cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA-rescuable allosteric inhibition of aptamer II ligand affinity by aptamer I element in the shortened Vibrio cholerae glycine riboswitch

Glycine riboswitches contain two aptamers and turn on the expression of downstream genes in bacteria. Although full-length glycine riboswitches were shown to exhibit no glycine-binding cooperativity, the truncated glycine riboswitches were confirmed to bind two glycine molecules cooperatively. Thorough understanding of the ligand-binding cooperativity may shed light on the molecular basis of the cooperativity and help design novel intricate biosensing genetic circuits for application in synthetic biology. A previously proposed sequential model does not readily provide explanation for published data showing a deleterious mutation in the first aptamer inhibiting the glycine binding of the second one. Using the glycine riboswitch from Vibrio cholerae as a model system, we have identified a region in the first aptamer that modulates the second aptamer function especially in the shortened glycine riboswitch. Importantly, this modulation can be rescued by the addition of a complementary oligodeoxynucleotide, demonstrating the feasibility of developing this system into novel genetic circuits that sense both glycine and a DNA signal.
Delirium in the Elderly

Delirium is an organic psychiatric syndrome characterized by acute onset and impairment in cognition, perception, and behavior. The most common and serious mental disorder in old age, delirium heralds death in about 25% of afflicted elderly patients. Despite this high mortality rate, it is usually a transient disorder, resulting in full recovery without progressing to a chronic mental disorder. Almost any physical illness may cause delirium in an elderly person. Prompt assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment are essential to reverse the medical disorder and control behavior that may be life threatening. This paper presents an approach to the diagnosis of delirium, reviewing descriptive features of the syndrome, biological, psychological, and environmental variables predisposing to delirium in geriatric patients, and the most common medical etiologies. It describes effective therapeutics, including ward management, supportive psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1988;1...
Triggering Star Formation: From the Pillars of Creation to the Formation of Our Solar System

We study the evolution of molecular clouds under the influence of ionizing radiation. We propose that the Pipe Nebula is an HII region shell swept up by the B2 IV β Cephei star θ Ophiuchi. After reviewing the recent observations, we perform a series of analytical calculations. We are able to show that the current size, mass and pressure of the region can be explained in this scenario. The Pipe Nebula can be best described by a three phase medium in pressure equilibrium. The pressure support is provided by the ionized gas and mediated by an atomic component to confine the cores at the observed current pressure. We then present simulations on the future evolution as soon as the massive star explodes in a supernova. We show that a surviving core at the border of the HII-region (D = 5 pc) is getting enriched sufficiently with supernova material and is triggered into collapse fast enough to be consistent with the tight constraints put by meteoritic data of e.g.26Al on the formation of our Solar System. We therefore propose that the formation of the Solar System was triggered by the shock wave of a type IIa supernova interacting with surviving cold structures similar to the Pillars of Creation at the border of HII-regions.
The Republican Foundations of International Law

This paper suggests that republican principles embedded in international law since the seventeenth century still provide the most persuasive argument for its binding authority. Law should be obeyed when it is just; law is just when it serves the common good; and the common good emerges most clearly from free deliberation among equals. This means that there will be no justice within or between states without popular sovereignty, the separation of powers, the rule of law, democratic elections, individual human rights, and the other checks and balances of fully functioning republican government. The only just basis of international law is, has been, and always will be the settled perceptions of republican deliberation, as developed in the public sphere.
Alterations in antibody response induced by chronic inhalation of SO 2 and carbon.

Mice were exposed to low concentrations of carbon, SO2, and carbon plus SO2 In an attempt to determine the effect of chronic exposures on the immunological defense mechanism. Carbon alone or in combination with SO2 caused a progressive decrease in overall ability of the animals to form antibody. Reduction of antibody formation occurred in mice exposed to 2.00 ppm SO2 for 192 days. An enhancement of antibody production occurred in mediastinal lymph nodes after 102 and 135 days of exposure, but this effect was being reversed by 192 days. An unexpected enhancement of antibody production, especially in the spleen, occurred in mice exposed to SO2 alone for 135 days. This adjuvant activity had faded by 192 days, when an overall suppression of antibody response was seen, though not to the degree observed in the animals exposed to carbon.
Source diversity transport of intensity phase imaging using a spatial light modulator

We demonstrate phase retrieval using incoherent sources combining transport of intensity (TIE) imaging with deconvolution. Sources were patterned using a spatial light modulator to reduce artifacts due to physics of the TIE and to deconvolution.
Differential Sensitivity of Genetically Related Potato Cultivars to Treatments Designed to Alter Apical Dominance, Tuber Set and Size Distribution

