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Muscle synergy analyses are used to enhance our understanding of motor control. Spatially fixed synergy weights coordinate multiple co-active muscles through activation commands, known as activation coefficients. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of motor learning, it is essential to understand how activation coefficients vary during a learning task and at different levels of movement proficiency. Participants walked on a line, a beam, and learned to walk on a tightrope—tasks that represent different levels of proficiency. Muscle synergies were extracted from electromyography signals across all conditions and the number of synergies was determined by the knee-point of the total variance accounted for (tVAF) curve. The results indicated that the tVAF of one synergy decreased with task proficiency, with the tightrope task resulting in the highest tVAF compared to the line and beam tasks. Furthermore, with increasing proficiency and after a learning process, trial-to-trial similarity increased and temporal overlap of synergy activation coefficients decreased. Consequently, we propose that precise adjustment and refinement of synergy activation coefficients play a pivotal role in motor learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With its firm establishment as a neuropsychology subspecialty, forensic neuropsychological assessment is integral to many criminal and civil forensic evaluations. In addition to evaluating cognitive deficits, forensic neuropsychologists can provide reliable information regarding symptom magnification, malingering, and other neurocognitive and psychological issues that may impact the outcome of a particular legal case. This article is an overview and introduction to neuropsychological assessment in the forensic mental health context. Major issues impacting the current practice of forensic neuropsychology are summarized, and several examples from case law are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common theory of motor control posits that movement is controlled by muscle synergies. However, the behavior of these synergies during highly complex movements remains largely unexplored. Skateboarding is a hardly researched sport that requires rapid motor control to perform tricks. The objectives of this study were to investigate three key areas: (i) whether motor complexity differs between skateboard tricks, (ii) the inter-participant variability in synergies, and (iii) whether synergies are shared between different tricks. Electromyography data from eight muscles per leg were collected from seven experienced skateboarders performing three different tricks (Ollie, Kickflip, 360°-flip). Synergies were extracted using non-negative matrix factorization. The number of synergies (NoS) was determined using two criteria based on the total variance accounted for (tVAF > 90% and adding an additional synergy does not increase tVAF > 1%). In summary: (i) NoS and tVAF did not significantly differ between tricks, indicating similar motor complexity. (ii) High inter-participant variability exists across participants, potentially caused by the low number of constraints given to perform the tricks. (iii) Shared synergies were observed in every comparison of two tricks. Furthermore, each participant exhibited at least one synergy vector, which corresponds to the fundamental 'jumping' task, that was shared through all three tricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Some attorneys claim that to adequately cross examine neuropsychological experts, they require direct access to protected test information, rather than having test data analyzed by retained neuropsychological experts. The objective of this paper is to critically examine whether direct access to protected test materials by attorneys is indeed necessary, appropriate, and useful to the trier-of-fact. Method: Examples are provided of the types of nonscientific misinformation that occur when attorneys, who lack adequate training in testing, attempt to independently interpret neurocognitive/psychological test data. Results: Release of protected test information to attorneys introduces inaccurate information to the trier of fact, and jeopardizes future use of tests because non-psychologists are not ethically bound to protect test content. Conclusion: The public policy underlying the right of attorneys to seek possibly relevant documents should not outweigh the damage to tests and resultant misinformation that arise when protected test information is released directly to attorneys. The solution recommended by neuropsychological/psychological organizations and test publishers is to have protected psychological test information exchanged directly and only between clinical psychologist/neuropsychologist experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-step sandwich chemiluminescence immunometric assay (LIA) was developed for the quantification of bifunctional peptidylglycine-α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) in human plasma (PAM-LIA). PAM is responsible for the activation of more than half of known peptide hormones through C-terminal α-amidation. The assay employed antibodies targeting specific catalytic PAM-subunits, peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) and peptidyl-alpha-hydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase (PAL), to ensure detection of full-length PAM. The PAM-LIA assay was calibrated with a human recombinant PAM enzyme and achieved a detection limit of 189 pg/mL and a quantification limit of 250 pg/mL. The assay demonstrated