cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vagal and sympathetic effects on the pacemaker fibers in the sinus venosus of the heart

1. Action potentials from sinus venosus and auricle fibers of spontaneously beating frog hearts have been recorded with intracellular electrodes. 2. Sinus fibers show a slow depolarization, the pacemaker potential, during diastole. The amplitude of this potential varies in different parts of the sinus. In some fibers the membrane potential falls by 11 to 15 mv. during diastole and the transition to the upstroke of the action potential is comparatively gradual. In other regions the depolarization develops more slowly and the action potential takes off more abruptly from a higher membrane potential. It is proposed that the fibers showing the largest fall in membrane potential during diastole are the pacemaker fibers of the heart, and that the rest of the preparation is excited by conduction. In auricle fibers the membrane potential is constant during diastole. 3. The maximum diastolic membrane potential and the overshoot of the action potential vary inversely with the amplitude of the pacemaker potential. The highest values were measured in auricle fibers. 4. Stimulation of vagi suppresses the pacemaker potentials. While the heart is arrested the membrane potential of the sinus fibers rises to a level above the maximum diastolic value reached in previous beats. In 28 experiments vagal stimulation increased the membrane potential from an average maximal diastolic value of 55 mv. to a "resting" level of 65.4 mv. The biggest vagal polarization was 23 mv. 5. In contrast to the sinus fibers vagal inhibition does not change the diastolic membrane potential of frog auricle fibers. 6. Vagal stimulation greatly accelerates the repolarization of the action potential and reduces its amplitude. These changes were seen both in the sinus and in auricle fibers stimulated by direct shocks during vagal arrest. 7. The conduction velocity in the sinus venosus of the tortoise is reduced by vagal stimulation. Block of conduction often occurs. 8. In the frog sinus venosus sympathetic stimulation increases the rate of rise of the pacemaker potential, accelerating the beat. The threshold remains unchanged. The rate of rise of the upstroke and the amplitude of the overshoot are increased. 9. The analogies between the vagal inhibition of the heart and the nervous inhibition of other preparations are discussed.
A meeting of minds: learning and memory in 1999.

In late spring a diverse group of scientists converged on the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to meet and discuss the unwieldy, growing field of learning and memory research. The Learning and Memory meeting, held April 28–May 2, drew researchers in neurophysiology, behavior, computational neurobiology, cognitive psychology, and molecular biology, all eager to disseminate their particular points of view as well as to learn from colleagues they might otherwise rarely see. When encompassing a topic as broadly defined as “learning and memory”, one quickly realizes that no single approach or system predominates. The scientists at the meeting discussed operant conditioning in Aplysia, courtship conditioning inDrosophila, central pattern generators in invertebrates, motor learning in the cerebellum, and hippocampus-based memory in rats and primates, among other systems. Although it would be impossible to summarize all of this work in a brief report, the following overview offers highlights of the rich and varied interchange at this meeting.
Performance Of Chilean ADRs On The New York Stock Exchange

In this study, we examine NYSE-listed American Depository Receipts from Chile to determine overall short and long-term investment performance and whether the type of issue (IPO versus SEO) affects ADR performance relative to the S&P 500. Short-term performance suggests Chilean ADRs did not perform significantly different than the market index. However, the Chilean ADRs significantly underperformed the S&P 500 by over 32 percent during the three-year trading horizon. In comparing long-run excess returns of SEOs versus those of IPOs, the SEO subset performed similar to the market while the IPOs significantly underperformed the market index by 45 percent. These results provide evidence that the type of issue (IPO versus SEO) affects portfolio returns when investing in Chilean ADRs.
Apolipoprotein E epsilon4 is associated with atrophy of the amygdala in Alzheimer's disease.

Although the ApoE � 4 allele is well-established as the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the effects of this allele on regional brain atrophy in AD patients remain controversial. We performed MRI-based volumetric measurements of the hippocampus and amygdala (normalized to intracranial volume) in 32 � 4+ AD patients, 23 � 4− AD patients, and 42 cognitively normal elderly control subjects. Analysis of covariance revealed that amygdaloid volume was significantly smaller (19.2%) in ApoE � 4+ than � 4− AD patients, controlling for disease severity (F = 10.62; d.f. = 1,52; p = 0.002; ANCOVA). Alternatively, when ApoE � 4 dose was considered, this effect appeared to accrue from a difference between the 0� 4 and each of the other two AD groups, with no significant difference between the 1� 4 and 2� 4 AD groups. Hippocampal volumes and asymmetry indices for hippocampus and amygdala did not differ between � 4 carriers and noncarriers. These results suggest accelerated atrophy of the amygdala in AD in association with ApoE � 4 and provide further evidence for regionally specific effects of this allele. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Interactive digital filtering of gated cardiac studies during cine display

