cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression profiling reveals meiotic male germ cell mRNAs that are translationally up- and down-regulated

Gametes rely heavily on posttranscriptional control mechanisms to regulate their differentiation. In eggs, maternal mRNAs are stored and selectively activated during development. In the male, transcription ceases during spermiogenesis, necessitating the posttranscriptional regulation of many paternal mRNAs required for spermatozoan assembly and function. To date, most of the testicular mRNAs known to be translationally regulated are initially transcribed in postmeiotic cells. Because protein synthesis occurs on polysomes and translationally inactive mRNAs are sequestered as ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), movement of mRNAs between these fractions is indicative of translational up- and down-regulation. Here, we use microarrays to analyze mRNAs in RNPs and polysomes from testis extracts of prepuberal and adult mice to characterize the translation state of individual mRNAs as spermatogenesis proceeds. Consistent with published reports, many of the translationally delayed postmeiotic mRNAs shift from the RNPs into the polysomes, establishing the validity of this approach. In addition, we detect another 742 mouse testicular transcripts that show dramatic shifts between RNPs and polysomes. One subgroup of 35 genes containing the known, translationally delayed phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (Pgk2) is initially transcribed during meiosis and is translated in later-stage cells. Another subgroup of 82 meiotically expressed genes is translationally down-regulated late in spermatogenesis. This high-throughput approach defines the changing translation patterns of populations of genes as male germ cells differentiate and identifies groups of meiotic transcripts that are translationally up- and down-regulated.
Predictive design space exploration using genetically programmed response surfaces

Exponential increases in architectural design complexity threaten to make traditional processor design optimization techniques intractable. Genetically programmed response surfaces (GPRS) address this challenge by transforming the optimization process from a lengthy series of detailed simulations into the tractable formulation and rapid evaluation of a predictive model. We validate GPRS methodology on realistic processor design spaces and compare it to recently proposed techniques for predictive microarchitectural design space exploration.
A subluxing knee mass.

A 44-year-old woman was referred for right knee pain that had been present for a year, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings revealed pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). The patient had no other significant medical history and no other musculoskeletal or constitutional symptoms. Findings of the physical examination were normal except for the striking observation of a hard nodular mass that appeared to sublux from the anterior knee laterally upon knee extension (Video 1). MRI of the knee revealed a nodular mass measuring approximately 2.5 cm craniocaudad, 1.5 cm anteroposterior, and 2.7 cm in the transverse direction (Figure 1). Increased signal intensity was observed on the fat-suppressed T2-weighted images, and similar signal intensity was observed on corresponding T1-weighted images. A small amount of fluid in the semimembranosus bursa was seen, likely representing mild bursitis. Otherwise, cartilaginous surfaces were intact, and no evidence was found of ligament or menisci abnormalities or arthritic changes. PVNS is a hypertrophic synovial process characterized by villonodular proliferation and hemosiderin pigmentation [1,2]. Initially, PVNS was not believed to possess the potential for malignancy, but Layfield et al [3] have described rare cases of malignant PVNS. PVNS is a relatively uncommon disease with an estimated annual incidence of 1.8 cases per 1 million persons. Localized intra-articular involvement almost exclusively involves the knee and represents approximately 6% of all cases. Clinical symptoms vary depending on the location of the lesion but frequently present as a slowly progressive, painful, soft tissue mass that rarely causes joint dysfunction. The treatment of choice is surgical resection via arthroscopy [4].
Dealing with the Marketing/Physical Distribution Interface

The conflict inherent in the planning and execution of total distribution trade-offs impacts, to a certain extent, on all organizational units or subsystems. The intensity of such conflict is primarily a function of the interdependence of “felt need for joint decisionmaking”1 that exists among these organizational subsystems. As a result of the growing strategic importance2 of customer service programs,3 the marketing/physical distribution interface has become characterized with high degrees of interdependence and intergroup conflict. The purpose of this article is to conceptually explore the nature of the conflict associated with the processes and to propose an approach to reducing the dysfunctional aspects of such conflict.
A programming model for reconfigurable computing based in functional concurrency

FPGA programmability remains a concern with respect to the broad adoption of the technology. One reason for this is simple: FPGA applications are frequently implementations of concurrent algorithms that could be most directly rendered in concurrent languages, but there is little or no first-class support for concurrent applications in conventional hardware description languages. It stands to reason that FPGA programmability would be enhanced in a hardware description language with first-class concurrency. The starting point for this paper is a functional hardware description language with built-in support for concurrency called ReWire. Because it is a concurrent functional language, ReWire supports the elegant expression of common concurrency paradigms; we illustrate this with several case studies.
Successful communication does not drive language development: Evidence from adult homesign

