cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successional stage of biological soil crusts: an accurate indicator of ecohydrological condition

Biological soil crusts are a key component of many dryland ecosystems. Following disturbance, biological soil crusts will recover in stages. Recently, a simple classification of these stages has been developed, largely on the basis of external features of the crusts, which reflects their level of development (LOD). The classification system has six LOD classes, from low (1) to high (6). To determine whether the LOD of a crust is related to its ecohydrological function, we used rainfall simulation to evaluate differences in infiltration, runoff, and erosion among crusts in the various LODs, across a range of soil depths and with different wetting pre-treatments. We found large differences between the lowest and highest LODs, with runoff and erosion being greatest from the lowest LOD. Under dry antecedent conditions, about 50% of the water applied ran off the lowest LOD plots, whereas less than 10% ran off the plots of the two highest LODs. Similarly, sediment loss was 400gm 2 from the lowest LOD and almost zero from the higher LODs. We scaled up the results from these simulations using the Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model. Modelling results indicate that erosion increases dramatically as slope length and gradient increase, especially beyond the threshold values of 10m for slope length and 10% for slope gradient. Our findings confirm that the LOD classification is a quick, easy, nondestructive, and accurate index of hydrological condition and should be incorporated in field and modelling assessments of ecosystem health. Published in 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A novel assay for quantifying the number of plasmids encapsulated by polymer nanoparticles

Polymeric nanoparticles are promising for gene therapy and stem cell reprogramming using non-viral vectors. A novel assay utilizing nanoparticle tracking analysis (left) is developed here to easily quantify the number of plasmids within polymeric nanoparticles while in aqueous solution. Particles effective at co-transfecting primary human fibroblasts (right) are ~100 nm in diameter and contain ~100 plasmids per particle.
Efficacy of Pyramided Bt Proteins Cry1F, Cry1A.105, and Cry2Ab2 Expressed in SmartStax Corn Hybrids Against Lepidopteran Insect Pests in the Northern United States

Commercial field corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids transformed to express some or all of the lepidopteran insect-resistant traits present in SmartStax corn hybrids were evaluated for insecticidal efficacy against a wide range oflepidopteran corn pests common to the northern United States, during 2008 to 2011 at locations in 15 states. SmartStax hybrids contain a pyramid of two Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) derived events for lepidopteran control: event TC1507 expressing Cry1F protein and MON 89034 expressing CrylA.105 + Cry2Ab2. These studies focused on characterization of the relative efficacy of each event when expressed alone or in combination, and compared with non-Bt hybrid. Corn hybrids containing pyramided insecticidal proteins Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 (SmartStax) consistently showed reduced plant feeding damage by a wide range of lepidopteran larvae compared with single event and non-Bt hybrids. Corn hybrids expressing TC1507 or MON 89034 as single or pyramided events were consistently efficacious against Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). SmartStax hybrids had less injury from Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) and Striacosta albicosta (Smith) than corn hybrids containing only event MON 89034 but were not more efficacious than single event TC1507 hybrids. Corn hybrids with event MON 89034 provided better control of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), than event TC1507 alone. Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) efficacy was higher for hybrids with pyramid events and single events compared with the non-Bt hybrids. The spectra of activity of events TC1507 and MON 89034 differed. The combination of TC1507 + MON 89034 provided redundant control of some pests where the spectra overlapped and thereby are expected to confer a resistance management benefit.
Toward a Broader Understanding of Presidential Power: A Reevaluation of the Two Presidencies Thesis

An enduring and controversial debate centers on whether there exist “two presidencies,” that is, whether presidents exercise fundamentally greater influence over foreign than domestic affairs. This paper makes two contributions to understanding this issue and, by extension, presidential power more generally. First, we distill an institutional logic that both supports the two presidencies thesis and implies that Congress has incentives to delegate foreign policy powers to the president. Accordingly, the logic suggests that empirical analysis should incorporate these incentives. Our second contribution, then, is to test for the existence of two presidencies in a domain that Congress cannot delegate, budgetary appropriations, and a domain that explicitly incorporates delegation, agency creation. Consistent with expectations, we find presidents exercise considerably greater influence over foreign policy.
Blaze Manufacturing: An Ethical Analysis

Students frequently have difficulty systematically analyzing ethical situations. They tend to respond to situations by indicating that a particular action is “just not right.” This case uses the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice as a framework for analyzing and resolving ethical conflict. The case is based on cost/managerial accounting and is appropriate for late in a managerial accounting course or early in a junior level cost accounting course. The case involves cost analysis, and it examines gross margin versus contribution margin as tools for analyzing product profitability. It also challenges the student to examine the behavior of several of the main characters from an ethical point of view and to examine pathways for resolving ethical conflicts. Suggested solutions, additional discussion, and teaching notes are provided. The story is based on a real situation with a privately held company. Details have been changed to protect the identity of the persons and companies involved.
Regulation of atrial natriuretic factor release by endothelin in ovine fetuses

Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor synthesized by vascular endothelial cells. In the adult, endothelin has been shown to stimulate the release of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) through a direct action on atrial cardiocytes. The present study was designed to investigate, in the fetus, whether endothelin would similarly release ANF into the circulation. In addition, the effects of endothelin on fetal cardiovascular and urinary functions were explored. Chronically catheterized ovine fetuses between 126 and 139 days gestation (term 147 days) were used for the study. After a 30-min control period, the fetuses were infused intravenously with vehicle (n = 6) or endothelin-1 (n = 9) at 25 ng.min-1.kg-1 for 30 min, and this was followed by a 60-min recovery period. In response to endothelin infusion, plasma ANF levels were significantly elevated. Endothelin infusion acutely increased fetal arterial pressure without affecting venous pressure. Fetal heart rate decreased, and blood volume was reduced. Fetal urine flow rate and urinary excretion of electrolytes did not change during the endothelin infusion but were elevated during the recovery period. The fetus developed hypoxia and acidemia. Thus our study demonstrates that endothelin is effective in stimulating ANF release in the fetus, and this effect appears to be unrelated to the venous pressure changes. In addition, the results suggest that endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor of the fetal systemic and umbilical vascular beds. The decrease in blood volume and increase in urinary excretion of fluid and electrolytes in response to endothelin are consistent with the known actions of ANF, which is elevated during endothelin infusion.
The methodology and results of using life cycle assessment to measure and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions footprint of “Major Events” at the University of Arizona

In 2012 and 2013, the University of Arizona’s Office of Sustainability conducted environmental life cycle assessments of two Homecoming events that drew 60,000 attendees each. Based on reviews of published literature, this is the first time that a process-based life cycle assessment has been conducted for an event of this size. This study contributes to the small but growing field of research using life cycle assessment to track the environmental impacts of events. The assessments at The University of Arizona considered the environmental impact of food, materials, waste, travel, and lodging. The effects of these components of Homecoming weekend were evaluated in terms of nine different categories. However, this paper focuses on greenhouse gas emissions. The data collection process for these assessments was completed by student observers and supplemented with information provided by university departments, event organizers, and survey responses from attendees. Data were analyzed using SimaPro Life Cycle Assessment software and using data from the EcoInvent database. Based on the results of the 2012 study, initiatives were put into place for 2013 that were designed to reduce the environmental impact of the subsequent Homecoming event. The results show that the total impact of Homecoming 2012 was an estimated 2400 metric tons of CO2-eq, whereas the impact of Homecoming 2013 was an estimated 1900 metric tons of CO2-eq, a 19 % decrease year over year. Data were analyzed in terms of carbon dioxide emissions in both years. Travel made up the majority of the environmental impact (82.04 % in 2012 and 77.77 % in 2013), followed by accommodations (17.5 % in 2012 and 19.31 % in 2013), with energy, materials, and food having almost negligible impacts (0.46 % in 2012 and 2.92 % in 2013). While there had been noticeable changes in the measured impact of food and energy between 2012 and 2013, the significant impact of travel overshadowed all other impact categories in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, making these changes less noticeable. Analysis of each of these categories of impact helped to establish best practices for mitigating the impact of events on a category-by-category basis. This study introduces a framework for assessing impacts of a large university event while also highlighting ways to reduce impacts. The initiatives implemented in 2013 to reduce impacts of large-scale events can be informative to others working to reduce emissions at large events. Additional recommendations to reduce impacts of large events are provided.
2015 Curt Stern Award Introduction: Leonid Kruglyak1

