cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radio Frequency Identification Systems

Promising to replace all optical barcodes and other types of automatic contactless identification techniques, the Ultra High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification (UHF RFID) systems stimulated a large-scale movement both in industry and academia in 2002. Automatic contactless identification systems are not new technologies; barcodes and various types of magnetic coupling RFIDs have been on the market for decades. The main advantage of UHF RFID systems over the former techniques is their longer read-range and faster reading procedure, extending their range of applications dramatically. As these UHF RFID systems developed, their limitations and disadvantages became known. In response, other techniques including Near-Field Communication RFIDs and chipless RFIDs have been proposed. First, we will review the basic history of automatic contactless identification techniques, then go through some of the important techniques in more detail. The main purpose of this chapter is to give a brief overview of the important automatic contactless identification techniques.
Indomethacin inhibition of glutathione S-transferases.

Abstract Indomethacin inhibited rat liver glutathione S-transferases (EC 2.5.1.18). Its inhibition was non-competitive with respect to 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene with an apparent K i of 5.3 × 10 −5 M and uncompetitive with respect to glutathione with an apparent K i of 4.0 × 10 −5 M. 4-Chlorobenzoic acid and 5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetic acid, two metabolites of indomethacin, were weak inhibitors of the enzymes. On the other hand, meclofenamic acid was a competitive inhibitor of the enzymes with an apparent K i of 3.0 × 10 −4 M. Possible significance of these findings in arachidonic acid metabolism is discussed.
Simulation of nanostructured electrodes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract Aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with Pt uniformly deposited on them are being considered in fabricating the catalyst layer of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell electrodes. When coated with a proton conducting polymer (e.g., Nafion) on the Pt/CNTs, each Pt/CNT acts as a nanoelectrode and a collection of such nanoelectrodes constitutes the proposed nanostructured electrodes. Computer modeling was performed for the cathode side, in which both multicomponent and Knudsen diffusion were taken into account. The effect of the nanoelectrode lengths was also studied with catalyst layer thicknesses of 2, 4, 6, and 10 μm. It was observed that shorter lengths produce better electrode performance due to lower diffusion barriers and better catalyst utilization. The effect of spacing between the nanoelectrodes was studied. Simulation results showed the need to have sufficiently large gas pores, i.e., large spacing, for good oxygen transport. However, this is at the cost of obtaining large electrode currents due to reduction of the number of nanoelectrodes per unit geometrical area of the nanostructured electrode. An optimization of the nanostructured electrodes was obtained when the spacing was at about 400 nm that produced the best limiting current density.
Influence of roots on denitrification

The influence of excised grass roots on denitrification was studied in the controlled atmosphere of helium and oxygen (80:20). Preliminary results suggest that respiring roots may aid in denitrification by creating oxygen deficiency in the rhizosphere.
A parametric fuzzy-set prediction model

Abstract A popular prediction tool for decision making is the compensatory model based on regression analysis. In this model, the predicted performance is given by a linear combination of predictor scores, so that a reduction on the score of one variable can be compensated for by an increase in the score of a second variable. As an alternative this paper explores the predictive value of two simple Boolean models in which the predicted scores are given by predictor values connected by the or and and operators through the vehicle of fuzzy-set theory. Paramatized transformations relating raw scores on predictors to fuzzy-set membership are introduced and optimal values found. The model is tested on the performance scores of students in a graduate library school program. It is found that on the learning data, the disjunctive model outperforms the traditional regression model; the two models perform about the same on validation data.
Temperature Dependent Dynamics of Cytochrome P450cam from Elastic Incoherent Neutron Scattering

The derivation of mean-square displacements from elastic incoherent neutron scattering (EINS) of proteins is examined, with the aid of experiments on camphor-bound cytochrome P450cam and complementary molecular dynamics simulations. It is shown that a q4 correction to the elastic incoherent structure factor (where q is the scattering vector) can be simply used to reliably estimate from the experiment both the average mean-square atomic displacement (MSD) of the non-exchanged hydrogen atoms in the protein and its variance. The molecular dynamics simulation results are in broad agreement with the experimentally-derived MSD and its variance derived from EINS on instruments at two different energy resolutions, corresponding to dynamics on the ∼100 ps and ∼1 ns timescales. Significant dynamical heterogeneity is found to arise from methyl-group rotations. The easy-to-apply q4 correction extends the information extracted from elastic incoherent neutron scattering experiments and should be of wide applicability.
Why You Cannot Even Hope to use Gröbner Bases in Public Key Cryptography

