cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Activation of Migration by Hypoxia in Keratinocytes Isolated from Donors of Increasing Age: Implication for Chronic Wounds in the Elderly

Chronic wound healing conditions are often observed in elderly patients with poor tissue oxygenation. Impaired re-epithelialization is a hallmark of these wounds, which is seen in both clinical studies and in our animal models of impaired healing. To investigate the pathogenic mechanism of chronic wounds, we studied the effect of hypoxia on migration of keratinocytes isolated from human donors of increasing age. Keratinocytes from elderly donors had depressed migratory activity when exposed to hypoxia, as opposed to an increase in migration in young cells. Analysis of underlying biochemical changes demonstrated a differential activation of matrix metalloproteinases by hypoxia in keratinocytes isolated from the young and the old. Matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 were strongly upregulated by hypoxia in young cells, whereas no induction was observed in aged cells. Furthermore, transforming growth factor-β1 signaling appears to be involved in the keratinocyte differential response to hypoxia, as transforming growth factor-β type I receptor was upregulated by hypoxia in young cells, while there was no induction in aged cells. Transforming growth factor-β neutralizing reagents blocked hypoxia-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, and hypoxia-induced cell migration as well. Our results suggest that an age-related decrease in response to hypoxia plays a crucial part in the pathogenesis of retarded re-epithelialization in wound.
Fair Allocation of Substrate Resources among Multiple Overlay Networks

Overlay networks are becoming prevalent in today’s networking environment. We consider scenarios where substrate resources are primarily consumed by many overlay networks placed on top of the substrate. We focus on the fair and efficient allocation of substrate link bandwidth among competing overlays. We adapt various existing fairness definitions to this scenario and define a metric to evaluate the fairness of an allocation in a multi-overlay setting. We also examine the effect of routing decisions on resource allocation, and discuss methods to deviate from shortest-path routing in the substrate in order to achieve higher rates and increased fairness for the overlays. We demonstrate that substrate networks can better meet overlay demands when a combination of fair allocation algorithms and intelligent routing decisions is employed.
Optic pathway glioma as part of a constitutional mismatch-repair deficiency syndrome in a patient meeting the criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1.

Patients with constitutional mismatch repair-deficiency (CMMR-D) caused by the biallelic deletions of mismatch repair (MMR) genes have a high likelihood of developing malignancies of the bone marrow, bowel, and brain. Affected individuals often have phenotypic features of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), including cafe-au-lait spots. Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs), a common manifestation of NF-1, have not been reported. We report the case of a 3-year-old male with an extensive OPG who met the diagnostic criteria for NF-1. He was subsequently found to have multiple colonic polyps and bi-allelic loss of PMS2. Testing for NF-1 was negative.
Killer cell inhibitory receptors: diversity, specificity, and function

NK cells selectively kill target cells that fail to express self-MHC class I molecules. This selective killing results from a balance between inhibitory NK receptors specific for MHC class I molecules and activating receptors that are still largely unknown. Isolation of molecular clones for the human killer cell inhibitory receptors (KIR) revealed that KIR consist of a family of molecules with Ig ectodomains and cytoplasmic tails of varying length. Soluble complexes of KIR and HLA-C molecules established that KIR recognizes and binds to its ligand as an autonomous receptor. A functional expression system in human NK clones demonstrated that a single KIR can provide both recognition of MHC class I and delivery of a dominant negative signal to the NK cell. Functional evidence has been obtained for a role of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in KIR-mediated inhibition. The presence of a conserved motif used to recruit and activate SHP-1 in the cytoplasmic tail of KIR and of the mouse Ly-49 inhibitory receptor (otherwise structurally unrelated to KIR) represents an interesting case of evolutionary convergence. Furthermore, the motif led to the identification of other receptors with inhibitory potential, including a type I Ig-like receptor shared by mouse mast cells and NK cells.
Epidemiological and nutritional research on prevention of cardiovascular disease in China

Anthropological evidence suggests that regional differences in eating practices may be characterized by sub-ethnicity. Hakka is one sub-ethnicity who still retain a unique way of life in China. A field survey on diet and health among the Hakka people was undertaken in 1994. Approximately 200 participants were interviewed for their medical history, life-style and food habits. Blood pressure, body mass index, blood sample, 24 h urine and electrocardiogram were collected. The food samples taken from one tenth of the participants were analyzed for the ingredients in their daily meals. From this survey the prevalence of hypertension in Hakka was approximately 10 %. The sodium/potassium ratio was lower than that in Guangzhou and comparable with that in Okinawa, the island of longevity in Japan. For men, taurine level was found to be close to that in Mediterranean countries, where there is low mortality from cardiovascular diseases. For women, the taurine level was even higher, approximating that of Japanese women, who show the greatest longevity and lowest cardiac mortality worldwide. Less obesity was found in Hakka people than that in the US, Canada or Japan. These findings suggest that the following are the major reasons for these positive findings: the Hakka people maintain traditional food habits and maintain active awareness of their health; the major foods are rice, fish, vegetables and fruits; wide use of soybeans; extensive consumption of visceral organs which have rich source of trace elements. These eating practices and nutritional patterns may be beneficial factors for preventing atherosclerosis and hypertension.
SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF A METAL-ORGANIC SOLID HAVING THE CADMIUM(II) SULFATE NET

