cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Satisfaction and Psychosocial Status of Patients During Treatment for Cancer

In a prospective, longitudinal study, the authors assessed the relationships among patient satisfaction, psychosocial status, medical status, and patient-initiated changes in physicians in a sample of 128 patients who had been recently diagnosed with cancer. Patient satisfaction was measured by the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire, which measures patients' satisfaction with various components of their relationships with physicians and the health care system. Their psychosocial status was measured by the Profile of Mood States and the Brief Symptom Inventory. The authors found that satisfaction is a construct that is independent of demographic, clinical, and other psychosocial variables. Moreover, although the patients' emotional status changed markedly over time, their satisfaction with their medical care and treatment remained constant and at high levels.
Power inputs from labour, draught animals and machines in the agriculture of the developing countries

This article describes a model developed and used to estimate power input requirements by source for increasing agricultural production in the developing countries. Production increases are defined for 28 crops, each of which is grown in one or more of six classes of rainfed and irrigated land at specified yield levels. The estimation and analysis is carried out for each one of 90 developing countries, which together account for 98% of the population of the developing world, not counting China. Given crop production increases specified as above, the model calculates first the requirements for total power input and subsequently distributes it to the three sources of power (labour, machinery and draught animals). The results show that for a 3.5% annual increase in crop production in the aggregate of the 90 developing countries 1980–2000 (the growth rate 1966–81 was 2.9%) the total power input (in terms of man day equivalents) should grow at 2.2% and the labour input at 2.1%, implying an employment elasticity of 0.52. Mechanization should advance most rapidly in the higher income developing countries (Latin America, Near East), while in all regions, animal traction would be substituted by machinery.
Hybrid experimental/analytical models of structural dynamics - Creation and use for predictions

An original complete methodology for the construction of predictive models of damped structural vibrations is introduced. A consistent definition of normal and complex modes is given which leads to an original method to accurately identify non-proportionally damped normal mode models. A new method to create predictive hybrid experimental/analytical models of damped structures is introduced, and the ability of hybrid models to predict the response to system configuration changes is discussed. Finally a critical review of the overall methodology is made by application to the case of the MIT/SERC interferometer testbed.
Effectiveness of waste minimization projects in reducing water demand by UK Industry

There is growing interest in managing water demand in the UK. A series of waste minimization clubs have been set up within the country and this paper identifies the effectiveness of these clubs in reducing the demand for water within industry. Membership of these clubs is voluntary and the only incentive for industry to reduce water consumption, and consequently the production of effluent, is the almost immediate financial saving made by the company, often achieved by accounting for the water consumption and loss within site from the point of input from the water supplier to output in the form of effluent. On average, companies are able to reduce water consumption by up to 30 percent. If the entire industrial sector within the UK were to achieve this degree of savings, it is possible that approximately 1300Ml/d could be saved.
Ultrawideband SAR signature investigations based on electromagnetic models and measurements

ABSTRACT The performance of an Electric Field Integral Equation (EFIE) model is discussed in the context oftarget detection and classification. This EFIE model, which is a modified version of the Finite ElementRadiation model developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, was used to simulate VHF SAR signatures ofground targets. These SAR signatures were studied and compared with signatures generated from data collected by the CARABAS sensor during a 1993 Foliage Penetration Radar experiment. It was found that the EFIE model can provide adequate RCS values and distributions for ground target detection studies.It was also found that the simulated images have reasonable spatial appearance and may be useful forground target classification studies. 1 INTRODUCTION Over the last few years, MIT Lincoln Laboratory has conducted several Foliage Penetration Radarexperiments. The synthetic aperture radars (SARs) used in these experiments were operated in ultra— wideband VHF and UHF bands. These frequency bands were chosen to reduce foliage—induced attenuation
Immunoliposomes and PEGylated Immunoliposomes: Possible Use for Targeted Delivery of Imaging Agents

Liposomes can be made target-specific by immobilizing antibodies on their surface against characteristic components of target organ or tissue. Possible schemes of antibody immobilization on liposomes are briefly considered. The use of immunoliposomes for the targeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents within the cardiovascular system is discussed. Immunoliposomes are shown to be suitable carriers for targeting blood vessel injuries, lung endothelium, and myocardial infarction. The role of polyethylene glycol in the preparation of long-circulation liposomes is investigated, and a hypothesis explaining the mechanism of polymer protective action in terms of physicochemical properties of diluted polymeric solutions is suggested. Polyethylene glycol-coated liposomes are investigated as possible carriers of imaging agents for gamma and MR visualization of different areas of interest in the body, including lymph nodes. The possibility of simultaneous immobilization of protective polymer and antibody on the liposome surface is proved, and the long-circulating targeted immunoliposomes are used for the targeted delivery of radiolabel to necrotic areas in rabbits with experimental myocardial infarction.
Screening for portopulmonary hypertension

