cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of monoclonal antibodies specific for Ricinus agglutinins.

Abstract Ricin is a highly toxic, dichain ribosome-inactivating protein present in the seeds of Ricinus communis (castor), grown principally as a source of high quality industrial lubricant and as an ornamental. Because of its presence in industrial byproducts and its documented use for intentional poisoning, there is a need for analytical methodology to quantify ricin in both castor extracts and food matrices. We developed a panel of monoclonal antibodies to ricin, with most having strong cross-reactivity with RCA-1, a homologous but less toxic castor agglutinin. Some of the IgM-producing hybridomas appeared to produce a second, IgG isotype and were further analysed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The antibodies were effective in various ELISA formats, many with IC50's in the range of 0.1–10 ng/mL and minimal matrix effects in skim milk. Assay specificity can be adjusted for analytical needs by varying the combination of antibodies in a sandwich ELISA format.
ESTIMATING COSTS AND BENEFITS OF TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR ALTERNATIVES

Although benefit-cost assessment is a useful tool in structuring the decision making process, it has not generally been used to assist in multi-modal decision making in metropolitan areas. Also, although detailed zone-to-zone trip information can be obtained from metropolitan travel-demand models, this information is not currently used by planners in developing detailed information on cross-modal comparisons of costs and benefits. A real-world application of benefit-cost analysis for multi-modal decision making using detailed zone-to-zone trip data output from travel-demand models for the I-15 corridor in Salt Lake City is presented. The analysis was conducted at two levels: corridor and region-wide. The research suggests that, when major investments are to be evaluated, the analyst should be very cautious in performing corridor-level analyses when such a trip-based approach is used, because of significant effects on the evaluation caused by traffic diverted into (or out of) the corridor.
Peacekeeping and refugee relief

The evolution of the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is traced through its involvement in conflict zones, direct operational relations with military forces and its assumption of responsibility for internally displaced persons and wider humanitarian leadership. The costs and benefits of these changes are examined with particular reference to the war in the former Yugoslavia. Although considerable benefits to the recipients of UNHCR's care are identified, the risks and dilemmas inherent in the perception of a compromised neutrality or impartiality are also highlighted. The dilemmas will almost certainly persist, unless ‘militarized humanitarianism’ is rendered moot by the increasing reluctance of states to commit to uncertain and risky interventions in conflict‐ridden states.
Eating induced by injections of 2-deoxy-D-glucose in neurologically intact hypodipsic rats.

Neurologically intact rats were presented with a 0.2% (w/v) quinine adulterated water supply, and they failed to meter fluid consumption homeostatically in accordance with the elevated food intake that followed gluco-privation induced by 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg injections of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG). These animals, nevertheless, were statistically indistinguishable from controls in the amount of food eaten following the 2DG treatments. These data suggest that the hypodipsia produced by some brain lesions is not a sufficient stimulus to produce the deficient glucoprivic feeding that accompanies such lesions; therefore, future lesion investigations that simultaneously yield hypodipsia and reduced eating in response to 2DG need not employ hypodipsic neurologically intact controls.
Evaluation of clinical outcomes in patients with Gram-negative bloodstream infections according to cefepime MIC

Predicted and observed failures at higher cefepime MICs have prompted the Clinical and Laboratories Standards Institute (CLSI) to lower the susceptible breakpoint for Enterobacteriaceae to ≤2mg/L, with dose-dependent susceptibility at 4-8mg/L, while the susceptibility breakpoint for nonfermentative organisms remain unchanged at ≥8mg/L. The contribution of increasing cefepime MIC to mortality risk in the setting of aggressive cefepime dosing is not well defined. Patients who were treated with cefepime for Gram-negative blood stream infections (GNBSIs), including both Enterobacteriaceae and nonfermentative organisms, were screened for inclusion in this retrospective cohort study. Demographic and microbiologic variables were collected, including pathogen, cefepime MIC, dosage, and interval. The objective was to define a risk-adjusted mortality breakpoint for cefepime MICs. Secondarily, we looked at time to death and length of stay (LOS) postculture. Ninety-one patients were included in the analysis. Overall, 19 patients died and 72 survived. Classification and Regression Tree analysis identified an inhospital mortality breakpoint at a cefepime MIC between 2 and 4mg/L for patients with a modified Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score ≤16.5 (4.2% versus 25%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression revealed increased odds of mortality at a cefepime MIC of 4mg/L (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-33.4) and 64mg/L (aOR 6.54, 95% CI 1.03-41.4). Those with cefepime MICs ≥4mg/L experienced a greater median intensive care unit LOS for survivors (16 versus 2days; P=0.026). Increasing cefepime MIC appears to predict inhospital mortality among patients who received aggressive doses of cefepime for GNBSIs, supporting a clinical breakpoint MIC of 2mg/L.
Scoring systems for evaluating dietary pattern effect on serum cholesterol.

