cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REQUIREMENT FOR THE TWO AHPF CYSTINE DISULFIDE CENTERS IN CATALYSIS OF PEROXIDE REDUCTION BY ALKYL HYDROPEROXIDE REDUCTASE

AhpF, the alkyl hydroperoxide reductase component which transfers electrons from pyridine nucleotides to the peroxidase protein, AhpC, possesses two redox-active disulfide centers in addition to one FAD per subunit; the primary goal of these studies has been to test for the requirement of one or both of these disulfide centers in catalysis. Two half-cystine residues of one center (Cys 345Cys348) align with those of the homologous Escherichia coli thioredoxin reductase (TrR) sequence (Cys135Cys138), while the other two (Cys129Cys132) reside in the additional N-terminal region of AhpF which has no counterpart in TrR. We have employed site-directed mutagenesis techniques to generate four mutants of AhpF, including one which removes the N-terminal disulfide (Ser129Ser132) and three which perturb the TrR-like disulfide center (Ser345Ser348, Ser345Cys348, and Cys345Ser348). Fluorescence, absorbance, and circular dichroism spectra show relatively small perturbations for mutations at the disulfide center proximal to the flavin (Cys345Cys348) and no changes for the Ser129Ser132 mutant; identical circular dichroism spectra in the ultraviolet region indicate unchanged secondary structures in all mutants studied. Oxidase and transhydrogenase activities are preserved in all mutants, indicating no role for cystine redox centers in these activities. Both DTNB and AhpC reduction by AhpF are dramatically affected by each of these mutations, dropping to less than 5% for DTNB reductase activity and to less than 2% for peroxidase activity in the presence of AhpC. Reductive titrations confirm the absence of one redox center in each mutant; even in the absence of Cys345Cys348, the N-terminal redox center can be reduced, although only slowly. These results emphasize the necessity for both redox-active disulfide centers in AhpF for catalysis of disulfide reductase activity and support a direct role for Cys 129Cys132 in mediating electron transfer between Cys345Cys348 and the AhpC active-site disulfide.
MRI of Stroke Recovery

MRI is a vital tool for the measurement of acute stroke and has been used to visualize changes in activation patterns during stroke recovery. There is emerging interest on using MRI to monitor the structural substrates of spontaneous recovery and neurorestorative treatment of stroke. In this review, we describe the use of MRI and its associated challenges to measure vascular and neuronal remodeling in response to spontaneous and therapy-induced stroke recovery. We demonstrate that MRI methodologies may be used in real-time monitoring of recovery from stroke.
Dynamic modeling and performance of a current-mode controlled boost DC-DC Converter with slope compensation

This paper presents dynamic modeling and perforamance of a current-mode controlled boost DC-DC converter with slope compensation. The current-mode controller is based on average small signal models. The controller consists of two control loops; inner and outer control loops. The inner loop is a current loop controller with slope compensation to force the input current to track the reference current, which is determined by the output of voltage regulator. The outer loop is a PI controller that minimizes the steady state error between the output voltage of the converter and its reference. For validation, experimental results are provided to verify the superiority of the proposed current-mode based Boost converter under 50V/20A load.
A current-steering DAC-Based CMOS ultra-wideband impulse generator

In this paper, the design and simulation of a CMOS ultra-wideband pulse generator using TSMC 0.18µm CMOS technology is presented. The operating frequency band of the pulse generator is from 3 to 10 GHz for the application of ultra-wideband (UWB) communications. The structure of the impulse generator is based on the current-steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The impulse generator has the feature of high-tunability and the simulation results show that the output of the impulse generator complies with the FCC regulations and has a power consumption of 27mW at a 50 MHz pulse repetition rate (PRR).
Combined BRAFV600E- and SRC-inhibition induces apoptosis, evokes an immune response and reduces tumor growth in an immunocompetent orthotopic mouse model of anaplastic thyroid cancer

