cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Models of Cognition in HRI Evaluation and Design

Abstract : In designing and evaluating human-machine systems, cognitive models can be used to (a) provide design principles and (b) guide the construction of experiments. In this paper, we present an information processing model of cognition that we have used extensively in designing and evaluating interfaces and autonomy modes. This model uses a conventional description of short-term memory, but treats long-term memory as a collection of mental models specific for particular tasks. Working memory includes components of both short term and long term memory; short term memory acts as a "scratch" pad for an activated subset of long-term memory. We review this model and discuss how it has been used in several human-robot systems.
Taking the archers for granted: emerging threats to nuclear weapon delivery systems

A reliable capability is essential for deterrence to succeed. While incredible threats coupled with an assured ability to hurt an adversary may be enough to alter behavior, even the most credible t...
Different beasts? National and transnational lines in the German-Indian anthology The Elephant in the Room

This essay compares the contributions by eight Indian and eight German-speaking visual artists to the 2016 issue of the all-women magazine Spring, an issue in which they reflect on gender roles, th...
Of docks and shackles: A comparative examination of courtroom control and the rights of the accused

This article focuses on two approaches to restraining unruly defendants in criminal courtrooms: shackles, which are used primarily in the United States; and the dock, which is used in many European countries, including the United Kingdom. In Part I, the article discusses the historical and legal significance of a defendant’s right to be present during criminal proceedings, as well as the rationales for different restraint methods used to effectuate those rights for unruly defendants. The UK and the United States are apt comparative counterparts due to the interconnected history of their respective criminal justice systems. Next, in Part II, various legal challenges to the restraint methods in each country are examined. Although the legal challenges have a common core, different historical underpinnings and distinct legal foundations have resulted in varied outcomes. Finally, in Part III, the current status of each restraint method is described and used as a backdrop to offer recommendations for alternative processes that presume a right to appear unfettered and, barring that, mandate the use of restraint methods that pose the least threat to undermining the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.
Network Activity Due to Topographic Organization of Schaffer Collaterals in a Large-Scale Model of Rat CA1

Connectivity between neural regions, particularly in the hippocampus, is seldom all-to-all or random, yet it is the predominant method by which connectivity is implemented in most models of neuronal networks. We have been developing a computational platform for simulating the trisynaptic circuit of rat hippocampus with which we have constructed a large-scale, biologically-realistic, spiking neuronal network model of the entorhinal-dentate-CA3 system. Using the model, we had demonstrated a non-trivial effect of topographic connectivity on network dynamics and function. In this work, we detail the introduction of the CA1 subregion to the large-scale model. Using anatomical data, we constrained the distribution of axon collaterals, i.e., Schaffer collaterals, projected from CA3 to CA1 and preserved the topographic organization of the projections. Using a simplified multi-compartmental model of CA1 pyramidal cells and a single compartment model of CA1 parvalbumin basket cells, that were connected with disynaptic feedforward inhibition and feedback inhibition, we demonstrate the network activity of the CA1 network given a topographic organization of Schaffer collaterals. From this introduction of CA1 to the large-scale model, we can then observe the successive transformation of spatio-temporal, spiking neural activity as it propagates through the trisynaptic circuit.
Identification of suites of traits that explains drought resistance and phenological patterns of plants in a semi-arid grassland community

Grassland ecosystems are comprised of plants that occupy a wide array of phenological niches and vary considerably in their ability to resist the stress of seasonal soil-water deficits. Yet, the link between plant drought resistance and phenology remains unclear in perennial grassland ecosystems. To evaluate the role of soil water availability and plant drought tolerance in driving phenology, we measured leaf hydraulic conductance (Ksat), resistance to hydraulic failure (P50), leaf gas exchange, plant and soil water stable isotope ratios (δ18O), and several phenology metrics on ten perennial herbaceous species in mixed-grass prairie. The interaction between P50 and δ18O of xylem water explained 67% of differences in phenology, with lower P50 values associated with later season activity, but only among shallow-rooted species. In addition, stomatal control and high water-use efficiency also contributed to the late flowering and late senescence strategies of plants that had low P50 values and relied upon shallow soil water. Alternatively, plants with deeper roots did not possess drought-tolerant leaves, but had high hydraulic efficiency, contributing to their ability to efficiently move water longer distances while maintaining leaf water potential at relatively high values. The suites of traits that characterize these contrasting strategies provide a mechanistic link between phenology and plant-water relations; thus, these traits could help predict grassland community responses to changes in water availability, both temporally and vertically within the soil profile.
Improving the selectivity of HAV-peptides in modulating E-cadherin-E-cadherin interactions in the intercellular junction of MDCK cell monolayers.

