cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decidable discriminator varieties from unary classes

Let K be a class of (universal) algebras of fixed type. K t ' denotes the class obtained by augmenting each member of K by the ternary discriminator function (t(x, y, z) = x if x ¬= y, t(x, x, z) = z), while ∨(K t ) is the closure of K t under the formation of subalgebras, homomorphic images, and arbitrary Cartesian products. For example, the class of Boolean algebras is definitionally equivalent to ∨(K t ) where K consists of a two-element algebra whose only operations are the two constants. Any equationally defined class (that is, variety) of algebras which is equivalent to some ∨(K t ) is known as a discriminator variety. Building on recent work of S. Burris, R. McKenzie, and M. Valeriote, we characterize those locally finite universal classes K of unary algebras of finite type for which the first-order theory of ∨(K t ) is decidable
Involvement of Thromboxane Receptor in the Proatherogenic Effect of Isoprostane F2α-III Evidence From Apolipoprotein E– and LDL Receptor–Deficient Mice

Background— Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall, where it associates with oxidative stress and formation of oxidized lipids. The lipid oxidation product isoprosta...
Product differentiation under imperfect information: When does offering a lower quality pay?

In this paper, we extend the Varian (1980) model to examine endogenous quality differentiation by firms, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between the firms’ product quality decisions and the ensuing price rivalry. Specifically, we assume that the price-sensitive (or informed) consumers hold a lower valuation for product quality than the brand-loyal (or uninformed) consumers. It is shown that the firms will choose differentiated qualities for a broad class of consumer utility functions and production technologies. We obtain two results. First, the equilibrium quality choices are efficient as they are also the welfare-maximizing qualities chosen by a social planner. The equilibrium qualities are as if one firm serves only its loyal consumers and the other serves only the price-sensitive consumers, even though they each serve both types of consumers (at least for some fraction of time). Second, the firm choosing the lower quality makes greater profits and also prices more aggressively, in the sense that it maintains a lower maximum price and offers discounts more often. The lower-quality product is more profitable because it yields higher social surplus when consumed by the price-sensitive consumers.
Sidedness of Carbamazepine Accessibility to Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels

Voltage-gated sodium channels are inhibited by many local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, and antiepileptic drugs. The local anesthetic lidocaine appears to be able to access its binding site in the sodium channel only from the membrane phase or from the internal face of the channel. In contrast, the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine was found to inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels only with external, but not internal, application, implying a major difference. We investigated this point using both whole-cell and inside-out patch recordings from human Nav1.7 channels in a stable cell line. In the whole-cell configuration, carbamazepine inhibited sodium current within seconds when applied externally, but had little or no effect when applied internally for up to 15 minutes, confirming previous results. However, carbamazepine inhibited sodium channels effectively and rapidly when applied to the internal face of the membrane using inside-out patch recording. We found that lidocaine also has little or no effect when applied intracellularly in whole-cell recording, but blocks effectively and rapidly when applied to the internal surface using inside-out patches. In contrast, the cationic lidocaine derivative QX-314 (N-ethyl-lidocaine) blocks effectively when applied internally with whole-cell dialysis, as well as when applied to inside-out patches. We conclude that carbamazepine and lidocaine access the sodium channel in similar ways and hypothesize that their lack of effect with internal dialysis in whole-cell recording reflects rapid exit through membrane near the pipette recording site. This effect likely limits the ability of any compound with significant membrane permeability to be applied intracellularly by whole-cell dialysis.
Allergic contact dermatitis from a natural deodorant: A report of 4 cases associated with lichen acid mix allergy

Background Botanical ingredients used in personal care products are a significant and underreported cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Objective To evaluate allergic contact dermatitis from a widely-used botanical deodorant. Methods We conducted patch testing in four patients who were using the botanical deodorant and were referred to the contact dermatitis clinic; three patients had axillary dermatitis and one had dermatitis of the external ear. Results All four patients had positive patch test reactions to lichen acid mix and D-usnic acid. Of the three patients who were patch tested to the botanical deodorant, all had positive reactions. Limitations We did not test to the specific lichen used in the natural deodorant but rather used our own lichen acid mix and d-usnic acid in addition to testing to the actual product. One of the patients declined to be tested with the natural deodorant, but did test positive to the lichen acid mix and d-usnic acid. Conclusion Personal care products such as deodorants may represent a new route of exposure to lichen extract, a known allergen.
Semi-supervised learning via penalized mixture model with application to microarray sample classification

