cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inactivation Kinetics of Avirulent Bacillus anthracis Spores in Milk with a Combination of Heat and Hydrogen Peroxide

The combined effect of heat and hydrogen peroxide (HP) on the inactivation of avirulent Bacillus anthracis spores (Sterne strain 7702; strain ANR-1, an avirulent Ames derivative lacking the pXO2 plasmid; and strain 9131, a plasmid-less Sterne strain) was evaluated in milk. The study temperature ranged from 90 to 95 degrees C, and the concentration of added HP varied from 0.05 to 0.5%. Decimal reduction times (D-values) were determined using a sealed capillary tube technique. The mean D- and z-values of hydrated freeze-dried spores of all three strains in milk ranged from 550 s at 90 degrees C to 180 s at 94 degrees C and from 8.6 to 9.0 degrees C, respectively. When 0.05% HP was added to the milk, the D-values were decreased at least threefold, and at 0.5% HP the D-values ranged from 1 to 10 s. At 90 degrees C, all three strains had similar D-values when 0.05% HP was added. Increasing the concentration of HP to 0.5% had a greater reducing effect on the D-value for strain 7702 than on the values for strains ANR-1 and 9131. The rate of inactivation of each strain followed first-order reaction kinetics at each temperature-peroxide combination. Equations in the form of D = Constant x (HP concentration)n had R2 values greater than 0.97 for strains ANR-1 and 7702 and of at least 0.7 for strain 9131. This study suggests that a combination of high temperature (from 90 to 95 degrees C) and HP could be used for inactivation of B. anthracis spores in the event of deliberate contamination of milk such that the contaminated milk could be disposed of safely.
Les composés de coordination en italien: esquisse d’une typologie

Italian Coordinate compounds (CC) made up by two nouns are usually considered a highly regular compounding type. Among various subtypes of CCs described in general linguistics, Italian CCs pertain to the so-called hyponymous (or karmadhraya) type, where the interpretation of the compound corresponds to the intersection of the meaning of its components. This article, based on the data retrieved from the ItWac corpus, aims to find out whether Italian has also other – peripheral – subtypes of CCs, especially hypernymous CCs as co-compounds (dvandvas) or intermediate-denoting compounds. For they are likely to be headed, hyponymous CCs are demonstrated to be preferably situated in between Coordinate and Attributive compounds in a qualitative analysis. A proposal of complex typology of Italian CCs is presented in the conclusion.
Connexins and glucagon receptors during development of rat hepatic acinus

Levels (by immunoblotting) and cell distribution (by immunofluorescence) of connexins (Cxs) and glucagon receptors (GRs) were studied during the ontogeny of the rat liver. Cx32, the main rat liver gap junction protein, was present in fetal hepatocytes, and its abundance increased between the 19th and 21st gestational days. The major increase in Cx32 levels occurred between the 7th and 21st postnatal days, after which adult levels were reached. The adult pattern of distribution of Cx26 and Cx32 was established by the 21st postnatal day. Cx43 was present in the liver capsule and perisinusoidal cells, and its levels did not show significant variations throughout development. Levels of GRs were much lower in fetal than in adult livers. After birth, GRs increased progressively, reaching adult levels at about the 28th postnatal day. In adults, GR immunoreactivity on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes was localized to the region facing the sinusoid and showed a density gradient of distribution along the hemiacinus: high in pericentral regions and decreasing toward more glucogenically active cells located in periportal regions. Because cells of the hepatic acinus communicate via gap junctions, which are permeable to second messengers, we propose that signals transduced by GRs in cells expressing high levels of receptor might spread to cells expressing low levels of receptor, thus maximizing metabolic activation.
Analysis of the development of the nervous system of the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio: I. The normal morphology and development of the spinal cord and ganglia of the zebrafish

In teleost fishes, unlike many other vertebrates, the spinal cord originates as a solid structure, the neural keel, which subsequently hollows out. Unlike vertebrates in which the neural tube is formed from neural folds, and where the neural crest arises from wedge-shaped masses of tissue connecting the neural tube to the general ectoderm, teleosts do not possess a clear morphological neural crest. Initially, the dorsal surface of the keel is broadly attached to the ectoderm as described by Shepard (1961). As the neural primordia become larger and more discrete, the region of attachment narrows, and cells become loose (the ‘loose crest stage’). These cells represent the neural crest. Subsequently they begin to migrate and to differentiate into the various derivatives of neural crest. Both sensory and sympathetic neurons arise from neural crest. At the time of their migration the cells are not morphologically distinguishable.
Attempt to Establish the Ragwort Seed Fly in the United States