Reaction of silver(I) nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) gives crystals of Ag2(HMTA)(N0 3)2, which was formulated by elemental microanalysis and a single crystal x-ray study. Its Ag2({MTA) open-framework is the first example of a decorated CdSO 4 net. The relative orientation of the tetrahedral HMTA building blocks in this structure point to numerous opportunities toward constructing novel chiral and polar porous frameworks.
The phylogenetic relationships of Chlorobium tepidum and Chloroflexus aurantiacus based upon their RecA sequences

Using RecA as the phylogenetic marker, the relationships of the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobium tepidum and the green non-sulfur bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus to other eubacteria were investigated. The recA genes of the two organisms were cloned, and the resulting protein sequences aligned with 86 other eubacterial RecA sequences. Cb. tepidum was placed as the nearest relative to the Cytophaga/Flexibacter/Bacteroides group, a relationship supported by results obtained with several phylogenetic markers. Cf. aurantiacus was placed near Chlamydia trachomatis and the high-GC Gram-positives; however, this branching pattern was not strongly supported statistically by bootstrap analyses. Possible reasons for this ambiguity are discussed.
Malondialdehyde inhibits cardiac contractile function in ventricular myocytes via a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent mechanism

1 Increased oxidative stress plays a significant role in the etiology of cardiovascular disease. Lipid peroxidation, initiated in the presence of hydroxy radicals resulting in the production of malondialdehyde, directly produces oxidative stress. This study was designed to examine the direct impact of malondialdehyde on ventricular contractile function at the single cardiac myocyte level. Ventricular myocytes from adult rat hearts were stimulated to contract at 0.5 Hz, and mechanical and intracellular Ca 2 þ properties were evaluated using an IonOptix Myocam s system. Contractile properties analyzed included peak shortening amplitude (PS), time-to-PS (TPS), time-to-90% relengthening (TR90), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (7dLdt), and Ca 2 þ -induced intracellular Ca 2 þ fluorescence release (CICR) and intracellular Ca 2 þ decay (t). p38 mitogenactivated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation was assessed with Western blot. 2 Our results indicated that malondialdehyde directly depressed PS, 7dLdt and CICR in a concentration-dependent manner and shortened TPS without affecting TR90 and t. Interestingly, the malondialdehyde-induced cardiac mechanical effect was abolished by both the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 (1 and 10mm) and the antioxidant vitamin C (100mm). Western blot analysis confirmed direct phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase by malondialdehyde. 3 These findings revealed a novel role of malondialdehyde and p38 MAP kinase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress-associated cardiac dysfunction.
To Seal or Not to Seal? A Field Experiment to Resolve an Age-Old Dilemma

Construction and evaluation to date of a joint sealant project in the Wet-Freeze climatic zone near Athens, Ohio, are described. Fifteen different combinations of materials and joint configurations have been used. The new pavement consists of a 250-mm (10-in.) portland cement concrete slab, placed over a 100-mm (4-in.) free-draining base layer, constructed over a 150-mm (6-in.) crushed aggregate subbase, resting over the predominantly silty clay local subgrade. The highway has a 20-year design period and a design traffic level of 11 million single-axle loads. The eastbound lanes were constructed first and have been open to traffic since the spring of 1998, and the westbound lanes have been serving traffic only since the spring of 1999. Evaluations to date indicate that with one exception, preformed compression seals have performed significantly better than liquid sealants. Unsealed sections also are performing very well, exhibiting no visible signs of distress at the joints or in the pavement slabs at this time. In contrast, after only 1 year of service, silicone and hot-pour sealants in the eastbound lanes are in fair to poor condition. The worst sections are those with narrow [3-mm (1/8-in.)] joints. Oversight and inspection provided were ineffective in averting the use of equipment and procedures that were obviously inadequate. The most significant shortcomings appear to have been the omission of sandblasting during placement and inadequate sealant recess.
Older Men and Older Women in the Arms of Criminal Law Offending Patterns and Sentencing Outcomes

