cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Précis of the metaphysics of hyperspace

This is a book about the metaphysics of material objects loosely united by the theme of hyperspace. I begin by examining selective philosophical reasons to believe in hyperspace, I then inquire into a variety of puzzles and problems in the metaphysics of material objects that are either generated or informed by that hypothesis, and I close by examining general theistic reasons and even some distinctively Christian reasons to favor the hypothesis. In what follows, I provide a brief introduction to the topics and an overview of my treatment of them. The Introduction is devoted to putting cards on the table and making clear my starting points (some of which I have defended in Hudson 2001 and some of which are simply presupposed in this book). In brief. I lay out background positions on material objects and on a substantivalist spacetime. I record my views about the impossibility of co-location and of irreducible material stuff. I formulate and back very liberal principles of composition and of decomposition. I advance my favorite analysis of material simples and report my arguments against the possibility of material atomless gunk. I endorse (a variant of) four-dimensionalism and its associated accounts of persistence and change. I acknowledge my preference for eternalism over presentism, my qualified support for recombination principles as a guide to modality, my allegiance to epistemicism as my theory of choice regarding vagueness, and my general distaste for appeals to bruteness. I confess my views about the evidential value of intuitions. I acknowledge my theism has next to nothing to contribute to the arguments in this book save for the last two chapters. And I provide an informal primer on hyperspace and introduce some quasi-topological definitions that come into play from time to time. Chapter 1 concerns a pair of philosophical reasons (as opposed to reasons grounded in physics) for belief in hyperspace. The first reason for
Surface States and Spectra

Let ℤ+ d +1= ℤ+×ℤ+, let H 0 be the discrete Laplacian on the Hilbert space l 2(ℤ+ d +1) with a Dirichlet boundary condition, and let V be a potential supported on the boundary ∂ℤ+ d +1. We introduce the notions of surface states and surface spectrum of the operator H=H 0+V and explore their properties. Our main result is that if the potential V is random and if the disorder is either large or small enough, then in dimension two H has no surface spectrum on σ(H 0) with probability one. To prove this result we combine Aizenman–Molchanov theory with techniques of scattering theory.
Linear independence of pairwise comparisons of DNA microarray data.

Motivation: For DNA microarrays, the gain in certainty by performing multiple experimental repeats is offset by the high cost of each experiment. In a typical experiment, two independent measurements (that is, data from two separate arrays) are combined to yield a single comparative index per gene. Thus, although one uses 2n arrays and performs 2n independent measurements, one obtains only n comparative measurements. We addressed the question: how many of the potential n2 comparisons derivable from such data are actually independent, and what effect do these additional comparisons have on the false positive rate. Results: We show there are precisely 2n - 1 independent comparisons available from among the n2 possibilities. Applying these additional n - 1 independent comparisons to experimental and simulated data reduced the false positive rate by as much as 10-fold, with excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical false positive rates.
Conservation genetics of the central newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) in Iowa: the importance of a biogeographic framework

In light of global declines in amphibian populations, genetic data have become increasingly important for understanding population structure and for revealing hidden diversity. At the species level, Notophthalmus viridescens is an IUCN species of “least concern”, but the subspecies N. v. louisianensis (central newt) is listed as “threatened” in Iowa, a state on the western periphery of the species range. Genetic data were collected from 282 N. v. louisianensis from 14 sites in Iowa. Sequences from 1,054 nucleotides of mitochondrial DNA from Iowa newts revealed unexpected diversity in the form of two major haplotype groups that are not sister clades, with southern Iowa N. v. louisianensis being more closely related to N. v. piaropicola (peninsula newt) from Florida than to consubspecifics in Iowa. Sequence differentiation indicates that the two lineages of newts present in Iowa diverged near the beginning of the Pleistocene. Northern and southern Iowa haplotypes were found together at one site, indicating an opportunity for hybridization near Remington’s biogeographic suture zone 1, a hotspot for hybridization in other species. Three microsatellite loci provided additional evidence for distinctness of northern and southern Iowa newt populations. This study highlights the relevance of historical biogeography to conservation, as management strategies for N. v. louisianensis in Iowa must reflect previously unrecognized diversity in this species. Nuclear and mitochondrial data indicate genetic isolation of nearby populations on the same drainage, and field data suggest the decline of one study population, emphasizing the need for identification and protection of newt breeding sites in Iowa.
Direct observation of the growth of vanadium on TiO2(110)-(1×2)

