cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal-chelate-dendrimer-antibody constructs for use in radioimmunotherapy and imaging

Abstract Polyamidoamine dendrimers were modified chemically by reaction with DOTA and DTPA type bifunctional metal chelators and were coupled to monoclonal antibody 2E4 without loss of protein immunoreactivity. Both the DTPA- and DOTA-dendrimer-antibody constructs were easily labeled with 90Y, 111In, 212Bi or cold Gd(III) suggesting use of this dendrimer-macrocycle for mAb guided radiotherapy or imaging.
Life prediction and life extension of composite specimens using acoustic emission technique

This paper discusses a proof test procedure for estimating and extending the fatigue life of composite coupons. The estimates were based on the acoustic emission data collected during the described proof test procedure. A group of coupon specimens that included both undamaged as well as damaged ones were tested to verify the ability to estimate the fatigue durability. For majority of the specimens tested the fatigue life of the coupons is inversely proportional to the cumulative AE energy collected during the proof test procedure. Based on the trend that was established, a new group of specimens AE based proof test was performed and using the acoustic emission response, the life was estimated. If one could estimate the fatigue life, it would be possible to identify those specimens, which are likely to fail prematurely. For such specimens it may be possible to extend the fatigue life by appropriate reduction in the cyclic load amplitude. This hypothesis was tested on the last group of specimens. The results obtained during the life extension phase actually show that it is possible to identify the specimens, which are likely to have short life and extend the fatigue life by subjecting them to less demanding load history.
Quantitation of urinary glycosaminoglycans using dimethylene blue as a screening technique for the diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidoses: an evaluation.

Background: The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of inherited disorders due to defects in lysosomal enzymes catalysing the breakdown of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Usually they are detected ...
Design for Community: Toward a Communitarian Ergonomics

This paper explores how the designed world could be better supportive of better communal ways of relating. In pursuit of this end, I put the philosophy of technology dealing with the role that technologies play in shaping, directing, mediating, and legislating human action in better communication with a diverse literature concerning community. I argue that community ought to viewed as composed of three interrelated dimensions: experience, structure, and practice. Specifically, it is a psychological sense evoked via a particular arrangement of ties and constellation of social practices guided, at its best, by phronetic reasoning. It is a mode of social being that I set in opposition to networked individualism. I examine the existent and potential communitarian ergonomics of the design of contemporary urban spaces and network devices. However, I conclude that artifacts remain only one part of the picture. A communally ergonomic mode of being requires not only compatible artifacts and built spaces but also an institutional context supportive of community as an economic and political entity.
Reusing Plastic Mulch for a Second Strawberry Crop: Effects on Arthropod Pests, Weeds, Diseases and Strawberry Yields

Florida is the second largest producer of fresh-market strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne; Rosales: Rosaceae) in the United States. The annual hill “plasticulture” production system used to grow strawberries makes this crop one of the most expensive to produce. The cost of production may be reduced if synthetic mulch can be reused and the dead plants (thatch) from the previous season left in the field, without negatively affecting crop yields. Field studies were conducted during the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 strawberry growing seasons to evaluate the effect of re-using plastic mulch with or without dead strawberry plants from the previous season on arthropod populations, disease incidence, weeds and strawberry growth, and marketable yields of strawberries. The study was conducted in a commercial field in Citrus County, Florida using 2-yr old synthetic mulch on the bed. Two strawberry varieties ‘Albion’ and ‘Florida Festival’ were planted in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 growing seasons, respectively. During transplanting, one treatment had all strawberry thatch (dead plant debris from previous season) removed from the soil before planting the new strawberry transplants, while in the second treatment the thatch was left to grow with the transplants. Data were collected throughout the growing seasons on plant growth, spider mites and insect pest populations, weeds, disease incidence, and marketable yield of strawberries. Re-using plastic mulch with or without strawberry thatch had no significant effect on plant size or populations of beneficial and pestiferous arthropods. However, re-using mulch with strawberry thatch reduced weed growth but increased the incidence of fungal diseases. As a result of fungal diseases and plant mortality, marketable yield for the variety “Florida Festival”, but not “Albion” was significantly lower in plots with the strawberry thatch than in those without thatch.
Opening eyes to intellectual disability: Evaluating the vision of people with intellectual disability

Abstract Worldwide in all healthcare systems (socialised, insurance based and those in developing countries) people with intellectual disabilities receive a lower standard of care. However due to developmental problems, and issues of premature ageing, the healthcare needs of this population are greater than in the rest of the population. There are many barriers to care for this group of people, and one of these barriers is the education of healthcare professionals all of whom will come into contact with this group. The aim of this DVD based curriculum, which covers the history of care for people with intellectual disability, the background to the embryological and developmental episodes resulting in such disabilities, causative factors and common disease presentations, followed by clinical examination strategies, is to give eye care practitioners and students access to an easily accessible learning resource. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Lions Club International this resource will be available at little or no cost.
Accessory spleen presenting as a mass in the tail of the pancreas