Puparia of the anthomyiid Hylemya (=Pegohylemyia) seneciella (Meade) were shipped from Paris in 1965, 1966, and 1967 to provide adults for release against tansy ragwort, Senecio jacobaea L., a weed in western North America. When the puparia dried out between puparial formation and refrigeration, emergence was reduced 30%. Also, a 50% reduction in emergence resulted when larvae were removed from the capitulae before they were fully fed. In the laboratory, a few females had developing oOcytes when they were 3 to 4 days old, and 1st ova were detected in 5- to 6-day-old females. Thereafter, formation of ova increased until they were present in 82% of 9- to 10-day-old females. In 1966, 916 females were released without caging near Fort Bragg, California; in 1967, 2006 females were released. The 2nd release, primarily younger females (54% were 1 to 5 days old), resulted in 3 times as many larvae per female as the 1966 release of 9- to 10-day-old females, probably because the young had an inadequate diet in the laboratory holding cages. In 1968, heads of tansy ragwort containing the larvae were found at the 1967 Fort Bragg release site, an indication of at least provisional establishment. Also, after adults were released in Oregon in 1966 (1408 females) and in Washington in 1968 (1721 females), infested heads of tansy ragwort were found later in the same season at each site.
The Tenure of a Law School Dean: It's Not How Long You Make It - It's How You Make It Long

This article discusses the Rosenblatt's Deans Database ("RDD") that is posted on the MC Law website and available to the public online.
Analysis of density fluctuation of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus,the potential vectors of West Nile virus in Guangdong province

Objective To study the community structure and dynamic of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus,the potential vector of West Nile Virus (WNV) disease,in Guangdong and provide scientific evidence for further development of control and prevention strategies.Methods Mosquito density was monitored by light-trap from 2009 to 2012,in Guangdong cities.Results Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus accounts for 93.15%,the largest proportion of mosquitoes.The average densities of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus from 2009 to 2010 were 21.8,15.2,10.3,and 9.7 (light·hour),respectively,showing a decreasing trend.The seasonal peak of density was from May to July.Of all habitats,the density in the barn was the highest.Conclusion Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus was the predominant mosquitoe species in Guangdong province.The monitoring data could provide scientific basis for the development of control strategies and warning and forecasting of WNV.But whether Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus is the West Nile fever vector needs further investigation.
Surgical Decisions in the Management of Frontal Sinus Osteomas

BackgroundThe development of chronic rhinosinusitis, a mucocele, or persistent headaches is a common indication for the removal of a frontal sinus osteoma. The best surgical approach to ensure comp...
Picosecond pulse propagation on hybrid high T c transmission lines

Recently optoelectronic techniques have been used to generate and detect subpicosecond electrical pulses on coplanar transmission lines using aluminum lines1 and superconducting Nb transmission lines2 at low temperature. The associated frequency spectrum of these electrical pulses ranges up to 1 THz. In the case of Al lines the 0.6- ps pulse width of the electrical pulses increases 3 times after propgating over ≃10 mm on 5-μm wide metal lines (impedance 100 Ω).
Acting Strategies, Modern Drama, and New Stagecraft

Chapter 2 demonstrates that Modern and Method acting represent two distinct reactions to modern drama and new stagecraft: Modern acting sees actors as artists and facilitates their abilities to analyze scripts; Method training prepares actors to respond to directors, who become the key artists of the theatre. The chapter opens its exploration of Modern acting techniques by contrasting them with strategies specific to Lee Strasberg’s Method. Offering readers a look at the actual steps of Strasberg’s actor training plan, the chapter clarifies the profound disparity between the Method and Stanislavsky’s System. It shows that the Method has no connection to Stanislavsky’s approach, but instead rests on a different view of acting, actors, the relationship between actors and scripts, and the role of actors and directors.
Observation of a Charge Density Wave Incommensuration Near the Superconducting Dome in CuxTiSe2

X-ray diffraction was employed to study the evolution of the charge density wave (CDW) in Cu_{x}TiSe_{2} as a function of copper intercalation in order to clarify the relationship between the CDW and superconductivity. The results show a CDW incommensuration arising at an intercalation value coincident with the onset of superconductivity at around x=0.055(5). Additionally, it was found that the charge density wave persists to higher intercalant concentrations than previously assumed, demonstrating that the CDW does not terminate inside the superconducting dome. A charge density wave peak was observed in samples up to x=0.091(6), the highest copper concentration examined in this study. The phase diagram established in this work suggests that charge density wave incommensuration may play a role in the formation of the superconducting state.
Luck and the Virtues of Physical Preservation

One difference between Maimonides and Gersonides on ethics is the emphasis put on the preservation of the body in the cultivation of character and action. Maimonides does not focus on this at all in his ethical works and discusses it at the end of the Guide as the lowest form of perfection. In contrast, Gersonides redefines the practical intellect with physical preservation as its main goal. Thus he makes virtues that strive to achieve this end a central part of his ethical lessons, such as endeavor (hishtadlut), diligence (ḥariṣut) and cunning (hitḥakmut) in crafting stratagems (taḥbulot), along with arts which also now serve this purpose. Humans share this practical intellect with the animal world and cannot ignore this commonality in their cultivation of virtue.
Effects of violence and brand familiarity on responses to television commercials

