cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: An update

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in neonatal intensive care units. Here we review selected manifestations of NEC, risk factors involved in its pathophysiology as well as putative mechanisms associated with how an immature gut might be more susceptible to NEC. Treatment and potential preventive strategies are discussed.
Potential for resumption of East Pacific sea level rise after 30‐year hiatus

Over the course of the past century the global rate of sea level rise has increased threefold, jumping from 1 millimeter per year in the early 1900s to 3 millimeters per year in the late twentieth century. This seemingly small increase in the global average can have serious consequences when regional influences come into play, as can be the case for low-lying islands and coastal regions with shallow shores. One locale has so far managed to escape any impact from the global trend, but that security may soon be coming to an end. Since the 1980s the sea level height off the North American West Coast has barely budged. This finding, recorded in both satellite altimetry and tidal gauge records, suggests to Bromirski et al. that something has been suppressing the local rate of sea level rise.
Persistent Electronic Coherence Despite Rapid Loss of Electron Nuclear Correlation

Long-lived coherences of excited states are notable for their positive effect on energy conversion mechanisms and efficiencies in photosynthetic complexes. Rational engineering of such persistent coherences could open a new way to increase energy conversion rates in man-made photovoltaic and photocatalytic materials. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles behind the long-lived coherences is necessary. In this work we show that the main factor determining the decoherence rates is the magnitude of the nuclear-induced fluctuation of the energy gap between the electronic states of interest, rather than the electron–nuclear correlation on its own. Utilizing combined atomistic and electronic structure calculations, we demonstrate an inverse relationship between decoherence times and magnitude of the energy gap fluctuation. We also show that the energy gap fluctuation can often correlate with the gap itself. For sufficiently small energy gaps, the coherence time can be nearly an o...
The Theory of Cognitive Style: A Partial Replication

(1967). The Theory of Cognitive Style: A Partial Replication. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 77, No. 1, pp. 11-15.
Immunofluorescence on salt-split skin for the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a severe chronic subepidermal bullous disease that has been described in the medical literature since the 19th century.1,2Like most primary blistering diseases, EBA is decidedly rare. However, EBA may be more common than previously appreciated, especially if one includes all subepidermal blistering disorders associated with autoantibodies to type VII (anchoring fibril) collagen.3,4 The full clinical spectrum of EBA is not known. The most well-known presentation of EBA is a noninflammatory, mechanobullous disease reminiscent of porphyria cutanea tarda or dystrophic forms of hereditary EB. These patients are plagued with marked skin fragility and chronic wounds that heal with scarring and milia formation. This "classical" presentation was well documented by Roenigk et al,2who reviewed the world literature through 1971 and added three new cases of EBA. Patients with EBA frequently have significant involvement of their mucosal surfaces, such as the mouth, genitalia, and
Syntheses with stable isotopes: D-glucose-6-13C AND 1,6-anhydro-β-L-idopyranose-6-13C

The synthesis of a mixture of D-glucose-6-13C and 1,6-anhydro-β-L-idopyranose-6-13C and their resolution by column chromatography are described. The Kiliani reaction of hydrogen cyanide-13C with 5-aldo-1, 2-0-isopropylidene-D-xylo-pentofuranose afforded epimeric cyanohydrins. Rapid in situ hydrolysis of the nitriles was effected at 50°C to obtain a mixture of the corresponding alduronic acids. The latter were reduced with LiAlH4. Hydrolysis of the isopropylidene groups with trifluoroacetic acid gave a mixture of glucose and anhydroidose. After chromatographic separation, the labeled carbohydrates were obtained in yields of 48% and 25%, respectively. Results of a 13C NMR study of the Kiliani cyanohydrin reaction are also reported.
Induction of homokaryocyte, heterokaryocyte and hybrid formation by lysolecithin☆

Abstract Lysolecithin has been utilized to induce homo- and heterokaryocyte formation in CV-1, F5-1 and WI-38 cells and hybrid formation in 1R and mKSBu100 cells cultured in vitro. A new fusion technique utilizing solutions of albumin or delipidized serum as vehicles for lysolecithin has been introduced. Optimal concentrations of lysolecithin for inducing cell fusion and reducing cell damage for various cell lines have been evaluated. Lysolecithin produced 15–25% homokaryocytes and about 5–7% heterokaryocytes. Two different mutant cell lines fused in the presence of lysolecithin produced hybrids which survived in selective medium.
Neurotrophins Suppress Apoptosis Induced by Deafferentation of an Avian Motor-Cortical Region

