cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Use of Video Games in Literacy Education and Development: What Have We Learned?

The growth of video gaming popularity has traversed the entertaining area and is finding its place in the educational arena as well. The educational potentials of video games have prompted literacy practitioners and researchers to embark on using video games for the purpose of increasing the quality and productivity of literacy education. The current theoretical article reviews the latest theories and research findings related to the general use of video games in education with an eye towards the literacy instruction in particular. The material selected for this systematic review consisted of both theoretical and empirical articles about the use of video games in learning and teaching of literacy in the educational contexts. Even though there is tangible evidence as to the positive effects of digital games on students' learning, there is still a dearth of converging evidence as to the practical benefits of inclusion of video games in literacy education. The available evidence are mostly the results of correlational studies, and we still need a connected research stream in pursuit of finding the predictive potentials of the video gaming in literacy instruction.
861-P: Factors Associated with Optimal Glycemic Management in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Results from T1D QI Collaborative (T1DX-QI)

Background: The management of type 1 diabetes (T1D includes aiming to achieve optimal glucose management to avoid complications, but this remains a challenge.) Aim: To identify factors related to optimal glycemic management (A1c Methods: The analysis included 8,062 T1D adults (18 - 65 years) in the T1DX-QI database for whom electronic medical record data were available, with at least one completed clinic encounter July 2017 - February 2020. Results: In this population (age range 18 to 65 years), 20% (N=1,609) of T1D adults had optimal glycemic management (A1c Conclusion: These real-world data highlight racial disparities, the difficulty achieving A1c Disclosure N. Rioles: None. S. Polsky: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic, Consultant; Self; National Institutes of Health, Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, JDRF, Medtronic, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Sanofi US, T1D Exchange. O. Ebekozien: None. N. Noor: Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc. F. Vendrame: None. M. Basina: None. R. S. Weinstock: Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Diasome Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Insulet Corporation, Kowa Research Institute, Inc., Medtronic, Tolerion, Inc. Funding The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
Adherence to a generic medicine policy: A developing country's experience:

Escalating pharmaceutical expenditure is a global phenomenon, and Ghana has not been spared. To attend to the increasing cost of healthcare resulting from the high cost of drugs, the government of ...
Book Review: Style Secrets from America’s Litigator-in-Chief

This book review examines Jack Metzler's second edition of The Solicitor General's Style Guide.
Search for neutrinoless τ decays involving the KS0 meson

We have searched for lepton flavor violating decays of the τ lepton with at least one KS0 meson in the final state. The data used in the search were collected with the CLEO II and ILV detectors at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 13.9 fb−1 at the Ψ(45) resonance. No evidence for signals were found, therefore we have set 90% confidence level (C.L.) upper limits on the branching fractions B(τ− → e− KS0) < 9.5 × 10−7, B(τ− → μ− KS0) < 9.5 × 10−7, B(τ− → e− KS0 KS0) < 2.4 × 10−6, and B(τ− → μ− KS0 KS0 < 3.5 × 10−6. These represent significantly improved upper limits on the two-body decays and first upper limits on the three-body decays.
The Other Famous Marks Doctrine

Debates on protection for famous trademarks often center around state and federal antidilution laws. Both the old Federal Trademark Dilution Act of 1995 and the new Trademark Dilution Revision Act of 2006 have generated many law review articles and numerous symposia. The dilution law focuses on trademarks deemed famous within U.S. boundaries. A debate on protection for famous trademarks today is incomplete without a discussion of the other famous marks doctrine. The other famous marks doctrine recognizes marks famous in other countries without actual use in the country where a user adopts the trademark on similar goods and services. In the age of globalization, both goods and people move across national borders. Moreover, in the age of the internet, people move in cyberspace, transcending physical borders; as people move, they carry with them knowledge about certain trademarks and the associated reputation embodied in those trademarks. A trademark famous outside the United States, but known only to a certain segment of the U.S. population due to peoples' movements across borders, prompts a discussion on whether the consuming public should be protected from the likelihood of confusion or fraud. Until now, U.S. courts never have recognized a famous marks doctrine because it is a doctrine that originates from international treaties, such as the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property ("Paris Convention") and the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property ("TRIPs"). Although the United States is a signatory to both, these treaties are not self-executing and so do not automatically become a part of U.S. domestic law. This Article will focus on U.S. courts' treatment of the famous marks doctrine, particularly the recent split between the Second and Ninth Circuits on this issue. The split epitomizes two opposite views on fame: use and territoriality. On the one hand, the Second Circuit's approach ignores the fame a foreign mark has attained outside the United States and recognizes trademark rights only if the mark is in use in the United States. On the other hand, the Ninth Circuit embraces the possibility that the fame a foreign mark attains outside the United States may be known by the relevant consumer within the United States, and hence recognizes that trademark rights may exist to protect the consumer from confusion. Neither approach leads to satisfactory results. The bright-line rejection of the famous marks doctrine by the Second Circuit because of the treaty-based nature of the doctrine places the United States in a position contrary to other countries. However, the Ninth Circuit's public-policy-based embrace of the doctrine for the purpose of protecting consumers may open doors to a new uncertainty in the requirement of the foreign marks' fame. This Article ultimately concludes that courts should not act as legislative bodies concerning the law on the famous marks doctrine, instead leaving the issue to Congress.
Photodissociation dynamics of ClN3 at 203 nm: the NCl (a1Δ/X3Σ-) product branching ratio