Conventional orthotopic liver transplantation (CON-LT) involves resection of recipient cava, usually with extra-corporeal circulation (veno-venous bypass, VVB), while in the piggyback technique (PC-LT) the cava is preserved. Along with a temporary portacaval shunt (TPCS), better haemodynamic maintenance is purported with PC-LT. A prospective, consecutive series of 384 primary transplants (2000-2003) were analysed, 138 CON-LT (with VVB) and 246 PC-LT (54 without TPCS). Patient/donor characteristics were similar in the two groups. PC-LT required less usage of fresh-frozen plasma and platelets, intensive care stay, number of patients requiring ventilation after day 1 and total days spent on ventilator. The results were not different when comparing, total operating and warm ischaemia time (WIT), red cell usage, requirement for renal support, day 3 serum creatinine and total hospital stay. TPCS had no impact on outcome other than WIT (P = 0.02). Three patients in PC-LT group (three of 246; 1.2%) developed caval outflow obstruction (P = 0.02). There was no difference in short- or long-term graft or patient survival. PC-LT has an advantage over CON-LT using VVB with respect to intraoperative blood product usage, postoperative ventilation requirement and ITU stay. VVB is no longer required and TPCS may be used selectively in adult transplantation. (Transpl Int 2006;19:795-801.)
The Specific Gravity of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

Abstract Some methods of indirect calorimetry are based on a knowledge of the net volume of the metabolism unit (MacLagan and Sheahan, 1950). To accurately determine this volume it is necessary to know the average density of the subjects placed in the chamber. It is well known that the respiratory system of birds includes air sacs (Sturkie, 1965). It appears possible, in theory, that birds may be less dense than mammals due to the volume of the respiratory system or due to other low density body components such as pneumatic bones. The following study was undertaken to determine the specific gravity of Japanese quail. PROCEDURE Mature Japanese quail which were between 19 and 20 weeks of age were used for this experiment. Following anesthetization with sodium phenobarbital, they were dispatched by occluding the trachea with a large hemostat. Occlusion was effected at the midpoint of inspiration or expiration. A small screw …
Development of the Soil Moisture Index to Quantify Agricultural Drought and Its “User Friendliness” in Severity-Area-Duration Assessment

Abstract This paper examines the role of soil moisture in quantifying drought through the development of a drought index using observed and modeled soil moisture. In Nebraska, rainfall is received primarily during the crop-growing season and the supply of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico determines if the impending crop year is either normal or anomalous and any deficit of rain leads to a lack of soil moisture storage. Using observed soil moisture from the Automated Weather Data Network (AWDN), the actual available water content for plants is calculated as the difference between observed or modeled soil moisture and wilting point, which is subsequently normalized with the site-specific, soil property–based, idealistic available water for plants that is calculated as the difference between field capacity and wilting point to derive the soil moisture index (SMI). This index is categorized into five classes from no drought to extreme drought to quantitatively assess drought in both space and time. Additional...
Who Matters for Children's Early Development? Race/Ethnicity and Extended Household Structures in the United States.

Taking advantage of recent data that permit an assessment of the importance of extended household members in operationalizing the relationship between family structure and children’s early development, this study incorporated coresident grandparents, other kin, and nonkin to investigate the associations between extended household structure and U.S. children’s cognitive and behavioral outcomes at age 2. Analyses assessed whether these relationships differed for Latino, African American, and White children and tested four potential explanations for such differences. Nationally representative data came from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort of 2001 (N ≈ 8,450). Extended household structures were much more prevalent in households of young African American and Latino children than among Whites. Nuclear households were beneficial for White children, but living with a grandparent was associated with the highest cognitive scores for African American children. Nuclear, vertically extended, and laterally extended households had similar associations with Latino children’s cognitive and behavior scores. Results suggest that expanded indicators of household structure that include grandparents, other kin, and nonkin are useful for understanding children’s early development.
Concurrent loss and proliferation of astrocytes following lateral fluid percussion brain injury in the adult rat.

Astrocyte populations were analyzed over a period of 1 month in the hippocampus following lateral fluid percussion (FP) brain injury. Rats (n = 23) were subjected either to a brain injury of moderate severity, or to anesthesia and surgery without injury (n = 7). At 3 days, 1, 2, or 4 weeks postinjury, subgroups of animals were sacrificed and the brains removed and sectioned for histochemical analysis. The density of astrocytes, identified with gold sublimate staining, decreased significantly in the ipsilateral hippocampus of injured rats 3 days following injury, eventually falling to 64% of the total astrocyte population present in uninjured animals by 1 week postinjury. One month postinjury, the density of hippocampal astrocytes had returned to 85% of the total number of astrocytes observed in the hippocampus of uninjured animals. In order to characterize the post-traumatic formation of new astrocytes, immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and to glial fibriallary acidic protein (GFAP). Positive immunolabeling for both PCNA and GFAP was most abundant at 3 days following FP brain injury in regions where the blood brain barrier was compromised, and was not detectable by 1 month postinjury. These results indicate that astrocyte proliferation after injury may be evoked by mitogens released from vascular sources, and may be an attempt to compensate for some of the astrocytic cell loss observed after injury.
The fine structure of gingival terminal vascular bed.

