cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facilitating ambulatory electronic health record system implementation: evidence from a qualitative study.

Background. Ambulatory care practices have increasing interest in leveraging the capabilities of electronic health record (EHR) systems, but little information is available documenting how organizations have successfully implemented these systems. Objective. To characterize elements of successful electronic health record (EHR) system implementation and to synthesize the key informants' perspectives about successful implementation practices. Methods. Key informant interviews and focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of individuals from US healthcare organizations identified for their success with ambulatory EHR implementation. Rigorous qualitative data analyses used both deductive and inductive methods. Results. Participants identified personal and system-related barriers, at both the individual and organization levels, including poor computer skills, productivity losses, resistance to change, and EHR system failure. Implementation success was reportedly facilitated by careful planning and consistent communication throughout distinct stages of the implementation process. A significant element of successful implementation was an emphasis on optimization, both during “go-live” and, subsequently, when users had more experience with the system. Conclusion. Successful EHR implementation requires both detailed planning and clear mechanisms to deal with unforeseen or unintended consequences. Focusing on user buy-in early and including plans for optimization can facilitate greater success.
The formation of subgrain boundaries in GaAs single crystals

The formation of subgrain boundaries is observed in GaAs wafers grown by a variety of methods. After heating, subgrain boundaries are revealed both by enhanced oxidation and chemical etching. The mechanism of the subgrain boundary formation apparently is the relief of surface stress by dislocation glide on the application of heat. Temperatures as low as 300 degrees appear sufficient for the formation of surface polygonization. The amount of polygonization appears to be related to the growth procedure.
A system dynamics model for a multi-stage multi-line dual-card JIT-kanban system

SUMMARY Just-in-time production systems are gaining tremendous popularity in modern production environments. Based on the concept of producing exactly the required quantity and type of products, these systems display an excellent ability to adapt to changes in demand as well as permitting greatly reduced work-in-process inventories. JIT systems often make reference to ‘kanbans’, which are the inventory control cards used in most JIT environments. A JIT-kanban system is one where production is pulled through the process rather than conventional materials requirements planning push. This fundamental difference is what gives JIT-kanban systems their unique characteristics. This paper investigates some of these unique characteristics of JIT-kanban systems by way of a dynamic simulation model. Using system-dynamic concepts, the behaviour of the system under the stimulus of various exogeneous factors is demonstrated.
Unusual eight-membered rings with linear symmetric methyl groups from yttrium and lutetium methyl complexes

Abstract New examples of symmetric linear bridge bonding of methyl groups between two metal ions is demonstrated in the complexes [M(Cp*)2μ-Me2M′Me2]2 (1) (M = yttrium or lutetium; M′ = aluminum or gallium; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) which are formed by reversible dimerisation of M(Cp*)2μ-Me2M′Me2. X-ray crystallography shows the metal atoms in Y(Cp*)2μ-Me2AlMe2 to be arranged in a flat square array with alternating Y and A1 atoms at the vertices, and methyl groups along the sides. The linear YCAl bonds so formed subtend a bond angle of 176°(1). Equilibrium constants between +40 °C and −40 °C for dimerisation to 1 of Y(Cp*)2μ-Me2AlMe2, Y(Cp*)2μ-Me2GaMe2 and Lu(Cp*)2μ-Me2AlMe2 in toluene were obtained, giving the thermodynamic parameters ΔHeq = −10.4, −5.6 and −8.1(±0.2) kcal mol-1 and ΔSeq = −29.9, −18.0 and −27.4(±3) e.u. respectively. From NMR data, particularly comparison of coupling constants (Jch values = 118–124 Hz for linear bridge methyl groups in these systems), the products from reaction of M(Cp*)2μ-MeM(Cp*)2Me (M = yttrium or lutetium) and [Y(C5H5)2Me]2 are also linearly methyl-bridged tetra-metal complexes [M(Cp*)2MeY(C5H5)2Me-]2.
Structures of zinc finger domains from transcription factor Sp1. Insights into sequence-specific protein-DNA recognition.

The carboxyl terminus of transcription factor Sp1 contains three contiguous Cys2-His2 zinc finger domains with the consensus sequence Cys-X2-4-Cys-X12-His-X3-His. We have used standard homonuclear two-dimensional NMR techniques to solve the solution structures of synthetic peptides corresponding to the last two zinc finger domains (Sp1f2 and Sp1f3, respectively) of Sp1. Our studies indicate a classical Cys2-His2 type fold for both the domains differing from each other primarily in the conformation of Cys-X2-Cys (β-type I turn) and Cys-X4-Cys (β-type II turn) elements. There are, however, no significant differences in the metal binding properties between the Cys-X4-Cys (Sp1f2) and Cys-X2-Cys (Sp1f3) subclasses of zinc fingers. The free solution structures of Sp1f2 and Sp1f3 are very similar to those of the analogous fingers of Zif268 bound to DNA. There is NMR spectral evidence suggesting that the Arg-Asp buttressing interaction observed in the Zif-268·DNA complex is also preserved in unbound Sp1f2 and Sp1f3. Modeling Sp1-DNA complex by overlaying the Sp1f2 and Sp1f3 structures on Zif268 fingers 1 and 2, respectively, predicts the role of key amino acid residues, the interference/protection data, and supports the model of Sp1-DNA interaction proposed earlier.
Intracardiac myocardial elastography in canines and humans in vivo

