cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of technological support on groups: An assessment of the empirical research

Abstract In this paper we analyze the empirical findings on the impacts of technological support on group. We define and differentiate two broad technological support systems for group processes: Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS), and Group Communication Support Systems (GCSS). We then present a framework and method for analyzing the impacts of such information systems on groups. We develop the framework from the literature of organization behavior and group psychology and apply it to literature of MIS. We then review the empirical research and findings concerned with the impacts of GDSS and GCSS on groups, and we compare and contrast these findings. Finally, we conclude by discussing the implications of our analysis on the focus of attention and design of future research. Five Major implications stem from our analysis: (1) there is lack of research on some important “formal” factors of groups, (2) there is a paucity of research on the impacts of GDSS and GCSS on the informal dimension of groups, (3) there is a need to move away from laboratory settings to field study in organization settings, with “real” manager, (4) more research is needed on stages of group development and on how they affect the impacts of GDSS and GCSS on groups, and (5) more research is needed to understand how the structure imposed by the technological supports affect group processes.
On the valuation of interest rate products under multi-factor HJM term-structures

We consider the valuation of interest rate products with effected cash flow under a multifactor Heath-Jarrow-Morton (HJM) model of the term-structure of interest rates by hierarchical approximation. At the higher-level, we apply a stochastic spectral approximation of the forward rates and exhaust an indexed family of regularized Hamilton-Jacobi characterizations of the value function. At the lower-level, we utilize penalization and an extrapolation method-of-lines finite element method. Application to interest rate caps and an American discount bond option are considered in order to demonstrate the applicability of the method.
AGE metabolites: A biomarker linked to cancer disparity?

Socioeconomic and environmental influences are established factors promoting cancer disparity, but the contribution of biologic factors is not clear. We report a mechanistic link between carbohydrate-derived metabolites and cancer that may provide a biologic consequence of established factors of cancer disparity. Glycation is the nonenzymatic glycosylation of carbohydrates to macromolecules, which produces reactive metabolites called advanced glycation end products (AGE). A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet all promote disease and the AGE accumulation pool in our bodies and also increase cancer risk. We examined AGE metabolites in clinical specimens of African American and European American patients with prostate cancer and found a higher AGE concentration in these specimens among African American patients when compared with European American patients. Elevated AGE levels corresponded with expression of the receptor for AGE (RAGE or AGER). We show that AGE-mediated increases in cancer-associated processes are dependent upon RAGE. Aberrant AGE accumulation may represent a metabolic susceptibility difference that contributes to cancer disparity.
The Basic Science of Human Knee Menisci: Structure, Composition, and Function

Once described as a functionless embryonic remnant,162 the menisci are now known to be vital for the normal function and long-term health of the knee joint.§ The menisci increase stability for femorotibial articulation, distribute axial load, absorb shock, and provide lubrication and nutrition to the knee joint.4,91,152,153 Injuries to the menisci are recognized as a cause of significant musculoskeletal morbidity. The unique and complex structure of menisci makes treatment and repair challenging for the patient, surgeon, and physical therapist. Furthermore, long-term damage may lead to degenerative joint changes such as osteophyte formation, articular cartilage degeneration, joint space narrowing, and symptomatic osteoarthritis.36,45,92 Preservation of the menisci depends on maintaining their distinctive composition and organization.
A class of second order self-similar processes for 1/f phenomena

We introduce a class of stochastic processes whose correlation function obeys a structure of the form, E[X(t)X(/spl lambda/t)]=t/sup 2H//spl lambda//sup H/R(/spl lambda/), /spl lambda/,t>0. We refer to these processes as second order self-similar processes. This class of processes include fractional Brownian motion as a special case. We define a concept of autocorrelation and develop a spectral analysis framework via generalized Mellin transform for the proposed class. Additionally, we establish a relationship between the proposed self-similar processes and generalized linear scale invariant system theory. We give specific models and demonstrate their ability to model 1/f phenomena.
Calculating unbiased tree-ring indices for the study of climatic and environmental change

In dendroclimatology, tree-ring indices are traditionally calculated as part of the tree-ring chronology development process. This is accomplished by fitting a growth curve to the ring-width series...
Analysis of the TRIPS prototype block predictor

