cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the chemical-induced eye injury using a weight-of-evidence (WoE) battery of 21 artificial neural network (ANN) c-QSAR models (QSAR-21): Part I: Irritation potential

Evaluation of potential chemical-induced eye injury through irritation and corrosion is required to ensure occupational and consumer safety for industrial, household and cosmetic ingredient chemicals. The historical method for evaluating eye irritant and corrosion potential of chemicals is the rabbit Draize test. However, the Draize test is controversial and its use is diminishing - the EU 7th Amendment to the Cosmetic Directive (76/768/EEC) and recast Regulation now bans marketing of new cosmetics having animal testing of their ingredients and requires non-animal alternative tests for safety assessments. Thus, in silico and/or in vitro tests are advocated. QSAR models for eye irritation have been reported for several small (congeneric) data sets; however, large global models have not been described. This report describes FDA/CFSAN's development of 21 ANN c-QSAR models (QSAR-21) to predict eye irritation using the ADMET Predictor program and a diverse training data set of 2928 chemicals. The 21 models had external (20% test set) and internal validation and average training/verification/test set statistics were: 88/88/85(%) sensitivity and 82/82/82(%) specificity, respectively. The new method utilized multiple artificial neural network (ANN) molecular descriptor selection functionalities to maximize the applicability domain of the battery. The eye irritation models will be used to provide information to fill the critical data gaps for the safety assessment of cosmetic ingredient chemicals.
Über die Wirkung von 2‐Phenylcyclopropylaminen auf die monoamin‐oxydase und andere Enzymsysteme. 18. Mitteilung über Amin‐oxydasen

1. Monoamine oxidase (MO) does not attack cyclopropylamine, cyclohexylamine, cis- and trans-phenylcyclopropylamine. These results are consistent with previous observations that MO is unable to catalyze the degradation of α-alkylated amines.
Effect of malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde-protein adducts on the protein kinase C-dependent secretion of urokinase-type plasminogen activator in hepatic stellate cells.

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that malondialdehyde–acetaldehyde–protein adducts (MAA adducts) are formed in hepatocytes of ethanol-fed rats and directly influence the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to induce their secretion of chemokines and to up-regulate their expression of adhesion molecules. Since protein kinase C (PKC) is known to play a major role in many diverse intracellular signal transduction processes, we investigated whether MAA adducts influence the function of HSCs via a PKC-dependent pathway. HSCs in culture were exposed to MAA adducts, and PKC activity was determined. We observed a time- and concentration-dependent activation of PKC when cultures were exposed to BSA–MAA as compared with unmodified BSA. Using PKC isoform-specific inhibitors, we also showed that BSA–MAA induces the activation of a specific isoform of PKC, PKC-α, in HSCs. No activation of PKC was observed when HSCs were exposed to other aldehyde adducts such as BSA–acetaldehyde or BSA–malondialdehyde, indicating that the effects of MAA adducts on HSCs were somewhat specific. We further examined whether the observed increase in PKC activation induced by MAA adducts in HSCs, in turn, causes a functional effect. We observed that BSA–MAA induces the increased secretion of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, a key component of the plasmin-generating system, and that PKC activation is necessary for this enhanced urokinase-type plasminogen activator secretion. These results indicate that MAA adducts via a PKC-mediated pathway may regulate plasmin-mediated matrix degradation in the liver, thereby contributing to the progression of hepatic fibrosis.
Computational study of the ground state of thermophilic indole glycerol phosphate synthase: Structural alterations at the active site with temperature

Hyperthermophlic indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase (IGPS) catalyzes the terminal ring-closure step in tryptophan biosynthesis. In this paper, we compare the results from the molecular dynamics (...
Il-1β Induction Of Nf-κb Activation In Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells Is Independent Of Oxyradical Signaling

IL-1beta stimulation of cultured epithelial cells induces the degradation of IkappaBalpha and the consequent nuclear translocation of NF-lambdaB, a critical proinflammatory transcription factor in the mucosal host immune response. The role of reactive oxygen intermediates, serine protease activity, and tyrosine kinase activity in the activation of NF-kappaB is weakly conserved across various cell lineages and has not been defined in human enterocytes, a major target of oxidant stress in sepsis, thermal injury, and hemorrhagic shock. We report here that in Caco-2BBe cells, a transformed human colon cancer cell line with features of small intestinal epithelial cells in culture, exposure to oxidant stress (hydrogen peroxide 1-10 mM) did not induce NF-kappaB activation. Similarly, scavenging of free radicals and oxidants by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and dimethyl sulfoxide did not block IL-1beta-induced IkappaBalpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation. Genistein, a nonspecific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, also had no effect on IL-1beta-mediated effects on NF-kappaB. Serine protease inhibition by tosyl-lysine-chloromethylketone and tosyl-phenylalanine-chloromethylketone inhibited IkappaBalpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation stimulated by IL-1beta. Our data highlight the strong divergence between epithelial and mononuclear cells in the signal transduction pathways relating IL-1beta stimulation and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation.
Process planning in an automated manufacturing environment

