cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technological progress and technical efficiency in Chinese industrial growth: A frontier production function approach

Abstract We estimate a frontier production function for Chinese industry for the period 1953–1985. Contrary to prior studies based on OLS estimates, we find that Chinese industry has been characterized by a rate of growth of technological progress between 1.8 and 3.6 percent per year. We also find that the capital-saving nature of technological progress has adversely affected Chinese productivity growth because of increases in the capital-labor ratio. The utilization of industrial resources has been quite suboptimal for much of the sample period, with industrial production well off the production frontier. These deviations from efficient resource use reflect well-known political and economic developments that disrupted economic activity. Finally, both technical efficiency and total factor productivity increased appreciably in the period 1978–1985, suggesting that the reforms have had some positive impact on industrial performance.
Assessing Cloud Transient Impacts of Solar and Battery Energy Systems on Grid Inertial Responses

AbstractTo assess the dynamic impact of intermittency of rapidly increasing solar photovoltaic generation on the grid, this article presents the modeling and integration of the components that need to be considered, including the solar photovoltaic plant, battery energy storage system, grid-tied interface, and associated control systems. The complexity and accuracy of these models are suitable for evaluating the transient impact on bulk power systems. Of particular interest is the grid inertial response in such situations as different penetration levels of solar generation and fast cloud transient induced solar generation decrease coupled with outages that recurrently occur in the grid, e.g., a generator trip. The impact of such events on the grid frequency responses is investigated using a simplified simulation approach to account for the locational or spatial irradiance variation patterns and cloud movements. Responsive battery energy storage systems are recognized as an effective means to improve the i...
Assessment of the genotoxic effects of methyl chloride in human lymphoblasts

The activity of methyl chloride was measured in 4 genotoxicity assays. In an established human lymphoblast line, a 3-h treatment with 0-5% methyl chloride resulted in a dose-related increase in mutant fraction at the thymidine kinase locus and induction of sister-chromatid exchange. No increase in DNA damage, as measured by alkaline elution, was detected in the lymphoblasts at concentrations of methyl chloride shown to be mutagenic. Also, a concentration-related increase in 8-azaguanine-resistant fraction in Salmonella typhimurium was observed following a 3-h treatment with atmospheres containing 0-20% methyl chloride. Thus, methyl chloride is a weak, direct-acting mutagen for bacteria and human cells in culture.
Identifying variations in blood use based on hemoglobin transfusion trigger and target among hepatopancreaticobiliary surgeons.

Background Transfusion practice among surgeons varies despite several trials supporting the restrictive use of blood products. We sought to define the variation in surgeon transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) triggers and targets among patients undergoing hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) procedures, as well as assess perioperative outcomes among patients receiving transfusions under a restrictive vs liberal transfusion strategy. Study Design Using prospectively collected data, variations in transfusion Hb triggers, targets, and overall use of blood were examined among 1,554 patients undergoing an HPB procedure by 1 of 11 surgeons at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2009 and 2013. Perioperative outcomes were compared among patients treated with a restrictive (Hb Results Among the 1,554 patients included in the cohort, 504 (32.4%) received at least 1 transfusion of red cells. Patients who received a transfusion were older and had more medical comorbidities (both p 0.05). Conclusions Nearly 1 in 3 patients undergoing an HPB procedure received a blood transfusion in the perioperative period. Transfusion use, indication ("trigger"), and dose ("target") varied among surgeons. The use of a restrictive transfusion strategy did not affect perioperative outcomes.
Theory of the Influence of Surface States on the Impedance of a Semiconductor-Insulator Interface

Measurements of the impedance of MOS diodes, carried out by several workers, show that the frequency response of these devices is affected by the presence of semiconductor surface states. Quantitative considerations are generally difficult due to the complexities of the explicit mathematical description of the underlying physical mechanism. In the present paper it is emphasized that a numerical solution of the set of differential equations, which describes the problem, can allow a rigorous interpretation of possible measurements of ac impedances performed at several frequencies with a bridge in a series arrangement. The determination of the ac series resistance in addition to the ac capacitance, for many types of band bending on the semiconductor surface gives a more complete picture of the situation: while the energy levels and the population of the surface states can be adequately determined by ac capacitance measurements only, the ac resistance evaluation gives more information for establishing the relaxation times, which directly affect the frequency cut-off of the device. After an outline of the mathematical procedure, some particular cases are discussed and it is shown how the measured quantities can be related to the surface state parameters. Von verschiedenen Autoren durchgefuhrte Scheinwiderstandsmessungen an MOS-Dioden zeigen, das der Frequenzgang dieser Bauelemente durch Oberflachenzustande beeinflust wird. Quantitative Uberlegungen sind wegen der Kompliziertheit der expliziten mathematischen Beschreibung der zugrunde liegenden physikalischen Mechanismen im allgemeinen schwierig durchzufuhren. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird gezeigt, das eine numerische Losung des Differentialgleichungssystems, das das Problem beschreibt, eine vollstandige Auswertung der bei verschiedenen Frequenzen mit einer Brucke in Serienanordnung durchgefuhrten Scheinwiderstandsmessungen erlaubt. Die Bestimmung des Wechselstromserienwiderstands zusatzlich zum kapazitiven Widerstand ergibt fur viele Typen der Bandverbiegungen an der Halbleiteroberflache ein vollstandigeres Bild der Situation. Wahrend die Energieniveaus und die Besetzung der Oberflachenzustande durch Messungen des kapazitiven Widerstands allein bestimmt werden konnen, ergibt eine Ermittlung des Scheinwiderstands zusatzliche Informationen uber die Relaxationszeiten, die die Grenzfrequenz des Bauelements direkt beeinflussen. Nach einem Umris der mathematischen Behandlung werden einige Spezialfalle diskutiert, und es wird gezeigt, wie die gemessenen Grosen zu den Parametern der Oberflachenzustande in Beziehung gesetzt werden konnen.
Remarks on Analytic Continuation

