cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ion-dependent Inactivation of Barium Current through L-type Calcium Channels

It is widely believed that Ba2+ currents carried through L-type Ca2+ channels inactivate by a voltage- dependent mechanism similar to that described for other voltage-dependent channels. Studying ionic and gating currents of rabbit cardiac Ca2+ channels expressed in different subunit combinations in tsA201 cells, we found a phase of Ba2+ current decay with characteristics of ion-dependent inactivation. Upon a long duration (20 s) depolarizing pulse, IBa decayed as the sum of two exponentials. The slow phase (τ ≈ 6 s, 21°C) was parallel to a reduction of gating charge mobile at positive voltages, which was determined in the same cells. The fast phase of current decay (τ ≈ 600 ms), involving about 50% of total decay, was not accompanied by decrease of gating currents. Its amplitude depended on voltage with a characteristic U-shape, reflecting reduction of inactivation at positive voltages. When Na+ was used as the charge carrier, decay of ionic current followed a single exponential, of rate similar to that of the slow decay of Ba2+ current. The reduction of Ba2+ current during a depolarizing pulse was not due to changes in the concentration gradients driving ion movement, because Ba2+ entry during the pulse did not change the reversal potential for Ba2+. A simple model of Ca2+-dependent inactivation (Shirokov, R., R. Levis, N. Shirokova, and E. Rios. 1993. J. Gen. Physiol. 102:1005–1030) robustly accounts for fast Ba2+ current decay assuming the affinity of the inactivation site on the α1 subunit to be 100 times lower for Ba2+ than Ca2+.
Sapropterin: A New Therapeutic Agent for Phenylketonuria

Objective:To summarize the role of pharmacotherapy in the management of phenylketonuria (PKU) and to review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy data, and safety profile of sapropterin for this indication.Data Sources:A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1966–May 2009), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–May 2009), and Cochrane database (2008) for the following key words: sapropterin, tetrahydrobiopterin, phenylketonurias, and phenylalanine.Study Selection and Data Extraction:English-language studies involving humans examining the role of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in the management of PKU were reviewed to evaluate the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy data, and safety profile for sapropterin. All Phase 2 and 3 randomized controlled trials assessing the safety and efficacy of sapropterin were included in this literature evaluation.Data Synthesis:Sapropterin represents the only Food and Drug Administration–approved medication for BH4-r...
Parallel imaging: system design and limitations

Parallel imaging using relatively low acceleration factors (two to three) has become commonplace in clinical MRI. Of interest now are the practical limits to parallel imaging. Factors limiting the use of high acceleration factors are the available number of independent receiver channels and the unavoidable decrease in signal-to-noise ratio with higher acceleration factors. This paper will discuss system design for parallel imaging, including prototype 64 channel MR receivers and 64 element RF coil arrays. These systems have enabled single echo acquisition (SEA) MR imaging. Parallel imaging applications during transmit have also been suggested, and new techniques for implementing independent transmit chains will also be discussed.
Influence of acorn woodpecker social behaviour on transport of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) acorns in a southern California oak savanna

Summary 1. Many plant species depend upon animals for seed dispersal, yet animals disperse seeds in pursuit of their own social and behavioural agendas. Animal social behaviour affects where and how they forage, so it must also shape patterns of seed dispersal. 2. At Sedgwick Reserve, California, USA, we established a study population of Quercus agrifolia to determine patterns of acorn foraging by the acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorous). This cooperative breeder lives in social groups that defend territories surrounding arboreal seed caches (granaries), foraging communally within these territories. 3. We genotyped pericarp tissue of 568 acorns, as well as 285 adult Q. agrifolia trees, including all adults within 150 m of 16 focal granaries. After quantifying genotyping error, we identified a genetically reliable subset of 524 acorns. We assigned a source tree to each acorn and estimated the number of seed sources per granary and seed source sharing among granaries. 4. We found one to eight distinct seed-source genotypes per granary, and an effective source diversity ranging from 1.0 to 6.6 seed sources. Of all transport events, 96.5% involve source trees within 150 m of the granaries. For one granary, all sampled acorns were transported from five trees located more than 1.3 km away, with all source trees within 90 m of each other. No measure of seed-source diversity was associated with density of potential seed sources, and the pattern of acorn movement fits three traditional dispersal curves poorly. 5. Woodpecker groups rarely collected acorns from overlapping sets of maternal sources. Some pairs of neighbouring granaries shared maternal sources, and we identify those that were probably maintained by the same woodpecker group. 6. Synthesis. Territoriality of woodpecker groups restricts both the spatial area of foraging and the sharing of seed sources. This foraging behaviour limits distances and directions of acorn transport from oaks located within woodpecker territories. Dispersal agents with this type of social structure will create a high degree of local genetic structure. Extreme behavioural variations may result in anomalous long-distance dispersal events that increase genetic connectivity, but are likely to do so in an episodic and erratic fashion.
Activity of Sinorhizobium meliloti NodAB and NodH Enzymes on Thiochitooligosaccharides

Rhizobium bacteria synthesize signal molecules called Nod factors that elicit responses in the legume root during nodulation. Nod factors, modified N-acylated beta-(1,4)-N-acetylglucosamine, are synthesized by the nodulation (nod) gene products. We tested the ability of three Sinorhizobium meliloti nod gene products to modify Nod factor analogs with thio linkages instead of O-glycosidic bonds in the oligosaccharide backbone.
Projective Techniques in the Counseling Process.

