cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology usefulness and impact on school foodservice employees' perceptions of organizational support

A limited number of readings was found in the literature assessing hourly school foodservice employees and the culture of their work environment. The purpose of this study was to examine perceived organizational support (POS) of hourly school foodservice employees and how technology use may impact those perceptions. Specific objectives were to (a) assess POS of hourly school foodservice employees; (b) examine whether perception of technology usefulness affected POS; (c) identify whether POS affected intentions to leave the organization; (d) identify whether perceptions of technology usefulness affected intentions to leave the organization; and (e) assess differences in POS by demographic characteristics of participants. A stratified random sampling process was used to collect data from hourly school foodservice employees in the Midwest. Five self-administered surveys were sent to 322 school districts with a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. Descriptive statistics were calculated to ensure normality of data. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to determine construct validity of scales and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated to determine reliability for each of the construct scales. A correlation analysis was conducted to determine relationships between constructs. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to identify correlations involving demographic characteristics of respondents. To assess differences in POS by demographic characteristics of respondents, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. Six hundred and twenty-five usable surveys were returned. The typical respondent worked more than half-time in a small school district, was in his/her 40s, and had earned at least a high school degree or equivalent. Items on the POS scale loaded on one component,
Synthesis of polyketides from low cost substrates by the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus.

Kluyveromyces marxianus is a promising nonconventional yeast for biobased chemical production due to its rapid growth rate, high TCA cycle flux, and tolerance to low pH and high temperature. Unlike Saccharomyces cerevisiae, K. marxianus grows on low-cost substrates to cell densities that equal or surpass densities in glucose, which can be beneficial for utilization of lignocellulosic biomass (xylose), biofuel production waste (glycerol), and whey (lactose). We have evaluated K. marxianus for the synthesis of polyketides, using triacetic acid lactone (TAL) as the product. The 2-pyrone synthase (2-PS) was expressed on a CEN/ARS plasmid in three different strains, and the effects of temperature, carbon source, and cultivation strategy on TAL levels were determined. The highest titer was obtained in defined 1% xylose medium at 37°C, with substantial titers at 41 and 43°C. The introduction of a high-stability 2-PS mutant and a promoter substitution increased titer four-fold. 2-PS expression from a multi-copy pKD1-based plasmid improved TAL titers a further five-fold. Combining the best plasmid, promoter, and strain resulted in a TAL titer of 1.24 g/L and a yield of 0.0295 mol TAL/mol carbon for this otherwise unengineered strain in 3 ml tube culture. This is an excellent titer and yield (on xylose) before metabolic engineering or fed-batch culture relative to other hosts (on glucose), and demonstrates the promise of this rapidly growing and thermotolerant yeast species for polyketide production.
Endogenous endophthalmitis and other ocular manifestations of injection drug use.

Purpose of reviewThe United States has experienced a dramatic rise in opioid and injection drug use over the past 2 decades. A public health emergency was declared in 2017 and subsequently, there have been several new reports on the rise of endogenous endophthalmitis specifically associated with inj
Implementation of a modified quality assurance protocol for CBCT machines within UT health San Antonio School of Dentistry.

Objectives:To implement the quality control assurance protocol (including the re-establishment of baseline data from 2016) to monitor the stability of image quality of CBCT machines located within ...
Set cover-based methods for motif selection.

MOTIVATION De novo motif discovery algorithms find statistically over-represented sequence motifs that may function as transcription factor binding sites. Current methods often report large numbers of motifs, making it difficult to perform further analyses and experimental validation. The motif selection problem seeks to identify a minimal set of putative regulatory motifs that characterize sequences of interest (e.g. ChIP-Seq binding regions). RESULTS In this study, the motif selection problem is mapped to variants of the set cover problem that are solved via tabu search and by relaxed integer linear programing (RILP). The algorithms are employed to analyze 349 ChIP-Seq experiments from the ENCODE project, yielding a small number of high-quality motifs that represent putative binding sites of primary factors and cofactors. Specifically, when compared with the motifs reported by Kheradpour and Kellis, the set cover-based algorithms produced motif sets covering 35% more peaks for 11 TFs and identified 4 more putative cofactors for 6 TFs. Moreover, a systematic evaluation using nested cross-validation revealed that the RILP algorithm selected fewer motifs and was able to cover 6% more peaks and 3% fewer background regions, which reduced the error rate by 7%. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The source code of the algorithms and all the datasets are available at https://github.com/YichaoOU/Set_cover_tools. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
An Operations Approach For Reducing Glycemic Variability: Evidence from a Large Primary Care Setting

