cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Silencer elements modulate the expression of the gene for the neuron-glia cell adhesion molecule, Ng-CAM.

The combined factors that regulate the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) during development of the nervous system are largely unknown. To identify such factors for Ng-CAM, the neuron-glia CAM, constructs containing portions of the 5′ end of the Ng-CAM gene were examined for activity after transfection into N2A neuroblastoma and NIH3T3 cells. Positive regulatory elements active in both cell types included an Ng-CAM proximal promoter with SP1 and cAMP response element motifs extending 447 base pairs upstream of a single RNA start site and a region within the first exon corresponding to 5′-untranslated sequences. Negative regulatory elements included five neuron-restrictive silencer elements (NRSEs) and a binding site for Pax gene products in a 305-base pair segment of the first intron. Constructs containing the promoter together with the entire first intron were active in N2A cells but were silenced in NIH3T3 cells. This silencer activity was mapped to the NRSEs. In contrast, the Pax motif inhibited activity of Ng-CAM constructs in both cell types. The DNA elements defined in these transfection experiments were examined for their ability to bind nuclear factors. The region within the first exon formed a DNA-protein complex after exposure to nuclear extracts prepared from both NIH3T3 and N2A cells. The NRSE region formed a more prominent complex with proteins prepared from NIH3T3 cells than it did with extracts from N2A cells. A member of the Pax protein family, Pax-3 bound to the Pax motif. Mutations introduced within the Pax motif in its ATTA sequence eliminated this binding whereas mutations in its GTTCC sequence did not, suggesting that paired homeodomain interactions are important for the recognition of Pax-3 by this DNA target sequence. The combined data suggest that negative regulation by NRSEs and Pax proteins may play a key role in the place-dependent expression patterns of Ng-CAM during development.
Why do T cells cause so much trouble

In this issue of Blood , Price et al document a 20-year experience with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) patients and healthy mutation-positive relatives, showing that defective lymphocyte apoptosis is associated with an increased incidence of lymphomas.[1][1] Nature provides
Pump interference and optical bistability effects in a Tm,Ho:YAG microlaser.

Thermally induced bistability in a Tm, Ho:YAG microlaser has been observed. Theoretical results obtained from a simple plane-wave model are found to describe adequately the experimental transmission and reflection bistability data. The effect of pump interference on the single-mode operation of the laser is discussed.
Emission characteristics of some dilute tungsten alloys

The effective work functions of nine tungsten-base alloys were measured. The second constituents were: 1) 5 pct Re, 2) 15 pct Re, 3) 2.5 pct Os, 4) 5 pct Os, 5) 1 pct Ir, 6) 2 pct Ir, 7) 5 pct Ta, 8) 10 pct Ta, and 9) 26 pct Ta. Work functions were determined from vacuum emission vehicle and thermionic emission microscope measurements. Mosaics of each surface were produced from the microscope which show the grain structure of the alloys and some anomalous emission areas. Some exceptionally high bare work functions were observed from samples with small alloy additions. For example, the work function of W1 pct Ir was 5.3 eV.
Sampling Plans for Inspection by Variables

Abstract * This work was performed under the sponsorship of the office of Naval Research. The authors are indebted to Albert H. Bowker for invaluable aid.
Observation of the acceleration by an electromagnetic field of nuclear beta decay

Measurements are reported of the acceleration of the first-forbidden beta decay of 137Cs by exposure to intense, low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Two separate experiments were done: one in a coaxial cavity, and the other in a coaxial transmission line. The first showed an increase in the beta decay rate of (6.8±3.2)×10−4 relative to the natural rate, and the other resulted in an increase of (6.5±2.0)×10− 4. In addition, a Fourier analysis of the rate of 662 keV gamma emission following from the beta decay in the standing-wave experiment showed a clear indication of the frequency with which the external field was switched on and off. A simultaneously detected gamma emission from a placebo nucleus showed no such peak.
Sequential expression and cooperative interaction of c-Ha-ras and c-erbB genes in in vivo chemical carcinogenesis

The level of expression of several cellular protooncogenes is examined at different stages of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced tumor development in hamster buccal pouch epithelium (HBPE). Results presented demonstrate overexpression of c-Ha-ras gene at a very early stage of tumor development, and this elevated level of expression of the gene persists throughout the tumorigenesis process. The expression of the cellular protooncogene c-erbB, on the other hand, can be detected only after 8-10 weeks of DMBA treatment of the tissue and increases with the progression of the disease. The overexpression of c-erbB gene can be correlated with the stage of extensive proliferation and subsequent invasion of the HBPE cells into the underlying connective tissue. This sequential pattern of stage-specific expression of the two cellular protooncogenes can be observed in (i) treated tissues, (ii) stage-representative cultured cells, and (iii) NIH 3T3 transformants derived with DNA from HBPE cells. The low-level expression of c-myc and c-sis genes detected in control tissues remains unaffected, while c-fos gene activity cannot be detected at any stage of tumor development. The overexpression of c-Ha-ras gene alone in HBPE cells derived from tissues treated for 5 weeks (DM5) is not sufficient to induce tumors in athymic mice, whereas expression of c-Ha-ras and c-erbB genes at later stages of tumor development (DM10 and HCPC cells) induce histopathologically defined epithelial cell carcinoma in athymic mice within 2-3 weeks. The sequential overexpression of c-Ha-ras and c-erbB genes in a stage-specific manner and their cooperative interaction in the DMBA-induced in vivo oral carcinogenesis have been demonstrated.
Toxic effects of cadmium on methanogenic systems

