cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hands-on science as a motivator for children with emotional/behavioral disabilities

Children’s behavioral difficulties impede their academic success (Morgan & Jenson, 1988), yet little research has been done on academic concerns of these students (Ruhl & Berlinghoff, 1992) and the pervasive “curriculum of control” overshadowing academics in their classrooms (Steinberg & Knitzer, 1992). This article describes the infusion of hands-on science into a classroom for children with emotional/behavioral disabilities. The abundance of age appropriate science materials in this classroom contrasts with more typical, unadorned rooms designed to minimize temptation. Carefully organized lessons engage students in what they perceive to be “real science,” thereby reducing reliance on structured behavioral management techniques.
Time-frequency analysis of the turbulent sounds caused by femoral artery stenosis in dogs using wavelet transform

In this study, turbulent sounds caused by a controlled occlusion in the femoral artery of dogs were analyzed using the wavelet transform method to characterize these sounds. Results suggested that sound between 250 and 1000 Hz is associated with turbulence caused by stenosis.
Interocular transfer in pigeons of color discrimination but not motor response training

Adult pigeons with one eye covered were trained to peck a response key using grain as a reinforcer. In subsequent tests, with the trained eye covered and the control eye open, the birds failed to peck the key. The subjects were then divided into two groups for a second experiment. The first group was trained on a single-key, peck/no-peck color discrimination task with the original control eye covered. When tested for interocular transfer of discrimination performance, these birds failed to respond at all. They were then trained to peck a blank response key with the training eye covered and the control eye open. Control-eye tests after this motor response training resulted in excellent transfer of color discrimination performance. The second group of subjects was trained to peck a blank key with first one eye covered and then the other, before monocular discrimination training was begun. These birds showed excellent transfer of discrimination performance during control-eye tests. These results show that, at least in the operant paradigm, motor response training does not transfer interocularly and this lack of transfer may interfere with transfer of discrimination performance.
Thermal properties of a polyimide fiber

A commercially available polyimide fiber was investigated as a possible precursor for the formation of carbon fibers. The thermal response of the fiber was thoroughly investigated using DSC, TMA and TG. These responses were dependent on the atmosphere and tension during scanning. The fiber was stabilized at high temperatures both in inert and oxidative environments and the effect of these stabilization treatments on the structure and properties of the fiber was carefully followed. During heating, the fiber showed shrinkage tendency at small tensions, but at higher tensions the fibers could be stretched. Among the two environments investigated, air was more effective than nitrogen in getting a more stable fiber.
Ultratrace LC/MS Proteomic Analysis Using 10-μm-i.d. Porous Layer Open Tubular Poly(styrene−divinylbenzene) Capillary Columns

In this paper, the preparation and performance of long, high-efficiency poly(styrene−divinylbenzene) (PS−DVB), 10-μm-i.d. porous layer open tubular (PLOT) capillary columns are described. PLOT capillaries (∼3% RSD column-to-column retention time), with relatively high permeability, were prepared by in-situ polymerization. Relatively high loading capacities, ∼100 fmol for angiotensin I and ∼50 fmol for insulin, were obtained with a 4.2 m × 10-μm-i.d. PLOT column. Low detection levels (attomole to sub-attomole) were achieved when the column was coupled on-line with a linear ion trap MS (LTQ). Analysis of human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a large transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor with heterogeneous phosphorylation and glycosylation structures, was obtained at the 25 fmol level. The PLOT column yielded a peak capacity of ∼400 for the separation of a complex tryptic digest mixture when the sample preparation included a 50-μm-i.d. PS−DVB monolithic precolumn and ESI-MS detection. As an example...
Lending a hand to signed language acquisition: Enactment and iconicity enhance sign recall in hearing adult American Sign Language learners

For hearing adults, signed language processing increases the salience of iconicity and motor system involvement relative to spoken language processing. Nevertheless, it is unclear how embodied action, mental imagery and iconicity influence their acquisition of signed language. The current study examines the impact of these factors on sign acquisition by manipulating how signs are learned, as well as their semantic and phonological relatedness. The results of Experiment 1 demonstrated that American Sign Language (ASL) signs are learned more effectively via enactment than via referent visualisation and meaningless hand motion, and that iconic signs are learned more effectively than other types of signs. The results of Experiment 2 demonstrate that, when learned via enactment, semantically related ASL signs are recalled more accurately than phonologically related ASL signs. These results indicate that hearing adults' sign language acquisition can be enhanced via a learning method that combines mental imagery...
Analysis of the Cold-Working Process on Holes Containing Preexisting Cracks

Cold working of fastener holes on aircraft has been proven to be an effective method to extend the fatigue service life. This process is being applied to aging aircraft that may have existing cracks at the time of cold working. The effectiveness of the cold working in the presence of several sizes of corner cracks is analytically assessed. A three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed to calculate the stresses at the crack tips with and without remotely applied load. It is found that cold working is effective to a varying degree for cracks as deep as 0.6 of the thickness.
A native iPhone packbot OCU

