cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do High Proinsulin and C-Peptide Levels Play a Role in Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction? Power Spectral Analysis in Patients With Non–Insulin-Dependent Diabetes and Nondiabetic Subjects

Background Immunoreactive insulin has been shown to predict the development of parasympathetic autonomic neuropathy. It is possible that constituents of immunoreactive insulin could explain this association. In this cross-sectional study, the relationship of specific insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin with autonomic nervous dysfunction was evaluated in 57 NIDDM patients and 108 control subjects. Methods and Results The frequency-domain analysis of heart rate variability was determined by using spectral analysis from stationary regions of registrations while the subjects breathed spontaneously in a supine position. Total power was divided into three frequency bands: low (0 to 0.07 Hz), medium (MFP, 0.07 to 0.15 Hz), and high (HFP, 0.15 Hz to 0.50 multiplied by the frequency equal to the mean RR interval). In NIDDM patients, total power, the three frequency bands (P<.001 for each), and the MFP/HFP ratio (P=.016), which expresses sympathovagal balance, were reduced compared with control subjects. Fasting pro...
rf current dependence of the 8.9‐GHz impedance of tantalum point‐contact Josephson junctions

The complex rf impedance of tantalum point‐contact Josephson junctions at 8.9 GHz has been measured as a function of the dc bias current for several values of rf current amplitude. The experimental results agree qualitatively with the predictions of the resistively‐shunted‐junction model, but discrepancies between the experimental results and the theory suggest that this model does not adequately predict all of the impedance properties of these junctions.
On sums of squares

Abstract We show that the fourth order form in five variables, ∑ i=1 5 ∏ i=≠i (x i −x i ) , is nonnegative, but cannot be written as a sum of squares of quadratic forms.
Time sharing and body partitioning in bat–plant pollination systems

IN the dry months from January to March in Central America there is an abundance of flowering trees and shrubs1–3 and many of them are pollinated by bats. When collecting nectar, the bats visit various species of plants4–6, and in periods of peak abundance of flowers they make increasingly frequent visits. With flowering apparently synchronised3,4, there seems to be a good chance that flowers may not always receive conspecific pollen, thus reducing their seed set and fitness. The study reported here suggests that this chance is minimised because nectar and pollen are available at different times on different flower species, and because some species deposit and receive pollen at distinct regions of the bats' bodies.
Session-based group key agreements for secure multicast communications

The combination of a MANET (Mobile Ad-hoc Network) domain environment with multicast services introduces new challenges towards group confidentiality infrastructure. The existing technique for the rekeying operation has a critical problem in performing a key update immediately after each member change. Instead of rekeying, this paper proposes a new membership processing that occurs whenever a new multicast session starts. When the TM (Transaction Manager) begins a new multicast session, it initiates the GKA (Group Key Agreement) process. This process calculates the group key for the secure multicast session in which any group member can send secure multicast data to the rest of the multicast group. Finally, we analyze the computational load (C load ) and message transmission load (T load ) required for group key computation through our fully distributed key agreement mode.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Three Key Approaches

abstract Corporate social responsibility remains an embryonic and contestable concept. This paper assesses three key approaches and offers a perspective gauging little prospect of theoretical synthesis. Ethical responsibility theory advocates strong corporate self-restraint and altruism duties and expansive public policy strengthening stakeholder rights. Economic responsibility theory advocates market wealth creation subject only to minimalist public policy and perhaps customary business ethics. These two viewpoints embed competing moral frameworks and political philosophies. Any theoretical synthesis must discover some subset of ethical principles yielding corporate competitive advantage. Corporate citizenship language invokes a political metaphor providing neither true intermediate positioning nor theoretical synthesis. Two conflicting interpretations abandon responsibility language without adopting the economic viewpoint. An instrumental citizenship interpretation expands philanthropy as a strategic lever for increasing corporate reputation and market opportunities while retaining managerial discretion. An ideal citizenship interpretation restates ethical responsibility into voluntarism language intended to influence managerial discretion concerning universal human rights.
Myelin-forming oligodendrocytes of developing mouse spinal cord: immunocytochemical and ultrastructural studies.

The development and differentiation of oligodendrocytes (OC) in developing mouse spinal cord (MSC) were investigated by correlative analysis of light and electron microscopy (EM), and immunoperoxidase studies for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and myelin basic protein (MBP). The sequential development of glial cells within the subpial region of the MSC bears a striking resemblance to the developing human fetal spinal cord. A rise in the level of mitotic activity among subpial astrocytes just prior to the onset of myelination was followed by the appearance of OC within the same region. The finding of “transitional” cells with the cytological and ultrastructural features of both astrocytes and OC and the finding of GFAP within the immature OC strongly support the hypothesis that OC in the developing central nervous system may arise from astroglial precursors. These observations also suggest that the MSC may be a suitable model for the study of OC differentiation and myelinogenesis in man.
Metalinguistic Awareness and Language Development.

