cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bundled Medicare Payments: Trends in Utilization and Physician Payments for Dialysis Arteriovenous Fistula and Graft Maintenance Procedures From 2010 to 2018

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the volume of and payments for dialysis arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft maintenance procedures among Medicare beneficiaries from 2010 to 2018 and analyze trends by physician specialty and practice setting after the introduction of bundled Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in 2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Claims from the Medicare Part B Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master File for the years 2010 through 2018 were extracted by use of the CPT codes for arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft maintenance procedures. Total volumes, payment amounts (professional component), and trends were analyzed by physician specialty and practice setting. RESULTS. From 2010 to 2018, the volume of dialysis circuit maintenance procedures increased 25%, from 308,140 to 385,440 procedures. This increase was driven by increased volumes among nephrologists (30.0%) and surgeons (30.5%) with only a modest increase for interventional radiologists (1.5%). Total physician payments increased 20%, from $333.8 million to $399.5 million. After the introduction of bundled CPT codes in 2017, per-procedure physician payment decreased from $1073 in 2016 to $1025 in 2017 (4.5%). The true decrease in per-procedure payment was underestimated owing to inclusion of higher-cost stenting and embolization procedures in the dialysis-specific codes beginning in 2017. CONCLUSION. The volume of dialysis access maintenance procedures and total physician payments increased from 2010 to 2018 in keeping with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative. Introduction of bundled CPT codes in 2017, designed to reduce redundant payments, correlated with a decrease in average per-procedure physician payment.
The dynamic, combinatorial cis-regulatory lexicon of epidermal differentiation

Transcription factors (TFs) bind DNA sequence motif vocabularies in cis-regulatory elements (CREs) to modulate chromatin state and gene expression during cell state transitions. A quantitative understanding of how motif lexicons influence dynamic regulatory activity has been elusive due to the combinatorial nature of the cis-regulatory code. To address this, we undertook multi-omic data profiling of chromatin and expression dynamics across epidermal differentiation to identify 40,103 dynamic CREs associated with 3,609 dynamically expressed genes, then applied an interpretable deep learning framework to model the cis-regulatory logic of chromatin accessibility. This identified cooperative DNA sequence rules in dynamic CREs regulating synchronous gene modules with diverse roles in skin differentiation. Massively parallel reporter analysis validated temporal dynamics and cooperative cis-regulatory logic. Variants linked to human polygenic skin disease were enriched in these time-dependent combinatorial motif rules. This integrative approach reveals the combinatorial cis-regulatory lexicon of epidermal differentiation and represents a general framework for deciphering the organizational principles of the cis-regulatory code in dynamic gene regulation.
Rheological and buildability characterization of PVA fiber-reinforced cementitious composites for additive construction

This paper investigates the rheological and printability characteristics of PVA fiber-reinforced cementitious composites. To fabricate 3D printable strain hardening cementitious mixtures, ordinary Portland cement, fly ash, silica fume, fine sand, water, and a polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer are used. The effects of a modified starch-based viscosity modifying agent and nano clay on the rheological properties of these mixtures are explored. A shear rheometer with a building materials cell and vane motor is used for rheological tests. First, stress-growth tests are conducted to determine the static yield stress evolution curves for the PVA fiber-reinforced cement composites. A constant low shear rate is applied to minimize the viscous contributions to yield stress. Then, structural recovery tests are conducted by applying three different shear rates that mimic initial rest, extrusion, and after deposition conditions of printable mixtures and the change in apparent viscosity is observed. Next, structural build-up of PVA fiber-reinforced cementitious composites is assessed through constant shear rate rheology tests at different rest intervals. Finally, the buildability of the PVA fiber-reinforced cementitious composites is evaluated using a 3D concrete printer equipped with a 15 mm diameter nozzle and screw pump.
SCPI: IoT and the Déjà Vu of Instrument Control

Efforts to provide coherent support for interoperability for devices using new technologies remains an ongoing process. Those involved in standards development know this all too well. The challenge remains: How best to keep up with rapidly evolving paradigms such as the IoT, IIoT, Industry 4.0, and similar major shifts? Recent work as part of the IEEE P1451.x standards development looked backwards to identify standards that are mature and extensible, offering a rich functional suite adaptable to new devices and architectures. Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI-1999) is one such industry standard, which long ago solved the problem of communicating with devices from many manufacturers. SCPI was an elegant solution for converting unreadable vendor-specific commands to a universal set adaptable by all. Developing interoperability between IoT devices could benefit from a similar SCPI-like approach. To investigate this potential, a typical IoT scenario was developed. Existing nonreadable commands were converted into a SCPI-like command structure. The results of this effort were compelling and suggest that such an approach could achieve interoperability among a wide variety of IoT devices and vendors.
Natural Vibration Frequencies of Structural Members as an Indication of End Fixity and Magnitude of Stress