Diabetes is a highly prevalent and expensive chronic disease that affects millions of Americans and is associated with multiple comorbidities. Clinical research has found long-term variation in a patient's glycated hemoglobin (A1c) levels to be linked with adverse health outcomes such as increased hospitalizations. Consequently, there is a need for innovative approaches to reduce long-term glycemic variability, and efficient ways to implement them. We draw on the management and healthcare literatures to hypothesize and then show that a key operational lever – continuity of care (CoC) – can be used to reduce glycemic variability, which in turn improves patient health. Additionally, we explore the moderating role of a key demographic characteristic – the patient's marital status – and the mediating role of medication compliance in the relationship between continuity and variability. We use a detailed and comprehensive dataset from the Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated healthcare delivery system in the United States, which permits us to control for potential sources of heterogeneity. We analyze more than 300,000 patients – over an eleven-year period – with diabetes, a chronic disease whose successful management requires managing glycemic variability. We find that CoC is related to reductions in glycemic variability, more so for patients who are not married. However, this reduction is not linear in continuity; we find evidence of curvilinearity but with a sufficiently high stationary point so that benefits almost always accrue, albeit at a diminishing rate. Additionally, we find that an important mechanism through which CoC may reduce variability is through patients' adherence to medications. We also find evidence of partial mediation for glycemic variability in the CoC-outcomes process chain. Our counterfactual analysis reveals the extent of improvement and cost savings – in the order of tens of millions of dollars – that enhanced continuity can bring, depending on where it is targeted. Our findings are validated by extensive robustness checks and sensitivity analyses. Academically, our study adds to the understanding of the importance of managing variability (via continuity in service) in settings where customers repeatedly interact with service providers. Identifying the process measures through which continuity of care reduces variability is also of interest to practitioners and policymakers as it can help design appropriate policies and pathways, both in terms of processes and staffing/work allocation.
Development of novel mathematical models for laboratory studies of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide polymer injectivity in high-permeability conduits

Hydrolyzed polyacrylamide polymer (HPAM) is the most used polymer in enhanced oil recovery operations in the oil industry. This is mainly attributed to its cost and availability. An important aspect during polymer injection in the formation for mobility control is the ability to inject the polymer easily and safely in the reservoir without having to deal with extremely high pressure gradients and without risking formation fracture. This research develops two mathematical models that can help obtain values for polymer injectivity as a function of HPAM concentration, injection flowrate, and the porous media pore size. The mathematical models were developed based on experiments conducted previously using different polymer concentrations, pore sizes, and polymer injection flowrates. After the models were developed, different data were used to validate the model and examine its accuracy in determining polymer injectivity. The models were also used to predict polymer injectivity for different conditions and illustrate the pore sizes at which the polymer was not able to propagate in the formation. Since the models have several limitations, these were mentioned in the manuscript in order to reduce any error obtained while using the models.
Mapping Access and Opportunity for Students with Disabilities: Urban K–8 Schools as Pockets of Privilege

Using a DisCrit intersectional lens and statistical and spatial methods, we trace how the creation of K-8 schools functioned to create pockets of privilege in one urban U.S. school district. K-8 sc...
Movement-based mind-body practices and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults: Findings from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study.

Abstract Objectives Cognitive function is a key component of healthy aging. While conventional physical activities (walking, jogging, etc.) have been shown to support physical and cognitive health in late-life, it remains unclear whether traditional Eastern movement-based mind-body practices (MBP) have long-term cognitive benefits above and beyond conventional leisure physical activities. This study examines the relationship between movement-based MBP and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults during a 10-year follow-up period. Methods We used data from Waves 2 (2004−05) and 3 (2013−14) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. MIDUS initially surveyed a national probability sample of community-living adults aged 24–75 years in 1995 (Wave 1). Tests of cognitive functioning measuring executive function and episodic memory were added in Wave 2 and repeated in Wave 3. We estimated multivariable linear regression models to examine the effect of MBP (Wave 2) on the episodic memory and executive function (Wave 3) while controlling for covariates (sociodemographic factors, health, and cognitive function at Wave 2). Results A total of 2097 individuals aged 42–92 years (M = 64 ± 11, 56 % women) were included. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, health and functional status, and prior levels of cognitive function, engaging in MBP was independently associated with a smaller decline in episodic memory (b = 0.11, p = .03), but not executive function (b=0.03, p = .34). Discussion The findings provide the first large population-based evidence supporting the cognitive benefits of MBP over a 10-year period among middle-aged and older adults. Future research should examine whether MBP are effective non-pharmacological intervention to attenuate age-related cognitive decline.
Evidence on the effectiveness of community-based primary health care in improving HIV/AIDS outcomes for mothers and children in low- and middle-income countries: Findings from a systematic review.

