cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endotrol-tracheal tube assisted endotracheal intubation during video laryngoscopy

Video laryngoscopes allow indirect visualization of the glottis and provide superior views of the glottis compared to direct laryngoscopes in patients with both normal and difficult airways, but it may be difficult to advance the endotracheal tube (ETT) through the vocal cords into the trachea, unless a stylet is used. We propose that the Endotrol(®) ETT may be an effective tool to facilitate video laryngoscope-assisted orotracheal intubation without the use of a stylet. After obtaining written and oral informed consent, 60-adult patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia with orotracheal intubation were enrolled. Patients were randomized, respectively, to 1 of 4 groups: Group A(1), (15 patients): McGrath(®) with Endotrol(®) ETT; Group A(2), (15 patients): McGrath(®) with GlideRite(®)-styletted standard ETT; Group B(1), (15 patients): GlideScope(®) with Endotrol(®) ETT; Group B(2), (15 patients): GlideScope(®) with GlideRite(®)-styletted standard ETT. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata (Stata Corp v10, College Station). Mean time to intubation was longer in the Endotrol(®) groups compared to the GlideRite(®) groups: 60.1 (31.6) vs. 44.4 (27.6) s (p < 0.05). It was subjectively more difficult to intubate using the Endotrol(®) than with a GlideRite(®)-styletted ETT (difficulty score median [range] 2 [1-5] vs. 1 [1-3], respectively). Three intubations using the Endotrol(®) were characterized as difficult, whereas there were no difficult intubations with the GlideRite(®)stylet. The Endotrol(®) ETT, as compared to a standard ETT with a non-malleable stylet, is associated with longer intubation times and a subjective increase in difficulty of use. It may, however, still be a clinically viable alternative in video laryngoscope-assisted orotracheal intubation when use of a rigid stylet is undesirable.
High-density lipoprotein metabolism and the human embryo

Background High-density lipoprotein (HDL) appears to be the dominant lipoprotein particle in human follicular fluid (FF). The reported anti-atherogenic properties of HDL have been attributed in part to reverse cholesterol transport. The discoveries of the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and the ATP-binding cassette A1 lipid (ABCA1) transporter have generated studies aimed at unraveling the pathways of HDL biogenesis, remodeling and catabolism. The production of SR-BI and ABCA1 knockout mice as well as other lipoprotein metabolism-associated mutants has resulted in reduced or absent fertility, leading us to postulate the existence of a human hepatic-ovarian HDL-associated axis of fertility. Here, we review an evolving literature on the role of HDL metabolism on mammalian fertility and oocyte development. Methods An extensive online search was conducted of published articles relevant to the section topics discussed. All relevant English language articles contained in Pubmed/Medline, with no specific time frame for publication, were considered for this narrative review. Cardiovascular literature was highly cited due to the wealth of relevant knowledge on HDL metabolism, and the dearth thereof in the reproductive field. Results Various vertebrate models demonstrate a role for HDL in embryo development and fertility. In our clinical studies, FF levels of HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI levels were negatively associated with embryo fragmentation, but not with embryo cell cleavage rate. However, the HDL component, paraoxonase 1 arylesterase activity, was positively associated with embryo cell cleavage rate. Conclusions HDL contributes to intra-follicular cholesterol homeostasis which appears to be important for successful oocyte and embryo development.
Hybrid Geometric Reduction of Hybrid Systems

This paper presents a unifying framework in which to carry out the hybrid geometric reduction of hybrid systems, generalizing classical reduction to a hybrid setting.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CARPOSPOROPHYTE OF KALLYMENIA RENIFORMIS (TURNER) J. AGARDH1

SUMMARY The development of the carposporophyte in Kallymenia reniformis involves an elaborate series of interactions between reproductive and vegetative tissues. Following fertilization, the inner cells of the carpogonial branches form processes that unite with the supporting cell and with each other, giving rise to a large fusion cell. A number of medullary filaments are enveloped and incorporated within the developing fusion cell. Secondary filaments may be produced from medullary cells outside the fusion cell after connecting filaments have been initiated. Connecting filaments are nonseptale and wind their way through the medulla. The presence of a connecting filament in the vicinity of an auxiliary cell appears to initiate a complex sequence of responses. Vegetative filaments are produced in the medulla and inner cortex that grow centripetally toward the auxiliary cell and fuse with one another, forming a network of secondary tissue. One of the vegetative cells may penetrate the auxiliary cell, while others intrude into subsidiary cells connecting them with the network. An ostiolate pericarp is initiated in the cortex above the auxiliary cell. The connecting filament fuses with the auxiliary cell and also with some of the surrounding vegetative cells, forming an irregular lobed structure. Gonimoblast is initiated in scattered pockets from vegetative cells in the vicinity of the auxiliary cell apparatus.
Shrinking stability regions and voltage collapse in power systems

