cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Expression of Human Vitamin D-Binding Protein (Gc2) in Functional Form

In this report, we report the first expression of human vitamin D-binding protein (hDBP), a serum protein with several functions and a multidomained structure, in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein (reDBP) was expressed as a fusion partner of glutathione S-transferase in order to facilitate proper folding of the reDBP; E. coli-expressed DBP was found to be fully functional with respect to vitamin D sterol binding, interaction with actin, and cross-reactivity with anti-DBP antibody. Furthermore, both natural DBP and reDBP were affinity-labeled with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-3-bromo[1-14C]acetate in a similar fashion. Availability of an expression system for hDBP in functional form provides opportunity to develop mutants and truncated DBPs to study multiple ligand-binding properties of this protein in relationship with its structure.
The effects of a blood-salvaging device on blood containing a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, HBOC-201

Abstract Objectives : Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers will be used concurrently with intraoperative blood salvage. The effects of salvage and processing on blood containing one such solution (HBOC-201; Biopure Corp, Boston, MA) were studied. Design : Prospectie, randomized. Setting : Laboratory. Interventions : Sixteen blood units from healthy volunteers had either HBOC (1,500 mg/dL; n = 10) or normal saline (equivalent volume; n = 6) added. All units were salvaged and processed using a blood salvage device. Samples were analyzed for the concentration and molecular weight distribution of plasma hemoglobin and red cell morphology presalvage (pre) and following processing and washing (post 1). Five of the HBOC units underwent a second 1,000 mL wash (post 2). Measurements and Main Results : Processing and washing decreased the concentration of plasma hemoglobin (mg/dL) in HBOC units (1311 ± 265 pre to 27.8 ± 19.6 post 1 to 6.5 ± 2.19 post 2), but did not change the plasma hemoglobin concentration in saline units (2.05 ± 1.27 pre v 3.18 ± 0.79 post 1). Total plasma hemoglobin in HBOC units (6.56 ± 2.19) was significantly greater than in saline units (3.18 ± 0.79), even after the second wash (post 2). The concentration of unstable hemoglobin in the plasma phase was not different between groups. Red cell morphology was altered by the salvage process but was not different between groups. Conclusions : Salvage and processing of blood containing HBOC yield concentrated red cells that are indistinguishable from those obtained from blood without HBOC. Residual HBOC remains but is unchanged from the HBOC initially administered.
Miniature UAV telemetry using a portable integrated FOS system

Advancements in portability and performance are described for a fiber optic sensor readout system capable of monitoring wavelength-multiplexed sensors. The handheld sensor interrogator was designed to readily interface with conglomerate sensor systems as a smart sensor node and process all spectral data within its own system in real time at 20 Hz for +/- 13 picometers resolution mode. Portability was demonstrated by flying the system on a miniature aerial vehicle (MAV) which collected strain and temperature flight data for broadcast to a ground station. Additional improvements upgraded the sensor measurement speed by two orders of magnitude.
State of the Journal 2014

HeartRhythm, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society and the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, is entering its 11 year. I want to congratulate Dr. Douglas P. Zipes, the Founding Editor and Mrs. M. Joan Zipes, the Founding Executive Managing Editor, for their visionary leadership and hard work that have made HeartRhythm the leading journal in the field of heart rhythm research. The state of the Journal is strong. The impact factor of 5.045 only partially captures the importance of the Journal to the field. According to scopus.com, the Journal has consistently published over 400 documents every year since 2008, more than any other major arrhythmia journals in the United States. The total citations it received in the most recent five years (2008-2012) rose steeply from 3048 in 2008 to 8675 in 2012. The slope of rise also compares favorably with other competing journals. Most importantly, the readership survey has consistently shown that HeartRhythm is highly utilized by clinical cardiac electrophysiologists, basic scientists and allied professionals worldwide as a source of knowledge. These data indicate continued improvement in the quality, the quantity and the overall impact of HeartRhythm. While the Journal is highly successful, it also faces many challenges. Because of its own popularity, the Journal has received more than 1500 submissions in year 2012, including over 1100 original articles. The trend of 2013 shows continued increase in the number of the submissions, now projected to exceed 1600, as well as the quality of the submissions. Because the Journal has grown to become one of the largest and the most important journals in the field of arrhythmias, it has become increasingly difficult for one Editor-in-Chief to handle all submissions with a single managing editor. Therefore, the Journal will now have 6 associate editors to share the responsibilities pertaining to materials that will appear in the Journal, including assigning reviewers and making recommendations to the Editor-in-Chief for a final decision of acceptance/rejection/revision. With increased participation of senior scientists in decision making, the Journal will be well positioned to select the best articles for publication. The Journal will also have section editors that focus on specific types of articles that might be useful to our readership.
Cinchona plantation in the new world

The pre-war Dutch East Indies monopoly of cinchona bark, source of quinine—the world’s great febrifuge—is being challenged by the prospective results of extensive experimental plantings of the trees in Guatemala.
Plasma Membrane Protein Trafficking

