cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
H-2g, a glucose analog of blood group H antigen, mediates monocyte recruitment in vitro and in vivo via IL-8/CXCL8.

Objective Monocyte (MN) recruitment is an essential inflammatory component of many autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study we investigated the ability of 2-fucosyllactose (H-2g), a glucose analog of blood group H antigen to induce MN migration in vivo and determined if H-2g-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8) plays a role in MN ingress in RA. Methods Sponge granuloma and intravital microscopy assays were performed to examine H-2g-induced in vivo MN migration and rolling, respectively. MNs were stimulated with H-2g, and the production of IL-8/CXCL8 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Lastly, in vitro MN migration assays and an in vivo RA synovial tissue severe combined immunodeficiency mouse model were used to determine the role of IL-8/CXCL8 in H-2g-induced MN migration. Results In vivo, H-2g induced significantly greater MN migration compared to phosphate buffered saline. Intravital microscopy revealed that H-2g mediates MN migration in vivo by inducing MN rolling. In addition, H-2g induced MN production of IL-8/CXCL8, a process that was dependent on Src kinase. Moreover, we found that H-2g mediated MN migration in vitro, and in vivo migration was inhibited by a neutralizing anti-IL-8/CXCL8 antibody. Conclusion These findings suggest that H-2g mediates MN recruitment in vitro and in vivo (in part) via IL-8/CXCL8.
Dressing up, dressing down: where is your career headed?

Your professional abilities are advertised in the first two seconds of every interaction. That's right, you have two seconds to make yourself viewed as capable, professional and ready for the next step in your career. It isn't your experience, your education or your accomplishments that people are assessing in those first two seconds -- it's your image.If you are interested in moving your career forward, in advancing your professional opportunities and in simply being more respected, look in your closet. Is your wardrobe setting you up for success? Do you look as confident as you feel? If you want to move up in management, you need to stop dressing like a sys-admin. Join us as we look at one of the simplest and most straight-forward ways to advance your career: how to dress for success.
Case Closed? On the John F. Kennedy Assassination: Biased Assimilation of Evidence and Attitude Polarization

Vitriolic debate surrounds John F. Kennedy's (JFK's) death more than 30 years after the assassination. Whereas some endorse the official government conclusion that Oswald acted alone, others allege that some form of a conspiracy is responsible for Kennedy's death. The central thesis of this article is that due to the processes of biased assimilation and attitude polarization, personal theories about the perpetrator(s) of the assassination are essentially immutable, and therefore that the debate surrounding JFK's assassination will continue endlessly. Due to the process of biased assimilation, proponents of both the Oswald and conspiracy theories perceive the same body of evidence as supportive of their position. Biased assimilation leads to attitude polarization rather than to a moderation or reversal of existing attitudes. The results of the present study strongly support this line of reasoning. The study also examined the formation of assassination attitudes among subjects with no initial opinion. The m...
Pull and pray or extra protection? Contraceptive strategies involving withdrawal among US adult women

Abstract Objective Research assessing contraceptive use often focuses on the most effective method used and suggests that very few women rely on withdrawal. We adopted a new measurement strategy in an attempt to measure contraceptive practices and withdrawal in particular. Study design We collected data from a national sample of 4634 US women aged 18–39; the survey was administered online in November and December 2012. We obtained information about recent use of hormonal methods and coital methods using two separate items, and we placed withdrawal first on the list of coital methods. The analysis examines several measures of withdrawal use in the last 30 days: most effective method used, any use, use with other methods and withdrawal “method mix.” Results Among women at risk of unintended pregnancy, 13% reported that withdrawal was the most effective method used in the last 30 days, but 33% had used withdrawal at least once. Most women who used withdrawal had also used a hormonal or long-acting method (13% of the sample) or condoms (11%) in the last 30 days, and a minority reported using only withdrawal (12%). Younger women, women in dating relationships and women strongly motivated to avoid pregnancy had some of the highest levels of “dual” use of withdrawal with condoms or highly effective methods. Conclusion Many women and couples in our sample used withdrawal in combination, or rotation, with condoms and highly effective methods. Findings suggest that some people who use withdrawal may be more versus less vigilant about pregnancy prevention. Implications Health care providers who discuss contraception should include withdrawal in these conversations. A substantial minority of individuals has used it recently, and many appear to be using it as a backup or secondary method. If dual use were more widespread, it could help reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy.
Nanoparticle assembly at fluid interfaces: structure and dynamics.

