cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Lived Experiences of Hispanic Sexual Minority Youth and their Parents.

Disclosure of sexual identity and/or gender orientation is difficult for youth and is associated with elevated adverse health risks, particularly when there is parental rejection. There are limited studies conducted with Hispanic sexual minority youth (HSMY) and their families to understand the disclosure process, how the family unit changes and adapts following disclosure, and the implications for preventive interventions for HSMY and their families. This paper explores the lived experiences of youth and parents throughout the disclosure process. A phenomenological approach was used to interview 15 parent-youth dyads (N = 30) to understand what it means for Hispanic youth to disclose their sexual identity and/or gender orientation. Three themes that best described the experience emerged from the participant interviews; the experience of disclosing included intrapersonal challenges, navigating disclosure, and conceptualizing acceptance. The authors highlight implications for preventive interventions that can help these families undergoing the unique process of disclosure.
A Guide to Interpreting Preoperative Cardiac Studies

Patients referred for cardiac surgery undergo extensive preoperative cardiac as well as noncardiac evaluation. Basic cardiac tests include a baseline electrocardiogram (ECG), a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), and a cardiac catheterization. Additional tests such as a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), a computed tomography (CT) scan, or a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) are done in specific circumstances. The baseline ECG is valuable for comparison with later ECGs if new changes should occur, and it can reveal evidence of myocardial ischemia and detects cardiac arrhythmia. The echocardiogram fully assesses the left and right ventricular function as well as the valvular function. Cardiac catheterization provides invasive hemodynamic assessment, but most importantly it defines the coronary anatomy and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and conducting intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) are additional tools available through cardiac catheterization that can assess coronary flow and the vessel morphology, respectively.
Dysfunctional Constituencies: How the Hong Kong Legislative Council is Designed to Fail

The December 2007 Decision of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee dangled the prospect of realizing the Hong Kong Basic Law’s “ultimate aim [of electing] all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage” for the first time, although subjugating it to the adoption of universal suffrage for the Chief Executive. After the failure of the 2007-2015 reform enterprise redefined the “actual situation,” the Hong Kong and Central People’s Governments could choose to rejuvenate the political dimension of their “one country, two systems” relationship by turning to the less controversial issue of legislative reform. Addressing the legislature’s functional constituency system is a particularly attractive option. This article begins by tracing the history of that system back through Macau and Portugal back to its ideological roots in Roman Catholic thought. Given that its current architecture is exacerbating systemic local problems as well as dampening central-local relations, this article employs that past to submit a mid-term idea for re-establishing “gradual and orderly progress” after the Umbrella Movement: recasting the functional constituencies in a separate chamber designed to supplement the scientific and technical expertise of a fully-elected Legislative Council.
Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Psoriasis: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects 2% to 3% of the U.S. population. The immune response in psoriasis includes enhanced activation of T cells and myeloid cells, platelet activation, and up-regulation of interferons, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukins (ILs) IL-23, IL-17, and IL-6, which are linked to vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis development. Patients with psoriasis are up to 50% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CV) disease, and this CV risk increases with skin severity. Major society guidelines now advocate incorporating a psoriasis diagnosis into CV risk prediction and prevention strategies. Although registry data suggest treatment targeting psoriasis skin disease reduces vascular inflammation and coronary plaque burden, and may reduce CV risk, randomized placebo-controlled trials are inconclusive to date. Further studies are required to define traditional CV risk factor goals, the optimal role of lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapy, and targeted psoriasis therapies on CV risk.
Complete Blood Count Analysis on Beef Cattle Exposed to Fescue Toxicity and Rumen-Protected Niacin Supplementation

Offspring born to dams genetically tested for resistance to fescue toxicity were separated in groups based on their dams’ resistance level (tolerant vs. susceptible). Rumen-protected niacin (RPN) is proposed as a potential alleviator for vasoconstriction produced by fescue toxicity. Complete blood count (CBC) analysis was utilized for detection of significant responses to treatments applied. Our objectives were as follows: (a) to analyze changes in CBC due to fescue toxicity, maternal resistance level, and RPN in growing offspring; and (b) to assess the effects of maternal resistance level when consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds in addition to RPN in offspring performance. Body weight, average daily gain, or health status were not improved by RPN or the genetic test to detect fescue toxicity resistance. Typical signs of alkaloids intoxication and heat stress were noticed in offspring. Particularly, rectal temperature was greater for susceptible control heifers. Results showed that susceptible control offspring presented signs of anemia denoted by low mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). High levels of white blood cells (WBC) and basophils in combination to low neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio were the signs of infection or inflammation detected in the CBC analysis, especially in tolerant niacin steers. Furthermore, offspring of control heifers had a greater percentage of reticulocytes and RDW, denoting signs of anemia.
"I can try and plan, but still get pregnant": The complexity of pregnancy intentions and reproductive health decision-making for adolescents.

