cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The murine ϵ receptor modulating protein: A novel serine protease which modulates CD23 binding of IgE

Abstract In our recent previous studies, we have identified and purified a murine 17-kDa protein which diminishes the avidity of binding between IgE and CD23 (low-affinity Fc receptor for IgE) without decreasing the quantitative expression of the CD23. The protein was thus designated ϵ receptor modulating protein (ϵRMP). In this study, we have further characterized this protein and have found that (i) ϵRMP is inactivated by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and decomposes N,α-benzyloxycarbonyl- l -lysine thiobenzyl ester, as well as N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe p-nitroanilide; (ii) ϵRMP does not work directly on B cells but requires CD4+ T cells to decrease functional expression of CD23 on B cells; and (iii) the partial internal amino acid sequence of (ϵRMP, obtained by using in situ cyanogen bromide cleavage on polyvinylidene difluoride membrane is unique. These data thus clearly demonstrate that ϵRMP is a novel serine protease controlling the functional expression of CD23 through the participation of CD4+ T cells. Mechanisms of the involvement of CD4+ T cells are discussed.
State of the science: chronic periodontitis and systemic health.

Abstract Context Inflammatory periodontal diseases exhibit an association with multiple systemic conditions. Currently, there is a lack of consensus among experts on the nature of these associations and confusion among health care providers and the public on how to interpret this rapidly growing body of science. This article overviews the current evidence linking periodontal diseases to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, preterm low birth weight babies, respiratory diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence Acquisition Evidence was taken from systematic reviews, clinical trials, and mechanistic studies retrieved in searches of the PubMed electronic database. The available data provide the basis for applied practical clinical recommendations. Evidence Synthesis Evidence is summarized and critically reviewed from systematic reviews, primary clinical trials, and mechanistic studies Conclusions Surrogate markers for chronic periodontitis, such as tooth loss, show relatively consistent but weak associations with multiple systemic conditions. Despite biological plausibility, shorter-term interventional trials have generally not supported unambiguous cause-and-effect relationships. Nevertheless, the effective treatment of periodontal infections is important to achieve oral health goals, as well as to reduce the systemic risks of chronic local inflammation and bacteremias. Inflammatory periodontal diseases exhibit an association with multiple systemic conditions. With pregnancy as a possible exception, the local and systemic effects of periodontal infections and inflammation are usually exerted for many years, typically among those who are middle-aged or older. It follows that numerous epidemiological associations linking chronic periodontitis to age-associated and biologically complex conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease and dementia, have been reported. In the coming years, it seems likely that additional associations will be reported, despite adjustments for known genetic, behavioral and environmental confounders. Determining cause-and-effect mechanisms is more complicated, especially in circumstances where systemic effects may be subtle. Currently, however, there is a lack of consensus among experts on the nature of these associations and confusion among health care providers and the public on how to interpret this rapidly growing body of science. This article overviews the current evidence linking periodontal diseases to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, preterm/low birth weight babies, respiratory diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Group-size preference during circadian hiding in nymph and adult female German cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.)

Group-size preference in circadian hiding behavior by female B. Germanica was investigated by providing first-instar nymphs and adults with numerous similar hiding shelters. The cockroaches were given the opportunity to aggregate, space, or distribute themselves among the shelters in any fashion. Results indicated that both nymphs and adults preferred to hide either alone or in small groups of six or less. However, nymphs chose smaller groups than adults. The results are discussed in terms of circadian vs. escape hiding. It is also suggested that group-size preference may partially depend on population density, since cockroaches aggregate rather than space themselves as population density increases.
SOYBEAN PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE DEVELOPS BITTER TASTE ON AUTOXIDATION

Soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and hydrogenated SPC were isolated by column chromatography from commercial lecithin and hydrogenated lecithin, respectively. Aqueous suspensions of these preparations with added Cu++ were stored at 25°C. A 7-member taste panel rated dilutions containing 0.1% phospholipid for intensity of bitterness, based on the scoring system; 0 = none to 3 = strong. Both SPC and hydrogenated SPC initially rated a score of 0.8. A score of 1.6 was given when a suspension of SPC exhibited max. absorbance due to diene conjugation. The score increased to 3.0 after 4 wk of storage. The development of bitter taste appeared to be associated with extent of oxidation of SPC as determined by thiobarbituric acid assay. Since no changes in taste occurred with hydrogenated SPC treated similarly, bitterness development is attributed to autoxidation of the constituent unsaturated fatty acids.
Manufacture of Powdered Cream for Whipping by Aeration