// Pierre Vanden Borre 1 , Viswanath Gunda 1 , David G. McFadden 2 , Peter M. Sadow 1 , Shohreh Varmeh 1 , Maria Bernasconi 1 and Sareh Parangi 1 1 Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 2 Thyroid Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts Correspondence: Sareh Parangi, email: // Keywords : Thyroid, BRAF, SRC Received : April 3, 2014 Accepted : June 24, 2014 Published : June 26, 2014 Abstract Anaplastic (ATC) and refractory papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) lack effective treatments. Inhibition of either oncogenic BRAF or SRC has marked anti-tumor effects in mouse models of thyroid cancer, however, neither drug induces notable apoptosis. Here we report that the SRC-inhibitor dasatinib further sensitizes BRAF V600E -positive thyroid cancer cells to the BRAF V600E -inhibitor PLX4720. Combined treatment with PLX4720 and dasatinib synergistically inhibited proliferation and reduced migration in PTC and ATC cells. Whereas PLX4720 did not induce robust apoptosis in thyroid cancer cells, combined treatment with dasatinib induced apoptosis in 4 of 6 lines. In an immunocompetent orthotopic mouse model of ATC, combined PLX4720 and dasatinib treatment significantly reduced tumor volume relative to PLX4720 treatment alone. Immune cell infiltration was increased by PLX4720 treatment and this effect was maintained in mice treated with both PLX4720 and dasatinib. Further, combined treatment significantly increased caspase 3 cleavage in vivo relative to control or either treatment alone. In conclusion, combined PLX4720 and dasatinib treatment induces apoptosis, increases immune cell infiltration and reduces tumor volume in a preclinical model of ATC, suggesting that the combination of these FDA-approved drugs may have potential for the treatment of patients with ATC or refractory PTC.
Fast rotation of a 3D image about an arbitrary line

Abstract A graphical computer system must give the user an opportunity to look at an object from different angles. For that, we must be able, given two points P1 and P2 in space and an angle Φ, to rotate an object by the angle Φ about the line P1P2. This is usually done by rotating vertices (or other points that represent an object) and connecting them. Since an image can have lots of vertices, it is important to be able to rotate each of them quickly. Therefore, we are interested in a rotation method that would consist of the smallest possible number of computational steps. The usual method (see, e.g., [1]) includes four nonarithmetic operations (namely, computing sin Φ, cos Φ, and two square roots), and seven multiplications of 4 × 4 matrices. Nonarithmetic operations are necessary because the known expression for a rotated point includes sin Φ, cos Φ, and a square root. However, we can try to reduce the number of arithmetic operations (+, -, ×, :). In this paper, we propose an algorithm that consists of only 30 arithmetic steps: it is less than 1 10 of the number of steps used in the traditional method.
Geriatric in the Office and Clinic1

The aged are high risk for mental health problems, and their treatment will become an increasing focus for psychiatrists. Many elderly are responsive to psychother apeutic interventions, even though they are less often referred and treated than are younger persons with similar problems. In addition to the traditional modalities, such as psychotherapy and chemotherapy, this article reviews some of the specialized techniques that can be helpful to older people and provides examples illustrating their use.
An Ω (n log n) lower bound on the cost of mutual exclusion

We prove an Ω(n log n) lower bound on the number of non-busywaiting memory accesses by any deterministic algorithm solving n process mutual exclusion that communicates via shared registers. The cost of the algorithm is measured in the state change cost model, a variation of the cache coherent model. Our bound is tight in this model. We introduce a novel information theoretic proof technique. We first establish a lower bound on the information needed by processes to solve mutual exclusion. Then we relate the amount of information processes can acquire through shared memory accesses to the cost they incur. We believe our proof technique is flexible and intuitive, and may be applied to a variety of other problems and system models.
Stored Representations of three-Dimensional Objects in the Absence of Two-Dimensional Cues:

Object recognition was studied in human subjects to determine whether the storage of the visual objects was in a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional representation. Novel motion-based and disparity-based stimuli were generated in which three-dimensional and two-dimensional form cues could be manipulated independently. Subjects were required to generate internal representations from motion stimuli that lacked explicit two-dimensional cues. These stored internal representations were then matched against internal three-dimensional representations constructed from disparity stimuli. These new stimuli were used to confirm prior studies that indicated the primacy of two-dimensional cues for view-based object storage. However, under tightly controlled conditions for which only three-dimensional cues were available, human subjects were also able to match an internal representation derived from motion of that of disparity. This last finding suggests that there is an internal storage of an object's representations in three dimensions, a tenet that has been rejected by view-based theories. Thus, any complete theory of object recognition that is based on primate vision must incorporate three-dimensional stored representations.
An Empirical Analysis of Forecast Sharing in the Semiconductor Equipment Supply Chain

