cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Global Atrial Fibrillation Organization to Optimize Timing of Atrial Defibrillation

Background —We hypothesized that frequency domain analysis of a wide bipolar interatrial electrogram describes the global organization of atrial fibrillation (AF) and should vary over time. By timing shocks to periods of high organization of AF, cardioversion efficacy should improve. Methods and Results —A total of 15 dogs (weight, 28.2±3.4 kg) were rapidly paced for 48 to 72 hours to induce AF. Coil electrodes with a surface area of 1.80 cm 2 were then placed in the left and right atria to form a wide bipole. Wide bipolar electrograms were digitally filtered, and a fast Fourier transform was performed over a sliding 2-s window every 0.5 s. The organization index (OI) was calculated as the ratio of the area of the dominant peak and its harmonics to the total area of the magnitude spectrum. The atrial defibrillation threshold (ADFT 50 ) was determined using a 3-ms/3-ms biphasic shock and an up-down-up protocol. Additional shocks with higher and lower energies were delivered in a random sequence to develop a distribution curve. The OI varied over time, with a mean of 0.42±0.03, a maximum of 0.65±0.07, and a minimum of 0.20±0.06. The OI changed rapidly, with durations of high organization (OI>0.5) ranging from 1 to 5 s. The ADFT 50 for QRS complex–synchronized shocks was 183±56 V, versus 142±49 V for shocks synchronized to an OI>0.5 ( P 0.5. Conclusions —AF signals show a high degree of variability. Shock efficacy is increased when shocks are delivered during periods of high AF organization as determined by the OI method.
Can ultrasound predict IUD expulsion after medical abortion

Abstract Objectives Our randomized trial compared early and delayed intrauterine device (IUD) insertion following medical abortion. In this planned substudy, we explore if endometrial thickness and initial IUD position were associated with IUD expulsion. We also describe IUD movement within the uterus during the 6 months after insertion. Study design We recruited women undergoing medical abortion and choosing the copper IUD for contraception (n = 156). Participants were randomly assigned to early insertion 1 week after mifepristone or delayed insertion 4–6 weeks later. We measured endometrial thickness by transvaginal sonogram 1 week after abortion and IUD distance from the fundal aspect of the endometrial cavity three times: at insertion, 6–8 weeks later and at 6 months. Results We analyzed endometrial thickness in 113 women, baseline IUD position in 114 women and IUD movement in 65 women. Women who expelled IUDs (n = 15) had slightly thicker endometria (p = .007) and slightly lower baseline IUD positions (p = .03) than those who retained IUDs, but no clear cutoffs emerged in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Retained IUDs commonly moved up and down throughout the 6 months (from 14 mm towards the fundus to 32 mm towards the cervix). Overall, retained IUDs moved a median of 2 mm towards the cervix between insertion and exit (p Conclusions After medical abortion, the risk of IUD expulsion increases with thicker endometria and lower baseline position. Since no clear cutoffs emerged in the analysis and expulsion remained uncommon even with thicker endometria, we do not recommend restricting IUD insertion based on ultrasound data. Implication Copper T IUDs often move within the uterus without expelling. Expulsion is uncommon, and we do not recommend restricting IUD insertion based on ultrasound data.
Approaches for Effective Vocationalisation of Secondary School Agriculture in Nigeria: The Views of Agricultural Science Teachers in Delta State, Nigeria.

Abstract This paper describes a random sample of serving agricultural science teachers in Delta State, Nigeria, as a background to understanding their views on four selected approaches for effective vocationalisation of secondary school agriculture. These approaches were used to develop a 23-item questionnaire based on current literature. A five-point Likert-type scale was used to determine how well the views of the respondents corresponded with the items in the questionnaire. Results showed, among others, that the average teaching experience of the 322 sampled teachers was 12.9 years; 50.6 % of the respondents were BSc(Ed) degree holders; 38.8% had Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), while 10.6% were Higher National Diploma (HND) holders. The respondents agreed that the identified approaches were necessary for effective vocationalisation of secondary school agriculture. The paper therefore recommends that the identified approaches should be pursued by the Nigerian government to ensure that vocationa...
On the homogeneous birth-and-death process and its integral*

SUMMARY In a simple homogeneous birth-and-death process with A and ,a as the constant birth and death rates, respectively, let X(t) denote the population size at time t and Y(t) = f X(u) du. The results obtained include among others the following: (i) An explicit formula for the characteristic function of the joint distribution of X(t) and Y(t). (ii) It is shown that, if t -> oo while A Iu, then Y(t) -x cc with probability 1-,u/A. Given that Y(t) so, its conditional limiting distribution is again a mixture of x2-distributions. (iii) As t oc, the stochastic limit of [R(t) = X(t)/j4 (X(t)), S(t) = Y(t)/I( Y(t))] exists. Let it be denoted by [R, S]. It is shown that if A ,u, R = S A.S. Furthermore, it is showrn that when A + jt, S(t) -*S as t -> cc, both in mean square as well as with probability one. (iv) The expression for the characteristic function of the conditional distribution of Y(tl) given that X(t) -*0 as t -x cc, is given, with t1 being any fixed moment of time.
Dopamine receptor modulation of hypoxic–ischemic neuronal injury in striatum of newborn piglets

