cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Residence time of bedform-driven hyporheic exchange

Biogeochemical and ecological transformations in hyporheic zones are dependent on the timing of hyporheic exchange. We show through linked modeling of open channel turbulent flow, groundwater flow, and solute transport that the residence time distributions of solutes advected by hyporheic flow induced by current–bedform interaction follow power-laws. This tailing behavior of solutes exiting the sediments is explained by the presence of multiple path lengths coupled with very large variability in Darcy flow velocity, both occurring without heterogeneity in sediment permeability. Hyporheic exchange through bedforms will result in short-time fractal scaling of stream water chemistry.
Distribution of Controlled Substances in the U.S. Supply Chain: Where does the Compass Point?

Recent administrative actions taken by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Florida have prompted an articulate and detailed discussion of the pharmaceutical supply chain for controlled substances. Current practices in commercial distribution systems may have a partial nexus to the proliferation of opioid prescription drug abuse in Florida. No single factor or entity is responsible for this abuse proliferation, and there is no intent to harm consumers; however, distribution practices are adding risk to public health. This commentary extends a discussion on supply chain practices that seem misaligned in the promotion of legitimate business objectives and advancing public health.
Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus RnpA-Mediated RNA Turnover and tRNA Processing

New agents are urgently needed for the therapeutic treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections. In that regard, S. aureus RNase RnpA may represent a promising novel dual-function antimicrobial target that participates in two essential cellular processes, RNA degradation and tRNA maturation. Accordingly, we previously used a high-throughput screen to identify small-molecule inhibitors of the RNA-degrading activity of the enzyme and showed that the RnpA inhibitor RNPA1000 is an attractive antimicrobial development candidate. In this study, we used a series of in vitro and cellular assays to characterize a second RnpA inhibitor, RNPA2000, which was identified in our initial screening campaign and is structurally distinct from RNPA1000. In doing so, it was found that S. aureus RnpA does indeed participate in 5′-precursor tRNA processing, as was previously hypothesized. Further, we show that RNPA2000 is a bactericidal agent that inhibits both RnpA-associated RNA degradation and tRNA maturation activities both in vitro and within S. aureus. The compound appears to display specificity for RnpA, as it did not significantly affect the in vitro activities of unrelated bacterial or eukaryotic ribonucleases and did not display measurable human cytotoxicity. Finally, we show that RNPA2000 exhibits antimicrobial activity and inhibits tRNA processing in efflux-deficient Gram-negative pathogens. Taken together, these data support the targeting of RnpA for antimicrobial development purposes, establish that small-molecule inhibitors of both of the functions of the enzyme can be identified, and lend evidence that RnpA inhibitors may have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities.
VIRAL AND FUNGAL INFECTIONS OF THE ORAL CAVITY IN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENTS

Oral lesions are easily visualized and often are signs of systemic diseases. Clinical diagnosis of viral and fungal infections can sometimes be confusing because many lesions will have similar clinical presentations. This article reviews the more common viral- and fungal-associated lesions found in the oral cavity in immunocompetent individuals. Differential diagnoses for the oral lesions are discussed and treatment options are proposed.
Practical Considerations for the Pharmacotherapy of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a devastating disease. Before the 1990s, when pharmacologic treatment was finally approved, only supportive therapy was available, consisting of anticoagulation, digoxin, diuretics, and supplemental oxygen. Calcium channel blocker therapy was also an option, but only a small percentage of patients respond to it. However, starting with epoprostenol in 1996, the number of drugs approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension increased. Three distinct classes of drugs were developed based on the pathophysiology of the disease: the prostanoids, endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The prostanoids are administered either parenterally or by inhalation to replace the lack of prostacyclin within the pulmonary arterial vasculature. The endothelin-1 receptor antagonists were the first class of oral drugs to be developed, but drug interactions and adverse effects are prominent with this class. The phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors increase the second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) that is induced by nitric oxide stimulation. All of the drugs within these three classes are distinct in and of themselves, and their clinical use requires in-depth knowledge of pulmonary arterial hypertension and its pathophysiology. Because these drugs have different mechanisms of action, combination therapy has shown promise in patients with severe disease, although data are still lacking. This article should serve as a practical guide for clinicians who encounter patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and the drugs used for the treatment of this devastating disease.
Heat-stress abatement during the dry period: Does cooling improve transition into lactation?

