[London?], [between 1700 and 1799?]

The next seminar in the 2017–18 History of Pre-Modern Medicine seminar series takes place on Tuesday 7 November. Speaker: Dr Michael Brown (University of Roehampton), ‘Anxiety and compassion: emotions and the surgical encounter in early 19th-century Britain’ The historical study of the… Continue reading

A free manuscripts workshop for PhD students at Wellcome Collection, 01 June 2018 Engaging with an artefact from the past is often a powerful experience, eliciting emotional and sensory, as well as analytical, responses. Researchers in the library at Wellcome… Continue reading

Gaoxiang Jia, Xinlei Wang, Qiwei Li, Wei Lu, Ximing Tang, Ignacio Wistuba, Yang Xie.

Source: The Annals of Applied Statistics, Volume 13, Number 3, 1617--1647.

Abstract:
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples have great potential for biomarker discovery, retrospective studies and diagnosis or prognosis of diseases. Their application, however, is hindered by the unsatisfactory performance of traditional gene expression profiling techniques on damaged RNAs. NanoString nCounter platform is well suited for profiling of FFPE samples and measures gene expression with high sensitivity which may greatly facilitate realization of scientific and clinical values of FFPE samples. However, methodological development for normalization, a critical step when analyzing this type of data, is far behind. Existing methods designed for the platform use information from different types of internal controls separately and rely on an overly-simplified assumption that expression of housekeeping genes is constant across samples for global scaling. Thus, these methods are not optimized for the nCounter system, not mentioning that they were not developed for FFPE samples. We construct an integrated system of random-coefficient hierarchical regression models to capture main patterns and characteristics observed from NanoString data of FFPE samples and develop a Bayesian approach to estimate parameters and normalize gene expression across samples. Our method, labeled RCRnorm, incorporates information from all aspects of the experimental design and simultaneously removes biases from various sources. It eliminates the unrealistic assumption on housekeeping genes and offers great interpretability. Furthermore, it is applicable to freshly frozen or like samples that can be generally viewed as a reduced case of FFPE samples. Simulation and applications showed the superior performance of RCRnorm.

Adaptive coding of stimuli is well documented in perception, where it supports efficient encoding over a broad range of possible percepts. Recently, a similar neural mechanism has been reported also in value-based decision, where it allows optimal encoding of vast ranges of values in PFC: neuronal response to value depends on the choice context (relative coding), rather than being invariant across contexts (absolute coding). Additionally, value learning is sensitive to the amount of feedback information: providing complete feedback (both obtained and forgone outcomes) instead of partial feedback (only obtained outcome) improves learning. However, it is unclear whether relative coding occurs in all PFC regions and how it is affected by feedback information. We systematically investigated univariate and multivariate feedback encoding in various mPFC regions and compared three modes of neural coding: absolute, partially-adaptive and fully-adaptive.

Twenty-eight human participants (both sexes) performed a learning task while undergoing fMRI scanning. On each trial, they chose between two symbols associated with a certain outcome. Then, the decision outcome was revealed. Notably, in one-half of the trials participants received partial feedback, whereas in the other half they got complete feedback. We used univariate and multivariate analysis to explore value encoding in different feedback conditions.

We found that both obtained and forgone outcomes were encoded in mPFC, but with opposite sign in its ventral and dorsal subdivisions. Moreover, we showed that increasing feedback information induced a switch from absolute to relative coding. Our results suggest that complete feedback information enhances context-dependent outcome encoding.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study offers a systematic investigation of the effect of the amount of feedback information (partial vs complete) on univariate and multivariate outcome value encoding, within multiple regions in mPFC and cingulate cortex that are critical for value-based decisions and behavioral adaptation. Moreover, we provide the first comparison of three possible models of neural coding (i.e., absolute, partially-adaptive, and fully-adaptive coding) of value signal in these regions, by using commensurable measures of prediction accuracy. Taken together, our results help build a more comprehensive picture of how the human brain encodes and processes outcome value. In particular, our results suggest that simultaneous presentation of obtained and foregone outcomes promotes relative value representation.

Laura Chouinard's encounter with the runaway ox had her gripped by fear. But in the midst of the battle she resolved, "I am not going to die today."

The Royal Canadian Mint's newest offering features Manitoba's most famous UFO encounter, which happened in 1967 when Stefan Michalak went looking for precious metals near Falcon Lake.

The king of a small village in Madagascar welcomes the OM team to plant a church amongst his people.

Due to reports of unintentional overdoses, in 2011 the US Food and Drug Administration finalized voluntary recommendations for dosing devices included with over-the-counter (OTC) liquid medications. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association previously endorsed similar recommendations for devices and dosing directions.

This study assessed dosing directions and devices for national brand name OTC liquid medications, available after a voluntary FDA guidance, and found high levels of adherence to most recommendations. Further improvement efforts should prioritize recommendations directly addressing potential dosing errors. (Read the full article)

Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, particularly paracetamol (PCM), among children is widespread and increasing. Parents often administer the medicine. The health care system has little knowledge or possibility to regulate OTC medication, and use of PCM for children may be partly unjustified.