Studies of the developing nervous system led to the general view that growth factors promote neuronal survival in a “retrograde” manner. For example, release of NGF from postsynaptic peripheral targets followed by uptake and retrograde transport by presynaptic neurons provided a widely accepted conceptual framework for the action of neurotrophins. In contrast, although presynaptic or “anterograde” influences on the survival of developing neurons have been recognized for some time, the mechanisms by which afferent input regulates the survival of postsynaptic cells have received considerably less attention. In the forebrain network for learned vocal behavior in zebra finches, lesions of a cortical region for song control, the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (lMAN), remove presynaptic input to a motor-cortical song region, the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), and cause massive RA neuron death in young birds that are entering the sensitive period for song learning. Here we report that lesions of lMAN followed by infusions of neurotrophins directly into RA completely suppress neuronal apoptosis in RA. Moreover, we show that lMAN neurons are able to transport neurotrophins in the anterograde direction to RA, that neurotrophin-like immunoreactivity is present in cells in lMAN and RA, and that neurotrophin receptor-like immunoreactivity is present in RA. Expression of neurotrophins in lMAN and RA suggests that lMAN presynaptic input could regulate RA neuron survival by synthesizing, transporting, and releasing neurotrophins anterogradely or by regulating the auto/paracrine release of neurotrophins within RA, or perhaps by both. These data provide the first in vivo demonstration that neurotrophins can prevent the death of deafferented cortical neurons, and they raise the possibility that nonretrograde signaling by neurotrophins may be a common means of promoting neuronal survival in the vertebrate telencephalon. Anterograde and auto/paracrine neurotrophin signaling, along with the more established view that neurotrophins regulate neuron survival via retrograde mechanisms, suggests multidirectional neurotrophin signaling in the vertebrate telencephalon.
Genomics, environmental genomics and the issue of microbial species

A microbial species concept is crucial for interpreting the variation detected by genomics and environmental genomics among cultivated microorganisms and within natural microbial populations. Comparative genomic analyses of prokaryotic species as they are presently described and named have led to the provocative idea that prokaryotes may not form species as we think about them for plants and animals. There are good reasons to doubt whether presently recognized prokaryotic species are truly species. To achieve a better understanding of microbial species, we believe it is necessary to (i) re-evaluate traditional approaches in light of evolutionary and ecological theory, (ii) consider that different microbial species may have evolved in different ways and (iii) integrate genomic, metagenomic and genome-wide expression approaches with ecological and evolutionary theory. Here, we outline how we are using genomic methods to (i) identify ecologically distinct populations (ecotypes) predicted by theory to be species-like fundamental units of microbial communities, and (ii) test their species-like character through in situ distribution and gene expression studies. By comparing metagenomic sequences obtained from well-studied hot spring cyanobacterial mats with genomic sequences of two cultivated cyanobacterial ecotypes, closely related to predominant native populations, we can conduct in situ population genetics studies that identify putative ecotypes and functional genes that determine the ecotypes' ecological distinctness. If individuals within microbial communities are found to be grouped into ecologically distinct, species-like populations, knowing about such populations should guide us to a better understanding of how genomic variation is linked to community function.
A review of a statistical tool set for the yield enhancement of integrated circuits

The authors describe a system that Harris Semiconductor has developed to aid in the analysis of circuit failures and predictions of functional yeilds. This system is based on a relational database in conjunction with the application of statistical tools. The core of the system is the relational database that uses the commercially available INGRES software. The system design is reviewed along with the supporting software and hardware tools used to create a tool box for yield analysis. Given the current levels of sophistication involved in manufacturing semiconductors, the flexibility of a relational database coupled with the correct analytical and statistical tools provides a powerful system for a yield enhancement resource. >
Can Carbon and Phosphorous Amendments Increase Native Forbs in a Restoration Process? A Case Study in the Northern Tall-grass Prairie (U.S.A.)

In the northern Great Plains (United States), sites with less than 20% of native species are difficult to restore. We have experimented with a restoration method that shows some promise. It consists of systematically installing simulated small-scale patches (8.0 m2 in size) over 25% of an old field and then seeding these patches with native species. The working hypothesis is that these patches will generate a constant source of propagules which in time will lead to increases in native species diversity within the surrounding grass matrix. The objective of this paper was to determine whether soil amendments should be used to facilitate the establishment and persistence of native species (primarily forbs) within these patches. We seeded the patches with a mixture of native grass and forb species and applied four soil treatments: P fertilization, C additions, C + P, and a control (no amendments). Results for the first 5 years were as follows: (1) seeded forb richness was mostly unaffected by soil amendments; (2) seeded and nonseeded forb biomass and density were substantially reduced by C additions, whereas they were unaffected or increased under P additions; (3) both seeded and non-native grass biomass substantially increased with C additions; and (4) there was an inverse relationship between native seeded forbs and non-native grass biomass. Our conclusions are that: (1) P amendments are a potential tool for enhancing native seeded forb biomass in simulated small-scale disturbance patches; and (2) C additions, although enhancing seeded grass biomass do not reduce the biomass of non-native grasses.
Cyclosporin A Affects Signaling Events Differentially in Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Gingival overgrowth is a common side-effect of the administration of cyclosporin A (CSA), phenytoin, and calcium blockers. To identify the signaling mechanisms possibly involved in the overgrowth, we examined how CSA affects the activities of MAP kinases and transcription factors in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). The HGF were treated with CSA and TNF-α or PDGF. DNA-binding activity of NFAT, NFκB, and AP-1 transcription factors was determined by gel shift assay, and JNK, p38, and ERK1 and ERK2 activation was assessed by Western blot analysis of immunoprecipitates. The CSA inhibited NFAT, NFκB, and p38 and JNK activities; however, ERK1 and ERK2 were not affected significantly. AP-1 activity increased ~ 4.5-fold. Our results indicate that CSA affects signaling molecules in HGF differently from other cell types, and that a CSA-induced increase in AP-1 activity may affect the expression of fibrogenic molecules in gingiva and promote gingival overgrowth.
Repression and high anxiety are associated with aberrant diurnal cortisol rhythms in women with metastatic breast cancer.