Abstract The need for performing process planning in an automated manufacturing environment is clear. In this paper, we discuss problems and solutions concerning the conceptualization, development, and implementation of an automatic process planning system. An automatic process planning system in such an environment requires an intellegent part analyzer, a sophisticated planning methodology, a good knowledge representation scheme, and a tight interface among interacting modules. An automatic process planning system prototype was developed for a Quick Turnaround Cell (QTC), which is an integrated software/ hardware system for rapid prototyping. QTC involves the complete integration of the design, manufacturing, control, and inspection functions. Feature refinement, a form of geometric reasoning, was developed to interface between the design and other planning functions. A knowledge-based approach is taken to make decisions while planning. Additional algorithms and modules have been developed to generate the process plan and NC cutter path.
Maximum entropy Eddington factors

Abstract A technique from statistical mechanics is applied to the problem of determining the most probable value of the Eddington tensor given the zeroth and first moment of the intensity. The result is applicable to two- and three-dimensional configurations and is intended for use in large radiation hydrodynamics calculations.
Transport of thermospheric NOX to the stratosphere and mesosphere

Abstract Odd Nitrogen (NO X ) is produced in the Earth's thermosphere when N 2 is dissociated by solar radiation and energetic particle precipitation. Thermospheric production and downward transport in winter high latitudes gives rise to a polar reservoir containing very large quantities of NO X . This reservoir, which is maintained throughout the winter, can affect the photochemistry of the upper stratosphere and mesosphere. In particular, it can account for variations in the ozone concentration in the stratosphere associated with the 11-year solar cycle, and for the smooth and sporadic D-region winter anomalies. The results of numerical modeling studies bearing on these phenomena are compared with observations to ascertain the impact of the thermospheric NO X source on lower levels of the middle atmosphere.
System-specific discrete variable representations for path integral calculations with quasi-adiabatic propagators

Abstract Discrete variable representations (DVRs), constructed numerically from eigenstates of the one-dimensional adiabatic potential, provide the optimal quadrature for evaluating quasi-adiabatic propagator path integrals (QUAPI) for a system coupled to a harmonic bath. Calculations of partition functions and reaction rates for a multiple-minimum potential in a dissipative environment illustrate the convergence characteristics of this approach. The small number of quadrature points required, along with the rapid convergence of QUAPI methods, results in a powerful numerical scheme, complementary to Monte Carlo methods, for performing condensed phase dynamics calculations over the entire temperature range of interest in chemical physics.
Gonyauline: a novel endogenous substance shortening the period of the circadian clock of a unicellular alga.

The circadian clock in the unicellular algaGonyaulax polyedra is accelerated by a substance in extracts from the cells themselves. The extracts have been fractionated using the circadian rhythm of bioluminescence as bioassay. The active substance, termed gonyauline, has been isolated and characterized as a novel low molecular weight cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (S-methyl-cis-2-(methylthio) cyclopropanecarboxylic acid). Synthetic gonyauline has a similar shortening effect on the period of the circadian clock.
Experience report: applying random testing to a base type environment

As programmers, programming in typed languages increases our confidence in the correctness of our programs. As type system designers, soundness proofs increase our confidence in the correctness of our type systems. There is more to typed languages than their typing rules, however. To be usable, a typed language needs to provide a well-furnished standard library and to specify types for its exports. As software artifacts, these base type environments can rival typecheckers in complexity. Our experience with the Typed Racket base environment---which accounts for 31% of the code in the Typed Racket implementation---teaches us that writing type environments can be just as error-prone as writing typecheckers. We report on our experience over the past two years of using random testing to increase our confidence in the correctness of the Typed Racket base environment.
Chlorine adsorption on the low index surfaces of silver: Energetics and structures

Abstract The interaction of Cl2 with Ag single crystal surfaces has been studied over a range of crystal temperature and gas pressure. Observations have been made for the (111), (100) and (110) surfaces. Measured adsorption isobars for Ag(100) were used to obtain isosteric heats of adsorption; values ranged from ~ −60 kcal/mole (of Cl2) at low coverage to ~ −70 kcal/mole near saturation. The structure formed by Cl2 adsorption on (100) is believed to be a simple overlayer. For (110) and (111) the values obtained for the heat of adsorption were ~ −55 kcal/mole. On Ag(111) an epitaxially oriented AgCl(111) is believed to form.
Reconstruction of 4-MV bremsstrahlung spectra from measured transmission data