Abstract Scoring systems are presented that indicate the power of a day's food for elevating serum cholesterol. The scores, based on the work of Keys, Anderson, and Grande, Circulation 19 , 201–214, 1959, fill a role analogous to calories in weight loss. The scores are based on saturated and polyunsaturated fat, cholesterol, and calories in the daily diet. Two of the scores, φ and B, are nearly equal in precision. Either may be used in research as a measure of the effect of habitual diet on the serum cholesterol of a population, small group, or individual. The third score presented, Dietary Achievement Score, is less precise but provides a simple, practical, clinical tool for quickly assessing dietary adherence and for teaching about serum cholesterol-lowering eating patterns on a portion-by-portion basis.
Shedding of Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 by Membrane-type Matrix Metalloproteinases

The discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) are receptor tyrosine kinases that upon binding to collagens undergo receptor phosphorylation, which in turn activates signal transduction pathways that regulate cell-collagen interactions. We report here that collagen-dependent DDR1 activation is partly regulated by the proteolytic activity of the membrane-anchored collagenases, MT1-, MT2-, and MT3-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). These collagenases cleave DDR1 and attenuate collagen I- and IV-induced receptor phosphorylation. This effect is not due to ligand degradation, as it proceeds even when the receptor is stimulated with collagenase-resistant collagen I (r/r) or with a triple-helical peptide harboring the DDR recognition motif in collagens. Moreover, the secreted collagenases MMP-1 and MMP-13 and the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane-type MMPs (MT4- and MT6-MMP) have no effect on DDR1 cleavage or activation. N-terminal sequencing of the MT1-MMP-mediated cleaved products and mutational analyses show that cleavage of DDR1 takes place within the extracellular juxtamembrane region, generating a membrane-anchored C-terminal fragment. Metalloproteinase inhibitor studies show that constitutive shedding of endogenous DDR1 in breast cancer HCC1806 cells is partly mediated by MT1-MMP, which also regulates collagen-induced receptor activation. Taken together, these data suggest a role for the collagenase of membrane-type MMPs in regulation of DDR1 cleavage and activation at the cell-matrix interface.
On the Regularity of Harmonic Functions and Spherical Harmonic Maps Defined on Lattices

Abstract A growth lemma for certain discrete symmetric Laplacians defined on a lattice Zδd = δZd ⊂ Rd with spacing δ is proved. The lemma implies a De Giorgi theorem, that the harmonic functions for these Laplacians are equi-Holder continuous, δ → 0. These results are then applied to establish regularity properties for the harmonic maps defined on Zdδ and taking values in an n-dimensional sphere Sn, uniform in δ. Questions of the convergence δ → 0 and the Dirichlet problem for these discrete harmonic maps are also addressed.
Cation ordering in Li[NixMnxCo(1-2x)] O2-layered cathode materials: A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), pair distribution function, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical study

Several members of the compositional series Li[NixMnxCo(1–2x)]O2 (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 1/3) were synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction results confirm the presence of the layered α-NaFeO2-type structure, while X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy experiments verify the presence of Ni2+, Mn4+, and Co3+. Their local environment and short-range ordering were investigated by using a combination of 6Li magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and neutron pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, associated with reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) calculations. The 6Li MAS NMR spectra of compounds with low Ni/Mn contents (x ≤ 0.10) show several well-resolved resonances, which start to merge when the amount of Ni and Mn increases, finally forming a broad resonance at high Ni/Mn contents. Analysis of the 6Li MAS NMR 6Li[Ni0.02Mn0.02Co0.96]O2 spectrum, is consistent with the formation of Ni2+ and Mn4+ clusters within the transition-metal layers, even at these low-doping levels. The oxida...
Climate Variability and Drain Spacing Influence on Drainage Water Management System Operation

The effects of climate variability, drain spacing, and growing season operational strategy on annual drain flow and crop yield were studied for a hypothetical drainage water management (DWM) system at Purdue University9s Water Quality Field Station using the DRAINMOD model. Drainage water management showed potential for reducing annual average (1915–2006) drain flow from all drain spacings (10–35 m) regardless of the growing season operational strategy, with reductions varying between 52 and 55% for the drain spacings considered. Approximately 81 to 99% of the annual drain flow reduction occurred during the non-growing season, depending on the operational strategy. Fixed DWM operational strategies led to an increase in mean predicted yield for narrower spacings compared with conventional drainage systems. Maximum yield was achieved with no control for drain spacings wider than 20 m in 50% of the years. Overall, the height of control had more influence on relative yield than the date of initiation of control. The greatest positive impacts of DWM on relative yield (1.2%) occurred in cool, dry years, while the greatest average negative impacts (−0.2%) occurred in cool, wet years. On average, with the best-case operation selected for annual weather conditions, DWM increased relative yield by approximately 0.8, 0.4, and 0.2% for the 10-, 20-, and 30-m drain spacing, respectively. Accumulated growing degree days and antecedent precipitation index show promise for identifying appropriate operational strategies for DWM.
Lead contamination in the homes of employees of secondary lead smelters

