cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interdigestive phasic contractions of the human lower esophageal sphincter

The results of this study show that lower esophageal sphincter contractions occur during phases 2 and 3 of the gastric interdigestive migratory motor complex in humans. In one series of studies, esophageal, gastric, and duodenal pressures were monitored overnight for 12 h in 7 healthy, fasting subjects. A second group of 10 volunteers was studied for 12 h on two consecutive nights. Periods of gastric contraction that reached a maximum frequency of about 3/min were shown to be part of the migratory motor complex cycle because they occurred immediately before phase 3 migratory motor complex activity in the duodenum. In all subjects, gastric interdigestive contractions were accompanied by lower esophageal sphincter contractions that maintained a pressure barrier between the stomach and esophageal body. During late phase 2 and phase 3 gastric migratory motor complex activity, the lower esophageal sphincter contractions were especially vigorous. Mean basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure varied significantly during the interdigestive cycle. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure values were maximal during phase 3 of gastric migratory motor complex activity and minimal values occurred during phase 1. No episodes of gastroesophageal reflux occurred as a result of increase of intragastric pressure caused by interdigestive gastric contractions.
A sliding and variable window based multitone excision for digital audio broadcasting

This study considers the transmission of digital signals in-band on-channel for application in digital audio broadcasting (DAB). In the FM-channel used for analog transmission, two different DAB scenarios are simulated. In the first approach, the digital data is spread in form of a weak direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) signal underneath the FM. Since the FM signal is a multitone interference to the DSSS signal, it is to be excised. In this paper, a new adaptive frequency domain technique is proposed for excising multitone interference in DAB, The second scenario performs an amplitude modulation on the FM signal. This technique assures no interference in-between the new, digital, and the already existing analog service,.
A Modern Perspective on Nymphomania

There is a stark contrast between the widespread myth of nymphomania and women who actually experience disruptive increases in sexual desire. Nymphomania can be defined in terms of three distinct elements: marked increase in sexual drive; extremely frequent partner sexual behavior; promiscuity. The essence of the problem, however, is the disruptive increase in desire. Causes often involve one or more of the following: acting out; atypical psychoses; alcohol and/or drug abuse; temporal lobe disorders; involvement with an inappropriate partner; response to another sexual dysfunction. Many of these women are unable to derive emotional satisfaction from sex.
The carboxyl-terminal extension of the D1 protein of photosystem II is not required for optimal photosynthetic performance under CO2- and light-saturated growth conditions.

Abstract Synthesis of the photosystem II D1 protein as a precursor with a carboxyl-terminal extension occurs in almost all eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms examined so far, as well as in cyanobacteria. Processing of the D1 precursor has been recently postulated to play a regulatory role in the light-dependent migration of photosystem II units from the unstacked to the stacked thylakoids (Bowyer, J. M., Packer, J. C. L., McCormack, B. A., Whitelegge, J. P., Robinson, C., and Taylor, M. A. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 5424-5433). To test this hypothesis, site-directed mutagenesis and chloroplast transformation have been used to create a "preprocessed" mutant Chlamydomonas strain which synthesizes mature D1 protein directly. We have found that this strain is indistinguishable from wild type in terms of photosynthetic performance and cell doubling time under CO2- and light-saturated photoautotrophic growth conditions.
Isolation and Analysis of DNA from Archaeological, Clinical, and Natural History Specimens

Abstract The use of ancient DNA (aDNA) in the reconstruction of population origins and evolution is becoming increasingly common. Novel methods exist for the isolation, purification, and analysis of aDNA because these DNA templates are likely to be damaged, fragmented and⧸or associated with non-nucleic acid material. However, contamination of ancient specimens and DNA extracts with modern DNA is more widespread than is generally acknowledged and remains a significant problem in aDNA analysis. Studies of human aDNA are uniquely sensitive to contamination due to the continual presence of potential contamination sources. Meticulous authentication of results and careful selection of polymorphic markers capable of distinguishing between aDNA and probable DNA contaminants are critical to a successful aDNA study.
Economies of diversification in the banking industry