This paper analyzes the performance of the TRIPS prototype chip's block predictor. The prototype is the first implementation of the block-atomic TRIPS architecture, wherein the unit of execution is a TRIPS hyperblock. The TRIPS prototype predictor uses a two-step prediction process: it first predicts the exit from the current hyperblock and uses the predicted exit in conjunction with the current hyperblock's address to predict the next hyperblock. SPECint2000 and SPECfp2000 benchmarks record average misprediction rates of 11.5% and 4.3%, respectively, on the prototype chip. Simulation-driven analysis identifies short history lengths, inadequate offset bits in the branch target buffers, and aliasing in the exit and target predictors as the main reasons for the predictor inefficiency. If the above issues are addressed, block misprediction rates can be reduced by 15% for SPECint2000 and 22% for SPECfp2000. Using a perceptron-based analysis, we show that there is significant loss in correlation in our current hyperblocks. We conclude that while carefully tuned block predictors can achieve relatively lower misprediction rates, new predictor designs and correlation-aware hyperblock formation are necessary to bridge the gap between block prediction accuracies and branch prediction accuracies.
Developmental Exposure to Organophosphate Flame Retardants Elicits Overt Toxicity and Alters Behavior in Early Life Stage Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are common replacements for the phased-out polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and have been detected at high concentrations in environmental samples. OPFRs are structurally similar to organophosphate pesticides and may adversely affect the developing nervous system. This study evaluated the overt toxicity, uptake, and neurobehavioral effects of tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), and tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (TDBPP) in early life stage zebrafish. Chlorpyrifos was used as a positive control. For overt toxicity and neurobehavioral assessments, zebrafish were exposed from 0 to 5 days postfertilization (dpf). Hatching, death, or malformations were evaluated daily. Teratogenic effects were scored by visual examination on 6 dpf. To evaluate uptake and metabolism, zebrafish were exposed to 1 µM of each organophosphate (OP) flame retardant and collected on 1 and 5 dpf to monitor accumulation. Larval swimming activity was measured in 6 dpf larvae to evaluate neurobehavioral effects of exposures below the acute toxicity threshold. TDBPP elicited the greatest toxicity at >1 µM. TDCPP and chlorpyrifos were overtly toxic at concentrations ≥10 µM, TCEP, and TCPP were not overtly toxic at the doses tested. Tissue concentrations increased with increasing hydrophobicity of the parent chemical after 24 h exposures. TDCPP and TDBPP and their respective metabolites were detected in embryos on 5 dpf. For all chemicals tested, developmental exposures that were not overtly toxic significantly altered larval swimming activity. These data indicate that OPFRs adversely affect development of early life stage zebrafish.
Metabolism of Carotenoids and Retinoids Related to Vision

All animals endowed with the ability to detect light through visual pigments must have evolved pathways in which dietary precursors for the involved chromophore are absorbed, transported, and metabolized. Knowledge about this metabolism has exponentially increased over the past decade. Genetic manipulation of animal models provided insights into the metabolic flow of these compounds through the body and in the eyes, unraveling their regulatory aspects and aberrant side reactions. The scheme that emerges reveals a common origin of key components for chromophore metabolism that have been adapted to the specific requirements of retinoid biology in different animal classes.
Sociometry in the Elementary School.

(1970). Sociometry in the elementary school. Supervisors Quarterly: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 17-23.
Permanent Digital Function Storage using Neon Tubes

For some purposes, such as storage of tables needed in computations, an electronic memory unit which does not have the capability of changing its contents may be used. The required information may therefore be permanently wired in at the time of construction or be changed only by manual operations. A memory of this type utilizing the presence or absence of a small neon tube as the memory element is presented here. The layout of the memory is in effect rows and columns of wires with the neon tubes connected at the appropriate intersections. The neon tube detects a ``coincident voltage'' at the intersection and the resultant light output is converted back to voltage by means of a photo tube.
Good and bad group performance: Same process—different outcomes

Much of the research on small group performance shows that groups tend to outperform individuals in most task domains. However, there is also evidence that groups sometimes perform worse than individuals, occasionally with severe negative consequences. Theoretical attempts to explain such negative performance events have tended to point to characteristics of the group or the group process that were different than those found for better performing groups. We argue that typical group processes can be used to explain both good and bad group performance in many instances. Results from a pair of experiments focusing on two different task domains are reported and used to support our arguments.
In Vitro Efficacy of ST246 against Smallpox and Monkeypox

Since the eradication of smallpox and the cessation of routine childhood vaccination for smallpox, the proportion of the world's population susceptible to infection with orthopoxviruses, such as variola virus (the causative agent of smallpox) and monkeypox virus, has grown substantially. In the United States, the only vaccines for smallpox licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been live virus vaccines. Unfortunately, a substantial number of people cannot receive live virus vaccines due to contraindications. Furthermore, no antiviral drugs have been fully approved by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of orthopoxvirus infection. Here, we show the inhibitory effect of one new antiviral compound, ST-246, on the in vitro growth properties of six variola virus strains and seven monkeypox virus strains. We performed multiple assays to monitor the cytopathic effect and to evaluate the reduction of viral progeny production and release in the presence of the compound. ST-246 had 50% effective concentrations of <or=0.067 microM against variola virus and <0.04 microM against monkeypox virus. In a dose-dependent manner, plaque size and comet tail formation were markedly reduced in the presence of the drug at low, noncytotoxic concentrations between 0.015 and 0.05 microM. Our in vitro phenotype data suggest that ST-246 inhibits variola and monkeypox viruses similarly by reducing the production and release of enveloped orthopoxvirus and support the development of ST-246 as an antiviral therapeutic compound for the treatment of severe systemic orthopoxvirus infections.
Responding to the Global HIV/AIDS Crisis: A Peace Corps for Health

