cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FiMAP: A Fast Identity-by-Descent Mapping Test for Biobank-scale Cohorts

Abstract Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified tens of thousands of genetic loci, the genetic architecture is still not fully understood for many complex traits. Most GWAS and sequencing association studies have focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms or copy number variations, including common and rare genetic variants. However, phased haplotype information is often ignored in GWAS or variant set tests for rare variants. Here we leverage the identity-by-descent (IBD) segments inferred from a random projection-based IBD detection algorithm in the mapping of genetic associations with complex traits, to develop a computationally efficient statistical test for IBD mapping in biobank-scale cohorts. We used sparse linear algebra and random matrix algorithms to speed up the computation, and a genome-wide IBD mapping scan of more than 400,000 samples finished within a few hours. Simulation studies showed that our new method had well-controlled type I error rates under the null hypothesis of no genetic association in large biobank-scale cohorts, and outperformed traditional GWAS approaches and variant set tests when the causal variants were untyped and rare, or in the presence of haplotype effects. We also applied our method to IBD mapping of six anthropometric traits using the UK Biobank data and identified a 4 cM region on chromosome 8 associated with multiple traits related to body fat distribution or weight.
The Past, Present, and Future of Human Rights and the Environment

Rights-based approaches to environmental protection have been recognized for fifty years, but only in the last decade have they begun to move from the periphery to the center of environmental policy. This article provides an overview of our past, present, and future understanding of human rights and the environment, in order to introduce a symposium on human rights and the environment held at Wake Forest University in April 2018. The articles in this symposium issue address the relationship between the Convention on Biological Diversity and human rights (Elisa Morgera), indigenous rights and climate change (Alexander Pearl), discriminatory patterns of enforcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (Logan Judy), and the judicial interpretation of rights of nature by constitutional courts (Erin Daly).
Robotics and Spine Surgery: Lessons From the Personal Computer and Industrial Revolutions.

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, several review articles have evaluated the techniques and outcomes of robotics vs traditional methods in spine surgery. Recently, robot-assisted pedicle screw placement has emerged, representing an important milestone in the evolution of spine surgery. In the present article, the authors aim to provide the historical context regarding the use and growth of spinal robotics through the lens of the Industrial Revolution and the personal computer revolution. While the former provides insight into the current implications of robotics in spine surgery, the latter predicts future steps in this arena.
Reciprocal midbrain-extended amygdala circuit activity in preclinical models of alcohol use and misuse

Alcohol dependence is characterized by a shift in motivation to consume alcohol from positive reinforcement (i.e., increased likelihood of future alcohol drinking based on its rewarding effects) to negative reinforcement (i.e., increased likelihood of future alcohol drinking based on alcohol-induced reductions in negative affective symptoms, including but not limited to those experienced during alcohol withdrawal). The neural adaptations that occur during this transition are not entirely understood. Mesolimbic reinforcement circuitry (i.e., ventral tegmental area [VTA] neurons) is activated during early stages of alcohol use, and may be involved in the recruitment of brain stress circuitry (i.e., extended amygdala) during the transition to alcohol dependence, after chronic periods of high-dose alcohol exposure. Here, we review the literature regarding the role of canonical brain reinforcement (VTA) and brain stress (extended amygdala) systems, and the connections between them, in acute, sub-chronic, and chronic alcohol response. Particular emphasis is placed on preclinical models of alcohol use.
Abstract 4244: Inhibition of HER2 and IGF2 triggers cell death in trastuzumab-resistant HER2 positive JIMT1 cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. Overexpression of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is detected in 20-30% of breast cancers. Increased levels of HER2 are linked to poor prognosis, more aggressive phenotype, and resistance to chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. HER2 is part of a four member family of cell surface receptors that are implicated in transmission of signals controlling cell growth and differentiation. HER2 has an intracellular domain with tyrosine kinase catalytic activity and dimerization of HER2 activates the MAP kinase and AKT pathways. HER2 receptor also heterodimerizes with the IGF1 receptor(IGF1R) in trastuzumab-resistant cell lines. The insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) has an important role in fetal and cancer development signaling through the IGF1R, insulin receptor (InsR), and cross-talk with the estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERα, ERs). Previous findings in our lab demonstrate an increased expression of IGF2 in trastuzumab-resistance cell line JIMT1 when compared to trastuzumab-sensitive cell lines BT474, SKBR3, and ZR75-30. We hypothesis that to overcome trastuzumab-resistance in JIMT1 cell lines, dual inhibition of HER2 and IGF2 is necessary to induce cell death. When JIMT1 cells were treated with resveratrol, both HER2 and IGF2 mRNA and protein levels were reduced and a decrease in cell viability was observed. We also analyzed the phosphorylation levels of HER2 and IGF1R. Our studies suggest that blocking both HER2 and IGF2 is necessary to decrease cell viability in trastuzumab-resistant JIMT1 cells. Citation Format: Xousaen M. Helu, Daisy De Leon. Inhibition of HER2 and IGF2 triggers cell death in trastuzumab-resistant HER2 positive JIMT1 cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4244. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4244
Store-operated calcium channels: properties, functions and the search for a molecular mechanism