Transmission data for 4-MV bremsstrahlung beams have been measured with a combination of lead and aluminum attenuators. From these data, the original energy spectra have been reconstructed using an iterative least-squares technique, previously evaluated by simulation studies. The spectra on the central axis for three similar 4-MV linear accelerators indicated no significant differences. When studying the spectra at 5° and 9° off the central axis, that at 9° showed the expected increase of low-energy photons. All these spectra showed a maximum photon energy of 4.5±0.2 MeV. When the magnetron power was reduced, the spectrum on the central axis shifted to lower energies and the maximum photon energy decreased to 3.5±0.2 MeV. The result of this experimental study confirms the conclusions from the previous simulation, that the numerical technique for analysis of transmission data can accurately represent 4-MV bremsstrahlung spectra and detect differences in energy distribution with changes in machine tuning and position in the radiation field for a 4-MV bremsstrahlung beam.
Methodological Issues in the Assessment of Traumatic Events1

Three sets of challenges in assessing traumatic events are discussed: Understanding the sequelae of such events and their implications for the timing of longitudinal data collection; obtaining information on the objective severity of such crises for the individuals affected; and determining the social and environmental context in which such extreme situations occur. Given the complexity of events that ensue from a traumatic experience and the need to understand their mental health consequences, a semistructured approach to measurement is recommended.
Radiolabeling of platelets

The radiolabeling of platelets has been studied for many years, both with megakaryocytes labeled in vivo and with direct platelet labels in vitro. The major aim of this work has been to evaluate platelet interactions in vivo. This has been made possible with indium-111-labeled platelets. The radionuclide is easily imaged and can be incorporated into platelets with ease. Unfortunately, the lipophilic complex used is not platelet-specific and must be exposed only to the isolated cell population for specific labeling. This requires isolation of platelets from whole blood followed by one of many variations of differential centrifugation, buffer washes, and resuspension techniques that have been reported. The major differences in these techniques are the resuspension media, the incubation time, and the ligand used. These variations are discussed with emphasis on known platelet characteristics and specific responses to these modifications.
The Differentiation and Function of Myofibroblasts is Regulated by Mast Cell Mediators

Myofibroblasts are fibroblasts that express certain features of smooth muscle differentiation. Increased numbers of myofibroblasts and mast cells are frequently found together in a wide variety of settings, such as normal wound repair and scleroderma skin, which suggests that mediators produced by the mast cells could play a role in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation and function. We used a human mast cell line, HMC-1, to determine if mast cells can induce normal human dermal fibroblasts to differentiate into functional myofibroblasts in vitro. We monitored the differentiation process by assaying two properties of the myofibroblast phenotype: expression of α-smooth muscle actin and functional capacity to contract a collagen matrix. In both a simple coculture system and in a skin-equivalent culture system, HMC-1 cells induced α-smooth muscle actin expression by fibroblasts. HMC-1 cells also stimulated fibroblast contraction of collagen gels, and the relative amount of contraction was dependent upon the number of HMC-1 cells present. To characterize the individual contributions made by specific mast cell products, we examined the effects of histamine, tumor necrosis factor α, and tryptase. Histamine induced a clear increase in α-smooth muscle actin expression, but it did not appear to stimulate fibroblast contraction. Tumor necrosis factor α had no effect in either assay. Purified human tryptase induced α-smooth muscle actin expression, and blocking the proteolytic activity of tryptase with specific inhibitors reduced that response. Tryptase inhibitors also eliminated the ability of HMC-1 cells to stimulate fibroblast contraction, suggesting that tryptase secreted by the HMC-1 cells may be one of the active mast cell mediators.
TEACHER BELIEFS: THE IMPACT OF THE DESIGN OF CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS ON INSTRUCTOR EPISTEMOLOGIES

Promoting student epistemological development is seen as a goal of higher education. Further, the epistemological beliefs of instructors have been shown to affect their teaching beliefs and behaviors. Some argue that only when instructors are epistemologically advanced will they be able to engage in pedagogical activities that encourage student epistemological development. This study examines the impact of the design of constructivist learning environments on university instructors’ epistemological belief systems. Constructivist learning environments are technology-based environments that present learners with authentic problems, that are supported by cases similar to the problem being posed, and learning-support strategies such as modeling, coaching, and scaffolding. Instructors’ epistemologies might be impacted by engaging in constructivist learning environment design because the process requires instructors to think about their discipline in non-traditional ways. Results of this qualitative inquiry suggests that instructors who are in a zone of ‘readiness’ for intellectual growth could experience epistemological growth from this experience.
Nonlinear astrophysical Alfven waves - Onset and outcome of the modulational instability

