cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is there an embryopathy associated with first-trimester exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists? A critical review of the evidence.

Drugs that interfere with the renin-angiotensin system, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), are widely used to manage hypertension and heart failure. Adequate functioning of the RAS is essential for normal fetal kidney development. The potential for ACEIs and ARBs to impair fetal and neonatal renal function if taken after the first trimester of pregnancy has been well documented. Although these drugs were not found to be teratogenic in animals, until recently little was known about the teratogenic effects of ACEIs and ARBs in humans when exposure was limited to the first trimester of pregnancy. New evidence from epidemiologic studies indicates that there may be an elevated teratogenic risk when these drugs are taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, this elevated risk does not appear to be specific to ACEIs and ARBs, but is instead related to maternal factors and diseases that typically coexist with hypertension in pregnancy, such as diabetes, advanced maternal age, and obesity. Women who become pregnant while being treated with an ACEI or ARB should be advised to avoid exposure to these drugs during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy by switching to a different class of antihypertensive drugs between weeks 8 and 10 after conception. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 94:576–598, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical and theoretical solutions for a drop spreading below a free fluid surface

Numerical solutions are derived for a viscous, buoyant drop spreading below a free fluid surface. The drop has zero interfacial tension, and we consider viscosity contrasts 0.1 < λ < 10 with the surrounding fluid half-space. The density contrast between the drop and outer fluid is assumed to be small compared with the density contrast at the fluid surface. The numerical solutions for the approach and initial spread of the drop below the fluid surface are obtained using the boundary integral method. To facilitate an investigation over a larger range of viscosity contrasts and for longer time periods, we solve for the motion of gravity currents at the fluid surface. For this geometry we also solve the boundary integral equations for the cases λ = 0 and 1/λ = 0.For extensive drop spreading, the motion is described by asymptotic solutions. Three asymptotic solutions are derived, which apply for different values of the viscosity contrast relative to the aspect ratio ((radial extent R)/(drop thickness a)). For very low-viscosity drops (λ [Lt ] a/R[ln(R/a)]-1), the greatest resistance to spreading occurs at the drop rim, and the asymptotic solution is found using slender body theory. Drops with intermediate viscosity contrast (a/R [Lt ] λ [Lt ] R/a) are slowed primarily by shear stresses at the lower drop surface, and a lubrication solution (Lister & Kerr 1989) applies. The greatest resistance to the spread of very viscous drops (λ [Gt ] R/a) comes from the radial stresses within the drop, and the asymptotic solution is independent of the outer fluid. All drops having 0 [Lt ] λ [Lt ] ∞ will eventually spread according to lubrication theory, when their aspect ratio becomes sufficiently large relative to viscosity contrast.Theoretical results are compared with numerical and experimental results for drops and gravity currents spreading at a fluid surface. The solutions can be applied to aspects of planetary mantle flow where temperature variations cause significant viscosity contrasts. The low-viscosity solution has been applied to study the encounter of a hot, low-viscosity upwelling plume with a planet surface (Koch 1994). Here we apply the high-viscosity asymptotic solution to study how cold downwelling slabs spread at a depth of neutral buoyancy in the Earth's mantle.
Defect in efferocytosis leads to alternative activation of macrophages in Francisella infections

The macrophage is a versatile cell type that can sense and respond to a particular need based on the conditions of the microenvironment. Some studies have recently suggested that pathogens can directly influence the polarization of macrophages. As Francisella infections are characterized by intense necrotic infiltrates in the lung as well as in distal sites of infection, we sought to investigate whether pulmonary Francisella infections could cause the polarization of alternatively activated macrophages (M2/aaMs). Our results indicate that Francisella infections can cause the polarization of M2/aaM in vivo and that macrophages can be polarized toward an M2/aaM phenotype more potently if dead cell debris is used for stimulation in the presence and absence of Francisella infections. Finally, we also demonstrate that efferocytosis is inhibited in macrophages infected with Francisella, thus providing a potential explanation for the lack of clearance and eventual accumulation of dead cell debris associated with this disease.
Spectroscopic constants and potential energy curves for 18 electronic states of IrH

Spectroscopic constants and potential energy curves of 18 electronic states of IrH+ are obtained using the complete active space multi-configuration self-consistent field (CASMCSCF) followed by first-order configuration interaction (FOCI) and multi-reference singles + doubles CI (MRSDCI) calculations. The spin-orbit effects are introduced using the relativistic-configuration-interaction (RCI) method. The ground state of IrH+ is found to be of 4Σ− symmetry with re = 1.548 A, ωe = 2296 cm−1, and De = 3.28 eV in the absence of spin-orbit interactions, while three nearly degenerate states [12(I), 12(II), 92(I)] are found as candidates for the ground state including spin-orbit coupling. Several optical transitions for IrH+ are predicted, none of which has been observed experimentally. The nature and bonding of the low-lying electronic states are analyzed.
Endocrine sequelae of cancer therapy in childhood