We study the demand forecast-sharing process between a buyer of customized production equipment and a set of equipment suppliers. Based on a large data collection we undertook in the semiconductor equipment supply chain, we empirically investigate the relationship between the buyer's forecasting behavior and the supplier's delivery performance. The buyer's forecasting behavior is characterized by the frequency and magnitude of forecast revisions it requests (forecast volatility) as well as by the fraction of orders that were forecasted but never actually purchased (forecast inflation). The supplier's delivery performance is measured by its ability to meet delivery dates requested by the customers. Based on a duration analysis, we are able to show that suppliers penalize buyers for unreliable forecasts by providing lower service levels. Vice versa, we also show that buyers penalize suppliers that have a history of poor service by providing them with overly inflated forecasts.
Exenatide: first-in-class incretin mimetic for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Exenatide is the first-in-class incretin mimetic for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mechanistically, it mimics several of the glucoregulatory effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 including: 1) glucose-dependent insulin secretion via the glucose-dependent glucagon-like peptide-1 pancreatic receptor; 2) suppression of elevated plasma glucagon levels; 3) reduction in the rate of appearance of glucose into the systemic circulation by normalizing the accelerated rate of gastric emptying often present in Type 2 diabetes mellitus; 4) reduction of food intake, which in turn promotes weight loss; 5) stimulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. A1C reductions of approximately 1% can be expected with a baseline A1C of 8.0-8.5%. Exenatide significantly reduces postprandial glucose levels, while having only a modest effect on the fasting plasma glucose. Hypoglycemic risk is no different to placebo when combined with metformin or a thiazolidinediones, but is higher when combined with a sulfonylurea, possibly requiring reduction in the sulfonylurea dose. Exenatide may cause gastrointestinal side effects upon initiation, which usually lessen over time. Gastrointestinal side effects can be reduced by starting exenatide 5 µg subcutaneously twice daily before meals; if tolerated, titration to 10 µg twice daily before meals at 1 month may further improve glycemia and weight loss.
Two-coordinate Fe⁰ and Co⁰ complexes supported by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes.

The CAAC [CAAC=cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene] family of carbene ligands have shown promise in stabilizing unusually low-coordination number transition-metal complexes in low formal oxidation states. Here we extend this narrative by demonstrating their utility in affording access to the first examples of two-coordinate formal Fe^0 and Co^0 [(CAAC)_2M] complexes, prepared by reduction of their corresponding two-coordinate cationic Fe^I and Co^I precursors. The stability of these species arises from the strong σ-donating and π-accepting properties of the supporting CAAC ligands, in addition to steric protection.
Advanced risk analytics on the cell broadband engine

This paper explores the effectiveness of using the CBE platform for Value-at-Risk (VaR) calculations. Specifically, it focuses on the design, optimization and evaluation of pricing European and American stock options across Monte-Carlo VaR scenarios. This analysis is performed on two distinct platforms with CBE processors, i.e., IBM Q22 blade server and the Playstation3 gaming console.
Expressive and modular predicate dispatch for Java

Predicate dispatch is an object-oriented (OO) language mechanism for determining the method implementation to be invoked upon a message send. With predicate dispatch, each method implementation includes a predicate guard specifying the conditions under which the method should be invoked, and logical implication of predicates determines the method overriding relation. Predicate dispatch naturally unifies and generalizes several common forms of dynamic dispatch, including traditional OO dispatch, multimethod dispatch, and functional-style pattern matching. Unfortunately, prior languages supporting predicate dispatch have had several deficiencies that limit the practical utility of this language feature.We describe JPred, a backward-compatible extension to Java supporting predicate dispatch. While prior languages with predicate dispatch have been extensions to toy or nonmainstream languages, we show how predicate dispatch can be naturally added to a traditional OO language. While prior languages with predicate dispatch have required the whole program to be available for typechecking and compilation, JPred retains Java's modular typechecking and compilation strategies. While prior languages with predicate dispatch have included special-purpose algorithms for reasoning about predicates, JPred employs general-purpose, off-the-shelf decision procedures. As a result, JPred's type system is more flexible, allowing several useful programming idioms that are spuriously rejected by those other languages. After describing the JPred language informally, we present an extension to Featherweight Java that formalizes the language and its modular type system, which we have proven sound. Finally, we discuss two case studies that illustrate the practical utility of JPred, including its use in the detection of several errors.
LIFE HISTORY OF A MALARIA PARASITE (PLASMODIUM MEXICANUM) IN ITS HOST, THE WESTERN FENCE LIZARD (SCELOPORUS OCCIDENTALIS): HOST TESTOSTERONE AS A SOURCE OF SEASONAL AND AMONG-HOST VARIATION?

The course of infection of a malaria parasite (Plasmodium mexicanum) is highly variable in its host, the fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). However, a seasonal trend is superimposed on this variation such that gametocyte production is intensified during mid- to late summer. Host testosterone levels follow a similar seasonal fluctuation and are variable among individual lizards. We sought to determine if testosterone levels affect seasonal and among-host variation in 11 P. mexicanum life history traits: rate of increase in level of infection (3 measures), peak parasitemia (3 measures), duration of increase (3 measures), time to detectable infection, and timing of production of gametocytes. We followed the course of infection in 125 male S. occidentalis, each randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: castrated, castrated and implanted with exogenous testosterone, sham implanted, and unmanipulated controls. Median values for the 11 life history traits did not differ among treatment groups, and variances were homogeneous among the treatment groups for 10/11 traits. However, elevated testosterone significantly reduced the variation in timing of the onset of gametocyte production. Therefore, testosterone does not appear to be a primary regulator of P. mexicanum life history, yet testosterone may have some effect on when gametocytes first become detectable.
Processing Speed Mediates the Development of General Intelligence (g) in Adolescence