Projective techniques have a lengthy and vital history in personality assessment, but they have evoked a minimal degree of interest on the part of counselors. Psychometric limitations, lack of training opportunities, and the obscure qualities of the instruments have restricted their use among practitioners. The author proposes a method to stimulate the use of projectives as an integral part of the counseling process and provides justification for the expanded use of the technique as a counseling tool.
Methylphenidate for treating tobacco dependence in non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder smokers: A pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial

Methylphenidate blocks the re-uptake of dopamine by binding to the dopamine transporter in the presynaptic cell membrane and increases extracellular dopamine levels. Similarities in neuropsychologic effects between nicotine and methylphenidate make it an intriguing potential therapeutic option. Previous research of methylphenidate in smokers has suggested a possible beneficial effect for the relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, but showed no efficacy in helping smokers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to stop smoking. To investigate potential efficacy for relieving nicotine withdrawal symptoms and promoting smoking abstinence, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study of once-a-day osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS-MPH, Concerta®) at a target dose of 54-mg/day for 8 weeks compared with placebo in 80 adult cigarette smokers. Of the 80 randomized subjects and median smoking rate was 20 cigarettes per day. At the end of the medication phase, the biochemically confirmed 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence was 10% (4/40) for the placebo group and 2.5% (1/40) for the OROS-MPH group. Nicotine withdrawal was not found to differ significantly between treatment groups during the first 14 days following the start of medication prior to the target quit date (p = 0.464) or during the first 14 days following the target quit date (p = 0.786). We observed no evidence of efficacy of OROS-MPH to aid smokers to stop smoking. Although there are biologically plausible hypotheses that support the use of OROS-MPH for treating tobacco dependence, we found no evidence to support such hypotheses. In addition to no increase in smoking abstinence, we saw no effect of OROS-MPH for tobacco withdrawal symptom relief and no change in smoking rates was observed in the OROS-MPH group compared to the placebo group.
Radar cross section computational techniques

The status of numerical techniques for radar signature prediction, including an approximate, asymptotic method for solving Maxwell's equations for incident radiation of small wavelengths as well as two numerically exact methods based on solving Maxwell's equations in the partial differential and integral forms, are discussed. Particular attention is given to the finite-volume, time-domain approach for solving Maxwell's equations numerically in the differential form and to the adaptive integral method designed for solving Maxwell's equations. The methods discussed are being developed into a powerful detail design tool. Although the present analytical and numerical techniques as well as computer architectures limit their practical use to small-size objects, they hold great promise for simulating a complete aircraft configuration within a timeframe of several computing hours. >
Di‐p‐chlorobenzyl Azodicarboxylate

[916320-82-6] C16H12Cl2N2O4 (MW 367.1820) InChI = 1S/C16H12Cl2N2O4/c17-13-5-1-11(2-6-13)9-23-15(21)19-20-16(22)24-10-12-3-7-14(18)8-4-12/h1-8H,9-10H2/b20-19+ InChIKey = UIFGGABIJBWRMG-FMQUCBEESA-N (Mitsunobu coupling1) Alternate names: bis(4-chlorobenzyl)azodicarboxylate, DCAD. Physical Data: mp 108–112 °C. Solubility: DMSO, CH2Cl2, THF, EtOAc. Form Supplied in: orange solid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: the purity of DCAD can be analyzed by NMR and/or IR. Preparative Methods: although commercially available, DCAD can be prepared from carbonyldiimidazole, p-chlorobenzyl alcohol, and hydrazine. Oxidation can be performed with N-bromosuccinimide. Purification: can be used as is. If necessary, a solution of DCAD in toluene can be sequentially washed with saturated aqueous Na2SO3, followed by 1% aqueous hydrochloric acid. Upon neutralization with saturated aqueous bicarbonate, washing with brine, drying over anhydrous Na2SO4, and evaporation of the organic solvent, pure DCAD is provided. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: DCAD is a bench-stable solid. Azodicarboxylates are light sensitive however, and therefore DCAD should be stored in the dark or in an amber-colored container.
Multilineage Transcriptional Priming and Determination of Alternate Hematopoietic Cell Fates