The self-assembly of nanoparticles at fluid interfaces, driven by the reduction in interfacial energy, was investigated. With spherical, tri-n-octyl-phosphine-oxide covered cadium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles (1−8 nm), thermal fluctuations compete with the interfacial segregation giving rise to a size-dependent self-assembly of the particles. The structure of the nanoparticle assembly was studied using electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray scattering in situ, which indicate that the particles form a densely packed monolayer. The energetics of the adsorption of nanoparticles onto the interface was revealed by time-dependent fluorescence studies on a mixture of two different sized nanoparticles at the interface. The dynamics of the nanoparticles at the fluid interface, probed using fluorescence photobleaching methods, suggests a liquid-like behavior. The results have implications in the design of hierarchical self-assemblies of nanoparticles for the one-step fabrication of devices on mult...
Aspects of mating, reproduction, and co-occurrence in three freshwater calanoid copepods

SUMMARY. 1. We examined the seasonal distributions and mating behaviour of Epischura lacustris, Diaptomus minutus and Diaptomus oregonensis to evaluate several proposed mechanisms for reproductive isolation. There was no divergence in onset of maturity or timing of breeding periods between sympatric diaptomid populations; size displacement between co-occurring diaptomid species did not result in concomitant reduction in mating frequency between heterospecific pairs in the laboratory. 2. Divergence in mating behaviour was supported by observations that, in conspecific mating experiments, males of both diaptomid species discriminated between females bearing ripened ovaries (gravid) and those that did not (non-gravid), and that, in heterospecific trials, males either mated indiscriminantly with all females, or engaged in mating very infrequently. 3. In mating experiments with Epischura. males did not discriminate between gravid and non-gravid females, but mated exclusively with virgins of a specific relative size. Divergence in timing of breeding seasons between Epischura and the two diaptomid species suggests that even if mating between genera is possible, it does not occur often in nature. 4. We discuss the adaptive significance of different reproductive strategies of these three copepods and speculate on mechanisms that allow for coexistence of the closely related taxa in nature.
Catalytic, enantioselective aldol reaction using antibodies against a quaternary ammonium ion with a primary amine cofactor

Abstract The enantioselective aldol addition of acetone to aldehydes is catalyzed by antibodies raised against a quaternary ammonium hapten using the corresponding primary amine as cofactor.
Alteration of the immune response to Mycobacterium bovis BCG in mice exposed chronically to low doses of UV radiation.

Abstract BALB/c mice were exposed on shaved dorsal skin to 1 minimal erythemal dose (MED) of UVB radiation (2.25 kJ/m 2 ) from a bank of six FS-40 sunlamps three times per week. The total number of irradiations ranged from 1 to 27. At regular intervals, groups of mice were injected in the left hind foot pad with 1 × 10 6 live mycobacteria ( Mycobacterium bovis BCG) 3 days after the last UVB exposure. The mice were tested 21 and 42 days after infection for a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to the purified protein derivative (PPD) of tubercle bacilli by injecting PPD into the right hind foot pad and measuring the foot pad swelling 24 hr later. The course of infection was followed by assessing the number of bacterial colony forming units in the lymph node draining the site of BCG infection and the spleen. Mice exposed from 1 to 15 times to 1 MED of UV radiation showed a significant suppression in their DTH response to PPD compared with the unirradiated mice. At the same time, the number of bacterial colony-forming units in the lymph node and spleen of the UV-irradiated mice was greater than in control mice. With continued exposure to UVB, however, the DTH response recovered to a normal level, and there was no longer an increase in the number of viable bacteria in the lymphoid organs. These results indicate that early in the course of chronic UV irradiation, mice were impaired in their ability to mount a DTH response to BCG and to clear these bacteria from their lymphoid organs; later the mice recovered from these effects of UV, with continued treatment. A dose-response study using single doses of UV radiation indicated that a dose of 2.7 kJ/m 2 suppressed the DTH response by 50%. Thus, exposure of mice to a single or multiple low doses of UV radiation prior to infection can interfere with systemic immunity to mycobacteria.
An empirical examination of adolescence-limited offending: A direct test of Moffitt's maturity gap thesis

Abstract Purpose Provide the first direct test of Moffitt's (1993) hypothesis linking the maturity gap with adolescent delinquency. Methods Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and a direct measure of the maturity gap was constructed. Negative binomial regression models—survey-corrected to account for the Add Health research design—were estimated. Results Consistent with Moffitt's theory, the results of the analyses revealed that the maturity gap was predictive of minor forms of delinquency and drug use but not of more serious types of offending behaviors for males. Findings were less supportive of Moffitt's hypothesis for females. Conclusions Moffitt's maturity gap thesis is a viable explanation of adolescent delinquency, especially for males. This portion of the theory, which has largely gone unexamined, warrants further inquiry from criminologists.
The statistics of natural shapes in modern coral reef landscapes