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of the properties and functions of store-operated calcium channels (SOCs). A large number of Ca 2+ imaging studies indicate that SOCs are ubiquitous in nonexcitable cells, where they comprise the main Ca 2+ entry pathway, and some studies suggest that they may exist in excitable cells as well. Patch-clamp methods have offered the most detailed information about the biophysical properties of these channels. The first and best characterized SOC is the Ca 2+ release-activated Ca 2+ (CRAC) channel, expressed in mast cells, T lymphocytes, and related cell lines. While much is known about the basic biophysical properties of these channels, a critical issue remains about the identification of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying their activity. The chapter discusses those aspects of SOCs that may be especially pertinent to the search for a molecular mechanism. It highlights CRAC channels as a prototypic example of an SOC, with the expectation that many of the issues related to the molecular mechanism will apply to other SOCs as well. The chapter also discusses the known biological functions of CRAC channels and some of the intrinsic properties that are most important for carrying out these roles.
The effects of organizational divisions on knowledge-sharing networks in multi-lateral communities of practice

Knowledge is a fundamental resource for project-based organizations, and it resides within individual employees. By dividing employees according to their abilities, job roles, and areas of expertise (e.g. business units, functional disciplines), managers create groups within the organization without seeing the impact on underlying knowledge flows. Knowledge sharing across business units and disciplinary groups can produce immense benefit, yet anecdotal evidence suggests that these groups produce ‘silos’ that limit connection between people across the organization. Although communities of practice (CoPs) have recently emerged as a mechanism to encourage practice-based knowledge sharing across organizational silos, it is not clear if the influence of business units and disciplinary groups has a similar effect on knowledge sharing within CoPs. There are few studies that quantitatively assess the impact of organizational structures on informal knowledge-sharing networks. To clarify this anecdotal evidence, th...
Lost in Globalization: International Economic Integration and the Sources of Popular Discontent†

Margalit, Yotam. (2012) Lost in Globalization: International Economic Integration and the Sources of Popular Discontent. International Studies Quarterly, doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2478.2012.00747.x © 2012 International Studies Association What are the sources of popular opposition to economic globalization? A common answer in the literature is the adverse impact of trade liberalization on some people’s labor market standing and earning prospects. Recent studies also note a correlation between nationalist and ethnocentric sentiments and support for trade protectionism, yet do not test whether these non-economic sentiments are actually a cause of the opposition to freer trade. I argue that many individuals fear not only the oft-cited material consequences of trade openness, but also what they perceive to be its social and cultural consequences. I use cross-national survey data and a survey experiment to test this causal claim. The argument also helps explain why less-educated individuals are consistently more apprehensive about international economic integration than more educated individuals, even in the countries in which economic theory predicts otherwise. The findings have implications for the debate over the policy tools for compensating globalization’s losers and sustaining popular support for further economic integration.
Thermodynamic model for solid-state amorphization of pure elements by mechanical-milling

Abstract Mechanical-milling induced solid-state amorphization (SSA) has been observed in some covalent metalloids (Si, Ge, Se), but never in pure metals at room temperature. In this paper, a thermodynamic model was proposed for the SSA of the pure elements. In the model, a large Gibbs free energy of a grain boundary, compared with the free energy of a crystalline–amorphous interface, provides driving force for the amorphization. The critical grain size required for the SSA, therefore, can be determined from the condition when the Gibbs free energy of the nanocrystalline state is equal to that of amorphous state. The predicted critical grain sizes for SSA generally agree with the experimentally observed values for nonmetallic elements, but are much smaller than the minimum grain sizes of the metallic elements obtained by long-time mechanical-milling.
Linked Pairs of Bereayed Persons: A Method for Increasing the Sample Size in a Study of Bereavement:

Methods of obtaining representative and adequate sized samples from potentially high-risk bereaved persons have had limited discussion in the literature. This article describes a sampling strategy used to obtain bereaved respondents for a study designed to examine loss and coping responses following a recent natural disaster. Linked pairs of persons, that is, the selection of two bereaved participants for each deceased disaster victim lessened a potential sampling dilemma. However, it cannot be assumed that study questionnaire scores obtained from the linked pairs are indeed independent observations. The statistical analysis used to support the independence of scores between the pairs is delineated. Thus, the sampling procedure appeared not to produce an obvious bias and was very beneficial in meeting the research objectives.
Deformation-processed copper-chromium alloys: Optimizing strength and conductivity

