cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MGKA: A genetic algorithm-based clustering technique for genomic data

Advances in high-throughput technologies have generated enormous amounts of high-throughput genomic data. Cluster analysis is often the first step to gain insights into genomic data. K-means, the most widely used clustering algorithm, is known to produce sub-optimal clusters depending on the choice of initialized centers. In this paper, we propose a genetic algorithmbased unsupervised clustering method that searches for the optimal centers of clusters based on the concept of k-means. The genetic algorithm reduces k-means sensitivity to randomly initialized centers and reduces the probability of converging to local minima. Two clustering validity indexes are introduced to the selection process to automatically determine the appropriate number of clusters. The proposed algorithm is applied to 16 disease datasets and four single-cell datasets to demonstrate its performance. Results show that our approach outperforms the current state of the art algorithms on a majority of the datasets.
Efficient syntheses of macrocycles ranging from 22–28 atoms through spontaneous dimerization to yield bis-hydrazones

Acid treatment of a triazine displaying both a tethered acetal and BOC-protected hydrazine group leads to spontaneous condensation to yield macrocyclic dimers in excellent yields and purity. The bis-triazinyl hydrazones that form are characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 1H-COSY spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mass spectrometry. By varying the length of the tether—the condensation product of an amino acid and amino acetal—rings comprising 22–28 atoms can be accessed. Glycine and β-alanine were used for the amino acid. The amino acetal comprised 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms in the backbone. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to assess purity as well as to fingerprint the six homodimeric products. By combining the protected monomers and subjecting them to acid, mixtures of homodimers and heterodimers are obtained. When all six protected monomers are combined, at least 14 of the 21 theoretical dimeric products are observed by HPLC. Single crystal X-ray diffraction and solution NMR studies reveal the diversity of shapes available to these molecules.
Engaged Journalism and News Work: A Sociotechnical Analysis of Organizational Dynamics and Professional Challenges

Building upon the sociotechnical perspective presented by Lewis and Westlund (2015, “Actors, Actants, Audiences, and Activities in Cross-media News Work: A Matrix and a Research Agenda.” Digital Jo...
Microsite conditions in a low-elevation Engelmann spruce forest favor ponderosa pine establishment during drought conditions

Abstract Warming climate in U.S. forests may limit future viability of dominant high-elevation species at their lower elevation range limits but favor more drought-adapted sympatric species, potentially contributing to species distribution changes. Adaptive management may address future uncertainty in species distributions by facilitating regeneration of multiple species with contrasting silvics. However, the success of this approach will depend on suitable microsite conditions, the effects of which are not well understood across species and forest types. These concerns are present in the southern Rocky Mountain region, where current and future climate may restrict Engelmann spruce regeneration but benefit sympatric species like ponderosa pine. We used a planting experiment to systematically evaluate microsite conditions which support critical first-season survival and root growth of these contrasting species in a low-elevation spruce forest during a droughty 2018 growing season. Our assessment targeted species responses to variation in canopy cover generated by different silvicultural regeneration treatments, with and without additional shelter from coarse woody debris. We also considered microsite variables of seedling size, vegetation and litter cover, soil moisture and depth, and competition from established tree regeneration. Survival of ponderosa pine was nearly twice that of Engelmann spruce, but the relative effects of microsite variables were similar. Coarse woody debris shelter improved the probability of survival by approximately 357%, though the effect was stronger for spruce. Influences of canopy cover were minimal and opposite our expectations; spruce was marginally inhibited by canopy cover, while pine was positively influenced by more dense canopy. Smaller seedling heights improved the probability of survival for both species by 179% compared to mean seedling heights. Pine root growth was 150% greater in open versus dense canopy microsites and limited in coarse woody debris shelter. We discuss likely site and physiological factors underlying these results. This study provides insight into the factors which define suitable microsites for first-season establishment for these species in rapidly changing low-elevation spruce forests, especially during drought conditions. We discuss implications for adaptive management and silviculture, concluding that regeneration efforts which seek to improve forest resilience to climate-related changes in species viability could consider more drought-adapted, sympatric species as viable supplements to moisture-dependent species at their current lower range limits.
Evaluation of Public Health Messages Promoting Early Detection of Dementia Among Adult Latinos With a Living Older Adult Parental Figure

Introduction:We aimed to evaluate the resonance of public health messages promoting early detection of dementia in adult Latinos with a living older adult loved one.Method:We conducted a mixed-meth...
Food Insecurity, Diet Quality, Home Food Availability, and Health Risk Behaviors Among Emerging Adults: Findings From the EAT 2010–2018 Study

Objectives. To examine emerging adults’ experiences of food insecurity in relation to measures of diet quality, food literacy, home food availability, and health behaviors.Methods. We used EAT 2010...
A Review of Histogenesis/Organogenesis in the Developing North American Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana)

