cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-2 corrects defective NK activity of patients with leukemia

NK cells of patients with leukemia display low cytotoxic potential. Since the NK cells have been suggested to play a role in natural resistance to leukemia, we considered it of importance to investigate the approaches leading to the correction of NK defect of leukemic patients. Our studies demonstrate that culture of effector cells with interleukin-2 (IL-2) resulted in restoration of cytotoxic defect. This was indicated by normalization of tumor-binding as well as lytic NK activity, by normal frequency of cytotoxic cells and their ability to recycle. The NK cell nature of cytotoxic cells was shown by abrogation or depletion of cytotoxicity by antibody directed against NK cell-associated, but not T cell-associated antigen. The generation of NK cell activity against fresh leukemic cells suggests that adoptive transfer of IL-2 activated NK cells may be a new approach to leukemic treatment.
Subgroups of finite direct sums of valuated cyclic groups

A remarkable theorem of Butler [BTLR] says that a torsion-free abelian group is a pure subgroup of a finite direct sum of rank-one groups if and only if it is a homomorphic image of a finite direct sum of rank-one groups. There are some obvious connections between these Butler groups and the subgroups of finite direct sums of cyclic local valuated groups studied by Moore [MOOR]; for example, each rank-one torsion-free group is determined by any nonzero cyclic valuated subgroup. The juxtaposition of the two papers suggests the question: is a valuated group a subgroup of a finite direct sum of cyclics if and only if it is a homomorphic image (that is, a valuated quotient) of a finite direct sum of cyclics‘! We answer this question in the affirmative. Moore’s main result is that each subgroup of a finite direct sum of cyclic valuated groups is nice; the restriction to the local case is only apparent as subgroups are nice exactly when they are locally nice. In Section 2 we provide a simple constructive proof of a generalization of Moore’s theorem. In Section 3 we introduce, for each principal ideal domain R, the class 9$ of quotients of finite direct sums of cyclic valuated R-modules, and show that it coincides with the class of submodules of finite direct sums of cyclic valuated modules. In Section 4 we show how this result implies the equivalence of the two characterizations of Butler groups. Let R be a discrete valuation ring. Moore gave a necessary condition for a valuated R-module to be a submodule of a finite direct sum of cyclics. Section 5 contains a strengthening of this condition, and in Section 6 we characterize those discrete valuation rings R such that every rank-2 R-module that satisfies Moore’s condition is a submodule of a finite direct sum of cyclics. Stanton introduced invariants for Warlield groups which make sense for
Oxytocin stimulates secretion of prostaglandin F2α from endometrial cells of swine in the presence of progesterone

Oxytocin (OT) stimulates endometrial secretion of prostaglandin (PG) F(2 alpha) during corpus luteum regression in swine but there is differential responsiveness to OT among endometrial cell types. To determine if progesterone influenced responsiveness of luminal epithelial, glandular epithelial, and stromal cells to 100 nM OT during luteolysis in swine, cells were isolated from endometrium of 15 gilts by differential enzymatic digestion and sieve filtration on day 16 postestrus and cultured continuously in the presence of 0, 10 or 100 nM progesterone. For phospholipase C (PLC) activity and PGF(2 alpha) secretion, stromal cells were most responsive to OT (P<0.01) in the absence of progesterone, whereas luminal epithelial cells were unresponsive and glandular epithelial cells displayed an intermediate response to OT (P<0.09). Progesterone enhanced PLC activity linearly in glandular epithelial cells (P<0.05) and influenced it quadratically in stromal cells (P=0.05). The effect of OT and progesterone on PLC activity in luminal epithelial cells was not significant, and progesterone did not increase PLC activity in response to OT in any cell type. Culture in the presence of progesterone, enhanced PGF(2 alpha) secretion in response to OT in luminal epithelial cells (P<0.05) but not in glandular epithelial or stromal cells. Progesterone also increased overall PGF(2 alpha) release from glandular epithelial (P<0.05) and stromal cells (P<0.06) across both levels of OT treatment. These results indicate that progesterone enhanced PGF(2 alpha) secretion from luminal epithelial cells in response to OT and increased basal PGF(2 alpha) release from glandular epithelial and stromal cells.
SU-E-T-305: Study of the Eclipse Electron Monte Carlo Algorithm for Patient Specific MU Calculations

