cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antagonism of U46619-induced aggregation of human and canine platelets by four TXA2 receptor antagonists.

Abstract We compared the abilities of four TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonists AH 23,848, SQ 29,548, BM 13.177 and BM 13.505, to inhibit aggregation of human and canine platelet rich plasma (PRP) induced by the stable cyclic endoperoxide analog, U46619, alone (human) or in combination with epinephrine (dog). The rank orders of potency of these antagonists, which correlated well between human (h) and canine (c) preparations were [IC50]: SQ 29,548 [28 nM (h) and 92 nM (c)] > AH 23,848 [0.5 μM (h) and 0.6 μM (c)]− BM 13.505 [0.4 pM (h) and 0.8 pM (c)] > BM 13.177 [3.9 μM (h) and 4.4 pM (c)]. The second wave of aggregation of human PRP induced by epinephrine and platelet activating factor (PAF) was abolished by similar concentrations of the TXA2/PGH2 antagonists, whereas aggregation of canine PRP induced by ADP, serotonin plus epinephrine, or PAF was unaffected by these concentrations of the TXA2/PGH2 antagonists. Epinephrine plus U46619-stimulated aggregation of canine PRP was abolished by RX 781094 (1 μM)but not by prazosin (10 −4 M), selective α 2 - and α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonists, respectively. Thus, four selective TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonists, compared in two species, yield IC50's ranging from 28 nM to 4 μM and nearly identical rank orders of potency.
Sp transcription factor family and its role in cancer

Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and other Sp and Kruppel-like factor (KLF) proteins are members of a family of transcription factors which bind GC/GT-rich promoter elements through three C(2)H(2)-type zinc fingers that are present at their C-terminal domains. Sp1-Sp4 proteins regulate expression of multiple genes in normal tissues and tumours. There is growing evidence that some Sp proteins play a critical role in the growth and metastasis of many tumour types by regulating expression of cell cycle genes and vascular endothelial growth factor. Sp/KLF proteins are also potential targets for cancer chemotherapy.
The Role of Clothing in Extended Inferences

The purpose of this study was (1) to examine whether interpretative inferences about others, made on the basis of their clothing, go beyond personal char acteristics to include extended inferences about the company for which an individual works, and (2) to determine whether these extended inferences were correlated with the interpretative inferences. The study utilized a 2 × 2 between- subjects factorial design with two levels of clothing—appropriate and inappropri ate—and two levels of sex of subject (male, female). Volunteer subjects (354 undergraduates) viewed a photograph of a bogus taxicab driver, appearing in either appropriate or inappropriate clothing, and made inferences about his per sonality characteristics and abilities and the characteristics of the company, in this case the city, for which he worked. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance and Pearson's product moment correlation. Results indicated that a driver dressed in appropriate clothing elicited favorable inferences about both his personal characteristics and characteristics of the city, and that these sets of inferences were positively correlated.
Mitogen-Induced Activation of Stable E-Rosettes by Human Lymphocytes

Following on an earlier study which demonstrated that PHA can activate human lymphocytes to form temperature-stable (37 degrees C.) E-rosettes with sheep red blood cells, a number of other mitogens were tested. These included Concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen, soybean agglutinin, sodium periodate, and galactose oxidase. All except soybean agglutinin demonstrated the capability to activate lymphocytes to form stable E-rosettes.
Infection in Pregnancy

1. Infectious complications in pregnancy include maternal or fetal morbidity, teratogenic or developmental abnormalities, and disruption of the course of pregnancy. 2. Management of infection during pregnancy begins with thorough preconception evaluation. 3. Routine screening of all prenatal patients for common asymptomatic infections is a cornerstone of prenatal care. 4. Women should be screened by history for signs or symptoms that are suggestive of common infectious complications of pregnancy at each prenatal visit.
Law School Externships: Reevaluating Compensation Policies to Permit Paid Externships

This article examines the history, rationale, and arguments for and against the unpaid externship rule for law schools. The ABA standard for externships prohibits compensation if law students are earning law school credits. The rule originated more than 30 years ago. The article explores the reasons stated for the rule originally and considers developments in clinical legal education since the rule’s inception. The article considers approaches law schools can take to ensure the educational quality of these clinical learning experiences if the rule were to change to permit paid externships. Finally, the article discusses the possible antitrust and Fair Labor Standard Act impacts on the law school unpaid externship rule.
Review: C. S. Lewis and the Middle Ages

Boenig, Robert. C. S. Lewis and the Middle Ages . Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 2012. Pp. 181. ISBN: 9781606351147. Hardback. $55.00.
Special Lagrangian equations