HIV disease is essentially the black death of the 21st century killing on a massive scale and threatening to cripple economies and topple governments. However the continued spread of the HIV epidemic and the new availability of lifesaving antiretroviral drugs have triggered an extraordinary response by governments international organizations philanthropies pharmaceutical companies religious organizations and individuals. Campaigning against HIV/AIDS has no precedent in the history of medicine. Smallpox was eliminated by a globally coordinated strategy that required a single patient encounter to deliver the vaccine. In contrast the directly observed therapy strategy at the core of modern tuberculosis treatment necessitates daily patient contact over much of the treatment course and therefore a much larger health workforce. Treating AIDS requires the daily delivery of medications as well as the clinical management of patients-- for the rest of their lives. Antiretroviral medications can help control disease but do not cure it. More problematic yet stopping treatment once started promotes the emergence of resistant strains of the virus making halfway programs hazardous to public health. The sheer volume of health workers needed to tackle HIV disease--and the health systems to support their work--is off the scale of any previous public health campaign. (excerpt)
Influence of grapevine leafroll associated viruses (GLRaV-2 and -3) on the fruit composition of Oregon Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir: Phenolics

Some of the 10 known grapevine leafroll associated viruses (GLRaVs) have negative impacts upon vine productivity and grape quality, though these negative influences are dependent on factors such as GLRaV strain, cultivar, clone, rootstock, and vine age. This is the first study to report on GLRaV-2 and GLRaV-3 infected vines, with regard to phenolic compounds, and other fruit maturity indices, of ‘Pinot noir’ grapes, compared to berries from adjacent vines free of GLRaVs (same vineyards). Three different rootstock/scion combinations were included in this study. Clusters were collected for two growing seasons from commercial vineyards in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, and each vine sampled was tested for GLRaV-1, -2, -3 and Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (RSPaV). All sampled vines were infected with RSPaV. Grapevine leafroll associated virus-infected vines tested positive for GLRaV-2 or GLRaV-3. Overall, fruit infected with GLRaV-2 and -3 had reduced percent soluble solids, decreased individual and total anthocyanins, and increased skin and pulp weight for all three ‘Pinot noir’ rootstock/scion combinations examined. Vitis riparia rootstock/‘Pinot noir’ clone 114 scion combination appeared to be the most sensitive to GLRaV-3 infection, having significant reduction of all five anthocyanins, total phenolics, and total tannins, with an increased cluster weight and 100-berry weight. No clear trends were observed in the polyphenolics analysed.
Biometric Statistical Study of One-Lead ECG Features and Body Mass Index (BMI)

We have studied the electrocardiogram (ECG) as a potential biometric for human identity verification. This research investigates the relationship between ECG biometric features and body mass index (BMI) using correlation analysis and linear regression methods. Using our ECG database of 168 normal healthy people (113 females and 55 males), we studied normalized features extracted from a one-lead, resting, palm ECG. The results showed that normalized ECG biometric features explain 25.3% of the variability of the BMI. ECG features of males better correlate with the BMI model than those of females. Furthermore, we calculated correlation coefficients and R-square changes to analyze the correlations between extracted features and the BMI and to indicate the most significant feature as a predictor of BMI among all ECG biometric features
The LeRoy catastrophe: A story of death, determination, and the importance of nutrition in medicine

In August 1976, a young man named LeRoy fell from a ledge, fracturing his femur. Major internal bleeding was suspected. During a laparotomy, the trauma team ensured that all internal organs were intact and the orthopedic team set his fracture. �怀irty days later, LeRoy died. He had eaten little; each day he only received three liters of glucose, the equivalent of 510 calories, intravenously. �怀e glucose was insufficient to meet his nutritional needs, and he lost over 20% of his body weight during his hospital stay. �怀e cause of death was due to “physicianinduced” malnutrition. Meanwhile, a paper around the same time documented that the prevalence of malnutrition in Boston hospitals was 44% and that malnutrition itself was a predictor of higher complication and death rates. As a result, like-minded physicians formed a society that created training programs and encouraged formation of hospital nutrition teams. Industry produced nutrition formulas and catheters. Complications in sick hospitalized patients plummeted while survival rates rose, and California passed legislation to mandate nutritional support. �怀ough the health care industry recognized the importance of nutrition in patient care, Congress failed to pass �耀scal support for nutrition teams. As a result, hospitals disbanded their newly created nutrition teams, nutrition education and skills declined, and hospital complications and death rates have risen again.
Multiscale Effects on Spatial Variability Metrics in Global Water Resources Data

