cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An inclusive session level protocol for distributed applications

The design of an inclusive session level protocol targeted at distributed applications on local networks is presented. The session protocol is motivated by the observation that application requirements, as well as network characteristics, for current and future distributed systems are not well matched to available protocol suites. The nature of services provided in the proposed protocol are derived from typical application requirements, and include group communications, synchronization and recovery, and integrated distributed primitives such as mutual exclusion and consensus. The protocol is also influenced by the characteristics of typical local networks that support sequenced delivery with data integrity, have low latency and high throughput, and are well suited to global addressing schemes. Initial experiences with a test implementation indicate that high level service support is valuable and can be provided with good performance.
New players in the 5-HT receptor field: genes and knockouts.

In recent years, cloning has revealed the existence of no less than 14 mammalian 5-HT receptors, as well as evidence that isoforms of the 5-HT4 and 5-HT7 receptors are generated by alternative splicing. In addition, molecular biology techniques have provided new tools with which to study the function of 5-HT receptors. For example, new technologies are emerging that will allow the generation of either inducible or tissue-specific knockouts (or both). In this review Jose Lucas and Rene Hen focus on the characteristics of the most recently cloned receptors and the contribution of molecular biology to the understanding of 5-HT receptor function.
Microsystems and functional assays for mechanobiology

Microsystems and cantilever-based assays enable a wealth of custom measurements and analysis systems matched to the scale of cell biomechanics and mechanotransduction assays. Novel force and displacement sensors and actuators have been applied to study mechanisms of cell adhesion and the development and response of pluripotent cells in varied mechanical environments, to assay the function of hear cells, and to probe the mechanics and biology of the sense of touch in C. elegans or the mechanosensation of hair cells. In the Stanford Microsystems Lab, we design and fabricate many custom tools and sensors to probe cellular dynamics. We are interested in the reliable manufacture and operation of these micromachined devices in harsh biological environments as well as calibration approaches for precise measurements of nanoscale mechanical behaviors. We use these tools to address questions in the areas of physiology, biology, stem cells, neuroscience and cardiology with an eye toward quantitative and fundamental biophysics. In particular, microcantilevers have enabled measurements in a variety of applications over the past decades, ranging from scanning probe microscopy to visualize topography or characterize materials properties, to chemical sensing. Piezoresistive cantilever sensing offers particular advantages for system integration, scaling, and simplicity of transduction.
Stability and accuracy of coaxial waveguide port algorithm for the time-domain finite element method

The finite element method (FEM) is an attractive choice for full wave analysis of electromagnetic problems with large variations in length scales for the geometry and the field solution. An example is the modeling of devices fed by coaxial cables and we suggested a time-domain FEM for such problems at last year's meeting (Rylander, T. and Jin, J.M., IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 2003). We prove that our proposed scheme is stable up to the Courant limit of the explicitly time stepped transmission line equation and demonstrate its accuracy on a simple test problem. We also suggest a new and alternative approach to compute the field distribution of the dominant mode, which considerably simplifies the computer implementation of the port algorithm.
Evidence for the generation of hydroxyl radical during arachidonic acid metabolism by human platelets

Reactive oxygen species, probably hydroxyl radicals (OH.), have been suggested to be generated during arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and, once released, these species can modify the rate and extent of various reactions involved in AA metabolism. We have studied this phenomenon in washed human platelets. OH. generation was quantitated using 14C-benzoic acid as a specific trap in a continuous ionization chamber system. Resting platelets did not produce any detectable signal, whereas addition of AA resulted in gradual OH. production with peak values detected at approximately 20 min. Similar studies conducted under nitrogen or after boiling the platelets almost abolished OH. generation. Aspirin had no significant effect, whereas 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid decreased the signal by greater than 90%, thus suggesting that OH. is produced primarily through the lipoxygenase pathway. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase had no effect and, as expected, phenol and mannitol decreased OH. production considerably, by greater than 50% and 90%, respectively. Azide and cyanide also reduced the OH. generation by about two thirds. We conclude that OH. is generated during AA metabolism by human platelets. It is primarily produced via the lipoxygenase pathway and may require a heme-dependent peroxidase. This highly reactive oxidant may play an important role in normal and abnormal hemostasis.
On the discrepancy between background atmospheric ammonia gas measurements and the existence of acid sulfates as a dominant atmospheric aerosol

Abstract From the knowledge of NH4+ and H+ concentrations in precipitation (during rainy periods) and aerosol particles (when it is not raining) over the continental United States and in ocean water along the coasts, the atmospheric NH3 gas concentration can be inferred by assuming Henry's law equilibrium. It is found that this method gives NH3 concentrations which are in some cases considerably lower than those obtained through direct measurements. NH3 is thus estimated to vary geographically and temporally with the mid-west region being a dominant source of this trace gas. Oceanic areas exhibit much lower concentrations. These findings are consistent with the existence of acid sulfates as a dominant atmospheric aerosol, with soil chemistry and with previous investigations concerning with the association of the molecular forms of sulfate aerosols with air mass history.
Information-optimal Scalable Compressive Imaging System