In this case report, we describe an accessory spleen that presented as a mass in the tail of the pancreas and mimicked a neoplasm. Intrapancreatic accessory spleen have a relatively high prevalence and can be mistaken for tumors. We present a case of intrapancreatic accessory spleen in a 40-year-old man, which was discovered incidentally during a workup for an aortic dissection. Computerized axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated a hypervascular mass in the tail of the pancreas. The clinical and radiological differential diagnosis included pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm, pancreatic endocrine neoplasm, solid pseudopapillary tumor, ductal adenocarcinoma, and metastasis. After a distal pancreatectomy was completed, microscopic examination revealed heterotopic splenic tissue.
Separation of trace rare earths and other metals from uranium by liquid-liquid extraction with quantitation by inductively-coupled plasma/mass spectrometry

Abstract N,N-Dihexylacetamide in toluene was used to extract uranium selectively from an aqueous phase containing 30 elements at 10 or 100 μg l−1 concentrations. After three extractions, the uranium level fell from 119 000 mg l−1 (0.5 M) to less than 3 mg l−1. An inductively-coupled plasma/mass spectrometer (i.c.p./m.s.) was used to determine recoveries of the trace elements in the aqueous phase, which, in most cases, were in the range 90–110%. This combination of liquid-liquid extraction with i.c.p./m.s. offers determinations at the 10 ng g−1 level in uranium for most of the elements studied.
Structure and Born effective charge determination for planar-zigzag β-poly(vinylidene fluoride) using density-functional theory

Two structures have been proposed in the literature for the β-phase of the ferroelectric polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (β-PVDF); planar-zigzag and alternatively-deflected forms. Using density-functional theory, we have found the planar-zigzag structure is the preferred form and upon atomic relaxation, the alternatively-deflected structure attains a structure very similar to the planar-zigzag structure. In order to better understand the atomic origin of the ferroelectricity in β-PVDF, we have for the first time determined the dynamic Born effective charges (Z*) for the planar-zigzag structure using a Berry-phase approach. When compared to their nominal ionic values, the Z* show anomalous differences. Using these effective charges, we describe the polarity of the bonds with β-PVDF and show the extent of atomic-motion-induced (or dynamic) charge transfer within this ferroelectric material. In addition, our effective charges are different to previously-determined Mulliken charges, due to the inherent differences between static and dynamic charges.
Energy spectra of metastable oxygen atoms produced by electron-impact dissociation of O2

Time of flight energy spectra of high lying and Rydberg metastable atoms by electron impact dissociation of molecular oxygen, noting atmospheric applications
Lymphocyte beta adrenergic receptor function versus catecholamines in depression.

In human clinical psychobiology, the major focus of studies on nompinephrine (NE) has been on presynaptic biochemical measures; however, it is important to know their postsynaptic correlates. These latter measures derive from studies on blood elements that may provide models for events in other tissues (Motulsky and Insel 1982). For instance, changes in circulating beta-adrenergic receptors relate positively to receptor changes in solid tissue, such as lung and heart (Brodde et al. 1986; Hedberg et al. 1986; Davies et al. 1987). We studied beta-admnergic receptors on lymphocytes that have been shown to be modifiable by changes in noradrenergic function resulting from drug administration (Hedberg et al. 1986) and physiological manipulations, such as exercise (Butler et al. 1983). Furthermore, pathophysiological states, such as steroid exposure (Davies and Lefkowitz 1980), asthma (San0 et al. 1983), hypertension (Feldman et al. 1984a), and aging (Feldman et al. 1984b) show modification of lymphocyte beta-adrenergic function.
Water-based metamaterials: Negative refraction of sound

Porous rubber microbeads suspended in a gel are found to exhibit a negative acoustic index of refraction, which makes these metamaterials promising for underwater acoustic applications.
Collateral projections of predorsal bundle cells of the superior colliculus in the rat

The deep layers of the superior colliculus contain cells which are premotor in the sense that they respond prior to the onset of shifts in gaze and send axons, by way of a pathway called the predorsal bundle, to the contralateral brainstem gaze centers and cervical spinal cord. Previous studies have suggested that these cells also contribute to other efferent pathways which arise in the deep layers. The present study examines the contributions of the cells of origin of the predorsal bundle to these additional pathways as a step toward understanding their roles in gaze mechanisms. In one series of experiments, retrograde tracers were used to compare the laminar distribution of predorsal bundle cells with the distributions of the cells of origin of three other pathways: those that project to the intralaminar region of the dorsal thalamus, those that project to the contralateral superior colliculus, and those that project to the ipsilateral brainstem tegmentum. Predorsal bundle cells were found primarily in stratum griseum intermedium sublayer b. This distribution overlaps extensively with the distribution of colliculus cells that project to the intralaminar region of the thalamus. In contrast, the majority of the colliculus cells that project to either the contralateral superior colliculus or the ipsilateral brainstem tegmentum do not overlap extensively with the predorsal bundle cells; instead, they are primarily located dorsal or ventral to sublayer b of stratum griseum intermedium. In a second series of experiments, two regions were injected with different retrograde fluorescent tracers in single animals in order to study the collateral projections of the cells of origin of these pathways. The results indicate that many predorsal bundle cells project to the intralaminar region of the dorsal thalamus but that only a few contribute to the tectotectal pathway. The results also indicate that few tectotectal cells contribute to the ipsilateral tectobulbar pathway.
Extramedullary relapse of acute myeloid leukemia in a surgical wound.