The use of a novel class of image processing hardware, the image computer, is illustrated by application to gated cardiac studies. Digital filtering of a nine-view study consisting of 144 frames, each 64*64 pixels in size, is performed using the Wiener filter. During image display the operator can change the filter parameters. Refiltering is then performed essentially instantaneously, permitting truly interactive filter selection. Comparable digital filtering using a fast conventional computer and display hardware is shown to be too slow to permit interactive filter modification. Image computers incorporate very large image memories with very tightly coupled, fast arithmetic processors and video display devices and allow very computation-intensive calculations to be performed interactively. >
Hand-assisted laparoscopy leads to efficient colorectal cancer surgery

Abstract Background Laparoscopic-assisted (LA) colorectal resections have improved short-term outcomes compared with open resections. Lack of tactile feedback, though, has led to lengthy operations and high conversion rates with attendant adverse effects on patients. Hand-assisted laparoscopy (HAL), in contrast, provides tactile feedback while still being minimally invasive. We hypothesize that HAL compared with LA for colorectal cancer resections will be associated with lower conversion rates and decreased operative times, without compromising the advantages of laparoscopy. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective case-matched study of patients undergoing LA or HAL colorectal cancer resections from 2002 to 2010, using a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Short-term outcomes analyzed (using the Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar’s tests) included operative and perioperative variables and surrogate markers of adequacy of oncologic care. Results Forty-seven LA patients were matched 1:1 by age and resection with 47 HAL patients. Patients in the HAL group had significantly lower blood loss (100 versus 150 cc, P = 0.04), operative times (206 versus 252 min, P = 0.002), and conversion rates (6% versus 38%, P versus 1, P = 0.004) and had quicker return of flatus (3 versus 4 d, P = 0.03). HAL resulted in more lymph nodes resected (21 versus 15, P = 0.03) and a more adequate lymph node harvest (98% versus 77%, P = 0.01). Conclusions HAL is associated with improved operative efficiency, conversion rates, and lymphadenectomy as compared with LA colorectal cancer resections. HAL should be considered in the management of colorectal cancer patients.
The push and pull of climate change causes heterogeneous shifts in avian elevational ranges

Projected effects of climate change on animal distributions primarily focus on consequences of temperature and largely ignore impacts of altered precipitation. While much evidence supports temperature-driven range shifts, there is substantial heterogeneity in species' responses that remains poorly understood. We resampled breeding ranges of birds across three elevational transects in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, USA, that were extensively surveyed in the early 20th century. Presence–absence comparisons were made at 77 sites and occupancy models were used to separate significant range shifts from artifacts of false absences. Over the past century, rising temperature pushed species upslope while increased precipitation pulled them downslope, resulting in range shifts that were heterogeneous within species and among regions. While 84% of species shifted their elevational distribution, only 51% of upper or lower range boundary shifts were upslope. By comparison, 82% of range shifts were in a direction predicted by changes in either temperature or precipitation. Species were significantly more likely to shift elevational ranges than their ecological counterparts if they had small clutch sizes, defended all-purpose territories, and were year-round residents, results that were in opposition to a priori predictions from dispersal-related hypotheses. Our results illustrate the complex interplay between species-specific and region-specific factors that structure patterns of breeding range change over long time periods. Future projections of increasing temperature and highly variable precipitation regimes create a strong potential for heterogeneous responses by species at range margins.
Managing the Dilemmas of High School Reform

Books reviewed in this article: James Nehring, The School Within Us: The Creation of an Innovative Public School Nina G. Dorsch, Community, Collaboration, and Collegiality in School Reform: An Odyssey Toward Connections
SAW passive wireless multi sensor system

Previous work has been presented on passive wireless SAW sensors using the orthogonal frequency coding (OFC) technique [1]. Wireless operation of such sensors has been demonstrated using a network analyzer and only one sensor at a time. A technique to allow multiple sensors to operate at the same time has been developed and demonstrated using network analyzer measurements that were added together to simulate simultaneous operation within the system. NASA is sponsoring research and development of SAW wireless, passive sensors that are environmentally robust and operate in a multi-sensor environment.
Variability in nuclear DNA among nonhuman primates: Application of molecular genetic techniques to intra‐ and inter‐species genetic analyses

Nuclear DNA clones and sequence information derived from human genetic analyses were used to detect and characterize intra- and inter-species DNA variation at several nuclear loci in hominoids and cercopithecoids. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were found at five loci among captive rhesus monkeys. Cross-species polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification detected an insertion within the beta-globin gene cluster in hylobatids. The combined use of cross-species PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis detected both species differences and intra-species polymorphism in the homeobox cluster 2 of hominoids. These results a) demonstrate that DNA clones and nucleotide sequence information from human molecular genetics can be used to facilitate studies of the molecular genetics of nonhuman primates, and b) document specific examples of intra- and inter-species molecular variability at several loci. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Positively Charged Residues within the Iron–Sulfur Cluster Loop of E. coli MutY Participate in Damage Recognition and Removal