Dopamine receptors regulate glutamatergic neurotransmission and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase via protein kinase A (PKA) and dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32)-dependent signaling. Consequently, dopamine receptor activation may modulate neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (H-I) neuronal damage in the selectively vulnerable putamen enriched with dopaminergic receptors. Piglets subjected to two durations of hypoxia followed by asphyxic cardiac arrest were treated with a D1-like (SCH23390) or D2-like (sulpiride) receptor antagonist. At 4 days of recovery from less severe H-I, the remaining viable neurons in putamen were 60% of control, but nearly completely salvaged by pretreatment with SCH23390 or sulpiride. After more severe H-I in which only 18% of neurons were viable, partial neuroprotection was seen with SCH23390 pretreatment (50%) and posttreatment (39%) and with sulpiride pretreatment (35%), but not with sulpiride posttreatment (24%). Dopamine was significantly elevated in microdialysis samples from putamen during asphyxia and the first 15 mins of reoxygenation. Pretreatment with SCH23390 or sulpiride largely attenuated the increased nitrotyrosine and the decreased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity that occurred at 3 h after severe H-I. Pretreatment with SCH23390, but not sulpiride, also attenuated H-I-induced increases in PKA-dependent phosphorylation of Thr34 on DARPP-32, Ser943 on the alpha subunit of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, and Ser897 of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor NR1 subunit. These findings indicate that D1 and D2 dopamine receptor activation contribute to neuronal death in newborn putamen after H-I in association with increased protein nitration and decreased Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. Furthermore, mechanisms of D1 receptor toxicity may involve DARPP-32-dependent phosphorylation of NMDA receptor NR1 and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase.
Interactions of metal hydrous oxides with chelating agents. I. β-FeOOH—EDTA

Abstract The adsorption of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on a well-defined hydrosol consisting of rod-like β-FeOOH particles was studied as a function of pH and temperature. It was found that at 22°C the uptake of EDTA decreases with increasing pH (from pH 2.5 to 9) and it becomes negligible at pH > ∼ 9. At higher temperatures (50 and 90°C) an analogous trend is observed, although the adsorbed amount is smaller at the same pH. The data can be fitted to a Langmuir-type adsorption isotherm, from which the standard adsorption free energy was calculated to decrease from −9.5 to −8.2 kca/mole when the pH rises from 2.8 to 8.2 (at 22°C). Dissolution of ferric ions from the sol particles was determined in the same systems. In the absence of EDTA very small amounts of released Fe 3+ ions could be detected over the pH range of 2–13 during 48 hr of equilibration. When EDTA was added little leaching of ferric ions took place up to pH values of ∼7.5 and above 12. In the range of pH 7.5–12 considerable dissolution of Fe 3+ was found and the amount of released ferric species increased with increasing concentration of added EDTA. Electrokinetic data showed that the sol had an isoelectric point at pH ∼6.4; however, in the presence of EDTA this was shifted to considerably lower pH values. A mechanism which explains these effects is offered.
An Information Theory Approach to Power - Optimal Trafic Routing in Networks on Chips

Power-optimal traffic routing in bus-networks is studied from an information theoretic perspective. Power consumption in bus-networks is mathematically related to traffic patterns leading to theoretically optimal routing strategies and ultimate performance limits. Networks-on-chip depending strongly on efficient communication schemes motivate this work.
The Evolution of a Required Research Program for Medical Students at the University of Washington School of Medicine

Abstract The concepts and tools clinicians use to understand disease and treat patients are the direct product of basic and applied scientific inquiry. To prepare physicians to participate in this tradition of medical science, the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) created a research requirement in 1981. The objective was to provide students, during their clinical years of medical school, with first-hand experience in hypothesis-driven inquiry and an understanding of the philosophies and methods of science integral to the practice of medicine. A comprehensive curriculum review in 1998–2000 identified several limitations of this requirement. Although many students completed it successfully, others struggled to find mentors, funding, or time as coursework became more demanding. Other students found they had no interest in or aptitude for the research process itself. Accordingly, UWSOM has reaffirmed its commitment to independent inquiry but expanded the ways in which students can meet the requirement. Three research options are now available under the Independent Investigative Inquiry (III) program, generally completed the summer after students’ first year of medical school. These are the hypothesis-driven inquiry, a critical review of the literature, or an experience-driven inquiry in community medicine. The goal of UWSOM is to shape new physicians who can manage rapidly changing medical science, information technology, and patient expectations in clinical practice and/or laboratories. The role of III is to teach students to develop personal methods of acquiring new knowledge and integrate it into their professional lives. Faculty support, program oversight, and funding have been increased.
On the usefulness and ease of use of location-based services: insights into the information system innovator's dilemma

Some recent technology innovations display the functionalities that are significantly different from any predecessor. This presents an impending dilemma for innovators as the potential consumers often lack a reference point for judging the usefulness and ease of use of a new system. Exemplary for Location-Based Services (LBS), this paper examines the perceptions of usefulness and ease of use before as well as after adoption across a variety of tasks using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). An experimental environment is chosen, which provides 58 subjects with ubiquitous access to LBS.
Increased ovulation rate in gilts treated with dihydrotestosterone.

