cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microdetermination of iron in cereals by direct extraction

A method for determining iron in cereals by direct extraction with o-phenanthroline after the iron has been reduced to the ferrous state with thioglycolic acid is reported. Inspection of Table II shows that the results of this direct extraction type of determination compare favorably with the results of the standard dry ashing type of iron determination. The advantages of this method are speed, small size of samples, no loss of ferric chloride or other volatile iron salts, and information as to the state of oxidation of the iron when in the bulk form.
Molecular characterization of anterior-like cells in Dictyostelium discoideum☆

Prestalk cells are found in the anterior 15% of slugs of Dictyostelium discoideum and prespore cells are found in the remaining posterior portions. Neutral red staining as well as immunostaining with antisera prepared against spores or a spore-coat protein has indicated that there are cells in the posterior region which have properties similar to prestalk cells. This cell population, called anterior-like cells, has been isolated by density separation of posterior slug fractions. This anterior-like cell preparation contained approximately 80% neutral red-stained cells, none of which carried a surface antigen specific to prespore cells (MUD-1 antigen). These cells also lacked antigens recognized by antisera to the spore-coat proteins or by a prespore-specific monoclonal antibody isolated for this study (mLJ1). Anterior-like cells were found to modify the lysosomal enzymes acid phosphatase and alpha-mannosidase in a manner found specifically in prestalk cells. They also synthesized two prestalk-specific proteins and contain two prestalk-specific mRNA transcripts. Anterior-like cells also failed to express a large number of prespore-specific characteristics. Although very similar to prestalk cells, anterior-like cells differ from them in that they express a prespore-specific protein PSP59 and the levels of the prestalk-specific mRNA transcripts and one of the prestalk-specific proteins ST430 appear to be lower.
A mutant of TTX-resistant cardiac sodium channels with TTX-sensitive properties.

The cardiac sodium channel α subunit (RHI) is less sensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX) and more sensitive to cadmium than brain and skeletal muscle (µl) isoforms. An RHI mutant, with Tyr substituted for Cys at position 374 (as in µl) confers three properties of TTX-sensitive channels: (i) greater sensitivity to TTX (730-fold); (ii) lower sensitivity to cadmium (28-fold); and (iii) altered additional block by toxin upon repetitive stimulation. Thus, the primary determinant of high-affinity TTX-STX binding is a critical aromatic residue at position 374, and the interaction may take place possibly through an ionized hydrogen bond. This finding requires revision of the sodium channel pore structure that has been previously suggested by homology with the potassium channel.
Potential Labeling of Monoclonal Antibodies with Positron Emitters

The use of gamma-emitting radiolabeled antibodies as diagnostic imaging agents had produced promising results. Positron emission tomography has advantages in areas of resolution, quantification, and sensitivity over conventional γ-imaging. There are two approaches to labeling antibodies with positron-emitting nuclides. In one approach, a long-lived radionuclide such as zirconium-89 (half-life 78 hr) has been suggested as a label for monoclonal antibodies (1). Bromine-76 (2), which has been used to label ligands for the dopamine receptor, could also be used and techniques developed for labeling proteins (3–5) with bromine-77 adapted to this application. Table 1 gives some relevant nuclear data concerning these and other potentially useful positron-emitting radionuclides. Although there are other candidate positron-emitting radionuclides, the ones listed in Table 1 can be used using currently available labeling technology.
Bayesian NDE Defect Signal Analysis

We develop a hierarchical Bayesian approach for estimating defect signals from noisy measurements and apply it to nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of materials. We propose a parametric model for the shape of the defect region and assume that the defect signals within this region are random with unknown mean and variance. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms are derived for simulating from the posterior distributions of the model parameters and defect signals. These algorithms are then utilized to identify potential defect regions and estimate their size and reflectivity parameters. Our approach provides Bayesian confidence regions (credible sets) for the estimated parameters, which are important in NDE applications. We specialize the proposed framework to elliptical defect shape and Gaussian signal and noise models and apply it to experimental ultrasonic C-scan data from an inspection of a cylindrical titanium billet. We also outline a simple classification scheme for separating defects from nondefects using estimated mean signals and areas of the potential defects
Biological and Regulatory Properties of Vav-3, a New Member of the Vav Family of Oncoproteins

