cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A common duplication in the lysyl hydroxylase gene of patients with Ehlers Danlos syndrome type VI results in preferential stimulation of lysyl hydroxylase activity and mRNA by hydralazine.

Patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome type VI (EDS VI) are biochemically characterized by a deficiency of lysyl hydroxylase (LH), an enzyme that hydroxylates lysine residues required in the formation of stable crosslinks in collagen biosynthesis. Recently, in 19% of 35 EDS VI families, a duplication of seven exons in the LH gene has been identified as a common cause of EDS VI. We have observed that in fibroblasts from patients with this duplication mutation, administration of hydralazine, an iron-chelating agent, and ascorbate, a cofactor for LH activity, stimulates LH activity and its mRNA significantly more than in other EDS VI patients who do not have this duplication. Administration of these reagents, either singly or in combination, to fibroblasts from five patients homozygous for the duplication stimulated the low basal level of LH activity (<20% of normal) by five- to sixfold (hydralazine +/- ascorbate) and by twofold (ascorbate alone) at 72 h. This paralleled the increase in the steady-state level of mRNA for LH measured in similarly treated fibroblasts from four of these patients. In contrast, the activity of LH in fibroblasts from six other EDS VI patients and the mRNA from four of these patients who did not have the duplication were increased only three- to fourfold by hydralazine +/- ascorbate. The mechanism for the preferential stimulation of LH activity and mRNA by hydralazine in the EDS VI cells carrying the duplication is unknown, but it could be attributed to the presence of, for example, an enhancer sequence within the duplicated region of the LH gene.
The Role of Individual Cysteine Residues in the Processing, Structure, and Function of Human Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor

Abstract The shortest form of human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSFα, CSF-1256) is expressed on the cell surface as a homodimeric type I transmembrane glycoprotein. The seven cysteine residues in CSF-1256form three intrachain disulfide bonds (Cys7-Cys90, Cys48-Cys139, and Cys102-Cys146), and one interchain disulfide bond (Cys31-Cys31). To examine the role of the seven cysteine residues in CSF-1256, we replaced each half-cystine by a serine using site-directed mutagenesis, and stably expressed the mutated genes in mouse NIH 3T3 cells. We showed that each of the seven cysteines of CSF-1256is essential for its biological activity. Our data further show that substitution of Cys48 or Cys139 totally blocked dimer formation and cell surface expression of CSF-1256, and that substitution of Cys102 and Cys146 severely impaired CSF-1 dimer formation and cell surface expression. In contrast, substitution of Cys7 or Cys90 affected CSF-1 dimer formation to a lesser degree but did not significantly affect cell surface expression of CSF-1. Furthermore, disruption of the interchain disulfide bond led to efficient cell surface expression of monomeric CSF-1. All of the cell surface expressed mutant CSF-1 proteins, either dimeric or monomeric, still underwent efficient ectodomain cleavage. The electrophoretic mobilities of the cleaved dimeric ectodomains of these mutant CSF-1 proteins on SDS–PAGE exhibited distinctly different patterns as compared with the wild type. Substitution of either Cys7 or Cys90 produced the same shift, while substitution of either Cys102 or Cys146 resulted in a shift distinct from that caused by substitution of Cys7 or Cys90. These data suggest that replacement of either of a pair of intrachain half-cystine residues results in similar conformational changes, and may provide a novel method for mapping intrachain disulfide bonds in dimeric proteins.
Recovering accounting as a worthy endeavor

Abstract This brief essay is an assertion that the crisis in the academy (Demski, 2002), the crisis in accounting education [Accounting Education: Charting the Course Through a Perilous Future, The American Accounting Association, Sarasota, FL, 2000], and the crisis in practice epitomized by the Enron fiasco are interconnected. They are the result of the historical inter-connections of accounting practice, education and scholarship, and the questionable values that shaped their parallel developments. The essay goes on to suggest that these accounting problems are really problems with Professional accountants and that recovering accounting as a worthy endeavor requires that intellectually we dissociate it from those who currently claim it as their own.
264 ONSET AND DURATION OF THE GROWTH HORMONE EFFECT ON AMOBARBITAL METABOLISM

We previously reported that human growth hormone (hGH) alters drug metabolism when administered to growth hormone deficient children. Six weeks of t.i.w. administration of 2U i.m. was found to increase half-life (t½) of amobarbital from 13.9 hrs to 22.8 hrs. Further investigations on hGH deficient children were undertaken to elucidate the possible role of hGH in regulation of hepatic drug oxidation. Amobarbital was again chosen as a representative substrate. Pharmacokinetic parameters (Vd, t½, Cl) were determined on the basis of at least 3 blood level measurements following a single 3 - 5 mg/kg oral dose. In three children amobarbital was given before and 12 hrs after a single injection of 2U of hGH. No significant change in Vd, t½ or Cl was found. One subject was restudied at 6 weeks and found to have the characteristic prolongation of t½ at that time. Two children were studied before and after 4 injections of hGH on alternate days. One showed no change in drug elimination; the other showed a very slight increase in t½. All children who showed a prolongation at 6 weeks and who were restudied 12 or more months later continued to have a long t½. Conclusions: (1) The hGH inhibition of amobarbital metabolism is reproducible; (2) the effect is not evident at 2 weeks but is complete by 6 weeks, at least on current treatment schedules and (3) the effect persists for one year of treatment or longer; diminution of the effect has not been observed.
A low complexity approach for fault detection in C-testable orthogonal VLSI arrays

