cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Irreversible inhibition of Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 by methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate

Methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP) has been recently reported to be a selective, active-site directed, irreversible inhibitor of the Group IV 85 kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). We have now shown that this compound also potently inhibits the Ca2+-independent cytosolic phospholipase A2 (iPLA2). MAFP inhibited iPLA2 in a concentration-dependent manner with half-maximal inhibition observed at 0.5 μM after a 5 min preincubation at 40°C. This inhibition was not reversed upon extensive dilution of the enzyme into the assay mixture. Preincubation of iPLA2 with MAFP resulted in a linear, time-dependent inactivation of enzyme activity, and the enzyme was protected from inactivation by the reversible inhibitor PACOCF3. The ability of MAFP to inhibit the iPLA2 suggests that this enzyme proceeds through an acyl-enzyme intermediate as has been proposed for the cPLA2. Further testing indicated that MAFP did not inhibit the arachidonyl-CoA synthetase, CoA-dependent acyltransferase, or CoA-independent transacylase activities from P388D1 cells. Thus, MAFP is not a general inhibitor for enzymes which act on arachidonoyl substrates. Instead, the inhibitor appears to show some selectivity for PLA2, although it does not discriminate between cPLA2 and iPLA2. Particular caution must be exercised to distinguish these activities if this inhibitor is used in intact cells.
Interpreting physiological responses to environmental change through gene expression profiling

Identification of differentially expressed genes in response to environmental change offers insights into the roles of the transcriptome in the regulation of physiological responses. A variety of methods are now available to implement large-scale gene expression screens, and each method has specific advantages and disadvantages. Construction of custom cDNA microarrays remains the most popular route to implement expression screens in the non-model organisms favored by comparative physiologists, and we highlight some factors that should be considered when embarking along this path. Using a carp cDNA microarray, we have undertaken a broad, system-wide gene expression screen to investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying cold and hypoxia acclimation. This dataset provides a starting point from which to explore a range of specific mechanistic hypotheses at all levels of organization, from individual biochemical pathways to the level of the whole organism. We demonstrate the utility of two data analysis methods, Gene Ontology profiling and rank-based statistical methods, to summarize the probable physiological function of acclimation-induced gene expression changes, and to prioritize specific genes as candidates for further study.
A bacterial phenylalanine aminotransferase lacking pyridoxal 5'-phosphate as cofactor.

Abstract A bacterium has been isolated from soil which metabolises phenylalanine initially through the action of a phenylalanine aminotransferase. This enzyme has been purified by conventional techniques and affinity chromatography and shown to be unusual among aminotransferases in not containing pyridoxal 5′-phosphate as cofactor.
Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence Decay Under the Influence of Uniform or Random Magnetic Fields

We perform direct numerical simulations of decaying magnetohydrodynamic turbulence subject to initially uniform or random magnetic fields. We investigate the following features: (i) kinetic―magnetic energy exchange and velocity field anisotropy, (ii) action of Lorentz force, (iii) enstrophy and helicity behavior, and (iv) internal structure of the small scales. While tendency toward kinetic―magnetic energy equi-partition is observed in both uniform and random magnetic field simulations, the manner of approach to that state is very different in the two cases. Overall, the role of the Lorentz force is merely to bring about the equi-partition. No significant variance anisotropy of velocity fluctuations is observed in any of the simulations. The mechanism of enstrophy generation changes with the strength of the magnetic field, and helicity shows no significant growth in any of the cases. The small-scale structure (orientation between vorticity and strain-rate eigenvectors) does not appear to be influenced by the magnetic field.
Application of a specialized capacitance probe in bearing diagnosis

Abstract This paper reports on the potential of a new, non-contact sensor for the detection of defects in rotating systems. Proof-of-concept experiments have been performed with measurement of two gross `defects': a missing roller of a taper roller bearing, and an electrical discharge machined (EDM) line on a single taper roller. The probe used is based on the Contact Potential Difference (CPD) method, which measures the work function of dissimilar metals without physical contact. The work function is strongly influenced by the physical and chemical conditions of the surface, so the probe can be used to detect the geometrical features of a surface if the chemical conditions are fixed. The probe was inserted into a tapered roller bearing assembly via a hole in the cup to detect the signals from bearing rollers, without contacting the rollers. Individual rollers passing by the probe produce a repeatable electrical signal, and this signal can be used to monitor the surface condition of the rollers via the signal strength and frequency. The peak-to-peak voltage (ΔVcpd) of the probe increases with increasing rotational speed of a shaft and a decrease in spacing between the probe head and roller surface. Normal, undamaged bearing rollers generate a stable, steady state CPD signal with two main spikes. The defects on the roller surface cause the magnitude of the spikes of the CPD signal to decrease.
Lexical and Prosodic Effects on Syntactic Ambiguity Resolution in Aphasia

