cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nascent HDL formation in hepatocytes and role of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI

To study the mechanisms of hepatic HDL formation, we investigated the roles of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI in nascent HDL formation in primary hepatocytes isolated from mice deficient in ABCA1, ABCG1, or SR-BI and from wild-type (WT) mice. Under basal conditions, in WT hepatocytes, cholesterol efflux to exogenous apoA-I was accompanied by conversion of apoA-I to HDL-sized particles. LXR activation by T0901317 markedly enhanced the formation of larger HDL-sized particles as well as cellular cholesterol efflux to apoA-I. Glyburide treatment completely abolished the formation of 7.4 nm diameter and greater particles but led to the formation of novel 7.2 nm-sized particles. However, cells lacking ABCA1 failed to form such particles. ABCG1-deficient cells showed similar capacity to efflux cholesterol to apoA-I and to form nascent HDL particles compared with WT cells. Cholesterol efflux to apoA-I and nascent HDL formation were slightly but significantly enhanced in SR-BI-deficient cells compared with WT cells under basal but not LXR activated conditions. As in WT but not in ABCA1-deficient hepatocytes, 7.2 nm-sized particles generated by glyburide treatment were also detected in ABCG1-deficient and SR-BI-deficient hepatocytes. Our data indicate that hepatic nascent HDL formation is highly dependent on ABCA1 but not on ABCG1 or SR-BI.
Development of simple algorithms for the detection of fecal contaminants on apples from visible/near infrared hyperspectral reflectance imaging

Hyperspectral reflectance images of two cultivars of apples were acquired after fecal treatments at three different concentrations to explore the potential for the detection of fecal contaminants on apple surfaces. Region of interest (ROI) spectral features of fecal contaminated areas showed a reduction in reflectance intensity compared to those of uncontaminated skins. Large spectral differences between uncontaminated and fecal contaminated skins of two types of apples occurred in the 675–950 nm visible/NIR region, which provided the basis for developing universal algorithms in the detection of fecal spots. Comparison of a number of processed images revealed that a dual-band ratio (Q725/811) algorithm could be used to identify fecal contaminated skins effectively. The result was most important as the two bands are away from the absorptions of natural pigments (such as chlorophylls and carotenoids), and hence can reduce the influence from color variations due to different apple cultivars. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus): A Conservation Challenge

The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) has an extensive range in North America, inhabiting boreal, coniferous, and mixed forests of the northern United States and Canada and the slopes of the mountains of the east and west. Most undisturbed northern populations are apparently thriving, but those in the southern mountains are considered disjunct relicts occupying declining remnants of suitable habitat. It is clear that range contraction in the past has been associated with climate and vegetation change in the Pleistocene and the large-scale timber harvests of the early 20th century and that today a significant threat comes from forest practices and development. However, the major problem in dealing with conservation of this species is understanding its complex ecological position in its regional communities and the subtle as well as obvious influences of human activities. Thus, to preserve this species over its extensive range one will have to consider its various roles as a biological opportunist, an important prey item, a disperser of mycorrhizae, a potential victim of biological warfare, and a small, secretive glider especially vulnerable to anthropogenic and possible climatic changes in the size, arrangement, and quality of its home forests.
Determination of Urea Nitrate and Guanidine Nitrate Vapor Pressures by Isothermal Thermogravimetry

Since the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988, detection of military explosives has received much attention. Only in the last few years has detection of improvised explosives become a priority. Many detection methods require that the particulate or vapor be available. Elsewhere we have reported the vapor pressures of peroxide explosives triacetone triperoxide (TATP), diacetone diperoxide (DADP), and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Herein we examine the vapor signatures of the nitrate salts of urea and guanidine (UN and GN, respectively), and compare them to ammonium nitrate (AN) and TATP using an isothermal thermo-gravimetric method. The vapor signatures of the nitrate salts are assumed to be the vapor pressures of the neutral parent base and nitric acid. Studies were performed at elevated temperatures (80–120 °C for UN, 205–225 °C for GN, 100–160 °C for AN, and 40–59 °C for TATP), enthalpies of sublimation calculated and vapor pressures extrapolated to room temperature. Reported vapor pressure values (in Pa) are as follows: GN ≪UN <AN ≪TATP 2.66×10−18 3.94×10−5 5.98×10−4 24.8
Infinite ensemble learning with support vector machines

Ensemble learning algorithms such as boosting can achieve better performance by averaging over the predictions of base hypotheses. However, existing algorithms are limited to combining only a finite number of hypotheses, and the generated ensemble is usually sparse. It is not clear whether we should construct an ensemble classifier with a larger or even infinite number of hypotheses. In addition, constructing an infinite ensemble itself is a challenging task. In this paper, we formulate an infinite ensemble learning framework based on SVM. The framework can output an infinite and nonsparse ensemble, and can be used to construct new kernels for SVM as well as to interpret some existing ones. We demonstrate the framework with a concrete application, the stump kernel, which embodies infinitely many decision stumps. The stump kernel is simple, yet powerful. Experimental results show that SVM with the stump kernel is usually superior than boosting, even with noisy data.
Predictions of quaternionic quantum mechanics for CP nonconservation in the B and D meson systems.