Abstract Thirty-six 3- and 4-year-old children were given a battery of six metalinguistic tasks and two measures of language development: the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and a sentence comprehension test. The results clearly showed that the majority of preschoolers were able to make at least some metalinguistic judgments, and that metalinguistic performance improved with age. Furthermore, overall performance on the metalinguistic tasks was significantly correlated with each language measure when the effects of age were partialed out. In contrast, the correlation between age and metalinguistic performance was not significant once the effects of both language measures were partialed out. These data demonstrate that preschoolers' metalinguistic abilities are more extensive than has been previously acknowledged, and that they are closely tied to other aspects of language development at this time.
Servant leadership: Validation of a short form of the SL-28

Abstract Although research on servant leadership has been expanding over the past several years, a concise, valid scale for assessing global servant leadership has been lacking. In the current investigation a 7-item measure of global servant leadership (SL-7), based on Liden, Wayne, Zhao, and Henderson's (2008) 28-item servant leadership measure (SL-28), is introduced. Psychometric properties of the SL-7 were assessed at the individual level with data collected from 729 undergraduate students, 218 graduate students, and 552 leader–follower dyads from 11 organizations, and at the team level with a study consisting of a total of 71 ongoing intact work teams. Results across three independent studies with six samples showed correlations between the SL-7 and SL-28 scales ranging from .78 to .97, internal consistency reliabilities over .80 in all samples, and significant criterion-related validities for the SL-7 that parallel those found with the SL-28.
Vehicle parameter estimation using nested RLS algorithm

Energy consumption of a vehicle depends on the nature of road surface, grade and vehicle parameters. Predictive control strategies that rely on this information can benefit significantly from the knowledge of these parameters. This paper proposes an online estimation strategy to simultaneously estimate the vehicle mass, road frictional coefficient and wind velocity for a Series-Parallel Hybrid vehicle. A P2 hybrid vehicle longitudinal model is developed and used along with a two stage recursive least squares algorithm to estimate the dynamic parameters. The estimation strategy uses inputs from the vehicle longitudinal accelerometer sensor for determining road grade along with other powertrain signals.
A survey of ethics committees in national medical organizations in the United States

At the hospital level of healthcare, hospital ethics committees (HECs) have grown substantially in the last decade (1)(2). Currently, approximately 50% to 60% of hospitals in the United States have an ethics committee (1)(2). The functions of HECs continue to undergo redefinition, but they generally include ethics self-education, case analysis or review, consultation, and policy review and recommendations (3). Although the extent and importance of activities by HECs is generally appreciated, such is not the case with ethics committee activities within national medical organizations. A questionnaire was sent to medical organizations in an attempt to survey the extent of ethics committee activity at the national level.
Use of gonadotropin releasing hormone to improve reproductive responses of ewes introduced to rams during seasonal anestrus.

Abstract Three experiments were conducted on anestrous ewes of Suffolk, Dorset, and Katahdin breeding to examine the potential value of GnRH to improve ovulation and pregnancy in response to introduction of rams. In Experiment 1, treatment with GnRH 2 d after treatment with progesterone (P4; 25 mg i.m.) at introduction of rams was compared to treatment with P4 alone at the time of introduction of rams. Treatment with GnRH did not increase percentages of ewes with a corpus luteum (CL) 14 d after introduction of rams, pregnant 32 d after treatment with PGF2α 14 d after introduction of rams, or percent of treated ewes lambing to all services. In Experiment 2, treatments with GnRH on day 2, 7, or both after introduction of rams were compared. Treatments did not differ in mean estrous response, percentages of ewes with a detectable CL or number of CL present on day 11, or mean pregnancy and lambing rates. Therefore, neither one nor two injections of GnRH at these times appeared to be effective to induce anestrous ewes to breed. In Experiment 3, treatments compared included GnRH 4 d before introduction of rams, GnRH 4 d before and 1 d after introduction of rams, ram introduction alone, and treatment with P4 (25 mg i.m.) at the time of introduction of rams. Percentages of ewes with concentrations of P4 greater than 1 ng/mL (indicating formation of CL had occurred) 7 d after ram introduction tended to be greater (P
A study of design velocity field computation for shape optimal design

Abstract Design velocity field computation is an important step in computing shape design sensitivity coefficients and updating a finite element mesh in the shape design optimization process. Applying an inappropriate design velocity field for shape design sensitivity analysis and optimization will yield inaccurate sensitivity results or a distorted finite element mesh, and thus fail in achieving an optimal solution. In this paper, theoretical regularity and practical requirements of the design velocity field are discussed. The crucial step of using the design velocity field to update the finite element mesh in the design optimization process is emphasized. Available design velocity field computation methods in the literature are summarized and their applicability for shape design sensitivity analysis and optimization is discussed. Five examples are employed to discuss applicability of these methods. It was found that a combination of isoparametric mapping and boundary displacement methods is ideal for the design velocity field computation.
A comparison of pentamorphone and fentanyl in balanced anaesthesia during general surgery.

