cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of dopaminergic mechanisms on 24-hour secretory patterns of prolactin, luteinizing hormone and testosterone in recumbent men

This study examines the influence of bromocriptine (2.5 mg tid x 4 days) on recumbent 24 hour prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone concentrations in 4 males ages 42 to 64 years. Before bromocriptine a clear circadian rhythm of PRL was present. An increase in PRL occurred between 60 to 90 min after sleep onset and this was followed by several larger secretory pulses resulting in progressively higher levels during the night with peak values occurring near the later stages of sleep. During the hour after awakening a fall in PRL began and lowest levels were reached at 11:00 h. Bromocriptine markedly lowered 24-h PRL levels and eliminated the PRL circadian rhythm. LH varied episodically throughout the 24 h, without displaying a circadian rhythm. Following bromocriptine treatment LH was still secreted in an episodic fashion but the amplitude of the LH pulses was decreased. Bromocriptine decreased (p < 0.05) the mean 24 h LH from 12.4 ± 0.7 mlU/ml to 10.5 ± 0.7 mlU/ml. Unlike previous observations in younger men our subjects failed to demonstrate a testosterone circadian rhythm. Rather, testosterone concentrations fluctuated throughout the 24 h. Maximal correlations between testosterone and LH pulses were observed when rises of testosterone were preceded by LH, with a lead time of 30 to 60 min. This temporal relationship between LH and testosterone was eliminated by bromocriptine treatment. There was no relationship between PRL rises and testosterone fluctuations before or after bromocriptine. The 24-h secretory pattern for testosterone was not affected by bromocriptine. These observations suggest the following: i) circadian variations in PRL secretion appear to be modulated by dopaminergic mechanisms; ii) dopamine-induced inhibition of LH secretion in men is primarily associated with a reduction in the amplitude of LH secretory pulses; iii) the 24-h testosterone secretory pattern is not related to PRL secretion or dopaminergic mechanisms.
THE IMPACT OF TELEVISED SPEECHES AND FOREIGN TRAVEL ON PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL

Considerable attention has been devoted in recent years to the use of political drama by the president, with the most discretionary forms of drama-speeches and foreign travel- receiving much scrutiny. In fact, there has arisen a conventional wisdom which asserts that televised speeches and foreign travel by the president (1) have increased over time, (2) exert a uni- formly positive impact on public evaluations of the president's performance, and (3) can therefore be used as a strategy for in- fluencing the president's approval ratings, a vital resource for the modern president. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate this conventional wisdom and thus assess the value of televised speeches and foreign travel as influences on presidential ap- proval. The paper first defines political drama and casts the con- ventional wisdom in the form of three propositions. It next devel- ops a research strategy for evaluating these propositions in an appropriate manner. Finally, the paper tests the propositions. The results cast considerable doubt on the conventional wisdom and lead to the conclusion that the use of political drama is not an all-purpose strategy guaranteed to halt declines or replenish siz- able losses of presidential approval.
Direct Observation of Regulated Ribonucleoprotein Transport Across the Nurse Cell/Oocyte Boundary

In Drosophila, the asymmetric localization of specific mRNAs to discrete regions within the developing oocyte determines the embryonic axes. The microtubule motors dynein and kinesin are required for the proper localization of the determinant ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, but the mechanisms that account for RNP transport to and within the oocyte are not well understood. In this work, we focus on the transport of RNA complexes containing bicoid (bcd), an anterior determinant. We show in live egg chambers that, within the nurse cell compartment, dynein actively transports green fluorescent protein-tagged Exuperantia, a cofactor required for bcd RNP localization. Surprisingly, the loss of kinesin I activity elevates RNP motility in nurse cells, whereas disruption of dynein activity inhibits RNP transport. Once RNPs are transferred through the ring canal to the oocyte, they no longer display rapid, linear movements, but they are distributed by cytoplasmic streaming and gradually disassemble. By contrast, bcd mRNA injected into oocytes assembles de novo into RNP particles that exhibit rapid, dynein-dependent transport. We speculate that after delivery to the oocyte, RNP complexes may disassemble and be remodeled with appropriate accessory factors to ensure proper localization.
Thermochromatium tepidum Photoactive Yellow Protein/Bacteriophytochrome/Diguanylate Cyclase: Characterization of the PYP Domain†

