cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein–Osmolality Ratio for the Quantitative Assessment of Proteinuria from a Random Urinalysis Sample

Proteinuria evaluation is important for the differential diagnosis of renal disease and the assessment of prognosis and response to therapy. Qualitative proteinuria correlates poorly with quantitative 24-hour protein levels because of hydration and methodologic problems associated with observer error. The authors automated quantitative urinary protein and osmolality measurements and evaluated whether a urinary protein-osmolality ratio (mg/L/mOsm/kg) in the random urinalysis predicts the 24-hour urine protein level. They compared this ratio with the (1) 24-hour protein levels in 78 normal women and 53 normal men; (2) 24-hour protein levels in 129 proteinuric patients; and (3) urinary protein-creatinine ratio in 131 normal patients and 105 proteinuric patients. The normal urinary protein-osmolality ratio was less than 0.12 (sensitivity, 96%; specificity, 93%). This compared to a urinary protein-creatinine ratio of less than 0.05 (sensitivity, 96%; specificity, 90%). A urinary protein-osmolality ratio of greater than 2.5 indicates a level of more than 3.0 g/24 hour (sensitivity, 91%; specificity, 98%). The urinary protein-osmolality ratio = 1.12x + 0.05 (r = 0.88), where x = 24-hour protein. The authors conclude that the quantitative urinary protein-osmolality ratio is better than a qualitative urinalysis and urinary protein-urinary creatinine ratio for detecting or assessing abnormal proteinuria and allows for a reasonable prediction of 24-hour protein levels.
Management of the Bladder and Calyceal Diverticulum: Options in the Age of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Bladder and calyceal diverticula are rare clinical entities in the pediatric population. Most of these diverticula are asymptomatic, incidentally detected, and may not require surgical intervention. However, if surgery is indicated, there are minimally invasive treatment options available that have success rates comparable with those of traditional open surgery. In addition, they offer several advantages including reduced morbidity, decreased hospital length of stay, improved cosmesis, and reduced pain medication requirements. In this review, the minimally invasive surgical techniques in the management of bladder and calyceal diverticula are discussed.
The Sweetness (of the Law)

The perennial spring of imperishable sweetness is within everyone' (Meher Baba). This essay attempts an intellectual attack upon everything in us that rises in revolt against this statement, against all that would dismiss out of hand the reality of its truth and confine its meaning to the realm of sentimental metaphysics. Likewise, it stands in defense of everything that already feels and knows this statement’s correctness, not as concept, but as immanent fact: the universal fact of essential sweetness. I pursue this two-fold aim by investigating the relation between sweetness and the law, because it is precisely via a stimulation and vexation of our sense of law that the statement of the universal fact of essential sweetness impresses us. The inversive and profoundly intimate link between these terms is found in the bitter waters of Marah (Exodus 15: 25), which I interpret in light of medieval mystical ideas about the immanence of paradise in order to argue for the universal ontological illegality of worry. At the still point or moment of identity that forms the crux of the law/sweetness relation, is found the highest anagogical sense of law, the impossible yet inevitable taste of eternal justice.
Examining collaborative leadership through interprofessional education: findings from a mixed methods study

Collaborative leadership is essential as recent trends in healthcare service delivery necessitate interprofessional collaboration and care. Interprofessional education (IPE) efforts, therefore, have to prepare students for this type of leadership. The purpose of this study was to understand how students' perceptions of leadership change as a result of embedding a collaborative leadership model, the Social Change Model (SCM) of leadership, in an IPE course. Data were collected from 30 students participating in an interprofessional course through two interprofessional course reflections, pre/post leadership posters and poster reflections, and a pre/post survey. Results from paired sample t-tests suggested students significantly improved in their perceptions of leadership efficacy. These data also indicated improvements to the three group-level values of the SCM: collaboration, common purpose, and controversy with civility. Findings from the qualitative data suggest that students learned to view leadership as more of a team effort than the actions of a single individual and as more of a process than a role. Findings also revealed the benefits and challenges of using a visual process of poster development as a way of examining students' changes in perceptions of leadership over the course of the semester. Implications are discussed in relationship to the utility of the SCM in promoting students' shifts in conceptualizations of leadership that emphasizes collaboration and helps prepare students to engage in these ways within interprofessional teams in their practice.
The Daily Show vs. the New York Times: Comparing Their Effects on Student Political Knowledge and Engagement

Satirical news shows such as The Daily Show are popular with students, but are they appropriate for classroom use? In this two-group, pretest–posttest study, I examine differences in engagement, po...
False data injection attacks against contingency analysis in power grids: poster

