cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Technique for Finding the Desired Global Optimum of Robotic Joint Displacement

For an industrial robot on a daily operation basis such as pick and place, it is desired to minimize the robotic joint displacements when moving the robot from one location to another. The objective of the optimization here is to simultaneously minimize a robot end effector's positional error and the robotic joint displacements. By modifying the searching algorithm in the existing complex optimization method, this article presents a technique for finding the desired global optimum solution more efficiently. To compare the optimum searching capability between the proposed and existing searching algorithms, a modified Himmelblau's function is used as an objective function. The presented technique is then applied to a spatial three-link robot manipulator for global minimization of the joint displacements. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Temperature-dependent distribution of Cr between olivine and pyroxenes in lherzolite xenoliths

The temperature effect on the exchange reaction Cr2O3(ol)=Cr2O3(px) was studied for coexisting olivine and both clino and ortho pyroxenes. The distribution of Cr between olivine and clinopyroxene in 31 coarse garnet lherzolites and 10 porphyroclastic garnet lherzolites from kinberlites, and in 17 coarse spinel lherzolites from basalts, obeys a van't Hoff relation (c.f. Stosch 1981) with the Wells two-pyroxene temperature: T(Kelvin)=8,787 (In DCr+ 2.87) where DCr(opx/ol)=wt.% Cr(clinopyroxene)/Cr(olivine). An analogous exchange for olivine and orthopyroxene with 0.7–1.6 wt.% Al2O3 in 41 garnet lherzolites from kimberlites shows considerable scatter about the following relation: T(Kelvin)=5,540/(ln Dcr+1.86) where Dcr(opx/ol)= wt.% Cr(orthopyroxene)/Cr(olivine). Spinel lherzolites and a garnet lherzolite from the Malaita alnoite do not obey the second relation. For orthopyroxene with 2.5–5.1 wt.% Al2O3, Dcr(opx/ol) is 1.7 to 3 times higher, and for 0.1 wt.% Al2O3 is 2 times lower than for the garnet lherzolites. Experimental calibration is needed, especially to check the possible effect of Al on Dcr(opx/ol).
Measuring the perceived content of auditory objects using a matching paradigm.

Two previous studies manipulated spatial cues to alter the perceptual organization of a sound mixture containing an ambiguous sound element (a pure tone; the “target”) that could belong to two competing auditory objects (a sequential tone stream and a simultaneous harmonic complex). In both studies, the sum of the contributions of the target to the two objects was less than the physical target level in the mixture. However, many listeners had difficulties making consistent judgments about the perceptual contribution of the target to the harmonic complex. The current study used stimuli similar to those used in the previous study, but with a target made up of five tones rather than a single pure tone. In addition, listeners performed a direct matching task to indicate the perceptual contribution of the target to the competing objects rather than relying on an indirect mapping procedure. The matching task proved to be efficient and reliable. However, the complex-tone target was perceptually stronger in the harmonic complex and weaker in the sequential tone stream than in past studies. As a result, the sum of the target contributions to the two objects roughly equaled the physical target level for all tested spatial configurations, unlike in the previous studies.
Egalitarian Daters/Traditionalist Dates

This study replicates and expands Rose and Frieze's (1989) research, which found that young adults' scripts for dating maintain the traditional dominant/subordinate relationship between the sexes. In a 1993 study, Rose and Frieze looked at actual, rather than hypothetical, dates and reported essentially the same finding. The authors used Rose and Frieze's 1989 design with a larger sample and found that although daters may claim to be egalitarian, their dates follow the traditionalist pattern that Rose and Frieze described. In a second study, the authors asked for descriptions of first dates with persons whom respondents already knew from work, school, and so forth, rather than with the relative stranger about whom earlier versions had asked. Varying the level of familiarity with a partner did not produce a different result. Implications are drawn from the findings and suggestions for future research are offered.
The mind's eye, looking inward? In search of executive control in internal attention shifting

In studies of mental counting, participants are faster to increment a count that was just incremented (no-switch trial) than to increment a different count (switch trial). Investigators have attributed the effect to a shift in the internal focus of attention on switch trials. Here we report evidence for other bottom-up and top-down contributions. Two stimuli were mapped to each of two counts. The no-switch facilitation was greater when stimuli repeated than when they were different. Event-related potential (ERP) activity associated with repetitions was anterior to that associated with switching. Runs of no-switch trials elicited faster responses and frontal ERP activity. Runs of switches and large counts both elicited slow responses and reduced P300 amplitudes. Bottom-up processes may include priming on no-switch trials and conflict on switch trials. Top-down processes may control conflict, subvocal rehearsal, and the contents of working memory.
A coupled atmosphere–ecosystem model of the early Archean Earth

