Digital Commons Network^™

Observation Of The Modification Of Quantum Statistics Of Plasmonic Systems, Chenglong You, Mingyuan Hong, Narayan Bhusal, Jinnan Chen, Mario A. Quiroz-Juárez, Joshua Fabre, Fatemeh Mostafavi, Junpeng Guo, Israel De Leon, Roberto De J. León-Montiel, Omar S. Magaña-Loaiza

Faculty Publications

For almost two decades, researchers have observed the preservation of the quantum statistical properties of bosons in a large variety of plasmonic systems. In addition, the possibility of preserving nonclassical correlations in light-matter interactions mediated by scattering among photons and plasmons stimulated the idea of the conservation of quantum statistics in plasmonic systems. It has also been assumed that similar dynamics underlie the conservation of the quantum fluctuations that define the nature of light sources. So far, plasmonic experiments have been performed in nanoscale systems in which complex multiparticle interactions are restrained. Here, we demonstrate that the quantum statistics of …

Scalable Multiphoton Quantum Metrology With Neither Pre- Nor Post-Selected Measurements, Chenglong You, Mingyuan Hong, Peter Bierhorst, Adriana E. Lita, Scott Glancy, Steve Kolthammer, Emanuel Knill, Sae Woo Nam, Richard P. Mirin, Omar S. Magaña-Loaiza, Thomas Gerrits

Faculty Publications

The quantum statistical fluctuations of electromagnetic fields establish a limit, known as the shot-noise limit, on the sensitivity of optical measurements performed with classical technologies. However, quantum technologies are not constrained by this shot-noise limit. In this regard, the possibility of using every photon produced by quantum sources of light to estimate small physical parameters, beyond the shot-noise limit, constitutes one of the main goals of quantum optics. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a scalable protocol for quantum-enhanced optical phase estimation across a broad range of phases, with neither pre- nor post-selected measurements. This is achieved through the efficient design of …

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (Dune) Near Detector Conceptual Design Report, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, A. Aduszkiewicz, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, N. Anfimov, A. Ankowski, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda-Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi, A. Aurisano, V. Aushev, D. Autiero

Faculty Publications

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international, world-class experiment aimed at exploring fundamental questions about the universe that are at the forefront of astrophysics and particle physics research. DUNE will study questions pertaining to the preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of supernovae, the subtleties of neutrino interaction physics, and a number of beyond the Standard Model topics accessible in a powerful neutrino beam. A critical component of the DUNE physics program involves the study of changes in a powerful beam of neutrinos, i.e., neutrino oscillations, as the neutrinos propagate a long distance. …

Controllable Quantum Point Junction On The Surface Of An Antiferromagnetic Topological Insulator, Nicodemos Varnava, Justin H. Wilson, J. H. Pixley, David Vanderbilt

Faculty Publications

Engineering and manipulation of unidirectional channels has been achieved in quantum Hall systems, leading to the construction of electron interferometers and proposals for low-power electronics and quantum information science applications. However, to fully control the mixing and interference of edge-state wave functions, one needs stable and tunable junctions. Encouraged by recent material candidates, here we propose to achieve this using an antiferromagnetic topological insulator that supports two distinct types of gapless unidirectional channels, one from antiferromagnetic domain walls and the other from single-height steps. Their distinct geometric nature allows them to intersect robustly to form quantum point junctions, which then …

Rare Regions And Avoided Quantum Criticality In Disordered Weyl Semimetals And Superconductors, J. H. Pixley, Justin H. Wilson

Faculty Publications

Disorder in Weyl semimetals and superconductors is surprisingly subtle, attracting attention and competing theories in recent years. In this brief review, we discuss the current theoretical understanding of the effects of short-ranged, quenched disorder on the low energy-properties of three-dimensional, topological Weyl semimetals and superconductors. We focus on the role of non-perturbative rare region effects on destabilizing the semimetal phase and rounding the expected semimetal-to-diffusive metal transition into a cross over. Furthermore, the consequences of disorder on the resulting nature of excitations, transport, and topology are reviewed. New results on a bipartite random hopping model are presented that confirm previous …

Solid-State Nmr Of Unlabeled Plant Cell Walls: High-Resolution Structural Analysis Without Isotopic Enrichment, Wancheng Zhao, Alex Kirui, Fabien Deligey, Frederic Mentink-Vigier, Yihua Zhou, Baocai Zhang, Tuo Wang