Summary Studies were made of variations in percentage of butterfat, milk solids-not-fat, and emulsifying agents in powdered cream-mixes. A product consisting of approximately 30 per cent butterfat, 7 to 8 per cent milk solids-not-fat, 5 per cent sugar, 0.3 per cent emulsifying agent and 0.1 per cent vanilla concentrate on a reconstituted basis gave satisfactory results. This cream-mix, when whipped by aeration, produced results similar to those obtained with the undried product. There were no noticeable differences in whipping properties of reconstituted whipped cream-mix made from cream-mix sprayed with nozzle nos. 64, 72 and 79. The capacity of the drier was lowered by using nozzles with smaller orifices. The packing density was increased by using nozzles with larger orifices. High spray pressures were found to be detrimental to the whipping properties of the reconstituted cream-mix, producing a product lacking in stability, containing large gas cells and having a moist appearance. The keeping quality of the powdered cream-mix can be improved by packing in inert gas and by the addition of certain antioxidants before drying. As with powdered milk, it is desirable when storing the powdered cream-mix in inert gas to obtain a low oxygen content of the head-space on desorption. The antioxidants seemed to be more effective when the samples were packed in inert gas than in air. The most effective antioxidant was pure vanilla concentrate. Others that were effective were NDGA, gallic acid and Viobin.
Damaging Rainfall and Flooding: The Other Sahel Hazards

Damaging rainfall and rain-induced flooding occur from time to time in the drought-prone Sahel savanna zone of Niger in West Africa but official records of these events and their socioeconomic impacts do not exist. This paper utilized newspaper accounts between 1970 and 2000 to survey and illustrate the range of these flood hazards in the Sahel. During the study interval, 53 newspaper articles reported 79 damaging rainfall and flood events in 47 different communities in the Sahel of Niger. Collectively, these events destroyed 5,580 houses and rendered 27,289 people homeless. Cash losses and damage to infrastructure in only three events exceeded $4 million. Sahel residents attribute these floods to five major causes including both natural and anthropogenic, but they view the flood problem as driven primarily by land use patterns. Despite such awareness, traditional coping strategies appear inadequate for dealing with the problems in part because of significant climatic variability. Analysis of several rainfall measures indicates that the cumulative rainfall in the days prior to a heavy rain event is an important factor influencing whether or not heavy rainfall results in flooding. Thus, despite some limitations, newspaper accounts of historical flooding are largely consistent with measured climatic variables. The study demonstrates that concerted effort is needed to improve the status of knowledge concerning flood impacts and indeed other natural and human hazards in the Sahel.
Attitudes Toward Retarded Children: Effects of Evaluator's Psychological Adjustment and Age

Abstract Gottlieb, J. (1969). Attitudes Toward Retarded Children: Effects of Evaluator's Psychological Adjustment and Age. Scand. J. Educ. Res. 13, 170‐182. Norwegian school children between the ages of 8‐10, 10‐12, 12‐14, and 14‐16 were divided into high and low adjustment groups on the basis of discrepancy scores between their ideal self and self scores on the semantic differential. It was hypothesized that the high adjustment group would report more favorable attitudes toward the retarded than the low adjustment group, and that attitudes would remain relatively stable with increased age. Both hypotheses were confirmed. The results were interpreted as supporting Rogers’ theory. Possible explanations for the over‐all favorable attitudes by the Norwegian Ss were also discussed.
Lobbying and adjustment in declining industries

Abstract This paper explains the persistence of protection in terms of interaction between industry adjustment, lobbying, and the political response. Faced with a trade shock, owners of industry-specific factors can respond in two ways: they can undertake costly adjustment, or they can lobby politicians for trade protection and thereby mitigate the need for adjustment. The choice will depend on the relative returns from adjusting relative to lobbying. By introducing an explicit lobbying process, it can be shown that the current level of protection is an increasing function of past protection, and that declining industries contract more slowly over time the more responsive are politicians to lobbying. In addition, the model makes clear that the type of senescent industry collapse predicted by Cassing and Hillman (1986) is only possible under fairly special assumptions about the technology of lobbying.
Evaluating the mental status of preschoolers through the use of diagnostic peer groups

Using diagnostic peer groups to supplement psychiatric evaluations in children was first proposed more than fifty years ago. The underlying premise of such groups is that children placed among peers will often display a broad spectrum of clinically significant behaviors that would not otherwise be evident. The information that emerges from a diagnostic peer group may validate the diagnostic profile obtained from other sources, such as the child's mental status examination. In addition, a suspected or tentative diagnosis may be clarified or elaborated upon as a result of a diagnostic peer group. Finally, the diagnostic peer group has potential for providing previously unsuspected data concerning the child's behavior. This paper discusses the application of the diagnostic peer group with preschool children.
Scaling of plane-wave Born cross sections for electron-impact excitation of neutral atoms