T N this paper an experimental method for the de•*• termination of the degree of end restraint of structural members is presented together with a method for determining the magnitude of load in an axially loaded member by means of a single easily made measurement on the member as it stands in the stressed conditions. These two unknowns are made determinable by the fact that the natural vibration frequency of a structural member is a definite function of both the degree of end restraint and the axial load existing in the member. Wi th this established it remains to determine the actual relations existing between first, the natural vibration frequency and the end restraint of the member, and, second, the natural vibration frequency and the axial load in the member.
Clinical outcomes with on‐label and off‐label use of the transcatheter heart valve in the United States

Objective We explored the efficacy, safety, and clinical consequences of on-label and off-label transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the real-world setting. Background The transcatheter heart valve (THV) was initially approved only for transfemoral (TF) delivery (on-label use) during TAVR in inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Because of lack of alternative options in TAVR-eligible patients with inadequate TF access, other routes have been utilized for THV implantation (off-label use), outcomes of which were previously unknown. Methods Consecutive patients with severe inoperable AS who underwent clinical TAVR at our site were enrolled in a prospective database. Fifty subjects underwent TF-TAVR (on-label group), while non-TF routes were utilized in 60 subjects (off-label group). Procedural events, 30-day clinical outcomes, and 1-year all-cause mortality data were analyzed. Results Technical device success was similar between on-label and off-label groups (88% vs. 87%, respectively; P = 0.92), as was the incidence of procedural complications and 30-day clinical events. The on-label group had lower 1-year all-cause death rate (12%) compared to the off-label group (32%; P = 0.02). The 1-year all-cause mortality in the off-label group was comparable to published clinical trial and registry data on TAVR, and appeared lower than historical outcomes with conservative medical therapy. Conclusion On-label use of the THV in the real-world setting was associated with favorable survival outcomes compared to off-label TAVR and historical data. Off-label use of the THV appeared to be safe and effective when used in select patients with inoperable AS who are not eligible for TAVR via TF approach. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
To Crowdsource or Not To Crowdsource

Crowdsourcing contests — events to solicit solutions to problems via an open-call format for prizes — have gained ground as a mechanism for organizations to accomplish tasks. This paper uses game-theoretic models to develop design principles for crowdsourcing contests and answer the questions: what types of tasks should be crowdsourced? Under what circumstances? When a single task is to be completed, crowdsourcing can lead to higher quality outcomes than directed assignment if the pool of players is diverse, but can lead to suboptimal outcomes when workers have similar abilities. With multiple tasks, crowdsourcing can easily match players with diverse skill-sets to different tasks to achieve high aggregate performance. However, surprisingly, crowdsourcing is not always useful to find expert workers for highly specialized tasks.
Integral Sets and Cayley Graphs of Finite Groups

Integral sets of finite groups are discussed and related to the integral Cayley graphs. The Boolean algebra of integral sets are determined for dihedral group and finite abelian groups. We characterize the finite abelian groups as those finite groups where the Boolean algebra generated by integral sets equals the Boolean algebra generated by its subgroups.
Coalition game-based distributed coverage of unknown environments by robot swarms

We consider the problem of distributed exploration or coverage of an unknown environment by a swarm of mobile mini-robots that have limited memory, computation and communication capabilities. We describe a novel mechanism of distributed coverage of an unknown environment by swarmed robots that can dynamically merge and split into structured teams or exchange team members to improve the efficiency of solving the coverage problem. Our mechanism combines the technique of swarm-based flocking with coalition games to enable robots dynamically select utility maximizing teams that move in formation.
AGN Shocks in 3D

