cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DsbB Catalyzes Disulfide Bond Formation de Novo

DsbA and DsbB are responsible for disulfide bond formation. DsbA is the direct donor of disulfides, and DsbB oxidizes DsbA. DsbB has the unique ability to generate disulfides by quinone reduction. It is thought that DsbB oxidizes DsbA via thiol disulfide exchange. In this mechanism, a disulfide is formed across the N-terminal pair of cysteines (Cys-41/Cys-44) in DsbB by quinone reduction. This disulfide is then transferred on to the second pair of cysteine residues in DsbB (Cys-104/Cys-130) and then finally transferred to DsbA. We have shown here the redox potential of the two disulfides in DsbB are -271 and -284 mV, respectively, and considerably less oxidizing than the disulfide of DsbA at -120 mV. In addition, we have found the Cys-104/Cys-130 disulfide of DsbB to actually be a substrate for DsbA in vitro. These findings indicate that the disulfides in DsbB are unsuitable to function as the oxidant of DsbA. Furthermore, we have shown that mutants in DsbB that lack either pair or all of its cysteines are also capable of oxidizing DsbA. These unexpected findings raise the possibility that the oxidation of DsbA by DsbB does not occur via thiol disulfide exchange as is widely assumed but rather, directly via quinone reduction.
Particle Deposition, Adhesion, and Removal

Physical forces control particle deposition on wafers in virtually all manufacturing environments: open air, liquid baths, and subatmospheric chambers. Physical forces also often dominate particle adhesion and removal. In aerosol systems, gravity and diffusion are important universal mechanisms contributing to particle deposition velocity (≡particle flux to a surface/particle concentration adjacent to that surface). Under appropriate conditions, electrical and thermal forces are also important and sometimes dominating. Both these conditional mechanisms can be introduced so as to minimize particle deposition velocity and thus protect wafers from particulate contamination. In liquid systems where particle and liquid densities are similar, gravity is a less important particle deposition mechanism. Convective diffusion remains an important mechanism but typically contributes a much lower deposition velocity than in aerosol systems (particle diffusion coefficients are smaller in liquids than in gases). In many liquid systems, electrical forces, arising from particle and surface charging by ion adsorption from the liquid or ionization of surface groups, dominate particle deposition by introducing electrostatic double layer repulsion. The primary force binding a particle to a surface is van der Waals attraction which is universal and dominating when separation distances between a particle and a surface decrease below 1 to 2 nm. Van der Waals attractive forces are lower in liquids than in gases so particles are easier to remove in liquids, partly because of this reduced adhesion. Physical forces—centrifugal, hydrodynamic, vibrational—typically dominate particle removal technology as well. These forces depend directly on fluid density and hence are larger in liquid systems than in gases, another reason why liquid systems remain more successful at particle removal than dry methods.
Late Quaternary stratigraphy and geochronology of the western Killpecker Dunes, Wyoming, USA

New stratigraphic and geochronologic data from the Killpecker Dunes in southwestern Wyoming facilitate a more precise understanding of the dune field’s history. Prior investigations suggested that evidence for late Pleistocene eolian activity in the dune field was lacking. However, luminescence ages from eolian sand of ∼15,000 yr, as well as Folsom (12,950–11,950 cal yr B.P.) and Agate Basin (12,600–10,700 cal yr) artifacts overlying eolian sand, indicate the dune field existed at least during the latest Pleistocene, with initial eolian sedimentation probably occurring under a dry periglacial climate. The period between ∼13,000 and 8900 cal yr B.P. was characterized by relatively slow eolian sedimentation concomitant with soil formation. Erosion occurred between ∼8182 and 6600 cal yr B.P. on the upwind region of the dune field, followed by relative stability and soil formation between ∼5900 and 2700 cal yr B.P. The first of at least two latest Holocene episodes of eolian sedimentation occurred between ∼2000 and 1500 yr, followed by a brief (∼500 yr) episode of soil formation; a second episode of sedimentation, occurring by at least ∼700 yr, may coincide with a hypothesized Medieval warm period. Recent stabilization of the western Killpecker Dunes likely occurred during the Little Ice Age (∼350–100 yr B.P.). The eolian chronology of the western Killpecker Dunes correlates reasonably well with those of other major dune fields in the Wyoming Basin, suggesting that dune field reactivation resulted primarily due to departures toward aridity during the late Quaternary. Similar to dune fields on the central Great Plains, dune fields in the Wyoming Basin have been active under a periglacial climate during the late Pleistocene, as well as under near-modern conditions during the latest Holocene.
Newly graduated Swedish nurses show a trend for increasing research use in the 5 years following qualification, with the trend starting after the second year