Abstract Velocity map imaging was applied to study the photodissociation dynamics of ClN3 near 203 nm under collision free conditions. Images of state-selected N2( X 1 Σ g + , ν=0, J=68) characterize the internal energy of the photofragments and reveal the energetics of reactions , : (*) ClN 3 → N 2 ( X 1 Σ g + )+ NCl ( a 1 Δ ) Δ E=+0.21±0.07 eV (**) ClN 3 → N 2 ( X 1 Σ g + )+ NCl ( X 3 Σ − ) Δ E=−0.93±0.08 eV These experiments provide the most accurate thermodynamics for these reactions presently available and are in good agreement with other recent experimental results. Photofragment angular distributions indicate that B 1 A ′ ← X 1 A ′ excitation is the most important pathway to photoproducts. Branching measurements between the dominant spin-allowed channel (1) and the spin-forbidden channel (2) showed a 1 Δ / X 3 Σ − =0.78/0.22 .
Structure and function of Escherichia coli ribosomes: III. Stoichiometry and rate of the reconstitution of ribosomes from subribosomal particles and split proteins

Abstract The stoichiometry of the reconstitution of 30 s ribosomal particles from 23 s core particles and [ 3 H]SP30 proteins (split proteins from 30 s particles) was studied. Various amounts of [ 3 H]SP30 proteins were mixed with 23 s core particles, and the particles were re-isolated and assayed for their [ 3 H]SP30 content and for their activity in poly U-directed polyphonylalanine synthesis. No correlation was found between the incorporation activity and the amount of bound [ 3 H]SP30 proteins in the region of excess SP30 proteins; presence of the excess proteins caused a non-specific adsorption of the proteins and decreased the incorporation activity. Washing of the isolated particles with 1 m -NH 4 Cl removed most of the non-specifically bound SP30 proteins. The washed particles showed linear increases in both [ 3 H]SP30 protein content and incorporation activity with increasing amount of added proteins up to the equivalence point. Both [ 3 H]protein content and incorporation activities then leveled off to values which were constant at about 40% of those of native 30 s particles. These results strongly suggest that active reconstituted 30 s particles have a structure very similar to that of native 30 s particles. The rate of the reconstitution of 30 s particles from 23 s cores and two protein fractions (SP30A and SP30B) was studied using poly U-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis or Phe-tRNA binding as a method to follow the appearance of functional 30 s structure. A time lag of about one and two minutes was observed in polyphenylalanine synthesis and in tRNA binding, respectively. Such time lags were eliminated by pre-incubation of the core particles with the proteins at 30 °C for five minutes. The reconstitution of 60 s particles from 40 s cores and two protein fractions (SP50A and SP50B) was also studied. No time-lag was detected. The results show that the formation of functional ribosomal structures from split proteins and core particles is spontaneous and rapid in this system.
Search algorithms for space tug rendezvous: simulation and experiment

Space tugs must be able to search for and identify inert non-communicative targets, whose ephemeris is only known approximately. The goal of this article is to evaluate the efficiency of three possible two-dimensional search strategies in the context of autonomous rendezvous in space. As part of a broader Space Tug project, a number of modeling challenges were addressed to validate the experimental results. A crucial problem was to reduce the complex space search problem to a simple two-dimensional search for an inert target using LEGO robots. The data collected, as well as results from simulations, showed strong trends in the relationship between time and energy expended during the search. The project provided a starting point for the rendezvous control system to be implemented in a Space Tug vehicle by showing which of the three strategies - random, semi-autonomous and autonomous - is most efficient in the two-dimensional search case. It was found that the semi-autonomous algorithm is the most energetically efficient approach, but also the most time-consuming. This finding disproved our initial belief that the semi-autonomous (human-in-the-loop) strategy is the most efficient in terms of both time and energy. Instead, the conclusion is that an autonomous algorithm is more suitable for space applications. The results also suggest that, depending on knowledge of the search space and mission requirements, a hybrid approach might be most efficient.
Exploring spatial scale in geography

This book provides a systematic and comprehensive account of the many spatial analytic methods useful for understanding the implications of spatial scale for geographical data. The author effective...
Phytochemical Modulators of Human Drug Metabolism: Drug Interactions with Fruits, Vegetables, and Botanical Dietary Supplements