I review observable manifestations of various AGN shocks, discuss some key past 3D results, and outline some recent improvements in the computational framework within which spectra are interpreted. New models of dusty clouds broaden the scope of photoionization by providing a self-consistent basis for the successful matter-bounded/ionization-bounded model sequences, and can undermine the case for shocks in some AGN. However, we are only beginning to explore computationally the time evolution of shocks in 3D. The cyclical nature of high-velocity shock compression may provide a natural time scale for some AGN phenomena. It would be premature to dismiss a r ole for shocks in datasets that encompass only a few strong emission-lines. We need comprehensive IFU spectra.
Effect of lamellar flap location on corneal topography after laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of hinge position on corneal topography after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. Setting: Academic center and refractive surgery practice. Methods: Topography data obtained from 89 eyes of 46 patients after LASIK were analyzed. Using a system of Cartesian coordinates, data along the horizontal and vertical axes were analyzed, measuring sagittal height and power change at 1 mm intervals from the ablation zone center. Data points that were equidistant and on opposite sides of the ablation center were compared to find asymmetry along either axis relative to nasally hinged flaps. Results: Along the horizontal axis, areas of the cornea closer to the hinge had a higher topography than areas farther from the hinge. Specifically, the points nearest and farthest from the hinge were significantly different in sagittal height (P , .034); the areas farthest from the hinge were reduced more after surgery (relatively lower topography). When results were stratified into low- and high-diopter corrections, this difference was significant in only the high-diopter group (P , .0006). Trends in power change were also observed. Areas of the cornea closer to the hinge were relatively flatter than areas farther from the hinge. Statistical significance was detected in only the low-diopter group at data points 2 mm from the ablation zone center in opposite directions (P , .008). No asymmetry was seen along the vertical axis in power change or sagittal height. Conclusions: The lamellar flap in LASIK may influence postoperative corneal topography. Hypothetically, the corneal flap may retract toward the hinge, producing axial asymmetry in the postoperative topography relative to the hinge. Understanding the influence of corneal flap characteristics on post-LASIK topography may improve optical results and may be particularly important in the development and effectiveness of topography-guided ablation techniques. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000; 26: 992‐1000 © 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS
The Lederman Science Center: Past, Present, Future

For 30 years, Fermilab has offered K-12 education programs, building bridges between the Lab and the community. The Lederman Science Center is our home. We host field trips and tours, visit schools, offer classes and professional development workshops, host special events, support internships and have a strong web presence. We develop programs based on identified needs, offer programs with peer-leaders and improve programs from participant feedback. For some we create interest; for others we build understanding and develop relationships, engaging participants in scientific exploration. We explain how we created the Center, its programs, and what the future holds.
Cooperative and interference effects in the resonance fluorescence of two identical three-level atoms at high photon densities II. Numerical results

Abstract Numerical calculations are presented for the excitation spectrum of two identical three-level atoms interacting with a strong resonant laser field. The atoms interact through their dipole-dipole interaction and radiate to each other as well. The spectrum of the symmetric and antisymmetric modes due to the radiative decay from the higher to the lower excited state of the interacting atoms is considered without and with taking into account the effects of the strong pumping process. In the absence of strong pumping, the dipole-dipole interaction in the spectrum of the symmetric modes gives rise to an asymmetric doublet whose ratio of intensities is 2:1, while the spectrum of the antisymmetric modes consists of two peaks one of which represents a stable mode indicating the trapping of a photon between the atoms and a radiative one which has a lifetime one-half that of the isolated atom. In the presence of strong pumping, asymmetries due to the dipole-dipole interaction arise enhancing certain peaks while diminishing the intensity of others and a new pair of sidebands is induced as well. The computed spectra are presented graphically for different values of the Rabi frequencies and the dipole-dipole interaction, respectively.
Implications and Management of Central Nervous System Involvement before Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with a history of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, either at diagnosis or relapse, poses challenges when the decision is made to proceed with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), as there is no evidence-based consensus on the best peri-transplantation approach to reduce subsequent CNS relapse risk. Here, we retrospectively analyzed outcomes of 87 patients with ALL and a history of CNS involvement who later underwent alloHCT. Patients with pretransplantation CNS involvement had higher risk of CNS relapse after transplantation (2-year CNS relapse: 9.6% versus 1.4%, P
Visible Points in Convex Sets and Best Approximation

The concept of a visible point of a convex set relative to a given point is introduced. A number of basic properties of such visible point sets are developed. In particular, it is shown that this concept is useful in the study of best approximation, and it also seems to have potential value in the study of robotics.
Mapping the Distribution of 90Sr in Teeth with a Photostimulable Phosphor Imaging Detector

Abstract Romanyukha, A. A., Mitch, M. G., Lin, Z., Nagy, V. and Coursey, B. M. Mapping the Distribution of 90Sr in Teeth with a Photostimulable Phosphor Imaging Detector. Radiat. Res. 157, 341 – 349 (2002). The present communication describes the technical aspects of the first application of an imaging plate for visualization of 90Sr deposited in human teeth. The teeth were obtained from Techa River area residents who were exposed as a result of releases of radioactivity into the Techa River by the first Soviet nuclear plant Mayak in the early 1950s. The investigations form the basis for an experimental procedure for accurate mapping of the distribution of 90Sr in teeth with an imaging plate. This new method can be used as an individual indicator of radionuclide intake. Its advantages are its high sensitivity (0.02 Bq/g mm−2 of 90Sr), it ability to examine small detectable cross-sectional areas of dental tissue (dentin) contaminated with 90Sr (from 0.01 mm2), the nondestructive method of analysis, and the...
Oxybutynin: past, present, and future