Purpose: To evaluate the Eclipse electron Monte Carlo (eMC) algorithm based on patient specific monitor unit (MU) calculations, and to propose a new factor which quantitatively predicts the discrepancy of MUs between the eMC algorithm and hand calculations. Methods: Electron treatments were planned for 61 patients on Eclipse (Version 10.0) using the eMC algorithm for Varian TrueBeam linear accelerators. For each patient, the same treatment beam angle was kept for a point dose calculation at dmax performed with the reference condition, which used an open beam with a 15×15 cm2 size cone and 100 SSD. A patient specific correction factor (PCF) was obtained by getting the ratio between this point dose and the calibration dose, which is 1 cGy per MU delivered at dmax. The hand calculation results were corrected by the PCFs and compared with MUs from the treatment plans. Results: The MU from the treatment plans were in average (7.1±6.1)% higher than the hand calculations. The average MU difference between the corrected hand calculations and the eMC treatment plans was (0.07±3.48)%. A correlation coefficient of 0.8 was found between (1-PCF) and the percentage difference between the treatment plan and hand calculations. Most outliers were treatment plans with small beam opening (< 4 cm) and low energy beams (6 and 9 MeV). Conclusion: For CT-based patient treatment plans, the eMC algorithm tends to generate a larger MU than hand calculations. Caution should be taken for eMC patient plans with small field sizes and low energy beams. We hypothesize that the PCF ratio reflects the influence of patient surface curvature and tissue inhomogeneity to patient specific percent depth dose (PDD) curve and MU calculations in eMC algorithm.
Testing the Feasibility of Developmental Asset Measures on College Students to Guide Health Promotion Efforts

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the reliability and validity of eight developmental asset measures among a stratified, random sample (N = 540) of college students to guide health promotion efforts. The sample was randomly split to produce exploratory and confirmatory samples for factor analysis using principal axis factoring and varimax rotation and structural equation modeling techniques. Items were retained on factors if they had high loadings greater than .40 and were not complex. Concurrent validity was examined among substance use (including alcohol and tobacco) and sexual risk-taking variables. Exploratory and confirmatory samples did not differ on demographics. Parallel analysis confirmed the eight theorized constructs. Exploratory factor loadings were greater than .40. Concurrently, validity analyses were in the predicted direction. Cronbach alphas were .70 or greater with the exception of the Future Aspirations asset. Preliminary analyses support the reliability and validity of measuring developmental assets among emerging adults. Implications and potential uses are discussed.
Infused autograft lymphocyte to monocyte ratio predicts survival in classical Hodgkin lymphoma

The infused autograft lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (A-LMR) as a surrogate marker of host immunity (ie, absolute lymphocyte count) and CD14+ HLA-DRlow/neg immunosuppressive monocytes (ie, absolute monocyte count) is a prognostic factor for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APHSCT). Thus, we set out to investigate if A-LMR can also affect survival post-APHSCT in classical Hodgkin lymphoma. From 1994 to 2012, 183 patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma who underwent APHSCT were studied. The patients were randomly divided into a training set (n=122) and a validation set (n=61). The receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve identified an A-LMR ≥1 as the best cut-off value and validated by the k-fold cross-validation in the training set. Multivariate analysis showed A-LMR to be an independent prognostic factor for survival in the training set. Patients with an A-LMR ≥1.0 experienced a superior overall survival (OS) versus patients with an A-LMR <1.0 (median OS not reached versus 40.4 months, 5-year OS rates of 86% [95% CI 72–93] versus 43% [95% CI 28–58], P<0.0001, respectively) in the training set. In the validation set, an A-LMR ≥1 showed a median OS of not reached versus 41.4 months for an A-LMR <1, 5-year OS rates of 90% (95% CI 73–97) versus 48% (95% CI 28–68; P<0.0001). A-LMR provides a platform to engineer an autograft versus tumor effect to improve clinical outcomes in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma undergoing APHSCT.
Phonetic explanations for sibilant patterns in Spanish

Abstract Coarticulation complicates spoken language by yielding a complex overlay of information that must be sorted out. Speech perception is a key stage in the communicative link that requires that an acoustic signal full of variable degradations be reconciled with the discrete, idealized symbols that it represents. The encoding and decoding of language presents ample opportunities for the initiation of sound variation and change given the potential for conversion errors. Phonetically induced variation in pronunciation creates the potential for subsequent popularization and establishes a basis for comparing phonological phenomena similar in origin but different in ultimate outcome. Analysis of sibilant sounds in Spanish illustrates the utility of considering both speech production and perception in the development of phonological patterns. Experimental evidence supports the claim that low-level coarticulatory effects and auditory misparsing account for s-aspiration, sibilant (de)voicing, and saffrication.
Turbulence description of Couette flow

The simplified statistical theory developed earlier is extended to the wall shear flows. This is accomplished by formulating the contribution of the smaller eddies to the observable properties, which becomes significant very close to the wall, from an available stochastic analysis of the Navier‐Stokes equation. Turbulent Couette flow is then analyzed by the use of the theory. Comparison of the Couette flow solutions obtained with the available experimental results shows that the present theory satisfactorily describes the rather detailed turbulence structure of the flow field as well as the mean velocity profile and the surface shear.
How Can We Know that We're Not Brains in Vats?