good inter-assay (6.7%) and intra-assay (2.2%) variabilities. It exhibited linearity when accessed by gradual dilution or random mixing of plasma samples. The accuracy of the PAM-LIA was determined to be 94.7% through spiking recovery experiments, and the signal recovery after substance interference was 94–96%. The analyte showed 96% stability after six freeze–thaw cycles. The assay showed strong correlation with matched EDTA and serum samples, as well as matched EDTA and Li-Heparin samples. Additionally, a high correlation was observed between α-amidating activity and PAM-LIA. Finally, the PAM-LIA assay was successfully applied to a sub-cohort of a Swedish population-based study, comprising 4850 individuals, confirming its suitability for routine high throughput screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-terminal α-amidation is the final and essential step in the biosynthesis of several peptide hormones. Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is the only known enzyme to catalyse this reaction. PAM amidating activity (AMA) is known to be present in human circulation, but its physiological role and significance as a clinical biomarker remains unclear. We developed a PAM-specific amidation assay that utilizes the naturally occurring substrate Adrenomedullin-Gly (ADM-Gly, 1–53). Using our amidation assay we quantified serum amidating activities in a large population-based cohort of more than 4900 individuals. A correlation of serum amidating activity with several clinical parameters including high blood pressure was observed. Increasing PAM-AMA was an independent predictor of hard outcomes related to hemodynamic stress such as cardiovascular mortality, atrial fibrillation and heart failure during long-term follow-up (8.8 ± 2.5 years). Moreover, results from an animal study in rats utilizing recombinant human PAM provide novel insights into the physiological role of circulating PAM and show its potential significance in circulating peptide amidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconfigurable caches offer an intriguing opportunity to tailor cache behavior to applications for better run-times and energy consumptions. While one may adapt structural cache parameters such as cache and block sizes, we adapt the memory-address-to-cache-index mapping function to the needs of an application. Using a LEON3 embedded multi-core processor with reconfigurable cache mappings, a metaheuristic search procedure, and MiBench applications, we show in this work how to accurately compare non-deterministic performances of applications and how to use this information to implement an optimization procedure that evolves application-specific cache mappings for the LEON3 multi-core processor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipeptidyl amino-peptidase 3 (DPP3) is an aminopeptidase involved in peptide degradation, including hormone peptides as angiotensin II and enkephalins. DPP3 plasma activity increases in septic patients and correlates with mortality risk. However, the exact physiological role of DPP3 remains unclear and animal studies are necessary to reveal the function of DPP3 in vivo. To this demand, we developed a two-step purification procedure for isolation of native human DPP3 from blood cell lysate (BCL) that is suitable for in vivo applications. With the use of monoclonal antibodies coupled to beads in combination with an ion-exchange chromatography, we recovered 68% of human DPP3 activity from BCL with a purity of ≥ 95%. Purified human DPP3 was assayed for activity and protein concentration using recently published DPP3-activity- and immunoassays. Additionally, protein stability and storage in relevant buffers were tested. Our results provide a promising strategy for fast and efficient isolation of human DPP3. The purified human DPP3 represents the native state of DPP3, suitable for future in vivo applications to investigate the physiological role of DPP3 and its involvement in pathophysiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a study of a combined load restoration and generator start-up procedure. The procedure is structured into three stages according to the power system status and the goal of load restoration. Moreover, for each load restoration stage, the proposed algorithm determines a load restoration sequence by considering renewable energy such as solar and wind park to achieve objective functions. The validity and performance of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through simulations using IEEE-39 network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical neuropsychologists accept more forensic referrals now and spend more time in forensic consulting than ever before. Recent surveys show weekly hours devoted to forensic consulting increased 97% in the past decade. During the same time period, the number of board certified neuropsychologists more than doubled. Under recently published Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, clinical neuropsychologists practice forensic psychology when applying scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of neuropsychology to the law to assist in addressing legal, contractual, or administrative matters. Among those increasingly varied forensic referrals, clinical neuropsychologists are conducting more civil competency and capacity evaluations. Representative cases from three jurisdictions demonstrate how neuropsychologists provide expertize in matters involving testamentary capacity, contractual capacity, business judgments, and job capacity. Case presentations illustrate some of the strengths and weaknesses of