cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engaging undergraduate students in a co-curricular digital badging platform

Digital badging continues to garner attention in the educational community. What remains to be seen is how badging will interact with traditional curricular elements. While concerns have been raised about using badges as extrinsic motivators in coursework, there are alternate areas of application for digital badging. Badges may actually serve to motivate and empower student learning and engagement outside of the formal curriculum. This action research was conducted to guide the implementation of a badging system at Maranatha Baptist University. It explores the concept of using digital badges as a platform for recognizing learning experiences in co-curricular education. More specifically, it seeks to determine how to best optimize a co-curricular digital badging system for maximum student engagement through a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators. Student focus groups were used with a mixed-methods methodology of collecting data on potential student interest and involvement in a digital badging environment. The quantitative portion compares intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivations for participating, while the qualitative section consists of a coded analysis of student discussion of co-curricular digital badging.
Antimüllerian hormone levels are lower in BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Objective To compare antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels in women at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer compared with healthy low-risk control women. Design Prospective cohort. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Reproductive-age women with a uterus and both ovaries were analyzed in four groups: BRCA1 mutation carriers, BRCA2 carriers, BRCA-negative women, and low-risk controls. Intervention(s) Self-collected dried blood spot. Main Outcome Measure(s) AMH levels. Result(s) One hundred ninety-five women were included: 55 BRCA1 carriers, 50 BRCA2 carriers, 26 BRCA negative women, and 64 low-risk controls. After adjusting for confounders, BRCA2 carriers had AMH levels that were 33% lower than control women and an increased odds of having AMH Conclusion(s) We observed significantly lower AMH levels among BRCA2 carriers compared with low-risk control women. These results were stable across all models. BRCA-negative women also had lower AMH values, but only in models restricted to young regularly menstruating women. In contrast to earlier analyses, BRCA1 carriers had AMH values that were similar to low-risk control women, but this may be due to differences in the population studied.
Simulation of Streambank Erosion Processes with a Two-Dimensional Numerical Model

Channel stabilization is critical for the success of channel restoration. A stable channel, from a geomorphic perspective, is one that has adjusted its width, depth, and slope such that there is no significant aggradation or degradation of the streambed or significant platform changes within an engineering time frame, generally less than 50 years (Biedenharn et al., 1997). Even though the bed of a stream in dynamic equilibrium is neither degrading nor aggrading, erosion may be occurring in stream banks and result in bank instability. Bank protection is often required even for a stream in dynamic equilibrium. Due to the lack of understanding of bank erosion mechanisms, the hydraulic and sediment transport models, including the series of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center models, CH3D-SED, etc., which have been widely applied to engineering projects to design stable channels, can only predict the vertical bed adjustments due to degradation and aggradation. Alluvial channels adjust themselves to reach regime conditions not only through bed elevation changes but also through platform evolution, for example, the migration of meandering channels.
Walking like an ant: a quantitative and experimental approach to understanding locomotor mimicry in the jumping spider Myrmarachne formicaria.

Protective mimicry, in which a palatable species avoids predation by being mistaken for an unpalatable model, is a remarkable example of adaptive evolution. These complex interactions between mimic...
Polyhydroxyalkanoate production from sucrose by Cupriavidus necator strains harboring csc genes from Escherichia coli W

Cupriavidus necator H16 is the most promising bacterium for industrial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) because of their remarkable ability to accumulate them in the cells. With genetic modifications, this bacterium can produce poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx), which has better physical properties, as well as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) using plant oils and sugars as a carbon source. Considering production cost, sucrose is a very attractive raw material because it is inexpensive; however, this bacterium cannot assimilate sucrose. Here, we used the sucrose utilization (csc) genes of Escherichia coli W to generate C. necator strains that can assimilate sucrose. Especially, glucose-utilizing recombinant C. necator strains harboring the sucrose hydrolase gene (cscA) and sucrose permease gene (cscB) of E. coli W grew well on sucrose as a sole carbon source and accumulated PHB. In addition, strains introduced with a crotonyl-CoA reductase gene (ccr), ethylmalonyl-CoA decarboxylase gene (emd), and some other genetic modifications besides the csc genes and the glucose-utilizing mutations produced PHBHHx with a 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) content of maximum approximately 27 mol% from sucrose. Furthermore, when one of the PHBHHx-producing strains was cultured with sucrose solution in a fed-batch fermentation, PHBHHx with a 3HHx content of approximately 4 mol% was produced and reached 113 g/L for 65 h, which is approximately 1.5-fold higher than that produced using glucose solution.
Virtual Healing: Militarizing the Psyche in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

This article analyzes the use of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) to treat combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. In this therapeutic practice, patients wear a head-mounted virtual reality display and enter a simulation designed to incarnate their triggering memories. VRET visualizes the formerly invisible site of psychotherapy, achieving a medical aspiration that has been pursued since the turn of the twentieth century. This visualization subjects therapy to a mode of surveillance and mediates the conditions in which trauma is processed. In this article, I consider how VRET’s user interfaces produce feelings of agency that reconfigure how power is distributed at the scene of therapy. I situate this novel practice at the intersection of two technological histories: the industrial history of the military-entertainment complex that spawned VRET, and the theoretical history that unites psychoanalysis and computation in their mutual ambition to formalize thought. Contending that neither of these...
Robot action planning by online optimization in human–robot collaborative tasks

