AVERAGING FOR A FULLY-COUPLED PIECEWISE DETERMINISTIC MARKOV PROCESS IN INFINITE DIMENSIONS

28 pagesIn this paper, we consider the generalized Hodgkin-Huxley model introduced by Austin in [1]. This model describes the propagation of an action potential along the axon of a neuron at the scale of ion channels. Mathematically, this model is a fully-coupled Piecewise Deterministic Markov Process (PDMP) in infinite dimensions. We introduce two time scales in this model in considering that some ion channels open and close at faster jump rates than others. We perform a slow-fast analysis of this model and prove that asymptotically this 'two-time-scales' model reduces to the so called averaged model which is still a PDMP in infinite dimensions for which we provide e ective evolution equations and jump rates

Functional interaction between the homeoprotein CDX1 and the transcriptional machinery containing the TATA-binding protein

We have previously reported that the CDX1 homeoprotein interacts with the TATA-box binding protein (TBP) on the promoter of the glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) gene. We show here that CDX1 interacts with TBP via the homeodomain and that the transcriptional activity additionally requires the N-terminal domain upstream of the homeodomain. CDX1 interacting with TBP is connected to members of the TFIID and Mediator complexes, two major elements of the general transcriptional machinery. Transcription luciferase assays performed using an altered-specificity mutant of TBP provide evidence for the functionality of the interaction between CDX1 and TBP. Unlike CDX1, CDX2 does not interact with TBP nor does it transactivate the G6Pase promoter. Swapping experiments between the domains of CDX1 and CDX2 indicate that, despite opposite functional effects of the homeoproteins on the G6Pase promoter, the N-terminal domains and homeodomains of both CDX1 and CDX2 have the intrinsic ability to activate transcription and to interact with TBP. However, the carboxy domains define the specificity of CDX1 and CDX2. Thus, intra-molecular interactions control the activity and partner recruitment of CDX1 and CDX2, leading to different molecular functions

Fat Content and Fatty Acids Profile in Follow-on Formulas Commercialized in Côte d'Ivoire

This study evaluates the follow-on formula for infants. These products are available under several brands in the Ivorian market. In order to verify their conformity to the WHO standards a post-market control by gravimetric method and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry is executed to evaluate the quantity and quality of fat products contained in the milks of brands available in Côte d’Ivoire. Out of the nine brands of milks analyzed, only four of them were close to the values revealed by their manufacturers, whereas the other products had their values below their respective indications

Memorandum on Mississippi House Bill 1523

As legal scholars with expertise in matters of religious freedom, civil rights, and the interaction between those fields, we offer our opinion on the scope and meaning of Mississippi House Bill 1523, which was signed into law today by Governor Phil Bryant. Specifically, we wish to call attention to language in the law that we believe conflicts with the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. We share the view of Justice Kennedy when he expressed that “a bare . . . desire to harm a politically unpopular group cannot constitute a legitimate governmental interest,” and would add that neither can such a desire be justified in the name of religious liberty. HB 1523 presents a conflict with First Amendment religious freedom doctrine by providing for religious exemptions that will meaningfully harm the rights of others, particularly LGBT Mississippians

Lymph Node Biopsy Specimens and Diagnosis of Cat-scratch Disease

Histologic analysis of lymph node biopsy specimens may verify diagnosis of this disease

Crown ether modified peptide interactions with model membranes

A simple model of an uncharged antimicrobial peptide, carrying four crown ether side chains, is modified further by the selective incorporation of arginine side chains to control its secondary structure and its interaction with model membranes and living cells. Conformational studies show that shifting the position of a cationic residue in the peptide sequence allows to control its secondary structure and supramolecular self-assembly in solution. Results also demonstrate that the secondary structure influences the interaction with model membranes and cells. An α-helical peptide with greater amphiphilicity forms assemblies that interact with both prokaryotic and eukaryotic model membranes and cells. However, a β-stranded peptide with evenly distributed charges generates assemblies that interact more selectively with prokaryotic model membranes and cells. In addition, we observed differences in peptide orientation between uncharged and cationic α-helical peptides with different phospholipid bilayers. In general, the studied peptides have a higher affinity for thinner membranes, and cationic peptides interacted better with anionic membranes

Efficacy of a Short Role-Play Training on Breaking Bad News in the Emergency Department

Introduction: Breaking bad news (BBN) in the emergency department (ED) represents a challenging and stressful situation for physicians. Many medical students and residents feel stressed and uncomfortable with such situations because of insufficient training. Our randomized controlled study aimed to assess the efficacy of a four-hour BBN simulation-based training on perceived self-efficacy, the BBN process, and communication skills.Methods: Medical students and residents were randomized into a 160-hour ED clinical rotation without a formal BBN curriculum (control group [CG], n = 31) or a 156-hour ED clinical rotation and a four-hour BBN simulation-based training (training group [TG], n = 37). Both groups were assessed twice: once at the beginning of the rotation (pre-test) and again four weeks later. Assessments included a BBN evaluation via a simulation with two actors playing family members and the completion of a questionnaire on self-efficacy. Two blinded raters assessed the BBN process with the SPIKES (a delivery protocol for delivering bad news) competence form and communication skills with the modified BBN Assessment Schedule.Results: Group-by-time effects adjusted by study year revealed a significant improvement in TG as compared with CG on self-efficacy (P < 0.001), the BBN process (P < 0.001), and communication skills (P < 0.001). TG showed a significant gain regarding the BBN process (+33.3%, P < 0.001). After the training, students with limited clinical experience prior to the rotation showed BBN performance skills equal to that of students in the CG who had greater clinical experience.Conclusion: A short BBN simulation-based training can be added to standard clinical rotations. It has the potential to significantly improve self-efficacy, the BBN process, and communication skills