neuropsychological evaluation of civil capacities. The article concludes with a "battle of experts" case involving five neuropsychologists with opposing opinions recently heard in a Federal Appellate court. Implications for neuropschology training and forensic competencies are considered. In offering quality services to the legal profession, neuropsychologists support the truth-seeking function of the judiciary, promote justice, protect the profession, and serve public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates voltage control and generation dispatch of distributed generators (DGs) and how the operation of installed DGs can be optimized in distribution systems. A novel online generation dispatch algorithm for DGs is proposed in this work. This algorithm optimizes the contribution of individual DG units for grid voltage control in terms of costs. The technical advantages of the presented approach are evaluated by comparing the simulation results with various static and local dispatch control strategies, which can be considered currently as state-of-the-art according to technical standards and recent research. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method decreases the total cost for DG, improves the quality of voltage profiles and guarantees for each DG unit the opportunity to provide a fair amount of ancillary service to the grid. Additionally, through a performance test on a real time simulation platform it is concluded that the presented approach is also suitable for large grids in real time operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical neuropsychologists engage increasingly in forensic consulting activities because such expert opinions are generally relevant, reliable and helpful in resolving certain legal claims, especially those related to traumatic brain injury. Consequently, practitioners of law, medicine and psychology would benefit from understanding the nature of neuropsychological evidence, the standards for its admissibility, and its expanding role in neurolaw. This article reviews important evidentiary rules regulating relevance, preliminary questions, and expert testimony, while tracing federal key court decisions and progeny. Civil and criminal cases are detailed to illustrate the application of these rules and case law to neuropsychological evidence, with suggestions for overcoming motions to exclude such evidence. Expert neuropsychologists have a role in forensic consultation on brain trauma cases, even as the interdisciplinary dialog and understanding among law, medicine, and psychology continues to expand. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychologists must advocate for more stringent legal protection of psychological test materials because using standardized tests is the most distinguishing and exclusive feature of psychological evaluation practice. With the rapid growth in forensic consulting, unrestrained discovery of raw data and psychological test materials during litigation erodes the reliability and validity of the test procedures. Dissemination of test materials reduces the interpretive value of the tests and promotes cheating, turning our best methods into junk science in the courtroom. This article proposes to reform the law and to revise the professional ethics of psychologists consistent with the strong public policy of test security as described by the U.S. Supreme Court in Detroit Edison v. NLRB (1979). Currently, federal courts and about 20 states protect psychological tests as a unique methodology, with some states enacting a psychologist nondisclosure privilege/duty to safeguard test materials from wrongful disclosure. The record management practices of psychologists vary considerably and are vulnerable to legal attack unless psychologists are aware of legal arguments to protect test materials from wrongful release. Although this article does not offer legal advice, it describes the most common records management problem confronting neuropsychologists and some practical solutions to the raw data problem. Best practice for protecting psychological tests requires the psychologist to understand the law and to assert the psychologist nondisclosure privilege. Other strategies are presented and evaluated. Organized psychology and the legal community should advocate for a uniform rule to protect the objectivity, fairness, and integrity psychological methods in litigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) in patients with breast cancer results in high response rates and has been used with the purpose of reducing tumor size and achieving breast conservation (BC) in individuals who initially require mastectomy. Our objective is to determine the success of NC in achieving BC in women who initially were not candidates for BC. We conducted a cohort study of women with invasive breast cancer who required mastectomy but desired BC surgery. Outcomes measured were tumor response and rates of BC. Thirty-seven women had a mean age of 45 years. Mean tumor size was 51 mm, and 62 per cent were larger than 4 cm. Tumors were predominantly infiltrating ductal carcinoma (83.3%) and high grade (62.2%). Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil with or without taxotere were most commonly used (86%). Complete clinical and pathologic responses were seen in 32.4 per cent and 10.8 per cent of patients, respectively. BC was achieved in 56.7 per cent of cases. Only initial tumor size predicted tumor regression and success of BC (P = 0.014). Neither tumor histology nor biologic markers predicted tumor response. In conclusion, NC is an effective alternative in achieving tumor reduction and BC in selected patients who require mastectomy but desire BC surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Executive functions are difficult to assess in preschool children, yet the preschool period is particularly important, both in the development of behavioral control and of the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex. Several tasks were adapted from developmental and neuroscience literature and then administered to 98 preschool children (30-, 36-, 42-, 48- and 60-month age groups). Executive function task performance was related largely to age group, but not to sex or intelligence. These tasks, then, were sensitive in this age range and may be useful to delineate distinct cognitive profiles among preschool children with various neurological and developmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines neuropsychological performance among toddlers with a background of prenatal cocaine exposure in the United States. Comparison of neuropsychological function in cocaine-exposed and non-exposed toddlers; Absence of cognitive differences related to utero cocaine exposure; Effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on toddlers.

To provide education regarding the critical importance of test security for neuropsychological and psychological tests, and to establish recommendations for best practices for maintaining test security in forensic, clinical, teaching, and research settings. Previous test security guidelines were not adequately specified. Neuropsychologists practicing in a broad range of settings collaborated to develop detailed and specific guidance regarding test security to best ensure continued viability of neuropsychological and psychological tests. Implications of failing to maintain test security for both the practice of neuropsychology and for society at large were identified. Types of test data that can be safely disclosed to nonpsychologists are described. Specific procedures can be followed that will minimize risk of invalidating future use of neuropsychological and psychological measures. Clinical neuropsychologists must commit to protecting sensitive neuropsychological and psychological test information from exposure to nonpsychologists, and now have specific recommendations that will guide that endeavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molybdenum cofactor is an important cofactor, and its biosynthesis is essential for many organisms, including humans. Its basic form comprises a single molybdopterin (MPT) unit, which binds a molybdenum ion bearing three oxygen ligands via a dithiolene function, thus forming Mo-MPT. In bacteria, this form is modified to form the bis-MPT guanine dinucleotide cofactor with two MPT units coordinated at one molybdenum atom, which additionally contains GMPs bound to the terminal phosphate group of the MPTs (bis-MGD). The MobA protein catalyzes the nucleotide addition to MPT, but the mechanism of the biosynthesis of the bis-MGD cofactor has remained enigmatic. We have established an in vitro system for studying bis-MGD assembly using purified compounds. Quantification of the MPT/molybdenum and molybdenum/phosphorus ratios, time-dependent assays for MPT and MGD detection, and determination of the numbers and lengths of Mo-S and Mo-O bonds by X-ray absorption spec-troscopy enabled identification of a novel bis-Mo-MPT intermediate on MobA prior to nucleotide attachment. The addition of Mg-GTP to MobA loaded with bis-Mo-MPT resulted in formation and release of the final bis-MGD product. This cofactor was fully functional and reconstituted the catalytic activity of apo-TMAO reductase (TorA). We propose a reaction sequence for bis-MGD formation, which involves 1) the formation of bis-Mo-MPT, 2) the addition of two GMP units to form bis-MGD on MobA, and 3) the release and transfer of the mature cofactor to the target protein TorA, in a reaction that is supported by the specific chaperone TorD, resulting in an active molybdoenzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There continues to be no consensus definition of executive functions. One way to understand different executive function components is to study abilities at their emergence, that is, early in development, and use advanced statistical methods to understand the interrelations among executive processes. However, to fully determine the constructs of interest, these methods often require complete data on a large battery of tasks, which are difficult to obtain with young children. Path analysis is an alternative statistical technique that requires only a single measure of each construct, yet still allows researchers to investigate complex relations among measures, to compare nested models, and to compare model fit across groups. Therefore, 117 preschool children (ages 2 years 8 months to 6 years 0 months) completed several executive function tasks. Path analysis was used to determine the relations between complex problem solving and working memory, inhibition, and set shifting process. The best-fitting model included paths from working memory and inhibition to problem solving, and a correlation between working memory and inhibition. Interestingly, in younger children, inhibition was the strongest predictor of problem solving, whereas working memory contributed more strongly in older children. Suggestions for useful statistical methods to investigate the relations among executive functions in children are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE. To investigate the influence of pH and glucose concentration, both of which represent significant biochemical variables in tissue