cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of paraureteral diverticulum for the management of vesicoureteral reflux

Objectives To investigate the clinical importance of paraureteral diverticulum in the management of vesicoureteral reflux by analyzing the relationship between paraureteral diverticulum and recurrent urinary tract infections. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 131 children diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux. We diagnosed vesicoureteral reflux and paraureteral diverticulum by initial voiding cystourethrography and defined “delayed ureteral drainage” as the presence of contrast media in the upper urinary tract on delayed films after voiding. We analyzed the relationships between paraureteral diverticulum, delayed ureteral drainage and recurrent urinary tract infections. Results The mean age at diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux was 20.7 months. Of the 202 refluxing ureters, 55 (27.2%) had a paraureteral diverticulum. Of the 55 ureters with paraureteral diverticulum, 51 (92.7%) showed delayed ureteral drainage of refluxing contrast, which was significantly higher than the percentage of delayed ureteral drainage in ureters without paraureteral diverticulum (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis of the effect of reflux grade or paraureteral diverticulum on delayed ureteral drainage of refluxing contrast, the odds ratio of paraureteral diverticulum was 11.47 (P < 0.001). In addition, the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections increased in ureters with paraureteral diverticulum (P = 0.020). Conclusions In patients with vesicoureteral reflux and paraureteral diverticulum, the risk of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections seems to increase. Therefore, more progressive surveillance and treatment protocols should be considered in these patients.
Asymmetric option effects on ease of choice criticism and defense

Individuals often criticize others’ choices and seek to defend their own. In theory, the ease of criticizing a particular choice should correspond to the ease of defending it. However, we demonstrate that differences in the types of arguments put forth in choice criticism and defense result in a systematic discrepancy in the ease with which these tasks are performed. Specifically, criticism arguments tend to be based on norms or conventions, and defense arguments on idiosyncratic tastes or circumstances; accordingly, whether the chosen option is perceived as un/conventional has a significantly greater effect on the ease of choice criticism than on the ease of choice defense. Furthermore, assessing the ease of choice defense increases the choice share of unconventional options, whereas judging the ease of choice criticism has only a small impact on choice. We discuss the implications of our findings with respect to research on reason-based choice in socially-intensive environments.
Thermal Fluorination and Annealing of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were fluorinated with F2 at 250 °C, and then some were heated under He to temperatures ranging from 100 to 400 °C to desorb the fluorine. The resulting samples were studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and electrical resistance measurements. The goals were to identify, as a function of fluorination and defluorination, the nature of the fluorine bonding, the damage to the tubes, the changes to the average tube diameter and proportions of metallic and semiconducting tubes, and the effects on the electrical conductivity and its mechanism. The stoichiometry of the as-fluorinated tubes was CF0.43. Most of the time, F atoms bonded covalently to one carbon atom. Smaller amounts of CF2 and CF3 were probably bonded primarily at various defect sites. The fluorinated single-wall nanotubes were highly insulating. Upon heating, the largest fluorine loss occurred between 200 and 300 °C, and defluorination was virtually complete at 400 °...
Temporal requirements of the fragile X mental retardation protein in the regulation of synaptic structure

Fragile X syndrome (FraX), caused by the loss-of-function of one gene (FMR1), is the most common inherited form of both mental retardation and autism spectrum disorders. The FMR1 product (FMRP) is an mRNA-binding translation regulator that mediates activity-dependent control of synaptic structure and function. To develop any FraX intervention strategy, it is essential to define when and where FMRP loss causes the manifestation of synaptic defects, and whether the reintroduction of FMRP can restore normal synapse properties. In the Drosophila FraX model, dFMRP loss causes neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapse over-elaboration (overgrowth, overbranching, excess synaptic boutons), accumulation of development-arrested satellite boutons, and altered neurotransmission. We used the Gene-Switch method to conditionally drive dFMRP expression to define the spatiotemporal requirements in synaptic mechanisms. Constitutive induction of targeted neuronal dFMRP at wild-type levels rescues all synaptic architectural defects in Drosophila Fmr1 (dfmr1)-null mutants, demonstrating a presynaptic requirement for synapse structuring. By contrast, presynaptic dFMRP expression does not ameliorate functional neurotransmission defects, indicating a postsynaptic dFMRP requirement. Strikingly, targeted early induction of dFMRP effects nearly complete rescue of synaptic structure defects, showing a primarily early-development role. In addition, acute dFMRP expression at maturity partially alleviates dfmr1-null defects, although rescue is not as complete as either early or constitutive dFMRP expression, showing a modest capacity for late-stage structural plasticity. We conclude that dFMRP predominantly acts early in synaptogenesis to modulate architecture, but that late dFMRP introduction at maturity can weakly compensate for early absence of dFMRP function.
The dynamic analysis of continuous-time life-cycle savings growth models