Two methods to scale plane-wave Born cross sections for electron-impact excitations of neutral atoms are shown to produce excitation cross sections comparable in accuracy to those obtained by more sophisticated collision theories such as the convergent close-coupling method. These scaling methods are applicable to integrated cross sections for electric dipole-allowed transitions. Scaled cross sections are in excellent agreement with available theoretical and experimental data for excitations in H, He, Li, Be, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, Hg, and Tl, indicating the possibility of rapid and reliable calculations of excitation cross sections for many other neutral atoms.
Dijet Cross Section and Longitudinal Double Spin Asymmetry Measurements in Polarized Proton-proton Collisions at √s = 200 GeV at STAR

These proceedings show the preliminary results of the dijet cross sections and the dijet longitudinal double spin asymmetries LL in polarized proton-proton collisions at ?s = 200 GeV at the mid-rapidity |?) ? 0.8. The integrated luminosity of 5.39 pb?1 collected during RHIC Run-6 was used in the measurements. The preliminary results are presented as functions of the dijet invariant mass Mjj. The dijet cross sections are in agreement with next-to-leading-order pQCD predictions. The LL is compared with theoretical predictions based on various parameterizations of polarized parton distributions of the proton. Projected precision of data analyzed to date from Run-9 are shown.
Antibody subpopulation in antihorse cytochrome c serum

A specific antibody subpopulation(s) in antihorse cytochrome c serum was detected for peptide fragment 81-104 of cyanogen bromide (CNBr) cleaved horse cytochrome c (HCytc). This antiserum was made in the rabbit against polymeric horse cytochrome c. The presence of the peptide-specific antibody subpopulation(s) was demonstrated utilizing HCytc, CNBr-peptide 81-104 and isolated chymotrypsin-digested HCytc fragments 60-67, 83-97 and 98-104 to compete with radio-labeled peptide 81-104 and antiHCytc serum in a competitive radioimmunoassay (RIA). This antibody subpopulation(s) in antiHCytc serum was demonstrated to be specific for peptide 81-104. At the 50% inhibition level in competitive RIA, 100- and 1000-fold molar excesses of HCytc and its peptide 1-65, respectively, were required to affect an equivalent binding to that of the HCytc peptide 81-104. Competitive RIAs have been performed utilizing three different kinds of antigen to compete with HCytc peptide 81-104 and antihorse cytochrome c sera. These three kinds of antigens are: endopeptidase digests of HCytc, cytochrome c peptides 81-104 of several species and several isolated chymotryptic peptide fragments of HCytc. The results have indicated that this peptide-specific antibody subpopulations(s) in antiHCytc serum is similar to antibodies made against peptide 81-104-BSA. Regions of antigenicity have been identified at positions 92, 100, 103 and 104 with both antisera.
A method of statistical treatment for electronically analysed EEG data.

Abstract A quantitative index was obtained for differentiating among individual EEGs using measurements obtained from an electronic analyser. For such a purpose, all individuals must be recorded using the same amplification of the analyser or if more than one amplification is used, care must be taken to assure that the gain is a fixed multiplier which is consistent for all frequencies and voltages. The index is based on the square root of the summed activity in the alpha band (8–12 c/sec.) and the deviation of the square root summed activity in the 3–7 and 16–24 frequency bands from their line of regression with square root alpha. The normative sample consisted of standard parieto-occipital EEG records of 85 young males, all having normal EEG records according to Gibbs' classification. Twenty-five deviant normal records were shown to be differentiated by this index. On the basis of 22 retests the index was found to have a reliability of .76.
A Map-Reduce based parallel approach for improving query performance in a geospatial semantic web for disaster response

Rapid retrieval of spatial information is critical to ensure that emergency supplies and resources can reach the impacted areas in the most efficient manner. However, it remains challenging to find out the needed spatial information efficiently because of the intensive geocomputation processes involved and the heterogeneity of spatial data. It is quite cost prohibitive to query the spatial information from geographical knowledge bases containing complex topological relationships. This research introduces a Map-Reduce based parallel approach for improving the query performance of a geospatial ontology for disaster response. The approach focuses on parallelizing the spatial join computations of GeoSPARQL queries. The proposed parallel approach makes full use of data/task parallelism for spatial queries. The results of some initial experiments show that the proposed approach can reduce individual spatial query execution time by taking advantage of parallel processes. The proposed approach, therefore, may afford a large number of concurrent spatial queries in disaster response applications.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the truffle-like ectomycorrhizal fungi Rhizopogon occidentalis and Rhizopogon vulgaris

We have isolated and characterized five microsatellite loci from Rhizopogon occidentalis and six loci from Rhizopogon vulgaris (Boletales, Basidiomycota). Microsatellite variation was assessed using 32 R. occidentalis and 48 R. vulgaris individuals from four populations in California. The number of alleles across populations ranged from two to 10 for R. occidentalis and three to eight for R. vulgaris . Expected heterozygosity values within populations ranged from 0.00 to 0.85 for R. occidentalis and 0.00 to 0.75 for R. vulgaris . These are the first microsatellite loci isolated for R. occidentalis and R. vulgaris and will be useful in the examination of their population genetic structure.
Electrodynamics of Superconducting Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O y

