cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of an Industrial Process by Numerical Inversion of the Laplace Transform

A practical application of a novel parameter identification technique for industrial process control systems is presented. The solution algorithm is based on numerical inversion of the Laplace Transform, as proposed by Bellman, et al. Its application with the aid of a minicomputer (or a desk calculator) is fairly easy and fast. Using this method, process gain and time-constants of an electric furnace with on- off control are evaluated. Results of an experimental study are presented to validate the theoretical predictions. This identification technique is suitable for a wide range of industrial processes, and it can be applied to direct digital control systems.
Structure of Na+,K+-ATPase at 11-Å Resolution: Comparison withCa2+-ATPase in E1 and E2 States

Na+,K+-ATPase is a heterodimer of alpha and beta subunits and a member of the P-type ATPase family of ion pumps. Here we present an 11-A structure of the heterodimer determined from electron micrographs of unstained frozen-hydrated tubular crystals. For this reconstruction, the enzyme was isolated from supraorbital glands of salt-adapted ducks and was crystallized within the native membranes. Crystallization conditions fixed Na+,K+-ATPase in the vanadate-inhibited E2 conformation, and the crystals had p1 symmetry. A large number of helical symmetries were observed, so a three-dimensional structure was calculated by averaging both Fourier-Bessel coefficients and real-space structures of data from the different symmetries. The resulting structure clearly reveals cytoplasmic, transmembrane, and extracellular regions of the molecule with densities separately attributable to alpha and beta subunits. The overall shape bears a remarkable resemblance to the E2 structure of rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase. After aligning these two structures, atomic coordinates for Ca2+-ATPase were fit to Na+,K+-ATPase, and several flexible surface loops, which fit the map poorly, were associated with sequences that differ in the two pumps. Nevertheless, cytoplasmic domains were very similarly arranged, suggesting that the E2-to-E1 conformational change postulated for Ca2+-ATPase probably applies to Na+,K+-ATPase as well as other P-type ATPases.
The Three Dimensional Gradient Deficient Beam Element (BEAM9) Using the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation

In this investigation, a three dimensional gradient deficient beam element (BEAM9) using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is introduced. This element has nine coordinates per node, this includes the position vector and the two gradient vectors rx and ry. Like most of the ANCF elements, this element has constant mass matrix and zero centrifugal and Coriolis inertia forces. The plane strain elastic force model and the elastic line approach are two elastic force models presented in this paper in order to simulate the element internal resistance. Both models support resistance to the general bending and twist moments. The possibilities of employing nonlinear material models will be discussed in future work. Furthermore, the proposed element has the advantage of easy integration over general cross section area that is not easy to perform using the fully parameterized ANCF beam element (BEAM12). Comparing to the ANCF cable element (BEAM6), the proposed element can resist general bending and twist loads. Moreover, shear deformations in the xy plane due to shear force and in the yz plane due to twist moment are considered with the gradient deficient beam element proposed in this work. However, no shear deformations are considered with the ANCF cable element. Comparing to the fully parameterized ANCF beam element, the gradient deficient beam element (BEAM9) avoids some locking issues, shows better computational efficiency and offers better convergency characteristics. Numerical examples are presented in order to validate the proposed gradient deficient beam element and to compare with other ANCF beam elements.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Mosquito Infection Responses to Developing Filarial Worms

Human lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-vectored disease caused by the nematode parasites Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. These are relatively large roundworms that can cause considerable damage in compatible mosquito vectors. In order to assess how mosquitoes respond to infection in compatible mosquito-filarial worm associations, microarray analysis was used to evaluate transcriptome changes in Aedes aegypti at various times during B. malayi development. Changes in transcript abundance in response to the different stages of B. malayi infection were diverse. At the early stages of midgut and thoracic muscle cell penetration, a greater number of genes were repressed compared to those that were induced (20 vs. 8). The non-feeding, intracellular first-stage larvae elicited few differences, with 4 transcripts showing an increased and 9 a decreased abundance relative to controls. Several cecropin transcripts increased in abundance after parasites molted to second-stage larvae. However, the greatest number of transcripts changed in abundance after larvae molted to third-stage larvae and migrated to the head and proboscis (120 induced, 38 repressed), including a large number of putative, immunity-related genes (∼13% of genes with predicted functions). To test whether the innate immune system of mosquitoes was capable of modulating permissiveness to the parasite, we activated the Toll and Imd pathway controlled rel family transcription factors Rel1 and Rel2 (by RNA interference knockdown of the pathway's negative regulators Cactus and Caspar) during the early stages of infection with B. malayi. The activation of either of these immune signaling pathways, or knockdown of the Toll pathway, did not affect B. malayi in Ae. aegypti. The possibility of LF parasites evading mosquito immune responses during successful development is discussed.
Abstract C67: Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α regulates macrophage functions in both acute and tumor inflammation

