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This paper presents a novel approach for estimating the ground shaking intensity using social media data and CCTV footage. Employing the Gemini Pro (Reid et al. 2024) model, a multi-modal language model, we demonstrate the ability to extract relevant information from unstructured data utilizing generative AI and natural language processing. The model output, in the form of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) values, align well with independent observational data. Furthermore, our results suggest that beyond its advanced visual and auditory understanding abilities, Gemini appears to utilize additional sources of knowledge, including a simplified understanding of the general relationship between earthquake magnitude, distance, and MMI intensity, which it presumably acquired during its training, in its reasoning and decision-making processes. These findings raise intriguing questions about the extent of Gemini's general understanding of the physical world and its phenomena. The ability of Gemini to generate results consistent with established scientific knowledge highlights the potential of LLMs like Gemini in augmenting our understanding of complex physical phenomena such as earthquakes. More specifically, the results of this study highlight the potential of LLMs like Gemini to revolutionize citizen seismology by enabling rapid, effective, and flexible analysis of crowdsourced data from eyewitness accounts for assessing earthquake impact and providing crisis situational awareness. This approach holds great promise for improving early warning systems, disaster response, and overall resilience in earthquake-prone regions. This study provides a significant step toward harnessing the power of social media and AI for earthquake disaster mitigation.

Gonadal sex determination and differentiation are controlled by somatic support cells of testes (Sertoli cells) and ovaries (granulosa cells). In testes, the epigenetic mechanism that maintains chromatin states responsible for suppressing female sexual differentiation remains unclear. Here, we show that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) suppresses a female gene regulatory network in postnatal Sertoli cells. We genetically disrupted PRC1 function in embryonic Sertoli cells after sex determination, and we found that PRC1-depleted postnatal Sertoli cells exhibited defective proliferation and cell death, leading to the degeneration of adult testes. In adult Sertoli cells, PRC1 suppressed specific genes required for granulosa cells, thereby inactivating the female gene regulatory network. Chromatin regions associated with female-specific genes were marked by Polycomb-mediated repressive modifications: PRC1-mediated H2AK119ub and PRC2-mediated H3K27me3. Taken together, this study identifies a critical Polycomb-based mechanism that suppresses ovarian differentiation and maintains Sertoli cell fate in adult testes.

Following voting by the Kimmeridgian Working Group, the International Subcommission on Jurassic Stratigraphy and the International Commission on Stratigraphy, the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Kimmeridgian Stage (Jurassic System) was ratified by the executive of the International Union of Geological Sciences. The boundary is placed in the upper part of Bed 35 of the Staffin Shale Formation, 1.25±0.01 m below the base of Bed 36 in block F6 in the foreshore at Flodigarry, Staffin Bay, Isle of Skye, Scotland. The coordinates for the middle part of the two adjacent sections (sections F6N and F6S) are 57°39'39.5''N, 6°14'43.9''W and 57°39'40.5''N, 6°14'45''W; UK National Grid Scheme NG 4687 7139 and NG 4687 7142±5 m. This stratigraphic point coincides with the appearance over a short stratigraphic interval of several new ammonite taxa that delineate the base of the Subboreal ammonite Baylei Zone, the base of the Densicostata Subzone marked by the base of the flodigarriensis horizon, and, independently, the base of the Boreal ammonite Bauhini Zone. The main advantages of this locality are: the presence of a dual ammonite zonation marked by two extensively studied, well-preserved and very abundant groups of ammonites, and their preservation within a continuous section of ~120 m of open marine, fossiliferous, thermally immature mudrocks with no evidence of condensation or stratigraphic gaps. Dinoflagellate cysts, magnetostratigraphy and stable isotope data from the same section provide secondary markers. The stratigraphic point is located 0.17–0.65 m below the boundary interval between the dinoflagellate cyst zones DSJ 26 and DSJ 27 (equivalent to the boundary between subzones c and d of the Scriniodinium crystallinum (=Scr) Zone). The point is located 0.02–0.24 m above the base of reversed magnetozone F3r. This magnetozone probably correlates with marine magnetic anomaly M26r but may correlate to the younger anomaly M25r. The point coin cid

Gonadal sex determination and differentiation are controlled by somatic support cells of testes (Sertoli cells) and ovaries (granulosa cells). In testes, the epigenetic mechanism that maintains chromatin states responsible for suppressing female sexual differentiation remains unclear. Here, we show that Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) suppresses a female gene regulatory network in postnatal Sertoli cells. We genetically disrupted PRC1 function in embryonic Sertoli cells after sex determination, and we found that PRC1-depleted postnatal Sertoli cells exhibited defective proliferation and cell death, leading to the degeneration of adult testes. In adult Sertoli cells, PRC1 suppressed specific genes required for granulosa cells, thereby inactivating the female gene regulatory network. Chromatin regions associated with female-specific genes were marked by Polycomb-mediated repressive modifications: PRC1-mediated H2AK119ub and PRC2-mediated H3K27me3. Taken together, this study identifies a critical Polycomb-based mechanism that suppresses ovarian differentiation and maintains Sertoli cell fate in adult testes.