Abstract The fine structure of the different segments of the gingival terminal vascular bed has been studied. An electron microscopic investigation was undertaken of samples from the free gingiva of incisor and molar teeth of four rabbits. The different segments of the free gingival microvasculature were recognized as capillaries, postcapillary venules, muscular venules, and terminal arterioles. The capillary network of the free gingiva is structurally heterogeneous and consists of continuous and fenestrated capillaries, all with continuous basement membranes and scattered processes of pericytes. The fenestrated capillaries constitute about 30% of the total capillaries, and 97% of them are of the venous limb type, containing one or two fenestrae in a cross section. No apparent difference is noted between the number of fenestrated capillaries facing the crevicular and masticatory epithelia. The postcapillary venules have a larger vascular diameter than capillaries and an increased number of pericytes, which form an almost continuous layer. The smooth muscle cells are arranged around the endothelial tubes in the muscular venules and overlap each other. In the terminal arterioles, they form a continuous layer with well-developed cell contacts. The interendothelial junction in the different segments is characterized by adhesion belts with increased density of the subjacent cytoplasm. Surface modifications of the endothelial cells include marginal folds, plasmalemmal vesicles, and a variety of cellular projections into the surrounding connective tissue.
Some New Problems in Perspective

The title of this paper is a shameless pun. It plays on the polysemy of ‘in perspective.’ The essay attempts to put into perspective some problems which for the most part are generated by the new technologies which constantly spawn new candidates for artforms. (Of course, getting something in perspective is a curious metaphor for seeing it correctly. Perspectival techniques intentionally deceive. They don’t show things as they are. Indeed, using this miscegenetic metaphor is part both of the shamelessness and of the strategy of the paper.) There is a sense, it can be argued, in which there are no new problems in perspective. The problem of perspective for the Brunelleschi, to Alberti, to Vasari, to Leonardo: the representation of deep dimensionality in perception, the illusion of three dimensions produced on a two dimensional surface. And the old problem has always had two prongs; how to produce the illusion, and how to explain it.
Further molecular engineering of diruthenium-(2-anilinopyridinate) alkynyl compounds through ligand design

Abstract A modified ap ligand, 2-(3,5-dimethoxyanilino)pyridine (HDiMeOap) and its diruthenium compounds Ru2(DiMeOap)4Cl (1), Ru2(DiMeOap)4(C CC CSiMe3) (2) and Ru2(DiMeOap)4(C CC CSiMe3)2 (3) were prepared and characterized. New compounds Ru2(MeOap)4(C CC CSiMe3)x (x = 1, 4; 2, 5; MeOap is 2-(3-methoxyanilino)pyridinate) were prepared from the previously reported Ru2(MeOap)4Cl. In addition, two related diruthenium compounds containing ferrocenyl acetylide ligand, Ru2(MeOap)4(C CFc) (6) and Ru2(ap)4(C CC CFc) (7), were synthesized. Molecular structures of compounds 1, 2, 6 and 7 were established using single crystal X-ray diffraction study.
Recent GEH Criticality Safety Activities in Support of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

The GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) nuclear criticality safety (NCS) function remains actively engaged in advancements to the nuclear fuel cycle. In addition to its traditional BWR fuel manufacturing, recent GEH emphasis to become more vertically integrated into front end (enrichment) and back end (reprocessing) fuel cycle technologies has had a dramatic impact on the NCS function. Required fundamental and practical research in various fields, such as general physics, computational methods, validation methodology, cross-section data processing, criticality safety assessments, risk-informed integrated safety analyses, and domestic and international nuclear packaging licensing, collectively present significant challenges to NCS staff. As the landscape of the GEH business growth opportunities continues to evolve over time, so does the required depth of NCS knowledge and technical expertise. This paper provides an overview of select NCS design, licensing, methods, and packaging activities in support of GEH nuclear fuel cycle business subsidiaries and concludes with some insight to technical and regulatory challenges.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Portable Solar Systems using a Step-up Power Converter with a Fast-Speed MPPT and a Parallel-configured Solar Panel to Address Rapidly Changing Illumination

We describe and validate here an optimum configuration of solar array and power converter connections for operation of photovoltaic arrays in partially shaded or continuously changing shadow conditions for portable and mobile applications. Our results demonstrate that, under complex irradiance conditions, the power generation capability of the solar array using the proposed configuration is enhanced by a factor of 2 without extra component costs. In addition, the maximum power tracking is simplified. By controlling the solar array terminal voltage to follow prescribed voltage values, the power generation is maximized; thus, it is easy to implement and cost-effective.
Endogenous chaotic dynamics in transitional economies