A developmental research program has been carried out to produce deformation-processed copper-chromium wires with optimum combinations of ultimate strength and electrical conductivity. Properties are improved by use of deformation to assist in the precipitation of chromium from solid solution. Various combinations of deformation, solution heat treatment plus quenching, and aging have been studied and an optimum processing scheme determined. Using this processing scheme, it is shown that deformation-processed Cu-7 vol % Cr wires have strengths on the order of 50 % higher than commercial copper alloys available in the same conductivity range of 75 to 90% IACS.
The significance of electrokinetic characterization for interpreting interfacial phenomena at planar, macroscopic interfaces

Streaming potential measurements provide valuable information for the validation and interpretation of interfacial phenomena that occur at flat macroscopic surfaces. Planar substrates have been extensively used for the interpretation of events, which occur at particulate surfaces; however, these flat surfaces are often only questionably representative of their particulate counterparts due to variations in surface chemistry and topography. In this study, the zeta potential from planar macroscopic surfaces of PMMA, mica, graphite, fluorite, and calcite have been calculated from streaming potentials measured in aqueous solutions using an asymmetric clamping cell. These zeta potentials have been found to significantly contribute to understanding and interpretation of interfacial phenomena influenced by Coulombic interactions including adsorption, surface forces, and the structure of surface micelles.
Preserving Passenger Comfort Through RWI Analysis

The air conditioning systems designed for passenger rail cars typically exchange heat with the outside air environment; when the trains operate within tunnels, the effectiveness of the air conditioning systems may diminish if the tunnel is too warm. Therefore, one of the traditional activation modes associated with rail tunnel ventilation systems is summertime cooling — for the purpose of maintaining onboard passenger comfort. However, summertime cooling modes can be problematic from the standpoints of fan operating pressure (i.e. an opposing air pressure is created whenever trains approach ventilation shafts), energy consumption and emergency preparedness (i.e. fans operating in the wrong direction when a fire is detected).In this paper, the thermal comfort of rail transportation passengers was studied in detail using the Relative Warmth Index (RWI) analyses to determine if the combination of: warm outdoor weather, the tunnel heat-sink effect, the rail coach design air temperature and typical commuting scenarios necessitated running the tunnel fans in a summertime cooling mode to preserve passenger comfort. If the summertime cooling mode could be eliminated, or even minimized, the tunnel ventilation usage/operating costs would be reduced, the fans would have a longer service life and the system would have greater overall availability for emergency events.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Accuracy of the New ICD-9-CM Code for “Drip-and-Ship” Thrombolytic Treatment in Patients With Ischemic Stroke

A new International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis code, V45.88, was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on October 1, 2008. This code identifies patients in whom intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is initiated in one hospital's emergency department, followed by transfer within 24 hours to a comprehensive stroke center, a paradigm commonly referred to as "drip-and-ship." This study assessed the use and accuracy of the new V45.88 code for identifying ischemic stroke patients who meet the criteria for drip-and-ship at 2 advanced certified primary stroke centers. Consecutive patients over a 12-month period were identified by primary ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes related to ischemic stroke. The accuracy of V45.88 code utilization using administrative data provided by Health Information Management Services was assessed through a comparison with data collected in prospective stroke registries maintained at each hospital by a trained abstractor. Out of a total of 428 patients discharged from both hospitals with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, 37 patients were given ICD-9-CM code V45.88. The internally validated data from the prospective stroke database demonstrated that a total of 40 patients met the criteria for drip-and-ship. A concurrent comparison found that 92% (sensitivity) of the patients treated with drip-and-ship were coded with V45.88. None of the non-drip-and-ship stroke cases received the V45.88 code (100% specificity). The new ICD-9-CM code for drip-and-ship appears to have high specificity and sensitivity, allowing effective data collection by the CMS.
Fast Tree-Based Redistancing for Level Set Computations

Level set methods for moving interface problems require efficient techniques for transforming an interface to a globally defined function whose zero set is the interface, such as the signed distance to the interface. This paper presents efficient algorithms for this “redistancing” problem. The algorithms use quadtrees and triangulation to compute global approximate signed distance functions. A quadtree mesh is built to resolve the interface and the vertex distances are evaluated exactly with a robust search strategy to provide both continuous and discontinuous interpolants. Given a polygonal interface with N elements, our algorithms run in O(N) space and O(N log N) time. Two-dimensional numerical results show they are highly efficient in practice.
High mobility HfO2 n- and p-channel transistors

Abstract High permittivity HfO 2 films have been deposited directly on silicon using the thermal decomposition of the hafnium nitrato precursor Hf(NO 3 ) 4 . These films were then used to build n- and p-channel field effect transistors. N+ poly, P+ poly, and Pt have been used as gate electrodes. The mobility of the poly gate devices is comparable to that of SiO 2 /Si, however, these devices show a thicker equivalent oxide thickness than the Pt devices. The effect of the composition of the films on their electrical performance is discussed.
Delay in the onset of right ventricular contraction in patients with surgically induced disturbance of right ventricular conduction.