The dynamic process of voltage collapse is analyzed based on three mechanisms: on-load tap-changing, load dynamics, and generator excitation limiting. The interaction among these mechanisms and how the voltage collapse takes place are thoroughly investigated in a general interconnected network model under the assumption that system frequency remains unchanged. It is found that, so long as an equilibrium exists, there is a maximal equilibrium. It is also established that there is a region in the state space corresponding to a monotonic fall of system voltages. When the reactive capability of generator(s) is reached, this region expands, whereas the voltage stability region shrinks. The system trajectory may eventually exit the stability region, whereupon the voltage begins to drop monotonically. It is shown that locking the tap-changers at an appropriate time helps the system voltage to reach a steady state, and therefore avoid the collapse. Numerical examples for a realistic power system are given to illustrate the theory. >
Simulation of Particle-Hemodynamics in a Partially Occluded Artery Segment With Implications to the Initiation of Microemboli and Secondary Stenoses

Computational results of laminar incompressible blood-particle flow analyses in an axisymmetric artery segment with a smooth local area constriction of 75 percent have been presented. The flow input waveform was sinusoidal with a nonzero average. The non-Newtonian behavior of blood was simulated with a modified Quemada model, platelet concentrations were calculated with a drift-flux model, and monocyte trajectories were described and compared for both Newtonian and Quemada rheologies. Indicators of "disturbed flow" included the time-averaged wall shear stress (WSS), the oscillatory shear index (OSI), and the wall shear stress gradient (WSSG). Implications of the vortical flow patterns behind the primary stenosis to the formation of microemboli and downstream stenoses are as follows. Elevated platelet concentrations due to accumulation in recirculation zones mixed with thrombin and ADP complexes assumed to be released upstream in high wall shear stress regions, could form microemboli, which are convected downstream. Distinct near-wall vortices causing a local increase in the WSSG and OSI as well as blood-particle entrainment with possible wall deposition, indicate sites susceptible to the onset of an additional stenosis proximal to the initial geometric disturbance.
Correction to "Compressed-sensing MRI with random encoding"

Equation 4 of the above-named article [ibid., vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 893-903, Apr. 2011] is corrected herein.
Effect of screw diameter on orthodontic skeletal anchorage.

Introduction Many case reports have documented the successful use of titanium miniscrews for orthodontic anchorage. However, the literature lacks a well-controlled study examining the effect of miniscrew diameter on anchorage force resistance. The purpose of this in-vitro study was to compare the force resistance of larger-diameter monocortical miniscrews to smaller-diameter monocortical miniscrews; and to compare the force resistance of larger-diameter monocortical miniscrews to smaller-diameter bicortical miniscrews. Methods Ninety-six titanium alloy screws were placed into 24 hemisected maxillary and 24 hemisected mandibular specimens between the first and second premolars. Specimens were randomly and evenly divided into 2 groups. In the first group, 24 large-diameter screws (2.5 × 17 mm) and with 24 small-diameter screws (1.5 × 15 mm) were placed monocortically. In the second group, 24 large-diameter screws (2.5 × 17 mm) were placed monocortically and 24 small-diameter screws (1.5 × 15 mm) were placed bicortically. All screws were subjected to tangential force loading perpendicular to the miniscrew with lateral displacement of 0.6 mm. Statistical analyses, including the paired-samples t test and the 2-samples t test, were used to quantify screw force-deflection characteristics. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the post-hoc Tukey studentized range test was used to determine any significant differences, and the order of those differences, in force anchorage values among the 3 screw types at maxillary and mandibular sites. Results Mean mandibular and maxillary anchorage force values of the 2.5-mm monocortical screws were significantly greater than those of the 1.5-mm monocortical screws ( P P P t test, mean anchorage force values at mandibular sites were significantly greater than at maxillary sites for the 2.5-mm monocortical screws and the 1.5-mm monocortical screws. There were no statistically significant differences in mean anchorage force values between maxillary and mandibular sites for the 1.5-mm bicortical screws. Conclusions In vitro, larger-diameter (2.5 mm) monocortical screws provide greater anchorage force resistance than do smaller-diameter (1.5 mm) monocortical screws in both the mandible and the maxilla. Smaller-diameter (1.5 mm) bicortical screws provide anchorage force resistance at least equal to larger-diameter (2.5 mm) monocortical screws. An alternative to placing a larger-diameter miniscrew for additional anchorage is a narrower bicortical screw.
Serological and immunochemical characterisation of the Lima bean anti-A lectin.

Summary. The column chromatography of the partially purified lectin showed two peaks and anti-A agglutinin was present in the first peak having 22.4 S, 15.4 S and 6.9 S. Second peak having 4.2 S was nonspecific. Further studies on the ‘specific’ preparation from column chromatography showed that lectin was more specific for hog A than neopeptone A substance and was not affected by mercaptoethanol treatment. Immunoelectrophoresis showed variations in the A substance from hog and neopeptone.
Mid-Infrared Lasers and Molecular Spectroscopy Applications

Growth, characterization, and processing of IV-VI semiconductor quantum well structures for mid-infrared laser fabrication are described. Results from use of IV-VI mid-IR lasers to measure biomarker molecules in exhaled breath are also presented.
A Functional MRI Index of Spatial Context Effects in Vision