Collaborative robots are widely used in strict and complex hybrid assembly tasks in the context of intelligent manufacturing. However, the task efficiency and task cost evaluation, which are very significant in the robot action planning to ensure and enhance the task quality in the human–robot collaboration process, are rarely studied in previous works. In this paper, we propose a novel and practical approach based on online optimization for the robot to plan its actions in human–robot collaboration to address this challenge. First, we extract the task model by graphical representations and design the collaboration cost functions which incorporate time consumption and human efforts. After that, the robot action planning algorithms are developed to online plan robot actions by optimizing the collaborative assembly cost. In addition, appropriate robot actions can be planned by the proposed algorithms to ensure the accomplishment of assembly process when the human happens to conduct wrong actions during the collaboration. We performed studies through hybrid assembly tasks with different types of human–robot collaboration scenarios to verify the advantages of our robot action planning algorithms. Experimental results suggested that the proposed algorithms can successfully generate the optimal actions for the robot to guarantee the efficiency in human–robot collaborative assembly.
Remarks on Regularity Properties of Lyapunov-Krasovskii Functionals

In this work we consider regularity properties of Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals for delay systems that are asymptotically stable. We will show that under the Lipschitz condition on bounded and closed subsets for the system, a Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional can be chosen to be Lipschitz on bounded and closed subsets.
Evaluation of North American Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Population Genetics using cytochrome P450 melt curve analysis

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) (Diaphorina citri) is a Hemipteran which feeds on Citrus and is the principal vector of the pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las); the primary causal agent of Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. Currently HLB is the single greatest threat to the American citrus industry. Previous work has shown that that Cytochrome P450 (CYP4) genes are associated with insecticidal resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides. Infection by Las has also been shown to affect the expression of CYP4 genes. In this study the genetic relationships of ACP populations was evaluated using melting curve analysis of CYP4 genes. Principal component analysis shows the presence of two potential haplotypes. The groups identified by principal component analysis are significantly different from each other (P < 0.05) for all CYP4 genes tested. All populations are most likely within 2-3 mutations of each other. The existence of these mutations sheds light on the potential evolution of ACP in North America. Indicating either coevolution with Las or difference in imidacloprid basal selective pressure in the United States and Mexico.
Exploring California's new law eliminating personal belief exemptions to childhood vaccines and vaccine decision-making among homeschooling mothers in California.

Abstract Background California’s Senate Bill 277 (SB-277) law eliminated the personal belief exemption to school immunization requirements. A potential consequence may be that parents choose homeschooling to avoid immunization. Vaccine attitudes and behaviors have not been well studied among the home-schooling population. This study explored the effect of SB-277 and vaccine decision-making among California home schoolers. Methods Purposive and snowball sampling were used recruit home-schooling parents through home-schooling Facebook groups based on home school type in high-exemption regions in California for in-depth interviews. Participants had to have a child in a legalized form of homeschooling in California in grades kindergarten-twelfth grade. Results Twenty-four mothers were interviewed. Participants were categorized based on self-reported vaccine attitudes and behavior into three groups: Confident and Accepting, Hesitant and Accepting, and Skeptical and Refusing. All reported the belief that SB-277 is an infringement on parental rights but was not currently impacting them. Confident and Accepting mothers (n = 10) generally believed vaccinations were safe, effective, and posed a lower risk than vaccine preventable disease (VPD). Hesitant and Accepting mothers (n = 5) expressed varying confidence levels in the belief that vaccinations were safe and effective, were not confident in the belief that vaccination posed lower risks than VPD risk, and risk perception affected vaccine decision-making. Skeptical and Refusing mothers (n = 9) generally believed that vaccinations were unsafe and ineffective, refused select vaccines, believed that vaccination posed a more serious risk than VPD risks, and belief of vaccine harm was a salient factor in vaccine decision-making. Conclusion Home-schooling mothers were concerned about SB-277 but did not report that it was directly impacting their children, their vaccine decisions, or reason to home school. Vaccine attitudes and beliefs among homeschooling mothers broadly fell into categories similar to parents of non-home-schooled children. Future quantitative studies should measure vaccine hesitancy and refusal prevalence and potential confounders.
Effect of Fading Scaffolds on the Mastery of Scientific Abilities in Inquiry-Based Laboratory Exercises of a College-Level Environmental Science Course.

Inquiry-based instruction facilitates students’ acquisition of scientific abilities, but little is known about how rapidly college students master these skills, particularly when this form of instr...
Novel diagnostic imaging features of facial lupus panniculitis: ultrasound, CT, and MR imaging with histopathology correlate.