Working with the framework of a continuous-time overlapping-generations model, this paper examines equilibrium growth paths (consistent with perfect foresight). In particular, we develop a methodology for characterizing the adjustment paths converging to new stationary states following exogenous shocks. The solution technique yields sequences of derivatives approximating the true dynamic paths and bounds for the errors of approximation. In practice, aggregating behavior over discrete-time intervals can save a great deal of effort - considerably enhancing the set of models feasible for analysis; our error bounds enable us to aggregate without compromising our results to an unknown degree. 1. Introduction This paper attempts to develop a methodology for investigating the dynamic behavior of continuous-time decentralized growth models composed of overlapping generations of finite-lived families. The households differ from one another (at minimum) in terms of birth dates, and each engages in private life-cycle utility maximization. Numerous studies have employed the basic framework - see, for instance, Tobin (1967) on national wealth accumulation, Summers (1981) on taxation, Kotlikoff (1979) on social security, Laitner (1982) on portfolio implications of monopoly, and Arthur and McNicoll (1978) on population. Although the investigations of Tobin and others focus on stationary-state growth paths and on comparisons of the different stationary solutions corresponding to different parameter values, transition paths between such states are also potentially very important. In particular, since experience with models related to those listed above - see Laitner (1984) and Auerbach and Kotlikoff (1984)- suggests that fairy long adjustment periods follow many types of exogenous shocks, a study of the effects of a natural or policy change over, say, the change's first decade will generally require a dynamic analysis. In turning our attention to dynamic time paths, we limit ourselves to those which represent sequences of equilibrium states- consistent with perfect
Viability assessment by delayed enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance: will low-dose dobutamine dull the shine?

Since mechanical revascularization methods such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention became available, the issue of identifying dysfunctional yet viable myocardium has been of crucial clinical importance. Among patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and viable myocardium, mechanical revascularization is associated with improved systolic function, symptoms, and survival,1–3 yet the best method to identify viable myocardium remains disputed. Current options include positron-emission tomography (PET) to assess myocardial metabolic activity, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with technetium-99m sestamibi or thallium-201 to assess myocardial perfusion and membrane integrity, and dobutamine echocardiography or cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to assess myocardial contractile reserve. Each approach, however, has limitations. For example, the index measured may not reflect the quantity of viable myocytes but rather a physiological parameter, such as perfusion or contractile reserve, that has only an indirect relation to viability. Other limitations include partial volume effects due to poor spatial resolution (SPECT, PET), attenuation and scatter artifacts (SPECT), and the occasional inability to visualize all parts of the left ventricle (dobutamine echocardiography). See Circulation . 2004;109:2172–2174. More recently, studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a new CMR technique, delayed contrast-enhanced CMR (DE-CMR) for detecting myocardial infarction and determining viability with much higher spatial resolution than SPECT.4,5 Data from animal models of ischemic injury demonstrate that DE-CMR can distinguish between reversible and irreversible myocardial injury independent of wall motion, infarct age, or reperfusion status.4,6,7 Human studies demonstrate that DE-CMR is effective in identifying the presence, location, and extent of myocardial infarction in both the acute and chronic settings,8,9 with scar size measurements that are closely correlated with PET in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy10 and results superior to SPECT in patients with small infarctions.5 Notably, DE-CMR can be used to predict reversible myocardial dysfunction in patients …
On the optimality of the gridding reconstruction algorithm

Gridding reconstruction is a method to reconstruct data onto a Cartesian grid from a set of nonuniformly sampled measurements. This method is appreciated for being robust and computationally fast. However, it lacks solid analysis and design tools to quantify or minimize the reconstruction error. Least squares reconstruction (LSR), on the other hand, is another method which is optimal in the sense that it minimizes the reconstruction error. This method is computationally intensive and, in many cases, sensitive to measurement noise. Hence, it is rarely used in practice. Despite their seemingly different approaches, the gridding and LSR methods are shown to be closely related. The similarity between these two methods is accentuated when they are properly expressed in a common matrix form. It is shown that the gridding algorithm can be considered an approximation to the least squares method. The optimal gridding parameters are defined as the ones which yield the minimum approximation error. These parameters are calculated by minimizing the norm of an approximation error matrix. This problem is studied and solved in the general form of approximation using linearly structured matrices. This method not only supports more general forms of the gridding algorithm, it can also be used to accelerate the reconstruction techniques from incomplete data. The application of this method to a case of two-dimensional (2-D) spiral magnetic resonance imaging shows a reduction of more than 4 dB in the average reconstruction error.
A translation-invariant wavelet representation algorithm with applications

We address the time-varying problem of wavelet transforms, and a new translation-invariant wavelet representation algorithm is proposed. Using the algorithm introduced by Beylkin (see SIAM J. Numer. Anal., vol. 29, p.1716-1740, 1992), we compute the wavelet transform for all the circular time shifts of a length-N signal in O(N log N) operations. The wavelet coefficients of the time shift with minimal cost are selected as the best representation of the signal using a binary tree search algorithm with an appropriate cost function. We apply the translation-invariant representation algorithm to a geoacoustic data compression application. The results show that the new algorithm can reduce the distortion (the squared error in our case) substantially, if the input signals are transients that are sensitive to time shifts.
Asymmetric expression of a novel homeobox gene in vertebrate sensory organs