Objectives. This study examines whether older defendants receive more lenient sentences compared with their younger counterparts and whether the effects of aging on sentencing outcomes manifests itself similarly across male and female offenders. Methods. Using statewide data from Pennsylvania for 1990‐94, logit models were used to assess the effects of aging on the in/out or incarcerative decision, and, ordinary least squares models were used to assess the effects on the lengthof-term decision. Results. Results show that older offenders of both genders were sentenced less harshly—they are less likely to be imprisoned than their younger counterparts and, if imprisoned, elderly defendants receive shorter prison terms. However, the elderly advantage was diminished in the case of drug offending, and the within-gender elderly advantage was found to be greater for males than for women. Discussion. While these age differences in sentence outcomes appear to thwart norms of judicial impartiality, they also might reflect legitimate sentencing concerns of judges (in areas such as crime propensity, blameworthiness, and even the extra costs needed to jail older defendants). Therefore, an overall pattern of less severe punishment of older defendants (and/or female defendants) may still be warranted.
Hepatobiliary Complications in Adults Receiving Nutrition Support

Hepatobiliary dysfunction in patients receiving nutrition support is frequent. Other reasons for elevated enzyme levels including drugs, recent anesthesia and surgery or sepsis often coexist. Liver test abnormalities in adults are usually milder than in children and frequently self-limited and are 10 times more likely to occur with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) than tube enteral nutrition. Patients on short-term TPN usually have mild-to-moderate elevations in transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels and steatosis or portal triaditis on biopsy. Patients who are infected while on TPN are at greater risk of developing steatosis and intrahepatic cholestasis. Strategies to correct abnormalities include alteration of the caloric mix in the TPN, cyclic infusions, metronidazole, enteral nutrition and inclusion of L-glutamine in the TPN formula. Patients on long-term home parenteral nutrition may develop persistent elevations in liver tests and steatohepatitis. Both acalculus and calculus cholecystitis occur with increased frequency in patients on long-term TPN. Biliary sludge precedes calcium bilirubinate stones: predisclosing factors include nil per os, prior ileal resection and use of narcotics or anticholinergics.
"In the Course of Routine Analysis": Re-Envisioning Research in State Departments of Health, 1920–1940

During the interwar years, 1919–1939, State Department of Health (DOH) laboratories from around the United States provided scientific leadership and dedicated bench work to support the development of standardized laboratory technique. One important focus of the work was syphilis testing. In recent years, historians have explored the heated arguments and international debates surrounding the development of standardized methods. This article adds State Departments of Health to the venues in which scientists performed valuable research aimed at standardizing and improving analytic procedures. I argue that the research conducted in DOH laboratories to provide Progressive Era public health officials with accurate and efficient tools to control syphilis and other infectious diseases required significant innovation, international cooperation, and scientific creativity from scientists deeply engaged in multiple research projects. These endeavors offer an instructive venue for historians to begin to re-envision DOH laboratories as vibrant sites for scientific research, where work on standard methods was an enterprise of discovery and innovation.
Following protein association in vivo with fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy

The combination of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and two-photon excitation provides us with a powerful spectroscopic technique. Its submicron resolution and single molecule sensitivity make it an attractive technique for in vivo applications. Experiments have demonstrated that quantitative in vivo fluorescence fluctuation measurements are feasible, despite the presence of autofluorescence and the heterogeneity of the cellular environment. I will demonstrate that molecular brightness of proteins tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a useful and robust parameter for in vivo studies. Knowledge of photon statistics is crucial for the interpretation of fluorescence fluctuation experiments. I will describe photon counting histogram (PCH) analysis, which determines the molecular brightness and complements autocorrelation analysis. Non-ideal detector effects and their influence on the photon statistics will be discussed. The goal of in vivo fluorescence fluctuation experiments is to address functional properties of biomolecules. We will focus on retinoid X receptor (RXR), a nuclear receptor, which is crucial for the regulation of gene expression. The fluorescence brightness of RXR tagged with EGFP will be used to probe the oligomerization state of RXR.
Four-dimensional real algebras satisfying left or right ¢ -associativity

A four-dimensional real algebra &#x1d504; is left ¢-associative (with rapect to ℭ) if &#x1d504; is a bimodule with respect to a subalgebra ℭ isomorphic to the complex numbers, and c(AB) = (cA)B for all A, B in &#x1d504; and all c in ℭ. We reduce the division algebra condition for such algebras to a question about a single-variable quartic, classify the division algebras, and show they all have nullity one. We determine the derivation algebras and find intersections with other classes of algebras. Right ¢-associative algebras are considered via the opposite algebra.
Quantum dot spontaneous emission lifetime modification in optical microcavities using oxide apertured micropillars

An oxide aperture is used to confine optical modes in a micropillar structure. This method overcomes the limitations due to sidewall scattering loss typical in semiconductor etched micropillars. High cavity quality factors (Q) up to 48 000 are determined by external Fabry-Perot cavity scanning measurements, a significantly higher value than prior work in III-V etched micropillars. Measured Q values and estimated mode volumes correspond to a maximum Purcell factor figure of merit value of 72. A Purcell Factor of 2.5 is experimentally observed from a single quantum dot emitter coupled to a high Q cavity mode.
Use of danaparoid during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