A 52-year-old woman diagnosed with Graves' thyroiditis 2 years previously was evaluated for surgical management due to medical non-compliance and a reluctance to pursue radioiodine ablation. A rout...
Genetic structure of bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) populations in Chesapeake Bay

To determine the genetic structure of the bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) within Chesapeake Bay, 16 isozyme systems encoding 21 loci for 20 population were examined using horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Contingency Chisquare analysis revealed significant allelic frequency differences at nine loci (AAT-1, AAT-2, ALD-1, CPK-2, GAP-1, GLY-1, LDH-1, MDH-1, and MDH-2). Two loci, ALD-1 and MDH-1, were responsible for nine of 14 tests not conforming to Hardy-Weinberg expectations, with some of these deviations attributed to possible scoring and/or sampling error. Estimates for mean average heterozygosity were relatively high, ranging from 0.40 to 0.096, with 33–57% of the loci polymorphic. A low Fst value (0.041) along with high genetic identity estimates (I=0.997) indicated little substructuring of bay anchovy populations within Chesapeake Bay.
A true rate of population growth--Lotka's intrinsic rate of natural increase revisited.

In this paper, Lotka's intrinsic rate of current population growth is evaluated. A new method of computing the net reproduction rate and a new rate of population growth are proposed. The proposed rate is the rate of growth of the female population per woman per year. The rate is positive, equal to zero, or negative as a population is increasing, remaining stationary, or decreasing. The rate for the 1987 U.S. white female population was R = -0.0037. This means that the white population was decreasing in 1987 and was losing 3.7 females for every 1000 women per year.
Nuclear Overhauser effect study of yeast tRNA Val 1: evidence for uridine-pseudouridine base pairing

The proton NMR spectrum of yeast tRNAVal 1 has been studied using nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE), including comparison of NOE patterns between purine C8 deuterated and nondeuterated samples. Studies of the downfield region enable us to reliably assign many resonances in the acceptor and D stems. Prominent among these reliable assignments is that of the unusual base pair U psi, which is made here for the first time. Other identifications include GU2, U8-A14, the three AU base pairs of the acceptor stem, and N1 and N3 protons of psi 55.
Role of S65, Q67, I68, and Y69 residues in homotetrameric R67 dihydrofolate reductase.

R67 dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) shares no sequence or structural homology with chromosomal DHFRs. This enzyme arose recently in response to the clinical use of the antibacterial drug trimethoprim. R67 DHFR is a homotetramer possessing a single active site pore. A high-resolution crystal structure shows the homotetramer possesses exact 222 symmetry [Narayana, N., et al. (1995) Nat. Struct. Biol. 2, 1018−1025]. This symmetry dictates four symmetry-related binding sites must exist for each substrate as well as each cofactor. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies, however, indicate only two molecules bind: either two dihydrofolate molecules, two NADPH molecules, or one substrate and one cofactor [Bradrick, T. D., et al. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 11414−11424]. The latter is the productive ternary complex. To evaluate the role of S65, Q67, I68, and Y69 residues, located near the center of the active site pore, site-directed mutagenesis was performed. One mutation in the gene creates four mutations per acti...
Pharmacological alteration of antigen-induced contraction of lung parenchymal strips isolated from the actively sensitized guinea pig.

