cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Getting off on the right (or left) foot: perceiving by means of a rod attached to the preferred or non-preferred foot

Behavior is typically organized in terms of a goal one intends to achieve rather than in terms of the anatomical components used in doing so. Similarly, perceptual behavior is typically organized in terms of a property one intends to perceive rather than in terms of the anatomical components used in doing so. Such task-specificity and anatomical independence are manifest in perception of properties of wielded objects. We investigated whether these properties are also manifest in perception of properties by means of wielded objects. Blindfolded participants explored an inclined surface with a rod attached to their preferred or non-preferred foot and reported whether they would be able to stand on that surface. Perception reflected action capabilities, but was unaffected by foot used, highlighting the haptic system as a smart perceptual device.
Size Selectivity of Crappie Angling

Abstract Over 6,000 black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus and white crappies P. annularis were tagged in five lakes and reservoirs to quantify size selectivity of angling. Total length of fish tagged ranged from 20.0 to 39.8 cm; fish caught by anglers ranged from 20.0 to 38.8 cm. Return rates were low at lengths near 20 cm, increased gradually to a peak between 26 and 32 cm, and decreased for longer fish. This pattern was consistent among the five lakes and reservoirs and did not differ between species. Observed size-selective exploitation resulted in the lopsided removal of intermediate age-classes, thereby simulating a reversed slot length limit. Crappie population dynamics and fisheries can be severely affected if angling selectivity and exploitation are high. Management of crappies to favor desirable population characteristics may need to focus on enhancing or weakening the effect of size selectivity.
Perceptions of clinical performance differences: Bachelor of science in nursing and associate degree in nursing graduates

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine recommended an increase in the proportion of baccalaureate nurses to 80% by 2020. However, 38% of the current nursing workforce is prepared at the associate's degree, and there has been little change in this percentage in nine years. There is limited evidence on how associate degree nurses are performing clinically. This study describes the qualitative differences in clinical performance between baccalaureate and associate degree nursing graduates from the perspective of clinical nurse leaders and managers.
Historical influences on community ecology.

Vitt and Pianka's analyses revealed significant dietary shifts at six major divergence points. Why does California, a large and topographically complex state that spans fogdrenched redwood groves to desert sand dunes, have 30 species of snakes, whereas roughly twice that number occur in five square miles of lowland Costa Rican rainforest? Almost 400 species of birds, a bit more than half as many as breed in the entire continental United States, occupy that same small Central American site, and indeed, all over the world, most groups of organisms increase in species richness as one moves from the poles toward the equator. Lifestyle diversity also varies globally, and increased numbers of species often reflect primarily ecological diversification; most temperate-zone bats feed on insects, for example, whereas tropical chiropteran faunas include specialists on fruit, nectar, fish, frogs, birds, and blood. Finally, biological diversity can vary extensively and exclusive of latitude, among grossly similar habitats: lizards reach a maximum of ≈15–20 species at North American desert sites, whereas several times that many species occur at some Australian desert localities. Such dramatic global variation has intrigued naturalists for centuries, and even now its causes are only partly understood. Most conceptual and empirical work in 20th century community ecology focused on contemporary processes, whereas an article by Vitt and Pianka (1) in a recent issue of PNAS demonstrates that dietary relationships in modern lizard assemblages may, in large measure, reflect the evolutionary origins of a few morphological and behavioral novelties during the Mesozoic, >100,000,000 years ago. With respect to understanding the upper limits of species diversity, rainforests occupy huge expanses of equatorial Africa, Asia, …
Narrow-band ultraviolet B radiation: a review of the current literature.

Background Narrow-Band ultraviolet B radiation (NB-UVB) is a relatively new treatment modality for psoriasis and many practitioners may be unaware of its effectiveness and applications. Objective The purpose of this study is to review the literature and compare NB-UVB to both broad-band ultraviolet B radiation (BB-UVB) and psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) for the treatment of psoriasis and other dermatoses. Methods A comprehensive Medline search of the literature was done on all citations electronically cataloged since the mid 1960s. Results NB-UVB is superior to BB-UVB, but less effective than PUVA for the treatment of psoriasis, and is beneficial for the treatment of many other dermatoses. Conclusion NB-UVB is a useful and important adjust to the treatment of psoriasis.
Magneto-oscillations in dislocation drag at low temperatures

Abstract Abstract Experimental results are presented which show how dislocation drag varies with an applied magnetic field. We find that the dislocation drag varies roughly as H 2 in high-purity zinc single crystals. This field dependence agrees with previous measurements on Cu and Al Furthermore, we find magneto-oscillations in the dislocation drag process superimposed on the variation of δ[sgrave] with H in zinc single crystals.
Re‐engineering life‐cycle management of products to achieve global success in the changing marketplace