Background The effectiveness of community-based primary health care (CBPHC) interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially for maternal, neonatal and child health, is well established. However, there has not been a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of CBPHC on HIV outcomes derived from rigorous assessments of primary studies. Using peer-reviewed studies of randomized interventions or those containing a specified control group and directly measuring clinical HIV outcomes, we provide evidence for the effectiveness of CBPHC on HIV outcomes for mothers and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods Eligibility criteria included studies assessing the effectiveness of community-based HIV interventions with or without a facility-based component, or multiple integrated projects, with outcome measures defining an aspect of HIV health status such as the utilization of prevention or health care services, nutritional status, serious morbidity (including clinical measures of HIV progression) or mortality of children aged five or younger and pregnant women. Articles published through June 3, 2020 were identified by searching four databases. The type of community-based projects implemented, the implementors, and the implementation strategies of each program were identified and the impact on HIV-related outcomes assessed. Results The search yielded 10 537 articles; 4881 underwent title and abstract screening after removing duplicates. Of these, 117 studies qualified for full-text screening; only 22 were included in the final analysis. Most studies showed that community-based interventions improved HIV prevention and treatment outcomes compared to facility-based approaches alone. Each study had at least one statistically significant HIV-related outcome; the non-significant outcomes found in six of the 22 studies were mostly not related to HIV programming. Most interventions were implemented by community health workers; other implementers were government workers, community members, or research staff. Strategies used included peer-to-peer education, psychosocial support, training of community champions, community-based follow-up care, home-based care, and integrated care. Conclusions CBPHC strategies are effective in improving population-based, HIV-related health outcomes for mothers and children, especially in combination with facility-based approaches. However, there is a need to assess the scalability of such interventions and integrate them into existing health systems to assess their impact on the HIV pandemic in more routine settings.
15-PGDH Regulates Hematopoietic and Gastrointestinal Fitness During Aging

Emerging evidence implicates the eicosanoid molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in conferring a regenerative phenotype to multiple organ systems following tissue injury. As aging is in part characterized by loss of tissue stem cell regenerative capacity, we tested the hypothesis that the prostaglandin-degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) contributes to the diminished organ fitness of aged mice. Here we demonstrate that genetic loss of 15-PGDH (Hpgd) confers a protective effect on aging of murine hematopoietic and gastrointestinal (GI) tissues. Aged mice lacking 15-PGDH display increased hematopoietic output as assessed by peripheral blood cell counts, bone marrow and splenic stem cell compartments, and accelerated post-transplantation recovery compared to their WT counterparts. Loss of Hpgd expression also resulted in enhanced GI fitness and reduced local inflammation in response to colitis. Together these results suggest that 15-PGDH negatively regulates aged tissue regeneration, and that 15-PGDH inhibition may be a viable therapeutic strategy to ameliorate age-associated loss of organ fitness.
Lichenometric Dating of Rock Surfaces in the Northern Cascade Range, USA

This study presents a growth curve developed from direct and indirect growth rates of Rhizocarpon geographicum lichens from study sites on Mounts Baker, Rainier, Adams, and Hood in the northern Cascade Range of the western USA. Our observations of direct growth rates are based on 31 measurements of 11 lichens growing on different surfaces. This direct growth rate dataset is complemented by indirect growth rates based on measurements of the largest lichen observed on 20 different surfaces over 24–33-yr periods. The direct and indirect datasets produce statistically indistinguishable mean radial growth rates of 0.48 and 0.50 mm yr−1, respectively. Statistical analysis of zero and first order fits of our growth rate data suggests that lichen growth is best characterized by the average of our mean growth rate (zero order) models at 0.49 mm yr−1. Our revised growth curve for the study area extends the applicable range for dating rock surface in the study area to the seventeenth century, approximately 175 years longer than previous calibrated curves.
Identification of transposon insertion mutants of Francisella tularensis tularensis strain Schu S4 deficient in intracellular replication in the hepatic cell line HepG2

Francisella tularensis is a zoonotic intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes tularemia. The subspecies tularensis is highly virulent and is classified as a category A agent of biological warfare because of its low infectious dose by an aerosol route, and its ability to cause severe disease. In macrophages F. tularensis exhibits a rather novel intracellular lifestyle; after invasion it remains in a phagosome for three to six hours before escaping to, and replicating in the cytoplasm. The molecular mechanisms that allow F. tularensis to invade and replicate within a host cell have not been well defined. We constructed a stable transposon mutagenesis library of virulent strain Schu S4 using a derivative of the EZ::TN transposon system®. Approximately 2000 mutants were screened for the inability to invade, and replicate in the hepatic carcinoma cell line HepG2. These mutants were also tested for replication within the J774.1 macrophage-like cell line. Eighteen mutants defective in intracellular replication in HepG2 cells were identified. Eight of these mutants were auxotrophs; seven had mutations in nucleotide biosynthesis pathways. The remaining mutants had insertions in genes that were predicted to encode putative transporters, enzymes involved in protein modification and turnover, and hypothetical proteins. A time course of the intracellular growth of a pyrB mutant revealed that this mutant was only able to grow at low levels within HepG2 cells but grew like wild-type bacteria in J774.1 cells. This pyrB mutant was also attenuated in mice. This is the first reported large-scale mutagenesis of a type A strain of F. tularensis and the first identification of mutants specifically defective in intracellular growth in a hepatic cell line. We have identified several genes and pathways that are key for the survival and growth of F. tularensis in a hepatic cell line, and a number of novel intracellular growth-defective mutants that have not been previously characterized in other pathogens. Further characterization of these mutants will help provide a better understanding of the pathogenicity of F. tularensis, and may have practical applications as targets for drugs or attenuated vaccines.
Factorial Markov Random Fields