Oxybutynin chloride is primarily indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). It remains the most widely prescribed compound for OAB in the world. OAB is defined as the presence of urinary urgency, usually accompanied by daytime urinary frequency and nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence, in the absence of infection or other identifiable etiology. This is a significant problem for men and women said to affect over 33 million adults in the USA, with the prevalence increasing with age. These symptoms can alter quality of life, with both physical and psychological impairment, as well as cause significant financial burden including the cost of sanitary supplies and decreased work productivity. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods may be employed to aid in the treatment of OAB. The mainstay of treatment for OAB relies on pharmacological management, most specifically treatment with antimuscarinic medications. These medications are thought to prevent involuntary bladder contractions and/or urgency by inhibiting the muscarinic receptors within the urothelium and detrusor muscle. Currently, there are six different medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of OAB, with more than nine formulations including immediate- and extended-release tablets, transdermal patch and gel, vaginal ring, and suppository. This review will focus specifically on oxybutynin chloride, which has been used to treat OAB for four decades in numerous formulations.
Pharmacological chaperoning: A primer on mechanism and pharmacology

Approximately forty percent of diseases are attributable to protein misfolding, including those for which genetic mutation produces misfolding mutants. Intriguingly, many of these mutants are not terminally misfolded since native-like folding, and subsequent trafficking to functional locations, can be induced by target-specific, small molecules variably termed pharmacological chaperones, pharmacoperones, or pharmacochaperones (PCs). PC targets include enzymes, receptors, transporters, and ion channels, revealing the breadth of proteins that can be engaged by ligand-assisted folding. The purpose of this review is to provide an integrated primer of the diverse mechanisms and pharmacology of PCs. In this regard, we examine the structural mechanisms that underlie PC rescue of misfolding mutants, including the ability of PCs to act as surrogates for defective intramolecular interactions and, at the intermolecular level, overcome oligomerization deficiencies and dominant negative effects, as well as influence the subunit stoichiometry of heteropentameric receptors. Not surprisingly, PC-mediated structural correction of misfolding mutants normalizes interactions with molecular chaperones that participate in protein quality control and forward-trafficking. A variety of small molecules have proven to be efficacious PCs and the advantages and disadvantages of employing orthostatic antagonists, active-site inhibitors, orthostatic agonists, and allosteric modulator PCs are considered. Also examined is the possibility that several therapeutic agents may have unrecognized activity as PCs, and this chaperoning activity may mediate/contribute to therapeutic action and/or account for adverse effects. Lastly, we explore evidence that pharmacological chaperoning exploits intrinsic ligand-assisted folding mechanisms. Given the widespread applicability of PC rescue of mutants associated with protein folding disorders, both in vitro and in vivo, the therapeutic potential of PCs is vast. This is most evident in the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders, cystic fibrosis, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, for which proof of principle in humans has been demonstrated.
Platelet-Activating Factor Antagonism Attenuates Platelet and Neutrophil Activation and Reduces Myocardial Injury during Coronary Reperfusion

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is known to be synthesized during tissue reperfusion and to be involved in the activation of platelets and neutrophils in inflammatory processes. The hypothesis of the present study is that PAF is central in the pathophysiology of myocardial reperfusion and that specific PAF receptor antagonism may reduce myocardial reperfusion injury. Utilizing an intact sheep model that involved a 90-min occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 6 hr of reperfusion, a study group that received a specific PAF receptor antagonist (L-659,989, 5 mg/kg) 10 min before reperfusion was compared to a control group that received a saline placebo (n = 8 in each group). Coronary sinus platelet aggregating activity and neutrophil oxidative burst were studied by standard platelet aggregometry and the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein flow cytometric assay, respectively. Left coronary flow and left ventricular functions measured as peak +/- dp/dt and stroke work were analyzed. The extent of myocardial infarction at the end of 6 hr of reperfusion was measured by standard histochemical stainings. The results demonstrated that platelets were hyperaggregable and that neutrophil oxidative burst was increased in the myocardial compartment during the first 3 hr of coronary reperfusion after 90 min of ischemia. The administration of the PAF antagonist immediately before reflow effectively prevented the activation of platelets and neutrophils. This was associated with significantly improved coronary reflow and ventricular function during the observed reperfusion period and with reduced myocardial infarct measured at 6 hr of reperfusion. We conclude that the use of a specific PAF receptor antagonist, L-659,989, immediately before controlled coronary reflow attenuated the activation of platelets and neutrophils that occurred during reperfusion. These anti-platelet and anti-neutrophil effects together with the inhibition of the known direct deleterious effects of PAF on the myocardium translated into improved ventricular function and reduced myocardial infarct.
Catalytic hydrodesulfurization by molybdenum nitride

