We discuss a fundamentally new approach for the measurement of electric (E) fields that will lead to the development of a broadband, direct SI-traceable, compact, self-calibrating E-field probe ...(sensor). This approach is based on the interaction of radio frequency (RF) fields with alkali atoms excited to Rydberg states. The RF field causes an energy splitting of the Rydberg states via the Autler-Townes effect and we detect the splitting via electromagnetically induced transparency. In effect, alkali atoms placed in a vapor cell act like an RF-to-optical transducer, converting an RF E-field strength measurement to an optical frequency measurement. We demonstrate the broadband nature of this approach by showing that one small vapor cell can be used to measure E-field strengths over a wide range of frequencies: 1 GHz to 500 GHz. The technique is validated by comparing experimental data to both numerical simulations and far-field calculations for various frequencies. We also discuss various applications, including: a direct traceable measurement, the ability to measure both weak and strong field strengths, compact form factors of the probe, and sub-wavelength imaging and field mapping.
Similarities between speech and birdsong make songbirds advantageous for investigating the neurogenetics of learned vocal communication—a complex phenotype probably supported by ensembles of ...interacting genes in cortico-basal ganglia pathways of both species. To date, only FoxP2 has been identified as critical to both speech and birdsong. We performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis on microarray data from singing zebra finches to discover gene ensembles regulated during vocal behavior. We found ∼2,000 singing-regulated genes comprising three coexpression groups unique to area X, the basal ganglia subregion dedicated to learned vocalizations. These contained known targets of human FOXP2 and potential avian targets. We validated biological pathways not previously implicated in vocalization. Higher-order gene coexpression patterns, rather than expression levels, molecularly distinguish area X from the ventral striato-pallidum during singing. The previously unknown structure of singing-driven networks enables prioritization of molecular interactors that probably bear on human motor disorders, especially those affecting speech.
► Singing-driven coexpression modules contain ∼2,000 genes in songbird nucleus area X ► High-order relationships of genes in these modules confer vocal-motor specificity ► Speech-related gene FoxP2 and its transcriptional targets in singing-driven modules ► Biological validation of previously unknown pathways underlying vocal behavior
Hilliard et al. use weighted gene coexpression network analysis to identify distinct ensembles of genes that are coactivated in a basal ganglia subregion underlying songbird singing behavior. Together with the anatomic and synaptic microcircuitry, this “molecular microcircuitry” functionally specifies the brain.
Purpose
To provide an overview of the types of adverse events reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for magnetic resonance (MR) systems over a 10‐yr period.
Methods
Two reviewers ...independently reviewed adverse events reported to FDA for MR systems from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017 and manually categorized events into eight event types. Thermal events were further subcategorized by probable cause. Objects that became projectiles were also categorized.
Results
FDA received 1568 adverse event reports for MR systems between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017. This analysis included 1548 reports. Thermal events were the most commonly reported serious injury (59% of analyzed reports). Mechanical events — defined as slips, falls, crush injuries, broken bones, and cuts; musculoskeletal injuries from lifting or movement of the device — (11%), projectile events (9%), and acoustic events (6%) were also observed.
Conclusions
Adverse events related to MR systems consistent with the known hazards of the MR environment continue to be reported to FDA. Increased awareness of the types of adverse events occurring for MR imaging systems is important for prevention.
To understand the meaning of regular participation in multiple types of vigorous-intensity exercise for those with Parkinson's disease (PD).
Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, in-depth ...individual interviews were conducted with eight male participants who engaged in at least two modes of vigorous-intensity exercise, including Rock Steady Boxing, about their experiences with exercise and the multifaceted role it played in their lives. Interview data were analyzed using systematic coding and organized into primary themes.
Three primary themes emerged from the interview data: (1) the unique importance of social connections with others diagnosed with PD, (2) a sense of purpose, and (3) determination and confidence. Specifically, for those with a minimal history of engagement in exercise, regular participation in multiple types of vigorous-intensity exercise accompanied life-affirming social connections that served to boost feelings of hope and foster a clear sense of purpose in the face of disease. Participation in regular vigorous-intensity exercise fueled determination and confidence to engage in even more vigorous activities.
