cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Does Literature Affect Empathy in Students

ABSTRACTScholars have suggested that reading literature can foster empathy. However, learning empathy through literature in the classroom is understudied. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether affective and cognitive empathy, as demonstrated in student writing, relates to textual attributes, the style of writing prompt, student writing ability, and whether it changes over time. Students in a college literature classroom were asked to assess texts according to a series of attributes related to engagement and textual difficulty, followed by a series of analytical and creative writing prompts. These responses were scored on a comparative scale according to metrics of empathy and compared with textual attributes, strength of writing, and time using a general linear model. Textual difficulty was identified as the greatest predictor of empathy (inverse relationship) followed by assignment grade (positive relationship). These results indicate that textual attributes, strength of writing abili...
BCL6 Transcriptionally Reprograms the DLBCL Genome by Forming Distinct Biochemically Active Complexes on Genes Corresponding to Different Pathways.

Abstract Aberrant gene expression is a hallmark of cancer, and so it is not surprising that the most common category of oncogenes and tumor suppressors involved in hematologic malignancies are transcription factors. These factors mediate their effects by nucleating biochemically active cofactor complexes to modify the chromatin structure of their respective target genes. BCL6 is a transcriptional repressor and the most commonly involved oncogene in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. BCL6 represses genes by recruiting several corepressor complexes including SMRT, N-CoR, BCoR; all of which bind to BCL6 through its BTB domain. Each of these complexes has different biochemical functions (e.g. BCoR forms a polycomb complex vs. SMRT which forms an HDAC3 complex). Moreover, our preliminary data suggested that BCL6 uses different sets of corepressors to mediate distinct biological effects, possibly by using different biochemical mechanisms at specific sets of target genes. Therefore, we hypothesized that BCL6 regulates its target genes using different biochemical tools, allowing it to exquisitely fine tune gene expression and provide specific control mechanisms for different biological functions. In order to test this hypothesis we first identified the direct target genes of BCL6 SMRT, N-CoR and BCoR by ChIP-on-chip in DLBCL cells (Ly1 cells) in multiple replicates, and examined whether the overlapping sets of genes corresponded to different gene pathways. We used a 24,000 promoter microarray representing 1.5 KB of sequence for each gene. The results show reproducible binding of BCL6 at 940 promoters, While BCoR bound to 770, SMRT to 545 and N-CoR to 487 promoters respectively. BCL6 and BCoR overlapped at 400 genes, preferentially involved in involve in cell cycle, cell death chromatin structure, ubiquitin dependent process and chemotaxis. BCL6 and SMRT overlapped on 376 genes, involved in immune response, cell motility and also as BCOR cell death, while N-CoR and BCL6 overlapped on 100 genes including transcriptional control and cell death pathways. The overlap between BCoR and SMRT was at 200 genes, BCoR and N-CoR at 60 genes and SMRT and N-CoR at 85 genes. All three overlapped at 50 genes. We also examined whether these corepressors were associated with specific combinations of histone modifications including H3K9 acetylation, H3K9 methylation, H3K4 methylation, H3K27 methylation, H4K16 acetylation and H3K36 acetylation. Taken together, the data indicate that specific subsets of BCL6 target genes are dependent on distinct biochemical mechanisms, suggesting that additional layers of biochemical complexity govern formation of gene repression complexes in DLBCL cells and providing opportunities for highly specific therapeutic targeting of specific gene programs.
War Developments in Land Utilization and Policy in the Northern Plains

WO MAJOR changes in land use policy are required during Twar-time. The first is to accelerate the rate of flow of output from land and the second is to shift land uses from peace-time to wartime demands. These are not unrelated changes since a shift in the type of land use, such as from one crop to another, may accelerate the present flow of output. With respect to acceleration, land is one of the resources which is expendable during wartime, at least up to a certain limit, and the precarious base upon which the survival of our society now rests can justify the expenditure of certain resources currently which might otherwise be saved for the future. A new present-future balance (conservation rate) therefore is required. When we consider the possibilities of substituting land for men, even if this means "expending" certain of our land resources, surely the opportunity cost of that land is less than that of men if its fuller use will save lives at the front or will aid in winning the kind of peace later which will guarantee the manner of living desired in our democracy and in the world.
Assessment of the duplicate notifiable reporting of hepatitis B infection in Zhejiang province, China, 2005-2015

