cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Steroids for treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective To systematically review the available evidence regarding steroid treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) and to update prior analyses when possible. Data Sources OVID Medline. Review Methods An electronic database search (OVID Medline) was performed with the objective of identifying all randomized controlled trials examining the use of steroids for the treatment of SSHL. The search was limited to English-language publications between January 1980 and June 2013. Reference lists were examined for additional articles. Results A total of 15 articles including 1,166 subjects were included in three separate analyses. Three articles (181 subjects) were included in the steroid versus placebo analysis, which resulted in an odds ratio of 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83-2.77). Six articles (702 subjects) were included in the systemic versus intratympanic steroids analysis, which resulted in an odds ratio of 1.14 (95% CI: 0.82-1.59). Six articles (283 subjects) were included in the salvage treatment analysis, which resulted in an odds ratio of 6.04 (95% CI: 3.26-11.2). Conclusions A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials does not support the use of steroids over placebo in this condition, a finding consistent with previous analyses. Although systemic or intratympanic steroid administration does not have a significant treatment effect, steroids for salvage treatment of patients failing traditional therapy appear to have an effect. However, this result should be interpreted with caution given the poor quality of component trials. Implications for clinical practice and future trial design are discussed. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:209–217, 2015
Writing the pregnant man

This article explores how an online community of female fans of Harry Potter creates and maintains scientific and medical knowledge of a novel reproductive technology, male pregnancy. In an effort to illuminate the mechanisms of fandom, I show how fandom participants collectively work to ensure the maintenance of standards for fan products and in doing so also selectively reinforce particular tropes about how male pregnancy is portrayed. Fans' validation of some male pregnancy variations over others results in a fascinating yet recognizable set of fictional reproductive technologies that both queer and accommodate normative gender and sexuality roles.
Differential space-time modulation with maximum spatio-spectral diversity

In this paper, we present a differential space-time-frequency (DSTF) modulation scheme for systems with two transmit antennas over frequency-selective fading channels. The proposed DSTF scheme employs a concatenation of a spectral encoder and a differential encoder/mapper, which are designed to yield the maximum spatio-spectral diversity and significant coding gain. To reduce the decoding complexity, the differential encoder is designed with a unitary structure that decouples the maximum likelihood (ML) detection in space and time; meanwhile, the spectral encoder utilizes a linear constellation decimation (LCD) coding scheme that encodes across a minimally required set of subchannels for full diversity and, hence, incurs the least decoding complexity among all full-diversity codes. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed DSTF modulation and coding scheme, which compares favorably with several existing differential space-time schemes for frequency-selective channels.
On some control problems in molecular biology

Deals with the control of a sequential machine whose model is not precisely known. The objective is to design a controller that assigns to the machine a prescribed steady-state behavior. The results include necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a controller, as well as algorithms for its design. This work is motivated by potential applications in biology. It is an abridged version of Hammer (1994). >
Multisite Mucous Membrane Bleeding Due to a Possible Interaction Between Warfarin and 5‐Fluorouracil

A 59-year-old man being treated for colon cancer experienced epistaxis, hematemesis, hematuria, and hematochezia. Laboratory evaluation revealed a greatly prolonged prothrombin time. It is possible that the bleeding was due to an interaction between 5-fluorouracil and warfarin. The former may inhibit the synthesis of cytochrome P-4502C9, leading to impaired metabolism of the latter.
Das erweiterte genetische Alphabet

Seit dem letzten gemeinsamen Vorfahren allen Lebens auf der Erde wird die gesamte biologische Information durch ein genetisches Alphabet codiert, das aus nur vier Nucleotiden und den von ihnen gebildeten zwei Basenpaaren besteht. Aus langjahrigen Versuchen, aus zwei synthetischen Nucleotiden ein drittes, nichtnaturliches Basenpaar (UBP) zu formen, haben sich jetzt drei vielversprechende Kandidaten herauskristallisiert. Eines dieser UBPs basiert auf alternativen Wasserstoffbrucken, wahrend die beiden anderen durch hydrophobe Krafte und Stapelkrafte stabilisiert werden. Alle drei dieser UBPs werden bemerkenswert effizient und zuverlassig repliziert und transkribiert. Die beiden letztgenannten UBP-Typen belegen, dass nicht nur auf Basis von Wasserstoffbrucken Erbinformation gespeichert und wieder abgerufen werden kann. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt die jungsten Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der UBPs sowie ihre mogliche Anwendungen, einschlieslich der Erweiterung der Evolution um den Einbau neuer Funktionalitat sowie der Erschaffung semisynthetischen Lebens, das zusatzliche Information speichern kann.
Sulfonated Microporous Organic−Inorganic Hybrids as Strong Bronsted Acids1