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is a useful imaging modality which is used during RF ablation procedures to identify anatomical structures. Utilizing ICE in conjunction with myocardial elastography (ME) can provide additional information on the mechanical properties of cardiac tissue and provide information on mechanical changes caused by ablation. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that ICE can be used at high frame rate using a diverging beam transmit sequence to image myocardial strain and differentiate myocardial tissue properties before, during, and after ablation for a clinical ablation procedure. In this feasibility study, three normal canines and eight patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were studied in vivo. A 5.8-MHz ICE transducer was used to image the heart with a diverging beam transmit method achieving 1200 frames per second (fps). Cumulative axial displacement estimation was performed using 1-D cross-correlation with a window size of 2.7 mm and 95% overlap. Axial cumulative strains were estimated in the left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) using a least-squares estimator with a kernel of 2 mm on the axial displacements. In the canine case, radial thickening was detected in the lateral wall and in the interatrial septum during LA emptying. For AF patients, the mean absolute strain in the ablated region was lower (6.7 ± 3.1%) than before the ablation (17.4 ± 9.3%) in LA at the end of the LA emptying phase. In the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) region, mean absolute strain magnitude at the end of the RA emptying phase was found to be higher during ablation (43.0 ± 18.1%) compared with after ablation (33.7 ± 15.8%). Myocardial strains in the LA of an AF patient were approximately 2.6 times lower in the ablated region than before ablation. This initial feasibility indicates that ME can be used as a new imaging modality in conjunction with ICE in RF ablation guidance and lesion monitoring.
Orientation and mobility research: What is known and what needs to be known

Abstract This article provides an overview of research about orientation and mobility (O&M) of persons with blindness or severe visual impairment. It reviews the development of measures that assess mobility and discusses the use of these measures in the study of factors that influence travel in “natural” travel environments. It then traces the development of measures related to spatial orientation and provides a review of orientation research. The final section describes several important areas for future research in O&M.
Origin and selection of peripheral CD4−CD8− T cells bearing α/β T cell antigen receptors in autoimmune gld mice

We have analyzed the origin and development of unusual CD4-CD8- alpha/beta T cell receptor-positive peripheral T cells produced in large numbers by mice homozygous for the gld mutation (C3H-gld/gld). These mice may be an important model for investigating processes controlling T cell development. Bone marrow transfers demonstrated that the gld defect was intrinsic to bone marrow-derived cells. Clonal deletion of potentially autoreactive cells was observed in peripheral gld CD4-CD8-, CD4+CD8-, and CD4-CD8+ T cells, as well as mature thymocytes. This suggests that gld CD4-CD8- T cells have passed through the thymus in ontogeny and that gld autoimmunity does not result from a general defect in elimination of self-reactive thymocytes. These observations, combined with demethylation of the CD8 gene in the CD4-CD8- population, support prior expression of CD4 and/or CD8 in gld CD4-CD8- T cell ontogeny, perhaps at a CD4+CD8+ stage. Steroid sensitivity of gld thymocytes and CD4-CD8- T cells was normal. Therefore, we found no gross abnormalities in two major mechanisms of inducible cell death in the gld thymus, the clonal deletion process associated with tolerance and the steroid-inducible endogenous endonuclease thought to be involved in apoptosis of unselected thymocytes. The data suggest that if gld CD4-CD8- T cells arise via escape from normal elimination in the thymus, they must do so by a novel defect in thymic selection (perhaps related to aberrant positive signals) and/or are expanded by an extrathymic process which allows clonal deletion to occur.
Dielectric sensor for in vivo tissue characterisation

The design of a simple dielectric sensor for in vivo tissue dielectric property measurement is provided. The design is based on an impedance sensor.
Altered Expression of Microtubule-Associated Proteins in Cat Trochlear Motoneurons after Peripheral and Central Lesions of the Trochlear Nerve