In the magical art of Steganography, there is nothing frivolous, nor contrary to the Gospels and the Catholic faith; nor have we taught superstitious beliefs. Everything is based on natural, lawful and honest principles; the mystery which veils the precepts of this art and the names of the spirits, requires a cultivated reader; to hide the secrets of this art, which could be harmful if made known to wicked men, we avail ourselves of the services of the spirits.Johannes Trithemius, SteganographiaThe air is influenced by astral emanations. So one can, naturally and without spiritual help, communicate his thoughts to another man, however large the distance between them. This I have seen done, I did myself and was done by Trithemius? In the same way, one can broadcast in the air any image, however far, by means of mirrors? The image will be, through large distances, seen by a conscious reader in the lunar disc; this artifice was used by Pythagoras.H.C Agrippa De Occulta PhilosophiaIt's better to have loved and lost than to have liked and tied for secondAnonymous
Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopic study of the Ã2A1X̃ 2E transition of trifluoromethoxy radical

Abstract The first observation of the laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of trifluoromethoxy radical, CF 3 O, is reported. The radical is produced by infrared multiple photon dissociation of CF 3 OOCF 3 . The origin of the A 2 A 1 X 2 E transition is found to lie at 351.15 nm. Combination bands associated with an interval of ≈ 640 cm −1 are observed. The dispersed fluorescence spectrum has also been measured following excitation at 351.15 nm. The dispersed fluorescence spectrum displayed a progression associated with an ≈ 1241 cm −1 interval, which is consistent with the CO stretching frequency of ground state CF 3 O predicted by ab initio MO predictions. The lifetime of the excited state is measured to be 30.1 ns.
Spatial relationship between 5303-A and H alpha components of a loop prominence system.

There are remarkable similarities in the structure of loop prominences when observed in H alpha and coronal lines, although the lines arise from extremely different excitation conditions. This leads to the consideration of a multicomponent model, where different emission lines come from different elements of the structure. The late phases of a large west limb loop prominence system followed by a surge were recorded at Haleakala Observatory on March 6, 1970. Simultaneous filtergrams in H alpha and 5303-A were obtained, together with spectra at three heights in the prominence over the range from 3850 to 5950 A. The positions of bright knots of emission as seen in the green line are compared with associated H alpha knots. With these relative positions determined, the filtergrams are superimposed to demonstrate the two-dimensional spatial relationship between H alpha and 5303-A structures. The results support a model of cool loops within a closely associated hot-loop system.
Notch/Rbpjκ signaling regulates progenitor maintenance and differentiation of hypothalamic arcuate neurons

The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc), containing pro-opoiomelanocortin (POMC), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) neurons, regulates feeding, energy balance and body size. Dysregulation of this homeostatic mediator underlies diseases ranging from growth failure to obesity. Despite considerable investigation regarding the function of Arc neurons, mechanisms governing their development remain unclear. Notch signaling factors such as Hes1 and Mash1 are present in hypothalamic progenitors that give rise to Arc neurons. However, how Notch signaling controls these progenitor populations is unknown. To elucidate the role of Notch signaling in Arc development, we analyzed conditional loss-of-function mice lacking a necessary Notch co-factor, Rbpjκ, in Nkx2.1-cre-expressing cells (Rbpjκ cKO), as well as mice with expression of the constitutively active Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) in Nkx2.1-cre-expressing cells (NICD Tg). We found that loss of Rbpjκ results in absence of Hes1 but not of Hes5 within the primordial Arc at E13.5. Additionally, Mash1 expression is increased, coincident with increased proliferation and accumulation of Arc neurons at E13.5. At E18.5, Rbpjκ cKO mice have few progenitors and show increased numbers of differentiated Pomc, NPY and Ghrh neurons. By contrast, NICD Tg mice have increased hypothalamic progenitors, show an absence of differentiated Arc neurons and aberrant glial differentiation at E18.5. Subsequently, both Rbpjκ cKO and NICD Tg mice have changes in growth and body size during postnatal development. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Notch/Rbpjκ signaling regulates the generation and differentiation of Arc neurons, which contribute to homeostatic regulation of body size.
Confidentiality and Access to Adolescent Health Care Services

Adolescent birth rates in the United States declined steadily from the 1950s until 2005, but increased 3.5% in 2006. While multiple factors are at play in this reversal, the increases were largest in states with the most limited access to confidential adolescent health services and contraception (Child Trends Data Bank, 2007). Adolescent childbearing has been linked to poorer health outcomes for both mother and child, and maternal mortality is the third-leading cause of death for adolescents internationally (World Health Organization [WHO], 2009). Access to confidential reproductive
ON THE DEDUCTIBILITY OF CAPITAL LOSSES UNDER THE INCOME TAX