Smart grid provides efficient and cost-effective management of the electric energy grid by allowing real-time monitoring, coordinating, and controlling of the system using communication networks between physical components. This inherent complexity significantly increases the vulnerabilities and attack surface in smart grid due to misconfigurations or the lack of security hardening. Therefore, it is important to ensure secure and resilient operation of smart grid by proactive identification of potential threats, impact assessment, and cost-efficient mitigation planning. This paper aims to achieve these goals through the development of an efficient security framework for the Energy Management System (EMS), a core smart grid component. In this paper, we present a framework that combines formal analytic with PowerWorld simulator which verifies the solution model to investigate the feasibility of false data injection attacks against contingency analysis in power grid. We evaluate the impact of such attacks by running experiments using synthetic data on the standard IEEE test cases.
LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE IN TESTIS: DISSOCIATION AND RECOMBINATION OF SUBUNITS

Electrophoretic resolution of lactate dehydrogenase in mature testes from a variety of animals revealed one or more unusual isozymes in addition to the usual five forms. Dissociation of the enzyme and recombination of the polypeptide subunits led to the formation of new isozymes and to a redistribution of activity among those normally present, indicating that lactate dehydrogenase synthesis in postpubertal testis is controlled by more than two genes.
Synthesis, structure, and transport properties of Ba8Cu16 – xAuxP30 clathrate solid solution

A new clathrate solid solution Ba8Cu16 − xAuxP30 (x = 4, 8, 12) was synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state annealing method. The crystal structures of Ba8Cu16 − xAuxP30 were determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction. This clathrate solid solution crystallizes in the orthorhombic superstructure of clathrate-I type with 23 crystallographically independent framework sites, eight of them are occupied by Au/Cu and 15 are exclusively occupied by P atoms. The distribution of Au and Cu atoms over these eight framework sites is not random with a clear preference for Au to occupy the largest (Au/Cu)P4 tetrahedra in the framework. The thermal stability and thermoelectric properties of the Ba8Cu16 − xAuxP30 solid solution were evaluated. Low thermal conductivity was achieved for Ba8Cu16 − xAuxP30 due to the combination of the host–guest crystal structure with rattling Ba atoms with the presence of heavy Au atoms and substitutional Cu/Au disorder in the clathrate framework.A new clathrate solid solution Ba8Cu16 − xAuxP30 (x = 4, 8, 12) was synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state annealing method. The crystal structures of Ba8Cu16 − xAuxP30 were determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction. This clathrate solid solution crystallizes in the orthorhombic superstructure of clathrate-I type with 23 crystallographically independent framework sites, eight of them are occupied by Au/Cu and 15 are exclusively occupied by P atoms. The distribution of Au and Cu atoms over these eight framework sites is not random with a clear preference for Au to occupy the largest (Au/Cu)P4 tetrahedra in the framework. The thermal stability and thermoelectric properties of the Ba8Cu16 − xAuxP30 solid solution were evaluated. Low thermal conductivity was achieved for Ba8Cu16 − xAuxP30 due to the combination of the host–guest crystal structure with rattling Ba atoms with the presence of heavy Au atoms and substitutional Cu/Au disorder in the clathrate framework.
Effect of the nitrate group on yields and composition of secondary organic aerosol formed from reactions of alkyl nitrates with OH radicals in the presence of NOx

A systematic study was conducted on the effect of a nitrate functional group on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) products and yields from reactions of C10 alkyl nitrate isomers with OH radicals in t...
Technical, Financial, and Environmental Effects of Distributed Energy Resources on Multi Carrier Energy Networks

Growing energy demands and greenhouse gas emission have caused some technical, financial, and environmental challenges for electric distribution network companies. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): Wind Turbine (WT), Energy Storages (ESs), Demand Response (DR), and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) are taken into account as outstanding solutions to this problem. In this paper, technical, financial, and environmental effects of DERs (i.e.,WT, ES, DR, and CHP) are considered on multi carrier energy networks. To install DERs, Energy Hub (EH) approach is utilized in this paper. EH is a node in electrical distribution networks that simplifies integration of different energy networks and DERs to the networks. GAMS software is used to solve the proposed Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model. The technical, financial, and environmental effects of the aforementioned DERs are evaluated through different cases. Simulation results demonstrate how the optimal utilization of DERs in the platform of energy hub can effectively address the developed problem in this paper.
Study and modular synthesis of unsymmetrical bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligands

We report the facile and modular synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,2-bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligands and their coordination chemistry. These ligands offer a promising alternative to their 1,2-bis(phosphino)benzene congeners, retaining a similar steric profile with attenuated electron donation. Proof-of-principle application of a bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligand in a nickel-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling reaction under mild conditions is demonstrated.
On (Anti) de-Sitter-Schwarzschild Metrics, the Cosmological Constant and Dirac-Eddington's Large Numbers

A class of proper generalizations of the (Anti) de Sitter solutions are presented that could provide a very plausible resolution of the cosmological constant problem along with a natural explanation of the ultraviolet/infrared ( UV/IR) entanglement required to solve this problem. A nonvanishing value of the vacuum energy density of the order of 10^-121 M^4_Planck is derived in perfect agreement with the experimental observations. Exact solutions of the cubic equations associated with the location of the horizons of this class of ( Anti ) de Sitter-Schwarzschild metrics are found.
How Movements of a Non-Humanoid Robot Affect Emotional Perceptions and Trust

