cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Panoramic spatial vision in the bay scallop Argopecten irradians

We have a growing understanding of the light-sensing organs and light-influenced behaviours of animals with distributed visual systems, but we have yet to learn how these animals convert visual input into behavioural output. It has been suggested they consolidate visual information early in their sensory-motor pathways, resulting in them being able to detect visual cues (spatial resolution) without being able to locate them (spatial vision). To explore how an animal with dozens of eyes processes visual information, we analysed the responses of the bay scallop Argopecten irradians to both static and rotating visual stimuli. We found A. irradians distinguish between static visual stimuli in different locations by directing their sensory tentacles towards them and were more likely to point their extended tentacles towards larger visual stimuli. We also found that scallops track rotating stimuli with individual tentacles and with rotating waves of tentacle extension. Our results show, to our knowledge for the first time that scallops have both spatial resolution and spatial vision, indicating their sensory-motor circuits include neural representations of their visual surroundings. Exploring a wide range of animals with distributed visual systems will help us learn the different ways non-cephalized animals convert sensory input into behavioural output.
Styles in the Fashion Social Network: An Analysis on Lookbook.nu

As birds of a feather flock together, so do people with similar interests and preferences befriend with each other. Numerous Social Network Analysis (SNA) researchers have investigated how individuals’ identification affects their behaviors, such as ethnicity, education, political opinions and even musical tastes. What about one’s fashion style? These days, online social networks provide rich resources for us to study these phenomena; however, no research has investigated people’s styles/tastes within a social network. In this paper, we analyze the largest fashion social network, Lookbook.nu. By applying SNA techniques, we answer whether people with similar styles tend to connect with each other on the online social networks and whether people form communities based on their styles. We believe this is the first work studying people’s fashion styles on an online social network empirically.
Dynamic Properties of Tall Shear-Wall Buildings

The natural frequencies of translational motion for the first two modes in each direction have been experimentally measured and computed analytically for two tall reinforced concrete shear wall buildings. For the first building, the frequencies were measured from ambient as well as man-excited data. The critical damping ratios were also estimated from the decay of the man-excited accelerograms. For the second building, the frequencies were estimated from ambient response data. The computer generated analytical models yielded reasonably satisfactory estimates for the fundamental frequencies for Building 1, but for Building 2, the estimated frequency in the longitudinal direction did not agree with its measured value.
Gaining Insights in Coronary Disease Genomics

With coronary artery disease (CAD) being the leading cause of death worldwide, new strategies for prevention are desperately needed ([1–3][1]). Although we are still in the early phase of understanding the genomic basis of complex disease traits, there have been meaningful advances in identifying
Synthesis and Densification Studies of Nanocrystalline Titanium Dioxide Ceramics

In this research, we have synthesized nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) ceramic powder through a simple process of hydrolyzing titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) in a mixture of isopropanol and deionized water, and studied its densification behavior. Nitric acid (HNO 3 ) was added to restrain the hydrolysis process, and consequently to control the grain growth. The synthesized powder was analyzed for its phases, using the X-ray diffraction technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine its powder particle-size and morphology. Dense structures, made from the synthesized nanocrystalline powder and commercial TiO 2 powder (Alfa Aesar Company, 99.9% pure), were sintered in the temperature range of 1200-1400°C, to study and compare their densification behavior. Vickers hardness test was carried out to evaluate their mechanical property. Results showed that the synthesized TiO 2 powder was in anatase phase and its particle-size was around 5∼10 nm. For both kinds of TiO 2 ceramics, the densification process continued with an increase in sintering temperature and the nanoscale TiO 2 exhibited improved sintered density, compared to the commercial powder at all sintering temperatures. We also observed that at a sintering temperature of 1200°C, the volume shrinkage of nanocrystalline TiO 2 samples was 49%, while only 27% was observed in commercial TiO 2 samples. The trend of variation in hardness of the sintered structures with the increase in sintering temperature (1200 - 1400°C), was similar with that of the densification studies. Maximum hardness value of 328.3±16 HV was obtained in specimens sintered at 1400°C.
Statistical Analysis of Chemical Release Rates from Soils

