cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness of Universal and Platelet Reactivity Assay-Driven Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Assays monitoring P2Y12 platelet reactivity can accurately predict which patients will have a poor response to clopidogrel. We sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of using platelet reactivity assays (PRAs) to select a dual-antiplatelet regimen for patients with acute coronary syndrome. A hybrid decision tree Markov model was developed to determine the cost-effectiveness of universal clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel (given to all patients) or PRA-driven ticagrelor or prasugrel (given to patients with high platelet reactivity, defined as >230 on the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay; the others received generic clopidogrel). We assumed a cohort of 65-year-old patients with acute coronary syndrome and an incidence of high platelet reactivity of 32% and 13% at ∼24 to 48 hours after revascularization and 1 month, respectively. The 5-year costs, quality-adjusted life-years, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated for PRA-driven ticagrelor and prasugrel compared with universal clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel. PRA-driven ticagrelor and prasugrel were cost-effective compared with universal clopidogrel (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio $40,100 and $49,143/quality-adjusted life-year, respectively); however, universal ticagrelor and prasugrel were not (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio $61,651 and $96,261/quality-adjusted life-year, respectively). Monte Carlo simulation suggested PRA-driven ticagrelor, PRA-driven prasugrel, universal ticagrelor, and universal prasugrel would have an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
Beiträge zur Chemie der Si‐N‐Bindung, XVII [1]. 2,2,4,4,6,6‐Hexamethyl‐1‐oxa‐3,5‐diaza‐cyclohexasilan

2.2.4.4.6.6-Hexamethyl-1-oxa-3.5-diaza-cyclohexasilane was obtained by the controlled hydrolysis of hexamethylcyclotrisilazane and by the co-ammonolysis of dimethyl-dichlorsilane and 1.3-dichloro-tetramethyldisiloxane.
The Japanese national Fifth Generation Project: introduction, survey, and evaluation

Abstract Projecting a great vision of intelligent systems in the service of the economy and society, the Japanese government in 1982 launched the national Fifth Generation Computer Systems (FGCS) project. The project was carried out by a central research institute, ICOT, with personnel from its member-owners, the Japanese computer manufacturers (JCMs) and other electronics industry firms. The project was planned for ten years, but continues through year eleven and beyond. ICOT chose to focus its efforts on language issues and programming methods for logic programming, supported by special hardware. Sequential ‘inference machines’ (PSI) and parallel ‘inference machines’ (PIM) were built. Performances of the hardware-software hybrid was measured in the range planned (150 million logical inferences per second). An excellent system for logic programming on parallel machines was constructed (KL1). However, applications were done in demonstration form only (not deployed). The lack of a stream of applications that computer customers found effective, and the sole use of a language outside the mainstream, Prolog, led to disenchantment among the JCMs.
Heavy precipitation events fueled by varying sources

Heavy precipitation events (HPEs) are natural hazards that can cause flooding, soil erosion, crop damage, and other problems. It is unclear how these events will be influenced by the warming climate, so understanding how these events develop is becoming increasingly important.
ANOMALIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SUGGESTED USES OF INVENTORIES OF STUDENTS' APPRAISALS OF COLLEGE INSTRUCTION

Summary.-Based on 25 yr. of observation of, and participation in, the uses of students' appraisals of college instruction, the author has identified five anomalies in the construction and suggested uses of inventories of appraisals of instruction. The article identifies and discusses each and offers suggrsrions which should alleviate or remove them.
Ethanol alters angiotensin II stimulated mitogen activated protein kinase in hepatocytes: agonist selectivity and ethanol metabolic independence.

Angiotensin II activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (p42 and p44) in rat hepatocytes exposed to ethanol and the relevance of ethanol metabolism on this activation was investigated. Hepatocytes, isolated from rat liver, were treated with or without ethanol for 24 h. Angiotensin II, vasopressin, insulin, serum and epinephrine significantly increased hepatocyte MAPK activity. Platelet activating factor (PAF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) had little effect on MAPK activation. Interestingly, among the above agonists, which activated hepatocyte MAPK, ethanol exposure potentiated only angiotensin II and epinephrine-stimulated MAPK. Thus, potentiation of MAPK by ethanol exhibited agonist selectivity. In contrast to several other cells, there was prevalence of p42 over p44 MAPK band in hepatocytes. Angiotensin II treatment caused a rapid activation (peak 5 min) of MAPK followed by a decrease to basal levels in 30 min. Exposure with 100 mM ethanol potentiated the angiotensin II stimulated MAPK activity. This potentiation was partially blocked by pertussis toxin suggesting it to be a G-protein-dependent event. Treatment of the hepatocytes with pyrazole (an inhibitor of ethanol metabolism) or acetaldehyde (an ethanol metabolite) had no effect on potentiation. Thus, ethanol potentiation of hepatocyte MAPK is agonist-selective and independent of ethanol metabolism.
International high tech competitiveness: does China rank number 1?