Abstract Introduction Teen pregnancy rates have declined in the United States; however, disparities continue to persist particularly among minority, low-income adolescents. A greater understanding of how pregnancy intentions are conceptualized for adolescents, and the role of the social context may illuminate reasons for disparities. The aim of this study was to expand the lens in which adolescents’ perspectives of pregnancy are studied by exploring the contextual factors that frame how pregnancy intentions are developed among urban adolescents. Methods Thirteen focus groups (N = 46) were conducted with male and female adolescents 15–19 years old in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants were recruited from local high schools, and focus groups were stratified by sex and age (15–17 and 18–19). A phenomenological approach was applied to analyze the data both deductively and inductively, allowing for themes to emerge and align within an existing conceptual framework. Results Two themes identified were stated pregnancy intentions and shared schemas of sex and pregnancy. Participants discussed a range of pregnancy intentions and expressed five social perspectives which informed those intentions: sex is a gendered responsibility, teen pregnancy is cyclical and common, teen pregnancy is not a completely negative experience, having a child fulfills emotional and relational voids, and pregnancy should happen early, just not too early. Conclusion Pregnancy intentions for adolescents are expansive and driven by complex social perspectives set in their context. More consideration of the context is needed to provide and offer adolescents, particularly those of vulnerable communities, supports that align with their reproductive health needs.
Imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the era of second- and third-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Does surgical resection have a role?

Abstract Background Imatinib resistance is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Although novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors have improved outcomes in imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors, the role of resection remains unclear. We sought to investigate factors predictive of overall and progression-free survival in patients with imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Methods A query of our prospectively maintained Comprehensive Cancer Center registry was performed from 2003 to 2019 for patients with imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Clinicopathologic characteristics and medical and surgical treatments were collected; overall survival and progression-free survival after imatinib-resistance were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results A total of 84 patients developed imatinib resistance at a median age of 59 years. Median time to imatinib resistance after diagnosis and overall survival after imatinib resistance was 50 and 51 months, respectively. After being diagnosed with imatinib resistance, 17 (20%) patients underwent resection. On multivariable analysis, resection after imatinib resistance was independently associated with improved progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.50; P = .027) but not overall survival (hazard ratio 0.62; P = .215). Similar findings were found on subgroup analysis of patients treated with second-line sunitinib (n = 71). Conclusion Long-term survival can be achieved in patients who develop imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Surgical resection of imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors is associated with improved progression-free survival and should be considered in selected patients.
Investigating Consumer Demand and Willingness to Pay for Fresh, Local, Organic, and “On-the-Stalk” Edamame

Introduction of locally-adapted, commercially-viable edamame varieties can allow it to be marketed as fresh, local, organic, or on-the-stalk. Here, we utilized contingent valuation (CV) methodology to estimate mean WTP for these external attributes in relation to a vector of explanatory variables. Results showed 94, 88, and 33-cent premiums for fresh, local, and organic edamame. Pro-environmental attitudes drove WTP for all three of these attributes, while shopping locale significantly increased mean WTP for fresh and organic attributes. A 40-cent price discount was observed for the “on-the-stalk” attribute, suggesting that convenience also plays an important role in marketing edamame.
The Effects of an Integrative, Universally Designed Motor Skill Intervention for Young Children With and Without Disabilities.

Many interventions feature a singular component approach to targeting children's motor competency and proficiency. Yet, little is known about the use of integrative interventions to meet the complex developmental needs of children aged 3-6 years. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an integrative universally designed intervention on children with and without disabilities' motor competency and proficiency. We selected children (N = 111; disability = 24; no disability = 87) to participate in either a school-based integrative motor intervention (n = 53) or a control condition (n = 58). Children in the integrative motor intervention both with and without disabilities showed significant improvement in motor competency and proficiency (p < .001) as compared with peers with and without disabilities in a control condition. Early childhood center directors (e.g., preschool and kindergarten) should consider implementing integrative universally designed interventions targeting multiple aspects of motor development to remediate delays in children with and without disabilities.
The X-43A Flight Research Program: Lessons Learned on the Road to Mach 10

