cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy after inferior myocardial infarction on secondary mitral regurgitation and mitral valve geometry.

Background The effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on secondary mitral regurgitation (MR), and mitral valve (MV) and left ventricular (LV) geometry, in patients with prior inferior myocardial infarction is not clearly defined. We assessed these outcomes utilizing two-dimensional echocardiography, and analyzed echocardiographic geometric variables that may correlate with follow-up MR severity. Methods Between 2009 and 2012, 229 CRT were implanted. Twenty-two had prior inferior myocardial infarction, ≥mild MR at baseline, and serial echocardiography. A left bundle branch block was present in 12 (54.5%) patients. The pre-CRT and follow-up echocardiograms were analyzed for: (1) MR severity; (2) MV and LV geometry; and (3) LV remodeling. Results The median follow-up time was 2.2 years (interquartile range, 0.7-4). In 16 patients without an inferior myocardial scar, there was a reduction in MR jet area/left atrial area ratio (33.2% vs 25.8%; P = 0.06) and MR grade (2.3 vs 1.8; P = 0.05), and an increased LV ejection fraction (26.1% vs 30.9%; P = 0.04) and end-systolic posterior ventricular sulcus-anterolateral papillary muscle angle (133.9 vs 143.9 degrees; P = 0.01). In six patients with scar, there was no change in LV or MR parameters. Regression analysis revealed linear associations between baseline MV tenting height (r = 0.57; P = 0.006), LV end-diastolic diameter index (r = 0.5; P = 0.02), mitral septolateral annular diameter (r = 0.48; P = 0.03), and MV tenting area (r = 0.46; P = 0.03), with follow-up MR jet area/left atrial area ratio. Conclusions In patients with prior inferior myocardial infarction and no scar, CRT is associated with decreased MR severity, and improved papillary muscle alignment and LV systolic function at follow-up.
Syllabus and Economics: Reasoning with Generation "Why".

In this article, the authors propose to enhance the syllabus for economic courses with economic explanations. They argue that providing economic rationale for course policies can increase student interest in the course and at the same time positively affect student attitude toward course policies. The authors describe practical strategies for incorporating economic explanations into the syllabus and present insights from piloting the technique.
Antigen-Binding Receptors on Lymphocytes

The concept that activation of immunocompetent cells by antigen depends upon the presence of specific antigen-binding receptors on the cell surface has been central to immunologic theory since it was originally proposed by Paul Ehrlich (1900). Direct evidence for the existence of such receptors has been amassed in recent years. In particular, it has been demonstrated that in nonimmunized animals, rare lymphocytes will bind a given substance to their surface and that the frequency of such cells increases upon immunization (Naor and Sulitzeanu, 1967; Byrt and Ada, 1969; Davie and Paul, 1971; Humphrey and Keller, 1970; Davie et al, 1971a).
Towards acute pediatric status epilepticus intervention teams: Do we need "Seizure Codes"?

Abstract Purpose To identify areas of treatment delay and barriers to care in pediatric status epilepticus, review ongoing quality improvement initiatives, and provide suggestions for further innovations to improve and standardize these patient care processes. Methods Narrative review of current status epilepticus management algorithms, anti-seizure medication administration and outcomes associated with delays, and initiatives to improve time to treatment. Articles reviewing or reporting quality improvement initiatives were identified through a PubMed search with keywords "status epilepticus," "quality improvement," "guideline adherence," and/or "protocol;" references of included articles were also reviewed. Results Rapid initiation and escalation of status epilepticus treatment has been associated with shortened seizure duration and more favorable outcomes. Current evidence-based guidelines for management of status epilepticus propose medication algorithms with suggested times for each management step. However, time to antiseizure medication administration for pediatric status epilepticus remains delayed in both the pre- and in-hospital settings. Barriers to timely treatment include suboptimal preventive care, inaccurate seizure detection, infrequent or restricted use of home rescue medications by caregivers and pre-hospital emergency personnel, delayed summoning and arrival of emergency personnel, and use of inappropriately dosed medications. Ongoing quality improvement initiatives in the pre- and in-hospital settings targeting these barriers are reviewed. Conclusion Improved preventive care, seizure detection, and rescue medication education may advance pre-hospital management, and we propose the use of acute status epilepticus intervention teams to initiate and incorporate in-hospital interventions as time-sensitive "Seizure Code" emergencies.
Activation of Large Conductance, Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels by Nitric Oxide Mediates Apelin-Induced Relaxation of Isolated Rat Coronary Arteries