Abstract In this study, we attempted to elucidate the mechanism responsible for the electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular conduction disturbance which develops in patients after surgical closure of ventricular septal defects and repair of the tetralogy of Fallot. The time intervals between the onset of ventricular depolarization and of right ventricular contraction were determined both before and after operation in 17 patients who developed this electrocardiographic abnormality. In 11 of the 17 patients the time interval increased by 0.02 to 0.06 sec.; in 3 patients it increased by 0.01 sec., and it remained unchanged in the other 3 patients. We have concluded that the mechanical delay in the onset of right ventricular contraction which develops in the majority of patients after closure of ventricular septal defects and complete correction of the tetralogy of Fallot results from interruption of, or other trauma to, the right bundle branch.
Numerical model of coal gasification in a packed bed

A one-dimensional time-dependent computational model has been developed as a pilot study for the multidimensional simulation of coal gasification in a packed bed, treated as a porous medium. Different gas and solid temperatures are used, and concentrations of eight chemical species (N 2 , O 2 , H 2 O, H 2 , CH 4 , CO, CO 2 , tar) two forms of water (surface and interior), coal and char are followed in space and time. Numerical results obtained for gasification of a Wyoming subbituminous coal by a mixture of steam and oxygen show reasonable agreement with laboratory measurements. The numerical method retains all time derivatives and treats the nonlinear partial differential equations as an initial-value problem, using implicit methods which are capable of being extended to two or more space dimensions.
Fusion barriers, empirical and theoretical: Evidence for dynamic deformation in subbarrier fusion

Abstract Semiempirical fusion barriers have been obtained by analysis of 87 excitation functions for complete fusion. These barriers are used as a test for several theoretical potentials. For most of the reactions at energies below the operational s-wave fusion barrier, the cross sections are greater than expected from considerations of simple barrier penetration alone. We ascribe this to dynamic effects, such as neck formation which may be expected as precursors of fusion. The effects of static deformation do not appear to be sufficient to explain the discrepancies.
Analysis of Gaspra Lightcurves Using Galileo Shape and Photometric Models

Galileo-based models for the shape of 951 Gaspra and the global-average photometric behavior of its surface have been used to model a representative subset of the asteroid's telescopic lightcurves. Fitting the synthetic lightcurves to the observed timing of lightcurve extrema, and knowing the orientation of Gaspra's axes at the time of the Galileo flyby, leads to a sidereal rotation period for the asteroid of 7.042024 +/- 0.000020 hr, a slight change from the period reported by Magnusson et al. (1992). Initially, the shapes, amplitudes, and absolute photometry of the synthetic and observed lightcurves agree with each other to within 0.05-0.1 mag. Small modifications to the Gaspra shape model on sides of the asteroid poorly imaged by Galileo (changes of 700 m or less in the southern hemisphere at longitudes 90 deg-270 deg W) reduce the typical discrepancies to approximately 0.05 mag in lightcurve shape and less than 0.03 mag in absolute photometry. The result demonstrates that Earth-based lightcurves can be used to refine the shape of a spacecraft-imaged irregular object in areas that are poorly constrained by the spacecraft observations. The consistency and phase-angle dependence of the Galileo-based model for Gaspra photometry, supports the accuracy of the absolute calibration of the Galileo SSI camera, and confirms the Earth-based determination of the V-filter geometric albedo of the asteroid (0.22 +/- 0.03; Tholen et al., submitted for publication). Remaining discrepancies between the synthetic and observed lightcurves show no indication of systematic latitudinal variations in albedo and also cannot be explained entirely by isolated albedo spots. These discrepancies are most likely caused by (1) small, remaining, hard-to-constrain errors in the Gaspra shape model and/or (2) moderate variations in macroscopic roughness across the asteroid's surface, in particular making longitudes 130 deg to 300 deg W moderately rougher than the opposite hemisphere.
Diffusion Currents in Concentrated Redox Solutions

Diffusion-limited currents, ilim, corresponding to the 1 − e- reductions of nitrobenzene (NB) and benzophenone (BP) at Pt microdisk electrodes are reported for CH3CN solutions containing 0.01 ≤ [NB] ≤ 9.1 M and 0.01 ≤ [BP] ≤ 4.0 M. Values of ilim exhibit a highly nonlinear dependence on redox concentration, obtaining maximum values in solutions containing either ∼3 M NB or ∼2 M BP (i.e., above these intermediate concentrations, ilim decreases with increasing redox concentration). The data are analyzed within the framework of a redox species/solvent interdiffusion model, employing the Cullinan−Vignes equation to estimate concentration-dependent binary mutual diffusion coefficients for the NB/CH3CN and BP/CH3CN systems. An analytical equation is derived that allows ilim values for a microdisk to be computed using the viscosities and hard-sphere molecular radii of the solvent and redox species in their pure state. Predicted values of ilim are found to be in reasonable agreement with voltammetric currents mea...
A method for approximating multivariate normal orthant probabilities