The purple phototrophic bacterium, Thermochromatium tepidum, contains a gene for a chimeric photoactive yellow protein/bacteriophytochrome/diguanylate cyclase (Ppd). We produced the Tc. tepidum PYP domain (Tt PYP) in Escherichia coli, and found that it has a wavelength maximum at 358 nm due to a Leu46 substitution of the color-tuning Glu46 found in the prototypic Halorhodospira halophila PYP (Hh PYP). However, the 358 nm dark-adapted state is in a pH-dependent equilibrium with a yellow species absorbing at 465 nm (pK(a) = 10.2). Following illumination at 358 nm, photocycle kinetics are characterized at pH 7.0 by a small bleach and red shift to what appears to be a long-lived cis intermediate (comparable to the I(2) intermediate in Hh PYP). The recovery to the dark-adapted state has a lifetime of approximately 4 min, which is approximately 1500 times slower than that for Hh PYP. However, when the Tt PYP is illuminated at pH values above 7.5, the light-induced difference spectrum indicates a pH-dependent equilibrium between the I(2) intermediate and a red-shifted 440 nm intermediate. This equilibrium could be responsible for the sigmoidal pH dependence of the recovery of the dark-adapted state (pK(a) = 8.8). In addition, the light-induced difference spectrum shows that, at pH values above 9.3, there is an apparent bleach near 490 nm superimposed on the 358 and 440 nm changes, which we ascribe to the equilibrium between the protonated and ionized dark-adapted forms. The L46E mutant of Tt PYP has a wavelength maximum at 446 nm, resembling wild-type Hh PYP. The kinetics of recovery of L46E following illumination with white light are slow (lifetime of 15 min at pH 7), but are comparable to those of wild-type Tt PYP. We conclude that Tt PYP is unique among the PYPs studied to date in that it has a photocycle initiated from a dark-adapted state with a protonated chromophore at physiological pH. However, it is kinetically most similar to Rhodocista centenaria PYP (Ppr) despite the very different absorption spectra due to the lack of E46.
Preliminary studies of the comparative morphology and certain indoles ofIpomoea seeds

Recent studies have shown that d-lysergic acid amide and d-isolysergic acid amide are responsible for the hallucinogenic properties of the Mexican drugs, “Ololiuqui” and “Badoh Negro.” ldOloliuqui’ and “Badoh Negro” consist of the seeds ofRivea corymbosa andIpomoea violacea, respectively, both members of the Convolvulaceae. Thin layer chromatographic analyses of seeds from several related species of Ipomoea suggest that these psychotomimetic principles are limited to varieties or horticultural forms of Ipomoea violacea. A brief description of the macromorphological characteristics of seeds ofIpomoea violacea andRivea corymbosa and several other relatedIpomoea species is given.
Computational modeling of explosive-filled cylinders

Abstract A time-dependent, two-dimensional, finite-difference code can be used to model fragmenting cylinders. Strictly hydrodynamic treatment of the casing material generally overpredicts the final fragment velocity. A more definitive final fragment velocity is predicted when the casing material is treated as an elastic-plastic material, but the final fragment velocities occur at unrealistically high cylindrical expansion ratios. To remove some of these objections and, at the same time, model the casing motion more realistically, a gas leakage model has been developed to simulate explosive gas leakage around fragments after casing breakup. Comparisons have been made between code calculations and experimental data. The experimental data include different length-to-diameter ratios, natural and discrete fragmenting cylinders, different charge-to-casing mass ratios, and different initiation postures. The gas leakage model predicts definitive final fragment velocities in excellent agreement with the experimental data.
In-solution assembly of colloidal water

Colloidal trimer assemblies were fabricated by the self-assembly of anisotropically-functionalized particles. These trimer assemblies consisted of one central 4.0 µm diameter melamine formaldehyde particle aggregated with two 4.0 µm diameter polystyrene particles to form a structure that looks like “colloidal water”. Anisotropy was patterned onto the melamine formaldehyde particle using the particle lithography technique, and in the present case the “bond angle” for the three particles was roughly 90 degrees. This fabrication of colloidal trimers demonstrates the ability to (1) use particles as patterning masks, (2) pattern two patches onto one base particle in a controlled manner, (3) use this patterned functionalization to control the bottom-up assembly of a more complex assembly with multiple particles and controlled bond angles, and (4) fabricate multiple materials into the same assembly.
Abstinence effects as predictors of 28-day relapse in smokers.

The present analysis sought to determine the relationship between abstinence effects in 64 ex-smokers (mean age = 41.1 years) and the rate at which they relapsed over 4 weeks of biochemically confirmed follow-up. This analysis focused on six abstinence effects that play a central role in the DSM-III-R and DSM IV definitions of withdrawal from nicotine: anger, depression, craving, appetite, confusion, and tension. Significant increases were observed for all six symptoms following cessation, and, with the exception of craving, substantial intercorrelations among the abstinence effects were noted. Cox proportional hazards survival models identified increases in anger, depressed mood, and craving to be significantly associated with a shorter time to relapse (all p < .03). Stepwise Cox proportional hazards survival analysis identified increases in depressed mood and craving as the most significant combination of abstinence effects in relation to time to relapse. A more stringent test of the potency of the relationship between these abstinence effects and time to relapse was conducted in which two other risk factors in this sample, method of quitting and education level, were also included in the model testing sequence. Even after adjustment for these significant risk factors, the increase in craving remained a significant predictor of a higher rate of relapse. This result suggests a robustness to this particular abstinence effect as a determinant of the speed with which ex-smokers relapse over a 1-month interval after cessation.
K42 distribution in brain during simultaneous ventriculocisternal and subarachnoid perfusion