Treatment with testosterone increases ovulation rate in pigs. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a non-aromatizable androgen receptor ligand, on ovulation rate and amounts of androgen receptor and FSH receptor mRNAs in postpubertal gilts. In Expt 1, ovulation rate in response to daily i.m. injections of 0, 6, 60 or 600 microg DHT kg(-1) body weight from day 13 of the oestrous cycle (day 0 = day 1 of oestrus) to the following oestrus increased with each dose of DHT (P < 0.05). The mean increase in number of corpora lutea ranged from approximately three to 17 over the three dosages of DHT. In Expt 2, gilts treated daily with 60 microg DHT kg(-1) body weight during the early follicular phase (from day 13 to day 16), coincident with follicular recruitment, or the late follicular phase (day 17 to oestrus), had higher (P < 0.05) rates of ovulation compared with gilts that received vehicle, and were not different from gilts treated with DHT from day 13 to oestrus. Percentage recovery of day 3 embryos was not altered when gilts were treated from day 13 to day 16 or from day 17 to oestrus; however, treatment of gilts with DHT from day 13 to oestrus decreased recovery of day 3 (Expt 1) or day 11 (Expt 2) conceptuses. Daily administration of 6 microg DHT kg(-1) body weight to gilts from day 13 of the oestrous cycle to the following oestrus (Expt 3) did not affect the relative amounts of androgen receptor mRNA, but increased (P < 0.05) the amounts of FSH receptor mRNA in preovulatory follicles as determined by RT-PCR. The results of these experiments indicate that androgens may regulate ovulation rate in gilts. One of the roles of androgens might be regulation of the amounts of FSH receptor mRNA in ovarian follicles.
Education, Gender, and Generational Conflict among Khmer Refugees

This article explores an example of in-group variation in minority educational achievement by investigating the reasons whya disproportionately high number of young Khmer women drop out of school. Based on 30 months of ethnographic study among Khmer refugees in metropolitan Boston, the research demonstrates the importance of cultural and social-historical influences for understanding Khmer educational achievement and distinguishing it from that of other East and Southeast Asian immigrant groups. KHMER REFUGEES, MINORITY EDUCATION, GENDER ROLES, ETHNIC IDENTITY, GENERATIONAL CONFLICT Recent sociological and ethnographic research has significantly enhanced our understanding of the educational performance of minorities in the United States. This same research, however, has been characterized by serious disagreement about the precise social influences that shape minority educational achievement. Ethnographic studies have drawn attention to the influence of culture on school achievement. According to cultural compatibility theory, for example, if a child is socialized in a family setting with behavioral and cognitive routines compatible with those of the classroom, he or she is likely to do well in school. "When cultures provide some other set of social and psychological routines," however, "schools and pupils are mutually frustrated" (Tharp 1989:51). Other studies, like those of John Ogbu and Maria Matute-Bianchi (1986) and Margaret Gibson (1988), have tended to downplay the independent influence of culture, focusing instead on the macrosociological influences of history, politics, and social structure. Their research has taken note of immigrant minorities who, despite dramatic cultural and linguistic differences from their European-American counterparts, do significantly better in school than do indigenous minorities such as African- and Native-Americans. These studies have revealed that Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and Sikh immigrants often surpass mainstream European-Americans in school performance. Educational theorists like Ogbu (1987) see these data as confirmation of the view that broad social,
Initiating warfarin therapy: 5 mg versus 10 mg.

OBJECTIVETo review the literature investigating initial dosing of warfarin at 5 or 10 mg for treatment of acute venous thromboembolism.DATA SOURCESArticles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966–December 2003) using the key words warfarin, oral anticoagulation, warfarin dose, warfarin initiation, venous thromboembolism, and anticoagulation. Additional references were located through review of the bibliographies of the articles cited.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTIONStudies of the initial dosing of warfarin at 5 or 10 mg were evaluated and relevant information was included, as were those that identified known factors that influence the maintenance dose of warfarin.DATA SYNTHESISFor the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism, warfarin dosing is often provider dependent. Until recently, studies suggested that 5 mg initiation was as effective as 10 mg, without increasing the risk of bleeding. However, the most recent study comparing a 5- versus 10-mg initial dosing nomogram supports an initial...
Dealing With Misbehavior at Schools in Kentucky: Theoretical and Contextual Predictors of Use of Corporal Punishment

To test and compare theoretical explanations of the use of corporal punishment in school, the authors examine how well county-level measures of culture, socioeconomic strain, and social capital predict the prevalence and incidence of corporal punishment in Kentucky schools. Although several variables are significantly correlated with corporal punishment use, multi-variate regression analyses reveal that high socioeconomic strain and low levels of social capital are the best predictors of (a) the prevalence of corporal punishment in a county's public school system(s) and (b) a high incidence of corporal punishment in those counties where it is practiced. Explanations and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
WaveSync: Low-Latency Source-Synchronous Bypass Network-on-Chip Architecture