Motivation: It is biologically interesting to address whether human blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) belong to or are closer to large vessel endothelial cells (LVECs) or microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) based on global expression profiling. An earlier analysis using a hierarchical clustering and a small set of genes suggested that BOECs seemed to be closer to MVECs. By taking advantage of the two known classes, LVEC and MVEC, while allowing BOEC samples to belong to either of the two classes or to form their own new class, we take a semi-supervised learning approach; for high-dimensional data as encountered here, we propose a penalized mixture model with a weighted L1 penalty to realize automatic feature selection while fitting the model. Results: We applied our penalized mixture model to a combined dataset containing 27 BOEC, 28 LVEC and 25 MVEC samples. Analysis results indicated that the BOEC samples appeared to form their own new class. A simulation study confirmed that, compared with the standard mixture model with or without initial variable selection, the penalized mixture model performed much better in identifying relevant genes and forming corresponding clusters. The penalized mixture model seems to be promising for high-dimensional data with the capability of novel class discovery and automatic feature selection. Contact: weip@biostat.umn.edu
Beam test of prototype 18 cm silicon-strip detectors with high speed electronics

A prototype silicon microstrip detector for the GEM general purpose detector proposed for the Super Collider was assembled and tested in the laboratory with radioactive sources and an IR-laser, and at SLAC in a 25 GeV electron beam. The system was designed for performance in the GEM environment: 60 MHz bunch crossing at 10/sup 33/ luminosity with inner barrel occupancies of 0.16%. Signals from the strips were amplified by custom designed high-speed, low-power, low-noise, low-mass, integrated microelectronics The mechanical design of the GEM tracker motivated the selection of long (18 cm) strip lengths (achieved by wire-bonding three 6 cm long detectors). Evaluation of the test beam and laboratory results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
The Spotlight Effect and the Illusion of Transparency: Egocentric Assessments of How We Are Seen by Others

We review a program of research that examines people s judgments about how they are seen by others. The research indicates that people tend to anchor on their own experience when making such judgments, with the result that their assessments are often egocentrically biased. Our review focuses on two biases in particular, the spotlight effect, or people s tendency to overestimate the extent to which their behavior and appearance are noticed and evaluated by others, and the illusion of transparency, or people s tendency to overestimate the extent to which their internal states leak out and are detectable by others.
Large-Bowel Obstruction in the Adult: Classic Radiographic and CT Findings, Etiology, and Mimics

Acute complete large-bowel obstruction (LBO) is an abdominal emergency, and imaging with radiography, CT, and contrast agent enema are essential for identifying the cause of the obstruction and distinguish it from pseudo-obstruction; LBO commonly requires surgical or endoscopic decompression.
Burrow Use and Survival of Newly Metamorphosed Gopher Frogs (Rana capito)

The transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitat is thought to be a period of high mortality for amphibians. We used radio telemetry to estimate survival and study factors influencing survivorship of newly metamorphosed Gopher Frogs (Rana capito). Predation was very high and only 12.5% of frogs survived their first month in the terrestrial habitat. All documented predation occurred during the frogs' initial 12 days in the uplands, and snakes (Coluber constrictor and Thamnophis sirtalis) were the major predators. Also, frogs were preyed upon by mammals and birds and killed by vehicles along dirt roads. Survival rates varied among ponds, with the survival rate at one pond being significantly lower than survival rates at three other ponds. Survival of frogs was dependent on their use of underground refuges, particularly burrows excavated by Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and small mammals. Using underground refuges reduced the risk of mortality to only 4% of that faced by frogs while in the open environment; in fact, all surviving frogs located a burrow within their initial eight days in the terrestrial habitat and remained there for the duration of tracking. Our results demonstrate the dependence of Gopher Frogs on underground refuges and suggest that the availability of burrows near breeding ponds influences survival of juveniles and, thus, the recruitment of adults.
Application of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Study Theophylline Metabolism and Its Interactions With Ciprofloxacin and Caffeine

Theophylline is a commonly used bronchodilator. However, due to its narrow therapeutic range, moderate elevation of serum concentration can result in adverse drug reactions (ADRs). ADRs occur because of interhuman pharmacokinetic variability and interactions with coprescribed medicines. We developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of theophylline, caffeine, and ciprofloxacin metabolisms to: examine theophylline pharmacokinetic variability, and predict population-level outcomes of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). A simulation-based equation for personalized dosing of theophylline was derived. Simulations of DDI show that calculated personalized doses are safe even after cotreatment with large doses of strong inhibitors. Simulations of adult populations indicate that the elderly are most susceptible to ADRs stemming from theophylline-ciprofloxacin and theophylline-caffeine interactions. Females, especially Asians, due to their smaller average size, are more susceptible to DDI-induced ADRs following typical dosing practices. Our simulations also show that the higher adipose and lower muscle fractions in females significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of theophylline or ciprofloxacin.
Considering students in teachers' self-efficacy: Examination of a scale for student-oriented teaching