A coupled photochemical-ecosystem model has been developed to simulate the early Archean biosphere. The model incorporates kinetic and nutrient limitations on biological productivity, along with constraints imposed by metabolic thermodynamics. We have used this model to predict the biogenic CH4 flux and net primary productivity (NPP) of the marine biosphere prior to the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis. Organisms considered include chemotrophic and organotrophic methanogens, H2-, H2S-, and Fe-using anoxygenic phototrophs, S-reducing bacteria, CO-using acetogens, and fermentative bacteria. CH4 production and NPP in our model are limited by the downward flux of H2, CO, S8, and H2S through the atmosphere–ocean interface and by the upwelling rate of Fe2+ from the deep oceans. For reasonable estimates of the supply rates of these compounds, we find that the biogenic CH4 flux should have ranged from approximately 1/3 to 2.5 times the modern CH4 flux. In the anoxic Archean atmosphere, this would have produced CH4 concentrations of 100 ppmv to as much as 35 000 ppmv (3.5%), depending on the rate at which hydrogen escaped to space. Recent calculations indicating that hydrogen escape was slow favour the higher CH4 concentrations. Calculated NPP is lower than in the modern oceans by a factor of at least 40. In our model, H2-based metabolism is moderately more productive than Fe2+-based metabolism, with S-based metabolism being considerably less productive. Internal recycling of sulphur within the surface ocean could conceivably raise rates of sulphur metabolism by a factor of 10 higher than the values predicted by our model. Although explicit climate calculations have not been performed here, our results are consistent with the idea that the Archean climate was warm, and possibly very hot. Some or most of our ecosystem scenarios are consistent with the carbon isotope record, depending on how that record is interpreted. If the conventional view is correct and organic carbon burial accounted for approximately 20% of total carbon burial during the Archean, then only two of our phototroph-based model ecosystems are plausible. However, if a recent alternative analysis is correct and only approximately 0–10% of total buried carbon was organic, then essentially all of our anaerobic ecosystems are plausible. A better understanding of both the geochemical and the biological records is needed to better constrain our models.
Curvature estimation scheme for triangle meshes using biquadratic Bézier patches

When dealing with triangle meshes, it is often important to compute curvature information for the purposes of feature recognition, segmentation, or shape analysis. Since a triangle mesh is a piecewise linear surface, curvature has to be estimated. Several different schemes have been proposed, both discrete and continuous, i.e. based on fitting surfaces locally. This paper compares commonly used discrete and continuous curvature estimation schemes. We also present a novel method which uses biquadratic Bezier patches as a local surface fitting technique.
Long-Term Outcomes of Older Adults with and Without Delirium Immediately After Recovery from General Anesthesia for Surgery

Objective Postoperative delirium, occurring days after surgery, is associated with both short- and long-term adverse events. Postanesthesia care unit (PACU) delirium, immediately after recovery from anesthesia, is associated with continued delirium in the succeeding days and adverse cognitive outcomes at discharge. Longer-term consequences are unclear. The objective was to evaluate 18-month outcomes of patients with versus without delirium in the PACU after surgery with general anesthesia. Methods In a prospective, observational, cohort study, 91 consecutive English-speaking patients, aged at least 70 years and capable of independently providing informed consent before surgery, were followed after admission for a surgical procedure in one teaching hospital. Patients completed cognitive testing before surgery. After recovery from general anesthesia, they were evaluated for a DSM-IV diagnosis of delirium. Participants or proxies were evaluated, at a median of 19 months after surgery (interquartile range: 18–20 months), for survival, cognitive and physical functioning, and healthcare utilization outcomes. Results All 91 patients or proxies (41 with delirium [45%]) were contacted at follow-up, with 7 deaths (8%) and 3 declining further participation (3%); 81 (96% of survivors) completed follow-up evaluations, demonstrating no significant cognitive or functional decline from baseline, with 75% of the cohort living independently in the community, and no differences in any outcomes between patients with versus without PACU delirium. Conclusion In a small cohort of older patients evaluated 18 months after surgery, we could not detect an association of delirium diagnosed in the PACU with patient survival, cognitive/physical functioning, and healthcare utilization.
Long-wavelength type-II photodiodes operating at room temperature

The operation of uncooled InAs-GaSb superlattice photodiodes with a cutoff wavelength of /spl lambda//sub c/=8 /spl mu/m and a peak detectivity of 1.2/spl times/10/sup 8/ cmHz/sup 1/2//W at zero bias is demonstrated. The detectivity is similar to the best uncooled HgCdTe detectors and microbolometers. However, the R/sub 0/A product is more than two orders of magnitude higher than HgCdTe and the device is more than four orders of magnitude faster than microbolometers. These features combined with their low 1/f noise and high uniformity make these type-II photodiodes an excellent choice for uncooled high-speed IR imaging arrays.
Parasitism of a Laughing Gull Nest by Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