Abstract The K 42 distribution in brain during simultaneous ventriculocisternal and subarachnoid perfusions has been studied. A new technique utilizing the dissecting microscope has been developed which permits perfusion of an area of the cerebral subarachnoid space in the cat. By combining this method with simultaneous ventriculocisternal perfusion, a more controlled comparison of the relative permeability of brain surfaces can be obtained. By analysis of tissue slices, it was found that the ependymal surface is approximately twice as permeable to K 42 as is the pial-glial surface. By perfusion of the subdural space, it was found that the arachnoid membrane constitutes a barrier to exchange. When K 42 distribution patterns are plotted, they differ significantly from the profiles that would be predicted on the basis of simple diffusion into a slab of brain. Analysis of experimental results shows that a large proportion of the isotope must be intracellular. Using a compartmental approach, a mathematical model is constructed by solving equations which have been modified to allow for cellular and capillary absorption processes. This model reflects what has been found experimentally.
How Efficient Is Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics? An Analytic Approach

Replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) has become a standard technique for accelerating relaxation in biosimulations. Despite its widespread use, questions remain about its efficiency compared with conventional, constant temperature molecular dynamics (MD). An analytic approach is taken to describe the relative efficiency of REMD with respect to MD. This is applied to several simple two-state models and to several real proteins—protein L and the B domain of protein A—to predict the relative efficiency of REMD with respect to MD in actual applications. In agreement with others, we find the following: as long as there is a positive activation energy for folding, REMD is more efficient than MD; the effectiveness of REMD is strongly dependent on the activation enthalpy; and the efficiency of REMD for actual proteins is a strong function of the maximum temperature. Choosing the maximum temperature too high can result in REMD becoming significantly less efficient than conventional MD. A good rule of thumb a...
Accurate energetics for the unimolecular decomposition of HN2

We report internally contracted configuration interaction (ICCI) calculations along the constrained energy minimum (CEM) path for the addition of H to N2 with both CC-pVQZ and augmented CC-pVQZ basis sets. The results agree to within 0.5 kcal/mol with the larger basis set results of Walch, which were used to calibrate the HN2 potential energy surface used by Koizumi, Schatz, and Walch in coupled channel calculations to determine the lifetimes for unimolecular decay of the lowest vibrational levels of HN2. These small changes in the potential energy surface should have no significant effect on the computed lifetimes.
Parallel, Scalable Parabolized Navier-Stokes Solver for Large-Scale Simulations

A massively parallel formulation for the solution of the parabolized Navier-Stokes equations has been developed for multiple instruction, multiple data (MIMD) computers. All functionality of the serial version of the code has been preserved in the parallel implementation, including grid generation, linear system solvers, and shock fitting. The computational domain is automatically decomposed and load balanced on individual processing elements. Performance timings are carried out for various MIMD architectures. Numerical tests indicate high parallel efficiency, with fixed solution time as the computational work is scaled with the number of processors. 13 refs.
A long‐term study on fused subclones in the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri: the resorption phenomenon (Protochordata: Tunicata)

Colonial tunicates have the property of forming a natural parabiotic union (chimera) in the wild with members of the same species, given that they share at least one allele at the fusibility-histocompatibility locus. However, once such a vascular union has occurred, one of the two is often resorbed. To investigate this phenomenon in detail, 16 colonies of the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri were subcloned and placed adjacent to 30 sets of fusible pairs. Subclones in each pair differed in their colour morph. Three other colonies and an additional 15 subclones of the experimental colonies served as controls for growth rate and survival. As the matched colonies grew, the adjacent colonies eventually came into contact. Fusion within a pair was established between the blood vessels, and 4–14 days later, a complete mixture of blood-borne pigment cells was recorded. A significant correlation was found between the ratio of body size of the two colonies and the time for colour change. Fusion subsequently resulted in a partial resorption of at least one of the colonies in the pair (irrespective of the colour morph) and started in zooids lying in closest proximity to the contact zone. This process did not eliminate the blood vessels, and presumably allowed the process to extend to more distant zooids, which were gradually affected. This type of resorption was not recorded in the controls and took place in the ‘take-over’ phase (the time when a new generation of zooids take over the colony from the previous generation). Resorption occurred when the new generation of zooids failed to develop to the mature phase, or when the new generation did not develop at all. The time scale for resorption varied from four days to six months. When larger colonies fused with smaller ones, the larger colony usually survived. When multiple subclones of two colonies were tested, usually all of the subclones from one of the colonies survived while the members of the other colony resorbed, implicating a possible genetic component. Because the fusion event usually leads to the resorption and death of at least one of the partners, it is necessary to re-examine the proposal that fusion between closely related colonies is evolutionarily beneficial.
Regional Initiatives and US Trade Policy in Asia