In the research reported here, we examined whether processing speed mediates the development of general intelligence (g) in adolescence. Using the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a battery of 12 diverse cognitive tests, we assessed processing speed and g in a large sample of 13- to 17-year-olds obtained from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (N = 6,969). The direct effect of age on g was small compared with the total effect of age on g, which was almost fully mediated through speed. The results suggest that increases in g in adolescence can be attributed to increases in mental speed.
Positive Semidefinite Rank-Based Correlation Matrix Estimation With Application to Semiparametric Graph Estimation

Many statistical methods gain robustness and flexibility by sacrificing convenient computational structures. In this article, we illustrate this fundamental tradeoff by studying a semiparametric graph estimation problem in high dimensions. We explain how novel computational techniques help to solve this type of problem. In particular, we propose a nonparanormal neighborhood pursuit algorithm to estimate high-dimensional semiparametric graphical models with theoretical guarantees. Moreover, we provide an alternative view to analyze the tradeoff between computational efficiency and statistical error under a smoothing optimization framework. Though this article focuses on the problem of graph estimation, the proposed methodology is widely applicable to other problems with similar structures. We also report thorough experimental results on text, stock, and genomic datasets.
Synchronized Time-Lens Source for Coherent Raman Scattering Microscopy

We use the time-lens concept to demonstrate a new scheme for synchronization of two pulsed light sources for biological imaging. An all fiber, 1064 nm time-lens source is synchronized to a picosecond solid-state Ti: Sapphire mode-locked laser by using the mode-locked laser pulses as the clock. We demonstrate the application of this synchronized source for CARS and SRS imaging by imaging mouse tissues. Synchronized two wavelength pulsed source is an important technical difficulty for CARS and SRS imaging. The time-lens source demonstrated here may provide an all fiber, user friendly alternative for future SRS imaging.
Commentary: Chasing the elusive null—the story of income inequality and health

Backlund and colleagues, 1 provide new multilevel evidence of a strong and robust association between US state income inequality and individual mortality in the <65-year-old adult population (relative risks of 1.39 for men and 1.13 for women, Table 2, 1 ), even after conditioning this association on a range of covariates. Yet, this statistically and substantively significant finding is not a part of the study’s conclusion. Instead, the null association observed in the elderly population (565 years) is emphasized to conclude that ‘this explains why income inequality is not a major driver of mortality trends in the United States because most deaths occur at ages 65 and over.’ In this comment, we evaluate the substantive and empirical aspects of the study, which we believe helps to settle some disagreements in the field. The study, however, is also characteristic, somewhat unfortunately, of the way in which some of the debate on income inequality and health has been portrayed. Specifically, the conclusions have been at variance with the very empirical evidence presented by the researchers who are sceptical of this association.
An Ethnographic Study of the Astor/Astor Park Cemetery

the aim of this study is to learn about the past life of the small, rural community of Astor, located along the Saint John’s river in central Florida, through an ethnographic study of the original, historic section of the Astor/Astor Park cemetery. 1 the data presented in this paper comes from a survey of the area’s history, area maps, several personal visits to the cemetery, a study of headstones as artifacts of cultural history, and a review of historical documents such as censuses, death records, and military records. As a result of this study, a great deal about the ethnic and racial make-up of this population is revealed in addition to other interesting demographic factors regarding the past population of the Astor/Astor Park area. 2 Issue 1. Spring 2011
High Status Men (but Not Women) Capture the Eye of the Beholder

Two studies tested the hypothesis that people attend preferentially to high status men (but not women). Participants overestimated the frequency of high status men in rapidly presented arrays (Expe...
In vitro analysis of partially hydrolyzed guar gum fermentation differences between six individuals.

Correction for ‘In vitro analysis of partially hydrolyzed guar gum fermentation differences between six individuals’ by Justin Carlson, et al., Food Funct., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5fo01232e.
Exploring the Interaction Between Strategic Adaptability and Marketing Standardization in International Marketing: Some Research Proposals

The profound transformation of the world economy from a multinational to a global one has propelled strategy formulation to the center of scholarly and managerial inquiry. Intensifying competition for cross national market shares, homogenizing consumer tastes, rapid technological change, and novel forms of trade and investment have collectively heightened the need for proficiency in global strategy formulation.
Effects of Bethanechol on Intestinal Ion Transport in the Rat