Apelin increases coronary blood flow, cardiac contractility, and cardiac output. Based on these favorable hemodynamic effects, apelin and apelin-like analogs are being developed for treating heart failure and related disorders; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying apelin-induced coronary vasodilation are unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the signaling pathways by which apelin causes smooth muscle relaxation in coronary arteries. Receptors for apelin (APJ receptors) were expressed in coronary arteries, as determined by Western blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses. Immunofluorescence imaging studies identified APJ receptors on endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In isolated endothelial cells, apelin caused an increase in 4,5-diaminofluorescein fluorescence that was abolished by nitro-l-arginine (NLA) and F13A (H-Gln-Arg-Pro-Arg-Leu-Ser-His-Lys-Gly-Pro-Met-Pro-Ala-OH), an APJ receptor antagonist, consistent with increased nitric oxide (NO) production. In arterial rings, apelin caused endothelium-dependent relaxations that were abolished by NLA, F13A, and iberiotoxin. Neither oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) nor DT-2, a protein kinase G inhibitor, had any effect on apelin-induced relaxations, and apelin itself had no effect on intracellular cGMP accumulation in coronary arteries. Patch-clamp studies in isolated smooth muscle cells demonstrated that the NO donors, diethyl amine NONOate and sodium nitroprusside, caused increases in large conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa) currents, which were inhibited by iberiotoxin but not ODQ. Thus, apelin causes endothelium-dependent relaxation of coronary arteries by stimulating endothelial APJ receptors and releasing NO, which acts in a cGMP-independent manner and increases BKCa activity in the underlying smooth muscle cells. These results provide a mechanistic basis for apelin-induced coronary vasodilation and may provide guidance for the future development of novel apelin-like therapeutic agents.
Assessment of Expert Performance Compared Across Professional Domains

In this paper, we review several task characteristics to explain why experts across domains differ in their level of skill (expertise). Domains may have low levels of professional competency because of difficulty measuring relevant outcomes, impoverished performance feedback, and lack of accurate assessment tools or decision aids. Acknowledging that domains differ furthers research on expertise because it elucidates some common controversies. For example, the role of nurture (job-relevant experience) versus nature (talent or pre-existing abilities) in skilled performance, and the problem that expert-level knowledge and fast decision-making do not always translate into superior performance across domains—the process–performance paradox. Moreover, recommendations for improving domain competence must take into account the underlying differences among domains to provide recommendations appropriate for the current level of competency exhibited by the professionals in the domain.
Conclusion: R. G. Collingwood’s Intellectual Loneliness after 1924 and its Roots in His Ruskinian Education

Speculum Mentis marks a culmination and a turning-point in Collingwood’s thought. In some ways, it achieves an excellence which its author never surpassed. For subtlety of reasoning and interweaving of parts, it is probably his most remarkable work. Perspicuity of style tends to camouflage the fact that ideas are being woven back and forth into a complex pattern of dialectic. What is first posited gets revised over and over again, until the book arrives at the conclusion that this process of continual revision constitutes the truest picture of the mind. The mind lives by striving always to correct its own errors, although it never will overcome them entirely. The claim that it can do so derives from philosophical dogmatism, and it is precisely dogmatism of this kind which Collingwood rejects most decisively.
Demystifying Monarch Butterfly Migration

Every fall, millions of North American monarch butterflies undergo a stunning long-distance migration to reach their overwintering grounds in Mexico. Migration allows the butterflies to escape freezing temperatures and dying host plants, and reduces infections with a virulent parasite. We discuss the multigenerational migration journey and its evolutionary history, and highlight the navigational mechanisms of migratory monarchs. Monarchs use a bidirectional time-compensated sun compass for orientation, which is based on a time-compensating circadian clock that resides in the antennae, and which has a distinctive molecular mechanism. Migrants can also use a light-dependent inclination magnetic compass for orientation under overcast conditions. Additional environmental features, e.g., atmospheric conditions, geologic barriers, and social interactions, likely augment navigation. The publication of the monarch genome and the development of gene-editing strategies have enabled the dissection of the genetic and neurobiological basis of the migration. The monarch butterfly has emerged as an excellent system to study the ecological, neural, and genetic basis of long-distance animal migration.
Screening for Pregnancy Status in a Population-Based Sample: Characteristics Associated with Item Nonresponse

Population-based recruitment of a cohort of women who are currently pregnant or who may become pregnant in a given timeframe presents challenges unique to identifying pregnancy status or the likelihood of future pregnancy. Little is known about the performance of individual eligibility items on pregnancy screeners although they are critical to participant recruitment. This paper examined the patterns and respondent characteristics of key pregnancy screener items used in a large national study. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine nonresponse patterns to three questions (currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant and able to get pregnant). The questions were asked of 50,529 women in 17 locations across the US, as part of eligibility screening for the National Children’s Study Vanguard Study household-based recruitment. Most respondents were willing to provide information about current pregnancy, trying, and able to get pregnant: 99.3% of respondents answered all three questions and 97.4% provided meaningful answers. Nonresponse ranged from 0.3 to 2.5% for individual items. Multivariable logistic regression results identified small but statistically significant differences in nonresponse by respondent age, marital status, race/ethnicity-language, and household-based recruitment group. The high levels of response to pregnancy-related items are impressive considering that the eligibility questions were fairly sensitive, were administered at households, and were not part of a respondent-initiated encounter.
The Role of Synovium and Synovial Fluid in Joint Hemostasis