We present a scalable compressive imager using information-optimal measurements design and single-pass piece-wise linear reconstruction algorithm. Superior performance of such design compared to random binary projections is demonstrated via a real-time, high-resolution implementation of said system.
Evaluation of a long-range lightning detection network with receivers in Europe and Africa

This study focuses on the performance evaluation of the experimental long-range lightning detection network Zeus, with receivers located in Europe and Africa. The evaluation is carried out in terms of locating error and detection performance. Zeus' receivers record the radio noise (sferics) emitted by cloud-to-ground lightning discharges in the very low frequency (bandwidth between 5 and 15 kHz). The lightning location is retrieved by means of the arrival time difference (ATD) triangulation technique. The presented study includes evaluation of the system's locating error and detection performance over the African continent, equatorial/mid-Atlantic, the Caribbean, and northern South America. This dataset is validated over a period extending from July through October 2004. The Lightning Imaging Sensor onboard NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite is used as the validation source. The analysis shows that the number of receivers as well as their relative location (relative position of the flash-event to the network's receivers) plays a key role in the retrieval error magnitude. Median error values within the network's periphery are found to be approximately 20 km, while outside the periphery significantly larger (/spl sim/130 km). Simulation of chi-square values, implemented from the ATD algorithm, shows an adequate agreement between theoretical error-related computations and the network's retrievals. In terms of detection performance, the Zeus system is also validated over the same area/period. The chief observation is that the detection performance is likewise dependent on the number of receivers used by the system rather than their relative location.
Simulation of solid deformation during solidification: Compression of a single dendrite

A method is developed to numerically simulate coupled solidification and deformation of dendrites. Dendritic solidification is modeled using the phase-field method. The elasto-viscoplastic deformation of the growing solid is computed using the material point method. The stress analysis assumes a sharp and stress free solid–liquid interface, with the zero contour line of the phase field used to identify the interface. The deformation-induced flow in the liquid is approximated through a zero-gradient extension of the deformation velocities in the solid. Changes in the crystallographic orientation angle and advection of the phase and temperature fields due to solid deformation are all accounted for. Numerous tests are performed to validate the various numerical procedures. The full model is then applied to simulate in two dimensions the compression of a single dendrite of a pure substance growing in an undercooled melt. The development of complex stress and strain distributions is observed. The deformations result in variations in the crystallographic orientation angle within the dendrite that, in turn, affect the subsequent solidification behavior. The modeling of the deformation of polycrystalline solidifying structures, including the formation of grain boundaries, is described in a companion paper.
Mutational Analysis Suggests That Activation of the Yeast Pheromone Response Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway Involves Conformational Changes in the Ste5 Scaffold Protein

Ste5 is essential for pheromone response and binds components of a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade: Ste11 (MEKK), Ste7 (MEK), and Fus3 (MAPK). Pheromone stimulation releases Gbetagamma (Ste4-Ste18), which recruits Ste5 and Ste20 (p21-activated kinase) to the plasma membrane, activating the MAPK cascade. A RING-H2 domain in Ste5 (residues 177-229) negatively regulates Ste5 function and mediates its interaction with Gbetagamma. Ste5(C177A C180A), carrying a mutated RING-H2 domain, cannot complement a ste5Delta mutation, yet supports mating even in ste4Delta ste5Delta cells when artificially dimerized by fusion to glutathione S-transferase (GST). In contrast, wild-type Ste5 fused to GST permits mating of ste5Delta cells, but does not allow mating of ste4Delta ste5Delta cells. This differential behavior provided the basis of a genetic selection for STE5 gain-of-function mutations. MATa ste4Delta ste5Delta cells expressing Ste5-GST were mutagenized chemically and plasmids conferring the capacity to mate were selected. Three independent single-substitution mutations were isolated. These constitutive STE5 alleles induce cell cycle arrest, transcriptional activation, and morphological changes normally triggered by pheromone, even when Gbetagamma is absent. The first, Ste5(C226Y), alters the seventh conserved position in the RING-H2 motif, confirming that perturbation of this domain constitutively activates Ste5 function. The second, Ste5(P44L), lies upstream of a basic segment, whereas the third, Ste5(S770K), is situated within an acidic segment in a region that contacts Ste7. None of the mutations increased the affinity of Ste5 for Ste11, Ste7, or Fus3. However, the positions of these novel-activating mutations suggested that, in normal Ste5, the N terminus may interact with the C terminus. Indeed, in vitro, GST-Ste5(1-518) was able to associate specifically with radiolabeled Ste5(520-917). Furthermore, both the P44L and S770K mutations enhanced binding of full-length Ste5 to GST-Ste5(1-518), whereas they did not affect Ste5 dimerization. Thus, binding of Gbetagamma to the RING-H2 domain may induce a conformational change that promotes association of the N- and C-terminal ends of Ste5, stimulating activation of the MAPK cascade by optimizing orientation of the bound kinases and/or by increasing their accessibility to Ste20-dependent phosphorylation (or both). In accord with this model, the novel Ste5 mutants copurified with Ste7 and Fus3 in their activated state and their activation required Ste20.
Ancient tales in modern Japan : an anthology of Japanese folk tales