Abstract This paper presents an extension to existing approaches for fault detection and C-testability of orthogonal iterative arrays. C-testability is given by a testing process whose complexity is independent of the dimensions of the arrays and the erroneous states of the cells. The state transition table of a basic cell is analyzed. Five new states are added to it. These states are used to internally reproduce the test input and propagate the faulty state to the output pins of a chip. The testing process is exhaustively analyzed. The characteristics of the additional states are presented. Complexity of the testing process (number of test vectors) is discussed. It is proved that even though the number of additinal states in the proposed approach is greater than previous approaches (five states compared with four), the required number of test vectors is considerably reduced. Illustrative examples are given. An approach to implement the proposed C-testability approach into logic design is also presented. Complexity of this implementation is analyzed. A conjecture about a possible relation between the number of additional states and the complexity of the testing process is postulated.
Modeling of spectral signatures of littoral waters

The spectral values of remotely obtained radiance reflectance coefficient (RRC) are compared with the values of RRC computed from inherent optical properties measured during the shipborne experiment near the West Florida coast. The model calculations are based on the algorithm developed at the Naval Research Laboratory at Stennis Space Center and presented here. The algorithm is based on the radiation transfer theory and uses regression relationships derived from experimental data. Overall comparison of derived and measured RRCs shows that this algorithm is suitable for processing ground truth data for the purposes of remote data calibration. The second part of this work consists of the evaluation of the predictive visibility model (PVM). The simulated three-dimensional values of optical properties are compared with the measured ones. Preliminary results of comparison are encouraging and show that the PVM can qualitatively predict the evolution of inherent optical properties in littoral waters.
Direct quantification of the rupture force of single hyaluronan/hyaluronan binding protein bonds

The non-covalent bond between aggrecan and hyaluronan is critical for maintaining the normal structure and function of the extracellular matrix in articular cartilage. The failure of this bond can cause the loss of aggrecan and destruction of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage. In this study, the rupture force of the single bond between hyaluronan and hyaluronan binding protein - the complex of the hyaluronan binding region of aggrecan and link protein - was directly measured with a nanomechanical testing system as 40+/-11 pN. The results were compared to a theoretical prediction based on a smart version of the Monte Carlo simulation.
Aberrant right hepatic arterial anatomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy: recognition, prevalence and management

Abstract Background Aberrant arterial anatomy is a common finding during foregut surgery. Anomalies to the right hepatic lobe are especially relevant during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and their recognition serves to protect the blood supply to the liver and bile ducts. We report our experience with aberrant right hepatic arterial anatomy (ARHAA) found during PD. Methods All patients who underwent PD between February 2003 and June 2007 were retrospectively reviewed and those with ARHAA were identified. Preoperative imaging studies were assessed by one radiologist, graded according to the presence of ARHAA and compared with the original interpretations. Results We found ARHAA in 31 of 191 patients (16.2%). Operative management included dissection and preservation in 24, transection and reconstruction in four, and transection and primary anastomosis in three patients. Reconstruction of ARHAA was carried out through interposition grafts in two patients and implantation into the gastroduodenal stump in two patients. No cases of arterial thrombosis, liver infarction, abscess formation or biliary fistula were demonstrated in the immediate postoperative period. Review of preoperative imaging interpretations found that only nine of 23 reports indicated the presence of ARHAA; however, the retrospective review of the images found that ARHAA was readily apparent in 24 patients. Discussion Recognition of aberrant vasculature to the liver before PD is important. Preoperative imaging studies will often be adequate to identify these anomalies, but interpreting radiologists may not be aware of its clinical significance. Surgeons performing PD must be adept at managing ARHAA safely.
Observations on bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses in white-tailed deer: (1) distribution of virus in the blood (2) cross-challenge.