A novel homeobox gene, SOHo-1, was isolated from embryonic chicken retina. On embryonic day 2 (E2), SOHo-1 is expressed in the retina, posterolateral otic pit, and neural tube anterior to the spinal cord. On E4, SOHo-1 is expressed at high levels in anterior retina and low levels in posterior retina, suggestive of a role in patterning the anterior-posterior axis. It is also expressed on E4 in the otocyst, the dorsal root ganglia, some cranial ganglia, and the second branchial arch. SOHo-1 expression in the otic pit and otocyst is restricted to regions that will give rise to the nonsensory tissues of the inner ear. SOHo-1 is not closely related to any identified vertebrate or Drosophila homeobox-containing genes. Since it is expressed in sensory-related structures and does not fit into existing classes of homeobox genes, we propose the name SOHo-1, for sensory organ homeobox-1.
An Agenda for Psychological Anthropology

he promise of psychological anthropology resides in its roles as a bridge between social science and psychology and as a means of integrating them in theory and research. Its goals should be to rebuild anthropology on firm psychological as well as cultural foundations, to revise psychology in the light of evidence from all parts of humanity, and to launch psychosocial research programs yielding knowledge that leads to deeper understanding and wiser policy. Psychological anthropology today is not living up to its potential. The Society for Psychological Anthropology (SPA) is securely established within the American Anthropological Association and publishes an esteemed journal, Ethos, but the field it represents is currently small, marginal within anthropology, and largely ignored in wider discussions of social theory and social policy. This stands in contrast with its past as a major frontier in the human sciences opened by renowned pioneers and as a source of new topics of investigation (e.g., mental illness and healing, ethnopsychology) appropriated by mainstream anthropology and by other subfields such as medical anthropology. That the field currently has a great deal of vitality is indisputable and was evident at the 1997 SPA conference in San Diego. In this article, however, I shall point to some of its weaknesses and propose directions for future work, ending with a discussion of unfinished tasks in my own research.
Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy: a long-term follow-up study

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the long-term follow-up of patients with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR). DESIGN: Observational consecutive case series. METHODS: Prospective and retrospective review of medical records of patients with AZOOR. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (37 women and 14 men) with a median age of 33 years (mean, age 36 years; range, 13–63 years) were followed for a median of 96 months (mean 100 months; range, 36–420 months). At presentation, AZOOR was present in one eye of 31 patients (61%) and both eyes in 20 patients (39%). All patients presented with an acute loss of one or more zones of visual field, and 45 (88%) patients presented with photopsia. Corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 68 (76%) of 90 affected eyes. Funduscopic examination was normal in 82 eyes and revealed signs of AZOOR in 8 eyes. Electroretinographic amplitudes were depressed in all affected eyes. The median delay in diagnosis of AZOOR was 17 months. During follow-up, AZOOR developed in 19 fellow eyes. At final follow-up AZOOR was present in one eye of 12 (24%) patients and both eyes of 39 (76%) patients. Sixteen patients had 23 recurrences of AZOOR. Visual field loss stabilized within 6 months in 37 patients (72%), progressed stepwise in 2 patients (4%), and partly improved in 12 patients (24%). Fourteen patients (28%) had autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 6 patients and relapsing transverse myelopathy in 4 patients. At last follow-up all patients had residual visual field defects. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 61 (68%) affected eyes. Nine patients (18%) were legally blind. The fundi of 90 affected eyes revealed no changes of AZOOR in 47 eyes (52%) and changes in the pigment epithelium and retina caused by AZOOR in 43 eyes (48%). CONCLUSIONS: Visual loss in AZOOR is characterized by one or more episodes of acute dysfunction, and in some cases, death of retinal receptor cells in one or more zones of one or both eyes. Central vision is often spared, but recovery of visual field occurs infrequently. The etiology of AZOOR is unknown. Electroretinography is essential for early diagnosis. The value of treatment is uncertain.
The effect of maternal photoperiod on seasonal dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae)

The maternal photoperiod at the time of seed maturation can predict the seasonal conditions of newly dispersed seeds. We investigated the effects of maternal photoperiod on seasonal dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana using a set of F6 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between individuals from two natural populations (Cal-0 and Tac-0) differing in cold requirements for germination. We grew 40 Cal × Tac lines in a long-day photoperiod (8 h of full spectrum light plus 8 h of low-fluence incandescent light) and a short-day photoperiod (8 h full spectrum light). We then exposed seeds from each family and maternal photoperiod to either a cold stratification treatment (4°C, 21 d) or no cold stratification. Both maternal photoperiod and progeny stratification influenced the percentage of seeds that germinated and the speed of germination. The short-day photoperiod caused increased responsiveness to stratification, with higher germination percentages and speeds in stratified seeds. Stratification influenced the expression of maternal photoperiod effects, such that short days increased germination percentage and speed in stratified seeds but inhibited germination in unstratified seeds. Families differed significantly in their plasticity to maternal photoperiod and stratification, but genetic variation for plasticity to maternal photoperiod was expressed only in unstratified seeds. Because the expression of maternal photoperiod effects and genetic variation for photoperiod effects depended on progeny stratification, the evolution of these maternal effects will depend on the seasonal environment experienced by progeny.
A novel structure for real-time digital sample-rate converters with finite precision error analysis

