cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broader geographical spectrum of Cohen syndrome due to COH1 mutations

It is overrepresented in Finland, though cases have been reported worldwide. The genetic locus for Cohen syndrome was mapped to chromosome 8q in several Finnish pedigrees. 34 Recently, a novel gene, COH1, in this locus was shown to carry mutations in many patients with Cohen syndrome. 5 COH1 is a large gene, consisting of 62 exons and encoding a protein of 4022 amino acids, whose biological function is not known. So far all the patients with reported mutation in the COH1 gene are of Finnish or other northern European origin. Therefore it has not been known if the COH1 gene is responsible for those cases of Cohen syndrome outside northern Europe. Here we report novel mutations in the COH1 gene in four non-Finnish (Omani, Saudi Arabian, Japanese, and French) pedigrees, demonstrating that COH1 mutations are respon- sible for Cohen syndrome in non-Finnish populations. Variable phenotypes among these patients supports the idea that non-Finnish Cohen syndrome due to COH1 mutations has a broader clinical spectrum than the Finnish subtype. We also perform the first expression analysis of the mouse COH1 homologue, in order to investigate the pathogenesis of microcephaly in Cohen syndrome.
Pharmacokinetics, ovulation suppression and return to ovulation following a lower dose subcutaneous formulation of Depo-Provera.

Depo-Provera® is a highly effective contraceptive, given intramuscularly (150 mg/mL) once every 3 months. It has been in use in the United States for over 10 years. A new lower-dose formulation of Depo-Provera (104 mg/0.65 mL), has been developed that allows subcutaneous injection, potentially increasing the convenience, ease of administration and tolerability of this contraceptive. This prospective, randomized, single-center, single-dose trial evaluates the pharmacokinetics of the lower-dose formulation of Depo-Provera and compares the lower-dose formulation to the original formulation with regard to efficacy and duration of ovulation suppression and the return to ovulation at 12 months. While delivering a 30% lower total dose than the intramuscular formulation, the lower-dose formulation of Depo-Provera suppressed ovulation for more than 13 weeks in all subjects and was not affected by body mass index or race. Median time for return to ovulation was 30 weeks, with a 97.4% cumulative rate of return to ovulation at 12 months.
Accessible skimming: faster screen reading of web pages

Sighted people know how to quickly glance over the headlines and news articles online to get the gist of information. On the other hand, people who are blind use screen-readers to listen through the content narrated by a serial audio interface. This interface does not give them an opportunity to know what content to skip and what to listen to. In this work, I present an automated approach to facilitate non-visual skimming of web pages.
But Is It for Real? The British Columbia Citizens’ Assembly as a Model of State-Sponsored Citizen Empowerment:

Emerging forms of empowered participatory governance have generated considerable scholarly excitement, but critics continue to ask if such initiatives are “for real”: Are participatory governance processes sufficiently independent? Do citizen participants make good policy choices? An in-depth look at the case of the British Columbia Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform suggests that real citizen empowerment depends on both the institutional constraints of the participa-tory setting and how citizen interests and arguments for policy outcomes crystallize over the course of a participatory process.
Metacognition as a Moderator of Creative Ideation and Creative Production

Recent theoretical work has called for exploration of the moderating effects of cognitive factors on the relationship between creative ideation and creative production. The Cognitive-Creative Sifting model suggests skills in processing and transforming information influence the association. This study used the Runco Ideational Behavior Scale, Metacognitive Awareness Inventory, and Creative Behavior Inventory to test the moderating effect. Medium to large moderator effects (f2 = .015 to f2 = .041) were observed across previous theoretically proposed aspects of metacognition. A large, statistically significant moderator effect was observed for overall metacognition (f2 = .031). Observed differences across subcomponents of metacognition paralleled theoretical connections between metacognition and creativity. Further studies are suggested using more diverse creativity measures, as well as tests for other cognitive sifters. Implications for educational practice, particularly regarding the creatively gifted, ar...
Accuracy and Oversexualization in Cross-Sex Mind-Reading: An Adaptationist Approach:

This research focuses on mating-relevant judgments within an evolutionary framework. Using a methodology that employs personal ads as stimuli, the current study tested predictions from Error Management Theory (Haselton and Buss, 2000) suggesting that males will oversexualize females' desires, showing a tendency to think women are more interested in unrestricted sexual encounters than is warranted. This work further tested whether women's judgments represent an oversexualization of males' desires, which may reflect the adaptive bias of commitment skepticism. This work also tested whether overall accuracy in these judgments was sex-differentiated. 481 young male and female heterosexual adults judged which personal ads (written by opposite-sex individuals) were most desirable as short and long-term mates. All participants then engaged in a cross-sex mind-reading task by guessing which ads were most strongly endorsed by opposite-sex individuals. Males were more accurate than females in guessing long-term desires; females were more accurate than males in guessing short-term desires. Male oversexualization of females' desires was not pronounced in these data. However, female oversexualization of males' was quite pronounced for both short and long-term judgments. Discussion addresses how the sexes may be tuned into different strategic mating cues in the domain of cross-sex mind-reading in addition to how oversexualization of opposite-sex judgments may serve discrete adaptive functions across the sexes.
Extraction of Anions and Oxyanions