Two statistical methods for determining the precision of best-fit model parameters generated from chemical rate of release data are discussed. One method uses the likelihood theory to estimate marginal confidence intervals and joint confidence regions of the release model parameters. The other method uses Monte Carlo simulation to estimate statistical inferences for the release model parameters. Both methods were applied to a set of rate of release data that was generated using a field soil. The results of this evaluation indicate that the precision of F (the fraction of a chemical in a soil that is released quickly) is greater than the precision of k1 (the rate constant describing fast release), which is greater than the precision of k2 (the rate constant describing slow release). This occurs because more data are taken during the time period described by F and k1 than during the time period described by F and k2. In general, estimates of F will be relatively precise when the ratio of k1 to k2 is large, ...
Consensus conference on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is rising in incidence owing to improved recognition and a truly increased rate of the disease. Therefore, understanding the disease, its natural history and the impact of resection is critical for surgeons. The authors have succinctly reviewed the role of surgical intervention and acknowledged the controversies and significant remaining questions1. Resection is indicated for a single tumour without nodal metastases or other sites of extrahepatic disease. This is based on long-term survival figures and, most importantly, the potential for a cure. There is no controversy on this point. Furthermore, there is no controversy about the conclusion that surgery is not indicated in patients with distant extrahepatic metastatic disease. Surgery does not appear to impact the short survival seen in such patients and could only be considered palliative and non-curative.
The intensity regimes of bacteriorhodopsin and its application to large space-bandwidth product spatial phase conjugation

In this talk, we describe the characteristics of the refractive index modulation over a range of incident intensities using the Z-scan method, Then, we demonstrate how a film containing bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is used in real-time large space-bandwidth-product optical spatial phase conjugate holography.
Mathematica: A Practical Approach

From the Publisher: "Nancy Blachman's book opens up the world of Mathematica. She has a down-to-earth lucid style of writing and real experience with the system. This belongs on your bookshelf."--William R. Hearst III "Nancy Blachman's book is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to do serious work with Mathematica."--Hal R. Varian, Dean, School of Information Management & Systems University of California at Berkeley "Many people that I know have asked me how to get started using Mathematica. I always point them to Mathematica: A Practical Approach.--Dr. Henry Cejtin, One of the eight original Mathematica developers "This book offers a systematic introduction to Mathematica for people who want to get up to speed quickly. It provides the best presentation that I have seen. It covers all important features of Mathematica thoroughly, with clear explanations, excellent examples, and challenging and instructive problem sets."--Dr. Cameron Smith, Author of The Mathematica Graphics Guidebook "This book is very user-friendly. Not only did I use it to learn Mathematica, but I find myself using it to upgrade my skills."--Vrinda Kadiyali, Assistant Professor of Economics and Marketing Cornell's Johnson School of Management There are over 100 books published about Mathematica. One of my personal favorites is Mathematica: A Practical Approach.--Ian Collier, Member of Technical Staff Wolfram Research, Inc. Mathematica: A Practical Approach is the most popular introductory tutorial book on Mathematica. It has been translated into Japanese, Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese. The new edition, is loaded with even more examples and exercises to get you up and running with Mathematica version 3! This book teaches how to: solve differential equations solve partial differential equations solve complicated integrals create graphics, sounds and animations write functional, rule-based & procedural programs define palettes, buttons & hyperlinks make your own packages interact with the user & with files plot functions and data fit curves & doing data analysis and much much more
Microtubule nucleation at the centrosome and beyond.

Microtubule polymerization is initiated by γ-tubulin containing complexes. Petry and Vale discuss factors involved in localizing and activating γ-tubulin at different locations in the cell.
Common Factors in Psychotherapy

The term common factors refers to effective aspects of treatment shared by diverse forms of psychotherapy. Theorists and researchers interested in them argue that they may be more important than are factors unique to specific treatments and hailed by advocates of these treatments to be the important change agents (see e.g., Frank, 1973). This argument is bolstered by the fact that whereas psychotherapy has been shown to lead to beneficial effects, rarely has any specific type of treatment been shown to be superior to any other (Lambert, Shapiro, & Bergin, 1986; Luborsky, Singer, & Luborsky, 1975; Smith, Glass, & Miller, 1980; Stiles, Shapiro, & Elliot, 1986). If the multitude of different systems examined in these reviews can legitimately claim equal success, and it seems that they can, then maybe their diversity is illusory and they share core features which, in fact, are the curative elements responsible for therapeutic success (cf. Lambert, 1986).
The loop region of the helix-loop-helix protein Id1 is critical for its dominant negative activity

Id1, a helix-loop-helix (HLH) protein which lacks a DNA binding domain, has been shown to negatively regulate other members of the HLH family by direct protein-protein interactions, both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we report the results of site-directed mutagenesis experiments aimed at defining the regions of Id1 which are important for its activity. We have found that the HLH domain of Id1 is necessary and nearly sufficient for its activity. In addition, we show that two amino acid residues at the amino terminus of the Id1 loop are critical for its activity, perhaps by specifying the correct dimerization partners. In this regard, replacing the first four amino acids of the loops of the basic HLH proteins E12 and E47 with the corresponding amino acids of Id1 confers Id1 dimerization specificity. These studies point to the loop region as an important structural and functional element of the Id subfamily of HLH proteins.
Parent stress across molecular subtypes of children with Angelman syndrome.