Constructivist accounts of language acquisition maintain that the language learner aims to match a target provided by mature users. Communicative problem solving in the context of social interaction and matching a linguistic target or model are presented as primary mechanisms driving the language development process. However, research on the development of homesign gesture systems by deaf individuals who have no access to a linguistic model suggests that aspects of language can develop even when typical input is unavailable. In four studies, we examined the role of communication in the genesis of homesign systems by assessing how well homesigners' family members comprehend homesign productions. In Study 1, homesigners' mothers showed poorer comprehension of homesign descriptions produced by their now-adult deaf child than of spoken Spanish descriptions of the same events produced by one of their adult hearing children. Study 2 found that the younger a family member was when they first interacted with their deaf relative, the better they understood the homesigner. Despite this, no family member comprehended homesign productions at levels that would be expected if family members co-generated homesign systems with their deaf relative via communicative interactions. Study 3 found that mothers' poor or incomplete comprehension of homesign was not a result of incomplete homesign descriptions. In Study 4 we demonstrated that Deaf native users of American Sign Language, who had no previous experience with the homesigners or their homesign systems, nevertheless comprehended homesign productions out of context better than the homesigners' mothers. This suggests that homesign has comprehensible structure, to which mothers and other family members are not fully sensitive. Taken together, these studies show that communicative problem solving is not responsible for the development of structure in homesign systems. The role of this mechanism must therefore be re-evaluated in constructivist theories of language development.
Use of the stepwise progression return-to-play protocol following concussion among practicing athletic trainers

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether practicing athletic trainers (ATs) were using the stepwise progression to make return-to-play (RTP) decisions after concussion and to determine what factors influenced their decision to use the stepwise progression. Methods A total of 166 ATs (response rate = 16.6%) completed a 21-item questionnaire that evaluated participant demographics, methods of concussion management, and RTP decision-making using the stepwise progression. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression were completed to analyze data. Results Factors such as education level (p = 0.05) and number of concussions treated (p = 0.05) predicted use of the stepwise progression, whereas sex (p = 0.17), employment setting (p = 0.17), state law (p = 0.86), and years practicing (p = 0.17) did not predict whether ATs were following the stepwise progression. Conclusion The majority of the ATs from this study are employing the stepwise progression to safely return athletes to play after sustaining a concussion. This demonstrates that ATs are providing a standard of care for concussed athletes across various athletic training settings; however, having a graduate degree and treating more concussions per year are predictors of whether an AT follows all steps of the stepwise progression.
ECHS1 deficiency-associated paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesias: case presentation and initial benefit of intervention

Paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesias (PED) are paroxysmal dyskinesias which manifest as dystonic movements brought on by sustained exercise. ECHS1 deficiency-induced EID was recently described by Olgiati et al. Our patient is an 8-year-old boy, who presented with intermittent episodes of stiffness and contractions affecting the legs which were always brought on by vigorous exertion. They began with curling of the toes and flexion, followed by stiffening of gait. These episodes were asymmetric, uncomfortable and often began in the left leg, often spreading to the right leg. They generally lasted for about 30–40 min. The phenomenology was noted to be dystonic affecting mostly the left leg, with equinus at the ankle and hyperextension at the knee. MRI of the brain showed regions of increased T2 and FLAIR signal and of T1 low signal in the globus pallidus bilaterally with mild diffusion restriction. Using Ambry’s ExomeNextTM, an integrated exome sequencing assay, the patient was found to be heterozygous for alterations in the ECHS1 gene: missense mutations in c.518C>T (p.A173V) and c.817A>G (p.K273E). After 3 months of treatment with a mitochondrial cocktail, the patient reported that his attacks were somewhat less frequent and less severe. We decided to continue the patient on the cocktail and prescribed clonazepam 0.5 mg 1 tab to be given, as needed, for acute dystonic episodes of severe degree. The missense mutation c.817A>G has never been associated with PED before. Further, we present the first case of ECH1-associated PED with initial symptomatic improvement with a mitochondrial cocktail.
Conflictos socio-ambientales/territoriales y el surgimiento de identidades post neoliberales (Valparaíso-Chile)

