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Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature

The development of high thermal conductivity thin film materials for the thermal management of electronics requires accurate and precise methods for characterizing heat spreading capability, namely, in-plane thermal conductivity. However, due to the complex nature of thin film thermal property measurements, resolving the in-plane thermal conductivity of high thermal conductivity anisotropic thin films with high accuracy is particularly challenging. Capable transient techniques exist; however, they usually measure thermal diffusivity and require heat capacity and density to deduce thermal conductivity. Here, we present an explicit uncertainty analysis framework for accurately resolving in-plane thermal conductivity via two independent steady-state thermometry techniques: particle-assisted Raman thermometry and electrical resistance thermometry. Additionally, we establish error-based criteria to determine the limiting experimental conditions that permit the simplifying assumption of one-dimensional thermal conduction to further reduce thermal analysis. We demonstrate the accuracy and precision (

A wide spectrum of incidental bowel findings can be seen on CT, including but not limited to, pneumatosis intestinalis, diverticular disease, non-obstructive bowel dilatation, transient small bowel intussusception, and submucosal fat. Radiologists should be aware that such findings are almost always benign and of little clinical significance in the absence of associated symptoms. Conversely, vigilance must be maintained when evaluating the bowel, because malignant neoplasms occasionally come to clinical attention as incidental imaging findings. When suspicious incidental bowel wall thickening is detected, the radiologist can alert the clinical team to the finding prior to the patient becoming symptomatic, potentially leading to definitive management at an early, more curable stage.

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature

Purpose: A number of institutions have clinically implemented CYP2D6 genotyping to guide drug prescribing. We compared implementation strategies of early adopters of CYP2D6 testing, barriers faced by both early adopters and institutions in the process of implementing CYP2D6 testing, and approaches taken to overcome these barriers. Methods: We surveyed eight early adopters of CYP2D6 genotyping and eight institutions in the process of adoption. Data were collected on testing approaches, return of results procedures, applications of genotype results, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Results: Among early adopters, CYP2D6 testing was most commonly ordered to assist with opioid and antidepressant prescribing. Key differences among programs included test ordering and genotyping approaches, result reporting, and clinical decision support. However, all sites tested for copy number variation and 9 common variants, and reported results in the medical record. Most sites provided automatic consultation and had designated personnel to assist with genotype-informed therapy recommendations. Primary challenges were related to stakeholder support, CYP2D6 gene complexity, phenotype assignment, and sustainability. Conclusion: There are specific challenges unique to CYP2D6 testing given the complexity of the gene and its relevance to multiple medications. Consensus lessons learned may guide those interested in pursuing similar clinical pharmacogenetic programs.

Aim: To examine the impact of CYP2C19 genotype on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribing patterns. Patients & methods: Observational cohort containing 507 unique individuals receiving an SSRI prescription with CYP2C19 genotype already in their electronic medical record. Genotype was distributed as follows: n = 360 (71%) had no loss of function alleles, 136 (26.8%) had one loss of function allele and 11 (2.2%) had two loss of function alleles. Results & conclusion: For poor metabolizers exposed to sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram, providers changed prescribing patterns in response to alerts in the electronic medical record by either changing the drug, changing the dose or monitoring serial EKGs longitudinally. For intermediate metabolizers exposed to sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram, no alert was needed (mean QTc = 440.338 ms [SD = 31.1273] for CYP2C19*1/*1, mean QTc = 440.371 ms [SD = 29.2706] for CYP2C19*1/*2; p = 0.995).

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature

A pulse generator using an avalanche transistor operating in current-mode second breakdown driving a 780 nm laser diode is reported. The laser diode is mounted on the skull of a mouse and used in transcranial infrared light stimulation (TILS) experiments. The output current pulse width is approximately 2 ns in an attempt to generate a true impulse-like optical pulse excitation for the TILS experiments.