This paper compares three selected indicator series that address national, technology-based competitiveness. The ‘traditional’ Georgia Tech High Tech Indicators (HTI) have been comparing 33 nations with respect to current and future prospects at exporting high tech products since the late 1980s. Those indicators blend expert opinion with statistical time series data. Second, we introduce ‘statistics only’ HTI, a revised formulation that addresses knowledge-based service export capabilities as well as high tech products, biennially. Third, the World Economic Forum annually generates its Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), treating 125 countries. The traditional HTI reported China supplanting the USA as the top-ranking economy as of 2007. That has generated some controversy. In striking contrast, the 2006–2007 GCI reported China as No. 54. This paper explores the bases for these differences. To a substantial degree, they derive from whether one normalises based on a nation's size. We conclude that these ind...
The histones of the sperm of Spisula solidissima include a novel, cysteine-containing H-1 histone

The histones remaining at the end of the spermiogenic differentiation, which are found associated with a highly basic protamine-like component [Ausio, J. and K.E. Van Holde (1987) Eur. J. Biochem. 165, 363-371] in the mature sperm of Spisula solidissima, have been isolated and characterized for the first time. All four core histones H2A, H2B, H3, H4, and the lysine-rich histone H1 are present. The core histones are found in equal stoichiometric amounts. As has been observed in other bivalve molluscs, the amino acid compositions of the core histones of S. solidissima sperm are very close to those of their counterparts in the calf thymus somatic histones. The spermatic histone H1 exhibits an amino acid composition and structural features similar to other histones of the histone H1 family. Yet this latter histone seems to be sperm-specific, and it contains at least two cysteine residues per molecule, which makes it unique in its class.
Sparsity-Cognizant Source Location Mapping for Underwater Acoustics

Matched-field processing (MFP) is a generalization of classical beamforming that has been traditionally used in underwater source localization problems. However, MFP suffers from low resolution, sensitivity to model mismatch, and is challenged when more than one source is present. This work develops a robust high-resolution underwater source localization algorithm that capitalizes on the sparsity inherent in the underwater source localization problem. Similar to MFP, the sparsity-cognizant approach developed here capitalizes on a model for the acoustic propagation environment and casts the localization problem as a regularized least-squares (LS) one. The resulting regularizer encourages sparsity on the grid-based source location map. An efficient solver whose computational complexity scales linearly with the grid size is developed and its performance illustrated via numerical tests.
BUMP: bridging unmet modes of participation

This paper describes the development of a technology designed for social connectedness. The goal was to design and develop a technology that allows older adults to be more connected with family and/or close ones. Bridging Unmet Modes of Participation (BUMP) respond to the needs of designing technology products for inclusion and integration of older adults and addressing issues of isolation and social disconnected experienced with the aging population.
Hungarian-Western Partnerships: A Grounded Theoretical Model of Integration Processes and Outcomes

International cooperative ventures (ICVs) are known to be strongly influenced by the parent firms’ values, practices, and systems (VPSs). However, less clear is whether and why VPSs actually adopted by an ICV are those of either parent singly, both parents jointly, or neither parent. This question is especially timely in the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe, where cooperative activity with Western multinationals is growing rapidly, and where decades-old legacies of communism abound. In this exploratory study, we used a multiple case study methodology to examine 17 Hungarian-Western ICVs. Results show that a majority of the ICVs adopted the VPSs of the Western partner. We develop a theoretical model of integration process and outcomes, and suggest future research directions.
Enhanced DNA sequencing by hybridization

Abstract An enhanced version of DNA sequencing by hybridization (SBH), termed positional SBH (PSBH), has been developed. PSBH uses duplex probes containing single-stranded 3' overhangs, instead of simple single-stranded probes. Stacking interactions between the duplex probe and a single-stranded target should provide enhanced stringency in distinguishing perfectly matched 3' sequences. A second enhancement is the use of enzyme-catalyzed steps, instead of pure physical hybridization. The feasibility of this scheme has been investigated using biotinylated duplex probes containing single-stranded 5-base 3' overhangs, immobilized on streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. Ligation of a single-stranded target, hybridized to the single-stranded region of the duplex probes, provided enhanced discrimination of perfectly matched targets from those containing mismatches. In distinction to the serious complications caused by base composition effects in ordinary SBH, there was little effect of base composition in PSBH. The hardest mismatch to discriminate was the one furthest from the phosphodiester bond formed by ligation. However, mismatches in this position were efficiently discriminated by 3' extension of the duplex probe using a template-dependent DNA polymerase. These results demonstrate that PSBH offers considerable promise to facilitate actual implementations of SBH.
Fit for persuasion: the effects of nonverbal delivery style, message framing, and gender on message effectiveness

