cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of point light concentration with parabolic trough collector

As the amount of solar generated energy usage increases worldwide, researches are turning to more advanced methods to increase collection efficiencies and drive down system costs. In this paper, four different optical system designs for solar concentrator applications are discussed. Each of the designs studied utilizes a parabolic trough optical element. The use of the parabolic trough in conjunction with a secondary optical component eliminates the need for expensive complicated 2-axis tracking, whilst still allowing the precise point focus normally only possible with more complex paraboloid systems. The result is an optical system, which offers all the advantages of a linear focus geometry combined with the possibility to utilize point focus concentration. The results were obtained using photometric geometrical ray tracing methods. Ideal surface simulations were initially used to separate surface from geometrical loss contributions. Later, more realistic simulations, including surface and reflectivity data of typical manufacturing methods and materials, were used to compare optical output power densities and system losses. For the systems studied, the minimum and maximum optical efficiencies obtained were 76.73% and 81% respectively. The AM 1.5 solar spectrum power densities in the absorption plane ranged from 50 to 195.8Wm -2 .
Heavy metal concentrations in a lichen of Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks, Washington, USA

It is commonly assumed that the larger National Parks in the United States are pristine places which can provide baseline environmental conditions for comparisons with more developed areas. However, recently it has been recognized that many National Pars are threatened by atmospheric pollution. Until 1985, a copper smelter at Tacoma, Washington, 50 km northwest of Mount Rainier National Park, Washington emitted 30 tons of lead annually, along with high levels of arsenic and other metals. Other nearby sources of airborne heavy metals include a coal-fired generating plant at Centralia, 80 km west of the Park, and automobiles within the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area 50-100 km to the northwest. Heavy metals are a potential threat because they may effect ecosystems by decreasing nutrient cycling rates and impairing overall productivity. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that an arboreal lichen (Alectoria sarmentosa) within Mt. Rainier National Park contained elevated levels of heavy metals from these sources. This lichen species was chosen because it is common throughout forested areas of the region. Olympic National Park was selected as an experimental control area because it is located on the relatively undeveloped Olympic Penisula west of Seattle-Tacoma.
The role of emotions in UV protection intentions and behaviors

Two studies examined the role of emotions, relative to cognitions, in predicting sun protection intentions and practices. In Study 1, 106 females were assessed for baseline sun protection, ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure-related cognitions (perceived susceptibility to skin damage, self-efficacy for regular sunscreen use, perceived costs of sun protection use, perceived rewards of tanning), anticipated negative mood following future risky UV behavior, and future sun protection intentions. Self-reported sun protection behavior was then assessed in the same participants five weeks later. The results of Study 1 demonstrated that the extent to which participants’ expected to experience negative feelings if they engaged in future risky UV behavior predicted their intentions to sun protect and their subsequent sun protection behaviors independent of their UV radiation exposure-related cognitions. In Study 2, in addition to the assessments collected in Study 1, participants were exposed to an appearance-based...
Supercontinuum lightwave source employing Fabry-Perot filter for generating optical carriers with high signal-to-noise ratio

The intensity noise suppression of a supercontinuum lightwave is proposed and demonstrated by employing a Fabry-Perot filter following an optical amplifier. The signal-to-noise ratio of the optical carriers exceeded 40 dB for the first time for a 25 GHz SC-based multi-carrier source.
Northern pipefish, Syngnathus fuscus, occurrences over the Mid-Atlantic Bight continental shelf: evidence of seasonal migration

Data from several areas in the northern Mid-Atlantic Bight indicate northern pipefish, Syngnathus fuscus, undergo seasonal, inshore-offshore migrations. Resident in estuaries during spring through fall, they move into nearshore continental shelf waters off Cape Cod in late September–October and off Long Island and New Jersey in November. Return to estuaries occurs in March–April. Most (> 90%) continental shelf otter trawl collections in fall (September–November) were at water temperatures of 10–15°C. Most (> 80%) spring (March–May) collections occurred at water temperatures of 3–6°C. The majority of offshore collections were within 20 km of the coast and over 90% were in depths between 10 and 20 m. Length frequency data reveal both young-of-year and older fish migrate, possibly to avoid colder estuarine water temperatures in winter.
Action of stapeylococcal proteinase on peptides of varying chain length and composition

Summary Staphylocaecal proteinase was found to hydrolyze — Glu-X-bond in 29 peptides where X is polar, hydrophobic or basic. No hydrolysis was observed between adjacent glutamyl residues or at a Glu-Pro bond. When Glu is within two residues of the NH 2 -terminus or two or three residues from the CCOH-terminus, hydrolysis was limited or undetectable. This suggests that the peptide must be bound to the enzyme over a region extending several residues on either side of the potentially susceptible bond. The peptides studied were all derived from the NAD-specific glutamate dehydrogenase of Neurospora crassa .
Post-transcriptional Control of Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Expression THE ROLE OF THE 3′-UNTRANSLATED REGION

