cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zadovoljstvo roditelja zdravstvenom skrbi djece u Klinici za dječje bolesti Zagreb

CILJEVI RADA: procjeniti stupanj zadovoljstva roditelja zdravstvenom skrbi djece u Klinici za djecje bolesti Zagreb te utvrditi postoje li znacajne statisticke razlike u procjeni zadovoljstva roditelja zdravstvenom skrbi djece s obzirom na kliniku pri kojoj je dijete hospitalizirano ISPITANICI I METODE: Ispitanici su roditelji djece hospitalizirane na dvije klinike pri Klinici za djecje bolesti Zagreb. Ukupno je u istraživanju sudjelovalo 160 ispitanika. Koristen je modificirani upitnik za procjenu zadovoljstva roditelja bolnickom skrbi djece prema Picker Institutu. REZULTATI: 36,9% roditelja smatra skrb odlicnom, 43,8% vrlo dobrom, 15,0% dobrom. Da je skrb prihvatljiva smatra 3,8% ispitanika, a 1 je ispitanik (0,6%) skrb procjenio kao losu. 58,1% ispitanika smatra da je njihovo dijete bilo uplaseno tijekom boravka u bolnici, a 33,8% smatra da igracke koje postoje na odjelu nisu prilagođene dobi njihovog djeteta. 53,8% ispitanika je bolnicku hranu ocijenilo dobrom, 98,8 % roditelja je izjavilo kako imaju pouzdanja i povjerenja u lijecnike i medicinske sestre koje brinu o njihovom djetetu. 4,4% roditelja smatra kako nisu dovoljno ukljuceni u odlucivanje. 72,5% djece je tijekom hospitalizacije osjecalo bol, samo 1 roditelj (0,9%) je nezadovoljan tretiranjem boli djeteta, a ispitanici s kirurskog odjela imaju bolje misljenje o ublažavanju boli. ZAKLJUCCI: Ukupno 81% ispitanika smatra da je skrb o njihovom djetetu vrlo dobra ili odlicna te ne postoji znacajna razlika u procjeni zadovoljstva s obzirom na kliniku pri kojoj je dijete hospitalizirano. Varijable kod kojih je utvrđena povezanost s ukupnom ocjenom skrbi su: osjecaj pouzdanja i povjerenja u lijecnike, priprema djeteta za provođenje pretrage, osjecaj roditelja da može sudjelovati u skrbi za dijete, procjena kvalitete bolnicke hrane, percepcija roditelja o sigurnosti djeteta na bolnickom odjelu.
El Rol De La Inversión En La Función De Producción De Habilidades Cognitivas: Evidencia De Colombia, Chile Y Perú (The Role of Investment in the Cognitive Ability Production Function: Evidence from Colombia, Chile, and Peru)

Spanish Abstract: Se analiza el rol de las inversiones en tiempo y en bienes y servicios que hacen los padres en la acumulacion de habilidades cognitivas de sus hijos en Colombia, Chile y Peru. A diferencia de varios estudios relacionados, se corrige el sesgo por endogeneidad con una metodologia cuasi-estructural. Se corrige el error de medicion en los indicadores de inversion, y la endogeneidad causada por la presencia de caracteristicas no observables de los ninos. Se encuentra que las inversiones que los padres hacen en tiempo son mas efectivas que las que hacen en bienes y servicios. Ademas, las madres mas educadas invierten mas en sus hijos. Finalmente, se confirma la evidencia de auto-productividad que muestra la literatura relacionada. English Abstract: We analyze the role of parental investments on time and parental investments on goods and services on the accumulation of children’s cognitive skills in Colombia, Chile and Peru. Unlike various related studies, we control for endogeneity biases using a quasi-structural methodology. We can correct for measurement error in investments and endogeneity caused by unobserved child characteristics. We find that parental time investments are more effective in increasing cognitive abilities than investments on goods and services. Additionally, educated mothers invest more on their children. Finally, we confirm the self-productivity evidence found in related studies.
189 EXCESSIVE GROWTH AND HYPERPROLACTEMIA IN A 2½-YEAR-OLD FEMALE.

Objective To report a very rare and interesting case of pituitary gigantism and hyperprolactemia in a 2½-year-old Caucasian female caused by pituitary macroadenoma. Method Clinical presentation, physical finding, endocrine evaluation, and radiologic and imaging findings will be discussed. The medical literature review of this rare condition will be presented. Results A 2½-year-old Caucasian female presented with excessive growth syndrome since 12 months of age. Her height was > 97th percentile (+ 4 SD) and the weight was also > 97th percentile. Her bone age was 3½ years, and her height was at 6 years. Random growth hormone level, insulin-like growth factor 1, IGF binding protein 3, and serum prolactin were extremely elevated. Other pertinent endocrine evaluation was unremarkable, and the MRI of the brain with and without contrast revealed a sellar mass that was 1.9 × 1.8 cm wide in the sella and extending into the suprasellar area measuring 1.4 cm at its widest portion, consistent with a pituitary macroadenoma. Conclusion Pituitary gigantism secondary to excessive growth hormone secretion from pituitary micro- or macroadenoma is extremely rare in young children. Hyperprolactemia may also present in many patients as a result of plurihormonal adenomas secreting both growth hormone and prolactin. An expanding pituitary adenoma can cause visual field defect and may interfere with the secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. The examination of the visual field and evaluation for other pituitary hormonal status are essential and recommended.
Simplicity and the Meaning of Mental Association