Abstract This study examines a teacher self-efficacy instrument that includes classroom practices identified in relation to students' intrinsic motivation and self-regulation, referred to broadly as teachers' self-efficacy for student-oriented teaching (SE-SOT). Survey data from 194 in-service K-12 teachers were used in an exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring, which indicated a one-factor solution. Additional analysis provided evidence of convergent and discriminant validity using correlations to existing measures of teacher self-efficacy, and teachers' mastery, work avoidance and relational teaching goals. Finally, a one-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences based on years of teaching experience. Theoretical implications for teacher self-efficacy are discussed.
Capturing an architectural knowledge base utilizing rules engine integration for energy and environmental simulations

The era of "Big Data" presents new challenges and opportunities to impact how the built environment is designed and constructed. Modern design tools and material databases should be more scalable, reliable, and accessible to take full advantage of the quantity of available building data. New approaches providing well-structured information can lead to robust decision support for architectural simulations earlier in the design process; rule-based decision engines and knowledge bases are the link between current data and useful decision frameworks. Integrating distributed API-based systems means that material data silos existing in modern tools can become enriched and extensible for future use with additional data from building documents, other databases, and the minds of design professionals. The PyKE rules engine extension to the Green Scale (GS) Tool improves material searches, creates the opportunity for incorporating additional rules via a REST interface, and enables integration with the Semantic Web via Linked Data principles.
Single Edge Notch Tension Test on Cross-Ply Laminated Composites for Intralaminar Fracture Properties

A systematic yet simple way to measure the fracture toughness value for a Mode I crack that occurs perpendicular to the fiber direction in a unidirectional composite is presented. Cross-ply single edge notch tension (SENT) tests combined with finite element analysis areutilized to obtain the in-plane fracture toughness value under tension in the direction of fibers. The notch length of the SENT specimen is used as a parameter to back out the fracture toughness value in a consistent manner.
The hippocampus: A special place for time

Many findings have demonstrated that memories of past events are temporally organized. It is well known that the hippocampus is critical for such episodic memories, but, until recently, little was known about the temporal organization of mnemonic representations in the hippocampus. Recent developments in human and animal research have revealed important insights into the role of the hippocampus in learning and retrieving sequences of events. Here, we review these findings, including lesion and single-unit recording studies in rodents, functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in humans, and computational models that link findings from these studies to the anatomy of the hippocampal circuit. The findings converge toward the idea that the hippocampus is essential for learning sequences of events, allowing the brain to distinguish between memories for conceptually similar but temporally distinct episodes, and to associate representations of temporally contiguous, but otherwise unrelated experiences.
Prevalence and Determinants of True Thyroid Dysfunction Among Pediatric Referrals for Abnormal Thyroid Function Tests

Background/Aims. Abnormalities in thyroid function tests (TFTs) are a common referral reason for pediatric endocrine evaluation. However, a sizable proportion of these laboratory abnormalities do not warrant therapy or endocrine follow-up. The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate the prevalence of true thyroid dysfunction among pediatric endocrinology referrals for abnormal TFTs; (b) to identify the historical, clinical, and laboratory characteristics that predict decision to treat. Methods. This was a retrospective chart review of patients evaluated in pediatric endocrinology office during a weekly clinic designated for new referrals for abnormal TFTs in 2010. Results. A total of 230 patients were included in the study. Median age at referral was 12 years (range = 2-18); 56% were females. Routine screening was cited as the reason for performing TFTs by 33% patients. Majority was evaluated for hypothyroidism (n = 206). Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone was the most common referral reason (n = 140). A total of 41 out of 206 patients were treated for hypothyroidism. Conclusions. Prevalence of hypothyroidism was 20%. Thyroid follow-up was not recommended for nearly one third of the patients. Among all the factors analyzed, an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone level and antithyroglobulin antibodies strongly correlated with the decision to treat (P < .005).
40 OVEREXPRESSION OF ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN LUNG EPITHELIAL CELLS PREVENTS DAMAGE FROM AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER-INDUCED OXIDANT INJURY.

Elevated levels of air pollution particles are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic cardiopulmonary injury. One mechanism underlying these effects involves oxidative damage to lung epithelial cells. We previously showed that Dusseldorf particulate matter (DPM) causes alveolar epithelial cell DNA damage and apoptosis by a mitochondria-regulated death pathway. In this work, we used several different types of well-characterized particulates to determine whether mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the primary cause of apoptosis. Washington particulate matter (WPM), residual oil fly ash (ROFA), and DPM each increased ROS production (ASSAY HERE) and apoptosis (DNA fragmentation) as compared to inert particulates such as desert dust (DD) and Mount St Helen volcanic dust (MSH) (Table 1). Notably, WPM, ROFA, and DPM did not induce ROS production or apoptosis in;gr0-A549 cells, which are incapable of mitochondrial ROS production. We also found that overexpression of MnSOD or CuZnSOD using adenoviral expression vectors blocks DPM-induced A549 cell ROS production and apoptosis as compared to null/sham adenoviral controls. We conclude that a diverse group of toxic airborne particulates, unlike inert particulates, induce mitochondria-derived ROS production and lung epithelial cell apoptosis. We propose that strategies aimed at reducing mitochondrial-derived ROS levels will protect the lung epithelium exposed to airborne particulate matter. Funded by Veterans Affairs Merit Review (D.W.K.); NIH-K08 (GSB).
Catalytic activity and stereoselectivity of purified forms of rabbit liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 in the oxygenation of the (-) and (+) enantiomers of trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[alpha]pyrene.