Abstract The cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme is responsible for increased prostaglandin formation in inflammatory states and is the major target of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Normally COX-2 expression is tightly regulated, however, constitutive overexpression plays a key role in colon carcinogenesis. To understand the mechanisms controlling COX-2 expression, we examined the ability of the 3′-untranslated region of the COX-2 mRNA to regulate post-transcriptional events. When fused to a reporter gene, the 3′-untranslated region mediated rapid mRNA decay (t = 30 min), which was comparable to endogenous COX-2 mRNA turnover in serum-induced fibroblasts treated with actinomycin D or dexamethasone. Deletion analysis demonstrated that a conserved 116-nucleotide AU-rich sequence element (ARE) mediated mRNA degradation. In transiently transfected cells, this region inhibited protein synthesis approximately 3-fold. However, this inhibition did not occur through changes in mRNA stability since mRNA half-life and steady-state mRNA levels were unchanged. RNA mobility shift assays demonstrated a complex of cytoplasmic proteins that bound specifically to the ARE, and UV cross-linking studies identified proteins ranging from 90 to 35 kDa. Fractionation of the cytosol showed differential association of ARE-binding proteins to polysomes and S130 fractions. We propose that these factors influence expression at a post-transcriptional step and, if dysregulated, may increase COX-2 protein as detected in colon cancer.
Circulating antigens in infections of mice by tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides corti Hoeppli, 1925.

Two circulating antigens were detected in the serum of ICR/Timco female mice infected intraperitonealy with tetrathyridia of the cestodeMesocestoides corti Hoeppli, 1925. One circulating antigen appeared by day 2 postinfection (p.i.) and remained in all mice until at least 90 days p.i. A second antigen appeared in the serum on day 14 p.i. and disappeared from all mice by day 28 p.i. Infected mouse serum also contained antibodies against one secretory/excretory antigen and two antigens in crude homogenate, as judged by double diffusion in two dimensions (Ouchterlony). Immune deposits were observed in the kidney tissue of Rockland mice by transmission electron microscopy, and their identity as products of tetrathyridia was confirmed by immunofluorescence. Further studies showed that the main antibody subclass associated with the mesangial immune deposits was 7Sγl, and that other subclasses of IgG and IgM were not involved. Antigen was found in the proximal renal tubules of infected mice, as demonstrated by fluorescein-labeled IgG fraction of rabbit antitetrathyridia secretory/excretory antigen antisera. The presence of tetrathyridia antigen in the urine of infected mice was confirmed using the Ouchterlony technique.
Effect of bioactive ceramic composition and structure on in vitro behavior. III. Porous versus dense ceramics

In vitro reaction kinetics of surface transformations of porous and dense bioactive ceramics were studied after immersion in simulated physiologic solution (SPS). Porous ceramics with identical macroporosity were commercially obtained: calcium carbonate marine coral (I-CC), coralline HA (I-HA), and a product, labeled as beta-tricalcium phosphate, which was partially transformed into beta-calcium pyrophosphate (I-beta-CP). Previously studied dense ceramics were used for comparison: Ca-deficient HA (CDHA), stoichiometric HA, both well and not well crystallized (wc and nwc s-HA), beta- and alpha-tricalcium phosphate (beta- and alpha-TCP). The induction time to precipitation increased as follows: CDHA, nwc HA < wc HA, I-HA < beta-TCP, I-CC << I-beta-CP. The reaction kinetics of ceramics with identical macroporosity varied substantially depending on composition, crystal structure, and ultrastructure. One of the porous ceramics, I-beta-CP, showed an inhibiting effect on precipitation reactions.
Temporal position of G1 arrest in normal human fibroblasts after exposure to gamma-rays.

Abstract G1phase cell cycle arrest after exposure to ionizing radiation has been documented in cells with wild-type p53. The temporal location of this arrest within G1phase, however, has not been determined. We have now used flow cytometric analysis of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd)-labeled cells to obtain further information about the location of the G1phase radiation checkpoint. Human fibroblasts were irradiated with γ-rays and treated with colcemid to stop unlabeled G2cells from entering the G1phase. Analysis of BrdUrd incorporation revealed that 73% of G1phase human lung fibroblasts remain in G1phase after exposure to γ-rays, thereby placing the G1radiation checkpoint near the end of G1phase. The location of the radiation checkpoint correlates with the reported increased expression of cyclin E, increased cyclin E/cdk2 kinase activity, and hyperphosphorylation of pRb in proliferating human fibroblasts.
Proenkephalin Gene Expression in C6 Rat Glioma Cells: Potentiation of Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′- Monophosphate-Dependent Transcription by Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids enhance proenkephalin gene expression in several cell types. To elucidate the mechanism(s) involved, we analyzed the potentiation by dexamethasone of the cAMP-dependent increase in proenkephalin mRNA levels elicited by forskolin in C6 rat glioma cells. This potentiation did not require ongoing protein synthesis. In nuclear run on transcription assays, dexamethasone alone did not alter proenkephalin transcription, but strongly increased the magnitude and duration of transcriptional elevation by forskolin through a direct action not requiring ongoing protein synthesis. Dexamethasone did not alter basal or stimulated cAMP levels. To search for functionally cooperative glucocorticoid and cAMP regulatory elements, we transfected C6 cells with plasmids containing the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene under the control of rat proenkephalin sequences from bases −5800 to +703. Maximum stimulation of transiently expressed CAT activity by forskolin required more than 145 and 190 or fewer b...
Thermal analysis for step and flash imprint lithography during UV curing process