Implications for rehabilitation practice include the importance of collaboration between health care professionals and community programs for people with PD. Promotion of group-based community activities, vigorous-intensity modes of exercise, and consideration of a patient's exercise history will be essential for the successful delivery of future services.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Social connections built through Rock Steady Boxing, a group exercise program, served as a catalyst for increasing hope, sense of purpose and motivation for people with Parkinson's disease;
Vigorous-intensity exercise at Rock Steady Boxing fueled determination and confidence to engage in additional vigorous exercise regimens;
Collaboration between health care providers and community partners is essential for long-term service provision for individuals with disability;
Exercise history should be considered when making recommendations for physical activity.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is the most prevalent esophageal cancer type in the United States. The TNF-α/mTOR pathway is known to mediate the development of EAC. Additionally, aberrant activation ...of Gli1, downstream effector of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway, has been observed in EAC. In this study, we found that an activated mTOR/S6K1 pathway promotes Gli1 transcriptional activity and oncogenic function through S6K1-mediated Gli1 phosphorylation at Ser84, which releases Gli1 from its endogenous inhibitor, SuFu. Moreover, elimination of S6K1 activation by an mTOR pathway inhibitor enhances the killing effects of the HH pathway inhibitor. Together, our results established a crosstalk between the mTOR/S6K1 and HH pathways, which provides a mechanism for SMO-independent Gli1 activation and also a rationale for combination therapy for EAC.
► mTOR/S6K1 activates Gli1 in a SMO-independent manner ► Activated S6K1 phosphorylates Gli1 at Ser 84 and promotes Gli1 function ► S6K1-mediated Gli1 activation links the mTOR and HH pathways ► Combination therapy targeting mTOR/HH pathways may provide benefit for EAC therapy
Cross-species disease transmission between wildlife, domestic animals and humans is an increasing threat to public and veterinary health. Wild pigs are increasingly a potential veterinary and public ...health threat. Here we investigate 84 pathogens and the host species most at risk for transmission with wild pigs using a network approach. We assess the risk to agricultural and human health by evaluating the status of these pathogens and the co-occurrence of wild pigs, agriculture and humans. We identified 34 (87%) OIE listed swine pathogens that cause clinical disease in livestock, poultry, wildlife, and humans. On average 73% of bacterial, 39% of viral, and 63% of parasitic pathogens caused clinical disease in other species. Non-porcine livestock in the family Bovidae shared the most pathogens with swine (82%). Only 49% of currently listed OIE domestic swine diseases had published wild pig surveillance studies. The co-occurrence of wild pigs and farms increased annually at a rate of 1.2% with as much as 57% of all farms and 77% of all agricultural animals co-occurring with wild pigs. The increasing co-occurrence of wild pigs with livestock and humans along with the large number of pathogens shared is a growing risk for cross-species transmission.
Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death associated with inflammation, neurodegeneration, and ischemia. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) has been reported to prevent ferroptosis, but the mechanism ...by which this occurs is controversial. To elucidate the biochemical mechanism of vitamin E activity, we systematically investigated the effects of its major vitamers and metabolites on lipid oxidation and ferroptosis in a striatal cell model. We found that a specific endogenous metabolite of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol hydroquinone, was a dramatically more potent inhibitor of ferroptosis than its parent compound, and inhibits 15-lipoxygenase via reduction of the enzyme's non-heme iron from its active Fe3+ state to an inactive Fe2+ state. Furthermore, a non-metabolizable isosteric analog of vitamin E which retains antioxidant activity neither inhibited 15-lipoxygenase nor prevented ferroptosis. These results call into question the prevailing model that vitamin E acts predominantly as a non-specific lipophilic antioxidant. We propose that, similar to the other lipophilic vitamins A, D and K, vitamin E is instead a pro-vitamin, with its quinone/hydroquinone metabolites responsible for its anti-ferroptotic cytoprotective activity.
Unprotected sexual intercourse between persons residing in or traveling from regions with Zika virus transmission is a risk factor for infection. To model risk for infection after sexual intercourse, ...we inoculated rhesus and cynomolgus macaques with Zika virus by intravaginal or intrarectal routes. In macaques inoculated intravaginally, we detected viremia and virus RNA in 50% of macaques, followed by seroconversion. In macaques inoculated intrarectally, we detected viremia, virus RNA, or both, in 100% of both species, followed by seroconversion. The magnitude and duration of infectious virus in the blood of macaques suggest humans infected with Zika virus through sexual transmission will likely generate viremias sufficient to infect competent mosquito vectors. Our results indicate that transmission of Zika virus by sexual intercourse might serve as a virus maintenance mechanism in the absence of mosquito-to-human transmission and could increase the probability of establishment and spread of Zika virus in regions where this virus is not present.
PDF