Some thoughts just come to mind together. This is usually thought to happen because they are connected by associations, which the mind follows. Such an explanation assumes that there is a particular kind of simple psychological process responsible. This view has encountered criticism recently. In response, this paper aims to characterize a general understanding of associative simplicity, which might support the distinction between associative processing and alternatives. I argue that there are two kinds of simplicity that are treated as characteristic of association, and as a result three possible versions of associative processing. This provides a framework that informs our understanding of association as a current and historical concept, including how various specific versions in different parts of psychology relate to one another. This framework can also guide debates over normative evaluations of actions produced by processes thought to be associative.
Real-Time Implementation of Orientation Correction Algorithm for 3D Hand Motion Tracking Interface

This paper outlines the real-time implementation of an orientation correction algorithm using the gravity vector and the magnetic North vector for a miniature, commercial-grade Inertial Measurement Unit to improve orientation tracking in 3D hand motion tracking interface. The algorithm uses the sensor fusion approach to determine the correct orientation of the human hand motion in 3D environment. The bias offset error is the IMU’s systematic error that can cause a problem in orientation tracking called drift. The algorithm is able to determine the bias offset error and update the gyroscope reading to obtain unbiased angular velocity. Furthermore, the algorithm will compare the initial estimated orientation result by using other referencing sources which are the gravity vector measured from the accelerometer and the magnetic North vector measured from the magnetometer, resulting in the improvement of the estimated orientation. The orientation correction algorithm is implemented in real-time within Unity along with position tracking, through a system of infrared cameras. To validate the performance of the real-time implementation, the orientation estimated from the algorithm and the position obtained from the infrared cameras are applied to a 3D hand model. An experiment requiring the acquisition of cubic targets within a 3D environment using the 3D hand motion tracking interface was performed 30 times. Experimental results show that the algorithm can be implemented in real-time and can eliminate the drift in orientation tracking.
A Roadmap to Recent Developments in the Theory of Turbulent Generation of Long-wavelength Flows

A brief overview is given of recent results in the theory of turbulent generation of long-wavelength fluctuations; references are provided to more detailed calculations in the literature. Emphasis is placed on conceptual foundations and technical tools, which can be simply illustrated by studies of the scalar (one-field) generalized Hasegawa-Mima equation. Then a functional Hamiltonian formalism is discussed as a way of efficiently handling systems of coupled fields. Casimir invariants are shown to be the appropriate ''plasmon densities''; a tensor spectral-balance equation builds in the conservation constraints automatically. A concise expression can be obtained for the nonlinear growth rate in terms of the spectral density, a tensor generalization of the triad interaction time, and the metric tensor and structure constants of the Hamiltonian structure.
New approach to the quantification of differential renal function: technical details

A computer program as well as technical details for implementing a new method for quantitating differential renal function is presented. By correlating the shapes of renal uptake curves and bladder uptake curves obtained in a standard (/sup 99m/Tc)DTPA renogram, percent contributions from left and right kidneys to the total bladder activity as well as approximate ureteral transit times may be determined.
Wavelength Dependent Lens Transmission Properties in Diabetics and Non-Diabetics

The lens transmission properties of Type I and Type II diabetics were compared to those of non-diabetics, using the Lens Absorption Monitor (Lam), a procedure that provides a rapid objective assessment of lens density by measuring the intensity of the 4th Purkinje image for different wavelengths. Because previous research has shown that lens density varies with pupil size, each patient’s pupil size was determined during Lam measures, and all data was normalized to 3 mm. Approximately 25% of the Type I diabetics were outside the lens density limits for non-diabetics, whereas only one Type II diabetic exceeded the limits. In contrast to the results of a prior study which reported greater lens yellowing at an accelerated rate in nearly all Type I diabetics, our findings indicated that only a small portion of diabetics showed this effect Differences between the two investigations may be related to the effects of pupil size.
Multi-Photon Sensitized Excitation of Near Infrared Emitting Lanthanides.