During an aerospace engineer's undergraduate studies, he or she will attend classes in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, structures, stability and control, dynamics, design, propulsion, and computer science, along with the related courses in mathematics, physics, statistics, and chemistry required to understand the material. Upon graduation, the new engineer will have acquired a basic knowledge of how to build an aerospace vehicle. What only comes through experience, however, is the understanding of the inevitable imperfect process through which an aerospace vehicle is built. This is the adventure of turning a basic concept into functional hardware. Engineers working on a project must often deal with ambiguous situations. They are routinely asked by management to provide risk assessments of a project, yet even after careful analysis uncertainties remain. The project must be accomplished within finite limits of time and money. The question an engineer answers is whether the solution to potential problem is worth the cost and schedule delay, or if the solution might actually be worse than the problem it is meant to solve. Review protocols are established to ensure that an unknown has not been overlooked. But these cannot protect against an unknown unknown. Examples of these situations can be found in the history of the X-43A Hyper-X (Hypersonic Experiment) program. In this NASA project, a supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) engine was flight tested on a subscale vehicle. The X-43A Hyper-X Research Vehicle (HXRV) was launched from a B-52B mothership, then boosted to the test speed by a modified Pegasus rocket first stage, called the Hyper-X Launch Vehicle (HXLV). Once at the proper speed and altitude, the X-43A separated from the booster, stabilized itself, and then the engine test began. Although wind-tunnel scramjet engine tests had begun in the late 1950s, before the Hyper-X program there had never been an actual in-flight test of such an engine integrated with an appropriate airframe. Thus, while the scramjet had successfully operated in the artificial airflow of wind tunnels, the concept had yet to be proven in real air. These conditions meant changes in density and temperature, as well as changes in angle of attack and sideslip of a free-flying vehicle. A wind tunnel is limited in its ability to simulate these subtle factures, which have a major impact on almost any vehicle, but especially that of a scramjet's performance. The Hyper-X project was to provide a real-world benchmark of the ground test data. The full scale X-43A engine would be operated in the wind tunnel, and then flown, and the data from its operation would then be compared with projections. If these matched, the wind tunnel data would be considered a reliable design tool for future scramjet. If there were significant differences, the reasons for these would have to be identified. Until such information was available, scramjets would lack the technological maturity to be considered for future space launch or high-speed atmospheric flight vehicles.
Inhibition of metabolic processes by coenzyme-A-sequestering aromatic acids. Prevention by para-chloro- and para-nitrobenzoic acids.

Abstract Octanoate, salicylate, valproic acid, p-octyl-, p-nitro-, and p-chlorobenzoic acids were effective inhibitors of benzoic acid activation to benzoyl-CoA by mitochondrial extracts. p-Aminobenzoic acid was much less effective. Of these compounds, only salicylate and p-nitrobenzoic acid were not activated to their respective CoA esters. Salicylate, p-chloro- and p-nitrobenzoic acids effectively prevented inhibition of glucose synthesis and α-keto[1-14C]isovalerate oxidation by valproic acid, p-octyl-, and p-aminobenzoic acids. p-Octyl- and p-aminobenzoic acids greatly depleted hepatocyte free CoA and acetyl-CoA contents and increased the content of acid-insoluble and acid-soluble CoA esters respectively. p-Chloro- and p-nitrobenzoic acids prevented the sequestration of CoA as p-octylbenzoyl- CoA or p-aminobenzoyl-CoA in hepatocytes incubated with these compounds. p-Chlorobenzoic acid not only prevented but also reversed the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes incubated with p-octylbenzoic acid. These results suggest that p-chloro- or p-nitrobenzoic acids might be effectively used to reverse some of the hepatotoxic effects of the CoA esters of valproic acid or naturally-occurring organic acids, such as those which accumulate in Reye's Syndrome or organic acidemias.
NMR structures for the membrane binding gla domain of blood coagulation factor IX

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structures for the membrane binding Gla domain of the blood coagulation factor IX. Factor IX is a vitamin K-dependent protein. At the amino terminus of factor IX, the Gla domain mediates phospholipid recognition by liganding calcium ions and the consequent formation of a phospholipid binding site. The Ca(II)-induced conformational transition that leads to phospholipid binding is between a relatively disordered metal-free structure and a compact Ca(II)-bound structure. The structure of the Mg(II) bound peptide is the same as the Ca(II) bound form, except for residues 1–11 that are disordered. Comparison of the apo, Mg(II) and Ca(II) structures reveals a feature required for phospholipid binding by Factor IX. The chapter investigates the apo, Mg(II), and Ca(II) forms of the peptide using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The structures of the Gla domain delineate the region of factor IX that interacts with a lipid bilayer. The chapter also explains the sequential conformational transition model proposed using conformation-specific antibodies.
The Thermal Accommodation Coefficient of Graphite

An experiment has been performed to determine the thermal accommodation coefficients for the gases hydrogen, oxygen, methane, and carbon dioxide on graphite, in the temperature range 273–77 K. The experimental results are compared to those indirectly predicted in a theoretical paper by Hollenbach and Salpeter, and agreement is found to be satisfactory. A sticking coefficient for atomic hydrogen on a graphite grain is derived which would support the conclusion that recombination of hydrogen on grain surfaces could be a significant process. The very high measured thermal accommodation coefficients for the heavier gases supports the popular assumption that retention of such gases on grain surfaces should be considered extremely likely.
Differential changes in gene expression in human brain during late first trimester and early second trimester of pregnancy