In this paper we propose an extension to the standard Markov Random Field (MRF) model in order to handle layers. Our extension, which we call a Factorial MRF (FMRF), is analogous to the extension from Hidden Markov Models (HMM's) to Factorial HMM's. We present an efficient EM-based algorithm for inference on Factorial MRF's. Our algorithm makes use of the fact that layers are a priori independent, and that layers only interact through the observable image. The algorithm iterates between wide inference, i.e., inference within each layer for the entire set of pixels, and deep inference, i.e., inference through the layers for each single pixel. The efficiency of our method is partly due to the use of graph cuts for binary segmentation, which is part of the wide inference step. We show experimental results for both real and synthetic images.
Controls of streamwater dissolved inorganic carbon dynamics in a forested watershed

Iinvestigated controls of stream dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) sources andcycling along a stream size and productivity gradient in a temperate forestedwatershed in northern California. Dissolved CO2 (CO2(aq))dynamics in heavily shaded streams contrasted strongly with those of larger,open canopied sites. In streams with canopy cover > 97%, CO2 (aq)was highest during baseflow periods (up to 540 μM) and wasnegatively related to discharge. Effects of algal photosynthesis on CO2(aq) were minimal and stream CO2 (aq) was primarily controlledby groundwater CO2 (aq) inputs and degassing losses to theatmosphere. In contrast to the small streams, CO2 (aq) in larger,open-canopied streams was often below atmospheric levels at midday duringbaseflow and was positively related to discharge. Here, stream CO2(aq) was strongly influenced by the balance between autotrophic andheterotrophic processes. Dynamics of HCO3 − werelesscomplex. HCO3 − and Ca2+ were positivelycorrelated, negatively related to discharge, and showed no pattern with streamsize. Stable carbon isotope ratios of DIC (i.e. δ13C DIC)increased with stream size and discharge, indicating contrasting sources of DICto streams and rivers. During summer baseflows, δ13C DIC were13C-depleted in the smallest streams (minimum of−17.7‰) due to the influence of CO2 (aq) derived frommicrobialrespiration and HCO3 − derived from carbonateweathering. δ13C DIC were higher (up to −6.6‰)inthe larger streams and rivers due to invasion of atmospheric CO2enhanced by algal CO2 (aq) uptake. While small streams wereinfluenced by groundwater inputs, patterns in CO2 (aq) and evidencefrom stable isotopes demonstrate the strong influence of stream metabolism andCO2 exchange with the atmosphere on stream and river carbon cycles.
Herpes Simplex Virus: Genome Size and Redundancy Studied by Renaturation Kinetics

Herpes simplex virus subtype 1 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was sheared in a French press to uniform fragments, denatured by heating, then allowed to reassociate. The renaturation reaction followed second-order kinetics with a single rate constant indicating that at least 95% of the genome was unique and that repetitive sequences, if present, were not detectable by this technique. The kinetic complexity of the herpes simplex genome was determined by DNA renaturation kinetics to be (95 +/- 1) x 10(6) daltons. Since this value is in excellent agreement with the molecular weight of viral DNA [(99 +/- 5) x 10(6) daltons] obtained from velocity sedimentation studies, it is concluded that virions contain only one species of double-stranded DNA molecules 95 x 10(6) to 99 x 10(6) daltons in molecular weight.
Regularity Results for on CR-Manifolds of Hypersurface Type

We introduce a class of CR-manifolds of hypersurface type called weak Y(q)-manifolds that includes Y(q) manifolds and q-pseudoconvex manifolds. We develop the L 2-regularity theory of the complex Green operator on weak Y(q) manifolds and show that and the Kohn Laplacian have closed range at all Sobolev levels, the space of harmonic forms is finite dimensional, the Szego kernel is continuous and can be solved in C ∞ on the appropriate forms levels. Our argument involves building a weighted norm from a microlocal decomposition.
Cloning of murine adipocyte lipid binding protein in Escherichia coli. Its purification, ligand binding properties, and phosphorylation by the adipocyte insulin receptor.