Environmental factors, especially temperature and light exposure, influence the health and productivity of dairy cows during lactation, possibly via similar physiological mechanisms. For example, heat stress is a critical component of decreased milk yield during summer. However, less is known about the effect of heat stress during the dry period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress prepartum under a controlled photoperiod on lactation performance and hepatic metabolic gene expression of periparturient multiparous Holstein cows (n = 16). Cows were dried off approximately 46 d before expected calving date and assigned to treatment randomly after blocking by mature equivalent milk production and parity. Treatments consisted of either heat stress (HT) or cooling (CL) with fans and sprinklers, both under a photoperiod of 14L:10D. Rectal temperature was measured twice daily during the dry period. After calving, cows were housed in a freestall barn with cooling devices, and milk yield was recorded daily up to 210 d in milk. Blood samples were taken from dry off until +42 d relative to calving for metabolites and from -2 until +2 d relative to calving for hormone analysis. Daily dry matter intake was measured from -35 to +42 d relative to calving. Liver biopsies were collected at dry off, -20, +2, and +20 d relative to calving for cows on HT (n = 5) and CL (n = 4) to measure mRNA expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling-2 (SOCS-2), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5), a key transcription factor in lipid biosynthesis (SREBP-1c), and enzymes of lipid metabolism (FASN, ACACA, and ACADVL) by real-time quantitative PCR. Heat stress increased rectal temperatures (39.2 vs. 38.8 degrees C), plasma prolactin concentrations at -1 (171 vs. 79 ng/mL) and 0 d (210 vs. 115 ng/mL) relative to calving, and decreased dry matter intake at 0 and +14 d relative to calving and 3.5% fat-corrected milk postpartum (26.1 vs. 35.4 kg/d) compared with CL cows. Relative to CL cows, hepatic mRNA expression of SOCS-2 and IGFBP-5 was downregulated in HT cows. Expression of ACADVL was upregulated in CL cows at d +2 but downregulated at d +20 relative to HT cows. Concentrations of C16:0 and cis C18:1 were greater in the milk and liver of CL cows compared with HT cows, which reflects greater lipid mobilization. These results suggest that heat-stress abatement in the dry period improves subsequent lactation, possibly via suppression of plasma prolactin surge around calving, SOCS-2 expression, and regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism.
Successful implementation of ERP projects: Evidence from two case studies

Abstract This research examines what factors facilitate or inhibit the success of ERP projects and what actions can be taken to bring troubled ERP projects under control. It uses a case study methodology grounded in business process change theory to compare a successful ERP implementation with an unsuccessful one. Data was collected by conducting interviews at various levels of the subject organizations and by examining their archived records when available. The study proposes that a cautious, evolutionary, bureaucratic implementation process backed with careful change management, network relationships, and cultural readiness can lead to a successful ERP project implementation as opposed to a revolutionary project scope mandated autocratically by top management without organizational readiness and proper change management. Some actions are also recommended that can help bring troubled ERP projects under control.
Synthesis of [1‐14C‐carboxy]‐4‐benzoylbenzoic acid

[1-14C-Carboxy]-4-benzoylbenzoic acid has been prepared via a Grignard reaction with 14CO2. 4-Bromobenzophenone was converted to (4-bromophenyl)-phenyldichloromethane using phosphorus pentachloride. The dichloro compound was reacted with methoxide ion to form 4-bromobenzophenone dimethylketal which was subsequently converted to its Grignard reagent, carboxylated with 14CO2, and acid hydrolyzed to the final product. Using excess Grignard reagent, virtually quantitative conversion of 14CO2 to product was obtained.
Statistical monitoring performance for startup operations in a feedback control system

SUMMARY Previously, it has been held that statistical process control (SPC) and engineering process control (EPC) were two distinct domains for process improvement. However, we specifically consider the impact for integrating the two approaches on a first-order dynamic system with ARIMA disturbances. We show how to model and analyze this system over a range of practical conditions. Our work results in a set of response surfaces that characterize the performance of the integrated design. We also compare these results to the case where the SPC and EPC policies are applied separately. In general. we find that the EPC approach performs best in terms of minimizing error, but that we can reduce the number and magnitude of adjustments using the integrated monitoring and control approach. This work also further supports our earlier findings that the integrated design is effective on complex dynamic systems during the initial transient or startup period. Copyright @ 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroethology of the katydid T-cell. II. Responses to acoustic playback of conspecific and predatory signals.

Although early work on the tettigoniid T large fiber suggested that it might mediate early-warning and escape behavior in katydids, the majority of research thereafter has focused on the ability of the T-cell to detect, localize and/or discriminate mate-calling song. Interestingly, T-cell responses to conspecific song are rarely examined for more than a few seconds, despite the fact that many katydids sing for minutes or hours at a time. In this paper, the second of a pair examining the physiology of the T-cell in Neoconocephalus ensiger, we recorded T-cell responses using longer-duration playbacks (3 min) of conspecific song (Katydid signal 30 ms syllables, 9–25 kHz bandwidth, 12–15 kHz peak frequency) and two types of bat-like ultrasound, a 10 ms, 80->30 kHz frequency-modulated sweep (Bat 10 signal) and a 30 ms, 80->30 kHz frequency-modulated sweep (Bat 30 signal). Spiking responses were distinctly biased towards the short-duration ultrasonic signal, with more spikes per pulse, at a shorter spike latency and at a higher instantaneous firing frequency to the Bat 10 signal than to the Katydid signal or, surprisingly, to the Bat 30 signal. The ability of the T-cell to encode the temporal pattern of the stimulus was particularly striking. Only for the predatory bat signals did T-cell spiking faithfully copy the stimulus; playbacks of conspecific song resulted in significantly weaker spiking responses, particularly in male katydids. The results demonstrate that responses from the T-cell alone may be sufficient for katydids to discriminate biologically relevant signals pertinent to the phonotactic behavior patterns involved in mate attraction and predator avoidance.
Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal carcinoids.

