Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Focusing on the Forgone: How Value Can Appear So Different to Buyers and Sellers

We propose that buying- and selling-price estimates reflect a focus on what the consumer forgoes in the potential exchange and that this notion offers insight into the well-known difference between those two types of value assessment. Buyers and sellers differ not simply in their valuation of the same item but also in how they assess the value. Buyers tend to focus on their sentiment toward what they forgo (typically, the expenditure), and buying prices are thus heavily influenced by variables such as salient reference prices. By the same token, sellers tend to focus on their sentiment toward surrendering the item, and selling prices are hence more heavily influenced by variables such as benefits of possessing the item. Four studies examining buying- and selling-price estimates of tickets for National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball games offer consistent support for these ideas. The studies show that naturally occurring differences among respondents in attitudes relating to the tickets that sellers forgo (e.g., significance of the game) corresponded more closely to variation in selling prices than in buying prices. Conversely, measures relating to the expenditure (e.g., respondents’ concern with money) corresponded more closely to buying prices than to selling prices. Using controlled manipulations we then showed that changes in aspects relating to the game (e.g., expected climate in the stadium) affected selling prices more than buying prices, but changes relating to the expenditure (e.g., list price of the ticket) influenced buying prices more than selling prices. We also showed that drawing attention to the benefits of possessing a ticket before asking for the price estimates influenced buying prices more than selling prices, supporting our claim that otherwise these benefits are naturally more salient to sellers than buyers. Similarly, drawing attention to alternative uses of money before asking for price estimates influenced selling prices more than buying prices.
Two outbreaks of Flavobacterium meningosepticum type E in a neonatal intensive care unit

Two separate outbreaks due to Flavobacterium meningosepticum type E occurred in a neonatal intensive care unit in March-April and July 1975. The first outbreak involved all five infants in the unit. Two infants developed meningitis, one had bacteremia, and two were colonized. During the second outbreak, five of seven infants were colonized but none developed disease. The upper respiratory tract was colonized first in most instances, and the organism persisted at this site for a mean of 17.3 days. Duration of colonization was more prolonged in infants receiving antibiotics than in untreated infants. Extensive environmental surveillance failed to demonstrate a reservoir, however, F. meningosepticum was recovered from three nasoendotracheal tubes and from an aerosol tube before colonization of four infants. The organism was resistant to most antimicrobial colonization of four infants. The organism was resistant to most antimicrobial agents tested and developed resistance to others during the treatment course of one infant. Although F. meningosepticum was not recovered from cultures of transport vehicles, several other gram-negative bacteria were isolated and were also resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Emission of Plutella xylostella-Induced Compounds from Cabbages Grown at Elevated CO2 and Orientation Behavior of the Natural Enemies1

Several plant species defend themselves indirectly from herbivores by producing herbivore-induced volatile compounds that attract the natural enemies of herbivores. Here we tested the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 (720 μmol mol−1) concentration on this indirect defense, physiological properties, and constitutive and induced emissions of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea ssp. capitata, cvs Lennox and Rinda). We monitored the orientation behavior of the generalist predator Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and the specialist parasitoid Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to plants damaged by Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in the Y-tube olfactometer. Elevated CO2 levels did not affect stomatal densities but reduced specific leaf area and increased leaf thickness in cv Lennox. In addition to enhanced constitutive monoterpene emission, P. xylostella-damaged cabbages emitted homoterpene (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, sesquiterpene (E,E)-α-farnesene, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. Growth at elevated CO2 had no significant effect on the emissions expressed per leaf area, while minor reduction in the emission of homoterpene (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene and (E,E)-α-farnesene was observed at elevated CO2 in one of two experiments. The generalist predator P. maculiventris discriminated only between the odors of intact and P. xylostella-damaged cv Rinda plants grown at ambient CO2 concentration, preferring the odor of the damaged plants. The specialist parasitoid C. plutellae preferred the odor of damaged plants of both cultivars grown at ambient CO2 but did not detect damaged cv Lennox plants grown at elevated CO2. The results suggest that elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration could weaken the plant response induced by insect herbivore feeding and thereby lead to a disturbance of signaling to the third trophic level.
Rheology of Nanocellulose-rich Aqueous Suspensions: A Review

The flow characteristics of dilute aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), and related products in dilute aqueous suspensions could be of great importance for many emerging applications. This review article considers publications dealing with the rheology of nanocellulose aqueous suspensions in the absence of matrix materials. In other words, the focus is on systems in which the cellulosic particles themselves – dependent on their morphology and the interactive forces between them – largely govern the observed rheological effects. Substantial progress in understanding rheological phenomena is evident in the large volume of recent publications dealing with such issues including the effects of flow history, stratification of solid and fluid layers during testing, entanglement of nanocellulose particles, and the variation of inter-particle forces by changing the pH or salt concentrations, among other factors. Better quantification of particle shape and particle-to-particle interactions may provide advances in future understanding. Despite the very complex morphology of highly fibrillated cellulosic nanomaterials, progress is being made in understanding their rheology, which supports their usage in applications such as coating, thickening, and 3D printing.
In vitro comparative antileukemic activity of various glucocorticoids in childhood acute leukemia.