The collection Jt of multi-valued analytic functions with three singular points z = a, b,c on the Riemann sphere ..., wn) ^ 0 with complex coefficients which vanishes identically when w0 is replaced by w(z) and the Wj are replaced by d w/dz. According to a theorem of Holder, the gamma function has this property, but T(z) is single-valued and has poles at the negative integers. Our result is obtained by supplementing the reasoning employed in [4] with that of Ritt and Gourin [3]. Moreover, replacing the Golod-Shafarevitch group utilized in [4] by interesting two-generator groups permits us to restrict our attention to the collection of functions with three singular points and to make a few additional observations about the branching behaviour of some of its members. Finally, we prove a theorem about the symmetric group on a countable set which yields yet another interesting function in our class Ji. Throughout this paper we replace the phrase "homogeneous linear differential equation with single-valued analytic coefficients with singularities at z = ah i = 1, . . . ,r + l, r a positive integer", by the term "linear differential equation". Now, suppose that G is an infinite group generated by r elements; of course, G is countable. Selecting r + 1 arbitrary points z = aif i = l , . . . , r + l on <D, the construction given in [4] establishes the existence of transcendental functions T(z) on <D with singular points z = ah i = 1,..., r +1 and monodromy group isomorphic to G. The analytic key to this result is the Mittag-Leffier Anschmiegungssatz for noncompact Riemann surfaces; it permits us to prescribe arbitrary polynomials
Large-Scale Reverse Genetics in Arabidopsis: Case Studies from the Chloroplast 2010 Project

Traditionally, phenotype-driven forward genetic plant mutant studies have been among the most successful approaches to revealing the roles of genes and their products and elucidating biochemical, developmental, and signaling pathways. A limitation is that it is time consuming, and sometimes technically challenging, to discover the gene responsible for a phenotype by map-based cloning or discovery of the insertion element. Reverse genetics is also an excellent way to associate genes with phenotypes, although an absence of detectable phenotypes often results when screening a small number of mutants with a limited range of phenotypic assays. The Arabidopsis Chloroplast 2010 Project (www.plastid.msu.edu) seeks synergy between forward and reverse genetics by screening thousands of sequence-indexed Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) T-DNA insertion mutants for a diverse set of phenotypes. Results from this project are discussed that highlight the strengths and limitations of the approach. We describe the discovery of altered fatty acid desaturation phenotypes associated with mutants of At1g10310, previously described as a pterin aldehyde reductase in folate metabolism. Data are presented to show that growth, fatty acid, and chlorophyll fluorescence defects previously associated with antisense inhibition of synthesis of the family of acyl carrier proteins can be attributed to a single gene insertion in Acyl Carrier Protein4 (At4g25050). A variety of cautionary examples associated with the use of sequence-indexed T-DNA mutants are described, including the need to genotype all lines chosen for analysis (even when they number in the thousands) and the presence of tagged and untagged secondary mutations that can lead to the observed phenotypes.
Sensitivity analysis of linear CROW gyroscopes and comparison to a single-resonator gyroscope

This study presents numerical simulations of the maximum sensitivity to absolute rotation of a number of coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW) gyroscopes consisting of a linear array of coupled ring resonators. It examines in particular the impact on the maximum sensitivity of the number of rings, of the relative spatial orientation of the rings (folded and unfolded), of various sequences of coupling ratios between the rings and various sequences of ring dimensions, and of the number of input/output waveguides (one or two) used to inject and collect the light. In all configurations the sensitivity is maximized by proper selection of the coupling ratio(s) and phase bias, and compared to the maximum sensitivity of a resonant waveguide optical gyroscope (RWOG) utilizing a single ring-resonator waveguide with the same radius and loss as each ring in the CROW. Simulations show that although some configurations are more sensitive than others, in spite of numerous claims to the contrary made in the literature, in all configurations the maximum sensitivity is independent of the number of rings, and does not exceed the maximum sensitivity of an RWOG. There are no sensitivity benefits to utilizing any of these linear CROWs for absolute rotation sensing. For equal total footprint, an RWOG is √N times more sensitive, and it is easier to fabricate and stabilize.
Tetrodotoxin binding as a marker for functional differentiation of various brain regions during chick and mouse development.