Objective This study aimed to describe brain development during the first (B1) and second trimester (B3) in human fetuses. Design Ten brains from 10 to 18 weeks of gestational age (GA) were collected, and the RNA was used for transcriptome analysis (Affymetrix 1.0 ST microarray chip). Differences in brain development within 10 to 18 GA were investigated by dividing the sample into 10 to 12 (B1), 13 to 15(B2) and 16 to 18(B3) weeks. A fold change of 2 or above, with a false discovery rate of 5%, was used as cut-off to determine differential gene expression for individual genes. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to confirm differences. Tests for enrichment procedures (using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) were then used to identify functional groups of mRNA. Results At 10 to 12 weeks, brains showed neuronal migration to be upregulated. From 10 to 18 weeks, brains showed genes coding for neuronal migration, differentiation and connectivity upregulated. ALDH1A1 and NPY genes, marker of spinal cord and striatum, were upregulated in B1 and B3 brains, respectively. Also, SLITRK6-HAS2 and CRYAB-PCDH18 genes for ear and eye sensory input were upregulated in B1. Conclusions For the first time, brain global gene expression was described in human samples. Period B1 was dominated by genes coding for neuronal migration, differentiation, programmed cell death and sensory organs. B3 was dominated by neuronal proliferation, branching and myelination. Creating such a database will allow comparison with abnormals in future studies. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inflammation and Optic Nerve Regeneration

Neuroinflammation has long been studied for its connection to the development and progression of Multiple Sclerosis. In recent years, the field has expanded to look at the role of inflammatory processes in a wide range of neurological conditions and cognitive disorders including stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and autism. Researchers have also started to note the beneficial impacts of neuroinflammation in certain diseases. Neuroinflammation: New Insights into Beneficial and Detrimental Functions provides a comprehensive view of both the detriments and benefits of neuroinflammation in human health. Neuroinflammation: New Insights into Beneficial and Detrimental Functions opens with two chapters that look at some fundamental aspects of neuroinflammation in humans and rodents. The remainder of the book is divided into two sections which examine both the detrimental and beneficial aspects of inflammation on the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, on various disease states, and in normal aging. These sections provide a broad picture of the role neuroinflammation plays in the physiology and pathology of various neurological disorders. Providing cross-disciplinary coverage, Neuroinflammation: New Insights into Beneficial and Detrimental Functions will be an essential volume for neuroimmunologists, neurobiologists, neurologists, and others interested in the field.
Democratic consensus in two timeframes: 1972-2002

Resumen en: The democratic consensus of 1972 has disappeared; the old rules are no longer valid, and the supporting elements that made them effective no longer exist...
Psychological scaling of AIAW code-of-ethics for officials and spectators.

(1977). Psychological Scaling of AIAW Code-of-Ethics for Officials and Spectators. Research Quarterly. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 48, No. 2, pp. 475-479.
Biomechanical evaluation of human and porcine Auricular cartilage

Objectives/Hypothesis The mechanical properties of normal auricular cartilage provide a benchmark against which to characterize changes in auricular structure/function due to genetic defects creating phenotypic abnormalities in collagen subtypes. Such properties also provide inputs/targets for auricular reconstruction scaffold design. Several studies report the biomechanical properties for septal, costal, and articular cartilage. However, analogous data for auricular cartilage are lacking. Therefore, our aim in this study was to characterize both whole-ear and auricular cartilage mechanics by mechanically testing specimens and fitting the results to nonlinear constitutive models. Study Design Mechanical testing of whole ears and auricular cartilage punch biopsies. Methods Whole human cadaveric ear and auricular cartilage punch biopsies from both porcine and human cartilage were subjected to whole-ear helix-down compression and quasistatic unconfined compression tests. Common hyperelastic constitutive laws (widely used to characterize soft tissue mechanics) were evaluated for their ability to represent the stress-strain behavior of auricular cartilage. Results Load displacement curves for whole ear testing exhibited compliant linear behavior until after significant displacement where nonlinear stiffening occurred. All five commonly used two-term hyperelastic soft tissue constitutive models successfully fit both human and porcine nonlinear elastic behavior (mean R2 fit >0.95). Conclusions Auricular cartilage exhibits nonlinear strain-stiffening elastic behavior that is similar to other soft tissues in the body. The whole ear exhibits compliant behavior with strain stiffening at high displacement. The constants from the hyperelastic model fits provide quantitative baselines for both human and porcine (a commonly used animal model for auricular tissue engineering) auricular mechanics. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:E262–E268, 2015
Terminological Interchange Between Sociology and Political Science