The cultivar, Bondi, was selected from a cross between Ranger Russet (maternal parent) and Karaka and is currently being evaluated as a frozen processing cultivar. Relative to Ranger, Bondi produces vigorous foliar growth, low tuber set and high yields of large tubers that frequently exceed optimum size for seed and processing markets. We evaluated the relative efficacies of gibberellin (GA), cytokinin (benzyladenine (BA)) and seed aging for altering apical dominance, tuber set and size distribution of these genetically related cultivars. GA applied to cut seed prior to planting hastened emergence, reduced apical dominance, increased tuber set and decreased average tuber size; however, the optimal concentration to maximally shift tuber size distribution without decreasing marketable yield was 4–5-fold greater for Bondi than Ranger. BA marginally hastened plant emergence (Bondi) and decreased apical dominance (both cultivars) only when combined with GA, but had no further effects on tuber set, yields or tuber size distributions in either cultivar. Age-priming Ranger seed for 700 degree days (DD) at 32 °C during storage shifted the tuber size distribution to a much greater extent than 2 mg L−1 GA (optimal concentration) without reducing marketable yield. The combined age and GA treatment resulted in no further shift in size distribution for Ranger beyond that induced by the 700-DD treatment alone, but reduced the marketable yield by 9.6 MT ha−1. In contrast to GA, the mechanism by which age-priming altered tuber size distribution in Ranger could not be explained by effects on stem number/tuber set relationships alone. Bondi, however, exhibited an even greater shift toward smaller tubers with no reduction in yield with the combined 700-DD/GA (2 mg L−1) treatment, reflecting its decreased sensitivity to GA. Moreover, the shift in tuber size distribution induced by aging Bondi seed for 700 DD was approximately equal to that observed by treating seed with 8 mg L−1 GA (optimal concentration). The reduced sensitivity of Bondi to GA was likely inherited from its paternal parent Karaka, which displays similar morphological traits, including high yield of large tubers.
Effect of AIDS Behavioral?Intervention in Places of Entertainment in Wucheng County

[Objective]To understand the effect of AIDS behavioral intervention in places of entertainment in Wuchang County.[Methods]Baseline survey was performed in sex service places of Wucheng County,publicity materials distribution and questionnaire survey were also conducted.Before the intervention,163 sex workers were investigated,and 155 valid questionnaires were retrieved;After intervention for 3 months,205 were investigated with 167 valid questionnaires retrieved. [Results]After the intervention,the AIDS-related knowledge among respondents had significantly improved;the awareness rate of proper use of condoms for AIDS prevention was 67.10% before the intervention,and up to 91.02% after the intervention,the difference was significant. [Conclusion]In the future work of publicity and education on AIDS,it is necessary to step up publicity efforts to eliminate misconceptions and reduce the fear of AIDS and discrimination.To promote condom use in AIDS prevention activities can increase the utilization rate and reduce the HIV infection rate.
Mirror Representations of Self

Infants’ reactions to mirrors were observed by modifying an ingenious technique that was independently developed by Gallup (1968) and by Amsterdam (1968). Sixteen infants in each of six age groups were observed in the following mirror situations. Infants were first placed in front of a large mirror and observed. Then, a dot of rouge was placed on the infants’ noses by their mothers, and they were again observed in front of the mirror. Following this procedure, the experimenter applied a dot of rouge to the mothers’ noses, and the infants’ reactions to their mothers’ marked faces were noted. After they had seen their mothers, the infants were placed in front of the mirror for a third time. This design was used in order to: (1) provide a standardized observation procedure; (2) provide a descriptive account of infants’ responses to mirrors at different ages; (3) study the effect of rouge application on self-directed behavior, using an unmarked condition as a baseline; (4) compare infants’ ability to recognize a mark on their mothers’ noses as well as their own, in order to test the salience of this specific facial distortion; and (5) see whether maternal mark recognition facilitates subsequent self-directed behavior, since noticing the rouge on the mother may “prime” the child for noticing it.
Optimal Growth in Hypersonic Boundary Layers

The linear form of the parabolized linear stability equations is used in a variational approach to extend the previous body of results for the optimal, nonmodal disturbance growth in boundary-layer flows. This paper investigates the optimal growth characteristics in the hypersonic Mach number regime without any high-enthalpy effects. The influence of wall cooling is studied, with particular emphasis on the role of the initial disturbance location and the value of the spanwise wave number that leads to the maximum energy growth up to a specified location. Unlike previous predictions that used a basic state obtained from a self-similar solution to the boundary-layer equations, mean flow solutions based on the full Navier–Stokes equations are used in select cases to help account for the viscous–inviscid interaction near the leading edge of the plate and for the weak shock wave emanating from that region. Using the full Navier–Stokes mean flow is shown to result in further reduction with Mach number in the ma...
Similarity Matrix Representations

As we have seen in the previous chapters, cluster analysis can be discussed either in terms of the distance matrix D of all interpoint distances among the n objects or the similarity matrix S. In this chapter we will discuss some aspects regarding the representation of clustering results or of similarity or distance matrices. The presentation in sections 4.1 and 4.2 is rather informal leading up to a more precise formulation (due to Hartigan) in sections 4.3 and 4.4.
Longitudinal growth on curriculum-based measurements mathematics measures for early elementary students