We apply the quaternionic quantum mechanics model for CP nonconservation, previously developed by Adler for K mesons, to heavy-flavor systems. We show that unlike superweak models, it can accommodate anomalously large ${D}^{0}$-D\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} $^{0}$ mixing. On the other hand, in common with superweak models, the quaternionic model predicts zero partial-decay-rate asymmetries for decays of charged B and D mesons, and predicts final-state-independent partial-decay-rate asymmetries for the decays of neutral B and D mesons into CP eigenstates.
Immunochemistry of Model Membranes Containing Spin-Labeled Haptens

A previous study reported that liposomes composed of L-α-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), cholesterol and 3 mole % cardiolipin fix complement in the presence of specific anticardiolipin antibodies (1). It was discovered that at both the temperatures employed (6°C and 37°C) complement fixation increased strongly with increasing cholesterol concentration for cholesterol concentrations above 33 mole %. Similar results were obtained when the DPPC was replaced by L-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC). Since several physical properties of binary mixtures of phosphatidylcholines and cholesterol changes at cholesterol concentrations of the order of 33 mole % (2) the above study (1) indicates that one or more of these physical properties of the liposomal membrane may play an important role in complement fixation. For example, the physical properties of phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol lipid mixtures might strongly affect the lateral motion and distribution of this lipid hapten (cardiolipin) and thereby modify the immunochemical properties of the membrane.
Variation and Authenticity in a Study of Children's Written Humor

Presented here is a brief report of a study along with an extensive criticism of this and other studies that use contrived tasks for investigating children's humor and writing. The original study had hoped to anwer questions related to how child-produced humor might vary with the sex and age of the intended audience, how writing would figure in child-produced humor, and any relationships that might exist between production of and talk about humor. Two middle-class fourth-grade classrooms were told a contrived story and asked to produce something funny for some sick children. Children in one class produced something for two sick children, both male, one in first and one in eighth grade. The other class produced something for two sick children, both female, one in first and one in eighth grade. Productions (N = 136) were collected and analyzed. Of the fourth graders, 9 were then interviewed about their conceptions of humor and of their productions. Children's productions did vary according to the age and se...
Preswing Knee Flexion Assistance Is Coupled With Hip Abduction in People With Stiff-Knee Gait After Stroke

Background and Purpose—Stiff-knee gait is defined as reduced knee flexion during the swing phase. It is accompanied by frontal plane compensatory movements (eg, circumduction and hip hiking) typically thought to result from reduced toe clearance. As such, we examined if knee flexion assistance before foot-off would reduce exaggerated frontal plane movements in people with stiff-knee gait after stroke. Methods—We used a robotic knee orthosis to assist knee flexion torque during the preswing phase in 9 chronic stroke subjects with stiff-knee gait on a treadmill and compared peak knee flexion, hip abduction, and pelvic obliquity angles with 5 nondisabled control subjects. Results—Maximum knee flexion angle significantly increased in both groups, but instead of reducing gait compensations, hip abduction significantly increased during assistance in stroke subjects by 2.5°, whereas no change was observed in nondisabled control subjects. No change in pelvic obliquity was observed in either group. Conclusions—Hip abduction increased when stroke subjects received assistive knee flexion torque at foot-off. These findings are in direct contrast to the traditional belief that pelvic obliquity combined with hip abduction is a compensatory mechanism to facilitate foot clearance during swing. Because no evidence suggested a voluntary mechanism for this behavior, we argue that these results were most likely a reflection of an altered motor template occurring after stroke. (Stroke. 2010;41:1709-1714.)
Exponential Expansion with Principal Eigenvalues

The formulation of exponential expansion is generalized to equilibrium points having arbitrary principal eigenvalues. It is established by transforming the coordinates into admissible ones and some earlier results on exponential bounds for Shil’nikov’s solutions.
On the capacity modeling of multi-hop cellular packet CDMA networks

Wireless multihop networks with a cellular structure have the potential to support high data rate traffic at a reasonable degree of implementation complexity. We consider a cellular network architecture composed of base stations, routers, and terminals and focus on its throughput modeling. Simply adding routers to the current cellular networks may not improve the throughput, since relaying the packets by routers may generate the same amount of interference at the receivers. We derive a closed form formula for the probability density function of interference at each receiver and compare the numerical and simulation results for different path loss parameters.
INTEGRABLE AND CHAOTIC BEHAVIOUR IN THE PAUL TRAP AND THE HYDROGEN ATOM IN A GENERALIZED VAN DER WAALS POTENTIAL