Abstract Spatial heterogeneity is a fundamental characteristic of modern and ancient depositional settings, and the scaling of many carbonate environments has been shown to follow power function distributions. The difficulty in obtaining information on the horizontal persistence of sedimentary lithotopes at the basin scale has, however, hampered evaluation of this fact over larger geographic areas. In recent years, large‐scale maps of reef facies derived from remotely sensed data have become widely available, allowing for an analysis of reef‐scale map products from 26 sites spread through four reef provinces, covering >7000 km2 of shallow‐water habitat in the U.S. territorial Pacific. For each site, facies maps were decomposed to polygons describing the perimeter of patches of differing sedimentologic/benthic character. A suite of geospatial metrics quantifying unit shape, fractal dimension, and frequency‐area relations was applied to investigate the intra‐ and intersite variability. The spatial architect...
Suitability of furan, pyrrole and thiophene as dienes for Diels–Alder reactions viewed through their stability and reaction barriers for reactions with acetylene, ethylene and cyclopropene. An AM1 semiempirical and B3LYP hybrid density functional theory study

Abstract The uniformity of bond orders in five-membered heterocyclic compounds, Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) energy differences between reactants, and FMO energy changes going from reactants to transition state structures were used to evaluate the relative reactivity of furan, pyrrole, thiophene and derivatives of thiophene as dienes for Diels–Alder reactions. To determine the stereochemical outcome of these reactions, Secondary Orbital Interactions (SOI) between two reactants moieties in the isomeric transition state structures were used. All of these qualitative assessments were confirmed through computation of the activation barriers for all possible transition state structures by AM1, B3LYP/6-31G(d)//AM1, and in some cases, by B3LYP/6-31G(d) and MP2/6-31+G(d) methods. All observations made by combinations of various theoretical approaches were in perfect agreement with the experimental results; therefore, they are suggested as a method to be considered by synthetic organic chemists when plans for the preparation of complex organic molecules are being formulated.
Neutron diffraction study of Ho(Rh0.3Ir0.7)4B4

Abstract Using powder neutron diffraction techniques, we have examined the magnetic order of the pseudoternary compound Ho(Rh0.3Ir0.7)4B4 below the Neel temperature TN=2.7K. The magnetic structure consists of stacked antiferromagnetic basal plane sheets forming a body centered tetragonal unit cell, with a sublattice magnetization corresponding to 9.6±0.6μB per Ho3+ion at 1.5 K. Magnetic intensity versus temperature measurements indicate that the transition is second order and reveal no anomalous effects when the compound becomes superconducting at Tc=1.34K.
The collagenolytic enzyme of the regenerating limb of the newtTriturus viridescens

Summary A collagenolytic enzyme with neutral pH optimum has been isolated from the medium of cultures of regenerating newt limb tissues and partially characterized. This enzyme degrades native collagen molecules below the substrate denaturation temperature in a limited and specific manner more characteristic of the collagenase from rat uterus cultures rather than that from anuran tadpole; at 37°C mammalian collagen is degraded to dialyzable peptides. The enzyme is inhibited by EDTA and cysteine. The possible role of this collagenase in the dedifferentiation phase of regeneration is discussed.
Lysosomes and disuse atrophy of skeletal muscle

The specific activities of the acid hydrolases β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, arylsulfatase, and acid phosphatase have been measured during the time course of disuse atrophy of rat gastrocnemius muscles. These enzymes are considered to be lysosomal in origin. The specific activity of β-glucosidase increased to 180% of the control level by the second day following the production of disuse, and to 400% of the control level by the 12th day. The specific activities of β-galactosidase, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, arylsulfatase, and acid phosphatase were increased markedly by the 12th day. All enzyme activities returned to control levels by the 15th day. The early increase in the activity of β-glucosidase indicates that lysosomal enzymes may an important role in the etiology of disuse atrophy.
A multivariate analysis of planktonic molluscan distribution in the Middle Atlantic Bight

Abstract Faunal structure is described for the planktonic molluscs of the Middle Atlantic Bight based on two years of seasonal data from the continental shelf. Collection and taxa groups are constructed using numerical classification and reciprocal averaging ordination. Discriminant analysis is used to relate surface collection groups to physical variables, then taxa group distribution among these collection groups is analyzed by nodal fidelity analysis. The areal distribution of dominant species is presented by season, as is their surface temperature-salinity distribution. Four communities are recognized on the continental shelf. A subarctic community, including Limacina retroversa, Paedoclione doliiformis , and Clione limacina , is advected down the central shelf region from the northeast. A Gulf Stream community of weak vertical migrators, including Limacina trochiformis, Cavolinia longirostris, Creseis conica, Atlanta peroni , and A. gaudichaudi , is introduced onto the shelf in occasional intrusions across the shelf-edge front. A depth-limited warm-water community of strong vertical migrators, including Limacina inflata, L. bulimoides, L. lesueuri , and Cavolinia inflexa is generally confined offshore of the 100-m isobath since the extent of their daily vertical migration is greater than the bottom depths on the continental shelf. A coastal community, including the larvae of Loligo pealei and of Ensis directus is found in coastal water of local origin and is generally confined within a coastal boundary layer.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SCALE TO MEASURE FEAR.

