cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metastatic prostate carcinoma to bone : Clinical and pathologic features associated with cancer-specific survival

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and pathologic features of metastatic prostate carcinoma to bone in a large cohort of men, and the associations of these features with outcome. METHODS Sixty-eight men who underwent surgery for metastatic prostate carcinoma to bone for stabilization of a pathologic fracture or impending fracture were studied. Clinical characteristics included the type of treatment for the primary and metastatic prostate carcinoma, age and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) at the diagnosis of the metastatic prostate carcinoma, radiographic findings of the metastasis (osteoblastic, osteolytic, or mixed), and the number of metastatic sites at the time of the surgery for the metastasis. Pathologic features examined included Gleason score of the metastatic prostate carcinoma. Immunohistochemical stains for MIB-1, cytokeratin, PSA, synaptophysin, chromogranin A, serotonin, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor were performed for all cases. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate cancer-specific survival. The duration of follow-up was defined as the interval from the date of surgery for the metastasis to the date of death or last follow-up. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were fit to assess the features that were associated with death from prostate carcinoma. RESULTS The average (standard deviation) time from the surgery for the metastasis to death from prostate carcinoma was 1.5 (1.9) years, ranging from 0 days to 10 years, with a median of 1 year. The estimated cancer-specific survival rates at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 54.3%, 28.8%, and 22.9%, respectively. Median cancer-specific survival occurred at 1.1 years. After 4 years of follow-up, there were only seven patients left at risk for death from prostate carcinoma. Features that were found to be significantly associated with death from prostate carcinoma univariately included the interval between the diagnosis of metastasis and the surgery for metastasis (P < 0.001), androgen deprivation therapy before surgery for the metastasis (P = 0.002), presentation with metastasis (P = 0.003), the number of metastatic sites (P = 0.034), Gleason score of the metastasis (P = 0.002), and tumor positivity for chromogranin A (P = 0.041). On multivariate analysis, the interval between the diagnosis of metastasis and the surgery for metastasis (P < 0.001), Gleason score of the metastasis (P < 0.001), and tumor positivity for chromogranin A (P = 0.009) were associated significantly with death from prostate carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Although cancer-specific survival for patients after surgery for prostate carcinoma metastatic to bone is poor, assessments of tumor differentiation of the metastasis and chromogranin A positivity provide prognostic information. Cancer 2002;95:1028–36. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10788
The Nature of Children's Stereotypes of Popularity

The present study investigated what types of attributions and expectations children have about peers who they believe are popular or unpopular with other children. Fourth and fifth grade children (N = 135) were presented with pictures of several unacquainted peers who were described as popular or unpopular (or neither). Children were then told about several hypothetical encounters between themselves and each of the peers and were asked to explain or rate what each peer’s response would be to that situation. As hypothesized, children had negative stereotypes about children who they believed were unpopular, while stereotypes about children believed to be popular were a mixture of positive and negative elements. Results confirmed past research in suggesting that a distinction must be made between sociometric and perceived popularity. Gender differences were also discussed, because the stereotypes held by boys and girls differed in several respects.
The genetics of adeno-associated virus.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a defective parvovirus which is absolutely dependent on coinfection with a helper virus for a productive lytic cycle (for a review, see ref. 1). Either adenoviruses or herpes viruses can act as helpers (2–5) . In the absence of a helper virus, AAV efficiently integrates into host cell chromosomes via its inverted terminal repeats (6, 7). Integrated AAV genomes are essentially genetically stable and do not express their genes (8). An interesting feature of AAV biology is the fact that when a cell line that is latently infected with AAV is superinfected with a helper virus, the integrated AAV genome is rescued and proceeds through a normal lytic cycle (6, 8). It is likely that the inverted terminal repeats of AAV are involved in the rescue of the genome as well as its integration, but as yet relatively little is known about these processes. There is substantial evidence, however, to support the idea that the AAV terminal repeat is the origin for DNA replication (1, 9–11) and a reasonable model (1, 9) which describes the mode of AAV DNA replication has been proposed (Figure 1). In the model the terminal repeat, which contains palindromic sequences, acts as a hairpin primer to initiate DNA replication. The hairpin is resolved by cleavage of the parental strand opposite the primer position.
The older‐worker‐younger‐supervisor dyad: A test of the Reverse Pygmalion effect

An emerging phenomenon, the older worker reporting to a much younger supervisor, is reversing the tradition that managers are older and more experienced than subordinates. These age-related demographic changes are bringing about a role reversal in the workplace that violates established age norms, creating status incongruence in the supervisor-subordinate dyad. This age-reversed dyad can be better understood by examining generational differences and the effects of older workers’ expectations on their younger supervisors’ leadership behavior, referred to as Reverse Pygmalion. Research findings highlight demographic differences and similarities in the supervisorsubordinate dyad, called Relational Demography. Major findings are that older workers expect less from their younger supervisors than do younger workers, and in turn older workers rate their younger supervisors’ leadership behavior lower than younger workers rate their younger supervisors.
Embedded optical fiber sensors for materials evaluation