Purpose. The objective of this work is to understand the sequence specificity of HAV peptides and to improve their selectivity in regulating E-cadherin-E-cadherin interactions in the intercellular junctions.
Weak-field ligands enable inert early transition metal oxides to convert methane to methanol: the case of ZrO

Zirconium monoxide, ZrO, was studied by multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) and coupled cluster methods using large basis sets in conjunction with effective core potentials. Complete potential energy curves were constructed and bonding patterns are proposed for several electronic states. Numerical results include accurate equilibrium bond lengths, harmonic vibrational frequencies, anharmonicities, excitation energies, dipole moments, and binding energies for both ground and excited states. The application of a ZrO unit as the catalytic center for methane activation is explored through the reaction ZrO + CH4→ Zr + CH3OH. Optimal density functional structures combined with single-point MRCI energy calculations are obtained for the complete reaction pathway. It is found that the lower energy singlet and triplet multiplicities (oxo states) favor the [2+2] mechanism and the higher energy quintets (oxyl states) favor the radical mechanism, which is overall more efficient in producing methanol. We finally suggest proper ligands that stabilize the oxyl states. These include halogens or other weak-field ligands, which finally convert the inert early transition metal oxide units to efficient methane-to-methanol catalysts.
The Politics of Symbolic Laws: State Resistance to the Allure of Sex Offender Residence Restrictions

Sex offender residence restrictions are largely symbolic laws that address constituent demands to do something about sex crimes without actually reducing sex offenses. While the majority of US states have implemented such restrictions, this exploratory study examines three states that have resisted the allure of these symbolic laws. Using data from state government archives, we analyze expressive and instrumental rationales for rejecting residence restrictions to explore what facilitates the failure of a symbolic law. We find that while supporters and opponents both made largely instrumental arguments, opponents framed their instrumental arguments in expressive terms. Legislators’ policy positions, reliance on empirical evidence, and testimony from bureaucrats also contributed to the failure of residence restrictions in these states. Our findings help explain why empirically ineffective sex offender laws appeal to the public and politicians, how these laws might be scaled back, and how symbolic laws may lose their power in some contexts.
Cationic α-Diimine Nickel and Palladium Complexes Incorporating Phenanthrene Substituents: Highly Active Ethylene Polymerization Catalysts and Mechanistic Studies of syn/anti Isomerization

α-Diimine palladium complexes incorporating phenanthryl- and 6,7-dimethylphenanthrylimino groups have been synthesized and characterized. The (diimine)PdMeCl complexes prepared from 2,3-butanedione...
Cross listing, bonding and firms’ reporting incentives: A discussion of Lang, Raedy and Wilson (2006)

Abstract Lang, Raedy and Wilson (henceforth LRW) (2006) compare the properties of U.S. GAAP accounting numbers across cross-listed and U.S. firms. Using a wide range of properties, LRW show that accounting data are not comparable, even though sample firms use the same accounting standards. I discuss how these findings advance the literature and what they imply for the effectiveness of cross listing as a bonding mechanism. My discussion highlights that documented differences cannot be solely attributed to weak U.S. legal enforcement. I emphasize that accounting standards provide discretion and that cross-listed and U.S. firms are likely to have differential incentives to use this discretion. To illustrate, I document that cross-listed and U.S. firms differ in ownership concentration and that these differences are associated with the level of earnings management. I also provide evidence that home-country institutions continue to influence cross-listed firms’ reporting behavior.
TREE-RING-RADIOCARBON DATING AT A LATE CONTACT PERIOD KITKAHAHKI PAWNEE SITE ON THE CENTRAL GREAT PLAINS, USA

This study obtained calendar dates by radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (14C AMS) dating sequential tree-rings of wooden support posts from the buried remains of traditional Kitkahahki Pawnee earthlodges preserved at an archaeological site on the Central Great Plains, USA. The tree-ring segments from the site were dendrochronologically analyzed prior to this study, but the cross-matched site chronology could not be definitively cross-dated and was thus “floating” in time. Our study represents the first floating tree-ring chronology from the Great Plains to be anchored in time by means of independent radiocarbon analysis. Three specimens were analyzed and dated to 1724–1774 CE (82.0% probability), 1774–1794 CE (95.4% probability), and 1800–1820 CE (95.4% probability). These dates correspond to the hypothetical timing of Kitkahahki ethnogensis, the main phase of village growth in the area, and a later reoccupation during a turbulent period in regional history. The results of this study conform to a scenario in which chaotic social conditions correspond to an increase in residential mobility between the core of Pawnee territory and a southern frontier in the Republican River valley.
Taxi Shanghai: Entrepreneurship and semi-colonial context

Scholars of entrepreneurship can agree that ‘context matters.’ However, there is little consensus regarding the processes through which context and entrepreneurship are mutually constructive. While...
Açığa Satış İşlemleri ve 2008 Finansal Kriz Sonrası SEC Düzenlemeleri (Short Sales and SEC Regulations after 2008 Financial Crisis)

