cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-noise small-size microring ultrasonic detectors for high-resolution photoacoustic imaging

Small size polymer microring resonators have been exploited for photoacoustic (PA) imaging. To demonstrate the advantages of the wide acceptance angle of ultrasound detection of small size microrings, photoacoustic tomography (PAT), and delay-and-sum beamforming PA imaging was conducted. In PAT, we compared the imaging quality using different sizes of detectors with similar noise-equivalent pressures and the same wideband response: 500 μm hydrophone and 100, 60, and 40 μm microrings. The results show significantly improved imaging contrast and high resolution over the whole imaging region using smaller size detectors. The uniform high resolution in PAT imaging using 40 μm microrings indicates the potential to resolve microvasculature over a large imaging region. The improved lateral resolution of two-dimensional and three-dimensional delay-and-sum beamforming PA imaging using a synthetic array demonstrate another advantageous application of small microrings. The small microrings can also be applied to other ultrasound-related imaging applications.
Questing behavior of Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) in relation to meteorological and seasonal factors.

The diel questing behavior of adult Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls was examined in relation to meteorological and seasonal factors in outdoor arenas in northern California. Vertical wooden dowels 25, 50, and 75 cm high were provided as potential questing sites. Questing behavior of males and females was positively correlated with relative humidity and negatively correlated with ambient temperature and, to a lesser degree, with light and soil surface temperature. The most frequent questing posture was with the capitulum directed upward. After choosing a questing site, both sexes moved little; most movement occurred nocturnally. Male ticks exposed to direct sunlight stopped questing earlier in the day than those in shade. Questing occurred mainly near the tips of the 25- and 50-cm dowels, averaging 24.7 cm (range, 23.6–25.0 cm; n = 81) and 47.2 cm (25.0–50.0 cm, n = 64), respectively, whereas the mean questing height was not as close to the tip (mean, 54.7 cm; range 27.0–75.0 cm; n = 55) on the 75-cm dowels. Females selected the 25- and 50-cm dowels as questing sites significantly more often than 75-cm dowels. The distribution of ticks of both sexes on 25- and 50-cm dowels was clumped.
What Does the Public Know About Professional Counseling? A Study of Public Knowledge and Perception of Professional Counselors

ABSTRACTThis study investigated current public perceptions of professional counseling by exploring perceived differences of professional counselors versus other helping professionals, perceptions of professional counseling in the United States, and agreement with the American Counseling Association’s 20/20 definition of counseling. Using the Helping Professionals Questionnaire, 300 participants were surveyed. The four major themes identified were education, task, focus, and identity confusion. Implications for future research and advocacy initiatives are also reviewed.
Effect of Alanine on Response of Lactobacillus casei to Pyridoxine and Folic Acid.

SummaryAddition of dl-alanine to a basal medium similar to that recommended for assay of 6 B vitamins with Lactobacillus casei6 somewhat improves response to the vitamins when they are present in concentrations limiting growth. The effect varies in magnitude with different vitamins, and is especially pronounced with pyridoxine and with folic acid. The relative effectiveness of concentrates of the latter in promoting growth of L. casai may differ considerably when determined on 2 media which differ only in their alanine content.
Polyamine involvement in breast cancer phenotype.

In this review, we will summarize current evidence implicating the polyamine pathway in two critical aspects of breast cancer biology, e.g. mammary carcinogenesis and tumor progression. We believe that the findings reported here provide a strong rationale for further exploring the role of anti-polyamine therapy in the adjuvant setting and in breast cancer chemoprevention.
It takes two shining lights to brighten the room: peer effects with random roommate assignments

ABSTRACTWe used housing assignment data from a college in China to investigate peer effects on college grades. Study results provided some evidence for peer effects in college housing units. First, peer effects through means occurred during both fall and spring semester of the first year in college, with estimated effect much larger than that in previous studies. Second, students are also influenced by the mix of roommates. Finally, having more than one roommate in the top quartile has large and significant effects for female students; however, this positive effect is not statistically significant for male students.
Portfolios in science assessment: A knowledge- based model for classroom practice

Publisher Summary This chapter offers a research-based perspective on the use of portfolios in classroom assessment for science teachers, graduate students in science education, and science education researchers to practice. Within science classrooms, a wide variety of products could be included as work samples in a student portfolio. In addition to serving as products in assessment, portfolio activities and tasks may also serve as a constructivist mode of instruction. As such, the development of a portfolio work sample by a student is an important instructional element of the classroom learning process. Portfolios have the potential to demonstrate student performance that reflects integrative understanding and application of science concepts. Their function is to provide the teacher with work samples from which inferences may be made regarding students' conceptual understanding. The question of the definition and representation of knowledge has been recognized as important in a variety of different disciplines. As used in cognitive science and related disciplines, knowledge refers to conceptual understanding rather than memorization of inert factual information.
Processing and Performance of MOF (Metal Organic Framework)-Loaded PAN Nanofibrous Membrane for CO 2 Adsorption