WaveSync is a network-on-chip architecture for a globally asynchronous locally-synchronous (GALS) design. The WaveSync design facilitates low-latency communication leveraging the source-synchronous clock sent along with the data to time components in the datapath of a downstream router, reducing the number of synchronizations needed. WaveSync accomplishes this by partitioning the router components at each node into different clock domains, each synchronized with one of the orthogonal incoming source-synchronous clocks in a GALS 2D mesh network. The data and clock subsequently propagate through each node/router synchronously until the destination is reached, regardless of the number of hops this may take. As long as the data travels in the path of clock propagation and no congestion is encountered, it will be propagated without latching as if in a long combinatorial path, with both the clock and the data accruing delay at the same rate. The result is that the need for synchronization between the mesochronous nodes and/or the asynchronous control associated with the typical GALS network is completely eliminated. To further reduce the latency overhead of synchronization, for those occasions when synchronization is still required (when a flit takes a turn or arrives at the destination), we propose a novel less-than-one-cycle synchronizer. The proposed WaveSync network outperforms conventional GALS networks by 87--90p in average latency, synthesized using a 45nm CMOS library.
Tips for Teaching a Course by E-mail

Abstract The purpose of this article is to give concrete direction to first-time instructors of electronic mail (e-mail) courses. The information is primarily based on personal experience with two courses, but existing literature on the subject is integrated as well. The use of and problems commonly associated with listservs, bulletin boards, computer configurations, varying computer platforms, software, class management, enrollment caps, text materials, and instructor time are described. Recommendations are made throughout. The paper ends with a frank discussion of the pros and cons of an e-mail approach and outlines potential research directions.The major conclusion is that e-mail is suitable for some people in some situations, but not others. Users (both teachers and students) should be well prepared for the amount and kind of effort required to ensure success.
Post-Starburst Quasars

We describe a comprehensive multi-wavelength and multi-faceted program to understand a class of quasars we call post-starburst quasars, which may represent an evolutionary phase in mutual galaxy/black hole evolution.
Characterization of the A‐type potassium current in murine gastric antrum

A-type currents are rapidly inactivating potassium currents that operate at subthreshold potentials. A-type currents have not been reported to occur in the phasic muscles of the stomach. We used conventional voltage-clamp techniques to identify and characterize A-type currents in myocytes isolated from the murine antrum. A-type currents were robust in these cells, with peak current densities averaging 30 pA pF−1 at 0 mV. These currents underwent rapid inactivation with a time constant of 83 ms at 0 mV. Recovery from inactivation at −80 mV was rapid, with a time constant of 252 ms. The A-type current was blocked by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and was inhibited by flecainide, with an IC50 of 35 μM. The voltage for half-activation was −26 mV, while the voltage of half-inactivation was −65 mV. There was significant activation and incomplete inactivation at potentials positive to −60 mV, which is suggestive of sustained current availability in this voltage range. Under current-clamp conditions, exposure to 4-AP or flecainide depolarized the membrane potential by 7-10 mV. In intact antral tissue preparations, flecainide depolarized the membrane potential between slow waves by 5 mV; changes in slow waves were not evident. The effect of flecainide was not abolished by inhibiting enteric neurotransmission or by blocking delayed rectifier and ATP-sensitive K+ currents. Transcripts encoding Kv4 channels were detected in isolated antral myocytes by RT-PCR. Immunocytochemistry revealed intense Kv4.2- and Kv4.3-like immunoreactivity in antral myocytes. These data suggest that the A-type current in murine antral smooth muscle cells is likely to be due to Kv4 channels. This current contributes to the maintenance of negative resting membrane potentials.
Prolactin Action on Luteal Protein Expression in the Corpus Luteum

Although it is well established that PRL is essential for luteal cell steroidogenesis and growth in the rat, its exact mechanism of action remains unknown. Whereas PRL stimulates growth and induces the content of specific proteins in several target tissues, its effect on proteins in the corpus luteum has not been examined. To determine whether PRL affects the synthesis of specific luteal protein(s), corpora lutea were obtained from rats hypophysectomized on day 3 of pregnancy and then treated with or without PRL (125 micrograms x 2/day) for 4 days. In this rat model, corpora lutea are exquisitely responsive to PRL and produce high levels of progesterone in response to PRL stimulation. Analysis of cytosolic proteins on one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed a dramatic inhibitory effect of PRL on a 37,000 mol wt (MW) protein. This PRL-regulated protein (PRP) resolved into five separate isoelectric variants (pIs 5.5, 5.6, 6.15, 6.6, and 6.85). Since differences in phosphorylation state can alter the isoelectric point of proteins, we examined the possibility that the 37,000 MW PRP is a substrate for phosphorylation. Luteal homogenates were incubated with [32P]ATP in the presence or absence of Ca2+, Ca2+/calmodulin, Ca2+/phospholipid, or cAMP. Phosphorylation of PRP was not affected by PRL treatment or the addition of specific cofactors. The least abundant isoelectric species (pI 6.85) was identified by Western blot analysis as annexin I, a known regulator of phospholipase A2 and prostaglandin synthesis. To determine whether the other four isoelectric species represent variants of the same protein, we developed a polyclonal antibody to the 6.15 isoelectric species which is remarkably regulated by PRL. In the absence of PRL, the 6.15 isoelectric species (37K) is the major protein of the PRP band. Conversely, PRL treatment resulted in the virtual disappearance of this luteal protein. The antibody recognized the 37K alone, indicating that the other 37,000 MW isoelectric species were distinct proteins. To examine the time course of PRL action on the expression of the 37K, luteal cells from day 3 pregnant rats were cultured with different doses of PRL from 6 h to 5 days. Western blot analysis of luteal cellular proteins indicated that PRL caused a decrease in the expression of the 37K within 6 h of treatment. Although it is well known that estradiol together with PRL is required for optimal growth of the rat corpus luteum, estradiol alone had no inhibitory action on the 37K nor did it affect the inhibitory action of PRL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Detecting pitch of singing voice in polyphonic audio