Hypoxia and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment profoundly influence carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In order to connect hypoxic signaling to inflammatory responses and their roles in oncogenesis, we investigated how one of the master regulators of hypoxic hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐2α, adaptations, regulates macrophage functions in both acute inflammatory diseases and cancer (a disease involving various inflammatory components). Myeloid‐specific deletion of HIF‐2α results in defective expression of a panel of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages responding to innate stimuli. Also, mice lacking myeloid HIF‐2α are resistant to lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxemia and display a marked inability to mount inflammation in response to several other acute irritants, revealing that this transcription factor is essential for macrophage inflammatory responses. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the major inflammatory cell type within tumors and HIF‐2α is robustly expressed in these cells. Clinically, increased TAM HIF‐2α level correlates with high tumor grade and poor prognosis in breast and uterine cervical cancer, respectively. To characterize roles of HIF‐2α in TAMs, we induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colitis‐associated cancer (CAC), two established inflammation‐associated tumor models, in mice lacking myeloid HIF‐2α expression. Interestingly, we found that HIF‐2α ‐deficient TAMs migrate less efficiently into tumors, leading to reduced tumor cell proliferation and decreased malignancy in mutant mice. Further studies revealed that the deficient macrophages were attributable to compromised migration capacity of HIF‐2α to insufficient expression of M‐CSF receptor, CXCR4 and extracellular fibronectin‐1. Therefore, our study demonstrated HIF‐2α as an important regulator in both acute inflammation and cancer, suggesting that the myeloid HIF‐2α pathway could be exploited as therapeutic targets for treating these diseases. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):C67.
Two results on the list update problem

Abstract In this paper we give a randomized on-line algorithm for the list update problem. Sleator and Tarjan show a deterministic algorithm, Move-to-Front, that achieves competitive ratio of ( 2L−1) L for lists of length L. Karp and Raghavan show that no deterministic algorithm can beat 2L (L+1) . We show that Move-to-Front in fact achieves an optimal competitive ratio of 2L (L+1) . We show a randomized algorithm that achieves a competitive ratio of (31L+1) 16(L+1) against an oblivious adversary. This is the first randomized strategy whose competitive factor beats a constant less than 2.
Testing the general linear hypothesis Via K. Pearson’s chi-squared statistic

In a linear model Y ∼ (Xβ, σ 2 I), powers of tests of H0: H′Xβ= 0 are developed following Pearson’s (1900) formulation. The class considered comprises all tests based on linear statistics A′ Y that have expected value 0 under H0. The standard F-statistic, which is in this class, has good power properties, but others may be preferred in some settings.
A model of destination image formation

Abstract Image has been shown to be an important influence in the selection of vacation destinations. A model that represents the important determinants of destination image formation was developed based on previous studies in a number of fields. The research reported in this article presents the results of an empirical test of the model using path analysis. A major finding of the study was that a destination image is formed by both stimulus factors and tourists' characteristics. The results of this investigation provide important implications for strategic image management and can aid in designing and implementing marketing programs for creating and enhancing tourism destination images.
From War Films to Films on War: Gendered Scenarios of National Identity—The Case of The Last Metro

If France's ongoing struggle for self-definition in the late twentieth century involved new conceptions of citizenship and nationality, in short what it means to be French, this struggle also entailed the search for an accurate portrayal of a past in which France could recognize itself... This article is available in Studies in 20th Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol26/iss1/6 From War Films to Films on War: Gendered Scenarios of National Identity-The Case of The Last Metro
Extraction of trench geometry and linewidth of nanoscale grating targets in (110)-oriented silicon using angle-resolved scatterometry

The extraction of nanoscale dimensions and feature geometry of grating targets using signature-based optical techniques is an area of continued interest in semiconductor manufacturing. In the current work, we have performed angle-resolved scatterometry measurements on grating targets of 180 nm pitch fabricated by electron beam lithography and anisotropic wet etching of (110)-oriented silicon. The use of oriented silicon results in grating lines with nominally vertical sidewalls, with linewidths estimated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to be in the sub-50 nm range. The targets were designed to be suitable for both optical scatterometry and small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) measurement. As a consequence of the lattice-plane selective etch used for fabrication, the target trenches do not have a flat bottom, but rather have a wide vee shape. We demonstrate extraction of linewidth, line height, and trench profile using scatterometry, with an emphasis on modeling the trench angle, which is well decoupled from other grating parameters in the scatterometry model and is driven by the crystalline orientation of the Si lattice planes. Issues such as the cross-correlation of grating height and linewidth in the scatterometry model, the limits of resolution for angle-resolved scatterometry at the wavelength used in this study (532 nm), and prospects for improving the height and linewidth resolution obtained from scatterometry of the targets, are discussed.
Studies on the production of hyaluronidase by Endamoeba histolytica

Abstract The five strains of Endamoeba histolytica studied did not produce detectable amounts of hyaluronidase when maintained exclusively in cultures over long periods of time. Those strains which were infective for the hamster did produce hyaluronidase, as evidenced by studies with organisms recovered from experimentally induced hamster liver abscesses. The rate of action of this enzyme was correlated with the numbers of amebas present.
Modeling and remodeling in a developing artiodactyl calcaneus: a model for evaluating Frost's Mechanostat hypothesis and its corollaries.