Gothicism is probably this part of the romantic and pre-romantic tradition which is most strongly present in contemporary pop-culture. It is an exceedingly lively phenomenon, not only discussed by specialists – historians of literature – but constantly consumed as part of subsequent literary, film, music or computer games, the recipients of which are sometimes even unaware of the 19th-century origin of their favorite works. Due to its cross-border nature, however, Gothicism is sometimes neglected in the history of literature education of Polish philologists. The purpose of this article is to present a class proposal, the implementation of which could be a step towards filling this gap in didactics. It is based on a juxtaposition of several older texts (by Zygmunt Krasiński, Roman Zmorski, Anna Mostowska) and a contemporary novel by Jakub Żulczyk (Insytut [The Institute]). The aim of the class is to show that Gothicism can work as an ahistorical code serving e.g., to talk about oppression., Gotycyzm jest prawdopodobnie tą częścią tradycji romantycznej oraz preromantycznej, która w najsilniejszy sposób spośród wszystkich innych obecna jest we współczesnej (pop)kulturze. Jest zjawiskiem niezwykle żywym, nie tylko dyskutowanym przez specjalistów – historyków literatury – ale nieustannie konsumowanym w ramach kolejnych pozycji literackich, filmowych, muzycznych czy grach komputerowych, których odbiorcy bywają nawet nieświadomi XIX-wiecznego rodowodu ulubionych dzieł. Z powodu swojego granicznego charakteru gotycyzm bywa jednak zaniedbywany w kształceniu historycznoliterackim polonistów. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zaprezentowanie propozycji zajęciowej, której realizacja mogłaby stanowić krok na drodze ku wypełnieniu tej luki w dydaktyce. Opiera się ona na zestawieniu kilku tekstów dawniejszych (Zygmunta Krasińskiego, Romana Zmorskiego, Anny Mostowskiej) oraz współczesnej powieści Jakuba Żulczyka (Instytut). Celem zajęć jest pokazanie, iż gotycyzm może funkcjonować jako ahistoryczny kod służący m.in. do mówienia o opresji.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical utility of the urinary bladder cancer antigen UBC® Rapid Test for the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) and to develop and validate nomograms to identify patients at high-risk of primary BC. Patients and methods: Data from 1,787 patients from 13 participating centers tested between 2012 and 2020, including 763 patients with BC, were analyzed. Urine samples were analyzed with the UBC® Rapid Test. The nomograms were developed using data from 320 patients and externally validated using data from 274 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of the UBC® Rapid Test was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics analysis. Brier scores and calibration curves were chosen for validation. Biopsy-proven BC was predicted using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for the UBC® Rapid Test were 46.4%, 75.5%, and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.58–0.64) for low-grade (LG-) BC, and 70.5%, 75.5%, and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.70–0.76) for high-grade (HG-) BC, respectively. Age, UBC® Rapid Test results, smoking status, and hematuria were identified as independent predictors of primary BC. After external validation, nomograms based on these predictors resulted in an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72–0.87) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.98) in predicting LG-BC and HG-BC, respectively, showing excellent calibration associated with a higher net benefit than the UBC® Rapid Test alone for low and medium risk levels in decision curve analysis. An R Shiny app allows the results to be explored interactively and can be accessed at www.blucab-index.net. Conclusion: The UBC® Rapid Test alone has limited clinical utility for predicting the presence of BC. However, its combined use with BC risk factors including age, smoking status, and hematuria provides a fast, highly accurate, and non-invasive tool for screening patients for primary LG-BC and especially primary HG-BC.