Optical fiber waveguides embedded within materials have been applied to the measurement of chemical changes, strain, and temperature inside materials. This paper reviews some of the research that has been performed in this area over the past 10 years and cites the theoretical and demonstrated performance of such sensors for material evaluation during its manufacturing, in service lifetime and degradation periods.
Behavioral Interventions for Individuals Dually Diagnosed with a Severe Mental Illness and a Substance Use Disorder

The prevalence of substance abuse among severely mentally ill (SMI) individuals with a schizophrenia-spectrum or bipolar disorder is about three times the rate of the general population. However, few effective interventions exist to address the problem. In this paper, we evaluate recent studies of behavioral interventions for substance abuse among SMI individuals. These include cognitive–behavioral, motivational interviewing, and contingency management interventions, as well as combinations thereof. Consistent with prior systematic reviews, ours indicates that no behavioral intervention has clearly demonstrated efficacy beyond that of usual care. Unfortunately, most of the reviewed studies suffer from methodological problems that hamper detection of treatment effects. Also, it can be argued that interventions tested thus far may not be well-suited for this cognitively impaired population. A programmatic series of studies is needed to further develop and test behavioral interventions for treating substance abuse in this population.
Structure of a NAD kinase from Thermotoga maritima at 2.3 A resolution.

NAD kinase is the only known enzyme that catalyzes the formation of NADP, a coenzyme involved in most anabolic reactions and in the antioxidant defense system. Despite its importance, very little is known regarding the mechanism of catalysis and only recently have several NAD kinase structures been deposited in the PDB. Here, an independent investigation of the crystal structure of inorganic polyphosphate/ATP-NAD kinase, PPNK_THEMA, a protein from Thermotoga maritima, is reported at a resolution of 2.3 A. The crystal structure was solved using single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) data collected at the Se absorption-peak wavelength in a state in which no cofactors or substrates were bound. It revealed that the 258-amino-acid protein is folded into two distinct domains, similar to recently reported NAD kinases. The N-terminal α/β-domain spans the first 100 amino acids and the last 30 amino acids of the polypeptide and has several topological matches in the PDB, whereas the other domain, which spans the middle 130 residues, adopts a unique β-sandwich architecture and only appreciably matches the recently deposited PDB structures of NAD kinases.
Tenascin localization in skin wounds of the adult newt Notophthalmus viridescens.

Earlier studies have shown that the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein tenascin (TN) is present between uninjured epidermal cells of urodele appendages, but is absent from most of the mesenchymally derived ECM. Following appendage amputation, this distribution is reversed. TN is lost from the epidermis and appears in the ECM of the stump and the regeneration blastema. In the present study, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to TN were used to localize this protein immunohistochemically in limbs of the adult urodele Notophthalmus viridescens at various stages following skin removal with or without damage to underlying muscle to determine (1) if the loss of TN by the epidermis and its gain by mesenchymal tissues occurs in wounds that do not require regulation by epigenetic mechanisms, and (2) if TN is present in the provisional wound matrix beneath migrating epidermal cells. In addition, skin explants were cultured on TN-coated dishes to learn if TN possesses active sites that can support epidermal cell migration. The results indicate that simple wounding leads to the same TN patterns as occurs following limb amputation. Tenascin loss from the epidermis could be seen as early as 6 hr after wounding, a time during which migrating epidermal cells are moving over the wound bed. During this period, there was no evidence of TN in the provisional wound matrix. In contrast to collagen, which supports considerable epidermal cell migration from skin explants, TN allowed no more migration than did the inactive protein, myoglobin.
Lower limits of detection using magnetic resonance imaging for solid components in cystic renal neoplasms.

Objectives We determined the positive predictive value (PPV) for malignancy in complex renal cysts with focal nodular enhancement seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods A surgical database was reviewed to identify all patients having both a preoperative 3 dimensional (3D) renal MRI and a radical or partial nephrectomy from January 2000 through April 2004 at our hospital. A group of 21 patients were identified with focal nodular enhancement within cystic renal masses. Pathologic correlation was made in each case. Results We performed 286 nephrectomies during the study period. Of these patients, 159 (56%) had a preoperative MRI studies. There were 21 of 159 (13%) patients with complex cystic lesions that displayed focal nodular enhancement, 14 of which (67%) measured 10 mm or larger in size. Twenty (95%) of the 21 lesions were renal cell carcinoma. The single, benign lesion was a cystic nephroma. Fuhrman grade 1 or grade 2 cancers were found in the majority of patients (80%), and there were no grade 4 cancers. Fifteen patients had a preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scan as well and nodular enhancement was suspected in only 4 patients (27%). MRI findings upgraded these lesions in 11 patients (73%). Conclusions The demonstration of solid enhancing nodular components with high-resolution 3D MRI provides excellent positive predictive value for diagnosing neoplastic cystic renal lesions, including a large percentage 10 mm or larger in size. Our experience suggests a 95% likelihood that cystic renal lesions with focal nodular enhancement are malignant. We recommend that such lesions be considered malignant.
A Critical Analysis of Telemarketing Fraud in a Gated Senior Community