— Measurements of wet wt. and tetrodotoxin (TTX) binding have been made for various regions of chicken and mouse brain during development. The results in each case describe a sigmoid curve. In the chick all brain regions (telencephalon, optic tecta, cerebellum and brainstem) bind significant levels of TTX at hatching, but the brainstem is already at the adult level of binding. In the mouse only the brainstem binds measureable amounts of TTX at birth, indicating that it is the only brain region capable of generating sodium spikes in the newborn animal. Tetrodotoxin binding does not appear in the mouse cerebellum until after the first postnatal week, but subsequent to this time the development of TTX binding is more rapid in this structure than in any other.
Dispersion of insecticide-resistant populations of the house fly, Musca domestica L.

House flies, Musca domestica L., were collected by insect net from dairy barns in the area of Freehold, New Jersey, marked by suitable fluorescent dyes, and released in the same barns. Dispersion of flies to other barns was determined by night searches with a black light. Collections of flies from barns, traps, and fly ribbons also were used to determine fly movement. For some releases flies were reared on the farms. Over a 2-year period 9 experiments were conducted using 133,000 marked flies released at 6 locations. The studies showed that insecticide-resistant flies will move quite readily from one barn to another, moving at least a mile in a day and apparently in all directions. Flies were recovered up to 6.5 miles from the release point. Largest numbers of flies were recovered in barns where conditions seemed most favorable to flies. Reciprocal movement of flies between barns was shown in 3 instances. Measurement of the population at the release point at intervals after release indicated the size of the total fly population in these barns. This procedure permitted calculation of actual numbers of flies migrating to a given barn.
Persistent psychosis after reduction in pre- and post-synaptic dopaminergic function

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that neuroleptic non-response in the face of “adequate” DA post-synaptic receptor blockade reflects failure of regulatory mechanisms to decrease DA pre-synaptic activity. Eight chronic schizophrenics, meeting rigorous criteria for neuroleptic non-response, were treated for four weeks with alpha-methylparatyrosine as an adjunct to their previously stable neuroleptic dose. Treatment with AMPT produced a prompt decrease in plasma HVA that was, on average, 72% lower at the end of the study. While there was also strong clinical evidence of reduction in central dopaminergic activity (both a significant reduction in dyskinetic movements and increase in extrapyramidal symptoms), there was virtually no change in severity of psychotic symptoms. Thus, in this group of non-responders, psychotic symptoms persisted despite both extensive dopamine post-synaptic receptor blockade and marked reduction of presynaptic activity. These symptoms may not be directly DA dependent.
High‐strength and low‐stiffness composites of nanoclay‐filled thermoplastic polyurethanes

In this study, bulk polymerized clay-tethered thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites were synthesized that offered much improved tensile strength with negligible changes in tensile modulus. These composites contained intercalated, tethered layered silicate particles and were synthesized by mixing low molecular weight prepolymer chains containing unreacted –NCO groups with reactive layered silicate clay followed by catalyzed chain extension reaction with butanediol. The molar ratio of –NCO and –OH functional groups in the composite was varied between 1.0 and 1.2. It was found that an appreciable amount of –NCO groups was consumed in reaction with moisture present in the clay and some in quaternary ammonium ion-catalyzed dimerization and trimerization. Composites with –NCO to –OH molar ratio 1.1 provided the best improvement in mechanical properties—the composite with 5 wt% clay provided a 60% increase in tensile strength and 50% increase in strain at break, while the tensile modulus increased only by 15% over TPU. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:1532–1539, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Transcriptome and proteome expression in activated human CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes.