espanolResumen: En este articulo analizamos los conflictos socio-ambientales/territoriales asociados a la expansion de las fronteras minera y agroexportadora en la zona central de Chile. Nos centramos en el conflicto por la usurpacion del agua en la precordillera de la Provincia de Petorca, asi como los conflictos asociados a la contaminacion producida por el Complejo Industrial Ventanas en los limites de las comunas de Puchuncavi y Quintero. Desde una perspectiva critica que se nutre de la ecologia politica, analizamos la nueva racionalidad eco-socio-ambiental asociada a las organizaciones y el surgimiento de una identidad que hemos definido como post neoliberal. EnglishAbstract: This paper analyzes the social and environmental/territorial conflicts relationships with the expansion of the mining and agriculture export industry over the last few decades in the central region of Chile. The discussion focuses on the conflict over water encroachment in the foothills of the Province of Petorca, as well as disputes associated with pollution produced by the Ventanas Industrial Complex in the region of Valparaiso. Drawing on literature from political ecology, this paper provides a critical account of the new eco-socio-environmental rationality related to new grassroots organizations and the emergence of an identity that we have defined as post-neoliberal.
The Versatility of Quaternary Ostracods as Palaeoclimate Proxies: Comparative Testing of Geochemical, Ecological and Biogeographical Approaches

Abstract As important palaeoenvironmental proxies, non-marine ostracods provide several independent lines of evidence of palaeoclimatic and hydrological change in Quaternary records. Species diversity, biogeography, ecology and shell geochemistry (δ18O, δ13C, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr) are all potential sources of information concerning past environmental conditions. However, often there is not a strong covariance between changes in species assemblages and their corresponding suite of geochemical measurements; that is, in some records, there is little change in the shell geochemistry, whereas the species assemblages show significant change, and vice versa. Thus, multivariate statistical analyses used to develop transfer functions or modern analogues, based upon species assemblages, may or may not correspond to changes in the shell geochemistry. However, this lack of covariance is in itself informative and by examining the observed changes in ostracod shell geochemical measurements and species assemblages, it is possible to identify and track process dynamics in palaeolimnological records.
Detailed histologic evaluation of eosinophilic esophagitis in pediatric patients presenting with dysphagia or abdominal pain and comparison of the histology between the two groups

EoE in children presents with four main symptoms. Most common symptoms exhibited by our clinic population are dysphagia (D) and abdominal pain (AP). Despite similar treatments, we found in an earlier study that the outcomes between these two groups were different. Therefore, we investigated if there exist any histological differences between these groups that could further our knowledge of EoE. Aim. To compare esophageal histology in detail, apart from the eosinophil count, between EoE-D and EoE-AP. Method. Biopsies of patients with EoE-D and EoE-AP were reevaluated for 10 additional histological criteria, in addition to the eosinophil count. Results. Both groups had 67 patients; peak mean eosinophil was 33.9 and 31.55 for EoE-D and EoE-AP (p < 0.05). Eosinophilic microabscesses, superficial layering of eosinophils, and epithelial desquamation were twice as common and significant in EoE-D group than EoE-AP. Eosinophil distribution around rete pegs was also significantly higher in EoE-D group. The remaining criteria were numerically higher in EoE-D, but not significant, with the exception of rete peg elongation. Conclusion. EoE-D patients have significantly higher eosinophils compared to EoE-AP, and the level of inflammation as seen from eosinophil microabscesses, superficial layering, desquamation, and the distribution around rete pegs is significantly higher.
Anomalous Pacific-Antarctic Ridge Volcanism Precedes Glacial Termination 2

We present results from a well‐dated sediment core on the Pacific‐Antarctic Ridge (PAR) that document a ∼15 cm thick layer of basaltic ash shards that precedes the penultimate deglaciation (Termination 2). The glasses have MORB composition consistent with an axial source and their morphologies are typical of pyroclastic deposits created by submarine volcanism. The ash layer was deposited ∼7 km from the PAR axis, a distance that implies buoyant plumes lofted debris high into the water column with subsequent fallout to the core location. We infer plume rise height using grain settling velocities, the water depth at the core site, and deep ocean current speeds from ARGO floats. Rise heights of 1.5 km or less require unrealistically large current speeds to transport grains to the core site. Instead, the data are consistent with a plume rise height of at least 2 km, implying that T2 was an interval of anomalous volcanism along this segment of the PAR. The timing and duration of the ash deposit is consistent with glacial‐interglacial modulation of ridge magmatism. Volcaniclastic records from additional locations will be necessary to assess whether the PAR record is a rare find or it is representative of mid‐ocean ridge volcanism during glacial terminations.
A Dilution Model for Embryonic Scaling.