We propose a robust algorithm to detect the pitch of a singing voice in polyphonic audio. A new channel/peak selection scheme is introduced to exploit the salience of the singing voice and the beating phenomenon in high frequency channels. An HMM is employed to integrate the periodicity information across frequency channels and time frames. Quantitative evaluation shows that the new system performs significantly better than existing algorithms for predominant pitch detection in polyphonic audio.
Enhancement of Oncogene-Mediated Transformation in Cloned Rat Embryo Fibroblast (CREF) Cells by 3-Aminobenzamide

The carcinogenic process involves a complex series of genetic alterations in the evolving tumor cell resulting in changes in genes which induce both positive (oncogene) and negative (tumor suppressor) control of cellular proliferation (1-3). In vitro studies employing rat embryo fibroblast cells and more recently in vivo studies using transgenic mice have provided convincing evidence that specific oncogenes can cooperate in inducing both cellular transformation and the development of specific neoplasms (1-3). Based primarily on data obtained using early passage and established rodent cells it appears that oncogenes which act in the nucleus can cooperate most efficiently with oncogenes which act in the cytoplasm (1,3). Cooperative interactions between nuclear oncogenes, such as myc, N-myc, mutant p53, fos, jun, adenovirus (Ad) E1A, polyomavirus and SV40 large T antigens, papillomavirus E7 and tax of human T cell leukemia virus type 1, and cytoplasmic oncogenes, such as Ha-ras, Ki-ras, N-ras, src and polyomavirus middle T antigen, have been described (reviewed in 1,3). However, there are examples in which two nuclear oncoproteins (4) or two cytoplasmic oncoproteins (5) can cooperate in inducing transformation of rat embryo fibroblasts.
Identification of differentially methylated loci using wavelet-based functional mixed models

Motivation DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification that can modulate gene expression. Over the past decade, a lot of studies have focused on profiling DNA methylation and investigating its alterations in complex diseases such as cancer. While early studies were mostly restricted to CpG islands or promoter regions, recent findings indicate that many of important DNA methylation changes can occur in other regions and DNA methylation needs to be examined on a genome-wide scale. In this article, we apply the wavelet-based functional mixed model methodology to analyze the high-throughput methylation data for identifying differentially methylated loci across the genome. Contrary to many commonly-used methods that model probes independently, this framework accommodates spatial correlations across the genome through basis function modeling as well as correlations between samples through functional random effects, which allows it to be applied to many different settings and potentially leads to more power in detection of differential methylation. Results We applied this framework to three different high-dimensional methylation data sets (CpG Shore data, THREE data and NIH Roadmap Epigenomics data), studied previously in other works. A simulation study based on CpG Shore data suggested that in terms of detection of differentially methylated loci, this modeling approach using wavelets outperforms analogous approaches modeling the loci as independent. For the THREE data, the method suggests newly detected regions of differential methylation, which were not reported in the original study. Availability and implementation Automated software called WFMM is available at https://biostatistics.mdanderson.org/SoftwareDownload CpG Shore data is available at http://rafalab.dfci.harvard.edu NIH Roadmap Epigenomics data is available at http://compbio.mit.edu/roadmap Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. Contact jefmorris@mdanderson.org.
Room-temperature single-wavelength optical latching circuits using GaAs bistable devices as logic gates

Room-temperature two-element latching circuits are experimentally demonstrated using GaAs multiple-quantum-well (MQW) nonlinear etalons under single-wavelength bistable operation. Signal power gains of up to 4 and contrast ratios of 10 have been achieved at milliwatt power levels with 1-μs pulses, which will allow the construction of more complicated digital optical circuits using diode lasers as the light sources. The problems of applying these nonlinear etalons to fast optical signal processing are also discussed. Numerical simulations show that the gain vanishes as the pulse duration decreases and approaches the carrier lifetime.
Visive Powers: Colours, Trees and Genres of Jurisdiction

(2008). Visive Powers: Colours, Trees and Genres of Jurisdiction. Law and Humanities: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 213-231.
A scary complication of the scar: Aetiology and management of caesarean section scar pregnancies.

