cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Valid inequalities for mixed integer linear programs

This tutorial presents a theory of valid inequalities for mixed integer linear sets. It introduces the necessary tools from polyhedral theory and gives a geometric understanding of several classical families of valid inequalities such as lift-and-project cuts, Gomory mixed integer cuts, mixed integer rounding cuts, split cuts and intersection cuts, and it reveals the relationships between these families. The tutorial also discusses computational aspects of generating the cuts and their strength.
A Monte Carlo Study of Altimeter Pulse Returns and the Electromagnetic Bias

The electromagnetic (EM) bias is an important error term in sea-surface height estimation from satellite radar altimetry. While the EM bias has been studied extensively, previous studies have utilized hydrodynamic and EM models that require an a priori separation of the sea surface into “long” and “short” waves that are then treated separately. This paper presents a study of the EM bias that avoids this decomposition by employing a Monte Carlo procedure with numerical nonlinear hydrodynamic simulations coupled with numerical physical-optics methods for EM scattering from the sea surface. Due to the computational complexity of the approach, only long-crested surfaces (i.e., 2-D scattering problems) are considered. The formulation of the physical-optics model utilized is presented, along with a derivation of the standard Brown model for the long-crested surface case for comparison. The simulated pulse returns generally are in good agreement with the Brown model using the specular surface height probability density function. However, the influence of the EM frequency on the EM bias obtained is much smaller than that reported from satellite observations. Predicted biases are also examined as the range of length scales included in the surface profile is varied, in order to determine any apparent cutoff or length-scale separations that occur. It is found that the bias continues to increase as additional short waves are included in the surface spectrum, although a saturation occurs for surface length scales shorter than the EM wavelength.
Inventory and pricing policies under competition

We extend the profit maximizing economic order quantity (EOQ) model to the case of a symmetric oligopoly consisting of sellers of a homogeneous product who complte with each other for the same potential buyers. The key feature differentiating this paper from the extant EOQ literature is that, for both uniform pricing and quantity discount pricing cases, the formulations and equilibrium strategies of our models explicitly depend on the number of competing sellers. From the resulting symmetric equilibria, we derive interesting economic implications.
Nondiffracting X waves-exact solutions to free-space scalar wave equation and their finite aperture realizations

The authors report families of generalized nondiffracting solutions of the free-space scalar wave equation, and specifically, a subset of these nondiffracting solutions, which are called X waves. These nondiffracting X waves can be almost exactly realized over a finite depth of field with finite apertures and by either broadband or bandlimited radiators. With a 25-mm diameter planar radiator, a zeroth-order broadband X wave will have about 2.5-mm lateral and 0.17-mm axial -6-dB beam widths with a -6-dB depth of field of about 171 mm. A zeroth-order bandlimited X wave was produced and measured in water by a 10 element, 50-mm diameter, 2.5-MHz PZT ceramic/polymer composite J/sub 0/ Bessel nondiffracting annular array transducer with -6-dB lateral and axial beam widths of about 4.7 mm and 0.65 mm, respectively, over a -6-dB depth of field of about 358 mm. Possible applications of X waves in acoustic imaging and electromagnetic energy transmission are discussed. >
Overexpression and purification of scytovirin, a potent, novel anti-HIV protein from the cultured cyanobacterium Scytonema varium.

Scytovirin (SVN) is a novel anti-human immunodeWciency virus (HIV) protein isolated from aqueous extracts of the cultured cyanobacterium Scytonema varium. The protein consists of a single 95-amino acid chain with signiWcant internal sequence duplication and 10 cysteines forming Wve intrachain disulWde bonds. A synthetic gene that encodes scytovirin was constructed, and expressed in Escherichia coli, with thioredoxin (TRX) fused to its N-terminius (TRX-SVN). Most of the expressed protein was in soluble form, which was puriWed by a polyhistidine tag aYnity puriWcation step. SVN was then cleaved from TRX with enterokinase and separated from the TRX partner by C18 reversed-phase HPLC. This production method has proven superior to earlier synthetic attempts and recombinant procedures using a standard expression system. The current system resulted in yields of 5–10 mg/L of puriWed SVN for structural studies and for preclinical development of SVN as a topical microbicide for HIV prophylaxis. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Mixed Multiscale Methods for Heterogeneous Elliptic Problems