We report here the identification and characterization of a novel Vav family member, Vav-3. Signaling experiments demonstrate that Vav-3 participates in pathways activated by protein tyrosine kinases. Vav-3 promotes the exchange of nucleotides on RhoA, on RhoG and, to a lesser extent, on Rac-1. During this reaction, Vav-3 binds physically to the nucleotide-free states of those GTPases. These functions are stimulated by tyrosine phosphorylation in wild-type Vav-3 and become constitutively activated upon deletion of the entire calponin-homology region. Expression of truncated versions of Vav-3 leads to drastic actin relocalization and to the induction of stress fibers, lamellipodia, and membrane ruffles. Moreover, expression of Vav-3 alters cytokinesis, resulting in the formation of binucleated cells. All of these responses need only the expression of the central region of Vav-3 encompassing the Dbl homology (DH), pleckstrin homology (PH), and zinc finger (ZF) domains but do not require the presence of the C-terminal SH3-SH2-SH3 regions. Studies conducted with Vav-3 proteins containing loss-of-function mutations in the DH, PH, and ZF regions indicate that only the DH and ZF regions are essential for Vav-3 biological activity. Finally, we show that one of the functions of the Vav-3 ZF region is to work coordinately with the catalytic DH region to promote both the binding to GTP-hydrolases and their GDP-GTP nucleotide exchange. These results highlight the role of Vav-3 in signaling and cytoskeletal pathways and identify a novel functional cross-talk between the DH and ZF domains of Vav proteins that is imperative for the binding to, and activation of, Rho GTP-binding proteins.
Investigating the Linear and Nonlinear Stationary Wave Response to Anomalous North American Snow Cover

AbstractContinental-scale snow cover represents a broad thermal forcing on monthly-to-intraseasonal time scales, with the potential to modify local and remote atmospheric circulation. A previous GCM study reported robust transient-eddy responses to prescribed anomalous North American (NA) snow cover. The same set of experiments also indicated a robust upper-level stationary wave response during spring, but the nature of this response was not investigated until now. Here, the authors diagnose a deep, snow-induced, tropospheric cooling over NA and hypothesize that this may represent a pathway linking snow to the stationary wave response. A nonlinear stationary wave model is shown to reproduce the GCM stationary wave response to snow more accurately than a linear model, and results confirm that diabatic cooling is the primary driver of the stationary wave response. In particular, the total nonlinear effects due to cooling, and its interactions with transient eddies and orography, are shown to be essential fo...
Signal-selective high-resolution direction finding in multipath

An algorithm that combines the signal selectivity of cyclic MUSIC with the ability to function well in the presence of fully correlated multipath is presented. Analytical results and computer simulations are presented to support the claims, which include the ability to estimate directions of arrival of desired signals in the presence of multipath and arbitrary numbers of arbitrarily closely spaced interfering signals. Furthermore, the algorithm can estimate the number of spectrally correlated signals with any particular cycle frequency, and it implicitly obtains maximum signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) estimates of those signals. >
Combined Resonant Column and Cyclic Triaxial Tests for Measuring Undrained Shear Modulus Reduction of Sand With Plastic Fines

This paper investigates the undrained shear stiffness of sand–bentonite specimens (with 0 %, 3 %, and 5 % bentonite by dry mass of the sand) prepared at the same skeleton void ratio (Drsk = 35 % to 40 %) using a dry pluviation technique. The experimental program consisted of (1) small strain tests using a resonant column apparatus and (2) large strain tests using a cyclic triaxial apparatus. The resonant column tests were performed at three confining stress levels (50, 100, and 193 kPa) under drained and undrained conditions. A comparison of the shear modulus reduction with shear strains for both drained and undrained conditions is presented; the effects of changes in effective stresses and the rate of modulus reduction as a function of the effective stress are discussed to describe the discrepancy between the two sets of data. The results show a marginal decrease in Gmax for specimens with bentonite, which is attributed to the presence of bentonite at the sand grain contacts. However, the presence of bentonite increases the linear elastic threshold, particularly in the case of undrained tests, in which a noticeable delay in excess pore pressure generation was measured. The strain level required in order to initiate excess pore pressure generation increased with increasing bentonite content. A similar trend was noted in cyclic triaxial tests, in which, for a given strain, specimens with bentonite generated lower excess pressure than sand specimens tested under similar conditions. Finally, a combined normalized G/Gmax curve from both tests is presented for specimens with 0 %, 3 %, and 5 % bentonite at 100 kPa.
Divine deception, identity, and Social Trinitarianism

After laying out the claims and motivations of Social Trinitarianism, I develop three new arguments against it. According to the first two, if Social Trinitarianism were true, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit would have engaged in wrongful deception via both Old and New Testament revelation. I briefly consider the strength of the arguments and some possible replies to them, concluding that they constitute good reasons to deny that version of Trinitarian doctrine. According to the final argument, Social Trinitarianism is incompatible with two central claims of the New Testament.
Classroom research on matching learning and teaching styles

(1984). Classroom research on matching learning and teaching styles. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 23, Matching Teaching and Learning Styles, pp. 20-25.
Energy analysis of the John Paul Jones Arena

This paper summarizes a Capstone Project focused on evaluating the energy use of the John Paul Jones Arena (JPJ). JPJ is a multipurpose arena and uses a tremendous amount of energy each day. An energy analysis of the John Paul Jones Arena was conducted and primary categories of energy use were identified as: electricity, hot water, and chilled water. Linear regression and time series analyses were conducted and illustrated potential areas in which energy efficiency could be improved. Target energy projects were identified. Returns on investment were calculated for target projects to justify recommendations. JPJ was compared to similar buildings as a benchmarking exercise. The HVAC systems were also evaluated.
Skeletal muscle metabolism and insulin resistance during endotoxin shock in the dog