Previous research has provided evidence of autonomic, endocrine, and immunological dysregulation in repressors and a possible association with cancer incidence and progression. Recently published data from the authors’ laboratory demonstrated that flatter diurnal cortisol slopes were a risk factor for early mortality in women with metastatic breast cancer. In the current analysis of this same sample (N 91), the authors tested differences at baseline between groups scored using the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory on diurnal cortisol slope and mean cortisol levels. When compared with self-assured and nonextreme groups, the repressor and high-anxious groups had a significantly flatter diurnal slope. Diurnal slope was similar for repressors and high-anxious groups. Groups did not differ on mean cortisol levels, nor did they differ on intercept (morning) values.
Cytochrome P450IIIA activity and cytokine-mediated synthesis of nitric oxide

Background. Although nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is a cytochrome P450-like hemoprotein with additional sequence homology to cytochrome P450 reductase, the role of the cytochrome P450 system in cytokine-mediated NO synthesis is unknown. Methods. To characterize the role of the P450 system in the synthesis of NO, NO production, NOS enzyme activity, and steady state NOS mRNA and protein expression were characterized in the setting of P450 isoform activity inhibition by using a model of isolated rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Cimetidine (0 to 10 mmol/L) was chosen as a specific inhibitor of P450IIIA activity. NO production was induced by interleukin-1 (50 ng/ml) and tumor necrosis factor (500 units/ml) and quantified by measurement of its metabolite, nitrite, in the culture medium. Steady state NOS mRNA and protein expression were determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis, respectively. NOS enzyme activity was measured by the conversion of tritiated- l -arginine to tritiated- l -citrulline. Results. Inhibition of P450IIIA activity was associated with a concentration-dependent decrease in cytokine-mediated NO production. Levels of NOS mRNA and protein were not altered. The NOS enzyme assay was notable for stable concentrations of intermediate, N-OH- l -arginine, and decreased production of the final end product, l -citrulline. Dixon plot kinetic analysis of cimetidine-mediated inhibition of NOS yielded an inhibition constant K i =1.76 mmol/L. Conclusions. These results indicate that cytochrome P450IIIA isoform may play a posttranslational role in cytokine-mediated NO synthesis in this model of isolated rat hepatocytes in primary culture.
Latest Cretaceous and early Tertiary orogenesis in south-central Arizona: Thrust faulting, regional metamorphism, and granitic plutonism

Rocks in a number of mountain ranges in southernmost central Arizona are juxtaposed by thrust faults, regionally metamorphosed, and intruded by garnet–two-mica granites. Field relations and K-Ar and U-Pb isotopic geochronology indicate that thrust faulting, metamorphism, and granitic plutonism were closely related aspects of a latest Cretaceous and early Tertiary orogenic episode. The regionally metamorphosed rocks, chiefly greenschist-facies quartzofeldspathic schists, were derived from Jurassic and Cretaceous sedimentary, volcanic, and plutonic rocks. In five ranges, these metamorphic rocks are overlain, along synmetamorphic thrust faults, by Precambrian gneiss or Late Jurassic or Late Cretaceous plutonic rocks. In three additional ranges, upward increase of textural grade within the metamorphic rocks and analogy with the areas of exposed thrust faults indicate the likelihood of a concealed thrust fault flanking the range. Seven of these eight thrust faults have single lower plates, but one thrust is underlain by a duplex consisting of several imbricate structural sheets separated by mylonitic tectonic slides. Areal structural relations and the regional arrangement of distinctive Jurassic igneous rock units strongly suggest that one large range, the Baboquivari Mountains, and several smaller ranges are fensters in a thrust-fault system of regional extent, and that several adjacent ranges are allochthonous. The regionally metamorphosed rocks are intruded by synmetamorphic to postmetamorphic early Tertiary leucocratic granites characterized by various combinations of accessory biotite, muscovite, and garnet. At least two of these granites contain inherited Precambrian zircon indicative of generation by crustal anatexis. K-Ar and(or) U-Pb isotopic ages of premetamorphic granites, metamorphic rocks, thrust-zone mylonites, synmetamorphic granites, and metamorphogenic fissure veins indicate that the orogenic episode commenced in Late Cretaceous time and culminated in early Tertiary time, 58 to 60 m.y. ago. The observed and inferred close spatial and temporal relations between thrust faulting, regional metamorphism, and granitic plutonism lead to the following hypothesis for orogenesis in south-central Arizona: crustal compression caused overthrusting of crystalline rocks, resulting in crustal thickening; and crustal thickening and conductive and magmatic heat flux from the mantle together set up a thermal regime within which regional metamorphism and the generation and emplacement of the anatectic granites took place.
Interaction of multiple cracks and formation of echelon crack arrays