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection control has seen improvements since the introduction of the HBV vaccination program in China. However, the reported incidence rate of HBV infection remains high owing to the large pool of individuals infected before the start of the HBV immunization program. The duplicated reporting of HBV had a remarkable effect on the overestimation of HBV disease burden, according to the Chinese National Notifiable Diseases Report System (NNDRS). Methods We analyzed the data of HBV in Zhejiang province, China, collected for the years 2005–2015 from the NNDRS. The duplicate reporting cases of HBV were captured according to the same identification number or the same name, sex and date of birth, or the same name, sex and resident town/street code. We assessed the magnitude of duplicated reporting of HBV and explored the possible factors contributing to duplicated reporting. Results There were 20,078 redundant HBV cases reported from the NNDRS during 2005–2015, which accounted for 6.33% (19,272/305,654) of all patients owing to duplicate reporting in Zhejiang province, China. Some risk factors, including male sex, age ≥20 years, chronic cases, residence in outside counties, and farming as an occupation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.11) were positively associated with the risks on duplicate reporting. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that the duplicated reporting of HBV infection is common in Zhejiang, China, which has contributed to a higher HBV infection prevalence than its real value. Some characteristics might affect the probability of duplicate reporting, including sex, occupation, place of residence, HBV type, and hospital type. These findings indicated the strong need to improve the data collection, deletion of duplications, and HBV classification during HBV surveillance, in order to obtain an accurate estimate of HBV disease burden in China. We also suggest establishing a specialized system to achieve high-quality HBV infection surveillance effectively and practically.
Rethinking the Translation of Διδακτικός in 1 Timothy 3.2 and 2 Timothy 2.24

Biblical scholars and translations since John Calvin have generally understood διδακτικός in 1 Tim 3.2 and 2 Tim 2.24 as “skillful in teaching,” with a minority holding to “teachable.” Yet neither view has adequately taken into account either the linguistic evidence or contextual considerations. This article contends that, based on semantic and contextual data, διδακτικός should be translated “characterized by teaching,” that is, focusing on the fact that the would-be overseer and the “servant of the Lord” should both already have experience teaching.
Christianity, Democracy, and the Shadow of Constantine

This collection of essays makes a notable contribution to scholarship on the relationship between Orthodox Christianity and the political ethos of western democracy. Since dominant understandings o...
Calibration of RapidScat scatterometer

RapidScat is a Ku-band scatterometer that flew onboard the International Space Station (ISS) between September 2014 and November 2016. RapidScat's primary objective had been global wind vector retrieval over sea surface from the measured normalized radar cross section (σ°). The retrieved wind accuracy is therefore determined by the accuracy of the underlying σ0 measurements. To assure measurement accuracy, careful scatterometer calibration and validation is required. Cross-calibration among overlapping instruments is a common calibration method. ISS Sun-asynchronous orbit enables, for the first time, overlap with other satellite scatterometers that have been flying in Sun-synchronous orbits. This paper explores the implementation of a cross calibration method between the RapidScat and QuikScat scatterometers. QuikScat is Rapidscat's parent instrument whose spare parts were used to build the RapidScat. Biases between σ0 measurements from RapidScat and QuikScat have been computed as a function of wind speed and incidence angle for both polarizations. The work summarized in this paper addresses cross-calibration algorithm applied to Rapidscat and Quikscat using data collected in the period from January 2015 to March 2016.
Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District (2017): The U.S. Supreme Court and Special Education:

On March 22, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. This case addressed the question how much educational benefit are public schools req...
Targeted Secure Messages to Facilitate Access to Tobacco Treatment Counseling for Veterans: Feasibility Study.

Background: Studies show that combining nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with tobacco treatment counseling is most effective for smoking cessation. However, tobacco treatment counseling has been underutilized across the nation. A secure email message sent to patients already taking NRT was hypothesized to increase the utilization of tobacco treatment counseling among Veterans in New Jersey. Secure messaging for communication between patients and providers was implemented through a web-based password-protected, secure messaging account, where Veterans get notified through their personal email when they have a message awaiting them. Objective: The main objective of this project was to determine if there was a significant increase in adoption of tobacco treatment counseling among Veterans who received a secure message describing the options for tobacco treatment counseling available to them. Secondary objectives were to demographically characterize Veterans who were and were not enrolled in secure messaging, as well as those who opened or did not open a message. Finally, because the language and content of the messages were changed across project phases, this project also sought to determine (by analysis of response rates) the type of language that was most effective at eliciting a response. Methods: Over two phases, messages were sent to two samples of Veterans prescribed NRT within the prior 90 days of each phase. In phase 1, one message was sent in December 2015 (message 1). In phase 2, one message was sent in July 2016 (message 2) and the same message (message 3) was resent in August 2016 to persons who did not open message 2. Messages 2 and 3 were more directive than message 1. Response rates to message 1 versus message 2 were compared. A logistic regression analysis determined effect of age and gender on enrollment in secure messaging across both phases. The effectiveness of each phase at increasing tobacco treatment counseling was analyzed using a McNemar test. Results: Message 2, sent to 423 Veterans, had a significantly higher response rate than message 1, sent to 348 Veterans (18%, 17/93 vs 8%, 6/78, P=.04). Phase 2 (ie, messages 2 and 3) significantly increased utilization of tobacco treatment counseling (net increase of six tobacco treatment counseling adopters, P=.04), whereas phase 1 (ie, message 1) did not (net increase of two tobacco treatment counseling adopters, P=.48). Women (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3) and those aged 30 to 49 years (compared to other age groups) were more likely to be enrolled in secure messaging. Gender and age were not significant predictors of opening or replying to either message. Conclusions: Although the effect was small, secure messaging was a useful modality to increase tobacco treatment counseling. Directive content with a follow-up message appeared useful. Female Veterans and/or Veterans aged between 30 and 49 years are more likely to use secure messaging. [JMIR Ment Health 2018;5(1):e18]
A Geologic Approach to Field Methods in Fluvial Geomorphology