Coordination of brain activity, in the form of modulation of feedforward activity by stored information and expectations, occurs across domains of perception and cognition. A reliable and compelling example of this is size contrast in vision. This paper builds on a prior study to show that in healthy humans, the spread of activation in striate and extrastriate visual cortex during a context-modulated size perception task is dependent on the perceived size of the target image, not on the physical size of the retinal image. These data provide further evidence that early regions in visual cortex are modulated by top-down influences, and provide a framework for investigating visual context processing in psychiatric disorders where reduced sensitivity to visual contextual effects has been demonstrated in behavioral tasks.
Adjoint-based computation of U.S. nationwide ozone exposure isopleths

Abstract Population exposure to daily maximum ozone is associated with an increased risk of premature mortality, and efforts to mitigate these impacts involve reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We quantify the dependence of U.S. national exposure to annually averaged daily maximum ozone on ambient VOC and NOx concentrations through ozone exposure isopleths, developed using emissions sensitivities from the adjoint of the GEOS-Chem air quality model for 2006. We develop exposure isopleths for all locations within the contiguous US and derive metrics based on the isopleths that quantify the impact of emissions on national ozone exposure. This work is the first to create ozone exposure isopleths using adjoint sensitivities and at a large scale. We find that across the US, 29% of locations experience VOC-limited conditions (where increased NOx emissions lower ozone) during 51% of the year on average. VOC-limited conditions are approximately evenly distributed diurnally and occur more frequently during the fall and winter months (67% of the time) than in the spring and summer (37% of the time). The VOC/NOx ratio of the ridge line on the isopleth diagram (denoting a local maximum in ozone exposure with respect to NOx concentrations) is 9.2 ppbC/ppb on average across grid cells that experience VOC-limited conditions and 7.9, 10.1 and 6.7 ppbC/ppb at the three most populous US cities of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, respectively. Emissions that are ozone exposure-neutral during VOC-limited exposure conditions result in VOC/NOx concentration ratios of 0.63, 1.61 and 0.72 ppbC/ppb at each of the three US cities respectively, and between 0.01 and 1.91 ppbC/ppb at other locations. The sensitivity of national ozone exposure to NOx and VOC emissions is found to be highest near major cities in the US. Together, this information can be used to assess the effectiveness of NOx and VOC emission reductions on mitigating ozone exposure in the US, determine where they will be counterproductive, and quantify the optimal NOx/VOC reduction ratio.
Priority-Aware Joint Packet Fragmentation and Error Protection Scheme for H.264 Video over Wireless Channels

We present a real-time, priority-aware joint packet fragmentation and error protection scheme for transmitting H.264/AVC compressed video over Rayleigh fading channels. A priority is assigned to every video slice based on the predicted cumulative mean squared error (CMSE) contributed by its loss relative to all the slices of the group of pictures (GOP). Here, the CMSE of a slice, which is predicted by using our low-complexity generalized linear model, represents the degradation in video quality contributed by its loss. The slices of a frame belonging to the same priority are aggregated to form video packet(s). We simulate the fragment error rates (FERs) for a combination of different fragment sizes and rate compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) code rates. These FERs are then used to determine the optimal fragment sizes and code rates for packets of each priority class by minimizing the expected normalized predicted CMSE of all the priority classes per GOP in H.264 video bitstream. We observed a significant improvement in the received video quality over the conventional and priority-agnostic packet fragmentation schemes.
Chloride Transport Across Rat Ileal Basolateral Membrane Vesicles

The present study was designed to investigate Cl- transport across rat ileal basolateral membranes. Basolateral membrane vesicles were prepared by a well-validated technique. The purity of the basolateral membrane vesicles was verified by marker enzyme studies and by studies of d-glucose and calcium uptake. Cl- uptake was studied by a rapid filtration technique. Neither an outwardly directed pH gradient, nor a HCO3- gradient, or their combination could elicit any stimulation of Cl- transport when compared with no gradient. 4,4-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid at 5 mM concentration did not inhibit Cl- uptake under gradient condition. Similarly, the presence of the combination of outwardly directed Na+ and HCO3- gradients did not stimulate Cl- uptake compared with the combination of K+ and HCO3- gradients or no HCO3- gradient. This is in contrast to our results in the brush border membranes, where an outwardly directed pH gradient caused an increase in Cl- uptake. Cl- uptake was stimulated in the presence of combined Na+ and K+ gradient. Bumetanide at 0.1 mM concentration inhibited the initial rate of Cl- uptake in the presence of combined Na+ and K+ gradients. Kinetic studies of bumetanide-sensitive Cl- uptake showed a Vmax of 5.6 +/- 0.7 nmol/mg protein/5 sec and a Km of 30 +/- 8.7 mM. Cl- uptake was stimulated by an inside positive membrane potential induced by the ionophore valinomycin in the setting of inwardly directed K+ gradient compared with voltage clamp condition. These studies demonstrate two processes for Cl- transport across the rat ileal basolateral membrane: one is driven by an electrogenic diffusive process and the second is a bumetanide-sensitive Na+/K+/2 Cl- process. Cl- uptake is not enhanced by pH gradient, HCO3- gradient, their combination, or outwardly directed HCO3- and Na+ gradients.
The Sovereign State Turns Barker

