cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study of edge-based lossy image compression algorithms

ABSTRACT The Visual Pattern Image Coding (VPIC) technique appears to be a powerful competitor to VQ approaches forimage coding since no codebook is needed. In VPIC, edge patterns within 4x4 blocks are detected and preserved.We report on the results of an alternative edge-preserving lossy compression algorithm that employs an edge-detection operator for identifying edge pixels for special treatment. A combination of the zero-tree approach ofsubband coding and the deterministic prediction approach of JBIG identifies blocks without edge pixels. Predictivecoding is heavily employed in compressing the block mean values. A smoothing algorithm is applied to the meansof the 4x4 blocks that serves the dual purpose of predicting whether an edge pixel value is above or below themean. 1 Introduction This work studies the effectiveness of identifying edge pixels for special treatment in a lossy compressionalgorithm. One way of identifying an edge is employed in VPIC [1]. The VPIC edge-pixel blocks are calculatedby determining a gradient within the block. Blocks whose gradient exceeds a threshold become edge blocks, andreceive special treatment.This work belongs to the context of progressive and non-progressive block coding, and the VPIE technique. Weexplore the alternative of determining edge blocks by using an edge operator, in this case the Sobel operator. Wecall this approach SBV (Sobel-based VPIC). Here, a block with 3 or more edge points is an edge block. Certain2-pixel edge locations are also edge blocks. A coding overhead is incurred in coding these pixel locations; howeverthe overhead minimizes edge-relocation problems and does not require the edges to have one of 8 orientations.Unfortunately, the mse value does not accurately quantify a more accurate treatment of edge locations.As in VPIC, non-edge blocks are represented by the mean value, but a smoothing operator blends the blockedges in addition to predicting edge polarity. Edge blocks are reconstructed by accentuating the value of edgepixels to be above or below the mean value.
Simultaneous measurement of group and phase delay between two photons

We report on an experiment to determine both the group and phase delays experienced by orthogonally polarized photon pairs traveling through a birefringent medium. Both types of delay are determined from the same set of coincidence-counting data. The experiment is based on an interference technique using two-photon multipath indistinguishability to produce an interference feature. Earlier work has shown that this interference feature can be used to measure the group velocity of single-photon wave packets in dielectric media. In the current work, the two-photon interferometer has been modified to produce an additional interference feature that is sensitive to the phase velocity of the light. We have used this technique to simultaneously measure the group delay in crystal quartz with a precision of 0.1 fs and the phase delay with a precision of 8 attoseconds. Our analysis clarifies the effects of group and phase delays and shows the unexpected result that dispersive temporal broadening, which is well known to be canceled for the original interferometer setup, is not canceled for this type of ‘‘postponed compensation’’ interferometer.
The crisis of the aristocracy, 1558-1641

Based on private papers of aristocratic families, this book presents a new interpretation of the long-term social changes leading up to the English Revolution.
Using the Pyridine and Quinuclidine Scaffolds for Superbases: A DFT Study

2,6-Disubstituted pyridines and 2,6,7-trisubstituted quinuclidines are screened as potential strong bases. The relative proton affinities of the bases are computed at PBE1PBE/6-311G(d,p) in the gas phase and in the solution phase (THF) at the same level with the IEFPCM treatment. Basicities are enhanced by the lone-pair possessing atoms on the substituents' arms stabilizing the conjugate acid through hydrogen bonding. The strongest bases are 2,6-bis(3-methoxy-2-furyl)-4-dimethylaminopyridine and 2,6-di(2-dimethylaminoethyl)pyridine.
Luteinizing hormone receptors are confined in mesoscale plasma membrane microdomains throughout recovery from receptor desensitization.

We examined the involvement of membrane microdomains during human luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor recovery from receptor desensitization after removal of bound hormone. Lateral motions of individual desensitized LH receptors expressed on the surface of Chinese hamster ovary cells and transient association of these receptors with detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) microdomains isolated using isopycnic sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation were assessed. Single particle tracking experiments showed untreated individual LH receptors to be confined within cell-surface membrane compartments with an average diameter of 199 ± 17 nm and associated with membrane fractions characteristic of bulk plasma membrane. After brief exposure to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), LH receptors remained for several hours desensitized to hCG challenge. Throughout this period, significantly increased numbers of LH receptors were confined within smaller diameter ( 90 % of LH receptors were again found in high-density membrane fragments characteristic of bulk plasma membrane. Taken together, these results suggest that, during recovery from LH receptor desensitization, LH receptors are both located with DRM lipid environments and confined within small, mesoscale (80–160 nm) cell-surface compartments. This may reflect hormone-driven translocation of receptors into DRM and formation there of protein aggregates too large or too rigid to permit effective signaling. Once bound hormone is removed, receptor structures would have to dissociate before receptors can again signal effectively in response to hormone challenge. Moreover, such larger protein complexes would be more easily constrained laterally by membrane structural elements and so appear resident in smaller cell-surface compartments.
Depression CBT treatment gains among HIV-infected persons with a history of injection drug use varies as a function of baseline substance use.