High surface area molybdenum nitride (up to 108 m{sup 2}/g) was synthesized, characterized, and tested for thiophene desulfurization activity. The surface area was found to depend on synthesis temperature profile, mass transfer, and passivation procedure. Passivated and sulfided catalysts retained the bulk structure of face-centered-cubic Mo{sub 2}N. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed no evidence for MoO{sub 3} or MoS{sub 2} formation in fresh catalysts or catalysts sulfided at 673 K. Thiophene desulfurization activity was measured over a broad range Mo{sub 2}N surface areas and reactor condition. Small amounts of tetrahydrothiophene were formed during desulfurization and low-conversion data at 673 K indicate that butane is one of the initial products of the thiophene desulfurization reaction, in addition to butadiene and the butenes.
Diagnosis and management of adults with pharyngitis. A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Observation, culture, and two rapid antigen test strategies for diagnosing and treating suspected group A -hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis in adults have very similar cost-effectiveness. ...
Kinetic and microscopic studies of reductive transformations of organic contaminants on goethite.

Reactions mediated by iron mineral surfaces play an important role in the fate of organic contaminants in both natural and engineered systems. As such reactions proceed, the size, morphology, and even the phase of iron oxide minerals can change, leading to altered reactivity. The reductive degradation of 4-chloronitrobenzene and trichloronitromethane by Fe(II) associated with goethite (α-FeOOH) was examined by performing sequential-spike batch experiments. The particle size and size distribution of the pre- and postreaction particles were quantified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results demonstrate that the degradation reactions result in goethite growth in the c-direction. Furthermore, pseudo-first-order reaction rate constants for the degradation of 4-chloronitrobenzene and trichloronitromethane and for the loss of aqueous Fe(II) decrease dramatically with each subsequent injection of organic compound and Fe(II). This result indicates that the newly formed material, which TEM and X-ray d...
Drafting Manuals and Manual Training: Rouillion and Ramsey's Architectural Details

Overshadowed by the influences of architectural academicism, a drafting culture grounded in the manual training movement of the nineteenth century significantly shaped the vocational base of the profession. In turn, that culture offered a path of upward mobility to ambitious would-be architectural draftsmen arising from the working classes even while subordinating them to the social identity of an aspiring professional elite. A document of drafting culture and a precursor of Architectural Graphic Standards, the drafting textbook Architectural Details, published in 1924, demonstrates how manual training in the drafting vocation became intertwined with the draftsman's—and architect's—social construction.
Site-Directed Fluorescence Studies of a Prokaryotic ClC Antiporter†

Channels and transporters of the ClC family serve a variety of physiological functions. Understanding of their gating and transport mechanisms remains incomplete, with disagreement over the extent of protein conformational change involved. Using site-directed fluorescence labeling, we probe ClC-ec1, a prokaryotic ClC, for transport-related structural rearrangements. We specifically label cysteines introduced at several positions in the R helix of ClC-ec1 with AlexaFluor 488, an environment-sensitive fluorophore, and demonstrate that the labeled mutants show H+/Cl- transport activity indistinguishable from that of the wild-type protein. At each position that we examined we observe fluorescence changes upon acidification over the same pH range that is known to activate transport. The fluorescence change is also sensitive to Cl- concentration; furthermore, the Cl- and H+ dependencies are coupled as would be expected if the fluorescence change reflected a conformational change required for transport. Together...
A Prospective, Multi-Institutional Study of Flexible Ureteroscopy for Proximal Ureteral Stones Smaller than 2 cm

Purpose: Flexible ureteroscopy is rapidly becoming a first line therapy for many patients with renal and ureteral stones. However, current understanding of treatment outcomes in patients with isolated proximal ureteral stones is limited. Therefore, we performed a prospective, multi-institutional study of ureteroscopic management of proximal ureteral stones smaller than 2 cm to better define clinical outcomes associated with this approach.Materials and Methods: Adult patients with proximal ureteral calculi smaller than 2 cm were prospectively identified. Patients with concomitant ipsilateral renal calculi or prior ureteral stenting were excluded from study. Flexible ureteroscopy, holmium laser lithotripsy and ureteral stent placement was performed. Ureteral access sheath use, laser settings and other details of perioperative and postoperative management were based on individual surgeon preference. Stone clearance was determined by the results of renal ultrasound and plain x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and ...
Decreasing IRS-2 expression in pancreatic β-cells (INS-1) promotes apoptosis, which can be compensated for by introduction of IRS-4 expression