This study examined two experimental variables, delivery style and message framing, that have yet to be examined together in the regulatory fit literature. College students (mean age = 30) watched a video message encouraging regular exercise delivered in an eager or vigilant nonverbal style and framed in terms of gain or loss. Results revealed significant fit effects involving gender, delivery style, and message framing. The eager message was perceived as more effective by men whereas the vigilant message was perceived as more effective by women. A message framing by delivery style fit effect also emerged for perceived message effectiveness. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Tomato infectious chlorosis virus - a new clostero-like virus transmitted by Trialeurodes vaporariorum

A previously undescribed virus disease of tomato, other crops and weed hosts was found in California. Affected tomato plants exhibited interveinal yellowing, necrosis and severe yield losses. Leaf dips and purified preparations contained closterovirus-like long flexuous, filamentous particles approximately 12×850–900 nm. The virus, designated as tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV), is transmitted in a semipersistent manner by the greenhouse whitefly,Trialeurodes vaporariorum. The host range of the virus is moderate (26 species in 8 plant families) but includes some important crops and ornamental species including tomato, (Lycopersicon esculentum), tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa), potato (Solanum tuberosum), artichoke (Cynara scolymus), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and petunia (Petunia hybrida). The virus has been found in a number of different locations in California and has a number of potential vehicles of movement including greenhouse grown ornamentals, tomato transplants, artichoke cuttings and potato seed. The virus has the potential to spread to other growing regions with resident populations of the greenhouse whitefly. The host range, particle size, insect transmission, and serology clearly distinguish TICV from previously described viruses.
KRIT-1/CCM1 is a Rap1 effector that regulates endothelial cell–cell junctions

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM), a disease associated with defective endothelial junctions, result from autosomal dominant CCM1 mutations that cause loss of KRIT-1 protein function, though how the loss of KRIT-1 leads to CCM is obscure. KRIT-1 binds to Rap1, a guanosine triphosphatase that maintains the integrity of endothelial junctions. Here, we report that KRIT-1 protein is expressed in cultured arterial and venous endothelial cells and is present in cell–cell junctions. KRIT-1 colocalized and was physically associated with junctional proteins via its band 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin (FERM) domain. Rap1 activity regulated the junctional localization of KRIT-1 and its physical association with junction proteins. However, the association of the isolated KRIT-1 FERM domain was independent of Rap1. Small interfering RNA–mediated depletion of KRIT-1 blocked the ability of Rap1 to stabilize endothelial junctions associated with increased actin stress fibers. Thus, Rap1 increases KRIT-1 targeting to endothelial cell–cell junctions where it suppresses stress fibers and stabilizes junctional integrity.
Experience with modularity in consul

The use of modularity in the design and implementation of complex software simplifies the development process, as well as facilitating the construction of customized configurations. This paper describes our experience using modularity in Consul, a communication substrate used for constructing fault-tolerant distributed programs. First, Consul is presented as a case study of how modularity is feasible in both the design and the implementation of such systems. Secondly, general lessons about modularity in fault-tolerant systems based on our experience with Consul are given. Issues that are addressed include deciding how the system is divided into various modules, dealing with problems that result when protocols are combined, and ensuring that the underlying object infrastructure provides adequate support. The key observation is that the modularization process is most affected by dependencies between modules, both direct dependencies caused by one module explicitly using another's operation and indirect dependencies where one module is affected by another without direct interaction. Although our observations are based on designing and implementing Consul, the lessons are applicable to any fault-tolerant distributed system.
Sample size for the Z test and its confidence interval

The statistical power of a significance test is closely related to the length of the confidence interval (i.e. estimate precision). In the case of a Z test, the length of the confidence interval can be expressed as a function of the statistical power.
Phylogeographic History of White Spruce During the Last Glacial Maximum: Uncovering Cryptic Refugia

