The Inclusion of self-assessment in merit evaluation

The purpose of this survey study was to collect faculty perceptions toward changes made to the faculty merit evaluation process in a college of education at a state comprehensive university. The changes in the evaluation occurred over a two-year period, where a formative rubric and faculty self-assessment were incorporated into the merit instrument. The sampling frame for the study included the college of education faculty members at the university. The data for the study were collected in two different phases using a field-tested online survey that was created to collect the faculty perceptions of the newly developed instrument and process for completing the merit evaluation. The data collected from the surveys were analyzed using nonparametric tests and qualitative textual analysis. Findings from the study indicated favorable perceptions of the new merit evaluation and only a limited number of differences among the demographic groups

Computed Tomography With Intravenous Contrast Alone: The Role of Intra‐abdominal Fat on the Ability to Visualize the Normal Appendix in Children

Background Computed tomography ( CT ) with enteric contrast is frequently used to evaluate children with suspected appendicitis. The use of CT with intravenous ( IV ) contrast alone ( CT IV ) may be sufficient, however, particularly in patients with adequate intra‐abdominal fat ( IAF ). Objectives The authors aimed 1) to determine the ability of radiologists to visualize the normal (nondiseased) appendix with CT IV in children and to assess whether IAF adequacy affects this ability and 2) to assess the association between IAF adequacy and patient characteristics. Methods This was a retrospective 16‐center study using a preexisting database of abdominal CT scans. Children 3 to 18 years who had CT IV scan and measured weights and for whom appendectomy history was known from medical record review were included. The sample was chosen based on age to yield a sample with and without adequate IAF . Radiologists at each center reread their site's CT IV scans to assess appendix visualization and IAF adequacy. IAF was categorized as “adequate” if there was any amount of fat completely surrounding the cecum and “inadequate” if otherwise. Results A total of 280 patients were included, with mean age of 10.6 years (range = 3.1 to 17.9 years). All 280 had no history of prior appendectomy; therefore, each patient had a presumed normal appendix. A total of 102 patients (36.4%) had adequate IAF . The proportion of normal appendices visualized with CT IV was 72.9% (95% confidence interval [ CI ] = 67.2% to 78.0%); the proportions were 89% (95% CI  = 81.5% to 94.5%) and 63% (95% CI  = 56.0% to 70.6%) in those with and without adequate IAF (95% CI for difference of proportions = 16% to 36%). Greater weight and older age were strongly associated with IAF adequacy (p < 0.001), with weight appearing to be a stronger predictor, particularly in females. Although statistically associated, there was noted overlap in the weights and ages of those with and without adequate IAF . Conclusions Protocols using CT with IV contrast alone to visualize the appendix can reasonably include weight, age, or both as considerations for determining when this approach is appropriate. However, although IAF will more frequently be adequate in older, heavier patients, highly accurate prediction of IAF adequacy appears challenging solely based on age and weight. Resumen Tomografía Computarizada Únicamente con Contraste Intravenoso: El Papel de la Grasa Intrabadominal en la Capacidad para Visualizar el Apéndice Normal en los Niños Introduction La tomografía computarizada ( TC ) con contraste entérico es usada frecuentemente para evaluar a los niños con sospecha de apendicitis. El uso de la TC únicamente con contraste intravenoso ( TC IV ) puede ser suficiente, especialmente en pacientes con adecuada grasa intrabdominal ( GIA ). Objetivos 1) Determinar la capacidad de los radiólogos para visualizar el apéndice normal (sin enfermedad) con TC IV en niños, y valorar si la cantidad de GIA afecta a esta capacidad; y 2) valorar la asociación entre la idoneidad de la GIA y las características del paciente. Metodología Estudio retrospectivo de 16 hospitales que utilizó una base de datos prexistente de TC abdominales. Se incluyó a los niños entre 3 y 18 años que tenían una TC IV , una medida del peso e historia de apendectomía conocida por la revisión de la historia clínica. La muestra se eligió en base a la edad con el fin de conseguir una muestra con y sin GIA adecuada. Los radiólogos de cada centro releyeron las TC IV de sus centros para valorar la visualización del apéndice y la adecuación de la GIA . La GIA se clasificó como “adecuada” si había cualquier cantidad de grasa completamente alrededor del ciego e “inadecuada” si era de otra manera. Resultados Se incluyeron 280 pacientes, con una media de edad de 10,6 años (rango 3,1 a 17,9 años). Ninguno tenía historia previa de apendectomía; por lo tanto todos los pacientes tuvieron un apéndice presumiblemente normal. Ciento dos pacientes (36,4%) tuvieron GIA adecuada. El porcentaje de apéndices normales visualizados con TC IV fue de 72,9% ( IC 95% = 67,2% a 78,0%); la proporción fue 89% ( IC 95% = 81,5% a 94,5%), y 63% ( IC 95% = 56,0% a 70,6%) en aquéllos con y sin GIA adecuada ( IC 95% para la diferencia de proporciones = 16% a 36%). El mayor peso y la mayor edad se asociaron fuertemente con la adecuación de la GIA (p < 0,001), y el peso resultó ser el mayor factor predictivo, especialmente en mujeres. Aunque se asoció estadísticamente, se vio un solapamiento en los pesos y edades de aquéllos con y sin GIA adecuada. Conclusiones Los protocolos que usan la TC IV para visualizar el apéndice pueden razonablemente incluir el peso, la edad, o ambas como consideraciones para determinar cuándo esta aproximación es apropiada. Sin embargo, aunque la cantidad de GIA será frecuentemente más apropiada en los pacientes más mayores y de mayor peso, la predicción certera de adecuación de GIA es altamente desafiante si se basa sólo en la edad y el peso.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/99695/1/acem12185.pd

