cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Origin of Lower Triassic microbialites in mixed carbonate-siliciclastic successions: Ichnology, applied stratigraphy, and the end-Permian mass extinction

Abstract Studies aimed at understanding the recovery from the end-Permian mass extinction have focused on the distribution of faunas, trace fossils, and microbialites across depositional environments, but few have examined how these individual ecologic components relate to one another, especially the latter relationship between microbialites and trace fossils, which appear to be mutually exclusive. Microbialites occur throughout Lower Triassic strata primarily in two different forms depending on the depositional system in which they were preserved in. In carbonate-dominated settings, microbialites can commonly take the form of large stromatolitic patch reefs, while in siliciclastic settings microbialites are found primarily as wrinkle structures. This study focuses on the palaeoenvironmental distribution of microbial structures and trace fossils from an uppermost Lower Triassic deposit, the Virgin Limestone Member of the Triassic Moenkopi Formation, which is comprised of mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sedimentary rocks, and is known to contain both stromatolites and wrinkle structures, in addition to trace fossils. Results show that the highest trace fossil diversities are found in lower shoreface environments, while offshore environments contain the lowest diversity. Strata deposited in the offshore transition, separating lower shoreface and offshore environments, contain moderate diversity trace fossil assemblages. Microbialites, in the form of either stromatolites or wrinkle structures, appear to emerge only following transgression, and are commonly found across and following marine flooding surfaces. Wrinkle structures appear to have formed as low-oxygen waters encroached upon nearshore settings, suppressing bioturbation and allowing for microbial mat development. Stromatolites likely formed due to the upwelling of anoxic alkaline waters during transgression, which may have generated a firm substrate for colonization, as well as fostering cementation of the microbialite. While most studies examining the aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction focus on either carbonate- or siliciclastic-dominated settings, this study reports the environmental distribution of microbialites in both carbonate and siliciclastic facies, and unites them into a single depositional model that accounts for stratigraphic distribution, relation to trace fossils, and the unique environmental conditions present during the aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction.
Cholesterol and caveolae: structural and functional relationships

Caveolae are free cholesterol (FC)- and sphingolipid-rich surface microdomains abundant in most peripheral cells. Caveolin, a FC binding protein, is a major structural element of these domains. Caveolae serve as portals to regulate cellular FC homeostasis, possibly via their association with ancillary proteins including scavenger receptor B1. The FC content of caveolae regulates the transmission of both extracellular receptor-mediated and endogenous signal transduction via changes in the composition of caveolin-associated complexes of signaling intermediates. By controlling surface FC content, reporting membrane changes by signal transduction to the nucleus, and regulating signal traffic in response to extracellular stimuli, caveolae exert a multifaceted influence on cell physiology including growth and cell division, adhesion, and hormonal response. Cell surface lipid 'rafts' may assume many of the functions of caveolae in cells with low levels of caveolin.
An effect of particle size on the behavior of ferromagnetic materials

Abstract The dependence of magnetic behavior of media upon the particle/grain size is studied here. A model is presented to describe the behavior of nanomagnetic materials as a function of particle size. The model is applied to two types of experiments: (1) the decay rate of the magnetic aftereffect in nanomagnets and (2) the variation of spontaneous magnetization versus temperature. Both of these experiments show a deviation from the behavior of bulk media above a critical temperature.
On representation of monotone preference orders in a sequence space

In this paper we investigate the relation between scalar continuity and representability of monotone preference orders in a sequence space. Scalar continuity is shown to be sufficient for representability of a monotone preference order and easy to verify in concrete examples. Generalizing this result, we show that a condition, which restricts the extent of scalar discontinuity of a monotone preference order, ensures representability. We relate this condition to the well-known order dense property, which is both necessary and sufficient for representability.
The Optical Properties of Metallic and Crystalline Powders

The method of preparing finely divided metallic “blacks” is described and measurements on the transparency of these blacks in the infrared are presented. The use of sodium and thallium chlorides, distilled as finely divided powders on radiometer vanes, yields a selective receiver the far infrared. A new type of transmission band, shown by coarse powders of quartz and calcite is described.
Friction and Wear Mechanisms of Smooth Diamond Films During Sliding in Air and Dry Nitrogen

Under the influence of extreme contact pressure and high factional heating, the real contact areas of diamond films may undergo phase transformation and gradual wear during long-duration dry sliding contacts. The wear debris particles that accumulate at the contact interface can then dominate the long-term sliding friction and wear performance of these films. In this study, employing a combination of transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy, the authors explored the structural chemistry of the diamond debris particles and the sliding contact interfaces of smooth diamond films (surface roughness: 20–40 nm, root mean square (RMS)) and described their friction and wear mechanisms in open air and dry nitrogen (N2). The results of tribological tests indicated that the friction coefficients of Si3N4 balls against smooth diamond films were 0.04 in dry N2 but 0.1–0.15 in air. Friction fluctuated substantially in dry N2, especially during lon...
HLA-B27–associated uveitis