Purified forms of rabbit liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 (phenobarbital-inducible P-450LM2 and β-naphthoflavone-inducible P-450LMLM4), were examined for catalytic activity in the conversion of the (-) and (+) enantiomers of trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo-[a]pyrene to stereoisomeric, highly reactive and mutagenic 7,8-dlhydroxy-9,10-oxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[α]pyrenes. In the reconstituted enzyme system, P-450LMLM4 from both phenobarbital- and β-naphthoflavone-induced animals has much higher catalytic activity than P-450LMLM2 with either enantiomer of the trans-7,8-diol. Both forms of the cytochrome exhibit greater activity toward the (-) than the (+) isomer of the substrate, but this is more striking with P-450LMLM4. The relative amounts of diol-epoxides formed from either enantiomer of the substrate differ markedly with the form of the cytochrome used. P-450LMLM2 gives somewhat more diol-epoxide I than diol-epoxide II with both substrates. In contrast, P-450LMLM4 gives almost exclusively diol-epoxide I from the (-)trans-7,8-diol and more diol-epoxide II than diol-epoxide I from the (+)trans-7,8-diol. Thus, P-450LMLM4 is highly stereospecific in oxygenating at the 9,10 double bond, regardless of the absolute configuration of the hydroxyl groups at the 7 and 8 positions of the substrate.
Use of OKT3 is associated with early and severe recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

Objective: To determine whether increased immunosuppression is a contributor to poor outcome in hepatitis C-infected orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients, we retrospectively analyzed the consequences of using OKT3 in our program for steroid-resistant rejection (SRR). Methods: We compared the histological recurrence of HCV in two contemporary cohorts of OLT recipients. Group 1 consisted of HCV-positive patients who received OKT3 for SRR (n = 19). Group 2 (n = 33) consisted of age-, gender-, and initial immunosuppression-matched HCV-positive controls who were treated with at least one steroid pulse for acute cellular rejection but who did not require treatment with OKT3. Liver biopsies were obtained per protocol within the first month and as necessary to evaluate abnormalities in serum liver chemistries. Results: Mean and median follow-up were comparable for the two groups. Recurrence of HCV was diagnosed by histological verification and was documented in 16 of 19 (84.2%) group 1 patients versus 17 of 33 (51.5%) group 2 patients (p = 0.03). The interval to recurrence was significantly shorter in patients who received OKT3 (p = 0.028). Logistic regression identified OKT3 as a significant risk factor for the recurrence of HCV within the first year post-OLT (p = 0.0004). The histological severity score, based on the most recent liver biopsy at long-term follow-up or the explant biopsy if the patient required retransplantation, was significantly higher in group 1. Moreover, cirrhosis was demonstrable in a greater proportion of allografts in patients who had received OKT3 at some point (26.3% vs. 6%, p = 0.028). Long-term follow-up revealed a trend toward higher alanine aminotransferase levels (p = 0.05) and total bilirubin (p = 0.08) in group 1 patients. Conclusions : Our data suggest that allograft hepatitis in patients with preexisting HCV occurs earlier and with greater severity in patients treated with OKT3 for SRR, compared with age-, gender-, and initial immunosuppression-matched contemporary controls. Treatment of SRR with OKT3 may jeopardize long-term allograft function and survival in HCV-infected recipients by enhancing viral hepatitis recurrence. Clearly, the recognition of recurrent HCV and differentiation from acute cellular rejection remains a crucial issue in managing the OLT recipient with HCV.
The obsessive personality. I.

Submission to a physician's authority is humiliating for the obsessive patient, because he fears the physician's rejection and his own loss of autonomy. Therefore, management of illness in the obsessive patient is most satisfactory when the physician-patient relationship is one of mutual participation.
Latitudinal patterns of shell thickness and metabolism in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica along the east coast of North America