Although a recent study of white spruce using chloroplast DNA uncovered the presence of a glacial refuge in Alaska, chloroplast failed to provide information on the number or specific localities of refugia. Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of nuclear microsatellites to refine insights into postglacial histories. The greater relative rate of mutation may allow finer scale resolution of historic dynamics, including the number, location, and sizes of refugia. Genetic data were acquired from screening 6 microsatellite loci on approximately 14 trees from each of 22 populations located across the central and western boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. Our studies combining microsatellites with Bayesian analyses of population structure in white spruce support the phylogeographic patterns uncovered using chloroplast, separating Alaskan from non-Alaskan regions. Results also support the idea that north-central Alaska served as a glacial refugium during the last glacial maximum. Additionally, the relationship between the degree of genetic differentiation and geographic distance indicated that gene flow played a more important role in structuring non-Alaskan populations, whereas drift played a more important role in structuring Alaskan populations (RST’s for non-Alaskan populations 0.029 ± 0.007 and 0.083 ± 0.012 for Alaskan populations). Microsatellites also substantiate the bidirectional patterns of gene flow previously uncovered using chloroplast DNA but indicate much greater movement and mixing. Results from our Bayesian analyses also suggest the existence of additional cryptic refugia. However, the locations have been obscured by high gene flow (RST averaging 0.057 ± 0.004).
Voriconazole Pharmacokinetics in Liver Transplant Recipients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole and the potential correlations between pharmacokinetic parameters and patient variables in liver transplant patients on a fixed-dose prophylactic regimen. Multiple blood samples were collected within one dosing interval from 15 patients who were initiated on a prophylactic regimen of voriconazole at 200 mg enterally (tablets) twice daily starting immediately posttransplant. Voriconazole plasma concentrations were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters. The mean apparent systemic clearance over bioavailability (CL/ F ), apparent steady-state volume of distribution over bioavailability ( V ss / F ), and half-life ( t 1/2 ) were 5.8 ± 5.5 liters/h, 94.5 ± 54.9 liters, and 15.7 ± 7.0 h, respectively. There was a good correlation between the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC 0-∞ ) and trough voriconazole plasma concentrations. t 1/2 , maximum drug concentration in plasma ( C max ), trough level, AUC 0-∞ , area under the first moment of the concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUMC 0-∞ ), and mean residence time from 0 h to infinity (MRT 0-∞ ) were significantly correlated with postoperative time. t 1/2 , λ, AUC 0-∞ , and CL/ F were significantly correlated with indices of liver function (aspartate transaminase [AST], total bilirubin, and international normalized ratio [INR]). The C max , last concentration in plasma at 12 h ( C last ), AUMC 0-∞ , and MRT 0-∞ were significantly lower in the presence of deficient CYP2C19*2 alleles. Donor characteristics had no significant correlation with any of the pharmacokinetic parameters estimated. A fixed dosing regimen of voriconazole results in a highly variable exposure of voriconazole in liver transplant patients. Given that trough voriconazole concentration is a good measure of drug exposure (AUC), the voriconazole dose can be individualized based on trough concentration measurements in liver transplant patients.
Laser Beam Characterization using Agile Digital-Analog Photonics

Precise knowledge of laser beam parameters is a key requirement in many photonics applications including for lasers and optics used in the transportation industry. This paper reports on a novel motion-free laser beam characterization system using electronically agile digital and analog photonics such as a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) and an analog variable focal length lens. The proposed system has the capability of measuring all the parameters of a laser beam including minimum waist size, minimum waist location, beam divergence and the beam propagation parameter (M 2 ). Experimental results demonstrate the measurement of the minimum beam waist size and location for a test 633 nm fundamental mode Gaussian laser beam. The system is also applicable for imaging of arbitrary beams including non-laser beams.
Multiple voltage and frequency scheduling for power minimization

The design description for an integrated circuit may be described in terms of three domains, namely: (1) behavioral domain, (2) structural domain and (3) physical domain. These domains may be hierarchically divided into several levels of abstraction. Classically, these level of abstraction are (1) Architectural or Functional level, (2) Register-transfer level, (3) Logic level and (4) Circuit level. Some of the design problems associated with VLSI circuit design are area, speed, reliability and power consumption. With the development of portable devices, power consumption has become a dominant design consideration in the modern VLSI design area. In each of these domains there are a number of design challenges to reduce power. For instance, at the behavioral level, the freedom to choose multiple voltages and frequencies to minimize power to meet the given hard time constraints is considered as an active field of research to minimize power. Various past researches have showed that higher the level of abstraction, better the ability to address the problems associated with the design. Therefore this work proposes an algorithm that allocates both voltage and frequency simultaneously to the operations of the directed flow graph to optimize power given the time constraints. The resources required for multiple voltage-frequency scheduling is derived using the classical force directed scheduling algorithm. This algorithm has been implemented and tested on High-Level synthesis benchmarks for both non-pipelined and pipeline instances.
Modeling C–V characteristics of deep sub-0.1 micron mesoscale MOS devices

Abstract Applying independent but complementary mathematical approaches to the same device, we model the capacitance–voltage ( C – V ) characteristics of deep sub-0.1 micron MOS devices. Our basic tool in this effort is a 3D quantum mechanically (QM) corrected variational methodology. The variational method is based on minimization of the Helmholtz free energy of the system and results in closed form expressions for the capacitance as a function of device dimensions, doping, and applied voltage. These expressions contain free parameters, which must be determined from more exhaustive analysis, or from experimental data. We calibrate the variational results using ATLAS, a commercially available TCAD suite by SILVACO. The numerical simulations correspond to consistent 2D Poisson-1D Schrodinger solutions. We use the calibrated variational tool to investigate the effect on C – V characteristics of gate dimensions, oxide thickness, and doping concentration. Excellent agreement has been achieved between results obtained by both methods.
Comparison of Aptima Trichomonas vaginalis Transcription-Mediated Amplification Assay and BD Affirm VPIII for Detection of T. vaginalis in Symptomatic Women: Performance Parameters and Epidemiological Implications