Near infrared (NIR) multi-photon excitation of the NIR-emitting lanthanides neodymium (Nd3+) and ytterbium (Yb3+) sensitized by a fluorescein-linked chelator was demonstrated. Because tissues display minimal absorbance near the excitation wavelength of 800 nm, and because the lanthanides display long decay times, these results suggest the use of Nd3+ and Yb3+ as luminescent probes in tissues with multi-photon excitation.
Understanding Suicidal Behavior in the Military: An Evaluation of Joiner's Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior in Two Case Studies of Active Duty Post-Deployers

Suicide in the military is a growing concern. We reviewed empirical studies and used two case studies to illustrate the potential explanatory role of Joiner's (2005) interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior. The theory posits that three variables—perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability for suicide—determine the risk of an individual engaging in a lethal suicide attempt. In our case studies, we illustrate how these variables might be affected in an active duty population post-deployment. Although methodological limitations preclude conclusive determinations, the case studies provide a framework within which to understand the phenomenon of suicide in the military. Future work that examines these findings empirically will be invaluable to both researchers and mental health counselors.
Family Therapy as a Theory of Roles and Values

In the January 1980 AAMFT Newsletter, Dr. Ben Ard provided the first of five interviews with what were called “seminal theorists in the field of marital & family therapy.” Dr. Gerald Zuk was the first of these “seminal theorists” to be interviewed. As part of this interview, Dr. Zuk was asked: “This next question may be presumptuous, but if many years from now people look back on the work of Gerald Zuk in the field of marital and family therapy, what would you most like to be remembered for?” (Ard, 1980, p. 5). Dr. Zuk’s answer identified six concepts, basic to his orientation, as what he regards as his most valuable contributions. He states that these concepts were derived from and “fundamentally grounded in observation in therapy” (Ard, 1980, p. 5). Although Zuk’s ideas initially did emanate from his clinical experience, there is recent evidence from research documenting the presence and efficacy of most of his work (Garrigan & Bambrick, 1975, 1977a,b, 1979).
New and Traditional Polymers from Biotechnology

Biotechnology can be defined as the use, modification or mimicing of naturally-occurring materials. In this context, several types of biotechnology-derived polymers exist, although they’re not always in mass production. This paper will summarize some pertinent information for certain biotechnology derived polymers, such as wool, cotton, silk, rubber casein and the cellulosics. In addition, some potential new polymers, and polymer applications, from biotechnology are briefly discussed.
APOBEC as an Endogenous Mutagen in Cancers of the Head and Neck

Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) proteins are a family of cytidine deaminases that play important roles in diverse physiological processes in humans. APOBEC3-driven cytidine deamination results in a C-to-U conversion in target nucleotides, classifying this biological activity as a DNA-/RNA-editing mechanism. In recent years, biochemical, cellular, and bioinformatics studies have supported a role for APOBEC3 proteins in the etiology of human cancers, based on their ability to mutate genomic DNA. In this chapter, we provide a thorough review of recent studies that have implicated APOBEC3 in a number of diverse cancers, including head and neck cancers. These studies suggest that APOBEC3-dependent mutations are most associated with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck and may be linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) expression and production of neoantigens. Cell-based and structural evidence corroborates the initial bioinformatics data on APOBEC3 function. In conclusion, we raise several prospects for targeted therapeutic avenues including potential immunotherapy options that can leverage neoantigens generated from APOBEC activity.
A Fast and Massively-Parallel Inverse Solver for Multiple-Scattering Tomographic Image Reconstruction

We present a massively-parallel solver for large Helmholtz-type inverse scattering problems. The solver employs the distorted Born iterative method for capturing the multiples-cattering phenomena in image reconstructions. This method requires many full-wave forward-scattering solutions in each iteration, constituting the main performance bottleneck with its high computational complexity. As a remedy, we use the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA). The solver scales among computing nodes using a two-dimensional parallelization strategy that distributes illuminations in one dimension, and MLFMA sub-trees in the other dimension. Multi-core CPUs and GPUs are used to provide per-node speedup. We demonstrate a 76% efficiency when scaling from 64 GPUs to 4,096 GPUs. The paper provides reconstruction of a 204.8?×204.8? image (4M unknowns) executed on 4,096 GPUs in near-real time (almost 2 minutes). To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest full-wave inverse scattering solution to date, in terms of both image size and computational resources.
Basic and advanced laboratory techniques in histopathology and cytology

I came upon this delightful new book while browsing through e-books from this publisher, so the review is on the e-book and not the hardback version. The book is available as either an eletronic pu...
Group theory in physics: a practitioner’s guide

In the sequence of ‘standard’ Physics undergraduate course contents, group theory is typically relegated to the edges— its importance is acknowledged, and perhaps a few significant results are prov...
Seconds-scale coherence on an optical clock transition in a tweezer array

Coherent control of high–quality factor optical transitions in atoms has revolutionized precision frequency metrology. Leading optical atomic clocks rely on the interrogation of such transitions in either single ions or ensembles of neutral atoms to stabilize a laser frequency at high precision and accuracy. We demonstrate a platform that combines the key strengths of these two approaches, based on arrays of individual strontium atoms held within optical tweezers. We report coherence times of 3.4 seconds, single-ensemble duty cycles up to 96% through repeated interrogation, and frequency stability of 4.7 × 10−16 (τ/s)–1/2. These results establish optical tweezer arrays as a powerful tool for coherent control of optical transitions for metrology and quantum information science.
Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: an Update on Evidence-Based Strategies.