Abstract The lead content of particulates in 33 homes of employees of two secondary lead smelters in different geographical areas of the country was investigated. Employees generally showered before going home and work clothes were laundered by the companies. Despite these hygiene measures, the lead content of particulates in the workers' homes was found to be significantly greater than in samples collected in control homes in the same or similar neighborhoods. Samples were collected by the Vostal method. In one area, a geometric mean of 79.3 μg of lead/towel was found in the workers' homes, compared with 28.8 μg/towel in the homes of workers with no history of lead exposure. In the second area studied, a geometric mean of 112.0 μg was determined in the workers' homes, compared with 9.7 μg in the homes of controls. In the latter area, paint chips, particulates from the sidewalk curb, and settled dust were also collected and analyzed for lead content. Elevated zinc protoporphyrin levels were found in some children of lead-exposed workers, but not among children in control homes.
Irradiance and temperature effects on time of development and flower size in chrysanthemum

Abstract The effects of day temperature (DT), night temperature (NT) and photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), on rate of development and flower size were studied in chrysanthemum ( Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev. cultivar ‘Bright Golden Anne’). DT and NT ranged from 10 to 30°C and PPF from 1.8 to 21.6 mol day −1 m −2 . Flower initiation did not occur after 100 short days (SD) at low PPF levels (1.8 mol day −1 m −2 ) in combination with high DT or NT (30°C). The number of days to flower varied from 58 to 140 days among plants grown under environmental conditions allowing flower initiation within 100 SD. The time to flower from start of SD decreased nonlinearly as PPF increased. Increasing PPF by 9.9 mol day −1 m −2 at 20°C accelerated flowering 20 days when the initial PPF was 1.8 mol day −1 m −2 , but only 10 days when the initial PPF was 11.7 mol day −1 m −2 . The DT and NT for most rapid flower development were estimated from a model predicting time to flower. Independent of PPF in the range from 2 to 20 mol day −1 m −2 , the optimum DT was 17°C and the optimum NT was 18°C. Total flower area per plant varied from 14 to 310 cm 2 . The flower size increased linearly as PPF increased from 1.8 to 21.6 mol day −1 m −2 at a constant temperature of 20°C. The optimum DT NT combination for largest flower size changed from 21 14° to 20 18° C as PPF increased from 5 to 20 mol day −1 m −2 .
Prevalence of Sarcocystis in wolves and white-tailed deer in Northeastern Minnesota.

The prevalence of Sarcocystis (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae) in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from northeastern Minnesota was determined by histologic examination of tongue samples. Seventy-nine of 100 deer were infected; infection was higher in yearlings and adults than in fawns. Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were found in 3% of 72 wolf (Canis lupus) scats. Three of four captive wolves fed muscle from a white-tailed deer naturally infected with Sarcocystis shed sporocysts 12–14 days later.
Traffic processes in a class of finite Markovian queues

This paper exposes the stochastic structure of traffic processes in a class of finite state queueing systems which are modeled in continuous time as Markov processes. The theory is presented for theM/E k /φ/L class under a wide range of queue disciplines. Particular traffic processes of interest include the arrival, input, output, departure and overflow processes. Several examples are given which demonstrate that the theory unifies many earlier works, as well as providing some new results. Several extensions to the model are discussed.
A new determination of the half-life of 243Am

Abstract The half-life of 243Am was determined by two independent analytical methods—coulometry and mass spectrometry—in combination with alpha pulse height analysis and absolute alpha counting. The two results are in good agreement at 7370±40 years.
Earthquake recurrence and risk assessment in circum-Pacific seismic gaps

THE development of the concept of seismic gaps, regions of low earthquake activity where large events are expected, has been one of the notable achievements of seismology and plate tectonics. Its application to long-term earthquake hazard assessment continues to be an active field of seismological research. Here I have surveyed well documented case histories of repeated rupture of the same segment of circum-Pacific plate boundary and characterized their general features. I find that variability in fault slip and spatial extent of great earthquakes rupturing the same plate boundary segment is typical rather than exceptional but sequences of major events fill identified seismic gaps with remarkable order. Earthquakes are concentrated late in the seismic cycle and occur with increasing size and magnitude. Furthermore, earthquake rup-ture starts near zones of concentrated moment release, suggesting that high-slip regions control the timing of recurrent events. The absence of major earthquakes early in the seismic cycle indicates a more complex behaviour for lower-slip regions, which may explain the observed cycle-to-cycle diversity of gap-filling sequences.
Light scattering from cells: the contribution of the nucleus and the effects of proliferative status

