cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specificity of the Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Signal in Granulosa Cell Function

Cyclic AMP signaling is involved in most aspects of differentiation and maturation of the granulosa cells in the ovarian follicle. As the genetic programs activated at different stages of follicle growth maturation are being elucidated, it is becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile the simplicity of the cAMP cascade with the complexity and the divergent patterns of gene expression activated in these cells. To account for these divergent outcomes of the cAMP signal, three aspects of this signaling cascade in granulosa cells will be reviewed. We will discuss the evidence for gonadotropin receptors coupling to different G proteins and effectors. Next, we will explore the possibility that the temporal and spatial dimensions of the cAMP signal itself may contribute to the diverse outcomes. Finally, we will summarize available data showing that the cAMP signal is distributed through several cascades of kinase activation. It is hoped this compendium will provide a framework with which to understand how the initial signals activated by gonadotropins control the complex patterns of gene expression that are required for follicle maturation and ovulation.
Direct evidence for channel-coupling effects in molecules: electron impact excitation of the a″ 1Σ+g state of N2

New measurements of differential cross-sections for excitation of the a″ 1Σ+g (v' = 0, 1) state in molecular nitrogen reveal a cusp-like angular distribution. This feature is distinctly observed for the first time in the present electron energy-loss experiment as a result of finer scattering angle grid and impact energy coverage than previous measurements. This feature is similar to that observed in atomic targets such as He, Hg and Ba. The observed phenomenon suggests an interference effect related to configuration–interaction coupling between lower and excited states that are of the same symmetry. It is hoped that the present work will stimulate theoretical investigations into the physics that governs this cusp-like behaviour.
E-035 Symptomatic Fusiform Basilar Artery Aneurysm: "Kissing" Stent Reconstruction

Introduction A case presentation of the treatment of a large-giant, symptomatic, fusiform basilar artery aneurysm using kissing telescopic stents. The patient is a 53 year old male who presented for further evaluation of a giant fusiform basilar artery aneurysm which was found on MRI obtained for headache and bilateral upper extremity numbness and tingling. Materials and methods The patient underwent diagnostic cerebral angiogram with 3D rotational angiography confirmed the giant vertebrobasilar aneurysm measuring 19 x 35 mm extending from the basilar confluence to just beyond the basilar perforators. The initial intervention plan was staged kissing telescopic stenting of the aneurysm to provide a framework for subsequent coil embolization of the aneurysm sac. Results Utilizing bilateral vertebral artery access, 8 telescoping Codman Enterprise stents were simultaneously deployed by two operators in a kissing fashion beginning distally at the posterior cerebral arteries with proximal extension to the vertebral arteries (distal to PICA). Cerebral angiogram was repeated at 8 weeks with the intent to embolise the aneurysm sac with coils. Angiography demonstrated significant decrease of the aneurysm flow channel, presumably related to flow diversion. CTA and subsequent MRI confirmed decrease in aneurysm flow channel and overall aneurysm size with interval sac thrombosis. Given these imaging findings in the setting of clinical improvement, additional coil embolization was not pursued. Additional follow up imaging at 6 and 15 months demonstrated further decrease in aneurysm sac size and flow channel. Clinically the patient is independent with no further neurologic events or decline. Conclusion We present a novel, endovascular stenting technique (without coil embolization) for successfully treating symptomatic, giant basilar artery aneurysms. Disclosures H. Shownkeen: None. M. Hall: None. A. Doerr: None. C. Ortiz: None.
Comparative Genome Sequencing of Rickettsia rickettsii Strains That Differ in Virulence

Rickettsia rickettsii is an obligate intracellular pathogen that is the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Strains of R. rickettsii differ dramatically in virulence. In a guinea pig model of infection, the severity of disease as assessed by fever response varies from the most virulent, Sheila Smith, to Iowa, which causes no fever. To identify potential determinants of virulence in R. rickettsii, the genomes of two additional strains were sequenced for comparison to known sequences (comparative genome sequencing [CGS]). R. rickettsii Morgan and R strains were compared to the avirulent R. rickettsii Iowa and virulent R. rickettsii Sheila Smith strains. The Montana strains Sheila Smith and R were found to be highly similar while the eastern strains Iowa and Morgan were most similar to each other. A major surface antigen, rickettsial outer membrane protein A (rOmpA), is severely truncated in the Iowa strain. The region of ompA containing 13 tandem repeats was sequenced, revealing only seven shared SNPs (four nonsynonymous) for R and Morgan strains compared to Sheila Smith, with an additional 17 SNPs identified in Morgan. Another major surface antigen and autotransporter, rOmpB, exhibits a defect in processing in the Iowa strain such that the beta fragment is not cleaved. Sequence analysis of ompB reveals identical sequences between Iowa and Morgan strains and between the R and Sheila Smith strains. The number of SNPs and insertions/deletions between sequences of the two Montana strains and the two eastern strains is low, thus narrowing the field of possible virulence factors.
An introduction to lattice gauge theory and spin systems