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) have been components of man's diet for millennia and are believed to have played a significant role in steering the functional development of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) and transporters within the human gastrointestinal tract. Only recently, however, PSMs have been recognized as modulators of human drug disposition. Despite exposure to thousands of structurally diverse dietary phytochemicals, only a few appear to significantly modulate human drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. In some instances, these interactions may have beneficial effects, such as cancer prevention (i.e., isothiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables), whereas others may dramatically affect the pharmacokinetics of concomitantly administered drugs (i.e., furanocoumarins in grapefruit juice). In today's global economy, the opportunity for exposure to more exotic phytochemicals is significantly enhanced. Formulated as concentrated phytochemical extracts, botanical dietary supplements are vehicles for a host of PSMs rarely encountered in the normal diet. When taken with conventional medications, botanical dietary supplements may give rise to clinically significant herb–drug interactions. These interactions stem from phytochemical-mediated induction and/or inhibition of human drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. In this chapter, the herb–drug interaction risks and mechanisms for several of the most popular dietary supplements are discussed. Botanicals most likely to produce clinically important herb–drug interactions are those whose phytochemicals act as mechanism-based inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) activity (e.g., Hydrastis canadensis, Piper nigrum, and Schisandra chinensis) or function as ligands for orphan nuclear receptors (e.g., Hypericum perforatum). In addition, several external factors unrelated to phytochemical pharmacology can augment the drug interaction potential of botanical supplements. Keywords: Botanical dietary supplements; citrus juices; cruciferous vegetables; cytochrome P450 enzymes; black cohosh; black pepper; Echinacea; garlic; Ginkgo biloba; ginseng; goldenseal; herb-drug interactions; kava; milk thistle; phytochemicals; piperine; Schisandra; St. John's wort
Temporal changes in the management of diverticulitis.

Purpose This study was designed to evaluate temporal trends in the use and type of operative and non-operative interventions in the management of diverticulitis. Methods A retrospective cohort using a statewide administrative database was used to identify all patients hospitalized for diverticulitis in the state of Washington (1987–2001). Poisson and logistic regression were used to calculate changes in the frequency of hospitalization, operative and percutaneous interventions, and colostomy over time. Results Of the 25,058 patients hospitalized non-electively with diverticulitis (mean age 69 ± 16, 60% female) there were only minimal changes in the frequency of admissions over time (0.006% increase per year-IRR 1.00006 95% CI 1.00004, 1.00008). The odds of an emergency colectomy at initial hospitalization decreased by 2% each year (OR 0.98 95% CI 0.98, 0.99) whereas the odds of percutaneous abscess drainage increased 7% per year (OR 1.07 95% CI 1.05, 1.1). Among patients undergoing percutaneous drainage, the odds of operative interventions decreased by 9% compared to patients who did not have a percutaneous intervention (OR 0.91 95% CI 0.87, 0.94). The proportion of patients undergoing colostomy during emergency operations remained essentially stable over time (range 49–61%), as did the proportion of patients undergoing prophylactic colectomy after initial non-surgical management (∼10%). Conclusions There was a minimal increase in the frequency of diverticulitis admissions over time. A rise in percutaneous drainage procedures was associated with a decrease in emergency operative interventions. The proportion of patients undergoing colostomy remained stable, and there does not seem to be a significant increase in the use of one-stage procedures for diverticulitis.
Guided test generation for coverage criteria

Test coverage criteria including boundary-value and logical coverage such as Modified Condition/Decision Coverage (MC/DC) have been increasingly used in safety-critical or mission-critical domains, complementing those more popularly used structural coverage criteria such as block or branch coverage. However, existing automated test-generation approaches often target at block or branch coverage for test generation and selection, and therefore do not support testing against boundary-value coverage or logical coverage. To address this issue, we propose a general approach that uses instrumentation to guide existing test-generation approaches to generate test inputs that achieve boundary-value and logical coverage for the program under test. Our preliminary evaluation shows that our approach effectively helps an approach based on Dynamic Symbolic Execution (DSE) to improve boundary-value and logical coverage of generated test inputs. The evaluation results show 30.5% maximum (23% average) increase in boundary-value coverage and 26% maximum (21.5% average) increase in logical coverage of the subject programs under test using our approach over without using our approach. In addition, our approach improves the fault-detection capability of generated test inputs by 12.5% maximum (11% average) compared to the test inputs generated without using our approach.
Supporting intelligent and trustworthy maritime path planning decisions

The risk of maritime collisions and groundings has dramatically increased in the past five years despite technological advancements such as GPS-based navigation tools and electronic charts, which may add to, instead of reduce, workload. We propose that an automated path planning tool for littoral navigation can reduce workload and improve the overall system efficiency, particularly under time pressure. To this end, a maritime automated path planner (MAPP) was developed, incorporating information requirements developed from a cognitive task analysis, with special emphasis on designing for trust. Human-in-the-loop experimental results showed that MAPP was successful in reducing the time required to generate an optimized path, as well as reducing path lengths. The results also showed that while users gave the tool high acceptance ratings, they rated the MAPP as average for trust, which we propose is the appropriate level of trust for such a system.
Permeabilization ofNeurospora crassa hyphae with toluene-ethanol and filipin