Turkish Abstract: Bu makalede, Turkiye Sermaye Piyasasinda gerceklesen aciga satis islemleri ve uygulanan sinirlamalar ile ayni konuda A.B.D duzenlemeleri karsilastirmali incelenmistir. English Abstract: This paper addresses the short selling regulations and restrictions in Turkey and compares the recent restrictions introduced by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding 2008 financial crisis.
The Emerging Role for RNA Polymerase II in Regulating Virulence Gene Expression in Malaria Parasites

Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of human malaria and is responsible for a significant public health burden in the developing world. These protozoan parasites invade circulating red blood cells (RBCs) and maintain prolonged infections through an intricate gene-expression switching mechanism that enables immune evasion through antigenic variation [1]. One of the families of genes responsible for this evasion is called var; it is made up of ~60 members, of which approximately two-thirds are found located within subtelomeric heterochromatic regions of the P. falciparum genome, with the remaining third of the family arranged in clusters located in similarly heterochromatinized areas within the internal regions of the chromosomes. The var gene family encodes P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), a protein displayed on the surface of infected RBCs and considered the primary antigenic determinant required for cytoadherence and sequestration of infected cells, thus enabling them to avoid circulation through the spleen. Only one var gene is expressed at a time, while the other 59 remain transcriptionally silent, and which gene is active switches over the course of an infection. This process allows the parasites to maintain chronic infections through an ever-changing display of PfEMP1 antigens to the immune system. Structurally, each var gene consists of two exons flanking a single, conserved intron with a bidirectional promoter that transcribes noncoding RNAs [2–4]. Although an understanding of the mechanisms that lead to coordinated switching within the var gene family have remained elusive, it has become clear in recent years that epigenetic components, particularly histone modifications, play major roles in determining whether an individual gene will be active or silent. Many of the histone modifications involved in antigenic variation, as well as other aspects of parasite development, have been catalogued. For example, trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) denotes transcriptionally active genes [5], including the single active var gene. In contrast, H3K9me3 marks the 59 silent var genes [6,7]. Interestingly, H3K9me3 and another mark, H3K36me3, are very limited in their distribution throughout the genome and are found primarily at gene families that encode variant antigens like var [5,8]. How the enzymes that deposit these marks are recruited to very limited regions of the genome is poorly understood. This short review aims to expand on recent work that sheds light on the recruitment of histone modifiers to narrow regions of chromosomes, specifically var genes, by way of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II CTD).
Peripheral blood cytokine and chemokine profiles in juvenile localized scleroderma: T-helper cell-associated cytokine profiles

Abstract Objective To evaluate peripheral blood T-helper (T H ) cell-associated cytokine and chemokine profiles in localized scleroderma (LS), and correlate them with clinical disease features, including disease activity parameters. Methods A 29-plex Luminex platform was used to analyze the humoral profile of plasma samples from 69 pediatric LS patients and 71 healthy pediatric controls. Cytokine/chemokine levels were compared between these two groups and within LS patients, focusing on validated clinical outcome measures of disease activity and damage in LS. Results Plasma levels of IP-10, MCP-1, IL-17a, IL-12p70, GM-CSF, PDGF-bb, IFN-α2, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in LS subjects compared to healthy controls. Analysis within the LS group demonstrated IP-10, TNF-α, and GM-CSF correlated with clinical measures of disease activity. Several cytokines/chemokines correlated with anti-histone antibody, while only a few correlated with positive ANA and single-stranded DNA antibody. Conclusion This is the first time that multiple cytokines and chemokines have been examined simultaneously in LS. In general, a T H 1 (IFN-γ) and T H 17 (IL-17a) predominance was demonstrated in LS compared to healthy controls. There is also an IFN-γ signature with elevated IP-10, MCP-1, and IFN-γ, which has been previously demonstrated in systemic sclerosis, suggesting a shared pathophysiology. Within the LS patients, those with active disease demonstrated IP-10, TNF-α, and GM-CSF, which may potentially serve as biomarkers of disease activity in the clinical setting.
β1-adrenergic receptors activate two distinct signaling pathways in striatal neurons