View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint SlideI am pleased to introduce Leonid Kruglyak as this year’s winner of the Curt Stern Award. The Curt Stern Award honors the memory of an outstanding and pioneering human geneticist and is presented yearly for outstanding scientific achievements that occurred in human genetics during a 10 year period in a researcher’s career.Leonid began his career in science not as a geneticist, but rather as a physicist. He graduated with highest honors in physics from Princeton University in 1987. He then got his Ph.D. in biophysics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1990 and studied theoretical physics at NATO. He followed that with a stint as a Whitehead fellow, when he finally saw the light and joined us in the world of genetics.Leonid has held faculty positions at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Princeton University, and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he remains today. He is also a Howard Hughes Investigator. Needless to say, Leonid has won an extraordinary number of award and honors that cover pages of his CV. But rather than talk about all that, I’d rather tell you about his science.Leonid’s Kruglyak’s original and creative work has ranged broadly over linkage genetics, population genetics, and genomics and has drawn on experimental, mathematical, and computational approaches. The results in each area have had an extremely wide impact. His 1995 paper describing statistical standards for genome-wide linkage studies has been cited over 3,700 times and is the gold standard for interpreting putative evidence of linkage. His 1996 paper describing the program GENEHUNTER has been cited over 2,300 times. This paper was particularly important because it gave us a way to analyze human pedigrees for disease loci when no model was apparent—thus becoming the standard for nonparametric genetic mapping across human and model-organism fields. His 1999 paper on the number of SNPs needed for genome-wide association studies originally proved very controversial, but it has now been proved many times over and has laid the foundation for the HapMap project. Finally, his 2002 paper reporting the first experiment on genetics of global gene expression, and the papers that grew out of that work, have provided key insights into the genetic basis of complex traits, regulatory sequence variation, gene regulation, and the evolution of expression differences. For these and so many more reasons, he is this year’s winner of the Curt Stern Award.
Antinuclear matrix antibody. Hidden antinuclear antibody in patients with connective tissue diseases.

A total of 435 serum samples from patients with different rheumatic diseases were screened for the presence of autoantibody to nuclear matrix components by indirect immunofluorescence on 0.1 mol/L HC1 extracted HEp-2 cell and WiL2 cell substrates. A total of 28 specimens were positive in this assay. Eighteen of them were from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (18 of 250), 2 from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (2 of 115), and 8 from patients with mixed connective tissue disease (8 of 10). Antigenic material for this antibody is resistant to DNase, partially sensitive to RNase, and sensitive to trypsin. This indicates that the antigen is composed of protein and possibly RNA. In immunoblot analysis, sera positive for this antibody in indirect immunofluorescence assay recognized different peptides. This suggests that protein peptides are the major antigenic material.
Specialized System Identification for Autonomous Parafoil and Payload Systems

There are a number of peculiar aspects to parafoil and payload systems that make it difficult to apply the conventional system identification procedures used for aerospace systems. Parafoil and payload systems are unique because typically there is very little sensor information available, the sensors that are available are separated from the canopy by a complex network of flexible rigging, the systems are very sensitive to wind and turbulence, the systems exhibit a number of nonlinear behaviors, and the systems exhibit a high degree of variability from flight to flight. The current work describes a specialized system identification procedure developed to address the specific difficulties posed by airdrop systems. The approach begins with input sequences tailored to airdrop systems to generate high quality data in a robust manner. From this data, conventional system identification techniques are applied to a series of sub-problems of increasing complexity so that the flight data can be matched as accurately as possible with the simplest simulation model. The procedure is demonstrated on flight test data and a nonlinear 6 degree of freedom model is created with excellent results. Additionally, some insight is gained into the relative motion between the payload and canopy to aid in synthetic measurement creation and robust control design.
Molecular Beam Epitaxy of Single Crystal Colossal Magneto-Resistive Material

We have grown films of (LaSr)MnO3 (LSMO) and (LaCa)MnO3 (LCMO) using atomic layer-by-layer molecular beam epitaxy (ALL-MBE). Depending on growth conditions, substrate lattice constant and the exact cation stoichiometry, the films are either pseudomorphic or strain relaxed. The pseudomorphic films show atomically flat surfaces, with a unit cell terrace structure that is a replica of that observed on the slightly vicinal substrates, while the strain relaxed films show bumpy surfaces correlated with a dislocation network. All films show tetragonal structure and exhibit anisotropic magnetoresistance, with a low field response, (1/R)(dR/dH) as large as 5 T−1.
A method for the isolation of pyroglutaminyl peptides from glycoproteins.

SummaryA method was developed for the isolation of the N-terminal peptides of glycoproteins with N-substituted N-terminal amino acid. The N-terminal tripeptide derived from α1-acid glycoprotein, a constituent of normal human plasma, was composed of N-terminal pyroglutamic acid, proline and C-terminal isoleucine.
Policy iteration for robust nonstationary Markov decision processes

Policy iteration is a well-studied algorithm for solving stationary Markov decision processes (MDPs). It has also been extended to robust stationary MDPs. For robust nonstationary MDPs, however, an “as is” execution of this algorithm is not possible because it would call for an infinite amount of computation in each iteration. We therefore present a policy iteration algorithm for robust nonstationary MDPs, which performs finitely implementable approximate variants of policy evaluation and policy improvement in each iteration. We prove that the sequence of cost-to-go functions produced by this algorithm monotonically converges pointwise to the optimal cost-to-go function; the policies generated converge subsequentially to an optimal policy.
Primary and secondary process mentation: Their role in mental organization.