The synthesis of complexants and hosts for specific metals is an important goal for high value toxic metals. For cations, the metal can be directly bound to a ligating group on the host, but for anions or uncharged molecules it may not be possible to get a direct interaction between the metal center and the atoms in the host. Although numerous molecules act as hosts and complexants for cations, fewer molecules function as hosts for anions.1–4 Recently, however, a number of chemically modified calixarenes have been synthesized that can be used as hosts for simple anions, and this has helped to stimulate renewed interest in developing hosts for anions.5, 6 From an environmental viewpoint, a series of anions for which selective hosts would be useful are the oxyanions. Three such oxyanions are chromate, selenate and phosphate. Under basic solution conditions each of these anions has a pseudo-tetrahedral structure, therefore conceptually they can be viewed as a group where hosts may be interchangeable. Chromium(VI) is somewhat of an exception, however, because of the reversible formation of a dimer at low acidity. Furthermore, since remediation of chromate frequently involves its reduction to chromium(III), it is necessary to be aware of methods for extracting this reduced state of chromium when considering the removal of chromium(VI). The selenate, chromate, and dichromate oxyions are all environmentally important, both because of their high toxicity,7–12 and because of their localized presence in soils and waters.13
Optimized regional myocardial blood flow abnormality detection in dynamic Rb-82 PET

467 Objectives The goal is to optimize the dynamic Rb-82 PET reconstruction/acquisition protocol for maximum detection of reduced regional tracer transport from blood pool to myocardial tissue. Methods Stress time activity curves (TACs) of blood pool and myocardium up to 2 min acquisition were extracted from dynamic Rb-82 PET images of 5 normal patients. They were smoothed and averaged to determine typical Rb-82 biodistribution in a normal patient. A myocardial TAC corresponding to reduced regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) was generated from the normal blood TAC and designed kinetic rate constants. The normal and reduced MBF sets of TACs were used to create two 4D NCAT phantom sets. Combined SimSET-GATE Monte-Carlo simulation was used to generate nearly-noise-free (NNF) PET data that were scaled to clinical count level before Poisson noise was added. Simulated datasets from different acquisition schemes were reconstructed using the OS-EM algorithm with post-filtering. Kinetic rate constants were extracted from the NNF and noisy reconstructed images using a two-compartment model. The reconstruction and post-filtering parameters were optimized for accurate kinetic parameter estimation from the NNF images. The regional AUC values were obtained from noisy images to classify normal and reduced MBF hearts. Results With optimized image reconstruction and post-filtering protocol, the 10*12sec acquisition scheme provides the highest regional AUC values for distinguishing normal and reduced MBF hearts through compartmental analyses. Conclusions Realistic simulation based on clinical data was used to optimize dynamic Rb-82 PET reconstruction/acquisition protocol. The optimized protocol was determined for maximum detection of reduced regional MBF using a two-compartment kinetic model. Research Support NIH R01-EB000168
Association Between Intimate Partner Violence Against Women and HIV-Risk Behaviors Findings From the Nepal Demographic Health Survey

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global health issue and has been associated with an increased HIV-related risk and vulnerability to HIV infection. This study examined the potential relationship between IPV and HIV-risk behaviors among women in Nepal. Our findings revealed that IPV against women was associated with the presence of HIV-risk behaviors, such as history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), multiple sex partners, inconsistent condom use, partner with known HIV risks, and inability to negotiate safer sexual practices. This highlights a need to develop effective interventions aimed at eliminating IPV to decrease the disproportionate burden of adverse health outcomes, including STIs/HIV among women.
Vascular Malformations: Approach by an Interventional Radiologist

Children with vascular malformations are best managed with a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Interventional radiology may deliver primary treatment such as staged sclerotherapy and embolization for malformations that are poor candidates for primary surgical resection or play a supportive role such as preoperative or intraoperative embolization. A thorough understanding of vascular morphology and flow dynamics is imperative to choosing the best treatment tool and technique. In this review, the author discusses the selection of techniques and tools used to treat vascular malformations based on their angiographic morphology.
Eisenhower’s Mutual Security Program: Taiwan as a ‘Strategic Bargain’

Upon entering office in January 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower faced the challenge of satisfying the seemingly incompatible requirements of ensuring U.S. national security, especially in politically unstable East Asia, while limiting military spending. He adopted a robust policy of military aid, defense support, and security partnerships to limit American costs, while presenting a credible military force posture. This article examines the place the Mutual Security Program (MSP) occupied in Eisenhower’s strategic policies and the role American military aid and advising played in developing a defensive military force on Taiwan. This case study provides compelling evidence of how Eisenhower’s mutual security program of allied “army building,” focusing on the development of military institutions, particularly military education, was an essential, but underappreciated, counterpart to the “New Look” strategic program. In particular, U.S. support for Taiwan during the Eisenhower administration was a key “strategic bargain,” where it could create a low-cost deterrent capability without the deployment of U.S. combat forces, and develop durable government institutions in allied Asian nations.
Effect of Hypothalamic Deafferentation on Lactation in Rats