Abstract The development of a scale to measure fear is presented. An empirical item selection procedure was used, and an item analysis was performed. Internal consistency reliability was computed and found to be high. There were significant sex differences for the total score and for several specific items. The Fear Survey Schedule-II (FSS-II) correlated positively with the TMAS, Welsh's A-Scale, and Bendig's Emotionality Scale. A low negative correlation with social desirability was found. Ss who differed in the amount of fearfulness they reported to specific items on the FSS-II were selected for validation studies. Significant differences on measures of fear were found among these Ss when they were presented with stimuli related to their fear. Implications for research were briefly discussed.
Evaluation of Three Midazolam‐Xylazine Mixtures Preliminary Trials in Dogs

The depressant effects of midazolam and xylazine on the central nervous system (CNS) were evaluated in 12 dogs. Xylazine was administered to six dogs (1.1 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) followed in 5 minutes by midazolam (1.0 mg/kg intramuscularly [IM]). In a second group of six dogs, xylazine (2.2 mg/kg IM) was followed in 5 minutes by midazolam (1.0 mg/kg IV). Both drug regimens induced rapid and profound sedation or anesthesia. Duration of action varied with the doses and routes of administration. Dogs given the high dose of xylazine IM had an arousal time of 95.4 +/- 8.9 minutes and a walking time of 155.4 +/- 8.8 minutes. These values exceeded the IV xylazine values threefold. Partial reversal of CNS depression was accomplished with either a benzodiazepine antagonist (flumazenil) or an alpha-2 antagonist (yohimbine). In a separate trial, a mixture of xylazine (0.55 mg/kg), midazolam (1.0 mg/kg), and butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg) with and without glycopyrrolate was evaluated in eight dogs. As with the xylazine-midazolam combinations, the CNS depressant effect of this mixture was clinically indistinguishable from anesthesia achieved with other rapid-acting injectable agents. Clinical signs of CNS depression were readily and completely antagonized by the simultaneous injection of flumazenil and yohimbine.
Effect of genetics and maternal dietary iodide supplementation on turkey embryonic growth

Embryonic growth of a turkey lines selected for 16-wk BW (F) or 180-d egg production (E) was measured and compared to randombred controls (RBC2 or RBC1). Egg weight at setting relative to poult weight at hatching indicated increased growth in F as well as E embryos compared to randombred controls. Eggs from F weighed 10 g more than those of RBC2 (P < or = 0.0001) but the poults at hatching were only 8 g heavier (P < or = 0.0001). Water vapor loss during incubation indicated that only 0.9% of the difference could be accounted for by water vapor loss. Selection for increased 16-wk BW resulted in decreased embryo growth rates relative to hatchling mass (P < or = 0.0001) beginning at Day 16 of incubation compared to that of RBC2. Eggs from E weighed 15 g less than RBC1 (P < or = 0.0001) but produced poults weighing only 7 g less (P < or = 0.0001). Incubation water vapor loss was depressed in E compared to RBC1 (P < or = 0.0001) but accounted for only 1.4% of the difference between hatchling weights. Selection for egg production increased embryo growth rates (relative to hatchling mass) measured at 4-d intervals compared to those of the RBC1 line (P < or = 0.05). Iodide supplementation of the maternal diet depressed (P < or = 0.05) glycogen in F embryos but interacted with line to generally increase glycogen in E embryos. Increased glycogen was related to increased growth rates in E but not F line embryos. It may be concluded that iodide supplementation of the material diet and genetics are determinants of embryonic growth in turkeys.
APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING TASTE TESTING

In the simple apparatus described, glasses for triangular testing can be filled in presence of the tester and presented to him without it being known which is the odd glass. To avoid disruption of normal working, testing is not done at set times but by attendance by the tasters at convenient times in the intervals of their normal duties.
On the interaction of concurrent verbal and manual tasks: which initial task conditions produce interference?

The presence of interference (and whether it is generalized or lateralized) is highly dependent on the initial conditions of the experiment. Changes in task, instructions, and subject characteristics produce different interference outcomes. Clearly the present results are not predictable from the cerebral functional distance theory and support the idea that the theory has limited explanatory power depending on the specific tasks and conditions involved. Alternatively, the idea of entrainment among tasks can account for some of the results, particularly for the preferred-speed conditions. In other words, the interference may be interpreted in terms of a task integration of two motor responses into a common rate rather than in terms of structural interference effects (cf., Murphy & Peters, 1994). From this viewpoint, it would appear that much more could be gained by systematically changing the test conditions (task constraints) to determine the different sources of interference and/or by testing specific populations (e.g., Bathurst & Kee, 1994). In the meantime, if an experimenter is specifically looking for lateralized interference in a dual-task paradigm it might be better either not to choose unimanual tapping or to avoid the motor task of finger tapping altogether so that attentional capacity is not confounded by the effects of nonattentional, mutually interacting outcomes. In general, the results of this study reflect the sentiment of Abernathy (1988), who suggests that the application of the dual-task paradigm to problems in motor skills research requires careful consideration of the available constraints operating in specific conditions.
Sarcopenia in elderly men and women: the Rancho Bernardo study.

