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To determine the 30-day surgical readmission rate after major gynecologic oncology surgeries at a high-volume academic institution and correlated risk factors. Retrospective cohort study was conducted of surgical admissions from January 2016 – December 2019 at a single institution. Data were extracted from patient charts, including reason for readmission and length of stay. A readmission rate was calculated. Nested case control design was used to identify correlations between readmission and patient specific risk-factors. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors with readmission. A total of 2152 patients were included. The readmission rate was 3.5%, most commonly due to GI disturbance and surgical site infection. Average readmission length was 5 days. Prior to adjusting for covariates, insurance status, primary diagnosis, index admission length, and disposition at discharge differed between patients who were and were not readmitted. After adjusting for co-variates, younger patients, index admission >2 days, and higher Charlson co-morbidity index were associated with readmission. Our surgical readmission rate was lower than previously reported rates in gynecologic oncology patients. Patient factors associated with readmission included younger age, longer index hospital admission, and higher medical co-morbidity index scores. Provider factors and institutional practice patterns could contribute to the decreased readmission rate. These findings underscore the importance of standardizing how we calculate readmission rate and interpret these data. Varying readmission rates and institutional practice patterns deserve closer scrutiny to inform best practice and future policies. • Postoperative readmission rate after major gynecologic oncology surgery was 3.5%; lower than previously reported rates. • Readmission cause was most commonly gastrointestinal complication and surgical site infection. • Younger age, longer index hospital admission, and higher medical co-morbidity index were associated with readmission. • Provider practice patterns warrant further study regarding contribution to readmission rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive acoustic foams have limitations in efficiently reducing low-frequency noise below 800 Hz due to the associated wavelengths for reasonable material thickness. To address this challenge, passive or semi-active resonators are commonly employed solutions. Linear resonators are very efficient within a narrow frequency bandwidth. However, nonlinear oscillators can broaden this bandwidth, but activation of their nonlinear responses typically requires high excitation amplitudes, beyond human hearing tolerance amplitudes. Furthermore, the specific type of nonlinearity in such devices is often predetermined by the inherent properties of the resonator. In this study, we employ a novel digital control algorithm, allowing to activate the nonlinear response of the electroacoustic resonator at low excitation amplitudes. This algorithm, which relies on real-time integration, facilitates the creation of nonlinear resonators featuring polynomial or diverse non-polynomial nonlinearities within the range of low amplitudes. The nonlinear control is carried out on a loudspeaker equipped with a microphone. Our research highlights the potential to create nonlinear resonators with different, versatile and programmable behaviors. Unprecedented non-polynomial nonlinear behaviors are experimentally exhibited, we consider cubic, piece-wise linear, and logarithmic nonlinearities. These behaviors are implemented and compared to a semi-analytic model to control an acoustic mode of a tube under conditions of low excitation amplitudes and frequencies. • We exploit advantages of nonlinearities in vibro-acoustical control. • The exploited nonlinearities are polynomial and non-polynomial. • We digitally program nonlinearities of an electroacoustic resonator. • The nonlinear behaviors are activated at low excitation amplitudes. • The programmed resonator is used for control of an acoustic mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electroacoustic resonator is an efficient electro-active device for noise attenuation in enclosed cavities or acoustic waveguides. It is made of a loudspeaker (the actuator) and one or more microphones (the sensors). So far, the desired acoustic behaviour, expressed in terms of a linear-time-invariant relationship between sound pressure and vibrational motion (the acoustical impedance), has been more efficiently achieved by a model-inversion strategy which is implemented by driving the electrical current in the loudspeaker coil, based upon the measured pressure. The corrector transfer function is defined in the Laplace domain and digitally executed by the classical infinite-impulse-response technique, though a state–space representation could be employed. In this work, we are interested in enforcing a nonlinear behaviour at low sound excitation levels, where the electroacoustic resonator would normally behave as a linear-time-invariant system. Hence, in order to transform its acoustical response from linear to nonlinear, the model-inversion technique must be reformulated in time domain. The state–space representation of the relationship between the input measured pressure and the output electrical current gives the right perspective and the solution to this problem. We provide the conception of this model-inversion control algorithm capable of transforming a linear-time-invariant acoustical response to potentially any causal acoustical response of the electroacoustic resonator. Such control strategy is tested by targeting a Duffing acoustical response with tunable parameters. Both numerical simulations and experimental tests in quasi-open field validate the approach. The results provided in this contribution open the doors for conceiving non-conventional absorbers which can exploit nonlinear phenomena for noise mitigation even at low excitation amplitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose An adverse effect of amantadine, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, is corneal edema. While corneal endothelial cell loss is noted with amantadine toxicity, the reversibility of corneal edema suggests that amantadine affects active mechanisms regulating corneal hydration. Although mainly known as a NMDA receptor antagonist, amantadine is also a K+-channel blocker. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential mechanisms of amantadine's toxic effects on corneal endothelium. Methods Bovine corneas were used for short-circuit current measurements of corneal endothelial active ion transport to compare the effects of amantadine with an NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) and antagonist (D-APV), and the K+-channel blockers BaCl 2 and clotrimazole. Cell death and changes in cell morphology were observed using annexin V stain, alizarin red S staining of the intercellular junctions, ZO-1 immunolocalization, and phalloidin stain of the actin cytoskeleton. Results Amantadine caused a transient decrease in the short-circuit current that mimicked the effect of clotrimazole. BaCl 2 , and the NMDA receptor agonist and antagonist had no effect on the short-circuit current. Tissue incubation with amantadine caused an increase in cell area (measured by ZO-1 localization) and cell height (measured by phalloidin stain) but did not increase apoptotic cell death (annexin V stain). Conclusions The similarity of amantadine and clotrimazole effects on the short-circuit current and the effects on cell volume suggest that amantadine's actions on corneal endothelium are mediated via K+ channels. The observed absence of cell death and transient effect on short-circuit current support the reported reversibility of amantadine–induced corneal edema. Highlights • The physiologic basis for amantadine toxicity on corneal endothelium is unknown. • Amantadine has a transient effect on the corneal endothelial short-circuit current. • The short-circuit current effect of amantadine mimics that of a K+ channel blocker, clotrimazole. • Amantadine causes an increase in corneal endothelial cell volume. • Amantadine toxicity on corneal endothelium may be mediated by K+ channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The study aim was to evaluate patient progress over time, given the limited knowledge available on gender-dependent longer-term outcomes after major trauma. Materials and methods This is a prospective longitudinal survey of consecutive trauma survivors with a New Injury Severity Score ≥8, comparing working capacity and outcome scores of male versus female patients at 1- and 2-y follow-ups (trauma medical outcomes study Short Form-36, Euro Quality of Life [EuroQoL], Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]; mean + standard deviation; univariate analysis [Pearson's r ]; P < 0.05). Results A total of 335 major trauma patients (71% male; aged 54.8 ± 18.8 y; New Injury Severity Score 18.6 ± 9.3) participated at both follow-up time points. Overall, a significant improvement in patients' working capacity was found (P < 0.001) in the second year after trauma compared with 1 y earlier. At 2 y, 24% of working patients were still suffering from a diminished capacity to work. Improvements in working capacity correlated only weakly with outcome scores; best in the GOS (r = 0.23) and the EuroQol (r = 0.22). Women, but not men, demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life (QoL) over time: to a higher level, for example, on the GOS (P = 0.001), the EuroQoL (P = 0.018), and the physical component of the Short Form-36 (P = 0.05). Conclusions This longitudinal longer-term follow-up found an overall improvement in capacity to work for both genders in the second year after major trauma. Surprisingly, only women demonstrated significant improvements in measures of health-related QoL and functional outcome—a finding that has to be further evaluated in greater detail in larger systematic evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Junín arenavirus infections are associated with high levels of interferons in both severe and fatal cases. Upon Junín virus (JUNV) infection a cell signaling cascade initiates, that ultimately attempts to limit viral replication and prevent infection progression through the expression of host antiviral proteins. The interferon stimulated gene (ISG) viperin has drawn our attention as it has been highlighted as an important antiviral protein against several viral infections. The studies of the mechanistic actions of viperin have described important functional domains relating its antiviral and immune-modulating actions through cellular lipid structures. In line with this, through silencing and overexpression approaches, we have identified viperin as an antiviral ISG against JUNV. In addition, we found that lipid droplet structures are modulated during JUNV infection, suggesting its relevance for proper virus multiplication. Furthermore, our confocal microscopy images, bioinformatics and functional results also revealed viperin-JUNV protein interactions that might be participating in this antiviral pathway at lipid droplet level. Altogether, these results will help to better understand the factors mediating innate immunity in arenavirus infection and may lead to the development of pharmacological agents that can boost their effectiveness thereby leading to new treatments for this viral disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human gut microbiota species which are next-generation probiotics (NGPs) candidates are of high interest as they have shown the potential to treat intestinal inflammation and other diseases. Unfortunately, these species are often not robust enough for large-scale cultivation, especially in maintaining diversity in co-culture production. In this study, we describe interactions between human gut microbiota species in the cultivation process with unique substrates. We also demonstrated that it is possible to change the species ratio in co-culture by changing the ratio of carbon sources. We screened 25 different bacterial species based on their metabolic capabilities. After evaluating unique substrate possibilities, we chose Anaerostipes caccae (A. caccae), Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (B. thetaiotaomicron), and Bacteroides vulgatus (B. vulgatus) as subjects for further study. D-sorbitol, D-xylose, and D-galacturonic acid were selected as substrates for A. caccae , B. thetaiotaomicron , and B. vulgatus respectively. All three species were cultivated as both monocultures and in co-cultures in serial batch fermentations in an isothermal microcalorimeter. Positive interactions were detected between the species in both co-cultures (A. caccae + B. thetaiotaomicron ; A. caccae + B. vulgatus) resulting in higher heat production compared to the sum of the monocultures. The same positive cross-feeding interactions took place in larger-scale cultivation experiments. We confirmed acetate and lactate cross-feeding between A. caccae and B. thetaiotaomicron with flux balance analysis (FBA). Changing the ratio of the selected carbon sources in the medium changed the species ratio accordingly. Such robustness is the basis for developing more efficient industrial co-culture processes including the production of NGPs. • The growth of 25 bacterial species was evaluated in chemically defined medium. • A. caccae , B. thetaiotaomicron , and B. vulgatus were chosen as model organisms. • Stable co-culture was achieved throughout three consecutive