A simple method for approximating multivariate normal orthant probabilities is presented. The method is based on decomposing the orthant probability into a product of conditional probabilities and approximating the terms in the product using a linear model. Some results are given showing that the method works well.
Using example problems to improve student learning in algebra: Differentiating between correct and incorrect examples

Abstract In a series of two in vivo experiments, we examine whether correct and incorrect examples with prompts for self-explanation can be effective for improving students’ conceptual understanding and procedural skill in Algebra when combined with guided practice. In Experiment 1, students working with the Algebra I Cognitive Tutor were randomly assigned to complete their unit on solving two-step linear equations with the traditional Tutor program (control) or one of three versions which incorporated examples; results indicate that explaining worked examples during guided practice leads to improved conceptual understanding compared with guided practice alone. In Experiment 2, a more comprehensive battery of conceptual and procedural tests was used to determine which type of examples is most beneficial for improving different facets of student learning. Results suggest that incorrect examples, either alone or in combination with correct examples, may be especially beneficial for fostering conceptual understanding.
Towards Frequency-Independent Vibration-Based Energy Harvesting Using Frequency Up-Conversion and Power Analysis

Traditionally, vibration-based energy harvesters have been designed for specific base excitation frequencies by matching their natural frequencies. However, harvesting energy from common human motions is challenging because the low frequencies involved are incompatible with small, light-weight transducers, which have much higher natural frequencies. By using the frequency up-conversion method, a vibration-based, nonlinear, magnetically excited energy harvester exhibits efficient, broadband, frequency-independent performance.A complete model is provided for an energy harvester utilizing the frequency up-conversion method that defines the relationship between the enclosure excitation, the base excitation and the stationary magnets, where the base of the beam is mounted elastically inside an enclosure. The average power output of a vibration-based energy harvester with frequency up-conversion is analyzed using artificial and naturally occurring base excitations such as sinusoidal and walking motions, respectively. Simulations are provided to demonstrate the broadband capabilities of vibration-based energy harvesters with frequency up-conversion, especially for driving frequencies lower than the fundamental frequency, where significant increase in power output are observed when utilizing frequency up-conversion. In addition, the advantages and limitations of approximating a range of natural base excitations with a set of orthogonal basis functions are explored, which provides motivation for Wavelets Analysis. Finally, a procedure is proposed to determine the maximum expected power output.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
An adaptive timestepping algorithm for stochastic differential equations

We introduce a variable timestepping procedure using local error control for the pathwise (strong) numerical integration of a system of stochastic differential equations forced by a single Wiener process. The Milstein method is used to advance the numerical solution and the stepsizes are determined via two local error estimates that roughly correspond to leading order deterministic and stochastic local error components. One advantage of using two error controls is an increased flexibility that allows for the treatment of both drift and diffusion dominated regimes in a consistent manner. Numerical results are presented and the generalization of this approach to wider classes of problems and methods is discussed.
Microdetermination of endrin in presence of aldrin and dieldrin by infrared spectroscopy

Abstract An infrared spectrophotometric micromethod, specific for endrin, has been developed which quantitatively measures 1–2 μg of endrin in solutions containing endrin-dieldrin-aldrin. Endrin was determined by: a) reference to a standard curve based on the 748 cm −1 (13.37 μ) absorbance band unique to endrin, or b) use of a constant based on the ratio of the 748 cm −1 absorbance band of endrin to the 1179 cm −1 (8.48 μ) absorbance band common to all three compounds. Sensitivity and accuracy were attained with micro cells. The measurements were made with controlled slit width and instrument conditions. The base-line technique was used to measure the intensities.
Material specific hemispherical arousal.