Abstract T-lymphocytes (T-cells) are unique in that unlike monocytes, they have no insulin receptors, and are insulin insensitive, but upon activation with antigens develop insulin, IGF-1, and IL-2 receptors, and become insulin sensitive tissues. In vivo activation of these cells has now been demonstrated in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. We analyzed the genomics and proteomics of activated and non-activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells of normal subjects using Affymetrix microarray gene chips and proteomes by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. Genes for IL-2, insulin, and IGF-1 receptors were increased at least 2-fold in activated vs non-activated T-cells. Using an expression array containing the entire human genome of 39,500 genes, we evaluated approximately 27,000 genes relevant in physiologic and cellular ontologies. Of these, approximately 10,500 genes were increased in activated cells, compared to about 7000, which were decreased, and approximately 9500, which were unchanged. Among activated ontologies were signal transduction pathways such as IRS-1, IRS-2, Akt, and glycolytic pathways. To our knowledge this is the first report of an hitherto unreported event. Possible implications of these processes are discussed in the light of their physiological significance.
Liberal Religion, Artistic Autonomy, and the Culture of Secular Choral Societies

U.S. choral societies typically formalize themselves as secular organizations analogous to symphony orchestras and opera companies. Yet choral societies differ from symphonic or operatic organizations because almost all choruses depend on volunteer singers. Part of what attracts singers into choruses is a sometimes unacknowledged affinity between the religious traditions of liberal Christians and Jews and the culture of choral singing as practiced in formally secular choral societies. The liberal tradition in religion encourages a habitus toward music that might be called a “sense of liturgy”: The interpretation of musical works historically and collectively, rather than as didactic works addressed to an individual. Although many canonical choral works are Christian in content, liberal religion encourages distancing mechanisms that allow people from other faith traditions, or none at all, to engage with these works. In short, the posture of artistic autonomy often found within formally secular choral societies, in which there is no overt religious test for membership, owes part of its genesis to the religious habits of liberal Christians and Jews. The present article explores this affinity by drawing on ethnomusicological fieldwork among choral singers in New England, as well as published accounts of a 1996 controversy over the performance of religious music by a public school choir in Utah.
Estimating the fraction of clonable genomic DNA.

Tang and Waterman (1990, Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, 52, 455–475) give an estimate of the fraction of clonable genomic DNA by complete digestion with a single restriction enzyme. However, their argument neglects the ‘end effects’ of restriction enzyme digestion. This effectively assumes that the DNA is of infinite length. However, neglecting the end effects is not necessary to obtain useful estimates of the fraction of clonable DNA. An alternative approach is taken to estimating the fraction of clonable DNA that accounts for the finite nature of the DNA strand. This approach yields the Tang and Waterman estimate by allowing the genome length to go to infinity. Comparisons based on simulation studies show the finite approach to be more accurate than Tang and Waterman’s estimate, especially for shorter genomes. Sequence-based studies also show that the proposed method is often superior to the Tang-Waterman estimate.
Cutaneous mechanoreceptors influencing impulse discharges in cerebellar cortex. II. In Purkyně cells by mossy fiber input

This paper gives an account of single Purkyně cell responses when three types of mechanical stimulation, as in the previous paper, are applied to the forefoot and hindfoot of the decerebrate unanesthetized cat. Attention was concentrated on the effects of brief mechanical pulses to the footpad. Recording was extracellular by glass microelectrodes and special precautions were taken in identifying the spike responses as being due to a single Purkyně cell and in securing its effective isolation for our computer averaging techniques, as described in the previous papers. All Purkyně cells were in the ipsilateral anterior lobe in the lateral vermis or pars intermedia of lobules III, IV, V, except for a few recordings in the extreme rostral zone of lobule VI. Mechanical pulses or taps evoked responses from many Purkyně cells which were pure excitatory, pure inhibitory or admixtures thereof. The latencies of onset were usually in the range of 12–20 msec from the onset of the tap, which tends to be a little longer than the observed latencies for mossy fiber responses described in the preceding paper. There was often a considerable difference in the sizes of the responses evoked from different pads of the same foot, and the usual threshold for response was below 0.2 mm amplitude. Durations of responses were usually 10–20 msec for excitation and 50–100 msec for inhibition. Pressure pulses to the central foot pads of 2 sec duration evoked a wide variety of responses: brief phasic at “on” and “off” that could be admixtures of excitation and inhibition; almost pure tonic excitations or inhibitions that were well maintained during the 2 sec; phasic-tonic responses in various relative degrees. Usually 500 g was maximally effective and the threshold was below 100 g. Hair receptors were stimulated preferentially by brief air jets, there being brief excitatory or inhibitory responses much as with taps, but with rather longer latency. The effective area was usually fairly extensive over the hairy skin of the foot. In general the effects on Purkyně cells by cutaneous mechanoreceptors acting via mossy fibers were in accord with the mossy fiber responses reported in the preceding paper and with the well-known excitatory and inhibitory effects that are exerted by mossy fiber inputs on Purkyně cells.
Wideband cavity backed slot antenna for automotive monopulse radars

A wideband cavity backed slot antenna is designed for automotive-borne monopulse radar applications. A rectangular slot is used to realise broad bandwidth; the slot is backed by a cavity, and the vertical walls of the cavity are implemented by discrete vias; and the slot is fed by a microstrip line. The proposed antenna is compact, robust, fully planar and easy to integrate. A two-element array is fabricated and tested. Measured input impedance is matched to 50 Ω within band [2.61 GHz, 3.44 GHz] (27.5% bandwidth); and monopulse beam-scanning is successfully demonstrated.
Why both insider trading and non‐mandatory disclosures should be prohibited