A real-time implementation of a sampling rate conversion technique between two arbitrarily chosen sampling rates is discussed. A method to generate fractionally sampled data from discrete-domain (integer) data samples is analyzed and implemented on the Motorola DSP56001 24-bit digital signal processor. This real-time implementation can be accomplished with a DSP56001 and 5k of data memory. As an example, the conversion from 44.1 kHz (compact disc sampling rate) to 48 kHz (digital audio tape sampling rate) is discussed. The assembly code for the main routine and the filtering method to generate interpolated samples are included. >
The Endocrine Spectrum of Septo-optic Dysplasia

Six children with septo-optic dysplasia were evaluated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. There was a common history of young, nulliparous mothers. The clinical presentation of these children differed according to age of presentation and was a function of the degree and type of hypothalamic-pituitary and ophthalmologic impairment. Endocrine evaluation revealed four of six children to be growth hormone deficient, four of six to have hypothalamic hypothyroidism, and two of four to have elevated prolactin levels. One of the patients demonstrated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency, and one had diabetes insipidus. Neuroanatomic findings in the children were variable, but, in general, the rare syndrome did not carry as grave a morbidity as had been reported previously. Our data support a high degree of hypothalamic impairment in septo-optic dysplasia.
Modulation of type‐1 protein phosphatase by synthetic peptides corresponding to the carboxyl terminus

Abstract Protein phosphatase type-I (PP-1) has a protease resistant catalytic core Mr = 35000 (PP-35K) and a carboxyl terminal segment which affects activity with various substrates. We found that micromolar concentration of a synthetic peptide, corresponding to residues 312–326 of the PP-1 carboxyl terminus (P312-326) that is missing from PP-35K, increased the phosphatase activity of PP-35K with phosphorylase and myosin light chains as substrates by decreasing the apparent Km without a change in Vm. Purified PP-1 and PP-35K were inhibited identically by okadaic acid, but peptide P312-326 only stimulated the activity of PP-35K, not full-length PP-1. Other peptides corresponding to the carboxyl terminus of phosphatase-2A or to the amino terminus of PP-1 did not affect the activity of PP-35K. A sequence conserved in PP-1 from different species, Pro-He-Thr-Pro-Pro was implicated as the active region because a derivative peptide, Ala-Pro-Ile-Thr-Pro-Pro-Ala, stimulated the activity of PP-35K to the same extent as peptide P312-326 although at higher concentrations. These results indicate that the carboxyl terminus of PP-1 interacts with the catalytic core to modulate its activity, and suggest that the physiological regulation of PP-1 may involve this segment.
Subscapularis Z-lengthening in children with brachial plexus birth palsy loses efficiency at mid-term follow-up: a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate early and mid-term clinical outcomes after isolated subscapularis Z-lengthening in children with shoulder internal rotation contractures resulting from brachial plexus birth palsy.
Deformation Rate and Sensitization Effects on Environmentally Assisted Cracking of Al-Mg Naval Alloys

Environmentally enhanced fracture in smooth tensile and fatigue pre-cracked test specimens of AA5083-H131 have been evaluated as a function of sensitization time up to 7,000 h, temperature (80°C to 175°C), and test environment (dry and laboratory air, distilled water, and 0.03 M and 0.6 M NaCl). Test methods used involved slow strain rate testing of short-transverse (S-T) smooth tensile samples, typically using an initial strain rate of 5 × 10−5/s and subjecting pre-cracked S-T single edge notch specimens to monotonic loading using a range of load point displacement rates (0.0006 mm/min to 3.6 mm/min) with dK/dt ranging from 0.001 MPa√m/s to 5.12 MPa√m/s. Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) was only promoted when straining was conducted in a test environment capable of providing a local source of hydrogen. Exposure to an aqueous solution during sensitization at 80°C was found to increase the environment sensitive fracture susceptibility under monotonic loading, when compared to that generated ...
“Oh, I just had it in my head”: Promoting mathematical communications in early childhood

This article presents effective strategies for educators of young children to promote children’s mathematical communications, which include think-aloud during individual work time, utilizing reason...
Sedation, pain relief, and neuromuscular blockade in the postoperative cardiac surgical patient