Neurons lesioned in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) generally regenerate and survive, while neurons lesioned in the central nervous system (CNS) do not regenerate and often die. Investigators have traditionally compared the neuronal responses to PNS and CNS lesions in two separate populations of neurons. In this study, we compared the effects of PNS and CNS lesions on the expression of cytoskeletal proteins in a single neuronal population, the trochlear motoneurons of the cat. The trochlear nerve was lesioned either unilaterally in the PNS or bilaterally in the CNS (within the anterior medullary velum), and animals were allowed to survive 1, 2, or 4 weeks. Brain sections were reacted immunocytochemically using antibodies against microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) and a phosphorylated isoform of MAP1B, termed MAP1B-P. MAP-2 immunoreactivity (IR) was significantly decreased in the CNS-lesioned trochlear nucleus, compared to the lesioned and the unlesioned trochlear nucleus of PNS-lesioned animals. MAP1B-P IR was significantly increased in PNS- and CNS-lesioned trochlear axons, compared to axons in the unlesioned trochlear nerve of PNS-lesioned animals, and appeared in a small percentage of PNS- and CNS-lesioned cell bodies. These results support the growing body of evidence that MAP-2 can serve as a marker for cells that will eventually die following neuronal insult. The increased immunostaining of MAP1B-P in lesioned axons and its appearance in lesioned cell bodies are characteristic of the immature CNS and may reflect an initial recapitulation of early development, when the levels of this protein are high.
An epidemiologic study of the interrelationships of total serum immunoglobulin E, allergy skin-test reactivity, and eosinophilia

Abstract In a general population sample from Tucson, Arizona, we examined the effects of age, sex, and smoking habits on the interrelationships of total serum IgE, allergy skin-test reactivity, and peripheral blood eosinophilia. Allergy skin-test reactivity showed a direct linear relationship to total serum IgE, but this relationship was differentially affected by age and smoking habits. The frequency of positive skin-test reactivity for a given level of IgE was greater among females than that among males, but a comparison of female and male nonsmokers indicated that this difference was attributable to differences in smoking habits rather than sex. Subjects less than 16 and those over 45 yr of age demonstrated reduced skin-test reactivity for a given level of IgE when compared with subjects 16 to 45 yr of age. Restricting the analysis to nonsmokers diminished (but did not obliterate) this age effect. Those over 45 yr of age (but not those less than 16) were shown to have reduced levels of IgE specific for Bermuda grass as compared with the 16 to 45 yr age group. The skin of subjects less than 16 and those over 65 yr of age was reduced in its capacity to respond to histamine. Thus the reduction in the skin-test reactivity of subjects less than 16 yr of age appears to involve a reduction in their skin reactivity to mediators, whereas for those over 45 it is related to a reduction in IgE specific for common aeroallergens, and for those over 65 it is apparently related to both of these causes. The frequency of peripheral blood eosinophilia was also found to be directly related to total serum IgE. Skin test-negative subjects had the same frequency of eosinophilia as that in skin test-positive subjects at any given level of serum IgE. Males had higher rates of eosinophilia than did females for a given level of IgE, but this difference also became insignificant if the analysis was restricted to nonsmokers. The increase in eosinophilia among smokers as compared with nonsmokers with equivalent serum IgE levels implies that smoking may trigger immunologic reactions associated with eosinophilia.
Gene duplication and separation of functions in αB‐crystallin from zebrafish (Danio rerio)

We previously reported that zebrafish alphaB-crystallin is not constitutively expressed in nervous or muscular tissue and has reduced chaperone-like activity compared with its human ortholog. Here we characterize the tissue expression pattern and chaperone-like activity of a second zebrafish alphaB-crystallin. Expressed sequence tag analysis of adult zebrafish lens revealed the presence of a novel alpha-crystallin transcript designated cryab2 and the resulting protein alphaB2-crystallin. The deduced protein sequence was 58.2% and 50.3% identical with human alphaB-crystallin and zebrafish alphaB1-crystallin, respectively. RT-PCR showed that alphaB2-crystallin is expressed predominantly in lens but, reminiscent of mammalian alphaB-crystallin, also has lower constitutive expression in heart, brain, skeletal muscle and liver. The chaperone-like activity of purified recombinant alphaB2 protein was assayed by measuring its ability to prevent the chemically induced aggregation of alpha-lactalbumin and lysozyme. At 25 degrees C and 30 degrees C, zebrafish alphaB2 showed greater chaperone-like activity than human alphaB-crystallin, and at 35 degrees C and 40 degrees C, the human protein provided greater protection against aggregation. 2D gel electrophoresis indicated that alphaB2-crystallin makes up approximately 0.16% of total zebrafish lens protein. Zebrafish is the first species known to express two different alphaB-crystallins. Differences in primary structure, expression and chaperone-like activity suggest that the two zebrafish alphaB-crystallins perform divergent physiological roles. After gene duplication, zebrafish alphaB2 maintained the widespread protective role also found in mammalian alphaB-crystallin, while zebrafish alphaB1 adopted a more restricted, nonchaperone role in the lens. Gene duplication may have allowed these functions to separate, providing a unique model for studying structure-function relationships and the regulation of tissue-specific expression patterns.
Perceived causes of disability added prognostic value beyond medical conditions and functional status