To examine the most recent published evidence (2016–2019) regarding the treatment of adolescent substance use disorders and to provide an update on evidence-based strategies, adjunctive interventions, and methods to improve currently established treatment approaches. Recent evidence suggests that psychosocial treatments such as family-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and multicomponent approaches remain the most effective methods of treatment; however, innovative ways of improving these treatment strategies may include digital and culturally based interventions. New advances in adjunctive treatments such as pharmacotherapy, exercise, mindfulness, and recovery-oriented educational centers may have some clinical utility. Well-established psychosocial interventions remain the primary modality of treatment. Promising new adjunctive treatments and improvements in our currently established treatments may yield significant improvements.
Biomedical ethics 2.0: redefining the meaning of disease, patient and treatment.

The foundations of biomedical ethics were established in the 2nd half of the 20th century, but issues associated with medical practice continue to evolve from new technologies. Recent progress in genomics and genome engineering has changed the meaning of the basic words of medicine: disease, patient and treatment. Frederick Grinnell argues that the era of molecular medicine has provoked new understanding of basic medical terms, necessitating an ‘upgrade’ to modern biomedical ethics.
Thoracolumbar Dorsal Ramus Nerve Block Using Continuous Multiorifice Infusion Catheters: A Novel Technique for Postoperative Analgesia After Scoliosis Surgery

ABSTRACT Background: This is a brief technical report about a novel regional anesthesia technique in which local anesthetic was deposited around the thoracolumbar dorsal rami nerves via 4 multiorifice pain catheters to obtain analgesia for posterior spinal fusion surgery on scoliosis patients. Scoliosis is the most common deformity of the spine. Currently, most surgeons prefer a dual rod, segmental spinal fixation system that allows multiple anchor points for attachment to the deformed spine. Scoliosis surgery is an extremely painful surgical procedure due to the large incision, surgical trauma to superficial and deep muscles of the back, and the insertion of pedicle screws and metal rods directly into the vertebral column. Postoperative pain management remains very challenging. Methods: Three patients presented with scoliosis. Intraoperatively, 4 multiorifice catheters were placed lateral to the implanted pedicle screws. Two catheters were placed on each side, and a continuous infusion of 0.2 % ropivacaine was initiated postoperatively to improve the patient9s pain control. The catheters remained in place for 48 hours postoperatively and were removed by the surgical team. Gentle traction was applied similar to the way epidural catheters are removed. Results: All 3 patients reported very low pain scores, low doses of opioid consumption, and satisfaction with their pain control throughout their hospitalization. Conclusions: Our study results suggest that a thoracolumbar dorsal ramus nerve block using continuous multiorifice infusion catheters significantly improved postoperative comfort and pain and that its implementation into a multimodal analgesic regimen is relatively easy to achieve.
A Prospective Study of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Incidence and Progression of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), often secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia, are a common problem for older men. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity and sedentariness, may be important LUTS risk factors and suitable targets for intervention. To determine whether physical activity and sedentariness are associated with LUTS incidence and progression. The Health Professionals Follow-up Study is a prospective cohort of men that began in 1986. Follow-up for LUTS is complete through 2008. Men aged 40–75 years at enrollment and members of health professions. Total weekly metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hour scores were calculated and were categorized (< 9, 9 to < 21, 21 to < 42, 42 to < 63, ≥ 63 MET-hours/week). Participants reported their average time/week spent sitting watching television as a measure of sedentariness, which was categorized (< 1, 1–3, 4–10, 11–29, ≥ 30 h/week). Participants completed the International Prostate Symptom Score survey and reported treatments for LUTS periodically. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of physical activity and television watching with LUTS incidence and progression. After multivariable adjustment, including for body mass index (BMI), men with the highest physical activity were 19% (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.74–0.89; p trend < 0.0001) less likely to develop incident moderate or worse LUTS than men in the lowest category. Men who watched television ≥ 30 h/week were 24% (HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.05–1.45; p trend = 0.004) more likely to develop incident moderate or worse LUTS than men who watched < 1 h/week. These associations persisted after mutual adjustment. We observed no associations with LUTS progression. In this large prospective study, more activity and less sedentariness were associated with lower risk of incident LUTS independent of one another and BMI. Physical inactivity and sedentariness were not associated with LUTS worsening. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentariness may be strategies for preventing LUTS in addition to their well-established benefits for other diseases.
5.7 Tissue Engineering and Selection of Cells