Young hyphae ofNeurospora crassa were made permeable to UDP-glucose and trypan blue by treatment with toluene-ethanol and filipin. Less than 2% of treated cells survived treatment with 8% and 16% toluene-ethanol, while 25% survived treatment with 4% toluene-ethanol. Similarly, 98% of treated cells were killed by treatment with 16 μg/ml filipin. Electron microscopy revealed that toluene-ethanol-treated cells lost pieces of plasma membrane and contained a number of vacuole-like structures; filipin-treated cells were less affected. Both filipin- and toluene-ethanol-treated cells were able to incorporate UDP-glucose into insoluble material (likely glycogen and glucan).
Rim formation is not a prerequisite for distribution of cone photoreceptor outer segment proteins

Retinal degeneration slow (RDS/PRPH2) is critical for the formation of the disc/lamella rim in photoreceptor outer segments (OSs), but plays a different role in rods vs. cones. Without RDS, rods fail to form OSs, however, cones lacking RDS (in the rds(-/-)/Nrl(-/-)) exhibit balloon-like OSs devoid of lamellae. We show that distribution of most proteins in the lamella and PM domains is preserved even in the absence of RDS, rim, and lamella structures. However, the rim protein prominin-1 exhibits altered trafficking and OS localization, suggesting that proper targeting and distribution of rim proteins may require RDS. Our ultrastructural studies show that in cones, OS formation is initiated by the growth of opsin-containing membrane with RDS-mediated rim formation as a secondary step. This is directly opposite to rods and significantly advances our understanding of the role of the rim in cone OS morphogenesis. Furthermore, our results suggest that the unique folded lamella architecture of the cone OS may maximize density or proximity of phototransduction proteins, but is not required for OS function or for protein distribution and retention in different membrane domains.
Eventual stability of flooded ships

Abstract This paper deals with stability investigations of forced nonlinear rolling motion of a ship with a flooded compartment. The mathematical stability analysis has been realized in the sense of Eventual Stability. Two stability regions have been constructed through two Lyapunov functions generated by using Variable Gradient Method and the method of Puri. Having obtained stability conditions for the governing equations of the motion, dissipativeness of the motion, and maximum rolling angles have been obtained by using a theorem given by Bibikov and Sanovskii (1971).
Novel diffusion tensor imaging methodology to detect and quantify injured regions and affected brain pathways in traumatic brain injury

Purpose: To develop and apply diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based normalization methodology for the detection and quantification of sites of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the impact of injury along specific brain pathways in (a) individual TBI subjects and (b) a TBI group. Materials and Methods: Normalized DTI tractography was conducted in the native space of 12 TBI and 10 age-matched control subjects using the same number of seeds in each subject, distributed at anatomically equivalent locations. Whole-brain tracts from the control group were mapped onto the head of each TBI subject. Differences in the fractional anisotropy (FA) maps between each TBI subject and the control group were computed in a common space using a t test, transformed back to the individual TBI subject's head space, and thresholded to form regions of interest (ROIs) that were used to sort tracts from the control group and the individual TBI subject. Tract counts for a given ROI in each TBI subject were compared to group mean for the same ROI to quantify the impact of injury along affected pathways. The same procedure was used to compare the TBI group to the control group in a common space. Results: Sites of injury within individual TBI subjects and affected pathways included hippocampal/fornix, inferior fronto-occipital, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, corpus callosum (genu and splenium), cortico-spinal tracts and the uncinate fasciculus. Most of these regions were also detected in the group study. Conclusions: The DTI normalization methodology presented here enables automatic delineation of ROIs within the heads of individual subjects (or in a group). These ROIs not only localize and quantify the extent of injury, but also quantify the impact of injury on affected pathways in an individual or in a group of TBI subjects.
The Effects of Divergent and Nondivergent Winds on the Kinetic Energy Budget of a Mid-Latitude Cyclone: A Case Study

The magnitude of the divergent component of the wind is relatively small compared to that of the nondivergent component in large-scale atmospheric flows; nevertheless, it plays an important role in the case of explosive cyclogenesis examined here. The kinetic energy budget for the life cycle of an intense, developing cyclone over North America is calculated. The principal kinetic energy source is the net horizontal transport across the boundaries of the region enclosing the cyclone. By investigating the relative importance of the divergent and nondivergent wind components in the kinetic energy budget, it was found, as expected, that neglecting the divergent wind component in calculating the magnitude of the kinetic energy is of little consequence, but that the horizontal flux convergence and generation of kinetic energy depend crucially upon the divergent component. Modification of the divergent wind component can result in significant changes in the kinetic energy budget of the synoptic system.
External Noise and the Onset of Turbulent Convection