Depression and substance use, the most common comorbidities with HIV, are both associated with poor treatment outcomes and accelerated HIV disease progression. Though previous research has demonstrated short-term and follow-up success for cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) on depression outcomes among patients with HIV in care and among patients with HIV in active substance abuse treatment for injection drug use (IDU), there is little information regarding possible moderating effects of active use versus abstinence on depression treatment gains. The present study aimed to examine recent substance use at treatment initiation as a moderator of the acute and maintenance effects of CBT-AD on depression. We used data from a two-arm, randomized controlled trial (N = 89) comparing CBT-AD to enhanced treatment as usual in individuals in treatment for IDU. To test whether depression at time of presentation affected outcomes, repeated-measures ANOVAs were conducted for two time frame...
In vivo and in vitro genotoxicity of selected compounds toward rodent pancreas

Using the technique of alkaline elution analysis, the ability of 11 known or suspected pancreatic carcinogens to damage the DNA of pancreatic acinar cells when administered to rats and hamsters was examined. The two species respond differently to several agents. In selected instances, DNA damage was also assessed in cultured pancreatic acinar cells exposed in vitro to the agents. Comparisons of DNA damage produced in vivo with that produced in vitro gave useful information on the role of pancreatic metabolism in activating pancreatic carcinogens. Finally, information germane to the question of the cell of origin for pancreatic cancer was obtained.
REGULAR CYCLIC ACTIONS ON COMPLEX PROJECTIVE SPACE WITH CODIMENSION-TWO FIXED POINTS

If M 2n is a cohomology P n and p is an odd prime, let G p be the cyclic group of order p. A Type II 0 G p action on M 2n is an action with fixed point set a codimension-2 submanifold and an isolated point. A Type II 0 G p action is standard if it is regular and the degree of the fixed codimension-2 submanifold is one. If n is odd and M 2n admits a standard G p action of Type II 0, then every Type II 0 G p action on M 2n is standard and so, if n is odd, P n admits a G p action of Type II 0 if and only if the action is standard.
Permanent Meanders in the California Current System

Abstract Surface Velocity Program (SVP) drifter data from 1987 through 2005; Archiving, Validation, and Interpretation of Satellite Oceanographic data (AVISO) sea level anomalies; and NCEP reanalysis winds are used to assemble a time-averaged map of the 15-m-deep geostrophic velocity field in the California Current System seaward of about 50 km from the coast. The wind data are used to compute the Ekman currents, which are then subtracted from the drifter velocity measurements. The resulting proxy for geostrophic velocity anomalies computed from drifters and from satellite sea level measurements are combined to form an unbiased mean geostrophic circulation map. The result shows a California Current System that flows southward with four permanent meanders that can extend seaward for more than 800 km. Bands of alternating eastward and westward zonal currents are connected to the meanders and extend several thousand kilometers into the Pacific Ocean. This observed time-mean circulation and its associated edd...
Modeling and analysis of a virtual reality system with time Petri nets

The design, implementation, and testing of virtual environments is complicated by the concurrency and real-time features of these systems. Therefore, the development of formal methods for modeling and analysis of virtual environments is highly desirable. In the past, Petri net models have led to good empirical results in the automatic verification of concurrent and real-time systems. We applied a timed extension of Petri nets to modeling and analysis of the CAVE/sup TM/ virtual environment at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We report on our time Petri net model and on empirical studies that we conducted with the Cabernet toolset from Politecnico di Milano. Our experiments uncovered a flaw in the way a shared buffer is used by CAVE processes. Due to an erroneous synchronization on the buffer, different CAVE walls can simultaneously display images based on different input information. We conclude from our empirical studies that Petri net-based tools can effectively support the development of reliable virtual environments.
Child and Adolescent Trauma across the Spectrum of Experience: Research and Clinical Interventions

This article introduces the first in a two-part special issue focusing on child and adolescent trauma across the spectrum of experience. This issue examines current research and clinical interventions specifically geared toward an array of possible traumatic events in the lives of children and adolescents. We briefly introduce the articles, which address the areas of child sexual abuse, traumatic loss, complex trauma in young children, exposure to severe natural disasters, and refugee youth mental health services. We then highlight factors that need to be accounted for in all interventions for children and adolescents impacted by trauma, including incorporating developmental, cultural, and ecological perspectives into intervention approaches.
Intravital Staining of the Atrioventricular Bundle with Iodine Compounds during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Complete atrioventricular dissociation occurring as a result of intracardiac reparative surgery has been a relatively infrequent, hut serious complication. Important advances have been made in its treatment through use of isoproterenol (Isuprel) and by use of the myocardial electrode. The next obvious goal is to prevent completely, if possible, the occurrence of heart block and this depends upon an accurate and safe method of identifying the bundle at the time of cardiotomy. Solutions containing free iodine very effectively identified the conduction system at the time of cardiotomy in dogs, but produced lasting interference with cardiac conduction in most all of the animals.
Health insurance discontinuities among adolescents leaving foster care.