The purpose of our randomized, double-blind study of 64 unpremedicated healthy patients undergoing surgical procedures with a duration of at least 60 min was to compare 0.75 μg · kg−1 and 1 μg · kg−1 pentamorphone with 5 μg · kg−1 and 7.5 μg · kg−1 fentanyl to determine which dose of opioid would reduce the requirement for isoflurane supplementation needed to maintain haemodynamic stability. At 21 points during the procedure, the haemodynamic variables of heart rate and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures were recorded. The use of isoflurane was quantified; the number of patients requiring inhaled anaesthetic, concentration peaks, MAC minutes, and duration of isoflurane use were noted. The number of equal-volume supplemental opioid analgesic doses, postoperative analgesics, occurrence of postoperative nausea, emesis, and antiemetic doses were compared. The four groups exhibited similar patient demographics, total dose of muscle relaxants, types of surgical procedures, and duration of surgery or anaesthesia. Haemodynamic variables were stable with no difference among the four study groups. The patients given pentamorphone demonstrated both delayed requirement (P < 0.05) and shorter duration (P < 0.05) of isoflurane supplementation. Patients given either 5 μg · kg−1 or 7.5 μg · kg−1 fentanyl needed isoflurane supplementation within 12 ± 16 min and 12 ± 17 min from induction respectively; while patients given either 0.75 μg · kg−1 or 1 μg · kg−1 pentamorphone did not require isoflurane supplementation for 37 ± 10 min and 43 ± 26 min respectively. In addition, the 1 μg · kg−1 pentamorphone group had significantly (P < 0.05) lower peak isoflurane concentrations than the 5 μg · kg−1 fentanyl study group (0.9 ± 0.5 MAC% vs 1.5 ± 0.3 MAC%). In conclusion, we found pentamorphone to be a haemodynamically stable, isofluranesparing opioid analgesic. Pentamorphone’s major advantage over fentanyl was its lower requirement for inhalation agent in a balanced anaesthesia technique.
Pitfalls in the use of a continuous performance test as a diagnostic tool in attention deficit disorder.

ABSTRACT Although automated continuous performance tests (CPT) are gaining popularity as aids to the diagnosis of attention deficit disorder (ADD), little is known of their validity in this context. Our preliminary experience with a commercially available visual CPT indicated that as many as a third of children meeting the DMS-III criteria for ADD may score well enough on this measure to escape detection. We therefore analyzed the results of neuropsychological testing as well as CPT performance in 14 ADD children and six non-ADD children in an effort to determine whether CPT performance might reflect higher level cognitive variables other than attention and/or impulsivity. We found that those ADD children classified as “abnormal” on the basis of the CPT scored significantly below those classified as “normal” on measures of abstract reasoning and logical problem solving, simple verbal reasoning, nonverbal problem solving, and simple arithmetic skills. The non-ADD group contained a high proportion (83%) of subjects with CPT performance outside of the normal range. These data suggest that CPT may yield both false negative and false positive results when used as screening tools for ADD, and we recommend therefore that caution be used in their interpretation.
Esterolytic degradation of juvenile hormone in the haemolymph of the adult female of Leucophaea maderae

Two JH carboxylesterases were isolated from haemolymph of vitellogenic females by anion exchange chromatography. The high degree of purification achieved by this one step procedure is inferred by the absence of any protein stainable band (Coomassie blue or silver stain) on native polyacrylamide gels, yet enzyme activity was detectable in eluates of these gels. Purified JH esterases were stable for more than eight months when stored at 5°C. Freezing at −25°C destroyed their activity. Both enzymes lost their activity upon heating to 65°C. The average apparent molecular weights of these esterases were 52,000 and 42,000. The corresponding average Kms of the purified enzymes were approx. 0.68 × 10−6 and 1.54 × 10−6 M. In the haemolymph of newly emerged, allatectomized, and pregnant females only one esterase (mol. wt 52,000) was identifiable. The second esterase was, however, inducible in allactectomized females by the JH analogue methoprene (ZR-515). In all cases, purification by ion exchange chromatography resulted in an approx. 1000-fold gain in JH esterase activity. The removal of several esterase inhibitors accounts for this gain. Neither of the two identifiable JH esterases degraded α-naphthyl acetate (α-NA). A population of esterases which effectively degraded α-NA but did not hydrolyze JH-III eluted from the QAE column before the JH esterases.
Collective Action Meets Prospect Theory: An Application to Coalition Building in Chile, 1973-75