Acrylate and vinyl ether monomers have previously been shown to be effective photocurable materials for step and flash imprint lithography. The photo polymerization of these monomer systems is exothermic. If the imprint process was adiabatic, the heat generated during polymerization could increase the temperature of the material to greater than 300^oC, possibly resulting in material degradation and image distortion. A finite element method was used to analyze the temperature profile during photopolymerization for non-adiabatic conditions. The heat from UV absorption is negligible because acrylate and vinyl ether imprint materials are transparent in the UV lamp exposure region and the loading of photo acid generator and photo radical initiator is low. This model indicates that the temperature increase from polymerization is very small (less than 0.05^oC) due to the rapid heat transfer from the curing material to the silicon wafer.
Muscarinic receptor binding is inhibited by quinacrine

Abstract Quinacrine altered the equilibrium binding of the muscarinic antagonist quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) to the muscarinic receptor in membranes from N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells. At 1 μM quinacrine, the apparent K d for [ 3 H]QNB binding was shifted from 48 to 210 pM without a decrease in the maximum binding. The competition binding profile of quinacrine indicates that it displaced [ 3 H]QNB binding with an IC 50 of 460 nM in a manner consistent with competitive inhibition. Quinacrine blocked the muscarinic inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation by carbachol in cultured N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells without affecting arachidonic acid release or G i coupling to the adenylate cyclase. The disruption of muscarinic receptor function by quinacrine may provide an explanation for its blockade of the muscarinic response in cells.
Involvement of signaling pathways in bovine sperm motility, and effect of ergot alkaloids.

There is evidence that ergot alkaloids can directly interact with mammalian spermatozoa affecting sperm functions. Ergot alkaloids exert their toxic or pharmaceutical effects through membrane receptor-mediated activities. This study investigated the signaling pathways involved in the in vitro inhibitory effects of both ergotamine (ET) and dihydroergotamine (DEHT) on the relative motility of bovine spermatozoa using specific inhibitors. Motile bovine spermatozoa were prepared using a Percoll gradient and incubated with ergot alkaloids with and without signaling pathway inhibitors. Co-incubation of ET or DHET with 100 μM prazosin (alpha 1-adrenergic receptor inhibitor) decreased (p 0.05) on relative sperm motility; whereas, the co-incubation of 22.4 or 44.8 μM Rp-cAMP with 50 μM ET increased (p < 0.05) the percentage of motile spermatozoa when compared with 0 or 224 μM Rp-cAMP (49%, 65%, 59%, and 54%, respectively, for 0, 22.4, 44.8, and 224 μM of Rp-cAMP. An interaction between BAPTA-AM (a chelator of intracellular calcium) and alkaloids also impacted (p < 0.05) relative sperm motility. Generally, co-incubating spermatozoa with BAPTA-AM and ET increased the percentage of motile spermatozoa; however, co-incubation with DHET decreased relative sperm motility except with 41 μM BAPTA-AM. Collectively, these observations suggest that ET and DHET decreased the percentage of motile bovine spermatozoa via alpha adrenergic receptors. However, the second messenger systems involved with ergot alkaloid inhibition of relative motility of bovine spermatozoa remain to be elucidated.
Olfactory Nerve–Evoked, Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor–Mediated Synaptic Responses in Rat Olfactory Bulb Mitral Cells

The group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) subtype, mGluR1, is highly expressed on the apical dendrites of olfactory bulb mitral cells and thus may be activated by glutamate released from ...
Properties of Cobaltous Oxide: Effects of Gas Absorption and External Magnetic Fields

We have extended our earlier studies of cobaltous oxide, form II, investigating the oxidation properties in greater detail and examining the effects of large external applied magnetic fields. We find that CoO(II) strongly picks up oxygen at room temperature, with excess oxygen exceeding 60% after long exposures. By contrast, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, Ar, and Ne are only slightly adsorbed by this material. The effect of applying a 47.5-kG magnetic field is to selectively broaden the hyperfine pattern. We discuss these results in relation to recent proposed models on the structure of cobaltous oxide. We conclude that none of the simpler models suggested for this material is completely satisfactory in explaining all of the data. The data appear to require a high porosity as well as a significant concentration of point defects, and suggest a spongelike structure possibly resulting from sintered microcrystals. The way in which CoO(II) selectively absorbs oxygen may make it a useful material in applications requiring a room-temperature oxygen getter.
An autoselection system in recombinant Kluyveromyces lactis enhances cloned gene stability and provides freedom in medium selection