Ancient Tales in Modern Japan makes available for the first time in English a unique collection of Japanese folk tales. More than half of these tales have never before been translated. Fanny Hagin Mayer, a pioneer Western scholar in the field of Japanese folklore, has selected 347 folk tales from the standard Japanese reference work, the Meii. Ninety early collectors from throughout Japan, among them key figures such as Sasaki Kizen and Iwakura Ichiro, furnished tales for this selection. This remarkable anthology presents a vivid picture of centuries of Japanese folk culture. Ancient Tales in Modern Japan is an essential work for students of folklore and Japanese culture.
Level of B Cell Antigen Receptor Surface Expression Influences Both Positive and Negative Selection of B Cells During Primary Development

To examine the effect of B cell Ag receptor (BCR) surface density on B cell development, we studied multiple lines of mice containing various copy numbers of an IgH micro delta transgene. The V(H) gene in this transgene encodes multireactive BCRs with low affinity for self Ags. These BCRs promote differentiation to a B cell subpopulation that shares some, but not all of the properties of marginal zone (MZ) B cells. Surface BCR level was found to be related to transgene gene copy number in these mice. In mice containing 1-15 copies of the transgene, elevated surface BCR levels were correlated with increased numbers of B cells in the MZ-like subset. However, in mice containing 20-30 copies of the transgene, massive clonal deletion of B cells was observed in the bone marrow, few B cells populated the spleen, and B cells were essentially absent from the lymph nodes. These data support the idea that autoantigens mediate not only negative, but positive selection of developing B cells as well. More importantly, they illustrate the profound influence of BCR surface density on the extent to which either of these selective processes take place.
AUGMENTING A DATABASE KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION FOR NATURAL LANGUAGE GENERATION

The knowledge representation is an important factor in natural language generation since it limits the semantic capabilities of the generation system. This paper identifies several information types in a knowledge representation that can be used to generate meaningful responses to questions about database structure. Creating such a knowledge representation, however, is a long and tedious process. A system is presented which uses the contents of the database to form part of this knowledge representation automatically. It employs three types of world knowledge axioms to ensure that the representation formed is meaningful and contains salient information.
Accounting for the instability of Palenquero voiced stops

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the patterns exhibited by Palenquero voiced stops, which reveals that there is a close connection between spirantization, prenasalization, flapping, and lateralization as they are articulatory maneuvers that a language may use to reduce the effort cost of implementing underlying voiced stops. Spirantization, prenasalization, and lateralization facilitate the production of voicing by allowing venting through one of the valves that separate the supraglottal cavity from the atmosphere. Flapping, on the other hand, yields this effect by reducing the temporal coordinates of the constriction target. The consequences that these articulatory adjustments have for the production of voicing are captured within the framework of Optimality Theory (Prince, Alan, Smolensky, Paul, 1993. Optimality Theory: Constraint Interaction in Generative Grammar. Ms., Technical Report No.2 of the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science, Rutgers University) through a system of interacting constraints where L azy , a principle that embodies the tendency to reduce articulatory effort (Kirchner, Robert, 1995. Contrastiveness is an epiphenomenonas of constraint ranking. Rutgers Optimality Archive, 51-0295; Kirchner, Robert, 1998. An Effort-based Approach to Consonant Lenition. Doctoral dissertation, Rutgers Optimality Archive, 246-0898), rivals with I dent (Feature), the drive to preserve underlying feature specifications [University of Massachusetts Occasional Papers, 18 (1995) 249]. Central to this analysis is also the view that the sound component of a language may comprise several co-phonologies (Inkelas, Sharon, Orhan Orgun, C., Zoll, Cheryl, 1996. Exceptions and static prohonological patterns: cophonologies vs. prespecification. Rutgers Optimality Archive 124-0496; Inkelas, Sharon, Orhan Orgun, C., Zoll, Cheryl, 1997. The implications of lexical exceptions for the nature of grammar. In: Roca, Iggy (Ed.), Derivations and Constraints in Phonology. Oxford University Press, New York, pp. 393–418), some of which are restricted to certain morphemes. This is used to account for the unpredictability and optionality exhibited by some of these processes.
Children with congenital colorectal malformations often require special education or remedial teaching, despite normal intelligence