Faculty Publications

© 2021, The Author(s). Background: Multidimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy has emerged as an indispensable technique for resolving polymer structure and intermolecular packing in primary and secondary plant cell walls. Isotope (13C) enrichment provides feasible sensitivity for measuring 2D/3D correlation spectra, but this time-consuming procedure and its associated expenses have restricted the application of ssNMR in lignocellulose analysis. Results: Here, we present a method that relies on the sensitivity-enhancing technique Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) to eliminate the need for 13C-labeling. With a 26-fold sensitivity enhancement, a series of 2D 13C–13C correlation spectra were successfully collected using the unlabeled …

Soybean Leaf Age And Plant Stage Influence Expression Of Resistance To Velvetbean Caterpillar And Fall Armyworm, Bruno H.S. Souza, Eduardo N. Costa, Zulene A. Ribeiro, Bruno Perlatti, Mara C.P. Cruz, Moacir R. Forim, Arlindo L.Boiça Júnior, Michael J. Stout

Faculty Publications

Numerous species of herbivorous insects are associated with soybeans, including the specialist velvetbean caterpillar (VBC), Anticarsia gemmatalis, and the generalist fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda. Expression of plant resistance is influenced by factors intrinsic to host plants, such as leaf age and plant stage, which can differentially affect specialist and generalist insects due to varying levels of plant defense and corresponding insect adaptation. In this study, four experiments were carried out to test the hypotheses that levels of antibiosis-resistance to VBC and FAW in the resistant genotype PI 227,687 and susceptible genotype IGRA RA 626 RR are related to leaf …

Adult Cold Tolerance And Potential North American Distribution Of Myllocerus Undecimpustulatus Undatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Anita S. Neal, Rodrigo Diaz, Jawwad A. Qureshi, Ronald D. Cave

Faculty Publications

Cold tolerance and potential distribution of Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus Marshall, a polyphagous pest in the United States, were investigated. Adult survivorship after 2 days at 0 °C and − 5 °C averaged 60% and 18%, respectively. Four days of exposure resulted in survivorship of 11% at 0 °C and 4% at − 5 °C, respectively. Summer-collected weevils at − 5 °C through repeated cold exposure of 2 h survived 3 times longer than those subjected to sustained cold period of 10 h. Leaf consumption did not differ among summer-collected weevils at constant 20 °C and repeated cold exposure treatments; weevils …

Immune-Related Genes Of The Larval Holotrichia Parallela In Response To Entomopathogenic Nematodes Heterorhabditis Beicherriana Lf, Ertao Li, Jianhui Qin, Honglin Feng, Jinqiao Li, Xiaofeng Li, Innocent Nyamwasa, Yazhong Cao, Weibin Ruan, Kebin Li, Jiao Yin

Faculty Publications

Background: Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) emerge as compatible alternatives to conventional insecticides in controlling Holotrichia parallela larvae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). However, the immune responses of H. parallela against EPNs infection remain unclear. Results: In present research, RNA-Seq was firstly performed. A total of 89,427 and 85,741 unigenes were achieved from the midgut of H. parallela larvae treated with Heterorhabditis beicherriana LF for 24 and 72 h, respectively; 2545 and 3156 unigenes were differentially regulated, respectively. Among those differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 74 were identified potentially related to the immune response. Notably, some immune-related genes, such as peptidoglycan recognition protein SC1 (PGRP-SC1), pro-phenoloxidase …

Comparison Of Trapping Methods For Use In Surveys For Potential Culicoides Vectors Of Orbiviruses, Michael Becker, Jeong Seok Park, Glen Gentry, Claudia Husseneder, Lane Foil

Faculty Publications

Background: Bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) are orbiviruses that can cause fatal vector-borne diseases in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Trapping methods for collecting potential Culicoides vectors of orbiviruses were compared to optimize surveillance studies. Methods: The number of captured midges and the virus infection rates of midge pools were compared for dry ice-baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traps with or without black light. The number of individual midges of different Culicoides species captured at different crepuscular and nocturnal periods using rotator traps also was determined. The number of species/specimens of Culicoides was measured …

Management Of Stemborers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Using Foliar-Applied Chlorantraniliprole In Rice, James M. Villegas, Blake E. Wilson, Michael O. Way