It has been discovered that the use of excess zirconium in reactions with 4,4‘-biphenyl and 4,4‘-terphenylbis(phosphonic acid) in DMSO or DMSO−ethanol mixtures produces microporous inorganic−organic hybrids. Surface areas of 400 m2/g and pore sizes in the range of 10−20 A in diameter are routinely obtained. These materials are readily sulfonated with SO3 under pressure to yield strong Bronsted acids. The acid strength, measured by 13C NMR shifts of acetone and cyclopentanone in contact with the sulfonates, indicates an acidity close to that of 100% H2SO4. Condensation and cracking reactions were obtained for both ketones under mild conditions. A working hypothesis is presented to account for the high surface area and microporosity. The combination of high surface areas and pore dimensions that are between those of zeolites and mesoporous silicas commends these materials for applications in separations, ion exchange, and catalysis.
Convergence rate estimation for the TKF91 model of biological sequence length evolution.

Abstract The TKF91 model of biological sequence evolution describes changes in the sequence length via an infinite state-space birth–death process, which we term the TKF91-BD process. The TKF91 model assumes that, for any pair of modern sequences, the ancestral sequence has equilibrium length distribution, an assumption whose validity has not been rigorously investigated. We obtain explicit upper and lower bounds on the rate of convergence to equilibrium for the distribution of the TKF91-BD process. We show that the rate of convergence of the TKF91-BD process for protein sequences with parameter values inferred from sequence data on α and β globins is too low to guarantee convergence to equilibrium on a reasonable timescale. For the analyzed nucleotide sequences, the convergence is faster, but the equilibrium sequence length is unrealistically small. The Jukes–Cantor model of nucleotide substitutions can converge considerably faster than the length evolution model for both amino acid and nucleotide sequences, while the speed of convergence for the Kimura model is close to that for the TKF91-BD process describing nucleotide sequences.
Immunosuppression-related fibroproliferative polyps: a substantial subset of acquired pediatric mucocutaneous polyps.

Abstract A distinct group of fibroproliferative polyps of the tongue arising in immunosuppressed children and often associated with chromosomal breakpoints at chromosomes 9p34 or 22q11 was recently described. Based on this finding, we reviewed fibroepithelial polyps arising in nonlingual sites in the pediatric population to investigate a possible relationship with immunosuppression. We identified 8 fibroepithelial polyps arising in 6 immunosuppressed patients (4 males and 2 females, median age 17 years) in a wide range of mucocutaneous sites. Histologic features were identical to the common fibroepithelial polyp, or skin tag, with a variably collagenous fibrovascular core covered by unremarkable squamous epithelium. No viral cytopathic changes were identified in any case. Although cytogenetic studies were not performed on any of the biopsy material, 1 patient had a constitutional deletion of chromosome 22q11. We suggest that there may be a relationship between these polyps and the previously described ton...
Overlapping-Gate Ccd Imagers On Gallium Arsenide

Charge-coupled device (CCD) imagers have been fabricated on gallium arsenide (GaAs) with very closely spaced (<100nm) Schottky-barrier metal electrodes. The short interelectrode spacing was achieved by using anodic oxidation in an ethylene glycol based electrolyte. All the active device regions of the CCD imagers were formed by silicon implantation into semi-insulating GaAs substrates followed by rapid thermal activation. The photodetectors were Schottky barrier diodes formed with thin aluminum metal anodes over silicon-implanted active regions in the semi-insulating substrate. The detectors formed a linear array along one side of the CCD channel and a three-phase transfer electrode structure was used. The imagers have been tested with front side illumination at clocking speeds up to 25 MHz.
Design considerations for use of a double-dove prism behind a concentric dome

The double dove prism is a common method used to achieve large scan angles with a straight line configuration. The basic concept uses two cemented dove prisms rotating at one half the desired scan angle. In most cases, this double dove prism is used behind a flat window. This paper investigates the design considerations required to use the double dove scanner behind an optical element with power, in particular, a concentric dome. The limits to achievable resolution are explored, as well as methods to compensate for the aberrations introduced by the power element.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Physiology of blood coagulation: advances, problems and present status.