Abstract The growth of vanadium and vanadia on the (1×2) structure of the TiO2 surface was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy. STM of the clean surface yielded atomically resolved (1×1), (1×2) and (2×2) structures and, in some cases, revealed crystallographic shear planes. A (1×2) surface structure was stabilized by heating in vacuum to 1150 K. At low coverages metallic vanadium, evaporated onto this surface held at 300 K, binds preferentially atop the added-rows of the (1×2) structure. As the vanadium coverage is increased toward one monolayer, the density of vanadium clusters decorating the (1×2) rows increases, forming chains of more or less isolated clusters. At three monolayers coverage vanadium metal forms a granular film which covers the oxide surface uniformly. This film is sufficiently smooth that the underlying step structure of the oxide is still visible. When heated to 600 K this film reorganizes to form needle-like features aligned along the [001] direction, which are separated by multiples of the underlying (1×2) periodicity along the [110] direction. With continued heating of the film to 635 K migration of the vanadium into the bulk occurs, reducing the surface concentration of vanadium. As the result of the higher annealing temperatures isolated vanadium clusters, undoubtedly oxidized, decorate the top of the emergent, underlying (1×2) TiO2 oxide rows.
Amplification and rearrangement of onc genes in mammalian species

Related eukaryotic species usually contain the same number of copies per cell of a given ‘unique sequence’ gene. In the few described exceptions, such as the preproinsulin1,2 and globin genes3–7, one or two additional copies per cell have been found in several related species, suggesting that germ-line amplification occurred millions of years ago in a common progenitor of these species. The transforming (onc) genes of retroviruses are a group of evolutionarily conserved genes for which at least 10 distinct members have been described (for a review see ref. 8). Sequences related to each onc have been identified in all vertebrate species tested, usually as one copy per haploid genome, although the rat has at least two different genes homologous to the onc of the rat-derived Harvey murine sarcoma virus (Ha-MuSV)9. In screening genomic DNA from several rodent species for sequences related to the onc of Ha-MuSV and to the closely related (but distinguishable) onc of Kirsten (Ki) MuSV10, we have now found evidence for relatively recent amplification of these genes. We report here that Mus pahari apparently contains at least 10 copies of Ha-MuSV-type onc, whereas most other Mus species contain only one or two copies. Similarly, Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus iseus) have about six copies of the Ki-MuSV-type onc compared with only one copy in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).
A framework for integrating mobility and routing in mobile communication networks

Most coordinated tasks performed by teams of mobile robots, require reliable communications between the members of the team. Therefore, task accomplishment requires that robots navigate their environment with their collective movement restricted to formations that guarantee integrity of the communication network. Maintaining this communication capability induces physical constraints on trajectories but also requires determination of communication variables like routes and transmitted powers. In this paper, we propose a novel framework to address this problem, in which continuous motion controllers based on potential fields interact with discrete optimization of the communication variables to result in a muti-robot network that ensures integrity of communications. Our definition of network integrity is defined as the ability of a network to support desired communication rates.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application of a Cationic Metal−Organic Framework: Ag2(4,4′-bipy)2(O3SCH2CH2SO3)

We report a silver-based cationic metal−organic framework with two mixed organic linkers directing the structure. The structure consists of 1D Ag(4,4′-bipy) cationic chains arranged into close-packed layers. Weakly bound alkanedisulfonate anions charge-balance the layers, where only one oxygen of each sulfonate makes a long contact with the Ag. The unsaturated linear Ag centers likely allow the Lewis acidity displayed by the material for ketone protection as well as esterification. The material showed no reduction in yield after three catalytic runs with average 95% conversion yield for ketal formation and 57% for esterification without further water removal. In addition to hydrothermal conditions, the structure can be synthesized by reflux or room temperature, with almost identical catalytic ability. Other properties of this compound including chemical and thermal stability are also described.
Hidden chromosome abnormalities in haematological malignancies detected by multicolour spectral karyotyping

Cytogenetic analysis provides critical information of diagnostic and prognostic importance for haematological malignancies1,2. In fact, the identification of recurring chromosomal breakpoints in leukaemias and lymphomas has expedited the cloning of genes whose translocation-induced deregulation causes malignant transformation3,4. The pillar of karyotype analysis rests on chromosome banding techniques that have the distinct advantage that the entire genome can be analysed in a single experiment. However, poorly spread or contracted metaphase chromosomes and highly rearranged karyotypes with numerous marker chromosomes, common in tumour cell preparations, are often difficult to interpret unambiguously and subtle chromosomal aberrations, in particular the exchange of telomeric chromatin or small insertions remain elusive. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) overcomes some of these limitations, but is mainly utilized to confirm the presence of previously characterized or suspected aberrations5. We have developed a novel approach, termed spectral karyotyping or SKY6,7 based on the hybridization of 24 fluorescently labelled chromosome painting probes that allows the simultaneous and differential colour display of all human chromosomes. We have used SKY to complement conventional banding techniques in haematological malignancies by analysing 15 cases with unidentified chromosome aberrations. In all instances SKY provided additional cytogenetic information, including the identification of marker chromosomes, the detection of subtle chromosomal translocations and the clarification of complex chromosomal rearrangements. Thus, SKY in combination with standard chromosome banding allows the characterization of chromosomal aberrations in leukaemia with unprecedented accuracy.
The influence of subsurface thermal structure on the diving behavior of northern fur seals ( Callorhinus ursinus ) during the breeding season

