cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determining the insertion site for retrograde intramedullary nail fixation of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis: a radiographic and intraoperative anatomical landmark analysis.

Literature regarding the optimal entry point at the plantar aspect of the heel for performing tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a locked retrograde intramedullary nail is plentiful, but fails to provide meaningful guidance beyond broad generalizations. Because of the complex nature of the procedure, which requires precise alignment of multiple joints, difficulties in guide-wire placement frequently arise. Furthermore, proper guide-wire placement is usually performed under image intensification, placing the patient, surgeon, and operating room personnel at risk of ionizing radiation. This study evaluates weight-bearing lateral radiographic and anatomical landmarks to determine the optimal guide-wire entry point at the plantar heel fat pad, as well as a prospective intraoperative evaluation of the efficacy of using these landmarks to properly seat the guide wire. Radiographic and anatomical landmark portions of the study revealed that the calcaneocuboid joint was located 18.5 ± 3.4 mm anterior to the tibia mid-diaphyseal line, and that the lower leg soft tissue outline approximated the calcaneocuboid joint to within 0.3 ± 1.2 mm. The intraoperative portion of the study revealed that by first aligning the guide wire with the lower leg soft tissue outline, which approximated the location of the calcaneocuboid joint, and then translating the wire approximately 2.0 cm posteriorly, the increase in the efficacy of properly seating the guide wire was statistically significant ( P ≤ .0001). The author proposes that this technique improves the accuracy of guide-wire placement and decreases dependency on intraoperative image intensification.
Effect of alginate composition and purity on alginate microspheres.

Background: Alginate is commonly used to microencapsulate islets in experiments with islet allografts and xenografts for the treatment of Type I diabetes. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effects of alginate composition and purity on the morphology and size of microspheres. Methods: Microcapsules produced with the impure alginate types, medium-viscosity high-guluronic acid (IMVG), low-viscosity high-G (ILVG), low-viscosity high-mannuronic acid (ILVM) and medium-viscosity high-M (IMVM) were compared with one another and others generated with a highly purified LVM (HPLVM) alginate. Droplets of 1.5% alginate from an air-syringe pump were gelled in 1.1% CaCl2 solution. While leaving the alginate pressure and needle recess constant, the air-jacket pressure was varied between 9.5–10.5 PPSI to enhance stable microcapsule generation and different batches of microbeads were made from each alginate type. Results: The sizes of the high-guluronic acid alginate microbeads were consistently bigger t...
Responses to Monosodium Glutamate and Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate in Rat Fungiform Taste Cellsa

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) elicits a unique taste sensation called umami. The umami sensation is potentiated by the presence of 5'-ribonucleotides such as guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP). We have used giga-seal whole cell recording to examine glutamate transduction in individual cells of isolated rat fungiform taste buds. Approximately 56% of fungiform taste cells responded to bath application of glutamate. Three types of responses occurred: decrease in inward holding current; increase in inward holding current; and a biphasic response, with an increase followed by a decrease in holding current. Similar responses were observed in response to 5'-GMP. Further, responses to 5'-GMP may occur in cells that are glutamate-insensitive, suggesting that different receptors mediate the transduction of glutamate and 5'-GMP. Simultaneous bath application of glutamate and 5'-GMP resulted in a synergistic response in some taste cells.
Compiler-Directed Power Density Reduction in NoC-Based Multi-Core Designs

As transistor counts keep increasing and clock frequencies rise, high power consumption is becoming one of the most important obstacles, preventing further scaling and performance improvements. While high power consumption brings many problems with it, high power density and thermal hotspots are maybe two of the most important ones. Current architectures provide several circuit based solutions to cope with thermal emergencies when they occur but exercising them frequently can lead to significant performance losses. This paper proposes a compiler-based approach that balances the computational workload across the processors of an NoC based chip multiprocessor such that the chances of experiencing a thermal emergency at runtime are reduced. Our results show that the proposed approach cuts the number of runtime thermal emergencies by 42% on the average on benchmarks tested.
MicroRNA Regulation of Ionizing Radiation-Induced Premature Senescence

Purpose MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of many cellular pathways. Ionizing radiation (IR) exposure causes DNA damage and induces premature senescence. However, the role of miRNAs in IR-induced senescence has not been well defined. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify and characterize senescence-associated miRNAs (SA-miRNAs) and to investigate the role of SA-miRNAs in IR-induced senescence. Methods and Materials In human lung (WI-38) fibroblasts, premature senescence was induced either by IR or busulfan (BU) treatment, and replicative senescence was accomplished by serial passaging. MiRNA microarray were used to identify SA-miRNAs, and real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR validated the expression profiles of SA-miRNAs in various senescent cells. The role of SA-miRNAs in IR-induced senescence was characterized by knockdown of miRNA expression, using anti-miRNA oligonucleotides or by miRNA overexpression through the transfection of pre-miRNA mimics. Results We identified eight SA-miRNAs, four of which were up-regulated (miR-152, -410, -431, and -493) and four which were down-regulated (miR-155, -20a, -25, and -15a), that are differentially expressed in both prematurely senescent (induced by IR or BU) and replicatively senescent WI-38 cells. Validation of the expression of these SA-miRNAs indicated that down-regulation of miR-155, -20a, -25, and -15a is a characteristic miRNA expression signature of cellular senescence. Functional analyses revealed that knockdown of miR-155 or miR-20a, but not miR-25 or miR-15a, markedly enhanced IR-induced senescence, whereas ectopic overexpression of miR-155 or miR-20a significantly inhibited senescence induction. Furthermore, our studies indicate that miR-155 modulates IR-induced senescence by acting downstream of the p53 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and in part via regulating tumor protein 53-induced nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1) expression. Conclusion Our results suggest that SA-miRNAs are involved in the regulation of IR-induced senescence, so targeting these miRNAs may be a novel approach for modulating cellular response to radiation exposure.
The Developmental Biology of Cereal Endosperm