Abstract Several drugs, known to influence the action or formation of histamine and SRS-A, were examined for their abilities to alter antigen (ovalbumin)-induced contractions of guinea-pig isolated lung parenchymal strips. Cumulative dose-response effects of ovalbumin were obtained on paired parenchymal strips, one used as control and the other drug treated. When used alone, mepyramine, 10 −6 M, phenoxybenzamine, 3 × 10 −5 M and FPL55712, 10 −5 M, did not alter ovalbumin-induced contractions. 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), 10 −4 M, produced a small (2.5-fold) rightward shift of the dose-response curves to ovalbumin and histamine. Indomethacin, 5 × 10 −6 M, produced a small increase in the maximum response to ovalbumin and a small (2-fold) rightward shift of the histamine dose-response curve. The effect of indomethacin on ovalbumin-induced contraction was not seen in the presence of phenoxybenzamine and may therefore be due to an increase in histamine release. Combination of indomethacin with FPL55712 or ETYA did not alter antigen-induced contractions. The effect of ETYA on the histamine dose-response curve was not seen in the presence of indomethacin. Combination of phenoxybenzamine with FPL55712 or ETYA caused a marked reduction of the maximum contractile response to ovalbumin. The effect of phenoxybenzamine and ETYA was not observed in the presence of indomethacin. The results suggest that the ability of ETYA to reduce antigen responses in the absence or presence of phenoxybenzamine as well as histamine-induced contraction is related to inhibition of contractile product(s) of cyclooxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid. Even though substantial antagonism of antigen-induced contractions of guinea-pig parenchymal strips could only be achieved with a combination of drugs, the magnitude of the antagonism was not as large as observed in other pulmonary smooth muscle preparations. This may reflect the existence of other contractile mediators, different interactions between known mediators of immediate hypersensitivity reactions or relative insensitivity of parenchymal strips to effects of the drugs.
An Direct-Execution Framework for Fast and Accurate Simulation of Superscalar Processors

Multiprocessor system evaluation has traditionally been based on direct-execution based Execution-Driven Simulations (EDS). In such environments, the processor component of the system is not fully modeled. With wide issue superscalar processors being the norm in today's multiprocessor nodes, there is an urgent need for modeling the processor accurately. However, using direct execution to model a superscalar processor has been considered an open problem. Hence, current approaches model the processor by interpreting the application executable. Unfortunately, this approach can be slow. In this paper, we propose a novel direct-execution framework that allows accurate simulation of wide-issue superscalar processors without the need for code interpretation. This is achieved with the aid of an Interface Window between the front-end and the architectural simulator, that buffers the necessary information. This eliminates the need for full-fledged instruction emulation. Overall, this approach enables detailed yet fast EDS of superscalar processors. Finally, we evaluate the framework and show good performance for uni- and multiprocessor configurations.
Intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence as a probe of metal and α-ketoglutarate binding to TfdA, a mononuclear non-heme iron dioxygenase

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)/alpha-ketoglutarate (alphaKG) dioxygenase, TfdA, couples the oxidative decarboxylation of alphaKG to the oxidation of the herbicide 2,4-D using a mononuclear non-heme Fe(II) active site. The intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence associated with the four Trp residues in TfdA allows for the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor the binding of iron and alphaKG to the enzyme. The fluorescence spectrum of TfdA is quenched by 50-85% upon addition of Fe(II) or alphaKG, allowing determination of their binding affinities (K(d)=7.45+/-0.61 and 3.35+/-0.35 microM, respectively). Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Mg, and Ca dictations also quench the TfdA fluorescence with affinities similar to that of Fe(II), whereas monovalent cations such as Na, K, and Li do not. H114A and D116A mutant forms of TfdA, lacking either a histidine or aspartate metallocenter ligand, exhibit weaker affinity for both Fe(II) and alphaKG based on the fluorescence changes. Trp256 is predicted to lie within 5 A of the metal and alphaKG binding sites; however, its substitution by Phe or Leu has negligible effects on the Fe(II)- and alphaKG-dependent fluorescence quenching. Because Trp195 is predicted to be quite distant ( approximately 15 A) from the active site, we conclude that some combination of Trp113 and Trp248 serves as the reporter that senses metal and cofactor binding to TfdA.
Growth from International Capital Flows: The Role of Volatility Regimes

Recent commentary has downplayed the growth dividend from international financial integration, highlighting the possibly negative correlation between capital inflows and long-run growth. This paper presents new evidence consistent with standard economic theory and a more benign interpretation of cross-border private capital flows. The key observation is that a country’s growth volatility changes over time. With volatility below a threshold, an inflow of foreign capital has promoted growth. However, during periods of volatile growth, more flows have been associated with slower growth. Volatility levels and changes reflect an interaction of domestic production and institutional structures with global factors.
Total Utility, Overlapping Generations and Optimal Population

The necessary and sufficient conditions for the solution to an optimal population growth model with overlapping generations, using the sum of total utility per generation as the objective function are derived. The solution for a specific, steady state model and an example are presented, and compared to that for a similar model without overlapping generations. In both cases, a positive, but less than infinite, optimal growth rate is found. Next, since an additively separable individual utility function is used, the differences between a total utility per generation model and a total utility per period model, a la Lerner, are discussed. Finally, the results of the total utility model are compared to those from a model in which the discounted sum of per capita utility is the objective function. An extension to the Samuelson-Lerner Utility Paradox, concerning the optimal rate of population growth, is discussed.
Synthesis and bioassay of 3-deoxy-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3, an active analog of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Abstract Two synthetic routes to 3-deoxy-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3, an analog of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, are described. One involved the six-step conversion of 1α,2α-epoxy-6,6-ethylenedioxy-5α-cholestan-3- one to 1α-acetoxycholest-5-ene, whereas, in the second, the same intermediate was prepared from 1α-hydroxycholesterol. Conversion of the Δ5-sterol to the required 5,7-diene was accomplished most efficiently via 7-keto and 7-tosylhydrazone intermediates. Bioassay of 3-deoxy-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the rat establishes that the analog can fulfill all common vitamin D functions including stimulation of intestinal calcium transport, mobilization of calcium and phosphate from bone, stimulation of growth, and calcification of bone. Direct comparison indicates the compound to have 1 20 to 1 50 of the activity of 1α-hydroxyvitamin D3, but it acts with a time course indistinguishable from the latter.
Laboratory experiments and numerical calculations of baroclinic waves resulting from potential vorticity gradients at low taylor number