Abstract The effects of cadmium on an anaerobic acetate enrichment system were determined in both batch (serum bottles) and continuous (chemostat) studies. Unlike total soluble or total added cadmium, free cadmium concentrations showed a good correlation to toxicity in batch systems. Free cadmium concentrations (measured using a combination of dialysis and ion exchange) of 0.1 mg/l or less caused no more than 10% inhibition of methanogenesis and concentration in excess of 0.12 mg/l caused complete failure in serum bottles. Chemostats operated at a 15-d SRT and an organic loading rate of 500 mg-COD/l-d as acetic acid were spiked with slug doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/l of cadmium. Ninety percent recovery of the chemostats was observed when the free cadmium was 0.1 mg/l in the Cd-inhibited cultures in the chemostats. Based on these studies, a free Cd level of 0.1 mg/l appears to be a “safe limit” for acetate-utilizing methanogens.
Probabilistic Computational Analysis of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Leaflet Design

Aortic stenosis (AS) is abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve which partially obstructs outflow of blood from the left ventricle to aorta. Symptomatic AS is associated with a high mortality rate, approximately 50% in the first 2 years, if left untreated [1, 2]. Transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) implantation has been recently developed as an effective endovascular treatment for high-risk AS patients, in which a stented bioprosthetic valve is deployed through a catheter within the diseased aortic valve. Since the first procedure in 2002 [3], there has been an explosive growth in TAV implantation. By the end of 2011, there were 10 TAV companies that had first-in-man implantation data [4]. More than 50,000 TAV implantations have been performed worldwide since 2007. Short-term and medium-term outcomes after TAV implantation are encouraging with significant reduction in rates of death. However, adverse events associated with TAV implantation were reported [5, 6]. Furthermore, long-term durability and safety of these devices are largely unknown and needed to be evaluated and studied carefully [7, 8]. It is widely accepted that valve designs that reduce leaflet stresses are likely to give improved performance in long-term applications. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of 2D TAV leaflet geometry design on 3D valve stress distribution using probabilistic computational simulation.© 2013 ASME
Sociobiological patterns of Arab culture

Abstract Some of the salient features of Arab culture are described and illustrated using historical and ethnographic accounts supplemented by interview data on 92 Arab-Americans. An attempt is made to explain the major features and changes in Arab culture in sociobiological terms using Dickemann's model of stratified polygynous societies as a prototype. In ancient Arabia, commercial wealth and then military plunder seem to have favored female chastity as a way of competing for large bride prices. Chastity was enforced through the claustration, veiling, genital mutilation, and early betrothal of daughters. Militarism and wife capture promoted polygyny, female infanticide, and investment in sons, who provided kin altruism, including guarding of kinswomen's chastity. In modern times the disappearance of wife capture and the persistence of claustration, polygyny, and/or early betrothal may have favored male homosexuality. This Arab model is in rough agreement with Dickemann's general model, with several demurrals. Female infanticide arose more in response to poverty and to sons' value as warriors and kin altruists, and less as a result of superfluous upper-class daughters. Also, dowry seems to have been virtually absent from Arab culture even if present in other Muslim societies. Additional features of Arab culture are examined and some general conclusions reached. Veiling may serve not only as an adjunct to claustration but also as a barrier to romantic entanglements. And a test of cross-cultural data implies that restriction of females arises from economic stratification, not from polygyny.
Survival of the Fittest: Cancer Stem Cells in Therapeutic Resistance and Angiogenesis

In an increasing number of cancers, tumor populations called cancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor-initiating cells, have been defined in functional assays of self-renewal and tumor initiation. Moreov...
Proposed Statistical Methods for Signal Detection of Adverse Medical Device Events

This paper proposes several statistical approaches for analyzing spontaneous reports of adverse medical device events. The chi-square statistic is used to detect a sudden increase in reports from pairwise comparison of numbers of reports per month. The Cox-Stuart nonparametric trend test is used to detect a gradual, increasing trend in adverse events reports over time. The negative binomial probability model is also used to assess sudden increases by setting threshold values. In this paper, only numerator data (reports of adverse events), not denominator data (device use), are used. The Box-Jenkins ARIMA time series model failed to fit the observed data successfully due to the extremely irregular distributions, including many zeros, of the observed data.
Optical fiber amplifiers for optical amplitude‐modulated vestigial sideband transmission systems