The effect of fluctuations on the transition to turbulence is examined by introducing large-amplitude noise into the boundary temperature of a Rayleigh-B\'enard system. The response can be largely described in terms of variables whose induced fluctuations are much slower than either the natural oscillations or the external noise. However, the sequence of transitional regimes and the statistical properties of the turbulent state are not dramatically affected.
Striosome-matrix pathology and motor deficits in the YAC128 mouse model of Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease is characterized by striatal degeneration and progressive motor deficits. To examine striatal compartment-specific pathology and its relation to motor symptoms, we used immunohistochemistry to identify and measure the striosomes and matrix of 7-13-month-old YAC128 and wild type (WT) mice that were previously tested on motor tasks. Compared to WTs, 13-month-old YAC128s showed volume shrinkage in striosomes, and cell loss in both compartments. The percent cell loss was greater in striosomes than matrix. Striosome volume and cell loss was greatest in the dorsolateral striatum. YAC128 rotarod and balance beam deficits preceded volume and cell loss. At 13 months, YAC128 balance beam slips and striosome cell number were inversely correlated. The results show that pathology in older YAC128s manifests as an abnormal striosome to matrix ratio and suggest that this imbalance can contribute to some motor symptoms.
Impact of container chassis management practices in the United States on terminal operational efficiency: An operations and mitigation policy analysis

Abstract Existing policies designed to mitigate the environmental and social impacts of truck queuing at maritime terminals often focus on congestion problems outside of the terminal gate, targeting a reduction in the waiting and turn time of trucks as the measure of success. This paper evaluates the impact that intra-terminal truck and equipment movements have on the terminal’s overall performance and the implications that these movements have on the effectiveness of current mitigation policies. Through a simulation of terminal processes occurring at Southern California ports it is shown that measures driving reductions in truck turn times impose greater operational loads on terminal equipment, essentially transferring savings in truck turn time rather than eliminating it in terms of the overall system. Consequently, the paper finds that total truck and cargo handling equipment movement and operational time constitutes a more accurate measure of the effectiveness of policies seeking to mitigate the impacts of truck operations at marine terminals.
Throughput and delay analysis of multi-channel wireless infrastructure networks

Wireless infrastructure networks (WINs) provide ubiquitous connectivity to mobile nodes in metro areas. The nodes in such backbone networks are often equipped with multiple transceivers to allow for concurrent transmissions in multiple orthogonal channels. In this study, we develop an analytical model for the estimation of the delay and throughput performance of wireless infrastructure networks employing slotted ALOHA channel access and slotted Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) over multiple channels. The analytical model, which takes into account the correlation due to multi-hop transmissions, approximates the performance observed through simulations accurately.
Protein metabolism during an acute phase response in chickens

Fractional rates of liver, muscle, plasma and acute phase portein synthesis were measured in chickens injected with saline or E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Male Single Comb White Leghorns were infused with a primed constant infusion of 15N-L-methionine and 2H5-L-phenylalanine into the portal vein for 2 h. Changes in plasma amino acid enrichment were similar for both amino acids reaching an apparent plateau by the 30 min sampling time. The enrichment of plasma protein-bound amino acid was measurable after 1 h of isotope infusion and increased linearly over 2h. LPS injection decreased free phenylalanine enrichment in the carotid artery (50%), and reduced tissue free methionine enrichment in the liver, pectoralis, and gastrocnemius by 16, 41, and 31% respectively. Isotopic enrichment of phenylalanine in liver protein, plasma protein and hemopexin increased in LPS injected birds relative to control birds. Fractional rates of muscle protein synthesis were not affected by LPS injection, however, liver protein, plasma protein, and hemopexin fractional synthesis rates increased 141, 161 and 266% respectively compared with untreated animals.
Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome Gene and HIV-1 Restriction Factor SAMHD1 Is a dGTP-regulated Deoxynucleotide Triphosphohydrolase

The SAMHD1 protein is an HIV-1 restriction factor that is targeted by the HIV-2 accessory protein Vpx in myeloid lineage cells. Mutations in the SAMHD1 gene cause Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome, a genetic disease that mimics congenital viral infection. To determine the physiological function of the SAMHD1 protein, the SAMHD1 gene was cloned, recombinant protein was produced, and the catalytic activity of the purified enzyme was identified. We show that SAMHD1 contains a dGTP-regulated deoxynucleotide triphosphohydrolase. We propose that Vpx targets SAMHD1 for degradation in a viral strategy to control cellular deoxynucleotide levels for efficient replication.
An Introduction to Item Response Theory for Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement

The growing emphasis on patient-centered care has accelerated the demand for high-quality data from patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. Traditionally, the development and validation of these measures has been guided by classical test theory. However, item response theory (IRT), an alternate measurement framework, offers promise for addressing practical measurement problems found in health-related research that have been difficult to solve through classical methods. This paper introduces foundational concepts in IRT, as well as commonly used models and their assumptions. Existing data on a combined sample (n = 636) of Korean American and Vietnamese American adults who responded to the High Blood Pressure Health Literacy Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 are used to exemplify typical applications of IRT. These examples illustrate how IRT can be used to improve the development, refinement, and evaluation of PRO measures. Greater use of methods based on this framework can increase the accuracy and efficiency with which PROs are measured.
Athletic Involvement, Academic Achievement, and Aspiration