Objectives. To determine how frequently disciplinary terminology moves from discipline to discipline and to measure how long it takes for a term to be established in another discipline. Methods. Using sociology and political science as case studies, core concepts in each discipline are identified and their usage in the home and the other (adoptive) discipline assessed through a content analysis of three top journals in each field. Results. Movement of concepts between the two disciplines is sparse, though political science is more of a borrower from sociology than the reverse. Conclusions. Interdisciplinary ideas have not been likely to flourish in leading disciplinary outlets over the past century, and there seems to be little reason to expect major departures from the patterns documented here.
Effectiveness of a clinic-based strategy for implementing the AHRQ Smoking Cessation Guideline in primary care.

Abstract Background. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Smoking Cessation Practice Guideline recommends systematic assessment of smoking status and counseling of smokers at every visit, but the actual effectiveness of the guideline in primary care practice is unknown. Methods. We conducted a nonrandomized, controlled before–after trial of a guideline-derived intervention that includes routine identification and brief counseling of smokers by nurses and medical assistants, coupled with free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and telephone counseling of those smokers who are willing to make a quit attempt, and feedback on performance of guideline-recommended activities. The intervention was pilot tested at 1 family practice (FP) clinic over a 2-month period; patterns of usual care were observed concurrently at four control FP clinics. We obtained exit interviews of 651 consecutive adult smokers who presented for routine, nonemergency care. Abstinence (7-day point prevalence) was determined by telephone interview during 6-month follow-up. Results. Concordance with guidelines was significantly greater for all recommended actions at the test site during the intervention versus baseline (P ≤ 0.05). Significantly more intervention versus baseline patients at the test site reported abstinence at 2-month follow-up (21 vs. 4%, P = 0.0004), and more patients tended to be abstinent at 6-month follow-up (21 vs. 11%, P = 0.08). No significant differences in 2- or 6-month quit rates between intervention and baseline patients were observed at the control sites. Conclusions. Implementation of a guideline-driven smoking cessation intervention that focuses primarily on smokers who are interested in making a quit attempt is associated with increased abstinence in primary care practice.
Al2O3-coated microcantilevers for detection of moisture at ppm level

Abstract We have demonstrated that the Al 2 O 3 -modified microcantilevers (MCLs) can be used to detect low level of moisture. The detection limit for moisture in nitrogen was 10 ppm. The MCLs’ response time to moisture was less than 3 min. The sensors were stable for months stored under ambient conditions. The bending amplitudes were proportional to the moisture level and temperature, and the detection of moisture was not affected by alcohols in the environment.
Huntington-Associated Phosphorylation of Kinesin-1 Enhances Autoinhibition in a Phosphomimic

One of the consequences of the triplet expansion in Huntington's disease is inhibition of fast axonal transport (FAT). Phosphorylation of Ser176 in human kinesin-1 by JNK3 has been implicated in this inhibition (Morfini, et al., Nature Neruo. 12, 866 (2009)). To investigate the molecular basis for the inhibition of FAT, we have generated the S182E phosphomimic of the homologous residue in Drosophila kinesin-1. When introduced into short dimer of motor domains, the S182E mutation produces a 30% decrease in the maximum rate of microtubule-stimulated ATPase rate in solution and a similar reduction in the sliding rate of axonemes in a multimotor sliding assay. This only modest decrease suggests that direct inhibition of motility is not likely to be the principal cause of the pronounced inhibition of FAT. However, free kinesin is known to be autoinhibited through the binding of a tail domain to a dimer of motor domains (heads) and the Ser182 phosphorylation site is near the tail binding site on the heads (Kaan, et al., Science 333, 883 (2011)) where it could influence autoinhibition. One possibility is that the increased negative charge on the heads due to phosphorylation of Ser182 could produce a stronger interaction with the positively charge tail domain that would strengthen autoinhibition and inhibit FAT. To test the effect of the phosphomimic on autoinhibition, the binding of a monomeric tail domain to a dimer of motor domains was determined using a FRET assay. In 100 mM KCl, monomeric tail domains bind to mutant S182E heads three-fold more tightly than to wild type heads. This suggest that inhibition of FAT may principally be due to enhanced tail binding and accompanying autoinhibition of kinesin-1 following phosphorylation.Supported by NIH Grant NS058848.
Beyond icebergs: Towards a theory of biased globalization