A recent study in Nature Cell Biology (Almuedo-Castillo et al., 2018) describes a mechanism for tissue scaling in zebrafish embryos. The authors show that a fixed relative amount of the diffusible Nodal inhibitor Lefty produces an extended gradient in larger embryos, ensuring proportionally scaled germ layers, irrespective of embryo size.
Decoupling Thin Film CdTe Growth from Packaging: Toward Record Specific Power in Low Cost Polycrystalline PV

There are critical material and scientific barriers to producing high efficiency, flexible, lightweight solar cells that maximize specific power in a cost-effective manner. III-V solar cells have produced the highest specific power of any photovoltaic technology due to their extremely high efficiency, however, they are also among the most expensive to produce. This work explores a novel lift-off approach with thin-film solar cells, particularly CdTe, to achieve high specific power at low costs. Thin-film devices can be delaminated from their heavy, glass growth substrates post-growth by exploiting a mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion between the two. This allows thin-film PV to be decoupled from high temperature growth requirements and repackaged using lightweight materials. In this work we evaluate different materials and approaches for achieving large area delamination of CdTe films from their glass superstrates. It is found that epoxy bonded to a rigid handle provides robust and reproducible delamination at the TCO/CdS interface upon submersion in liquid nitrogen. Following delamination, a transparent front contact is re-deposited and selectively etched to expose the back contact to produce a functioning device. Effects of delamination and contributions to device functionality from CdCl2 and CdS layers are discussed. Reproducible delamination of high efficiency, thin-film solar cells over large areas will enable work to further improve device efficiency through passivation and reconstruction of the previously buried interface between the transparent contact and CdS.
Anti-community state pesticide preemption laws prevent local governments from protecting people from harm

ABSTRACTDuring the past 25 years, many state governments in the United States have adopted anti-community state preemption laws to preclude local governments from enacting ordinances regulating pes...
FREE RADICALS AND ACUTE BRAIN INJURY: MECHANISMS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIALS

Free radicals are implicated in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI) and cerebral ischemia, as well as chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Free radicals are also produced during normal oxidative metabolism. Free radicals generated during energy production are involved in enzymatic reactions, mitochondrial electron transport, signal transduction, activation of nuclear transcription factors, gene expression, and the antimicrobial action of neutrophils and macrophages.
A Scalable MAC Framework for Internet of Things Assisted by Machine Learning

The vision of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks calls for a large number of power constrained devices communicating with the gateway. To achieve the channel coordination in IoT, IEEE 802.15.4 standard has been considered as one of the most competitive technologies. However, the length of the Contention Access Period (CAP) of the superframe can hardly adapt to the variation of network traffic, so the performance of IoT is restricted. To resolve the problem, we propose a scalable MAC framework assisted by Machine Learning, called MML. With the implementation of machine learning algorithms such as Neural Network Predictor (NNP), the gateway can detect the number and type of devices from the overlapped signals, as demonstrated in our Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP2) testbed. Therefore, MML can dynamically adjust the CAP length based on the knowledge of the number of active devices and a stable throughput can be achieved. Moreover, the throughput of MML is analyzed, which is verified by conducting simulations using network simulator (ns-2.35). The analytical and simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed MML.
Does the Addition of Linear Damping Always Cause Instability in a Gyroscopically Stabilized System

This paper answers the question raised in the title of this paper and shows that it is not true for systems in which the damping matrix is indefinite. It introduces a new paradigm in the theory of ...
Controlled Nitrogen Doping of Graphene Quantum Dots through Laser Ablation in Aqueous Solutions for Photoluminescence and Electrocatalytic Applications

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) have promising applications in catalysis and photoluminescence, but many existing synthetic methods require uses of harsh chemicals, long reaction time...
Can risk modelling improve treatment decisions in asymptomatic carotid stenosis

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is routinely performed for asymptomatic carotid stenosis, yet its average net benefit is small. Risk stratification may identify high risk patients that would clearly benefit from treatment. Retrospective cohort study using data from the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS). Risk factors for poor outcomes were included in backward and forward selection procedures to develop baseline risk models estimating the risk of non-perioperative ipsilateral stroke/TIA. Baseline risk was estimated for all ACAS participants and externally validated using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Baseline risk was then included in a treatment risk model that explored the interaction of baseline risk and treatment status (CEA vs. medical management) on the patient-centered outcome of any stroke or death, including peri-operative events. Three baseline risk factors (BMI, creatinine and degree of contralateral stenosis) were selected into our baseline risk model (c-statistic 0.59 [95% CI 0.54–0.65]). The model stratified absolute risk between the lowest and highest risk quintiles (5.1% vs. 12.5%). External validation in ARIC found similar predictiveness (c-statistic 0.58 [0.49–0.67]), but poor calibration across the risk spectrum. In the treatment risk model, CEA was superior to medical management across the spectrum of baseline risk and the magnitude of the treatment effect varied widely between the lowest and highest absolute risk quintiles (3.2% vs. 10.7%). Even modestly predictive risk stratification tools have the potential to meaningfully influence clinical decision making in asymptomatic carotid disease. However, our ACAS model requires target population recalibration prior to clinical application.
Inhibition of Rumen Protozoa by Specific Inhibitors of Lysozyme and Peptidases in vitro

