cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gossypol binds to a high-affinity binding site on human serum albumin

The triterpene gossypol competes with bilirubin for a high-affinity binding site on human serum albumin. Similar competition between bilirubin and gossypol occurs in the binding of these ligands to the glutathione S-transferases from human liver and placenta. In each case, gossypol and bilirubin exhibit similar binding constants. The binding properties of gossypol may generally mimic those of bilirubin.
Developing Nuclear Landscape in the Asian Heartland: Role of Nuclear-Weapon States

The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 11, 2004, Page 22-45 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i11.105
Multivariate analyses reveal common and drug-specific genetic influences on responses to four drugs of abuse

Vulnerability to abused drugs is influenced by multiple genes unique to each drug and to risk genes for polydrug abuse. If several inbred mouse strains respond to different drugs similarly, this implies the action of a common group of genes. Simultaneous analysis of multiple responses to multiple drugs has been attempted infrequently. We performed multivariate analyses of published strain responses to four drugs. Genetic similarity in responses did not simply track pharmacological class. Withdrawal severity and preference for ethanol and diazepam were affected by many genes in common, although inversely. We focused on behavioral responses, but there is a growing archival database of physiological, pharmacological and biochemical strain traits. The genomics community is increasingly focusing on single-nucleotide polymorphism and haplotype-based gene mapping approaches, for which inbred strain data are also useful. Thus, similar analyses should be applicable to other laboratories, traits and genotypes.
SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES: A POTENTIAL MODEL FOR THE STUDY OF MASTICATION SOUNDS

Acoustical characteristics of mastication sounds may provide information regarding the texture of food: however, methods are needed to study these sounds. Spectrographic analysis, a speech analysis technique, is a potential method for the study of mastication sounds. To illustrate this technique, spectrograms and waveforms are presented for sounds of foods that are reference standards for the hardness and fracturability scales of the Texture Profile Method. Spectrograms also are presented for the sounds of 3 vowels. Acoustical characteristics of these 2 types of sounds are described and compared from the spectrograms and waveforms.
An integrated system for shape optimal design

Abstract An integrated shape optimal design system is developed consisting of a geometric modeler, mesh generator, finite element analyzer, design sensitivity calculator and an NLP optimizer, that operate on a common database. The SADDLE design system offers a general scheme for the selection of design variables that is independent of the problem being solved and depends only on the generality of the geometric modeler. Numerical examples are presented illustrating the capabilities of the system.
UNKNOTTING TUNNELS, BRACELETS AND THE ELDER SIBLING PROPERTY FOR HYPERBOLIC 3-MANIFOLDS

An unknotting tunnel in a 3-manifold with boundary is a properly embedded arc, the complement of an open neighborhood of which is a handlebody. A geodesic with endpoints on the cusp boundary of a hyperbolic 3-manifold and perpendicular to the cusp boundary is called a vertical geodesic. Given a vertical geodesic is then shown to be an unknotting tunnel.
Low shear viscosity of dilute polymer solutions

A modification of a viscometer originally proposed by Zimm and Crothers in 1962 is presented, which may be used to measure ultra low shear viscosity for highly dilute polymer solutions. This may provide useful information on polymer coil dimensions and relaxation time. Use of the low shear viscosity data leads to very large values of relaxation time induced by polymer addition to a concentration of only 2 to 3 wppm. This finding is consistent with the marked viscoelastic effects exhibited by these solutions.
Beyond ‘power and solidarity’: Indexing intimacy in Korean and Japanese terms of address

This study examines the nominal address terms in Korean and Japanese and argues that the notion of ‘Intimacy’ plays a crucial role in choosing an appropriate nominal address term in both languages. In the past several decades, a long list of researchers working in diverse languages have evaluated the validity of the Power and Solidarity semantics proposed by Brown and Gilman (1960), which provided a ground-breaking framework to account for the selection of pronominal address terms in the T-V languages. Building on the Power and Solidarity semantics, we propose to fine-tune it by adding Intimacy as the third dimension crisscrossing the first two well-established dimensions. We take Power and Solidarity as socially prescribed notions while Intimacy is personally defined. We demonstrate how this highly subjective notion dictates and often manipulates the ways the Korean/Japanese speaker selects an appropriate nominal address term. In particular, we argue that the Korean selection of pseudo-kinship terms over the neutral title ssi, or the Japanese use of chan/kun by adult speakers in lieu of the default ‘Last Name+san’, cannot be accounted for without applying Intimacy as a crucial indexing device. Furthermore, we suggest that Intimacy is not an ad hoc dimension specific to Korean and Japanese, but that it is relevant to all languages whether or not a given language has an overt way of encoding it.
A Model For The Introduction Of Noise Into Computer Simulations Of FEL Pulse Propagation