In contrast to domestic trade, international trade inherently requires more intensive use of skilled labour with expertise in areas such as international business, language skills, and maritime insurance, and the transoceanic transportation is more capital intensive than the local transportation. In the presence of such bias in factor demands, globalization caused by an improvement in the export technologies can lead to a worldwide increase in the relative prices of the factors used intensively in international trade. Furthermore, a worldwide increase in the factors used intensively in international trade can lead to globalization. To capture these effects, we develop a flexible approach to model costly international trade, which includes the standard iceberg approach as a special case. More specifically, we extend the Ricardian model of trade with a continuum of goods by introducing multiple factors of production and by making technologies of supplying goods depend on whether the destination is home or abroad. If the technologies of supplying the same good to the two destinations differ only in total factor productivity, the model becomes isomorphic to the Ricardian model with the iceberg cost. By allowing the two technologies to differ in the factor intensities, our approach enables us to examine the links between factor endowments, factor prices, and globalization that cannot be captured by the iceberg approach. Copyright 2007, Wiley-Blackwell.
Inter-rater reliability of data elements from a prototype of the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry

The Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry (PCNASR) is a U.S. based national registry designed to monitor and improve the quality of acute stroke care delivered by hospitals. The registry monitors care through specific performance measures, the accuracy of which depends in part on the reliability of the individual data elements used to construct them. This study describes the inter-rater reliability of data elements collected in Michigan's state-based prototype of the PCNASR. Over a 6-month period, 15 hospitals participating in the Michigan PCNASR prototype submitted data on 2566 acute stroke admissions. Trained hospital staff prospectively identified acute stroke admissions, abstracted chart information, and submitted data to the registry. At each hospital 8 randomly selected cases were re-abstracted by an experienced research nurse. Inter-rater reliability was estimated by the kappa statistic for nominal variables, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for ordinal and continuous variables. Factors that can negatively impact the kappa statistic (i.e., trait prevalence and rater bias) were also evaluated. A total of 104 charts were available for re-abstraction. Excellent reliability (kappa or ICC > 0.75) was observed for many registry variables including age, gender, black race, hemorrhagic stroke, discharge medications, and modified Rankin Score. Agreement was at least moderate (i.e., 0.75 > kappa ≥; 0.40) for ischemic stroke, TIA, white race, non-ambulance arrival, hospital transfer and direct admit. However, several variables had poor reliability (kappa < 0.40) including stroke onset time, stroke team consultation, time of initial brain imaging, and discharge destination. There were marked systematic differences between hospital abstractors and the audit abstractor (i.e., rater bias) for many of the data elements recorded in the emergency department. The excellent reliability of many of the data elements supports the use of the PCNASR to monitor and improve care. However, the poor reliability for several variables, particularly time-related events in the emergency department, indicates the need for concerted efforts to improve the quality of data collection. Specific recommendations include improvements to data definitions, abstractor training, and the development of ED-based real-time data collection systems.
A time-dependent earned value model for software projects

Abstract This paper proposes a formal method for including time dependence into Earned Value (EV) management. The model requires three parameters, which map directly to the fundamental “triple constraint” of scope, cost, and schedule: the reject rate of activities, the cost overrun parameter, and the time to repair the rejected activities. Time dependent expressions for the planned value, earned value, and actual cost are derived, along with the cost performance index (CPI) and schedule performance index (SPI). The model is built on the well-established Putnam–Norden–Rayleigh (PNR) labor rate profile, which is a useful representation for large software projects. We apply the model to a well-known software dataset, demonstrating how to estimate the project's final cost, which converges faster to the correct answer with less variability than standard Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) calculations. The model also accurately predicts the required revised labor profile and the new schedule.
Clinical Supervisors’ Perceptions of the Clarity and Comprehensiveness of the Supervision Competencies Framework

The purpose of current study was to solicit feedback from training directors and other clinical supervisors employed at APPIC-member clinical training sites (n = 123) regarding the comprehensiveness and clarity of the supervision competencies framework (SCF; Falender et al., 2004). Development of co
Fitbit+: A behavior-based intervention system to reduce sedentary behavior

Self-tracking wearable devices are capable of tracking calorie consumption and inferring physical activity physical activity to support self-awareness and healthy behavior. These devices automatically capture human behavior (such as walking) but do not typically make the user aware detected unhealthy behaviors. Furthermore, these devices cannot intervene in the moment to make users aware they are engaging in unhealthy behavior (such as sitting for a long period of time) and persuade them to correct these unhealthy behaviors (e.g., by taking a break to go for a walk). There is an increasing trend for people with low physical activity occupations to sit for long periods of time, yet research suggests that lengthy sitting, independent of overall physical activity level, increases the risk of weight gain and mortality [1]. We aim to decrease the duration of sedentary bouts in the workplace by detecting when people have been inactive for a long time and then prompting them take a short break from their desks. In this poster we present the design of Fitbit+, a system that realizes this strategy by leveraging Fitbit's near real-time, automated step logging to detect sedentary behavior and then prompt users to take short breaks.
A comprehensive multi-criteria model to rank electric energy production technologies