For almost two decades the problem of Rydberg atoms interacting with external fields has proved to be a unique atomic laboratory for the study of chaos.1–5 While some studies have specialized to interactions with explicitly time dependent microwave fields,1 others have dealt instead with static fields.2–4 Many of the most outstanding cases of interest fall into the second category, and, further, their Hamiltonians turn out to be particular limits of the so-called generalized van der Waals Hamiltonian (GVDW)6–7 (e.g., the notoriously chaotic quadratic Zeeman effect2–5). Studies of atomic Rydberg states have clearly led to substantial progress being made in furthering an understanding of the implications of classical chaos in quantum systems. Quite recently, however, investigations of a different problem, the Paul trap,8–9 suggest that this system might prove of comparable value in the study of chaotic dynamics in atomic systems. In this paper we show that the generalized van der Waals and trap Hamiltonians are special cases of a more general Hamiltonian and, remarkably, they share identical integrable limits. Despite their similitude, important differences also exist; the most significant of them being a double well structure in the effective potential energy surface for the Paul trap. This structure gives rise to a new type of two-ion crystal corresponding to a dynamical rather than a static equilibrium, leading to new resonances and modes of regular and chaotic behavior stemming from the dynamics of the associated separatrix layer.
A new method that simultaneously aligns and reconstructs ancestral sequences for any number of homologous sequences, when the phylogeny is given.

Among the fundamental problems in molecular evolution and in the analysis of homologous sequences are alignment, phylogeny reconstruction, and the reconstruction of ancestral sequences. This paper presents a fast, combined solution to these problems. The new algorithm gives an approximation to the minimal history in terms of a distance function on sequences. The distance function on sequences is a minimal weighted path length constructed from substitutions and insertionsdeletions of segments of any length. Substitutions are weighted with an arbitrary metric on the set of nucleotides or amino acids, and indels are weighted with a gap penalty function of the form gk = a + (bXk), where k is the length of the indel and a and b are two positive numbers. A novel feature is the introduction of the concept of sequence graphs and a generalization of the traditional dynamic sequence comparison algorithm to the comparison of sequence graphs. Sequence graphs ease several computational problems. They are used to represent large sets of sequences that can then be compared simultaneously. Furthermore, they allow the handling of multiple, equally good, alignments, where previous methods were forced to make arbitrary choices. A program written in C implemented this method; it was tested first on 22 5s RNA sequences.
Abstract 4: Macrophage p62/SQSTM1 Ameliorates Atherosclerosis by Sequestering Inclusion Bodies and Mediating Mitophagy

Protein and organelle turnover is critical for cellular homeostasis and is prominently mediated by autophagy. Disruptions in autophagy lead to accumulation of protein aggregates and dysfunctional organelles such as mitochondria. Recent evidence suggests that the chaperone protein p62 is a critical link for targeting polyubiquitinated protein aggregates/damaged mitochondria to autophagosomes for degradation. Herein we describe a p62-centric mechanism of handling protein aggregates and dysfunctional mitochondria in atherosclerosis. Macrophages deficient in autophagy (ATG5-/-) or rendered deficient by incubation with atherogenic lipids have significantly increased levels of p62. This coincides with 1) the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins co-localizing with p62 and present as cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, and 2) p62 co-localization with mitochondrial markers. Aortas from atherosclerotic (ApoE-/-) mice also have progressive and marked elevations in p62, polyubiquitinated proteins, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species that predominantly co-localize with plaque macrophages, a process further exacerbated in the autophagy-deficient setting. The formation of cytoplasmic inclusions and maintenance of adequate mitochondrial function appears to be dependent on p62. Lipid-loaded p62-null macrophages show polyubiquitinated protein accumulation present in a diffuse/disrupted cytoplasmic pattern. These macrophages also develop larger dysmorphic mitochondria with increased polarization and decreased oxidative phosphorylation capacity. As a result, p62-null macrophages display apoptotic susceptibility to atherogenic lipids and increased IL-1β secretion likely through mitochondrial-dependent inflammasome activation. Consistent with our in vitro observations, mice with either whole-body p62-deficiency or transplanted with p62-deficient bone marrow show significantly increased atherosclerotic plaque burden and lesion complexity with increased apoptosis and necrotic cores. Taken together, these data demonstrate a previously unrecognized atheroprotective role for macrophage p62 by facilitating the formation of inclusion bodies and maintaining healthy mitochondria.
Partial ileal bypass affords protection from onset of type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Background Partial ileal bypass (PIB) in the National Institutes of Health–sponsored Program on the Surgical Control of the Hyperlipidemias (POSCH) randomized controlled trial was found to reduce plasma cholesterol, in particular low density lipoprotein cholesterol, with concomitant retardation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and increased life expectancy. Glucagon-like peptide-1, related to amelioration of type 2 diabetes, is increased over 5-fold after PIB. We hypothesized that PIB, in addition to its action on cholesterol metabolism, may also prevent type 2 diabetes. Methods We surveyed by telephone inquiry of former POSCH patients the 30+year posttrial incidence of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, the presence of which was a trial exclusion criteria. We were able to contact 17.4% (n = 838) of the original POSCH population. Results Of 66 control responders, 17 contracted type 2 diabetes (25.8%); of 80 PIB responders, 8 contracted type 2 diabetes (10%). The difference between groups was significant ( P = .015 by Fisher exact test) with an odds ratio of .320 for the PIB group and an over 2-fold (2.6) increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the controls. Including borderline type 2 diabetes (prediabetic) patients, these values were 22 of 66 controls (33.3%) and 10 of 80 PIB patients (12.5%), with an odds ratio of .286 and a P Conclusion PIB appears to afford partial protection from the onset of type 2 diabetes for over 30 years.
CASH LESS or PAPERLESS INDIAN ECONOMY –The road ahead