A model for the introduction of noise into computer simulations of FEL pulse propagationJohn M. J. Madey, Stephen V. Benson, Todd I. Smith and Renato RedaelliHigh Energy Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305AbstractWe have developed a model for computer simulation of shot noise and quantum field fluctu-ations in order to study the effect of noise on the startup and saturated operation of afree electron laser. The model is described and some results relevant to the Stanford3 pm laser are presented.IntroductionIt has long been known that noise has a fundamental role to play in the startup of freeelectron lasers. This problem has gained more attention recently with the planned operationof several FEL's using pulsed electron sources whose macropulse duration is only a few micro-seconds. These devices must turn on in as short a time as possible, so it is important thatthe startup be well understood. The evidence for anomalously long turn -on times in theStanford 3 pm FEL1 is an indication of possible problems in startup. The problem of theeffects of noise on laser devices in which pulse effects are important is a worthy problemin itself. Some work in this regard has already been done.
A test of risk arbitrage profitability

Abstract We explore the performance of risk arbitrage involving three types of merger offers: cash tender, stock swap, and collar offers for the period between 1990 and 2000. Our result reveals that risk arbitrage for a successful stock offer generates higher returns than a successful cash offer. This finding implies that the profitability of risk arbitrage depends on the level of asymmetric information associated with the payment method. We also find that the beta of typical risk arbitrage positions/portfolios is heavily influenced by the payment method and market conditions.
New Bedford Resurgent A New England Town–Gown Story

This essay analyzes the influence higher education has had on the “creative economy” of New Bedford, Massachusetts, once one of the leading textile centers in the United States. In my analysis, I assess how New Bedford’s cultural and historical legacy informed artistic education in the city. In addition, I explore the impact that a single institution of higher education (the Swain School of Design) has had on New Bedford’s current cultural and economic revitalization.
Critical evaluation of emissions of potential new gases for OH estimation

[1] Reactions with OH in the troposphere provide the dominant removal path for a wide variety of greenhouse and ozone-depleting gases. Accurate determination of global and regional tropospheric OH concentrations is therefore very important and can be achieved by measuring gases that react with OH and whose emissions are well known. CH3CCl3 has been used for this purpose. Prior studies have shown that three of the new chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) substitutes, HFC-134a (CH2FCF3), HCFC-141b (CH3CCl2F), and HCFC-142b (CH3CClF2), could be used potentially to derive accurate global-average OH concentrations in the future provided that the industrial emissions of these gases can be reliably estimated. As a test of their currently available emission estimates, we optimally determine the monthly emissions for these three gases using global measurements from the NOAA-CMDL and Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) networks. Our study uses two distinct OH scenarios (constant OH, quadratically varying OH) derived from CH3CCl3 observations. We conclude that current published industrial estimates [Alternative Fluorocarbon Environmental Assessment Study (AFEAS), 2002] of HCFC-142b and HCFC-141b need to be increased by 18 ± 15% over the 1992–2000 period and 10−13+15% over the 1993–2000 period, respectively, while the emissions of HFC-134a (from 1993 to 2000) are only 4 ± 10% more than those yielding the best agreement with atmospheric observations. Estimates of global-average OH concentrations using measurements and AFEAS [2002] emissions differ statistically from the average OH derived from CH3CCl3 for HCFC-141b and HCFC-142b but not for HFC-134a. On the other hand, OH trends deduced from all three HCFC/HFC gases are implausibly large implying problems with the AFEAS [2002] estimates of the temporal variations in their emissions. As the viability of CH3CCl3 for estimating OH declines in the future, additional evaluations of the emissions and OH kinetics of HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, and HFC-134a therefore have high priority.
Urbanism and Racial Attitudes: A Test of Some Urban Theories.

National survey data are used to test the relationship between urbanism and racial attitudes among whites, and a liberalizing effect of urbanism is found. The relationship is independent of differences in population composition occurring across the rural-urban continuum, and it operates largely in the same way in both the North and the South. Of the urban theories considered, the relationship is best explained by that portion of subcultural theory dealing with diffusion. Specifically, it appears that urbanism liberalizes racial attitudes by increasing equal-status, cooperative, and relatively personal contact between members of racial subcultures.
Particle morphology for polyolefins synthesized with supported metallocene catalysts

A detailed model describing particle growth and morphology in polyolefins synthesized using supported metallocene catalysts is presented. The multigrain model (MGM) is extended to consider metal extraction and the effects of polymer particle compressibility, in addition to monomer sorption and mass and heat transfer considerations. The effects of active metal extraction into the polymer phase and the pores of the particle on the kinetics of polymerization and morphological features of the polymer particle are studied. The effects of greater compressibility of polymer particles on morphological features such as particle porosity are studied. Model predictions for porosity and morphology are shown to reproduce similar trends as have been reported in experimental studies.
Membrane orientation and active transport of proline.