Faculty Publications

Rice is one of the most important crops in Louisiana and Texas, USA. It is subjected to various insect pests throughout the growing season. Lepidopteran stem-boring pests including the Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), are increasing in economic importance as insect pests in rice production, particularly in southwest Louisiana, USA. Field trials were conducted in Louisiana and Texas to examine the efficacy of foliar-applied insecticides (chlorantraniliprole and the pyrethroids ζ-cypermethrin and λ-cyhalothrin) and chlorantraniliprole seed treatment for control of rice stemborers during 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, a diet incorporation assay assessed the toxicity of chlorantraniliprole to laboratory-reared …

Bridgehead Effect And Multiple Introductions Shape The Global Invasion History Of A Termite, Alexander J. Blumenfeld, Pierre André Eyer, Claudia Husseneder, Jianchu Mo, Laura N.L. Johnson, Changlu Wang, J. Kenneth Grace, Thomas Chouvenc, Shichen Wang, Edward L. Vargo

Faculty Publications

Native to eastern Asia, the Formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is recognized as one of the 100 worst invasive pests in the world, with established populations in Japan, Hawaii and the southeastern United States. Despite its importance, the native source(s) of C. formosanus introductions and their invasive pathway out of Asia remain elusive. Using ~22,000 SNPs, we retraced the invasion history of this species through approximate Bayesian computation and assessed the consequences of the invasion on its genetic patterns and demography. We show a complex invasion history, where an initial introduction to Hawaii resulted from two distinct introduction events …

Cardiovascular Disease And Risk Of Incident Diabetes Mellitus: Findings From The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos (Hchs/Sol), Celestin Missikpode, Ramon A. Durazo-Arvizu, Richard S. Cooper, Matthew James OʼBrien, Sheila F. Castaneda, Gregory A. Talavera, Linda C. Gallo, Maria M. Llabre, Marisa J. Perera, Krista M. Perreira, Ana C. Ricardo, Amber Pirzada, James P. Lash, Martha Daviglus

Faculty Publications

Background: Studies have reported an association between prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, factors that may explain the association remain unclear. We examined the association of prevalent CVD with incident DM and assessed whether weight gain and medication use may explain the association. Methods: Data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Visit 1 (2008-2011) and Visit 2 (2014-2017) were used to compare incidence of DM among individuals with and without self-reported CVD at Visit 1. A total of 1899 individuals with self-reported CVD were matched to controls free of self-reported CVD at …

Association Of Body Composition With Odds Of Breast Cancer By Molecular Subtype: Analysis Of The Mechanisms For Established And Novel Risk Factors For Breast Cancer In Nigerian Women (Mend) Study, Tomi Akinyemiju, Kelley Jones, Anjali Gupta, Taofik Oyekunle, Veeral Saraiya, April Deveaux, Omolola Salako, Allison Hall, Olusegun Alatise, Gabriel Ogun, Adewale Adeniyi, Omobolaji Ayandipo, Thomas Olajide, Olalekan Olasehinde, Olukayode Arowolo, Adewale Adisa, Oludolapo Afuwape, Aralola Olusanya, Aderemi Adegoke, Trygve O. Tollefsbol, Donna Arnett, Samuel Ajayi, Yemi Raji, Timothy Olanrewaju, Charlotte Osafo, Ifeoma Ulasi, Adanze Asinobi, Cheryl A. Winkler, David Burke, Fatiu Arogundade, Ivy Ekem, Jacob Plange-Rhule, Manmak Mamven

Faculty Publications

Background: The association between obesity and breast cancer (BC) has been extensively studied among US, European and Asian study populations, with often conflicting evidence. However, despite the increasing prevalence of obesity and associated conditions in Africa, the continent with the highest age-standardized BC mortality rate globally, few studies have evaluated this association, and none has examined in relation to molecular subtypes among African women. The current analysis examines the association between body composition, defined by body mass index (BMI), height, and weight, and BC by molecular subtype among African women. Methods: We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals …

Whole Genome Comparisons Reveal Panmixia Among Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) From Diverse Locations, Katrina A. Schlum, Kurt Lamour, Caroline Placidi De Bortoli, Rahul Banerjee, Robert Meagher, Eliseu Pereira, Maria Gabriela Murua, Gregory A. Sword, Ashley E. Tessnow, Diego Viteri Dillon, Angela M. Linares Ramirez, Komivi S. Akutse, Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, Fangneng Huang, Dominic Reisig, Scott J. Emrich, Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes

Faculty Publications

Background: The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)) is a highly polyphagous agricultural pest with long-distance migratory behavior threatening food security worldwide. This pest has a host range of > 80 plant species, but two host strains are recognized based on their association with corn (C-strain) or rice and smaller grasses (R-strain). The population genomics of the United States (USA) fall armyworm remains poorly characterized to date despite its agricultural threat. Results: In this study, the population structure and genetic diversity in 55 S. frugiperda samples from Argentina, Brazil, Kenya, Puerto Rico and USA were surveyed to further our understanding of …

Spatial Cluster Detection With Threshold Quantile Regression, Junho Lee, Ying Sun, Huixia Judy Wang

Faculty Publications

Spatial cluster detection, which is the identification of spatial units adjacent in space associated with distinctive patterns of data of interest relative to background variation, is useful for discerning spatial heterogeneity in regression coefficients. Some real studies with regression-based models on air quality data show that there exists not only spatial heterogeneity but also heteroscedasticity between air pollution and its predictors. Since the low air quality is a well-known risk factor for mortality, various cardiopulmonary diseases, and preterm birth, the analysis at the tail would be of more interest than the center of air pollution distribution. In this article, we …

Environmental Rnai Pathways In The Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Mosharrof Mondal, Jacob Peter, Obrie Scarbrough, Alex Flynt

Faculty Publications

© 2020, The Author(s).

Background:RNA interference (RNAi) regulates gene expression in most multicellular organisms through binding of small RNA effectors to target transcripts. Exploiting this process is a popular strategy for genetic manipulation and has applications that includes arthropod pest control. RNAi technologies are dependent on delivery method with the most convenient likely being feeding, which is effective in some animals while others are insensitive. The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is prime candidate for developing RNAi approaches due to frequent occurrence of conventional pesticide resistance. Using a sequencing-based approach, the fate of ingested RNAs was explored to …

Correction To: Deep Mantle Melting, Global Water Circulation And Its Implications For The Stability Of The Ocean Mass (Progress In Earth And Planetary Science, (2020), 7, 1, (76), 10.1186/S40645-020-00379-3), Shun Ichiro Karato, Bijaya Karki, Jeffrey Park

Faculty Publications

Following publication of the original article (Karato et al., 2020), the author identified there is a minor typo in Fig. 13 and graphical abstract image. The correct Fig. 13 and graphic abstract image are provided below. The original paper has been updated.

The Validity Of Using One Force Platform To Quantify Whole-Body Forces, Velocities, And Power During A Plyometric Push-Up, Zhanxin Sha, Boyi Dai

Faculty Publications

Background: Previous studies have typically measured velocity and power parameters during the push-up, either using one or two force platforms. The purpose of the study was to compare the force, velocity, and power parameters between the one-force-platform method and the two-force-platform method during plyometric push-ups.

Methods: Thirty-four physically active young adults participated in the study to perform the plyometric push-up. For the two-force-platform calculation method, the forces applied to the feet and hands were both measured. For the one-force-platform calculation method, the forces applied to the feet were assumed to be constant, while the forces applied to hands …

Diving Beneath The Sea Of Stellar Activity: Chromatic Radial Velocities Of The Young Au Mic Planetary System, Bryson Cale, Michael Reefe, Peter Plavchan, Angelle Tanner, Eric Gaidos, Jonathan Gagne, Peter Gao, Stephen R. Kane, Victor J. S. Bejar, Nicolas Lodieu, Guillem Anglada-Escude, Ignasi Ribas, Enric Palle, Andreas Quirrenbach, Pedro Amado, Ansgar Reiners, Jose A. Caballero, Maria Rosa Zapatero Osorio, Stefan Dreizler, Andrew W. Howard, Benjamin J. Fulton, Sharon Xuesong Wang, Kevin I. Collins, Mohammed El Mufti, Justin Wittrock, Emily A. Gilbert, Thomas Barclay, Baptiste Klein, Eder Martioli, Robert Wittenmyer, Duncan Wright, Brett Addison, Teruyuki Hirano, Motohide Tamura, Takayuki Kotani, Norio Narita, David Vermilion, Rena A. Lee, Claire Geneser, Johanna Teske, Samuel N. Quinn, David W. Latham, Gilbert A. Esquerdo, Michael L. Calkins, Perry Berlind, Farzaneh Zohrabi, Caitlin Stibbards, Srihan Kotnana, Jon Jenkins, Joseph D. Twicken, Christopher Henze, Richard Kidwell, Jr., Christopher Burke, Joel Villasenor, Patricia Boyd