SummaryThe effects of deafferenting the hypophysiotrophic area were studied in lac-tating Sprague-Dawley rats to trace the pathway or pathways by which the suckling stimulus affects hypophyseal function. Postero-bilateral and antero-bilateral deafferentation was carried out in 10 rats by the procedure described by Halasz and Pupp. In 2 rats deafferented postero-bilaterally, bilateral deafferentation was started 0.5 mm posteriorly, so that the lateral deafferentation was incomplete. The operated animals (with the exception of these 2 rats deafferented incompletely) failed to rear their pups. This failure is ascribed to the blockade of milk ejection since pups could obtain milk when the mother was injected with exogenous oxytocin. Severe diabetes insipidus was observed in 2 out of 3 animals deafferented antero-bilat-erally. Since only one of the 4 rats deafferented postero-bilaterally showed any diabetes insipidus, yet all showed loss of reflex discharge of oxytocin, the pathways of the latter mechanism to ...
Gonadotropic Effect of Androgens upon the Immature Rat Ovary

Butenandt and Kudzus1 have reported that androgenic substances administered to immature female rats cause premature opening of the vagina. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the androgens produce this effect directly upon the genital tract or indirectly through the ovary.Eighteen rats (comprising 5 litters), varying in age from 27 to 30 days, were used in this study. Twelve were given a single injection of androgen in sesame oil; 6 controls were given an equal quantity of pure sesame oil. Seven of the animals were injected with testosterone propionate and 5 with androstenediol,† the dosage varying from 1 to 5 mg.The time of the opening of the vagina was noted in each case. Laparotomies were performed and one ovary removed at intervals varying from 60 to 96 hours after the administration of the androgen. The animals were sacrificed at periods varying from 96 to 228 hours after the injection and the remaining ovary was then removed. At corresponding intervals, the ovaries were removed fro...
Risk Factors Associated With Unplanned Readmission in Patients Undergoing Parotid Cancer Surgery: A Study of the National Cancer Database

Importance Thirty-day unplanned readmissions are increasingly used as a measure of quality care. Objective To describe the incidence of and risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmissions for patients undergoing treatment for cancer of the parotid gland. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Cancer Database. Records on patients in the database undergoing surgery for previously untreated primary parotid cancer between 2003 and 2012 were reviewed. The data were analyzed in October 2015. Interventions Parotidectomy with or without neck dissection. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome measure was patient-, area-, and hospital-level risk factors for readmission. Secondary outcome measures were the rate of 30-day unplanned readmission and the rate of 30-day mortality. Results We identified 11 394 cases of previously untreated parotid cancer undergoing definitive surgery. The 30-day unplanned readmission rate following parotidectomy was 2.1% (235 of 11 394 surgical procedures). Reported as odds ratios (95% CIs), factors associated with the 30-day unplanned readmission rate on multivariable analysis included advanced pathologic T category (1.59 [1.14-2.20]), uninsured status (2.27 [1.07-4.80]), and increased morbidity as measured by the Charlson/Deyo Score (CDS) (CDS 1, 1.57 [1.05-2.35]; CDS >1, 2.08 [1.06-4.08]). Thirty-day unplanned readmission was associated with an 8.4-fold (8.36 [2.04-34.30]) increased risk of 30-day mortality (1.9% vs 0.2%). Conclusions and Relevance Thirty-day unplanned readmission following surgery for parotid cancer is not common. Risk factors associated with 30-day unplanned readmission include pathologic T category, comorbidity, and uninsured status. Having an unplanned 30-day readmission is associated with greater risk of 30-day mortality.
Donor CD4 + CD25 + T Cells Require Syngeneic MHC Class II for Initial Support of MHC-Mismatched Hematopoietic Engraftment.