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article presents interesting facts concerning the public use of advertising. We have appreciated, of course, the governmental efforts to sell bonds and various other things. In fact, private advertising has learned something from these attempts. The magnitude of the public effort to develop an effective demandfor vacation facilities, and incidentally to aid private resort owners by so doing, is perhaps new enough to be less generally realized. Possibly we get from this article some suggestion of the type of advertising which would persist even if private enterprise should completely disappear from any particular field.
Efficacy of standard disc-diffusion test as applied to susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to tetracycline and minocycline.

Abstract Strains of Staphylococcus aureus were tested for susceptibility to tetracycline and minocycline by the standard disc method approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The 30 μg tetracycline disc recommended by the FDA as the one to use in tests of all antibiotics of the tetracycline family, while clearly differentiating tetracycline-sensitive from tetracycline-resistant strains, failed to distinguish different degrees of susceptibility to minocycline. The latter was active against all the tetracycline-resistant strains. The findings indicate that a minocycline disc should be included when testing the susceptibility of organisms from patients in whom therapy with minocycline may be considered. They also indicate that the size of the inoculum used for testing susceptibility affects the results quantitatively, but to slightly different degrees for each of the antibiotics.
Assessing the utility of satellite-based whitecap fraction to estimate sea spray production and CO2 transfer velocity

The utility of a satellite-based whitecap database for estimates of surface sea spray production and bubble-mediated gas transfer on a global scale is presented. Existing formulations of sea spray production and bubble-mediated CO2 transfer velocity involve whitecap fraction parametrization as a function of wind speed at 10 m reference height W(U 10) based on photographic measurements of whitecaps. Microwave radiometric measurements of whitecaps from satellites provide whitecap fraction data over the world oceans for all seasons. Parametrizations W(U 10) based on such radiometric data are thus applicable for a wide range of conditions and can account for influences secondary to the primary forcing factor, the wind speed. Radiometric satellite-based W(U 10) relationship was used as input to: (i) the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment Gas transfer (COAREG) algorithm to obtain CO2 transfer velocity and total CO2 flux; and (ii) the sea spray source function (SSSF) recommended by Andreas in 2002 to obtain fluxes of sea spray number and mass. The outputs of COAREG and SSSF obtained with satellite-based W(U 10) are compared with respective outputs obtained with the nominal W(U 10) relationship based on photographic data. Good comparisons of the gas and sea spray fluxes with direct measurements and previous estimates imply that the satellite- based whitecap database can be useful to obtain surface fluxes of particles and gases in regions and conditions difficult to access and sample in situ. Satellite and in situ estimates of surface sea spray production and bubble-mediated gas transfer thus complement each other: accurate in situ observations can constrain radiometric whitecap fraction and mass flux estimates, while satellite observations can provide global coverage of whitecap fraction and mass flux estimates.
Hysterosalpingography in the Evaluation of Infertility: A Six-Year Review

A series of 505 consecutive hysterosalpingograms (HSG) for the evaluation of infertility is reviewed. Two hundred and seventy-five (54.3%) were interpreted as normal. A tubal abnormality was found in 188 (37.2%) and a uterine abnormality in 42 (8.5%). The literature is reviewed. Hysterosalpingographic abnormalities in the present series are compared with those reported in studies previously published. Complications and advantages of the procedure are outlined. Analysis of the results shows a low morbidity and high return (45.7% abnormal), making HSG one of the most valuable tools in the initial evaluation of the infertile couple.
Expanding the substrate scope and reactivity of cytochrome P450 OleT

The efficient hydrogen peroxide-dependent hydroxylation and epoxidation of hydrocarbons is catalysed by a P450 fatty acid decarboxylase (OleT) active-site variant. The introduction of an acidic functionality in the protein framework circumvents the necessity for a carboxylate that is typically provided by the substrate for efficient H2O2 heterolysis. Spectroscopic and turnover studies show that the mutation eliminates the binding and metabolism of prototypical fatty acid substrates, but permits the oxidation of a broad range of inert hydrocarbon substrates.
Investigation of effects of dynamics on intrinsic wrench sensing in continuum robots

Multi-backbone continuum robots have been demonstrated to possess wrench sensing capabilities by measuring the actuation load on each backbone and then using elaborate statics models. The ability to sense forces of interaction allows these robots to also control their interaction with the environment. In past studies, the force sensing models were subject to quasi-static assumptions. The goal of this paper is threefold: to update the wrench sensing model taking into account dynamic forces, to investigate the effect of these dynamic forces on the wrench sensing abilities of these robots and to present design atlases that help designers with the determination of critical dimensions ensuring bounded effect of dynamics on wrench sensing. The paper presents a simplified dynamics model using a Lagrangian formulation. This dynamics model is then used to update the wrench estimation model for a single-segment continuum robot. Finally, a set of normalized parameters is used to produce design atlases that help designers predict the effect of dynamics on the wrench estimation model. These results will allow improved performance in force sensing and control for multi-backbone continuum robots. Employing the methods presented in the paper, continuum robots, that have previously demonstrated excellent distal dexterity, will be able to control their force interaction with the anatomy better in future - thereby improving safety and the finesse of surgery.
Excess Protein Synthesis in FXS Patient Lymphoblastoid Cells Can Be Rescued with a p110β-Selective Inhibitor