This article describes a study addressing how Curriculum-Based Measurement mathematics measures function as screening tools for students in grades Kindergarten through 2 over time, and for students in different demographic groups. Specifically, the research questions were: (1) What growth rates are produced for Curriculum-Based Measurement early numeracy measures and are these growth rates significant? (2) Do growth rates for Curriculum-Based Measurement early numeracy measures vary by demographic factors such as gender, race, and lunch status? To answer these questions, predictive validity across multiple years was examined for close to 1000 students in grades Kindergarten through 2 on mathematics measures that included Counting, Number Identification, Missing Number, Quantity Discrimination, Number Facts, Next Number, Computation, and Concepts problems. For all grades, results indicated that some measures increased significantly over time. Differences were observed for students at baseline by gender and lunch status and these covariates also produced differences in growth rates, depending on the measure. Implications for future research and practical implications for early identification and for use by teachers are addressed.
Murine Leukemias with Insertional Mutations at Lmo2 Are Highly Predicitive of Leukemias Induced Following Gene Therapy in SCID-X1 Patients

Five SCID-X1 patients successfully treated with autologous bone marrow stem cells infected ex vivo with an IL2RG -containing retrovirus subsequently developed T-cell leukemia and four contained insertional mutations at LMO2 , a known T cell oncogene. Indirect genetic evidence suggests a role for deregulated IL2RG expressed from the retroviral vector in tumor formation, although this remains controversial. Here we show that the genes and signaling pathways deregulated in murine leukemias with retroviral insertions at Lmo2 are strikingly similar to those in human leukemias with deregulated LMO2 and are highly predictive of the leukemias induced following gene therapy in SCID-X1 patients. We also provide genetic evidence suggesting that deregulated IL2RG and LMO2 expression cooperate to induce leukemia but are not sufficient and require additional cooperating mutations. The highly concordant nature of the genetic events giving rise to mouse and human leukemias with mutations at Lmo2 are an encouraging sign to those wanting to use mice to model human cancer and may help in designing safer methods for retroviral gene therapy.
The paradox of happiness: Why are we not doing what we know makes us happy?

AbstractAchieving and maintaining happiness can be difficult, especially when people are not engaging in the activities they know facilitate it. ‘Flow’ activities require clear rules, challenge, a high investment of energy, and have been shown to promote long-term happiness better than low investment, passive activities. Do people know this? In two studies, we found that, despite recognizing that flow activities are more likely to facilitate happiness, people nevertheless participated in passive leisure significantly more often in a typical week. Participants rated passive activities as being significantly more enjoyable, requiring less effort, and being less daunting to get started than flow activities. Participants’ engagement in flow activities was significantly predicted by how enjoyable the activities were perceived to be, whereas how daunting those activities were rated predicted non-engagement. Passive activity engagement was only significantly predicted by enjoyment. Suggestions for enabling peopl...
Critical Role of the Gab2/PI3K/mTOR Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Ptpn11 (Shp2) Mutation-Induced Myeloproliferative Disease.

Abstract Abstract 2856 Germline and somatic mutations (heterozygous) in Ptpn11 (Shp2), a protein tyrosine phosphatase implicated in multiple cell signaling processes, have been identified in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a childhood myeloproliferative disease (MPD), and pediatric acute leukemias. These mutations cause hyperactivation of Shp2 catalytic activity and enhance the binding of mutant Shp2 to signaling partners. Ptpn11 mutations are sufficient to drive the development of JMML-like MPD and acute leukemias in mice, suggesting that they play a causal role in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies. However, the mechanisms by which Ptpn11 mutations induce these malignancies are not completely understood and the signaling partners that mediate the pathogenic effects of Ptpn11 mutations have not been explored. We previously generated a line of conditional knock-in mice with Ptpn11E76K mutation, the most common and most active Ptpn11 mutation found in JMML and acute leukemias. Induced knock-in of this mutation in hematopoietic cells resulted in MPD with full penetrance as a result of aberrant activation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and myeloid progenitors (J. Exp. Med., 2011). Recently, we discovered that the interaction between Shp2 E76K and Gab2, a prominent interacting protein of Shp2 and a scaffolding protein important for cytokine-induced PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, was greatly enhanced, and that mTOR was highly activated in Ptpn11E76K/+ MPD cells. To address the role of Gab2 and mTOR in the pathogenesis of Ptpn11E76K/+ mutation-induced MPD, Ptpn11E76K/+/Gab2-/- double mutant mice were generated and their phenotypes were compared with those of Ptpn11E76K/+ single mutant mice. MPD phenotypes were markedly attenuated in Ptpn11E76K/+/Gab2-/- double mutant mice. Overproduction of myeloid cells in the bone marrow was alleviated, and splenomegaly was diminished in the double mutants. Myeloid cell infiltration in the liver also decreased. Cytokine (IL-3 and GM-CSF) sensitivity of myeloid progenitors was significantly decreased in Ptpn11E76K/+/Gab2−/− mice as compared to that in Ptpn11E76K/+ mice. Hyperactivation of HSCs and excessive myeloid differentiation caused by Ptpn11E76K mutation were largely corrected by deletion of Gab2. Furthermore, we treated Ptpn11E76K/+ mice with Rapmycin, a specific and potent mTOR inhibitor, which substantially diminished MPD phenotypes. Collectively, this study reveals the essential role of the Gab2/PI3K/mTOR pathway in mediating the pathogenic effects of Ptpn11E76K/+ mutation and suggests that Gab2 and mTOR are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of Ptpn11-associated hematological malignancies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Near-UV photolysis of μ- dibromotetrabromodipalladate(II) in chloroform