Expected utility theory explains collective action as an attempt by individuals to maximize their gains. In contrast, my application of prospect theory to collective action suggests that people are motivated to participate in collective action by a fear of loss. These alternative rationalities are considered in the context of the successful cooperative effort of four economic groups in Chile during 1973-75, the first years of the Pinochet military regime. In this case, the logic of prospect theory better captures how actors made decisions about whether or not to engage in collective action. Of the four groups that did join the 1973-75 economic coalition, only one (the mineowners) appears to have maximized its net asset level, as expected utility theory predicts. All four groups seem to have been motivated to cooperate because they found themselves in the domain of losses and expected that cooperation with other, even rival, economic groups might help them recoup their recent losses.
Degradation of target protein in living cells by small-molecule proteolysis inducer

Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of cellular proteins is one of the major pathways to regulate protein function posttranslationally. Here we demonstrate a potentially general method of degrading any targeted proteins by the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in living cells, using small-molecule proteolysis inducer (SMPI).
The Role of Dietary Sodium on Renal Excretion and Intestinal Absorption of Calcium and on Vitamin D Metabolism

Earlier studies have shown that an oral sodium (Na) load may induce hypercalciuria in previously normocalciuric subjects and may also increase intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption. To probe the cause of the increased intestinal Ca absorption, we simultaneously measured parathyroid function, serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D], and fractional intestinal 47Ca absorption before and after a salt load. Eleven normal subjects and two patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism were placed on a 10 meq Na, 400 mg Ca per day diet for 10 days, followed by another 10-day period in which the same diet was supplemented by 240 meq Na daily. Measurements were performed on the final 3 days of each phase. In the normal subjects, urinary Na excretion increased from 7 +/- 2 to 226 +/- 8 meq/day (mean +/- SEM), urinary Ca rose from 110 +/- 14 to 167 +/- 16 mg/day, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased from 20 +/- 1 to 22 +/- 1 muleq/ml, serum 1,25-(OH)2D rose from 38 +/- 4 to 51 +/- 7 pg/ml, and fractional intestinal 47Ca absorption increased from 0.39 +/- 0.03 to 0.49 +/- 0.03 (P less than 0.05 for all changes). Serum Ca corrected for total protein did not change (9.9 +/- 0.1 to 9.8 +/- 0.1 mg/dl). The patients with hypoparathyroidism who were maintained on vitamin D therapy also showed increases in urinary Na (20 +/- 12 to 245 +/- 11 meq/day) and urinary Ca (271 +/- 48 to 305 +/- 43; P less than 0.05). However, there were no increases in serum PTH (13 +/- 1 to 11 +/- 1 muleq/ml), serum 1,25-(OH)2D (44 +/- 1 to 40 +/- 6 pg/ml), or intestinal Ca absorption (0.41 +/- 0.03 to 0.42 +/- 0.05). Corrected serum Ca decreased from 9.4 +/- 0.2 to 8.6 +/- 0.2 mg/dl. We conclude that in normal subjects, Na-induced renal hypercalciuria is accompanied by increased 1,25-(OH)2D synthesis and enhanced intestinal Ca absorption. Since this adaptive mechanism did not occur in two patients with hypoparathyroidism, mediation by PTH is suggested.
A 31-year-old woman with jaw deviation and pain: Part II

pain was constant, and the intensity did not vary throughout the day. Previous treatments by other health care providers that had been helpful in reducing her facial pain included physical therapy and opioid analgesics; anti-inflammatory medications had also been somewhat helpful. She did not find relaxation training, physical exercise, chiropractic manipulation, muscle relaxants, or antidepressant or antianxiety medications helpful. She had also been using ice packs, ibuprofen, and Percocet to gain some control over her pain. Her current medicaHISTORY Although the patient was unsure whether her jaw was hit during the MVA, she reported that she immediately developed right-sided ear pain, swelling, and jaw locking. She also reported bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking and pain involving the right head and neck, plus daily headaches localized to the right temple region. She denied pain anywhere else, and did not report any numbness or burning. She described her pain as throbbing, sharp, cramping, unbearable, tender, aching, splitting, and pulling and rated it as an 8 on a scale of 0 to 10 (from least intense to most intense). The
Additional notes on the floral biology of neotropical Lecythidaceae

Observations on the floral biology of seven species of New World Lecythidaceae, including the first report of bat pollination for neotropical members of the family, are presented. The shift from actinomorphic flowers with many stamens to zygomorphic flowers with fewer stamens and the concomitant change from pollen to nectar as the pollinator reward are discussed and related to the respective pollinators. Several mechanisms which operate to reduce competition for pollinators between sympatric species of the family are suggested.
Pseudo-binary molecular diffusion of vapors into air