Escherichia coli MutY is an adenine glycosylase involved in base excision repair that recognizes OG:A (where OG = 7, 8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine) and G:A mismatches in DNA. MutY contains a solvent-exposed polypeptide loop between two of the cysteine ligands to the [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster, referred to as the iron-sulfur cluster loop (FCL) motif. The FCL is located adjacent to the proposed active site pocket and has been suggested to be part of the DNA binding surface of MutY (Y. Guan et al., 1998, Nat. Struct. Biol. 5, 1058-1064). In order to investigate the role of specific residues within the FCL motif, we have determined the effects of replacing arginine 194, lysine 196, and lysine 198 with alanine on the enzymatic properties of MutY. The properties of the R194A, K196A, and K198A enzymes were also compared to the properties of mutated enzymes in which lysine residues near the active site pocket were replaced with alanine or glycine. Substrate recognition was evaluated using a duplex containing a 2'-deoxyadenosine analog in a base pair opposite G or OG. These results indicate that removal of positively charged amino acids within the FCL and the active site compromise the ability of the enzyme to bind to the substrate analog. However, only the K198A enzyme exhibited a significant reduction (15-fold) of the rate of adenine removal from a G:A base pair-containing duplex. This is the first direct evidence that Lys 198 within the FCL motif of MutY has a role in specific damage recognition and removal. Furthermore, these results suggest that the FCL motif is intimately involved in the base removal process.
Using Dynamic Value Stream Mapping and Lean Accounting Box Scores to Support Lean Implementation.

Lean has proven to be an effective management philosophy for improving businesses in a competitive market by eliminating waste and improving operations. An impact of implementing lean projects is the rapid reduction in inventory levels, which gives management the false impression that profits are decreasing while workers on the shop floor observe improvements in operations and increased floor space. This paper explores the literature on lean manufacturing, value stream mapping (VSM), Simulation and lean accounting in order to incorporate and integrate them for the purpose of solving the dilemma between lean implementation benefits and financial and accounting reporting methods.
Elderly: Nutrition Requirements

Maintaining a healthy nutritional status in older adults may be challenging. Assuring an adequate intake of both macro- and micronutrients (including fluid) may become complex when the impact of normal aging, chronic conditions, changing socioeconomic conditions, use of multiple medications and over-the-counter drugs, and functional status changes. A particular issue with older adults is food security. Barriers to adequate consumption of a nutritious diet including, but not limited to, cognitive status, oral health, deficits in sensory perception and functional status, socioeconomic factors, swallowing disorders, polypharmacy, and other changes that occur with age must all be assessed.
An Investigation for Implicatures in Chinese : Implicatures in Chinese and in English are similar !

Implicit opinions are commonly seen in opinion-oriented documents, such as political editorials. Previous work have utilized opinion inference rules to detect implicit opinions evoked by events that positively/negatively affect entities (goodFor/badFor) to improve sentiment analysis for English text. Since people in different languages may express implicit opinions in different ways, in this work we investigate implicit opinions expressed via goodFor/badFor events in Chinese. The positive results have provided evidences that such implicit opinions and inference rules are similar in Chinese and in English. Moreover, we have observed cases where the inferences are blocked.
Software management

Software management problems? In this session presenters will discuss and demonstrate how Pima Community College (PCC) reigned in control of the software on 5,550 desktop and portable computers located over six campuses, two district offices, and nine center locations.To combat the lack of software standards and perceived legality issues, PCC developed a software plan with input from faculty, staff, and administrators. Prior to implementation of this plan, all users could purchase, download, or share software at will. During this session you will learn how PCC developed the plan and overcame many obstacles including: support issues, auditing and verification, compatibility, user adoption, license agreements, and plan enforcement. In addition, you will learn about IT staff certification and training.Since implementation PCC has enjoyed many benefits including; bulk or volume purchasing, up to date software, college-wide site license agreements, improved standards, reduced need for helpdesk support, consistency between locations, higher user awareness, and increased IT staff credibility.
TAPS: A MOSS Extension for Detecting Software Plagiarism at Scale

Cheating in computer science classes can damage the reputation of institutions and their students. It is therefore essential to routinely authenticate student submissions with available software plagiarism detection algorithms such as Measure of Software Similarity (MOSS). Scaling this task for large classes where assignments are repeated each semester adds complexity and increases the instructor workload. The MOSS Tool for Addressing Plagiarism at Scale (MOSS-TAPS), organizes the MOSS submission task in courses that repeat coding assignments. In a recent use-case in the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the instructor time spent was reduced from 50 hours to only 10 minutes using the managed submission tool design presented here. MOSS-TAPS provides persistent configuration, supports a mixture of software languages and file organizations, and is implemented in pure Java for cross-platform compatibility.
irCLIP platform for efficient characterization of protein–RNA interactions