Advances have been made in the purification of the molecules known to be concerned in blood clotting, and on the foundations of this work it is possible to state that the basic enzymology consists of three major events. In sequence there occurs: 1. the formation of autoprothrombin C (F-X a, thrombokinase), 2. the formation of thrombin by autoprothrombin C, and 3. the formation of fibrin by thrombin through limited proteolysis. In this laboratory prothrombin was first purified and was found to be an aggregate which contains the precursor of thrombin (prethrombin) and the precursor of autoprothrombin C (autoprothrombin III). It was discovered that purified prothrombin could be activated by simply placing it in 25% sodium citrate solution. In this activation it first dissociates to form mainly prethrombin and autothrombin III. Next the autoprothrombin III converts to autoprothrombin C, and this enzyme then converts the prethrombin to thrombin. Sound evidence for the first two major steps in blood clotting was thus obtained by carefully avoiding all clotting factors real or imagined. Only prothrombin and 25% sodium citrate was needed as starting material. This achievement introduced clarification, simplification, and the degree of certainty which was very valuable as a foundation on which to place the superstructure concerned with accessory factors. The reactions in 25% sodium citrate solutions are slow, but the accessory factors used in our normal physiology accelerate the prototype reactions found to be essential. These accessory substances are located in fixed tissue cells, in platelets, and in plasma. The formation of autoprothrombin C, the first main event in blood clotting, is brought about rapidly by calcium ions and thromboplastin or not quite so rapidly by calcium ions, platelet lipids, and platelet cofactor I (F-VIII, AHF). The function of autoprothrombin C is to bring about the second main reaction; namely, the generation of thrombin activity. To obtain thrombin rapidly with autoprothrombin C it is necessary to have the Ac-globulin (F-V) of plasma and the lipids of platelets. Incidentally the lipids of thromboplastin can substitute for those of platelets in the conversion of prethrombin to thrombin. The lipids are surface active agents and the Ac-globulin protein determines the substrate specificity of the autoprothrombin C. In the absence of tissue extracts platelets are practically essential in the first two of the three main reactions in blood clotting. The recurring theme is the simultaneous participation of lipid and protein functioning as two molecular entities from two anatomic compartments. Injury is the natural way for substances in different compartments to be released and brought together.
Multicultural Issues: Gifted Underrepresentation and Prejudice—Learning From Allport and Merton

Gifted education has been criticized for the persistent underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic students. Many explanations have been advanced, including teacher underreferral, test bias and unfa...
Revisiting Data Related to the Age of Onset and Developmental Course of Female Conduct Problems

Children who exhibit persistently elevated levels of conduct problems (CP) from early childhood, so-called early-starters, are known to be at increased risk for continued CP throughout middle childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Theoretical and empirical work has focused on this subgroup of children characterized by similar risk factors, an early age of onset, and a persistent developmental course of CP. However, females were historically neglected from this literature. Although research on female CP has increased, conclusions drawn from limited prior work continue to predominate. The primary aim of this review was to evaluate the updated literature to determine the percentage of females who show the early-starter CP pattern relative to two other trajectories often theorized to be more characteristic of females: early-starting desisting and adolescent-onset CP. The findings suggest that a subgroup of females exhibits an early-starting and persistent CP pattern, while a separate group of females demonstrates an onset of CP in adolescence. In addition, although it has been argued that females with childhood CP are not likely to show CP into adolescence and adulthood, evidence for early-starting desisting CP was inconsistent. The results are discussed with respect to implications for developmental taxonomy theory and future basic research in the area of CP development, as well as intervention efforts.
Stochastic hybrid control of hysteretic structures

Abstract A method of stochastic control for seismic-excited hysteretic structures is presented. Emphasis is placed on hybrid control of base-isolated buildings. The earthquake excitation is modeled as a filter shot noise and the equations of motion of the structure are augmented by the earthquake model. Based on the stochastic optimal control algorithm, the resulting control vector consists of a feedforward compensation and a state feedback loop. The nonstationary response statistics, such as the mean square function, are obtained using the methods of random vibration and equivalent linearization. Simulation results indicate that for a range of earthquake model parameters of practical interest, the performance of the control method using both the feedforward compensation and the state feedback loop does not offer a significant improvement over that of the control method using only the state feedback.
Nonlinear and dynamic programming for epidemic intervention

This paper studies an optimal control problem for a discrete-time, deterministic Susceptible/Infective/Susceptible (SIS) epidemic with a finite time horizon. The problem involves finding the minimum of an objective function of a controlled process subject to the constraints of limited resources. Control sequences are obtained through two alternative methods: nonlinear programming (NLP) and dynamic programming (DP). The NLP approach is restricted to problems of low dimension and, therefore, by this algorithm, one must be satisfied with an optimization over a restrictive subspace of the possible control sequences, whereas DP has the capability of finding an optimal control sequence over a richer domain. The advantage of NLP is that it requires less processing resources and is therefore capable of providing approximate solutions to larger problems than the DP method. However, our results show that the DP solutions, because they are exact over a relatively long time horizon, can result in considerable reduction in cost. It is also found that for our SIS epidemic, the character of the NLP and DP solutions are considerably different.
A theoretical investigation of adsorbate-induced surface relaxation effects using cluster models: Al on Si(111)