Abstract This paper examines a model of labor market dynamics in an economy undergoing transition from command socialism to market capitalism. State sector layoffs are modeled as a function of forecasts made by state planners of private sector wages where the laidoff workers are to be re-employed. The state switches between using a high information cost perfect forecast and a free naive forecast in a system that resembles a cobweb supply-demand model. Under certain specifications and parameter values chaotic dynamics are shown to endogenously emerge along with several other varieties of complex dynamics including strange attractors, coexistence of infinitely many stable cycles, cascades of infinitely many period doubling bifurcations and fractal basin boundaries between coexisting non-chaotic attractors.
Component placement in VLSI circuits using a constant pressure Monte Carlo method

Abstract When laying out a VLSI circuit on a silicon wafer the object is to pack the components of the circuit onto a wafer of minimum area subject to a variety of conflicting constraints associated with electrical interconnections among the components and input/ output connections. A constant pressure Monte Carlo method is applied to an idealized component placement problem where the object is to pack different rectangular components onto a square of minimum area with a subsidiary objective of minimizing the total length of wires interconnecting the components. The Monte Carlo method is found to be remarkably effective in solving this idealized problem. No other method for solving this problem is known.
Surface potential at surface-interface junctions in SrTiO 3 bicrystals

An analytical approach to the quantification of electrostatic force microscopy and scanning surface potential microscopy images of systems with electric potential inhomogeneity has been developed in order to determine the interface potential in a donor-doped \ensuremath{\Sigma}5 ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ grain boundary. The voltage dependencies of the electrostatic force gradient and surface potential verify the solutions. The distance dependencies of force gradient and surface potential were used to quantify the potential at the grain boundary-surface junction and the depletion width. Both measurements yield the same properties despite the difference in imaging mechanisms. The interface potential is shown to result from local charge rather than from a local variation in dielectric constant. The amount of charge implied by an interface potential of 30 mV would render detection of associated defects impossible, but these results represent a lower limit in intrinsic bulk grain boundary potential.
Enhancing image contrast and slicing electron pulses in 4D near field electron microscopy

In this Letter, we discuss the use of photon-induced near field electron microscopy (PINEM) to reach new limits of temporal and spatial resolutions. We invoke two optical femtosecond pulses, one of them is for the usual clocking of dynamical change but the second one is for gating (slicing) the imaging-electron continuous or pulsed beam. It is shown that in both cases the resolution becomes that of the optical gating pulse and not of the electron one. We also show that by using the near field of a nanoparticle it is possible to enhance contrast in imaging of materials and including biological structures.
Changes in the degree of pectin demethylation during fermentation of fruit musts

Musts from apples, plums, black and red currants, pears, cherries and strawberries were subjected to fermentation. In the 84th h of fermentation a definite amount of exogenous pectin was added to some samples. Based on the determined content of methanol (MeOH) and its total presence, measured after alkaline hydrolysis, the degree of pectin demethylation (DDM) was calculated. Great variations of DDM as well as initial and total content of MeOH in particular musts were found. The highest DDM was found in a cherry must (83.4%) and red currant (72.4%). The remaining musts were demetylated in the range from 20 to 65%, except depectinized samples (72—98%). All the musts of 1986 displayed higher contents of total MeOH and lower degrees of final demethylations than those of 1984. It has been shown that endogenous pectin contained in musts is not fully demethylated, in spite of the fact that the solution is capable of further demethylation of exogenous pectin.
Hydrogen peroxide suppresses low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake and LDL-supported steroidogenesis by porcine luteal cells.

Abstract The present study tested the hypothesis that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibits low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake and LDL-supported steroidogenesis by luteal cells. LDL uptake: dispersed porcine luteal cells from mid-cycle (days 6–11, estrus = day 0) were incubated for 0–120 min at 37°C in F-10 medium + 0.1% BSA containing various concentrations of H2O2 (0–1000 μM). Cells were washed with catalase (2800 U/ml), and then with fresh medium. Cell viability based on trypan blue exclusion was unaltered by H2O2 exposure through 60 min. H2O2-exposed cells were incubated with fluorescent-tagged-LDL (Dil-LDL; 1 μg/ml) for 10 min at 37°C. Fluorescence of small (SLC) and large (LLC) luteal cells was analyzed by flow cytometry (n = 6 experiments). H2O2 (≥ 10 μM) caused a progressive reduction (P 4 × 10 4 0.2 , ml ) were pre-cultured in DMEM F -2 medium overnight (∼ 18 h) in 96-well culture plates. Wells were rinsed and fresh media (0.2 ml) containing H2O2 (0–500 μM) was added. After 30 min, the following treatments were added: human(h)LDL (0 or 50 μg/ml), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 0 or 100 ng/ml), hCG + LDL, or 22R-hydroxycholesterol (22[OH]-C; 0 or 25 μg/ml), Cells were incubated for an additional 4 h, and P concentrations in final media samples were measured by RIA. P production was increased (P basal (ED50 > 500 μM) > 22(OH)-C (ED50 > 5000 μM). LDL endocytosis/metabolism may be an important target of oxygen radical attack during functional luteal regression.
On the morphology of ferroelectric domains