SummaryIn studies of rat jejunum, par-enteral bethanechol increases the transmu-ral PD, and decreases Na and HCO3 absorption, the rate of H secretion, and the final PCO2. In the ileum, it increases the final pH slightly. Bethanechol has no effect on intestinal transport when added to lumenal fluid. The changes in net transport evoked by pilo-carpine are quantitatively similar in jejunum and ileum, whereas the major effect of bethanechol is on the jejunum, implying that the muscarinic receptor of the ileum is less accessible or less responsive to bethanechol.I gratefully acknowledge the skilled assistance of Norman Hunter. This was supported by U. S. Public Health Service Grant Number AM 16488.
A Comparative Assessment of Computer-Based Media for Presenting Job Task Instructions

This study compared the effects of previous task training/experience and alternative methods for presenting procedural instructions on job task performance. Six computer-based presentation methods were examined on four types of oscilloscope operator tasks. The presentation methods were text-only, audio-only, text-audio, text-graphics, audio-graphics, and text-audio-graphics. Results showed that regardless of the subjects' prior training and experience, the most efficient and effective task performances were obtained through a combination of audio and graphics media; an effect which can be further enhanced by the addition of redundant task instructions in textual form. The practical applications and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effects of Biaxial Preconditioning on Failure of Acelluluar Collagen Gels

Due to collagen’s importance as an extracellular matrix (ECM) structural protein, it has often been used as a scaffold material for engineered or model tissue [1]. In order to correctly generate new tissues, the scaffolding must mimic the native ECM. The mechanical properties are crucial not only as a structural support but also to allow for cell differentiation [1]. Preconditioning is a processing technique where a sample of soft tissue material is subjected to cyclical strain. As a result, the fibers align in accordance with the direction of preconditioning [2]. Such realignment alters the mechanical properties of the tissue. In order to design more effective tissue engineering scaffolds, it is important to characterize the effects of preconditioning on the damage and failure of collagen constructs. This study attempts to understand how preconditioning alters the stresses, strains, and failure of a sample when it is subjected to a load in different orientations.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A Synthesis of the ABC Tricyclic Core of the Clionastatins Serves To Corroborate Their Proposed Structures

A synthesis of the ABC tricyclic ring system of the clionastatins, an unusual pair of highly chlorinated androstane steroids, has been accomplished. This work provides strong support for the original structural proposal. An unexpected substrate-dependent reversal in alkene chlorination diastereoselectivity was critical to success. This approach should be amenable to an eventual enantioselective synthesis of the natural products themselves.
Joint communications and radar performance bounds under continuous waveform optimization: The waveform awakens

We develop a joint radar and communications performance bound by optimizing waveforms jointly for the simultaneous radar return and communications receiver. We develop radar waveforms that jointly maximize radar estimation rate and communications data rate for a shared spectrum. As an extension to our previous efforts, we consider a parametrically defined radar spectral weighting of the waveform, balancing the potential increase in entropy due to range sidelobes with the potential improvement in main lobe performance. Successive interference cancellation is used to mitigate an in-band communications user signal after the predicted radar return is removed. The emphasis on radar estimation rate and communications rate is varied, and results are obtained using numerical methods.
European Integration, 1950–2003: Mrs. Thatcher, Europe, and the Reform of Britain

M rs . T hatcher's Britain was the pacemaker of adaptation to regime change in the 1980s and a model for Europe. She in fact reformed the British economy and public administration more thoroughly than has yet been possible anywhere on the continent. At the same time, the Single European Act of 1986 provided the first impetus to liberalization since the creation of the Common Market. The SEA had vast implications. It opened Europe to the competition not only of private and public markets but of private and public regimes as well. The single market project thereby not only contributed to growth and stability; in addition, it served as an agent of change in modernizing nations and gave a new lease on life to the besieged welfare state. Taken together, the U.K. example and the SEA program set a wave of reform in motion that, though dikes have been built to contain it, continues to exert a tidal pull. Two sharp spurs prodded free-market reform in Europe in the 1980s and 1990s. One of them, a fiscal crisis, cut sharply into muscle after the second oil price shock of 1979. The pain was felt by small, wealthy, democratic nations with open borders, highly regulated economies, and generous social protection like the Nordic welfare states. In such countries, runaway government spending had produced ballooning budget deficits that – instead of stimulating the use of idle productive resources in a Keynesian manner – accelerated inflation, raised the costs of wages and imported raw material, eroded productivity, impeded both export and overall growth, and accelerated the velocity of the stagflationary maelstrom.
Exploring salt and solvent effects in chloride-based electrolytes for magnesium electrodeposition and dissolution