This article is an interdisciplinary review of lattice gauge theory and spin systems. It discusses the fundamentals, both physics and formalism, of these related subjects. Spin systems are models of magnetism and phase transitions. Lattice gauge theories are cutoff formulations of gauge theories of strongly interacting particles. Statistical mechanics and field theory are closely related subjects, and the connections between them are developed here by using the transfer matrix. Phase diagrams and critical points of continuous transitions are stressed as the keys to understanding the character and continuum limits of lattice theories. Concepts such as duality, kink condensation, and the existence of a local, relativistic field theory at a critical point of a lattice theory are illustrated in a thorough discussion of the two-dimensional Ising model. Theories with exact local (gauge) symmetries are introduced following Wegner's Ising lattice gauge theory. Its gauge-invariant "loop" correlation function is discussed in detail. Three---dimensional Ising gauge theory is studied thoroughly. The renormalization group of the two dimensional planar model is presented as an illustration of a phase transition driven by the condensation of topological excitations. Parallels are drawn to Abelian lattice gauge theory in four dimensions. Non-Abelian gauge theories are introduced and the possibility of quark confinement is discussed. Asymptotic freedom of O(n) Heisenberg spin systems in two dimensions is verified for $n\ensuremath{\ge}$ and is explained in simple terms. The direction of present-day research is briefly reviewed.
Pushing and pulling on adult neural stem cells

How plastic is adult neurogenesis? In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Sierra et al. (2015) use epilepsy models to probe how hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) respond to graded pathological conditions. They uncover changes in cell fate potential upon NSC activation, but it comes at a cost.
Survival Benefit of Solid-Organ Transplant in the United States

Importance The field of transplantation has made tremendous progress since the first successful kidney transplant in 1954. Objective To determine the survival benefit of solid-organ transplant as recorded during a 25-year study period in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database and the Social Security Administration Death Master File. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective analysis of UNOS data for solid-organ transplant during a 25-year period (September 1, 1987, through December 31, 2012), we reviewed the records of 1 112 835 patients: 533 329 recipients who underwent a transplant and 579 506 patients who were placed on the waiting list but did not undergo a transplant. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was patient death while on the waiting list or after transplant. Kaplan-Meier survival functions were used for time-to-event analysis. Results We found that 2 270 859 life-years (2 150 200 life-years from the matched analysis) were saved to date during the 25 years of solid-organ transplant. A mean of 4.3 life-years were saved (observed to date) per solid-organ transplant recipient. Kidney transplant saved 1 372 969 life-years; liver transplant, 465 296 life-years; heart transplant, 269 715 life-years; lung transplant, 64 575 life-years; pancreas-kidney transplant, 79 198 life-years; pancreas transplant, 14 903 life-years; and intestine transplant, 4402 life-years. Conclusions and Relevance Our analysis demonstrated that more than 2 million life-years were saved to date by solid-organ transplants during a 25-year study period. Transplants should be supported and organ donation encouraged.
Time in Bed After Electrophysiological Procedures (TIBS IV): A Pilot Study

• BACKGROUND Electrophysiological studies of the heart became commonplace in the past decade. Like cardiac catheterizations, electrophysiological studies are often considered “same day” procedures; patients are admitted in the morning, undergo the procedure, recover for several hours while confined to bed, and then are discharged from the hospital. The requisite time in bed varies widely between institutions where electrophysiological studies are performed. Little has been published about the optimal time that patients should remain in bed. • OBJECTIVE To determine if the requisite time in bed could be safely reduced by 2 hours for patients recovering from electrophysiological studies done via a femoral venous approach. • METHODS An experimental-control group design was used. A total of 68 patients were randomized to 2 hours (n = 31) or 4 hours (n = 37) of bed rest. Groups were comparable in age and sex. Both groups were observed for 5 hours after the procedure. • RESULTS The incidence of bleeding did not differ significantly between the experimental and control groups. Bleeding occurred in only 1 patient.
SIDE-IMPACT CRASH TEST AND EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR ROADSIDE SAFETY HARDWARE

During the past decade, reducing the severity of side-impact collisions has been an emerging area of research by a variety of organizations and research communities. The motor vehicle manufacturing and regulatory communities in the United States, Europe, and many other countries have developed dynamic side-impact test and evaluation criteria to reduce the severity of vehicle-to-vehicle side-impact collisions. Similarly, the international research community has developed test procedures for performing impacts into poles, one of the most severe types of side-impact collisions. Preliminary side-impact test and evaluation procedures have been conducted for roadside safety hardware, like guardrails, guardrail terminals, luminaire supports, utility poles, and signs. Recommendations for performing roadside hardware side-impact crash tests are summarized; the results of several side-impact roadside hardware crash tests are described; the proposed test and evaluation procedures are compared with other major side-i...
Ecosystem biogeochemistry considered as a distributed metabolic network ordered by maximum entropy production