ABSTRACT Fraudulent telemarketers have increasingly victimized older citizens (in this study, age 56 and older). This study tested key variables reported in the literature as being related to elderly telemarketing victimization. Data were collected from a large (n = 8,197), gated, middle-class community reported to be highly targeted by telemarketing scammers. Using a probability sample of 374 residents and rigorous follow-up techniques, the researchers found very few victims (n = 25) and were not able to ascertain a cohesive victim profile. Only one variable (believing what a salesperson tells you over the phone is true) affected victimization. Respondents who believed what telemarketers told them was true were significantly more likely to be victimized.
STUDIES ON THE ANTIGENIC COMPOSITION OF GROUP A HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI : II. THE OCCURRENCE OF STRAINS IN A GIVEN TYPE CONTAINING M BUT NO T ANTIGEN

1. Group A hemolytic streptococci have been described which do not agglutinate in anti-T serum because they lack T antigen. 2. Other strains occur which contain T antigen yet do not agglutinate in anti-T serum because T agglutination is blocked by the presence of large amounts of M substance in the streptococci. 3. Strains belonging to a number of types have been analyzed to determine their antigenic composition with respect to M and T antigens.
Potential sources of methylmercury in tree foliage

Litterfall is a major source of mercury (Hg) and toxic methylmercury (MeHg) to forest soils and influences exposures of wildlife in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, the origin of MeHg associated with tree foliage is largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that leaf MeHg is influenced by root uptake and thereby related to MeHg levels in soils. Concentrations of MeHg and total Hg in deciduous and coniferous foliage were unrelated to those in soil at 30 urban and rural forested locations in southwest Ohio. In contrast, tree genera and trunk diameter were significant variables influencing Hg in leaves. The fraction of total Hg as MeHg averaged 0.4% and did not differ among tree genera. Given that uptake of atmospheric Hg(0) appears to be the dominant source of total Hg in foliage, we infer that MeHg is formed by in vivo transformation of Hg in proportion to the amount accumulated.
Determination of inorganic Hg(II) and organic mercury compounds by ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The ion-pair Chromatographic behavior of inorganic mercury(II) and organomercurials was investigated with tetra- n -alkylammonium bromides as ion-pair reagents and sodium halides in a methanol-water mixture as mobile phases. UV and three-electrode direct current argon plasma specific element detection were employed. The effects of the type and the concentration of sodium halide and ion-pair reagent, and the level of methanol on Chromatographic behavior of mercury compounds were evaluated. Both inorganic mercury(II) and benzylmercury species showed much greater UV response than other mercurials, while all analytes showed more consistent mercury-specific responses although there was some bias seen toward a greater response for the smaller organometallics.
Magnitude of Stress Experienced by Baseball and Softball Umpires

This study surveyed 782 certified baseball and softball umpires from randomly chosen umpire associations in one state to assess how much stress they experienced while officiating. The mean stress score was between "very little" and "a moderate amount," although 4.5% of the respondents reported "quite a bit" or "a great deal" of stress. The mean stress score may have been attenuated by the umpires' reluctance to admit stressful experiences or by collection of data after the season was over.
Formation of Intracellular Free Radicals in Guinea Pig Airway Epithelium during in Vitro Exposure to Ozone