This video abstract discusses the details of the implementation of a Packbot operator control unit (OCU) using Apple's official iPhone SDK.
Regulation of protein synthesis during heat shock

When the cells or tissues of most eukaryotes are exposed to elevated temperatures, they respond with the vigorous induction of a small number of ‘heat shock’ proteins (hsps). I report here investigations on the responses of two very different organisms, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although both organisms achieve a very rapid shift in protein synthesis, they do so in very different ways. In Drosophila, heat shock induces a mechanism of translational control which both promotes the translation of hs mRNAs and specifically represses the translation of pre-existing mRNAs. Yeast cells, in contrast, do not possess a special mechanism to sequester pre-existing messages from translation. Instead, most of these messages simply disappear rapidly from the cell, while those that are retained continue to be translated.
Au/Cr/IZO thin film electrode for application of thermal controllable waveguide devices

A Au/Cr/IZO composite thin film for application of thermal electrode of the waveguide devices is proposed. It can be fabricated easily on the glass-based waveguide devices by sputtering deposition process. The hardness and impedance properties, as well as its adhesion with the glass substrate are investigated in this study.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Strategies for Minimizing Liability and Enhancing Patient Safety

ObjectiveTo characterize malpractice litigation regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and educate physicians on frequently cited factors.Study Design and SettingAnalysis of the Westlaw legal databaseMethodsJury verdict and settlement reports were examined for outcome, awards, patient demographic factors, defendant specialty, and alleged causes of malpracticeResultsOut of 54 identified cases, 33 (61.1%) cases were resolved in favor of defendants, 12 (22.2%) via settlement, and 9 (16.7%) through jury award. Median settlement and jury awards did not significantly differ ($750,000 vs $550,000, P > .50). Age and gender did not affect outcome. Otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists were the most frequently named defendants. Forty-seven cases (87.1%) stemmed from OSA patients who underwent procedures with resultant perioperative adverse events. Common alleged factors included death (48.1%), permanent deficits (42.6%), intraoperative complications (35.2%), requiring additional surgery (25.9%), anoxic brain inj...
Deblurring of motion-blurred photographs using extended-range holographic Fourier-transform division.

Motion-distorted photograph deblurring method using extended range holographic Fourier transform division
Survival, growth, health, and reproduction following nursery rearing compared with mother rearing in pigtailed monkeys (Macaca nemestrina)

Nursery-reared primates do not experience psychological "maternal bonding" or immunological benefits of breast milk, so they are expected to be inferior to mother-raised monkeys in growth, health, survival, reproduction, and maternal abilities. Studies of nursery-reared monkeys support aspects of this prediction for infants deprived of social contact or raised in pairs. We present colony record data on 1,187 mother and 506 nursery-raised monkeys, 2-10 yr of age, living in mixed groups. We found no group differences in survival, growth, clinical treatments for disease or bite wounds, or pregnancy outcome and neonatal deaths. Nursery males given breeding opportunities produced an average of 24 offspring. In addition to 24-hr personnel present on every day of the year, we believe that three of our procedures account for differences between our results and other reports. Our infants received 1) intensive human handling, 2) daily social interaction in a playroom, and 3) success and failure experience during learning and cognitive testing. We do not advocate rearing primates without mothers, but we conclude that these procedures are sufficient for producing physical health and adaptive juvenile and adult social skills in nursery-raised monkeys.
Bone response to 3D periodic hydroxyapatite scaffolds with and without tailored microporosity to deliver bone morphogenetic protein 2.

The in vivo bone response of 3D periodic hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds is investigated. Two groups of HA scaffolds (11 mm diameter x 3.5 mm thick) are fabricated by direct-write assembly of a concentrated HA ink. The scaffolds consist of cylindrical rods periodically arranged into four quadrants with varying separation distances between rods. In the first group, HA rods (250 {micro}m in diameter) are patterned to create pore channels, whose areal dimensions are 250 x 250 {micro}m{sup 2} in quadrant 1, 250 x 500 {micro}m{sup 2} in quadrants 2 and 4, and 500 x 500 {micro}m{sup 2} in quadrant 3. In the second group, HA rods (400 {micro}m in diameter) are patterned to create pore channels, whose areal dimensions of 500 x 500 {micro}m{sup 2} in quadrant 1, 500 x 750 {micro}m{sup 2} in quadrants 2 and 4, and 750 x 750 {micro}m{sup 2} in quadrant 3. Each group of scaffolds is partially densified by sintering at 1200 C prior to being implanted bilaterally in trephine defects of skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits. Their tissue response is evaluated at 8 and 16 weeks using micro-computed tomography, histology, and scanning electron microscopy. New trabecular bone is conducted rapidly and efficiently acrossmore » substantial distances within these patterned 3D HA scaffolds. Our observations suggest that HA rods are first coated with a layer of new bone followed by subsequent scaffold infilling via outward and inward radial growth of the coated regions. Direct-write assembly of 3D periodic scaffolds composed of micro-porous HA rods arrayed to produce macro-pores that are size-matched to trabecular bone may represent an optimal strategy for bone repair and replacement structures.« less
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow and Anxiety: A Correlation Study in Neurologically Normal Patients:

Regional CBF (rCBF) was evaluated by the 133Xe inhalation method in 60 neurologically normal patients (30 men and 30 women) and hemispheric and regional values were correlated with anxiety measurements collected by a self-rating questionnaire before and after the examination. Statistically significant negative correlations between rCBF and anxiety measures were found. rCBF reduction for high anxiety levels is in line with results previously reported by others and could be related to lower performance levels for moderately high anxiety scores as those reported in the present population. This could perhaps be explained by rearrangement of flow from cortical zones to deeper areas of the brain, classically known to be implicated in the control of emotions. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously, since they were obtained in patients and not in normal subjects.
Test results for round-hole-pattern damper seals - Optimum configurations and dimensions for maximum net damping

Test results are presented for nine annular seals which use a roughened stator and smooth rotor to yield an increase in net damping as compared to conventional smooth-rotor/smooth-stator annular seals. Round-hole roughness patterns are used to achieve the desired stator roughness. The results presented demonstrate that the maximum net damping is achieved by (a) a hole pattern which takes up about 34 percent of the surface area, and (b) hole depths which are about three times the radial clearances. When compared to a smooth seal, the optimum configuration increases net damping by 37 percent, while reducing leakage by 46 percent and direct stiffness by 23 percent. Comparisons of experiment to theory are generally satisfactory for hole-patterns near the optimum area ratio of 34 percent. However, the theory is unsatisfactory for seals which have a substantially higher percentage of the surface area taken up by holes.
Dynamical quantum effects in Kaluza-Klein theories☆

Abstract A general method is presented for calculating the effective action of a quantum field propagating in a time-dependent Kaluza-Klein background geometry. This method is valid when both the curvature of four-dimensional space and the logarithmic rate of change of the size of the “internal” space are much less than the curvature of the internal space. The effective action is calculated explicitly to one-loop order for a spinless Bose field in a Kaluza-Klein model for which the internal space is chosen to be the N -dimensional sphere S N for odd values of N . It is found that the quantum effects can be crucial in determining the sign of the kinetic term for the radius of the sphere.
Aroma characterization of tangerine hybrids by gas-chromatography–olfactometry and sensory evaluation

BACKGROUND: Tangerines have a distinct flavor among citrus fruit. However, information on tangerine volatiles remains limited. Volatile compounds from a breeding population of tangerines were earlier identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. In this study, five hybrids with a distinct volatile profile were analyzed by gas-chromatography–olfactometry (GC-O) and descriptive sensory analysis. RESULTS: Forty-nine aroma active compounds were found in a consensus by GC-O. Aldehydes were the most important group with odor activity, as well as monoterpenes, esters, alcohols and ketones. 1,8-Cineole, β-myrcene, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, hexanal, ethyl-2-methylbutanoate, and linalool were perceived with high intensity in most samples. Two ‘Clementine’ × ‘Minneola’ and one ‘Fortune’ × ‘Murcott’ hybrids with tangerine, sulfury and woody/spicy flavors had aroma active compounds with terpeney, fatty/vegetable and metallic/rubber descriptors. A tangerine with ‘Valencia’ orange in its parentage had a characteristic orange flavor, which could be explained by esters and ketones, high in fruity and floral odor intensities. A hybrid of unknown origin had a distinct fruity–non-citrus and pumpkin/fatty flavor; that sample had the lowest amount of aroma-active volatiles, with the least compounds with terpeney odors. CONCLUSION: There was no one compound characteristic of tangerine flavor. Nevertheless, each sample sensory characteristic could be explained by a set of aroma-active volatile compounds. Published 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stock‐Split Post‐Announcement Returns: Underreaction or Market Friction?

We explore the relationship between stock splits and subsequent long-term returns during the period from 1950 to 2000. We find that, contrary to much previous research, firms do not exhibit positive long-term post-split returns. Instead, we find that significant positive returns after the announcement date do not persist after the actual date of the stock split. We also observe that abnormal returns are correlated with the price-delay or market friction. We conclude that the stock-split post-announcement “drift” is only of short duration, and it is attributable to trading frictions rather than behavioral biases.
THE ANTIBODY RESPONSE OF RABBITS TO INJECTIONS OF EMULSIONS AND EXTRACTS OF HOMOLOGOUS BRAIN