Abstract Lupus panniculitis (LP), also referred to as lupus erythematosus profundus (LEP), is a chronic recurrent inflammation condition of the subcutaneous fat. It occurs in 1 to 3% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in 10% of patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), but can also occur as an entity of its own. Patients with lupus panniculitis usually present with persistent, often tender and painful skin lesions, or subcutaneous nodules, that range from 1 to 5 cm in diameter. The overlying skin may appear erythematous; lesions may become ulcerated, and heal with atrophy, skin depression, dimpling and scaring. Lesions tend to resolve spontaneously and may follow a chronic course of remission and exacerbation that persists for months to years. The imaging features of facial LP are extremely scarce in the literature. We present a case of facial lupus panniculitis and describe the associated characteristic ultrasound, CT, and MR imaging findings along with histopathologic correlation.
Experience with 2 Dose Schedules of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, Single Dose, and Weekly, in Refractory-Relapsed Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

Abstract 671 Background: CD22 expression occurs in more than 90% of patients with ALL. Inotuzumab ozogamicin, a CD22 monoclonal antibody bound to calicheamicin, is active in ALL. Study aims: Evaluate the efficacy and toxicity profiles of two schedules of inotuzumab, single-dose and weekly, in refractory-relapsed ALL. Patients and methods: Patients with refractory-relapsed ALL were eligible. Pediatric patients were allowed on therapy after 10 adults were treated. Eligibility criteria were standard including normal organ functions (renal, hepatic). The original single dose schedule gave inotuzumab at 1.3–1.8 mg/m2 IVq 3–4 weeks. After the initial 49 patients were treated, the schedule was modified to inotuzumab weekly, 0.8 mg/m2 D1, 0.5 mg/m2 D8 and 15, q 3–4 weeks. The latter schedule was based on higher invitro efficacy with more frequent exposure, and possible lower clinical toxicity. Results: 83 patients were treated, 49 with single dose, and 34 with weekly dose. 29% were ≥ 60 yrs; 71% were in salvage 2 or beyond; only 8 (10%) were in salvage 1 with CRD1>12 months; 28% had Ph+ or t (4; 11); 10 (12%) had prior allogeneic SCT. Overall 14 patients (17%) achieved CR, 23 (28%) had CRP (no platelet recovery), and 9 (11%) had marrow CR (no recovery of counts), for an overall response rate of 46/83=55%. Response rate was 28/49 (57%) with single dose and 18/34 (53%) with weekly dose. Only 4 patients died in the first 4 weeks of therapy. Among 28 patients with cytogenetic abnormalities who achieved response, 25 (89%) achieved completed cytogenetic response. Among 44 patients who achieved response and had MRD studies by multi-parameter flow cytometry, 28 (64%) became MRD negative. The median survival was 5.4 months, 5.0 months with the single dose and 6.3 months with the weekly dose. Reversible grade 1–2 and 3–4 bilirubin elevations were observed in 24% and 4% respectively on single-dose and in 3% and 0% on weekly dose. Reversible grade 1–2 and 3–4 liver enzyme elevations were observed in 55% and 2% respectively on single-dose and in 21% and 6% respectively on weekly dose. Adverse factors for response included: salvage 2 or later vs. salvage 1 (49% vs. 71%); Ph+ and t(4; 11) abnormalities vs. others (39% vs. 62%). Allogeneic SCT was performed 22/49 patients (49%) on single-dose and in 9/34 (26%) so far (shorter follow-up) on weekly schedule: veno-occlusive disease was observed in 5/22 with single-dose (23%) and in 1/9 with weekly dose (11%). Conclusions: Inotuzumab is highly active in refractory relapsed ALL. Weekly dose appears to be equally effective and less toxic than single dose. Disclosures: Cortes:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding. Jabbour:Pfizer: Honoraria.
Day 15 Natural Killer (NK) Cell Recovery Predicts Progression Free Survival after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) on day 15 after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been shown to be an independent predictor for overall survival (OS) for many malignancies including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), breast cancer, multiple myeloma (MM), primary systemic amyloidosis, and Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). However, due to the retrospective nature of previous studies, the peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations that predict survival are unknown. To prospectively correlate peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations after ASCT and progression free survival, peripheral blood lymphocytes collected from patients before and on day 15 after ASCT were analyzed by four color flow cytometry for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD 19, and CD56. Patients were then dichotomized into two groups: patients achieving normal numbers of lymphocyte subset (i.e. CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16/56) count versus those who did not. Progression free survival was then analyzed by the Kaplan-Mier method. In our cohort of 14 patients, 9 were male and 5 were female. Nine patients were diagnosed with diffuse large cell B cell lymphoma, two with mantle cell, two with follicular, and one with peripheral T cell lymphoma. On presentation, one patient had stage I, four patients had stage II, four had stage III, and five patients had stage IV disease. The median age at ASCT was 53 years (range: 26–70). The preliminary data from this ongoing prospective study of 14 patients shows that on day 15 after ASCT, 4/14 (29%) of patients achieved a normal CD3 count (median 321, range: 69–2069 cells/ml) 3/14 (21%) achieved a normal CD4 count (median 206, range: 31–1091 cells/ml), 6/14 (43%) achieved a normal CD 8 count (median 88.5, range: 13–813 cells/ml) 1/14 (7%) achieved a normal CD19 count (median 2, range:0–227 cells/ml), and 8/14 (57%) achieved a normal CD16/56 count (median 85.5, range: 10–744 cells/ml). The median follow-up was 12 months (range: 3–45 months). On univariate analysis, patients achieving an absolute NK cell count of ≥ 80 cells/μ on day 15 had significantly improved progression free survival compared to those who did not (not reached vs 3 months, p
Abstract 6393: Targeting the increased endocytosis of Na/K ATPase α1 subunit as a new therapeutic approach to prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in males and there is no effective therapeutics to treat aggressive metastatic PCa (~70% mortality rate). We previously reported that the α1 Na/K-ATPase (α1 NKA), the product of ATP1A1 gene, is a tumor suppressor protein whose expression was significantly reduced in primary tumor and further reduced in the bone metastatic lesions (≤10% of normal tissue). Here we show that loss of cell surface expression of ATP1A1 induces Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), and promotes metastatic potential and tumor growth of PCa by decreasing E-cadherin expression and upregulating c-Myc expression via Src-dependent signaling. The progressive loss of α1 NKA in PCa is because of increased endocytosis by activating the α1 NKA/Src receptor complex. Using a unique α1 NKA screening platform, we have discovered MB5, an inverse agonist of receptor α1 NKA that can block ouabain, an agonist-induced signaling and endocytosis of α1 NKA. Functionally, MB5 treatment increased the expression of α1 NKA and E cadherin-which reversed EMT and decreased the invasion and growth of tumor xenografts. Thus, we have revealed a hitherto unrecognized mechanism that regulates the EMT and invasiveness, and identified α1 NKA inverse agonists such as MB5 as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of aggressive PCa. Citation Format: Moumita Banerjee, Zhichuan Li, Yingnyu Gao, Minqi Huang, Liquan Cai, Tianyan Gao, Xie Zijian. Targeting the increased endocytosis of Na/K ATPase α1 subunit as a new therapeutic approach to prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6393.
A Guide to Teaching Economics with Superstore