1 Introduction.- 2 Gametes and Fertilization.- 2.1 Spermatozoa.- 2.2 Oocytes.- 2.3 Fertilization.- 3 Blastocyst Formation and Early Organogenesis.- 4 Fetal Membranes and Placentation.- 5 Parturition and Migration to the Pouch.- 6 General Postnatal Growth and Development.- 7 Integument.- 8 Musculoskeletal System.- 9 Cardiovascular System.- 9.1 Heart.- 9.2 Blood Vascular System.- 9.3 Lymph Vascular System.- 10 Changes in Peripheral Blood.- 10.1 Erythrocytes.- 10.2 Leukocytes.- 11 Blood-Forming Organs.- 11.1 Liver.- 11.2 Spleen.- 11.3 Bone Marrow.- 11.4 Thymus.- 11.5 Lymph Nodes.- 12 Lymphatic Organs.- 12.1 Thymus.- 12.2 Spleen.- 12.3 Lymphatic Channels.- 12.4 Lymph Nodes.- 13 Nervous System.- 13.1 Brain.- 13.2 Spinal Cord.- 14 Ear.- 14.1 External Ear.- 14.2 Middle Ear.- 14.3 Inner Ear.- 15 Eye.- References.
Development of a Musculoskeletal Imaging Competency Examination for Physical Therapists.

OBJECTIVE The number of physical therapists with imaging ordering privileges is increasing; however, a known level of competency and knowledge is generally lacking within the profession, as is a method to determine practitioner competency. The purpose of this study was to develop a valid musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging competency examination for physical therapists. METHODS This 3-round Delphi method study utilized experts to reach consensus on examination content and development. Round 1 was completed by 37 experts. The last 2 rounds were completed by 35 experts. Experts rated questions on a 5-point Likert rating scale of importance (1 = not at all important, 5 = very important). Consensus was achieved with an a priori decision of (1) >75% agreement of the expert panel rating and ≥4 on the Likert scale, and (2) ≥.90 on Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients. Experts recommended a passing score of 75%. The examination was subsequently reviewed by a panel of 5 radiologists. RESULTS The Delphi method and radiologist panel review resulted in the 151-question Burley Readiness Examination (BRE) for MSK Imaging Competency. Interrater agreement and internal consistency of the Delphi panel were excellent, with an average intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach alpha of .928 and .950, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The BRE is a tool that has the potential to demonstrate practitioners' level of baseline competency with MSK imaging. Additional testing among physical therapists will provide further validation and reliability of the examination. IMPACT The use and application of diagnostic imaging is becoming more widespread in physical therapist practice throughout the United States. The BRE could potentially have broader implications for health care utilization and cost in the area of MSK imaging.
Rab6 is required for rapid, cisternal-specific, intra-Golgi cargo transport.

Rab6, the most abundant Golgi associated small GTPase, consists of 2 equally common isoforms, Rab6A and Rab6A′, that differ in 3 amino acids and localize to trans Golgi cisternae. The two isoforms are largely redundant in function and hence are often referred to generically as Rab6. Rab6 loss-of-function inhibits retrograde Golgi trafficking, induces an increase in Golgi cisternal number in HeLa cells and delays the cell surface appearance of the anterograde cargo protein, VSVG. We hypothesized that these effects are linked and might be explained by a cisternal-specific delay in cargo transport. In pulse chase experiments using a deconvolved, confocal line scanning approach to score the distribution of the tsO45 mutant of VSVG protein in Rab6 depleted cells, we found that anterograde transport at 32 °C, permissive conditions, through the Golgi apparatus was locally delayed, almost tenfold, between medial and trans Golgi cisterna. Cis to medial transport was nearly normal as was trans Golgi to TGN transport. TGN exit was unaffected by Rab6 depletion. These effects were the same with either of two siRNAs. Similar intra-Golgi transport delays were seen at 37 °C with RUSH VSVG or a RUSH GPI-anchored construct using a biotin pulse to release the marker proteins from the ER. Using 3D-SIM, a super resolution approach, we found that RUSH VSVG transport was delayed pre-trans Golgi. These visual approaches suggest a selective slowing of anterograde transport relative to 3 different marker proteins downstream of the trans Golgi. Using a biochemical approach, we found that the onset of VSVG endoglycosidase H resistance in Rab6 depleted cells was delayed. Depletion of neither Rab6A or Rab6A′ isoforms alone had any effect on anterograde transport through the Golgi suggesting that Rab6A and Rab6A′ act coordinately. Delayed cargo transport conditions correlate strongly with a proliferation of Golgi cisternae observed in earlier electron microscopy. Our results strongly indicate that Rab6 is selectively required for rapid anterograde transport from the medial to trans Golgi. We suggest that the observed correlation with localized cisternal proliferation fits best with a cisternal progression model of Golgi function.
Cost and Availability-Aware VNF Selection and Placement for Network Services in NFV