HLA-B27--associated acute anterior uveitis, a relatively common form of uveal inflammation, has a sufficiently characteristic presentation that the diagnosis is often suggested by clinical assessment, although testing for HLA-B27 status provides strong support for the diagnosis. This condition usually responds readily to topical corticosteroid therapy, and the prognosis is generally good. Atypical cases may be chronic, complicated by visually disabling complications or posterior eye involvement. Chronic or progressive forms of the disorder may require systemic immunosuppression. A diagnosis of HLA-B27--associated uveitis may bring an associated systemic condition to medical attention for the first time. Ongoing research promises to elucidate the intriguing relationship between the HLA-B27 molecule, gram-negative bacterial infection, and inflammatory disease.
Surface flashover characteristics of diamond-like carbon thin films in vacuum

Synthetic thin films such as diamond-like carbon (DLC) and polycrystalline diamond thin films can be used to increase surface flashover voltage of dielectric materials used in HV devices operating in vacuum. This work presents experimental results identifying some surface flashover characteristics of diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films in space vacuum conditions. The DLC samples used in the experiments are produced by a microwave plasma deposition technique. The electrode material was copper, and a dc voltage was applied between the electrodes. Surface flashover voltage characteristics and the breakdown voltage wave forms of DLC thin film samples were determined. The results showed that DLC thin films may not be suitable materials for HV applications as dielectric materials in vacuum when coated onto semiconductor materials. Additionally, these results were compared with the surface flashover characteristics of polycrystalline diamond thin film and quartz samples.
Scene Modeling Using Co-Clustering

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for scene modeling. The proposed method is able to automatically discover the intermediate semantic concepts. We utilize Maximization of Mutual Information (MMI) co-clustering approach to discover clusters of semantic concepts, which we call intermediate concepts. Each intermediate concept corresponds to a cluster of visterms in the bag of Vis- terms (BOV) paradigm for scene classification. MMI co- clustering results in fewer but meaningful clusters. Unlike k-means which is used to cluster image patches based on their appearances in BOV, MMI co-clustering can group the visterms which are highly correlated to some concept. Unlike probabilistic latent semantic analysis (pLSA), which can be considered as one-sided soft clustering, MMI co- clustering simultaneously clusters visterms and images, so it is able to boost both clustering. In addition, the MMI co- clustering is an unsupervised method. We have extensively tested our proposed approach on two challenging datasets: the fifteen scene categories and the LSCOM dataset, and promising results are obtained.
Multiplex pressure measurement in microsystems using volume displacement of particle suspensions

We demonstrate a simple image-based method to measure pressure in microsystems using volume displacement of fluorescent particle suspensions. These micro pressure-sensors are composed of two layers with a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membrane in between: the flow layer includes a flow channel and the sensor layer contains a detection channel filled with suspensions of fluorescent particles. The pressure increase in the flow channel deflects the membrane, and this membrane deformation can be quantified by measuring the cross-sectional areas at specific focal planes. These simple sensors have the advantage that a broad sensing-range can be achieved by tuning the mechanical property and the geometry of the membrane during design and fabrication, and even simpler by tuning the focal plane or the pressure of a reference chamber while in operation. We also demonstrate here a pressure transduction scheme coupled with the image-based sensing method as a multiplex pressure measurement tool for simultaneously detecting pressures in multiple locations in a microsystem. Overall, the image-based pressure sensing method has high precision when operated in both direct and remote detection modes. Compared to conventional mechanical methods of pressure detection, this technique is inexpensive because it does not require complex off-chip equipment to quantify the pressure-dependent membrane deformation. In addition, the image analysis using the software code developed here is fast, and it generates data that are simple to interpret.
Plenary speaker 1: Continuum fusion: A new theory of inference

By exploiting human insight in the form of a model, methods of composite hypothesis (CH) testing can generate more robust decision algorithms, with a greater ability to generalize, than the alternative “data-driven methods.” The latter include artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms, support vector machines, etc.
The Effect of Related and Unrelated Memory Loads on the Prerecognition Visual Processing of Traffic Signs

Prerecognition visual processing of traffic signs was evaluated while subjects maintained one of four different types of memory load: low imageability nouns, traffic sign words, random shapes, or traffic sign shapes. Recall was uniformly high (mean=92%) and did not differ among groups. There was a highly significant interaction among groups (different memory loads), sign messages (Stop, Right, Left, Slow), and sign formats (symbol vs. word). Holding random shapes in memory eliminated prerecognition processing differences among sign messages for symbol format signs. However, for all other memory loads, differences among sign messages were significant. Tests across the memory load conditions for each format of each sign message showed that, for the Stop symbol, the Right symbol, and the Right word signs, the various memory load conditions produced no significant differences. For all other sign messages in both symbol and word format, there were significant differences among memory loads. In summary, these d...
Turbo equalization for single-carrier underwater acoustic communications