This paper shows that insider trading reduces outside searchers' trading profits and thus their incentive to search for information. This reduces social welfare since allocation decisions are made with less information. Non-mandatory disclosures are also socially undesirable for identical reasons. Thus society would benefit if the rule to ‘disclose or abstain’ were altered to just ‘abstain’. Also, since firms may not voluntarily restrict insider trading, government regulation is necessary. I investigate which economies are more likely to provide political impetus to regulate. Where public corporations are primarily owned and controlled by entrepreneurs or large undiversified stockholders, pressure to regulate (or enforce existing regulation) will be lower. However, insider trading is more likely to be effectively regulated where owners are largely diversified. Evidence is presented to show that the USA experienced just such a transformation in the 1960s and that this change accounts for stricter enforcement of insider trading regulations. This may explain both why regulation in the USA developed in the manner it did, and why certain countries like UK, Japan, Germany and France, etc. do not yet have restrictions on insider trading. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TRANSIENT, FOCAL ACCUMULATION OF AXONAL MITOCHONDRIA DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF WALLERIAN DEGENERATION

Wallerian degeneration was produced in guinea pig sciatic nerves by a crush injury. At intervals of 2, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the crush, the nerves were fixed in osmium tetroxide, and blocks from the distal, degenerating segment identified topographically prior to embedding in Araldite or Epon. Phase and electron microscopic study of serial cross- and longitudinal sections reveals a striking, localized accumulation of axonal mitochondria which precedes or accompanies the swelling and fragmentation previously reported by others. These focal accumulations of mitochondria are transient and are most frequently observed in the paranodal axoplasm of large myelinated fibers 24 to 36 hours after crush injury, but are also occasionally identified in small myelinated fibers and unmyelinated axons. Migration and proliferation of axonal mitochondria are considered as possible explanations of these observations.
Biogeochemical Evolution of Domestic Waste Water in Septic Systems: 1. Conceptual Model

This paper presents a conceptual model, developed by synthesizing the results of many researchers, which describes the geochemical evolution of domestic waste water in conventional on-site septic systems as the result of the interactions of a few major constituents. As described by the model, the evolution of waste water is driven by the microbially catalyzed redox reactions involving organic C and N in waste water and occurs in as many as three different redox zones. Anaerobic digestion of organic matter and production of CO2, CH4, and NH4+ predominate in the first zone, which consists mainly of the septic tank. In the second zone, gaseous diffusion through the unsaturated sediments of the drain field supplies O2 for aerobic oxidation of organic C and NH4+ and a consequent decrease in waste-water alkalinity. The NO3− formed by NH4+ oxidation in this zone is the primary adverse impact of septic systems at most sites and is generally an unavoidable consequence of the proper functioning of conventional septic systems. If adequate O2 is not available in the drain field, aerobic digestion is incomplete, and the accumulation of organic matter may cause septic-system failure. In the third redox zone, NO3 is reduced to N2 by the anaerobic process of denitrification. However, this setting is rarely found below septic systems due to a lack of labile organic C in the natural setting. Consideration of the changing redox and pH conditions in each zone aids our understanding of the fate of other constituents in septic systems.
Oviposition in Sweet Cherry by Reproductively Mature Western Cherry Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Fed Spinosad and Neonicotinoid Insecticide Baits

ABSTRACT Western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a major pest of sweet cherry, Prunus avium (L.) L., in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Spinosad bait is applied weekly to kill flies before they develop eggs, but its effects on oviposition by reproductively mature flies are unknown. In this study, the main objective was to identify insecticide bait treatments that can prevent oviposition after being ingested by reproductively mature R. indifferens. First, flies were fed liquid bait. Of flies fed spinosad bait, 20% oviposited and all died within 1 d. Of flies fed acetamiprid + sucrose, 72% oviposited after 1 wk, and all recovered from paralysis within 1 d. Of flies fed spinosad bait + acetamiprid, 7% oviposited and most died within 1 d. None of the flies fed spinosad bait + thiamethoxam oviposited and all died within 1 d. Of flies fed thiamethoxam + sucrose, 2% oviposited and most died within 1 d. None of the flies fed spinosad + thiamethoxam + sucrose ...
Effects of the combination of wheel running and atomoxetine on cue- and cocaine-primed reinstatement in rats selected for high or low impulsivity.