An optical fiber amplifier for an optical amplitude-modulated vestigial sideband (AM-VSB) transmission system has been developed. Various pumping methods in an Er-doped optical fiber for a high-power and low-noise performance are discussed. The bidirectional pumping method was found to be the best. A high-performance Er-doped optical fiber has been fabricated, and an optical amplifier has been made with it. The loss budget of 14 dB was obtained in 40-channel transmission with 51-dB carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) by using this prototype optical amplifier, which is 6 dB better than before.
Segregation of tellurium in GaSb single crystals and associated diffusion coefficient in the solute layer

Abstract Exceptionally uniform, steady-state tellurium segregation was observed in a GaSb single crystal grown by the submerged heater method. The single crystal was grown at 5 mm/h in a 20 mm diameter silica crucible using a 20 mm diameter 〈1 1 1〉 B seed and with melt encapsulation by NaCl–KCl salt. The axial dopant profile consists of three regions: an initial transient, a steady state uniform region and a last to freeze inhomogeneous portion. In the steady state region, the dopant concentration is equal to the initial tellurium content ( C o ) in the melt. The axial tellurium profile was best fitted by the Tiller's equation for diffusion controlled segregation with k =0.37 and D =1.0×10 −5 cm 2 /s. The inhomogeneous composition in the last to freeze portion is caused by Marangoni convection which takes place after the baffle separates from the melt. The electrical properties of the crystal were evaluated by Hall measurements and four-point probe technique.
The somatic marker as a “short cut” to verbal immediacy

This study examined the relationships between the somatic‐marker hypothesis, developed by Damasio (1994) as it relates to homophily and verbal immediacy in the classroom. Damasio has hypothesized that when particular events occur in one's life, there is a “memory” of that event in the brain. As a result, when a similar event occurs, the somatic marker recreates that first event. Students were provided three different scenarios about the first day of a communication class. In the scenarios, the instructor presented information about himself. One instructor provided only autobiographical, demographic data (the control). Another provided information hozu he had had difficulty with public speaking (the selfish marker). The third provided information about how the instructor had helped someone else who had difficulty in public speaking (the altruistic marker). The results indicated that while homophily differences were not significant, there was a significant difference between the control group and the altrui...
On the representations of the full matrix semigroup on homogeneous polynomials

This paper is the successor of [ 11. In the closing theorem there we determined the composition factors of w” for a regular I [ 1, 6.11. Here we are going to describe the structure of WA in the singular case. The second theme of this paper is the criterion for distributivity of the M -modules WCd’ Since the necessary conditions for that established in [ 1: 8.51 limit d to’d <p( p + 1) we just have to sort out the latter case. This will be done in the third section of this paper. For the convenience of the reader we recall some notation, terms, and definitions used in [ 11.
Outcomes of anal cancer treated with definitive IMRT-based chemoradiation

Despite excellent long-term outcomes, definitive chemoradiation (CRT) for squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) of the anal canal with traditional radiotherapy techniques results in significant morbidity. Accruing data supports intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)-based treatment, and we report our institutional experience using this approach. We reviewed patients with nonmetastatic anal canal SqCC treated with definitive IMRT-CRT. Clinically node-negative patients initially received 36 Gy to the elective pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes and 40 Gy to gross tumor volume (GTV) while node-positive patients received 45 and 50 Gy, respectively. All patients were considered for a GTV boost depending on the degree of clinical response and acute treatment-related toxicity. We identified 52 patients with T1–4N0–3M0 SqCC of the anal canal. Median follow-up was 21 months (range, 7.7–68.1 months). Two-year locoregional control, overall survival, disease-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and colostomy-free survival were 94.6, 100, 82.6, 90, and 94.7 %, respectively. Acute grade 3+ nonhematologic and hematologic toxicities were observed in 21.1 and 63.5 %, respectively. No acute grade 4 nonhematologic toxicity was observed. Our series demonstrates that definitive IMRT-based chemoradiation with standard fractionation for anal SqCC results in excellent outcomes with minimal toxicity.
Mouse models of gynecologic pathology.

Two new mouse models have been devised that shed light on the genesis of endometriosis and endometrioid ovarian cancer, suggest drugs for the treatment of endometrioid ovarian cancer, and provide a...
Mechanistic studies on the thiation of carbonyls by Lawesson's reagent: The role of a 3-coordinate phosphorus(V) species.