We examine the application of the maximum entropy production principle for describing ecosystem biogeochemistry. Since ecosystems can be functionally stable despite changes in species composition, we use a distributed metabolic network for describing biogeochemistry, which synthesizes generic biological structures that catalyse reaction pathways, but is otherwise organism independent. Allocation of biological structure and regulation of biogeochemical reactions is determined via solution of an optimal control problem in which entropy production is maximized. However, because synthesis of biological structures cannot occur if entropy production is maximized instantaneously, we propose that information stored within the metagenome allows biological systems to maximize entropy production when averaged over time. This differs from abiotic systems that maximize entropy production at a point in space–time, which we refer to as the steepest descent pathway. It is the spatio-temporal averaging that allows biological systems to outperform abiotic processes in entropy production, at least in many situations. A simulation of a methanotrophic system is used to demonstrate the approach. We conclude with a brief discussion on the implications of viewing ecosystems as self-organizing molecular machines that function to maximize entropy production at the ecosystem level of organization.
The effect of epidermal growth factor on neonatal incisor differentiation in the mouse.

Abstract The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on cellular differentiation of the neonatal mouse mandibular incisor was examined autoradiographically using tritiated thymidine ([ 3 H]TDR) and tritiated proline ([ 3 H]PRO). On Days 0 (day of birth), 1, and 2, EGF was administered (3 μg/g body wt) sc to neonates. Mice were killed on Days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 after birth and were injected with either [ 3 H]TDR or [ 3 H]PRO 1 hr before death. [ 3 H]TDR was used to analyze cell proliferation in eight cell types in the developing mouse incisor including upper (lingual) and lower (buccal) pulpal fibroblasts, preodontoblasts, inner and outer enamel epithelial cells (IEE and OEE), stratum intermedium (SI), stellate reticulum (SR), and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. [ 3 H]PRO was used to analyze protein synthesis in ameloblasts, and their secretion products (enamel and dentin), as well as PDL fibroblasts. The selected EGF injection scheme elicited acceleration of incisor eruption with minimal growth retardation. At Day 1, the upper and lower pulp, preodontoblasts, SI, and SR showed a significant decrease in labeling index (LI) 24 hr after a single EGF injection. After multiple injections (Days 0, 1, 2), two LI patterns were observed. In lower pulp, preodontoblasts, IEE, SI, SR, and OEE, a posteruptive change in LI was observed. In contrast, the upper pulp and PDL regions demonstrated a direct temporal relationship with eruption. Autoradiographic analysis with [ 3 H]PRO indicated that EGF treatment caused significant increases in grain counts per unit area in ameloblast, odontoblast, and PDL regions studied. Significant differences were found in all four regions studied (ameloblasts, enamel, odontoblasts, dentin) at the 45-μm-tall ameloblast level as well as ameloblasts and odontoblasts at the 30-μm level at 13 days of age. The PDL demonstrated significant differences at all locations studied (base, 30 μm, 45 μm,) in 4-, 7-, and 13-day-old mice. Morphologically, EGF-treated groups demonstrated premature differentiation of ameloblasts and odontoblasts at the light microscopic level. The data indicate that EGF alters DNA and protein synthesis as well as differentiation patterns during the eruption process. While EGF affects both DNA and protein synthesis, the alteration of differentiation may be secondary to mitogenic effects on proliferative compartments. In order to determine the cellular target for EGF within the newborn mouse incisor, in vivo 125 I-EGF binding was analyzed autoradiographically. EGF binding sites were demonstrated in the dental follicle, an area which contains cells believed to be the progenitors for the PDL, alveolar bone, and cementum. The results of the [ 3 H]TDR, [ 3 H]PRO, and 125 I-EGF studies argue strongly that the PDL is the target for EGF within the incisor.
A general analysis of voltage fluctuations of metal-electrolyte interfaces.