Superstore follows a group of employees working at Cloud 9, a fictional big-box retailer in Missouri. The show also portrays an abundance of scenes that can be used to teach economics at the undergraduate level. We analyze four particular episodes that are rich in teaching content, but also provide a breakdown of scenes in the series that can be used to teach concepts.
You play the way you live: aggressive soccer play and social capital

Could aggressive soccer play reflect generalized aggressive behaviour in society? In particular, could aggressive soccer play be associated with low levels of social capital? I examine these questi...
Choice of foreign exchange intervention and inflation targeting commitment

Abstract We derive a model in which the decision to intervene in the foreign exchange market becomes an endogenous function of the variance of exogenous shocks and parameters of the model. The central bank evaluates a social welfare loss function under four scenarios including a foreign exchange intervention or non-intervention regimes under both discretionary and commitment type arrangements for administering monetary policy. The model shows that under either a discretionary regime, or a regime characterized as one which commits, the decision to intervene or not to intervene in the forex market depends on an endogenous equation of shallow parameters. Under either intervention or non-intervention, commitment to a policy rule dominates discretion.
Examining the Direction of Effects Between COVID-19 Experiences, General Well-Being, Social Media Engagement, and Insomnia Symptoms Among University Students

The present longitudinal study assessed the direction of effects between COVID-19 experiences, general well-being, socio-emotional motives for online communication, problematic social media use, and insomnia symptoms, among a sample of emerging adults at university. Participants (N = 619;64% female;66% White) completed an online survey 5 months apart during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from an autoregressive cross-lagged model showed that poorer general well-being at baseline predicted greater endorsement of socio-emotional motives for online communication and higher insomnia symptoms over time. Negative COVID-19 experiences predicted higher social (but not emotional) motives for online communication. Lastly, insomnia symptoms and more problematic social media use predicted more negative COVID-19 experiences 5 months later (but not vice versa). Understanding the mechanisms of these associations will provide a better understanding of the factors that promote positive psychosocial functioning among emerging adults during the current COVID-19 pandemic and may inform psychosocial adjustment during future pandemics.
Atom-scale covalent electrochemical modification of single-layer graphene on SiC substrates by diaryliodonium salts

Abstract Owing to its high conductivity, graphene holds promise as an electrode for energy devices such as batteries and photovoltaics. However, to this end, the work function and doping levels in graphene need to be precisely tuned. One promising route for modifying graphene’s electronic properties is via controlled covalent electrochemical grafting of molecules. We show that by employing diaryliodonium salts instead of the commonly used diazonium salts, spontaneous functionalization is avoided. This allows for precise tuning of the grafting density. By employing bis(4-nitrophenyl)iodonium(III) tetrafluoroborate (DNP) salt calibration curves, the surface functionalization density (coverage) of glassy carbon was controlled using cyclic voltammetry in varying salt concentrations. These electro-grafting conditions and calibration curves translated directly over to modifying single layer epitaxial graphene substrates (grown on insulating 6H-SiC (0 0 0 1)). In addition to quantifying the functionalization densities using electrochemical methods, samples with low grafting densities were characterized by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (LT-STM). We show that the use of buffer-layer free graphene substrates is required for clear observation of the nitrophenyl modifications. Atomically-resolved STM images of single site modifications were obtained, showing no preferential grafting at defect sites or SiC step edges as supposed previously in the literature. Most of the grafts exhibit threefold symmetry, but occasional extended modifications (larger than 4 nm) were observed as well.
Reflection groups and Coxeter groups: Hecke algebras and Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomials

This chapter is an introduction to the fundamental paper of Kazhdan–Lusztig [1]. We begin with some generalities about Hecke algebras, which arise in the study by Iwahori [1] and Iwahori–Matsumoto [1] of certain groups of Lie type. The underlying idea is to replace the problem of decomposing an induced representation by the equivalent problem of determining irreducible representations of the associated algebra of intertwining operators (the Hecke algebra); see Curtis [1]–[3]. Here the Hecke algebra is a sort of deformation of the group algebra of the related Weyl group or affine Weyl group. The later work shares this philosophy, but is appreciably more subtle. In any case, what we do is hard to motivate strictly in terms of Coxeter groups. The treatment in 7.1–7.3 follows Couillens [1] (expanding Bourbaki [1], IV, §2, Exercise 23), but the remainder of the chapter is drawn almost entirely from Kazhdan–Lusztig [1], with added references to work influenced by theirs. Throughout the chapter ( W, S ) is an arbitrary Coxeter system. Both letters s and t may be used for elements of S , while u, v, w, x, y, z will be used to denote arbitrary elements of W . Generic algebras We begin with a very general construction of associative algebras over a commutative ring A (with 1). Such an algebra will have a free A -basis parametrized by the elements of W , together with a multiplication law which reflects in a certain way the multiplication in W .
Efficacy of electrolyzed oxidizing water as a pretreatment method for reducing Listeria monocytogenes contamination in cold-smoked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Listeria monocytogenes contamination in ready-to-eat (RTE) fish products, in particular in cold-smoked salmon is an important food safety concern. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water as a pretreatment method during the process of cold-smoked salmon to inactivate L. monocytogenes. In addition, the effect of EO water treatment on the sensory and textural quality of the final product was also evaluated. Raw Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets were inoculated with L. monocytogenes (with an approximately cell number of 6 × 105 CFU/g L. monocytogenes ATCC 19114) and treated with EO water at three different temperatures (20, 30, and 40 °C) and at three different exposure time of 2, 6, and 10 min before the cold-smoking process. A combination of EO water and a mild temperature (40 °C) had reduced L. monocytogenes populations by 2.85 log10 CFU/g. The sensory as evaluated by a consumer panel (N = 71) and texture, which was measured by texture analysis showed no significant changes between EO and mild temperature treated samples and the control.
An Artificial Neuron with Quantum Mechanical Properties

Quantum computation uses microscopic quantum level effects to perform computational tasks and has produced results that in some cases are exponentially faster than their classical counterparts. Choosing the best weights for a neural network is a time consuming problem that makes the harnessing of this ‘quantum parallelism’ appealing. This paper briefly covers necessary high-level quantum theory and introduces a model for a quantum neuron.
Purification and characterization of the 180- and 86-kilodalton subunits of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA primase-DNA polymerase protein complex. The 180-kilodalton subunit has both DNA polymerase and 3'----5'-exonuclease activities.

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae catalytic DNA polymerase I 180-kDa subunit and the tightly associated 86-kDa polypeptide have been purified using immunoaffinity chromatography, permitting further characterization of the DNA polymerase activity of the DNA primase-DNA polymerase protein complex. The subunits were purified to apparent homogeneity from separate overproducing yeast strains using monoclonal antibodies specifically recognizing each subunit. When the individual subunits were recombined in vitro a p86p180 physical complex formed spontaneously, as judged by immunoprecipitation of 180-kDa polypeptide and DNA polymerase activity with the anti-86-kDa monoclonal antibody. The 86-kDa subunit stabilized the DNA polymerase activity of the 180-kDa catalytic subunit at 30 degrees C, the physiological temperature. The apparent DNA polymerase processivity of 50-60 nucleotides on poly(dA).oligo(dT)12 or poly(dT).oligo(A)8-12 template-primer was not affected by the presence of the 86-kDa subunit but was reduced by increased Mg2+ concentration. The Km of the catalytic 180-kDa subunit for dATP or DNA primer terminus was unaffected by the presence of the 86-kDa subunit. The isolated 180-kDa polypeptide was sufficient to catalyze all the DNA synthesis that had been observed previously in the DNA primase-DNA polymerase protein complex. The 180-kDa subunit possessed a 3'----5'-exonuclease activity that catalyzed degradation of polynucleotides, but degradation of oligonucleotide substrates of chain lengths up to 50 was not detected. This exonuclease activity was unaffected by the presence of the 86-kDa subunit. Despite the striking physical similarity of the DNA primase-DNA polymerase protein complex in all eukaryotes examined, the data presented here indicate differences in the enzymatic properties detected in preparations of the DNA polymerase subunits isolated from S. cerevisiae as compared with the properties of preparations from Drosophila cells. In particular, the 3'----5'-exonuclease activity associated with the yeast catalytic DNA polymerase subunit was not masked by the 86-kDa subunit.
Acyl carrier protein. XI. The specificity of acyl carrier protein synthetase.