Abstract A theoretical model is proposed in order to explain the lamellar or spiked morphology of domains of opposite polarization observed in ferroelectric crystals in their polar phase. A nonconvex free energy is constructed, which has two isolated minima corresponding to states of opposite spontaneous polarization. The jump conditions for the electric field and polarization vector across domain walls assume a special form for this free energy. The electrostatic problem for a single domain of unknown shape and possibly curved walls is analyzed in two dimensions. The fields inside and outside are found explicitly. Metasbility then restricts the shape of the domain to be lamellar, i.e. slender, with small wall curvature, and terminating in sharp cusped ends along the polar axis. Thermodynamic considerations allow evaluation of the driving force at every wall point. This shows that such domains may elongate, but cannot thicken in the presence of moderate applied electric fields.
Artin groups of extra-large type are biautomatic

Abstract In this paper we develop new techniques to work with small cancellation theory diagrams for Artin groups. Using these techniques we examine paths in the Cayley graph of the Artin group. For any Artin group G, with semigroup generators oA, we define a language L(G) ⊂oA∗. The language L(G) is a set of canonical forms for the Artin group. In the case G is an Artin group of extra-large type or a two generator Artin group, we analyze the geometry of the small cancellation theory diagrams and show that L(G) is the language of a biautomatic structure for G.
The Case of the Wandering Kidney

Nephroptosis is a controversial phenomenon well described in the literature. In this case report, we present a patient whose right kidney had “wandered” from its normal anatomic position in the retroperitoneum anteriorly and was in a fixed position anterior to the liver secondary to hydronephrosis. As opposed to the suspected mechanism of nephroptosis, we offer a hydraulic theory as to the origin of the energy required to cause this translocation. The work required to move the patient's kidney was generated by her cardiac output.
Using a high shear rotary membrane system to treat shipboard wastewaters: Experimental disc diameter, rotation and flux relationships

Abstract The permeate flux ( J ) and volume throughput ( Q ) dependence on rotation ( ω ), diameter ( D ), Reynolds Number (Re) and shear rate ( γ ) for a high shear rotary membrane system (HSR-MS) was investigated to determine if larger, slower rotated discs could lead to a smaller system weight and foot/cube-print which is needed for US Navy shipboard placement. The HSR-MS steady state flux ( J ss ) was highly dependent on ω and D ranging from 10 to 433 L/m 2 hr (LMH). For every 100 rpm increase in ω , J ss increased on average by 26 LMH. The outer membrane third provided ≥50% of the total flow, with the inner third providing about 15%. The J ss – γ relationship was extended to larger membranes (312 and 374 mm) and predicted that J ss increased by about 15% for each increase in size. Q ss was much more sensitive to increases in diameter and corresponding surface area – Q increased by 45% for D =267 mm→312 mm and 65% increased for D =312 mm→374 mm (≈1% increase in Q per mm increase in diameter). Collectively, the results show that larger discs, rotated at lower rotations, can produce similar or greater Q compared to smaller discs rotating faster.
Male gender roles and sexuality: implications for women's AIDS risk and prevention.

The focus of prevention of the heterosexual AIDS epidemic in the U.S. has been on women. The role of men in sexual decision making has not been emphasized in AIDS prevention approaches. As a result, the heterosexual epidemic for women continues unabated because of the lack of attention to the behavior of male sex partners. This article describes a profile of male sex partners and emphasizes gender roles and sexuality. Prevention efforts that focus singly on women have been misguided and have actually served to undermine women by making them responsible for HIV risk reduction. Prevention of AIDS among heterosexuals will require an examination of how traditional gender role socialization runs counter to safer sex practices. Control of the epidemic will require a focus on men as individuals responsible for their own health and the health of women.
Inhibition of microsome-mediated binding of aflatoxin B1 to DNA by glutathione S-transferase.

Abstract Hamster liver microsome-mediated [ 14 C]aflatoxin B 1 binding to DNA is inhibited by 105,000 × g liver supernatant fraction. Absolute requirement of glutathione for the inhibitory activity of the dialyzed supernatant and irreversible loss of the inhibitory activity by the heat-treated supernatant indicate involvement of glutathione S -transferase. Concomitant with inhibition of aflatoxin B 1 -DNA binding, the formation of an aflatoxin B 1 -glutathione conjugate is indicated.
Fermi resonance and vibrational lineshapes of the CH3 group in liquid methanol

Abstract The CH stretching and bending vibrational Raman bands of liquid methanol have been measured at temperatures ranging from 0 to 90°C and pressures from 1 bar to 4 kbar. The coupled oscillator model is used to calculate frequencies and bandwidths free of Fermi resonance. Their density and temperature dependence is qualitatively explained in terms of quickly varying repulsive forces. The differences between the experimental (with Fermi resonance) and calculated uncoupled (without Fermi resonance) bandwidths are found to be in close agreement with the intramolecular transition model predictions.
Arrestin interactions with G protein-coupled receptors. Direct binding studies of wild type and mutant arrestins with rhodopsin, beta 2-adrenergic, and m2 muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