Abstract On 15 May 2000, I observed a Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) nest parasitized by a Black-bellied Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis). The nest contained three Laughing Gull eggs and three Black-bellied Whistling-duck eggs and was located in a colony of 56 Laughing Gull nests.
Specification, Estimation, and Analysis of Macroeconomic Models

This book gives a practical, applications-oriented account of the latest techniques for estimating and analyzing large, nonlinear macroeconomic models. Ray Fair demonstrates the application of these techniques in a detailed presentation of several actual models, including his United States model, his multicountry model, Sargent's classical macroeconomic model, autoregressive and vector autoregressive models, and a small (twelve equation) linear structural model. He devotes a good deal of attention to the difficult and often neglected problem of moving from theoretical to econometric models. In addition, he provides an extensive discussion of optimal control techniques and methods for estimating and analyzing rational expectations models.A computer program that handles all the techniques in the book is available from the author, making it possible to use the techniques with little additional programming. The book presents the logic of this program. A smaller program for personal microcomputers for analysis of Fair's United States model is available from Urban Systems Research & Engineering, Inc. Anyone wanting to learn how to use large macroeconomic models, including researchers, graduate students, economic forecasters, and people in business and government both in the United States and abroad, will find this an essential guidebook.
A robot rehearses internally and learns an affordance relation

This paper introduces a novel approach to a crucial problem in robotics: Constructing robots that can learn general affordance relations from their experiences. Our approach has two components. (a) The robot models affordances as statistical relations between actual actions, object properties and the experienced effects of actions on objects. (b) To exploit the general-knowledge potential of its actual experiences, the robot, much like people, engages in internal rehearsal, playing-out ldquoimaginedrdquo scenarios grounded in but different from actual experience. To the extent the robot veridically appreciates affordance relations, the robot can autonomously predict the outcomes of its behaviors before executing them. Accurate outcome prediction in turn facilitates planning of a sequence of behaviors, toward executing the robotpsilas given task successfully. In this paper, we report very first steps in this approach to affordance learning, viz., the results of simulations and humanoid-robot-embodied experiments targeted toward having the robot learn one of the simplest of affordance relations, that a space affords traversability vs. impediment to a goal-object in the space.
Assessing the intention of land trust representatives to collaborate with tourism entities to protect natural areas

Environmental degradation and dwindling natural areas can negatively impact a destination's image. Nonprofit land trusts have become important organizations in the US conservation movement and elsewhere. Their method of negotiating with landowners to protect land, yet leave the land in private ownership and on the tax rolls, is often popular with the public and local governments. This study explains how land trusts operate. It measured the collaboration potential between land trusts and tourism entities in the US, from the land trust representatives’ point of view, by embedding six propositions considered necessary for collaboration into the theory of planned behavior. An email survey of land trusts in the US yielded 279 usable replies. Approximately 71% of the representatives’ intention to collaborate was accounted for, with opinions of peers (subjective norm) providing the most influence; 64% of the representatives’ attitude toward collaboration was identified. Land trusts were found to be able and will...
Leafy Spurge Suppression by Flea Beetles in The Little Missouri Drainage Basin, USA

The Ecological Area-wide Management Leafy Spurge, or TEAM Leafy Spurge, began collecting and redistributing flea beetles (Aphthona spp.) to research/demonstration sites and landowners throughout the Little Missouri River drainage basin to control leafy spurge in 1998. A study to evaluate the change over time of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) phytosociological characteristics following release of flea beetles was initiated in 2002 on leafy spurge–infested pasture and rangeland in the Little Missouri River drainage of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. A total of 292 flea beetle release sites were analyzed in June and July 2002 and 2003 for leafy spurge stem density, foliar cover, flea beetle density, and vegetation composition. Leafy spurge stem density suppression was evident at 91% of the study sites. On two-thirds of the study sites stem density was reduced from greater than 100 stems·m−1 to less than 25 stems·m−1. Leafy spurge foliar cover was less than 5% on approximately two-thirds of the flea beetle release sites and less than 25% on over 90% of the release sites. Area of observed leafy spurge suppression ranged from 0 m2 to 30000 m2. Approximately 40% of the release sites had leafy spurge suppression ranging from 1000 m2 to 5000 m2, and 14% of the release sites had greater than 10000 m2 of leafy spurge control. Plant community composition following leafy spurge suppression was characteristic of native plant communities that had not been burned or grazed. Flea beetles effectively reduced leafy spurge stem density and cover in 4–5 yr across a variety of locations and corresponding environmental conditions, both within the Little Missouri River drainage and in selected nearby locations.
FACTORS AFFECTING TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COOKED COMMINUTED FISH MUSCLE