We survey special Lagrangian equation and its related fully nonlinear elliptic and parabolic equations: definition, geometric background, basic properties, and progress. These include the rigidity of entire solutions, a priori Hessian estimates, construction of singular solutions, existence, the counterparts in the parabolic-curvature flow-settings, and open problems.
Characterization of carbon compounds on a pyroxene surface from a gabbro xenolith in basalt by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) yields mass spectra of the upper several monolayers of an analytical surface. The applicability of TOF-SIMS to the characterization of C compounds on crack surfaces in rocks is demonstrated. A pyroxene grain recovered from the interior of a gabbro xenolith from the 1801 flow of Haulalai volcano. Hawaii, was chosen for this initial study because well-developed carbonaceous films are known to exist on many of the crack surfaces in these rocks. In addition to the anticipated major elements (Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca), several minor and trace elements (B, Li, Na, Ti, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu) were identified in the positive ion mass spectra. The unsputtered surface is covered with a hydrocarbon-rich layer, as indicated by the presence of numerous light C, H, fragments as well as several masses of several hundred atomic mass units (amu). This layer is much better developed than the ubiquitous atmosphere-derived hydrocarbon layer observed on nominally clean, unsputtered surfaces and therefore must be indigenous. High concentrations of Ni and Cu are associated with the C-rich layer and may exist as organo-metallic compounds. Several C-N fragments, possibly indicative of biogenic compounds, were also identified in negative ion spectra. Imaging reveals the presence of localized islands enriched in oxides of Si, Al, Na, and Ca beneath the carbonaceous layer. This study demonstrates that TOF-SIMS can be used to provide unique and geochemically useful information on crack surfaces in rocks.
Epidemiological analysis on hand-foot-mouth disease in Zhanhe District of Pingdingshan City from 2008-2011

[Objective]To analyze the epidemiological factors,epidemic law and change trend of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD) in Zhanhe District of Pingdingshan City,provide scientific basis for making the prevention and control strategies.[Methods]The epidemic data of HFMD in Zhanhe District from 2008-2011 were analyzed with descriptive epidemiology.[Results]A total of 1 956 HFMD cases were reported in Zhanhe District from 2008-2011,the average annual incidence rate was 192.21/lakh,the severe rate was 8.08%,and there was no death case.The incidence rate increased year by year during 2008-2010,but that decreased in 2011.The cases occurred in wide area.The incidence rate in rural area and city village was 243.88/lakh,and that in urban area was 143.99/lakh,while the difference was significant(P0.01).67.54% of cases were reported during March to May,and 92.84% of patients were children under 5 years old.The male-to-female ratio was 1.67∶ 1.The scattered children accounted for 67.28% of total cases.The laboratory detection showed that 41.67% of positive samples were infected with EV71.[Conclusion]The HFMD incidence rate in 2010 is the highest in Zhanhe District from 2008-2011.During 2008-2011,the HFMD cases occurred widely in Zhanhe District,and the incidence rate in rural area and city village is significantly higher than that in urban area.The peak season is March to May,most of cases are scattered children under 5 years old,and the incidence rate in meals is higher than that in females.EV71 has strong infectivity,which may cause severe cases.It is important to strengthen the surveillance and health education of HFMD,and carry out the comprehensive measures to cut off the route of transmission.
Epidemiological Features of Notifiable Infectious Diseases,Anyang City,2006-2013

Objective To explore the epidemiological features and the incidence trend of infectious diseases in Anyang city,so as to provide scientific basis for control of infectious diseases. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of network reporting notifiable infectious diseases in Anyang city,2006-2013. ResultsA total of 166 262 cases in 27 kinds of Category B and C notifiable infectious diseases were reported during 2006-2013,with the average annual incidence of 389.51/105.The top 5annual incidence of Category B and C infectious diseases were hepatitis B,tuberculosis,hand foot and mouth disease(HFMD),hepatitis C,and mumps,with the major routes of bloodborne diseases and STDs,accounting for 60.91%.The constituent ratio of Category C infectious diseases was increasing year by year.The main occupations were farmers(92 042 cases,55.36%),followed by scattered children(26 262 cases,15.80%),and students(14 042 cases,8.45%).Infants of 1year-old age group had the highest incidence rate(1 240.16/105),and the incidence rate reduced with age in the 1-9year-old age group. Conclusion The incidence of infectious diseases is on the rising trend year by year.Blood-borne diseases and sexually transmitted diseases are the control priorities.
Comparison of four decontamination treatments on porcine renal decellularized extracellular matrix structure, composition, and support of human renal cortical tubular epithelium cells.

Engineering whole organs from porcine decellularized extracellular matrix and human cells may lead to a plentiful source of implantable organs. Decontaminating the porcine decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds is an essential step prior to introducing human cells. However, decontamination of whole porcine kidneys is a major challenge because the decontamination agent or irradiation needs to diffuse deep into the structure to eliminate all microbial contamination while minimizing damage to the structure and composition of the decellularized extracellular matrix. In this study, we compared four decontamination treatments that could be applicable to whole porcine kidneys: 70% ethanol, 0.2% peracetic acid in 1 M NaCl, 0.2% peracetic acid in 4% ethanol, and gamma (γ)-irradiation. Porcine kidneys were decellularized by perfusion of 0.5% (w/v) aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate and the four decontamination treatments were optimized using segments (n = 60) of renal tissue to ensure a consistent co...
Taiwan: Building a POLIS

In this chapter another East Asian ‘miracle’ country — Taiwan — is studied. While Taiwan’s pattern of development may look similar to that of Korea there are significant differences as well. The history of the development of Taiwan shows a greater reliance on direct foreign investment, more direct government ownership of enterprises and a greater role of small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector. Table 6.1a and 6.1b show selected indicators related to growth for the Taiwan economy for various years.
A novel missense mutation of CMT2P alters transcription machinery.