We consider a second order elliptic problem written in mixed form, i.e., as a system of two first order equations. Such problems arise in many contexts, including flow in porous media. The coefficient in the elliptic problem (the permeability of the porous medium) is assumed to be spatially heterogeneous. The emphasis here is on accurate approximation of the solution with respect to the scale of variation in this coefficient. Homogenization and upscaling techniques alone are generally inadequate for this problem. As an alternative, multiscale numerical methods have been developed. They can be viewed in one of three equivalent frameworks: as a Galerkin or finite element method with nonpolynomial basis functions, as a variational multiscale method with standard finite elements, or as a domain decomposition method with restricted degrees of freedom on the interfaces. We treat each case, and discuss the advantages of the approach for devising effective local multiscale methods. Included is recent work on methods that incorporate information from homogenization theory and effective domain decomposition methods.
How Localized are Language Brain Areas? A Review of Brodmann Areas Involvement in Oral Language

Theinterestinunderstandinghowlanguageis“localized”inthebrainhasexistedforcenturies.Departingfromsevenmeta-analyticstudiesof functional magnetic resonance imaging activity during the performance of different language activities, it is proposed here that there are two different language networks in the brain: first, a language reception/understanding system, including a “core Wernicke’s area” involved in word recognition (BA21, BA22, BA41, and BA42), and a fringe or peripheral area (“extended Wernicke’s area:” BA20, BA37, BA38, BA39, and BA40) involved in language associations (associating words with other information); second, a language production system (“Broca’s complex:” BA44, BA45, and also BA46, BA47, partially BA6-mainly its mesial supplementary motor area-and extending toward thebasalgangliaandthethalamus).Thispaperadditionallyproposesthattheinsula(BA13)playsacertaincoordinatingroleininterconnecting these two brain language systems.
Systems perspective of the primary aluminum supply chain: Unintended consequences of participant policies

Supply chains have been proposed as complex adaptive systems. This paper looks at the global aluminum supply chain network in those terms. Developments in this industry have included formation of a cartel by bauxite producing countries, emergence of Australia as a leading producer, the collapse of communism in Europe, and the rise of Chinese production in all phases of primary aluminum production. Complex adaptive systems literature is reviewed, and the world aluminum production system described. This includes identification of system elements, their relationships, interactions, and developments. Analysis in terms of how this production system exhibits complex adaptive systemic behavior across the supply chain is provided. The decentralized behavior of the overall primary aluminum system provides understanding of how individual agents, be they multinational firms, individual governments, or cartels are unable to totally control the system in the long run.
A Radar-Based, Tree-Branching Sense and Avoid System for Small Unmanned Aircraft

The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System is heavily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration due to safety concerns. Primary among these concerns is the need for a “sense and avoid” (SAA) system to detect and maneuver well-clear of other aircraft. Much work has been done towards the development of a SAA solution for UAS, but most is not applicable to small UAS (sUAS) due to size, weight, and power constraints. This paper present a SAA solution specifically tailored for sUAS that uses a coarse-resolution radar to sense other air traffic and a branching path-planner to quickly generate collision-free paths. Results produced by the system using three predefined converging encounter scenarios and multiple random scenarios are presented and discussed. The effect of parameter variation on algorithm runtime is also explored.
Irrigation at Teotihuacān

The role played by irrigation in the development of civilization in Mesoamerica has never been satisfactorily determined. Steward (1949: 12-13, 17) has assumed that it played a role in Mesoamerica similar to that which it played in the development of the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, north China, and coastal Peru. In each of these other areas the first urban civilizations to develop were in regions requiring the control of water for the cultivation of crops, and the necessity for this control is generally accepted as having provided the basis for the development of these urban class societies. Yet in Mesoamerica the matter has actually never been established one way or the other. Armillas (1948: 109) states that rainfall is sufficient today during the rainy season in the highlands of central Mexico in general, and the Valley of Mexico in particular, to produce a crop of maize without irrigation, but that irrigation is necessary for the production of an additional crop in any year.
Does viewing documentary films affect environmental perceptions and behaviors

abstractThis research explored whether viewing documentary films about the natural or built environment can exert a measurable influence on behaviors and perceptions. Different documentary films were viewed by subjects. One film emphasized the natural environment, while the other focused on the built environment. After viewing a film, a computer game assessed environmental identification. Finally, subjects took part in a charitable donation activity in which they could contribute to either of two causes (helping dolphins or a fund for bridge rejuvenation). Results yielded significant differences in subjects' environmental perceptions and on the donation task. Findings are discussed as well as implications for future research in environmental communication and conservation.
Optic neuropathy associated with copper deficiency after gastric bypass surgery.

Purpose:Patients undergoing gastric bypass procedures are predisposed to many vitamin and mineral deficiencies including copper, which can lead to optic neuropathy.Methods:A 35-year-old woman complained of progressive vision loss bilaterally 3 years after gastric bypass surgery (GBS).Results:Ophthal
Assessing the Impact of Retail Price Promotions on Product Substitution, Complementary Purchase, and Interstore Sales Displacement:

The author investigates the impact of retail price promotions on consumer purchasing patterns and the performance of competing retailers. A conceptual framework for retail promotional effects that ...
The important role of modifiable dietary and behavioral characteristics in the causation and prevention of coronary heart disease hospitalization and mortality: the prospective NHANES I follow-up study.