The plasma membrane is the interface between the cytosol and the external environment. The proteins that reside and function on the plasma membrane regulate the cellular entrance and exit of bioactive molecules, actuate signaling cascades in response to external stimuli, and potentiate interactions between cells. The presence and abundance of proteins on the plasma membrane is regulated by anterograde and retrograde intracellular vesicular trafficking, exocytosis, and endocytosis. The cytoskeleton is an integral component of cellular trafficking mechanisms, as the vesicles and endosomes move on actin filaments or microtubules. Selection and movement of the protein cargo to be trafficked to and from the plasma membrane depends to a great extent on signature organellar targeting motifs within the proteins themselves as well as interactions with various adaptor proteins. Endocytosis is essential not only to the recycling/turnover of plasma membrane proteins, but it also functions in dynamic processes that recycle proteins back to the plasma membrane. Some evidence suggests that transcytotic trafficking mechanisms function in plants, although these are distinct from basolateral – apical redirection mechanisms characterized in animal cells.
Influence of beta blockade and chemical sympathectomy on myocardial function and arrhythmias in acute ischaemia.

Both regional chemical sympathectomy and beta blockade at dosages which prevented ventricular fibrillation in the first hour of ischaemia depressed ventricular performance. These interventions resulted in larger elevation of end-diastolic pressure, while end-diastolic and stroke volume declined.
A 7.5 kW ultrasonic inverter motor drive employing MOS-controlled thyristors

The design and performance of an inverter induction motor drive that employs an ultrasonic switching frequency to minimize audible noise is described. The MOS-controlled thyristor (MCT) is a high-speed power semiconductor with the potential for high voltage and current ratings. Distinctive features of the device are discussed relative to inverter topology, gate drive requirements, and fault protection. Since MCT devices of sufficient rating were not available, insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor (GBT) devices were used in the experimental model. MCT and IGBT devices have comparable switching times. The design of a 7.5 kW and 20 kHz inverter is discussed, including a modified pulsewidth modulation (PWM) switching algorithm conducive to microprocessor implementation. The algorithm requires reduced computational and storage requirements over previous PWM methods. Implementation of the algorithm is accomplished by a digital signal processor using the efficient C language. Experimental waveforms are presented. >
Consumerism for neurobiological disorders. An assessment

Consumerism is a growing phenomenon in U.S. health care, yet its exercise is still inhibited by powerful forces within the medical community. Despite the neuroscientific framework that stresses the commonalities between mental and physical illness, consumerism is even more problematic and difficult in mental health care than in other areas of health care. People with severe mental illness and their advocates must contend with limited public understanding of neurobiological disorders, poor definitions of effective treatment, and a paucity of outcome data, especially from prospective randomized and long-term studies. The only clear way for consumerism to grow in mental health care is for its advocates to align themselves with the neuroscientific revolution and to demand that effective and equitable treatment programs be created based on the documented evidence of the physical nature of neurobiological disorders.
Signature of turbulent zonal flows observed in the DIII-D tokamak

The spectrum of turbulent density fluctuations at long poloidal wavelengths in the edge plasma of the DIII-D tokamak peaks at nonzero radial wave number. The associated electric-potential fluctuations cause sheared E x B flows primarily in the poloidal direction. These zonal flows have been predicted by theory and are believed to regulate the overall level of turbulence and anomalous transport. This study provides the first indirect experimental identification of zonal flows.
Right ventricle-sparing heart transplantation effective against iatrogenic pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract Background Right heart failure is the predominant cause of death following heart transplantation, occurring with disturbingly high frequency in patients with severe antecedent pulmonary hypertension. We have recently reported a novel technique of heart transplantation that spares the recipient right ventricle, excising only the recipient left ventricle. The resulting model has 2 right hearts and 1 left heart. The aim is to preserve the recipient's right ventricle, which is already conditioned to pulmonary hypertension. The hope is that, in this way, death due to right heart failure can be prevented in humans. Our prior report was a feasibility study in normal dogs. This study challenges this new technique by creating iatrogenic pulmonary hypertension in the recipient animals. Methods Iatrogenic pulmonary hypertension was created in 4 recipient canines by intravenous injection of the pulmonary toxin monocrotaline pyrrole (single bolus of 3.5 to 4.5 mg/kg intravenously [IV]). Results Within 6 weeks of monocrotaline administration, relative pulmonary hypertension occurred (mean pulmonary artery [PA] pressure 20 mm Hg vs 10 mm Hg for controls [ p P P Conclusions Right ventricle–sparing heart transplantation ("one-and-one-half heart model") can handle pulmonary hypertension without difficulty. This evidence adds impetus for further pursuance of right ventricle–sparing heart transplantation to decrease the incidence of death from right heart failure in recipients with severe antecedent pulmonary hypertension.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Production by the Monkey Corpus Luteum During the Menstrual Cycle: Isoform-Selective Messenger RNA Expression In Vivo and Hypoxia-Regulated Protein Secretion In Vitro