Abstract The effect of locally infused endotoxin on gracilis muscle glucose uptake was determined in anesthetized mongrel dogs. The effects of infusion of small amounts of Escherichia coli endotoxin into the arteries of isolated, innervated, constant flow perfused gracilis muscles on glucose uptake and other metabolic variables were determined. Locally infused endotoxin consistently caused a significant and substantial increase in skeletal muscle glucose uptake with no alterations in muscle arteriovenous difference of insulin, oxygen, carbon dioxode, or p H, or in venous blood hematocrit or temperature. These data demonstrate that endotoxin can act locally to increase glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, independent of the action of insulin or other metabolic factors. During natural (free flow) conditions, glucose uptake by the muscle increased markedly during six hours of shock. Increased glucose uptake occurred concomitantly with muscle ischemia and hypoxia. However, when muscle blood flow was held constant, thereby preventing local muscle ischemia and hypoxia, glucose uptake by the gracilis muscle did not change during shock. These results implicate local muscle ischemia and/or hypoxia as the mediator(s) of the increased muscle glucose uptake during shock. Further studies demonstrated that local muscle hypoxia was the stimulus for increased glucose uptake by skeletal muscle during endotoxin shock, and muscle ischemia per se did not after muscle glucose uptake. Since approximately 50% of body mass is composed of skeletal muscle, the contribution of this organ system to the hypoglycemia of endotoxin shock in the dog may be substantial. The ability of insulin to promote glucose diffusion into skeletal muscle before and during gram-negative endotoxin shock was studied in mongrel dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. The in vivo , isolated, innervated, constant flow perfused gracilis muscle preparation was used. Prior to shock induction, close intra-arterial insulin infusion resulted in a 320% increase in muscle glucose uptake. However, at one, two, and three hours of endotoxin shock, gracilis muscle glucose uptake was unaltered by insulin infusion. This loss of responsiveness to insulin occurred with no alteration in gracilis muscle oxygen uptake, muscle venous P O 2 , or muscle blood flow. During control experiments, however, the muscle response to intra-arterial infusion of insulin (increased glucose uptake) was unaltered during the three-hour control period. These data demonstrate that skeletal muscle insulin resistance develops early and is maintained during three hours of endotoxin shock in the dog.
Public Relations Through a New Lens—Critical Praxis via the Excellence Theory

The Excellence Theory (J.E. Grunig et al., 2002) was initially developed, and is continually tested, in order to demonstrate what makes for public relations practices that are both efficient and ethical for all parties involved. There has been criticism that states that such a normalizing theory is no longer relevant for current social, political, or corporate realities encountered by the public relations practitioner or researcher. This essay presents the Excellence Theory as a critical inquiry paradigm, allowing for the creation of spaces accessible by otherwise-marginalized publics by the public relations practitioner.
A Hoop Method for Orientation Order Analysis of Spherical Mechanisms

In this paper we present a novel methodology for orientation order analysis of spherical RR dyads. The methodology is a spherical generalization of the recent works of Myszka, Murray, and Schmiedeler for assessing position order of planar RR dyads. The objective of the methodology is to determine if a prescribed fixed axis location for a spherical RR dyad will result in the dyad guiding a moving rigid-body through a set of finitely separated spherical orientations in the desired order (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). First, the prior works on the order analysis of planar RR dyads via the propeller method are briefly reviewed. Next, the planar propeller methodology of Myszka, Murray, and Schmiedeler is extended to yield a spherical hoop methodology. The result is a useful tool to determine if a given spherical RR dyad will guide a moving body through a set of prescribed orientations in the desired order. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the hoop method for order analysis of spherical RR dyads in three case studies.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Innovation and reinvention in state policymaking: theory and the evolution of living will laws.

Most research on the diffusion of policy innovations focuses on the date of adoption and its correlates. This research examines an aspect of innovation which has received little attention: policy reinvention during the initial diffusion process and through amendment. The central proposition is that even though a set of laws or policies may be grouped into one broad, general category, states create substantively different policies through reinvention, which has important consequences for groups affected by the legislation. Hypotheses concerning the relationship between date of adoption and policy content and the effect of particular controversial policy provisions on reinventions are examined. The study has general implications for the study of the diffusion of innovations and policy in state politics.
On the E-optimality of truncated block designs

Sufficient conditions are found for designs, derived from completely symmetric designs by deleting binary blocks, to be E-optimal. Sufficient conditions are also found for E-optimality of designs obtained from other E-optimal designs by deleting all blocks forming a balanced incomplete block design on a subset of the treatments. The results include many binary and nonbinary designs for which E-optimality was previously unknown.
Dynamics and Entropy of a Calmodulin−Peptide Complex Studied by NMR and Molecular Dynamics†