ischemia, on the production of VEGF protein by retinal Müller cells and C6 glioma cells, under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. METHODS. Rat retinal Müller cells and C6 glioma cells grown in tissue culture monolayers were studied. The effect of pH (range 7.0–8.0) and glucose concentration (0.6–25 mmol/L) on VEGF protein production, under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, were evaluated by ELISA analysis of the conditioned media. Establishment of significant cell hypoxia was verified by measurement of lactate release into the conditioned media. RESULTS. Hypoxia caused a 7.9-fold increase in VEGF production in C6 cells at 24 h, and a 3.4-fold increase in Müller cells after 48 h. Under hypoxic conditions, VEGF protein production was increased further by increasing pH and increasing glucose, and decreased by low pH and low glucose. Varying the glucose concentration or pH of the medium did not result in significant induction of VEGF protein production by either cell type under normoxic conditions. CONCLUSIONS. Both glucose and pH significantly affected VEGF production induced by low oxygen. However, neither exerted a measurable stimulatory effect on VEGF production in normoxic conditions. Coexisting hypoxia and acidosis or hypoglycemia, as might occur in severe tissue ischemia, may render glial cells incapable of effectively upregulating VEGF synthesis, while alkalosis or hyperglycemia may augment hypoxia-induced VEGF production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Facial fat grafting for rejuvenation is one of the most popular facial aesthetic procedures in plastic surgery. It is always challenging and since there are a lot of techniques for adipose tissue (AT) harvesting, there are no standard procedures that guarantee natural and long-lasting results. We developed the selective tissue engineering photo stimulation technique (One STEP™) in which we used a novel infrared 1210-nm wavelength laser diode for fat preserved harvesting and direct fat injection that we named PicoGraft™, with no fat manipulation. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study in which we included all senior author's patients that got facial fat grafting using the One STEP™ technique. We compared the AT aspirated, after laser emission (STEP-PicoGraft) and the standard assisted liposuction samples (SAL) in cultures. We study the mitochondrial activity of the ASC between STEP and SAL in fresh samples and after 24 h. The evaluation of the results included subjective changes regarding wrinkles, grooves, palpebral bags, hyperchromic spots, and fat hypotrophy of our patients. Results: Between July 2013 and May 2018, a total of 245 patients underwent facial fat grafting using this novel technique. We observed adipocytes preserved after STEP harvesting comparing morphologic changes in SAL samples with a high concentration of inflammatory particles in cultures. ASC mitochondrial activity shows an important difference of more than 7 times in STEP samples in fresh analysis that increase 12 times in 24 h. The subjective results show a good improvement in the periorbital area. The changes on the skin and subcutaneous tissue are seen from the second month and continue to improve up to 12 months. Conclusions: Facial fat grafting using the PicoGraft™ obtained by One STEP™ technique gives excellent volumetric and regenerative results in a single treatment without volumetric hypercorrection, and it is a good alternative for facial rejuvenation. The fat graft obtained with this novel technique is homogenous, without lumps, and has high concentration of viable stimulated ADSC and a high number of viable adipocytes. Level of evidence: Level III, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Clusters of codons pairing to low-abundance tRNAs synchronize the translation with co-translational folding of single domains in multidomain proteins. Although proven with some examples, the impact of the ribosomal speed on the folding and solubility on a global, cell-wide level remains elusive. Here we show that upregulation of three low-abundance tRNAs in Escherichia coli increased the aggregation propensity of several cellular proteins as a result of an accelerated elongation rate. Intriguingly, alterations in the concentration of the natural tRNA pool compromised the solubility of various chaperones consequently rendering the solubility of some chaperone-dependent proteins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) staging in breast cancer has been demonstrated in studies comparing it with axillary dissection. There is a 5 per cent false-negative rate, but this does not always correlate with axillary recurrence. Our purpose was to determine the rate of axillary lymphatic recurrence in breast cancer patients who had a negative SLNB. We conducted a cohort study of breast cancer patients who underwent SLNB between 2001 and 2005. Only patients who had a negative SLNB were included. Patient demographics and tumor factors were reviewed. Outcomes measured were axillary and systemic recurrence and survival. Eighty-nine patients with a mean age of 54.4 ± 9.9 years were included. Eighty-nine per cent of cases had infiltrating ductal carcinoma histology. Mean tumor size was 19 ± 14 mm. Breast conservation surgery was done in 65 cases and mastectomy in 24. A mean of 2.3 ± 2.4 SLN were found. After a median follow-up of 2.15 years, 1 (1%) patient developed a lymphatic recurrence in the axilla. SLNB provides accurate staging of breast cancer. Patients with negative SLNB do not require axillary dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]