UNDER AN INCOME TAX that includes capital gains within the tax base the type of deductibility, full or limited in some way, granted to capital losses is important both as a problem in tax equity and because of its effects on investment decisions and risk-taking. By full deductibility, as that term will be used here, is meant not only the offsetting of capital losses against income of any kind in the year in which they are recognized for tax purposes, but also the carrying-over of any unabsorbed capital losses to be deducted from income of other years until complete offset has been achieved. At no time since its inception in I913 has the federal personal income tax-under which capital gains were fully taxable from 19I3 to 192 I and thereafter accorded special treatment of various types--granted full deductibility in this sense to capital losses.' There has been no dearth of arguments put forward in support of limiting the deductibility of capital losses. The present paper is concerned with a certain set of these arguments, namely, those which, starting with the assumption that capital gains are to be taxed as income either fully or partially, attempt to lay a logical foundation for limited capital loss deductions. It is the opinion of this writer that the more familiar of the arguments are subject to serious question while, on the other hand, a less familiar one pointing in the same direction is definitely valid. The purpose of this paper is to show why these conclusions have been reached and to suggest certain important implications for tax policy which emerge from the discussion.
Instructional Leadership in Practice: What Does It Look Like, and What Influence Does It Have?

Literature on school reform has emphasized the need for principals to expand beyond their traditionally administrative role and become instructional leaders. This article examines the relationship between the practice of site-based instructional leadership and the professional development that teachers received in the context of a district-wide reform effort in San Diego City Schools. Using data from teacher surveys and school-based interviews, we find a connection between aspects of principal instructional leadership (coherent school-wide vision and leaders' engagement in instructional improvement) and selected research-based characteristics of effective teacher professional development (coherence and focus on content and curriculum). We conclude by addressing some of the tensions and limitations associated with a particular vision for site-based instructional leadership.
Fitting smooth curves to noisy indicator-dilution and other unimodal data

Abstract A linear least squares method for fitting noisy unimodal functions such as indicator-dilution curves with piecewise stretched exponential functions is described. Stretched exponential functions have the form z ( t ) = αt β e γt , where α, β, and γ are constants. These functions are particularly useful for fitting experimental data that spans several orders of magnitude is non-Gaussian, high skewed, and long tailed. In addition, the method allows for specifying external restrictions on the smooth curve that might be required by physical constraints on the data. These constraints can take the form of restrictions on the value of the fitting function at certain points or the value of the derivatives in certain regions. To determine the necessary constants in the fitting functions, a linear least squares problem with linear equality and inequality constraints is solved.
Determination of Intrinsic Minimum Bubbling Velocity in Fine Powder Aerations Based on Experimentally Measured Elastic Deformation Coefficients

It is found that the minimum bubbling velocity of aerated fine powder can be defined by experimentally measuring incremental elastic deformation coefficient (Y). The value of Y starts changing at a certain degree of powder expansion. The sudden change of Y indicates the initiation of the fractures in the homogeneously aerated expanded (HAE) emulsion phase. The intrinsic minimum gas velocity (Umb*), which causes this fracture initiation, can be significantly smaller than the so-called minimum bubbling velocity (Umb) defined by the classical concepts. On a trouve que la vitesse d'ebullition minimum de fine poudre aeree peut se definir en mesurant experimentalement le coefficient de deformation elastique incrementiel (Y). La valeur de Y commence a changer a un certain degre d'expansion de la poudre. Le changement soudain de Y indique le depart de fractures dans la phase d'emulsion expansee et aeree de maniere homogene (HAE). La vitesse de gaz minimum intrinseque (Umb*), qui cause ce debut de fractures, peut etre significativement plus petite que la pretendue vitesse d'ebullition minimum (Umb) definie par les concepts traditionnels.
Ceramide Induces Structural Defects into Phosphatidylcholine Bilayers and Activates Phospholipase A2

Abstract We studied the effects of bovine brain ceramide on the structure of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers and cobra venom phospholipase A 2 (PL-A 2 ) activity using 2 H NMR and specific enzymatic assays. Addition of ceramide to DPPC at 45°C induces lateral phase separation of the bilayers into regions of gel and liquid crystalline phases. The order parameters of the DPPC acyl chains in the liquid crystalline phase are only slightly affected by the presence of ceramide, indicating that the latter is largely partitioned in the gel phase of DPPC, whereas at 60°C the presence of ceramide induced a large increase of the order parameters of DPPC side chains. The observed structural effects of ceramide correlated with ceramide-induced activation of cobra venom phospholipase A 2 (PL-A 2 ). Ceramide activated PL-A 2 in a concentration-dependent manner, with a significant effect observed at 5 mol% ceramide, which caused an approximately 3-fold increase in PL-A 2 activity. The results showing activation of PL-A 2 by ceramide illustrate an additional feature of the biological effects of this second messenger and suggest the possibility of cross-talk between the sphingomyelinase and PL-A 2 signal transduction pathways.
Mechanical signals at the base of a rat vibrissa: the effect of intrinsic vibrissa curvature and implications for tactile exploration

