cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Receptor aggregation: a possible mechanism of platelet stimulation by thrombin.

The currently accepted view of the structure of biological membranes is of a two dimensional fluid solution of integral proteins embedded in a lipid bilayer (1). Binding of multivalent ligands such as antibodies and lectins often results in rapid lateral mobility followed by clustering of the receptors. Recently, it has been demonstrated that receptor aggregation is important in the action of insulin, a presumably monovalent ligand, on adipocytes (2). Utilizing fluorescent-labeled epidermal growth factor and insulin, aggregation of the receptors on living fibroblasts has also been directly demonstrated (3). It has been shown that the initial step in the interaction of thrombin with platelets is its binding to specific structures on the cell surface (4-9). Considerable data have now accumulated which suggest that the throrabin receptor in human platelets may be a glycoprotein of molecular weight 150,000 (GP-I) (10-12). In our studies on thrombin binding to isolated GP-I, we observed a considerable amount of GP-I aggregates which eluted at the void volume of the column (13). Furthermore, it is known that some lectins can mimick thrombin's ability to stimulate plarelets (14,15). In view of these findings, we considered the possibility that thrombin may lead to clustering of the GP-I molecules on the platelet sur-
Recruitment and retention of urban schoolchildren into a randomized double-blind vitamin D supplementation trial:

Background:While rarely used for supplementation trials in the United States, schools present a practical alternative to a clinical setting.Purpose:We describe the successful recruitment and retention of urban schoolchildren into a 6-month randomized, double-blind vitamin D3 supplementation trial.Methods:Boston-area urban schoolchildren, aged 8–15 years, were recruited in 2011–2012 through classroom and auditorium presentations. Informed consent forms in five languages were sent home to parents. Retention methods included regular telephone calls and gift cards for completed study visits.Results:In total, 691 schoolchildren enrolled. Their mean (standard deviation) age was 11.7 (1.4) years; 59% were racial/ethnic minorities and 68% qualified for free or reduced-price school meals. Multi-level, culturally sensitive, creative approaches contributed to success in recruitment and retention. Of 691 participants, 81% completed the 6-month intervention period. Reasons for attrition included missed appointments an...
Effects of physostigmine and lecithin on memory in Alzheimer disease

Because there is evidence that central cholinergic mechanisms are depleted in dementia, we studied the effects of central cholinergic augmentation on the memory of 5 patients with Alzheimer disease. Patients received placebo, lecithin, physostigmine, or lecithin plus physostigmine in a double-blind study using titrated doses of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine. Memory was evaluated with alternate forms of the selective reminding procedure. Compared with lecithin alone, the combination of physostigmine and lecithin consistently enhanced memory storage and retrieval; physostigmine without lecithin produced no memory facilitation. The strategy of combining a cholinergic agonist and precursor holds promise, although a larger clinical trial is needed.
Repetitive use and static postures: A source of nerve compression and pain

Nerve compression or musculoskeletal diagnoses require consideration of both the repetitive movements and static postures that may be contributing to the problem. Certain postures and positions assumed at home, at work, and during sleep will have three major influences: (1) directly increasing pressure on nerves at entrapment sites; (2) placing muscles in shortened positions so that adaptive muscle shortening may then secondarily compress nerves; and (3) placing some muscles in elongated and weakened positions, resulting in other muscles being over-used, thus creating the cycle of muscle imbalance. Successful management of the patient with upper extremity pain, paresthesia, and numbness should begin with initial identification of all sites that are contributing to the presenting symptoms. Treatment must then be directed toward the sources of nerve compression and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Upper quadrant symptomatology can be alleviated with an appropriate therapy program, even in the patient with chronic symptoms, but only with patient education, compliance with an exercise program, and behavioral modification at home, work, and during sleep.
Sparse null basis computations in structural optimization

We study the computation of sparse null bases of equilibrium matrices in the context of the force method in structural optimization. Two classes of structural problems are considered. For the class of rigid jointed skeletal structures, we use a partitioning method suggested by Henderson and Maunder to partition the problem into a set of independent null basis computations. For the class of structures represented by a continuum, we compute a sizable fraction of the null vectors in a basis from a consideration of the finite element formulation and the bipartite graph of the equilibrium matrix. The remaining null vectors are computed by the triangular algorithm in [6]. The new algorithms find sparser bases than the triangular algorithm and are also faster.
Synthesis of cis-δ-phenylmethyl-d-proline using a nitrogen-centered radical derived from a chiral oxaziridine

Abstract Oxaziridines react with Cu(I) salts to afford products resulting from the initial formation of a nitrogen-centered radical/oxygen-centered anion pair. For an α-aryl radical, a chiral pyrrolidine was obtained with high enantioselectivity and was transformed into cis-δ-phenylmethyl- d -proline. 3-Carbomethoxy-or 3-(2′-furyl)-substitution gave products resulting from β-cleavage or C→N migration, respectively.
Temperature-induced structural changes in fluorozirconate glasses and liquids