This chapter summarizes the current understanding of structural aspects of cereal endosperm development with emphasis on the cytoskeleton and its role in morphogenesis. The developmental pathway of nuclear-type endosperm includes unusual cell and microtubule cycles and methods of wall placement. After double fertilization, the primary endosperm nucleus divides repeatedly without cytokinesis resulting in a large syncytium that lines the periphery and surrounds the central vacuole. During interphase this “liquid” endosperm is elegantly organized into functional units termed nuclear cytoplasmic domains (NCDs) by radial microtubule systems (RMSs) emanating from the nuclei. Cellularization is driven by the RMS microtubule cycle in which hoop-like cortical microtubules and preprophase microtubule bands (PPBs) are absent. It comprises alternation of two stages: deposition of anticlinal walls without mitosis leading to formation of alveoli, and periclinal walls following mitosis in the alveoli. Following centripetal cellularization, three principal tissues are differentiated: the central endosperm in which food reserves are stored, a transfer region specialized for uptake of metabolites, and the peripheral aleurone that releases enzymes to mobilize reserves at germination. The PPB microtubule cycle typical of meristematic growth replaces the RMS cycle when cell divisions associated with aleurone expansion and grain enlargement occur in the peripheral layers.
The chemical cytology of the rat's adrenal cortex in pantothenic acid deficiency.

IN PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS on puppies with severe pantothenic acid deficiency, we noted that their adrenal cortices exhibited a depletion of lipids. Investigators in many laboratories have reported hemorrhage and necrosis in the adrenal cortices of rats on similarly deficient diets (Daft and Sebrell, 1939; Nelson, 1939; Ashburn, 1940; Miller, Shaw, Elvehjem and Phillips, 1940; Morgan and Simms, 1940; Salmon and Engel, 1940; and Supplee, Bender and Kahlenberg, 1942). Furthermore, in pantothenic acid deficient puppies Schaefer, McKibbin and Elvehjem (1942) found alterations in blood chloride, glucose, and non-protein nitrogen, in addition to gastritis and hemorrhagic kidneys and thymuses. All of these changes have been recorded by Selye (1937) and others as characteristic of an “alarm reaction” resulting from any of a variety of stress conditions.
Sensitivity of a Coupled Single-Column Model in the Tropics to Treatment of the Interfacial Parameterizations.

A coupled atmosphere‐ocean single-column model has been developed for testing tropical ocean‐atmosphere feedbacks. The model is evaluated against observational data (both in situ and satellite) during the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) intensive observation period. The coupled model is able to successfully reproduce variations in cloud parameters and surface fluxes; the model also overestimates the latent and sensible heat fluxes compared to observations. The overestimation is most likely due to errors in the atmospheric surface layer temperature and specific humidity. The sea surface temperatures produced by the model are reasonable. The mean bias in sea surface temperature as compared to buoy data is 08C; the maximum deviation from the observed temperature is 0.48C. This model is then used to investigate the sensitivity of the ocean and the ocean‐atmosphere system to variations in the included interfacial parameterization in the tropical Pacific. The sensitivity of the model results to the turbulent flux model used in the coupled version is shown to produce daily averaged sea surface temperature variations of over 0.58C. Of equal significance is the variation in model response to temperatures from different depths in the water column. Use of the typically cooler skin temperature as the interfacial temperature rather than the temperature at depth results in strong differences in the atmospheric profiles of heat, moisture, and cloud properties. These differences are not caused solely by the difference in temperature, but are also due to the much-reduced diurnal variation in sea surface temperature at depth. The extent to which a daily averaged sea surface temperature changes the resulting atmospheric profiles depends on whether the diurnal variability was strong; under low-wind conditions the differences are the most dramatic.
Neurodevelopmental origins of bipolar disorder: IPSC models