Background Parenting stress has been consistently reported among parents of children with developmental disabilities. However, to date, no studies have investigated the impact of a molecular subtype of Angelman syndrome (AS) on parent stress, despite distinct phenotypic differences among subtypes. Method Data for 124 families of children with three subtypes of AS: class I and II deletions (n = 99), imprinting centre defects (IC defects; n = 11) and paternal uniparental disomy (UPD; n = 14) were drawn from the AS Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) database and collected from five research sites across the Unites States. The AS study at the RDCRN gathered health information to understand how the syndrome develops and how to treat it. Parents completed questionnaires on their perceived psychological stress, the severity of children's aberrant behaviour and children's sleep patterns. Children's adaptive functioning and developmental levels were clinically evaluated. Results Child-related stress reached clinical levels for 40% of parents of children with deletions, 100% for IC defects and 64.3% for UPD. Sleep difficulties were similar and elevated across subtypes. There were no differences between molecular subtypes for overall child and parent-related stress. However, results showed greater isolation and lack of perceived parenting skills for parents of children with UPD compared with deletions. Better overall cognition for children with deletions was significantly related to more child-related stress while their poorer adaptive functioning was associated with more child-related stress. For all three groups, the severity of children's inappropriate behaviour was positively related to different aspects of stress. Conclusions How parents react to stress depends, in part, on children's AS molecular subtype. Despite falling under the larger umbrella term of AS, it is important to acknowledge the unique aspects associated with children's molecular subtype. Identifying these factors can lead to tailored interventions that fit the particular needs of families of children with different AS subtypes.
Enantiospecific adsorption of amino acids on hydroxylated quartz (0001).

Density functional theory calculations have been used to study the adsorption of glycine, alanine, serine, and cysteine on the hydroxylated (0001) surface of α-quartz. We found negligible differences in adsorption energies for the most stable minima of enantiomers of alanine on this surface. There are, however, measurable energy differences between the two enantiomers of both serine and cysteine in their most stable states. The source of this enantiospecificity is mainly the difference in the strength of hydrogen bonds between the surface and the two enantiomers. Our results provide initial information on how amino acids can exhibit enantiospecific adsorption on hydroxylated quartz surfaces.
The Impact of Maximum Rectal Distention and Tandem Angle on Rectal Dose Delivered in 3D Planned Gynecologic High Dose–Rate Brachytherapy

Objective Computed tomography–based treatment planning for cervical cancer has allowed investigation into the volumetric radiation dose delivered to the rectum. The goal of intracavitary brachytherapy is to maximize the tumor dose while decreasing the dose to normal tissue like the rectum. We investigated the effects of tandem angle and maximum rectal distention on rectal dose delivered in HDR brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Materials and Methods Between July 2007 and January 2010, 97 brachytherapy treatment planning computed tomographic scans from the first and last implant of 51 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer were reviewed. The rectum was manually contoured from the ischial tuberosity to the bottom of the sacroiliac joint. The maximum rectal distention was determined by measuring the largest anterior-posterior diameter of the rectum superior to the tandem ring and inferior to the end of the applicator. A volumetric measurement of the maximum and mean rectal dose, dose to 2 cc (D2cc), dose to 1cc (D1cc) of the rectum was calculated. The tandem angle and the Internal Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement rectal point were recorded, and a dose volume histogram was referenced. Results The mean maximum rectal distention was 3.01 cm. The mean D1cc, D2cc, mean rectal dose, maximum rectal dose, and Internal Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement rectal dose were 3.03 Gy, 2.78 Gy, 4.19 cGy, 1.40 cGy, and 2.99 Gy per treatment, respectively. In a multivariate analysis controlling for surface area, tandem angle, and body mass index, there was a significant increase in D2cc with increasing rectal distention (P = 0.016). There were no significant findings when observing the effects of tandem angle on D2cc. Conclusion Rectal distention significantly affects D2cc delivered in HDR brachytherapy. In contrast, tandem angle does not. Concerted efforts to decrease rectal distention should be considered during treatment planning and delivery.
Intersubband laser design using a quantum box array

It is shown that semiconductor lasers utilizing intersubband transitions in quantum boxes (IQB lasers) can have lower threshold current densities and operating voltages than quantum cascade (QC) lasers provided that a reduction factor of about 10 can be achieved in the LO phonon-assisted electron relaxation rate. The increased gain for the radiative stage in an IQB laser eliminates the need for a multi-radiative-stage structure (typically 25 in QC lasers). This allows the electron injector and Bragg mirror regions on either side of active region to be separately optimized. Due to their inherently lower input power requirements, IQB lasers operating in the mid-IR should be capable of cw operation at room temperature with high wall plug efficiency and higher average output powers than QC lasers.
Review of Recent Chinese Research on Field Dependence-Independence in High-Level Athletes:

A review of seven studies in China concerning field dependence-independence among 500 athletes in 10 different sports is presented. Athletes participating in closed-skill sports were more field-independent than those in open-skill sports. In closed-skill sports, high-level athletes were more field-independent than those of medium level. In open-skill sports involving direct contact, high-level athletes were more field-dependent than those of medium level. No significant relationship was found between field dependence-independence and athletes' performance in open-skill sports in which no direct contact was involved.
Influence of air parcel trajectories on aerosol variability in the los angeles basin, a case study for 20 September 1972

Abstract Through use of a documented interpolation scheme air parcel trajectories reaching the University of Minnesota Particle Technology Laboratory's mobile van on 20 September 1972 have been estimated. The close similarity of all trajectories during the early morning confirms the hypothesis of Whitby et al. (1975), that observed aerosol changes during early morning were not due to changes in the general source region of the sampled air parcels. Trajectory analyses for late morning and afternoon indicate the urban aerosol cloud boundary passed the laboratory shortly after 13:00h PST, not with the sea-breeze at 11:00h PST. Thus, 1300 marks the initial influx of air which had been over the open sea for a relatively long period. Examination of the aerosol measurements shows that some of their variability can be ascribed to the later air mass change.
Increased expression of stem cell factor and its receptor after left ventricular assist device support: a potential novel target for therapeutic interventions in heart failure.

Background Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) cause an influx of mast cells into the failing heart, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. This study investigates the potential role of stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor (c-Kit) in promoting the recruitment of mast cells during heart failure and after LVAD support. Methods Myocardial samples were collected from 10 end-stage heart failure patients undergoing LVAD implantation (pre-LVAD) and paired with samples taken at the time of orthotopic heart transplantation (post-LVAD). Biopsies of normal hearts served as controls. We assessed gene expression of SCF and c-Kit. In addition, we stained for SCF, c-Kit, tryptase and chymase, and utilized in situ hybridization to determine the origin of SCF. Results SCF mRNA and overall mast cell numbers were significantly increased ( p p p Conclusions LVADs cause an increase of SCF and c-Kit gene expression, which coincides with a surge of mast cells after ventricular unloading. This suggests that SCF functions as an important mediator for the recruitment of mast cells to the mechanically unloaded human heart.
A computational thermodynamic assessment of the Ca-Zn system

Abstract The phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Ca-Zn binary system were analyzed and a complete thermodynamic description of the system was obtained using a computerized optimization procedure. Based on the experimental data, eight intermetallic compounds were considered. A new interpretation of the decomposition of the phase CaZn 3 is presented. Good agreement was obtained between the calculated results and the experimental data for the binary system.
Infections in the newborn period.

Abstract A brief review of some of the problems of infection in the newborn has been presented. Emphasis is placed on a high level of suspicion of sepsis and an aggressive effort to identify the infecting organism. These efforts should start in the delivery room, or even before, in order to initiate timely and rational therapy. Selection of the most appropriate antibiotic is made difficult by the frequent necessity of prescribing therapy before the identity of the infecting organism is established. Possible toxic effects of the drugs used in therapy must be kept in mind. Colonization of the newborn occurs early and the spread is probably from the older infants in the nursery to the new arrivals. When infectious strains become established in the newborn, his entire family may later be plagued with unpleasant staphylococcal infections which stubbornly resist eradication. The possibility of viral infections in the newborn must be borne in mind. Knowledge in this field is just developing, but several definite clinical entities have been recognized.
Sparkostrictive spark chambers with piezoelectric readout

Abstract We describe the construction, operation and characteristics of a spark chamber with a digital readout of coordinates that is unaffected by magnetic fields.
Reducing Aggression and Impulsivity Through School-based Prevention Programs: A Gene by Intervention Interaction

A variety of school-based, universal preventive interventions have been developed to address behavioral and mental health problems. Unfortunately, few have been evaluated within the context of randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up. Even fewer still have examined the potential genetic factors that may drive differential impact of the intervention. In the present analysis, we examine the extent to which the longitudinal effects of two elementary school-based interventions were moderated by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, which has been linked with aggression and impulsive behaviors. The sample included 678 urban, primarily African American children who were randomly assigned along with their teachers to one of three first grade classroom conditions: classroom-centered (CC) intervention, Family School Partnership (FSP), or a control condition. The teacher ratings of the youth's aggressive and impulsive behavior were obtained at baseline and in grades 6–12. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the BDNF gene were extracted from the genome-wide data. Longitudinal latent trait–state–error models indicated a significant interaction between a particular profile of the BDNF SNP cluster (46 % of sample) and CC intervention on impulsivity (β = −.27, p < .05). A similar interaction was observed for the BDNF SNP cluster and the CC intervention on aggression (β = −.14, p < .05). The results suggest that the impacts of preventive interventions in early elementary school on late adolescent outcomes of impulsivity and aggression can be potentially modified by genetic factors, such as BDNF. However, replication of these results is necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Intraoperative Fluid Management Influences Carbon Dioxide Production and Respiratory Quotient