Abstract Structural, kinetic, and spectroscopic studies show that the mechanism for the thiation of organic carbonyls by Lawesson's reagent involves momomeric RPS 2 intermediates.
Response of Influenza Virus-Infected Mice to Selected Doses of Ribavirin Administered Intraperitoneally or by Aerosol

The effects of graded doses of ribavirin administered either by aerosol or intraperitoneally were compared in influenza virus-infected mice. The median effective dose values (based upon percent survival) were 3.3 and 15.8 mg/kg per day for the aerosol and intraperitoneal routes, respectively. Lung lesion scores and titer of virus were lower after aerosol than intraperitoneal therapy.
EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THE FOURTH SOUND VELOCITY IN HELIUM II

Fourth sound is a pressure and density wave in He II, in which only the superfluid is in motion. Using packed rouge to lock the normal fluid, the existence of this wave mode has been experimentally confirmed by measuring the temperature dependence of a plane-wave resonance in a closed-closed cylindrical acoustic resonator. The measured phase velocity has a temperature dependence which agrees within 1% with that predicted theoretically. Pulse measurements using 40-kc/sec sine-wave bursts further corroborate the existence of this type of wave. The absolute value of the fourth sound velocity is affected by the coherent multiple scattering of the wave from the superleak material. The results of Twersky's and Saxon's scattering theories are compared with the data. It is found that the equation $n={(2\ensuremath{-}P)}^{\frac{1}{2}}$, where $n$ is the index of refraction and $P$ is the porosity, fits the data within 3%. Values of the ratio of the superfluid to the He II density, derived from the fourth-sound data, agree within 2% with those obtained by other experimental techniques.
Trust, but Verify

Do you believe the software packages you buy and install are secure? Today that belief is largely a matter of faith. Could a third-party verification process, whether similar to Underwriters Laboratories or the US Food and Drug Administration, give us greater assurance of secure software?
Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56 lck Is Required for Ceramide-induced but Not Tumor Necrosis Factor-induced Activation of NF-κB, AP-1, JNK, and Apoptosis

Ceramide has been implicated as an intermediate in the signal transduction of several cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Both ceramide and TNF activate a wide variety of cellular responses, including NF-κB, AP-1, JNK, and apoptosis. Whether ceramide transduces these signals through the same mechanism as TNF is not known. In the present study we investigated the role of the T cell-specific tyrosine kinase p56 lck in ceramide- and TNF-mediated cellular responses by comparing the responses of Jurkat T cells with JCaM1 cells, isogeneic Lck-deficient T cells. Treatment with ceramide activated NF-κB, degraded IκBα, and induced NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression in a time-dependent manner in Jurkat cells but not in JCaM1 cells, suggesting the critical role of p56 lck kinase. These effects were specific to ceramide, as activation of NF-κB by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, lipopolysaccharide, H2O2, and TNF was minimally affected. p56 lck was also found to be required for ceramide-induced but not TNF-induced AP-1 activation. Similarly, ceramide activated the protein kinases JNK and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase in Jurkat cells but not in JCaM1 cells. Ceramide also induced cytotoxicity and activated caspases and reactive oxygen intermediates in Jurkat cells but not in JCaM1 cells. Ceramide activated p56 lck activity in Jurkat cells. Moreover, the reconstitution of JCaM1 cells with p56 lck tyrosine kinase reversed the ceramide-induced NF-κB activation and cytotoxicity. Overall our results demonstrate that p56 lck plays a critical role in the activation of NF-κB, AP-1, JNK, and apoptosis by ceramide but has minimal or no role in activation of these responses by TNF.
Herbage Productivity and Botanical Composition of Hill Pasture as a Function of Clipping and Site Features

Complex topography and varied soil of hill-land pastures create microsite conditions that support an array of floristic associations and herbage production patterns. This complicates management for forage and livestock production because the seasonal distribution and quantity of forage vary. Our objective was to determine herbage production and floristic composition of a hill pasture as a function of site characteristics and canopy management. An existing 3-ha hill pasture watershed was oversown with white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and orchard-grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and fertilized with reactive phosphate (PO 4 ) rock (PR). Replicated plots on each of four sites were clipped once (stockpiled), twice (hay harvest), or three times (long rotation) annually. Site had a significant impact on cumulative herbage production, whereas the influence of clipping was mixed. The least (1.9 Mg ha -1 ) amount of herbage production in a given season occurred on a northeast (NE)-facing site and the greatest (4.6 Mg ha -1 ) in a natural drainage area (ND) traversing the pasture. Herbage production increased by about 80% with overseeding and PR, but the relative ranking of production among sites stayed the same. Botanical composition was also strongly influenced by site, with velvetgrass (Holcus lanatus L.) predominating in ND and red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) occurring primarily on the NE site. The stockpiled treatments became dominated by grasses and weeds 4 yr after treatments were imposed, regardless of site, and were similar to the least productive site (NE-facing) in the pasture. Our results suggest that application of amendments to the more productive portions of a site are likely to have greater return.
Painless control of controlled substances

Objective: To explain the regulations regarding controlled substance use, and present the veterinary practitioner with simple systems for ensuring complete regulatory compliance. Data source: United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency. Conclusions: All practitioners using controlled substances should perform mental audits and ask the following questions of their practice: can I trace the ultimate disposition of every dosing unit of controlled substances used in my hospital from purchase to patient? Are all controlled substances stored in an adequately secure location such as a locking cabinet or safe? Have I performed an actual count inventory of all controlled substances in my practice within the last 2 years? Do I have a system that will alert me to any controlled substances that have been diverted or are unaccounted for? Are all of my controlled substance invoices and order forms in an easily retrievable yet secure storage area? Do I have documented policy and procedure indicating my practice standards for compliant use of controlled substances?
Statistical analysis and comparison of linear regression attacks on the advanced encryption standard

