Search

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) ECG arrhythmia mapping provides arrhythmia source localization using 12‐lead ECG data; whether this information impacts procedural efficiency is unknown. We performed a retrospective, case‐control study to evaluate the hypothesis that AI ECG mapping may reduce time to ablation, procedural duration, and fluoroscopy. Materials and Methods: Cases in which system output was used were retrospectively enrolled according to IRB‐approved protocols at each site. Matched control cases were enrolled in reverse chronological order beginning on the last day for which the technology was unavailable. Controls were matched based upon physician, institution, arrhythmia, and a predetermined complexity rating. Procedural metrics, fluoroscopy data, and clinical outcomes were assessed from time‐stamped medical records. Results: The study group consisted of 28 patients (age 65 ± 11 years, 46% female, left atrial dimension 4.1 ± 0.9 cm, LVEF 50 ± 18%) and was similar to 28 controls. The most common arrhythmia types were atrial fibrillation (n = 10), premature ventricular complexes (n = 8), and ventricular tachycardia (n = 6). Use of the system was associated with a 19.0% reduction in time to ablation (133 ± 48 vs. 165 ± 49 min, p = 0.02), a 22.6% reduction in procedure duration (233 ± 51 vs. 301 ± 83 min, p < 0.001), and a 43.7% reduction in fluoroscopy (18.7 ± 13.3 vs.33.2 ± 18.0 min, p < 0.001) versus controls. At 6 months follow‐up, arrhythmia‐ free survival was 73.5% in the study group and 63.3% in the control group (p = 0.56). Conclusion: Use of forward‐solution AI ECG mapping is associated with reductions in time to first ablation, procedure duration, and fluoroscopy without an adverse impact on procedure outcomes or complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation projections in transient climate change scenarios have been extensively studied over multiple climate model generations. Although these simulations have also been used to make projections at specific Global Warming Levels (GWLs), dedicated simulations are more appropriate to study changes in a stabilizing climate. Here, we analyze precipitation projections in six multi‐century experiments with fixed atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, conducted with the UK Earth System Model and which span a range of GWLs between 1.5 and 5°C of warming. Regions are identified where the sign of precipitation trends in high‐emission transient projections is reversed in the stabilization experiments. For example, stabilization reverses a summertime precipitation decline across Europe. This precipitation recovery occurs concurrently with changes in the pattern of Atlantic sea surface temperature trends due to a slow recovery of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in the stabilization experiments, along with changes in humidity and atmospheric circulation. Plain Language Summary: Climate model projections consistently predict that summer precipitation over Europe is expected to decline in the future as global temperatures rise under continued global warming. In our study, we use new climate model simulations that simulate a world where atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases are no longer increasing and the rise in global temperatures has slowed down. We show that the summer rainfall decline across Europe can, to some extent, be reversed if global temperatures were to stabilize. This has important implications for adaptation and planning decisions, particularly in so‐called climate change "hot‐spots" such as the Mediterranean. Key Points: Climate stabilization experiments show significant differences in projected precipitation compared to high‐emission transient scenariosNorthern European and Mediterranean projected summer drying is partially reversedEuropean summer precipitation changes are consistent with the atmospheric response to Atlantic SST changes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ACSIS program involves a unique grouping that will advance an integrated understanding of Atlantic multidecadal variability, a key feature of Atlantic and global climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac pacing for vasovagal syncope (VVS) addresses the cardioinhibitory component of the reflex but cannot directly affect vasodepression, which occurs in every reflex even when hidden by dominant cardioinhibition. The randomized controlled trials of pacing in VVS have, after almost 2 decades, determined that a small number of patients can benefit because their vasodepressor component is not severe. Early studies compared pacing with no therapy yielding highly significant benefits. Subsequently, all study patients had implanted devices with half being switched off. No benefit was seen. The ISSUE-3 study found significant benefit (P < 0.039) in prevention of syncope recurrence in older patients. A sub-study later showed those with negative tilt tests, otherwise indistinguishable from tilt-positives, had 5% recurrence in 21 months (P < 0.004). There is acceptance that pacing must be dual chamber, but the question of how pacing is delivered remains open. Relying on falling heart rate is insufficient, probably because it occurs too late. Other algorithms which indirectly detect neuroendocrine changes earlier than heart rate fall may have useful application. In clinical terms, the patient to be considered for pacing should not be young and have severe symptoms. Ideally, tilt testing should be negative implying vasodepression of lesser severity and, therefore, yielding fewer syncope recurrences. When selecting pacing, additional concern must be given to regression to the mean of symptoms, severe to less severe. Patients seek help when they are at their worst. Moreover, many years of pacing are unlikely to be free of complications related to implanted hardware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study that used the Kr&aumltschmer-Huffman carbon-arc method of preparing fullerenes to generate carbon-coated transition metal (TM) and TM-carbide nanocrystallites. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusions.