Recent research in underwater acoustic communications has taken advantage of MIMO technologies to achieve reliable communication with 10–100 times increase of data rate in comparison to traditional systems. The powerful turbo equalization and FEC coding techniques enable both single-carrier modulation and OFDM systems to combat triply selective UWA channels. This article reviews the time-domain and frequency-domain turbo equalizer schemes for MIMO SCM systems. Low-complexity techniques are presented with both turbo linear equalizers and turbo soft decision feedback equalizers in both the time and frequency domains. Although results are shown specifically for UWA channels, these turbo equalizer techniques are also suitable for terrestrial RF communication systems.
Stigma as a barrier to recovery from mental illness

Advances in neuroscience, technology and research sophistication have greatly increased understanding of mental illnesses and improved the treatment of these disorders. However, there are also important psychosocial aspects of mental illness that play a significant role in recovery from these conditions. One set of these factors involves the prejudice and discrimination, often referred to as 'stigma', faced by people when others learn that they have been diagnosed with, and/or treated for, a mental disorder.
The catfish genome database cBARBEL: an informatic platform for genome biology of ictalurid catfish

The catfish genome database, cBARBEL (abbreviated from catfish Breeder And Researcher Bioinformatics Entry Location) is an online open-access database for genome biology of ictalurid catfish (Ictalurus spp.). It serves as a comprehensive, integrative platform for all aspects of catfish genetics, genomics and related data resources. cBARBEL provides BLAST-based, fuzzy and specific search functions, visualization of catfish linkage, physical and integrated maps, a catfish EST contig viewer with SNP information overlay, and GBrowse-based organization of catfish genomic data based on sequence similarity with zebrafish chromosomes. Subsections of the database are tightly related, allowing a user with a sequence or search string of interest to navigate seamlessly from one area to another. As catfish genome sequencing proceeds and ongoing quantitative trait loci (QTL) projects bear fruit, cBARBEL will allow rapid data integration and dissemination within the catfish research community and to interested stakeholders. cBARBEL can be accessed at http://catfishgenome.org.
Interactive tools for signal processing education

The Signal Processing Instructional Facility (SPIF Lab.) is an educational laboratory featuring interactive multimedia for teaching concepts related to linear systems theory and signal processing. The goals of the SPIF lab are to augment, enhance, and interconnect sophomore, junior, and senior level courses with the common thread of linear systems and transforms by unifying the experimentation medium. In this fashion, physical phenomenon is returned to the forefront of engineering education. The major components of the new laboratory are a family of dynamic Mathematica Notebooks (a form of hypertext) and interactive applications which utilize dedicated DSP microprocessors. >
Autoregressive Modeling of Layered Multi-Medium for EM Signal Processing

The authors present four lattice models of materials useful in describing multi-medium. The models are based on the coupled first order partial differential equations describing right-going and left going electromagnetic waves. Time variations are transformed out. Both scattering and transmission lattices for forward and backward spatial difference result from discrete versions of the wave equations.
Urine cytology in monitoring recurrence in urothelial carcinoma after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion

BACKGROUND After radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (RC-UD), upper urinary tract and urethral recurrences of urothelial carcinoma (UCa) are reported to occur in 2% to 17% of patients. The objective of the current study was to determine the performance of urinary cytology (UCy) in the diagnosis of recurrences in the remnant urothelium (RRU) after RC-UD. METHODS The authors retrospectively identified all patients who underwent RC-UD for UCa at the study institution from January 2002 to April 2014, and collected data from all available follow-up UCy and biopsies. Cytologies were classified as unsatisfactory, negative, suspicious, positive for malignancy, or atypical urothelial cells (AUC). The authors calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of suspicious or positive UCy for the diagnosis of histologically confirmed RRU. RESULTS Of the 222 patients who underwent RC-UD for UCa of the urinary bladder during the study period, 111 had at least 1 follow-up UCy performed at the study institution, for a total of 477 UCy samples. During a mean follow-up interval of 40.8 months (range, 3-155 months), the RRU rate was 9.9% (11 of 111 patients). Positive/suspicious UCy results were noted in 12 of 111 patients, 9 of whom had RRU. A diagnosis of AUC was made in 8.6% of samples from 29 patients (41 of 477 samples). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of UCy for RRU were 82%, 97%, 75%, and 98%, respectively. Six of the 28 patients with diagnoses of AUC (21.4%) were eventually diagnosed with RRU. CONCLUSIONS In the current series, UCy demonstrated good sensitivity and high specificity for the detection of disease recurrence of UCa after RC-UD. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:273–8. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Differential effect of plasma protein binding of bupivacaine on its in vivo transfer into the brain and salivary gland of rats.