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is a growing computing paradigm for rapid and economical provisioning of networking services (NSs). In NFV, NS is provided through a set of Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) that are hosted on the underlying infrastructure offered by the service provider. Quality of the NS such as availability, as well as the overall cost of providing the NS in NFV domain are raised as concern issues especially their objectives go against each other. This paper tackles two main problems that are directly related to the cost and availability of the NS, VNFs configuration types selection problem and VNF placement problem. Therefore, we propose two Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) optimization models to address both problems and find solutions. We build a proof of concept to evaluate our proposed solutions and compare them with existing solutions from the literature. The results show that our proposed solutions can reduce the overall cost of requested NSs without violating their availability requirements.
Examining the Relationship Between Delay Discounting, Delay Aversion, Diabetes Self-care Behaviors, and Diabetes Outcomes in U.S. Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE Delay discounting and delay aversion are emerging areas for understanding diabetes management; however, few data exist on their relationship with multiple diabetes self-care behaviors and diabetes outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included 356 adults with type 2 diabetes across three racial/ethnic groups receiving care from two primary care clinics. The primary predictors were delay discounting and delay aversion. Outcomes included self-care behaviors, quality of life (QOL; mental health component score [MCS], physical component score), and A1C. Multiple linear regression models were run to examine the association between predictors and the outcomes, A1C, QOL, and each self-care behavior. RESULTS Higher delay discounting was associated with lower engagement in self-care behaviors for general diet (B = −0.06; 95% CI −0.12; −0.01), specific diet (B = −0.07; 95% CI −0.12; −0.03), and foot care (B = −0.10; 95% CI −0.17; −0.02). Higher delay aversion was associated with lower engagement in self-care behaviors for general diet (B = −0.06; 95% CI −0.10; −0.01), specific diet (B = −0.03; 95% CI −0.07; −0.01), foot care (B = −0.11; 95% CI −0.17; −0.05), and lower MCS (B = −0.38; 95% CI −0.71; −0.06). CONCLUSIONS In a diverse sample of adults with type 2 diabetes, higher delay discounting and higher delay aversion were significantly related to lower engagement in self-care behaviors. High delay aversion was specifically related to lower QOL. These findings offer new knowledge by highlighting the role that delay-related behaviors may have in the performance of self-care behaviors and the impact on QOL. Work is needed to further elucidate these relationships. Specifically, these results highlight the importance of targeting value and decision-making for diabetes self-management.
Tools and Algorithms for SoC Communication Traces.

In this paper, we study seven well-known trace analysis techniques both from the hardware and software domain and discuss their performance on communication-centric system-on-chip (SoC) traces. SoC traces are usually huge in size and concurrent in nature, therefore mining SoC traces poses additional challenges. We provide a hands-on discussion of the selected tools/algorithms in terms of the input, output, and analysis methods they employ. Hardware traces also varies in nature when observed in different level, this work can help developers/academicians to pick up the right techniques for their work. We take advantage of a synthetic trace generator to find the interestingness of the mined outcomes for each tool as well as we work with a realistic GEM5 set up to find the performance of these tools on more realistic SoC traces. Comprehensive analysis of the tool's performance and a benchmark trace dataset are also presented.
Mixed‐Member Election and Candidate Selection in Bolivia's 1993 and 1997 Elections

Mixed-member electoral systems became a popular choice for “electoral engineers” in the 1990s. Countries as diverse as Venezuela, Hungary, Lesotho, and Italy adopted the system. The assumption was that introducing single-member districts (SMDs) in countries that used list proportional representation electoral systems would introduce “constituency” oriented legislators who could be more easily held accountable to voters. This paper explores changes associated with the adoption of a mixed-member electoral system in Bolivia through a candidate-level analysis looking at differences in candidate profiles between two elections (1993 and 1997) and between two tiers (list and nominal). The paper relies on portion of a dataset (collected by the author) of Bolivian legislative candidates. The analysis shows mixed results: While SMD candidates were more likely to have municipal level political experience, there was no significant difference in the kind of legislative committees list and SMD candidates had served in.
The Radiometer Atmospheric CubeSat Experiment (RACE) pre-launch performance

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) developed Radiometer Atmospheric CubeSat Experiment (RACE) has a 183 GHz water vapor radiometer payload integrated on a 3U CubeSat platform. The radiometer utilizes a 35 nm InP HEMT low noise amplifier receiver with 2 internal calibration means. RACE advances the technology readiness level (TRL) of the various radiometer sub-systems to TRL 6. Pre-launch performance in terms of stability and calibration methodology will be presented and discussed. The RACE satellite was lost on the Orb-3 launch mishap, Oct 28th 2014.
Planktonic Microorganisms: Bacterioplankton

Plankton Bacterioplankton The Physicochemical Environment of Aquatic Ecosystems Bacterioplankton Modes of Energy Conservation and Carbon Metabolism Bacterioplankton Taxonomic Diversity A Modern View of Bacterioplankton Taxonomic Diversity Bacterioplankton of the Domain Bacteria Bacterioplankton of the Domain Archaea Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Bacterioplankton Metabolism and Taxonomic Diversity Bacterioplankton Abundance, Biomass, and Production The Factors that Control How Fast Bacterioplankton Grow Bacterioplankton Mortality The Ecological Significance of the Bacterioplankton Importance in the Food Web The Major Questions Regarding Bacterioplankton Keywords: bacterioplankton; biomass, bacterioplankton; nutrient cycling: role of bacterioplankton; productivity, bacterioplankton
Improving word sense disambiguation in lexical chaining