Virtual and cashless payments are growing at breakneck speed right now in India. According to the figures released by RBI for FY 2015, more transactions were done through use of ATM, Debit Cards, Credit cards, Internet Banking and online wallets compared to traditional paper based transaction. It can be defined as a situation in which the flow of cash within an economy is non-existent and all transactions have to be through electronic channels such as direct debit, credit and debit cards, electronic clearing, payment systems such as Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), National Electronic Funds Transfer and Real Time Gross Settlement in India. Now India had around 18 million credit card holders and 280 million debit card holders as of year 2014. Online and mobile wallets have seen meteoric rise in numbers over past couple of years, though their numbers are still relatively small. Mobile wallets are also expected to grow at a rate exceeding 40% over next five years and exceed 100 million users. This plastic money will help in curbing the menace of anonymous transactions, black money flow in cash, keep vigil over all transactions like drug trafficking and terrorist financing, bringing more activities under the tax net and so increase revenue collection and move towards possible tax reforms. Hence t his paper is an attempt to analyse the key elements relating to cash less and paperless payments and the impact of cashless and paperless culture in Indian economy.
Light emission from intrinsic and doped silicon-rich silicon oxide: from the visible to 1.6 μm

Silicon-rich silicon oxide (SRSO) films were prepared by thermal oxidation (700°C-950°C) of electrochemically etched crystalline silicon (c-Si). The annealing-oxidation conditions are responsible for the chemical and structural modification of SRSO as well as for the intrinsic light-emission in the visible and near infra-red spectral regions (2.0-1.8 eV, 1.6 eV and 1.1 eV). The extrinsic photoluminescence (PL) is produced by doping (via electroplating or ion implantation) with rare-earth (R-E) ions (Nd at 1.06 μm, Er at 1.5 μm) and chalcogens (S at ~1.6 μm). The impurities can be localized within the Si grains (S), in the SiO matrix (Nd, Er) or at the Si-SiO interface (Er). The Er-related PL in SRSO was studied in detail: the maximum PL external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.01-0.1% was found in samples annealed at 900°C in diluted oxygen (~ 10% in N2). The integrated PL temperature dependence is weak from 12K to 300K. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with an active layer made of an intrinsic and doped SRSO are manufactured and studied: room temperature electroluminescence (EL) from the visible to 1.6 μmhas been demonstrated.
They Walked Together: Owen Barfield, Walter O. Field, Cecil Harwood, C.S. Lewis

For C. S. Lewis, the walks that he took each Eastertide with Owen Barfield, Walter O. Field, and Cecil Harwood epitomized friendship. Although they were distinctly unlike in personality and were not all interested in the same things, the four “cretaceous perambulators” shared core ideals and aspirations. Their writings evidence the wonderful strengths of their friendship.
Epidemiological analysis of hand-foot-mouth disease of Macheng City in Hubei province,2011-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD)in Macheng.Methods Descriptive epidemiological approaches were used to collect and analyze the HFMD surveillance data in Macheng.Results A total of 3299cases of HFMD were reported and the average incidence rate was 141.81/lakh in 2011-2012.No severe cases and no death was found.All townships reported cases.The cases of children≤3years accounted for 85.4% of the total.The male and female ratio of the case was 1.98∶1.Cases mainly concentrated in the scattered children.There were two peaks of morbidity in 2011-2012,and the peak in October and December was higher than the peak in April and July.Conclusions HFMD has obvious differences in age,gender and season.The temporal distribution of HFMD morbidity was special in 2011-2012.
Glaucoma--a clinicolegal review.

BACKGROUND Glaucoma is a leading cause of professional liability claims involving eye care practitioners. Reasons for litigation include the severe loss of vision that can result if the disease goes undetected and the variety of legal theories-breach of informed consent, negligence, and product liability-under which a practitioner may be held liable. METHODS Leading cases and claims are reviewed to describe the variety of clinical situations in which glaucoma-related lawsuits have been successfully alleged. RESULTS Eye care practitioners are most likely to be charged with failure to diagnose open-angle glaucoma, but failure to warn patients of suspicious findings and adverse effects of antiglaucoma medications are also significant causes of liability claims.
Ontology Modeling with Domain Experts: The GeoVocamp Experience.