The way that we move often carries emotional meaning that the people with whom we interact are adept at detecting. Humans treat the movements of robots similarly, attributing the same emotions when the robots move in ways that are analogous to emotionally-charged human movements. However, this HRI work has primarily been done on humanoid or animal-shaped robots. In this paper, we examined whether this effect would hold when people observed the movements of a non-humanoid robot, Cozmo. Moreover, the attribution of emotional stance to another agent is key in the process of predicting the behavior of the other (Eivers AR et al. in Br J Dev Psychol 28:499–504, 2010). This process is laid bare in transactional scenarios where the predicted level of trust guides the humans behavior. The ultimatum game is a transactional framework that we have adapted to allow us to test in stages how humans predict and react to the behavior of the robot. We performed a study in which people played two rounds of the ultimatum game with a non-humanoid robot that moved in either a positive or negative manner. We found that in both rounds people in the Positive Movement condition rated Cozmo’s emotional valence as higher than those in the Negative Movement condition. In the second round, after Cozmo had responded to the first offers that the participants made, Cozmo’s bid response was a significant factor in the Positive Movement condition, in which participants whose first bids were rejected by Cozmo rated its emotional valence as lower than those whose bids were accepted by Cozmo. There was not an effect of movement on trust. We also ran a series of exploratory analyses to explore how various factors affected participants’ reasonings about Cozmo’s behavior, and found that unexpected, non-social behaviors (such as moving in a negative manner or rejecting a participant’s offer) lead to an increase in anthropomorphic behavior explanations.
High-resolution spatially explicit land surface model calibration using field-scale satellite-based daily evapotranspiration product

Abstract High-resolution simulation of water budgets across the agricultural landscape is critically important to a variety of applications, such as precision agriculture, water resources management, and environmental quality assessment. Model-data integration has been shown to be an effective approach to reduce model uncertainties and there is a growing opportunity to improve land surface modeling through spatially explicit calibration with satellite data in recent decades. Recently, a satellite-based daily 30-m resolution evapotranspiration (ET) product BESS-STAIR has been developed, achieving a high performance and well capturing the spatial and temporal dynamics of ET across the U.S. Corn Belt. To explore the potential of high-resolution spatially explicit calibration for advancing land surface modeling at fine scales, we carried out calibration experiments for the Noah-MP land surface model (LSM) over cropland using this newly developed BESS-STAIR ET. We first used Sobol sensitivity analysis to identify the most sensitive parameters for the Noah-MP’s ET simulation. The most sensitive vegetation (minimum stomatal resistance) and soil parameters (saturated hydraulic conductivity, saturated matric potential, and a soil pore size distribution parameter) were calibrated using BESS-STAIR ET to improve model simulation of surface water balance. We conducted calibration experiments at 8 eddy covariance flux tower sites that grew maize and soybean across the U.S. Corn Belt, as well as a regional calibration study on the Spoon River watershed in Champaign, Illinois. When benchmarked with flux tower measurements, the BESS-STAIR ET–calibrated model (driven by flux tower forcing) on average reduced the RMSE of hourly ET from 61 W/m2 to 47 W/m2 for maize, and from 66 W/m2 to 53 W/m2 for soybean, and matched the performance of directly calibrating using flux tower measured ET. The regional study found that calibration using BESS-STAIR ET also improved the simulation of long-term regional water budgets and achieved better performance of ET than traditionally lumped calibration using streamflow. Further analysis revealed that the high-resolution calibration can resolve the spatial variations of ET to a certain extent, and the accuracy of the calibration can be largely attributed to the low bias and excellent long-term correlation of the BESS-STAIR ET data itself. Our study thus demonstrates the effectiveness of high-resolution model calibration and provides important implications in field-scale hydrological modeling and precision agricultural applications.
Identifying Key Components of Paper-Based and Technology-Based Home Assessment Tools Using a Narrative Literature Review

The built environment of an older person’s home can reduce or promote the possibility of a fall or other injury. A user-friendly tool can help the residents to evaluate their home environment withi...
Cine MRI detects elevated left heart pressure in pulmonary hypertension.

Cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an emerging modality for evaluating left ventricular (LV) motion/deformation patterns, which may have potential to identify LV dysfunctions underlying postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that cine MRI-derived LV motion/deformation indices can be used to identify an elevated left heart pressure in PH. This was a retrospective study, which included 26 precapillary and 28 postcapillary PH patients (23 males, 58.9 ± 13.5 years old). All patients underwent right heart catheterization (the "reference standard") and cardiac MRI. Balanced steady-state free precession cine sequence acquired at 1.5 T was used. Cine MRI datasets were analyzed by using heart deformation analysis. LV motion/deformation indices were measured through 25 phases within a cardiac cycle. Peak LV displacement, velocity, strain, and strain rates at systole, early and late diastole were compared between the two patient groups using t-tests. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to investigate the association between cine MRI-derived indices and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were applied to assess the ability of MRI-derived parameters to predict PCWP and postcapillary PH. Compared to 26 precapillary PH patients, the 28 postcapillary PH patients had lower peak late radial diastolic displacement (0.43 ± 0.19 cm vs. 0.64 ± 0.18 cm) and velocity (12.2 ± 5.8 mm/s vs. 18.9 ± 5.6 mm/s) and peak late radial (52.1 ± 32.7%/s vs. 97.1 ± 38%/s) and circumferential (38 ± 19.8%/s vs. 63.1 ± 22.9%/s) strain rates. PCWP was correlated with peak late radial diastolic displacement (r = -0.54) and velocity (r = -0.57) and peak late radial (r = -0.63) and circumferential diastolic (r = -0.63) strain rates. Peak late radial strain rate could predict PCWP (β = -0.09) and postcapillary PH (β = -0.036). All p < 0.05. Cine MRI-derived LV late diastolic motion/deformation properties can be used to estimate elevated left heart pressure in PH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 1.
Michael Harris: Crafting a MBA Faculty Values Statement

Worried that a graduate business school is in danger of losing the legacy of shared values that make it so special to many faculty members, one member feels a responsibility to create a document that articulates and codifies a set of shared faculty values. He decides that the way to begin is to use the school's mission statement as the starting point. Excerpt UVA-E-0388 Sept. 6, 2013 MICHAEL HARRIS: CRAFTING AN MBA FACULTY VALUES STATEMENT Leaving the Faculty Meeting As Karen Nunez and Michael Harris headed back to their respective offices after the first faculty meeting of the school year, Nunez asked, “Do you think our colleagues share a similar set of values?” The question didn't seem odd or out of place to Harris given that the faculty meeting's first agenda item that day had been the introduction of new faculty. Nunez's question, however, got Harris thinking. He wondered whether: (a) a set of core values among the existing faculty was identifiable; (b) the new hires had been apprised of any existing shared values; (c) a set of stated, shared faculty values was a potentially useful resource in future searches for new faculty; and (d) in the absence of an existing faculty values statement, a succinct one could be robustly crafted. . . .
Powers of Hamiltonian cycles in multipartite graphs

We prove that if $G$ is a $k$-partite graph on $n$ vertices in which all of the parts have order at most $n/r$ and every vertex is adjacent to at least a $1-1/r+o(1)$ proportion of the vertices in every other part, then $G$ contains the $(r-1)$-st power of a Hamiltonian cycle
A Probabilistic Geostatistics-Based Approach to Tunnel Boring Machine Cutter Tool Wear and Cutterhead Clogging Prediction

AbstractThe application of geostatistical analyses of site investigation data for tunneling projects has gained significant attention in the literature. While the proposed techniques are useful for...
Sugammadex Reduces PACU Recovery Time after Abdominal Surgery Compared with Neostigmine

Objective This study blindly evaluated sugammadex compared with neostigmine on length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Methods Fifty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy or abdominal wall hernia repair consented to receive either sugammadex (2 mg/kg) or neostigmine (0.07 mg/kg) for the reversal of rocuronium neuromuscular blockade. Reversal agents were administered during surgical closing, and the train of four was measured until a twitch ratio of T4:T1 ≥ 0.9 was obtained to signify a robust reversal. Postreversal outcomes also were measured during PACU stay. Aldrete scores, pain visual analog scale score, and nausea were measured during the PACU stay. Results Patients receiving sugammadex experienced a shorter PACU stay at the time of discharge than patients receiving neostigmine, by an average of 12 minutes (P Conclusions Sugammadex patients had a significantly shorter PACU stay.
A New Helium Atom Scattering Apparatus

To complement helium-3 spin-echo (HeSE) dynamics studies, a compact high-resolution helium atom scattering spectrometer has been developed. The instrument can be used for helium diffraction studies, thermal desorption measurements and uptake experiments. In addition, the new spectrometer aids in the equipment development for the HeSE apparatus. The main design features of the apparatus are described and characterisation experiments as well as first structural studies presented.
A novel redesign of food scoops in high volume food service organizations

The purpose of this article is to propose design changes to a food scoop commonly used in the food service industry. A review of literature concerning the design of hand tools is used to justify modifications to the existing design. Changes to the handle and shape of the tool are discussed. Implications of the newly designed food scoop, both for future research and the workplace are reviewed. The conclusion of this article is that the proposed food scoop should have a 40-millimeter diameter, foam rubber handle and should have a lift angle of 35 degrees.
The Transition from Infant to Child Memory

There are many factors that make the study of infant memory incomparable with the study of memory in children and adults. The impossibility of using verbal instructions, verbal materials, or verbal response systems stands as a primary barrier to establishing comparability and thereby to assessing the continuity of systems. Infant memory studies have mainly relied on controlled stimulus presentations and attentional responses to stimulus change or repetition. Fagan’s research (Chapter 1) is an excellent example. Much has been learned in this way about recognition memory in the nonverbal infant, both short-term and longer-term. However, limitations of the method leave open a number of issues that are of interest to memory theorists in general and developmentalists in particular. In addition, we are probably missing memory phenomena of interest because we are not able to tap the baby’s own spontaneous internal organization of encounters in the world but are confined to our own guesses as to what interests her and how she represents and organizes her understanding of those encounters.
Effect of Streptomycin Deprivation on Enzyme Synthesis in Streptomycin-Dependent Escherichia coli