Previous algorithms to compute lexical chains suffer either from a lack of accuracy in word sense disambiguation (WSD) or from computational inefficiency. In this paper, we present a new linear-time algorithm for lexical chaining that adopts the assumption of one sense per discourse. Our results show an improvement over previous algorithms when evaluated on a WSD task.
The Yersinia pestis gcvB gene encodes two small regulatory RNA molecules

In recent years it has become clear that small non-coding RNAs function as regulatory elements in bacterial virulence and bacterial stress responses. We tested for the presence of the small non-coding GcvB RNAs in Y. pestis as possible regulators of gene expression in this organism. In this study, we report that the Yersinia pestis KIM6 gcvB gene encodes two small RNAs. Transcription of gcvB is activated by the GcvA protein and repressed by the GcvR protein. The gcvB-encoded RNAs are required for repression of the Y. pestis dppA gene, encoding the periplasmic-binding protein component of the dipeptide transport system, showing that the GcvB RNAs have regulatory activity. A deletion of the gcvB gene from the Y. pestis KIM6 chromosome results in a decrease in the generation time of the organism as well as a change in colony morphology. The results of this study indicate that the Y. pestis gcvB gene encodes two small non-coding regulatory RNAs that repress dppA expression. A gcvB deletion is pleiotropic, suggesting that the sRNAs are likely involved in controlling genes in addition to dppA.
The morphology of the cephalic lobes and anterior pectoral fins in six species of batoids.

Many benthic batoids utilize their pectoral fins for both undulatory locomotion and feeding. Certain derived, pelagic species of batoids possess cephalic lobes, which evolved from the anterior pectoral fins. These species utilize the pectoral fins for oscillatory locomotion while the cephalic lobes are used for feeding. The goal of this article was to compare the morphology of the cephalic lobes and anterior pectoral fins in species that possess and lack cephalic lobes. The skeletal elements (radials) of the cephalic lobes more closely resembled the radials in the pectoral fin of undulatory species. Second moment of area (I), calculated from cephalic lobe radial cross sections, and the number of joints revealed greater flexibility and resistance to bending in multiple directions as compared to pectoral fin radials of oscillatory species. The cephalic lobe musculature was more complex than the anterior pectoral fin musculature, with an additional muscle on the dorsal side, with fiber angles running obliquely to the radials. In Rhinoptera bonasus, a muscle presumably used to help elevate the cephalic lobes is described. Electrosensory pores were found on the cephalic lobes (except Mobula japonica) and anterior pectoral fins of undulatory swimmers, but absent from the anterior pectoral fins of oscillatory swimmers. Pore distributions were fairly uniform except in R. bonasus, which had higher pore numbers at the edges of the cephalic lobes. Overall, the cephalic lobes are unique in their anatomy but are more similar to the anterior pectoral fins of undulatory swimmers, having more flexibility and maneuverability compared to pectoral fins of oscillatory swimmers. The maneuverable cephalic lobes taking on the role of feeding may have allowed the switch to oscillatory locomotion and hence, a more pelagic lifestyle. J. Morphol. 274:1070–1083, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Data mapping as search

In this paper, we describe and situate the tupelo system for data mapping in relational databases. Automating the discovery of mappings between structured data sources is a long standing and important problem in data management. Starting from user provided example instances of the source and target schemas, tupeloapproaches mapping discovery as search within the transformation space of these instances based on a set of mapping operators. tupelomapping expressions incorporate not only data-metadata transformations, but also simple and complex semantic transformations, resulting in significantly wider applicability than previous systems. Extensive empirical validation of tupelo, both on synthetic and real world datasets, indicates that the approach is both viable and effective.
Candidate Strategies in the Presidential Nomination Campaign

This article examines the situations under which candidates in multicandidate races go on the attack (both intraparty and interparty), paying special attention to the timing of the attacks, whether the attacker or the attacked is a front-runner or trailing, and candidate ideology. Using ad tracking data from the 2004 and 2008 U.S. presidential nomination campaigns and detailed polling data from each state, the authors find that timing is an important consideration in launching an attack and that candidate ideology determines who gets attacked. While candidate standing and candidate resources have little influence on intraparty attack behavior, both are important predictors of attacks across party lines. Political scientists have learned much in the past decade about presidential cam paigns and their strategic use of political advertising—especially the decision to go negative. This research, however, generally has not extended to the nomination season, when the strategic environment is much different than that of the general election. After all, nominations generally feature a half dozen or more competing candidates, voting that takes place sequentially, considerable variation in voter knowledge across candidates, and generally low levels of voter knowledge (at least when contrasted with the general election). What circumstances, then, drive nomination candidates to air negative adver tising? Are candidates more likely to do so when they are leading or trailing? At which opponent(s) are such ads aimed? And at what point in the nomination season does
The anodic behaviour of zinc in aqueous KOH solution—I. Passivation experiments at very high current densities☆