Commentary on: Wallin L, Gustavsson P, Ehrenberg A, et al. A modest start, but a steady rise in research use: a longitudinal study of nurses during the first five years in professional life. Implement Sci 2012;7:19.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.stitle%253DImplement%2BSci%26rft.aulast%253DWallin%26rft.auinit1%253DL.%26rft.volume%253D7%26rft.spage%253D19%26rft.epage%253D19%26rft.atitle%253DA%2Bmodest%2Bstart%252C%2Bbut%2Ba%2Bsteady%2Brise%2Bin%2Bresearch%2Buse%253A%2Ba%2Blongitudinal%2Bstudy%2Bof%2Bnurses%2Bduring%2Bthe%2Bfirst%2Bfive%2Byears%2Bin%2Bprofessional%2Blife.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1186%252F1748-5908-7-19%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22429884%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1186/1748-5908-7-19&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22429884&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F16%2F1%2F27.atom
Crustal Thickness Variations in Southern California from Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment Passive Phase Teleseismic Travel Times

The goal of the 1993 Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment (LARSE93) passive phase was to collect waveform data from local and distant earthquakes to study lower crust and upper mantle structural features in southern California, particularly under the San Gabriel Mountains and San Andreas fault. During LARSE93, approximately 88 stations were deployed in a 175-km-long, linear array across the Los Angeles basin, San Gabriel Mountains, and Mojave Desert northeast of Los Angeles. During the four weeks of continuous recording, teleseismic events recorded at each site provided a wide range of ray path backazimuths. The teleseismic events included a number of intermediate-magnitude earthquakes with epicenters in the Aleutian Island, Kamchatka, Kuril Island, mid-Atlantic Ridge, Solomon Island, Japan, Fiji Island, and Chile regions. This experiment was followed by LARSE94, which involved land refraction and deep-crustal seismic reflection profiles from offshore and onshore explosion sources. We have used the joint data sets in this study to distinguish upper crustal features from adjacent lower crustal and upper mantle structures. P-wave travel times were determined from 17 teleseisms, and upper crustal residual signatures were removed by incorporating LARSE94 upper crustal velocity model results. Within each backazimuth range, the resulting relative traveltime residuals increase from negative values (-0.5-sec average) recorded in the northern San Gabriel Valley-southern San Gabriel Mountain foothills to positive values (0.2-sec average) in the central and northern San Gabriel Mountains. The residual patterns display variations for different backazimuths and incidence angles but show almost no lateral spatial shift of maximum or minimum residual along the array, indicating that the dominant source of the residual pattern is shallow (<50 km). The patterns of residuals require a sharp lateral gradient in shallow velocities between the northern San Gabriel Valley (located in the northernmost Los Angeles basin) and the San Gabriel Mountains over a distance of less than 50 km. Most of the residual pattern can be explained by laterally varying crustal thickness and a high-velocity anomaly in the upper mantle. In our model of Moho depth variations, the northern San Gabriel Valley to the southwest of the array is underlain by thinned continental crust. Crustal thickness increases laterally by 12 km over a distance of less than 50 km into the San Gabriel Mountains. This conclusion is supported by widespread surface evidence for rift-style volcanism and crustal extension in southern California crustal rocks.
Recursive equilibrium in endogenous growth models with incomplete markets

This paper analyzes the existence of recursive equilibria in a class of convex growth models with incomplete markets. Households have identical CRRA-preferences, production displays constant returns to scale with respect to physical and human capital, and all markets are competitive. There are aggregate productivity shocks that affect aggregate returns to physical and human capital investment (stock returns and wages), and there are idiosyncratic shocks to human capital (idiosyncratic depreciation shocks) that only affect individual human capital returns. Aggregate and idiosyncratic shocks follow a joint Markov process. Conditional on the aggregate state, idiosyncratic shocks are independently distributed over time and identically distributed across households. Finally, households have the opportunity to trade assets in zero net supply with payoffs that depend on the aggregate shock, but markets are incomplete in the sense that there are no assets with payoffs depending on idiosyncratic shocks. It is shown that there exists a recursive equilibrium for which equilibrium prices (returns) only depend on the exogenous aggregate shock variable (the wealth distribution is not a relevant state variable). Moreover, the allocation associated with this recursive equilibrium is identical to the equilibrium allocation of an economy in which households live in autarky and face both aggregate and idiosyncratic risk.
A study of output power stability of GaN HEMTs on SiC substrates

Gallium Nitride (GaN) HEMTs are the focus of intense research and development due to their potential for the realization of power amplifiers (PAs) with high gain and record levels of power delivery. Much of the work in GaN HEMT development has been concentrated on performance improvement, and the demonstration of exceedingly higher power densities (>10W/mm). To demonstrate this performance, the device is typically subjected to bias levels greater than 40V, which result in large electric field stresses in the vicinity of the gate. Additionally, junction temperatures greater than 250/spl deg/C are predicted for the corresponding density of dissipated power. There is a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the effect of these large electrical and thermal stresses on the aging and degradation of GaN devices. There has only been a limited number of reports on the stability of GaN devices over time under RF dirve. In the present paper, we investigate the stability of GaN/AlGaN HEMTs under RF and DC stress. We provide a first look at the behavior of the device output power, quiescent currents, and leakage currents as a function of time under variable RF and DC stress conditions.
A Review of “Stuck in Place: Urban Neighborhoods and the End of Progress Toward Racial Equality”