The artiodactyl (mule deer) calcaneus was examined for structural and material features that represent regional differences in cortical bone modeling and remodeling activities. Cortical thickness, resorption and formation surfaces, mineral content (percent ash), and microstructure were quantified between and within skeletally immature and mature bones. These features were examined to see if they are consistent with predictions of Frost's Mechanostat paradigm of mechanically induced bone adaptation in a maturing "tension/compression" bone (Frost, 1990a,b, Anat Rec 226:403-413, 414-422). Consistent with Frost's hypothesis that surface modeling activities differ between the "compression" (cranial) and "tension" (caudal) cortices, the elliptical cross-section of the calcaneal diaphysis becomes more elongated in the direction of bending as a result of preferential (> 95%) increase in thickness of the compression cortex. Regional differences in mineral content and population densities of new remodeling events (NREs = resorption spaces plus newly forming secondary osteons) support Frost's hypothesis that intracortical remodeling activities differ between the opposing cortices: 1.) in immature and mature bones, the compression cortex had attained a level of mineralization averaging 8.9 and 6.8% greater (P < 0.001), respectively, than that of the tension cortex, and 2.) there are on average 350 to 400% greater population densities of NREs in the tension cortices of both age groups (P < 0.0003). No significant differences in cortical thickness, mineral content, porosity, or NREs were found between medial and lateral cortices of the skeletally mature bones, suggesting that no modeling or remodeling differences exist along a theoretical neutral axis. However, in mature bones these cortices differed considerably in secondary osteon cross-sectional area and population density. Consistent with Frost's hypothesis, remodeling in the compression cortex produced bone with microstructural organization that differs from the tension cortex. However, the increased remodeling activity of the tension cortex does not appear to be related to a postulated low-strain environment. Although most findings are consistent with predictions of Frost's Mechanostat paradigm, there are several notable inconsistencies. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the nature of the mechanisms that govern the modeling and remodeling activities that produce and maintain normal bone. It is proposed that the artiodactyl calcaneus will provide a useful experimental model for these studies.
Evaluation of a mandatory radiology resident research rotation.

Rationale and Objectives. This purpose of this study was to determine if a 1-month, mandatory research rotation results in resident interest and productivity in research. Materials and Methods. A survey composed primarily of closed-end questions was constructed to evaluate the opinions and experience of 24 residents who completed the research rotation during a 3½-year period. Results. All 24 residents filled out the survey. Seventeen residents did clinical projects, two did bench research, and two did projects that were socioeconomic or legal in nature. Thirteen residents presented data at a meeting, and three of these presentations won awards. Resident research projects resulted in 18 manuscripts at the time of the survey (seven published, eight in preparation, and three in revision or review). Seventeen residents thought the experience was worthwhile and the research month should be continued; two residents did not. Ten residents reported that in retrospect, they would have done the rotation even if it had not been required, and eight reported the experience increased their appreciation of the value of research in medicine. Conclusion. A 1-month, mandatory resident research rotation produces resident interest in research and enhances departmental research productivity.
A New Approach to Tumour Immunity

ONLY rarely and depending on special conditions has actively acquired immunity been demonstrated for tumours indigenous to and tested within inbred strains of mice1–3 or rats4. For this reason doubts have been expressed as to whether ‘tumour immunity’ exists independent of isoantigenic differences. Experiments carried out in this laboratory and summarized in Table 1 have utilized inoculation into mice of inbred strains of tumours produced in F 1 hybrid mice derived from the corresponding parent strains. Mice of the parent strain in which the F 1 ‘hybrid tumour’ failed to grow were challenged with a tumour indigenous to and specific for their own strain.
Organizational effects of oxytocin on serotonin innervation.