The goal of this study was to quantify growth and metabolic responses of oysters to increased temperatures like those that will occur due to global warming. Impact of temperature on eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) shell growth and metabolism was investigated by sampling 24 sites along the eastern North American seaboard ranging from New Brunswick, Canada, to Florida, USA, in March and August 2013. There was a positive correlation between oyster shell thickness and site temperature. At southern sites, shells were up to 65 % thicker than at the northernmost site, likely due to higher precipitation of CaCO3 in warmer water. This was supported by laboratory experiments showing that thicker shells were produced in response to temperatures 2, 4, and 6 °C above ambient seawater temperatures (8–14 °C) in Connecticut, USA. Field experiments with oyster respiration were conducted during winter and summer at 13 sites to compare responses to thermal stress with latitude. Respiration rates were much higher during summer than winter, but the combination of summer and winter data fell along the same exponential curve with respect to temperature. At all sites, temperature-specific metabolic rates at elevated temperatures were lower than predicted, indicating significant seasonal acclimatization by C. virginica.
Severity and evidence

I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (Matt. 11:25–26; Luke 10:21) Our intellectual sophistication is nowadays so great that it is difficult to achieve, or to recover, that naked contact of our minds with the confronting reality out of which true wisdom alone can be born. Jesus said, “Except ye become as little children.” (Baillie 1956, p. 141) As the Introduction suggested, many people have misguided expectations for God, that is, expectations that fail to match what would be God’s purposes , if God exists. Such expectations cloud human recognition and appropriation of the evidence for God that would be on offer. This evidence, being evidence for God, would be volitionally rigorous in a manner illustrated by the Gethsemane crisis-experience of Jesus. This chapter develops this neglected theme. Gethsemane again The reality of severity in human life includes the reality of deep experiential and volitional conflict in humans. In humans struggling with God, such conflict has a name and even a historical location: Gethsemane . A deficiency of religious life and thought, including in Christian and Jewish variations, is their failure to give due import to Gethsemane and its disturbing, severe God. In shunning Gethsemane and the priority of God’s will, people become world-bound and thereby obscure any distinctive evidence of God in themselves and for themselves; hence the spiritual flatness among many human, even religious communities. Indeed, we humans are experts at fleeing or otherwise avoiding the needed volitional crisis of Gethsemane.
Social Readiness: Care Ethics and Migration

This chapter applies the lens of care ethics to suggest an alternative moral consideration for issues of migration. Traditional ethical approaches address rules, policies, and rights and although these are important moral markers for society, they do not account for relationships and dispositions. This discussion investigates a society’s ethical readiness to welcome and care for migrants. Ethical readiness refers to the capacity to engage in responsive caring including cognitive and emotional habits such as empathetic imagination, willingness to learn, and ability to take action. The chapter introduces care ethics emphasizing its epistemic and skill-based dimensions and develops a notion of social readiness to care applied to issues of migration in service of a culture of hospitality.
Age-Related Cataracts: Role of unfolded protein response, Ca2+ mobilization, epigenetic DNA modifications, and loss of Nrf2/Keap1 dependent cytoprotection

Age-related cataracts are closely associated with lens chronological aging, oxidation, calcium imbalance, hydration and crystallin modifications. Accumulating evidence indicates that misfolded proteins are generated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by most cataractogenic stresses. To eliminate misfolded proteins from cells before they can induce senescence, the cells activate a clean-up machinery called the ER stress/unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR also activates the nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a central transcriptional factor for cytoprotection against stress. Nrf2 activates nearly 600 cytoprotective target genes. However, if ER stress reaches critically high levels, the UPR activates destructive outputs to trigger programmed cell death. The UPR activates mobilization of ER-Ca2+ to the cytoplasm and results in activation of Ca2+-dependent proteases to cleave various enzymes and proteins which cause the loss of normal lens function. The UPR also enhances the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage lens constituents and induce failure of the Nrf2 dependent cytoprotection. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is an oxygen sensor protein and regulates the levels of Nrf2 by the proteasomal degradation. A significant loss of DNA methylation in diabetic cataracts was found in the Keap1 promoter, which overexpresses the Keap1 protein. Overexpressed Keap1 significantly decreases the levels of Nrf2. Lower levels of Nrf2 induces loss of the redox balance toward to oxidative stress thereby leading to failure of lens cytoprotection. Here, this review summarizes the overall view of ER stress, increases in Ca2+ levels, protein cleavage, and loss of the well-established stress protection in somatic lens cells.
The Mechanism of Polyethylene Glycol-Induced Fusion in Model Membranes

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used frequently as an ideal cell fusogen (Kao and Michayluk, 1974; Davidson and Gerald, 1977; Galfre et al., 1977; Power et al., 1978; Robinson et al., 1979; Knutton, 1979; Oi et al., 1980; Fazekas de St. Groth and Scheidegger, 1980; Krahling, 1981; Wojcieszyn et al., 1983). PEG is capable of fusing a wide variety of cells, including interspecific and interkingdom cell types. PEG exhibits a very low degree of cytotoxicity; it is only toxic at high concentrations (greater than 50%) and prolonged incubation (minutes for most cell lines). PEG is a water-soluble fusogen unlike nonpolar or amphipathic chemical fusogens, such as fatty acids, retinol, and lysolecithin, that act by entering the bilayer. Thus, it is relatively easy to remove PEG from the cell medium by washing. The use of PEG has several additional advantages over other fusogens: reproducibility in fusion capabilities, high fusion efficiency, inexpensiveness, availability, and ease of handling.
Pinking of lettuce