During growth of streptomycin-dependent strains of Escherichia coli in the absence of streptomycin (deprived growth), both constitutive and inducible synthesis of β-galactosidase were preferentially inhibited. A similar preferential inhibition of constitutive and derepressed synthesis of alkaline phosphatase was observed. Catabolite repression accounted for part, but not all, of the inhibition of the inducible β-galactosidase synthesis. Serological experiments indicated that that part of the inhibition specificially associated with streptomycin deprivation was not a result of the production of altered β-galactosidase. It is suggested that during deprived growth the ribosomes of streptomycin-dependent bacteria become impaired in their ability to translate certain messages.
Transgenic animal bioreactors in biotechnology and production of blood proteins

The regulatory elements of genes used to target the tissue-specific expression of heterologous human proteins have been studied in vitro and in transgenic mice. Hybrid genes exhibiting the desired performance have been introduced into large animals. Complex proteins like protein C, factor IX, factor VIII, fibrinogen and hemoglobin, in addition to simpler proteins like alpha 1-antitrypsin, antithrombin III, albumin and tissue plasminogen activator have been produced in transgenic livestock. The amount of functional protein secreted when the transgene is expressed at high levels may be limited by the required posttranslational modifications in host tissues. This can be overcome by engineering the transgenic bioreactor to express the appropriate modifying enzymes. Genetically engineered livestock are thus rapidly becoming a choice for the production of recombinant human blood proteins.
Object-Oriented Database System for Large-Scale Molecular Dynamics Simulations

In the paper a model of the object-oriented database system is presented for archiving results generated with particles simulations and for retrieving simulation results from the database system for further processing.
Influence of Particles on Laser Induced Air Breakdown

We shall describe a portion of our experimental program on laser induced air breakdown. The purpose of our experiments is to measure the effect of particles in the focal volume of the laser beam on the breakdown threshold and to investigate the nature of the initiation process and the growth mechanisms of the plasma. Although we are interested primarily in particle induced breakdown we have done some experiments in clean air and on a carbon surface.
DIAGNOSTICS PROGRAM FOR A MAGNETICALLY INSULATED ION DIODE FOR INERTIAL CONFINEMENT FUSION

Some of the diagnostics used to study ion beam composition and profiles from magnetically insulated ion diodes, developed at Sandia Laboratories through the drift section to the target, are described. The carbon activation technique, which is used to measure proton and carbon fluence and flux, is discussed. Time resolved x-ray pinhole cameras, time resolved optical spectral measurements of the anode plasma, holographic interferometry and soft x-ray, vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy are considered.
New evidence on value investing in emerging equity markets

We design modified value investing strategies in emerging equity markets by comparing a country's value weight with its market capitalization weight among a group of emerging countries. These strategies can be easily tested and implemented by using various country index funds. Our proposed strategy calculates the delta weight, the difference of a country's weight based on value (Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Earning–Price (EP) ratio or Dividend Yield (DY)) and its capitalization weight, for each country. If the delta weight is positive, the country's index fund is considered undervalued and the strategy is to buy delta shares of that country's equity. Conversely, if delta weight is negative, the country's index fund is deemed as overvalued and the strategy is to short delta shares of that country's equity. These market neutral delta strategies can generate annualized returns of 14.25–16.89% even with the presence of over-weighting constraints which limit the over-investment in small financial markets.
The Effect of Postural Variation on the Electromyographic Evaluation of Tension Headache and Nonheadache Control Participants

SYNOPSIS Twelve tension headache patients and 12 nonheadache controls participated in an electromyographic (EMG) evaluation in which measurements were obtained from horizontal frontalis and bilateral trapezius placements. The evaluation was conducted while the participants were in reclining, sitting and standing positions. The results demonstrated higher frontalis EMG levels for the headache participants. However, contrary to prediction, the headache participants showed no greater EMG elevations in the trapezius musculature while sitting or standing as compared to the nonheadache controls.
Parvovirus and thyroid cancer

Parvoviruses are some of the smallest DNA viruses known to infect a wide range of animal species and humans. Though not all parvoviruses are pathogenic, some can cause disease ranging from asymptomatic to benign to life-threatening. Recently, there has been an interest in the possible role of parvoviruses in thyroid disease in general. The objectives of this review are to cite and appraise the available evidence on the role of parvoviruses in thyroid cancer in particular. Little to no evidence is available directly linking animal parvoviruses and thyroid cancer, but there is a growing literature on the human erythrovirus B19 (EVB19) and its association with thyroid cancer. Of particular interest is the persistence and expression of EVB19 DNA, RNA, and protein in a wide variety of thyroid tissues. While a causative role of EVB19 in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer cannot be supported at this time, an indirect role is hypothesized and discussed but with the recognition that the data are limited. Further studies are clearly warranted to determine the exact, if any, role of this human pathogen in thyroid cancer.
Case Report: Mycobacterium Gordonae as a Human Hepato-Peritoneal Pathogen, with a Review of the Literature