Abstract Differently sized cluster calculations are used to investigate theoretically the preferred adsorption site for an Al adatom on the Si(111) surface. By performing partial geometry optimizations at the Hartree-Fock level on AlSi n subclusters around the site of interest we find significant Al adatom-induced surface relaxation effects distorting the Si atoms from their bulk lattice positions. The largest relaxation effects take place at the T 4 site resulting in Al adsorption at the T 4 site to be 5 kcal/mol more stable than at the H 3 site and considerably more stable than adsorption at the T 1 site. However, we only have confidence in this result after performing for the T 4 site a partial geometry optimization on the AlSi 5 subcluster in the AlSi 26 H 24 cluster and by including appropriate correlation corrections.
Appearance of the uterus by ultrasound immediately after placental delivery with pathologic correlation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the ultrasound appearance of the uterus immediately after the placenta was delivered with the gross and histologic findings obtained by manual exploration and sponge curettage. One hundred thirty-one patients underwent a sonographic assessment of the uterus within 5 minutes of placental delivery. A manual exploration and sponge curettage were performed with 2 minutes of the ultrasound examination, and the specimens were assessed for gross and histologic evidene of retained products of conception. Twenty-four (18.8%) of the patients had documented evidence of retained products of conception either by gross inspection or histologic assessment. Nineteen (15%) of the patients had what appeared to be retained products on ultrasound examination. Using our sonographic description of retained products of conception, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ultrasound in detecting retained products was 44%, 92%, 58%, and 87%, respectively. The ultrasound findings in patients with retained products of conception were: a normal endometrial cavity in 9 (37.5%), echogenic mass in 6 (25%), heterogenous mixed density mass in 5 (21%), and fluid only in 4 (16.6%). Of the 6 cases with an echogenic mass, all were associated with retained products of conception. The ultrasound appearance of retained products of conception in the immediate time period after placental delivery is highly variable. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 25:301–308, 1997
Effects of current speed on filtration during suspension feeding in Oligometra serripinna (Echinodermata: Crinoidea)

Suspension feeding by the crinod Oligometra serripinna was studied at Lizard Island, Australia, in 1986. Video recordings were made of 90-μm particles interacting with the filter of the crinoid in a laboratory flow chamber. A complete census of particles was possible because both the capture event and the filter area could be defined unequivocally. Also, because O. serripinna is a passive suspension feeder, a census of partcles could be made at different ambient current speeds without interference due to active pumping by the crinoid. Experiments were run at seven current speeds from 0.9 to 13.3 cm s-1. Particles approaching the filter: (1) were captured, (2) passed through the filter without triggering a capture event, (3) passed through the filter after escaping from an unsuccessful capture event, or (4) were deflected around the filter. With increasing current speed, the proportion of deflections declined and the proportion of particles passing through rose: these results could be partially explained by the progressive widening of the spaces within the filter due to distortion of filter parts by the current. The proportion of captures (normalized to approaches) was comparatively low at 0.9 cm s-1, rose to a relatively constant maximum from 1.7 to 6.4 cm s-1, and then declined progressively at 9.5 and 13.3 cm s-1. These proportions were translated into capture rates for whole crinoids by taking into consideration both the encounters with particles and the reduction of filter area by distortion of body parts at higher speeds. When plotted against current speed, capture rate peaked at 6.4 cm s-1, which was close to the mean current speed that we measured on the reef in the microhabitat of O. serripinna.
Efficient second-harmonic power extraction from GaAs TUNNETT diodes above 200 GHz

GaAs TUNNETT diodes on diamond heat sinks yielded state-of-the-art RF power levels of 9 and > 4 mW with corresponding DC-to-RF conversion efficiencies of > 1.0 and > 0.6% in a second-harmonic mode at 209 and 235 GHz, respectively. The phase noise was well below –94 dBc/Hz at a carrier frequency of 500 kHz. Simulations revealed a varactor-like mode of operation.
Cyanophages infecting the oceanic cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus

Prochlorococcus is the numerically dominant phototroph in the tropical and subtropical oceans, accounting for half of the photosynthetic biomass in some areas1,2. Here we report the isolation of cyanophages that infect Prochlorococcus, and show that although some are host-strain-specific, others cross-infect with closely related marine Synechococcus as well as between high-light- and low-light-adapted Prochlorococcus isolates, suggesting a mechanism for horizontal gene transfer. High-light-adapted Prochlorococcus hosts yielded Podoviridae exclusively, which were extremely host-specific, whereas low-light-adapted Prochlorococcus and all strains of Synechococcus yielded primarily Myoviridae, which has a broad host range. Finally, both Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus strain-specific cyanophage titres were low ( 105 cells ml-1). These low titres in areas of high total host cell abundance seem to be a feature of open ocean ecosystems. We hypothesize that gradients in cyanobacterial population diversity, growth rates, and/or the incidence of lysogeny underlie these trends.
Carbon and phosphorus dynamics of Justicia americana in mid-Atlantic stream ecosystems