Abstract Objective This study's objective was to determine the incremental benefit of respondent subjective attribution of functional decline beyond relying solely on disease burden in predicting survival. Study Design and Settings A total of 9447 older adults from the Second Longitudinal Study on Aging, a probability sample of community dwelling adults aged 70 or older, were evaluated. Survival was based on status at follow-up interview 3–4 years after baseline interview. Logistic regression was performed using demographic variables and coexisting diseases as a baseline, then adding functional status measures (ADL, IADL) and individual subjective attribution of functional limitation in subsequent models. Results The predictions improved significantly with the addition of functional status measures (P Conclusion Among persons who can make a specific attribution of their functional limitation, the attribution may have value as a marker of severity of disease and serve as a good predictive measure for mortality, especially in specific illnesses such as cancer.
Consumer Preference Formation and Pioneering Advantage

Market pioneers outsell later entrants in both consumer and industrial markets. Entry barriers arising from preemptive positioning and switching costs have been advanced to explain this market shar...
Assessing the Bias of Preference, Detection, and Identification Measures of Discrimination Ability in Product Design

Researchers often test consumers' abilities to discriminate between two product formulations. Such tests are used in new product development, quality control, and competitive assessment. This paper investigates three paired comparison taste tests, each requiring a different judgment. These are: preference "Which of these two do you prefer?", identification "Which one of these two is Brand X?" and detection "Are these two products the same or different?". Each task has biases that may influence the level of measured discrimination ability. To our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to compare subject discrimination ability as measured by all three tasks. Additionally, we test two scales of subject confidence ratings and discuss implications for product testing.
Deuteron electromagnetic form factors in a chiral quark model.

The elastic electromagnetic form factors of the deuteron are calculated in a relativized quark cluster model, with approximate constant quark density. Gluon, pion, and sigma quark interactions give strong interactions and meson exchange currents with no hadronic form factor parameters. The relative importance of meson exchange currents and quark interchange is studied.
Collection and preparation of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, olfactory organ for scanning electron microscopy

Lamellae in the olfactory organ of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque, possess delicate cilia on surfaces of sensory and non-sensory epithelia. A technique is presented for examining the olfactory cilia by scanning electron micrography.
C. elegans lin-45 raf gene participates in let-60 ras-stimulated vulval differentiation

Vulval differentiation in Caenorhabditis elegans is controlled by intercellular signalling mediated by a receptor tyrosine kinase and a ras gene product. The lin-45 gene encodes a homologue of the raf family of serine/threonine kinases and is necessary for vulval differentiation. The lin-45 raf gene product appears to act downstream of the ras protein in this pathway. A proto-oncogene-mediated signalling pathway may be a common feature of metazoan development.
Induction and Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases of Human Lymphocytes as One of the Signaling Pathways of the Immunomodulatory Effects of Morphine Sulfate

Abstract Morphine sulfate causes immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects in human. In this study, the signaling pathway involved in these morphine effects was studied. Addition of morphine sulfate to human CEMx174 lymphocytic cells resulted in increased expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade proteins. Morphine enhanced the cellular levels of ERK1 (44 kDa), ERK2 (42 kDa), a 54-kDa ERK, MEK1 (45 kDa), and MEKK (78 kDa). A time-dependent increase in the activated (Thr and Tyr dually phosphorylated) state of ERK1 and ERK2 was also observed. Naloxone, a morphine antagonist, reversed the observed morphine effects, implicating a μ opioid receptor-mediated process. These findings suggest that mitogen-activated protein kinases are important intermediates in signal transduction pathways initiated by morphine receptors in immune cells.
Reading, writing, and obesity: America's failing grade in school nutrition and physical education.

The childhood obesity epidemic has left healthcare professionals and laymen alike questioning the best strategy to improve children’s health in the future. To effectively combat childhood obesity, we must have a thorough understanding of the establishment and development of programs currently responsible for pediatric health. This article explores the history of two influential programs affecting children’s diet and physical activity levels in schools: the National School Lunch Program and physical education classes. It is revealed that the National School Lunch Program contributes to the overall school nutrition environment, including the presence of fast food and vending machines on campuses. The history of physical education is traced back to ancient Greece, and it is shown that the familiar sports-based curriculum is an advent of the 19th century, with the roots of physical education originating from the founders of preventive medicine. Select childhood obesity and health intervention studies are revi...
Initial Experience With Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy

Background We have previously reported our experience with minimally invasive esophagectomy. Our standard approach involves laparoscopic and thoracoscopic mobilization of the esophagus with a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. In the present study we report our early experience with a modification of this technique, in which a high intrathoracic anastomosis is performed. Methods From 2002 to 2005, a minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy was performed in 50 patients. The planned approach included a totally laparoscopic abdominal procedure and either a minithoracotomy or thoracoscopy. Indications for esophagectomy included short segment Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia or resectable adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) with minimal proximal esophageal extension. . Results The median age was 62.3 years (range, 38 to 79). Twenty-five patients (50%) received either preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation. There was one nonemergent conversion to an open procedure during laparoscopy. Planned minithoracotomy was successful in 35 patients; an additional 15 patients had the entire thoracic component performed thoracoscopically. A circular stapled anastomosis was performed in all patients. The operative mortality was 6%. Three patients (6%) developed an anastomotic leak; all were successfully managed nonoperatively. Four patients (8%) developed postoperative pneumonia. There were no recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries. Conclusions Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy was technically feasible and resulted in good initial results in our center, which is experienced in minimally invasive and open esophagectomy. This approach minimizes the degree of gastric mobilization, almost eliminates recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and pharyngeal dysfunction, and allows additional gastric resection margin in the case of cardia extension of GEJ tumors.
Non-invasive microwave breast cancer detection - A comparative study

Microwave-based diagnosis techniques for breast cancer detection and monitoring have gained a lot of attention due to the microwave technology's mature, safe and relatively low cost attributes. In this paper, a radiator design is studied for breast malignancy detection based on the microwave characteristics of the malignant breast. The detector was originally introduced in a recent paper published by this group. Here, the detection performance is studied when a modification is made to the design. To elaborate, the effect of having the radiator structure covered with a conductive layer is analyzed and compared with its original configuration. The radiating structure consists of sixteen curved dipole antennas attached to a low permittivity, hemisphere-shaped structure. The radiator covers the frontal section of the breast. It is clearly demonstrated here that, for a variety of tumor cases (shapes and locations), the addition of conductor cover provides a detection rate that is substantially larger than that offered by a scenario where the conductor cover is not deployed. There are also a few cases in which this conclusion is controverted. The tumor signatures are studied at 1.2GHz by calculating the changes in the electric field magnitude and phase.
InAs quantum dots coupled with strained InGaAs/GaAs coupled quantum-wells

We have studied the coupling between the InAs quantum dots and coupled quantum wells strained by the InAs quantum dots (i.e. coupled-quantum-well dots) by measuring photoluminescence spectra. By comparing the photoluminescence spectra of the coupled-quantum-well dots in which either the narrow well or wide well is grown next to the InAs quantum dots, we have evidenced the spatially inhomogeneous strains applied by the InAs quantum dots on the coupled quantum wells. Moreover, we have also investigated the three coupling regimes, i.e. when the dot level is higher than, lower than, and aligned to the lowest quantum-well transition. Based on our measurements, we conclude that the optical properties for the coupled-quantum-well dots have been significantly improved over the quantum dots.
Development and Verification of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model of a Horizontal-Axis Tidal Current Turbine

This paper describes the development of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology to simulate the hydrodynamics of horizontal-axis tidal current turbines (HATTs). First, an HATT blade was designed using the blade element momentum method in conjunction with a genetic optimization algorithm. Several unstructured computational grids were generated using this blade geometry and steady CFD simulations were used to perform a grid resolution study. Transient simulations were then performed to determine the effect of time-dependent flow phenomena and the size of the computational timestep on the numerical solution. Qualitative measures of the CFD solutions were independent of the grid resolution. Conversely, quantitative comparisons of the results indicated that the use of coarse computational grids results in an under prediction of the hydrodynamic forces on the turbine blade in comparison to the forces predicted using more resolved grids. For the turbine operating conditions considered in this study, the effect of the computational timestep on the CFD solution was found to be minimal, and the results from steady and transient simulations were in good agreement. Additionally, the CFD results were compared to corresponding blade element momentum method calculations and reasonable agreement was shown. Nevertheless, we expect that for other turbine operating conditions, where the flow over the blade is separated, transient simulations will be required.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Origins of Chinese Writing: the Neolithic Evidence

In China, a number of signs from some Late Neolithic contexts suggest that recoding activities were well developed before Chinese writing became widespread during the Shang period. Archaeological and palaeographic evidence indicates that mature writing is likely to have evolved from these earlier signing systems as a result of the increasing social and political complexity of the societies of the Late Neolithic. This article analyses three Late Neolithic signing systems that may have led to the mature Chinese writing of the Shang oracle bone inscriptions, and argues that non-linguistic visual signing played a role in the emergence of writing systems.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for July-September 1992

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 224 earthquakes that occurred during the third quarter of 1992. The solutions are obtained using corrections for aspherical Earth structure represented by a whole mantle shear velocity model, SH8/U4L8, of Dziewonski and Woodward.
Can Better Mother-Daughter Relations Reduce the Chance of a Suicide Attempt among Latinas?