The response of superconductors to time-varying electromagnetic fields can yield detailed information on the nature of the superconducting state1. Experiments carried out at frequencies in the rf to mm-wave spectral region directly probe the collective response of the condensed electrons and of the quasiparticles, and in conventional superconductors, have been important in determining the gap, the density of states and confirming the nature of the pairing.
Some physical chemical aspects of suspension formulation

Difficulties inherent in treating problems associated with formulations of concentrated pharmaceutical suspensions are discussed from the standpoint of a physical chemist. Relationships which determine settling and creaming rates are treated in some detail, a new equation being proposed which may be more valid for hetero-dispersed, irregular particles than the classical Stoke's formula. Factors which influence crystal growth and caking are also discussed. Some reference is also made to diffusional processes of pharmaceutical importance.
Highly stable core-surface-crosslinked nanoparticles as cisplatin carriers for cancer chemotherapy

Cisplatin is a potent anticancer drug with low solubility in water. A new type of highly stable polymer micelles, namely core-surface-crosslinked nanoparticles (SCNPs) made from amphiphilic brush copolymers, were evaluated as the carrier of cisplatin. Cisplatin could be loaded in the SCNPs with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) cores and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or poly[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMA) shells with high loading efficiency (approximately 90%). In vitro cellular uptake experiments indicated that both SCNPs could be easily taken up by SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Both cell proliferation assay and IC50 measurements indicated that cisplatin encapsulated in the SCNPs had much enhanced cytotoxicity to the cancer cells compared to free cisplatin. The positive charges on the PCL/PDMA SCNPs promoted the cellular internalization of the nanoparticles, resulting in higher cytotoxicity of cisplatin in these SCNPs. The IC50 of the cisplatin encapsulated in PCL/PDMA SCNPs was as low as 0.01 microg/mL, lower than that of cisplatin in PCL/PEG SCNPs and free cisplatin.
Estrogen receptor-alpha populations change with age in commercial laying hens

Older hens in production lay larger but fewer eggs than younger birds, and the incidence of soft and broken shells is greater in older hens than younger. These changes are attributable at least in part to changing hormone profiles and diminished ability of the hen to transport calcium at the duodenum. In further exploration of this relationship, a study was conducted with three ages of Hy-Line W-36 birds: prelay pullets (PL; 19 wk, 0% production), peak-production hens (PP; 29 wk, approximately 93% production), and late-stage hens (LS; 71 wk, approximately 80% production). Hens from the PP and LS groups were palpated for presence of an egg in the shell gland; hens were then euthanized and tissues (kidney, shell gland, hypothalamus) were removed for quantification of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) populations via immunocytochemical and Western blot analyses. Localization of ERalpha by immunostaining in the shell gland showed differences among age groups; however, no differences were noted in localization of ERalpha between age groups in the kidney and hypothalamus. In both the kidney and the shell gland there was a decrease in the amount of ERalpha, as detected by immunoblotting, in the LS hens compared to PL and PP birds (P < 0.05). The results suggest that failure of calcium regulating mechanisms with age may be mediated at least in part through the reduced populations of estrogen receptors in certain critical tissues.
Submillisecond Gray-Level Response Time of a Polymer-Stabilized Blue-Phase Liquid Crystal

The gray-to-gray response time of a polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystal is investigated. As the voltage increases, rise time decreases gradually but decay time remains unchanged. A set of analytical equations is used to fit the measured results, and an acceptable agreement is obtained.
Proficiency Testing Program for Clinical Laboratories Performing Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Pathogenic Yeast Species

Antifungal susceptibility testing is expected to facilitate the selection of adequate therapy for fungal infections. The general availability of antifungal susceptibility testing in clinical laboratories is low, even though a number of standard methods are now available. The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a proficiency testing program (PTP) for the antifungal susceptibility testing of pathogenic yeasts in laboratories licensed by the New York State Department of Health. A number of quality control standards, and methods for documenting laboratory performance, were developed in consultation with the laboratory directors. The participating laboratories were provided with five American Type Culture Collection strains of pathogenic yeasts for which the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B and fluconazole were well defined. A majority of laboratories (14 of 17) used broth microdilution, and these were evenly split between the NCCLS M-27A protocol and the Sensititre YeastOne method. The other three laboratories performed susceptibility testing with Etest. Overall, the levels of agreement between MIC reference ranges and the reported MICs were 85 and 74% for amphotericin B and for fluconazole, respectively. All laboratories except one successfully detected fluconazole resistance in a Candida krusei strain. However, amphotericin B resistance in a Candida lusitaniae strain was not detected by any of the participating labs. It is concluded that a suitably designed PTP could adequately monitor the competence of clinical laboratories performing antifungal susceptibility testing.
act Operon Control of Developmental Gene Expression in Myxococcus xanthus