Today, most companies are under extreme pressure to develop products within time periods that are rapidly shrinking. As markets change so do the requirements. The immediate effect of changing requirements and players keeping the process intact is the lengthening of product development efforts. Life‐cycle management means “managing process” for systematically incorporating a new product family or a new technology, handling continuity, and a revision‐type product change. Describes the differences in management styles for both Japanese and UK companies. Enumerates the better ways of redistributing the life‐cycle efforts in product development without exceeding the original cycle time.
Nova Model of Inclusive Reactions

A model for particle production is presented in which the features recently observed in inclusive distributions can be reproduced. The calculation emphasizes the role of resonance-like objects which are diffractively produced and decay mainly through cascade emission of pions. The cross section for producing these objects which we call novas is diffractive and does not depend on energy. As a function of nova mass it rises to a low mass maximum (below 2 GeV) and falls off in a way which is controlled by Regge behavior and duality. We then construct a zero-parameter model for the inclusive distributions which also gives many predictions about exclusive reactions. Among the many features which can be obtained in terms of this picture are: the rapid approach of scaling for secondaries with relatively large center-of-mass momentum; a slower approach for soft secondaries and the pseudoscaling observed at present machine energy in certain reactions; a simple connection between the transverse-momentum distribution, the longitudinal-momentum distribution, and the average multiplicity of secondaries; charge effects which should not vanish asymptotically; and a marked difference between meson and baryon distributions. The approach to scaling is connected to the rise of the diffractive cross section as inferred from the behavior of the ${K}^{+}p$ total cross section. One also obtains an understanding for the "quark frame" results and the center-of-mass isotropy of slow secondaries.
EFFECTS OF NICARBAZIN IN DIET ON MOTTLED YOLKS. I. INCIDENCE AND DEGREE OF MOTTLING, AND CERTAIN YOLK PROTEINS.

Abstract THE appearance of an abnormality in eggs, referred to as mottled yolks, has been recognized for many years, but little is known of its incidence in eggs from farm flocks. The mottled condition observed on egg yolks has been described as transparent, orange-yellow, oily appearing spots which appear on the surface of the yolks. Almquist (1933) observed mottled yolks in eggs from hens fed cottonseed meal in their diet. Yolks from newly-laid eggs appeared normal but the incidence and degree of mottling increased during storage. Since mottled yolks contained more water, more egg white protein and a higher protein-fat ratio than normal eggs, he concluded that mottled yolks were caused by diffusion of egg white protein into the yolk because the vitelline membrane was more permeable than that of normal eggs. Polin et al. (1956) reported the presence of mottled yolks in eggs from hens fed Nicarbazin 3 (equimolecular complex of…
Modeling for HAGC Press System of Rolling Mill

Hydraulic automatic gauge control press system is one of the key techniques of modern rolling mills. Its mathematical model is important for directly determining the quality of cold rolling strip. The sketch of hydraulic automatic gauge control press system is built. The six components of hydraulic automatic gauge control press are present, and the mathematical model of each componets is built, then, the mathematical model of hydraulic automatic gauge control press system of rolling mills is built too. Finally, it is validated by simulation based on the established model and application of real data.
Effects of Molecular Crowding in Actin Polymerization

Molecular crowding in cells alters all binding affinities. Spatial differences in cytosolic composition differentially affect crowding properties regulating attachment and release of molecules and/or molecular complexes. Actin polymerization in cell occurs in a variety of places that may be differentially affected by effects of molecular crowding. There are also specific effects exerted by different crowding agents. We found that a naturally occurring osmolyte trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) dramatically increases affinities of intrinsically disordered actin-regulatory proteins thymosin beta 4 (TB4) and thymosin beta 10 to ATP-G-actin and significantly decreases barbed end actin critical concentration Ac in presence of ATP. On the other hand, effect of TMAO on the affinity to ATP-G-actin of a globular actin regulating protein profilin is much weaker.Interestingly, the dependence of the amount of sequestered actin in presence of TB4 is bell-shaped. The standard free energy change depends non-linearly on TMAO concentration for Ac and linearly for the affinity of TB4 to actin. This implies that spatial variation in intracellular conditions can exert complex effects on actin sequestration.We also found that the TMAO facilitates a ternary complex formation between actin, profilin, and TB4 which may very significantly increase the amount of unpolymerized actin in presence of profilin and TB4 and slow down actin polymerization. Our results support the hypothesis that regulation of actin polymerization could be spatially regulated by modulation of the effects of natural osmolytes in different locations inside the cells. Moreover, the data suggest that a potential explanation for the perplexing question as to why these two actin-binding proteins, profilin and thymosin are well-structured and disordered, respectively. We speculate that the compactly structured profilin can impart a structural change to actin while disordered thymosin may create a mechanism for regulation of the ternary complex by crowding effects.
Co-registration and correlation of aerial photographs for ground deformation measurements