The early postoperative care of the cardiac surgical patient is a natural extension of the intraoperative care in all respects, including anesthetic management. Ideally, the effects of anesthetic drugs are extended until the patient has fully rewarmed, is hemodynamically stable, chest tube drainage is acceptable, and the patient is ready for weaning from mechanical ventilation, If the patient awakens prematurely, it is frequently associated with activation of the sympathetic nervous system manifest as tachycardia, dysrhythmias, and hypertension, which can increase myocardial oxygen consumption as well as disrupt suture lines, with the attendent morbidity of returning to the operating room for reexploration. Premature return of muscular activity can contribute to shivering as the patient rewarms, or lead to ineffective ventilation and barotrauma as the patient “fights” the ventilator. Effective control of postoperative pain improves patient comfort, facilitates respiratory care, and decreases the stress response to surgical trauma. It is imperative that these aspects of extended anesthesia care be addressed to allow for a smooth transition to the recovery phase after cardiac surgery. With the use of intravenous agents, anesthetic management in the postoperative cardiac surgical patient must be “balanced,” using specific drugs to achieve specific components of the anesthetic state: sedation, pain control, paralysis, and control of autonomic reflexes. By using drugs in this fashion, less is given, reducing the severity of side effects and allowing for quicker emergence when the drugs are discontinued. Before initiating any of these drugs, a careful assessment of the patient should be done to assure that the patient’s agitation or hypertension is not the result of inadequate ventilation, low cardiac output, sepsis, or a specific irritant that might be addressed, such as a distended bladder. Therapeutic goals should be defined for each of the drugs used so that therapy can be titrated to achieve the desired effect. Consideration must be given to drugs administered in the operating room that will have an impact on the early postoperative course. The patient who has received a high-dose narcotic anesthetic in the operating room and develops hypertension in the early postoperative period may be profoundly analgetic but awake and paralyzed; the appropriate drug would be a sedative/ hypnotic medication, not necessarily more narcotic.
Abstract 1675: Effects of calcium and vitamin D on TGFβ and TGFβ1expression in rectal mucosa of sporadic colorectal adenoma patients: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: To estimate the effects of supplemental calcium and vitamin D 3 on the expression of TGFβ and TGFβ 1 (growth-promoting and -inhibiting autocrine/paracrine growth factors, respectively) in the normal-appearing colorectal mucosa in sporadic colorectal adenoma patients. Methods: We conducted a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2 x 2 factorial clinical trial (n = 92) of calcium 2 g and/or vitamin D 3 800 IU/day versus placebo over 6 months. TGFβ and TGFβ 1 expression was measured in biopsies of normal-appearing rectal mucosa using automated immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis at baseline and 6-months follow-up. Results: The mean overall expression of TGFβ 1 in the whole crypts increased by 14% (P = 0.25), 19% (P = 0.17), and 22% (P = 0.09) in the calcium, vitamin D, and calcium plus vitamin D groups, respectively, relative to the placebo group. The increases in TGFβ 1 appeared to be uniform along the full length of the crypts. While there were no substantial changes in the overall expression of TGFβ in the whole crypts, in the calcium, vitamin D, and calcium plus vitamin D groups, TGFβ decreased by 14% (P = 0.35), 2% (P = 0.86), and 1% (P = 0.93), respectively, in the upper 40% (differentiation zone) of the crypts, but increased by 29% (P = 0.30), 38% (P = 0.17), and 25% (P = 0.32) in the bottom 60% of the crypts (proliferative zone). Also, a TGFβ/TGFβ 1 ratio was created as an indicator of the balance between the growth-promoting and -inhibiting factors; in the upper 40% of the crypts it was found to have decreased by 35% (P = 0.24), 25% (P = 0.42), and 51% (P = 0.09) in the calcium, vitamin D, and calcium plus vitamin D groups, respectively, relative to the placebo group, but not to have changed substantially in the whole or bottom 60% of the crypts. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that supplemental calcium and vitamin D 3 may increase the expression of TGFβ 1 , shift the expression of TGFβ downward in the colorectal crypts, and decrease the ratio of TGFβ to TGFβ 1 in the upper 40% (differentiation zone) of the crypts in the normal-appearing colorectal mucosa of sporadic colorectal adenoma patients, and support further investigation of calcium and vitamin D 3 as chemopreventive agents against colorectal neoplasms. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1675. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1675
Practical Strategies for Demonstrating the Value of Public Services in Academic Libraries

ABSTRACTThe inspiration for this column stems from repeated conversations with librarians who are struggling with campus assumptions about their roles and little acknowledgment of their influence on student success. Countering these perceptions is particularly crucial as public services continue to evolve, and people flourish in non-traditional roles while remaining true to select core services. This column includes practical strategies for elevating the reputation of public services across academic institutions, including building new relationships, advocating for colleagues and their specializations, actively participating in campus committees, simplifying basic data collection, designing outcomes-based assessments, setting expectations with data, and communicating success.
Research on Performance Analysis and Recoating Method of RTV Coating After Long-term Running