C arcinoid tumors were first described by Lubarsch in 1888 [1]. In 1907, Oberndorfer [2] was the first to recognize these tumors as distinct from carcinomas and coined the term, Karzinoide, to describe the carcinomalike appearance of these tumors as well as what was originally thought a relatively benign course. Since that time, the malignant potential of carcinoid tumors has become apparent. Currently, carcinoid tumors account for 0.49% of all malignancies [3]. Although these tumors are relatively uncommon, their incidence has been increasing. A recent database analysis of 13,715 carcinoid tumors revealed a 43.1% increase in carcinoid tumors compared proportionally with other cancers [3]. The most common location for carcinoid tumors is the gastrointestinal tract followed by the pulmonary system. Within the gastrointestinal tract, the highest frequency of tumors occurs in the small intestine followed by the rectum, colon, and appendix [3].
Susceptibility to delayed auditory feedback and dependence on auditory or oral sensory feedback.

Abstract Studies of the delayed auditory feedback (DAF) effect have consistently reported marked individual differences in susceptibility to DAF among normal speakers. It has been suggested that speakers showing extreme susceptibility to DAF may be differentially dependent on auditory feedback in regulating their speech production. Assuming this is the case, then a reduction in sensory feedback would also be expected to produce differential effects on these speakers. To test this hypothesis, normative data on the actual range of susceptibility to 180 msec DAF were first obtained from a group of 400 normal male speakers. Subjects from the extremes of this distribution were then tested under conditions that selectively reduced sensory feedback. Auditory masking, whispering and local anaesthesia were used separately and in combination to achieve a reduction in one or more feedback channels (air-conducted, bone-conducted and oral sensory feedback). The results obtained did not support the feedback dependence hypothesis. Measures of reading duration, disfluency and correct syllable rate revealed similar changes in the speech of high and low susceptible speakers when auditory and/or oral feedback was reduced. Alternative explanations of individual differences in DAF susceptibility are considered.
Modeling of energy limited units in the reliability evaluation of multi-area electrical power systems

An analytical approach based on the concept of peak shaving is presented for multi-area generating systems reliability evaluation incorporating the effects of limited energy availability. The proposed method provides more realistic means of calculating generation system reliability indices and could serve as a useful planning tool. >
Photometry and Polarimetry of the Crab Pulsar

Observational results are presented for the pulse component, the nebula component and the wisp component of the Crab Nebula. The pulsar polarization is separated from the background nebular polarization. The relation between the pulsar and the adjacent nebula is discussed.
Spectroscopic and electronic structure properties of CdSe nanocrystals: spheres and cubes

In this work we study the electronic structure of CdmSem quantum dots of various sizes and different shapes such as spheres and cubes using DFT, TDDFT, and CIS methods. This work requires a careful computational analysis where a proper exchange–correlation functional has to be chosen to fit the experimental optical gap. We find some differences in the optical and HOMO–LUMO gap values between spheres and cubes. In general, the gaps for the cubes have higher values than those for the spheres. We also calculate optical absorption spectra using the data for energy levels and oscillator strengths for optical transitions. We find that DFT yields some discrepancy in the density of states for the spheres and cubes. However, the density of states calculated by TDDFT and CIS provide better agreement. The results of the calculation can be useful for quantum dots synthesized in laser ablation experiments.
Oncogenes and Proto-Oncogenes

The discovery that normal cells contain proto-oncogenes--genes that are analogous to known viral oncogenes--may provide a shortcut not only to understanding some of the pathophysiologic mechanisms that must be involved in carcinogenesis but also to dissecting the processes of normal cell growth and of the evolutionarily developed controls on such growth.
Tax Misery and Tax Happiness: A Comparative Study of Selected Asian Countries

This article examines the relative tax burden of selected Asian economies from a microeconomic perspective. It employs data from the Tax Misery Index and the Index of Economic Freedom to compare the tax burden of selected Asian economies to that of some European and North American economies. It then creates a hybrid index, which provides another, more representative look at relative tax burdens from an investor's perspective.
Preconditioning in the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis and the potential for trans-generational acclimatization in coral larvae under future climate change conditions