Past studies of transient and rhythmical electrochemical phenomena are summarized briefly. Together with the principles of electrochemical corrosion, these studies provide a basis for understanding related voltage fluctuations of metal-electrolyte interfaces in recording systems. Spontaneous activity originates from local heterogeneities and is modified by polarization. Some important parameters are defined by means of a simple electrical model. Examples of the effect of area and reversibility are given.
Politics and Markets in the Articulation of Preferences for Attributes of the Rapidly Changing Food and Agricultural Sectors: Framing the Issues

Industrialization of the food and agricultural sectors changes the pattern of external effects. Participants helped or harmed in the process attempt to influence outcomes through markets and politics. Decisions about property rights and boundaries determine benefits and burdens and the relative cost of animal agriculture in different jurisdictions. Prescriptions to redefine property rights are influenced by selective perception of rights to share in the benefits and be protected from costs. Political choices about the appropriate jurisdiction (state versus local) for addressing environmental and nuisance effects of animal agriculture affect whose preferences count and will influence the development of these sectors.
COMPARABLE PERFORMANCE ON LOOKING AND REACHING VERSIONS OF THE A-NOT-B TASK AT 8 MONTHS OF AGE

Abstract The neuropsychological model of A-not-B performance focuses on the maturation of the frontal lobe and the development of skills associated with working memory, inhibition, and attention. These cognitive skills are essential for A-not-B performance regardless of the search modality required to exhibit object knowledge. This study used a within-subjects design to examine 8-month-old infants’ performance on looking and reaching versions of the A-not-B task. In both Experiment 1 (n = 62) and Experiment 2 (n = 47), there were no differences in A-not-B performance on looking and reaching versions of the task. These data suggest that the looking and reaching versions of the A-not-B task measure comparable cognitive abilities at 8 months of age.
Update on the clinical pharmacogenomics of organ transplantation

Organ transplantation suffers from a static graft and patient survival rate, and a high incidence of serious adverse drug effects. The pharmacogenomics of organ transplantation has emerged only recently and is complementary to the immunogenetic information that has accumulated over the past decade. Gene polymorphism studies have focused on the genes that interact across the group of immunosuppressants, including ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus and corticosteroids. The polymorphisms that hold the most potential for use in a drug selection algorithm are in genes CYP3A5, ABCB1, IMPDH1 and IMPDH2, and cytokines and growth factors. Gene-expression arrays have led to gene-expression testing, such as the use of AlloMap® with heart transplant patients. The expanded use of gene-expression assays, proteomics and drug selection algorithms in organ transplantation will progress slowly and may be outpaced by drug test co-development programs for new transplant drugs. In the future, clinical pharmacogenomics will be...
Safety and yield of muscle biopsy in pediatric patients in the modern era

Abstract Background Muscle and skin biopsies are commonly used diagnostic procedures in the evaluation of pediatric neuromuscular and genetic disorders. However, few modern reports have documented their diagnostic yield and clinical utility. We reviewed our experience at a tertiary care center. Methods We retrospectively studied consecutive pediatric patients who underwent muscle biopsy at our institution between January 2008 and April 2012. Results Of 169 patients, 97 (57%) were male, and the median (range) age was 7years (9days to 18years). In 101 patients (60%), a pathologic diagnosis was made. Histologic results of biopsy were completely normal in 45 patients (27%). Minimal abnormalities not sufficient to make a definitive pathologic diagnosis were reported in 23 patients (14%). Sensitivity and specificity of preoperative electromyography in detecting muscle pathology were 58% and 56%, respectively. No complications occurred from the use of general anesthesia. The only complication was a right femoral vein laceration when the right vastus medialis muscle was chosen as a biopsy site. Conclusion Muscle biopsy in children is safe and useful in establishing the best management plan for patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders. This finding contradicts those of previous studies.
Casino Gambling As An Income-Based Leisure Activity: Evidence From The Gambling Impact And Behavior Study

Over the past two decades, 28 states have joined Nevada and New Jersey in legalizing casino gambling. This paper examines patterns in casino gambling using a nationally representative survey conducted as part of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission’s research, focusing on socioeconomic determinants of gambling incidence and expenditures. Analysis shows that gambling is positively linked to income, a finding consistent with the view of gambling as a relatively innocuous leisure activity.
Heterogeneity revealed by integrated genomic analysis uncovers a molecular switch in malignant uveal melanoma

Gene expression profiles as well as genomic imbalances are correlated with disease progression in uveal melanoma (UM). We integrated expression and genomic profiles to obtain insight into the oncogenic mechanisms in development and progression of UM. We used tumor tissue from 64 enucleated eyes of UM patients for profiling. Mutations and genomic imbalances were quantified with digital PCR to study tumor heterogeneity and molecular pathogenesis. Gene expression analysis divided the UM panel into three classes. Class I presented tumors with a good prognosis and a distinct genomic make up that is characterized by 6p gain. The UM with a bad prognosis were subdivided into class IIa and class IIb. These classes presented similar survival risks but could be distinguished by tumor heterogeneity. Class IIa presented homogeneous tumors while class IIb tumors, on average, contained 30% of non-mutant cells. Tumor heterogeneity coincided with expression of a set of immune genes revealing an extensive immune infiltrate in class IIb tumors. Molecularly, class IIa and IIb presented the same genomic configuration and could only be distinguished by 8q copy number. Moreover, UM establish in the void of the immune privileged eye indicating that in IIb tumors the infiltrate is attracted by the UM. Combined our data show that chromosome 8q contains the locus that causes the immune phentotype of UM. UM thereby provides an unique opportunity to study immune attraction by tumors.
Challenging Diagnosis and Surgical Management of a Symptomatic Sellar Spine