Rabbits injected with fresh emulsions of homologous brain developed few or no antibodies capable of fixing complement in the presence of aqueous emulsions or alcoholic extracts of rabbit brain. Complement-fixing antibodies, however, were produced in rabbits by means of injections (1) of sterile emulsions of homologous brain which had been allowed to stand at room temperature for 5 to 30 days and (2) of emulsions of homologous brain experimentally infected with vaccine virus. The antisera that were produced following injections of emulsions of autolyzed homologous brain were shown by absorption tests to contain both specific and non-specific antibodies. The specific brain antigen was found to be approximately six times as abundant in the white matter as in the grey. It was almost absent from the brain of fetal and newly born rabbits, but increased in amount with the age of the animal to reach a maximum concentration at maturity. The specific antigen seemed to parallel the myelin content of brain tissue.
Modeling reactors with AGENT: Verification, validation, efficiency analysis and 3D-Visuals on iPod

The existing various reactor physics computational tools are capable of performing analysis of current (research and power) reactors to a certain level of details with many of them introducing simplifications and assumptions dependent on neutron transport method introduced and methodology for describing reactor geometries. Such approaches for over forty years produced accurate analysis for currently operating light water reactors. But there is a GenIV group of reactor designs that is yet to be analyzed and possibly some of them built. All disciplines aggressively are taking the advantage of fast computer development pertaining to computer hardware performances, in advancing and probing new directions in developments with the aim of capturing details of physics phenomena and processes in various complex systems. Among such computational and numerical attempts, based on advanced numerical and analytical methodologies which enable us to overcome simplifications and assumptions, it is found currently that the most advanced and accurate deterministic method simulating the neutron transport, is the method of characteristics that can capture easily details of the 2D/3D neutron transport. In addition, this method allows also an easy modeling of higher order of neutron anisotropic transport in complex geometries. Because the methodology does not ask for any simplifications in geometry, the visuals of neutron transport and reactor physics parameters is easy to achieve given enough computer memory and speed to process sometimes TB size data. This paper presents the state-of-the-art AGENT methodology [1, 2, 3] in validating and verifying efficiency of neutron transport in general-geometry nuclear reactor assemblies taking into account the effects of anisotropic scattering. Additionally we present a new approach in accelerating the neutron transport modeling using the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) chip. The overview of the validated and verified capabilities of AGENT inclusive of FPGA design description is presented using a heterogeneous small assembly configuration derived from well known C5G7 benchmark [4]. And, the complex, data extensive, plots of 3D spatial flux, reaction rates or power distributions can be available on your iPod/iPhone. Various possibilities of high quality graphics representing direct display of reactor simulations on iPods will be demonstrated at the conference. AGENT is an integral part of our on-line experiential undergraduate and graduate educational modules; these modules are part of our courses pertaining to reactor physics and computational reactors' simulations.
Genome editing of human pluripotent stem cells to generate human cellular disease models

Disease modeling with human pluripotent stem cells has come into the public spotlight with the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2012 to Drs John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent. This discovery has opened the door for the generation of pluripotent stem cells from individuals with disease and the differentiation of these cells into somatic cell types for the study of disease pathophysiology. The emergence of genome-editing technology over the past few years has made it feasible to generate and investigate human cellular disease models with even greater speed and efficiency. Here, recent technological advances in genome editing, and its utility in human biology and disease studies, are reviewed.
A Limited Sensing Random Access Algorithm With Binary Success-failure Feedback

We consider the problem of Random Access Communication over a time slotted channel, with binary Success/Failure feedback. The feedback informs the users only whether or not there was a success (single transmission) in the previous slot. For the above problem we propose and analyze a limited feedback sensing algorithrn (each user is required to observe the channel feedback, from the time he generates a packet to the time that this packet is successfully transmitted). The limit Poisson user model is adopted. The algorithm achieves a throughput of 0.322 and it induces low delays for relatively low input rates.
When Lady Luck cheats on you