The nonlinear development of Alfven waves is numerically studied, with applications to Alfven waves in astrophysical plasmas. It is found that amplitude-modulated Alfven wave packets undergo a collapse instability in which the wave packets become more intense and of smaller spatial extent. The wave packet steepening is eventually halted in a process most aptly described as soliton formation. A simple analytic model based on the method of characteristics can account for many of the results of the numerical calculations. The instability probably cannot prevent particle pitch angle isotropization due to self-generated Alfven waves. Nonlinear effects of the collapse may modify the process by which energetic electrons are reaccelerated by plasma turbulence. The model calculations can semiquantitatively account for properties of shock-associated Alfven waves in the solar system.
Thermoelectric freeze‐drying

SUMMARY Freeze-drying is a useful way to maintain the three-dimensional morphology of biological materials for electron microscopy. The process is achieved simply by utilizing a commercially available thermoelectric unit within a standard vacuum evaporator.
Activation and nuclear translocation of PKCδ, Pyk2 and ERK1/2 by gonadotropin releasing hormone in HEK293 cells

The mechanism of agonist-induced activation of Pyk2 and its relationship with ERK1/2 phosphorylation was analyzed in HEK293 cells stably expressing the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor. GnRH stimulation caused rapid and sustained phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Pyk2 that was accompanied by their nuclear translocation. Pyk2 was also localized on cell membranes and at focal adhesions. Dominant negative Pyk2 (PKM) had no effect on GnRH-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and c-fos expression. These actions of GnRH on ERK1/2 and Pyk2 were mimicked by activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and were abolished by its inhibition. GnRH caused translocation of PKCalpha and delta, but not of epsilon, iota and lambda, to the cell membrane, as well as phosphorylation of Raf at Ser338, a major site in the activation of MEK/ERK1/2. Stimulation of HEK293 cells by EGF caused marked ERK1/2 phosphorylation that was attenuated by the selective EGFR receptor (EGF-R) kinase inhibitor, AG1478. However, GnRH-induced ERK1/2 activation was independent of EGF-R activation. These results indicate that activation of PKC is responsible for GnRH-induced phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and Pyk2, and that Pyk2 activation does not contribute to GnRH signaling. Moreover, GnRH-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and expression of c-fos in HEK293 cells is independent of Src and EGF-R transactivation, and is mediated through the PKC/Raf/MEK cascade.
Radiofrequency ablation: another treatment option for local control of desmoid tumors

Desmoid tumors are fibrous neoplasms that are infiltrative and locally aggressive. Although they are histologically benign with negligible metastatic potential, recurrence after surgical resection is common. Pharmacotherapy and radiation treatment have been utilized when surgery has been considered unsuitable. Since April 2003, we have used radiofrequency ablation to treat five desmoid tumors in four patients. Complications were seen in two patients; one patient had cellulitis and another had soft tissue necrosis. Clinical follow-up was available for all four patients and ranged from 4-68 months (mean 30 months). No recurrences were detected.
SELECTIVE FAR INFRARED HEATING SYSTEM—DESIGN AND EVALUATION. I

Abstract A novel far infrared (FIR) heating system was designed for selective heating of food powders such as soy protein and glucose. The FIR heating system consists of six ceramic lamps, a cone-shaped waveguide, and an optical band pass filter selected according to the spectral absorptivities of the chosen protein and glucose systems. A bandpass filter was used for differential heating of food components primarily due to their selective absorptivities. Selective heating of the two powders showed that protein, with an IR absorption range between 6 and 11 µm could be heated up to 6°C more in 5 min with the filter, compared to normal heating, when glucose temperature was higher than protein. Numerical analysis based on the different absorptivities of powders verified that the simulation results were very close to the experimental data with a maximum percentage error of 8.3%, confirming the feasibility of the heating system.
Information from successive changes in gold and silver prices during phases of the business cycles

This paper concerns the behavior of gold and silver prices on a daily, weekly and monthly time span during January 1970 to December 1989. The methodology consists of extracting the predictive power of time series of changes in past prices for obtaining optimal forecasts for next-period changes in prices. Optimizations are made in the context of information theory via minimizing the degree of diversity between the actual and predicted changes in prices. This methodology has merit in that it does not rest on, generally speaking, unacceptable assumptions regarding the shape of the distribution, stationarity of variance or its existence. The behavior of gold and silver prices are studied during peak to trough and trough to peak of the business cycles over 1970–1989. It is generally shown that information contained in past prices of gold and silver does not allow one to predict next-period changes in prices in the short run. However, longer-term predictions are possible. This study further reveals that as the length of the time interval expands, gold prices exhibit a higher degree of dependency on past prices than silver.
Spacer made from a visible light-cured resin for processing denture soft liners

When soft lining materials are used in complete dentures it is important to control their thickness and increase the probability of their staying in the denture base. A spacer made of light-curing denture base material makes it possible to do both of these things. The denture base resin is packed against the hard light-cured spacer and can be partially cured. The cured spacer will not flow or be displaced and can be easily removed to allow an even space for packing the soft lining material.
Mip1 associates with both the Mps1 kinase and actin, and is required for cell cortex stability and anaphase spindle positioning

