cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heparanase epitope peptide-pulsed DCs elicit immune responses against various tumors in vitro

Objective The present paper is designed to study whether the heparanase eptitopes elicit heparanase-specific CTL against various tumors in vitro and provide theoretical evidence for their clinical application.Methods Dendritic cells(DCs) were pulsed with five HLA-A2-restricted epitopes of heparanase respectively to induce heparanase-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTLs).Specific lysis to various tumor cell lines was examined by a 4 h standard 51 Cr release assay.The IFN-γ releasing of effector cells was tested by ELISPOT.Results Of the five epitopes of heparanase,only Hpa(525-533),Hpa(277-285) and Hpa(405-413) could elicit potent specific lysis to KATO-Ⅲ,U2OS and SW480 cells which were heparanase and HLA-A2 positive.Effector induced by the above epitopes could not only lyse MCF-7 cells,which was heparanase negative,But also lyse as HepG2 cells,which was HLA-A2 negaive.But the specific lysis reoccurred after MCF-7 cells transduced with a plasmid contained full-length cDNA of heparanase or HepG2 cells transduced with a plasmid contained full-length cDNA of HLA-A2.Futher study demonstrated these heparanase-specific effectors induced by the above epitopes could not lyse autologous lymphocytes.In addition,we also found that Hpa(525-533),Hpa(277-285) and Hpa(405-413) heparanase epitopes could increase IFN-γ releasing of effectors.Conclusions The above studies show for the first time that the heparanase epitopes Hpa(525-533),Hpa(277-285) and Hpa(405-413) are capable of eliciting a specific anti-tumor immune response by heparanase-specific CTLs,as well as a non-specific anti-tumor immune response by enhancing cytokines releasing.These findings show that heparanase epitope vaccines have various advantages such as broad-spectrum,high-effect,high specificity and safety,which will provide theoretical evidence for their clinical application.
Response of a lead-free borosilicate-glass microchannel plate to 14-MeV neutrons and γ-rays

In microchannel plate applications, such as in space telescopes, night-vision devices, or time-of-flight particle detection, reducing the sensitivity to signals from background sources, such as γ-rays, is beneficial for the system design and performance. The response of a single-stage lead-free borosilicate-glass microchannel plate to 14-MeV neutrons and γ-rays produced via (n, γ) reactions in surrounding structures was investigated at OMEGA. The average efficiency values for secondary electron production were found to be (5.1 ± 0.7) × 10−3 for 14-MeV neutrons and (4.9 ± 1.1) × 10−3 for ⟨1.5⟩-MeV γ-rays.
Faculty and Allied Health Providers

Today’s patient care needs are more complex with ever-expanding advances in technology, knowledge, and innovations in healthcare delivery. Historically, anesthesiologists have been recognized for leading the way in furthering patient safety initiatives. In line with the field’s notable reputation, practitioners have embraced simulation technology as a tool for developing a new generation of anesthesiology professionals. The challenges found in providing anesthesia care can be reproduced particularly well in the high-fidelity simulated environment. Skill sets that can be enhanced through targeted simulation exercises include crisis resource management, team training, resource optimization, and medical knowledge. Although trainees have been the most commonly targeted group for simulation education, experienced practitioners such as those seeking reentry following a prolonged clinical absence can also experience significant gains through assessment and potential retraining using simulation modalities. Practitioners can participate in structured multispecialty team training shown to minimize medical errors and lead to savings in malpractice premiums. Technical skills such as ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia or echocardiography can be modeled and improved upon utilizing a combination of high- and low-fidelity simulation.
Cardiac causes of hypoxia in sickle cell disease

Abstract Hypoxia is both a trigger for and consequence of sickle cell complications, including cardiovascular sequelae. Many mechanisms contribute to hypoxia in patients with sickle cell disease. Intrinsic cardiac causes of hypoxia are rare and typically result from right-to-left shunt from a patent foramen ovale. The utility of closure of patent foramen ovale in sickle cell patients is unknown. Treatment of hypoxia and hypoxemia in sickle cell disease often include supplemental oxygen, red cell transfusion, or hydroxyurea. New agents have been approved that may be part of treatment to ameliorate this complication.
Trivalent f-Element Squarates, Squarate-Oxalates, and Cationic Materials, and the Determination of the Nine-Coordinate Ionic Radius of Cf(III).

The synthesis, structure, and solid-state UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy of four new f-element squarates, M2(C4O4)3(H2O)4 (M = Eu, Am, Cf) and Sm(C4O4)(C4O3OH)(H2O)2·0.5H2O, four new cationic lanthanide s...
Atomistic modeling by density functional theory of two-dimensional materials

Abstract The density functional theory (DFT) is one of the major advances in quantum theory that helps obtaining the structure, energies, and properties of materials, molecules, and nanosystems. Various potentials and theoretical methods under the name of DFT have been developed since the origin of papers back to 50 years ago by Hohenberg, Kohn, and Sham. In particular, the blooming of DFT applications in chemistry and materials since 1990 is related to breakthrough in new potentials. Recently, new forms of materials such as quantum dots, quantum wires, and two-dimensional materials come into our scope; therefore DFT evolves. This chapter reviews the theoretical background and development of DFT in the early years and recent advances.
Rapamycin Extends Life Span in ApcMin/+ Colon Cancer FAP Model.