All diarthrodial joints are lined by synovium, a specialized connective tissue. Synovium plays a significant role in maintaining the intra-articular environment. The function of normal synovium is to maintain homeostasis within the intra-articular environment through maintenance of the synovial surface, lubrication of the articular surface, and production of synovial fluid. The synovium and synovial fluid are altered in the setting of osteoarthritis and trauma. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the current literature on synovium and synovial fluid, the resulting biologic milieu in the joint, as well as their lasting effects on overall joint health.
Imaging and Transcatheter Treatments in PA/VSD/MAPCAs

Angiography and transcatheter interventions play an integral role in the management of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collaterals (TOF/PA/MAPCAs). The role of angiography starts with a complete diagnostic investigation that delineates the anatomy of each source of pulmonary blood flow, as well as the vascular health of each segment of the lung. Transcatheter interventions are also used to eliminate unnecessary or potentially harmful sources of pulmonary blood flow, to maximize the health of the distal vasculature, and to optimize the anatomy after surgical repair has been completed. In addition, the majority of these patients will have a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit as part of their surgical repair, and this will require transcatheter interventions to treat conduit dysfunction in most patients. In this chapter, we will focus on the role of cardiac catheterization in the diagnostic evaluation of TOF/PA/MAPCAs and the role of transcatheter interventions as part of an integrated strategy to manage this complicated disease.
How Should Organizations Support Trainees in the Face of Patient Bias

Some patients degrade, belittle, or harass clinicians and students based on their social identity characteristics, such as their race, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Some patients even refuse care. While this kind of behavior is difficult for all health care workers, it presents unique challenges for trainees. This article offers concrete protocols for supporting trainees when such patient encounters occur, including assessment, debriefing with affected staff, convening team meetings, event tracking, data collection, and initiating organizational cultural changes.
Agile Project Management in Libraries: Creating Collaborative, Resilient, Responsive Organizations

AbstractLibraries must continually adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of users. Doing so requires the ability to be flexible and respond quickly. This is a case study of how The George Washingto...
Infections in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

155Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) - anti-PD-1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab), anti-PD-L1 (atezolizumab, avelumab), anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) - have improved outcomes for several maligna...
Evacuation Assisting Strategies in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

Recent natural and man-made disasters such as Sandy (2012) and Fukushima nuclear power plant (2011) make efficient evacuation route planning and routing more important than ever. Conventional sign-based evacuation route and its information are limited to use in a life-threatening environment. In this paper, we first investigate a least travel time based shortest path approach to minimize the evacuation time in a Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET). Since the travel time changes in the presence of time-varying traffic congestion, frequent and timely updates of the shortest path during the evacuation period are essential. Thus, we also investigate an evacuation assistant VANET to efficiently update the shortest path on wheel by using Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications. Then we propose evacuation assisting schemes, V2RSU and V2RSU+V2V. We also implement the shortest path based schemes to work in VANETs, Lowerbound and W/O_Update. We compare the performance of four schemes as a function of the number of congestions, sources, destinations, and vehicles and different network sizes. The simulation results indicate that the proposed schemes integrated with a VANET can reduce the evacuation time significantly.
Trends in the Use of Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support in the United States – An Analysis of the 2012 – 2015 National Inpatient Sample

ABSTRACTBackground: We aimed to study the use patterns of short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for cardiogenic shock and associated in-hospital outcomes.Methods: We queried the National ...
Ensemble of 4DVARs (En4DVar) data assimilation in a coastal ocean circulation model, Part I: Methodology and ensemble statistics

Abstract The ocean state off Oregon-Washington, U.S. West coast, is highly variable in time. Under these conditions the assumption made in traditional 4-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) that the prior model (background) error covariance is the same in every data assimilation (DA) window can be limiting. A DA system based on an ensemble of 4DVARs (En4DVar) has been developed in which the background error covariance is estimated from an ensemble of model runs and is thus time-varying. This part describes details of the En4DVar method and ensemble statistics verification tests. The control run and 39 ensemble members are forced by perturbed wind fields and corrected by DA in a series of 3-day windows. Wind perturbations are represented as a linear combination of empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) for the larger scales and Daubechies wavelets for the smaller scales. The variance of the EOF expansion coefficients is based on estimates of the wind field error statistics derived using scatterometer observations and a Bayesian Hierarchical Model. It is found that the variance of the wind errors relative to the natural wind variability increases as the horizontal spatial scales decrease. DA corrections to the control run and ensemble members are calculated in parallel by the newly developed, cost-effective cluster search minimization method. For a realistic coastal ocean application, this method can generate a 30% wall time reduction compared to the restricted B-conjugate gradient (RBCG) method. Ensemble statistics are generally found to be consistent with background error statistics. In particular, ensemble spread is maintained without inflating. However, sea-surface height background errors cannot be fully reproduced by the ensemble perturbations.
Beta-adrenergic agonist protects retinal pigment epithelium against hydroxycholoroquine toxicity via cAMP-PKA signal pathway.