Fracturing of rock under compression is a product of a series of processes, including nucleation, growth, interaction and coalescence of multiple microcracks. The formation of echelon arrays of microcracks and macrocracks is one of the crucial rings in the processes. We use a superposition and asymptotic approximation technique to analyse the interaction of multiple cracks with various geometrical configurations. It is shown that crack geometry has a strong influence on crack interaction. Echelon crack arrays produce the strongest interaction and are the preferred geometrical configuration for multiple cracks prior to the formation of through-going shear fractures. This technique provides parameter-dependent global behaviour, and is more efficient and easier to use.
Altered fractional tetrahydroaldosterone excretion during pharmacological blockade and activation of the renin-aldosterone system.

Tetrahydroaldosterone (THA) is the principal metabolite and generally a good index of aldosterone secretion. This study undertakes the evaluation of the aldosterone secretion rate (ASR) and excretion of THA during pharmacological blockade and activation of the renin-aldosterone system. THA was measured by a simplified RIA and compared to ASR over a period of 28 days in 18 normotensive volunteers receiving either 1) a diuretic [hydrochlorthiazide (HCTZ), 50 mg/day], 2) an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (MK-421, 10 mg/ day), or 3) combined therapy [HCTZ (50 mg/day) plus MK-421 (10 mg/day)] in a metabolic unit on a controlled diet. Results of this study at 28 days indicate that 1) HCTZ, while producing secondary hyperaldosteronism, lowered the fractional THA ex- cretion (defined as THA/ASR) (from 0.51 to 0.33; P < 0.05); 2) MK-421 produced hypoaldosteronism and a slight increase in the THA/ASR (from 0.43 to 0.53; 0.05 < P < 0.01); 3) combined HCTZ and MK-421 resulted in a normalization of both aldos...
De Novo Assembly and Characterization of the Transcriptome of the Parasitic Weed Dodder Identifies Genes Associated with Plant Parasitism

Parasitic flowering plants are one of the most destructive agricultural pests and have major impact on crop yields throughout the world. Being dependent on finding a host plant for growth, parasitic plants penetrate their host using specialized organs called haustoria. Haustoria establish vascular connections with the host, which enable the parasite to steal nutrients and water. The underlying molecular and developmental basis of parasitism by plants is largely unknown. In order to investigate the process of parasitism, RNAs from different stages (i.e. seed, seedling, vegetative strand, prehaustoria, haustoria, and flower) were used to de novo assemble and annotate the transcriptome of the obligate plant stem parasite dodder (Cuscuta pentagona). The assembled transcriptome was used to dissect transcriptional dynamics during dodder development and parasitism and identified key gene categories involved in the process of plant parasitism. Host plant infection is accompanied by increased expression of parasite genes underlying transport and transporter categories, response to stress and stimuli, as well as genes encoding enzymes involved in cell wall modifications. By contrast, expression of photosynthetic genes is decreased in the dodder infective stages compared with normal stem. In addition, genes relating to biosynthesis, transport, and response of phytohormones, such as auxin, gibberellins, and strigolactone, were differentially expressed in the dodder infective stages compared with stems and seedlings. This analysis sheds light on the transcriptional changes that accompany plant parasitism and will aid in identifying potential gene targets for use in controlling the infestation of crops by parasitic weeds.
Recent Evidence On Friday The Thirteenth Effect In U.S. Stock Returns

We examine Friday the thirteenth effect in U.S. stock returns from January 1950 to December 2007. Our results reveal that stock returns on Friday the thirteenth are not significantly lower than that of other Fridays for the overall period. When we examine the differences by decades, we find that Friday the thirteenth returns are significantly lower than returns of other Fridays in only one out of the six sub-periods. We therefore conclude that U.S stock returns do not show evidence of a Friday the thirteenth effect.
Imitation of second language sounds in relation to L2 perception and production