Despite the potential to cure both acquired and inherited disorders involving the hematopoietic compartment, application of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is limited by the frequent and severe outcome of Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD). Unfortunately, efforts to reduce GVHD by purging the donor graft of T cells have resulted in poor engraftment and elevated disease recurrence. Alternative cell populations capable of supporting allogeneic engraftment without inducing GVHD could increase the potential for donor-recipient matching and decrease treatment associated risks. We have observed that GVHD-suppressive donor CD4 + CD25 + T cells are capable of supporting allogeneic hematopoietic engraftment, as demonstrated by initial donor progenitor activity and long-term chimerism and tolerance. Using a murine MHC mismatched model transplanting 0.5–2x10 6 GFP + C57BL/6 (B6) T cell-depleted bone marrow cells into 7.0 Gy sublethally irradiated BALB/c recipients, splenic CFU assessment demonstrated that co-transplantation of 1x10 6 B6 CD4 + CD25 + T cells lead to increased donor lineage-committed GM (p + CD25 + T cells lead to lymphoid and myeloid chimerism in peripheral blood (lineage specific mean donor chimerism ± SE: B220, 67.7±15.2 vs. 0.3±0.3; CD4, 38.3±10.5 vs.0.9±0.9; CD8, 48.3±11.0 vs. 1.0±1.0; Mac-1, 58.8±16.5 vs. 0.3±0.3) and the presence of donor GM and HPP progenitors in recipient marrow two months post-BMT (mean CFU chimerism ± SE: CFU-GM, 54.5±12.8 vs. 0.0; CFU-HPP, 63.0±17.8 vs.0.0). Donor chimerism persisted six months post-BMT and was associated with tolerance to donor and host antigens by acceptance of donor and host skin grafts >50 days post-homotopic grafting. Characterization of the initial invents of engraftment support demonstrated that augmentation of donor progenitors did not require CD4 + CD25 + T cell IL-10, as co-transplantation of B6-wt and B6-IL-10 −/− CD4 + CD25 + T cells both significantly increased total CFU-GM (mean CFU±SE: BM alone, 657.5±248.2; BM + wt, 1972±331.5; BM + IL-10 −/− , 1965±401.7; both p + CD25 + T cells did not require alloreactivity to support progenitors, as BALB/c x B6 F1 CD4 + CD25 + T cells significantly increased B6 CFU-GM in BALB/c recipients (p + CD25 + T cells failed to augment C3H/HeJ CFU-GM in BALB/c recipients (p>.05 vs. BM alone), suggesting that donor CD4 + CD25 + T cells might require recognition of syngeneic MHC for progenitor support. Indeed, augmentation of donor CFU-GM was abrogated when B6 CD4 + CD25 + T cells were co-transplanted with B6-MHC class II −/− marrow into BALB/c recipients (p>.05 vs. BM alone). In conclusion, donor CD4 + CD25 + T cells capable of promoting long-term engraftment and tolerance do not require IL-10 for support of initial donor progenitor activity, however progenitor support does require co-transplantation with syngeneic MHC class II expressing marrow. Donor CD4 + CD25 + T cells may thus represent a useful alternative to unfractionated T cells for promotion of engraftment following allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation.
The impact of traveler-focused airport technology on traveler satisfaction

Abstract With the increase in the volume and complexity of air travel, the air transportation industry is undergoing a period of rapid evolution. Airports, as key players in the industry, are increasingly rebranding themselves as destinations, instead of just thoroughfares. In the post-9/11 world, travelers tend to spend more time in airports due to changes in security protocols. Therefore, airport service providers are increasingly trying to improve travelers' experiences. Since a wide range of technologies could be used to do so, the current study develops an instrument that captures travelers' perceptions of airport technologies and tests a theoretical model that examines the relationship among different types of airport technologies and travelers' confidence, enjoyment, and satisfaction. We conducted two separate studies with a total sample size of 353 participants. The findings suggest a positive relationship between airport self-service technologies and travelers' confidence benefits and enjoyment — which results in positive effects on overall traveler satisfaction.
Abstract 257: miR-217 Mediates the Protective Effects of the Dopamine D2 Receptor on Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis.

Some common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs 6276, 6277, and 1800497) in the human dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene are associated with decreased receptor expression and function, as well as high blood pressure. We have reported that human renal proximal tubule cells (hRPTCs) from subjects carrying D2R SNPs had decreased D2R expression and function and increased expression of the pro-fibrotic factor TGFβ1 and its signaling targets Smad3 and Snail1. These cells also showed induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition and production of extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin-1 (FN-1), Collagen 1a (Col 1a), and vimentin. To determine the mechanisms underlying the effects of the D2R SNPs, we studied the expression of several microRNAs (miRs) that are associated with the regulation of chemokines, anti-fibrosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell adhesion through post-transcriptional repression of their target mRNAs. The expression of 4 miRs (miR-217, miR-224, miR-335, miR-1265) was downregulated (-10.3 to -6.0 fold) and that of one miRNA (miR-1290; 5.3 fold) was upregulated in hRPTCs with D2R SNPs. The expression of miR-217 and miR-224 is regulated by the D2R; the expression is decreased by D2R downregulation in cells not carrying D2R SNPs (WT) and normalized by treating cells carrying D2R SNPs with a Drd2 plasmid. Treatment of WT cells with a miR-217 mimic significantly decreased the mRNA expression of TGFβ1 (43±2%), MMP3 (65±4%), and FN-1 (30±4%) while treatment with a miR-217 inhibitor increased TGFβ1 (94± 9%), MMP3 (96±5%), and FN-1 (212±30%). miR-217 mimic treatment of D2R SNPs cells also significantly decreased the expression of TGFβ1, MMP3, and FN-1. However, treatment of these cells with a miR-217 inhibitor had non-significant effects probably because miR-217 level was already reduced. In contrast treatment of either WT or D2R SNPs cells with miR-224 mimic or inhibitor had no significant effects on the expression of TGFβ1, MMP3, or FN-1. These results indicate that the protective effects of D2R on inflammation and fibrosis are at least, in part, mediated by regulation of miR-217 expression. Dysregulation of miR-217 expression may be responsible for the profibrotic phenotype of hRPTCs in individuals with these D2R SNPs.
Theorizing and Measuring Religiosity Across Cultures.