Arrestins play an important role in quenching signal transduction initiated by G protein-coupled receptors. To explore the specificity of arrestin-receptor interaction, we have characterized the ability of various wild-type arrestins to bind to rhodopsin, the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), and the m2 muscarinic cholinergic receptor (m2 mAChR). Visual arrestin was found to be the most selective arrestin since it discriminated best between the three different receptors tested (highest binding to rhodopsin) as well as between the phosphorylation and activation state of the receptor (>10-fold higher binding to the phosphorylated light-activated form of rhodopsin compared to any other form of rhodopsin). While β-arrestin and arrestin 3 were also found to preferentially bind to the phosphorylated activated form of a given receptor, they only modestly discriminated among the three receptors tested. To explore the structural characteristics important in arrestin function, we constructed a series of truncated and chimeric arrestins. Analysis of the binding characteristics of the various mutant arrestins suggests a common molecular mechanism involved in determining receptor binding selectivity. Structural elements that contribute to arrestin binding include: 1) a C-terminal acidic region that serves a regulatory role in controlling arrestin binding selectivity toward the phosphorylated and activated form of a receptor, without directly participating in receptor interaction; 2) a basic N-terminal domain that directly participates in receptor interaction and appears to serve a regulatory role via intramolecular interaction with the C-terminal acidic region; and 3) two centrally localized domains that are directly involved in determining receptor binding specificity and selectivity. A comparative structure-function model of all arrestins and a kinetic model of β-arrestin and arrestin 3 interaction with receptors are proposed.
Temperature-dependent genotypic selection and embryonic survival of rainbow trout.

The survival of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) with different developmental rates and genotypes at eight polymorphic loci was compared in two experiments. The embryos were reared at temperatures colder (5 and 8°C) and warmer (12°C) than normally experienced by the strain (9.5°C). Embryo survival in five different hatching groups (representing the sequential order of hatching) was compared at 8 and 12°C. Embryos in the center of the hatching distribution (groups 2, 3, and 4) showed a greater survival to yolk sac resorption than those in the extremes (groups 1 and 5). These differences are significant in the embryos reared at 12°C in both experiments. Embryo survival from hatching to yolk sac resorption was poorer at 12 compared to 8°C. In the one experiment where it was examined, significantly fewer embryos hatched at 5 and 12 than at 8°C. Significant deviations from genotypic expectations (based upon parental allele frequencies) were detected in the progeny (23 of 34 cases). In contrast, few deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations were detected (5 of 34 cases) when progeny allele frequencies are used. Few significant differences in genotype frequencies were detected among the progeny reared at the different temperatures. This suggests that nonequal contributions of parental gametes rather than differential selection of genotypes account for the deviations from expectations in the progeny.
Smooth regularity of solutions of double obstacle problems involving degenerate elliptic equations

(1991). Smooth regularity of solutions of double obstacle problems involving degenerate elliptic equations. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 16, No. 4-5, pp. 821-843.
Dispersion Polymerization of Styrene in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: Importance of Effective Surfactants

The dispersion polymerization of styrene in supercritical CO2 using amphiphilic diblock copolymers to impart steric stabilization was investigated. Lipophilic, CO2-insoluble materials can be effectively emulsified in carbon dioxide using amphiphilic diblock copolymer surfactants. The resulting high yield (>90%) of polystyrene is obtained in the form of a stable polymer colloid comprised of submicron-sized particles. The particle diameter and distribution of sizes were shown to be dependent on the nature of the stabilizing block copolymer.
Egocentrism, ethnocentrism, and altrocentrism: factors in individual and intergroup violence

Abstract Egocentrism and ethnocentrism are considered as cognitive biases which foster violence at both individual and group levels. Each is characterized as a lack of empathy or an inability to see reality as it appears to others. Altrocentrism is conceptualized as a more mature, socialized form of perceiving in which the individual can understand another person because he sees the facts as they appear to the other. Adolescents tend to see policemen and teachers as hostile and threatening because they cannot empathize with the roles of these authority figures. Evidence indicates that violent behavior is associated with egocentric and ethnocentric thinking. Devices such as role-playing, stating the case of the other, fantasy, and the culture-assimilator foster altrocentric thinking, and some evidence indicates that they reduce the frequency of resort to violence. Cross-cultural education must begin use of such procedures if we are to minimize domestic and international violence.
The case against persuasive advertising by health maintenance organizations.