Abstract The murine adipocyte lipid binding protein (ALBP) has been cloned into Escherichia coli, purified from expressing cultures, and its ligand binding and phosphorylation properties studied. In the cloning strategy, the recombinant, pT7-5 rALBP, was transformed into E. coli strain K38 harboring plasmid pGP1-2 which directs the synthesis of T7 RNA polymerase. Upon shifting the temperature from 30 to 42 degrees C to induce T7 RNA polymerase expression, the 14.6-kDa recombinant ALBP (rALBP) was expressed for approximately 2 h and accumulated to about 1% of total E. coli protein. The recombinant ALBP was soluble in E. coli extracts and resistant to bacterial proteolysis. A procedure for purifying rALBP was developed utilizing immuno-chemical detection based upon reactivity with anti-murine ALBP antiserum. A combination of acidic ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel permeation chromatography, and carboxymethyl ion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography separation was used to prepare homogeneous rALBP. Sequence analysis of rALBP indicated that the initiating methionine residue had been removed and the amino-terminal cysteine residue was not blocked. Purified rALBP exhibited stoichiometric, saturable binding of oleic acid (n = 1.0, K0.5 approximately 100 microM) and retinoic acid (n = 1.0, K0.5 approximately 170 microM). Incubation of rALBP with wheat germ agglutinin-purified insulin receptor, ATP, and 100 nM insulin resulted in a 5-fold stimulation of rALBP phosphorylation above the basal state. Kinetic analysis of rALBP phosphorylation by the 3T3-L1 insulin receptor kinase yielded a Michaelis constant (Km) of 50 microM and a maximal velocity of 1 mol of rALBP phosphorylated/min/mol insulin binding sites. Phosphoamino acid analysis indicated that phosphorylation occurred upon tyrosine. These results indicate that murine ALBP has been cloned and expressed in E. coli, purified to homogeneity, and is a substrate for the insulin receptor tyrosyl kinase in vitro.
Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca Mulatta) Maintain Learning Set Despite Second-Order Stimulus-Response Spatial Discontiguity

In many discrimination-learning tests, spatial separation between stimuli and response loci disrupts performance in rhesus macaques. However, monkeys are unaffected by such stimulusresponse spatial discontiguity when responses occur through joystick-based computerized movement of a cursor. To examine this discrepancy, five monkeys were tested on a learning-set task that required them to touch computer-graphic “levers” (which differed in location across experimental phases) with a cursor in order to select an associated test stimulus. The task produced both first-order Uoystick and lever) and second-order (lever and stimuli) spatial discontiguity between the stimuli to be discriminated and the discriminative response. Performance was significantly better than chance for all lever locations including locations in which selection of the correct lever required moving the cursor away from the positive stimulus. Thus, rhesus macaques do not attend simply to the region around the cursor in these computerized tests, but rather they attend to relevant stimulus loci eVlen when these are discontiguous with response and reward areas.
The effect of pregnancy on dietary-induced cardiovascular damage in RF strain mice

Abstract The incidence of cardiovascular damage, including atrial mural thrombosis, was studied in pregnant and nonpregnant RF mice fed a high-fat, low-protein, hypolipotropic diet. Mice which were bred were more susceptible to diet-induced damage and had a shorter survival time than unbred mice. By the end of 20 weeks all bred mice were dead, with a 63 per cent incidence of atrial thrombosis. All nonbred mice had died by the end of 40 weeks, with a 31 per cent incidence of atrial thrombosis.
In vitro fertilization versus tubal surgery: is pelvic reconstructive surgery obsolete?

Objective To compare the results of pelvic reconstructive surgery with cumulative success rates of IVF for couples with tubal factor infertility. Data Resources Outcomes of pelvic surgery were obtained from a review of articles from the literature identified by directed Medline searches. Cumulative pregnancy rates of 771 couples with tubal factor infertility treated at the Cornell IVF program between December 1989 and December 1992 were calculated by life-table analysis. Results Overall delivery rate per transfer for patients with tubal factor was 28.9% (303 deliveries per 1,048 transfers) and did not appear to be affected significantly by the presence of a secondary diagnosis. A significant decline in pregnancy rates was observed with advancing age: age 42 years, 4.3%. Cumulative pregnancy rates for cycles 1 to 4 were 32%, 59%, 70%, and 77%, respectively, in patients with only tubal factor, and 28%, 55%, 62%, and 75% in patients with tubal combined with other associated infertility factors. Conclusions Our experience suggests that > 70% of women with tubal factor infertility will have a live birth within four cycles of treatment with IVF. These results compare favorably with the best outcomes after tubal reconstructive surgery. In older women, because of the rapid decline of fertility potential with advancing age, efforts should be directed toward the treatment method that provides the highest likelihood of success within the shortest time interval.
Stably maintained microdomain of localized unrestrained supercoiling at a Drosophila heat shock gene locus.