Abstract A geologic approach to field methods in fluvial geomorphology is useful for understanding causes and consequences of past, present, and possible future perturbations in river behavior and floodplain dynamics. Field methods include characterizing river planform and morphology changes and floodplain sedimentary sequences over long periods of time along a longitudinal river continuum. Techniques include topographic and bathymetric surveying of fluvial landforms in valley bottoms and describing floodplain sedimentary sequences through coring, trenching, and examining pits and exposures. Historical sediment budgets that include floodplain sedimentary records can characterize past and present sources and sinks of sediment along a longitudinal river continuum. Describing paleochannels and floodplain vertical accretion deposits, estimating long-term sedimentation rates, and constructing historical sediment budgets can assist in management of aquatic resources, habitat, sedimentation, and flooding issues.
Enzymatic synthesis of 2-O-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside by a cell-free particulate system of Mycobacterium smegmatis.

A cell-free particulate enzyme preparation of Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 607 catalyzed the transfer of labeled mannose from GDP[14C]mannose to methyl-α-mannopyranoside (an exogenously added acceptor) to form a product that was characterized to be 2-O-α-d-[14C]mannopyranosyl-methyl-α-D-mannopyranoside. This tranmannosylase activity was specific for both the sugar nucleotide donor and methyl monosaccharide acceptor. The reaction was stimulated by the addition of various metal ions and had a pH optimum of 6.0. The apparent Km of this transmannosylase reaction for methyl-α-d-mannopyranoside was 35 mM. The possible relationship between this “artificial” mannosyl-transfer system and the “natural” system which leads to the formation of the oligomannosides and glycoproteins is discussed.
Chapter 15 – Applications for Surface Treatment

This chapter discusses several approaches to the surface modification with lasers. These include heat treating, glazing, surface alloying, and cladding. Lasers are used to modify the properties of surfaces, especially of metals. The objective of the processing is to harden the surface to provide increased wear resistance. The CO 2 laser has the widest range of applications in the surface treatment. It usually operates at multi-kilowatt levels. The most common method of surface treatment with lasers is the heat treating method. The laser beam irradiates the metal surface and causes very rapid heating of a thin layer of material near the surface. When the beam moves to a different area on the surface, the heat deposited in the thin layer quickly conducts away, and the heated area cools rapidly. The basic idea of laser hardening is to freeze a mixture of iron and carbon in a metastable structure called martensite, which is harder than the phases of iron carbon that are normally present at room temperature.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Clinical Outcomes for Children During Emergency Department Triage.

Importance While machine learning approaches may enhance prediction ability, little is known about their utility in emergency department (ED) triage. Objectives To examine the performance of machine learning approaches to predict clinical outcomes and disposition in children in the ED and to compare their performance with conventional triage approaches. Design, Setting, and Participants Prognostic study of ED data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2015. A nationally representative sample of 52 037 children aged 18 years or younger who presented to the ED were included. Data analysis was performed in August 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures The outcomes were critical care (admission to an intensive care unit and/or in-hospital death) and hospitalization (direct hospital admission or transfer). In the training set (70% random sample), using routinely available triage data as predictors (eg, demographic characteristics and vital signs), we derived 4 machine learning–based models: lasso regression, random forest, gradient-boosted decision tree, and deep neural network. In the test set (the remaining 30% of the sample), we measured the models’ prediction performance by computing C statistics, prospective prediction results, and decision curves. These machine learning models were built for each outcome and compared with the reference model using the conventional triage classification information. Results Of 52 037 eligible ED visits by children (median [interquartile range] age, 6 [2-14] years; 24 929 [48.0%] female), 163 (0.3%) had the critical care outcome and 2352 (4.5%) had the hospitalization outcome. For the critical care prediction, all machine learning approaches had higher discriminative ability compared with the reference model, although the difference was not statistically significant (eg, C statistics of 0.85 [95% CI, 0.78-0.92] for the deep neural network vs 0.78 [95% CI, 0.71-0.85] for the reference;P = .16), and lower number of undertriaged critically ill children in the conventional triage levels 3 to 5 (urgent to nonurgent). For the hospitalization prediction, all machine learning approaches had significantly higher discrimination ability (eg, C statistic, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.78-0.81] for the deep neural network vs 0.73 [95% CI, 0.71-0.75] for the reference;P Conclusions and Relevance Machine learning–based triage had better discrimination ability to predict clinical outcomes and disposition, with reduction in undertriaging critically ill children and overtriaging children who are less ill.
Prospective evaluation of parental anxiety related to newborn foot disorder