An autoselection system for increasing plasmid stability in Kluyveromyces lactis, based on the blockage of the pyrimidine de novo and salvage pathways, was investigated. In a manner analogous to that used in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a putative "fur 1" mutation was selected in a uraA K. lactis strain using 5-fluorouracil and 5-fluorocytosine plates. Survival of the mutant required expression of a plasmid-borne URA3 gene regardless of the culture medium employed, verifying the efficacy of this autoselection system in K. lactis. The expression of heterologous invertase, encoded by the S. cerevisiae SUC2 gene, was studied during long-term sequential batch cultures (70 generations) in complex yeast/peptone/glucose medium. The fur 1 mutant successfully retained the plasmid; invertase specific activity remained above 90% of the initial level. Furthermore, no mutation reversion was observed. In contrast, for the control non-fur 1 strain, only 4% of the cells retained the plasmid after 70 generations, and invertase specific activity dropped to less than 10% of the initial level. Experiments comparing growth and activity in different media indicated the potential for improving productivity through medium enrichment using this autoselection system.
Dimensionless heat-mass transfer coefficients for forced convection around a sphere: a general low Reynolds number correlation

Abstract The average Nusselt number (Nu) for mass-heat transfer from a sphere is obtained as a function of the Peclet number (P) with the dimensionless Stokes drag F 0 ( 2 3 ⩽ F 0 as a parameter. The derivation considers in detail the high Peclet number range, where the Friedlander approximation might be employed. Considering a well-known Nu-P relation for bubbles ( F 0 = 2 3 ) as the F 0 = 2 3 limit of a general Nu = Nu(P, F0) correlation allows us to explicitly obtain a rather simple expression of that relation for arbitrary F 0 ( 2 3 0 . The maximum error involved in using such a simple formula is estimated to be 6%.
Correlation of Displacement Effects Produced by Electrons Protons and Neutrons in Silicon

The correlation of displacement effects produced by electrons, protons, and neutrons in silicon is studied. Available data from the literature is employed. In particular the scope of the study is limited to the degradation of excess carrier lifetime and device electrical parameters directly related to it. The degree to which displacement effects may be correlated in order to predict semiconductor device response based on response data to another type of radiation is discussed. Useful ranges of the correlation factors (KT ratios) as a function of device majority carrier type, device resistivity, and injection level are presented. A significant dependence on injection level for the correlation factors is found.
Uptake of C14O2 by Aspergillus niger in the formation of citric acid.

Abstract A simple method for the degradation of citric acid based on that of Weinhouse et al. is described. Citric acid is oxidized with concentrated H2SO4 at 100 °C.; carbon dioxide, evolved from the terminal carboxyl groups, is trapped in alkali. The middle carboxyl group is converted to CO which is oxidized to CO2 in a combustion furnace and then absorbed in alkali. The straight-chain portion of the molecule is oxidized to CO2 by the “wet carbon” method. The method was tested by degradation of citric acid and recovery of the carbon. Carbon recoveries of 98% or more of the total carbon were obtained, and of 94% or more on the basis of the individual fractions. Surface cultures of Aspergillus niger incubated in a closed system with a circ ulating atmosphere containing C14O2, take up CO2 equivalent to from 4.4 to 7.3% of the citric acid carbon. Degradation of the labeled citric acid demonstrated that the carbon label occurs only in the carboxyl groups of the citric acid. The ratio of the activity of the middle carboxyl carbon to the terminal carboxyl carbon ranged from 1:1.28 to 1:1.54.
Democracy and Militarized Interstate Collaboration

It is well documented that democratic nations very rarely engage in militarized conflict with other free nations. This study expands on this notable pattern by examining the possibility that democracies may also be more amenable to collaborate in militarized interstate conflict. A theoretical rationale for this expectation is developed resting on the cooperative norms of democratic political culture. With empirical analysis encompassing all nations from the Napoleonic era to the end of the Cold War, it is found that joint democracy has a positive and robust impact on the probability that two states will be on the same side at the start of a militarized interstate dispute. This conclusion remains robust after accounting for the potent influences of major power status, geographic proximity, dyadic alliance, and regime maturity on the probability of militarized collaboration. The results suggest that researchers may wish to seek answers for democratic foreign behavior that encompass the realm of interstate cooperation as well as the often-noted absence of interdemocratic militarized conflict.
Cytoplasmic provenance of STAT3 and PY-STAT3 in the endolysosomal compartments in pulmonary arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells: implications in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Lung vascular lesions in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are characterized by enlarged, vacuolated (“megalocytotic”) pulmonary arterial endothelial (PAEC) and smooth muscle cells (PASMC). We ...
Invisibility cloaking via non-smooth transformation optics and ray tracing

We present examples of theoretically-predicted invisibility cloaks with shapes other than spheres and cylinders, including cones and ellipsoids, as well as shapes spliced from parts of these simpler shapes. In addition, we present an example explicitly displaying the non-uniqueness of invisibility cloaks of the same shape. We depict rays propagating through these example cloaks using ray tracing for geometric optics.
A new species ofAphytis that attacks important armored scale insects