The Mps1 family of protein kinases contributes to cell cycle control by regulating multiple microtubule cytoskeleton activities. We have uncovered a new Mps1 substrate that provides a novel link between Mps1 and the actin cytoskeleton. We have identified a conserved human Mps1 (hMps1) interacting protein and have termed Mps1 interacting protein-1 (Mip1). Mip1 defines an uncharacterized family of conserved proteins that contain coiled-coil and calponin homology domains. We demonstrate that Mip1 is a phosphoprotein that interacts with hMps1 in vitro and in vivo and is a hMps1 substrate. Mip1 exhibits dynamic localization during the cell cycle; Mip1 localizes to the actin cytoskeleton during interphase, the spindle in early mitosis and the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis. Mip1 function is required to ensure proper spindle positioning at the onset of anaphase after cells begin furrow ingression. Cells depleted of Mip1 exhibit aberrant mitotic actin filament organization, excessive membrane blebbing, dramatic spindle rocking and chromosome distribution errors during early cytokinesis producing high numbers of binucleate cells. Our data indicate that Mip1 is a newly recognized component of the actin cytoskeleton that interacts with hMps1 and that it is essential to ensure proper segregation of the genome during cell cleavage.
Interactions of exogenous endocrine active substances with nuclear receptors

Nuclear receptors function as ligand-regulated transcription factors and modulate the expression of sets of genes in response to varying concentrations of ligands. The ligand modulators can be endogenous metabolites that function as hormones, or they can be exoge- nous substances, such as pharmaceutical agents or environmental substances of natural or man-made origin, which in some cases can cause endocrine disruption. Ligands modulate nuclear receptor activity by binding to their ligand-binding domains and stabilizing confor- mations that lead either to transcriptional activation or repression. The ligand-binding pocket is somewhat flexible, and binding affinities can be measured over a 10-million-fold range (i.e., with equilibrium dissociation constant values ranging from ca. 0.01 nM to 100 µM). Thus, it is not surprising that by binding a large variety of structures, some nuclear receptors can appear to be promiscuous; however, when affinity is considered, the binding patterns are more restricted. The spectrum of ligands that bind to the estrogen receptor has been most thoroughly investigated. Those from natural sources include natural products in food, such as soy isoflavones and whole grain lignans, as well as microbial products and components from wood. Aside from pharmaceuticals, man-made estrogen ligands can be found in industrial products, such as alkyl phenols from nonionic detergents, bisphenols from plastics, indicator dye impurities, polymer chemicals, and chlorinated aromatics and pesticides. Exogenous lig- ands are also known for the androgen and progesterone receptors. While it is possible that endocrine disruption can result from exogenous chemicals acting directly as ligands for the nuclear receptors, endocrine disruption needs to be considered in the broader context; thus, compounds also need to be assessed for their effects at other levels, such as on endogenous hormone production, transport, metabolism, and clearance, and at points in signal transduc- tion cascades that are beyond the ligand-receptor interaction.
Behavior of a Viscoelastic Valveless Pump: a Simple Theory with Experimental Validation

Background: A valveless pump generates a unidirectional net flow of fluid around a closed loop of soft viscoelastic tubing that is rhythmically compressed at one point. The tubing must have at least two sections with two different stiffnesses. When a short segment of the tube is squeezed asymmetrically at certain frequencies, net flow of fluid around the loop can occur without valves. Methods: Partial differential equations for the pressures, volumes, and flows define a simple one-dimensional model of such a pump, based upon elementary physical principles. Numerical computations on a personal computer can predict measured net flows. Results: Net flow varies with the frequency and waveform of compression used to excite the pump, as well as with the site of compression and the stiffness and viscosity of the tubing. Net flows on the order of 1 ml/sec are obtained in a waterfilled loop including 46 cm of stiffer plastic (Tygon) laboratory tubing and 70 cm of softer latex rubber tubing. Conclusions: The heretofore mysterious phenomenon of valveless pumping can be described in terms of classical Newtonian physics, in which viscous damping in the walls of the pump is included. Studying valveless pumps in the laboratory and modeling their behavior numerically provides a low-cost, engaging, and instructive exercise for research and teaching in biomedical engineering.
Identities, Genres, and Organizational Forms

In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis within organizational ecology on identity as a fundamental basis for the conceptualization and identification of organizational forms. This paper highlights the benefits of an identity-based conceptualization of organizational forms and outlines an identity-based agenda for organizational ecology. We begin by discussing fundamental properties of organizational identity, drawing extensively from the formal-theoretical conceptualization proposed by Polos et al. (2002). We then build on this foundation by proposing a number of systematic ways in which forms can be specified and differentiated in terms of identity. We also address the challenge of measuring forms by discussing various approaches researchers may use to assess the beliefs contemporaneous audiences hold regarding organizational identities. This paper concludes with a discussion of research questions revolving around three issues core to an ecological approach to organizations: (1) the emergence of identities, (2) the persistence of identities, and (3) the strategic trade-offs among different types of identities.
Wintertime physical education alternatives.