Abstract This study reports findings from two experiments on second language learners, comparing their performance in an Imitation task to that in Identification and Read-Aloud tasks. Experiment 1 targeted English speakers׳ learning of Mandarin tones, while Experiment 2 investigated Korean speakers׳ learning of English consonants. The results of Experiment 1 showed that the Imitation task was generally easier for English speakers than the Identification and Read-Aloud tasks, suggesting that imitation was performed without some of the skills required by the other two tasks. As for Experiment 2, the Koreans were consistently less accurate in Imitation than in Read-Aloud, while their Imitation was more accurate than their Identification when the L2 sounds have a close counterpart in Korean. The results from both experiments revealed that the accuracy in Imitation was not always constrained by that in the Identification and Read-Aloud tasks. Hence it can be inferred that L2 imitation may not involve all the skills required by the other two tasks and probably bypasses some aspect of phonological encoding. More detailed predictions of the error patterns in the Imitation task based on Perception, Production, and Cascade models were compared. It was found that English speakers׳ confusion patterns in imitating Mandarin tones correlated to the same degree with the predictions of all three models, which may be because the learners׳ difficulty in perception and production was largely similar. On the other hand, Korean learners׳ errors in imitating English consonants were overall more accurately predicted by a Cascade model, suggesting that both perceptual and production imprecision aggravated imitation performance. The comparison of these two experiments corroborates that various factors may affect the relationships between L2 imitation, perception, and production.
Novel In-Plane Splitting and Coupling Devices

A novel in-plane splitting and coupling device for self-collimation photonic crystals is proposed, modeled, and fabricated. A measured splitting ratio of 0.57-to-0.43 is compared to simulation results of 0.51-to-0.49.
Assessing the Legal Toolbox for Sea Level Rise Adaptation in Delaware: Options and Challenges for Regulators, Policymakers, Property Owners, and the Public

Sea level rise is a real and growing issue in the State of Delaware. Over the next 90 years, a significant percentage — between 8 and 11 percent — of Delaware is at risk of being inundated. The threat of inundation has the potential to trigger reactions from some property owners that will seek to protect their interests. Thousands of these resulting individual, ad hoc decisions and non-decisions will make it difficult to carry out a unified strategy to adapt to the massive economic and geographic impacts sea level rise will likely cause in the State. It therefore behooves regulators, policy makers, property owners, and the public to begin to think about whether or not a unified strategy is best for the state and, if so, what that unified strategy should be.This Report/Book analyzes eight different legal tools that could be used to implement a unified adaptation strategy: zoning; acquisition and buyback programs; building restrictions/prohibitions; setbacks and buffers; conservation easements; rolling easements; transferable development credits; and real estate disclosures. The Report explains what each tool is, how it can be used as part of a sea level rise adaptation strategy, and general legal issues that use of the tool might raise (such as takings). The Report then analyzes the current state of the tool under Delaware law, and provides recommendations for changes needed in Delaware law if the public and government officials wish to utilize the tool as part of a sea level rise adaptation strategy in Delaware. It is intended to facilitate the complex public discussion that must take place to make the hard choices that sea level rise demands.
Polyaniline: an Old Polymer with New Physics

Polyanilines have been known for over one hundred years. Recent studies of this chemically flexible polymer have demonstrated unusual electronic phenomena in both the insulating forms and the conducting forms. Studies of both forms show that the origins of the electronic phenomena are substantially different than those observed in polyacetylene and related earlier studied conjugated carbon backbone polymers. Unusual aspects include the formation of massive polarons upon photoexcitation in the insulating forms. These polarons have unusual time dynamics associated with the roles of ring-flipping and ring-conformation in the polymer system. A new model for the effects of electron lattice coupling via ring rotation has been introduced. The “metallic” form of the polymer shows that the metallic state is associated with the ordered regions of the doped polymer. The roles of localization are important in leading to the formation of a textured, granular metal. At low temperatures for emeraldine salt, and at higher temperatures for derivatized polyanilines, localization is important. Potential new technologies based on the polyanilines, including optical information storage, controlled microwave absorption, and use of a self-protonating derivative that is soluble in aqueous media are noted.
Isolation and Characterization of Actin Homologous Sequences from Dacus dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Actin homologous sequences in the genome of Dacus dorsalis have been isolated and characterized in this study. Coding regions of actin genes are extremely well conserved in eukaryotes, and they have valuable properties for molecular studies. Using a cloned actin gene from Drosophila melanogaster to probe Eco RI digests of D. dorsalis genomic DNA, seven distinct homologous fragments are detectable. Two of these fragments have been subcloned (named pDdAl and pDdA5) and partially characterized by restriction mapping. In addition, regions of cross-homology within the two D. dorsalis subclones, the cloned Drosophila actin gene, and an actin gene from another tephritid species, Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann), have been determined. This has identified what appear to be conserved coding regions and nonconserved flanking and untranslated regions in the cloned fragments.
Simultaneous Application of Heat and Electron Particles to Effectively Reduce the Viscosity of Heavy Deasphalted Petroleum Fluids