Bipolar disorder (BP) is a chronic neuropsychiatric condition characterized by pathological fluctuations in mood from mania to depression. Adoption, twin and family studies have consistently identified a significant hereditary component to BP, yet there is no clear genetic event or consistent neuropathology. BP has been suggested to have a developmental origin, although this hypothesis has been difficult to test since there are no viable neurons or glial cells to analyze, and research has relied largely on postmortem brain, behavioral and imaging studies, or has examined proxy tissues including saliva, olfactory epithelium and blood cells. Neurodevelopmental factors, particularly pathways related to nervous system development, cell migration, extracellular matrix, H3K4 methylation, and calcium signaling have been identified in large gene expression and GWAS studies as altered in BP. Recent advances in stem cell biology, particularly the ability to reprogram adult somatic tissues to a pluripotent state, now make it possible to interrogate these pathways in viable cell models. A number of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from BP patient and healthy control (C) individuals have been derived in several laboratories, and their ability to form cortical neurons examined. Early studies suggest differences in activity, calcium signaling, blocks to neuronal differentiation, and changes in neuronal, and possibly glial, lineage specification. Initial observations suggest that differentiation of BP patient-derived neurons to dorsal telencephalic derivatives may be impaired, possibly due to alterations in WNT, Hedgehog or Nodal pathway signaling. These investigations strongly support a developmental contribution to BP and identify novel pathways, mechanisms and opportunities for improved treatments.
Diagnosis and Management of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) affects 10% to 15% of monochorionic pregnancies. In the absences of timely diagnosis and intervention perinatal loss or long term developmental delay can be expected in over 90% of cases. Establishing chorionicity in the first trimester followed by serial ultrasounds beginning at 16 weeks of gestation and intervention with placental laser ablation before the development of advance disease overall survival rates can be expected in 70% to 80% of cases.
Bounded Numerical Error Estimates for Oscillatory Convergence of Simulation Data

A new approach to calculation verification for oscillatory simulation data that obey the standard, absolute error model is developed and tested. Calculation verification is applicable when physical models do not admit exact solutions to the governing equations. The proposed method was developed using the triangle inequality and provides algebraic inequalities relating simulation data, grid-refinement ratios and convergence rates. The new method estimates maximum convergence rates and maximum discretization errors, i.e., bounded error estimates. Expressions resulting from the new method are easy to evaluate and applicable for scalar simulation data, e.g., integrated simulation features, and non-scalar data, e.g., solution-error norms. To assess this calculation-verification method, convergence rates and discretization errors were evaluated for synthetic oscillatory simulation data and compared to known rates and errors. The new method appears well suited to estimating convergence rates and discretization errors particularly when the analysis includes data along the edge of a discretization-error envelop. Using these data, the convergence rate and error estimates alternate between exact matches and conservative estimates.
Investigation of Non-Equilibrium Nitrogen Plasmas

High-enthalpy nitrogen flow generated within an inductively-coupled plasma torch facility is examined using emission spectroscopy. Evidence of a non-equilibrium distribution of multiple vibrational levels within the N2(B Πg) electronic state created by inverse predissociation of ground-state nitrogen atoms is shown within the N2 1 st-Positive system. The Specair software package is used to estimate the degree with which the flow deviates from equilibrium by determining the overpopulation values for each vibrational level in the upper electronic state. Results yield a maximum overpopulation value of 4.91±1.5 for the B Πg(v’ = 13) level. The overpopulation of the v’=13 level allows for an estimation of the overpopulation of ground state nitrogen atoms to be 2.22±0.25.
HAPALOCYSTIS BERKELEYI AND MACRODIPLODIOPSIS DESMAZIERESII IN ARTIFICIAL CULTURE

Hapalocystis berkeleyi and Macrodiplodiopsis desmazieresii were found fruiting together on host material, and were studied in artificial culture. Hapalocystis berkeleyi produced a Phoma-like anamorph with variable conidiogenous cells and hyaline, oval conidia, while M. desmazieresii produced a conidial state resembling that on host material, with distoseptate, four-celled, brown conidia and percurrently proliferating conidiogenous cells. Hapalocystis Auersw. ex Fuckel (Diaporthales, Melanconidaceae) is charac? terized by valsoid stromata, oblong or ellipsoid asci, and brown, appendaged phragmosporous ascospores (Barr, 1978). Little is known about anamorphic states of Hapalocystis species, but generally they are believed to be Stilbospora -like (Wehmeyer, 1941; Barr, 1978). Recently, a collection was made ofthe type species, H. berkeleyi Auersw. ex Fuckel (Holm, 1975; Barr, 1978), with perithecial stro? mata intermingled with pycnidia of Macrodiplodiopsis desmazieresii (Mont.) Pe? trak, a fungus that resembles Stilbospora in conidial morphology and ontogeny. Shear and Davidson (1936) showed through cultural studies that M. desmazieresii is the anamorph of Splanchnonema platani (Ces.) Barr [=Massaria platani Ces.] (Barr, 1982). However, based on earlier discussions of Hapalocystis anamorphs (Wehmeyer, 1941; Barr, 1978), it seemed that the two fungi in this collection might be different states of the same organism, and cultural studies were undertaken to determine if this were true. This study determined that: (1) the two states are, in fact, different fungi, a conclusion consistent with those of Shear and Da? vidson (1936), and (2) in culture, H. berkeleyi produces a Phoma-like anamorph. Since there is little published information on H. berkeleyi and M. desmazieresii, they are described on host material and in culture.
Rapid Diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia

Two cases of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia are presented. In each, a rapid diagnosis was made through the use of direct immunofluorescent antibody staining of respiratory secretions with monoclonal antibodies to chlamydial antigens. In one case the diagnosis was confirmed by the isolation of the causative organism from sputum and a pharyngeal swab. Chlamydial lipopolysaccharide was detectable in sputum from this patient in an enzyme immunoassay. Serological responses to C. psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Chlamydia pneumoniae were evaluated, and serological cross-reactivity was observed between each species. Rapid antigen detection systems for Chlamydia species that use commercially available reagents can be helpful in the evaluation of selected patient populations.
Excesos, Fatiga Laboral Y Enfermedad. Buenos Aires, 1880-1950

El articulo examina los discursos que sobre la tuberculosis se articularon desde fines del siglo XIX hasta mediados del siglo XX. Estos discursos – que tendian a enfatizar las dimensiones medioambientales y sociales no tanto las laborales – coexistieron, se complementaron y compitieron entre si. Fue recien en el segundo cuarto del siglo XX cuando la tuberculosis comenzo a ser mas claramente asociada a las enfermedades ocupacionales. Este reconocimiento, sin embargo, no resulto de proyectos legislativos sino de la jurisprudencia producida por casos particulares. El trabajo pionero de Alfredo Palacios La fatiga y sus proyecciones sociales (1923) fue una recurrente referencia en ese lento y fragmentado proceso de reconocimiento de la tuberculosis como una enfermedad del mundo del trabajo.
Query Recommendation for Exploratory Search Process

Query recommendation is an important tool for improving searching efficiency. But traditional recommendation method cannot provide good recommendations for exploratory search.A novel model based on search behaviors for the above problem was proposed,which successfully build the exploratory search process by tentative query refinement and deterministic query refinement. Then a query recommendation algorithm based on the three factors affecting exploratory search process was proposed. Finally the results of comparative experiments showed that this model and algorithm achieved a good effect.
Multifunctional roles of PKCδ: Opportunities for targeted therapy in human disease

The serine-threonine protein kinase, protein kinase C-δ (PKCδ), is emerging as a bi-functional regulator of cell death and proliferation. Studies in PKCδ-/- mice have confirmed a pro-apoptotic role for this kinase in response to DNA damage and a tumor promoter role in some oncogenic contexts. In non-transformed cells, inhibition of PKCδ suppresses the release of cytochrome c and caspase activation, indicating a function upstream of apoptotic pathways. Data from PKCδ-/- mice demonstrate a role for PKCδ in the execution of DNA damage-induced and physiologic apoptosis. This has led to the important finding that inhibitors of PKCδ can be used therapeutically to reduce irradiation and chemotherapy-induced toxicity. By contrast, PKCδ is a tumor promoter in mouse models of mammary gland and lung cancer, and increased PKCδ expression is a negative prognostic indicator in Her2+ and other subtypes of human breast cancer. Understanding how these distinct functions of PKCδ are regulated is critical for the design of therapeutics to target this pathway. This review will discuss what is currently known about biological roles of PKCδ and prospects for targeting PKCδ in human disease.
171 RECOMBINANT HUMAN VEGF TREATMENT ENHANCES ALVEOLARIZATION AFTER HYPEROXIC LUNG INJURY IN NEONATAL RATS

Background BPD is characterized by decreased alveolarization and dysmorphic vascular growth. Although growth of the pulmonary circulation and alveolarization are closely coordinated, mechanisms that link alveolar and vascular growth are poorly understood. Clinical studies suggest that VEGF, a potent endothelial cell mitogen and survival factor that promotes angiogenesis, is decreased in lungs of infants who died with BPD. Past studies in rats have shown that neonatal exposure to prolonged hyperoxia inhibits lung growth and down-regulates lung VEGF expression. Recent studies have shown that neonatal treatment with a VEGF receptor inhibitor decreases vascular and alveolar growth. Overall, these findings suggest that impaired VEGF signaling may contribute to decreased lung growth in BPD. Whether chronic treatment with exogenous VEGF improves lung structure in experimental models of BPD is unknown. Hypothesis/Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether prolonged VEGF treatment would enhance alveolarization in infant rats after exposure to neonatal hyperoxia. Methods Two day old SDR pups were placed into hyperoxia (FiO2, 0.75) or room air for 12 days. At 14 days, pups were randomized to daily treatment with rhVEGF 165 at 20 μg/kg im or vehicle (saline; controls). On day 22, rats were killed, and the heart and lungs were collected for study. Morphometric analysis was assessed by radial alveolar counts (RAC), mean linear intercepts (MLI), and skeletonization. Results In comparison with room air controls, hyperoxia decreased RAC (6 ± 2 vs. 11 ± 2; p ≤ 0.01), increased MLI (59 ± 10 vs. 44 ± 4; p ≤ 0.01), decreased the number of nodal points per high power field (503 ± 12 vs. 447 ± 14; p≤0.01), and decreased vessel density (19 ± 1 vs. 12 ± 1; p≤0.01) despite recovery in room air. In comparison with hyperoxic controls, rhVEGF treatment after hyperoxia increased RAC (12 ± 2; p≤ 0.01), decreased MLI (42 ± 6; p ≤ 0.01 vs. hyperoxia), increased nodal point density (502 ± 7; p≤0.01), and increased vessel density (23 ± 0.4; p≤0.01). Conclusions We conclude that exposure of neonatal rats to hyperoxia impairs alveolarization, which persists despite recovery in room air, and that treatment with rhVEGF during the recovery period enhanced alveolarization. We speculate that persistent abnormalities of lung structure after hyperoxia may be partly due to impaired VEGF signaling, and that increased alveolarization after VEGF treatment may be due to improved endothelial cell survival, function and growth.
Social media and crisis management