The objective of this experimental study is to produce a nanofibrous membrane functionalized with adsorbent particles called metal organic framework (MOF) in order to adsorb CO2 from a gas source. Therefore, Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was chosen as the precursor for nanofibers and HKUST-1, a Cu-based MOF, was chosen as adsorbent. The experimental process consists of electrospinning PAN solution blended with HKUST-1 to produce a nanofibrous mat as working substrates. The fibers were collected in a cylindrical canister model. SEM image of this mat showed nanofibers with the presence of small adsorbent particles, impregnated into the as-spun fibers discretely. To increase the amount of MOF particles for effectual gas adsorption, a secondary solvothermal process of producing MOF particles on the fibers was required. This process consists of multiple growth cycles of HKUST-1 particles by using a sol-gel precursor. SEM images showed uniform distribution of porous MOF particles of 2-4 µm in size on the fiber surface. Energy dispersive spectroscopy report of the fiber confirmed the presence of MOF particles through the identification of characteristic Copper elemental peaks of HKUST-1. To determine the thermal stability of the fibrous membrane, Thermogravimetric analysis of HKUST-1 consisting of PAN fiber was performed where a total weight loss of 40% between 210 and 360 °C was observed, hence proving the high-temperature durability of the synthesized membrane. BET surface area of the fiber membrane was measured as 540.73 m2/g. The fiber membrane was then placed into an experimental test bench containing a mixed gas inflow of CO2 and N2. Using non-dispersive infrared CO2 sensors connected to the inlet and outlet port of the bench, significant reduction of CO2 in concentration was measured. Comparative IR spectroscopic analysis between the gas-treated and gas untreated fiber samples showed the presence of characteristic peak in the vicinity of 2300 and 2400 cm−1 which verifies the adsorption of CO2.
Abstract 684: Nelfinavir inhibits the growth of small cell lung cancer cells and patient-derived xenograft tumors

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive lung cancer with a poor prognosis that is characterized by frequent metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Although SCLC is more responsive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy compared to other types of lung cancer, cure is difficult because of frequent recurrence. Molecular alterations in SCLC include inactivation of TP53 and RB1, high copy number of Myc family, and amplifications of FGFR1 and SOX2. Additionally, achaete-scute homolog 1 (ASCL1), a transcription factor for development of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, is a lineage-dependent oncogene for SCLC. New drugs and molecular targets need to be identified. Previously, we reported nelfinavir (NFV), a HIV protease inhibitor, inhibited proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro and human NSCLC xenograft tumors through induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here we demonstrate that the effect of NFV in SCLC cells and preclinical treatment studies using SCLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. NFV inhibited SCLC cell proliferation and induced cell death in vitro. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a marker of the UPR, was rapidly increased, whereas Myc was decreased after 4 hr treatment with NFV. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a role in cellular energy homeostasis, was activated in the early phase of NFV treatment, whereas the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) that is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cell growth, was inactivated. NFV inhibited the expression of SOX2, ASCL1 and Aurora B in a cell line- and time-dependent manner. Taken together, NFV had pleiotropic effects against multiple targets during the inhibition of SCLC cell proliferation. In vivo, NFV inhibited growth of SCLC PDX tumors, which correlated with induction of the UPR and decreased expression of ASCL1 and Aurora B. Collectively, these findings show that NFV is highly effective in SCLC in vitro and in vivo, suggesting possible value of incorporating NFV into clinical trials for patients with SCLC. Citation Format: Shigeru Kawabata, Nick Connis, Chunyu Zhang, Joell J. Gills, Christine L. Hann, Phillip A. Dennis. Nelfinavir inhibits the growth of small cell lung cancer cells and patient-derived xenograft tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 684. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-684
Targeting Body Compassion in the Treatment of Body Dissatisfaction: A Case Study:

Mindfulness and acceptance-based cognitive-behavioral therapies (MAB CBTs) are increasingly used in the treatment of body image disturbances. This case report describes an adjunct treatment component targeting body compassion in the course of an MAB CBT for an individual with body dissatisfaction. Body compassion is a new body-focused mindfulness and acceptance-based (MAB) construct that specifically describes the facets of the relationship individuals have with their bodies. The course of treatment included the originally planned MAB CBT protocol plus the additive component for five weekly 50-min individual sessions. During these sessions, body compassion was the primary treatment target. This phase of treatment utilized cognitive defusion, mindfulness, and self-compassion exercises. Over the course of this phase of treatment, the patient’s body compassion and body image flexibility significantly improved. The patient’s presenting symptoms also abated. Improvements were maintained at 1-, 3-, and 18-month...
Functional perspectives on the dynamics of desert lizard assemblages