Abstract In vivo exposure to ozone (O 3 ) has been shown to cause airway epithelial damage and lipid peroxidation. The oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids has been shown to produce hydrogen peroxide and aldehydes with reactive oxygen species (ROS) as intermediates. These products of ozonation may react with other bioorganic molecules and cause cellular damage. To assess the production of ROS, confluent primary cultures of guinea pig airway epithelial cells were grown on Costar membrane with a liquid–air interface and exposed to 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 ppm O 3 . The concentrations of intracellular ROS during the exposure were monitored using the fluorescent dye dihydrorhodamine-123. The intracellular concentration of ROS increased immediately upon the commencement of the O 3 exposure and persisted until the end of the exposure period (up to 1 hr). The concentration of ROS increased with increasing O 3 concentration. To determine the species of ROS produced during O 3 exposure, airway epithelial cells were perfused with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sodium formate (hydroxyl radical scavengers), NaN 3 (catalase inhibitor), or diethyl-dithio carbamate (DEDC, superoxide dismutase inhibitor) prior to and during the exposure period and the fluorescent intensity was monitored continuously. While both DMSO and sodium formate decreased the concentration of ROS, DEDC and NaN 3 had no effect. We concluded that hydroxyl radicals instead of H 2 O 2 or superoxide anions were produced immediately following the commencement of O 3 exposure in guinea pig airway epithelial cells in an exposure concentration-dependent fashion.
Identification of a nuclear carbonic anhydrase in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Abstract Background Carbonic anhydrases (CA) catalyze the inter-conversion of CO2 with HCO3 and H+, and are involved in a wide variety of physiologic processes such as anion transport, pH regulation, and water balance. In mammals there are sixteen members of the classical α-type CA family, while the simple genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans codes for six αCA isoforms (cah-1 through cah-6). Methods Fluorescent reporter constructs were used to analyze gene promoter usage, splice variation, and protein localization in transgenic worms. Catalytic activity of recombinant CA proteins was assessed using Hansson's histochemistry. CA's ability to regulate pH as a function of CO2 and HCO3 was measured using dynamic fluorescent imaging of genetically-targeted biosensors. Results Each of the six CA genes was found to be expressed in a distinct repertoire of cell types. Surprisingly, worms also expressed a catalytically-active CA splice variant, cah-4a, in which an alternative first exon targeted the protein to the nucleus. Cah-4a expression was restricted mainly to the nervous system, where it was found in nearly all neurons, and recombinant CAH-4A protein could regulate pH in the nucleus. Conclusions In addition to establishing C. elegans as a platform for studying αCA function, this is the first example of a nuclear-targeted αCA in any organism to date. General significance A classical αCA isoform is targeted exclusively to the nucleus where its activity may impact nuclear physiologic and pathophysiologic responses.
Moral imagination: Implications of cognitive science for ethics

(1994). Moral imagination: Implications of cognitive science for ethics. History of European Ideas: Vol. 18, No. 5, pp. 837-839.
Use of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane deposited from aqueous solution for surface modification of III-V materials

Abstract Focal plane arrays of strained layer superlattices (SLSs) composed of InAs/GaSb are excellent candidates for infrared imaging, but one key factor limiting their utility is the lack of a surface passivation technique capable of protecting the mesa sidewall from degradation. Along these lines, we demonstrate the use of aqueous 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) deposited as a surface functionalizing agent for subsequent polymer passivation on InAs and GaSb surfaces following a HCl/citric acid procedure to remove the conductive oxide In2O3. Using atomic force microscopy, variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), and modeling with density functional theory (DFT), we demonstrate that APTES films can successfully be deposited on III-V substrates by spin coating and directly compare these films to those deposited on silicon substrates. The HCl/citric acid surface preparation treatment is particularly effective at removing In2O3 without the surface segregation of In oxides observed from use of HCl alone. However, HCl/citric acid surface treatment method does result in heavy oxidation of both Ga and Sb, accompanied by segregation of Ga oxide to the surface. Deposited APTES layer thickness did not depend on the substrate choice, and thicknesses between 1 and 20 nm were obtained for APTES solution concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2.5 vol %. XPS results for the N1s band of APTES showed that the content of ionic nitrogen was high (∼50%) for the thinnest films (∼1 nm), and decreased with increasing film thickness. These results indicate that APTES can indeed be used to form a silane surface layer to cover III-V materials substrates. Such APTES silane layers may prove useful in surface passivation of these materials alone, or as surface functionalizing agents for subsequent covalent binding with polymer overlayers like polyimide.
China and the Global Atlantic: Sugar from the Age of Columbus to Pepsi-Coke and Ethanol

“Sweet red bean soup and sweet buns … wishes the newlyweds a sweet life. Tea, alcohol, and 7UP are almost always supplied at a Chinese wedding banquet. … 7UP sounds like “seven happiness. [qi xi]si...
A nonlinear wide-range immobilized pH gradient for two-dimensional electrophoresis and its definition in a relevant pH scale.

A new nonlinear immobilized pH gradient (IPG) is proposed as the first dimension for two-dimensional electrophoresis. In comparison to conventional carrier ampholyte techniques, it offers better resolution and greater reproducibility whilst allowing application of higher protein loads. Furthermore, we have checked and supplemented existing data on pK values for the immobilized groups in the presence of 8M urea. This is necessary for pH gradients to be defined in a pH scale relevant to the focusing conditions such that spot positions can be related to amino acid compositions. The data will allow definition of pH scales for the temperature range 10–25°C and for a pH range covering the major part of the nonlinear pH gradient. With the latter, focusing positions are neither influenced by urea concentration nor by the choice or the concentration of detergent or carrier ampholyte. Temperature is the only parameter affecting focusing reproducibility and here any changes in focusing positions can be related to the amino acid compositions of peptides.
Mechanical motion promotes expression of Prg4 in articular cartilage via multiple CREB-dependent, fluid flow shear stress-induced signaling pathways