Measuring Behavior 2022: : 12th International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research, and 6th Seminar on Behavioral Methods (May 18-20, 2022), Contains fulltext : 283560.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)

Patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma achieving pathological complete response (pCR) upon neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have improved prognosis. Molecular subtypes of bladder cancer differ markedly regarding sensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy and harbor FGFR treatment targets to various content. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether preoperative assessment of molecular subtype as well as FGFR target gene expression is predictive for therapeutic outcome-rate of ypT0 status-to justify subsequent prospective validation within the BladderBRIDGister. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens from transurethral bladder tumor resections (TUR) prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and corresponding radical cystectomy samples after chemotherapy of 36 patients were retrospectively collected. RNA from FFPE tissues were extracted by commercial kits, Relative gene expression of subtyping markers (e.g., KRT5, KRT20) and target genes (FGFR1, FGFR3) was analyzed by standardized RT-qPCR systems (STRATIFYER Molecular Pathology GmbH, Cologne). Spearman correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and sensitivity/specificity tests were performed by JMP 9.0.0 (SAS software). The neoadjuvant cohort consisted of 36 patients (median age: 69, male 83% vs. female 17%) with 92% of patients being node-negative during radical cystectomy after 1 to 4 cycles of NAC. When comparing pretreatment with post-treatment samples, the median expression of KRT20 dropped most significantly from DCT 37.38 to 30.65, which compares with a 128-fold decrease. The reduction in gene expression was modest for other luminal marker genes (GATA3 6.8-fold, ERBB2 6.3-fold). In contrast, FGFR1 mRNA expression increased from 33.28 to 35.88 (similar to 6.8-fold increase). Spearman correlation revealed positive association of pretreatment KRT20 mRNA levels with achieving pCR (r = 0.3072: p = 0.0684), whereas pretreatment FGFR1 mRNA was associated with resistance to chemoth

Acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) results from oligo-clonal evolution of B-cell progenitors endowed with initiating and propagating leukemia properties. The activation of both the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor (Rac GEF) Vav3 and Rac GTPases is required for leukemogenesis mediated by the oncogenic fusion protein BCR-ABL. Vav3 expression becomes predominantly nuclear upon expression of BCR-ABL signature. In the nucleus, Vav3 interacts with BCR-ABL, Rac, and the polycomb repression complex (PRC) proteins Bmi1, Ring1b and Ezh2. The GEF activity of Vav3 is required for the proliferation, Bmi1-dependent B-cell progenitor self-renewal, nuclear Rac activation, protein interaction with Bmi1, mono-ubiquitination of H2A(K119) (H2AK119Ub) and repression of PRC-1 (PRC1) downstream target loci, of leukemic B-cell progenitors. Vav3 deficiency results in de-repression of negative regulators of cell proliferation and repression of oncogenic transcriptional factors. Mechanistically, we show that Vav3 prevents the Phlpp2-sensitive and Akt (S473)-dependent phosphorylation of Bmi1 on the regulatory residue S314 that, in turn, promotes the transcriptional factor reprogramming of leukemic B-cell progenitors. These results highlight the importance of non-canonical nuclear Rho GTPase signaling in leukemogenesis.

In its title, this article indicates two purposes. The first is to attempt to give a precise description of the category of the concept album, whose specificity (also in the opinion of foreign researchers) is usually described in a blurred, intuitive and rather imprecise way. This attempt is made through reference to the literary side of this kind of album. Based on these reflections, the author also attempts to create a typology of concept albums, which constitutes a fluent transition to the second purpose of the article, namely to propose (in terms of this field of knowledge, which we call linguistics of text and discourse) a method for analysing the coherence mechanisms seen in lyrics of this sort of album. Although it is not a theory in the strict sense, the author’s intention was to lend it a practical usability: it is an operation whose purpose is to support the interpretation of concept albums., In its title, this article indicates two purposes. The first is to attempt to give a precise description of the category of the concept album, whose specificity (also in the opinion of foreign researchers) is usually described in a blurred, intuitive and rather imprecise way. This attempt is made through reference to the literary side of this kind of album. Based on these reflections, the author also attempts to create a typology of concept albums, which constitutes a fluent transition to the second purpose of the article, namely to propose (in terms of this field of knowledge, which we call linguistics of text and discourse) a method for analysing the coherence mechanisms seen in lyrics of this sort of album. Although it is not a theory in the strict sense, the author’s intention was to lend it a practical usability: it is an operation whose purpose is to support the interpretation of concept albums.