New treatments for neoplastic diseases of childhood have significantly increased patients' long-term survival and the importance of recognizing and correcting late complications of medical therapy. In this review, we examine both central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS-related endocrine morbidities associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy of childhood cancer. These include effects on growth, puberty, fertility, thyroid and adrenal function which may present many years after the successful treatment of underlying disease.
Score Tests for Association between Traits and Haplotypes when Linkage Phase Is Ambiguous

A key step toward the discovery of a gene related to a trait is the finding of an association between the trait and one or more haplotypes. Haplotype analyses can also provide critical information regarding the function of a gene; however, when unrelated subjects are sampled, haplotypes are often ambiguous because of unknown linkage phase of the measured sites along a chromosome. A popular method of accounting for this ambiguity in case-control studies uses a likelihood that depends on haplotype frequencies, so that the haplotype frequencies can be compared between the cases and controls; however, this traditional method is limited to a binary trait (case vs. control), and it does not provide a method of testing the statistical significance of specific haplotypes. To address these limitations, we developed new methods of testing the statistical association between haplotypes and a wide variety of traits, including binary, ordinal, and quantitative traits. Our methods allow adjustment for nongenetic covariates, which may be critical when analyzing genetically complex traits. Furthermore, our methods provide several different global tests for association, as well as haplotype-specific tests, which give a meaningful advantage in attempts to understand the roles of many different haplotypes. The statistics can be computed rapidly, making it feasible to evaluate the associations between many haplotypes and a trait. To illustrate the use of our new methods, they are applied to a study of the association of haplotypes (composed of genes from the human-leukocyte-antigen complex) with humoral immune response to measles vaccination. Limited simulations are also presented to demonstrate the validity of our methods, as well as to provide guidelines on how our methods could be used.
Factors associated with chronic depressive episodes: a preliminary report from the STAR-D project.

Objective: To identify baseline sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with a current chronic major depressive episode (MDE). Method: Outpatients with major depressive disorder enrolled in 41 US primary or psychiatric care sites were divided into two groups based on self-report of current episode length (<24 or ≥24 months). Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with chronicity of current depressive episode. Results: About 21.2% of 1380 subjects were in current, chronic MDEs. Older age, less education, lower income, no private insurance, unemployment, greater general medical illness burden, lower physical quality of life, concurrent generalized anxiety disorder, fewer prior episodes, and history of prior suicide attempts were all associated with chronic episodes. Blacks, Hispanics, and patients receiving care in primary as opposed to psychiatric care settings exhibited greater chronicity. Conclusion: Chronic depressive episodes are common and are associated with greater illness burden, comorbidity, socioeconomic disadvantage, and racial/ethnic minority status.
Novel rapid fat suppression strategy with spectrally selective pulses

Short repetition time gradient echo sequences are gaining popularity in clinical applications such as dynamic contrast enhancement imaging, cardiac imaging, and MR angiography. Performing fat suppression in these sequences is usually time consuming and often somewhat ineffective, due to the relatively short T1 and long T2 of fat. A novel rapid fat suppression strategy using spectrally selective pulses is introduced and compared with clinically popular sequences such as fat presaturated fast field echo (FFE) and turbo field echo (TFE) and binomial water-selective spatial–spectral excitation (SSE, or SPSP excitation) FFE. The new strategy combines fat presaturation with low-order binomial water-selective SSE pulses in a TFE sequence. This enables the use of a long echo train length to decrease exam time, but without creation of excess fat signal contamination of the resultant images. The fat nullification is also more reliable as fat signals in central k-space data are suppressed twice. An implementation of this strategy is compared with traditional methods in both phantom and human studies, confirming that the new technique provides strong fat suppression with few artifacts despite the short scan duration. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Host Identification and Glochidia Morphology of Freshwater Mussels from the Altamaha River Basin

Abstract Recovery of imperiled freshwater mussels requires knowledge of suitable host fishes and other early life-history traits. We provide quantitative host information for 6 mussel species from the Altamaha River Basin, GA, 3 of which previously had no host information. Glochidia of Alasmidonta arcula (Altamaha Arcmussel) metamorphosed on 2 species of suckers (Moxostoma spp.); Elliptio hopetonensis (Altamaha Slabshell) on Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill), Pimephales promelas (Fathead Minnow), and Micropterus salmoides (Largemouth Bass); E. shepardiana (Altamaha Lance) on 2 species of Bullheads (Ameiurus spp.) and L. macrochirus; Lampsilis dolabraeformis (Altamaha Pocketbook) on Bluegill and Largemouth Bass; and L. splendida (Rayed Pink Fatmucket) and Villosa delumbis (Eastern Creekshell) on Largemouth Bass. We also provide descriptions of glochidia morphology for the above mussel species and E. spinosa (Altamaha Spinymussel). Glochidia were correctly identified to species in 88.7% of cases by discriminan...
An Algorithm for Integer Linear Programming: A Combined Algebraic and Enumeration Approach