Abstract Ecology has long sought whether there are general assembly rules that underlie patterns of community organization. However, new perspectives of community disassembly and reassembly have emerged as environments depart from baseline conditions due to agents of global change. A trait-based approach can provide insights as to how changes affect performance of a species and their subsequent loss, gain, or persistence in an assemblage. We quantified the spatiotemporal dynamics in species and functional diversity from systematic surveys of local lizard assemblages distributed along an elevation gradient from three surveys in a 50-year period (1950s–2000s) in Big Bend National Park (BBNP), USA. BBNP was subjected to and then released from intensive grazing, which has resulted in changes to vegetative composition and cover. We examine changes in local assemblages in the context lizard functional traits, including thermal niche breadth. We hypothesized that temperature specialists were more likely to colonize or be lost from local sites. Species richness was lowest in the 1950s (N = 3 species), and subsequent surveys revealed that species richness increased in both the 1960s and 2000s (N = 6 and N = 8 species, respectively), but not all sites responded uniformly. We found that functional diversity in this system was not affected by this drastic increase species richness, indicative of functional redundancy in species traits. Lizards that were added to sites tended to be smaller bodied with lower thermal tolerances. Lizards with high preferred body temperatures were locally extirpated from high elevation sites that experienced high shrub encroachment, likely due to a reduction in the preferred thermal gradients these species. These results reveal that long-term desert lizard functional diversity was maintained, but the consequences of changes to functional diversity at the local scale need to be examined further.
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and Dimethyl Sulfoxide affect the sealing frequencies of transected hippocampal neurons.

Traumatic injury often results in axonal severance, initiating obligatory Wallerian degeneration of distal segments, whereas proximal segments often survive. Calcium ion (Ca2+ ) influx at severed proximal axonal ends activates pathways that can induce apoptosis. However, this same Ca2+ -influx also activates multiple parallel pathways that seal the plasmalemma by inducing accumulation and fusion of vesicles at the lesion site that reduce Ca2+ -influx and enhance survival. We examined whether various inhibitors of Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs), and/or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a common solvent for biologically active substances, affected the ability of a hippocampal-derived neuronal cell line (B104 cells) to seal membrane damage following axotomy. Axolemmal sealing frequencies were assessed at different transection distances from the axon hillock and at various times after Ca2+ -influx (PC times) by observing whether transected cells took-up fluorescent dyes. Inhibition of CaMKII by tatCN21 and KN-93, but not inhibition of CaMKI and CaMKIV by STO-609, affected axonal sealing frequencies. That is, CaMKII is a component of previously reported parallel pathways that induce membrane sealing, whereas CaMKI and CaMKIV are not involved. The effects of these CaMKII inhibitors on plasmalemmal sealing depended on their mechanism of inhibition, transection distance, and PC time. DMSO at low concentrations (90 µM-28 mM or 0.00064%-0.2% v/v) significantly increased membrane-sealing frequencies at most PC times and transection distances, possibly by permeabilizing the plasmalemma to Ca2+ . Inhibition of CaMKII, DMSO, PC time, and the transection distance significantly affect plasmalemmal sealing that is critical to somal survival in traumatic lesions.
Characteristics of Cognitively Normal Mexican-Americans with Cognitive Complaints.

Background Subjective cognitive complaints in cognitively normal adults have been linked to later cognitive decline and dementia. Research on the characteristics of this group has been conducted on a variety of clinical and community-based populations. The current study focuses on the rapidly expanding population of Mexican-American elders. Objective The objective of the study is the determination of characteristics of cognitively normal Mexican-Americans with cognitive complaints. Methods Data on 319 cognitively normal participants in a large-scale community-based study of elderly Mexican-Americans (HABLE) were analyzed comparing those with cognitive complaints with those without on clinical characteristics, affective status, neuropsychological functioning, and proteomic markers. Results Those expressing concern about cognitive decline scored lower on the MMSE, were more likely to have significantly more affective symptoms, higher levels of diabetic markers, poorer performance on attention and executive functioning, and a different pattern of inflammatory markers. Conclusion Although longitudinal research is needed to determine the impact of these differences on later cognition, possible targets for early intervention with Mexican-Americans were identified.
Opportunities and Trade-offs among BECCS and the Food, Water, Energy, Biodiversity, and Social Systems Nexus at Regional Scales

National Science Foundation (OIA-1632810, DEB-1552976 ); Montana State University; USDA (228396)
A breast prosthesis infection update: Two-year incidence, risk factors and management at single institution.