In the heterogeneous marine environment, predators can increase foraging success by targeting physical oceanographic features, which often aggregate prey. For northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus), two prevalent oceanographic features characterize foraging areas during summer in the Bering Sea: a stable thermocline and a subsurface “cold pool”. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of these features on foraging behavior by equipping fur seals from St. Paul Island (Alaska, USA) with time-depth recorders that also measured water temperature. Foraging bout variables (e.g., mean dive depth and percent time diving in a bout) were compared with respect to subsurface thermal characteristics (thermocline presence and strength and cold pool presence). Over 74% of bouts occurred in association with strong thermoclines (temperature change > 5°C). Few differences were found for dive behavior in relation to the presence of a thermocline and the cold pool, but for epipelagic bouts, a strong thermocline resulted in increased bottom times, number of dive wiggles, and percent time diving when compared to moderate thermoclines. There was also a positive relationship between mean dive depth and thermocline depth. The combination of increasing foraging effort in areas with strong thermoclines and diving to depths closely related to the thermocline indicates this feature is important foraging habitat for northern fur seals and may act to concentrate prey and increase foraging success. By recognizing the environmental features northern fur seals use to find prey, managers will be better equipped to identify and protect foraging habitat that is important to northern fur seals, and possibly other marine predators in the Bering Sea.
AGE EFFECT ON TREADMILL BLOOD PRESSURE RESPONSES IN AORTIC STENOSIS

Noninvasive exercise evaluation of cardiac reserve in children with aortic stenosis (AS) has focused on EKG changes. Blood pressure (BP) responses during exercise have not previously been emphasized. Thirty two children, age 4 to 15 yrs. with AS were exercised on a treadmill using a modified Balke protocol. Peak heart rates averaged 180/min. suggesting that maximal O2 consumption was attained. Systolic and diastolic BP were obtained every minute of exercise. Results were compared to established normal values from 750 children exercised in this laboratory: Pathologic EKG changes were not observed in these AS children. Most children with AS had less than normal increase in BP response to exercise. This disparity was most marked in the older children despite fairly low Ao-LV pressure gradients. The results appear to indicate increasing compromise of hemodynamics with age in non-operated AS. BP responses may add significant additional information in the treadmill exercise evaluation of AS. This method of following cardiac reserve offers aid in determining operability.
Influence of extrusion ratio on the tensile properties of ultradrawn polyethylene

The tensile properties have been evaluated for high-density solid-state polyethylene extruded to different extrusion (draw) ratios. The results are compared with measured and theoretical values on this and other polymers. An extrusion (draw) ratio and a deformation gradient are defined and discussed. The content of extended tie molecules in extruded high-density polyethylene was calculated from a model and modulus data.
Identification of a Conserved Rac-binding Site on NADPH Oxidases Supports a Direct GTPase Regulatory Mechanism

The NADPH oxidases (Noxs) are a family of superoxide-generating enzymes implicated in a variety of biological processes. Full activity of Nox1, -2, and -3 requires the action of a Rac GTPase. A direct regulatory interaction of Rac with Nox2 has been proposed as part of a two-step mechanism for regulating electron transfer during superoxide formation. Using truncation analysis of Rac binding to the cytoplasmic tail of Nox2, along with peptides derived from this region in cell-free assays, we identify a Rac interaction site within amino acids 419–430 of Nox2. This region is required for binding Rac2 but not p47phox or p67phox cytosolic regulatory factors. A cell-permeant version of the peptide encompassing amino acids 419–430 specifically inhibits NADPH oxidase activation in intact human neutrophils. Mutational analysis of the putative Rac-binding site revealed specific residues, particularly Lys-421, Tyr-425, and Lys-426, individually required for Rac-dependent NADPH oxidase activity that are conserved in the Rac-regulated Nox1, Nox2, and Nox3 enzymes but not in Nox4 or Nox5. Mutation of the conserved residues in the Rac-binding site of Nox1 also result in the loss of Rac-dependent activity. Our data identify a functional Rac interaction site conserved in Rac-dependent Noxs and support a direct regulatory interaction of Rac GTPases to promote activation of these NADPH oxidases.
Uncompetitive substrate inhibition and noncompetitive inhibition by 5- n-undecyl-6-hydroxy-4,7-dioxobenzothiazole (UHDBT) and 2-n-nonyl-4- hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (NQNO) is observed for the cytochrome bo3 complex: Implications for a Q(H2)-loop proton translocation mechanism