This paper develops an algorithm for pure integer programming problems. It first transforms the integer programming problem to an algebraically equivalent Hermite canonical problem, and then employs the Fourier-Motzkin elimination. These algebraic operations transform the problem into a form that leads to an efficient implicit enumeration scheme to calculate an optimal solution. The algorithm constructs, in a finite number of operations, an optimal solution to an integer program with n variables and n or n + 1 inequality constraints. If the original problem has more than n + 1 constraints, then the integer program with only the constraints that are binding at an optimal linear programming solution is solved in place of the original problem. Computational results are presented.
Alzheimer's disease comorbidity in normal pressure hydrocephalus: prevalence and shunt response

The clinical impact of Alzheimer's disease pathology at biopsy was investigated in 56 cognitively impaired patients undergoing shunt surgery for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Cognition was measured by means of the global deterioration scale (GDS), the mini mental status examination (MMSE) and a battery of six psychometric tests. Gait was assessed using objective measurements of velocity and the ambulatory index (AI). The prevalence of cases exhibiting neuritic plaques (positive biopsies) increased in parallel with dementia severity from 18% for patients with GDS 3 to 75% for patients with GDS scores⩾6. Patients with positive biopsies were more cognitively impaired (higher GDS and lower MMSE scores) as well as more gait impaired (higher AI scores and slower velocities) than patients with negative biopsies. After surgery, gait velocity and AI scores improved significantly and to a comparable degree for patients with and without positive biopsies. Similar proportions of positive and negative biopsy patients also had improved gait as assessed by means of subjective video tape comparisons. There were no significant differences between the biopsy groups in the magnitude of postoperative psychometric change or in the proportion of cases exhibiting improved urinary control. Alzheimer's disease pathology is a common source of comorbidity in older patients with idiopathic NPH where it contributes to the clinical impairment associated with this disorder. For patients accurately diagnosed with NPH, concomitant Alzheimer's disease pathology does not strongly influence the clinical response to shunt surgery.
Limits of the Thermodynamic Stability of Cobalt—Iron—Manganese Mixed Oxides at 1200°C

The thermodynamic stability of spinel and rock-salt structure phases has been investigated for the quasi-ternary mixed oxide system Co-Fe-Mn-O at 1200°C and at total pressures of the order of 1 atm (∼1.01 × 105 Pa) using thermogravimetric and electrical conductivity measurements. The results reveal the stability limits of the spinel and rock-salt structure phases with varying cationic composition and oxygen partial pressure at 1200°C. The oxygen partial pressure was varied over 12 orders of magnitude, from log10ao2= 0 to log10ao2= -12, by using CO/CO2 and N2/O2 gas mixtures and monitored by an electrochemical, stabilized zirconia-based EMF cell. The maximum cobalt mole fraction used in the investigation was about 0.33.
Vietnam and Entrepreneurial Private Enterprises A Macromarketing Perspective

This study focuses on the phenomenon of entrepreneurial private enterprises and their macromarketing implications in Vietnam—a vibrant economy transitioning from a centrally planned economy to the current system of socialist-oriented market economy. Relying on the writings on entrepreneurship and associated theoretical frameworks (including the complex adaptive system [CAS] perspective), especially in emerging economies, this study develops a framework for capturing the macromarketing implications of entrepreneurial private enterprises. Further, this study suggests that entrepreneurial private enterprises play a crucial role in the economic well-being (a key aspect of quality of life) of citizens in Vietnam; and the growth in entrepreneurial private enterprises is influenced by nonroutine actions by key stakeholders such as the government; and associated with the availability of skilled human resources.
Navigating Local and Global Worlds: Opportunities and Risks for Adolescent Cultural Identity Development

This essay focuses on the opportunities and risks that adolescents face when developing cultural identities in the context of globalization. It starts by illustrating how globalization entails that adolescents increasingly have interactions with people from diverse cultures in myriad domains. Adolescents navigate local and global worlds, for example, with regard to language, diet, dating, and work. With the exposure to diverse cultures, new opportunities and risks arise. The nature of and evidence for three of these are highlighted. One is the risk of adolescent cultural identity confusion, with attendant internalizing and externalizing pathological behaviors. A second is the emergence of cultural gaps between adolescents and parents, a phenomenon that may constitute both a risk and a necessity. The third issue discussed is the way that globalization may open up more opportunities for youth civic involvement, even if such involvement sometimes aims to resist globalization.
Generic network forensic data acquisition from household and small business wireless routers