Abstract The immediate and future leisure-time values of outdoor wintertime activities are great for students residing where winters are long.
Toward an Effective Strategy for the Diffusion and Use of Clinical Information Systems

The full impact of IT in health care has not been realized because of the failure to recognize that (1) the path from availability of applications to the anticipated benefits passes through a series of steps; and (2) progress can be stopped at any one of those steps. As a result, strategies for diffusion, adoption, and use have been incomplete and have produced disappointing results. In this paper, we present a comprehensive framework for identifying factors that affect the spread, use, and effects of IT in the U.S. health care sector. The framework can be used by researchers to focus their efforts on unanswered questions, by practitioners considering IT adoption, and by policymakers searching for ways to spread IT throughout the system.
Attitudes of College Students Toward Women in Policing

Attitudes toward women in policing among undergraduate college students were examined. The findings revealed that feminist orientation was the most consistent predictor of support for women in policing, with academic major also having a significant influence. Gender, race/ethnicity, classification in school (i.e., academic year), and support for the police were generally not significant predictors. Separate analyses completed for men and women indicated that there was some difference in the factors that predicted support for women in policing. Implications of the research are discussed.
Patterns of abundance of fire ants and native ants in a native ecosystem

Abstract 1. This correlational study examines the relationship between the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and native ants in a longleaf pine savanna. Fire ants are frequently associated with a decline in native ants throughout the invaded range, but fire ant invasion is often coupled with habitat disturbance. Invasion of fire ants into the longleaf pine savanna provides an opportunity to examine the structure of the ant community in the absence of habitat disturbance. 2. Pitfall trapping was conducted within the longleaf pine savanna as well as across a naturally occurring soil moisture gradient, in plots that had been artificially watered. 3. Species richness did not vary as a function of fire ant density. There was an inverse relationship between native ant density and fire ant density, but this abundance pattern does not necessarily imply a causal link between fire ant invasion and native ant decline. For individual species, fire ant densities were negatively correlated with the densities of only two native ant species, including Solenopsis carolinensis, a native species that potentially limits the invasion of fire ants. Additionally, fire ants and native ants respond differently to soil moisture, with native ants favouring drier conditions than fire ants. 4. The possible exclusion of fire ants by some native ants, as well as differences in habitat preferences, provide alternative explanations for the frequently observed negative correlation between fire ants and native ants.
Energy-Awareness in Distributed Java-Based Software Systems

Distributed Java-based software systems are increasingly deployed onto heterogeneous mobile platforms with limited battery resources. In this domain, it is a crucial issue to preserve the energy resource and prolong the system?s lifetime. To address this problem, we first suggest a framework that allows the system engineer to estimate the energy consumption of a distributed Java-based software system both during system construction-time and during runtime. Based on our energy estimation framework, we then present two efficient approaches for reducing the software system?s energy consumption and consequently increasing the system?s lifetime. Finally, we discuss our strategy for evaluating our estimation framework and energy saving approaches.
Land cover effects on runoff patterns in eastern Piedmont (USA) watersheds

Physiography and land cover determine the hydrologic response of watersheds to climatic events. However, vast differences in climate regimes and variation of landscape attributes among watersheds (including size) have prevented the establishment of general relationships between land cover and runoff patterns across broad scales. This paper addresses these difficulties by using power spectral analysis to characterize area-normalized runoff patterns and then compare these patterns with landscape features among watersheds within the same physiographic region. We assembled long-term precipitation and runoff data for 87 watersheds (first to seventh order) within the eastern Piedmont (USA) that contained a wide variety of land cover types, collected environmental data for each watershed, and compared the datasets using a variety of statistical measures. The effect of land cover on runoff patterns was confirmed. Urban-dominated watersheds were flashier and had less hydrologic memory compared with forest-dominated watersheds, whereas watersheds with high wetland coverage had greater hydrologic memory. We also detected a 10–15% urban threshold above which urban coverage became the dominant control on runoff patterns. When spectral properties of runoff were compared across stream orders, a threshold after the third order was detected at which watershed processes became dominant over precipitation regime in determining runoff patterns. Finally, we present a matrix that characterizes the hydrologic signatures of rivers based on precipitation versus landscape effects and low-frequency versus high-frequency events. The concepts and methods presented can be generally applied to all river systems to characterize multiscale patterns of watershed runoff. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monte Carlo simulation of the GaAs permeable base transistor