Cell-bound C-signal guides the building of a fruiting body and triggers the differentiation of myxospores. Earlier work has shown that transcription of the csgA gene, which encodes the C-signal, is directed by four genes of the act operon. To see how expression of the genes encoding components of the aggregation and sporulation processes depends on C-signaling, mutants with loss-of-function mutations in each of the act genes were investigated. These mutations were found to have no effect on genes that are normally expressed up to 3 h into development and are C-signal independent. Neither the time of first expression nor the rate of expression increase was changed in actA, actB, actC, or actD mutant strains. Also, there was no effect on A-signal production, which normally starts before 3 h. By contrast, the null act mutants have striking defects in C-signal production. These mutations changed the expression of four gene reporters that are related to aggregation and sporulation and are expressed at 6 h or later in development. The actA and actB null mutations substantially decreased the expression of all these reporters. The other act null mutations caused either premature expression to wild-type levels (actC) or delayed expression (actD), which ultimately rose to wild-type levels. The pattern of effects on these reporters shows how the C-signal differentially regulates the steps that together build a fruiting body and differentiate spores within it.
Something Old Is New Again: Revisiting Language Experience

Children arrive in classrooms with varied background knowledge, which means that teachers must select instructional methods, materials, and techniques to meet multiple needs. A carefully planned approach that includes direct and explicit instruction—as well as extensive opportunities for reading, writing, speaking, and listening—can help students make connections. The sample lesson in this article uses a stimulus picture to connect prior knowledge from the home culture with content to be learned in class. Using vocabulary cards and graphic organizers, students learn strategies to read, define, and use topic-specific vocabulary. Vocabulary words are modeled in sentences, allowing students to practice and demonstrate the meaning of the word and its use. Students compose sentences and short paragraphs to demonstrate what they have learned. As a culminating project, they apply new vocabulary facts and concepts during a field trip. High-need students can be engaged and will progress through the use of this modified Language Experience Approach. It offers classroom teachers the flexibility to select the appropriate skills and strategies needed by diverse student populations.
Media influence and body image in 8-11-year-old boys and girls: a preliminary report on the multidimensional media influence scale.

Objective To develop a scale for the assessment of multiple components of a media-based influence on body image. Method Seventy-five boys and 107 girls, ranging in age from 8 to 11, completed a measure designed to assess five facets of a media influence previously conceptualized by researchers. Results Three distinct scales emerged, which appeared to focus on concepts defined as internalization, awareness, and pressure. Correlations between subscales of the Multidimensional Media Influence Scale (MMIS) and the Eating Disorder Inventory-Body Dissatisfaction subscale were significant for both boys and girls. Girls had higher levels on all three subscales and regression analyses indicated that the MMIS scores predicted 30% of the variance associated with body dissatisfaction for girls, but an R2 of only .10 emerged for boys. Internalization levels predicted significant variance beyond that explained by awareness and pressures, but only for the female sample. Discussion The findings are discussed with regard to the usefulness of the MMIS for future research and the role of internalization as a risk factor for the development of body image disturbances and eating disorders. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 29: 37–44, 2001.
Erdös-Ko-Rado for three sets

Fix integers k ≥ 3 and n ≥ 3k/2. Let F be a family of k-sets of an n-element set so that whenever A, B, C ∈ F satisfy |A ∪ B ∪ C| ≤ 2k, we have A ∩ B ∩ C ≠ We prove that |F| ≤ (n-1 k-1) with equality only when ∩F∈F ≠ . This settles a conjecture of Frankl and Furedi [2], who proved the result for n ≥ k2 + 3k.
Multiple moment expansion of fully coupled aspherical earth seismograms

Summary An asymptotic theory is developed to generate long-period synthetic seismograms on the aspherical earth. For given source and receiver, the method requires only the knowledge of aspherical earth structure along the source-receiver great circle, as well as the transverse gradients and curvature of this structure along the great circle. The theory is developed here for spheroidal modes observed on the vertical component. Each isolated spheroidal mode pSl is represented in the time domain by a truncated Taylor series expansion, with the nth expansion coefficient expressed as the nth moment of the multiplet spectrum about a fiducial frequency. The resulting expansions are valid up to order 1/l and account for all of the effects associated with refraction and focusing of the equivalent surface waves.
Permanent alopecia after cranial irradiation: dose-response relationship.