Rats actively tap and sweep their large mystacial vibrissae (whiskers) against objects to tactually explore their surroundings. When a vibrissa makes contact with an object, it bends, and this bending generates forces and bending moments at the vibrissa base. Researchers have only recently begun to quantify these mechanical variables. The present study quantifies the forces and bending moments at the vibrissa base with a quasi-static model of vibrissa deflection. The model was validated with experiments on real vibrissae. Initial simulations demonstrated that almost all vibrissa-object collisions during natural behavior will occur with the concave side of the vibrissa facing the object, and we therefore paid particular attention to the role of the vibrissa's intrinsic curvature in shaping the forces at the base. Both simulations and experiments showed that vibrissae with larger intrinsic curvatures will generate larger axial forces. Simulations also demonstrated that the range of forces and moments at the vibrissal base vary over approximately three orders of magnitude, depending on the location along the vibrissa at which object contact is made. Both simulations and experiments demonstrated that collisions in which the concave side of the vibrissa faces the object generate longer-duration contacts and larger net forces than collisions with the convex side. These results suggest that the orientation of the vibrissa's intrinsic curvature on the mystacial pad may increase forces during object contact and provide increased sensitivity to detailed surface features.
Primary cardiac plasmablastic (diffuse large B-cell) lymphoma mimicking left ventricular aneurysm with mural thrombus

Primary cardiac lymphoma is rare and is usually of the non-Hodgkin type. By definition, it involves only the heart and the pericardium, with no evidence of extracardiac disease. Primary cardiac lymphoma accounts for 1% of primary cardiac tumors and 0.5% of extranodal lymphomas [Gowda RM, Kahn RA. Clinical perspectives of primary cardiac lymphoma. Angiology 2003;54(5):599-604]. On the other hand, secondary cardiac involvement can occur in approximately 20% of patients with disseminated extracardiac lymphoma [Gowda RM, Kahn RA. Clinical perspectives of primary cardiac lymphoma. Angiology 2003;54(5):599-604]. The majority of primary cardiac lymphomas are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with centroblastic or immunoblastic cytologic features. Herein, we describe an exceptional case of a primary cardiac plasmablastic variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Epstein-Barr virus-positive) presenting in an immunocompetent host with chest pain that mimicked a left ventricular apical thrombus.
Antiarrhythmic drug therapy in pregnancy and lactation

Antiarrhythmic agents commonly used in clinical practice are reviewed with respect to their potential for teratogenic or other adverse fetal effects. Although most experience with antiarrhythmic drug therapy during pregnancy has accrued with digoxin, quinidine, and propranolol, other antiarrhythmic agents may also be used in the pregnant patient if indicated. The choice of antiarrhythmic drug depends on the specific arrhythmia being treated, the cardiac condition of the patient or fetus, and the known or anticipated actions of the antiarrhythmic drug being considered. The management of specific arrhythmias encountered in pregnant women are also discussed. For benign arrhythmias, a conservative approach starting first with preventive measures is appropriate. For more severe or symptomatic arrhythmias, pharmacologic therapy should be instituted using drugs with proven safety to the fetus, if possible. Electrical cardioversion of the patient may be performed with relative safety in more emergent situations.
Waves in a Circular Plasma Column with General Impedance Boundary Conditions

Electromagnetic waves in a plasma column subjected to generalized impedance boundary conditions are studied. A general dispersion equation is obtained which is solved numerically on a high speed digital computer, the boundary impedances being either read in on cards as fixed impedances or calculated from a subroutine written for a specific problem. The effects of resistive and reactive components in the boundary impedances are shown. True zeros of the determinantal equation are found to occur for real s only when pure reactance is presented to the plasma surface.
CO2 migration in saline aquifers. Part 2. Capillary and solubility trapping

The large-scale injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) into saline aquifers is a promising tool for reducing atmospheric CO2 emissions to mitigate climate change. An accurate assessment of the post-injection migration and trapping of the buoyant plume of CO2 is essential for estimates of storage capacity and security, but these physical processes are not fully understood. In Part 1 of this series, we presented a complete solution to a theoretical model for the migration and capillary trapping of a plume of CO2 in a confined, sloping aquifer with a natural groundwater through-flow. Here, we incorporate solubility trapping, where CO2 from the buoyant plume dissolves into the ambient brine via convective mixing. We develop semi-analytical solutions to the model in two limiting cases: when the water beneath the plume saturates with dissolved CO2 very slowly or very quickly (‘instantaneously’) relative to plume motion. We show that solubility trapping can greatly slow the speed at which the plume advances, and we derive an explicit analytical expression for the position of the nose of the plume as a function of time. We then study the competition between capillary and solubility trapping, and the impact of solubility trapping on the storage efficiency, a macroscopic measure of plume migration. We show that solubility trapping can increase the storage efficiency by several-fold, even when the fraction of CO2 trapped by solubility trapping is small.
Enlargement of the parotid gland in disease of the liver.