batches. • Trophic interactions of A. caccae and Bacteroides spp. boost species' growth rates. • Unique substrates help to control biomass concentrations in co-culture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A system of biorthogonal polynomials with respect to a complex valued measure supported on the unit circle is considered and all the terms with bounds are explicitly given for the remainder of an asymptotic formula given by R. Askey for this system. An electrostatic interpretation for the zeros of a class of para-orthogonal polynomials associated with the biorthogonal system is also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let μ be a finite positive Borel measure supported on R , L [ f ] = x f ″ + ( α + 1 − x ) f ′ with α > − 1 , or L [ f ] = 1 2 f ″ − x f ′ , and m a natural number. We study algebraic, analytic and asymptotic properties of the sequence of monic polynomials { Q n } n > m that satisfy the orthogonality relations ∫ L [ Q n ] ( x ) x k d μ ( x ) = 0 for all 0 ≤ k ≤ n − 1 . We also provide a fluid dynamics model for the zeros of these polynomials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) score has emerged as a useful tool in the triage of women with pelvic masses. Previously, triage of women with pelvic masses to management by either benign gynecology or gynecologic oncology was performed with an initial clinical risk assessment (ICRA) alone, involving a detailed history, exam, basic laboratory tests, and imaging. We sought to determine whether use of ROMA, which is calculated using CA125, HE4, and menopausal status for triage of women with pelvic masses, provides cost savings compared to triage based on ICRA alone. A health-economic decision model was developed to assess clinical and cost differences associated with referrals for patients presenting to their gynecologist or primary care physician with an adnexal mass. In our study, we modeled the differences of two clinical pathways that included 1) use of ICRA alone and 2) use of ROMA as a determining factor in referral to a gynecologic oncologist. Using previously reported accuracy rates and patient characteristics from a prospective, multicenter, blinded clinical trial (ClinicalTrial. gov identifier NCT00987649), we assessed triage of women with a pelvic mass using ICRA alone or ROMA and modeled the related lab testing, imaging, surgical procedures, and associated costs. Costs were estimated using current Medicare reimbursement rates. A total of 423 patients with pelvic masses were included. Total healthcare costs for patients triaged for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) using ICRA alone were higher than when triaged by ROMA ($2,461,301 vs $2,428,628), a cost savings of 1.3%. While lab costs increased 55% when using ROMA ($16,006 vs $24,809), all other costs decreased, including total laparoscopy ($1,931,568 vs $1,896,314, -1.8% difference), total laparotomy ($436,910 vs $430,689, -1.4% difference), and total surgery ($2,368,479 vs $2,327,003, -1.8% difference) (Table 1). Repeat surgeries resulting from false negative ICRA were also reduced when using ROMA (8 vs 3), a 64% decrease. Notably, total healthcare costs were further reduced when including patients with low malignant potential (LMP) tumors ($2,646,738 vs $2,558,834, -3.3% difference) and analysis of all cancers ($2,847,829 vs $2,728,247, -4.2% difference). A similar reduction in repeat surgeries was noted in patients with LMP tumors (19 for ICRA, 7 for ROMA, -61% difference) and in all cancers (29 for ICRA, 14 for ROMA, -53% difference). [Display omitted] Triage of women with a pelvic mass using the more sensitive ROMA score compared to ICRA alone lowers overall healthcare costs. With fewer false negatives than ICRA alone, the ROMA score improves initial detection of malignancy and reduces second surgical treatments in women with pelvic masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlight: [•] Adrenomedullin is a neuropeptide with therapeutic effects in EAE which acts at multiple levels on the autoimmune, inflammatory and degenerative components of the disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Clinical pain, as a consequence of inflammation or injury of peripheral organs (inflammatory pain) or nerve injury (neuropathic pain), represents a serious public health issue. Treatment of pain-related suffering requires knowledge of how pain signals are initially interpreted and subsequently transmitted and perpetuated. To limit duration and intensity of pain, inhibitory signals participate in pain perception. Cortistatin is a cyclic-neuropeptide that exerts potent inhibitory actions on cortical neurons and immune cells. Here, we found that cortistatin is a natural analgesic component of the peripheral nociceptive system produced by peptidergic nociceptive neurons of the dorsal root ganglia in response to inflammatory and noxious stimuli. Moreover, cortistatin is produced by GABAergic interneurons of deep layers of dorsal horn of spinal cord. By using cortistatin-deficient mice, we demonstrated that endogenous cortistatin critically tunes pain perception in physiological and pathological states. Furthermore, peripheral and spinal injection of cortistatin potently reduced nocifensive behavior, heat hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia in experimental models of clinical pain evoked by chronic inflammation, surgery and arthritis. The analgesic effects of cortistatin were independent of its anti-inflammatory activity and directly exerted on peripheral and central nociceptive terminals via Gαi-coupled somatostatin-receptors (mainly sstr2) and blocking intracellular signaling that drives neuronal plasticity including protein kinase A-, calcium- and Akt/ERK-mediated release of nociceptive peptides. Moreover, cortistatin could modulate, through its binding to ghrelin-receptor (GHSR1), pain-induced sensitization of secondary neurons in spinal cord. Therefore, cortistatin emerges as an anti-inflammatory factor with potent analgesic effects that offers a new approach to clinical pain therapy, especially in inflammatory states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Let be a finite positive Borel measure on , a fixed natural number and , with . We study algebraic and analytic properties of the sequence of monic polynomials that satisfy the orthogonality relations A fluid dynamics model for source points location of a flow of an incompressible fluid with preassigned stagnation points is also considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) with luteal phase related anxiety and mood swings compromise quality of life in around 4% of reproductive women. While anxiety is related to amygdala function, prior studies on amygdala reactivity both in healthy controls and women with PMDD are inconsistent with respect