A two-dimensional multiparticle Monte Carlo (MC) method for the solution of the Boltzmann transport equation has been implemented and the results compared with the conventional drift-diffusion equation solution obtained for both a uniformly doped and an n+-n-n+GaAs permeable base transistor structure. Improved high-frequency performance is predicted by the MC simulation. Two-dimensional boundary conditions for a "regional" MC analysis have been applied to reduce the computer time that would be spent largely in analyzing the device retarding field region and the neutral regions of the device. The dc parameters, I-V characteristics, and unity current gain-frequency (f T ) are discussed. In the n+-n-n+doped structure, a cooling effect was found that significantly enhances the device frequency performance by reducing the satellite valley population of electrons.
Spectral distribution of photons admitting anomalous statistics

By considering an ensemble of photons that admit a statistics that differs by a small amount from Bose-Einstein statistics we calculate the spectral distribution of energy per unit volume. For low frequencies this may have realistic implications in refined measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background.
Approaches for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease following hematopoietic cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an important therapeutic option for malignant and non-malignant diseases, but the more widespread application of the therapy remains limited by the occurrence of graft versus host disease (GVHD). GVHD results from immune-mediated injury by donor immune cells against tissues in the HCT recipient, and can be characterized as acute or chronic depending on the time of onset and site of organ involvement. The majority of efforts have focused on GVHD prevention. Calcineurin inhibitors are the most widely used agents and are included in almost all regimens. Despite current prophylaxis strategies, 40–70% of patients remain at risk for developing GVHD. Herein, we review standard and emerging therapies used in GVHD management.
Persistence of Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Resource Islands Following Canopy Removal

Abstract Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) encroachment has altered the spatial distribution of soil nutrients and plants in semi-arid systems of the northern Great Basin, forming nutrient enriched ‘resource islands’ under tree canopies. Our goal was to determine the persistence of resource island characteristics after restoration treatment (tree cutting). The study site was a privately owned grazing allotment in eastern Oregon where trees had been cut eight and fifteen years ago. In each age class and in uncut western juniper woodlands, juniper stumps or trees were randomly selected for sampling. At each bole three radial transects, set at 120° from each other, were marked and soil cores were collected to 5-cm depth at distances of 50, 100, 150 and 300-cm from the bole then combined to a single composite sample per distance class. Samples were analyzed for total C and N, soluble P, K, Ca, Fe, Al, Mg and Na and pH. Despite increases in shrub, forb and grass crops in the fifteen-year old cut t...
Elastin Insufficiency Predisposes Mice to Impaired Glucose Metabolism

Williams-Beuren syndrome is the consequence of a large contiguous-gene deletion on the seventh human chromosome that includes the elastin gene. Elastin is an extracellular matrix protein responsible for the cardiovascular abnormalities associated with Williams’s syndrome, including hypertension and aortic stenosis. A high percentage of individuals with Williams’s syndrome also have impaired glucose tolerance, independent of traditional risk factors for diabetes. Here, we show that murine adipose tissue does assemble elastic fibers; however, isolated elastin insufficiency (Eln+/-) in mice does not independently influence glucose metabolism or tissue lipid accumulation. Similarly, isolated ApoE deficiency (ApoE-/-), a model of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, does not impair insulin sensitivity. However, Eln+/-; ApoE-/- double mutant mice exhibit notable hyperglycemia, adipocyte hypertrophy, inflammation of adipose tissue, and ectopic lipid accumulation in liver tissue. Further, Eln+/-; ApoE-/- mutants have significant impairment of insulin sensitivity by insulin tolerance testing, independent of body weight or diet, suggesting that elastin insufficiency predisposes to metabolic disease in susceptible individuals.
Assessment of ability to recall physical activity of several years ago

Abstract In this study we assessed the reliability of recall of physical activity. Study participants were members of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adult Study (CARDIA) cohort who reported physical activity at each CARDIA examination. In this study, we asked 81 participants to recall activity patterns for the year prior to 2 to 3 years ago so that we could compare recalled activity patterns to those reported 2 to 3 years ago (labeled as “distantly recalled”) as well as to activity patterns reported at the other CARDIA examinations. We found that distantly recalled physical activity patterns were highly correlated with those reported at the time of the examination where they were obtained (vigorous activity r = 0.84, moderate activity r = 0.64, and total activity r = 0.81). Distantly recalled activity was less highly associated with activity reported currently (vigorous activity r = 0.57, moderate activity r = 0.45, total activity r = 0.59). The activity recalled the best was jogging or running (r = 0.76) and the activity with the poorest recall was racket sports (r = 0.53). Distantly recalled physical activity also was related to resting pulse rate obtained during the time period of the recalled activity (r = −0.21). These findings suggest that people can recall activity patterns of several years ago with high reliability.
Correlates of Protection Induced by Vaccination