We describe and test a procedure to accurately co-register and correlate multi-temporal aerial images. We show that this procedure can be used to measure surface deformation, and explore the performance and limitations of the technique. The algorithms were implemented in a software package, COSI-Corr (available from the Caltech Tectonics Observatory website). The technique is validated on several case examples of co-seismic deformation. First, we measure co-seismic ground deformation due to the 1992, Mw 7.3, Landers, California, earthquake from 1 m resolution aerial photography of the National Aerial Photography Program (United States Geological Survey). The fault ruptures are clearly detected, including small kilometric segments with fault slip as small as a few tens of centimeters. We also obtained similar performance from images of the fault ruptures produced by the 1999 Mw 7.1 Hector Mine, California, earthquake. The measurements are shown to be biased due to the inaccuracy of the Digital Elevation Model, film distortions, scanning artifacts, and ignorance of ground displacements at the location of the tie points used to co-register the multi-temporal images. We show that some of these artifacts can be identified and corrected.
Oxidation states of plutonium in carbonate-rich natural waters

Abstract Adsorption of actinide elements to calcium carbonate in waters of moderate to high carbonate concentration has been shown to be dependent on the oxidation state. This property has been exploited for distinguishing the (III) and (IV) oxidation states of plutonium. Ambient plutonium in Mono Lake, California, a natural high-carbonate water, appeared to be entirely in the (IV) oxidation state. Tracer experiments in carbonate media and in Mono Lake water, in the presence of atmospheric oxygen, confirmed that Pu(III) is rapidly oxidized under these conditions.
The role of race, sex, hostility, and verbal stimulus in inflicting punishment

One hundred and twenty Caucasians selected and administered a variable amount of presumed electric shock to victims (actually Confederates) for verbal errors with the following results: Ss with higher MMPI hostility scores inflicted higher shocks. Male Ss had higher MMPI hostility scores and delivered stronger shocks than females. Male victims received stronger shocks than females. Negro victims received stronger shocks than Whites. Error words with hostile connotations evoked higher shocks than neutral and affectionate words.
The influence of thyroid hormone on rat colonic temperature during exercise.

Five male thyroidectomized rats were trained in motor-driven wheels until they were capable of running continuously for 1 h at 26.8 m/min. After the training period, colonic temperature were measured with a thermistor probe at rest, during pre-exercise activity, and during running at 13.4, 26.8, and 37.5 m/min. The colonic temperatures of the thyroidectomized rats were lower for all experimental conditions than those of normal rats. The animals were then given daily injections of 2 μg/100g body weight of triiodothyronine (T3) for the remainder of the experiment. One week after the start of hormone therapy, colonic temperatures were again determined under the conditions described above. T3 produced a rise in resting temperature to a level approximately that of normal rats. The difference between resting temperature and final temperature when the rats were running at 37.5 m/min was almost identical before and after hormone therapy. Thus, it appears that thyroid hormone is not essential for the increase in body temperature that accompanies exercise.
"Grey Box" Model Based Visualisation of Vibrations in Mechanical Systems

High-speed machining increases the need for accurate characterisation of machine tool dynamics. The most comprehensive approach to define these dynamics involves either analytical or numerical models. Regardless of the method by which these models are developed, they require validation. Visualisation of machine vibrations under controlled (e.g. harmonic) or ambient excitations is an important element of this validation. Visualisation is also a powerful tool in the monitoring and diagnosis of production equipment. The most representative example of this is experimental modal analysis (EMA) which facilitates displaying mode shapes of the investigated systems. It employs non-parametric or transfer functions (“black-box”) models to extract mode shapes from the signals recorded on the tested objects. This approach is conceptually straightforward and computationally efficient, but its disadvantage is high sensitivity to disturbances. A new approach proposed in this paper postulates using constitutive models of machine tools. The structure of these models (“grey box”) is derived on the basis of physical phenomena and first principles that govern the dynamic behaviour of tested machines. Model coefficients are next estimated from the operational and test data.
Measurement of permeability. II: Silica gel

Abstract The permeability (D) of alkoxide-derived silica gel is measured by establishing a pressure gradient in the pore liquid in a thin (∼ 2 mm) sheet of gel. In these experiments, the layers were thin enough to minimize the viscoelastic effects discussed in Part I. For an acid-catalyzed gel (A) with a homogeneous microstructure, the order of magnitude of D is found to be in agreement with the Carman-Kozeny equation. For a base-catalyzed gel (B2) D is larger than predicted, presumably because of relatively large pores in the inhomogeneous network. The permeability drops by ∼ 2 orders of magnitude when the layers are partially dried.
Bringing geography back to the study of international relations: Spatial dependence and regional context in Africa, 1966–1978

The study of international relations usually occurs in a geographic vacuum. Little attention is given to the spatial context, both local and regional, in which interstate relations take place. A me...
OKT 9 reactivity in mycosis fungoides and large plaque (atrophic) parapsoriasis.