The authors studied the effects of glucose-containing versus nonglucose-containing solutions for intraoperative fluid management on CO2 production and respiratory quotient (RQ) during the first postoperative hour. Three groups of patients were studied. Patients in Group 1 received normal saline during the operation and first postoperative hour; patients in Groups 2 and 3 received 5% glucose in half normal saline during the operation. This solution was continued through the postoperative period for patients in Group 2, while patients in Group 3 were given normal saline postoperatively. All patients received 500-1000 ml during the first hour and 500 ml/h thereafter. During the first postoperative hour, CO2 production and O2 consumption were measured every 15 min. RQ was significantly higher in Group 2 (0.93 +/- 0.01) than in Group 1 (0.77 +/- 0.01) (means +/- SEM, P less than 0.05). CO2 production was about 20% higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. There were no differences in O2 consumption between Groups 1 and 2. In Group 3, RQ decreased significantly (from 0.97 +/- 0.04 to 0.87 +/- 0.03) during the first postoperative hour but remained higher than in Group 1. The authors conclude that intraoperative administration of glucose-containing solutions increases RQ postoperatively; this effect can be reversed partially by changing to glucose-free solutions in the postanesthetic period.
The distribution of pyrimidine tracts in DNA can be calculated from nearest neighbor frequencies

Statistical analysis of DNA base sequences generated from nearest neighbor frequencies by a Monte Carlo technique yields distributions of pyrimidine tracts in good agreement with experimental results. Better agreement with experiment is obtained with nearest-neighbor-frequency based calculations than with calculations based on base composition which assume random base arrangements. The nearest-neighbor-frequency method can also be applied to the analysis of high resolution thermal denaturation profiles, the sequence specific interaction of drugs and proteins, and the distribution of photoproducts produced in DNA by ultraviolet radiation.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in the Cesium Halides

The chemical shifts, the spin-lattice relaxation times, the isotropic exchange coupling $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{A}$, and the pseudo-dipolar exchange coupling $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{B}$ between cation and anion nuclear spins have been determined in a single crystal of CsBr. The results are: ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{Cs}}=(\ensuremath{-}1.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{Br}}=(\ensuremath{-}2.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, ${({T}_{1})}_{\mathrm{Cs}}=1050\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}40$ sec, ${({T}_{1})}_{\mathrm{Br}}=0.105\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020$ sec, ${h}^{\ensuremath{-}1}|\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{A}|=55$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${h}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{B}=15 or \ensuremath{-}89$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Similar, but less complete, data have been obtained for a single crystal of CsI and a CsCl powder.
A Comparison of Faculty and Bibliometric Valuation of Serials Subscriptions at an Academic Research Library

Despite their professional training and study in the development of research collections in academic settings, librarians often consult with or even defer to faculty in selecting materials. Faculty often use various methods of evaluation that tend to emphasize qualitative data or even anecdotal evidence. Bibliometric analysis offers emerging tools to quantify these decisions, reflecting fundamental principles of library science. This study compares faculty choices of serials subscription cancellations to the choices that would have been predicted using a bibliometric tool, the California Digital Library Weighted Value Algorithm (CDL-WVA). Faculty choices differed significantly from the decisions predicted by CDL-WVA. However, as the bibliometric score increased, so did the rate of match between faculty choice and decisions predicted by CDL-WVA. Implications of these findings for collection development are discussed.
Evidence of inorganic chlorine gases other than hydrogen chloride in marine surface air

We report the first measurements of inorganic chlorine gases in the marine atmosphere using a new tandem mist chamber method. Surface air was sampled during four days including one diel cycle in January, 1992, at Virginia Key, Florida. Concentrations of HCl* (including HCl, ClNO3, ClNO2, and NOCl) were in the range 40 to 268 pptv and concentrations of Cl2* (including Cl2 and any HOCl not trapped in the acidic mist chamber) were in the range <26 to 254 pptv Cl. Concentrations of Cl2* increased during the night, and decreased after sunrise as HCl* concentrations increased by similar amounts. The measurements suggest an unknown source of either HOCl or Cl2 to the marine atmosphere. Photochemical model calculations indicate that photolysis of the observed Cl2* would yield a chlorine atom (Cl•) concentration of order 104–105 cm−3. Oxidation by Cl• would then represent a significant sink for alkanes and dimethylsulfide (DMS) in the marine boundary layer. The cycling of Cl• could provide either a source or a sink for O3, depending on NOX levels.
High-speed optical interconnections between digital circuits