Application of ionizing incidents, as an innovative way of combining engineering physics and chemistry to efficiently deliver energy to the electronic structure of the molecules, has introduced gre...
Multiresidue Analysis of Pesticides in Urine of Healthy Adult Companion Dogs

The objective of this study was to determine the background exposures to pesticides as detected in urine from 21 healthy companion dogs in Northern Colorado. A panel of 301 pesticides was used to screen urine samples collected from dogs using an established ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) platform. Canine food intakes were controlled for one month on diets that were also screened for pesticide contents. Fifteen distinct pesticides were detected in urine. The most frequently detected compounds in canine urine samples collected over a 1 month period were atrazine, fuberidazole, imidacloprid, terbumeton, and clopyralid. Fuberidazole was the only pesticide detected in both the diets and urine. Companion dogs develop many similar chronic diseases as humans and represent a relevant model for biomonitoring combinations of environmental pesticide exposures, as well as for evaluating the potential relationships between environmental exposures and disease risk.
Suppression of Quenching in Plasmon-Enhanced Luminescence via Rapid Intraparticle Energy Transfer in Doped Quantum Dots

We show the suppression of luminescence quenching by metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in the plasmon enhancement of luminescence via fast sensitized energy transfer in Mn-doped quantum dots (QDs). The rapid intraparticle energy transfer between exciton and Mn, occurring on a few picoseconds time scale, separates the absorber (exciton) from the emitter (Mn), whose emission is detuned far from the plasmon of the MNP. The rapid temporal separation of the absorber and emitter combined with the reduced spectral overlap between Mn and plasmonic MNP suppresses the quenching of the luminescence while taking advantage of the plasmon-enhanced excitation. We compared the plasmon enhancement of exciton and Mn luminescence intensities in undoped and doped QDs simultaneously as a function of the distance between MNP and QD layers in a multilayer structure to examine the expected advantage of the reduced quenching in the sensitized luminescence. At the optimum MNP–QD layer distance, Mn luminescence exhibits stronger net enhan...
Strategies for Volumetric Recovery of Large Scale Damage in Polymers

The maximum volume that can be restored after catastrophic damage in a newly developed regenerative polymer system is explored for various mixing, surface wetting, specimen configuration, and microvascular delivery conditions. A two-stage healing agent is implemented to overcome limitations imposed by surface tension and gravity on liquid retention within a damage volume. The healing agent is formulated as a two-part system in which the two reagent solutions are delivered to a through-thickness, cylindrical defect geometry by parallel microvascular channels in thin epoxy sheets. Mixing occurs as the solutions enter the damage region, inducing gelation to initiate an accretive deposition process that enables large damage volume regeneration. The progression of the damage recovery process is tracked using optical and fluorescent imaging, and the mixing efficiency is analyzed. Complete recovery of gaps spanning 11.2 mm in diameter (98 mm2) is achieved under optimal conditions.
Pattern Recognition of Chinese Rice Wine from Different Rice Varieties by DR-FTIR and SIMCA

In the present study,the pattern recognition analysis of Chinese rice wine from different rice varieties was based on diffuse reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(DR-FTIR) and soft independent modeling of class analogy(SIMCA).The results showed that the model of SIMCA was established successfully,and the identification rates and rejection rates of the predicted samples were 100% at the significance level of 0.05,except Chinese rice wine of glutinous rice with the rejection ratio of 75%.The model was based on the pre-treatments of nine-point smoothing of Savitzky-Golay,automatic baseline correction and standard normal variate(SNV) normalization in the spectral regions of 975–1165 cm-1 and 1250–1500 cm-1.It suggested that rice varieties can affect the quality of Chinese rice wine and the pattern recognition of SIMCA was useful to identify Chinese rice wine from different rice varieties,which will provide scientific proofs for a traceability system from Chinese rice wine to rice.
Context Matters: Distributed Graph Algorithms and Runtime Systems: A Case Study of Distributed Graph Traversals

The increasing complexity of the software/hardware stack of modern supercomputers makes understanding the performance of the modern massive-scale codes difficult. Distributed graph algorithms (DGAs) are at the forefront of that complexity, pushing the envelope with their massive irregularity and data dependency. We analyze the existing body of research on DGAs to assess how technical contributions are linked to experimental performance results in the field. We distinguish algorithm-level contributions related to graph problems from runtime-level concerns related to communication, scheduling, and other low-level features necessary to make distributed algorithms work. We show that the runtime is an integral part of DGAs' experimental results. We argue that a DGA can only be fully understood as a combination of these two aspects and that detailed reporting of runtime details must become an integral part of scientific standard in the field if results are to be truly understandable and interpretable. Based on our analysis of the field, we provide a template for reporting the runtime details of DGA results, and we further motivate the importance of these details by discussing in detail how seemingly minor runtime changes can make or break a DGA.
Autobiography Versus Postmodernism: Alice Kaplan and Elisabeth Roudinesco