In recent years an accumulating number of research studies have shown that participation in athletics is positively related to academic achievement and aspiration. A consistent finding of this research is that athletes have higher educational aspirations than nonathletes (Krauss, 1964; Rehberg and Schafer, 1968; Schafer and Rehberg, 1970). This finding has been qualified by Spady who found that athletic par ticipation without other extracurricular participation tended to have a depressing effect upon aspiration and attainment. Spady's finding was consistent with an earlier study by Snyder (1 966) that showed highest at tainment rates were achieved by those in both athletics and ex tracurricular activities. More recently Spreitzer and Pugh (1973) found that the relationship between athletics and educational aspiration was mediated by peer status. Athletic participation is also related to grades, although not as con sistently as to aspiration. Both Eidsmore (1963) and Schafer and Armer (1968) found that athletes had higher grade point averages than non athletic peers, although this association was not found by Rehberg and Schafer (1968), nor by Spreitzer and Pugh (1972). However, none of these studies dealt with the possibility the association could result from some artifact such as eligibility requirements. Finally, there is some evidence that the associations between athletics and academic achievement and between athletics and educational aspirations are highest among those disadvantaged youths least disposed toward higher educational attainments. (Rehberg and Schafer, 1968; Snyder, 1969; Spreitzer and Pugh, 1972). Two important themes appear in the interpretations of these findings. First, the argument is advanced that the findings question the in terpretation made by Coleman (1961) that the peer subculture and especially athletics have deleterious effects upon the academic process. (See especially Rehberg and Schafer, 1968; and Rehberg, 1969). Secondly, the associations are assumed to be causal. In considering the nature of the causal process, Rehberg (1969) has speculated that par
Frequency and Consequences of Recording an Electrocardiogram >10 Minutes After Arrival in an Emergency Room in Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes (from the CRUSADE Initiative)

We sought to determine the frequency of electrocardiographic (ECG) acquisition within 10 minutes of hospital arrival, factors associated with delayed ECG acquisition, and any relation among delayed ECG acquisition, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes. We therefore analyzed data from 63,478 patients (26,615 women, 42%) with high-risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (designated by positive cardiac markers and/or ischemic ST-segment changes) who were enrolled in the CRUSADE Quality Improvement Initiative from February 2001 to March 2004. Patients were categorized based on time to electrocardiography as delayed (>10 minutes from hospital arrival) or nondelayed (<10 minutes). Multivariable predictors of delayed ECG acquisition were determined. Overall, median time to electrocardiography was 15 minutes (25th to 75th percentile 7 to 32). ECG acquisition was delayed (median 25 minutes, 25th to 75th percentile 16 to 50) in 41,397 patients (65.2%). In the remaining 34.8%, time to electrocardiography was <10 minutes (median 5 minutes, 25th to 75th percentile 3 to 8). Women were more likely than men to have delayed ECG acquisition (69% vs 62%), and female gender was the most significant predictor of delayed ECG acquisition (odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 1.34). In conclusion, only 33% of high-risk patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome had an initial electrocardiogram obtained <10 minutes of arrival as recommended. Women were significantly more likely than men to have delayed ECG acquisition. Emergency departments should focus on decreasing the time to initial ECG acquisition to improve treatment of acute coronary syndrome in this group.
LASER-ASSISTED HAIR REMOVAL

The use of lasers in the treatment of a number of different skin disorders and diseases has become commonplace. This tremendous acceptance by both physicians and patients is a direct reflection of the high degree of precision and selectivity provided by lasers, which helps to minimize the risk of side effects and complications while simultaneously maximizing the opportunity for obtaining a satisfactory outcome. In an attempt to remove unwanted or excess hair, the principles of selective photothermolysis have been employed with several different laser and light devices that permit the effective treatment of large areas of hair-bearing skin with minimal discomfort and with low risk of scarring or other complications. It is possible using current laser technology to permanently remove some hair and induce a prolonged delay in the regrowth of many hairs. With additional experience and an improved understanding of how light can influence the rate and quality of hair growth, it is anticipated that permanent hair removal will be achieved in the near future.
The synthesis of biologically relevant conjugates of Re(CO)3 using pyridine-2-carboxyaldehyde