ADVERTISING by health maintenance organizations (HMOs) has become increasingly common in the United States. But unlike advertising by private physicians, which has generated considerable controversy,1 2 3 4 5 6 advertising by HMOs has been virtually ignored. The reasons for this relative silence are unclear. Perhaps it is that HMOs are regarded as businesses, for which the use of advertising is widely accepted, whereas private physicians are more likely to be viewed as professionals whose integrity would be tarnished by advertising. Whatever the reasons for this disparity, I wish to show that much HMO advertising is problematic. Although some of my points are applicable to . . .
Endorsement of Global Ocean Mapping Project

Now that the surfaces of the Moon, Mars, Venus, the moons of the outer solar system, and the subaerial Earth have been mapped systematically at high spatial resolution, why not our own Earth's ocean floors? Some 370 million km2 of our planet, almost equal in area to two moons and two Mars-sized planets, are water-covered, and seafloor mapping efforts (for practical reasons, acoustic, sonar images, and topographic contours) have yielded only an irregular patchwork of disparate data, with large areas of remote seafloor remaining almost entirely unmapped.
Polymerization of chlorinated diphenylsiloxanes

Chlorinated diphenylsiloxanes were prepared by acid- and base-catalyzed polymerization of the corresponding diols in polar organic solvents. Under mild conditions, cyclic tetramers were isolated. More forcing conditions in the presence of base yielded resins containing largely cyclic species which showed extensive cleavage of the phenyl groups. The order of the phenyl group cleavage among the polymers indicated that the inductive effect of the substituent halogen plays a dominant role.
Dyspnea as the predominant manifestation of bilateral phrenic neuropathy.

Phrenic neuropathy associated with brachial neuritis has been well described; however, bilateral phrenic neuropathy with minimal or no involvement of the brachial plexus has not. We review the clinical features, as well as the results of radiographic studies, pulmonary function tests, and electrodiagnostic studies, of 3 patients in whom dyspnea was the presenting manifestation of bilateral phrenic neuropathy. All 3 patients had acuteonset dyspnea, which led to consideration of a pulmonary or cardiac etiology. Phrenic nerve conduction studies showed bilateral axonal degeneration of the phrenic nerves. Diaphragmatic paralysis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute-onset dyspnea. Dyspnea increases typically when the patient lies down, and paradoxical respiration may be present. Neck, shoulder, or upper limb pain may occur at onset. Inspiratory pressures may be reduced, but a comparison of the forced vital capacity when the patient is standing and supine is more specific for diaphragmatic weakness. Phrenic nerve conduction studies and diaphragmatic electromyography may provide evidence of bilateral involvement. Subclinical evidence of brachial plexus involvement may be present. The prognosis for patients with bilateral phrenic neuropathy may be more favorable than reported previously.
Comparison of synthetic high density lipoprotein (HDL) contrast agents for MR imaging of atherosclerosis.

Determining arterial macrophage expression is an important goal in the molecular imaging of atherosclerosis. Here, we compare the efficacy of two synthetic, high density lipoprotein (HDL) based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of macrophage burden. Each form of HDL was labeled with gadolinium and rhodamine to allow MRI and fluorescence microscopy. Either the 37 or 18 amino acid peptide replaced the apolipoprotein A-I in these agents, which were termed 37pA-Gd or 18A-Gd. The diameters of 37pA-Gd and 18A-Gd are 7.6 and 8.0 nm, respectively, while the longitudinal relaxivities are 9.8 and 10.0 (mM s)−1. 37pA has better lipid binding properties. In vitro tests with J774A.1 macrophages proved the particles possessed the functionality of HDL by eliciting cholesterol efflux and were taken up in a receptor-like fashion by the cells. Both agents produced enhancements in atherosclerotic plaques of apolipoprotein E knockout mice of ∼90% (n = 7 per agent) and are macrophage specific as evidenced b...
A Relatively Painless Method of Introduction to the Psychological Literature Search

(1977). A Relatively Painless Method of Introduction To the Psychological Literature Search. Teaching of Psychology: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 89-91.
The impact of geropsychology training.

What effect does a geropsychology practicum placement have on graduate students' knowledge of and attitudes toward older adults? Ninety psychology externs and interns were surveyed at the beginning of the training year and then 9 months later. About half of the trainees provided services in settings that served older adults, whereas the remainder did not. At the end of training, those with a geropsychology placement maintained higher interest in geropsychology, had lower negative attitudes toward older people, and had greater knowledge of mental health and aging than trainees without a geropsychology placement. There were no differences between the two placement groups in knowledge of general facts on aging and positive attitudes toward the aged. The implications of the findings for graduate program directors, training psychologists, and graduate students are discussed.
Effects of the Large-Scale Flow on Characteristic Features of the Sea Breeze

Abstract A two-dimensional nonlinear numerical model has been used to examine the effects of the ambient wind on the development of characteristic features of the sea breeze. The specific features that were examined were the maximum shoreward velocity component (both total and as a perturbation from the large-scale flow) anywhere in the simulation domain, the inland penetration of the sea breeze, the depth of the inflow layer at the coastline, the maximum vertical velocity anywhere in the domain, the maximum potential-temperature gradient anywhere in the domain, and the surface heat flux. Thirty-one simulators were performed, with large-scale geostrophic winds ranging from onshore (i.e., supporting) flow of 15 m s−1 to offshore (i.e., opposing) flow of 15 m s−1, at 1 m s−1 intervals. The results indicated that the sea-breeze perturbation was suppressed for onshore large-scale flow of a few meters per second or more. In contrast, a sea breeze was produced for opposing large-scale flow as strong as 11 m s−1...
Performance Characteristics of Regenerative Flow Compressors for Natural Gas Compression Application