The current manuscript explores Twitter use and content in the precrisis stages of a major weather event in the northeast. A multi-level content analysis of tweets collected in the lead up to landfall suggests that emergency management agencies largely underutilized the medium, and that actionable information was easier to find when searching along localized hashtags. The findings are discussed in terms of the Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) model of crisis management and implications for emergency management agencies. We examined a large number of tweets in the days leading up to a major snowstorm.Twitter content dealt more with affective orientation than actionable information.Actionable information was easier to find using localized hashtags.Emergency management agencies were largely absent from the conversation.
Cardiovascular effects of angiotensin-(1-7) injected into the dorsal medulla of rats.

The amino terminal angiotensin heptapeptide, Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro [ANG-(1–7)], is the major product formed during incubation of 125I-labeled ANG I or 125I-labeled ANG II with homogenates obtained from canine dorsomedial medulla oblongata. To determine whether ANG-(1–7) has central-mediated cardiovascular effects, this heptapeptide was microinjected into the dorsal medulla of chloralose-urethan-anesthetized rats. Unilateral injections of ANG-(1-7) into the medial nucleus tractus solitarii caused depressor and bradycardic effects at doses between 0.1 and 12.5 ng. Similar hypotensive responses accompanied with bradycardia were produced by injections of ANG-(1–7) into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. In both nuclei, the monophasic depressor responses elicited by ANG-(1–7) were qualitatively similar to those found with injections of ANG II. Biphasic depressor-pressor responses of variable magnitude were produced by the injection of either angiotensin peptide at a high dose (250 ng). Because ANG-(1–7) has no direct vascular or dipsogenic effects, our findings suggest important differences in the receptor requirements for vascular and neural tissue of the dorsal medulla. Moreover, the data support the concept of tissue specific formation and action of angiotensin peptides in the brain.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Regulator-Encoding Genes Have an Additive Effect on Virulence Gene Expression in a Vibrio cholerae Clinical Isolate.

ABSTRACT Vibrio cholerae is the etiological agent of the infectious disease cholera, which is characterized by vomiting and severe watery diarrhea. Recently, V. cholerae clinical isolates have demonstrated increased virulence capabilities, causing more severe symptoms with a much higher rate of disease progression than previously observed. We have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four virulence-regulatory genes (hapR, hns, luxO, and vieA) of a hypervirulent V. cholerae clinical isolate, MQ1795. Herein, all SNPs and SNP combinations of interest were introduced into the prototypical El Tor reference strain N16961, and the effects on the production of numerous virulence-related factors, including cholera toxin (CT), the toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP), and ToxT, were analyzed. Our data show that triple-SNP (hapR hns luxO and hns luxO vieA) and quadruple-SNP combinations produced the greatest increases in CT, TCP, and ToxT production. The hns and hns luxO SNP combinations were sufficient for increased TCP and ToxT production. Notably, the hns luxO vieA triple-SNP combination strain produced TCP and ToxT levels similar to those of MQ1795. Certain SNP combinations (hapR and hapR vieA) had the opposite effect on CT, TCP, and ToxT expression. Interestingly, the hns vieA double-SNP combination strain increased TCP production while decreasing CT production. Our findings suggest that SNPs identified in the four regulatory genes, in various combinations, are associated with increased virulence capabilities observed in V. cholerae clinical isolates. These studies provide insight into the evolution of highly virulent strains. IMPORTANCE Cholera, an infectious disease of the small intestine caused by the aquatic bacterium Vibrio cholerae, often results in vomiting and acute watery diarrhea. If left untreated or if the response is too slow, the symptoms can quickly lead to extreme dehydration and ultimately death of the patient. Recent anecdotal evidence of cholera patients suffering from increasingly severe symptoms and of disease progression at a much higher rate than previously observed has emerged. As recent cholera outbreaks caused by increasingly virulent strains have resulted in higher mortality rates, the need to investigate the mechanism(s) allowing this observed increased virulence is apparent. The significance of our research is in identifying the mechanism for increased virulence capabilities, which will allow the development of a model that will greatly enhance our understanding of cholera disease and V. cholerae pathogenesis, leading to broader biomedical impacts, as cholera serves as a model for other enteric diarrheal diseases.
Ontogeny of Norepinephrine Transporter Expression and Antidepressant-Like Response to Desipramine in Wild-Type and Serotonin Transporter Mutant Mice