Hematopoietic stem cells and their progenitors exhibit multilineage patterns of gene expression. Molecular mechanisms underlying the generation and refinement of these patterns during cell fate determination remain unexplored because of the absence of suitable experimental systems. Using PU.1(-/-) progenitors, we demonstrate that at subthreshold levels, this Ets transcription factor regulates a mixed pattern (macrophage/neutrophil) of gene expression within individual myeloid progenitors. Increased PU.1 levels refine the pattern and promote macrophage differentiation by modulating a novel regulatory circuit comprised of counter antagonistic repressors, Egr-1,2/Nab-2 and Gfi-1. Egr-1 and Egr-2 function redundantly to activate macrophage genes and to repress the neutrophil program. These results are used to assemble and mathematically model a gene regulatory network that exhibits both graded and bistable behaviors and accounts for the onset and resolution of mixed lineage patterns during cell fate determination.
The Stamp Seals from Tell Esh Sheikh

The site of Tell esh Sheikh was excavated in 1947 and 1948 as part of the British project at Alalakh-Tell Atchana in the Amuq plain. It is located two miles west of Tell Tayinat, which adjoins Alalakh, with the mound of Tabara al Akrad one and a half miles east. Other sites on the eastern edge of the plain include Catal Hoyuk and Judeidah. Woolley discusses Tell esh Sheikh in the reports of excavations at Alalakh. The seals are described most fully by Buchanan, based on information and sketches supplied to him by the excavators. The present study reflects research done in the Antakya Museum and references to its inventory books. As stated by Buchanan, the seals are distributed over seven levels at the site and include a number of gables made of bone. Further information regarding archaeological context is lacking, according to David French, who is reviewing documentation and finds for the forthcoming publication of the Tell esh Sheikh excavation. An investigation of seals and sealings at such sites as Norsuntepe and Degirmentepe in eastern Anatolia, and Tepe Gawra in northern Mesopotamia, has provided close parallels for materials, shapes, motifs and styles found in the Tell esh Sheikh seal corpus. Such associations in part confirm results of pottery analysis but also raise questions about the correlation of pottery and seal chronology, and about relations between sites on the Cilician plain and regions closer to the resource-rich areas in the northeast. A review of findings follows below.
Particle identification using the de/dx and the Cherenkov light detection methods in high energy physics

This paper deals with two particle identification methods: dE/dx and Cherenkov detection. The dE/dx method is the most common technique used in conjunction with tracking in gaseous detectors. We systematically compare existing dE/dx data with various predictions available in the literature and judge the overall consistency. To my knowledge, this comparison was not done to date. There are two Cherenkov light emission detection techniques: the threshold and the Ring imaging methods. We want to discuss the recent trend in these techniques.
EXACT DISTRIBUTIONS OF THE PRODUCT AND RATIO OF ABSOLUTE VALUES OF PEARSON TYPE VII AND BESSEL FUNCTION RANDOM VARIABLES

Exact distributions of jXY j and jX=Y j are derived when X and Y are Pearson type VII and Bessel function random variables distributed independently of each other.
Menstrual Patterns and Women’s Attitudes Following Sterilization by Falope Rings *

Follow-up data on 147 women sterilized by laparoscopic Falope ring application were analyzed for changes in menstrual patterns, postoperative complications, patient feelings about surgery, and incidence of regret. Twelve to twenty-eight months after surgery, there were no consistent changes in interval, length, or amount of menstrual flow, and only 4% of women developed transient episodes of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Analysis of feelings after sterilization showed that 90% of women were satisfied with the sterilization, 3% were unhappy, and 7% were ambivalent. Feelings of regret were not associated with postoperative complications and appeared to be related to the reasons for sterilization. Individual counseling not only helped to identify the population at risk for regret but also served to reduce the incidence of poststerilization ambivalent feelings.
Closure to “Dispute Resolution Strategy Selection” by Thomas Haugen and Amarjit Singh

The authors are appreciative of the suggestions by the discussers. However, an example application by them using fuzzy set theory is lacking, which would have helped reinforce their position, if possible. At present, their discussion is purely theoretical, and possibly, hypothetical. Next, the authors believe that the uncertainties associated with the adoption of game theory and fuzzy sets are also substantive, such that the discussers are unable to certainly prove that uncertainties in strategy selection are eliminated using game theory or fuzzy set theory. In addition, game theory is so heavily dependent on sampling unreliability and stochastic operations and approximations that the output is not always robust and credible. Fuzzy logic is still largely considered theoretical, despite the heavy research and advances made in it, and is not ready yet for use in practical decision making in all cases owing to its complexity and impractical assumptions. Various basic assumptions belie fuzzy set theory. In the dynamic nature of management systems, the crisp or fuzzy assumption of the bivalent condition of membership may be good enough for mathematical intellectual applications, but in real life, elements may belong to multiple sets, or could belong now to a specific set but not belong later, which the single fuzzy set cannot model. In addition, varying conditions of continuity and monotonicity also render the applications of fuzzy set theory inapplicable. Furthermore, the authors wish to state that even though some of the systems used by them rely on subjective input, such subjective input is not altogether arbitrary. First, this subjective input is obtained from those who have track records behind them. Next, the data are run through objective checking such as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and pairwise analysis, which tend to normalize the data input, if not eliminate uncertainty. Certainly, the numerical checks serve to eliminate severely asymmetric data, and so place upper and lower bounds on the data that can be accepted for input to the system. However, when objective data is hard to come by—and this happens often—mathematical techniques such as fuzzy set theory or game theory are unable to perform effectively, despite claims to the contrary. In such cases, it is well known that qualitative analysis provides great context, applicability, and reliability. Finally, it must be understood that in an industry already plagued by too many disputes, a simple and easy-to-use method is usually preferable compared to heavily mathematical methods. Even engineers in the construction industry do not understand fuzzy set theory, let alone apply them, not to mention that architects and attorneys working in the construction area would have little knowledge of fuzzy set theories. In contrast, the method proposed by the authors can be much more simply applied by engineers engaged in the construction industry. All that said, the authors encourage the discussers to actually develop new techniques for strategy selection and take the science of this to the next level.
Joint Mobilization and Manipulation for the Equine Athlete