This paper will examine the conceptual status of primary and secondary process mentation in relation to other mental faculties and mental organization in general. The issues raised in this paper demonstrate the complex interaction between problems in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and psychoanalysis, and the potential for advances in these disciplines from collaborative work.
Automatic Generation of Context-Based Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises Using Co-occurrence Likelihoods and Google n-grams

In this paper, we propose a method of automatically generating multiple-choice fill-inthe-blank exercises from existing text passages that challenge a reader’s comprehension skills and contextual awareness. We use a unique application of word co-occurrence likelihoods and the Google n-grams corpus to select words with strong contextual links to their surrounding text, and to generate distractors that make sense only in an isolated narrow context and not in the full context of the passage. Results show that our method is successful at generating questions with distractors that are semantically consistent in a narrow context but inconsistent given the full text, with larger n-grams yielding significantly better results.
Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for urgent cesarean section in a parturient with a single ventricle: a case report

The number of women with major congenital heart defects reaching reproductive age is likely increasing. We herein describe the anesthetic management of a 33-year-old woman at 37 gestational weeks with a history of Glenn surgery who was undergoing an urgent cesarean section due to pathological cardiotocography. Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia was the most suitable technique for urgent cesarean section in our patient with a single ventricle and phasic flow in the pulmonary artery because it provided rapid-onset anesthesia with negligible hemodynamic effects.
Enhanced working memory performance via transcranial direct current stimulation: The possibility of near and far transfer

Although working memory (WM) training programs consistently result in improvement on the trained task, benefit is typically short-lived and extends only to tasks very similar to the trained task (i.e., near transfer). It is possible that pairing repeated performance of a WM task with brain stimulation encourages plasticity in brain networks involved in WM task performance, thereby improving the training benefit. In the current study, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was paired with performance of a WM task (n-back). In Experiment 1, participants performed a spatial location-monitoring n-back during stimulation, while Experiment 2 used a verbal identity-monitoring n-back. In each experiment, participants received either active (2.0mA) or sham (0.1mA) stimulation with the anode placed over either the right or the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the cathode placed extracephalically. In Experiment 1, only participants receiving active stimulation with the anode placed over the right DLPFC showed marginal improvement on the trained spatial n-back, which did not extend to a near transfer (verbal n-back) or far transfer task (a matrix-reasoning task designed to measure fluid intelligence). In Experiment 2, both left and right anode placements led to improvement, and right DLPFC stimulation resulted in numerical (though not sham-adjusted) improvement on the near transfer (spatial n-back) and far transfer (fluid intelligence) task. Results suggest that WM training paired with brain stimulation may result in cognitive enhancement that transfers to performance on other tasks, depending on the combination of training task and tDCS parameters used.
Use of Near-Field Microwave Reflectometry to Evaluate Steel Fiber Distribution in Cement-Based Mortars

AbstractNonuniform distribution of fibers in steel fiber-reinforced cement-based materials can lead to heterogeneous hardened properties directly impacting mechanical properties. Given the highly c...
A Nanomembrane-Based Nucleic Acid Sensing Platform for Portable Diagnostics

In this perspective article, we introduce a potentially transformative DNA/RNA detection technology that promises to replace DNA microarray and real-time PCR for field applications. It represents a new microfluidic technology that fully exploits the small spatial dimensions of a biochip and some new phenomena unique to the micro- and nanoscales. More specifically, it satisfies all the requisites for portable on-field applications: fast, small, sensitive, selective, robust, label- and reagent-free, economical to produce, and possibly PCR-free. We discuss the mechanisms behind the technology and introduce some preliminary designs, test results, and prototypes.
An analysis of the form and content of quadrilateral definitions composed by novice pre-service teachers

Abstract Mathematical definitions are an important mathematical construct which has been noted as a challenging topic for both teachers and students. This study provides an analysis of the form and content of a set of 308 definitions of quadrilateral types provided by 44 novice pre-service elementary teachers (NPSTs) who had not yet studied geometry or definitions on the college level. Analysis of definition structure including necessary, sufficient, and minimal conditions, as well as hierarchical and partitional structure, provides insight into what NPSTs may think about the form of mathematical definitions in general. Analysis of the properties used in definitions of each shape type and the frequency of those properties reveals the shape types with which NPSTs are most and least familiar. These results are presented alongside possible applications and implications for instruction.
Blast-Related Pelvic Fractures