Abstract Active transport of proline with ascorbate-TPD as the electron donor has been demonstrated in both the protoplast ghosts and the electron transport particles (ETP) from Mycobacterium phlei . The steady state level of proline uptake in the ETP, generated with ascorbate-TPD, was found to decrease on the further addition of succinate. The succinate induced efflux of proline from the ETP was inhibited by malonate. In contrast, with ghost preparations, in which the membrane orientation is right side out, no efflux of proline was observed on addition of succinate. Evidence was obtained that indicates that succinic dehydrogenase is located on the outer surface of the membrane in the ETP and on the inner surface of the ghost membrane. It would appear that the direction of active transport is influenced by the location of specific respiratory components.
Psychological essentialism and cultural variation: children's beliefs about aggression in the United States and South Africa

The present study compared indigenous South African versus African-American schoolchildren's beliefs about aggression. Eighty 7–9 year olds (40 from each country) participated in interviews in which they were asked to make inferences about the stability, malleability, and causal origins of aggressive behaviour. Although a minority of participants from both countries endorsed essentialist beliefs about aggression, South African children were more likely than American children to do so. Results also revealed some degree of coherence in children's patterns of beliefs about aggression, such that children responded across superficially different measures in ways that appear theoretically consistent. The authors consider these findings in light of debates concerning the role of cultural forces in shaping person perception. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short-term fluoride release/uptake of glass ionomer restoratives

Abstract Objectives. The short-term fluoride release/uptake of four glass ionomer restoratives was measured and compared to the fluoride release after exposure to three commercial fluoride gels. Methods. Materials tested were: 1) Ketac-Fil (ESPE GmbH); 2) Ketac-Silver (ESPE GmbH); 3) Photac-Fil (ESPE GmbH); and 4) Fuji II LC (GC Corp.). Twenty discs of each material were fabricated and stored in deionized water at 37°C. Initial fluoride release was measured at 24 h intervals for 7 d, and 24 h intervals at the end of each week for 5 wk. After 6 wk, samples were divided into groups and each group was treated for 6 min with one of the following commercial fluoride gels: acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), neutral sodium fluoride (NaF), and stannous fluoride (SnF2). Control specimens were placed in deionized water. After exposure, fluoride measurements were carried out at 24 h intervals for 7 d, and 24 h intervals at the end of 2 wk. Fluoride exposure was repeated, and measurements were again recorded over 3 wk. Results. Initial fluoride release by all materials was highest during the first 24 h and decreased sharply over the first week. After exposure to APF, fluoride release increased significantly for all materials. Exposure to NaF also resulted in increased fluoride release for all materials although it was not as high as the increase recorded after exposure to APF. Exposure to SnF2 did not result in significant fluoride release by any material. Significance. The results of this study suggest that certain fluoride gels may replenish fluoride within some glass ionomers and thus prolong their cariostatic potential.
Dilatometric errors and an application to volume changes for the solid state of methyl stearate

The dilatometric curves representing heating and cooling cycles for methyl stearate between-38°C. and +35°C. are the same shape as found in the previous study. Cooling cycles which are started from points on the heating curve yield curves which are different from each other and from curves representing the complete heating and cooling cycles. Curves for heating cycles which are started from points on the curve representing the complete cooling cycle will also be different from the curves representing either the heating or cooling cycles in the same temperature region. The specific volumes at any temperature in the solid region depend on the previous history of the sample even though the sample is not melted between determinations. A continual reduction in specific volume was found for successive runs after equilibration at+35°C. This reduction had no apparent effect on the coefficient of expansion of the solid state but did increase the melting dilation. Using the present Vycor dilatometers, the standard error of measurements in the solid state are around ±0.00005 ml. per gram in terms of specific volume. The use of a platinum resistance thermometer and Mueller bridge did not significantly improve the precision of the measurements.
Fate map and morphogenesis of presumptive neural crest and dorsal neural tube

In contrast to the classical assumption that neural crest cells are induced in chick as the neural folds elevate, recent data suggest that they are already specified during gastrulation. This prompted us to map the origin of the neural crest and dorsal neural tube in the early avian embryo. Using a combination of focal dye injections and time-lapse imaging, we find that neural crest and dorsal neural tube precursors are present in a broad, crescent-shaped region of the gastrula. Surprisingly, static fate maps together with dynamic confocal imaging reveal that the neural plate border is considerably broader and extends more caudally than expected. Interestingly, we find that the position of the presumptive neural crest broadly correlates with the BMP4 expression domain from gastrula to neurula stages. Some degree of rostrocaudal patterning, albeit incomplete, is already evident in the gastrula. Time-lapse imaging studies show that the neural crest and dorsal neural tube precursors undergo choreographed movements that follow a spatiotemporal progression and include convergence and extension, reorientation, cell intermixing, and motility deep within the embryo. Through these rearrangement and reorganization movements, the neural crest and dorsal neural tube precursors become regionally segregated, coming to occupy predictable rostrocaudal positions along the embryonic axis. This regionalization occurs progressively and appears to be complete in the neurula by stage 7 at levels rostral to Hensen's node.
The alienation of the sufferer.