Some people are always better-off than others on desirable characteristics such as attractiveness, wealth, or intelligence. Moreover, such differences can often only be explained by arbitrary factors such as luck. Under these circumstances, how do we judge those favored by luck, particularly when we’re not? Do we hold them responsible for their fortune; do we become suspicious of them? I hypothesized that people negatively judge others who benefit from luck, especially when experiencing relative disadvantage. Specifically, others advantaged by luck should be liked less and perceived as less warm by those who did not have the same fortune. Furthermore, this effect on social judgments should hold particularly for individuals who believe in the deterministic power of luck or in luck as a personal characteristic. Prior research offers conflicting predictions about the role of luck in social judgments and ignores the impact of individuals’ beliefs in luck. In response, the present research attempted to offer clear and novel insights about the role that perceived luck plays in social judgment. Hypotheses were comprehensively addressed through three studies utilizing both correlational (Study 1) and experimental methods (Studies 2 and 3). Moreover, Study 3 examined whether the hypothesized effect on judgments of warmth reduces inter-personal trust in actual behavior. In general, the results reveal that perceived relative disadvantage predicts less positive social judgments of lucky others and that perceived luck can undermined social judgments of others.
Evaluation of Interobserver Agreement of Apgar Scoring in Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Apgar scoring is accepted by medical professionals both as a measure of the infant’s clinical status and the infant’s response to resuscitation. Recent studies, however, have suggested significant variability when used for scoring preterm infants. We hypothesized that agreement in Apgar scoring would improve with increasing gestational age and at low levels of respiratory support. We also hypothesized that grimace and muscle tone would demonstrate the least agreement. METHODS: Neonatologists from the Perinatal Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics were presented with 4 film clip cases via a secure online survey: (1) full-term infant in room air; (2) 28 weeks’ gestation infant with continuous positive airway pressure; (3) 28 weeks’ gestation infant intubated; and (4) 24 weeks’ gestation infant intubated. Participants were shown 30-second clips at 1, 5, and 10 minutes of life and were asked to provide Apgar scores. κ coefficients were used to compare agreement for each component. RESULTS: A total of 335 neonatologists participated in the survey. κ coefficients in the full-term infant for respiratory effort (0.94, 0.91), grimace (0.91, 0.90), and muscle tone (0.91, 0.89) demonstrated almost perfect agreement at 1 and 5 minutes. For preterm infants, respiratory effort (range: 0.07–0.40), muscle tone (range: 0.10–0.75), and grimace (range: 0.11–0.71) all demonstrated disagreement at 1, 5, and 10 minutes of life unless the infants were apneic and limp. CONCLUSIONS: An improved delivery room score that decreases variability among medical care professionals is needed to accurately reflect the clinical status of preterm infants.
Ban Tu Wan hepatotoxicity

Medications are thought to contribute to approximately 50% of the cases of acute liver failure in the USA. This number includes some herbal medications and supplements. However, little regulatory oversight of these later substances occurs. This report describes a case of fulminant hepatic failure secondary to Ban Tu Wan (a Chinese herb). We discuss the use of this herbal supplement and the relationship to drug-induced hepatitis.
Skull variability of Talpa romana stankovici from Macedonia

The skull of 46 Talpa romana stankovici V. et E. Martino, 1931 from Macedonia were examined. Considerable differences were found between the sexes. Males are larger in all cranial dimensions with the exception of interorbital constriction, and have higher values of the coefficients of variation. The size of T. romana stankovici does not depend on the altitude. Differences between three populations groups were found in four or five analysed cranial measurements. Differences between the geographic populations are more important than those between zones of altitude.
The Safety of Intravenous Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Pre-Existing Cerebral Aneurysms A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Background and Purpose—Unruptured cerebral aneurysms are currently considered a contraindication to intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke. This is due to a theoretical increase in the risk of hemorrhage from aneurysm rupture, although it is unknown whether this risk is a significant one. We sought to determine the safety of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator administration in a cohort of patients with pre-existing aneurysms. Methods—We reviewed the medical records of patients treated for acute ischemic stroke with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator during an 11-year period at 2 academic medical centers. We identified a subset of patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms present on prethrombolysis vascular imaging. Our outcomes of interest were any intracranial hemorrhage, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Fisher exact test was used to compare the rates of hemorrhage among patients with and without aneurysms. Results—...
Compensatory Testicular Adjustments Following the Injection of Small Quantities of Androgen into Unilaterally Castrated White Leghorn Cockerels

ABSTRACT THE growth and endocrine functions of the post-embryonic gonad in higher vertebrates are largely controlled by gonadotrophic hormones secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The relationship between the anterior pituitary and the gonads, however, is a complex one. Complete gonadectomy results in an enhancement of gonadotrophin production whereas gonadal steroid hormones when present in sufficient quantities may completely inhibit the secretion of gonadotrophins. These effects of variations in the level of circulating gonadal hormones have been known for many years (Moore, 1939), and Burrows (1949) has given an excellent review of the literature on the subject. The effects of intermediate levels of gonadal hormones on the pituitary-gonad axis, however, have not been extensively investigated. In addition, the data acquired from experiments with sub-total gonadectomy are not conclusive. It is the purpose of this paper to report some experiments on unilateral castration in the chick with the hope . . .
Artificial intelligence in psychiatry: issues and questions

Several recent research prototypes and applications are discussed with the goal of identifying key issues and open questions for further research and discussion. Special opportunities and challenges presented by the psychiatric domain are identified, and an attempt is made to relate artificial intelligence issues in the psychiatric domain with current trends in other domains. The author maintains that one of the most promising application areas is clinical monitoring, which, instead of giving advice, provides the clinician with information alerts calling attention to clinical situations that require the physician's attention. Another promising area identified is quality assurance monitoring, which represents an institutional or peer group activity to ensure that patients receive the best care possible. >
A Novel Fluid Structure Interaction-EHD Model and Optimization Procedure for an Asymmetrical Axially Balanced External Gear Machine