Aim This study prospectively evaluated neuropsychological functioning in 8-year-old patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Methods School functioning and behaviour were assessed in a standardised interview. Intelligence, attention, self-esteem and quality of life were evaluated with validated tests and questionnaires. The following predictors were assessed: socio-economic status, number of episodes of general anaesthesia, laxative treatment and premature birth. Severely intellectually disabled patients were excluded. Results In total, twelve of the 23 (52%) patients with ARM and 11 (55%) of the 20 patients with HD received special education or remedial teaching. The intelligence quotient was normal: mean (standard deviation or SD) was 98 (17) and 96 (17), respectively. However, sustained attention was below the norm: mean (SD) Z-score was −1.90 (1.94) and −1.43 (1.98) for ARM and HD patients; both p < 0.01. Self-esteem was normal: mean (SD) Z-score was 0.10 (1.29) and −0.20 (1.11) for ARM and HD patients. Quality of life was normal in ARM patients and slightly impaired in HD patients. No predictors for neuropsychological outcome were identified. Conclusion Despite normal intelligence, more than half of these patients received special education or remedial teaching. In addition, problems with sustained attention were found. These findings are important for long-term care.
An electron microscopic study of synaptic organization in the medial superior olive of normal and experimental chinchillas.

The medial superior olive (MSO) was studied in normal animals to determine the types of synaptic endings and their distribution over the surface of MSO neurons. Unilateral lesions were made in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) of experimental animals to determine the source of at least one synaptic type in the MSO. The surfaces of MSO neurons in normal animals were studded with three distinct types of synaptic endings distinguished mainly by the size of their synaptic vesicles. There were endings with large vesicles, 510 A in mean diameter; endings with small vesicles, 380 A; and endings with vesicles intermediate in size. 435 A. The large vesicle ending typically was greater than 2 μm in maximum diameter. It appeared as the termination of a myelinated axon or as a swollen portion of a node and made multiple asymmetrical synapses. Large vesicle endings occurred exclusively on dendrites where they formed 85% of the synaptic endings. Small vesicle endings typically were less than 2 μm in diameter. They appeared as the termination of a fine unmyelinated axon and made only one symmetrical synapse. Small vesicle boutons occurred infrequently over the entire neuronal surface. Intermediate vesicle synaptic endings were similar to large vesicle endings except that they were present only on the cell body, axon hillock, and proximal portions of the dendrites where they formed most of the synapses. In AVCN lesioned animals degenerating myelinated axons and large vesicle synaptic endings were distributed to the lateral dendrites of the ipsilateral MSO and medial dendrites of the contralateral one. In addition, a few degenerating axons and large vesicle endings were found among the ipsilateral medial dendrites. The changes in the degenerating endings were characterized by an early proliferation of neurofilaments and swelling of the endings followed by collapse of the endings and increase in electron density, disappearance of filaments and synaptic vesicles, and phagocytosis of the degenerated endings by reactive glial cells. No degenerative changes were observed in the small and intermediate vesicle endings. The results of this study indicate that the more numerous large vesicle endings presynaptic to the MSO dendrites are the axon terminals of neurons in the AVCN. The persistence after lesions of the small and intermediate vesicle endings suggests that they arise from as yet unidentified sources.
A generic configuration of a compact dexterous and self-contained end-effector for mobile robotic platforms

This paper presents a new design of a compact end-effector for mobile robotic platforms that provides dexterous heavy duty gripping and handling of tasks by means of on-board manipulator arms. The merit of the proposed work lies in the novel concept we adopted in combining dexterity with strength and speed in a compact, self-contained and generic structure. The generic aspect of the design approach facilitates the implementation of this robotic end-effector on various manipulators with minor modifications to the overall robot structure. We discuss design layouts, capabilities and implementation aspects on manipulator arms of mobile robotic platforms.
Aspects of Metamorphosis and Habitat Use in the Conger Eel, Conger oceanicus

The early life history of the conger eel, Conger oceanicus, has been the focus of only a few studies. These have emphasized larval development and distribution; little is known about its metamorphosis and settlement. To quantify changes in body proportions, dentition, and pigmentation of metamorphosing C. oceanicus during these transitions, we collected leptocephali, glass eels, elvers, and juveniles during 1993, 1996, and 1998 (n 5 166) in coastal ocean and estuarine waters in southern New Jersey. We developed a staging scheme based on morphology, pigmentation, and dentition that categorized the developmental state from the leptocephalus to the juvenile stage. Our study demonstrated that, although the early life history of C. oceanicus occurs over large spatial scales (10,000s of km2), metamorphosis can take place over only a few 10s of km2 . We conclude that selected body proportions (e.g., percent preanal length) are better indicators of developmental state than total length for metamorphosing C. oceanicus. Our results also suggest that certain metamorphic stages are associated with specific habitats. Further, the spatial differences in morphology, dentition, and developmental stage across the ocean to estuary transect suggest that oceanic individuals are earlier in development than those caught within the estuary and that many aspects of metamorphosis (e.g., changes in body morphology, dentition, and habitat use) co-occur with their migration into estuaries.
An absurdly random, and completely blind, review and prospective validation of mathematical truisms in emergency medicine and critical care.

