cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A PHOSPHORYLATED INTERMEDIATE IN ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE-DEPENDENT SODIUM AND POTASSIUM TRANSPORT ACROSS KIDNEY MEMBRANES.

(Received for publication, September 21, 1964) An enzymatic system in cell membranes actively transports sodium ions outward and potassium ions inward. Like other enzyme systems this one has a st,oichiometry and presumably, a reaction sequence and active sites. Knowledge of the latter feat,ures is fragmentary. Isolation of a reaction intermediate would clarify the reaction sequence and could lead to chemical characterization of an active site. Active sodium and potassium transport in the human erythro- cyte is a stoichiometric reaction in which three sodium ions move outward, two potassium ions move inward, and one terminal phosphate bond of adenosine triphosphate is hydrolyzed at the inner surface of the membrane in the presence of magnesium ion (1). It is inhibited by cardiac glycosides such as ouabain. It appears in broken membranes as an ATPase activity which is dependent upon sodium plus potassium, and is sensitive to ouabain (2, 3). This will be abbreviated as (Na+ + K+)- ATPase in this paper. There is high (Na+ + K+)-ATPase ac- tivity in membrane preparations of many excitable and secret- ing tissues, particularly, electric organ (4), brain (5), peripheral nerve (6)) salt gland (7), kidney (5), and salivary gland (8). In 1957, Glynn (9) presented a scheme of Shaw to account for the stoichiometry of sodium and potassium transport by an alter- nation of carrier forms. Metabolic energy, now known to come from ATP, would convert a potassium carrier, X, into a sodium carrier, Y, on the inner face of the membrane. After outward translocation in combination with sodium ion, Y would revert to X on the outer face and, in combination with potassium ion, return through the membrane to the initial state. The scheme is consistent with reciprocal competitive inhibitory effects be- tween sodium ion and potassium ion (10). On the basis of tracer exchange experiments with (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in crab nerve, Skou (11) proposed an enzyme-high energy phosphate inter- mediate, E - P. His scheme was
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Volitional Quadriceps Activation

Abstract Context: Quadriceps-activation deficits have been reported after meniscectomy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in conjunction with maximal contractions affects quadriceps activatio...
Experience of an Academic Neuroradiology Division Participating in a Utilization Management Program

Background and Purpose There has been a steady increase in the utilization of expensive outpatient imaging studies, with a resultant increase in health care costs. To reduce unnecessary and inappropriate studies, the authors' department has participated in a utilization management (UM) program; in this article, the authors report the experience of the division of neuroradiology. Methods Using evidence-based guidelines, a commercial UM program provides real-time decision support for physicians ordering expensive outpatient imaging studies. After consultation between UM personnel and a referring physician's staff, studies not meeting appropriateness criteria are referred to an academic radiologist for review. The radiologist can approve the study after reviewing the electronic chart or call the referring physician for further information. Studies are not denied by radiologists. Results For health plans of one large payer, 2,032 neuroradiologic studies were reviewed by 7 neuroradiologists during a 1-year period, of which 1,622 (80%) were approved. The remaining 410 studies (20%) were initially withdrawn by consensus or by no callback. Overall, 293 of the 410 (71%) studies (208 magnetic resonance, 85 computed tomography) initially not performed were not reordered (duration of follow-up, 3-15 months). Hence, 293 of 2,032 (14%) of all studies reviewed were not performed. The estimated cost of scans not performed was about $150,000. Approximately 6% of requests were changed to more appropriate studies. Conclusion The participation of academic neuroradiologists in a UM program affected the performance of many expensive outpatient imaging studies. There was a durable reduction in unnecessary and inappropriate studies. These results demonstrate the utility of evidence-based appropriateness criteria in radiology UM programs and the power of the sentinel effect.
Cost-effective smart memory implementation for parallel backprojection in computed tomography

As nanoscale lithography challenges mandate greater pattern regularity and commonality for logic and memory circuits, new opportunities are created to affordably synthesize more powerful smart memory blocks for specific applications. Leveraging the ability to embed logic inside the memory block boundary, we demonstrate the synthesis of smart memory architectures that exploits the inherent memory address patterns of the backprojection algorithm to enable efficient parallel image reconstruction at minimum hardware overhead. An end-to-end design framework in sub-20nm CMOS technologies was constructed for the physical synthesis of smart memories and evaluation of the huge design space. Our experimental results show that customizing memory for the computerized tomography (CT) parallel backprojection can achieve more than 30% area and power savings while offering significant performance improvements with marginal sacrifice of image accuracy.
Probabilistic round trip contamination analysis of a Mars Sample acquisition and handling process using Markovian decompositions