Trichomonas vaginalis is an underestimated sexually transmitted infection (STI) associated with numerous clinical sequelae. The true prevalence and clinical impact of trichomoniasis are unknown, as current methods of detection exhibit poor sensitivity compared to molecular amplification methods. Limited data exist comparing the BD Affirm VPIII hybridization assay to the Gen-Probe Aptima T. vaginalis (ATV) transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay for detection of T. vaginalis. In this study, specimens from 766 patients were evaluated. Specimens were retrieved consecutively from patients with vaginal complaints and/or with histories suggestive of STI. Study inclusion was dependent upon the request for and collection of both a vaginal swab for Affirm and a specimen for Aptima Combo 2 by the health care provider during the same office visit. Affirm was performed using the specific collection swab and the transport provided for the test. The ATV assay was performed on remnant Aptima Combo 2 specimens. A second ATV TMA assay, utilizing an alternate T. vaginalis primer and probe set, was performed on all specimens positive by the initial TMA and/or the Affirm assay. Infected-patient status was defined as positive T. vaginalis test results by at least 2 assays. Overall, 5.1% of subjects were positive for T. vaginalis. T. vaginalis was most prevalent in women who were 36 to 45 (11.9%), 51 to 60 (7.7%), and 16 to 25 (4.2%) years of age. The ATV assay was statistically more sensitive than the Affirm assay (100% versus 63.4%, P < 0.0001), identifying 36.6% more positive patients.
RhoA-Mediated Signaling in Mechanotransduction of Osteoblasts

Osteoblasts play a pivotal role in load-driven bone formation by activating Wnt signaling through a signal from osteocytes as a mechanosensor. Osteoblasts are also sensitive to mechanical stimulation, but the role of RhoA, a small GTPase involved in the regulation of cytoskeleton adhesion complexes, in mechanotransduction of osteoblasts is not completely understood. Using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells under 1 hr flow treatment at 10 dyn/cm2, we examined a hypothesis that RhoA signaling mediates the cellular responses to flow-induced shear stress. To test the hypothesis, we conducted genome-wide pathway analysis and evaluated the role of RhoA in molecular signaling. Activity of RhoA was determined with a RhoA biosensor, which determined the activation state of RhoA based on a fluorescence resonance energy transfer between CFP and YFP fluorophores. A pathway analysis indicated that flow treatment activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling as well as a c...
Should adaptive cruise-control systems be designed to maintain a constant time gap between vehicles?

This paper addresses the stability of traffic flow on a highway when the vehicles operate under an adaptive cruise-control (ACC) system. These systems are commonly designed to maintain a constant time gap between vehicles during vehicle following. Previous researchers in the literature have produced contradictory results on whether the traffic flow is stable when the constant time-gap spacing policy is used. This paper resolves the contradiction and shows that the boundary conditions used at the inlets and exits influence traffic-flow stability in the case of the constant time-gap policy. Further, this paper shows that it is possible to design an unconditionally stable spacing policy, i.e., a spacing policy that guarantees traffic stability under all boundary conditions. The practical implications of instability are shown through traffic-simulation results. The advantages of an unconditionally stable spacing policy over the constant time-gap policy are demonstrated. The answer to the question "Should ACC systems be designed to maintain a constant time gap between vehicles?" is "No" from a traffic-flow stability perspective. It is quite easy to develop alternate spacing policies with superior stability properties.
ALCOHOL-RELATED SEIZURES AND THE KINDLING EFFECT OF REPEATED DETOXIFICATIONS: THE INFLUENCE OF COCAINE

The purpose ol this study was to determine if individuals with concurrent alcohol and cocaine use differ in regard to seizure risk compared to individuals who abuse only alcohol, and to explore the relationship between multiple dcto.xilications and seizure risk in the context ot concurrent cocaine use. In this study, alcoholic cocaine users had a decreased risk of seizure compared to alcoholics without cocaine use ( P < 0. 005). Seizures were rare in individuals who did not abuse alcohol. Alcoholic cocaine users reported a younger age at first seizure compared to alcoholics without cocaine use ( P < 0.04). Alcoholic patients with seizures had significantly more previous detoxification experiences compared to matched alcoholic patients without seizures (P = 0.0001). Concurrent cocaine use did not appear to have an independent effect on the risk of seizure. The findings in this study suggest that concurrent cocaine use may accelerate the development of alcohol-related seizures in predisposed individuals but docs not appear to substantially increase overall risk. Multiple previous dctoxilkations are associated with an increased risk of seizures in alcoholics both with and without concurrent cocaine use.
Church-Based Social Support and Health in Old Age Exploring Variations by Race