Broadband (λ > 320 nm) irradiation of (Bu4N)2Pd2Br6 in chloroform causes the conversion of to . During the conversion, chloroform is decomposed photocatalytically at a rate that accelerates then decelerates as coordinated bromines are replaced by chlorines. The primary bromine-containing product is CCl3Br. The observations are consistent with a mechanism in which and the intermediate complexes undergo homolytic photodissociation of a bromine or chlorine atom, which terminates with a trichloromethyl radical or abstracts a hydrogen from chloroform, respectively.
In search of physical meaning: defining transient parameters for nonlinear viscoelasticity

A complete set of model-independent viscoelastic functions for understanding responses to transient nonlinear rheological tests is presented, using large-amplitude oscillatory shear strain as a model nonlinear protocol. The derivation makes no assumptions about symmetries, and is therefore applicable to the responses to any input, allowing researchers to unambiguously define time-dependent moduli, viscosities, compliances, fluidities, and normal stress coefficients. A legend for interpreting the dynamic trajectories in modulus space is provided, along with explicit definitions of the rates at which the moduli change. These provide a quantitative mechanism to identify when, and by how much, a material response stiffens, softens, thickens, or thins while being deformed. In addition to providing analytical expressions for the moduli, the derivation requires the definition of a conceptually new term. This means there exist three, not two, time-dependent nonlinear viscoelastic functions by which any response can be fully described. The third function accounts for nonlinear properties such as yield stresses and the shifting of the strain equilibrium. This complete analysis scheme is unique in making a distinction between the strains in the lab and material frames. The quantitative sequence of physical process analysis, which is fully developed in this work, allows for comprehensive physical interpretations of responses to transient deformations of any kind to be made, including the steady alternance responses to large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS), time-dependent oscillatory shear startup responses, and thixotropic and anti-thixotropic responses.
Conclusions and Directions for Future Research

In this thesis, we have discussed four different types of popular social, communication and distributed networks.
Discovery of dapivirine, a nonnucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor, as a broad-spectrum antiviral against both influenza A and B viruses.

Abstract The emergence of multidrug-resistant influenza viruses poses a persistent threat to public health. The current prophylaxis and therapeutic interventions for influenza virus infection have limited efficacy due to the continuous antigenic drift and antigenic shift of influenza viruses. As part of our ongoing effort to develop the next generation of influenza antivirals with broad-spectrum antiviral activity and a high genetic barrier to drug resistance, in this study we report the discovery of dapivirine, an FDA-approved HIV nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, as a broad-spectrum antiviral against multiple strains of influenza A and B viruses with low micromolar efficacy. Mechanistic studies revealed that dapivirine inhibits the nuclear entry of viral ribonucleoproteins at the early stage of viral replication. As a result, viral RNA and protein synthesis were inhibited. Furthermore, dapivirine has a high in vitro genetic barrier to drug resistance, and its antiviral activity is synergistic with oseltamivir carboxylate. In summary, the in vitro antiviral results of dapivirine suggest it is a promising candidate for the development of the next generation of dual influenza and HIV antivirals.
Carbon and amide detect backbone assignment methods of a novel repeat protein from the staphylocoagulase in S. aureus

The C-terminal repeat domain of staphylocoagulase that is secreted by the S. aureus is believed to play an important role interacting with fibrinogen and promotes blood clotting. To study this interaction by NMR, full assignment of each amide residue in the HSQC spectrum was required. Despite of the short sequence of the repeat construct, the HSQC spectrum contained a substantial amount of overlapped and exchange broadened resonances, indicating little secondary or tertiary structure. This caused severe problems while using the conventional, amide based NMR method for the backbone assignment. With the growing interest in small apparently disordered proteins, these issues are being faced more frequently. An alternative strategy to improve the backbone assignment capability involved carbon direct detection methods. Circumventing the amide proton detection offers a larger signal dispersion and more uniform signal intensity. For peptides with higher concentrations and in combination with the cold carbon channels of new cryoprobes, higher fields, and sufficiently long relaxation times, the disadvantage of the lower sensitivity of the 13C nucleus can be overcome. Another advantage of this method is the assignment of the proline backbone residues. Complete assignment with the carbon-detected strategy was achieved with a set of only two 3D, one 2D, and a HNCO measurement, which was necessary to translate the information to the HSQC spectrum.
Chemistry and Chemical Equilibrium Dynamics of BMAA and Its Carbamate Adducts

Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been demonstrated to contribute to the onset of the ALS/Parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC) and is implicated in the progression of other neurodegenerative diseases. While the role of BMAA in these diseases is still debated, one of the suggested mechanisms involves the activation of excitatory glutamate receptors. In particular, the excitatory effects of BMAA are shown to be dependent on the presence of bicarbonate ions, which in turn forms carbamate adducts in physiological conditions. The formation of carbamate adducts from BMAA and bicarbonate is similar to the formation of carbamate adducts from non-proteinogenic amino acids. Structural, chemical, and biological information related to non-proteinogenic amino acids provide insight into the formation of and possible neurological action of BMAA. This article reviews the carbamate formation of BMAA in the presence of bicarbonate ions, with a particular focus on how the chemical equilibrium of BMAA carbamate adducts may affect the molecular mechanism of its function. Highlights of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based studies on the equilibrium process between free BMAA and its adducts are presented. The role of divalent metals on the equilibrium process is also explored. The formation and the equilibrium process of carbamate adducts of BMAA may answer questions on their neuroactive potency and provide strong motivation for further investigations into other toxic mechanisms.
Automated learning of hierarchical task networks for controlling minecraft agents

In this paper, we present an agent that learns Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) knowledge from observing a player performing actions in Minecraft. From these observations, the agent learns the tasks that the player pursues and how to achieve these tasks. We present an HTN learning algorithm and report on experiments of the agent assisting a player performing tasks in Minecraft.
Elucidating the impact of temperature gradients across membranes during forward osmosis: Coupling heat and mass transfer models for better prediction of real osmotic systems

Abstract The forward osmosis (FO) process is an emerging desalination, reuse, and dewatering technology that can operate off of a thermally regenerated draw solution. Using thermal energy to regenerate the draw solution, however, can lead to a draw solution with elevated temperature. Likewise, certain feed streams, including wastewaters from the food, agriculture, and oil and gas industries, may be elevated in temperature. While each of these concepts has been discussed in the literature individually, lacking from the field is an understanding of how gradients of temperature can impact FO performance. This investigation elucidates how temperature gradients impact water flux, reverse solute flux, and intrinsic membrane properties using both experiments and model based prediction. A model was developed that couples the effect of simultaneous heat and mass transfer across the membrane. The model uses local solution conditions (temperature, concentration) to calculate local solution properties (diffusivity, viscosity, density) that are important for mass transfer. Results show that the direction of water flux is the critical factor when understanding the impact of a transmembrane temperature gradient. Specifically, when the draw and feed differ in temperature, the feed solution temperature has a more profound impact on performance (especially water flux) than the temperature of the draw solution due to the importance of convective heat transfer caused by the mass transfer.
The three-legged stool of understanding metabolism: integrating metabolomics with biochemical genetics and computational modeling

Traditional biochemical research has resulted in a good understanding of many aspects of metabolism. However, this reductionist approach is time consuming and requires substantial resources, thus raising the question whether modern metabolomics and genomics should take over and replace the targeted experiments of old. We proffer that such a replacement is neither feasible not desirable and propose instead the tight integration of modern, system-wide omics with traditional experimental bench science and dedicated computational approaches. This integration is an important prerequisite toward the optimal acquisition of knowledge regarding metabolism and physiology in health and disease. The commentary describes advantages and drawbacks of current approaches to assessing metabolism and highlights the challenges to be overcome as we strive to achieve a deeper level of metabolic understanding in the future.
Dynamics of the Transition from Spiral Rainbands to a Secondary Eyewall in Hurricane Earl (2010)

AbstractAirborne Doppler radar captured the inner core of Hurricane Earl during the early stages of secondary eyewall formation (SEF), providing needed insight into the SEF dynamics. An organized r...
Racial Disparities in Urologic Health Care

In the United States, disparities in health care delivery and access are apparent between different racial and ethnic groups. Minorities, including African Americans, often suffer disproportionately from disease compared to Caucasians. In the urologic arena, this is apparent in urologic cancer screening, treatment choices, and survival, as well as in the arena of chronic kidney disease, transplant allocation, and transplant outcomes. Latino men also seem to be affected more often by erectile dysfunction than Caucasian counterparts. Disparities such as these have been identified as a problem in the delivery of health care in the United States, and resources have been allocated to help allay the disparity. Through organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic Minority Men's Health Center, policy initiatives, and increased cultural awareness by physicians, steps can be made to reduce and eliminate health care disparities.
Immunology of malaria