Joint mobilization and manipulation provide important diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for addressing musculoskeletal issues in veterinary medicine. Soft tissue and joint mobilization are used to assess the quality and quantity of joint range of motion and as a primary means of treating musculoskeletal disorders. Spinal manipulation was shown to be effective for reducing pain, improving flexibility, reducing muscle tone, and improving symmetry of spinal kinematics in horses. Because of potential misuse and safety issues, joint mobilization and manipulative therapies should be provided only by specially trained veterinarians or licensed human manual therapists.
Field Tests with the Aggregation Pheromone of the Lesser Grain Borer (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

The two components of the aggregation pheromone of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), are (S)-(+)-1-methylbutyl (E)-2-methyl-2-pentenoate, (DL-1), and (S)-(+)-1-methylbutyl (E)-2,4-dimethyl-2-pentenoate (DL-2). These were evaluated for attractancy to wild populations of lesser grain borers near storage bins containing infested rice. The components and various mixtures were equally attractive, but attractancy increased with dosage. Trap catches of lesser grain borers around the bins were inversely proportional to the height of the traps. When the two components, pure and in various mixtures, were exposed to natural summer conditions, the longevity of DL-2 was approximately twice that of DL-1.
Tubercular Lesions in a Central California Rockfish (Sêbastes mystinus)

A fillet from a blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) had large, dark solid nodules simular to those occasionally reported from other specimens of Sebastes spp. by local anglers. These nodules contained an acid-fast bacterium similar to Mycobacterium sp. The nodules decrease the food value of the fish and may indicate a potential human health hazard.
MACT (Mosaicism with AAV Mediated Conditional Transgenesis) for Single Neuron Analysis of Neurodegeneration in Vivo, a Proof of Principle in Focal Cerebral Ischemia

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns neurodegenerative diseases (ND) in our aging population will sharply increase over the coming decades. Developing biological tools is paramount in the search for novel therapies to stop the onset or halt the progression of ND. We have developed a novel genetic method MACT (Mosaicism with AAV mediated Conditional Transgenesis) for single neuron analysis. MACT integrates the retrograde labelling capability of AAV and a conditional genetic reporter mouse model for sparse genetic labelling to reveal detailed morphology of different cellular types. As proof of principle, we subsequently subjected MACT mice to a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) leading to extensive neurodegeneration. Using two-photon imaging and 3-D reconstruction, we have illustrated the robust neurodegeneration of cortex pyramidal neuron, striatal medium spiny neuron and caught in action the engulfment of neurons and blood vessels by microglia. Moreover, we've documented dramatic axon degradation consistent with Wallerian pathology while the cell bodies remain intact ("dying back"), opening the possibility of therapeutic intervention. We also observed unexpected Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) positive cell bodies in the striatum, suggesting the brain responds to neurodegeneration by expressing these TH cells in an attempt to compensate for dopaminergic denervation. Most notably, we've developed a novel genetic method to visualize neuron morphology and gain a more accurate understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. MACT represents a powerful genetics method to explore therapeutic interventions, including opto-and chemo-genetics in neurodegenerative diseases in vivo.
Evaluation of Flow and Failure Properties of Treated 4130 Steel

In numerical modeling of material behavior, deformation is calculated with analytical constitutive equations. When joined with a failure criterion, simulations can predict plastic stress–strain behavior and eventual fracture of the material. The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) uses the Johnson–Cook empirical constitutive equation and damage criterion to model high speed wear. The Johnson–Cook equations employ material parameters which must be characterized experimentally for each material being simulated for accurate results. This paper describes the testing and analytics used to determine the Johnson–Cook constitutive and damage material coefficients for treated 4130 steel. The flow and damage coefficients are calculated and the results are used to construct a finite element model in ABAQUS. This model is compared against the experimental data for final validation.
Research on the pathogenic features of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in instant sea foods from Hefei market