The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) plays a key role for neurotransmitter-mediated signaling upstream of neuronal protein synthesis. Functional loss of FMRP causes the inherited intellectual disability fragile X syndrome (FXS), and leads to increased and stimulus-insensitive neuronal protein synthesis in FXS animal models. Previous studies suggested that excess protein synthesis mediated by dysregulated signal transduction contributes to the majority of neurological defects in FXS, and might be a promising target for therapeutic strategies in patients. However, possible impairments in receptor-dependent protein synthesis have not been evaluated in patient cells so far. Using quantitative fluorescent metabolic labeling, we demonstrate that protein synthesis is exaggerated and cannot be further increased by cytokine stimulation in human fragile X lymphoblastoid cells. Our previous work suggested that loss of FMRP-mediated regulation of protein expression and enzymatic function of the PI3K catalytic subunit p110β contributes to dysregulated protein synthesis in a mouse model of FXS. Here, we demonstrate that these molecular mechanisms are recapitulated in FXS patient cells. Furthermore, we show that treatment with a p110β-selective antagonist rescues excess protein synthesis in synaptoneurosomes from an FXS mouse model and in patient cells. Our work suggests that dysregulated protein synthesis and PI3K activity in patient cells might be suitable biomarkers to quantify the efficacy of drugs to ameliorate molecular mechanisms underlying FXS, and could be used for drug screens to refine treatment strategies for individual patients. Moreover, we provide rationale to pursue p110β-targeting treatments as potential therapy in FXS, and possibly other autism spectrum disorders.
Not a Simple Tether: Binding of Toxoplasma gondii AMA1 to RON2 during Invasion Protects AMA1 from Rhomboid-Mediated Cleavage and Leads to Dephosphorylation of Its Cytosolic Tail

ABSTRACT Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is a receptor protein on the surface of Toxoplasma gondii that plays a critical role in host cell invasion. The ligand to which T. gondii AMA1 (TgAMA1) binds, TgRON2, is secreted into the host cell membrane by the parasite during the early stages of invasion. The TgAMA1-TgRON2 complex forms the core of the “moving junction,” a ring-shaped zone of tight contact between the parasite and host cell membranes, through which the parasite pushes itself during invasion. Paradoxically, the parasite also expresses rhomboid proteases that constitutively cleave the TgAMA1 transmembrane domain. How can TgAMA1 function effectively in host cell binding if its extracellular domain is constantly shed from the parasite surface? We show here that when TgAMA1 binds the domain 3 (D3) peptide of TgRON2, its susceptibility to cleavage by rhomboid protease(s) is greatly reduced. This likely serves to maintain parasite-host cell binding at the moving junction, a hypothesis supported by data showing that parasites expressing a hypercleavable version of TgAMA1 invade less efficiently than wild-type parasites do. Treatment of parasites with the D3 peptide was also found to reduce phosphorylation of S527 on the cytoplasmic tail of TgAMA1, and parasites expressing a phosphomimetic S527D allele of TgAMA1 showed an invasion defect. Taken together, these data suggest that TgAMA1-TgRON2 interaction at the moving junction protects TgAMA1 molecules that are actively engaged in host cell penetration from rhomboid-mediated cleavage and generates an outside-in signal that leads to dephosphorylation of the TgAMA1 cytosolic tail. Both of these effects are required for maximally efficient host cell invasion. IMPORTANCE Nearly one-third of the world’s population is infected with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which causes life-threatening disease in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. T. gondii is a member of the phylum Apicomplexa, which includes many other parasites of veterinary and medical importance, such as those that cause coccidiosis, babesiosis, and malaria. Apicomplexan parasites grow within their hosts through repeated cycles of host cell invasion, parasite replication, and host cell lysis. Parasites that cannot invade host cells cannot survive or cause disease. AMA1 is a highly conserved protein on the surface of apicomplexan parasites that is known to be important for invasion, and the work presented here reveals new and unexpected insights into AMA1 function. A more complete understanding of the role of AMA1 in invasion may ultimately contribute to the development of new chemotherapeutics designed to disrupt AMA1 function and invasion-related signaling in this important group of human pathogens.
Crystal structure and dynamics of a lipid-induced potential desensitized-state of a pentameric ligand-gated channel