Resistance to glucocorticoids is nowadays one of the strongest adverse risk factors in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Differential in vitro antileukemic activity of various glucocorticoids and their cross-resistance pattern in childhood acute lymphoblastic and myeloblastic leukemia was determined by means of the MTT assay in 49 successfully tested samples of childhood acute leukemia. The equivalent antileukemic concentrations of respective drugs against lymphoblasts in de novo ALL samples were: 35 microM of hydrocortisone; 8 microM of prednisolone; 1.6 microM of methylprednisolone; 0.47 microM of dexamethasone and 0.23 microM of betamethasone. In comparison to initial ALL samples, the group of relapsed ALL was more resistant to: prednisolone (38-fold, p=0.004), dexamethasone (>32-fold, p=0.004), methylprednisolone (37-fold, p=0.039), betamethasone (38-fold, p=0.018) and hydrocortisone (33-fold, p=0.030). The group of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples were resistant to: prednisolone (>83-fold, p<0.001), dexamethasone (>32-fold, p<0.004), methylprednisolone (>65-fold, p=0.003), betamethasone (>66-fold, p=0.004) and hydrocortisone (61-fold, p=0.007), when compared to ALL at presentation. A significant cross-resistance between all used glucocorticoids as well as between glucocorticoids and other tested anti-leukemic drugs was found. In some individual cases in vitro glucocorticoid cross-resistance was less pronounced and relatively good antileukemic activity of betamethasone was observed.
Differential Regulation of Transmitter Release by Presynaptic and Glial Ca2+ Internal Stores at the Neuromuscular Synapse

The differential regulation of synaptic transmission by internal Ca2+ stores of presynaptic terminals and perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs) was studied at the frog neuromuscular junction. Thapsigargin (tg), an inhibitor of Ca2+-ATPase pumps of internal stores, caused a transient Ca2+ elevation in PSCs, whereas it had no effect on Ca2+ stores of presynaptic terminals at rest. Tg prolonged presynaptic Ca2+ responses evoked by single action potentials with no detectable increase in the resting Ca2+ level in nerve terminals. However, Ca2+ accumulation was observed during high frequency stimulation. Tg induced a rapid rise in endplate potential (EPP) amplitude, accompanied by a delayed and transient increase. The effects appeared presynaptic, as suggested by the lack of effects of tg on the amplitude and time course of miniature EPPs (MEPPs). However, MEPP frequency was increased when preparations were stimulated tonically (0.2 Hz). The delayed and transient increase in EPP amplitude was occluded by injections of the Ca2+chelator BAPTA into PSCs before tg application, whereas a rise in intracellular Ca2+ in PSCs induced by inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) injections potentiated transmitter release. Furthermore, increased Ca2+buffering capacity after BAPTA injection in PSCs resulted in a more pronounced synaptic depression induced by high frequency stimulation of the motor nerve (10 Hz/80 sec). It is concluded that presynaptic Ca2+ stores act as a Ca2+clearance mechanism to limit the duration of transmitter release, whereas Ca2+ release from glial stores initiates Ca2+-dependent potentiation of synaptic transmission.
A closed-form solution for the barrier properties of randomly oriented high aspect ratio flake composites

We derive closed-form solutions for the barrier factor of flake-filled composites, in which the flakes are randomly placed and oriented, with the orientation angles uniformly distributed in an interval [−ɛ, +ɛ], 0 < ɛ < π/2. Our solutions are based on the arithmetic and harmonic averaging of the diffusivity of unidirectional misaligned flake systems. Using large-scale 2D simulations, some involving up to 50,000 individual flakes in one unit cell and spanning the regime from dilute to highly concentrated, the proposed solutions are tested against and confirmed by computational results. We use both, traditional 2D and also 1D representations of the flake cross sections. The 1D representation is suitable for very high aspect ratio flakes, such as exfoliated nano-platelets and allows us to model flake nano-composites (α > 1000) in which (αϕ) can reach levels in excess of 100. Comparison of the derived closed-form solutions to computational results reveals that both the harmonic and the arithmetic averages are adequate in dilute systems; however, at large values of (αϕ) and (ɛ), only the harmonic average is in good agreement with the computational results. The predictions of the proposed solution are also compared to those of existing literature models for the effective diffusivity of flake composites. We find that discrepancies become very significant at large (ɛ) and also at large values of (αϕ), pointing further to the conclusion that the proposed solution is currently the only accurate one to predict the effective diffusivity of randomly oriented and highly concentrated nano-flake composites.
Experimental evolution reveals trade-offs between mating and immunity