The atomic structure and its temperature dependence in fluorozirconate glasses and supercooled liquids have been studied with high-resolution and high-temperature ${}^{19}\mathrm{F}$ and ${}^{23}\mathrm{Na}$ nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The ${}^{19}\mathrm{F}$ NMR spectra in these glasses show the presence of multiple F environments. Temperature dependence of the ${}^{19}\mathrm{F}$ magic-angle-spinning NMR spectra indicates a progressive change in the average F coordination environment in the glass structure, besides motional narrowing due to substantial mobility of ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ions. The observed change in the average ${}^{19}\mathrm{F}$ NMR chemical shift is consistent with progressive breaking of the Zr-F-Zr linkages in the glass structure with increasing temperature. The onset of such a change in F speciation is observed at temperatures well below ${T}_{g}.$ This result is evidence of changes in the average equilibrium structure in an inorganic glass-forming liquid at $Tl{T}_{g},$ albeit on a local scale. The ${}^{23}\mathrm{Na}$ NMR spectra indicate that the cations in these glasses become significantly mobile only at temperatures $Tg~{T}_{g},$ which allows for the onset of global structural relaxation and viscous flow.
No benefit of dietary restriction on disease onset or progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase mutant mice

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease in which spinal cord motor neurons degenerate resulting in progressive paralysis. Some cases of ALS are caused by mutations in the antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD). Transgenic mice expressing ALS-linked Cu/Zn-SOD mutations (SODMutM) exhibit a phenotype analogous to that of human ALS patients. Dietary restriction (DR) is a well-established means of extending lifespan in rodents. It may act by reducing levels of cellular oxidative stress. We therefore tested the hypothesis that DR will retard the development of the clinical phenotype and extend the lifespan of SODMutM. There was no significant difference in age of disease onset in mice placed on a DR regimen beginning at 6 weeks of age compared to mice fed ad libitum, and disease duration was shortened indicating that DR accelerates the clinical course. Histological analyses indicated a similar extent of lower motor neuron degeneration in SODMutM maintained on DR or ad libitum diets. We conclude that a dietary manipulation known to extend lifespan has no beneficial effect in an animal model of familial ALS.
Inhibition of growth of Zymomonas mobilis by model compounds found in lignocellulosic hydrolysates.

Background During the pretreatment of biomass feedstocks and subsequent conditioning prior to saccharification, many toxic compounds are produced or introduced which inhibit microbial growth and in many cases, production of ethanol. An understanding of the toxic effects of compounds found in hydrolysate is critical to improving sugar utilization and ethanol yields in the fermentation process. In this study, we established a useful tool for surveying hydrolysate toxicity by measuring growth rates in the presence of toxic compounds, and examined the effects of selected model inhibitors of aldehydes, organic and inorganic acids (along with various cations), and alcohols on growth of Zymomonas mobilis 8b (a ZM4 derivative) using glucose or xylose as the carbon source.
Double diffused high-speed germanium transistors

It has been predicted that Ge transistors should exhibit faster switching speed than Si devices of comparable geometry, due to the higher electron and hole mobility in germanium. The development of techniques for the deposition of masking films and diffusion of donors and acceptors in Ge enables processing of double diffused planar transistors in a manner similar to those used in silicon. This paper describes and discusses these processes for both n-p-n and p-n-p transistors. The dc and high-frequency performance of these transistors reach expected values and indicate a superiority of germanium in high-speed performance.
Progesterone receptor isoforms and proliferation in the rat mammary gland during development

Progesterone (P), acting through progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms A and B, plays an important role in normal mammary gland development and is implicated in the etiology of breast cancer. Because of significant similarities between human and rat mammary gland development and hormonal responsiveness of mammary cancers, we investigated P action in the rat mammary gland. By immunohistochemical methods we determined PRA and PRB expression at puberty, sexual maturity, pregnancy, and lactation and after postlactational involution and their functional roles in the regulation of proliferation. PRA expression was restricted to luminal epithelial cells, whereas PRB was expressed in both luminal and myoepithelial cells, indicating a novel role of PRB in myoepithelial cell regulation. The majority of PRA-positive (PRA+) cells coexpressed PRB. In the pubertal and adult virgin mammary gland, PRA+PRB+ cells also expressed nuclear cyclin D1 but did not contain the proliferation marker bromodeoxyuridine. Based on a lack of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein expression and the expression patterns of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 in these cells, we conclude that PRA+PRB+ cells appear to be cell cycle arrested and do not proliferate. PRA+ cells were decreased in the adult gland and during and after pregnancy. The percentage of PRB+ cells was relatively constant throughout development, and in a significant proportion of cells, only PRB was detected. During development, and especially during pregnancy, a high percentage of PRB+ cells were positive for bromodeoxyuridine. From this observation, we conclude that these cells proliferate and that P acting through PRB may directly stimulate proliferation.
Anthrax Toxin Receptor 1/Tumor Endothelium Marker 8 Mediates Cell Spreading by Coupling Extracellular Ligands to the Actin Cytoskeleton

Tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8) is induced in tumor-associated vasculature and acts as a receptor for Protective Antigen (PA), the cell-binding component of the anthrax toxin determinant for toxin entrance into cells. However, the normal function for TEM8 remains unknown. We show that TEM8 functions as an adhesion molecule mediating cell spreading on immobilized PA and collagen I. The mechanism for TEM8 interaction with collagen I was cell type-specific, because binding to collagen I was abrogated by β1 integrin function blocking antibody in HEK293 cells, but not in primary synovial rabbit fibroblasts. Binding to PA remained unaffected by the addition of β1 integrin function blocking antibody. Whereas the extracellular and transmembrane domains of TEM8 were sufficient to provide cell attachment, the intracellular domain was critical for spreading. Fusion of the cytosolic domain of TEM8 to the IL-2 receptor, conferred cell-spreading capability on IL-2 receptor antibody substrates. The cytoplasmic domain mediated linkage with the actin cytoskeleton as it co-precipitated actin and determined partitioning of TEM8 to the actin-containing detergent insoluble cellular fraction. TEM8 anchorage to actin was relevant as spreading was inhibited by the cytoskeleton-disrupting drug cytochalasin D, but persisted in the presence of the microtubule-depolymerizing drug nocodazole, and in cells lacking intermediate filaments. Thus, our results indicate that TEM8 is a new adhesion molecule linking collagen I or PA to the actin cytoskeleton.
Inhibitory connections between AVCN and DCN: Evidence from lidocaine injection in AVCN

Principal cells of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) receive a variety of inhibitory influences, including some that are associated with the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN). Electrical stimulation in the caudal part of the AVCN produces long-lasting inhibition of DCN units [(1973) Exp. Brain Res. 17, 428-442], including unit type IV, which is associated with principal cells. This inhibition may be mediated either by orthodromic activation of AVCN axons that terminate in DCN or by antidromic stimulation of DCN inhibitory interneurons whose axons send collaterals to the AVCN. These two possibilities cannot be distinguished with electrical stimulation alone. In this study, microinjections of lidocaine were made in the AVCN. These injections should block AVCN to DCN axons without directly affecting the activity, within the DCN, of DCN interneurons. Two effects of lidocaine injections were observed. In some cases, all activity of DCN cells was abolished by lidocaine. These cases involved either spread of lidocaine to the recording site or into the auditory nerve. In other cases, the inhibitory responses of DCN type IV units were weakened by lidocaine without changing the units' thresholds or spontaneous activity. The latter result demonstrates that there are inhibitory pathways originating in AVCN or passing through AVCN and terminating in the DCN.
Evidence for a mobility edge in inversion layers

The published transport properties of carriers in silicon inversion layers suggest the existence of a mobility edge separating conducting from localized states at low temperature. Further experimental tests of the mobility-edge model are proposed.
Productivity modifications to flour beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) by gamma radiation (60Co) of one or both sexes and by the addition of radiated males or females to population

The effects on productivity by the addition of various numbers of radiated adult males or females to populations of two densities were determined for two species of flour beetles.
Changes in lipid content during the reproductive cycle of Leucophaea maderae and effects of the juvenile hormone on lipid metabolism in vitro

1. 1. Lipid is stored in both the ovaries and fat body of female Leucophaea maderae during the 20-day period of oogenesis and is a major substrate for the developing embryos during the ensuing 2 months of embryogenesis. 2. 2. The lipid picture for the period of embryogenesis is characterized by a decreasing content of embryonic triglyceride and an increasing proportion of phospholipid. 3. 3. Both the fat body and ovaries (maturing oocytes) are capable of incorporating labelled palmitate into glyceride and phospholipid. 4. 4. In vitro studies demonstrated the transfer of labelled lipid from the fat body to ovaries and it is likely that this takes place in vivo as well. The metabolic activity of the fat body is influenced by the stage of the reproductive cycle, particularly in reference to lipid metabolism. 5. 5. In vitro studies with active corpora allata suggest that one reason the juvenile (gonadotropic) hormone is indispensable for oocyte maturation is its ability to enhance lipid synthesis in the ovary (maturing oocytes) during oogenesis. 6. 6. These studies suggest that the juvenile hormone may act to depress the lipid synthetic ability of the fat body at this stage and thus make more substrate available to the developing oocytes.
Stimulation of T4 bacteriophage DNA polymerase by the protein product of T4 gene 32.