Background: Infection following augmentation and prosthetic-based breast reconstruction can cause significant physical and psychological distress for patients. It may delay adjuvant therapies and compromise aesthetic outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify modifiable risk factors for infection and identify common bacterial isolates to achieve optimal outcomes for patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction over a 2-year period. In each case, we documented demographics, co-morbidities, complications and antibiotic use. We reviewed treatments, infectious species cultured where applicable and all outcomes. Results: A total of 292 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-five patients (19%) developed an infection. Univariate analysis showed a significantly increased infection rate with longer operative times (P = 0.001) and use of tissue expanders (P = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed drain use and elevated body mass index (BMI) as risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 2.427 and 1.061, respectively). After controlling for BMI, smoking status and radiation, we found an increased odd of infection with allograft use (OR 1.838) and a decreased odd with skin preparation using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl (OR 0.554), though not statistically significant. Forty of 55 patients with infections had cultures, with 62.5% of isolates being Gram-positive species and 30% Gram-negative species. The median time to clinical infection was 25 days. Implant salvage with surgical interventions was achieved in 61.5% of patients. Conclusions: This study identified judicious use of drains and efficiency in the operating room as modifiable risk factors for infections following implant-based breast reconstruction. Prospective trials to analyse techniques for infection prevention are warranted. Implant salvage following infection is a possible end-point in the appropriate patient.
Computer Programs and Rater Design Diagnosis

In this chapter, we describe a computer program to implement the subdividing method (see Chapter 3) and two utility programs to automate large-scale simulations. As was discussed in Chapters 2 and 3, variance component estimations for the applications of Generalizability theory analysis can be too intensive even for powerful computers. Although the subdividing method can overcome this limitation, it is a labor-intensive task to manually implement the method. To this end, the Subdividing Program is developed. It is an add-on module that runs on SPSS® (Windows versions). Specifically, the Subdividing Program has three major functionalities that it can: (a) divide up a large sparsely filled data set into small subsets; (b) estimate the variance components of each subset; and (c) diagnose the underlying essay-rater distribution process. Each of the above functionalities will produce an output in SPSS. In this chapter, two examples will be used to illustrate these functionalities as well as to provide a context for an in-depth interpretation of the output. Special attention will be devoted to the interpretations of the essayrater distribution process, denoted rater profile hereafter, which is central to the missing data patterns in large-scale assessments.
Asymptotic Limit and Blowing-Up Behavior of Solutions

In a certain class of Neumann boundary-value problems where the reaction function f is given in the form (a1f, a2f) the steady-state problem possesses an infinite number of nonisolated constant solutions. The first part of this chapter shows the convergence of the time-dependent solution to one of these constant steady states and determines the form and exact value of the constant solution. This convergence property demonstrates that the asymptotic limit of the time-dependent solution depends solely on the ratio a1/a2 and the relative magnitude of the spatial average of the initial function and is independent of the diffusion mechanism and other physical parameters of the reaction function. The second part of this chapter is devoted to the blowing-up behavior of the solution for a more general coupled parabolic system, including a coupled parabolic-ordinary system. Sufficient conditions on the reaction function are given so that the solution blows-up in finite time for each of the three basic boundary conditions. These blowing-up results hold for quasimonotone functions as well as for nonquasimonotone functions. In certain system under consideration the solution blows-up for one class of initial functions while a global solution exists for another class of initial functions. Estimates for these two classes of initial functions and bounds of the blowing-up time are obtained. The blowing-up behavior and the global existence of a solution are extended to systems with coupled boundary conditions. Examples of the applicability of these results are given.
Immigration, Language, and Education: How Does Language Policy Structure Opportunity?

guage policy in the United States has shaped educational opportunities and outcomes for the nation’s immigrant students. First, we examine the role of federal policy in shaping these students’ educational opportunities, showing how the changing political landscape in Washington has resulted in inconsistencies in funding and direction for states attempting to serve EL students. Then we focus on how two states with high concentrations of ELs— California and Texas—have responded to the needs of ELs, including the provision of bilingual education, the training and support of properly prepared teachers, and the assessments used to gauge their educational performance. Research Design: The article uses secondary data sources. It draws on secondary data analysis to examine the growth of the immigrant and linguistic minority populations and their educational achievement; it draws on both historical analysis and secondary data analysis to review shifting federal policies; and it draws on demographic, achievement, and reclassification data in analyzing the education of ELs in California and Texas. Findings/Results: We found that the changing political landscape in Washington has
Abstract 3021: Plexin-B3 regulates cellular motility, invasiveness and metastasis in pancreatic cancer