The viruses of bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease produced cell associated viremias in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus Virginianus). Highest virus titers were associated with the erythrocytes. The titers of virus in the erythrocyte fraction of blood were consistently higher than those in the leukocyte fraction, although virus persisted in both fractions for approximately the same length of time. All detectable viremia disappeared within 6 to 8 days following the development of virus-specific neutralizing antibodies. These antibodies failed to confer protection against challenge with virulent heterologous virus, although the time of death was delayed 3 to 11 days in comparison with control deer.
Diversity of farm loads

DIVERSITY is defined by the Statistical Committee of the Edison Electric Institute1 ?as that quality or characteristic by which individual maximum demands occur at different times. There is hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual diversity.? Obviously, if there were no diversity between appliances, homes, farms, machines, and manufacturing plants the electrical industry would be required to have considerably more capacity than at present.
Tests for nucleic acid selectivity of Einarson's gallocyanin-chrome alum stain on monolayers of strain L-929 mouse fibroblasts.

L-929 fibroblasts, fixed on coverslips, were stained with gallocyanin-chrome alum after various treatments for removal of nucleic acid or for methylation or deamination. For nucleic acid, trichloroacetic acid and NaCl extractions and sequential incubation in DNase and RNase yielded cells unstainable with the dye complex. Methylated cells showed no cytoplasmic staining and a reduced nuclear staining, compared with the unblocked controls. Deamination had little effect. All results were dependent on the types of fixative used, times and temperatures of incubation, and in the case of nucleases, their concentration. Conventional dehydration and melted paraffin infiltration was associated with little or no staining of deaminated cells and intense staining of methylated cells. The paraffin effects were also dependent on fixatives. The evidence shows that gallocyanin-chrome alum combines with groups (presumably phosphate or carboxyl, or both) which are blocked by methylation, and which can be removed from L cells...
Carboxyl-terminal Domain Truncation Alters Apolipoprotein A-I in Vivo Catabolism

Abstract Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the major protein of high density lipoproteins, facilitates reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissue to liver. To determine the structural motifs important for modulating the in vivo catabolism of human apoA-I (h-apoA-I), we generated carboxyl-terminal truncation mutants at residues 201 (apoA-I201), 217 (apoA-I217), and 226 (apoA-I226) by site-directed mutagenesis. ApoA-I was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with the maltose binding protein, which was removed by factor Xa cleavage. The in vivo kinetic analysis of the radioiodinated apoA-I in normolipemic rabbits revealed a markedly increased rate of catabolism for the truncated forms of apoA-I. The fractional catabolic rates (FCR) of 9.10 ± 1.28/day (±S.D.) for apoA-I201, 6.34 ± 0.81/day for apoA-I217, and 4.42 ± 0.51/day for apoA-I226 were much faster than the FCR of recombinant intact apoA-I (r-apoA-I, 0.93 ± 0.07/day) and h-apoA-I (0.91 ± 0.34/day). All the truncated forms of apoA-I were associated with very high density lipoproteins, whereas the intact recombinant apoA-I (r-apoA-I) and h-apoA-I associated with HDL2 and HDL3. Gel filtration chromatography revealed that in contrast to r-apoA-I, the mutant apoA-I201 associated with a phospholipid-rich rabbit apoA-I containing particle. Analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the same mutant migrated in the pre-β position, but not within the α position as did r-apoA-I. These results indicate that the carboxylterminal region (residue 227-243) of apoA-I is critical in modulating the association of apoA-I with lipoproteins and in vivo metabolism of apoA-I.
Neural cell adhesion molecule expression in Xenopus embryos

Abstract The spatiotemporal pattern of expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM was mapped immunohistochemically in embryos of the frog Xenopus , from blastula to early swimming stages, using a polyclonal antibody that recognizes Xenopus NCAM. The neural plate stage was the earliest at which NCAM could be detected. The initial sites of NCAM immunoreactivity were neural ectoderm, somitic mesoderm, and chordamesoderm. During formation of the neural tube, NCAM immunoreactivity became restricted to the neuroectoderm and its derivatives. During closure of the neural tube and for 2–4 hr thereafter, NCAM was expressed in a distinctive radial pattern in coronal sections of the neural tube. NCAM was observed in neural crest cells before migration and after formation of cranial and spinal ganglia. During the period of initial neurite outgrowth, NCAM became concentrated in the developing central nerve fiber pathways. NCAM was seen on peripheral nerves from the time of their initial outgrowth and it was strongly expressed at neuromuscular junctions during the period of their formation. These results show that NCAM is expressed after neural induction and functions during morphogenesis of the neural plate and tube, some neural crest derivatives, development of nerve fiber tracts, and formation of neuromuscular connections.
Apneic aversion and covert sensitization in the treatment of a hydrocarbon inhalation addiction: A case study

Abstract A patient with a 7-yr history of drug abuse in the form of inhaling spray paint vapor was treated by a combination of covert sensitization and apneic aversion produced by Anectine. Objective behavioral measures of consummatory behavior throughout treatment and at a 7-month follow-up indicated that the treatment was successful.
Myths in political anthropology

Lewellen, Ted C. Political Anthropology, An Introduction. South Hadley, Mass.: Bergin & Garvey Publishers Inc., 1983. 192 pp. Bibliography, Index, Illustrations. $22.95 cloth, $10.95 paper.
Agarose/polyacrylamide minislab gel electrophoresis of intact cartilage proteoglycans and their proteolytic degradation products.