Depression is a major public health concern with symptoms that are often poorly controlled by treatment with common antidepressants. This problem is compounded in juveniles and adolescents, because therapeutic options are limited to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Moreover, therapeutic benefits of SSRIs are often especially limited in certain subpopulations of depressed patients, including children and carriers of low-expressing serotonin transporter (SERT) gene variants. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) offer an alternative to SSRIs; however, how age and SERT expression influence antidepressant response to TCAs is not understood. We investigated the relation between antidepressant-like response to the TCA desipramine using the tail suspension test and saturation binding of [3H]nisoxetine to the norepinephrine transporter (NET), the primary target of desipramine, in juvenile (21 days postnatal [P21]), adolescent (P28), and adult (P90) wild-type (SERT+/+) mice. To model carriers of low-expressing SERT gene variants, we used mice with reduced SERT expression (SERT+/−) or lacking SERT (SERT−/−). The potency and maximal antidepressant-like effect of desipramine was greater in P21 mice than in P90 mice and was SERT genotype independent. NET expression decreased with age in the locus coeruleus and increased with age in several terminal regions (e.g., the cornu ammonis CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus). Binding affinity of [3H]nisoxetine did not vary as a function of age or SERT genotype. These data show age-dependent shifts for desipramine to produce antidepressant-like effects that correlate with NET expression in the locus coeruleus and suggest that drugs with NET-blocking activity may be an effective alternative to SSRIs in juveniles.
Impact of Antibiotics on Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Antibiotic treatment alters the composition and metabolic function of the intestinal microbiota. These alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Recent studies are beginning to unravel the contribution of specific groups of microbes and their metabolic pathways to these diseases. Probiotics or other microbiota-targeted therapies may provide effect strategies to prevent and treat NEC and AAD.
Association Between 2 Measures of Cognitive Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Their Relation to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Persons With Stroke.

Abstract Objectives To explore the relation between a computer adaptive functional cognitive questionnaire and a performance-based measure of cognitive instrumental activities of daily living (C-IADL) and to determine whether the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at admission can identify those with C-IADL difficulties at discharge. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Acute inpatient rehabilitation unit of an academic medical center. Participants Inpatients (N=148) with a diagnosis of stroke (mean age, 68y; median, 13d poststroke) who had mild cognitive and neurological deficits. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Admission cognitive status was assessed by the MoCA. C-IADL at discharge was assessed by the Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) bill paying task and Activity Measure of Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) Applied Cognition scale. Results Greater cognitive impairment on the MoCA was associated with more assistance on the EFPT bill paying task (ρ=−.63; P Conclusions Questionnaire and performance-based methods of assessment appear to yield different estimates of C-IADL. Low MoCA scores (
StudentLife: Using Smartphones to Assess Mental Health and Academic Performance of College Students

Much of the stress and strain of student life remains hidden. The StudentLife continuous sensing app assesses the day-to-day and week-by-week impact of workload on stress, sleep, activity, mood, sociability, mental well-being and academic performance of a single class of 48 students across a 10 weeks term at Dartmouth College using Android phones. Results from the StudentLife study show a number of significant correlations between the automatic objective sensor data from smartphones and mental health and educational outcomes of the student body. We propose a simple model based on linear regression with lasso regularization that can accurately predict cumulative GPA. We also identify a Dartmouth term lifecycle in the data that shows students start the term with high positive affect and conversation levels, low stress, and healthy sleep and daily activity patterns. As the term progresses and the workload increases, stress appreciably rises while positive affect, sleep, conversation and activity drops off. The StudentLife dataset is publicly available on the web.
High-Speed Pulsed Fiber Ring Laser Using Photonic Crystal Fiber

In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a mode locked fiber ring laser with the implementation of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) to generate pulse train at high speed. This fiber r...
CIRCULATING CATECHOLAMINES PRIOR TO AND AFTER DELIVERY

ABSTRACT Fetal scalp vein plasma catecholamines were determined in 15 normal subjects prior to delivery and compared to the umbilical artery and vein plasma catecholamines of the same subjects after cord clamping at delivery. The results indicate: a that norepinephrine is the predominant catecholamine prior to and after birth b there is a fetal to maternal gradient for plasma circulating norepinephrine.
Sonic Boom Reduction Using an Adjoint Method for Supersonic Transport Aircraft Configurations

This paper presents an adjoint method for the calculation of remote sensitivities in supersonic flow. The goal is to develop a set of adjoint equations and their corresponding boundary conditions in order to quantify the influence of geometry modifications on the pressure distribution at an arbitrary location within the domain of interest. We present results that demonstrate the application of the theory to a three-dimensional remote inverse design problem using a low sweep biconvex wing and a supersonic business jet wing-body configuration.
Endovascular Retrieval of an Embolized Atrial Septal Occluder Device From the Abdominal Aorta