Study Objective. We thought that in the darkest part of night shifts, when the diurnal variation of our internal clocks is defunct and all organized neuronal electrical activity in the cerebrum has ceased, that mathematical truisms might be a valid tool in the assessment and treatment of the acutely ill, injured, or merely crazy patients in the emergency department (ED). Therefore, in support of evidence-based medicine, we sought to define and subsequently validate any mathematical information that may be clinically useful at 3 AM.
Syllabification in Armenian, Universal Grammar, and the Lexicon

This article approaches from a new angle the question of the extent to which predictable information is stored in the lexicon. By examining the ways in which morphological phenomena can be sensitive to prosodic structure, I argue that some-but not all-predictable information is stored in lexical entries. Detailed analysis of a fragment of the Armenian phonological system, focusing on the behavior of consonants at morpheme edges, supports a more abstract view of phonological representations (containing syllables, appendices, and unparsed segments) than can be inferred from phonetic facts alone, contra Ohala and Kawasaki-Fukumori (1997), Steriade (1999), Scheer (2002), and others. The Armenian facts furthermore indicate that attempts to abandon underlying representations (Flemming 1995, Burzio 1996) are misguided and that we must also retreat from the excessively abstract underspecification approaches advocated by most phonologists.
Characterization of a plasma membrane zinc transporter in rat brain

Many studies now show that zinc plays a critical and unique role in central nervous system development and function. The cellular mechanisms of zinc efflux and influx are largely unknown and few models exist that describe cellular zinc transport in the brain. This report provides convincing evidence of a zinc transporter in plasma membrane vesicles isolated from rat brain. Zinc uptake was saturable (Km = 15 microM; Vmax = 10 nmol/mg per 30 s), was seen in the absence of ATP, and was unaffected by gradients for other ions such as Na+ or K+. Increasing the ionic strength of the extravesicular media with Na+, K+, or choline+ reduced zinc uptake approximately 50%. Whereas, increasing extravesicular H+ concentration (pH = 5) resulted in near complete inhibition of zinc uptake. Intravesicular zinc was rapidly released upon lowering extravesicular concentrations of zinc with the heavy metal chelator O-phenanthroline (1 mM). The results are consistent with a freely-reversible transport of zinc across the plasma membrane of neurons.
Decentralized fault detection and diagnosis via sparse PCA based decomposition and Maximum Entropy decision fusion

Abstract This paper proposes an approach for decentralized fault detection and diagnosis in process monitoring sensor networks. The sensor network is decomposed into multiple, potentially overlapping, blocks using the Sparse Principal Component Analysis algorithm. Local predictions are generated at each block using Support Vector Machine classifiers. The local predictions are then fused via a Maximum Entropy algorithm. Empirical studies on the benchmark Tennessee Eastman Process data demonstrated that the proposed decentralized approach achieves accuracy comparable to that of the fully centralized approach, while offering benefits in terms of fault tolerance, reusability, and scalability.
The Roles of Androgen Receptors and Androgen- Binding Proteins in Nongenomic Androgen Actions

The biological activity of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone is thought to occur predominantly through binding to the androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor. However, androgens have also been reported to induce the rapid activation of kinase-signaling cascades and modulate intracellular calcium levels. These effects are considered to be nongenomic because they occur in cell types that lack a functional AR, in the presence of inhibitors of transcription and translation, or are observed to occur too rapidly to involve changes in gene transcription. Such nongenomic effects of androgens may occur through AR functioning in the cytoplasm to induce the MAPK signal cascade. In addition, androgens may function through the sex hormone binding globulin receptor and possibly a distinct G protein-coupled receptor to activate second messenger signaling mechanisms. The physiological effect of nongenomic androgen action has yet to be determined. However, it may ultimately contribute to regulation of transcription factor activity, including mediation of the transcriptional activity of AR.
Cloud and precipitation observations with the NPOESS Aircraft Sounder Testbed-Microwave (NAST-M) spectrometer suite at 54/118/183/425 GHz

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Aircraft Sounder Testbed-Microwave, or NAST-M, has added two spectrometers to its original suite operating near the oxygen lines at 50-57 GHz and the oxygen line at 118.75 GHz. These new spectrometers are centered on the water vapor absorption line at 183.31 GHz and the oxygen absorption line at 424.76 GHz. This addition has increased the ability of NAST-M to retrieve humidity profiles and to sense smaller-diameter hydrometeors. The co-aligned NAST-M suite concurrently imaged clouds and convective cells during the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers-Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL-FACE 2002) and the 2003 Pacific THORpex (The Observing-system Research and predictability experiment) Observing System Test (THORpex 2003).
Timing and detection efficiency properties of multi-anode PMTs for a Focusing DIRC