Abstract Purpose The presence of a clubfoot is often found prenatally and some families seek counselling with a specialist. The purpose of this study was to compare the parental anxiety levels in f...
Recent population changes of Fusarium head blight pathogens: drivers and implications

Several Fusarium species cause Fusarium head blight (FHB), a devastating disease that affects wheat and other small grain cereals. Besides causing significant yield losses, FHB pathogens reduce the...
Investigation of the acoustic installation effects of an open-jet anechoic wind tunnel using computational aeroacoustics

Abstract This study focuses on acoustic installation effects that may occur during airframe noise experiments conducted in a typical open-jet anechoic wind tunnel, exemplified here by the NASA Langley Quiet Flow Facility (QFF). These acoustic installation effects are assessed through numerical simulation, using Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA). CAA calculations involve either elementary or complex noise sources and account for either canonical or representative steady jet mean flows as well as part, or all, of the testing apparatus. The results highlight how far the refraction/convection effects induced by the open jet flow and/or the reflection/diffraction effects coming from the testing apparatus may impact the acoustic measurements. All this further aids the assessment of acoustic installation effects that might be important in the type of testing typically done in anechoic wind tunnels, such as QFF. This also shows how CAA methods can facilitate the characterization of anechoic facilities, thus offering great potential in the advanced design of optimized aeroacoustic wind tunnels.
Atomistic Mechanism of Force Generation, Translocation, and Coordination in a Viral Genome Packaging Motor [preprint]

Summary Double-stranded DNA viruses package their genomes into pre-assembled protein capsids using virally-encoded ATPase ring motors. While several structures of isolated monomers (subunits) from these motors have been determined, they provide little insight into how subunits within a functional ring coordinate their activities to efficiently generate force and translocate DNA. Here we describe the first atomic-resolution structure of a functional ring form of a viral DNA packaging motor and characterize its atomic-level dynamics via long timescale molecular dynamics simulations. Crystal structures of the pentameric ATPase ring from bacteriophage asccφ28 show that each subunit consists of a canonical N-terminal ASCE ATPase domain connected to a ‘vestigial’ nuclease domain by a small lid subdomain. The lid subdomain closes over the ATPase active site and engages in extensive interactions with a neighboring subunit such that several important catalytic residues are positioned to function in trans. The pore of the ring is lined with several positively charged residues that can interact with DNA. Simulations of the ATPase ring in various nucleotide-bound states provide information about how the motor coordinates sequential nucleotide binding, hydrolysis, and exchange around the ring. Simulations also predict that the ring adopts a helical structure to track DNA, consistent with recent cryo-EM reconstruction of the φ29 packaging ATPase. Based on these results, an atomistic model of viral DNA packaging is proposed wherein DNA translocation is powered by stepwise helical-to-planar ring transitions that are tightly coordinated by ATP binding, hydrolysis, and release.
Transduction of Salivary Gland Acinar Cells with a Novel AAV Vector 44.9.

The loss of salivary gland function caused by radiation therapy of the head and neck or autoimmune disease such as Sjogren’s syndrome is a serious condition that affects a patient’s quality of life. Due to the combined exocrine and endocrine functions of the salivary gland, gene transfer to the salivary glands holds the potential for developing therapies for disorders of the salivary gland and the expression of therapeutic proteins via the exocrine pathway to the mouth, upper gastrointestinal tract, or endocrine pathway, systemically, into the blood. Recent clinical success with viral vector–mediated gene transfer for the treatment of irradiation-induced damage to the salivary glands has highlighted the need for the development of novel vectors with acinar cell tropism able to result in stable long-term transduction. Previous studies with adeno-associated virus (AAV) focused on the submandibular gland and reported mostly ductal cell transduction. In this study, we have screened AAV vectors for acinar cell tropism in the parotid gland utilizing membrane-tomato floxed membrane-GFP transgenic mice to screen CRE recombinase encoding AAV vectors of different clades to rapidly identify capsid isolates able to transduce salivary gland acinar cells. We determined that AAVRh10 and a novel isolate found as a contaminant of a laboratory stock of simian adenovirus SV15, AAV44.9, are both able to transduce parotid and sublingual acinar cells. Persistence and localization of transduction of these AAVs were tested using vectors encoding firefly luciferase, which was detected 6 months after vector administration. Most luciferase expression was localized to the salivary gland compared to that of distal organs. Transduction resulted in robust secretion of recombinant protein in both blood and saliva. Transduction was species specific, with AAVRh10 having stronger transduction activity in rats compared with AAV44.9 or AAV2 but weaker in human primary salivary gland cells. This work demonstrates efficient transduction of parotid acinar cells by AAV that resulted in secretion of recombinant protein in both serum and saliva.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Cerebral Growth Across Childhood in Boys and Girls With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract Background Cerebral overgrowth is frequently reported in children but not in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This suggests that early cerebral overgrowth is followed by normalization of cerebral volumes. However, this notion is predicated on cross-sectional research that is vulnerable to sampling bias. For example, autistic individuals with disproportionate megalencephaly, a subgroup with higher rates of intellectual disability and larger cerebral volumes, may be underrepresented in studies of adolescents and adults. Furthermore, extant studies have cohorts that are predominately male, thus limiting knowledge of cerebral growth in females with ASD. Methods Growth of total cerebral volume, gray matter (GM) volume, and white matter volume as well as proportion of GM to total cerebral volume were examined in a longitudinal sample comprising 273 boys (199 with ASD) scanned at up to four time points (mean ages = 38, 50, 64, and 137 months, respectively) and 156 girls (95 with ASD) scanned at up to three time points (mean ages = 39, 53, and 65 months, respectively) using mixed-effects modeling. Results In boys with ASD, cerebral overgrowth in the ASD with disproportionate megalencephaly subgroup was predominately driven by increases in GM and persisted throughout childhood without evidence of volumetric regression or normalization. In girls with ASD, cerebral volumes were similar to those in typically developing girls, but growth trajectories of GM and white matter were slower throughout early childhood. The proportion of GM to total cerebral volume declined with age at a slower rate in autistic boys and girls relative to typically developing control subjects. Conclusions Longitudinal evidence does not support the notion that early brain overgrowth is followed by volumetric regression, at least from early to late childhood.
Conquering Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease - 50 Years of Progress.