Abstract A novel open-tube evaporation method was developed to determine the experimental diffusion coefficients of the vapors of various liquids diffused into air. The mass losses of the volatile liquids chosen for this study were measured with a balance rather than changes in the level of the liquid in a diffusion tube for various evaporation durations and no fresh air was passed over the top end of the diffusion path by forced convection, as opposed to the conventional open-tube evaporation method. A diffusion equation was developed which is suitable for the novel open-tube evaporation method. The experimental diffusion coefficient values obtained from the novel experimental diffusion methods were in reasonable agreement with the diffusion coefficient values predicted with both the Wilke-and-Lee method and the Fuller et al. method. The experimental diffusion coefficients of n-heptane diffused into air are independent of the lengths and the evaporation areas of the diffusion paths chosen for this study. The experimental diffusion coefficients of normal alcohols and hydrocarbons in air decrease with increased number of carbon atoms in their molecular formulas. The overall root mean squares of deviation of the diffusion values of this experimental study from those predicted with the Wilke-and-Lee method and the Fuller et al. method are 5.8 and 6.0%, respectively.
Potentially preventable excess mortality among higher-order multiples.

Objective To estimate the level of potentially preventable excess mortality achievable by avoiding the creation of higher-order multiple gestation with assisted reproductive technologies. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of multiple pregnancies delivered in the United States between 1995 and 1997 involving 304,466 twins, 16,068 triplets, 1448 quadruplets, and 180 quintuplets. We used the generalized estimating equation framework to compute adjusted relative risks for combined perinatal and infant mortality (early mortality). We then calculated potentially preventable excess mortality among higher-order gestations, using twins and triplets sequentially as the referent category. Results Early mortality increased significantly with each additional fetus in a dose-dependent fashion (P < .001), corresponding to relative risks (95% confidence interval) of 2.4 (2.2, 2.6) for triplets, 3.3 (2.5, 4.4) for quadruplets, and 10.3 (5.0, 21.4) for quintuplets. The creation of twin rather than quadruplet pregnancies would be associated with a substantially higher level of preventable excess mortality (70%) than the creation of triplet pregnancies (28%). By contrast, limiting quintuplets to twins or triplets did not exhibit a similar level of difference (89% versus 75%, respectively). Conclusion Our findings support the need for regulating the number of transferred embryos that result in quadruplet and quintuplet pregnancies.
Ancient magnetic field determinations on selected chondritic meteorites

Abstract Paleofield intensity determinations involving a comparison of the stable natural remanence (NRM) component with a laboratory thermoremanence (TRM) were carried out on nine chondrites selected in Brecher and Fuhrman (1979a, this issue, hereafter called Paper I), as well as on two manifestly unsuitable controls. To judge their reliability: (1) heat-alteration was monitored by comparing saturation coercivity spectra before and after heating; and (2) the NRM and TRM intensity and stability were compared to those of residual magnetization following zero-field cooling (TRM 0 ) from above the Curie point of kamacite (NiFe). The latter criterion separates the role of an external magnetic field (of 0.43 Oe) at cooling from intrinsic contributions to magnetic grain alignments, due to accretionary, metamorphic or shock-oriented petrofabrics. In some chondrites (e.g., Brownfield, H3B; Holyoke, H4C; Farley, H5A), a surprisingly large (≳10% NRM) and stable TRM 0 proved so similar to NRM and TRM, that sizeable spurious “paleofields” — comparable to paleointensities obtained — were derived by the standard method for zero-field cooling. In other chondrites, with negligible TRM 0 (≲1% of NRM) and irregular AF demagnetization curves, more reliable paleofield strengths in the range 0.01–0.09 Oe were obtained (e.g., Cavour, H6C). These seem representative of magnetic fields at the end of metamorphism intervals (∼10 7 years after accretion) and/or at post-shock cooling. Thus, field strengths obtained from ordinary chondrites are typically weaker (by factors of 10–100) than those reliably determined from carbonaceous chondrites and ureilites, suggesting temporal decay of nebular magnetic fields, from the end of accretion until the end of metamorphism and early catastrophic-collisional stages.
Posterior tibial vein aneurysm presenting as tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compressive neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. Its etiology varies, including space occupying lesions, trauma, inflammation, anatomic deformity, iatrogenic injury, and idiopathic and systemic causes. Herein, we describe a 46-year-old man who presented with left foot pain. Work up revealed a venous aneurysm impinging on the posterior tibial nerve. Following resection of the aneurysm and lysis of the nerve, his symptoms were alleviated. Review of the literature reveals an association between venous disease and tarsal tunnel syndrome; however, this report represents the first case of venous aneurysm causing symptomatic compression of the nerve.
Synthesis of ABA triblock copolymers via ring opening metathesis polymerization using a bimetallic initiator : Influence of a flexible spacer in the side chain liquid crystalline block