A method for evaluating the probability of a Viable Earth Microorganism (VEM) contaminating a sample during the sample acquisition and handling (SAH) process of a potential future Mars Sample Return mission is developed. A scenario where multiple core samples would be acquired using a rotary percussive coring tool, deployed from an arm on a MER class rover is analyzed. The analysis is conducted in a structured way by decomposing sample acquisition and handling process into a series of discrete time steps, and breaking the physical system into a set of relevant components. At each discrete time step, two key functions are defined: The probability of a VEM being released from each component, and the transport matrix, which represents the probability of VEM transport from one component to another. By defining the expected the number of VEMs on each component at the start of the sampling process, these decompositions allow the expected number of VEMs on each component at each sampling step to be represented as a Markov chain. This formalism provides a rigorous mathematical framework in which to analyze the probability of a VEM entering the sample chain, as well as making the analysis tractable by breaking the process down into small analyzable steps.
Quantifier elimination for neocompact sets

We shall prove quantifier elimination theorems for neocompact formulas, which define neocompact sets and are built from atomic formulas using finite disjunctions, infinite conjunctions, existential quantifiers, and bounded universal quantifiers. The neocompact sets were first introduced to provide an easy alternative to nonstandard methods of proving existence theorems in probability theory, where they behave like compact sets. The quantifier elimination theorems in this paper can be applied in a general setting to show that the family of neocompact sets is countably compact. To provide the necessary setting we introduce the notion of a law structure. This notion was motivated by the probability law of a random variable. However, in this paper we discuss a variety of model theoretic examples of the notion in the light of our quantifier elimination results.
Efficient large-scale process-oriented parallel simulations

Process oriented views are widely recognized as very useful for modeling, but difficult to implement efficiently in a simulation system, as compared to event oriented views. In particular, the complexity and run-time overheads of the implementation have prevented the widespread use of process oriented views in optimistic parallel simulations. Here, we review the conventional approaches to implementing process-oriented views, and outline some of the sources of problems in those approaches. We also identify an approach that we call stack reconstruction, which is most suited for portably and efficiently supporting optimistic process-oriented views. Benchmark simulations using our preliminary implementation, which is incorporated in the TED modeling and simulation system, confirms the low overheads of this approach, and demonstrates its capability to simulate over one million processes in a process-oriented model.
Reciprocal backcross mice confirm major loci linked to hyperoxic acute lung injury survival time

Morbidity and mortality associated with acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome remain substantial. Although many candidate genes have been tested, a clear understanding of ...
Practical Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) describes a diversity of painful conditions following trauma, coupled with abnormal regulation of blood flow and sweating, trophic changes, and edema of skin. The excruciating pain and diverse autonomic dysfunctions in CRPS are disproportionate to any inciting and recovering event. CRPS type I is formerly identified as "reflex sympathetic dystrophy." CRPS type II is the new term for "causalgia" that always coexists with documented nerve injury. The present diagnostic criteria of CRPS I and II depend solely on meticulous history and physical examination without any confirmation by specific test procedure (or gold standard). There are only few clinical studies with large-scale randomized trials of pharmacologic agents on the treatment of CRPS. Bisphosphonates have been studied in multiple controlled trials, based on theoretical benefit of bone resorption, to offer pain relief and functional improvement in patients with CRPS. Many current rationales in treatment of CRPS (such as topical agents, antiepileptic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, and opioids) are mainly dependent on efficacy originate in other common conditions of neuropathic pain. There are additional innovative therapies on CRPS that are still in infancy. No wonder all the treatment of individual CRPS case nowadays is pragmatic at best. Although the interventional therapies in CRPS (such as nerve blockade, sympathetic block, spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, implantable spinal medication pumps, and chemical and surgical sympathectomy) may offer more rapid response, yet it is still controversial with unpredictable outcome. Nevertheless, we need to start pain management immediately with the ambition to restore function in every probable case of CRPS. An interdisciplinary setting with comprehensive approach (pharmacologic, interventional, and psychological in conjunction with rehabilitation pathway) has been proposed as protocol in the practical management of CRPS. It is crucial to have a high sensitivity value combined with a fair specificity in revising diagnostic criteria of CRPS. The validation and consensus for new rationalized diagnostic criteria of CRPS could facilitate further research to enhance clinical outcome including quality of life. These endeavors to minimize suffering from CRPS would certainly be appreciated by many patients and their loved ones.
Thromboxane synthase and TP receptor mRNA in rat kidney and brain: effects of salt intake and ANG II

A TP receptor (TP-R) mimetic causes salt-sensitive hypertension and renal afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction. TP-Rs mediate effects of ANG II on renal vascular resistance and drinking. Therefore,...
Roles for fuzzy expert advisors in telemonitoring and home health control systems