For almost 50 years, psychologists have been theorizing about and measuring religiosity essentially the way Gordon Allport did, when he distinguished between intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity. However, there is a historical debate regarding what this scale actually measures, which items should be included, and how many factors or subscales exist. To provide more definitive answers, we estimated a series of confirmatory factor analysis models comparing four competing theories for how to score Gorsuch and McPherson’s commonly used measure of intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity. We then formally investigated measurement invariance across U.S. Protestants, Irish Catholics, and Turkish Muslims and across U.S. Protestants, Catholics, and Muslims. We provide evidence that a five-item version of intrinsic religiosity is invariant across the U.S. samples and predicts less warmth toward atheists and gay men/lesbians, validating the scale. Our results suggest that a variation of Gorsuch and McPherson’s measure may...
Exploring How Live Theaters Promote Participation for Children with Special Needs.

ABSTRACTAim: Increasing usage of cultural arts venues by children with special needs has created a need to optimize participation planning. A team of three occupational therapy graduate students and one faculty researcher was invited to provide a local children's theater staff with training for supporting children with special needs. The team aimed to determine how their collaboration with the theater could contribute to understandings of best practices in community participation planning.Method: The team participated in theater events, conducted a facility assessment, interviewed staff members with varying role responsibilities, and surveyed staff before and after conducting a participation-planning workshop.Results: The collaborative approach to participation planning utilized strategies that provided practical applications for theater staff, including planning for sensory processing and regulation challenges, and providing staff with behavior management and communication tips for interacting with child...
Characterization of Post-Operative Opioid Use Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background The purpose of our study is to examine post-operative opioid use in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients and describe factors associated with the need for refill prescriptions. Methods Using online prescription information, we calculated the number of filled prescriptions, total morphine equivalent dose (MED) and quantity of pills, and date of last opioid prescription (days) for 197 TKA and 186 THA patients. Patients were classified based on refill status. Opioid data were compared between TKA and THA patients. Relationships between comorbidities and refill status were examined. Results Number of prescriptions (P Conclusion Compared to THA patients, TKA patients were twice as likely to require refill opioid prescriptions and were prescribed a greater total MED for a longer period of time post-operatively. Patients undergoing TKA who present with a comorbidity or are currently being treated for anxiety or depression are more likely to require a refill.
Catching Babies in Prohibition States: Midwives' Accounts for an Illegal Profession

Practicing midwifery is illegal in four states and the District of Columbia. However, midwives still practice as they and much of the public do not see their behavior as criminal. Based on in-depth interviews with twenty-six midwives, our findings demonstrate that midwives employed both public and professional accounts. They collectively justified midwifery in prohibition states by condemning their condemners, appealing to higher loyalties, denying injury, and justifying by comparison. We also found a new account, denial of illegality. This research uniquely applies the concept of collective accounts to an illegal but socially acceptable career.
Technical Considerations for ACHD Imaging

There are now more adults alive with congenital heart disease than children (Marelli et al. 2007), and many will have ongoing problems despite surgical repair. Surgery is never a cure—merely a fix—and in some cases directly introduces new problems that were not present previously (Celermajer and Greaves 2002). ACHD patients therefore generally require lifelong follow-up in specialized institutions where the technical and clinical expertise exists to recognize and deal with issues as they arise.
Two-Phase Clock Auction Design

We propose the two-phase clock auction as a practical means for auctioning many units, a private values clock phase is followed by an interdependent values clock auction phase. The approach combines the simple and transparent price discovery of the private values clock auction with the efficiency of interdependent values clock auction. The private values clock phase is maintained as long as possible to speed up the auction process, and then is taken over to an interdependent values clock auction to improve efficiency and enhance sellers’ revenues.
The Physics of Arc Welding Processes

Welding is an extremely complex process; however, due to its commercial importance, it is essential that a more thorough study of the various processes be undertaken. Three examples of areas requiring greater understanding of arc physics are presented. The first discusses heating or cooling of the metal at the cathode; the second describes variations in heat transfer using various shielding gases and the last describes droplet formation in gas metal arc welding.
Ferroelectric connections for IC neural networks

The application of ferroelectric thin-film technology to the construction of electrically-alterable synapse elements for artificial neural net applications is discussed. The ferroelectric film resides above the active circuitry, allowing high density. Firstly, a binary connection scheme supporting limited connectivity but utilizing a ferroelectric characteristic which is currently used in production memory circuits is presented. Secondly, a synaptic connection element supporting continuous weight values is described.
Analysis of Proteins Using DIGE and MALDI Mass Spectrometry

Difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) is a common technique for characterizing differential protein expression in quantitative proteomics. Usually a combination of enzymatic digestion and peptide analysis by mass spectrometry is used to identify differentially expressed proteins following separation and statistical analysis by DIGE. In this chapter, methods for gel spot picking, enzymatic digestion, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) for protein identification of DIGE-analyzed proteins are discussed. Two examples are given: first, a specific protein is used to test the sensitivity of the 2D DIGE/MALDI MS combination for protein quantification and identification, and second, several proteins with and without the labels typically used in DIGE are identified to demonstrate that these labels do not alter MS-based protein identification. Technical variations of protein gel spot preparation, in-gel digestion, and mass spectral protein identification are discussed.
Differentiation of Unclassified Hypercalciuria Utilizing a Sodium-Cellulose-Phosphate Trial

Proper classification of patients with undifferentiated hypercalciuria has important diagnostic as well as therapeutic implications. However, when undergoing an outpatient evaluation for recurrent stone disease, some patients with hypercalciuric nephrolithiasis may present with elevation of their fasting urinary calcium with no evidence of parathyroid stimulation. This picture of unclassifed hypercalciuria neither fits the description of absorptive hypercalciuria (normal fasting urinary calcium and normal parathyroid function) or renal hypercalciuria (elevated fasting urinary calcium and parathyroid stimulation). In order to further define this group of patients with unclassified hypercalciuria, we utilized a sodium cellulose phosphate (SCP) trial. This test allowed appropriate identification of patients with true absorptive and renal hypercalciuria and uncovered a small subgroup of patients with persistent hypercalciuria and normal parathyroid function.
Emotion: Computational Modeling

The neural basis of human emotions is difficult to study, because emotions are primarily subjective and nondeterministic. To find basic principles of emotions and their underlying mechanisms, neuroscientists typically study specific emotions, using specific tasks. They use a combination of animal and human preparations, yielding various types of data, from single neuron firing patterns, to activation levels of a whole brain area. The approach, while rigorous, is slow and yields an increasingly complex body of often conflicting data. An integrative approach is needed. As described in this article, computational models of emotion have emerged as a promising tool for integration. Because these models require that all assumptions be made explicit, they offer a new language in which to express and test hypotheses and to explain and predict neural mechanisms.
Rapid micro-evolution and loss of chromosomal diversity in Drosophila in response to climate warming

Concern regarding the ecological impact of rapid global warming has encouraged research on climate-induced changes in biological systems. Critical problems, still poorly understood, are the potential for rapid adaptive responses and their genetic costs to populations. The O chromosomal polymorphisms of Drosophila subobscura have been monitored at a southern Palearctic locality experiencing sustained climate warming since the mid-1970s. Observations suggest that the population is rapidly evolving in response to the new environmental conditions, and has lost a significant amount of chromosomal diversity (18.3% in 16 years). These findings are consistent with results from another population of D. subobscura, which is also undergoing climate warming, and are in accord with what would be expected from latitudinal and seasonal patterns of the various inversions. In addition, data on the O chromosomal polymorphisms from other localities throughout t he range of this species suggest that other populations vary similarly.
The Effect of Fall Risks on the Kinematics of Head Movement during Functional Balance Tests

Falls are the leading cause of death in people over the age of 65 [1]. It has been suggested that head position and stabilization during locomotor tasks is an important factor contributing to balance maintenance in older adults [2]. However, the relationship between head stability and postural balance has not been clearly demonstrated. Few studies are available to examine the relationship between head stability and balance performances.
Assay to Detect Lipid Peroxidation upon Exposure to Nanoparticles

This chapter describes a method for the analysis of human hepatocarcinoma cells (HEP G2) for lipid peroxidation products, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), following treatment with nanoparticle formulations. Oxidative stress has been identified as a likely mechanism of nanoparticle toxicity, and cell-based in vitro systems for evaluation of nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress are widely considered to be an important component of biocompatibility screens. The products of lipid peroxidation, lipid hydroperoxides, and aldehydes, such as MDA, can be measured via a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. In this assay, which can be performed in cell culture or in cell lysate, MDA combines with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) to form a fluorescent adduct that can be detected at an excitation wavelength of 530 nm and an emission wavelength of 550 nm. The results are then expressed as MDA equivalents, normalized to total cellular protein (determined by Bradford assay).
AI in clinical decision support: Applications in optical spectroscopy for cancer detection and diagnosis

Optical approaches have been studied for the detection and diagnosis of epithelial cancer. Due to the biochemical and structural changes that occur in cancerous cells, malignant, benign, and normal tissues have different spectral properties. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods are being explored to detect and diagnose cancer based on optical imaging and spectra. AI is also used to optimize the design of optical spectroscopy and imaging instrumentation. In this chapter, we review the literature on AI applied to optical spectroscopy for cancer detection and diagnosis and present a detailed case study of research on oral cancer diagnosis using polarized light spectra.
Historical Vignette: Alfred Bielschowsky, 1871–1940: Ophthalmologist, Innovative Scientist, and Influential Teacher