Immune system maintenance and upregulation is costly. Sexual selection intensity, which increases male investment into reproductive traits, is expected to create trade-offs with immune function. We assayed phenoloxidase (PO) and lytic activity of individuals from populations of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, which had been evolving under different intensities of sexual selection. We found significant divergence among populations, with males from female-biased populations having lower PO activity than males from balanced sex ratio or male-biased populations. There was no divergence in anti-bacterial lytic activity. Our data suggest that it is the increased male mating demands in female-biased populations that trades-off against immunity, and not the increased investment in sperm transfer per mating that characterizes male-biased populations.
Identifying and Resolving Conflicts among Agents with Hierarchical Plans

Agents can use negotiation techniques to resolve conflicts over limited resources so that they can achieve their goals. The individual plans of agents provide the necessary information for discovering and resolving such conflicts. Conflicts can be avoided by reducing or eliminating interactions by localizing plan effects to particular agents and by merging/coordinating the individual plans of agents by introducing synchronization actions. We describe a method for coordinating plans at abstract levels that takes advantage of hierarchical representations of plan information and that retains the flexibility of plans used in robust plan execution systems such as procedural reasoning systems (PRS). In order to coordinate at abstract levels in plan hierarchies, information about how abstract plans can be refined must be available in order to identify and avoid potential conflicts. We address this by providing procedures for deriving summary information for non-primitive plans that capture the external preconditions and effects of their refinements. We also describe a general search algorithm and an implementation to show how to use this information to identify conflicts and find ways to coordinate hierarchical plans from the top down to primitive actions. Agents can then negotiate over the choice of different coordination methods using any of several techniques.
Chitosan/graphene oxide biocomposite film from pencil rod

Graphene Oxide (GO) has been succesfully synthesized using Hummber method from graphite powder of pencil rod. The excellent solubility of graphene oxide (GO)in water imparts its feasibilty as new filler for reinforcement hydrophilic biopolymers. In this research, the biocomposite film was fabricated from chitosan/graphene oxide. The characteristics of graphene oxide were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results of the XRD showed graphene structur in 2θ, appeared at 9.0715°with interlayer spacing was about 9. 74063Å. Preparation films with several variations of chitosan/graphene oxide was done by casting method and characterized by mechanical and morphological analysis. The mechanical properties of the tensile test in the film show that the film CS/GO (85: 15)% has the optimum Young’s modulus size of 2.9 GPa compared to other variations of CS / GO film. Morphological analysis film CS/GO (85:15)% by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the obtained biocomposites film showed fine dispersion of GO in the CS matrix and could mix each other homogeneously.
Visual Performance and Reading Capacity of Partially Sighted Persons in a Rehabilitation Center

ABSTRACT Visual acuity and reading performance of 178 partially sighted patients from a rehabilitation center were measured using a TV text display device. A linear relation was demonstrated between visual acuity and reading speed for patients with visual acuity values below 15% of the normal value. With respect to reading performance, three groups of partially sighted patients could be distinguished: (1) 25% of the patients are unable to read visually and require tactile reading aids; (2) 50% are partially sighted and require high‐magnification electronic reading aids; (3) 25% can read normal text by using optical magnifying devices. There is evidence that reading performance is related to the nature of the underlying ocular problem, such as refractive anomalies, macular degeneration, or other diseases.
PSM-Mec—A Virulence Determinant that Connects Transcriptional Regulation, Virulence, and Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococci

PSM-mec is a secreted virulence factor that belongs to the phenol-soluble modulin (PSM) family of amphipathic, alpha-helical peptide toxins produced by Staphylococcus species. All known PSMs are core genome-encoded with the exception of PSM-mec, whose gene is found in specific sub-types of SCCmec methicillin resistance mobile genetic elements present in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. In addition to the cytolytic translational product, PSM-mec, the psm-mec locus encodes a regulatory RNA. In S. aureus, the psm-mec locus influences cytolytic capacity, methicillin resistance, biofilm formation, cell spreading, and the expression of other virulence factors, such as other PSMs, which results in a significant impact on immune evasion and disease. However, these effects are highly strain-dependent, which is possibly due to differences in PSM-mec peptide vs. psm-mec RNA-controlled effects. Here, we summarize the functional properties of PSM-mec and the psm-mec RNA molecule and their roles in staphylococcal pathogenesis and physiology.
Oroxylin A Inhibits Hemolysis via Hindering the Self-Assembly of α-Hemolysin Heptameric Transmembrane Pore