Experiments were designed to investigate the expression and regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the primate corpus luteum (CL) throughout the luteal life span in the natural menstrual cycle. Corpora lutea were collected during the early (ECL; Days 3-5 post-LH surge), mid (MCL; Day 6-8 post-LH surge), mid-late (MLCL; Days 10-12 post-LH surge), late (LCL; Days 14-16 post-LH surge), and very late (Days 17- 18 post-LH surge) luteal phase. Specific primers were designed to amplify mRNAs encoding VEGF isoforms 206, 189, 183, 165, 145, and 121. Only two cDNA products were obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends; cloning and sequencing confirmed their 98% homology to the corresponding human VEGF 165 and 121 sequences. Semiquantitative RT-PCR assays indicated that VEGF 165 mRNA levels increased (P < 0.05) from ECL to MLCL but then declined (P < 0.05) by LCL. Although VEGF 121 mRNA levels were limited in ECL, they increased significantly in MCL (P < 0.05). Levels of VEGF protein, as measured by Western blot analysis, were two- to fourfold higher for VEGF 165 versus VEGF 121. Also, VEGF 165 levels were higher (P < 0.05) in ECL and MCL compared to those at later stages. During 2-day culture, preparations of dispersed luteal cells secreted VEGF into the media; the highest levels were observed in ECL and declined (P < 0.05) by LCL. Regardless of luteal stage, hypoxic conditions increased (P < 0.05) VEGF levels, whereas LH exposure increased (P < 0.05) progesterone, but not VEGF, in the media. These results are consistent with a dynamic, local regulation of VEGF production during the life span of the primate CL that is not directly controlled by LH.
CRANIAL ELECTROTHERAPY STIMULATION (CES) IN THE TREATMENT OF ANXIETY AND OTHER STRESS-RELATED DISORDERS: A REVIEW OF CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIALS

This CES review covers published and to be published clinical trials in the English language and reported to be controlled in some fashion and completed from January 1963 to January 1996. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is defined as the application of low-level pulsed electrical current through skin surface electrodes on the head for the treatment of anxiety and other stress-related disorders. A total of 34 controlled clinical trials concerning the efficacy of CES in the treatment of anxiety and other stress-related disorders were evaluated. Overall the results suggest that CES may be capable of producing significant (p<0.05) benefit in the short-term symptomatic relief of anxiety and other stress-related disorders. CES may be effective alone and as an adjunct to other conservative measures of treatment. The primary mechanism of action of CES appears to be a direct effect on the brain followed by secondary responses. While adverse effects were reported to occur in less than 3 per cent of patients, it is believed they are substantially underreported. The short- and long-term efficacy, adverse effects, safety and mechanism of action of CES remain to be established in rigorous, well-controlled clinical trials. Results reported in this review suggest that CES warrants further study. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature-Mediated Heteroduplex Analysis for Detection of pncA Mutations Associated with Pyrazinamide Resistance and Differentiation between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis by Denaturing High- Performance Liquid Chromatography

The goal of this study was to apply temperature-mediated heteroduplex analysis using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography to identify pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates and simultaneously differentiate between M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis. Features that contributed to an optimal assay included the use of two different reference probes for the pncA gene targets from wild-type M. tuberculosis and wild-type M. bovis, optimization of the column temperature, increasing the starting concentration of the elution buffer, and reducing the rate of elution buffer increase (slope). A total of 69 strains were studied, including 48 wild-type M. tuberculosis strains (13 were PZA-resistant strains) and 21 M. bovis strains (8 were BCG strains). In all isolates tested, wild-type M. tuberculosis generated a single-peak pattern when mixed with the M. tuberculosis probe and a double-peak pattern with the M. bovis probe. In contrast, all M. bovis isolates generated a double-peak pattern when mixed with the M. tuberculosis probe and a single-peak pattern with the M. bovis probe. PZA-resistant mutant M. tuberculosis isolates generated characteristic patterns that were easily distinguishable from both wild-type M. tuberculosis and M. bovis isolates. Chromatographic patterns generated by the two reference probes allowed the rapid detection of PZA resistance with the simultaneous ability to distinguish between M. tuberculosis and M. bovis. This approach may allow the detection of drug resistance-associated mutations, with potential application to clinical and epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis control.
A Review of: “Peter Dahlgren. Media and Political Engagement: Citizens, Communication, and Democracy.”