Background: Overlap of pathways enriched by single nucleotide polymorphisms and DNA-methylation underlying chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), prompted pilot study of CPSP-associated methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTL). Materials & methods: Children undergoing spine-fusion were recruited prospectively. Logistic-regression for genome- and epigenome-wide CPSP association and DNA-methylation-single nucleotide polymorphism association/mediation analyses to identify meQTLs were followed by functional genomics analyses. Results: CPSP (n = 20/58) and non-CPSP groups differed in pain-measures. Of 2753 meQTLs, DNA-methylation at 127 cytosine-guanine dinucleotides mediated association of 470 meQTLs with CPSP (p < 0.05). At PARK16 locus, CPSP risk meQTLs were associated with decreased DNA-methylation at RAB7L1 and increased DNA-methylation at PM20D1. Corresponding RAB7L1/PM20D1 blood eQTLs (GTEx) and cytosine-guanine dinucleotide-loci enrichment for histone marks, transcription factor binding sites and ATAC-seq peaks suggest altered transcription factor-binding. Conclusion: CPSP-associated meQTLs indicate epigenetic mechanisms mediate genetic risk. Clinical trial registration: NCT01839461, NCT01731873 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Gene regulation in the germline ensures the production of high-quality gametes, long-term maintenance of the species and speciation. Male germline transcriptomes undergo dynamic changes after the mitosis-to-meiosis transition and have been subject to evolutionary divergence among mammals. However, the mechanisms underlying germline regulatory divergence remain undetermined. Here, we show that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) influence species-specific germline transcriptomes. After the mitosis-to-meiosis transition in male mice, specific ERVs function as active enhancers to drive germline genes, including a mouse-specific gene set, and bear binding motifs for critical regulators of spermatogenesis, such as A-MYB. This raises the possibility that a genome-wide transposition of ERVs rewired germline gene expression in a species-specific manner. Of note, independently evolved ERVs are associated with the expression of human-specific germline genes, demonstrating the prevalence of ERV-driven mechanisms in mammals. Together, we propose that ERVs fine-tune species-specific transcriptomes in the mammalian germline.

Owing to bursts in the expression of thousands of germline-specific genes, the testis has the most diverse and complex transcriptome of all organs. By analyzing the male germline of mice, we demonstrate that the genome-wide reorganization of super-enhancers (SEs) drives bursts in germline gene expression after the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. SE reorganization is regulated by two molecular events: the establishment of meiosis-specific SEs via A-MYB (MYBL1), a key transcription factor for germline genes, and the resolution of SEs in mitotically proliferating cells via SCML2, a germline-specific Polycomb protein required for spermatogenesis-specific gene expression. Before entry into meiosis, meiotic SEs are preprogrammed in mitotic spermatogonia to ensure the unidirectional differentiation of spermatogenesis. We identify key regulatory factors for both mitotic and meiotic enhancers, revealing a molecular logic for the concurrent activation of mitotic enhancers and suppression of meiotic enhancers in the somatic and/or mitotic proliferation phases.

Genes involved in sexual reproduction diverge rapidly as a result of reproductive fitness. Here, we identify a novel protein domain in the germline-specific Polycomb protein SCML2 that is required for the establishment of unique gene expression programs after the mitosis-to-meiosis transition in spermatogenesis. We term this novel domain, which is comprised of rapidly evolved, DNA-binding repeat units of 28 amino acids, the SCML2 DNA-binding (SDB) repeats. These repeats are acquired in a specific subgroup of the rodent lineage, having been subjected to positive selection in the course of evolution. Mouse SCML2 has two DNA-binding domains: one is the SDB repeats and the other is an RNA-binding region, which is conserved in human SCML2. For the recruitment of SCML2 to target loci, the SDB repeats cooperate with the other functional domains of SCML2 to bind chromatin. The cooperative action of these domains enables SCML2 to sense DNA hypomethylation in an in vivo chromatin environment, thereby enabling SCML2 to bind to hypomethylated chromatin. We propose that the rapid evolution of SCML2 is due to reproductive adaptation, which has promoted species-specific gene expression programs in spermatogenesis.

Germ cells manifest a unique gene expression program and regain totipotency in the zygote. Here, we perform Hi-C analysis to examine 3D chromatin organization in male germ cells during spermatogenesis. We show that the highly compartmentalized 3D chromatin organization characteristic of interphase nuclei is attenuated in meiotic prophase. Meiotic prophase is predominated by short-range intrachromosomal interactions that represent a condensed form akin to that of mitotic chromosomes. However, unlike mitotic chromosomes, meiotic chromosomes display weak genomic compartmentalization, weak topologically associating domains, and localized point interactions in prophase. In postmeiotic round spermatids, genomic compartmentalization increases and gives rise to the strong compartmentalization seen in mature sperm. The X chromosome lacks domain organization during meiotic sex-chromosome inactivation. We propose that male meiosis occurs amid global reprogramming of 3D chromatin organization and that strengthening of chromatin compartmentalization takes place in spermiogenesis to prepare the next generation of life.