The effect of plasma protein binding of bupivacaine on its transfer into brain and salivary gland was studied using bovine serum albumin, human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) and human serum. The in vivo brain extraction and salivary gland extraction of [3H] bupivacaine relative to [14C]butanol were determined with an intracarotid injection technique used on rats. The brain extraction varied inversely with the bovine serum albumin (0-7.5%) and AAG (0-3.0 mg/ml) concentrations. The salivary extraction only slightly varied inversely with the AAG concentration, whereas no significant effects of bovine albumin binding on salivary gland uptake were observed. The in vivo percentage of exchangeable drug in brain or salivary gland capillaries was severalfold greater than the in vitro percentage of unbound drug. The percent values of free drug, brain exchangeable drug and salivary exchangeable drug were 12 +/- 1, 81 +/- 7 and 93 +/- 18% for umbilical cord serum, 8.6 +/- 1.1, 73 +/- 6 and 103 +/- 3% for normal human serum, 5.9 +/- 0.5, 60 +/- 4 and 89 +/- 3% for serum of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 5.0 +/- 0.2, 45 +/- 2 and 83 +/- 3% for serum of metastatic cancer patients. These data indicate that bupivacaine is not transported through the brain capillary wall, i.e., the blood-brain barrier, from the bovine albumin-bound pool, but bupivacaine is partially available for transfer from the circulating AAG-bound pool. However, both bovine albumin-bound and AAG-bound bupivacaine are readily available for transport through salivary gland capillaries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Long-Term Cigarette Smoking Trajectories Among HIV-Seropositive and Seronegative MSM in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

To examine the association between demographic characteristics and long-term smoking trajectory group membership among HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative men who have sex with men (MSM). A cohort of 6552 MSM from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study were asked detailed information about their smoking history since their last follow-up. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to examine smoking behavior and identify trajectory group membership. Because participants enrolled after 2001 were more likely to be younger, HIV-seronegative, non-Hispanic black, and have a high school diploma or less, we also assessed time of enrollment in our analysis. Participants were grouped into 4 distinct smoking trajectory groups: persistent nonsmoker (n = 3737 [55.9 %]), persistent light smoker (n = 663 [11.0 %]), heavy smoker to nonsmoker (n = 531 [10.0 %]), and persistent heavy smoker (n = 1604 [23.1 %]). Compared with persistent nonsmokers, persistent heavy smokers were associated with being enrolled in 2001 and later (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.35; 95 % CI 2.12-2.58), having a high school diploma or less (aOR 3.22; 95 % CI 3.05-3.39), and being HIV-seropositive (aOR 1.17; 95 % CI 1.01-1.34). These associations were statistically significant across all trajectory groups for time of enrollment and education but not for HIV serostatus. The overall decrease of smoking as shown by our trajectory groups is consistent with the national trend. Characteristics associated with smoking group trajectory membership should be considered in the development of targeted smoking cessation interventions among MSM and people living with HIV.
DNA sequence and RFLP analysis of Pleurotopsis longinqua from three disjunct populations

The known distribution of Pleurotopsis lon- ginqua is restricted to southeastern Australia, New Zealand, Patagonia, and the northern Pacific coast of North America. Previous studies demonstrated that isolates from all of these areas were sexually compat- ible (i.e., were the same biological species). Inter- compatibility studies, however, did not provide infor- mation about genetic (evolutionary) relationships among the disjunct populations. Restriction frag- ment patterns of the nuclear ribosomal ITS1-5.8S- ITS2 were compared for isolates from each geograph- ical region to estimate genetic divergence. Only one enzyme, Taq I, discriminated between different col- lections. To further examine genetic divergence, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region was sequenced for one collec- tion from each geographical area. Only four base- pair differences were observed among isolates from New Zealand, Argentina and Washington State. The remarkable similarity of these collections suggests that the current disjunct distribution is not very old.
Structural and electronic properties of Zr-Ti-Cu-Ni-Be alloys

We present crystallization studies on Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 (Vit1) and on other alloys, where the (Zr,Ti) and (Cu,Be) contents, along the line in composition space connecting Vit1 and Zr46.8Ti8.2Cu7.5Ni10Be27.5 (Vit4), were varied. Results from x-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are combined to describe the crystallization behavior of these alloys at deep undercooling. SANS gives evidence for decomposition and the formation of nanometer sized crystals below a critical temperature Tc, which varies drastically as a function of composition. When Tc intersects with the glass transition temperature Tg, changes in the crystallization behavior are observed by DSC and XRD. At annealing temperatures near Tg, XRD resolves quasicrystalline phases for all alloy compositions from Vit1 to Vit4. From 9Be nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments performed on Vit1 upon annealing, we obtain information about the electronic structure and volume fraction of Be containing crystalline and quasicrystalline phases.
Renal clearance of pantothenic acid in man; inhibition by probenecid (benemid).

