cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
8 Steps to 3.7 TFLOP/s on NVIDIA V100 GPU: Roofline Analysis and Other Tricks

Performance optimization can be a daunting task especially as the hardware architecture becomes more and more complex. This paper takes a kernel from the Materials Science code BerkeleyGW, and demonstrates a few performance analysis and optimization techniques. Despite challenges such as high register usage, low occupancy, complex data access patterns, and the existence of several long-latency instructions, we have achieved 3.7 TFLOP/s of double-precision performance on an NVIDIA V100 GPU, with 8 optimization steps. This is 55% of the theoretical peak, 6.7 TFLOP/s, at nominal frequency 1312 MHz, and 70% of the more customized peak based on our 58% FMA ratio, 5.3 TFLOP/s. An array of techniques used to analyze this OpenACC kernel and optimize its performance are shown, including the use of hierarchical Roofline performance model and the performance tool Nsight Compute. This kernel exhibits computational characteristics that are commonly seen in many high-performance computing (HPC) applications, and are expected to be very helpful to a general audience of HPC developers and computational scientists, as they pursue more performance on NVIDIA GPUs.
Import exposure and welfare effects from the expenditure channel: The case of Mexico

A rise in import competition can put downward pressure on local prices increasing consumer's welfare, but these gains might be unequal across households depending on the basket of goods consumed. Using a consumer price index that varies at the product and city level from Mexico, this paper analyses the impact of import competition from low‐wage countries, and particularly China, on price growth between 2002 and 2017. I find that the trade shock impacted prices. Had import competition remained unchanged, the 15‐year change in the consumer price index would have been seven percentage points higher, on average across all goods, with a much larger impact on the products highly exposed to the import competition. Second, using microdata from a household expenditure survey I find that all the households benefited from this access to cheaper goods, but the low‐income households benefited more. Finally, I show that the China shock only had a small effect on the evolution of the per capita expenditure inequality observed during this period.
The global challenge of treating disseminated LCH

In this article, Tantawy et al. present the clinicopathologic features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and treatment outcomes in a retrospective cohort of 37 Egyptian children.1 Unlike previ...
Social kinds are essentially mind-dependent

I defend a novel view of how social kinds (e.g., money, women, permanent residents) depend on our mental states. In particular, I argue that social kinds depend on our mental states in the following sense: it is essential to them that they exist (partially) because certain mental states exist. This analysis is meant to capture the very general way in which all social kinds depend on our mental states. However, my view is that particular social kinds also depend on our mental states in more specific ways—some of them causal, others metaphysical. I defend a minimal but metaphysically important notion of essence—one that takes as primary that the essential properties of a kind constitute its identity—and argue that this minimal notion of essence is all that is needed to vindicate my claim that social kinds are essentially mind-dependent.
Automated Choreography Repair

Choreography analysis is a crucial problem in concurrent and distributed system development. A choreography specifies the desired ordering of message exchanges among the components of a system. The realizability of a choreography amounts to determining the existence of components whose communication behavior conforms to the given choreography. The realizability problem has been shown to be decidable. In this paper, we investigate the repairability of un-realizable choreographies, where the goal is to identify a set of changes to a given un-realizable choreography that will make it realizable. We present a technique for automatically repairing un-realizable choreographies and provide formal guarantees of correctness and termination. We demonstrate the viability of our technique by applying it to several representative unrealizable choreographies from Singularity OS channel contracts and Web services.
The development of granulomatous pulmonary inflammation in rabbits by aerosol challenge: I. Release of plasminogen activator by alveolar macrophages☆

Abstract A rabbit model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) was employed to evaluate the release of plasminogen activator (PA) as a method for monitoring the degree of pulmonary inflammation. PA release from alveolar macrophages (AM) was shown to coincide with inflammation and was maximal at approximately 2 weeks of aerosol challenge. PA release could also be induced in normal AM by peripheral lymphocytes obtained from sensitized animals after incubation with antigen. Unseparated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from experimental animals also exhibited antigen-induced PA release. These results suggest that the measurement of PA release using several different cell populations can be used to evaluate pulmonary inflammation in HP.
Using Recurrent Selection to Improve GA Performance

Genetic algorithms (GA's) are based on the idea that solutions to otherwise intractable problems can be derived by mimicking natural evolution. With a few exceptions, however, GA's are limited to haploid implementations with random breeding among a single population, failing to exploit a number of strategies that are found in nature. Plant breeders recognize that too-strict selection among the progeny in a given generation results in reduced diversity, which can, in turn, cause inbreeding depression, a decline in the average fitness of the population. Recurrent selection is a multistep breeding method designed to solve this problem, improving a plant population's fitness without excessive loss of diversity. This paper explored the use of recurrent selection for Genetic Algorithms. We see major advantages in this approach in oscillating environments which cycle among several different states as well as in stationary environments. The main advantage of recurrent selection is the maintenance of genetic diversity in even relatively small populations. We demonstrated the benefits of using recurrent selection for the 0/1 knapsack problem with changing weights and with the Schwefel function. Further research on harder dynamic and stationary problems is called clearly called for, as is further application of models based on a horticultural model.
Minimizing the number of test configurations for FPGAs