A series of GeoVoCamps, run at least twice a year in locations in the U.S., have focused on ontology design patterns as an approach to inform metadata and data models, and on applications in the GeoSciences. In this note, we will redraw the brief history of the series as well as rationales for the particular approach which was chosen, and report on the ongoing uptake of the approach.
Deep tendon reflexes: a study of quantitative methods.

Objective: The deep tendon reflex (DTR) is routinely used by clinicians to evaluate the nervous system. Depressed and hyperactive DTRs suggest peripheral and central nervous system compromise, resp...
Regional hydrologic response to climate change in the conterminous United States using high-resolution hydroclimate simulations

Abstract Despite the fact that Global Climate Model (GCM) outputs have been used to project hydrologic impacts of climate change using off-line hydrologic models for two decades, many of these efforts have been disjointed — applications or at least calibrations have been focused on individual river basins and using a few of the available GCMs. This study improves upon earlier attempts by systematically projecting hydrologic impacts for the entire conterminous United States (US), using outputs from ten GCMs from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) archive, with seamless hydrologic model calibration and validation techniques to produce a spatially and temporally consistent set of current hydrologic projections. The Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model was forced with ten-member ensemble projections of precipitation and air temperature that were dynamically downscaled using a regional climate model (RegCM4) and bias-corrected to 1/24° (~ 4 km) grid resolution for the baseline (1966–2005) and future (2011–2050) periods under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5. Based on regional analysis, the VIC model projections indicate an increase in winter and spring total runoff due to increases in winter precipitation of up to 20% in most regions of the US. However, decreases in snow water equivalent (SWE) and snow-covered days will lead to significant decreases in summer runoff with more pronounced shifts in the time of occurrence of annual peak runoff projected over the eastern and western US. In contrast, the central US will experience year-round increases in total runoff, mostly associated with increases in both extreme high and low runoff. The projected hydrological changes described in this study have implications for various aspects of future water resource management, including water supply, flood and drought preparation, and reservoir operation.
Identification of an Inhibitory Alcohol Binding Site in GABAaRho1

We examined why alcohols inhibit the γ-aminobutyric acid type A rho1 receptor (GABAaRrho1) function whereas alcohols potentiate other GABAaR subtypes. We did so by introducing mutations in the second transmembrane helix in GABAaRrho1. Homology models of rho1 receptors based on the X-ray structure of GluCl showed that the 2′, 5′, 6’ and 9′ residues were easily accessible from the ion pore, with 5′ and 6′ residues from neighboring subunits facing each other; whereas L3′ and L277(TM1) were facing the neighboring subunit. We studied ethanol and hexanol effects on GABA responses using two-voltage clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The 6′ mutations showed changes in ethanol and hexanol effects: small changes (T6′M), increased inhibition (T6′V), and small potentiation (T6′Y and T6′F). The 5′ mutations produced increased hexanol inhibition. Other mutations produced smaller (3′ and 9′) or no changes (2′ and L277) on alcohol effects. These results suggest an inhibitory alcohol binding site near the 6′ position By testing ethanol through octanol on single and double mutated rho1 receptors [rho1(I15′S), rho1(T6′Y) and rho1(T6′Y,I15′S)], we further characterized the inhibitory alcohol pocket in the wild-type ρ1 receptor that can only bind relatively short-chain alcohols, and is eliminated by introducing Y in the 6’ position. Replacing the 15′ residue with a smaller side chain introduced a potentiating binding site, more sensitive to long-chain than to short-chain alcohols. In conclusion, the net alcohol effect on the ρ1 receptor is determined by the sum of its actions on inhibitory and potentiating sites.
Distributive justice, diversity, and inclusion in precision medicine: what will success look like?

Distributive justice, diversity, and inclusion in precision medicine: what will success look like?
Relative promoter activity in human mammary epithelial cells assayed by transient expression

Chimeric DNA expression vectors containing regulatory sequences proximal to the 5′ end of coding sequences for mammalian genes provide valuable tools to study gene expression. Genes coding for easily measured products (reporter genes) can be used to study promoter strength and regulation of gene expression after transient expression of promoter-reporter constructs in mammalian cells. To determine the strength of a variety of mammalian and viral promoter-enhancer sequences in primary cultures of human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC), these sequences were fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene and transfected into HMEC using strontium phosphate. The long terminal repeat (LTR) of the endogenous murine leukemia virus AKR-623 was the most potent promoter of transient CAT expression in HMEC. A number of commonly available promoter sequences displayed a wide range of activities in these cells. The glucocorticoid responsive LTR promoter from the murine mammary tumor virus modulated expression of CAT and was sensitive to the concentration of dexamethasone in the growth media. In a similar fashion, the regulatory sequences from the murine metallothionein-1 gene retained responsiveness to zinc concentration in the growth media.
A Closer Look at the Effects of LMX and Emotional Exhaustion: Are Drained Salespeople More Deviant?