.Lubricin is a secreted proteoglycan encoded by the Prg4 locus that is abundantly expressed by superficial zone articular chondrocytes and has been noted to both be sensitive to mechanical loading and protect against the development of osteoarthritis. In this study, we document that running induces maximal expression of Prg4 in the superficial zone of knee joint articular cartilage in a COX-2-dependent fashion, which correlates with augmented levels of phospho-S133 CREB and increased nuclear localization of CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivators (CRTCs) in this tissue. Furthermore, we found that fluid flow shear stress (FFSS) increases secretion of extracellular PGE2, PTHrP, and ATP (by epiphyseal chondrocytes), which together engage both PKA- and Ca ++ regulated signaling pathways that work in combination to promote CREB-dependent induction of Prg4, specifically in superficial zone articular chondrocytes. Because running and FFSS both boost Prg4 expression in a COX-2-dependent fashion, our results suggest that mechanical motion may induce Prg4 expression in the superficial zone of articular cartilage by engaging the same signaling pathways activated in vitro by FFSS that promote CREB-dependent gene expression in this tissue.
Strain-modulated adatom and surface vacancy pair interactions

Adsorbed atoms (adatoms) and vacancies have a significant role to play in the physics of surfaces and the mechanisms of film growth on a substrate. This paper investigates the effect of applied or residual strain on the energetic interaction between pairs of adatoms and vacancies. The analysis is based on a continuum-level point-defect model, where adatoms and vacancies have strain-dependent properties. Atomistic calculations are used to evaluate the defect properties for Si(111). The result is used as input for the defect model in order to investigate the strength and character of the interaction versus strain, separation distance, and relative orientation of the defects. It is found that strain may cause the defects to align in certain direction and modulate their interaction between repulsion and attraction, providing a mechanism for controlled building of nanostructures.
Correction factors for thick-walled ionisation chambers in point-source photon beams

In absolute exposure and air kerma measurements, such as those performed at Standards' laboratories, axial and radial nonuniformity correction factors are used to account for the nonuniformity of the incident photon field in the vicinity of the ionisation-chamber cavity. A theory for calculating the correction due to source nonuniformity is developed which applies to thick-walled ionisation chambers irradiated by point-source photon field with arbitrary incident energy distributions. The equations are derived within the framework of a fundamental theory of ionisation-chamber response and are suitable for Monte Carlo calculation. Monte Carlo calculations for estimating the correction in pancake, cylindrical and spherical geometries are described and comparisons with the experimental results of Kondo and Randolph indicate agreement to better than 0.5% demonstrating the viability of the theory under even the most extreme measurement conditions.
Surface perspectives in the biomedical applications of poly(α-hydroxy acid)s and their associated copolymers

Impressive advances in biotechnology, bioengineering, and biomaterials with unique properties have led to increased interest in polymers and other novel materials in biological and biomedical research and development over the past two decades. Although biomaterials have already made an enormous impact in biomedical research and clinical practice, there is a need for better understanding of the surface and interfacial chemistry between tissue (or cells) and biomedical materials. This is because the detailed physicochemical events related to the biological response to the surface of materials still often remain obscure, even though surface properties are important determinants of biomedical material function. In this regard, data available in the literature show the complexity of the interactions (surface reorganization, non-specific/specific protein adsorption, and chemical reactions such as acid–base, ion pairing, ion exchange, hydrogen bonding, divalent-ion bridging) and the interrelationship between biological environments, interfacial properties, and surface functional groups responsible for the biological responses. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of surface and interfacial phenomena at the surface of biomedical polymers, this review focuses on several aspects of current work published on poly(α-hydroxy acid)s and their associated copolymers:surface structure–biomedical function relationships;physicochemical strategies for surface modification; and, finally,synthetic strategies to increase biocompatibility for specific in-vivo and/or in-vitro biomedical applications.
The specificity of immunological reactions

Specificity is an imprecise but widely used concept in immunology. Usually specificity is described in practical terms, such as the ability of one antibody to bind one and not another member of a family of chemically related substances. Karl Landsteiner's pioneering work "The Specificity of Serological Reactions" set the standard in experimental immunology over 50 years ago. Today, a more general yet precise concept of specificity is needed to describe the behavior of all antigen-specific recognitive components of the immune system. The necessary degree of specificity for antigen recognition in the immune response is determined by evolutionary selection pressures that result in the ridding of pathogens. Potent bio-destructive effector mechanisms are under the direction of specificity-determining elements (e.g. antibodies), and these must accurately distinguish Self (S) components (not to be destroyed) from Nonself (NS) components (to be destroyed). Binding reactions between antigen and antibody are necessary, though not sufficient, for the execution of the protective bio-destructive effector reactions, which, for example, require more than one antibody molecule to be bound before that antigen can be ridded. While the total number of different specificities will determine the precision with which S and NS are distinguished, a concept of relative specificity can be formulated in terms of a Specificity Index (SI), or the ratio of anti-S to anti-NS in the repertoire. A further question concerns whether specificity applies per receptor, or per paratope, when the number of paratopes per receptor is greater than one. The analyses and concepts developed here are based on immunoglobulin structure and function and extrapolated to include the less well studied T cell receptor system.
The SNet model: access, security and e-services for students