FPGA test cost can be greatly reduced by minimizing the number of test configurations. A test technique is presented for FPGAs with multiplexer-based routing architectures in which multiple logical paths through each multiplexer is enabled instead of only one path. It is shown that for Xilinx Virtex-II and Spartan-3 FPGAs only 8 test configurations are required to achieve 100% stuck-at, PIP stuck-on, and PIP stuck-off fault coverage.
The software engineering learning facility

The Software Engineering Learning Facility (SELF) is a web-based environment designed to enhance learning the art of software development. The system consists of three components. The Practice component enables students to solve problems related to language constructs and algorithms. The Process component guides students through a waterfall model of software development, emphasizing product development and verification. The Performance component monitors progress and provides feedback for improving each student's personal software development process. This paper reports on the motivation and design of the system, the state of its implementation, and lessons learned.
The Properties of Non-Magnetic White Dwarfs in Cataclysmic Variables

I present two recent results on the properties of the white dwarfs in non-magnetic CVs, both above and below the period gap. There is a shortage of dwarf novae with exposed white dwarfs above the gap. In response to this need, recent results on RX And are discussed. The currently known temperature distribution function of white dwarfs in dwarf novae above and below the gap is examined. The surface temperatures of the white dwarfs in the short period dwarf novae cluster closely around 15,000K with orbital periods between 1.3 and 1.5 hours. It is shown that long term compressional heating due to time-averaged accretion is the mechanism responsible for the clustering around 15,000K. The time-averaged accretion rate corresponding to this cluster of observed temperatures is almost precisely what is predicted if gravitational wave emission is driving mass transfer in dwarf novae below the period gap.
Preneoplasia in mouse models

Premalignancy in mouse models has been studied for the past 50 years. These present as epithelial hyperplasia; several types of which occur in the mouse mammary gland depending on the initiating stimulus. Alveolar hyperplasias are frequently observed in models where mouse mammary tumor virus, hormones or chemical carcinogens are the initiating agents. Ductal hyperplasias are frequently observed in genetically engineered models where specific oncogenes have been deregulated. The premalignant nature of these lesions can be verified by transplantation into the mammary fat pads of either syngeneic or immunocompromised mice. The alveolar hyperplasias generate tumors that are frequently estrogen-receptor negative and diploid, although metastatic to lung. Estrogen receptor expression is downregulated early in premalignant progression, often when the hyperplastic lesion is first identified. The ductal hyperplasias progress through ductal carcinoma in situ and generate tumors that are frequently estrogen-receptor negative but the tumors are aneuploid. In recent years, premalignancy in genetically engineered mice has been extensively characterized at the biological level in p53 null mammary epithelium and in polyoma MT mammary gland, and to a lesser extent in the SV40LT antigen mammary gland. The molecular alterations in these lesions are beginning to be analyzed by array methodologies. These models provide the opportunity to identify early events causal in premalignant progression as well as to test the efficacy of agents that prevent progression.
DIETARY CHOLESTEROL AFFECTS CHENODEOXYCHOLIC ACID ACTION ON BILIARY LIPIDS

Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC) decreases biliary saturation and dissolves gallstones in one-half of the treated patients. Dietary cholesterol also affects biliary lipids and is a possible factor explaining unsuccessful CDC therapy. The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of high and low dietary cholesterol on the CDC-induced decrease of biliary saturation and activity of hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR). Seventy two hamsters in six groups were fed for 1 month one of three diets: 0.8 mg of cholesterol per g of food, 2.4 mg of cholesterol per g, or cholesterol-free. On each diet hamsters received no CDC or CDC 30 mg per kg per day. When animals were killed, biliary lipids were determined and the activity of hepatic HMG-CoAR, was assayed. CDC administration decreased the saturation index (SI) (P
Transforming growth factor‐β signaling induced during prostate cancer cell death and neuroendocrine differentiation is mediated by bone marrow stromal cells