Abstract We have developed a procedure for the use of minislab gels to electrophoretically separate proteoglycans (PGs), large macromolecules with molecular masses greater than 2.5 million Da. Our procedure is a modification of the method of C. A. McDevitt and H. Muir (Anal. Biochem. 44, 612–622, 1971) for agarose/polyacrylamide, composite tube gels. These 1% agarose/1.2% acrylamide minigels are run at 35 mA for 75 min; bands are visualized by toluidine blue staining. The subtle size differences between the large aggregating PGs isolated from rat chondrosarcoma, bovine nasal septal cartilage, and adult bovine articular cartilage (which consists of two subpopulations) can be distinguished by their migration on these large pore gels. Chondroitin sulfate chains, added to all wells as a marker of constant mobility, ran immediately behind the dye front. The distance of migration into the gel of PGs incubated overnight with cathepsin B, carboxypeptidase A, papain, plasmin, elastase, or cathepsin G varied with the size of the cleavage products. We propose the use of this procedure for a convenient assessment of cartilage PGs and a rapid, reproducible assay for proteoglycanase activity.
Crystal structure and characterization of coiled-coil domain of the transient receptor potential channel PKD2L1.

The cation-permeable channel PKD2L1 forms a homomeric assembly as well as heteromeric associations with both PKD1 and PKD1L3, with the cytoplasmic regulatory domain (CRD) of PKD2L1 often playing a role in assembly and/or function. Our previous work indicated that the isolated PKD2L1 CRD assembles as a trimer in a manner dependent on the presence of a proposed oligomerization domain. Herein we describe the 2.7A crystal structure of a segment containing the PKD2L1 oligomerization domain which indicates that trimerization is driven by the β-branched residues at the first and fourth positions of a heptad repeat (commonly referred to as "a" and "d") and by a conserved R-h-x-x-h-E salt bridge motif that is largely unique to parallel trimeric coiled coils. Further analysis of the PKD2L1 CRD indicates that trimeric association is sufficiently strong that no other species are present in solution in an analytical ultracentrifugation experiment at the lowest measurable concentration of 750nM. Conversely, mutation of the "a" and "d" residues leads to formation of an exclusively monomeric species, independent of concentration. Although both monomeric and WT CRDs are stable in solution and bind calcium with 0.9μM affinity, circular dichroism studies reveal that the monomer loses 25% more α-helical content than WT when stripped of this ligand, suggesting that the CRD structure is stabilized by trimerization in the ligand-free state. This stability could play a role in the function of the full-length complex, indicating that trimerization may be important for both homo- and possibly heteromeric assemblies of PKD2L1.
Polymer microring resonators for high sensitivity, broadband, wide-directivity ultrasound detection and high-resolution imaging

Optical detection of ultrasound is an emerging technique based on the interaction of strain field and optical field, modulating the optical properties of the resonance cavity for sensitive detection. Such a detection scheme can have several unique advantages, such as broadband response and size-independent sensitivity, compared with conventional piezoelectric transducers. Detector's high sensitivity is essential for deep penetration depth, especially for highresolution imaging because of the strong attenuation of high-frequency ultrasound. Besides, small element size has the advantage of realizing wide acceptance angle of ultrasound detection. Previously we have demonstrated optical-based ultrasound detectors using polymer microring resonators, showing flat spectral response from dc to high frequency, over 90 MHz at -3-dB. By improving the fabrication process, we are able to achieve a new generation device with higher sensitivity and smaller element size. An ultralow noise-equivalent pressure of 21.4 Pa over 1-75 MHz range has been achieved using a fabricated detector of 60 μm diameter. We will mainly demonstrate its applications to photoacoustic imaging, including photoacoustic computed tomography and photoacoustic microscopy. The new generation device can also be applied to other ultrasound-related imaging and detection.
Epitaxial growth in the (111)Ag/Cu and (111)Au/Cu systems

Abstract The initial stages of epitaxial growth in the (111)Ag/Cu and (111)Au/Cu systems were investigated using UHV-RHEED and TEM on the same specimens. Flat, monocrystalline (111)Cu substrates, 1100 A thick, were formed in situ in the RHEED system on (111)NaCl/mica bilayers. The latter consisted of air-cleaved mica on which 150 A of NaCl was vacuum-evaporated to form a (111)NaCl monocrystalline film. The NaCl layer allowed easy removal in water of the subsequently deposited bilayer metal film. RHEED showed that these Cu films grew with extremely flat surfaces at 400°C and 10 A/sec deposition rates. They were then annealed at 500°C for 15 min to reduce their dislocation content and finally used as substrates for subsequent deposition of thin Ag or Au superlayers. The average Ag and Au superlayer thicknesses were varied from fractions of an Angstrom to approximately 20 A. It was shown that despite the elongated streaks in the RHEED patterns, film growth occurred by an island mechanism, the islands having flat top surfaces. In the initial growth processes, the islands merely thickened. After a few average monolayers were deposited, the islands began to widen, often by means of much thinner islands, finally coalescing into a continuous film. The Au overgrowths became continuous in the 6–11 A thickness range. In the case of Ag, there still were some open areas in the overgrowth at 20 A. In both cases the continuous regions of the Ag and Au overgrowths consisted of sharply delineated thick and thin areas that gave rise to steps on the otherwise flat surface.
Accounting for sex differences in depression through female victimization: Childhood sexual abuse.