to menstrual cycle effects. Here women with PMDD and healthy controls were exposed to emotional faces during the mid-follicular and late luteal phase, and mean blood-oxygen-level dependence (BOLD) signal changes in the amygdala were determined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Women with PMDD had enhanced bilateral amygdala reactivity in the follicular phase in comparison with healthy controls, but there was no difference between groups during the luteal phase. In contrast, healthy controls displayed higher left amygdala reactivity in the luteal than in their follicular phase. However, among women with PMDD follicular phase progesterone serum concentrations were positively correlated with bilateral amygdala reactivity while depression scores were positively correlated with right amygdala reactivity in the luteal phase. In addition, women with PMDD and high scores on trait anxiety had increased right amygdala reactivity in the luteal as compared to the follicular phase. Finally, amygdala reactivity was more prone to habituation in women with PMDD, as they had enhanced amygdala reactivity in comparison with controls at the first, but not the second scanning session. Thus, while the study failed to indicate increased luteal phase amygdala reactivity in women with PMDD, our findings suggest that anxiety proneness and progesterone levels modulate menstrual cycle related amygdala reactivity in women with PMDD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The auditory sensory epithelium in non-mammalian vertebrates can replace lost hair cells by transdifferentiation of supporting cells, but this regenerative ability is lost in the mammalian cochlea. Future cell-based treatment of hearing loss may depend on stem cell transplantation or on transdifferentiation of endogenous cells in the cochlea. For both approaches, identification of cells with stem cell features within the mature cochlea may be useful. Here we use a Nestin-β-gal mouse to examine the presence of Nestin positive cells in the mature auditory epithelium, and determine how overstimulation of the ear impacts these cells. Nestin positive cells were found in the apical turn of the cochlea lateral to the outer hair cell area. This pattern of expression persisted into mature age. The area of Nestin positive cells was increased after the noise lesion. This increase in area coincided with an increase in expression of the Nestin mRNA. The data suggest that cells with potential stem cell features remain in the mature mammalian cochlea, restricted to the apical turn, and that an additional set of signals is necessary to trigger their contribution to cell replacement therapy in the ear. As such, this population of cells could serve to generate cochlear stem cells for research and potential therapy, and may be a target for treatments based on induced transdifferentiation of endogenous cochlear cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Each year in the U.S. over two million women will be diagnosed with an ovarian cyst or pelvic mass of which approximately 200,000 will require surgery. Of these women, 22,000 (~11%) will ultimately be diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Multiple studies have demonstrated that women with EOC managed by a gynecologic oncologist and at high volume institutions for EOC have improved survival rates. Despite these facts, less than 50% of women diagnosed with EOC are cared for by gynecologic oncologists or at high volume institutions. The Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) was developed to assist in the triage of women at high risk for EOC to gynecologic oncologists. ROMA has been cleared by the FDA for risk assessment and triage in women presenting with an ovarian cyst or pelvic mass. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the performance of ROMA in a large population of women presenting with a pelvic mass. This is the largest collection of patients evaluated with ROMA to date. A meta-analysis was conducted by pooling data from 5 pelvic mass trials. This study was institutional review board (IRB)-exempt due to the secondary use of preexisting data. Data was combined into one cohort for analysis of ROMA. As per ROMA design, the sensitivity, PPV and NPV were calculated at a set specificity of ~75%. All samples were run on the Abbott ARCHITECT platform for both CA125 and HE4. A total of 2,004 patients were included in the analysis (837 premenopausal and 1,167 postmenopausal). There were 448 EOCs (89 stage I, 45 stage II, 284 stage III, 24 stage IV and 6 unstaged), 83 Borderline/LMP tumors, 1,224 benign masses, 23 non-epithelial ovarian cancers, 165 other gynecological cancers, 59 non-gynecologic metastatic cancers, and 2 mesotheliomas. For the detection of benign vs EOC only in pre and postmenopausal women, at a specificity of 75.0%, ROMA achieved a sensitivity of 91.3%, a PPV of 57.2% and a NPV 95.9%. In postmenopausal women, there were 554 benign cases and 379 EOCs. At a specificity of 75.3%, ROMA achieved a sensitivity of 92.3%, a PPV of 71.9% and a NPV of 93.5%. In premenopausal patients, there were 670 benign cases and 69 EOCs. At a specificity of 74.8%, ROMA achieved a sensitivity of 85.5%, a PPV of 25.9% and a NPV of 98.0%. An analysis of the ability of ROMA to differentiate early stage EOC from benign in pre and post-menopausal women revealed a sensitivity of 76.1%, a specificity of 75.0%, a PPV of 25.0% a NPV of 96.6%. ROMA detected over 98% of all late stage III and IV EOCs. ROMA has been shown in multiple independent prospective trials to be an accurate tool for pelvic mass risk assessment. This is the largest collection to date to validate the performance characteristics of ROMA. ROMA should be used as one of the tools for pelvic mass risk assessment to assist in the triage of patients at high risk for EOC to gynecologic oncologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic masses can be classified as low risk (likely benign) and high risk (likely malignant) based on an initial clinical risk assessment (ICRA). The clinical assessment impacts the management and referral plan that patients receive. The objective of this study was to compare the ICRA and referral performances of primary care physicians (PCPs) and generalist gynecologists (GYNs) in the evaluation of a pelvic mass to the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA). Results from a prospective, multicenter trial (ClinicalTrial. gov identifier NCT00987649), evaluating women with a pelvic mass that had an ICRA performed by a non-gynecologic oncologist were used for this study. ICRA included history, physical exam, any combination of imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) and CA125 all at the physician's discretion. Types of imaging utilized in evaluation and ROMA scores were