Aim To test our hypothesis that activation of protein kinase A (PKA) signal pathway by β-adrenergic agonist plays an important role in the protecting of cultured retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells against the hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) toxicity. Methods Cultured human RPE cells were treated with 1) HCQ, 2) HCQ with salbutamol (a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist), and 3) HCQ with salbutamol and a PKA inhibitor, and compared these to 4) untreated cells (controls). After treated for 24h, cell vacuolation, cells viability, PKA and PKA kinase activity levels were determined by the measurement of the size of vacuoles using Image J software, the cell counting with a dye-exclusion testing, Western blot and PKA kinase detection, respectively. Results Cell vacuolation and cell death of cultured RPE cells were significantly increased by the treatment of HCQ. Salbutamol significantly elevated PKA and PKA activity levels and this was associated with the inhibition of the vacuolation and cell death. The PKA inhibitor significantly decreased the PKA levels and eliminated the protective effects of salbutamol on HCQ-treated RPE cells. Conclusion The PKA pathway plays an important role in the protective effects of β2-adrenergic agonist on the RPE cells against HCQ toxicity. These findings reveal a novel potential strategy against HCQ retinopathy by treatment with PKA activating medications.
Sociopolitical Values: The Neglected Factor in Culturally- Competent Psychotherapy

The role of sociopolitical values remains a neglected factor in clinical practice. Many clinicians regularly commit “cultural malpractice” by failing to take into account their own sociopolitical values and those of their clients. However, sociopolitical values may be the most important factor to consider in any culturally-competent psychotherapy that is truly client-centered. Sociopolitical values are often central to a client’s personality and identity. As such, understanding a client’s sociopolitical values can be useful therapeutically, and a congruence between therapist and client sociopolitical values may enhance the therapeutic relationship. Although a lack of value congruence can be detrimental to the therapeutic relationship, this need not be the case if the therapist is culturally sensitive. Because mental health professionals overwhelmingly tilt to the left politically, they should be cognizant of the fact that their politically conservative, libertarian, and centrist clients will not share many of their values. Clinicians must be sensitive to the impact this may have on the therapeutic alliance and the ways in which this influences their diagnostic and therapeutic choices. Ensuring that clinicians are culturally sensitive with respect to sociopolitical values will require systemic changes in how mental health professions conceptualize culturally- and ethically-competent practice, develop and evaluate standards and guidelines for multicultural practice, and recruit and educate clinicians. While such advances are developing, however, clinicians can adopt practices to help ensure that they will be culturally competent when working with clients who have sociopolitical values different from their own.
Development of a concave freeform surface measurement using transverse translation-diverse phase retrieval

Transverse translation-diverse phase retrieval (TTDPR), a ptychographic wavefront-sensing technique, is a viable method for freeform optical surface metrology due to its relatively simple hardware requirements, flexibility, and demonstrated accuracy in other fields. In TTDPR, a subaperture illumination pattern is scanned across an optic under test, and the reflected intensity is gathered on an array detector near focus. A nonlinear optimization algorithm is used to reconstruct the wavefront aberration at the test surface from which we can solve for surface error, using intensity patterns from multiple scan positions. TTDPR is an advantageous method for aspheric and freeform metrology because measurements can be performed without null optics. We report on the development of a concave freeform mirror measurement using this technique. Simulations were performed to test algorithmic performance as a function of various parameters, including detector signal-to-noise ratio and position uncertainty of the illumination, with <λ / 100 root-mean-square (rms) wavefront-sensing error achieved in most cases (λ = 632.8 nm). An experimental measurement is then demonstrated, and results of reconstructed surface form and midspatial frequency error are presented. Surface reconstructions from two disjoint datasets agree to 13-nm rms, or λ / 50 at λ = 632.8 nm.
Creating “Discovery”: The Myth of Columbus, 1777–1828

The modern concept of “discovery” was the creation of the “second scientific revolution” in the decades to either side of 1800. The wholesale reconfiguration of knowledge practices emphasized the R...
Survival Analysis of Treatment Efficacy in Comparative Coronavirus Disease 2019 Studies

For survival analysis in comparative COVID-19 trials, the routinely used hazard ratio may not provide a meaningful summary of the treatment effect. The mean survival time difference/ratio is an intuitive, assumption-free alternative. However, for short-term studies, landmark mortality rate differences/ratios are more clinically relevant and should be formally analyzed and reported.
A compendium of pseudoholomorphic beasts in $\mathbb{R}{\times}(S^1{\times}S^2)$