Objectives. A conceptual model is evaluated that explores the relationship between church-based support and health. In the process, an effort is made to see if the relationships in this model differ for older White and African American people. Methods. Interviews were conducted with a national sample of 748 older White and 752 older Black people. The responses of 1,126 of these study participants are used in the analyses presented herein. Survey measures were administered to assess church-based social ties and health. Results. Empirical support was provided for the following theoretical linkages: Older people who attend church often feel their congregations are more cohesive; older people in highly cohesive congregations receive more spiritual and emotional support from their fellow parishioners; older respondents who receive more church-based support have a more personal relationship with God; older people who feel more closely connected with God are more optimistic; and older people who are more optimistic enjoy better health. Data further reveal that older Black people are more likely than older White people to reap the health-related benefits of religion. Discussion. The findings contribute to research on religion and health by specifying how the salubrious effects of religion may arise.
Reliability and validity of a measure of perceived diabetes and dietary competence in African American women with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE A general measure of perceived diabetes and dietary competence (PDDC) was developed to assess a person's sense of confidence and perceived behavioral control in diabetes and dietary self-management. Internal structure, reliability, and construct validity were evaluated. METHODS There were 2 samples of African American women with type 2 diabetes; 226 patients in the development sample and 225 patients in the validation sample. Factor analysis, Cronbach's coefficient alpha, and correlation analysis were used to assess reliability and validity of the PDDC measure. RESULTS Three subscales were empirically determined by factor analysis: positive competence, negative dietary competence, and negative control. Cronbach's alphas for all subscales were good. Predicted relationships with measures of perceived health competence, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived dietary barriers were largely supported in construct validation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides initial support for the internal reliability and validity of a perceived diabetes and dietary competence measure. Further research is needed to determine its validity in other samples of African Americans with type 2 diabetes and its clinical utility in evaluating diabetes self-management training.
High specific energy lead-acid battery system for electric vehicle propulsion

The design and development of an advanced lead-acid battery system for electric delivery vehicles is described. Progress to date is based on the concept of forced flow of electrolyte through the cells comprising the battery pack. A forced convection pumping configuration circulates the acid parallel to the electrode surfaces in order to provide stable electrical performance throughout cycle life. More recently, activities have been directed toward improving life beyond the 130 cycle benchmark. These efforts are directed toward the fabrication of a 180 V, 39 kWh battery system for electric van propulsion. >
Photodissociation Dynamics of Hydrated Ni2+Clusters: Ni2+(H2O)n(n= 4-7)

Hydrated divalent nickel clusters, Ni2+(H2O)n (n = 4−7), have been generated through electrospray ionization and studied with laser photofragment spectroscopy. Clusters containing six and seven water molecules dissociate by loss of either one or two water molecules. In contrast, Ni2+(H2O)4 dissociates via charge reduction, producing H3O+ + NiOH+(H2O)2. The modest kinetic energy release in the H3O+ product is in agreement with a salt-bridge dissociation mechanism. Observed dissociation cross-sections indicate that the hexahydrated species is the probable carrier for nickel's aqueous absorption spectrum.
Dietary patterns: biomarkers and chronic disease risk.

With increasing appreciation of the complexity of diets consumed by free-living individuals, there is interest in the assessment of the overall diet or dietary patterns in which multiple related di...
TEACHING THE STRUCTURAL NATURE OF BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES: MOLECULAR VISUALIZATION IN THE CLASSROOM AND IN THE HANDS OF STUDENTS

The use of molecular visualization software has made a tremendous impact in the biochemistry and cell biology classroom. Instructors no longer have to rely on static images in textbooks to teach the structural nature of biological molecules. The emergence of many different molecular graphics programs and technology-based classrooms has enhanced the ability of instructors to teach structural concepts such as noncovalent interactions and levels of organization in proteins. Many web-based tutorials are also available for instructors to use during lecture or for students to explore outside of the classroom. Students can also obtain hands-on experience with the graphics programs to explore the structural aspects of macromolecular systems. This report shows that students involved in visualization projects become skilled at identifying various structural motifs they have discussed in class or are discovering for the first time. This student-centered approach enhances the ability of students to comprehend structural concepts and to realize the importance of weak interactions in the structure of large molecules. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. Eur.: 2001, 2, 109-122]
The self-discharge mechanism of AB5-type hydride electrodes in Ni/MH batteries

Abstract A new strategy in the study of the self-discharge mechanism of metal-hydride electrodes has been developed. The self-discharge behavior of a LaNi 3.55 Co 0.75 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 electrode in alkaline solution, with and without ZnO additive, was investigated. Experimental results showed that the self-discharge rate (hydrogen desorption) within the single-phase region is controlled by the difference between the equilibrium hydrogen partial pressure at the electrode and the actual hydrogen partial pressure in the cell. Dissolved oxygen was also found to exert a strong influence on the self-discharge rate in the single-phase region. In the two-phase region, the self-discharge is limited by the rate of phase transformation. A four-step mechanism for the self-discharge process is proposed.
Effect of Within-Strain Sample Size on QTL Detection and Mapping Using Recombinant Inbred Mouse Strains