Abstract Background We previously showed that lifelong rapamycin treatment of short-lived ApcMin/+ mice, a model for familial adenomatous polyposis, resulted in a normal lifespan. ApcMin/+ mice develop colon polyps with a low frequency but can be converted to a colon cancer model by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatments (ApcMin/+-DSS model). Materials and Methods We asked, what effect would pretreatment of ApcMin/+ mice with chronic rapamycin prior to DSS exposure have on survival and colonic neoplasia? Results Forty-two ppm enteric formulation of rapamycin diet exacerbated the temporary weight loss associated with DSS treatment in both sexes. However, our survival studies showed that chronic rapamycin treatment significantly extended lifespan of ApcMin/+-DSS mice (both sexes) by reductions in colon neoplasia and prevention of anemia. Rapamycin also had prophylactic effects on colon neoplasia induced by azoxymethane and DSS in C57BL/6 males and females. Immunoblot assays showed the expected inhibition of complex 1 of mechanistic or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1) and effectors (S6K→rpS6 and S6K→eEF2K→eEF2) in colon by lifelong rapamycin treatments. To address the question of cell types affected by chronic enteric rapamycin treatment, immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrated that crypt cells had a prominent reduction in rpS6 phosphorylation and increase in eEF2 phosphorylation relative controls. Conclusion These data indicate that enteric rapamycin prevents or delays colon neoplasia in ApcMin/+-DSS mice through inhibition of mTORC1 in the crypt cells.
Medicaid expansion and provision of prescription contraception to Medicaid beneficiaries

Abstract Introduction Medicaid expansion increased access to care, but longitudinal patterns of contraception use after the Medicaid expansion have not been described. Methods We evaluated the effects of Medicaid expansion on the amount and type of contraceptive prescriptions using the Medicaid State Utilization Dataset. Results Overall long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use increased in both expansion and non-expansion states. In a difference-in-differences analysis, states that expanded Medicaid had no appreciable increase in per-capita prescription rates of LARC (p = 0.26) or short-acting hormonal contraception (p = 0.09) when compared to nonexpansion states. Discussion The Medicaid expansion was not associated with a change in per-capita LARC or short-acting hormonal contraception use.
Utility of intraoperative digital scintigraphy in radioguided parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND Intraoperative scintigraphy (IoS) has been proposed as a tool for real-time intraoperative decision-making regarding parathyroid adenoma localization and confirmation of excision. METHODS Retrospective review of patients who underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomies with scintigraphy performed intraoperatively. Preoperative neck ultrasound, 4D computed tomography, as well as intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) and gamma probe measurements were conducted per standard practice. IoS images were obtained prior to and following parathyroid excision. Cases were reviewed to determine accuracy of IoS for localizing parathyroid pathology and confirming successful excision. RESULTS Fifty-six cases met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine patients (51.8%) showed confirmation of excision of an abnormal gland on post-excision IoS. There were no significant differences in IOPTH reduction and postoperative laboratory values between patients with IoS-identified resolution and those without IoS-identified resolution. CONCLUSIONS With low accuracy in correctly localizing abnormal glands and confirming their excision, there is no appreciable benefit of IoS at this time.
A filter for characterizing the ridge-drainage continuum in digital elevation models

Abstract A “Ridge-Drainage Index” (RDI) is introduced that characterizes landform represented by digital elevation models on a continuum that ranges between ridge crests and summits at one end of its scale to pits, depressions, and drainages on the other. Intermediate outcomes signify ridge flanks, hillsides, or plains-like settings. The RDI quantifies terrain “openness,” but unlike indices similar to the “Sky View Factor” (SVF) which measure vertical angles open to the sky, it does so in the horizontal plane by calculating angles encompassing all lower elevations within a local neighborhood in a raster data structure. Consequently, the RDI describes a dimension of terrain form unlike those yielded by other common filters applied to digital elevation data. The RDI is scale sensitive, with results determined by raster cell size. At a regional scale with low spatial resolutions (e.g., 10-100 m) the RDI is well suited for geomorphological insights about landform through its ability to delineate drainage courses, depressions, ridgelines, and prominences. At the scale of human settlements, with moderately high spatial resolutions (e.g., 0.5-2 m), it can delineate anthropogenic variations in landform where low angles point to such negative features as small pits, trails, ditches, or depressions associated with sunken constructions, to such positive protuberances as small mounds, raised berms, standing stones, or architecture. Yet, high resolution terrain data can exhibit much noise when viewed in the RDI continuum because small height variations caused by hummocky ground, rodent activity, minor erosion, clumps of grass, or other small-scale processes, can be highlighted by the algorithm and introduce noise that detracts from the outcome. Although several procedures may be employed to mitigate such noise, low-pass smoothing filters that generalize terrain appear most effective. Case studies at two prehistoric Middle Missouri River settlements in North Dakota and at Pueblo Bonito, a standing architectural ruin in New Mexico, illustrate its benefits for the visualization of anthropogenic elements using elevation data acquired from a variety of sources, including airborne laser scanning, structure from motion photogrammetry applied to unmanned aerial vehicle imagery, and robotic total stations. A final case study at a prehistoric agricultural field complex in Arizona examines the RDI as a quantitative landform index in a spatial analysis of archaeological location.
Validation and implementation of next-generation sequencing technologies in a clinical molecular diagnostic laboratory