Abstract The protein product of T4 bacteriophage gene 32 (32-protein) is required for replication of T4 DNA in vivo . Alberts, Amodio, Jenkins, Butmann & Ferris (1968) have shown that this protein binds tightly and co-operatively to single-stranded DNA under physiological ionic conditions in vitro , and in so doing it holds the otherwise highly folded DNA chain in a much more extended conformation (Alberts & Frey, 1970). We have now tested the effect of 32-protein on the activity of T4 DNA polymerase, an enzyme which requires a single-stranded DNA template, and find that it stimulates the in vitro rate of polymerization on such templates 5- to 10-fold. The rate of stimulated synthesis is about 10% of that measured for movements in vivo of growing points. The 32-protein from a temperature-sensitive mutant in gene 32 ( ts P7) is also temperature-sensitive in the stimulation of T4 polymerase in vitro , suggesting that this stimulation is related to the intracellular function of 32-protein in DNA replication. The stimulation of T4 DNA polymerase by 32-protein is greatest at low temperature, high ionic strength and at a level sufficient to bind most or all of the template DNA present. These results suggest that 32-protein stimulates this polymerase by removing inhibitory secondary structure from the template DNA strand. The activity of DNA polymerase from Escherichia coli on single-stranded DNA templates is not significantly affected by 32-protein. In addition, in the absence of DNA, a weak complex is formed between 32-protein and T4 DNA polymerase, whereas no such complex is formed with E. coli DNA polymerase. Thus, some specific interaction between polymerase and 32-protein may also be essential for the stimulation of DNA synthesis observed.
Spin structure studies with polarized leptons

Abstract Precise measurements of the inclusive spin structure function g 1 of the nucleon are reviewed, focussing on recent measurements at SLAC, CERN and DESY. New semi-inclusive measurements of the spin structure at CERN and DESY are discussed as well the planned measurements of the gluon contribution to the nucleon. New measurements of observables from transversly polarized nucleons are also briefly mentioned.
Specific early fine structural changes in the lung following irradiation

Abstract The lungs of mice were irradiated with single and fractionated doses of 1000 R, 2000 R and 3000 R and recovered 1 hr, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month following exposure. Electron microscopy revealed early changes in the decrement of lamellar bodies of Type 11 pneumocytes and increased fibrous content and edema in the septal walls of all animals treated. Those lungs treated with fractionated doses or irradiation displayed more pronounced cellular damage than did singly-dosed lungs. It is proposed that these early changes may predict for subsequent atelectasis.
Preliminary results of laser tissue welding in extravesical reimplantation of the ureters

One future use of laparoscopic technology is in extravesical reimplantation of the ureters. Technical difficulty arises, however, when intracorporal fine suturing is necessary. We have assessed the efficacy of laser-activated fibrinogen solder to close vesical muscle flaps over submucosal ureters (Lich-Gregoir technique) in a canine model. Four dogs were subjected to unilateral flap closures via a protein solder consisting of indocyanine green and fibrinogen applied to the serosal surface of the bladder and exposed to 808 nm continuous wave diode laser energy. Contralateral reimplantation was performed using 4 - 0 vicryl muscle flap closures and served as controls. Urinary drainage catheters were left in place for 24 hours postoperatively. At 7 (n equals 1), 14 (n equals 2), and 28 (n equals 1) days following reimplantation, intravenous pyelograms confirmed bilateral renal function and ureteral patency. Disruption of wound closures were considered the point of wound dehiscence, vesical diverticulum, or leakage. At intravesical pressures above 100 cm H 2 O there was no evidence of wound disruption in either of the groups. However, surrounding normal tissue was noted to disrupt. In conclusion, laser-welded vesical wound closures appear at least as strong as suture closures in the canine model.
Refractive Surgery for Visual Rehabilitation in Aphakia

EFRACTIVE SURGERY for aphakia was R developed by Jose I. Barraquer in Bogota, Colombia more than 20 years ago,' because of his dissatisfaction with aphakic spectacles, contact lenses, and early intraocular lenses. Since that time dramatic strides in technology, instrumentation, and methodology have made intraocular lenses the predominant correction used in aphakia. Similar developments have been made in keratorefractive techniques, but not to the extent that they are presently recommended as the primary form of correction for most patients. With the increased availability and simplification of technique and instrumentation that have already been achieved, and with continued development, the use of these techniques will become more widespread. At present, refractive surgery for the correction of aphakia is the technique of choice for some primary as well as secondary procedures. Refractive surgery may be performed in combination with cataract extraction in patients with contraindications to intraocular lenses. This may include very young patients and those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, anterior uveitis, or uncontrolled glaucoma. The relative advantages of refractive surgery and secondary lens implantation, in aphakic patients who are spectacle and contact lens intolerant, have not been
A test of the gravity lens theory.