Urban planners’ professional code of ethics stipulates that they strive to create cities that are diverse and inclusive, giving special attention to expanding opportunities for underrepresented, ec...
Alternative explanations for changes in the dependent variables cast doubt on the results of a study evaluating the effects of three communication interventions during a whole-group share-time activity on mean length of utterances for a participant with intellectual disability and an expressive language delay

Pattison, A. E., & Robertson, R. E. (2015). Simultaneous presentation of speech and sign prompts to increase MLU in children with intellectual disability. Communication Disorders QuarterlySource of funding and disclosure of interest: Original authors reported that there were no conflicts of interest and that they received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Upper-Tropospheric Synoptic-Scale Waves. Part I: Maintenance as Eady Normal Modes.

Abstract Upper-tropospheric waves are important in midlatitude synoptic-scale dynamics. Their life duration is typically longer than time scales for disruption by the ambient shaer and they often induce surface cyclogenesis. In this paper a dynamical model is proposed for the maintenance of these upper-level waves based on the upper-level Eady normal modes. An analytical model of waves is developed on Eady basic states that have uniform tropospheric and stratospheric potential vorlicity. While the standard Eady basic state represents the limiting case of infinite stratospheric static stability, it is found that the standard Eady normal-mode characteristics hold in the presence of realistic tropopause and stratosphere. In particular, the basic states studied support upper-level normal modes of synoptic scale, which are also nonlinear solutions of the quasigeostrophic equations. It was demonstrated earlier that the upper-level modal solutions do not exist in the presence of even infinitesimal tropospheric g...
Reassessment of the Necessity of the Proton Gantry: Analysis of Beam Orientations From 4332 Treatments at the Massachusetts General Hospital Proton Center Over the Past 10 Years

Purpose To retrospectively analyze the beam approaches used in gantry-based proton treatments, and to reassess the practical advantages of the gantry, compared with beam approaches that are achievable without a gantry, in the context of present-day technology. Methods and Materials We reviewed the proton therapy plans of 4332 patients treated on gantries at our hospital, delivered by the double scattering technique (n=4228) and, more recently, pencil beam scanning (PBS) (n=104). Beam approaches, relative to the patient frame, were analyzed individually to identify cases that could be treated without a gantry. Three treatment configurations were considered, with the patient in lying position, sitting position, or both. The FIXED geometry includes a fixed horizontal portal. The BEND geometry enables a limited vertical inflection of the beam by up to 20°. The MOVE geometry allows for flexibility of the patient head and body setup. Results The percentage of patients with head and neck tumors that could be treated without a gantry using double scattering was 44% in FIXED, 70% in 20° BEND, and 100% in 90° MOVE. For torso regions, 99% of patients could be treated in 20° BEND. Of 104 PBS treatments, all but 1 could be reproduced with FIXED geometry. The only exception would require a 10° BEND capability. Note here that the PBS treatments were applied to select anatomic sites, including only 2 patients with skull-base tumors. Conclusions The majority of practical beam approaches can be realized with gantry-less delivery, aided by limited beam bending and patient movements. Practical limitations of the MOVE geometry, and treatments requiring a combination of lying and sitting positions, may lower the percentage of head and neck patients who could be treated without a gantry. Further investigation into planning, immobilization, and imaging is needed to remove the practical limitations and to facilitate proton treatment without a gantry.
Conditions leading to non-exponential decay of the surface-NMR signal and implications for water content estimation

Summary Non-invasive surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) measurements can yield direct and quantitative estimates of water content in the near surface (Hertrich 2008). Fundamental to the inversion and analysis of SNMR data is a basic assumption that the measured signal exhibits an exponential decay. It can be shown, however, that in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field, the signal decay may be non-exponential in form. We show that in such cases, erroneous assumptions about the decay shape could lead to significant errors in estimated water content. Here, we present numerical experiments to illustrate how environmental conditions will influence the shape of the SNMR signal and the resulting accuracy of water content
Genetic and phenological variation of tocochromanol (vitamin E) content in wild ( Daucus carota L. var. carota ) and domesticated carrot ( D. carota L. var. sativa)

Carrot roots (Daucus carota L. var. sativa) produce tocochromanol compounds, collectively known as vitamin E. However, little is known about their types and amounts. Here we determined the range and variation in types and amounts of tocochromanols in a variety of cultivated carrot accessions throughout carrot postharvest storage and reproductive stages and in wild-type roots (Daucus carota L. var. carota). Of eight possible tocochromanol compounds, we detected and quantified α-, and the combined peak for β- and γ- forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Significant variation in amounts of tocochromanol compounds was observed across accessions and over time. Large increases in α-tocopherol were noted during both reproductive growth and the postharvest stages. The variation of tocochromanols in carrot root tissue provides useful information for future research seeking to understand the role of these compounds in carrot root tissue or to breed varieties with increased levels of these compounds.
Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent venous thromboembolism.