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) play a critical role in neurodevelopment, where breast milk is a significant dietary source. The impact of previous COVID-19 infection and mastitis on the concentration of BDNF and NGF in human milk was investigated. Methods: Concentrations of BDNF and NGF were measured via ELISA in human milk samples collected from 12 mothers with a confirmed COVID-19 PCR, 13 mothers with viral symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, and 22 unexposed mothers (pre-pandemic Ctl-2018). These neurotrophins were also determined in 12 mothers with previous mastitis and 18 mothers without mastitis. Results: The NGF concentration in human milk was lower in the COVID-19 PCR and viral symptoms groups than in the unexposed group, but BDNF did not differ significantly. Within the COVID-19 group, BDNF was higher in mothers who reported headaches or loss of smell/taste when compared with mothers without the respective symptom. BDNF was lower in mothers with mastitis than in mothers without mastitis. Conclusions: Previous COVID-19 and mastitis infections changed differently the secretion of NGF and BDNF in human milk. Whether the changes in NGF and BDNF levels in milk from mothers with infection influence their infant’s development remains to be investigated.

ed by J. MINOR GWYNN "The TVA ProgramThe Regional Approach to General Welfare." Julius Yourman, Editor. The Journal of Educational Sociology, 15:129-192. November, 1941. This issue of the Journal is devoted to the newer approach to the solution of educational problems. As an experiment it is unique in that it has rich facilities for the accomplishment of its aims, yet it has not attempted to superimpose upon the people concerned a culture and educational pattern entirely foreign to their traditions and background. The scope of the project may be realized from a glance at the aspects treated in this issue: "The Tennessee River Valley, Its People, and Institutions," by William E. Cole and S. E. T. Lund. "The Approach of the TVA to the Solution of Regional Problems," by Gordon R. Clapp and Howard K. Menhinick. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.176 on Sat, 09 Apr 2016 06:38:57 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms The High School Journal 43 "Community Education Improvement Under the Impact of the Construction Program," by Eugene L. Bishop, Raymond F. Leonard, and Malcolm G. Little. "Education for Sustained Regional Productivity," by Willis M. Baker and William M. Landess. "Education in the Adaptation of the Valley People to New Factors in the Environment," by George D. Munger, Carroll A. Towne, and Philip W. Voltz. "The Adaptation of Regional Research to Educational Uses," by Ellis F. Hartford and Maurice F. Seay. The TV A program might be termed a working demonstration of the educational approach to problems of regional and national welfare. As such, it is of interest to all school administrators and teachers. "It Takes Time to Learn." John Franklin Donnelly. The Journal of the National Education Association, 30:253-34. November, 1941. How long does it take for a young child to learn to make up his own bed well and as a matter of habit? For a beginner in piano to lay the groundwork for playing voluntarily for pleasure? For an adult to learn to turn a light on at a new location of a switch? How long does it take to change or help children to change habits which have been in operation for one, two, three or more years? Can the teacher alone cause undesirable habits to be broken down and new desirable ones to be set up? Is the teacher prone to consider that the development of good habits can take place in a shorter time than is really possible? The assistant principal of a junior high school considers aspects of these problems from a working and observational point of view. "Multiple Texts Multiply Textbook Problems." Harry A. Becker. The Social Studies, XXII: 294-6. November, 1941. The influence of the textbook on teaching has always been large; whether it has been more of a help than a hindrance to good teaching is still debated in educational circles. The author of this article presents and discusses the plan of using several texts in a class instead of one. His approach considers critically multiple text employment as (1) a modern plan of providing instructional material; (2) breaking down slavish dependence upon a single text; (3) opening to the student more avenues of information and different points of view; (4) increasing pupil interest; (5) offering better comparison of information and points of view in developing critical thinking; (6) furnishing a better learning situation for students. "Why Go to College Now?" Levering Tyson. School and Society, 54:453-7November 22, 1941. Under present conditions of world-wide unrest and uncertainty, the question of whether one should go to college now is indeed pertinent. To many of those registered in college in the fall of 1941 has often come the feeling of "What is the use of these courses I am taking, world conditions being what they are?" Though this has been true primarily of those youth who are of draft age or approaching it, it has created a serious problem for collegiate administrative officials and for high-school teachers, to a lesser extent. In this brief article, the address of the president of Muhlenberg College to his students, one may find a sane discussion of the opportunities, the responsibilities, and the challenge which the existing crisis offers to youth graduating from secondary school and to young people in college. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.176 on Sat, 09 Apr 2016 06:38:57 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 44 The High School Journal "Regional Vocational Business Schools." Anson B. Barber. Education, 62:13341. November, 1941. For some time a serious questioning has been made of the attempt to give real vocational business training in small high schools. The types of training now needed to prepare youth for useful lives in business require broad facilities. As a matter of fact, the Regents Inquiry recommended for the State of New York much less highly specialized vocational training in the secondary school. The author presents the assumptions, principles, and criteria for the establishment of such regional training centers. "Economic Enterprises for High School Students." S. R. Logan. Curriculum Journal, 12:301-4. November, 1941. In this account of the economic enterprises of the Skokie Junior High School, one may get ideas for types of services which children need and may obtain for themselves. Each "corporation" is set up under the school representatives government. The types of corporate organization are the profit corporation, the cooperative corporation, and the public-ownership organization. Described in detail are the Livestock Company, Student Insurance through the Cooperative Corporation, the Biology Bureau of Bees, and the Credit Union. The relation of the Student Council to these activities is also presented. "The School Follows Through. A Post-School Adjustment of Youth." Byron C. Hayes, Edward Landy, and John R. Beery. The Bulletin of the National Association of Secondary -School Principals, Vol. 25, No. 101, pp. 1-84. November, 1941. This is the second and final report of the Occupational Adjustment Study, sponsored by the Implementation Commission of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The first Report was published in November, 1940 (Bulletin No. 93), Occupational Adjustment and the School. In this bulletin three aspects are emphasized: (1) a special study of the follow-up plan in operation in forty selected high schools; (2) the experiences of these schools as throwing light on the techniques involved in the Occupational Follow-up and Adjustment Service Plan; and (3) a technical study of the post-school inventory. The Appendix contains valuable data in the form of the instruments used and revised during the study. "Tennessee Probes Placement of Farm Youth." E. B. Knight. Occupations, 20:116-21. November, 1941. What factors cause vocational students to enter either related or non-related fields instead? What local or sectional opportunities exist for pupils trained specifically for certain occupations? One of the first state-wide studies to acquire definite placement data for Tennessee rural youth in farming and related fields is described by Knight. The survey, made in 1940, included some 70 per cent of the 246 Tennessee communities served by white and negro teachers of vocational agriculture. 13,054 farm operators and 1,568 individuals owning or managing local businesses closely related to agriculture were interviewed. The fifteen major types of farming areas of the state were sampled. The trends, the related businesses, the rural county group, and the industrial county group are presented with their opportunities. Of major interest are the new departure and it simplications for secondary-education vocational work. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.176 on Sat, 09 Apr 2016 06:38:57 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms

Perception, emotion, and mood are powerfully modulated by serotonin receptor (5-HTR) agonists including hallucinogens. The 5-HT2AR subtype has been shown to be central to hallucinogen action, yet the precise mechanisms mediating the response to 5-HT2AR activation remain unclear. Hallucinogens induce the head twitch response (HTR) in rodents, which is the most commonly used behavioral readout of hallucinogen pharmacology. While the HTR provides a key behavioral signature, less is known about the meso level changes that are induced by 5-HT2AR activation. In response to administration of the potent and highly selective 5-HT2AR agonist 25I-NBOH in mice, we observe a disorganization of behavior which includes frequent episodes of behavioral arrest that consistently precede the HTR by a precise interval. By combining behavioral analysis with electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings we describe a characteristic pattern composed of two distinctive EEG waveforms, Phase 1 and Phase 2, that map onto behavioral arrest and the HTR respectively, with the same temporal separation. Phase 1, which underlies behavioral arrest, is a 3.5–4.5 Hz waveform, while Phase 2 is slower at 2.5–3.2 Hz. Nicotine pretreatment, considered an integral component of ritualistic hallucinogen practices, attenuates 25I-NBOH induced HTR and Phase 2 waveforms, yet increases behavioral arrest and Phase 1 waveforms. Our results suggest that in addition to the HTR, behavioral arrest and characteristic meso level slow waveforms are key hallmarks of the response to 5-HT2AR activation. Increased understanding of the response to serotonergic hallucinogens may provide mechanistic insights into perception and hallucinations, as well as regulation of mood.