This paper will explore the SNet model that Hunter College of the City University of New York developed and implemented. During the Spring of 2002, CUNY as a central organization (3rd largest in the country) envisioned a plan and strategy to enhance e-services to all their students, faculty and administrators. From this 'master' vision, Hunter College designed and derived the SNet model to provide efficient and effective services to students. This model not only looks at just providing eServices to students but also takes into account media-independent accessibility (wired, wireless, terminals, WAP, etc) and security in all locations. One of the four layers of this model includes a SNet support component. This model leverages on all existing legacy infrastructure and any other additional new infrastructure that is required. This facilitates the implementation of this model without a big impact on the budget. This model fits any campus where services, support, and security (especially for wireless) is of prime importance.
Ultra-low oxygen refrigerated storage of'rio red' grapefruit: fungistatic activity and fruit quality

Green mold development during refrigerated storage was suppressed, but not eradicated, by reducing the oxygen (O2) concentration of the storage atmosphere from 21 to 0.10–0.05 kPa (ULO). The flavor and external appearance of grapefruit stored for 21 days at 14 °C under ULO, and 14 additional days in air at 23 °C was rated acceptable yet inferior to grapefruit stored similarly in air. A rind disorder developed as a post-hypoxic injury, especially on early-season, degreened grapefruit. The disorder was associated with an ULO-related increase in fruit acetaldehyde concentration. ULO may provide non-chemical suppression of green mold inside refrigerated marine containers en route to distant markets and postharvest insect control, but conditions must be optimized to avoid deleterious effects on fruit market quality. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Performing Transgender Identity in The Little Mermaid: From Andersen to Disney

This essay considers narratives that are not typically read as stories about performative identities. Adapting queer criticism, I suggest that inherent in “The Little Mermaid,” both Hans Christian Andersen's short story and the Disney film, is a story about a performance of transgender identity. Exploring parallels between transgender identity development and the mermaid narratives, I argue that the possibility of a transgender reading resides in the mermaid stories, which can be understood as coming out narratives of sorts. In both transgender identity development and the mermaid stories, themes of mind-body dissonance, familial tension, and self-censorship are evident. Further, I suggest that transgender criticism is one of many potential offspring of queer criticism for critics interested in messages related to sexuality and gender identity in texts.
Interactions between organized, surface-confined monolayers and vapor-phase probe molecules. 7. Comparison of self-assembling n-alkanethiol monolayers deposited on gold from liquid and vapor phases

Abstract : We report a comparative study of the structure and chemistry of methyl-terminated n-alkanethiol self-assembling monolayers (SAMs) formed from liquid and vapor phases. Three different SAMs are considered: Au/HS(CH2)nCH3, n=5, 11, and 15. Liquid-phase-deposited films were prepared by exposure of Au substrates to dilute ethanol solutions of the n-alkanethiols followed by ethanol rinsing, and vapor-phase-deposited SAMs were prepared by exposure of the Au surface to 10%-of-saturation n-alkanethiol vapors followed by N2 purging, which removes loosely bound n-alkanethiol molecules from the surface. The matrix of 6 organic surfaces were studied by FTIR external reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR- ERS), ellipsometry, and cyclic voltammetry, which provide information about the average structure of the SAMs, and a newly developed scanned tunneling microscope (STM)-based method, which provides information about individual SAM defect structures. FTIR-ERS and ellipsometry indicate no detectable differences between liquid- and vapor-phase-deposited SAMs. Data obtained using cyclic voltammetry and STM show that the barrier properties of SAMs depend on the ambient phase from which the SAM assemblies, the length of the n-alkanethiol, and the chemical nature of the molecular probe used to evaluate the monolayer structure.
Slanted hole array beam profiler (SHArP)-a high-resolution portable beam profiler based on a linear aperture array.