Abstract Holo acyl carrier protein synthetase transfers 4'-phosphopantetheine from reduced coenzyme A to acyl carrier protein (ACP) apoprotein to form ACP holoprotein (holo-ACP). The specificity of this enzyme was tested by using apopeptides derived from ACP. The apopeptides were derived from holopeptides, those containing 4'-phosphopantetheine, by the mild and specific action of 60% hydrofluoric acid. Holo-ACP, when treated with 60% HF, yielded ACP apoprotein (apo-ACP) which was completely converted to holo-ACP by the action of holo-ACP synthetase. In addition the optical rotatory dispersion curves for apo- and holo-ACP are quite similar, further supporting the contention that 60% HF treatment causes little or no structural damage to apo-ACP. Apopeptides consisting of Residues 7 through 77 or 19 through 61 were inactive with the enzyme. The corresponding holopeptides are also inactive in fatty acid synthesis. Apopeptide 1 through 74 is readily converted to holopeptide which is fully active in fatty acid synthesis. It is concluded that the same site (or sites) and structure of ACP are critical in interactions with enzymes of fatty acid biosynthesis or with enzymes involved in the addition and removal of the prosthetic group.
Free Radical Chemistry of Natural Products

Free radicals in plant and animal products are far from being thoroughly investigated. Their direct measurements are often lacking and their existence has been usually inferred from either observed products or oxygen depletion studies (Simic and Karel 1980). In both approaches, the deductions are based on comparison with model systems, where free radicals can be observed directly (see, e.g., Hoffman 1981) by electron spin resonance (ESR), spectrophotometry, or some other physicochemical techniques, under strictly controlled conditions. It should be pointed out, however, that only the ESR technique (Sevilla 1981) gives an unequivocal detection of free radicals because it is based on the measurements of unpaired electrons.
Experience of Multisensory Environments in Public Space among People with Visual Impairment

This qualitative study explored the role of sensory characteristics embedded in the built environment and whether they support or hinder people with visual impairment in their use of public spaces. An online survey link was e-mailed to the presidents and committee members of each state’s chapters and associations of the National Federation of the Blind in the United States, resulting in 451 direct invitations to participate. Written responses of the survey questions from 48 respondents with visual impairment were analyzed. Three main themes: Barriers, Supporters, and Context-Dependence emerged from the respondents’ experience of multisensory characteristics within the built environment. The four subthemes subsumed in Barriers were: (1) Population specific design, (2) Extreme sensory backgrounds, (3) Uneven ground surfaces and objects, and (4) Inconsistent lighting. For Supporters, respondents provided specific examples of various sensory characteristics in built environments, including audible cues and echoes, smells, tactile quality of the ground surface, and temperature. Context-Dependence referred to the effects of sensory characteristics embedded in public spaces depending on one’s vision condition, the proximity to the sensory cues and the purpose of the activities one was performing at that moment. Findings provide occupational therapy practitioners an in-depth understanding of the transactional relationship between embedded sensory characteristics in the built environment, occupations, and people with visual impairment in order to make appropriate modifications or removal of barriers that affect occupational performance and engagement. Suggestions for occupational therapists as well as architects, designers, planners, policy makers/legislators related to functional sensory cues in the design of built environments were provided to increase accessibility in the use of public spaces by people with visual impairment.
Mass spectrometry studies of fission product behavior: II. Gas phase species in the CsI-CsOH system

Abstract Critical to behavior of fission products from reactor accidents is understanding the nature and properties of the vapor phase species. This study characterizes the stability of the CsI-CsOH vapor phase complex. Vapor pressures were measured with a mass spectrometer. Thermodynamic data were obtained for CsOH(g), Cs 2 (OH) 2 (g), CsI(g), Cs 2 I 2 (g), and CsI-CsOH(g). Activity coefficients were derived for the CsI-CsOH system. The relative ionization cross-section of CsOH was found to be about ten times the cross-section of CsI(g). Our results suggest that CsI-CsOH fragments to Cs 2 OH + and an iodine atom.
The CardEye: A Trinocular Active Vision System

The CardEye is an experimental, trinocular, 3D active vision system. Our goal is to create a flexible, precise tool for active vision research. The system uses an agile trinocular vision head that will be mounted on a robotic arm. The system has several degrees of freedom: pan, tilt, roll, vergence and variable baseline in addition to the automated zoom and focus of the cameras lenses. It utilizes an active lighting device to assist in the surface reconstruction process. After solving for the best system variables to image a surface, a novel multi-stage reconstruction algorithm is used to build a rich, complete 3D model of the surface. In this paper we describe the novel architecture of the system and its successful application to reconstruction of objects of varying surface characteristics.
Escaping hierarchical traps with competent genetic algorithms