In Shaanxi power system,Room Temperature Vulcanized(RTV) silicone rubber coating has been used for almost ten years now the different aging has appeared and there is no definite method to judge its service life. This paper analyzes the performance o RTV after long-term running by means of a series of comparative tests,and studies the recoating method to provide the theoretica basis for application and management of RTV silicone rubber coating.
Structure entropy weight method to confirm the weight of evaluating index

The structure entropy weight method which belongs to the subjective assignment and objective assignment method is studied based on the entropy theory.It is a kind of structure analysis method,which combines qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis to confirm the weight.The combination of Delphi method and fuzzy analysis method is its main thought.The quantitative order conclusion of weight can be obtained by the entropy theory.The structure entropy weight method puts forward a new method to confirm the weight of evaluating index.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Non-Seminomatous Testis Cancer: “Mini-Vab” Regimen: Long-Term Followup

AbstractSince 40 to 50 per cent (range 20 to 80 per cent) of patients with stage II non-seminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis suffer relapse after orchiectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, relatively non-toxic adjuvant chemotherapy (consisting of vinblastine, actinomycin D, bleomycin and chlorambucil) was given to 62 patients after lymphadenectomy. Of these patients 82 per cent remained free of disease with a 4-year median followup and 18 per cent had relapse. Retrospective analysis reveals that no patient (0 of 33) with stage IIA and 38 per cent (11 of 29) with stage IIB disease had relapse. Patients with histologic evidence of extranodal extension of disease (N3 category) had the highest relapse rate (62 per cent). Based on our experience we recommend that patients with resected stage IIB disease, particularly those with extranodal extension of tumor, receive aggressive adjuvant chemotherapy.
Filtering in Frequency Space

This is the third in a series of four continuing education articles on computers in nuclear medicine. After studying this article, the reader should be able to: 1) understand filtering concepts and frequency space; and 2) be able to determine the appropriate filter selection and its application for a given nuclear medicine procedure.
MR imaging of acute orthopedic trauma to the extremities.

Abstract This article outlines the imaging role of MR imaging in evaluating acute orthopedic trauma to the extremities. MR imaging is compared, where possible, with CT scan, scintigraphy, and ultrasound. The article specifically explores the role of MR imaging in evaluating soft tissue injury accompanying fracture, emphasizes an established role in occult fracture detection, reviews the role of MR imaging in evaluating neurovascular integrity following fracture, and underscores the utility of MR imaging in evaluating trauma to the growth plate.
East Germany and Detente: REDEFINING EAST GERMAN PRIORITIES: 1972–1978

Detente and peaceful coexistence are both phenomena that are inseparably bound up with the historical conflict between socialism and imperialism, between the forces of societal progress and those of reaction. Sozialismus und Entspannung (1980) NEW SURROUNDINGS Erich Honecker, the long-time apparent crown prince in East Germany, succeeded Walter Ulbricht as the head of the SED on 3 May 1971, and the GDR reached a turning point in its history, comparable in significance to that which the state had experienced ten years earlier with the construction of the Berlin Wall. This was not just because of the different leadership styles that the two men represented, the outspoken, assertive, and sometimes arrogantly self-confident style of Ulbricht versus what turned out to be a more stability-minded, bureaucratic, and vocally pro-Soviet slant of Honecker. The GDR's environment itself had changed. One decade after the Wall's construction, the shell of nonrelations surrounding the country had collapsed, and East Germany was exposed abruptly to the world outside its borders. As we shall see, this new situation meant several things for the GDR's Party leadership: the introduction of regular contacts between East Berlin and Bonn, a less than satisfactory resolution of outstanding differences over the city of Berlin and the nature of inter-German relations, and what amounted to a daily ‘reunification’ of Germany by millions of private citizens on the basis of family ties and friendship. Just by themselves, these factors were undeniably important.
Spectranomics: Emerging science and conservation opportunities at the interface of biodiversity and remote sensing

Abstract With the goal of advancing remote sensing in biodiversity science, Spectranomics represents an emerging approach, and a suite of quantitative methods, intended to link plant canopy phylogeny and functional traits to their spectral-optical properties. The current Spectranomics database contains about one half of known tropical forest canopy tree species worldwide, and has become a forecasting asset for predicting aspects of plant functional and biological diversity to be remotely mapped and monitored with current and future spectral remote sensing technology. To mark ten years of Spectranomics, we review recent scientific outcomes to further stimulate engagement in the use of spectral remote sensing for biodiversity and functional ecology research. In doing so, we highlight three major emerging opportunities for the science and conservation communities based on Spectranomics.
New Insights into the Function of TRPV Channels