Oxytocin (OT) has an organizational effect within the central nervous system and can have long-lasting effects on the expression of social behavior. OT has recently been implicated in modulating the release of serotonin through activation of receptors in the raphe nuclei. Here we test the hypothesis that OT can have an organizational effect on the serotonergic system. Male prairie voles received an intraperitoneal injection on postnatal day 1 with 3.0 or .3 µg OT, an OT antagonist, or a saline control. Brains were collected on day 21 and immunostained for serotonin. Serotonin axons were quantified in the anterior hypothalamus, cortical amygdala, medial amygdala, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and ventromedial hypothalamus. Males treated with 3.0 µg OT displayed significantly higher serotonin axon length densities in the anterior hypothalamus, cortical amygdala, and the ventromedial hypothalamus than control males. These results support the hypothesis that OT has an organizational effect on the serotonin system during the neonatal period, and that these effects are site-specific.
High performance RDMA-based design of HDFS over InfiniBand

Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) acts as the primary storage of Hadoop and has been adopted by reputed organizations (Facebook, Yahoo! etc.) due to its portability and fault-tolerance. The existing implementation of HDFS uses Java-socket interface for communication which delivers suboptimal performance in terms of latency and throughput. For data-intensive applications, network performance becomes key component as the amount of data being stored and replicated to HDFS increases. In this paper, we present a novel design of HDFS using Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) over InfiniBand via JNI interfaces. Experimental results show that, for 5GB HDFS file writes, the new design reduces the communication time by 87% and 30% over 1Gigabit Ethernet (1GigE) and IP-over-InfiniBand (IPoIB), respectively, on QDR platform (32Gbps). For HBase, the Put operation performance is improved by 26% with our design. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first design of HDFS over InfiniBand networks.
The role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in integrin-mediated gene induction in monocytes

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion, or cross-linking of integrins using antibodies, often results in the enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of certain intracellular proteins, suggesting that integrins may play a role in signal transduction processes. In fibroblasts, platelets, and carcinoma cells, a novel tyrosine kinase termed pp125FAK has been implicated in integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation. In some cell types, integrin ligation or cell adhesion has also been shown to result in the increased expression of certain genes. Although it seems reasonable to hypothesize that integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation and integrin-mediated gene induction are related, until now, there has been no direct evidence supporting this hypothesis. In the current report, we explore the relationship between integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation and gene induction in human monocytes. We demonstrate that monocyte adherence to tissue culture dishes or to extracellular matrix proteins is followed by a rapid and profound increase in tyrosine phosphorylation, with the predominant phosphorylated component being a protein of 76 kD (pp76). Tyrosine phosphorylation of pp76 and other monocyte proteins can also be triggered by incubation of monocytes with antibodies to the integrin beta 1 subunit, or by F(ab')2 fragments of such antibodies, but not by F(ab) fragments. The ligation of beta 1 integrins with antibodies or F(ab')2 fragments also induces the expression of immediate-early (IE) genes such as IL-1 beta. When adhering monocytes are treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein or herbimycin, both phosphorylation of pp76 and induction of IL-1 beta message are blocked in a dose-dependent fashion. Similarly, treatment with genistein or herbimycin can block tyrosine phosphorylation of pp76 and IL-1 beta message induction mediated by ligation of beta 1 integrin with antibodies. These observations suggest that protein tyrosine phosphorylation is an important aspect of integrin-mediated IE gene induction in monocytes. The cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase pp125FAK, although important in integrin signaling in other cell types, seems not to play a role in monocytes because this protein could not be detected in these cells.
Massively parallel full-wave modeling of advanced packaging structures on BlueGene supercomputer

A parallel, distributed memory version of a full wave method of moments (MoM) solution combined with the reduced coupling approximation technique is presented on the largest parallel-server. Modeling results for product-level simulation of a single-chip module are correlated with time- domain measurements for validation of the technique. Scaling for this and other representative examples are shown for up to 16,384 compute nodes on IBM's BlueGene supercomputer, the largest parallel-platform ever reported for MoM based solutions.
A knowledge-base generating hierarchical fuzzy-neural controller

We present an innovative fuzzy-neural architecture that is able to automatically generate a knowledge base, in an extractable form, for use in hierarchical knowledge-based controllers. The knowledge base is in the form of a linguistic rule base appropriate for a fuzzy inference system. First, we modify Berenji and Khedkar's (1992) GARIC architecture to enable it to automatically generate a knowledge base; a pseudosupervised learning scheme using reinforcement learning and error backpropagation is employed. Next, we further extend this architecture to a hierarchical controller that is able to generate its own knowledge base. Example applications are provided to underscore its viability.
Distribution of phosphorus in manure slurry and its infiltration after application to soils