determined, and statistical parameters were calculated for the ability of ICRA and ROMA to differentiate between benign and malignant masses. A total of 398 patients were included in the analysis (229 premenopausal, 169 postmenopausal), with 332 being evaluated by GYNs and 66 by PCPs. A total of 40 patients (10.1%) were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). False negative assessments for EOC comprised 5.7% and 1.4% of the subjects with a benign ICRA as determined by PCPs versus GYNs respectively (p=0.138). PCPs ICRA achieved a sensitivity of 88.2% and specificity of 67.3% compared with GYNs ICRA with a sensitivity of 82.6% and a specificity of 88.3%. The IRCA accuracy for PCPs was 72.7% versus an accuracy of 88.0% for GYNs (p=0.003). In premenopausal women the PCP ICRA achieved a sensitivity of 50.0% with a specificity of 68.2%. The GYNs ICRA sensitivity was 40.0% with a specificity of 93.0%. The accuracy for PCPs was 66.7% compared with 91.7% for GYNs (p<0.001). In postmenopausal women the PCPs ICRA achieved a sensitivity of 93.3% with a specificity of 66.7%. The GYNs ICRA sensitivity was 94.4% with a specificity of 79.8%. The accuracy for PCPs was 76.2% compared with 81.9% for GYNs (p=0.501). PCPs were approximately 2.2x more likely to include CT scans in their initial evaluation (60.6% vs. 27.5%) and were less likely to include ultrasound (56.1% vs 84.6%), which overall is a more cost intensive approach. In the 398 patients, the ROMA score achieved a sensitivity of 95.0% with a specificity of 75.4%. Use of the ROMA score alone for triage would have resulted in 4 more patients with EOC being directly referred to a gynecologic oncologist that were not referred through ICRA alone. GYNs more accurately use ICRA to stratify pelvic masses into benign and malignant categories, particularly in premenopausal women, and they tend to take a more cost-effective approach to initial risk assessment compared to PCPs. Use of the ROMA identifies additional EOC cases not identified by ICRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study to quantify the emission and distribution of nitrous oxide and to explore its relation to pertinent physical and chemical parameters in a red mangrove forest located at Magueyes island, Puerto Rico. Consideration of previously studied ecosystems; Presence of dissolved and exchangeable inorganic nitrogen; Possibility of nitrous oxide production through denitrification.

Presents information on two experiments using rats to determine the effects of intertrial interval (ITI) has on the acquisition of serial feature negative (FN) discriminations. ITI's importance in determining excitatory conditioning; Comparison to a study of ITI effects in feature positive discriminations; Removing of inhabitory contorl to sperate traind target; References.

Abstract: Bortezomib (BTZ), a proteasome inhibitor, is an effective anti-neoplastic drug used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. However, it can induce a reversible peripheral neuropathy that may lead to treatment discontinuation. The mechanism through which BTZ exerts toxic effects in peripheral neurons is not clear. Release of proinflammatory cytokines after nerve damage can induce neurodegeneration, but the effects of BTZ on cytokine expression in neurons are unknown, although BTZ modulates the expression of cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, in tumor cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and the role of these cytokines on the course of BTZ induced neuropathy in mice. IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1 and IL-1β were up-regulated in dorsal root ganglia but TNF-α and IL-6 increased faster and higher. Then, we studied the potential neuroprotective effect of selective antibodies anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-6 on the evolution of the neuropathy. Treatment with anti-TNF-α but not with anti-IL-6 significantly prevented the decrease of sensory nerve action potentials amplitude and the loss of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. We conclude that monoclonal antibodies directed against TNF-α may be a suitable neuroprotective therapy against the neurotoxicity induced by BTZ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The Gini index is used to measure differentiation in house size as a proxy to interpret inequality across a large environmental lidar dataset that documented a palimpsest of Maya archaeological settlement and landscapes. • We identify consistent patterns and Gini coefficients across the Maya lowlands, with notably lower values in peripheral areas, including coastal zones and the Western lowlands. • Despite the narrow lidar transects, the results of this study align with regional and site-based approaches across the Maya area. The emergence and expansion of inequality have been topics of household archaeology for decades. Traditionally, this question has been informed by ethnographic, ethnohistoric and/or comparative studies. Within sites and regions, comparative physical, spatial, and architectural studies of households offer an important baseline of information about status, wealth, and well-being, especially in the Maya lowlands where households are accessible in the archaeological record. Between sites, more research is necessary to assess how these physical measurements of household remains compare. This paper investigates the intersection of landscape, household, and community based on a multi-scalar analysis of households using the Gini index across southeastern Mexico, in the context of a broader study of land use, land management, and settlement patterns. Notably, this paper represents a region-wide analysis of nearly continuous LiDAR data within and outside of previously documented prehispanic Maya settlements. While we conclude that the Gini index is useful for establishing a comparative understanding of settlement, we also recognize that the index is a starting point to identify other ways to study how household to community-level social and economic variability intersects with diverse ecological patterns. Highlighting the opportunities and limitations with applying measures like the Gini index across culturally, temporally, and geographically heterogeneous areas, we illustrate how systematic studies of settlement can be coupled to broader studies of landscape archaeology to interpret changing patterns of land management and settlement across the Maya lowlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We used multi-dimensional item response theory (MIRT) confirmatory factor analysis. • Results indicated that grit and conscientiousness significantly overlap. • Conscientiousness and perseverance of effort best predict grades. When grit was first introduced, it gained popularity before basic psychometric