Plasmodium species which cause malaria have a complex life cycle part of which is spent in the invertebrate host and part in the vertebrate. The invertebrate host has a constitutive defense against infection which includes physical and biochemical barriers, phagocytic and humoral deterring elements but appears to lack an inducible system comparable to that present in higher vertebrates. In general, mosquitoes of various strains are either susceptible or resistent to infection with a given plasmodium but unfortunately infection of mosquitoes does not result in disease and death of the vector. The infection of the invertebrate by the Plasmodium is not generally considered to invoke an immunological response and will thus not be considered further in this assay.
Flash photolysis of vertebrate photoreceptors. A theoretical analysis.

We consider the flash photolysis of visual pigment in a layered array of absorbers as in a vertebrate photoreceptor. The absorbers can be in three states, corresponding to the original product, an intermediate state and the final product. We include in our analysis photoreversal and transition quantum efficiency. We derive expressions for each layer and for the receptor as a whole, of photon incidence and absorption probabilities and of pigment bleaching. Our theoretical expressions agree under suitable conditions with equations derived by others on an empirical basis; and our computed results are in satisfactory agreement with experimental data. Our model should therefore prove useful in analyzing photolysis under physiological conditions.
Stochastic Differential Equation Models with Time-Varying Parameters

Self-organization occurs when a system shows distinct shifts in dynamics due to variations in the parameters that govern the system. Relatedly, many human dynamic processes with self-organizing features comprise subprocesses that unfold across multiple time scales. Incorporating time-varying parameters (TVPs) into a dynamic model of choice provides one way of representing self-organization as well as multi-time scale processes. Extant applications involving models with TVPs have been restricted to formulation in discrete time. Related work for representing TVPs in continuous-time models remains scarce. We propose a stochastic differential equation (SDE) modeling framework with TVPs as a way to capture self-organization in continuous time. We present several examples of SDEs with TVPs, including a stochastic damped oscillator model with hypothesized functional shifts in both set points and damping. Furthermore, we discuss plausible models that may be used to approximate changes in the TVPs in the absence of further knowledge concerning their true change mechanisms.
People Who Can Take It: How Women Wikipedians Negotiate and Navigate Safety

Wikipedia is one of the most successful online communities in history, yet it struggles to attract and retain women editors-a phenomenon known as the gender gap. We investigate this gap by focusing on the voices of experienced women Wikipedians. In this interview-based study (N=25), we identify a core theme among these voices: safety. We reveal how our participants perceive safety within their community, how they manage their safety both conceptually and physically, and how they act on this understanding to create safe spaces on and off Wikipedia. Our analysis shows Wikipedia functions as both a multidimensional and porous space encompassing a spectrum of safety. Navigating this space requires these women to employ sophisticated tactics related to identity management, boundary management, and emotion work. We conclude with a set of provocations to spur the design of future online environments that encourage equity, inclusivity, and safety for historically marginalized users.
Microsporida in cell culture.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of microsporida in cell culture. Some studies indicate that microsporida may be the largest group of parasitic animals and the most significant in terms of host range and total effect on other organisms. Many species are of considerable economic importance as pathogens of beneficial insects, in economically important invertebrates, and in commercially valuable vertebrates. Other species have become prominent in recent years as biological control agents of agricultural pests and of medically important insects. In vitro culture of microsporida with continuous cell lines is an accomplished fact. The major requirements for success are a sufficient number of aseptic spores, the appropriate germination stimuli, availability of cell lines, and diligent investigators. The first three requisites already exist for a number of microsporidia not yet examined—for example, Glugea spp . in fish, Vairimorpha spp . in lepidopterans, Nosema spp . in insects, and A. michaelis in blue crabs. Many techniques are now available for detailed studies of the intracellular Sporozoa and Leishmania .
GWU NLP Lab at SemEval-2019 Task 3 : EmoContext: Effectiveness ofContextual Information in Models for Emotion Detection inSentence-level at Multi-genre Corpus

In this paper we present an emotion classifier models that submitted to the SemEval-2019 Task 3 : EmoContext. Our approach is a Gated Recurrent Neural Network (GRU) model with attention layer is bootstrapped with contextual information and trained with a multigenre corpus, which is combination of several popular emotional data sets. We utilize different word embeddings to empirically select the most suited embedding to represent our features. Our aim is to build a robust emotion classifier that can generalize emotion detection, which is to learn emotion cues in a noisy training environment. To fulfill this aim we train our model with a multigenre emotion corpus, this way we leverage from having more training set. We achieved overall %56.05 f1-score and placed 144. Given our aim and noisy training environment, the results are anticipated.
Bayesian bridge regression for ordinal models with a practical application

In this paper, we introduce a Bayesian Bridge regression for ordinal data. The simulation study and real data analyses show that our proposed method performs very well compared with other methods. We consider a fully Bayesian approach that yields a new algorithm with tractable full conditional posteriors.
Neighborhood and health-related outcomes: a study of adult Latinas of Caribbean and South and Central American descent in Miami

The present study investigated neighborhood effects on substance use, mental and medical health, and health-care access. We used data collected from a sample of adult Latinas of Caribbean and South...
High intake of added sugars is linked to rapid weight gain in infancy, breastfeeding ≥12 months may protect against this: A preliminary investigation.