People are benefiting tremendously from pervasively deployed WiFi networks. However, criminals may exploit the anonymity of WiFi communication and wireless routers to access illegal content such as child porn videos. It's becoming an urgent topic as regards to how to preserve and acquire network forensic data from household and small business wireless routers in order to track down criminals. In this paper, we first survey the forensic capacity of nearly all household wireless routers which are available on market. We present our analysis for people who are willing to choose a wireless router to monitor their network. Secondly, we develop a generic network forensic data logging mechanism to monitor traffic into and out of wireless routers which support OpenWrt. Our code running in the wireless routers could log network traffic and send connection information to the administrator via email.
Deposition of WNxCy thin films for diffusion barrier application using the dimethylhydrazido (2 − ) tungsten complex (CH3CN)Cl4W(NNMe2)

Abstract Tungsten nitride carbide (WNxCy) thin films were deposited by chemical vapor deposition using the dimethylhydrazido (2−) tungsten complex (CH3CN)Cl4W(NNMe2) (1) in benzonitrile with H2 as a co-reactant in the temperature range 300 to 700 °C. Films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and four-point probe to determine film crystallinity, composition, atomic bonding, and electrical resistivity, respectively. The lowest temperature at which growth was observed from 1 was 300 °C. For deposition between 300 and 650 °C, AES measurements indicated the presence of W, C, N, and O in the deposited film. The films deposited below 550 °C were amorphous, while those deposited at and above 550 °C were nano-crystalline (average grain size
A Tandem Fabry-Perot Volume Hologram Spectrometer with High Resolution

We have designed a compact spectrometer by cascading a simple Fabry-Perot etalon and a volume hologram. The volume hologram expands the limited spectral range of the Fabry-Perot and the combination of both elements results in a powerful spectrometer with good two-dimensional spatial-spectral diversity in the output plane.
Development of an Antiserum to the Midportion of Substance P: Applications for Biochemical and Anatomical Studies of Substance P‐Related Peptide Species in CNS Tissues

This report describes the generation and biochemical characterization of a high-affinity antiserum that recognizes an epitope contained in the midportion sequence of substance P, i.e., substance P4-10. Designated A47, this reagent bound a variety of related peptide species containing the substance P4-10 sequence with apparent equipotency. A double radioimmunoassay procedure was developed that utilized A47, in combination with a traditional high-affinity COOH-terminally directed anti-substance P serum, to provide quantification of mature and immature forms of substance P in CNS tissues. Across most rat CNS areas, levels of substance P-like immunoreactivity were consistently 15% higher when monitored by analyses using A47 versus anti-substance P serum. In the dorsal root ganglia, an apparent enhancement in levels of substance P-like immunoreactivity of approximately 40%, when quantified by analyses using A47 versus anti-substance P serum, was observed; this most likely reflected the presence of an active biosynthetic pool of intermediate processing forms of substance P in this tissue. Coordinated HPLC/radioimmunoassay analyses of extracted dorsal root ganglia tissues demonstrated multiple peaks of immunoreactivity corresponding to mature substance P and to several of its precursor forms found in the normal biosynthetic pathway. Of the total recovered HPLC-fractionated immunoreactivities, that corresponding to the putative immediate precursor to substance P, i.e., substance P-glycine, was the predominant peak. In an additional series of HPLC/radioimmunoassay analyses, selective decreases in immunoreactive peaks corresponding to precursor forms of substance P were observed in dorsal root ganglia tissues from rats treated with the neurotoxic agent capsaicin. These results indicated decreased turnover of substance P as a consequence of drug treatment. Finally, initial immunohistochemical analyses employing affinity-purified A47 produced an unusual pattern of labeling characterized by well defined punctate terminal elements within the superficial aspects of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of glycopeptides and glycoproteins through endoglycosidase-catalyzed transglycosylation

Homogeneous glycopeptides and glycoproteins are indispensable for detailed structural and functional studies of glycoproteins. It is also fundamentally important to correct glycosylation patterns for developing effective glycoprotein-based therapeutics. This review discusses a useful chemoenzymatic method that takes advantage of the endoglycosidase-catalyzed transglycosylation to attach an intact oligosaccharide to a polypeptide in a single step, without the need for any protecting groups. The exploration of sugar oxazolines (enzymatic reaction intermediates) as donor substrates has not only expanded substrate availability, but also has significantly enhanced the enzymatic transglycosylation efficiency. Moreover, the discovery of a novel mutant with glycosynthase-like activity has made it possible to synthesize homogeneous glycoproteins with full-size natural N-glycans. Recent advances in this highly convergent chemoenzymatic approach and its application for glycopeptide and glycoprotein synthesis are highlighted.
Phase i feasibility trial of stereotactic body radiation therapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in incidence and the majority of patients are not candidates for radical therapies. Therefore, interest in minimally invasive therapies in growing.
Exploring mitochondria in the intact ischemic heart: advancing technologies to image intracellular function.