Interrogeant les moyens epistemiques de savoir que nous ne sommes pas des cerveaux dans des cuves, l'A. examine l'argument de l'hypothese sceptique et en propose une solution contextualiste inspiree de Moore. Rejetant les reponses heroiques du style de Putnam fondees sur l'argument de l'externalisme semantique, l'A. montre que les arguments compatibilistes concernant l'externalisme de premier ordre (high-grade) sont lies a la problematique de la connaissance a priori.
Comparison of annular denuders and filter packs for atmospheric sampling

Filter packs have commonly been used to sample atmospheric gases and particles. However, reactions between the gases and particles can occur, particularly during summer sampling. Recently, annular denuder systems (ADS) have been developed, consisting of denuder tubes that strip the reactive gases from the air, thus leaving the particles to be collected on the ADS filters. We compared the ADS to filter packs in the winter, when the filter packs are most reliable. The species sampled included SO2, HNO3, HCl and particulate NO3−, SO42−, Na+ and Cl−. HNO2 was also sampled with the ADS. Filter packs are far less expensive than ADS and simpler to use in the field. The usual filter pack problem, dissociation of particulate NO3− to gaseous HNO3, was not apparent during winter sampling. However, the open-faced filter packs are more exposed to the elements than the ADS, thus leading to high and variable blank levels—particularly for NaCl where blank levels averaged 40% of measured concentrations. In addition, up to 50% of the SO2 was collected on the backup collector, indicating occasional poor collection efficiency. In contrast, the ADS had low blanks and high collection efficiencies with less than 3% of the SO2 on the backup collector. Measurements between filter packs and the ADS agreed within 10% for particles and hydrochloric acid. However, due to losses of HNO3 in the filter pack and small losses of particles in the denuder sections, HNO3 concentrations appear greater with the ADS than with filter packs. To the extent that the particle loss in the ADS is due to bounce-off from the impactor frit, it can be corrected in future studies. Sulfur dioxide is also 14% greater with the ADS than with the filter pack and reasons for the difference are considered.
Impact of alg3 gene deletion on growth, development, pigment production, protein secretion, and functions of recombinant Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolases in Aspergillus niger.

Abstract Dolichyl-P-Man:Man(5)GlcNAc(2)-PP-dolichyl α-1,3-mannosyltransferase (also known as “asparagine-linked glycosylation 3”, or ALG3) is involved in early N -linked glycan synthesis and thus is essential for formation of N -linked protein glycosylation. In this study, we examined the effects of alg3 gene deletion ( alg3Δ ) on growth, development, pigment production, protein secretion and recombinant Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase (rCel7A) expressed in Aspergillus niger . The alg3Δ delayed spore germination in liquid cultures of complete medium (CM), potato dextrose (PD), minimal medium (MM) and CM with addition of cAMP (CM + cAMP), and resulted in significant reduction of hyphal growth on CM, potato dextrose agar (PDA), and CM + cAMP and spore production on CM. The alg3Δ also led to a significant accumulation of red pigment on both liquid and solid CM cultures. The relative abundances of 54 of the total 215 proteins identified in the secretome were significantly altered as a result of alg3Δ , 63% of which were secreted at higher levels in alg3Δ strain than the parent. The rCel7A expressed in the alg3Δ mutant was smaller in size than that expressed in both wild-type and parental strains, but still larger than T. reesei Cel7A. The circular dichroism (CD)-melt scans indicated that change in glycosylation of rCel7A does not appear to impact the secondary structure or folding. Enzyme assays of Cel7A and rCel7A on nanocrystalline cellulose and bleached kraft pulp demonstrated that the rCel7As have improved activities on hydrolyzing the nanocrystalline cellulose. Overall, the results suggest that alg3 is critical for growth, sporulation, pigment production, and protein secretion in A. niger , and demonstrate the feasibility of this alternative approach to evaluate the roles of N -linked glycosylation in glycoprotein secretion and function.
Constructive cognition in a situated background

In the present commentary, situatedness, or context dependence is seen as a general principle of human knowledge and activities, and cognition is a constructive process taking place in a situated background. We contend that a “constructive cognition” model would encompass situatedness, regardless of the paradigm in use for its implementation and that there is no fundamental incompatibility between situatedness and the use of either implicit or descriptive expressions of knowledge. We present some evidence from cognitive neuroscience in favor of this constructive paradigm. The same evidence should, in turn, influence the design of useful technologies to support and extend cognitive activities.
Wharton and Cather