Cell-based therapies have expanded the possibilities in the clinic such that genetically faulty, dying, injured, or damaged cells can be effectively replaced. Adult tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), though limited in differentiation/expansion potential, are immune-privileged cells that are currently being used in a large number of clinical trials and applications. Better understanding of MSC immunomodulatory mechanisms may reduce rejection issues and extend applicability of allografts and xenografts, and cells derived from these sources. Embryonic stem cells represent an excellent platform for studying developmental and pathogenic processes, but their clinical application continues to encounter significant ethical complications. With the recently discovered cell reprogramming technology, induced pluripotent stem cells may be directly derived from adult somatic cells. However, their potential tumorigenicity and uncertain long-term functional stability must be overcome to realize the clinical therapeutic potential of this cell source. Xenogeneic cells offer new possibilities, provided immune rejection issues can be effectively overcome. Finally, the use of appropriate ‘smart’ biomaterials is critical for cell-based therapy, to enhance cell delivery, host integration, range of function, and long-term recovery.
Regional Industry Clusters: A STEM Center of Gravity for Educators, Industry, Government and Non-Profits

The authors argue that prominent industry clusters in a city or region play an oversized role in driving the most robust and forward-thinking K-12 STEM programs, and the authors encourage greater intentional adoption of a local-industry-cluster-centric strategy when developing K-12 STEM programs. Working from the premise that cities and regions have become the core economic unit of competition globally (Florida, Adler, and Mellander, Regional Studies, 51(1), 86–96, 2017), the authors logically connect the principles and activities of industry clusters with principles and activities of STEM education. They review cases drawn from the current volume in support of the ideas shared, and they propose a STEM Technopolis model. Using results from a survey of actors across sectors, they highlight differences between the views of K-12 educators versus professionals from other sectors, and they use these observations to highlight where actions can be taken to better leverage advantages found in the STEM Technopolis.
Infrared analysis of hair dyeing and bleaching history

Forensic examination of hair is commonly performed to trace its origin and make a connection between a suspect and a crime scene. Such examination is based on subjective microscopic analysis of hair. During the last decade, several spectroscopic approaches have been proposed to make forensic analysis of hair more robust and reliable. Surface-enhanced Raman and attenuated total internal reflection infrared spectroscopies allowed for detection and identification of dyes directly on hair and even differentiation between commercial brands of those colorants. However, these is a question that remains unanswered: can artificial dyes be detected on bleached hair or bleaching can be used to fully erase information about hair coloring? In this study, we report experimental results that provide a clear answer to this question. We show that infrared analysis can be used to differentiate between undyed bleached hair and hair that was colored with both permanent and semi-permanent dyes prior to bleaching. We also show that IR analysis can be used to distinguish between undyed unbleached and undyed bleached hair. We demonstrate that in combination with multivariate statistical analysis, IR analysis can be used to distinguish with 96-100% accuracy between those hair classes.
11791 Gray matter volume differences in bilingual compared to monolingual children

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This study examines gray matter volume differences resulting from the bilingual experience in children and adults allowing us to better understand the brains of over half of the world’s population that speaks more than one language. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Literature is mixed regarding a bilingual advantage in executive control (EC). While it has been shown that young adult bilinguals have greater gray matter volume (GMV) than monolinguals in EC regions, there is behavioral evidence that suggests such difference would be more pronounced in children. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Using SPM12 to test this hypothesis, we used a whole-brain t-test to compare GMV in 35 English-speaking monolingual and 20 Spanish-English early (learned both languages before 6 years old) bilingual children. Next, we submitted both groups of children to an ANOVA with 42 English speaking monolingual and 26 Spanish-English bilingual adults to test for an interaction of Language Experience by Age Group at the level of the whole brain. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: e between-group comparison of bilingual and monolingual children, revealed more GMV in bilingual compared to monolingual children in regions associated with EC (right middle and inferior frontal gyri, superior parietal lobule, and precuneus). Our second analysis, an ANOVA comparing bilingual and monolingual children and adults, revealed an interaction in which bilingual>monolingual GMV in children was greater than any bilingual>monolingual GMV (or bilingual=monolingual GMV) in the adult groups in the right superior parietal lobule (BA1). No regions indicated that bilingual>monolingual GMV was more pronounced in adults. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: These results provide further evidence for GMV differences in early bilinguals in regions associated with EC and indicate that more GMV differences exist between bilingual and monolingual children than adults.
Use of real-world evidence data to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of second-line type 2 diabetes medications on chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Approximately one-third of patients with T2DM also have CKD. In clinical trial studies, several anti-diabetic medications (ADM) show evidence of preventing the progression of CKD. Biguanides (e.g., metformin) are widely accepted as the first line medication. However, the comparativeness effectiveness of second line ADMs on CKD outcomes in T2DM is unclear. In addition, results from clinical trials may not generalize into routine clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of second line ADMs with incident CKD and CKD hospitalization in T2DM patients using real-world data from electronic health records. Our study found that treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors was significantly associated with a lower risk of CKD incidence in both primary analysis (hazard ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, [0.22;0.87]; p-value,0.02) (SU) as a second-line ADM. Treatment with a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor was significantly associated with lower CKD incidence (hazard ratio, 0.7; 95% CI, [0.53;0.96]; p-value, 0.03) and lower CKD hospitalization events (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% CI, [0.37; 0.96]; p-value, 0.04) in the primary analysis. However, both associations were not significant in the sensitivity analysis. We did not observe significant association between use of GLP-1, TZD, insulin and CKD incidence or hospitalization compared to use of SU as the second-line ADM.
The transition to independence and adult care for women with Turner syndrome: Current status and priorities of 1338 women and parents.