Spatial scales and methods for dealing with scale have been widely dis- cussed in the water resources literature. Different spatial processes operate at differ- ent scales so interpretations based on data from one scale may not apply to another. Understanding the behavior of phenomena at multiple-scales of data aggregation is thus imperative to accurate integrations of data and models at different geographic resolutions. This study tests theoretical concepts of scale by presenting empirical results of multiscale GIS and statistical analyses on gridded water-availability, water use and population data for the Danube Basin in Europe, with results corroborated by similar tests in the Ganges (South Asia) and Missouri (North America) Basins. Fine-resolution datasets were aggregated to coarser grid sizes and standard statistical measures of spatial variability were computed. Statistical analysis of spatial vari- ability demonstrated two distinctly different cases for unscaled and scaled variables. Results show that variance (and standard deviation) in unscaled variables like fresh- water supply, use and population increases at coarser scales—contrary to the com- mon assumption of decreasing variability as grid-cell size increases. On the other hand, a decreasing trend in variability with scale is noted for variables scaled to area or population (like population density, water availability per capita etc.). Moreover, relationships between variability and scale show strong non-linear trends. No men- tion of these relationships has been found in the water resources or socio-economic literature for scale and variability. Regression analyses suggest that power functions are the most appropriate model to fit trends in increasing variability at multiple
Managing Software Complexity and Variability in Coupled Climate Models

Coupled climate models exhibit scientific, numerical, and architectural variability. This variability introduces requirements that give rise to complexity. However, techniques exist that can tame this complexity; one such technique is feature analysis. As climate model fidelity and complexity increase, the climate-modeling community should adopt a systematic way to deal with software variability.
The Amount and Activity of Active Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Is Suppressed by Estradiol and Progesterone in Human Pelvic Floor Fibroblasts

As a key degrader of fibrillar collagens, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), may contribute to the progression of pelvic organ prolapse. Here we aimed to define the regulation of MMP13 by estradiol and progesterone in the vaginal supportive tissues. Fibroblasts cultured from the arcus tendineous fasciae pelvis of three pre- and three postmenopausal women with prolapse were treated with 17-beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), E2 + P4, or E2 + ICI 182,780 (ICI). Collagenase inhibitor I (CI) and MG-132 were employed to investigate the mechanism of MMP13 degradation into inactive fragments (fragmentation) by hormones. The regulation of MMP13 in vivo was assessed by comparing tissues of ovariectomized (ovx) vs. sham-operated rats. Expression of MMP13 (proenzyme and active and fragment forms) was quantitated by Western immunoblotting, and MMP13 enzymatic activity was measured using a substrate degradation assay. The amount of cellular active MMP13 and MMP13 proteolytic activity decreased in the presence of hormones. The decrease was paralleled by increased proenzyme and fragment forms. MG-132, not CI, suppressed cellular MMP13 fragmentation. Active MMP13 increased in rats following ovx and was suppressed by E2 + P4 supplementation. Active MMP13 is suppressed in vivo and in vitro by estradiol and progesterone, suggesting a protective effect against vaginal supportive tissue deterioration.
Dynamin 2 along with microRNA-199a reciprocally regulate hypoxia-inducible factors and ovarian cancer metastasis

Hypoxia-driven changes in the tumor microenvironment facilitate cancer metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory cross talk between endocytic pathway, hypoxia, and tumor metastasis. Dynamin 2 (DNM2), a GTPase, is a critical mediator of endocytosis. Hypoxia decreased the levels of DNM2. DNM2 promoter has multiple hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-binding sites and genetic deletion of them relieved hypoxia-induced transcriptional suppression. Interestingly, DNM2 reciprocally regulated HIF. Inhibition of DNM2 GTPase activity and dominant-negative mutant of DNM2 showed a functional role for DNM2 in regulating HIF. Furthermore, the opposite strand of DNM2 gene encodes miR-199a, which is similarly reduced in cancer cells under hypoxia. miR-199a targets the 3'-UTR of HIF-1α and HIF-2α. Decreased miR-199a expression in hypoxia increased HIF levels. Exogenous expression of miR-199a decreased HIF, cell migration, and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. miR-199a-mediated changes in HIF levels affected expression of the matrix-remodeling enzyme, lysyloxidase (LOX). LOX levels negatively correlated with progression-free survival in ovarian cancer patients. These results demonstrate a regulatory relationship between DNM2, miR-199a, and HIF, with implications in cancer metastasis.
Dynamic Left Ventricular Assist Device Inflow Obstruction