Objective Through the detection of bacteria serotype,virulence genes and drug resistance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus(VP) isolated from instant sea foods in Hefei market during the years of 2011~2012,to find the pathogenic features of VP.Methods According to GB/T4789.7-2008 to isolate and identify VP,K-B disk method was use to do drug sensitive test,and ordinary PCR method was used to detect virulence genes.Results A total of 65 VP isolates belong to eleven serogroups were detected,the predominant serogroups were O2(41.54%),O1(12.31%),and O3(12.31%).Tdh and trh were negative and tlh was positive in all of the 65 isolates.Susceptibility tests showed these isolates were highly resistant to penicillin and ampicillin,the resistance rate were 100.0% and 95.4% respectively.Conclusion In recent years,a majority of VP isolates from instant carried tdh(-) and trh(-) in Hefei.O2 was their predominant serogroup.
Uncommon Common Grounds and the Korean Reportative Evidential –tay

The Korean reportative evidential –tay has been analyzed as marking a presentative speech act. Analyzing –tay as such captures the observation that –tay utterances do not correlate with speaker belief in the truth of the embedded proposition. However, the presentative speech act analysis cannot account for unacceptability of certain sequences of –tay sentences. My proposal is that –tay instead shifts the context of evaluation from that of the discourse participants to that of a non-participant individual. I argue that this accounts for the unacceptability observed, and furthermore, that presentative force correlates with this shifting.
[Molecular epidemiology and transmission of HIV in Tianjin, 2015].

Objective To understand the characteristics on the diversity of HIV subtypes and related transmission in Tianjin. Methods A total of 77 newly diagnosed ART-naive HIV infectors in 2015 were screened by CD4+ T cell counts ≥200 cells/μl. Viral RNAs were extracted from plasma samples. Reverse transcription PCR and nested PCR were used to analyze the amplification of pol and env gene fragments, sequencing, and related bioinformatics information. Results 46.03% (29/63), 30.16% (19/63), 11.11% (7/63), 4.76% (3/63) and 7.94% (5/63) of the individuals were infected under HIV subtypes CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, B, CRF55_01B and URFs, with sexual transmission as the major mode of infection. CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC strains were predominant in both MSM and HST populations. The patterns of subtype distribution did not show statistical differences other than subtype B and CRF55_01B strain among HSTs. The proportion of CRFs increased significantly to 88.89%. 8 new second-generation recombinant forms were identified the first time, including 3 CRF55_01B, 2 AE/BC, 1 AE/B and 1AE/B/C among MSMs and 1 AE/BC among HSTs. 5.3% of the NNRTI L100I HIV infectors transmitted the drug-resistant-mutation strain. 3 linkages related to HIV transmission were confirmed through phylogenetic analysis with Bootstrap ≥98% of pol and ≥80% of env. Conclusion The increasing complexity of HIV had been noticed in Tianjin, including the prevalence and transmission of second-generation recombinant and drug-resistant strains through different routes of transmission and in different regions. Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus; Subtype; Drug-resistance; Phylogenetic analysis
Class III Obese Women's Preferences and Concerns for Cesarean Skin Incision: A Multicenter Survey

Objective This study aims to assess class III obese women's preferences and concerns regarding cesarean delivery (CD) skin incisions. Study Design Through the National Perinatal Research Consortium (NPRC), women with body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2 at the time of enrollment completed an anonymous survey in English or Spanish. We evaluated seven domains of preferences and concerns about the cesarean skin incision. Results We surveyed 546 women at five NPRC sites. Median age (interquartile range) was 29 (25, 35) years; 364 (66%) were parous and 161 (30%) had a prior CD. Women self-identified race/ethnicity as White (31%), non-Hispanic Black (31%), Hispanic (31%), other (6%), and not reported (1%). A total of 542 women (99%) rated both delivering the baby in the best possible condition and decreasing incision opening/infection risk as important. Women were less likely to rate other domains as important (all p Conclusion Women with class III obesity prioritize immediate maternal and fetal safety regarding CD skin incision over other concerns including cosmetic outcome.
Quantum-inspired art

A recent art exhibition in New York explored ways that quantum physics inspires graphic artists. Robert P Crease dropped in.
Verbalization and musical memory in string players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of verbalization about a brief etude on collegiate string players’ short- and long-term recall of the etude in question. We examined competing hy...
Gender, Emotions, and Judgments: An Analysis of the Moderating Role of Gender in Influencing the Effectiveness of Advertising and Pricing Tactics: An Abstract

There is an increasing theoretical and empirical evidence that gender affects consumers’ responses to marketing strategies. In the current study, we examined the influence of gender on the efficacy of two of the most important elements of the marketing mix, namely, the effectiveness of advertising and pricing strategies. Building on selectivity model (Meyers-Levy & Maheswaran, 1991; Meyers-Levy & Sternthal, 1991), we hypothesized that compared to men, women are more likely to process the information systematically and pay attention to details. Furthermore, we posited that such predisposition should increase women’s likelihood of identifying deceptive marketing strategies and reduce their susceptibility to such strategies. The results of three empirical studies showed that compared to men, women are (A) more likely to pay attention to details, (B) more likely to identify and negatively react to deceptive advertising claims, and (C) less likely to be influenced by the signaling effect of high prices.
What the obstetrician/gynecologist should know about thyroid disorders.