The purpose of this study was to determine whether and when individuals with aphasia and healthy controls use lexical and prosodic information during on-line sentence comprehension. Individuals with aphasia and controls (n = 12 per group) participated in a self-paced listening experiment. The stimuli were early closure sentences, such as “While the parents watched(,) the child sang a song.” Both lexical and prosodic cues were manipulated. The cues were biased toward the subject- or object- of the ambiguous noun phrase (the child). Thus, there were two congruous conditions (in which both lexical cues and prosodic cues were consistent) and two incongruous conditions (in which lexical and prosodic cues conflicted). The results showed that the people with aphasia had longer listening times for the ambiguous noun phrase (the child) when the cues were conflicting, rather than consistent. The controls showed effects earlier in the sentence, at the subordinate verb (watched or danced). Both groups showed evidence of reanalysis at the main verb (sang). These effects demonstrate that the aphasic group was sensitive to the lexical and prosodic cues, but used them on a delayed time course relative to the control group.
Patriotism in carmine: 162 years of July 4th oratory

AMONG the noteworthy collections of Americana housed in the archives of the Rare Book Room of the Library of Congress, certainly one of the most unique is that of the Independence Day orations. This special collection contains hundreds of different orations from 1777 down until the present time, and it has been built up over a period of many years. And quite fittingly, so far as this collection is concerned, the Rare Book Room itself is designed as a replica of the hall in which the Declaration of Independence was drawn up. An examination of a representative number of typical orations indicates definite trends in a division of American forensics with a history and tradition all its own. Since the Nation's birthday presumably calls forth the country's finest in education and eloquence, a perusal of this collection unfolds to the student of public speaking the historic evolution of the highest form of American oratory, as well as changing concepts of patriotism. During the early years of precarious existence of the Republic the patriotic fervor mirrored in these orations was pitched at a high plane. A large number of them, as might be expected, wound up on the same old tremolo note on the arbitrary nature of George III, while in all of them is a strong admixture of religious allusions. The earliest oration in this collection was delivered by the Rev. William Gordon, before the general court at Roxbury, Massachusetts, on Friday, July 4, 1777. It bore the peculiar title: "The Separation of the Jewish Tribes, after the Death of Solomon, Accounted for, and Applied to the Present Day." The purpose' of the speaker was to show how George III, like the ancient Rehoboam, had split an empire by tyranny. He appealed to his audience in closing:
Human cytochromes P450: problems and prospects

Abstract Cytochromes P450 are a superfamily of haem-containing monooxygenases. In mammals, two general dusses of P450s exist: six families involved in steroid and bile add biosynthetic pathways of metabolism; four families containing numerous individual P450s, mainly responsible for metabolism of foreign compounds. Many of the latter P450s, particularly those in the CYP2 family, exhibit a large degree of inter- and intra-spedes variability in regulation and catalytic activities. From a practical standpoint, these variabilities suggest the need for careful characterization of P450 catalytic activities and determination of P450 expression levels in humans. Human P450-based in vitro systems are being developed to evaluate drug and carcinogen metabolism.
Orbital dynamics of binary boson star systems

We extend our previous studies of head-on collisions of boson stars by considering orbiting binary boson stars. We concentrate on equal-mass binaries and study the dynamical behavior of boson/boson and boson/antiboson pairs. We examine the gravitational wave output of these binaries and compare with other compact binaries. Such a comparison lets us probe the apparent simplicity observed in gravitational waves produced by black hole binary systems. In our system of interest however, there is an additional internal freedom which plays a significant role in the system's dynamics, namely, the phase of each star. Our evolutions show rather simple behavior at early times, but large differences occur at late times for the various initial configurations.
Temperamental Profiles of Dysregulated Children.

It is crucial to characterize self-regulation in children. We compared the temperamental profiles of children with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Dysregulation Profile (CBCL-DP) to profiles associated with other CBCL-derived syndromes. 382 children (204 boys; aged 5–18) from a large family study were examined. Temperamental profiles were based on the Juvenile Temperament and Character Inventory. Children with the CBCL-DP had a temperamental profile characterized by high Novelty Seeking, high Harm Avoidance, low Reward Dependence and low Persistence. Linear mixed models and regression-based models demonstrated that the CBCL-DP was associated with a “disengaged” temperamental profile. This profile is similar to the profile seen in adult disorders of self-regulation, including cluster B personality disorders. These results support the hypothesis that the CBCL-DP measures poor self-regulation.
In Situ Spectroscopy in Ocean and Lake Waters

In situ experimental measurements over the wavelength range 400–700 nm have been made in Crater Lake and in Pacific coastal water to reveal their inherent absorption spectra. The measurements are reported as the ratio of the radiance observed in a horizontal direction underwater to the irradiance falling on the surface of the water and, as such, are independent of the spectral properties of the source of flux as well as those of the detector. The instrument used is discussed briefly and a short theoretical analysis is given to illustrate the effect of changes in absorption and scattering on the ratios obtained.
Alcohol and distraction interact to impair driving performance