Abstract The mid-ribs of whole and processed (i.e., fresh-cut) lettuce can develop a pink discoloration that reduces consumer acceptance. Both biotic and abiotic stresses stimulate the phenylpropanoid pathway in lettuce to produce a number of o-diphenol compounds. Caffeic acid, an intermediate in this pathway, usually reacts with quinic or tartaric acid to form the o-diphenols chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids, or caffeoltartaric and dicaffeoltartaric acids, respectively. The concentration of these higher molecular weight o-diphenols is usually low in unstressed lettuce, but they can accumulates to levels that can produce tissue discoloration after the tissue has been stressed (e.g., wounded). The constitutive enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) converts o-diphenols into reactive o-quinones. Diversion of caffeic acid from the phenylpropanoid pathway by reaction with PPO produces caffeic acid o-quinone that is pinkish in color, while PPO activity on the accumulated higher molecular weight o-diphenols (e.g., chlorogenic acid) produces o-quinones that are brownish in color. Some of these higher molecular weight o-diphenols (e.g., chlorogenic acid) can act as antioxidants and reduce the formation of pink o-quinone from the action of PPO on caffeic acid. The interplay among the phenylpropanoid pathway, the accumulation and sequestering of the phenolic compounds produced, the activity of PPO, the mixing and reaction of the o-diphenols with PPO, and the reaction of the o-quinones produced can account for the variability in pinking in lettuce.
Implication of Phosphoinositides in Receptor-Mediated Stimulation of Phospholipid Labeling

“Stimulated phospholipid labeling,” “the phosphatidylinositol effect,” and similar terms have been in use for some years to describe the enhanced turnover of phospholipid that occurs when a variety of intact cells are exposed to ligands for which they have appropriate cell surface receptors. Hokin and Hokin initially observed [19] that acetylcholine not only causes release of amylase from pigeon pancreas slices, but stimulates incorporation of 32Pi into two quantitatively minor phospholipids, eventually identified as phosphatidate (PA) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) [10,17,18]. Furthermore, the stimulated incorporation was blocked in the presence of atropine [19], establishing the pharmacological specificity of the phenomenon. In the intervening 30 years, similar or related observations have been made in a multitude of cell systems, suggesting the possible existence of a second messenger effector system in stimulus-secretion coupling, and in which PA and PI play a role [22]. In the interim, the cAMP mechanism has unfolded and its biochemical basis has been largely elucidated, while the basis of the “phosphatidylinositol effect” remains largely unresolved. While there have been implications that calcium gating, protein kinase, and prostanoid metabolism are somehow involved, they are at this writing still in the speculative realm.
Human Considerations in the Application of Cognitive Decision Models for HRI

In order for autonomous robots to succeed as useful teammates for humans, it is necessary to examine the lens through which human users view, understand, and predict robotic behavior and abilities. To further study this, we conducted an experiment in which participants viewed video segments of a robot in a task-oriented environment, and were asked to explain what the robot was doing, and would likely do next. Results showed that participants’ perceived knowledge of the robot increased with additional exposures over time; however participant responses to open-ended questions about the robot’s behavior and functions remained divergent over multiple scenarios. A discussion of the implications of apparent differences in human interpretation and prediction of robotic behavior and functionality is presented.
Cognitive performance in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: Associations with objective sleep duration, age and anxiety.

Sleep disturbance and anxiety are highly prevalent in patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs). There is limited research, however, on the associations between cognitive performance and sleep parameters, age and anxiety. Forty-one patients with ICDs and self-reported sleep disturbance completed 14 days of actigraphy (Mage = 60.3, SD = 12.3) measuring total sleep time (TST), and a computerized cognitive test battery measuring processing speed and attention (i.e. simple reaction time and symbol digit modality task [SDMT]) and executive function (i.e. flanker task, letter series task and N-back task). Multiple regressions determined whether independent effects of TST, age and anxiety, as well as interactive effects of TST and age, predicted cognitive performance. TST predicted performance on two tasks of executive function (i.e. letter series and N-back task), as well as an attentional vigilance and processing speed task (i.e. SDMT), and this did not depend on patient age. On letter series, N-back and SDMT, longer TST predicted better performance. Increasing age was a predictor of worse performance on SDMT and flanker tasks. No other predictors were associated with task performance. Results show that sleep duration, not anxiety, may be an important predictor of higher-order cognitive functioning and lower-order tasks measuring processing speed and attention in ICD patients, with longer sleep duration showing greater benefit for performance.
Premium-Farben nicht nur für Luxuskarossen

Eine weise Perlglanz-Lackierung ist bei Luxusfahrzeugen in Japan der beliebteste Farbton. In Europa ist der Perlweis-Anteil noch vernachlassigbar klein. Einer der Grunde fur den geringen Marktanteil ist der komplizierte Lackierprozess. Mit der Entwicklung neuer Wasserbasislacke ist es nun gelungen, den Fertigungsablauf zur Herstellung dieser Perleffektlackierung deutlic h zu vereinfachen.
Miniature Diamond-Based Fiber Optic Pressure Sensor with Dual Polymer-Ceramic Adhesives.