This study investigated the effects of violence and brand familiarity on an individual's responses towards television commercials measured in terms of memory, brand attitude and purchase intention. Results indicated that violence had significant effects on the processing of advertising messages. These effects were more pronounced for familiar brands. Specifically, on the measures of copy recognition, brand attitude and purchase intention, violence appeared to be more effective in generating less favourable responses for familiar brands than for unfamiliar brands. These findings have both theoretical and practical implications.
Simultaneous sensor localization via synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging

We present a localization and multiple access method for backscatter sensor networks based on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques. Two sensor tags, each consisting of a wideband bow-tie antenna, a PIN switch, and an Arduino Nano, were designed for an indoor measurement over the 10–13 GHz band. With a synthetic aperture size of 0.6 m, the sensor tags can be imaged separately or in combination at ranges up to 4 m. A cross-range resolution of 8 cm and a range resolution of 4.6 cm were achieved at a range of 4 m, with errors of less than 4 cm.
An analytical model for the ballistic performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composites

Abstract Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are often used in ballistic armor due to their excellent strength, stiffness, strain to failure, and low density. Despite applicability and growing usage, designing UHMWPE armor systems is challenging. The unique properties of their fibers and matrix materials cause UHMWPE composites to behave differently than other composites. To realize their potential and effectively apply them to armor applications, it is important to understand their failure mechanisms and model their performance without the aid of complicated computer models. This study focuses on understanding their energy absorption and through-thickness failure mechanisms, as well as developing an analytical model to predict ballistic performance. Energy absorption was considered from fiber tensile strain, delamination between layers, matrix cracking, acceleration of the composite mass, and shear failure. Tensile failures from the formation of the deformation cone and out-of-plane compression were considered, as well as shear failure. The analytical formulation predicts the amount of energy absorbed by each mechanism, ballistic limit, duration of the impact event, through-thickness failure distance, and residual velocity. The results were compared with experimental data and good correlation was observed for a range of projectile masses and diameters, as well as composite thicknesses.
Neural Circuitry That Mediates Behavior Governing the Tradeoffs Between Survival and Reproduction in Caenorhabditis elegans.

In all outcrossing sexual species there is a mechanism that brings two parents together. For animals, this reproductive requirement may at times conflict with other needs, such as foraging for food. This tension has been studied using the tiny (1 mm) nematode worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. In a trade off between certainty of survival and possibility of reproduction, the C. elegans male will abandon a food patch lacking mates and explore its environment to find one where mates are present. A quantitative behavioral assay has been used to study the behavioral mechanism of mate searching and nutritional, sexual, and neurohormonal pathways that influence the underlying drive state. Taking advantage of the known connectivity of the C. elegans nervous system, neural pathways have been identified that influence the male's behavior in the presence of food with and without mates.
D&D and Waste Management: An AREVA Expertise From AREVA Sites Operations to Customers Projects

AREVA is the only global player in this D&D and Waste Management domain which can propose its huge feedback in Europe and worldwide for all kind of nuclear facilities (from mining, chemical, fuel and recycling plants, Research Reactors to Nuclear Power Plants to legacy waste retrieval).To be owner and operator of sites in dismantling phases with a lot of waste to retrieve, treat and package for final storage, gives AREVA a global view=on important key parameters of this kind of projects for more than 40 years.Specificities of D&D and associated Waste projects are multiple:• Complexity of operations to perform in buildings not designed for these tasks.• Big components to decontaminate and to cut.• Innovation, skills and Research and Development needs to solve and anticipate projects issues.• Safety and security for workers and populations.• Environmental issues to solve (contaminated soil to sort for example, or water to decontaminate).• Risks management during all project life using lessons learnt.• Costs optimization from the most important project phase: scenario and studies of the operations.• Amount and type of waste (alpha with contamination, gamma with irradiation, high volume of very low level waste with or without free release opportunities).• Interfaces with waste transports and storage facilities.• ...Copyright © 2017 by ASME
Intrarenal ghrelin receptor inhibition ameliorates angiotensin II-dependent hypertension in rats.

The intrarenal ghrelin receptor (GR) is localized to collecting duct (CD) cells, where it increases epithelial Na+ channel (αENaC)-dependent sodium reabsorption in rodents. We hypothesized that chr...
A 14 MeV Neutron Source

A “fusion plate” is designed for use with the Texas A&M University TRIGA reactor. The plate would contain 6LiD and could produce 14 MeV neutrons through thermal neutron induced 6Li(n,∝)3T reaction ...
Non-molecular characterization of pellicle formation by poultry Salmonella Kentucky strains and other poultry-associated Salmonella serovars in Luria Bertani broth

AbstractThere is limited research concerning the biofilm-forming capabilities of Salmonella Kentucky, a common poultry isolate. The objective was to quantitate pellicle formation of S. Kentucky ver...
Activity-Based cost Management Systems in an Advanced Manufacturing Environment