This article describes various moduli spaces of pseudoholomorphic curves on the symplectization of a particular overtwisted contact structure on S 1 x S 2 . This contact structure appears when one considers a closed self dual form on a 4-manifold as a symplectic form on the complement of its zero locus. The article is focussed mainly on disks, cylinders and three-holed spheres, but it also supplies groundwork for a description of moduli spaces of curves with more punctures and non-zero genus.
The speed of employer learning and job market signalling revisited

This article discusses the claim made by Altonji and Pierret (AP) (1997) and Lange (2007) that a high Speed of Employer Learning (SEL) indicates a low value of Job Market Signalling (JMS). It is first discussed intuitively in the light of Spence's original model and then evaluated in a simple extension of a model developed by AP (1997). The analysis provided indicates that, if Employer Learning (EL) is incomplete, a high SEL is not necessarily indicative of a low value of JMS.
Intervention mediating effects of self-efficacy on patient physical and psychological health following ICD implantation.

This study examined mechanisms by which social cognitive theory (SCT) interventions influence health outcomes and the importance of involving partners in recovery following the patients' receipt of an initial implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). We compared direct and indirect intervention effects on patient health outcomes with data from a randomized clinical trial involving two telephone-based interventions delivered during the first 3 months post-ICD implant by experienced trained nurses: P-only conducted only with patients, and P + P conducted with patients and their intimate partners. Each intervention included the patient-focused component. P + P also included a partner-focused intervention component. ICD-specific SCT-derived mediators included self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, self-management behavior, and ICD knowledge. Outcomes were assessed at discharge, 3- and 12-months post ICD implant. Patients (N = 301) were primarily Caucasian, male, 64 (± 11.9) years of age with a mean ejection fraction of 34.08 (± 14.3). Intervention effects, mediated through ICD-specific self-efficacy and outcome expectations, were stronger for P + P compared to P-only for physical function (β = 0.04, p = 0.04; β = 0.02, p = 0.04, respectively) and for psychological adjustment (β = 0.06, p = 0.04; β = 0.03, p = 0.04, respectively). SCT interventions show promise for improving ICD patient physical and psychological health outcomes through self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Including partners in post-ICD interventions may potentiate positive outcomes for patients. Trial registration number (TRN): NCT01252615 (Registration date: 12/02/2010)
Mass Cytometry – Based Cytotoxicity Assay for Profiling Natural Killer Cells

Phenotypic and functional assessment of Natural Killer (NK) cell activity against cancer cells in a clinical setting requires the integration of labor-intensive multicolor flow cytometry, chromium (Cr) release assays, and CD107a degranulation assays. To merge these into a single high-throughput assay, we developed a method for profiling NK-cancer cell interactions and simultaneous target killing using mass cytometry. In this study, a multiparameter 43-marker mass cytometry panel was applied to a co-culture of immune cells from healthy donors with diverse target cancer cell lines. DNA content, combined with classical CD45 surface staining, were used as gating parameters for co-cultures of immune cells (CD45high/DNAlow) with hematological (CD45low/DNAhigh) and solid cancer cell lines (CD45neg /DNAhigh), recapitulating flow cytometry forward and side scatter. This allows for discrimination of cancer cells from immune populations based on relative “size” and simultaneous assessment of phenotypical changes in both populations. In addition, the sensitivity of mass cytometry allows for the simultaneous detection of changes in NK cell phenotype and their degranulation upon target recognition, and for the analysis of target cells for cytotoxic protein granzyme B content, and cell death. These findings have broad applicability in clinical settings with the aim to phenotype and assess functional changes following NK-cancer cell interactions.
The possible cohomology of certain types of taut submanifolds

The first purpose of this paper is to exhibit several families of compact manifolds that do not ad nit taut embeddings into any sphere. The second is to enumerate ths possible Z 2-cohomology rings of those compact manifolds which do admit a taut embedding and whose cohomology rings satisfy certain degeneracy conditions. The first purpose is easily attained once the second has been accomplished, for it is a simple matter to present families of spaces whose cohomology rings satisfy the required degeneracy conditions, but are not on the list of those admitting a taut embedding.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy — Food safety implications

