and AU680 chemistry analyzers.

Abstract Background High doses of hydroxocobalamin (OHCob) are used to treat cyanide poisoning and cardiac complications. Since OHCob absorbs at multiple wavelengths often used in colorimetric assays, spurious laboratory results are likely to occur. The objective of this study was to examine interference caused by OHCob in colorimetric assays measured using the Beckman Coulter DxC and AU680. Methods OHCob was dissolved in water and spiked into pooled “healthy” and “unhealthy” patient samples at two different concentrations (0.15 and 1.5 mg/mL). Spiked and unspiked samples were analyzed on both instruments and bias was calculated. A total of 23 analytes were tested on the DxC and 27 analytes were tested on the AU680. For analytes showing a bias ≥ 10%, OHCob was titrated from 0.2–1.5 mg/mL. Results The following analytes were affected on the DxC and AU680: alanine aminotransferase, amylase, total bilirubin, cholesterol, creatine kinase, creatinine, magnesium, uric acid. Direct bilirubin, iron, phosphate, total protein and triglycerides were only affected on the DxC. Biases observed were positive or negative and fixed or proportional. Conclusions Between the DxC and AU680, several analytes were affected at therapeutic OHCob concentrations. Hence, it is important for laboratories to know how their instruments are affected, and for clinicians to alert the lab when these samples are expected.
An experimental investigation of yield surfaces at elevated temperatures

The purpose of this paper is to present new methods and procedures used in the experimental determination of yield surfaces at room and at elevated temperatures. These procedures permit one to obtain a striking consistency in the results and to derive unambiguously laws of general validity. Experiments are presented in which thin-walled tubes of pure aluminum are loaded in combined tension and torsion, in the plastic range, at room temperature and at elevated temperatures to 325°F. Yield surfaces in stress space are obtained at several temperatures for the virgin material and for the material prestrained in torsion. It is shown that no cross effect exists at all tested temperatures and levels of prestraining. It is also shown that the yield surfaces do not pass through the prestressing point and that the yield surfaces do not enclose the origin even at very small values of prestressing. The paper ends with the introduction of a new method of determining the yield surface in stress-temperature space. In this method the loading path is non-isothermal and the experimental results verify the previously isothermally determined yield surface.
Heavy quark diffusion in strongly coupled N=4 Yang-Mills theory

We express the heavy quark diffusion coefficient as the temporal variation of a Wilson line along the Schwinger-Keldysh contour. This generalizes the classical formula for diffusion as a force-force correlator to a non-Abelian theory. We use this formula to compute the diffusion coefficient in strongly coupled $\mathcal{N}=4$ Yang-Mills theory by studying the fluctuations of a string in ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{5}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{S}_{5}$. The string solution spans the full Kruskal plane and gives access to contour correlations. The diffusion coefficient is $D=2/\sqrt{\ensuremath{\lambda}}\ensuremath{\pi}T$ and is therefore parametrically smaller than momentum diffusion, $\ensuremath{\eta}/(e+p)=1/4\ensuremath{\pi}T$. The quark mass must be much greater than $T\sqrt{\ensuremath{\lambda}}$ in order to treat the quark as a heavy quasiparticle. The result is discussed in the context of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) experiments.
Socioeconomic disadvantage and violence: Recent research on culture and neighborhood control as explanatory mechanisms

This article reviews recent theoretical and empirical developments that further our understanding of the relationship between socioeconomic disadvantage and violence. Previously hampered by lack of appropriate data and model specification, there has been significant revitalization of research testing cultural and social disorganization theories. Recent studies have examined the role of attitudes in violence, the social-structural sources of those attitudes, and community-level social control processes.
High voltage generation with a beta electrogenerator cell

Radioactive decay energy conversion of beta particle emitting cerium 144 into high voltage electricity in coaxial cylinder cell
A Circumscribed Diagnosis Engine

A difficult diagnosis task is to decide whether to incriminate or to exonerate the components of a system. A parsimonious theory of diagnosis requires doing exoneration. A robust theory of diagnosis must not presume the ways components fail. In order to build both, a parsimonious and robust theory of diagnosis, all the proofs which lead to the conclusion that components are not abnormal must be defeasible. This is a basic motivation to apply non monotonic reasoning to diagnosis problems. A basic issue becomes the choice of an exoneration criterion. Most model-based diagnosis engines exonerate components when there is a lack of evidence that they fail.
Opioid desensitization: interactions with G-protein-coupled receptors in the locus coeruleus