Naito and Cole [1994, in Contributions to Mathematical Psychology: Psychometrics and Methodology Eds G H Fischer and D Laming (New York: Springer)] provide a configuration which they describe as the Gravity Lens illusion. In this configuration, four small dots are presented in proximity to four large disks, and one is asked to compare the slope of an imaginary line which connects one pair of dots with the slope of a line which connects the other pair. In fact the slopes are the same, ie their axes are parallel, but because of the positioning of the large disks they appear to be at different orientations. Naito and Cole propose that the perceptual bias is analogous to the effects of gravity on the metrics of physical space, such that mental projections in the vicinity of a disk (or an open circle) are distorted just as the path of light is bent as it passes a massive body such as a star. Here we provide a simple test of this concept by having subjects judge alignments of dots which lie near tangents to a c...
Causation in risk assessment and management: models, inference, biases, and a microbial risk–benefit case study

Causal inference of exposure-response relations from data is a challenging aspect of risk assessment with important implications for public and private risk management. Such inference, which is fundamentally empirical and based on exposure (or dose)-response models, seldom arises from a single set of data; rather, it requires integrating heterogeneous information from diverse sources and disciplines including epidemiology, toxicology, and cell and molecular biology. The causal aspects we discuss focus on these three aspects: drawing sound inferences about causal relations from one or more observational studies; addressing and resolving biases that can affect a single multivariate empirical exposure-response study; and applying the results from these considerations to the microbiological risk management of human health risks and benefits of a ban on antibiotic use in animals, in the context of banning enrofloxacin or macrolides, antibiotics used against bacterial illnesses in poultry, and the effects of such bans on changing the risk of human food-borne campylobacteriosis infections. The purposes of this paper are to describe novel causal methods for assessing empirical causation and inference; exemplify how to deal with biases that routinely arise in multivariate exposure- or dose-response modeling; and provide a simplified discussion of a case study of causal inference using microbial risk analysis as an example. The case study supports the conclusion that the human health benefits from a ban are unlikely to be greater than the excess human health risks that it could create, even when accounting for uncertainty. We conclude that quantitative causal analysis of risks is a preferable to qualitative assessments because it does not involve unjustified loss of information and is sound under the inferential use of risk results by management.
Prepregnancy cardiometabolic and inflammatory risk factors and subsequent risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine prepregnancy cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers and the subsequent risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of 3380 women who took part in a comprehensive multiphasic health checkup (MHC) examination between 1984 and 1996 and who subsequently delivered at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Results Two hundred five women were diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Prepregnancy measurements of overweight/obesity (body mass index, ≥25.0 kg/m 2 ), prehypertension, and inflammation (leukocytes, ≥7.2 10 3 /μL) were associated independently with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy risk (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–2.3; OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5–2.8; and OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.3, respectively). Being overweight/obese and having prehypertension before pregnancy was associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy compared with women with normal levels of both risk factors. Conclusion A prepregnancy cardiometabolic and inflammation risk profile may help clinicians identify high-risk women to target for early intervention or management of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.
Evaluation of physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of water quality in the Harris Neck estuarine marshes along the Georgia coast

Abstract Analysis of the physical, chemical and biological parameters assessing water quality in Harris Neck estuary indicated that the average dissolved oxygen level was 8.6 mg/L, it maintained moderate levels of total dissolved nitrogen (2.7–4.6 mg/L) and total dissolved phosphorous ( a was above 5.0 μg/L and it is contaminated with low levels of fecal bacteria. Bifidobacterium adolescentis , a putative marker of human fecal pollution, was detected once at stations 3 and 5. Overall the Harris Neck water quality analyses indicated a relatively pristine and a healthy functioning marine environment.
Empirical Tests for Evaluation of Multirate Filter Bank Parameters

Empirical tests have been developed for evaluating the numerical properties of multirate M-band filter banks represented as N × M matrices of filter coefficients. Each test returns a numerically observed estimate of a 1 × M vector parameter in which the m th element corresponds to the m th filter band. These vector valued parameters can be readily converted to scalar valued parameters for comparison of filter bank performance or optimization of filter bank design. However, they are intended primarily for the characterization and verification of filter banks. By characterizing the numerical performance of analytic or algorithmic designs, these tests facilitate the experimental verification of theoretical specifications.
Vocational intervention based on the Model of Human Occupation: a review of evidence

Work is a growing concern in disability and rehabilitation fields. Specific evidence related to occupational therapy in the area of vocational rehabilitation is somewhat limited. With increased demands for occupation-focused, evidence-based, and theory-informed practice, this review aims to use clinically relevant questions to organize and synthesize evidence regarding work-related interventions specifically related to an occupation-focused theory, the Model of Human Occupation. A total of 45 published works related to both the MOHO and vocational issues were identified and included in the review. The review demonstrates that there is a range of evidence that supports the use of the MOHO and its tools as a basis for work-based clinical interventions. Evidence supports the conclusion that MOHO-based work assessments have good psychometric properties and are useful in evaluating vocational potential and needs. MOHO-based work programs have been shown to have a positive impact in improving vocational outcomes to a range of clients.
Multicomponent distillation on a large digital computer: II. Generalization with side‐stream stripping