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). BSE is a fatal brain disease of cattle presumed to have originated from the use of rendered scrapie-infected sheep offal as a dietary protein source for cattle. The oral route is the major route of natural transmission of BSE to cattle. Shortly after BSE was identified in cattle, a cluster of human cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) with atypical characteristics occurred in the UK. This disease is referred to as "variant" CJD. Concern that BSE was spreading to man through the food supply engendered a flurry of research to ascertain whether, in fact, they were the same disease, and if so, whether they were spreading to man through the food supply. BSE is an afebrile, neurological disease; it elicits no immune or inflammatory response. Cattle affected by BSE experience a progressive degeneration of the nervous system. The onset of clinical signs is often associated with stress (herd change), calving, or estrus. Clinical signs include heightened sensory perception; changes in temperament, such as nervousness or aggression; abnormal posture, in coordination and difficulty in standing; excessive itching or licking; repetitive movements; decreased milk production; or loss of body weight despite continued appetite.
Determination of iron in heme compounds: I. Hemin

Abstract An accurate, precise, rapid, and convenient method for the spectrophotometric determination with o -phenanthroline of the iron content of hemin is detailed. The limitations, modifications, and extensions of the method are discussed. The application of the method to six different solid hemin samples is presented to exemplify the utility of the method.
Hypertension Prevalence, Cardiac Complications, and Antihypertensive Medication Use in Children

Objective To determine the prevalence of hypertension diagnosis in children of US military members and quantify echocardiography evaluations, cardiac complications, and antihypertensive prescriptions in the post-2004 guideline era. Study design Using billing data from military health insurance (TRICARE) enrollees, hypertension cases were defined as 2 or more visits with a primary or unspecified hypertension diagnosis during any calendar year or 1 such visit if with a cardiologist or nephrologist. Results During 2006-2011, the database contained an average 1.3 million subjects aged 2-18 years per year. A total of 16 322 met the definition of hypertension (2.6/1000). The incidence of hypertension increased by 17% between 2006 and 2011 (from 2.3/1000 to 2.7/1000; P P Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension in children has increased. Compliance with national guidelines is poor. Of pediatric patients with hypertension who receive an echocardiogram, 1 in 12 had identified cardiac complications, supporting the current recommendations for echocardiography in children with hypertension. Less than one-half of children with hypertension are treated with medication.
Microfabricated near-field microwave probes for scanning microscopy

The design and microfabrication of a silicon co-axial scanning near-field microwave probe (SNMP) compatible with atomic force microscope (AFM) system are reported. Scanning near-field microwave microscopy (SNMM) imaging is suitable for nondestructive surface and subsurface characterization of materials over a wide frequency range-between 0.1 GHz and 300 GHz, which bridges the frequency gap among other scanning local probe microscopy (SLPM) methods. The microfabricated SNMP consists of a silicon (Si) V-shaped cantilever beam, a co-axial tip, and aluminum waveguides. The design and microfabrication procedure are described. Mechanical and electrical characterizations, and simultaneous contact AFM and SNMM surface imaging are presented.
Diverse roles for RNA in gene regulation

A report of the Keystone Symposium 'Diverse roles for RNA in gene regulation', Breckenridge, USA, 8-15 January 2005.
Constrained adaptive sensing

Suppose that we wish to estimate a vector x ∈ C n from a small number of noisy linear measurements of the form y = Ax + z, where z represents measurement noise. When the vector x is sparse, meaning that it has only s nonzeros with s ≪ n, one can obtain a significantly more accurate estimate of x by adaptively selecting the rows of A based on the previous measurements provided that the signal-to-noise ratio is sufficiently large. In this paper, we consider the case where we wish to realize the potential of adaptivity but where the rows of A are subject to physical constraints. In particular, we examine the case where the rows of A are constrained to belong to a finite set of allowable measurement vectors. We demonstrate both the limitations and advantages of adaptive sensing in this constrained setting. We prove that for certain measurement ensembles, the benefits offered by adaptive designs fall far short of the improvements that are possible in the unconstrained adaptive setting. On the other hand, we also provide both theoretical and empirical evidence that in some scenarios, adaptivity does still result in substantial improvements even in the constrained setting. To illustrate these potential gains, we propose practical algorithms for constrained adaptive sensing by exploiting connections to the theory of optimal experimental design and show that these algorithms exhibit promising performance in some representative applications.
The vasorelaxant effects of milrinone and other vasodilators are attenuated by ouabain

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ouabain pretreatment (1 microM) on relaxation induced by milrinone and other reference vasorelaxants in guinea pig aorta. Pretreatment with ouabain for 1 h significantly reduced the threshold concentration and increased the vasoconstrictor potency of phenylephrine. Relaxation by milrinone of aortic rings contracted by phenylephrine or by an equieffective concentration of phenylephrine in the presence of ouabain was significantly attenuated in the presence of ouabain. The effect of all other vasorelaxants tested, which included isosorbide dinitrate, hydralazine, sodium nitroprusside, forskolin, HA 1004, isoproterenol and verapamil, were also significantly reduced in the presence of ouabain. The vasorelaxant effects of milrinone and verapamil were also evaluated in K+-contracted guinea pig aorta. In contrast to results obtained with phenylephrine-contracted vessels, milrinone and verapamil were equipotent as vasorelaxants in K+-contracted vessels in the presence or absence of ouabain. The results show that ouabain not only potentiates the effect of the vasoconstrictor phenylephrine, but also reduces the potency of drugs that cause vasorelaxation in phenylephrine-contracted tissues, regardless of the mechanism of action of the vasorelaxant. These data may have clinical relevance to the concomitant use of vasodilators and digitalis in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Rings of SL2($\Bbb{C}$ )-characters and the Kauffman bracket skein module