Transitioning to adult health care and functioning is crucial for youth and young adults with special health care needs, such as those with Turner syndrome (TS). The International Turner Syndrome Consensus Group developed clinical practice guidelines to improve this transition. This study sought to evaluate how effectively they have been implemented and whether they align with the priorities of women with TS and families of girls and women with TS. A web-based survey was offered to those affiliated with major TS support organizations, with 1338 successfully responding (n = 543 women [≥18 years]; n = 232 parents of a woman [≥18 years]; and n = 563 parents of a girl with TS [<18 years]). Findings demonstrated that while most women transitioned to adult primary care providers, follow-up with key specialists was lacking. Women and families prioritized flexibility in appointments and designating one provider to oversee all their TS-related care. They identified health care coverage as a barrier to receiving care. The transition process to adult care and independence commonly occurred after girls become legal adults. Together, these findings serve to inform strategies to improve the delivery of transitional care for girls and women with TS.
A second nonstructural protein functions in the regulation of alphavirus negative-strand RNA synthesis.

Abstract Previous studies (D.L. Sawicki, D. B. Barkhimer, S. G. Sawicki, C. M. Rice, and S. Schlesinger, Virology 174:43-52, 1990) identified a temperature-sensitive (ts) defect in Sindbis virus nonstructural protein 4 (nsP4) that reactivated negative-strand synthesis after its normal cessation at the end of the early phase of replication. We now report identification of two different ts alterations in nsP2 of Ala-517 to Thr in ts17 or Asn-700 to Lys in ts133 that also reactivated negative-strand synthesis. These same mutations caused severely reduced protease processing by nsP2 and recognition of the internal promoter for subgenomic mRNA synthesis and were responsible for the conditional lethality and RNA negativity of these mutants. Reactivation of negative-strand synthesis by mutations in nsP2 resembled that in nsP4: it was a reversible property of stable replication complexes and did not require continuation of viral protein synthesis. Recombinant viruses expressing both mutant nsP2 and nsP4 reactivated negative-strand synthesis more efficiently than did either mutant protein alone, consistent with the hypothesis that both nsP2 and nsP4 participate in template recognition. We propose that these alterations cause nsP2 and nsP4 to switch from their normal preference to recognize negative strands as templates to recognize positive strands and thereby mimic the initial formation of a replication complex.
Designs and Design Architecture: The Missing Link Between "Knowledge" and the "Economy"

Designs are the instructions that turn knowledge into things that people value and are willing to pay for. In human cultures, almost all value inheres in designs. Designs in turn span the whole universe of human artifacts and activities. Tangible products and their production processes, intangible services and experiences, methods of transacting, contracting, governance and dispute resolution, and peaceful, representative government - all of these things are human artifacts and have designs. And fundamentally, the wealth of an economy equals the total value of the designs that can be realized within its boundaries. Small designs can just "get done" by single actors or small groups. Large, complex designs require design architectures. A design architecture divides a to-be-designed system into parts and sets up interfaces between its those parts. In effect, design architectures organize knowledge and people into networks capable of creating large, new designs whose parts will work together. Design architectures are the starting point, hence the "forward-looking" or "future-oriented" aspect of design processes. (In contrast, complete designs are the end result of design processes, and thus are "backward-looking" and "past-oriented.") Just as physical architectures both create and constrain opportunities for movement in physical spaces, design architectures create and constrain opportunities in the "design spaces" wherein the search for new and better designs takes place. Because they organize the search for new designs, design architectures are an important source of innovation, economic value and consumer welfare in a knowledge-based economy. But, despite their pervasive influence, such architectures are not much discussed by social scientists, managers and policy-makers.
Expression profiles during honeybee caste determination