Increasing the number of mice used to calculate recombinant inbred (RI) strain means increases the accuracy of determining the phenotype associated with each genotype (strain), which in turn enhances quantitative trait locus (QTL) detection and mapping. The purpose of this paper is to examine quantitatively the effect of within-strain sample size (n) on additive QTL mapping efficiency and to make comparisons with F2and backcross (BC) populations, where each genotype is represented by only a single mouse. When 25 RI strains are used, the estimated equivalent number of F2mice yielding the same power to detect QTLs varies inversely as a function of the heritability of the trait in the RI population \(h_{{\text{RI}}}^{\text{2}} \). For example, testing 25 strains with n= 10 per strain is approximately equivalent to 160 F2mice when \(h_{{\text{RI}}}^{\text{2}} \)= 0.2, but only 55 when \(h_{{\text{RI}}}^{\text{2}} \)= 0.6. While increasing nis always beneficial, the gain in power as nincreases is greatest when \(h_{{\text{RI}}}^{\text{2}} \)is low and is much diminished at high \(h_{{\text{RI}}}^{\text{2}} \)values. Thus, when \(h_{{\text{RI}}}^{\text{2}} \)is high, there is little advantage of large n, even when napproaches infinity. A cost analysis suggested that RI populations are more cost-effective than conventional selectively genotyped F2populations at \(h_{{\text{RI}}}^{\text{2}} \)values likely to be seen in behavioral studies. However, with DNA pooling, this advantage is greatly reduced and may be reversed depending on the values of \(h_{{\text{RI}}}^{\text{2}} \)and n.
Meeting the Challenge: Teaching Sensitive Subject Matter

When teaching diversity courses that discuss sensitive issues, such as racial, gender, sexuality, religious, and ethnic discrimination, it is possible to encounter student resistance, which can subsequently prevent students from comprehending the content. While teaching an introductory course on African American history in a Black Studies Department 2 at a predominantly white institution of higher education in Middle America, I experienced such resistance. This article discusses how I initially taught the course, evaluated and then restructured my active learning approach to include reflective learning and Black Studies techniques to address that resistance.
Measurement and Distribution of Faults on Defect Test Site Chips

In the development of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) processes, yield losses due to chip design errors and inadequate control of device parameters are usually corrected early in the development cycle. Thereafter, the yield of product chips is determined by the number of pattern defects picked up in the lengthy fabrication sequence. Monitoring defect levels associated with various process steps and reducing them systematically to achieve competitive costs remain necessary activities for as long as the product is manufactured.
Electrocardiographic abnormalities in elite high school athletes: comparison to adolescent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background In athletes, ECG changes from physiological cardiac remodelling are common but can overlap with findings from a pathological disorder. We compared ECG findings in a group of elite high school athletes to a cohort of adolescents with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods/results We prospectively performed 15-lead ECGs and echocardiograms in 147 elite high school athletes. Student-athlete ECGs were compared in blinded fashion to ECGs of 148 adolescents with HCM of similar age and ethnicity. Standard ECG hypertrophy criteria and established expert opinion guidelines (European Society of Cardiology, ESC and Seattle criteria) were analysed. All student-athletes had normal echocardiograms. Overall, 77/147 (52%) of student-athletes met standard ECG criteria for ventricular hypertrophy compared to 126/148 (85%) adolescents with HCM (p Conclusions Over 50% of elite high school athletes with echocardiographically confirmed normal hearts satisfied standard voltage criteria for ventricular hypertrophy. Pathological Q-waves, T-wave inversion or ST-segment depression were most helpful in distinguishing adolescents with HCM from normals. Both ESC and Seattle criteria successfully stratified the student-athlete and HCM cohorts, however each had a false-negative rate >10% for the HCM cohort. The Seattle criteria demonstrated a significantly lower false-positive rate (1%) than the ESC criteria (24%).
Remote video auditing with real-time feedback in an academic surgical suite improves safety and efficiency metrics: a cluster randomised study

Importance Compliance with the surgical safety checklist during operative procedures has been shown to reduce inhospital mortality and complications but proper execution by the surgical team remains elusive. Objective We evaluated the impact of remote video auditing with real-time provider feedback on checklist compliance during sign-in, time-out and sign-out and case turnover times. Design, setting Prospective, cluster randomised study in a 23-operating room (OR) suite. Participants Surgeons, anaesthesia providers, nurses and support staff. Exposure ORs were randomised to receive, or not receive, real-time feedback on safety checklist compliance and efficiency metrics via display boards and text messages, followed by a period during which all ORs received feedback. Main outcome(s) and measure(s) Checklist compliance (Pass/Fail) during sign-in, time-out and sign-out demonstrated by (1) use of checklist, (2) team attentiveness, (3) required duration, (4) proper sequence and duration of case turnover times. Results Sign-in, time-out and sign-out PASS rates increased from 25%, 16% and 32% during baseline phase (n=1886) to 64%, 84% and 68% for feedback ORs versus 40%, 77% and 51% for no-feedback ORs (p<0.004) during the intervention phase (n=2693). Pass rates were 91%, 95% and 84% during the all-feedback phase (n=2001). For scheduled cases (n=1406, 71%), feedback reduced mean turnover times by 14% (41.4 min vs 48.1 min, p<0.004), and the improvement was sustained during the all-feedback period. Feedback had no effect on turnover time for unscheduled cases (n=587, 29%). Conclusions and relevance Our data indicate that remote video auditing with feedback improves surgical safety checklist compliance for all cases, and turnover time for scheduled cases, but not for unscheduled cases.
Understanding mobile phone case evaluative criteria of US Millennials