In describing human nature, the Irish author and satirist Jonathan Swift noted that “vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” In the biological sciences, “vision” is transformed into a “science” as progress in imaging technology enables the uncovering of previously “invisible” intracellular programs. This capacity to “see inside cells” is improving in lock-step with advancing technologies that enable fluorophore-labeling of genes, proteins, cells, substrates, and metabolites. Thus, biomedical imaging is expanding our understanding of cellular function and disease pathophysiology. In this issue of Circulation , the practical application of 2-photon scanning laser microscopy is used to directly assess the mitochondrial inner membrane potential in the intact rat heart in response to cardiac ischemia and reperfusion.1 Article p 1497 Before discussing this study, I will digress for a moment to review the relevance of mitochondrial function and the proposed role of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential on cardiac function and in its response to ischemia and reperfusion. The mitochondrion is central to cardiac function, as it modulates cardiac energetics, reactive radical biology, calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis.2 The inner mitochondrial membrane potential in turn reflects a composite of mitochondrial functioning, which means the maintenance of this electrochemical potential requires: (1) the functional integrity of electron transfer redox centers of oxidative phosphorylation; (2) the catalytic integrity of enzymes of β-oxidation and the Kreb’s cycle; and (3) the appropriate functioning of transport mechanisms linking the cytosol and the mitochondrial matrix. The mitochondrial inner membrane potential is not static; rather, the modulation of this electrochemical gradient directly controls mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate generation, Ca2+ flux, and the production and control of reactive oxygen species (ROS).3 Interestingly, modest modulation of the mitochondrial membrane potential appears to confer cellular adaptations that enhance …
In search of secret museums.

Writer and director Peter Woditsch is a German documentary filmmaker whose previous work includes a film about the lost erotica that is thought to have decorated the palace of the 18th century Russ...
Model to Estimate Threshold Mechanical Stability of Lower Lateral Cartilage.

ImportanceIn rhinoplasty, techniques used to alter the shape of the nasal tip often compromise the structural stability of the cartilage framework in the nose. Determining the minimum threshold lev...
Higher levels of nurse staffing are not associated with reduced adverse events among postoperative children if surveillance levels are low

Commentary on: Voepel-Lewis T, Pechlavanidis E, Burke C, et al. Nursing surveillance moderates the relationship between staffing levels and pediatric postoperative serious adverse events: a nested case-control study. Int J Nurs Stud 2013;50:905–13.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Over the past decade, considerable evidence from cross-sectional studies has established that patient outcomes are better in hospitals with better nursing features, with staffing being the dominant feature studied.1 Other prominent … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DInt%2BJ%2BNurs%2BStud%26rft.volume%253D50%26rft.spage%253D905%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252Fj.ijnurstu.2012.11.014%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23261037%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.11.014&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23261037&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F17%2F4%2F122.atom
Digital enhanced V 2 -type constant on-time control using inductor current ramp estimator for a buck converter with small ESR capacitors

This paper presents a new enhanced V2-type constant on-time control architecture with digital implementations for solving the ripple oscillation issues when using small ESR capacitors in a buck converter. Instead of directly sensing the inductor current, an inductor current ramp estimator with the drift compensation is proposed as adding a virtual ESR ripple to the output voltage ripple. Only the input and output voltages are required to be sampled for the current ramp estimation. Hence the sampling-rate requirements for the analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) in the digital implementations are not critical. The limit-cycle oscillations due to the sampling effects can be improved by using the estimated current ramp with compared to the direct current sampling. Besides, the small-signal modeling of the digital enhanced V2 control architecture can provide the design guideline for choosing the current feedback gains. The effectiveness of the proposed control architecture and the current ramp estimator has been verified with simulation and experimental results.
An Appearance-Function Shift in Children's Object Naming.

The relative importance of appearance and potential function in children's object naming was examined. Potential function is an object capability that may not be currently realized (e.g. an empty mug has the potential to hold coffee). In Study 1, sixteen children from each of three age groups (3;8, 4;8, and 6;1) were taught novel names for unfamiliar objects; they then had to decide whether these applied to items that resembled the training objects in either appearance or potential function. The youngsters were also shown deceptive objects (e.g., an eraser that looked like a pencil) and had to choose between familiar appearance and function names for them (e.g., pencil or eraser). The frequency of function-based responding in both tasks increased with age. In Study 2, the name training procedure was revised so that equal emphasis was given to both apparent and functional features. The main results of the first study were replicated. Neither study obtained evidence of a strong relation between the appearance—function shift and increased under-standing of the appearance—reality distinction.
Coupling coefficient of gain-guided lasers

An analytical model is presented for the coupling coefficient for two gain-guided coupled waveguides, e.g., semiconductor laser arrays. A common parabolic gain distribution is assumed for the lasers, and the effective dielectric constant distribution is approximated in terms of the bulk refraction index, wavelength, power filling factor, and the antiguiding factor. The fundamental mode is then formulated and used in an integral for the coupling coefficient. The dependence of the coefficient of various waveguide parameters is described.
Emergency Department Rotational Patient Assignment