Abstract The new pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde adduct, Re(CO) 3 (NC 6 H 5 C(O)H)Cl 1 , and previously reported complex Re(CO) 3 (NC 6 H 5 C(O)H)Br 2 react with aniline derivatives sulfanilamide or 4-aminofluorescein in methanol giving Schiff base conjugates Re(CO) 3 (pyca-R)X (pyca = pyridinecarbaldehyde imine, X = Cl, Br), 3 – 6 . Pre-isolation of compounds 1 and 2 provides a convenient method for preparing conjugate complexes in addition to the known methods of ligand synthesis and one-pot reactions. All new compounds were completely characterized, and compound 1 and the sulfanilamide derivatives 3 and 4 were structurally elucidated by X-ray crystallography.
Analysis of SRAM Reliability under Combined Effect of NBTI, Process and Temperature Variations in Nano-Scale CMOS

As dimensions of MOS devices have been scaled down, new reliability problems are coming into effect. One of these emerging reliability issues is aging effects which result in device performance degradation over time. NBTI (Negative biased temperature instability) is a well known aging phenomenon which is a limiting factor for future scaling of devices. NBTI results in the generation of trapped charges which cause Vt (threshold voltage) degradation of PMOS. It is observed that a sharp Vt shift occurs in just a few seconds after turning on the MOSFET. In nano-scale CMOS technologies, process (threshold voltage) and temperature variations are also crucial reliability concerns. On the other hand, NBTI itself is dependent on temperature and threshold voltage. In this paper, the combined effect of NBTI, process and temperature variations on the reliability of the 6T SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) in 32nm CMOS technology is analyzed. It is observed that: (1) Vt abruptly increases initially and afterwards Vt shift is very small, even for prolonged time; (2) Low Vt transistors age faster than high Vt transistors; and (3) NBTI Vt degradation is more significant at higher temperature. Along with these observations, we also quantified our results in terms of number of faulty cells in SRAM array. It is observed that: (1) number of faulty cells rises over time (8.2% rise in faulty cells for the inter-die nominal Vt chip over 2 years) due to SNM degradation; (2) rise in the number of faulty cells over time due to write failures under NBTI effect is practically negligible; (3) Leakage (in the worst case condition) and access time are not impacted by NBTI.
Preprogrammed, unmonitored ovarian stimulation reduces expense without compromising the outcome of assisted reproduction☆

Abstract Objective: To determine if a novel, preprogrammed, unmonitored stimulation protocol could reduce the cost of assisted reproductive technology (ART) without compromising outcome or safety. Design: Prospective, nonrandomized study of unmonitored ART versus traditional monitoring. Setting: University ART program. Patient(s): Infertile women aged Intervention(s): Oocyte retrieval was performed at a predetermined time in 72 unmonitored cycles based on age and basal FSH level. No monitoring of any type was performed before retrieval. There were 86 monitored control cycles. Main Outcome Measure(s): The number of oocytes, and embryos; complications including ovarian hyperstimulation. Result(s): The total cost for unmonitored ART was significantly less than for monitored cycles. There was no difference between groups for patient age, number of oocytes obtained, or number of metaphase II oocytes. For non-male-factor patients, the number of oocytes fertilized, number of embryos transferred, and the clinical pregnancy rates were comparable. There was one case of severe hyperstimulation requiring hospitalization in the unmonitored group. Conclusion(s): This novel, unmonitored ovarian stimulation protocol provides ART at a significantly lower cost than is incurred with traditional monitoring, with no apparent compromise in outcome.
Studies on carbohydrate metabolism in rat kidney slices. III. Effect of adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy on glucose uptake and glucose formation.

Abstract The uptake and formation of glucose by kidney slices from adrenalectomized and hypophysectomized rats have been studied. It was found that the effect of adrenalectomy was a significant reduction of glucose formation without changes in glucose uptake, and the effect of hypophysectomy was a marked increase of glucose uptake without significant changes in glucose production. These results have been compared with those obtained with normal and diabetic rats with and without prior insulin treatment.
Geometric changes in the cervical spinal canal during impact.

OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although the extent of injury after cervical spine fracture can be visualized by imaging, the deformations that occur in the spinal canal during injury are unknown. STUDY DESIGN: This study compared spinal canal occlusion and axial length changes occurring during a simulated compressive burst fracture with the residual deformations after the injury. METHODS: Canal occlusion was measured from changes in pressure in a flexible tube with fluid flowing through it, placed in the canal space after removal of the cord in cadaver specimens. To measure canal axial length, cables were fixed in C1 and led through the foramen transversarium from C2-T1, then out through the base, where they were connected to the core rods of linearly variable differential transformers (LVDT). Axial compressive burst fractures were created in each of ten cadaveric cervical spine specimens using a drop-weight, while force, distraction, and occlusion were monitored throughout the injury event. Pre- and post-injury radiographs and computed tomography scans compared transient and post-injury spinal canal geometry changes. RESULTS: In all cases, severe compressive injuries were produced. Three had an extension component in addition to compression of the vertebra and retropulsion of bone into the canal. The mean post-injury axial height loss measured from radiographs was only 35% of that measured transiently (3.1 mm post-injury, compared with 8.9 mm measured transiently), indicating significant recovery of axial height after impact. Post-injury and transient height loss were not significantly correlated (r2 = 0.230, P = 0.16) demonstrating that it is not a good measure of the extent of injury. Similarly, mean post injury canal area was 139% of the minimum area measured during impact, indicating recovery of canal space, and post-injury and transient values were not significantly correlated (r2 = 0.272, P = 0.12). Mean post-injury midsagittal diameter was 269% of the minimum transient diameter and showed a weak but significant correlation (r2 = 0.481, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Two potential spinal cord injury-causing mechanisms in axial bursting injuries of the cervical spine are occlusion and shortening of the canal. Post-injury radiographic measurements significantly underestimate the actual transient injury that occurs during impact. Language: en
Management of Accounting Exposure to Currency Changes: Role and Evidence of Agency Costs