Abstract The conventional cost management model is less-than-adequate for advanced manufacturing systems. Traditional overhead allocation schemes, many of which “spread” overhead costs on the basis of the ratio of overhead to direct labor costs, are still in use by a great number of firms. This “peanut butter conspiracy” of cost accounting continues despite the fact that overhead is often three to five times as great as direct labor. The impact on product costing is devastating – labor intensive processes, which require little or no investment in expensive automated equipment, are grossly over-costed, while automated processes, which utilize the more expensive devices, are under-costed. As companies continue to automate, labor costs are further reduced while overhead increases. Thus, with increased automation, product costs that are based on the traditional cost management model become increasingly distorted. This paper discusses a relatively new cost management approach, activity-based costing (ABC), which overcomes many of the deficiencies of conventional accounting. A comparison of ABC to traditional cost management is presented, and the advantages of the activity-based approach in an advanced manufacturing environment are discussed. Specific examples illustrating the impact of ABC on economic decisions, including production outsourcing and product mix, are also presented. In these examples it is shown that potentially disastrous decisions can be avoided through the implementation of improved cost management practices.
Recalled Coparenting Conflict, Paralysis of Initiative, and Sensitivity to Conflict during Late Adolescence.

During late adolescence, interpersonal acuity and decisiveness are facilitative of transitions to emerging adulthood. Disruptions in these capacities may be traceable to phenomena evoked by origin family coparental conflict – paralysis of initiative and hypersensitivity to conflict. Documenting such connections can lead to more beneficial interventions for adolescents transitioning into adulthood. The aims of this study were to examine relationships between college freshmen’s reports of coparenting conflict in their origin families and (a) their immobility and indecision when faced with calls to action and (b) their hypersensitivity to signs of inter-adult conflict. Thirty-four freshmen (25 women and 9 men) rated their own coparents’ conflict dynamics and completed (a) a timed perceptual-motor challenge in which quick and deft action was essential to avoid failure; (b) the Rorschach inkblot test; and (c) a judgement task requiring ratings of and predictions about the interpersonal dynamics between unfamiliar adults portrayed in videos coparenting small children. Even controlling for the effects of self-reported depressive symptoms, significant links emerged between greater recalled coparenting conflict in the origin family and longer delays in initiating action in the perceptual-motor challenge; lower active-to-passive responses on the Rorschach; and attributions of more dissonant coparenting behavior in the videotaped family interactions. Results suggest that origin family coparental conflict may show ties to hypersensitivity to conflict and to indecisiveness in the face of calls to action. Implications for theory, research and practice are discussed.
Durable Clinical and Biochemical but Not Endoscopic Remission in Pediatric Crohn's Disease on Specific Carbohydrate Diet Monotherapy

The specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) is an exclusion diet that has gained increasing public attention as a treatment option for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs: Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)). Studies have demonstrated SCD leads to clinical and biochemical remission. Additional observations had controversial results when mucosal healing, or endoscopic remission was assessed in pediatric CD patients on partial SCD therapy, or SCD as adjunct treatment. There is currently a lack of mucosa-based assessments for pediatric IBD patients on SCD monotherapy. We report three pediatric CD patients who achieved clinical remission on SCD monotherapy, but failed to demonstrate complete mucosal healing with a minimum of one year follow up. This case report highlights that SCD monotherapy in male pediatric CD patients can sustain durable clinical and biochemical remission, but not full mucosal healing.
Cytokine-induced molecular responses in airway smooth muscle cells inform genome-wide association studies of asthma

A challenge in the post-GWAS era is to assign function to disease-associated variants. However, available resources do not include all tissues or environmental exposures that are relevant to all diseases. For example, exaggerated bronchoconstriction of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) defines airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a cardinal feature of asthma. However, the contribution of ASMC to genetic and genomic studies has largely been overlooked. Our study aimed to address the gap in data availability from a critical tissue in genomic studies of asthma. We developed a cell model of AHR to discover variants associated with transcriptional, epigenetic, and cellular responses to two AHR promoting cytokines, IL-13 and IL-17A, and performed a GWAS of bronchial responsiveness (BRI) in humans. Our study revealed significant response differences between ASMCs from asthma cases and controls, including genes implicated in asthma susceptibility. We defined molecular quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for expression (eQTLs) and methylation (meQTLs), and cellular QTLs for contractility (coQTLs) and performed a GWAS of BRI in human subjects. Variants in asthma GWAS were significantly enriched for ASM QTLs and BRI-associated SNPs, and near genes enriched for ASM function, many with small P values that did not reach stringent thresholds of significance in GWAS. Our study identified significant differences between ASMCs from asthma cases and controls, potentially reflecting trained tolerance in these cells, as well as a set of variants, overlooked in previous GWAS, which reflect the AHR component of asthma.
The influence of legacy contamination on the transport and bioaccumulation of mercury within the Mobile River Basin