Aphytis roseni spec. nov. is described and its affinities with other members of the genus indicated. The parasite was imported into Peru from Africa for control of the rufous scale,Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan). In Peru,A. roseni is achieving substantial biological control.
Production of 3-Nitrosoindole Derivatives by Escherichia coli during Anaerobic Growth

When Escherichia coli K-12 is grown anaerobically in medium containing tryptophan and sodium nitrate, it produces red compounds. The reaction requires functional genes for trytophanase ( tnaA ), a tryptophan permease ( tnaB ), and a nitrate reductase ( narG ), as well as a natural drop in the pH of the culture. Mass spectrometry revealed that the purified chromophores had mass/charge ratios that closely match those for indole red, indoxyl red, and an indole trimer. These compounds are known products of chemical reactions between indole and nitrous acid. They are derived from an initial reaction of 3-nitrosoindole with indole. Apparently, nitrite that is produced from the metabolic reduction of nitrate is converted in the acid medium to nitrous acid, which leads to the nitrosation of the indole that is generated by tryptophanase. An nfi (endonuclease V) mutant and a recA mutant were selectively killed during the period of chromophore production, and a uvrA strain displayed reduced growth. These effects depended on the addition of nitrate to the medium and on tryptophanase activity in the cells. Unexpectedly, the killing of a tnaA + nfi mutant was not accompanied by marked increases in mutation frequencies for several traits tested. The vulnerability of three DNA repair mutants indicates that a nitrosoindole or a derivative of a nitrosoindole produces lethal DNA damage.
Strategies for transcriptome analysis in nonmodel plants

Even with recent reductions in sequencing costs, most plants lack the genomic resources required for successful short-read transcriptome analyses as performed routinely in model species. Several approaches for the analysis of short-read transcriptome data are reviewed for nonmodel species for which the genome of a close relative is used as the reference genome. Two approaches using a data set from Phytophthora-challenged Rubus idaeus (red raspberry) are compared. Over 70000000 86-nt Illumina reads derived from R. idaeus roots were aligned to the Fragaria vesca genome using publicly available informatics tools (Bowtie/TopHat and Cufflinks). Alignment identified 16956 putatively expressed genes. De novo assembly was performed with the same data set and a publicly available transcriptome assembler (Trinity). A BLAST search with a maximum e-value threshold of 1.0 × 10(-3) revealed that over 36000 transcripts had matches to plants and over 500 to Phytophthora. Gene expression estimates from alignment to F. vesca and de novo assembly were compared for raspberry (Pearson's correlation = 0.730). Together, alignment to the genome of a close relative and de novo assembly constitute a powerful method of transcriptome analysis in nonmodel organisms. Alignment to the genome of a close relative provides a framework for differential expression testing if alignments are made to the predefined gene-space of a close relative and de novo assembly provides a more robust method of identifying unique sequences and sequences from other organisms in a system. These methods are considered experimental in nonmodel systems, but can be used to generate resources and specific testable hypotheses.
Interferometric and holographic imaging of surface-breaking cracks

Two advanced nondestructive evaluation systems are developed for imaging surface-breaking cracks in aerospace materials. The systems use scanning heterodyne interferometry and frequency-translated holography principles to image ultrasonic displacement fields on material surfaces with high resolution and sensitivity. Surface-breaking cracks are detected and characterized by visualizing near-field ultrasonic scattering processes, which in turn results in local intensification of ultrasonic displacement fields in the immediate vicinity of a crack. The local intensification permits cracks to be easily distinguished from background levels, and creates unique displacement field images that follow the contours and morphology of the cracks with microscopic precision. The interferometric and holographic imaging approaches each provide noncontact and near optical-diffraction-limited measurement capabilities that are essential for probing ultrasonic displacement fields in the immediate vicinity of cracks. Several representative crack-imaging results are provided, along with detailed descriptions of both experimental techniques, and the capabilities and limitations of each method. The resulting systems provide simple yet very powerful tools for evaluating surface-breaking cracks in detail.
An algorithm for the computation of binary logarithms

The author presents a simple algorithm for the computation of the base-2 logarithm of a given binary number. The concept can be easily extended to base-N. Unlike other methods, this is not a curve fitting of the base-2 logarithm of a given binary number. The algorithm constitutes a simple step-by-step, bit-by-bit, computation of the logarithm of binary numbers. It can be easily implemented in simple microcode, and offers precision that is proportional to the number of performed iterations. Thus, it asymptotically converges to the true logarithm of the given number. >
A Review of “Teacher and Student Evaluation: Moving Beyond the Failure of School Reform”

Speaking largely to those involved in teacher education and educational policy, Lavigne and Good provide a very readable and comprehensive explanation about why “carrot and stick approaches have pr...
Location33: a mobile musical

