cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiogram reconstruction from high resolution voltage optical mapping

Electrocardiogram recordings during opucal mapping experiments in heart tissue are commonly used tu monitor the health of the preparation and to obtain dominant frequencies during arrhythmic and defibrillatory studies. However the use of ECG reconstructed from optical mapping is seldom used and to date it has not been strictly validated. In this manuscript we present the first detailed validation and comparison of Optical Mapping ECG, or OM-ECG, with standard ECG recordings by calculating the electrostatic potential in space as a function of the voltage measured optically and describe the different approximations that can be used to obtain unipolar or bipolar ECG recordings. We found that in small/medium hearts, such as rabbits, leads that are aligned apex to base only require activation recording from one surface (anterior or posterior) for the OM-ECG to match the ECG while leads aligned left to right may require both an anterior and posterior optical mapping recording. The discrepancy between leads is due to symmetries in the ventricular activations. In the case of ischemic hearts where activations even-out more, the match between the OM-ECG and standard ECG may require only one surface recording for both left-right and base-apex leads. We believe that this methodology has two main and direct applications in the study of cardiac dynamics. The first is during studies of defibrillation where information after the shock may be crucial in the development of new strategies, OM-ECGs do not suffer the current artifacts of standard ECGs during shocks and can be calculated during the entire activation. We present examples in rabbit ventricles where even low amplitude pacing artifacts are captured by the ECG but do not appear in the OM-ECG. The second use of this technique is for reconstructions of intramural dynamics in larger hearts where differences between the ECG and OM-ECG obtained from anterior and posterior recordings can be used to derive the intramural activation.
Convergence of latent mixing measures in nonparametric and mixture models

We consider Wasserstein distance functionals for assessing the convergence of latent discrete measures, which serve as mixing distributions in hierarchical and nonparametric mixture models. We clarify the relationships between Wasserstein distances of mixing distributions and f -divergence functionals such as Hellinger and Kullback-Leibler distances on the space of mixture distributions using various identifiability conditions. The convergence in Wasserstein metrics for discrete measures has a natural interpretation of the convergence of individual atoms that provide support for the discrete measure. It is also typically stronger than the weak convergence induced by standard f -divergence metrics. We establish rates of convergence of posterior distributions for latent discrete measures in several mixture models, including finite mixtures of multivariate distributions, finite mixtures of Gaussian processes and infinite mixtures based on the Dirichlet process.
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of histone variant H2A.Z during sea urchin development.

Histone variant H2A.Z promotes chromatin accessibility at transcriptional regulatory elements and is developmentally regulated in metazoans. We characterize the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of H2A.Z in the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. H2A.Z depletion by antisense translation-blocking morpholino oligonucleotides during early development causes developmental collapse, in agreement with its previously demonstrated general role in transcriptional multipotency. During H2A.Z peak expression in 24-h embryos, endogenous H2A.Z 3′ UTR sequences stabilize GFP mRNAs relative to those with SV40 3′ UTR sequences, although the 3′ UTR of H2A.Z does not determine the spatial distribution of H2A.Z transcripts during embryonic and postembryonic development. We elaborated an H2A.Z::GFP BAC reporter that reproduces embryonic H2A.Z expression. Genome-wide chromatin accessibility analysis using ATAC-seq revealed a cis-regulatory module (CRM) that, when deleted, causes a significant decline of the H2A.Z reporter expression. In addition, the mutation of a Sox transcription factor binding site motif and, more strongly, of a Myb motif cause significant decline of reporter gene expression. Our results suggest that an undetermined Myb-family transcription factor controls the transcriptional regulation of H2A.Z.
Optimization of mode-dependent gain efficiency based on intermodal Raman scattering for few-mode distributed Raman amplifier

Doping concentration and mode/wavelength configuration of intermodal Raman scattering are investigated for few-mode distributed Raman amplifier. The modal gain equalization and noise figure are optimized for four mode-groups resulting in mean gain of 14.7 dB.
Progress in Understanding Degradation Mechanisms and Improving Stability in Organic Photovoltaics

Understanding the degradation mechanisms of organic photovoltaics is particularly important, as they tend to degrade faster than their inorganic counterparts, such as silicon and cadmium telluride. An overview is provided here of the main degradation mechanisms that researchers have identified so far that cause extrinsic degradation from oxygen and water, intrinsic degradation in the dark, and photo-induced burn-in. In addition, it provides methods for researchers to identify these mechanisms in new materials and device structures to screen them more quickly for promising long-term performance. These general strategies will likely be helpful in other photovoltaic technologies that suffer from insufficient stability, such as perovskite solar cells. Finally, the most promising lifetime results are highlighted and recommendations to improve long-term performance are made. To prevent degradation from oxygen and water for sufficiently long time periods, OPVs will likely need to be encapsulated by barrier materials with lower permeation rates of oxygen and water than typical flexible substrate materials. To improve stability at operating temperatures, materials will likely require glass transition temperatures above 100 °C. Methods to prevent photo-induced burn-in are least understood, but recent research indicates that using pure materials with dense and ordered film morphologies can reduce the burn-in effect.
“We wouldn’t say it to their faces”: online harassment, women sports journalists, and feminism