ABSTRACT Coral reefs are globally threatened by climate change-related ocean warming and ocean acidification (OA). To date, slow-response mechanisms such as genetic adaptation have been considered the major determinant of coral reef persistence, with little consideration of rapid-response acclimatization mechanisms. These rapid mechanisms such as parental effects that can contribute to trans-generational acclimatization (e.g. epigenetics) have, however, been identified as important contributors to offspring response in other systems. We present the first evidence of parental effects in a cross-generational exposure to temperature and OA in reef-building corals. Here, we exposed adults to high (28.9°C, 805 µatm P CO 2 ) or ambient (26.5°C, 417 µatm P CO 2 ) temperature and OA treatments during the larval brooding period. Exposure to high treatment negatively affected adult performance, but their larvae exhibited size differences and metabolic acclimation when subsequently re-exposed, unlike larvae from parents exposed to ambient conditions. Understanding the innate capacity corals possess to respond to current and future climatic conditions is essential to reef protection and maintenance. Our results identify that parental effects may have an important role through (1) ameliorating the effects of stress through preconditioning and adaptive plasticity, and/or (2) amplifying the negative parental response through latent effects on future life stages. Whether the consequences of parental effects and the potential for trans-generational acclimatization are beneficial or maladaptive, our work identifies a critical need to expand currently proposed climate change outcomes for corals to further assess rapid response mechanisms that include non-genetic inheritance through parental contributions and classical epigenetic mechanisms.
Duality in Geometric Graphs: Vector Graphs, Kirchhoff Graphs and Maxwell Reciprocal Figures

We compare two mathematical theories that address duality between cycles and vertex-cuts of graphs in geometric settings. First, we propose a rigorous definition of a new type of graph, vector graphs. The special case of R2-vector graphs matches the intuitive notion of drawing graphs with edges taken as vectors. This leads to a discussion of Kirchhoff graphs, as originally presented by Fehribach, which can be defined independent of any matrix relations. In particular, we present simple cases in which vector graphs are guaranteed to be Kirchhoff or non-Kirchhoff. Next, we review Maxwell’s method of drawing reciprocal figures as he presented in 1864, using modern mathematical language. We then demonstrate cases in which R2-vector graphs defined from Maxwell reciprocals are “dual” Kirchhoff graphs. Given an example in which Maxwell’s theories are not sufficient to define vector graphs, we begin to explore other methods of developing dual Kirchhoff graphs.
ALDH isozymes downregulation effects on cell growth and gene expression in lung cancer cell lines

B18 Using immunohistochemistry on patient pathological specimens, our group has recently reported high expression of these isozymes in non small cell lung cancer. Considering the biological activity of these enzymes and their role in drug resistance, we hypothesize that the down-regulation of ALDH may affect multiple biological pathways critical for cell proliferation. The A549 and H522 non small cell lung cancer cell lines were used in these experiments. ALDH3A1, ALDH1A1 or both were knocked-down using lentiviral-mediated expression of specific siRNAs. Cells expressing siRNA against green fluorescent protein (GFP) as well as the parent cell line (WT) were used as controls. Cells from the different experimental groups (5 in total for each cell line) were cultured for 48 or 72 hr, then harvested and manually counted. Cell proliferation assays (MTT) and colony forming assay were also performed to determine the effects of siRNA expression on cell growth. Furthermore, incubations of cells with ALDH inhibitors DEAB and disulfiram, were used in similar experiments for comparison. In order to investigate the effect of these isozymes on gene profiles, we performed microarray analysis using RNA obtained from A549 cell line in which ALDH activity was reduced by 95% using lentiviral mediated expression of siRNA against both isozymes (Lenti1+3). Results show that the cell lines in which the ALDH activity was down-regulated grew at significantly slower rates than the controls. The cell proliferation assay and the colony assay confirmed that the down-regulation of ALDH results in slower proliferation rate and lower colony formation. Both ALDH inhibitors resulted in a dose dependent inhibition of cell growth as well. Stringent microarray analysis methods were used to identify gene expression patterns that are specific to the knock down of ALDH activity and significantly different in comparison to the control groups: WT and GFP. Validation of selected genes expression was done using real-time RT PCR. Detailed functional analysis was performed on 101 genes that were significantly different (P 7 fold in the Lenti 1+3 cells. The change in three of those genes was > 10 fold including GPR37, ID4, and EIF1AY genes which have been described before in association with different cancers.We conclude that the down-regulation of ALDH3A1 and ALDH1A1 is critical to the cellular homeostasis affecting multiple biochemical and biological pathways and results in the inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation of lung cancer cells. These results imply that the down-regulation of these enzymes may affect not only the known sensitivity of lung cancer cells to certain chemotherapeutic drugs but it may also have a direct beneficial effect by altering certain biological processes important to the survival of these malignant cells.
Global spatial sensitivity of runoff to subsurface permeability using the active subspace method