Motivated by the need to develop robust, distributed approaches for healthcare and user interface decision-making, this paper addresses the capabilities of intelligent systems tools. The focus is on the theory and implementation of fuzzy expert advisors, followed (when appropriate) by neuro-fuzzy training algorithms that tune (customize) fuzzy parameters. Some ongoing projects are briefly presented.
Reproductive biology of Cyrtopodium punctatum in situ: implications for conservation of an endangered Florida orchid

Cyrtopodium punctatum (Linnaeus) Lindley is an endangered epiphytic orchid restricted in the USA to southern Florida. This species has been extensively collected from the wild since the early 1900s, and today only a few plants remain in protected areas. As part of a conservation plan, a reproductive biology study was conducted to better understand the ecology of this species in Florida. Cyrtopodium punctatum relies on a deceit pollination system using aromatic compounds to attract pollinators. Nine aromatic compounds were identified as components of the fragrance of C. punctatum inflorescences, including two compounds that are known to be Euglossine bee attractants. However, this group of bees is not native to Florida. Of the four bee species observed to visit C. punctatum flowers in the present study, carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are likely to be the main pollinators. Pollination experiments demonstrated that C. puntatum is self-compatible, but requires a pollinator and thus does not exhibit spontaneous autogamy. In addition, the rates of fruit set were significantly higher for flowers that were outcrossed (xenogamy) than for those that were self-crossed. Thus, the species has evolved a degree of incompatibility. Examples of natural pollination and fruit set were observed during the present study (2007–2008), but the rates of reproduction were modest as a consequence of the low plant numbers and possible changes in insect densities as a result of anthropogenic influences.
Nitrogen-Sparged Media Extends Life Span of Symbiotic Protists Found in Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), Providing More Time for Microscopic Examination

Protist communities found in the hindgut of subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae) historically have been quantified and identified using a variety of methods, thus making comparisons between studies difficult. We examined four saline solutions and compared protist estimates by using two different cell-counting platforms. Estimates of protist populations were greater using a hemocytometer counting chamber than sealed coverslip mounts. Estimates of the protist population per Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) worker averaged 90,000 in Trager U, 79,000 in Ritter, 68,000 in Mannesmann, and 50,000 in 0.6% NaCl saline solutions. The percentage of protist survivorship significantly decreased after 5 min under microscopic examination in untreated media. Sparging one of the saline solutions (Trager U) with nitrogen gas provided a solution where protist populations averaged 91,000 and percentage of protist survivorship did not significantly decrease for 15 min. Identification and quantification of protists require time, and extending cell life provides more time to make accurate counts. We therefore propose the technique described in this study be adopted for its ease of use and improved accuracy.
Agroecological and policy influences on no‐till adoption

Abstract This paper examines the adoption of a conservation practice among Illinois farmers from the perspective of the importance of agroecological and conservation policy influences. Farmers in one agricultural region adopted the conservation practice of no‐till agriculture earlier and to a greater extent than those in another. Evidence shows that policy changes were not accompanied by changes in farmers’ motivations for adopting no‐till. If anything, farmers adopting in the period after the policy changes were less likely to adopt for conservation and erosion control reasons than in the period before the policy changes. The research concludes that, whereas a shift in policy may have resulted in the desired behavioral change, it has not resulted in influencing no‐till adoption for conservation reasons. Farmers’ future behavior is unlikely to be directly affected by conservation legislation and policy.
Reorganizing the Organizational Synthesis: Federal-Professional Relations in Modern America

Twenty years after Louis Galambos published “The Emerging Organizational Synthesis,” the organizational strand of revisionist history has become a mainstay of scholarly interpretation. One hallmark of its maturity is that today the organizational synthesis is itself a subject undergoing revision by charter members and critics alike. High priests like Galambos have underscored the wealth of scholarship spawned by the organizational approach and have discerned broad new trends and tensions in that scholarship. Galambos recently blessed three denominations that have embellished and elaborated upon the founders' abiding faith in the forces of modernization to reshape state-society relations: technology, as mediated through large-scale corporate development; the administrative state, as it has developed over the twentieth century to embrace a new, corporatist form of liberalism; and the pervasive professionalization of society. Yet many leading historians remain outside of the organizational flock. Alan Brinkley, one of the agnostics, has criticized organizational historians for pushing “vast segments of society to the periphery of historical analysis.” Michael McGerr, an outright heretic, has questioned the whole endeavor, doubting whether there “really was an ‘organizational society’ in the early twentieth century (or even now)” and charging the historians who in-vented that society with the sin of “presentism.”
Degree Two Normal Forms of Control Systems and the Generalized Legendre Clebsch Condition