In April 2016, a US-based independent sport media organization Just Not Sports launched #MoreThanMean, a digital media campaign to raise awareness about online harassment of women in sports journal...
Acute Renal Failure and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

Continuous renal replacement therapy has evolved into an important therapeutic modality for the management of acute renal failure. The mainstay has been continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) for the management of acute azotemia and slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF) for the management of fluid overload. A pumpless system is employed in which the patient’s arterial pressure is utilized to perfuse the extracorporeal circuit. Additional variations have been developed to meet various clinical needs. These variations have improved the efficacy of the continuous treatment method and will be described in detail later.
Lincoln and Emancipation/Lincoln and the Thirteenth Amendment

Review of: "Lincoln and Emancipation", by Edna Greene Medford and of "Lincoln and the Thirteenth Amendment", by Christian Samito.
Motoneurons and Response Execution

Influences descending from the brainstem to the spinal cord, if they are to affect behavior, eventually must register in the activity of relevant motoneurons. We proceed to discover how this occurs by working our way in from the form of the behavioral response itself to the spinal neural mechanisms that determine that form. Precise descriptions of the behavioral response provide the platform from which studies of the responsible muscles can be launched (Section B); in turn, using those muscle nerves, the responsible motoneurons can then be located and studied with anatomical and electrophysiological techniques (Sections C and D).
The Religious-Mythical Attitudes of the East Asians and Husserl’s Phenomenology

I ask two questions: first, is the task of reevaluating the religious-mythical attitudes of the East Asians significant? And second, is Husserl’s phenomenology relevant for such a task? It is easy to argue for the need to reappropriate traditional attitudes in order to critically reflect on the problems of modernization. Common sense accounts of compelling problems, such as the environmental crisis, make a good case for the significance of such an attempt. But the second question is not so easy because Husserl categorically dismisses China, India, and all non-European civilizations as philosophically irrelevant and alien to his transcendental phenomenology.
Transposon insertion in genes coding for the biosynthesis of structural components of the Anabaena sp. phycobilisome

Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 mutants defective in phycobiliprotein biosynthesis or phycobilisome assembly were generated by transposon mutagenesis. Four mutants with grossly reduced content of the major phycobiliprotein, phycocyanin, were found to have insertions within the cpcBACDEFG1G2G3G4 operon coding for phycocyanin biosynthesis and assembly. The insertion in mutant B646 separated the promoter from the open reading frames and eliminated production of the phycocyanin α (CpcA) and β (CpcB) subunits. Insertion in cpcC in mutant B642 eliminated production of the L36Rlinker polypeptide required for assembly of phycocyanin into the distal discs of the phycobilisome rod substructures. Mutants B64328 and B64407 had insertions, respectively, in cpcE and cpcF, genes coding for the subunits of the heterodimeric lyase which catalyzes the attachment of phycocyanobilin to the phycocyanin apo-α subunit. Mutant SB12, often unable to survive under low light, was found to have an insertion in the apcE gene coding for the large core-membrane linker (L128CM) that provides the scaffold for assembly of the phycobilisome core. DNA sequencing 3′ of apcE revealed genes apcABC, coding for the α and β subunits of allophycocyanin and for the small core linker L7.8C. Amino acid sequence comparisons showed that the ApcA and ApcB proteins are 37% identical and that each of these polypeptides is highly similar to corresponding polypeptides from the distantly related filamentous strains Calothrix sp. PCC7601 and Mastigocladus laminosus.
CT-01 Association between hydroxychloroquine non-adherence and disease activity in a predominantly hispanic systemic lupus erythematosus cohort

Background Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a key component of therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Medication non-adherence is reported in 40%–80% of lupus patients and results in increased morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization. HCQ levels are a sensitive and reliable method to assess medication adherence. Our study evaluated the feasibility of HCQ level measurement in a routine clinical setting and its association with disease activity in a predominantly Hispanic population. Methods SLE patients from the Columbia University Lupus cohort, treated with HCQ for ≥6 months and reporting medication-adherence were included. HCQ levels were measured by whole blood high performance liquid chromatography. Non-adherence was defined as HCQ level Results One-hundred and eight patients were enrolled (table 1); the mean age was 38 years, 91% were female, and 62% were Hispanic. The average SLEDAI-2K was 4.3 (0–20). Forty-one percent of patients had HCQ levels Conclusions HCQ levels Acknowledgements We acknowledge the patients who participated in this study.
Complex Regulation of X-Chromosome Inactivation in Mammals by Long Non-coding RNAs