Objective: Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2P (CMT2P) has been associated with frame-shift mutations in the RING domain of LRSAM1 (an E3 ligase). This study describes families with a novel missense mutation of LRSAM1 gene and explores pathogenic mechanisms of CMT2P. Methods: Patients with CMT2P were characterized clinically, electrophysiologically and genetically. A neuronal model with the LRSAM1 mutation was created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The neuronal cell-line along with fibroblasts isolated from the patients was used to study RNA-binding proteins. Results: This American family with dominantly inherited axonal polyneuropathy reveals a phenotype similar to those in previously reported non-US families. The affected members in our family co-segregated with a novel missense mutation Cys694Arg that alters a highly conserved cysteine in the RING domain. This mutation leads to axonal degeneration in the in vitro neuronal cell-line. Moreover, using protein mass spectrometry, we identified a group of RNA binding proteins (including FUS, a protein critically involved in motor neuron degeneration) that interacted with LRSAM1. The interactions were disrupted by the Cys694Arg mutation, which resulted in reduction of intranuclear RNA-binding proteins. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that the mutant LRSAM1 may aberrantly affect the formation of transcription machinery. Given a similar mechanism has been reported in motor neuron degeneration of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, abnormalities of RNA/RNA-binding protein complex may play a role in the neuronal degeneration of CMT2P. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Performance of the VI-CFAR in Homogeneous Weibull Background

We study the performance of the newly proposed VI-CFAR in Weibull Clutter. The VI-CFAR is a composite CFAR processor that dynamically selects between different conventional adaptive thresholding algorithms, depending on the background environment, in order to maintain constant false alarm rate (CFAR). It utilizes the concept of data variability, and computes a second-order statistic called the variability index (VI) to dynamically tailor the background estimation algorithm. Previously this type of CFAR has only been studied for the case of Gaussian background clutter. However, studies show that the Weibull distribution provides a better fit for many clutter situations. The VI-CFAR parameters for the case of Weibull Clutter have been designed and performance curves for the homogeneous background case have been plotted. Results show that the VI-CFAR processor has satisfactory performance with low CFAR loss.
Pedagogical Pleasures: Augustine in the Feminist Classroom

Many feminist philosophers of education have argued that the teacher's pleasure plays an important role in the classroom. However, accessing such pleasure is often easier said than done. Given our current academic climate, how might teachers develop pedagogical practices that cultivate these delights? This article investigates the (rather surprising) response to this question offered in Augustine's De catechizandis rudibus. Despite his reputation as a pleasure-hater, Augustine spends the majority of his text defending the delights of teaching. In particular, Augustine argues that if teachers wish to find pleasure in teaching, they would do well to study the pleasures of mothers. To this end, I analyse the nature of Augustine's maternal appeal. What insight does Augustine find in the experiences of mothers? In what way does he hope his colleagues will allow these experiences to shape their pedagogies? I conclude by exploring the benefits and the risks of Augustine's claim for those who teach in the contemporary feminist classroom. Augustine's defence of pedagogical pleasure suggests that he shares a common interest with feminist philosophers. But, the social/political limits of his account highlight the value of submitting such pleasures to the terms of feminist critique.
Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Transfer of the Gamma-Globin Gene Into Normal and Beta-Thalassemic Human CD34+ Cells Results in Potentially Therapeutic Levels of Fetal Hemoglobin in Erythroid Progeny.