Diamond is a good candidate for harsh environment sensing due to its high melting temperature, Young’s modulus, and thermal conductivity. A sensor made of diamond will be even more promising when combined with some advantages of optical sensing (i.e., EMI inertness, high temperature operation, and miniaturization). We present a miniature diamond-based fiber optic pressure sensor fabricated using dual polymer-ceramic adhesives. The UV curable polymer and the heat-curing ceramic adhesive are employed for easy and reliable optical fiber mounting. The usage of the two different adhesives considerably improves the manufacturability and linearity of the sensor, while significantly decreasing the error from the temperature cross-sensitivity. Experimental study shows that the sensor exhibits good linearity over a pressure range of 2.0–9.5 psi with a sensitivity of 18.5 nm/psi (R2 = 0.9979). Around 275 °C of working temperature was achieved by using polymer/ceramic dual adhesives. The sensor can benefit many fronts that require miniature, low-cost, and high-accuracy sensors including biomedical and industrial applications. With an added antioxidation layer on the diamond diaphragm, the sensor can also be applied for harsh environment applications due to the high melting temperature and Young’s modulus of the material.
Social networks of youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood

Abstract Social support has been shown to be a protective factor during childhood and adulthood. Social support is particularly important during major life transitions, such as aging out of foster care. When youth reach the age of majority (18 in most states) they age out of foster care and enter adulthood—often without the support necessary for a successful transition. The current study examines social networks and utilization of social support among young people (N = 58) ages 18–25 from one southeastern state who had aged out of care or were in extended foster care. These youth, on average, had 7 people in their networks. Networks varied based on a number of characteristics including placement type and race/ethnicity. Social support satisfaction varied across support domains and by foster care characteristics. The current study provides several policy and practice implications for creating supportive relationships among youth transitioning out of foster care and into adulthood.
A Case of Gastric Variceal Bleeding: Diagnosis and Treatment of a Rare Anatomical Variant

Assessment of the gastric variceal drainage system is important in selecting proper treatment options and interventional techniques. Our case describes a unique approach to the treatment of gastric variceal bleeding due to the anatomy of this patient.
Undergraduate students' physical activity levels and experiences in a service-learning dog walking class: an exploratory pilot study.

Objective: To investigate the physical activity levels and experiences of students enrolled in a service-learning dog walking class. Participants: College students (N = 10) from a rural university ...
Abstract P155: Acute Stress From Elections and Hospitalization for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that stressors are associated with heightened cardiovascular risk within hours after the triggering event, and stress from election campaigns is asso...
Association between change in self-reported sugar intake and a sugar biomarker (δ13C) in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes.

We examined whether change in added sugar intake is associated with change in δ 13 C, a novel sugar biomarker, in thirty-nine children aged 5–10 years selected from a Colorado (USA) prospective cohort of children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes. Reported added sugar intake via FFQ and δ 13 C in erythrocytes were measured at two time points a median of 2 years apart. Change in added sugar intake was associated with change in the δ 13 C biomarker, where for every 1-g increase in added sugar intake between the two time points, there was an increase in δ 13 C of 0⋅0082 ( P = 0⋅0053), independent of change in HbA1c and δ 15 N. The δ 13 C biomarker may be used as a measure of compliance in an intervention study of children under the age of 10 years who are at increased risk for type 1 diabetes, in which the goal was to reduce dietary sugar intake.
Analysis of 9 common respiratory pathogens detection in 1,548 hospitalized children with respiratory infection in Zhengzhou area