A 72-year-old man with a history of rheumatic heart disease, prior bioprosthetic mitral and aortic valve replacement, severe nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (left ventricular [LV] ejection fraction 5%), and a history of ventricular tachycardia (VT) underwent implantation of a continuous flow LV assist device (LVAD; HeartMate II; Thoratec Corporation) as destination therapy for severe heart failure. The early postoperative period was unremarkable and he had substantial functional improvement with minimal cardiovascular limiting symptoms after postoperative recovery. After ≈3 years on LVAD support, he experienced a series of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks for sustained VT refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy. He underwent VT ablation targeting the basal LV inferoseptum, but he continued to have recurrent VT. Because VT seemed to originate from a deep septal substrate, he underwent an alcohol …
Estimation of the Enhancement Factor for Mercury in Air

A combination of classical thermodynamics and molecular theory was used to calculate the enhancement factor (ratio of vapor-phase partial pressure to saturated vapor pressure) for liquid mercury in equilibrium with air at standard atmospheric pressure at temperatures from 0 °C to 40 °C. The enhancement factors range from 1.0025 at 0 °C to 1.0016 at 40 °C. This enhancement is too small in magnitude, and in the wrong direction, to explain a difference that has been noted between equilibrium vapor concentrations implied by the vapor pressure of pure mercury and those assumed in some calibration procedures.
Thermal Curing Conditions for Low K-Fluorinated Polyimide Film for Use as the Interlayer Dielectric in ULSI

The thermal curing (imidization) of the polyimide film has been investigated using DSC and FTIR spectroscopy. The rate and the degree of imidization of the film was found to be dependent on curing temperature, time and thickness. The degree of imidization of the film rapidly increased between 200°C and 350°C and then remained constant for curing above 350°C, indicating that the imidization reaction is complete at 350°C. Also, it was found that imidization proceeds in two stages under isothermal condition, which was characterized by an initial fast imidization step that changes into a second, slower imidization process. The slower imidization rate at the second stage is discussed and explained. Higher degree of imidization was obtained with thicker films because of the higher retention of the solvent in the thicker film. Depolymerization process during thermal curing has also been studied with FTIR. The highest degree of the depolymerization is reached with thermal curing between 225 and 275°C.
Meta-Analysis on the Roles of Fathers in Parenting: Are They Unique?

ABSTRACTA meta-analysis was undertaken, including 34 studies, to determine whether fathers play a unique role in parenting that is different from mothers’ roles. Statistical analyses were done to determine the extent to which the effects of fathering children were distinct from that of mothering. In addition to examining this phenomena overall, the meta-analysis also specifically examined social measurements, psychological indicators, and academic achievement. The possible unique effects of fatherhood were also examined in relation to the age and gender of the child. The results indicate consistent statistically significant effects that emerged for the unique role that fathers have. This association between fathering and the outcome variables held across social measurements, psychological indicators, and academic achievement. This relationship also held for both boys and girls and across age groups. The effects of the unique role of fathering yielded effect sizes of about .14 to .23 of a standard deviatio...
Reservoir Competence of the Lesser Mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) for Salmonella typhimurium (Eubacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae)

The reservoir competence of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) is reported for Salmonella typhimurium (Loeffler) relative to broiler chicken production. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from feces of the adult lesser mealworm at least 28 d after feeding for 24 h on 1 g of chicken feed inoculated with 3 x 10(8) bacteria/ml. All larvae fed S. typhimurium ceased voiding the bacteria in their feces before pupal molt, except one. One beetle continued to void S. typhimurium after it emerged as an adult, providing evidence that transstadial transmission of S. typhimurium may occur. The bacteria were found both on the external body surface and inside the body of surface-sterilized adults and larvae during 16 d of exposure. Salmonella-positive cloacal swabs were obtained from 1-day-old broiler chicks within 24 h after eating one infected lesser mealworm adult or larva.
Contextual Design of a Motivated Medication Management Device

Many older adults find that they must manage one or more chronic illnesses entailing multiple medication regimens. These regimens can be daunting, with consequences for medication adherence and health outcomes. To promote adherence to medication regimens, we used contextual design to develop paper and digital prototypes of a medication management device. The design focused on enhancing users’ motivation to adhere to medication therapy. Our design process and outcome suggest that contextual design might serve as an effective data-driven method that can account for the less tangible aspects of work activities, such as motivation.
An intelligent control paradigm for flight control applications

A control approach was developed for nonlinear systems based on aircraft modeling, and control performance is based on the accuracy of the model. In the actual aircraft implementation, a neural network is substituted for the model and trained offline to produce the same results. A methodology is developed to validate both the network and the overall controller as meeting performance and reliability requirements. Development of a multi-axis controller using this methodology with a fuzzy controller for reconfiguration is presented. Computer simulations to test the methodology on a simple airfoil and a pitch axis flight controller are also reported.
Body composition of free-ranging wolves (Canis lupus)