Our specific aim in the prospective, longitudinal assessment of 8,251 subjects in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES I, followup study was to assess the important roles of modifiable dietary and behavioral characteristics in the causation and prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD).Using NHANES I prospective 10 year followup data, we studied 8,251 subjects; 492 with cardiovascular events and 7,759 without events during the followup period (1971-75 to 1982-84). Using general linear models and logistic regression, we assessed the relationships of CHD risk factors to CHD morbidity and mortality.By logistic regression, the following factors were independently, significantly, and inversely associated with coronary heart and vascular disease deaths and hospitalizations: alcohol intake, dietary riboflavin, dietary iron, serum magnesium, leisure time exercise, habitual physical activity, and female gender. Positive significant independent determinants of CHD events included cigarette ...
Analysis on the characteristics of rpsL gene mutations in Streptomycin resistance isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The objective was to understand the characteristics of rpsL gene mutation in Streptomycin resistant clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tuberculosis) in China,and evaluate the application of rapid detection of rpsL gene mutation by PCR.The 302 M.tuberculosis clinical isolates were detected by drug sensitivity test(DST),and the rpsL was detected by PCR-directly sequence(PCR-DS).Of 59 strains were pan-susceptible to 5 drugs including INH,RFP,SM,EMB and PAS,and 61 strains were sensitive to streptomycin(SM) but resistant to the other drugs.The mutation rate of SM susceptible isolates was 5.00%(6/120).In the 182 SM resistant isolates,the rpsL mutation rate was 70.33%,and the mutation rate of codon43 Lys→Arg was 52.20%;there were 4 mutation types in codon 88,and the mutation rate was 20.33%;the mutation rate of codon 86 Arg→Gln was 0.55%.The rpsL gene mutation rate of SM resistant strains was significantly higher than that of SM-sensitive strains χ2=125.04,P0.05.In conclusion,the rpsL mutation in M.tuberculosis is highly associated with Streptomycin resistance,and codon 43 Lys→Arg mutation is the main and important type.Meanwhile,the PCR-DS could be applied to rapid detection of rpsL mutation in clinical M.tuberculosis isolates for identifying SM susceptibility.
Role of individual-housing–based socioeconomic status measure in relation to smoking status among late adolescents with asthma

Abstract Purpose We aimed to assess whether smoking status among individuals in late adolescence (19–22 years) with asthma was associated with socioeconomic status (SES) defined by HOUSES, an individual-housing–based SES measure. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the 1988–1989 Olmsted County, Minnesota Birth Cohort, with physician-diagnosed asthma and that lived in the community during the study period (November 1, 2008–October 31, 2012). Using a z score for housing value, actual square footage, and numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms, HOUSES was formulated and categorized into quartiles. Smoking status (both current and past smoker) was compared among subjects with different SES as measured by HOUSES using logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex. Results Among 289 eligible subjects, 287 (99%) were successfully geo-coded to real property data for HOUSES. Of the 257 subjects whose smoke exposure was recorded, 70 (27%) had a history of smoking (either past or current). An inverse association was observed between HOUSES and smoking status after accounting for age, gender, and General Medical Examination status (adjusted OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.18–0.87 for comparing highest vs. lowest HOUSES in quartile; overall P = .02). Conclusions A significant proportion of individuals with asthma in late adolescence was smokers during the study period, disproportionally affecting those with lower SES.
Expression of the neural intermediate filament proteins peripherin and neurofilament-66/alpha-internexin in neuroblastoma.

Background Peripherin and neurofilament (NF)-66/alpha-internexin are recently characterized, neuron-specific intermediate filament proteins that are expressed in the developing peripheral nervous system. Peripherin, in particular, is highly enriched in neuronal derivatives of the neural crest. We speculated that these intermediate filament proteins would be expressed in neuroblastoma (NB), a neural crest-derived tumor with many neuronal features. Experimental design By use of antibodies specific to peripherin and NF-66/alpha-internexin, we detected these proteins on Western blots of NB tissue extracts and in paraffin sections of NBs. Results Western blotting indicated that NB tumor extracts contained immunoreactive proteins that co-migrated with rat peripherin and human NF-66/alpha-internexin from normal tissues, thus establishing the specificity of the antibodies for these proteins in tumors. The antibody specific for peripherin labeled all NBs, including immature NBs, composite ganglioneuroblastomas and ganglioneuromas. In contrast, the NF-66/alpha-internexin antibody labeled only 50% of NBs, and only weakly labeled most ganglioneuroblastomas and ganglioneuromas. Neither antibody labeled other small blue cell tumors such as lymphomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, Wilms' tumors, and Ewing sarcomas. Conclusions The specificity of the peripherin labeling of NB and the ability of the peripherin antibody to label the entire spectrum of NBs, including ganglioneuroblastomas and ganglioneuromas, indicate that this intermediate filament protein has potential as a diagnostic marker for these related neural crest neoplasms.
Culturally Sensitive Assessment