A psoralen crosslinking assay was utilized to detect localized, unrestrained DNA supercoiling (torsional tension) in vivo in Drosophila chromosomal regions subject to differential transcriptional activity. By comparing rates of crosslinking in intact cells with those in cells where potential tension in chromosomal domains was relaxed by DNA strand nicking, the contribution to psoralen accessibility caused by altered DNA-protein interactions (e.g. nucleosomal perturbations) was distinguished from that due to the presence of unrestrained supercoiling in a region of interest. The heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) genes were wound with a significant level of superhelical tension that remained virtually unaltered whether or not the genes were transcriptionally activated by thermal elevation. Constitutively expressed 18S ribosomal RNA genes also exhibited unrestrained superhelical tension at a level comparable with that across hsp70. In contrast, flanking regions downstream of each of the divergent hsp70 genes at locus 87A7 exhibited substantially less tension. Thus the results point to the existence of stable, torsionally stressed topological domains within eukaryotic chromosomal DNA, suggesting that the relaxing action of topoisomerases is not ubiquitous throughout the nucleus but, in fact, is likely to be tightly regulated.
Measuring Sense of Place: A Scale For Michigan

This article details the development and testing of a scale used to measure the existence and strength of sense of place among Michigan's residents. Sense of place is a concept that refers to the manner in which individuals relate or feel about the places in which they live. By definition place includes the home, neighborhoods, communities, or even an area as large as the state of Michigan. Subscales addressing sense of place constructs (place attachment, place identity, place dependence) were incorporated into the final instrument. Data, provided by registered voters, were collected on a statewide basis. Results show that 80.1% of the respondents possessed a sense of place regarding the state and 87.7% included Michigan in their self identity. Testing of the scale employing Cronbach's alpha (α = .87) revealed the instrument to be a reliable tool useful for measuring the attitude.
Level-crossing spectroscopy of diatomic molecules and excited state coupling parameters; ϱ-type doubling in 2Σ states

Abstract It is pointed out that zero-field level-crossing spectroscopy provides a method for measuring coupling in excited states which is often small compared to Doppler line widths. Such couplings as nuclear spin-electron spin and nuclear rotation-electron spin are removed by application of small magnetic fields often in a simple way. If they depend upon one parameter the Zeeman effect during decoupling is predictable. In the example of NS coupling in a 2 Σ state, the splitting parameter for this “ϱ-type” doubling is of this type. Its determination is discussed.
Lessons learned when innovations go awry: a baseline description of a behavioral trial—the Enhancing Fitness in Older Overweight Veterans with Impaired Fasting Glucose study

Individuals diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance (i.e., prediabetes) are at increased risk for developing diabetes. We proposed a clinical trial with a novel adaptive randomization designed to examine the impact of a home-based physical activity (PA) counseling intervention on metabolic risk in prediabetic elders. This manuscript details the lessons learned relative to recruitment, study design, and implementation of a 12-month randomized controlled PA counseling trial. A detailed discussion on how we responded to unforeseen challenges is provided. A total of 302 older patients with prediabetes were randomly assigned to either PA counseling or usual care. A novel adaptive design that reallocated counseling intensity based on self-report of adherence to PA was initiated but revised when rates of non-response were lower than projected. This study presents baseline participant characteristics and discusses unwelcome adaptations to a highly innovative study design to increase PA and enhance glucose metabolism when the best-laid plans went awry.
Terahertz radiation from InAs induced by carrier diffusion and drift

Terahertz (THz) radiation from a (100) oriented InAs surfaces is dominated by the photo-Dember effect. The strength of the radiation is influenced by screening the radiation with doped carriers. When irradiated by femtosecond pulses, the wafer with the lowest doping concentration radiates THz power nearly two orders higher than the wafer with highest doping concentration. With identical optical excitation and same doping concentration, a $p$-type InAs generates stronger THz waves than an $n$-type InAs due to the weaker screening effect. The low doping $p$-type InAs ($1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{16}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$) sample is the strongest THz wave emitter among all the unbiased semiconductors we have ever tested with a Ti:sapphire laser oscillator. The drift-diffusion equation (DDE) is used in the study of carrier drift and diffusion as well as subsequent THz radiation from InAs wafers. The calculation explains well the experimental observation of the relationship between a THz electric field and the doping properties of InAs. The physical pictures of the carrier drift and diffusion characteristics in InAs surfaces are also clearly provided in this report.
A Correlation of the Mössbauer Isomer Shift and the Residual Electrical Resistivity for 197Au Alloys

In the theoretical discussion of metals, it is often convenient to describe the metallic sample by using a single potential well for the conduction electrons. The Bloch wave functions which extend throughout the entire sample give an approximate solution to the corresponding quantum mechanical problem. When an impurity is dissolved in the metal, the electron wave functions again will, in general, extend throughout the sample. We may then expect a correlation between different physical phenomena associated with the impurity which may each depend predominantly on the different regions of the wave function. For a suitable host and impurity, we should observe a correlation between the charge density at the impurity nucleus, ρ(0), and the transport cross section per impurity atom, σ tr, which the impurity atoms present to the host conduction electrons. For impurity atoms whose nuclei have resonant γ-ray transitions suitable for Mossbauer effect studies,1 a measurement of the isomer shift will give information2 about ρ(0). For suitable dilute alloys, the measurement of the residual electrical resistivity per at. %, ΔR/c, will give σ tr. Thus, we may expect a correlation between the isomer shift, v I, of the resonance γ-ray energy, E γ, of the nucleus of an impurity in a dilute alloy with ΔR/c due to that impurity in the alloy.
Improving the dewetability characteristics of hydrophobic fine particles by air bubble entrapments