questions were fully explored. One critical issue is how distinct grit is from the Big Five personality trait conscientiousness. Most studies have examined correlations between grit and conscientiousness, rather than conducting item-level factor analysis. This study examined the extent to which grit and conscientiousness are empirically distinct, and which predict students' grades. A diverse sample of adolescents completed measures of grit and conscientiousness. MIRT-based confirmatory factor analyses showed that grit and conscientiousness' factor structures strongly overlap. Structural equation modeling showed that conscientiousness and the perseverance of effort component of grit predicted students' grades more strongly than consistency of interest. These findings indicate that grit and conscientiousness are not unique constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a group of inherited metabolic diseases mainly caused by a deficiency of lysosomal hydrolases, resulting in a gradual accumulation of non-degraded substrates in different tissues causing the characteristic clinical manifestations of such disorders. Confirmatory tests of suspected LSD individuals include enzymatic and genetic testing. A well-oriented clinical suspicion can improve the cost-effectiveness of confirmatory tests and reduce the time expended to achieve the diagnosis. Thus, this work aims to retrospectively study the influence of clinical orientation on the diagnostic yield of enzymatic tests in LSD by retrieving clinical, biochemical, and genetic data obtained from subjects with suspicion of LSD. Our results suggest that the clinical manifestations at the time of diagnosis and the initial clinical suspicion can have a great impact on the diagnostic yield of enzymatic tests, and that clinical orientation performed in specialized clinical departments can contribute to improve it. In addition, the analysis of enzymatic tests as the first step in the diagnostic algorithm can correctly guide subsequent confirmatory genetic tests, in turn increasing their diagnostic yield. In summary, our results suggest that initial clinical suspicion plays a crucial role on the diagnostic yield of confirmatory enzymatic tests in LSD. • Well-oriented clinical suspicion improves diagnostic yield of confirmatory tests in LSD • High clinical specialization improves the cost-effectiveness of laboratory tests • Enzymatic testing is still important to guide genetic testing • Nonspecific clinical manifestations decrease the diagnostic yield of enzymatic tests • The demand management of laboratory tests contributes to increase diagnostic yield [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motoneurons, which is preceded by loss of neuromuscular connections in a “dying back” process. Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) is a neurotrophic factor essential for the development and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions, and Nrg1 receptor ErbB4 loss-of-function mutations have been reported as causative for ALS. Our main goal was to investigate the role of Nrg1 type I (Nrg1-I) in SOD1 G93A mice muscles. We overexpressed Nrg1-I by means of an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, and investigated its effect by means of neurophysiological techniques assessing neuromuscular function, as well as molecular approaches (RT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry, ELISA) to determine the mechanisms underlying Nrg1-I action. AAV-Nrg1-I intramuscular administration promoted motor axon collateral sprouting by acting on terminal Schwann cells, preventing denervation of the injected muscles through Akt and ERK1/2 pathways. We further used a model of muscle partial denervation by transecting the L4 spinal nerve. AAV-Nrg1-I intramuscular injection enhanced muscle reinnervation by collateral sprouting, whereas administration of lapatinib (ErbB receptor inhibitor) completely blocked it. We demonstrated that Nrg1-I plays a crucial role in the collateral reinnervation process, opening a new window for developing novel ALS therapies for functional recovery rather than preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report that two rotated layers of blue phosphorene behave as a direct band gap semiconductor. The optical spectrum shows absorption peaks in the visible region of the spectrum and in addition the energy of these peaks can be tuned with the rotational angle. These findings makes twisted bilayer blue phosphorene a strong candidate as a solar cell or photodetection device. Our results are based on ab initio calculations of several rotated blue phosphorene layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex differences in episodic and spatial memory are frequently observed, suggesting that there may be sex-related structural differences in the hippocampus (HC). Earlier findings are inconsistent, possibly due to a known variability along the hippocampal longitudinal axis. Here, we assessed potential sex differences in hippocampal volume and structural covariance with the rest of the brain in young men and women (N=76), considering the anterior (aHC) and posterior (pHC) hippocampus separately. Women exhibited a larger pHC than men adjusted for brain size. Using partial least squares, we identified two significant patterns of structural covariance of the aHC and pHC. The first included brain areas that covaried positively and negatively in volume with both the aHC and pHC in men, but showed greater covariance with the aHC than pHC in women. The second pattern revealed distinct structural covariance of the aHC and pHC that showed a clear difference between men and women: in men the pHC showed reliable structural covariance with the medial and lateral parietal lobes and the prefrontal cortex, whereas in women the aHC showed reliable structural covariance with the anterior temporal lobe bilaterally. This pattern converges with resting state functional connectivity of the aHC and pHC and suggests that these hippocampal sections interact with different brain regions, consistent with a division of labor with regards to episodic and spatial memory. Our findings lend support to a division of the HC into an anterior and posterior part and identify sex as a potential moderating factor when investigating hippocampal structure and connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Self-organising neural models have the ability to provide a good representation of the input space. In particular the Growing Neural Gas (GNG) is a suitable model because of its flexibility, rapid adaptation and excellent quality of representation. However, this type of learning is time-consuming, especially for high-dimensional input data. Since real applications often work under time constraints, it is necessary to adapt the learning process