Let M be a compact orientable 3-manifold. The set of characters of SL 2( $\Bbb {C}$ )-representations of $ \pi_1(M) $ forms a closed affine algebraic set. We show that its coordinate ring is isomorphic to a specialization of the Kauffman bracket skein module, modulo its nilradical. This is accomplished by realizing the module as a combinatorial analog of the ring in which tools of skein theory are exploited to illuminate relations among characters. We conclude with an application, proving that a small manifold's specialized module is necessarily finite dimensional.
RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei: Identification and comparison of adenovirus 2 encoded transcripts synthesized in vitro and in vivo☆

Abstract Nuclei isolated from HeLa cells 16 hours post infection by adenovirus serotype 2 synthesize high levels of viral specific RNA in vitro. This RNA shares many features in common with nuclear viral specific RNA synthesized in vivo. The size of the RNA is heterogeneous, although the bulk of the transcripts are 10 × 103 to 25 × 103 bases in length. The 5′ ends of transcripts synthesized in vitro that are colinear with the viral DNA map primarily at two co-ordinates: 16.5, the site of the major late promoter, and 19.5, the location of the first splice-point used in synthesis of late viral mRNA. Colinear transcripts with 5′ ends which map at sites corresponding to the locations of other splice-points are also labeled but are much less abundant. In particular, only low levels of fully spliced messenger RNA are produced after two hours of incubation in vitro. A fraction of the transcripts synthesized in vitro appears to extend all the way to the end of the genome. However, discrete RNA species with 3′ ends at 38.5, 50.0, 61.5 and 78.5 map units are also synthesized in vitro. Molecules with these co-ordinates are also detected in steady-state nuclear RNA in vivo. These four species are all accurately polyadenylated in vitro, although the efficiencies of polyadenylation vary: RNA molecules with 3′ ends at position 61.5 or 78.5 only accumulate in a poly(A)+ form, while species terminated at co-ordinate 38.5 or 50.0 are either poly(A)+ or poly(A)−. An identical distribution also exists in nuclear steady-state RNA synthesized in vivo. Further analysis of Ad2 † -specific nuclear RNA, synthesized either in vitro or in vivo, reveals that large RNA molecules containing incompletely spliced tripartite leader segments (presumptive processing intermediates) are present in both poly(A)− and poly(A)+ RNA. However, molecules with mature 5′ ends (presumably created by splicing of the tripartite leader segment onto main-body sequences) accumulate to detectable levels only as fully processed, polyadenylated mRNA.
Anthrax and the inflammasome

Anthrax lethal toxin (LT), a major virulence determinant of anthrax disease, induces vascular collapse in mice and rats. LT activates the Nlrp1 inflammasome in macrophages and dendritic cells, resulting in caspase-1 activation, IL-1β and IL-18 maturation and a rapid cell death (pyroptosis). This review presents the current understanding of LT-induced activation of Nlrp1 in cells and its consequences for toxin-mediated effects in rodent toxin and spore challenge models.
The equalization of factor prices in general equilibrium when commodities outnumber factors

Abstract The likelihood of factor price equalization is analyzed in a full general equilibrium model which incorporates the demand side and commodity market clearance. A method is developed to actually derive the cone of factor price equalization in a general equilibrium model with many commodities and two factors. This cone is then used to analyze the actual likelihood of equalization as a function of the underlying primitives such as endowment ratios and demand patterns in the economy. It can be determined quantitatively how similar endowment ratios should be in order to ensure equalization for different demand patterns.
Teacher interactions with nonstandard English speakers during reading instruction

Abstract This study examined classroom interactions between two second grade teachers, who differed in their knowledge of Black English, in order to determine whether these teachers also differed in their responses to students who showed Strong (high) versus Weak (low) Black and Nonstandard English (NSE) usage. Teachers' knowledge of the phonological, syntactical, and stylistic features of Black English and NSE was found to be significantly related to the way teachers respond to the reading miscues of childen with various amounts of NSE in their speech. In response to Strong speakers of Black English and NSE, the teacher who was more knowledgeable of Black English evidenced more behaviors considered to be supportive of reading development, i.e., behaviors that encourage greater student self-regulation and control over the reading process and greater “depth of processing” by providing more decoding and contextual strategies. The hypothesis that the teacher who is less knowledgeable about Black English would be less constructive and more negative in response to miscues produced by Strong Black English and NSE speakers was partially confirmed. This teacher's responses seemed to be more influenced by the student's level of reading achievement than by their use of NSE. However, students who were both low in reading ability and Strong NSE speakers received more nonsupportive responses from that teacher.
A hybrid multiple-scattering theory for electron-transport Monte Carlo calculations