Abstract IRS-2 plays a pivotal role in the control of pancreatic β-cell growth. Here, the effect of altering IRS-2 expression levels in the pancreatic β-cell line, INS-1, was examined. Adenoviral-mediated increased in IRS-2 protein levels protected against fatty acid (FFA)-induced apoptosis, associated with increased activation of PKB and decreased levels of activated caspase-9. Conversely, decreasing endogenous IRS-2 in INS-1 cells, using adenoviral-mediated expression of IRS-2 antisense, caused a three-fold increase in baseline apoptosis that was further enhanced in the presence of FFA. This was associated with decreased activation of PKB and increased caspase-9 activation. Although IRS-4 is not normally expressed in β-cells, it was found that adenoviral-mediated introduction of IRS-4 into INS-1 cells enhanced glucose/IGF-1 induced mitogenesis, and protected against FFA-induced apoptosis, similarly to IRS-2. Moreover, expression of IRS-4 in INS-1 cells depleted of IRS-2 levels by IRS-2 antisense, was able to compensate for the lack of IRS-2 and reduce apoptosis in these cells back to normal. Thus, in β-cells IRS-4 and -2 have similar biological functions. Also, this study further emphasizes the importance of IRS-2 signaling in control of β-cell survival.
Biased isochron ages resulting from subsolidus isotope exchange: A theoretical model and results

Abstract Igneous rocks formed in the upper crust often undergo hydrothermal alteration at their time of emplacement. Sr may be mobile in hydrothermal solutions and Sr isotopic heterogeneities can form as a result of isotopic exchange between the rock and solutions. We develop a theoretical model of hydrothermal exchange which shows that data from altered samples cause two types of “geological error” on isochron diagrams: (1) random variations which affect the fit of the regression; and (2) systematic variations which cause shifts in the slope and intercept of the line. Inaccurate ages and initial ratios are expected even when the exchange process is purely stochastic, i.e. when the amount of exchange varies from sample to sample and is independent of the original Sr concentrations and Rb/Sr ratios of the samples. Furthermore, systematic errors are decoupled from random errors. Thus, the fit of a regression is unrelated to the accuracy of age estimates. We show that extensive alteration of the RbSr chemistry is not required for significant systematic errors to occur. A method for selecting samples most likely to yield accurate ages even if altered is presented: it depends only on chemical, not isotopic, criteria and is an alternative to a posteriori rejection of outliers.
Imaging synaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis with FM dyes

FM dyes have been used to label and then monitor synaptic vesicles, secretory granules and other endocytic structures in a variety of preparations. Here, we describe the general procedure for using FM dyes to study endosomal trafficking in general, and synaptic vesicle recycling in particular. The dye, dissolved in normal saline solution, is added to a chamber containing the preparation to be labeled. Stimulation evokes exocytosis, and compensatory endocytosis that follows traps FM dye inside the retrieved vesicles. The extracellular dye is then washed from the chamber, and labeled endocytic structures are examined with a fluorescence microscope. Fluorescence intensity provides a direct measure of the labeled vesicle number, a good measure of the amount of exocytosis. If the preparation is stimulated again, without dye in the chamber, dimming of the preparation provides a measure of exocytosis of labeled vesicles. With a synaptic preparation on hand, this protocol requires 1 day.
Measurement of right ventricular volumes before and after atrial septal defect closure using multislice computed tomography.

Volumetric measurements of the right ventricle are helpful in patients with atrial septal defects (ASDs) in estimating the degree of right ventricular (RV) failure. They also may be important in following patients postoperatively after ASD closure. Traditional imaging modalities used to obtain such measurements have had limitations in measuring the complex shape of the right ventricle. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a technique that provides excellent spatial resolution of the moving heart. This study was conducted to assess whether MSCT could be used to evaluate RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) before and after the closure of an ASD. From June 2004 to March 2006, 10 patients with ASDs underwent MSCT to calculate their RV volumes. The patients then had their ASDs closed by either a percutaneous or a surgical approach. Three months later, the patients’ MSCT scans were repeated, and RV volumes were recalculated. EDV was approximated using 3-dimensional volume-rendered models of the right ventricle. At a mean follow-up of 3 months, a significant reduction in mean RV EDV, indexed for body surface area, was demonstrated, from 131 ± 31 to 83 ± 22 cm3/m2 (p = 0.0007). In conclusion, this report is the first to describe the utility of MSCT to demonstrate RV EDV reduction after ASD closure.
F plasmid replication and the division cycle of Escherichia coli B/r