Abstract Purpose To develop a dose–response relationship for the occurrence of permanent alopecia after cranial irradiation and to analyze potential confounding variables that may contribute to this unwanted and often unavoidable complication of treatment. Methods and materials Twenty-six patients were enrolled in this study. Three reviewers independently assessed 61 scalp regions and assigned a score for the degree of alopecia in each region using a 4-point scale. Patient and treatment data were collected using a patient questionnaire and outpatient medical chart review. The hair follicle dose was calculated for each scalp region and correlated with the alopecia score for that region. A dose–response relationship was established using the data from these correlations. Results Permanent alopecia correlated significantly with the follicle dose only ( p p = 0.059 and p = 0.068, respectively). Patient age, family history of baldness, gender, tobacco use, diabetes, and beam energy did not correlate with alopecia. Conclusion We report the first human dose–response relationship describing the effect of the follicle dose on the subsequent development of permanent scalp alopecia after cranial irradiation. This information will assist the radiation oncologist, physicist, and dosimetrist in designing a treatment plan that might minimize the risk of this untoward side effect of cranial irradiation.
Inference of node replacement graph grammars

Graph grammars combine the relational aspect of graphs with the iterative and recursive aspects of string grammars, and thus represent an important next step in our ability to discover knowledge from data. In this paper we describe an approach to learning node replacement graph grammars. This approach is based on previous research in frequent isomorphic subgraphs discovery. We extend the search for frequent subgraphs by checking for overlap among the instances of the subgraphs in the input graph. If subgraphs overlap by one node we propose a node replacement grammar production. We also can infer a hierarchy of productions by compressing portions of a graph described by a production and then infer new productions on the compressed graph. We validate this approach in experiments where we generate graphs from known grammars and measure how well our system infers the original grammar from the generated graph. We also describe results on several real-world tasks from chemical mining to XML schema induction. We briefly discuss other grammar inference systems indicating that our study extends classes of learnable graph grammars.
A new approach to modeling liquid crystal elastomers using phase field methods

A phase field modeling framework is developed to quantify domain structure evolution in nematic phase liquid crystal elastomers. A hyperelastic energy function is combined with liquid crystal energy relations to formulate a constitutive model for liquid crystal elastomers that undergo thermo-mechanical loads and finite deformation. A set of balance laws and constitutive relations are defined which lead to coupling behavior when finite deformation is introduced within the energy description. The theoretical framework is implemented numerically using a non-linear finite element phase field modeling approach which couples deformation of the elastomer network with microscopic liquid crystal domain structure evolution. A comparison of monodomain and polydomain behavior is analyzed to illustrate spontaneous deformation and polydomain evolution during heating and mechanical stretching. Many of the essential constitutive relations governing these materials are obtained without the use of explicit phenomenological coupling between the liquid crystals and the host elastomer.
A FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING THE FORECASTING PROCESS

Technological innovation is used by many companies as a means of sustaining their competitive advantage. The environments in which this innovation occurs is usually uncertain, therefore, many companies perform technological forecasting in association with their technological innovation processes. While many researchers have studied the innovation process and many more forecasting methods, there is little research connecting the two within the strategic context of the firm. To do this, a model of the forecasting process is needed. The purpose of this paper is to present a model based on a literature review. Previous models which formed the basis for the proposed model will be discussed followed by an explanation of the model and conclusion. Finally, a case study is presented to observe and test the proposed model.
RNA polymerase III can drive polycistronic expression of functional interfering RNAs designed to resemble microRNAs

In both research and therapeutic applications of RNA interference, it is often advantageous to silence several targets simultaneously. Toward this end, several groups have developed vectors that utilize the model of endogenously encoded micro (mi) RNAs, where a single RNA polymerase II promoter can drive the expression of multiple interfering RNAs. Stronger pol III promoters have been used to drive individual short hairpin (sh) RNAs, but to date, it has been necessary to repeat the promoter in each silencing cassette to achieve multiplexed expression from a single vector. Here, we show that it is possible to drive polycistronic expression from a single pol III promoter when the interfering RNAs are formatted to resemble miRNAs rather than shRNAs. As many as four miRNAs designed to target hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcripts are shown to be processed and functional in reporter assays as well as in the context of replicating virus in cell culture systems. Although it has been observed that high levels of expression of shRNAs can lead to cytotoxicity, we find no significant evidence in transient transfection assays that the HBV-miRNAs produced by our vectors compete for the activity of endogenously produced miR-122 or for processing of an exogenously expressed miR-EGFP.
Optimal management of redundant control authority for fault tolerance

This paper is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of a solution to a fault tolerant control problem. It explains, through a numerical example, the design and the operation of a novel scheme for fault tolerant control. The fundamental principle of the scheme is based on the notion of normalized nonspecificity. The novelty lies with the use of a reliability criterion for redundancy management, and therefore leads to a high overall system reliability.
Persistent Knee Pain in a Recreational Runner

Primary bone cancers are rare and affect fewer than 2500 people yearly in the United States.[1][1] Osteosarcoma, the most common malignant primary bone tumor, has an annual incidence of 2 cases per million people.[2][2] Advances in surgical and medical therapies have dramatically improved the
An Overview of the National Science Foundation Program on Senior Design Projects to aid Persons with Disabilities