Factors affecting textural characteristics of cooked comminuted fish muscle were investigated. These factors included: time of comminution, presence of NaCl or NaCl and polyphosphates, effect of mechanical deboning, temperature of cooking, and type of heating medium used. Textural characteristics were evaluated objectively using as an index: compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, resilience, and shear strength. The change in the physical state of the protein-water system was determined from the quantity of fluid (expressible fluid) that can be expressed from the specimen subjected to a fixed compression force. With extensive chopping, mechanical strength diminished as the concentration of extractable myosin in the muscle homogenates decreased. Changes in expressible fluid followed changes in physical properties. Formulations with higher moisture contents were more susceptible to adverse changes brought about by mechanical treatments such as chopping. Mechanical strength of the cooked comminuted muscle progressed in the order of increasing strength as follows: no additives, with NaCl, with NaCl and polyphosphates. The presence of polyphosphates allowed increased solubilization of muscle protein and improved water binding. The variation in textural strength of products receiving different preheating treatments appeared to be related to the changes in water binding as shown by the inverse relationship of mechanical strength to the quantity expressible fluid. The textural strength of cooked muscle homogenates decreased in the order of: steamed, water cooked, and smoke-house cooked.
The Cultural Phenomenon of Identity Theft and the Domestication of the World Wide Web

Through a critique of the rhetorical configurations of identity theft, this article contributes to the emerging body of theory contending with the social effects of digital information technologies (DIT). It demonstrates how the politics of fear manipulate technosocial matrices in order to derive consent for radical changes such as the domestication of the Web and the instrumentalization of identity. Specifically, this critique attends to these tasks by performing a rhetorical reading of three recent television commercials that were heavily circulated by the international financial conglomerate, Citigroup Incorporated. Based on this reading, which is heavily indebted to Foucaldian theories of power and discipline, a distinction is drawn between identity theft as it is configured in juridico-political discourse and the cultural phenomenon of identity theft, which functions as a technosocial myth.
Chinua Achebe and the Politics of Form

Instead of proceeding through a reading of the text, then, I will essay a purely formal approach to the novel in order to suggest that prior to any specific content, Arrow of God already has a politics, and that Achebe achieves this politics through two generic revolutions. In the current context it is probably unnecessary to point once again to the epoch-marking significance of Things Fall Apart, whose form only seems natural today because of its tremendous influence and success. Arrow of God marks a radicalization and perfection of this form, whose outlines I would like to clarify. The first formal revolution carried out by Arrow of God is within a genre we might call the "village novel," a genre that predates Achebe in the postcolonial world by a generation, and that we can represent in a Nigerian context with Onu- ora Nzekwu's Wand of Noble Wood and Things Fall Apart itself. The key to Achebe's revolution is the rigorous suppression of the ethnographic voice. The simplest way to explain what is meant by the ethnographic voice would simply be to point to G. T. Basden's Niger Ibos, which Achebe has named on more than one occasion, along with Joyce Cary's Mister Johnson and Conrad's Heart of Darkness, as a spur
The structural and chemisorptive properties of ultrathin cobalt overlayers on W(110) and W(100)

Abstract The structure, stability, surface electronic properties, and chemisorptive properties of vapordeposited cobalt overlayers (0–4 ML) on W(110) and W(100) have been studied by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), work function changes (ΔΦ), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) of cobalt, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. The first layer of cobalt grows pseudomorphically with respect to the tungsten substrate, and is thermally stable to 1300 K. Second and subsequent layers grow layer-by-layer at 100 K, but form three-dimensional clusters above 400–500 K. The relative work functions of these surfaces are strongly dependent on temperature, cobalt coverage, and substrate geometry. The annealed pseudomorphic monolayer of Co/W(100) has a positive ΔΦ value (+155 mV), indicating a net electronic charge transfer from the tungsten to the cobalt. The chemisorptive properties of the cobalt overlayers are quite different from those of bulk cobalt surfaces, the former having new TPD features for hydrogen chemisorption and TPD features consistent with carbon monoxide dissociation. CO apparently dissociates on cobalt-tungsten interfacial sites and on the pseudomorphic monolayer of Co/W(100).
Effects of glucagon and epinephrine in fasted dogs.

SummaryThe effect of glucagon on plasma FFA was studied in anesthetized dogs, fasting 24 or 48 hours and in conscious dogs fasting only 24 hours. Glucagon was found to depress FFA in all of these g...
Balloon Angioplasty in Acute and Chronic Coronary Artery Disease

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has grown exponentially since its introduction. Currently, selection criteria include single-vessel and multivessel disease, stable and unstable angina, and acute infarction. The outcome depends on specific patient and angiographic characteristics. In ideal lesions, success rates should be greater than 90%, with low morbidity and mortality. With more severe and diffuse multivessel disease, success rates are lower and complication rates are higher. In these cases, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty still offers a reasonable option, provided complete revascularization can be achieved or the angina-producing lesion dilated. Numerous issues remain unresolved, including (1) the role of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty vs coronary surgery (currently being tested), (2) restenosis, which occurs in approximately 30% of treated lesions, and (3) organizational adjustments such as training and certification to maintain high standards of care. (JAMA. 1989;261:2109-2115)
A phylogeny inferred from large-subunit (26S) ribosomal DNA sequences suggests that the family Dasypogonaceae is closely aligned with the Restionaceae allies