For the present BABAR-DIRC, the Cherenkov angular resolution is dominated by three contributions - the chromatic error, bar thickness and pixel size. This paper discusses a prototype for a Focusing DIRC, which uses a smaller pixel size, a focusing mirror to reduce the effect of the bar thickness and precise timing in the range of 50-100 ps per photon to reduce the size of the chromatic error. This paper describes two novel photon detectors which are candidates for this type of concept: Hamamatsu 64-channel multi-anode Flat Panel H-8500 PMTs and Burle 64-channel micro-channel plate 85011-501 MCP-PMTs. The detectors were tested with a PiLas laser diode providing light pulses with 35 ps FWHM timing resolution. A single-photon timing resolution of (1) /spl sigma/ /spl ap/ 120-140 ps was achieved with the Hamamatsu PMTs, and (2) /spl sigma/ /spl ap/ 55 ps with the Burle MCP-PMTs. To achieve the good timing resolution results, we have developed a new fast amplifier and a constant-fraction discriminator. We have also developed a computer-controlled two-dimensional scanning setup, which allows a detailed study of the uniformity of the PMT and of the efficiency response to single photons relative to a reference PMT.
Coherent OCDMA receivers with robust performance

Optical code division multiple access can achieve good spectral efficiency, a high degree of security, and soft degradation in many network applications. Robust performance in the presence of key impairments is achieved by careful selection of encoding sequences according to correlation properties and spread-time pulse shapes. A new, coherent receiver retrieves transmitted information coherently without phase locking or fast nonlinear detectors, while minimizing multiple access interference and cancelling beat noise. A key design improvement prevents link outage caused by random states of polarization without requiring polarization management.
Iterative learning control for soft landing of electromechanical valve actuator in camless engines

Variable valve timing allows improvements of internal combustion engines and can be achieved by camless actuation technology. In this paper we consider an electromechanical valve (EMV) actuator. One of the main problems in the EMV actuator is the noise and wear associated with high contact velocities during the closing and opening of the valve. The contact velocity of the actuator parts can be reduced by designing a tracking controller that consists of a linear feedback and a nonsquare iterative learning controller (ILC). With the ILC methodology we update the feedforward signal of the feedback controller every cycle based on the error between the actual valve position and the desired position. The methodology is reviewed and both simulation and experimental results are presented. We explore the disturbance rejection capability of the control scheme by simulating conditions with an unknown force acting on the valve similar to the ones present during varying engine load.
Global Gene Expression in the Human Fetal Testis and Ovary

This study describes a temporal profile of gene expression from normal human fetal testes and ovaries. Gonads from 34 fetuses between 9 wk and 20 wk of gestation were obtained from the Department of Pathology and the Birth Defects Research Laboratory at the University of Washington. Relative transcript levels were determined using the Affymetrix Human Genome U133A Plus 2.0 arrays. Sex determination occurs in the human gonad at ∼6 wk of gestation with development of the testis driven by expression of SRY. In this study, SRY transcript was present and elevated at 9 wk of gestation in the testis but was absent in the ovary. The transcript levels of other testis-specific factors SOX9 and AMH and the steroidogenic genes CYP17A1, CYP11A1, STAR, and HSD17B3 were all significantly higher in the testis. In contrast, transcripts known to be involved in meiosis, including STRA8, SPO11, SYCP3, TEX11, TEX14, and STAG3, showed highest expression in the fetal ovary beginning at Week 12. These gene expression profiles will be a resource for understanding and defining normal gonad development and provide the opportunity to dissect abnormal development.
Contracting with Doubtful Motives

I examine an agency model where the principal has either a legitimate or an illegitimate motive for revising the incentive contract, whereas the agent does not observe the principal's motive and creates more organizational frictions as he becomes more suspicious that the principal is ill-intentioned. Such doubt about the principal's motive increases the cost of using high-powered incentive schemes with a substantial discretionary component. To provide near-efficient incentives to the agent and mitigate doubts about her motive, the principal either adopts carefully designed rigid policies such as efficiency wages, seniority-based promotions and infrequent bonus payouts, or uses complementary practices to distinguish her motive and restore the efficiency of high-powered incentive plans.
Increasing Donations and Improving Donor Experiences: Lessons From Decision Science

Giving to charity not only helps fund programs that are beneficial to society but also reliably increases the well-being of donors. However, not all donations are equally effective at improving don...
Estimates of increased black carbon emissions from electrostatic precipitators during powdered activated carbon injection for mercury emissions control.

The behavior of mercury sorbents within electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) is not well-understood, despite a decade or more of full-scale testing. Recent laboratory results suggest that powdered activated carbon exhibits somewhat different collection behavior than fly ash in an ESP and particulate filters located at the outlet of ESPs have shown evidence of powdered activated carbon penetration during full-scale tests of sorbent injection for mercury emissions control. The present analysis considers a range of assumed differential ESP collection efficiencies for powdered activated carbon as compared to fly ash. Estimated emission rates of submicrometer powdered activated carbon are compared to estimated emission rates of particulate carbon on submicrometer fly ash, each corresponding to its respective collection efficiency. To the extent that any emitted powdered activated carbon exhibits size and optical characteristics similar to black carbon, such emissions could effectively constitute an increase in b...
Managing three common oncologic emergencies.