Abstract Hillslope scale runoff is generated as a result of interacting factors that include water influx rate, surface and subsurface properties, and antecedent saturation. Heterogeneity of these factors affects the existence and characteristics of runoff. This heterogeneity becomes an increasingly relevant consideration as hydrologic models are extended and employed to capture greater detail in runoff generating processes. We investigate the impact of one type of heterogeneity – subsurface permeability – on runoff using the integrated hydrologic model ParFlow. Specifically, we examine the sensitivity of runoff to variation in three-dimensional subsurface permeability fields for scenarios dominated by either Hortonian or Dunnian runoff mechanisms. Ten thousand statistically consistent subsurface permeability fields are parameterized using a truncated Karhunen–Loeve (KL) series and used as inputs to 48-h simulations of integrated surface-subsurface flow in an idealized ‘tilted-v’ domain. Coefficients of the spatial modes of the KL permeability fields provide the parameter space for analysis using the active subspace method. The analysis shows that for Dunnian-dominated runoff conditions the cumulative runoff volume is sensitive primarily to the first spatial mode, corresponding to permeability values in the center of the three-dimensional model domain. In the Hortonian case, runoff volume is sensitive to multiple smaller-scale spatial modes and the locus of that sensitivity is in the near-surface zone upslope from the domain outlet. Variation in runoff volume resulting from random heterogeneity configurations can be expressed as an approximately univariate function of the active variable, a weighted combination of spatial parameterization coefficients computed through the active subspace method. However, this relationship between the active variable and runoff volume is more well-defined for Dunnian runoff than for the Hortonian scenario.
Management of Pediatric Nonepileptic Seizures

The neurologist’s and child psychiatrist’s perspectives of the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric nonepileptic seizures (NES) were discussed at a multidisciplinary workshop sponsored by the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and of Mental Health, and the American Epilepsy Society, May 2005.
Anionic amino acid uptake by microvillous membrane vesicles from human placenta

The transport mechanisms for anionic amino acids in trophoblast microvillous (maternal facing) membrane were investigated by characterization of L-[3H]aspartate and L-[3H]glutamate uptake in membrane vesicles. Uptake of the anionic amino acids was by a single high-affinity Na+-dependent K+-stimulated cotransporter that is pH sensitive and electrogenic. A second Na+-dependent transporter could not be discriminated, and there was no observable Na+-independent uptake. An outwardly directed K+ gradient (100 mM KCl inside) resulted in a 5- to 10-fold stimulation in glutamate uptake in the presence of Na+. Intravesicular KCl had no effect on transporter affinity but increased transporter velocity in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of Na+-K+-dependent uptake of L-aspartate and L-glutamate (20 mM, 30 s) by 2 mM unlabeled amino acids demonstrated stereoselectivity for L-glutamate but not for L-aspartate. The neutral amino acids (L-alanine, L-threonine, L-serine, L-cysteine, L-phenylalanine) were not effective inhibitors. These data are consistent with an anionic amino acid transporter in the microvillous membrane of the trophoblast, which has characteristics qualitatively similar to the X-AG system found in other epithelia. This system may mediate the concentrative placental uptake of anionic amino acids from maternal blood in utero.
13C MRS and LC–MS Flux Analysis of Tumor Intermediary Metabolism

We present the first validated metabolic network model for analysis of flux through key pathways of tumor intermediary metabolism including glycolysis, the oxidative and non-oxidative arms of the pen-tose pyrophosphate shunt, the TCA cycle as well as its anaplerotic pathways, pyruvate malate shut-tling, glutaminolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis and oxidation. The model that is called Bonded Cumomer Analysis for application to 13C MRS data and Fragmented Cumomer Analysis for mass spectrometric data is a refined and efficient form of isotopomer analysis that can readily be expanded to incorporate glycogen, phospholipid and other pathways thereby encompassing all the key pathways of tumor intermediary metabolism. Validation was achieved by demonstrating agreement of experi-mental measurements of the metabolic rates of oxygen consumption (MRO2), glucose consumption, lactate production and glutamate pool size with independent measurements of these parameters in cultured human DB-1 melanoma cells. These cumomer models have been applied to studies of DB-1 melanoma and DLCL2 human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells in culture and as xenografts in nude mice at 9.4 T. The latter studies demonstrate the potential translation of these methods to in situ studies of human tumor metabolism by MRS with stable 13C isotopically labeled substrates on instru-ments operating at high magnetic fields (≥7 T). The melanoma studies indicate that this tumor line obtains 51% of its ATP by mitochondrial metabolism and 49% by glycolytic metabolism under both euglycemic (5 mM glucose) and hyperglycemic conditions (26 mM glucose). While a high level of glutamine uptake is detected corresponding to ~50% of TCA cycle flux under hyperglycemic condi-tions, and ~100% of TCA cycle flux under euglycemic conditions, glutaminolysis flux and its contri-butions to ATP synthesis were very small. Studies of human lymphoma cells demonstrated that inhi-bition of mTOR signaling produced changes in flux through the glycolytic, pentose shunt and TCA cycle pathways that were evident within 8 hours of treatment and increased at 24 and 48 hours. Lac-tic acid was demonstrated to be a suitable biomarker of mTOR inhibition that could readily be moni-tored by 1H MRS and perhaps also by FDG-PET and hyperpolarized 13C MRS methods.
Effect of Temperature, Water Activity and Other Toxigenic Mold Species on Growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Production on Corn, Pinto Beans and Soybeans