Abstract 3579 Poster Board III-516 Beta-thalassemia results from severely reduced or absent expression of the beta-globin chain of hemoglobin, leading to severe anemia which is dependent upon transfusion for survival. The pathophysiology centers on the alpha- to beta-globin chain imbalance, which results in precipitation of excess alpha chains. These precipitates caused oxidative stress, membrane damage, and apoptosis of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow (BM). Allogeneic stem cell transplant can be curative but is only available to individuals with a matched donor. It is well known that increased levels of fetal hemoglobin (α2γ2;HbF), such as in the case of hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin, ameliorate the clinical severity of beta-thalassemia. We therefore developed a self-inactivating (SIN), erythroid-specific, gamma-globin lentiviral vector with the goal of reducing the chain imbalance through the production of HbF in red blood cells following transduction and transplantation of autologous HSCs. The vector, termed V5m3, contains 3.1-kb of transcriptional regulatory sequences from the β-globin locus control region, a 130-bp beta-globin promoter regulating transcription of the gamma-globin gene, and 3′ untranslated sequences from the native beta-globin gene. We previously showed that this vector was effective in correcting mouse models of beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). We further modified V5m3 to include a 400-bp chicken HS4 insulator element. Mobilized peripheral blood (PB)- or steady state bone marrow (BM)-derived CD34+ cells from normal or thalassemic human donors were used to evaluate vector performance. A two-phase in vitro model of human erythropoiesis was used in which a seed population of CD34+ cells is first expanded and then differentiated into late stage erythroblasts over a two week period. Gene transfer is performed 48 hours after initiation of culture. In this model, we routinely observe a 1000-fold expansion in total cell numbers where the vast majority of maturing erythroid cells are late stage erythroblasts reflected by nearly complete enrichment for expression of transferrin receptor (CD71; ≥98%) and glycophorin A (CD235; ≥80%) and loss or reduced expression of CD34 and CD45. Erythroid cells generated from normal adult PB and BM CD34+ cells demonstrate an adult pattern of hemoglobin production (HbA>96%;HbF Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Prevention of Graft-Versus-Host Disease by Selective Depletion of Alloreactive T Cells.

OBJECTIVE: Mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) carries a high risk of life-threatening graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) due to activation of donor T cells by antigens present on host cells. Removal of donor mature T cells can prevent GVHD but leads to an increased incidence of opportunistic infections and disease relapse. This study aims to selectively deplete host-reactive donor T cells responsible for GVHD while preserving T cells with anti-tumor and anti-viral effects. METHODS: We utilized a photosensitizer, 4,5-dibromorhodamine-methyl ester (TH9402, Celmed Biosciences Inc., Saint-Laurent, Canada), in an ex vivo photodynamic purging (PDP) process to specifically eradicate host-reactive T cells. Donor T cells with anti-host specificity were identified in a unidirectional mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) where they were activated and became proliferating. TH9402 is taken up by all cells and extruded out of the cell by P-glycoprotein (Pgp) in non-activated cells. However, due to inactivation of Pgp in activated T cells, TH9402 is retained in the mitochondria. Upon exposure to 514 nm light in the Theralux™ device (Celmed), it becomes extremely cytotoxic resulting in cell death. In this study, after treatment with various concentrations of TH9402, the cells were exposed to light for the elimination of alloreactive T cells. The efficiency of allodepletion was assessed by Granzyme B (GrB) assay. T-cell proliferation assays were used to demonstrate the preservation of anti-tumor and anti-viral effects. Finally, the skin explant assay, an in vitro model of GVHD, was utilized to examine the efficacy of the PDP treatment in the removal of alloreactive T cells responsible for GVHD. The parameters of the PDP treatment were optimized for use in subsequent clinical studies. RESULTS: After 72-hour MLC, optimal proliferative response was obtained at a responder: stimulator ratio of 1:1. Activated T cells expressed high level of activation markers such as CD25 and CD69. After the PDP treatment with 20μM of TH9402, alloreactive T cells were consistently depleted by more than 2 logs (Figure 1). Moreover, the PDP treatment did not significantly affect anti-tumor and anti-viral effects as evidenced by responses to third-party stimulators (Figure 2A), cytomegalovirus (CMV) (Figure 2B) and Candida antigens. Most importantly, co-culture of recipient’s skin with PDP-treated cells showed a reduction of graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR) in a TH9402-dose dependent manner. The PDP treatment with 20μM of TH9402 completely abolished GVHR in a skin explant assay. CONCLUSIONS: The PDP treatment can effectively remove donor T cells responsible for GVHD while preserve T cells with anti-tumor and anti-viral effects. These preclinical results provide a basis for initiating a clinical trial to assess the feasibility and efficacy of infusing PDP-treated donor T cells to alloHCT recipient in order to augment anti-tumor and anti-pathogen effects without causing GVHD.
Investigation of the light generation from crystalline Ag-cubes based metal-insulator-metal tunnel junctions

Efficient light generation from inelastic tunneling using self-assembled edge-to-edge single crystalline silver nanocubes has been demonstrated with efficiency up to ∼2 × 10−3, which brings on-chip ultrafast optical sources one step closer to reality.
Elucidation of CuWO4 Surface States During Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation

Electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, and impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed to investigate the role of CuWO4 surface states during water oxidation. We found that a capacitive feature related to a surface state is clearly observable under water oxidation conditions. The magnitude of the surface state capacitance is light intensity-dependent, with a peak potential that coincides with the water oxidation onset potential region. The surface state is not observed in the dark nor in contact with nonaqueous solvents. These results strongly support our assignment of this surface state as the buildup of water oxidation intermediate species at the surface of CuWO4 photoanodes, not a permanent or intrinsic state as previously reported. We suggest this is a general feature that controls the behavior and efficiency of solar water splitting reactions.
The Role of Error Analysis in Microprocessor Based Instrumentation