Scholarship on Wharton is robust, with critics focusing on major novels as well as lesser known and later works. Six full-length studies, includ ing a volume of letters edited by Shafquat Towheed; a new biography by Hermione Lee; a critical anthology of 17 essays edited by Gary Totten; and book-length critical studies by Emily Orlando, Annette Benert, and Parley Ann Boswell, as well as 16 articles explore a range of subjects, including Wharton’s relationship to publishing and celebrity status, Gothic conventions, material culture, and European as well as American literary culture. Work continues to focus on Wharton’s modernism as well as her realism. Whereas past critics saw a decline in Wharton’s late writing, recent critics view it as evidence of bold, successful experimen tation. The year’s abundance of Cather scholarship includes books by major Cather scholars Janis P. Stout and Merrill Maguire Skaggs; the Scholarly Edition of Alexander’s Bridge; two fine collections, including nearly 50 essays; and 25 separate articles and book chapters. Explora tions of Cather’s sources and her historical contexts remain popular and scholars continue to examine Cather’s role in promoting her own work. There is an increase in both psychological and comparative studies, especially those dealing with Cather and Faulkner, and the debate about Cather’s regionalism and internationalism is ongoing. Moreover, interest in gender studies, which seemed to wane for a couple of years, is strong this year. The Wharton section of this chapter is contributed by Carol J. Singley, the Cather section by Ann Moseley.
Regulated recycling of mutant CFTR is partially restored by pharmacological treatment

Efficient trafficking of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to and from the cell surface is essential for maintaining channel density at the plasma membrane (PM) and ensuring proper physiological activity. The most common mutation, F508del, exhibits reduced surface expression and impaired function despite treatment with currently available pharmacological small molecules, called correctors. To gain more detailed insight into whether CFTR enters compartments that allow corrector stabilization in the cell periphery, we investigated the peripheral trafficking itineraries and kinetics of wild type (WT) and F508del in living cells using high-speed fluorescence microscopy together with fluorogen activating protein detection. We directly visualized internalization and accumulation of CFTR WT from the PM to a perinuclear compartment that colocalized with the endosomal recycling compartment (ERC) markers Rab11 and EHD1, reaching steady-state distribution by 25 minutes. Stimulation by protein kinase A (PKA) depleted this intracellular pool and redistributed CFTR channels to the cell surface, elicited by reduced endocytosis and active translocation to the PM. Corrector or temperature rescue of F508del also resulted in targeting to the ERC and exhibited subsequent PKA-stimulated trafficking to the PM. Corrector treatment (24 hours) led to persistent residence of F508del in the ERC, while thermally destabilized F508del was targeted to lysosomal compartments by 3 hours. Acute addition of individual correctors, C4 or C18, acted on peripheral trafficking steps to partially block lysosomal targeting of thermally destabilized F508del. Taken together, corrector treatment redirects F508del trafficking from a degradative pathway to a regulated recycling route, and proteins that mediate this process become potential targets for improving the efficacy of current and future correctors.
The generation of Sp(F2) by transvections

In 1955, in [2], Dieudonne, observing that each symplectic group Sp(V) is generated by its transvections, considered the problem of finding the minimal number of factors in the expression of elements 0 of Sp(V) as products of transvections in Sp(V).l The answer is in general residue cr, but with some classes of exceptions. Complications arise when the underlying field is 5, , and Dieudonne’s list of exceptions [2, p. 1641 for this case is incomplete. The difficulty occurs in 4.4” page 163 and seems to lie in the fact that, following the notation there, the plane T chosen orthogonal to c and d need not (in fact, cannot) be orthogonal to the revised “c” and ‘Id,” as is tacitly assumed. The proof in 4.4” fails and there is a class of exceptions of residue 5 in dimension 6 (see 3.3 below). This paper is devoted to completing the list of exceptions for ffs . Also mentioned are the minor corrections
An autonomous microneedle-based bio-analysis system

The objective of this paper is to present a novel integrated microneedle system with optical sensing capabilities. A simple, cost-effective mechanism, which precludes the requirement of an external characterizing device, has been proposed. Microneedles were fabricated and characterized for their mechanical and fluid flow properties before the optical sensing capability was integrated. The characterization will include the effects of design variations on the buckling and penetration force of these microneedles, and on the fluid flow characteristics. The lengths of the needle shaft tested were 500 /spl mu/m, 1000 /spl mu/m and 1500 /spl mu/m respectively. A simple horizontal loading set up consisting of a load cell and a micromanipulator was designed. A rigid orthogonal surface was used in order to study the buckling force, while a mechanically "skin-like" material was used to determine the penetration force. The buckling force was found to vary between 54 gF and 100 gF for needles with shaft lengths of 1500 and 500 /spl mu/m, respectively. The penetration force was found to be independent of shaft length and was approximately 8 gF. The flow rate of the microneedles was characterized over a range of 0 - 100 psi using distilled water and air as the fluid media. Some of the preliminary characterization of these microneedles using a CCD is also presented.
Risk Factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Older Adults Enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study

B-mode ultrasound examinations of the abdominal aorta were performed from 1990 to 1992 to evaluate the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a subgroup of the Pittsburgh cohort (656 part...
Credit Contagion Channels: Market Microstructure Evidence from Lehman Brothers’ Bankruptcy

Immediately after Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy, many firms disclosed their financial exposure (or lack thereof) to Lehman. This offers a clean setting to test two credit contagion channels through which a financial firm's bankruptcy can affect other firms—“counterparty risk” and “information transmission” channels. Using market microstructure variables to measure the various dimensions of contagion effects, we provide robust evidence supporting the significance of counterparty risk. Firms with exposure to Lehman suffered more severe negative effects—wider bid-ask spread, higher price impact, greater information asymmetry, and greater selling pressure—than unexposed firms. We find mixed evidence regarding the information transmission hypothesis.
Arkansas Community Pharmacists’ Opinions on Providing Immunizations