Portions of corn, a commodity in which aflatoxin is frequently found, were held at 16, 26 and 32°C after the moisture contents were adjusted to achieve water activities (aw) ranging from too low to ample for support of mold growth. Suspensions of mold spores from toxigenic cultures of Aspergillus flavus , A. ochraceus , Penicillium citrinum , P. cyclopium and P. urticae were added to the test portions, either as A. flavus alone, as A. flavus with one of the other molds or as a mixture of all 5 species. Additional water was used to obtain the proper moisture levels. A temperature of 16°C was generally too low for aflatoxin production by either the added or native strains of A. flavus , although the mold was able to grow at 16°C at aw values as low as 0.80, 0.77 and 0.85 on corn, soybeans and pinto beans, respectively. Aflatoxin production was essentially the same at 26 and 32° C with limiting aw values in the range of 0.85-0.89. Limiting aw values for mold growth at 26 and 32°C were 0.73, 0.69 and 0.75 for corn, soybeans and pinto beans, respectively. This study provided no evidence that substrate suitability at limiting temperatures and aw levels is a factor in the observed difference in the risk of aflatoxin contamination for these commodities. The study did indicate that the associated mold flora, when the seed is exposed to mold invasion, is a risk determinant.
Application of Extremum Seeking for Time-Varying Systems to Resonance Control of RF Cavities

A recently developed form of extremum seeking for time-varying systems is implemented in hardware for the resonance control of radio-frequency cavities without phase measurements. Normal conducting RF cavity resonance control is performed via a slug tuner, while superconducting TESLA-type cavity resonance control is performed via piezo actuators. The controller maintains resonance by minimizing reflected power by utilizing model-independent adaptive feedback. Unlike standard phase-measurement-based resonance control, the presented approach is not sensitive to arbitrary phase shifts of the RF signals due to temperature-dependent cable length or phasemeasurement hardware changes. The phase independence of this method removes common slowly varying drifts and required periodic recalibration of phase-based methods. A general overview of the adaptive controller is presented along with the proof of principle experimental results at room temperature. This method allows us to both maintain a cavity at a desired resonance frequency and also to dynamically modify its resonance frequency to track the unknown time-varying frequency of an RF source, thereby maintaining maximal cavity field strength, based only on power-level measurements.
Nonverbal communication in socially assistive human-robot interaction

Socially assistive robots provide assistance to human users through interactions that are inherently social. This category includes robot tutors that provide students with personalized one-on-one lessons (Ramachandran, Litoiu, & Scassellati, 2016), robot therapy assistants that help mediate social interactions between children with ASD and adult therapists (Scassellati, Admoni, & Mataric, 2012), and robot coaches that motivate children to make healthy eating choices (Short et al., 2014).
Gleason Score 7 Prostate Cancers Emerge through Branched Evolution of Clonal Gleason Pattern 3 and 4.

Purpose: The molecular features that account for the distinct histology and aggressive biological behavior of Gleason pattern 4 (Gp4) versus Gp3 prostate cancer, and whether Gp3 tumors progress directly to Gp4, remain to be established. Experimental Design: Whole-exome sequencing and transcriptome profiling of laser capture–microdissected adjacent Gp3 and cribiform Gp4 were used to determine the relationship between these entities. Results: Sequencing confirmed that adjacent Gp3 and Gp4 were clonal based on multiple shared genomic alterations. However, large numbers of unique mutations in the Gp3 and Gp4 tumors showed that the Gp4 were not derived directly from the Gp3. Remarkably, the Gp3 tumors retain their indolent-appearing morphology despite acquisition of multiple genomic alterations, including tumor suppressor losses. Although there were no consistent genomic alterations that distinguished Gp3 from Gp4, pairwise transcriptome analyses identified increased c-Myc and decreased p53 activity in Gp4 versus adjacent clonal Gp3 foci. Conclusions: These findings establish that at least a subset of Gp3 and aggressive Gp4 tumors have a common origin, and support a branched evolution model wherein the Gp3 and Gp4 tumors emerge early from a common precursor and subsequently undergo substantial divergence. Genomic alterations detectable in the Gp3 may distinguish these tumors from truly indolent Gp3. Screening for a panel of these genomic alterations in men who have prostate biopsies showing only Gp3 (Gleason score 6, Gs6) may allow for more precise selection of men who can be safely managed by active surveillance versus those who may benefit from further intervention. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3823–33. ©2017 AACR.
Explaining the birth weight paradox: Latina immigrants' perceptions of resilience and risk.