Abstract This paper describes a new elastic multiple-scattering theory and its incorporation into the EGS4 Monte Carlo code. The important features of the new theory are: 1) the angular distributions are stable physically and numerically from the no-scattering small electron pathlength limit to the multiple scattering regime where electron pathlengths can be thousands of mean-free-paths long, 2) in the small-pathlength limit, the angular distributions may be made to conform to an arbitrary cross section. The object of this paper is to describe the implementation and show results that demonstrate its stability by comparing with distributions generated from a single elastic-scattering model and by showing convergence of backscatter calculations.
Geometric aljamía: A visual transliteration and Re-claiming the wild colors of Qatari voices

GEOMETRIC ALJAMIA: A VISUAL TRANSLITERATION Reni Gower, Jorge Benitez, Khaled Saoud, Jochen Sokoly By addressing the fundamental geometry embedded in two-dimensional art, this workshop acknowledged hybrid connections between Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and the Middle East. In the past, aljamia played a significant role in preserving Islam and the Arabic language in the West. By understanding the visual arts as a transliteration of one form of thinking to another, this workshop revisited the ongoing impact of Islamic art, science, and philosophy throughout the world today. Since ancient times, geometric perfection (circle, square, and triangle) has been thought to convey sacred and universal truths by reflecting the fractal interconnections of the natural world. One finds these similarities across cultures embedded in many diverse ethnic patterns. Incorporating these patterns into works of art promotes access through recognition and this commonality creates a connection. Geometric ornamentation may have reached a pinnacle in the Islamic world, where it has been assimilated into all aspects of everyday life. The workshop participants examined an extended cross-cultural integration of the arts into life. This interdisciplinary collaboration produced papers presented at the conference by Benitez, Sokoly, and Saoud; an exhibition of large papercuts by Gower, Alawadhi, Korchi, Amin, Sahebzada, and Townsend; as well as perspectival drawings by Benitez. Sokoly introduced an art historical perspective. Benitez examined recent scholarly research that shed light on the links between medieval Islamic science and the development of European perspective. Saoud described the properties of Islamic quasicrystalline tiling in the creation of complex periodic patterns. Jochen Sokoly and Khaled Saoud are colleagues at VCU Qatar, while Reni Gower and Jorge Benitez are colleagues at VCU Richmond. This diverse group spans the visual and language arts to physics and math. Sokoly is an Islamic scholar who works closely with both regional and international contemporary artists and designers to address issues of culture, identity and artistic practice. Saoud is a physicist whose research focuses on nanoparticles and nanotechnology. Gower and Benitez are both painters. Gower’s paper cut installations use sacred geometry to blend subtle imperfection with structured repetition. Benitez uses linear perspective as a metaphor for Western Civilization. Their shared artistic and intellectual interests speak to the larger hybrid relationship that the West shares with the Middle East, and especially with the golden age of Islamic civilization.
Low energy electron diffraction, Auger and energy loss spectroscopic study of the initial stages of growth by molecular beam epitaxy of GaAs on Si(211) substrates

Abstract The nucleation and initial stages of growth of GaAs on Si(211) and (100) substrates have been studied in situ using Auger and energy loss spectroscopies, and low energy diffraction. Films were observed to become continuous at much smaller thickness when grown on (211), as compared with (100), substrates. This implies that the nucleation site density is much greater on the (211) surface, as expected from the very high step density for this orientation.
Ligand mixing in lower order organocuprates: synthetic, mechanistic, and structural implications

Abstract NMR spectroscopic evidence attesting to facile ligand exchange between lower order cuprates in THF and Et2O solution is discussed. A mechanistic pathway is suggested to account for ligand redistribution in THF. A dimeric model for R2CuLi is supported by the spectral data.
Conformations of Biopolymers

Abstract Discussion of the history of biopolymers is focused on proteins and polypeptides. Rubber elasticity is discussed from the early days onward, when the first and second laws of thermodynamics were established. Insight in the elasticity of elastin, an amorphous protein occurring in ligaments and arteries, is followed against this background. Denatured proteins also fit in this category. At present, the random-coil state that underlies the elasticity is rather well understood as a result of the new methods of analyzing the dimensions in terms of the conformations of the residues. Subsequently, the discovery of the α-helix, as well as that of the other helical structures of DNA and collagen, is described. The conversion to random coils is followed with emphasis on our insight into the cooperative nature of the transition. Finally, the least understood globular proteins are considered. Major progress was made with the successful analysis of x-ray patterns. The native state is characterized by closely p...