All-atom, explicit water molecular dynamics simulations of calcium-loaded calmodulin complexed with a peptide corresponding to the smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase target were carried out at 295 and 346 K. Amide and side chain methyl angular generalized order parameters were calculated and analyzed in the context of the protein's structure and dynamics. The agreement between amide order parameters measured by NMR and those from the simulations was found to be good, especially at the higher temperature, indicating both better convergence for the latter and excellent transferrability of the CHARMM parameters to the higher temperature. Subtle dynamical features such as helix fraying were reproduced. A large range of order parameters for the nine calmodulin methionines was observed in the NMR, and reproduced quite well in the simulations. The major determinant of the methionine order parameter was found to be the proximity to side chains of aromatic residues. An upper bound estimate of the difference in backbone entropy between loop and helical regions was extracted from the order parameters using a model of motion in an effective potential. Although loop regions are more flexible than helical regions, it was found that the entropy loss per residue upon folding was only 20% less for loops than for helices. Pairwise correlated motions, which could significantly lower entropy estimates obtained from order parameter analysis alone, were found to be largely absent.
“Active” Passive Sampling in Two Species of Lepomis from Par Pond, South Carolina, United States: a Case Study of Infracommunity Nestedness

The influence of ontological diet shifts on infracommunity nestedness was examined by comparing the infracommunity structure of Lepomis gulosus and Lepomis macrochirus at 2 localities in Par Pond, South Carolina, United States. Fill-constrained, occurrence-constrained, and abundance-constrained null models were used to evaluate the degree of nestedness. The presence-absence matrices from all 4 component communities had significantly fewer discrepancies than those produced by the fill-constrained model, and none had significantly fewer discrepancies than those produced by the occurrence-constrained model. Only the presence-absence matrix for the infracommunities of L. gulosus from the Cold Dam locality had significantly fewer discrepancies than those produced by the abundance-constrained null model. The nestedness of the 4 samples could not be distinguished from that expected under a hypothesis of passive sampling. A positive correlation between host size and total parasite abundance indicates the passive mechanism has a deterministic basis. Thus, even in the absence of habitat or diet shifts, nestedness can arise in infracommunities of freshwater fishes when older, larger fish have sampled more individuals from an uneven distribution of infective stages.
The Permanent Challenge: How to Enhance Assurance to Users of Computer and Communication Systems?

Permanence of the assurance challenge in computer and communication systems is described and justified. Models and methods of meeting the assurance challenge are briefly outlined.
Analysis of segmental duplications via duplication distance

Motivation: Segmental duplications are common in mammalian genomes, but their evolutionary origins remain mysterious. A major dif.culty in analyzing segmental duplications is that many duplications are complex mosaics of fragments of numerous other segmental duplications. Results: We introduce a novel measure called duplication distance that describes the minimum number of duplications necessary to create a target string by repeated insertions of fragments of a source string.We derive an ef.cient algorithm to compute duplication distance, and we use the algorithm to analyze segmental duplications in the human genome. Our analysis reveals possible ancestral relationships between segmental duplications including numerous examples of duplications that contain multiple, nested insertions of fragments from one or more other duplications. Using duplication distance, we also identify a small number of segmental duplications that appear to have seeded many other duplications in the genome, lending support to a two-step model of segmental duplication in the genome. Availability: Software for computing duplication distance is available upon request. Contact:clkahn@cs.brown.edu; braphael@cs.brown.edu.
PEG-C: Performance Enhancement Guaranteed Cache for Hard Real-Time Systems

This letter designs the performance enhancement guaranteed cache (PEG-C) for hard real-time systems. The PEG-C uses two counters to monitor the number of hits and misses at runtime to improve the average-case performance, while guaranteeing the worst-case execution time (WCET). Our experiments indicate that with a few preloaded instructions, a PEG instruction cache can achieve the same average-case performance as a regular instruction cache while ensuring performance enhancement even in the worst case.
Productivity and Cost Regression Models for Pile Construction

The estimating process of pile construction productivity and cost is intricated because of several factors: unseen subsurface obstacles; lack of contractor experience; site planning; and pile equipment maintainability. This study intends to assess cycle time, productivity, and cost for pile construction considering the effect of the above factors using regression technique. Data were collected through designated questionnaires, site interviews, and telephone calls to experts in different construction companies. Many variables have been considered in the pile construction process. Seven regression linear models have been designed and validated to assess productivity, cycle time, and cost. Consequently, three sets of charts have been developed based upon the validated models to provide the decision maker with a solid planning, scheduling, and control tool for pile construction projects. This research is relevant to both industry practitioners and researchers. It provides sets of charts and models for practitioners' usage to schedule and price out pile construction projects. In addition, it provides the researchers with the methodology of designating regression models for the pile construction process, its limitations, and future suggestions.
ACTION OF PAPAIN AND FICIN ON TADPOLES AND ARBACIA EGGS