Monoamine action in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens plays essential roles in striatal physiology. Although research often focuses on dopamine and its receptors, norepinephrine (NE) and adrenergic receptors are also crucial in regulating striatal function. While noradrenergic neurotransmission has been identified in the striatum, little is known regarding the signaling pathways activated by β-adrenergic receptors in this brain region. Using cultured striatal neurons, we characterized a novel signaling pathway by which activation of β1-adrenergic receptors leads to the rapid phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), a transcription-factor implicated as a molecular switch underlying long-term changes in brain function. NE-mediated CREB phosphorylation requires β1-adrenergic receptor stimulation of a receptor tyrosine kinase, ultimately leading to the activation of a Ras/Raf/MEK/MAPK/MSK signaling pathway. Activation of β1-adrenergic receptors also induces CRE-dependent transcription and increased c-fos expression. In addition, stimulation of β1-adrenergic receptors produces cAMP production, but surprisingly, β1-adrenergic receptor activation of adenylyl cyclase was not functionally linked to rapid CREB phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that activation of β1-adrenergic receptors on striatal neurons can stimulate two distinct signaling pathways. These adrenergic actions can produce long-term changes in gene expression, as well as rapidly modulate cellular physiology. By elucidating the mechanisms by which NE and β1-adrenergic receptor activation affects striatal physiology, we provide the means to more fully understand the role of monoamines in modulating striatal function, specifically how NE and β1-adrenergic receptors may affect striatal physiology.
Molecular cloning and characterization of outer membrane protein E of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis.

Abstract Outer membrane protein E (OMP E) is a 50-kDa protein of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis. It is a potential vaccine antigen because it is expressed on the surface of the bacterium and has antigenic determinants which are conserved among most strains of M. catarrhalis. To clone the gene encoding OMP E, an EMBL-3 genomic library of strain 25240 was screened with a family of degenerate oligonucleotides based on the amino-terminal protein sequence. The OMP E gene was identified in one of the six positive clones by Southern blot analysis. An open reading frame of 1,377 bp encoding a protein of 460 amino acids was identified. The calculated molecular mass of the mature protein of 436 amino acid residues was 47.03 kDa, which correlated well with the results of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The protein product of the OMP E gene had a leader peptide of 25 amino acids and a signal peptidase 1 cleavage site similar to those of known OMPs of Escherichia coli. The transcription initiation site of the OMP E gene was mapped by primer extension to be 78 nucleotides upstream of the ATG start codon. Borderline homology was found to the FadL protein of E. coli (49.1% similarity and 25.6% identity), which is involved in the binding and transport of fatty acids. Analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the OMP E genes of 19 different strains of M. catarrhalis showed that the OMP E gene is highly conserved. The high degree of conservation of sequences of the OMP E genes of M. catarrhalis from diverse sources, along with earlier observations that the protein contains antigenic determinants on the bacterial surface, indicates that OMP E should be studied further as a potential vaccine antigen.
The interaction behavior of agents' emotional support and competency on learner outcomes and perceptions

Pedagogical agents, visual ‘tutor' representations embedded within computer-based learning environments, exhibit lifelike appearance, persona, and social characteristics in an attempt to establish an ideal learner-agent relationship. This article reports on a study to assess the impact and interaction behavior of a pedagogical agent's emotional support and competency on learner's self-efficacy, performance, and agent perceptions (i.e., perceived intelligence and trust of the agent).
Could Secondary DNA Transfer Falsely Place Someone at the Scene of a Crime

The occurrence of secondary DNA transfer has been previously established. However, the transfer of DNA through an intermediary has not been revisited with more sensitive current technologies implemented to increase the likelihood of obtaining results from low-template/low-quality samples. This study evaluated whether this increased sensitivity could lead to the detection of interpretable secondary DNA transfer profiles. After two minutes of hand to hand contact, participants immediately handled assigned knives. Swabbings of the knives with detectable amounts of DNA were amplified with the Identifiler(®) Plus Amplification Kit and injected on a 3130xl. DNA typing results indicated that secondary DNA transfer was detected in 85% of the samples. In five samples, the secondary contributor was either the only contributor or the major contributor identified despite never coming into direct contact with the knife. This study demonstrates the risk of assuming that DNA recovered from an object resulted from direct contact.
The dual-activity insecticidal protein, Cry2Aa, does not enhance the mosquitocidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis

Abstract Cry2Aa, one of the major insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD1, is known to be active against both lepidopteran and dipteran larvae. In order to determine whether Cry2Aa could enhance or synergize the mosquitocidal activity of B. thuringiensis subsp . israelensis , we constructed a plasmid vector that harbored the cry2Aa operon and transformed crystalliferous and acrystalliferous strains of this bacterium. The wild-type B. thuringiensis subsp . israelensis , a recombinant B. thuringiensis subsp . israelensis producing Cry2A along with its native major mosquitocidal proteins, and a recombinant B. thuringiensis subsp . israelensis producing Cry2Aa alone were tested against three major mosquito species — Aedes aegypti , Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus . Our results demonstrated that Cry2Aa does not synergize or enhance the mosquitocidal activity of B. thuringiensis subsp . israelensis against these important vectors of disease.
Magnetism of Nanostructured Rare-Earth Multilayers