Background Aerobic exercise and the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication, atomoxetine (ATO), are two monotherapies that have been shown to suppress reinstatement of cocaine-seeking in an animal model of relapse. The present study investigated the effects of combining wheel running and ATO versus each treatment alone on cocaine-seeking precipitated by cocaine and cocaine-paired cues in rats with differing susceptibility to drug abuse (i.e., high vs. low impulsive).
Complexity and Redundancy in the Pathogenesis of Asthma: Reassessing the Roles of Mast Cells and T Cells

Asthma affects millions of people worldwide, and its reported incidence is increasing dramatically in many developed nations; the human and economic costs of this disorder, in morbidity, health care expenses, lost productivity, and, most tragically, even mortality, are staggering (([1][1]), ([2][2
On stochastic LQR design and polynomial chaos

In this paper we develop a novel theoretical framework for linear quadratic regulator design for linear systems with probabilistic uncertainty in the parameters. The framework is built on the generalized polynomial chaos theory, which can handle Gaussian, uniform, beta and gamma distributions. In this framework, the stochastic dynamics is transformed into deterministic dynamics in higher dimensional state space, and the controller is designed in the expanded state space. The proposed design framework results in a family of controllers, parameterized by the associated random variables. The theoretical results are applied to a controller design problem based on stochastic linear, longitudinal F16 model. The performance of the stochastic design shows excellent consistency with the results obtained from Monte-Carlo based designs, in a statistical sense.
Performance of Lightweight Manipulators under Joint Variable Feedback Control: Analytical Study of Limitations

The performance limitations of joint variable feedback controlled manipulators due to manipulator flexibility are studied in fine and gross motions. A finite dimensional time-domain manipulator model is used in the study. Fine motion analysis results agree very well with the previously reported results based on infinite dimensional frequency domain models. The limitations of a class of adaptive controllers in high speed gross motion control are studied. Manipulation speeds are quantified as low, medium, or high with reference to the arm flexibility and dynamic nonlinearities.
Inhibition of Double-Stranded RNA-Dependent Protein Kinase PKR by Vaccinia Virus E3: Role of Complex Formation and the E3 N-Terminal Domain

The human double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase PKR inhibits protein synthesis by phosphorylating translation initiation factor 2alpha (eIF2alpha). Vaccinia virus E3L encodes a dsRNA binding protein that inhibits PKR in virus-infected cells, presumably by sequestering dsRNA activators. Expression of PKR in Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibits protein synthesis by phosphorylation of eIF2alpha, dependent on its two dsRNA binding motifs (DRBMs). We found that expression of E3 in yeast overcomes the lethal effect of PKR in a manner requiring key residues (Lys-167 and Arg-168) needed for dsRNA binding by E3 in vitro. Unexpectedly, the N-terminal half of E3, and residue Trp-66 in particular, also is required for anti-PKR function. Because the E3 N-terminal region does not contribute to dsRNA binding in vitro, it appears that sequestering dsRNA is not the sole function of E3 needed for inhibition of PKR. This conclusion was supported by the fact that E3 activity was antagonized, not augmented, by overexpressing the catalytically defective PKR-K296R protein containing functional DRBMs. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that a majority of PKR in yeast extracts was in a complex with E3, whose formation was completely dependent on the dsRNA binding activity of E3 and enhanced by the N-terminal half of E3. In yeast two-hybrid assays and in vitro protein binding experiments, segments of E3 and PKR containing their respective DRBMs interacted in a manner requiring E3 residues Lys-167 and Arg-168. We also detected interactions between PKR and the N-terminal half of E3 in the yeast two-hybrid and lambda repressor dimerization assays. In the latter case, the N-terminal half of E3 interacted with the kinase domain of PKR, dependent on E3 residue Trp-66. We propose that effective inhibition of PKR in yeast requires formation of an E3-PKR-dsRNA complex, in which the N-terminal half of E3 physically interacts with the protein kinase domain of PKR.
A Mechanistic Explanation for Global Patterns of Liana Abundance and Distribution

One of the main goals in ecology is determining the mechanisms that control the abundance and distribution of organisms. Using data from 69 tropical forests worldwide, I demonstrate that liana (woody vine) abundance is correlated negatively with mean annual precipitation and positively with seasonality, a pattern precisely the opposite of most other plant types. I propose a general mechanistic hypothesis integrating both ecological and ecophysiological approaches to explain this pattern. Specifically, the deep root and efficient vascular systems of lianas enable them to suffer less water stress during seasonal droughts while many competitors are dormant, giving lianas a competitive advantage during the dry season. Testing this hypothesis in central Panama, I found that lianas grew approximately seven times more in height than did trees during the dry season but only twice as much during the wet season. Over time, this dry season advantage may allow lianas to increase in abundance in seasonal forests. In aseasonal wet forests, however, lianas gain no such advantage because competing plants are rarely limited by water. I extend this theory to account for the local, within-forest increase in liana abundance in response to disturbance as well as the conspicuous decrease in liana abundance at high latitudes.
Molecular cloning and sequences of lignin peroxidase genes of Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Abstract The genomic clones encoding lignin peroxidase isozyme H8 and two closely related genes were isolated from Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-1767, and their nucleotide sequences were determined. The positions and approximate lengths of introns were found to be highly conserved in all three clones. Analysis of homokaryotic derivatives indicated that the three clones are not alleles of the same gene(s).
ESTIMATING CHAOS AND COMPLEX DYNAMICS IN AN INSECT POPULATION