This paper attempts to summarize current knowledge about immune responses to vaccines that correlate with protection. Although the immune system is redundant, almost all current vaccines work through antibodies in serum or on mucosa that block infection or bacteremia/viremia and thus provide a correlate of protection. The functional characteristics of antibodies, as well as quantity, are important. Antibody may be highly correlated with protection or synergistic with other functions. Immune memory is a critical correlate: effector memory for short-incubation diseases and central memory for long-incubation diseases. Cellular immunity acts to kill or suppress intracellular pathogens and may also synergize with antibody. For some vaccines, we have no true correlates, but only useful surrogates, for an unknown protective response.
Coverage by directional sensors in randomly deployed wireless sensor networks

We study a novel “coverage by directional sensors” problem with tunable orientations on a set of discrete targets. We propose a Maximum Coverage with Minimum Sensors (MCMS) problem in which coverage in terms of the number of targets to be covered is maximized whereas the number of sensors to be activated is minimized. We present its exact Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation and an approximate (but computationally efficient) centralized greedy algorithm (CGA) solution. These centralized solutions are used as baselines for comparison. Then we provide a distributed greedy algorithm (DGA) solution. By incorporating a measure of the sensors residual energy into DGA, we further develop a Sensing Neighborhood Cooperative Sleeping (SNCS) protocol which performs adaptive scheduling on a larger time scale. Finally, we evaluate the properties of the proposed solutions and protocols in terms of providing coverage and maximizing network lifetime through extensive simulations. Moreover, for the case of circular coverage, we compare against the best known existing coverage algorithm.
Remotely-controlled approach for stereotactic neurobiopsy

The objective of this study was to develop, demonstrate, and validate a remotely controlled operation scheme coupled with prospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based stereotaxy for in vivo neurosurgical applications. The novel concept of the prospective guidance scheme is to employ tomographical imaging feedback, such as MRI or CT, to facilitate prospectively the targeting process of a biopsy needle at near-real-time speed (1 image/s). Because the orientation of a biopsy needle pivoted at an entry point on die patient's skull has 2 degrees of freedom, the alignment of its trajectory to a target point can be guided by two-dimensional (2D) images whose plane is placed perpendicular to the desired trajectory. Using near-real-time 2D visual feedback during the adjustment of the alignment guide, the required trajectory alignment can be translated into a simple targeting task on a computer monitor employing a suitable graphic presentation. Also, both adjustments for the alignment and introduction of the ...
Unsupervised Learning of Arabic Stemming Using a Parallel Corpus

This paper presents an unsupervised learning approach to building a non-English (Arabic) stemmer. The stemming model is based on statistical machine translation and it uses an English stemmer and a small (10 K sentences) parallel corpus as its sole training resources. No parallel text is needed after the training phase. Monolingual, unannotated text can be used to further improve the stemmer by allowing it to adapt to a desired domain or genre. Examples and results will be given for Arabic, but the approach is applicable to any language that needs affix removal. Our resource-frugal approach results in 87.5% agreement with a state of the art, proprietary Arabic stemmer built using rules, affix lists, and human annotated text, in addition to an unsupervised component. Task-based evaluation using Arabic information retrieval indicates an improvement of 22-38% in average precision over unstemmed text, and 96% of the performance of the proprietary stemmer above.
Temperature-sensitive mutants of influenza virus XV. The genetic and biological characterization of a recombinant influenza virus containing two is lesions produced by mating two complementing, single lesion is mutants

Abstract The influenza A/Hong Kong/68-ts-1[E] virus and its recombinants (38° shutoff temperature for plaque formation) were satisfactorily attenuated for individuals with neuraminidase immunity who lacked serum antibody for hemagglutinin antigen but not for persons who lacked immunity to both viral surface antigens, i.e., doubly seronegative individuals. It was necessary to produce a virus more defective than the Hong Kong/68-ts-1[E] virus to meet the need for an attenuated virus suitable for use in doubly seronegative persons. We produced a new recombinant which contained a ts mutation(s) on the genes believed to code for the Pl and P3 viral proteins, both of which are involved in cRNA synthesis. This recombinant was produced by mating two complementing ts mutants, one with a mutation affecting the Pl protein and the other with a mutation affecting the P3 protein. The new double ts recombinant, the Udorn/72-ts-1A2 virus, was 700-fold more restricted in plaque formation at 37° than either of its ts parents. In addition, it was defective in complementation-recombination when tested against prototypes of seven complementation groups. The Udorn/72-ts-1A2 recombinant failed to replicate in the hamster's lungs (37°) and was 100-fold restricted in its growth in the nasal turbinates (32°). Each of the isolates from Udorn/72-ts-1A2 infected hamsters was ts. Despite restricted replication in vivo, infection of hamsters with this virus induced significant resistance to wild-type virus challenge. Thus, the Udorn/72-ts-1A2 recombinant was (1) more restricted in replication in vitro at 37° and in vivo in the hamster and (2) more stable genetically in vivo than the HK/68-ts-1[E] virus.