Thyroid disease is a common disorder faced by women of all ages. Because of its high incidence in women, recognizing and treating thyroid dysfunction often becomes the responsibility of the obstetrician/gynecologist. It is important that women's healthcare providers understand how the thyroid's func
Transport and Utilization of Arginine and Arginine-Containing Peptides by Rat Alveolar Macrophages

Purpose. To demonstrate that rat alveolar macrophages (AM) exhibited the PepT1-like transporter for the uptake of arginine (Arg)-containing small peptides and utilized these peptides as direct substrates for nitric oxide (NO) production. NO is an important mediator that, on one hand, protects the lung from bacteria infection and, on the other hand, augments inflammatory lung injury.
PROPOSAL FOR REDUCING DISCOVERY COSTS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the proposal for reducing discovery costs. This proposal combines several innovations. Borrowing from federal criminal practice, the proposal calls for a voluntary exchange of essential information early in the lawsuit, without requiring costly document, and interrogatory requests and responses. It requires parties to enter into stipulations of fact, and arrive at a final discovery plan early in the case, well before the final pretrial conference. It also provides for the court to impose a mandatory final discovery plan if the parties fail to establish one. Under the proposal, discoverable information beyond that initially exchanged is limited by a standard of substantial need. To avoid the high costs of gathering essential information under conventional discovery practice, the order requires parties to exchange the information within 60 days of its issuance. Under the order, within 30 days after the information is exchanged, the parties are required to attempt in good faith to stipulate to facts that are material and uncontested.
A cost of musical training? Sensorimotor flexibility in musical sequence learning

We report an experiment that tested the flexibility of sensorimotor learning in sequence production. Nonpianists and pianists learned simple melodies by ear under one of two auditory feedback conditions: one with normal pitch mapping (higher pitches to the right) and one with an inverted (reversed) mapping. After learning, both groups played melodies from memory while experiencing each feedback condition. Both groups exhibited sensorimotor learning and produced fewer errors at test while hearing the feedback used during training as opposed to the alternate feedback condition. However, learning was unstable for pianists who learned melodies with an inverted feedback condition, who produced more errors at test than pianists who learned melodies with normal-pitch mapping. Acquiring musical skill may therefore constrain subsequent sensorimotor flexibility.
From GIS to UAVs: Emerging Opportunities for Drone Support Services in Academic Libraries

Column description. The Technology column examines current and developing technology topics in libraries. The column's focus is creative uses of technology, introductions to new technologies, and c...
Supporting Communication About Values Between People with Multiple Chronic Conditions and their Providers

People with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) often disagree with healthcare providers on priorities for care, leading to worse health outcomes. To align priorities, there is a need to support patient-provider communication about what patients consider important for their well-being and health (i.e., their personal values). To address barriers to communication about values, we conducted a two-part study with key stakeholders in MCC care: patients, informal caregivers, and providers. In Part I, co-design activities generated seven dimensions that characterize stakeholders' diverse ideas for supporting communication about values: explicitness, effort, disclosure, guidance, intimacy, scale, and synchrony. In Part II, we used the dimensions to generate three design concepts and presented them in focus groups to further scrutinize findings from Part I. Based on these findings we outline directions for research and design to improve patient-provider communication about patients' personal values.
Phytosterol biosynthesis: Isotope effects associated with biomethylation formation to 24-alkene sterol isomers

Abstract Changes in 24-alkene sterol product distribution resulting from deuterium substitution on the coenzyme methyl group of AdoMet and on the sterol acceptor molecule at C-23 and C-24 were used to determine kinetic isotope effects for the terminating deprotonations involved in sterol biomethylation catalyzed by (S)-adenosyl-L-methionine-Δ 24 -sterol methyl transferase (SMT) enzyme. By this method 24(28)-methylene cycloartanol and cyclosadol were shown to be synthesized by two different SMT enzymes.
Enhancing images of shale formations by a hybrid stochastic and deep learning algorithm.