Unipolar depression is nearly twice as prevalent is women as men (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1987). Several theories attempting to account for this disparity have been proposed, but none has yet systematically considered women's victimization experiences as a possible significant contributor to their high risk for later depression. One type of victimization that is much more common in females than males is child sexual abuse. Recent research indicates that the long-term effects of child sexual abuse include anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. In this paper, we review research suggesting that child sexual abuse can account for a significant portion of the differences in the rates of depression between females and males.
Origins and scales of hypoxia on the Louisiana shelf: Importance of seasonal plankton dynamics and river nutrients and discharge

Management plans for the Mississippi River Basin call for reductions in nutrient concentrations up to 40% or more to reduce hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), while at the same time the government is considering new farm subsidies to promote development of biofuels from corn. Thus there are possibilities of both increasing and decreasing river nutrients depending on national priorities. River flow rates which also influence the extent of hypoxia on the shelf may be altered by global climate change. We have therefore developed a series of simulations to forecast ecosystem response to alterations in nutrient loading and river flow. We simulate ecosystem response and hypoxia events using a linked model consisting of multiple phytoplankton groups competing for nitrogen, phosphorus and light, zooplankton grazing that is influenced by prey edibility and stoichiometry, sub-pycnocline water-column metabolism that is influenced by sinking fecal pellets and algal cells, and multi-element sediment diagenesis. This model formulation depicts four areas of increasing salinity moving westward away from the Mississippi River point of discharge, where the surface mixed layer, four bottom layers and underlying sediments are represented in each area. The model supports the contention that a 40% decrease in river nutrient will substantially reduce the duration and areal extent of hypoxia on the shelf. But it also suggests that in low and middle salinity areas the hypoxia response is saturated with respect to nutrients, and that in high salinity regions small increases in nutrient and river flow will have disproportionally large effects on GOM hypoxia. The model simulations also suggest that river discharge is a stronger factor influencing hypoxia than river nutrients in the Mississippi River plume. Finally, the model simulations suggest that primary production in the low salinity regions is light limited while primary production in the higher salinity zones is phosphate limited during the May to October period when hypoxia is prevalent in the Mississippi River plume.
Oral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma : review of the literature and World Health Organization classification with reference to 40 cases

Forty cases of oral cavity non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were evaluated for sex, age, location, clinical presentation, and World Health Organization (WHO) histological subtype. Fifty-three percent were female and the mean age was 71. The upper jaw (maxilla or palatal bone), mandible, palatal soft tissue, and vestibule and gingivae (maxillary or mandibular soft tissue involvement only) were, respectively, the most common locations. Swelling, ulceration, and radiographic destruction of bone were the most frequent signs. Most of the lymphomas were of B cell lineage (98%), and the majority of these B cell lymphomas (58%) were histologically subtyped as diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which is considered to have an aggressive clinical course. An immunohistochemical panel was used in the majority of cases to confirm the lineage and to help characterize the subtype. B and T cell specific markers were used to show lineage of the neoplastic cells. Additional markers were used to help confirm specific subtypes that characteristically show specific positivity to some of these antibodies. Molecular studies to detect monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangements and Bcl-1 and Bcl-2 gene translocations were performed in cases in which the diagnosis was in question. The current WHO classification is also reviewed in detail.
Mrs Goldberg's rebuttal of Butt et al.

This Article consists of two attempts to ‘turn language back on itself’ and ‘examine the very reality’ created by an ‘elite’, in the customary way of critical discourse analysis. But the ‘elites’ examined are academic researchers, in their own research into CDA. The first such academic researchers are Butt et al., in their article ‘Grammar - The First Covert Operation of War’, published in Discourse & Society. In examining their article, I suggest that the authors are guilty of the same rhetorical excesses of which they accuse George W. Bush - although more flagrantly and unjustifiably so. Where it is at least possible to argue that demonization and self-righteousness are legitimate as rhetorical tools for leaders, surely they do not belong in academic research? The second such academic researcher is Paul Chilton, whose article ‘Do Something! Conceptualising Responses to the Attacks of 11 September 2001’, published in the Journal of Language & Politics, also criticizes President Bush. My analysis of this ...
Effect of acetazoleamide (diamox) on glucose tolerance.