As part of our ongoing efforts to understand the fundamen- tal nature of light scattering from cells and tissues, we present data on elastic light scattering from isolated mammalian tumor cells and nu- clei. The contribution of scattering from internal structures and in par- ticular from the nuclei was compared to scattering from whole cells. Roughly 55% of the elastic light scattering at high-angles (>40°) comes from intracellular structures. An upper limit of 40% on the fractional contribution of nuclei to scattering from cells in tissue was determined. Using cell suspensions isolated from monolayer cultures at different stages of growth, we have also found that scattering at angles greater than about 110° was correlated with the DNA content of the cells. Based on model calculations and the relative size differ- ence of nuclei from cells in different stages of growth, we argue that this difference in scattering results from changes in the internal struc- tures of the nucleus. This interpretation is consistent with our estimate of 0.2 mm as the mean size of the scattering centers in cells. Addition- ally, we find that while scattering from the nucleus accounts for a majority of internal scattering, a significant portion must result from scattering off of cytoplasmic structures such as mitochondria. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S1083-3668(00)00202-1)
Pictures in cell biology: squaring up to the cell-shape debate.

These images show bovine capillary endothelial cells growing on square areas of fibronectin (Fig 1, Fig 2). These squares were generated using a novel process made possible by recent advances in microfabrication technology, which were originally developed for building electronic microchips. Each island of fibronectin is surrounded by a nonadhesive barrier region, so the cell spreads until it reaches the edges of the island and alters its shape to fit the area available. Experiments using squares of different size showed that the degree to which cells are able to spread can have functional consequences, with cells proliferating on larger islands (see Fig. 3Fig. 3) and dying by apoptosis on the very small islands1xChen, C.S. et al. Science. 1997; 276: 1425–1428CrossRef | PubMed | Scopus (3182)See all References1. A subsequent study using the same method showed that cell shape is the dominant regulator of cell-cycle progression under conditions where binding of soluble growth factors and insoluble extracellular matrix molecules are optimal and associated growth signalling cascades (e.g. mitogen-activated protein kinase) are fully activated inside the cell2xHuang, S., Chen, C.S., and Ingber, D.E. Mol. Biol. Cell. 1998; 9: 3179–3193CrossRef | PubMedSee all References2. These studies suggested that cell shape and mechanical forces play a role in cell growth and developmental control. Investigation of the role of cell shape and mechanics is therefore an important aspect of improving our understanding of tissue remodelling and morphogenetic patterning.Fig 1A bovine capillary endothelial cell cultured for 24 h on a square adhesive island (edge 50 μm) coated with fibronectin. The square cell is visualized by differential interference contrast optics.View Large Image | Download PowerPoint SlideFig 2The actin cytoskeleton (green) and nucleus (blue) visualized within a single endothelial cell grown on a square island. In this immunofluorescence view, actin microfilaments are labelled with FITC–phalloidin and the nucleus is stained with the DNA-binding dye DAPI.View Large Image | Download PowerPoint SlideFig. 3A pseudocolour image showing local differentials in growth of endothelial cells cultured on square fibronectin islands of varying size (edges 5–50 μm). The sample was fluorescently labelled with antibodies to fibronectin to visualize the islands (red), DAPI to stain all nuclei (blue) and antibodies to bromodeoxyuridine to label nuclei in S phase (yellow–green). Note that only highly spread cells progress through the cell cycle to S phase (yellow–green).View Large Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Transverse-momentum distribution of Higgs bosons at the Superconducting Super Collider

We consider the transverse-momentum distribution of Higgs-boson production in gluon-gluon fusion. Using resummation techniques we obtain a result valid at all transverse momenta. The resulting distributions are compared with those from the WW fusion mechanism and with those produced by event generators.
Long-term outcome in personality disorders.

Personality disorders meeting DSM or ICD criteria represent the severe end of the broad spectrum of personality configurations involving maladaptive traits. The literature regarding long-term outcome of personality disorders is sparse. Most attention is devoted to formerly institutionalised patients with borderline, antisocial, or schizotypal disorders. Borderline patients at 10-25-year follow-up have a wide range of outcomes, from clinical recovery (50-60%) to suicide (3-9%). Certain factors (e.g. artistic talent) conduce to higher recovery rates, others (e.g. parental cruelty) to lower rates. Schizoid and schizotypal patients tend to remain isolated, and to lead marginal lives. The long-term outcome in antisocial persons is bleak if psychopathic traits are prominent. Personality traits and their corresponding disorders are egosyntonic, harden into habit, and are both slow to change and hard to modify. There is no one treatment of choice. Psychoanalysis and related methods work best within the anxious/inhibited group; cognitive/behavioural techniques are well suited to the disorders requiring limit setting and the amelioration of maladaptive habits.
α1B-Adrenoceptor-mediated excitation of piriform cortical interneurons