Conquering Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Substantial reductions in cardiovascular mortality in the United States reflect the power of a system that catalyzes the integration of basic scien...
00006 Yield of routine PET/CT surveillance imaging after primary surgical treatment for asymptomatic patients with high-risk stage II/III melanoma

ABSTRACT IMPACT: The results of this research may influence NCCN guidelines on PET/CT surveillance for this population of patients for whom the guidelines are currently vague. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We aim to quantify and describe the yield of surveillance PET/CT for detecting asymptomatic recurrence of melanoma after primary surgical treatment for stages IIB, IIC, and IIIA. Our goal is to provide evidence to inform appropriate guidelines for scheduling surveillance PET/CT for this population. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This is a retrospective study of patients who have undergone a PET/CT at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Data will be collected in our Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database. The sample size is 158. Data analysis will be explanatory for the yield of imaging and description of false positives and additional unnecessary workup. Survival endpoints will be reported and multivariate analysis with subgroups will be performed for predictors of PET/CT results. Cost-efficiency analysis will be conducted in collaboration with the Center for Health Economics and Policy (CHEP), with emphasis on a patient-oriented perspective. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: To date, we have collected data for 158 patients, with approximately equal numbers of each stage (56 IIB, 54 IIC, 48 IIIA). Due to lack of clear guidelines for this population, there is significant variation of imaging schedules and results between similar patients or groups of patients. This makes it difficult to anticipate results. Based on clinical experience, literature review, and preliminary data, we may anticipate lower yield of routine PET/CT for the detection of asymptomatic recurrence, with frequent false negatives and occasional false positives, in addition to detection and further workup of benign processes. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The high-risk stages IIB, IIC, and IIIA currently occupy a gray area where surveillance PET/CT remains controversial. For this group of patients, it is important to weigh the benefits of early detection and risks of false positives, unnecessary workup and anxiety, and cost.
Tyranny During the English and French Revolutions: Cromwell, Napoleon and Louis Napoleon

Oliver Cromwell led his New Model Army of craftsmen and yeoman farmers to victory over the King and his knightly aristocracy. The King was beheaded, democracy established and Cromwell installed as “Lord Protector.” When the gentry rich attempted to establish an oligarchy and exclude non-property holders, Cromwell became a dictator—in order to maintain the democratic nature of the parliament. In France, the revolution overthrew the King and aristocracy, but failed to establish a stable democracy. Anarchy and the “Reign of Terror” brought forth Napoleon to restore order. Napoleon crowned himself “Emperor,” but was a dictator ruling through the power of the huge army which he helped recruit. These dictatorships were temporary, but they foreshadowed the events in Italy, Germany and Spain which occurred later.
Healthcare Professionals and Telehealth Usability During COVID-19