Alpha-hemolysin (α-HL) is a self-assembling, channel-forming toxin produced by most Staphylococcus aureus strains as a 33.2-kDa soluble monomer. Upon binding to a susceptible cell membrane, the monomer self-assembles to form a 232.4-kDa heptamer that ultimately causes host cell lysis and death. Consequently, α-HL plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of S. aureus infections, such as pneumonia, mastitis, keratitis and arthritis. In this paper, experimental studies show that oroxylin A (ORO), a natural compound without anti-S. aureus activity, can inhibit the hemolytic activity of α-HL. Molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, and mutagenesis assays were performed to understand the formation of the α-HL-ORO complex. This combined approach revealed that the catalytic mechanism of inhibition involves the direct binding of ORO to α-HL, which blocks the conformational transition of the critical “Loop” region of the α-HL protein thereby inhibiting its hemolytic activity. This mechanism was confirmed by experimental data obtained from a deoxycholate-induced oligomerization assay. It was also found that, in a co-culture system with S. aureus and human alveolar epithelial (A549) cells, ORO could protect against α-HL-mediated injury. These findings indicate that ORO hinders the lytic activity of α-HL through a novel mechanism, which should facilitate the design of new and more effective antibacterial agents against S. aureus.
How Much Asthma Is Atopic in Children?

Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease worldwide and poses a significant health and socioeconomic burden. The prevalence of this disease differs geographically and seems on the rise in many parts of the world. (1). Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have identified several indicators associated with high risk of asthma (2). Personal history of atopy in early life seems to be one of the key factors of an individual’s risk of persistent asthma. Indeed, numerous studies have demonstrated that early and multiple allergic sensitization (AS) specific to aeroallergens and some food antigens places a strong risk for the development of asthma in children (2–6). Atopic asthma represents the most common form of asthma in the pediatric age and is characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation associated with specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies sensitization to various allergens, as evidenced by serology or skin prick test (7). According to a large population survey, including data from people aged 6–59 years (the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey), 56.3% of asthma cases in the United States were attributable to atopy (8). Similarly, the 14-year follow-up analysis of an Australian community-based birth cohort showed that the proportion of asthma associated with atopy was 52% overall (9). The results of a recent cohort study, which followed a large group of newborns over various periods, indicated that the prevalence of asthma from 4 to 16 years is markedly higher among ever-allergic sensitized children compared to never-sensitized ones (10). At a population level, a recently published longitudinal study that prospectively collected data over the first four decades of life showed that the occurrence of asthma before the age of 13 years was more strongly associated with atopy and greater airflow obstruction than later onset asthma (11). Nevertheless, there is still controversy about the causal relationship between atopy and asthma, as other non-allergenic factors may trigger the specific IgE pathway and influence the occurrence of this disease (12). Over the last 20 years, accumulating evidence has shown that the interrelation between AS and subsequent development of asthma is more complex than a linear dose–response relationship, with gene–environment interactions and epigenetic modifications playing crucial pathophysiological roles (13). One impediment to understand the relationship between atopy and asthma is the common use of atopy as a binary variable (i.e., sensitized or non-sensitized). Another major impediment is that asthma is a heterogeneous condition, which comprises several different disease endotypes sharing similar symptoms. Recent data indicate that atopy may also encompass distinct endotypes characterized by different patterns of association with asthma (13). This opinion article outlines the most recent and debated findings about the interrelation between atopy and pediatric asthma.
Microcystic Changes in the Retinal Internal Nuclear Layer Associated with Optic Atrophy: A Prospective Study

Purpose. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of pathologies presenting retinal inner nuclear layer (RINL) microcystic perimacular changes associated with optic nerve atrophy (OA). The charts of patients presenting a significant defect of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) were included prospectively in this study. Patients were classified according to the etiology of the RNFL defect. Two hundred and one eyes of 138 patients were enrolled in this analysis. Retinal images obtained showed the typical hyporeflective perifoveal crescent-shaped lesion composed of small round hyporeflective microcysts confined to the RINL in 35.3% of the eyes. Those findings were found in 75% of eyes presenting hereditary OA, 50% of eyes presenting ischemic optic neuritis, 50% of eyes with drusen of the optic nerve (ON), 44.4% of eyes presenting a compressive OA, 32% of eyes presenting inflammatory optic neuropathy from multiple sclerosis, 18.5% of eyes presenting OA from undetermined origin, and 17.6% of eyes having primary open-angle glaucoma. This study demonstrates that microcystic changes in RINL are not specific to a disease but are found in OA of various etiologies. Moreover, their incidence was found to be dependent upon the cause of OA, with the highest incidence occurring in genetic OA.