Background:Patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) generally have advanced disease with poor survival and few therapeutic options. Cells within MPEs may be used to stratify patients for targeted therapy. Targeted therapy with poly(ADP ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) depends on identifying homologous recombination DNA repair (HRR)-defective cancer cells. We aimed to determine the feasibility of assaying HRR status in MPE cells.Methods:A total of 15 MPE samples were collected from consenting patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mesothelioma and ovarian and breast cancer. Primary cultures were confirmed as epithelial by pancytokeratin, and HRR status was determined by the detection of γH2AX and RAD51 foci following a 24-h exposure to rucaparib, by immunofluorescence microscopy. Massively parallel next-generation sequencing of DNA repair genes was performed on cultured MPE cells.Results:From 15 MPE samples, 13 cultures were successfully established, with HRR function successfully determined in 12 cultures. Four samples - three NSCLC and one mesothelioma - were HRR defective and eight samples - one NSCLC, one mesothelioma, one sarcomatoid, one breast and four ovarian cancers - were HRR functional. No mutations in DNA repair genes were associated with HRR status, but there was probable loss of heterozygosity of FANCG, RPA1 and PARP1.Conclusions:HRR function can be successfully detected in MPE cells demonstrating the potential to stratify patients for targeted therapy with PARPi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) generally have advanced disease with poor survival and few therapeutic options. Cells within MPEs may be used to stratify patients for targeted therapy. Targeted therapy with poly(ADP ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) depends on identifying homologous recombination DNA repair (HRR)-defective cancer cells. We aimed to determine the feasibility of assaying HRR status in MPE cells.Methods: A total of 15 MPE samples were collected from consenting patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mesothelioma and ovarian and breast cancer. Primary cultures were confirmed as epithelial by pancytokeratin, and HRR status was determined by the detection of γH2AX and RAD51 foci following a 24-h exposure to rucaparib, by immunofluorescence microscopy. Massively parallel next-generation sequencing of DNA repair genes was performed on cultured MPE cells.Results: From 15 MPE samples, 13 cultures were successfully established, with HRR function successfully determined in 12 cultures. Four samples - three NSCLC and one mesothelioma - were HRR defective and eight samples - one NSCLC, one mesothelioma, one sarcomatoid, one breast and four ovarian cancers - were HRR functional. No mutations in DNA repair genes were associated with HRR status, but there was probable loss of heterozygosity of FANCG, RPA1 and PARP1.Conclusions: HRR function can be successfully detected in MPE cells demonstrating the potential to stratify patients for targeted therapy with PARPi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current state-of-the-art climate models fail to capture accurately the path of the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current. This leads to a warm bias near the North American coast, where the modelled Gulf Stream separates from the coast further north, and a cold anomaly to the east of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, where the North Atlantic Current remains too zonal in this region. Using an atmosphere-only model forced with the sea surface temperature (SST) biases in the North Atlantic, we consider the impact they have on the mean state and the variability in the North Atlantic European region in winter. Our results show that the SST errors produce a mean sea-level pressure response that is similar in magnitude and pattern to the atmospheric circulation errors in the coupled climate model. The work also suggests that errors in the coupled model storm tracks and North Atlantic Oscillation, compared to reanalysis data, can also be explained partly by these SST errors. Our results suggest that both the error in the Gulf Stream separation location and the path of the North Atlantic Current around the Grand Banks play important roles in affecting the atmospheric circulation. Reducing these coupled model errors could improve significantly the representation of the large-scale atmospheric circulation of the North Atlantic and European region. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients commonly present with syncope at emergency departments and other facilities for urgent care. Syncope is understood by physicians to be a transient, self-terminating period of cerebral hypoperfusion that usually results from systemic hypotension, and clinical guidelines for the care of patients with presumed syncope are available. However, the diagnosis and management of such patients continue to pose important diagnostic, therapeutic, and economic challenges, which are the focus of this Review. First, we discuss how to improve symptom characterization to distinguish syncope from other forms of transient loss of consciousness and syncope mimics. Second, we compare methods of risk stratification in patients with suspected syncope, and recommend the introduction of syncope clinics with enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient care at reduced expense. Third, we highlight the importance of the appropriate selection of diagnostic tools and treatment strategies in these syncope clinics. Finally, we address the difficulties associated with therapy for the most-common form of syncope--vasovagal or reflex syncope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion of cultural purity is demonstrably a myth, as historical analysis of any cultural expression can reveal multiple origins and hybridities that inevitably result from human contact. Yet in Korea, as elsewhere, some cultural forms are recognized as ‘‘pure’’ and ‘‘authentic,’’ celebrated as invaluable assets, to be preserved from foreign mixture. Korean fusion music, a broad category of musical practices, mixing unambiguously Korean elements with foreign elements, is an important response to the unsettled cultural terrain of contemporary Korea. This article explores aspects of contemporary Korean cultural identity and its discourses in music, arguing that fusion music is an important site in the creative struggle for the future of ‘‘Korean music.’’ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at examples of cultural hybridity as seen in Indonesian Gamelan music which contains aspects of Western music. The use of instruments common to Western popular music in Gamelan is discussed, including guitar and violin. The author also considers genres prevalent within fusion music, predominantly jazz and ethnic popular music.