To solve hierarchical problems, one must be able to learn the linkage, represent partial solutions efficiently, and assure effective niching. We propose the hierarchical Bayesian optimization algorithm which combines the Bayesian optimization algorithm, local structures in Bayesian networks, and a powerful niching technique. Additionally, we propose a class of hierarchically decomposable problems, called hierarchical traps, which are deceptive on each level. The proposed algorithm is shown to scale up subquadratically on all test problems. Empirical results are in agreement with recent theory.
Extracardiac Fontan fenestration using the SafeSept transseptal guidewire and snare‐controlled diabolo‐shaped covered‐stent placement

Transcatheter Fontan fenestration is a valuable option in situations of prolonged pleural drainage or low cardiac output in patients with failing Fontan circulation. This procedure relies on controlled baffle perforation without separation of the Fontan circuit from the pulmonary venous atrium, and placement of an accurately sized covered stent. We report a novel technique for transcatheter extracardiac Fontan fenestration using the SafeSept transseptal guidewire® and snare-controlled diabolo-shaped covered stent placement.
The solubility of zinc oxide in 0.03 m NaTr as a function of temperature, with in situ pH measurement

Abstract The solubility of zincite (ZnO) has been measured in noncomplexing solutions over a wide range of pH m (4–11), and temperature (75–200°C) at 0.03 mol · kg −1 ionic strength in NaTr media (sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate, a noncomplexing 1:1 electrolyte), in a hydrogen electrode concentration cell (HECC), which provided continuous in situ measurement of hydrogen ion molality. Total zinc content was analyzed by atomic absorption using graphite furnace, flame, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometers. The direction of approach to the equilibrium saturation state was varied to demonstrate that the system was reversible thermodynamically. Separate experiments were performed in alkaline solutions (0.03 mol · kg −1 NaOH) at 25 and 50°C in polypropylene syringes, and between 50 and 290°C in a Teflon-lined pressure vessel. The aim of these experiments was to reach higher pH m (>8 depending on the temperature) to determine the thermodynamic properties of the negatively charged species, Zn(OH) 3 − . A least-squares regression of the results obtained at this ionic strength was used to determine the molal solubility products (Q sn ) of zincite. The solubility products (Q sn ) were extrapolated to infinite dilution (K sn ), permitting calculation of the thermodynamic properties of aqueous species of zinc for comparison with previous work.
Equilibrium Statistics of a Vortex Filament with Applications

The thermodynamic functions and scaling exponents (including the Kolmogorov and Flory exponents) of a vortex filament in thermal equilibrium are calculated, giving a quantitative content to earlier qualitative analyses. The numerical results uncover a percolation property of vortex filaments near the maximum entropy state. The implications of the results for the onset of turbulence, for the structure of its inertial range, and for superfluid vortices are discussed. In particular, it is shown that vortex stretching pushes a vortex system to a polymeric state and a Kolmogorov spectrum.
Synthetically defined oligomers of L-lysine as model compounds foradsorption studies

For investigations of adsorption of polymers onto surfaces, lysine oligomers of defined lengths were synthesized using standard methods of peptide chemistry. By repeated coupling of peptide derivatives of the same length, peptide chains up to 32 lysine residues were obtained. To suppress end effects theN-terminalα-amino group and the carboxyl group of each peptide were blocked withɛ-aminocaproyl- andN-methylamide functions respectively. Measurements of the optical rotation of blocked and charged deblocked oligo-L-lysines indicated that ordered structures are present in both forms.
Neutron polarization in the 1 MeV region by elastic scattering on C, O and D

Abstract The polarization product P1P2 for low energy (≈ 1 MeV) neutron elastic scattering has been measured for carbon, oxygen and deuterium by the time-of-flight method. The Li7(p, n) reaction has been used as a neutron source. Multiple scattering corrections have been estimated by Monte Carlo calculation. The results are Element Neutron energy (MeV) P 1 (30° L )·P 2 (60° L ) carbon 0.830±0.075 −0.0026±0.0041 1.15±0.05 +0.019±0.015 oxygen 0.830±0.075 −0.181±0.012 deuterium 1.15±0.05 +0.015±0.012 . A method for measuring the lithium target thickness by examination of time-of-flight profiles is described.
Velocity dispersion in skeletal muscle efferent nerve bundle and its effect upon time and frequency response.

Velocity dispersion in the nerve bundle subserving a skeletal muscle is shown not to have a significant primary effect on the time and frequency response of muscle. Secondary effects due to desynchronization in efferent volleys may produce an ‘interface effect’ between the nerve bundle and the muscle. This ‘interface effect’ may be important in biocybernetic considerations of neuromuscular action.
2.3.3 Near‐Neighbor Based Systems Engineering of Swarming Networks: A Case Study

Traditional systems engineering is tailored to systems with complex subsystems having well-described physical and functional attributes and interfaces. Moreover, a network system generally features precisely defined communication signal and data protocols. We submit that development of swarming networks that do not exhibit such discrete linear attributes represents a new class of systems that can benefit from a new approach to systems engineering methodology. We will describe the new systems engineering concept of “near-neighbor interaction zones” for systems engineering processes and apply this approach to a case study of one such system, an automated swarming intrusion detection network to alleviate the monitoring burden on security operators. The result is a large-scale complex system that is potentially more tractable and efficient to develop and operate from a human cognition perspective.
The isotopic composition of atmospheric argon and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology: Time for a change?