Abstract The results are presented of laboratory experiments to investigate weak baroclinic waves which may occur in thermally driven flows in a rotating annulus beyond the Eady cutoff for baroclinic instability. In the system used for the experiments the Taylor number was large while the curvature ensured the presence of large gradients of potential vorticity. Stable axisymmetric flows, weak waves and strong baroclinic waves were observed depending on the values of the imposed parameters of the system. The horizontal and vertical profiles of mean zonal velocity were obtained both by measurement and from numerical simulations of the flows. The linear stabilities of flows approximating the observed flows were examined. Agreement between the laboratory observations and the linear analyses regarding the location in parameter space of the transition between different flow regimes and the structure of the flows was good, giving support to the hypothesis that the weak instabilities were due to potential vortici...
Topographic Jetogenesis and Transitions in Straits and along Continents

Abstract When a low Rossby number barotropic flow accelerates in the laterally converging half of a strait, the local propagation speed of long topographic waves can be reduced to zero, thereby blocking or preventing the formation of a steady flow downstream from the strait. An inviscid longwave theory is presented for the new steady upstream and downstream states that evolve from the blocking wave. The enhanced inshore cyclonic vorticity extending far downstream suggests that topographic jetogenesis, rather than lateral eddy diffusion, in major ocean straits (e.g., Yucatan and Florida) may be important in generating or reforming boundary currents.
A new (string motivated) approach to the little hierarchy problem

Abstract We point out that in theories where the gravitino mass, M 3 / 2 , is in the range (10–50) TeV, with soft-breaking scalar masses and trilinear couplings of the same order, there exists a robust region of parameter space where the conditions for electroweak symmetry breaking (EWSB) are satisfied without large imposed cancellations. Compactified string/M-theory with stabilized moduli that satisfy cosmological constraints generically require a gravitino mass greater than about 30 TeV and provide the natural explanation for this phenomenon. We find that even though scalar masses and trilinear couplings (and the soft-breaking B parameter) are of order (10–50) TeV, the Higgs vev takes its expected value and the μ parameter is naturally of order a TeV. The mechanism provides a natural solution to the cosmological moduli and gravitino problems with EWSB.
Acquisition of anoikis resistance is a critical step in the progression of oral tongue cancer.

Abstract We hypothesized that acquisition of resistance to anoikis is a critical step in oral cancer progression. To test this hypothesis, we compared a panel of cell lines derived from human oral tissues across the spectrum of tumor progression from oral keratinocytes (HOK-16B), invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (Tu167), and finally metastatic carcinoma (TxCS-1, MDA1986) for their sensitivity to detachment from the extracellular matrix. The relationship between stage of tumor progression and anoikis resistance was demonstrated by the apoptotic fractions after 48 h in suspension culture which were 93.33, 61.6, 34.5, and 3.71%, respectively. To further demonstrate that anoikis resistance is important for tumor progression, we selected a highly anoikis resistant cell line, JMAR, by serial passage of the Tu167 cell line in suspension culture. Initially, the JMAR line, and clones derived from it, were characterized for anoikis resistance in vitro, and after 72 h in suspension culture the rates of anoikis in the Tu167 and JMAR lines were found to be 73 and 26%, respectively. The degree of anoikis resistance was found to correlate with survival of nude mice orthotopically injected with 5×10 5 Tu167 or JMAR cells. The JMAR mice had a median survival of 17 days versus over 30 days in mice implanted with the Tu167 line. Finally, we found that in vivo selection in the orthotopic model for a regionally metastatic cell line by implantation of Tu167 into the tongues of nude mice and harvesting and culturing cervical lymph nodes led to production of a cell line, Tu167LN1, which was found to be anoikis-resistant. This cell line had an apoptotic cell fraction of 16.2% (±3.14%) after 48 h in suspension culture.
Does sex (female versus male) influence the impact of class attendance on examination performance

The “conventional wisdom” is that grades are related to class attendance, i.e., students who attend classes more frequently obtain better grades and class attendance dramatically contributes to enh...
Stream-weighted HMM for audio-visual ASR: a study on connected digit recognition