Abstract Accounting for the morphology of shale formations, which represent highly heterogeneous porous media, is a difficult problem. Although two- or three-dimensional images of such formations may be obtained and analyzed, they either do not capture the nanoscale features of the porous media, or they are too small to be an accurate representative of the media, or both. Increasing the resolution of such images is also costly. While high-resolution images may be used to train a deep-learning network in order to increase the quality of low-resolution images, an important obstacle is the lack of a large number of images for the training, as the accuracy of the network’s predictions depends on the extent of the training data. Generating a large number of high-resolution images by experimental means is, however, very time consuming and costly, hence limiting the application of deep-learning algorithms to such an important class of problems. To address the issue we propose a novel hybrid algorithm by which a stochastic reconstruction method is used to generate a large number of plausible images of a shale formation, using very few input images at very low cost, and then train a deep-learning convolutional network by the stochastic realizations. We refer to the method as hybrid stochastic deep-learning (HSDL) algorithm. The results indicate promising improvement in the quality of the images, the accuracy of which is confirmed by visual, as well as quantitative comparison between several of their statistical properties. The results are also compared with those obtained by the regular deep learning algorithm without using an enriched and large dataset for training, as well as with those generated by bicubic interpolation.
On Shortening the Numerical Transient in Time-Stepping Finite Element Analysis of Induction Motors: Method Implementation

The phenomenon of a lengthy numerical transient response is a common event in Time-Stepping Finite Element (TS-FE) modeling of induction motors. In this paper, the aim is to substantially reduce the length of the transient response time in time-stepping finite element (TS-FE) simulation of induction motors. This goal is pursued by means of two different techniques introduced in this paper. In the first technique, an initial guess of the magnitudes and distribution of the rotor bar currents under steady-state operation is obtained using the motor's T-equivalent circuit. These initial values of rotor bar currents are injected in the TS-FE model of the case-study induction motor as boundary (or initial) forcing functions to “nudge” the numerical solution towards steady-state converged results. An improvement, however limited, in shortening of the transient response time in the TS-FE simulation of such an induction motor is observed, for both voltage and current source excitation scenarios. The second technique introduced in this paper explores the frequency domain FE eddy-current models to extract the initial permeabilities and the skin effect in the rotor bars associated with the operating point. A so-called “virtual blocked rotor” technique in both an FE eddy-current solver, and in the time domain TS-FE solver is developed. The “virtual blocked rotor” in the FE frequency domain solver gives an approximation of initial conditions for the TS-FE transient analysis performed in the time domain. The “well-determined” initial permeabilities are imported to the time domain “virtual blocked rotor” model by linking the results of the FE eddy-current solver to the TS-FE solver. Significant reduction of the transient response time was achieved, and this approach effectively and substantially reduced both the transient TS-FE response time and central processing unit (CPU) times to convergence.
The Eastern North American Margin Community Seismic Experiment: An Amphibious Active‐ and Passive‐Source Dataset

Author(s): Lynner, Colton; Van Avendonk, Harm JA; Becel, Anne; Christeson, Gail L; Dugan, Brandon; Gaherty, James B; Harder, Steven; Hornbach, Matthew J; Lizarralde, Daniel; Long, Maureen D; Magnani, M Beatrice; Shillington, Donna J; Aderhold, Kasey; Eilon, Zachary C; Wagner, Lara S | Abstract: Abstract The eastern North American margin community seismic experiment (ENAM‐CSE) was conceived to target the ENAM Geodynamic Processes at Rifting and Subducting Margins (GeoPRISMS) primary site with a suite of both active‐ and passive‐source seismic data that would shed light on the processes associated with rift initiation and evolution. To fully understand the ENAM, it was necessary to acquire a seismic dataset that was both amphibious, spanning the passive margin from the continental interior onto the oceanic portion of the North American plate, and multiresolution, enabling imaging of the sediments, crust, and mantle lithosphere. The ENAM‐CSE datasets were collected on‐ and offshore of North Carolina and Virginia over a series of cruises and land‐based deployments between April 2014 and June 2015. The passive‐source component of the ENAM‐CSE included 30 broadband ocean‐bottom seismometers (OBSs) and 3 onshore broadband instruments. The broadband stations were deployed contemporaneously with those of the easternmost EarthScope Transportable Array creating a trans‐margin amphibious seismic dataset. The active‐source portion of the ENAM‐CSE included several components: (1) two onshore wide‐angle seismic profiles where explosive shots were recorded on closely spaced geophones; (2) four major offshore wide‐angle seismic profiles acquired with an airgun source and short‐period OBSs (SPOBSs), two of which were extended onland by deployments of short‐period seismometers; (3) marine multichannel seismic (MCS) data acquired along the four lines of SPOBSs and a series of other profiles along and across the margin. During the cruises, magnetic, gravity, and bathymetric data were also collected along all MCS profiles. All of the ENAM‐CSE products were made publicly available shortly after acquisition, ensuring unfettered community access to this unique dataset.
A Review of Diverse Academic Research in Nanosecond Pulsed Power and Plasma Science

This article was invited in order to summarize for the special edition of a Plenary Review presentation at the IEEE ICOPS/PPC meeting, June 23 2019 by M. Gundersen. It is a review of research conducted into primarily academic environments in nanosecond pulsed power, applications of the pulsed power research to bioelectrics, and combustion and ignition over a period of $\approx 45$ years. Research was conducted primarily at the University of Southern California (USC), at Texas Tech University (TTU), and through collaborations with other laboratories and personnel. Pulsed power, applied on a nanosecond time scale, was found to enable a range of new applications; several examples are detailed below. The range of applications for research based in short-pulse, or nanosecond pulsed power, and applied plasma science, strongly encourage defining and supporting the extension of programmatic research goals to beyond the academic laboratories and into the commercial environment.
Use of Checkpoint Inhibitors in a Kidney Transplant Recipient with Metastatic Cancer.