Summary1. At plasma levels of 30 to 50 μg/cc, significant renal tubular secretion of pantothenic acid occurs. 2. It is probable that pantothenic acid is secreted by the same renal tubular transport mechanism involved in the transport of penicillin, phenolsulfonphthalein and PAH. 3. Probenecid can inhibit effectively the renal tubular secretion of pantothenic acid in man. 4. Probenecid enhances the plasma pantothenate levels obtained by the intravenous administration of sodium pantothenate in doses of 500 and 1000 mg.
International Congress of Anthropology “ Homo sapiens Past, Present and Future”

The International Congress of the Hellenic Anthropological Association (HAA) was successfully organised in Athens from 21 to 23 November 2003, having attracted a considerable number of participants, including some of the most prominent figures of anthropological research worldwide.
After the Gold Rush: Replicating the Rural Midwest in the Sacramento Valley

In the 1850s and 1860s, prior to California's bonanza wheat era, a prominent agricultural community emerged along Putah Creek in the lower Sacramento Valley. This was a community of considerable stability, despite being settled by displaced 49 ers—speculators, squatters, and “swamplanders”—on a fraudulent Mexican land grant. Capitalist and traditional values, imported from the Midwest, sustained them.
Future Technology Requirements For Magnetic Fusion-An Evaluation Based On Conceptual Design Studies

The future technology requirements for magnetic fusion have been identified from an assessment of the conceptual design studies that have been performed. A summary of worldwide conceptual design effort is presented. The relative maturity of the various confinement concepts and the intensity and continuity of the design efforts are taken into account in identifying future technology requirements. A major conclusion of this study is that there is a high degree of commonality among the technology requirements identified for the various confinement concepts.
Understanding Lung Deposition of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin in Acute Experimental Mouse Lung Injury Model Using Fluorescence Microscopy

Human plasma-derived α1-antitrypsin (AAT) delivered by intravenous infusion is used as augmentation therapy in patients with emphysema who have a genetic mutation resulting in deficiency of AAT. Inhalation is an alternative route of administration that can potentially increase the efficacy and convenience of treatment. This study was conducted to determine whether delivery to the lungs, initially via the intratracheal (IT) route of administration, would deliver efficacious levels of a recombinant AAT (rAAT) to the site of action in the lungs in mice. 125I-radiolabeled rAAT, fluorophore-conjugated rAAT (rAAT-Alexa488), and NE680 (neutrophil elastase 680, a silent fluorescent substrate of neutrophil elastase which fluoresces in the near-infrared range upon activation by neutrophil elastase) were used to characterize the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution profile, distribution of rAAT within the lung, and efficacy of rAAT to inhibit neutrophil elastase at the site of action, respectively. The study has demonstrated that rAAT was able to gain access to locations where neutrophil elastase was localized. The histochemical quantification of rAAT activity relative to dose at the site of action provided here will improve confidence in predicting the human dose via the inhalation route.
Nonlocal diffusion and peridynamic models with Neumann type constraints and their numerical approximations

Abstract This paper studies nonlocal diffusion models associated with a finite nonlocal horizon parameter δ that characterizes the range of nonlocal interactions. The focus is on the variational formulation associated with Neumann type constraints and its numerical approximations. We establish the well-posedness for some variational problems associated and study their local limit as δ → 0. A main contribution is to derive a second order convergence to the local limit. We then discuss the numerical approximations including standard finite element methods and quadrature based finite difference methods. We study their convergence in the nonlocal setting and in the local limit.
Validation of nuclear data using historical critical assembly measurements

Predictive neutronics simulations depend on accurate nuclear data. We use integral experiments of near critical assemblies as one of the key validation experiments. The accuracy of these measurements is such that they are more constraining to a nuclear data evaluation than the underlying differential data. But the solutions found in calibrating to these benchmarks are degenerate and other data are necessary to discern which is correct. Recently, we have begun to use activation data for this purpose. This paper describes many of the early Los Alamos experiments that are used in this process, with particular attention given to some of the systematic errors that affect these measurements.
Simultaneous DNA and protein extraction using trypsin

Abstract DNA on touched objects is often present in low amounts, causing poor STR typing results. Testing genetically variable proteins is a promising approach for obtaining additional individualization. We are showing here that it is possible to obtain PCR-STR results for DNA and mass spectrometry protein sequences starting with a single trypsin digestion. For a standard DNA extraction method using Millipore Microcon MW100 filter units, proteinase K was replaced with trypsin, and sodium dodecyl sulfate with ProteaseMAX, a mass spectrometry compatible detergent. This neatly separates both substances: DNA is retained by the membrane with digested proteins in the flow through. It was also possible to amplify trypsin extracted DNA without further purification, but Microcon separation of both fractions was more suitable for both STR and mass spectrometry analysis. When tested in parallel to a standard proteinase K method, the Microcon co-extraction method showed better DNA typing success rates. Mass spectrometry for the Microcon based trypsin co-extraction method yielded a large number of identified proteins, including tissue specific proteins for both fingerprint and saliva samples.
Fisher information and Cramér-Rao lower bound for experimental design in parallel imaging.