Les thromboembolies recidivantes peuvent etre dues a une formation inappropriee du caillot de plaquettes ou du caillot de fibrine ou a un manque de controle des dimensions des caillots hemostatiques. Il importe avant tout de determiner la maladie sous-jacente, au moyen d'examens cliniques et d'epreuves de laboratoires. Si le traitement etiologique n'est pas possible, une anticoagulation continue peut etre indiquee. En cas d'echec la pose d'un filtre dans la veine cave peut etre necessaire pour la prevention d'embolies pulmonaires mortelles
Synthesis and Enzymatic Studies of Isoprenoid Thiolo Bisubstrate Analogues.

Chain elongation prenyltransferases catalyze the addition of the hydrocarbon moiety of allylic isoprenoid diphosphates to the carbon–carbon double bond in isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) in the primary building reactions in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. Bis-O-diphosphate analogues 3-OPP/OPP, 4-OPP/OPP, and 5-OPP/OPP and bis-thiolodiphosphate bisubstrate analogues 3-SPP/SPP, 4-SPP/SPP, and 5-SPP/SPP were synthesized. The analogues 4-OPP/OPP, 5-OPP/OPP, 4-SPP/SPP, and 5-SPP/SPP were excellent competitive inhibitors of avian farnesyl diphosphate synthase with KI = 1.0 ± 0.12 μM, KI = 0.5 ± 0.2 μM, KI = 0.7 ± 0.3 μM, and KI = 2.9 ± 0.27 μM, respectively, whereas, analogues 3-OPP/OPP and 3-SPP/SPP displayed mixed type inhibition with KI = 1.4 μM and KI = 5.5 μM, respectively.
Long-Lasting Sound-Evoked Afterdischarge in the Auditory Midbrain

Different forms of plasticity are known to play a critical role in the processing of information about sound. Here, we report a novel neural plastic response in the inferior colliculus, an auditory center in the midbrain of the auditory pathway. A vigorous, long-lasting sound-evoked afterdischarge (LSA) is seen in a subpopulation of both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus of normal hearing mice. These neurons were identified with single unit recordings and optogenetics in vivo. The LSA can continue for up to several minutes after the offset of the sound. LSA is induced by long-lasting, or repetitive short-duration, innocuous sounds. Neurons with LSA showed less adaptation than the neurons without LSA. The mechanisms that cause this neural behavior are unknown but may be a function of intrinsic mechanisms or the microcircuitry of the inferior colliculus. Since LSA produces long-lasting firing in the absence of sound, it may be relevant to temporary or chronic tinnitus or to some other aftereffect of long-duration sound.
Plasma Osteocalcin Levels in Stone Disease. A Potential Aid in the Differential Diagnosis of Calcium Nephrolithiasis

AbstractPlasma osteocalcin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 70 consecutive patients with recurrent calcium (sterile) nephrolithiasis during diagnostic evaluation for the cause of the disease. Nephrogenous cyclic adenosine 3,5′-monophosphate levels also were measured in most of the subjects. Included in the sampling, as determined by standard diagnostic criteria, were 12 patients with absorptive hypercalciuria type I, 15 with absorptive hypercalciuria type II, 22 with renal leak hypercalciuria, 11 with normocalciuria, 6 with primary hyperparathyroidism, 3 with renal tubular acidosis and 1 with Paget’s disease, as well as 12 control subjects. The observed plasma osteocalcin levels (ng. per ml. mean ± standard error) were absorptive hypercalciuria I 2.6 ± 0.20, absorptive hypercalciuria II 3.1 ± 0.21, renal hypercalciuria 8.7 ± 0.45, normocalciuric nephrolithiasis 3.3 ± 0.25, primary hyperparathyroidism 13.2 ± 0.91, renal tubular acidosis (range) 5.2 to 10.6, Paget’s disease 18.0 and control 3.1 ±...
The Effect of Age on the Leisure Experience: A Study of Golfers

Taking a cross-sectional approach, this study investigates the effect of age differences on the personal leisure experience. While a number of studies have observed the impact of age and other demographics on leisure behavior alone, few have focused on differences in the psychological leisure experience. This research uses a sample of golfers to assess the effects of age on the psychological experiences of golfing as well as on behavior.
Two Archaeological Occurrences of Black Vulture in Southern Arizona

ABSTRACTBlack Vulture (Coragyps atratus) bones have been recovered twice from archaeological sites in southern Arizona. In both cases, the extant provenience information is poor, and in one case the bones are presently missing. Nevertheless, these occurrences have some significance in that the Black Vulture is a Neotropical species that has expanded its range northward into Arizona only in this century. Documentation as it presently exists is presented for each occurrence, and the taxonomic relationships of the extant specimen are examined.
Effect of aflibercept on refractory macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion.