Background Recognition of the risks associated with alcohol intoxication and driver distraction has led to a wealth of simulated driving research aimed at studying the adverse effects of each of these factors. Research on driving has moved beyond the individual, separate examination of these factors to the examination of potential interactions between alcohol intoxication and driver distraction. In many driving situations, distractions are commonplace and might have little or no disruptive influence on primary driving functions. Yet, such distractions might become disruptive to a driver who is intoxicated.
Aeromechanical Control of High-Speed Axial Compressor Stall and Engine Performance— Part I: Control-Theoretic Models

General methodologies are proposed in this two-part paper that further phenomenological understanding of compressible stall inception and aeromechanical control of high-speed axial compressors and engine performance. Developed in Part I are strategies for passive stabilization of compressible rotating stall, using tailored structural design and aeromechanical feedback control, implemented in certain classes of high-speed axial compressors used in research laboratories and by industry. Fundamentals of the stability of various dynamically-compensated, high-speed compressors was set down from linearized, compressible structural-hydrodynamic equations of modal stall inception extended further in this study from previous work. A dimensionless framework for performance-based design of aeromechanically-controlled compression system stall mitigation and engine performance is established, linking specified design flow and work-transfer (pressure) operability to model stages or local blade components, velocity triangle environment, optimum efficiency, extended stall margin and operability loci, and aeromechanical detailed design. A systematic evaluation was made in Part II (Coleman and McGee, 2013, “Aeromechanical Control of High-Speed Axial Compressor Stall and Engine Performance—Part II: Assessments of Methodology,” ASME J. Fluids Eng. (to be published)) on the performance of ten aeromechanical feedback controller schemes to increase the predicted range of stable operation of two laboratory compressor characteristics assumed, using static pressure sensing and local structural actuation to rudimentary postpone high-speed modal stall inception. The maximum flow operating range for each of the ten dynamically-compensated, high-speed compression systems was determined using optimized or “tailored” structural controllers, and the results described in Part II of the companion paper are compared to maximum operating ranges achieved in corresponding low-speed compression systems.
Occurrence of ethanolamine- and choline-containing plasmalogens in adipose tissue.

Analysis of phospholipids in porcine, bovine and rat adipose tissue revealed a relatively high level of plasmalogens (O-alk-1-enyl lipids). About 50% of the ethanolamine phospholipids in the pig and beef samples consisted of alk-1-enylacylglycerophosphorylethanolamine, and the corresponding value for the rat sample was near 35%. In the ethanolamine and choline phospholipid fractions, theO-alk-1-enyl moieties were almost exclusively 16∶0, 18∶0 and 18∶1, whereas the acyl moieties had chain lengths ranging from 16 to 22 carbon atoms with a high degree of unsaturation.
A Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Assay for Diagnosing Varicella-zoster Virus Retinitis in Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Purpose To develop a rapid, sensitive, and specific laboratory assay based on the polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods We developed and tested a polymerase chain reaction-based assay for the detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA in vitreous samples. We attempted to detect varicella-zoster virus DNA in 14 vitreous samples from patients with AIDS and a clinical diagnosis of progressive outer retinal necrosis syndrome. For controls, we also attempted to detect varicella-zoster virus DNA in vitreous samples from 75 immunocompetent patients with vitreoretinal disease and 88 patients with AIDS and vitreoretinal inflammatory disease not related to progressive outer retinal necrosis syndrome. Results Varicella-zoster virus DNA was detected in 11 of 14 vitreous samples from AIDS patients with progressive outer retinal necrosis syndrome. All three samples that scored negative for varicella-zoster virus DNA came from eyes that had been treated aggressively with antiviral drugs and had clinically inactive disease at the time of vitreous biopsy. Varicella-zoster virus DNA was detected in only two of 75 control vitreous samples from immunocompetent patients with vitreoretinal disease and two of 88 control vitreous samples from patients with AIDS and vitreoretinal inflammatory disease not related to progressive outer retinal necrosis syndrome. Conclusion We have developed a rapid, sensitive, and specific polymerase chain reaction-based diagnostic assay for varicella-zoster virus DNA that will assist in the diagnosis of varicella-zoster virus retinitis in patients with AIDS.
Effect of Lewis Acids on Reactivity Ratios for (Meth)acrylate/Nonpolar Alkene Copolymerizations

The effect of Lewis acids (AlCl3 and Sc(OTf)3) on the reactivity ratios for (meth)acrylate/1-hexene and methacrylate/norbornene radical copolymerizations was investigated. The reactivity ratio r1 for both methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate decreases in the presence of Lewis acids; 1-alkene reactivity ratio r2 is close to zero. The substantial decrease in r1 values and an increased polymerization rate demonstrate that Lewis acids promote (meth)acrylate cross-propagation significantly more than self-propagation, especially for methyl acrylate. The alkenes do not undergo self-propagation under our conditions. Furthermore, due to (a) enhanced binding of the Lewis acid to the carbonyl group on the monomer compared to those on the polymer and (b) the facile exchange of the Lewis acid between the monomer and the polymer, only a catalytic amount to Lewis acid is required to strongly influence alkene uptake and copolymerization rate.
The effects of Dalmane /flurazepam hydrochloride/ on human EEG characteristics.