The cytochrome bo3 ubiquinol oxidase complex from Escherichia coli contains two binding sites for ubiquinone(ol) (UQ(H2)). One of these binding sites, the ubiquinol oxidation site, is clearly in dynamic equilibrium with the UQ(H2) pool in the membrane. The second site has a high affinity for ubiquinone (UQ), stabilizes a semiquinone species, and is located physically close to the low-spin heme b component of the enzyme. The UQ molecule in this site has been proposed to remain strongly bound to the enzyme during enzyme turnover and to act as a cofactor facilitating the transfer of electrons from the substrate ubiquinol to heme b [Sato-Watanabe et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 28908-28912]. In this paper, the steady-state turnover of the enzyme is examined in the presence and absence of inhibitors (UHDBT and NQNO) that appear to be recognized as ubisemiquinone analogs. It is found that the kinetics are accounted for best by a noncompetitive inhibitor binding model. Furthermore, at high concentrations, the substrates ubiquinol-1 and ubiquinol-2 inhibit turnover in an uncompetitive fashion. Together, these observations strongly suggest that there must be at least two UQ(H2) binding sites that are in rapid equilibrium with the UQ(H2) pool under turnover conditions. Although these data do not rule out the possibility that a strongly bound UQ molecule functions to facilitate electron transfer to heme b, they are more consistent with the behavior expected if the two UQ(H2) binding sites were to function in a Q(H2)-loop mechanism (similar to that of the cytochrome bc1 complex) as originally proposed by Musser and co-workers [(1993) FEBS Lett. 327, 131-136]. In this model, ubiquinol is oxidized at one site and ubiquinone is reduced at the second site. While the structural similarities of the heme-copper ubiquinol and cytochrome c oxidase complexes suggest the possibility that these two families of enzymes translocate protons by similar mechanisms, the current observations indicate that the Q(H2)-loop proton translocation mechanism for the heme-copper ubiquinol oxidase complexes should be further investigated and experimentally tested.
Communication Capacity Requirement for Reliable and Secure State Estimation in Smart Grid

Secure system state estimation is an important issue in smart grid to assure the reliability and security. In this paper, the case of a single observation station and Gaussian noise communication channel with an eavesdropper is considered. The channel capacity requirement is studied from the information theoretic perspective. The smart grid is modeled as a linear dynamic system. Then, the channel capacity requirement is studied for the state estimation of general linear dynamic systems and then applied in the system state estimation in smart grid. Numerical simulations are used to evaluate the capacity requirement in typical configurations of smart grid.
Fine structure of the murine leptin receptor gene: splice site suppression is required to form two alternatively spliced transcripts.

The fine structure of the murine leptin receptor gene (Lepr) is described. Duplicated ligand binding domains (conserved among cytokine receptors) are found in eight exons (coding exons 3 to 6 and 8 to 11). Thus, it is possible that a single leptin receptor molecule could have two functional ligand binding domains. The transmembrane region of Lepr is in coding exon 16 while the juxtamembrane JAK docking site is in coding exon 17. For all membrane-bound forms, the transcript must include 17 invariant exons and 1 alternatively spliced 3' terminal exon. The transcript encoding the soluble receptor (Re) includes 14 coding exons and an alternatively spliced 3' terminal exon. We have identified two splice variants (Rc and Re) for which there are no intervening sequences between the two final exons. This unusual juxtaposition of exons requires that splice donor sites at the 5' end of the respective terminal exons be ignored in the production of these splice variants. We suggest that splice site suppression is responsible for the formation of two of the alternatively spliced forms of the mouse Lepr gene. The juxtaposition of two coding exons separated by a consensus splice donor sequence is the structural substrate for this mode of alternative splicing. We present evidence that the Rc form is expressed in human tissues while the Re form, the soluble receptor, is not expressed.
Carotid plaque characterization with histology and quantitative ultrasound

Most atherosclerotic plaques are heterogeneous, making it difficult to classify them in the clinic as calcified or lipidic plaques. We propose a novel approach to characterize localized plaque regions with different tissue types. We will compare and correlate calcified, fibrous and lipid regions within heterogeneous plaque using a one-to-one registration with histology and quantitative ultrasound imaging (QUS). Atherosclerotic plaque excised during a carotid endarterectomy procedure was imaged ex vivo using a VisualSonics Vevo 770 ultrasound system. Attenuation coefficient images were obtained from three-dimensional (3D) radiofrequency data collected and rendered into a 3D volume. Fixed plaque tissue was then longitudinally sectioned with thickness of 5 µm, and sections separated by 100 µm were utilized. Two-dimensional histopathology images were digitized using a PathScan Enabler IV, registered and reconstructed into a 3D volume using Matlab. Different regions such as the lumen, calcified, lipid and fibrous regions were segmented by a pathologist and digitally color-coded into the 3D histology volumes. Similar tissue types from the 3D histology volume were then compared to the estimated 3D attenuation coefficient obtained using quantitative ultrasound methods. Our results indicate that calcified, lipid and fibrous regions in the two volumes demonstrate good correlation. Calcified regions delineated on the histology volume correspond to high attenuation coefficient regions (2.45 dB/cm/MHz) in the 3D attenuation coefficient volume, while lipid regions tend to have lower attenuation coefficient values (1.50 dB/cm/MHz). Fibrous regions in histology, correlate to the lowest attenuation coefficient value (0.83 dB/cm/MHz). Our work demonstrates a direct correlation between histology and ultrasound quantitative imaging characterization of plaque. Using 3D histology volumes, different tissue composition within the plaque can be better identified and characterized.
Acellular dermal matrix-based gene therapy augments graft incorporation.