Defaunation studies have shown that rumen protozoa are one of the main causes of low nitrogen utilization efficiency due to their bacterivory and subsequent intraruminal cycling of microbial protein in ruminants. In genomic and transcriptomic studies, we found that rumen protozoa expressed lysozymes and peptidases at high levels. We hypothesized that specific inhibition of lysozyme and peptidases could reduce the activity and growth of rumen protozoa, which can decrease their predation of microbes and proteolysis and subsequent ammoniagenesis by rumen microbiota. To test the above hypothesis, we evaluated three specific inhibitors: imidazole (IMI), a lysozyme inhibitor; phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), a serine protease inhibitor; and iodoacetamide (IOD), a cysteine protease inhibitor; both individually and in combinations, with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a positive control. Rumen fluid was collected from two Jersey dairy cows fed either a concentrate-based dairy ration or only alfalfa hay. Each protozoa-enriched rumen fluid was incubated for 24 h with or without the aforementioned inhibitors and fed a mixture of ground wheat grain, alfalfa, and grass hays to support microbial growth. Live protozoa cells were morphologically identified and counted simultaneously at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h of incubation. Fermentation characteristics and prokaryotic composition were determined and compared at the end of the incubation. Except for IOD, all the inhibitors reduced all the nine protozoal genera identified, but to different extents, in a time-dependent manner. IOD was the least inhibitory to protozoa, but it lowered ammoniagenesis the most while not decreasing feed digestibility or concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA). ANCOM analysis identified loss of Fibrobacter and overgrowth of Treponema, Streptococcus, and Succinivibrio in several inhibitor treatments. Functional prediction (from 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences) using the CowPI database showed that the inhibitors decreased the relative abundance of the genes encoding amino acid metabolism, especially peptidases, and lysosome in the rumen microbiota. Overall, inhibition of protozoa resulted in alteration of prokaryotic microbiota and in vitro fermentation, and peptidases, especially cysteine-peptidase, may be targeted to improve nitrogen utilization in ruminants.
Drain–Erase Scheme in Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistor—Part I: Device Characterization

Ferroelectric-doped HfO2-based ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) are being actively explored as emerging nonvolatile memory devices with the potential for in-memory computing. In this two-part article, we explore the feasibility of FeFET-based 3-D NAND architecture for both in situ training and inference. To address the challenge of erase-by-block in NAND-like structure, we propose and experimentally demonstrate the drain–erase scheme to enable the individual cell’s program/erase/inhibition, which is necessary for individual weight update in in situ training. We describe the device characterization of different drain–erase conditions and results in this article. The experimental conditions are characterized on 22-nm fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) and 28-nm high- ${k}$ metal gate (HKMG) FeFET devices from GLOBALFOUNDRIES. With appropriate biasing, up to 104 ON/OFF ratio could be achieved by drain–erase. The 3-D NAND array architecture design and verification for in-memory computing will be described in Part II of this article.
Reprint: Where has the quest for conception taken us? Lessons from anthropology and sociology.

Abstract Louise Brown, the world’s first test-tube baby, was born more than 40 years ago in England. For Louise Brown’s infertile mother, Lesley, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was the ‘hope technology’ which allowed her to overcome her tubal infertility after 9 years of heart-breaking involuntary childlessness. Since then, IVF has travelled to diverse global locations, where millions of individuals and couples have embarked on technologically assisted ‘quests for conception’. After 40 years of IVF, where has the quest for conception taken us? This article outlines seven major global trajectories — namely, that the quest for conception has become more: (i) technological, because of a profusion of IVF-based innovations; (ii) masculine, because of men’s eager uptake of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, their own ‘masculine hope technology’; (iii) stratified, due to persistent race- and class-based barriers in IVF access; (iv) transnational, as infertile and other involuntarily childless people search across borders to overcome restrictions in their home countries; (v) selective, as IVF-based reprogenetic technologies eliminate genetic disease while exacerbating sex selection; (vi) moral, as religious sensibilities both accommodate and curtail the possibilities and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART); and (vii) extended, as new cryopreservation technologies prolong the reproductive lifespan and extend reproduction to the transgender community. The article concludes with thoughts on where future quests for conception might take us, and why IVF and other reproductive technologies are ‘good to think with’ in both the anthropology and sociology of reproduction.
Mild cognitive impairment is associated with skeletal muscle mitochondrial deficits