We describe in this work Mg electrodeposition and dissolution from a wide range of inorganic ethereal electrolytes consisting of MgCl2 and a second chloride salt. Systematic variations of the cosalt reveal two broad classes of electrolytes, namely, the group 13 electrolytes, which require electrolytic cycling to improve their performance, and electrolytes based on heavy p-block chlorides, which exhibit Mg intermetallic formation. Results from electrospray ionization mass spectrometry demonstrate that Mg deposition and stripping only occur in electrolytes containing Mg multimers. We also explore the role of solvent in determining the electrochemical performance of chloride-based electrolytes. Our analysis establishes thermodynamic parameters that dictate the ability of a solvent to support Mg electrochemistry in the MgCl2–AlCl3 system. In their totality, these results illustrate important electrolyte design guidelines for future Mg-ion batteries.
Metabolic profiling of a myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome discovery cohort reveals disturbances in fatty acid and lipid metabolism

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) remains a continuum spectrum disease without biomarkers or simple objective tests, and therefore relies on a diagnosis from a set of symptoms to link the assortment of brain and body disorders to ME/CFS. Although recent studies show various affected pathways, the underlying basis of ME/CFS has yet to be established. In this pilot study, we compare plasma metabolic signatures in a discovery cohort, 17 patients and 15 matched controls, and explore potential metabolic perturbations as the aftermath of the complex interactions between genes, transcripts and proteins. This approach to examine the complex array of symptoms and underlying foundation of ME/CFS revealed 74 differentially accumulating metabolites, out of 361 (P < 0.05), and 35 significantly altered after statistical correction (Q < 0.15). The latter list includes several essential energy-related compounds which could theoretically be linked to the general lack of energy observed in ME/CFS patients. Pathway analysis points to a few pathways with high impact and therefore potential disturbances in patients, mainly taurine metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism, combined with primary bile acid metabolism, as well as glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and a few other pathways, all involved broadly in fatty acid metabolism. Purines, including ADP and ATP, pyrimidines and several amino acid metabolic pathways were found to be significantly disturbed. Finally, glucose and oxaloacetate were two main metabolites affected that have a major effect on sugar and energy levels. Our work provides a prospective path for diagnosis and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ME/CFS.
Henicovalva gen. n., a New Genus of Predominantly Afrotropical Ennominae with Unusually Complex Genitalia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Henicovalva gen. n. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae), a new genus of ennomine geometrids characterised by unusually complex male and female genitalia, is described and illustrated. In addition to the East African type species H. xera (Prout, L. B., 1922) comb. n., which is transferred from Odontopera Stephens, 1831, nine additional members of this genus are described as new to science: H. serulensis sp. n. from northeastern Botswana, H. mpisiensis sp. n. from Swaziland, H. lebomboensis sp. n. from northern KwaZulu-Natal, H. dissoluta sp. n. from northeastern Tanzania, H. staudei sp. n. from central Kenya, H. praedicta sp. n. from southwestern Kenya, H. pulveraria sp. n. from Rwanda, H. negus sp. n. from Ethiopia, and H. yemenensis sp. n. from the Yemen Arab Republic. Although the recorded distribution of Henicovalva gen. n. is disjunct, this may be due to sampling bias. The phylogenetic position of the new genus within Ennominae is discussed, and it is tentatively placed in Ennomini. Illustrations of the adults and male and female genitalia, where known, are provided, as is a map showing the distribution of the southern African species. The study is complemented by a Gazetteer.
The performance of fluency

A three-year interdisciplinary collaboration applied acting, voice, and speech pedagogy to team-taught ESL classes in higher education. This case study resulted in improved speaking and listening s...
Prevention of Recurrent Affective Disorder

Prophylactic pharmacotherapy for affective disorders is an idea whose time has really come. In the past year, two excellent reviews of the literature on the subject appeared in major psychiatric journals.1,2 There are now available also two books of technical papers on basic and clinical aspects of lithium as a drug and as a treatment.3,4 The latter book is primarily British in origin; both contain chapters on a variety of subjects by a wide range of authors.
The Impact of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection on Patients’ Prevention Behaviors

OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (RCDI) on patient behaviors following illness. METHODS Using a computer algorithm, we searched the electronic medical records of 7 Chicago-area hospitals to identify patients with RCDI (2 episodes of CDI within 15 to 56 days of each other). RCDI was validated by medical record review. Patients were asked to complete a telephone survey. The survey included questions regarding general health, social isolation, symptom severity, emotional distress, and prevention behaviors. RESULTS In total, 119 patients completed the survey (32%). On average, respondents were 57.4 years old (standard deviation, 16.8); 57% were white, and ~50% reported hospitalization for CDI. At the time of their most recent illness, patients rated their diarrhea as high severity (58.5%) and their exhaustion as extreme (30.7%). Respondents indicated that they were very worried about getting sick again (41.5%) and about infecting others (31%). Almost 50% said that they have washed their hands more frequently (47%) and have increased their use of soap and water (45%) since their illness. Some of these patients (22%-32%) reported eating out less, avoiding certain medications and public areas, and increasing probiotic use. Most behavioral changes were unrelated to disease severity. CONCLUSION Having had RCDI appears to increase prevention-related behaviors in some patients. While some behaviors are appropriate (eg, handwashing), others are not supported by evidence of decreased risk and may negatively impact patient quality of life. Providers should discuss appropriate prevention behaviors with their patients and should clarify that other behaviors (eg, eating out less) will not affect their risk of future illness. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2017;38:1351-1357.
An Empirical Investigation of Ride Sharing and Alcohol Related Motor Vehicle Homicide