A redetermination of the isotopic composition of atmospheric argon by Lee, J.-Y., Marti, K., Severinghaus, J.P., Kawamura, K., Yoo, H.-S., Lee, J.B., Kim, J.S. [2006. A redetermination of the isotopic abundances of atmospheric Ar. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 70, 4507–4512] represents the first refinement since the work of Nier [1950. A redetermination of the relative abundances of the isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and potassium. Physical Reviews 77, 789–793]. The new 40Ar:38Ar:36Ar proportions imply <1% adjustments to 40Ar/39Ar ages in all but exceptional cases of very young and/or K-poor and/or Ca-rich samples, or cases in which samples are grossly under- or over-irradiated. Analytical protocols employing atmospheric argon to determine mass discrimination corrections are insensitive to the effects of revision on the air correction, but are subject to non-negligible adjustments arising from expanded heavy to light isotope ratios attending the increased mass discrimination correction. The competing effects of increased 40Ar/39Ar and 40Ar/37Ar ratios render the adjustments a function of sample chemistry and neutron irradiation parameters. The improved precision of atmospheric 40Ar/36Ar and 38Ar/36Ar permits increasingly sensitive detection of departures from atmospheric values. Non-atmospheric initial 40Ar/36Ar values are increasingly well-documented in volcanic materials, including subatmospheric values correlated with 38Ar/36Ar in a trend consistent with kinetic mass fractionation whereby incomplete equilibration between magma and atmosphere favors light isotope enrichment in the magma. The detailed mechanism(s) of such fractionation are unclear and must be clarified by further study. A detectable increase in atmospheric 40Ar/36Ar in the past 800 ka [Bender, M.L., Barnett, B., Dreyfus, G., Jouzel, J., Porcelli, D., 2008. The contemporary degassing rate of 40Ar from the Earth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105, 8232–8237] suggests that ages of late Quaternary (e.g., <100 ka) materials incorporating large amounts of atmospheric argon such as biotite may be underestimated by as much as 100% if a modern atmospheric 40Ar/36Ar value is erroneously assumed, unless air argon is used to determine mass discrimination. Further evaluation of the evolution of paleoatmospheric 40Ar/36Ar, and the fidelity with which argon trapped in igneous materials reflects this, would be very productive. The use of isochrons rather than model (e.g., plateau) ages mitigates the vagaries associated with uncertain trapped argon isotope ratios, and the importance of strategies to derive statistically valid isochrons is underscored.
ELF radiation produced by electrical currents in sprites

Measurements of ELF-radiating currents associated with sprite-producing lightning discharges exhibit a second current peak simultaneous in time with sprite luminosity, suggesting that the observed ELF radiation is produced by intense electrical currents flowing in the body of the sprite.
Megapixel resolution PC digital still camera

A PC digital still camera based on a mega-pixel CCD area array is presented. This camera can be used as an image input device in the applications of multimedia. The system is equipped with a conventional camera lens, and an 1.5 mega-pixel progressive color CCD area array. A driving circuit is designed to control the focusing and the iris of the lens in order to perform auto/manual focus and auto/manual exposure functions. The CCD image sensor is also used as a sensor for auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance control. This could eliminate the additional sensors. A shutter wheel is built for continuous exposure, which allows the host computer to display the entire field of view for preview without using an additional optical viewfinder. The digital signal processing is implemented in a computer software for interpolation, color reproduction, and edge enhancement, etc. A SCSI interface is used to connect to a host computer for data and command transmission.
Demographic and socioeconomic effects of disease control: The case of malaria eradication in Sardinia

Abstract The eradication of endemic malaria in Sardinia is evaluated for its demographic and socioeconomic impact in an examination of the relationship between disease control, population growth, and economic development. Pre‐eradication public health literature had argued that malaria was a sufficient cause of underdevelopment, Unking disease, labor shortages, and agricultural inefficiency in a pattern of involution. In Sardinia, population growth was a desired effect of disease control. A cultural ecological model labeled the “Malaria Blocks Development” hypothesis is used to generate specific questions about the effects of malaria eradication. Demographic analysis reveals that malaria control causes a substantial decrease in overall mortality rates, much greater than the simple elimination of malaria‐specific deaths. The geographical distribution of population growth does not follow the predicted pattern. Historical analysis of economic change in a particular ex‐malarial community and of regional econo...
Atlantic Opening and the Origin of the Caribbean

Funnell and Smith must be congratulated for their excellent geometric reconstruction of the opening of the Atlantic, which has led them to conclude that the Caribbean is a result of extension and shear in a transverse zone separating plates rotated about different axes.