The complexity of transcriptome-wide protein-RNA interaction networks is incompletely understood. While emerging studies are greatly expanding the known universe of RNA-binding proteins, methods for the discovery and characterization of protein-RNA interactions remain resource intensive and technically challenging. Here we introduce a UV-C crosslinking and immunoprecipitation platform, irCLIP, which provides an ultraefficient, fast, and nonisotopic method for the detection of protein-RNA interactions using far less material than standard protocols.
The paraclinoid aneurysms and the distal dural ring: a new classification.

Aim. The aneurysms of the paraclinoid region are a heterogeneous group of lesions, whose terminology and classification are contradictory because of the complex anatomy and the lack of key anatomical references. A surgical anatomical study to identify an anatomical reference is presented, a new classification of these aneurysms is proposed, and radiological guidelines are given to distinguish an intra from extradural lesion on the x-rays. Methods. A surgical anatomical study of the paraclinoid region has been performed on 10 human cadaveric heads, formalin-fixed and injected with colored silicone rubber, and on skulls, with particular emphasis on the distal dural ring (DDR), anterior clinoid process (ACP) and their relationships with the cavernous, clinoid and ophthalmic segments of the internal carotid artery. On the basis of anatomical considerations a new classification of the aneurysms of the paraclinoid region centered on the DDR has been presented. Furthermore, 50 skulls and 5 injected cadaveric heads underwent radiological evaluation in order to develop x-ray criteria to identify the DDR. Results. The key anatomical element is the DDR. This allows the differentiation of aneurysms of the paraclinoid region into 4 groups (supra-DDR, para-DDR, infraDDR, transitional). The radiological identification of the planum sphenoidale, tuberculum sellae and optic canal allows to distinguish intra versus extradural lesions. Conclusion. A new classification of the aneurysms of the paraclinoid region which uses the DDR as key anatomical element is proposed. Radiological guidelines able to identify the DDR and, thus, to distinguish intra versus extradural aneurysms are provided.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas hydrophila TN97-08.

ABSTRACT Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunistic pathogen residing in freshwater environments that causes infection in fish and mammals. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of A. hydrophila strain TN97-08 isolated from a diseased bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) in 1997.
Snapt u er nog een barst van

Dat hier en daar eens een element splijt, is niet eens zo raar als je ziet wat je allemaal aan tandweefsel vernielt tijdens prepareren en restaureren. Wanneer weet je nou of er sprake is van een ‘gewoon’ endodontisch probleem met een erg hardnekkige bacteriele infectie waardoor een radiolucentie blijft bestaan? En wanneer weet je of je te maken hebt met een verticale fractuur en kun je met je patient gaan praten over extractie en het vervolg?
Physiologic responses of elite paraplegic road racers to prolonged exercise.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to determine cardiopulmonary and selected metabolic responses in spinal cord injured (SCI) paraplegics during prolonged arm crank exercise (ACE). Six male and one female elite SCI paraplegic (T4-12 lesions) road racers performed 40 continuous minutes of ACE at 60% of peak ACE oxygen uptake (VO2). Blood samples (30 ml) were collected via antecubital venipuncture at rest and minutes 20 and 40 of ACE for determinations of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum free fatty acid (FFA), and blood lactate (LA) concentrations. No significant differences were observed over time for V02 or pulmonary ventilation. Heart rate recorded at minutes 30 and 40 was significantly elevated’ above HR at minutes 10 and 20 of ACE indicating the presence of an upward drift in HR in paraplegics performing prolonged ACE. Compared to rest, LA concentration was significantly higher at minute 20 and remained relatively stable thereafter. A significant increase in FFA concentration at minute 40 combined with...
Capacity of spectrum available for unmanned-aircraft command and control links

The amount of radio spectrum available for command and control (C2) radio links of unmanned aircraft (UA) systems (UAS), and the effectiveness with which that spectrum is used, will strongly affect the eventual number of remotely piloted UAS that can safely operate within U.S. airspace. In this paper we analyze several possible methods for utilizing available UAS C2 spectrum as efficiently as possible. We assess the potential impact of various spectrum-management techniques, including synchronized time-division duplexing and two- and three-dimensional zonal frequency planning, that have been proposed for standalone terrestrial C2 links that will use licensed radio spectrum.
Osteotomy of the cervical spine; report of a case of ankylosing rheumatoid spondylitis.