During spermatogenesis, germ cells undergo massive cellular reconstruction and dynamic chromatin remodeling to facilitate highly diverse transcriptomes, which are required for the production of functional sperm. However, it remains unknown how germline chromatin is organized to promote the dynamic, complex transcriptomes of spermatogenesis. Here, using ATAC-seq, we establish the varied landscape of open chromatin during spermatogenesis. We identify the reorganization of accessible chromatin in intergenic and intronic regions during the mitosis-to-meiosis transition. During the transition, mitotic-type open chromatin is closed while the de novo formation of meiotic-type open chromatin takes place. Contrastingly, differentiation processes such as spermatogonial differentiation and the meiosis-to-postmeiosis transition involve chromatin closure without the de novo formation of accessible chromatin. In spermiogenesis, the germline-specific Polycomb protein SCML2 promotes the closure of open chromatin at autosomes for gene suppression. Paradoxically, we identify the massive de novo formation of accessible chromatin when the sex chromosomes undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, and this is also mediated by SCML2. These results reveal meiotic sex chromosome inactivation as an active process for chromatin organization. Together, our results unravel the genome-wide, dynamic reorganization of open chromatin and reveal mechanisms that underlie diverse transcriptomes during spermatogenesis.

Repressive H3K27me3 and active H3K4me2/3 together form bivalent chromatin domains, molecular hallmarks of developmental potential. In the male germline, these domains are thought to persist into sperm to establish totipotency in the next generation. However, it remains unknown how H3K27me3 is established on specific targets in the male germline. Here, we demonstrate that a germline-specific Polycomb protein, SCML2, binds to H3K4me2/3-rich hypomethylated promoters in undifferentiated spermatogonia to facilitate H3K27me3. Thus, SCML2 establishes bivalent domains in the male germline of mice. SCML2 regulates two major classes of bivalent domains: Class I domains are established on developmental regulator genes that are silent throughout spermatogenesis, while class II domains are established on somatic genes silenced during late spermatogenesis. We propose that SCML2-dependent H3K27me3 in the male germline prepares the expression of developmental regulator and somatic genes in embryonic development.

The sex chromosomes are enriched with germline genes that are activated during the late stages of spermatogenesis. Due to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), these sex chromosome-linked genes must escape silencing for activation in spermatids, thereby ensuring their functions for male reproduction. RNF8, a DNA damage response protein, and SCML2, a germline-specific Polycomb protein, are two major, known regulators of this process. Here, we show that RNF8 and SCML2 cooperate to regulate ubiquitination during meiosis, an early step to establish active histone modifications for subsequent gene activation. Double mutants of Rnf8 and Scml2 revealed that RNF8-dependent monoubiquitination of histone H2A at Lysine 119 (H2AK119ub) is deubiquitinated by SCML2, demonstrating interplay between RNF8 and SCML2 in ubiquitin regulation. Additionally, we identify distinct functions of RNF8 and SCML2 in the regulation of ubiquitination: SCML2 deubiquitinates RNF8-independent H2AK119ub but does not deubiquitinate RNF8-dependent polyubiquitination. RNF8-dependent polyubiquitination is required for the establishment of H3K27 acetylation, a marker of active enhancers, while persistent H2AK119ub inhibits establishment of H3K27 acetylation. Following the deposition of H3K27 acetylation, H3K4 dimethylation is established as an active mark on poised promoters. Together, we propose a model whereby regulation of ubiquitin leads to the organization of poised enhancers and promoters during meiosis, which induce subsequent gene activation from the otherwise silent sex chromosomes in postmeiotic spermatids.

Introduction: Most aspects of implant-assisted reconstruction of pelvic floor in males and females are under debate and the research is not standardized. Registries are supposed to shed light to the indications, surgical techniques and material properties and to establish a standardized evaluation. Methods: A working group was formed to create an online platform for registration and outcome measurement of implant-assisted operations for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and female and male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). 20 patients with modified mesh materials were evaluated over 23 months 'follow up in the registry to prove the feasibility of the registry. For validation a previously published modified satisfaction, anatomy, continence, safety - S.(A.)C.S score was used. Results: A consensus was met on definitions and classifications of patient variables, surgical procedures and implants, as well as outcome parameters (efficacy, continence, satisfaction, complications). Different subgroup modules were formed in accordance with treated condition. The maximum score of cure was reached by 25-100% of patients depending on the indication. Conclusion: A prospective registry in accordance with IDEAL-D framework is justified for the evaluation and regulation of implants for pelvic floor reconstruction. (C) 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

During spermatogenesis, a large number of germline genes essential for male fertility are coordinately activated. However, it remains unknown how timely activation of this group of germline genes is accomplished. Here we show that Polycomb-repressive complex 1 (PRC1) directs timely activation of germline genes during spermatogenesis. Inactivation of PRC1 in male germ cells results in the gradual loss of a stem cell population and severe differentiation defects, leading to male infertility. In the stem cell population, RNF2, the dominant catalytic subunit of PRC1, activates transcription of Sall4, which codes for a transcription factor essential for subsequent spermatogenic differentiation. Furthermore, RNF2 and SALL4 together occupy transcription start sites of germline genes in the stem cell population. Once differentiation commences, these germline genes are activated to enable the progression of spermatogenesis. Our study identifies a novel mechanism by which Polycomb directs the developmental process by activating a group of lineage-specific genes.