Introduction Prostate cancer that has metastasized to bone undergoes critical interactions with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), ultimately promoting tumor survival. Previous studies have shown that BMSCs secrete factors that promote prostate cancer apoptosis or neuroendocrine differentiation. Because of the significance of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family cytokines in cytostasis and bone metastasis, the role of TGF-β signaling in the context of prostate cancer-BMSC interactions was investigated. Methods The role of TGF-β family signaling in BMSC-induced apoptosis of lineage-related prostate cancer cells was investigated in live/dead assays. SMAD phosphorylation or activity during apoptosis and neuroendocrine differentiation was investigated using immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and luciferase reporter assays, along with the ALK-4, -5, -7 kinase inhibitor, SB-431542. Results Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells with SB-431542 resulted in significant reduction of apoptosis mediated by HS-5 BMSCs, supporting the involvement of TGF-β/SMAD signaling during this event. Interestingly, however, pre-treatment of BMSCs with TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) yielded a conditioned medium that elicited a marked reduction in prostate cancer death. Phosphorylated-SMAD2 (P-SMAD2) was activated in BMSC-triggered transdifferentiated prostate cancer cells, as demonstrated through immunoblotting and luciferase reporter assays. However, SB-431542 did not restore androgen receptor and prostate specific antigen levels down-regulated by BMSC-secreted factors. Prostate cancer cells induced to undergo neuroendocrine differentiation in a BMSC-independent mechanism also showed elevated levels of P-SMAD2. Discussion Collectively, our findings indicate that: (1) TGF-β family cytokines or regulated factors secreted from BMSCs are involved in prostate cancer apoptosis; (2) TGF-β signaling in prostate cancer cells is induced during neuroendocrine differentiation; and (3) TGF-β1 stimulation of BMSCs alters paracrine signaling to create a permissive environment for prostate cancer survival, suggesting a mechanism for prostate cancer-mediated colonization of bone. Conclusions TGF-β signaling resulting in activation of SMAD2 in prostate cancer may be an indicator of cellular stress in the presence of toxic paracrine factors released from the bone marrow stroma, ultimately fostering prostate cancer colonization of bone. Prostate 75:1802–1813, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Defective Vascularization of HIF-1α-Null Embryos Is Not Associated with VEGF Deficiency but with Mesenchymal Cell Death

Abstract Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a dimeric transcription factor composed of HIF-1α and HIF-1β subunits that plays an essential role in mammalian O2homeostasis. InHif1a−/−knockout mice, complete deficiency of HIF-1α resulted in cardiac and vascular malformations and embryonic lethality at E10.5. Between E8.75 and E9.25 striking vascular regression and abnormal remodeling occurred in the cephalic region concomitant with marked mesenchymal cell death. Similar vascular defects were observed in HIF-1α- and VEGF-deficient embryos and VEGF mRNA expression was not induced by hypoxia inHif1a−/−embryonic stem cells. Surprisingly,Hif1a−/−embryos demonstrated increased VEGF mRNA expression compared to wild-type embryos. In tissue culture cells, VEGF mRNA expression was induced by glucose deprivation independent of HIF-1α, providing a mechanism for increased VEGF mRNA expression inHif1a−/−embryos, in which absence of adequate tissue perfusion resulted in both O2and glucose deprivation. Rather than being associated with VEGF deficiency, the vascular defects inHif1a−/−embryos were spatially correlated with cell death, the onset of which preceded vascular regression.
Sexual Functioning Morbidity Among Cancer Survivors: Current Status and Future Research Directions

The current article reviews available data and considers methodologic issues for future research in which sexual functioning among adult cancer patients is an endpoint variable. Circumstances that may cause sexual disruption for any cancer patient are suggested, including mood disturbance, changed health status, somatization, and reprioritization of life concerns. Data on the incidence and magnitude of sexual functioning morbidity following the diagnosis and treatment of cancer at major organ sites, including breast, genital, colon, rectum, and bladder, are reviewed. Finally, strategies for continuing descriptive study of the sexual problems of cancer patients are suggested. Such data are necessary to eventually target preventive or therapeutic resources to patients in greatest need.
Metaphorical Guidance: Administration as Building and Renovation.

This essay, undergirded by the insights of Christopher Lasch, outlines the practicality of applying the metaphors of building and renovation to administration. This essay acknowledges the difficulty of applying such metaphors in an era where the importance of discovering meaning through institutional life is often dismissed. However, institutions are well‐served by administrators who function as “builders” and “renovators,” trying to leave something behind of value in their place of work. Institutions are constantly being created and re‐created, and it is the responsibility of the administrator to help “build” and “renovate” an institution capable of passing on ethical values, ideas and beliefs to the next generation of students, faculty and alumni.
“If He Comes Home Nervous”: U.S. World War II Neuropsychiatric Casualties and Postwar Masculinities:

This essay analyzes representations of psychiatric casualties in advice literature and mainstream news periodicals of the late war (World War II) and early postwar period. Because they explicitly exposed the emotional side of men and challenged a warrior ideal predicated upon bravery, self-mastery, control, and courage under fire, mentally wounded veterans, I argue, became especially important subjects for cultural rehabilitation and remasculinization in the postwar victory culture. In addition to exploring the various rhetorical strategies that writers used to normalize and to remasculinize psychiatric casualties, the article briefly examines some fissures within military ideals of masculinity. Ultimately, I suggest that the relational nature and (re)constructions of these models of manhood highlight the complexity of both the heroic and the abject masculinities created by war.
Physicochemical Properties and Adhesion Performance of Canola Protein Modified with Sodium Bisulfite