PATIENTS WITH heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) present a challenge when managing anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). HIT is usually associated with the administration of unfractionated heparin. Nonimmune (type I) and immune (type II) mechanisms have been implicated. HIT type I typically occurs within minutes after heparin administration, produces only a mild decrease in platelet count, and is not associated with platelet activation and aggregation. HIT type II is generally manifested 5 to 14 days after initiation of heparin therapy. A heparin-dependent IgG antibody is responsible for platelet activation and aggregation, which can lead to arterial and venous thrombosis.1 The overall incidence of HIT type II is approximately 3%.2 In cardiac surgery, HIT type II is present in approximately 1.3% of patients undergoing CPB.3 Thromboembolic complications have been reported in 51% of patients with a lethality of 37%3; alternatives to unfractionated heparin must be employed. One strategy is the use of danaparoid (Orgaran), a lowmolecular-weight heparinoid derived from porcine gut mucosa. Danaparoid is a mixture of 84% heparan sulfate, 12% dermatan sulfate, and 4% chondroitin sulfate and has a low cross-reactivity with heparin-dependent IgG antibodies. Although the use of danaparoid for anticoagulation during cardiac surgery was first described in 1990, there are only a few reports of its use in the literature.4-9 The authors describe their experience with danaparoid in 5 patients with HIT type II, undergoing cardiac surgery with full CPB and moderate hypothermia (Table 1). HIT was confirmed in all cases by positive antiheparin antibody as well as thrombocytopenia or thrombotic events after heparin therapy. Danaparoid was administered in all cases according to the dosing protocol10* currently recommended for CPB patients with HIT.
Murmur: kinetic relief sculpture, multi-sensory display, listening machine

In this paper we describe the concept, design, and implementation of Murmur, an interactive kinetic display made of one hundred computer CPU fans. Murmur responds to sound input from its environment via embedded microphones to produce patterns on a reactive surface. The reactive surface consists of hinged paper pieces situated in front of each fan. When activated by sonic elements in the environment, including sounds intentionally generated by an interactor, Murmur responds by turning on and off its fans in a sequence. The wind pressure generated by the movement of the fans stimulates the surface, forcing the paper up and out to create a variety of dynamic patterns. Each pattern represents characteristics of the sonic environment. We also analyze the feedback received from the interactors and discuss the possible ways of making the interaction more immersive.
Tacrolimus in Dermatologic Disorders

OBJECTIVE:To review the data surrounding the use of tacrolimus for skin disorders.DATA SOURCES:Articles were obtained through a MEDLINE search of English-language literature (1990–May 2000); references of the retrieved publications were further reviewed for relevant literature.STUDY SELECTION:Original studies in humans regarding the use of tacrolimus for skin disorders were included.DATA EXTRACTION:The major outcomes extracted from the literature involved patient response to therapy and adverse effects.DATA SYNTHESIS:Tacrolimus offers an additional therapeutic approach to the treatment of immunologically based skin disorders. Controlled trials and case reports indicate topical tacrolimus is a safe and effective alternative treatment in patients with atopic dermatitis. Case reports document efficacy in recalcitrant pyoderma gangrenosum, mucosal lichen planus, and ichthyosis linearis circumflexa. Controlled trials and case reports indicate oral tacrolimus is effective in recalcitrant plaque psoriasis. Case ...
Culture-specific communication management for virtual agents

Human interaction depends on several individual factors such as personality, social relations, age or gender. But also the society we live in influences our behaviour. Thus culture affects the way communication is led. As virtual agents interact in a more and more human-like manner, culture-specific behaviour should also be taken into account. In this paper, we investigate communication management as one aspect of communication. Our findings in culture related differences are based on a video corpus that was recorded in Germany and Japan as well as on findings described in the literature. To this end, the use of pauses in speech as well as the occurrence of overlapping speech was analyzed and integrated into a demonstrator using virtual agents. In a preliminary study, we investigated whether subjects perceive a difference between agent dialogs that are in line with culture-specific findings and agent dialogs that are not.
Dynamics of membrane excitability determine interspike interval variability: a link between spike generation mechanisms and cortical spike train statistics

We propose a biophysical mechanism for the high interspike interval variability observed in cortical spike trains. The key lies in the nonlinear dynamics of cortical spike generation, which are consistent with type I membranes where saddle-node dynamics underlie excitability (Rinzel & Ermentrout, 1989). We present a canonical model for type I membranes, the µ-neuron. The µ-neuron is a phase model whose dynamics reflect salient features of type I membranes. This model generates spike trains with coefficient of variation (CV) above 0.6 when brought to firing by noisy inputs. This happens because the timing of spikes for a type I excitable cell is exquisitely sensitive to the amplitude of the suprathreshold stimulus pulses. A noisy input current, giving random amplitude “kicks” to the cell, evokes highly irregular firing across a wide range of firing rates; an intrinsically oscillating cell gives regular spike trains. We corroborate the results with simulations of the Morris-Lecar (M-L) neural model with random synaptic inputs: type I M-L yields high CVs. When this model is modified to have type II dynamics (periodicity arises via a Hopf bifurcation), however, it gives regular spike trains (CV below 0.3). Our results suggest that the high CV values such as those observed in cortical spike trains are an intrinsic characteristic of type I membranes driven to firing by “random” inputs. In contrast, neural oscillators or neurons exhibiting type II excitability should produce regular spike trains.
Development and implementation of high performance variable structure tracking control for brushless motors