Objective: During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many other health providers needed to rapidly adopt telehealth services to ensure continuity of patient care, without the opportunity to extensively evaluate the usability of the adopted technology. Therefore, this study aims to examine health professionals’ telehealth usability during COVID-19 in Florida. Design: This cross-sectional study employed the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) to licensed healthcare providers in Florida in June 2020. Setting and Participants: A total of 399,660 selected health professionals with Florida licensure were recruited from open-access Florida healthcare to participate in a Qualtrics web-based survey. A total of 1868 health professionals completed the survey. Multiple linear and mixed regression models were applied to analyze the overall and subdomain scores from TUQ. Main outcome measures: Telehealth Usability. Results: The analysis of overall TUQ score showed younger, female healthcare professionals, and participants who reported an increase of telehealth usage during pandemic had a significantly higher overall TUQ score. Compared with the score from physicians and nurses, the scores from the mental health group and social work group were significantly higher, while the score rehabilitation group was significantly lower. Analysis of the subdomain scores were consistent with the overall scores. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that the health professionals’ telehealth usability is related to age, gender, and the change of telehealth usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. While pandemics represent only one possible impetus for the healthcare system to swiftly switch to telehealth platforms, each profession should consider providing adequate resources to accommodate the need for change.
Hydrogen generation from serpentinization of iron-rich olivine on Mars, icy moons, and other planetary bodies

Abstract Serpentinization of olivine-rich ultramafic rocks is increasingly recognized to have been widespread in the solar system throughout its history. This process has gained particular attention among planetary scientists because it generates molecular hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4), compounds that can supply metabolic energy to biological communities and contribute to greenhouse warming of planetary atmospheres. While serpentinization of olivine has been the subject of numerous experimental and theoretical studies over the years, this work has focused almost exclusively on the magnesium-rich olivine that is characteristic of the terrestrial mantle. In contrast, very few studies have examined serpentinization of the more iron-enriched olivine compositions that may be more common in other rocky planetary bodies in the solar system. Accordingly, a series of thermodynamic models were constructed to investigate secondary mineral formation and H2 generation during serpentinization of olivine as a function of Fe content and temperature. The results show that serpentinization of Fe-rich olivine is capable of generating substantially greater amounts of H2 per mole than is observed for serpentinization of Mg-rich olivine, by a factor of two to ten depending on temperature and olivine composition. For all olivine compositions, H2 is generated from ferric Fe incorporated into both magnetite and serpentine at higher temperatures; however, it is derived exclusively from precipitation of serpentine at lower temperatures as brucite replaces magnetite in the equilibrium secondary mineral assemblage. Serpentine and brucite formed during serpentinization are predicted to become increasingly enriched in Fe with greater Fe content of the original olivine, although the serpentine has proportionally lower Fe contents than the olivine while brucite has somewhat higher Fe contents. Between 10% and 40% of the Fe partitioned into serpentine occurs in the ferric state (FeIII), which accounts for a substantial fraction of H2 production for most conditions. In addition, the maximum temperature at which olivine undergoes serpentinization decreases with increasing Fe content of the olivine, so that Fe-enriched olivine can remain stable to lower temperatures when compared with more Mg-rich olivine compositions. Overall, the results indicate that serpentinization on other planetary bodies may have a substantially greater capacity to supply H2 to support biological communities and enhance atmospheric greenhouse warming than analogous processes on Earth.
Antiepiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid represents an autoimmune response to subunits present in laminin 5 (α3β3γ2)

Sera from 20 patients with antiepiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid were studied to define the specific reactivity of their IgG autoantibodies. IgG from all patients bound exclusively to the dermal side of 1 mol/L NaCl split skin and immunoprecipitated laminin 5 (alpha3beta3gamma2) from extracts of human keratinocytes (HKs). Immunoblot studies on purified laminin 5 subunits demonstrated that patient IgG bound alpha3 alone in 16 patients. In two patients, IgG autoantibodies were directed predominantly to the gamma2 subunit, yet showed trace reactivity to alpha3 as well. Sera from two patients did not immunoblot any laminin 5 subunits, their IgG presumably immunoprecipitating laminin 5 via a conformational epitope. Sera from patients with alpha3 subunit-specific IgG immunoprecipitated all subunits of laminin 5 as well as polypeptides of 190 and 200 kDa from the conditioned media of HKs. Preclearance studies and experiments utilizing affinity-purified patient IgG demonstrated that the latter signified laminin 6 (alpha3beta1gamma1) that was bound by cross-reactive alpha3 subunit-specific patient IgG. Sera from patients with gamma2 subunit-specific IgG showed no reactivity to laminin 6, except for faint reactivity provided by low levels of their alpha3 subunit-specific IgG. Taken together, these findings indicate that antiepiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid signifies an autoimmune response to subunits present in laminin 5.
Assessing Responses to Literature

This chapter examines research on issues of validity and reliability in assessment of students’ literary responses associated with their experiential transaction with a literary text. It describes the uses of summative assessment of learning literary responses as well as formative assessment for fostering learning of literary responses. It posits that effective summative assessment of literary responses involves open-ended writing tasks or uses of student-generated portfolios based on students’ written responses over time in lieu of multiple choice items, while at the same time taking into account the influence of differences in language proficiency, requiring development of prompts and tasks designed to accommodate for variations in language proficiency. It posits that effective formative assessment of oral literary responses involves facilitation of classroom or online discussions whereby students can generate ample responses for teachers to assess based on shared criteria or rubrics that can also be used to foster students’ self-assessing of their discussion responses. And, to provide effective formative assessment of students’ written literary responses, it recommends creating engaging, open-ended writing assignments with clearly specified criteria for defining effective interpretations so that teachers can provide descriptive feedback through individual conferences, written comments, or audio recordings to foster student self-assessing and revision of their writing, as well as training peers to provide feedback. Keywords: Assessment methods; Classroom assessment; Reading; Teaching methods; Writing
Ambient-field Green's functions from asynchronous seismic observations