A monoclonal antibody OKT 9 which detects a determinant expressed by a variety of proliferating cell types has been recently developed. This antibody was used in conjunction with the immunoperoxidase technique to study the cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates of nine patients with mycosis fungoides, one patient with lymphomatoid papulosis, two patients with Sezary syndrome, and ten patients with large plaque atrophic parapsoriasis (a condition which may terminate in overt mycosis fungoides.) OKT 9 reactive cells were identified in all cases of mycosis fungoides examined, in one case of lymphomatoid papulosis, one of two cases of Sezary syndrome, and one of ten cases of large plaque atrophic parapsoriasis. These results suggest that further studies using OKT 9 should be performed to assess whether OKT 9 reactivity may be used as a prognostic marker in cutaneous lymphomas and prelymphomas.
Surface electromyography of lumbar paraspinal muscles during seated passive tilting of patients with lateropulsion following stroke.

Background. Patients with lateropulsion (pushing) following stroke push toward the contralesional side. Their response to a passive tilt while seated has not been studied with surface electromyogra...
Rehab Rounds: Use of the Americans With Disabilities Act by Young Adults With Schizophrenia

Introduction by the column editors: People with mental illness have consistently identified employment as a strong unmet need, yet only one in five people with schizophrenia has been able to work in full-time competitive employment and less than 50 percent work at all, despite the advent of evidence-based services, such as supported employment (1,2). However, there are compelling developmental, clinical, and economic reasons for people with mental illnesses to pursue competitive employment as they attempt to normalize and reconstruct their lives (3). Even with a mainstreaming ideology that encourages everyone who wants work to seek it, the real challenges are to organize supportive employment services, match people to jobs, and sustain clients in a continuum of work rehabilitation (4).Several Rehab Rounds columns have focused on programs aimed at enhancing the work functioning of people with serious mental disorders by using supported employment (5), increasing work readiness (6), and teaching fundamental...
New refinements and validation of the MODIS Land-Surface Temperature/Emissivity products

Abstract This paper discusses the lessons learned from analysis of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land-Surface Temperature/Emissivity (LST) products in the current (V4) and previous versions, and presents eight new refinements for V5 product generation executive code (PGE16) and the test results with real Terra and Aqua MODIS data. The major refinements include considering surface elevation when using the MODIS cloudmask product, removal of temporal averaging in the 1 km daily level-3 LST product, removal of cloud-contaminated LSTs in level-3 LST products, and the refinements for the day/night LST algorithm. These refinements significantly improved the spatial coverage of LSTs, especially in highland regions, and the accuracy and stability of the MODIS LST products. Comparisons between V5 LSTs and in-situ values in 47 clear-sky cases (in the LST range from − 10°C to 58°C and atmospheric column water vapor range from 0.4 to 3.5 cm) indicate that the accuracy of the MODIS LST product is better than 1 K in most cases (39 out of 47) and the root of mean squares of differences is less than 0.7 K for all 47 cases or 0.5 K for all but the 8 cases apparently with heavy aerosol loadings. Emissivities retrieved by the day/night algorithm are well compared to the surface emissivity spectra measured by a sun-shadow method in two field campaigns. The time series of V5 MODIS LST product over two sites (Lake Tahoe in California and Namco lake in Tibet) in 2003 are evaluated, showing that the quantity and quality of MODIS LST products depend on clear-sky conditions because of the inherent limitation of the thermal infrared remote sensing.
Dissection of the Molecular Basis of pp60v-src Induced Gating of Connexin 43 Gap Junction Channels

Suppression of gap-junctional communication by various protein kinases, growth factors, and oncogenes frequently correlates with enhanced mitogenesis. The oncogene v-src appears to cause acute closure of gap junction channels. Tyr265 in the COOH-terminal tail of connexin 43 (Cx43) has been implicated as a potential target of v-src, although v-src action has also been associated with changes in serine phosphorylation. We have investigated the mechanism of this acute regulation through mutagenesis of Cx43 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocyte pairs. Truncations of the COOH-terminal domain led to an almost complete loss of response of Cx43 to v-src, but this was restored by coexpression of the independent COOH-terminal polypeptide. This suggests a ball and chain gating mechanism, similar to the mechanism proposed for pH gating of Cx43, and K+ channel inactivation. Surprisingly, we found that v-src mediated gating of Cx43 did not require the tyrosine site, but did seem to depend on the presence of two potential SH3 binding domains and the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation sites within them. Further point mutagenesis and pharmacological studies in normal rat kidney (NRK) cells implicated MAP kinase in the gating response to v-src, while the stable binding of v-src to Cx43 (in part mediated by SH3 domains) did not correlate with its ability to mediate channel closure. This suggests a common link between closure of gap junctions by v-src and other mitogens, such as EGF and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).
Historical controls for phase II surgically based trials requiring gross total resection of glioblastoma multiforme