Faculty Publications

We present updated radial-velocity (RV) analyses of the AU Mic system. AU Mic is a young (22 Myr) early-M dwarf known to host two transiting planets-P-b similar to 8.46 days, R-b = 4.381(-0.18)(+0.18) R-circle plus, P-c similar to 18.86 days, R-c = 3.5(-0.16)(+0.16) R-circle plus. With visible RVs from Calar Alto high-Resolution search for M dwarfs with Exo-earths with Near-infrared and optical echelle Spectrographs (CARMENES)-VIS, CHIRON, HARPS, HIRES, MINERVA-Australis, and Tillinghast Reflector Echelle Spectrograph, as well as near-infrared (NIR) RVs from CARMENES-NIR, CSHELL, IRD, iSHELL, NIRSPEC, and SPIRou, we provide a 5 sigma upper limit to the mass of AU …

Search For Lensing Signatures In The Gravitational-Wave Observations From The First Half Of Ligo-Virgo's Third Observing Run, R. Abbott, T. D. Abbott

Faculty Publications

We search for signatures of gravitational lensing in the gravitational-wave signals from compact binary coalescences detected by Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) and Advanced Virgo during O3a, the first half of their third observing run. We study: (1) the expected rate of lensing at current detector sensitivity and the implications of a non-observation of strong lensing or a stochastic gravitational-wave background on the merger-rate density at high redshift; (2) how the interpretation of individual high-mass events would change if they were found to be lensed; (3) the possibility of multiple images due to strong lensing by galaxies or galaxy …

A Multi-Study Examination Of The Role Of Repeated Spaced Retrieval In The Word Learning Of Children With Developmental Language Disorder, Laurence B. Leonard, Sharon L. Christ, Patricia Deevy, Jeffrey D. Karpicke, Christine Weber, Eileen Haebig, Justin B. Kueser, Sofía Souto, Windi Krok

Faculty Publications

Background: Many children with developmental language disorders (DLD) have well-documented weaknesses in vocabulary. In recent years, investigators have explored the nature of these weaknesses through the use of novel word learning paradigms. These studies have begun to uncover specific areas of difficulty and have provided hints about possible intervention strategies that might help these children learn words more accurately and efficiently. Among the studies of this type are those that incorporate repeated spaced retrieval activities in the learning procedures. Methods: In this study, we examined the data from four of these studies that employed the same types of participants (4- …

Determining Water Allocation Scheme To Attain Nutrient Management Objective For A Large Lake Receiving Irrigation Discharge, Xuemei Liu, Guangxin Zhang, Y. Jun Xu, Jingjie Zhang, Yao Wu, Hanyu Ju

Faculty Publications

Irrigation discharge is a relevant water resource for lake ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions. However, high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the irrigation discharge raise concerns over potential lake eutrophication in these regions. A Delft3D hydrodynamic-water quality model was used to explore the effects of multiple water sources on water quality of a large shollow lake in the semi-arid west of Northeast China, which is surrounded by irrigated rice paddies. Eighteen scenarios in a combination of different precipitation rates, irrigation discharge operations, and flow conditions were simulated to analyze time and water allocation required in order to achieve …

A Landscape Planning Agenda For Global Health Security: Learning From The History Of Hiv/Aids And Pandemic Influenza, James Nguyen H. Spencer

Faculty Publications

This paper considers the role of landscape planning and design in the context of a growing need for research and policy recommendations associated with Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs), of which COVID-19 is the most recent. Beginning with a definition of EIDs and their origins within the context of landscape planning, the paper then argues that planning and design scholars and practitioners should begin by seeing the importance of a “global urban ecosystem” (GUE) comprised of rapidly transforming metropolitan and regional “patches” connected through “corridors” of relatively unregulated global transportation and mobility networks. It then revisits the history of the two …

Ale Beer Containing Free And Immobilized Lactobacillus Brevis, A Potential Delivery System For Probiotics, Kriza Faye Calumba, Vondel Reyes, Franklin Bonilla, Elio Villasmil, Subramaniam Sathivel