The Brunovsky (or Controller) form is a useful normal form of linear systems under the group of linear state coordinate changes and linear state feedbacks. We discuss normal forms of quadratic systems under quadratic change of coordinates and quadratic feedback modulo cubic and higher terms. We discuss the relationship of these normal forms to the Generalized Legendre-Clebsch of Singular Optimal Control.
Probabilistic Projection of Mean Sea Level and Coastal Extremes

AbstractFundamental uncertainties governing sea level rise projections are associated with the rate of acceleration in global sea level rise and the local factors affecting relative sea level. Recent models and observations of global ice sheets and their contributions to sea level, as well as climate models, suggest that significant sea level acceleration is imminent, yet observational data from tide gauges and satellites have not yet found rates consistent with some of the projections. To allow coastal planners a way to incorporate the uncertainties of acceleration, a synthesis of observed sea level data with selected distributions of acceleration and the current rate of rise is proposed to provide probabilistic estimates of future sea levels. The resulting distributions can be adopted in a risk-based framework to assess project vulnerability. As geophysical understanding of the climate-forced sea level dynamics improves, the selection and veracity of these distributions and their sea level projections w...
Renin–angiotensin blockade reduces serum free testosterone in middle-aged men on haemodialysis and correlates with erythropoietin resistance

Background. There are conflicting reports about the importance of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) on erythropoietin (Epo) sensitivity in haemodialysis patients, but the role of gender has not been studied specifically. The hypothesis underlying this study is that Epo resistance associated with RAS blockade (RASB) is specific to men and related to drug-induced lowering of circulating testosterone. Methods. Men and women undergoing chronic haemodialysis were divided into groups according to whether or not they were receiving RASB. Serum was collected pre-dialysis for determination of free testosterone levels by enzyme immunoassay. Routine laboratory data and Epo doses were collated and analysed for the 3 month period prior to the measurement of the hormone level. Results. Control women required more Epo than control men (P ¼ 0.002), but the Epo doses between men and women with RASB were similar. Men with RASB required more Epo than control men (P ¼ 0.002), but RASB had no effect on Epo requirements in women. There was a significant relationship between age and testosterone levels in control men (P ¼ 0.01) that was not present in men taking RASB. RASB was associated with lower levels of serum testosterone in men <60 years old (P ¼ 0.02), but had no effect on serum testosterone levels in older men or women. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that serum testosterone negatively correlated with Epo dose (P ¼ 0.045) when all groups of patients were considered together. Conclusions. These data suggest that androgens may participate in Epo resistance associated with RASB in patients on haemodialysis, and that the effect is related to both gender and age.
Factors of Usability Design for Multilingual and Multicultural Websites

The availability and popularity of new informational mediums within the last ten to fifteen years has prompted a drastic change in the way businesses and institutions educate and interact with potential clients. The World Wide Web has made the biggest impact on clients and businesses by providing a means to create a world-wide presence. Web designers, as part of the global community, are now challenged with the task of making highly usable websites for a world audience. This paper identifies problems regarding multilingual and multicultural usability, examines strategies for effective translation of content, and provides suggestions for designing highly usable websites for a global audience.
Psychological, contextual, and psychobiological interactions: A developmental perspective on conduct disorder

An understanding of the interactions among developmental psychobiological and psychological and contextual aspects of conduct disorder has the potential for contributing new insights on the etiology and stability of conduct problems. The purpose here is to present theoretical and methodological issues germane to integrating a psychophysiological theory of conduct disorder with psychological developmental perspectives. These issues are theoretical concerns germane to a developmental perspective on conduct disorder, stability and change in conduct disorder, and bidirectionality in biological and psychological influences on conduct disorder.
Measurements of the Tensile Strength of Liquid Nitrogen

The tensile strength or the limit on the cavitation pressure of liquid nitrogen has been measured using high intensity ultrasound at both 1 and 2 Mhz. The ultrasound was focused into a small volume of liquid nitrogen by concave piezoelectric transducers with spherical symmetry. The pressure amplitude of the ultrasound at the focus was determined from the geometry and the pressure at the transducer surface using Debye’s theory. Scattering of HeNe laser light from the focal region of the piezoelectric transducer indicated cavitation. The measured values of the cavitation pressure were observed to be in agreement with the homogeneous nucleation theory in the temperature range of 77 K to 100 K for a nucleation rate of approximately 106 to 1011 critical size bubbles/s cm3.
Reducing Occupational Neck Pain With a Passive Neck Orthosis