This article presents a novel fluid structure interaction (FSI) model for lateral lubricating interfaces in an asymmetrically balanced external gear pump. Due to the asymmetry in the geometry of the floating lateral bushes responsible for sealing the displacement chambers in such machines, the lubricating interfaces on either side of the gears have been modeled as distinct but coupled lubricating films. An elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubrication regime was modeled in all simulations and film thickness predictions for both lubricating interfaces have been achieved. The novel FSI model for the asymmetric lateral gaps is then used in an automatic optimization procedure to design the optimal axial balance in the reference external gear machine (EGM). The optimal axial balance is achieved by determining the optimal balance area on the lateral bush by considering specific design variables associated with it. The procedure aims to find the best feasible design solution that minimizes the total power losses in the l...
Atrial natriuretic peptide attenuates agonist-induced pulmonary edema in mice with targeted disruption of the gene for natriuretic peptide receptor-A

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) inhibits agonist-induced pulmonary edema formation, but the signaling pathway responsible is not well defined. To investigate the role of the particulate guanylate cyclase-linked receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A), we measured acute lung injury responses in intact mice and pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC) with normal and disrupted expression of NPR-A. NPR-A wild-type (NPR-A+/+), heterozygous (NPR-A+/−), and knockout (NPR-A−/−) mice were anesthetized and treated with thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Lung injury was assessed by lung wet-to-dry (W/D) weight and by protein and cell concentration of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. No difference in pulmonary edema formation was seen between NPR-A genotypes under baseline conditions. TRAP and LPS increased lung W/D weight and BAL fluid cell counts more in NPR-A−/− mice than in NPR-A+/− or NPR-A+/+ mice, but no genotype-related differences were seen in TRAP-induced increases in bloodless lung W/D weight or LPS-induced increases in BAL protein concentration. Pretreatment with ANP infusion completely blocked TRAP-induced increases in lung W/D weight and blunted LPS-induced increases in BAL cell counts and protein concentration in both NPR-A−/− and NPR-A+/+ mice. Thrombin decreased transmembrane electrical resistance in monolayers of PMVECs in vitro, and this effect was attenuated by ANP in PMVECs isolated from both genotypes. Administration of the NPR-C-specific ligand, cANF, also blocked TRAP-induced increases in lung W/D weight and LPS-induced increases in BAL cell count and protein concentration in NPR-A+/+ and NPR-A−/− mice. We conclude that ANP is capable of attenuating agonist-induced lung edema in the absence of NPR-A. The protective effect of ANP on agonist-induced lung injury and pulmonary barrier function may be mediated by NPR-C.
Neuropeptide Regulation of Immunity: The Immunosuppressive Activity of Alpha‐Melanocyte‐Stimulating Hormone (α‐MSH)

The ocular microenvironment is an extreme example of regional immunity. Within its microenvironment, expression of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) is suppressed. This immunosuppression is mediated in part by the constitutive expression of alpha-MSH. Previously we have found that alpha-MSH suppresses the production of IFN-gamma by activated effector T cells. Recently we have found that alpha-MSH can mediate induction of TGF-beta-producing T cells that act as regulatory T cells. This has encouraged us to further examine the potential for alpha-MSH to suppress T cell-mediated inflammation (autoimmune disease) and to regulate lymphokine production by effector T cells. When alpha-MSH was injected i.v. into mice at the time of peak retinal inflammation, the severity of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) was significantly suppressed. Effector T cells activated in vitro in the presence of alpha-MSH proliferated and produced IL-4 and enhanced levels of TGF-beta while their IFN-gamma and IL-10 production was suppressed. The alpha-MSH-treated T cells functioned as regulatory T cells by suppressing in vitro IFN-gamma production by other inflammatory T cells. This regulatory activity was the function of alpha-MSH-treated CD4+ CD25+ T cells. Therefore, alpha-MSH mediates immunosuppression by inducing a differential expression of lymphokine production and by inducing activation of regulatory functions in T cells. This implies that alpha-MSH may take part in regional mechanisms of immunosuppression and possibly peripheral tolerance. Thus, alpha-MSH can be used to suppress autoimmune disease and possibly reestablish tolerance to autoantigens.
Integrin expression is altered after acute and chronic cocaine.

Cocaine addiction is associated with an increase in actin cycling and alterations in dendritic spines in the nucleus accumbens. Both actin polymerization and spine morphology are regulated in part by beta- (β) integrins. Mice were administered acute or daily injections of cocaine or saline for 7 days. After 3 weeks of withdrawal, the level of β-integrins in the postsynaptic density enriched subfraction from nucleus accumbens tissue was quantified by immunoblotting at 0, 30 or 120 minutes following an a cocaine challenge injection. After chronic treatment and withdrawal the basal level of β1-integrin was increased while β3-integrin was unaltered. However, following a cocaine challenge in chronic cocaine, but not saline-treated animals, β3-integrin was transiently up-regulated while β1-integrin was transiently downregulated. These data demonstrate a bidirectional regulation of β–integrins by chronic cocaine treatment that may contribute to cocaine-induced changes in actin cycling and dendrite morphology.
Sulfate reducing bacteria as secondary and necessary pathogens in black band disease of corals