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies represent powerful tools capable of massive parallel sequencing of DNA. Their application has revolutionized characterization of genomic aberrations responsible for initiation and maintenance of cancers, resulting in a high discovery rate of therapeutic and prognostic markers. In a clinical molecular diagnostic laboratory, the high sequencing capacities of NGS technologies are well suited for routine screening of increasing number of markers using low inputs of DNA in high sample volumes. However, implementation of these technologies in the clinical environment needs thorough validation of their workflow suitability, their capability to detect a variety of genomic aberrations, and their efficiency in comparison to other orthogonal sequencing platforms being routinely used. Here, using a targeted NGS panel to screen for mutational hot spots in 46 cancer-related genes as an example, we have discussed various parameters which need to be established for validation and implementation of the NGS assays. We have highlighted various assay performance metrics which need to be established toward complete validation of the NGS platform before implementation. The criteria for filtering, annotating, and clinical reporting of variants are also discussed.
Chapter 13 Analysis of Cellular Signaling Events, the Cytoskeleton, and Spatial Organization of Macromolecules during Early Xenopus Development

Publisher Summary The large size of Xenopus oocytes, eggs, and embryos confers a number of technical advantages to the researcher. First, single cells can be manipulated with forceps and a dissecting microscope. Second, markers of cellular transitions, such as cortical contraction that denotes egg activation, can be observed with the dissecting microscope, allowing rapid determination of whether that transition has occurred. Third, microinjection can be performed simply and rapidly. Fourth, biochemical analyses that require large amounts of material, such as measuring intracellular concentrations of signaling molecules, are feasible. Fifth, some approaches, such as the spatial fractionation by dissection technique described in this chapter, are absolutely dependent on large size. Thus, the chapter provides analysis of cellular signaling events, the cytoskeleton, and spatial organization of macromolecules during early xenopus development.
Scattered Radiation in Nuclear Medicine: A Case Study on the Boltzmann Transport Equation

The objective in nuclear medicine is to deduce properties of a gamma-ray source inside a patient’s body from measurements of the gamma rays that escape the body. The gamma rays are attenuated and scattered in complicated ways before they emerge from the body, and it is essential to have a good theoretical description of these processes before attempting the inverse problem. In this paper we make use of the Boltzmann transport equation to describe the variation of gamma-ray flux with position, direction and energy. After a tutorial derivation of the Boltzmann equation, we discuss various analytic solutions, showing the relation to the attenuated x-ray transform. Numerical methods are also discussed, and the relation of the gamma-ray distribution to measured data is elucidated. Then some approaches to the inverse-source problem are described.
Temperature dependence and deuterium kinetic isotope effects in the HCO (DCO)+O2 reaction between 296 and 673 K

Abstract The reactions HCO ( DCO )+ O 2 have been measured by the laser photolysis/CW laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method from 296 to 673 K, probing the ( B 2 A ′ ← X 2 A ′ ) HCO (DCO) system. The HCO ( DCO )+ O 2 rate coefficients are 5.63±0.31 and 5.61±0.23×10 −12 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 , respectively, at 296 K; both are nearly independent of temperature between 296 and 673 K. The observed deuterium kinetic isotope effect is within the error estimate of previous measurements but is significantly smaller than recent theoretical predictions.
Collusive Long-Run Investments Under Transmission Price-Caps

In the short run, constraints in the electricity transmission system may give market power to generators. This paper examines whether the constraints themselves are a long-run equilibrium outcome in a competitive environment. We show that independent transmission companies and generators can tacitly collude to raise prices to consumers and divide the resulting profits. We also show that price cap regulation does not prevent this behavior and may in fact contribute to it. The mechanism for collusion is that generators locate their plants so that a capacity-constrained transmission line lies between them and their consumer market. We show that this constraint-based collusion can be sustained in a static game without any punishment strategies.
Research on evaluation system of operation risk assessment and application in Henan Power Gird