Abstract Computer automation of measurement instruments introduces new requirements to the classical approach to analysis of limitations of measurement systems. Enormous data collection and calculation capabilities can help obtain better accuracy of process parameter identification by including error models and their sensitivities to variations of measurement conditions and changes within instrumentation. Identification of error model parameters is, in some cases, the only way to obtain useful results. New techniques of conversion and interfacing can increase analog and digital circuit compatibility and reduce the cost of necessary hardware, thus increasing involvement of software. The paper develops the ideas presented above and shows several examples of measurement methods where error analysis, error minimization and microcomputer compatibility are of the main concern. The errors and their models applied to correct final measurement results are analyzed. It is shown that in some cases proper measurement conditions lead to significant reduction of measurement inaccuracies and error sensitivities.
Abstract 5376: Requirement of TET2 in MLL-AF9 mediated leukemogenesis

TET methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) catalyzes the conversion of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine resulting in DNA demethylation. Loss-of-function mutations or deletions of TET2 have been found in several myeloid malignancies including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Moreover, deletion of TET2 leads to myeloid malignancies in mice. Therefore, TET2 has been suggested to play a tumor suppressor role in myeloid malignancies. In this study, unexpectedly, we have uncovered a tumor promoter function for TET2 in MLL rearranged leukemia. Chromosomal rearrangements of the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene have been found in ~10% of acute leukemia and are associated with poor prognosis. We observed that depletion of TET2 significantly inhibited the proliferation of MLL-AF9 positive MOLM14 leukemia cells. Similarly, knockdown of TET2 markedly reduced proliferation in murine Ba/F3 cells stably expressing MLL-AF9. Conversely, overexpression of TET2 significantly increased proliferation in MLL-AF9 expressing MOLM14 and Ba/F3 cells. In addition, deletion of TET2 significantly inhibited MLL-AF9 mediated myeloid colony formation in the bone marrow (BM) cells ex vivo. Next, we assessed the in vivo effects of TET2 deletion in MLL-AF9-mediated leukemogenesis using retroviral bone marrow transduction and transplantation assays. Whereas recipients of MLL-AF9-transduced wild type BM exhibited marked increase in white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils in their peripheral blood and significant increase in the spleen size, recipients of MLL-AF9-transduced TET2-deficient BM showed significantly reduced WBC and neutrophil counts and reduced spleen size. Flow cytometric analysis showed significantly increased myeloid precursors (Gr-1+/Mac1+) and granulocyte macrophage progenitors (GMP) in the BM of transplanted animals receiving MLL-AF9 expressing wild type BM compared with recipients of MLL-AF9 expressing TET2-deficient BM. Furthermore, transplanted animals receiving MLL-AF9-transduced wild type BM showed marked increase in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (LSK; Lin-Sca-1+c-kit+), which was significantly reduced upon TET2 deletion. Deficiency of TET2 also significantly reduced MLL-AF9-mediated increase in hematopoietic progenitor colony formation in the BM. In addition, deletion of TET2 resulted in increased overall survival in mice expressing MLL-AF9. Together, these data indicate that TET2 is required for leukemic transformation mediated by MLL-AF9. Our results suggest a novel tumor promoter function for TET2 in MLL rearranged leukemia. Citation Format: Dipmoy Nath, Golam Mohi. Requirement of TET2 in MLL-AF9 mediated leukemogenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5376. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5376
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF SiO2-Si INTERFACE FOR DEFORMED Si SURFACES

ABSTRACT Deformation by bending of Si wafers with [100][111] and [112] surface orientation was produced by sputtering tantalum films on Si surface with a thermally grown oxide. Stress on Si surface was determined by measuring radius of curvature by the ABAC method, as a function of sputtering voltage and Ta film thickness. Surface defect structure and defect distribution were determined by x-ray topographic method. The following parameters are determined as a function of the stress on Si surface: surface potential, flat band voltage, surface charge density, surface state distribution, capture cross section and recombination time. I-V characteristics for SiO 2 were measured in the accumulation region of an MOS capacitor before and after sputtering. The dispersion at low frequencies changed. The observed changes in mechanical and electrical properties of SiO 2 and SiO 2 -Si interface were correlated to the distribution of Ta through SiO 2 and Si surface as determined by the Auger electron spectroscopy.
Dissecting Wage Dispersion

Wages are substantially dispersed across workers, jobs, and employers in the U.S. economy. Although some of that dispersion is due to demographic factors, the authors found that after controlling for those differences, both “who you are” (the permanent component of wage dispersion) and “where you work” (the match-specific component of wagedispersion) contribute to the range of wages paid.
Microbial Interactions with the Intestinal Epithelium and Beyond: Focusing on Immune Cell Maturation and Homeostasis

Microbial metabolites influence the function of epithelial, endothelial and immune cells in the intestinal mucosa. Microbial metabolites like SCFAs and B complex vitamins direct macrophage polarization whereas microbial derived biogenic amines modulate intestinal epithelium and immune response. Aberrant bacterial lipopolysaccharide-mediated signaling may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation and colorectal carcinogenesis. Our perception of human microbes has changed from that of opportunistic pathogens to active participants maintaining intestinal and whole body homeostasis. This review attempts to explain the dynamic and enriched interactions between the intestinal epithelial mucosa and commensal bacteria in homeostasis maintenance.
The provisionality of property rights in Kant’s Doctrine of Right