Issues of cultural interaction and culturally sensitive assessment and treatment of young children have become prominent in recent years for mental health professionals, for reasons having to do with changing demographics, public values, and professional vision. "Culture" refers to the sociocultural adaptatior, of design for living shared by people as members of a community. Mental health professionals who work with culturally diverse populations need to become culturally self-aware and find abstract and experiential ways to build a useful body of professional knowledge concerning childrearing and discipline practices, health and illness beliefs, communication styles, and expectations about family or professional relations or other group interactions. They also need to learn how to work effectively in intercultural teams, use families as partners and resources, train and work with interpreters, and select and use formal and nonformal assessment procedures in appropriate, culturally sensitive ways.
Carpal and tarsal agenesis with features of essential and hereditary osteolysis.

A twelve-year follow-up is presented of two patients with progressive osteolysis of the tarsal and carpal bones.
Teaching Intercultural Communication through Service-Learning.

Course: Intercultural CommunicationObjectives: After completing this intercultural service-learning activity, students should be able to (1) apply effective intercultural communication skills in culturally different sites; (2) analyze cultures different from their own through service-learning; (3) compare and evaluate course readings with service-learning experiences through directed reflection; and (4) build critical empathy, relational, and reflexivity skills by communicating with people who are culturally different.
Gender Differences in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Publisher Summary Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits. Although the mechanisms are not entirely clear, IBS disproportionately affects women and men at a ratio of over 2:1. The complex interplay between IBS, sex, and gender has intrigued the medical community for decades, giving rise to many theories why IBS affects women and men differently. Some have proposed that the greater prevalence of IBS in women merely reflects an underestimation of prevalence in men due to symptom under-reporting. Others have implicated psychosocial, anatomical, and biochemical factors such as a history of personal abuse, gastrointestinal tract anatomic or physiologic differences in disease expression, and symptom perception. This chapter explores the multiple possibilities why IBS is more commonly diagnosed in women. IBS is a clinical diagnosis based on fulfillment of the Rome III criteria, which were originally established for investigational purposes. Depending on the predominant symptom, patients are categorized as constipation predominant (IBS-C), diarrhea predominant (IBS-D) or mixed. Each group is equally represented among patients with IBS, although differences exist between women and men in the clinical manifestations of IBS. Constipation is more common in women as are extracolonic symptoms. IBS symptoms are thought to occur as a result of dysregulation of the brain–gut axis, although a single underlying etiology of the disorder remains elusive. Treatment of IBS is individualized and based on the predominant symptom(s).
MEK Inhibitor AZD6244 Induces Cell Growth Arrest and Synergizes Nutlin-3a-Mediated Cell Death by Upregulating p53 and PUMA Levels in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

Abstract Raf/MEK/Erk signaling is constitutively activated in the majority of acute myeloid leukemias (AML), providing rationale for targeting this pathway with therapeutic intent. We investigated growth-inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects of AZD6244, a small molecule MEK1/2 inhibitor, as well as potential synergistic effects with the MDM2 antagonist Nutlin-3a in AML. AZD6244 inhibited proliferation of AML cells by arresting cells in G1 phase, which resulted from inhibition of cell cycle checkpoint proteins cyclin E and cdk2, and was associated with the modulation of cyclin D1, cyclin A, cyclin B1, p27 and Rb phosphorylation levels. AZD6244 also induced apoptotic cell death in AML cell lines with constitutive activation of MEK/ERK signaling (OCI/AML3, HL60 and MOLM13) via decrease of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 protein expression and upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, Bak, Bad and Bim proteins. Next we tested the hypothesis that activation of p53 signaling with a small molecule MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a would enhance the pro-apoptotic effects of MEK inhibition in AML. Combinations of AZD6244 and Nutlin-3a triggered profound apoptotic responses in AML cells with wild-type p53 (OCI/AML3, MOLM13 and Baf3-FLT3-ITD), with combination indices (averaged ED50=0.37, ED75=0.38, ED90=0.43) suggesting strong synergism. In contrast, no synergism was seen in p53 null cell HL60 (ED50=1.27, ED75=1.38, ED90=1.66) or in OCI-AML3 cells stably transduced with p53 shRNA. Mechanistically, combined blockade of MEK pathway and activation of p53 signaling resulted in marked upregulation of p53 expression and of the p53 target protein PUMA, while only partially suppressing Nutlin-induced p21 upregulation. This resulted in loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and cleavage of caspase-9 and -3. Importantly, combined AZD6244 and Nutlin-3a treatment potently induced apoptosis in blasts from primary AML patients. In summary, AZD6244 induced growth-inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects in AML cells with constitutive activation of MEK/ERK signaling. These effects were synergistically enhanced by simultaneous activation of p53 signaling by Nutlin-3a, resulting in the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Altogether, these results strongly suggest potential activity of AZD6244 alone or in combination with MDM2 antagonists as novel mechanism-based therapeutic agents in AML therapy.
Extended source imaging using a single rotating modulation collimator