The objective of this research was to study the adhesion properties of sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3)-modified canola protein. Protein was extracted from canola meal through alkali solubilization and acid precipitation methods, then modified with different concentrations of NaHSO3 (0–15 g/L) during the isolation process. As NaHSO3 concentration increased, canola protein purities decreased. Amino acid profiles showed that the hydrophobic amino acids in canola protein constituted only 27% of total protein, indicating that canola protein is mostly hydrophilic. The reducing effects of NaHSO3 were exerted on canola protein through the breaking of disulfide bonds in both its cruciferin and napin components, as reflected by the protein electrophoresis profile, DSC data, and morphological images. The wet protein isolates were used as adhesives. The greatest wet shear strength of canola protein adhesive without modification was 3.97 MPa with 100% wood cohesive failure (WCF), observed at a curing temperature of 190 °C. NaHSO3 had slight weakening effects on the adhesion performance of canola protein. Canola protein modified with 3 g/L NaHSO3 exhibited wet shear strength similar to the control at 190 °C and higher strength at 150 and 170 °C. The NaHSO3 modification significantly improved handling and flowability of canola protein adhesives.
Secondary solitary wave formation in systems with generalized Hertz interactions.

d[2R2(ui112ui), where ui denotes the displacement of grain i from its original equilibrium position. This being a computational study, we consider n to be arbitrary. Our dynamical simulations build on several earlier studies by Nesterenko, Coste, and Sen and co-workers that have shown that an impulse propagates as a solitary wave of fixed spatial extent, ‘,L(n),1, through a chain of grains. Here, we develop on a recent study by Manciu, Sen, and Hurd @Phys. Rev. E 63, 016614 ~2001!# that shows that colliding solitary waves in the chains of interest spawn a well-defined hierarchy of multiple secondary solitary waves ~SSWs! that carry ;0.5% or less of the energy of the original solitary waves. We show that the emergence of SSWs is a complex process where nonlinear forces and the discreteness of the grains lead to the partitioning of the available energy into hierarchies of SSWs. The process of formation of SSWs involves length scales and time scales that are controlled by the strength of the nonlinearity in the system. To the best of our knowledge, there is no formal theory that describes the dynamics associated with the formation of SSWs. Calculations for cases where the Hertz-type potential can be symmetric in the overlap parameter d, i.e., where d can be both positive and negative, suggest that the formation of secondary solitary waves may be a fundamental property of certain discrete, nonlinear systems.
Hypercholesterolemia impairs endothelium-dependent relaxations to aggregating platelets in porcine iliac arteries

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine in peripheral arteries whether the endothelium plays a protective role against aggregating platelets and whether the responses to platelets are altered by hypercholesterolemia. Male Yorkshire pigs were fed either a normal diet or a 2% high-cholesterol diet for 10 weeks. Endothelium-dependent responses were examined in vitro. In isolated iliac arteries from control animals, aggregating platelets caused contractions that were significantly inhibited by the endothelium. In rings with endothelium from pigs fed a cholesterol diet, the contractions were augmented and no difference was noted between rings with and rings without endothelium. In rings taken from control pigs contracted with prostaglandin F 2α , aggregating platelets caused endothelium-dependent relaxations, which were attenuated by blockade of adenosine diphosphate or serotonin. Adenosine diphosphate and serotonin also caused endothelium-dependent relaxations. In arteries from cholesterol-fed animals, the inhibitory effects of the endothelium to aggregating platelets, adenosine diphosphate, and serotonin were impaired. These experiments indicate that in porcine iliac arteries the endothelium exerts inhibitory effects on the responses to aggregating platelets, which are mediated by adenosine diphosphate and serotonin released from platelets. Hypercholesterolemia impairs the endothelium-dependent relaxations to aggregating platelets caused by reduced relaxations to adenosine diphosphate and serotonin and unmasks the contractions evoked by aggregating platelets. This may increase the level of vascular tone, decrease blood flow and increase platelet aggregation, and eventually facilitate the occurrence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. (J Vasc Surg 1989;10:318–25.)
Treatment of acromegaly: future.

Recent progress in the therapy of GH-secreting pituitary tumors includes three treatment modalities: surgery, radiotherapy, and medications. A combination of treatment options is often required to attain therapeutic goals, increasing the potential for a combination of unwanted side effects. The focus of this review is to discuss medical therapy of GH-secreting adenomas focusing on newer drug compounds. In selected cases, therapeutic goals are attained with somatostatin analog treatment alone. The GH receptor antagonist controls IGF-I hypersecretion, and its use in combination with somatostatin analogs in selected patients is tempting but requires further evaluation. Somatostatin multire-ceptor ligand SOM230 and a somatostatin-dopamine chimeric ligand are new compounds that may improve therapy outcome. Careful individualization of therapy is important in deciding the ideal treatment approach, and primary medical therapy may be recommended in selected patients.
Chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Chemical ionization mass spectrometry is a technique of mass spectrometry wherein the ionization of the substance of interest is effected by ion-molecule reactions rather than by electron impact, photon impact, or field ionization. The spectrum of a substance produced by chemical ionization is different from the spectra produced by the other ionization techniques, and the characteristic aspects of the chemical ionization spectrum are of analytical value and also of value in providing information about the ionic chemistry of the substance under investigation. Preliminary reviews of chemical ionization have been published.(1,2) The characteristic feature of the chemical ionization concept may be looked upon as the utilization of a specific set of ions to effect a specific type of ion-molecule reaction with a wide variety of different compounds. The ions produced by these ion-molecule reactions with a given compound constitute the chemical ionization mass spectrum of the compound. The number of ion types in a set of reactant ions is generally small. Because the same reactant ions react with variety of different compounds, the chemical ionization mass spectra produced from the different compounds are comparable with each other and reflect differences in structure and chemical reactivities or quantitative differences in concentration. In this regard, chemical ionization is quite analogous to the other modes of ionization such as electron impact.
Explaining giftedness to parents: Why it matters what professionals say