A 28-year-old with history of two previous caesarean deliveries presented at 5 weeks and 2 days, requesting termination of pregnancy. Her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) at this time was ...
Diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of suspected aortic dissection. Old standards and new directions.

Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition, and its prompt diagnosis remains essential for successful management. Although early mortality may be as high as 1 percent per hour1 among untreated patients, survival can be improved by the rapid institution of appropriate medical or surgical therapy (or both). The Stanford classification system2 divides aortic dissections anatomically into two types on the basis of location. A dissection in which there is involvement of the ascending aorta, regardless of the site of entry, is defined as type A (this includes De Bakey3 types I and II and is often described as a proximal . . .
The crystal structure of philolithite, a trellis-like open framework based on cubic closest-packing of anions

The crystal structure of philolithite, Pb 12 O 6 Mn(Mg,Mn) 2 (Mn,Mg) 4 (SO 4 )(CO 3 ) 4 Cl 4 (OH) 12 , P 4 2 / nnm , a = 12.627(9), c = 12.595(9) A, V = 2008(2) A 3 , Z = 2 has been solved by Patterson difference-Fourier syntheses and refined to R = 0.053 for 814 F o > 4σ F o using Mo K α X-ray data. In the structure, MnO 6 octahedra form straight chains parallel to [110] and [110] by sharing opposite octahedral edges. Octahedra within the chains are further linked by sharing free corners with MnO 4 and SO 4 tetrahedra and CO 3 triangles. The MnO 4 and SO 4 tetrahedra also form bridging struts between octahedral chains, connecting them in the [001] direction into an open framework. The Pb, Cl, and non-framework O atoms occupy the open spaces within the framework. The 10- and 12-fold coordinations of the Pb atoms exhibit the lone-pair effect. Pb atoms link via short bonds to non-framework O atoms to form chains parallel to [110] and [110]. When viewed down [111], [111], [111], or [111], the framework (less the CO 3 groups) is seen to be based upon cubic closest-packing of anions. This open framework of composition [ [6] (Mn,Mg) 12 2+[4] (SO 4 ) 2 2–[4] (Mn 2+ O 4 ) 2 6− O 8 (OH) 24 ] 32− , referred to as a closest-packed trellis, is the fundamental unit for the structure.
Mushroom-type structures with the wires connected through diodes: Theory and applications

In this paper, we establish a general formalism to quantify the interaction of electromagnetic waves with mushroom-type structures (high impedance surface and bi-layer) with diodes inserted along the direction of the wires. The analysis is carried out using the nonlocal homogenization model for the mushroom structure with the generalized additional boundary conditions at the connection of the wires to diodes. We calculate numerically the magnitude and phase of the reflected/transmitted fields in the presence of an ideal and realistic PIN diodes. It is observed that the reflection/transmission characteristics of the mushroom-type structures can be controlled by tuning the working states of the integrated PIN diodes. We realize a structure with a multi-diode switch to minimize the undesired transmission for a particular incident angle. In addition, a dual-band subwavelength imaging lens is designed based on the resonant amplification of evanescent waves, wherein the operating frequency can be tuned by changing the states of the PIN diodes. The analytical results are verified with the full-wave electromagnetic solver CST Microwave Studio, showing a good agreement.
Effect of Stimulation on the Levels of Tyrosine Hydroxylase, Dopamine β-Hydroxylase, and Catecholamines in Intact and Denervated Rat Adrenal Glands

Rats were treated with insulin (5 international units/kg) alone and in combination with actinomycin D (1 mg/kg) to determine the effects of neural stimulation and the requirement for protein synthesis upon rat adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine β-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.2.1), and catecholamine levels. Four hours after insulin administration, the catecholamine levels were 80% depleted and required 4 days to recover to the control values. Dopamine β-hydroxylase activity was decreased at 24 hr, recovered to control values at 48 hr, and increased above control levels at 96 hr. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity was unchanged at 4 hr, increased at 24 hr, and remained high for at least 96 hr. Treatment of rats with actinomycin D (1 mg/kg) 1 hr before insulin administration completely abolished the rise in tyrosine hydroxylase normally seen after 24 hr, even though appreciable depletion of catecholamines still occurred. Actinomycin D given 3 and 6 hr following treatment with insulin also blocked the rise in tyrosine hydroxylase activity observed at 24 hr, but if actinomycin D administration was delayed until 12 hr after insulin injection the rise in tyrosine hydroxylase activity was no longer blocked. In rats with the nerve supply to the left adrenal gland cut, only the intact right gland responded to insulin, with a loss of catecholamines at 4 hr and an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase at 24 hr. Rats treated with acetylcholine (20 mg/kg) and eserine (0.1 mg/kg) showed increases in tyrosine hydroxylase activity not only in the intact right gland but also in the denervated left gland. These observations indicate that an intact nervous supply is not absolutely required to bring about a rise in tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and that exposure to the neurotransmitter itself (in this case acetylcholine) is sufficient. Whether acetylcholine is directly involved in the increased levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, or whether a secretory response by the gland is the essential link, has yet to be determined. Rats that received actinomycin D (0.5 mg/kg) 1 hr before insulin showed no rise in tyrosine hydroxylase at 24 hr, but at 48 hr the enzyme activity was twice that of the controls. In rats with the left gland denervated, only the intact right gland had an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase 48 hr after treatment with acetylcholine and actinomycin D. The evidence suggests that this rise in tyrosine hydroxylase resulted from additional neural stimulation of the gland secondary to the physiological stress produced by actinomycin D, rather than from the expression of a long-lived signal.
Productivity and Leadership Patterns of Female Faculty Members in Public Administration