Abstract 1.1. Six cases of non-inflammatory enlargement of the parotid glands in association with liver disease are described. Moderate obesity was present in all cases, arterial hypertension in three, and impaired glucose tolerance in three. 2.2. Similar parotid enlargement has been observed throughout the world in association with evident malnutrition or during recovery from starvation. In Europe and America it has appeared in clinical settings of liver disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus or combinations of these states. 3.3. This sort of parotid enlargement seems to have much the same significance as a fatty liver, pointing to disturbed nutrition or metabolism but not defining the disturbance.
The petrophysical basis for shallow-water flow prediction using multicomponent seismic data

Physical properties of shallow-water flow (SWF) sands differ from most reservoir and seal rocks studied for petroleum purposes. These materials exist near the transition zone between rocks and sediments. Our investigations, the subject of this article, suggest that physical properties of SWF sands are amenable to a prediction methodology that uses high-resolution multicomponent seismic data. SWF sands are a primary hazard to deepwater drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. They have the potential to result in well failures and significant discharges of subsurface fluids into the ocean. However, at present, most operators make only a modest attempt to identify SWF before drilling. They drill through these hazards and mitigate any resulting damage at significant expense if one is encountered. This is not rare. According to a report from Fugro Geoservices, approximately 70% of all deepwater wells have experienced SWF. A method for predrill delineation of sands that are close to failure, and thus likely to exhibit SWF, would be advantageous in selecting optimal drilling locations and in developing cost-effective well plans. The current method of identifying SWF involves predrill hazard studies utilizing conventional and high-resolution seismic data to identify zones that might produce SWF. However, the high incidence of SWF mitigation events in deepwater wells shows that existing techniques do not provide adequate resolution or accuracy. At present, no robust seismic method exists for accurately identifying and characterizing SWF. Operators do not have the option to avoid the hazard instead of mitigating the problem after it has started. A new method is required that will permit operators to identify the hazard before the well is drilled. Using seismic data for accurate understanding of the physical properties and deformational behavior of SWF sands is essential to characterization, prediction, and interpretation of these stratigraphic units. To date, very few core and …
On the generation and use of TCP acknowledgments

This paper presents a simulation study of various TCP acknowledgment generation and utilization techniques. We investigate the standard version of TCP and the two standard acknowledgment strategies employed by receivers: those that acknowledge each incoming segment and those that implement delayed acknowledgments. We show the delayed acknowledgment mechanism hurts TCP performance, especially during slow start. Next we examine three alternate mechanisms for generating and using acknowledgments designed to mitigate the negative impact of delayed acknowledgments. The first method is to generate delayed ACKs only when the sender is not using the slow start algorithm. The second mechanism, called byte counting, allows TCP senders to increase the amount of data being injected into the network based on the amount of data acknowledged rather than on the number of acknowledgments received. The last mechanism is a limited form of byte counting. Each of these mechanisms is evaluated in a simulated network with no competing traffic, as well as a dynamic environment with a varying amount of competing traffic. We study the costs and benefits of the alternate mechanisms when compared to the standard algorithm with delayed ACKs.
Introducing finite automata in the first course

In the computer science curriculum, finite state machines and finite automata are typically introduced at the upper-division level. However, students can benefit from an earlier, informal exposure to finite automata for three reasons:- Finite automata represent a useful application when two-dimensional arrays are introduced.- A painless early introduction can ease the transition to rigorous approaches encountered later.- Finite automata provide yet another algorithmic tool to be added to the student's repertoire.
How safe is bisphenol A? Fundamentals of toxicity: Metabolism, electron transfer and oxidative stress