Abstract Background Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is widely used for structural or dermal replacement purposes. Given its innate biocompatibility and its potential to vascularize, we explored the possibility of ADM to function as a small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system. Specifically, we sought to improve ADM vascularization by siRNA-mediated inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase domain-2 (PHD2), a cytoplasmic protein that regulates hypoxia inducible factor-1α, and improve neovascularization. Materials and methods Fluorescently labeled siRNA was used to rehydrate thin implantable ADM. Pharmacokinetic release of siRNA was determined. Twelve millimeter sections of ADM reconstituted with PHD2 siRNA (nonsense siRNA as control) and applied to dorsal wounds of 40 FVB mice. Grafts were sewn in, bolstered, and covered with occlusive dressings. Photographs were taken at 0, 7, and 14 d. Wounds were harvested at 7 and 14 d and analyzed (messenger RNA, protein, histology, and immunohistochemistry). Results Release kinetics was first-order with 80% release by 12 h. By day 14, PHD2-containing ADM appeared viable and adherent, whereas controls appeared nonviable and nonadherent. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated near-complete knockdown of PHD2, whereas vascular endothelial growth factor and FGF-2 were increased 2.3- and 4.7-fold. On enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, vascular endothelial growth factor was increased more than fourfold and stromal cell-derived factor doubled. Histology demonstrated improved graft incorporation in treated groups. Immunohistochemical demonstrated increased vascularity measured by CD31 staining and increased new cell proliferation by denser proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining in treated versus controls. Conclusions We concluded that ADM is an effective matrix for local delivery of siRNA. Strategies to improve the matrix and/or genetically alter the local tissue environment can be envisioned.
A Comment on Long Waves in the Pacific Ocean

Abstract Surface currents near the equator in the eastern Pacific Ocean fluctuate with periods of 21–30 days. Channel model experiments determined that these changes in oscillations are attributed to variations in the intensity of the South Equatorial Current.
Using O-(n-alkyl)-N-(N, N'-dimethylethyl)phosphoramidates to investigate the role of Ca2+ and interfacial binding in a bacterial phospholipase D

Abstract O-(n-alkyl)-N-(N,N′-dimethylethyl)phosphoramidates (n=6, 8, and 10; CnPNC) were synthesized and characterized as inhibitors of phospholipase D (PLD) activity toward phosphatidylcholine presented as monomers, micelles, and bilayers. Detailed studies with recombinant Streptomyces chromofuscus PLD, a Ca2+-activated enzyme that does not show large changes in catalytic activity toward the same substrate as a monomer or micelle, showed that the longer the inhibitor chain length, the more potent CnPNC is as a competitive inhibitor toward all the substrates. However, the physical state of the inhibitor did affect the maximum inhibition attainable. For a fixed concentration of diC4PC (monomer substrate), CnPNC inhibition reached a maximum around the CMC of the inhibitor; the inhibition was reduced at higher inhibitor concentrations, in part caused by the lower solubility of the aggregated inhibitor. With diC4PC as the substrate and using concentrations of C10PNC that were below its CMC, the Ki for C10PNC was 0.030±0.003 mM, ∼13-fold less than the Km for substrate. Aggregated substrates showed significant inhibition of PLD by CnPNC, although as the substrate chain length increased, inhibition by a given CnPNC was diminished. With POPC vesicles, the apparent Ki for C10PNC was 0.030 of the apparent Km. The availability of these inhibitors allowed us to show that PC analogues can bind to the active site of S. chromofuscus PLD in the absence of Ca2+. Once bound at the active site, the inhibitor does not significantly affect the divalent ion-dependent partitioning of the enzyme to PC surfaces. Of the two other PLD enzymes examined, cabbage PLD, but not Streptomyces sp. PMF, was able to catalyze the cleavage of the PN bond. Differential susceptibility of PLDs to these phosphoramidates may eventually be useful in studying PLD isozymes in cells.
Multi-lag cluster designs for estimating the semivariogram for sediments affected by effluent discharges offshore in San Diego