Neck pain is common among occupations requiring static neck flexion. Therefore, this project develops and tests a neck support to alleviate occupational neck pain. The design supports workers’ heads during neck flexion to reduce neck muscle activity. Surface electromyography tests and workplace tests using a prototype yielded promising efficacy results.
Direction-Selective Circuits Shape Noise to Ensure a Precise Population Code

Neural responses are noisy, and circuit structure can correlate this noise across neurons. Theoretical studies show that noise correlations can have diverse effects on population coding, but these studies rarely explore stimulus dependence of noise correlations. Here, we show that noise correlations in responses of ON-OFF direction-selective retinal ganglion cells are strongly stimulus dependent, and we uncover the circuit mechanisms producing this stimulus dependence. A population model based on these mechanistic studies shows that stimulus-dependent noise correlations improve the encoding of motion direction 2-fold compared to independent noise. This work demonstrates a mechanism by which a neural circuit effectively shapes its signal and noise in concert, minimizing corruption of signal by noise. Finally, we generalize our findings beyond direction coding in the retina and show that stimulus-dependent correlations will generally enhance information coding in populations of diversely tuned neurons.
Abstract WP83: Racial and Gender Disparities in the Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms in the United States: The Gap is Narrowing

Abbreviations: SAH, subarachnoid hemorrhage. BWH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston. ISAT, International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial. Background: Cerebral aneurysms may be treated with surgical ...
Genealogy and the Governance of Self and Others

This paper explores the use of genealogical readings of administrative law cases as a practice of ethical education in public administration. The proposed approach draws on John Rohr's use of court cases as a teaching method in public administration and Michel Foucault's exploration, in his last three lecture courses, of Greek and Roman practices of parrhesia, or free-spokenness. Rohr argued that the interlocutory treatment of court cases cultivated reflective care for public things rather than simple rule-following. Thus, the study of court cases became what Foucault would call a technique of care for oneself and others, or literally a government of self and others. Following Foucault, I make two amendments to Rohr's scheme. First, rather than study the progress and continuity of rights, I emphasize discontinuous regimes of truth-telling. Second, I substitute genealogical methods for jurisprudential ones. This requires a shift in perspective best teased out by exploring the techniques by which ancient ph...
Racial–Ethnic Minority Youth in Rural America: Theoretical Perspectives, Conceptual Challenges, and Future Directions

This chapter describes how researchers and social scientists go about making sense of the dynamic interplay between the multiple environments and life experiences that shape the individual development and well-being of racial–ethnic minority youth and their families living in rural America today. We bring together two parallel streams of research that have been developing over the past three decades. The first represents research being conducted by rural sociologists, economists, and demographers which addresses the complex changes happening across rural regions of the United States. The second represents the conceptual challenges of identifying and measuring the social and economic contexts, the transactional relations, and social processes that need to be addressed to advance our understanding of normative youth development. The authors provide a conceptual model which draws on multiple theories and a detailed list of concepts designed to help social scientists be inclusive in the design and implementation of future research on racial–ethnic minority youth in contemporary rural America.
A rare case of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma presenting as papillary metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary: A case report and review of the literature ☆

Abstract Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an uncommon form of prostatic carcinoma. We report a case of a 63-year-old man who presented with non-infective thrombotic (marantic) endocarditis and an incidental finding of a destructive lesion in the left iliac crest. Core biopsy of the lesion showed a carcinoma with papillary architecture and was initially diagnosed as "metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin". The patient experienced a cerebral infarction and expired six days later. Postmortem examination revealed extensive mixed acinar and ductal adenocarcinoma (Gleason score 5+4=9) in the prostate. Further studies confirmed the bone lesion as metastatic prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Although rare, metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a male patient when the carcinoma shows predominantly papillary architectures. A review of literature is presented to enhance the awareness of this entity.
Government Regulation 79/2010 Booster or Resistor on Indonesian Oil and Gas Firm’s Productivity? (An Empirical Analysis)

The purpose of this paper is to perform an in-depth analysis of a strict liability law, Indonesia Government Regulation No 79/2010. The enactment of new oil and gas law brings a new chapter for oil and gas reform in Indonesia. The new tax law serves as a foundation for the work of cost recovery in order to maintain the stability of government revenue, which will provide a solid basis for oil and gas businesses in the long run. This idea comes up from the best practice in the oil and gas business that extraction of oil which means “There are better, cleaner, more efficient ways to extract and produce oil and gas”. I look at the relationship between oil lifting, tax revenue, cost recovery, and Indonesia Crude Price (ICP). I find that there is significant relationship between these three variables, in other words the tax revenue collected by the government, cost recovery given to the Contractors, also the ICP will give impact to the oil and gas productivity.This paper also briefly explains the externalities and socio-environmental cost which might arise as a result of oil and gas extraction. I conclude that GR 79/2010 has a significant impact on oil and gas productivity. Thus, I suggest that Government of Indonesia must be effectively making better regulation in the sense of removing ambiguity on its application. Moreover, it should also encourage oil and gas companies’ willingness to fairly disclose an oil spill.
Control of microfluidic flow in amphiphilic fabrics.