In this paper, we describe a course of research investigating the potential for new types of music made possible by location tracking and wireless technologies. Listeners walk around downtown Culver City, California and explore a new type of musical album by mixing together songs and stories based on their movement. By using mobile devices as an interface, we can create new types of musical experiences that allow listeners to take a more interactive approach to an album.
Overview of DIII-D off-axis neutral beam project

DIII-D has four neutral beamlines (NB). Each of these beamlines has two ion sources, each of which injects up to 2.5 MW for 3 s. These beamlines intersect the vacuum vessel at an angle of 19.5 deg off from radial, enabling current drive in the same direction as the plasma current (co-injection). In 2004, one of these beamlines (210 deg) was rotated to provide counter-injection (opposite of plasma current). A different beamline (150 deg) has been modified to have the capability to provide off-axis neutral beam current drive. The goal of the off-axis injection is to have the center of the ion sources aimed at a position 40 cm below the geometric center of the plasma. To achieve this off-axis injection, the beamline requires a mechanical lifting system that can elevate the beamline up to 16.5 deg from horizontal. The beamline also requires more strongly vertically focused ion sources (in order to pass the beam through a reduced effective aperture) as well as modified internal components. Additionally, the design of the new internal components incorporated modifications to allow for the doubling of ion source pulse lengths without the need for active cooling. This paper discusses the various beamline system design requirements for off-axis injection, as well as the results from the actual commissioning of the beamline. Overviews of the design and performance of mechanical lifting system (hydraulics and controls), focused ion sources, flexible beamline support systems (vacuum, cryogenic, power and water cooling), and internal beamline collimators are included. Additionally, the in-vessel monitoring and shine-through protection requirements are discussed. The actual data obtained during beamline commissioning and during normal physics operations is also presented.
Supreme Court Agrees: FERC Must Regulate Wholesale Markets

The author believes that wholesale markets in the United States would have a greater likelihood of ultimately benefiting consumers if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission did not have the mandate under the Federal Power Act (FPA) to ensure that wholesale prices are ''just and reasonable.'' However, he continues to believe that the FERC cannot avoid having an ex post criteria for asssessing whether market prices are just and reasonable. Moreover, changes in the design and regulatory oversight of U.S. wholesale electricity markets in recent years, including the recent Supreme Court decision, have caused him to believe even more strongly in the guardrails-for-market-outcomes approach. Finally, several questions are addressed which relate to the pricing of fixed-price, long-term contracts and the impact of these obligations on the behavior of suppliers in short-term wholesale markets that are directly relevant to answering the two major questions that the Supreme Court remanded to FERC in its recent decision.
Image reversal in a negative deep UV resist

A negative deep UV resist, XP 8843 (Shipley Co.), has been made positive by the addition of 1,2,4-triazole. This is achieved by exposing the resist in the presence of the additive thereby inhibiting the crosslinking reaction. After exposure the additive is removed by heating under a vacuum. Unexposed areas of the resist may then be exposed and the resist crosslinking under normal processing conditions.
Monitoring and forecasting ecosystem dynamics using the Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS)

article We present an approach for monitoring and forecasting landscape level indicators of the condition of protected area (PA) ecosystems including changes in snowcover, vegetation phenology and productivity using the Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS). TOPS is a modeling framework that integrates operational satellite data, microclimate mapping, and ecosystem simulation models to characterize ecosystem status and trends. We have applied TOPS to investigate trends and patterns in landscape indicators using test cases at both national and park-level scales to demonstrate the potential utility of TOPS for supporting efforts by the National Park Service to develop standardized indicators for protected area monitoring. Our analysis of coarse resolution satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measurements for North America from 1982-2006 indicates that all but a few PAs are located in areas that exhibited a sustained decline in vegetation condition. We used Yosemite National Park as our park-level test case, and while no significant trends in NDVI were detected during the same period, evidence of drought-induced vegetation mortality and recovery patterns dominated the 25- year record. In our Yosemite analysis, we show that analyzing MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro- radiometer) products (vegetation indices, absorbed radiation, land surface temperature and gross primary production) in conjunction with ground-based measurements, such as runoff, lends additional utility to satellite-based monitoring of ecosystems indicators, as together they provide a comprehensive view of ecosystem condition. Analyses of MODIS products from 2001-2006 show that year-to-year changes in the onset of spring at Yosemite were as large as 45 days, and this signal in the satellite data record is corroborated by observed changes in spring runoff patterns. Finally, we applied TOPS to assess long-term climate impacts on ecosystem condition at the scale of an individual park. When driven by projected climatic changes at Yosemite of 4-6 °C warming by 2100 with no changes in precipitation patterns, TOPS predicts significantly reduced winter snowpack and an earlier onset of the growing season, resulting in prolonged summer drought and reduced vegetation productivity.
Editing of kinetoplastid mitochondrial mRNAs by uridine addition and deletion generates conserved amino acid sequences and AUG initiation codons