The problem of multicomponent distillation is considered for a column with an arbitrary number of feed streams and an arbitrary number of side-stream withdrawals. The overheads from the side-stream strippers are admitted to the column, introducing the inert stripping medium into the main column. Provisions are made in the calculations for complete heat balancing, inert injection, and internal reflux cooling. The method of computation is that of a previous paper involving the component-by-component technique. Calculations are made on the main column and give first approximations to the side-stream compositions; stripper calculations are then initiated. An alternating procedure is instituted between the main column and the strippers, the successive iterations continuing until a preassigned accuracy in the desired quantities is reached. An extensive numerical problem is worked.
Systems Analysis and Design: Know Your Audience.

Systems analysis and design (SAD) classes are required in both Information Systems and Accounting programs, but these audiences have very different needs for these skills. This article will review the requirements for SAD within each of these disciplines and compare and contrast the different requirements for teaching systems analysis and design to both audiences. These observations are based on both literature on the subject, and the authors personal experience with teaching SAD to these two audiences.
CCL21 Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer, a major health problem, affects 12 million people worldwide every year. With surgery and chemo-radiation the long term survival rate for the majority of cancer patients is dismal. Thus novel treatments are urgently needed. Immunotherapy, the harnessing of the immune system to destroy cancer cells is an attractive option with potential for long term anti-tumor benefit. Cytokines are biological response modifiers that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the anti-tumor efficacy of the chemotactic cytokine CCL21 and its pre-clinical and clinical application in cancer.
Genetic management guidelines for captive propagation of freshwater mussels (unionoidea)

Abstract Although the greatest global diversity of freshwater mussels (~300 species) resides in the United States, the superfamily Unionoidea is also the most imperiled taxon of animals in the nation. Thirty-five species are considered extinct, 70 species are listed as endangered or threatened, and approximately 100 more are species of conservation concern. To prevent additional species losses, biologists have developed methods for propagating juvenile mussels for release into the wild to restore or augment populations. Since 1997, mussel propagation facilities in the United States have released over 1 million juveniles of more than a dozen imperiled species, and survival of these juveniles in the wild has been documented. With the expectation of continued growth of these programs, agencies and facilities involved with mussel propagation must seriously consider the genetic implications of releasing captive-reared progeny. We propose 10 guidelines to help maintain the genetic resources of cultured and wild...
Order selection of autoregressive models

The problem of determining the order of autoregressive models by Bayesian predictive densities is addressed. A criterion employing noninformative prior densities of the model parameters is derived. Simulation results which demonstrate the good performance of the criterion are presented. Comparisons with four popular approaches verify its superiority in many cases. >
Measurement evaluations of static and low frequency magnetic fields in the near field region

Abstract Manmade electromagnetic (EM) field in the low frequency range of the spectrum, from static to 200 kHz has caused interference with electronic equipment and poses a possible public health risk. Typical sources of these EM emissions include television sets, video display terminals (VDT), electric appliances, fluorescent lights, certain medical devices, walk-through and hand-held detectors, radio stations, induction heating, wireless electricity delivered over distance, hybrid cars and transmission lines. Our main goals for writing this paper are, first, to describe taking measurements of the frequencies and magnetic field levels in residential and occupational environments, particularly around cathode ray tube displays, induction heating units, and hybrid cars; and, second, to compare the measurements to the established or recommended limits according to national standards so that engineers and scientists can understand these nontrivial electrical measurements. The field measurements were carried out using different kinds of devices where a brief description of the instruments used is also provided.
Vocational and psychosocial mentoring functions: Identifying mentors who serve both

Results of this study help identify those who serve both vocational and psychosocial mentoring functions. Mentoring research has suggested that proteges are drawn to competent mentors (Olian, Carroll, Giannantonio, and Feren, 1988) but has not empirically examined which mentors serve both vocational (career-related) and psychosocial (personal development) functions. Serving in both capacities indicates the most intense mentoring (Kram, 1983). In this study, older mentors who have greater organization-based self-esteem (OBSE), who perceive the protege as competent, and who are influenced by their proteges reported serving more vocational and psychosocial mentoring functions. Proteges indicated that the matter of who initiates the relationship determines whether vocational and psychosocial functions are both served.
Atmospheric change alters foliar quality of host trees and performance of two outbreak insect species.