Suffering is a particularly human experience that often brings with it loneliness or alienation from others.The theory described in this article explains the mechanisms through which suffering affects an individual's sense of community and connectedness with others. The intricate patterns are explained to provide a basis for prescriptive nursing to prevent or reverse this loss of connectedness. First, the article develops the concept of suffering and its influences on relationship with the self and with others and the relationship of others with the sufferer. Then, the concept of alienation is developed in this context, its philosophical roots explored, and a continuum described that encompasses alienation through connectedness. Related concepts of separation, shame, and stigma are briefly described as partial cases of alienation of the sufferer that also show the pervasiveness of the phenomenon. Next, the personal characteristics of an individual who might help are developed through the concept of wisdom. Last, an explanation is given as to why care is the contextual framework through which alienation is reversed and connectedness achieved. Although suffering, alienation, and care have gone by many names, the essences of these phenomena have been recurrent themes in descriptions of human response.
Protein synthesis requirement for maturation promoting factor (MPF) initiation of meiotic maturation in Rana oocytes.

Abstract Mechanisms controlling disintegration or breakdown of the germinal vesicle (GVBD) in Rana oocytes were investigated. A secondary cytoplasmic maturation promoting factor (MPF), produced in response to steroid stimulation, was shown to induce maturation when injected into immature recipient oocytes. Exposure of immature Rana oocytes to cycloheximide following injection of MPF or steroid treatment completely inhibited such maturation. Results indicate that injected MPF required protein synthesis for germinal vesicle breakdown and thus acted at some translational level. These results contrast with data obtained in Xenopus oocytes where injected MPF induced maturation in the presence of cycloheximide. Cytoplasmic MPF was also produced in Rana oocytes following treatment with lanthanum salts. This activity was similarly inhibited by cycloheximide. Time course studies conducted to compare the onset of cycloheximide insensitivity in steroid-treated and MPF-injected oocytes demonstrated that MPF-injected oocytes become insensitive to cycloheximide prior to steroid-treated germ cells. These results suggest that MPF acts as an intermediary in progesterone-induced maturation. Insensitivity to cycloheximide occurred several hours prior to the onset of germinal vesicle breakdown in both MPF-injected and steroid-treated oocytes. The data indicate that injected MPF in Rana does not induce nuclear disintegration directly, but rather requires amplification and/or autocatalytic synthesis of additional MPF or other factors for maturation to be induced. Molecular mechanisms involved in nuclear disintegration are discussed in relation to these species differences.
The symbolic construction of social realities: A case study in the rhetorical criticism of paradox

This essay explores the possibility that a rhetorical figure can create, maintain, and mediate a perspective of reality or worldview. By way of an extended example, the rhetorical figure of paradox is cast as an organizing construct, creating a kind of “order”; or logic among experiences and phenomena typically felt to be at odds with one another. The ways in which a “paradoxical worldview”; can come into existence syntactically, semantically, and pragmatically are specified. In addition, the range of reactions to a paradoxical worldview, for both users and non‐users are described. The essay concludes by identifying prototypes, parameters, and evaluation principles for the analysis of paradoxical worldviews. Thus, this analysis ultimately posits that any rhetorical figure can theoretically generate and control a worldview.
Leaders make mistakes: A multilevel consideration of why

Abstract Errors make up a substantial portion of the fabric of leadership, yet we know very little about how and why they occur. Using Fleishman et al.'s (1991) behavioral taxonomy as a foundation, we offer a multilevel theoretical framework for understanding the causes of leader error — discussing leader, group and organization level influences. The results of the effort reveal several key themes, including the negative impact of timeframe, complex influence of expertise, causes of rigidity in problem solving, and the key role of the subordinate in minimizing the negative impacts of error. A closer consideration of these themes reveals several practical and theoretical implications for reducing the frequency and severity of leader errors. We conclude with a discussion of directions for future research.
The identification of an internal ribosomal entry site in the 5′-untranslated region of p53 mRNA provides a novel mechanism for the regulation of its translation following DNA damage