A simple and efficient board-to-board optical interconnection consisting of a laser, two lenses and a detector is constructed, which demonstrates the direct free-space interconnection of GaAs digital circuits. The link is operated at clock rates up to 1 GHz, and no external laser driver, detector preamplifier or other interface circuitry is required because of the high efficiency of the interconnection. A differential electrical-to-electrical current efficiency is measured as high as 19 percent. The use of prealigned optical modules promises increased tolerance to misalignments.
Integration of wind power generation in the Irish grid

The number of wind turbines connected to the Irish electrical power systems has been increasing rapidly over the last number of years. The new challenge for the power system operator is to accommodate the variable power output from wind generation. An analysis of wind power generation in the Irish power system during years 2003 and 2004, and perspectives of wind power penetration up to the year 2010 are presented in the paper. Grid code implications due to wind power generation, and power control criteria for the power system operator are also considered by the authors.
Flotation preferentially selects saccate pollen during conifer pollination

Summary •Among many species of living conifers the presence of pollen with air bladders (saccate pollen) is strongly associated with downward-facing ovules and the production of pollination drops. This combination of features enables saccate pollen grains captured in the pollination drop to float upwards into the ovule. Despite the importance of this mechanism in understanding reproduction in living conifers and in extinct seed plants with similar morphologies, experiments designed to test its effectiveness have yielded equivocal results. •In vitro and in vivo pollination experiments using saccate and nonsaccate pollen were performed using modeled ovules and two Pinus species during their natural pollination period. •Buoyant saccate pollen readily floated through aqueous droplets, separating these grains from nonbuoyant pollen and spores. Ovules that received saccate pollen, nonsaccate pollen or a mixture of both all showed larger amounts and higher proportions of saccate pollen inside ovules after drop secretion. •These results demonstrate that flotation is an effective mechanism of pollen capture and transport in gymnosperms, and suggest that the prevalence of saccate grains and downward-facing ovules in the evolutionary history of seed plants is a result of the widespread use of this mechanism.
Murine B cell lymphopoiesis in long term culture

A method is described for establishing continuous cultures of early B lymphocytes from mouse bone marrow. Total bone marrow elements are cultured at 37 degrees C in medium containing 5% fetal calf serum and 10(-5) M 2-mercaptoethanol. Under these conditions, adherent bone marrow cells grow to confluency by 2-3 weeks and provide a feeder layer on which the growth of the B lymphocytes depends. Lymphoid cell growth becomes apparent by 3-5 weeks. Such cultures are a rich source of pre-B cells, B cells and potentially stem cell-like elements capable of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement. The procedures for initiating and maintaining the bone marrow cultures are described in detail as are the phases of growth through which the cultures should progress. Also included are methods for preparing and manipulating low cell-density feeder layers, on which B cell populations can be expanded, and a method for obtaining pre-B and B cell clonal lines. The lymphoid cells which are obtained from these cultures early after establishment (3-8 weeks) are predominantly pre-B cells which can serve as targets for transformation by Abelson murine leukemia virus. Cells obtained from older cultures (3-6 months) frequently are B cells that express both membrane IgM and IgD. The numbers of cells which can be obtained from these mass cultures and clonal lines are sufficient to analyze the molecular processes involved in B cell maturation, virus transformation and antigen activation.
Forecasting the presidential primary vote: Viability, ideology and momentum

Abstract The presidential primary vote represents a unique electoral forecasting challenge, with multiple candidates and sequential voting. This study compares the leading primary vote forecast models by re-estimating them for a common set of candidates and nomination campaigns. A new forecast model is estimated to assess the predictive power of candidate ideology, controlling for the effects of variables found to be significant in prior studies. Finally, the study compares the early forecasts, based on data from before the Iowa caucus, with “momentum” models, which are the early models, updated with variables representing the results of the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary vote, predicting the remaining contested primary vote.
Model driven middleware: A new paradigm for developing distributed real-time and embedded systems

Distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems have become critical in domains such as avionics (e.g., flight mission computers), telecommunications (e.g., wireless phone services), tele-medicine (e.g., robotic surgery), and defense applications (e.g., total ship computing environments). These types of system are increasingly interconnected via wireless and wireline networks to form systems of systems. A challenging requirement for these DRE systems involves supporting a diverse set of quality of service (QoS) properties, such as predictable latency/jitter, throughput guarantees, scalability, 24x7 availability, dependability, and security that must be satisfied simultaneously in real-time. Although increasing portions of DRE systems are based on QoS-enabled commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software components, the complexity of managing long lifecycles (often ~15-30 years) remains a key challenge for DRE developers and system integrators. For example, substantial time and effort is spent retrofitting DRE applications when the underlying COTS technology infrastructure changes. This paper provides two contributions that help improve the development, validation, and integration of DRE systems throughout their lifecycles. First, we illustrate the challenges in creating and deploying QoS-enabled component middleware-based DRE applications and describe our approach to resolving these challenges based on a new software paradigm called Model Driven Middleware (MDM), which combines model-based software development techniques with QoS-enabled component middleware to address key challenges faced by developers of DRE systems - particularly composition, integration, and assured QoS for end-to-end operations. Second, we describe the structure and functionality of CoSMIC (Component Synthesis using Model Integrated Computing), which is an MDM toolsuite that addresses key DRE application and middleware lifecycle challenges, including partitioning the components to use distributed resources effectively, validating software configurations, assuring multiple simultaneous QoS properties in real-time, and safeguarding against rapidly changing technology.
Imaging Perfusion Deficits in Ischemic Heart Disease with Susceptibility-Enhanced T2-Weighted MRI: Preliminary Human Studies