This article gives an account of US trade policy towards Asia, with particular reference to regional preferential trading agreements. The outcome of fifteen years of US pursuit of regional trade policies could possibly be a network of preferential trade arrangements centred around the USA; a more likely outcome is an increasingly strengthened multilateral system based on the World Trade Organisation (WTO). A stronger WTO may prove capable of constraining even its most powerful members. This outcome is certainly in the long-term interest of the USA.
Illicit drug use among arrestees, prices and policy

Abstract Prior studies, by relying on nationally representative surveys, have overlooked the important fact that use of addictive substances is not uniformly distributed; subgroups of hardcore users account for most of the drug consumption. This study employs the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring system to analyze the demand for cocaine and heroin by urban arrestees, employing objective indicators of use based on urinalysis. The data are repeated city cross sections, and panel data methodology is employed to account for endogeneity. Cocaine and heroin prices have a negative effect on the probability of use even among this group of heavy users. Results indicate that subjective, self-reported measures of participation are likely to be under-reported, which may impart bias to estimates of the price elasticity. The own-price cocaine participation elasticity is about −0.15, and the own-price heroin participation elasticity is about −0.10 for arrestees. This contemporaneous elasticity understates the full effect, and the long-run price elasticity is about twice the magnitude. The magnitude of the price response is substantially smaller relative to the estimates in the prior literature, and calculations suggest that further enforcement and interdiction-driven increases in drug prices may not be cost-effective.
Brain interstitial adenosine and sagittal sinus blood flow during systemic hypotension in piglet.

We sampled, using the brain dialysis technique, interstitial fluid adenosine from the frontal cortex of newborn piglets subjected to hemorrhagic hypotension while measuring sagittal sinus blood flo...
Hybrid Adaptive Rotor Imbalance Vibration Control via Passive Autobalancer and Active Bearing Actuation

Many researchers have explored the use of active bearings, such as non-contact Active Magnetic Bearings for example, to control imbalance vibration in rotor systems. This paper develops a new hybrid adaptive imbalance vibration control approach based on an active bearing augmented with a passive automatic balancing device (ABD) to enhance the balancing and vibration isolation capabilities. Essentially, an ABD or “autobalance” consists of several freely moving eccentric balancing masses mounted on the rotor, which, at supercritical operating speeds, act to cancel the rotor’s imbalance at steady-state. This “automatic balancing” phenomena occurs as a result of nonlinear dynamic interactions between the balancer and rotor wherein the balancer masses naturally synchronize with the rotor with appropriate phase to cancel the imbalance. Since the ABD acts directly on the rotor in the rotating frame, rotor whirl amplitudes are passively reduced without any forces transmitted between rotor and bearing. Therefore, this hybrid ABD/active bearing approach enables increased rotor balancing capability and reduced steady-state control power consumption. However, due to the inherent nonlinearity of the autobalancer, the potential for other, non-synchronous limit-cycle behavior exists. In such situations, the balancer masses do not reach their desired synchronous balanced steady-state equilibrium positions resulting in increased rotor vibration. To address this, a new adaptive active control algorithm for the rotor/bearing/ABD system is derived based on the Lyapunov approach which guarantees global asymptotic stability of the synchronous balanced condition. This approach enables the controller to cope with both the system nonlinearity introduced by the passive ABD and with the rotor imbalance uncertainty. Here, the controllability of system is established through an accessible distribution Lie bracket operational analysis. The simulation results demonstrate the advantages of the hybrid ABD/active bearing system. In particular, it is shown that the balanced equilibrium can be made globally attractive under the action of the adaptive bearing control law, and that the steady-state power levels are significantly reduced via the addition of the ABD. These findings are relevant to limited power applications such as in satellite reaction wheels or flywheel energy storage batteries.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Antibodies against I-A and I-E determinants inhibit the activation and function of encephalitogenic T-lymphocyte lines☆