The FDA recently announced concern about the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) and the need for more research. In the current controversy, scant attention is being paid to toxicity at the fundamental, molecular level, which is the topic of this report. Important information is provided by extensive studies on metabolism. The principal pathway is detoxification, mainly by conjugation leading to a glucuronide. A minor route entails oxidation by hydroxylation to a catechol followed by further transformation to an o-quinone. The catechol-o-quinone couple is capable of redox cycling with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS). o-Quinones are highly electron affinic with very favorable reduction potentials that permit electron transfer (ET) under physiological conditions. Only small amounts are sufficient to generate large quantities of ROS catalytically. There is extensive evidence for production of ROS, which buttresses ET by o-quinone as a plausible source. In addition, there are numerous reports on toxicity to body constituents by BPA. Those adversely affected include the liver, DNA, genes, CNS, reproductive system and kidney. Since a plethora of prior studies links ROS-OS with toxicity, it is reasonable to propose a similar connection for BPA. Cell signaling also plays a role. There are various other factors involved with toxic responses, including age, with the fetus and infants being the most vulnerable. A report concludes that human exposure to BPA is not negligible. The present overview represents a novel, integrated approach to BPA toxicity. A similar article was recently published in this journal which deals with toxicity of prevalent phthalate plasticizers.
UNC-31 (CAPS) Is Required for Dense-Core Vesicle But Not Synaptic Vesicle Exocytosis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Previous studies indicated that CAPS (calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion) functions as an essential component for the Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of dense-core vesicles in neuroendocrine cells. However, recent mouse knock-out studies suggested an alternative role in the vesicular uptake or storage of catecholamines. To genetically assess the functional role of CAPS, we characterized the sole Caenorhabditis elegans CAPS ortholog UNC-31 (uncoordinated family member) and determined its role in dense-core vesicle-mediated peptide secretion and in synaptic vesicle recycling. Novel assays for dense-core vesicle exocytosis were developed by expressing a prepro-atrial natriuretic factor-green fluorescent protein fusion protein in C. elegans. unc-31 mutants exhibited reduced peptide release in vivo and lacked evoked peptide release in cultured neurons. In contrast, cultured neurons from unc-31 mutants exhibited normal stimulated synaptic vesicle recycling measured by FM4-64 [N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-(6-(4-diethylamino)phenyl)hexatrienyl)pyridinium dibromide] dye uptake. Conversely, UNC-13, which exhibits sequence homology to CAPS/UNC-31, was found to be essential for synaptic vesicle but not dense-core vesicle exocytosis. These findings indicate that CAPS/UNC-31 function is not restricted to catecholaminergic vesicles but is generally required for and specific to dense-core vesicle exocytosis. Our results suggest that CAPS/UNC-31 and UNC-13 serve parallel and dedicated roles in dense-core vesicle and synaptic vesicle exocytosis, respectively, in the C. elegans nervous system.
Separate modifiability, mental modules, and the use of pure and composite measures to reveal them.

Abstract How can we divide a complex mental process into meaningful parts? In this paper, I explore an approach in which processes are divided into parts that are modular in the sense of being separately modifiable. Evidence for separate modifiability is provided by an instance of selective influence: two factors F and G (usually experimental manipulations) such that part A is influenced by F but invariant with respect to G, while part B is influenced by G but invariant with respect to F. Such evidence also indicates that the modules are functionally distinct. If we have pure measuresMA and MB, each of which reflects only one of the parts, we need to show that MA is influenced by F but not G, while MB is influenced by G but not F. If we have only a composite measureMAB of the entire process, we usually also need to confirm a combination rule for how the parts contribute to MAB. I present a taxonomy of separate-modifiability methods, discuss their inferential logic, and describe several examples in each category. The three categories involve measures that are derived pure (based on different transformations of the same data; example: separation of sensory and decision processes by signal detection theory), direct pure (based on different data; example: selective effects of adaptation on spatial-frequency thresholds), and composite (examples: the multiplicative-factor method for the analysis of response rate; the additive-factor method for the analysis of reaction time). Six of the examples concern behavioral measures and functional processes, while four concern brain measures and neural processes. They have been chosen for their interest and importance; their diversity of measures, species, and combination rules; their illustration of different ways of thinking about data; the questions they suggest about possibilities and limitations of the separate-modifiability approach; and the case they make for the fruitfulness of searching for mental modules.
Igneous pyroxenes from metamorphosed anorthosite massifs

Anorthosites, mangerites and charnockites from metamorphosed anorthosite massifs (the Adirondacks and elsewhere) commonly contain coarsely exsolved pyroxenes with substantial amounts of exsolved orthopyroxene (in clinopyroxene) and clinopyroxene (in orthopyroxene). Electron microprobe reintegration of such pyroxenes yields compositions which indicate that pigeonite and subcalcic augite coexisted before metamorphic reequilibration. Equilibration temperatures of 1100 °±100 °C for anorthosite and 1000 °C±100 °C for mangerites and charnockites are inferred from the solvus of Ross and Huebner (1975). These temperatures constrain minimum magmatic thermal conditions and suggest that the magmas were relatively dry. Exsolution lamellae of coarse pyroxenes and small equant coexisting pyroxenes (with little or no exsolution) yield temperatures of ≦ 750 °C, consistent with equilibration during granulite facies metamorphism. Relict igneous textures and compositions persisted through the metamorphic event due to dry P(H2O) ≪P(solid) metamorphic conditions. The reintegrated pyroxene compositions provide a window through the metamorphism and yield constraints on the pre-metamorphic igneous events.
Determination of Microbial Biomass and Nitrogen Mineralization following Rewetting of Dried Soil