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common heart condition in adults. Closure with a septal occluder device is a safe, well-established treatment option with excellent clinical outcomes. One rare complication of percutaneous PFO closure is embolization of the device to the heart chambers or distal vasculature. Most device migrations are recognized during or shortly after implantation. While many endovascular retrievals of migrated devices are successful, there are still a high percentage of surgical interventions performed. We report a case of a septal occluder device that embolized to the abdominal aorta and was discovered 7 days after implantation. Endovascular techniques with a snare and endobronchial forceps were used to retrieve the device safely.
Topology Improvement of the Current Source Modular Multilevel Converter: Steady-State Analysis

A steady-state analysis of the Current Source Modular Multilevel Converter (CSMMC) is carried out in this paper. Time-domain expressions of the inductors current, upper and lower currents, and the so-called circulating currents are derived. The underlying reason behind the existence of a fundamental-frequency component in the inductors currents is explained. A modified CSMMC that eliminates that component is proposed. The modified CSMMC uses the same number of switches, with the same voltage ratings, and half the number of inductors. Moreover, the inductors sizes are reduced. Steady-state analysis of the modified CSMMC is also included.
Practical Strategies for e-Book Use in Early Childhood Classrooms (K-5)

This chapter examines current e-book research and practices and offers strategies for e-books use in early childhood settings (K-5). Results of a survey and in-depth interview data are provided and analyzed to offer a picture of why and how e-books are used in classrooms. Specifically, the chapter outlines which e-book features support early literacy development and assessment in classrooms. Benefits of e-books for both students and teachers are outlined. Finally, evidence provided by e-books users is examined. Findings indicate that patterns in how teachers are using e-books in the classroom are emerging in the research, however, some areas require further investigation.
Primate mosaic brain evolution reflects selection on sensory and cognitive specialization

The mammalian brain is composed of numerous functionally distinct structures that vary in size within and between clades, reflecting selection for sensory and cognitive specialization. Primates represent a particularly interesting case in which to examine mosaic brain evolution since they exhibit marked behavioural variation, spanning most social structures, diets and activity periods observed across mammals. Although studies have consistently demonstrated a trade-off between visual and olfactory specialization in primates, studies of some regions (for example, the neocortex) have produced conflicting results. Here, we analyse the socioecological factors influencing the relative size of 33 brain regions, using updated statistical techniques and data from more species and individuals than previous studies. Our results confirm that group-living species and those with high-quality diets have expanded olfactory or visual systems, depending on whether they are nocturnal or diurnal. Conversely, regions associated with spatial memory are expanded in solitary species and those with low-quality diets, suggesting a trade-off between visual processing and spatial memory. Contrary to previous work, we show that diet quality predicts relative neocortex size at least as well as, if not better than, social complexity. Overall, our results demonstrate that primate brain structure is largely driven by selection on sensory and cognitive specializations that develop in response to divergent socioecological niches. An analysis of 33 brain regions across a wide sample of primates reveals that primate brain structure is largely driven by selection on sensory and cognitive specializations that develop in response to different socioecological niches.
Dermal ISF Collection Using a Si Microneedle Array

Microfabricated needle arrays for minimally invasive bioassay and drug delivery have been the subject of a great deal of excitement and research for nearly two decades. In particular, the application of microneedles to accessing and analyzing dermal interstitial fluid, in lieu of venous blood, could greatly facilitate point-of-care diagnosis and health monitoring in austere environments. However, there have been only a few successful demonstrations of in vivo collection of ISF from human skin using a microfabricated needle array. In this paper we present an empirically determined requisite feature of microfabricated hollow silicon needles that enable collection of ISF from human skin during in vivo testing. Success was only achieved by microneedles with this specific geometric feature, or shape. To inform microneedle design and fabrication, a silicon etch simulation program was developed to predict 3D shape evolution. The microfabrication process, a simulation example and in vivo test results are presented.
CHAPTER 11 – ACUTE TREATMENT