Abstract Purpose To determine whether adolescents who lose Medicaid entitlements when they leave foster care are subsequently able to secure employer-sponsored or student health insurance coverage. Methods This was a 2-year follow-up study of a cohort of 404 adolescents leaving foster care in eight counties in a midwestern state. We conducted survival analysis to study predictors of time to first insurance loss, and logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with insurance reacquisition, among these youth. Results A total of 206 adolescents (51%) left foster care during follow up, of whom 138 (67%) lost health insurance coverage within a mean of 3 months of leaving foster care. Those who regained coverage (34; 17% of those leaving foster care) did so after a mean period of 8 months spent without insurance. Hazard of insurance loss was lower for employed adolescents (HR=.5; 95% CI=.4–.7; p p =.003). Conclusions Most youth leaving the child welfare system seem unable to transition to other forms of health insurance coverage. Even those that do acquire coverage, do so after an inordinate period of time. Enacting existing extensions of Medicaid coverage until age 21 for foster care youth is necessary to provide the resources to address the considerable health and mental health needs among these youth.
Genetic and environmental influences on behavioral disinhibition.

Comorbidity among childhood disruptive behavioral disorders is commonly reported in both epidemiologic and clinical studies. These problems are also associated with early substance use and other markers of behavioral disinhibition. Previous twin research has suggested that much of the covariation between antisocial behavior and alcohol dependence is due to common genetic influences. Similar results have been reported for conduct problems and hyperactivity. For the present study, an adolescent sample consisting of 172 MZ and 162 DZ twin pairs, recruited through the Colorado Twin Registry and the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study were assessed using standardized psychiatric interviews and personality assessments. DSM-IV symptom counts for conduct disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, along with a measure of substance experimentation and novelty seeking, were used as indices of a latent behavioral disinhibition trait. A confirmatory factor model fit to individual-level data showed a strong common factor accounting for 16‐42% of the observed variance in each measure. A common pathway model evaluating the genetic and environmental architecture of the latent phenotype suggested that behavioral disinhibition is highly heritable (a 2 = 0.84), and is not influenced significantly by shared environmental factors. A residual correlation between conduct disorder and substance experimentation was explained by shared environmental effects, and a residual correlation between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and novelty seeking was accounted for by genetic dominance. These results suggest that a variety of adolescent problem behaviors may share a common underlying genetic risk. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.)
Phonetics and phonology of Cuzco Quechua declarative intonation: An instrumental analysis

This paper offers an analysis of Cuzco Quechua intonation using experimental techniques to examine one of the acoustic cues of pitch, the fundamental frequency or F0. While previous descriptions in the literature are based on auditory impression, in the present study recordings were made of read declaratives produced by native Quechua speakers in Cuzco, Peru. This paper provides an initial characterization of high and low tones with respect to the stressed syllable, as well as information regarding the height and alignment of these tones. In addition, the intonational marking of intermediate phrases within an utterance is discussed. Research on Quechua intonation can be used to begin to address several issues regarding the intonation of languages in contact, as well as to provide data for a future cross-linguistic analysis of indigenous language intonation features.
Investigating ozone-induced decomposition of surface-bound permethrin for conditions in aircraft cabins.

UNLABELLED The reaction of ozone with permethrin can potentially form phosgene. Published evidence on ozone levels and permethrin surface concentrations in aircraft cabins indicated that significant phosgene formation might occur in this setting. A derivatization technique was developed to detect phosgene with a lower limit of detection of 2 ppb. Chamber experiments were conducted with permethrin-coated materials (glass, carpet, seat fabric, and plastic) exposed to ozone under cabin-relevant conditions (150 ppb O(3), 4.5/h air exchange rate, <1% relative humidity, 1700 ng/cm(2) of permethrin). Phosgene was not detected in these experiments. Reaction of ozone with permethrin appears to be hindered by the electron-withdrawing chlorine atoms adjacent to the double bond in permethrin. Experimental results indicate that the upper limit on the reaction probability of ozone with surface-bound permethrin is approximately 10(-7). Extrapolation by means of material-balance modeling indicates that the upper limit on the phosgene level in aircraft cabins resulting from this chemistry is approximately 1 microg/m(3) or approximately 0.3 ppb. It was thus determined that phosgene formation, if it occurs in aircraft cabins, is not likely to exceed relevant, health-based phosgene exposure guidelines. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Phosgene formation from ozone-initiated oxidation of permethrin in the aircraft cabin environment, if it occurs, is estimated to generate levels below the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment acute reference exposure level of 4 microg/m(3) or approximately 1 ppb.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reduction of monochloramine by hydroxylamine and hydroxylammonium ion