I criticize two ways of interpreting Kant’s claim that property rights are merely ‘provisional’ in the state of nature. Weak provisionality holds that in the state of nature agents can make rightfu...
Aliovalent Doping of Lead Halide Perovskites: Exploring the CH3NH3PbI3–(CH3NH3)3Sb2I9 Nanocrystalline Phase Space

Lead halide perovskites have attracted significant attention in the past few years due to their outstanding performance in photovoltaic devices. Nanoscale versions of these materials are also good candidates for light emitting devices. In this work, we synthesize perovskite nanocrystals using a surfactant-free method by introducing antimony iodide in the perovskite precursor. Surface-bound (CH3NH3)3Sb2I9 layers restrict the growth of CH3NH3PbI3, resulting in CH3NH3PbI3 nanocrystals of about 50 nm in size. Compared to the bulk perovskites, the nanocrystals show stronger photoluminescence. As there are no long-chain organic ligands on the surface that will inhibit the charge transport, these surfactant-free nanocrystals may have better performance in photoelectronic devices.
Directionally assembled MoS2 with significantly expanded interlayer spacing: a superior anode material for high-rate lithium-ion batteries

Despite the great promise of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as a storage anode for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the corresponding rate capacity is limited by the low electrical conductivity and kinetic barriers linked to ion diffusion, which prevents MoS2 from being used in current electrical energy storage devices. A feasible strategy is reported to tackle these challenges by directionally growing MoS2 nanosheets with an expanded interlayer spacing (i.e., 9.4 A versus 6.15 A for pristine 2H-MoS2) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which is performed through the microwave-assisted solvothermal reduction of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate [(NH4)2MoS4] in dimethylformamide in the presence of MWCNTs. The intimate interfaces between the MoS2 edges and the MWCNTs as well as the expanded interlayer gaps in MoS2 offer efficient and rapid pathways for ion and electron transport, which is favorable for improving the performance of batteries and enables the highest rate capability to be achieved. Batteries containing the as-synthesized MoS2/MWCNT anodes can constantly deliver a reversible capacity of 390 mA h g−1 at a current rate of up to 57.312 A g−1 (36C), describing the first class of MoS2-based anodes promising for high-rate use.
One Eye and an Alphabet: Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

This film is based on the autobiography of stroke patient, Jean-Dominique Bauby, who was the Editor of the French-based fashion magazine, Elle. This film is about a successful endeavor by French healthcare providers to find a way to communicate with Bauby, who had “locked in syndrome”. He was completely paralyzed, but had the ability to blink his left eyelid. Due to his paralysis, his right eyelid needed to be sewn shut because it was not closing or blinking adequately, and was at risk of drying out.
Colonizing Chaco Canyon: Mapping Antiquity in the US Southwest

In 1849, following victory in the Mexican War, the United States set out to assert its newfound sovereignty over the Navajo Indians in the uncharted territories of the Southwest. The map and associated journal from the expedition has been regarded by historians as the first sustained window into the region and its people. A major focus of the mapping effort was the discovery and interpretation of ancient ruins. In this paper, I follow the cartographer Lieutenant James H. Simpson’s survey party into the Navajo borderlands, tracing their discovery and mapping of the monumental ruins of Chaco Canyon. Through an analysis of Simpson’s map and journal, I suggest that the mapping effort marked Chaco as a site of knowledge production and part of a new geography of antiquity. This mapping constructed Chaco as a resource for new national imaginaries and laid the foundation for increasing forms of protection that reproduce the logic of Native removal.
Personal Ethics of Today’s Sport Fans: Connecting Cultural Values, Ethical Ideologies, and Ethical Intentions

The fanatics of sport are highly engaged participants and observers who can stir excitement, or ire, among others within their midst. In reference to sport fanatics, Mike Schmidt, a former player for Philadelphia Phillies professional baseball team, once declared, “They read their sports pages, know their statistics and either root like hell or boo our butts off. I love it. Give me vocal fans, pro or con, over the tourist types who show up in Houston or Montreal and just sit there.”
Protein N-Glycans: Incorporating Glycochemistry into the Undergraduate Laboratory Curriculum

Glycoscience continues to be an underrepresented topic in current undergraduate-biochemistry-laboratory curricula. Of the educational laboratories present in this subject area, few introduce students to cutting-edge methods and techniques related to carbohydrates. A multiweek series of experiments is described that highlights a recently published bleach-mediated-carbohydrate-cleavage protocol in the context of the isolation and identification of the soybean glycoprotein, β-conglycinin. Two different levels of undergraduate biochemistry courses (a first-year introductory course and an upper-level bioanalytical course) completed the experimental set. Although the same sequence of experiments took place for both levels, the teaching approaches to the material varied. The introductory course used an inquiry-type learning approach, whereas the upper-level students were taught with a guided-inquiry approach. Students in both courses were able to successfully isolate glycosylated β-conglycinin from inexpensive s...
Software Reliability Assessment: Modeling and Algorithms