(1997). Autobiography Versus Postmodernism: Alice Kaplan and Elisabeth Roudinesco. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 12, Cross-Cultural Autobiography, pp. 225-242.
Clinical Implications of Novel Genomic Discoveries in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common B-cell malignancy with a remarkably heterogeneous course, ranging from indolent disease with no need for immediate therapy to rapidly progressive disease associated with therapeutic resistance. The recent US Food and Drug Administration approvals of novel targeted therapies such as inhibitors of B-cell receptor signaling and B-cell lymphoma 2 have opened up new opportunities in the clinical management of patients with CLL and heralded a new era in the clinical treatment of this disease. In parallel, the implementation of novel sequencing technologies has provided new insights into CLL complexity, identifying a growing list of putative drivers that underlie inter- and intratumor heterogeneities in CLL affecting disease progression and resistance. The identification of these novel genomic features that can indicate future drug resistance or guide therapeutic management is now becoming a major goal in CLL so that patients can best benefit from the increasingly d...
VEGF production and signaling in Müller glia are critical to modulating vascular function and neuronal integrity in diabetic retinopathy and hypoxic retinal vascular diseases

Muller glia (MG) are major retinal supporting cells that participate in retinal metabolism, function, maintenance, and protection. During the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a neurovascular disease and a leading cause of blindness, MG modulate vascular function and neuronal integrity by regulating the production of angiogenic and trophic factors. In this article, I will (1) briefly summarize our work on delineating the role and mechanism of MG-modulated vascular function through the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and on investigating VEGF signaling-mediated MG viability and neural protection in diabetic animal models, (2) explore the relationship among VEGF and neurotrophins in protecting Muller cells in in vitro models of diabetes and hypoxia and its potential implication to neuroprotection in DR and hypoxic retinal diseases, and (3) discuss the relevance of our work to the effectiveness and safety of long-term anti-VEGF therapies, a widely used strategy to combat DR, diabetic macular edema, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, and other hypoxic retinal vascular disorders.
Analysis of the effectiveness of students' test data

One of the challenges for students is to come up with appropriate test cases to test the applications they develop. The challenge for instructors is to come up with a small test suite, yet one that is adequate to thoroughly test student's projects. This paper describes two testing techniques to aid instructors in reducing test cases, while still ensuring effective testing. The first technique uses input-output analysis and identifies relationships between inputs and outputs to generate a minimal test suite. The second technique selects certain inputs as critical points and tests in their vicinity. The main point of this paper is to compare the test suite generated by applying these techniques to a large class project to the test suite developed by students in the course using traditional approaches. While the first technique has the potential to uncover errors, results in this study show that only the latter technique uncovers errors that the students miss with traditional approaches.
Universal Relationship between Molecular Structure and Crystal Structure in Peptoid Polymers and Prevalence of the cis Backbone Conformation

Peptoid polymers are often crystalline in the solid-state as examined by X-ray scattering, but thus far, there has been no attempt to identify a common structural motif among them. In order to probe the relationship between molecular structure and crystal structure, we synthesized and analyzed a series of crystalline peptoid copolymers, systematically varying peptoid side-chain length (S) and main-chain length (N). We also examined X-ray scattering data from 18 previously reported peptoid polymers. In all peptoids, we found that the unit cell dimensions, a, b, and c, are simple functions of S and N: a (A) = 4.55, b (A) = [2.98]N + 0.35, and c (A) = [1.86]S + 5.5. These relationships, which apply to both bulk crystals and self-assembled nanosheets in water, indicate that the molecules adopt extended, planar conformations. Furthermore, we performed molecular dynamics simulations (MD) of peptoid polymer lattices, which indicate that all backbone amides adopt the cis conformation. This is a surprising conclusion, because previous studies on isolated molecules indicated an energetic preference for the trans conformer. This study demonstrates that when packed into supramolecular lattices or crystals, peptoid polymers prefer to adopt a regular, extended, all-cis secondary structure.
Abstract B031: Semaphorin 3E promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis through activating stromal cell

Background: Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) metastasis is important for the development of effective treatments for this devastating disease. We have previously shown that overexpression of Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) enhances PDAC cell growth and is associated with poor patient survival. Here, we further determined the effect of Sema3E on stromal cells and the molecular mechanisms contributing to PDAC metastasis. Materials and Methods: Panels of stable PDAC cell lines were generated using either lenti-Sema3E for overexpression or the Crispr/Cas9 system to knock out (KO) Sema3E in both panc28 and panc48 cell lines. The effects of Sema3E overexpression or KO were measured in orthotopically implanted xenograft tumor mouse models in respect to tumor size, metastasis, and survival. After coculture with pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the effects of Sema3E on PSC activation were evaluated by GFAP and αSMA staining. Mixtures of PDAC cell lines with PSCs in vivo tumor growth were also evaluated. Result: After orthotopically implanting a panel of Sema3E-overexpressing or knockout panc28 cell lines, we found that the survival span of the sema3E-overexpression cell implant group was significantly shorter than the vector control group (31±9 days vs. 51±15 days) (p Citation Format: Zhengdong Liang, Lin-Kin Yong, George Van Buren, William Fisher, Rosa Hwang, Changyi Chen, Qizhi Cathy Yao. Semaphorin 3E promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis through activating stromal cell [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B031.
HabEx space telescope guiding systems