Organisms in which gender is genetically encoded require a dosage compensation process to equalize sex-linked gene expression between the hetero- and homogametic sexes. In mammals, this dosage compensation process is termed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). XCI results in the near-complete transcriptional silencing of a single X in XX females, ensuring that only one X per diploid genome remains active. Once stably inactivated, the silent state of the chosen X can be propagated in each cell for the life of the organism, making XCI a paradigm of epigenetic regulation. Since its discovery more than 50 years ago (Lyon, Nature 190:372–373, 1961), significant progress has been made toward understanding XCI. In this chapter, we discuss recent advances in the field, with a focus on XCI in the mouse and the roles that long noncoding RNAs play in regulating the process.
Youth Parasympathetic Functioning Moderates Relations between Cumulative Family Risk and Internalizing Behaviors

Problematic family functioning places young adolescents at risk for internalizing behaviors. However, not all adolescents who experience family risk develop internalizing behaviors during early adolescence. Informed by a cumulative risk perspective, the current study examined whether associations between cumulative family risk, as well as particular family risk domains, and youth internalizing behaviors are moderated by youth parasympathetic reactivity. Participants include 68 young adolescents in 6th grade. Youth were 56% female, 41% African American, and 54% European American. For young adolescents who experienced higher change in respiratory sinus arrhythmia during a challenge/stressor task, greater cumulative family risk, exposure to more family risk domains, and several particular risk factors (maternal psychological well-being, marital/family system risk), were associated with higher levels of internalizing behaviors. The findings from this study demonstrate that the extent to which both particular family risk factors and cumulative family risk place youth at increased risk for internalizing behaviors depends on youth's parasympathetic functioning.
G185(P) The experiences of young people living with narcolepsy – what they’d like you to know

Aim To understand the experiences of young people living with Narcolepsy in the context of a Peer Support Group. Participants 9 young people with a diagnosis of Narcolepsy, aged 12 to 17 years, attending a Narcolepsy Peer Support Group. Method As part of a peer support group for young people with Narcolepsy we asked attendees to add their comments (using post-it notes) to posters around the room, which prompted them to think about what they would like their friends, family, school, and the population generally to know about living with Narcolepsy. Another poster prompted them to comment on what helped them to live with their Narcolepsy. We then asked young people to get into groups to create posters detailing what they would like to tell someone who might recently have been diagnosed with Narcolepsy. Results A number of young people left comments about the lack of awareness or understanding of what Narcolepsy is. Related to this was also a feeling of being judged or stigmatised, for example young people described feeling that they are perceived as being lazy or irresponsible (by not prioritising sleep at night, thus being sleepy). In terms of increasing awareness, a number of the young people filled posters with descriptions of the symptoms they experience, such as sleep paralysis, hallucinations and extreme tiredness. They also described the implications of these symptoms in terms of things they miss out on or find difficult, such as socialising after school and partaking in hobbies, and the emotional consequences, such as feeling angry, irritable, anxious or upset. Finally, there were some contributions about the ways in which young people cope with theit condition, such as using meditation or talking with friends, and also the ‘strengths’ of Narcolepsy, such as being able to control dreams (lucid dreaming).
Differential and integral cross sections for the excitation of the 2$sup 1$S, 2$sup 3$S, and 2$sup 3$P states of He by electron impact at 29.6 and 40.1 eV

Differential and integral cross sections for the electron-impact excitation of the $2 ^{3}S$, $2 ^{1}S$, and $2 ^{3}P$ states of He relative to the $2 ^{1}P$ state have been measured at 29.6- and 40.1-eV energies in the 3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 138\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} angular range. The relative cross sections have been normalized to the absolute scale by utilizing the previously determined $2 ^{1}P$ cross sections [D. G. Truhlar, S. Trajmar, W. Williams, S. Ormonde, and B. Torres (unpublished)]. The differential cross section for the $2 ^{1}S$ state has a deep minimum at 50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}; for the $2 ^{3}P$ state it is nearly isotropic, and for the $2 ^{3}S$ state it shows a complicated structure which has not been previously reported. The experimental cross sections are compared to the results of quantum-mechanical calculations performed by Truhlar, Yates, Tenney, Cartwright, Steelhammer, and Lipsky using the Born, Born-Ochkur-Rudge, and Glauber approximations for the $2 ^{1}S$ excitation and the Born-Oppenheimer and the Ochkur-Rudge approximations for the $2 ^{3}S$ and the $2 ^{3}P$ excitations. None of the first-order plane-wave calculations predict the observed differential cross sections for these optically forbidden transitions. It is interesting to note, however, that the Ochkur-Rudge model predicts the correct magnitude and approximate shape of the $2 ^{3}P$ differential cross sections in the whole angular range at these energies. The Glauber approximation shows considerable improvement compared to first-order plane-wave theories in predicting the cross sections for the $2 ^{1}S$ state. However, at large scattering angles, calculation and experiment differ significantly. It is clear from the present study that more refined calculations are needed to predict angular distributions for these optically forbidden excitations in the 30-40-eV energy region.
Integrated Chemical Analysis Systems for Gas Phase CW Agent Detection