Objectives: To determine community pharmacists’ attitudes and knowledge on providing immunizations including perceived barriers to immunizing. The study also examined the percentage of Arkansas pharmacists providing immunizations and the utilization of student pharmacists. Design: Survey. Setting: Arkansas community pharmacies from February to March 2009. Participants: Community pharmacists. Intervention: Mailed survey. Main Outcome Measures: Perceived barriers to providing immunizations, pharmacists’ attitudes regarding immunizations, number of immunization-certified pharmacists, immunization administration rates within the last year, and senior student pharmacists utilization. Results: A total of 350 surveys were mailed, and 129 were returned. In all, 79% of the respondents believed administering immunizations has advanced or significantly advanced the profession. Being certified and attitude toward providing immunizations were correlated; 37% of the respondents held certification to immunize, of which 77% reported immunizing within the last year. Commonly reported barriers included time (76%) followed by reimbursement and legal liability. Only half the respondents realized fourth year student pharmacists could immunize and only 33% of certified pharmacists utilized student pharmacists to immunize. Conclusion: Pharmacists perceive many barriers to providing immunizations. Training student pharmacists to give immunizations may not result in them providing immunizations upon graduation. Additional education on overcoming potential barriers and using senior student pharmacists to administer immunizations is needed.
Neutrino Flavor Identification in SALSA

The proposed Saltdome Shower Array (SalSA) experiment will detect coherent Cherenkov radio signals from high-energy neutrino interactions in a naturally occurring salt dome. By identifying the number and the angular profile of radio emissions in any given event, distinction can be made between charged-current (CC) and neutral-current (NC) neutrino interactions. Additionally, the flavor of the neutrino can be identified in the case of charged-current interactions. Preliminary results for nominal GZK neutrino flux indicate that ~25% of all events can be correctly identified as coming from charged-current interactions of νμ's or ντ's. These charged-current initiated events can further be separated by the flavor of the original neutrino, either νμ's or ντ's.
Beyond Indications Postmarket Surveillance and the Importance of Expanded and Off-label Use of Transcatheter Devices in Structural and Congenital Interventions

In September of this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health published a document entitled, “Strengthening Our National System for Medical Device Postmarket Surveillance.”1 In addition to summarizing the current process and mechanisms for monitoring medical devices after commercial approval, the document proposed the following specific actions to improve the efficiency and quality of postmarket surveillance of medical devices in the United States: > 1. Establish a unique device identification system and promote its incorporation into electronic health information; > > 2. Promote the development of national and international device registries for selected products; > > 3. Modernize adverse event reporting and analysis; and, > > 4. Develop and use new methods for evidence generation, synthesis, and appraisal. [1, p. 4] The intended focus of this initiative is laudable and much needed, as the current system, discussed in this journal earlier this year,2 is widely believed to be overly time consuming and expensive, and to place the United States at a competitive and technological disadvantage to many other countries. As with many of the investigational mechanisms used to assess new medical technologies, these initiatives are likely to lend themselves most easily to devices that are used widely and in relatively consistent applications. With the introduction and evolution of this forward thinking upgrade of the postmarket medical device surveillance system, let us hope that low-volume, off-label, and other marginal device use remains within its purview so that we can collectively move toward a better understanding and oversight of such device applications, as well as those with broader market applications. It is no secret that the majority of transcatheter interventions for congenital heart disease in the United States are performed with devices that are not …
Compression heating influence of pressure transmitting fluids on bacteria inactivation during high pressure processing

Abstract Compression heating characteristics of different pressure transmitting fluids [three different concentrations (75:25, 50:50, 25:75) of water–glycol mix and sodium benzoate (2%) solutions] and their influence on inactivation of spores of Bacillus subtilis in phosphate buffer (0.067 M, pH 7.0) during high pressure processing (HPP) were studied. Experiments were conducted using a pilot scale food processor. Pressure transmitting fluids containing highest percentage of glycol (25:75 water–glycol mix) showed highest temperature increase while 2% sodium benzoate solution showed least temperature increase during high pressure processing. The target pressure, holding time, compressibility, initial temperature, and the rate of heat loss to the surroundings primarily influenced the apparent temperature increase of pressure transmitting fluid in a vessel during HPP. The temperature change was further influenced by the fluid properties such as viscosity, specific heat and thermal conductivity. Use of sodium benzoate solution as pressure-transmitting fluid resulted in highest inactivation of B. subtilis spores. Change in pressure transmitting fluid temperature as a result of compression heating and subsequent heat transfer should be considered in inactivation of bacterial spores by HPP.
Singly‐ and Doubly‐Constrained Methods of Areal Interpolation for Vector‐based GIS