A high-performance controller for DC brushless motors is proposed. The controller is based on the theories of variable structure tracking. With the proposed method, the rotor position can trace any arbitrarily selected track with a high degree of accuracy, and without overshooting or overstressing the hardware of the system. The control strategy is adaptive and very robust. External disturbances and variations in system parameters are adaptively compensated by the tracking controller. The proposed controller is suitable for such applications as robotics, actuation and manipulation, where most of the present fixed-parameter positional control methods are inadequate. The system is designed and implemented in the laboratory. Test results are presented and discussed. >
Geological processes and site structure: Assessing integrity at a Late Paleolithic open‐air site in northern France

The difficulty of reading the archaeological record of caves and rock shelters is becoming increasingly obvious to Paleolithic researchers. Although some open-air sites are thought to avoid such taphonomic complications, interpreting their archaeological record is less straightforward than assumed. Postdepositional processes may obscure structure in configurations of features and artifacts. Recently developed techniques for the excavation and analysis of Paleolithic cave sites can be applied to open-air sites before spatial patterning is interpreted for inferences about prehistoric social organization. Analysis of the orientation of elongated artifacts on the occupation surface of the late Upper Paleolithic site of Verberie, France, is employed for evaluation of the integrity of site structure. Results indicate spatial structure largely undisturbed by geological processes. The lack of disturbance in the configuration of archaeological materials allows for a behavioral interpretation of those remains. The proposition that Verberie was a hunting campsite for initial carcass processing is supported. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PBP 2a Mutations Producing Very-High-Level Resistance to Beta-Lactams

Staphylococcal resistance to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, termed methicillin resistance, is mediated by PBP 2a, a low-affinity penicillin-binding protein (PBP). The beta-lactam antibiotics that are used clinically do not bind to PBP 2a at therapeutic concentrations and therefore lack efficacy against infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci. With the solution of the crystal structure of a soluble derivative of PBP 2a, low-affinity binding can be attributed at least in part to an energetically unfavorable acylation reaction of the active site serine due to the slippage of the beta-lactam molecule within a long groove that serves as the initial, reversible binding site in the formation of the Michaelis-Menten complex (16). Several cephalosporin and carbapenem derivatives that bind to PBP 2a with 100-fold or higher affinities than those of other beta-lactams and which are active in vitro and in vivo against methicillin-resistant staphylococci have been synthesized (2, 6, 7, 13, 20). These compounds have in common a relatively extended side chain attached to the α ring of the beta-lactam compound core (3, 16). This structural feature permits the molecule to be positioned within the groove in such a way that the acylation reaction proceeds at a rate more rapid than that in its lower-affinity relatives. Two of these compounds, BAL 9141 and RWJ 54428, have been tested in phase I trials with humans (7, 17). It is quite likely that within the next few years a PBP 2a-binding beta-lactam will become available for clinical use. Given the proficiency demonstrated by methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococci in acquiring resistance to literally any and every antimicrobial and because of cross-resistance among beta-lactam antibiotics in particular, there is concern that resistance will rapidly develop once these investigational agents become available. A famous property of methicillin-resistant staphylococci is their ability to develop high-level resistance upon exposure to beta-lactams to which they are apparently susceptible in vitro (4). Ryffel et al. (18) have reported that the high-level resistance expressed by the minority population of methicillin-resistant staphylococci was due to a chromosomal mutation(s) (chr*) located outside of mecA, the gene encoding PBP 2a. To assess this potential for the emergence of resistance, experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanism of resistance in COL52, a mutant of homogeneous methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain COL obtained by repeated passage in the presence of L-695,256, an investigational carbapenem with a high affinity of binding to PBP 2a (2).
Statistical Quality Technology

Enhancing industrial quality requires communication between many individuals each faced with unique responsibilities. All are part of a learning process requiring information-laden data and quantitative communication skills. Statisticians increase the speed of this learning process by emphasizing the simplest tools of statistics, most particularly graphics and elementary experimental designs.
The Distribution of Collagenous Connective Tissue in Rat Ovarian Follicles