A miniature, integrated chemical laboratory (μChemLab) is being developed that utilizes microfabrication to provide faster response, smaller size, and an ability to utilize multiple analysis channels for enhanced versatility and chemical discrimination. Improved sensitivity and selectivity are achieved by using a cascaded approach where each channel includes a sample collector/concentrator, a gas chromatographic (GC) separator, and a chemically selective surface acoustic wave (SAW) array detector. Prototypes of all three components have been developed and demonstrated individually and current work is focused on integrating these into a complete analysis system.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Screening for Trilateral Retinoblastoma: The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Experience 2006-2016.

Purpose Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used for baseline brain imaging and afterward as a screening tool for trilateral retinoblastoma (TRB), but there is no consensus on timing or frequency of screening worldwide. In this study, a cohort of hereditary retinoblastoma patients at increased risk for TRB was identified and the usefulness of aggressive neuroimaging was examined. Design Retrospective review of the medical records and MRI reports of patients with retinoblastoma treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2016. Participants Three hundred forty-nine total patients with retinoblastoma, including 215 hereditary retinoblastoma patients in the screening group. Methods We reviewed 804 MRI studies of the orbit or brain. Patient and disease characteristics, including laterality, family history, and gene mutation status were analyzed. The impression of every MRI was coded 1 to 5, each value representing a different abnormality. Main Outcome Measures We calculated the incidence of TRB in patients with germline disease as well as the incidence of screening MRI scans showing TRB. Results Among our hereditary retinoblastoma screening cohort (n=215) 4 patients with TRB were identified on screening MRI. All 4 patients showed bilateral disease, pineal gland tumors, and a latency period of at least 1 year. Three of the 4 were deceased by the end of the study. The incidence of TRB diagnosis was 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7%–4.9%). Of the 804 screening MRI scans performed on the screening cohort, 691 (86%) were unremarkable and 4 reported a lesion suspicious for TRB. The overall incidence of detecting TRB on screening MRI in the at-risk cohort was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.2%–1.3%) with a number needed to treat of 202. Conclusions All cases of TRB in our center during the study period developed before the patient was 3 years of age and after a total of only 4 lifetime MRIs. Overall survival from TRB was not improved as a result of screening, and many false-positive results required additional, subsequent MRI scans with anesthesia.
Timing Verification for Rapid Single-Flux-Quantum (RSFQ) Logic: New Paradigm and Models

RSFQ is an attractive technology due to its low energy and high speed. However, it is imperative to certify speed for each design (via timing verification) and each fabricated chip (via delay testing). In this paper, we describe completely new phenomena in RSFQ circuits that arise due to their unique characteristics and require the development of new concepts, methods, and tools for timing verification and delay testing. We show that single-pattern timing verification and delay testing is possible in RSFQ technology. We also show that due to the gate-level pipelined nature of RSFQ circuits, imposing a guard-band to resolve the setup time issue will reduce the performance dramatically and lose some of the speed benefits of RSFQ. More importantly, inserting scan logic for every pipelined gate in RSFQ will cause astronomical area overheads. Therefore, the increased clock-to-Q delay (i.e., timing bleed) must be allowed, and delay faults in fabricated chip must be tested for multi-cycle paths. Further, the polarity of the logic gate is an important determinant for selecting target multi-cycle path. Also, we have observed a completely new delay failure behavior in RSFQ. If the clock period is insufficient compared to circuit delays, in addition to a missing pulse at output in one clock cycle, an additional pulse can be generated in the next cycle. This provides additional opportunities to detect timing problems for timing verification and delay testing. In addition to describing above major differences from CMOS and their implications, we outline a completely new paradigm for Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG) for timing verification and delay testing of RSFQ circuits.
Prediction of Nanoscale Friction for Two-Dimensional Materials Using a Machine Learning Approach

Several two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, molybdenum disulfide, or boron nitride are emerging as alternatives for lubrication additives to control friction and wear at the interface. On the other hand, the initiative to accelerate materials discovery through data-driven computational methods has identified numerous novel topologies and families of 2D materials that can potentially be designed as low-friction additives. Hence, generating a structure–property (friction) correlations for 2D material-based additives that present a large variation in atomic composition is the next big challenge. Herein, we present a machine learning (ML) method using the Bayesian modeling and transfer learning approach to predict the maximum energy barrier (MEB) of the potential surface energy (correlated to intrinsic friction) of ten different 2D materials that were previously unexplored for their tribological properties. The descriptors (or properties) required to train the ML model with high accuracy are identified by taking into account the established physical models for dissipation in 2D materials. As a result, a difference of less than 8% in MEB values as predicted via the ML model presented here and the PES profiles generated using molecular dynamics simulations, for a select few 2D materials, was obtained. The model also enabled the identification of material properties that present the highest sensitivity to the corrugated potential, hence enabling the development of design routes for the synthesis of 2D materials with optimal tribological properties.
Speak About It, Be About It: Spoken-Word Poetry Communities and Transformative Social Justice