Objectives This study assessed the comprehensiveness and efficiency of existing Flint area public health community data using a novel method. One hundred thirty-eight community public health data reports were identified and screened for inclusion from Internet searches and community partner interviews. Methods Forty-two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-based health metrics were adopted as a standard for unbiased comparison. For each report, a percentage "match-to-standard" was calculated (i.e., we calculated the percentage of CDC recommended metrics that were covered in the report). The two locally generated reports with the highest match-to-standard scores were compared for overlap. Results There were 138 initially identified reports, and 110 unique reports remained after duplicates were removed. Twenty public health data reports met inclusion criteria and were included in the final sample. The top local public health data report yielded a 59.5% match-to-standard, indicating a 23.8% gap in current Flint area community data. Evaluation across all reports yielded an 89.3% match-to-standard with a 10.7% gap. An overlap of 70% exists between the two local reports with the highest match-to-standard scores. Conclusions This research identified key health metrics not captured by current locally generated Flint public health reports. The 23.8% gap indicates an opportunity to improve local public health data report comprehensiveness. The 70% overlap across the two local reports with greatest match-to-standard scores generated locally, indicates potential duplication and an opportunity to improve efficiency.

Ultrasound is a type of mechanical energy that produces vibrations as it traverses any given medium. These vibrations create varying areas of pressure. The alternations between areas of high and low pressure are measurable against time and termed the wave frequency with Hertz used as the unit of measurement. By convention, it is generally accepted that the speed of sound propagation is 1540 m/s, which represents the average speed at which sound travels in soft tissues. The unit of time of a cycle of the wave is called the period, and the distance between wave crests is termed wavelength.

Summary: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling cascade downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR) signalosome is essential for B cell maturation. Proper signaling strength is maintained through the PI3K negative regulator phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Although a role for microRNA (miRNA)-dependent control of the PTEN-PI3K axis has been described, the contribution of individual miRNAs to the regulation of this crucial signaling modality in mature B lymphocytes remains to be elucidated. Our analyses reveal that ablation of miR-29 specifically in B lymphocytes results in an increase in PTEN expression and dampening of the PI3K pathway in mature B cells. This dysregulation has a profound impact on the survival of B lymphocytes and results in increased class switch recombination and decreased plasma cell differentiation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ablation of one copy of Pten is sufficient to ameliorate the phenotypes associated with miR-29 loss. Our data suggest a critical role for the miR-29-PTEN-PI3K regulatory axis in mature B lymphocytes.

Intellectual disability (ID) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can arise from genetic mutations ranging from trisomy to single nucleotide polymorphism. Mutations in a growing number of single genes have been identified as causative in ID, including ARHGEF9. Evaluation of 41 ARHGEF9 patient reports shows ubiquitous inclusion of ID, along with other frequently reported symptoms of epilepsy, abnormal baseline EEG activity, behavioral symptoms, and sleep disturbances. ARHGEF9 codes for the Cdc42 Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 9 collybistin (Cb), a known regulator of inhibitory synapse function via direct interaction with the adhesion molecule neuroligin-2 and the α2 subunit of GABAA receptors. We mutate the Cb binding motif within the large intracellular loop of α2 replacing it with the binding motif for gephyrin from the α1 subunit (Gabra2-1). The Gabra2-1 mutation causes a strong downregulation of Cb expression, particularly at cholecystokinin basket cell inhibitory synapses. Gabra2-1 mice have deficits in working and recognition memory, as well as hyperactivity, anxiety, and reduced social preference, recapitulating the frequently reported features of ARHGEF9 patients. Gabra2-1 mice also have spontaneous seizures during postnatal development which can lead to mortality, and baseline abnormalities in low-frequency wavelengths of the EEG. EEG abnormalities are vigilance state-specific and manifest as sleep disturbance including increased time in wake and a loss of free-running rhythmicity in the absence of light as zeitgeber. Gabra2-1 mice phenocopy multiple features of human ARHGEF9 mutation, and reveal α2 subunit-containing GABAA receptors as a druggable target for treatment of this complex ID syndrome.