In recent years a great deal of effort has been devoted to the study of the growth of thin-films with microstructures that lead to physically interesting and technologically useful properties.1 Modern deposition systems increasingly have been used to produce magnetic films with controlled values of magnetization (Ms), coercivity (Hc), uniaxial anisotropy (Ku), ordering or compensation temperature (Tc), etc. Much of the driving force for this research has come from the hope that, with enough understanding and control of the microstructure and its relationship to properties, it will become easy to design magneto-optic or perpendicular recording datastorage media, or to create thin-film hard or semihard magnets which can be coupled with semiconducting integrated circuits, micromachines, microsensors, actuators, etc.
Establishing the warranty of a coronary artery calcium score of zero

The inherent limitations of traditional risk factor-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment [1] have triggered the development and implementation of imaging tests aimed at directly measuring the presence and burden of subclinical atherosclerosis in diverse vascular beds within individual patients. Such individualized disease assessment clearly trumps risk factors as the strongest predictor of incident CVD events and death [2]. The promising results of incorporating such imaging-based risk information into clinical decision-making has led experts to advance a CVD risk assessment paradigm shift from a risk-factor based model (prediction) to an atherosclerosis imaging-based approach (disease detection). Among available imaging modalities, coronary artery calcium (CAC) using non-contrast computed tomography is considered one of the most powerful tools for absolute CVD risk assessment in asymptomatic adults [3]. Notwithstanding its essential limitation for ruling out the presence of early non-calcified plaque, CAC has a very high sensitivity for the detection of clinically relevant coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic adults [4], which results in a high negative predictive value. Moreover, CAC appears particularly valuable as a prognostic test. Beyond its well-known ability to identify those individuals more likely to have CVD events
Effect of strain on the growth, survival and sexual dimorphism of channel × blue catfish hybrids grown in earthen ponds ☆

Abstract Four groups of female channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus × male blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus hybrids were raised communally in earthen ponds, and their body weight was evaluated at 15 and 25 months of age. When the progeny of sires and dams were pooled, hybrids produced by Rio Grande blue catfish sires exhibited faster growth, higher survival and higher production than hybrids sired by Alabama strains of blue catfish. There was a strain of dam effect at 25 months of age when the progeny from the Auburn and Marion–Kansas strains of female channel catfish had higher survival than hybrids from Auburn females alone, implying a positive effect on survival from Marion–Kansas females. Sexual dimorphism for body weight varied among genotypes. Genotype–environment (age or season) interactions occurred for several variables, demonstrating the importance of experimental design to produce research results relevant to industry. In general, strain of sire effects were more influential than strain of dam effects, which also should be considered in practical catfish genetics and breeding programs.
Cytokinesis in the Green Alga Fritschiella

CYTOKINESIS in the algae, including the green algae, is generally believed to be characterized by centripetal development of the new cell wall. In the green land plants, on the other hand, a cell plate forms in the phragmoplast between two telophase nuclei and expands centrifugally until it separates the daughter cells. It is generally accepted that the land plants evolved from specialized green algae which invaded the land, and it is reasonable to assume that various cellular processes, including cytokinesis, were modified early in the evolution of the terrestrial plant cell from its ancestral green algal cell, and that these modifications were passed onto the land plants as well as to some modern green algae.
Impact of clouds with limited horizontal extent on UV radiation measurements

UV radiation measurements from many sites throughout the US are employed on a routine basis to assess biologically significant dosages to plant, animal and humans and to retrieve aerosol optical depths and ozone column concentrations. In various recent studies the impact of clouds on the derived quantities has become a topic of interest. In particular, when clouds are present during measurements used for aerosol retrievals, their impact may depend on the cloud’s height in the atmosphere, the cloud thickness and, for clouds of limited horizontal extent, on the horizontal displacement from the instrument site and the relative geometry between the cloud, the instrument and the sun. Results from a Monte Carlo radiative transfer model, which has been adapted to include the effects of ozone absorption in the UV, will be presented. The impact of clouds with high aspect ratio (cloud height / cloud width) on biologically significant dosages will also be addressed.
In and out of the sound studio

This article reports on the first phase of a four-year, multi-university Canadian research project called ‘In and Out of the Studio’. The intention of this project is to study the experiences and working practices of women sound producers in Canada, and to produce a multimedia computer installation and set of articles about their ideas, approaches and philosophies. We are studying gender issues that affect the work of these women in areas as diverse as film sound recording and post-production, sound engineering, radio art, performance art, experimental music, audio documentary production, and web sound. This is a wide range of disciplines, with their associated professional formations. What links the experiences of these diverse cultural workers is their focus on organising sound, and their gender. The first phase of the research focuses on formations: the following phase will concentrate on working practices through a discussion and analysis of specific recent works produced by the participants. The second part of this article explores the working processes of Hildegard Westerkamp in her composition of Gently Penetrating Beneath the Sounding Surfaces of Another Place (1997), through an interview with Westerkamp conducted in 1997. This interview will be used as a model for the in-depth studio interviews in the present study.
Total equivalent warming impact: a measure of the global warming impact of CFC alternatives in refrigerating equipment