Two monoclonal antibodies, OX-6 and OX-17, were used to evaluate respectively the roles of I-A and I-E major histocompatibility complex Class II gene products in the in vitro activation and subsequent function in recipient rats of encephalitogenic T-cell lines. Activation of the T-cell lines with guinea pig myelin basic protein (GP-BP) presented by accessory cells (APC) resulted in an increase in the number of blast cells in culture and was reflected by increased uptake of [3H]thymidine [( 3H]Tdy). The number of blasts recovered and [3H]Tdy uptake during activation was reduced drastically in the presence of OX-6, but to a much lesser extent in the presence of OX-17. OX-6 but not OX-17 appeared to block T-cell activation primarily by inhibiting APC function, since preincubation of APC but not T cells with OX-6 before stimulation resulted in complete inhibition of the cultures. After activation, the BP-1 T-cell line or D-9 clone transferred severe paralysis to normal recipient rats. Recipients of OX-6-treated BP-1 or D-9 T cells exhibited very mild or no signs, whereas recipients of OX-17-treated cells developed only slightly less severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) than recipients of untreated encephalitogenic control cultures. In contrast, treatment with OX-17 but not OX-6 reduced the ability of BP-reactive T cells to transfer delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. Dermal testing with GP-BP in the ears of recipient rats just prior to onset of clinical signs decreased significantly the clinical intensity of EAE induced by activated BP-reactive T cells, but increased the clinical scores in rats which received unstimulated or OX-6-treated T cells. This potentiating effect of GP-BP was due most likely to the presentation of processed antigen to circulating BP-reactive T cells by APC in the ear. These results suggest that both the I-A and I-E gene products may contribute to the activation and subsequent function of encephalitogenic T cells, perhaps through separate mechanisms.
Multiple ranking tasks in a semantic domain: An investigation of task order effects

The possibility of task order effects has not been studied previously for some types of multiple rating/ranking tasks commonly used in the social sciences. Data from two studies that employed multiple ranking tasks in a semantic domain were examined for evidence of task order effects. In general, multiple ranking tasks appeared to be free of order effects, although respondents may display less agreement in later tasks than in earlier tasks when data is collected in circumstances that do not promote the full attention and motivation of respondents.
Hypovitaminosis D in the elderly: from bone to brain.

There is a growing consensus that vitamin D recommended daily intakes for the elderly are far too low, and that all individuals should take as much vitamin D as needed to raise levels to between 32 to 40 ng/ml (80 to 100 nmol/L) (5, 108, 109). Supplementation will likely be necessary in most elderly, since according to current lifestyles, diet and sunlight alone are inadequate sources of vitamin D (17). We believe that to raise and maintain 25(OH) vitamin D levels at a minimum of 32 ng/ml (80 nmol/L), most elderly will require at least 2,000 IU of cholecalciferol per day. But many questions remain. Are other biological markers preferable to 25(OH) vitamin D to assess repletion? Do the current estimates of optimal serum levels provide health benefits for all conditions, or do optimal vitamin D levels differ depending on the target tissue? How much vitamin D, cholecalciferol, or ergocalciferol, should be given to maintain these levels? What are the molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D influences health and disease? Cross-sectional studies have suggested that low vitamin D levels not only predict nursing home admission but also are associated with increased mortality (1, 2). Further knowledge of the mechanisms of vitamin D action and prospective clinical trials designed to determine if supplementation resulting in vitamin D levels higher than those shown to reduce the risk of falls and fractures is also effective in reducing the burden of various medical conditions could help validate a cost-effective intervention that will provide greater quality of life and longevity and have a major public health impact.
Entrapment of the posterior interosseous nerve by a fibrous band in the dorsal edge of the supinator muscle and erosion of a groove in the proximal radius.

A transient posterior interosseous nerve palsy was exacerbated by pronation of the forearm, due to entrapment of the nerve by afibrous band in the distal part of the supinator muscle. All symptoms resolved when the band was resected.
Beta-Lactamase Activity in Anaerobic Bacteria

A diverse group of anaerobic bacteria representing a spectrum of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics was studied to characterize their beta-lactamase activity and relate it to resistance. The Bacteroides fragilis organisms had moderate resistance and produced a cephalosporinase with low activity. The Clostridium ramosum was intermediate in resistance and had intermediate, inducible beta-lactamase activity. The B. clostridiiformis organism was highly resistant, produced a potent inducible penicillinase, and had a barrier to the penicillin substrates. Only the beta-lactamase of C. ramosum fit Richmond's classification (class IV). Although there was a rough correlation between beta-lactamase activity and antibiotic resistance, other mechanisms are undoubtedly involved in determining resistance levels.
In-situ moisture desorption characterization of epoxy mold compound

Moisture desorption characteristics of an epoxy mold compound (EMC) at 100°C, 120°C, 140°C, 160°C, 180°C, 200°C, 220°C, 240°C, and 260°C, respectively, is studied in this paper. A high resolution moisture analyzer is used to measure in-situ moisture weight loss as a function of time at different temperatures. The specimens are preconditioned (e.g. 85°C /85%RH) before they are placed in the analyzer for desorption process. The material can be heated to the desired temperature in a contained septum bottle that connects to a dry air flow system and a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor detects water in the gas stream to generate an accurate measurement of the moisture content released from the specimen. Manual moisture weight gain tests at 85°C/85% RH and 60°C/85% RH are also performed for comparison analysis. It is found that while dual stage model describes the anomalous moisture absorption and desorption well at temperatures below 100°C, a single-phase Fickian diffusion model fit the desorption curves reasonably above 100°C. This means that the initial moisture content, which includes both free and bound water, can be released completely at higher temperatures in reflow process. Arrhenius constants, i.e. pre-factor and activation energy, are obtained for an entire temperature range both below and above the glass transition temperature.
Reproduction Decreases Life Span in the Giant Waterbug (Belostoma flumineum)