Spinal cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome, and hypercalcemia are tumor-related emergencies clinicians need to watch for in patients with malignancy.
Epitaxial KNbo3 and its Nonlinear Optical Properties

The nonlinear optical properties of epitaxial KNbO3 were studied for films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on different substrates. X-ray diffraction revealed epitaxial KNbO3 with a (110) orientation for layers deposited on single crystal strontium titanate. Whereas, films grown on (100) spinel exhibited a multi-variant structure, consisting of the (110) and (001) orientations. The volume fraction of each crystallographic variant in the film was calculated. Second harmonic generation measurements at 532 nm were performed to determine the ferroelectric domain variants present. The Maker-fringe technique was employed to obtain the effective nonlinear optical susceptibility of the films, which ranged from 0.1 - 1.8 pm/V. The SHG intensity profiles reveal a strong dependence upon substrate type.
Remote Giant Multispectral Plasmonic Shifts of Labile Hinged Nanorod Array via Magnetic Field.

We report a remotely mediated and fast responsive plasmonic–magnetic nanorod array with extremely large variability in optical appearance (up to 100 nm shifts in scattering maxima) and concurrently for multiple wavelengths in a broad range from UV–vis to near-infrared (at 450, 550, and 670 nm) with an external magnetic field with variable direction. The observed phenomenon demonstrates a rapid, wide-range response controlled via a noninvasive remote stimulus. The remotely controlled system suggested here is a magnetic field-directed assembly of an ordered monolayer array of unipolar oriented magnetic–plasmonic nickel–gold nanorods flexibly hinged to a sticky substrate. The unique geometry of the mobile nanorod array allows for the instant alteration of the surface plasmon polariton modes in the gold segment of the controllably tilting nanorods. This design demonstrates the utility of hybrid bimetallic nanoparticles and gives a novel approach to the design of fast-acting, remotely controlled color-changing...
Influence of Al~(3+) doping on structure and electrochemical properties of Li_(1.02)Mn_2O_4

The Li1.02AlxMn2-xO4 (x=0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30, respectively) were prepared by solid state reaction method. The influence of Al3+-doped contents on lithium manganese oxides were investigated. The results show that when x is no more than 0.2, Li1.02AlxMn2-xO4 has good crystal structure and there is other phase Al2O3 at x=0.3. Al3+ doping can stabilize the crystal structure during the charge-discharge process. Al3+ doping can availably avoid the energy level splitting and remarkably improve the endurance of overcharge. The initial discharge capacity is 118.7 mAh·g-1 at x=0.15. The capacity and the maintaining ratio after 160 cycles are 113.8 mAh·g-1 and 95.8%, respectively. The small amount of AI3+ doping can reduce the material conductivity, which has no influence on their electrochemical property due to its more stable structure and good cycling performance.
Expression and function of PARP-1 in mitoxantrone-induced drug-resistance MCF-7 cells

OBJECTIVE:To study the expression and function of poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1(PARP-1)in mitoxantrone-induced drug-resisatance MCF-7 cells and analyse its drug-resistance mechanism.METHODS:MCF-7 cells were exposed to mitoxantrone in six concentration groups,0.005,0.01,0.02,0.04,0.08 and 0.16 μmol/L,for 30 days in turn with one blank control group.Both real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were used to measured PARP-1 expression.RESULTS:PARP-1 expression in MCF-7 cell was increased and displayed dose-effection relationship when exposed to higher concentrations of mitoxantrone,compared with the control group.There was a significant difference on PARP-1 expression when MCF-7 cells were exposed to mitoxantrone,0.02,0.04 and 0.08 μmol/L(P0.05).CONCLUSION:PARP-1 expression was increased in MCF-7 cells after prolonged exposure to mitoxantrone and it could have participated in the formation of drug resistance in these cells.
The scientific practitioner revisited: Some obstacles and prerequisites for fuller implementation in practice