A defining hypothesis of theoretical ecology during the past century has been that population fluctuations might largely be explained by relatively low-dimensional, non- linear ecological interactions, provided such interactions could be correctly identified and modeled. The realization in recent decades that such nonlinear interactions might result in chaos and other exotic dynamic behaviors has been exciting but tantalizing, in that attri- buting the fluctuations of a particular real population to the complex dynamics of a particular mathematical model has proved to be an elusive goal. We experimentally tested a model- predicted sequence of transitions (bifurcations) in the dynamic behavior of a population from stable equilibria to quasiperiodic and periodic cycles to chaos to three-cycles using cultures of the flour beetle Tribolium. The predictions arose from a system of difference equations (the LPA model) describing the nonlinear life-stage interactions, predominantly cannibalism. We built a stochastic version of the model incorporating demographic vari- ability and obtained conditional least-squares estimates for the model parameters. We gen- erated 2000 ''bootstrapped data sets'' with a time-series bootstrap technique, and for each set we reestimated the model parameters. The resulting 2000 bootstrapped parameter vectors were used to obtain confidence intervals for the model parameters and estimated distri- butions of the Liapunov exponents for the deterministic portion (the skeleton) of the model as well as for the full stochastic model. Frequency distributions of estimated dynamic behaviors of the skeleton at each experimental treatment were produced. For one treatment, over 83% of the bootstrapped parameter estimates corresponded to chaotic attractors, and the remainder of the estimates yielded high-period cycles. The low-dimensional skeleton accounted for at least 90% of the variability in the population abundances and accurately described the responses of populations to experimental demographic manipulations, in- cluding treatments for which the predicted dynamic behavior was chaos. Demographic stochasticity described the remaining noise quite well. We conclude that the fluctuations of experimental flour beetle populations are explained largely by known nonlinear forces involving cannibalistic-stage interactions. Claims of dynamic behavior such as periodic cycles or chaos must be accompanied by a consideration of the reliability of the estimated parameters and a realization that the population fluctuations are a blend of deterministic forces and stochastic events.
Faith and Community

One critique of positive psychology is that there is too much emphasis on the individual and too little focus on positive societies and communities. Empirical literature is relatively sparse on this topic. We begin this chapter by describing a model based on theoretical arguments relating faith and communities and provide evidence of the role of religious faith for one’s sense of belonging and participation in a community which contributes to community well-being. We then review the impact of faith within various specific institutions including educational, workplace, and faith-based organizational settings. We conclude the chapter by examining important implications based on the empirical literature for the field of psychology and explore directions for future research.
Caffeine Ingestion Causes Detrusor Overactivity and Afferent Nerve Excitation in Mice

Purpose: We examined the effect of caffeine (Sigma®) on voiding patterns in mice and characterized potential changes in bladder function and sensory signaling.Materials and Methods: A total of 12 mice were fed high dose (150 mg/kg) caffeine daily for 2 weeks. Micturition frequency and volume were recorded at baseline and at the end point. The effects of chronic low dose (10 mg/kg) caffeine on voiding patterns were examined in 7 mice, which were subsequently studied using awake cystometry. In a separate study to characterize the effects of acute caffeine consumption on bladder function and sensory signaling cystometry was performed in 6 mice. Bladder extracellular multifiber afferent signaling was recorded at baseline and 1 hour after feeding low dose caffeine. In a separate group of mice baseline cystometrograms were done using normal saline, followed by a caffeine filling solution.Results: Compared to pretreatment conditions, daily oral high dose caffeine resulted in a significant increase in average mic...
Post-Implementation ERP Success Assessment: A Conceptual Model

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) success research has been widely studied. Models to test the success of an ERP implementation have been developed, but most models do not adequately test all implementations success after implementation. This literature review study introduces a new model for testing any ERP post-implementation to determine if it was successful or not rather than relying on other models that determine it to be a failure if it did not fit within the model constraints.
A new approach to process control using Instability Index