Publisher Summary The acute treatment period usually refers to a phase of illness that includes obvious psychotic signs and symptoms with behavioral dysfunction as well as impairment in psychosocial and/or vocational functioning. Although the mode of onset of an acute episode varies enormously, as a rule an acute exacerbation consists of an increase in positive symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations and thought disorder. In many instances an exacerbation of so-called negative symptoms, such as withdrawal, anhedonia, and lack of motivation may also occur. Clinical issues that require consideration during an acute treatment trial include: (1) choice of drug, (2) dosage, (3) duration, and (4) the strategies that should be employed if the patient is not responding adequately. Antipsychotic medications remain the mainstay of the acute treatment for schizophrenia. Recent research has helped to clarify a variety of clinical concerns in the use of these drugs; however, some questions remain. This chapter reviews the present status of acute antipsychotic drug treatment for schizophrenia, and highlights the recent advances and areas of controversy in that field.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Contemporary Management and Endovascular Techniques.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease process of abnormally increased intracranial pressure in the absence of a mass lesion. Medical management, optic nerve fenestration, and surgical shunting procedures have failed to produce consistently successful results. In an unknown percentage of cases, IIH is caused by dural venous sinus obstruction which can be cured by endovascular treatment with dural venous sinus stent placement. This helps prevent progressive vision loss and worsening papilledema caused by underlying increased intracranial pressure from venous outflow obstruction. Patients are required to have an established diagnosis of IIH, preferably made by a neuroophthalmologist, with clearly documented papilledema or at minimum visual disturbance along with lumbar puncture opening pressure greater than 25 cm H 2 O. Transverse to sigmoid sinus focal narrowing (intraluminal filling defect or extrinsic compression) must be seen during the venous phase of neuroangiography (NA) along with a pressure gradient of 10 mm Hg or greater across the focal narrowing during dural venous sinus pressure monitoring. A successful reduction is defined as a pressure gradient of less than 10 mm Hg after stent placement. Neuroophthalmologic follow-up occurs within 1 to 2 months to assess for changes in papilledema. If papilledema is unchanged or worsened, NA and hemodynamic evaluation is repeated for consideration of restenting. Appropriate patient selection criteria are required for IIH venous sinus stenting. The utilization of refined endovascular techniques along with postprocedure follow-up protocols can ultimately cure IIH for a select group of patients.
Myeloid Cell Expression of LACC1 Is Required for Bacterial Clearance and Control of Intestinal Inflammation.

Background & Aims Loss-of-function variants in the laccase domain containing 1 (LACC1) gene are associated with immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. It is not clear how LACC1 balances defenses against intestinal bacteria vs intestinal inflammation or what cells are responsible for this balance in humans or mice. Methods Lacc1–/– mice and mice with myeloid-specific disruption of Lacc1 (Lacc1Δmye) were given oral Salmonella Typhimurium or dextran sodium sulfate. CD45RBhiCD4+T cells were transferred to Lacc1–/–Rag2–/– mice to induce colitis. Organs were collected and analyzed by histology and protein expression. Bone marrow–derived macrophages and dendritic cells, lamina propria macrophages, and mesenteric lymph node dendritic cells were examined. We performed assays to measure intestinal permeability, cell subsets, bacterial uptake and clearance, reactive oxygen species, nitrite production, autophagy, signaling, messenger RNA, and cytokine levels. Results Lacc1–/– mice developed more severe T-cell transfer colitis than wild-type mice and had an increased burden of bacteria in intestinal lymphoid organs, which expressed lower levels of T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cytokines and higher levels of Th2 cytokines. Intestinal lymphoid organs from mice with deletion of LACC1 had an increased burden of bacteria after oral administration of S Typhimurium and after administration of dextran sodium sulfate compared with wild-type mice. In macrophages, expression of LACC1 was required for toll-like receptor–induced uptake of bacteria, which required PDK1, and of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)– and nuclear factor κB–dependent induction of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and autophagy. Expression of LACC1 by dendritic cells was required for increasing expression of Th1 and Th17 cytokines and reducing expression of Th2 cytokines upon coculture with CD4+ T cells. Mice with LACC1-deficient myeloid cells had an increased burden of bacteria and altered T-cell cytokines in intestinal lymphoid organs, similar to Lacc1–/– mice. Complementation of cytokines produced by myeloid cells to cocultures of LACC1-deficient myeloid cells and wild-type CD4+ T cells restored T-cell cytokine regulation. When S Typhimurium–infected Lacc1Δmye mice were injected with these myeloid cell-derived cytokines, intestinal tissues increased production of Th1 and Th17 cytokines, and bacteria were reduced. Conclusions Disruption of Lacc1 in mice increases the burden of bacteria in intestinal lymphoid organs and intestinal inflammation after induction of chronic colitis. LACC1 expression by myeloid cells in mice is required to clear bacteria and to regulate adaptive T-cell responses against microbes.
Eslucent: an eyelid interface for detecting eye blinking

Eyelid stickers are thin strips that temporarily create a crease when attached to the eyelid. The direct contact with the crease that increases and decreases the pressure on the eyelid sticker provides a novel opportunity for sensing blinking. We present Eslucent, an on-skin wearable capacitive sensing device that affords blink detection, building on the form factor of eyelid stickers. It consists of an art layer, conductive thread, fiber eyelid stickers, coated with conductive liquid, and applied the device onto the eyelid crease with adhesive temporary tattoo paper. Eslucent detects blinks during intentional blinking and four involuntary activities by a falling edge detection algorithm in a user study of 14 participants. The average precision was 82% and recall was 70% while achieving the precision and recall of more than 90% in intentional blinking. By embedding interactive technology into a daily beauty product, Eslucent explores a novel wearable form factor for blink detection.
The IMS: charting a course forward.

As I write this, I live in New York City, which was one of the scariest COVID-19 virus cities in the world seven months ago. Now it is one of the safest. My former office manager’s 72-year-old moth...