This article explores some of the materials prepared for parents of gifted children and examines the explanatory language and concepts used in terms of their potential for shaping parental attitudes and affecting the adjustment of gifted children. The author argues that the conceptual frameworks used to explain giftedness, nongiftedness and the nature of differences have powerful effects on societal and educational attitudes, including the willingness to provide differentiated services for gifted children. A strong plea is made for professional sensitivity and responsibility in describing giftedness in ways that do not isolate gifted children or their parents and which potentiate shared advocacy with other educational advocacy groups.
Surface haptic interactions with a TPad tablet

A TPad Tablet is a tablet computer with a variable friction touchscreen. It can create the perception of force, shape, and texture on a fingertip, enabling unique and novel haptic interactions on a flat touchscreen surface. We have created an affordable and easy to use variable friction device and have made it available through the open-hardware TPad Tablet Project. We present this device as a potential research platform as well as demonstrate two applications: remote touch communication and rapid haptic sketching.
Sliding mean edge estimation

A new algorithm is presented for the determination of the locations of major edges in a noisy image based, in part, on the approach of maximum-likelihood estimation.
Sudden death of a child treated with imipramine

Since 1990, there have been seven reported cases of sudden death in children treated with tricyclic antidepressants. This case study describes the sudden death of an additional child (8 years 9 months old, 29 kg in weight) treated with a tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine (100 mg orally, twice daily), and dextroamphetamine (10 mg orally every morning). Prior to death, there were signs of possible cardiovascular abnormalities after treatment was begun with imipramine. The report adds to the concern over the use of tricyclics in children.
Critique of two recent theories of heterojunction lineups

Theoretical arguments given in support of the Adams-Nussbaum heterojunction lineup theory are at best circular, and the theory must be considered as being without physical basis, even if it did not disagree with observations. The von Roos theory is invalid due to the neglect of image-force like polarizing forces near the interface.
4-aminobutyrate:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase in blood platelets

Platelet lysates obtained from blood of humans, dogs, and rats catalyzed the transamination of 4-aminobutyrate with 2-oxoglutarate as cosubstrate. Human platelet 4-aminobutyrate:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (36.5 +/- 3.2 picomoles per minute per milligram of platelet protein) resembled the brain enzyme in kinetic properties and in response to cofactors and inhibitors.
Techniques for generating multiresolution repositories of XML subschemas

Techniques for generating multi-resolution repositories of reusable XML subschemas are investigated in this research. There are three major components to achieve this goal: weighting XML elements, decomposing XML schemas, and clustering the decomposed subschemas. Two approaches are proposed to calculate the weights of XML elements. One is based on the analysis of links and their attributes while the other is based on the information accumulated from all reachable nodes. Elements with higher weights are selected as roots of reusable subschemas, which are further clustered into K groups according to the information amount carried to obtain multi-resolution repositories.
Dissolved adenosine triphosphate utilization by free-living and attached bacterioplankton

We determined concentrations of dissolved adenosine triphosphate (DATP) and rates of its uptake by marine bacteria in seawater from the continental shelf and Gulf Stream off the southeastern USA. Dissolved adenosine triphosphate (DATP) concentrations (22 to 568 ng l−1) were highest in nearshore surface waters and at the interfaces of continental shelf water and upwelled water from the cold wall of the Gulf Stream; lowest concentrations were found in surface water furthest from shore and in subsurface waters. Bacterial population density and DATP uptake velocities were determined to calculate average rates of DATP uptake per-cell. In general, percell rates of uptake were highest in samples having the highest in situ concentrations of DATP and varied markedly with small-scale temporal and spatial changes. Per-cell uptake by attached bacteria was one to two orders of magnitude faster than uptake by free-living bacteria; this difference could be accounted for by the much larger average cell volume of the former.
Densities of carbon foils