Study objective We compare emergency department (ED) operational metrics obtained in the first year of a rotational patient assignment system (in which patients are assigned to physicians automatically according to an algorithm) with those obtained in the last year of a traditional physician self-assignment system (in which physicians assigned themselves to patients at physician discretion). Methods This was a pre-post retrospective study of patients at a single ED with no financial incentives for physician productivity. Metrics of interest were length of stay; arrival-to-provider time; rates of left before being seen, left subsequent to being seen, early returns (within 72 hours), and early returns with admission; and complaint ratio. Results We analyzed 23,514 visits in the last year of physician self-assignment and 24,112 visits in the first year of rotational patient assignment. Rotational patient assignment was associated with the following improvements (percentage change): median length of stay 232 to 207 minutes (11%), median arrival to provider time 39 to 22 minutes (44%), left before being seen 0.73% to 0.36% (51%), and complaint ratio 9.0/1,000 to 5.4/1,000 (40%). There were no changes in left subsequent to being seen, early returns, or early returns with admission. Conclusion In a single facility, the transition from physician self-assignment to rotational patient assignment was associated with improvement in a broad array of ED operational metrics. Rotational patient assignment may be a useful strategy in ED front-end process redesign.
Differentiating Derrida and Deleuze

Repetition plays a significant, productive role in the work of both Derrida and Deleuze. But the difference between these two philosophers couldn't be greater: it is the difference between negation and affirmation, between Yes and No. In Derrida, the productive energy of repetition derives from negation, from the necessary impossibility of supplementing an absence. Deleuze recognizes the kind of repetition which concerns Derrida, but insists that there is another, primary form of repetition which is fully positive and affirmative. I will argue that there is nothing in Derrida's philosophy to match the affirmative, primary form of repetition articulated by Deleuze. Moreover, it is precisely this difference that accounts for the most exciting features of Deleuze's work: the possibility of breaking through to the other side of representation, beyond authenticity and inauthenticity, becoming-becoming.
The Contribution of Archivaria to the Development of the Canadian Archival Profession

Archivaria est le journal scientifique et professionnel de l'Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA). Analyser ce journal exige une comprehension de la genese et de la croissance de cette association qui reflete l'evolution jusqu'a sa maturite et son independance en 1975 de la profession d'archiviste. L'auteur dans cette optique decrit les origines et l'objectif du journal; rend compte de son contenu et des thematiques; conclue sur le developpement futur de cette publication
A comparison between block and smooth modeling in finite element simulations of tDCS

Current density distributions in five selected structures, namely, anterior superior temporal gyrus (ASTG), hippocampus (HIP), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), occipital lobe (OCC) and pre-central gyrus (PRC) were investigated as part of a comparison between electrostatic finite element models constructed directly from MRI-resolution data (block models), and smoothed tetrahedral finite element models (smooth models). Three electrode configurations were applied, mimicking different tDCS therapies. Smooth model simulations were found to require three times longer to complete. The percentage differences between mean and median current densities of each model type in arbitrarily chosen brain structures ranged from −33.33–48.08%. No clear relationship was found between structure volumes and current density differences between the two model types. Tissue regions nearby the electrodes demonstrated the least percentage differences between block and smooth models. Therefore, block models may be adequate to predict current density values in cortical regions presumed targeted by tDCS.
Comparison of bivalirudin to lepirudin and argatroban in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Objective To evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and dosing of off-label bivalirudin to argatroban and lepirudin in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) using a new pharmacist driven protocol. Methods Retrospective cohort study of forty eight patients treated with lepirudin, argatroban, or bivalirudin from November 2010 to February 2012 for suspected HIT. Patients were excluded if the bivalirudin therapy was being used for acute coronary syndrome or if the treatment duration was less than 24 hours. The primary endpoint was time to therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT 50–90 seconds for argatroban and bivalirudin and 50–85 seconds for lepirudin). The secondary endpoints were elevation in international normalized ratio (INR), bleeding episodes, and percent time in aPTT target range. Results Patients receiving bivalirudin reached a therapeutic aPTT more quickly than those receiving argatroban and lepirudin (3.7 hours vs. 14.2 hours vs. 14.7 hours, p <0.001). The INR was increased more in patients treated with argatroban than lepirudin and bivalirudin (1.3 vs. 0.3 vs. 0.4, p = 0.4). Clinically significant bleeding in patients treated with bivalirudin was significantly lower than that observed with argatroban or lepirudin (7% vs. 22% vs. 56%, p = 0.02). The average percentage of therapeutic aPTTs drawn was higher for patients treated with bivalirudin than those patients treated with argatroban and lepirudin (90% vs. 66% vs. 67%, p = 0.2). Conclusion A pharmacist-driven protocol for bivalirudin provided a significantly shorter time to therapeutic aPTT and lower bleeding rate for patients being treated for HIT when compared to lepirudin and argatroban. A larger study should be considered to confirm the results of this single center study.
Compact Representation of Large Eddy Simulations of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition

Studies have been conducted to assess the use of Proper Orthogonal Decomposition to create a database for a low order, compact representation of Large Eddy Simulations of atmospheric boundary layers. In particular, POD analysis of simulations of two extreme cases: a day-time unstable and a night-time stable boundary layer, were conducted. Most notable advantage of using LES, as opposed to spectral based turbulence simulation codes available today, is the ability to model the true flow features, and POD potentially allows to capture these features in a compact manner. The presence of energy containing, large coherent structures in the unstable case allow the decomposition technique to perform efficiently. On the other hand, the absence of these coherent structures in a stable case leads to poor performance of POD, thus, requiring higher number of modes for accurate representation of boundary layer. Nonetheless, the excellent performance of POD for the unstable case is encouraging and POD may prove to be useful for low order representation of other possible boundary layers.
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN THE FUNGAL PARASITE, ZYGORHIZIDIUM PLANKTONICUM

The fungal parasite Zygorhizidium planktonicum (Chytridiales) exhibits a haplontic life cycle characterized by an asexual infection phase and the formation of sexual resting spores following gameta...
Polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes by lipopolysaccharide requires macrophage-derived interleukin-1

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent murine polyclonal B-cell activator which induces cellular proliferation and IgM secretion. The precise role of activated macrophages in the induction of LPS-dependent, B-cell responses has been unclear. Although early reports concluded that the LPS effect occurs independently of other cell types, other studies have suggested that adherent macrophages exert either potentiating or inhibitory effects. In the present study, B-cell mitogenesis and IgM production were measured in primary spleen cell cultures after removing adherent cells by a variety of experimental procedures. B-cell activation by LPS was found to be strictly dependent on the presence of adherent macrophages. Antibody neutralization and cytokine reconstitution studies demonstrated that macrophage-derived interleukin- (IL-1) is a necessary co-factor for LPS-induced polyclonal activation.
Why Do Men Want to Become Parents

Evolutionary, cultural, and psychological factors work alone and together to motivate adults to become parents. Conception, rooted as it is in human biology, was rendered more susceptible to influence by psychological dispositions once it could be controlled by contraception and terminated by abortion. How do these psychological factors operate on childbearing? From one theoretical perspective (Miller, 1994) that draws on a theory of reasoned action, motives for wanting children and attitudes toward children and parenthood become transformed into decisions and intentions about childbearing, which then lead to behaviors that promote fertility. The personality traits of nurturance, affiliation, and autonomy are strong predictors of the motivation to have children (Miller, 1995), as are life-cycle experiences (Miller, 1992). Level of educational attainment often is found to have a negative association with childbearing motivations and fertility.
Does Pneumatic Tube System Transport Contribute to Hemolysis in ED Blood Samples

Author(s): Phelan, Michael Patrick; Reineks, MD, PhD, Edmunds Z.; Hustey, MD, Fredric M.; Berriochoa, MD, Jacob P.; Podolsky, MD, Seth R.; Meldon, MD, Stephen; Schold, PhD, Jesse D.; Chamberlin, BS, Janelle; Procop, MD, Gary W. | Abstract: Introduction: Our goal was to determine if the hemolysis among blood samples obtained in an emergency department and then sent to the laboratory in a pneumatic tube system was different from those in samples that were hand-carried.Methods: The hemolysis index is measured on all samples submitted for potassium analysis. We queried our hospital laboratory database system (SunQuest®) for potassium results for specimens obtained between January 2014 and July 2014. From facility maintenance records, we identified periods of system downtime, during which specimens were hand-carried to the laboratory.Results: During the study period, 15,851 blood specimens were transported via our pneumatic tube system and 92 samples were hand delivered. The proportions of hemolyzed specimens in the two groups were not significantly different (13.6% vs. 13.1% [p=0.9]). Results were consistent when the criterion was limited to gross (3.3% vs 3.3% [p=0.99]) or mild (10.3% vs 9.8% [p=0.88]) hemolysis. The hemolysis rate showed minimal variation during the study period (12.6%–14.6%). Conclusion: We found no statistical difference in the percentages of hemolyzed specimens transported by a pneumatic tube system or hand delivered to the laboratory. Certain features of pneumatic tube systems might contribute to hemolysis (e.g., speed, distance, packing material). Since each system is unique in design, we encourage medical facilities to consider whether their method of transport might contribute to hemolysis in samples obtained in the emergency department. [West J Emerg Med. 2016;17(5)557-560.]
Total Synthesis of (−)‐Albocycline

The macrolactone natural product (-)-albocycline is a promising antibiotic candidate for the treatment of both methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant strains. Herein we report a concise total synthesis of (-)-albocycline in 14 steps from commercially available methyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate. Novel key steps include the highly regio- and stereoselective reactions of chiral N-sulfinyl metallodienamines (NSMDs) with aldehydes and the Davis oxaziridine, in addition to the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of N-sulfinyl imines.
Combination Kinase Inhibitor Treatment Suppresses Rift Valley Fever Virus Replication.