The layers of thecah tissue in the ovarian follicles of mammals normally contain collagen. During the past year, it has been reported that the follicle wall of the rat uterus is an exception. The present report demonstrates that the rat follicle does contain collagen in abundance. This thecal collagen is very conspicuous when the tissue has been stained with phosphotungstic acid. However, collagen is not obvious in ultrathin sections that have been stained with the lead solutions which are commonly used in electron microscopy. These results maintain the current hypothesis that the mechanism of ovulation requires the disruption of collagenous connective tissue in the follicle wall.
Antiarrhythmic drugs after ablation for atrial fibrillation: the hope, the hype, and the reality

This editorial refers to ‘Efficacy of Antiarrhythmic Drugs Short-Term Use After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation (EAST-AF) trial’[†][1], by K. Kaitani et al ., on page 610. With the success rate for persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation stubbornly stalled, respectively, at ∼45–75%, investigators have attempted several approaches in the hope for better outcomes: using alternative energy sources,1 expansion of the lesion set in both the left atrium and other anatomic structures,2 and the use of new mapping tools.3 The EAST-AF study, published in this issue, sheds light on a strategy commonly employed by cardiologists and electrophysiologists: the use of antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) following AF ablation.4 The principle is simple to understand. During catheter ablation there is cell death and cell damage, leading to inflammation in the left atrial (LA) and adjacent structures, such as the pericardium. AF by itself leads to activation of myofibroblasts, and release of profibrotic proteins and several pro-inflammatory cytokines.5 This inflammatory state associated with the increase in LA pressure and LA stretch that happens during AF, in particular after AF ablation, promotes a proarrhythmic milieu that contributes to the always frustrating AF recurrences early post-ablation. Since ‘AF begets AF’, attempting to suppress post-ablation AF appears obvious: more aggressive AF suppression post-ablation might lead to a better … [1]: #fn-2
The Gettysburg Address in English Class: An ‘Exemplar’ of Common Core’s Attack On Diverse Learners

This article analyzes the Common Core lesson “A Close Reading of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: A Common Core Unit” to interrogate the ways in which tensions emerge between the lesson and the research literature on funds of knowledge, multicultural education, and culturally relevant pedagogy. As this lesson is depicted as an “exemplar” that textbook authors, teachers, and curriculum makers should seek to emulate, I show examples of how this lesson undermines critical research on teaching and learning with diverse learners. I conclude with implications for both practicing P-12 teachers and curricular researchers as we continue to struggle and carve out practices of resistance in the era of Common Core.
Evaluation of NU-WRF Rainfall Forecasts for IFloodS

The Iowa Flood Studies (IFloodS) campaign was conducted in eastern Iowa as a pre- GPM-launch campaign from 1 May to 15 June 2013. During the campaign period, real time forecasts are conducted utilizing NASA-Unified Weather Research and Forecasting (NU-WRF) model to support the everyday weather briefing. In this study, two sets of the NU-WRF rainfall forecasts are evaluated with Stage IV and Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE), with the objective to understand the impact of Land Surface initialization on the predicted precipitation. NU-WRF is also compared with North American Mesoscale Forecast System (NAM) 12 kilometer forecast. In general, NU-WRF did a good job at capturing individual precipitation events. NU-WRF is also able to replicate a better rainfall spatial distribution compare with NAM. Further sensitivity tests show that the high-resolution makes a positive impact on rainfall forecast. The two sets of NU-WRF simulations produce very close rainfall characteristics. The Land surface initialization do not show significant impact on short term rainfall forecast, and it is largely due to the soil conditions during the field campaign period.
Liquid–Liquid Equilibria, Density, Refractive Index, and Solubility for Mixtures of Water + Methanol + Heptane + Methylbenzene or + Dimethyl Carbonate at T = 298.15 K

New liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) data are presented for the quaternary system of water + methanol + heptane + methylbenzene at T = 298.15 K under atmospheric conditions. The quaternary mixtures were prepared by mixing pure water, methanol, and an equimolar mixed (heptane + methylbenzene). A quinary system containing these compounds and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was also studied at the same temperature. The quinary mixtures were obtained with three mole fractions (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75) of DMC in the binary (methanol + DMC) mixtures. The compositions of liquid phases at equilibrium were determined by gas–liquid chromatography. The consistency of the experimental LLE data has been confirmed according to the Othmer–Tobias and the Hand correlations. The water composition in the organic phase and the hydrocarbon solubility in the aqueous phase were analyzed in terms of (methanol + DMC) in the global composition. The distributions of methanol and DMC between the aqueous phase and the organic phase were also di...
Optical Properties of Multiple, Delta-doped Si:B/Si Layers

Reliable fabrication of high-speed, delta-doped transistors and better understanding of two-dimensional metal-insulator transitions can be achieved using silicon molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). However, this fabrication technique should be performed with care, avoiding dopant segregation on epitaxial Si surfaces and improving the doping efficiency. Here we report comprehensive structural and optical investigations of MBE-grown Si/delta-doped Si:B multilayer structures. Measurements of Auger electron spectroscopy, Raman scattering, optical reflection and photoluminescence are performed. Our results indicate nearly metallic conductivity at room temperature with metal-insulator phase transition near T ∼100 K. In contrast to recently reported data, no enhancement of photoluminescence at room temperature is found. Occasionally, a few samples in specific areas exhibit strong photoluminescence at 1.4-1.6 micron attributed to structural defects, most likely due to B segregation.
Investigating Hydrophilic Pores in Model Lipid Bilayers Using Molecular Simulations: Correlating Bilayer Properties with Pore-Formation Thermodynamics.

Cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides show a remarkable ability to translocate across physiological membranes. Along with factors such as electric-potential-induced perturbations of membrane structure and surface tension effects, experiments invoke porelike membrane configurations during the solute transfer process into vesicles and cells. The initiation and formation of pores are associated with a nontrivial free-energy cost, thus necessitating a consideration of the factors associated with pore formation and the attendant free energies. Because of experimental and modeling challenges related to the long time scales of the translocation process, we use umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations with a lipid-density-based order parameter to investigate membrane-pore-formation free energy employing Martini coarse-grained models. We investigate structure and thermodynamic features of the pore in 18 lipids spanning a range of headgroups, charge states, acyl chain lengths, and saturation. We probe...
Evaporative thinning: a facile synthesis method for high quality ultrathin layers of 2D crystals.

The palette of two-dimensional materials has expanded beyond graphene in recent years to include the chalcogenides among other systems. However, there is a considerable paucity of methods for controlled synthesis of mono- and/or few-layer two-dimensional materials with desirable quality, reproducibility, and generality. Here we show a facile top-down synthesis approach for ultrathin layers of 2D materials down to monolayer. Our method is based on controlled evaporative thinning of initially large sheets, as deposited by vapor mass-transport. Rather than optimizing conditions for monolayer deposition, our approach makes use of selective evaporation of thick sheets to control the eventual thickness, down to a monolayer, a process which appears to be self-stopping. As a result, 2D sheets with high yield, high reproducibility, and excellent quality can be generated with large (>10 μm) and thin (∼1–2 nm) dimensions. Evaporative thinning promises to greatly reduce the difficulty involved in isolating large, mon...
The emerging role of hospitalists--will family physicians continue to practice hospital medicine?

Should I continue to treat my patients when they are admitted to the hospital? You can probably imagine my surprise when I first faced this question. Like most of my family physician colleagues, my training taught me how to care for all aspects of my patients' health regardless of illness, organ system, age, or setting. Today, as a family practice educator, I teach the concepts of comprehensive care, sometimes referred to as womb-to-tomb or cradle-to-grave care. Soon, however, our family practice department will discuss proposals for a new inpatient care model that challenges this family medicine paradigm. Instead of managing my patients in the hospital, I might be transferring them to physicians who practice only inpatient medicine. There is an intensifYing national debate centered on who is most appropriate to provide inpatient medical care: the patient's personal physician (family physician or other primary care physician) or an inpatient specialist. What is driving this debate, and what is the potential impact on family physicians and family medicine? Inpatient specialists, or hospitalists, are physicians who spend 25 percent or more of their time in the hospital setting working as the physicianof-record of hospitalized patients.! Although there are several variations of inpatient-only practice arrangements,2,3 the basic concept is that the inpatient specialist accepts patients from community physicians and manages their in-hospital care. The inpatient specialist keeps the primary physicians up to date on their patients' progress and transfers care back to those physicians upon a patient's discharge. Although the concept of a house physician is not new, hospitalist groups are becoming increasingly common in managed care organizations, larger hospitals, and some large
Pancreas Adenocarcinoma: Ascites, Clinical Manifestations, and Management Implications

Abstract Background Ascites develops in a subset of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) at presentation or as the disease advances. Limited data exist on the prognostic importance of malignant ascites in PAC. Our hypothesis is that this information will provide an understanding of the natural history and facilitate management decisions. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 180 patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center diagnosed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2014, with PAC and with ascites either at presentation or that developed during the disease course. Results For the 180 patients, the overall survival was 15 months. The time from diagnosis to ascites presentation was 11 months, and the survival time after ascites development was 1.8 months (range, 1.6-2.3 months; 95% confidence interval). Of 62 patients (34%) who had ascitic fluid analyzed, 36 (58%) had positive cytology. Fifty-one (82%) patients had a serum ascites albumin gradient ≥ 1, and 11 (18%) had serum ascites albumin gradient Conclusions In patients with PAC who presented with or developed ascites, serial paracenteses and indwelling catheters are common methods used for providing symptomatic relief. The complication rate was higher with indwelling catheters, primarily related to infection (eg, bacterial peritonitis). Overall, ascites has a significantly negative prognostic import with a short median survival.
Mechanical proofs of the Levi commutator problem