We demonstrate a novel high-resolution portable beam profiler based on a slanted linear array of small apertures, termed a slanted hole array beam profiler (SHArP). The apertures are directly fabricated on a metal-coated CMOS imaging sensor. With a single linear scan, the aperture array can establish a virtual grid of sampling points for beam profiling. With our prototype, we demonstrate beam profiling of Gaussian beams over an area of 66.5 μm×66.5 μm with a resolution of 0.8 μm (compare with the CMOS pixel size of 10 μm). The resolution can be improved into the range of submicrometers by fabricating smaller apertures. The good correspondence between the measured and calculated beam profiles proves the fidelity of our new beam profiling scheme.
Time asymmetric quantum theory and the ambiguity of the Z-boson mass and width

Relativistic Gamow vectors emerge naturally in a time asymmetric quantum theory as the covariant kets associated to the resonance pole \(s=s_R\) in the second sheet of the analytically continued S-matrix. They are eigenkets of the self-adjoint mass operator with complex eigenvalue \(\sqrt{s_R}\) and have exponential time evolution with lifetime \(\tau = - \hbar/2\mathrm{Im}\sqrt{s_R}\). If one requires that the resonance width \(\Gamma\) (defined by the Breit-Wigner lineshape) and the resonance lifetime \(\tau\) always and exactly fulfill the relation \(\Gamma=\hbar/\tau\), then one is lead to the following parameterization of \(s_R\) in terms of resonance mass \(M_R\) and width \(\Gamma_R\): \(s_R = (M_R - i\Gamma/2)^2\). Applying this result to the \(Z\)-boson implies that \(M_R \approx M_Z - 26\mbox{MeV}\) and $\Gamma_R \approx \Gamma_Z-1.2\mbox{MeV}$ are the mass and width of the {\it Z}-boson and not the particle data values \((M_Z,\Gamma_Z)\) or any other parameterization of the Z-boson lineshape. Furthermore, the transformation properties of these Gamow kets show that they furnish an irreducible representation of the causal Poincare semigroup, defined as a semi-direct product of the homogeneous Lorentz group with the semigroup of space-time translations into the forward light cone. Much like Wigner's unitary irreducible representations of the Poincare group which describe stable particles, these irreducible semigroup representations can be characterized by the spin-mass values \((j,s_R=(M_R-i\Gamma/2)^2)\).
Tannin as an Agent to Eliminate Adhesiveness of Walleye Eggs during Artificial Propagation

Abstract Tannin has been used to decrease adhesiveness of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) eggs for the purpose of shortening the water-hardening phase of walleye propagation. In this study, adhesiveness of fertilized walleye eggs decreased after exposure to tannin concentrations between 200 and 1,000 mg/liter. Reduction in adhesiveness was generally proportional to tannin concentration and exposure time. Adhesiveness was further reduced and eliminated in higher tannin concentrations by stirring the eggs during a 2-minute exposure. Hatching success of nontreated (control) eggs averaged 37 and 47 percent whereas hatching success of tannin-treated eggs averaged 38 and 50 percent for 1974 and 1975, respectively. A 2-minute exposure at tannin concentrations ranging from 400 to 1,000 mg/liter would expedite artificial propagation and could enhance egg survival.
Role of Sex Differences and Effects of Endothelial NO Synthase Deficiency in Responses of Carotid Arteries to Serotonin

Abstract —We examined the hypothesis that contraction of the carotid arteries to serotonin is normally inhibited by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and is enhanced in mice lacking the gene for eNOS. Because the influence of eNOS may vary with the sex of the mouse, we also tested whether responses to serotonin were dependent on sex. We studied carotid arteries in vitro from littermate control (eNOS+/+) mice, heterozygous (eNOS+/−) mice, and homozygous eNOS-deficient (eNOS−/−) mice (male and female). Contraction to serotonin was greater in male eNOS+/+ mice than in female eNOS+/+ mice. In male mice, contraction to serotonin increased by ≈40% and 2.5-fold in male eNOS+/− and eNOS−/− mice, respectively. Contraction to serotonin was more than doubled in female eNOS+/− mice and increased >5-fold in arteries from eNOS−/− mice. In contrast, maximum vasoconstriction to U46619 was similar in male and female eNOS+/+, eNOS+/−, and eNOS−/− mice. Relaxation to acetylcholine was not different in male and female eNOS+/+ or eNOS+/− mice but was absent in eNOS−/− mice. These findings suggest that the contraction of carotid arteries to serotonin is influenced by the sex of the animal. eNOS deficiency in gene-targeted mice is associated with enhanced contraction to serotonin, particularly in female mice, providing direct evidence that eNOS is a major determinant of vascular effects of serotonin. The results with eNOS+/− mice suggest a “gene-dosing” effect for vascular responses to serotonin.
A Comparison of Verbal and Written Descriptions of Students' Problem Solving Processes.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the impact of writing during mathematical problem solving. The study involved an analysis of ninth grade algebra students' written and verbal descriptions of their mathematical problem solving processes. Through this comparison, a better understanding of the connection between problem solving and writing is realized. The written and verbal data show a relationship between the number of problem solving strategies tried by students and their success. The majority of problem solving behaviors involve execution actions such as carrying out goals and performing calculations. Students who construct global plans are more successful problem solvers. Students engage in verification behaviors at various stages of problem solving though the majority of students do not verify their final answers. While both oral and written descriptions serve as a tool for understanding students' thinking processes, a comparison of the two modes of reporting, using a metacognitive framework as the lens of analysis, reveals some important variations. Students who wrote descriptions of their thinking were significantly more successful in the problem solving tasks (p< 0.05) than students who verbalized their thinking. Differences in metacognitive behaviors also support the premise that writing can be an effective tool in supporting metacognitive behaviors.
Basis states for relativistic dynamically entangled particles