Cancer metastasis significantly worsens the survival of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. Currently, semaphorins and their high-affinity receptors plexins are considered versatile regulators of cancer cell migration, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Our group identified semaphorin-5A (SEMA5A) as a putative cell adhesion molecule involved in organ-specific homing of PC cells and playing a significant role in PC angiogenesis and metastasis. Thus, SEMA5A and its receptor plexin-B3 represents an attractive targetable axis in PC metastasis. However, for a better understanding of the SEMA5A-initiated downstream signaling events and regulation of cellular phenotypes, it is necessary to delineate the function of its receptor plexin-B3 in PC as well. Thus, understanding the pathologic expression and functional role of plexin-B3 is essential for characterization of SEMA5A/plexin-B3 axis in PC. In the present study, we analyzed plexin-B3 expression in PC disease progression model of PDX-Cre-Kras(G12D) (KC) mice and evaluated the functional role by utilizing plexin-B3 knockdown T3M-4 and CD18/HPAF cells. We observed a reduction of plexin-B3 expression with disease progression in KC mice model and also the poor survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma stage II patients (n = 24) with lower plexin-B3 expression. Functionally, knockdown of plexin-B3 enhanced in vitro cellular migration and invasiveness of PC cells. Furthermore, plexin-B3 knockdown cells showed a significant increase in cellular size with impaired colony formation in three-dimensional culture. Cell proliferation analysis demonstrated that plexin-B3 knockdown cells showed lower proliferation in comparison with the control cells. We also observed higher metastasis with lower tumor burden in nude mice injected with CD18/HPAF-sh plexin-B3 cells than CD18/HPAF-control cells. Furthermore, the tumors formed by CD18/HPAF-plexin-B3 cells showed higher fibrosis, a higher number of vimentin-positive cells, and lower number of proliferation marker Ki-67-positive cells in comparison with the CD18/HPAF-control tumors. In addition, we observed similar phenotypic changes in PC cells with loss of SEMA5A-ligand of plexin-B3. In summary, our data demonstrate that impairment in SEMA5A/plexin-B3 axis enhances cellular motility and invasiveness of PC cells, thereby resulting in higher metastasis. Citation Format: Sugandha Saxena, Yuri Hayashi, Satyanarayana Rachagani, Surinder Kumar Batra, Rakesh Kumar Singh. Plexin-B3 regulates cellular motility, invasiveness and metastasis in pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3021.
Multiple-Choice Testing in Education: Are the Best Practices for Assessment Also Good for Learning?

Multiple-choice tests are arguably the most popular type of assessment in education, and much research has been dedicated to determining best practices for using them to measure learning. The act of taking a test also causes learning, and numerous studies have investigated how best to use multiple-choice tests to improve long-term retention and produce deeper understanding. In this review article, I explore whether the best practices for assessment align with the best practices for learning. Although consensus between these two literatures is not a foregone conclusion, there is substantial agreement in how best to construct and use multiple-choice tests for these two disparate purposes. The overall recommendation from both literatures is to create questions that are simple in format (e.g., avoid use of complex item types), challenge students but allow them to succeed often, and target specific cognitive processes that correspond to learning objectives.
Resident-led beautification of vacant lots that connects place to community

Abstract Urban vacancy is a pressing issue in many cities across the U.S. and globally. A variety of greening strategies have been proposed and implemented for repurposing vacant lots, and their success depends upon the extent to which greening goals address the social needs of residents. The primary contribution of this paper is to explore the relationship between place and community within the context of resident-led beautification of vacant lots. We queried new owners of vacant lots purchased in disenfranchised neighborhoods through the Chicago Large Lot Program in 2015. We used a mixed-methods design that included three focus groups (n = 25) and a mail/online survey (n = 197). Our work builds upon a relational place-making framework that casts the greening of vacant lots as acts of beautification with both physical and social expressions. Focus group findings indicated that resident-initiated beautification activities of cleaning, planting, and engaging with neighbors fulfilled personal goals in ownership while strengthening interpersonal relationships, which participants hoped could transform the community of their block. We examined these results in a path analysis of constructs developed from the survey. Results showed participants’ interest in beautifying their lot positively influenced social interaction with neighbors and individual investments in caring for a new lot. Social interaction was positively correlated with place attachment, which in turn predicted sense of community. Individual investments and neighborhood change did not influence place attachment or sense of community. Our work suggests that resident-led beautification of vacant lots can be an empowering way for communities to work for positive change.
Head-to-head polymers — XXXII: Toward head-to-head poly(α-methylstyrene): Synthesis of 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-diphenylbutanediol-1,4-ditosylate and 1,4-diphenyl-2,3-dimethylbutadiene-1,3