SummaryTwo glucose tolerance tests were performed on each of 14 subjects (9 oral glucose tolerance tests, 5 intravenous glucose tolerance tests). The first glucose tolerance test was used as a control. A second test was performed 21/2 to 31/2 hours after the administration of acetazoleamide. These tests showed a tendency for the acetazoleamide to increase the oral glucose tolerance. The administration of acetazoleamide 21/2 to 31/2 hours prior to the intravenous administration of glucose did not result in as marked a degree of change in the glucose tolerance curve. After administration of acetazoleamide to patients receiving oral glucose tolerance tests a diminution of the urinary potassium excretion was observed.
A breast-specific, negligible-dose scatter correction technique for dedicated cone-beam breast CT: a physics-based approach to improve Hounsfield Unit accuracy

The purpose of this research was to develop a method to correct the cupping artifact caused from x-ray scattering and to achieve consistent Hounsfield Unit (HU) values of breast tissues for a dedicated breast CT (bCT) system. The use of a beam passing array (BPA) composed of parallel-holes has been previously proposed for scatter correction in various imaging applications. In this study, we first verified the efficacy and accuracy using BPA to measure the scatter signal on a cone-beam bCT system. A systematic scatter correction approach was then developed by modeling the scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) in projection images acquired with and without BPA. To quantitatively evaluate the improved accuracy of HU values, different breast tissue-equivalent phantoms were scanned and radially averaged HU profiles through reconstructed planes were evaluated. The dependency of the correction method on object size and number of projections was studied. A simplified application of the proposed method on five clinical patient scans was performed to demonstrate efficacy. For the typical 10–18 cm breast diameters seen in the bCT application, the proposed method can effectively correct for the cupping artifact and reduce the variation of HU values of breast equivalent material from 150 to 40 HU. The measured HU values of 100% glandular tissue, 50/50 glandular/adipose tissue, and 100% adipose tissue were approximately 46, −35, and −94, respectively. It was found that only six BPA projections were necessary to accurately implement this method, and the additional dose requirement is less than 1% of the exam dose. The proposed method can effectively correct for the cupping artifact caused from x-ray scattering and retain consistent HU values of breast tissues.
Autoacceleration in free radical polymerization.

We present a theory of the "autoacceleration" of polymerization rates during free radical polymerization, known as the gel effect. Termination reactions between long living chains are so retarded by entanglements that "short-long" terminations provide the fastest mechanism. Consistent with several experiments, this leads to polymerization rates independent of the radical production rate ${R}_{i}$, in contrast to the $\sqrt{{R}_{i}}$ dependence in the classical theory. For long chains, the instantaneous polymer product is a copy of the living population, following an exponential distribution with mean length $\overline{N}\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{1}{{R}_{i}}$.
Carbohydrate engineered cells for regenerative medicine

Carbohydrates are integral components of the stem cell niche on several levels; proteoglycans are a major constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding a cell, glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs) help link cells to the ECM and the neighboring cells, and small but informationally-rich oligosaccharides provide a "sugar code" that identifies each cell and provides it with unique functions. This article samples roles that glycans play in development and then describes how metabolic glycoengineering - a technique where monosaccharide analogs are introduced into the metabolic pathways of a cell and are biosynthetically incorporated into the glycocalyx - is overcoming many of the long-standing barriers to manipulating carbohydrates in living cells and tissues and is becoming an intriguing new tool for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Structural properties of vacuolar proton pumps

It is well established that acidification within the collecting duct system is effected by means of a sodium-independent, electrogenic proton translocating ATPase [1]. This proton pump belongs to a new class of proton pumps, termed vacuolar, which encompasses a group of very closely related enzymes that are widespread in distribution. Indeed, the vast majority of enzymatic activity relevant to these pumps in mammalian systems is extrarenal, and vacuolar proton pumps have been localized to most intracellular organelles, including clathrin coated vesicles, endosomes, lysosomes, synaptic vesicles, chromaffin granules, and endoplasmic reticulum [2–4]. Plasma membrane localizations, in addition to the kidney, have been reported in osteoclasts [5] and macrophages [6]. Much of our knowledge of the structure and function of vacuolar proton pumps is derived from investigations in tissues other than the kidney. This is due, in large part, to the difficulty in isolating the enzyme from renal microsomes. Nonetheless, it has become apparent that the putative isoforms of vacuolar and proton translocating ATPase are intensely related and thus extrapolations from investigations of pump function conducted in extra-renal membranes are likely pertinent to the issue of the structure and function of the renal proton pump. From such studies, a rather crude structural overview of the vacuolar proton pump has emerged over the past several years. Agreement has been reached among various groups of investigators that these pumps are large hetero-oligomers [4]. Initial reports of putative subunit composition ranged from three to more than 15 [7–12]. At present, there is an emerging consensus that eight to nine different polypeptides are present in most, if not all vacuolar proton translocating ATPases. For a number of subunits, function has been at least tentatively ascribed, and primary structure is known for six of the subunits. In this review, data from studies conducted with widely divergent membrane preparations have been assembled to present a working model of pump function. In addition, issues relevant to the enzymatic regulation of pump function are discussed.
Rethinking War of Maneuver/War of Position: Gramsci and the Military Metaphor