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) is a non-selective Ca2+-permeable cation channel that belongs to the vanilloid subfamily of the TRP superfamily. Despite its discovery as a thermoTRPV channel over 15 years ago, TRPV2 remains an “orphan TRP” due to its still unclear physiological function. Here we took advantage of our ability to generate stable, functional recombinant TRPV2 to gain new biological insights into the cellular function of TRPV2. Using tetrameric TRPV2 as an antigen, we generated TRPV2 monoclonal antibodies and used these antibodies to test the controversial hypothesis that growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), cause translocation of TRPV2 to the plasma membrane. We found that TRPV2 localizes to intracellular membranes in both the absence and presence of growth factors in multiple cell types. Additionally, we used these newly generated antibodies to explore the role of TRPV2 in neuronal cell development. A detailed analysis revealed that nerve growth factor (NGF) increases TRPV2 expression through the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, we discovered TRPV2 acts as a novel ERK substrate, whereby phosphorylation of TRPV2 by ERK enhances TRPV2-mediated Ca2+ signals and neurite outgrowth downstream of NGF. TRPV2 localizes to endosomal pools within neurites of developing neurons, where it may serve to alter local Ca2+ signals. Based on these data, we propose a previously uncharacterized mechanism in which TRPV2 acts as an endosomal Ca2+ channel regulated by NGF via the MAPK pathway to alter local Ca2+ signaling within neurites and enhance neurite outgrowth.
Globicatella sanguinis Osteomyelitis and Bacteremia: Review of an Emerging Human Pathogen with an Expanding Spectrum of Disease

Background Globicatella sanguinis is an uncommon pathogen that may be misdiagnosed as viridans group streptococci. We review the literature of Globicatella and report 2 clinical cases in which catalase-negative Gram-positive cocci resembling viridans group streptococci with elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to ceftriaxone were inconsistently identified phenotypically, with further molecular characterization and ultimate identification of G sanguinis. Methods Two clinical strains (from 2 obese women; 1 with a prosthetic hip infection and the other with bacteremia) were analyzed with standard identification methods, followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 16S recombinant ribonucleic acid (rRNA), and sodA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The existing medical literature on Globicatella also was reviewed. Results Standard phenotypic methods failed to consistently identify the isolates. 16S PCR yielded sequences that confirmed Globicatella species. sodA sequencing provided species-level identification of G sanguinis. The review of literature reveals G sanguinis as an increasingly reported cause of infections of the urine, meninges, and blood. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an orthopedic infection caused by Globicatella sanguinis. A review of the 37 known cases of G sanguinis infection revealed that 83% of patients are female, and 89% are at the extremes of age ( 65 years). Conclusions Globicatella sanguinis, an uncommon pathogen with elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations to third-generation cephalosporins, is difficult to identify by phenotypic methods and typically causes infections in females at the extremes of age. It may colonize skin or mucosal surfaces. Advanced molecular techniques utilizing 16S rRNA with sodA PCR accurately identify G sanguinis.
An Orthopedic Performance Improvement Initiative at a Small Military Treatment Facility

ABSTRACTObjectives: The scientific literature demonstrates a cost-benefit associated with early access to physical therapy. The purpose of this case study is to report the results of an orthopedic performance improvement initiative (OPII) at a small military treatment facility (approximately 4.5K active duty beneficiaries). The OPII was introduced to (1) limit variation by ensuring that all active duty orthopedic consults were audited ensuring proper timing of appropriate services and (2) establish contractual agreement for shared resources with the U.S. Naval Jacksonville Orthopedic Department. Methods: OPII was accomplished through consensus development and strong leadership support. All orthopedic referrals (n = 260) were audited for 6 months. Appropriate recommendations were provided to either continue with orthopedic care or to redirect to a physical therapy first approach. Results: Orthopedic referrals decreased 27% with concomitant 32% increase in physical therapy referrals producing overall saving...
Tritium Retention and Release Analysis for the U.S.-ITER Driver Blanket

The U.S. design for the ITER tritium-breeding blanket consists of layers of Be multiplier, stainless steel cladding, and Li2O ceramic breeder. Tritium is recovered from the ceramic breeder by purgi...
A emergência do contemporâneo: vanguarda japonesa entre duas olimpíadas

This article consists of a textual and visual record of the exhibition The Emergence of the Contemporary: AvantGarde Art in Japan, 1950-1970, which took place in Rio de Janeiro’s Paco Imperial museum, in July/August 2016. The exhibition presented the panorama of Japanese avant-garde art focusing on the work of artists whose practice and theories marked the transition from painting to threedimensional space, performance, and conceptual art. Curated by Pedro Erber with the collaboration of Suzuki Katsuo, the show brought together some of the most representative works of postwar art in Japan, as well as photographs, films, and historical documents.
A Tri-part Protein Complementation System Using Antibody-Small Peptide Fusions Enables Homogeneous Immunoassays