The tumor suppressor p53 plays a crucial role in maintaining the genetic integrity of the cell and in suppressing cell transformation. Its cellular levels are usually low and rise substantially in response to DNA damage. Although research on p53 induction following DNA damage has mainly focused on the post-translational modification of p53 by Mdm2, it is known that protein translation also contributes to p53 induction. However, the mechanisms underlying translational regulation of the p53 protein in response to DNA damage are still poorly understood. We show that p53 synthesis increases dramatically in MCF-7 cells treated with etoposide. Interestingly, this increase is accompanied by an increase in the association of the translation initiation factor eIF-4E with its binding protein 4E-BP1, an inhibitor of cap-dependent protein translation. We further identified an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) located in the 5'-untranslated region of the p53 transcript, that is capable of driving the cap-independent translation of a downstream cistron encoding Firefly luciferase in a dicistronic expression vector. Moreover, we found that the activity of the IRES element increases in response to etoposide-induced DNA damage in MCF-7 cells. These findings provide a novel mechanism for the regulation of p53 translation in response to DNA damage.
A new species of picramnia (Picramniaceae) from the Atlantic coastal forest of southern Bahia, Brazil

A new species ofPicramnia (Picramniaceae) is described, illustrated, and compared to related Amazonian species. The new species,Picramnia coccinea, is known only from three localities in three adjacent municipalities near Ilheus, Bahia, and constitutes another example of endemism in the southern Bahian flora.
Attitudes shown by nursing college students, staff, and faculty towards substance abuse

Very little research has addressed nurses' attitudes towards substance abuse. Nurses are socially acclimatized with the same values, biases, and denial of the impact of substance abuse as is the ge...
Quantitation of IgE antibody specific for ragweed and grass allergens: Binding of radiolabeled allergens by solid-phase bound IgE

IgE antibody specific for multiple allergens extracted from grass and ragweed pollens was measured by radioimmunoassay. The assay depends on the interaction between IgE antibody bound to a polystyrene solid phase, , 125I-labeled grass allergens (GA), and ragweed allergens (RW). The binding of 125I RW by serum IgE antibody from 37 allergic patients ranged from 0.2 ng to 75 ng RW protein (P) bound per ml. This binding of 125I RW by patient's IgE was paralleled by their IgE binding of 125I antigen E (AgE), a purified allergen from ragweed pollen (r = 0.90, p less than 0.001). Inhibition of patient's IgE binding of 125I RW by highly purified AgE ranged from 25% to 85% indicating individual differences in patient's IgE response to inhaled ragweed pollen. The binding of 125I GA by serum IgE antibody from 7 grass-sensitive patients ranged from 0.6 ng GA P bound per ml to 15 ng. This assay should be useful in the study of IgE responses to environmental agents containing multiple allergens and has the advantage that other antibody classes cannot interfere with the interaction between IgE antibody and labeled allergens.
IMPACT OF DRUG-ELUTING STENT PLACEMENT COMPARED WITH BARE METAL STENT IN FEMOROPOPLITEAL DISEASE

The efficacy of drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for the femoropopliteal (FP) disease in the real world is not yet clarified compared with bare metal nitinol stent (BMS). Between January 2004 and April 2013, 1150 consecutive patients who had received their first endovascular therapy for FP
General formulation of Haldane's laws for competing ligands

Abstract Haldane's laws, which apply to situations in which CO and O2 compete for the four heme sites of hemoglobin, are discussed in general statistical mechanical terms. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the validity of Haldane's laws are presented and discussed for general situations in which two ligands compete for interacting active sites on a molecule. Our considerations therefore apply to a competing substrate-inhibitor-allosteric enzyme system for example, as well as to hemoglobin. A generalization of the Monod-Wyman-Changeux model for competing ligands is briefly discussed.
Droid Does? Developments in the Android Medical App Market

This article provides an overview of the Android operating system, describes basic functions and key features of smartphones running the Android OS, and examines emerging medical applications available for Android smartphones.
Factors predicting local tumor control after gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery for benign intracranial meningiomas.