One of the most important components of Antonio Gramsci’s social theory is his discussion of political strategy, particularly his distinction between ‘war of maneuver’ and ‘war of position’. For Gr...
Adaptive online heuristic performance estimation and power optimization for reconfigurable embedded systems

For dynamically adaptable systems, accurate online estimation methods can significantly improve the performance and power consumption of using reconfigurable hardware coprocessors implemented within an FPGA. Complex interactions between multiple application tasks, non-deterministic execution behavior in response to varying system inputs, and effects of operating system scheduling introduce significant challenges. We present an adaptive online performance and power estimation framework and heuristic power optimization method that monitors and adapts to dynamically changing application behavior. We further demonstrate the power savings that can be achieved using this approach for dynamic optimization of multitasked applications.
25,26-Dihydroxycholecalciferol: A precursor in the renal synthesis of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-26,23-lactone

Abstract Both rachitic 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-treated and normal chicks produced detectable quantities of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-26,23-lactone, although renal homogenates from rachitic chicks failed to produce this compound. The addition of either 25-hydroxycholecalciferol or 25,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol to the renal homogenates led to the production of the lactone, although more lactone resulted when 25,26-dihydroxycholecalciferol was used. When tritiated 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was added to rachitic 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-treated or normal chick renal homogenates, an unidentified tritiated vitamin D metabolite distinct from 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-26,23-lactone was produced.
Preservation of Proterozoic terrane boundaries within the Colorado Plateau and implications for its tectonic evolution

Abstract During the Proterozoic, the North American continent grew by the accretion of arcs onto the Archean craton. Subsequent tectonic events affected much of the lithosphere of western North American resulting in the destruction of many of the features that reflect continental growth. The Colorado Plateau, which is centrally located within the tectonically active western portion of North America, experienced only minor amounts of volcanism during subsequent magmatic events, and has undergone comparatively little internal deformation during the remainder of the Precambrian and Phanerozic, despite the occurrence of some significant tectonic events. Because the lithosphere of the plateau has not been significantly reworked by tectonic events it may have retained structures since accretion that give insight into processes of continental growth. The crust of the southeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, revealed here through seismic data recorded by the temporary SPE and LA RISTRA arrays, is greater than 40 km thick and possesses distinct changes in intercrustal layering and the character of the Moho. The Moho appears quite dim towards the center of the plateau and much brighter along its southeastern margins. Connecting changes in crustal features that are common between the two arrays indicates a northeastern structural trend that matches the pattern of gravity anomalies in the region. Differences in crustal structures between terranes extend across much of the crust suggesting that entire distinct crustal columns align with terrane boundaries. It is unlikely that extensive crustal flow, as required by some models of plateau evolution, could have traversed across the entire Colorado Plateau without producing features that cross-cut these boundaries.
Investigation of nuclear effects in bremsstrahlung

Abstract A generalization of the usual inelastic electron scattering, proposed by Hubbard and Rose, is discussed where, in addition to the scattered electron, the photon is detected in coincidence. This photon is either due to bremsstrahlung or to electroexcitation and subsequent γ-decay of a nuclear level. The interference between both processes is studied in detail. Numerical results are given for the giant resonance region of 16 O and two levels in 12 C (4.43 and 15.11 MeV). The coincidence experiment seems to be a very useful tool in determining spins and parities of nuclear levels. In contrast to the usual inelastic electron scattering, in this spin analysis, no model concerned with the dependence of the nuclear form factors on momentum transfer enters. The interference phenomena between electron bremsstrahlung and nuclear radiation turn out to be quite noticeable in the differential cross section for coincidence experiments. The interference terms are less important in the cross section integrated over photon angles which corresponds to the usual inelastic electron-scattering experiments.
Predictors of bone mass by peripheral quantitative computed tomography in early adolescent girls.