A series of monomers with side chain liquid crystals (SCLCs) were synthesized for ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The liquid crystals (LCs) used were 4-hydroxybenzoic acid 4-methoxyphenyl ester (MPOB-H), which is known to exhibit a nematic liquid crystalline phase, and biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid 4-(1-butoxycarbonylethoxy)phenyl ester (BPP4-H), which is known to exhibit a smectic phase. The side chains differed in spacer length, spacer type, and the nature of the LC. Monomers were polymerized using a bimetallic ROMP initiator [Mo(NAr)(OCMe3)2CH]2C6H4 (where Ar = 2,6-diisopropyl phenyl); both homopolymers and ABA type triblock copolymers, where the B block is the LC functional monomer, and A is methyltetracyclodocene (MTD) were prepared. The polymers gave unimodal peak distributions with polydispersities <1.22. Incorporation of a polyoxyethylene spacer decreased the glass transition temperature of the polymer block to −25 from +20 °C, the Tg when an alkyl spacer was used. Although no distinct...
Dimeric association and segmental variability in the structure of human CD4.

CD4 is a co-receptor in the cellular immune response. It increases the avidity of association between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell by interacting with non-polymorphic portions of the complex between class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and T-cell receptor (TCR) molecules, and it contributes directly to signal transduction through its cytoplasmic association with the lymphocyte kinase Lck (ref. 1). CD4 also serves as the high-affinity receptor for cellular attachment and entry of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)2. The extracellular portion of CD4 comprises four immunoglobulin-like domains (D1–D4). This part of human CD4 (residues 1–369) has been characterized as a recom-binant soluble protein (sCD4)3,4, and crystal structures have been described for the human D1D2 fragment5,6 and for the rat D3D4 fragment7. We have now determined the structures of intact sCD4 in three crystal lattices. These structures have a hinge-like variability at the D1D2 to D3D4 junction that might be important in immune recognition and HIV fusion, and a common dimeric association through D4 domains. Dynamic light scattering measurements and chemical crosslinking of sCD4 corroborate dimerization at high protein concentration. We suggest that such dimers may have relevance as mediators of signal transduction hi T cells.
Developing strategic plans for academic general internal medicine

There is an increasing need to train more primary care physicians. Therefore, it would be advantageous for academic general internal medicine (GIM) to develop strategies to meet these demands. Our GIM division developed a strategic planning process with the participant groups being the division faculty, a pertinent literature review (the surrogate expert), and selected medical administrators. The IDEALS systems design provided the conceptual framework for the strategic planning process. This process used the Delphi technique to develop the theoretically ideal work system based on the division's vision for its future role, and the Nominal Group Process Technique to create the recommended work system, using the Delphi results. The strategic planning process was economical and division faculty agreed that it was useful.
A formula for the number of Steiner quadruple systems on 2n points of 2‐rank 2n−n

Assmus [1] gave a description of the binary code spanned by the blocks of a Steiner triple or quadruple system according to the 2-rank of the incidence matrix. Using this description, the author [13] found a formula for the total number of distinct Steiner triple systems on 2n−1 points of 2-rank 2n -n. In this paper, a similar formula is found for the number of Steiner quadruple systems on 2n points of 2-rank 2n -n. The formula can be used for deriving bounds on the number of pairwise non-isomorphic systems for large n, and for the classification of all non-isomorphic systems of small orders. The formula implies that the number of non-isomorphic Steiner quadruple systems on 2n points of 2-rank 2n -n grows exponentially. As an application, the Steiner quadruple systems on 16 points of 2-rank 12 are classified up to isomorphism. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 11: 260–274, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10036
Scaling of Passive Condenser System Separate Effect Facility

The Passive Containment Cooling System (PCCS) of the Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (SBWR) is a passive condenser system designed to remove energy from the containment for long term cooling period after a postulated reactor accident. Depending on pressure condition and noncondensable (NC) gas fraction in drywell (DW) and suppression pool (SP), three different modes are possible in the PCCS operation namely the forced flow, cyclic venting and complete condensation modes. The prototype SBWR has total of six condenser units with each units consist of hundreds of condenser tubes. Simulation of such prototype system is very expensive and complex Hence a scaling analysis is used in designing an experimental model for the prototype PCCS condenser system. The motive for scaling is to achieve a homologous relationship between an experiment and the prototype which it represents. A scaling method for separate effect test facility is first presented. The design of the scaled test facility for PCCS condenser is then given. Data from the test facility are presented and scaling approach to relate the scaled test facility data to prototype is discussed.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Designing a decision-support system for enrollment management

Over the next two decades, effective enrollment management is going to be critical to the future of tuition/enrollment-dependent colleges and universities, especially in states where the number of high-school graduates is expected to decline by 30–40% (WICHE, 1984). This paper outlines the conceptual framework, design, and implementation plan for building a decision-support system (DSS) for enrollment management at the college level in a private, comprehensive university. It begins with a brief overview of the DSS as a concept, the computer-hardware environment, and the fourth-generation software tools used to implement the system (Briggs, 1982; Goetz, 1982; Moore and Greenwood, 1984). Research designs and application-development strategies are reviewed to illustrate the potential of the DSS approach to enrollment management.
Geomorphic, aquatic, and engineering design considerations for low-water crossings