The kinetics and mechanism by which monochloramine is reduced by hydroxylamine in aqueous solution over the pH range of 5–8 are reported. The reaction proceeds via two different mechanisms depending upon whether the hydroxylamine is protonated or unprotonated. When the hydroxylamine is protonated, the reaction stoichiometry is 1:1. The reaction stoichiometry becomes 3:1 (hydroxylamine:monochloramine) when the hydroxylamine is unprotonated. The principle products under both conditions are Cl–, NH+4, and N2O. The rate law is given by −[d[NH2Cl]/dt] = k+[NH3OH+][NH2Cl] + k0[NH2OH][NH2Cl]. At an ionic strength of 1.2 M, at 25°C, and under pseudo-first-order conditions, k+= (1.03 ± 0.06) ×103 L · mol−1 · s−1 and k0=91 ± 15 L · mol−1 · s−1. Isotopic studies demonstrate that both nitrogen atoms in the N2O come from the NH2OH/NH3OH+. Activation parameters for the reaction determined at pH 5.1 and 8.0 at an ionic strength of 1.2 M were found to be ΔH‡ = 36 ± 3 kJ · mol–1 and Δ S‡ = −66 ± 9 J · K−1 · mol−1, and Δ H‡ = 12 ± 2 kJ · mol−1 and Δ S‡ = −168 ± 6 J · K−1 · mol−1, respectively, and confirm that the transition states are significantly different for the two reaction pathways. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 124–135, 2006
The University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE): A Response to Sustain and Strengthen Catholic Education.

This article examines the current and potential contributions of the University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE) to both K-12 and higher Catholic education. In order to situate the development of alternative teacher preparation programs, a history of Catholic teacher formation is addressed followed by a brief summary of the existing programs that comprise the UCCE. Attention is given to the essential nature of a Catholic educator’s responsibility to deepen Catholic identity through authentic education in collaboration with the family and how recent college graduates who matriculate in UCCE programs are formed to respond to this task.
Evolution of an Integrated Technology for Supporting Learning about Complex Systems

In this paper, we describe the evolution of an interactive technology called the Ecological Modeling Toolkit (EMT) that supports learning about complex ecological systems in middle school science. Authentic learning of science is facilitated by imitation, rehearsal and understanding of real-world scientific practices such as observation, experimentation, problem formulation, hypothesis testing, and model construction and revision. We illustrate how the tools in EMT work together to support many real-world scientific practices such as model construction, simulation and revision, and scaffold others such as observation, problem formulation and hypothesis testing.
Provably fast algorithms for contour tracking

A new tracker is presented. Two sets are identified: one which contains all possible curves as found in the image, and a second which contains all curves which characterize the object of interest. The former is constructed out of edge-points in the image, while the latter is learned prior to running. The tracked curve is taken to be the element of the first set which is nearest the second set. The formalism for the learned set of curves allows for mathematically well understood groups of transformations (e.g. affine, projective) to be treated on the same footing as less well understood deformations, which may be learned from training curves. An algorithm is proposed to solve the tracking problem, and its properties are theoretically demonstrated: it solves the global optimization problem, and does so with certain complexity bounds. Experimental results applying the proposed algorithm to the tracking of a moving finger are presented, and compared with the results of a condensation approach.
Characteristics of Late Holocene American Black Bears in Missouri: Evidence From Two Natural Traps

Abstract Remains of 22 American black bears (Ursus americanus) were excavated from 2 natural trap caves in Missouri during the late 1950s. Age, sex, and size characteristics based on analysis of ursid teeth from the caves corroborates wildlife studies that suggest that subadult to young-adult male bears are relatively vulnerable to accidental deaths in their search for food compared to members of other age–sex cohorts. This information is of interest to wildlife biologists given that North American bears and humans increasingly share habitat. Data on native Missouri black bears are also of general interest because little is known about this population, which was extirpated by the beginning of the twentieth century, and because a reintroduced population is expanding in the southern portion of the state.
Attachment anxiety, verbal immediacy, and blood pressure: Results from a laboratory analog study following marital separation

Marital separation and divorce increase risk for all-cause morbidity and mortality. Using a laboratory analog paradigm, this study examined attachment anxiety, language use, and blood pressure (BP) reactivity among 119 (n = 43 men, 76 women) recently separated adults who were asked to mentally reflect on their relationship history and separation experience. A language use composite of verbal immediacy from participants’ stream-of-consciousness recordings about their separation experience as a behavioral index of attachment-related hyperactivation was created. Verbal immediacy moderated the association between attachment anxiety and BP at the beginning of a divorce-specific activation task. Participants reporting high attachment anxiety who discussed their separation in a first-person, present-oriented, and highly engaged manner evidenced the highest levels of BP at the start of the divorce-specific task. Results provide a deeper understanding of the association between marital dissolution and health and suggest that verbal immediacy may be a useful behavioral index of hyperactivating coping strategies.
Star tool: reengineering for Ada and C