We used deuterium water dilution to estimate body composition of free-ranging wolves (Canis lupus L., 1758) in the Nelchina Basin, Alaska. Body mass differed between sexes throughout the year but did not vary within sex. Mean fat mass and mean energy content were highest in both sexes in the spring. Mean leanmass was lowest in both sexes in the spring. Bodymass and lean body mass were positively related to animal age in both males and females up to age 6–8 years. There was no relationship between body fat content and animal age in either sex except in older animals. Thus, growth beyond age 2 consists primarily of lean mass. Body mass of reproductively active females was greater than nonreproductively active females in the spring but not in summer or fall. Deuterium should be allowed to circulate in the wolf for at least 120 min to ensure complete equilibration regardless of season, sex, age, or reproductive status.
The large upstream control region of the Drosophila homeotic gene Ultrabithorax.

Ultrabithorax (Ubx) is a Drosophila homeotic gene that determines the segmental identities of parts of the thorax and abdomen. Appropriate Ubx transcription requires a long upstream control region (UCR) that is defined genetically by the bithoraxoid (bxd) and postbithorax (pbx) subfunction mutations. We have directly analyzed UCR functions by the examination of beta-galactosidase expression in flies containing Ubx-lacZ fusion genes. 35 kb of UCR DNA confers upon beta-galactosidase an expression pattern that closely parallels normal Ubx expression throughout development. In contrast, 22 kb of UCR DNA confers fewer features of normal Ubx expression, and with 5 kb of UCR DNA the expression pattern has no resemblance to Ubx expression except in the visceral mesoderm. We have also shown that bxd chromosome breakpoint mutants form a comparable 5′ deletion series in which the severity of the effect on Ubx expression correlates with the amount of upstream DNA remaining in the mutant. In Ubx-lacZ fusions containing 22 kb of UCR DNA, and in comparable bxd mutants, there is a persistent pair-rule pattern of metameric expression in early development, demonstrating that there are distinct mechanisms with different sequence requirements for the initial activation of Ubx in different metameres. The correction of this pair-rule pattern later in embryogenesis shows that there are also distinct mechanisms for the activation of Ubx at different times during development.
X-Ray Guided Technique in Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis: MILD

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative disease of the lumbar spine that affects up to 8 % of the US population, particularly those over the age of 60 years [1–3]. If the stenosis is critically significant, neurogenic claudication can result from nerve root ischemia with the underlying causative theory being venous insufficiency as a result of venous constriction that becomes critically aggravated by exertion typically by standing a short time or walking a short distance.
Optical Methods for Quantifying Cell Volume Changes in Isolated Nephron Segments

Animal cell volume is determined by extracellular and intracellular solute content. Measurements of cell volume changes induced by osmotic, ionic, electrophysiological and/or pharmacological manipulations can therefore provide important and often unique insights into membrane solute and water transport properties. In addition, volume measurements allow the elucidation of cell volume regulatory mechanism. The purpose of this brief review article is to describe the requirements for measuring volume changes in isolated nephron segments and to illustrate the types of questions that can be addressed using this powerful approach.
Technology- and Phone-Based Weight Loss Intervention: Pilot RCT in Women at Elevated Breast Cancer Risk.

Introduction For women with an increased breast cancer risk, reducing excess weight and increasing physical activity are believed to be important approaches for reducing their risk. This study tested a weight loss intervention that combined commercially available technology-based self-monitoring tools with individualized phone calls. Design Women were randomized to a weight loss intervention arm (n=36) or a usual care arm (n=18). Setting/Participants Participants were women with a BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m 2 and elevated breast cancer risk recruited from the mammography clinic at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California San Diego. Intervention Intervention participants used the MyFitnessPal website and phone app to monitor diet and a Fitbit to monitor physical activity. Participants received 12 standardized coaching calls with trained counselors over 6 months. Usual care participants received the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans at baseline and two brief calls over the 6 months. Main outcome measures Weight and accelerometer-measured physical activity were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Data were collected in San Diego, CA, from 2012 to 2014 and analyzed in 2015. Results Participants ( n =54) had a mean age of 59.5 (SD=5.6) years, BMI of 31.9 (SD=3.5), and a mean Gail Model score of 2.5 (SD=1.4). At 6 months, intervention participants had lost significantly more weight (4.4 kg vs 0.8 kg, p =0.004) and a greater percentage of starting weight (5.3% vs 1.0%, p =0.005) than usual care participants. Across arms, greater increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity resulted in greater weight loss ( p =0.01). Conclusions Combining technology-based self-monitoring tools with phone counseling supported weight loss over 6 months in women at increased risk for breast cancer.
Tension compared to no tension on a Foley transcervical catheter for cervical ripening: a randomized controlled trial