Abstract Objective To report short-term visual and anatomic outcomes of patients who were switched to aflibercept for persistent macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series of 17 patients with persistent macular edema secondary to CRVO (defined as intraretinal edema and either Results The mean age was 77 years, and the mean VA at CRVO diagnosis was 20/135 with a CFT of 523.4 µm. Mean number of injections before switching to aflibercept was 12.9 (range: 3–40) and mean number of months of anti-VEGF treatment before switching to aflibercept was 18.7. Mean VA at switch to aflibercept was 20/182 ( p = 0.50) with mean CFT of 547.9 µm ( p = 0.66). Mean aflibercept injections were 4.0, and mean follow-up from switch to last follow-up was 5.2 months. Final mean VA was 20/115 ( p = 0.017), with a CFT of 315.2 µm ( p = 0.0012). Of the patients, 35.2% gained ≥3 lines. 29% of patients had complete resolution of macular edema, and the mean change in CFT was −233 µm. Conclusions Aflibercept appears to have a beneficial effect on anatomic and VA outcomes in a subset of patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO that is refractory to treatment with bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab.
Investigating the mechanical and barrier properties to oxygen and fuel of high density polyethylene–graphene nanoplatelet composites

Abstract Graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) of different sizes were investigated for their ability to modify high density polyethylene (HDPE) for potential fuel system applications, focusing on compounding via melt mixing in a twin-screw extruder. Mechanical properties, crystallinity of the polymer, and permeation to oxygen and fuel were assessed as a function of GnP concentration. The surface of GnP acted as a nucleation site for the generation of HDPE crystallites, increasing the crystallinity. The flexural properties were improved, clearly influenced by platelet size and quality of dispersion. A sharp, 46% decrease of the impact resistance was observed, even at low GnP concentration (0.2 wt.%). With a 15 wt.% GnP-M-15 (platelets with a 15 μm diameter), a 73% reduction in oxygen permeation was observed and a 74% reduction in fuel vapor transmission. This correlation was similar throughout the GnP concentration range. The smaller diameter platelets had a lesser effect on the properties.
In vitro models reveal differences in the developmental neurotoxicity of an environmental polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon mixture compared to benzo[a]pyrene: Neuronotypic PC12 Cells and embryonic neural stem cells

In addition to their carcinogenic activity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are suspected to be developmental neurotoxicants. We evaluated the effects of PAHs with two in vitro models that assess distinct "decision nodes" in neurodifferentiation: neuronotypic PC12 cells, which characterize the transition from cell replication to neurodifferentiation, neurite outgrowth and neurotransmitter specification; and embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs), which evaluate the origination of neurons and glia from precursors. We compared an environmentally-derived PAH mixture from a Superfund contamination site (Elizabeth River Sediment Extract, ERSE) to those of a single PAH, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). In PC12 cells, BaP impaired the transition from cell replication to neurodifferentiation, resulting in higher numbers of cells, but with reduced cell size and deficits in all indices of neuronal features (neurite formation, development of dopamine and acetylcholine phenotypes). ERSE was far less effective, causing only modest changes in cell numbers and size and no impairment of neurite formation or neurotransmitter specification; in fact, ERSE evoked a slight increase in emergence of the acetylcholine phenotype. In the NSC model, this relationship was entirely reversed, with far greater sensitivity to ERSE than to BaP. Furthermore, ERSE, but not BaP, enhanced NSC differentiation into neurons, whereas both ERSE and BaP suppressed the glial phenotype. Our studies provide a cause-and-effect relationship for the observed association of developmental PAH exposure to behavioral deficits. Further, PAH sensitivity occurs over developmental stages corresponding to rudimentary brain formation through terminal neurodifferentiation, suggesting that vulnerability likely extends throughout fetal brain development and into early childhood.
Benders decomposition for large-scale prescriptive evacuations

This paper considers prescriptive evacuation planning for a region threatened by a natural disaster such a flood, a wildfire, or a hurricane. It proposes a Benders decomposition that generalizes the two-stage approach proposed in earlier work for convergent evacuation plans. Experimental results show that Benders decomposition provides significant improvements in solution quality in reasonable time: It finds provably optimal solutions to scenarios considered in prior work, closing these instances, and increases the number of evacuees by 10 to 15% on average on more complex flood scenarios.
Antimalarial Properties of Simplified Kalihinol Analogues

Several kalihinol natural products, members of the broader isocyanoterpene family of antimalarial agents, are potent inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum, the agent of the most severe form of human malaria. Our previous total synthesis of kalihinol B provided a blueprint to generate many analogues within this family, some as complex as the natural product and some much simplified and easier to access. Each analogue was tested for blood-stage antimalarial activity using both drug-sensitive and -resistant P. falciparum strains. Many considerably simpler analogues of the kalihinols retained potent activity, as did a compound with a different decalin scaffold made in only three steps from sclareolide. Finally, one representative compound showed reasonable stability toward microsomal metabolism, suggesting that the isonitrile functional group that is critical for activity is not an inherent liability in these compounds.
Differential patterns in mind perception in subclinical paranoia: relationships to self-reported empathy.