In several recent papers on entanglement in relativistic quantum systems and relativistic Bell's inequalities, relativistic Bell-type two-particle states have been constructed in analogy to nonrelativistic states. These constructions do not have the form suggested by relativistic invariance of the dynamics. Two relativistic formulations of Bell-type states are shown for massive particles, one using the standard Wigner spin basis and one using the helicity basis. The construction hinges on the use of Clebsch-Gordan coefficients of the Poincar\'e group to reduce the direct product of two unitary irreducible representations (UIRs) into a direct sum of UIRs.
A Condition Number for Differentiable Convex Inequalities

For a system of differentiable convex inequalities, a new bound is given for the absolute error in an infeasible point in terms of the absolute residual. By using this bound a condition number is defined for the system of inequalities which gives a bound for the relative error in an infeasible point in terms of the relative residual.
Length of the Year during the Silurian and Devonian Periods: New Values

Daily growth increments and monthly markings on Silurian and Devonian corals and brachiopods were counted using a maximum count method. Early and Middle Silurian fossils indicate that the number of days per year during these periods was 421 and 419, respectively; the number of days per year in the early Middle Devonian Period was 410. The number of days per month has decreased from 32.4 in the Early Silurian to 31.5 in the early Middle Devonian. The values obtained for these periods are considered more accurate than the values obtained using average count methods.
The Bordetella pertussis model of exquisite gene control by the global transcription factor BvgA

Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, an infectious disease that is reemerging despite widespread vaccination. A more complete understanding of B. pertussis pathogenic mechanisms will involve unravelling the regulation of its impressive arsenal of virulence factors. Here we review the action of the B. pertussis response regulator BvgA in the context of what is known about bacterial RNA polymerase and various modes of transcription activation. At most virulence gene promoters, multiple dimers of phosphorylated BvgA (BvgA~P) bind upstream of the core promoter sequence, using a combination of high- and low-affinity sites that fill through cooperativity. Activation by BvgA~P is typically mediated by a novel form of class I/II mechanisms, but two virulence genes, fim2 and fim3, which encode serologically distinct fimbrial subunits, are regulated using a previously unrecognized RNA polymerase/activator architecture. In addition, the fim genes undergo phase variation because of an extended cytosine (C) tract within the promoter sequences that is subject to slipped-strand mispairing during replication. These sophisticated systems of regulation demonstrate one aspect whereby B. pertussis, which is highly clonal and lacks the extensive genetic diversity observed in many other bacterial pathogens, has been highly successful as an obligate human pathogen.
Evaluating Vibrotactile Dimensions for the Design of Tactons

Vibrotactile stimuli are defined in terms of their amplitude, frequency, waveform and temporal profile all of which have been varied to create tactons. A number of approaches have been adopted to design tactons including multidimensional scaling, iterative empirical methods and using perceptual processing models. The objective of the present set of experiments was to create sets of tactons based on the properties of the dimensions of vibrotactile stimuli. An absolute identification paradigm was used in which each of nine tactons was presented eight times using a tactor mounted on either the index finger or forearm. It was found that tactons created by varying the frequency, amplitude and temporal profile of the vibrotactile stimuli were correctly identified on 73-83 percent of the trials, with a mean information transfer of 2.41 bits. The latter metric indicates that for these sets of nine tactons between five and six could be reliably identified. The vibrotactile stimuli delivered in the experiments were identified as consistently on the forearm as the hand and the IT values were similar at the two locations. This suggests that sites other than the hand can be used effectively in tactile communication systems and that it is channel capacity that ultimately determines performance on this type of task.
Model predictive path tracking via middleware for networked mobile robot over IP network

The potential use of IP networks for real-time high performance robots and automation is enormous and appealing. A widely attractive objective for an IP-based mobile robot is to control a mobile robot over the IP network to track a predefined path. This paper proposes a model predictive path tracking control methodology over an IP network via middleware. In addition to the normal use of middleware, this paper utilizes middleware to schedule a control parameter for IP network delay compensation. The parameter is adjusted externally at the output of the path tracking algorithm with respect to the current network traffic conditions and a predictive performance measure computed by a neural network. Simulation results show that the mobile robot with neural network middleware provides significantly better IP networked control system performance.