Evaluation of the changes in the waking EEGs of six healthy male subjects who received 30 mg daily oral doses of flurazepam hydrochloride for two weeks. A placebo was then substituted for flurazepam for another two weeks. An increase in beta activity with a maximum in fronto-central leads was observed during the test period. A small increase in the mean wavelength of the alpha and theta activities in the central-occipital derivations was also apparent in the subjects during the period.
Effect of crosslinking and long-term storage on the shape-memory behavior of (meth)acrylate-based shape-memory polymers

This work highlights the free- and fixed-strain shape-memory response of amorphous (meth)acrylate-based shape-memory polymers as the level of crosslinking is varied from uncrosslinked to highly crosslinked (corresponding to a decrease in failure strains and overall increase in rubbery moduli and failure stresses). The effect of long-term storage on the free-strain shape-memory response is also considered. Tensile deformation levels during the shape-memory cycle are 90% of failure strain values to determine the full extent of free- and fixed-strain recovery behavior. All materials demonstrate full shape-recovery under free-strain conditions (material is unconstrained during recovery); however, total recoverable strains increase with decreasing crosslinking level, with uncrosslinked and lightly crosslinked materials recovering strains on the order of 3–10× that of moderately and highly crosslinked materials. In contrast, under fixed-strain conditions (material is fully constrained in the fixed shape during recovery), the magnitude of recovery stress generation increases with increasing crosslinking level, with highly crosslinked materials demonstrating recovery stress levels 4–20× that of lightly crosslinked and uncrosslinked materials. The ability to produce recovery stresses on par with those reached during deformation also increases with crosslinking level. Stored-shape fixation and free-strain recovery levels remain stable after long-term storage in the deformed temporary state at 20 °C; however, recovery onset temperatures increase (by up to 9 °C) with storage time spanning ∼1 year, as do rates of free-strain recovery (by up to 9×), due to physical aging. Results indicate that aging could potentially be used as a method for shape-memory response optimization.
Hematological responses to hematozoa in North American and neotropical songbirds

Abstract Hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, and blood parasite loads ( Plasmodium , Leucocytozoon , Haemoproteus , Trypanosoma , microfilariae) were measured in 688 passerine birds captured at four sites in the US and Belize, C.A., to assess physiological consequences of parasitemia. Parasite loads were low overall: 80% of birds had Hamilton and Zuk (1982) version of the ‘good genes’ hypothesis.
Selective activation of androgen receptors in the subcortical brain of male cynomolgus macaques by physiological hormone levels and its relationship to androgen-dependent aromatase activity.

Aromatase activity (AA) is androgen dependent and independent in subcortical regions of the nonhuman primate brain, but the correlation of androgen receptor (AR) content with AA has not been demonstrated. Thus, we castrated 10 adult male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and divided them into 2 groups. One group (n = 6) received empty Silastic capsules, whereas the second group (n = 4) received Silastic capsules filled with testosterone (T). Animals were killed after 3 weeks. Microsomal AA and cytosolic and nuclear AR were determined in specific brain regions dissected from frozen sections. Sera from T-treated subjects contained T, dihydrotestosterone, and LH levels that were not significantly different from the precastration amounts (P < 0.05). Cytosolic AR concentrations declined after T treatment in 12 of 20 brain areas studied (P < 0.05). Nuclear AR levels, on the other hand, were significantly elevated after T treatment (activated) only in the ventral medial nucleus (VMN) and infundibular nucl...
Nucleolar Delocalization of Human Topoisomerase I in Response to Topotecan Correlates with Sumoylation of the Protein

DNA topoisomerase (topo) I is an essential nuclear protein and a target for anticancer drug camptothecin derivatives. As a nuclear protein, topo I is concentrated in the nucleolus. However, this nucleolar distribution of topo I is dynamic. It has been shown recently that topo I rapidly moves out of the nucleolus (nucleolar delocalization) in response to topo I inhibitors. In the present study, we demonstrated that nucleolar delocalization of topo I is associated with its conjugation by SUMOs (small ubiquitin-like modifiers) in response to the topo I inhibitor topotecan. Time-course experiments revealed that SUMO-topo I conjugation occurred at as early as 5 min after drug treatment, which was earlier than its observed nucleolar delocalization. Furthermore, heat shock blocked sumoylation of topo I; it also blocked the nucleolar delocalization of topo I fusion proteins. UBC9 is an E2 (ubiquitin carrier protein)-conjugating enzyme essential for sumoylation. Although overexpression of wild-type UBC9 enhanced both sumoylation and nuclear delocalization of topo I, overexpression of a UBC9 dominant negative mutant attenuated topo I sumoylation and its nucleolar delocalization. Taken together, our results suggest that sumoylation of topo I might serve as an addressing tag for its nucleolar delocalization in response to topo I inhibitors.
A P2X7 receptor stimulates plasma membrane trafficking in the FRTL rat thyrocyte cell line