Abstract This paper defines a new measure, economies of diversification, to examine the cost effect of product line expansion. This measure is a special case of expansion path subadditivity and contains economies of scope as a special case. A nonparametric frontier technique which isolates the effects of inefficiency and scale is used to measure economies of diversification. Applied to a set of 468 U.S. depository institutions operating in 1984, we find slight diseconomies of diversification. Diseconomies of diversification and inefficiency due to the overutilization of resources are found to be more important determinants of bank costs than is the failure to operate at optimal scale.
A magnetic switch that determines the speed of astrophysical jets

Understanding how astrophysical jets are formed is important for understanding the nature and evolution of such phenomena as active galactic nuclei and quasars, Galactic superluminal x-ray sources, and young stellar objects.
The Evidence Base for the Effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous: Implications for Social Work Practice

ABSTRACT Scholars have been struggling with the problem of studying Alcoholics Anonymous scientifically since the 1960s. Several defining elements of AA make randomized clinical trials impossible: there are no membership records; self-selection can account for change; membership boundaries are fluid; ethical considerations prohibit use of control groups; and AA varies considerably from meeting to meeting. Contemporary scholars continue to seek empirical evidence for the effectiveness of AA. This paper describes a systematic review of AA research literature and an analysis of the past ten years of empirical findings. Methods, variables, outcomes, sampling, and theory are addressed with implications for social work practice.
The Everywhere Displays Projector: A Device to Create Ubiquitous Graphical Interfaces

This paper introduces the Everywhere Displays projector, a device that uses a rotating mirror to steer the light from an LCD/DLP projector onto different surfaces of an environment. Issues of brightness, oblique projection distortion, focus, obstruction, and display resolution are examined. Solutions to some of these problems are described, together with a plan to use a video camera to allow device-free interaction with the projected images. The ED-projector is a practical way to create ubiquitous graphical interfaces to access computational power and networked data. In particular, it is envisioned as an alternative to the carrying of laptops and to the installation of displays in furniture, objects, and walls. In addition, the use of ED-projectors to augment reality without the use of goggles is examined and illustrated with examples.
Survey of State Domestic Violence Legislation

Legislation addressing the issue of domestic violence has been left to the states. This has resulted in certain commonalities but also significant differences both in the provisions of the legislation and in the implementation and interpretation amongst the various states. This article examines the component parts of the legislation, ranging from the most common provision providing for a restraining order to a few of the states extending monetary benefits to the victim from the abuser. The constitutionality issue is examined relative to police authority to arrest without warrant, as well as the issue of the extent of immunity from civil suit that police may rely on when enforcing the provisions of this specific criminal legislation. A Table is included to give the reader ready statutory reference to each state enactment and an overview of the specific provisions applicable in each jurisdiction.
8. Position-Sensitive Particle Detection With Microchannel-Plate Electron Multipliers

This chapter discusses that the development of microchannel plate (MCP) electron multipliers spawned a new generation of detectors for charged and neutral particles. These are position-sensitive or “imaging” devices that indicate the positions of particle impact on the detector surface. Initially developed as an image intensifier, the microchannel plate typically consist of a disk of lead glass, 10 to 100 mm in diameter, having a thickness between 0.5 and 2 mm, and is fabricated by multistep process. A bundle of glass tubes, containing solid cores, is drawn and fused, forming a single fiber. These fibers are stacked in a hexagonal assembly that is fused and drawn further. There are several configurations of MCP-based position-sensitive particle detectors (PSDs) that differ in specific means for the determination of the position information. In most of these, position resolutions of 50 μm are achieved and some of the detectors permit the measurement of particle arrival times with subnanosecond resolution. Some of the results discussed in the chapter are obtained under the support of grants from the National Science Foundation, Atmospheric Sciences Section, and NASA.
Enzyme Histochemistry of Neuroglia