Abstract Aim: This feasibility study explores relative myocardial perfusion characterization with an investigational T 2 / T 2 ∗ contrast agent. Methods: Dysprosium-DTPA bis (methylamide) was administered peripherally in six patients with thallium defects. Rest and stress multi-section, gated, T 2 -weighted images were acquired with a 1.5 T echo-planar imager. Change in transverse relaxation rate was calculated in four segments for each subject. Results: Magnetic resonance (MR) identified five of five instances of ischemia or infarction, at a dose of agent (0.25 mmol/kg) that was comparable to that currently used with clinically approved gadolinium agents. Injection at twice this dose resulted in saturation of the signal change, and the one ischemic segment corresponding to the higher dose was not identified by MR. MR was negative in two segments which, on final diagnosis, were determined to manifest thallium attenuation artifact. Conclusion: MR perfusion imaging with high susceptibility agents has the potential to characterize myocardial perfusion deficits.
Recovery of neocortical choline acetyltransferase activity following ibotenic acid injection into the nucleus basalis of Meynert in rats

The present experiment was designed to investigate the depletion and possible recovery of neocortical choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) levels following damage to the basal forebrain cholinergic (Ch) system in rats. A unilateral injection of ibotenic acid was made into the left nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM). Seven days after the injection, neocortical ChAT levels had decreased 60%. After 3 months it had returned to normal. Thus this system shows extensive plasticity and recovery of function with time.
Differences in gross target volumes on contrast vs. noncontrast CT scans utilized for conformal radiation therapy treatment planning for prostate carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose: To compare the gross target volumes (GTVs) (prostate and seminal vesicles) defined on noncontrast and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images used for three-dimensional conformal treatment planning (3DCRT). Methods and Materials: From 1993 to 1996, 39 patients referred for radiation therapy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent pretreatment pelvic CT scanning with and without intravenous (IV) contrast for treatment planning purposes. Seven patients were excluded because of incomplete data sets. The prostate and seminal vesicles were outlined by the same physician on all images of 32 patients. On 18 CT exams, the prostate and seminal vesicles were blindly outlined a second time by the same physician to evaluate intraphysician consistency. Discrepancies between the GTVs outlined with and without contrast and between the first and second outline on the same study were assessed by calculating the projected area in the anterior-to-posterior (AP) and right lateral (RLAT) beam’s-eye view (BEV). To assess the magnitude, frequency, and direction of discrepancies between the two GTVs, the extension of the GTVs in six directions (right, left, anterior, posterior, cephalad, and caudal) was determined. Results: The GTV outlined with contrast was larger in all directions, except caudal, in the majority of patients. The change in the GTV with contrast was significant in the cephalad ( p = 0.0003) and right ( p = 0.0007) directions, but not in the other directions. Although the increase with contrast in any direction was usually small (average ≤5 mm), these changes resulted in a significant increase in GTV area in both the AP and RLAT BEV (9.0%, p = 0.0017 and 8.2%, p = 0.023, respectively). The intraphysician variability in outlining the prostate/seminal vesicles was minimal. Conclusions: The addition of IV contrast does appear to make a significant difference in how the prostate and seminal vesicles are outlined by an experienced observer. The increase in area of the target, found when contrast is used, should be taken into consideration when designing the treatment fields for patients with carcinoma of the prostate.
Parasitization of House Fly Pupae (Diptera: Muscidae) bySpalangia nigroaenea(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in Cattle Feedlot Environments☆