Thyroid cells express a variety of P2Y and P2X purinergic receptor subtypes. G protein-coupled P2Y receptors influence a wide variety of thyrocyte-specific functions; however, functional P2X recept...
ANALYSES OF MAMMALIAN SERA IN ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAYS WITH DIFFERENT STRAINS OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI SENSU LATO

Blood samples were collected from cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) between 1977 and 1991 in southern Connecticut and New York State (USA) and were tested for antibodies against eight strains of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Among these spirochetes were six strains of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, one strain of B. garinii (=IP90) and a strain (IPF) in group VS461. Sera from each study group reacted positively to all strains having origins in North America and Eurasia. Assay sensitivities normally ranged between 85% and 100% for all study groups. The lowest sensitivity (66%) was noted when mouse sera were tested with B. garinii, an isolate from Ixodes persulcatus in the former Soviet Union. Differences in serum reactivity to various strains were noted for all study groups, but because of multiple shared antigens among the closely related spiroc...
Positive interactions among competitors can produce species‐rich communities

Although positive interactions between species are well documented, most ecological theory for investigating multispecies coexistence remains rooted in antagonistic interactions such as competition and predation. Standard resource-competition models from this theory predict that the number of coexisting species should not exceed the number of factors that limit population growth. Here I show that positive interactions among resource competitors can produce species-rich model communities supported by a single limiting resource. Simulations show that when resource competitors reduce each others' per capita mortality rate (e.g. by ameliorating an abiotic stress), stable multispecies coexistence with a single resource may be common, even while the net interspecific interaction remains negative. These results demonstrate that positive interactions may provide an important mechanism for generating species-rich communities in nature. They also show that focusing on the net interaction between species may conceal important coexistence mechanisms when species simultaneously engage in both antagonistic and positive interactions.
The application of wavelet neural networks to adaptive transform coding of one dimensional signals

The inverse receptive field partition (IRFP) algorithm developed from the receptive field partition (RFP) algorithm, operates on a wavelet basis function network. This technique is a fast method of basis function selection. It begins with the highest resolution wavelet basis functions as its seed functions. Like RFP, IRFP then uses receptive field activation principle during training. This principle insures only wavelets within a specified interval are chosen as candidates. By way of the receptive activation principle, wavelets are selected with the best fit from a precalculated development pool and moved to the main pool. The selection of wavelet coefficients for the main pool is based on best fit across all resolutions. Overall functional fit can be controlled by global MSE and pruning thresholds.
Ex vivo ERG analysis of photoreceptors using an in vivo ERG system

The Function of the retina and effects of drugs on it can be assessed by recording transretinal voltage across isolated retina that is perfused with physiological medium. However, building ex vivo ERG apparatus requires substantial amount of time, resources and expertise. Here we adapted a commercial in vivo ERG system for transretinal ERG recordings from rod and cone photoreceptors and compared rod and cone signaling between ex vivo and in vivo environments. We found that the rod and cone a- and b-waves recorded with the transretinal ERG adapter and a standard in vivo ERG system are comparable to those obtained from live anesthetized animals. However, ex vivo responses are somewhat slower and their oscillatory potentials are suppressed as compared to those recorded in vivo. We found that rod amplification constant (A) was comparable between ex vivo and in vivo conditions, ∼10-30s(-2) depending on the choice of response normalization. We estimate that the A in cones is between 3 and 6s(-2) in ex vivo conditions and by assuming equal A in vivo we arrive to light funnelling factor of 3 for cones in the mouse retina. The ex vivo ERG adapter provides a simple and affordable alternative to designing a custom-built transretinal recordings setup for the study of photoreceptors. Our results provide a roadmap to the rigorous quantitative analysis of rod and cone responses made possible with such a system.
Huffman trees as a basis for a dynamic mutual exclusion algorithm for distributed systems

A distributed mutual exclusion algorithm based on Huffmann trees is described. A request message is passed from a leaf node all the way to the root, signaling that a node is allowed to enter the critical section. Fault tolerance is achieved by forming the Huffman tree dynamically. It is shown that the approach has broad applications in distributed systems where nodes are often organized as a logical tree for ease of coordination. High fault tolerance is achieved, since a faulty node can be detected by its neighbor and thus be deleted from the tree. >
Array processing for RFID tag localization exploiting multi-frequency signals