Blast injuries to the pelvis are uncommon but devastating injuries typically associated with lower extremity amputations, intra-abdominal injuries, and genitourinary trauma. The majority of patients with a blast-injured pelvis will die at the point of injury. Maximizing chances of survival depends on rapid hemodynamic stabilization through the use of a pelvic binder or external fixator, resuscitation with crystalloids and blood products, and often pelvic packing or proximal arterial control. Once hemodynamically stable, debridement of traumatic wounds is challenging due to the multiple potential spaces of the open pelvis. Patients with a blast-injured pelvis are at high risk of both bacterial and fungal deep space infections. Antibiotic-impregnated beads and negative pressure wound therapy are useful adjuncts in preventing or mitigating infection. Late reconstructive care relies on local flaps of opportunity and the use of regenerative medicine adjuncts such as dermal regeneration templates. Survivors typically require extensive rehabilitation but are usually able to regain the ability to function independently.
Solvent Effects on Growth, Crystallinity, and Surface Bonding of Ge Nanoparticles

Solvent effects on the microwave-assisted synthesis of germanium nanoparticles are presented. A mixture of oleylamine and 1-dodecene was used as the reaction solvent. Oleylamine serves as a reducing agent in the synthesis while both molecules act as binding ligands. Increased concentrations of 1-dodecene in the solvent mixture were found to increase the size of the formed nanoparticles. Crystallinity was also dependent on the solvent mixture. Amorphous nanoparticles were obtained at lower 1-dodecene concentrations, whereas, at higher concentrations, particles contained crystalline and amorphous domains. 11-Methoxyundec-1-ene was synthesized to replace 1-dodecene in the reaction mixture for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. 1H NMR of the reaction products shows that both solvent molecules in the system act as binding ligands on the nanoparticle surface. Nanoparticles were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and spectroscopy techniques (Raman, UV–...
Status of nutrition labeling, health claims, and nutrient content claims for processed foods: 1997 food label and package survey.

Abstract The Food and Drug Administration (PDA) conducts studies of food labels as part of its ongoing monitoring of the nutritional status of the US population. In 1994 PDA nutrition labeling rules were implemented and in 1997 the Food Label and Package Survey characterized various aspects of the labeling of processed, packaged foods, including nutrition labeling, health claims, and nutrient content claims. For the survey, PDA selected a multistage, representative sample of food products from the SCAN-TRACK food sales database (AC Nielsen Co, Schaumburg, Ill). PDA identified 58 product groups and selected those product classes from the database that accounted for 80% of sales in each group. From each product class, FDA selected the 3 top-selling product brands and randomly selected follower brands. Based on label information from a final sample of 1,267 food products, FDA determined the percentage of products sold that bear Nutrition Facts labels, health claims, and nutrient content claims. The purpose of this article was to present FDA findings regarding the status of food labels 3 years after implementation of the nutrition labeling rules. Nutrition-labeled products accounted for an estimated 96.5% of the annual sales of processed, packaged foods. An additional 3.4% of products sold were exempt from labeling regulations. Nutrient content claims and health claims appeared on an estimated 39% and 4%, respectively, of the products sold. Dietitians and other health care professionals can use this survey information to identify food types with specific label information and to assist the US consumer in making more varied and healthful food choices in the marketplace. J Am Diet Assoc.2000; 100:1057–1062.
Pelvic Lymph Node Metastasis from Prostatic Cancer: Influence of Tumor Grade and Stage in 452 Consecutive Patients

AbstractDuring the last decade 452 patients have undergone pelvic lymphadenectomy as a staging procedure for apparently localized prostatic cancer. Of these patients 105 (23 per cent) had pelvic node metastasis. Node involvement occurred in no patient with a stage A1, 24 per cent with stage A2, 12 per cent with stage B1, 28 per cent with stage B2 and 53 per cent with stage C tumor. Correlation with tumor grade revealed nodal metastasis in 10 per cent of the patients with well differentiated tumors, 24 per cent with moderately differentiated lesions and 54 per cent with poorly differentiated tumors. The incidence of positive nodes is low enough to preclude lymphadenectomy in patients with stage A1 (0 per cent) and well differentiated stage B1 tumors (4 per cent), and high enough to assume metastatic disease without lymphadenectomy in those with poorly differentiated stage C tumors (93 per cent). All other patients with apparently localized prostatic cancer should undergo a staging pelvic node dissection be...
Evolution, Efficiency and Challenges of Environmental Management in Bulgarian Agriculture

Paper presents evolution of environmental management in Bulgarian agriculture during post-communist transition and EU integration; assess efficiency and major challenges of existing system of eco-governance; and suggest recommendations for improvement of public policies. First, it defines content, generic mechanisms, and efficiency of eco-governance. Second, it analyzes evolution of institutional environment, and market, private, public and hybrid modes of environmental management during transition and EU integration. Third, it assesses impact(s) of agricultural transformation on state of environment and identifies major eco-challenges, conflicts and risks. Finally, it suggests recommendations for public policies improvement for effective eco-management and security.
Reuse of powder feedstock for directed energy deposition

Abstract The deposition efficiency of metal based additive manufacturing processes, particularly with directed energy deposition (DED) equipment which requires powder feedstock, is often
Intensive chemotherapy (IC) versus hypomethylating agents (HMA) for the treatment of younger patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and elevated bone marrow blasts.