Introduction: This study addresses minimally invasive anesthesiologic and analgetic approaches for stone surgery in the upper urinary tract. Aim of this retrospective analysis is to compare feasibility, safety and complication rates of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under local infiltration anesthesia alone (Group I) and additive intravenous analgetics and/or sedative medications (Group II). Material and Methods: This is a single center study. A total of 439 patients have been included from November 2003 until March 2012. A total of 226 patients were assigned to Group I receiving local infiltration anesthesia alone, whereas 213 patients were assigned to Group II receiving additive intravenous analgetics and/or sedative medications. Demographic characteristics and stone characteristics have been evaluated to determine feasibility, complication rates for safety, and stone-free rates for effectiveness. The study and the reported technique have then been retrospectively analysed according to the IDEAL stages of surgical innovation. Results: All included patients who accepted local infiltration anesthesia underwent PCNL successfully. The mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score (ASA) of the included patients was 2.15 ±0.37 (range, 1-4). PCNL was indicated in 138 patients due to pelvic calculi, in 171 patients due to renal calculi, in 66 patients due to partial staghorn, in 48 patients due to complete staghorn and in 16 patients due to upper ureteral stones. The total stone free rate in our patients was 78.4% over all stone localizations. Compared to the possibility of using additive intravenous analgetics and/or sedative medications we could show differences in the median age (p=0.005) suggesting that older patients did better tolerate the infiltration anesthesia than patients at younger ages. We did also remark not statistically significant differences in Group I and Group II as for number of tracts, operation duration, hemoglobin drop, fever, transfusion r

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der modellunabhängigen Bewertung von Optionen. In einem ersten Ansatz wird eine modellunabhängige Version des fundamentalen Theorems der Optionspreistheorie aufgestellt. Eine Folgerung ist das Superreplikation Theorem, welches eine obere Preisschranke einer Option durch superreplizieren einer semistatischen Strategie liefert. Zur Vorbereitung des zweiten Ansatzes wird eine Einführung in den optimalen Transport gegeben, speziell wird das Dualitätstheorem aufgestellt. Dieser Ansatz beschreibt eine obere Preisschranke, in dem das Dualitätstheorem als Superreplikation Resultat interpretiert wird. Auch hier wird die Option durch eine semistatische Strategie repliziert., This thesis considers model-independent option pricing. The first approach establishes a model-independent version of the Fundamental Theorem Of Asset Pricing. A corollary is the Superreplication Theorem, which provides an upper bound of a price of an option in superreplicating a semi-static strategy. In preparation of the second approach an introduction in Optimal Transport is discussed. In particular, the Duality Theorem is given. This approach characterizes an upper bound of the price in interpreting it as a Superreplication Result. The option is replicated by an semi-static strategy as well.

Gametogenesis is dependent on the expression of germline-specific genes. However, it remains unknown how the germline epigenome is distinctly established from that of somatic lineages. Here we show that genes commonly expressed in somatic lineages and spermatogenesis-progenitor cells undergo repression in a genome-wide manner in late stages of the male germline and identify underlying mechanisms. SCML2, a germline-specific subunit of a Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), establishes the unique epigenome of the male germline through two distinct antithetical mechanisms. SCML2 works with PRC1 and promotes RNF2-dependent ubiquitination of H2A, thereby marking somatic/progenitor genes on autosomes for repression. Paradoxically, SCML2 also prevents RNF2-dependent ubiquitination of H2A on sex chromosomes during meiosis, thereby enabling unique epigenetic programming of sex chromosomes for male reproduction. Our results reveal divergent mechanisms involving a shared regulator by which the male germline epigenome is distinguished from that of the soma and progenitor cells.

BackgroundThe male germline transcriptome changes dramatically during the mitosis-to-meiosis transition to activate late spermatogenesis genes and to transiently suppress genes commonly expressed in somatic lineages and spermatogenesis progenitor cells, termed somatic/progenitor genes.ResultsThese changes reflect epigenetic regulation. Induction of late spermatogenesis genes during spermatogenesis is facilitated by poised chromatin established in the stem cell phases of spermatogonia, whereas silencing of somatic/progenitor genes during meiosis and postmeiosis is associated with formation of bivalent domains which also allows the recovery of the somatic/progenitor program after fertilization. Importantly, during spermatogenesis mechanisms of epigenetic regulation on sex chromosomes are different from autosomes: X-linked somatic/progenitor genes are suppressed by meiotic sex chromosome inactivation without deposition of H3K27me3.ConclusionsOur results suggest that bivalent H3K27me3 and H3K4me2/3 domains are not limited to developmental promoters (which maintain bivalent domains that are silent throughout the reproductive cycle), but also underlie reversible silencing of somatic/progenitor genes during the mitosis-to-meiosis transition in late spermatogenesis.