Aaron Rosen, PhD, is professor, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899; e-mail: aaronr@wuacn.wustl.edu. For the past two decades, much of the thrust of social work's efforts to enhance scientifically based practice has focused on development and dissemination of the means of evaluating the ef fectiveness of individual practitioners' interven tions. Three recent works that aim to enhance the sci entific mode of practice serve as a point of departure for this article: Evaluating Practice: Guidelines for the Accountable Professional (Bloom, Fischer, & Orme, 1995) and Direct Practice Research in Human Service Agencies (Blythe, Tripodi, & Briar, 1994) are comple mented by Measures for Clinical Practice: A Sourcebook (Fischer & Corcoran, 1994). The first two expound the rationale for and the extant methodologies inform ing empirically based practice and evaluation, and the third presents practitioners with an array of standard ized measures that can be applied to problem assess ment and evaluation of client change in a variety of clinical practice situations. These books are among the more recent works that promote systematic evaluation as an integral part of social work practice. The introduction of systematic practice evaluation procedures into social work, particularly the use of single-system designs, was seen as heralding a new model of practice—empirically based practice—and of scientific practitioner—social workers performing in accordance with the model (for example, Bloom, 1975; Bloom 8c Fischer, 1982; Briar, 1973; Fischer, 1978, 1981; Thomas, 1975). Probably influenced by the Boulder Model of the scientist-professional dominant in the training of clinical psychologists (see Raimy, 1950) and bolstered by developments in the methods of single-subject experimentation, the conception of the scientific practitioner also gave a basis to the inte gration of professional practice and research. Whether such conception heralded a revolution in social work (Fischer, 1981) is immaterial. It certainly influenced social work education, for which some content on de signs for systematic evaluation of the practitioner's own service delivery has been required since 1982 (Coun cil on Social Work Education, 1982).
Carcinoma of the Female Urethra: Reassessment of Modes of Therapy

AbstractOf 15 women with primary urethral carcinoma 2 had tumors confined to the urethra and were managed successfully by an operation. Of the 9 patients with tumor extending to the surrounding structures 6 (67 per cent) died of complications related to inadequate control of the primary tumor. The last 4 patients had stage Dl disease or greater at initial diagnosis and died of distant metastases. Our current approach for patients with locally advanced disease is combined brachytherapy and operation in an effort to eradicate the primary tumor, since morbidity and mortality result from failure to control the local tumor.
Modification of Immunoglobulin Combining Sites

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses studies performed on mouse myeloma proteins and a human Waldenstrom macroglobulin to examine the modification of immunoglobulin combining sites. The most successful method for specifically modifying the active sites of proteins—in the absence of a hyperreactive group in such a site—has been the method of affinity lableing. With the identification of myeloma proteins of defined binding properties, it seemed logical to use this method to study the binding site. In a study, when the mouse γA myeloma protein from tumor MOPC 315 was reacted with m-nitrobenzene diazonium fluoborate, some phenomena were observed, all being consistent with affinity lableing. (1) The reaction was much more rapid with the nitrophenyl binding protein compared to a nonbinding immunoglobulin. (2) The reaction led to substantial inactivation of all the combining sites. (3) The reaction kinetics was of the first order with respect to the concentration of complex. (4) The reaction could have been largely inhibited by the presence of nonreactive nitrophenyl ligand. (5) The reaction occurred almost exclusively at a single amino acid residue.
Aspects of Data Cataloguing for Enterprise Data Platforms

As the adoption of enterprise Big Data platforms mature, the necessity to maintain systematic catalogue of data being processed and managed by these platforms becomes imperative. Enterprise data catalogues serve as centralized repositories of storing such metadata about data being handled by such platforms, enabling better data governance, security and control. Standardized approaches, methodologies and tools for data catalogues are being discussed and evolved. This paper introduces some key variables, attributes and indexes that need to be handled in such cataloguing solutions -- such as data contexts, data-system relationships, data quality, reliability, sensitivity and accessibility. The paper also discusses specific approaches on how each of these aspects can be adopted and applied to different enterprise contexts effectively.
Franz Rosenzweig and the Systematic Task of Philosophy: Seeing Stars: The Vision of the All and the Completion of the System

O n october 4, 1918, six weeks into the composition of The Star of Redemption , Rosenzweig writes a letter to Margrit Rosenstock recounting a striking vision he beheld the previous night. The details of this vision, and Rosenzweig's own interpretation of it, shed surprising light on the systematic articulation of the One and All Rosenzweig undertakes in the Star and upon the shape in which the One and All becomes manifest in the book. Rosenzweig's letter at once presents the context within which, I will claim, the third and final part of the Star should be understood. An interpretation of this letter will thus serve to introduce those questions that will guide us in this final chapter of our study of the Star as a system of philosophy. As he explains in the letter, Rosenzweig had worked late into the previous night finishing the “Transition” section that ends the first part of the Star and had begun writing the introduction to the book's second part that very morning. According to Rosenzweig, the position of limbo he found himself in during the middle of the previous night, between the first and second parts of the book, suddenly permitted him to see the “Star of Redemption” – quite literally – in its entirety: I was still fi nishing the Transition chapter last night; it became quite crazy, and all the spirits were so let-loose that I couldn't sleep anymore aft er midnight. … Th ese are the moments in which one sees double [ Doppelganger ] … because one is no longer glued right fi rmly in one's body. […]
Queer Communication Studies

This essay charts the development of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender studies—sometimes called queer studies—in communication since the early 1980s. It considers the intellectual and political stakes in a project closely connected to movements for sexual liberation and also describes the shifting significance of such terms as gay and queer and the people and practices they signify. The analysis combines theories of subjectivity with questions about sexual representation in public and private, opening (and closing) with commentary on the social meanings and hierarchies of sexual difference.