Introduction: Although social cognition skills and biases are well-studied in paranoia, “mind perception” – perceiving the extent to which someone even possesses a thinking, feeling mind – is not. ...
Ten years after Morocco’s Mudawwana: The rhetoric and reality of women’s rights

To commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in November 2016, Morocco’s public television channel, 2 M, ran a special segment during a women’s show addressing dom...
The effect of sustained virological response on the risk of extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection

Background and aim Chronic HCV infection is associated with several extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs). Data on the effect of sustained virological response (SVR) on the risk of EHMs are limited. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data of patients from the US Veterans Affairs HCV Clinical Case Registry who had a positive HCV RNA test (10/1999-08/2009). Patients receiving interferon-based antiviral therapy (AVT) were identified. SVR was defined as negative HCV RNA at least 12 weeks after end of AVT. Risks of eight incident EHMs were evaluated in Cox regression models. Results Of the 160 875 HCV-infected veterans, 31 143 (19.4%) received AVT, of whom 10 575 (33.9%) experienced SVR. EHM risk was reduced in the SVR group compared with untreated patients for mixed cryoglobulinaemia (adjusted HR (aHR)=0.61; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.94), glomerulonephritis (aHR=0.62; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.79), porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) (aHR=0.41; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.83), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) (aHR=0.64; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.95), diabetes (aHR=0.82; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.88) and stroke (aHR=0.84; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.94), but not for lichen planus (aHR=1.11; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.56) or coronary heart disease (aHR=1.12; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.56). Risk reductions were also observed when patients with SVR were compared with treated patients without SVR for mixed cryoglobulinaemia, glomerulonephritis, PCT and diabetes. Significant reductions in the magnitude of aHRs towards the null with increasing time to initiation of AVT after HCV diagnosis were observed for glomerulonephritis, NHL and stroke. Conclusions Risks of several EHMs of HCV infection are reduced after AVT with SVR. However, early initiation of AVT may be required to reduce the risk of glomerulonephritis, NHL and stroke.
REFLEJOS SOBRE UN PUENTE Y SUS AGUAS:UN ACCESO RÁPIDO A JACIRAT B. ʿUMAR / CIZRE / ʿAIN DIWAR

AbstractWhether for medieval or modern audiences, the Zangid bridge at Jazirat b. ʿUmar / Cizre / ʿAin Diwar has been integrally linked to its waters. Historically, reflections of its dome-like arch, astrological reliefs, and Kufic calligraphy shimmered on them in shifting combinations. The bridge and its waters thereby together expressed the widespread poetic trope of the earth as the mirror of the heavens, the causal link medieval audiences believed existed between terrestrial and celestial realms, and the highly elusive nature of earthly access to heavenly influences. In the modern world, the same waters define the troubled state border between Syria and Turkey. As a result, scholarly access to the bridge has also been highly elusive, making it particularly vulnerable to theft, and endangering our access to the past. The bridge ultimately exemplifies both the sophistication of medieval relationships between art and nature, and the inescapable ways the present impedes historical inquiry.
Airborne Chemical Information and Context-Dependent Post-Strike Foraging Behavior in Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus)

Predators demonstrate context-dependent foraging behaviors to dynamically and successfully track prey and can use multiple cues in this process. In squamate reptiles (snakes and lizards), chemical signals from prey significantly influence predatory behavior, especially substrate and airborne cues. In this study, we examined behavioral variation in rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) during strike-induced chemosensory searching (SICS), a sterotyped complex of behaviors seen in squamates. Rattlesnakes can use both substrate and airborne chemical cues during SICS, but we sought to determine the changes during SICS when either substrate, airborne, or air-deposited chemical cues were the only types available to snakes in a Y-maze. We hypothesize that these cues represent the spectrum of chemical information available in the natural environment. We also modified scoring of choice in the Y-maze by deriving a choice penalty score, a reflection of how extensively the snake explored the unscented arm of the maze. In t...
Exploring mobile device literacy in Senegal

This paper presents a study of mobile device literacy in Senegal within the context of the AppliCafe project. Research in this area has been mostly conducted in Anglophone countries. We designed a kiosk structure that we call AppliCafe (derived from the term cyber cafe) that can move between locations and is equipped with mobile technology, including training videos and a mobile application. This project aims at teaching people on how to use their smartphones efficiently. We used a qualitative approach based on surveys and interviews to gather data from users on their mobile phone usage and their opinions on the structure, mobile app and videos. We also interviewed local developers and entrepreneurs to get their perspective on mobile app adoption, usage, and the issues they meet in promoting their apps and scaling their businesses. We outline interesting mobile device usage patterns including the use of web sites rather than mobile apps to save data. We demonstrate the importance of a physical learning environment for users to improve their mobile device literacy skills and for developers to engage with users to produce better quality and fitted apps.
Chronic stress, hair cortisol and depression: A prospective and longitudinal study of medical internship.