RFID is an increasingly valuable business and technology tool for electronically identifying, locating, and tracking products, assets, and personnel. As a result, precise positioning and tracking of RFID tags and readers have received considerable attention from both academic and industrial communities. Finding the position of RFID tags is considered an important task in various real-time locating systems (RTLS). As such, numerous RFID localization products have been developed for various applications. The majority of RFID positioning systems is based on the fusion of pieces of relevant information, such as the range and the direction-of-arrival (DOA). For example, trilateration can determine the tag position by using the range information of the tag estimated from three or more spatially separated reader antennas. Triangulation is another method to locate RFID tags that use the direction-of-arrival (DOA) information estimated at multiple spatially separated locations. The RFID tag positions can also be determined through hybrid techniques that combine the range and DOA information. The focus of this paper to study the design and performance of the localization of passive RFID tags using array processing techniques in a multipath environment, and exploiting multi-frequency CW signals. The latter are used to decorrelate the coherent multipath signals for effective DOA estimation and for the purpose of accurate range estimation. Accordingly, the spatial and frequency dimensionalities are fully utilized for robust and accurate positioning of RFID tags.
Nanostructure and chemical inhomogeneity in TbFe magneto-optical films

High spatial resolution chemical imaging results provided the first direct experimental evidence illustrating nanosegregation in thin films of sputtered Tb-Fe alloys. The observed chemical segregation appeared to result from the initial nucleation and growth of stable Fe-rich amorphous phase. The measured properties such as local fluctuation and magnetization reversal processes are explained on the basis of this chemical segregation effect. >
Modeling organic aerosols in a megacity: comparison of simple and complex representations of the volatility basis set approach

Abstract. The Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) is modified to include a volatility basis set (VBS) treatment of secondary organic aerosol formation. The VBS approach, coupled with SAPRC-99 gas-phase chemistry mechanism, is used to model gas-particle partitioning and multiple generations of gas-phase oxidation of organic vapors. In addition to the detailed 9-species VBS, a simplified mechanism using 2 volatility species (2-species VBS) is developed and tested for similarity to the 9-species VBS in terms of both mass and oxygen-to-carbon ratios of organic aerosols in the atmosphere. WRF-Chem results are evaluated against field measurements of organic aerosols collected during the MILAGRO 2006 campaign in the vicinity of Mexico City. The simplified 2-species mechanism reduces the computational cost by a factor of 2 as compared to 9-species VBS. Both ground site and aircraft measurements suggest that the 9-species and 2-species VBS predictions of total organic aerosol mass as well as individual organic aerosol components including primary, secondary, and biomass burning are comparable in magnitude. In addition, oxygen-to-carbon ratio predictions from both approaches agree within 25 %, providing evidence that the 2-species VBS is well suited to represent the complex evolution of organic aerosols. Model sensitivity to amount of anthropogenic semi-volatile and intermediate volatility (S/IVOC) precursor emissions is also examined by doubling the default emissions. Both the emission cases significantly under-predict primary organic aerosols in the city center and along aircraft flight transects. Secondary organic aerosols are predicted reasonably well along flight tracks surrounding the city, but are consistently over-predicted downwind of the city. Also, oxygen-to-carbon ratio predictions are significantly improved compared to prior studies by adding 15 % oxygen mass per generation of oxidation; however, all modeling cases still under-predict these ratios downwind as compared to measurements, suggesting a need to further improve chemistry parameterizations of secondary organic aerosol formation.
Modeling of microwave ovens with perforated metal walls

An applied technique is proposed for resolution of issues arising in computational modeling of microwave ovens with perforated regions of metal walls. The technique relies on replacement of perforated segments by solid metal surfaces characterized by identical electric conductivity, which is calculated using S-parameters obtained by FDTD simulation of a perforated sheet in a waveguide. This approach is employed in FDTD modeling of a particular domestic microwave oven with two perforated wall segments with circular holes of diameter 3 and 3.6 mm. The resulting simulations show that perforated regions of metal walls make a negligible impact on the frequency characteristics of the reflection coefficient and so these regions can be safely replaced in the model by solid PEC sheets.
A case report of a patient with Pfeiffer syndrome, an FGRF 2 mutation (Trp290Cys) and unique ocular anterior segment findings.

Purpose: To report a case of a child with Pfeiffer syndrome, unique ocular anterior segment findings and a mutation in FGFR2 (Trp290Cys).Methods: Case Report.Results: We describe a patient with Pfeiffer syndrome with a unique constellation of ocular anterior segment anomalies including microcornea, limbal scleralization, corectopia and glaucoma. Genomic DNA extraction was heterozygous for a G to T mutation at nucleotide 870 of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene (FGFR2) which changes tryptophan (TGG) to cysteine (TGT) at amino acid position 290 (Trp290Cys).Conclusion: This case supports the association between Pfeiffer syndrome and severe ocular anterior segment anomalies, including glaucoma, and underscores the possible role that FGFR2 has in development of the anterior segment of the eye.
The anion gap (AG): studies in the nephrotic syndrome and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Although "unmeasured" anions contribute to metabolic acidosis in a variety of disease states, they are generally not measured directly but estimated from the calculation of "gaps." Among the most commonly used method, the anion gap (AG) is not only a function of "unmeasured" anions, but also it is a function of plasma non-carbonate buffers (albumin and phosphate), the plasma pH, and the method of measurement. To clarify the contribution of non-carbonate buffers to the AG, the Figge-Fencl-Waston model of human plasma was applied to laboratory values obtained from two novel populations, patients with nephrotic syndrome and patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The model performed adequately, justifying the common clinical practice of correcting the AG for the net protein charge.
Uncovering the secrets of unusual phase diagrams: applications of two-dimensional Wang-Landau sampling