National surveys and other research on adolescent Latinas show that adolescent females have higher rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts than other ethnic and racial minority youth. Internalizing behaviors and family conflicts are commonly associated with suicidality in research on adolescents. In the case of Latinas, we explore the connection between adolescent Hispanic cultural involvement, mother-adolescent mutuality, internalizing behaviors, and suicidality. This paper presents data from a study of 232 Latinas, some with a recent history of suicide attempts (n=122). The results show that higher adolescent Hispanic cultural involvement was associated with greater mother-daughter mutuality and thus led to reduction in the likelihood of suicide attempts. The relationship between mother-daughter mutuality and suicide attempts among Latinas is mediated by specific internalizing behaviors (withdrawn depressive). Our findings highlight the positive effect that Latino cultural values have in the relationship between Latina adolescent and their mothers and confirm the importance that internalizing behaviors and the mother-daughter relationship have for suicide attempters.
Percutaneous coronary interventions and antiplatelet therapy in the perioperative period.

o o S d e c T t VER THE LAST 2 DECADES, utilization of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for the treatment of oronary artery disease has increased by more than 320%.1 In ontemporary practice, most nonsurgical interventions for cornary artery disease involve placement of stents in the diseased oronary circulation2 because coronary artery stent placement mproves the shortand long-term patency rate of coronary essels compared with simple balloon angioplasty.3,4 In 2003 lone, 84% of the 660,000 coronary procedures performed in he United States involved placement of at least 1 coronary tent.1 The initial trials of coronary artery stents were compliated by unacceptably high rates of stent thrombosis (up to .6% incidence if PCI was performed during myocardial inarction).5-9 Stent thrombosis is a potentially lethal event charcterized by the formation of platelet-rich thrombus on the etal stent struts before the development of a protective endohelial barrier. Mortality rates between 30% and 50% have been eported when stent thrombosis occurs and myocardial infarcion always follows. This rate of thrombosis has subsequently ecreased to less than 1% due, in large part, to a better undertanding of the pathophysiology of thrombosis, implementation f effective antiplatelet agents, and advances in stent deployent and design.10 Given the increasing role of PCI in the management of oronary artery disease and the aging of the population, there ill be many more patients presenting in the perioperative eriod with a history of coronary stent placement, either recent r remote. Perioperative physicians need to be aware of the ssues surrounding antiplatelet therapy, stent thrombosis, and leeding risks as they pertain to this patient population. The roblem is further confounded by the fact that this is one of the
Effect of Nanosized Filler on Matrix Dominated Properties of Fiber Reinforced Epoxy

In this study, a high-intensity ultrasonic liquid processor was used to obtain a homogeneous molecular mixture of epoxy resin and carbon nano fiber. The carbon nano fibers were infused into the part A of SC-15 (diglycidylether of Bisphenol A) through sonic cavitations and then mixed with part B of SC-15 (cycloaliphatic amine hardener) using a high-speed mechanical agitator. The trapped air and reaction volatiles were removed from the mixture using high vacuum. Nanophased epoxy with 2 wt.% CNF was then utilized in a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) set up with carbon fabric to fabricate laminated composites. The effectiveness of CNF addition on matrix dominated properties of composites has been evaluated by compression, open hole compression and inter-laminar shear. The compression strength, open hole compression strength and ILS were improved by 21%, 23% and 15%, respectively as compared to the neat composite.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The traditional approach to meaning invariance

Kathryn Parsons attempts a criticism of the traditional approach to the problem of meaning invariance of predicate expressions when a theory is replaced by a successor. I have considered three types of cases which Parsons presents as counter-examples to Fine's criterion, and find that the first two do not succeed in refuting the criterion. The third, however, does suceed; and I argue that there is no way to revise Fine's criterion in order to remove the difficulty. Hence some non-traditional approach to meaning invariance is required, or subjectivity in the science must be shown to be avoidable in spite of the incommensurability of theories.
Differential effects of Mg2+ on various hydrolytic and synthetic activities of multifunctional glucose-6-phosphatase.

Abstract The effects of added Mg 2+ on various hydrolytic and synthetic activities of rat hepatic d -glucose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.9) have been investigated in detail under carefully controlled conditions, with four different types of enzyme preparations. In contrast with information in certain texts, supplemental Mg 2+ (0.1–15 m m ) was found to exert little ( P phosphohydrolase activity at any pH studied (pH 4.5–7). Mannose-6- P phosphohydrolase and mannose-6- P : glucose phosphotransferase activities of the enzyme were likewise unaffected. In contrast, carbamyl- P : glucose phosphotransferase was rather modestly inhibited by Mg 2+ , while activities involving PP i , CTP, ATP, GTP, or ADP as substrates were extensively inhibited. Supplemental Mg 2+ failed to shift the pH-activity profile of ATP-glucose phosphotransferase toward alkalinity. Supplemental Mg 2+ did, however, ameliorate inhibition by ATP of glucose-6- P phosphohydrolase activity at pH 7.5. On the basis of various kinetic observations and a possible correlation between the binding constants of various phosphate substrates with Mg 2+ and observed extents of inhibition by Mg 2+ of enzymic activity with such compounds, it is concluded that inhibition (when observed) probably involves an initial chelation of added Mg 2+ with phosphate substrates which in turn precludes or significantly diminishes the ability of these substrates to bind to the metalloprotein enzyme. A variety of activity-discriminant directive metabolic implications, which are apparent from these observations, are discussed briefly. A possibly role for Mg 2+ in the control of blood sugar levels is suggested.
Influence of Sports Participation on Bone Health in the Young Athlete: A Review of the Literature