New treatments for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are frequently tested in phase II surgically based clinical trials that require gross total resection (GTR). In order to determine efficacy in such single-arm phase II clinical trials, the results are often compared to those from a historical control group that is not limited to patients with GTR. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) can define risk groups within historical control groups; however, RPA analyses to date included patients irrespective of whether a patient had a GTR or not. To provide a more appropriate historical control group for surgically based trials requiring a GTR, we sought to determine survival for a group of patients with newly diagnosed GBM, all of who underwent GTR and were treated on prospective clinical trials. GTR was defined as removal of >90% of the enhancing mass, determined by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Of 893 patients with GBM treated during these trials, 153 underwent GTR. The median survival for the GTR group was 71 weeks (95% CI 65–76) which was better than those who did not have a GTR. Within the GTR group, the median age was 54 years (range 25–77 years), and median Karnofsky Performance Score was 90 (range 60–100). Considering only patients with GTR, age at diagnosis continued to be a statistically significant prognostic factor. Patients treated during surgically based phase II studies should be matched with a historical control group restricted to patients with similar pretreatment variables, including GTR.
In vivo characterization of tumor vasculature using iodine and gold nanoparticles and dual energy micro-CT

Tumor blood volume and vascular permeability are well established indicators of tumor angiogenesis and important predictors in cancer diagnosis, planning and treatment. In this work, we establish a novel preclinical imaging protocol which allows quantitative measurement of both metrics simultaneously. First, gold nanoparticles are injected and allowed to extravasate into the tumor, and then liposomal iodine nanoparticles are injected. Combining a previously optimized dual energy micro-CT scan using high-flux polychromatic x-ray sources (energies: 40?kVp, 80?kVp) with a novel post-reconstruction spectral filtration scheme, we are able to decompose the results into 3D iodine and gold maps, allowing simultaneous measurement of extravasated gold and intravascular iodine concentrations. Using a digital resolution phantom, the mean limits of detectability (mean CNR = 5) for each element are determined to be 2.3?mg?mL?1?(18?mM) for iodine and 1.0?mg?mL?1?(5.1?mM) for gold, well within the observed in vivo concentrations of each element (I: 0?24?mg?mL?1, Au: 0?9?mg?mL?1) and a factor of 10 improvement over the limits without post-reconstruction spectral filtration. Using a calibration phantom, these limits are validated and an optimal sensitivity matrix for performing decomposition using our micro-CT system is derived. Finally, using a primary mouse model of soft-tissue sarcoma, we demonstrate the in vivo application of the protocol to measure fractional blood volume and vascular permeability over the course of five days of active tumor growth.
Introduction to pseudoternary transmission codes

This paper describes many of the pseudoternary (PT) codes (twinned, bipolar, partial response, etc.) useind data transmission. In these, binary information is transmitted through three-level rather than binary pulse codes for controlling the power distribution in the frequency spectrum, improving clock recovery, allowing error detection or for just increasing the binary data rate. Linear and nonlinear PT codes are considered, the latter being divided into alphabetic and nonalphabetic codes. Among the nonalphabetic codes, emphasis is given to the modified bipolar codes used in pulse code modulation systems. Two recently developed codes of this type are described: High Density Bipolar (HDB) and Compatible High Density Bipolar (CHDB). They are particularly suitable for PCM transmission on repeatered lines. Another nonalphabetic code, the Transparent Interleaved Bipolar (TIB) is presented for the first time. This code features all the advantages of partial-response (or Interleaved Bipolar) signalling and, in addition, guarantees a minimum density of pulses, regardless of the data.
On the quadrature error in operational quadrature methods for convolutions

We analyze the quadrature error associated with operational quadrature methods for convolution equations. The assumptions are that the convolution kernel is inL 1 and that its Laplace transform is analytic and bounded in an obtuse sector of the complex plane. Under these circumstances the Laplace transform has a slow variation property which admits a Fourier analysis of the quadrature error. We provide generalL p error estimates assuming suitable smoothness conditions on the function under convolution.
Ultrasound-enhanced bevacizumab release from echogenic liposomes for inhibition of atheroma progression.

AbstractContext: Bevacizumab (BEV) is a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that ameliorates atheroma progression by inhibiting neovascularization.Objective: We aimed to determine whether BEV release from echogenic liposomes (BEV-ELIP) could be enhanced by color Doppler ultrasound (US) and whether the released BEV inhibits VEGF expression by endothelial cells in vitro.Materials and methods: BEV-ELIP samples were subjected to 6 MHz color Doppler ultrasound (MI = 0.4) for 5 min. We assessed release of BEV with a direct ELISA and with fluoresceinated BEV (FITC-BEV) loaded into ELIP by the same method. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures were stimulated to express VEGF by 10 nM phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Cell-associated VEGF levels were determined using a cell-based ELISA.Results: Overall, US caused an additional 100 µg of BEV to be released or exposed per BEV-ELIP aliquot within 60 min BEV-ELIP treated with US inhibited VEGF expression by 90% relati...
Comparison of associations of urine protein-creatinine ratio versus albumin-creatinine ratio with complications of CKD: a cross-sectional analysis.