In this work, we investigate how the entry of the driving service Uber influences the rate of alcohol related motor vehicle homicides. While significant debate has surrounded the entry of driving s...
Global Technical Communication in 7.5 Weeks Online: Combining Industry and Academic Perspectives

Introduction: With the growing need for intensive and online course formats, it has become increasingly difficult to determine what combinations of knowledge and skills that are important for both academia and industry can best provide students with the grounding for exploring the questions of global technical communication (TC) during their programs. About the case: The 7.5-week online global TC course at Arizona State University is divided into six theme-based units and a unit that focuses on a research/revision project. Situating the case: While over the last 20 years, excellent practical materials for teaching global TC have been published, there is a need for comprehensive course descriptions, particularly for courses in online and intensive formats. Methods/approach: The course was based on an extensive literature review of academic and trade publications. The course's effectiveness was analyzed based on final reflective discussion assignments and anonymous student course evaluations. Results/discussion: The literature review revealed six major themes that define global TC: culture and communication, the frameworks of culture, verbal communication, global content and technology, visual communication, and cross-cultural collaboration and audience work. Each unit addressed one of these themes. The course was well-received, and students started posing critical questions to explore in future courses. Conclusions: In our program, having a dedicated global TC course was very beneficial because it introduced students to concepts that they could further explore in other 7.5-week online courses. In addition, I present recommendations for adopting/adapting the course, as well as its limitations and suggestions for future research.
Data Acquisition and Corrections

PET is based on the detection in coincidence of the two 511-keV annihilation photons that originate from β+ emitting sources (e.g., the patient). The two photons are detected within an electronic time window (e.g., 12 ns) set for the scanner and must be along the straight line connecting the centers of the two detectors called the line of response (LOR). Since the two photons are detected in coincidence along the straight line in the absence of an absorptive collimator, this technique is called electronic collimation. All coincident events are collectively called prompts, which include true, random, scattered, and multicoincidence events. Examples of these events are illustrated in Fig. 3.1. A true coincident event arises when two 511-keV photons from a single annihilation event are detected by a detector pair along the LOR (Fig. 3.1a). Random coincidences occur when two unrelated 511-keV photons from two separate annihilation events are detected by a detector pair within the same time window (Fig. 3.1b). These events raise the background causing loss of image contrast. Scatter coincidences occur due to Compton scattering of annihilation photons in the patient in the forward direction without much loss of energy [Hoffman and Phelps,(1986)]. One 511-keV photon and one scattered photon or both scattered photons arising from the same annihilation event may fall within the 511-keV energy window and be detected by a detector pair within the coincidence time window (Fig. 3.1c). Scatter coincidences raises the background of the image and degrades the image contrast. Multicoincidence occurs when more than two unrelated 511-keV photons are detected in coincidence in different detectors within the time window, but these events are discarded because of the difficulty in positioning them.
Bayesian Approaches to Modeling Stated Preference Data

Bayesian econometric approaches to modeling non-market valuation data have not often been applied, but they offer a number of potential advantages. Bayesian models incorporate prior information often available in the form of past studies or pre-tests in Stated Preference (SP) based valuation studies; model computations are easily and efficiently performed within an intuitively constructed Markov chain Monte Carlo framework; and asymptotic approximations, unreasonable for the relatively small sample sizes seen in some SP data sets, need not be invoked to draw (posterior) inferences. With these issues in mind, we illustrate computationally feasible approaches for fitting a series of surveys in a sequential manner, and for comparing a variety of models within the Bayesian paradigm. We apply these approaches to a series of SP surveys that examined policies to conserve old growth forests, northern spotted owls, and salmon in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for heterotopic ossification prophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of non-selective and selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in preventing heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthr...
Technology, attitude and mathematics: a descriptive examination of the literature spanning three decades

An extensive literature base exists on the use of technology in mathematics and its effect on student learning; however, no comprehensive reviews have been published on how affective characteristics (specifically attitude) might factor into these results. This review presents a thorough descriptive examination of the literature on attitude and achievement of elementary and middle school students when using technology in mathematics. The literature was examined from 1983 to 2013 to synthesise (a) populations, (b) settings, (c) types of technology used, (d) operational definitions of attitude, (e) assessment of attitude and mathematical content domains, (f) research designs used, and (g) length of interventions. Twenty-five datasets, representing 25 published manuscripts, were included in the review. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Decoupled trophic responses to long-term recovery from acidification and associated browning in lakes.