Purpose The Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) is widely used in the design of magnetic resonance (MR) experiments for parameter estimation. Previous work has considered only Gaussian or Rician noise distributions in this calculation. However, the noise distribution for multi-coil acquisitions, such as in parallel imaging, obeys the noncentral χ-distribution under many circumstances. The purpose of this paper is to present the CRLB calculation for parameter estimation from multi-coil acquisitions. Theory and Methods We perform explicit calculations of Fisher matrix elements and the associated CRLB for noise distributions following the noncentral χ-distribution. The special case of diffusion kurtosis is examined as an important example. For comparison with analytic results, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were conducted to evaluate experimental minimum standard deviations (SDs) in the estimation of diffusion kurtosis model parameters. Results were obtained for a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and for both the conventional case of Gaussian noise distribution and noncentral χ-distribution with different numbers of coils, m. Results At low-to-moderate SNR, the noncentral χ-distribution deviates substantially from the Gaussian distribution. Our results indicate that this departure is more pronounced for larger values of m. As expected, the minimum SDs (i.e., CRLB) in derived diffusion kurtosis model parameters assuming a noncentral χ-distribution provided a closer match to the MC simulations as compared to the Gaussian results. Conclusion Estimates of minimum variance for parameter estimation and experimental design provided by the CRLB must account for the noncentral χ-distribution of noise in multi-coil acquisitions, especially in the low-to-moderate SNR regime. Magn Reson Med, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Formulaic Transparency: The Hidden Enabler of Exceptional U.S. Securitization

Why does the securitization of residential mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and other such consumer debt in the U.S. exceed the securitization of such debt in Europe by several trillion dollars? The author points out that lemon problems do not stop the sale of used cars but they do prevent the operation of a market in which buyers place sight-unseen bids for used cars offered by unknown sellers. Buyers prefer to know who the seller is and test-drive vehicles. Similarly until the 1980s, creditors were willing to forgo the information they could secure in private transactions to get tradability mainly in the case of bonds issued by governments or a few blue-chip companies. U.S. government policy encouraged the securitization of trillions of dollars of loans made to millions of borrowers. U.S. rules—rather than new financial or information technologies—have strongly encouraged originators of mortgages and other consumer loans to rely on credit scores (commonly referred to as FICO scores) produced by credit bureaus. And reliance on scores that loan originators use but don’t produce helps overcome the information asymmetry problems that would otherwise constrain securitization. The argument turns the usual concern about securitization on its head: transferring risks to investors is normally expected to discourage careful screening of borrowers, but the author’s analysis suggests that formulaic, FICO-based screening actually enables risk transfer by reducing information asymmetry problems. Moreover, while limiting screening reduces the upfront costs of lending, it also increases loans made to uncreditworthy borrowers. And because increasing loans made to bad borrowers raises the rates good borrowers have to pay (to compensate investors for higher defaults), U.S. rules that sacrifice information for more “complete” markets may be a bad bargain.
Compound polycrystalline solar cells:: Recent progress and Y2 K perspective

Abstract A historical perspective on the development of polycrystalline thin-film solar cells based on CdTe and CuInSe 2 is presented, and recent progress of these thin-film technologies is discussed. Impressive improvements in the efficiency of laboratory scale devices has not been easy to translate to the manufacturing environment, principally due to our lack of understanding of the basic science and engineering of these materials and devices. “Next-generation” high-performance thin-film solar cells utilizing multijunction device configurations should achieve efficiencies of more than 25% within ten years. However, our cost-effective manufacturing of these more complex devices will be problematic unless the science and engineering issues associated with processing of thin-film PV devices are addressed.
The Influence of Protein and Amino Acid Intake on the Plasma Amino Acid Pattern

The levels of the individual amino acids in the plasma reflect the net balance of a number of influences on the supply and the demand. These include the types and amounts of amino acids available in the diet, the rate and the completeness of gastrointestinal absorption, the requirements for repair and maintenance of tissue, the utilization for growth, the excretion by the kidney and the activity of the many enzyme systems involved in metabolizing any excess. Despite the many variables that may influence the plasma amino acids, it is surprising that the level of each is maintained within a relatively narrow range. For example, the plasma levels tend to remain within the normal range even in the presence of a disturbance of renal tubular function which is accompanied by large losses of amino acids in the urine. The greatest abnormalities of plasma level result from inactivity of enzyme systems concerned with the metabolism of excess amino acids and extreme elevations of the levels of specific amino acids occur in such anomalies of amino acid metabolism as phenylketonuria or maple syrup urine disease (branched chain ketoaciduria). We have been particularly concerned with the aberations of amino acid levels that are the result of alterations in the intake of either protein or of specific amino acids.
Electronic Effect of Ligands on the Stability of Nickel–Ketene Complexes