Viruses must parasitize host cell translational machinery in order to make proteins for viral progeny. In this study, we sought to use this signal transduction conduit against them by inhibiting multiple kinases that influence translation. Previous work indicated that several kinases involved in translation, including p70 S6K, p90RSK, ERK, and p38 MAPK, are phosphorylated following Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection. Furthermore, inhibiting p70 S6K through treatment with the FDA approved drug rapamycin prevents RVFV pathogenesis in a mouse model of infection. We hypothesized that inhibiting either p70 S6K, p90RSK, or p90RSK’s upstream kinases, ERK and p38 MAPK, would decrease translation and subsequent viral replication. Treatment with the p70 S6K inhibitor PF-4708671 resulted in decreased phosphorylation of translational proteins and reduced RVFV titers. In contrast, treatment with the p90RSK inhibitor BI-D1870, p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580, or the ERK inhibitor PD0325901 alone had minimal influence on RVFV titers. The combination of PF-4708671 and BI-D1870 treatment resulted in robust inhibition of RVFV replication. Likewise, a synergistic inhibition of RVFV replication was observed with p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or the ERK inhibitor PD0325901 combined with rapamycin treatment. These findings serve as a proof of concept regarding combination kinase inhibitor treatment for RVFV infection.
Predictors of Ultrasound Failure to Detect Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Current guidelines recommend ultrasound (US) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in cirrhosis. We assess predictors of decreased US sensitivity for detecting HCC. At a single center in the United States, all HCC patients evaluated for liver transplantation (LT) received an abdominal US. From 2007-2015, consecutive patients presenting for untreated lesions found on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 months of US were compared with US findings. Multivariate logistic regression models compared US sensitivities by patient characteristics. Of 1007 patients completing LT evaluation, 47.5% had indeterminate or previously treated nodules and were excluded; 10.4% had imaging that was too far apart or nondiagnostic. Median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) of the cohort (n= 352) was 11 (interquartile range [IQR], 9-14), median body mass index (BMI) was 28 kg/m2 (IQR, 25-32 kg/m2 ), 39% had received locoregional therapy, and 10% had moderate/large ascites. Per-patient sensitivity of US compared with CT/MRI was 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.86). Patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 had a US sensitivity of 0.76 versus 0.87 for BMI < 30 kg/m2 (P = 0.01). MELD and ascites did not affect sensitivity. US sensitivity was decreased in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) versus other etiologies (0.59 versus 0.84; P = 0.02). Relative to CT/MRI, US is significantly less sensitive in patients with NASH or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 . Further study is necessary to examine the added value of cross-sectional imaging for patients with NASH or obesity.
Rat Hepatocytes in Culture

The rat liver offers some unique characteristics for the study of cellular functions and tumorigenesis. These characteristics include the presence of a highly differentiated mass of cells capable of a multiplicity of chemical processes, as well as a capacity for synchronous regeneration in response to two-thirds partial hepatectomy. Liver tumors have been produced in response to a large number of chemical carcinogens of different structural types. Although much has been learned about the interactions of these carcinogens with cellular macromolecules, mechanisms by which carcinogens cause alterations in the control of growth are largely unknown. There are several regimens for the production of experimental hepatocellular carcinomas using defined chemical carcinogens. Some of these employ chronic exposure of the animal to a carcinogen (Preussmann, 1978; Wogan, 1976), and others employ a limited exposure of a carcinogen followed by a promoting influence (Pitot and Sirica, 1980; Forber, 1978, 1979). The regenerative capacity of the liver provided many investigators over the past thirty years with a tool to investigate the regulatory mechanisms involved in the control of cellular growth. There are other adult mammalian tissues that generate dividing cells, such as epidermis, the bone marrow, and the reproductive organs.
RIBOSCME BINDING TO POLIO VIRUS RNA

ABSTRACT Three ribosome-binding sites have been found on polio RNA. The sites were located by comparing the T1 RNase digests of ribosome-protected fragments to T1 digests of RNase III fragments mapped on the polio genome. Ribosome binding sites at 0.02, 0.66 and 0.92 map units were confirmed by visualizing ribosome-RNA complexes in the electron microscope and measuring the positions of bound ribosomes. Furthermore, two subgenomic fragments of polio RNA which included the internal binding sites were translated in vitro.
No More Silos: Animating Integrated Health and Behavioral Health Care Practices in the Classroom.

ABSTRACTOver the last decade, there has been increased momentum to bring the worlds of physical and behavioral health care together. Instead of social work education simply reacting to this change,...