The HabEx (Habitable Exoplanet Imaging Mission) study is developing concepts for a next generation space telescope operating from the ultraviolet to the infrared. HabEx is making exoplanet science the primary mission objective and adding two secondary payload instruments for general astrophysics, including ultraviolet spectroscopy. For exoplanet work, two approaches are being developed. The first is a coronagraph with two separate channels to cover a broad spectral range from 450 nm to 1000 nm in two observations. The second is a starshade to cover the band 300 nm to 1000 nm in a single observation. These instruments are complementary; the coronagraph can make rapid survey observations while the starshade can reach closer in to the star and once on target, enables more efficient spectroscopic observations. This paper describes some of the key design considerations necessary to enable coronagraph and starshade observations.
Evaluating the GHG mitigation-potential of alternate wetting and drying in rice through life cycle assessment.

Abstract Alternate wetting and drying (AWD), has gained increasing attention as a promising strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in flooded rice systems. AWD involves periodic drainage of rice paddies in order to inhibit methane (CH4) emissions. To date, studies evaluating this practice have been limited in their scope and resolution. Our study evaluates the mitigation potential of AWD from a life cycle perspective using high-resolution CH4 modeling to more accurately estimate the mitigation potential of this practice. We simulated California rice production under continuous flooding and under five AWD schedules ranging in the severity and frequency of dry-downs. Production models were coupled with the Peatland Ecosystem Photosynthesis Respiration and Methane Transport (PEPRMT) model to simulate CH4 fluxes at daily intervals. We then evaluated the GHG mitigation potential of AWD using life cycle assessment models. Frequent or severe dry-downs reduced simulated grain yields, which negated some of the benefits of AWD when assessed on a yield-scaled basis. We also found AWD-induced mitigation of CH4 emissions modeled with PEPRMT to be roughly half the magnitude reported from up-scaling of chamber measurements, highlighting the importance of high resolution field data to better characterize GHGs in rice systems. Reduced yields and conservative CH4 mitigation in our model lessened the overall mitigation potential of AWD. When the entire rice life cycle was considered, mitigation of overall global warming potential (GWP) was further reduced by the presence of additional GHG sources, which comprised roughly half of life cycle GWP. Our simulations resulted in ≤12% reductions in GWP kg−1 across all AWD scenarios and saw an increase in GWP when yields were severely reduced. Our results highlight the importance of constraining uncertainties in CH4 emissions and considering a life cycle perspective expressed on a yield-scaled basis in characterizing the mitigation potential of AWD.
Chapter 15 – Digestive System

When considering the potential toxic activity of various agents on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a number of mechanisms are possible. For example, acute toxic effects may result from direct irritants (e.g., strong acids and bases), whereas chronic effects maybe manifested as increased muscular layer thickness from bulking agents. Delayed effects maybe expressed years after exposure to the initial ulcerogenic or carcinogenic agents. In addition to an array of tissue responses, the mechanistic relationships between functional abnormalities and morphological alterations can be complex. The focus of this chapter is to examine structural and functional components of the GI tract that are important in understanding mechanisms involved in the toxicologic pathology of this organ system. A major part of the chapter stresses basic mechanisms of toxicologic damage, and how the GI tract responds to toxicologic insult. Also discussed in brief are morphologic approaches that can be used to study selected pathologic mechanisms of toxicological significance.
Situation, background, assessment, recommendation (SBAR) technique education enhances pharmacy student communication ability and confidence.

Abstract Background and Purpose The Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) technique is a method that can be incorporated into a professional healthcare curriculum to enhance students' ability to communicate information logically and concisely. This educational research activity was designed to assess the impact of SBAR training on pharmacy students' ability to communicate pharmacotherapy recommendations during a simulated telephone intervention with a prescriber. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the impact of the activity on student self-perception of confidence, potential correlations between prior experience and both performance and confidence, and the activity's overall quality and value. Educational Activity and Setting Third professional year pharmacy students enrolled in a required communications course completed the simulated telephone intervention both before and after SBAR training. The teaching and learning activity was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-activity intervention scores, and a post-activity survey measuring secondary study objectives. Findings Of the 198 students enrolled in the course, 197 consented to participate in the study (99% response rate). Median scores on pre- and post-activity interventions were 12/20 and 18/20 points, respectively (p Summary SBAR training is a valuable component of pharmacy education. Training will be introduced earlier in the curriculum and incorporated into a variety of activities and courses, including interprofessional educational activities.