Alzheimer9s Disease (AD) is associated with insulin resistance and low cardiorespiratory fitness, suggestive of impaired skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. We examined if individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), the earliest phase of AD-related cognitive decline, exhibit reduced skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, and if AD medication impacted outcomes. We present data from 50 individuals, including cognitively healthy older adults (CH; n=24) 60+ years of age and clinically diagnosed MCI subjects (n=26). MCI subjects were sub-divided into two groups; no AD medication (MCI; n=11), or AD medication treated (MCI+med; n=15). A skeletal muscle biopsy (vastus lateralis) was obtained and mitochondrial respiratory kinetics was measured in permeabilized muscle fibers. MCI subjects exhibited lower lipid-stimulated skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration (State 3, ADP-stimulated) than both CH individuals (p=0.043) and medication-treated MCI subjects (p=0.006). MCI also exhibited poorer mitochondrial coupling control compared to CH subjects (p=0.014), while MCI+med and CH subjects did not differ. Compared to CH individuals, skeletal muscle mitochondrial leak control ratio was lower for the MCI+med group (p=0.008) and trended lower for non-medicated MCI (p=0.06), which suggests greater mitochondrial uncoupling in MCI. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration is impaired in untreated MCI but normalized in medication-treated MCI participants while mitochondrial leak control is impaired regardless of medication status. These results provide further evidence that systemic mitochondrial deficits occur in the very early stages of AD, and that mitochondrial function is partially influenced by AD medication. Further analysis for a role of muscle mitochondria in the progression of early AD is warranted.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of rectal swabs for the surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant organisms on the Illumina Miseq and Oxford MinION platforms

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health threat where efficient surveillance is needed to prevent outbreaks. Existing methods for detection of gastrointestinal colonization of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are limited to specific organisms or resistance mechanisms. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a more rapid and agnostic diagnostic approach for microbiome and resistome investigations. We determined if mNGS can detect MDRO from rectal swabs in concordance with standard microbiology results. We performed and compared mNGS performance on short-read Illumina MiSeq (N = 10) and long-read Nanopore MinION (N = 5) platforms directly from rectal swabs to detect vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms (CRO). We detected Enterococcus faecium (N = 8) and Enterococcus faecalis (N = 2) with associated van genes (9/10) in concordance with VRE culture-based results. We studied the microbiome and identified CRO, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (N = 1), Enterobacter cloacae (N = 1), and KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (N = 1). Nanopore real-time analysis detected the blaKPC gene in 2.3 min and provided genetic context (blaKPC harbored on pKPC_Kp46 IncF plasmid). Illumina sequencing provided accurate allelic variant determination (i.e., blaKPC-2) and strain typing of the K. pneumoniae (ST-15). We demonstrated an agnostic approach for surveillance of MDRO, examining advantages of both short- and long-read mNGS methods for AMR detection.
Credit Spreads, Debt Maturity and Assets Other than Those Included in Book Value

Arora et al. (2014) provide evidence that the lack of precision in measurement of financial (i.e., level 1, 2, or 3) assets on the balance sheet of financial institutions appears to have affected short-term credit spreads more than long-term credit spreads during the global financial crisis (2007 to 2009). We extend their analysis by investigating the association between all firm assets not recorded on the balance sheet (unrecorded assets) and perceived default risks. We provide evidence that unrecorded assets are negatively associated with long-term credit default swap spreads (i.e., lower perceived default risk in the long-term) and positively associated with short-term credit default swap spreads (i.e., higher perceived default risk in the short-term). We attribute our findings to asset measurement issues and show that a stronger information environment may mitigate these issues for short-term default risk. Our evidence suggests that the relation between unrecorded assets and perceived default risk is context specific.
Development and Application of Electric Peeling Tool for Distribution Work Operation Robot

Aiming at the problems of poor safety and high labor intensity existing in manual living operation, an electric peeling tool suitable for robot was developed in this paper. The overall structure, control system and cable skin removal part of the tool were introduced. Based on these, 200 times peeling test of the tool were carried out, and no failure occurred. Finally, field application was conducted for the tool with the matching robot. The results showed that the tool was highly intelligent and there was no peeling failure exist. which indicating that the tool can meet the requirements of high-voltage live working for robot. The tool provided a new operation method for promoting the automation and intelligent inspection of live working.
The crystal structure of the androgen receptor W741L mutant ligand binding domain bound to R-bicalutamide