Publisher Summary In this chapter, a survey of the histochemical distribution of oxidative enzymes in neuroglia is given. Oligodendroglia normally contains more oxidative enzymatic activity than astrocytes. Among the individual enzymes involved in the hexosemonophosphate shunt and citric acid cycle, oligodendroglia are particularly rich in the former but have comparatively little activity of the citric acid cycle enzymes. This suggests a predominance of glucose shunt metabolism in oligodendroglia. Normal astrocytes have less enzymatic activity than oligodendroglia cells. Astrocytic hypertrophy is accompanied by an extreme increase of oxidative enzymes. Various experimental studies were done in search for factors that induce this metabolic change in astrocytes. The effect of environmental ion concentration on the enzymatic activity of astrocytes was investigated in tissue cultures of rat cerebral cortex. It was found that the oxidative enzymatic activity of astrocytes depended on the concentration of NaCl in the environment. This response was not specific for NaCl but was also elicited by MgCl 2 and LiCl; the response was less consistent and often questionable for KCl. However, only NaCl could elicit enzymatic changes in astrocytes at concentrations known to be present in a living organism. Astrocytes are the only cells that responded this way; it is shown that the footplates are particularly involved in the response, because the increase of enzymes occurred earlier in the footplates than in the perikarya.
Finite Element Simulation of Process Control of Bolt Tightening for Joints With Non-Parallel Contact

In this paper, 3-D finite element analysis (FEA) is used for simulating and evaluating the various process control methods that are commonly used in the automated assembly of bolted joints. A joint model with non-parallel contact under the bolt head is used. The FEA model takes into account the thread helix angle of the fastener. Simulation includes the torque-only and the torque-turn process control methods for achieving a desired level of the bolt preload at initial assembly of the joint. The torque-only process control option is simulated by applying a target peak torque value at which the tightening process is stopped. On the other hand, a torque-angle method is simulated by first applying a low level (threshold) torque (to the bolt head) after which the bolt head (or nut) would be rotated by a specified angle of turn, in order to achieve the desired bolt tension. The effect of thread and underhead bearing friction coefficients as well as the hole size are investigated. The FEA simulation provided in this study would be helpful for developing reliable tightening strategies for joints with (as cast) non-parallel bearing surfaces.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Influence of anticonvulsant cannabinoids on posttetanic potentiation at isolated bullfrog ganglia.

The effects of anticonvulsant cannabinoids on posttetanic potentiation (PTP) at bullfrog paravertebral ganglia in vitro were investigated electrophysiologically. Two Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol metabolites, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 8α, 11-dihydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, as well as cannabidiol, markedly depressed PTP. In contrast, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol had no such effect. Thus, the findings of the present study clearly demonstrate that pharmacological properties of these hydroxylated metabolites of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol are not identical to those of their parent compound.
The intestinal zinc transport in aged rats

Abstract To determine if there are any age-related alterations in the intestinal zinc absorption that may contribute to zinc deficiency, we studied the zinc transport across the jejunal segments of 3-, 12- and 24-month-old Fisher 344 male rats using the Ussing chamber technique. We also evaluated the effect of 5 μM arachidonic acid in tissue bathing media. The zinc transport from mucosa to serosa in 24-month-old rats (55.0 ± 3.5 nmol/h/cm 2 ) was significantly greater than the transport in 12-month-old (30.1 ± 6.3 nmol/h/cm 2 ) and 3-month-old rats (41.0 ± 5.2 nmol/h/cm 2 ). There was no age-dependent differences in the zinc transport from the serosa to the mucosa. The addition of 5 μM arachidonic acid to the serosal side only resulted in a significant decrease in zinc transport rate from serosa to mucosa. The magnitude of change in the 24-month-old rats (36.0 ± 3.9 vs . 26.5 ± 3.2 nmol/h/cm 2 ) was similar to the change seen in 12-month-old rats (34.5 ± 4.6 vs . 20.1 ± 3.5 nmol/h/cm 2 ) and 3-month-old rats (34.5 ± 4.6 vs . 26.1 ± 3.9 nmol/h/cm 2 ). The results indicate that intestinal zinc transport is increased in the aged rats, and that arachidonic acid or one of its metabolites may be important regulators of net zinc absorption through their effect on intestinal zinc secretion rates.
Higher-order conditioning of fear (CER)