This study examined the independent and interactive effects of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) on the foliar quality of two deciduous trees species and the performance of two outbreak herbivore species. Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) were grown at the Aspen FACE research site in northern Wisconsin, USA, under four combinations of ambient and elevated CO2 and O3 .W e measured the effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on aspen and birch phytochemistry and on gypsy moth (Lymantria dis- par) and forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) per- formance. Elevated CO2 nominally affected foliar quality for both tree species. Elevated O3 negatively affected aspen foliar quality, but only marginally influenced birch foliar quality. Elevated CO2 slightly improved herbivore perfor- mance, while elevated O3 decreased herbivore perfor- mance, and both responses were stronger on aspen than birch. Interestingly, elevated CO2 largely offset decreased herbivore performance under elevated O3. Nitrogen, lignin, and C:N were identified as having strong influences on herbivore performance when larvae were fed aspen, but no significant relationships were observed for insects fed birch. Our results support the notion that herbivore per- formance can be affected by atmospheric change through altered foliar quality, but how herbivores will respond will depend on interactions among CO2 ,O 3, and tree species. An emergent finding from this study is that tree age and longevity of exposure to pollutants may influence the effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on plant-herbivore inter- actions, highlighting the need to continue long-term atmospheric change research.
A controlled trial to improve care for seriously ill hospitalized patients: The study to understand prognoses and preferences for outcomes and risks of treatments (SUPPORT)

Objectives. —To improve end-of-life decision making and reduce the frequency of a mechanically supported, painful, and prolonged process of dying. Design. —A 2-year prospective observational study (phase I) with 4301 patients followed by a 2-year controlled clinical trial (phase II) with 4804 patients and their physicians randomized by specialty group to the intervention group (n=2652) or control group (n=2152). Setting. —Five teaching hospitals in the United States. Patients. —A total of 9105 adults hospitalized with one or more of nine life-threatening diagnoses; an overall 6-month mortality rate of 47%. Intervention. —Physicians in the intervention group received estimates of the likelihood of 6-month survival for every day up to 6 months, outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and functional disability at 2 months. A specially trained nurse had multiple contacts with the patient, family, physician, and hospital staff to elicit preferences, improve understanding of outcomes, encourage attention to pain control, and facilitate advance care planning and patient-physician communication. Results. —The phase I observation documented shortcomings in communication, frequency of aggressive treatment, and the characteristics of hospital death: only 47% of physicians knew when their patients preferred to avoid CPR; 46% of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders were written within 2 days of death; 38% of patients who died spent at least 10 days in an intensive care unit (ICU); and for 50% of conscious patients who died in the hospital, family members reported moderate to severe pain at least half the time. During the phase II intervention, patients experienced no improvement in patient-physician communication (eg, 37% of control patients and 40% of intervention patients discussed CPR preferences) or in the five targeted outcomes, ie, incidence or timing of written DNR orders (adjusted ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 0.90 to 1.15), physicians' knowledge of their patients'preferences not to be resuscitated (adjusted ratio, 1.22; 95% Cl, 0.99 to 1.49), number of days spent in an ICU, receiving mechanical ventilation, or comatose before death (adjusted ratio, 0.97; 95% Cl, 0.87 to 1.07), or level of reported pain (adjusted ratio, 1.15; 95% Cl, 1.00 to 1.33). The intervention also did not reduce use of hospital resources (adjusted ratio, 1.05; 95% Cl, 0.99 to 1.12). Conclusions. —The phase I observation of SUPPORT confirmed substantial shortcomings in care for seriously ill hospitalized adults. The phase II intervention failed to improve care or patient outcomes. Enhancing opportunities for more patient-physician communication, although advocated as the major method for improving patient outcomes, may be inadequate to change established practices. To improve the experience of seriously ill and dying patients, greater individual and societal commitment and more proactive and forceful measures may be needed. (JAMA. 1995;274:1591-1598)
How Peripheral Developers Contribute to Open-Source Software Development

Open-source software development is the next stage in the evolution of product development, particularly software products. Compared with the prevailing proprietary approaches, open-source software products are developed by co-opting external developers and prospective users. Although a core group of developers might still play a key role in the initial design and development, a notable aspect of the open-source software paradigm is the role of peripheral developers in the enhancement and popularization of the product. Peripheral developers are not formal members of the core development team. They voluntarily contribute their time and creative talent in improving the quality of the product or in popularizing the product through word-of-mouth advocacy. As volunteers, they are not subject to the traditional hierarchical controls, nor are they contractually obligated. Peripheral developers represent a novel and unique aspect of open-source software development, and there is a greater interest in tapping their potential. However, there has been limited evidence about how and when their participation has beneficial impacts. We examine how peripheral developers contribute to product quality and diffusion by utilizing longitudinal data on 147 open-source software products. Hierarchical linear modeling analysis indicates that peripheral developers make significant contributions to product quality and diffusion, especially on projects that are in the more mature stages of product development.
Using Mathematics Literature with Prospective Secondary Mathematics Teachers.