Abstract The densities of arc-evaporated carbon target foils have been measured by several methods. The density depends upon the method used to measure it; for the same surface density, values obtained by different measurement techniques may differ by fifty percent or more. The most reliable density measurements are by flotation, yielding a density of 2.01 ± 0.03 g cm−3 and interferometric step height with the surface density known from auxiliary measurements, yielding a density of 2.61 ± 0.4 g cm−3. The difference between these density values may be due in part to the compressive stresses that carbon films have while still on their substrates, uncertainties in the optical calibration of surface densities of carbon foils, and systematic errors in step-height measurements. Mechanical thickness measurements by micrometer caliper are unreliable due to nonplanarity of these foils.
A Moderately Gay History

GAY HISTORY Henry Abelove This book is novel and bold. It is also tediously overly detailed. Some of the detail should surely have been consigned to articles in specialist journals and left there. Despite the dense underbrush of particulars and instances, though, the overall argument stands out clearly and deserves close atten tion. The Straight State: Sexuality and Citizenship in Twentieth-Century America by Margot Canaday. Politics and Society in Twentieth Century America series. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2009. Pp. 296, 6 illustrations. $29.95 cloth. In very summary form, the ar gument is this: During the era stretching from early in the twen tieth century to the cold war, the American state grew in power and reach. During these same years, the newly discovered notion of ho mosexuality, developed by sexolo gists, "exploded on the American continent." These two develop ments, operating "in tandem" (2) led federal bureaucrats to endeavor
Keeping chaos at bay

The use of electronic circuits in studying chaotic dynamics and control are reviewed. Since all chaotic systems have several properties in common, simple circuits are analogous to much more complicated ones, such as lasers. Consequently, the methods developed to control chaos in electronic circuits are applicable to many diverse physical systems. The controlling device itself is a high-speed analog circuit. In applying perturbations, no calculations are made; instead, trial-and-error adjustments are used to locate the desired behavior. The initial observations of chaos in electronics, the development of the Ott-Grebogi-Yorke method for calculating the perturbations needed to stabilize a periodic orbit in a chaotic system and the occasional proportional feedback method, and their applications are discussed. >
Extrapolation discontinuous Galerkin method for ultraparabolic equations

Ultraparabolic equations arise from the characterization of the performance index of stochastic optimal control relative to ultradiffusion processes; they evidence multiple temporal variables and may be regarded as parabolic along characteristic directions. We consider theoretical and approximation aspects of a temporally order and step size adaptive extrapolation discontinuous Galerkin method coupled with a spatial Lagrange second-order finite element approximation for a prototype ultraparabolic problem. As an application, we value a so-called Asian option from mathematical finance.
Pten dose dictates cancer progression in the prostate.

Complete inactivation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene is extremely common in advanced cancer, including prostate cancer (CaP). However, one PTEN allele is already lost in the vast majority of CaPs at presentation. To determine the consequence of PTEN dose variations on cancer progression, we have generated by homologous recombination a hypomorphic Pten mouse mutant series with decreasing Pten activity: Ptenhy/+ > Pten+/− > Ptenhy/− (mutants in which we have rescued the embryonic lethality due to complete Pten inactivation) > Pten prostate conditional knockout (Ptenpc) mutants. In addition, we have generated and comparatively analyzed two distinct Ptenpc mutants in which Pten is inactivated focally or throughout the entire prostatic epithelium. We find that the extent of Pten inactivation dictate in an exquisite dose-dependent fashion CaP progression, its incidence, latency, and biology. The dose of Pten affects key downstream targets such as Akt, p27Kip1, mTOR, and FOXO3. Our results provide conclusive genetic support for the notion that PTEN is haploinsufficient in tumor suppression and that its dose is a key determinant in cancer progression.
Pharmacological characteristics of the hind paw weight bearing difference induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve in rats.

Abstract Aims We examined the possible involvement of spontaneous on-going pain in the rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain. Main methods The development of weight bearing deficit, as an index of spontaneous on-going pain, was investigated in comparison to that of mechanical allodynia in CCI rats. We also examined the effects of morphine and a gabapentin analogue (1S, 3R)-3-methyl-gabapentin (3-M-gabapentin) on both the CCI-induced weight bearing deficit and mechanical allodynia. Key findings Rats with CCI demonstrated a significant reduction in weight bearing of the injured limb with a peak at a week post-operation, which was followed by a gradual recovery for over 7 weeks. The time course of development and recovery of CCI-induced weight bearing deficit appeared to follow that of foot deformation of the affected hind limb. CCI also evoked mechanical allodynia that was fully developed on a week post-operation, but showed no recovery for at least 8 weeks. 3-M-gabapentin significantly inhibited CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, but not weight bearing deficit, at 100 mg/kg p.o. Likewise, morphine was without significant effect on CCI-induced weight bearing deficit at the dose (3 mg/kg, s.c.) that could almost completely inhibit mechanical allodynia, whereas it inhibited both mechanical allodynia and weight bearing deficit at 6 mg/kg, s.c. Significance The present findings suggest that CCI-induced weight bearing deficit is not a consequence of mechanical allodynia, but is attributable to spontaneous on-going pain. The rat CCI model of neuropathic pain thus represents both spontaneous on-going pain and mechanical allodynia.
Type-II InAs/GaInSb superlattices for infrared detection: an overview