Maternal frequent self-medication with OTC analgesics is associated with frequent use of OTC analgesics, particularly PCM, among 6- to 11-year-old schoolchildren, even when the child’s frequency of pain is accounted for. (Read the full article)

Catch your opponents cold by improving your team's counterattack with this training exercise.

Ebola Virus (EBOV) is among the most devastating pathogens causing fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans. The 2013–2016 epidemics resulted in over 11000 deaths, while another outbreak is currently ongoing. Since there is no FDA-approved drug so far to fight EBOV infection, there is an urgent need to focus on drug discovery. Considering the tight correlation between the high EBOV virulence and its ability to suppress the type-I Interferon (IFN-I) system, identifying molecules targeting viral protein VP24, one of the main virulence determinants blocking IFN response, is a promising novel anti-EBOV therapy approach. Hence, in the effort of finding novel EBOV inhibitors, a screening of a small set of flavonoids was performed, showing that Quercetin and Wogonin can suppress the VP24 effect on IFN-I signaling inhibition. The mechanism of action of the most active compound, Quercetin, showing an IC₅₀ value of 7.4 μM, was characterized to significantly restore the IFN-I signaling cascade, blocked by VP24, by directly interfering with the VP24 binding to karyopherin-α and thus restoring P-STAT1 nuclear transport and IFN genes transcription. Quercetin significantly blocked viral infection, specifically targeting EBOV VP24 anti-IFN-I function. Overall, Quercetin is the first identified inhibitor of the EBOV VP24 anti-IFN function, representing a molecule interacting with a viral binding site that is very promising for further drug development aiming to block EBOV infection at the early steps.

Even if speaking up and fighting against vouchers is your calling ( and we need voices doing that) , it is still worth looking inward.

The injunction means all major online retailers—including Amazon and eBay—can no longer sell Cisco-branded products offered by four Chinese companies.

In this first extract from the new UEFA EURO 2016 technical report, the expert panel reflect on the decreasing proportion of goals scored from counterattacks.

From a Ronaldo hat-trick and two Raúl González doubles to strikes from George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton – goals are almost guaranteed when Real Madrid and United meet.

Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said 90 health counters are operational at the Delhi airport and things are back to normal now.

Background:

Counterfeiting has emerged as one of the major problems globally. Counterfeit goods, including medicines, auto parts, electrical components, toys, food and beverages and many others, can be dangerous and can potentially harm or even kill consumers. The massive infiltration of counterfeit and pirated goods drains $1 trillion from the global economy and robs over 2.5 million jobs. The impact and consequences of counterfeiting are far-reaching. Not only does it infringe on intellectual property rights, the counterfeit goods also pose direct threat to consumer health and safety. That is why a countrywide cooperation as well as public and private sector collaboration to detect and decisively combat  counterfeiting activity has become the need of the hour. A truly integrated approach, involving key stakeholders such as global, national and local law enforcement bodies, NGOs, technology solution providers and corporations, can pave the way for the development and implementation of strategies to stop counterfeiting in its tracks.

Objective:

The objective of the conference is to bring together Government, industry and other stakeholders on common platform to discuss policy level issues and share the best practices and innovative ideas to curb the menace of counterfeiting, piracy and brand theft resulting in strengthening of IPR protection ecosystem in the country.

Key Topics:

The conference will cover the following topics:-

1. Combating Online Counterfeiting: Will it be an uphill task?
2. Innovation in Brand Protection: Using New Technologies
3. Eliminating Counterfeits in the Supply Chain - An FMCG perspective
4. The Continued Threat of Spurious Drugs: A Pharmaceutical Outlook
5. Protecting your Brand! : Brand Protection by Brand Leaders!

Benefits:

The conference will provide excellent opportunity to participants to discuss, share experiences, case studies, network with industry leaders and learn about the current and innovative practices in the industry to curb the menace of counterfeiting & piracy and protecting the brand.

To read more in details, click here

Hello, I am using Encounter 8.1. My mouse is working fine, but my keyboard is not working well in Encounter. I can type in some boxes, but in many boxes I cannot type. The binding key is also not responding. How do I fix this issue? Thanks.

Findings in a recently published European Union report showed that the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia make up over 30 percent of the EU countries that have already met their 2020 renewable energy targets.

Findings in a recently published European Union report showed that the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia make up over 30 percent of the EU countries that have already met their 2020 renewable energy targets.

Presentation by Dennis Fritz of SAIC and MacDermid, Inc.

Findings in a recently published European Union report showed that the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia make up over 30 percent of the EU countries that have already met their 2020 renewable energy targets.

I Love Biscuits and I have been searching for a quick and easy recipe to make in my countertop convection oven. Living in a hot climate – I don’t want to heat up the house with the regular oven and besides, I only want a small batch. This is a quick and easy Drop-Biscuit recipe that makes six biscuits. Plus, you can make it Vegan if you like! -- posted by Billy R.