As the operation risk assessment and management operation of the state grid corporation is normalized, it is urgent to develop a complete set of system about risk classification and control. This paper firstly studies the operational risk evaluation index system for large power grid and establishes the quantitative criteria of the risk probability and consequences according to "Guidelines for the Power System Security Stability" and "Electrical Safety Emergency Disposal and Investigation of Treatment". Then develop risk control measures based on risk identification and risk assessment, to deduce the severity of the consequences and the likelihood of risk occurrence, the risk of the grid is controlled within an acceptable range. Finally, using the proposed method to carry on overall risk rating of Henan Power Grid, and provide the appropriate risk control ideas and plans to verify the practicality and effectiveness of the method.
International migration non-traded goods and economic welfare in the source country: a comment

Abstract Labor emigration redistributes income in a two factor, two good economy where one good is internationally non-traded. Labor's nominal wage rises as nominal capital payments fall. Recent research has shown that the prices of non-traded goods rise, causing society's welfare to decline. Here the induced change in the real income of each factor is considered separately. There is an ambiguity with regard to the real income of non-emigrating labor. If labor spends a relatively small fraction of income on the non-traded good, its real income may rise, even though society suffers the loss of welfare.
THE IMPACT OF OKLAHOMA INDIAN TRIBES ON TilE POLITICAL AGENDA OF THE U. S. GOVERNMENT

This study of the effect of Oklahoma Indian tribes on the political agenda of the U.S. government attempted to answer two research questions: whether the unique legal and political status of Indian tribes provides them with special access to, and influence on, the agenda-setting and policymaking of the national government and whether Oklahoma Indian tribes are able to advance a political agenda they defme. The results of this study support the conclusions that the special status of the tribes does give them special access to, and influence on, national policies only after they are established by other political actors. Therefore, Indian tribes are not able to advance a political agenda they define. The national Indian policy agenda is set by other political actors.
An Incentive Experiment Designed to Increase Response to a Between-Wave Contact Update Mailing in Two Panel Studies.

An Incentive Experiment Designed to Increase Response to a Between-Wave Contact Update Mailing in Two Panel Studies
Amphotericin B Serum Concentrations During Therapy

Therapeutic outcome of patients being treated for systemic mycoses with amphotericin B is possibly related to the serum concentrations of this drug that are produced in these patients. Because current data are conflicting, the magnitude of these concentrations was restudied by using a bioassay which gave precise and accurate results. The highest of 155 serum concentrations was 2.01 μg/ml. Mean concentrations were 1.21, 0.62, and 0.32 μg/ml, at 1, 18, and 42 hr, respectively, after intravenous infusion of amphotericin B. This drug was detected in serum 7 weeks after completion of treatment, but it could not be detected 13 weeks after treatment. Drug levels did not appreciably decrease in serum stored for 8 to 9 months at − 10 C. Unequal serum content in assay tubes and measurement of assay turbidity by visual inspection may explain previously reported amphotericin B levels of 3.0 to 12.5 μg/ml.
Sensors, Chemical Sensors, Electrochemical Sensors, and ECS

BCPS Department, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois 60616, USAThe growing branch of science and technology known as sensors has permeated virtually all professional science and engineeringorganizations. Sensor science generates thousands of new publications each year, in publications ranging from magazines such asPopular Mechanics and Discover to learned journals like the Journal of The Electrochemical Society (JES). The ElectrochemicalSociety ~ECS!, which has declared itself the society for solid state and electrochemical science and technology, and its worldwidemembership, have been vitally instrumental in contributions to both the science and technology underlying sensors. This article isabout a few of the chemical sensors that have evolved, those still now evolving, and the continuing role of ECS in advancementof sensor science and engineering.© 2003 The Electrochemical Society. @DOI: 10.1149/1.1539051# All rights reserved.Available electronically January 13, 2003.
Beyond romantic versus sceptic: a microanalysis of conceptual change in kinematics

How should educators describe the goals they seek in student learning such that they can make sensible judgements about those students’ progress? In what terms may the comparison between students’ and scientists’ ideas be made? Answering these questions has been made difficult by the rather large literature on ‘misconceptions’ and ‘expert‐novice’ differences. These studies give a divergent account of students and scientists, and encourage a view of learning that requires processes of radical change ‐‐ conflicting, confronting, overcoming, replacing, eliminating, etc. ‐‐ rather than incremental growth. These metaphors portray students’ and scientists’ thinking as incomparable. Microanalysis of conceptual change can be a valuable tool for reconceptualizing the nature of students’ knowledge‐in‐develop‐ment and dissolving concept‐misconception and expert‐novice dichotomies. This case study suggests that students’ growing knowledge is distributed across different kinds of concepts, including registrations, qua...
Efficient mixing of polymer blends of extreme viscosity ratio : Elimination of phase inversion via solid-state shear pulverization