Computer models help identify agricultural areas where P transport potential is high, but commonly used models do not simulate surface application of manures and P transport from manures to runoff. As part of an effort to model such P transport, we conducted manure slurry separation and soil infiltration experiments to determine how much slurry P infiltrates into soil after application but before rain, thus becoming less available to runoff. We applied dairy and swine slurry to soil columns and after both 24 and 96 h analyzed solids remaining on the soil surface for dry matter, total phosphorus (TP), and water-extractable inorganic (WEIP) and organic (WEOP) phosphorus. We analyzed underlying soils for Mehlich-3 and water-extractable P. We also conducted slurry separation experiments by sieving, centrifuging, and suction-filtering to determine which method could easily estimate slurry P infiltration into soils. About 20% of slurry solids and 40 to 65% of slurry TP and WEIP infiltrated into soil after application, rendering this P less available to transport in runoff. Slurry separation by suction-filtering through a screen with 0.75-mm-diameter openings was the best method to estimate this slurry P infiltration. Measured quantities of manure WEOP changed too much during experiments to estimate WEOP infiltration into soil or what separation method can approximate infiltration. Applying slurries to soils always increased soil P in the top 0 to 1 cm of soil, frequently in the 1- to 2-cm depth of soil, but rarely below 2 cm. Future research should use soils with coarser texture or large macropores, and slurry with low dry matter content (1-2%).
Rethinking the product portfolio: a generalized investment model

A generalized financial/product portfolio theory is developed, based on the underlying economic factors determining product profitability and risk, for applications involving the firm's product investment decisions. The model developed provides a means for differentiating market related risk and return from firm specific risk and return for each product. Two hypothetical illustrations of the model are described and the managerial implications are discussed.
Quantum Monte Carlo simulation of exciton–exciton scattering in a GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well

Abstract We present a computer simulation of exciton–exciton scattering in a quantum well. Specifically, we use quantum Monte Carlo techniques to study the bound and continuum states of two excitons in a 10 nm wide GaAs/Al 0.3 Ga 0.7 As quantum well. From these bound and continuum states we extract the momentum-dependent phase shifts for s-wave scattering. A surprising finding of this work is that a commonly studied effective-mass model for excitons in a 10 nm quantum well actually supports two bound biexciton states. The second, weakly bound state may dramatically enhance exciton–exciton interactions. We also fit our results to a hard-disk model and indicate directions for future work.
Department of Psychology University of Georgia Athens, Georgia 30602

Summary Within the last few years an interest has developed in the learning and discriminative behavior of the opossum. It was assumed that an animal with such a primitive brain would not be very successful in the learning procedures used with the rat and other animals. The present summary indicates the opossum has been studied in many different situations used on other animals. The list includes conditioning, different types of maze learning, color and object discrimination, operant conditioning, and other behaviors. The surprising result is that the opossum is highly successful in all types of learning situations. It was not expected to be as successful in discrimination as animals with a larger brain, but it was on a par as far as learning was concerned. The only type of problem it failed completely was the double alternation one, which few animals can solve.
Characterization of Multiconductor Coupled Lines from Multiport TDR Measurements

A new procedure to characterize nonuniform coupled multiconductor lines based on a one dimensional peeling algorithm is presented. The measured multiport reflection (scattering parameter) parameters in the time domain are used to construct piece-wise uniform configuration oriented models for multiple coupled lines. Examples of nonuniform two and three coupled striplines are included to illustrate the technique.
p16INK4a Expression, human papillomavirus, and survival in head and neck cancer

Summary Development of head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with human papillomavirus high-risk (HPV-HR) types. The HPV E7 oncoprotein inactivates the pRB protein increasing expression of p16INK4a. p16 Expression and HPV status have been associated with differences in clinical outcomes for HNC. This study examined whether HNC prognosis was different when these biomarkers were examined as individual or joint molecular effects. Tumor tissue from 301 HNC patients were analyzed and sequenced for HPV types. p16 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. p16 was expressed in 35% and HPV-HR was detected in 27% of HNC patients. After adjustment for age, tobacco, and alcohol, p16+ tumors were statistically significantly associated with HPV-HR (OR = 13.3, 7.1–24.9), histology, stage, grade, tumor site, and node involvement. Compared to p16+ HNC cases, those who did not express p16 had significantly worse disease-specific (DS) survival (Hazards Ratio, adj.HR = 2.0. 1.0–3.9) and recurrence (adj.HR = 3.6, 1.6–8.2); and HPV− cases had worse DS survival (adj.HR = 2.8, 1.1–7.1) and recurrence (adj.HR = 2.0, 0.8–4.8) compared to HPV-HR patients. Each of the p16/HPV groups had different survival outcomes: p16+/HPV-HR cases (referent) had the best and p16−/HPV− cases had the worst DS survival (adj.HR = 3.6; 53% versus 13%, p = 0.004) whereas p16+/HPV− and p16−/HPV-HR had similar DS survival (adj.HR = 2.7/2.8). p16−/HPV-HR cases had a worse recurrence rate (adj.HR = 7.0; 60% versus 0%, referent, p = 0.08) than p16−/HPV− (adj.HR = 4.5) or p16+/HPV− (adj.HR = 1.8) cases. The combined p16/HPV biomarker data are associated with different survival outcomes of HNC compared to each marker evaluated separately, indicating that the two molecular mechanisms evaluated together may provide a more accurate prediction of clinical outcomes.
The Circumcision Issue