[1] We demonstrate that the coda of station-to-station Green's functions extracted from the ambient seismic field in southern California reach stability in the microseism band (5–10 s) after correlating six months of noise data. The coda stability makes it possible to retrieve Green's functions between stations that operate asynchronously through scattered waves as recorded by a network of fiducial stations. The Green's functions extracted from asynchronous and synchronous data have comparable quality as long as stable virtual coda are used, and both show good convergence to the Green's functions extracted from 1 year of seismic noise with ∼50 fiducial stations. This approach suggests that Green's functions can be extracted across seismic stations regardless of whether or not they are occupied simultaneously, which raises the prospect of a new mode for seismic experiments that seek to constrain Earth structure.
Archaeologica Peruana: Prehispanic Architecture and Civilization in the Andes.

Archaeologica Peruana: Prehispanic Architecture and Civilization in the Andes. Elisabeth Bonnier and Henning Bischof. eds. Mannheim, Germany: Reiss-Museum, 1997. 236 pp.
Competitive factors and their relative importance in the US electronics and computer industries

The process of identifying and ranking the competitive factors is critical to management for formulating manufacturing strategy because it prioritizes criteria by which manufacturing performance will eventually be evaluated. An empirical study of 382 US computer and electronics firms shows that higher product quality and lower production cost are the most important competitive factors. However, the correlations of these two competitive factors and sales growth and profitability performance measures are not statistically significant. The results suggest that achieving high quality or low cost alone is not enough to improve or sustain a firm’s competitive position and there is a need to explore the emerging role of innovation and advanced manufacturing technology for achieving sustainable competitive advantage.
Heme oxygenase-1 in tissue pathology: the Yin and Yang.

Heme is a versatile molecule in nature and serves as the prosthetic moiety for numerous hemoproteins involved in oxygen delivery, electron transfer, and signal transduction. 1 However, when left unattended, the same heme can promote free radical formation and lipid peroxidation, resulting in cell damage and tissue injury. 2-4 Thus, a fine balance between heme synthesis and catabolism is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Whereas biosynthesis of heme is catalyzed by multiple enzymes, the only physiological mechanism of heme degradation is through heme oxygenase (HO). 1 Heme oxygenase catalyzes breakdown of the protoporphyrin ring, producing biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and free ferrous iron. 5 To this date, three isoforms of heme oxygenase have been identified. 6 Among them, HO-1, unlike the other two (HO-2 and -3), shows limited expression under normal situations and is induced by a variety of physiological stimuli. 5,7,8 Heme, free iron, and a number of oxidative stressors can markedly potentiate this inductive response. Transcriptional control of HO-1 is mediated by multiple factors including NFκB and AP-1. Both of these transcription factors are activated by free radicals generated by heme, iron, and other unrelated agents. 5,7-10 Then what is the biological meaning of the specific induction? For some time, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that HO-1 induction is an adaptive response to cellular stresses. 5,7,8
Gender, smoking status, and risk behavior attitudes explain adolescents' patterns of nicotine replacement therapy use

Treatment studies provide minimal support for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with youth; however, survey studies suggest that adolescents use NRT, and may engage in inappropriate use. The current study sought to examine patterns of NRT use and risk factors for use to further aid smoking cessation efforts including prevention of potential misuse. In-school surveys assessing socio-demographic and behavioral factors associated with NRT use, gum or patch, were completed by 4078, predominantly African American, high school students. Approximately 5% of students reported former or current use of NRT products: 42% gum, 29% patch, and 29% both gum and patch. Among smokers, 5.4% reported use of both NRT gum and patch, with exclusive use of gum twice as likely as exclusive use of the patch. Those with high-risk-taking attitudes were more likely than low-risk takers (3% vs. 1%) to report use of both products, with exclusive gum use more prevalent than patch use. A cumulative logit model revealed males, risk takers, and/or smokers were at greatest odds for NRT use. Among this adolescent sample, NRT gum was used more often than the patch. Adolescent males, risk takers, and/or smokers appear more likely to use NRT (gum and/or patch) compared to their counterparts, despite limited empirical support for effective use of these products as cessation aids among adolescents. Smoking cessation and prevention programs may emphasize appropriate NRT use, specifically within these populations.
MRI of carcinoid tumors: Spectrum of appearances in the gastrointestinal tract and liver