Abstract: Palmar flexion crease recognition is a palmprint identification method for verifying biometric identity. This paper proposes a method of automated flexion crease recognition that can be used to identify palmar flexion creases in online palmprint images. A modified image seams algorithm is used to extract the flexion creases, and a matching algorithm, based on kd-tree nearest neighbour searching, is used to calculate the similarity between them. Experimental results show that in 1000 images from 100 palms, when compared to manually identified flexion creases, a genuine acceptance rate of 100% can be achieved, with a false acceptance rate of 0.0045%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The activity of many oncogenic proteins depends on the molecular chaperone Hsp90. Recent studies indicate that tumorigenesis is associated with increased expression of chaperones, such as Hsp90. However, little is known about the isoform dependence and cochaperone contribution on tumor formation. Here we report the first systematic expression profiling for Hsp90α and Hsp90β, the cochaperones Aha1, Cdc37, p23, Tpr2, and the Hsp90 dependent transcription factor HSF1 in a set of different tumor tissue samples. We find that in 10 out of 17 human tumors the expression level of at least one Hsp90 or Hsp90 cochaperone protein is significantly elevated. However, individual tumors show unique patterns of expression. Furthermore, Hsp90α and Hsp90β expression levels are not related. Our results suggest that expression profiling of Hsp90α and Hsp90β and its cochaperone proteins may be useful for cancer diagnosis and prognosis as well as for tailoring of drugs that interfere with the Hsp90 system in a tumor specific manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a powerful statistical technique for making inferences about experiments that are influenced by multiple factors. Whilst common in many other scientific fields, its use within the climate community has been limited to date. Here we review the basis for ANOVA and how, in particular, it can be applied to partition the variance in a multi-model ensemble of Atmospheric General Circulation Model simulations. We examine an ensemble of four AGCMs forced with observed twentieth century sea surface temperatures (SST). We show that the dominant contributions to the total variance of seasonal mean sea level pressure arise from between-model differences (the bias term) and internal noise (the noise term). However, which term is most important varies from region to region. Of particular interest is the interaction term, which describes differences between the models in their responses to common SST forcing. The interaction term is found to be largest over the Indian Ocean (in all seasons), and over the subtropical Northwest Pacific in boreal summer. The differences between the model responses in these regions suggest differences in their simulation of atmospheric teleconnections, with potentially important implications, e.g. for seasonal predictions of the South and East Asian Monsoons. Examination of these differences may lead to an understanding of the reasons why models respond differently to common forcing, and ultimately to improvements in the performance of climate models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general saddlepoint/Monte Carlo method to approximate (conditional) multivariate probabilities is presented. This method requires a tractable joint moment generating function (m.g.f.), but does not require a tractable distribution or density. The method is easy to program and has a third-order accuracy with respect to increasing sample size in contrast to standard asymptotic approximations which are typically only accurate to the first order. The method is most easily described in the context of a continuous regular exponential family. Here, inferences can be formulated as probabilities with respect to the joint density of the sufficient statistics or the conditional density of some sufficient statistics given the others. Analytical expressions for these densities are not generally available, and it is often not possible to simulate exactly from the conditional distributions to obtain a direct Monte Carlo approximation of the required integral. A solution to the first of these problems is to replace the intractable density by a highly accurate saddlepoint approximation. The second problem can be addressed via importance sampling, that is, an indirect Monte Carlo approximation involving simulation from a crude approximation to the true density. Asymptotic normality of the sufficient statistics suggests an obvious candidate for an importance distribution. The more general problem considers the computation of a joint probability for a subvector of random T, given its complementary subvector, when its distribution is intractable, but its joint m.g.f. is computable. For such settings, the distribution may be tilted, maintaining T as the sufficient statistic. Within this tilted family, the computation of such multivariate probabilities proceeds as described for the exponential family setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrostatic weighing and chemical dilution are well accepted methods for measuring body composition. Recently, Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) has become the preferred method. The two compartment algorithms