“Spoken-word poetry” and the knowledge we can gain from the poets who perform it are integral to the successful recovery of members of oppressed communities. Also known as “performance poetry,” these powerful testimonials often mirror oral traditions, such as speaking circles from the African diaspora, Indigenous oral traditions in the Americas, and the spoken-word poetic communities of color and marginalized peoples. Poets within the spoken-word poetry communities of San Diego, California, who have been oppressed by interpersonal and state violence, mass incarceration, militarized policing, poverty, racism, sexism, the War on Drugs, and other systemic inequalities, learn from and support one another. This article views spoken-word poetry as public testimonials that may add to transformative social justice models for structurally-oppressed communities. It seeks to understand critical criminological approaches and analysis that add to the growing scholarship centering structurally-oppressed communities without pathologizing them in order to inform programming, policy and funding toward transformative social justice initiatives focused on healing communities and their members.
Treatment With Impella Increases the Risk of De Novo Aortic Insufficiency Post Left Ventricular Assist Device Implant

Abstract Background Impella (Abiomed Inc, Danvers, MA) is a temporary mechanical support device positioned across the aortic valve, and can be used to support patient before LVAD implantation. There are no data on the incidence of aortic insufficiency (AI) in patients supported with Impella as a bridge to durable LVAD implantation. We sought to assess the incidence of AI in patients with Impella support as a bridge to durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Methods We reviewed all patients undergoing primary LVAD implantation at the University of Pennsylvania from January 2015 onward, comparing those supported with Impella as temporary mechanical support with those supported by either venoarterial extracorporeal life support or an intra-aortic balloon pump. We reviewed transthoracic echocardiography preoperatively, as well as at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after LVAD implantation. Results A total of 215 echocardiograms were analyzed in 41 patients. Eleven patients were supported with Impella before LVAD implant—6 patients with Impella alone (5 with Impella CP, 1 with Impella 5.0) and 5 with Impella in conjunction with venoarterial extracorporeal life support (2 with Impella 2.5, 2 with Impella CP, and 1 with Impella 5.0). After LVAD implant, mild or moderate AI developed in 82% of patients supported with Impella (9 of 11) compared with 43% of those without Impella (13 of 30) (P = .038). Conclusions Patients supported by Impella as a bridge to durable LVAD have a higher risk of developing AI. Further studies are needed to assess this risk as the use of the Impella increases.
Adjunctive Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes

In this chapter, we review attempts to improve clinical outcomes in youth with T1D with adjunctive treatments not related to insulin. While none of these adjunctive therapies have been approved for use in patients with T1D, SGLT2 and SGLT1/2 inhibitors have been used “off-label” in adults with type 1 diabetes. The experience with these agents to date indicates that patients need to carefully monitor β-hydroxybutyrate levels to avoid the development of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Short term outcomes associated with patients requiring blood transfusion following elective laminectomy and fusion for lumbar stenosis: A propensity-matched analysis.

Abstract Perioperative blood transfusion has been associated with poor outcomes but the impacts of transfusion after fusion for lumbar stenosis have not been well-described. We assessed this effect in a large cohort of patients from 2012 to 2018 in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). We evaluated baseline characteristics including demographics, comorbidities, hematocrit, and operative characteristics. We generated propensity scores using baseline characteristics and patients were matched to approximate randomization. We assessed odds of 30-day outcomes including prolonged length-of-stay (LOS), complications, discharge to facility, readmission, reoperation, and death using logistic regression. We identified 16,329 eligible patients who underwent lumbar fusion for stenosis; 1,926 (11.8%) received a transfusion. Before matching, there were multiple differences in baseline covariates including age, gender, BMI, ASA class, medical comorbidities, hematocrit, coagulation indices, platelets, operative time, fusion technique, number of levels fused, and osteotomy. However, after matching, no significant differences remained. In the matched cohorts, transfusion was associated with increased prolonged LOS (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.45–1.91, p
Pre-harvest Feeding, Feeding Duration, and Inclusion of a β-agonist on Market Dairy Cow Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics

The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of pre-harvest feeding, feeding duration, and use of a beta agonist (zilpaterol hydrochloride) on market dairy cow feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design, with pen as the experimental unit. A total of 160 lactating market dairy cows (already culled from herds) were used for the project. Cattle were assigned to one of the following five treatments: harvest immediately on day 0 (Con), feed for 70 days without zilpaterol (70no), feed for 70 days with zilpaterol from day 4 7 to day 67 (70zil), feed for 105 days without zilpaterol (105no), and feed for 105 days with zilpaterol from day 82 to day 102 (105zil). Cattle were fed in a commercial feedlot in southern Idaho and received a high concentrate potato by-product- based ration. There was a feeding duration length x zilpaterol interaction (P 0.10) among 70no and 70zil cows. No differences were observed (P > 0.10) for the feed-to-gain ratio from the main effects of feeding length or zilpaterol supplementation. Final hot carcass weight (HCW) was greater (P < 0.0001) among fed compared to control cows, and cows receiving zilpaterol had greater (P < 0.03) HCW than cows not receiving a B-agonist. Measured ribeye area (REA) was greater among fed (P < 0.001) compared to control cows and also greater (P < 0.01) among cows receiving zilpaterol compared to no zilpaterol. The effects of feeding duration and zilpaterol supplementation on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were inconsistent.
Bridges across languages and cultures: Narratives of long-term English learners

This narrative inquiry highlights the experiences of three high school students labeled Long-term English learners (LTEL) in a North Texas high school. This narrative inquiry study uses semi-struct...
Betting on Fiction: Nation, Diaspora, Technology, and Anglophone Literary Networks in Shehan Karunatilaka’s The Legend of Pradeep Mathew

Shehan Karunatilaka's Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew (2010) is among the most inventive recent South Asian novels in English. The novel, built around the story of an elusive cricketer whose...
Failure of Bacterial Endotoxin to Produce the Generalized Shwartzman Reaction in the Syrian Hamster

The ability of bacterial endotoxin to produce the generalized Shwartzman reaction (GSR) in pregnant and nonpregnant hamsters was investigated. Endotoxins prepared from Escherichia coli O127:B8, Salmonella enteritidis, and S. typhosa 0-901 did not produce the GSR in nonpregnant hamsters. Injection of lead acetate did not make the hamsters susceptible to the GSR producing effects of endotoxin. Endotoxin administered to hamsters on either or both the 14th and 15th day of the 16-day gestation period caused fetal death, but did not provoke the GSR. The immunization of hamsters with boiled suspensions of gram-negative bacteria isolated from hamster feces did not protect against the GSR produced in pregnant hamsters by the injection of the antimitotic drug colchicine late in the gestation period. It appeared that colchicine was acting to produce the GSR by a mechanism other than the release of endogenous endotoxin through the damaged intestinal wall. Ascitic fluid, amniotic fluid, and serum obtained from pregnant hamsters developing the GSR after the administration of colchicine did not provoke the GSR in other pregnant hamsters.
The Development of the Co-Parenting Behaviors Questionnaire

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire that assesses family's post-divorce family processes from the children's perspective. Subjects were 214 undergraduate psychology students between the ages of 18 and 36 who experienced their parents' divorce before the age of 18. Initial items for the questionnaire were developed through a literature review and focus groups. The questionnaire was then administered to the subjects. Data were analyzed in five steps: (1) internal consistency (2) an initial principle components analysis (3) reassessing the internal consistency of the modified scales (4) confirmatory principle components analysis and (5) a second order exploratory principle components analysis. Eleven scales with high internal consistencies resulted. These scales fell into three broad categories: Hostility scales, Co-Parenting scales, and General Parenting scales. Implications of this study, directions for future scale development, and instrument limitations are discussed.
Acylation Enhances, but Is Not Required for, the Cytotoxic Activity of Mannheimia haemolytica Leukotoxin in Bighorn Sheep

Mannheimia haemolytica causes pneumonia in domestic and wild ruminants. Leukotoxin (Lkt) is the most important virulence factor of the bacterium. It is encoded within the four-gene lktCABD operon: lktA encodes the structural protoxin, and lktC encodes a trans-acylase that adds fatty acid chains to internal lysine residues in the protoxin, which is then secreted from the cell by a type 1 secretion system apparatus encoded by lktB and lktD. It has been reported that LktC-mediated acylation is necessary for the biological effects of the toxin. However, an LktC mutant that we developed previously was only partially attenuated in its virulence for cattle. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of LktC-mediated acylation in Lkt-induced cytotoxicity. We performed this study in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) (BHS), since they are highly susceptible to M. haemolytica infection. The LktC mutant caused fatal pneumonia in 40% of inoculated BHS. On necropsy, a large number of necrotic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were observed in the lungs. Lkt from the mutant was cytotoxic to BHS PMNs in an in vitro cytotoxicity assay. Flow cytometric analysis of mutant Lkt-treated PMNs revealed the induction of necrosis. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed the presence of pores and blebs on mutant-Lkt-treated PMNs. Mass spectrometric analysis confirmed that the mutant secreted an unacylated Lkt. Taken together, these results suggest that acylation is not necessary for the cytotoxic activity of M. haemolytica Lkt but that it enhances the potency of the toxin.
Nck-2 interacts with focal adhesion kinase and modulates cell motility.