Traditionally, areal interpolation has referred to techniques for transferring attribute values from one partitioning of space to a different partition of space but this is only one of several situations that create the need for estimating unknown data values for areal units. This paper presents a categorization of four areal interpolation problems that includes the “missing” data problem, the traditional “alternative geography” problem, the overlay of a choropelth and an area-class data layer, and the overlay of two choropleth data layers and demonstrates the relationship between the last three problems and general spatial interaction modelling. The “alternative geography” and overlay of choropleth and area-class data layers mirrors a singly constrained spatial interaction model while the overlay of two choropleth layers is analogous to a doubly constrained interaction model. Iterative proportional fitting techniques with and without ancillary data are developed to solve these three classes of problems.
Cyst formation in optic disc pit maculopathy.

Purpose To evaluate the presence and the evolution of cyst formation in optic disc pit maculopathy. Methods In this prospective study, 18 cases with optic disc pit maculopathy were studied. Five of them showed cyst formation in the fovea at the initial examination. The fundus findings were documented with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and stereoscopic photography of the posterior pole. All 5 patients were treated with a macular scleral buckle procedure. Results The presence of cysts in the elevated macula depends on the grade of the disease. Cyst formation can develop not only in the later stage of the disease but also quite early. In all 5 patients cyst formation gradually decreased and finally disappeared after the surgical procedure. Conclusions Cyst formation is an entity which accompanies the macular detachment associated with optic disc pit. The development of the cysts has been noticed after the establishment of the schisis-like separation and before or in conjunction with the formation of a lamellar macular hole which usually accompanies the optic disc pit maculopathy.
Microsatellite DNA primers for the candy darter, Etheostoma osburni and variegate darter, Etheostoma variatum, and cross-species amplification in other darters (Percidae)

In order to investigate a potential hybrid zone between the candy darter, Etheostoma osburni, and variegate darter, Etheostoma variatum, and examine population variation within E. osburni, a suite of primers for 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed. The average number of alleles per locus was 5.5 in E. osburni and 7.6 in E. variatum, and the average observed heterozygosities were 62.5% and 71.4%, respectively. There were no deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and no observed linkage disequilibrium after Bonferroni correction. The utility of these primers was also tested in 11 species of darters representing all four genera of darters. Success of cross-species amplification was largely consistent with phylogenetic relationships of darters.
Solvent effects on simple electron transfer reactions: A comparison of results in Debye and non-Debye solvents

Abstract Estimation of the longitudinal relaxation time τl for non-Debye solvents is considered on the basis of Hynes's theory for solvents exhibiting more than one relaxation process. It is shown that the major portion of the solvent effect on electron transfer kinetics in these solvents follows that in Debye solvents when the high frequency limiting value is used for τl. The solvent effect on the outer sphere contribution to the Gibbs energy of activation is then examined with respect to the variation in solvent permittivity. Analysis of the available data suggests that the reactants involved in electron transfer are solvated mainly by solvent monomers such that the dielectric constant in the vicinity of the reactant reduced considerably in protic solvents.
Primary Extranodal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Adults: Clinicopathological and Survival Characteristics

Among 318 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treated in our unit, 145 (45.6%) had primary extranodal NHL (PE-NHL). The stomach was the most common site (42.1%), followed by the PE-NHL of the head and neck region. Histologically aggressive histologies (65.5% intermediate and 20.7% high grade) predominated. 89.6% of the cases were localized (stage IE, 51% and stage II, 38.6%) but 28% had B symptoms. CR was achieved in 82.1% of the cases. 5-years disease free survival and overall survival were both 65%. Factors that influence prognosis were stage and high grade histology. Among various primary sites the Waldeyer's ring, small intestine and testes had the worse prognosis. Compared to nodal NHL, the PE-NHL were more frequently localized, belonged more often to aggressive histologies and had more often distal extranodal relapses. CR rates and disease free and overall survival were significantly better for PE-NHL. The survival rates, however, listed according to stage and histology for nodal and PE-NHL were not different. We conclude that although PE-NHL differed from nodal NHL in several respects, prognosis is mainly a factor of stage and histology rather than of the primary localization per se.
Conformational and Linear B-Cell Epitopes of Asp f 2, a Major Allergen of Aspergillus fumigatus, Bind Differently to Immunoglobulin E Antibody in the Sera of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Patients