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are important components of refrigeration equipment, plastic for insulation for buildings and appliances, and solvent cleaning processes. The Montreal Protocol to Protect Stratospheric Ozone Layer and recent revisions to the protocol require a rapid phase-out of the production and use of CFCs and a transition to alternative materials and technologies. It is important that the alternative technologies selected do not exacerbate the global warming problem while attempting to preserve stratospheric ozone. A study was conducted to evaluate the total global warming impact of proposed alternatives to SFCs and this paper focuses on the aspects of that study relevant to refrigeration and air-conditiong. The concept of total equivalent warming impact (TEWI) is developed as a measure of the combined global warming impacts of the refrigirant losses to the atmosphere and the CO2 emissions from fossil fuels to generate power to run the refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Equipment using alternatives to CFCs has lower TEWIs than current systems in almost all cases, with dramatic reductions possible in some applications.
Cholesteryl ester hydrolase in gallbladder mucosa: evidence for the presence of an inhibitor protein in the cytosol.

Summary The presence of acholesteryl ester hydrolase (EC 3.1.1.13) with optimal activity at pH 4.5 in the guinea pig gallbladder is described. The activity was enriched in the mitochondrial-lysosomal subcellular fraction. A protein present in the cytosol was found to competitively inhibit the activity of this enzyme.
Perturbation of the chain melting transition of DPPC by galactose, agarose and Laurdan as determined by differential scanning calorimetry

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the effects of agarose hydrogel, galactose and the fluorophore Laurdan on the thermal behavior of multilamellar liposomes of DPPC. Although the effect of agarose on the phase transition was found to be negligible at low concentrations (≦ 2.5%), higher concentrations results in an endotherm that broadens and splits into two calorimetric events, one of which is at a higher temperature than that of hydrated DPPC. Equal weight fractions of galactose produce similar effects, although both fractions have raised melting temperatures. The higher melting components may be produced by osmotically-driven dehydration of the inner liposomal monolayers, a physical interaction between the carbohydrates and lipid headgroups, or a combination of both. Laurdan has little effect on the phase transition of DPPC vesicles at the concentration used in the sensor (0.67 mol%); concentrations up to 5.4 mol% only slightly lowered the melting temperature.
Survival After Acute Mercury Vapor Poisoning: Role of Intensive Supportive Care

• An 8-month-old girl with acute mercury vapor intoxication experienced pneumonitis with respiratory failure, bilateral pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, acute renal failure, hepatocellular dysfunction, and seizures. Treatment centered on intensive supportive care; her survival is exceptional among infants with severe mercury intoxication. ( Am J Dis Child 1983;137:749-751)
Magnetic Anomalies over the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge

Four magnetic profiles across the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge reveal magnetic anomalies that show trends parallel with the ridge axis and symmetry about the ridge axis. The distribution of bodies that could cause these anomalies supports the Vine and Matthews hypothesis for the generation of patterns of magnetic anomalies associated with the midocean ridge system. The geometry of the bodies accords with the known reversals of the geomagnetic field during the last 3.4 million years, indicating a spreading rate of the ocean floor of 4.5 centimeters per year. If one assume that the spreading rate within 500 kilometers of the ridge axis has been constant, reversals of the geomagnetic field during the last 10.0 million years can be determined. This new, detailed history of field reversals accords with observed anomalies over Reykjanes Ridge in the North Atlantic if a spreading rate of 1 centimeter per year is assumed there.
Physiological Flow Studies in Exact-Replica Atherosclerotic Carotid Bifurcations

Some results from a series of physiological flow experiments in a model of an atherosclerotic carotid bifurcation are presented. The flow model exactly replicates the lumen of the plaque excised intact from a patient with severe carotid atherosclerosis. Flow visualization (FV) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) are employed as the tools for this study. The complex internal geometry of the diseased artery combined with the pulsatile input flows gives rise to complex flow patterns. The flow fields are highly three-dimensional and chaotic with details varying from cycle to cycle. These flow patterns also include internal jets, three-dimensional shear layers, numerous separation/recirculation zones and stagnation lines. The vorticity and streamline maps confirm this complex and three-dimensional nature of the flow. Planar streamline maps show the three-dimensional flow by the multiple sources/sinks throughout the model. Wall shear stresses (WSS) are estimated to range form about −7 Pa to 34 Pa at the stenotic neck over time with the peak at peak systolic. These WSS also exhibit chaotic behavior during pulsatile flow cycles.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Global Electrophysiological Mapping of the Atrium: Computerized Three‐Dimensional Mapping System