Abstract It has been previously demonstrated that warning stimuli (WS) reduce reaction time (RT) by causing cortical activation. The purpose of this study was to use verbal and non-verbal WS to see if these stimuli asymmetrically activate the cerebral hemispheres. Sixteen right-handed Ss were given a manual RT task using a light as the RT stimulus and either verbal or non-verbal sounds as WS. RTs by the right hand were significantly faster with verbal WS than with non-verbal WS. There were no significant differences for the left hand between the verbal and non-verbal WS. These results give partial support to the asymmetrical activation hypothesis.
Toward a Unified Theory of Similarity and Recognition

A new theory of similarity, rooted in the detection and recognition literatures, is developed. The general recognition theory assumes that the perceptual effect of a stimulus is random but that on any single trial it can be represented as a point in a multidimensional space. Similarity is a function of the overlap of perceptual distributions. It is shown that the general recognition theory contains Euclidean distance models of similarity as a special case but that unlike them, it is not constrained by any distance axioms. Three experiments are reported that test the empirical validity of the theory. In these experiments the general recognition theory accounts for similarity data as well as the currently popular similarity theories do, and it accounts for identification data as well as the longstanding "champion" identification model does. The concept of similarity is of fundamental importance in psychology. Not only is there a vast literature concerned directly with the interpretation of subjective similarity judgments (e.g., as in multidimensional scaling) but the concept also plays a crucial but less direct role in the modeling of many psychophysical tasks. This is particularly true in the case of pattern and form recognition. It is frequently assumed that the greater the similarity between a pair of stimuli, the more likely one will be confused with the other in a recognition task (e.g., Luce, 1963; Shepard, 1964; Tversky & Gati, 1982). Yet despite the potentially close relationship between the two, there have been only a few attempts at developing theories that unify the similarity and recognition literatures. Most attempts to link the two have used a distance-based similarity measure to predict the confusions in recognition experiments (Appelman & Mayzner, 1982; Getty, Swets, & Swets, 1980; Getty, Swets, Swets, & Green, 1979; Nakatani, 1972; Nosofsky, 1984, 1985b, 1986; Shepard, 1957, 1958b). It is now widely suspected, however, that standard distance-based similarity measures do not provide an adequate account of perceived similarity (e.g., Krumhansl, 1978; Tversky, 1977). Our approach takes the opposite tack. We begin with a very powerful and general theory of recognition and use it to derive a new similarity measure, which successfully accounts for a wide variety of similarity results in both the recognition and the similarity literatures. The theory, which we call the general recognition theory, is rooted in the detection and recognition literatures and, in fact, is a multivariate generalization of signal-detection
A survey of apparent blood volumes and sample geometries among filter paper bloodspot samples submitted for lead screening

Abstract Background Sample collection instructions for the bloodspot lead screening program conducted by the Nebraska Medical Center recommend continuous application of a single finger-stick blood drop per printed filter paper circle (a volume of approximately 50 μl). In this study, we assessed whether apparent blood volumes and geometries of finger-stick bloodspot samples submitted for lead testing were consistent with collection recommendations. Methods Samples were 422 extra bloodspots from 138 patients that were submitted for lead analysis. Using image analysis, apparent blood volumes were computed by comparison of bloodspot areas to bloodspot areas for standards of known volume. Circularity of samples was also assessed by image analysis. Results Mean blood volume (25 ± 13 μl) was approximately 50% of that needed to fill a printed circle. The distribution of volumes had three local maxima, consistent with bloodspot formation by multiple discrete applications of blood drops of small volumes (17 ± 6 μl) rather than by continuous application of blood. Multi-drop samples were also apparent from non-circular geometries. Conclusions Bloodspots submitted for lead analysis showed an apparently inherent drop volume of less than 20 μl per drop and the application of multiple drops. Non-ideality of such specimens indicates the need for continuing education of bloodspot collectors.
Soundness of the simply typed lambda calculus in ACL2

To make it practical to mechanize proofs in programming language metatheory, several capabilities are required of the theorem proving framework. One must be able to represent and efficiently reason about complex recursively-defined expressions, define arbitrary induction schemes including mutual inductions over several objects and inductions over derivations, and reason about variable bindings with minimal overhead. We introduce a method for performing these proofs in ACL2, including a macro which automates the process of defining functions and theorems to facilitate reasoning about recursive data types. To illustrate this method, we present a proof in ACL2 of the soundness of the simply typed λ-calculus.
Compositional Petri net models of advanced tasking in Ada-95

The Ada language has been designed to support development of concurrent and distributed software. While the Ada-83 standard defined the basic mechanisms of rendezvous-based tasking, the Ada-95 standard significantly extended this capability with the introduction of several advanced tasking constructs. We present and discuss formal models of these key tasking constructs using the Petri net model. We also provide some formal evaluation of the models using one particular net-based method, invariant analysis. The constructs considered are the asynchronous transfer of control, the protected object, and the requeue statement. By modeling these advanced Ada tasking constructs with Petri nets, we obtain compositional models of the constructs that are complementary to earlier work in net-based modeling of Ada tasking, both in terms of defining precise behavior for tasking semantics, and also in terms of providing support for automated analysis of concurrent software.
Books-on-Demand Pilot Program: An Innovative “Patron-centric” Approach to Enhance the Library Collection