in order to complete it in a predefined time. This paper proposes a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) parallel implementation of the GNG with Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA). In contrast to existing algorithms, the proposed GPU implementation allows the acceleration of the learning process keeping a good quality of representation. Comparative experiments using iterative, parallel and hybrid implementations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of CUDA implementation. The results show that GNG learning with the proposed implementation achieves a speed-up of compared with the single-threaded CPU implementation. GPU implementation has also been applied to a real application with time constraints: acceleration of 3D scene reconstruction for egomotion, in order to validate the proposal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), a constituent of green and red peppers, has been linked with suppression of tumorigenesis through a mechanism that is not well understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of capsaicin on the production of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 by PC-3 cells at both protein and mRNA levels which were evaluated by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Capsaicin-treated PC-3 cells increased the synthesis and secretion of IL-6 which was abrogated by the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV1) antagonist capsazepine, as well as by inhibitors of PKC-α, phosphoinositol-3 phosphate kinase (PI-3K), Akt and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK). We analyzed the role of capsaicin in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion by PC-3 cells which was increased at shorter times than IL-6 production. Furthermore, incubation of PC-3 cells with an anti-TNF-α antibody blocked the capsaicin-induced IL-6 secretion. These results raise the possibility that capsaicin-mediated IL-6 increase in prostate cancer PC-3 cells is regulated at least in part by TNF-α secretion and signaling pathway involving Akt, ERK and PKC-α activation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Himalaya 292 is a novel hull-less barley cultivar with lower total starch content, a higher proportion of amylose and a substantially higher content of soluble and insoluble fibre. The high fibre content suggests that the grain may have potential as an ingredient in health promoting foods. In this study, 29 healthy volunteers consumed extruded whole grain breakfast cereal made from Himalaya 292 (123g) or a commercial hull-less barley (cv Torrens) (76g) each supplying 50g carbohydrate. Glycemic indices were 77±13 (SEM) and 50±9 for Torrens and Himalaya 292 breakfast cereals respectively (P =0.004). On this basis, the Himalaya 292 cereal is a low glycemic index food. The glycemic load (the product of glycemic index and the available carbohydrate content of a 60g serve divided by 100) of the new cultivar was 10.1±1.8 compared to 25.3±4.3 for the Torrens breakfast cereal (P <0.001). The plasma insulin response to the test meal was 26% lower for Himalaya 292 than for Torrens (P =0.023). The data confirm that Himalaya 292 may be of value in foods designed to assist in the prevention and management of diabetes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mixing measurements provide valuable information about dough strength and stability (STAB) traits. These measurements are important in milling and baking operations, and for varietal selection in wheat breeding programmes. There are several techniques with different sample sizes used for measuring these traits so there is interest in examining the agreement between methods in terms of genotypic (varietal) rankings. This issue has been investigated by using two different mixing methods, a small-scale Mixograph (2g) and large-scale Farinograph (50g) using data from a doubled haploid population (190 lines) from a Chara (excellent dough strength)×WW2449 (poor dough strength) cross. The cross was grown in a field trial at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute (WWAI) in 2000. Eleven mixing traits were measured and compared according to a statistical design. The estimated genetic correlation matrix for six of the 11 mixing traits, dough development time (DDT), STAB, mixing tolerance index (MTI), maximum bandwidth (MBW), bandwidth at peak resistance (BWPR) and peak resistance (PR) revealed that for these dough-strength-related parameters, both methods were measuring equivalent traits, although individual parameters had widely different coefficients of variation. In this population, PR was correlated with the extensibility trait length determined by large-scale extension testing. None of the large-scale or small-scale mixing traits was an effective predictor of the small-scale extensibility parameter extensibility at Rmax (Ext_Rmax). The data verified that small-scale Mixograph tests are a robust and efficient alternative to large-scale Farinograph tests for both commercial breeding and research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Some of the starch consumed by humans is not digested in the small intestine. Such starch, known as resistant starch, is fermented in the large intestine and leads to the production of short chain fatty acids. Increased consumption of resistant starch is associated with improved cardio-vascular health. A high proportion of amylose in the starch consumed is correlated with increased resistant starch but other unknown aspects of starch structure may also influence the digestibility of starch. Detailed investigation of the starch biosynthetic pathway has revealed that reducing the activity of specific isoforms of branching enzymes and starch synthases can lead to increased amylose. Methods to alter the expression of and detect mutations in targeted genes involved are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Specialization in cell function and morphology is influenced by the differential expression of mRNAs, many of which are expressed at low abundance and restricted to certain cell types. Detecting such transcripts in cDNA libraries may require sequencing millions of clones. Massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS) is well suited to identifying transcripts that are expressed in discrete cell types and in low abundance. We have made MPSS libraries from microdissections of three inner ear tissues. By comparing these MPSS libraries to those of 87 other tissues included in the Mouse Reference Transcriptome online resource, we have identified genes that are highly enriched in, or specific to, the inner ear. We show by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization that signatures unique to the inner ear libraries identify transcripts with highly specific cell-type