Background Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) and protein-creatinine ratio (PCR) are important markers of kidney damage and are used for prognosis in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite how commonly these measurements are done in clinical practice, relatively few studies have directly compared the performance of these 2 measures with regard to associations with clinical outcomes, which may inform clinicians about which measure of urinary protein excretion is best. We studied the association of ACR and PCR with common complications of CKD. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting & Participants 3,481 participants with CKD in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study. Predictors ACR and PCR. Outcomes We examined the association between ACR and PCR with measures of common CKD complications: serum hemoglobin, bicarbonate, parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, potassium, and albumin. Measurements Restricted cubic spline analyses adjusted for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; calculated by the MDRD [Modification of Diet in Renal Disease] Study equation) were performed to study the continuous association with our predictors with each outcome. Results Mean eGFR was 43±13 (SD)mL/min/1.73m2 and median values for PCR and ACR were 140 and 46mg/g, respectively. In continuous analyses adjusted for eGFR, higher ACRs and PCRs were similar and both were associated with lower serum hemoglobin, bicarbonate, and albumin levels and higher parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Across all outcomes, the associations of ACR and PCR were similar, with only small absolute differences in the outcome measure. Similar associations were seen in patients with diabetes mellitus. Limitations Participants largely had moderate CKD with low values for ACR and PCR, so results may not be generalizable to all CKD populations. Conclusions In persons with CKD, ACR and PCR are relatively similar in their associations with common complications of CKD. Thus, routine measurement of PCR may provide similar information as ACR in managing immediate complications of CKD.
Quantitative measure of local solidity/liquidity in metallic glasses

Abstract Metallic glasses are viscoelastic materials that contain a wide spectrum of local configurations that range from more “solid-like” to more “liquid-like” varieties. To quantitatively characterize the local solidity (or liquidity) in metallic glasses, here we present a robust method and a universal materials parameter. The new parameter, solidity (liquidity) index, is based on the evaluation of bond orientational anisotropy. The usefulness of the proposed index in assessing the varying degrees of solidity (or liquidity) is demonstrated in metallic glass models produced via molecular dynamics simulations. The spectrum of local solidity is also analyzed in terms of its dependence on local structural features, particularly on the basis of different types of Voronoi polyhedra and atomic volume.
Application of Segmentation for Correction of Intensity Bias in X-Ray Computed Tomography Images

Nondestructive imaging methods such as x-ray computed tomography (CT) yield high-resolution, grayscale, three-dimensional visualizations of pore structures and fluid interfaces in porous media. To separate solid and fluid phases for quantitative analysis and fluid dynamics modeling, segmentation is applied to convert grayscale CT volumes to discrete representations of media pore space. Unfortunately, x-ray CT is not free of artifacts, which complicates segmentation and quantitative image analysis due to obscuration of significant features or misinterpretation of attenuation values of a single material in different image sections. Images or volumes emanating from polychromatic (industrial) scanners are especially prone to high noise levels, beam hardening, scattered x-rays, or ring artifacts. These problems can be alleviated to a certain extent through application of metal filters, careful detector calibration, and sample centering, but they cannot be completely avoided. We have developed a simple three-dimensional approach to numerically correct for image artifacts using sequential segmentation. This procedure leads to a significant improvement of grayscale data as well as final segmentation results with reasonable computational demand.
Structure Insensitivity and Effect of Sulfur in the Reaction of Hydrodechlorination of 1,1-Dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CF3–CFCl2) over Pd Catalysts

Abstract The kinetics of the hydrodechlorination of 1,1-dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC 114a) was studied on Pd(111), Pd(100), and a Pd foil at atmospheric pressure. The three products formed were CF 3 –CFH 2 (HFC 134a), CF 3 –CFClH (HCFC 124), and CF 3 –CH 3 (HFC 143a) with selectivities independent of conversion. The single crystals and foil (model catalysts) were studied in an apparatus that permitted the direct transfer of samples between a high pressure cell (1 atm) and an ultrahigh vacuum chamber. The reaction rates were measured in the temperature range of 350 to 470 K. The reaction is not sensitive to the structure of the catalyst, as indicated by the similar turnover rates for all catalysts tested. The reaction is inverse first order in the reaction product HCl on all samples. Sulfur adsorbed on the Pd surface depressed the rates of formation of 134a more strongly than the rates of 124 and 143a.
Site formation processes in the cody and early plains archaic levels at the laddie creek site, wyoming

The combination of previously published pedological and phytolith analyses with new information on the geology, palynology, and an innovative analysis of archaeological chipped stone remains (including backplots, cluster analyses of artifacts, and chipped stone refitting) clarifies the environment and site formation of the mid-Holocene deposits at the Laddie Creek site, Wyoming. Palynological analyses strengthen the argument made by Reider and Karlstrom (1987) that the site was slightly wetter and warmer during the Altithermal (7500–5000 B.P.). The mid-Holocene environment at the site was conductive to the formation of soils and the preservation of archaeological deposits. A Cody Complex level associated with a colluvial C horizon provides evidence of greater movement of this material than that seen in the multiple Early Plains Archaic occupations associated with four A-horizons. The cultural levels identified in laboratory analyses are palimspsests deposited during multiple occupations.
Measurement of flow birefringence at very low velocity gradients