Abstract Past industrial use and subsequent release of mercury (Hg) into the environment have resulted in severe cases of legacy contamination that still influence contemporary Hg levels in biota. While the bioaccumulation of legacy Hg is commonly assessed via concentration measurements within fish tissue, this practice becomes difficult in regions of high productivity and methylmercury (MeHg) production, like the Mobile River Basin, Alabama in the southeastern United States. This study applied Hg stable isotope tracers to distinguish legacy Hg from regional deposition sources in sediments, waters, and fish within the Mobile River. Sediments and waters displayed differences in δ202Hg between industrial and background sites, which corresponded to drastic differences in Hg concentration. Sites that were affected by legacy Hg, as defined by δ202Hg, produced largemouth bass with lower MeHg content (59–70%) than those captured in the main rivers (>85%). Direct measurements of Hg isotopes and mathematical estimates of MeHg isotope pools in fish displayed similar distinctions between legacy and watershed sources as observed in other matrices. These results indicate that legacy Hg can accumulate directly into fish tissue as the inorganic species and may also be available for methylation within contaminated zones decades after the initial release.
Diel Investments in Phytoplankton Metabolite Production Influenced by Associated Heterotrophic Bacteria

Abstract Organic carbon transfer between photoautotrophic and heterotrophic microbes in the surface ocean mediated through metabolites dissolved in seawater is a central but poorly understood process in the global carbon cycle. In a synthetic microbial community in which diatom extracellular release of organic molecules sustained growth of a co-cultured bacterium, metabolite transfer was assessed over two diel cycles based on per cell quantification of phytoplankton endometabolites and bacterial transcripts. Of 31 phytoplankton endometabolites identified and classified into temporal abundance patterns, eight could be matched to patterns of bacterial transcripts mediating their uptake and catabolism. A model simulating the coupled endometabolite-transcription relationships hypothesized that one category of outcomes required an increase in phytoplankton metabolite synthesis in response to the presence of the bacterium. An experimental test of this hypothesis confirmed higher endometabolome accumulation in the presence of bacteria for all five compounds assigned to this category – leucine, glycerol-3-phosphate, glucose, and the organic sulfur compounds dihydroxypropanesulfonate and dimethylsulfoniopropionate. Partitioning of photosynthate into rapidly-cycling dissolved organic molecules at the expense of phytoplankton biomass production has implications for carbon sequestration in the deep ocean. That heterotrophic bacteria can impact this partitioning suggests a previously unrecognized influence on the ocean’s carbon reservoirs. Significance Statement Microbes living in the surface ocean are critical players in the global carbon cycle, carrying out a particularly key role in the flux of carbon between the ocean and atmosphere. The release of metabolites by marine phytoplankton and their uptake by heterotrophic bacteria is one of the major routes of microbial carbon turnover. Yet the identity of these metabolites, their concentration in seawater, and the factors that affect their synthesis and release are poorly known. Here we provide experimental evidence that marine heterotrophic bacteria can affect phytoplankton production and extracellular release of metabolites. This microbial interaction has relevance for the partitioning of photosynthate between dissolved and particulate carbon reservoirs in the ocean, an important factor in oceanic carbon sequestration.
Recurrent Herpes Zoster.

finally considered the condition psychoneurotic When I saw her it was shortly after Everett Lain published his paper on oral lesions from artificial dentures.1 The tongue grossly appeared normal. There was no undue salivation. There was a slight metallic taste in the area of the tongue adjacent to two amalgam fillings. On the opposite side there were three gold inlays. Measurements with a micro-ammeter indicated distinctly a current generated by the dissimilar metals, gold and silver. The patient's dis¬ comfort was so annoying that she readily had the amalgam fillings replaced by gold. The relief was prompt. The result bears out forcefully the contention of Lain that among the many causes for burning tongue electrical discharge from dissimilar metals in dentures is important.
Void growth via dislocation pileup impingement on grain boundary

Abstract The effect of edge dislocations, impinging on grain boundary in fcc Fe near a preexisting void on the volume of this void, was studied using MD simulation. It was found that virtually unlimited growth of the void via this mechanism is possible under certain conditions. To the best of our knowledge this is the first atomistic simulation study, demonstrating feasibility of this void growth mechanism.
LPS and palmitic acid Co-upregulate microglia activation and neuroinflammatory response