Abstract. The carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) dynamics of a stream macrophyte, Justicia americana, were assessed within watersheds of the Piedmont region of Maryland. Little is known about this emergent plant species that is rapidly proliferating throughout many rivers and streams in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. Aboveground biomass was collected at three stream locations in Frederick County, Maryland for determination of total aboveground C. To evaluate biomass densities of J. americana across stream sites, patches were measured as percent of total reach area. Leaf decomposition rates were measured for J. americana and two tree species, Ailanthus altissima and Acer saccharum, by placing leaf litter bags in a stream. Aboveground biomass indicated variable macrophyte densities across three streams and that J. americana is a major contributor of autochthonous C in the sampled reaches. Decomposition of J. americana leaves and stems was faster than tree leaves indicating temporal differences between autoc...
Regioselective hydrogenation using platinum-support zeolite modified by CVD-method

Abstract Platinum-support zeolites coupled with silicon alkoxides were prepared by the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method. With this catalyst system, it was demonstrated that the terminal carbon-carbon double bond is preferentially hydrogenated in the case of several unsaturated hydrocarbons. Further, it was elucidated that highly regioselective hydrogenation of alkadiene could also be achieved in this catalyst system.
Sexual Infidelity as Trigger for Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract Background: We conducted a qualitative study to examine acute, situational factors and chronic stressors that triggered severe intimate partner violence (IPV) in women. Methods: Our sample consisted of 17 heterosexual couples, where the male was in detention for IPV and made telephone calls to his female victim. We used up to 4 hours of telephone conversational data for each couple to examine the couple's understanding of (1) acute triggers for the violent event and (2) chronic stressors that created the underlying context for violence. Grounded theory guided our robust, iterative data analysis involving audiotape review, narrative summation, and thematic organization. Results: Consistently across couples, violence was acutely triggered by accusations of infidelity, typically within the context of alcohol or drug use. Victims sustained significant injury, including severe head trauma (some resulting in hospitalization/surgery), bite wounds, strangulation complications, and lost pregnancy. Chronic...
Endogenous Melanocortin System Activity Contributes to the Elevated Arterial Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Previous studies suggest that activation of the CNS melanocortin system reduces appetite while increasing sympathetic activity and arterial pressure. The present study tested whether endogenous activity of the CNS melanocortin 3/4 receptors (MC3/4-R) contributes to elevated arterial pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), a model of hypertension with increased sympathetic activity. A cannula was placed in the lateral ventricle of male SHR and Wistar (WKY) rats for chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions (0.5 μL/h). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded 24 hour/d using telemetry. After 5-day control period, rats were infused with MC3/4-R antagonist (SHU-9119, 1 nmol/h-ICV) for 12 days, followed by 5-day posttreatment period. MC3/4-R antagonism increased food intake in SHR by 90% and in WKY by 125%, resulting in marked weight gain, insulin resistance, and hyperleptinemia in SHR and WKY. Despite weight gain, MC3/4-R antagonism reduced HR in SHR and WKY (≈40 bpm), while lowering MAP to a greater extent in SHR (−22±4 mm Hg) than WKY (−4±3 mm Hg). SHU9119 treatment failed to cause further reductions in MAP during chronic adrenergic blockade with propranolol and terazosin. These results suggest that endogenous activity of the CNS melanocortin system contributes to the maintenance of adrenergic tone and elevated arterial pressure in SHR even though mRNA levels for POMC and MC4R in the mediobasal hypothalamus were not increased compared to WKY. These results also support the hypothesis that weight gain does not raise arterial pressure in the absence of a functional MC3/4-R.
Optical printing in computer animation

The optical printer can be considered as an optical analog computer, which can perform geometric transformations and simple arithmetic operations on pictures very efficiently. The principles of operation of the printer are explained, and many of its applications to computer animation are listed and discussed briefly.Two techniques are discussed in detail: the use of high contrast masks to suppress the bright spots where two lines of different colors cross, and the use of continuous tone masks and multiple exposures to create realistic transparency at low cost.
Conservation Laws and Liapounov Stability of the Free Rotation of a Rigid Body

The paper derives the well known stabilities of free rotation of a rigid body about its principal axes of least and greatest moments of inertia directly from the constancy of the kinetic energy and of the square of the angular momentum. The resulting proof of Liapounov stability yields new quantitative measures of this stability. Involving only simple algebra, it depends on satisfying a weak sufficient condition that insures an unchanging sign of the main component of the angular velocity ω. The method cannot be used, however, to prove the well known instability of rotation about the intermediate axis.
Rapid genetic mapping in Neurospora crassa.