A wide variety of low-water stream crossings have been built on lowvolume roads across the United States over the past 50 years with the primary objectives of traffic access and cost savings. They are generally a rigid structure in a dynamic stream system, so most have worked to varying degrees from a road use standpoint. Many have required maintenance, repairs, or design modifications to function as they exist today. In addition, most structures have caused problems with regard to stream sediment transport, promoting upstream aggradation or downstream scour and creating barriers or limitations to the passage of aquatic organisms. Three fundamental types of fords both maintain good stream function and provide for traffic use: simple at-grade fords, low-water bridges, and vented fords with a large waterway opening area, preferably with a natural stream channel bottom. Each has a large waterway open area that does not constrict most flow. Ideally the width is at least equal to that of the natural bankfull c...
Understanding Recent Stratospheric Climate Change

Abstract The long-term, global-mean cooling of the lower stratosphere stems from two downward steps in temperature, both of which are coincident with the cessation of transient warming after the volcanic eruptions of El Chichon and Mount Pinatubo. Previous attribution studies reveal that the long-term cooling is linked to ozone trends, and modeling studies driven by a range of known forcings suggest that the steps reflect the superposition of the long-term cooling with transient variability in upwelling longwave radiation from the troposphere. However, the long-term cooling of the lower stratosphere is evident at all latitudes despite the fact that chemical ozone losses are thought to be greatest at middle and polar latitudes. Further, the ozone concentrations used in such studies are based on either 1) smooth mathematical functions fit to sparsely sampled observations that are unavailable during postvolcanic periods or 2) calculations by a coupled chemistry–climate model. Here the authors provide observa...
Light Interception and Lint Yield of Narrow-Row Cotton

Narrow row spacings in crops can potentially increase total seasonal light energy interception. Our objective was to determine the effects of a combination of row spacing with different genotypes on light interception and yield of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). In 1989 and 1990, an okra-leaf genotype and its normal-leaf isoline were grown in the field, using 0.5-m (narrow) and 1.0-m (wide) row spacings in early and late plantings each year. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) intercepted by the canopy was determined weekly and insolation interception calculated. Aboveground dry matter accumulation and leaf area were determined at five intervals throughout the season. Open bolls were counted, harvested, and their lint yield determined. Narrow row spacing increased seasonal insolation interception in both leaf types. Narrow rows increased the yield of the okra leaf over that of wide rows in both plantings in 1989 and for the late planting in 1990. Yield of the normal leaf was reduced by narrow rows in one environment, but not significantly affected by row spacing in three other environments. For okra leaf planted early or late and for the normal leaf planted late, variation in lint yield was strongly correlated with total seasonal insolation intercepted. The yield increase of the okra leaf grown in narrow rows was a result of an increase in the number of mature fruit produced per unit ground area and not an increase in fruit size. Narrow rows increased the efficiency of PPFD interception by a given leaf area. The use of narrow-row culture for the okra-leaf type provides an opportunity for overcoming its low leaf area, increasing its insolation interception, and increasing its lint yield.
Reactivity of the B6.C-H-2bm−1 mutant to the wild-type tumor EL4: Characterization of the serological response☆

Hyperimmunization of B6.C-H-2bm-1 (H-2bm-1), a congenic mutant of C57Bl/6J (B6), with the C57Bl lymphoma EL4 resulted in the induction of antibodies with apparent EL4 specificity. EL4 reactivity was demonstrable in H-2bm-1 anti-EL4 sera by complement-mediated cytotoxicity, absorption, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. By these same serological tests, H-2bm-1 anti-EL4 serum was found to be nonreactive with B6 normal lymphoid cells, embryonic fibroblasts, and two fibrosarcomas previously induced in B6 mice by methylcholanthrene. These data suggest that the serological response of H-2bm-1 to EL4 is directed against tumor-associated antigens on EL4. These findings indicate that congenic mutants which differ from the wild-type strain at MHC Class I subloci, but which do not evoke serological responses to MHC components, may provide convenient sources for preparing serological reagents directed against tumor-specific antigens.
Concentrating Cellulases from Fermented Broth Using a Temperature‐Sensitive Hydrogel

A temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel was used to concentrate cellulases from the fermentation broth of Trichoderma reesei. The steady-state gel volume was less and the gel collapse temperature was lower in fermented broth compared to those in water. Upon a long (24 h) temperature swing for gel swelling, a gel with lower monomer and cross-linker content showed a larger volume increase, and it took longer to reach a constant volume which was smaller than the steady-state volume. Upon a long (24 h) temperature swing for gel collapsing, different gels reached the same collapsed volume in a short period of time. The largest volume increase per unit temperature decrease was obtained for a temperature swing between 28 and 33 °C. For short temperature swings (1–5 h), swollen and collapsed gel volumes were reproducible and were approximately the same as the final volumes during long (24 h) swings. Separation efficiency was higher for the gel with a smaller volume change because of higher concentrations of monomer or cross-linking agent. When the gels were reused, separation efficiency was improved.
Group consensus function estimation when preferences are uncertain

Group decision making usually requires eliciting and then combining and reconciling the preferences of each member of a group. Based on the premise that preference responses are uncertain, this paper presents a weighting scheme for combining multicriteria individual preferences to obtain group preferences, called "consensus points." The consensus points are "efficient" in that they have minimum variance associated with confidence intervals of assessment. An estimation technique uses the efficient consensus points as values of the dependent variable and attribute values of alternatives based on which the consensus is generated as values of independent variables, to estimate the multicriteria consensus function. This approach is capable of testing both a generalized form of prospect theory and the hypothesis of correlation among group members' preferences. In an expository application of the method, we test these hypotheses and use a decision already made, as well as extreme points on which members unanimously agree, to check the plausibility of results obtained from estimated consensus functions.
Outcome of infants born at 24–26 weeks' gestation: I. survival and cost

Objective To determine neonatal survival, short-term morbidities, and cost per survivor in pregnancies delivered at 24–26 weeks' gestation in a center in which antenatal steroids and exogenous surfactant are standard care. Methods A retrospective cohort study compared survival, short-term outcome, and initial hospital charges for pregnancies delivered at 24–26 weeks during 1990–1994. We calculated hospital costs for each year by using the corresponding institutional cost-charge ratio. Results There were 138 infants after excluding those with severe anomalies. Survival was 43%, 74%, and 83% at 24, 25, and 26 weeks, respectively ( P = .006). The majority of women received antenatal steroids, and the majority of surviving neonates received exogenous surfactant. Severe retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease decreased significantly from 24 to 26 weeks ( P ≤ .026). The likelihood of having a surviving infant without chronic lung disease or severe retinopathy of prematurity was 35% at 24 weeks and 78% at 26 weeks. Hospital costs for the 29 nonsurvivors were $1.46 million and for the 94 surviving infants were $16.9 million. The cost per day was similar at each gestational age, whereas the cost to produce a survivor was $294,749, $181,062, and $166,215 at 24, 25, and 26 weeks, respectively. Conclusion Survival at 24 weeks was only 43% despite treatment with antenatal steroids and exogenous surfactant. The cost per survivor for infants born at 24 weeks was higher than the cost for those born after 1 more week in utero. Outcome improved markedly between 24 and 26 weeks, and small differences in gestational age lead to large economic differences. All efforts should be attempted to prolong pregnancy, and if prolongation is unsuccessful, treatment options including nonintervention should be available to parents of 24-week gestations.
A single-transistor silicon synapse

We have developed a new floating-gate silicon MOS transistor for analog learning applications. The memory storage is nonvolatile; hot-electron injection and electron tunneling permit bidirectional memory updates. Because these updates depend on both the stored memory value and the transistor terminal voltages, the synapse can implement a learning function. We have derived a memory-update rule from the physics of the tunneling and injection processes, and have investigated synapse learning in a prototype array. Unlike conventional EEPROM devices, the synapse allows simultaneous memory reading and writing. Synapse transistor arrays can therefore compute both the array output, and local memory updates, in parallel. The synapse is small, and typically is operated at subthreshold current levels; it will permit the development of dense, low-power silicon learning systems.
Building holistic and agile collection development and assessment

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of a flexible collections assessment rubric comprised of a suite of tools for more consistently and effectively evaluating and expressing a holistic value of library collections to a variety of constituents, from administrators to faculty and students, with particular emphasis to the use of data already being collected at libraries to “take the temperature” of how responsive collections are in supporting institutional goals. , – Using a literature review, internal and external conversations, several collections pilot projects, and a variety of other investigative mechanisms, this paper explores methods for creating a more flexible, holistic collection development and assessment model using both qualitative and quantitative data. , – The products of scholarship that academic libraries include in their collections are expanding exponentially and range from journals and monographs in all formats, to databases, data sets, digital text and images, streaming media, visualizations and animations. Content is also being shared in new ways and on a variety of platforms. Yet the framework for evaluating this new landscape of scholarly output is in its infancy. So, how do libraries develop and assess collections in a consistent, holistic, yet agile, manner? Libraries must employ a variety of mechanisms to ensure this goal, while remaining flexible in adapting to the shifting collections environment. , – In so much as the authors are aware, this is the first paper to examine an agile, holistic approach to collections using both qualitative and quantitative data.