A novel, continuous process, solid-state shear pulverization (S 3 P), efficiently mixes blends with different component viscosities. Melt mixing immiscible polymers or like polymers of different molecular weight often requires long processing times. With a batch, intensive melt mixer, a polyethylene (PE)/polystyrene (PS) blend with a viscosity ratio (low to high) of 0.019 required up to 35 min to undergo phase inversion. Phase inversion is associated with a morphological change in which the majority component, the high-viscosity material in these blends, transforms from the dispersed to the matrix phase, and may be quantified by a change from low to high mixing torque. In contrast, such blends subjected to short-residence-time (∼3 min) S 3 P yielded a morphology with a PS matrix and a PE dispersed phase with phase diameters ≤ 1 μm. Thus, S 3 P directly produces matrix and dispersed phases like those obtained after phase inversion during a melt-mixing process. This assertion is supported by the similarity in the near-plateaus in torque obtained in the melt mixer at short times with the pulverized blend and at long times with the non-pulverized blend. The utility of S 3 P to overcome problems associated with melt mixing like polymers of extreme viscosity ratio is also shown.
Location of the bow shock ahead of cloud G2 at the Galactic Centre

We perform detailed magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the gas cloud G2 interacting with the accretion flow around the Galactic Center black hole Sgr A*. We take as our initial conditions a steady-state, converged solution of the accretion flow obtained earlier using the general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic code HARM. Using the observed parameters for the cloud's orbit, we compute the interaction of the cloud with the ambient gas and identify the shock structure that forms ahead of the cloud. We show that for many configurations, the cloud front crosses orbit pericenter 7 to 9 months earlier than the center-of-mass.
New Insights into the structure of Pd-Au nanoparticles as revealed by aberration-corrected STEM

Bimetallic nanoparticles of Au-Pd find important applications in catalysis. Their catalytic performance is directly related to the structure, alloy formation and variation of composition in the structure. A standard idea is that bimetallic nanoparticles can be either an alloy or a core shell structure. Our group has investigated the structure and composition of Pd-Au nanoparticles by using aberration corrected high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). We reported previously that the nanoparticles are composed of an evenly alloyed inner core, an Au-rich intermediate layer, and a Pd-rich outer shell. The structure is more complicated than what simple models can predict. In this paper we report additional studies of this system wherein by carrying out spectral and chemical analysis (STEM*-EDAX, STEM-EELS) the interface structure can now be better identified and understood. Apart from the three-layered core-shell structures we have also been able to observe in some cases a four-layered core-shell structure as well. The entire core-shell structure is not rigid and there is indeed intercalation of Au-Pd into the other layers as well. In addition we have been able to locate stacking faults present in the nanoparticles. We also address the problem of the interface structure between the layers. By using nanodiffraction we have found that the whole structure of the nanoparticles becomes hcp in contrast to the bulk structure of Au or Pd.
Neutron diffraction study of magnetic ordering in K2IrCl6, K2ReBr6 and K2ReCl6

Abstract Powder neutron diffraction measurements on K 2 ReBr 6 ( T n = 15.3°K) below its Neel temperature have established that this compound possesses type 1 order. The results of the experiment on K 2 IrCl 6 are in agreement with those obtained by Hutchings and Windsor, who recently proposed that this compound has the type 3 A ordering scheme. A detailed single crystal scattering experiment on K 2 ReCl 6 has yielded a magnetic scattering amplitude for the Re +4 ion that is consistent with what one would expect from a dϵ 3 electronic configuration. The type 1 magnetic structure with the spin axis along a cubic axis in the plane perpendicular to the stacking axis, in agreement with the results of Smith and Bacon, has been used to obtain the magnetic form factor.
Molecular Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis in the United States

Chlamydia, with its Chlamydia trachomatis etiology, is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States and is often transmitted via asymptomatic individuals. This review summarizes traditional and molecular-based diagnostic modalities specific to C. trachomatis. Several commercially available, FDA-approved molecular methods to diagnose urogenital C. trachomatis infection include nucleic acid hybridization, signal amplification, polymerase chain reaction, strand displacement amplification, and transcription-mediated amplification. Molecular-based methods are rapid and reliable genital specimen screening measures, especially when applied to areas of high disease prevalence. However, clinical and analytical sensitivity for some commercial systems decreases dramatically when testing urine samples. In vitro experiments and clinical data suggest that transcription-mediated amplification has greater analytical sensitivity than the other molecular-based methods currently available. This difference may be further exhibited in testing of extragenital specimens from at-risk patient demographics. The development of future molecular testing could address conundrums associated with confirmatory testing, medicolegal testing, and test of cure.
The use of pressure-tuning spectroscopy to distinguish between one- and two-electron transfer processes

The first use of pressure-tuning spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of an intervalence transition band to determine the number of electrons transferred is described. The trinuclear complex [(CN)5FeCNPt(NH3)4NCFe(CN)5]4− was subjected in solution to hydrostatic pressures from ambient to 1.5 kbar giving a ΔV* = −5.7 ± 0.2 cm3 mol−1. Calculated values from various models ranged from −5.6 to −6.7 cm3 mol−1 assuming a one-electron transfer event and a negligible innersphere reorganizational energy compared with the apparently very large outer-sphere rearrangements that must occur.
Development of the Home Care Client Satisfaction Instrument