localizations. These transcripts serve to illustrate the utility of a resource that is available to the research community. Utilization of these resources will increase the number of known transcription units and expand our knowledge of the tissue-specific regulation of the transcriptome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mutant alleles of the gene encoding cadherin 23 are associated with Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1D), isolated deafness (DFNB12) in humans, and deafness and circling behavior in waltzer (v) mice. Stereocilia of waltzer mice are disorganized and the kinocilia misplaced, indicating the importance of cadherin 23 for hair bundle development. Cadherin 23 was localized to developing stereocilia and proposed as a component of the tip link. We show that, during development of the inner ear, cadherin 23 is initially detected in centrosomes at E14.5, then along the length of emerging stereocilia, and later becomes concentrated at and subsequently disappears from the tops of stereocilia. In mature vestibular hair bundles, cadherin 23 is present along the kinocilium and in the region of stereocilia¿kinocilium bonds, a pattern conserved in mammals, chicks, and frogs. Cadherin 23 is also present in Reissner''s membrane (RM) throughout development. In homozygous v6J mice, a reported null allele, cadherin 23 was absent from stereocilia, but present in kinocilia, RM, and centrosomes. We reconciled these results by identifying two novel isoforms of Cdh23 unaffected in sequence and expression by the v6J allele. Our results suggest that Cdh23 participation in stereocilia links may be restricted to developing hair bundles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Analogue glutenin proteins (ANGs) based on the barley seed storage protein C-hordein, modified to contain N- and/or C-terminal cysteine residues and varying lengths of repetitive domain, have been purified from a bacterial expression system. The proteins were used to modify the mixing, extension and baking properties of wheat flour doughs in small-scale tests. Comparison of the effects of simple addition of the proteins versus their chemical incorporation into the glutenin macropolymer has allowed us to assess the importance of cysteine content, cysteine position and repetitive domain length in determining dough mixing and processing properties. When incorporated, the proteins, along with small synthetic oligopeptides based on their N- and C-terminal sequences, change the amount of large glutenin polymers, and hence dough properties, in ways consistent with their action as either chain terminators (polypeptides with single cysteine residues) or chain extenders (polypeptides with two cysteine residues, one in either terminal domain). The gross effects of chain extension and termination may be further fine-tuned by modification of the molecular size of the incorporated proteins through alteration of their repetitive domains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we present data from multi-isotopic analyses (87Sr/86Sr, δ 18O, δ 13C) of human individuals buried in the Neolithic communities of the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula. The sites researched were Bòbila Madurell, Can Gambús and Puig d'en Roca, all dated to the late 5th and early 4th millennia cal BC. The main objective was to explore chronological movement and the extent to which these communities moved and interacted with their Neolithic counterparts. The results show that the mobility of these communities was limited, as only 8.3% of the individuals exhibited non-local values. In addition, the chronological analysis confirmed their same horizon and temporal distribution. This means that they used resources and raw materials found in the immediate vicinity. It also implies that they had a certain degree of social organization and were already engaged in the trading of raw materials, some of which came from Central Europe and the Mediterranean islands. • North-eastern Iberia Neolithic necropolises: Bòbila Madurell, Can Gambús and Puig d'en Roca. • Multi-isotopic analyses 87Sr/86Sr, δ 18O , δ 13C showed low mobility patterns. • Chronological analysis confirmed their same horizon and temporal distribution. • Iberian Neolithic engaged in trading with Central Europe and the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC implemented by the European Union established as the main objectives to achieve a "good ecological and chemical status" of the surface water and a "good quantitative and chemical status" of groundwater bodies. One of the major pressures affecting water bodies comes from the use of pesticides and their potential presence in the water ecosystems. For this purpose, the reliable determination of pesticides and their transformation products (TPs) in natural waters (both surface and groundwater) is required. The high number of compounds potentially reaching the aquatic environment makes extraordinary difficult, if not impossible, to investigate all these compounds even using the most powerful analytical techniques. Among these, liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry is emphasized due to its strong potential for detection and identification of many organic contaminants thanks to the accurate-mass full spectrum acquisition data. This work focuses on wide-scope screening of many pesticides and their TPs in surface water and groundwater samples, collected between March and May 2017, in the Júcar River Hydrographical Basin, Spain. For this purpose, a home-made database containing more than 500 pesticides and TPs was employed. Analyses performed by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF MS) allowed the identification of up to 27 pesticides and 6 TPs. The most detected compounds in groundwater were the herbicides atrazine, simazine, terbuthylazine, and their TPs (atrazine-desethyl, terbumeton-desethyl and terbuthylazine-desethyl). Regarding surface water, the fungicides carbendazim, thiabendazole and imazalil, the herbicide terbutryn and the TP terbumeton-desethyl were also detected. These results illustrate the wide use of these compounds (in the present or in the recent past) in the area under study and the vulnerability of the water bodies, and are in accordance with previous findings in other water bodies of the different Spanish Hydrographic systems. Image 1 • High resolution mass spectrometry wide-scope screening of pesticides in water. • 27 pesticides and 6 transformation products were found in water samples. • Some compounds not included in routine target quantitative methods were identified. • Screening methodology was validated for 20 compounds commonly found in water. • Triazines and transformation products were the most frequently identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]