Literature in mathematics has been found to foster positive improvements in mathematics learning. This manuscript reports on a mathematics teacher educator’s use of literature via literature circles with 11 prospective secondary mathematics teachers in a mathematics content course. Using survey and reflection data, the author found that prospective teachers expressed either benefiting or not benefitting from the literature circle practice in this mathematics class. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future work are shared.
Passing in Command Line Arguments and Parallel Cluster/Multicore Batching in R with batch

It is often useful to rerun a command line R script with some slight change in the parameters used to run it - a new set of parameters for a simulation, a different dataset to process, etc. The R package batch provides a means to pass in multiple command line options, including vectors of values in the usual R format, easily into R. The same script can be setup to run things in parallel via different command line arguments. The R package batch also provides a means to simplify this parallel batching by allowing one to use R and an R-like syntax for arguments to spread a script across a cluster or local multicore/multiprocessor computer, with automated syntax for several popular cluster types. Finally it provides a means to aggregate the results together of multiple processes run on a cluster.
CD44 expression in benign and malignant nevomelanocytic lesions

Abstract CD44 is an integral membrane glycoprotein that is a principal receptor for hyaluronan and plays a role in cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Recent studies of melanomas in mouse models have suggested that increased CD44 expression by these tumors may relate to metastatic potential. Immunohistochemical expression of CD44 (standard [s] and variant [v6]) in benign and malignant nevomelanocytic lesions was assessed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and was correlated with histological parameters and prognostic factors. Cases included benign nevi (three junctional, four compound, five intradermal, five blue, six Spitz, one deep penetrating), architecturally disordered (dysplastic) nevi (three, and primary (22) and metastatic melanomas (eight). All of the benign lesions showed diffuse and essentially uniform membrane staining of CD44s in nevomelanocytic cells, regardless of lesion size, depth, or extent of dermal involvement. In contrast, semiquantitative analysis (0 to 3+) of the primary melanomas showed heterogeneous and decreased staining of CD44s, which inversely correlated with lesion size (−0.569) and depth of invasion (−0.622 and −0.617 for Breslow's depth and Clark's level, respectively). These results were significant at P
Errors in Laboratory Medicine: Practical Lessons to Improve Patient Safety

Abstract Context.—Patient safety is influenced by the frequency and seriousness of errors that occur in the health care system. Error rates in laboratory practices are collected routinely for a variety of performance measures in all clinical pathology laboratories in the United States, but a list of critical performance measures has not yet been recommended. The most extensive databases describing error rates in pathology were developed and are maintained by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). These databases include the CAP's Q-Probes and Q-Tracks programs, which provide information on error rates from more than 130 interlaboratory studies. Objectives.—To define critical performance measures in laboratory medicine, describe error rates of these measures, and provide suggestions to decrease these errors, thereby ultimately improving patient safety. Setting.—A review of experiences from Q-Probes and Q-Tracks studies supplemented with other studies cited in the literature. Design.—Q-Probes studies a...
Generalized multiagent learning with performance bound

We present new Multiagent learning (MAL) algorithms with the general philosophy of policy convergence against some classes of opponents but otherwise ensuring high payoffs. We consider a 3-class breakdown of opponent types: (eventually) stationary, self-play and "other" (see Definition 4) agents. We start with ReDVaLeR that can satisfy policy convergence against the first two types and no-regret against the third, but it needs to know the type of the opponents. This serves as a baseline to delineate the difficulty of achieving these goals. We show that a simple modification on ReDVaLeR yields a new algorithm, RV ?(t), that achieves no-regret payoffs in all games, and convergence to Nash equilibria in self-play (and to best response against eventually stationary opponents--a corollary of no-regret) simultaneously, without knowing the opponent types, but in a smaller class of games than ReDVaLeR . RV ?(t) effectively ensures the performance of a learner during the process of learning, as opposed to the performance of a learned behavior. We show that the expression for regret of RV ?(t) can have a slightly better form than those of other comparable algorithms like GIGA and GIGA-WoLF though, contrastingly, our analysis is in continuous time. Moreover, experiments show that RV ?(t) can converge to an equilibrium in some cases where GIGA, GIGA-WoLF would fail, and to better equilibria where GIGA, GIGA-WoLF converge to undesirable equilibria (coordination games). This important class of coordination games also highlights the key desirability of policy convergence as a criterion for MAL in self-play instead of high average payoffs. To our knowledge, this is also the first successful (guaranteed) attempt at policy convergence of a no-regret algorithm in the Shapley game.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a radiological diagnosis.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease which predominantly affects young females and is commonly found in association with tuberous sclerosis.1 The clinical features result from progressive cystic destruction of the lungs and the accumulation of LAM cells within the lungs and axial lymphatics.2 The gold standard for the …