Purpose To determine the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in benign intracranial meningiomas treated with gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GK-SRS). Methods and materials Between 1992 and 2000, 162 patients with benign meningiomas were treated with GK-SRS at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Complete follow-up was available in 137 patients. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based treatment planning. Serial MRIs and clinical exams were performed to assess tumor response. GK-SRS was the primary treatment in 85 patients (62%), whereas 52 patients (48%) had prior surgical resections. The median prescribed dose was 14 Gy (range, 4–25 Gy) to the 50% isodose line. The median tumor volume, treatment volume, and conformity index were 4.5 cc (range, 0.32–80.0 cc), 6.3 cc (range, 1.0–75.2 cc), and 1.34 (range, 0.65–3.16), respectively. The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 4.5 years (range, 0.33–10.5 years). The following factors were included in the statistical analysis for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS): sex, age, dose, gross tumor volume (GTV), conformity index (CI), and dural tail coverage. Results Serial MRI analysis was available in 121 patients (88.3%). Decrease in tumor size was observed in 34 patients (28.1%), whereas there was no change in 77 patients (63.6%), for a crude radiographic control rate of 91.7%. Increase in tumor size was seen in 10 patients (8.3%). New neurologic deficits attributed to the treatment developed in 10 patients (8.3%). The mean DFS and OS for the entire cohort are 4.6 years and 5.0 years, respectively. The 5-year actuarial DFS and OS were 86.2% and 91.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed GTV, sex, CI, and dural tail treatment to be significant prognostic factors. Patients with GTV ≤10 cc also had longer survivals, with the 5-years DFS and OS of 91.9% vs. 68.0% ( p = 0.038) and 100% vs. 59.7% ( p = 0.0001), respectively. The 5-years actuarial DFS and OS for females vs. males were 90.2% vs. 74.2% ( p = 0.0094) and 91.6% vs. 89.1% ( p = 0.016), respectively. Patients with CI ≥1.4 achieved a longer DFS, with a 5-year DFS of 95.2% vs. 77.3% ( p = 0.01). Patients who had the dural tail treated also had higher 5-year DFS (96.0% vs. 77.9%, p = 0.038). Patients with lower conformity (i.e., CI ≥1.4) tended to have the dural tail covered in the prescription isodose line ( p = 0.04). The only factor significant in the multivariate analysis was for patients with GTV >10 cc, who had a worse DFS (hazard ratio 4.58, p = 0.05). Conclusions This report adds to the literature that supports the efficacy and safety of GK-SRS in the management of patients with benign intracranial meningiomas. Our report identified male patients, patients with a CI
ZnT8-Reactive T Cells Are Weakly Pathogenic in NOD Mice but Can Participate in Diabetes Under Inflammatory Conditions

Autoantibodies to the islet-specific Zn transporter ZnT8 (Slc30a8), as well as CD4 T cells, have been identified in patients with type 1 diabetes. Here we examined for CD4 T-cell reactivity to ZnT8 epitopes in the NOD mouse. Immunization with a cytoplasmic domain of the protein or with peptides predicted to bind to I-Ag7 resulted in a CD4 T-cell response, indicating a lack of deletional tolerance. However, presentation by intraislet antigen-presenting cells (APC) to the T cells was not detectable in prediabetic mice. Presentation by islet APC was found only in islets of mice with active diabetes. In accordance, a culture assay indicated the weak transfer of ZnT8 reactivity from insulinomas or primary β-cells to APC for presentation to T cells. A T cell directed to one peptide (345–359) resulted in the transfer of diabetes, but only in conditions in which the recipient NOD mice or NOD.Rag1−/− mice were subjected to light irradiation. In late diabetic NOD mice, CD4 T cells were found as well as a weak antibody response. We conclude that in NOD mice, ZnT8 is a minor diabetogenic antigen that can participate in diabetes in conditions in which the islet is first made receptive to immunological insults.
LGBT Students in Community College: Characteristics, Challenges, and Recommendations.

Due to the transitory nature of students at community colleges, it is often difficult for student affairs professionals to connect with LGBT students and even more difficult for them to provide services for this invisible population.
Variable structure neural network based direct adaptive robust control of uncertain systems

Direct adaptive robust state feedback and output feedback controllers are proposed for the output tracking control of a class of uncertain systems with disturbance. The proposed controllers employ self-organizing raised-cosine radial basis function networks, which are capable of determining their structures dynamically, to approximate unknown system dynamics. Radial basis functions of the network can be added or removed on-line in order to ensure the desired tracking accuracy and the computational efficiency simultaneously. The closed-loop systems are characterized by the guaranteed transient response and the final tracking accuracy. The performance of the proposed output feedback controller is illustrated by numerical simulations.
Evaluation of edge-diffracted fields including equivalent currents for the caustic regions

The fields diffracted by a body made up of finite axially symmetric cone frustums are obtained using the concepts of the geometrical theory of diffraction. The backscattered field for plane-wave incidence on such a target is obtained with particular emphasis on those regions that are usually avoided, namely, the caustic region and its immediate vicinity. The method makes use of equivalent electric and magnetic current sources which are incorporated in the geometrical theory of diffraction. This solution is such that it is readily incorporated in a general computer program, rather than requiring that a new program be written for each shape. Several results, such as the cone, the cylinder and the conically capped cylinder, are given. In addition, the method is readily applied to antenna problems. An example which is reported consists of the radiation by a stub over a circular ground plane. This present theory yields quite good agreement with experimental results reported by Lopez, whereas the original theory given by Lopez is in error by as much as 10 dB.
A Great Place to Start? The Effect of Prior Military Service on Hiring

This article examines the effect of prior military service on hiring for entry-level jobs in a major metropolitan labor market. The research employs an audit method in which resumes differing only in the presentation of military experience versus civilian work experience are faxed in response to an advertised position. Results suggest that employers exhibit preferential treatment of black military veterans with transferable skills over black nonveterans. Veterans with traditional military experience in the combat arms do not experience preferential treatment by employers, regardless of racial/ethnic background. These findings suggest a possible mechanism generating the postmilitary employment benefit among blacks found in prior observational studies. A veteran premium in hiring may stem from the concentration of blacks in military occupational specialties with a high degree of civilian transferability, combined with employer preferences for military veterans with such work experience over their nonveteran...
A Framework for Elimination of Perinatal Transmission of HIV in the United States