Methamphetamine Use and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections

Drug use may be contributing to the spread of MRSA in a rural southeastern US community

LSST Science Book, Version 2.0

A survey that can cover the sky in optical bands over wide fields to faint magnitudes with a fast cadence will enable many of the exciting science opportunities of the next decade. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will have an effective aperture of 6.7 meters and an imaging camera with field of view of 9.6 deg^2, and will be devoted to a ten-year imaging survey over 20,000 deg^2 south of +15 deg. Each pointing will be imaged 2000 times with fifteen second exposures in six broad bands from 0.35 to 1.1 microns, to a total point-source depth of r~27.5. The LSST Science Book describes the basic parameters of the LSST hardware, software, and observing plans. The book discusses educational and outreach opportunities, then goes on to describe a broad range of science that LSST will revolutionize: mapping the inner and outer Solar System, stellar populations in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, the structure of the Milky Way disk and halo and other objects in the Local Volume, transient and variable objects both at low and high redshift, and the properties of normal and active galaxies at low and high redshift. It then turns to far-field cosmological topics, exploring properties of supernovae to z~1, strong and weak lensing, the large-scale distribution of galaxies and baryon oscillations, and how these different probes may be combined to constrain cosmological models and the physics of dark energy.Comment: 596 pages. Also available at full resolution at http://www.lsst.org/lsst/sciboo

Feasibility and reproducibility of a cardiovascular magnetic resonance free-breathing, multi-shot, navigated image acquisition technique for ventricular volume quantification during continuous exercise

Background: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) image acquisition techniques during exercise typically requires either transient cessation of exercise or complex post-processing, potentially compromising clinical utility. We evaluated the feasibility and reproducibility of a navigated image acquisition method for ventricular volumes assessment during continuous physical exercise. Methods: Ten healthy volunteers underwent supine cycle ergometer (Lode) exercise CMR on two separate occasions using a free-breathing, multi-shot, navigated, balanced steady-state free precession cine pulse sequence. Images were acquired at 3-stages, baseline and during steady-state exercise at 55% and 75% maximal heart rate (HRmax), based on a prior supine cardiopulmonary exercise test. Intra-and inter-observer variability and inter-scan reproducibility were derived. Clinical feasibility was tested in a separate cohort of patients with severe mitral regurgitation (n=6). Results: End-diastolic volume (EDV) of both LV and RV decreased during exercise at 55% and 75% HRmax, although a reduction in RVEDV index was only observed at 75% HRmax. Ejection fractions (EF) for both ventricles were significantly higher at 75% HRmax compared to their respective baselines (LVEF 68%±3% vs. 58%±5%, P=0.001; RVEF 66%±4% vs. 58%±7%, P=0.02). Intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility of LV parameters was excellent at all 3-stages. Although measurements of RVESV were more variable during exercise, the reproducibility of both RVEF and RV cardiac index was excellent (CV <10%). Inter-scan LV and RV ejection fraction were highly reproducible at all 3 stages, although inter-scan reproducibility of indexed RVESV was only moderate. The protocol was well tolerated by all patients. Conclusions: Exercise CMR using a free-breathing, multi-shot, navigated cine imaging method allows simultaneous assessment of left and right ventricular volumes during continuous exercise. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were excellent. Inter-scan LV and RV ejection fraction were also highly reproducible

Effects of antiplatelet therapy on stroke risk by brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases: subgroup analyses of the RESTART randomised, open-label trial

Background Findings from the RESTART trial suggest that starting antiplatelet therapy might reduce the risk of recurrent symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage compared with avoiding antiplatelet therapy. Brain imaging features of intracerebral haemorrhage and cerebral small vessel diseases (such as cerebral microbleeds) are associated with greater risks of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage. We did subgroup analyses of the RESTART trial to explore whether these brain imaging features modify the effects of antiplatelet therapy

Genome-wide association and epidemiological analyses reveal common genetic origins between uterine leiomyomata and endometriosis