Abstract The anodic behaviour of zinc in aqueous potassium hydroxide has been investigated at very high cds (1–10 A/cm2). Galvanostatic experiments have been made in aqueous KOH (1–12·8 M) for reaction times 0·1 s–0·2 ms. The relationship between the cd and the passivation time follows a √ t relationship. The forms of the overpotential/time curves indicate changes in the ohmic component of the total polarization. Within the time range investigated no evidence was found for a change in the mode of passivation. The effect of an increase of temperature was to increase the passivation time: the magnitude of the increase was greater than expected from the increase in the diffusion coefficient alone.
Evaluation and application of the ion microprobe in the strontium isotope geochemistry of carbonates

Abstract A modified AEI-IM20 ion microprobe has been used to measure 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios in carbonates. A suite of carbonates with varying major elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn) was studied at low and high ( M /ΔM ⋍ 3000) mass resolution to determine the types and intensities of molecular species isobaric with Sr peaks; Sr data collected at low mass resolution must be corrected for Ca 2 and CaMgO species. Rb/Sr ratios are extremely low, and correction for 87 Rb is not required ( 87 Sr). Usable Sr isotopic data may be obtained from calcite given Sr ≥ 400ppm, and for Sr > 5000 ppm a precision of ∼ ± 1‰ (± 0.0007) in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (2σ mean) can be achieved under optimum conditions. The corrections for Ca 2 and CaMgO are smaller than the within-run precision in calcite, but in dolomite the correction for CaMgO is + 1.5%. Mass fractionation corrections to 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (based on 86 Sr/ 88 Sr= 0.1194) are typically +8 to +10‰. Good agreement between ion probe and solid source mass spectrometer results was found for calcites of known Sr isotopic composition: ST4a (∼ 400ppm Sr), average ion probe 87 Sr/ 86 Sr= 0.7267 ± 0.0015, solid source 87 Sr/ 86 Sr= 0.72680 ± 0.00008 [14] ; JCG36 (∼ 6000ppm Sr), average ion probe 87 Sr/ 86 Sr= 0.7056 ± 0.0009, solid source 87 Sr/ 86 Sr= 0.70588 ± 0.00009 [16] ; JCG44 (∼ 6000ppm Sr), average ion probe 87 Sr/ 86 Sr= 0.7057 ± 0.0006, solid source 87 Sr/ 86 Sr= 0.70540 ± 0.00008 [16] . The ability of the ion microprobe to measure 87 Sr/ 86 Sr for 10-μm spots in calcite was used: (1) to measure variation in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr of ∼ 0.01 on a centimetre scale in a hydrothermally altered basalt from the Isle of Skye, northwestern Scotland; and (2) to determine the Sr isotopic composition of tiny ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr.
Reproductive toxicity and disposition of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in adult brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) following a dietary exposure

Ault brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) with a contaminated trout pellet diet to determine the effects of TCDD on reproduction, to document tissue-specific TCDD distribution, and to establish the maternally derived dose of TCDD to the F1 generation. Five treatment groups and a control were exposed to achieve targeted whole body TCDD concentrations of 0, 75, 150, 300, 600, and 1,200 pg TCDD per gram fish. Net dietary assimilation of TCDD was estimated to be 89% of the applied dose, and the distribution of TCDD generally followed the distribution of lipids in liver, gonad, fat, blood, and muscle. Depuration could not be measured over 81 d, but a hypothetical depuration rate was estimated to be 0.002 d−1 assuming 100% dietary assimilation. The concentration of TCDD in ovaries and spawned eggs was estimated to be 61 and 39% of the whole body TCDD concentrations, respectively. Survival, growth, gonadal development, and egg production were not affected in any treatment. The onset of spawning was delayed by 13 d in the highest treatment group, suggesting that TCDD might have affected ovulation. Otherwise, the adult life stage was not as sensitive to TCDD as the early life stage.
Reactive Quenching of OH A 2Σ+ in Collisions with Molecular Deuterium via Nonadiabatic Passage through a Conical Intersection

The D and H atom products from collisional quenching of OH A 2Σ+ (v = 0) by D2 have been examined through Doppler spectroscopy using two-photon (2 2S ← ← 1 2S) laser-induced fluorescence. A bimodal Doppler profile is observed for the D atoms, indicating that two different velocity distributions result from the OH A 2Σ+ + D2 → D + HOD reaction. Nearly 40% of the products are H atoms produced in the OH A 2Σ+ + D2 → H + D2O reaction with a single Gaussian profile. The two components of the D atom kinetic energy distribution are characterized by translational temperatures of approximately 1200 and 10 000 K and on average account for 4% and 30% of the available energy. The H atom products accommodate about 37% of the available energy and are described by a 13 000 K temperature. The translational energy distributions of the H/D atom products are attributed to two dynamical pathways through the strong nonadiabatic coupling region at the HO−D2 conical intersection. The narrow “cold” distribution of D atoms arises...
Toward a paradigm for media production research: Behind the scenes at general hospital

This essay points to the dearth of media production studies conducted under the cultural studies rubric and calk for cultural studies of media production that fulfill the models of cultural circulation theorized by Stuart Hall and Richard Johnson. It argues that such a perspective must include analyses of both economic and discursive power. It presents five factors shaping the production process of a U.S. broadcast television network soap opera as provisional categories for scholarly exploration, as well as offering an in‐depth look at the soap opera production process and its cultural implications.
Serum concentrations of an aflatoxin-albumin adduct in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2000.