Peter Dahlgren's Media and Political Engagement: Citizens, Communication, and Democracy examines the media's role concerning civic engagement and participation within modern democracies. One of Dah...
Sliding mode control of a unity power factor 3-phase AC/DC boost converter

A problem of power factor correction for a class of 3- phase boost AC/DC power converters is addressed in the paper. A full-bridge hardware topology is studied and used to address the basics of the efficient power conversion with high values of power factor. The sliding mode control drives the output voltage to the desired DC level in the presence of external disturbances and internal parameter uncertainties, while providing close to unity (greater than 97%) value of power factor. Sliding mode observers are employed to estimate variation in load and phase resistances - subject of realtime adjustment in the control law. Multi-rate numerical simulation illustrates the efficiency of the proposed methodology and proves its ability to be implemented in digital form.
A soliton hierarchy associated with so(3, R)

We generate a hierarchy of soliton equations from zero curvature equations associated with the real Lie algebra so(3,R) and show that each equation in the resulting hierarchy has a bi-Hamiltonian structure and thus integrable in the Liouville sense.
Robust nonlinear synergetic control for m-parallel-connected DC-DC boost converters

This paper presents synergetic control design for an m-paralleled boost converter system under active current sharing. The presented design overcomes such problems of the system as multi-connectivity, nonlinearity, and high dimensionality. The set of macro-variables introduced during control design defines a set of invariant manifolds that accommodate different current sharing regimes such as master-slave and democratic current sharing simply by changing coefficients in the macro-variables. Invariant manifold formation contracts the system state space and makes it possible to perform stability analysis for an arbitrary number of paralleled boost converters. The stability analysis and current sharing analysis presented in this paper provide criteria for the choice of control law coefficients. The simulation results for a two-converter system validate the theory and show that the closed-loop system is characterized by stable operation, fast response, good voltage regulation, ability to nullify steady state error not only of output voltage but also of current sharing, capability to control the current drawn from each converter, ability to change current sharing during operation, and, most importantly, capability to withstand variation of the system parameters by 400%.
Transient thyrotoxicosis as an initial presentation of rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.

Introduction: Few reports in the literature describe the association of rheumatoid arthritis and transient thyrotoxicosis. We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis and painless thyroiditis presenting simultaneously and acutely with a cluster of symptoms that initially made the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis very challenging. Case presentation: A 41-year-old Caucasian male presented with complaints of malaise and decreased range of motion in the left elbow. Physical examination and laboratory evaluation established the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and painless thyroiditis. Conclusions: When patients with rheumatoid arthritis present with numerous “extra articular” and constitutional symptoms, evaluation of thyroid disorder with thyroid function test should be considered to help establish the correct diagnosis.
Computational Geometry in C: Convex Hulls in Three Dimensions

The most ubiquitous structure in computational geometry is the convex hull (sometimes shortened to just “the hull”). It is useful in its own right and useful as a tool for constructing other structures in a wide variety of circumstances. Finally, it is an austerely beautiful object playing a central role in pure mathematics. It also represents something of a success story in computational geometry. One of the first papers identifiably in the area of computational geometry concerned the computation of the convex hull, as will be discussed in Section 3.5. Since then there has been an amazing variety of research on hulls, ultimately leading to optimal algorithms for most natural problems. We will necessarily select a small thread through this work for this chapter, partially compensating with a series of exercises on related topics (Section 3.9). Before plunging into the geometry, we briefly mention a few applications. Collision avoidance . If the convex hull of a robot avoids collision with obstacles, then so does the robot. Since the computation of paths that avoid collision is much easier with a convex robot than with a nonconvex one, this is often used to plan paths. This will be discussed in Chapter 8 (Section 8.4). Fitting ranges with a line . Finding a straight line that fits between a collection of data ranges maps to finding the convex region common to a collection of half-planes (O'Rourke 1981). […]
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in a Very Low Birthweight Preterm Infant

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN) characteristically is seen in full-term or postterm infants. Occasionally, PPHN complicates the course of hyaline membrane disease in preterm infants. This report documents the unusual occurrence of PPHN in a preterm very low birthweight infant without apparent pulmonary parenchymal disease.
Sliced Inverse Regression for Dimension Reduction

Abstract Modern advances in computing power have greatly widened scientists' scope in gathering and investigating information from many variables, information which might have been ignored in the past. Yet to effectively scan a large pool of variables is not an easy task, although our ability to interact with data has been much enhanced by recent innovations in dynamic graphics. In this article, we propose a novel data-analytic tool, sliced inverse regression (SIR), for reducing the dimension of the input variable x without going through any parametric or nonparametric model-fitting process. This method explores the simplicity of the inverse view of regression; that is, instead of regressing the univariate output variable y against the multivariate x, we regress x against y. Forward regression and inverse regression are connected by a theorem that motivates this method. The theoretical properties of SIR are investigated under a model of the form, y = f(β 1 x, …, β K x, e), where the β k 's are the unknown...
Messenger RNA oxidation occurs early in disease pathogenesis and promotes motor neuron degeneration in ALS.