used by these methods assume a fixed constant for lean body tissue. This constant has long been suspect of variations due to many reasons such as ethnic or racial differences, age, health, etc. Variations in muscle mass, however, are factors that affect every single subject. The study presented here includes muscle mass as one compartment of a three compartment body composition model. Each compartment is modeled as a function of body water measurements with hydrometric constants as parameters. A muscle mass algorithm is hypothesized and tested to support the authors' contention that muscle mass can be approximated by making body water measurements. It is demonstrated that, when muscle mass becomes a factor, the traditional two compartment models can overstate body fat ratios by as much as four percent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an integrated approach to the design of an obstacle avoidance system for autonomous underwater vehicles. A type of incremental stochastic algorithm known as rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) is merged with a manoeuvre automaton (MA) representation to form the motion planner. The improved planner is not only capable of taking into account the dynamics of the system, but it also allows complex non-linear manoeuvres to be performed. In addition, it is highly computationally efficient. This paper also extends it to take into account dynamic targets. The output trajectory from the planner is then tracked using a kinematic based state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) controller. In other words, by omitting the requirement of a dynamic model of the system, one can extend the application to a more encompassing types of vehicle whilst reducing the number of tuning parameters. Detailed simulation studies are conducted using a non-linear AUTOSUB model to investigate the feasibility of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with the identification of linear discrete-time multivariable models of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The observer Kalman filter identification (OKID) method is applied with the main objective of evaluating its effectiveness to the experimental identification of the dynamic behaviour of an AUV. After presenting the mathematical background of the OKID algorithm, the proposed method is first validated on the basis of simulated data of both the linearized and nonlinear yaw dynamics of an AUV. Subsequently, the identification algorithm is applied to a set of experimental data. Results suggest that the method can be an efficient tool for the experimental identification of AUV dynamics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A metal matrix composite with a matrix composition of Al–3·8Cu–1Mg–0·75Si–0·5Sn was fabricated by sintering a particulate ceramic reinforcement with elemental metal powders. The sintering characteristics were examined as a function of reinforcement volume fraction, particle size and particle size ratio. At high volume fractions of reinforcement, densification ceased completely and the compacts expanded during sintering. Coarse reinforcement particles, not large particle size ratios, maximised the sintering response. Clustering of the ceramic was studied using Dirichelet tessellations of sintered microstructures. While clustering is evident in the sintered microstructures, it does not correlate to sintered density through the particle size ratio because the ceramic particles appear to rearrange in the presence of a large volume of sintering liquid. The effect of particle size is not due to clustering but maybe due to ceramic particle surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arrestins play a fundamental role in the regulation and signal transduction of G protein-coupled receptors. Here we describe the crystal structure of cone arrestin at 2.3Å resolution. The overall structure of cone visual arrestin is similar to the crystal structures of rod visual and the non-visual arrestin-2, consisting of two domains, each containing ten β-sheets. However, at the tertiary structure level, there are two major differences, in particular on the concave surfaces of the two domains implicated in receptor binding and in the loop between β-strands I and II. Functional analysis shows that cone arrestin, in sharp contrast to its rod counterpart, bound cone pigments and non-visual receptors. Conversely, non-visual arrestin-2 bound cone pigments, suggesting that it may also regulate phototransduction and/or photopigment trafficking in cone photoreceptors. These findings indicate that cone arrestin displays structural and functional features intermediate between the specialized rod arrestin and the non-visual arrestins, which have broad receptor specificity. A unique functional feature of cone arrestin was the low affinity for its cognate receptor, resulting in an unusually rapid dissociation of the complex. Transient arrestin binding to the photopigment in cones may be responsible for the extremely rapid regeneration and reuse of the photopigment that is essential for cone function at high levels of illumination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on surgical risk score, Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) and Portsmouth predictors POSSUM (p-POSSUM) in higher-risk surgical patients. Risk-adjusted surgical audit; Absence of surgeon-related bias.

Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) research and development is on the verge of reaching maturity yet applications are very few. The cost associated with an AUV development particularly of the onboard sensors, power requirements and underwater testing have imposed a significant constraint on its development. Numerous ideas regarding underwater vehicle control have been proposed in the literature however the lack of test equipment confines one to simulations only. The aim of this paper is to introduce fresh results on the application of a genetic algorithm based model predictive controller (GA-MPC) to an actual AUV. These results are significant since to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known application of an online GA operating in an underwater vehicle in real time. The current hardware and software configuration of the vehicle is also elucidated. The broader aim of the research is to produce a low cost AUV facility to be exploited by other underwater research groups within the UK. The results mainly consists of line of sight (LOS) tracking missions using the GA-MPC autopilot with and without an umbilical. It is demonstrated that the controller performs remarkably well in a real time environment despite the existence of disturbances and ever present modelling uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the implementation of an intelligent navigation system, based on the integrated use of the global positioning system (GPS) and several inertial navigation system (INS) sensors, for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) applications. A simple Kalman filter (SKF) and an extended Kalman filter (EKF) are proposed to be used subsequently to fuse the data from the INS sensors and to integrate them with the GPS data. The paper highlights the use of fuzzy logic techniques to the adaptation of the initial statistical assumption of both the SKF and EKF caused by possible changes in sensor noise characteristics. This adaptive mechanism is considered to be necessary as the SKF and EKF can only maintain their stability and performance when the algorithms contain the true sensor noise characteristics. In addition, fault detection and signal recovery algorithms during the fusion process to enhance the reliability of the navigation systems are also discussed herein. The proposed algorithms are implemented to real experimental data obtained from a series of AUV trials conducted by running the low-cost Hammerhead AUV, developed by the University of Plymouth and Cranfield University. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evaluates the outcome of major resection for chronic pancreatitis in patients with or without vascular involvement. Evidence showing that resection for severe chronic pancreatitis in patients with vascular complications is hazardous and is associated with an increased mortality rate; Need for vascular assessment to be included in the routine follow-up of patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Background: Pancreatic fistula remains a significant problem in pancreatic disease, trauma and surgery. Whilst improved diagnostic and treatment techniques, including endoscopic approaches, have resulted in considerably improved outcomes, surgical intervention remains an important aspect of treatment but has been relatively poorly documented. Aims: The aims were to review the recent world literature on the relative incidence of pancreatic fistula and the results of surgical treatment. Results: The pancreatic fistula rate following partial pancreato-duodenectomy was 421 (12.9%) in 3,268 patients in 13 large series; 80 (13.0%) in 671 patients after left pancreatectomy in 6 large series, and 28 (11.9%) in 243 patients after pancreatic trauma in 4 recent series. The success rate of surgical procedures for external pancreatic fistulae was 101 (90.2%) in 112 patients with an overall mortality of 7 (6.3%) reported in 9 series. For internal pancreatic fistulae the success rate of surgical treatment was 61 (92%) in 66 patients with an overall mortality of 6 (9%) reported in 7 series. Conclusions: The treatment of established pancreatic fistula remains challenging. Although surgical treatment is reserved for patients who have failed all other treatments, the success rate is 90-92% but with a mortality of 6-9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predictability of winter climate over the North Atlantic­European (NAE) region during ENSO events is investigated. Rather than employing traditional composite analyses, the authors focus on the impacts of six individual events: three El Niño events and three La Niña events. The investigation is based on the analysis of ensemble simulations with an atmospheric GCM forced with prescribed sea surface temperatures (SST) for the period December 1985­May 2001, and on observations. Model experiments are used to separate the respective roles of SST anomalies in the Indo-Pacific basin and in the Atlantic basin. A significant (potentially predictable) climate signal is found in the NAE region for all six ENSO events. However, there are notable differences in the impacts of individual El Niño and La Niña events. These differences arise not simply from atmospheric internal variability but also because the atmosphere is sensitive to specific features of the SST anomaly fields that characterize the individual events. The different impacts arise partly from differences in Indo-Pacific SST and partly from differences in Atlantic SST. SST anomalies in both ocean basins can influence tropical convection and excite a Rossby wave response over the North Atlantic. The evidence presented here for the importance of Atlantic Ocean conditions argues that, in the development of systems for seasonal forecasting, attention should not be focused too narrowly on the tropical Pacific Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melanoma differentiation associated gene-7 (mda-7) cDNA was isolated by virtue of being induced during melanoma differentiation. Initial gene transfer studies convincingly demonstrated potent antitumor effects of mda-7. Further studies showed that the mechanism of antitumor activity was due to induction of apoptosis. Most striking was the tumor-selective killing by mda-7 gene transfer—normal cells were unaffected by Adenoviral delivery of mda-7 (Ad-mda7). A variety of molecules implicated in apoptosis and intracellular signaling are regulated by Ad-mda7 transduction. Different apoptosis effector proteins are regulated in different tumor types, suggesting that Ad-mda7 may regulate various signaling pathways. mda-7 encodes a secreted protein, MDA-7, which has now been designated as IL-24, and is a novel member of the IL-10 cytokine family. MDA-7/IL-24 protein is actively secreted from cells after mda-7 gene transfer. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), STAT3 activation by MDA-7/IL-24 is followed by elaboration of secondary Th1 cytokines, demonstrating that MDA-7/IL-24 is a pro-Th1 cytokine. Furthermore, MDA-7/IL-24 is antagonized by the prototypic Th2 cytokine IL-10. MDA-7/IL-24 protein is endogenously expressed in cultured NK and B-cells and is also expressed in dendritic cells in tissues. MDA-7/IL-24 protein is expressed in nevi and melanoma primary tumors, to varying degrees, but is rarely expressed in malignant melanoma or other human tumors evaluated. Indeed, loss of MDA-7/IL-24 protein expression correlates strongly with melanoma tumor invasion and disease progression. The “bystander” effects proposed for MDA-7/IL-24 protein include immune stimulation, antiangiogenesis and receptor-mediated cytotoxicity. Thus, mda-7 is a unique multifunctional cytokine in the IL-10 family and may have potent antitumor utility in a clinical setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the interaction of performing arts and the social forces underlying social struggles and crises in Indonesia. Emergence of live performances and televised music videos; Theme of Reformasi; Censorship; Contemporary theater: Freedom of expression of ideas and representation of alternative ideologies.

The paper presents a historical perspective of the development and use of the so-called intelligent paradigms of fuzzy logic and/or neural networks in ship autopilot designs. After a brief review of the development of the first PID autopilots, the paper describes how early work using fuzzy logic techniques to describe and model the actions of helmsmen led to the development of the first fuzzy autopilots and how parallel advances in self-organising and adaptive network fuzzy inference systems were utilised to refine the early fuzzy autopilot designs. The use of artificial neural networks in adaptive and model reference approaches is also highlighted as is their use in optimising the parameters of neurofuzzy designs. The paper concludes with some observations on stability issues and suggestions for future developments in intelligent ship autopilots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Comparative surgical audit is becoming increasingly important although it is fraught with difficulties due to risk-adjusted analysis. Methods have been proposed to solve this problem and allow meaningful comparison of patient outcome. None has been described without faults, making such comparison flawed or overtly complicated. An alternative risk scoring system incorporating the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Deaths (CEPOD) grade, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade and the British United Provident Association (BUPA) operative grade was formulated and assessed. Methods: This was a prospective audit of 4308 patients admitted under the care of three surgeons between May 1997 and October 1999, creating an initial data set of 3144 procedures with 134 deaths. Each procedure was allocated a score on the basis of the CEPOD, BUPA and ASA grade. The Surgical Risk Scale (SRS) was devised by adding together the values of the three variables, which generated a scale ranging from 3 to 14. Multivariate logistic regression analysis involving the three variables and univariate analysis of the SRS score were undertaken. Receiver–operator characteristic and calibration curves were formulated. This process was validated on another data set (2780 patients) derived from all admissions to the same surgeons between November 1999 and December 2000. Results: Univariate logistic analysis of the SRS score revealed it to be significantly predictive of death (β = 0·84, P < 0·001); it did not overpredict mortality for low-risk procedures. Conclusion: The SRS is easy to use, formulate and interpret, and provides an accurate prediction of death in general surgical patients across the entire risk spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current ICD-O classification of carcinomas of the oesophagus and stomach causes epidemiological and clinical confusion. This study compares the epidemiological and clinical features of each subtype and subsite of adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus and stomach, to assess requirements for a new classification of these carcinomas. Data were extracted with appropriate validity checks on all cases of oesophageal and gastric carcinomas identified throughout the period 1974-1993 by the Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Registry, which covers a population of 2.5 million. The incidence of adenocarcinomas of the lower oesophagus and cardia trebled in males, and doubled in females, whereas adenocarcinoma of the subcardia region of the stomach declined in both sexes. Adenocarcinomas of the lower oesophagus and of the cardia were similar for median age at diagnosis, male to female ratio, percentage of patients who smoked and survival; both were significantly different from carcinomas of the subcardia in these respects. These data imply that adenocarcinomas of the lower oesophagus and cardia are the same disease. A new subsite classification of oesophageal and gastric carcinomas is proposed that includes the gastro-oesophageal junction as a distinct subsite, to facilitate surveillance, management and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined the X-ray crystal structure at 2.4 angstrom resolution of a core synaptic fusion complex containing syntaxin-1A, synaptobrevin-II and SNAP-25B. Structure determination; Surface structure of the synaptic fusion complex; Mechanistic implications for fusion.