Though the number of female faculty members has risen in public administration programs throughout the nation, few studies have analyzed the advances made by them at universities and colleges. The most commonly used method of examining success in academic settings is by analyzing the research productivity patterns of faculty members. However, evaluation should not be limited to measuring publication productivity alone, but also through measuring gender equity in leadership positions. Thus the purpose of this research is to analyze the scholarly output and leadership patterns of faculty members in fields of public administration and policy by gender. The study uses data from the Survey of Doctorate Recipients to examine career trajectories and 241 schools offering degrees in public administration, affairs, policy, and management listed on the NASPAA website to examine leadership patterns by gender. The results suggest that female faculty members have lower productivity despite controlling for demographic, institutional, and career factors. However, when interaction terms are introduced between female faculty and ages of children, the productivity gap by gender disappears.
Molecular determinants for CRISPR RNA maturation in the Cas10–Csm complex and roles for non-Cas nucleases

CRISPR–Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated proteins) is a prokaryotic immune system that destroys foreign nucleic acids in a sequence-specific manner using Cas nucleases guided by short RNAs (crRNAs). Staphylococcus epidermidis harbours a Type III-A CRISPR–Cas system that encodes the Cas10–Csm interference complex and crRNAs that are subjected to multiple processing steps. The final step, called maturation, involves a concerted effort between Csm3, a ruler protein in Cas10–Csm that measures six-nucleotide increments, and the activity of a nuclease(s) that remains unknown. Here, we elucidate the contributions of the Cas10–Csm complex toward maturation and explore roles of non-Cas nucleases in this process. Using genetic and biochemical approaches, we show that charged residues in Csm3 facilitate its self-assembly and dictate the extent of maturation cleavage. Additionally, acidic residues in Csm5 are required for efficient maturation, but recombinant Csm5 fails to cleave crRNAs in vitro. However, we detected cellular nucleases that co-purify with Cas10–Csm, and show that Csm5 regulates their activities through distinct mechanisms. Altogether, our results support roles for non-Cas nuclease(s) during crRNA maturation and establish a link between Type III-A CRISPR–Cas immunity and central nucleic acid metabolism.
Abstract A25: Transcriptional control of inflammatory signaling in the megakaryocyte and erythroid lineages

Thrombocytosis, characterized by high platelet counts, and anemia, caused by low numbers of red blood cells, are associated with poor outcomes in solid tumors and occur in several types of myeloid disorders. The megakaryocyte and erythroid lineages give rise to platelets and red blood cells, respectively, but the mechanisms that cause increased megakaryopoiesis and concurrently decreased erythropoiesis are poorly understood. In this study, we identified that expression of DLX4, a transcription factor encoded by a homeobox gene, increases during megakaryopoiesis and decreases during erythropoiesis. Overexpression and knockdown experiments using normal CD34+ stem/progenitor cells and bipotent K562 cells demonstrated that DLX4 induces lineage markers and morphologic features of megakaryocytes, and concomitantly represses erythroid marker expression and hemoglobin levels. Gene Ontology and Gene Set Enrichment Analyses of genome-wide changes in gene expression induced by DLX4 showed that DLX4 induces a megakaryocytic transcriptional program and inhibits an erythroid transcriptional program. Bioinformatic analysis also revealed that DLX4 induces gene signatures that are associated with NF-kappaB signaling. The ability of DLX4 to promote megakaryocyte development and to inhibit erythroid differentiation was diminished by blocking NF-kappaB activity or by repressing IL1B, a transcriptional target of DLX4. These findings indicate that DLX4 promotes megakaryocyte development at the expense of erythroid generation in part by inducing inflammatory signaling. Studies are ongoing to investigate the transcriptional control by homeobox genes of inflammatory signaling in thrombocytosis and anemia that are associated with solid tumors and myeloproliferative diseases. Citation Format: Bon Q. Trinh, Nicolas Barengo, Sang Bae Kim, Ju-Seog Lee, Patrick A. Zweidler-McKay, Honami Naora. Transcriptional control of inflammatory signaling in the megakaryocyte and erythroid lineages. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr A25.
Improving Stroke Caregiver Readiness for Transition From Inpatient Rehabilitation to Home.