This paper contends that, contrary to conventional wisdom, it may be rational to manage translation exposure. Accounting procedures for the translation of foreign currency accounts influence the reported income of a multi‐national firm. With non‐zero agency costs, reported income impacts real costs. In such cases, therefore, it may be rational to hedge translation exposure. Empirical evidence of agency costs and the managerial tendency to report higher levels of translated income, based on the early adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 52, is presented.
Parallel processing: a critical element in applying artificial intelligence to manufacturing

Abstract Fortified by Japan's fifth generation computer project, many researchers are vigorously pursuing parallel processing projects. Much of this work is a result of the desire to apply artificial intelligence techniques in a real-time environment such as manufacturing. Parallel processing increases both processing speed and programmer productivity. True concurrency in parallel processing increases to execute multiple segments of a program simultaneously on different processors. In order for real-time manufacturing systems to use the memory intensive and relatively slow artificial intelligence languages, such as LISP or Prolog, they will have to utilize concurrent programming on parallel processors.
MRI and 1H MRS findings in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a defect in cholesterol biosynthesis, associated with mental retardation and multisystem structural abnormalities. This study investigated the prevalence of congenital CNS abnormalities by MRI in a large series of patients with SLOS and the correlation of the clinical and biochemical findings with the results of MRI and 1H MRS. Eighteen patients were studied; all underwent MRI of the brain, and 16 had 1H MRS of the cerebral white matter. The ratios choline:NAA, lipid:NAA, and lipid:choline metabolite were found to be correlated with the clinical degree of disease severity, serum total sterol ratios (cholesterol/cholesterol + 7-dehydrocholesterol + 8-dehydrocholesterol) and in two cases with the effect of cholesterol therapy. Abnormal CNS findings were noted in five patients, including callosal abnormalities (n=4), Dandy-Walker variant (n=1), and arachnoid cyst (n=1). Holoprosencephaly was noted in one patient with a prevalence of 6%. Choline:NAA was elevated in seven patients. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the lipid:choline ratio and the serum cholesterol precursor, 8-dehydrocholesterol. In two patients 1H MRS demonstrated abnormally elevated lipids prior to cholesterol therapy, which improved on therapy. The use of MRI and 1H MRS is an effective way to demonstrate brain structural abnormalities in patients with SLOS and may prove to be an effective method for the assessment of the effects of cholesterol replacement therapy in the brain.
Chronic delivery of low-level exogenous current preserves retinal function in pigmented P23H rat

Abstract Diffuse electrical currents delivered to the eye were investigated in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa for potentially therapeutic effects. Low-level currents were passed between electrodes placed on the cornea and in the mouth during 30-min sessions two times per week from 4 to 16 weeks of age. Single-flash electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded and analyzed for amplitude and measures of sensitivity, and basic histology was performed. ERG a-wave amplitudes were slightly greater in treated vs. age-matched controls at 16 weeks of age, but the combined thicknesses of the outer nuclear layer and outer segment layer were similar at this age. Treated animals exhibited a significant preservation of b-wave amplitudes, and a striking preservation of rod sensitivity, measured as the stimulus strength required to reach half-saturation of the a-wave. Analysis of the leading edge of the a-wave using a delayed Gaussian function revealed a decrease in the parameter reflecting gain of the phototransduction cascade over the 12-week course of treatment, and no significant change in control animals over the same period. These results suggest that while the exogenous currents failed to preserve the number or gross structure of rods, the responsivity of individual photoreceptors was relatively preserved, perhaps via an increase in efficiency of photon capture (R*/photon). This preserved functionality may delay the retraction of bipolar cell dendrites from degenerating photoreceptors.
Protease Inactivation in Fish Muscle by High Moisture Twin-Screw Extrusion

The effects of material temperatures at the die, screw speed, and screw configurations on inactivation of protease in Arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias) muscle were studied. No inactivation occurred below a material temperature of 40°C in the extruder die. Rapid destruction of protease in Arrowtooth flounder muscle occurred in the range 50-80°C. Complete inactivation of protease occurred at 100°C irrespective of screw speed and configuration. Protease inactivation was higher at low screw speed.