Abstract: Uterine leiomyomata (UL) are the most common neoplasms of the female reproductive tract and primary cause for hysterectomy, leading to considerable morbidity and high economic burden. Here we conduct a GWAS meta-analysis in 35,474 cases and 267,505 female controls of European ancestry, identifying eight novel genome-wide significant (P < 5 × 10−8) loci, in addition to confirming 21 previously reported loci, including multiple independent signals at 10 loci. Phenotypic stratification of UL by heavy menstrual bleeding in 3409 cases and 199,171 female controls reveals genome-wide significant associations at three of the 29 UL loci: 5p15.33 (TERT), 5q35.2 (FGFR4) and 11q22.3 (ATM). Four loci identified in the meta-analysis are also associated with endometriosis risk; an epidemiological meta-analysis across 402,868 women suggests at least a doubling of risk for UL diagnosis among those with a history of endometriosis. These findings increase our understanding of genetic contribution and biology underlying UL development, and suggest overlapping genetic origins with endometriosis

Cardiovascular inflammation in healthy women: multilevel associations with state-level prosperity, productivity and income inequality

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cardiovascular inflammation is a key contributor to the development of atherosclerosis and the prediction of cardiovascular events among healthy women. An emerging literature suggests biomarkers of inflammation vary by geography of residence at the state-level, and are associated with individual-level socioeconomic status. Associations between cardiovascular inflammation and state-level socioeconomic conditions have not been evaluated. The study objective is to estimate whether there are independent associations between state-level socioeconomic conditions and individual-level biomarkers of inflammation, in excess of individual-level income and clinical covariates among healthy women.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The authors examined cross-sectional multilevel associations among state-level socioeconomic conditions, individual-level income, and biomarkers of inflammation among women (n = 26,029) in the Women's Health Study, a nation-wide cohort of healthy women free of cardiovascular diseases at enrollment. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and fibrinogen were measured between 1993 and 1996. Biomarker levels were examined among women within quartiles of state-level socioeconomic conditions and within categories of individual-level income.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The authors found that favorable state-level socioeconomic conditions were correlated with lower hsCRP, in excess of individual-level income (e.g. state-level real per capital gross domestic product fixed effect standardized Βeta coefficient [Std B] -0.03, 95% CI -0.05, -0.004). Individual-level income was more closely associated with sICAM-1 (Std B -0.04, 95% CI -0.06, -0.03) and fibrinogen (Std B -0.05, 95% CI -0.06, -0.03) than state-level conditions.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We found associations between state-level socioeconomic conditions and hsCRP among healthy women. Personal household income was more closely associated with sICAM-1 and fibrinogen than state-level socioeconomic conditions. Additional research should examine these associations in other cohorts, and investigate what more-advantaged states do differently than less-advantaged states that may influence levels of cardiovascular inflammation among healthy women.</p

Sequencing of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Genome Provides Insights into Vertebrate Evolution

Lampreys are representatives of an ancient vertebrate lineage that diverged from our own ∼500 million years ago. By virtue of this deeply shared ancestry, the sea lamprey (P. marinus) genome is uniquely poised to provide insight into the ancestry of vertebrate genomes and the underlying principles of vertebrate biology. Here, we present the first lamprey whole-genome sequence and assembly. We note challenges faced owing to its high content of repetitive elements and GC bases, as well as the absence of broad-scale sequence information from closely related species. Analyses of the assembly indicate that two whole-genome duplications likely occurred before the divergence of ancestral lamprey and gnathostome lineages. Moreover, the results help define key evolutionary events within vertebrate lineages, including the origin of myelin-associated proteins and the development of appendages. The lamprey genome provides an important resource for reconstructing vertebrate origins and the evolutionary events that have shaped the genomes of extant organisms

A Factor Graph Nested Effects Model To Identify Networks from Genetic Perturbations

Complex phenotypes such as the transformation of a normal population of cells into cancerous tissue result from a series of molecular triggers gone awry. We describe a method that searches for a genetic network consistent with expression changes observed under the knock-down of a set of genes that share a common role in the cell, such as a disease phenotype. The method extends the Nested Effects Model of Markowetz et al. (2005) by using a probabilistic factor graph to search for a network representing interactions among these silenced genes. The method also expands the network by attaching new genes at specific downstream points, providing candidates for subsequent perturbations to further characterize the pathway. We investigated an extension provided by the factor graph approach in which the model distinguishes between inhibitory and stimulatory interactions. We found that the extension yielded significant improvements in recovering the structure of simulated and Saccharomyces cerevisae networks. We applied the approach to discover a signaling network among genes involved in a human colon cancer cell invasiveness pathway. The method predicts several genes with new roles in the invasiveness process. We knocked down two genes identified by our approach and found that both knock-downs produce loss of invasive potential in a colon cancer cell line. Nested effects models may be a powerful tool for inferring regulatory connections and genes that operate in normal and disease-related processes