Corrections of a severe flexion deformity and slight hyperextension of the cervical spine was produced safely at the level between the seventh cervical vertebra and first thoracic vertebra in a woman, forty-four years old. The osteotomy was performed posteriorly under local anaesthesia; the ossified annulus fibrosis was ruptured anteriorly by manipulation under nitrous oxide and oxygen anaesthesia while the spinal canal was exposed and protected by the surgeon. Full correction of the deformity was attempted only under controlled conditions after the patient was fully awake and after the spine was securely immobilized in a full spinal brace equipped with a jury-mast and a turnbuckle to raise the chin. The turnbuckle was unthreaded slowly and the cervical spine was extended in stages while the patient was closely observed and frequently examined to test her sensory perceptions, reflexes, and muscle power.
Incorporating Geriatric Assessment into a Nephrology Clinic: Preliminary Data from Two Models of Care

Older adults with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience functional impairment that can complicate CKD management. Failure to recognize functional impairment may put these individuals at risk of further functional decline, nursing home placement, and missed opportunities for timely goals-of-care conversations. Routine geriatric assessment could be a useful tool for identifying older adults with CKD who are at risk of functional decline and provide contextual information to guide clinical decision-making. Two innovative programs were implemented in the Veterans Health Administration that incorporate geriatric assessment into a nephrology visit. In one program, a geriatrician embedded in a nephrology clinic used standardized geriatric assessment tools with individuals with CKD aged 70 and older (Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for CKD) (CGA-4-CKD). In the second program, a nephrology clinic used comprehensive appointments for individuals aged 75 and older to conduct geriatric assessments and CKD care (Renal Silver). Data on 68 veterans who had geriatric assessments through these programs between November 2013 and May 2015 are reported. In CGA-4-CKD, difficulty with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), history of falls, and cognitive impairment were each found in 27.3% of participants. ADL difficulty was found in 65.7%, falls in 28.6%, and cognitive impairment in 51.6% of participants in Renal Silver. Geriatric assessment guided care processes in 45.4% (n = 15) of veterans in the CGA-4-CKD program and 37.1% (n = 13) of those in Renal Silver. Findings suggest there is a significant burden of functional impairment in older adults with CKD. Knowledge of this impairment is applicable to CKD management.
Does Population Affect the Location of Flash Flood Reports

AbstractFlash floods cause more fatalities than any other weather-related natural hazard and cause significant damage to property and infrastructure. It is important to understand the underlying processes that lead to these infrequent but high-consequence events. Accurately determining the locations of flash flood events can be difficult, which impedes comprehensive research of the phenomena. While some flash floods can be detected by automated means (e.g., streamflow gauges), flash floods (and other severe weather events) are generally based on human observations and may not reflect the actual distribution of event locations. The Storm Data–Storm Events Database, which is produced from National Weather Service reports, was used to locate reported flash floods within the forecast area of the Binghamton, New York, Weather Forecast Office between 2007 and 2013. The distribution of those reports was analyzed as a function of environmental variables associated with flood generation including slope, impervious...
Reading to Learn or Learning to Read? Engaging College Students in Course Readings.

ABSTRACTDespite instructors' belief that class readings are integral to the learning process, only 20–30% of undergraduate students complete required readings. Failure to complete course reading has been associated with declines in exam and research performance. This article first offers a brief review of the literature on why students do not complete course readings: 1) unpreparedness, 2) lack of motivation, 3) time constraints, and 4) an underestimation of reading importance. We then identify approaches that encourage students to read, enjoy reading, and develop metacognitive knowledge, shown to improve learning.
Atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death: catheter-based sensor and mapping system of the heart

Ventricular arrhythmias in the heart and the rapid heartbeat of ventricular tachycardia can lead to sudden cardiac death. This is a major health issue worldwide. What is needed is to develop a catheter based sensor and mapping approach which will provide the mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmia, and effectively prevent and treat the same, potentially save life.
Holding the body in mind: Interoceptive awareness, dispositional mindfulness and psychological well-being.