Background The sellar spine is a rare, bony growth that typically arises from the dorsum sellae. Few cases have been described in the literature thus far, and most are asymptomatic and incidentally found. We describe the case of a 19-year-old female in whom a sellar spine was noted to be associated with pituitary glandular deformation and symptomatic optic apparatus compression. Case Description The medical records including clinical data, pathologic, and imaging findings pertaining to the single patient presented herein were retrospectively reviewed. The patient underwent resection of the hyperostotic sellar spine for decompression of the optic chiasm and pituitary gland via an endoscopic endonasal approach. She immediately reported complete resolution of her bitemporal visual deficits. Her headaches completely resolved, she had no further transient visual deficits, and all other prior presenting symptoms and signs resolved. Conclusion Recognition of a sellar spine can be elusive, and removal of a symptomatic one may be technically challenging. It is important to consider this entity in the differential diagnosis of a patient with headaches and bitemporal visual deficits.
Ab Initio Analysis of the Interactions of GaN Clusters with Oxygen and Water

We calculate the interactions of oxygen and water with the Ga-face of GaN clusters, which could be used as testbeds for the actual Ga-face on GaN crystals of importance in electronics; however, our additional goal is the analysis of the nanoclusters for several other applications in nanotechnology. Our results show that the local spin plays an important role in these interactions. It is found that the most stable interaction of O2 and the GaN clusters results in the complete dissociation of the O2 molecule to form two Ga–O–Ga bonds, while the most stable interaction between a H2O molecule and the GaN clusters is the complete dissociation of one of the O–H bonds to form a Ga–O–H bond and a Ga–H bond.
Preparation and Characterization of Membranes Formed by Nonsolvent Induced Phase Separation: A Review

The methods and mechanisms of nonsolvent induced phase separation have been studied for more than fifty years. Today, phase inversion membranes are widely used in numerous chemical industries, biotechnology, and environmental separation processes. The body of knowledge has grown exponentially in the past fifty years, which suggests the need for a critical review of the literature. Here we present a review of nonsolvent induced phase separation membrane preparation and characterization for many commonly used membrane polymers. The key factors in membrane preparation discussed include the solvent type, polymer type and concentration, nonsolvent system type and composition, additives to the polymer solution, and film casting conditions. A brief introduction to membrane characterization is also given, which includes membrane porosity and pore size distribution characterization, membrane physical and chemical properties characterization, and thermodynamic and kinetic evaluation of the phase inversion process. ...
Nanoindention studies of DC sputtered Cu and Cu/Cr thin films

The nanoindentation behavior of DC magnetron sputtered 10 nm Cu and 10 nm Cu/2 nm Cr thin films deposited on Si (100) has been studied using a Hysitron nanomechanical system. X- ray diffraction and X-ray reflectivity were used to measure the film structure and film thickness, respectively. The grain size and orientation of Cu and Cu/Cr thin films were measured by TEM. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to evaluate the surface morphology and roughness. At the same load, the nanoindentaion displacement of Cu/Cr is smaller than that for Cu, i.e., the 2nm thick Cr underlayer enhances the hardness of Cu. X-ray, TEM, and AFM results show that the grain size of Cu/Cr (< 15 nm) is actually larger than Cu (∼ 3 nm) indicating that the inverse Hall-Petch relationship may be operative.
The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS): conceptual and theoretical foundations.

The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) was the first instrument developed in order to provide for comprehensive assessment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia (Andreasen, 1982, 1983). It consists of five scales that evaluate five different aspects of negative symptoms: alogia, affective blunting, avolition-apathy, anhedonia-asociality, and attentional impairment. Each of these negative symptoms can be rated globally, but in addition detailed observations are made in order to achieve the global rating. It is complemented by a Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), which permits detailed evaluation and global ratings of hallucinations, delusions, positive formal thought disorder and bizarre behaviour (Andreasen, 1984). Taken together, the two scales provide a comprehensive set of rating scales in order to measure the symptoms of schizophrenia and to assess their change over time.
New indole alkaloids from the bark of Nauclea orientalis.