7064Background: The AZA-001 trial has shown a survival advantage for patients with high-risk MDS treated with HMA as compared to IC. However, this study was conducted mainly in an older population....
The reproductive biology of Sergestes similis (Decapoda, Natantia)

A study was made of the reproductive biology of Sergestes similisHansen from the Santa Barbara Basin off the coast of southern California. It includes investigations of sex ratios, sexual dimorphism, and morphology of the reproductive system. Histological sections of the gonads revealed stages of gametogenesis, as well as an external criterion of sexual maturity in males. Determination of chromosome number and morphology was made using standard karyological techniques. The external genitalia are noticeably adapted for the transfer and maintenance of the spermatophore, and for the protection and transport of sperm during external fertilization. A few aberrant individuals show apparent sex reversal. Based on size-frequency records and internal examination of the gonads, a description of their reproductive cycle for 1967 is presented for specimens from the Santa Barbara Basin.
Total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer

Abstract The established standard of care in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer is trimodal therapy with neoadjuvant radiation, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. While the data supporting neoadjuvant radiation and surgery is well founded, there is little to no evidence that shows a benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. The majority of cancer related deaths from rectal cancer are due to distant metastatic disease. Extrapolation from colon cancer data and small studies suggest that earlier administration of chemotherapy may improve outcomes. This article provides the background and theoretical arguments for the delivery of chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting. It will discuss early results, longer term outcomes, and future directions of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.
Superior Survival in African American Patients Who Underwent Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma

Abstract Introduction/Background African American (AA) individuals have a twofold higher incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) compared with other racial groups. Outcomes are affected by factors such as disparate access to care as well as differences in disease biology. Patients and Methods We conducted a single-institution analysis to evaluate the effect of AA race on outcomes of MM patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the pre-novel and novel agent era. Results Sixty-one (47%) patients were AA and 69 (53%) were non-AA. Overall, 78 (60%) patients received any novel agent before transplantation and 52 (40%) received only chemotherapy. More non-AA patients received initial induction with a proteasome inhibitor (40 [60%] vs. 17 [28%]; P = .0007), and were treated with post-ASCT maintenance therapy (28 [41%] vs. 14 [23%]; P = .04). Time from diagnosis to ASCT in AA patients was 10 (range, 4-144) versus 8 (range, 3-54) months in non-AA patients (P = .01). Despite this, treatment-free survival (TFS) was equivalent between the 2 groups (x vs. y). Furthermore, AA patients had greater median overall survival (OS) compared with non-AA patients (not reached vs. 108 months; P = .03) and significantly improved OS in multivariable Cox proportional hazards models (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.81; P = .017). Median OS, landmarked at the time of relapse, was improved in AA patients (not reached vs. 68 months for P = .05). Conclusion Our study showed with long follow-up, equivalent TFS after ASCT in AA and non-AA patients yet improved OS. Post relapse survival is improved in AA patients suggesting a better response to salvage therapy.
Impact of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use: an updated systematic review.

Objectives Given the exponential increase in the use of e-cigarettes among younger age groups and in the growth in research on e-cigarette flavours, we conducted a systematic review examining the impact of non-menthol flavoured e-cigarettes on e-cigarette perceptions and use among youth and adults. Design PubMed, Embase, PyscINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies published and indexed through March 2018. Eligibility criteria Quantitative observational and experimental studies that assessed the effect of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use behaviours were included. Specific outcome measures assessed are appeal, reasons for use, risk perceptions, susceptibility, intention to try, initiation, preference, current use, quit intentions and cessation. Data extraction and synthesis Three authors independently extracted data related to the impact of flavours in tobacco products. Data from a previous review were then combined with those from the updated review for final analysis. Results were then grouped and analysed by outcome measure. Results The review included 51 articles for synthesis, including 17 published up to 2016 and an additional 34 published between 2016 and 2018. Results indicate that non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes decrease harm perceptions (five studies) and increase willingness to try and initiation of e-cigarettes (six studies). Among adults, e-cigarette flavours increase product appeal (seven studies) and are a primary reason many adults use the product (five studies). The role of flavoured e-cigarettes on smoking cessation remains unclear (six studies). Conclusion This review provides summary data on the role of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarette perceptions and use. Consistent evidence shows that flavours attract both youth and adults to use e-cigarettes. Given the clear findings that such flavours increase product appeal, willingness to try and initiation among youth, banning non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes may reduce youth e-cigarette use. Longitudinal research is needed to examine any role flavours may play in quit behaviours among adults.
Staging of Breast Cancer