Abstract Growing evidence indicates that disturbances in the inflammatory response system can have deleterious effects on neuronal function and mental health. While the correlation between elevated peripheral inflammatory markers and psychiatric disorders are well documented, the exact molecular and neuronal mechanism underlying the connection between activated inflammation and neuropsychiatric behaviour remain elusive. Microglia activation is the key interface between neuro-inflammation and manifestation of psychiatric symptoms. Microglia are immunocompetent cells in the central nervous system (CNS) which are primarily involved in the response to inflammatory stimulation and are widely used to study neuroinflammation and test anti-inflammatory chemicals. In the brain, activated microglia play very important roles during neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Both stress-related disorders such as Depression and PTSD, and medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome (Mets) and type 2 diabetes (TD2) are associated with increased levels of both saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in circulation. This work was aimed at determining whether SFA interacts with LPS to activate microglia, thus up-regulating neuroinflammatory processes and, if so which pathways were involved in this process. Our results showed that low-dose LPS and palmitic acid (PA) robustly stimulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and the combination of PA and LPS further upregulated proinflammatory cytokines through MAPK, NFκB and AP-1 signaling pathways in the HMC3-human microglial cell line. In addition, PA stimulated ceramide production via de novo synthesis and sphingomyelin hydrolysis, and the combination of LPS and PA further increased ceramide production. HMC3 co-cultured with macrophage and lymphocyte enhanced LPS and PA induced-inflammatory response more than that in HMC3 alone. These results indicate that LPS interacts with PA to activated microglia; induced neuroinflammatory responses, upregulate proinflammatory cytokine expression via MAPK, NFκB, and AP-1 signaling pathways, and induced sphingolipid metabolism in HMC3. These observations suggest that inhibiting microglia activation and reducing LPS and PA-induced inflammatory response may be useful in the treatment of neuronal inflammatory diseases.
Biomarkers of Potential Harm among Adult Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Users in the PATH Study Wave 1 (2013-2014): A Cross-sectional Analysis.

Background: While smokeless tobacco (ST) causes oral cancer and is associated with cardiovascular diseases, less is known about how its effects differ from other tobacco use. Biomarkers of potential harm (BOPH) can measure short-term health effects such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Methods: We compared BOPH concentrations [IL6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and F2-isoprostane] across 3,460 adults in wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study (2013–2014) by tobacco use groups: primary ST users (current exclusive ST use among never smokers), secondary ST users (current exclusive ST use among former smokers), exclusive cigarette smokers, dual users of ST and cigarettes, former smokers, and never tobacco users. We estimated geometric mean ratios using never tobacco users, cigarette smokers, and former smokers as referents, adjusting for demographic and health conditions, creatinine (for F2-isoprostane), and pack-years in smoker referent models. Results: BOPH levels among primary ST users were similar to both never tobacco users and former smokers. Most BOPH levels were lower among ST users compared with current smokers. Compared with never tobacco users, dual users had significantly higher sICAM-1, IL6, and F2-isoprostane. However, compared with smokers, dual users had similar biomarker levels. Former smokers and secondary ST users had similar levels of all five biomarkers. Conclusions: ST users have lower levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers than smokers. Impact: ST use alone and in combination with smoking may result in different levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress levels.
Comprehensive Literature Review of Obstetric Outcomes and Fetal Risk during Pregnancy with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum.

Individuals with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) have often been advised against becoming pregnant due to a fear of the exacerbation of existing symptoms, likelihood of inheritance of the disease, and possible obstetric risks associated with the mother and child. PXE is a recessive multisystem disorder that leads to calcification of elastic tissues and fibers that can result in arterial rupture and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, possibly endangering the fetus and mother. PXE often manifests in skin lesions as well and the risk of exacerbation is a principal concern. To address these complications and to provide transparent understanding to healthcare providers and mothers of the associated risk factors with pregnancy and PXE, we conducted a comprehensive review of the current literature and found that there is no inherent risk for obstetric complications for PXE pregnancies and patients need not be advised against becoming pregnant as previously suggested. PXE-related pregnancies are unremarkable to the mother’s wellbeing and fetal complications are few, if any at all.
A Novel Type Pathway-Specific Regulator and Dynamic Genome Environments of a Solanapyrone Biosynthesis Gene Cluster in the Fungus Ascochyta rabiei

Secondary metabolite genes are often clustered together and situated in particular genomic regions, like the subtelomere, that can facilitate niche adaptation in fungi. Solanapyrones are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi occupying different ecological niches. Full-genome sequencing of the ascomycete Ascochyta rabiei revealed a solanapyrone biosynthesis gene cluster embedded in an AT-rich region proximal to a telomere end and surrounded by Tc1/Mariner-type transposable elements. The highly AT-rich environment of the solanapyrone cluster is likely the product of repeat-induced point mutations. Several secondary metabolism-related genes were found in the flanking regions of the solanapyrone cluster. Although the solanapyrone cluster appears to be resistant to repeat-induced point mutations, a P450 monooxygenase gene adjacent to the cluster has been degraded by such mutations. Among the six solanapyrone cluster genes (sol1 to sol6), sol4 encodes a novel type of Zn(II)2Cys6 zinc cluster transcription factor. Deletion of sol4 resulted in the complete loss of solanapyrone production but did not compromise growth, sporulation, or virulence. Gene expression studies with the sol4 deletion and sol4-overexpressing mutants delimited the boundaries of the solanapyrone gene cluster and revealed that sol4 is likely a specific regulator of solanapyrone biosynthesis and appears to be necessary and sufficient for induction of the solanapyrone cluster genes. Despite the dynamic surrounding genomic regions, the solanapyrone gene cluster has maintained its integrity, suggesting important roles of solanapyrones in fungal biology.
In vivo validation of the design rules of the coronary arteries and their application in the assessment of diffuse disease