The availability of effective interventions to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission and the significant reduction in the number of HIV-infected infants in the United States have led to the concept that elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission (EMCT) is possible. Goals for elimination are presented. We also present a framework by which elimination efforts can be coordinated, beginning with comprehensive reproductive health care (including HIV testing) and real-time case-finding of pregnancies in HIV-infected women, and conducted through the following: facilitation of comprehensive clinical care and social services for women and infants; case review and community action; allowing continuous quality research in prevention and long-term follow-up of HIV-exposed infants; and thorough data reporting for HIV surveillance and EMCT evaluation. It is emphasized that EMCT will not be a one-time accomplishment but, rather, will require sustained effort as long as there are new HIV infections in women of childbearing age.
Current estimation in MOS IC logic circuits

Estimation of currents in NMOS/CMOS IC logic circuits at the gate and macro levels is considered. The estimates are to be used for reliable design of power and ground buses. An accurate and efficient model of a gate is used to develop algorithms to estimate the maximum currents. The algorithms provide a tradeoff between run time and the quality of solution. Experimental results are included. >
Formation of virtual organizations in grids: a game-theoretic approach

Applications require the composition of resources to execute in a grid computing environment. The grid service providers (GSPs), the owners of the computational resources, must form virtual organizations (VOs) to be able to provide the composite resource. We consider grids as self-organizing systems composed of autonomous, self-interested GSPs that will organize themselves into VOs with every GSP having the objective of maximizing its profit. Using game theory, we formulate the resource composition among GSPs as a coalition formation problem and propose a framework to model and solve it. Using this framework, we propose a resource management system that supports the VO formation among GSPs in a grid computing system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a Focused Oligonucleotide-Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization Chip for Clinical Diagnosis of Genomic Imbalance

Background: Submicroscopic genomic imbalance underlies well-defined microdeletion and microduplication syndromes and contributes to general developmental disorders such as mental retardation and autism. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) complements routine cytogenetic methods such as karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the detection of genomic imbalance. Oligonucleotide arrays in particular offer advantages in ease of manufacturing, but standard arrays for single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping or linkage analysis offer variable coverage in clinically relevant regions. We report the design and validation of a focused oligonucleotide-array CGH assay for clinical laboratory diagnosis of genomic imbalance. Methods: We selected >10 000 60-mer oligonucleotide features from Agilent’s eArray probe library to interrogate all subtelomeric and pericentromeric regions and 95 additional clinically relevant regions for a total of 179 loci. Sensitivity and specificity were measured for 105 patient samples, including 51 with known genomicimbalance events, as detected by bacterial artificial chromosome–based array CGH, FISH, or multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Results: Focused array CGH detected all known regions of genomic imbalance in 51 validation samples with 100% concordance and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The mean SD among log2 ratios of all noncontrol features without copy number alteration was 0.062 (median, 0.055). Clinical testing of another 211 samples from individuals with developmental delay, unexplained mental retardation, dysmorphic features, or multiple congenital anomalies revealed genomic imbalance in 25 samples (11.9%). Conclusions: This focused oligonucleotide-array CGH assay, a flexible, robust method for clinically diagnosing genetic disorders associated with genomic imbalance, offers appreciable advantages over currently available platforms. © 2007 American Association for Clinical Chemistry
Computational identification and characterization of Type III secretion substrates

Many bacterial pathogens employ a Type III secretion system (TTSS) to deliver specific proteins (or "substrates") into a host cytoplasm in order to interfere with defense responses and alter physiology. In this work, we present a computational formalism for characterizing the compositional properties of the Type III secretion signal. While various rule sets derived from empirical observations have been suggested, developing a consistent and comprehensive description of the TTSS signal is still of interest. This problem differs from typical signal peptide classification and identification problems (e.g. - nuclear, chloroplast, mitochondrial signal peptides) because known TTSS substrates lack the similarity expected from signal sequences involved in a similar function (e.g. -from a multiple alignment profile or signal consensus sequence). Using a training set derived from empirically verified substrate sequences in Pseudomonas syringae, we apply divergence measures derived from information theory in order to classify similar patterns and characterize the Type III signal. The TTSS characterization developed in this work leads to a diffuse targeting signal confined to the first 50 amino acids starting from the N-terminus. Finally, using the P. syringae training set, the method is applied to verify and predict substrate candidates in other organisms possessing a TTSS.
Flexible energy storage devices based on lift-off of CNT films

We report a transfer process for CNT films with intrinsic bottom metal contacts to construct mechanically bendable, densely aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) forests for energy storage devices. The flexible electrode created and investigated as a supercapacitor has the following salient features: (1) excellent transfer of charge from the aligned CNTs to the substrate, (2) simple fabrication, and (3) easy integration with a variety of surfaces and topographies. Preliminary testing results with a CNT forest of 5×10 mm2 in area on Au/Kapton® film show a specific capacitance of 7.0 mF/cm2.
Reciprocally beneficial interactions between introduced plants and ants are induced by the presence of a third introduced species.