Maps are useful tools for understanding, managing, and protecting the marine environment, yet few useful and statistically defensible maps of environmental quality and aquatic resources have been developed in near-coastal regions. Current environmental management efforts, such as ocean monitoring by sewage dischargers, routinely sample areas of potential impact using sparse sampling grids. Heterogeneous oceanic conditions often make extrapolation from these grids to non-sampled locations questionable. Although rarely applied in coastal monitoring, kriging offers a more rigorous statistical approach to mapping and allows confidence intervals to be calculated for predictions. Its usefulness relies on accurate models of the spatial variability through estimating the semivariogram. Many optimal designs for estimating the semivariogram have been proposed, but these designs are often difficult to implement in practice. In this paper, we present simple design strategies for augmenting existing monitoring designs with the goal of estimating the semivariogram. In particular, we investigate a multi-lag cluster design strategy, where clusters of sites, spaced at various lag distances, are placed around fixed stations on an existing sampling grid. We find that these multi-lag cluster designs provide improved accuracy in estimating the parameters of the semivariogram. Based on simulation study findings, we apply a multi-lag cluster enhancement to the monitoring grid for the City of San Diego’s Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant as part of a special study to map chemical contaminants in sediments around its sewage outfall.
The Life Trajectory Interview for Youth (LTI-Y): method development and psychometric properties of an instrument to assess life-course models and achievement

This paper describes the rationale, development and psychometric properties of the Life Trajectory Interview for Youth (LTI-Y), an instrument designed to assess cognitive models of the life course and life-course achievement. This method was developed over 13 months of pilot research, and applied with a population of 350 participants from the Great Smoky Mountain Study, a longitudinal epidemiological study of mental health in western North Carolina comprising 1420 youths (among them 350 Cherokee Native Americans). The LTI-Y is designed to address gaps in our understanding of the links between large-scale structural conditions and social processes and individual outcomes such as mental health. Scale consistency (n = 350) was good to high, whereas test-retest reliability in a limited sample (n = 18) was moderate to good, depending on the domain and dimension of data considered. Overall, psychometric properties indicate fairly stable and consistent life-course strategies and priorities. Although developed and piloted with youth from Western North Carolina, the methods described could be applied to any population of interest. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Object fingerprints for content analysis with applications to street landmark localization

An object can be a basic unit for multimedia content analysis. Besides similarity among common objects, each object has its own unique characteristics which we cannot find in other surrounding objects in multimedia data. We call such unique characteristics object fingerprints. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to extract and match object fingerprints for multimedia content analysis. In particular, we focus on the problem of street landmark localization from images. Instead of modeling and matching a street landmark as a whole, our proposed approach extracts the landmark's object fingerprints in a given image and match to a new image or video in order to localize the landmark. We formulate matching the landmark's object fingerprints as a classification problem solved by a cascade of 1NN classifiers. We develop a street landmark localization system that combines salient region detection, segmentation, and object fingerprint extraction techniques for the purpose. To evaluate, we have compiled a novel dataset which consists of 15 U.S. street landmarks' images and videos. Our experiments on this dataset show superior performance to state-of-the-art recognition algorithms [20, 33]. The proposed approach can also be well generalized to other objects of interest and content analysis tasks. We demonstrate the feasibility through the application of our approach to refine web image search results and obtained encouraging results.
Are natural fiber composites environmentally superior to glass fiber reinforced composites

Natural fibers are emerging as low cost, lightweight and apparently environmentally superior alternatives to glass fibers in composites. We review select comparative life cycle assessment studies of natural fiber and glass fiber composites, and identify key drivers of their relative environmental performance. Natural fiber composites are likely to be environmentally superior to glass fiber composites in most cases for the following reasons: (1) natural fiber production has lower environmental impacts compared to glass fiber production; (2) natural fiber composites have higher fiber content for equivalent performance, reducing more polluting base polymer content; (3) the light-weight natural fiber composites improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in the use phase of the component, especially in auto applications; and (4) end of life incineration of natural fibers results in recovered energy and carbon credits.
β-Oxidation of free fatty acids is required to maintain translational control of protein synthesis in heart

The study described herein investigated the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the maintenance of protein synthesis in vivo in rat cardiac and skeletal muscle. Suppression of FFA β-oxidation by met...
Sewing to satisfaction: craft-based entrepreneurs in contemporary Kyrgyzstan

This article focuses on the reassembling of apparel production in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan. We contribute to this special issue on well-being in Central Asia by examining how individual craft-based apparel producers (a subset of producers in the apparel industry) describe the process through which they built upon their Soviet past and reoriented their professional trajectories in a new competitive market environment. These producers locate professional satisfaction in their ability to draw upon and creatively re-employ local knowledge and experience learned in Soviet institutions, ultimately – as they articulate and perceive – deriving pride and well-being from the process of selling highly regarded ethnically inspired apparel products both at home and abroad.
Anillin Binds Nonmuscle Myosin II and Regulates the Contractile Ring