Abstract Background Sarcopenia risk factors are poorly understood. Methods This study examines sarcopenia prevalence and risk factors in community-dwelling men (694) and women (1006) aged 55–98 years (mean=73) who attended a 1988–1992 Rancho Bernardo Study clinic visit. Height, weight, muscle strength, fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass by bioelectric impedance analysis, and grip strength were measured; alcohol and medication use, smoking, and physical activity were ascertained. Results Mean FFM was 43.5 kg for women and 61.7 kg for men. Sarcopenia, defined as FFM of ≥2.0 standard deviations below the gender-specific mean of a young reference population, was present in 6.0% overall. Prevalence increased dramatically from 4% of men and 3% of women aged 70–75 to 16% of men and 13% of women aged 85 and older. Both men and women with sarcopenia had a significantly lower fat mass and body mass index than those without sarcopenia. Men with sarcopenia were twice as likely to have fallen in the past year compared with those without sarcopenia. Grip strength, but not quadriceps strength, was lower in men and women with sarcopenia. Physically active women were about half as likely to have sarcopenia, but no association was found in men. Few men and women were current smokers, but they were more likely to have sarcopenia. Comorbidities (heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease, arthritis, cancer) and medications (thyroid hormones, corticosteroids, and hormone replacement therapy) were not associated with sarcopenia. Conclusions Sarcopenia increases with age. This study also identified lack of physical activity and current smoking as reversible risk factors for sarcopenia.
Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Children with Atopic Dermaitis

Children with atopic dermatitis are more frequently colonized with Staphylococcus aureus than children without atopic dermatitis. However, little epidemiological data exist regarding the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus among children with atopic dermatitis. Recent studies have revealed an increasing prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus among patients presenting to hospitals with serious bacterial infections, particularly those with cutaneous and soft tissue infections. As many atopic dermatitis patients are treated empirically with antibiotics for secondary skin infections, an understanding of the epidemiology of bacterial colonization and superinfection is essential for directing proper treatment in the atopic patient population. This study investigates the prevalence of risk factors for community-associated, methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonization among pediatric atopic dermatitis patients encountered at an academic pediatric dermatology clinic. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in which 54 patients previously diagnosed with atopic dermatitis were enrolled. A detailed patient questionnaire, a complete cutaneous examination, and an evaluation of eczema severity according to the Eczema Area and Severity Index were completed at the time of enrollment. Bacterial cultures from the skin and nares were obtained to determine the frequency of colonization with either methicillin-sensitive S. aureus or methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Although most atopic dermatitis patients studied were colonized with S. aureus (43/54 [80%]), methicillin-resistant S. aureus was isolated from only seven atopic dermatitis patients (7/43 [16%]). Patients colonized with S. aureus were more likely to be male, to have been previously hospitalized, to have used a topical calcineurin inhibitor in combination with a topical steroid, and less likely to have used topical antibiotics. Bivariable analysis, however, revealed that only previous hospitalization was independently associated with an increased risk of methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonization. We observed that 80% of atopic dermatitis patients were colonized with S. aureus, and that of these patients, 16% of colonized patients were colonized with a methicillin-resistant strain. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus colonization was found to be significantly associated with previous hospitalization. Evidence also indicates that topical calcineurin inhibitors used in conjunction with topical steroids is associated with increased S. aureus colonization, while topical antibiotic use appears to decrease S. aureus colonization.
Grain boundary evolution in hot-pressed ABC-SIC

Silicon carbide with aluminum, boron, and carbon additions (ABC-SiC) was hot-pressed to full density. The samples were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with an emphasis on high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). Amorphous grain boundary interlayers, typically less than 2 nm wide, were formed between SiC grains. Heat-treating the ABC-SiC at temperatures as low as 1100°C in Ar crystallized the grain boundary interlayers completely without significantly changing the dominant chemical constituents. Chemical microanalyses demonstrated Al and O enrichment for all examined grain boundaries in both as-prepared and annealed samples. Quantitative EDS analyses revealed Al2OC- and Al2O3-related species (with Si, C, B, or S substitutions) as two of the most likely grain boundary interlayer materials, both before and after heat treatment. Al2O3, and (Al1−xSix)2OC with a 2H-type wurtzite structure, were identified as grain boundary films by HREM images. The structural evolution in the grain boundary phases during the hot pressing and postannealing is discussed.
Inverse optimal control for a hybrid dynamical system with impacts

In this paper, we develop an approach to inverse optimal control for a class of hybrid dynamical system with impacts. As it is usually posed, the problem of inverse optimal control is to find a cost function that is consistent with an observed sequence of decisions, under the assumption that these decisions are optimal. We assume instead that observed decisions are only approximately optimal and find a cost function that minimizes the extent to which these decisions violate first-order necessary conditions for optimality. For the hybrid dynamical system that we consider with a cost function that is a linear combination of known basis functions, this minimization is a convex program. In fact, it reduces to a simple least-squares computation that—unlike most other forms of inverse optimal control—can be solved very efficiently. We apply our approach to a dynamic bipedal climbing robot in simulation, showing that we can recover cost functions from observed trajectories that are consistent with two different modes of locomotion.
MODELING LAND-USE CHANGE IMPACTS OF BIOFUELS IN THE GTAP-BIO FRAMEWORK