This note presents purely mechanical proofs of the Levi commutator problem in group theory. The problem was solved first by using the theorem prover EQP, developed by William McCune at the Argonne National Laboratory. The fastest proof was found by using Peers-mcd, the Clause-Diffusion parallelization of EQP, developed by the author at the University of Iowa. 1 The Levi commutator problem The Levi commutator problem is an equational problem in group theory. Given the axioms for a group with product ∗ and identity e
Doubly Corrugated Chokes For Microwave Heating Systems

ABSTRACTThe use of doubly corrugated reactive chokes to reduce leakage from micro-wave systems for heating continuous webs is examined. It is demonstrated that such chokes provide substantial leakage reduction in a compact geometry, which allows ready access to the web.
Labor Standards in the Global Economy: Issues for Investors

In the mid-1990s, global labour standards emerged as a new and important are of concern for socially responsible investors, especially with respect to investments in the "problematic" footwear, apparel, and toy industries. In this paper, I elucidate the primary areas of concern for investors and discuss a framework for evaluating firms' labor standards performance. In addition, I argue that today's sweatshop debates follow closely those of centuries ago, with the standard economic defense of low wage manufacturing on the one hand, and the activists' protests against poor conditions and wages on the other. An examination of this historical context reveals a promising middle ground in this ongoing debate.
In Defense of Practical Reasons for Belief

ABSTRACTMany meta-ethicists are alethists: they claim that practical considerations can constitute normative reasons for action, but not for belief. But the alethist owes us an account of the relevant difference between action and belief, which thereby explains this normative difference. Here, I argue that two salient strategies for discharging this burden fail. According to the first strategy, the relevant difference between action and belief is that truth is the constitutive standard of correctness for belief, but not for action, while according to the second strategy, it is that practical considerations can constitute motivating reasons for action, but not for belief. But the former claim only shifts the alethist's explanatory burden, and the latter claim is wrong—we can believe for practical reasons. Until the alethist can offer a better account, then, I argue that we should accept that there are practical reasons for belief.
Comparison study of the controllers for grid connected battery system

This paper performs a comparison study on the performance of operation of a battery connected grid system with bi-directional grid-connected inverter and conventional PQ controller in steady state conditions. The deployment of a 1 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at Reese Technology Center (RTC) in Lubbock, Texas is described. The battery energy storage device was installed to further understand the interaction and performance of the battery within the power grid with the existing wind turbines at RTC as well as renewable energy sources and grid loads. The paper shows the simulation results obtained from PSCAD with the design of the different controllers. Compared with conventional PQ controllers, the bi-directional converter controllers greatly enhance the grid-connected converter's performance in the aspects of reduced power oscillations and increased operating stability.
A genetic algorithm to analyze the security of quantum cryptographic protocols

In this paper we show how a genetic algorithm may be used to analyze the security of quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. In particular, we construct an algorithm to find the maximally tolerated noise level of a QKD protocol (the threshold after which users must abort). Extending on our previous work in this area, we describe in detail the algorithm and how it is constructed. We show how preprocessing may be considered by the algorithm to improve this tolerated bound. Finally, we evaluate it on multiple QKD protocols, comparing it to known bounds and also discovering new results. We also show how it can be used to analyze the security of complicated QKD protocols requiring the adversary to interact with the users. It may also be used to detect security flaws in protocols. Our algorithm can be a useful tool in QKD research and design.
Contribution of Innate Cortical Mechanisms to the Maturation of Orientation Selectivity in Parvalbumin Interneurons.

The maturation of cortical parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons depends on the interaction of innate and experience-dependent factors. Dark-rearing experiments suggest that visual experience determines when broad orientation selectivity emerges in visual cortical PV interneurons. Here, using neural transplantation and in vivo calcium imaging of mouse visual cortex, we investigated whether innate mechanisms contribute to the maturation of orientation selectivity in PV interneurons. First, we confirmed earlier findings showing that broad orientation selectivity emerges in PV interneurons by 2 weeks after vision onset, ∼35 d after these cells are born. Next, we assessed the functional development of transplanted PV (tPV) interneurons. Surprisingly, 25 d after transplantation (DAT) and >2 weeks after vision onset, we found that tPV interneurons have not developed broad orientation selectivity. By 35 DAT, however, broad orientation selectivity emerges in tPV interneurons. Transplantation does not alter orientation selectivity in host interneurons, suggesting that the maturation of tPV interneurons occurs independently from their endogenous counterparts. Together, these results challenge the notion that the onset of vision solely determines when PV interneurons become broadly tuned. Our results reveal that an innate cortical mechanism contributes to the emergence of broad orientation selectivity in PV interneurons. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Early visual experience and innate developmental programs interact to shape cortical circuits. Visual-deprivation experiments have suggested that the onset of visual experience determines when interneurons mature in the visual cortex. Here we used neuronal transplantation and cellular imaging of visual responses to investigate the maturation of parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons. Our results suggest that the emergence of broad orientation selectivity in PV interneurons is innately timed.