Electronically variant (dppf)Ni(ketene) complexes were synthesized and characterized to perform kinetic analysis on their decomposition through a decarbonylation/disproportion process to Ni–CO complexes and alkenes. Ligands containing electron-donating groups stabilized such complexes, whereas an electron-withdrawing group was found to destabilize them. Hammett analysis on the decomposition reaction revealed the buildup of negative charges in the rate-determining step, which corroborates past computational models.
Application of a Discontinuous Form of Macroscopic Gazis–Herman–Rothery Model to Steady-State Freeway Traffic Stream Observations:

In this study, a two-regime, steady-state, traffic stream model is developed by applying the macroscopic Gazis–Herman–Rothery model to fixed sensor data on freeways. The uncongested and congested r...
Ringing Effects Due to Non-ideal Components in Direct Antenna Modulation Transmitters

Direct antenna modulation (DAM) is a method used to transmit broadband signals through a narrowband antenna by switching the antenna or matching network at precise moments during the carrier cycle. In this paper, we study the effects of parasitics in the antenna and matching network and their effects on the DAM system. We demonstrate that parasitics introduce significant ringing after the switching instant that degrades the ability of DAM to store energy and effectively transmit broadband signals in practice. The parasitic effect is predicted by circuit model simulation and is validated with measurements with an equivalent antenna circuit model.
Integration of Computational and Experimental Approaches to Elucidate Mechanisms of First-Pass Lymphatic Drug Sequestration and Long-Acting Pharmacokinetics of the Injectable Triple-HIV Drug Combination TLC-ART 101

Abstract TLC-ART101 is a long-acting triple-HIV drug combination of lopinavir-ritonavir-tenofovir in one nanosuspension intended for subcutaneous injection. After a single TLC-ART 101 administration in nonhuman primates, drug concentrations in both plasma and HIV-target lymph node mononuclear cells were sustained for 2 weeks. Nevertheless, the mechanisms leading to the targeted long-acting pharmacokinetics remain elusive. Therefore, an intravenous study of TLC-ART 101 in nonhuman primates was conducted to elucidate the degree of association of drugs in vivo, estimate subcutaneous bioavailability, and refine a mechanism-based pharmacokinetic (MBPK2) model. The MBPK2 model considers TLC-ART 101 systemic drug clearances, nanoparticle-associated/dissociated species, more detailed mechanisms of lymphatic first-pass retention of associated-drugs after subcutaneous administrations, and the prediction of drug concentration time-courses in lymph node mononuclear cells. For all 3 drugs, we found a high association with the nanoparticles in plasma (>87% lopinavir-ritonavir, 97% tenofovir), and an incomplete subcutaneous bioavailability (
Use of birth weight- vs. ultrasound-derived fetal weight classification methods: implications for detection of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler

Objectives To compare a birth weight-derived (Brenner) and multiple ultrasound-derived [Hadlock, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium (INTERGROWTH)] classification systems' frequency of assigning an antenatal estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10% and subsequent detection rate for abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (UAD). Methods We analyzed 569 consecutive non-anomalous singleton gestations identified by ultrasound with either an abdominal circumference (AC) <3% or EFW <10% at a tertiary medical center between 1/2012 and 12/2016. The biometric measurements were exported for all serial ultrasounds and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for the diagnosis of any abnormal UAD, absent or reversed end-diastolic flow (AREDF), and small for gestational age (SGA) for each classification method. Results Brenner classified less patients with EFW <10% (49.7%) vs. the comparison methods (range: 84.2-85.0%; P < 0.001). The sensitivity was highest using Hadlock for detection of any abnormal UAD [96.6%; confidence interval (CI) 92.8-98.8%], AREDF (100%; CI 95.1-100%), and SGA (89.0%; CI 85.4-91.6%). However, there was minimal variation between the Hadlock, NICHD, and INTERGROWTH methods for detection of the studied outcomes. The AUCs for any abnormal UAD, AREDF, and SGA were highest for the Brenner method, but there were a substantial number of false-negative results with lower overall detection rates. Conclusions Use of a birth weight-derived method to assign a fetal weight <10% as the threshold to initiate UAD surveillance has a lower detection rate for abnormal UAD when compared to ultrasound-derived methods. Despite substantial methodological differences in the creation of the Hadlock, NICHD, and INTERGROWTH methods, there were no differences in the detection rates of abnormal UAD.
Investigating native capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometry on a high-end quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer for the characterization of monoclonal antibodies