Purpose As the population ages, older adults are more often living with functional limitations from chronic illnesses, such as stroke, and require assistance. Because stroke occurs suddenly, many stroke family caregivers in the United States are unprepared to assume caregiving responsibilities post-discharge. Research is limited on how family members become ready to assume the caregiving role. In this study, we developed a theoretical model for improving stroke caregiver readiness and identifying gaps in caregiver preparation. Design and methods We interviewed 40 stroke family caregivers caring for 33 stroke survivors during inpatient rehabilitation and within 6 months post-discharge for this grounded theory study. Data were analyzed using dimensional analysis and constant comparative techniques. Results Caregivers identified critical areas where they felt unprepared to assume the caregiving role after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Steps to improve preparation include (a) conducting a risk assessment of the patient and caregiver; (b) identifying and prioritizing gaps between the patient's needs and caregiver's commitment and capacity; and (c) developing a plan for improving caregiver readiness. Implications The model presented provides a family-centered approach for identifying needs and facilitating caregiver preparation. Given recent focus on improving care coordination, care transitions, and patient-centered care to help improve patient safety and reduce readmissions in this population, this research provides a new approach to enhance these outcomes among stroke survivors with family caregivers.
High-speed spectral shearing contrast time-stretch microscopy

We present a straightforward high-performance technique for measuring the amplitude and phase of low contrast microscopic subjects at very high speed utilizing photonic time-stretch and spectral shearing interferometry.
Polymorphic Pvu II Sites in the Stage-Selector Elements of the Baboon (P. anubis) γ-Globin Gene Promoter May Determine HbF Levels by Reducing DNA Methylation Density.

Phylogenetic footprinting studies previously identified conserved CpG residues in the γ-globin promoter in all simian primates that express the γ-globin gene during the fetal period of development that are absent in prosimians that express this gene during the embryonic period. (Tagle et al, J Mol Biol203:439–455, 1988). These CpG residues are methylated in adults but unmethylated in fetal tissues expressing the γ-globin gene. Reactivation of HbF synthesis in adults following treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine suggests that methylation of these CpG residues in adults may be instrumental in silencing the γ-globin gene. Sequence analysis of the baboon γ-globin gene promoter isolated from baboon (P. anubis) white blood cell DNA lambda phage libraries identified differences between the baboon and other simian primates in the nucleotide sequence at two of these CpG sites located at −51 and +16 that result in a CpG to CpA change at both positions in the baboon. At both positions these nucleotide sequence differences introduce new Pvu II sites. Three subspecies of baboons, P. anubis (n=12), P. cynocephaus (n=6) and P, hamadryas (n=6) were genotyped for the presence or absence of these Pvu II sites in the γ-globin gene promoter. Pvu II sites were detected in the γ-globin promoters of all baboons and were not present in Macaca mullatta (n=2). Individual baboons differed in the number and arrangement of polymorphic Pvu II sites. Both polymorphic sites are located in regions previously reported to act as stage selector elements (Jane et al, EMBO J11:2961–2969, 1992; Amrolia et al, J Biol Chem270:12892–12898, 1995). A family of methylated DNA binding proteins that bind methylated CpG residues and act as transcriptional repressors has been described. Repression of transcription by MeCP2, one member of this family, depends on the density of DNA methylation of the promoter region. MeCP2 loses the ability to repress transcription when the density of methyl CpG residues is reduced to
GIS and Cartography

Cartography as a discipline evolved from the ancient practice of map making, and its complex set of conventions and techniques. Geographic information systems (GIS) were developed much more recently as a comprehensive computer application for performing a wide range of functions on geographic data. The two fields have converged as digital technology has become more pervasive, and as it provides new opportunities that offer to escape many of the constraints under which manual map making operated. Cartography is both a science and an art, whereas GIS evolved as a more precise and objective approach to what is observable and measurable about the Earth's surface, with an emphasis on numerical analysis. While the distinction between the two fields is not as strong as in the past, these nuances remain today.
Development of Entrustable Professional Activities for Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training in the United States

Abstract Context Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) represent the key physician tasks of a specialty. Once a trainee demonstrates competence in an activity, they can then be "entrusted" to practice without supervision. A physician workgroup of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine sought to define Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) EPAs. Objective The objective of this study was to describe the development of a set of consensus EPAs for HPM fellowship training in the United States. Methods A set of HPM EPAs was developed through an iterative consensus process involving an expert workgroup, vetting at a national meeting with HPM educators, and an electronic survey from a national registry of 3550 HPM physicians. Vetting feedback was reviewed, and survey data were statistically analyzed. Final EPA revisions followed from the multisource feedback. Results Through the iterative consensus process, a set of 17 HPM EPAs was created, detailed, and revised. In the national survey, 362 HPM specialists responded (10%), including 58 of 126 fellowship program directors (46%). Respondents indicated that the set of 17 EPAs well represented the core activities of HPM physician practice (mean 4.72 on a five-point Likert scale) and considered all EPAs to either be "essential" or "important" with none of the EPAs ranking "neither essential, nor important." Conclusions A set of 17 EPAs was developed using national input of practicing physicians and program directors and an iterative expert workgroup consensus process. The workgroup anticipates that EPAs can assist fellowship directors with strengthening competency-based training curricula.