Abstract Objective Recent dialogue between Western and Eastern traditions has stimulated novel explorations of the relationship between mind and body. Many of these cross-cultural, mind-body dialogues have proven productive in identifying more adaptive forms of embodiment. Prior studies suggest that dispositional mindfulness (DM) and interoceptive awareness (IA) are associated but distinct, key constructs in mind-body approaches that are conceptualized in a variety of ways with imprecisely characterized relationship. The current study is a secondary data analysis that explores the relationship between scores on measures of IA and DM, examining multivariate networks of association between these constructs and addressing their relationship with scores on a measure of psychological well-being. Method Participants (n = 478) were American adults completing measures of interoceptive awareness (as measured by the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness; MAIA), dispositional mindfulness (as measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire; FFMQ), and psychological well-being (as measure by the Scales of Psychological Well-Being; SPWB) online. The average participant age was 36.44 (S.D. = 12.17), and 57% were female. Results Correlational results from his study indicated that the IA scales and DM facets form two associative clusters. Canonical correlation analysis supported this finding, revealing that two primary networks of association exist between IA and DM, a Regulatory Awareness cluster and an Acceptance in Action cluster. Finally, hierarchical linear regression demonstrated that the self-report measures of IA and DM shared considerable variance, but also explained unique portions of the variance in psychological well-being. Conclusion This psychometric investigation demonstrates that IA and DM are tightly interwoven, partly overlapping constructs. Indeed, greater DM is strongly linked with greater IA. Additionally, both IA and DM appear to be independently associated with enhanced psychological well-being. Future research should investigate how mindfulness practices moderate IA for therapeutic implications.
Rucaparib: the past, present, and future of a newly approved PARP inhibitor for ovarian cancer.

Rucaparib camsylate (CO-338, AG-014699, PF-01367338) is a potent PARP-1, PARP-2, and PARP-3 inhibitor. Phase I and II studies demonstrated clinical efficacy in both BRCA-mutated (inclusive of germline and somatic) ovarian tumors and ovarian tumors with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Rucaparib has received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for patients with deleterious BRCA mutation (germline and/or somatic)-associated advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with two or more chemotherapies. There is evidence to suggest that rucaparib has clinical efficacy against ovarian tumors with high HRD-LOH. Rucaparib's companion diagnostic FoundationFocus™ CDx BRCA test is the first FDA-approved next-generation sequencing-based companion diagnostic test designed to identify patients likely to respond to rucaparib. This article reviews the mechanisms of action, safety, approval, and indications for use of the PARP inhibitor rucaparib as well as future trials and use of rucaparib's companion diagnostic test.
Frontal dysconnectivity in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: An atlas-based functional connectivity analysis

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome associated with deficits in cognitive and emotional processing. This syndrome represents one of the highest risk factors for the development of schizophrenia. Previous studies of functional connectivity (FC) in 22q11DS report aberrant connectivity patterns in large-scale networks that are associated with the development of psychotic symptoms. In this study, we performed a functional connectivity analysis using the CONN toolbox to test for differential connectivity patterns between 54 individuals with 22q11DS and 30 healthy controls, between the ages of 17–25 years old. We mapped resting-state fMRI data onto 68 atlas-based regions of interest (ROIs) generated by the Desikan-Killany atlas in FreeSurfer, resulting in 2278 ROI-to-ROI connections for which we determined total linear temporal associations between each. Within the group with 22q11DS only, we further tested the association between prodromal symptoms of psychosis and FC. We observed that relative to controls, individuals with 22q11DS displayed increased FC in lobar networks involving the frontal–frontal, frontal–parietal, and frontal–occipital ROIs. In contrast, FC between ROIs in the parietal–temporal and occipital lobes was reduced in the 22q11DS group relative to healthy controls. Moreover, positive psychotic symptoms were positively associated with increased functional connections between the left precuneus and right superior frontal gyrus, as well as reduced functional connectivity between the bilateral pericalcarine. Positive symptoms were negatively associated with increased functional connectivity between the right pericalcarine and right postcentral gyrus. Our results suggest that functional organization may be altered in 22q11DS, leading to disruption in connectivity between frontal and other lobar substructures, and potentially increasing risk for prodromal psychosis.
Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

Musculoskeletal chest pain or chest wall pain is the most common type of chest pain presenting to the primary care office (Huber et al., Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 22:52, 2014). It can result from direct trauma or repetitive stress to the chest wall. Regardless of etiology, musculoskeletal chest pain is rarely life-threatening. However, when there is an underlying intrathoracic injury, prognosis is poor (Ayloo et al., Primary Care 40:863–887, 2013). Signs of hemodynamic instability, respiratory difficulty, multiple rib fractures, scapula fractures, sternal fracture, and flail chest after direct trauma to the chest indicate high probability of intrathoracic injury and should be immediately referred to the emergency department. Once intrathoracic injury has been ruled out and a diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain has been made, it should be treated appropriately to prevent pulmonary complications. Diagnosis of musculoskeletal chest pain can be made clinically and with imaging to support the diagnosis. Most patients improve with conservative treatment and corticosteroid injections reserved for refractory cases. Physical therapy is helpful in reducing pain and swelling and restoring strength and flexibility.
“I Am Uncertain About What My Uncertainty Even Is”: Men’s Uncertainty and Information Management of Their BRCA-Related Cancer Risks