Forward genetic analysis is the most broadly applicable approach to discern gene functions. However, for some organisms like the filamentous ascomycete Neurospora crassa, genetic mapping frequently represents a limiting step in forward genetic approaches. We describe an efficient method for genetic mapping in N. crassa that makes use of a modified bulked segregant analysis and PCR-based molecular markers. This method enables mapping with progeny from a single cross, and requires only 90 PCR amplifications. Genetic distances between syntenic markers have been determined to ensure complete coverage of the genome and to allow interpolation of linkage data. As a result, most mutations should be mapped in less than one month to within 1–5 map units, a level of resolution sufficient to initiate map-based cloning efforts. This system also will facilitate analyses of recombination at a genome-wide level, and is applicable to other perfect fungi when suitable markers are available.
The “Gender Gap” in Authorship of Academic Medical Literature — A 35-Year Perspective

Background Participation of women in the medical profession has increased during the past four decades, but issues of concern persist regarding disparities between the sexes in academic medicine. Advancement is largely driven by peer-reviewed original research, so we sought to determine the representation of female physician-investigators among the authors of selected publications during the past 35 years. Methods Original articles from six prominent medical journals — the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the Annals of Internal Medicine (Ann Intern Med), the Annals of Surgery (Ann Surg), Obstetrics & Gynecology (Obstet Gynecol), and the Journal of Pediatrics (J Pediatr) — were categorized according to the sex of both the first and the senior (last listed) author. Sex was also determined for the authors of guest editorials in NEJM and JAMA. Data were collected for the years 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2004. The analysis was restricted to author...
DNase I sensitivity QTLs are a major determinant of human expression variation

In human lymphoblastoid cell lines, 8,902 loci were identified at which genetic variation is significantly associated with local DNase I sensitivity; these variants are responsible for a large fraction of expression quantitative trait loci. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) are stretches of DNA that regulate gene transcription and expression and contribute to a particular phenotypic trait. eQTL mapping is an important tool for linking genetic variation to changes in gene regulation, but identifying the causal variants underlying eQTLs and the regulatory mechanisms involved remains a challenge. Degner et al. used DNaseI sequencing to measure genome-wide chromatin accessibility in 70 Yoruba lymphoblastoid cell lines to produce genome-wide maps of chromatin accessibility for each individual. They identify variants that they call DNaseI sensitivity quantitative trait loci (dsQTLs). The implication is that changes in chromatin accessibility or transcription-factor binding occur at many gene loci and are likely to be important contributors to phenotypic variation. The mapping of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) has emerged as an important tool for linking genetic variation to changes in gene regulation1,2,3,4,5. However, it remains difficult to identify the causal variants underlying eQTLs, and little is known about the regulatory mechanisms by which they act. Here we show that genetic variants that modify chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding are a major mechanism through which genetic variation leads to gene expression differences among humans. We used DNase I sequencing to measure chromatin accessibility in 70 Yoruba lymphoblastoid cell lines, for which genome-wide genotypes and estimates of gene expression levels are also available6,7,8. We obtained a total of 2.7 billion uniquely mapped DNase I-sequencing (DNase-seq) reads, which allowed us to produce genome-wide maps of chromatin accessibility for each individual. We identified 8,902 locations at which the DNase-seq read depth correlated significantly with genotype at a nearby single nucleotide polymorphism or insertion/deletion (false discovery rate = 10%). We call such variants ‘DNase I sensitivity quantitative trait loci’ (dsQTLs). We found that dsQTLs are strongly enriched within inferred transcription factor binding sites and are frequently associated with allele-specific changes in transcription factor binding. A substantial fraction (16%) of dsQTLs are also associated with variation in the expression levels of nearby genes (that is, these loci are also classified as eQTLs). Conversely, we estimate that as many as 55% of eQTL single nucleotide polymorphisms are also dsQTLs. Our observations indicate that dsQTLs are highly abundant in the human genome and are likely to be important contributors to phenotypic variation.
Pre-operative mortality risk assessment in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: application of the HeartMate II risk score.

Background Survival with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is dependent on appropriate patient selection. The HeartMate II risk score (HMRS) was recently derived and validated to predict 90-day mortality in clinical trial patients with continuous-flow LVADs. The aim of this study was to test HMRS validity in predicting survival at our institution. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients implanted with HeartMate II (HMII; Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA) LVADs from March 31, 2004 to September 20, 2012 at the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). Patients were stratified according to HMRS profiles (HMRS Low 2.48) calculated using age, albumin, creatinine, international normalized ratio (INR) and center volume. Outcome was defined as survival at 90 days after device implantation. Results HeartMate II LVADs were implanted in 205 patients. Pre-operative data from 201 patients were categorized into HMRS Low ( n = 101; 1.04 [0.64 to 1.31]), HMRS Medium ( n = 73; 1.98 [1.78 to 2.25]) and HMRS High ( n = 27, 3.07 [2.70 to 3.43]) ( p p = 0.43). Prediction of 90-day mortality by receiver operating characteristic was poor (AUC = 0.56). Conclusion HMRS stratification poorly discriminates 90-day mortality after HMII LVAD implantation at our institution. Its generalizability as a universal prognostic score may be limited.
Momentary affect and attention allocation