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that RNA oxidation is involved in a wide variety of neurological diseases and may be associated with neuronal deterioration during the process of neurodegeneration. However, previous studies were done in postmortem tissues or cultured neurons. Here, we used transgenic mice to demonstrate the role of RNA oxidation in the process of neurodegeneration. Methodology/Principal Findings: We demonstrated that messenger RNA (mRNA) oxidation is a common feature in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients as well as in many different transgenic mice expressing familial ALS-linked mutant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1). In mutant SOD1 mice, increased mRNA oxidation primarily occurs in the motor neurons and oligodendrocytes of the spinal cord at an early, pre-symptomatic stage. Identification of oxidized mRNA species revealed that some species are more vulnerable to oxidative damage, and importantly, many oxidized mRNA species have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS. Oxidative modification of mRNA causes reduced protein expression. Reduced mRNA oxidation by vitamin E restores protein expression and partially protects motor neurons. Conclusion/Significance: These findings suggest that mRNA oxidation is an early event associated with motor neuron deterioration in ALS, and may be also a common early event preceding neuron degeneration in other neurological diseases.
The Notion of a Class and Some Other Key Ideas

This chapter contains sections titled: Defining a Class in C++ Defining a Class in Java Constructing Objects: Differences and Similarities between C++ and Java Defining a Subclass in C++ Defining a Subclass in Java Blocking Inheritance Creating Print Representations for Objects Object Destruction Packages in Java Namespaces in C++ Access Control for Class Members Abstract Classes and Interfaces Comparing Objects Static Members of a Class Template Classes Nested Types Implementing OO Behavior in C Programs Suggestions for Further Reading Homework
Fictional Stories With Ethical Content: Guidelines for Using Stories to Improve Ethical Behavior

Fictional literature has been used as a pedagogical tool to elevate student awareness and moral reasoning, ultimately helping them to develop sound decision-making skills when they are confronted with ethical situations. However, the use of fiction for teaching ethics is still uncommon, leaving considerable potential for advancement. This particular study develops theoretical guidelines for using fictional stories with ethical content (FSECs) as a suitable method for teaching ethics. The FSEC guidelines include a working definition and 5 supporting principles that collectively differentiate FSECs from other forms of fiction that can be used for teaching ethics.
Thinking ahead: continual computation policies for allocating idle and real-time resources to solve future challenges

Research on continual computation centers on developing precomputation policies that can effectively harness available resources to solve future challenges. We focus on integrating a consideration of offline and real-time resources in continual computation. We review precomputation policies for flexible procedures and present strategies that account for the expected future real-time refinement of a result following precomputation. Finally, we address policies that consider the tradeoff between the efficiency of solving current and potential future challenges.
Jefferson Parish Study Counts and Calculations

This paper is a spreadsheet of the counts and calculations underlying the Jefferson (LA) Parish Study on Race, Homicides, and Prosecutions, 1976-2011.The paper "Jefferson (LA) Parish Study on Race, Homicides, and Prosecutions, 1976-2011" to which these Study Counts and Calculations applies is available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2479371
Towards Multi-gigabit 60 GHz Indoor WLANs

The 7 GHz wide unlicensed band centered around 60 GHz, standardized by 802.11ad, is emerging as an alternative to 2.4/5 GHz wireless systems, promising multi-Gigabit throughput. However, the Millimeter-Wave (mmWave) technology comes with its own challenges. The aim of this thesis is to overcome these challenges in order to build general-purpose 802.11ad indoor home/enterprise WLANs. Towards this goal, we perform an extensive link measurement study with COTS hardware to characterize the 60 GHz channel in an indoor setup. The results of this study will guide the design of better performing MAC algorithms and protocols. Further, we propose a relay-based WLAN architecture as a solution to the unique challenges of 60 GHz links and specify multiple research directions associated with such an architecture that are essential to the realization of multi-Gigabit indoor WLANs.
Nanostructuring Materials for Solar-to-Hydrogen Conversion

Nanostructuring provides unprecedented opportunities for altering and tuning materials properties, including the capability of modifying band gap, aligning band edges, accessing metastable phases, designing new structures, spatially and temporally reconciling charge separation and extraction processes, and engineering catalytic surfaces and structures with increased population of active sites, all of which are cross-cutting issues for energy conversion and storage. Of particular interest to research activities at the DOE-EFRC Center on Nanostructuring for Efficient Energy Conversion (CNEEC) based at Stanford University and featured in this article is advancing the fundamental building blocks for photoelectrochemical conversion of solar energy into hydrogen via the splitting of water. The paper discusses the basic concepts as well as challenges in photoelectrochemical conversion and presents selective highlights of recent progress made at CNEEC in the fundamental understanding of the role of nanostructurin...
The Prodromal Phase of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: Mild Cognitive Impairment of the FTLD Type (P07.165)