RNA editing is a novel type of mRNA processing in the kinetoplastid mitochondrion that involves the co- or posttranscriptional addition of uridine residues within transcripts. The result is an mRNA nucleotide sequence which differs from that of the corresponding gene. We have found that RNA editing may also occur through the deletion of genome-encoded uridines from the RNA sequence. Uridine additions and deletions in the 5' ends of the COIII, MURF2, and MURF3 transcripts create new N-terminal amino acid sequences that are conserved between species, and new AUG initiation codons in several cases. These results suggest that the creation of new amino acid sequences and methionine initiation codons may be important functions of RNA editing in the kinetoplastid mitochondrion.
The Domestic Political Costs of Economic Sanctions

While a great deal of attention has been to paid to whether or not economic sanctions work, less energy has been devoted to exploring the causal mechanisms that lead to the success or failure of sa...
Dispensing and Prescribing Cautions for Medical Care During Recovery From Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Alcoholics and addicts who are recovering may find that prescription and nonprescription drugs can be stumbling blocks to recovery unless they have appropriate counseling and drug therapy management. Pharmacists can use their knowledge of pharmacy, pharmacology, and physiology to help patients avoid relapse to active alcoholism or addiction. They can serve as patient mediators with busy prescribers. In patient counseling, pharmacists can differentiate between passing and life-threatening symptoms, explain drug-free or drug-minimum alternatives, and generally supplement the tools and principles patients receive in their mutual support groups.
Genetic Parameters of Monthly Egg Production in the Cornell Controls

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE value of using part of the annual egg production for the early selection of superior sire and dam lines in fowl has been widely accepted. An early report of Lerner and Cruden (1948) showed that because of the high genetic correlation between part year production and total annual production selection for the latter based on the former would not diminish genetic progress as compared to selection based on complete records. In fact, the decreased generation interval due to the use of part records could actually increase genetic progress. The object of the present analysis was to substantiate, if possible, and to amplify these results from observations taken in a random bred flock. The suitability of random bred data for the establishment of genetic parameters has been discussed elsewhere (King, Carson and Doolittle, 1959). MATERIALS The monthly trapnest records of the Cornell Random Bred Control flock of White Leghorns…
DAP12 Expression in Lung Macrophages Mediates Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Neutrophil Extravasation

Neutrophils are critical mediators of innate immune responses and contribute to tissue injury. However, immune pathways that regulate neutrophil recruitment to injured tissues during noninfectious inflammation remain poorly understood. DAP12 is a cell membrane-associated protein that is expressed in myeloid cells and can either augment or dampen innate inflammatory responses during infections. To elucidate the role of DAP12 in pulmonary ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), we took advantage of a clinically relevant mouse model of transplant-mediated lung IRI. This technique allowed us to dissect the importance of DAP12 in tissue-resident cells and those that infiltrate injured tissue from the periphery during noninfectious inflammation. Macrophages in both mouse and human lungs that have been subjected to cold ischemic storage express DAP12. We found that donor, but not recipient, deficiency in DAP12 protected against pulmonary IRI. Analysis of the immune response showed that DAP12 promotes the survival of tissue-resident alveolar macrophages and contributes to local production of neutrophil chemoattractants. Intravital imaging demonstrated a transendothelial migration defect into DAP12-deficient lungs, which can be rescued by local administration of the neutrophil chemokine CXCL2. We have uncovered a previously unrecognized role for DAP12 expression in tissue-resident alveolar macrophages in mediating acute noninfectious tissue injury through regulation of neutrophil trafficking.
Genetic polymorphism at codon 10 of the transforming growth factor-β1 gene in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

Background/Aims: Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine in the production of extracellular matrix. A genetic polymorphism at codon 10 of the TGF-β1 gene is associated with liver fibrosis. We investigated the effect of genetic polymorphisms at codon 10 on the development of alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC). Methods: In total, 119 controls and 182 patients with ALC, were enrolled in the study. Clinical and laboratory data including total lifetime alcohol intake were collected at enrollment. The genotype at codon 10 was determined for each patient by single-strand conformation polymorphism. Results: There were three types of genetic polymorphism at codon 10: homozygous proline (P/P), heterozygous proline/leucine (P/L), and homozygous leucine (L/L). Among the controls, the proportions of P/P, P/L, and L/L were 26.1%, 44.5%, and 29.4%, respectively in the ALC group, these proportions were 23.1%, 43.4%, and 33.5%, respectively. The genotype distribution did not differ between the controls and the ALC group. In the ALC group, age, total lifetime alcohol intake, and distribution of Child-Pugh class did not differ with the genotype. Of the male patients with ALC (n=164), the proportions of P/P, P/L, and L/L were 20.1%, 44.5%, and 35.4%, respectively the genotype distribution did not differ between the male controls and the male ALC patients. Conclusions: The genotype at codon 10 in TGF-β1 does not appear to influence the development of ALC. Further study is needed to investigate other genetic factors that influence the development of ALC in patients with chronic alcohol intake. (Korean J Hepatol 2011;17:37-43)
Direct-conversion RF receiver design