There has been an emerging research interest in salesperson deviance, or anti-normative behaviors that are opportunistically directed at the organization and/or its constituents (Jelinek and Ahearne 2010; Darrat et al. 2010; Jelinek and Ahearne 2006). Extant literature has generally conceptualized deviance as unconventional behaviors that breach organizational protocols with an implicitly and/or explicitly opportunistic motive (Robinson and Bennett 1995). For example, overworked salespeople may react to ‘unfair’ work schedules by shirking their job responsibilities, running personal errands on company time, or venting out work-related frustrations to customers. The outcomes of such behaviors negatively impact employee productivity and customer loyalty (Dunlop and Lee 2004). Therefore, it may be preferable from the organization’s standpoint for exhausted salespeople to leave rather than to remain in a deviant capacity. However, some salespeople may be forced by circumstance to remain in jobs at the expense of their own emotional well-being. In such cases, are exhausted stayers more likely to break organizational norms? If so, what impact does LMX have, if any, on their exhaustion and subsequent behaviors? The purpose of this research is to address these questions by examining the linkages between LMX and emotional exhaustion and the ensuing impact on salesperson deviance. Based on the results, the manuscript proposes practical courses of action for sales managers with regard to developing meaningful exchange relationships with salespeople as well as recommendations for reducing stress and promoting conformance within the sales force.
Regulation and Dysregulation of Fibrinolysis

Hemostasis is a dynamic equilibrium between coagulation and fibrinolysis. The coordinated interplay of primary hemostasis, secondary hemostasis, and fibrinolysis ensures arrest of bleeding, restoration of vascular patency, and wound healing following injury. Plasmin, formed from its zymogenic form plasminogen by the action of plasminogen activators derived from the endothelium, plays a central role in fibrinolysis. The endogenous plasminogen activators are tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Regulation of fibrinolysis involves protease action, serpin inactivation, and conformational changes. In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), both the processes of coagulation and fibrinolysis are dysregulated. The dysregulated fibrinolytic process in sepsis, manifested by an increased level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, can be targeted for therapeutic intervention and by supplementing the decreased endogenous anticoagulant agents such as APC, AT, and TFPI. The important implication of the intricacies of regulation and dysregulation of fibrinolysis is in the cautious use of fibrinolytic drugs especially in neurosurgical patients.
Commentary to A. C. Catania: Discussion: The Flight from Experimental Analysis

(2012). Commentary to A. C. Catania: Discussion: The Flight from Experimental Analysis. European Journal of Behavior Analysis: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 211-213.
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for excision of a retropharyngeal intramuscular lipoma

Abstract Objective To describe the feasibility, effectiveness, and improved morbidity profile of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the excision of a retropharyngeal intramuscular lipoma. Methods Case report of a robot-assisted transoral resection of a retropharyngeal intramuscular lipoma. Results A 62-year-old woman presented with tongue pain and globus with dysphagia for six months. Transoral exam revealed a pharyngeal submucosal mass, and MRI demonstrated a prevertebral lipomatous lesion with protrusion into the airway. The patient elected for robot-assisted transoral surgical treatment. The patient tolerated the procedure well, experienced no complications, and was discharged on post-operative day one. At six months post-operatively, the patient was without dysphagia and was disease free on imaging. Conclusions TORS is an effective, safe, feasible, and likely more efficient way to excise a retropharyngeal intramuscular lipoma or other retropharyngeal masses.
Disinfection By-Products: Formation and Occurrence in Drinking Water

Drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs) are an unintended consequence of using chemical disinfectants to kill harmful pathogens in water. DBPs are formed by the reaction of disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter, bromide, and iodide. Potential health risks of DBPs include bladder cancer and reproductive and developmental effects. This article provides a comprehensive review and listing of DBPs that have been reported for the four major disinfectants: chlorine, chloramines, ozone, and chorine dioxide (and their combinations). The occurrence and formation of the regulated DBPs are discussed, as well as many other classes of unregulated DBP including halonitromethanes, iodo-acids and other unregulated haloacids, iodo-trihalomethanes and other unregulated halomethanes, MX (3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone) and brominated MX compounds (BMXs), halonitriles, haloamides, haloaldehydes, haloketones, oxyhalides (including chlorate and iodate), N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and other nitrosamines, and nonhalogenated aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Issues regarding increased formation of several classes of DBPs with alternative disinfectants (ozone and chloramines) are discussed, along with the importance of other routes of exposure beyond ingestion (including bathing, showering, and swimming). In addition to the formation of traditional DBPs from natural organic matter, ‘contaminant DBPs’ that are formed by the reaction of disinfectants with anthropogenic contaminants are also discussed.
Structural Vibration Control Using High Strength and Damping Capacity Shape Memory Alloys