Woven textile fabrics were designed and constructed from hydrophilic and hydrophobic spun yarns to give planar substrates containing amphiphilic microchannels with defined orientations and locations. Polypropylene fibers were spun to give hydrophobic yarns, and the hydrophilic yarns were spun from a poly(ethylene terephthalate) copolyester. Water wicking rates into the fabrics were measured by video microscopy from single drops, relevant for point-of-care microfluidic diagnostic devices, and from reservoirs. intra-yarn microchannels in the hydrophilic polyester yarns were shown to selectively transport aqueous fluids, with the flow path governed by the placement of the hydrophilic yarns in the fabric. By comparing fluid transport in fabric constructions with systematic variations in the numbers of adjacent parallel and orthogonal hydrophilic yarns, it was found that inter-yarn microchannels significantly increased wicking rates. Simultaneous wicking of an aqueous and hydrocarbon fluid into the hydrophilic...
Stereotaxic thermal pituitary ablation.

During the past seven years we have carried out stereotaxic radio-frequency thermal hypophysectomy in 312 patients. Table 1 lists the various diseases that were treated by this method.
Democracia, Radicalización, y Agencia Política en América Latina

This article integrates the empirical findings of four quantitative studies to analyze the consequences of political radicalization to Latin American democracies. The first section of the paper defines and operationalizes the concept of radicalism. The following sections explore the consequences of radicalization among the government and the opposition for the survival of elected governments and of the democratic regime; the capacity of radical governments to undermine political competition in periods of fast economic growth, and the consequences of institutional erosion and polarization for regime instability. The evidence presented in the paper calls for reassessing the role of political leadership and its agency to understand the future of the region.
The special library on campus: A model for library orientation aimed at academic administration, faculty, and support staff

Les personnels enseignants, administratifs et de soutien des universites constituent une partie importante, quoique souvent negligee, des utilisateurs des services des bibliotheques academiques. L'article decrit les methodologies et les considerations a l'oeuvre derriere la mise en place du programme d'orientation d'une bibliotheque academique americaine, programme specifiquement destine a ce groupe d'utilisateurs, en fonction de leurs besoins informationnels particuliers et de leurs comportements. Ce programme, suivi d'une evaluation, vise a faire connaitre les ressources et les services de la bibliotheque et du centre de medias aupres de ce groupe, a encourager leur utilisation et a developper les competences informationnelles de base de ces utilisateurs. Il est temps pour les bibliotheques academiques de se considerer comme des bibliotheques specialisees pour les personnels administratifs et de soutien de leurs institutions.
Dynamic Feedback Load Balancing Strategy in Cluster System

Refering to the dynamic load change in the Web server cluster system,this paper presents a new load balancing algorithm to achieve more efficient balance of the task allocation.Combined with dynamic feedback algorithm theory,the algorithm changes the corresponding nodes weight according to the load of server node periodically,avoiding the server load imbalance.Experimental results show that the algorithm effectively reduces the average system latency,improves the throughput,and enhances the overall cluster system performance.
Theranostic CuS Nanoparticles Targeting Folate Receptors for PET/CT Image-Guided Photothermal Ablation Therap

617 Objectives 64Cu-labeled copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) have been proposed as a single-compartment theranostic nanoplatform for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and photothermal ablation (PTA) therapy (J Am Chem Soc 132:15351, 2010). However, there has no report to date on active targeting of CuS NPs to tumor cells. The purpose of this study was to synthesize a novel class of folate receptor-targeted CuS (FA-CuS) NPs, and evaluate the PET/CT image-guided therapeutic effects of these NPs for PTA therapy in KB tumor xenografts. Methods FA-CuS NPs and non-targeted PEG-CuS NPs were synthesized and characterized with regard to size and stability. Tumor uptake and biodistribution of NPs were studied by microPET/CT imaging. For antitumor activity, nude mice bearing s.c. folate receptor-positive KB tumors were injected i.v. with saline, PEG-CuS NPs, or FA-CuS NPs, followed by treatment with NIR laser at 1.5 W/cm2 for 2 min. Twenty-four hours after laser treatment, tumors were removed for histological evaluation. Results The successful synthesis of FA-CuS NPs with hydrodynamic diameter of ~21 nm was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis, UV-Vis spectrum, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. The uptake of FA-CuS NPs in KB cancer cells overexpressing the folate receptors was significantly blocked by free FA, indicating that the cellular uptake of the NPs was mediated by a receptor-mediated endocytosis process. microPET/CT imaging and biodistribution studies revealed that FA-CuS NPs exhibited significantly higher tumor uptake in nude mice bearing KB cancer xenografts than non-targeted NPs following intravenous administration. Important, PTA therapy with targeted FA-CuS NPs mediated substantially greater tumor necrosis than with non-targeted PEG-CuS NPs. Conclusions FA-CuS NPs are promising NPs for PET imaging-guided PTA of cancer cells that overexpress folate receptors.
Analysis of influenza monitoring results in Jiaxing in 2010-2012