Asp f 2 is a major Aspergillus fumigatus allergen involved in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Knowledge of the B-cell epitopes may contribute to the understanding of immunoregulation and immunodiagnosis. To elucidate the immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding epitopes in the linear sequence of Asp f 2, we synthesized decamer peptides spanning the whole molecule of Asp f 2 on derivatized cellulose membranes and evaluated IgE binding in ABPA patient and control sera. Peptides three to five amino acids long were synthesized based on amino acid sequences within the IgE binding regions and evaluated for the specificity of epitope antibody interactions. Nine IgE binding regions were recognized in this protein of 268 amino acid residues. Of the nine epitopes, seven (ATQRRQI, RKYFG, HWR, YTTRR, DHFAD, ALEAYA, and THEGGQ) are present in the hydrophilic regions of Asp f 2. Immunologic evaluation of the three recombinant fragments, Asp f 2A encompassing the N-terminal epitope region, Asp f 2B without N- and C-terminal regions of the protein, and Asp f 2C representing C-terminal epitopes, revealed that either the N- or C-terminal region of the protein is essential for the correct folding and conformation for IgE antibody binding.
An Application of Signal Detection Theory to Air Combat Training

Mission-qualified F-4 pilots scheduled for training in the Simulator for Air-to-Air Combat (SAAC) flew two consecutive 2-min engagements against a computer-simulated adversary aircraft both before and after SAAC training. The SAAC models the flight characteristics of the different F-4 missile systems and was programmed to specify on a continual basis whether or not the adversary aircraft was within the pilot's weapon-firing envelope for each missile system. Data collected were used to calculate hit rates and false-alarm rates in an application of the theory of signal detectability (TSD). Relevant parameters were derived by solving for the (inferred) decision window that optimized goodness-of-fit to power-law ROC curves. The results suggest that TSD represents a promising approach to systematically studying changes in pilot decision-making behavior as a function of training.
Motifs and modules in cellular signal processing

Bacterial and animal cells are dynamic machines whose internal chemical networks perform hundreds of complex control and signal processing tasks to govern cellular development over time and in response to deterministic and stochastic signals from the environment. A central challenge in post-genomic biology is to discover the complete physical nature of these networks and to determine if there are principles of control and signal processing by which these cell operate and evolve. If such principles exist then they are handles by which cellular engineers can determine the best placement of external signals (such as pharmaceuticals) to cause a cell to move from an undesired state to a desired state. Here, initial attempts at determining the principles of control, the possible modular structure and the nature of signal flow in cellular networks are briefly introduced.
Whiskered tori for NLS equations

Spectral theory is used to display instabilities and hyperbolic structure for certain periodic soliton equations, as well as to generate representations of whiskered tori for these equations. The NLS equation is discussed as a primary model, with references to other equations which possess a similar hyperbolic structure. This chapter in the theory of integrable soliton equations is described in the terminology of dynamical systems theory, in anticipation of its future use in the study of near integrable perturbations.
Gaussian Beam Transformation

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Ray Matrices and the Complex Beam Parameter Gaussian Beam Transformation by Focusing Elements Mode Matching Complex Beam Parameter and Smith Chart Representation Transformation of Higher Order Gaussian Beam Modes Bibliographic Notes
Impact Of Mad Money Stock Recommendations: Merging Financial and Marketing Perspectives

Abstract This article relies on advertising and persuasive communications theories to uncover persistent variations in investor response to television stock recommendations targeting naive investors. The authors use an event study methodology to determine the size of the next-day abnormal market reaction to recommendations on Mad Money with Jim Cramer. Although viewers are actively looking for recommendations, the results show that any individual recommendation is still subject to many of the same communication challenges as traditional advertisements. A regression analysis finds that traditional advertising variables, such as message length, recency–primacy effects, information clutter, and source credibility, influence the size of the market reaction to a “buy” recommendation. The authors discuss implications for marketers, managers of public companies, and those interested in public policy aspects related to televised stock recommendations.
Irritable bowel syndrome: A review for general pediatricians

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. The bothersome and chronic nature of IBS symptoms negatively affects patients' activity level and quality of life, imparting an economic burden on the patient, the family, and the health care system. Research is still trying to elicit a clear pathophysiologic mechanism for IBS, and its clinical presentation and manifestations vary from patient to patient. The importance of a comprehensive history and physical examination cannot be emphasized enough in the diagnosis of IBS, as to date there are no specific laboratory studies that will confirm the diagnosis. There is currently no cure for IBS, and treatments range from a broad range of medications, to cognitive-behavioral therapy, to hyponotherapy. This review highlights recent advances in research on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, evaluation, and management of IBS.
Bicoid gradient formation and function in the Drosophila pre-syncytial blastoderm

As an embryo develops, a single cell transforms into a collection of different types of cells. One protein that is crucial for this process in fruit fly embryos is Bicoid. Thirty years ago, scientists discovered that Bicoid protein is concentrated at the head end of the embryo and gradually decreases in amount towards the rear end. This concentration gradient of Bicoid protein organizes the embryo body and regulates the expression of many genes, thus directing the cells to develop different identities. Several assumptions had been made about how this gradient is established. It was thought that in the unfertilized egg, the mRNA molecules that will be translated to produce Bicoid proteins are stored in an inactive state in the region of the egg that later develops into the embryo’s head. In the embryo, the mRNA molecules were believed to remain in the head region while being translated, with the newly formed proteins then gradually spreading from this site to create the Bicoid gradient. It was also thought that no Bicoid proteins are stored in the unfertilized egg. However, no known methods were sensitive enough to investigate these assumptions. Now, using newer and more sensitive methods, Ali-Murthy and Kornberg show that Bicoid protein is present in the unfertilized fruit fly egg in the same region as the mRNA molecules that make Bicoid. Furthermore, the Bicoid gradient forms when the embryo has fewer than 32 nuclei, much earlier in development than previously thought. The Bicoid protein also does not appear to spread passively towards the rear of the embryo, but is transported in a more orchestrated manner. Overall, Ali-Murthy and Kornberg’s results suggest that the early fruit fly embryo is more organized and actively regulated than had been previously understood. This paves the way for further studies that use sensitive techniques to investigate this early stage of development.
Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia simulating carcinoma.