The conventional rationale that uses per cent diameter reduction to assess diffuse coronary artery disease is not appropriate because no normal reference segments exist. In a recent publication, we have proposed a theoretical model based on physical principles that relate the various morphological and haemodynamic parameters (cross-sectional area, length, volume and flow) of the normal coronary arterial tree. The model was validated using haemodynamic simulations based on detailed morphological data of the pig coronary arterial tree. This paper extends the model validation to in vivo swine studies. Coronary arteriography was performed in five swine (15-18 kg body weight) after power injection of contrast material into the coronary artery. Coronary arterial length was obtained using a 3D reconstruction technique. The arterial volume, cross-sectional area and blood flow were measured using videodensitometry. The proposed relationships between these quantities were validated. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was demonstrated based on a simulation of diffuse coronary artery disease (approximately 40% reduction in cross-sectional area). The results of a sensitivity analysis based on a simulation of diffuse coronary artery disease suggest that the relationships between arterial volume, cross-sectional area, blood flow and the distal arterial length can be utilized to quantify moderate levels of diffuse coronary artery disease.
Abstract P1-09-12: Effect of a 12-week supervised physical activity and healthy eating program on body weight, functional capacity and serum biomarkers in survivors of triple-negative breast cancer: A randomized, controlled trial

Regular physical activity and healthy body composition are important predictors of good outcomes for breast cancer survivors, especially in overweight/obese individuals. However, individualized exercise and healthy eating programs have not focused on lifestyle changes and outcomes among women recovering from triple-negative breast cancer. Our purpose was to examine the associations between baseline levels of inflammatory cytokines and obesity-related adipokines after weight loss, diet and physical activity intervention in survivors of triple-negative breast cancer. We enrolled overweight/obese survivors (average time since diagnosis, 4 years) and randomly assigned them to a 12-week supervised exercise and low-fat diet (n=18) or a usual care group (n=10). The program consisted of supervised exercise 3 times/week, as well as 2 unsupervised sessions per week. The goal of our Get Fit for the Fight® program was to complete 150 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Participants completed a 3-day diet record during baseline testing and the dietitian recommended ways to cut calories from these typical eating patterns. The goal of caloric restriction was to decrease dietary fat in order for the participant to consume 200 kcal/week less. Assessments included aerobic fitness, body composition, and self-reported physical activity, mood and quality of life. Blood cytokines and obesity-related adipokines were also analyzed before and after the intervention period. The intervention group lost an average of 2% body fat compared with the control group (p Citation Format: Linda Vona-Davis, Jame Abraham, Daniel Bonner, Diana Gilleland, Gerald Hobbs, Sobha Kurian, Mary Anne Yanosik, Anne Swisher. Effect of a 12-week supervised physical activity and healthy eating program on body weight, functional capacity and serum biomarkers in survivors of triple-negative breast cancer: A randomized, controlled trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-12.
A Living Cell Array (LCA) for Multiparameter Cell Metabolism Studies

A proof-of-platform-concept architecture for the analysis of living cell arrays is presented. Initial experiments conducted show a conceptual design for single-cell multiparameter measurements in real time. As a first parameter, extensive development and experimentation have been conducted on a sensor that will measure single-cell oxygen consumption. Wafer-level processing for chip fabrication and sensor deposition has been achieved, making possible the future goal of an automated system using disposable chips. The oxygen sensor has been tested for long-term adherence to a substrate in aqueous environments, biocompatibility with cell types of interest, and sensitivity to small changes in local oxygen concentration. A test device was made to verify the use of a gold foil barrier as an oxygen seal and shows good isolation of sealed areas
Participation of gastric mechanoreceptors and intestinal chemoreceptors in the gastrocolonic response

Abstract In this study we investigated the site and nature of the signal responsible for the generation of the gastrocolonic response at the rectosigmoid region. Sixteen healthy subjects participated in this study. Motor activities were recorded with pressure transducers placed in the rectosigmoid colon. Balloon distention of the stomach with 100, 200, or 300 ml of water caused a volume-dependent increase in rectosigmoid motility that was abolished by atropine. To investigate the intestinal phase of the gastrocolonic response, we infused into the duodenum isocaloric (178 kcal) solutions of normal saline, lipid, glucose, or essential amino acids at 1.5 ml/min for 30 min in random order on separate days. Only lipid infusion caused an increase in rectosigmoid pressure and this was accompanied by an elevation of plasma cholecystokinin from 1.2 ± 0.1 to 4.3 ± 1.0 fmol/ml. The increase in motility associated with lipid infusion was antagonized (58% ± 7%) by atropine. To further investigate the possible role of cholecystokinin as a mediator of the gastrocolonic response, we infused cholecystokinin-octapeptide intravenously at doses of 5, 10, and 20 ng/kg · h. A significant increase in rectosigmoid motility was observed only at 20 ng/kg · h and this was accompanied by an increase in plasma cholecystokinin levels to 12 ± 2 fmol/ml, a value three-fold greater than that produced by lipid infusion. These studies demonstrate that gastric distention and intestinal lipid are potent stimuli for the generation of the gastrocolonic response involving the rectosigmoid region. The gastric phase can be generated by mechanoreceptors utilizing the cholinergic pathways, whereas the intestinal phase is nutrient-specific, partially atropine-sensitive, and independent of cholecystokinin.
The Incremental Predictive Ability of Accrual Models With Respect to Future Cash Flows