Protein-fragment complementation is a valuable tool for monitoring protein interactions. In complementation assays, the reporter fragments are directly fused to the interacting proteins, eliminating the possibility of monitoring native interactions. In principle, complementation could be achieved by placing the reporter fragments on antibodies which bind to the proteins of interest, enabling the monitoring of endogenous protein interactions or detection of a single protein in a homogeneous immunoassay. Previous reports have demonstrated proof-of-concept of this approach; however, current complementation systems have not met the practical requirements as suitable fusion partners for antibodies while providing the sensitivity needed for immunoassays. To surmount these challenges, we created a first-in-class, tri-part split luciferase consisting of two 11-residue peptides that are used as the antibody appendages. As an initial proof-of-concept, we used antibody-peptide fusions and found them to be capable of quantifying pg/mL concentrations of soluble or cell-bound HER2, proving this unique complementation system overcomes previous limitations and transforms this approach from merely possible to practical and useful. As shown herein, this dual-peptide system provides a rapid, simple, and sensitive “add-and-read” homogeneous immunoassay platform that can be broadly adapted as an alternative to traditional immunoassays, and in the future should enable complementation to be expanded to monitoring endogenous protein interactions.
Incorporation of β-Amino Acids Enhances the Antifungal Activity and Selectivity of the Helical Antimicrobial Peptide Aurein 1.2

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are attractive antifungal drug candidates because they kill microbes via membrane disruption and are thus unlikely to provoke development of resistance. Low selectivity for fungal vs human cells and instability in physiological environments have limited the development of AMPs as therapeutics, but peptidomimetic AMPs can overcome these obstacles and also provide useful insight into AMP structure–function relationships. Here, we describe antifungal peptidomimetic α/β-peptides templated on the natural α-peptidic AMP aurein 1.2. These α/β-aurein analogs fold into i → i + 4 H-bonded helices that present arrays of side chain functionality in a manner virtually identical to that of aurein 1.2. By varying charge, hydrophobicity, conformational stability, and α/β-amino acid organization, we designed active and selective α/β-peptide aurein analogs that exhibit minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans that are 4-fold lower than that of...
Cost Variation Across Centers for the Norwood Operation.

Background The Norwood operation is associated with high health care utilization, and prior studies reported substantial variability in Norwood costs across centers. However, specific factors driving this cost variation are unclear. We assessed center variability in Norwood costs and underlying mechanisms in a multicenter cohort. Methods Clinical data from the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial were linked with cost data from the Children's Hospital Association Inpatient Essentials database. Center variation was assessed by modeling Norwood costs adjusted for baseline patient characteristics, and the relationship with complications, length of stay (LOS), and specific cost categories was examined. Patients undergoing transplantation or stage 2 palliation during the Norwood admission were excluded. Results Nine centers (332 patients) were included. Adjusted mean cost/case varied 4.6-fold across centers (range: $50,559 to $230,851, p p Conclusions This study identified several factors associated with center variation in Norwood costs, which may be targeted in subsequent initiatives aimed at both improving quality of care and reducing costs.
A retrospective examination of the US Food and Drug Administration’s clinical pharmacology reviews of oncology biologics for potential use of therapeutic drug monitoring

Background Biologics have gained traction for use in oncology, but have demonstrate clinical variability for efficacy and safety. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can benefit patients' outcomes from a biologic therapy when the latter has a defined therapeutic window. A clinically relevant therapeutic window may exist for biologics with established exposure-response (E-R) relationships for efficacy and/or safety and a documented maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Additionally, the inter-individual variability (IIV) on the clearance (CL) parameter could determine risks for patients falling outside the proposed therapeutic window. Materials and methods The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved oncology biologics between 2005-2016 were reviewed via FDA "Purple Book" (FDA-repository for licensed biologics). Data were extracted from biologics' pharmacokinetic models available on the clinical pharmacology reviews published on the FDA-Approved Drug Products website. Evaluated features for biologics with established E-R relationships for efficacy and/or safety and MTD include an IIV for the CL and various other covariates including demographic factors, disease factors, blood chemistry, or immunogenicity. Results Five therapies were identified with documented E-R relationships for both efficacy and safety including, Yervoy®(ipilimumab), Zaltrap® (ziv-aflibercept), Portrazza® (necitumumab), Adcetris® (brentuximab-vedotin), and Blincyto® (blinatumomab). The corresponding IIV on CL were: 34%, 33%, 29%, 47%, and 97%, respectively. Among the five therapies, only three had defined MTD including, brentuximab-vedotin, necitumumab, and blinatumomab. Conclusion Of the medications examined, blinatumomab was identified as the anticancer drug with the most available information for the establishment of TDM, and hence, may benefit through the use of TDM to optimize effectiveness and minimize patients' toxicity. The approach used here may provide a generalizable framework to retrospectively identify anticancer biologics with high IIV that may benefit from TDM to improve patients' clinical outcome.
An Empirical Analysis of Buyer Uncertainty in Organizational Purchasing

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of buying situations and buyer-seller relationships on several dimensions of uncertainty. The results indicated that both singularly impact uncertainty. Evidence also suggested that the importance of the buyer-seller relationship in uncertainty reduction is subject to diminishing returns. In an analysis of interaction effects, the buyer-seller relationship was found to be of value in reducing uncertainty in simple buying situations, but of limited importance in relatively complex cases.