Abstract The purpose of this research was to develop a model for decision-makers to rank various renewable and non-renewable electricity production technologies according to multiple criteria. The model ranks electric power plants using wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, hydropower (i.e., renewable sources), nuclear, oil, natural gas and coal in terms of four comprehensive criteria clusters: financial, technical, environmental and socio-economic-political. The model was built using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with empirical data from government and academic sources. The results indicate that wind, solar, hydropower and geothermal provide significantly more overall benefits than the rest even when the weights of the primary criteria clusters are adjusted during sensitivity analysis. The only non-renewable sources that appear in three of the 20 top rank positions are gas and oil, while the rest are populated with renewable energy technologies. These results have implications for policy development and for decision makers in the public and private sectors. One conclusion is that financial incentives for solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal are sound and should be expanded. Conversely, subsidies for non-renewable sources could be diminished. The work concludes with ideas for future research such as exploring a full range of sensitivity analyses to help determine an optimal mix of renewable and non-renewable technologies for an overall energy system. The scope of the model could also be expanded to include demand as well supply side factors.
Transient Eddy Forcing of Blocking Flows.

Abstract The net forcing of blocking flows by transient eddies having synoptic time scales is examined within the framework of quasi-geostrophic theory. Temporal filtering is used to distinguish the effects of transients having synoptic lime scales (i.e., periods less than approximately seven days) from those having longer time scales. Convergences of transient eddy transports of heat and vorticity during blocking conditions are computed from highpass-filtered time series. The eddy flux convergences for individual blocking events are then composited according to the locations of the blocks. The quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation relating geopotential tendency and the eddy flux convergences of heat and vorticity is solved for composite blocking conditions. The diagnosis is performed for both observed blocks and blocks simulated by a general circulation model. The net quasi-geostrophic geopotential tendencies due to transports by the synoptic-scale transient eddies exhibit a quadrature relations...
Impact of first contact on symptom onset-to-door time in patients presenting for primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Objectives To determine effect of first medical contact type on symptom onset–to-door time (SODT). Background Shorter total ischemic time is associated with improved outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Methods From 2005 to 2009, we reviewed records of all consecutive patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction at our tertiary care teaching hospital (median follow-up 3.85 years). We compared SODT in patients whose first medical contact was a private physician (in person or via telephone) vs patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) directly (in person or via Emergency Medical Services). Results Of 366 patients, 84 (23%) contacted a physician (group A) while 282 (77.6%) did not (group B). Group A had higher median SODT (239.5 vs 130 minutes, P = .0043) and significantly higher mortality (log rank P = .0392, Cox Proportional Hazard Model risk factors: physician contact first [ P P P P = .002 and (2) personal mode of transportation, P = .002. Patients presenting during "on-hours" (weekdays) were more likely to first contact a physician compared with those presenting during "off-hours" (weeknights and weekends) (66.67% in group A vs 45.04% in group B, P Conclusions Patients whose first medical contact was a physician had greater pre-hospital delays and worse survival compared to those who sought emergent medical care directly. This pattern occurred more often during "on-hours." Educational efforts aimed at both patient and physician office practices are warranted.
Tests of factorization in strong-interaction few-body problems.

A frequently employed approximation in momentum integrals in few-bodyproblems is to assume that the integrand is sharply peaked in regions where thebound particles have low internal momentum. If justified, this allows one toremove portions of the integrand and evaluate them at their peak-value momentumpoints. In the extreme case, the only remaining term in the integral is themomentum wave function, whose integral corresponds to a position-space wavefunction evaluated at zero interparticle separation. The validity of thisapproximation is examined for systems of two and three strongly interactingparticles.
SINGLET-TRIPLET SPLITTINGS IN CX2 (X = F, CL, BR, I) DIHALOCARBENES VIA NEGATIVE ION PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY

The 364 nm negative ion photoelectron spectra of CF2-, CCl2-, CBr2-, and CI2- exhibit transitions to two different electronic states, the 1A1 and 3B1. The CF2- spectrum exhibits well-resolved transitions to both electronic states. In the cases of CCl2-, CBr2-, and CI2-, the spectra exhibit extended, partially resolved vibrational progressions and the two states are overlapped, making a direct determination of the origin transition energy not possible. The overlapped spectra show that the singlet−triplet splittings in the heavier halocarbenes are much smaller than for CF2-. The results of ab initio calculations have been used to generate Franck−Condon simulations of the spectra, which aid in the determination of the band origins. The 1A1 state is found to be the lower state for CF2, CCl2, and CBr2 and the electron affinities have been determined to be 0.180 ± 0.020, 1.59 ± 0.07, and 1.88 ± 0.07 eV, respectively. For CI2, the triplet state is apparently the lower lying state with an electron affinity of 2.0...
Peromyscus difficilis (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Abstract Peromyscus difficilis (J. A. Allen, 1891) is a cricetid rodent commonly called the southern rock deermouse or Zacatecan deermouse. It is of medium body size for the genus (28–43 g), with large ears and a long, evenly bicolored tail that is always slightly longer than the head plus body length. It is 1 of 56 species in the genus Peromyscus and includes 5 subspecies. P. difficilis is a Mexican endemic distributed throughout the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental, southward through the mountainous regions of Guanajuato, Puebla, Hidalgo, and Veracruz, into northern and central Oaxaca. Habitat preferences range from dry, semiarid hills to montane forests. P. difficilis is not of special conservation concern.
Inducing a large neutron electric dipole moment via a quark chromo-electric dipole moment☆