Four new alkaloids, nauclealines A (1) and B (2) and naucleosides A (3) and B (4), together with six known compounds, strictosamide (5), vincosamide (6), pumiloside (7), kelampayoside A, sitosterol, and sitosteryl β-d-glucoside, were isolated from the bark of Nauclea orientalis. The structures of 1−4 were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectral methods, including COSY, DEPT, HMQC, 13C−1H HMBC, and 15N−1H HMBC.
Missing the point of the practice-based view

In this article, we address Jarzabkowski et al.’s strategy-as-practice criticism of Bromiley and Rau’s practice-based view as ignoring the “who” and “how” of practice implementation. Bromiley and Rau explicitly note that any statistical model under the practice-based view should consider mediating and moderating variables that depend on the specific practice and context but that the article would not attempt to identify such variables. Strategy-as-practice’s focus on the “who” and “how” of a practice are two of many such potential mediating or moderating variables. More fundamentally, strategy-as-practice scholars’ discomfort with the practice-based view may arise both from their different definitions of practice and their different approaches to strategy research. Without diminishing the strategy-as-practice’s contribution to strategy research, we argue for the additional value in the practice-based view’s call for systematic, large-scale, quantitative studies that establish the performance impact of specific practices across populations of organizations.
Glucose intolerance, metabolic syndrome, and neuropathy

There is increasing evidence that impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or metabolic syndrome may result in peripheral nerve injury, although the exact relationship between the conditions is still being characterized. There is animal model, epidemiologic, and clinical evidence to suggest a pathophysiologic relationship between neuropathy and metabolic syndrome, along with its components including obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. IGT and metabolic syndrome are associated with subclinical nerve damage or are typically painful and sensory predominant, although autonomic involvement may also occur. Because there is often preferential small fiber injury and nerve conduction studies may be relatively insensitive, skin biopsy with assessment of intraepidermal nerve fiber density is often used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of metabolic syndrome and IGT-associated neuropathies should include diet and exercise counseling, maintenance of normoglycemia, and targeted pharmacologic therapy for modifiable risk factors. Further research is required to fully elucidate the complex pathophysiology, as well as identify optimal diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Engineering New Substrate Specificity into the Active Site of Styrene Monooxygenases

Styrene Monooxygenases catalyze the FAD-dependent epoxidation of styrene to (S)-styrene oxide in the first step of the styrene catabolic and detoxification pathways employed by a range of microorga...
Fire extinguishers turn down the gain on pain

Although opiates are very effective in treating acute pain, their benefits are limited in chronic pain by the development of tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). OIH is a paradoxical state of heightened sensitivity to painful stimuli that is caused by opiates and unrelated to the
On the Study of Social Interactions in Twitter

Twitter and other social media platforms are increasingly used as the primary way in which people speak with each other. As opposed to other platforms, Twitter is interesting in that many of these dialogues are public and so we can get a view into the dynamics of dialogues and how they differ from other other tweet behaviors. We here analyze tweets gathered from 2400 twitter streams over a one month period. We study social interactions in three important dimensions: what are the salient user behaviors in terms of how often they have social interactions and how these interactions are spread among different people; what are the characteristics of the dialogues, or sets of tweets, that we can extract from these interactions, and what are the characteristics of the social network which emerges from considering these interactions? We find that roughly half of the users spend a fair amount of time interacting whereas 40% of users do not seem to have active interactions. We also find that the vast majority of active dialogues only involve two people despite the public nature of these tweets. We finally find that while the emerging social network does contain a giant component, the component clearly is a set of well-defined tight clusters which are loosely connected.
Neurological Soft Signs and Psychiatric Symptoms

The association between neurological soft signs, measured by the pediatric examination described by Pine et al (J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 1996;35:509-515), and externalizing and internalizing psychopathology was examined in 56 boys, 8.5 (+/-1.5) years old, from a high-risk sample treated at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY.
A new species of Megatibicen endemic to Mescalero-Monahans shinnery sands (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha : Cicadidae).

Megatibicen harenosus sp. n. is described from the Mescalero-Monahans shinnery sands of New Mexico and Texas, U.S.A. The new species is diagnosed from similar species, especially M. tremulus which it resembles closely, by male genital morphology, color pattern, calling song, and ecology. Seven characters from the male calling song are described from analysis of field recordings, of which all four temporal song characters are significantly different from M. tremulus . With one of the most southwestern distribution of any Megatibicen species, M. harenosus is a new addition to the rich, endemic, and understudied Mescalero-Monahans shinnery sands biota. The possibility that M. harenosus and M. tremulus are sister species is raised. The ecological, biological, and evolutionary species concepts support species status for M. harenosus , and an hypothesis of peripatric speciation in peripheral isolation is advanced.
Evaporation induced nanoparticle – binder interaction in electrode film formation