Objective To investigate detection results of 9 common respiratory pathogens in 1,548 hospitalized children with respiratory infection in Zhengzhou area. Methods A total of 1,548 hospitalized children with respiratory infection in Zhengzhou area from January 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled, and the retrospective analysis was conducted. All children were tested for 9 mycoplasma IgM antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence. The positive results of different pathogens in respiratory infection children with different gender, in different age groups and seasons were compared. Results Among 1,548 hospitalized children with respiratory infection, there were 311 cases with positive results in 9 pathogens detection, accounting for 20.09%. Among 311 pathogen-positive children, the detection rate of MP was the highest (41.16%), followed by Lp1 (27.01%). Among 235 cases of single-pathogen infection, the detection rate of MP was the highest (34.89%), followed by Lp1 (26.81%). Among 76 cases with mixed pathogen infection, the detection rate of MP was the highest (60.53%), followed by RSV (31.58%). The positive rates of MP and INFB in girls were significantly higher than those in boys (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the positive rates of MP and INFB among different age groups (P<0.05), the positive rates of MP and INFB in 1 month-1 year old group were significantly lower than those in the other age groups (P<0.05). The positive rate of INFB in spring and winter were significantly higher than those in summer and autumn (P<0.05). Conclusion In this study, MP is the main pathogen of respiratory infection. The pathogens of children with respiratory infection are related with age, season, and gender. The pathogen should be accurately detected in time to provide reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Key words: Respiratory infection; Pathogen; Detection
EEG signals index a global signature of arousal embedded in neuronal population recordings

Electroencephalography (EEG) has long been used to index brain states, from early studies describing activity during visual stimulation to modern work employing complex perceptual tasks. These studies shed light on brain-wide signals but lacked explanatory power at the single neuron level. Similarly, single neuron studies can suffer from inability to measure brain-wide signals. Here, we combined these techniques while monkeys performed a change detection task and discovered a link between EEG and a signal embedded in spiking responses. This 9slow drift9 was associated with arousal: decreases in pre-stimulus α power/increases in P1 amplitude were accompanied by :1) increases in pupil size, false alarm rate and saccade velocity; and 2) decreases in microsaccade rate and reaction time. These results show that brain-wide EEG signals can be used to index modes of activity acquired from direct neural recordings, that in turn reflect global changes in brain state that influence perception and behavior.
Using Messy, Authentic Data to Promote Data Literacy & Reveal the Nature of Science

Authentic, “messy data” contain variability that comes from many sources, such as natural variation in nature, chance occurrences during research, and human error. It is this messiness that both deters potential users of authentic data and gives data the power to create unique learning opportunities that reveal the nature of science itself. While the value of bringing contemporary research and messy data into the classroom is recognized, implementation can seem overwhelming. We discuss the importance of frequent interactions with messy data throughout K–16 science education as a mechanism for students to engage in the practices of science, such as visualizing, analyzing, and interpreting data. Next, we describe strategies to help facilitate the use of messy data in the classroom while building complexity over time. Finally, we outline one potential sequence of activities, with specific examples, to highlight how various activity types can be used to scaffold students' interactions with messy data.
Associations Between Sad Feelings and Suicide Behaviors in the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey: A Call for Action.

Purpose: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among high school aged students in the United States. Significant risk factors for suicidal behaviors among youth include diagnoses of depression or other mental illnesses. The association between self-reported sad feelings and suicidal behaviors has been understudied in the literature among United States high school students. Methods: The 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) school-based questionnaire, coordinated by the CDC, captured a nationally-representative sample (N = 13,677) of students' responses to health-related behaviors. National sex-stratified prevalences of sad feelings and suicidal behaviors were calculated. Adjusted weighted logistic regression was used to examine the association between self-reported sad feelings and suicidal behaviors. Results: Out of 13,677 high-school students, 35.8% of students self-reported sad feelings. Suicidal behaviors in the overall sample included 18.2% had seriously considered suicide, 15.2% made a plan on how they would attempt suicide, and 7.3% attempted suicide within the past 12 months. There was an 8–11-fold increased odds of all suicidal behaviors among those who reported sad feelings among both females and males. Conclusions: This study reveals a remarkably high prevalence of sad feelings among US youth, and underscores a significant association between self-reported sad feelings and suicidal behaviors among this population. The YRBS survey, routinely administered across US high school students, should be better leveraged to target interventions toward these high-risk youth in order to decrease the significant burden of suicidal behaviors among adolescents.
Beyond the Trifold in Civics Presentations: The Measure of Youth Policy Arguments

Youth are increasingly engaging in civic action to address social injustices. Many adult educators are also looking for instructional resources that support youth voice as a way to promote adolescent civic development and community change. Alas, assessment tools to support youth voice and policy argumentation are lacking. Existing tools overemphasize public speaking skills and rely on dated artifacts such as cardboard trifold posters. In this article we introduce the Measure of Youth Policy Arguments (MYPA), a tool designed to aid in the development and assessment of high-quality youth policy presentations. We also describe how to use the MYPA in formative and summative contexts. Additionally, we provide initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the MYPA. Furthermore, we argue that MYPA has applications in preparing youth for policy presentation and in assessing learning outcomes associated with youth voice projects.
Creating an Effective New Employee Orientation Program

This article outlines what new employee orientation is and why it is important and identifies essential factors to consider when creating or improving an orientation program, including goals; content; organizational culture; timing, pacing, and sequencing; responsibilities and methods; and feedback and evaluation.