Rotating modulation collimators (RMC) have traditionally been most sensitive for locating point sources, but have also been used for imaging time dependent extended sources such as solar flares. Current methods for RMC imaging of extended sources have relied upon multiple RMC systems each with their own detectors, electronics, and mask sets. The difference between systems is that each mask pair has a different set of slit spacings so that different spatial frequency components of the source field can be recorded. The data from the ensemble of RMCs is then combined to produce the final extended source image. This research considers a different approach for imaging extended sources with an RMC. This method relies on a single RMC system, and takes advantage of the fact that for terrestrial imaging the separation between masks is an easily changeable and free parameter. Changing the separation between the masks effectively represents changing the spatial frequency over which the RMC is most sensitive. By measuring multiple data sets with different values of the mask separation parameter, a more complete map of the frequency domain can be recorded. This data is then used with a maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm to generate the final image.
Socioemotional Wealth View of Entrepreneurial Orientation in Family Firms

We research how the family ownership increases the entrepreneurial orientation in companies through transformational leadership. We claim is that this is because the family firms’ mission to pursue...
Robust PCA via tensor outlier pursuit

In this paper, we study robust principal component analysis on tensors, in the setting where frame-wise outliers exist. We propose a convex formulation to decompose a tensor into a low rank component and a frame-wise sparse component. Theoretically, we guarantee that exact subspace recovery and outlier identification can be achieved under mild model assumptions. Compared with entry-wise outlier pursuit and naive matricization of tensors with frame-wise outliers, our approach can handle higher ranks and proportion of outliers. Extensive numerical evaluations are provided on both synthetic and real data to support our theory.
An efficient streaming algorithm for spectral proper orthogonal decomposition

A streaming algorithm to compute the spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) of stationary random processes is presented. As new data becomes available, an incremental update of the truncated eigenbasis of the estimated cross-spectral density (CSD) matrix is performed. The algorithm converges orthogonal sets of SPOD modes at discrete frequencies that are optimally ranked in terms of energy. We define measures of error and convergence, and demonstrate the algorithm's performance on two datasets. The first example is that of a high-fidelity numerical simulation of a turbulent jet, and the second optical flow data obtained from high-speed camera recordings of a stepped spillway experiment. For both cases, the most energetic SPOD modes are reliably converged. The algorithm's low memory requirement enable real-time deployment and allow for the convergence of second-order statistics from arbitrarily long streams of data.
Crime Pays: Terrorist Group Engagement in Crime and Survival

What impact does engagement in crime have on terrorist group survival? In theory criminal activity may decrease group survival by damaging group legitimacy or prompting government crackdowns. Conve...
Bearing Witness to the Inhuman at Mỹ Lai: Museum, Ritual, Pilgrimage

This article explores how the Sơn Mỹ Memorial and Museum and its associated community activities and programs commemorate and memorialize the 1968 Mỹ Lai Massacre and its aftermath. The museum provides space for reflection and bearing witness to the profound suffering in the Massacre. Bearing witness means reliving or remembering and coming to know an experience, especially a traumatic one like Mỹ Lai. Witness bearers are both those reporting first-hand experiences and memories, and those listening to and learning about the experiences. When locals and visitors alike participate in the activities and rituals at Sơn Mỹ, in pilgrimages to Mỹ Lai, or in touring the memorial and museum, an opportunity is available to recognize the “existential legitimacy” of the events, experiences, and memories. Bearing witness can open pathways to individual and societal healing as well as identity redefinition.
Seeking Convergence and Cure with New Myeloma Therapies

For over a decade, the mainstay of multiple myeloma therapy has been small molecules that directly attack malignant plasma cell biology. However, potent immunotherapies have recently emerged, transforming the myeloma therapeutic landscape. Here we first review new promising strategies to target plasma cells through protein homeostasis and epigenetic modulators. We then discuss emerging immunotherapy strategies that are leading to dramatic results in patients. Finally, we focus on recent preclinical data suggesting that enforcing cell-surface antigen expression through small molecules may enhance immunotherapy efficacy and avoid resistance. We argue that these emerging observations point the way toward potential convergence between drug classes. With recent rapid progress we may finally be on the verge of the 'C' word: a cure for myeloma.
mTOR Signaling, Translational Control, and the Circadian Clock