Objective To understand the etiology and epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Jiaxing in 2010- 2012,so as to provide the scientific basis for control and prevention of influenza. Methods From 2010 to 2012,throat swab specimens of influenza- like Illness were collected from sentinel hospital every week for nucleic acid detection by real- time PCR,and the results were analyzed by statistics. Results A total of 554352 cases from outpatient and emergency room of the influenza monitoring hospital were monitored,and 6984 patients were influenza- like illness,accounting for 1. 26 %. In three years,1846 ILL nucleic acid specimens were detected,and 362 samples were positive,at a percentage of 19. 61 %. The peak of the positive rate was in winter- spring and summer- autumn. The predominant strains were novel influenza A( H1N1) and type B in winter- spring,while type H3 in summer- autumn. Conclusion The predominant strains of influenza changed alternatively in Jiaxing. The change of the ILI and ILI% was basically the same as the positive rate of the influenza virus nucleic acid. The age span of novel influenza A is large,most were young and middle- aged.
Preoperative frailty predicts postoperative complications and mortality in urology patients

Our objective was to determine the impact of preoperative frailty, as measured by validated Risk Analysis Index (RAI), on the occurrence of postoperative complications after urologic surgeries in a national database comprised of diverse practice groups and cases. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2005 to 2011 for a list of abdominal, vaginal, transurethral and scrotal urological surgeries using Current Procedural Terminology codes. The study population was subdivided into two groups based on the nature of procedures performed: complex procedures (inpatient) and simple procedures (outpatient). Risk Analysis Index score was calculated using preoperative NSQIP variables to determine preoperative frailty. Major postoperative morbidities (pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal and infectious), mortality, return to operating room, discharge destination and readmission to the hospital were examined. The study identified 42,715 patients who underwent urological procedures, 25,693 complex and 17,022 simple procedures. Mean RAI score (range) was 7.75 (0–53). The majority of patients scored low on the RAI (90.57 % with RAI < 10). As the RAI score increased, there was a significant increase in postoperative complication and mortality rate (both p < 0.0001). Similarly, the rate of return to operating room and hospital readmission rate increased as RAI increased (both p < 0.0001). Additionally, rate of discharge to home decreased. Interestingly, mortality rate in patients with high RAI did not differ comparing simple to complex procedures (p = 0.90), whereas complications were significantly greater in the complex operation (p = 0.01). Increase in frailty, as measured by RAI score, is associated with increased postoperative complications and mortality. RAI may allow for rapid identification and counseling of patients who are at high risk of adverse perioperative outcomes.
Sepsis increases contraction-related generation of reactive oxygen species in the diaphragm.

Recent work indicates that free radicals mediate sepsis-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction. These previous experiments have not, however, established the source of the responsible free radical species. In theory, this phenomenon could be explained if one postulates that sepsis elicits an upregulation of contraction-related free radical formation in muscle. The purpose of the present study was to test this hypothesis by examination of the effect of sepsis on contraction-related free radical generation [i.e. , formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)] by the diaphragm. Rats were killed 18 h after injection with either saline or endotoxin. In vitro hemidiaphragms were then prepared, and ROS generation during electrically induced contractions (20-Hz trains delivered for 10 min) was assessed by measurement of the conversion of hydroethidine to ethidium. ROS generation was negligible in noncontracting diaphragms from both saline- and endotoxin-treated groups (2.0 +/- 0. 6 and 2.8 +/- 1.0 ng ethidium/mg tissue, respectively), but it was marked in contracting diaphragms from saline-treated animals (19.0 +/- 2.8 ng/mg tissue) and even more pronounced (30.0 +/- 2.8 ng/mg tissue) in diaphragms from septic animals (P < 0.01). This enhanced free radical generation occurred despite the fact that the force-time integral (i.e., the area under the curve of force vs. time) for control diaphragms was higher than that for the septic group. In additional studies, in which we altered the stimulation paradigm in control muscles to achieve a force-time integral similar to that achieved in septic muscles, an even greater difference between control and septic muscle ROS formation was observed. These data indicate that ROS formation during contraction is markedly enhanced in diaphragms from endotoxin-treated septic animals. We speculate that ROS generated in this fashion plays a central role in producing sepsis-related skeletal muscle dysfunction.
Momentum, Work, and Energy