The Rules Governing the Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Listing Rules”) impose certain disclosure obligations on listed issuers when they engage in different types of corporate transactions. However, it has be...

It has always been imperative that a claimant keeps at the forefront of its mind that time is ticking and that any claim it wishes to make must be brought in time. The respective time limit may be set out in statute, such as the Limitation Acts or o...

(MENAFN - Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, May 9 (KUNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ana... ......

Jay Collins is Vice Chairman Banking, Capital Markets and Advisory, Citigroup*

The post Only Sustainable Investment & Global Cooperation Can Counter COVID’s Blow to SDGs appeared first on Inter Press Service.

China’s will face an increasingly hostile world over the next five years, meaning its policy plan should be focused on its vast domestic market, home-grown technological innovation and improving its citizens’ welfare, according to recommendations in a new paper.The report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), a think tank affiliated with the State Council, foresees the next five years presenting “major changes unseen in a century” for China, as “the strategic game between…

Title: For People With Autism, Encounters With Police Can Turn Dangerous
Category: Health News
Created: 5/3/2019 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/3/2019 12:00:00 AM

Title: Prescription-Strength Steroid Creams Sold Over-the-Counter Can Be Dangerous
Category: Health News
Created: 1/23/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 1/24/2020 12:00:00 AM

ABSTRACT

Selectable markers are indispensable for genetic engineering, yet their number and variety are limited. Most selection procedures for prototrophic cells rely on the introduction of antibiotic resistance genes. New minimally invasive tools are needed to facilitate sophisticated genetic manipulations. Here, we characterized three endogenous genes in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus for their potential as markers for targeted genomic insertions of DNAs of interest (DOIs). Since these genes are involved in uptake and metabolization of pyrimidines, resistance to the toxic effects of prodrugs 5-fluorocytosine and 5-fluorouracil can be used to select successfully integrated DOIs. We show that DOI integration, resulting in the inactivation of these genes, caused no adverse effects with respect to nutrient requirements, stress resistance, or virulence. Beside the individual use of markers for site-directed integration of reporter cassettes, including the 17-kb penicillin biosynthetic cluster, we demonstrate their sequential use by inserting three genes encoding fluorescent proteins into a single strain for simultaneous multicolor localization microscopy. In addition to A. fumigatus, we validated the applicability of this novel toolbox in Penicillium chrysogenum and Fusarium oxysporum. Enabling multiple targeted insertions of DOIs without the necessity for exogenous markers, this technology has the potential to significantly advance genetic engineering.

IMPORTANCE This work reports the discovery of a novel genetic toolbox comprising multiple, endogenous selectable markers for targeted genomic insertions of DNAs of interest (DOIs). Marker genes encode proteins involved in 5-fluorocytosine uptake and pyrimidine salvage activities mediating 5-fluorocytosine deamination as well as 5-fluorouracil phosphoribosylation. The requirement for their genomic replacement by DOIs to confer 5-fluorocytosine or 5-fluorouracil resistance for transformation selection enforces site-specific integrations. Due to the fact that the described markers are endogenously encoded, there is no necessity for the exogenous introduction of commonly employed markers such as auxotrophy-complementing genes or antibiotic resistance cassettes. Importantly, inactivation of the described marker genes had no adverse effects on nutrient requirements, growth, or virulence of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Given the limited number and distinct types of selectable markers available for the genetic manipulation of prototrophic strains such as wild-type strains, we anticipate that the proposed methodology will significantly advance genetic as well as metabolic engineering of fungal species.

Finding common ground and building trust between local stakeholders could help prevent violent encounters between police and young black men, new research finds.

शहीद कर्नल आशुतोष शर्मा की पत्नी पल्लवी ने भी हिम्मत दिखाते हुए कहा है कि पति की शहादत पर आंसू नहीं बहाऊंगी। उनकी कुर्बानी मेरे लिए और देश के लिए गर्व की बात है। मेरे आंसू उन्हें ठेस पहुंचाएंगे।

This solar contact could provide a potential explanation for the asteroid's weird, two-tone surface.

Soundgarden have claimed Chris Cornell's widow used charity money for personal purposes.

Defiant US healthcare workers have been praised after silently blocking cars during coronavirus anti-lockdown demonstrations in Colorado.

Felix Project volunteer Carrie Hogan shares her story You can donate here virginmoneygiving.com/fund/FoodforLondonNOW

"They were looking for a problem."

Timothy Kyle Dunaway, 24, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was sentenced today to 41 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Reed O’Connor in Wichita Falls for selling counterfeit computer software through the Internet in violation of criminal copyright infringement laws. The software sold by Dunaway had a combined retail value of more than $1 million.

A Virginia man pleaded guilty today to selling counterfeit computer software on eBay in violation of criminal copyright infringement laws, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Rita M. Glavin of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor for the District of Columbia.

"By focusing on increased cooperation between the U.S. and Mexican governments as well as enhanced communication within U.S. law enforcement agencies, the National Southwest Border Counternarcotics Strategy we introduce today provides an effective way forward that will crack down on cartels and make our country safer."