Peak bone mass is attained during the second and third decades of life. Sports participation during the years that peak bone mass is being acquired may lead to adaptive changes that improve bone architecture through increased density and enhanced geometric properties. A review of the literature evaluating sports participation in young athletes, ages 10-30 years, revealed that sports that involve high-impact loading (eg, gymnastics, hurdling, judo, karate, volleyball, and other jumping sports) or odd-impact loading (eg, soccer, basketball, racquet games, step-aerobics, and speed skating) are associated with higher bone mineral composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and enhanced bone geometry in anatomic regions specific to the loading patterns of each sport. Repetitive low-impact sports (such as distance running) are associated with favorable changes in bone geometry. Nonimpact sports such as swimming, water polo, and cycling are not associated with improvements in bone mineral composition or BMD, and swimming may negatively influence hip geometry. Participating in sports during early puberty may enhance bone mass. Continued participation in sports appears to maintain the full benefits of increased peak bone mass, although former athletes who do not maintain participation in sports may retain some benefits of increased BMD. Long-term elite male cycling was reported to negatively influence bone health, and female adolescent distance running was associated with suppressed bone mineral accrual; confounding factors associated with participation in endurance sports may have contributed to those findings. In summary, young men and women who participate in sports that involve high-impact or odd-impact loading exhibit the greatest associated gains in bone health. Participation in nonimpact sports, such as swimming and cycling, is not associated with an improvement in bone health.
Identifying Resistance to Crown Rot Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Strawberry

Resistance to Colletotrichum crown rot (CCR, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) among commercial strawberry cultivars is variable, and increasing host resistance is a goal of the strawberry breeding program at the University of Florida. Twenty-eight accessions of Fragaria virginiana and F. chiloensis, the progenitor species of the cultivated strawberry (F. × ananassa), were evaluated for CCR resistance on artificially inoculated plants in a field trial, along with cultivars and breeding selections. Accessions PI 612320, PI 612323, and PI 551736 and selections FL 10-128 and FL 10-129 had no mortality in either of two seasons. The most susceptible genotypes had mortality between 75 and 100%. In a separate growth-chamber evaluation, seven genotypes were inoculated by spraying a spore suspension onto the crown or by injecting the suspension directly into the crown tissues. Mortality was higher using the injection method but the ranking of the genotypes was similar for both methods, indicating that resistance is expressed within crown tissues. Among the seven genotypes, selections FL 10-128 and FL 10-129 had the lowest mortality regardless of inoculation method, illustrating that a high level of resistance can be found within the cultivated germplasm.
Transition from Josephson behavior to depairing behavior in ion-implanted molybdenum weak links

Abstract We compare our results for the temperature and bridge-length dependence of the critical supercurrent in ion-implanted molybdenum weak links with a new theory by Likharev and Yakobson. This is the first such comparison to their theory, and quantitative agreement is found. Also, at temperatures for which Likharev and Yakobson predict a sinusoidal current-phase relation, the rf response of our weak links agrees well with shunted junction model computations based on a sinusoidal current-phase relation.
Toll-Dependent Control Mechanisms of CD4 T Cell Activation

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) detect microbial infection and play an essential role in the induction of innate and adaptive immune responses. The mechanisms of TLR-mediated control of adaptive immunity are not yet fully understood. Induction of dendritic cell (DC) maturation is essential for activation of naive T cells. Here, we demonstrate that TLR-induced DC maturation and migration to the lymph nodes, in the absence of TLR-induced inflammatory cytokines, are not sufficient for T cell activation in vivo. We show that transient depletion of regulatory T (Tr) cells recovers the primary CD4 T cells response in MyD88-deficient mice, demonstrating that a major mechanism of TLR-mediated activation of T cell responses is the blocking of suppression by regulatory T cells. In addition we show that a TLR-induced signal(s) is required for memory CD4 T cell differentiation, but not for activation of memory T cells.
Regression analysis of variates observed on (0, 1): percentages, proportions and fractions