The aerospace industry has a tremendous investment in legacy software that is embedded in mission-critical systems. Often, this software is hosted on obsolete computers, was designed with older paradigms, such as structured analysis, and is coded in older languages, such as C and Ada 83. At the same time, customers for legacy systems want more system performance, reduced software maintenance costs, but minimal software upgrade risk. To accomplish this, legacy software must be modified to run on new, more powerful COTS processors. It is also desirable to enhance the software's reusability and maintainability by making it more object-oriented, while not breaking it in the process. For several years, Raytheon has been working with Dr. William Griswold at the University of California at San Diego, on the development of a unique reengineering tool that produces graphical representations of source code called Star Diagrams. Experiments at Raytheon with this tool have shown it to be extremely valuable for understanding legacy software and facilitating the task of modifying code to perform on new, open system platforms. This paper describes the Star tool, Raytheon's experience using it, and lessons learned about reengineering and reusing legacy software in an open system environment.
Spatiotemporal Visualization of the Tongue Surface using Ultrasound and Kriging (SURFACES)

Analyzing the motion of the human tongue surface provides valuable information about speech and swallowing. One method to analyse this motion is to acquire two-dimensional ultrasound images and extract the tongue surface contours from them. Quantitative and statistical analysis of these extracted contours is made difficult because of the absence of physical fleshpoint markers on them. In this research, this problem is overcome by pre-processing the contours using Kriging. Pre-processing includes extrapolating and resampling the contours on a regular spatial grid. The preprocessed contours can then be visualized as spatiotemporal surfaces. A dedicated user interface called SURFACES is designed to aid in the generation, visualization and quantitative comparisons of these spatiotemporal surfaces.
Hydrous, Low-carbon Melting of Garnet Peridotite

The presence of volatile species in the Earth's upper mantle drives the formation of low-degree melts at pressures and temperatures at which volatile-free mantle rocks would be subsolidus. The two most abundant volatile species, given the oxidation state of the Earth's upper mantle, are carbon dioxide and water; each species has a distinct effect on the melting process. We present experimental melting results from 3 GPa and 1375°C on hydrous systems with controlled water contents and rigorously minimized carbon contamination that constrain the independent effects of these volatiles. The hydrous melts in these experiments are in equilibrium with garnet peridotite at pressures reasonable for hydrous melting under mid-ocean ridges. Compared with anhydrous experiments or carbon-rich silicate melting, the addition of water produces a melt with increased SiO_2 content relative to MgO and FeO, tantamount to an increase in the stability of olivine at the solidus relative to the other crystalline phases. We also report a substantial and unexpected change in the composition of clinopyroxene in equilibrium with the melt; the clinopyroxene stability field contracts when water is added to the system, producing clinopyroxenes with higher CaO and lower Al_2O_3 than found at the same pressure without water. The contraction of the clinopyroxene field decreases the bulk partition coefficients of TiO_2, Na_2O, heavy rare earth elements, U, and H_2O, with important implications for hydrous melting of the mantle; for example, initiating hydrous melting deeper in the garnet lherzolite stability field.
Solid-State NMR Studies of the Bonding Structure of Diamondlike Amorphous Carbon Films

Amorphous carbon films are (a-C:H) of interest because of their useful physical properties. They are extremely hard and chemically inert, resisting degradation by both acids and alkalis. They are insoluble and can be conformably coated onto virtually any substrate. These properties make the films ideal protective coatings on magnetic disks and tools. We have studied several thin (one to two micron) films prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition with varying radiofrequency fields strengths to determine structural differences at the atomic level. Several properties of the films, such as hardness and wear rate, are dependent on deposition power. We have found that the sp2/sp3 ratio increases with increasing deposition power. Thus, films that are harder are more “atgraphitic” and less “atdiamondlike”. The films studied here contain 11-16 atomic percent hydrogen, most of which is associated with sp3 carbon sites. At least two distinct phases of hydrogens exist. Variable temperature studies reveal that, in contrast to amorphous hydrogenated silicon, proton linewidths in carbon films are temperature dependent, suggesting some molecular motion is present at room temperature.
A GDI (AGS3) and a GEF (GIV) regulate autophagy by balancing G protein activity and growth factor signals