An experimental study of the consequences of affect on attention allocation was conducted. Momentary affect states were induced through a gambling environment. Concurrently, a visual search task was performed and reaction times measured. It was found that search was faster when the target was located in a region containing emotion-congruent schematic faces. This effect is predicted by a functionalist theory of emotion (Klinger, 1982).
Early Myocardial Function Affects Endocardial Cushion Development in Zebrafish

Function of the heart begins long before its formation is complete. Analyses in mouse and zebrafish have shown that myocardial function is not required for early steps of organogenesis, such as formation of the heart tube or chamber specification. However, whether myocardial function is required for later steps of cardiac development, such as endocardial cushion (EC) formation, has not been established. Recent technical advances and approaches have provided novel inroads toward the study of organogenesis, allowing us to examine the effects of both genetic and pharmacological perturbations of myocardial function on EC formation in zebrafish. To address whether myocardial function is required for EC formation, we examined silent heart (sih−/−) embryos, which lack a heartbeat due to mutation of cardiac troponin T (tnnt2), and observed that atrioventricular (AV) ECs do not form. Likewise, we determined that cushion formation is blocked in cardiofunk (cfk−/−) embryos, which exhibit cardiac dilation and no early blood flow. In order to further analyze the heart defects in cfk−/− embryos, we positionally cloned cfk and show that it encodes a novel sarcomeric actin expressed in the embryonic myocardium. The Cfks11 variant exhibits a change in a universally conserved residue (R177H). We show that in yeast this mutation negatively affects actin polymerization. Because the lack of cushion formation in sih- and cfk-mutant embryos could be due to reduced myocardial function and/or lack of blood flow, we approached this question pharmacologically and provide evidence that reduction in myocardial function is primarily responsible for the defect in cushion development. Our data demonstrate that early myocardial function is required for later steps of organogenesis and suggest that myocardial function, not endothelial shear stress, is the major epigenetic factor controlling late heart development. Based on these observations, we postulate that defects in cardiac morphogenesis may be secondary to mutations affecting early myocardial function, and that, in humans, mutations affecting embryonic myocardial function may be responsible for structural congenital heart disease.
Stimulation of Lipolysis and Hormone-sensitive Lipase via the Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Pathway

Hormonally stimulated lipolysis occurs by activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) which phosphorylates hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and increases adipocyte lipolysis. Evidence suggests that catecholamines not only can activate PKA, but also the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). We now demonstrate that two different inhibitors of MEK, the upstream activator of ERK, block catecholamine- and β3-stimulated lipolysis by ∼30%. Furthermore, treatment of adipocytes with dioctanoylglycerol, which activates ERK, increases lipolysis, although MEK inhibitors decrease dioctanoylglycerol-stimulated activation of lipolysis. Using a tamoxifen regulatable Raf system expressed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, exposure to tamoxifen causes a 14-fold activation of ERK within 15–30 min and results in ∼2-fold increase in HSL activity. In addition, when differentiated 3T3-L1 cells expressing the regulatable Raf were exposed to tamoxifen, a 2-fold increase in lipolysis is observed. HSL is a substrate of activated ERK and site-directed mutagenesis of putative ERK consensus phosphorylation sites in HSL identified Ser600 as the site phosphorylated by active ERK. When S600A HSL was expressed in 3T3-L1 cells expressing the regulatable Raf, tamoxifen treatment fails to increase its activity. Thus, activation of the ERK pathway appears to be able to regulate adipocyte lipolysis by phosphorylating HSL on Ser600 and increasing the activity of HSL.
A global solution for the Mars static and seasonal gravity, Mars orientation, Phobos and Deimos masses, and Mars ephemeris

Abstract With the collection of six years of MGS tracking data and three years of Mars Odyssey tracking data, there has been a continual improvement in the JPL Mars gravity field determination. This includes the measurement of the seasonal changes in the gravity coefficients (e.g., J ¯ 2 , J ¯ 3 , C ¯ 21 , S ¯ 21 , C ¯ 31 , S ¯ 31 ) caused by the mass exchange between the polar ice caps and atmosphere. This paper describes the latest gravity field MGS95J to degree and order 95. The improvement comes from additional tracking data and the adoption of a more complete Mars orientation model with nutation, instead of the IAU 2000 model. Free wobble of the Mars' spin axis, i.e. polar motion, has been constrained to be less than 10 mas by looking at the temporal history of C ¯ 21 and S ¯ 21 . A strong annual signature is observed in C ¯ 21 , and this is a mixture of polar motion and ice mass redistribution. The Love number solution with a subset of Odyssey tracking data is consistent with the previous liquid outer core determination from MGS tracking data [Yoder et al., 2003. Science 300, 299–303], giving a combined solution of k 2 = 0.152 ± 0.009 using MGS and Odyssey tracking data. The solutions for the masses of the Mars' moons show consistency between MGS, Odyssey, and Viking data sets; Phobos GM = ( 7.16 ± 0.005 ) × 10 −4 km 3 / s 2 and Deimos GM = ( 0.98 ± 0.07 ) × 10 −4 km 3 / s 2 . Average MGS orbit errors, determined from differences in the overlaps of orbit solutions, have been reduced to 10-cm in the radial direction and 1.5 m along the spacecraft velocity and normal to the orbit plane. Hence, the ranging to the MGS and Odyssey spacecraft has resulted in position measurements of the Mars system center-of-mass relative to the Earth to an accuracy of one meter, greatly reducing the Mars ephemeris errors by several orders of magnitude, and providing mass estimates for Asteroids 1 Ceres, 2 Pallas, 3 Juno, 4 Vesta, and 324 Bamberga.
ANALYSIS OF HEAT TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS IN INTERNALLY FINNED TUBES