The Dasypogonaceae is a small Australian family composed of four genera. Previous systematic studies have failed to place the Dasypogonaceae with confidence. The present phylogenetic analysis, inferred from large-subunit (26S) rDNA sequences, strongly suggests that the Dasypogonaceae form a monophyletic group with the taxa referred to as the Restionaceae allies (i.e. Anarthriaceae, Centrolepidaceae, Ecdeiocoleaceae).
Depression in Older Ethnic Groups A Test of the Generality of the Social Precursors Model

The generality of George's model of the social precursors of depression was tested in a sample of older persons (N = 803) from three ethnic groups: U.S.-born African Americans, African Caribbeans, and U.S.-born European Americans. The social precursors model includes demographic variables, early events and achievements, later events and achievements, social integration, vulnerability and protective factors, and provoking agents and coping efforts. Zero-order correlations indicated that nearly all the predictor variables were significantly associated with depression. A test of the overall model with all six stages was followed by separate regressions for each ethnic group. Four of the six stages of the model contributed unique variance to the prediction of depressed affect in European Americans but only two in the case of African Americans and African Caribbeans. The most robust and consistent predictor of depression was the sixth-stage variables of stress and emotion regulation.
Viewpoints on the Way to the Consensus Session: Where does insulin resistance start? The adipose tissue

Adipose tissue is a heterogeneous organ with respect to embryonic origin, body distribution, and function. In addition to playing a major role in the regulation of nutrient and energy homeostasis, it is involved in the modulation of the immune response, reproductive function, hemostasis, mechanical support, bone mass growth, and thermogenesis. To postulate that insulin resistance starts in adipose tissue, there should be evidence of 1 ) potential mechanisms for such a causal relationship, 2 ) the manifestation of such mechanisms in insulin-resistant individuals, and 3 ) their early occurrence in the development of insulin resistance. Adipose tissue releases a variety of factors known to modulate insulin sensitivity, and their effects are summarized in Fig. 1. Figure 1 Adipose tissue is the largest endocrine organ in the body. The diagram summarizes the main roles and effects of representative fat-derived products that have been related to insulin resistance and metabolic risk. BP, blood pressure; HR, heart rate. ### Fatty acids The concept that fatty acids (FAs) provoke cardiac, skeletal muscle, and hepatic insulin resistance and impair β-cell function has been extensively confirmed in humans, and mechanisms are reviewed in detail elsewhere (1). A sustained pharmacologic inhibition of lipolysis, with reduction in the plasma FA concentration, reverses these defects (2–4). Elevated FA levels also promote the synthesis and release of VLDL by the liver by 1 ) increasing substrate availability, 2 ) inhibiting insulin-mediated apoB degradation (5), and 3 ) reducing hepatic insulin clearance, contributing to hyperinsulinemia. In the brain, excessive FA uptake and its response to weight loss have been documented in subjects with the metabolic syndrome (6), and FAs are implicated in the central regulation of glucose production (7). FA overflow from adipocytes to skeletal muscle and other tissues may result in free radical formation during oxidative phosphorylation, the intramyocellular accumulation of triglyceride, and the production of toxic …
Philosophical and Scientific Presuppositions of Logical AI

Philosophers have done interesting work that may be useful for AI. However, some philosophical points of view make assumptions that have the effect of excluding the possibility of AI. Likewise work on Al is not neutral with regard to philosophical issues. This chapter presents what we consider the presuppositions of logical AI and also some scientific presuppositions, i.e. some results of science that are relevant. We emphasize the relation to AI rather than philosophy itself2.
Precautionary Behavior and Violent Victimization: Do Safer Drinking Strategies Reduce Risk?

AbstractThis study was undertaken to test if precautionary drinking behaviors can be associated with reduced risk of violent victimization. Some studies have shown that these behaviors (e.g. limiting alcohol intake, eating before or during drinking, and having friends close by) reduce the negative consequences of drinking, but very few have focused on criminal victimization. National College Health Assessment data from 2012 were utilized to examine the association between precautionary drinking behavior and violent victimization (physical assault or verbal threat), controlling for demographic and risky lifestyle factors. Regression analyses found that precautionary drinking behavior reduced the odds of victimization only among men who frequently drink. In this same group being “single” increased risk. Other variables were consistent predictors: drug use, multiple sex partners, mental health disorder, and first year student status. Binge drinking and having a disability were also frequent predictors. Final...
The Consequences of Competition Among Producers and Consumption by Herbivores

In Chapter 4 we considered how competition could in theory and in nature affect abundance of organisms. In this chapter we will briefly introduce models and concepts that predict the effects that consumers might have on their food species, especially producer species. Then we discuss some specific case histories that permit an assessment of the impact of grazing on marine producers.
High-speed programmable true-time-delay optical beamformer based on recirculating loop