Autophagy is the major catabolic process responsible for the removal of aggre - gated proteins and damaged organelles. Autophagy is regulated by both G proteins and growth factors, but the underlying mechanism of how they are coordinated during initiation and reversal of autophagy is unknown. Using protein-protein interaction assays, G protein enzymology, and morphological analysis, we demonstrate here that G α-interacting, vesicle- associated protein (GIV, a.k.a. Girdin), a nonreceptor guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Gαi3, plays a key role in regulating autophagy and that dynamic interplay between Gi3, ac- tivator of G-protein signaling 3 (AGS3, its guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor), and GIV determines whether autophagy is promoted or inhibited. We found that AGS3 directly binds light chain 3 (LC3), recruits Gαi3 to LC3-positive membranes upon starvation, and promotes autophagy by inhibiting the G protein. Upon growth factor stimulation, GIV disrupts the Gαi3-AGS3 complex, releases Gαi3 from LC3-positive membranes, enhances anti-autophagic signaling pathways, and inhibits autophagy by activating the G protein. These results provide mechanistic insights into how reversible modulation of Gαi3 activity by AGS3 and GIV main- tains the delicate equilibrium between promotion and inhibition of autophagy.
THE EFFECTS OF BEHAVIORAL SKILLS TRAINING ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PICTURE EXCHANGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

The effectiveness of a behavioral skills training (BST) package to teach the implementation of the first three phases of the picture exchange communication system (PECS) was evaluated with 3 adults who had no history teaching any functional communication system. A multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the training package, which consisted of a video, written and verbal instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. Results showed significant improvements relative to baseline in a short amount of training time and that skills generalized to a learner with a severe developmental disability. Skills were maintained at 1 month follow-up for 1 participant.
Variation for phenotypic plasticity among populations of an invasive exotic grass

Phenotypic plasticity is a common feature of plant invaders, but little is known about variation in plasticity among invading populations. Variation in plasticity of ecologically important traits could facilitate the evolution of greater plasticity and invasiveness. We examined plasticity among invasive populations of Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass), a widespread and often dominant grass of forests in the eastern U.S. with two separate experiments. First, we exposed seven Microstegium populations to a drought treatment in growth chambers and monitored growth and physiological responses. Then, we established a greenhouse experiment using a subset of the populations; two that exhibited the most divergent responses and one intermediate population. In the greenhouse, we manipulated drought and shade and evaluated biomass production and specific leaf area (SLA). Microstegium exhibited plasticity for biomass production and SLA in the greenhouse experiment, and populations significantly varied in the degree of plasticity under drought and shade treatments. Two populations significantly increased biomass production under favorable conditions, unlike the third population. The most productive populations also responded to shade stress via greater SLA, possibly allowing for greater utilization of available light, while the third population did not. These results show that Microstegium can exhibit plastic responses to environmental conditions. Moreover, variation for plasticity among populations provides the potential for further evolution of plasticity. Future studies should focus on the relative importance of plasticity for the success of Microstegium and other plant invaders and evaluate post-introduction evolution of plasticity.
A flux split algorithm for unsteady incompressible flow

The primary d i f f i c u l t y in computing incompressible flows is associated with f inding a sat is factory way to l ink changes in the veloc i ty f i e ld to changes in the pressure f i e l d . Of the several generic choices that are avai lable, including stream func t ion -vo r t i c i t y , v e l o c i t y v o r t i c i t y and pr im i t i ve variables formulations, we here consider one of the la t te r . Pr imit ive variables techniques can broadly be divided into methods based upon a pressure Poisson equation I -4, and methods based upon a r t i f i c i a l compressibi l i ty 5-I0. In the present paper, we consider a d i rect marching procedure that is phi losophical ly related to a r t i f i c i a l compressibi l i ty methods, although i t does not introduce a f i c t i t i o u s time der ivat ive into the cont inui ty equation. The par t icu lar method chosen is completely analogous to compressible flow schemes based upon f lux difference s p l i t t i n g l l , 12. The f lux s p l i t t i n g procedures we use for d i rect time-marching solutions of the unsteady incompressible equations are developed on the basis of the Euler equations. This s impl i f ies the notation somewhat and allows us to focus attention on those ( inv isc id) terms that cause the d i f f i c u l t i e s in l ink ing pressure and ve loc i ty . The viscous terms are then added la ter by a simple, straightforward procedure. The incompressible equations are wri t ten in the general conservation law form,
1,1-Diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7) and 1-amino-1-hydrazino-2,2-dinitroethene (HFOX) as amphotères: bases with strong acids