We present some new results on connected digit recognition in noisy environments by audio-visual speech recognition. We derive hybrid (geometric- and appearance-based) visual lip features using a real-time lip-tracking algorithm that we proposed previously. Using a single-speaker corpus modeled after the TIDIGITS database, we build whole-word HMMs using both single-stream and 2-stream modeling strategies. For the 2-stream HMM method, we use stream dependent weights to adjust the relative contributions of the two feature streams based on the acoustic SNR level. The 2-stream HMM consistently gave the lowest WER, with an error reduction of 83% at -3 dB SNR level compared to the acoustic-only baseline. Visual-only ASR WER at 6.85% was also achieved, showing the effectiveness of the visual features. A real-time system prototype was developed for concept demonstration.
Distrust of representation: Habermas on the public sphere:

L'A. analyse la theorie de la communication de masse de Jurgen Habermas et de l'Ecole de Francfort. Il etudie les traits principaux de la theorie d'Habermas, en particulier la notion de « sphere publique », et replace ses travaux dans la problematique actuelle de la communication
An efficient approach to simultaneous transistor and interconnect sizing

In this paper, we study the simultaneous transistor and interconnect sizing (STIS) problem. We define a class of optimization problems as CH-posynomial programs and reveal a general dominance property for all CH-posynomial programs. We show that the STIS problems under a number of transistor delay models are CH-posynomial programs and propose an efficient and near-optimal STIS algorithm based on the dominance property. When used to solve the simultaneous driver/buffer and wire sizing problem for real designs, it reduces the maximum delay by up to 16.1%, and more significantly, reduces the power consumption by a factor of 1.63/spl times/, when compared with the original designs. When used to solve the transistor sizing problem, it achieves a smooth area-delay trade-off. Moreover, the algorithm optimizes a clock net of 367 drivers/buffers and 59304 /spl mu/m-long wire in 120 seconds, and a 32-bit adder with 1026 transistors in 66 seconds on a SPARC-5 workstation.
Solution properties of ionomers. I. Counterion effect

The effect of counterions on the solution properties of two types of ionomers, one based on sulfonated polystyrene and the other based on styrene–methacrylic acid copolymer, was studied by viscosity and light scattering measurements. It was found that the order of counterion binding of ionomers in a polar solvent and the order of aggregation of ionomers in a low-polarity solvent were the same for the same ionomer system. However, the order for the sulfonated ionomer was Li < Na < K < Cs, whereas that for the carboxylated ionomer was the opposite. This can be explained by a difference in desolvation during anion–cation interaction and by considering site-binding in a polar solvent and the association of ion pairs in a low-polarity solvent. These findings for ionomer systems are parallel to the association behavior of small ions in water, cation affinity in crosslinked resins, and counterion binding of polyelectrolytes in water.
The pre‐1958 atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide

In considering the changes in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide wrought by man's activities, it has been the practice to refer to some presumed value of concentration in the late 19th century as the “pre-industrial” value. Implicit in many of these discussions has been the assumption that prior to the significant use of fossil fuels, the concentration was more or less constant about this value and that fossil fuels were the main reason for the recent departures from it. A value of about 290 parts per million by volume (ppmv) was usually selected as representative of the 19th century concentration. This value arose from a study by Callendar [1958], who examined a number of direct chemical measurements made then. If it is assumed that the fraction of fossil fuel produced CO2 remaining in the air was the same from 1860 to 1958 as it evidently has been since 1958, when systematic measurements began at Mauna Loa Observatory, one calculates a value of about 295 ppmv for the late 19th century.
Responses to calcium of chemically skinned vascular smooth muscle from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The contractile responses to Ca2+ of chemically skinned vascular smooth muscle from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and an inbred strain of Dahl salt-resistant rats (R/JR) were compared. In the absence of added calmodulin, skinned tail artery of these two strains responded similarly to Ca2+ in the concentration range of 8.5 × 10−8M to 6.6 × 10−6M Ca2+. Calmodulin (0.12 μM) decreased the ED50 for Ca2+ and increased the contractile response similarly in both strains. There is a known genetic locus regulating vascular reactivity and blood pressure which is polymorphic between these two particular strains. The present results suggest that this genetic difference is more likely to reside in the smooth muscle cell membrane than in the contractile apparatus.
Lyapunov functions and controllers for the global stabilization of the three dimensional Moore-Greitzer compressor dynamics model

In this paper, we address the issue of whether the equilibrium point on the compressor characteristic is globally stabilizable and how a Lyapunov function (in the sense of a CLF) can be chosen. This leads to controllers more general than the S-controller derived recently. Throughout, we employ a geometric approach that makes the treatment of global control problems more natural and yields information on the transient behavior of trajectories (controlled or not.).
Prediction of remission in obsessive compulsive disorder using a novel machine learning strategy