Designing structures to withstand dynamic environmental hazards such as earthquakes, strong winds, and hurricanes is of primary concern for civil engineers. In addition, recent advances in architectural forms, structural systems, and high performance materials have enabled the design of very slender and lightweight structures. These flexible structures are susceptible to be exposed to high levels of vibrations under strong winds and earthquakes, which may lead to structural damage and potential failure. Over the past two decades, shape memory alloys (SMAs) have emerged as a smart material that can be used in passive vibration control devices for energy dissipating and re-centering purposes. However, the quantity of equivalent viscous damping provided by superelastic NiTi SMA wires or bars is not sufficient to render the use of SMAs as the sole damping device implemented in a tall structure subjected to severe dynamic loadings. This study explores the performance of recently developed NiTiHfPd alloys that have very high strength, high dissipation/damping capacity, good cyclic stability and large operating temperature for vibration control applications. In particular, superelastic response of single crystal and polycrystalline NiTiHfPd alloys were investigated systematically to reveal the effects of composition alteration and heat treatments. The design of a novel passive vibration control device by utilizing the superelastic effect of NiTiHfPd SMAs under compression was illustrated.
Pettis Perry and the “Negro Question”

The corner of 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard is a bustling intersection. On the northeast corner, Harlem Hospital Center stretches out a full block, its mirrored exterior covered with digital...
Multiobjective optimization of modular design concepts for a collection of interacting systems

A collection of interacting systems, such as a fleet of military vehicles, can have a life-cycle benefit from sharing interoperable modules. Defining the modules that maximize such benefits must be addressed at the early stages of system design. We present a multi-objective optimization framework for conceptual modular design. We use a functional representation of the supersystem, i.e., the interacting systems collection, to make module design decisions informed by supersystem requirements and life-cycle objectives. The resultant modules are configured into a variety of architectures and form a set of systems with distinct capabilities that meet supersystem requirements. We apply this approach on a fleet of military vehicles. Computational results quantify the intuition that designing a large number of smaller modules reduces overall fleet weight and increases required personnel resources because of larger demand for vehicle reconfiguration.
‘Who will fit in with whom?’ Inclusive education struggles for students with dis/abilities

Inclusive education (IE), as a global movement, has been part of many nations’ policy agendas. As the global ideas travel across borders, the meaning of this term has taken various forms in local a...
Neural Circuitry and Plasticity in the Adult Vertebrate Inner Retina

Glutamatergic synapses between retinal bipolar cells and amacrine cells code for transient and sustained events in the visual environment under widely varying conditions of background illumination; i.e. from very light to dark background conditions. The cell types and synaptic mechanisms responsible for coding the transient and sustained information are relatively well described. Recent studies suggest that these synapses are highly plastic in response to environmental stimulation, functionally and structurally remodeling during changes in the ambient lighting conditions bathing the retina. Our current studies of the zebrafish retina are investigating these plastic changes at the bipolar to amacrine cell synapses using a combination of techniques, including patch recording and 2-photon microscopy in the zebrafish retinal slice. We are particularly interested in how the newly discovered endogenous cannabinoid signaling system of the retina controls plasticity at these synapses.
AMAI: Adaptive Music for Affect Improvement

Adaptive Music for Affect Improvement (AMAI) is a music generation and playback system whose goal is to steer the listener towards a state of more positive affect. AMAI utilizes techniques from game music in order to adjust elements of the music being heard; such adjustments are made adaptively in response to valence levels of the listener, measured via facial expression and emotion detection. A user study involving AMAI was conducted, with N=19 participants across three groups, one for each strategy of Discharge, Diversion, and Discharge -> Diversion. Significant differences in valence between music-related stages of the study were found between the groups, with Discharge -> Diversion exhibiting the greatest increase in valence, followed by Diversion and Discharge. Significant differences in affect between groups were also found in one pair of self-reported surveys, with Discharge -> Diversion exhibiting the greatest decrease in positive affect, followed by Diversion and Discharge.
Growth of PrCo2 single crystals with a Boron Nitride crucible

Abstract Single crystals of PrCo2 have been grown from flux starting from Pr0.44Co0.56 that was synthesized by arc melting of stoichiometric mixtures of the elements. The Pr0.44Co0.56 ingot was loaded in a Boron Nitride (BN) crucible and sealed inside a quartz tube under vacuum. The quartz ampoule was heated to 1203 K, and then slowly cooled down to 923 K at a rate of 2 K/h. The obtained crystals have octahedral shapes and are of cubic C15 Laves phase structure confirmed by room temperature powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. Magnetic susceptibility data show the Curie temperature TC = 46.7 K. The experimental value of saturation magnetization Ms = 3.2 μB/f.u is consistent with our theoretical calculations.
Putting the “Move” in Social Movements: Assessing the Role of Kama Muta in Online Activism