Faculty Publications

Abstract: Probiotics in ale beer may be attractive to health-conscious consumers. However, beer conditions may decrease probiotic viability. Powder produced from durian (Durio zibethinus) rind, a by-product that is currently unutilized, can be used for the immobilization of probiotics. MRS medium was incubated with Lactobacillus brevis and periodically sampled to obtain the growth curve. Ale beer with free L. brevis and cells immobilized in durian rind powder was produced and separately assessed during storage at 21 °C for 24 days. The physico-chemical parameters of both beers did not differ significantly. Durian rind powder conferred protection up to 12 days of …

Quantum Phase Transitions And Band Mixing In 135ba, A. J. Majarshin, Yan An Luo, Feng Pan, H. T. Fortune, Yu Zhang, J. P. Draayer

Faculty Publications

Quantum phase transitions and band-mixing phenomena are considered within the framework of a two-state boson-fermion model for the odd-mass 135Ba nucleus. The purpose of the study is to further explore the nature of the interplay between these modalities within the framework of an even-even boson core described by an IBM Hamiltonian coupled to a j = 3/2 fermion as a function of the strength of the coupling constant that links the boson and fermion pictures. The results show that excitation energies and the known E2 strengths of 135Ba are sensitive to the strength of the coupling constant, with a best …

A Link Between Ph Homeostasis And Colistin Resistance In Bacteria, Pradip R. Panta, William T. Doerrler

Faculty Publications

Colistin resistance is complex and multifactorial. DbcA is an inner membrane protein belonging to the DedA superfamily required for maintaining extreme colistin resistance of Burkholderia thailandensis. The molecular mechanisms behind this remain unclear. Here, we report that ∆dbcA displays alkaline pH/bicarbonate sensitivity and propose a role of DbcA in extreme colistin resistance of B. thailandensis by maintaining cytoplasmic pH homeostasis. We found that alkaline pH or presence of sodium bicarbonate displays a synergistic effect with colistin against not only extremely colistin resistant species like B. thailandensis and Serratia marcescens, but also a majority of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria tested, suggesting …

Fourteen New, Endemic Species Of Shrew (Genus Crocidura) From Sulawesi Reveal A Spectacular Island Radiation, Jacob A. Esselstyn, Anang S. Achmadi, Heru Handika, Mark T. Swanson, Thomas C. Giarla, Kevin C. Rowe

Faculty Publications

After nearly a decade of field inventories in which we preserved voucher specimens of the small terrestrial mammals of Sulawesi, we combined qualitative and quantitative analyses of morphological traits with molecular phylogenetics to better understand the diversity of shrews (Soricidae: Crocidura) on the island. We examined the morphology of 1368 specimens and obtained extensive molecular data from many of them, including mitochondrial DNA sequences from 851 specimens, up to five nuclear exons from 657 specimens, and thousands of ultraconserved elements from 90 specimens. By iteratively testing species limits using distinct character datasets and appropriate taxon sampling, we found clear, mostly …

Effect Of Pyrolysis Temperature On Si Release Of Alkali-Enhanced Si-Rich Biochar And Plant Response, Meng Wang, Negar D. Tafti, Jim J. Wang, Xudong Wang

Faculty Publications

Recent studies have shown that silicon (Si) dissolution from biochar may be influenced by the pyrolysis temperature. In addition, the enhancement of biochar by treatment with alkali has been proposed to produce a Si source that can be used for environmentally friendly plant disease control. In this study, biochars from rice straw and rice husk pretreated with KOH, CaO and K2CO3 and then pyrolyzed at 350, 450 and 550 °C were prepared to evaluate the effects of pyrolysis temperature on Si release and plant uptake from alkali-enhanced Si-rich biochar. Extractable Si and dissolution Si from the prepared biochars were assessed …

Reaction-Diffusion Hydrogels From Urease Enzyme Particles For Patterned Coatings, Anthony Q. Mai, Tamás Bánsági, Annette F. Taylor, John A. Pojman

Faculty Publications

The reaction and diffusion of small molecules is used to initiate the formation of protective polymeric layers, or biofilms, that attach cells to surfaces. Here, inspired by biofilm formation, we present a general method for the growth of hydrogels from urease enzyme-particles by combining production of ammonia with a pH-regulated polymerization reaction in solution. We show through experiments and simulations how the propagating basic front and thiol-acrylate polymerization were continuously maintained by the localized urease reaction in the presence of urea, resulting in hydrogel layers around the enzyme particles at surfaces, interfaces or in motion. The hydrogels adhere the enzyme-particles …