Abstract Senescence is the result of age-specific trade-offs among life history traits. Energetic trade-offs among various components of an organism's energy budget can also affect an individual's life span. An increase in reproductive effort, for instance, can result in less energy available for maintenance of body tissues resulting in a shorter life span. We investigated the effects of reproduction on longevity of giant waterbugs (Belostoma flumineum). Female giant waterbugs oviposit eggs onto the backs of males which then provide all post-copulatory parental care. The number of reproductions was manipulated in both males and females, and male waterbugs were divided into groups that provided parental care or did not. This allowed us to determine the relative costs of mating versus parental care. Both male and female waterbugs maintained as virgins outlived those that bred. Parental care incurred a greater cost in male waterbugs than the act of mating, but the number of reproductions had no effect on lif...
Distributed Piezoelectric Actuators for Shell Interior Noise Control

Structural controls have been recently used to reduce acoustic radiation from vibrating structures. It is well known that in some cases, a control system can reduce the noise and, at the same time, increase the structural vibration. This is one of the concerns with the structural control approach to solve the noise problem. Developing a control system that can reduce the noise and structural vibration at the same time is an important task. This paper proposes one of possible approaches for accomplishing this task. The emphasis of the present approach is not on control strategies, but rather on the design of distributed piezoelectric actuators for the structural control system. In the paper, we study the interior noise radiation and the structural vibrations of uniform cylindrical shells, which are taken as a simplified model of a fuselage section. Two distributed piezoelectric actuators are developed based upon the understanding of the structural-acoustic coupling properties of the system. These actuators can reduce the shell structural vibration and the interior noise at the same time in a wide range of frequencies by using only the acoustic error sensors. Hence, an optimal noise reduction is achieved. Computer simulations and the experiments have shown that the actuators can lead to global noise and vibration reduction. Excellent agreement between the analytical predictions and the experiments strongly supports the theoretical development.
Gendered livelihoods in diverse global contexts: an introduction

Gendered livelihoods encompass the material realities and ideological processes that shape and are shaped by economic strategies in diverse geographical locations. The articles in this theme issue ...
Propafenone for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Abstract Propafenone is a class 1C antiarrhythmic agent potentially effective in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Propafenone's effects upon automaticity and conduction in the atrium should decrease the frequency of AF. In the event of a recurrence of AF, its effects on atrioventricular nodal conduction would tend to slow the ventricular response. 1–3 Previously, we demonstrated that propafenone was safe and effective for treating patients with refractory complex ventricular ectopic activity 4 and paroxysmal supraventricular reentrant tachycardia due to reentry in the atrioventricular node or by an accessory atrioventricular pathway. 3 This study reviews our experience with propafenone in patients with paroxysmal AF who had long-term follow-up for control of their rhythm disturbance.
Electrical engineering problems in the tropics

The paper discusses the problems which confront the electrical engineer working under tropical conditions. It deals with the difficulties promoted by the scarcity of skilled labour, the effect of high temperature, strong sunlight and high humidity on materials and equipment, and the special problems introduced by the prevalence of salt-laden atmosphere, dust and animal pests. It cites typical examples of troubles encountered, and suggests methods of design and engineering practice to overcome them or minimize their effect.
Heterogeneous architecture and testbed for simulation of large-scale real-time systems

This paper presents the development of distributed simulation architecture and testbed by combining three different types of tools based on three different approaches to real-time simulation: queuing theory (with SES/workbench as supporting tool); finite state machines (with high-level software design tools, such as Rational Rose Realtime or ObjecTime Developer); and continuous simulation based on solving differential equations (injecting real-time data from a real-time simulator running on a VMEbus platform under VxWorks real-time kernel). Such a combination is very advantageous because it provides the capability of making real-time decisions within the design and simulation tools which can help significantly improve the quality of simulations.
Survey of US Chiropractor Attitudes and Behaviors about Subluxation