The atria are anatomically complex three-dimensional (3-D) structures. Impulse propagation is dynamic and complex during both normal conduction and arrhythmia. Atria activation has traditionally been represented on two-dimensional surface maps, which have inherent inaccuracies and are difficult to interpret. Interactive computerized 3-D display facilitates interpretation of complex atrial activation sequence data obtained from form-fitting multipoint electrodes. Accordingly, the purpose of this article is to describe the application of 3-D form-fitting electrode molds to the 3-D mapping and display system developed in this laboratory for the study of complex cardiac arrhythmias. Computer generated 3-D surface models are created from a database of serial cross-sectional anatomical images. Points chosen on endocardial and epicardial surfaces in each cross-sectional image are processed to create polygons defining myocardial wall boundaries. The polygons from adjacent serial images are then combined, to create a 3-D surface model. The discrete anatomical locations of unit electrodes on multipoint electrode templates are then assigned in the proper position on the surface model. Computer analysis of simultaneous activation data from each unit electrode is performed based on parameters set by the user. Activation data from each unit electrode site are displayed on the computer surface model in a color spectrum correlating with a user-defined time scale. Activation sequence maps can be visualized as static isochrone maps, interval maps, or as dynamic maps at variable speeds, from any 3-D perspective. Thus, an interactive computerized 3-D display system is described, which allows anatomically superior analysis and interpretation of complex atrial arrhythmias.
Efficacy of thyroid ultrasound elastography in differential diagnosis of small thyroid nodules

Abstract Objective To explore the efficacy of thyroid ultrasound (US) elastography in differential diagnosis of small thyroid nodules. Methods This HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and all patients provided written informed consent. Thirty-five patients with 38 small thyroid nodules as seen on transverse ultrasound image formed our study population. An US examination and a separate thyroid elastography examination with pulsation from the carotid artery used as the compression source were performed before fine-needle aspiration. Baseband US data were acquired for off-line elastography processing, where a semi-quantitative index for each nodule was calculated. The Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric rank sum test was used to assess equality of population means among the different types of thyroid nodules. Maximum likelihood estimation of the curve parameters for a binomial receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. Results Elasticity contrast index calculated with elastography was effective in distinguishing between small papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTMC, n =8) and other lesions ( n=30 ) in small thyroid nodules ( p =0.0036). The area under the ROC curve for diagnosing PTMCs was 0.812 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.653–0.920. The cut-off value of ECI of 3.6 led to a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 60% for detecting PTMCs. Conclusion Noninvasive evaluation of small thyroid nodules is possible using thyroid US elastography with in vivo compression to pick out the most suspicious thyroid nodules for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and avoid FNA in benign nodules.
Properties of V4Cr4Ti for application as fusion reactor structural components

Abstract Vanadium-based alloys are promising candidate materials for application in fusion reactor first-wall and blanket structures because they offer several important advantages, i.e. inherently low irradiation-induced activity, good mechanical properties, good compatibility with lithium, high thermal conductivity and good resistance to irradiation- induced swelling and damage. As part of a program to screen candidate alloys and develop an optimized vandanium-base alloy, extensive investigations of various VTi, VCrTi and VTiSi alloys have been conducted after irradiation in lithium in fission reactors. From these investigations, V4wt.%Cr4wt.%Ti was indentified as the most promising alloy. The alloy exhibited attractive mechanical and physical properties that are prerequisites for first-wall and blanket structures, i.e. high tensile strength, high ductility, good creep properties, high impact energy, low ductile—brittle transition temperature before and after irradiation, excellent resistance to irradiation-induced swelling and microstructural instability and good resistance to corrosion in lithium. In particular, the alloy is virtually immune to irradiation-induced embrittlement, a remarkable property compared with other candidate materials being investigated in the fusion—reactor—materials community. The effects of helium, charged dynamically in simulation of realistic fusion reactor conditions, on tensile, ductile—brittle transition and swelling properties were insignificant. The thermal creep behavior of the alloy was significantly superior to that of austenitic and ferritic/martensitic steels.
Approximating Standardized Achievement Test Norms with a Theoretical Model.