Almost all cellular processes are regulated by the approximately 24 h rhythms that are endogenously driven by the circadian clock. mRNA translation, as the most energy consuming step in gene expression, is temporally controlled by circadian rhythms. Recent research has uncovered key mechanisms of translational control that are orchestrated by circadian rhythmicity and in turn feed back to the clock machinery to maintain robustness and accuracy of circadian timekeeping. Here I review recent progress in our understanding of translation control mechanisms in the circadian clock, focusing on a role for the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in modulating entrainment, synchronization and autonomous oscillation of circadian clocks. I also discuss the relevance of circadian mTOR functions in disease.
Chemoproteomic Profiling of Gut Microbiota-Associated Bile Salt Hydrolase Activity

The metagenome of the gut microbiome encodes tremendous potential for biosynthesizing and transforming small-molecule metabolites through the activities of enzymes expressed by intestinal bacteria....
Fungal Decomposers in Freshwater Environments

Streams, rivers, and freshwater marshes often depend on plant litter as a source of carbon, nutrients, and energy that drive ecosystem processes. Decomposition of this organic matter, such as leaves, wood, or emergent macrophytes, is mediated mostly by fungi, whereas the role of bacteria is minor. Fungal colonization leads to enzymatic breakdown of major plant polymers and fungal biomass accrual (often around 10% of total detrital dry mass), which makes decaying plant material more palatable to detritivorous invertebrates. Representatives of almost all major groups of fungi can be isolated from decaying plant litter collected in freshwater ecosystems or detected using molecular techniques; however, ascomycetes, including their asexual stages (e.g., aquatic hyphomycetes in streams), predominate. In recent years, utilization of radioisotopic approaches (e.g., acetate incorporation into ergosterol) to estimate fungal growth rates and production has facilitated the construction of partial carbon budgets for decaying plant litter that illustrate the importance of fungal decomposers in both lotic and lentic systems. For example, some estimates suggest that 23–60% of leaf litter carbon loss in streams can be explained by fungal assimilation (production plus respiration), which does not include fungal-mediated losses as fine particulate or dissolved organic carbon. Estimates of fungal contribution to plant carbon loss can be even higher (47–65%) in standing-dead emergent macrophyte systems in wetlands. The effects of environmental variables on fungal activity and plant litter decomposition in freshwaters, including inorganic nutrient availability and eutrophication, have also received considerable attention in the recent years. Molecular approaches are now becoming increasingly important in both streams and wetlands to assess the effects of environmental variables on litter-associated fungal assemblages. However, there are considerable differences in fungal dynamics and assemblages between streams and freshwater wetlands, which are discussed here in detail.
Long-Term Sustained Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorders Among Veterans: A Grounded Theory Investigation

This grounded theory study explored veterans’ conceptualization of recovery and factors contributing to establishing and maintaining long-term recovery among veterans. Alcohol misuse is a significant health challenge resulting in negative consequences across multiple dimensions. Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) are a significant problem in the general population, but they are even more prevalent among active duty military service men and women as well as veterans. Participants were nine veterans averaging 27.9 years in recovery. Six major themes emerged from veteran interviews including: (1) early negative life experiences, (2) early exposure and access to alcohol, (3) alcohol filled a need, (4) enabling of drinking behaviors in the military, (5) early recovery experiences, and (6) later recovery experiences. Veterans defined recovery as total abstinence and enhancement of quality of life. Implications for future research, exploration of deficits in recovery models, veteran-specific clinical practice, and the effect of trauma on the initiation of AUD in veterans and long-term recovery is discussed.
Cloacal Reconstruction with Total Urogenital Mobilization

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for cloacal reconstruction as performed by the following approaches: posterior sagittal anorectal vaginal urethral plasty (PSARVUP) and total urogenital mobilization (TUM). The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: definition of cloacal anatomy by endoscopy and cloacagram, posterior sagittal approach, mobilization of the rectum and separation of it from the posterior vagina, mobilization of the urogenital complex as a unit including incising of the suspensory ligaments of the urethra, urethroplasty and introitoplasty, rectoplasty, and closure of the posterior sagittal incision.
Capitalism, Hegemony, and Violence in the Age of Drones: Norman Pollack, (Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan, 2018, 483 pp., $179.99)

Norman Pollack established himself in the 1960s as one of the most important historians of the Populist movement of the late nineteenth century. His first two books, The Populist Response to Indust...
18F-FDG PET/CT Appearance of Plugoma