Abstract Background Stress plays a causal role in depression onset, perhaps via alteration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. HPA axis hyperactivity has been reported in depression, though inconsistently, and the nature of this relationship remains unclear, partly because cortisol measurement over time has been challenging. Development of hair cortisol assessment, a method that captures cortisol over prolonged periods of time, creates new possibilities. In this study, hair cortisol was incorporated into a prospective and longitudinal study of medical internship, stress and symptoms of depression. This provided a rare opportunity to 1) prospectively assess hair cortisol responses to stress, and 2) examine whether stress-induced changes in hair cortisol predict depressive symptom development. Methods Hair cortisol, depressive symptoms, and stress-relevant variables (work hours, sleep, perceived stress, mastery/control) were assessed in interns (n = 74; age 25–33) before and repeatedly throughout medical internship. Results Hair cortisol sharply increased with stressor onset, decreased as internship continued, and rose again at year’s end. Depressive symptoms rose significantly during internship, but were not predicted by cortisol levels. Hair cortisol also did not correlate with increased stressor demands (work hours, sleep) or stress perceptions (perceived stress, mastery/control); but these variables did predict depressive symptoms. Discussion Hair cortisol and depressive responses increased with stress, but they were decoupled, following distinct trajectories that likely reflected different aspects of stress reactivity. While depressive symptoms correlated with stressor demands and stress perceptions, the longitudinal pattern of hair cortisol suggested that it responded to contextual features related to anticipation, novelty/familiarity, and social evaluative threat.
Visible light reduces C. elegans longevity.

The transparent nematode Caenorhabditis elegans can sense UV and blue-violet light to alter behavior. Because high-dose UV and blue-violet light are not a common feature outside of the laboratory setting, we asked what role, if any, could low-intensity visible light play in C. elegans physiology and longevity. Here, we show that C. elegans lifespan is inversely correlated to the time worms were exposed to visible light. While circadian control, lite-1 and tax-2 do not contribute to the lifespan reduction, we demonstrate that visible light creates photooxidative stress along with a general unfolded-protein response that decreases the lifespan. Finally, we find that long-lived mutants are more resistant to light stress, as well as wild-type worms supplemented pharmacologically with antioxidants. This study reveals that transparent nematodes are sensitive to visible light radiation and highlights the need to standardize methods for controlling the unrecognized biased effect of light during lifespan studies in laboratory conditions. The nematode C. elegans is known to alter its behavior in response to UV light. Here, the authors show that visible light triggers photo-oxidative stress and a wider stress response in C. elegans, suggesting that light exposure during routine laboratory handling may influence the outcome of lifespan experiments.
MATHEMATICAL MODELS FOR STATISTICAL DECISION THEORY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mathematical models for statistical decision theory. In the typical problem of statistical inference, the statistician is confronted with the problem of selecting one out of the vast number of possible decision rules. Mathematical characterizations will not constitute a resolution of the fundamental problem, inasmuch as this is intimately tied up with irresolvable philosophical difficulties. These arise, in all but a few exceptional problems, because there is no single procedure that can be regarded as uniformly dominating all other possible procedures. Despite all of the above difficulties, a great deal can still be done to formalize statistical decision theory.
Tqm for Information Systems Management: Quality Practices for Continuous Improvement

The quality revolution and what it means to information services an information technology strategy for quality applying an information systems quality strategy business planning and IT planning - the quality links technology's role in quality improvement world-class application development applications that support quality in an enterprise applying quality practices to IT operations personnel practices in a quality world starting the implementation of quality making quality your management process.
Surface Flaw Characterization Using Ultrasonic Backscattered Satellite Pulse Technique

Conventionally, part lives of aircraft engine components are determined by empirical and statistical analyses based on fracture mechanics or fatigue crack propagation. Advanced engine design for energy efficiency and improved performance have dictated stringent quality control of components. Small flaws can be critical to the flight safety and service life of those components. It is thus extremely important to characterize the flaw and monitor its growth for better part life management. Eddy current and fluorescent penetrant nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are limited to the detection and sizing of surface cracks. Ultrasonic methods are most commonly used for detection and characterization of subsurface defects; however, some newly developed ultrasonic techniques are gaining popularity for surface flaw detection and sizing.
Corticosteroid-binding globulin. A review of some recent aspects.

Among the numerous corticosteroid-binding proteins that have been demonstrated to exist throughout the vertebrates, the corticosteroid-binding globulins (CGB or transcortin) of man and guinea pig have been most thoroughly investigated. Both are glycoproteins that contain one binding site for corticosteroid hormones and other steroids. The binding forces are predominantly of a hydrophilic nature, in addition to hydrophobic interaction. Human CBG forms a reversible dimer that maintains full binding affinity and capacity. The monomeric form is composed of two electrophoretic variants that appear indistinguishable in their chemical, immunological, and steroid binding properties. Thermodynamic analysis indicates different binding mechanisms for human and cavian CBG at the lower and higher temperature range. Entrance of hydroxy groups into the steroid molecule increases the affinity to CBG; the contributions to the free energy of complex formation, resulting from individual substitutions or other alterations in the steroid molecule, are additive. Determination of binding specificity leads to a conceptual image of the steroid binding site with respect to the nature of the various binding domains.
Effect of High Folic Acid Diet on Mitochondrial DNA Content in Young Adult and Aged Mice

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) codes for proteins of oxidative phosphorylation system and maintaining adequate mtDNA copy number is necessary for cell survival. Studies in animal models have shown that ...
Measuring high-quality work relationships: A test of model and gender invariance.