Non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) software reliability growth models (SRGM) enable quantitative assessment of the software testing process. Software reliability models ranging from simple to complex have been proposed to characterize failure data that results from a variety of testing factors as well as non-uniform expenditure of testing effort. In order to predict the reliability of software accurately, it is important to apply models that both characterize the observed failure data well and make accurate predictions of the future. Efficient and robust algorithms to quickly estimate the model parameters despite inaccuracy in the initial estimates are also highly desirable. Ultimately, emphasis should be placed on predictive accuracy over complexity to best serve users of the research. This work presents the results of the preliminary contributions of the proposal including: (i) a heterogeneous single changepoint framework considering different models before and after the changepoint and (ii) comparison of testing effort models with a simple model as well as a testing effort model fit with an ECM algorithm to emphasize the importance of model predictive accuracy over increased model complexity. The preliminary findings will be used to serve as the basis of the overall contributions of the dissertation.
Portfolio Society: On the Capitalist Mode of Prediction

How do we make sense of the influence that financial markets have on the world today? In his slim and mighty volume, Ivan Ascher invokes and develops Karl Marx’s critical approach to political econ...
Current perceptions of hospitality accreditation.

The role of accreditation in hospitality education has always been controversial. The author reports on the perceptions of educators, accreditors, and industry. This article is available in Hospitality Review: http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/hospitalityreview/vol14/iss2/9 Current Perceptions of Hospitality Accreditation by Robert H. Bosselman The role of accreditation in hospitality education has always been controversial. The author reports on the perceptions of educators, accreditors, and industry. The process of voluntary accreditation in educational disciplines has been an American phenomenon. Around the globe, government agencies are the usual source of accrediting educational programs. Today, more than 40 professional accrediting agencies serve as regulatory bodies for professional education. Programs which agree to peer evaluation are judged on standards determined to represent their respective professions. Accreditation has greater importance today in light of society's increased interest in the quality of higher education, diminishing resources for higher education, and widespread dissatisfaction with higher education accountability. Perhaps professional accreditation will satisfjr educational critics and provide valuable evidence of consistent and informative program assessment. It has long been accepted that specialized accreditation assures educational quality1 The actual process which has lead to formalized hospitality accreditation began over two decades ago. A small group of educators within the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (CHRIE) theorized that accreditation would be one means by which to strengthen the position of hospitality education with respect to higher education in general. Their early work led to a CHRIE committee formed in the early 1980s, and the funding of doctoral research at Purdue University. From this research came the format for current hospitality accreditation, now under the auspices of the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). ACPHA defines accreditation as "a communal self-regulatory process by which voluntary associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed stated standards of educational quality; and assist in further improvement of the
Abstract ES6-3: Systems approaches to attacking cancer vulnerabilities defined by metabolic, de-differentiation and genomic instability states

Targeted therapies have demonstrated clinically impactful efficacies. Upfront and adaptive tumor heterogeneity and plasticity present a next challenge to advancing cancer therapeutics further. We are using systems biology and integrative omic approaches towards identifying i) vulnerabilities of aggressive tumor types and ii) combination therapies for preventing resistance. We are incorporating functional datasets defining drug sensitivities (drug screens) and genetic vulnerabilities (shRNA knockdown and CRISPR knockout screens) to identify phenotype-associated cellular susceptibilities. In cancer cells highly dependent upon glucose for survival, we found that glucose withdrawal activates a positive feedback loop involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), ROS-mediated inhibition of tyrosine phosphatases, and tyrosine kinase signaling. This loop amplifies ROS to toxic levels, resulting in cell death. In a process that has parallels to the epithelial to mesenchyme transition (EMT), melanoma cells can undergo dedifferentiation. New standard of care therapies, such as kinase inhibition and immunotherapy, can promote dedifferentiation as a therapy escape route. We found that de-differentiated melanomas have increased sensitivity to ferroptosis - a cell death mechanism tied to metabolism and oxidized lipid membranes. Targeting ferroptosis in combination with standard therapies can block this dedifferentiation resistance escape route. Citation Format: Graeber T. Systems approaches to attacking cancer vulnerabilities defined by metabolic, de-differentiation and genomic instability states [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES6-3.
$${\mathcal{W}}$$-Symmetry of the Adèlic Grassmannian

We give a geometric construction of the \({\mathcal{W}_{1+\infty}}\) vertex algebra as the infinitesimal form of a factorization structure on an adelic Grassmannian. This gives a concise interpretation of the higher symmetries and Backlund-Darboux transformations for the KP hierarchy and its multicomponent extensions in terms of a version of “\({\mathcal{W}_{1+\infty}}\)-geometry”: the geometry of \({\mathcal{D}}\)-bundles on smooth curves, or equivalently torsion-free sheaves on cuspidal curves.
The Combination of Pancreas Texture and Postoperative Serum Amylase in Predicting Pancreatic Fistula Risk