This paper provides an overview of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Senior Design Projects to Aid Persons with Disabilities program. In 1988, the NSF started to provide a mechanism whereby student engineers at universities throughout the United States designed and constructed devices for persons with disabilities. This program combined the academic requirement of a design experience with enhanced educational opportunities for students, and improved the quality of life for disabled individuals. Students and university faculty provided, through their normal ABET accredited senior design class, engineering time to design and build the device or software, and the NSF provided funds, competitively awarded to universities, for supplies, equipment and fabrication costs for the design projects. Described in this paper are some experiences at several universities in this program and an annual publication that describes all of the projects carried out in this initiative.
Entrepreneurship – A New Female Frontier

The economic empowerment of women is a vital element of strong economic growth in any country. Entrepreneurship happens to be one of the best ways towards self-sufficiency and poverty alleviation for women in a country where employment is not guaranteed. Involvement of women in entrepreneurial activities would ensure effective utilization of labour, generation of income and hence improvement in quality of life. Women empowerment through entrepreneurship is a must for a modern developed economy. The state of Tamilnadu is the industrially developing area in which some of the entrepreneurs excel in small scale industry. Even though the government organizes women by various associations, they are not ready to undertake the business. As compared to men, women are less motivated to start business units due to some unwanted fear, lack of motivation and kind of activities. Thus, the study aims at undertaking the entrepreneurial development among women in India. In recent years the entrepreneurship has gained wide popularity on the whole globe. The rate of becoming entrepreneurs in women is more compared to men. In North America 38 percent & small businesses are owned by women. The growth rate in women owned enterprises in some of the developing countries are higher as compared to the developed countries. According to ILO Statistics the growth rate is 24% in Malaysia, 30% in Thailand & 36% in Philippines & 42% in Indonesia. The growth rate was highest in the Tamil Nadu state of India. It was 18% in 2001 and 23% in 2011. As such, women both in the rural and the urban sectors and especially those belonging to the middle class are turning to entrepreneurship to fulfil their aspirations both economically and socially. Though there are several factors contributing to the emergence of women as entrepreneurs, the sustained and coordinated effort from all dimensions would pave the way for the women moving into entrepreneurial activity thus contributing to the social and economic development of the members of the family and thereby gaining equality and equal importance for themselves.
Advertising in Social Perspective

This article examines many of the arguments for and against advertising in terms of the well-being of society. Advertising is a market phenomenon with significant social implications, with a potential for both beneficial and harmful effects. The net effect depends upon the society's ability to institute market rules to reap the benefits while avoiding the harmful effects. Economic theory is of limited value in analyzing the social consequences of advertising.
Molecular dynamics simulation of C-C bond scission in polyethylene and linear alkanes: effects of the condensed phase.

The reaction of C–C bond scission in polyethylene chains of various lengths was studied using molecular dynamics under the conditions of vacuum and condensed phase (polymer melt). A method of assigning meaningful rate constant values to condensed-phase bond scission reactions based on a kinetic mechanism accounting for dissociation, reverse recombination, and diffusional separation of fragments was developed. The developed method accounts for such condensed-phase phenomena as cage effects and diffusion of the decay products away from the reaction site. The results of C–C scission simulations indicate that per-bond rate constants decrease by an order of magnitude as the density of the system increases from vacuum to the normal density of a polyethylene melt. Additional calculations were performed to study the dependence of the rate constant on the length of the polymer chain under the conditions of the condensed phase. The calculations demonstrate that the rate constant is independent of the degree of poly...
Square-Free Sets on Square Grids

(1992). Square-Free Sets on Square Grids. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 214-224.
Protein turnover and proliferation. Failure of SV-3T3 cells to increase lysosomal proteinases, increase protein degradation and cease net protein accumulation.

The contrasting control of lysosomal proteinases, protein turnover and proliferation was studied in 3T3 and SV-3T3 (SV-40-virus-transformed 3T3) cells. 1. In 3T3 cells, net protein accumulation proceeded from 5%/h (doubling time, Td=14h) in growing cells to 0%/h as cells became quiescent. SV-3T3 cells never ceased to gain protein, but rather decreased their protein accumulation rate from 6–7%/h (Td=10–12h) to 2%/h (Td=35–40h) just before culture death in unchanged medium. 2. In both cell types the rates of protein synthesis per unit of protein (a) were proportional to the initial serum concentration from 0 to 6%, and (b) declined under progressive depletion of undefined serum growth factors. In depleted growth medium, leucine incorporation per unit of protein in 3T3 and SV-3T3 cells declined to almost equal synthetic rates while the 3T3 cell existed in a steady state of zero net gain, and the SV-3T3 cell continued to gain protein at a rate of 2%/h. 3. Whereas a large fraction of the control of 3T3-cell net protein accumulation can be accounted for by an increase in degradation from 1%/h to 3%/h, the SV-3T3 cell did not exhibit a growth-related increase in degradation appreciably above 1%/h. 4. Thus, by using first-order kinetics, the continued net protein accumulation of the transformed cell can be accounted for by a failure to increase protein degradation, whereas fractional synthesis can be made to decline to a rate similar to that in the quiescent non-transformed cell. 5. Upon acute serum deprivation, both cell types similarly exhibited small rapid increases in proteolysis independent of cell growth state or lysosomal enzyme status. 6. The 3T3 cell increased its lysosomal proteinase activity in conjunction with increase in the growth-state-dependent proteolytic mechanism; however, the SV-3T3 cell failed to increase lysosomal proteinases or the growth-state-dependent proteolytic mechanism.
Evaluation of Occupational Hazard Control in a Electric Smelting Enterprise