It is currently widely accepted that the complexity of a species’ social life is a major determinant of its brain complexity, as predicted by the social brain hypothesis. However, it remains a challenge to explain what social complexity exactly is and what the best corresponding measures of brain anatomy are. Absolute and relative size of the brain and of the neocortex have often been used as a proxy to predict cognitive performance. Here, we apply the logic of the social brain hypothesis to marine cleaning mutualism involving the genus Labroides. These wrasses remove ectoparasites from ‘client’ reef fish. Conflict occurs as wrasse prefer client mucus over ectoparasites, where mucus feeding constitutes cheating. As a result of this conflict, cleaner wrasse show remarkable Machiavellian-like behaviour. Using own data as well as available data from the literature, we investigated whether the general brain anatomy of Labroides provides any indication that their Machiavellian behaviour is associated with a more complex brain. Neither data set provided evidence for an increased encephalisation index compared to other wrasse species. Published data on relative sizes of brain parts in 25 species of the order Perciformes suggests that only the diencephalon is relatively enlarged in Labroides dimidiatus. This part contains various nuclei of the social decision making network. In conclusion, gross brain anatomy yields little evidence for the hypothesis that strategic behaviour in cleaning selects for larger brains, while future research should focus on more detailed aspects like the sizes of specific nuclei as well as their cryoarchitectonic structure and connectivity.

The interactions between insect repellents and the olfactory system have been widely studied, however relatively little is known about the effects of repellents on the gustatory system of insects. In this study, we show that the gustatory receptor neuron (GRN) located in the medial styloconic sensilla on the maxillary palps of gypsy moth larvae, and known to be sensitive to feeding deterrents, also responds to the insect repellents DEET, IR3535, and picaridin. These repellents did not elicit responses in the lateral styloconic sensilla. Moreover, behavioral studies demonstrated that each repellent deterred feeding. This is the first study to show perception of insect repellents by the gustatory system of a lepidopteran larva and suggests that detection of a range of bitter or aversive compounds may be a broadly conserved feature among insects., Pub. in PLoS One, v9 n6, p1-7, Jun 2014.

Louise Kezerle, Leah Shalev, Leonid Barski Department of Internal Medicine F, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel Abstract: The prevalence of diabetes is rising in the >65 year-old group. The challenge of defining the goals of therapy arises from the heterogeneity of the aging process and the sparse clinical data in this patient population. In light of these challenges, the clinician should be aware of the pitfalls of caring for the older diabetic patient and prioritize an individualized treatment plan to ensure an optimal glycemic control, without placing the patient at unnecessary risk. We present a review of the current guidelines and literature that deal specifically with the treatment of the older diabetic patient in order to establish the principles of treatment in this age group and help the clinician make decisions regarding the care of these patients. Keywords: diabetes treatment, elderly, review

Recurrent iterated function systems (RIFSs) are improvements of iterated function systems (IFSs) using elements of the theory of Marcovian stochastic processes which can produce more natural looking images. We construct new RIFSs consisting substantially of a vertical contraction factor function and nonlinear transformations. These RIFSs are applied to image compression., Comment: 11 pages, presented at 2nd International Conference on Mathematics & Statistics, 16-19 June, 2008, Athens, Greece

We investigated the role of the two calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin D-28k (CB) in the locomotor activity and motor coordination using null-mutant mice for PV (PV−/−), CB (CB−/−) or both proteins (PV−/−CB−/−). These proteins are expressed in distinct, mainly non-overlapping populations of neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system and PV additionally in fast-twitch muscles. In a test measuring repeated locomotor activity during 18–20 days, the analysis revealed a slightly increased activity in mice lacking either protein, while the lack of both decreased the number of beams crossed during active periods. An increase in the characteristic speed during the first 8 days could be attributed to PV-deficiency, while the elimination of CB in CB−/− and double-KO mice decreased the percentage of fast movements at all time points. In the latter, additionally a reduction of the fastest speed was observed. The alterations in locomotor activity (fast movements, fastest speed) strongly correlate with the impairment in locomotor coordination in mice deficient for CB evidenced in the runway assay and the rotarod assay. The graded locomotor phenotype (CB > PV) is qualitatively correlated with alterations in Purkinje cell firing reported previously in these mice. The presence or absence of either protein did not affect the spontaneous locomotor activity when animals were placed in a novel environment and tested only once for 30 min. In summary, the lack of these calcium-binding proteins yields characteristic, yet distinct phenotypes with respect to locomotor activity and coordination.