Abstract Background During 1998, weather conditions in the United States favored the growth of Aspergillus species leading to widespread contamination of Midwestern and Southern corn with hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic aflatoxins. We designed a study to provide the first national prevalence estimate of aflatoxin exposure using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a representative cross-sectional survey of the noninstitutionalized civilian population of the US. Methods Isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantitate serum concentrations of aflatoxin B1-lysine in a one-third random subset of participants from NHANES 1999–2000. Results About 1% of the U.S. population had detectable levels (≥ 0.02 μg/l) of aflatoxin B1-lysine. Of those with detectable levels, the geometric mean (95% confidence interval) was 0.038 (0.024–0.060) μg/l (equivalent to 0.842 (0.530–1.34) pg/mg albumin). The highest value was 0.2 μg/l (4.43 pg/mg albumin). Based on liver function biomarkers, there was no evidence of increased liver dysfunction in these persons. Conclusions During a time when exposure to aflatoxins in food products might have been expected to be increased, we identified few exposed persons. Although none of the subgroup analyses provided reliable estimates due to high relative standard errors, they suggested that additional targeted surveillance may be warranted.
L-type calcium channels mediate transmitter release in isolated, wide-field retinal amacrine cells.

Transmitter release in neurons is triggered by intracellular Ca2+ increase via the opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Here we investigated the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in wide-field amacrine cells (WFACs) isolated from the white-bass retina that are functionally coupled to transmitter release. We monitored transmitter release through the measurement of the membrane capacitance (Cm). We found that 500-ms long depolarizations of WFACs from −70 mV to 0 mV elicited about a 6% transient increase in the Cm or membrane surface area. This Cm jump could be eliminated either by intracellular perfusion with 10 mM BAPTA or by extracellular application of 4 mM cobalt. WFACs possess N-type and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Depolarization-evoked Cm increases were unaffected by the specific N-type channel blocker ω-conotoxin GVIA, but they were markedly reduced by the L-type blocker diltiazem, suggesting a role for the L-type channel in synaptic transmission. Further supporting this notion, in WFACs the synaptic protein syntaxin always colocalized with the pore-forming subunit of the retinal specific L-type channels (CaV1.4 or α1F), but never with that of the N-type channels (CaV2.2 or α1B).
Algorithms for pure gauge theory

Abstract In this talk I review recent progress on algorithms for pure gauge theory, concentrating mainly on overrelaxation methods, with some brief comments on Fourier accelerated Langevin and multigrid algorithms at the end.
Promoting felt responsibility for constructive change and proactive behavior: exploring aspects of an elaborated model of work design

Although new theoretical models that are suggestive of how work design might be used to foster proactive motivation and proactive performance have been proposed, these models need further elaboration and testing if they are to be useful tools for contemporary organizations. Accordingly, we examine the extent to which feelings of responsibility for constructive change is a proactive psychological mechanism that explains how work design characteristics influence constructive change-oriented behavior and proactive performance. Specifically, we examine job autonomy, position in the organizational hierarchy, access to resources, access to strategy-related information, and role ambiguity as antecedents to felt responsibility for constructive change (FRCC). We also examine the extent to which feelings of responsibility for constructive change are positively related to voice behavior (i.e., constructive, change-oriented communication) and continuous improvement (i.e., proactive role performance). Results indicate hierarchical position and access to resources are positively related to FRCC. Results also indicate proactive personality moderates the relationship between access to resources and FRCC and the relationship between access to strategy-related information and FRCC. Plots of the interactions reveal that these relationships are enhanced for individuals with proactive personalities. The results also indicate that FRCC is positively related to voice behavior and continuous improvement. Perhaps more importantly, the results suggest that FRCC explains the psychological process by which structural and socio-structural forces influence proactive behavior. The results are discussed as they pertain to updated work design theory and theories of high involvement work systems, job characteristics, and leadership prototypes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycoprotein and protein precursors to plasma membranes in vesicular stomatitis virus infected HeLa cells