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia has emerged as an important subset of early childhood leukemia. It often presents a diagnostic dilemma because of its many morphologic manifestations and propensity to mimic metastatic carcinoma. An abdominal mass was identified by sonographic and computed tomographic scans in a 10-month-old girl, who had anemia and thrombocytopenia. An open biopsy of the 3-cm, peripancreatic mass showed cohesive nests and sheets of tumor cells with focal spindling and desmoplasia. Although the diagnosis of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia was established from a bone marrow aspirate using immunocytochemical techniques and karyotype analysis, a coexistent abdominal epithelial malignant neoplasm could not be excluded entirely by light microscopic examination alone. The megakaryoblastic nature of the abdominal tumor was established by immunocytochemical stains for glycoprotein IIIa on paraffinembedded tissue.
Extending Play to Critical Media Studies

This essay fosters a dialogue between game studies and critical media studies. By taking Slender Man as its object of study, it argues that play should be understood as a disposition toward media. It suggests a new critical vocabulary for this approach, wherein the moods set by play can be understood as schemes, latitude, or slack. These terms help us to understand the way play is productive of particular affects that set our bodies to motion.
Safety and efficacy of elbasvir and grazoprevir for treatment of hepatitis C

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The combination of elbasvir and grazoprevir in a single co-formulated tablet is highly effective for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This regimen affords profound inhibition of NS3/4A protease and NS5A activity, resulting in potent activity against HCV genotypes 1, 4, and 6 with high rates of sustained virological response.Areas covered: This review covers the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical applications, efficacy and safety profile of elbasvir/grazoprevir including special populations such as individuals with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, HCV/HIV co-infection, advanced chronic kidney disease, and those that previously failed antiviral therapy.Expert opinion: Elbasvir/grazoprevir is an effective antiviral regimen for treatment of genotypes 1 and 4 and has a very favorable safety profile based on extensive data from several pre-licensure clinical trials that included patient subgroups at increased risk of toxicity. This regimen is currently t...
Action mechanism of special functional agents in composite solid propellants-(II)HTPB/Al system

The acting mechanism of some special functional agents in the HTPB/Al system was investigated by the aid of rheological testing.The results show that the complex compound of ethanolamine with boron trifluoride TEA·BF 3 can be competively absorded onto the surface of Al powder in HTPB propellants from the mixture of several agents,so it is a effective bonding agent.For the Al/HTPB/IPDI system,it is found that there is a obvious synergetic action between TEA·BF 3 and MAPO,which can significantly deteriorate the rheological behavior of the system.The acting mechanisms of other functional agents are discussed too.
Incorporation of a Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Intermediate into Antibody Protein in Vitro

Antibody-producing lymphoid cells incubated in vitro in the presence of [3H]lysergic acid diethylamide secrete labeled protein. Incorporation of [3H]lysergic acid diethylamide (or a derivative) de novo was indicated by precipitation of labeled peptides with trichloracetic acid and by the retention of label after dialysis against denaturing agents and high concentrations of a dissociating ligand. Incorporation of [3H]lysergic acid diethylamide by immune lymphoid cells was inhibited by puromycin and enhanced by homologous antigen.
Prognosis of Liver Allograft With Massive Necrosis

Biopsy-confirmed massive necrosis, involving 76%-100% of hepatic parenchymal volume in allograft, is a catastrophic complication after liver transplantation (LT). The prognosis of these patients has not been well evaluated. We retrospectively reviewed 7 liver transplant biopsies from 6 patients that exhibited …
Prevention of Vesicoureteral Reflux with Fogarty Catheters During Formalin Therapy

Vesicoureteral reflux during formalin therapy of intractable hemorrhagic cystitis can be prevented with Fogarty catheters inserted cystoscopically into the lower ureters. With this technique formalin instillation and cystography can be done through the cystoscope at the same time. Topical intravesical vasopressin did not, in our experience, lessen the bladder hemorrhage.
An Intern's Dilemma (A)

An HBS student is asked by his employer to misrepresent himself during the course of his summer internship in order to obtain data from industry competitors.Learning Objective:Demonstration of an ethical dilemma faced by an HBS student during summer employment and how it was resolved.