Depending on their larval environment, female honeybees develop into either queens or workers. As in other polyphenisms, this developmental switch depends not on genomic differences between queens and workers but on the differential expression of entire suites of genes involved with larval fate. As such, this and other polyphenic systems can provide a novel tool for understanding how genomes and environmental conditions interact to produce different developmental trajectories. Here we use gene-expression profiles during honeybee caste determination to present the first genomic view of polyphenic development. Larvae raised as queens or workers differed greatly in their gene-expression patterns. Workers remained more faithful than queens to the expression profiles of younger, bipotential, larvae. Queens appeared to both downregulate many of the genes expressed by bipotential larvae and turn on a distinct set of caste-related genes. Queens overexpressed several metabolic enzymes, workers showed increased expression of a member of the cytochrome P450 family, hexameric storage proteins and dihydrodiol dehydrogenase, and young larvae overexpressed two putative heat-shock proteins (70 and 90 kDa), and several proteins related to RNA processing and translation. Large differences in gene expression between queens and workers indicate that social insect castes have faced strong directional selection pressures. Overexpression of metabolic enzymes by queen-destined larvae appears to reflect the enhanced growth rate of queens during late larval development. Many of the differently expressed genes we identified have been tied to metabolic rates and cellular responses to hormones, a result consistent with known physiological differences between queen and worker larvae.
Ab Initio Calculations of Reactive Pathways for α-Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (α-HMX)

Using the BLYP and B3LYP level of density functional theory, four possible decomposition reaction pathways of HMX in the gas phase were investigated: N−NO2 bond dissociation, HONO elimination, C−N bond scission of the ring, and the concerted ring fission. The energetics of each of these four mechanisms are reported. Dissociation of the N−NO2 bond is putatively the initial mechanism of nitramine decomposition in the gas phase. Our results find the dissociation energy of this mechanism to be 41.8 kcal/mol at the BLYP level and 40.5 kcal/mol at the B3LYP level, which is comparable to experimental results. Three other mechanisms are calculated and found at the BLYP level to be energetically competitive to the nitrogen−nitrogen bond dissociation; however, at the B3LYP level these three other mechanisms are energetically less favorable. It is proposed that the HONO elimination and C−N bond scission reaction of the ring would be favorable in the condensed phase.
Chloride Permeability and Microstructure of Portland Cement Mortars Incorporating Nanomaterials

Chloride permeability of concrete has been recognized as a critical intrinsic property affecting the durability of reinforced concrete. An experimental study was done, designed to examine the chloride permeability and microstructure of portland cement mortar with nanomaterials admixed at 1% by weight of cement. The electromigration test showed that, for cement mortars of the same mix design, the incorporation of nanoparticles (Fe2 O3, Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2) and nanoclays (montmorillonite) improved the chloride penetration resistance of the mortar, as indicated by the reduced apparent diffusion coefficients of chloride anion. The nanomaterials also reduced the general ionic permeability of the mortar, as indicated by the reduced electric charge passing through. Such improvements were especially significant when using nano-SiO2 and nanoclays. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test indicated that incorporation of nanomaterials in cement mortar significantly increased its ionic transport resistance a...
Characterization of carbon CVD coatings near atmospheric deposition pressure

Pyrolytic carbon coatings show excellent hermetic properties and can be applied to optical fibers during the draw process by thermally activated chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This study investigates the relationship between carbon growth rates, microstructure, and deposition conditions at 600 torr chamber pressure. The films are grown from methane, propane and butane precursors on stationary 3mm quartz rods. Hydrocarbon precursor gas concentrations are varied between 10% and 100% in N 2 , and surface temperatures are varied between 800 and 1500 °C. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), and Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) are used to determine the film composition, and to inspect for a SiC transition layer between the carbon and the glass. The carbon films are analyzed for thickness, carbon phase, and surface roughness using ESEM and Raman Spectroscopy.
Functional Imaging Before Pulmonary Resection

The evaluation of patients before lung resections requires functional imaging. We review the current role of functional imaging in the preoperative evaluation of candidates for lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and lung cancer resection. Perfusion and ventilation lung scintigraphy methods as well as computed tomography techniques used to predict postoperative lung function are presented. The areas of current investigation are also described.
Neutrino interaction with complex nuclei: The case of 127I

Abstract We describe a treatment of the absorption of solar neutrinos by 127I, in connection with a proposed solar neutrino detector. With an in-medium value of −1.0 for the axial-vector coupling constant gA, we obtain a 8B-neutrino cross section of 3.3×10−42 cm2, and a 7Be cross section that is uncertain but large enough so that with the standard-solar-model fluxes the 7Be neutrinos would contribute approximately as much as the 8B neutrinos. We then apply the improved techniques to energies relevant to the neutrinos from muon decay at rest that obtain at the LAMPF beam dump, where an experiment is underway to finalize a calibration of the 127I. We find that forbidden operators, which play no role in solar-neutrino absorption, contribute nonnegligibly to the LAMPF cross section, and that the preliminary LAMPF mean value is significantly larger than our prediction.
Atrial natriuretic factor: does it have a role in psychiatry?