This study was undertaken to answer the following research question: Can standardized achievement test norms be better estimated with a theoretical probability model other than the negative hypergeometric model? Ninety norms distributions from two standardized achievement test batteries (ITBS and ITED) were fitted by six models. The results strongly supported the Pearson Type I model (four moments) as the best-fitting curve. It was concluded that this Type I model could provide a viable alternative to the negative hypergeometric model for use in approximating distributions when moment estimates are obtained from multiple matrix sampling or item sampling procedures.
Maximum likelihood technique for blind noise estimation

We propose a novel technique for estimation of image noise amplitude without a priori signal information. Knowledge of the normalized noise distribution is used to construct an approximate Wiener filter parametrized by the estimated noise amplitude. For a given noise amplitude, the resulting signal estimate is subtracted from the image to produce a sample noise estimate. The estimated noise amplitude is varied in order to maximize the probability that the noise estimate is a sample of the known noise distribution with the estimated variance. Probability is measured by the (chi) 2 distribution. The technique is tested for several images by adding stationary zero-mean Gaussian noise with varying amplitude. The variation of estimated versus added noise variance is very nearly linear with unit slope for all of the images tested. The estimated noise variance for images with no added noise is generally small compared to the signal power unless the signal power spectrum is nearly white.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Changing biologic selectivity of extinction in the Foraminifera over the past 150 m.y.

Extinctions of foraminifera 91 m.y. ago show the greatest number of patterns of selective morphologic and geographic extinction documented in the fossil record. Those taxa at significantly greater risk of extinction include those with agglutinated tests, discoidal shape, tropical ranges, and narrow latitudinal ranges. These results cast doubt on anoxia as the causal mechanism for foraminiferal extinction in the late Cenomanian. Significantly selective extinction of foraminifera with calcareous tests in the upper Eocene and lack of selective extinction at the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary demonstrate that mass extinctions can exhibit numerous patterns of biologic selectivity.
Combined next‐generation sequencing and morphology reveal fine‐scale speciation in Crocodile Skinks (Squamata: Scincidae: Tribolonotus)

Next-generation sequencing has vast potential to revolutionize the fields of phylogenetics and population genetics through its ability to collect genomic scale data sets of thousands of orthologous loci. Despite this potential, other types of data (e.g. morphology, ecology) remain important, particularly for studies endeavouring to delimit species. Here, we integrate next-generation sequencing with morphology to examine divergence between populations of Tribolonotus pseudoponceleti on the islands of Buka and Bougainville in the Solomon Archipelago. We used the Ion Torrent PGM to collect over 648 Mbp of sequence data for 12 samples, representing 1526 loci recovered from all samples, and 3342 were recovered from at least six samples. Genetic structure analyses strongly support the distinctiveness of these two populations, and Bayes factor delimitations decisively select speciation between Buka and Bougainville. Principal components and discriminant function analyses reveal concordant morphological divergence. Finally, demographic analyses via diffusion approximation and approximate Bayesian computation prefer a complex model of mid-Pleistocene divergence with migration, and a later decrease or cessation of migration and population size shift, suggesting a scenario in which migration was enabled by Pleistocene merging of these two islands, and limited when isolated by higher sea levels. Further analysis of four Sanger sequenced loci in IMa2 had limited power to distinguish among models including and excluding migration, but resulted in similar population size and divergence time estimates, although with much broader confidence intervals. This study represents a framework for how next-generation sequencing and morphological data can be combined and leveraged towards validating putative species and testing demographic scenarios for speciation.
Crystal Structures of Complexes with Cobalt-Reconstituted Human Arginase I

The binuclear manganese metalloenzyme human arginase I (HAI) is a potential protein drug for cancer chemotherapy, in that it is capable of depleting extracellular l-Arg levels in the microenvironment of tumor cells that require this nutrient to thrive. Substitution of the native Mn2+2 cluster with a Co2+2 cluster in the active site yields an enzyme with enhanced catalytic activity at physiological pH (∼7.4) that could serve as an improved protein drug for l-Arg depletion therapy [Stone, E. M., Glazer, E. S., Chantranupong, L., Cherukuri, P., Breece, R. M., Tierney, D. L., Curley, S. A., Iverson, B. L., and Georgiou, G. (2010) ACS Chem. Biol. 5, 333–342]. A different catalytic mechanism is proposed for Co2+2-HAI compared with that of Mn2+2-HAI, including an unusual Ne–Co2+ coordination mode, to rationalize the lower KM value of l-Arg and the lower Ki value of l-Orn. However, we now report that no unusual metal coordination modes are observed in the cobalt-reconstituted enzyme. The X-ray crystal structures ...
Portable Fluorescence Lifetime Detection for Chlorophyll Analysis in Marine Environments

This paper describes the proof-of-concept performance of a low-cost phase fluorometer designed to capture the fluorescence lifetime of chlorophyll in various stages of healthy marine life. The proof-of-concept experimental demonstration is completed using fluoroscein as a close simulant of chlorophyll. Results are extrapolated analytically using simulation to project performance limits (detection and lifetime) in chlorophyll rich environments. The designed system is able to compete with the fundamental performance limits of existing fluorometers designed for chlorophyll analysis while reducing power consumption by a factor of 20, power supply by an order of magnitude or more (to 12 V), and cost by a factor of ten (to a target low-volume system cost of $1000).