Vesicular stomatitis virus is known to mature at HeLa cell plasma membranes. To study the process, cells, infected with vesicular stomatitis virus, were fractionated after short term labeling studies (1 min pulse, 1 min chase) to determine the assembly kinetics of G protein and M protein into plasma membranes. Newly synthesized M protein was found released in the supernatant from which free polysomes were sedimented during sucrose gradient analysis of these polysomes. If this M protein is particle bound, it must have a density of less than 1.08 g/ml. About 40% of this M protein so labeled was not sedimentable at 165,000 X g for 16 h. This newly synthesized M protein had not yet assembled into plasma membrane and thus must represent an internal pool. This and previous studies show that it has a subsequent transit time to the plasma membrane of about 2 min. Once associated with plasma membranes, M protein decayed in an approximately logarithmic fashion indicating that newly synthesized M randomly mixes (and turns over) with preexisting M protein. G protein was particle bound in a 1 min pulse, 1 min chase, and was never found released in a soluble form. At the later time when fucose is added to G protein, the oligosaccharide moiety is near to complete, and on completion is about 2,000 in molecular weight. Evidence is presented showing that fucose is probably attached to the N-acetylglucosamine of the protein carbohydrate linkage. G protein to which fucose had just been added was located internally on a membranous fraction of density 1.14 g/ml in sucrose; its subsequent transit time from this pool (which in uninfected cells is between 1–2% of the total cell fucosyl glycoprotein) was about 15 min. Because their densities were different and their transit times were different, internal newly synthesized M and fucosyl G protein which assemble into plasma membranes were not on the same internal membranous component. Association of M protein with the plasma membranes may thus occur from a nonsedimentable soluble cytoplasmic pool by a process of direct adsorption.
Ultra-fast interconnect driven cell cloning for minimizing critical path delay

In a complete physical synthesis flow, optimization transforms, that can improve the timing on critical paths that are already well-optimized by a series of powerful transforms (timing driven placement, buffering and gate sizing) are invaluable. Finding such a transform is quite challenging, to say nothing of efficiency. This work explores innovative cloning (gate duplication) techniques to improve timing-closure in a physical synthesis environment.With a buffer-aware interconnect timing model, new polynomial-time optimal algorithms are proposed for timing-driven cloning, including both finding optimal sink partitions (identifying the fan-outs) for the original and the duplicated gates, as well as physical locations for both gates. In particular, we present an O(m)-time optimal algorithm to minimize the worst slack if the original gate is movable, and an O(m log m) algorithm if the original gate is fixed, where $m$ is the number of fan-outs. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first one considering the timing-driven cloning problem under a buffer-aware interconnect delay model.For a hundred testcases in 45nm technology node, we demonstrate significant timing improvement due to our cloning techniques as compared to other existing timing-optimization transforms. Extensions to other factors, such as wirelength, FOM and placement obstacles are further discussed.
No differences in growth or body composition from age 12 to 24 months between toddlers consuming 2% milk and toddlers consuming whole milk.

Abstract Objective To determine whether consumption of 2% milk during the second year of life leads to reduced growth or lower percentage body fat compared with consumption of whole milk. Subjects Subjects were healthy toddlers who participated in a larger trial examining the effects of the timing of introduction of solid foods on growth. Design Three-day diet diaries, anthropometric measurements, and body composition determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were assessed at 12, 18, and 24 months of age. At age 12 months, the toddlers were similar in length, weight, percentage body fat, and total energy intake. From 12 to 24 months of age, milk consumption consisted of whole milk exclusively in one group (n=23) and 2% milk exclusively in another group (n=28). Statistical analyses Differences between the 2 groups in anthropometric measurements, changes in anthropometric measurements, and dietary intakes were determined by Student t tests. Mean differences were considered significant at the P=.05 level. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. Results Despite lower intakes of total fat and saturated fat in the 2% milk group, there were no differences in height, weight, and percentage body fat. Total energy intake was not reduced in the 2% milk group. Applications Reductions in total fat and saturated fat intake in toddlers can be achieved through the use of 2% milk without compromising growth. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:53–56.
Arterial Conduits for Surgical Revascularization The Answer Is

> The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple. > > Oscar Wilde Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a commonly performed procedure for obstructive coronary artery disease that is not treatable with either medical therapy or percutaneous intervention. It has been well studied and documented that using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) reduces morbidity and mortality compared with using saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) when performing a CABG.1 One reason for the observed improved outcomes is the anatomic structure and the preserved and functional endothelium of the internal thoracic artery compared with an SVG. It was assumed that this inherent superiority of the LITA would also be true for the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) and other arterial conduits that could be safely procured and used for bypassing coronary arteries. However, this assumed inherent superiority of using any arterial conduit compared with using an SVG to targets other than the left anterior descending artery has been much harder to prove. Two recent reports of using a meta-analysis of radial artery versus SVG reached different conclusions. Article see p 1321 Benedetto and colleagues2 report a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials comparing radial artery and SVG patency and found no advantage for the radial artery. However, in their meta-analysis of radial artery versus SVG for CABG, Athanasiou and colleagues3 concluded that the evidence supports the use of radial artery in preference to saphenous vein for CABG. The …
Laser hard tissue interactions: energy transmission through human dental tissue using a holmium:YAG laser