Black band disease (BBD) is a complex, polymicrobial disease that consists of cyanobacteria, sulfide-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), and heterotrophic bacteria. The cyanobacterium Roseofilum reptotaenium has been implicated as the primary pathogen of BBD, but other consortium members may be secondary pathogens that are necessary to the development of the disease. It is known that populations of the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio are present in BBD and that these populations generate sulfide within the band as a byproduct of dissimilatory sulfate reduction. It is also known that exposure of healthy corals to sulfide leads to cell lysis and coral tissue death. Previous work showed that when freshly collected BBD, which easily infects healthy corals, is exposed to sodium molybdate, a specific inhibitor of sulfate reduction, infection does not occur. In this study we examined the effect of sodium molybdate on infection of corals by a unialgal culture of R. reptotaenium. Coral fragments of Montastraea cavernosa and Siderastrea siderea were transferred into two experimental aquaria, one a control with only artificial seawater (ASW) and the second containing ASW and 2mM sodium molybdate. Small mats of cultured R. reptotaenium were inoculated onto the surface of experimental coral fragments. Both M. cavernosa (n = 6) and S. siderea (n=4) became infected and developed BBD-like infections in the control tank, while there were temporary attachments to, but no successful infection of M. cavernosa (n=3) or S. siderea (n=2) in the experimental tank containing sodium molybdate. The results of this study reveal that a secondary pathogen is essential to the infection process and development of BBD in scleractinian corals. Specifically, SRB such as Desulfovibrio are required for the development of BBD on the coral host. This is the first step in understanding the roles of secondary pathogens in a complex, polymicrobial coral disease. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 3): 1-9. Epub 2014 September 01.
Control and effect of dissolved air in water during flow boiling in microchannels

Abstract An experimental investigation is performed to study the control of dissolved gases and their effect on heat transfer and pressure drop during the flow of water in a microchannel. An apparatus is developed to deliver water with different levels of dissolved air for use in heat transfer experiments. Six parallel microchannels, each having a hydraulic diameter of 207 μm, are fabricated in copper. During the flow boiling studies with water in these microchannels, nucleation was observed at a surface temperature of 90.5 °C for the dissolved oxygen content of 8.0 parts per million (ppm) at a pressure of 1 atm with untreated de-ionized water. For the dissolved oxygen contents of 5.4 and 1.8 ppm, nucleation is not observed until the surface temperature reached 100 °C at a pressure of 1 atm. A slight reduction in heat transfer is noted as the bubbles begin to nucleate in the 8.0 ppm case due to the formation of an insulating bubble layer on the heater surface. Previous investigators for flow boiling in large diameter channels did not observe such behavior. Further downstream, the heat transfer is observed to increase due to bubble activity. This result is in agreement with previous studies.
Role of a Cytotoxic-T-Lymphocyte Epitope-Defined, Alternative gag Open Reading Frame in the Pathogenesis of a Murine Retrovirus-Induced Immunodeficiency Syndrome

LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus-infected C57BL/6 mice develop profound immunodeficiency and B-cell lymphomas. The LP-BM5 complex contains a mixture of defective (BM5def) and replication-competent helper viruses among which BM5def is the primary causative agent of disease. The BM5def primary open reading frame (ORF1) encodes the single gag precursor protein (Pr60gag). Our lab has recently demonstrated that a novel immunodominant cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope (SYNTGRFPPL) is expressed from a +1-nucleotide translational open reading frame of BM5def during the course of normal retrovirus expression. The SYNTGRFPPL CTL epitope may be generated from either of two initiation methionines present, ORF2a or ORF2b, located downstream of the ORF1 initiation site. This study investigates the role(s) of the alternative ORF2-derived gag protein(s) of BM5def in viral pathogenesis. We have examined the disease-inducing capabilities of mutant viruses in which the translational potential of either the initiating ORF2a or ORF2b AUG has been disrupted. Although these mutated viruses are capable of wild-type ORF1 expression, they are unable to induce disease. Our data strongly suggest the existence of a novel ORF2 product(s) that is required for LP-BM5-induced pathogenesis and have potentially broad implications for other retroviral diseases.
Influence of Changing Hydrology on Pedogenic Calcite Precipitation in Vertisols, Dance Bayou, Brazoria County, Texas, U.S.A.: Implications for Estimating Paleoatmospheric PCO2