Postsurgical anatomic alterations and placement of prosthetic materials may cause misdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary patient work-up. Reading physicians must be aware of common and uncommon postoperative imaging appearances and their pitfalls. In this case report, we present the appearance of a postsurgical hernia repair plug on PET/CT, also called plugoma or meshoma.
Experiments on the Pulse Repetition Frequency Optimization of 1.3-GHz, 100-kW Microwave Pulse Compressor

A microwave pulse compressor (MPC) system formed by an inductive iris, a straight rectangular waveguide, and an H-plane T-junction is experimentally studied. The MPC design, which is based on an equivalent circuit simulation model, ensures the optimum cavity-storage gain at 1.3 GHz. A low-pressure gas discharge tube (GDT) that is placed at the side arm of the T-junction implements the switching trigger for the cavity energy extraction. The experimental results show that high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) operation together with optimal cavity-extraction gain is feasible by carefully selecting the GDT gas type, pressure level, and flow rate. Under optimal conditions, the MPC system approaches the theoretically predicted cavity-extraction gain of 19 dB and a PRF up to 300 Hz.
Dual-Axis π-Pulse Magnetometer with Suppressed Spin-Exchange Relaxation.

We present a spin-exchange relaxation-free vector magnetometer with suppressed 1/f probe noise, achieved by applying a small dc bias field and a comb of magnetic dc π pulses along the pump direction. This results in a synchronous orthogonal ac response for each of its two sensitive axes. The magnetometer is particularly well suited to applications such as biomagnetism in which the signal to be measured carries a dominant component of its power at low frequencies. The magnetometer reaches a technical noise floor of 8.4 fT Hz-1/2 (x^) and 11 fT Hz-1/2 (y^) at 0.01 Hz. A single-axis dc spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometer sharing the same experimental apparatus attains 61 fT Hz-1/2 at the same frequency. A noise minimum of 1.1 fT Hz-1/2 (x^) and 2.0 fT Hz-1/2 (y^) is reached by the magnetometer at10 Hz, compared to 0.7 fT Hz-1/2 at 25 Hz for a dc SERF magnetometer.
Contrasting effects of rice husk pyrolysis temperature on silicon dissolution and retention of cadmium (Cd) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA).

Abstract Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are two toxins that affect rice, and their ability to do so may be lessened by soil incorporation of rice husk residues. Rice husks are typically removed from fields and used as a fuel source at rice mills but contain silicon (Si) and other nutrients. It has previously been shown that soil incorporation of rice husk or charred husk can release Si to soil solution to decrease As uptake and promote As methylation, and studies suggest char can additionally decrease Cd availability through several potential mechanisms including adsorption, precipitation, liming, and growth dilution. Charring conditions will impact husk Si dissolution rate and potential to immobilize Cd and possibly methylated As. Here, we compared uncharred husk to husk biochars pyrolyzed at 450, 600, 750, and 900 °C for differences in Si dissolution rate and adsorption of Cd and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)—the dominant methylated As species present in paddy soils and grain. We hypothesized that Si dissolution rate and Cd adsorption would decrease, and DMA adsorption would increase with pyrolysis temperature. Si release decreased with pyrolysis temperature in the general order: uncharred husk > 450 °C > 600 °C = 750 °C = 950 °C but those differences were not due to SiO2 crystallization with increasing temperature. Additionally, short (
Electroporation-Mediated Genome Editing of Livestock Zygotes

The introduction of genome editing reagents into mammalian zygotes has traditionally been accomplished by cytoplasmic or pronuclear microinjection. This time-consuming procedure requires expensive equipment and a high level of skill. Electroporation of zygotes offers a simplified and more streamlined approach to transfect mammalian zygotes. There are a number of studies examining the parameters used in electroporation of mouse and rat zygotes. Here, we review the electroporation conditions, timing, and success rates that have been reported for mice and rats, in addition to the few reports about livestock zygotes, specifically pigs and cattle. The introduction of editing reagents at, or soon after, fertilization can help reduce the rate of mosaicism, the presence of two of more genotypes in the cells of an individual; as can the introduction of nuclease proteins rather than mRNA encoding nucleases. Mosaicism is particularly problematic in large livestock species with long generation intervals as it can take years to obtain non-mosaic, homozygous offspring through breeding. Gene knockouts accomplished via the non-homologous end joining pathway have been more widely reported and successfully accomplished using electroporation than have gene knock-ins. Delivering large DNA plasmids into the zygote is hindered by the zona pellucida (ZP), and the majority of gene knock-ins accomplished by electroporation have been using short single stranded DNA (ssDNA) repair templates, typically less than 1 kb. The most promising approach to deliver larger donor repair templates of up to 4.9 kb along with genome editing reagents into zygotes, without using cytoplasmic injection, is to use recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) in combination with electroporation. However, similar to other methods used to deliver clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR) genome-editing reagents, this approach is also associated with high levels of mosaicism. Recent developments complementing germline ablated individuals with edited germline-competent cells offer an approach to avoid mosaicism in the germline of genome edited founder lines. Even with electroporation-mediated delivery of genome editing reagents to mammalian zygotes, there remain additional chokepoints in the genome editing pipeline that currently hinder the scalable production of non-mosaic genome edited livestock.
Highly Enhanced Contributions of Heavy Higgs Bosons and New Leptons to Muon g-2 and Prospects at Future Colliders.