We use a two-dimensional Wang-Landau sampling algorithm to calculate the density of states for two discrete spin models and then extract their phase diagrams. The first system is an asymmetric Ising model on a triangular lattice with two- and three-body interactions in an external field. An accurate density of states allows us to locate the critical endpoint accurately in a two-dimensional parameter space. We observe a divergence of the spectator phase boundary and of the temperature derivative of the magnetization coexistence diameter at the critical endpoint in quantitative agreement with theoretical predictions. The second model is a Q-state Potts model in an external field H. We map the phase diagram of this model for Q > 8 and observe a first-order phase transition line that starts at the H = 0 phase transition point and ends at a critical point (Tc,Hc), which must be located in a two-dimensional parameter space. The critical field Hc(Q) is positive and increases with Q, in qualitative agreement with previous theoretical predictions.
Performance of Ultra-Thin Bituminous Overlays

Ultra-thin bonded bituminous surface (UBBS or Novachip) is a preventive maintenance or thin surface treatment that consists of a thin, gap-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA) layer applied over a thick polymer-modified emulsion layer. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has been using UBBS since 2002 and some of these projects are now being rehabilitated. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of UBBS projects in Kansas using distress data from the Pavement Management Information System (PMIS). It was found that pavements treated with UBBS showed high variability in service life with the majority serving six years. Before and after (BAA) studies showed that UBBS reduces pavement roughness, transverse and fatigue cracking one year after the treatment. A sharp drop-off in effectiveness for mitigating transverse and fatigue cracking was observed after a couple of years in service. The analysis of variance shows that service life, cumulative traffic and existing pavement thickness are not significant determinants of progression of distresses.
Experimental Measurements of 2.25-cm Backscatter from Sea Surfaces

Airborne 2.25-cm wavelength radar backscatter measurements of low-wind-speed sea conditions were obtained off the coast of Texas in January 1971. These data are compared with unpublished NASA 2.25-cm backscatter measurements recorded over the Atlantic in 1970. The two data sets were in general agreement and supported results previously reported by other authors which showed the absence of a saturation effect at this wavelength. Analyses of these data using computerized clustering techniques indicated that a wind speed measurement accuracy of 5-7 knots is an operational potential.
THE INFLUENCE OF ADRENALECTOMY ON THE UTILIZATION OF ACETONE BODIES

BECAUSE adrenalectomy reduced the ketonuria we concluded (MacKay and Barnes 1936, 1937) along with others (Evans, 1936 and Fry 1937) that this procedure had an antiketogenic action, reducing acetone body formation in the organism. Subsequent studies (Mirsky 1938, Shipley and Long 1938, and MacKay and Wick 1939) have shown that the changes in the ketonuria were due to changes in the renal threshold for the acetone bodies. The same observations invalidate the suggestion we once made (MacKay and Barnes 1938) that adrenalectomy increases the ketolytic activity of the organism. This has already been pointed out (MacKay and Wick 1939) where we concluded that “The influence of adrenalectomy upon ketolytic activity will have to be studied by the use of arterio-venous differences….” The results of such a study are presented here.
FGF9 promotes survival of germ cells in the fetal testis

In addition to its role in somatic cell development in the testis, our data have revealed a role for Fgf9 in XY germ cell survival. In Fgf9-null mice, germ cells in the XY gonad decline in numbers after 11.5 days post coitum (dpc), while germ cell numbers in XX gonads are unaffected. We present evidence that germ cells resident in the XY gonad become dependent on FGF9 signaling between 10.5 dpc and 11.5 dpc, and that FGF9 directly promotes XY gonocyte survival after 11.5 dpc, independently from Sertoli cell differentiation. Furthermore, XY Fgf9-null gonads undergo true male-to-female sex reversal as they initiate but fail to maintain the male pathway and subsequently express markers of ovarian differentiation (Fst and Bmp2). By 14.5 dpc, these gonads contain germ cells that enter meiosis synchronously with ovarian gonocytes. FGF9 is necessary for 11.5 dpc XY gonocyte survival and is the earliest reported factor with a sex-specific role in regulating germ cell survival.
Lattice point simplices