Today the structure of social media movements online is moving beyond just a means for communication and into space for growing the movement, developing a brand, and solidifying the network for group action. Thus individual posts on personal profiles and group and event pages are an increasingly important element of participation. Emotions may drive these posts, as well as the responses to them. This study seeks to enter into conversation with previous works in the areas of communication, information studies, sociology, and anthropology that investigate the intersection of social media and activism. However, this study takes a novel approach through the particular focus on individual emotional elements of social media posting, sharing, commenting, and other forms of engagement. Through qualitative and quantitative content analysis of five major activist Facebook groups, this study will examine the prevalence of content expressing or intending to evoke kama muta.
Managing proposal sequences in role-play assessment: Validity evidence of interactional competence across levels:

This qualitative study reports an investigation of the nature of interactional competence at various levels of achievement in the context of role-play speaking assessment. The focal point of this s...
The Hidden Curriculum of Teach for America

By way of a close reading of Teach for America founder Wendy Kopp's two books, this article examines TFA's role in the so-called education reform movement, and offers a critique of TFA and the movement.
DATA‐DRIVEN DRAFTING: APPLYING ECONOMETRICS TO EMPLOY QUARTERBACKS

We show that firms can employ data‐driven methods to improve their hiring decisions. Specifically, we use data available to National Football League (NFL) teams prior to the NFL draft to estimate econometric models that predict the future performance of drafted quarterbacks. As our methods are replicable, stakeholders can use them to improve the draft's efficiency and help it accomplish its mission to promote competitive balance. Furthermore, data‐driven methods such as ours can help firms avoid biases against employee characteristics that do not affect future job performance. (JEL L83)
Dallas Steatosis Index Identifies Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background & Aims Tools have been developed to determine risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on imaging, which does not always detect early-grade hepatic steatosis. We aimed to develop a tool to identify patients with NAFLD using 1H MR spectroscopy (MRS). Methods We collected data from the Dallas Heart Study—a multiethnic, population-based, probability study of adults (18–65 y) that comprised an in-home medical survey; collection of fasting blood samples; MRS images to measure cardiac mass/function, abdominal subcutaneous/visceral adiposity; and quantification of hepatic triglyceride concentration, from 2000 through 2009. NAFLD were defined as 5.5% or more liver fat and we excluded patients with more than moderate alcohol use; 737 patients were included in the final analysis. We performed binary multivariable logistic regression analysis to develop a tool to identify patients with NAFLD and evaluate interactions among variables. We performed an internal validation analysis using 10-fold cross validation. Results We developed the Dallas Steatosis Index (DSI) to identify patients with NAFLD based on level of alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, age, sex, levels of triglycerides and glucose, diabetes, hypertension, and ethnicity. The DSI discriminated between patients with vs without NAFLD with a C-statistic of 0.824. The DSI outperformed 4 risk analysis tools, based on net reclassification improvement and decision curve analysis. Conclusions We developed an index, called the DSI, which accurately identifies patients with NAFLD based on MRS data. The DSI requires external validation, but might be used in development NAFLD screening programs, in monitoring progression of hepatic steatosis, and in epidemiology studies.
Nonuniversal entanglement level statistics in projection-driven quantum circuits

We study the level-spacing statistics in the entanglement spectrum of output states of random universal quantum circuits where qubits are subject to a finite probability of projection to the computational basis at each time step. We encounter two phase transitions with increasing projection rate. The first is the volume-to-area law transition observed in quantum circuits with projective measurements. We identify a second transition within the area law phase by repartioning the system randomly into two subsystems and probing the entanglement level statistics. This second transition separates a pure Poisson level statistics phase at large projective measurement rates from a regime of residual level repulsion in the entanglement spectrum, characterized by nonuniversal level spacing statistics that interpolates between the Wigner-Dyson and Poisson distributions. By applying a tensor network contraction algorithm introduced in [Z.-C. Yang et al., Phys. Rev. E 97, 033303 (2018)] to the circuit spacetime, we identify this second projective-measurement-driven transition as a percolation transition of entangled bonds. The same behavior is observed in both circuits of random two-qubit unitaries and circuits of universal gate sets, including the set implemented by Google in its Sycamore circuits.
Entrainment of the Drosophila circadian clock by light

The phenomenon of circadian (~24 h) rhythms has been conserved from single cell (e.g. cyanobacteria) to complex organisms including plants and mammals. Although the output varies from one species to another, ranging from the circadian production of asexual spores in Neurospora and the circadian movement of leaves in Arabidopsis to the rest:activity rhythm in Drosophila and mammals, all circadian rhythms share some basic properties 1) They can be synchronized or entrained to environmental cues such as light or temperature. 2) They freerun in constant conditions. 3) the periodicity is temperature compensated, i.e. the period does not change over a wide range of temperature. In addition, they are all thought to be produced by a circadian system that consists of an input pathway, a central clock and an output pathway. The clock is the timekeeping component that transmits its signals to the rest of the organism through the output pathway. The input pathway serves to connect the clock to the environment, conveying signals from external stimuli such as light and temperature. Much of our current understanding of how clocks are generated in mammals is derived from research done in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. This chapter will focus on the molecular mechanisms that entrain the clock to light in this organism.