An in-depth physical analysis of turbulent flow and heat transfer mechanisms in internally finned tubes is presented. For a trapezoidal fin shape, the numerical analysis produced a series of full flow visualizations to clarify the governing mechanisms in fin tube flow. The parametric study explored the effects of number of fins N, nondimensional fin height H, helix angle γ, and fin width s on both friction and heat transfer. Three representative fin tube geometries in the range of , and , were studied. In the literature, the governing physics of tall fin and microfin tubes are believed to be different. However, the current visualization results suggest that there is a continuum in the governing flow physics regardless of fin geometry.
Source continuity and boundary discontinuity considerations in Bayesian image processing

This paper extends the Bayesian image processing (BIP) formalism by considering the effect of simple source continuity and boundary discontinuity and a p r i o r iinformation in estimating an optimal source distribution from observed data. The a p r i o r i source information is formulated in terms of probability density functions of source element strengths and spatial correlations. The estimation is carried out iteratively by a BIP algorithm derived by applying the expectation maximization technique to the a p r i o r i source probability density functions and assuming the data obey Poisson statistics. The suppression of boundary oscillations and enhancement of overall image are demonstrated for computer generated ideal and Poisson randomized data.
Transverse momentum distributions in Drell-Yan processes

Abstract We calculate the gauge theory predictions in leading logarithmic approximation for the transverse momentum distribution of virtual photons produced via the Drell-Yan annihilation process. The leading contributions sum to a simple exponential form in agreement with a recent conjecture of Parisi and Petronzio and in disagreement with the finding of Dokshitser, D'Yakonov and Troyan.
Modified Dual Rectangular Jets for Fiber Production

Velocity fields were measured below two parallel, rectangular air nozzles. The following five die (nozzle) types were tested: (1) a die where the jets met at a 60° angle and the die tip was blunt,...
Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in muscle flaps treated with ischemic postconditioning

Background/Objective Preconditioning has been considered promising for the treatment of ischemic flaps. In this study, the therapeutic effect of postconditioning was compared with that of preconditioning during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and a role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in postconditioning treatment was also explored.
Audience perceptions of strong female characters on television

Scholars have criticized television networks for the weak roles assigned to actresses. Women's roles are evolving. This study examined audience reactions to strong female characters on five prime time television shows. The study measured whether the sex or race of the viewers influenced their perceptions of the masculinity or femininity of the characters. The participants saw the characters as slightly more feminine than masculine. Women were more accepting than men of the powerful female characters. African Americans related better to the strong characters than did Caucasian Americans. These results should encourage producers to expand the breadth of roles for women characters.
Adjustment Difficulties and Caregiving Burdens Faced by College Students with a Parent with Bipolar or Depressive Disorders

College campuses often host students who come from families where one or more parent has been affected by a bipolar or depressive disorder. The present study sought to determine whether these students face unique challenges in college, including increased adjustment difficulties as well as greater caregiving burden associated with their parents’ illness. Participants (N = 89) were undergraduate students at a large public university in the South (27 had a parent with bipolar disorder; 30 had a parent with major depressive disorder [MDD]; 32 had no parent history of a mood disorder). Semistructured interviews were used to assess student symptoms of mood disorders and mood disorder symptoms within their immediate family. Self-report measures were used to assess college adjustment and levels of caregiving burden faced by the students. We found that students with a family history of bipolar disorder and MDD had significantly greater difficulty adjusting to college. These difficulties persisted even after contr...
Regulatory regimes in the electric power industry: Implications for capacity

We construct a model of the electric power industry which consists of two utilities faced with uncertain demand and a variety of regulatory regimes. Two technologies are considered, base-load and peaking, and the transfer of bulk electricity among utilities is permitted. The purpose of the paper is not to determine optimal regulatory regimes but to provide a framework for analyzing existing and contemplated regulatory initiatives. The conclusions are that long run survival mandates an authorized rate of return above the cost of capital and that excess investment will result. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that current regulatory instruments such as “Used and Useful,” distribution of profits from bulk sales, and pricing of wholesale electricity can lead to a socially optimal capital stock.