Objective: To investigate the frequency and characteristics of a recognizable clinical phase of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FLTD) and to investigate the clinical, psychometric, and structural MRI predictors of conversion to dementia in this population. Background Although many investigators believe that most neurodegenerative dementias have an initial symptomatic phase consistent with MCI, there has been relatively little study of non-Alzheimer forms of MCI. Design/Methods: A consecutive series of patients with a clinical diagnosis of FTLD were evaluated comprehensively, including functional assessment to determine whether their overall clinical status was best defined as MCI or dementia. Cortical thickness analysis was employed to measure regional atrophy. Results: Of the 124 patients in our FTLD cohort, 43 patients were classified as having a clinical status of MCI at initial presentation and 81 were classified as having a clinical status of dementia. Of the 43 patients who presented with MCI, 20 patients have since converted to dementia. The majority of patients (34) with MCI clinical status had one of the primary progressive aphasia phenotypes, with the remainder (9) having a behavioral variant FTLD (bvFTLD) phenotype; all but 1 of the bvFTLD patients converted to dementia. All MCI-FTLD patients demonstrated atrophy detectable on quantitative MRI. Conclusions: In our experience, it is relatively common for aphasic FTLD to present in a prodromal clinical phase consistent with MCI, but relatively less common for behavioral variant FTLD to present in this stage. MCI of the FTLD type usually has specific recognizable syndromic clinical characteristics and structural MRI changes that are often distinct from MCI due to Alzheimer9s disease. Additional analyses are in progress to identify the best predictors of conversion to dementia. Supported by: NIA R01-AG029411, NIA P50-AG005134, Alzheimer9s Association, 2NCRR P41-RR14075, U24-RR021382, the MIND Institute. Disclosure: Dr. Domoto-Reilly has nothing to disclose. Dr. Negreira has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brickhouse has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sapolsky has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dickerson has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer as a consultant.
Computerized corneal topography and its importance to wavefront technology.

Purpose. To review the development and application of corneal topography in refractive surgery. Methods. Review of the literature and discussion of recent developments in corneal topography and wavefront technology. Results. Analysis of corneal topography provides critical information for the preoperative examination of patients before refractive surgery and for the evaluation and treatment of patients with complications after surgery. Conclusions. Corneal topography will continue to be a critical diagnostic modality for refractive surgery. Even with the advent of wavefront analysis designed to detect refractive error and aberrations of the eye, it will be necessary to have detailed corneal topographic information to understand the contribution the cornea makes to vision so that custom alteration of that surface can be used to optimize vision. This will be true of the normal eye, but it will be of special importance in eyes with abnormalities that were induced by corneal surgery.
Palaeoredox geochemistry and bioturbation levels of the exceptionally preserved early Cambrian Indian Springs biota, Nevada, USA

The early Cambrian Indian Springs biota of western Nevada, USA, exhibits Burgess Shale-type (BST) preservation of a diverse array of animal phyla, including the earliest definitive echinoderms. It therefore provides an important window on animal life during the Cambrian radiation. The objective of this study was to analyse the trace metal palaeoredox geochemistry and bioturbation levels of this BST deposit in order to characterize the palaeoenvironmental conditions in which these animals lived and their remains preserved. A total of 28 rock samples were collected from outcrops at three previously reported intervals of exceptional preservation at the Indian Springs locality, as well as from one interval not exhibiting such preservation. An additional 20 random samples were collected from talus for comparison. In the laboratory, the samples were analysed for trace metal palaeoredox indices (V/Cr and V/(V + Ni) ratios). Bioturbation levels were assessed through X-radiography and petrographic thin sections using the ichnofabric index (ii) method. Additional samples from coeval strata of the Poleta Formation in the White-Inyo Mountains, CA, that lack BST preservation were also analysed with the same methodology. Results indicate that oxic bottom water conditions dominated during deposition of these strata, despite consistently low bioturbation levels. This pattern holds for intervals with BST preservation and those without. Although ephemeral incursions of low-oxygen waters may have taken place, there is no evidence for persistent oxygen restriction in these palaeoenvironments. The low levels of bioturbation indicate limited mixed layer development and a redox boundary near the sediment–water interface, likely allowing post-burial BST preservation to occur even in this setting dominated by oxic bottom waters. Palaeoecological reconstructions and taphonomic hypotheses relating to the Indian Springs Lagerstatte must consider the palaeoredox conditions revealed in this study. With the dispensing of anoxic bottom waters as a requirement for BST preservation, other models proposing a role for clay minerals, the presence of hypersaline brines and the actions of Fe-reducing bacteria as mechanisms for exceptional preservation warrant renewed consideration.
The growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of halothane carrier and negative pigs.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of halothane carrier (Nn) and negative (NN) pigs grown from 40 kg live weight and slaughtered at three weights (110, 125, and 140 kg live weight) were studied. Daily gains were similar for the two genotypes (974 g for Nn and 964 g for NN), but Nn pigs had a higher gain:feed ratio than NN pigs (P < .01). Dressing percentage was higher in Nn pigs than in NN pigs (P < .001), but there were no genotype differences for carcass length, backfat thickness, or loin eye area. Percentage yield of trimmed, boneless wholesale cuts was higher for Nn pigs than for NN pigs (P < .05). This resulted from higher trimmed, boneless ham, boston, and picnic weights (P < .05) in Nn than in NN pigs (6.9, 3.2, 3.5 kg vs 6.6, 3.0, 3.4 kg, respectively). The weight of fat-free lean was higher in Nn pigs (P < .05). The longissimus thoracis muscle from carrier pigs had lower 45 min (P < .001) and 24 h (P < .01) pH. Longissimus lumborum samples from carriers had lower (P < .001) subjective' meat quality scores and a higher drip loss (P < .001); however, cooking loss, eating quality, and shear force values were similar for the two genotypes. There were no important slaughter weight x genotype interactions for the traits reported. Overall, the data from this study suggest Nn pigs had an advantage over NN pigs in terms of feed efficiency, carcass yield fat-free lean content, and commercial lean cut yields but had a higher incidence of PSE.
Liver volume is critical: how best to gauge size.