SUMMARY The collection budget at the University of Florida Libraries has been flat the past few years despite the increase in new degree programs offered at the university. With the creation of new academic programs, the ILL borrowing and document delivery units have experienced an increase in ILL requests from both on and off campus. Despite what little literature is available, the trend of purchasing materials requested via ILL rather than submitting an ILL request has emerged. By purchasing ILL requests the patrons contribute in defining the collection. In addition to receiving a purchased book quicker than a traditional ILL request, it is often cheaper to buy than to borrow. Based on this analysis, a proposal was submitted to the University of Florida Libraries administration to create a six-month pilot program with a $15,000 budget allocation for purchasing books that were originally requested via ILL. The pilot project was touted as a “patron-centric” approach to supplement the current collection de...
Pseudo-elastic deformation behavior in a Ti/Mo-based alloy

Abstract It is shown that the pseudo-elastic response in a series of Ti–Mo–V–Nb–Al alloys with 8–11 wt.% Mo is highly sensitive to both composition and heat treatment. Recovery of up to 3.0% strain has been observed but it appears that this may not be due to reversible formation of α″ martensite.
Student perceptions (and the reality) of percentage of journal articles found through full-text databases

Abstract Researchers [Coll. Res. Libr. 63 (2002) 515] have theorized that content and functionality affect whether people choose to retrieve journal articles from full-text electronic databases or from print copies. Full-text databases are often rated higher in functionality (i.e., convenience). This article examines why students may also believe that full-text databases have superior content. In addition, psychology students were asked what percentage of relevant psychology articles was available online and in print at their library and a neighboring institution. Students greatly overestimated how many articles were available online. The paper further discusses when students will exclusively choose full-text databases and what librarians can do to help combat the problem of exclusively using full-text databases.
Reciprocal ST change in acute myocardial infarction: assessment by electrocardiography and echocardiography.

To evaluate the incidence, time course and significance of reciprocal change, 25 consecutive patients admitted with their first acute transmural myocardial infarction were studied with serial electrocardiography and two-dimensional echocardiography. Reciprocal change was noted in all patients with inferior infarction (mean maximal ST segment depression 3.53 ± 1.97 mm) and 70% of patients with anterior infarction (mean maximal ST depression 1.45 ± 0.8 mm, p = 0.001). When initially present, reciprocal change had resolved within 24 hours in 59% of patients. The sum of reciprocal ST depression correlated with the sum of ST elevation in anterior (r = 0.92, p These data, therefore, do not support the hypothesis that reciprocal ST depressions during early acute transmural myocardial infarction reflect remote ischemia. Rather, these changes are influenced by factors determinng the degree of acute ST elevation, previously shown to include infarct size, shape, location, transmurality and duration.
Clinical commentary: the law of unintended ethics.

The law of unintended consequences is generally applied to technological advances that solve one problem but cause another. In this view, the problem created may be worse than that which was solved, hence the law is used as an argument against technological advances. Concern about intent and consequence comes to mind when reading the article by Ronald Green on parental decision making and prenatal genetics. Green's analysis, combined with the realities of genetic practice, raises questions about parental power, eugenics, and the interests of children affected by genetic or congenital disorders. Green proposes rules and draws conclusions that are not useful for clinicians and that promise harm to families and individuals affected by genetic disorders. Green's analysis may be an example of a corollary that could be viewed as the Law of Unintended Ethics. Green's paper begins with an apparently contradictory dual thesis. First, he supports unfettered parental decision making about their fetuses and children. Second, he suggests that we should strive to give our children lives unimpaired by serious genetic (or congenital) disorders.
Twenty-first century color lines: multiracial change in contemporary America

Twenty-first century color lines: multiracial change in contemporary America, edited by Andrew Grant-Thomas and Gary Orfield, Philadelphia, Temple University Press, 2009, xii + 312 pp., $74.50 (har...
Essential genes that regulate apoptosis

The expression of several genes has been associated with the induction of apoptosis in a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. However, relatively few gene products have been demonstrated to be required for cell death. This review highlights genes that are required for apoptosis and proposes mechanisms by which the proteins encoded by these genes might function.
Semi-purification and characterization of haemagglutinin substance fromAloe barbadensis Miller

Extracts of Aloe barbadensis Miller have been found to induce cell proliferation and haemagglutination effects. An ethanol extract of Aloe was found to be strongly haemagglutinating. The carbohydrate-ag@utinin binding was observed to be glucosamine dependent and the site of recognition of this particular sugar has been identified. Characterizations of the haemagglutinin by different treatments have shown that it is pH sensitive and heat and trypsin resistant.
2003 Erasmus Lecture Sex and reproduction: ready for divorce?