Men with a germline pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant have increased risks for developing breast, pancreatic, prostate, and melanoma cancers, but little is known about how they understand and manage their cancer risks. This study examines how men with BRCA-related cancer risks manage uncertainty and information about their risks. Twenty-five men who were either a BRCA carrier or have a BRCA-positive first-degree family member that put the participant at 50% chance of also being a BRCA carrier were interviewed for this study. Using uncertainty management theory as a theoretical framework, this study demonstrates that men manage uncertainty by seeking information from female family members, websites, and healthcare providers, and are under-informed about their cancer risks. Further, in handling their information, men prefer information about cancer risk percentages and screening recommendations in the form of lists presented to them via websites, printed literature, proactive healthcare providers, and an identifiable male spokesperson. Finally, men used BRCA-related cancer risk information to make decisions about whether or not to engage in screening and prevention, manage their BRCA-related cancer risks, and overall family well-being-yet often at the expense of their own individual risks. Implications for genetic counseling and family conversations are discussed.
Making the Most of Family History Information, Single Gene Disorders and Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance, and When to Refer to a Genetic Specialist

Family history is an essential tool for disease risk assessment, because it incorporates not only shared genetic susceptibilities but also shared environmental, behavioral and cultural factors. Family history data should be taken as part of routine patient care by all medical practitioners. This chapter discusses single-gene disorders, i.e. disorders for which there is a single cause, such as a gene mutation. Single-gene disorders cause the patterns of inheritance that obey the laws of segregation and independent assortment that Gregor Mendel first described (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked dominant, X-linked recessive and Y-linked). Because the laws that govern transmission of a single genetic factor are known, a physician or genetic counselor can give accurate estimates of the probability that other family members might possess the mutation. In this chapter we discuss the foundational principles that the reader must know to understand these principles, as well as guidelines on when to refer to a genetic specialist.
A Functional Model of Respiration

It is often useful to construct mathematical models, i.e., equations or systems of equations, to describe physiological processes. In constructing, analyzing, and experimentally solving these models, important new questions and insights often come forth. Such is the case with respiration. For nearly 20 years plant respiration has been considered in terms of a two-component functional model. With the theoretical and experimental application of this rather simple model, many new questions have been raised and even a few old ones answered. This particular model considers total respiration as the sum of growth respiration and maintenance respiration. Concisely stated, growth respiration is the respiration required in the synthesis of new phytomass, while maintenance respiration supplies the energy to keep existing phytomass in a healthy state. These components are not biochemically distinct; both are described by the reactions outlined in Chapter 3. Nonetheless, the components do have important functional distinctions. To consider plant respiration in functional terms, in addition to purely biochemical or physiological terms, is now common. This functional approach has been previously reviewed several times, both in regard to experimental observations and theoretical models (McCree 1976, 1982a; Thornley 1976, 1977; Barnes & Hole 1978; Hunt & Loomis 1979; Hesketh et al. 1980; Ruget 1981; Lambers et al. 1983b; Loehle 1983; Amthor 1984, 1986; Nilovskaya & Smirnov 1984; Johnson 1987).
Modification on Ligand Binding to TXA2/PGH2 Receptors by Diethylpyrocarbonate

Diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) reacts with histidyl residues in nucelophiles, resulting in the formation of a N-carbethoxyhistidyl derivative (1–2). This reaction, although not entirely specific for histidines, is considered to be more selective than that of other acylating agents and thus can provide useful information about the function of histidyl residues in proteins (2). Since nucleophiles are reactive in their unprotonated form, changes in pH may influence the degree of carbethoxylation. The pKA for the imidazolium form of histidine is approximately 6.0. This suggests that DEPC could be selective for histidyl residues in proteins at pH 6 while carbethoxylation of other amino acids, such as tryptophan, lysine and tyrosine requires higher concentrations of DEPC and proceeds at alkaline pH (3–4). Thus, DEPC-induced carbethoxylation at acidic pH and its reversal by hydroxylamine (4) allow for detection of functionally important histidyl groups in proteins.
Exploring Time and Frequency Domains with Matlab

Physical processes often evolve periodically over time, making frequency-domain analysis a powerful engineering tool for characterizing and designing a system’s behavior. This chapter introduces the basic concepts of the time domain, the frequency domain, and transformations between the two in the context of our continuing study of Matlab. Subsequent engineering courses study the subject in great depth, so our goal is to use Matlab to develop a foundational understanding.
Glutathione S-Transferase Pi Isoform (GSTP1) Expression in Murine Retina Increases with Developmental Maturity