Abstract Nck-2 is a ubiquitously expressed adaptor protein comprising primarily three N-terminal SH3 domains and one C-terminal SH2 domain. We report here that Nck-2 interacts with focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase critically involved in the cellular control of motility. Using a mutational strategy, we have found that the formation of the Nck-2–FAK complex is mediated by interactions involving multiple SH2 and SH3 domains of Nck-2. The Nck-2 SH2 domain-mediated interaction with FAK is dependent on phosphorylation of Tyr397, a site that is involved in the regulation of cell motility. A fraction of Nck-2 co-localizes with FAK at cell periphery in spreading cells. Furthermore, overexpression of Nck-2 modestly decreased cell motility, whereas overexpression of a mutant form of Nck-2 containing the SH2 domain but lacking the SH3 domains significantly promoted cell motility. These results identify a novel interaction between Nck-2 and FAK and suggest a role of Nck-2 in the modulation of cell motility.
Micromachined Electrical Conductivity Probe for RF Ablation of Tumors

RF ablation is an important technique in cancer treatment. It has been proposed that the effective area treated via RF ablation can be increased by increasing the local electrical conductivity. This is achieved by injection of NaCl solution into the tissue. For an accurate and effective RF ablation treatment using this new method, it is necessary to measure the local electrical conductivity, which varies spatially due to diffusion of sodium chloride. In this paper, we propose a micro probe to measure the local tissue electrical conductivity. The probe consists of two in-plane miniature electrodes separated by a small gap. When the electrodes are in contact with the tissue, the electrical resistance across them can be used to calculate the electrical conductivity. The probe is fabricated by standard photolithography techniques. The substrate material is polyimide and the electrodes are made of gold. A four-electrode probe is used to calibrate the new electrical conductivity micro probe using different concentrations of saline water. The resistance measurements are carried out using an impedance analyzer on different frequencies. The frequency of choice for RF ablation of tumors is 500k Hz and is the one selected for calibration and testing. The micro-probe calibration is then verified by measuring electrical conductivity of a phantom and comparing it with the result measured by the four-electrode probe. Finally, some in vivo tests are performed and the results are compared with literate data.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
How do frugivores track resources? Insights from spatial analyses of bird foraging in a tropical forest

Frugivores often track ripe fruit abundance closely across local areas despite the ephemeral and typically patchy distributions of this resource. We use spatial auto- and cross-correlation analyses to quantify spatial patterns of fruit abundance and avian frugivory across a 4-month period within a forested 4.05-ha study grid in Puerto Rico. Analyses focused on two tanager species, Spindalis portoricensis and Nesospingus speculiferus, and their principal food plants. Three broad questions are addressed: (1) at what spatial scales is fruit abundance and frugivory patchy; (2) at what spatial scales do frugivores respond to fruit abundance; and (3) to what extent do spatial patterns of frugivory overlap between bird species? Fruit patch size, species composition, and heterogeneity was variable among months, despite fruit patch locations remaining relatively consistent between months. Positive correlations between frugivory and fruit abundance suggested tanagers successfully tracked fruit abundance. Frugivory was, however, more localized than fruit abundance. Scales of spatial overlap in frugivory and monthly variation in the foraging locations of the two tanager species suggested that interspecific facilitation may have been important in determining bird foraging locations. In particular, S. portoricensis, a specialist frugivore, may have relied on the loud calls of the gregarious generalist, N. speculiferus, to find new foraging areas. Such a mechanism could help explain the formation of mixed species feeding flocks and highlights the potential importance of facilitation between species that share resources.
Cerebral angiography in meningeal sarcomatosis and carcinomatosis

Summary. The angiographic findings in a case of metastatic meningeal carcinomatosis and a case of primary meningeal sarcomatosis are presented. The presence of focal arterial narrowing at the base of the brain and/or over the cerebral convexities, with or without a communicating hydrocephalus, may be the important clues to a diagnosis of diffuse meningeal involvement by tumor. In a patient who presents with bizarre and poorly localizing signs and symptoms, when the eerebrospinal fluid analysis does not fully support a diagnosis of meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage, and when there is nothing in the history to suggest drug abuse or a systemic collagen disease, the angiographie findings may point to an unexpected diffuse meningeal tumor. Angiographie cerebrale des sarcomatose et carcinomatose meningees l?dsumd. Les auteurs rapportent les donndes angiographiques dans lun cas de carcinomatose m4ning4e m4tastatique et dans un eas de sareomatose mdning4e primitive. La pr4senee de st4noses art4rielles loca]is4es la base du eerveau et/ou au niveau des eonvexit4s cdr6brales avee ou sans hydroc@halie communicante peuvent repr4senter des signes importants en faveur d'un envahissement tumoral m4ning4 diffus. Chez un malade prdsentant une' symptomatologie atypique et real localis4e, lorsque l'examen du liquide c@halo-raehidien ne parle pas franchement en faveur d'une m4ningite ou d'une h4morragie mdningde et lorsque l'anamngse n'4voque aucune intoxication exog~ne ni eollag4nose, les donndes angiographiques peuvent faire ddcouvrir une tumeur m4ning4e diffuse.
The mathematics of recirculation and the measurement of cardiac output