Abstract We demonstrate that the contributions to the neutron electric dipole moment induced by chromo-electric dipole moments of the light quarks are likely to dominate over those arising from the three-gluon operator considered by Weinberg and from the quark electric dipole moments as examined by Barr and Zee.
Integrated TCAD for OEIC applications

Progress in technology CAD (TCAD) tools that span the range of IC circuit design, semiconductor device modeling, and material processing simulation is discussed. Special emphasis is given to the application in the optoelectronic devices and systems. Promising techniques for the mixed device/circuit simulation are presented, using UC Berkeley's SPICE and Stanford's PISCES programs. Results show the capability to optimize the circuit timing and impedances to match the internal physical effects and the resulting optical properties in AlGaAs based LEDs. 3D solid modeling, a new approach for interactive device design based on the mask layout information, is discussed. Automatic gridding to support a unified process/device modeling capability for GaAs structures using SUPREM-IV.GS is also introduced. Taken as a whole, the unification of these TCAD tools provides a powerful design approach for the world of the optoelectronic ICs (OEIC).© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ultraviolet reflectivity and geometrical albedo of Titan

Titan's geometrical albedo of 0.094 plus or minus 0.012 was measured at 4255 A with a 50-A bandpass. From this and the spectral measurements, the geometrical albedo was derived as a function of wavelength. It is found that the wavelength dependences of Titan's UV spectrum and of the spectrum of Saturn's Rings are remarkably similar. No trace of any absorption bands is apparent. These results imply that UV gaseous absorption and Rayleigh scattering play a strongly subdued role in Titan's atmosphere. Any homogeneous atmospheric model implies that the absorber responsible for Titan's UV spectral albedo varies strongly with wavelength. On the other hand, it is found that the UV observations can be satisfied by an absorber having a relatively weak dependence upon wavelength if an inhomogeneous atmospheric model is employed. In particular, a fine dust, which absorbs as the reciprocal of the wavelength, can explain the UV observations, provided that it is preferentially distributed high up in Titan's atmosphere where the optical depth from Rayleigh scattering is low.
Undergraduate software engineering laboratories: a progress report from two universities

Recently, both Miami University of Ohio and the Rochester Institute of Technology received NSF grants to develop undergraduate software engineering laboratories. While the general goals of the labs are similar, specific hardware and software selections were driven by differing curricular emphases and educational environments at the two institutions. This paper presents the distinctive characteristics of each school's program, discusses the influence of these features on the selection process, and describes our experiences to date with the resulting labs. The goal is to provide useful information guidance to others considering such facilities.
Popliteal Venous Aneurysms: Characteristics, Management Strategies, and Clinical Outcomes—A Modern Single-Center Series

Background Popliteal vein aneurysm (PVA) may be an incidental finding on imaging, but often presents in the context of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). The role of anticoagulation with or without surgical excision versus expectant management is ill defined. Methods In this single-center, retrospective, cohort study, patient records from January 2002 to December 2013 were queried for terminology consistent with PVA. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were extracted via chart review. Results A total of 21 patients with PVA were identified (57% male). Mean follow-up was 38 ± 31 months. Mean PVA diameter was 2.5 ± 1.1 cm; 67% were saccular (with the remainder being fusiform), 19% contained thrombus, 67% were left sided, and bilateral PVA was present in 24% of cases. At the time of PVA diagnosis, 14% had pulmonary embolism. Treatment consisted of observation only (62%), anticoagulation (19%), surgery (5%), or both anticoagulation and surgery (14%). There were no recurrences of VTE once treated, although there was 1 acute deep venous thrombosis in a patient who was managed conservatively. Two patients had recurrent PVA after surgery, and there were 2 surgical complications (transient foot drop and hematoma). Conclusions PVA is associated with VTE. Based on our series, it is unclear if incidentally discovered PVA (without VTE) warrants treatment with anticoagulation and/or surgical repair. Further multicenter studies are needed to establish the indications for safety and durability of surgery.