(2017). Historical Vignette: Alfred Bielschowsky, 1871–1940: Ophthalmologist, Innovative Scientist, and Influential Teacher. American Orthoptic Journal: Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 80-88.
Honey-Based Salve and Burdock Leaf Dressings as an Alternative to Surgical Debridement of a Traumatic Wound Eschar

Objective: Nonviable necrotic eschar is an impedance to wound healing and can ultimately lead to failure of soft tissue coverage in traumatic or high-risk wounds. Topical therapeutic agents can provide a less invasive management alternative to surgical debridement of eschar. Approach: The case of a 40-year-old male with a traumatic right lower extremity amputation complicated by surgical incision ischemic eschar formation is reported. Honey-based salve with burdock leaf dressings was used to noninvasively manage eschar extending over the incision site. Images were obtained for 5 months of follow-up. Results: Five-month follow-up demonstrated complete resolution of eschar and re-epithelialization of skin in the affected region. Innovation: Honey-based salve with burdock leaf dressings shows promise for enhancing healing outcomes in traumatic wounds that develop nonviable eschar. Conclusion: Surgical debridement of an amputation stump with large ischemic eschar was avoided with the use of honey-based salve with burdock leaf dressings.
Immunologic Diseases of the Pleura

This heterogeneous group of immunologic causes of pleural effusions includes connective tissue diseases, a syndrome related to tissue injury (postcardiac injury syndrome), a disease of unknown etiology (sarcoidosis), a malignancy, and adverse reactions to drugs. Except in rheumatoid pleurisy and lupus pleuritis, the pleural fluid findings are either nonspecific or have not been characterized fully. The clinical presentation is essential in the presumptive diagnosis of these causes of pleural effusions.
In Vivo Measurement of Brain Serotonin Turnover

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the methods for measuring the turnover of brain 5-HT. Turnover rates are better indicators of neuronal activity and of transmitter–receptor concentration than tissue transmitter levels. The rates of accumulation of 5-HIAA after probenecid, 5-HT after a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, and the initial rate of 5-HIAA loss after the MAO inhibitor are all virtually identical. In this context, this chapter illustrates a model for 5-HT metabolism in the normal rat brain. The model assumes that the major metabolic pathway for 5-HT is oxidative deamination. The model must be adjusted accordingly if other pathways are found. The rapid turnover of 5-HT in brain suggests that 5-HT serves an important role in maintaining normal brain function. The development of techniques to estimate the turnover of 5-HT in vivo will allow studying the effects of environmental change and drugs on indole metabolism in the brain and to acquire a better understanding of the fundamental role of 5-HT.
Seed treatment using methyl jasmonate induces resistance to rice water weevil but reduces plant growth in rice.

The jasmonic acid cascade plays a pivotal role in induced plant resistance to herbivores. There have been a number of investigations into the potential uses of derivatives of this hormone for pest management. Understanding the phenotypic plasticity of plant defense traits interactions in agricultural systems may facilitate the development of novel and improved management practices, which is desirable as management of insects in most agricultural systems is currently heavily reliant on insecticides. The rice water weevil (RWW), Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, is a pest of rice, Oryza sativa, in the southern U.S. and globally. The effects of the jasmonic acid derivative, methyl jasmonate (MJ), on induced defenses to RWW in rice, and the potential costs of MJ-induced resistance to plant growth and fitness, were tested in a series of field and greenhouse trials. It was hypothesized that seed treatments with MJ would reduce densities of larval RWW. A second hypothesis was that MJ seed treatments would alter emergence, biomass accumulation, and yield of rice. The final hypothesis was that induction of plant resistance to the RWW would diminish as the time from seed treatment increased. In order to investigate these hypotheses, RWW densities were determined in greenhouse and field trials. Plant growth was measured in the field by assessing plant emergence, root and shoot biomass, time of heading, and yield (grain mass). Results indicated that MJ seed treatments induced resistance to RWW, although this effect decayed over time. Additionally, there were costs to plant growth and fitness; emergence and heading were delayed and biomass was reduced. Importantly, however, yields on a per-plant were not significantly reduced by MJ treatment. Overall, these results are promising and show the potential for the use of jasmonate elicitors as part of a pest management program in rice.
Macroeconomic impacts of non-resource revenue mobilization in CEMAC

This letter investigates main macroeconomic impacts of enhanced non-resource revenue mobilization in Africa’s CEMAC region. Model simulations indicate that non-oil revenue mobilization reduces debt...
Os leitores de histórias em quadrinhos no meio das mentiras de Fredric Wertham

Fredric Wertham’s legacy as either a psychiatrist or an anti-comics advocate is largely unknown outside of United States. The exceptions are Canada, England, Australia, Germany, and Brazil, His ideas gained currency in Brazil as the country struggled with its own fears about the corrupting influence of comics on the lives of child readers. After mentioning early scholarship on comics, focused on the gatekeepers—librarians, teachers, parents, and other adults—who attempted to regulate young people’s comics reading, the focus of the article is changed to young people themselves. A context about Fredric Wertham and US comics in the mid-20th century is provided and then the article discusses a few specific young readers who Wertham studied. Based on these remarks, some brief concluding remarks are offered.
The Thule Migrations as an Analog for the Early Peopling of the Americas: Evaluating Scenarios of Overkill, Trade, Climate Forcing, and Scalar Stress