Perception, emotion, and mood are powerfully modulated by serotonin receptor (5-HTR) agonists including hallucinogens. The 5-HT2AR subtype has been shown to be central to hallucinogen action, yet the precise mechanisms mediating the response to 5-HT2AR activation remain unclear. Hallucinogens induce the head twitch response (HTR) in rodents, which is the most commonly used behavioral readout of hallucinogen pharmacology. While the HTR provides a key behavioral signature, less is known about the meso level changes that are induced by 5-HT2AR activation. In response to administration of the potent and highly selective 5-HT2AR agonist 25I-NBOH in mice, we observe a disorganization of behavior which includes frequent episodes of behavioral arrest that consistently precede the HTR by a precise interval. By combining behavioral analysis with electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings we describe a characteristic pattern composed of two distinctive EEG waveforms, Phase 1 and Phase 2, that map onto behavioral arrest and the HTR respectively, with the same temporal separation. Phase 1, which underlies behavioral arrest, is a 3.5–4.5 Hz waveform, while Phase 2 is slower at 2.5–3.2 Hz. Nicotine pretreatment, considered an integral component of ritualistic hallucinogen practices, attenuates 25I-NBOH induced HTR and Phase 2 waveforms, yet increases behavioral arrest and Phase 1 waveforms. Our results suggest that in addition to the HTR, behavioral arrest and characteristic meso level slow waveforms are key hallmarks of the response to 5-HT2AR activation. Increased understanding of the response to serotonergic hallucinogens may provide mechanistic insights into perception and hallucinations, as well as regulation of mood.

The Ichneumonoidea (Ichneumonidae and Braconidae) is an incredibly diverse superfamily of parasitoid wasps that includes species that produce virus-like entities in their reproductive tracts to promote successful parasitism of host insects. Research on these entities has traditionally focused upon two viral genera Bracovirus (in Braconidae) and Ichnovirus (in Ichneumonidae). These viruses are produced using genes known collectively as endogenous viral elements (EVEs) that represent historical, now heritable viral integration events in wasp genomes. Here, new genome sequence assemblies for eleven species and six publicly available genomes from the Ichneumonoidea were screened with the goal of identifying novel EVEs and characterizing the breadth of species in lineages with known EVEs. Exhaustive similarity searches combined with the identification of ancient core genes revealed sequences from both known and novel EVEs. Two species harbored novel, independently derived EVEs related to a divergent large double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus that manipulates behavior in other hymenopteran species. While bracovirus or ichnovirus EVEs were identified as expected in three species, the absence of ichnoviruses in several species suggests that they are independently derived and present in two younger, less widespread lineages than previously thought. Overall, this study presents a novel bioinformatic approach for EVE discovery in genomes and shows that three divergent virus families (nudiviruses, the ancestors of ichnoviruses, and LbFV-like viruses) are recurrently acquired as EVEs in parasitoid wasps. Virus acquisition in the parasitoid wasps is a common process that has occurred in many more than two lineages from a diverse range of arthropod-infecting dsDNA viruses.SignificanceParasitoid wasps are an extremely diverse group of animals that are known to harbor Endogenous Virus Elements (EVEs) that produce virions or virus-like particles of key importance in wasps’ parasitism success. However, the prevalence and diversity of independently acquired EVEs in parasitoid wasp lineages has remained largely uncharacterized on a widespread scale. This study represents an important first step and hints at the massive, untapped diversity of EVEs in parasitoid wasps via the identification of several novel virus co-option events from diverse groups of double-stranded DNA virus pathogens.