ABSTRACT Objectives This paper provides new information that describes chiropractors' professional identity relative to their concept of subluxation in chiropractic practice and education. Methods We performed a pragmatic, descriptive, cross-sectional survey of state-board licensed chiropractors in the US during 2002-03 to assess their attitudes and behaviors about their use of "subluxation" in practice. We did not define nor specifically operationalize, a priori , the term "subluxation", but instead allowed each individual doctor of chiropractic to self-define the concept "subluxation" in their survey responses. Results Of all US state-board licensed DCs (N=67,217), 5,931 were surveyed. Nearly 50% of those surveyed responded. Many surveyed chiropractors generally agreed that their chiropractic education and clinical approach is "subluxation-centered", that the concept of "subluxation" is important to their clinical care decisions, and that they use the term "subluxation" when communicating with patients, other healthcare providers, and third-party payors. Discussion/Conclusion Based upon those surveyed, chiropractors seem to embrace "subluxation-based" terms as well as other clinical approaches to describing their care for chiropractic patients. Understanding the complex nature of chiropractic approaches to health care provision may carry implications for current initiatives to advance evidence-based chiropractic practice and clinical training, enhance successful and comprehensive biopsychosocial management of the multicausal and complex health concerns of chiropractic patients, and improve overall delivery of optimal integrative health care. Further inquiry on this topic should focus methodological and conceptual attention to differentiating how contemporary chiropractors self-define and clinically apply the concept of subluxation.
The impact of a radio book review program on public library circulation

The possibility that one mass medium might be used to stimulate another has been only imperfectly explored. For instance, a campaign by radio personality Jean Shepherd some years ago led to the birth of the monumental spoof that was the novel I, Libertine by “Frederick R. Ewing.” The delight of Shepherd's “night people” at being able to demonstrate their numbers was matched by the consternation of booksellers all over the city who impotently thumbed through their catalogs . . . until Shepherd took pity on them and arranged for the book to be written and published. In another instance, a participant on a late‐evening network program casually commented on a book that had caught his eye—and it was a national best‐seller within 24 hours. The research reported in the following article attempts to discover whether this “touting” function of the broadcast media can be used systematically. A number of informal observations following “book review” or “library” programs on both radio and television would tend to su...
Effects of water‐table configuration on seepage through lakebeds

The interaction of lakes and groundwater is controlled in part by the configuration of the water table near a lake, Seepage from lakes does not occur if the water-table mound between the lake and a regional groundwater discharge arca is sufficiently high and the water-table gradient between the mound and the discharge area sufficiently small. Water-table configurations associated with two grountlwatcr systems of different geometry were examined by digital simulation. For the first setting, there is no seepage from the lake if the water-table gradient from the mound to the regional discharge area is ~0.011; for the second, the critical gradient is about 0.009. Seepage from the lake occurs if water-table gradients are greater than these two values. For various glacial terrains, in which most natural lakes occur, water-table gradients of 0.010 or greater are most common in the more rugged end moraines consisting of silty till, and gradients of 40.010 are common in arcas of ground moraine, outwash plains,
Effects of Curriculum-Based Measurement on Teachers' Instructional Planning

This study assessed the effects of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) on teachers' instructional planning. Subjects were 30 teachers, assigned randomly to a computer-assisted CBM group, a noncomputer CBM group, and a contrast group. In the CBM groups, teachers specified 15-week reading goals, established CBM systems to measure student progress toward goals at least twice weekly, and systematically evaluated those data bases to determine when instructional modifications were necessary. Contrast teachers monitored student progress toward Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals as they wished and were encouraged to develop instructional programs as necessary. At the end of a 12- to 15-week implementation period, teachers completed a questionnaire with reference to one randomly selected pupil. Analyses of variance indicated no difference between the CBM groups. However, compared to the contrast group, CBM teachers (a) used more specific, acceptable goals; (b) were less optimistic about goal attainment; (...
Loss of LINE-1 Activity in the Megabats

LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons are the most abundant type of mammalian retroelement. They have profound effects on genome plasticity and have been proposed to fulfill essential host functions, yet it remains unclear where they lie on the spectrum from parasitism to mutualism. Their ubiquity makes it difficult to determine the extent of their effects on genome evolution and gene expression because of the relative dearth of animal models lacking L1 activity. We have isolated L1 sequences from 11 megabat species by a method that enriches for recently inserted L1s and have done a bioinformatic examination of L1 sequences from a 12th species whose genome was recently shotgun sequenced. An L1 extinction event appears to have occurred at least 24 million years ago (MYA) in an ancestor of the megabats. The ancestor was unusual in having maintained two highly divergent long-term L1 lineages with different levels of activity, which appear, on an evolutionary scale, to have simultaneously lost that activity. These megabat species can serve as new animal models to ask what effect loss of L1 activity has on mammalian genome evolution and gene expression.
The Impact of Feedback on Self-rated Driving Ability and Driving Self-regulation Among Older Adults

In 129 community-dwelling older adults, feedback regarding qualification for an insurance discount (based on a visual speed of processing test; Useful Field of View) was examined as a prospective predictor of change in self-reported driving ability, driving avoidance, and driving exposure over 3 months, along with physical, visual, health, and cognitive variables. Multiple regression models indicated that after controlling for baseline scores on the outcome measures, failure to qualify was a significant predictor of increased avoidance over 3 months (p = .02) but not change in self-rated driving ability or exposure. Female gender (p = .03) was a significant predictor of subsequent lower self-rated driving ability. Overall, the findings of this study provide support for the role of feedback in the self-monitoring of older adults’ driving behavior through avoidance of challenging driving situations but not through driving exposure or self-rated driving ability.
Comparison between measured tracer fluxes and footprint model predictions over a homogeneous canopy of intermediate roughness