2,3-Dimethyl-2,3-diphenylbutanediol-1,4-ditosylate (7) was synthesized starting from 2-phenylpropionic acid (1). The acid chloride was brominated and transformed into methyl 2-phenyl-2-bromo-propionate (4) which was coupled with a zinc/copper couple to dimethyl 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-diphenylsuccinate (5). Reduction with lithium aluminum hydride to 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-diphenylbutanediol-1,4 (6) was followed by tosylation. The tosylate 7 a mixture of the meso and racemic compounds, could be separated into the pure isomers,a m. p. 170 °C andb m. p. 121 °C. The mixture of each individual pure compound, when treated with tetraalkyl-ammonium bromide, did not give the expected 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-diphenyl-1,4-dibromobutane (9) but rather 1,4-diphenyl-2,3-dimethylbutadiene-1,3 (8). The identity of the compound was established by independent unequivocal synthesis, the comparison of spectral characteristics, and mixed melting point.
Unlocking nature’s CH bonds

Abstract In an idealistic setting, it can be imagined that if every C H bond on an organic molecule could be selectively functionalized, the fields of chemical synthesis and drug discovery would be forever revolutionized. With the purpose of investigating the practicality of this idealistic scenario, our group has endeavored to unlock the potential of nature’s C H bonds by developing palladium-catalyzed, site selective C H insertions that can be incorporated into both known and new catalytic cycles. To this end, we have developed a number of catalytic transformations that not only provide rapid diversification of simple starting materials and natural products through C H functionalization, but streamline the synthesis of a variety of natural products with biological activity and expand upon methods to access highly valuable enantiopure materials.
Mining Under Inca Rule in North-Central Chile: The Los Infieles Mining Complex

This chapter presents preliminary results of research aimed at studying the organization and imperial control of the mining complex of Los Infieles, in north-central Chile, during the Inca Period (ca. AD 1450–1541). A full coverage archaeological survey was conducted in the Los Infieles area (50 km2). The survey confirmed the presence of a large mining complex focused principally on the extraction of opaline silica and chrysocolla. The materials registered during the survey suggest that each of the five mining clusters recorded at Los Infieles included at least one large site, in which similar operational sequences of mining activities were conducted. The absence of lapidary workshop remains and the small size of remaining sorted minerals at the sites also suggest that the final products obtained from the mining operations were high-quality granule and pebble size minerals. The large number of mines and their associated facilities across the Los Infieles region support the idea that during the Inca Period, chrysocolla and opaline silica had much greater economic value than scholars have thought, at least at an imperial provincial level. The evidence collected thus far also indicates that the Inca state was significantly involved in sponsoring and supporting these mining operations.
Morphology and chemical behavior of model CsOx/Cu2O/Cu(111) nanocatalysts for methanol synthesis: Reaction with CO2 and H2.

Cs is a promoter of Cu-based catalysts for the synthesis of alcohols from CO2 hydrogenation. Scanning tunneling microscopy and ambient-pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to study the morphology and chemical properties of surfaces generated by the deposition of cesium on Cu2O/Cu(111) and Cu(111) substrates. CsOx nanostructures were formed after Cs metal was deposited on Cu2O/Cu(111) at 300 K. The formed CsOx protrude over the surface of copper oxide by 2-4 A, with the dimension at the base of the nanostructures being in the range of 1-3 nm. Heating to elevated temperature induced significant changes in the size and dispersion of the CsOx nanostructures, and there was a clear reconstruction of the copper oxide substrate, which then exhibited long range order with a hexagonally packed structure. The as-deposited and annealed surfaces of CsOx/Cu2O/Cu(111) were more reactive toward CO2 than plain Cu2O/Cu(111) or clean Cu(111). However, none of them were stable in the presence of H2, which fully reduced the copper oxide at 400-450 K. In CsOx/Cu(111), the CsOx nanoclusters were dispersed all over the metallic copper in no particular order. The CsOx species had an average width of 2 nm and ∼1 A height. The CsOx/Cu(111) systems exhibited the highest activity for the binding and dissociation of CO2, suggesting that the CsOx-copper interface plays a key role in alcohol synthesis.
Network-based analysis implies critical roles of microRNAs in the long-term cellular responses to gold nanoparticles

Since gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have great potential to bring improvements to the biomedical field, their impact on biological systems should be better understood, particularly over the long term, using realistic doses of exposure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play key roles in the regulation of biological pathways, from development to cellular stress responses. In this study, we performed genome-wide miRNA expression profiling in primary human dermal fibroblasts 20 weeks after chronic and acute (non-chronic) treatments to four AuNPs with different shapes and surface chemistries at a low dose. The exposure condition and AuNP surface chemistry had a significant impact on the modulation of miRNA levels. In addition, a network-based analysis was employed to provide a more complex, systems-level perspective of the miRNA expression changes. In response to the stress caused by AuNPs, miRNA co-expression networks perturbed in cells under non-chronic exposure to AuNPs were enriched for target genes implicated in the suppression of proliferative pathways, possibly in attempt to restore cell homeostasis, while changes in miRNA co-expression networks enriched for target genes related to activation of proliferative and suppression of apoptotic pathways were observed in cells chronically exposed to one specific type of AuNPs. In this case, miRNA dysregulation might be contributing to enforce a new cell phenotype during stress. Our findings suggest that miRNAs exert critical roles in the cellular responses to the stress provoked by a low dose of NPs in the long term and provide a fertile ground for further targeted experimental studies.
Genetic syndromes predisposing to pediatric brain tumors