Living tadpoles and Arbacia eggs are not digested by ficin or papain although the dead organisms are. Arbacia eggs develop in papain solutions but the cells become separated. Development is normal in ficin and trypsin solutions.
A Multivariate Study of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma Involving Proliferation, Apoptosis, bcl-2 and the Microenvironment

The study was carried out on 22 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who had received sequential infusions of two thymidine analogues iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Cell cycle kinetic studies seemed to differentiate distinctly between low grade lymphoma (n = 8, LI = 2.6%) compared to that of intermediate grade (n = 9, LI = 13%. p = 0.0001) and high grade NHL (n = 5, LI = 16.3%. p = 0.0062). While the majority of 14 intermediate and high grade lymphomas had a high labeling index there were 3/14 patients with a LI of 5.5%, 5.5% and 4.1% respectively. A decrease in the rate of programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis due to the overexpression of bcl-2 has been implicated as the possible pathogenesis for follicular lymphoma. We determined the presence of bcl-2 protein immunohistochemically and apoptosis by in situ end labeling of DNA which detects cells in early stages of PCD not recognized morphologically. Nine NHL patients demonstrated PCD ranging from 1%-40%, while it was undet...
100 m, 40 Gb/s Plastic Optical Fiber Link

We demonstrate launch independent 40 Gb/s error free performance over 100 m of graded index plastic optical fiber. A comprehensive channel model establishes the fiber characteristics required.
Detection of both Hepatitis A Virus and Norwalk-Like Virus in Imported Clams Associated with Food-Borne Illness

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Norwalk-like virus (NLV) were detected by reverse transcription-PCR in clams imported into the United States from China. An epidemiological investigation showed that these clams were associated with five cases of Norwalk-like gastroenteritis in New York State in August 2000 (Food and Drug Administration Import Alert 16-50). They were labeled “cooked” but appeared raw. Viral RNA extraction was performed by using dissected digestive tissues rather than whole shellfish meats; this was followed by glycine buffer elution, polyethylene glycol precipitation, Tri-Reagent treatment, and purification of poly(A) RNA with magnetic beads coupled to poly(dT) oligonucleotides. We identified HAV and NLV as genotype I and genogroup II strains, respectively. Both viruses have high levels of homology to Asian strains. An analysis of fecal coliforms revealed a most-probable number of 93,000/100 g of clam meat, which is approximately 300-fold higher than the hygienic standard for shellfish meats.
The Co-Occurrence of Mania with Medical and other Psychiatric Disorders:

Objective:The co-occurrence of mania with other medical and psychiatric disorders has been little studied. The authors reviewed the literature in order to clarify the current state of knowledge of this subject and to identify possible areas of future research.Methods:Published articles which specifically addressed associations of mania with medical disorders and other psychiatric syndromes were identified using the Paperchase® medical literature search system and by cross-referencing from other published work. The articles were then organized into three categories: 1) medical disorders associated with secondary mania; 2) medical comorbidity in bipolar disorder; and 3) psychiatric comorbidity in bipolar disorder.Results:The review of medical illness and secondary mania supports the hypothesis that injuries involving right-side and mid-line brain structures are associated with so-called secondary mania. Additionally, an association between bipolar disorder and migraine is identified. Several psychiatric dis...
Microfabricated integrated sampler-injector (MISI) for micro gas chromatography

We present the design, fabrication, and preliminary performance testing of a microfabricated integrated sampler-injector (MISI) intended for use in a micro gas chromatography (µGC) system for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The MISI comprises a DRIE Si cavity with an integrated heater and temperature sensor that is packed with a graphitized carbon adsorbent and capped with a precision grid-patterned DRIE Si lid. Tapered inlet and outlet ports and fluidic interconnects facilitate pumped transfer of thermally desorbed vapors to downstream components for analysis. The MISI samples the air at a known rate by diffusion without active pumping, it preconcentrates VOCs, and then thermally desorbs the captured VOCs for injection to the separation column. Thus, it consumes no power during sampling. During desorption, the device can be heated from room temperature to 250 °C in 230 ms with 1 W. The sampling rate of the device was determined to be 10.5 mL/min by thermal gravimetric analysis, in agreement with theory (Fickian diffusion). Upon exposure to 640 ppb of toluene and subsequent thermal desorption and analysis, the device yielded results within 18% of the predicted value.
Evaluating yield and testing impact of sub-wavelength lithography