This research investigates profiled linear regression-based attacks for extracting the advanced encryption standard AES secret key. Several methods from recent advancements are compared for their capability to correctly build the multivariate distribution for profiling. Attack performance shows greater than 98% success rate with as few as 100 training and test traces. In 8 out of 9 test cases examined, linear regression attacks using the coefficient of determination R
Ion Chemistry of 1H-1,2,3-Triazole. 2. Photoelectron Spectrum of the Iminodiazomethyl Anion and Collision Induced Dissociation of the 1,2,3-Triazolide Ion

The 363.8 nm photoelectron spectrum of the iminodiazomethyl anion has been measured. The anion is synthesized through the reaction of the hydroxide ion (HO-) with 1 H-1,2,3-triazole in helium buffer gas in a flowing afterglow ion source. The observed spectrum exhibits well-resolved vibronic structure of the iminodiazomethyl radical. Electronic structure calculations have been performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory to study the molecular structure of the ion. Equilibrium geometries of four possible conformers of the iminodiazomethyl anion have been obtained from the calculations. Spectral simulations have been performed on the basis of the calculated geometries and normal modes of these conformationally isomeric ions and the corresponding radicals. The spectral analysis suggests that the ions of two conformations are primarily formed in the aforementioned reaction. The relative abundance of the two conformers substantially deviates from the thermal equilibrium populations, and it reflects the potential energy surfaces relevant to conformational isomerization processes. The electron affinities of the ( ZE)- and ( EE)-iminodiazomethyl radicals have been determined to be 2.484 +/- 0.007 and 2.460 +/- 0.007 eV, respectively. The energetics of the iminodiazomethyl anion is compared with that of the most stable structural isomer, the 1,2,3-triazolide ion. Collision-induced dissociation of the 1,2,3-triazolide ion has also been studied in flowing afterglow-selected ion flow tube experiments. Facile fragmentation generating a product ion of m/ z 40 has been observed. DFT calculations suggest that fragmentation of the 1,2,3-triazolide ion to the cyanomethyl anion and N2 is exothermic. The stability of the ion is discussed in comparison with other azolide ions with different numbers of N atoms in the five-membered ring.
Stuffed animals as an unusual cause of childhood 'constriction band' syndrome.

A seventeen-month old child was placed in her crib for her evening bedtime. Her favorite stued animal accompanied her to bed that evening. In the morning, the patient's mother discovered that the child's ring ®nger had slipped into the manufacturer's cloth loop label which was sewn into the stued animal's leg. This cloth loop provided information regarding the manufacturer of the animal as well as washing instructions. The inner diameter of the loop measured one centimeter. The mother noted that the child's ®nger was swollen and dusky. She removed the digit from the loop and watched the ®nger during the day. That afternoon, she went to a local medical facility. Examination at that time revealed a swollen ®nger with some super®cial blistering at the base of the digit. Pulse oximetry readings revealed an oxygen saturation of greater than 95% for the involved ®nger. The patient was admitted to the hospital for observation, did well and was discharged home the following morning. Over the next few weeks, super®cial sloughing of the skin at the base of the digit occurred. The color of the digit as well as the amount of swelling continued to improve.
Adaptation of large vocabulary recognition system parameters

The authors report on a series of experiments in which the hidden Markov model baseforms and the language model probabilities were updated from spontaneously dictated speech captured during recognition sessions with the IBM Tangora system. The basic technique for baseform modification consisted of constructing new fenonic baseforms for all recognized words. To modify the language model probabilities, a simplified version of a cache language model was implemented. The word error rate across six talkers was 3.7%. Baseform adaptation reduced the average error rate to 3.5%, and using the cache language model reduced the error rate to 3.2%. Combining both techniques further reduced the error rate to 3.1%-a respectable improvement over the original error rate, especially given that the system was speaker-trained prior to adaptation. >
Effect of morphine on rats bearing Walker carcinosarcoma 256.

IT has been shown that morphine will inhibit release of ACTH following exposure to stressors1,2. On the other hand, animals bearing tumours exhibit evidence of increased adrenal cortical secretion3,4. In view of the wide use of morphine and its derivatives in control of pain in persons with cancer, it was of interest to determine the effect of morphine administration on tumour-bearing animals. Because of the subsequent finding that carcass nitrogen in tumour-bearing rats was further decreased when morphine was administered, the effect of growth hormone, which has been found to reverse the anti-anabolic action of cortisone5, was investigated.
Perceptions of Body Figure Attractiveness Among African American Male College Students