In the US, prenatal care is positively associated with improved birth outcomes. However, among Mexican-born Latinos, rates of low birth weight are lower than those of US-born counterparts despite the fact that recently arrived Latino immigrants are less likely to have received adequate prenatal care. The “birth weight paradox,” identified through analysis of the HHANES, appears to hold constant across variations in age, marital status or educational attainment. The authors explore Latina immigrant's perceptions of resilience factors related to these better birth outcomes through focused group interviews, photonarratives, and documentation of local kin networks. The women's responses are grouped into five resilience factors and one risk complex that have the potential to further explain the HHANES findings. Women's responses, the stories of their photographs, and kin networks are presented. Knowledge of these protective and risk factors can be useful to health professionals and Latino advocacy groups in the design of community-based interventions that protect health status and promote the practice of protective health behaviors within immigrant families and communities.
P4 The relationship between y-balance test scores and cumberland ankle instability tool scores among collegiate athletes

Study Design Research report-retrospective cohort. Objectives To examine the relationship between previous ankle injury history, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores, and Y-Balance Test (YBT) scores. Background Ankle sprains are the most common injury that collegiate athletes suffer during their careers. Factors that may affect the likelihood of an ankle sprain include deficits in balance and/or coordination. Methods and Measures Twenty-three (12 male, 11 female) university student-athletes from 9 high-risk sports with a CAIT score of 25 or lower and at least one prior ankle sprain participated. Single-limb reach distance was tested using the YBT in three reach directions; anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL). A composite score was taken for each leg, combining the maximum reach distances of each direction divided by triple the leg length and multiplied by 100. The composite score from the uninjured ankle was subtracted from the injured ankle to determine the difference between the composite scores. A Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between composite YBT and difference scores with the CAIT scores. Results For the injured ankle, there was a significant correlation between the YBT composite score (88.65%±8.1%) and CAIT score (22.69±2.9) (r=0.453, p=0.030), and between the difference of composite scores from uninjured to injured ankles (2.88%±2.17%) and CAIT scores (r=−0.518, p=0.011). Interestingly 21% (5/23) of the cohort experienced a subsequent ankle sprain within the six months following testing. Conclusions There exists a positive relationship between CAIT and YBT scores; suggesting the clinical utility of both in helping to identify and differentiate those with and without chronic ankle instability. Uniquely interesting are the results from our difference score analysis whereby the higher the composite score difference, the lower the CAIT score.
FUEL CELLS – OVERVIEW | Introduction

In the early nineteenth century, a ‘cell’ was a compartmentalized part of a container divided by a membrane containing two electrodes providing direct electric current (DC) electricity. This was later usually called a ‘battery’. A ‘battery’ of this type, supplied with an oxidizable fuel to the negative electrode (anode) and an oxidant to the positive electrode (cathode), became known colloquially as a ‘fuel cell’ (FC), generally using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from air or pure cryogenic oxygen (for submarine and space use) at the cathode. To be successful, such ‘cells’ require careful choice of electrolyte, and are classified by this choice. A brief history of the technology is given in the article. This entry emphasizes the fact that FC (as commonly interpreted) are systems with potential on-site use and are much more than simply extensions of common batteries operating on (in most cases) hydrogen at the anode and oxygen at the cathode. They are complex systems operating on fossil fuels (light hydrocarbons, particularly natural gas), which must be converted to hydrogen-rich gas using a fuel processing system. This must be converted to DC electric power in the FC battery or stack, and this output must in turn be electronically converted to alternating electric current for final use. The first part involves fuel cleanup (sulfur elimination), and many coupled heat- and mass-transfer coupling and collection processes, involving a cascade of efficiency multiplications. How these apply to the different FC technologies (defined by electrolyte used, and temperature of application) is given (see FCs in Stationary Applications).
Perfect Shuffle Communications In Optically Interconnected Processor Arrays

Two approaches are presented to perform the perfect shuffle communication in optically interconnected processor arrays. The arrays are interconnected via row and column optical busses, with optical switches placed at the intersections of row and column busses. The two approaches differ in the time they take and the switching complexity they require. They allow all algorithms, including those for digital signal processing (e.g., FFT), which utilize the shuffle-exchange communication structure to be efficiently executed on the optically interconnected processor arrays.
Rights, Powers and Duties of the Debtor and Creditors in Insolvency Proceedings in Hong Kong

Drastic changes were made to the Bankruptcy Law of Hong Kong after the British colony of Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the revised law came into operation in 1998. This article explains the various issues and processes of liquidation of companies and the Corporate Rescue proposal known as “Provisional Supervision” under the Companies Bill of 2001 in Hong Kong. When the company is under liquidation the creditors’ actions will be limited to the extent of realization of the property that is under charge to the secured creditors. But, in the case of “Provisional Supervision”, all the creditors will be bounds by a moratorium for an initial period of 30 days and it may extend to six months. The employees of the insolvent company are entitled to priority of wage claims pursuant to Sec. 265 of the Companies Bill. The liquidator of the company is empowered to sell the real and personal property of the company by public auction or private contract under Sec. 198 and Sec. 199(2)(a) of the Companies Bill. The purchasers of the corporate assets should take the necessary precautions to minimize their risks.
Use of Antidiabetic, Antihypertensive, and Psychotropic Drugs in Pregnancy