Abstract Client (patient) satisfaction has been studied extensively in the health care sector, yet those receiving home health care services have been the focus of few studies. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Home Care Client Satisfaction Instrument (HCCSI). A total of 400 clients, randomly selected from 20 randomly chosen home care agencies in one state, completed the HCCSI and demographic form. Most respondents were older adults with multiple health problems and their families or informal support systems. Since data were skewed, item analysis was used. The revised instrument (HCCSI-R) is unidimensional and includes 12 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale measuring specific aspects of care. In addition, there are three global measures of satisfaction rated on a 10-point scale. All items except one had significant item-total correlations greater than .59. The total score correlates with likeliness to recommend the agency to others (.37,p= .0001), showing some evidence for criterion-related validity.
C(sp2)−C(sp3) Rotational Barriers in Simple Amides: H2N−C(O)R (R = Methyl, Ethyl, i-Propyl, tert-Butyl)

Potential energy surfaces for rotation about the C(sp2)−C(sp3) bond are reported for acetamide, propanamide, 2-methylpropanamide, and 2,2-dimethylpropanamide at different levels of ab initio electronic structure theory with correlation effects included. In all cases, fully optimized geometries of rotational minima are consistent with gas phase electron diffraction data and crystal structure data. The experimental barrier height for methyl rotation in acetamide is reproduced to within 0.1 kcal/mol. This study yields a set of improved criteria for the construction of rotational potentials for the Ca−C bond which are used to obtain improved MM3 torsional parameters. In addition, we find that the use of higher levels of theory leads to significantly different results than those obtained in prior Hartree−Fock studies on acetamide and 2-methylpropanamide.
Electrodeposition of different types of tungsten cathode deposits from ionic melts

A review of experimental investigations of electrochemical deposition of tungsten from ionic melts is presented. The electrolytes used are systematized depending on the structure of deposits.
Sensitivity analysis of oscillatory systems

Abstract Methods of sensitivity analysis are extended to find the parametric dependencies of systems of ordinary differential equations which exhibit limit cycle oscillations. The quantitative relations between the system parameters and the observable period, amplitude, phase and cycle shape are developed. These formulae, presented for both the first and second order, are applicable to systems of arbitrary size and complexity. The techniques are used here to develop correlations for period and amplitude in a non-isothermal oscillating stirred-tank chemical reactor, and to find and optimize a beneficial periodic operating strategy for a lumped-parameter catalytic reacting system.
Flotation Separation Using Microgas Dispersions

Abstract Microgas dispersions, agglomerations of micron-sized bubbles capable of being pumped, were studied for use in flotation operations. Methods for producing these dispersions and their use as a substitute for conventional flotation in the separation of an organic dye are described.
Clearing of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus around molluscum contagiosum lesions

A patient with widespread subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) developed halos of uninflamed, normal-appearing skin around lesions of molluscum contagiosum. A biopsy confirmed the lack of active lupus erythematosus (LE) in the halo area (neither basal layer liquefaction nor inflammatory infiltrate was present). Direct immunofluorescence of the halo area showed only weak staining with IgG and C3. In contrast, adjacent skin, clinically involved with cutaneous LE, showed both active LE by light microscopy and strong staining with IgG and C3. We feel the molluscum contagiosum lesions that developed in areas of active SCLE somehow suppressed the clinical, histologic, and immunologic expression of SCLE in he surrounding skin. This observation might offer some insight into the poorly understood pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in cutaneous LE.
The Use of Standardized Language to Describe Abdominal Pain

The assessment, diagnosis, and management of abdominal pain (AP) in children is a complex and challenging process. The factors that contribute to this complexity are the varied etiologies of AP in children that may be biological and/or psychological, nurses’ perceptions of AP, manifestations of AP in children, and the lack of a standardized language to describe AP. In this descriptive study, 64 school nurses completed an investigator-developed survey to determine the usefulness of standardized language in describing AP. This study identified the most frequently used assessments to document complaints of AP; activities from the Nursing Interventions Classification “pain management” intervention used to treat AP; and relevant indicators used by school nurses from the Nursing Outcomes Classification “pain level” and “symptom severity” outcomes. Use of standardized language to document nursing care will make nursing’s contribution to the care of children with AP more visible and provide data that will identif...
Continuity of metric projections in uniformly convex and uniformly smooth Banach spaces

Abstract The continuity of the metric projection onto an approximatively compact set in a uniformly convex and uniformly smooth Banach space is investigated. An explicit modulus of continuity for the metric projection which depends on the directional radius of curvature at a certain point of the set is obtained. The results generalize and improve those obtained by B. O. Bjornestȧl.
An optimal speedup algorithm for the measure problem