A cost effective and programmable true-time-delay (TTD) optical beamformer based on recirculating loop is proposed. The steering speed can reach up to nanoseconds. The experiment has been done to prove the method.
Tunable VCSEL

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are now key optical sources in optical communications. Their main application is currently in local area networks using multimode optical fibers. VCSELs are also being rapidly commercialized for single-mode fiber metropolitan area and wide area network applications. The advantages of VCSEL include simpler fiber coupling, easier packaging and testing, and the ability to be fabricated in arrays. In addition, VCSELs have an inherent single-wavelength structure that is well suited for wavelength engineering. All these advantages promise to lead to cost-effective wavelength-tunable lasers, which are essential for the future intelligent, all-optical networks. The author reviews the advances on wavelength-tunable VCSELs. She summarizes some of the early breakthroughs in wavelength engineering of VCSELs and then concentrates on the designs and properties of micromechanical tunable VCSEL.
Distribution Patterns of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Cantaloupe Fields in Arizona

Infestations of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in fields of spring-grown cantaloupes, Cucumis melo L., near Yuma, AZ, were measured by counts of eggs, first to mid-fourth instars, late-fourth instars (red-eyed nymphs) and adults. All stages were sampled from leaves at the terminal and crown portions of the plant. Adults were sampled at 0700 and 1300 hours on the entire leaf, and immature stages were counted in a 1-cm2 area from each of four quadrants of a leaf. Adult whiteflies were more abundant on samples collected at 0700 hours and on terminal leaves in all fields. There were no significant differences between leaf sections for any immature life stage, but red-eyed nymphs were more abundant on crown leaves, whereas eggs had higher densities on terminal leaves. The power law and patchiness regressions indicated that all life stages were aggregated, but there were distinct degrees of aggregation between leaf positions.
Conductive Cooling of Living Human Tissue.

ConclusionsThese observations show that it is possible to cause a substantial lowering of the temperature of the tissues of the living human body at a distance from a cold applicator placed in contact with the body surfaces. An explanation for this phenomenon is the occurrence of vasoconstriction and conductive cooling. These findings offer a basis for the therapeutic application of cold and indicate possibilities for its more extended use in the treatment of disease.
Conversation is the soul of democracy: Expression effects, communication mediation, and digital media:

A sizable body of empirical evidence indicates political conversation—both face-to-face and online—drives participatory engagement. Digital, social, and mobile media provide new avenues and tools for political talk, with affordances that may be particularly conducive to expression effects—that is, the impact of message production on the sender. This essay contends that an emphasis on deliberative democracy has limited attention to the psychological implications of political expression and creative production via information technologies and digital media.
O-024 Medicare Underpayment is a Major Cause of Deficit in Endovascular Treatment of Aneurysms

Background Coiling remains the current primary therapy for aneurysms. Understanding the economics of coiling will establish a framework against which the financial impact of future devices may be measured. Methodology A retrospective analysis of 542 aneurysm coilings was performed. Of these, financial-data was available on 377 patients. This included the DRG-code, hospital charges, total-cost, implant-cost, payments received, the payer and the length of stay for each admission. Treatment parameters included aneurysm size, type and number of coils, and use of adjunctive devices. We hypothesised that aneurysm size, rupture-status, number of coils and adjunctive devices would impact the financial outcome. Results 235(62.3%) aneurysms were treated electively while 142(37.7%) were ruptured. The length of stay was 2.5(±5) days for elective and 17.7(±13) days for ruptured aneurysms (p 11 mm group. The number of coils/aneurysm was 4.1(±2.8) for the 11 mm-group, (p The mean payments by payer (Figure 1) and the difference between total-cost and payments by payer (Figure 2) show that apart from Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Commercial insurance, every other payer averaged a net loss-for the hospital. There was no impact of the rupture status, age, gender, aneurysm size, use of adjunctive device on the net deficit to the hospital. Conclusion In our Medicare/Medicaid heavy population, the payer-mix was an overwhelmingly significant financial determinant in aneurysm treatment. Contrary to our hypothesis, none of the other factors impacted the average net deficit that the hospital suffered in these cases. Disclosures A. Rai: 2; C; Stryker Neurovascular, Codman Neuro. A. Tarabishy: None. B. Cline: None. J. Patterson: None. S. Boo: None. J. Carpenter: None.
Natural Resource Management Students’ Perceptions of Conceptual Change in a Capstone Course