Abstract A terminal stage in the duplication of many bacterial plasmids involves the transient formation of catenated molecules containing two interlocked monomeric plasmid units. This property of plasmid replication was exploited to examine the relationship between F replication and the division cycle of Escherichia coli B/r cells growing in undisturbed, exponential-phase cultures. Various cultures of F′lac- or FKmr-containing cells were briefly exposed to [3H]thymidine, and then the transfer of radioactivity into, and out of, a catenated dimer consisting of two closed circular monomers was measured during a chase period. The fraction of plasmid molecules present in this dimer form was determined by separating cellular DNA in alkaline sucrose gradients. In addition, plasmid replication was studied in synchronously growing cultures by measuring both [3H]thymidine incorporation into covalently closed circular DNA and β-galactosidase inducibility. The results suggest that replication of F plasmids can take place throughout the cell division cycle, with the probability of replication increasing toward the end of the cycle. The presence of DNA homologous to the chromosome on the F′lac did not alter the replication pattern of the plasmid during the division cycle.
Flash hydrogenation of ethylene on tungsten single crystal surfaces

The production of ethane accompanying the thermal decomposition of ethylene on bare and hydrogen covered (110), (100), (112) and (111) tungsten surfaces has been studied. The fraction of ethylene converted to ethane is found to vary from face to face, but in no case does the amount of ethane produced correspond to hydrogenation of more than 1.5% of the chemisorbed ethylene; the remainder decomposes to a carbon residue and gaseous hydrogen. With no preadsorbed hydrogen (i.e., self-hydrogenation) the order of activity, as given by the fraction of ethylene converted to ethane, is as follows: (110) < (100) ~ (112) < (111). With preadsorbed hydrogen (hydrogenation) the order of activity is approximately the same. (110 < (100) < (111) < (112). The inversion in the order for the (112) and (111) planes is due to a concentration effect. The increase in the fraction of ethylene hydrogenated over the fraction self-hydrogenated increases as the ratio of chemisorbed hydrogen to chemisorbed ethylene increases, and in the case of the (112) plane this ratio is a factor of 7 larger than the same ratio for the (111) plane. When D2 is substituted for H2 in the hydrogen predose, the extent of incorporation of D atoms in the ethane product, as indicated by the amount of d5- and d5-ethane relative to d2-ethane, is ordered approximately in the inverse of the self-hydrogenation activity. The amount of ethane produced is shown to be inconsistent with a Rideal-Eley mechanism, but consistent with the Horiuti-Polyani or half-hydrogenated state mechanism. The crystallographic dependence for hydrogenation and deuteration is a consequence of the reverse of Eq. (1). The probability of this step occurring decreases with increasing metal-metal spacing. A high density of short spacings as on the (110) plane would yield the observed small amounts of ethane but extensive incorporation of D atoms, while a high density of long spacings as on the (111) plane would yield the observed larger amounts of ethane with less extensive incorporation of D atoms.
Microbial Toxicity Monitor for in Situ Continuous applications.

Conception d'un dispositif de controle microbien de la toxicite a l'echelle du laboratoire, permettant une detection rapide de la presence de composes dangereux dans les eaux de surface, les eaux souterraines, une evaluation de leur toxicite, et une mise en œuvre effective des mesures de controle et des mesures necessaires. Le systeme est compose d'un biofiltre et d'un appareil de mesure de l'oxygene dissous dans l'effluent. Etude sur 3 composes mineraux, acide nitrique, hydroxyde de sodium, cyanure et 4 metaux lourds: chrome, fer, plomb et mercure
Flurothyl toxicity: a remarkable species difference between chick and mouse.

Young chicks survive flurothyl vapor concentrations that are lethal to mice. For a 10-min exposure, the LD50 concentrations (% v/v) of flurothyl are 10.1% in chicks and 0.33% in mice; the convulsant concentrations (CD50) are 0.49% in chicks and 0.32% in mice. The remarkable resistance of young chicks to flurothyl toxicity may be related to their known resistance to hypoxic death.
An Examination of Accounting Faculty's Actual and Preferred Use of Time

Accounting faculty are faced with conflicting pressures for success in teaching, research, public service, administration, and consulting. Frequently, increased devotion of time to an area results in increased success, but not without sacrifice in other activity areas. In reflecting on academic careers, Zlatkovich (1984) states, "One does have to be ready to accept opportunity, and the key is to learn to distinguish the important from the unimportant and to manage one's time with reasonable efficiency." This study investigated accounting faculty and how they allocated their time among the various areas of teaching, research, service, administration, and consulting-hereafter referred to as the functional areas. Although the results are sample means and not indicative of how any single individual should allocate his/ her time, examination of data from other faculty may assist individuals in the management of their own time. Administrators may find the data useful in attracting and retaining faculty by matching their expectations with the preferred time allocations across functional areas. In addition, faculty at various stages of their careers may reallocate their time more effectively by examining the data categorized by rank.
The use of Afrocentric features as cues for judgment in the presence of diagnostic information