The nerve cells (or neurons) in the brain communicate with each other by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters that bind to ion channels on neighboring neurons. This ultimately causes ions to flow in or out of the receiving neuron through these ion channels; this ion flow determines how the neuron responds. One family of ion channels that is found at the junction between neurons, and between neurons and muscle fibers, is known as the pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (or pLGICs). These channels act as ‘gates’ that open to allow ions through them when a neurotransmitter binds to the channel. In addition to the open ‘active’ state, the channels can take on two different ‘inactive’ states that do not allow ions to pass through the channel: a closed (resting) state and a desensitized state (that is still bound to the neurotransmitter). Understanding how channels switch between these states is important for designing drugs that correct problems that cause the channels to work incorrectly. Problems that affect the desensitized state have been linked to neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Medically important molecules such as anesthetics and alcohols are thought to affect desensitization, and drugs that target desensitized ion channels may present ways of treating neurological disorders with fewer side effects. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an abundant lipid molecule that is present in the membranes of neurons. It is one of the key ingredients in fish oil supplements and is thought to enhance learning and memory. DHA affects the desensitization of pLGICs but it is not clear exactly how it does so. Basak et al. now show that DHA affects a bacterial pLGIC in the same way as it affects human channels – by enhancing desensitization. Using a technique called X-ray crystallography to analyze the channel while bound to DHA revealed a previously unobserved channel structure. The DHA molecule binds to a site at the edge of the channel and causes a change in its structure that leaves the upper part of the channel open while the lower part is constricted. Basak et al. predict that molecules such as anesthetics target this desensitized state. The next step will be to obtain the structures of bacterial and human pLGIC channels in a natural membrane environment. This will allow us to better understand the changes in structure that the channels go through as they transmit signals between neurons, and so help in the development of new treatments for neurological disorders.
Oral administration of a specific kynurenic acid synthesis (KAT II) inhibitor attenuates evoked glutamate release in rat prefrontal cortex

Cognitive deficits represent core symptoms in schizophrenia (SZ) and predict patient outcome; however, they remain poorly treated by current antipsychotic drugs. Elevated levels of the endogenous alpha7 nicotinic receptor negative allosteric modulator and NMDA receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid (KYNA), are commonly seen in post-mortem tissue and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with SZ. When acutely or chronically elevated in rodents, KYNA produces cognitive deficits similar to those seen in the disease, making down-regulation of KYNA, via inhibition of kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II), a potential treatment strategy. We determined, in adult Wistar rats, if the orally available KAT II inhibitor BFF816 a) prevents KYNA elevations in prefrontal cortex (PFC) after a systemic kynurenine injection and b) reverses the kynurenine-induced attenuation of evoked prefrontal glutamate release caused by stimulation of the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh). Systemic injection of kynurenine (25 or 100 mg/kg, i.p.) increased KYNA levels in PFC (532% and 1104% of baseline, respectively). NMDA infusions (0.15 μg/0.5 μL) into NAcSh raised prefrontal glutamate levels more than 30-fold above baseline. The two doses of kynurenine reduced evoked glutamate release in PFC (by 43% and 94%, respectively, compared to NMDA alone). Co-administration of BFF816 (30 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) with kynurenine (25 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated the neosynthesis of KYNA and dose-dependently restored NMDA-stimulated glutamate release in the PFC (16% and 69%, respectively). The ability to prevent KYNA neosynthesis and to normalize evoked glutamate release in PFC justifies further development of KAT II inhibitors for the treatment of cognitive deficits in SZ.
Abstract 473: PRKRA/PACT expression promotes chemoresistance in mucinous ovarian cancer

Purpose: To investigate the mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance and developing strategies to enhance therapeutic responses in mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC). Experimental design: We carried out a kinome-based siRNA screen using human MOC to identify novel targets to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in MOC cell lines. In vitro and in vivo validation studies were carried out using MOC models. We specifically interrogated the role of PRKRA in MOC based on our screen results. Results: Among the 939 genes in the screen, we focused on PRKRA/PACT because it was one of the top 5 target genes that exhibited the greatest extent of synthetic lethality in the target gene-siRNA plus oxaliplatin group relative to the target gene-siRNA group. The combination of oxaliplatin plus siPRKRA treatment resulted in significantly reduced cell viability compared with oxaliplatin plus control siRNA in RMUG-L-ip1 or RMUG-S-ip1 MOC cells (p Conclusion: The PRKRA/PACT axis represents an important therapeutic opportunity in MOC for enhancing oxaliplatin efficacy. Citation Format: Takeshi Hisamatsu, Michael McGuire, Sherry Y. Wu, Rajesha Rupaimoole, Sunila Pradeep, Kyunghee Noh, Justyna Filant, Jean M. Hansen, Yasmin Lyons, Kshipra M. Gharpure, Archana S. Nagaraja, Lingegowda S. Mangala, Takashi Mitamura, Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo, Geoffrey A. Bartholomeusz, Cristina Ivan, Ju-Seong Lee, Koji Matsuo, Michael Frumovitz, Kwong K. Wong, Gabriel Lopez-Berestein, Anil K. Sood. PRKRA/PACT expression promotes chemoresistance in mucinous ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 473. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-473
Lineshapes in Nonlinear Spectroscopy