Background and Aims Glutathione S-transferase pi isoform (GSTP1) is an intracellular detoxification enzyme that catalyzes reduction of chemically reactive electrophiles and is a zeaxanthin-binding protein in the human macula. We have previously demonstrated that GSTP1 levels are decreased in human age-related macular degeneration (AMD) retina compared to normal controls (Joshi et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, e-abstract, 2009). We also showed that GSTP1 levels parallel survival of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, and GSTP1 over-expression protects them against UV light damage (Joshi et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, e-abstract, 2010). In the present work, we determined the developmental time course of GSTP1 expression in murine retina and in response to light challenge.
The role of nostalgia in resistance: A psychological perspective

The role of personal nostalgia in inspiring and sustaining resistance in the Ukraine during World War II was explored in narrative analysis of three memoirs. Common themes identified in the memoirs...
The Affect-Responsive Interview and In-Depth Interviewing: What We Can Learn From Therapy Research:

Qualitative researchers who conduct in-depth interviews about sensitive topics can often find themselves in an interaction that mimics psychotherapy in some ways. Many researchers, however, are not...
Temporal and geographic drivers of biomass residues in California

Abstract Expanding bioenergy conversion and composting of organics can enable a near-term transition away from the landfilling, burning, and mismanagement of biomass residues. Strategic development of transportation, storage, and conversion infrastructure to enable this expansion requires detailed information on patterns and drivers of waste biomass production, quality, and geography that are currently lacking. This analysis contributes new geographic and temporal data on biomass residue availability for the state of California. Biomass residues are characterized for the year 2014 at the county- and month-scales for the agriculture, municipal, and forestry sectors in California, with values collected or estimated from numerous publications, databases, industry surveys, and methodologies. We present methods for developing supply scenarios out to the year 2050 that reflect anticipated changes in key environmental, market, and policy drivers. Our results suggest that biomass residue production could grow 16% by 2050 to 71 million tonnes of dry-matter per year, and that the co-processing of diverse high-moisture residue sources and storage of seasonally available low-moisture residues is needed to ensure adequate steady supply to bioenergy and composting facilities. Additional research and better reporting on organic waste management is needed to bound uncertainties regarding the response of residue production to market trends and recycling policies, and the influence of agricultural practices, plant selection, and climate impacts on residue yields.
Effect of residual chlorine and organic acids on survival and attachment of Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on spinach leaves during storage

Abstract The use of sanitizers during produce wash operation is a common practice, but little is known about the effect of residual sanitizers on minimizing food safety risks associated with post-sanitizing cross-contaminations. This study investigated the effect of residual chlorine and organic acids on the survival and the attachment of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes on spinach leaves during refrigerated storage. The pathogens were spot inoculated on chlorine (100 ppm), lactic acid (0.5%) and acetic acid (0.5%) treated leaves, and their survival during refrigerated storage (4 °C) was examined. A significant reduction (P
Modelling multi-species and multi-mode contact networks: Implications for persistence of bovine tuberculosis at the wildlife–livestock interface

Individual‐ and species‐level heterogeneity in contact rates can alter the ability of a pathogen to invade a host community. Many pathogens have multiple modes of transmission—by direct or indirect contact. It is important to identify the role of heterogeneity in different types of transmission when managing the risk of disease spillover at the interface among different host species. We developed a network‐based analysis to explore how individual‐ and species‐level heterogeneity shape multi‐mode contact networks. We applied this network‐based approach to contact data from proximity loggers collected in a multi‐species host community that contributes to the spillover of the disease bovine tuberculosis (bTB) to cattle populations in Michigan, USA. We used this approach to (a) quantify how individual‐ and species‐level heterogeneity influence direct and indirect contacts in this system, (b) explore how management interventions to control spillovers, such as the installation of deer fences, can alter observed contact networks and c) predict the role that wildlife species have in maintaining bTB in the community. We found that individual‐ and species‐level heterogeneity disproportionately influenced indirect and direct contact networks, with individual‐level heterogeneity having a greater effect on indirect contact networks and species‐level heterogeneity having a greater effect on direct contact networks. We also found that the installation of deer fences significantly reduced deer‐specific indirect contacts. We used the results from our network analysis to show that white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) could act as the sole reservoir host for bTB in this community with important implications for understanding past bTB dynamics and managing the persistence of bTB in the future. Synthesis and applications. Analyses of epidemiological networks rarely account for multiple modes of contact, which can lead to an incomplete understanding of how individual‐ and species‐level heterogeneity affect disease transmission. The multi‐mode, multi‐species network analysis we develop in this study illustrates that individual‐ and species‐level heterogeneity can play significantly different roles depending on the type of contact network considered. This has important implications when managing disease at the wildlife–livestock interface, where strategies may need to be multi‐pronged to account for the variable role of heterogeneity on different modes of contact.
Optical NOR Gate Transistor Laser Integrated Circuit

An optical NOR gate has been demonstrated monolithically in a transistor laser structure using voltage modulation of the light output. The NOR gate can receive multiple optical input signals and produces the corresponding light output.