Today, there are several imaging modalities available for staging newly diagnosed breast cancer. This evaluation to assess for the disease extent based on breast tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastases using TMN system is needed to guide treatment, assess patients for clinical trials, and provide prognosis. Mammography remains the best imaging tool to evaluate for microcalcifications associated with the primary tumor, while MRI better demonstrates the tumor size and disease extent. Ultrasound is widely accepted as an adjunct to diagnostic mammography for the workup of breast masses and for image-guided biopsy. However, there is a growing utilization of axillary ultrasound for staging of the lymph node basins, as an adjunct to surgical staging with sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or axillary lymph node dissection. For assessment of possible distant metastases, PET in combination with CT provides the best overview or surveillance. These imaging modalities are all necessary for the radiologist to provide accurate primary tumor size, assess for regional nodal disease, and presence or absence of distant metastasis. This chapter discusses the different imaging modalities and their role in the staging workup of breast cancer.
Flow modulation by a few fixed spherical particles in a turbulent channel flow

Current understanding of turbulence modulation by solid particles is incomplete as making reliable predictions on the nature and level of modulation remains a challenging task. Multiple modulation mechanisms may be simultaneously induced by particles, but the lack of reliable methods to identify these mechanisms and quantify their effects hinders a complete understanding of turbulence modulation. In this work, we present a full analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) equation for a turbulent channel flow laden with a few fixed particles near the channel walls, in order to investigate how the wall generated turbulence interacts with the particles and how, as a result, the global turbulence statistics are modified. All terms in the budget equations of total and component-wise TKEs are explicitly computed using the data from direct numerical simulations. Particles are found to modify turbulence by two competing mechanisms: the reduction of the intrinsic turbulence production associated with a reduced mean shear due to the resistance imposed by solid particles (the first mechanism), and an additional TKE production mechanism by displacing incoming fluid (the second mechanism). The distribution of TKE in the wall-normal direction is also made more homogeneous due to the significantly enhanced pressure transport of TKE. Finally, the budget analysis of component-wise TKE reveals an enhanced inter-component TKE transfer due to the presence of particles, which leads to a more isotropic distribution of TKE among three velocity components.
The re-emergence of adipose innervation as a research focus.

In the pursuit of understanding metabolic control and energy balance, peripheral nerve communication between adipose tissues and the brain has been largely ignored. This Comment discusses the need for additional research that focuses on the role of adipose peripheral nerve function in the maintenance of energy balance.
Long Noncoding RNA in Myeloid and Lymphoid Cell Differentiation, Polarization and Function

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are a class of endogenous, non-protein coding RNAs that are increasingly being associated with various cellular functions and diseases. Yet, despite their ubiquity and abundance, only a minute fraction of these molecules has an assigned function. LncRNAs show tissue-, cell-, and developmental stage-specific expression, and are differentially expressed under physiological or pathological conditions. The role of lncRNAs in the lineage commitment of immune cells and shaping immune responses is becoming evident. Myeloid cells and lymphoid cells are two major classes of immune systems that work in concert to initiate and amplify innate and adaptive immunity in vertebrates. In this review, we provide mechanistic roles of lncRNA through which these noncoding RNAs can directly participate in the differentiation, polarization, and activation of myeloid (monocyte, macrophage, and dendritic cells) and lymphoid cells (T cells, B cells, and NK cells). While our knowledge on the role of lncRNA in immune cell differentiation and function has improved in the past decade, further studies are required to unravel the biological role of lncRNAs and identify novel mechanisms of lncRNA functions in immune cells. Harnessing the regulatory potential of lncRNAs can provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets in treating immune cell related diseases.
Trust and the Islamic Advantage: Religious-Based Movements in Turkey and the Muslim World

In much of the Muslim world, Islamic political and economic movements appear to have a comparative advantage. Relative to similar secular groups, they are better able to mobilize supporters and sustain their cooperation long-term. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Turkey, a historically secular country that has experienced a sharp rise in Islamic-based political and economic activity. Drawing on rich data sources and econometric methods, Avital Livny challenges existing explanations - such as personal faith - for the success of these movements. Instead, Livny shows that the Islamic advantage is rooted in feelings of trust among individuals with a shared, religious group-identity. This group-based trust serves as an effective substitute for more generalized feelings of interpersonal trust, which are largely absent in many Muslim-plurality countries. The book presents a new argument for conceptualizing religion as both a personal belief system and collective identity.
Trauma-related dysfunction in the fronto-striatal reward circuit.