Processing induced nanoparticle agglomeration and binder distribution affect the electrode microstructure formation and corresponding electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. In the present study, stochastic dynamics computations based on a morphologically detailed mesoscale model are performed to illustrate the microstructural variability of electrode films affected by the evaporation condition (drying temperature) and the binder length (molecular weight). Micropores are observed at the surface of the electrode film when dried at a lower temperature. The pore formation depth tends to increase as the binder length increases. The solvent chemical potential also affects the surface topography of the electrode film. The solvent with higher volatility (more negative chemical potential) tends to produce more micropores. A lower drying temperature is beneficial for improving the electronic conductivity of the porous electrode film due to the better distribution of the conductive additive nanoparticles on and around the active particles, thereby facilitating the electron transport network formation. Agglomeration between active material nanoparticles can also be mitigated at a lower drying temperature. Additionally, better adhesion of the porous electrode film can be achieved due to preferential localization of the binder on the substrate at relatively low-temperature evaporation.
Systemic treatment strategies for patients with hereditary breast cancer syndromes

Hereditary breast cancer syndromes are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and constitute a unique patient population, making up approximately 5%-10% of breast cancer cases in the United States. By virtue of the germline mutations that define these syndromes, invasive breast cancers in these patients have unique mechanisms that can be rationally targeted for therapeutic opportunities distinct from standard of care treatments in nongermline mutation associated breast cancers. This review intends to describe existing data on several of the most common hereditary breast cancer syndromes, including BRCA-related breast cancer syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, specifically focusing on rational therapeutics utilized in these distinct patient subgroups and completed or ongoing clinical trials evaluating their efficacy. By exploiting the distinct biologic features associated with these syndromes, tailored treatment strategies have the potential for improved efficacy and lower toxicity. Knowledge of the emergence of these targeted cancer therapies is critical for appropriate management in these patients, extending beyond treatment to highlight the need for appropriate genetic screening to allow for early recognition of these patients and therefore appropriate treatment. Implications for practice Molecular testing allows for identification of germline mutations that place individuals at high risk for breast cancer and that are associated with distinct histopathology and molecular characteristics that define the invasive breast cancer cases that these patients develop. These unique characteristics may ultimately provide rational targets for systemic treatments with improvements in both morbidity and efficacy. Identification of patients with these germline mutations is important for not only appropriate screening and prophylaxis, but knowledge of therapies specifically targeting several of the most common hereditary breast cancer syndromes is essential to ensure appropriate treatment of invasive breast cancers in these patients.
Realizing the Value (and Profitability) of Digital Health Data

This commentary discusses the circumstances associated with the creation of electronic patient information, which must be understood and addressed so that all parties contributing to this unparalle...
Abstract P072: Blunted β-Adrenergic Response in R92L Cardiac Troponin T Mutant Hearts Occurs via Decreased Accessibility to PKA-Mediated Phosphorylation Sites at Serine 22/23 Residues of Cardiac Troponin I

While diastolic dysfunction due to impaired relaxation is a classic finding in patients with Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (FHC), the primary cellular mechanisms remain undefined. We have previously demonstrated impaired relaxation in our transgenic mouse models of FHC carrying the cTnT R92L mutation. We hypothesize that the impaired relaxation in RL is a result of an allosterically mediated, diminished structural accessibility to the PKA phosphorylation sites on cTnI. Protein levels of phosphorylated TnI at baseline and following stimulation with isoproterenol were significantly lower for RL compared to non-transgenic (NT) mice while protein levels of phosphorylated phospholamban (PLB), TnI, and PLB were the same between both groups. These results indicate that PKA signaling is intact and uncoupling occurs at the myofilament level. Next, we crossed RL mice with phosphomimetic mice that have had their cTnI residues S 22 S 23 changed to D 22 D 23 to generate the double transgenic RL/DD. Preliminary isovolumic studies demonstrated improved contractility and relaxation for RL/DD compared to RL alone but did not reach levels observed for NT following graded doses of dobutamine (Figures A and B). In Ca 2+ transient measurements of isolated adult cardiac myocytes, DD cells demonstrated enhanced peak rates of Ca 2+ rise and fall as well as accelerated times to 50% and 90% Ca 2+ declines compared to NT and RL. However, RL/DD mice did not show improvement in any of these parameters. Collectively, these results indicate that the diastolic dysfunction observed in R92L is caused by direct impairment of the myofilament axis in the beta adrenergic signaling cascade.
Communicative Ethics: The phenomenological sense of semioethics

This essay examines the importance of semioethics in relationship to the work of Levinas. The interplay of semioethics and Levinas’s commitment to “ethics as first philosophy” announces the communicative height and weight of a semiotic signification that demands responsive human action. Semioethics is a communicative act that wades through the plethora of signs in the global communication production system with the objective of discerning signs of ill health that curtail care of life. Semioethics necessitates attentiveness and responsiveness to Otherness and difference. Semioethics functions as resistance, the unwillingness to accept and abide within an unreflective communication production system composed of taken-for-granted sameness of process and procedure.
Successful Successions: Employee Approval Ratings of New CEOs