The δ 13 C values of pedogenic (soil-formed) calcite preserved in the sedimentary record have been used to estimate atmospheric pCO 2 using the paleosol calcite paleobarometer. A fundamental assumption for applying this paleobarometer is that atmospheric CO 2 concentrations have a direct influence on the measured pedogenic calcite δ 13 C values as a result of open-system exchange between atmospheric and soil-respired CO 2 . Here we address the timing of calcite precipitation in relation to the soil saturation state and soil-atmosphere connectivity in a modern Vertisol (smectitic, clay-rich soil, seasonally saturated) in Brazoria County, Texas, U.S.A. Luminescent phases of calcite growth, under cathodoluminescence microscopy, have more negative δ 13 C values (δ 13 C = −11.1‰ VPDB ± 0.78 1σ) than the non-luminescent phases (δ 13 C = −2.53‰ VPDB ± 1.41 1σ). The luminescent phase of calcite formed during the water-saturated portion of the year, thereby minimizing the incorporation of atmospheric CO 2 , and negating its use for pCO 2 estimations. The non-luminescent phase formed during the well-drained portion of the year when atmospheric CO 2 mixed with soil-respired CO 2 and is therefore useful for pCO 2 estimation. From these results we present a model to independently test the saturation state of a paleosol at the time of pedogenic carbonate precipitation. Finally, we calculate soil-respired CO 2 concentrations that are an order of magnitude lower than those that are typically assumed in the soil-carbonate paleobarometer equation.
The Structure, Stability, and Social Antecedents of Reported Paranormal Experiences*

Using national sample data from the General Social Surveys, this study assesses cultural source theories of reported paranormal experiences. The reported paranormal experiences of extrasensory perception, clairvoyance, contact with the dead, and mysticism, but not daja vu, are found to have an invariant and stable factor structure across the 1984, 1988, and 1989 General Social Survey data. Deja vu is more frequent among younger and more highly educated respondents, but it is unaffected by sex, race, income, marital status, and religious preference differences. Other reported paranormal experiences are higher among women but are unaffected by age, race, education, income, marital status, and religious preference differences. The effects of age and education on d~ja vu and the effect of sex on other reported paranormal experiences are consistent across 1984, 1988, and 1989 General Social Survey data. The findings of this study suggest that cultural source theories and deprivation theory have little empirical support in explaining reported paranormal experiences.
Analytical Methods for Detonation Residues of Insensitive Munitions

Analytical methods are described for the analysis of post-detonation residues from insensitive munitions. Standard methods were verified or modified to obtain the mass of residues deposited per round. In addition, a rapid chromatographic separation was developed and used to measure the mass of NTO (3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one), NQ (nitroguanidine) and DNAN (2,4-dinitroanisole). The HILIC (hydrophilic-interaction chromatography) separation described here uses a trifunctionally-bonded amide phase to retain the polar analytes. The eluent is 75/25 v/v acetonitrile/water acidified with acetic acid, which is also suitable for LC/MS applications. Analytical runtime was three minutes. Solid phase extraction and LC/MS conditions are also described.
Whitehead's (Badly) Emended Principia

There are many wonderful puzzles concerning Principia Mathematica, but none are more striking than those arising from the crisis that befell Whitehead in November of 1910. Volume 1 appeared in December of 1910. Volume 2 on cardinal numbers and Russell's relation arithmetic might have appeared in 1911 but for Whitehead's having halted the printing. He discovered that inferences involving the typically ambiguous notation ‘Nc‘α’ for the cardinal number of α (i.e. the class of all classes similar with α) might generate fallacies. When the volume appeared in 1912, it was extensively emended by Whitehead and accompanied by a Prefatory Statement of Symbolic Conventions. This paper endeavors to recover from Whitehead's bad emendations—including his bewildering thesis that since ‘‘α’ is ‘true whenever significant,’ ‘α is to be accepted. It is supposedly a fallacy to apply Modus Ponens and infer Nc‘α from ‘α and‘‘α.
Inattentive and Socially Desirable Responding: Addressing Subtle Threats to Validity in Quantitative Counseling Research

Researchers consistently have demonstrated the distorting effects that inattentive (responding without regard for survey content) and socially desirable (presenting one’s self in an overly positive way) responding can have on quantitative data. These threats to validity usually go undetected in counseling research, which is concerning given that counseling research often considers implications for practice and that research-based practice is in demand. In this article, the authors review practical approaches for detecting and addressing inattentive and socially desirable response tendencies in counseling research, thereby optimizing the validity of conclusions inferred from data.
Sarcomere length and joint kinematics during torque production in frog hindlimb

The relationship between semitendinosus muscle force and knee joint kinematics during isometric torque production was examined in the frog (Rana pipiens) hindlimb. Passive muscle sarcomere length was monitored by laser diffraction during knee rotation, and joint center of rotation was determined later using principles of rigid body kinematics. Contractile force at the distal tibia, resulting from semitendinosus contraction, was also measured, and, using the kinematic data, a torque vs. joint angle curve constructed. Muscle sarcomere length varied from 3.6 micron at full knee extension to 2.0 micron at full knee flexion. Effective lever arm varied almost as a sine function, with optimal lever arm at 90 degrees of flexion. Joint torque increased linearly from 0 to 140 degrees of flexion and then sharply decreased to 160 degrees of flexion. Thus the optimal joint angle occurred at an angle (140 degrees) that was neither the angle at which muscle force was maximum (160 degrees) nor the angle at which the effective lever arm was maximum (90 degrees). These data indicate that knee torque production in the frog results from the interaction between muscular and joint properties and not either property alone.