Pharmacological techniques have defined the existence of two different alpha 1-adrenoceptors, the alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-adrenoceptor subtypes and both of these receptors have been cloned in addition to a cloned alpha 1d-adrenoceptor. A subpopulation of interneurons in layer III of the rat piriform cortex that are excited by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) via 5-HT2A receptors are also excited by norepinephrine via alpha 1-adrenoceptors. In the present study we determined the pA2 values against the norepinephrine-mediated excitation of piriform cortical interneurons for a number of antagonists that are (1) not selective for alpha 1A- or alpha 1B-adrenoceptors (prazosin), (2) selective for alpha 1A-adrenoceptors (5-methyl urapidil, 2-(2,6-dimethoxy-phenoxyethyl)- aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane hydrochloride (WB 4101), benoxathian, phentolamine) and (3) selective for alpha 1B-adrenoceptors (spiperone and risperidone). The pA2 values for the antagonist blockade of norepinephrine-mediated interneuron excitation were significantly correlated to literature values for the pKi values of antagonist binding to the alpha 1B-adrenoceptor (r = 0.919) and the cloned alpha 1b-adrenoceptor (r = 0.849) but were not correlated to the pKi values of antagonist binding to the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor or the cloned alpha 1a- and alpha 1d-adrenoceptor. Thus, we conclude that this population of piriform cortical interneurons is excited by norepinephrine via alpha 1B-adrenoceptors.
The system In-Ga: Thermodynamics and computed phase equilibria

The accepted solidus [5] on the In-rich side of the In-Ga phase diagram has been shown to be thermodynamically infeasible. A solidus consistent with the liquidus and microcalorimetric heats of solution measurements [6] has been constructed with an analysis utilising a linear programming computer technique. The thermodynamic interaction parameter α [defined by αij=In γi/(1−Ni)2] have been determined as functions of temperature and composition for the liquid and In-rich solid solutions. The liquid and solid solutions are found to be not far from regular. The In-rich solvus curve has also been computed.
Lessons from Earth's Past

Climate models are invaluable tools for understanding Earth's climate system. But examination of the real world also provides insights into the role of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide) in determining Earth's climate. Not only can much be learned by looking at the observational evidence from Earth's past, but such know ledge can provide context for future climate change.
Δ5,7,9(11)-cholestatrien-3β-ol: A fluorescent cholesterol analogue

Structural analysis, a purification scheme and stability information on a fluorescent cholesterol analogue, which has been used as a probe in several model and biological systems, are presented. The proposed structure for the fluorophore, cholestatrien-3β-ol, closely resembles that of cholesterol. However, problems of low yield during synthesis and rapid decomposition have impeded its use. This study concerns the synthesis and purification of cholestatrien-3β-ol by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Unlike cholestatrien-3β-ol recrystallized from solvents, the fluorescent sterol purified by HPLC was stable over several months at −70°C either as a white, crystalline powder or in ethanolic solution. In model membranes the fluorescence of cholestatrien-3β-ol was stable to ultraviolet (UV) light. A simple spectroscopic assay for purity is presented. Included are detailed absorbance, fluorescence, mass, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectral analyses. The data confirm the structure of cholestatrien-3β-ol proposed, but not proven, over 50 years ago, Δ5,7,9(11)-cholestatrien-3β-ol.
Spatial search by quantum walk

Grover's quantum search algorithm provides a way to speed up combinatorial search, but is not directly applicable to searching a physical database. Nevertheless, Aaronson and Ambainis showed that a database of $N$ items laid out in $d$ spatial dimensions can be searched in time of order $\sqrt{N}$ for $dg2$, and in time of order $\sqrt{N}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{poly}(\mathrm{log}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}N)$ for $d=2$. We consider an alternative search algorithm based on a continuous-time quantum walk on a graph. The case of the complete graph gives the continuous-time search algorithm of Farhi and Gutmann, and other previously known results can be used to show that $\sqrt{N}$ speedup can also be achieved on the hypercube. We show that full $\sqrt{N}$ speedup can be achieved on a $d$-dimensional periodic lattice for $dg4$. In $d=4$, the quantum walk search algorithm takes time of order $\sqrt{N}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{poly}(\mathrm{log}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}N)$, and in $dl4$, the algorithm does not provide substantial speedup.
Distributed aspects of the artificial pancreas

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a disease caused by the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, permanently disrupting endogenous insulin secretion and requiring patients to inject or infuse insulin to keep blood sugar levels close to normal. Self-treatment of T1D can be regarded as a closed-loop control system with a significant “human-in-the-loop” aspect. Artificial pancreas systems seek to both improve glycemic outcomes and reduce cognitive burden associated with self-treatment by taking advantage of modern glucose monitoring and insulin pump technology. While the systems that have been proposed so far differ in the nature and extent of patient interaction, all such systems involve closing the feedback loop through a portable computational platform with wireless access to both sensors and actuators. In this paper, we review recent developments in the field, focusing on the opportunities and hazards associated with (i) distributed implementation of artificial pancreas algorithms and (ii) shared human-machine control of insulin delivery.
Individual differences in self-construction: The role of constructivist epistemological assumptions