The exciting discovery of the first cations based on 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene (FOX-7) and its hydrazine derivative, 1-amino-1-hydrazino-2,2-dinitroethene (HFOX), along with their syntheses and full characterization is described. The oxygen rich content of these cations lends to their potential as promising precursors for energetic salts. A variety of acids including triflic, perchloric, and hydrochloric acids were found to react with FOX-7 and HFOX to give rise to the following salts: 1-amino-2,2-dinitroethaniminium triflate (3a), 1-amino-2,2-dinitroethaniminium perchlorate (3b), 1-amino-1-hydrazino-2,2-dinitroethaniminium triflate (4a), and 1-amino-1-hydrazino-2,2-dinitroethaniminium chloride (5). Additionally, it was also found that HFOX reacts with acetone to generate the corresponding hydrazone derivative, 2,2-dinitro-1-(2-(propan-2-ylidene)hydrazinyl)ethenamine (9). The structures of the salts (except 5) and hydrazone 9 are supported by single crystal X-ray analysis. These compounds have thermal stabilities ranging between 74–147 °C and crystal densities between 1.53 g cm−3 to 1.94 g cm−3. The isolation of these novel FOX-7 and HFOX cations are interestingly important as it: (1) extends the chemistry of FOX-7 and HFOX, (2) demonstrates the amphoteric properties of FOX-7 and HFOX, and (3) gives rise to new forms of FOX-7 and HFOX, which opens the study of their potential as promising precursors for energetic salts. All the salts were found to have energetic properties that exceed that of TNT and some are comparable to FOX-7 and RDX, indicating that the cations of FOX-7 and HFOX may contribute to more energetic salts if parlayed with appropriate counter anions. The significance of this work demonstrates that the chemistry of FOX-7 continues to be profound and worthwhile.
Peripheral Stimulus Localization by Infants of Moving Stimuli on Complex Backgrounds

This study examined the effect of attention in young infants on the saccadic localization of dynamic peripheral stimuli presented on complex and interesting backgrounds. Infants at 14, 20, and 26 weeks of age were presented with scenes from a Sesame Street movie until fixation on a moving character occurred and then presented with a second segment in the scene in which the character movement occurred in a new location. Localization of the moving character in the new location was faster when the infant was engaged in attention than when inattentive, for scenes in which the character moved from one location to another, or scenes in which the character stopped moving and characters in new locations began moving. However, localization of the character was slower during attention when the first character disappeared and a different character appeared in a new location. We also found a decrease in the linear component of the main sequence in the saccade characteristics over the three testing ages, and attention affected the main sequence for infants at the two oldest ages. These results partially replicate prior findings showing that attention to a focal stimulus affects localization of peripheral stimuli, but suggest that the nature of the stimuli being localized modifies the role of attention in affecting eye movements to peripheral stimuli.
The Function of Metaphor in Children's Recall of Expository Passages

In a series of three studies, the facilitative effect of metaphors on children's recall of expository passages was evaluated. In Experiment 1, with sixth grade subjects and an unfamiliar passage, metaphor target structures were recalled better than their literal paraphrases. In Experiment II, using third grade subjects and a more familiar passage, there were no differences between metaphor and literal ver- sions of passage in terms of the recall of target structures. In Experiment III, which was designed to eliminate the passage familiarity x grade level x experiment con- founding, there was a significant passage familiarity by version (metaphor or literal) interaction. Metaphors facilitated target structure recall only for unfamiliar passages. These data were interpreted as supporting the view that metaphors can serve the function of bridging new and old information in unfamiliar textual settings. For the better part of three millenia, scholars have grappled with metaphor as linguistic and literary phenomenon. Theories about its nature and function have risen, fallen, and been resurrected. Recently, metaphor has been the object of a renaissance among philosophers, linguists, and psychologists (Ortony, 1981). Educators, too, have developed an interest in metaphor in the context of their more general concern for the development of children's abilities to deal with figurative language.
The transcondylar approach

The transcondylar approach is a skull-base technique that enables neurosurgeons to access the anterior brain stem and foramen magnum region with minimum retraction. This extension of the unilateral suboccipital approach optimizes the surgical treatment of lesions in this region, including benign tumors, bony and locally invasive tumors, and vascular lesions. Many variations of the lateral skull-base approach to the anterior craniovertebral junction, which include variable resection of the condyle, have been published. This article summarizes some of these variations and describes the far-lateral transcondylar approach as performed at our institution. It also reviews the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of the approach.
Multiple mRNAs encode the avian lysosomal membrane protein LAMP-2, resulting in alternative transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains.

Lysosomal membranes are enriched in extensively glycosylated transmembrane proteins, LAMP-1 and LAMP-2. LAMP-1 proteins have been characterized from several mammalian species and from chickens, but no non-mammalian homologues of LAMP-2 have been described, and no splice variants of either protein have been reported. Here we report the characterization of three cDNA clones encoding chicken LAMP-2. The nucleotide sequences of the cDNAs diverge at their 3′ ends within the open reading frame, resulting in sequences that code for three different transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. Southern analysis suggests that a single gene encodes the common region of chicken LAMP-2. The position of the divergence and the identity of the common sequence are consistent with alternative splicing of 3′ exons. Analysis of the mRNAs present in adult chicken tissues suggests tissue-specific expression of the three chicken LAMP-2 variants, with LAMP-2b expressed primarily in the brain. The cytoplasmic domain of LAMP-type proteins contains the targeting signal for directing these molecules to the lysosome. Using chimeras consisting of the lumenal domain of chicken LEP100 (a LAMP-1) and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the LAMP-2 variants, we demonstrate in transfected mouse L cells that all three LAMP-2 carboxyl-terminal regions are capable of targeting the chimeric proteins to lysosomes. Levels of expression, subcellular distribution, and glycosylation of the LAMP proteins have all been shown to change with differentiation in mammalian cells and to be correlated with metastatic potential in certain tumor cell lines. Alternative splicing of the LAMP-2 transcript may play a role in these changes.
Ventral tegmental area muscarinic receptors modulate depression and anxiety-related behaviors in rats