Routine soil testing procedures that are rapid and precise are needed to evaluate agricultural surface soils for their potential to mineralize C and N. Our objectives were to determine the optimum preincubation time after rewetting of dried soil for estimating soil microbial biomass (SMB) and to identify a quick, reliable biochemical predictor of soil N mineralization potential. Biochemical determinations of SMB were screened on a Weswood silty clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept) having five levels of soil organic C (SOC) as a result of long-term management. Determinations used (i) field-moist soil and (ii) soil that was air dried, rewetted, and preincubated for 0.2, 1, 3, 6, 10, and 15 d. Biochemical determinations included arginine ammonification, substrate-induced respiration (SIR), cumulative C and net N mineralization, and SMBC using the chloroform fumigation-incubation (CFI) method. Preincubation periods of 1 and 15 d prior to fumigation gave estimates of SMBC using CFI most similar to those determined on field-moist soil. Arginine ammonification and SIR determinations on dried soil were highly variable, making longer preincubation periods necessary. Carbon mineralization during all preincubation periods was highly correlated to (i) SMBC using CFI determined on field-moist and dried soil with all preincubation periods and (ii) net N mineralization during 21 d for the Weswood soil, as well as for seven additional soil series each having five to eight levels of SOC. The CO₂-C evolved during the first day after rewetting of dried soil is recommended for rapid estimation of SMBC and potential N mineralization because of its simplicity and precision. Contribution from the Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
STUDIES ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF EXPERIMENTAL PNEUMOCOCCUS PNEUMONIA IN THE DOG II. SECONDARY PULMONARY LESIONS. THEIR PRODUCTION BY INTRATRACHEAL AND INTRABRONCHIAL INJECTION OF FLUID PNEUMONIC EXUDATE

On the basis of earlier findings, which suggested that interlobar spread in experimental canine pneumonia was due to the flow of infected edematous exudate from the initially involved lobe to other parts of the lung by way of the air passages, an attempt was made to induce secondary lesions by means of the intrabronchial and intratracheal injection of fluid pneumonic exudate. Such exudate was aspirated from the lungs of dogs with rapidly evolving lesions and injected through a bronchoscope into other animals showing well localized monolobar involvement which is seldom associated with spread to other parts of the lung. The deposition of relatively small amounts of fluid exudate in the larger air passages 24 to 48 hours after the onset of the disease was followed regularly by the occurrence of secondary lesions provided the dog was maintained in a position favoring the flow of fluid into the depths of the lung. Lesions in the various lobes could be produced at will by arranging the position of the animals so that the injected fluid would be carried by gravity into the most dependent bronchial opening nearest the point at which the exudate was deposited. Pneumonia was produced by this means as readily in normal dogs as in those with infection already present. If, however, the dog was placed in a position unfavorable to the flow of fluid into the bronchi, infection did not occur. Likewise the injection of viscid pneumonic exudate, with the animal tilted at an angle most favorable for entrance into the lobe bronchi, did not result in pulmonary involvement. These artificially induced secondary lesions resembled in every way both macroscopically and microscopically those occurring spontaneously in the course of the experimental disease.
Theory of distributed estimation using multiple asynchronous sensors

This work solves a practical sensor to sensor track fusion problem when the sensors used are asynchronous, communication delays exist between sensor platforms and track fusion center, and tracks may arrive out-of-sequence. For the proposed linear fusion rule, the solution is shown to be optimal in the minimum mean square sense. The new fusion rule does not require the synchronization of tracks for the purpose of track fusion. The batch processing of incoming tracks provides an elegant solution for the out-of-sequence and latent tracks without special processing of such data. As an example, it is shown that the Bar-Shalom-Campo fusion rule is a special case of the new asynchronous track fusion algorithm.
Intraductal Tumor Involvement and Renal Parenchymal Invasion of Transitional Cell Carcinoma in the Renal Pelvis

Surgical specimens obtained from 21 patients with renal pelvic cancer, in which the tumor was located on the side of the renal parenchyma, were reviewed with special reference to tumor involvement with renal collecting ducts and/or renal parenchyma. Four distinct entities were found: 1) 4 tumors that involved the collecting ducts without invasion of renal parenchyma, 2) 4 tumors that involved the collecting ducts with microscopic invasion of renal parenchyma, 3) 5 tumors that invaded the renal parenchyma by less than 5 mm. and were microscopically identified as being without ductal involvement and 4) 6 tumors that exhibited extensive renal parenchymal invasion. The patients with intraductal tumors had good prognosis as did those with microscopic invasion except for 1 who died of lymph nodes metastases. Conversely, 6 patients with extensive invasion had a poor prognosis, 5 (88%) of whom died of recurrent tumor or distant metastases. The differences in these 4 entities may be important, especially if large numbers of patients are examined, and they may ultimately be shown to have a different prognosis.
John Philip Sousa's ‘Red Indians’: A Case Study of Race in Music