2533 The crystal structure of the mutant W741L androgen receptor (AR) ligand binding domain (LBD) bound to the prostate cancer drug, R-bicalutamide, was solved at 1.8 A resolution. This mutation confers agonist activity to bicalutamide (Cancer Res. 63:149, 2003) and may be involved in bicalutamide withdrawal syndrome. While numerous AR LBD crystal structures bound to steroids have been solved, little is known regarding the binding of nonsteroidal ligands to the AR. The recombinant GST-AR (663-919) containing the mutation W741L was isolated from E. coli, the LBD was crystallized in a complex with R-bicalutamide, and the structure was determined to 1.8A resolution. The 3-dimensional structure demonstrates that the B-ring of R-bicalutamide in the W741L mutant is situated at the same location as the indole ring of tryptophan 741 in the WT (wild-type) AR bound to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The replacement of the bulky tryptophan residue with the aliphatic leucine side chain thus allowed accommodation of R-bicalutamide binding while maintaining the overall 3-dimensional fold seen in the WT AR-DHT complex. Knowledge of the binding mechanism for R-bicalutamide will provide molecular rationale for the development of new antiandrogens and selective androgen receptor modulators. Supported by NIH grants R01 DK59800 and R01 DK065227.
BRAIN 4-AMINOBUTYRATE

— A systematic study was made of aminobutyrate transaminase (4-aminobutyrate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, I.U.B.2.6.1.19) in the developing rat brain. Assays of enzymic activity were made in whole brain of seven to twenty-one animals at each day of age from birth to day 30. The numerous analyses allowed statistical treatment and recognition of an abrupt change in the rate of synthesis of aminobutyrate transaminase, as judged by activity/g wet wt., beginning at day 12. From birth through day 11 there was a linear increase of low slope in enzymic activity, from day 12 through day 26 there was a linear increase of markedly increased slope. During the first period γ-aminobutyrate increased from 14 to 25 m-moles/kg fresh wt./hr; during the second the increase was from 25 to 113. The change of slope of linear increase in rat brain aminobutyrate transaminase began abruptly midway in the ‘critical period’ of rat brain development which extends roughly from day 10 to day 14. The onset of peak increase of rat brain succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (I.U.B.1.2.1.16) by contrast, occurred at day 6, heralded the ‘critical period’, and preceded by 6 days the onset of peak increase of the transaminase. These time-locked changes in rate of increase of two enzymes of a biochemical pathway uniquely functional in neural tissue may be of significance in determining the development of the nervous system in the young animal.
Smoking cessation and change in diastolic blood pressure, body weight, and plasma lipids. MRFIT Research Group.

Abstract Cigarette smoking cessation was examined for its impact on diastolic blood pressure, weight, and plasma lipids in 3,470 special intervention males in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. Change in smoking status (quitters vs nonquitters) was not independently associated with change in diastolic blood pressure or the subsequent use of antihypertensive medication for smokers who were normotensive at entry. More quitters (35%) became hypertensive than nonquitters (27%, P P
Supersymmetry and transformation optics on the line

We investigate scattering properties of supersymmetric partner structures. We show that SUSY transformations can be used as a new type of transformation optics to address inverse scattering problems in one-dimensional optical settings.
Executive Compensation in American Unions

We explore compensation of labor union leaders using U.S. panel data on more than 75,000 organization-years from 2000 to 2007. We find that membership, estimated average wages, and dues are strongly related to the compensation of the leaders of American labor unions, even after controlling for organization size and organization fixed effects. That is, within the same union over time, higher levels of these measures are associated with higher levels of pay for union leaders.
A Study of the Depolarization of Lunar Radar Echoes

Lunar radar echoes depolarization studied via lunar surface backscattering characteristics at 23 cm wavelength
Oral progestational agents as a cause of Candida vaginitis

Abstract The effects of progestational agents on the vaginal flora have been studied in a group of women who had been taking a variety of oral contraceptives. Control observations have also been made. The results clearly demonstrate that in the former series there is an increased incidence of Candida vaginitis. Isolation of other organisms was affected by ingestion of contraceptive pills but not in a significant number of cases. Although not statistically valid we have the general feeling that sequential-type agents may not be as adverse as the combination type in regard to Candida vaginitis.
Conditional genotypic probabilities for microsatellite loci.