Background Cervical ripening of an unfavorable cervix can be achieved by placement of a transcervical catheter. Advantages of this method include both lower cost and lower risk of tachysystole than other methods. Despite widespread use with varying degrees of applied tension, an unanswered question is whether there is an advantage to placing the transcervical catheter to tension compared with placement without tension. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether tension placed on a transcervical balloon catheter that is inserted for cervical ripening results in a faster time to delivery. Study Design This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial; 140 women who underwent cervical ripening (Bishop score, ≤6) were assigned randomly to a balloon catheter with applied tension vs no tension. Tension was created when the catheter was taped to the patient's thigh and tension was reapplied in 30-minute increments. There were 67 patients in the tension group and 73 patients in the no tension group. Low-dose oxytocin (maximum, 6 mU/min) was administered after catheter placement. The primary outcome was time from catheter insertion to delivery. A secondary outcome was time from insertion to catheter expulsion. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine whether the data were distributed normally. Survival curves that used lifetables were constructed from time of catheter insertion to delivery and from time of catheter insertion to catheter expulsion and were compared with the use of the Wilcoxon (Gehan) Breslow statistic. A probability value of Results Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The median time from catheter insertion to delivery was not significantly different between the tension group and the no tension group (16.2 vs 16.9 hours; P =.814). The median time from catheter insertion to expulsion, however, was significantly less in the tension group vs the no tension group (2.6 vs 4.6 hours; P P =.365) nor were there significant differences in cesarean delivery rates between the tension and no tension groups (17/67 [25%] vs 27/73 [37%]; P =.139). Conclusion Application of tension did not result in faster delivery times but did result in faster times to catheter expulsion.
Magnetic and transport properties of single-crystal Ca 2 RuO 4 : Relationship to superconducting Sr 2 RuO 4

${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4},$ which has the single-layer tetragonal ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}{\mathrm{NiF}}_{4}$ structure, shows nonmetallic behavior for $Tl300$ K unlike its isostructural counterpart, ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4},$ which is metallic for all $Tl1300$ K and which undergoes a superconducting transition temperature below $T=1.35$ K, possibly with $p\ensuremath{-}$wave spin pairing. Magnetization, electrical-resistivity, and heat-capacity data for single-crystal ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4}$ are presented. An antiferromagnetic transition is identified at ${T}_{N}$=110 K in all samples studied. The easy axis for magnetization is parallel to the $a$ or $b$ axis (in the Ru-O plane). Isothermal magnetization studies in fields to 30 T show a spin reorientation transition for $B$=3.5 T at $T$=105 K and a metamagnetic transition for $T\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{N}$ at about 9 T. The saturation magnetization even at 30 T, ${M}_{\mathrm{sat}}\ensuremath{\approx}0.4{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}/$Ru, is less than expected for the Ru $S=1$ moment ${(M}_{\mathrm{sat}}\ensuremath{\approx}2.0{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}/$Ru). The electrical resistivity, $\ensuremath{\rho}(T),$ increases with decreasing temperature by eight orders of magnitude for 70$T$300 K and fits a variable-range hopping model including correlations. The magnetoresistivity below ${T}_{N}$ shows some dependence on spin orientation. In contrast to all the other Sr and Ca-based ruthenates, ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4}$ has a relatively small low-temperature electronic specific-heat coefficient (\ensuremath{\gamma}=4 mJ/mole ${\mathrm{K}}^{2}),$ and unlike them, ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4}$ shows no anomaly in either $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ or $d\ensuremath{\rho}(T)/dT$ at ${T}_{N}.$ Some magnetization results are presented for lightly Sr-doped ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4}.$ The data are contrasted with those of metallic ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4}$ and discussed in terms of the weak spin disorder scattering in ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4}$ compared to the very strong coupling in the other Sr- and Ca-based ruthenates.
Current Practices and Future Directions in Reporting Disability in School-Based Physical Education Research

ABSTRACTThe primary purpose of this study was to determine what trends exist in the identification and description of participants with disabilities used in school-based physical education research. A total of 60 research articles published in the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education from 2010–2014 which included school-aged individuals as participants were analyzed. Five categories of analysis (disability, age, gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status) were coded. Of the 60 articles analyzed, five identified or reported disability of the students involved. Furthermore, all 60 reported age, 57 reported gender, 29 reported race/ethnicity, and eight reported socioeconomic status at the participant level. Although those with disabilities tend to make up nearly 10% of school-based populations, few studies mentioned the possibility of participants having a disability. In physical education research, as indicated in the current study findings, scholars have largely overlooked issues related to the ...
Slow and steady wins the race: encounters of myosin-5 and myosin-6 on shared actin filaments