Examines the relevance of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor (SNARE), reclassied as Q- and R-SNAREs, for membrane fusion. Research methodology; Results and discussion.

Examines the implications of the kestrel structure of the cytosolic C2A-CSB domains of phospholipid-binding proteins called synaptotagmin III for CA+2- independent SNARE complex interaction. Binding of the C2A domain to the phospholipid membrane; Synaptotagmin's linking of two independent C2 domains.

Describes the three-dimensional structure of the C2 domains of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I. Biological functions of synaptotagmin I; Description of the protein conformation of the C2 domain.

Oral examinations were performed on 102 patients receiving immunosuppressive drug therapy following renal transplantation. A further 111 control patients matched for age and sex, were also examined. The severity of dental caries of the 2 groups was compared by considering their decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMF-T), and the severity of periodontal disease was compared in terms of pocket depths, Plaque, Calculus and Sulcular Bleeding Indices, and Russell's Periodontal Index. When comparing the 2 groups, note was made of restorations involving the gingival margins, the presence of partial dentures and recent and current antibiotic therapy. No significant differences were found between the groups with regard to age, sex distribution, plaque levels, DMF and Russell's Periodontal Index. The immunosuppressed group had significantly less calculus, fewer restorations involving the gingival margins and significantly lower mean pocket depth. However, they did have more gingival recession than the controls and also a higher Sulcus Bleeding Index. All differences seen were maintained even when patients from both groups on antibiotics were eliminated from the analysis. Within the immunosuppressed group no relationship was found between the length of time the drugs were taken and the periodontal variables. The study indicates that patients on immunosuppressive therapy show no change in susceptibility to destructive periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the Javanese gamelam music in Indonesia. Significance of humor; Similarity to humor in social interactions; Absence of humor in the ethnomusicological and anthropological discussions.

Autoantibodies were looked for by immunofiuorescence (IFL) in seventy-seven cases of infectious mononucleosis (IM) at the onset of symptoms and on recovery, to determine the time of appearance, duration and range of these responses, and to correlate them with serum immunoglobulin and EB virus antibody titres. Antibodies to lymphocyte membrane demonstrated by IFL, now identified with lymphocytotoxins, were present in 46% of patients in the acute stage, persisting for less than 7 weeks. Antibodies to smooth muscle (SMA) or to contractile fibres in other tissue cells including human thyroid and rat hepatocytes, were present in over 70% of cases, some being entirely of IgM class. The highest titres occurred soon after onset and these antibodies also disappeared during convalescence. By contrast ANA, mitochondrial, microsomal and reticulin antibodies, also thyroid and gastric organ-specific reactivity were seen only occasionally owing to the young age group of the patients. In individual cases there was no correlation between the appearance of lymphocyte antibodies and SMA, or between these and the EB virus antibody titres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the role of sound technology in contemporary Javanese music. Use of microphones and other sound equipment in javanese music; Difference of Javanese soundscape from others; Use of electronic distortion in Javanese music; Relationship between Javanese culture and use of sound technology; Textual embellishment and distortion.

Studies the structural requirements for biological activity through the design, synthesis of constrained gonadotropin releasing hormone. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies; Computational analysis.