surgical intervention, is nearly as old as the human species and is firmly rooted in many cultures and religions. There must have been some pervasive reasons for its durability. Yet even two millennia past, cosmetic aspects of circumcision were challenged when, for example, Celsus proposed an operation to restore the prepuce.i The pros and cons of male circumcision still provoke contentious and inflammatory debate. Thoughtful scientific studies and vigorous discussion in letters to editors recur in major medical journals.2.3 The debate is permeated by science and opinion, superstition and pseudoscience, culture and religion. Into the fray are the issues of urinary infection susceptibility, sexually transmitted diseases, penile cancer, cervical cancer, genital sensitivity, sexual performance, and emotional impact.4 The Polar Extremities of the Debate
pH-induced alterations in dopamine synthesis regulation in rat brain striatal synaptosomes.

: Dopamine synthesis regulation as a function of pH has been examined in rat brain striatal synaptosomes. Synthesis stimulation produced by lowering the incubation pH from 7.2 to 6.2 is accompanied by a significant increase in apparent A'm for tyrosine and in apparent Vmax. While these kinetic alterations are similar to those produced by the depolarizing agent veratridine, it does not appear that synthesis is stimulated at pH 6.2 via synaptosomal depolarization since (1) synthesis stimulation still occurs at pH 6.2 in a calcium-free medium in contrast to the calcium-dependency of veratridine- induced stimulation and (2) tyrosine uptake is not inhibited by incubation at pH 6.2, but is markedly inhibited by veratridine. In order to study how the regulatory properties of synaptosomal preparations vary according to pH, the ability of synaptosomal dopamine synthesis to respond to various agents was tested between pH 7.2 and 6.2. The stimulatory effects of veratridine, amphetamine, phenylethylamine and dibutyryl cyclic AMP at pH 7.2 were significantly diminished at pH 6.2. In addition, incubation at pH 6.2 antagonized the veratridine-induced inhibition of tyrosine uptake, suggesting an interference with the depolarization process. The inhibitory effects of dopamine and tyramine at pH 7.2 were also antagonized at pH 6.2. In contrast to the effects of pH 6.2 buffer, incubation at pH 6.6 does not markedly alter responses to the various drugs. The results suggest that, although basal dopamine synthesis rates can be increased by lowering the pH, synaptosomal regulatory properties are significantly altered as the pH is lowered below 6.6.
System level signal and power integrity analysis for 3200Mbps DDR4 interface

For single-ended signaling DDR4 channels at 3200Mbps, signal and power integrity issues become increasingly challenging with much smaller voltage and timing windows to balance the budget. As systems increase data rate and IO count, supply noise does not scale accordingly. We present a system level signal and power co-simulation analysis to optimize system performance under stringent timing requirement [1]. Signal integrity of DDR4 interface, such as inter-symbol interference ISI, reflection, and signal cross talk, needs to be minimized in order to meet an ever shrinking timing budget. Also, power delivery network (PDN) design becomes very difficult as a result of smaller die size and multilayer complex package design. SI and PI co-design optimization is driven by both channel performance and overall system cost.
Three Dimensional Printing: Surface Finish and Microstructure of Rapid Prototyped Components

Three Dimensional Printing is a process for rapid prototyping of functional components. Thin layers of powder are bound in selected areas by ink-jet printing of a liquid binder. Layers are added sequentially until a three dimensional part is completed. The unbound powder is then removed. The raster scan pattern and layering used in forming has an observable effect on the surface finish and microstructure of the part, as does the chemistry of the particular materials system used. Important phenomena include ballistic interaction of the jet with the powder bed and wicking of the binder. Process parameters such as layer height, flow rate, and powder density were studied. Microstructural examination of the printed components is also reported.
Achieving robust stability and performance by augmenting the number of system inputs

In this paper we consider the problem of how to design compensators that guarantee robust stability and performance, in the context of linear time invariant multivariable systems, whose description involves structured parametric type uncertainty. We demonstrate that if the original system is modified appropriately by generating additional inputs, this allows for more flexibility in achieving robust stability and performance. This implies that in a physical implementation of the control law, more actuators will be needed. We motivate the discussion by considering a physical example. We first concentrate on robust stability, state conditions under which the procedure is possible and prove several general results. We then focus our attention on achieving robust stability and robust performance and suggest design procedures.
On the structure of glassy polymers. II. Small‐angle x‐ray scattering from poly(methyl methacrylate)