The application of high-throughput sequencing approaches including paired tumor/normal sampling with therapeutic intent has demonstrated that 8%-19% of pediatric CNS tumor patients harbor a germline alteration in a classical tumor predisposition gene (NF1, P53). In addition, large-scale germline sequencing studies in unselected cohorts of pediatric neuro-oncology patients have demonstrated novel candidate tumor predisposition genes (ELP1 alterations in sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma). Therefore, the possibility of an underlying tumor predisposition syndrome (TPS) should be considered in all pediatric patients diagnosed with a CNS tumor which carries critical implications including accurate prognostication, selection of optimal therapy, screening, risk reduction, and family planning. The Pediatric Cancer Working Group of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently published consensus screening recommendations for children with the most common TPS. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant as well as recently identified TPS associated with the most frequently encountered pediatric CNS tumors with an emphasis on pathogenesis, genetic testing, clinical features, and treatment implications.
Sepsis take-out: Inhibiting bacterial deliveries.

Summary Sepsis remains a deadly disease with limited treatment options. In this issue of Immunity, Tang et al. propose that heparin provides protection during gram-negative sepsis by dampening harmful CASP11-dependent signaling through inhibition of HMGB1- and heparanase-mediated cytosolic delivery of LPS.
Race-Related Differences in the Clinical Presentation and Histopathologic Features of Phyllodes Tumor.

BackgroundPhyllodes tumor (PT) is a rare fibroepithelial lesion of the breast with variable malignant potential. Black women have a higher incidence of a related benign tumor, fibroadenoma, but the...
Morning for irofulven, what could be fiNER?

Cancers with DNA repair dysfunction are vulnerable to DNA-damaging agents that invoke a requirement for the disabled repair mechanism. Genome sequencing, coupled with a detailed understanding of mechanisms of DNA repair, has accelerated the discovery of pathway-selective agents that target DNA repair deficiencies in a tumor tissue agnostic manner.See related articles by Topka et al., p. 1997 and Borcsok et al., p. 2011.
Post-truth Geographies in the Age of Fake News

Fake news has become an important geographical phenomenon. This chapter begins by sketching the history of fake news from yellow journalism to the digital age. It then focuses on how it has been deployed by right-wing political groups to smear opponents and spread disinformation. While fake news is global in scope, the chapter focuses largely on the U.S. It situates the rise of a post-truth world in the context of President Trump’s habitual lying and the reactionary mediasphere, notably Fox News. It examines conservative abuses of fake news in light of several prevailing theories of truth, notably those offered by Habermas and Foucault. Finally, it explores the spatial dimensions of fake news, including examples such as climate change and the proposed border wall with Mexico, as well as the spatiality of how fake news is produced, consumed, and resisted.
Overcoming the pitfalls of NGS-based molecular diagnosis of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome

Abstract Purpose Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is predominately caused by biallelic mutations in the SBDS gene and is characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, skeletal abnormalities and pancytopenia. Gene conversion between SBDS and its pseudogene SBDSP1 is the major cause. We established an efficient approach, HapICE, to infer the haplotype of SBDS based on short-read next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methods HapICE based on the Expectation-Maximization algorithm was developed to detect variants in exon 2 of SBDS arising from gene conversion. We retrospectively analyzed two common pathogenic variants (c.183_184delinsCT and c.258+2T>C) in suspected SDS patients and compared the results with those from conventional NGS analysis. Results In 47 SDS high-risk individuals and 64 available parents, HapICE improved the diagnostic rate by 27.7% compared with conventional methods and revealed 100% (95% CI: 92.5%-100%) concordance with Sanger sequencing. In addition to eighteen patients having consistent genetic results by both methods, HapICE further reported 8 patients with more accurate variant detection and 13 cases with the c.183_184delinsCT variant missing by conventional methods. HapICE also showed better performance in screening for carrier and wild-type status. Conclusion We have developed a novel SBDS variant detection tool through regular NGS data that demonstrated precise variant detection performance in clinical scenarios.
Fabric Challenge Assays: New Standards for the Evaluation of the Performance of Textiles Treated with Antimicrobial Agents