Many types of studies examine the influence of selected variables on the conditional expectation of a proportion or vector of proportions, for example, market shares, rock composition, and so on. We identify four distributional categories into which such data can be put, and focus on regression models for the first category, for proportions observed on the open interval (0, 1). For these data, we identify different specifications used in prior research and compare these specifications using two common samples and specifications of the regressors. Based upon our analysis, we recommend that researchers use either a parametric regression model based upon the beta distribution or a quasi-likelihood regression model developed by Papke and Wooldridge (1997) for these data. Concerning the choice between these two regression models, we recommend that researchers use the parametric regression model unless their sample size is large enough to justify the asymptotic arguments underlying the quasi-likelihood approach.
Red and Blue States of Mind: Partisan Hostility and Voting in the United States

Based on social comparison and social identity theory, we argue that average partisans in contemporary U.S. politics view elections as group competitions in which partisan identities are at stake. Using nationally representative survey data, we demonstrate that stronger partisan identities, more than ideological identities or issue preferences, are associated with a greater sense of partisan hostility—specifically, party rivalry and anger. That hostility mediates the impact of partisan identities on political attitudes and actions. As a result, strong partisan identifiers hold the most hostile and uncivil attitudes and are the most likely to participate in elections. Thus, in the context of elections, the behavior of partisans resembles that of sports team members acting to preserve the status of their teams rather than thoughtful citizens participating in the political process for the broader good. We explore the implications of these findings for the current state of American politics.
Analysis of an experimental technique for determining Van der Pol parameters of a transistor oscillator

The Van der Pol (VDP) model of a transistor oscillator describes the behaviour of the oscillator with three parameters. When operating in steady state, only two parameters can be determined by spectrum analysis, these being the oscillation frequency and amplitude of oscillation. In this paper, a technique for measuring the other VDP parameter is examined. In this approach, a periodically modulated voltage is added to the bias of the oscillator to perturb the operational state. A theoretical derivation shows that the power spectrum of the perturbed oscillator contains additional information for determination of the other VDP parameter. A simple analytical perturbation formula predicts the oscillator's response to the ramped bias. Our experimental results agree with the analytical perturbation solution and therefore, this allows one to read off the other VDP parameter from the experimental data. The VDP model allows one to predict the behaviour of coupled transistor oscillators more accurately and simply than does the traditional large-signal model of the transistor. This VDP model will simplify oscillator array design since the number of parameters needed to describe each oscillator is reduced from that which would be required using a large-signal circuit model.
Electrical Properties of Homoepitaxial Diamond Films

We describe the electrical characteristics of boron doped homoepitaxial diamond films fabricated using a plasma assisted CVD process, formation of ohmic contacts, high temperature (580°C) Schottky diodes, and a rudimentary diamond MESFET. We also report reversible changes of the conductive state of the diamond surface by various surface treatments for both natural and thin-film diamonds.
Unanticipated side effects of successful quality programs: exploring a paradox of organizational improvement

Recent evidence suggests the connection between quality improvement and financial results may be weak. Consider the case of Analog Devices, Inc., a leading manufacturer of integrated circuits. Analog's TQM program was a dramatic success. Yield doubled, cycle time was cut in half, and product defects fell by a factor of ten. However, financial performance worsened. To explore the apparent paradox we develop a detailed simulation model of Analog, including operations, financial and cost accounting, product development, human resources, the competitive environment, and the financial markets. We used econometric estimation, interviews, observation, and archival data to specify and estimate the model. We find that improvement programs like TQM can present firms with a tradeoff between short and long run effects. In the long run TQM can increase productivity, raise quality, and lower costs. In the short run, these improvements can interact with prevailing accounting systems and organizational routines to create excess capacity, financial stress, and pressure for layoffs that undercut commitment to continuous improvement. We explore policies to promote sustained improvement in financial as well as nonfinancial measures of performance.
Applications of Software Engineering to Manufacturing Process Planning

Agile methods of software development promote the use of flexible architectures that can be rapidly refactored and rebuilt as necessary for the project. In the mechanical engineering domain, software tends to be very complex and requires the integration of several modules that result from the efforts of large numbers of programmers over several years. Such software needs to be extensible, modular, and adaptable so that a variety of algorithms can be quickly tested and deployed. This paper presents an application of the unified process (UP) to the development of a research process planning system called CyberCut. UP is used to (I) analyze and critique early versions of CyberCut and (2) to guide current and future developments of the CyberCut system. CyberCut is an integrated process planning system that converts user designs to instructions for a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine. The conversion process involves algorithms to perform tasks such as feature extraction, fixture planning, tool selection, and tool-path planning. The UP-driven approach to the development of CyberCut involves two phases. The inception phase outlines a clear but incomplete description of the user needs. The elaboration phase involves iterative design, development, and testing using short cycles. The software makes substantial use of design patterns to promote clean and well-defined separation between and within components to enable independent development and testing. The overall development of the software tool took about two months with five programmers. It was later possible to easily integrate or substitute new algorithms into the system so that programming resources were more productively used to develop new algorithms. The experience with UP shows that methodologies such as UP are important for engineering software development where research goals, technology, algorithms, and implementations show dramatic and frequent changes.