The merits of a robust Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodology have long been established. In response to the numerous SPC rule combinations, processes, and the high cost of containment, the Instability Index (ISTAB) is presented as a tool for managing these complexities. ISTAB focuses limited resources on key issues and provides a window into the stability of manufacturing operations. ISTAB takes advantage of the statistical nature of processes by comparing the observed average run length (OARL) to the expected run length (ARL), resulting in a gap value called the ISTAB index. The ISTAB index has three characteristic behaviors that are indicative of defects in an SPC instance. Case 1: The observed average run length is excessively long relative to expectation. ISTAB > 0 is indicating the possibility that the limits are too wide. Case 2: The observed average run length is consistent with expectation. ISTAB near zero is indicating that the process is stable. Case 3: The observed average run length is inordinately short relative to expectation. ISTAB The probability distribution of run length is the basis for establishing an ARL. We demonstrate that the geometric distribution is a good approximation to run length across a wide variety of rule sets. Excessively long run lengths are associated with one kind of defect in an SPC instance; inordinately short run lengths are associated with another. A sampling distribution is introduced as a way to quantify excessively long and inordinately short observed run lengths. This paper provides detailed guidance for action limits on these run lengths. ISTAB as a statistical method of review facilitates automated instability detection. This paper proposes a management system based on ISTAB as an enhancement to more traditional SPC approaches.
Health Care Reform Hits the Laboratory: What (Almost) Happened in California

In 1994, four medical technologists met with a state senator to present the laboratorians' side in proposed health care legislation. Pictured here are Catherine L. Martin, MT(ASCP); the author, Fred L. Buxton, Jr, MA, MT(ASCP); and Sen John R, Lewis. Not pictured are Barbara Esparza, MT(ASCP); and Mike McCoy, MT(ASCP)SBB. (Photo of Ms Martin and Mr Buxton courtesy of the author. Photo of the California State Building courtesy of the Sacramento Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Photo of Sen Lewis courtesy of Sen Lewis' office
History of endoscopy

The first cystoscope through which the image was transmitted by an optical system as well as a distal illumination system was introduced by Nitze. This opened the field in urology and many other areas. Jacobeus took the existing Nitze cystoscope and applied it to intrabdominal examinations in patients with ascites. Thus, the first laparoscopic approach was developed.
Custom cryopreservation of human semen.

Objective To design a protocol to evaluate individual variability in human semen cryoprotection by native seminal plasma. Design Post-thaw motility from the frozen semen of pregnancy-proven donors (n = 10) and patients referred for infertility screening (n = 10) was examined in three equal aliquots (per original ejaculate) that comprised varying ratios of native seminal plasma to TES and Tris (TEST)-yolk buffer (Irvine Scientific, Irvine, CA) in a dose-titration curve format. All aliquots from the same ejaculate contained final vol/vol 6% glycerol, had equal sperm density, and had undergone centrifugation for 5 minutes at 600 × g before buffer:semen ratio adjustment and standard precooling protocol for submersion in liquid nitrogen. Post-thaw measurement of percent original motility preserved (post-thaw percent motility/original percent motility × 100) was used for standardization of results. Results In 14 of 20 specimens (70%), the maximal yield of original motility was obtained in 50% seminal plasma, with an average post-thaw motile yield of 50%. In 6 of 20 specimens (30%), the best preservation of original motility was noted at 100% seminal plasma, with an average post-thaw motile yield of 58%. No specimen had a greatest percent motility preserved at 0% seminal plasma. Donor specimens have equal preference for either 50% or 100% seminal plasma, whereas patient specimens have a preference for 50% seminal plasma ( P Conclusions Native seminal plasma has variable cryoprotectant qualities for which custom cryopreservation can compensate. A simple two-point dose-titration test of cryopreservation buffer: seminal plasma ratio (i.e., 50:50 versus 0:100) can determine the optimal mixture for cryopreservation of a given individual's semen.
Acid-Sensitive Sheddable PEGylated PLGA Nanoparticles Increase the Delivery of TNF-α siRNA in Chronic Inflammation Sites

There has been growing interest in utilizing small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific to pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α), in chronic inflammation therapy. However, delivery systems that can increase the distribution of the siRNA in chronic inflammation sites after intravenous administration are needed. Herein we report that innovative functionalization of the surface of siRNA-incorporated poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles significantly increases the delivery of the siRNA in the chronic inflammation sites in a mouse model. The TNF-α siRNA incorporated PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by the standard double emulsion method, but using stearoyl-hydrazone-polyethylene glycol 2000, a unique acid-sensitive surface active agent, as the emulsifying agent, which renders (i) the nanoparticles PEGylated and (ii) the PEGylation sheddable in low pH environment such as that in chronic inflammation sites. In a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic inflammation, the acid-sensitive sheddable PEGylated PLGA nanoparticles showed significantly higher accumulation or distribution in chronic inflammation sites than PLGA nanoparticles prepared with an acid-insensitive emulsifying agent (i.e., stearoyl-amide-polyethylene glycol 2000) and significantly increased the distribution of the TNF-α siRNA incorporated into the nanoparticles in inflamed mouse foot.