Interspecific interactions play an important role in the success of introduced species. For example, the ‘enemy release’ hypothesis posits that introduced species become invasive because they escape top–down regulation by natural enemies while the ‘invasional meltdown’ hypothesis posits that invasions may be facilitated by synergistic interactions between introduced species. Here, we explore how facilitation and enemy release interact to moderate the potential effect of a large category of positive interactions – protection mutualisms. We use the interactions between an introduced plant (Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica), an introduced herbivore (Japanese beetle Popillia japonica), an introduced ant (European red ant Myrmica rubra), and native ants and herbivores in riparian zones of the northeastern United States as a model system. Japanese knotweed produces sugary extrafloral nectar that is attractive to ants, and we show that both sugar reward production and ant attendance increase when plants experience a level of leaf damage that is typical in the plants’ native range. Using manipulative experiments at six sites, we demonstrate low levels of ant patrolling, little effect of ants on herbivory rates, and low herbivore pressure during midsummer. Herbivory rates and the capacity of ants to protect plants (as evidenced by effects of ant exclusion) increased significantly when plants were exposed to introduced Japanese beetles that attack plants in the late summer. Beetles were also associated with greater on-plant foraging by ants, and among-plant differences in ant-foraging were correlated with the magnitude of damage inflicted on plants by the beetles. Last, we found that sites occupied by introduced M. rubra ants almost invariably included Japanese knotweed. Thus, underlying variation in the spatiotemporal distribution of the introduced herbivore influences the provision of benefits to the introduced plant and to the introduced ant. More specifically, the presence of the introduced herbivore converts an otherwise weak interaction between two introduced species into a reciprocally beneficial mutualism. Because the prospects for facilitation are linked to the prospects for enemy release in protection mutualisms, species
Reconstructing chromosphere concentration images directly by continuous-wave diffuse optical tomography

We present an algorithm to reconstruct chromosphere concentration images directly rather than following the traditional two-step process of reconstructing wavelength-dependent absorption coefficient images and then calculating chromosphere concentration images. This procedure imposes prior spectral information into the image reconstruction that results in a dramatic improvement in the image contrast-to-noise ratio of better than 100%. We demonstrate this improvement with simulations and a dynamic blood phantom experiment.
Facultative ant association benefits a Neotropical orchid

Epiphytic plants have evolved a diverse array of associations with ants that promote the provisioning of moisture, nutrients, or physical protection (Davidson & Epstein 1989). Ant-epiphyte associations are often based on: (1) the occasional use of carton (= paper) nests constructed by ants as substrate for establishment and growth of epiphytes (Longino 1986); (2) the production of extrafloral nectar by epiphytes to attract opportunistic ant 'guards' (Bentley 1977, Fisher & Zimmerman 1988); (3) the production of'domatia' or hollow cavities in epiphytes that house ant associates (Benzing 1970, Huxley 1978); or (4) the seed dispersal of epiphytes by ants, which create 'ant-gardens' (Davidson 1988). These associations are not exclusive; they can be found in combination and may result from opportunistic or obligate interactions between ants and epiphytes. In epiphytic orchids, extrafloral nectaries are the most common structures that give rise to associations with ants (Fisher & Zimmerman 1988). Extrafloral nectaries may be efective in providing a facultative means of defence because arboreal ants are the most common group of insects in the tropical forest canopy (Benson 1985, Erwin 1983, Wilson 1987). A few orchid species have been reported to occur only on ant nests (e.g. Coryanthes, Ep)idendruin irnatopkyllurn Lindl.) but no detailed studies have investigated these associations (Dressler 1981). Two genera of orchids (Caldarthiron and Schonburgkil section Chlzazno-Schomburgkia) are known to provide nesting sites for ants in hollow pseudobulbs (Dressler 1981, Fisher & Zimmerman 1988, Kennedy 1979, Rico-Gray et al. 1989). Although a few studies have demonstrated positive effects of obligate, symbiotic ant associates on host plants (Janzen 1972, Schupp 1986), the effect of facultative, symbiotic ants on host plants has received less attention (Beattie 1985, RicoGray 1987). This investigation experimentally evaluates the effect of facultative ant occupants on the production of reproductive structures in an epiphytic orchid, Calart/ithr-oti bilamellatutm (Rchg.f.) Schult., in Panama. The study was conducted during the dry season of 1987 at the Smithsonian