Stable higher-order conditioning of an emotional response was found in a vast majority of rats given an extension of the CER suppression procedure. The phenomenon was demonstrated under a variety of conditions and frequently took the the form of total suppression in the presence of a stimulus which had never been paired with shock.
Investigation into the potential physiological sources of rat milk IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins

We have previously reported the presence of IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-2, -3 and -4) in rat milk. Herein, the potential sources of rat milk IGF-I and IGFBPs were investigated. Lactating dams (day 14 postpartum) were separated from their pups and injected intraperitoneally with 0.45 microCi 125I-IGF-I or 125I-IGFBP-3. After 3 h, serum and milk of rats receiving 125I-IGF-I contained 7642 +/- 3121 and 14,455 +/- 7837 c.p.m./ml respectively. Serum and milk of rats given 125I-IGFBP-3 contained 7232 +/- 1366 and 10,371 +/- 4091 c.p.m./ml respectively. Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration chromatography demonstrated that the 125I-IGF-I in both serum and milk was primarily in the 150 kDa IGF-binding complex, whereas the distribution of 125I-IGFBP-3 differed between serum and milk. In serum, most of the 125I-IGFBP-3 was in the 150 kDa fraction, while most 125I-IGFBP-3 in milk was in the 40 kDa fraction. Northern analysis of liver showed IGFBP-1 and -3 mRNA expression, with variable expression of IGFBP-2 and -4 mRNA. In contrast, mammary tissue expressed only IGFBP-2 and -4 mRNA, suggesting that these IGFBPs in milk may arise from de novo synthesis within the mammary gland. The lack of detectable IGFBP-3 mRNA in mammary tissue and the translocation of 125I-IGFBP-3 from the serum suggest that milk IGFBP-3 arises from the maternal circulation.
Echocardiographic Abnormalities in the Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

Two echocardiographic patterns of the mitral valve have been found to correlate with anatomic and/or angiocardiographic appearance of redundancy of the mitral valve. The echocardiographic abnormality may be found in the presence or absence of auscultatory findings, while the apparent separation of the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets on echocardiogram does not seem to represent anatomic separation leading to mitral regurgitation. Since the echocardiographic abnormality is found in the absence of various parts of the syndrome, it may be used as a tool to diagnose the mitral valve prolapse syndrome, discover its incidence and follow its natural history.
Differential effect of sodium azide on the incorporation of nucleic acid precursors into Chinese hamster cells in vitro

Nucleic acid metabolism in Chinese hamster fibroblasts grown in vitro noting effects of concentrations of sodium azide
Behaviour/mental health problems in young adults with intellectual disability: the impact on families.

Background The present authors studied the impact of dual diagnosis [i.e. intellectual disability (ID) and mental disorder] in young adults on their mothers’ perceived levels of stress and decisions about placement. Methods The mothers of 103 young adults with severe ID were interviewed using a 2–3-h in-depth protocol of measures designed to assess their child’s adaptive functioning, maladaptive behaviour, mental health problems and negative impact on the family, as well as their own thoughts on out-of-home placement. The Scales of Independent Behavior – Revised Problem Behavior Scale assessed problem behaviours and the Reiss Screen assessed mental disorder. Results These measures were highly correlated (r = 0.64), but tapped some different domains of maladaptive behaviour and proved to be most predictive when employed together. Behaviour and/or mental health (B/MH) problems significantly predicted the mothers’ perceived negative impact of the young adult on the family, even after controlling for other young adult characteristics. These problems also predicted the family’s steps toward seeking out-of-home placement, as did better young adult health and the mother’s higher educational attainment; stress did not predict additional variance in placement once these variables were accounted for. Conclusions The discussion focuses on the implications for service provision to families of young adults with B/MH problems.
Mu and delta opioid-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in brain and spinal cord of polyarthritic rats