The direct-conversion radio-frequency receiver architecture promises superior performances in power, size, and cost over existing superheterodyne-based receivers. The use of direct-conversion receiver (DCR) architecture, however, has been limited due to two well-known problems, namely, the 1/f noise and the direct-current offset noise, to which conventional architectures are less sensitive. This paper analyzes these noise effects on reception performance of a DCR with alternating-current (ac) coupling filter in the receive path. A mathematical treatment of the performance of a DCR is provided. A performance bound of a DCR given its 1/f noise roll-off frequency and ac-coupling filter cut-off frequency is first obtained using vector coding. Then, the performance of a more practical adaptive reception method using a linear equalizer is discussed. Adaptability is especially important in rapidly time-varying channels such as in the wireless environment. The linear equalizer is effective at signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) below 9 dB, but its performance degrades significantly at larger SNR. To achieve high performance at large SNR (>9 dB), a spectrum shaping method using line codes for direct-conversion reception is proposed. This method achieves near-optimum direct-conversion reception at high SNR while maintaining low complexity and adaptability at the receiver.
Mass News Media and American Culture: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Millions of Americans contact stories, articles, and reports produced by news media personnel each day. How those stories are presented has the potential to impact consumer behavior at the national level. An examination of how news personnel make decisions regarding news content is essential for understanding how to influence media’s aggregate products. Information contained within news products reflects consumer practices and influences culture, posing ethical issues. How we understand relationships between media organizations, over-all culture, and consumer practices can benefit from a behavioral systems analysis. This paper identifies variables present in news media settings with respect to two news presentation contexts: objectivist and advocacy. News media are undergoing a dramatic shift in how and why stories are reported; a behavioral systems approach is key to understanding the complex relationships involved.
Phase-noise-canceled differential phase-shift-keying (PNC-DPSK) for coherent optical communication systems

A modulation scheme using a nonlinear demodulation process, phase-noise-canceled differential phase-shift keying (PNC-DPSK), is used to circumvent the effects of phase noise in a phase-shift keying (PSK) system. A theoretical description of the system is given, and results of an experimental test system are shown to be in good agreement with the predictions. In particular, it is shown that the phase-noise-induced bit error rate (BER) floor can be eliminated despite using lasers with linewidths comparable to the data rate. Furthermore, for an optimized PNC-DPSK system, the degradation at high signal-to-noise compared to heterodyne PSK with ideal sources (i.e. no phase noise) should only be approximately=3 dB. >
Review: a review of culture in information systems research: toward a theory of information technology culture conflict

An understanding of culture is important to the study of information technologies in that culture at various levels, including national, organizational, and group, can influence the successful implementation and use of information technology. Culture also plays a role in managerial processes that may directly, or indirectly, influence IT. Culture is a challenging variable to research, in part because of the multiple divergent definitions and measures of culture. Notwithstanding, a wide body of literature has emerged that sheds light on the relationship of IT and culture. This paper sets out to provide a review of this literature in order to lend insights into our understanding of the linkages between IT and culture. We begin by conceptualizing culture and laying the groundwork for a values-based approach to the examination of IT and culture. Using this approach, we then provide a comprehensive review of the organizational and cross-cultural IT literature that conceptually links these two traditionally separate streams of research. From our analysis, we develop six themes of IT-culture research emphasizing culture's impact on IT, IT's impact on culture, and IT culture. Building upon these themes, we then develop a theory of IT, values, and conflict. Based upon the theory, we develop propositions concerning three types of cultural conflict and the results of these conflicts. Ultimately, the theory suggests that the reconciliation of these conflicts results in a reorientation of values. We conclude with the particular research challenges posed in this line of inquiry.
Breast image registration using a textural transformation

Small breast tumors could be detected early by registering two longitudinal breast images and subtracting them. The noise and low contrast in breast images permit few control points for image registration. We propose a new textural transformation, called the “starbyte” transformation, to solve this image registration problem. The starbyte transform is computed using local neighborhood properties around every pixel in an image and converts breast images to texture maps with clearly demarcable regions from which accurate control points can be easily identified. A complete registration algorithm is presented which consists of first starbyte transforming the original images, extracting control points (both manually and automatically), and performing unwarping using thin plate splines. The performance of the algorithm was rigorously tested on portions of mammograms warped by six different types of distortions. Limited studies have also been performed with added noise and simulated tumors. Preliminary results are also presented on roughly corresponding 2D slices taken from 3D MRIs of volunteers imaged twice with breast repositioning between the two images.
Exact Solution of the Six-Vertex Model with Domain Wall Boundary Conditions. Critical Line between Ferroelectric and Disordered Phases

This is a continuation of the papers of Bleher and Fokin (Commun. Math. Phys., 268:223–284, 2006) and of Bleher and Liechty (Commun. Math. Phys., 286:777–801, 2009), in which the large n asymptotics is obtained for the partition function Z n of the six-vertex model with domain wall boundary conditions in the disordered and ferroelectric phases, respectively. In the present paper we obtain the large n asymptotics of Z n on the critical line between these two phases.