Abstract Native capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CZE-MS) has attracted attentions for the characterization of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) due to the potential of CZE for highly efficient separations of mAbs under native conditions as well as its compatibility with native electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS. However, the low sample loading capacity and limited separation resolution of native CZE for large proteins and protein complexes (e.g. mAbs) impede the widespread adoption of native CZE-MS. Here, we present a novel native capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF)-assisted CZE-MS method for the characterization of mAbs with much larger sample loading capacity and significantly better separation resolution than native CZE-MS alone. The native cIEF-assisted CZE-MS employed separation capillaries with a new carbohydrate-based neutral coating, a commercilized electrokinetically pumped sheathflow CE-MS interface, and a high-end quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer. Using the method, we documented the separations of different proteoforms of the SigmaMAb and the detection of its various glyco-proteoforms and homodimer. The native cIEF-assisted CZE-MS separated the NIST mAb into three peaks with a submicroliter sample loading volume, corresponding to its different proteoforms. We observed that both the NIST mAb and its homodimer had eight glyco-proteoforms, four of which had low abundance. The results demonstrate the potential of our native cIEF-assisted CZE-MS method for advancing the characterization of large proteins and protein complexes under native conditions.
Germination and Seed/Embryo Size in Holoparasitic Flowering Plants with “Dust Seeds” and an Undifferentiated Embryo

“Dust seeds” with an undifferentiated embryo and unipolar germination are produced by holoparasitic species in 10 families of angiosperms. However, aside from a few Orobanchaceae species important in agriculture (crop weeds) and in Chinese traditional medicine we know little about seed germination in these achlorophyllous plants. Our primary purpose was to review the literature on seed germination in nine families of the mostly economically-nonimportant taxa of holoparasites and (briefly) of Cynomoriaceae, an economically important medicinal family for which several publications on its germination are in Chinese. A second purpose was to pull together information on sizes of dust seeds and their undifferentiated embryos and endosperm in both economically- and noneconomically-important holoparasitic plants. We found that not much progress has been made in understanding dormancy-break/germination in these holoparasites since 1969, when the author of a book on parasitic flowering plants pointed out how little we know about their germination. Lack of progress on germination of dust seeds of these holoparasites is not necessarily due to lack of research but at least in part to their nonresponsiveness to well-known treatments used to break dormancy in seeds of autotrophic and hemiparasitic flowering plants. For most species, seed length is <1.0 mm (in many <0.50 mm) and embryo length < 0.40 mm (in many <0.10 mm); endosperm is scant to copious. We suggest that seed conditioning, an essential step in germinating seeds of weedy Orobanchaceae holoparasites, be added to the protocol for germinating the dust seeds of noneconomically-important holoparasites with an undifferentiated embryo.
Interfacial and Confinement-Mediated Organization of Gas Hydrates, Water, Organic Fluids, and Nanoparticles for the Utilization of Subsurface Energy and Geological Resources

Harnessing the subsurface geologic environments in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner is challenged by uncertainties associated with predicting the fate of fluids and sustaining po...
New Reasons for Forced Displacement: A Multimodal Discourse Analysis of the Construction of Refugee Identity

With the intensification of human processes across the globe, the arrival of the Anthropocene has brought with it significant changes to the human-nature relationship and even greater challenges to...
Socially Interactive Artificial Intelligence: Past, Present and Future

Socially interactive artificial agents are no longer mere fiction. For many, they are already part of everyday life. Due to technical advances in multimodal behavior analysis and synthesis, the asymmetry of communication between machines and humans is dissolving. Consequently, the interaction with robots and virtual characters has become more intuitive and natural, particularly for everyday users. Nevertheless, there is still some work to be done until artificial agents are able to smoothly interact with people over more extended periods in their homes and to cope with unforeseen situations. In my talk, I will recall my journey into the field of socially interactive Artificial Intelligence starting in the 90ies with the development of the Personalized Plan-Based Presenter (in short, the PPP Persona [1]). This cartoon character explained technical devices to users by combining speech, gestures, and facial expressions. We quickly realized that we had to equip such characters with a certain amount of social and emotional intelligence to keep users engaged over a more extended period. Furthermore, it became clear that creating such agents is not a job that can be done by computer scientists alone. In collaboration with social and medical sciences, dramaturgy, and media art colleagues, we developed a wide range of applications with socially interactive characters or robots over the past years, including art and entertainment [2], cultural training [5]and social coaching [3], and more recently, personal wellbeing and health [4]. In my talk, I will describe various computational methods to implement socially interactive behaviors in artificial agents. Besides analytic methods informed by theories from the cognitive and social sciences, I will discuss empirical approaches that enable an artificial agent to learn socially interactive behaviors from recordings of human-human interactions or life interactions with human interlocutors. I will highlight opportunities and challenges that arise from neural behavior generation approaches that promise to achieve the next level of human-likeness in virtual agents and social robots. Finally, I will share lessons we learnt during the development of socially interactive agents. To benefit users, we do not just have to work on technical solutions, but go beyond disciplinary boundaries to encompass ethical, legal, and social implications of employing such agents.