This paper reviews an analysis of land use change impacts of expanded biofuel production with GTAP-BIO computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. It describes the treatment of energy substitution, the role of biofuel by-products, specification of bilateral trade, the determination of land cover changes in response to increased biofuel feedstock production, and changes in crop yields – both at the intensive and extensive margins. The paper responds to some of the criticisms of GTAP-BIO and provides insights into the sensitivity of land use change and GHG emissions to changes in key parameters and assumptions. In particular, it considers an alternative specification of acreage response that takes into account the degree of land heterogeneity within agro-ecological zone (AEZ) for different AEZs and countries. The paper concludes with the discussion of alternative specifications of land mobility across uses employed in CGE models and the agenda for further research to narrow parametric and structural uncertainty to improve the model's performance.
Glycemic targets and medication limitations for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the older adult.

Objective To review the optimal management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the older adult. Data sources A PubMed search was completed to identify publications in the English language from 1947 to 2013 using combinations of the search terms: geriatrics, aged, diabetes mellitus, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. References of articles were also reviewed for inclusion if not identified in the PubMed search. Study selection and data extraction Original studies, clinical reviews, and guidelines were identified and evaluated for clinical relevance. Data synthesis Although the number of older adults with T2DM is growing, evidence for the treatment of T2DM in this population is lacking. Barriers such as polypharmacy, comorbid conditions, economic limitations, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of hypoglycemia may limit optimal glycemic control in older adults. Several organizations provide recommendations for glycemic targets and recommend using standard glycemic goals in most healthy older adults. However, less stringent goals are necessary in certain older populations such as those patients with limited life expectancy and severe hypoglycemia. In general, glycemic goals should be individualized in older patients. Age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, comorbid conditions, adverse drug reactions, ease of medication administration, and cost of medications necessitate the need to individualize pharmacologic therapy. Conclusion Glycemic targets and medication use for T2DM should be individualized in older adults.
Compensating the distributed effect of a wave PDE in the actuation or sensing path of MIMO LTI systems

Abstract The problem of compensation of infinite-dimensional actuator or sensor dynamics of more complex type than pure delay was solved recently using the backstepping method for PDEs. In this paper we construct an explicit feedback law for a multi-input LTI system which compensates the wave PDE dynamics in its input and stabilizes the overall system. Our design is based on a novel infinite-dimensional backstepping–forwarding transformation. We illustrate the effectiveness of our design with a simulation example of a single-input second order system, in which the wave input enters the system through two different channels, each one located at a different point in the domain of the wave PDE. Finally, we consider a dual problem where we design an exponentially convergent observer that compensates the distributed effect of the wave sensor dynamics.
Cells Transformed by a v-Myb-Estrogen Receptor Fusion Differentiate into Multinucleated Giant Cells

In order to make conditional alleles of the v-myb oncogene, we constructed and tested avian retroviruses which produce a number of different fusion proteins between v-Myb and the human estrogen receptor (ER). We found that the portion of the ER used in making these fusions profoundly affected their transcriptional activation. However, all the fusions tested were only weakly transforming in embryonic yolk sac assays and there was no direct correlation between the level of transcriptional activation and strength of oncogenic transformation. Nevertheless, transformation by a v-Myb-ER fusion was estrogen dependent, and upon withdrawal of the hormone, monocytic-lineage cells differentiated into multinucleated giant cells. Surprisingly, the withdrawal of estrogen caused a dramatic increase in the stability of the fusion protein, although it remained unable to promote cell growth or block differentiation.
Nonlinear stochastic control via stationary probability density functions

Presents a control strategy for externally excited stochastic systems with parametric uncertainties. The objective is to drive the system to match a target probability density function (PDF) in steady state. The control consists of a nonlinear feedback and a switching term for handling parameter uncertainty. The fast rate of convergence to the stationary PDF is observed in the time evolution of the mean and variance of the closed loop system through Monte Carlo simulations. The dependence of the control performance on the number of terms in the polynomial control series and on the rate of convergence to the steady state distribution are studied numerically. This control design based on the stationary PDF is also applied to the tracking of a time-varying probability density function.
The endosomal sorting complex ESCRT-II mediates the assembly and architecture of ESCRT-III helices

The endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs) constitute hetero-oligomeric machines that mediate topologically similar membrane-sculpting processes, including cytokinesis, retroviral egress, and multivesicular body (MVB) biogenesis. Although ESCRT-III drives membrane remodeling that creates MVBs, its structure and the mechanism of vesicle formation are unclear. Using electron microscopy, we visualize an ESCRT-II:ESCRT-III supercomplex and propose how it mediates vesicle formation. We define conformational changes that activate ESCRT-III subunit Snf7 and show that it assembles into spiraling ~9 nm protofilaments on lipid monolayers. A high-content flow cytometry assay further demonstrates that mutations halting ESCRT-III assembly block ESCRT function. Strikingly, the addition of Vps24 and Vps2 transforms flat Snf7 spirals into membrane-sculpting helices. Finally, we show that ESCRT-II and ESCRT-III coassemble into ~65 nm diameter rings indicative of a cargo-sequestering supercomplex. We propose that ESCRT-III has distinct architectural stages that are modulated by ESCRT-II to mediate cargo capture and vesicle formation by ordered assembly.
Searching for unifying principles in soil ecology

The field of soil ecology has relatively few fundamental unifying principles that can be used to explain and predict patterns and processes in belowground ecosystems. Here we propose that a first step towards developing a more comprehensive set of unifying principles in soil ecology is to identify and understand the characteristics shared by a wide range of soils, the common mechanisms driving soil biogeochemical processes, and the biogeochemical constraints imposed on soil biota regardless of soil type. Very often, soil ecologists focus on the differences between soils when, in fact, many soils share a common set of ecological mechanisms that govern biogeochemical processes. Here we explore evidence for the existence of unifying principles in soil ecology, highlighting some of the similarities in carbon dynamics and soil communities across widely different soil types and examining the various mechanisms that may drive these similarities. Given that soils are extremely complex environments that exhibit substantial spatial and temporal heterogeneity, defining overarching principles is, arguably, more challenging in soil ecology than in other disciplines. However, recent methodological advances hold great promise for testing and formulating unifying principles, particularly when such methods are used consistently, in concert with other interdisciplinary approaches, and across a range of sites. Soils are not identical, but they do exhibit consistent patterns and processes that, if explored more intensively, will affirm the existence of unifying principles in soil ecology.
Early Literacy Instruction and Learning in Kindergarten: Evidence From the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999

Using a nationally representative sample of 13,609 kindergarten children in 2,690 classrooms and 788 schools from the base year of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999, along with three-level hierarchical linear models, this study investigates the impact of early literacy instruction on kindergarten children’s learning, as measured by direct cognitive test scores, indirect teacher ratings of children’s achievement in language and literacy, and indirect teacher ratings of children’s approaches to learning. Two composite measures of phonics and integrated language arts are constructed from teachers’ reports of their instructional practices. Findings show that classroom mean outcomes were significantly higher when classroom teachers reported using both integrated language arts and phonics more often. However, children with low initial performance benefited less from integrated language arts instruction, as measured by direct measures of achievement; such differential effect...
The Determinants of State Employee Compensation

Benefits are growing in importance for state employees and capturing an increasing proportion of the total compensation package. This investigation attempts to identify factors that account for variations across the states in individual and family health insurance contributions, pension benefits, paid leave, child and elderly care, and average salary. State employee union density was found to be the most consistent and important determinant of compensation. Cost of living was also predictive of some compensation factors. These findings contribute insights into an important and underresearched area of human resource management, but improved comparativemeasures of benefits are needed to aid future research.
DOES WORKLOAD MODULATE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COCKPIT TRAFFIC DISPLAY FORMATS

Eighteen certified flight instructors from the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation participated in an experiment exploring the format of the Cockpit Display of Traffic Information for free flight traffic avoidance maneuvers. Pilots flew a sequence of flight scenarios to compare the effects of traffic load, display dimensionality (3D vs. 2D coplanar), and a vertical profile orientation on maneuver choice, conflict avoidance performance, and maneuver efficiency. The highest levels of workload induced more combined lateral/vertical maneuvers, degraded safety on the 2D coplanar displays, and degraded efficiency regardless of display type. In the context of an overwhelming preference for vertical maneuvers, the 3D display increased the frequency of the less-safe descent maneuvers (relative to climbs) and increased subjective workload, while the 2D rear-view display decreased the vertical efficiency of all maneuvers, relative to its side-view counterpart.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Dogs

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is an infrequently diagnosed complication of many systemic diseases including heartworm disease, glomerulopathy leading to the nephrotic syndrome, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, hyperadrenocorticism, pancreatitis, neoplasia, and sepsis. Acute, unexplained dyspnea in a patient with minimal abnormalities on thoracic radiographs should prompt consideration of this diagnosis. Confirmation requires ventilation-perfusion radionuclide scanning or selective pulmonary angiography. Treatment includes cage rest, anticoagulant therapy with heparin and warfarin, correction of the underlying disorder, and supportive care. Clinicians should be prepared to treat hemorrhage associated with anticoagulant therapy. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may prove useful as a thrombolytic in the treatment of animals suffering massive PTE, but is, at present, expensive.
Associations of Ki-ras Proto-oncogene Mutation and p53 Gene Overexpression in Sporadic Colorectal Adenomas with Demographic and Clinicopathologic Characteristics