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) remains one of the most significant complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Recently, studies have suggested that post-PD serum hyper-amylasemia (HA)...
RDoC Task at BioNLP-OST 2019

BioNLP Open Shared Tasks (BioNLP-OST) is an international competition organized to facilitate development and sharing of computational tasks of biomedical text mining and solutions to them. For BioNLP-OST 2019, we introduced a new mental health informatics task called “RDoC Task”, which is composed of two subtasks: information retrieval and sentence extraction through National Institutes of Mental Health’s Research Domain Criteria framework. Five and four teams around the world participated in the two tasks, respectively. According to the performance on the two tasks, we observe that there is room for improvement for text mining on brain research and mental illness.
3D Printing of Non-medical Devices During the COVID-19 Pandemic

While the majority of 3D printing during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on medical devices such as face shields, there was a need for additional devices that fall outside the scope of a medical device as defined in the United States (US) by the US Food and Drug Administration. This chapter describes the 3D printing of mask tension relievers (used with face masks that are traditionally considered to be medical devices), door openers, and grommets.
Purinoreceptors and ectonucleotidases control ATP-induced calcium waveforms and calcium-dependent responses in microglia

1 Abstract Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) drives microglia motility and cytokine production by activating P2X- and P2Y- class purinergic receptors with extracellular ATP and its metabolites. Purinergic receptor activation gives rise to diverse intracellular Ca2+ signals, or waveforms, that differ in amplitude, duration, and frequency. Whether and how these diverse waveforms influence microglia function is not well established. We developed a computational model trained with published primary murine microglia studies. We simulate how purinoreceptors influence Ca2+ signaling and migration and how purinoreceptor expression modifies these processes. Our simulation confirmed that P2 receptors encode the amplitude and duration of the ATP-induced calcium waveforms. Our simulations also implicate CD39, an ectonucleotidase that rapidly degrades ATP, as a regulator of purinergic receptor-induced Ca2+ responses. We, therefore, next evaluated how purinoreceptors and ectonucleotidase work in tandem. Our modeling results indicate that small transients are sufficient to promote motility, while large and sustained transients are needed for cytokine responses. Lastly, we predict how these phenotypical responses vary in a BV2 microglia cell line using published P2 receptor mRNA data to illustrate how our computer model can be extrapolated to diverse microglia subtypes. These findings provide important insights into how differences in purinergic receptor expression influence the microglia’s responses to ATP.
Life meaning in a social context among formerly homeless residents of permanent supportive housing

Objective: Experiencing a life of meaning is considered fundamental to “what makes life worth living,” yet investigation of life meaning among persons with lived experiences of homelessness is lack...
Optimization of cryogenic mechanical alloying parameters to synthesize ultrahard refractory high entropy materials

Abstract Cryogenic mechanical alloying is a viable method to synthesize nanostructured alloys that exhibit improved mechanical properties without using highly contaminating, process control agents. However, cryogenically milled alloys still contain impurities introduced from the milling media and cryogenic fluid, and it is unclear how these milling parameters can be tailored to optimize alloy design. Here, milling media and cryogenic fluid were systematically varied and studied to quantify differences in impurity concentrations, microstructural evolution, and microhardness. Four derivatives of a Mo25Nb25Ta25W25 high entropy alloy were mechanically alloyed using tool steel or tungsten carbide milling media with either liquid N2 or Ar. Alloys were annealed for 100 h at 1000 °C or 1200 °C. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was primarily used to characterize as-milled and annealed specimens, and Vicker’s microindentation was used to compare hardness. Depending on the milling parameters, total impurity concentrations varied between 12 and 44 at.%, different impurity nitrides or carbides were identified in annealed specimens, and differences in hardness of up to 5 GPa were measured amongst the alloys. Overall, milling with LN2 led to the precipitation of ultrahard nitride phases that when combined with optimized heat treatments, improved the hardness beyond 17 GPa.
Retail Image Research: State of the Art Review with Implications for Retailing Strategy

Measures of store images play an important role in both applied and basic marketing research. Marketing managers utilize measures of store image (and product images) to help develop and test competitive strategies. This paper evaluates prior image research efforts in terms of conceptualization of retail image, dimensions of image, and methodologies used in measuring image. It looks at environmental changes and their impact upon image and suggests priorities for future research in retail image.
Semiconductor p-n and Metal-Semiconductor Junctions

Until now, our discussion was based solely on homogeneous semiconductors whose properties are uniform in space. Although a few devices can be made from such semiconductors, the majority of devices and the most important ones utilize non-homogeneous semiconductor structures. Most of them involve semiconductor p-n junctions, in which a p-type doped region and an n-type doped region are brought into contact. Such a junction actually forms an electrical diode. This is why it is usual to talk about a p-n junction as a diode.