Abstract In this paper we present an optimal speedup parallel algorithm for the measure problem. The measure problem arises in layout verification problems for VLSI designs, in geography, in maintaining architectural databases, and in computer graphics. Given R 1 , R 2 , …, R n a list of n iso-oriented rectangles in a plane, the measure problem computes the area of the region R, where R = R 1 ∪ R 2 ∪ ⋯ ∪ R n . The parallel algorithm presented in this paper is shown to have a tim complexity of O(log n log log n) with O(n/log log n ) processors.
But i wasn't trained on that!: the use and abuse of training tools

Is your training program in a funk? Have PowerPoint presentations and PDFs lost their appeal? Are you hearing the line, "I wasn't trained on that!" too often? If so, we have some advice that may help you break the monotony of everyday training.In 2010, the group responsible for training student consultants at the CITES Help Desk undertook a daunting task. We needed to detail each service and application we supported as well as all of our policies and procedures. Every facet of our business had to be recorded then imparted to a newly re-positioned and non-technical group of Help Desk consultants.In teaching this information we discovered what we already knew, but could rarely physically demonstrate: a Help Desk consultant can never fully understand the scope of what we truly do. "I wasn't trained on that," becomes an unavoidable reality. So, our training took a different approach. Instead of focusing on the "facts" of our business as we had relied on heavily in the past, we invested more time in developing critical thinking, effective search habits, troubleshooting and problem solving skills. "You don't know everything but you can find anything," became an unofficial mantra.Online coursework, job shadowing, lectures, and training games are just some of the methods that have been used in our training programs. This paper will explore the pros of each tool, but also show how they might be over-used, under-used or simply abused by the teacher or the student.
Reconstructing Matrices from Minors

Abstract Which collections of mn minors of an m-by-n matrix uniquely determine the matrix, given some regularity conditions? For m=n=3, the 585 such collections, that are distinct up to symmetry, are determined. For general m, n, a necessary and a sufficient condition for reconstruction are given in terms of matchings in a bipartite graph. Among other particular results, those collections of entries for which there are minors that permit reconstruction one entry at a time are characterized.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland. Sustained complete response to chemotherapy

A patient developed widely metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland after several local recurrences. A complete regression of pleural, pulmonary parenchymal, cutaneous, and bone metastases was seen following therapy with 5-fluorouracil, Adriamycin, and mitomycin C. This is the second complete response to chemotherapy reported for a patient with metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary gland origin. Both complete responses and several partial responses have followed treatment with Adriamycin, suggesting that this drug is active in the disease.
Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney: a detailed study of radiological, pathological and clinical outcomes

Objective To characterise the clinical, radiological and histological features of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC), as well as oncological outcomes. Patients and methods This is a single institution retrospective analysis of all patients with MTSCC from 2002 to 2011. Patients were excluded if MTSCC could not be confirmed on pathology re-review (four patients). Clinical characteristics, pathology, imaging, and outcomes were reviewed for the 19 included patients. Results The median (range) age at diagnosis was 59 (17–71) years with a female predominance (78.9%). On contrast-enhanced computed tomography, MTSCC enhanced less than the cortex during the corticomedullary phase. The mean (range) tumour attenuation was 36 (24–48), 67 (41–133), 89 (49–152), and 76 (52–106) Hounsfield units in the pre-contrast, corticomedullary, nephrographic and excretory phases, respectively. In all, 16 patients were treated with partial (five patients) or radical nephrectomy (11) for pT1 (62.5%), pT2 (31.3%), and pT3a disease (6.3%). One patient underwent active surveillance. Of three patients (13.0%) managed with energy ablation, there was one recurrence that was treated with salvage surgery. One patient (5.3%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis and died from disease 64.7 months later. A patient with a pT2bN0M0 MTSCC with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation developed bone metastases 9.5 months after diagnosis and was alive at 19.0 months. The remainder were free of recurrence or progression. Conclusion MTSCC is a rare renal cell carcinoma (RCC) variant. In this largest series to date, MTSCC presented at a broad range of ages and displayed a female predilection. Imaging and pathological features of MTSCC display some overlap with papillary RCC. MTSCC is associated with excellent outcomes overall, but is not universally indolent.
Removal of the tryptophan 139 side chain in Escherichia coli D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase produces a dimeric enzyme without cooperative effects.

Abstract Escherichia coli d -3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH) is a homotetrameric enzyme whose activity is allosterically regulated by l -serine, the end-product of its metabolic pathway. Previous studies have shown that PGDH displays two modes of cooperative interaction. One is between the l -serine binding sites and the other is between the l -serine binding sites and the active sites. Tryptophan 139 participates in an intersubunit contact near the active site catalytic residues. Site-specific mutagenesis of tryptophan 139 to glycine results in the dissociation of the tetramer to a pair of dimers and in the loss of cooperativity in serine binding and between serine binding and inhibition. The results suggest that the magnitude of inhibition of activity at a particular active site is primarily dependent on serine binding to that subunit but that activity can be modulated in a cooperative manner by interaction with adjacent subunits. The disruption of the nucleotide domain interface in PGDH by mutating Trp-139 suggests the potential for a critical role of this interface in the cooperative allosteric processes in the native tetrameric enzyme.
The structure of silver/germanium/selenium glass

Abstract The structure of the Ag/Ge/Se glass at nominal composition Ag 4 Ge 3 Se 9 has been studied by means of neutron diffraction. The structure is discussed in terms of the structure factor S(Q) and the radial distribution function n(r). The radial distribution function measures the coordination around an average atom; however, combined with other sources of information, the nearest-neighbor coordination of the constituent atoms has been determined. Isotopic 107 Ag substitution was used to identify the Ag correlations. Results are compared with earlier results for GeSe 2 glass.
Adhesion molecules in autoimmune disease.