Abstract The role that personal epistemological assumptions play in the construction and revision of self-identity was examined in three studies. Study 1 was an initial effort to develop and validate a scale to assess constructivist epistemic assumptions. As hypothesized, personal constructivist assumptions were associated with the use of an informational, scientific approach to identity issues. In Study 2, scores on a revised constructivist scale were found to be related to problem-focused personal coping and an informational orientation to identity. In addition to replicating this finding, the results of Study 3 revealed that constructivist epistemological assumptions were associated with contextual and organismic worldviews. The results are discussed in terms of a social-cognitive process view of self-construction.
Thermal decomposition of energetic materials 79 thermal, vibrational, and X-ray structural characterization of metal salts of mono- and di-anionic 5-nitraminotetrazole

Abstract The energetic alkali metal salts (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+) of the 5-nitraminotetrazole mono-anion(II) and di-anion(III) were synthesized and their properties compared with neutral 5-nitraminotetrazole(I). The decomposition temperatures by DSC follow the order (III)>(II)>(I), and for the salts of (III) Li+>Na+>K+>Rb+>Cs+. Both thermal stability trends are consistent with a major role played by the crystal lattice energy. Loss of H2O is detected by TGA in cases where hydrates also form. The crystal and molecular structures of Cs(II) and Rb3(III)(NCNNO2)·H2O were determined by X-ray diffraction. The latter compound is the first structural characterization of (III) and also contains the nitrocyanamide anion, NCNNO2−. The compound NCNNO2− appears to have formed by loss of HN3 from (II) or N3− from (III) during one of the synthesis attempts of Rb(II). The major atom motions in the IR spectra of (I), (II), and (III) were assigned on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) using the B3LYP method. Both the IR spectral and crystal structure trends show that increasing the negative charge on the anion primarily shifts the partial double bond character from the CNNO2 bond to the CNNO2 bond.
Absolute differential cross sections for very-small-angle scattering of keV H and He atoms by H2 and N2.

Absolute differential cross sections for scattering of 0.5-, 1.5-, and 5.0-keV H and He atoms by H/sub 2/ and N/sub 2/ over the laboratory angular range 0.05/sup 0/--0.5/sup 0/ are reported. Charged collision products are not detected, and no determination is made of the energy loss experienced by the scattered projectile. The measured cross sections therefore include both inelastic and elastic processes. The data are in excellent accord with previous measurements of these processes at larger angles. The data have been integrated over angle to permit comparison with other experimental data.
Classification of sidewalks in street view images

Mapping sidewalks in urban environments is key in the creation of pedestrian-friendly, sustainable cities. Currently, urban planners are hindered by a lack of information available in a format suitable for the large-scale analysis of sidewalk design. To demonstrate the impact that information technology could have in this area, we leverage techniques from machine learning and computer vision to gather information about the presence and quality of sidewalks in map images. In particular, we identify sidewalk segments in street view images using a random forest classifier, utilizing a set of local and global features that include geometric context, presence of lanes, pixel color, and location. Our results illustrate that this approach is effective in classifying sidewalk segments in a large set of street view images. This algorithm can be easily extended to other datasets, and can be automated to gather complete, fine-grained details about sidewalks for arbitrarily large urban environments.
Sex Differences in Ethanol’s Anxiolytic Effect and Chronic Ethanol Withdrawal Severity in Mice with a Null Mutation of the 5α-Reductase Type 1 Gene

Manipulation of endogenous levels of the GABAergic neurosteroid allopregnanolone alters sensitivity to some effects of ethanol. Chronic ethanol withdrawal decreases activity and expression of 5α-reductase-1, an important enzyme in allopregnanolone biosynthesis encoded by the 5α-reductase-1 gene (Srd5a1). The present studies examined the impact of Srd5a1 deletion in male and female mice on several acute effects of ethanol and on chronic ethanol withdrawal severity. Genotype and sex did not differentially alter ethanol-induced hypothermia, ataxia, hypnosis, or metabolism, but ethanol withdrawal was significantly lower in female versus male mice. On the elevated plus maze, deletion of the Srd5a1 gene significantly decreased ethanol’s effect on total entries versus wildtype (WT) mice and significantly decreased ethanol’s anxiolytic effect in female knockout (KO) versus WT mice. The limited sex differences in the ability of Srd5a1 genotype to modulate select ethanol effects may reflect an interaction between developmental compensations to deletion of the Srd5a1 gene with sex hormones and levels of endogenous neurosteroids.
The rate of γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate NCA polymerizations

The primary amine initiated homopolymerization of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate NCA in dioxane at 25°C, 35°C, 50°C, and 65°C has been investigated. The reactions were virtually independent of temperature indicating an activation energy of less than 1 kcal/mole. The entropy of activation was estimated to be −65 entropy units at 300°K. The reaction proceeded in two stages. The first stage was zero-order with respect to monomer, whereas the second was first-order with respect to monomer. Both stages were first-order with respect to initiator. These results were interpreted by assuming that the rate constant for propagation was not independent of the degree of polymerization up to the point where a conformational transition to α-helix occurred.
Approaching methodologies and case studies