Abstract This cross-sectional study used peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) to evaluate the influences of age, body size, puberty, calcium intake, and physical activity on bone acquisition in healthy early adolescent girls. The pQCT technique provides analyses of volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) (mg/cm 3 ) for total as well as cortical and trabecular bone compartments and bone strength expressed as polar strength strain index (mm 2 ). Bone mass of the nondominant distal and midshaft tibia by pQCT and lumbar spine and hip by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were measured in 84 girls ages 11–14 yr. Pubertal stage, menarche status, anthropometrics, and 3-d food intake and physical activity records were collected. Total and cortical bone mineral content and vBMD measurements by pQCT were significantly related to lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD measurements by DXA. We did not note any significant determinants or predictors for trabecular bone mass. Body weight was the most important predictor and determinant of total and cortical bone density and strength in healthy adolescent girls. Menarche, calcium intake, height, body mass index, and weight-bearing physical activity and age were also identified as minor but significant predictors and determinants of bone density and strength. Bone measurements by the pQCT technique provide information on bone acquisition, architecture, and strength during rapid periods of growth and development. Broader cross-sectional studies using the pQCT technique to evaluate the influence of age, gender, ethnicity, puberty, body size, and lifestyle factors on bone acquisition and strength are needed.
A Fast IMS Service Recovery Mechanism for the Handover Over MIH-Capable Heterogeneous Networks

IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) is the core multimedia network in the next generation all-IP environment. It provides access independence for multimedia applications across fixed and mobile access networks. When a roaming IMS subscriber connects to IMS through mobile access networks, handover becomes a critical issue; this needs to be addressed. Since IMS concerns application layer handover for session mobility, the application layer handover takes a long time for recovering the suspended sessions according to the standard IMS session reestablishment procedure. This introduces noticeable service interruption to end users and cannot be tolerated for real-time applications. In this paper we propose a fast IMS service recovery mechanism to shorten the service recovery latency by combining the IEEE 802.21 Media Independent Handover service and the IRTF Media-Independent Pre-Authentication frameworks. The proposed mechanism performs the necessary IMS registration and QoS re-negotiation procedures in advance of lower-layer handover. Thus it reduces the service recovery latency for suspended services. With parallel design in time, the proposed mechanism is able to shorten overall handover relevant latency as well. Technical examination shows that it is easy to deploy the proposed mechanism in current multimedia service environments.
A Multisite, Multi–Academic Track Evaluation of End-of-Life Simulation for Nursing Education

Abstract Background Opportunities for students to care for end-of-life patients are limited in undergraduate nursing programs. Method Students participated in a quasi-experimental study evaluating knowledge, levels of self-confidence, and self-reported communication skills in caring for a dying patient, as well as satisfaction with the high-fidelity simulation. Results The convenience sample of 370 associate's degree, traditional baccalaureate, and accelerated baccalaureate nursing students demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge, regardless of role played in the scenario, as well as high levels of self-confidence, self-reported communication skills, and satisfaction with the pedagogical approach. Conclusions Results showed significantly enhanced student knowledge in end-of-life care. Findings support end-of-life simulation as a strong and viable pedagogical approach to learning.
Precipitation of nickel dimethylglyoximate from homogeneous solution

Abstract By reacting biacetyl and hydroxylamine in the presence of nickelII, large, well-developed and readily filterable crystals of nickel dimethylglyoximate were precipitated from homogeneous solution. The needle-like crystals were frequently up to several mm in length. Large amounts of nickel—of the order of 200 mg—were easily handled. The usefulness of this method of precipitation from homogeneous solution is shown with results obtained for nickel in the presence of a few selected diverse substances, namely, cobalt, copper, iron, and in National Bureau of Standards steel samples.
Experience with intrawound vancomycin powder for spinal deformity surgery.

Study design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To evaluate the ability of local vancomycin powder to prevent deep wound infection after thoracolumbar and lumbar spinal fusion for open deformity cases. Summary of background data Recent studies report that local delivery of vancomycin powder is associated with a decrease in spinal surgical site infection (SSI). This study compares deformity fusion cases before and after the routine application of spinal vancomycin powder. Methods Posterior spinal deformity surgical procedures by a single institution were reviewed from January 2011 to April 2013. Routine application of vancomycin powder started in April 2012. Inclusion criteria included adult patients who underwent posterior fusion for deformity pathologies, including spondylolisthesis, kyphosis, sagittal imbalance, and scoliosis. Each cohort's baseline characteristics including infection risk factors, operative data, and rates of wound infection were compared. Associations between infection and vancomycin powder, with and without propensity score adjustment for risk factors were determined using logistic regression. Results A total of 306 patients were included in the study. All measured baseline and operative variables were statistically similar between untreated (n = 150) and those who received vancomycin powder (n = 156). No significant change in deep wound infection rate was seen between the control (5.3%) and intervention group (5.1%, P = 0.936). Logistic regression with and without propensity score adjusted for risk factors demonstrated that the use of vancomycin powder did not impact the development of SSI (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.01 [0.36-2.79], P = 0.9910) and (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.87 [0.31-2.42], P = 0.7876), respectively. Conclusion The local application of powdered vancomycin was not associated with a significant difference in the rate of deep SSI after spinal deformity surgery, and other treatment modalities are necessary to limit infection for this high-risk group. This study is in contrary to prior studies, which have reported a decrease in SSI with vancomycin powder. Level of evidence 2.