We consider simplices in [w” with lattice point vertices, no other boundary lattice points and n interior lattice points, with an emphasis on the barycentric coordinates of the interior points. We completely classify such triangles under unimodular equivalence and enumerate. For example, in a lattice point triangle with exactly one interior point, that point must be the centroid. We discuss the literature for fundamental tetrahedra and prove that there are seven possible barycentric coordinates for a one-point tetrahedron. Following suggestions of P. ErdGs, we prove that, for fixed m and n, there are only finitely many possible sets of barycentric coordinates for the interior points. We also discuss a generalization of Beatty’s problem in combinatorial number theory which has arisen several times in recent years.
Teaching for Social Justice in Multicultural Classrooms

Drawing on my work in the U.S., I briefly discuss four related hallmarks of teaching for social justice in diverse classrooms, supported by research on their impact on students. They include explic...
STRATOCLADISTIC ANALYSIS OF BLASTOID PHYLOGENY

Stratocladistics combines morphological and stratigraphic data in a parsimony-based analysis of evolutionary relationships. We use stratocladistics here to provide an overview of the phylogeny of the extinct echinoderm class Blastoidea. Both cladistic and stratocladistic methods evaluate alternative phylogenies by comparing the number of ad hoc hypotheses needed to reconcile each alternative to observed data. Minimization of ad hoc hypotheses selects the phylogeny best supported by data and enables phylogenetic analyses to incorporate data from different sources. Cladistics treats ad hoc hypotheses of homoplasy, whereas stratocladistics addi- tionally considers ad hoc hypotheses of differential preservation probability of lineages in the stratigraphic record. The blastoid phylogeny derived using stratocladistics is more resolved than hypotheses selected by cladistics. Although the morpho- logical characters are relatively homoplasious, in this instance the stratigraphic ordering of fossils provides both structure and altered polarity for the stratocladistic hypothesis. The stratocladistic phylogeny supports previous paleontological conclusions of convergence among blastoid lineages and facilitates evaluation of specific hypotheses of character transformation that are integral to recent systematic revisions. Additionally, consideration of temporal data makes some hypotheses of ancestor-descendant relationships more parsimonious than hypotheses of derivation from a common ancestor. The ability to recognize sequential members within single lineages allows more accurate estimation of faunal diversities and more specific reconstruction of evolutionary histories. Chief among possible confounding factors in stratocladistics are instances where preservation potential shows significant geographic variation, although problems of pres- ervation are more tractable than the difficulties homoplasy presents for cladistic analysis.
A network of autism linked genes stabilizes two pools of synaptic GABAA receptors

Changing receptor abundance at synapses is an important mechanism for regulating synaptic strength. Synapses contain two pools of receptors, immobilized and diffusing receptors, both of which are confined to post-synaptic elements. Here we show that immobile and diffusing GABA(A) receptors are stabilized by distinct synaptic scaffolds at C. elegans neuromuscular junctions. Immobilized GABA(A) receptors are stabilized by binding to FRM-3/EPB4.1 and LIN-2A/CASK. Diffusing GABA(A) receptors are stabilized by the synaptic adhesion molecules Neurexin and Neuroligin. Inhibitory post-synaptic currents are eliminated in double mutants lacking both scaffolds. Neurexin, Neuroligin, and CASK mutations are all linked to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Our results suggest that these mutations may directly alter inhibitory transmission, which could contribute to the developmental and cognitive deficits observed in ASD.
Trip Production Forecasting Models for Urban Areas

Analysis of data from approx 15 origin-destination studies in a population range of 20,000 - 500,000 was performed to develop, through the use of factor analysis and regression-correlation techniques, a number of simplistic models that quantify the number of various types of trips in various types of vehicles by various users relative to definable attributes of the urban areas (i.e., population, car ownership, etc.). The purpose of the development of the models is to allow the transportation planner the opportunity to quantify estimated gross trip numbers in his community by purpose and mode in a relatively easy manner with the expectation that the predicted values achieved will be within a reasonable degree of accuracy to the actual value that will occur.
The Household and the Making of History: How Northwestern Europe Was Strange

In a sparkling little book with the engaging title Big Structures, Large Processes, Huge Comparisons , social historian Charles Tilly reminded colleagues in the mid-1980s of an awkward situation that is still with us. He pointed out that despite many heroic efforts, scholars have still not sorted out what it was that made western Europe the site of changes that, from about 1500, ushered in the modern era – changes that are still making themselves felt around the globe. As one commentator lately inquired, “Why did a relatively small and backward periphery on the western fringes of the Eurasian continent burst out into the world in the sixteenth century and by the nineteenth century become a dominant force in almost all corners of the earth?” While the role of western Europeans in giving birth to the first “models of modernity” has been variously portrayed, not to mention regularly decried, it is impossible to dismiss compelling evidence that it was events set in motion within that region that are continuing to transform the world – for good, arguably, as well as for ill. Yet there is still no consensus as to why that was so. Fernand Braudel, distinguished interpreter of that change as well as an ardent proponent of the vanguard role of western Europe, puts the point boldly in his famous multivolume endeavor to explain just how the contemporary capitalist world took shape in the years from 1500 to 1800.