Objective: To report the results of a multicenter experience of split liver transplantation (SLT) with pediatric donors. Summary Background Data: There are no reports in the literature regarding pediatric liver splitting; further; the use of donors weighing 40 kg were used. Dimensional matching was based on donor-to-recipient weight ratio (DRWR) for left lateral segment (LLS) and on estimated graft-to-recipient weight ratio (eGRWR) for extended right grafts (ERG). In 3 cases, no recipient was found for an ERG. The celiac trunk was retained with the LLS in all but 1 case. Forty LLSs were transplanted into 39 children, while 39 ERGs were transplanted into 11 children and 28 adults. Results: Two-year patient and graft survival rates were not significantly different between recipients of donors ≤40 kg and >40 kg, between pediatric and adult recipients, and between recipients of LLSs and ERGs. Vascular complication rates were 12% in the ≤40 kg donor group and 6% in the >40 kg donor group (P = not significant). There were no differences in the incidence of other complications. Donor ICU stay >3 days and the use of an interposition arterial graft were associated with an increased risk of graft loss and arterial complications, respectively. Conclusions: Splitting of pediatric liver grafts is an effective strategy to increase organ availability, but a cautious evaluation of the use of donors ≤W kg is necessary. Prolonged donor ICU stay is associated with poorer outcomes. The maintenance of the celiac trunk with LLS does not seem detrimental for right-sided grafts, whereas the use of interposition grafts for arterial reconstruction should be avoided.
Histidine switch controlling pH-dependent protein folding and DNA binding in a transcription factor at the core of synthetic network devices

Therapeutic strategies have been reported that depend on synthetic network devices in which a urate-sensing transcriptional regulator detects pathological levels of urate and triggers production or release of urate oxidase. The transcription factor involved, HucR, is a member of the multiple antibiotic resistance (MarR) protein family. We show that protonation of stacked histidine residues at the pivot point of long helices that form the scaffold of the dimer interface leads to reversible formation of a molten globule state and significantly attenuated DNA binding at physiological temperatures. We also show that binding of urate to symmetrical sites in each protein lobe is communicated via the dimer interface. This is the first demonstration of regulation of a MarR family transcription factor by pH-dependent interconversion between a molten globule and a compact folded state. Our data further suggest that HucR may be utilized in synthetic devices that depend on detection of pH changes.
IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Hyperkalemia after Missed Hemodialysis.

A 48-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease who had undergone parathyroidectomy owing to tertiary hyperparathyroidism 1 month earlier presented to the ED with weakness and diffuse muscle aches after missing a hemodialysis session.
Dynamical System Interaction

From Luo (2009, 2012), the interaction of two dynamical systems will be discussed. The interaction relations of the two dynamical systems will be treated as boundaries in discontinuous dynamical systems, and such boundaries are time-varying. Thus, the boundary and domains for one of the two dynamical systems is controlled by the other one. The mathematical conditions for such interactions of two dynamical systems will be presented through the theory for the switchability and attractivity of edge flows to the specific edges.
Chapter 9 – Regulation of Salt and Water Balance

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the physiology and mechanisms of hormonal regulation of salt, especially sodium chloride and water in the body. Salt and water balance are maintained remarkably constant, despite wide variations in intake and loss of both sodium and water and are precisely regulated by the endocrine system. The osmolality of the extracellular fluid is monitored and adjusted by regulating water excretion by the kidney. The major intracellular cation is potassium and the major extracellular cation is sodium. Because sodium is the major contributor to the osmolality of blood and because it is largely excluded from the intracellular compartment, changes in sodium balance can change both the distribution of body water and its total volume. The renal mechanisms that govern the retention or loss of sodium are regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that is regulated by negative feedback and the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is the hormone that signals the kidney to conserve water when plasma osmolality is increased or when plasma volume is decreased. The physiological role of ANF is to protect against volume overload through its combined effects on the cardiovascular system, the kidneys, and the adrenal glands. Thus, endocrine system plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and normal blood pressure in the face of salt loading or depletion.
“Grave News, Romance Is Dead”