Abstract The present study deals with the role of surface hydrophobicity and air bubble entrapment on filtration / dewatering of fine coal particles (− 0.5 mm). The experimental results showed that hydrophobizing reagents increased the contact angle (or hydrophobicity) and decreased the filtrate surface tension, cake formation time and moisture content of the fine particles. In addition to these, when the air bubbles were introduced to the hydrophobic fine coal particles in water, the cake formation time and moisture content of the filter cake were further reduced, which may be attributed to the fact that micro/nano size air bubbles were entrapped on the surface of the fine particles in a slurry and increased the dewetting characteristics of the fine particles. As a result, this process may lower the amount of moisture trapped during the dewatering fine particles and increase the efficiency of the filters.
3D interconnect metrology in CMS/ITRI

Semiconductor device packaging technology is rapidly advancing, in response to the demand for thinner and smaller electronic devices. Three-dimensional chip/wafer stacking that uses through-silicon vias (TSV) is a key technical focus area, and the continuous development of this novel technology has created a need for non-contact characterization. Many of these challenges are novel to the industry due to the relatively large variety of via sizes and density, and new processes such as wafer thinning and stacked wafer bonding. This paper summarizes the developing metrology that has been used during via-middle & via-last TSV process development at EOL/ITRI. While there is a variety of metrology and inspection applications for 3D interconnect processing, the main topics covered here are via CD/depth measurement, thinned wafer inspection and wafer warpage measurement.
Antithyroid dugs: To breast-feed or not to breast-feed

Historically, women taking antithyroid drugs generally have not been permitted to breast-feed. However, recent studies suggest that infants exposed to the small amounts of antithyroid drugs in breast milk experience no change in thyroid function. Propylthiouracil is the drug of choice in this situation, since it does not cross membranes readily, and milk concentrations are therefore quite low. However, methimazole in low dosages might be used if the infant's thyroid status was monitored at frequent intervals.
A STUDY OF THE TOXIC PROPERTIES OF TUBERCULO-PROTEINS AND POLYSACCHARIDES

The temperature reaction in tuberculous and normal guinea pigs and rabbits is elicited by the tuberculo-protein and probably not at all by the polysaccharides. The polysaccharides may have some killing power under certain conditions, but this is not as consistently related to dosage as in the case of the proteins. Both proteins and polysaccharides cause a change in the white blood cells when introduced by any route.
Executive Physicals — Bad Medicine on Three Counts

Many executives take part in one of modern medicine's most expensive and least proven approaches to care: the executive physical. Dr. Brian Rank argues that executive physicals are not good for the patients who undergo them, for the companies that pay for them, or for the health care system overall.
A measure of the effective electric-dipole polarizability of argon

Abstract The electric dipole polarizability has been determined in a unique way. Binary complexes of argon with transition metal cations have been studied by optical spectroscopy. The vibrational structure of electronic transitions near the dissociation limit of the upper state quantifies the forces between the atoms. The polarizability of argon is determined from the charge-induced-dipole force in four different molecular ions as 1.49 ± 0.10 A 3 . This is lower than the accepted value by 9%. This discrepancy may imply that the multipole expansion of the charge distortion does not have linearly independent coefficients in the field of an ion at close range. Induced higher-order moments appear to reduce the effective dipole polarizability.
Feeder transit services: Choosing between fixed and demand responsive policy

Abstract The Demand Responsive Connector (DRC) connects a residential area to a major transit network through a transfer point and is one of the most often adopted types of flexible transit services. In this paper, analytical and simulation models are developed to assist planners in the decision making process when having to choose between a demand responsive and a fixed-route operating policy and whether and when to switch from one to the other during the day. The best policy is chosen to maximize the service quality, defined as a weighed sum of customer walking time, waiting time and ride time. Based on the results of one-vehicle operations for various scenarios, we have generated critical customer demands, which represent switching points between the competing service policies. Our findings show that the critical demands are in the range from 10 to 50 customers/mile 2 /h and that a demand responsive policy is more preferred during afternoon peak hours.
Differential-Braking-Based Rollover Prevention for Sport Utility Vehicles with Human-in-the-loop Evaluations

An anti-rollover control algorithm based on the Time-To-Rollover (TTR) metric is proposed in this paper. A simple model with steering and direct yaw moment control inputs was constructed to calculate the TTR in real-time. The TruckSim dynamic simulation software was used to verify the control performance, as well as to simulate the system dynamics in the UM-Oakland driving simulator. Both the simple and complex (TruckSim) models were tuned to match the behavior of a 1997 Jeep Cherokee vehicle with lateral acceleration up to 0.6 g. The performance of the proposed control system was compared with other threshold-based rollover-prevention control algorithms. Finally, a human-in-the-loop experiment was conducted to study the performance of the proposed algorithm under more realistic driving conditions.
Phosphoinositide hydrolysis by phospholipase C modulated by multivalent cations La3, Al3+, neomycin, polyamines, and melittin