Cholinergic and dopaminergic mechanisms within the mesolimbic dopamine system are suggested to play a role in the manifestation of depression and anxiety-related disorders. However, despite the fact that cholinergic mechanisms in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) highly regulate dopamine activity, the role of VTA cholinergic mechanisms in depression-related behaviors is relatively unknown. Here we sought to determine whether enhancing cholinergic tone in the VTA would alter depression and anxiety-related behavior in the forced swim test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM) and sucrose preference test (SPT). Adult Sprague Dawley male rats received VTA infusion of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, physostigmine (0, 1, 2μg/side), immediately prior to the FST, EPM, or SPT. Physostigmine administration increased immobility time in the FST, decreased time spent on open arms in the EPM, and decreased sucrose preference. We also examined whether activation of VTA muscarinic receptors was sufficient to alter behavior in the FST and EPM. Similar to physostigmine, VTA infusion of the muscarinic receptor agonist, pilocarpine (0, 3, 30μg/side), increased immobility time in the FST and decreased time spent on open arms in the EPM. These data suggest that enhanced VTA cholinergic tone promotes pro-depressive and anxiogenic-like effects and demonstrate that specific activation of VTA muscarinic receptors is also sufficient to induce pro-depressive and anxiogenic responses. Together, these findings reveal a novel role of VTA cholinergic, and specifically muscarinic receptor, mechanisms in mediating responses to stress and anxiety.
Quilombolas e direitos humanos no Suriname

Since Suriname’s independence in 1975, the relationship between the State and its Maroon populations (some 52,000 people, perhaps 15% of the national population) has deteriorated. From a Maroon perspective, the kinds of atrocities associated with the eighttenth-century colonial wars have resurfaced. The Civil War that began in 1986, pitting the national army against the Jungle Commandos (made up largely of Maroons), has only worsened the Maroons’ situation. A major trial before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in 1992, with the State of Suriname as defendant, ended with a large cash award for damages to the Saramaka Maroon plaintiffs. Recently the situation has worsened, as the Maroons – with no legal protection in the Suriname constitution – have seen the lands their ancestors fought and died for confiscated unilaterally by the State and given, in giant concessions, to multinational timber and mining companies (Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese, and Canadian). The effect of current policies toward Maroons is nothing less than ethnocide.
Integration and algorithm development for forward looking imaging sonars on hybrid and autonomous underwater robots

We present the integration of Blueview's P900 2D forward looking imaging sonars on two vehicles developed at WHOI's Deep Submergence Laboratory and the software to support them. For the Sentry AUV, a 6000m AUV, we developed a software system designed to run on low-power embedded Linux platforms that applies real-time computer vision techniques on acoustic returns intensity images to detect threats to vehicle safety. The system operates in the horizontal plane to simultaneously allow the collection of forward looking data that would be relevant to science. It can autonomously inform the vehicle control system to avoid threats that would otherwise result in a collision. Simultaneously, the system logs forward looking acoustic returns data for subsequent use in post processed science products. We developed a data pipeline that injects the post-processed vehicle navigation, with fused USBL and DVL navigation, in the sonar logs that the system generates and creates maps. We present results from the June 2014 R/V Atlantis expedition in the Gulf of Mexico. During this expedition we used Sentry's forward looking sonar to generate very high resolution maps of steep slope subsea escarpments sections. We also present results from our new HROV Nereid Under Ice (nUI) a 2000m depth rated fiber tethered ocean robot. First, deployed from the R/V Polarstern in a July 2014 expedition in the Arctic Ocean, nUI provided observations at the ice-sea interface. We developed software for the vehicle's Blueview P900 forward looking imaging sonar to improve under-ice precision localization and science under drifting and fragmented sea ice. Navigation under through-ice GPS-referenced poles was improved by developing software that could track the vehicle-relative position of the poles. This enabled the generation of a high-accuracy, high-frequency floe-relative vehicle position estimate. Ice floe-relative vehicle velocity, when in open water surrounded by ice floes without DVL ice lock, could be estimated by applying optical flow computer vision techniques to forward looking sonar images.
Teaching for Change: Articulating, Profiling, and Assessing Transformative Learning Through Communicative Capabilities

This essay explores the relationship between communication pedagogy, notions of change, and assessment. The authors draw on our teaching experiences and student writings in electronic portfolios (e...
The Myxomycetes of the Mussoorie Hills (India). X

(1959). The Myxomycetes of the Mussoorie Hills (India). X. Mycologia: Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 159-162.