Instrumentation and associated techniques are described for the measurement of flow birefringence and extinction angles of high molecular weight polymer systems at extremely low velocity gradients. Precision of less than one degree in the extinction angles is obtained for birefringence smaller than 10−11, based upon studies of very dilute high molecular weight DNA solutions over a range of velocity gradients from 0.1 to 3 sec−1. Extinction angles approaching 44° are also observed with at least this degree of reliability for these systems. A relatively simple method of data reduction is outlined which permits explicit correction for solvent effects and for residual instrument birefringence and background; only the latter are found to be necessary at the shear rates reported in this communication. Applicability of the techniques to other macromolecules of biological interest is discussed.
Looking beyond Judging and Ranking: Writing Assessment as a Generative Practice.

Abstract Establishing the score or the placement as the first priority in a writing assessment leads to more reductive forms of writing assessment. However, if the prompts used in a direct test of writing were generative – that is, if they asked test-takers to analyze their own experiences as writers or learners, for example – the resulting texts would be useful data beyond the act of producing a ranking or a judgment. Washington State University developed and trialled such a prompt, one that asks students to reflect on their curricular and extra-curricular learning opportunities in relation to the university's Six Learning Goals for the Baccalaureate. The results were texts that demonstrate, among other things, which goals are (and are not) effectively distributed across the curriculum. Using these texts to address outcomes assessment on a university-wide level makes the assessment more valuable than it would be if it merely produced a set of placements. In addition, the richness of the student texts has provided a valuable resource for graduate-level research that is broader and more meaningful than simply training future raters of writing. Further, the raw data have proved to be accessible to researchers with wide-ranging theoretical lenses, meaning that the data yielded by an assessment can become a significant resource for research beyond the needs of the assessment program alone. Given the need for university assessment programs to compete for ever-scarcer resources, exploring the potential of the generative prompt seems in our enlightened self-interest.
Toward a social indicators model of aggregate American political behavior: 1948–1976

Using time series data from 15 post-World War II congressional elections, a nine-equation social indicators model of aggregate American political behavior is estimated. Six exogenous social and economic conditions and nine endogenous political variables are linked in a schematic flow across three sectors of the national polity. Findings indicate that relatively short-term social and political conditions exert greater effects on election outcomes than do long-term partisan alignments. The party composition of the executive and legislative branches of the federal government affects defense expenditures as a proportion of all budgetary outlays, but has only weak impact on health and education expenses. Criticisms and suggestions for future work are discussed.
Contact-inhibitory factor induces alterations in the distribution and content of specific cytoskeletal elements in an established line of rat hepatic tumor cells

Established 72/22 rat hepatic epithelial tumor cells, which possess intracellular aggregates of intermediate-sized filaments resembling Mallory-body-like inclusions, were used to assess changes in tumor cell growth and morphology associated with exposure to contact-inhibitory factor (CIF). CIF reduced 72/22 proliferative rate, increased mean population doubling time by 42%, lowered culture saturation densities to 34–50% of control values and inhibited formation of dense foci. These proliferative changes were due to an apparent prolongation of the G1 phase of the cell cycle during the period of CIF exposure. CIF concomitantly induced a marked increase (by 70%) in cell spreading and loss of both the usual tight (epithelioid) cell juxtaposition and typical ordered colony structure characteristic of untreated populations. However, CIF exposure failed to achieve complete cytoarchitectural “normalization” in 72/22 cells (i.e., dispersal of the Mallory-body-like aggregate of intermediate filaments and restoration of a more typical hepatocytic phenotype). Most obvious was a reduction In the integrity of the peripheral band of mlcrofilaments (a structure involved in the maintenance of epithelial cell shape) and a decrease in the content of desmoplakin (a protein component of desmosomal plaques). Changes in these major structural elements appear to be critical events in development of the pleomorphic phenotype and reduced sub-stratum adhesiveness observed during treatment. CIF-related fragmentation of peripheral band structures was not reflected in changes in either the total cellular or cytoskeletal-associated actin contents. The morphologic changes observed under conditions of CIF exposure closely paralleled induced decreases in the cellular content of the actin-associated membrane skeleton protein p35. These data collectively suggest that CIF may act to alter the composition of the cortical skeleton in cultured liver tumor cells.
Angiomyolipoma of the anterior mediastinum

Angiomyolipoma is a benign tumor composed of varying proportions of smooth muscle cells, blood vessels, and adipose tissue that most commonly occurs in the kidney. Sporadic lesions and lesions arising in the setting of the tuberous sclerosis complex have been reported in extrarenal sites. We present the case of an incidentally discovered angiomyolipoma in the anterior mediastinum. Thymoma was suspected clinically, and the lesion was composed mainly of spindled-to-epithelioid cells arranged in a histologic pattern reminiscent of hemangiopericytoma, a pattern that has been described in thymoma. Immunohistochemical stains revealed positivity for smooth muscle actin and HMB-45, revealing the expression of smooth muscle and melanocytic markers characteristic of angiomyolipoma and other lesions in the PEComa family.
Rnf19a, a ubiquitin protein ligase, and Psmc3, a component of the 26S proteasome, tether to the acrosome membranes and the head-tail coupling apparatus during rat spermatid development.