Abstract Mycobacterium gordonae was cultured from the liver of a 39-year-old woman who presented with ascites, weight loss, and fever. Laparoscopic examination revealed white nodules studding the peritoneum and liver surface, and histopathology revealed caseating granulomas. She was successfully treated with rifampin, ethambutol, and isoniazid. A review of the literature on M. gordonae as a human pathogen is presented. Our patient represents the third reported case of disseminated disease due to this organism and the first to be successfully treated by medical therapy alone.
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate: the first long-acting prodrug stimulant treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Background: Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is the first long-acting prodrug stimulant and is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is a therapeutically inactive molecule. Methods: Following oral ingestion, it is converted to L-lysine and active d-amphetamine, which is responsible for the therapeutic effect. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate was developed with the goal of providing a long duration of effect with the potential for less abuse-related liking. Results: In controlled clinical trials lisdexamfetamine dimesylate demonstrated a significant efficacy and extended duration of action as well as a safety profile consistent with other once-daily stimulants (mixed amphetamine salts extended release). In addition, abuse liability studies have shown that lisdexamfetamine dimesylate has lower abuse-related liking scores compared with equipotent doses of immediate-release d-amphetamine.
Formation and Extraction of Persistent Fumigant Residues in Soils

Fumigants are commonly thought to be short-lived in soil, but residues have been found in soils years following application. In this study, formation and extraction of persistent soil fumigant resi...
Theory of chiral lipid tubules.

We present a continuum theory for the self-assembly of cylindrical tubules from chiral lipid bilayers in any tilted fluid phase. This theory shows that tubule formation is driven by an intrinsic bending force due to molecular chirality, and gives the radius in terms of the continuum parameters. The radius diverges as an untilted phase is approached. The theory also predicts that the tilt direction is modulated in a helical striped pattern on the tubule. This striped pattern is consistent with helical patterns observed in electron micrographs of lipid tubules.
How are patients’ specific ambulatory care experiences related to trust, satisfaction, and considering changing physicians?

CONTEXT: Few data are available regarding the consequences of patients’ problems with interpersonal aspects of medical care.
On the role of conceptual structure in argument selection: A reply to Emonds

Emonds (1991) claims that many phenomena that I attribute to the effects of conceptual structure on syntax in Jackendoff (1987a) are more properly accounted for in terms of syntax alone. The present paper shows that Emonds has misconstrued the role intended for conceptual structure in the interface between language and cognition. It then specifies precisely where Emonds's approach to argument selection differs technically from mine, and shows that the technical differences favor my approach as further developed in Jackendoff (1990). Finally, an improved account of the semantic selection of oblique arguments is proposed, but it is shown that still not all syntactic argument selection can be eliminated from lexical entries of verbs.
A Central Role of the RNA Polymerase Trigger Loop in Active-Site Rearrangement during Transcriptional Pausing

Summary Transcriptional pausing by RNA polymerase is an underlying event in the regulation of transcript elongation, yet the physical changes in the transcribing complex that create the initially paused conformation remain poorly understood. We report that this nonbacktracked elemental pause results from an active-site rearrangement whose signature includes a trigger-loop conformation positioned near the RNA 3′ nucleotide and a conformation of βDloopII that allows fraying of the RNA 3′ nucleotide away from the DNA template. During nucleotide addition, trigger-loop movements or folding appears to assist NTP-stimulated translocation and to be crucial for catalysis. At a pause, the trigger loop directly contributes to the paused conformation, apparently by restriction of its movement or folding, whereas a previously postulated unfolding of the bridge helix does not. This trigger-loop-centric model can explain many properties of transcriptional pausing.
Hochdosis-Therapie mit Fluconazol ≥ 800 mg/die. Literaturübersicht

The clinical use of fluconazole in dosages > or = 800 mg/day has been reported in about 900 patients against candidemia, oropharyngeal candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected patients as well as for initial therapy of endemic mycoses. Especially in patients with life-threatening infections caused by Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans and Coccidioides immitis, the results of a limited number of dose-finding trials with non-neutropenic and HIV-infected patients show dose-dependent response rates. These findings strongly advocate the application of high dose-fluconazole; their evaluation, however, still awaits final clarification. The good safety profile for dosages up to 2000 mg/day and the linear, predictable pharmacokinetics up to 1600 mg/day indicate the excellent tolerability of fluconazole in the clinical situation which justifies prospective, randomized clinical trials with treatment groups as homogeneous as possible for further evaluation of the optimum dosage and duration of treatment.
Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma with computed tomography correlation

Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma — a rare clinical entity — is described and the radiographic and histologic features discussed. Histologically this type of tumor may be differentiated from other soft tissue malignancies, but the ultrastructural glycogen content of the cytoplasm makes it frequently inseparable from the conventional osseous form of Ewing sarcoma. In spite of the presence of a huge paraosseal mass with bone erosion or periosteal new bone, computed tomography was the only preoperative modality able to provide evidence of non-involvement of the marrow cavity. However, histologic documentation is necessary to prove that one is dealing with a totally extraosseous Ewing sarcoma.
Effects of acute administration of δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on pulmonary hemodynamics of anesthetized dogs

Abstract I.v. administration of δ 9 -THC (2.5 mg/kg) to anesthetized dogs resulted in a decrease in heart rate, pulmonary blood flow (PBF), and a significant increase in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and total pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The increase in PVR to Δ 9 -THC was significantly reduced by cardiac pacing, and was virtually abolished either by bilateral vagotomy or by pretreatment with hexamethonium. The data indicated the Δ 9 -THC induced elevation of PVR was mediated via reflexogenic mechanisms involving afferent vagi and efferent autonomic pathways.
Proteins interacting with cloning scars: a source of false positive protein-protein interactions

A common approach for exploring the interactome, the network of protein-protein interactions in cells, uses a commercially available ORF library to express affinity tagged bait proteins; these can be expressed in cells and endogenous cellular proteins that copurify with the bait can be identified as putative interacting proteins using mass spectrometry. Control experiments can be used to limit false-positive results, but in many cases, there are still a surprising number of prey proteins that appear to copurify specifically with the bait. Here, we have identified one source of false-positive interactions in such studies. We have found that a combination of: 1) the variable sequence of the C-terminus of the bait with 2) a C-terminal valine “cloning scar” present in a commercially available ORF library, can in some cases create a peptide motif that results in the aberrant co-purification of endogenous cellular proteins. Control experiments may not identify false positives resulting from such artificial motifs, as aberrant binding depends on sequences that vary from one bait to another. It is possible that such cryptic protein binding might occur in other systems using affinity tagged proteins; this study highlights the importance of conducting careful follow-up studies where novel protein-protein interactions are suspected.
Synthesis and electronic properties of nanometer-size symmetrical tetrakis(poly-p-phenylene)ethylenes

Abstract A simple synthesis of soluble tetrakis (poly -p- phenylene ) ethylenes (TPEs), where poly- p -phenylene units contain up to 4 phenylene moieties, is accomplished using an easily available tetrakis (4-bromophenyl)ethylene and phenyl, biphenyl, and p- terphenylboronic acids, containing solubilizing iso -alkyl groups as the end-capping substituents. Electrochemical oxidation of TPEs (i.e., T1–T4 ) showed that they undergo reversible electrochemical oxidations and form stable cation-radical salts in solution. The evaluation of absorption and emissions characteristics of T1 – T4 in solution indicated that unlike parent tetratolylethylene ( T1 ), the higher homologues (i.e., T2 – T4 ) show emission centered at 520 nm and the quantum efficiency of emission increases with the increasing number of phenylene moieties in poly- p -phenylene units in various TPEs.
Sensory systems and nipple attachment behavior in neonatal pigs

The influence of piglet sensory systems and the role of odors from the sow's ventrum on piglet nipple attachment were investigated. In Experiment 1, four sows had their ventrum washed with organic solvents and four were unwashed control sows. Piglets were given one of four treatments shortly after birth: nares that were mechanically blocked (B), a lidocaine flush of the olfactory system (LFO), a saline flush of the olfactory system (SFO) or nontreated controls (C). Time to attach to a nipple, up to a maximum of 600 sec, was recorded. On unwashed sows, nipple attachment was affected (p less than 0.01) by piglet treatment. Piglets have B or LFO treatments took longer to attach to a nipple than SFO or C piglets. Piglets of all treatments took longer to attach to washed sows than to unwashed controls. Seven unwashed sows and their litters were used in Experiment 2. Piglets were tested after birth with one of the following treatments: an olfactory system flushed with lidocaine, lidocaine on nose (LN), lidocaine applied to the tongue (LT) or nontreated controls. All lidocaine-treated piglets took more time to attach than C piglets. Nipple attachment latencies were intermediate for LN or LT piglets. In Experiment 3, three unwashed sows and their litters were used. Treatments were: lidocaine applied to both the nose and the tongue (LNT), an olfactory system flushed with lidocaine or nontreated controls. LFO piglets had an increased latency to attachment compared to controls while LNT piglets were intermediate in latency to attach. Piglet olfaction, gustation and tactile sensory modalities as well as odors on the sow's ventrum influenced nipple attachment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Saving Dollars through Innovative Strategies in Biohazardous Waste Reduction