Currently, there is a concern that natural resource management (NRM) students are not graduating with well-developed systems thinking, communication, and group work skills. Through our phenomenological exploratory study, we used conceptual change and discourse theories to frame our questions: How do students describe their conceptions of social-ecological systems and resilience as changing over the course of an NRM capstone course, and what do they think helped change them? Using semi-structured interviews (n = 3) we found that students’ conceptions of social and biophysical systems became more integrated, and their ideas about systems thinking and resilience broadened to encompass greater complexity. These conceptual shifts were influenced by interactions with other students, natural resource professionals, and stakeholders during class, as well as their engagement with one another in a semester-long group project. The conceptual change these students demonstrated indicates that large conceptual shifts can occur in a capstone class.
Modeling and Simulation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle's Load Separation

Autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV) is a multi-body system composed of a load and a carrier.Beginning with the function model,this paper researched the load's separation from the AUV,and then deducted the motion equation of AUV in the vertical plane under the restriction between the load and carrier by using the theory of multi-body system and analyzing the effectiveness of the fluid dynamics and restriction.Meanwhile,it provided the function model when the load reaching the security distance in terms of 6 DOF equation.Based on the models built in this paper,some simulation tests were carried out.The effects caused by different velocities and separation angles were compared.The results of the tests and analyses proved model's rationality and validity,and provided reference for the application to some extent.
Analysis on the mental health status of middle school students in Puyang City

Objective To investigate the mental health status of middle school students in Puyang City, and to provide clues to the intervention of the psychological problems of middle school students. 1473 cases of middle school students in Puyang City were selected by stratified cluster sampling method. The questionnaire survey was conducted by using Wang Jisheng Chinese middle school student mental health scale(MMH-60). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS12.0. Results The incidence of psychological problems of middle school students was 45.1% in Puyang City. Among them, the mild was 38.60 % and moderate was 6.5 %. The incidences of psychological problems of male and female were 46.4 % and 43.6 %, respectively. The differences of incidences of psychological problems in Different learning periods and accommodation were significant(P0.05). Among 10 components form factors, the study pressure was the highest. Conclusion The mental health of the junior middle school students was better than the senior high school students. The mental health of non resident students was better than resident students. Study pressure was the most prominent psychological problems of middle school students.
Paths to Self-Employment among Immigrants: An Analysis of Four Interpretations

Using data collected in a sample of Cuban exiles in Puerto Rico, this article tests hypotheses derived from four explanations of immigrant entrepreneurship, each of which emphasizes one of the following: Business background, labor market disadvantages, sojourning, and participation in the ethnic subeconomy. In addition, the article proposes an extension of the explanations, to wit, that their predictions will vary according to the type of entrepreneurial activity under consideration. Data support three of the interpretations—business background, labor market disadvantages, and participation in the ethnic subeconomy—as well as the extension. However, they reject the sojourning explanation. The implications of these findings and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Resection of benign hepatic lesions with selective use of total vascular isolation.

BACKGROUND The main morbidity associated with hepatic resection is related to excessive blood loss. Total vascular isolation (TVI) may be used to minimize blood loss in difficult hepatic resection cases. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed our criteria for use of TVI and our experience in 43 patients who underwent hepatic resection for benign lesions between January 1990 and January 1995. Total vascular isolation was used in 23 patients; 20 resections were performed without TVI. RESULTS We found TVI particularly useful for resection of highly vascular lesions, and lesions located centrally or adjacent to major vessels. The use of TVI reduced blood loss in difficult hepatic resections; transfusion requirements for these patients were similar to requirements for the resection of peripheral lesions. Fewer complications directly related to hepatic resection were encountered in the TVI group. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate use of TVI will improve results after difficult hepatic resections and allow maximal sparing of normal hepatic tissue when operating on benign lesions.
Mesalamine induces manganese superoxide dismutase in rat intestinal epithelial cell lines and in vivo.

Mesalamine (5-ASA) is effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the mechanisms of action of 5-ASA remain unclear. IEC-6 and IRD-98, nontransformed rat small intestinal epi...
Human gut-on-a-chip technology: will this revolutionize our understanding of IBD and future treatments?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is the devastating chronic inflammation in human intestine, but the exact etiology is largely unknown [1]...
Quantifying Microvascular Density and Morphology in Diabetic Retinopathy Using Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

PURPOSE To quantify changes in retinal microvasculature in diabetic retinopathy (DR) by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD-OCTA). METHODS Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study of healthy and diabetic adult subjects with and without DR. Retinal microvascular changes were assessed by using SD-OCTA images and an intensity-based optical microangiography algorithm. A semiautomated program was used to calculate indices of microvascular density and morphology in nonsegmented and segmented SD-OCTA images. Microvascular density was quantified by using skeleton density (SD) and vessel density (VD), while vessel morphology was quantified as fractal dimension (FD) and vessel diameter index (VDI). Statistical analyses were performed by using the Student's t-test or analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey honest significant difference tests for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Eighty-four eyes with DR and 14 healthy eyes were studied. Spearman's rank test demonstrated a negative correlation between DR severity and SD, VD, and FD, and a positive correlation with VDI (ρ = -0.767, -0.7166, -0.768, and +0.5051, respectively; P < 0.0001). All parameters showed high reproducibility between graders (ICC = 0.971, 0.962, 0.937, and 0.994 for SD, VD, FD, and VDI, respectively). Repeatability (κ) was greater than 0.99 for SD, VD, FD, and VDI. CONCLUSIONS Vascular changes in DR can be objectively and reliably characterized with SD, VD, FD, and VDI. In general, decreasing capillary density (SD and VD), branching complexity (FD), and increasing average vascular caliber (VDI) were associated with worsening DR. Changes in capillary density and morphology were significantly correlated with diabetic macular edema.
Sequential Events during Capsaicin-Induced TRPV1 Activation