Historically, females who had large body figures and considered overweight were seen as the epitome of beauty within the African American culture. More specifically, African American females with large body figures were perceived by African American males as smart, sexy, employable, desirable, wanted, marriatable, and rulers of their households. However, as African American males acculturate into the dominate culture via their college attendance, their perceptions of body figure attractiveness may begin to change towards perceptions that are similar to those of the dominate culture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine African American male college students’ perceptions of body figure attractiveness. Participants in this study consisted of 227 African American male college students between 18 and 31 years of age from two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and two Traditionally White Institutions (TWIs) across the Southeast and Northeast regions of the United States. Findings from this study revealed that African American male college students’ perceptions of body figure attractiveness are changing towards those similar of the dominant culture. Thus, implications are discussed relative to the potential influence in which African American males’ perceived body figure attractiveness may have on African American females.
Structure-function relation in hemoglobin Köln (β98 val → met)

Abstract Hemoglobin Koln, an unstable hemoglobin resulting from the substitution of normal valine by methionine at FG 5 (β98) is the most commonly encountered unstable hemoglobin. In Hb Koln from a hitherto undetected family, we confirmed earlier observations of heme depletion and high oxygen affinity, with the absence of co-operative interactions. In an effort to elucidate the basis of the altered oxygen equilibria, sedimentation velocity and the kinetics of the reactions of the abnormal hemoglobin with ligands were studied. The results of ultracentrifuge studies indicated that at pH 7 hemoglobin Koln, in the liganded as well as in the deoxy form, existed largely as dimers. The ratio of optical densities at 540 nm and 280 nm indicate that the abnormal β chains were heme depleted. Hb Koln reacted with approximately 20 times faster than did hemoglobin A (Hb A). However, the corresponding rate constants for O2 dissociation are similar for Hb Koln and Hb A. For Hb Koln the two rate constants, l′ and k show little pH or concentration dependence. Thus, the high oxygen affinity of Hb Koln (P1/2 = 0.2 mm Hg at 10 °C, pH 6.8) arises in part from a larger combination rate constant for the reaction with oxygen. Addition of a 20-fold excess of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid did not affect the kinetics of CO-combination. However, in the presence of a sixfold excess of heme, the fast monophasic CO-combination reaction was replaced by a biphasic one. The rate constant of the slow phase was approximately the same as the corresponding rate constant for Hb A. The fast and slow phases were presumably due to the reaction of CO with Hb Koln dimers (αhβo heme-saturated tetramers, respectively. The results of the preeent study are explained in terms of weakened α−β and heme-globin contacts in the mutant.
A visualization tool for situational awareness of tactical and strategic security events on large and complex computer networks

Situational awareness of the state of military computer networks is important for both tactical battlefield operations and strategic command-and-control networks. While there have been successful efforts to visualize the state of individual network infrastructure components (routers, links) using SNMP and other network management tools, these systems do not focus on security. Although there have been multiple research proposals, to our knowledge there have only been two realized systems which attempt to visualize security events. Assessing the overall security of a large and complex network is an open problem due to the multidimensional data space. We present a tool, NVisionIP, that makes a direct contribution to solving this open problem. NVisionIP is unique from existing systems in that it simultaneously visualizes multidimensional characteristics of individual computers as well as their relationship to network-wide security events in an entire Class B IP address space.
Impact of the wait for an initial appointment on the rate of kept appointments at a mental health center

Failure to keep initial appointments at a community mental health center results in a burden on the staff and the center's financial resources. The authors studied referrals to an outpatient program and found that delay in scheduling appointments had a significant impact on rate of kept appointments. The impact was significant during the first week of delay and appeared to stabilize after day seven. Age influenced the rate but differed in influence between the adult and child programs. Changes aimed at reducing wait time for initial appointments may favorably affect rate of kept appointments and ultimately preserve staff and financial resources.
Expert‐system comparison of structural determinants of chemical toxicity to environmental bacteria

The CASE (computer automated structure evaluation) structure-activity relational expert system was used to analyze the toxicity of a database of chemical sets to environmental bacteria (aerobic heterotrophs, nitrosomonas, methanogens, and photobacteria [Microtox [reg sign]test]). The analyses revealed that the data sets related to each of the antimicrobial activities, albeit containing a relatively small number of chemicals, are characterized by structural determinants significantly associated with the probability of antimicrobial activity, as well as with antibacterial potency. Although there were a number of similarities among the structural determinants associated with each of these antimicrobial activities, there were also features unique to each assay that presumably reflect species-specific targets of bactericidal activity. Overall the assay for antimethanogenic activity appears to be the most informative as well as the one most predictive of the activity in the other three assays.
Resistance to rotavirus infection in adult volunteers challenged with a virulent G1P1A[8] virus correlated with serum immunoglobulin G antibodies to homotypic viral proteins 7 and 4.