In this paper we discuss the application of regenerative flow compressors (RFC) for low-pressure natural gas compression required by microturbine systems. A brief overview of fundamentals and the hypothesis of the operation of RFC is presented. A mathematical model to describe the complex three-dimensional corkscrew flow pattern in RFC is discussed. Governing equations for the blade and channel region are developed. A one-dimensional (I-D) performance prediction code for RFC based on governing equations and loss models is developed and performance results are compared with experimental data on a multistage RFC. Excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental results is observed, thus validating the proposed mathematical model.
Age patterns of immunoglobulins G, A & M in healthy children and the influence of breast feeding and vaccination status.

Serum levels of immunoglobulins G, A and M were determined by nephelometry in 414 infants and children aged 1 month to 14 years. The children were admitted to “Aghia Sophia” Teaching Hospital for Children for surgical corrections of minor anatomical abnormalities, but they were otherwise healthy. Statistical analysis was performed through multiple regression after logarithmic transformation of the immunoglobulin values. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels increased significantly by 18% per year until the age of 5 years and by 2% per year thereafter. Among children less than 5 years old, IgG levels tended to increase significantly with the number of doses of either DTP or Sabin vaccine. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels increased significantly by 27% until the age of 7 years and by 4% thereafter. Among children less than 7 years old, history of breast feeding was significantly associated with higher levels of IgA. Vaccination with either DTP or Sabin was associated with elevation of IgA levels among younger and, to a lesser extent, older children, but the elevations did not reach statistical significance. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels increased rapidly during the first 12 months of life and very slowly thereafter and they were significantly higher among girls. Among children less than one year old, there was evidence that vaccination with either DTP or Sabin was associated with elevated IgM levels, although the differences were not statistically significant possibly because of small numbers of infants in the study sample. The results of the present study demonstrate the age- and sex-dependent changes of immunoglobulins G, A and M, they indicate that vaccination is associated with higher immunoglobulin levels among younger children, and suggest that breast feeding may increase IgA levels among children less than 7 years old.;
Quantum lattice representation of 1D MHD turbulence with arbitrary transport coefficients

The quantum Boltzmann equation method is demonstrated by numerically predicting the time-dependent solutions of the velocity and magnetic fields governed by nonintegrable magnetohydrodynamic equations, in one spatial dimension. The method allows arbitrary tuning of the value of the viscosity and resistivity transport coefficients without compromising numerical integrity even near the zero dissipation and turbulent regime where shock front discontinuities emerge.
Fungal prosthetic mitral valve endocarditis caused by Scopulariopsis species: case report and review of the literature.

Clinical Summary A 67-year-old woman with a past medical history significant for rheumatic fever, gout, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and 3 prior valve operations presented with fever and right leg pain. One year before presentation she underwent replacement of her aortic and mitral valves with a 19-mm Carpentier-Edwards Magna pericardial valve and a 25-mm Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve (Baxter Healthcare Corp, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif), respectively. Her social history was significant for pet finches. Her temperature was 101°F, she had a systolic murmur at the left sternal border, and her right foot was cold with diminished pulses. She had no evidence of onychomycosis or peripheral emboli. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a nonocclusive clot in the right ileac artery. Hematologic parameters and chemistries were normal. Blood cultures, including fungal isolator blood cultures incubated over 4 weeks, were negative. After the patient’s left leg became cold and pulseless, she urgently underwent thromboendarterectomy of an acutely occluded femoral artery. Pathology from the embolectomized specimen demonstrated septated hyphal elements. Subsequently on day 5, fungal cultures grew a mold morphologically identified as a Scopulariopsis species (Figure 1). She underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram revealing a larger than 12-mm vegetation on the mitral valve with moderate mitral regurgitation. Confirmatory identification and susceptibility testing performed at Focus Diagnostics (Cyprus, Calif) identified the organism as S brevicaulis and demonstrated mean inhibitory concentrations of 4 g/mL to amphotericin B, 1 g/mL to terbinafine, 8 g/mL to voriconazole, and greater than 8 g/mL to itraconazole. The patient underwent excision of the senescent infected mitral valve pericardial prosthesis, extensive debridement of the associated fungal vegetation, and a mitral valve replacement with a Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve. She was treated preoperatively and postoperatively with amphotericin B and voriconazole. The amphotericin was continued for 3 weeks postoperatively, and the voriconazole was arbitrarily continued for 11 weeks until the patient could not tolerate it because of debilitating nausea. She had a complicated respiratory course postoperatively and was discharged to a rehabilitation facility. She was subsequently readmitted with dyspnea and died 5 months after initial presentation without signs of recurrent infection. Culture of her pet finch’s feathers grew Aspergillus species and not Scopulariopsis species, despite the mold’s propensity to grow in bird feathers.