We report the cDNA cloning of rat testis Rnf19a, a ubiquitin protein ligase, and show 98% and 93% protein sequence identity of testicular mouse and human Rnf19a, respectively. Rnf19a interacts with Psmc3, a protein component of the 19S regulatory cap of the 26S proteasome. During spermatid development, Rnf19a and Psmc3 are initially found in Golgi-derived proacrosomal vesicles. Later on, Rnf19a, Psmc3, and ubiquitin are seen along the cytosolic side of the acrosomal membranes and the acroplaxome, a cytoskeletal plate linking the acrosome to the spermatid nuclear envelope. Rnf19a and Psmc3 accumulate at the acroplaxome marginal ring–manchette perinuclear ring region during spermatid head shaping and in the developing sperm head–tail coupling apparatus and tail. Rnf19a and Psmc3 may interact directly or indirectly with each other, presumably pointing to the participation of the ubiquitin–proteasome system in acrosome biogenesis, spermatid head shaping, and development of the head-tail coupling apparatus and tail. Developmental Dynamics 238:1851–1861, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Abstract 1089: Two nonselective calcium channels, TRPC3 and TRPC6, play roles in erythropoietin signaling

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The signal transduction pathways of erythropoietin (Epo), a glycoprotein regulating production of red blood cells, have been a model for understanding growth factor stimulated cell proliferation and differentiation. Erythropoietin receptors (Epo-R) are also expressed on non-hematopoietic cells, and recently Epo was reported to have antiapoptotic effects on these cells including a potential role in specific cancers. Two calcium channels were identified which are involved in Epo signaling, TRPC3 and TRPC6. These are homologous, nonselective calcium channels and are members of the canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) subfamily expressed on human erythroblasts. Both channels have also been implicated in stimulating proliferation of cancer cells; TRPC3 in ovarian cancer, TRPC6 in gliomas, and both channels in breast cancer. Here TRPC3 and TRPC6 function was studied in transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293T cells, and in the human leukemia UT-7/Epo cell line. Measurement of [Ca2+]i was performed on single cells with Digital Video Imaging. TRPC3 is activated by erythropoietin, whereas TRPC6 is not. In fact, TRPC6 can inhibit Epo-induced activation of TRPC3. Domains regulating channel activation were studied here. The TRP domain of TRPC3 is required for its activation, and substitution of five amino acids in the TRPC3 TRP domain with those of TRPC6 significantly reduced the Epo-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i in TRPC3-expressing cells. Substitution of the same amino acids in the TRPC6 TRP with those of TRPC3 did not enhance the response of TRPC6-expressing cells to Epo stimulation. However, substitution of the distal TRPC6 C-terminus (C2) with that of TRPC3 in addition to substitution of TRPC6 TRP with TRPC3 TRP resulted in a TRPC6 channel with Epo responsiveness similar to TRPC3. In contrast, substitution of the TRPC3 C-terminal leucine zipper motif or TRPC3 phosphorylation sites S681, S708, or S764 with corresponding TRPC6 sequence did not affect TRPC3 Epo-responsiveness. TRPC3, but not TRPC6, and chimeras expressing the distal TRPC3 C terminus showed significantly increased membrane insertion following Epo stimulation. This was associated with substantial cytosketetal localization of TRPC3 and chimeras expressing TRPC3C2 but not TRPC6. These data demonstrate the important role of the TRP domain in specificity of channel responsiveness to agonist stimulation, and the requirement for other sites for optimal response to agonists, such as those found in the distal C-terminus of TRPC3. A few mutations in critical channel sites could have an important effect on proliferation and survival of cells expressing Epo-R. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1089. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1089
Halsted is dead: Time for change in graduate surgical education

Abstract More than 100 years ago William Stewart Halsted established a graduate training program for surgeons, based on the German system, at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. When the American Board of Surgery was organized in 1937, the Halsted triad of educational principles, namely knowledge of the basic sciences, research, and graduated patient responsibility for the resident, were the goals of the founders. The pyramidal structure of the Halsted system—that is, indefinite length, vigorous competition for advancement leaving only one resident at the pinnacle, and one chief of service—was never widely used. Almost all programs in the years after World War II adopted the rectangular structure established by Churchill at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Halsted's principles of education have been retained and are still the essential requirements of residency training programs. Unfortunately, the most important element of the triad, graduated responsibility for patient care leading to the role of the resident as the surgeon, can no longer be offered to residents due to social and economic changes in medical care. Thus, the heart and soul of the Halsted system of graduate surgical education has been lost. A drastic change is needed. Halsted is dead.