In colorectal tumorigenesis, Ki-ras proto-oncogene mutation often occurs early in the adenoma-adenocarcinoma sequence, whereas mutation of the p53 gene is associated with late progression to carcinoma. We evaluated the relationship of demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics to Ki-ras mutation and p53 gene product overexpression in 1,093 baseline sporadic colorectal adenomas from 926 individuals enrolled in a phase III recurrence prevention trial. Ki-ras mutation was found in 14.7% of individuals and p53 overexpression was found in 7.0% of those tested. Multivariate analysis found older age, rectal location, and villous histology to be independently associated with Ki-ras mutation. Individuals with an advanced adenoma (>or=1 cm or high-grade dysplasia or villous histology) had a 4-fold higher likelihood of Ki-ras mutation [odds ratios (OR), 3.96; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 2.54-6.18]. Ki-ras mutations in codon 12 and of the G-to-A transition type were more frequent in older individuals, whereas G-to-T transversion was more frequent in rectal adenomas than in the colon. Multivariate analysis showed that previous history of a polyp (P = 0.03) was inversely associated with p53 overexpression. Large adenoma size (>or=1 cm), high-grade dysplasia, and villous histology were independently associated with p53 overexpression, with the strongest association for advanced adenomas (OR, 7.20; 95% CI, 3.01-17.22). Individuals with a Ki-ras mutated adenoma were more likely to overexpress p53 (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.36-4.46), and 94.8% of adenomas with both alterations were classified as advanced (P <or= 0.0001). Our large cross-sectional study supports the role of both Ki-ras and p53 in the progression of adenomas and shows that their molecular pathogenesis differs by anatomic location, age, and mucosal predisposition as evidenced by previous history of a polyp.
Autonomous underwater vehicles: Current activities and research opportunities

Abstract Although the ocean covers over two thirds of our planet, it remains in poorly explored and only vaguely understood realm. The tools which currently exist to explore this hostile domain are limited. Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) systems are providing a new alternative for exploring and exploiting the undersea environment. This paper seeks to provide some understanding of the current state of these underwater robots and to highlight some of the research opportunities associated with underwater robotics. It suggests that the economic potential of the ocean, its strategic importance and its role in many of the global processes which mankind seeks to understand require increased research and development in the area of underwater robots. Although the last few years have seen increased attention focused in this area, much is left to be done.
Differential Regulation of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Monocyte Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-9 by p38 and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Signal transduction events in monocyte matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production have been shown to include a PGE 2 -cAMP-dependent step. To determine earlier pathway components, we examined the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the regulation of monocyte MMP-1 and MMP-9, two major MMPs induced by LPS. Stimulation with LPS resulted in the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and mitogen-activated kinase p38. The p38-specific inhibitor SB203580 suppressed p38 activity and MMP-1 mRNA and protein, but increased ERK activity and MMP-9 mRNA and protein. In contrast, the MAPK kinase 1/2-specific inhibitor PD98059 inhibited MMP-1 and MMP-9. However, both MAPK inhibitors decreased the production of cyclooxygenase-2 and PGE 2 , but only the inhibition of MMP-1 by SB203580 was reversed by PGE 2 or dibutyryl cAMP. Examination of the effect of these MAPK inhibitors on the promoters of MMP-1 and MMP-9 revealed that PD98059 inhibited the binding of transcription factors to all of the MMP promoter-specific complementary oligonucleotides tested. However, SB203580 only inhibited the binding of MMP-1-specific CREB and SP 1 oligonucleotides, which was reversed by PGE 2 . Additionally, SB203580 enhanced transcription factor binding to the oligonucleotides complementary to a NF-κB site in the promoter of MMP-9. Thus, LPS induction of MMP-1 production by monocytes is regulated by both ERK1/2 and p38, whereas MMP-9 stimulation occurred mainly through the ERK1/2 pathway. Moreover, p38 regulates MMP-1 mainly through a PGE 2 -dependent pathway, whereas ERK1/2-mediated MMP-1 and MMP-9 production involves the activation of additional MMP promoter sites through a PGE 2 -independent mechanism.
Integrating diverse research in a digital library focused on a single author

The works of a significant author are accompanied by a variety of artifacts ranging from the scholarly to the popular. In order to better support the needs of the scholarly community, digital libraries focused on the life and works of a particular author must be designed to assemble, integrate, and present the full scope of these artifacts. Drawing from our experiences with the Cervantes Project, we describe five intersecting domains that are common to similarly focused humanities research projects. Integrating the tools needed and the artifacts produced by each of these domains enables digital libraries to provide unique connections between diverse research communities.
Are social networkers and genome testers one in the same? The limitations of public opinion research for guiding clinical practice.

Several scholars have raised concerns about the potential ethical, legal and social implications of direct-to-consumer personal genome testing (PGT), particularly with regards to the clinical relev...