Abstract Spalangia nigroaenea Curtis, a parasitoid that attacks filth fly pupae, has been mass-released for biological control in western Kansas. The influence of three different variations of the parasitoid-to-host ratio on parasitism of house fly, Musca domestica L., pupae was studied under feedlot conditions from 1993 to 1995. When a single parasitoid female was introduced to containers with varied host densities, the highest percentage of parasitization occurred at densities of 15 (1993 and 1994) and 10 (1995) puparia. When the ratio of parasitoid-to-host was changed, increasing densities from 30 to 300 for the host and from 3 to 30 for the parasitoid did not significantly affect performance of the parasitoid. Finally, parasitoid densities were varied, while host densities were held constant. Although significantly more offspring were produced as the parasitoid-to-host ratio changed from 1:5 to 1:50, the percentage parasitism actually decreased. The third measure of parasitoid activity, parasitoid-induced mortality (PIM), also was examined. In 1994, PIM did not differ significantly with the changing parasitoid-to-host ratios. However, in 1995 a direct correlation occurred between PIM and parasitoid-host-ratios. During the fly breeding season (May to October in 1994), the daily maximum temperature was correlated negatively with parasitism. Clearly, physical factors (mainly temperature) and biological factors (such as interspecific competition) are important in determining the success of mass release programs. The conflict between the efficiency and the effectiveness of biological control of filth flies using pteromalid parasitoids is discussed.
Modeling Decomposition of Unconfined Rigid Polyurethane Foam

The decomposition of unconfined rigid polyurethane foam has been modeled by a kinetic bond-breaking scheme describing degradation of a primary polymer and formation of a thermally stable secondary polymer. The bond-breaking scheme is resolved using percolation theory to describe evolving polymer fragments. The polymer fragments vaporize according to individual vapor pressures. Kinetic parameters for the model were obtained from Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). The chemical structure of the foam was determined from the preparation techniques and ingredients used to synthesize the foam. Scale-up effects were investigated by simulating the response of an incident heat flux of 25 W/cm{sup 2} on a partially confined 8.8-cm diameter by 15-cm long right circular cylinder of foam which contained an encapsulated component. Predictions of center, midradial, and component temperatures, as well as regression of the foam surface, were in agreement with measurements using thermocouples and X-ray imaging.
The computer—Concept, development and problem environment

Abstract Computer concepts and development are discussed in relation to the problems to be solved. Computers are classified according to their structure and mode of operation, and some historical information is included concerning a few of the early examples of major machine developments. The distinctive and distinguishing features of analog and digital computers are compared from the point of view of structure and operation. Only brief mention is made of hybrid computation, since this subject is treated in detail in another paper in this symposium. The characteristics and capabilities of modern digital computers are reviewed, and a section is devoted to the consideration of wired and stored programs, subroutines, and some special programs. The evolution of scientific problems over a period of years is noted with special reference to their changing patterns. Several specific examples are used to illustrate the substantial variety of medical and biological problems that may be encountered in which computer assistance is essential.
Spall progression life model for rolling contact verified by finish hard machined surfaces

A methodology for modeling the spall progression life for rolling contact is presented. Spall progression phenomena by crack formation and abrasive wear were considered in order to develop a spall progression life model. The crack resistance index was defined based on the modified Ioannides and Harris method, and the wear resistance index was defined based on the characteristics of the abrasive wear process. A spall progression life model has been developed by using the aforementioned indexes. This model has been verified by spall progression tests of finish hard machined specimens, and been combined with the crack initiation life model and the crack propagation life model to put forward a total life model. The developed total life model has been shown capable of yielding good predictions.
Psychoanalytic technique and the creation of analytic patients: an addendum.

(2010). Psychoanalytic Technique and The Creation of Analytic Patients: an Addendum. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly: Vol. 79, No. 3, pp. 785-794.
Taxes and aggregate supply: A case of a misplaced blade☆

Abstract Most macroeconomic texts include comprehensive descriptions of tax-induced changes in aggregate demand but neglect an analysis of potential tax-induced aggregate supply effects. This article incorporates an income tax on returns to capital or labor via a Cobb-Douglas production function in order to analyze potential supply effects in the IS-LM model. The article suggests the supply effect of taxes causes: 1) a “dead weight” (output) loss; 2) redistribution of income; and 3) a potential “Laffer Curve” phenomena.
A Calculation Model of Gear Steel Hardenability Modeling of Nonlinear Equation

In the paper, the superiority-inferiority in various calculations of hardenability has been compared, and the method of nonlinear regression equation was chosen to establish a mathematical model. The model was modified through the actual production of the gear steel hardenability data. Based on the model, a prediction platform was developed with computer tools to calculate the hardenability of gear steel. The hardenability prediction software can calculate random Jominy distance hardness according to chemical composition and grain size. The forecast accuracy is better than that of unmodified nonlinear regression equation and multiple linear regression equation, but equal to that of artificial neural network.
Phase transitions of alkyl ether analogs of phosphatidylcholine.

Abstract The phase-transition temperatures of aqueous dispersions of diester, monoether and diether analogs of phosphatidylcholine were determined using trans -parinaric acid as a fluorescent probe. The diether analog of phosphatidylcholine has a higher phase-transition temperature, whilst the monoether analog has a lower phase-transition temperature than their diester counterpart.