• The valuation of scientific information has been and continues to be assessed in analyses of potential and actual uses. But it has only begun. • There are many uses for geospatial information and many methods for valuing geospatial information, which means we, as decision makers and analysts, have considerable flexibility in demonstrating value for others. • VOI quantification is useful for: — affirming the efficiency of research investment choices, — developing understanding of the nature of VOI in government, — connecting information products to operational applications. • Geospatial map data has data standards and is operational — easier problem • Earth observation imagery has no standards (NOAA weather?) because most data collection platforms are experimental — harder problem • My preference is for demonstrating value with the geospatial data.
Distinct signaling pathways are activated in response to mechanical stress applied axially and transversely to skeletal muscle fibers

In the diaphragm muscle we tested the hypothesis that MAP kinase signaling pathways are activated by mechanical stress and such signaling pathways are dependent on the direction in which mechanical stress is applied. Although equal magnitudes of mechanical stress were applied axially and transversely a greater level of activation of ERK1/2, p38, Raf-1, p90 RSK, Elk-1, and the DNA binding activity of AP-1 transcription factor was produced when the muscle was stretched transversely than when stretched axially. A significant up-regulation in protein tyrosine phosphorylation was observed in axially or transversely loaded diaphragm muscles and the activation of ERK1/2 was completely inhibited by genistein (protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor). Pretreatment of muscles with wortmannin (phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor), TMB-8 (antagonist of intracellular calcium release), GF109203X (PKC inhibitor), or PD98059 (MEK1/2 inhibitor) blocked the activation of ERK1/2 kinases in response to axial but not to transverse loading. On the other hand, pretreatment of muscles with protein kinase A inhibitors H-7 and KT5720 completely suppressed the activation of ERK1/2 in response to transverse loading only. Taken together with the alterations of MAP kinases and the findings of elevations of downstream transcription targets, our data are consistent with two distinct MAP kinase signal transduction pathways in response to mechanical stress.
Hydroiodic acid attachment kinetics as a chemical probe of gaseous protein ion structure: bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor.

The kinetics of attachment of hydroiodic acid (HI) to the (M + 6H)6+ ions of native and reduced forms of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) in the quadrupole ion trap environment are reported. Distinctly nonlinear (pseudo first-order) reaction kinetics are observed for reaction of the native ions, indicating two or more noninterconverting structures in the parent ion population. The reduced form, on the other hand, shows very nearly linear reaction kinetics. Both forms of the parent ion attach a maximum of five molecules of hydroiodic acid. This number is expected based on the amino acid composition of the protein. There is a total of 11 strongly basic sites in the protein (i.e., six arginines, four lysines, and one N-terminus). An ion with protons occupying six of the basic sites has five available for hydroiodic acid attachment. The kinetics of successive attachment of HI to the native and reduced forms of BPTI also differ, particularly for the addition of the fourth and fifth HI molecules. A very simple kinetic model describes the behavior of the reduced form reasonably well, suggesting that all of the neutral basic sites in the reduced BPTI ions have roughly equal reactivity. However, the behavior of the native ion is not well-described by this simple model. The results are discussed within the context of differences in the three-dimensional structures of the ions that result from the presence or absence of the three disulfide linkages found in native BPTI. The HI reaction kinetics appears to have potential as a chemical probe of protein ion three-dimensional structure in the gas phase. Hydroiodic acid attachment chemistry is significantly different from other chemistries used to probe three-dimensional structure and hence, promises to yield complementary information.
On parallel sum and difference of matrices

Anderson and Duffin [l] h ave recently introduced the concept of parallel sum of a pair of matrices and established interesting and important properties of this operation when the matrices concerned are nonnegative definite (n.n.d.). Applications of this concept in Electrical Network Theory were discussed by the same authors and in some statistical problems connected with the estimation of parameters in a dynamic linear system by Anderson et al. [3]. The concept of parallel sum was extended and its elegance further demonstrated by Rao and Mitra [7], who showed that most of the properties proved by Anderson and Duffin [l] are indeed true for a much wider class of pairs of matrices designated by these authors as “parallel summable.” The object of the present paper is to explore additional properties of the parallel sum to obtain the condition for consistency together with the complete class of solutions (X) of the parallel sum equation
Structural and transport properties of CdS films deposited on flexible substrates

Abstract We report on structural and electrical properties of CdS films chemically deposited at temperatures 60–70 °C from solutions containing cadmium citrate complex-ions and thiourea. We demonstrated the material deposition on a variety of flexible substrates, including viewfoils, cloth, and threads and fabricated devices on the deposited films including solar cells, stress sensors, and photoconductive sensors. Scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy data show that the films consist of nanocrystalline grains. The X-ray diffraction data identify crystalline CdS with hexagonal structure with a very high degree of crystallinity. The relative intensity of the peaks in the X-ray spectrum shows that the crystallites are oriented. The nanostructure of the CdS films results in a giant reproducible sensitivity to stress (tension) under UV illumination.
Computer-mediated communication and group journals: expanding the repertoire of participant roles