Abstract Atrial natriuteric factor (ANF) is the first of a group of atrial natriuteric peptides (ANPs) discovered since 1981. This group of peptides is thought to have an important role in sodium homeostasis and regulation of fluid volume. Although the role of ANF in cardiovascular and renal disorders is under investigation, the specific signaling involvemnnt that ANF may have in the central nervous system is still unexplored. To date, ANF has not as yet been associated with a given functional area in the brain, nor has it been shown to be linked to any particular psychopathology. Neuropharmacology research of these peptides and their drug manipulation is needed to advance our knowledge of the possible role of ANF in psychiatry beyond the current level of speculation.
Solvation and Solvatochromism in CO2-Expanded Liquids. 1. Simulations of the Solvent Systems CO2 + Cyclohexane, Acetonitrile, and Methanol

Molecular dynamics simulations of CO2-expanded cyclohexane, acetonitrile, and methanol are reported at various compositions along the experimental bubble-point curve at 298 K. Simulated properties include energies, local compositions, viscosities, diffusion coefficients, and dielectric constants and relaxation times. On the basis of the limited comparisons to experimental data currently available, the results indicate that simple intermolecular potential models previously developed for simulating the pure components provide reasonable representations of the energetics and dynamics of these gas-expanded liquids.
Rubber elasticity in a highly crosslinked epoxy system

Abstract This work is a study in the field of viscoelastic and elastic behaviour of highly crosslinked systems. It was observed that epoxides crosslinked with amines have well defined transition and rubbery plateau regions. The concepts of the theory of rubber elasticity were applied to Epon 826 (Shell Chemical Company) crosslinked by four aliphatic amines (EDA, DETA, TETA, TEPA). From the measured values of the Gehman 10 sec modulus in the rubbery region the ‘front factor’ in the equation for rubbery networks was calculated. By use of equations that take into consideration the molecular structure of the resin derived for rubbery networks by one of the authors in an earlier work, the front factors were calculated and the agreement between the values obtained from experiments and the ones calculated is very good.
Effect of ciprofloxacin on the proliferation of osteoblast‐like MG‐63 human osteosarcoma cells in vitro

Locally applied antibiotic therapy is gaining popularity for the treatment of infections associated with open fractures and posttraumatic osteomyelitis. With use of local techniques, ciprofloxacin levels as high as 1,300 microg/ml, or over 200 times the bone levels achieved with intravenous administration, have been reported. To study the possible effects of ciprofloxacin on bone, osteoblast-like cells from the MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line were studied. The cells were grown in antibiotic-free media and exposed to concentrations of ciprofloxacin at 0, 10, 100, 200, and 1,000 microg/ml to establish an initial dose-response curve. Media containing the appropriate dose of ciprofloxacin were changed every 24 hours. Cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation per cell were determined at 0, 24, and 72 hours. A second dose-response curve was performed at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 microg/ml. Three experiments, each with four observations, were performed. The results of this study demonstrated that ciprofloxacin caused significant decreases (p < 0.05) in cell number at 40 microg/ml at 24 hours and 20 microg/ml at 72 hours. [3H]thymidine incorporation per cell decreased significantly at levels of 80 microg/ml at 24 hours and 20 microg/ml at 72 hours. The authors conclude that reported local levels of ciprofloxacin seen in vivo inhibit the proliferation of human osteoblast-like cells in vitro.
Philosophy of mathematics: Prospects for the 1990s

For some time now, academic philosophers of mathematics have concentrated on intramural debates, the most conspicuous of which has centered on Benacerraf's epistemological challenge. By the late 1980s, something of a consensus had developed on how best to respond to this challenge. But answering Benacerraf leaves untouched the more advanced epistemological question of how the axioms are justified, a question that bears on actual practice in the foundations of set theory. I suggest that the time is ripe for philosophers of mathematics to turn outward, to take on a problem of real importance for mathematics itself.
Renoir's Trip to Italy

Renoir's Italian trip from the fall of 1881 through mid-January, 1882, has never been the subject of a specific investigation.1 Moreover, Renoir literature provides diverse and often contradictory statements about this journey. So-called witness accounts of Riviere, Vollard, Meier-Graefe, and Jean Renoir, written at least thirty years after the trip, differ significantly, but they form the basis of most later, and therefore contradictory, literature on Renoir's trip. Rewald and Perruchot believe that a desire to study the works of Raphael prompted Renoir's travels.2 If this was the fundamental reason, one wonders why the artist wrote from Venice with ridicule about his forthcoming study of the Raphaels in Rome (see Appendix B, letters 1, 2). Meier-Graefe suggests that the dominant motive was to paint Wagner's portrait.3 Yet Renoir, writing from Naples, admitted that only after resisting his brother's urging did he finally agree to paint the composer's likeness (letter 9). Kenneth Clark and Jean Renoir thi...
Population, Income and Capital

This paper was written with three specifications in mind: (a) the empirical evidence is confined to the last two centuries (1750–1950); (b) as much of the world as possible is brought within view; (c) the unit of observation is the nation-state. Limitations of data and knowledge make it impossible to have full world coverage for all the 200 years; and for some purposes, several states are combined into wider units. But we consider it important to strive for adequate temporal and spatial coverage. Discussions of economic growth of nations in the literature are too often characterised by a wide gap between the narrow base of the author’s empirical foundation and claims of eternity and universality for his theory.