The small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) from glassy poly(methyl methacrylate) has been measured using a Bonse–Hart system. The data cover the angular range (2θ) between 20 sec and 2 deg. After correcting for absorption, background, and beam divergence, the data have been placed on an absolute basis by comparison with the scattering from a standard silica suspension. The corrected absolute intensity decreases strongly with increasing angle over the range between 20 sec and 30 min, and is nearly constant between 30 min and 2 deg. The magnitude of the scattering in the constant range, 0.6 (electrons)2 A−3, is within a factor of 1.5 of the value predicted by the thermodynamic fluctuation theory for fluids applied at the glass transition temperature. The increase in intensity at smaller angles cannot be described by structures on the scale of the nodules reported in highly isotactic PMMA (150–200 A), but can be well represented by small concentrations of heterogeneities, several thousand angstrom units in size, superimposed on the thermal density fluctuations frozen-in at the glass transition. The bulk structure of this material is well described as a random amorphous solid, containing simple thermal fluctuations and a small concentration of relatively large heterogeneities.
Two new species of Tachigali (Leguminosae) from Brazil and Peru

Tachigali acrensis van der Werff and T. pilosa van der Werff are described and illustrated. T. acrensis is only known from the type collection made in the state of Acre, Brazil, while T. pilosa has been collected several times in forest plots made in the Department of Pasco, Peru.
Fisher information for EMCCD imaging with application to single molecule microscopy

Owing to its high quantum efficiency, the charge-coupled device (CCD) is an important imaging tool employed in biological applications such as single molecule microscopy. Under extremely low light conditions, however, a CCD is generally unsuitable because its readout noise can easily overwhelm the weak signal. Instead, an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD), which stochastically amplifies the acquired signal to drown out the readout noise, can be used. We have previously proposed a framework for calculating the Fisher information, and hence the Cramer-Rao lower bound, for estimating parameters (e.g., single molecule location) from the images produced by an optical microscope. Here, we develop the theory that is needed for deriving, within this framework, performance measures pertaining to the estimation of parameters from an EMCCD image. Our results allow the comparison of a CCD and an EMCCD in terms of the best accuracy with which parameters can be estimated from their acquired images.
Achievable diversity and multiplexing in multiple antenna systems with quantized power control

We consider a multiple antenna system with finite rate feedback, in which the quantized channel state information at the transmitter is used solely for temporal power control. We show that similar to systems without feedback, the tradeoff between diversity order and multiplexing gain exists. However, unlike the systems with feedback that apply both rate and power control, systems with only power control are unable of achieving non-zero diversity order at the maximum multiplexing gain. The analysis is based on asymptotic behavior of the distribution of order statistics of the eigenvalues of channel matrix, which is a key step in evaluating the diversity order.
Time-dependent visual adaptation for fast realistic image display

Human vision takes time to adapt to large changes in scene intensity, and these transient adjustments have a profound effect on visual appearance. This paper offers a new operator to include these appearance changes in animations or interactive real-time simulations, and to match a user's visual responses to those the user would experience in a real-world scene.Large, abrupt changes in scene intensities can cause dramatic compression of visual responses, followed by a gradual recovery of normal vision. Asymmetric mechanisms govern these time-dependent adjustments, and offer adaptation to increased light that is much more rapid than adjustment to darkness. We derive a new tone reproduction operator that simulates these mechanisms. The operator accepts a stream of scene intensity frames and creates a stream of color display images.All operator components are derived from published quantitative measurements from physiology, psychophysics, color science, and photography. ept intentionally simple to allow fast computation, the operator is meant for use with real-time walk-through renderings, high dynamic range video cameras, and other interactive applications. We demonstrate its performance on both synthetically generated and acquired “real-world” scenes with large dynamic variations of illumination and contrast.
The New Wal-Mart Effect: The Role of Private Contracting in Global Governance

This Article argues that networks of private contracts serve a public regulatory function in the global environmental arena. These networks fill the regulatory gaps created when global trade increases the exploitation of global commons resources and shifts production to exporting countries with lax environmental standards. As critics of trade liberalization have noted, public responses often are inadequate to address the attendant environmental harms. This Article uses empirical data to examine how private contracting regulates firm behavior, focusing on supply-chain contracting. The Article shows that more than half of the largest firms in eight retail and industrial sectors impose environmental requirements on their domestic and foreign suppliers. This contracting, which the Article terms "the new Wal-Mart effect," reduces externalities by translating a complex mix of social, economic, and legal incentives for environmental protection into private contractual requirements. After demonstrating that private environmental contracting is an important part of global environmental governance, the Article examines the efficacy and accountability of this regime. The Article concludes that the private contracting regime often is preferable to the alternatives: lax national and international regulation of firms in many exporting countries, and markets that lack private environmental contracting. Finding much promise in the private contracting regime, the Article concludes by suggesting new strategies for governments, nongovernmental organizations, and firms.
Chlorinated triphenyl-induced extensions of the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum.

