The yeast F1-ATPase beta subunit precursor contains functionally redundant mitochondrial protein import information

The NH2 terminus of the yeast F1-ATPase beta subunit precursor directs the import of this protein into mitochondria. To define the functionally important components of this import signal, oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis was used to introduce a series of deletion and missense mutations into the gene encoding the F1-beta subunit precursor. Among these mutations were three nonoverlapping deletions, two within the 19-amino-acid presequence (delta 5-12 and delta 16-19) and one within the mature protein (delta 28-34). Characterization of the mitochondrial import properties of various mutant F1-beta subunit proteins containing different combinations of these deletions showed that import was blocked only when all three deletions were combined. Mutant proteins containing all possible single and pairwise combinations of these deletions were found to retain the ability to direct mitochondrial import of the F1-beta subunit. These data suggest that the F1-beta subunit contains redundant import information at its NH2 terminus. In fact, we found that deletion of the entire F1-beta subunit presequence did not prevent import, indicating that a functional mitochondrial import signal is present near the NH2 terminus of the mature protein. Furthermore, by analyzing mitochondrial import of the various mutant proteins in [rho-] yeast, we obtained evidence that different segments of the F1-beta subunit import signal may act in an additive or cooperative manner to optimize the import properties of this protein

Learning from the experts: enabling and studying DIY development of location-based visitor experiences

In this paper we show how -- with the aid of enabling technology -- creative Location Based Experiences can be developed for visitors by non-technical professionals from the cultural heritage sector. We look at how these "Place Experts" approach and adopt web technologies to create and publish experiences including the roles they take on, the processes they adopt, and the way they appropriate the technology. We describe our short and long-term research engagements with the cultural heritage sector over the last three years and introduce Wander Anywhere, the website developed to enable this research. We find that place experts typically follow a four stage process in their engagement with location-based experiences, moving from comprehension to translation, development and finally approval. We suggest implications for the processes and technologies that might be employed by others seeking to support a similar type of engagement

A framework to guide the design of environments coupling mobile and situated technologies

An increasing number of devices are being situated in public spaces yet interactions with such devices are problematic: they tend to be impersonal and subject to social apprehension while devices suitable for specific tasks may be difficult to locate. This thesis considers how one might design for these environments to overcome these issues and deliver engaging user experiences. It proposes the coupling of the interactive features of mobile and situated devices to facilitate personalised interactions with those situated devices. The thesis explores coupling techniques that extend the computational capabilities of the situated device through the addition of the input, output and storage capabilities of the mobile device. Finally it considers how multiple points of coupling can be used to link sequences of interactions with different situated devices providing rich, cohesive experiences across an environment. The thesis presents a novel framework that builds upon previous work. Existing work is reviewed that links mobiles with single situated displays, and that uses mobiles for mediating exploration of physical spaces to address the lack of work addressing multiple situated de-vices in public. This review grounds a proposal and elaboration of a core model of interaction within a coupling environment, providing the basis for a design framework. This was sup-ported by the implementation of a test-bed that consisted of six couples in various configura-tions, underpinned by a software infrastructure. Formative user studies refined the framework and revealed novel aspects of the user experi-ence for study. It was found that through support for narrative and personal orchestration, coupling environments afford personalised trajectories. By designing for personal trajectories the visitor has a more enjoyable personal experience and seeks to improve the experiences of others. In addition, coupling environments support social experiences; the step-by-step nature of a visitor’s trajectory through the coupling environment lends itself to gradually introducing visitors to social coupled interaction and reducing social awkwardness

A framework to guide the design of environments coupling mobile and situated technologies

An increasing number of devices are being situated in public spaces yet interactions with such devices are problematic: they tend to be impersonal and subject to social apprehension while devices suitable for specific tasks may be difficult to locate. This thesis considers how one might design for these environments to overcome these issues and deliver engaging user experiences. It proposes the coupling of the interactive features of mobile and situated devices to facilitate personalised interactions with those situated devices. The thesis explores coupling techniques that extend the computational capabilities of the situated device through the addition of the input, output and storage capabilities of the mobile device. Finally it considers how multiple points of coupling can be used to link sequences of interactions with different situated devices providing rich, cohesive experiences across an environment. The thesis presents a novel framework that builds upon previous work. Existing work is reviewed that links mobiles with single situated displays, and that uses mobiles for mediating exploration of physical spaces to address the lack of work addressing multiple situated de-vices in public. This review grounds a proposal and elaboration of a core model of interaction within a coupling environment, providing the basis for a design framework. This was sup-ported by the implementation of a test-bed that consisted of six couples in various configura-tions, underpinned by a software infrastructure. Formative user studies refined the framework and revealed novel aspects of the user experi-ence for study. It was found that through support for narrative and personal orchestration, coupling environments afford personalised trajectories. By designing for personal trajectories the visitor has a more enjoyable personal experience and seeks to improve the experiences of others. In addition, coupling environments support social experiences; the step-by-step nature of a visitor’s trajectory through the coupling environment lends itself to gradually introducing visitors to social coupled interaction and reducing social awkwardness

Smart grids, smart users? The role of the user in demand side management

Smart grids are a key feature of future energy scenarios, with the overarching goal of better aligning energy generation and demand. The work presented here considers the role of the user in such systems, and the contexts in which such roles might emerge. The data used is drawn from focus groups with 72 participants, using novel scenario techniques to contextualise smart grid technologies in domestic settings. Two contrasting visions of the smart grid are presented, a centralised system based on current institutional arrangements, and an alternative system in which decentralisation of generation and control is pursued. Using the concepts of ‘energy consumer’ and ‘energy citizen’, the paper considers what forms of engagement are likely to be generated by the two visions. We propose that smart grid designs must look beyond simply the technology and recognise that a smart user who is actively engaged with energy is critical to much of what is proposed by demand side management. We conclude that the energy citizen holds out most promise in this regard. The implications of this for policy makers are discussed

GoldenWind at SemEval-2021 Task 5: Orthrus – An Ensemble Approach to Identify Toxicity

Publisher PD

Photoelectron spectroscopy of manganese-based Heusler alloys

Ultraviolet-photoemission spectroscopy has been employed to investigate the valence-band electronic structures of the magnetic alloys Co2MnSn, Cu2MnAl, and Pd2MnSn.The valence band of Co2MnSn extends to approximately 5 eV below the Fermi level with a high density of states immediately below the Fermi edge. Cu2MnAl and Pd2MnSn have valence-band widths of 6 and 7 eV, respectively, with the highest density of states lying some 3 eV below the Fermi level in each case. Photoemission measurements in the region of the Mn 3p threshold indicate that Mn 3d character extends across the full width of the valence band for all three alloys. For Pd2MnSn, additional photoemission measurements in the region of the Pd 4d Cooper minimum confirm this conclusion. Modulations in photocurrent resulting from Mn 3p-to-3d resonances across the valence band of Co2MnSn are most intense towards the bottom of the band. This is discussed in terms of possible variations in initial-state hybridization. The experimental photoemission spectra are compared with calculated spectra derived from theoretical band structures. Although there are some differences in shape, the bandwidths of the calculated spectra agree very well with the experimental results