To discover that one of popular music's most famous and enduring composers wrote a march-characteristic called ‘The Red Man’ immediately arouses curiosity about the nature and substance of such a work, the reasons for writing it, and how audiences received it. John Philip Sousa composed ‘The Red Man’ in 1910 for his world tour and, like much of his music, it is still played and recorded today. I will attempt to answer these questions by examining this lesser-known but highly distinctive Sousa composition in detail. That necessarily involves seeing the piece through a variety of lenses. Since the way in which audiences listen to music has fundamentally changed in a hundred years, the closest we can come to hearing the piece through ears of 1910 is to explore a variety of critical responses from the time published in newspapers in different countries. Since these accounts are written in a stylistic language considerably different from the way modern critics write about music, the responses need to be seen in context. Many were rooted in notions of race and ethnicity prevalent among the middle- and upper-class audiences for which Sousa composed. Moreover, Sousa's audiences listened with a host of associations that accrued during the nineteenth century and are lost to us today. This was enhanced by the type of programmes on which ‘The Red Man’ was performed, which encouraged the perception of music through a national or exotic lens, or through the filter of a narrative. The musical language of this ‘Indian’ piece is hardly unique, since it owes many of its metaphors to Sousa's contemporaries. For all his originality, Sousa was also an expert assimilator. There isn’t space here to examine every derivation in this work, but by exploring a few of them we can learn much about his music and his audiences.
Studies of the UVC-sensitivity of Non-tumorigenic and Tumorigenic Human Cell Hybrids (HeLa × Skin Fibroblasts)

The UVC-sensitivities of a non-tumorigenic and a tumorigenic human cell hybrid (HeLa x skin fibroblasts) are compared and contrasted. The tumorigenic cells differ from the non-tumorigenic cells in that they have lost one copy each of chromosomes 11 and 14. For exponentially growing cultures, the tumorigenic cells are considerably more resistant than the non-tumorigenic cells. For confluent cultures, the differential in photosensitivity is much less. Flow cytometric studies of cell cycle distributions of both exponentially growing and confluent cultures of these cells indicate that the differences in photosensitivity cannot be explained by differences in cell cycle distribution. Studies of the kinetics of potentially lethal damage repair (PLDR) in confluent cultures of both cell lines indicate little or no recovery over the first 6 h followed by an increase in survival over the next 12-24 h. These data are consistent with previously published observations in human skin fibroblasts where the kinetics of PLDR reflected the kinetics of thymine dimer loss. The data are not consistent with 6-4 photoproducts being a potentially lethal lesion since such damage is rapidly repaired in human cells.
Impulsiveness and risk-taking behavior: comparison of high-school and college students using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale

The present study was undertaken in an attempt to determine the relationship of impulsiveness to risk-taking behaviors such as aggression, drug use, drunk driving and not wearing seatbelts among highschool and college students. The results of the study clearly demonstrate that high impulsives are involved in risk-taking behavior at a higher rate than low impulsive subjects. These findings suggest that high impulsive adolescents and young adults are at considerable risk of personal injury and present a potential source of injury to others. It is suggested that self-report questionnaires of impulsiveness might prove useful in the early identification of these high risk individuals. Once identified these individuals could be targeted for intensive educational interventions specifically designed to deal with their inability to delay gratification and general lack of impulse control. Language: en
Sensor System Performance Evaluation and Benefits from the NPOESS Airborne Sounder Testbed-Interferometer (NAST-I)

Advanced satellite sensors are tasked with improving global-scale measurements of the Earth's atmosphere, clouds, and surface to enable enhancements in weather prediction, climate monitoring, and environmental change detection. Validation of the entire measurement system is crucial to achieving this goal and thus maximizing research and operational utility of resultant data. Field campaigns employing satellite under-flights with well-calibrated FTS sensors aboard high-altitude aircraft are an essential part of this validation task. The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Airborne Sounder Testbed-Interferometer (NAST-I) has been a fundamental contributor in this area by providing coincident high spectral/spatial resolution observations of infrared spectral radiances along with independently-retrieved geophysical products for comparison with like products from satellite sensors being validated. This paper focuses on some of the challenges associated with validating advanced atmospheric sounders and the benefits obtained from employing airborne interferometers such as the NAST-I. Select results from underflights of the Aqua Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) and the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) obtained during recent field campaigns will be presented.
Investigation of the Thermomechanical Coupling Strength in Titanium Alloys

Modeling of the coupling between the mechanical and thermal fields is extremely important in the computational analysis of dynamic deformation processes. Fundamental physical quantity that governs this coupling is the fraction of plastic work converted into heat, i.e., beta factor. The present study describes an experimental procedure in which classical split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique is integrated with a high-speed IR detector-optics system that enables the direct measurement of beta factor through high-strain-rate adiabatic experiments. Preliminary results for titanium alloys are reported and discussed.