ABSTRACTMillennials are the crucial market segment in mobile marketing and retail industry due to their heavy usage and higher dependency on mobile devices. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of personal traits of college students with different majors on mobile phone case evaluative criteria. Five hundred-and-nine college students were recruited as participants in various disciplines/majors using a non-representative, convenience sampling technique. Findings showed that fashion majors exhibited higher levels of personal traits variables that were themed around fashion, such as self-monitoring tendency, fashion involvement, and proclivity to experiment with appearance, compared to non-fashion majors. Fashion majors were found to be significantly more dependent on their mobile devices, compared to non-fashion students. These findings provide valuable information to help the mobile phone industry understand young consumers’ evaluation criteria and develop their product and marketing ...
Learning How to Teach Poverty: A Case for Community of Practice.

Recreation students today need to be prepared to engage in the topic of poverty as a social justice issue affecting our communities, yet many instructors do not have the tools to effectively teach ...
Residual life and toxicity to honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of selected pyrethroid formulations applied to cotton in Arizona

Four pyrethroid insecticides in various formulations were applied to cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants in field plots to provide a source of insecticide residues for chemical analyses and honey bee ( Apis mellifera L.) bioassays. Leaves were collected immediately after treatment and up to 2 wk later. In general, initial deposits of active ingredients were higher from emulsifiable concentrates (EC) than from wettable powders (WP), which were higher than ultra low volume (UL V) sprays in cottonseed oil. There was little difference among the pyrethroid compounds tested in mean percentages of residue remaining, but formulation of a given pyrethroid had a marked effect in the October experiment. The August experiment showed a uniform decline in residues to <10% of initial levels within 10 d. During October the percentages of residues remaining were similar for WP (19%) and EC (23%), which were much lower than for UL V sprays (58%). Honey bee mortality followed a trend that reflected the results of chemical analyses for residues. Permethrin, cypermethrin, and bifenthrin were highly toxic to honey bees, but fluvalinate was nontoxic in these tests.
Breathless in the Gut: Implications of Luminal O2 for Microbial Pathogenicity.

Salmonella employs a variety of strategies to survive and colonize the colon. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Rivera-Chavez et al. (2016) identify a new mechanism whereby antibiotic-mediated depletion of anaerobes (e.g., Clostridia) and associated decreases in butyrate result in increased tissue oxygen and increased aerobic expansion of Salmonella.
Theory and Research on Today's "New Religions"

A number ofanalyticalperspectives have been developed to explain the upsurge ofdeviant religious movements and heightened spiritual f erment. These include secularization, crisis of community, value crisis, and the increasing need for holistic self-definition in a differentiated society. Viewing the present religious fermentas rooted in a normative breakdown or value crisis affords the basis of a typology of non-traditional movements in which the "types" embody different repsonses to increasing moral ambiguity. An alternative typological strategy has been to assimilate "'new religions" to Church-sect theory and to specify the residual concept of "cult." Much of the literature on "new religions" has been social psychological and has focused on processes of conversion and indoctrination. The dominant models appear to be Lofland's interactionist approach and "coercive persuasion" or "'brainwashing" theories. The analysis of contemporary religious ferment is vital to an assessment of sociocultural change in advanced societies.
Neutrino lighthouse powered by Sagittarius A* disk dynamo

We show that the subset of high-energy neutrino events detected by IceCube which correlate with the Galactic center (within uncertainties of their reconstructed arrival directions) could originate in the collisions of protons accelerated by the Sagittarius ${\mathrm{A}}^{*}$ disk dynamo. Under very reasonable assumptions on source parameters, we demonstrate that the supermassive black hole at the center of the Galaxy could launch protons and nuclei with multi-PeV energies. Acceleration of these particles in a period of seconds up to Lorentz factors of $\ensuremath{\sim}1{0}^{7.5}$ is possible by means of the Blandford-Znajek mechanism, which wires the spinning magnetosphere of Sagittarius ${\mathrm{A}}^{*}$ as a Faraday unipolar inductor. During the acceleration process, the $\ensuremath{\sim}\mathrm{PeV}$ progenitors of $\ensuremath{\sim}50\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ neutrinos radiate curvature photons in the keV energy range. We show that IceCube neutrino astronomy with photon tagging on the Chandra X-Ray Observatory could provide a valuable probe for the Blandford-Znajek acceleration mechanism. We also argue that EeV neutrinos, which may be produced in a similar fashion during the merging of binary black holes, could become the smoking gun for particle acceleration in a one-shot boost.