Prior research has shown that within racial category, group members with more Afrocentric facial features are presumed to have more stereotypic traits than those with less Afrocentric features. The present experiment investigated whether this form of feature-based stereotyping occurs when more diagnostic information is available. The participants were provided with photographs and information about the aggressive (or non-aggressive) behaviour of 64 African Americans in four different situations, and asked to predict the likelihood of aggression in a fifth situation. As expected, each instance of aggression increased estimates that a target would behave aggressively in the unknown situation. With degree of displayed aggression controlled, however, targets with more Afrocentric features were judged as significantly more likely to behave aggressively than targets with less Afrocentric features. Thus, stereotyping based on Afrocentric features occurs even when other obviously-relevant information is available. This suggests that it may be difficult to detect and avoid. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visions of community: post‐war housing projects of Local 3, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Local 1199, Hospital Workers Union

In the twentieth century, labour unions in New York City developed tens of thousands of affordable housing units that were targeted to the city’s moderate income residents. Case studies of projects developed by Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Local 1199 of the Hospital Workers Union illustrate how union‐backed housing reflected two significantly different conceptions of community. Local 3 represented the white, politically moderate and middle‐income building trades; Local 1199’s membership was primarily non‐white, low‐income service workers. Local 3’s Electchester created a homogeneous and exclusive residential enclave in near‐suburban Queens that was part of an array of benefits funded collaboratively with the union’s employers. Local 1199’s 1199 Plaza used public funding and resources to construct striking modern buildings in the low‐income neighbourhood of East Harlem, with the goal of creating a community that was inclusive in terms of both its residents and its rela...
Interleukin-2 Promotes Antigenic Reactivity of Rested T Cells but Prolongs the Postactivational Refractory Phase of Activated T Cells☆

Abstract IL-2 is a principal autocrine growth factor that promotes T-cell activation and proliferation. However, IL-2 has also been implicated as a key intermediate in the induction and maintenance of self-tolerance in vivo. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the differential regulatory activity of IL-2 was related to the activation status of responder T cells. In cultures of rested myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific T cells, IL-2 not only induced IL-2Rα but also augmented surface expression of several other activation-associated glycoproteins including OX40, LFA-1, B7.1, B7.2, TCR, and CD4. Pretreatment of T cells with IL-2 also up-regulated subsequent antigen reactivity in assays of MBP-stimulated proliferation and IL-2 production and also promoted proliferative responsiveness to IL-2. In cultures of activated T cells, however, IL-2 inhibited subsequent reactivity to antigen or IL-2 and thereby prolonged a phase of postactivational refractoriness. Exposure of preactivated T cells to IL-2 also inhibited subsequent responses to the mitogenic combination of PMA, ionomycin, and IL-2 without enhancing cell death. These data support the concept that the inhibitory activity of IL-2 is dependent upon the activation status of T cells and is manifest as impaired cell cycle progression in response to a variety of IL-2-dependent stimuli.
Expression of transforming growth factor-β in the rat ventral prostate during castration-induced programmed cell death

Castration-induced androgen deprivation leads to the activation of the programmed death of the androgen-dependent prostatic epithelial cells in the rat ventral prostate. In order to identify potential mediators of this programmed cell death, the expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) in the rat ventral prostate was studied, after castration induced-androgen withdrawal. Steady state levels of TGF beta mRNA were determined by Northern blot analysis and compared with mRNA levels for prostatein C3, the major androgen-dependent secretory protein of ventral prostate and also with mRNA levels for TRPM-2, a gene that is specifically expressed during castration induced prostatic cell death. Within the first day after castration there was a dramatic increase in the levels of TGF beta mRNA in the ventral prostate (approximately 10-fold) and by 4 days after castration TGF beta mRNA was maximally expressed (approximately 40-fold increase), by which time the androgen-dependent C3 secretory protein mRNA transcripts have diminished to undetectable levels. Androgen administration to 4-day castrated rats led to a marked decrease in TGF beta mRNA to a level comparable to its constitutive expression obtained in the intact control animals, indicating that expression of TGF beta in the rat ventral prostate is under negative androgenic regulation. The transcript levels encoding TRPM-2 initially increased 10-fold within the first day after castration and by day 4 post castration there was a dramatic increase (approximately 50-fold) which correlated well with the maximal rate of cell death of the androgen-dependent prostatic epithelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)