Laser energy transmission through hard tissue was investigated using a pulsed Holmium:YAG laser (2.12 micrometers wavelength). The surface of extracted human dental tissue, 200 micrometers to 700 micrometers in thickness, was irradiated by a laser beam of various fluences between 3 J/cm 2 to 28 J/cm 2 . The transmitted energy through different dentinal components of the tooth was measured. For the mature teeth, the region of the dentinoenamel junction showed the least transmission and the coronal the most; the difference between the two regions could be as large as 20%. The unerupted or young teeth revealed the opposite transmission characteristics. Repeated laser treatment revealed an enhanced transmissibility and the transmitted energy reached a plateau after certain irradiation exposure. Also studied were the effects of various media on the dental transmissibility. For example, surface application of a smear layer of unfilled resin did not change the transmissibility but appeared to slow down the temperature build-up. Visible surface damage -- a yellow or a white spot on the treatment site -- appeared when the fluence reached beyond 20 J/cm 2 . SEM samples revealed three different surface structural changes: melting with tubule closures, surface removal with tubule exposures, and surface cracking with crater formation, depending on the level of irradiation.
Systolic blood pressure and adiposity: examination by race and gender in a nationally representative sample of young adults.

It has been suggested that the association between anthropometric measures of adiposity (e.g., waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI)) and high blood pressure vary by race.1 These anthropometric measures, however, only broadly capture more complex underlying patterns of body composition and adiposity (e.g., visceral vs. subcutaneous adipose tissue, upper body vs. abdominal fat), which also vary by sex and race.2 Despite their relative lack of specificity with respect to adiposity, techniques for assessing anthropometric measures such as BMI and WC are comparatively inexpensive and widely accessible. Thus, further elucidation of how these relatively simple measures are associated with disease remains important. The present study describes the association between WC and systolic blood pressure (SBP), with a focus on how these relations may vary by race and sex, using a large nationally representative sample of young adults in the United States. We focus on SBP in the present study because, although associations have been shown to vary by age,3 many studies have shown SBP to be more important than diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with respect to health risk,4–9 and also possibly more responsive than DBP to changes in modifiable risk factors such as exercise, diet, and weight loss.10 WC has been shown to add to the prediction of visceral fat beyond measurements of BMI.11,12 Visceral adipose tissue is an independent predictor of the metabolic syndrome in both men and women,13 and has also been found to add to the prediction of hypertension.14,15 Following Tybor et al.,16 we use statistical partialling to remove the effect of BMI from the association between WC and SBP. WC partialled for BMI reflects WC independent of overall body size, and thus, by definition, must reflect body shape or body fat distribution. We also allow for the possibility that these associations may be nonlinear. Examination of these questions in this manner may provide more precise information about the pathophysiology underlying high blood pressure and also further guide risk stratification in clinical practice.
Comparison of the effects of diets rich in stearic acid versus myristic acid and lauric acid on platelet fatty acids and excretion of thromboxane A2 and PGI2 metabolites in healthy young men

The present study compared the effects of diets rich in stearic acid (C18:0) versus one high in lauric and myristic acid (C12:0, C14:0) on platelet phospholipid fatty acid levels and concentrations of urinary thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-PGF1α, which are stable metabolites of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and PGI2 and indicators of cardiovascular hemostasis. A diet high in dairy butter (B) was the source of C12:0 and C14:0; C18:0 was provided by diets high in cocoa butter (CB), milk chocolate (CHOC) or CB + B in a 4:1 ratio (MIX). A randomized, crossover double-blind experimental design was used. Experimental subjects (n = 15) consumed each diet for 26 days, with a 1-month washout period between each experimental period. Urine and blood were collected from each subject at the beginning and end of each dietary period. Urinary TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1α were analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). There were no effects of diet on the 24-hour excretion of either metabolite or on the ratio of 6-keto-PGF1αTXB2, even though there were significant changes in the eicosanoid precursor, arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6), in platelet phospholipids. C20:4n-6 levels increased (44.8% ± 1.0% to 47.1% ± 1.3%; P < .05) in the phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipid subclass in subjects on the B diet and decreased in the phosphatidylcholine subclass on the CB diet (16.5% ± 1.0% to 14.2% ± 1.1%; P < .05) compared with baseline values. Although there were modest effects of diets high in C12:0 and C14:0 versus C18:0 on the fatty acid precursor of TXA2 in platelet phospholipids, these were not associated with any differences in urinary eicosanoid excretion. Thus, our results demonstrate that diets high in these respective fatty acids do not affect hemostasis compared with baseline values, as measured by eicosanoid excretion.
Modeling bacterial survival in unfavorable environments

The long-term survival of pathogenic microorganisms was evaluated and modeled in simulated fermented and dried, uncooked sausages, such as salami and pepperoni.Listeria monocytogenes andSalmonella were inoculated in BHI broths with added lactic acid or lactate (0–1.5%), NaCl (0–19%) and NaNO2 (0–200 ppm) and then incubated at 4–42°C for up to 9 months. Enumerations of surviving cells showed several forms of declining curves, including classic first-order declines, shoulder or lag phases, and two-phase declines with shoulder. Two primary models were tested for their ability to depict the data. The effect of the environmental conditions on the parameters of the models were described with multiple regression equations (secondary models).