TRPV1 is a polymodal receptor for capsaicin, heat, and other noxious stimuli. Using an iterative approach combining computational docking and functional tests such as thermodynamic mutant cycle analysis, we recently identified two hydrogen bonds between the amide neck and vanillyl head of capsaicin and T551 (in S4) and E571 (in S4-S5 linker), respectively, of mouse TRPV1. Computational docking to various gating states and interpolated elastic network modeling (iENM) both suggested that the neck-T551 hydrogen bond forms first, followed by formation of the head-E571 hydrogen bond. To test this prediction and reveal the sequential events during capsaicin-induced TRPV1 activation, we carried out a rate-equilibrium linear free energy relationship (LFER) analysis. Residues of the capsaicin-activation machinery are perturbed with a series of point mutations. Single-channel recordings from these mutant channels yielded log-log plots of the opening rate constant versus the equilibrium constant. The slope of this plot, or the phi value, reflects the relative timing of movement by each residue during the closed-to-open transition, with a larger value indicating an earlier event. The phi analysis clearly revealed that the head-E571 hydrogen bond forms after the neck-T551 hydrogen bond. Applying this analysis to residues along the capsaicin-activation machinery will yield a temporal sequence of movements that may offer new insights into the structural mechanism underlying TRPV1 activation by capsaicin.
Chapter 11 – Eye Movement Control in Reading: An Overview and Model

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the eye movement control in reading and related models. Two general categories of models are studied: those that assign lexical processing or other ongoing comprehension processes a major role in influencing eye movements, versus those that maintain that eye movements are mainly controlled by oculomotor factors and are only indirectly related to ongoing language processing. The first category is referred to as processing model and the second as oculomotor model. The chapter briefly reviews primary empirical facts that exist about eye movement control in reading. Both the models are analyzed, and arguments are put forward about major limitations associated with each model in as much that they are qualitative, that they are verbal descriptions that lack sufficient power to be precisely tested. Empirical data collected over the years suggest that where readers look next (fixation location) and when they move to a new location (fixation duration) are relatively independent processes, but they are both online decisions. Forays have been made into the concepts of “preview benefit” and “gaze duration,”. The chapter concludes with an overview of the E-Z Reader model.
Developments in Modern Theatre and Modern Acting, 1875–1930

Chapter 5 examines the Modern acting principles that first emerged when American theatre practitioners developed acting programs in the 1880s. This development was a response to changing visions of modern theatre and the new centralized touring companies that diminished opportunities for young actors to learn their craft in local repertory. The chapter draws on James McTeague’s research on the numerous actor training programs established in the USA between 1875 and 1925. It reflects on the major contributions of the repertory companies led by Minnie Maddern Fiske and Eva Le Gallienne. It also illustrates the vision of acting introduced by Moscow Art Theatre members Richard Boleslavsky and Maria Ouspenskaya, whose work at the American Laboratory contributed to the articulation of Modern acting principles.
Bacteremia in Children 3 to 36 Months Old After Introduction of Conjugated Pneumococcal Vaccines.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In June 2010, Kaiser Permanente Northern California replaced all 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) vaccines with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Our objectives were to compare the incidence of bacteremia in children 3 to 36 months old by 3 time periods: pre-PCV7, post-PCV7/pre-PCV13, and post-PCV13. METHODS: We designed a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of all blood cultures collected on children 3 to 36 months old at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from September 1, 1998 to August 31, 2014 in outpatient clinics, in emergency departments, and in the first 24 hours of hospitalization. RESULTS: During the study period, 57 733 blood cultures were collected in the population of children 3 to 36 months old. Implementation of routine immunization with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine resulted in a 95.3% reduction of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia, decreasing from 74.5 to 10 to 3.5 per 100 000 children per year by the post-PCV13 period. As pneumococcal rates decreased, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Staphylococcus aureus caused 77% of bacteremia. Seventy-six percent of all bacteremia in the post-PCV13 period occurred with a source. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, routine immunizations have made bacteremia in the previously healthy toddler a rare event. As the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia has decreased, E coli, Salmonella spp, and S aureus have increased in relative importance. New guidelines are needed to approach the previously healthy febrile toddler in the outpatient setting.