Objective To determine the occupational hazard of a project in electric smelting enterprise,analyze the hazardous degrees and evaluate the protective measures and control effect.Methods Field survey of occupational health,occupational health detection,occupational health examination,checklist analysis and quantitative classification were conducted.Results The project met the hygienic requirements in general layout,production technology,equipment arrangement,architectural health,occupational protective facilities,personal occupational protective articles,auxiliary rooms,emergency rescue and occupational health administration.The tests on major occupational hazard factors,illumination intensity and microclimate indicated that none of the detection results of nickel,lead(dust),ammonia gas,carbon monoxide,carbon dioxide,nitrogen dioxide,sulfur trioxide,sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide exceeded the occupational exposure limit,while the exposure limit exceeding rates of lead(smoke),sulfur dioxide,dust,high temperature,noise,illumination intensity and microclimate were 12.5%,10.5%,11.1%,22.2%,22.2%,100% and 42.8% respectively.Conclusion The project has severe occupational hazards,but the comprehensive control measures can substantially meet the protective requirements.
5: QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF DESMOPRESSIN (DDAVP) RESPONSE IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE

Purpose of Study Patients with Type I vWD have reduced amounts of Willebrand Factor (vWF) in their blood. Desmopressin (DDAVP) has been used to raise the serum levels of vWF in these patients. However, not all patients with Type 1 vWD are known to respond to DDAVP therapy. We sought to compare the levels Factor VIII, vWF antigen, ristocetin and fibrinogen at different time points to determine the single most useful time point for ascertaining the patient as a responder. Methods Used Levels of Factor VIII, vWF antigen, ristocetin and fibrinogen has been conventionally measured at multiple time points after a DDAVP challenge. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 89 patients who received the DDAVP challenge test and compared their factor levels at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. Summary of Results Levels of Factor VIII, vWF antigen ristocetin and fibrinogen were significantly elevated (p Conclusions In this study we show that measurement of factor levels at any one time point, preferably at 60 minutes is sufficient to diagnose a patient as a responder after a DDAVP challenge test. Curtailing the number of time points of measurement will result in significant savings in cost and time to patients and their providers.
States of violence: Indigenous women migrants in the era of neoliberal multicriminalism:

The oral histories of indigenous women migrants from Latin America relate human rights violations at every step: in their homes, where violence and impunity compel them to migrate; as they cross th...
Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) for pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) drainage: may not be business as usual.

Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have been recently developed to improve treatment outcomes in the endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), particularly in walled-off necrosis (WON), to facilitate better drainage of necrotic contents and minimise the risk of perforation and peritoneal leakage. In an ongoing randomised trial, we observed serious adverse events that included delayed bleeding, buried stent syndrome and biliary stricture that necessitated a change in the management protocol for patients with PFC treated with LAMS. Randomised trials comparing endoscopic and surgical techniques for the management of PFCs have favoured the endoscopic approach.1 ,2 Endoscopy is less expensive, associated with shorter hospital stay and the clinical outcomes are comparable. To compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of WON using LAMS or plastic stents, a randomised trial (NCT02685865) was initiated at our institution. Included in the study were patients with symptomatic WON measuring >6 cm in size and located adjacent to the gastric or duodenal lumen. Excluded were patients with pseudocysts, WON inaccessible for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage and irreversible coagulopathy. The LAMS (Hot AXIOS, Boston Scientific) used in this trial had a single-step cautery-tipped delivery system with dimensions of 15 mm (diameter) by 10 mm (length). In the plastic stent cohort, two 7 Fr by 4 cm double pigtail stents were deployed after dilation of the transmural tract to 12 mm. Per study protocol, a follow-up CT was obtained at 4–6 weeks after the index intervention to assess treatment response with treatment success defined as resolution of WON to <3 cm in conjunction with symptom relief. The main outcome measure was to compare the median number of interventions required to achieve treatment success. The secondary outcome measures were to compare the rates of treatment success and clinical and stent-related adverse events. The total sample size was estimated at 62 patients. In this ongoing …