The study objective was to apply machine learning methodologies to identify predictors of remission in a longitudinal sample of 296 adults with a primary diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Random Forests is an ensemble machine learning algorithm that has been successfully applied to large-scale data analysis across vast biomedical disciplines, though rarely in psychiatric research or for application to longitudinal data. When provided with 795 raw and composite scores primarily from baseline measures, Random Forest regression prediction explained 50.8% (5000-run average, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI]: 50.3–51.3%) of the variance in proportion of time spent remitted. Machine performance improved when only the most predictive 24 items were used in a reduced analysis. Consistently high-ranked predictors of longitudinal remission included Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) items, NEO items and subscale scores, Y-BOCS symptom checklist cleaning/washing compulsion score, and several self-report items from social adjustment scales. Random Forest classification was able to distinguish participants according to binary remission outcomes with an error rate of 24.6% (95% bootstrap CI: 22.9–26.2%). Our results suggest that clinically-useful prediction of remission may not require an extensive battery of measures. Rather, a small set of assessment items may efficiently distinguish high- and lower-risk patients and inform clinical decision-making. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of chronic infusions of sex steroid-binding protein on the testosterone-mediated inhibition of gonadotropin secretion and maintenance of sex accessory glands in male rats.

Sex steroid-binding protein (SBP) is a plasma glycoprotein which, in man and many other mammals, binds significant amounts of circulating testosterone (T) with high affinity. To evaluate the effects of T binding by SBP on the control of reproductive function in males, SBP was purified from human plasma and administered by chronic infusion to castrated T-treated rats, animals that lack endogenous SBP. Plasma T concentrations in males implanted with 20-mm T capsules and infused with vehicle for 48 h were maintained at 1.37 ± 0.14 ng/ ml, and plasma LH and FSH concentrations remained at intact levels. Castrates implanted with identical T capsules but infused with human (h) SBP at a rate that produced a steady state plasma hSBP concentration of 75 nM, had markedly higher plasma T concentrations (3.44 ± 0.32 ng/ml); however, circulating LH and FSH concentrations were not significantly different from those of the vehicle-infused controls. Similarly, the pituitary LH response to a bolus injection of LHRH was not...
Clean Intermittent Catheterization for Home Management in Children with Myelomeningocele

Sixty-two children with myelomeningocele and neurogenic bladders have been managed with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) at home for periods of 6 to 42 months. Abnormal upper urinary tracts improved or stabilized in 83 per cent of the children. There was no renal deterioration in children who began with normal upper tracts while on CIC. Bacteruria was common, but clinically not a problem, unless ureterovesical reflux was present. Urinary con trol was improved in 66 per cent of the children. CIC is an effective and safe method to regularly empty the urinary bladder and is an alternative to supra vesical urinary diversion in many children with neurogenic bladders.
Novel Column Heater for Fast Capillary Gas Chromatography

In this paper, we present two designs for the implementation of extremely fast temperature programming of gas chromatographic columns. Both designs incorporate heating and temperaturesensing elements placed along the column. Resistive heating controls the column temperature via a feedback circuit and a software-selected temperature program. Linear temperature increases up to 10°C/s are obtained. The performance of each design is evaluated for applications to volatile and semi-volatile hydrocarbons. Retention times deviate only slightly in comparison with a standard commercial instrument, and peak widths increase for compounds beyond C 13 . The proposed column heater designs have satisfactory retention time reproducibility. They are lightweight and consume little power, making them promising alternatives for fast portable gas chromatography.
Mutational Analysis of the Multiple-Antibiotic Resistance Regulator MarR Reveals a Ligand Binding Pocket at the Interface between the Dimerization and DNA Binding Domains

The Escherichia coli regulator MarR represses the multiple-antibiotic resistance operon marRAB and responds to phenolic compounds, including sodium salicylate, which inhibit its activity. Crystals obtained in the presence of a high concentration of salicylate indicated two possible salicylate sites, SAL-A and SAL-B. However, it was unclear whether these sites were physiologically significant or were simply a result of the crystallization conditions. A study carried out on MarR homologue MTH313 suggested the presence of a salicylate binding site buried at the interface between the dimerization and the DNA-binding domains. Interestingly, the authors of the study indicated a similar pocket conserved in the MarR structure. Since no mutagenesis analysis had been performed to test which amino acids were essential in salicylate binding, we examined the role of residues that could potentially interact with salicylate. We demonstrated that mutations in residues shown as interacting with salicylate at SAL-A and SAL-B in the MarR-salicylate structure had no effect on salicylate binding, indicating that these sites were not the physiological regulatory sites. However, some of these residues (P57, R86, M74, and R77) were important for DNA binding. Furthermore, mutations in residues R16, D26, and K44 significantly reduced binding to both salicylate and 2,4-dinitrophenol, while a mutation in residue H19 impaired the binding to 2,4-dinitrophenol only. These findings indicate, as for MTH313, the presence of a ligand binding pocket located between the dimerization and DNA binding domains.
Common Property Rights, Adaptive Capacity, and Response to Forest Disturbance