Background. In a study performed in 1983, 18 adult volunteers received oral challenge with the virulent human rotavirus strain D (G1P1A[8],NSP4[B]). To identify correlates of resistance to rotavirus infection, we analyzed levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG antibodies to various rotaviral antigens in 16 of the 18 volunteers. Methods. We used immunocytochemical assays that involved a total of 16 different recombinant baculoviruses, with each baculovirus expressing one of the following major serotype/genotype rotavirus proteins for the serologic assays: (1) viral protein (VP) 4 with P1A[8], P1B[4], P2A[6], P3[9], or P4[10] specificity; (2) VP7 with G1-G4 or G9 specificity; and (3) nonstructural viral protein (NSP) 4 with genotype A, B, C, or D specificity. Results. The prechallenge titers of IgG antibody to VP7 types G1, G3, G4, and G9; VP4 types P1A[8], P1B[4], P2A[6], and P4[10]; and NSP4 type [A] in the group of noninfected volunteers (n = 11) were significantly higher than those in the group of infected volunteers (n = 5; of these 5 volunteers, 4 were symptomatically infected). Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that resistance to rotavirus infection most closely correlated with higher prechallenge titers of IgG antibody to homotypic VP7 (G1) and VP4 (P1A[8]). Conclusions. These results suggest that protection against rotavirus infection and disease is primarily VP7/ VP4 homotypic and, to a lesser degree, heterotypic.
Airborne laser swath mapping of the Denton Hills, Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica: Applications for structural and glacial geomorphic mapping

Abstract High-resolution digital elevation data acquired by airborne laser scanning (ALS) for the Denton Hills, along the coastal foothills of the Royal Society Range, Transantarctic Mountains, are examined for applications to bedrock and glacial geomorphic mapping. Digital elevation models (DEMs), displayed as shaded-relief images and slope maps, portray geomorphic landscape features in unprecedented detail across the region. Structures of both ductile and brittle origin, ranging in age from the Paleozoic to the Quaternary, can be mapped from the DEMs. Glacial features, providing a record of the limits of grounded ice, of lake paleoshorelines, and of proglacial lake-ice conveyor deposits, are also prominent on the DEMs. The ALS-derived topographic data have great potential for a range of mapping applications in regions of ice-free terrain in Antarctica. Citation: Wilson, T.J., and B. Csatho (2007), Airborne laser swath mapping of the Denton Hills, Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica: Applications for structural and glacial geomorphic mapping:
Population-based Cohort Studies

In population-based cohort studies, a sample, or even the entirety, of a defined population is selected for longitudinal assessment of exposure-outcome relations. Because of their typically high cost and logistic complexities, population-based cohort studies generally evaluate multiple hypotheses, some defined a priori as well as some suggested in the course of the study either based on interim analyses or on advances in the field, particularly when data are repeatedly collected on cohort members. Perhaps the most often cited justification for conducting a population-based study is its external validity—that is, the applicability of its results to a defined population. The study of a cohort which is representative of a defined population offers three additional advantages. 1) It allows the estimation of distributions and prevalence rates of relevant variables in the reference population (information on risk factors is used for the calculation of population attributable risks) (1). 2) Risk factor distributions measured at baseline in a study involving periodic examinations of the cohort can be compared with distributions in future crosssectional samples so as to assess risk factor trends over time (2). 3) A representative sample is the ideal setting in which to carry out unbiased evaluations of relations, not only of confounders to exposures and outcomes, but also among any other variables of interest, even those which were not specified in the original study hypotheses. This review will briefly summarize some key features of population-based cohort studies, and then the main rationale for conducting these studies, that is external validity, will be discussed.
PERCEPTION OF SPACE AND THE FUNCTION OF CERTAIN ENGLISH PREPOSITIONS

One of the most difficult problems a student of English as a second language faces is the understanding of the functions and the usages of English prepositions. This is because English speakers, including teachers, are unable to offer any logical explanation, or clear conceptual framework for their occurrence or usage. While it is known that locative prepositions represent spatial or temporal relationships of objects in space, no fruitful study seems to have been made regarding these relationships, The most logical approach to the study of locative prepositions is to study how man perceives space and its properties. For the study of the relationships between the prepositions ‘at’, to, ‘on’ and ‘in’, the geometer's concepts of ‘point’, ‘line’, ‘surface’ and ‘solids’ are analyzed and applied. Further, a philosophical and mathematical logic, and a study of the nature of human perception, are presented in order to derive the psychological meanings which underlie these prepositions. The author concludes, after examination and analysis of various of their occurrences, that these prepositions are logically connected and their functions and meanings are comprehensible from the psycho-physiological experiences of man in space.
An Empirical Taxonomy of Implementation Processes Based on Sequences of Events in Information System Development