In the cellular environment multiple myosins use the same filamentous actin (F-actin) tracks, yet little is known about how this track sharing is achieved and maintained. To assess the influence that different myosin classes have on each other, we developed an assay that combines two dynamic elements: elongating actin filaments with identified barbed and pointed ends, and myosins moving along these filaments. We studied two different myosins, myosin-5 and myosin-6. These myosins have distinct functions in the cell and are known to travel in opposite directions along actin filaments. Myosin-5 walks towards the barbed end of F-actin and generally into dynamically rearranging actin at the cell periphery. Myosin-6 is a pointed-end directed myosin that generally walks towards the cell center. We successfully reconstituted simultaneous bidirectional motility of myosin-5 and myosin-6 on single polymerizing filaments of actin. We report and provide statistical analysis of encounters between myosin-5 and myosin-6 walking along the single filaments. When myosin-5 and myosin-6 collide, myosin-5 detaches more frequently than myosin-6. The experimental observations are consistent with a stochastic stepping model based upon known myosin kinetics, which suggests that faster motors are more likely to detach.
Volume diffusion in purification by sublimation

The amount sublimated of large organic molecules varies with the square of the diameter of the tube in which sublimation occurs. This implies that the velocity profile in the tube is nearly flat, consistent with volume diffusion, but not with laminar flow, Knudsen diffusion, or slip flow. However, molecular simulation calculations show that under the conditions used, the velocity profile is near parabolic when there is no deposition on the tube wall, inconsistent with volume diffusion, but in agreement with laminar flow. These calculations also show that deposition on the wall does result in velocity which is almost constant with radial position. The result is a laminar flow profile which is nearly flat, and hence a total flux proportional to the square of the tube diameter, which is observed both in these simulations and in physical experiments. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2017
In the Science and Practice of Standard Setting: Where Is the Science??

Standard setting is a complex process that involves the application of social science, psychometrics, content expertise, politics, and economics. Over the last 60 years of the practice of standard setting, many methods have been proposed, and many implementation decisions have been made that affect the practice of standard setting. Some of these decisions have been made based on scientific studies about their impact on the standard setting results, but many have been made purely on factors of human judgment or for streamlining the process without the benefit of research to support these decisions. The purpose of this chapter is to focus on where additional research is needed to support many of the practical decisions that are found in many standard setting applications.
Can weeds enhance profitability? Integrating ecological concepts to address crop‐weed competition and yield quality

Summary Sustainable cropping systems are needed for future food security. One aspect of sustainable cropping is to manage for desirable grain quality of crops including seed size, protein, oil and metabolite composition. Plant ecology theory on niche relationships and interspecific competition predicts that subordinate species mixtures (i.e. weed species) will affect dominant (i.e. crop) species offspring quality. Beyond individual weed species effects on crop quality, we hypothesise that the integrated effect of weed mixtures will be influenced by taxonomic, functional trait and phylogenetic diversity. Reviewing Glycine max (soybean)–weed systems, we show a complex relationship between the weed community and G. max seed protein, oil, mean seed mass and physiological markers (relative water content, trigonelline leaf content, fluorescence, foliar Cu, Fe and Zn). Increased levels of weed competition led to increased seed protein, at the expense of seed oil. Synthesis. We propose that research on interspecific relationships between crops and weeds consider weed species diversity, weed functional traits associated with the Leaf-Height-Seed strategy and phylogenetic relationships to identify weed mixtures (either sown or manipulated through herbicide control) best suited to minimise their detrimental effects on yield while maximising crop quality as part of sustainable cropping systems.
Students' attitudes toward and use of university digital collections

University historic costume and textile (HCT) collections are facing pressure to offer digital collections online. As more universities begin to push for open access content, libraries, special collections, and HCT collections are increasingly focused on providing online access to materials. Museums were resistant to new website technology due to their philosophy that real artifacts hold higher esteem than virtual objects; however, museums and other collections are finding that meaningful websites have become essential to fulfilling their educational mission (Saiki, 2010). This proposed research seeks to better understand the attitudes, behaviors, and use of university digital collections and among college students.
The Effect of Hock Injury Laterality and Lameness on Lying Behaviors and Lying Laterality in Holstein Dairy Cows

Lactating dairy cattle divide their lying equally between their left side and their right side. However, discomfort, such as pregnancy and cannulation, can cause a cow to shift lying side preference. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of lameness and hock injuries on lying behaviors, particularly lying laterality, of lactating dairy cows. Cows from four commercial farms in eastern Croatia that had lying behavior data, health score data, and production records were used in the study. Health scores including hock injuries and locomotion were collected once per cow. Severely lame cows had greater daily lying time compared to sound cows and moderately lame cows. Overall, cows spent 51.3 ± 1.2% of their daily lying time on the left side. Maximum hock score, locomotion score, hock injury laterality, or parity did not result in lying laterality differing from 50%.