Several methods of integration of the Newton-Euler vector equation of motion and its related scalar equations have been studied in a variety of applications in previous chapters. Although it is not possible to integrate these equations in general terms for all types of problems, certain kinds of problems do admit general first integrals that lead to several additional and useful basic principles of mechanics: the impulse-momentum principle, the torque-impulse principle, and the work-energy principle. Moreover, for certain kinds of forces, the work-energy principle may be reduced to a powerful fundamental law known as the principle of conservation of energy. The law of conservation of momentum and the law of conservation of moment of momentum are two more first integral principles that derive from the Newton-Euler law and the moment of momentum principle. This chapter concerns the development and application of these several additional principles.
Mathematical Problem Solving and Teacher Professional Learning: The Case of a Modified PISA Mathematics Task

Problem solving is a core activity in mathematics classrooms at all levels of schooling across the world. Problems are central to mathematics teaching and learning and constitute the basis for intellectual activity in the classroom (Lampert, 2001; Stein, Smith, Henningsen, & Silver, 2000). Thus, mathematics problems form the foundation of students’ opportunities to learn mathematics. In turn, the anticipation, examination, and evaluation of students’ work on problems constitute a substantial portion of the work of mathematics teachers. Thus, consistent with the so-called practice-based approach to teacher professional learning, the anticipation and examination of students’ solutions to mathematics problems should be a strategic site for teachers to learn in and from their instructional practice (Kazemi & Franke, 2004; Krebs, 2005). Yet, teacher learning does not occur as an automatic consequence of their using mathematics problems with students or witnessing the attempts of students to solve problems. Opportunities for teacher learning in and through close examination of aspects of instructional practice appear to be dependent on if and how professional development cultivates teacher inquiry and reflection (Little, Gearhart, Curry, & Kafka, 2003).
Personality Development During the School-Aged Years: Implications for Theory, Research, and Practice

In this chapter, we review the current state of research on personality development across the lifespan with an emphasis on childhood and adolescence. We first provide a framework for discussing personality development across the life course by highlighting the fundamental personality traits observed across childhood and adolescence and into adulthood. We then discuss the various methods of assessing continuity and change of these traits, including rank-order stability, mean-level change, individual-level change, and ipsative continuity. In the context of each method, we offer a review of the findings to date concerning personality development. We next provide a brief overview of some possible explanations for the observed patterns of development then conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings for educational research, theory, and practice.
Guaranteed Classification Performance of Multi-Spacecraft Interferometric Imaging Systems

In this paper, we quantify the effect of random noise on the probability of misclassification of images produced by multi-spacecraft interferometric imaging systems (MSIIS). We consider two metrics for the noise corrupting the image: the mean squared error (MSE) and the worst-case error (WCE). We show that these are consistent with the goal of image classification in that, as the MSE or WCE tends to zero, the probability of misclassifying an image also tends to zero. Given a feature map, i.e., a real-valued function of an image variable, we assume that classification is done by applying a threshold to the feature map. In this feature-based classification, we find bounds on the MSE and the WCE such that the probability of misclassifying the image is guaranteed to be less than some pre-specified value. We illustrate the theory through an example where the banded appearance of the image of a planet is detected. The results of this paper could be used for the reliable characterization of exo-solar planets and similar astronomical studies.
Diagnosis and treatment of infections following internal fixation of hip fractures.

Summary The incidence of wound infection following hip nailing is unacceptably high in many hospitals. Many of these infections go unrecognized temporarily or permanently owing to absence of the typical signs of sepsis. A high degree of suspicion must be accompanied by clinical acumen and the use of physical examination, radiography, laboratory studies, aspirate examination, and at times surgical biopsy to diagnose or exclude the possibility of infection. Bacteriologic cultures must be properly plated and carefully interpreted. Organisms that are normally saprophytic often become pathogenic with a metallic implant. Treatment consists of the proper surgical procedure properly timed with extensive debridement, appropriate antibiotics, and immobilization of the tissues postoperatively. The prophylactic use of antibiotics, improved surgical technique, and a cleaner operating room environment should decrease the incidence of these infections to a more acceptable level.
The double-occupation of Palestine

This article argues that the recent calm the West Bank is currently experiencing results from the US-Israeli strategy of outsourcing the disciplinary power of the occupation to the Palestinian Auth...