Abstract This paper reports the results of a statistical analysis which measures the effects of adaptive capacity on forest conditions in response to a prior disturbance. Particular emphasis is placed on common property rights as a form of institutional adaptive capacity. Common property rights are delineated in terms of rights of access, withdrawal, management, exclusion, and alienation. Using statistical analysis of 326 forest user groups from 13 countries in the database of the International Forestry Resources and Institutions (IFRI) program, the effects on user group rankings of forest conditions are estimated with a probability model. Overall, the results indicate that user groups with more complete property rights are more likely to rank forest conditions favorably. However, the effects of property rights also depend on the level of other forms of adaptive capacity such as the organizational capacity of the group and the number of rival user groups.
Competence to Confess

Confessional evidence typically is highly persuasive in criminal trials, especially when it is the primary source of evidence offered by the prosecution. Prior to obtaining a confession from a suspect, police investigators are obliged to provide a Miranda warning if they anticipate the confession will be introduced into evidence at a criminal trial. We describe the origins of the Miranda warning, perspectives on its utility and relevance, and how the warning has changed over time. Recent developments in constitutional law relevant to the Miranda warning and relevant to judicial determinations of the credibility of confessions are summarized. We review historical and recent case law relevant to “coerced” confessions and the credibility or trustworthiness of confessions. We describe changes over time in judicial interpretations of what constitutes coercion and credibility, issues with special populations, and the recent focus in case law on individual factors that might impair Miranda comprehension or that might impair a suspect's capacity to provide a credible or reliable confession. Empirical research on factors associated with impairments in Miranda comprehension and impairments related to the tendency in some individuals to provide false confessions is considered. Case law rulings and empirical research are integrated into suggested practices for the forensic assessment of abilities related to Miranda comprehension and the trustworthiness of confessions. Keywords: Crane v. Kentucky; false confessions; Grisso instruments; juvenile comprehension of Miranda rights; Miranda rights; validity of confessions
Normal and Impaired Retinal Vascular Reactivity

Normal retinal arteries and veins will constrict when the arterial blood oxygen tension is increased and dilate when it is lowered. A technic, employing fundus photography, is described for measuring this reaction. The amount of constriction on breathing oxygen, and its trend with age, have been measured in normal subjects. The arteries of persons with well-established hypertension and diabetes usually show marked impairment of this constrictor reaction, presumably because of sclerotic changes. It is suggested that measurements of this reaction may prove to be a useful, quantitative extension of present retinal vascular grading technics.
The Advantages of Multilevel Approaches

Editors' introduction: Thomas F. Pettigrew was bom and raised in tightly-segregated Richmond, Virginia in 1931. But his Scottish-immigrant family did not subscribe to the South's racist norms, and he identified with and had early positive contact with African Americans. As an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, he discovered that there was a discipline that studied and resisted racism. These formative experiences forged his career path in social psychology to study intergroup relations. As a student of Allport's, Pettigrew is widely recognized as having expanded personality-oriented perspectives on prejudice to include a more social, contextualized orientation (Kimmel, 1986). In that same vein, he focuses his commentary on incorporating multiple levels of analysis as we integrate theory, research and practice on intergroup relations. He emphasizes the importance of macro-level-institutional and societal-contextualization of social psychological work. Pettigrew thoughtfully considers each article in the issue and contends that multiple level analyses, and incorporating the macro-level, are critical for theoretical and empirical progress as well as maximizing effectiveness of interventions.
Minimum delay routing for wireless networks with STDMA

STDMA emerges as a promising channel access technique for providing Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees in multi-hop ad hoc networks such as community mesh and sensor networks. The contention-free channel access combined with spatial reuse of the channel provide significant benefits in the energy/throughput trade-off. On the other hand, the time-multiplexed communication introduces extra delay on the packets when relayed by intermediate nodes. Hence in large wireless sensor networks or mesh networks, where data is routed over several hops before reaching the data sink, STDMA protocols may introduce high end-to-end latency due to the reservation-based access policy. We argue that a suitable routing protocol specifically designed for reservation-based Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols can alleviate their high-latency drawback. Following this argument, we propose first such routing algorithms working on top of a generic STDMA MAC protocol. First, we consider routing with data fusion and present our GreenWave routing idea. We show that our algorithm significantly reduces the end-to-end delay when compared to routing over the shortest-hop paths. Second, we consider routing without data fusion, by taking into account the effect of congestion along the paths on the end-to-end delays. We provide a QIP formulation of the problem, and present a lower bound and a heuristic algorithm to bound the optimal solution. Based on the centralized heuristic algorithm, we propose a distributed, dynamic routing protocol GreenWave routing with Congestion and Flow control (GWCF), which uses a novel congestion and flow control technique utilizing the underlying contention-free protocol. We show by simulations that GWCF routing significantly improves the end-to-end delay while increasing the network throughput when compared to routing over shortest paths.