Superlattices composed of InAs and GaSb layers were first proposed for infrared detection in 1978. Later work by Smith and Mailhoit extended this premise to model InAs and InGaSb ternary layers for infrared detection in the long wavelength infrared range. What makes this material system so interesting is that these superlattice materials are essentially the III-V equivalent of HgCdTe materials. They have comparable absorption coefficients, the cut-off wavelengths can be continuously adjusted from short wavelength infrared to very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR), and photovoltaic operation is possible. One difference between these two materials is that with the superlattices the energy band structure, as well as the band gap, can be tailored to enhance detector performance. The band structure tailoring provides the superlattices with some advantages over HgCdTe alloys, particularly for very narrow band gaps. These superlattice advantages are a higher electron effective mass and large separation of the heavy and light-hole bands to suppress Auger recombination. These inherent properties of the InAs/GaInSb superlattices have made them an attractive material for VLWIR applications. As the type-II superlattice materials and devices mature, they will play a significant role as an alternative material for photovoltaic focal plane arrays in the LWIR and MWIR regimes as well. This paper provides an overview of the type-II superlattice development, accomplishments and issues.
Infrared spectra of CO2-doped hydrogen clusters, (H2)N-CO2.

Clusters of para-H2 and/or ortho-H2 containing a single carbon dioxide molecule are studied by high resolution infrared spectroscopy in the 2300 cm−1 region of the CO2 ν3 fundamental band. The (H2)N–CO2 clusters are formed in a pulsed supersonic jet expansion from a cooled nozzle and probed using a rapid scan tunable diode laser. Simple symmetric rotor type spectra are observed with little or no resolved K-structure, and prominent Q-branch features for ortho-H2 but not para-H2. Observed rotational constants and vibrational shifts are reported for ortho-H2 up to N = 7 and para-H2 up to N = 15, with the N > 7 assignments only made possible with the help of theoretical simulations. The para-H2 cluster with N = 12 shows clear evidence for superfluid effects, in good agreement with theory. The presence of larger clusters with N > 15 is evident in the spectra, but specific assignments are not possible. Mixed para- + ortho-H2 cluster transitions are well predicted by linear interpolation between corresponding pu...
A simplified associative-frequency measure of meaningfulness in verbal learning

A simplified associative-frequency (AF) measure of meaningfulness was proposed which combines the desirable features of other association indices, namely, those of Glaze, Krueger, Archer, Noble's a′, and Noble's m. The AF technique has the advantage of rapid administration, which does not interrupt the associative process while associative-frequency measures are obtained. The results of three studies were as follows: (a) The AF interrater reliability tended to be higher in the visual than the aural mode for pronounceable CVCs and foreign words. (b) Correlations between the AF and other M measures tended to be higher in the visual than the aural mode for pronounceable CVCs and foreign words. (c) Correlations between the AF and foreign language paired-associate learning tended to be higher for acquisition than retention. The results suggest an interaction of M measures with verbal learning in the visual and aural modes.
Agricultural Productive and Consumptive Use Components of Rural Land Values in Texas

Consumptive demand applies significant upward pressure on rural land values and plays an important role in determining farm and ranch structure in Texas. Using cross-sectional land value data and regression analysis, various factors that affect rural land values in Texas are evaluated. Population density, proximity to major metropolitan centers, quality of deer hunting, and aesthetic differences across the state explain the majority of the differences in rural land values. On the average, only about 22 percent of the total market value of rural land in Texas can be statistically explained by its productive value.
Self and Relationship: An Informal Relationship Assessment Questionnaire

This column provides a forum within which you, the reader, may share with your colleagues some of the creative techniques that you have invented or adapted and find successful in counseling with couples and families. If it works wellfor you, it may be that others can adapt it to work wellfor them too.Submit manuscripts (4 to 6 double-spaced, typed pages in the format of the technique that follows) to: Robert Sherman, Queens College, Flushing, NY 11367-0904. We reserve the right to edit the manuscripts.
Kinetic Mechanism of Nicotinic Acid Phosphoribosyltransferase: Implications for Energy Coupling†

Nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRTase; EC 2.4.2.11) is a facultative ATPase that uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to drive the synthesis of nicotinate mononucleotide and pyrophosphate from nicotinic acid (NA) and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP). To learn how NAPRTase uses this hydrolytic energy, we have further delineated the kinetic mechanism using steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics, equilibrium binding, and isotope trapping. NAPRTase undergoes covalent phosphorylation by bound ATP at a rate of 30 s-1. The phosphoenzyme (E-P) binds PRPP with a KD of 0.6 microM, a value 2000-fold lower than that measured for the nonphosphorylated enzyme. The minimal rate constant for PRPP binding to E-P is 0.72 x 10(5) M-1 s-1. Isotope trapping shows that greater than 90% of bound PRPP partitions toward product upon addition of NA. Binding of NA to E-P.PRPP is rapid, kon >/= 7.0 x 10(6) M-1 s-1, and is followed by rapid formation of NAMN and PPi, k >/= 500 s-1. After product formation, E-P undergoes hydrolytic cleavage, k = 6.3 s-1, and products NAMN, PPi, and Pi are released. Quenching from the steady state under Vmax conditions indicates that slightly less than half the enzyme is in phosphorylated forms. To account for this finding, we propose that one step in the release of products is as slow as 5.2 s-1 and, together with the E-P cleavage step, codetermines the overall kcat of 2.3 s-1 at 22 degrees C. Energy coupling by NAPRTase involves two strategies frequently proposed for ATPases of macromolecular recognition and processing. First, E-P has a 10(3)-fold higher affinity for substrates than does nonphosphorylated enzyme, allowing the E-P to bind substrate from low concentration and nonphosphorylated enzyme to expel products against a high concentration. Second, the kinetic pathway follows "rules" [Jencks, W. P. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 18855-18858] that minimize unproductive alternative reaction pathways. However, an analysis of reaction schemes based on these strategies suggests that such nonvectorial reactions are intrinsically inefficient in ATP use.
Partial inverses for parameter sensitivity reductionf

Abstract A system is considered in which a mathematical model contains a finite number of parameters which may vary or are uncertain as to value. Parameter dependence is then viewed as an operator valued map from a finite dimensional parameter space. This in turn leads to a design problem wherein the inverse to a finitely restricted system map is constructed. The potential applications of the design methodology include systems under a priori and/or optimal control.
Windblown dust contributes to high PM2.5 concentrations.

ABSTRACT The revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM include fine particulate standards based upon mass measurements of PM25. It is possible in arid and semi-arid regions to observe significant coarse mode intrusion in the PM2.5 measurement. In this work, continuous PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 were measured during several windblown dust events in Spokane, WA. PM2 5 constituted ~30% of the PM10 during the dust event days, compared with ~48% on the non-dusty days preceding the dust events. Both PM10 and PM2.5 were enhanced during the dust events. However, PM1.0 was not enhanced during dust storms that originated within the state of Washington. During a dust storm that originated in Asia and impacted Spokane, PM1.0 was also enhanced, although the Asian dust reached Washington during a period of stagnation and poor dispersion, so that local sources were also contributing to high particulate levels. The “intermodal” region of PM, defined as particles ranging in aerodynamic size from 1.0 to 2.5 um, was...
Terpenes and Carbohydrate Source Influence Rumen Fermentation, Digestibility, Intake, and Preference in Sheep

We hypothesized that toxins and nutrients in foods interact to influence foraging behavior by herbivores. Based on this hypothesis we predicted that 1) terpenes in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) influence intake and preference in sheep for diets varying in sources of nonstructural (barley grain) and structural (sugar beet pulp) carbohydrates, and 2) these effects are due to the differential effects of terpenes on fermentation products and apparent digestibility of each class of carbohydrates. Lambs were fed 2 isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets with varying proportions of the same ingredients (beet pulp- and barley grain-based diet) or offered a choice between the 2 diets; all feeds were fed without and with terpenes, in consecutive periods. We also compared intake and preference of the beet pulp- and barley-based diets before and after the lambs ate a meal of sagebrush. Finally, we assessed the effect of terpenes on ruminal variables and in vivo digestibility. Lambs ate less when fed beet pulp or when they were offered a choice of diets with terpenes (P 0.20) before eating sagebrush, but they preferred the beet pulp-based diet after eating sagebrush (P < 0.05). Intake of sagebrush did not differ among groups consuming the test diets (P = 0.21). Addition of terpenes to both diets increased the digestibility of DM, NDF, and ADF and decreased concentrations of total VFA and acetate (P < 0.05). Terpenes also depressed butyrate concentration in the barley-based diet (P < 0.05). Propionate concentrations were not affected by terpenes in either feed (P = 0.63). In summary, the predominant type of feed ingredient (beet pulp, grain) ingested with terpenes influenced fermentation products, intake, and preference in lambs. The source of energy from supplements, or other plants in the diet, is likely to influence intake and preference for sagebrush in sheep foraging on rangelands. Moreover, ingesting terpenes from sagebrush may also influence intake and preference for other plant species or supplements.
The changing role of middlemen in the distribution of personal computers

Channels of distribution evolve over time in response to changes in the business environment. The internet has emerged as a new channel system and, as E-commerce unfolds, new business models replace traditional ones. In this new channel system, the consumer has attained greater power over traditional channel intermediaries. New cybermediaries have emerged to perform some of the traditional channel functions, and are better able to provide the consumer with greater value through cost efficiencies, timely information, and a broader choice of products/services offered in a worldwide marketplace. Traditional channel intermediaries must now either adjust or face elimination according to the intermediation–disintermediation–reintermediation (IDR) cycle. The purpose of this article is to review the IDR cycle in the personal computer (PC) industry and to discuss some of the new business models that have emerged.