Abstract Fast response tracer flux measurements are compared against flux footprint predictions from both a Lagrangian stochastic simulation and an analytical solution to the equation of diffusion over a canopy of intermediate roughness. A turbulent tracer flux experiment was conducted over a peach orchard for a range of mildly unstable to very unstable conditions. For this purpose, a line source was used to release sulfur hexafluoride at treetop and fast response tracer flux instrumentation placed in the roughness sub-layer was mounted on four towers perpendicular to the line source to measure the vertical tracer flux. There was excellent agreement between Lagrangian simulated fluxes and their experimental counterparts. The analytical solution to the advection–diffusion equation used also shows a good agreement with the tracer fluxes particularly far from the tracer source. These results suggest that for canopies of intermediate roughness, the flux footprint predictions from both models presented work very well, despite their simplifying assumptions.
Random-Access Poisson Networks: Stability and Delay

We consider a Poisson network of sources, each with a destination at a given distance and a buffer of infinite capacity. Assuming independent Bernoulli arrivals, we characterize the stability region when one or two classes of users are present in the network. We then derive a fixed-point equation that determines the success probability of the typical source-destination link and evaluate the mean delay at each buffer.
Scale-space filtering: A new approach to multi-scale description

The extrema in a signal and its first few derivatives provide a useful general purpose qualitative description for many kinds of signals. A fundamental problem in computing such descriptions is scale: a derivative must be taken over some neighborhood, but there is seldom a principled basis for choosing its size. Scale-space filtering is a method that describes signals qualitatively, managing the ambiguity of scale in an organized and natural way. The signal is first expanded by convolution with gaussian masks over a continuum of sizes. This "scale-space" image is then collapsed, using its qualitative structure, into a tree providing a concise but complete qualitative description covering all scales of observation. The description is further refined by applying a stability criterion, to identify events that persist of large changes in scale.
Adult bone marrow-derived cells: regenerative potential, plasticity, and tissue commitment.

Reconstitution of infarcted myocardium with functional new cardiomyocytes and vessels, a goal that only a few years ago would have been regarded as extravagant, is now actively pursued in numerous laboratories and clinical centers. Several recent studies in animals as well as humans have shown that transplantation of adult bone marrow–derived cells (BMCs) can improve left ventricular function and halt adverse remodeling after myocardial infarction. Differentiation of adult BMCs into cells of cardiac and vascular lineages has been proposed as a mechanism underlying these benefits and, indeed, differentiation of adult BMCs into cells of non–hematopoietic lineages, including cells of brain, skeletal muscle, heart, liver, and other organs, has been documented repeatedly both in vitro and in vivo. These results are in contrast with conventional definitions and dogma, according to which adult tissue–specific stem cells exhibit only restricted differentiation potential. Thus, these recent studies have sparked intense debate over the ability of adult BMCs to differentiate into non–hematopoietic tissues, and the regeneration of myocardium by differentiation of adult BMCs remains highly controversial. Because of the enormous clinical implications of BMCmediated cardiac repair, numerous laboratories are currently addressing the feasibility of cardiac regeneration with BMCs and deciphering the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects. The purpose of this review is to critically examine the available evidence regarding the ability of adult BMCs to regenerate non–hematopoietic tissues and their utility in therapeutic cardiac regeneration.
Measuring Willingness to Foster Children With Disabilities and Special Medical Conditions

In this article, the authors present the Willingness to Foster Scale—Disabilities and Medical Conditions (WFS-DMC) and report results concerning its psychometric properties. The WFS-DMC is a new measure designed to accurately and efficiently assess the willingness of parents to foster children with special needs, in particular, disabilities and special medical conditions. The authors tested the WFS-DMC with a national sample of 298 foster mothers. Internal consistency reliability was excellent (α= .90). With reference to construct validity, mothers with higher WFS-DMC scores fostered longer, fostered and adopted more children, and requested the removal of a smaller proportion of foster children. Furthermore, the mothers’ WFS-DMC scores were unrelated to demographic characteristics. The WFS-DMC could help guide the decision-making process involved in matching children who have special needs with parents willing to care for them.
Chinese Cultural Implications for ERP Implementation

Implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in a global environment can be fragmented due to the internal enterprise culture, which is representative of societal culture. In China, this is especially true due to the nationalistic culture of business. The way ERP systems are perceived, treated, and integrated within the business plays a critical role in the success or failure of the implementation. When a Western developed ERP system is implemented in a country where the culture differs greatly from that of the developer, implementation may require localization in order to be successful. In doing so, strategic benefits of ERP systems may be diminished. This research paper looks into the characteristics of Chinese localization by Western vendors and the implications to the Chinese enterprise.