Electrically Evoked Auditory Event-Related Responses in Patients with Auditory Brainstem Implants: Morphological Characteristics, Test–Retest Reliability, Effects of Stimulation Level, and Association with Auditory Detection

This study aimed to 1) characterize morphological characteristics of the electrically-evoked cortical auditory event-related potentials (eERP) and explore the potential association between onset eERP morphology and auditory vs non-auditory stimulation; 2) assess test-retest reliability of onset eERPs; 3) investigate effects of stimulation level on onset eERPs; and 4) explore the feasibility of using the onset eERP to estimate the lowest stimulation level that can be detected for individual stimulating electrodes in patients with auditory brainstem implants (ABIs)

Understanding Medical Mistrust in Black Women at Risk of BRCA 1/2 Mutations

The benefits of genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) are well documented; however, Black women are less likely to use these services compared to White women. Mistrust of the medical system has been associated with Black women’s use of genetic counseling and testing (GCT). However, relatively little is known about the correlates of medical mistrust in Black women at increased risk of HBOC. In this study, we examined the prevalence and predictors of medical mistrust in 94 Black women at-risk of HBOC. Most women were married (48.7%) and had at least some collegiate education (57.1%). While no predisposing characteristics were significantly related to medical mistrust, bivariate analysis indicated significant relationships between mistrust and fatalism (p=0.04), perceptions of discrimination in the healthcare setting (p=0.01), and self-efficacy in obtaining GCT (p=0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed that women who reported more discriminatory experiences and women with less confidence in obtaining GCT expressed greater medical mistrust. Multilevel approaches are needed to address psychosocial factors associated with feelings of mistrust. Future efforts must not solely focus on educating women on the importance of and need for GCT; addressing structural barriers, such as patient-provider interactions, that contribute to mistrust must become a priority

Quantum discord induced by white noises

We discuss the creation of quantum discord between two two-level atoms trapped in an optical cavity in a noisy environment. It is shown that nonzero steady-state quantum discord between atoms can be obtained when the white-noise field is separately imposed on atoms or cavity mode, while the steady-state quantum discord reaches zero if both cavity mode and atoms are driven simultaneously by white-noise fields. In particular, we demonstrate that white-noise field in different cases can play a variously constructive role in the generation of quantum discord.Comment: 6 figure

Various series expansions for a Heisenberg antiferromagnet model for SrCu2_2(BO3_3)2_2

We use a variety of series expansion methods at both zero and finite temperature to study an antiferromagnetic Heisenberg spin model proposed recently by Miyahara and Ueda for the quasi two-dimensional material SrCu$_2$(BO$_3$)$_2$. We confirm that this model exhibits a first-order quantum phase transition at T=0 between a gapped dimer phase and a gapless N\'eel phase when the ratio $x=J'/J$ of nearest and next-nearest neighbour interactions is varied, and locate the transition at $x_c=0.691(6)$. Using longer series we are able to give more accurate estimates of the model parameters by fitting to the high temperature susceptibility data.Comment: RevTeX, 13 figure

Creation of quantum correlations between two atoms in a dissipative environment from an initial vacuum state

We have investigated the effect of counter-rotating terms on the dynamics of entanglement and quantum discord between two identical atoms interacting with a lossy single mode cavity field for a system initially in a vacuum state. The counter-rotating terms are found to lead to steady states in the long time limit which can have high quantum discord, but have no entanglement. The effect of cavity decay rate on this steady state quantum discord has been also investigated, surprisingly, the increase in cavity decay rate is found to both enhance and maximize the steady quantum discord for separable states.Comment: Effects of counter-rotating interaction terms on quantum discor

The Electrically Evoked Cortical Auditory Event-Related Potential in Children With Auditory Brainstem Implants

This study explored the feasibility of measuring electrically-evoked cortical auditory event-related potentials (eERPs) in children with auditory brainstem implants (ABIs)

Plant responses to photoperiod

Photoperiod controls many developmental responses in animals, plants and even fungi. The response to photoperiod has evolved because daylength is a reliable indicator of the time of year, enabling developmental events to be scheduled to coincide with particular environmental conditions. Much progress has been made towards understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the response to photoperiod in plants. These mechanisms include the detection of the light signal in the leaves, the entrainment of circadian rhythms, and the production of a mobile signal which is transmitted throughout the plant. Flowering, tuberization and bud set are just a few of the many different responses in plants that are under photoperiodic control. Comparison of what is known of the molecular mechanisms controlling these responses shows that, whilst common components exist, significant differences in the regulatory mechanisms have evolved between these responses