SummaryIngestion of a highly chlorinated triphenyl by rats induces liver hypertrophy with proliferation of the vesicular smooth endoplasmic reticulum and formation of large concentric membrane arrays within the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes. At 21 days these changes result in increased hepatic function. Associated with the intracellular membrane alterations are increased phospholipid/protein, decreased cholesterol/protein, and altered specific enzyme activities of the microsomes. It is proposed that the phospholipid and cholesterol levels of the new membranes are compatible with an altered structure for localization of the foreign lipid soluble compound.The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of Miss Lois Abrahamson.
Cell protective, ABC triblock polymer-based thermoresponsive hydrogels with ROS-triggered degradation and drug release.

A combination of anionic and RAFT polymerization was used to synthesize an ABC triblock polymer poly[(propylenesulfide)-block-(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-block-(N-isopropylacrylamide)] (PPS-b-PDMA-b-PNIPAAM) that forms physically cross-linked hydrogels when transitioned from ambient to physiologic temperature and that incorporates mechanisms for reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered degradation and drug release. At ambient temperature (25 °C), PPS-b-PDMA-b-PNIPAAM assembled into 66 ± 32 nm micelles comprising a hydrophobic PPS core and PNIPAAM on the outer corona. Upon heating to physiologic temperature (37 °C), which exceeds the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAAM, micelle solutions (at ≥2.5 wt %) sharply transitioned into stable, hydrated gels. Temperature-dependent rheology indicated that the equilibrium storage moduli (G′) of hydrogels at 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt % were 20, 380, and 850 Pa, respectively. The PPS-b-PDMA-b-PNIPAAM micelles were preloaded with the model drug Nile red, and th...
The role of thromboxane in two-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertension in rats

Impaired contralateral kidney (CLK) function is important in the maintenance of hypertension in the two-kidney, one-clip (2K, 1C) Goldblatt rat model. Since glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is influenced by the products of arachidonic acid metabolism, we investigated the potential role of eicosanoids as mediators of impaired CLK pressure-volume regulation. At 4 wk following right renal artery clipping, GFR of hypertensive rats was significantly reduced. This decrease was due to the fixed reduction in GFR of the clipped kidney and failure of the CLK to increase its GFR. Thromboxane (Tx) production by isolated perfused CLK was significantly elevated, whereas prostacyclin production remained unchanged. Furthermore, CLK GFR was inversely proportional to Tx production. Treatment of 4-wk hypertensive animals with either the Tx synthase inhibitor UK-38,485 or the Tx receptor antagonist GR 32191 produced a significant increase in CLK GFR. In addition, treatment with either the Tx synthase inhibitor or the Tx receptor antagonist significantly reduced systemic blood pressure. Thus, in this 2K, 1C model of hypertension, increased renal Tx production prevents functional hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney. As a result, CLK pressure-volume regulation is impaired and systemic hypertension is maintained. Furthermore, Tx antagonists restore CLK function and acutely lower systemic blood pressure. Therefore, increased renal Tx production by the CLK appears to be an important mediator of hypertension in the 2K, 1C model.
The Legitimation of Insurgent Narratives

In 1989 and 1990 public attacks on the core myths of Soviet socialism grew exponentially as the costs of such behavior diminished. As fear receded, outspoken and unqualified condemnations of the Soviet past increasingly replaced the guarded and careful criticism that was common in 1988. Although many intellectuals still defended the October Revolution, they often acknowledged that Lenin had committed tragic political errors that may have led to Stalinism.
Thermal Test on Target with Pressed Disks

A thorough test of the thermal performance of a target for Mo99 production using solid Mo100 target to produce the Mo99 via a gamma-n reaction has previously been conducted at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The results are reported in “Zero Degree Line Mo Target Thermal Test Results and Analysis,” LANL report Number LA-UR-15-23134 dated 3/27/15. This target was comprised of 25 disks 1 mm thick and 12 mm in diameter, separated by helium coolant gaps 0.5 mm wide. The test reported in the above referenced report was conducted with natural Mo disks all cut from commercial rod. The production plant will have Mo100 disks pressed and sintered using a process being developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The structural integrity of press-and-sinter disks is of some concern. The test reported herein included 4 disks made by the ORNL process and placed in the high heat, and therefore high thermal stress, region of the target. The electron beam energy was 23 MeV for these tests. Beam spot size was 3.5 mm horizontal and 3 mm vertical, FWHM. The thermal stress test of pressed-and-sintered disks resulted in no mechanical failures. The induced thermal stresses were below yield stress for natural Mo,more » indicating that up to that stress state no inherent deficiencies in the mechanical properties of the fabricated disks were evident.« less