The effective separation of sex (â€˜in bedâ€™) and fertilization (â€˜under the microscopeâ€™) has already been practised successfully for the past 25 years by well over one million people â€“ virtually all of them suffering from infertility problems. But why, where and when will fertile people resort to assisted reproductive techniques to become parents? And why are the prospects for fundamentally new methods of birth control so dim?
The effect of anaerobic atmospheres on the stability of the virulence-related characteristics in Yersinia enterocolitica

Abstract This report presents information on the stability of the virulence plasmid in Yersinia enterocolitica under different anaerobic atmospheres. Exposure of plasmid-bearing virulent cells both in growing and stationary phases to anaerobic atmospheres consisting of 80% N 2 plus 20% H 2 ; 94% CO 2 plus 6% H 2 or under vacuum for 24 h at 28°C did not lead to the loss of the virulence plasmid from these cells. Virulence assays using crystal violet binding, low-calcium response, Congo red uptake, and hydrophobicity by latex particle agglutination, indicated that the cells were still virulent.
Comparative Efficacy of Thallium Adsorption by Activated Charcoal, Prussian Blue, and Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Background: Although Prussian blue is considered the antidote of choice for thallium poisoning, the lack of a Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmaceutical formulation has led to the search for other adsorbents. Activated charcoal has been demonstrated to adsorb thallium in vitro, and the similarity between thallium and potassium has led some authors to consider the use of sodium polystyrene sulfonate as a potential adsorbent. This experiment was designed to compare the relative thallium binding efficacy of these agents in a standard isotherm model. Methods: A standard aqueous solution of thallium acetate buffered to pH 7.0 was agitated at 25°C with activated charcoal, Prussian blue, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate at adsorbent:thallium ratios ranging from 1.5:1 to 100:1. In order to further simulate physiologic conditions, all trials were repeated in a solution containing 4 mmol/L potassium phosphate. After thorough agitation, the mixtures were allowed to settle and were centrifuged and filtered t...
Improvement of gas efficiency of negative ion sources

Abstract A modification of the currently operating Calutron, magnetron, and modified duoPIGatron negative ion source is proposed; the modification should improve gas efficiency by more than an order of magnitude in the Calutron, a factor of 5 in the magnetron, and a factor of 2 in the duoPIGatron.
Policing in drag: Giuliani goes global with the illusion of control

Abstract In 2002, Giuliani Partners was hired to implement Rudy Giuliani’s New York City strategy of ‘zero tolerance’, ‘quality of life’ style policing in Mexico City. As in New York City, Giuliani capitalized on residents’ fear and insecurity, but unlike in New York, he did not deliver a sense of stability and security. We argue that Giuliani’s ideas garner high popularity not because of their success on the ground, but due to their currency in public discourses where they produced a ‘cult of personality’ that masks the very real failures of neoliberalism in everyday life. As such, Giuliani’s policies in Mexico City constituted a performance: policing in drag, a dressing up of policies cloaked in the language of control, and alternatively marketed with Giuliani’s masculinity and reputation as a ‘tough guy.’ This performance is part of the ‘making up’ of neoliberal policy to mask as effective, comforting, logical, and inevitable a set of policy prescriptions that has led to more insecurity, not less.
Brain Asymmetry and Autonomic Control of the Heart

Neurocardiology has shown that the dynamic performance of the heart is strongly influenced by the brain, including the cerebral cortex. Neural control is mediated by sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers innervating the pacemaker, conductile, and contractile tissues of the heart. In this review, evidence is presented that autonomic control of the heart is lateralized, each brain side influencing cardiac activity in a different manner. Moreover, it is shown that asymmetries observed at the level of the cerebral hemispheres are characterized by different principles than asymmetries at the levels of the lower brain stem and the peripheral pathways. Findings on lateralized control of the heart are integrated into a general model of brain asymmetry, in which it is postulated that each hemisphere has a unique and comprehensive response system characterizing its cognitive, emotional, and physiological functioning.
Effect of sleep on interictal spikes and distribution of sleep spindles on electrocorticography in children with focal epilepsy.

Abstract Objective To determine how sleep with central spindles alters the spatial distribution of interictal spike frequency in children with intractable focal seizures, and whether such children have spindles arising from the medial temporal region in addition to the frontal–central region. Methods Seventeen children (age: 7 months–17 years) were studied using extraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG). Results Overall spike frequency across the subdural electrodes was greater during sleep with central spindles compared to wakefulness. In 13 children showing at least 1 spike/min in an electrode, the spatial distribution of spike frequency was similar during wakefulness and sleep; in addition, the spike frequency was greater in the seizure onset zones compared to the non-onset areas, regardless of wakefulness or sleep. Spindles were identified in the medial temporal region during sleep with central spindles in all 17 children. Conclusion Overall spike frequency may be increased by sleep with spindles, but the spatial distribution of spike frequency appears similar during wakefulness and sleep in children with intractable focal seizures. Significance Both awake and sleep ECoG may be useful to predict seizure onset zones in children with intractable focal epilepsy. Medial temporal spindles are present in some children with focal epilepsy.