Much precision metrology and the determination of fundamental constants depends on spectroscopy of atoms and molecules. Generally the limiting factor in precision spectroscopy is the lineshape, both the width and the various shifts of the center. To reduce the broadening and shifts a number of nonlinear spectroscopic techniques have been developed. These are techniques where the signal is proportional to the product of two or more oscillating fields. I would like to give a general discussion of the lineshapes obtained in the two most widely used techniques which will be mentioned at various times during the conference in the context of specific experiments or uses. The lineshapes I will consider are those encountered in the separated oscillatory fields approach introduced by Ramsey, and in saturated absorption spectroscopy.
Improved distributed particle filters for tracking in a wireless sensor network

A novel distributed particle filter algorithm is presented, called drift homotopy likelihood bridging particle filter (DHLB-PF). The DHLB-PF is designed to surmount the degeneracy problem by employing a multilevel Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedure after the resampling step of particle filtering. DHLB-PF considers a sequence of pertinent stationary distributions which facilitates the MCMC step as well as explores the state space with a higher degree of freedom. The proposed algorithm is tested in a multi-target tracking problem using a wireless sensor network where no fusion center is required for data processing. The observations are gathered only from the informative sensors, which are sensing useful observations of the nearby moving targets. The detection of those informative sensors, which are typically a small portion of the sensor network, is taking place by using a sparsity-aware matrix decomposition technique. Simulation results showcase that the DHLB-PF outperforms current popular tracking algorithms.
Identification of the limiting factors for high-temperature GaAs, GaInP, and AlGaInP solar cells from device and carrier lifetime analysis

We analyze the temperature-dependent dark saturation current density and open-circuit voltage (VOC) for GaAs, GaInP, and AlGaInP solar cells from 25 to 400 °C. As expected, the intrinsic carrier concentration, ni, dominates the temperature dependence of the dark currents. However, at 400 °C, we measure VOC that is ∼50 mV higher for the GaAs solar cell and ∼60–110 mV lower for the GaInP and AlGaInP solar cells compared to what would be expected from commonly used solar cell models that consider only the ni2 temperature dependence. To better understand these deviations, we measure the carrier lifetimes of p-type GaAs, GaInP, and AlGaInP double heterostructures (DHs) from 25 to 400 °C using time-resolved photoluminescence. Temperature-dependent minority carrier lifetimes are analyzed to determine the relative contributions of the radiative recombination, interface recombination, Shockley-Read-Hall recombination, and thermionic emission processes. We find that radiative recombination dominates for the GaAs DHs with the effective lifetime approximately doubling as the temperature is increased from 25 °C to 400 °C. In contrast, we find that thermionic emission dominates for the GaInP and AlGaInP DHs at elevated temperatures, leading to a 3–4× reduction in the effective lifetime and ∼40× increase in the surface recombination velocity as the temperature is increased from 25 °C to 400 °C. These observations suggest that optimization of the minority carrier confinement layers for the GaInP and AlGaInP solar cells could help to improve VOC and solar cell efficiency at elevated temperatures. We demonstrate VOC improvement at 200–400 °C in GaInP solar cells fabricated with modified AlGaInP window and back surface field layers.
Robotic Ureteral Reimplant Surgery to Correct Reflux Disease

Atala et al. initially described the laparoscopic approach for the correction of vesicoureteral reflux over a decade ago in animals [1]. The technique was subsequently modified by several other investigators in porcine models [2–4]. Ehrlich and colleagues were the first to introduce this technique in children [5]. Over time, various technical refinements have been described, thus establishing laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation as an alternative to open repair. Utilization of conventional laparoscopic reimplantation has been limited, however, due to the technical difficulty inherent in this approach. Parental preference for minimally invasive techniques has only burgeoned interest in the endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic correction of vesicoureteral reflux [6–8].
MPI and compiler technology: a love-hate relationship

MPI has been the de facto standard for parallel computing for over a decade now, and remains mostly unchallenged as the only viable options for harnessing the processing power of massively parallel supercomputers. Alternative parallel programming paradigms have existed for quite some time, mainly in the form of PGAS languages [4,7], but have yet to deliver the necessary performance, robustness and portability needed to drive developers away from MPI.
Studies of Microflares and C5.2 flare of 27 September 1998

On 27 September 1998, Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) and Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) coordinated observations from 16:00 to 19:00 UT to study properties of microflares in AR NOAA No. 8340. Fortuitously, a C5.2 flare occurred at 16:30 UT in this active region. Hα and magnetograph movies were obtained at BBSO; C iv 1550 A, Fe ix 171 A, and Fe xii 195 A movies were obtained by TRACE; both with a cadence about 1 min. In this paper, we concentrate on the study of magnetic properties of 70 C iv microflares, as well as their relationship to the C5.2 flare. We obtained the following results: (1) We found two kinds of microflares: microflares of transient brightenings with a time scale of 1 to 5 min (impulsive events) and microflares lasting half an hour or longer (persistent events). Ninety percent of the microflares are impulsive events. Most of the event in this category are associated with well defined magnetic neutral lines, but some are found in non-neutral line areas. All of seven persistent events are found at parasitic magnetic configurations with inclusions of small magnetic flux within dominant magnetic flux of opposite polarity. (2) More than a third of the impulsive microflares occurred near the C5.2 flare site indicating that a local instability is responsible for both the C5.2 flare and microflares. This indirectly supports the avalanche theory of flare energy release, which implies that a big flare may be spatially associated with many small flares.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Pulmonary Hypertension