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of appearances of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to elucidate patterns of appearances of carcinoid liver metastases on precontrast and postgadolinium images. The MR examinations of 29 patients (11 men, 18 women; age range, 33-87 years) with histologically confirmed gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, representing our complete 9.5 years of experience with this entity, were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve patients had MR examinations prior to resection or biopsy of the primary tumor (preoperative group); 17 patients were imaged postsurgically (postoperative group). All MR studies were performed at 1.5 T and comprised T1-weighted spoiled gradient echo (SGE), T2-weighted fat-suppressed turbo spin echo, HASTE, and serial postgadolinium T1-weighted SGE sequences without and with fat suppression. Morphology, signal intensity, and contrast enhancement of primary tumors and of metastases to the mesentery, peritoneum, and liver were evaluated. Primary tumors were visualized in 8 of 12 patients and best demonstrated on postgadolinium T1-weighted fat-suppressed images. The appearance of primary tumors was a nodular mass originating from the bowel wall (4 of 12 patients) or regional uniform bowel wall thickening (4 of 12 patients) with moderate intense enhancement on postgadolinium images. In 4 of 12 patients the primary tumor was prospectively not seen. Mesenteric metastases, seen in eight patients, presented as nodular masses and were associated with mesenteric stranding in seven patients. A total of 156 liver metastases were evaluated in 16 patients. On precontrast T1- and T2-weighted images, 117 metastases (75%) were hypointense and hyperintense, respectively. A total of 146 metastases (94%) were hypervascular, showing moderate intense enhancement during the hepatic arterial phase, and 9 metastases (6%) were hypovascular. Twenty-three metastases (15%) were visible only on immediate postgadolinium images. MRI is able to demonstrate findings in carcinoid tumors, including the primary tumor, mesenteric metastases, and liver metastases. Liver metastases are commonly hypervascular and may be demonstrable only on immediate postgadolinium images.
Tariffs and location specific income redistribution

Abstract Distributional impacts of a specific tariff are examined when domestic consumers are spatially distributed, domestic and foreign transportation costs are significant, and spatial discrimination is practiced by oligopolistically interdependent domestic and foreign producers. Perhaps the most significant implication of the model is that the degree to which freight absorption occurs is an important consideration in the evaluation of protection. Whether firms adopt L.o.b or discriminatory charges for shipments critically affects the distributional outcome of commercial policy. In fact, freight absorption proves to be qualitatively as important as demand function shapes and sellers' conjectural variations to the results.
The Rate Region of a Cooperative Scheduling System

The rate region of a cooperative scheduling system for the downlink two-user case is addressed in this paper. We begin with finding optimal scheduling schemes that achieve boundary points on the rate region for the non-cooperative two-user scenario. Then, optimal scheduling schemes are derived for the case when users are allowed to cooperate. Finally, the rate region of a downlink cooperative system based on the class of optimal cooperative scheduling schemes, is found.
Concurrent synthesis of histone and deoxyribonucleic acid in liver after partial hepatectomy.

SYNTHESIS of DNA and histone has been shown to be coupled in HeLa S-3 cells1 and in Euplotes eurystomus2. In contrast, the rise in the synthesis of liver histones after partial hepatectomy of the rat has been reported to begin several hours before DNA replication3–6. The discrepancy between the results with regenerating liver and HeLa cells seems to imply that a fundamental difference exists in the mechanisms which regulate histone synthesis in the two cells. For this reason, the temporal relationships of histone and DNA formation were re-examined in regenerating rat liver.
Induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition by protease activity in rats: A mechanism of hepatocyte necrosis

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MMPT) has been proposed as a mechanism of cell necrosis. In contrast, it has been suggested that enhanced activity of calpain-like proteases causes cell necrosis. To integrate these concepts, the hypothesis that stimulation of mitochondrial calpain-like protease activity induces the MMPT was developed. METHODS: Calpain-like protease activity and the MMPT were measured in rat liver mitochondria. The mitochondrial membrane potential and cell necrosis were measured in rat hepatocytes. RESULTS: The protease inhibitor Cbz-Leu-Leu-Tyr-CHN2 inhibited both calpain-like protease activity and induction of the MMPT by Ca2+ and tert-butyl hydroperoxide. This effect of Cbz-Leu-Leu-Tyr-CHN2 was specific because serine, aspartate, and metalloprotease inhibitors did not inhibit the MMPT. The protease inhibitor Cbz-Leu-Leu-Tyr-CHN2 also delayed the onset of mitochondrial depolarization and cell necrosis during treatment of rat hepatocytes with tert-butyl hydroperoxide, a model of oxidative stress relevant to human disease. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a unifying hypothesis linking calpain-like protease activity to the MMPT in cell necrosis. We propose for the first time that activation of mitochondrial calpain-like protease activity can function as a cytolytic trigger initiating the MMPT in cell necrosis. (Gastroenterology 1996 Feb;110(2):558-66)