Prior studies on the incremental predictive ability of accrual models over cash flow models with respect to future cash flows have led to conflicting results. This paper presents an accrual-based cash flow prediction model based on a random walk in cash flows adjusted for the reversal of current payables and receivables. Results indicate that this simple accrual model predicts future cash flows (out-of-sample) better than models based on current cash flows alone. This paper also provides a more sophisticated accrual model by extending the model of the accrual process developed by Barth, Cram, and Nelson (2001) to include cash flow implications of growth in future sales. This more sophisticated accrual-based prediction model estimated via WLS (while pooling the prior three years of observations) predicts future cash flows better than both the simple accrual reversal model and the cash flow-based models, indicating that the accrual model contains information about future cash flow beyond the simple mechanical reversal of accruals. One explanation is that accruals may contain information regarding future sales. Consistent with this explanation, the paper finds that the accrual-based WLS model is superior to the cash flow-based model in capturing the effect of future sales on future cash flows. To determine whether the improved forecast accuracy is large enough to affect decision-making by financial statement users, the deciles of firms ranked on forecasted cash flow are compared to the deciles of firms ranked on actual future cash flow. The accrual-based model is superior to the cash flow-based model in placing firms into the correct deciles of actual future cash flow.
Coronary Artery Disease: Regulation of Coronary Blood Flow

In the normal coronary circulation multiple redundant endothelium-independent and endothelium-dependent mechanisms act together to adjust blood flow in response to changing myocardial O2 requirements on a beat-to-beat basis. This metabolic vasoregulation is a function of the coronary arterioles which are responsive to the energetic state of the myocardium. Coronary arteries do not respond directly to myocardial metabolic needs, but dilate when increased blood flow produced by arteriolar dilation increases endothelial shear and triggers nitric oxide (NO) production. Atherosclerosis or risk factors for atherosclerosis cause endothelial dysfunction as a result of increased production of oxygen free radicals that consume NO and impair endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Stenotic lesions of the epicardial arteries impair vasodilator reserve and can result in exercise-induced myocardial ischemia or, if sufficiently severe, can reduce resting coronary flow to produce unstable angina or myocardial infarction. In the setting of occlusive coronary artery disease, growth of collateral vessels can provide an alternate blood supply to protect the dependent myocardium from ischemia.
Synthesis for regularity using decision diagrams [logic IC synthesis and layout]

Presented are new algorithms for synthesizing Boolean functions as regular logic structures. These regular structures can be mapped directly (without place&route) to a standard-cell library designed for regularity or to locally-connected programmable devices. The advantage of regular structures is that for a planar embedding the number of nodes in the expansion level grows at most linearly with the number of expansion variables. Regularity offers a predictable solution to hard problems arising in layout, at no extra cost or at the cost of increasing the number of gates, but without necessarily increasing circuit area. Increasing the number of logic levels does not translate into an increase in overall circuit delay, because regular, neighbor-to-neighbor connections reduce the wire delay, the dominant factor in deep sub-micron technology. This paper proposes new techniques which lead to less variable repetition and significantly improve the performance of synthesis algorithms. Experimental results much better than previously published data are very encouraging.
Antifibrotic Treatment and Other New Strategies for Improving Renal Outcomes

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is clinically characterized by proteinuria and hypertension. Investigations suggest that matrix accumulation and inflammatory processes contribute to the pathological features of this progressive disease. This chapter reviews novel targeted approaches to the treatment of DN, with the goal of slowing the progression and improving renal function. Many studies support the use of agents that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in DN. Novel, oral agents that are promising in early clinical studies are agents such as pirfenidone and bardoxolone as they are associated with early improvement in renal function in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease. Additionally, strategies that inhibit inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules and mediators of the innate immune response may provide novel targets for the treatment of DN. Larger clinical studies are eagerly awaited to determine if new agents that specifically block kidney fibrosis and inflammation will delay, arrest and possibly reverse progressive renal failure.
Architectural and functional roles of A kinase-anchoring proteins in cAMP microdomains.

### Introduction The cAMP signaling pathway is one of the best-characterized transduction systems because of its presence in all tissues and systems. Since the discovery of the second messenger cAMP in the 1950s, it is widely appreciated that numerous hormones and neurotransmitters exert their