Sub-wavelength lithography uses light waves that have a longer wavelength than the feature size that is being printed. Image distortions are an inevitable consequence of this situation, even after resolution enhancement techniques have been applied. This paper studies in detail how the image distortion in a fabricated IC can impact test and critical-area yield loss. Particularly, lithography simulation is performed on the desired pattern to predict the printed (distorted) pattern. The impact on critical-area yield loss is studied using both the desired pattern and the printed pattern. Similarly, the impact on test is studied using inductive fault analysis on both the desired pattern and the printed pattern. Even under the assumption of the best process conditions, experiment results indicate that the difference in misdirected test effort can be as large as 8.0% and the difference in the critical-area yield calculations is about 3.4% for a large design. The more accurate analysis requires a runtime increase of 5X on average.
The Relative Value Unit: History, Current Use, and Controversies

The relative value unit (RVU) is an important measuring tool for the work performed by physicians, and is currently used in the United States to calculate physician reimbursement. An understanding of radiology RVUs and current procedural terminology codes is important for radiologists, trainees, radiology managers, and administrators, as this knowledge would help them to understand better their current productivity and reimbursement, as well as controversies regarding reimbursement, and permit them to adapt to reimbursement changes that may occur in the future. This article reviews the components of the RVU and how radiology payment is calculated, highlights trends in RVUs and resultant payment for diagnostic and therapeutic imaging and examinations, and discusses current issues involving RVU and current procedural terminology codes.
Conduction over and around the atrioventricular node: author's reply

We are grateful to Sun et al .1 for their interest in our study,2 and their kind words. The authors raise two important issues. First, retrograde atrial activation patterns during atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT). We believe that following the seminal study of Anselme et al .,3 heterogeneity of both fast and slow conduction patterns has been well described, and all forms of AVNRT may display anterior, posterior, and middle retrograde activation patterns.4 There has also been evidence that were left septal …
Analysis of responses to bradykinin in the rat hindquarters vascular bed

The mechanism by which bradykinin (BK) decreases vascular resistance was investigated in the hindquarters vascular bed of the rat. Under conditions of controlled blood flow, BK produced dose-related decreases in hindquarters perfusion pressure when injected into the perfusion circuit in doses of 0.1-1.0 pg. Responses to BK were reproducible with respect to time, and HOE-140 (D-Arg, [Hyp3,Thi5,D-Tic7,Oic8] -BK), a kinin B2 receptor antagonist, decreased hindquarters vasodilator responses to the peptide. HOE-140 had no significant effect on responses to vasodilator agents, which act by a variety of pharmacologically distinct mechanisms. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine benzyl ester did not decrease responses to BK in doses that decreased hindquarters vasodilator responses to acetylcholine. The cyclooxygenase inhibitors meclofenamate and indomethacin had no effect on responses to BK in doses that attenuated vasodilator responses to the prostaglandin precursor, arachidonic acid. Clotrimazole or 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), cytochrome P-450 arachidonic acid metabolism inhibitors, in doses that attenuated vasodilator responses to arachidonic acid, had no effect on responses to BK. Glybenclamide or U-37883A (4-morpholinecarboximidine-N-1-adamantyl-N'-cyclohexyl), K+-ATP channel antagonists, in doses that attenuated responses to lemakalim, had no significant effect on responses to BK. Finally, des-Arg9-BK, a reported kinin B1 receptor agonist, decreased hindquarters perfusion pressure when injected in doses of 3-30 microg, and responses to the B1 agonist were attenuated by HOE-140. The observation that des-Arg9-BK, in high doses, induces modest HOE-140-sensitive responses suggests that kinin B1 receptors are not normally expressed in the hindquarters vascular bed of the rat. The present results indicate that BK dilates the hindquarters vascular bed by a kinin B2 receptor mechanism that is independent of the release of nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase, or P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid or the activation of K+-ATP channels.
Mechanisms of chloride transport in the proximal tubule

The major fraction of filtered Cl- is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule. An important component of Cl- reabsorption is passive and paracellular, driven by the lumen-negative potential difference in the early proximal tubule and the outwardly directed concentration gradient for Cl- in the later proximal tubule. Evidence suggests that a significant additional component of NaCl reabsorption in the proximal tubule is active and transcellular. Cl-/formate and Cl-/oxalate exchangers have been identified as mechanisms of uphill Cl- entry across the apical membrane. For steady-state Cl- absorption to occur by these mechanisms, formate and oxalate must recycle from lumen to cell. Recent studies indicate that recycling of formate occurs by H(+)-coupled formate transport in parallel with Na+/H+ exchange, whereas oxalate recycling takes place by oxalate/sulfate exchange in parallel with Na(+)-sulfate cotransport. The predominant route for Cl- exit across the basolateral membrane is via Cl- channels. Unresolved issues include the adequacy of formate recycling to sustain Cl- absorption by Cl-/formate exchange, the existence and contributions of additional mechanisms for apical Cl entry and basolateral Cl- exit, and the relative magnitudes of transcellular and paracellular transport under physiological conditions. In addition, the molecular identification and mechanisms of regulation of the Cl-/formate and Cl-/oxalate exchangers remain to be defined.
Effects of promethazine hydrochloride on the metabolism of rabbit alveolar macrophages.