We demonstrate that the contractile ring protein anillin interacts directly with nonmuscle myosin II and that this interaction is regulated by myosin light chain phosphorylation. We show that despite their interaction, anillin and myosin II are independently targeted to the contractile ring. Depletion of anillin in Drosophila or human cultured cells results in cytokinesis failure. Human cells depleted for anillin fail to properly regulate contraction by myosin II late in cytokinesis and fail in abscission. We propose a role for anillin in spatially regulating the contractile activity of myosin II during cytokinesis.
Seminar on Economic Co-operation in Africa: Nairobi, Kenya, 14–18 December 1965

As newly independent states of Africa are coming to grips with the pressing economic problems which they inherited, and as new problems arise, the need for economic co-operation, on a multilateral, regional, or even a continental basis suggests itself with increasing urgency. Some of the existing organisations are making modest headway. Others are encountering severe weather over a variety of issues and difficulties. It was one of the major aims of this international seminar to provide a non-political forum for the fruitful exchange of views, and an opportunity for the continuation of old, as well as the establishment of new, contacts between government officials and scholars from various parts of the world, and to attempt to relate to Africa the accumulated experiences of schemes of economic co-operation in various parts of the world. The seminar was sponsored jointly by the Congress for Cultural Freedom and the host college—University College, Nairobi.
Higher rank numerical ranges and low rank perturbations of quantum channels

Abstract For a positive integer k, the rank-k numerical range Λ k ( A ) of an operator A acting on a Hilbert space H of dimension at least k is the set of scalars λ such that P A P = λ P for some rank k orthogonal projection P. In this paper, a close connection between low rank perturbation of an operator A and Λ k ( A ) is established. In particular, for 1 ⩽ r k it is shown that Λ k ( A ) ⊆ Λ k − r ( A + F ) for any operator F with rank ( F ) ⩽ r . In quantum computing, this result implies that a quantum channel with a k-dimensional error correcting code under a perturbation of rank at most r will still have a ( k − r ) -dimensional error correcting code. Moreover, it is shown that if A is normal or if the dimension of A is finite, then Λ k ( A ) can be obtained as the intersection of Λ k − r ( A + F ) for a collection of rank r operators F. Examples are given to show that the result fails if A is a general operator. The closure and the interior of the convex set Λ k ( A ) are completely determined. Analogous results are obtained for Λ ∞ ( A ) defined as the set of scalars λ such that P A P = λ P for an infinite rank orthogonal projection P. It is shown that Λ ∞ ( A ) is the intersection of all Λ k ( A ) for k = 1 , 2 , … . If A − μ I is not compact for all μ ∈ C , then the closure and the interior of Λ ∞ ( A ) coincide with those of the essential numerical range of A. The situation for the special case when A − μ I is compact for some μ ∈ C is also studied.
The effect of monocular target blur on simulated telerobotic manipulation

A simulation involving three types of telerobotic tasks that require information about the spatial position of objects is reported. This is similar to the results of psychophysical experiments examining the effect of blur on stereoacuity. It is suggested that other psychophysical experimental results could be used to predict operator performance for other telerobotic tasks. It is demonstrated that refractive errors in the helmet-mounted stereo display, system can affect performance in the three types of telerobotic tasks. The results of two sets of experiments indicate that monocular target blur of two diopters or more degrades stereo display performance to the level of monocular displays. This indicates that moderate levels of visual degradation that affect the operator's stereoacuity may eliminate the performance advantage of stereo displays. >
A Neu View of Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer

Genome sequencing of relapsed, invasive lobular breast cancer identified actionable mutations in 86% of cases. HER2 alterations occur in 27% of cases, including four cases with activating HER2 mutations and one with a novel HER2-GRB7 gene fusion. This fusion links the HER2 tyrosine kinase domain to the GRB7 SH2 domain.
New heterogeneous chemical oscillators: Reduction of manganese species by hypophosphite on a Pt surface

Sustained oscillations occur under batch, semibatch, or flow (CSTR) conditions at the surface of a Pt electrode immersed in solutions at pH <2 containing Mn(III), Mn(IV), or Mn(VII) and H2PO2-. Additives such as F- and PO43-, which stabilize Mn(III) and Mn(IV) species, lengthen the duration of the batch oscillations. Measurements of the reaction rates of the Mn species with H2PO2-, the similarity in the character of the oscillations, and other observations suggest that Mn(III) plays a key role in maintaining the oscillations. This phenomenon, which may be thought of as an open circuit electrochemical oscillation, represents the first example of an electrochemical oscillator based on manganese chemistry.
Privacy-preserving alert correlation: a concept hierarchy based approach

With the increasing security threats from infrastructure attacks such as worms and distributed denial of service attacks, it is clear that the cooperation among different organizations is necessary to defend against these attacks. However, organizations' privacy concerns for the incident and security alert data require that sensitive data be sanitized before they are shared with other organizations. Such sanitization process usually has negative impacts on intrusion analysis (such as alert correlation). To balance the privacy requirements and the need for intrusion analysis, we propose a privacy-preserving alert correlation approach based on concept hierarchies. Our approach consists of two phases. The first phase is entropy guided alert sanitization, where sensitive alert attributes are generalized to high-level concepts to introduce uncertainty into the dataset with partial semantics. To balance the privacy and the usability of alert data, we propose to guide the alert sanitization process with the entropy or differential entropy of sanitized attributes. The second phase is sanitized alert correlation. We focus on defining similarity functions between sanitized attributes and building attack scenarios from sanitized alerts. Our preliminary experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques
Chronic Estrogen Treatment Reduces Angiotensin II Receptors in the Anterior Pituitary