Textiles treated with antimicrobial agents are emerging as new strategies to reduce acquisition of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Essential to development/validation of these textiles are standard methods for the testing antimicrobial textile efficacy. Our laboratory has developed new testing methods, the fabric challenge assays, to recapitulate each transmission method and test the efficacy of antimicrobial textiles in a more “real world” simulation. 5 10 colony-forming units/ml (CFU/ml) MRSA suspensions were grown. 15 15 cm swatches of control, antimicrobial, hydrophobic barrier, and VTT003 fabric were inoculated with MRSA either by aerosol, splatter, or direct contact. Inoculated fabric was left at room temperature for 0, 30, or 60 min. Fabric was then transferred to buffer and shaken for 3 min at 400 rpm. A liquid suspension (0.1ml) was then plated onto blood agar, grown overnight at 37 C, and colonies were counted. In the aerosol test, at 0 min, VTT003 significantly reduced MRSA by 78.52610.26 % compared to control fabric. At 30 min, antimicrobial reduced MRSA levels by 91.486 8.52 %. In the splatter test, at 0 min, antimicrobial, hydrophobic barrier, and VTT003 fabrics reduced MRSA levels by 98.5661.44, 83.916 13.16, and 100.0060.03 %, respectively. At 30 min, hydrophobic barrier and VTT003 reduced levels by 82.63617.37 and 100.006 0.00 %, respectively. At 60min, hydrophobic barrier and VTT003 Manuscript received November 26, 2012; accepted for publication January 23, 2013; published online February 20, 2013. MedStar Health Research Institute, Laboratory of Clinical Investigations, Washington, D.C. 20010, United States of America. Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York, New York 10021, United States of America. Copyright VC 2013 by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Pesticide Formulation and Delivery Systems: Innovating Legacy Products for New Uses STP 1558, 2013 Available online at www.astm.org DOI:10.1520/STP155820120184 Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Apr 19 11:12:09 EDT 2013 Downloaded/printed by Ben Favret (Vestagen) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized. abrogated MRSA levels. In the contact test, at 0 min, hydrophobic barrier and VTT003 reduced MRSA levels by 99.066 0.94 and 97.0862.92 %, respectively. At 30min, hydrophobic barrier and VTT003 reduced MRSA levels by 100.006 0.03 and 19.386 19.38 %, respectively. At 60 min, hydrophobic barrier and VTT003 abrogated MRSA levels. The fabric challenge assays are a novel method for evaluation of antimicrobial textile performance and should be considered in the development of standards and testing methods for all antimicrobial textiles intended for use in healthcare infection control strategies.
Compositional Semantics Grounded in Commonsense Metaphysics

We argue for a compositional semantics grounded in a strongly typed ontology that reflects our commonsense view of the world and the way we talk about it in ordinary language. Assuming the existence of such a structure, we show that the semantics of various natural language phenomena may become nearly trivial.
Lift-and-project relaxations of AC microgrid distribution system planning

We apply relaxation procedures to polynomial optimization problems that originate in transmission system planning, and obtain new convex formulations for the AC case. The approach is novel because the optimization is efficient but also addresses the true nonlinear physics directly. We illustrate the method on a test case derived from a notional shipboard distribution system.
A strategy for rotation of different bacteriophage defenses in a lactococcal single-strain starter culture system

A new strategy for starter culture rotations was developed for a series of phage-resistant clones genetically derived from a single strain of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis. Phage-resistant derivatives carrying different defense systems were constructed via conjugation with various plasmids encoding abortive infection (Abi/Hsp) and/or restriction and modification (R/M) systems of different specificity. The plasmids included pTR2030 (Hsp+ R+/M+), pTN20 (Abi+ R+/M+), pTRK11 (R+/M+), and pTRK68 (R+/M+). Selected phage-resistant transconjugants or transformants were evaluated in different rotation sequences through cycles of the Heap-Lawrence starter culture activity test in milk contaminated with phage and whey from the previous cycle. When used in consecutive sequence, derivative strains carrying the R/M systems encoded by pTN20, pTRK11, and pTRK68 retarded phage development when the initial levels of phage contamination were below 102 PFU/ml but not when levels were increased to 103 PFU/ml. Use of a derivative bearing pTR2030 (Hsp+ R+/M+) at the beginning of the rotation prevented phage development, even when the initial levels of phage contamination were high (106 PFU/ml). Alternating the type and specificity of R/M and Abi defenses through the rotation prevented phage proliferation and in some cases eliminated contaminating phages. A model rotation sequence for the phage defense rotation strategy was developed and performed successfully over nine cycles of the Heap-Lawrence starter culture activity test in the presence of high-titer commercial phage composites. This phage defense rotation strategy is designed to protect a highly specialized Lactococcus strain from phage attack during continuous and extended use in the dairy industry.