Abstract Introduction Reduced reactivity to pleasurable stimulation is a defining symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but trauma exposure also increases the severity of many anxiety and mood disorders, including depression, social anxiety, and panic disorder, suggesting that reward system dysfunction might be pervasive in the internalizing disorders. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and ventral striatum are core components of the reward circuit and the current study assesses functional activity and connectivity in this circuit during emotional picture viewing in anxiety and mood disorder patients. Method Functional brain activity (fMRI) and functional connectivity in the fronto-striatal circuit were measured in a large sample of patients diagnosed with anxiety and mood disorders (n=155) during affective scene viewing as it varied with trauma exposure and temperament. Results In women, but not men, blunted fronto-striatal connectivity was associated with increased posttraumatic anhedonic symptoms, whereas the amplitude of functional activity was not related to trauma exposure. In both men and women, reduced fronto-striatal connectivity was associated with decreases in temperamental positive affect. When predicting fronto-striatal connectivity, temperament and posttraumatic symptomology accounted for independent proportions of variance. Limitations In this civilian sample of anxiety disorder patients, men reported very little trauma-related symptomology. Conclusions Because dysfunctional reward processing due to trauma and temperament is pervasive across the internalizing disorder spectrum, assessing the integrity of the fronto-striatal reward circuit could provide important information in diagnostic and treatment protocols.
Developing a Platform to Enable Parameter Scaling Studies in Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion Experiments

Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) is a magneto-inertial fusion concept that relies on fuel magnetization, laser preheat, and a magnetically driven implosion to produce fusion conditions. In MagLIF, the target is a roughly 10 mm long, 5 mm diameter, 0.5 mm thick, cylindrical beryllium shell containing ~1 mg/cm 3 D 2 gas. An axial magnetic field on the order of 10 T is applied to the target, and several kJ of laser energy is deposited into the fuel. Up to 20 MA of current is driven axially through the beryllium target, causing it to implode over approximately 100 ns. The implosion produces a ~100-μm diameter, ~8-mm tall fuel column with a burn-averaged ion temperature of several keV, that generates 10 11 -10 13 DD neutrons.
The biomechanics of leaf oscillations during rainfall events.

Plants are dynamic systems during rainfall events. As raindrops splash on leaf surfaces, the momentum of the raindrop is transferred to the leaf causing the leaf to oscillate. The emphasis of this review is on the general principles of leaf oscillation models after raindrop impact and the ecological importance. Various leaf oscillation models and the underlying physical properties from biomechanics theory are highlighted. Additionally, we review experimental methods to derive the model parameters for and explore advances in our understanding of the raindrop-leaf impact process.
New Tl-Based Superconductor with 1212 Structure in the TlBaYNaCuO System

X-ray diffraction, AC susceptibility measurements have been performed on the sample of TlBa2 (YNa)Cu2Ox (“1212phase”) in which calcium have been perfectly replaced by yttrium and sodium. The compound TlBa2Y1-xNaxCu2Oy with 0<x<0.5 were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction method. It was found that the obtained compound with x=0.5 have tetragonal structures (a=3.88A; c=12.55A) showing onset of superconducting around 90K.
Face-Time Matters: A Cross-Level Model of How Work-Life Flexibility Influences Work Performance of Individuals and Groups

Publisher Summary The goals of this chapter are to introduce a cross-level model that links the reduced face-time of flexibility use with in-role and extra-role individual and group-level work performance; and to develop a richer conceptualization of types of flexibility by jointly examining its positive and negative effects and differentiating motivation and coordination consequences of reduced face-time for performance at multiple levels. It also describes how work–life flexibility options such as part-time, flextime, and telework allow individuals greater influence over the time, timing, and place of work and have important social and group performance implications related to face-time, coordination, and motivation. Work–life flexibility occurs when employees are able to initiate flexibility in how long, when, and where they work in a manner that allows them to integrate work with other life roles such as family or leisure. Our conceptualization of work–life flexibility differentiates three basic types of flexibility (time, timing, and place), highlighting the importance of light versus heavy intensity. It emphasizes individual and cross-level effects of work–life flexibility use on performance. The chapter is organized by first describing key boundary conditions, a typology of three basic types of employee-initiated work–life flexibility, and our model and propositions that describe the effects of work–life flexibility use on individual and group performance, and discussing its implications for research and practice. A key boundary condition of the chapter is the focus on employee initiated flexibility.