SummaryThe addition of promethazine hydrochloride to a suspension of rabbit alveolar macrophages in vitro results in an inhibition of cellular glucose oxidation under both resting and phagocytizing...
Why and How to Improve Archaeology's Business Work

The businesslike tasks associated with archaeological research continue to grow in complexity, in volume, and in the requirement of special skills. Good business work is increasingly necessary to facilitate funding and maximum scientific achievement. Some investigative centers, successful by any measure, demonstrate that improving the business work is practicable and profitable. Others have dubious prospects because they seem not to recognize (1) that archaeology generally must provide for business work at the investigative level, (2) that such work is far more demanding than it used to be, and (3) that the means of doing that work well are not hard to provide. This paper aims to illuminate these and two ancillary points and to encourage archaeologists to make needed improvements to benefit themselves and the profession.
Carnitine Level Changes with the Ketogenic Diet

The effects of the ketogenic diet (KD) on carnitine levels were determined in 38 consecutive patients with epilepsy treated at Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, IL Carnitine levels were determined at 0, 1, 6, 12, and 24 months of diet treatment.
Conclusions and Further Work

The complementary application of experimental and computational approaches has helped in improving methods for discovery of solid forms and providing a more complete and accurate interpretation of the solid-state structure and diversity. By combining multi-well plate for high throughput crystallisation, Raman spectroscopy for data collection and chemometric approach for data analysis, an efficient methodology for solid form screening was developed. The developed methodology has proved to be an effective tool for discovering solid forms by utilizing only mgs of material. Future work would include further refinement of the methodology by incorporating stirring element and temperature control unit to have better control over crystallisation conditions, by combining Raman with another analytical techniques and applying this methodology under variety of crystallization conditions. A random forest model has for the first time enabled the prediction of the crystallisability (crystals vs. no crystals) of organic molecules with ~70 % accuracy. Future work would include incorporating information about crystallisation conditions (solvent, rate of solvent evaporation, RH, and temperature) and extending this technique to multi-component systems such as salts and co-crystals. Complementary application of experimental and computational tools has provided a better understanding of the factors underpinning the solid-state structure and diversity in two groups each comprising of two structurally related molecules. Future work include to investigate if any of the experimentally observed crystal structure of these molecules can act as a template for the predicted structure of structurally related molecules on the crystal energy landscape. Other computational tools such as electrostatic potential surfaces calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis can be tested to study the influence of overall molecular shape on distinct solid-state behaviour.
Analysis of effect surveillance after rabies vaccine immunization from 2007 to 2008 in Linhai

Objective:To analyze the immunized effects after being vaccinated with rabies vaccine.Methods:IFAT was used to detect the level of antibody of Rabies 14 days after first vaccination and so was 10 days after normal process,seted antibody level 1/5 for positive,and observed the reactions after vaccination.Results:The positive rate of the former was 83.4%,and the latter was 99.0% in 308 serum samples,none of severe abnormal reactions was observed.Conclusion:The immunized effects and safty of rabies vaccine is excellent,and it is worth to be extended.
Association of TNF-α upregulation of MMP-9 activation in monocyte-derived macrophages with progression of joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

AIM: To explore the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) from monocyte-derived macrophages induced by tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and to investigate its association with progression of joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.METHODS: TNF-α and MMP-9 in serum and synovial fluid from patients with early RA and controls were tested with a double-antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The correlation between MMP-9 and Larsen score over the first 12 months was analyzed.THP-1 cells differentiated by the treatment with TPA were stimulated with increasing concentration of TNF-α for 24 h in vitro.The protein expression of MMP-9 was determined by Western blotting.The activity of MMP-9 was measured by gelatinolytic zymography.Boyden chamber-matrigel in vitro invasion assay was used to detect the invasive capacity.RESULTS: The levels of TNF-α and MMP-9 in serum and synovial fluid of RA patients were significantly higher than those in controls(P0.05).Serum and synovial fluid levels of MMP-9 correlated significantly with Larsen score(r=0.37 and 0.32,P0.01).The MMP-9 activity and invasive ability of co-cultured THP-1 cells with TNF-α and TPA were higher than those of non-TNF-α treatment.CONCLUSION: TNF-α upregulates MMP-9 activation and promotes infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages,indicating that TNF-α play an important role in the pathogenesis of RA.
BACTEC 460 Machine for Research Protocol

As part of a research protocol I am trying to procure a BACTEC 460 machine. The newer machine technology will not work for this application. Have tried unsuccessfully to obtain a machine through sale or loan from the manufacturer. Any information on this request can be forwarded to me at the above address 8433 Rita Bend Drive, Salado, TX 76571, or to telephone number 254-760-5790 or 254-286-7216.
The effects of short-term in-vivo ischemia on the contractile function of the rabbit urinary bladder