Abstract. Research on high-quality relationships (HQR) between coworkers has garnered considerable interest, yet the original HQR measure (Carmeli, 2009) has been adapted in disparate ways (e.g., i...
Development of Structural Countermeasures for NHTSA’s Oblique Impact

Crash test results have shown that vehicles which receive good ratings in existing co-linear consumer information tests still may require structural modifications for good performance in NHTSA’s frontal oblique test procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine incremental vehicle structural change requirements and their associated mass and cost to significantly reduce occupant compartment intrusion. An available finite element model of a mid-size sedan was updated and validated using data from a 2015 Toyota Camry. The generated baseline model correlated well with the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) full overlap test, NHTSA’s left and right oblique impact tests, and with the IIHS small and moderate overlap crash configurations. An iterative optimization process was used to develop necessary countermeasures to reduce occupant compartment intrusion according to defined design goals for the left and right oblique impact configuration. No unintended consequences, i.e. no considerable increase of vehicle pulse for oblique and co-linear load cases were observed. The associated added mass was 10.8kg and the associated cost was $30. Occupant risk analysis was not part of this study. Additional research in concert with restraint systems and occupants would ensure that the optimized structure does not adversely affect the measured occupant injury predictions.Copyright © 2018 by ASME
Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Children

In the last 40 years, the management of neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower urinary tract in children has undergone profound changes due to increased understanding and vast improvements in development of drug and surgical therapies. This chapter describes the current issues surrounding its prevalence, recent attempts at prenatal management, early postnatal lower urinary tract function, initial postnatal management, risk factors for upper urinary tract deterioration, reasons for prophylactic therapy that reduce compromises to renal function, assessment of sexual function as these individuals are surviving into adulthood and as such it plays an increasingly important role in their lives and finally, advances in the management of bowel dysfunction as that becomes paramount with affected patients surviving and wanting to become more engaged in society.
Net-Widening in Schools?: The Collateral Consequences of Safe School Expenditures for Suspension Rates:

Concerns about school safety are increasingly commonplace, especially considering the attention garnered by mass shootings and other instances of crime in schools. In response, billions of dollars ...
Zwitterionic-anionic surfactant mixture for chemical enhanced oil recovery without alkali

Abstract Scaling problems and complex produced fluid treatment are amongst the issues attributed to the use of alkali in Daqing chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations. These problems have incurred additional operating cost due to damage suffered by production/injection wells, surface facilities, and possibly the reservoir. This study presents the formulation of surfactant mixtures for chemical EOR in the absence of alkali by using combination of zwitterionic and anionic surfactants. The zwitterionic-anionic surfactant mixtures were formulated and screened based on aqueous stability, interfacial tension (IFT) measurement, and microemulsion phase behavior. Coreflood experiments were conducted to investigate recovery performance of the selected surfactant pair. Mixture of cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine and alcohol propoxy sulfate outperformed other mixtures of zwitterionic and anionic surfactants investigated. This binary surfactant mixture appeared as a clear and transparent aqueous solution, achieved ultralow IFT in spinning-drop IFT measurement, and formed substantial middle-phase microemulsion in phase behavior test, indicating a synergistic behavior between the surfactant pair. The ultralow IFT achieved by the binary surfactant mixture led to displacement 63–75% of residual oil in place during coreflood experiments, for which the surfactant retention was around 0.08 mg/g rock. This result shows that zwitterionic-anionic surfactant mixture can provide an alternative approach toward optimizing chemical EOR processes without alkali.
Directed Application of Goal (Oxyfluorfen) to Container Grown Euonymus, to Minimize Phytotoxicity and Leaching

Abstract Goal 1.6E (Oxyfluorfen) was applied to rooted cuttings of Euonymus fortunei ‘Colorata’ planted in a U.C. Mix (peat:sand, 1:1 by vol), in 3.8 1 (#1) containers, either as a topical spray or mixed within the growth-medium to 2, 7 or 14 cm (0.8, 2.8, 5.6 in) depth. At comparable rates, phytotoxicity was much lower in layered treatments than when sprayed over-the-top. With an identical concentration of Goal in the growth medium, there was no difference in phytotoxicity between a shallow top layer, exposing all but the base of the root ball to treated soil, and planting the root ball into an entire container profile of treated soil. Incorporation slightly reduced the herbicidal activity—as assessed by oversown grass weeds—compared to surface application. The presence of herbicide in the effluent, collected under the containers, was determined 1 and 8 weeks after the application, by bioassay based on germinating bentgrass. In the first bioassay, no appreciable amount of Goal was detected from surface s...