Abstract Second messenger production from phosphoinositide hydrolysis is regulated by different pathways, such as G-proteins or tyrosine phosphorylation of phosphoinositide phospholipase C (PI-PLC). Another means of altering the activity of PI-PLC is through cation interaction with the phosphoinositide substrate. A variety of organic and inorganic multi-valent cations were examined for their effects on the activity of purified PI-PLC δ. Surprisingly, the cations produced both stimulation and inhibition of PI-PLC catalyzed phosphoinositide hydrolysis, depending on the substrate and the ion to phosphoinositide stoichiometry. These data support the hypothesis that ionic complexes with phosphoinositides may alter their hydrolysis by PI-PLC.
Spontaneous assembly of bilayer membranes on a solid surface

The planar bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) is usually formed by spreading a solution of phospholipids dissolved in an alkane solvent across an aperture immersed in aqueous solution [1,2]. Formed in this manner, these BLMs are in an equilibrium state with surrounded thick annulus, called the Plateau-Gibbs (P-G) border, and the bathing solution. White has shown that dimensions of the aperture and septum for supporting the BLM can be critical 131. The dynamic behavior of BLMs depend in part upon the P-G border. The spontaneous thining of system to the bilayer stage was first reported almost 30 years ago [4]. BLM’s have been used over these years as excellent models of biological membranes [l]_ In addition, recent advances in microelectronics coupled with a sustained interest in ultrathin organic films, have prompted a number of investigators to study the BLM system as a basis for molecular devices, as well as for the development of eventual electrochemical sensors and electrochemical biosensors [5-81. In a recent communication [9], we reported a novel method for formation of long lasting BLMs on solid substrates. This technique consists of two consecutive self-assembling steps. In the first step the substrate on which the BLM to be formed is surrounded with lipid molecules dissolved in a hydrophobic solvent. A freshly cut metallic surface (i.e. the TefIon (TEF)-coated platinum (Pt) wire) has great affinity for lipid molecules. Amphipathic lipid molecules interact with the nascent metallic surface because they are highly hydrophilic. Then, this end of Pt wire is immensed into a bathing solution. The lipid layer adhering to the metal surface will thin down to a thin lipid layer under favorable conditions. In the second step of self-assembly
ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO ANALYZE THE RANK ORDERED DATA: A CASE OF INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL

. Data collected regarding homeowner preferences for various Formosan Subterranean termite control methods were analyzed using ordered probit and exploded logit models. Ordered probit model for first, second and fourth preferences had similar variables significant, although the first preference model had many significant variables. The most important variable, in terms of significance, across all preferences was the perception that a respondent thinks that termite existence is a problem in their neighborhood. The results from the exploded logit model indicated that a control option with liquid treatment option and more visits by a pest control agency is a less preferred treatment option. This paper was presented at the 2004 Research Modeling Association World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling in Melbourne, Australia.
Ecological Studies on Reithrodontomys megalotis in Indiana

Since August 1969, 182 Reithrodontomys megalotis have been taken in Newton County, Indiana. Because there were no previous records for the state, the species might have recently invaded Indiana from the west. The largest population known occupies a rye field that was undisturbed from spring 1969 through December 1970. Harvest mice might have been moving from the rye field into surrounding areas. Indiana harvest mice appear to breed from March to November. From two to six embryos (mean, 3.8) were found in 30 pregnant females. Radfordia subuliger was the only external parasite regularly found (1.30 per mouse and present on 27.2 per cent of individuals), with Androlaelaps fahrenholzi being second in abundance. Other external parasites found were three specimens of Dermacarus hypudaei and two species of fleas (six Epitedia wenmanni and four Orchopeas leucopus ). Seeds and green shoots of rye were the most important foods, followed by lepidopterous larvae. Setaria and other grass seeds were important in habitats other than the rye field. Small mammals most commonly trapped with R. megalotis in Indiana were Peromyscus maniculatus, P. leucopus, Mus musculus , and Microtus ochrogaster . Indiana harvest mice are morphologically smaller and more variable than individuals from established populations in Nebraska.
Studies on the purification of vaccinia virus

Abstract : Various methods are described and compared for removing extraneous matter from vaccinia virus suspensions. Of ten procedures tested, differential centrifugation and Freon extraction were the most successful. Both the partially purified suspensions and the dried products prepared from them had high virus titers in embryonated eggs and high infectivity for mice. Although both processes resulted in products with the same titers, the differentially centrifuged product was approximately tenfold more purified as shown by the percentage solids of the suspensions before freeze drying.