Abstract The Side Effects of Drugs Annuals are yearly reviews of literature that has been published on the adverse effects of drugs. The Side Effects of Drugs Annuals contributes to the contents of Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions. This literature review includes studies, meta-analyses, and case reports on the use of antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and psychotropic drugs in pregnancy. The review includes insulin, metformin, and glyburide, beta blockers, centrally-acting adrenergic agents, renin–angiotensin system blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, antiepileptics, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. For this first chapter on the use of medications in pregnancy we focused on literature from July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. If this search led us to relevant material published prior those dates, it was also included in the review.
Coaching Parents to Use Higher Level Questioning With Their Twice-Exceptional Children:

This study investigated the impact of training and coaching parents to use a higher level questioning strategy during shared reading time at home on the expressive language complexity of their youn...
Centrifugal-flow ventricular assist device support in children: A single-center experience.

Abstract Background Our institutional policy is to continue centrifugal-flow ventricular assist device support for 3 months or more without activation on the transplant wait-list for physical recovery and assessment of possible myocardial recovery. We evaluated our single-institutional outcomes with centrifugal-flow ventricular assist device support in children. Methods Prospectively collected outcomes data in consecutive patients aged 18 years or less with centrifugal-flow ventricular assist device support were reviewed. Results There were 40 implantations in 39 patients (28 with cardiomyopathy, 11 with congenital heart disease, including 3 with univentricular physiology). The median support was 8 months (range, 1-79), with 13 patients (33%) supported for 12 months or more and a cumulative duration of 41 patient-years. The median age and weight at implantation were 11 (4-18) years and 35 (14-98) kg, respectively. The median body surface area was 1.1 (0.7-2.2) m2, with 16 patients (40%) having a body surface area less than 1.0 m2. Thirty-four patients (85%) had Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support 1 or 2. Children with congenital heart disease were significantly smaller (P Conclusions This study demonstrates favorable outcomes of centrifugal-flow ventricular assist device support in children, including those with congenital heart disease, with an increased incidence of cardiac recovery.
Opinion Mining at Scale: A Case Study of the First Self-driving Car Fatality

We present a comprehensive pipeline for large-scale opinion mining via a case study of the first self-driving car fatality, in an effort to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate trending techniques in web searching as well as sentiment analysis. We first perform a scalable and fault-resilient web scraping with a partially-stateful data model. We then apply recent advances in deep learning comparing with a commercial software for sentiment detection. Not only do we measure the performances of the models by numerical metrics, we subsequently align the prediction results with amid economic indices and impactful social events. We further discuss trade-offs of above models from perspectives of both performance improvements of computer systems and accuracy enhancements of machine learning models, and provide deeper insights for stakeholders in the autonomous vehicle industry and the computational social science community.
Phase separation: Bridging polymer physics and biology

Abstract Significant parallels exist between the phase separation behavior of polymers in solution and the types of biomolecular condensates, or ‘membraneless organelles,’ that are of increasing interest in living systems. Liquid–liquid phase separation allows for compartmentalization and the sequestration of materials and can be harnessed as a sensitive strategy for responding to small changes in the environment. Here, I review many of the parallels and synergies between ongoing efforts to study and take advantage of phase separation in living versus synthetic materials.
Impact of KEAP1/NFE2L2/CUL3 mutations on duration of response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer

Objectives For patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), frontline EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy compared to chemotherapy improves outcomes. However, resistance to these agents uniformly develops. Recently, mutations in the KEAP1-NFE2L2 pathway have been implicated as a potential mechanism of acquired EGFR TKI resistance. Materials and methods We examined all patients with metastatic NSCLC with mutations in both EGFR and KEAP1/NFE2L2/CUL3 identified on next generation sequencing from 2015 - 2018. These patients were compared to a NSCLC control cohort with mutations in EGFR and wild type in KEAP1/NFE2L2/CUL3 matched on the basis of sex, smoking status, age and race. Time to treatment failure on EGFR TKI therapy and overall survival were examined. Results Among 228 EGFR mutant NSCLCs, 17 (7%) also carried mutations in KEAP1, NFE2L2, or CUL3. The most common co-mutation in both the KEAP1/NFE2L2/CUL3 mutant and wild-type cohort was TP53. Patients with KEAP1/NFE2L2/CUL3 mutations had a shorter median time to treatment failure on EGFR TKI (4.7 months) compared with the wild-type matched cohort (13.0 months), p= 0.0014. There was no difference in overall survival. Conclusion For NSCLC patients with mutations in EGFR, co-mutations in KEAP1/NFE2L2/CUL3 are associated with significantly decreased time to treatment failure. Our results suggest that these mutations represent a mechanism of intrinsic resistance to TKI treatment.