We have demonstrated previously that angiotensin II (ANG II) receptors in the rat pituitary fluctuate with the stage of the estrous cycle, with the highest binding level found in diestrus and the lowest found in estrus. These findings were extended in the present study by examining the role of estrogens in variations of ANG II binding. Ovariectomized rats were treated with a Silastic implant containing estradiol benzoate for 4 or 14 days before death, and pituitary [125I]ANG II binding was measured. Compared to that in ovariectomized controls, ANG II binding in the anterior pituitary was found to be significantly reduced after either 4 or 14 days of estrogen treatment. This reduction was mainly an effect on receptor density rather than receptor affinity. The observed apparent Kdand receptor density were as follows: ovariectomized controls, 0.8 nM and 92 fmol/mg protein; 4 days of estrogen treatment, 1.0 nM and 25 fmol/mg protein; 14 days of estrogen treatment, 0.8 nM and 12 fmol/mg protein. We conclude th...
Pressure Calibrants in the Hydrothermal Diamond-Anvil Cell

Based on the equation of state of water (EOSW), experimental pressure in the hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell (HDAC) using pure water or dilute aqueous solutions as a pressure medium can be accurately determined at each measured temperature. Consequently, meaningful interpretations can be obtained for observations in the HDAC, which has been widely accepted as a versatile, modern apparatus for hydrothermal experiments. However, this is not true when other pressure media were used because there is no reliable way to determine experimental pressure other than the use of in situ pressure sensors. Most of the available pressure sensors are difficult to apply because they either require expensive facilities to perform the measurements or are unable to provide the accuracy needed for the interpretation of hydrothermal experiments. The only exception is to use the interferometric method to detect the α-β quartz transition, although such applications are limited to temperatures above 573°C. In this study, three pr...
Assessing Working Memory and Language Comprehension in Alzheimer's Disease

Studies of language impairments in patients with Alzheimer's disease have often assumed that impairments in linguistic working memory underlie comprehension deficits. Assessment of this hypothesis has been hindered both by vagueness of key terms such as "working memory" and by limitations of available working memory tasks, in that many such tasks either seem to have little relationship to language comprehension or are too confusing or difficult for Alzheimer's patients. Four experiments investigated the usefulness of digit ordering, a new task assessing linguistic working memory and/or language processing skill, in normal adults and patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. The digit ordering task was shown to be strongly correlated with the degree of dementia in Alzheimer's patients. The task correlated with measures of language processing on which patients and normal controls performed differently. The results are interpreted as indicating that linguistic representations, linguistic processing, and linguistic working memory are intertwined, such that a deficit of one (e.g., working memory) cannot be said to "cause" a deficit in the other. The implications of this approach are explored in terms of task demands in comprehension and memory measures, and interpretation of previous results in the literature.
Multi-Parameter Frequency Warping for Vtln by Gradient Search

The current method for estimating frequency warping (FW) functions for vocal tract length normalization (VTLN) is by maximizing the ASR likelihood score by an exhaustive search over a grid of FW parameters. Exhaustive search is inefficient when estimating multi-parameter FWs, which have been shown to give improvements in recognition accuracy over single parameter FWs (J.W. McDonough, 2000). Here we develop a gradient search algorithm to obtain the optimal FW parameters for MFCC features, since previous work focussed on PLP cepstral features (J.W. McDonough, 2000). The novel calculation involved was that of the gradient of the Mel filterbank with respect to the FW parameters. Even for a single parameter, the gradient search method was more efficient than grid search by a factor of around 1.6 on the average for male children speakers tested on models trained from adult males. When used to estimate multi-parameter sine-log allpass transform (SLAPT, (J.W. McDonough, 2000)) FWs for VTLN, more than 50% reduction in word error rate was obtained with five parameter SLAPT compared to single-parameter piecewise linear FW
Comparing knowledge management in health-care and technical support organizations

Although knowledge management (KM) tools are well established in technical support organizations, health-care organizations have only recently become aware of their benefits. This research investigates whether health care should adopt the same tools taking into account the different KM requirements in the two industries. This study analyzes narratives from key personnel in a technical support organization and a health-care organization to understand and compare their KM process components and facilitating information technology. The empirical data reveal that health care needs a personalization approach to KM focusing on new problem identification using interactive knowledge webs, while technical support relies on a codification approach for problem resolution using interpretive knowledge and a chain structure.