BACKGROUND Consumption of added sugars is linked to excess adiposity in older age groups and breastfeeding has been shown to protect against later obesity. OBJECTIVES This investigation aimed to determine whether intake of added sugars associates with rapid weight gain in individuals under 2 years of age, if intake of added sugars associates with breastfeeding duration, and how both influence body weight. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of data from three 24-hours dietary recalls collected from 141 infants/toddlers (age 11.9 ± 1.9 months, 44.7% male) was performed. Multivariable regressions assessed relationships between added sugar intakes, breastfeeding duration, and weight status. Hierarchical regressions examined added variance accounted for in rapid weight gain (specifically, upward weight-for-age percentile [WFA %tile] crossing) through the interaction of added sugars * breastfeeding duration. RESULTS Added sugars correlated positively with upward WFA %tile crossing (r = 0.280, P < .001) and negatively with breastfeeding duration (r = -0.468, P < .001). Consumption of added sugars was a significant predictor of rapid weight gain when breastfeeding duration was short (<12 months, β = 0.020, P = .029), but not long (≥12 months, β = 0.001, P = .875). CONCLUSIONS A high intake of added sugars in individuals below age 2 associates with rapid weight gain, though breastfeeding ≥12 months appears protective against this. Further studies are necessary to substantiate these findings and provide insight into underlying mechanisms.
Safety and Efficacy of Outpatient Surgical Procedures for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Enlargement in New York State and California (2005-2016)

Purpose:We compared outcomes of transurethral prostatectomy and laser prostatectomy in a real-world setting.Materials and Methods:We present a prospectively collected observational cohort study of ...
Proficiency of Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion Skill in NRP Certified Providers

Objective In 2015, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) recommended laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as an alternative to the endotracheal tube (ETT) in situations where the provider is “unable to intubate and unable to ventilate.” LMA insertion is being taught in the NRP routinely. However, endotracheal intubation is the primary method considered as the standard of care in neonatal resuscitation. LMA insertion is a relatively simple procedure with an average insertion time of Study Design A manikin-based study was done from July 2019 to December 2019. We enrolled 31 NRP providers with 1 or more years since the first certification and current valid NRP provider/instructor status. The participants were instructed to insert an ETT and LMA in the manikin. The procedures were video recorded. The time taken to insert and start ventilation with each device, including the number of attempts for successful insertion, was noted. A Likert scale questionnaire was filled by each participant indicating the level of confidence, perception of ease, and the ability to provide effective positive pressure ventilation (PPV) with each of the procedures. The paired t-test, chi-square test, and Kruskal–Wallis' test were used for the statistical analysis. Results Eight (25.8%) out of the 31 participants failed to insert any one of the devices. So, 23 providers were analyzed for the outcomes. We found that the mean duration taken to insert the ETT and LMA was not statistically different (32 vs. 36 seconds). LMA insertion had a higher failure rate compared with ETT. Providers did not perceive confidence to insert LMA when compared with ETT. They did not recognize LMA insertion as a more effortless procedure relative to endotracheal intubation. The providers felt that their ability to provide effective PPV using LMA was inferior to ETT. Conclusion The NRP certified providers in this study did not demonstrate proficiency in the insertion of LMA equivalent to the endotracheal intubation. Key Points
Workshop 3: Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)/Electromyography (EMG) WS3.1. Basic Principles and Pitfalls of NCS