Ferlins are complex, multi-domain proteins, involved in membrane trafficking, membrane repair, and exocytosis. The large size of ferlin proteins and the lack of consensus regarding domain boundaries have slowed progress in understanding molecular-level details of ferlin protein structure and function. However, in silico protein folding techniques have significantly enhanced our understanding of the complex ferlin family domain structure. We used RoseTTAFold to assemble full-length models for the six human ferlin proteins (dysferlin, myoferlin, otoferlin, Fer1L4, Fer1L5, and Fer1L6). Our full-length ferlin models were used to obtain objective domain boundaries, and these boundaries were supported by AlphaFold2 predictions. Despite the differences in amino acid sequence between the ferlin proteins, the domain ranges and distinct subdomains in the ferlin domains are remarkably consistent. Further, the RoseTTAFold/AlphaFold2 in silico boundary predictions allowed us to describe and characterize a previously unknown C2 domain, ubiquitous in all human ferlins, which we refer to as C2-FerA. At present, the ferlin domain-domain interactions implied by the full-length in silico models are predicted to have a low accuracy; however, the use of RoseTTAFold and AlphaFold2 as a domain finder has proven to be a powerful research tool for understanding ferlin structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibodies to EB virus capsid, EB virus complement-fixing antibodies and IgM, IgA and IgG immunoglobulins were estimated in sera from seventy-four patients with infectious mononucleosis, eighty-nine control patients (mostly with infectious diseases) and 232 healthy medical students and nurses. Complement fixing (but not virus capsid) antibodies were much lower in patients tested during active infectious mononucleosis than in patients tested during late convalescence or in controls, a disparity which could form the basis of a diagnostic test. Immunoglobulin levels were higher in patients with active infectious mononucleosis than in controls and, when tested 6 months to 2 yr later, were still higher than those in healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Improving minimal residual disease detection in precursor B-ALL based on immunoglobulin-k and heavy-chain gene rearrangements" published online on May 22, 2008 is presented.

This article discusses cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and symptomatic eosinophilia in children. In these cases, the patients received chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants, with the eosinophilia coming from the donor marrow. These cases are described as a rare and aggressive variation in eosinophilia, and regular polymerase chain reaction testing of minimal residual disease (MRD) is recommended for these patients.

Summary: The principles of environmentally sustainable healthcare as applied to anaesthesia and peri‐operative care are well documented. Associated recommendations focus on generic principles that can be applied to all areas of practice. These include reducing the use of inhalational anaesthetic agents and carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of modern peri‐operative care. However, four areas of practice have specific patient, surgical and anaesthetic factors that present barriers to the implementation of some of these principles, namely: neuroanaesthesia; obstetric; paediatric; and cardiac anaesthesia. This narrative review describes these factors and synthesises the available evidence to highlight areas of sustainable practice clinicians can address today, as well as posing several unanswered questions for the future. In neuroanaesthesia, improvements can be made by undertaking awake surgery, moving towards more reusables and embracing telemedicine in quaternary services. Obstetric anaesthesia continues to present questions regarding how services can move away from nitrous oxide use or limit its release to the environment. The focus for paediatric anaesthesia is addressing the barriers to total intravenous and regional anaesthesia. For cardiac anaesthesia, a significant emphasis is determining how to focus the substantial resources required on those who will benefit from cardiac interventions, rather than universal implementation. Whilst the landscape of evidence‐based sustainable practice is evolving, there remains an urgent need for further original evidence in healthcare sustainability targeting these four clinical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Splashed white in horses is characterized by extensive white patterning on the legs, face and abdomen and may be accompanied by deafness. To date, seven variants in microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) and two variants in Paired Box 3 (PAX3) have been identified to explain this phenotype. A splashed white Thoroughbred stallion, whose sire and dam were not patterned, was hypothesized to have a de novo variant leading to his white coat pattern. A whole‐genome sequencing candidate gene approach identified two single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in SOX10, four SNVs in MITF and a 2.3 kb deletion in MITF with the alternative allele present in this stallion but absent in the other 18 horses analyzed. All six SNVs were annotated as modifiers and were not further considered. The deletion in MITF (NC_009159.3:g.21555811_21558139delinsAAAT) encompasses exon 9 encoding a part of the helix–loop–helix domain required for DNA binding. Sanger sequencing and parentage testing confirmed that this deletion was a de novo mutation of maternal origin. Consistent with the published nomenclature, we denote this likely causal variant as SW8. Genotyping three of this stallion's offspring identified SW8 only in the nearly all‐white foal that was confirmed deaf by brainstem auditory evoked response testing. This foal was also a compound heterozygote for dominant white variants (W20/W22), but to date, W variants alone have not been connected to deafness. SW8 marks the fourth de novo MITF variant in horses reported to cause white patterning. The link between deafness and all MITF variants with and without other variants impacting melanocyte development and function needs to be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]