Increases in the concentration of dissolved organic matter (DOM) have been documented in many inland waters in recent decades, a process known as "browning". Previous studies have often used space-for-time substitution to examine the direct consequences of increased DOM on lake ecosystems. However, browning often occurs concomitant with other ecologically important water chemistry changes that may interact with or overwhelm any potential ecological response to browning itself. Here we examine a long-term (~20 year) dataset of 28 lakes in the Adirondack Park, New York, USA, that have undergone strong browning in response to recovery from acidification. With these data, we explored how primary producer and zooplankton consumer populations changed during this time and what physical and chemical changes best predicted these long-term ecosystem changes. Our results indicate that changes in primary producers are likely driven by reduced water clarity due to browning, independent of changes in nutrients, counter to previously hypothesized primary producer response to browning. In contrast, declines in calcium concomitant with browning play an important role in driving long-term declines in zooplankton biomass. Our results indicate that responses to browning at different trophic levels are decoupled from one another. Concomitant chemical changes have important implications for our understanding of the response of aquatic ecosystems to browning.
Real-Time Ultrasound Improves Accuracy of Caudal Block in Children

Background Caudal block, the most common regional anesthetic in children, is predominantly performed using palpation to determine placement. The efficacy of the palpation technique is unknown with respect to block success. While ultrasound has been suggested for use during caudal block, its use is infrequent. Methods A single-blinded prospective observational trial was performed evaluating provider success rate of caudal blocks placed by palpation alone. After needle insertion and partial local anesthetic injection, an ultrasound was performed to confirm correct location. Results A total of 109 caudal blocks were performed during the prospective observational study. Success rate for caudal blocks done by palpation alone was 78.9% as confirmed by ultrasound. In 21.1% of caudal blocks, the provider incorrectly judged the needle to be in the caudal space as confirmed with ultrasound. Conclusions Real-time ultrasound visualization of local anesthetic injection provides reliable and immediate confirmation during caudal block in children.
History of metabolic/bariatric surgery and evolution of evidence

Metabolic surgery dates back to the late nineteenth century. First funded in 1975, the NIH-sponsored Program on the Surgical Control of the Hyperlipidemias (POSCH) was the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) to use a metabolic surgery procedure as the intervention modality; it was also the first trial definitively to demonstrate the cardiovascular and life expectancy benefits of marked lipid reduction. In 1978, we defined metabolic surgery, “as the operative manipulation of a normal organ or organ system to achieve a biological result for a potential health gain.”
Pediatric Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction in the Era of Genetic Sequencing

The purpose of this review is to discuss current knowledge on pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction. We will also review new mutations that have been identified through advancement in genetic testing, allowing for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of intestinal dysmotility and potential etiologies. With the advancements in genetic testing, new mutations have been identified in the diagnosis of megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS), a disorder leading to pediatric pseudo-obstruction. MYLK, LMOD1, MYL9, and MYH11 encode for various proteins within smooth muscle cells; abnormalities within these proteins lead to abnormal intestinal smooth muscle contractions. Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is defined by symptoms of bowel obstruction in the absence of a lumen-occluding lesion. CIPO is a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by abnormalities in the enteric neurons, intestinal smooth muscle, and/or the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Symptoms can be non-specific and etiologies include both primary and secondary causes of CIPO that contribute to the delay in recognizing this condition and making the correct diagnosis. Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction has been recognized in both adults and children with fundamental differences in the etiology, symptom onset, clinical features and natural history of this disorder. For this reason, it has been considered a separate entity referred to as pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO).
Apparel and Textile Manufacturers’ Perspectives on the Impact of Buyers’ Purchasing Practices on Environmentally Friendly Operations

Buyer’s concern about the environmental performance of the manufacturer firms is increasing day by day. Zhu and Geng (2001) surveyed large and medium-sized state-owned enterprises and found buyers stopped purchasing from the manufacturers having environmental issues. Decisions taken during purchase order impact the operational performances of the supplier firm. For example, if buyers source more woolen fabrics, then the negative environmental impacts associated with wool processing will be more intense. The purpose of this study was to understand buyers’ purchase behaviors, problems and opportunities created by their purchasing practices, and the impact of those practices upon environmentally friendly operations of manufacturing firms. Participants from eight different countries were interviewed to gain an overall understanding regarding the impact of the purchasing practices. Cost of operation, lack of funds, buyers’ lack of sustainability knowledge and increasing interest in environmental certificates and rating platforms were found as frequently discussed factors by suppliers.