We have come to recognize five simple principles in the practice of nerve conductions studies. These include 1) take a careful clinical history and examine the patient before initiating the study; 2) watch the muscle twitch and isolate the target under scrutiny before measuring the response; 3) compare responses elicited by shocks given distally and proximally to the site of lesion; 4) assess physiologic and pathologic changes by linearity and nonlinearity in segmental studies and 5) select a short distance for a focal lesion and a long passage for a diffuse process to improve sensitivity and reproducibility. In the evaluation of a focal lesion, studies of a longer segment tend to lower the sensitivity of the test because the inclusion of the unaffected segments in calculation dilutes the effect of slowing at the site of lesion. With stimulation of a normal nerve in 1 cm increments, the latency-changes approximately 0.2 ms/cm for both sensory and motor conduction. In patients with an entrapment syndrome, a latency- increase exceeding 0.4 ms across a 1 cm segment usually signals a focal abnormality. An abrupt nonlinear change in waveform of the recorded response provides an additional, and perhaps more convincing evidence. In contrast, a longer segment provides a better result in assessing a diffuse or multi- segmental process such as polyneuropathies. A longer path accumulates all segmental abnormalities, which individually might not show a clear deviation from the normal range. Assume a nerve impulse conducting at a rate of 0.2 ms/cm (50 m/s). A 20% delay for a 10 cm segment yields only 0.4 ms, whereas the same change for a 100 cm segment amounts to 4.0 ms, for easy detection. Thus, the longer the segment, the greater the delay in assessing a diffuse process. Evaluating a longer, as compared to shorter, segment also improves the overall accuracy because the same absolute measurement error constitutes a smaller percentage of change in latency and distance. In essence, short distances magnify focal conduction abnormalities despite increased measurement error, and long distances, though insensitive to focal lesions, provide better yields and reliability for a diffuse process.
Top-Down Attentional Processing and Relational Density Evident in Word Search Performance of Children

Relational frame theory and extensions (e.g., relational density theory; Belisle & Dixon, 2020a, 2020b) provides a behavioral model for top–down attentional processing, where attention is oriented in terms of arbitrarily applicable verbal relations through the transformation of stimulus function. Children’s games may provide a strategy for testing transformations of stimulus function when developing new language skills, such as when working with children with autism. Three children with autism underwent relational training to establish lean and dense arbitrary classes. Prior-to relational training, participants were more likely to locate familiar words over unfamiliar words within a word-search task. Following relational training, participants were more likely to locate words that participated in high-density relational classes over neutral or low-density relational classes. These results support the use of common games to supplement relational training with children with autism and provide evidence that top–down attentional processing may involve transformations of stimulus function and can be predicted and influenced through relational training to establish high-density relational classes.
Biochar for Enhanced Surface Water Quality

Biochar can be used to adsorb contaminants of concern such as aqueous metals in surface water. Biochar is derived from biomass or organic material such as agricultural by-products, forestry by-products, or by-products from the livestock industry. The focus of this project was to treat metal laden water with a sustainable biochar adsorbent in mining influenced areas of the southwestern U.S. Three biomass sources were chosen for producing biochar: ponderosa pine timber waste, hemp stalks, and cattle bones. All three feedstock sources were chosen based on their abundance in the southwestern U.S. The material characteristics of each biochar were assessed using $\mathrm{N}^{2}$-physisorption, Scanning Electron Micrographs, and X-Ray powder Diffraction. Isothermal adsorption experiments involving solutions of aqueous metals in acidic water were conducted to compare adsorption capacities and to test the overall effectiveness of biochar’s applicable adsorption capabilities. This was demonstrated with a bench-scale water treatment system designed to handle the passive flow of water. Moreover, a full-scale application was conceived for an active mine site located in the southwestern U.S.
Innovation of Traditional Culture in English Education Based on Natural Spelling Teaching

With the continuous development of the times, China’s status has been continuously improved on the international stage, and Chinese traditional culture has gradually shown its unique charm in the world. This paper mainly discusses the innovation of traditional culture in English education based on natural spelling teaching, starting with a brief introduction to the concept of natural spelling and its significance in English learning, and mainly discusses the application strategy of traditional culture in English education.
Structure of a low molecular weight form of glycogen isolated from the liver in a case of glycogen storage disease.

Abstract An incompletely branched, low molecular weight form of glycogen has been isolated from liver tissue of a patient with glycogen storage disease. Digestion with pullulanase and β-amylase, oxidation by periodate, Smith degradation, spectral studies of the iodine complexes, osmotic pressure measurements, and end group analysis gave results which indicate a molecular weight range of 8,000 to 15,000 with an average chain length of 17 to 18 glucose units per branch point. The substance was found in heart and kidney tissues in addition to liver. In an attempt to evaluate the role of branching enzyme in the disease, it was found that the branching enzyme was not stable in normal frozen liver and disappeared with a half-life of about 5 weeks. Clinical, chemical, and pathological factors in this case were similar to those previously reported in the case of glycogen storage disease type IV.
From policies to influences: a framework for nonlocal abstraction in transition-dependent Dec-POMDP agents

Decentralized Partially-Observable Markov Decision Processes (Dec-POMDPs) are powerful theoretical models for deriving optimal coordination policies of agent teams in environments with uncertainty. Unfortunately, their general NEXP solution complexity [3] presents significant challenges when applying them to real-world problems, particularly those involving teams of more than two agents. Inevitably, the policy space becomes intractably large as agents coordinate joint decisions that are based on dissimilar beliefs about an uncertain world state and that involve performing actions with stochastic effects. Our work directly confronts the policy space explosion with the intuition that instead of coordinating all policy decisions, agents need only coordinate abstractions of their policies that constitute the essential influences that they exert on each other.