Abstract The ability to recognize and adopt a variety of social roles is essential for successful communication. First language research is available on this topic, but very little information is available on participant roles foreign language learners adopt in classroom interactions. The present study investigated the participant roles learners adopted in the two different writing environments: synchronous computer-mediated-communication (CMC) and pencil-and-paper group journals. The subjects were 46 students of intermediate German, each of whom participated in two CMC and two of group journal assignments over the course of a 15-week semester. The data was coded for participant roles learners adopted. The coding was based on categories established by previous research in discourse analysis, social psychology and sociology in first language research. These categories were then expanded to fit the needs of the language learners participating in this study. The results indicated that while some social roles appeared in both writing contexts (speaker, respondent, scolder, creator of in-group identity), others were only found in CMC (attacker, challenger, supporter and joker). Not only did learners adopt a larger variety of participant roles during CMC than in group journals, these roles were also more interactively negotiated in the CMC environment.
Tanning in Human Skin Types II and III Offers Modest Photoprotection Against Erythema

We have investigated the photoprotective properties of tanning using erythema as an endpoint. Previously unexposed buttock skin sites of 16 young, healthy adults (8 skin type II, and 8 skin type III) were exposed daily (Mon-Fri) for 2 weeks to 0.5 and 0.75 minimal erythema doses (MED) of solar-simulated radiation (SSR). Erythema and melanin levels were assessed daily both visually and quantitatively using a reflectance device. One week after the last tanning treatment, MED reassessments were made on pretreated sites and on adjacent nontreated sites, including sites from which stratum corneum was removed by tape stripping. Compared to skin type II, similar daily SSR treatments produced less erythema and more evident tanning in skin types III. Independent of skin type, all volunteers showed an increased MED value when assessed on the 0.75 MED- and 0.5 MED-treated sites compared to the MED value assessed on adjacent untreated sites. We express any increase in MED as an induced protection factor (IPF), i.e. (MED post-tan/MED pre-tan). Our data show mean IPF of 1.4 and of 2.1 in the 0.5 and 0.75 MED-treated sites respectively, in skin types II. Similar values were obtained in skin types III with IPF of 1.5 and 2.3 for the 0.5 and 0.75 MED-treated sites, respectively. In all cases, removal of the stratum corneum lowered the IPF by about 20%. Our results show that SSR-induced melanogenesis, whether in skin type II or III, offers only moderate protection against erythema and suggest that SSR-induced stratum corneum thickening affords less photoprotection than tanning.
Linearly constrained band selection for hyperspectral imagery

Linearly constrained adaptive beamforming has been used to design hyperspectral target detection algorithms such as constrained energy minimization (CEM) and linearly constrained minimum variance (LCMV). It linearly constrains a desired target signature while minimizing interfering effects caused by other unknown signatures. This paper investigates this idea and further uses it to develop a new approach to band selection, referred to as linear constrained band selection (LCBS) for hyperspectral imagery. It interprets a band image as a desired target signature while considering other band images as unknown signatures. With this interpretation, the proposed LCBS linearly constrains a band image while also minimizing band correlation or dependence caused by other band images. As a result, two different methods referred to as Band Correlation Minimization (BCM) and Band Correlation Constraint (BCC) can be developed for band selection. Such LCBS allows one to select desired bands for data analysis. In order to determine the number of bands required to select, p , a recently developed concept, called virtual dimensionality (VD) is used to estimate the p . Once the p is determined, a set of p desired bands can be selected by LCBS. Finally, experiments are conducted to substantiate the proposed LCBS.
Effects of Sex Pheromones and Sexual Maturation on Locomotor Activity in Female Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

Synchronization of male and female locomotor rhythmicity can play a vital role in ensuring reproductive success. Several physiological and environmental factors alter these locomotor rhythms. As sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, progress through their life cycle, their locomotor activity rhythm changes multiple times. The goal of this study was to elucidate the activity patterns of adult female sea lamprey during the sexual maturation process and discern the interactions of these patterns with exposure to male pheromones. During these stages, preovulated and ovulated adult females are exposed to sex pheromone compounds, which are released by spermiated males and attract ovulated females to the nest for spawning. The locomotor behavior of adult females was monitored in a natural stream with a passive integrated tag responder system as they matured, and they were exposed to a sex pheromone treatment (spermiated male washings) or a control (prespermiated male washings). Results showed that, dependent on the hour of day, male sex pheromone compounds reduce total activity (p < 0.05) and cause increases in activity during several daytime hours in preovulated and ovulated females. These results are one of the first examples of how sex pheromones modulate a locomotor rhythm in a vertebrate, and they suggest that the interaction between maturity stage and sex pheromone exposure contributes to the differential locomotor rhythms found in adult female sea lamprey. This phenomenon may contribute to the reproductive synchrony of mature adults, thus increasing reproductive success in this species.