One approach to the measurement of cardiac output has been to inject a calibrated volume of dye and measure its concentration at a point downstream. For an open system the flow rate can be found by dividing the volume of injected dye by the integral of concentration history. For closed systems, the accuracy of this procedure is limited by the effect of recirculation. In the past, approximate methods of correcting for recirculation have been used, but it is shown in this paper that an exact solution to the mathematical problem is possible, independent of any assumptions concerning the structure of the vascular bed. Specifically, the flow rate is the largest eigenvalue of an integral equation, the term eigenvalue being used in a slightly different sense than in boundary-value problems. The theory is applied to an example in which the concentration of dye in a closed system is represented by a mathematical function. The assumed cardiac output is then accurately determined by a computer program which solves the integral equation. The same procedure can be used to determine the flow rate in any closed system from the concentration history.
On the Excess Sensitivity of Consumption to Information about Income

Abstract When forward-looking individuals face binding borrowing constraints, consumption will exhibit "excess sensitivity" to lagged variables which are correlated with income. However, the predictive capacity of such variables for consumption growth should diminish when contemporaneous and future income terms are used as regressors. U.S. data confirm these expectations. But the data from three other industrial countries are not consistent with either borrowing constraints or other leading Permanent Income Hypothesis (PIH) variants. The evidence from all sample countries suggests that variables correlated with future income might be used to re-examine the inconclusive evidence for the PIH from household data.
Heterogeneous demographic and cultural profiles of Chinese American patients nonadherent to colorectal cancer screening: a latent class analysis.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Chinese Americans, but their CRC screening rates remain low. Objective We examined subgroups of Chinese American patients nonadherent to CRC screening guidelines to better inform clinical practices to effectively promote screening. Methods Using latent class analysis of data from 327 participants recruited from 18 primary care clinics, we classified nonadherent patients based on sociodemographics, screening barriers, and attitudinal and clinical factors for CRC screening. Results The best-fitting latent class analysis model described 3 distinctive classes: Western healthcare class (36%), Eastern healthcare class (18%), and mixed healthcare class (46%). Western healthcare class patients were highly educated, with average US residency of 20 years, a high level of English proficiency, the least Eastern cultural views of care, and the greatest exposure to physician recommendations, but reported having no time for screenings. Eastern healthcare class patients were highly educated seniors and recent immigrants with the least CRC knowledge and the most Eastern cultural views. Mixed healthcare class patients had low level of education, resided in the United States for 20 years, and half had sought services of their physicians for at least 3 years, but their knowledge and cultural views were similar to those of Eastern healthcare class patients. Conclusions Nonadherent Chinese American patients are heterogeneous. It is essential to have future intervention programs tailored to address specific screening beliefs and barriers for subtypes of nonadherent patients. Implications for practice Training primary care physicians to recognize patients' different demographic characteristics and healthcare beliefs may facilitate physicians' communication with patients to overcome their barriers and improve screening behaviors.
Focal seizures without awareness.

Abstract Objective To characterize patients with seizures that only occur without their awareness (SWA). Methods Twenty-four patients with SWA were retrospectively identified by chart review and subsequently underwent video-EEG monitoring (VEM). Eleven patients met selection criteria for SWA and were never aware of any seizures. A case-matched control group of patients who were always aware (SA) was used for comparison. Statistical analysis included Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, and Mann–Whitney. Results Patients with SWA were older at seizure diagnosis than those with SA ( p =0.04), were less often referred for evaluation of seizures or epilepsy ( p =0.04), and were referred faster for VEM, despite SWA were significantly less likely to include motor manifestations ( p =0.0004). SWA more often had temporal lobe onsets ( p p p =0.03), but reported seizure freedom as often as patients with SA ( p =0.4). Significance We suggest that patients with SWA have a unique epilepsy syndrome. Patients with absent recall were older, referred later, had fewer motor signs, and dominant hemisphere limbic localization than patients with SA, but fewer antiseizure drugs are used in treatment. Patients with SWA can be detected from the clinical history, though serial VEM is needed to validate effective management.
Non-enzymic decarboxylation of methionine by ferrous ion.

IN work on the precursors of the volatile sulphur components of vegetable flavours and odours, a non-enzymic oxidative decarboxylation of methionine in the presence of Fe2+ was observed. The final reaction mixture had a very pronounced odour. Unlike other well-known Fe2+ oxidations, there was no need for added hydrogen peroxide1,2 or ascorbic acid3,4. The addition of a metal chelating agent such as ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA) or citrate was very stimulatory. Table 1 shows the absolute requirement for Fe2+. Only Fe2+ was able to carry out this decarboxylation. Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ were completely ineffective. Fe3+ was 1 per cent as effective as Fe2+.