Calbindin is a fast Ca2+-binding protein expressed by Purkinje cells and involved in their firing regulation. Its deletion produced approximately 160-Hz oscillation sustained by synchronous, rhythmic Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex of mice. Parvalbumin is a slow-onset Ca2+-binding protein expressed in Purkinje cells and interneurons. In order to assess its function in Purkinje cell firing regulation, we studied the firing behavior of Purkinje cells in alert mice lacking parvalbumin (PV-/-), calbindin (CB-/-) or both (PV-/- CB-/-) and in wild-type controls. The absence of either protein resulted in Purkinje cell firing alterations (decreased complex spike duration and pause, increased simple spike firing rate) that were more pronounced in CB-/- than in PV-/- mice. Cumulative effects were found in complex spike alterations in PV-/- CB-/- mice. PV-/- and CB-/- mice manifested approximately 160-Hz oscillation that was sustained by Purkinje cells firing rhythmically and synchronously along the parallel fiber axis. This oscillation was dependent on GABA(A), N-methyl-D-aspartate and gap junction transmission. PV-/- CB-/- mice exhibited a dual-frequency (110 and 240 Hz) oscillation. The instantaneous spectral densities of both components were inversely correlated. Simple and complex spikes of Purkinje cells were phase-locked to one of the two oscillation frequencies. Mono- and dual-frequency oscillations presented similar pharmacological properties. These results demonstrate that the absence of the Ca2+ buffers parvalbumin and calbindin disrupts the regulation of Purkinje cell firing rate and rhythmicity in vivo and suggest that precise Ca2+ transient control is required to maintain the normal spontaneous arrhythmic and asynchronous firing pattern of the Purkinje cells., Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, FLWIN, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Deep metro stations in Moscow have been constructed as three-vault pylon or column structures lined with prefabricated cast iron tubing. The three-vault stations comprise three parallel tunnels with an outer diameter of 9.5 m, linked by passages. The spans between pylons are covered from above and below by special wedge diaphragms composed of shaped tubing, the diaphragms making part of the lining of the side and central tunnels. The column stations are supported by steel columns and girders installed in pre-excavated closed side tunnels. Discussion is presented of the design and construction techniques for 12 deep stations., Deep metro stations in Moscow have been constructed as three-vault pylon or column structures lined with prefabricated cast iron tubing. The three-vault stations comprise three parallel tunnels with an outer diameter of 9.5 m, linked by passages. The spans between pylons are covered from above and below by special wedge diaphragms composed of shaped tubing, the diaphragms making part of the lining of the side and central tunnels. The column stations are supported by steel columns and girders installed in pre-excavated closed side tunnels. Discussion is presented of the design and construction techniques for 12 deep stations.

Employees who have had a traumatic life experience (TLE) and are returning to the workplace face a difficult road to recovery. The workplace as it exists today is not well equipped to handle such individuals. Managers and co-workers lack knowledge of a recovery framework to facilitate and support the survivor-employee's re-entry. This research addressed the development of a cost-free short-term adult educational intervention called Study Circles to assist both managers and co-workers in understanding the dynamics of recovery for individuals after a traumatic life experience (TLE). Herman's (1992) three stage recovery process is used as a model for the Study Circle intervention: (1) Establishing a safety net, (2) Telling the trauma story and (3) Reconnecting the individual back to the work community. As an educational intervention, this Study Circle is designed to complement any individual or psychotherapeutic intervention for TLE survivors. This research considered these questions: (1) How can Study Circles be designed and used to engage managers in a discussion of the problems of returning TLEs? (2) How can Study Circles be designed for and used by managers and co-workers to facilitate the TLEs re-entry? (3) Does a manager having previous experience with a TLE in the workplace engage more easily and intensively in a dialogue with a TLE than managers without such experience? (4) What examples of group-participation dynamics are likely to occur during such a Study Circle? (5) How open are managers to dialogue with a TLE in the workplace? (6) Does the environment and setting of a government agency have relevance for Study Circles in assisting managers to help returning TLEs? The research clearly showed that Study Circles can and do work successfully in the workplace especially in a government agency. Two groups of Study Circles (Group A and Group B), conducted during the lunch hour, attracted both managers and employees. The lunch hour served as an excellent time for

Contient une table des matières, Avec mode texte

Contient une table des matières, Avec mode texte

Vol. 8, No. 5; Teaneck edition; Weekly publication

Vol. 8, No. 3; Teaneck edition; Weekly publication