In rat locus coeruleus (LC) neurons, alpha 2 adrenoceptors, mu-opioid and somatostatin receptors all activate the same potassium conductance. Chronic treatment with morphine causes a loss of sensitivity that is specific to the mu-opioid response, with no change in the alpha 2 adrenoceptor-mediated response. Acute desensitization induced by opioid, somatostatin, and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists was studied in brain slices of rat LC using intracellular recording. A supramaximal concentration of the opioid agonist Met5-enkephalin induced a profound homologous desensitization but little heterologous desensitization to an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist (UK 14304) or somatostatin. All desensitized currents showed partial recovery. A supramaximal concentration of UK14304 caused a relatively small amount of desensitization. Although little interaction was observed among inhibitory G-protein-coupled receptors, activation of an excitatory receptor had marked effects on inhibitory responses. Muscarinic agonists, which produce an inward current in LC neurons, reduced the magnitude of agonist-induced outward currents and increased both the rate and amount of opioid desensitization. Muscarinic activation did not alter desensitization of alpha 2-adrenoceptor responses. Acute desensitization shares several characteristics with the tolerance induced by chronic morphine treatment of animals.
Thrust Improvement with Ablative Insert Nozzle Extension

Aspects are examined of an investigation by the Marshall Space Flight Center into the conceptual feasibility of increasing the thrust performance of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) by using a conical nozzle extension fitted with an ablative insert in order to achieve a low-cost, near-term gain in payload. The ablating insert would provide a controlled increase in nozzle expansion ratio during launch and early climbout (first 30-60 seconds) so as to reduce thrust loss from nozzle over-expansion in the lower atmosphere. Summaries are given of JPL studies in the area of: defining the near-wall flow environment in the extended nozzle insert region; selecting potential insert materials; conceptualizing an extension/insert geometrical configuration; and identifying future experimental efforts necessary to verify the feasibility of the concepts.
Differences in Work-to-Family and Family-to-Work Spillover Among Professional and Nonprofessional Workers

We examine work-to-family and family-to-work spillover for professional and nonprofessional members of dual-earner couples. Separate analyses (multiple analysis of variance [MANOVA]) are conducted for men and women. We include variables in our model that help us understand differences between workers, including age of respondent, number of children, occupational status, employment status, and an interaction effect between children and work hours. To determine whether particular work benefits are influential, we add work flexibility as a covariate in a second model. Our findings do not support the assertion made in the literature that nonprofessional workers are less likely than professional workers to feel pressures from work to family.
Newborn screening and early biochemical follow-up in combined methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria, cblC type, and utility of methionine as a secondary screening analyte

Abstract Introduction Combined methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria, cobalamin C (cblC) type, is an inherited disorder of vitamin B 12 metabolism caused by mutations in MMACHC . CblC typically presents in the neonatal period with neurological deterioration, failure to thrive, cytopenias, and multisystem pathology including renal and hepatic dysfunction. Rarely, affected individuals present in adulthood with gait ataxia and cognitive decline. Treatment with hydroxocobalamin may ameliorate the clinical features of early-onset disease and prevent clinical late-onset disease. Propionic acidemia (PA), methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), and various disorders of cobalamin metabolism are characterized by elevated propionylcarnitine (C3) on newborn screening (NBS). Distinctions can be made between these disorders with secondary analyte testing. Elevated methionine is already routinely used as a NBS marker for cystathionine β-synthase deficiency. We propose that low methionine may be useful as a secondary analyte for specific detection of cbl disorders among a larger pool of infants with elevated C3 on NBS. Methods Retrospective analysis of dried blood spot (DBS) data in patients with molecularly confirmed cblC disease. Results Nine out of ten patients with confirmed cblC born in New York between 2005 and 2008 had methionine below 13.4 μmol/L on NBS. Elevated C3, elevated C3:C2 ratio, and low methionine were incorporated into a simple screening algorithm that can be used to improve the specificity of newborn screening programs and provide a specific and novel method of distinguishing cblC from other disorders of propionate metabolism prior to recall for confirmatory testing. Conclusions It is anticipated that this algorithm will aid in early and specific detection of cobalamin C, D, and F diseases, with no additional expense to NBS laboratories screening for organic acidemias and classical homocystinuria.
New type of magnetic tunnel junction based on spin filtering through a reduced symmetry oxide: FeCo|Mg3B2O6|FeCo.

Magnetic tunnel junctions with high-tunneling magnetoresistance values such as Fe|MgO|Fe capitalize on spin filtering in the oxide region based on the band symmetry of incident electrons. However, ...