A widely accepted and usable taxonomy is a fundamental element in the development of a scientific body of knowledge. However, the creation of good empirical taxonomies of implementation processes is complicated by the need to consider the dynamics of the implementation process. This paper addresses this difficulty by using an optimal matching procedure to measure the pairwise distances among event sequences occurring in 53 computer-based information system IS implementation projects. Cluster analysis based on these inter-sequence distances is used to generate the empirical taxonomy of implementation processes. The resulting taxonomy includes six distinct archetypical processes. One of the process types is labeled textbook life cycle type 4 due to its close resemblance to the detailed, rational approach commonly prescribed in IS textbooks. The logical minimalist process type 1 follows some of the basic steps of the textbook approach, but is characterized by little project definition and infrequent assignment of personnel. Whereas both textbook life cycle and logical minimalist approaches use external vendors and consultants to some extent, external dependence is much greater in traditional off-the-shelf type 2 and outsourced cooperative type 5 processes. The traditional off-the-shelf process simply involves purchasing the system from an external vendor, with little system construction or assignment of personnel. In contrast, the outsourced cooperative process consists of joint system development by internally assigned personnel and external vendors. The remaining two process types-problem-driven minimalist type 3 and in-house trial and error type 6-are both considerably influenced by performance problems. The problem-driven minimalist process is initiated by such problems, with little project definition, and results in a reassignment of organizational roles. The in-house trial-and-error process begins like textbook life cycle, with a clear project definition, but involves frequent system modifications to respond to the performance problems encountered during the project. The paper demonstrates how an empirical taxonomy that incorporates the dynamics of event sequences may be developed. The archetypes comprising the taxonomy are related to other implementation process models available in the literature. Some limitations of the study are acknowledged and its implications for future research and practice are discussed.
GPApriori: GPU-Accelerated Frequent Itemset Mining

In this paper we describe GPA priori, a GPU-accelerated implementation of Frequent Item set Mining (FIM). We tested our implementation with an Nvidia Tesla T10 graphic processor and demonstrate up to 100X speedup as compared with several state-of-the-art FIM algorithms on a CPU. In order to map the Apriori algorithm onto the SIMD execution model, we have designed a "static bitset" memory structure to represent the input database. This data structure improves upon the traditional approach of the vertical data layout in state-of-the art Apriori implementations. In our implementation, we perform a parallelized version of the support counting step on the GPU. Experimental results show that GPA priori consistently outperforms CPU-based Apriori implementations. Our results demonstrate the potential for GPGPUs in speeding up data mining algorithms.
Staphylococcus-mediated T-cell activation and spontaneous natural killer cell activity in the absence of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules

We used major histocompatibility complex class II antigen-deficient transgenic mice to show that in vitro natural killer cell cytotoxicity and T-cell activation by staphylococcal exotoxins (superantigens) are not dependent upon the presence of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. T cells can be activated by exotoxins in the presence of exogenously added interleukin 1 or 2 or in the presence of specific antibody without exogenously added cytokines.
Abstract P091: Atrial Fibrillation Prevalence and Clinical Correlates Among Diverse Hispanic/Latinos: The Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos (HCHS-SOL)

Introduction: Hispanics are the largest minority ethnic group in the US. There is limited data on the epidemiology of AF on Hispanic/Latino populations. Previous studies examined Hispanics/Latinos as an aggregate group or only Mexicans. Methods and Results: Total of 16,415 adult men and women HCHS-SOL participants were included in the analyses (60% women, 59% age > 45 years) representative of major US Hispanic background groups: Cuban (CU), Dominican (DR), Mexican (MX), Puerto Rican (PR), Central American (CA), and South American (SA). AF was defined by 12-lead ECG and/or self-report of a physician diagnosis. Ethnic-specific AF prevalence rates were determined. Weighted sequential logistic regression models were adjusted for demographic factors (age, sex, education) and clinical variables (diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, tobacco use, and eGFR). Overall AF prevalence was 0.97% (n=162) with highest prevalence among DRs and PRs (1.8% and 2.5% respectively) and the lowest among MXs (0.30%). Diabetes,...
Distance learning via lotus notes learning space™ in a nontraditional pharmD program: A preliminary report

Preliminary experiences using Lotus Development Corporation’s Learning Space™ computer database management program to provide distance learning courses in a postbaccalaureate Doctor of Pharmacy program are described. A dozen students who participated in at least one of five courses offered via Learning Space™ responded to an electronic survey regarding their experiences and attitudes towards this approach to course delivery. Despite many initial problems, students liked the time flexibility offered by the program, and perceived that their computer skills improved by using the program. F ac ult y r eported spending approximately twice as many contact hours in the electronic courses than in t he c or r esponding live classroom courses; however, faculty also reported that Learning Space™ offered specific advantages over teaching in a live classroom. The System Operator proved invaluable to the s uc c es s of t he electronic courses, and it is imperative to have this type of technical support available for such an undertaking.
An observer for a deployable antenna

An observer is derived for use on an Orbiter-Deployable Antenna configuration. The unique feature of this observer design for this flight experiment is that all the plant inputs are not required to be directly accessible for the observer to ferret out the system states. The observer uses state and rate of the state information to reconstruct the plant states. Results are presented which show how effectively this observer design works for this large space structure flight experiment.
Conservation du volume et non conservation de l’encombrement

Nous proposons deux hypotheses susceptibles de renouveler les interpretations de la decouverte tardive de l’invariance du volume. Ces hypotheses ont trait aux representations que les enfants possederaient: Sans toujours les expliciter Piaget a semble-t-il opere dans l’etude de cette genese certains choix methodologiques et theoriques que nous tentons d’analyser en leur opposant d’autres considerations.