At this book’s outset, we briefly met the Lovers of Valdaro, two Neolithic skeletons that Italian archaeologists had unearthed on 5 February 2007. The discovery swiftly became international news on account of the decedents’ body position—a loving embrace in excavators’ estimation.
SMS for sexual health: A comparison of service types and recommendations for sexual health text message service providers

Objectives:Text message–based interventions may provide sexual health information to young people through a number of service types, from sending information on a regularly scheduled timeline, to p...
Regulation of complex behavioural transitions: migration to breeding

The evolution of migration combines the selective advantages of breeding with ephemeral resources at high latitude or altitude with the benefits of overwintering at distant sites with adequate resources to promote survival. Migration between sites involves changes in behaviour, especially the transition from migration to nesting, or in autumn, the transition to wintering stage. We focus here on the vernal transition. Because migration and onset of nesting are mutually exclusive events, transition from a social, hyperphagic and highly mobile state to territoriality and pair bonding involves complex behavioural changes. In Arctic regions, weather in spring is unpredictable adding another dimension of complexity to the migration/breeding transition. Nevertheless, the brief Arctic summer requires that songbirds arrive on the breeding grounds while conditions may still be unfavourable, thus delaying nesting until conditions ameliorate. This requires flexibility and coordination of migration behaviour to be able to leave if weather deteriorates, or to become territorial, attract a mate and begin nesting within hours when conditions permit. In Gambel's white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive development progresses throughout vernal migration so that males and females are mature when they arrive on the nesting grounds, but final ovarian maturation leading to ovulation and reproductive behaviours is suppressed. What provides the ‘brake’ to the onset of nesting? We focus on the adrenocortical response to acute stress that is greatly increased at arrival, especially in males, probably to enable flexibility in behavioural responses to severe weather. More recent evidence suggests that a hypothalamic peptide, gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone (GnIH) may provide the brake for the onset of nesting without suppressing development of a functional reproductive system. Experimental investigations show that gene silencing of GnIH in the brain increases singing and reproductive behaviours accompanying the onset of nesting. Thus we suggest that corticosteroids and GnIH play important regulatory roles specifically at the transition from vernal migration to the onset of nesting.
Incorporating detailed biology in hyperthermia treatment planning: a necessary condition for progress.

Hyperthermia serves as an adjunct to radiotherapy and is particularly helpful in scenarios where radiotherapy alone achieves suboptimal local response. The most prominent example is when a past his...
The efficacy and safety of the flexible fiber CO2 laser delivery system in the endoscopic management of pediatric airway problems: Our long term experience.

Abstract Objective To report the use of flexible fiber CO2 laser in the endoscopic management of pediatric airway cases. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent CO2 laser-assisted airway procedures between September 2007 and January 2014 at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Results Sixty-eight patients underwent 80 procedures utilizing flexible fiber CO2 laser. Procedures included supraglottoplasty (n = 32), laryngeal cleft repair (type I [n = 10], type II [n = 7], type III [n = 6]), suprastomal granuloma excision (n = 6), cordotomy (n = 4), laryngeal neurofibroma excision (n = 4), laryngeal granulomatous mass excision (n = 1), subglottic stenosis excision (n = 6), division of glottic web (n = 2), subglottic cyst excision (n = 1), and supraglottic biopsy (n = 1). Ages ranged from 8 days to 21 years (median 11 months). No intraoperative or postoperative complications related to the use of laser were noted. Conclusions The flexible fiber CO2 laser can be safely and effectively used to address a variety of pediatric airway lesions. Previously, the use of CO2 laser in minimally invasive airway surgery has been limited due to the articulating arm carrier, absence of a hand piece, and the direct line-of sight view required. The fiber allows the cutting beam to be directed at the site of the lesion and bypasses limitations posed by other laser systems.
Cross-Platform Normalization Enables Machine Learning Model Training On Microarray And RNA-Seq Data Simultaneously

Motivation: Large compendia of gene expression data have proven valuable for the discovery of novel biological relationships. The majority of available RNA assays are run on microarray, while RNA-seq is becoming the platform of choice for new experiments. The data structure and distributions between the platforms differ, making it challenging to combine them. We performed supervised and unsupervised machine learning evaluations, as well as differential expression analyses, to assess which normalization methods are best suited for combining microarray and RNA-seq data. Results: We find that quantile and Training Distribution Matching normalization allow for supervised and unsupervised model training on microarray and RNA-seq data simultaneously. Nonparanormal normalization and z-scores are also appropriate for some applications, including differential expression analysis. Availability and Implementation: These analyses were performed in R and are available at https://www.github.com/greenelab/RNAseq_titration_results under a BSD-3 clause license.