Abstract ISSUE: In August 2002, a multidisciplinary Biohazardous Waste Committee was organized to improve the handling of biohazardous waste. An initial biohazardous waste audit revealed that approximately 90% of waste was inappropriately characterized as biohazardous. Annual cost for disposal of over 722,000 pounds of biohazardous waste exceeded $160,000. PROJECT: The Biohazardous Waste Committee developed a campus-wide definition of biohazardous waste, introduced barcode labeling for waste tracking, and performed waste audits to monitor disposal practice. Committee representatives met with department managers to assess needs and optimize biohazardous waste disposal. Mandatory education regarding proper handling of biohazardous waste was performed throughout the facility. Customized improvements based on waste type, volume, and source (clinical versus research area) were implemented in October 2003. RESULTS: The December 2003 audit revealed biohazardous waste reduction in all areas, with significant unit-to-unit variability. Overall, a 25% reduction in the institutional rate of biohazardous waste per census days was realized. LESSONS LEARNED: Since staff, clinical practice, and the healthcare environment varies, periodic waste audits, data feedback, and ongoing education will be required to maintain biohazardous waste reduction. Significant additional revenue savings are anticipated.
The Eilberg Act, New Seed Immigration, and Professional Labor Markets.

Abstract Foreign born professionals, especially those educated or trained in the U.S., have been a significant source of professional manpower to U.S. labor markets. The Eilberg Act has affected the conditions for immigration of aliens in professions. Over time, even in expanding labor markets, the Act could diminish opportunities for such individuals. In addition, in declining labor markets, the Act is expected to provide a cushion for domestic workers by reducing job opportunities for aliens.
Evaluation and recall of evidence: Authoritarianism and the Patty Hearst case

Abstract By using the Patricia Hearst case as the stimulus material, two experiments were conducted to examine the relationship between authoritarianism and recall of evidence. In Experiment I it was found that high authoritarians recall more prosecution evidence than defense evidence. This was not the case for the low authoritarians. Results concerning the hypothesis that high authoritarians would recall more character information than low authoritarians were equivocal. In Experiment II a trend indicating that high authoritarians draw more direct inferences from incriminating evidence than do low authoritarians or an attorney was obtained. The results are discussed in terms of previous findings, authoritarian theory, and characteristics of the Patricia Hearst case.
Modeling stem elongation and leaf unfolding of Easter lily during greenhouse forcing

Abstract Equations were developed to predict stem elongation and leaf unfolding of potted Easter lily during the greenhouse forcing period. The average potting medium temperature was used in the stem elongation model to predict the day on which the stem emerged through the potting medium and the day when the first leaf unfolded. Together with an equation for the air temperature dependence of the leaf unfolding rate, these were built into a simulation model of the total number of Easter lily leaves unfolded during the greenhouse forcing period. This model predicts the data quite well, providing a tool for commercial monitoring of the development of this crop.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor as a Therapeutic Target in Ewing Sarcoma: Lack of Consistent Upregulation or Recurrent Mutation and a Review of the Clinical Trial Literature

The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) has been considered an important therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma (ES), generating a need to identify the subset of patients most likely to respond to IGF-1R inhibitors. We assessed IGF-1R expression in ES cell lines and patient tumors to understand the variable clinical responses to anti-IGF-1R therapy. Using ligand-binding displacement, we measured between 13,000 and 40,000 receptors per cell in ES cell lines. We used ELISA to quantify IGF-1R in patient tumors, which expressed 4.8% ± 3.7 to 20.0% ± 0.2 of the levels in a positive control cell line overexpressing IGF-1R. Flow cytometry showed markedly reduced IGF-1R expression in ES cell lines compared to a standard positive control cell line. The IGF1R gene was sequenced in 47 ES tumor samples and 8 ES cell lines; only one tumor sample showed a nonsynonymous mutation, R1353H, in a region with low functional impact. Finally, we assessed IGF-1R pathway activity in the ES stem cell (ESSC) population, to characterize its potential for resistance to anti-IGF-1R therapy, using Luminex technology. We found no significant differences in IGF-1R pathway activity between ESSCs and the total cell population. Overall, our findings suggest that IGF-1R as a therapeutic target in this sarcoma may require reevaluation.
What Do You Mean You Dropped Your Baby? Changing and Hardwiring Nursing Practice to Eliminate Infant Falls

Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation We implemented the project by first using a tally sheet to identify common trends that occurred in the falls of newborns. Then, we educated both the newborn nursery and the postpartum staff on the need to hardwire the hourly rounding on all shifts. Next, we developed a newborn safety sheet that described the elements of safe sleeping and required that both the mother and the significant other sign the sheet because three infants had been dropped by fathers. In addition, we emphasized with the newborn nursery staff and postpartum staff how important it was to make sure that the mother has the call bell within reach, even when she is placed in a chair. We began an extensive campaign to make sure that the mothers understood the adverse effects of pain medication. In addition, the postpartum registered nurse (RN) would alert the RN nurse when the mother had taken pain medication. Finally, we initiated “snuggle time” every day from 2:00 to 4:00 to promote maternal rest without interruptions. The outcome has been very positive, and it has been 1 year since the last fall of a newborn occurred.