Coastal migration is linear and transport-reliant so that pre-Clovis coastal migration should be anticipated from its origin, as in the Thule migration, not its destination. Thule historiography, l...
A pH sensitive thiolated β-cyclodextrin-modified nanoporous gold for controlled release of doxorubicin

This article reports a novel thiolated β-cyclodextrin (HS-β-CD) modified nanoporous gold (NPG) wire for pH sensitive delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) in controlled manner. Nanoporous gold is a versatile material because of its three-dimensional nanoscale network of pores, facile surface functionalization, biocompatibility, and high capacity for the DOX payload. HS-β-CD can form supramolecular inclusion complexes with DOX affording the possibility of altering the controlled release behavior. DOX is one of the most potent anti-tumor drugs used in the treatment of different cancers. The binding of HS-β-CD and DOX was examined using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The prepared NPG structure exhibited excellent properties for controlled drug release outlining the potential of a pH sensitive drug implant for biomedical applications. This delivery system could improve local targeting of the drug as well as alter the rate of release of DOX near tumors.
ICU use in bronchiolitis: Why has it doubled?

* Abbreviations: HFNC — : high-flow nasal cannula therapy NIV — : noninvasive ventilation PHIS — : Pediatric Health Information System database Health care expenditures make up a large and increasing proportion of the US gross domestic product. Pediatrics is not immune to the problem, because expenditures on child health services are now equivalent to half of the US defense budget.1 Trends in our most common pediatric inpatient diagnoses, such as bronchiolitis, provide insight into the problem. Despite an apparent decrease in hospitalizations for bronchiolitis, overall costs continue to rise.2 In this month’s issue of Pediatrics , Pelletier et al3 provide further information on the phenomenon of rising resource use for bronchiolitis. These investigators demonstrated a dramatic increase in ICU use for bronchiolitis over 10 years, without clear evidence for an increase in severity of the illness itself. Indeed, there is some evidence to the contrary, with stable to declining length of stay and frequency of invasive ventilation. In the last year of the study, 2019, nearly a quarter of bronchiolitis patients in these Pediatric Health Information System database (PHIS) hospitals were cared for in an ICU. Another notable trend was … Address correspondence to Brian Alverson, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903. E-mail: balverson{at}lifespan.org
Fibroblasts from idiopathic Parkinson's disease exhibit deficiency of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase activity associated with reduced levels of the trafficking receptor LIMP2.

Lysosomal dysfunction is a central pathway associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. Haploinsufficiency of the lysosomal hydrolase GBA (encoding glucocerebrosidase (GCase)) is one of the largest genetic risk factors for developing PD. Deficiencies in the activity of the GCase enzyme have been observed in human tissues from both genetic (harboring mutations in the GBA gene) and idiopathic forms of the disease. To understand the mechanisms behind the deficits of lysosomal GCase enzyme activity in idiopathic PD, this study utilized a large cohort of fibroblast cells from control subjects and PD patients with and without mutations in the GBA gene (N370S mutation) (control, n = 15; idiopathic PD, n = 31; PD with GBA N370S mutation, n = 6). The current data demonstrates that idiopathic PD fibroblasts devoid of any mutations in the GBA gene also exhibit reduction in lysosomal GCase activity, similar to those with the GBA N370S mutation. This reduced GCase enzyme activity in idiopathic PD cells was accompanied by decreased expression of the GBA trafficking receptor, LIMP2, and increased ER retention of the GBA protein in these cells. Importantly, in idiopathic PD fibroblasts LIMP2 protein levels correlated significantly with GCase activity, which was not the case in control subjects or in genetic PD GBA N370S cells. In conclusion, idiopathic PD fibroblasts have decreased GCase activity primarily driven by altered LIMP2-mediated transport of GBA to lysosome and the reduced GCase activity exhibited by the genetic GBA N370S derived PD fibroblasts occurs through a different mechanism.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques for the Evaluation of the Subaxial Cervical Spine

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a critical tool for evaluating the normal and pathologic states of the spine and associated tissues. Advancements in MRI technology have greatly improved visualization of vertebral anatomy and identification of pathologic abnormalities, including spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, tumors, ligamentous abnormalities, and more. In addition to eliminating exposure to harmful radiation, MRI offers superior depiction of soft tissues relative to plain radiography and computed tomography. However, its potential to highlight clinically insignificant abnormalities requires correlation with patient history and clinical exam findings when determining diagnosis and guiding surgical decision-making. This chapter focuses on the efficacy of various MRI imaging sequences in evaluating vertebral anatomy and identifying various pathologic presentations within the cervical spine.