The proper functioning of any smooth muscle requires adequate perfusion with oxygen and nutrients. Ischemia compromises both these factors and results in dysfunction, the extent depending on the degree and duration of ischemia. This study determined the effects of one, two and four weeks in vivo ischemia on the capacity, compliance and contractile function of the rabbit urinary bladder. Morphological changes were also studied with light microscopy. Different degrees of ischemia were achieved as follows. In the unilateral group the vesical artery was tied on one side and the animals were sacrificed at one week or two weeks. In the bilateral group the vesical arteries on both sides were tied and the animals were sacrificed one week later. In the bilateral staged group the vesical artery was tied on one side and after one week the contralateral artery was ligated, and the animals sacrificed one week after the second procedure. Muscle strips were studied for contractile response, with a distinction being made between the ipsilateral and contralateral side of vessel ligation in the unilateral group. The results were as follows. 1) In the unilateral group there was a 72% reduction in the contractile response of the dome of the bladder to bethanecol on the side of vessel ligation and a 32% reduction on the contralateral side. The response to methoxamine on the base was reduced by 44%, with no difference between the ipsilateral and contralateral side. 2) Bilateral vessel ligation resulted in a 97% reduction in contractile response to bethanechol on the dome and a 75% in the response of the base to methoxamine. 3) Staged bilateral ligation resulted in a 69% reduction in the contractile response of the dome to bethanechol and a 18% reduction in the response of the base to methoxamine. Ischemia caused a marked reduction in the compliance and capacity of the bladder in all the three groups, with the most marked changes in the bilateral group. Multiple spontaneous contractions were noted in the three groups during the filling phase of the cystometrograms. Histological features correlated well with the functional changes in the different groups.
Enhanced subsurface grain refinement during transient shear-based surface generation

Abstract The present work combines quantitative orientation imaging microscopy and in situ digital image correlation to identify heterogeneities in the coupled mechanics and microstructure evolution occurring in the deformed subsurface during transient shear-based surface generation. Subsurface microstructure exhibited heterogeneities in terms of thickness of the ultrafine-grained layer and recrystallization fraction as a function of position along the surface wavelength. It was observed that subsurface microstructure evolution followed accelerated recrystallization kinetics due to strain path changes occurring in the subsurface during transient surface generation. The magnitudes of these strain path changes and pre-straining of the deformed subsurface were observed to correlate well with changes in the information entropy of the corresponding subsurface crystallographic textures. A phenomenological model for predicting the information entropy of the orientation distribution function based on strain path changes and strain history was formulated and validated for monotonic loading paths. The implications of this generalized framework for modeling and controlling subsurface microstructure in transient surface generation are briefly discussed.
The Bridge Called My Breast: Feminism, Intersectionality, and Nude Protest

This paper seeks to examine this question and this critique by analyzing nude protest from perspective of the contemporary age of neoliberalism. In a world in which, as Nancy Fraser has argued, many positions and catchphrases of the feminist movement have been folded into the accumulative logic of neoliberal capitalism (Fraser 2013), the relationship between nudity, feminism, and objectification must be revisited. The co-optation of many aspects of the feminist movement bequeaths the urgency of reconceptualizing both feminism as a movement and the tactics deployed to further it. And given the disproportionate effects of neoliberal programs of austerity, globalization, and structural adjustment on women of color, any analysis of feminism under neoliberalism must foreground both the experiences and the resistances of women of color. To this end, this paper asks the following questions? What does the neoliberal moment mean for contemporary feminist struggle? What does subjecting nude protest to an aesthetic analysis tell us about the pitfalls and possibilities of resistance? And crucially, what does intersectionality tell us about the world in which we consider these questions?
Primary thromboprophylaxis with heparins for arteriovenous fistula failure in pediatric patients

BackgroundTo reduce the incidence of early arteriovenous fistula failure (AVF) due to thrombosis in pediatric hemodialysis (HD) patients, a primary thromboprophylaxis (PTP) protocol was initiated at author's institution in June 2005. The goal of this study is to report author's experience with this protocol one year later.Methods and Results19 AVFs (14 patients, Historical group) and 8 AVFs (7 patients, PTP group) were created prior to and after initiation of PTP respectively. PTP consisted of unfractionated heparin (5–10 units/kg/hr) infusion postoperatively, followed by subcutaneous low molecular weigh heparin (LMWH) until AVF was matured. LMWH dosing was “Prophylactic” (0.5 mg/kg/d, anti-factor Xa levels: peak 0.25–0.5 and trough < 0.3 units/mL) and “Therapeutic” (1 mg/kg/d, anti-factor Xa level: peak 0.5-1 and trough < 0.5 units/mL) based on thrombosis predisposition. In Historical group, 12 AVFs did not receive thromboprophylaxis (No-treatment group), 5 received 81 mg aspirin/day (Aspirin group), and...