Leukocyte activation, circulation, and localization to inflammatory sites are dependent on adherence to molecules on other cells or to extracellular matrix ligands. Adhesion molecule expression and interactions are probably involved in initiation and propagation of autoimmune diseases. Adhesion molecules pertinent to the development of autoimmunity are the subject of this review. Material in this review was generated by a manual and a computerized search of medical literature pertaining to adhesion molecules and specific autoimmune diseases. Topics covered include adhesion molecule classification, regulation of adhesion, and characterization of adhesion receptors in specific autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes mellitus. Adhesion molecules are classified into selectin, integrin, and immunoglobulin supergene family groups. Increased adhesion molecule expression and avidity changes occurring with cellular activation are the principal methods regulating leukocyte adhesion. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and interleukin-1 (IL-1) stimulate adhesion receptor expression on lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. Although differences between specific autoimmune diseases exist, key interactions facilitating the development of autoimmune inflammation appear to include L-selectin/P-selectin/E-selectin, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), very late antigen-4 (VLA-4)/vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and alpha 4B7/MadCAM or VCAM-1 adhesion. Administration of anti-adhesion molecule antibodies in experimental animal models of autoimmunity and in a preliminary trial with RA patients has been successful in preventing or reducing autoimmune disease severity. A vast array of adhesive interactions occurs between immunocompetent cells, endothelium, extracellular matrix, and target tissues during the evolution of an autoimmune disease. Further characterization of leukocyte migration patterns and adherence should clarify pathogenic processes in specific autoimmune diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets for their treatment.
EXCESS ENTHALPIES OF SOME ETHYLBENZENE + AROMATIC HYDROCARBON MIXTURES AT 298.15 K

Abstract Flow-calorimetric measurements of excess enthalpies are reported for mixtures of ethylbenzene + benzene, + toluene, + o-xylene, + m-xylene, and + p-xylene at 298.15 K. The Flory theory is used to correlate the results with previously published values of the excess volumes. Excess energies at constant volume for these ethylbenzene mixtures and for the 10 binary mixtures formed from the other components listed above are analysed in terms of the zeroth approximation of the Kehiaian theory of molecular surface interactions.
Fundoplication provides effective and durable symptom relief in patients with Barrett's esophagus.

Abstract Background: Columnar-lined esophagus with intestinal metaplasia (IM), also called Barrett’s esophagus, is a manifestation of severe gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and may predict poor symptom relief and high failure rate after fundoplication. We compared symptom scores and reoperation rates in GER patients with and without Barrett’s esophagus. Methods: Between July 1992 and July 1997, 646 patients underwent fundoplication (626 laparoscopic). Of 150 endoscopic biopsies of suspected columnar-lined esophagus, 80 confirmed IM, 50 identified cardiac or fundic epithelium, and 20 revealed only esophagitis. Typical GER symptoms were scored by patients preoperatively and postoperatively (0 to 4 scale). We compared symptom response (Wilcoxon rank sum test) and failure rates ( t test) in patients with IM and GER controls without IM. Preoperative data were available for 74 IM patients and 496 controls. One-year follow-up was available in 45 IM patients and 301 controls. Intermediate follow-up (2 to 5 years) was available in 20 IM patients and 99 controls. Results: Preoperatively and postoperatively, patients with IM reported heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia scores similar to controls. Procedure failure, requiring redo fundoplication, appeared more likely in IM patients than controls (6.3% versus 2.5%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.061) Conclusion: Fundoplication provides equivalent symptom relief for patients with and without IM.
Estimating Error Component Models With General MA( q ) Disturbances

This paper provides a simple estimation method for an error component regression model with general MA( q ) remainder disturbances. The estimation method utilizes the transformation derived by Baltagi and Li [3] for an error component model with autoregressive remainder disturbances, and a standard orthogonalizing algorithm for the general MA( q ) model. This estimation method is computationally simple utilizing only least-squares regressions. This is important for panel data regressions where brute force GLS is in many cases not feasible.This estimation method performs well relative to true GLS in Monte-Carlo experiments.
Consequences of Hodrick–Prescott filtering for parameter estimation in a structural model of inventory behaviour

Much work in macroeconomics relies on detrending a time series prior to analysis. A popular method of detrending has been the Hodrick–Prescott (HP) filter. This filter has been widely applied in th...