The financial implications of CEO successions are well-documented; however, they offer little in the way of understanding the mechanisms that link changes in top management and subsequent changes i...
Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide pincer-based macrocycle: a versatile ligand for oxoanions, oxometallates, and transition metals*

A tetracarboxamide-based macrocycle has shown a general aptitude for binding both anions and metal cations. Crystallographic studies indicate that in several instances quite similar structures are ...
Implementation of a piecewise-linear dynamic attenuator

A dynamic bowtie filter can modulate flux along both fan and view angles for reduced dose, scatter, and required detector dynamic range. Reducing the dynamic range requirement is crucial for photon counting detectors. One approach, the piecewise-linear attenuator (Hsieh and Pelc, Med Phys 2013), has shown promising results both in simulations and an initial prototype. Multiple wedges, each covering a different range of fan angle, are moved in the axial direction to change their attenuating thickness as seen in an axial slice. We report on an implementation of a filter with precision components and a control algorithm targeted for operation on a table-top system. Algorithms for optimizing wedge position and mA modulation and for correcting bowtie-specific beam-hardening artifacts are proposed. In experiments, the error between expected and observed bowtie transmission was ~2% on average and ~7% at maximum for a chest phantom. Within object boundaries, the observed flux dynamic ranges of 42, for a chest phantom, and 25, for an abdomen phantom were achieved, corresponding to a reduction factor of 5 and 11 from the object scans without the bowtie. With beam hardening correction, the mean CT number in soft tissue regions was improved by 79 HU on average, and deviated by 7 HU on average from clinical scanner CT images. The implemented piecewise-linear attenuator is able to dynamically adjust its thickness with high precision to achieve flexible flux control.
In the nose, not the sella: Case report of an ectopic pituitary adenoma

Abstract Background and importance Ectopic pituitary adenomas presenting in the nasal and paranasal sinuses are very rare. We report a patient with a large ectopic nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma involving the nasal passageways, ethmoid sinus, and extending through the cribriform plate extradurally to the anterior fossa with no involvement of the sella turcica. The patient presented with epistaxis and denied any visual disturbances or other associated clinical presentations that would demonstrate extensive cranial nerve involvement. Ectopic pituitary adenomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a nasal mass involving the nasal sinuses, even if there is no communication with the sella. Clinical presentation The patient is a 46-year-old male who presented with complete nasal obstruction. MRI revealed a large bilateral nasal mass extending into the anterior fossa through the cribriform plate. On nasal endoscopy, the patient was found to have a large mass occluding the entire nasal cavity. Subsequently, an endoscopic endonasal resection was performed. Conclusion This case represents a rare presentation of an ectopic pituitary adenoma. The extensive tumor involvement of the nasal passageways, ethmoid sinuses, and the anterior fossa with the absence of cranial nerve involvement are notable. Histopathologic confirmation of the ectopic pituitary tumor was made after complete endoscopic endonasal removal.
Research and Scholarly Activities: Intervention

As noted in previous chapters, after World War II, clinical psychologists went beyond individual psychological assessment to engage in intervention. Research on clinical interventions, in contrast to that on mental testing, more often obeys the canons of experimental work. The emergence of controlled treatment research therefore conferred greater scientific respectability on the field of clinical psychology at the same time that it expanded its professional scope.
Einjahresergebnisse nach LASEK

Es wurden Ergebnisse der LASEK zur Korrektur von mittlerer Myopie und myopem Astigmatismus mit Hilfe der Refraktionsmatrix untersucht. In diese retrospektive Analyse wurden 54 myope Augen eingeschlossen, die mit LASEK behandelt und mindestens ein Jahr nachbeobachtet wurden. Durch 25–45 s lange Exposition der Hornhaut mit 20%igem Ethanol wurde ein Epithellappen mit superiorem Hinge prapariert. Die Stromaoberflache wurde mit 2 verschiedenen Excimerlasern abladiert. Der Epithellappen wurde reponiert und eine Verbandslinse appliziert. Untersucht wurden die manifeste Refraktion mit der Matrixmethode nach Kaye, der unkorrigierte und der bestkorrigierte Visus und die Nachbehandlungsrate. Die mittlere manifeste Refraktion zu den verschiedenen Zeitpunkten ist in Tabelle 1 dargestellt. Die unkorrigierte Sehscharfe betrug nach einer Woche in 33% der Augen und in der Zeit zwischen 3 Monaten und einem Jahr postoperativ in mehr als 53% der Falle 1,0. Der Sicherheitsindex blieb mindestens bei 0,98 bei den Kontrollen nach einem Monat im ersten postoperativen Jahr. Der Effektivitatsindex im selben Zeitraum schwankte zwischen 0,91 und 0,98. LASEK zur Korrektur der mittleren Myopie und des myopen Astigmatismus scheint eine sichere und effiziente Option zu sein.