We show that, in a two Higgs doublet model type II extended by vectorlike leptons, the contributions from heavy neutral and charged Higgs bosons to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon simultaneously feature chiral enhancement from masses of new leptons and ${\mathrm{tan}}^{2}\ensuremath{\beta}$ enhancement from couplings of Higgs bosons. Assuming moderate values of new Yukawa couplings, not exceeding one, that can remain perturbative to very high energy scales, the measured value of muon $g\ensuremath{-}2$ can be explained within one standard deviation even with 6.5 TeV leptons or 20 TeV Higgs bosons. Allowing new couplings near the perturbativity limit, these mass ranges extend to 45 TeV for leptons and 185 TeV for Higgs bosons. In spite of the high scale of new physics, this scenario can be completely probed at planned future colliders.
The effect of transfer status on trauma outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Introduction : Injuries are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately burdened by trauma. Prior studies have shown that transfer status (direct transfer from injury scene to a referral hospital versus indirect transfer from another facility to a referral hospital) may affect patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between transfer status and trauma patient outcomes in LMICs by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods : We performed a systematic search to identify studies from LMICs that evaluated the relationship between transfer status and trauma patient outcomes. We extracted data on study country, design, patient characteristics, and outcomes. We report results in the form of a narrative summary stratified by type of outcome. We also performed a meta-analysis of studies that reported mortality by transfer status. We calculated a pooled odds ratio of mortality among indirectly transferred (IT) versus directly transferred (DT) patients using random-effects modeling. Results : We included 17 observational studies from 9 LMICs in this systematic review. Outcomes assessed were time from injury to arrival at a referral hospital, post-trauma functional status, hospital length of stay, and mortality. IT patients took between 0.6 and 37.9 hours longer to arrive at referral hospitals than DT patients. Hospital length of stay was up to 6 days longer for IT patients than DT patients. The pooled odds ratio of mortality among IT patients compared to DT patients was 1.55 (95% CI 1.12 – 2.15; p=0.009). Conclusion : Trauma patients in LMICs who are indirectly transferred to referral hospitals have significantly higher mortality rates than patients who present directly to referral hospitals. These results conflict with findings from HICs and reflect the relative immaturity of trauma systems in LMICs. Strategies to narrow the mortality gap between IT and DT patients include improving prehospital and primary hospital care and developing more efficient transfer protocols.
Globalization and National Security

In this book, top scholars of international relations assess the consequences of globalization for national security, identifying three distinct ‘processes’ of globalization - the intensification of economic exchange, the flow of information, and marketization (the expansion of the set of social relations governed by market forces)-exploring how they can affect the capacity and power of states as well as conflict within and among them. Though much has been written on the topics of globalization and national security, there has been relatively little in the way of a systematic examination of the impact that globalization has on a state's national security. These essays deal with how state-less actors, such as terrorists, utilize the benefits of globalization, changing the nature of the security game. Failure to account for the influence of globalization will make it increasingly difficult to understand changes in the balance of power, prospects for war, and strategic choices embraced by states.
Real-Effectiveness Medicine in Musculoskeletal Disorders

The effectiveness of clinical work, including diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation activities, with patients having musculoskeletal disorders is dependent on the clinical expertise and skills of the healthcare personnel. In order to ensure that the treatment is based on the best current evidence, use of up-to-date scientific evidence from clinical guidelines, systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is needed. However, this is not enough. One has to obtain continuous standardised data on how musculoskeletal patients are diagnosed and treated at healthcare units in order to improve the effectiveness of treatment in ordinary practice. The documentation of the care of patients can be used not only for quality assessment but also for benchmarking with peer units treating similar patients. This chapter will review how the concept of Real-Effectiveness Medicine (REM), which pursues the best effectiveness of patient care in the real-world setting, can be applied in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. REM utilises elements at four levels: (1) good medical expertise and skills, combined with the patient view; (2) up-to-date scientific evidence; (3) continuous documentation of performance in ordinary settings; and (4) benchmarking across providers (Malmivaara, 2013). The REM framework can be used by clinicians, organisations, administrative personnel, policy makers and researchers.