Modern forensic DNA profiles are constructed using microsatellites, short tandem repeats of 2–5 bases. In the absence of genetic data on a crime-specific subpopulation, one tool for evaluating profile evidence is the match probability. The match probability is the conditional probability that a random person would have the profile of interest given that the suspect has it and that these people are different members of the same subpopulation. One issue in evaluating the match probability is population differentiation, which can induce coancestry among subpopulation members. Forensic assessments that ignore coancestry typically overstate the strength of evidence against the suspect. Theory has been developed to account for coancestry; assumptions include a steady-state population and a mutation model in which the allelic state after a mutation event is independent of the prior state. Under these assumptions, the joint allelic probabilities within a subpopulation may be approximated by the moments of a Dirichlet distribution. We investigate the adequacy of this approximation for profiled loci that mutate according to a generalized stepwise model. Simulations suggest that the Dirichlet theory can still overstate the evidence against a suspect with a common microsatellite genotype. However, Dirichlet-based estimators were less biased than the product-rule estimator, which ignores coancestry.
Perioperative comorbidities and complications among patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis and prospective survey

Abstract Study objective To determine the demographic characteristics of patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty during the years 1989, 1999, and 2009 at our institution and determine whether their characteristics mirror the changing US demographic characteristics. Design Retrospective chart review of patients and prospective survey of experienced anesthesia providers in total knee arthroplasty. Setting Tertiary care academic medical center. Patients All patients 18 years and older who underwent unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty in 1989, 1999, and 2009 were identified through the Mayo Clinic Total Joint Registry. For each year, 200 patients were randomly selected. Measurements The demographic characteristics, comorbidities, perioperative care, and postoperative outcomes of patients, as well as survey responses from experienced anesthesia providers. Main results During the 3 study years, a total of 591 patients were included for analysis. A statistically significant increase in body mass index (BMI) was observed over time in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (average BMI, 29.01 in 1989, 31.32 in 1999, and 32.32 in 2009 [ P P = .003), and postoperative disposition (general medicine ward vs intensive care unit) did not change. Our provider survey received a 76% response rate. In total, 82% of anesthesia providers who responded to the survey perceived that both BMI and the number of comorbidities had increased. Of survey respondents, 67% state that they have modified their perioperative anesthesia care because of changes in body habitus and patient comorbidities. Conclusions The number of obese patients with comorbidities who present for total knee arthroplasty at our institution has increased over the past 20 years. Despite this fact, a reduction was detected in postoperative complications.
Resolving two-dimensional flow structure in rivers using large-scale particle image velocimetry: An example from a stream confluence

Large scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) has emerged as a valuable tool for measuring surface velocity in a variety of fluvial systems. LSPIV has typically been used in the field to obtain velocity or discharge measurements in relatively simple one-dimensional flow. Detailed two-dimensional or three-dimensional characterization of flow structure has been relegated to laboratory settings because of the difficulty in controlling PIV limiting factors such as poor particle seeding, the need for camera rectification, and challenging field conditions. In this study we implement a low-cost LSPIV setup using a high-resolution action camera mounted above a stream confluence and water seeded with recycled landscape mulch. Time-averaged 2D velocities derived from LSPIV are compared with those measured with an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) in the camera's field of view. We also assess the capabilities of this setup to resolve both turbulent and time-averaged flow structures at a stream confluence. Our results reveal that even in challenging field conditions a basic LSPIV setup can yield accurate data on velocity and resolve in detail the temporal evolution of flow structures on the surface of rivers. The resulting dataset contains velocity information at high spatial and temporal resolution, a significant advance in understanding flow processes at stream confluences. Our LSPIV analysis provides support for previous numerical modeling studies that have distinguished between Kelvin-Helmholtz and wake modes of turbulent behavior within the mixing interface at confluences. This study shows that LSPIV should be considered as both an alternative for traditional methods and a tool that can provide unprecedented levels of resolution of surface velocity patterns on rivers that can be used to evaluate numerical predictions of flow structure in complex fluvial environments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Art work: Another dimension in the treatment of psychiatric patients

Art work, as an integral part of a holistic treatment program, reflects the changes a person makes in therapy, and is also a medium which promotes the individual’s awareness of his own feelings and interactions with others so that he may choose whether or not to change. Art work can also facilitate change in therapy. Four major principles of Social Psychiatry are mherent in the interpretations of the art work to be described. These principles include the following: (1) Every person should be the subject and not the object of an interaction. (2) What one person does affects those around him. (3) No problem can be solved without the involvement and contribution of all fields, including medicine, social work, architecture, education, and research. (4) Isolated information about any person becomes meaningful only when incorporated into the total fabric of that person’s life (Carleton). Two group projects to which ail members contributed wiIl be shown and discussed in terms of the group process which culminated in each project. Each individual’s unique contribution to the group project and the relevance this contribution has .in terms of his personality structure, role in the group, and current psychotherapeutic changes, will be discussed. The group projects also reflect attitudes and events in the larger therapeutic community or in other areas of the social network impinging on the art group and its members. Also a detailed description of the course of treatment for one patient will be presented, utilizing photographs of her art work to hi~i~t the discussion.