For most American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week attendees, case-based clinical nephrology talks are one of the most exciting venues. The Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire is the essence of clinical nephrology and represents what drew all of us into the field of nephrology. The expert
Chapter 15 – Micromechanics Applications

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an introduction to modeling schemes such as doublet mechanics, poroelasticity, micropolar, and couple-stress theories, including dislocations, singular stress states, elastic materials with distributed cracks, micropolar/couple stress theory, elastic materials with voids, and doublet mechanics. It also focuses on the linear elastic response of a given theory. Many other theories have been developed, and the choice of topics to be presented is based on their appropriateness for the educational goals of the text. Considerable interest has developed in micromechanical modeling of solids. This interest has been fueled by the realization that many materials have heterogeneous microstructures that play a dominant role in determining macro deformational behavior. Materials where this occurs include multiphase fiber and particulate composites, soil, rock, concrete, and various granular materials. These materials have microstructures that occur at a variety of length scales from meters to nanometers, and general interest lies with the case where the length scale is smaller than other characteristic lengths in the problem. The response of such heterogeneous solids shows strong dependence on the micromechanical behaviors between different material phases. Classical theories of continuum mechanics have limited ability to predict such behaviors, and this has lead to the development of many new micromechanical theories of solids.
Geographical variations in COVID-19 perceptions and patient management: a national survey of rheumatologists.

Abstract Objective To investigate the perceptions and behaviors of rheumatologists in the United States (US) regarding the risk of COVID-19 for their autoimmune patients and the subsequent management of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications. Methods We administered an online survey to a convenience sample of rheumatologists in the US from 4/8/20-5/4/20 via social media and group emails. Survey respondents provided demographic information such as, age, gender, state of practice, and practice type. We asked questions about COVID-19 risk in rheumatic patients, as well as their medication management during the pandemic. We conducted descriptive analysis and Multivariable regression models. Results 271 respondents completed the survey nationally. 48% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “Patients with rheumatic diseases are at a higher risk of COVID-19 irrespective of their immunosuppressive medications”. 50% disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement “The pandemic has led you to reduce the use/dosage/frequency of biologics”, while 56% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “The pandemic has led you to reduce the use/dosage/frequency of steroids”. A third of respondents indicated that at least 10% of their patients had self-discontinued or reduced at least one immunosuppressive medication to mitigate their risk of COVID-19. Responses to these questions as well as to questions regarding NSAID prescription patterns were significantly different in the Northeast region of US compared to other regions. Conclusion In this national sample of rheumatologists, there are variations regarding perceptions of patients’ risk of COVID-19, and how to manage medications such as NSAIDs, biologics and steroids during the pandemic. These variations are more pronounced in geographical areas where COVID-19 disease burden was high.
The Invisible Leash: The Impact of Organizational Expectations for Email Monitoring After-Hours on Employee Resources, Well-Being, and Turnover Intentions:

Emerging research demonstrates detrimental effects of work-related email use after-hours on employee emotions and well-being. This article extends existing literature by examining organizational ex...
REGULATION OF ARSENIC METABOLIC PATHWAYS IN PROKARYOTES

Despite the toxicity of arsenic to most organisms, certain prokaryotes have the ability to grow on arsenic oxyanions by using them as alternative electron acceptors or electron donors. The common forms of arsenic used for these metabolic pathways are arsenate and arsenite. The end result of arsenic-based metabolism is that the organism couples oxidation/reduction of arsenite/arsenate to growth and/or arsenic resistance. Several reviews have been published on the subject of microbial arsenate respiration and oxidation. This chapter presents a summary of the genes and enzymes for arsenate respiration and arsenite oxidation. The chemical differences between arsenate and arsenite manifest different biological responses. In contrast to numerous single-pathway investigations, very few proteomic and transcriptomic approaches have been used for investigating global or systems level changes to the biology of arsenic-metabolizing prokaryote. A variety of microbial ecology studies have been carried out to investigate the abundance, distribution, and expression of ars, arr, and aox genes in a variety of environments. Microbial ecology studies have resulted in an extensive database of arr and aox sequences from a variety of environments. Molecular tools are now available to carry out quantitative aox and arr gene expression studies in environmental samples. These approaches could be used, for example, to determine the occurrence of “hot spots” for biologically mediated arsenate reduction. This could help identify zones in a groundwater environment that are more prone to arsenic mobilization.