Myeloid–derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) comprised a heterogeneous subset of bone marrow–derived myeloid cells, best studied in cancer research, that are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular remodeling and the development of pulmonary hypertension. Stem cell transplantation represents one extreme interventional strategy for ablating the myeloid compartment but poses a number of translational challenges. There remains an outstanding need for additional therapeutic targets to impact MDSC function, including the potential to alter interactions with innate and adaptive immune subsets, or alternatively, alter trafficking receptors, metabolic pathways, and transcription factor signaling with readily available and safe drugs. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the role of myeloid cells in the development of pulmonary hypertension, first in pulmonary circulation changes associated with myelodysplastic syndromes, and then by examining intrinsic myeloid cell changes that contribute to disease progression in pulmonary hypertension. We then outline several tractable targets and pathways relevant to pulmonary hypertension via MDSC regulation. Identifying these MDSC-regulated effectors is part of an ongoing effort to impact the field of pulmonary hypertension research through identification of myeloid compartment-specific therapeutic applications in the treatment of pulmonary vasculopathies.
Interpenetrating polymer network and nanocomposite IPN of polyurethane/epoxy: a review on fundamentals and advancements

This article presents state-of-the-art review on interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) formation by polyurethane/epoxy (PU/EP). PU is thermoplastic polymer with fine mechanical strength, chemical ...
Evaluation of a Novel Surgical Skills Training Course: Are Cadavers Still the Gold Standard for Surgical Skills Training?

Background An increasing body of literature describing use of high-fidelity surgical training models is challenging long-held dogma that cadavers provide the best medium for postgraduate surgical skills training. The purpose of this study was to describe a surgical skills course comprising entirely synthetic training models developed by resident and attending neurosurgeons and to evaluate their perceptions of the overall usefulness of this course and its usefulness compared with cadaveric courses. Methods Ten high-fidelity neurosurgical training models were developed. A neurosurgical skills course for residents was structured to include 7 spinal and 3 cranial learning stations, each with its own model and assigned attending expert. Resident and attending neurosurgeons were asked to complete surveys on their overall impressions of the course and models and on workload comparisons between models and real cases. Student t tests were used for statistical comparisons. Results Survey responses were collected from 9 of 16 participating residents (56.3%) and 3 of 10 attending neurosurgeons (30.0%). Both groups believed that the course was very helpful overall to resident education. Respondents furthermore believed that the course was more helpful overall than cadaveric courses. Task load index testing showed no significant workload difference between models and real cases (P ≥ 0.17), except in temporal demand (P Conclusions Resident and attending neurosurgeons subjectively believe that high-fidelity synthetic models were superior to cadavers as a surgical skills teaching platform. This study raises the question of whether cadavers should remain the gold standard for surgical skills courses. Expanded use of these teaching models and further study are warranted.
Inductor Design and ZVS Control for a GaN-Based High Efficiency CRM Totem-Pole PFC Converter

This paper details the inductor design and zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) control of a single-phase GaN-based critical-conduction-mode (CRM) totem-pole rectifier with power factor correction (PFC). A full-line-cycle ZVS strategy is derived, and an analytical converter model with ZVS margin is proposed. The boost inductor design is critical for the operation performance of the CRM totem-pole PFC. Based on analytical loss models, the inductor is designed and implemented using a toroidal powder core and litz wire to minimize converter loss and inductor size. Digital on-time control with real-time calculation and zero current detection (ZCD) is used to implement CRM. A 1.5 kW single-phase GaN-based CRM totem-pole PFC prototype is built and tested. With the on-time control, both the inductor current and the output voltage are well regulated. ZVS is realized for the whole line cycle, and the tested efficiency is 98.8% at full load.
Secularism and Fertility Worldwide

This study proposes and explores a new fertility determinant: societal secularism. Using country-level data from multiple sources (n = 181) and multilevel data from 58 countries in the World Values...
CHAPTER XXIV – THE APPENDIX

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the appendix. The apes have an appendix but its point of attachment to the cecum is different from that in man. In man, the appendix fills usually within two hours after the barium meal enters the cecum. Four or five hours later it may be emptied by a contraction that narrows and shortens the lumen. It is not yet known as to why the appendix has such a tendency to become inflamed and gangrenous. There is no pathognomonic roentgenologic sign of chronic appendicitis. The appendix in man shows some rhythmic contractions, usually of small amplitude. The organ seldom empties completely with one effort. The cause of appendicitis may possibly at times be spasm at the outlet, with such an increase in intra-appendicular pressure that the circulation is shut off and gangrene results. Some observations indicate that the appendix supplies a fluid that runs into the cecum about the time that material enters from the terminal segment of the ileum.