Abstract Polyarthritis induced by inoculation with complete Freund's adjuvant alters opioid peptides, but does not affect opioid receptor binding. This study was conducted to measure mu and delta opioid receptor-stimulated G-protein activity in brain and spinal cord of rats 19 days after injection of complete Freund's adjuvant or vehicle. Mu and delta opioid-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding measured autoradiographically in caudate–putamen, medial thalamus and periaqueductal gray was unchanged in polyarthritic rats. Delta opioid-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was significantly decreased in the spinal cord of polyarthritic rats, whereas mu opioid-stimulated activity was unchanged. These data reveal that the functional activity of delta opioid receptors in the spinal cord is altered in polyarthritis.
Inventions, Yes; Nature, No: The Products-of-Nature Doctrine From the American Colonies to the U.S. Courts

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Courts have historically held that products of nature unmodified by human action are ineligible for patents. This doctrine derived from the evolution of the British patent system during the colonial period, particularly its lingering practice of granting patents for importation; the American colonists’ resentment of monopolies and their Enlightenment commitment to both a cultural and a natural commons; their willingness in the Revolutionary era to grant the privilege of patent monopolies only so long as they were temporary and covered inventions that were truly new. The fact that natural products as such were not new made the doctrine implicitly part of American patent law in the first years of the republic, and it was made explicit during the nineteenth century through an accumulating body of court decisions.
A Hybrid Vertical Mixing Scheme and Its Application to Tropical Ocean Models

Abstract A novel hybrid vertical mixing scheme, based jointly on the Kraus–Turner-type mixed layer model and Price's dynamic instability model, is introduced to aid in parameterization of vertical turbulent mixing in numerical ocean models. The scheme is computationally efficient and is capable of simulating the three major mechanisms of vertical turbulent mixing in the upper ocean, that is, wind stirring, shear instability, and convective overturning. The hybrid scheme is first tested in a one-dimensional model against the Kraus–Turner-type bulk mixed layer model and the Mellor–Yamada level 2.5 (MY2.5) turbulence closure model. As compared with those two models, the hybrid model behaves more reasonably in both idealized experiments and realistic simulations. The improved behavior of the hybrid model can be attributed to its more complete physics. For example, the MY2.5 model underpredicts mixed layer depth at high latitudes due to its lack of wind stirring and penetrative convection, while the Kraus–Turn...
Assessment of angiographically intermediate coronary artery stenosis using the Doppler flowire.

Abstract Determination of the clinical and hemodynamic significance of coronary stenoses is often difficult and inexact. Angiography and coronary vasodilator reserve have been shown to be imperfect tools to determine the physiologic significance of coronary stenoses. Spectral flow velocity data, both proximal and distal to coronary stenoses, using an 0.018-in intracoronary Doppler-tipped angioplasty guidewire, were compared to translesional pressure gradients and angiography during cardiac catheterization. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on resting translesional gradients: Group 1 had gradients 20 mm Hg (group 2). The ratio of proximal-to-distal total flow velocity integral was also higher in group 2 patients (2.3 ± 0.9) compared with group 1 (1.1 ± 0.2; p
Intrahelical arrangement in the integral membrane protein rhodopsin investigated by site-specific chemical cleavage and mass spectrometry.

Site-specific cleavage on the interhelical loop I on the cytoplasmic face of rhodopsin has been observed after activation of a Cu-phenanthroline tethered cleavage reagent attached on the cytoplasmic loop IV. The characterization of the reaction products by mass spectrometry, both of the membrane-bound protein and of the CNBr-cleaved peptides, allows the site of cleavage to be determined precisely. The specific cleavage of the peptide bond between Q64 and H65 on loop I leaves the N-terminal peptide (M1-Q64) intact, confirmed by MALDI-MS detection of the two N-linked glycosyl groups near the N-terminus of rhodopsin. The limited extension of the tether side chain requires a interresidue distance between the cleavage site, Q64, and the site of ligand attachment, C316, of less than 12 A. Upon photoactivation of the receptor, no change in the cleavage pattern is observed; however, a simulated Meta II intermediate activation state indicates a much more complex cleavage pattern. The development of this cleavage m...
QPCED2.0: a computer program for the processing and quantification of polycrystalline electron diffraction patterns

The processing and quantification of electron diffraction patterns have become vital in advanced electron crystallographic analysis work. A computer program, QPCED2.0, has been developed for the handling of selected-area electron diffraction patterns for polycrystalline materials. QPCED2.0 can be used to enhance the visibility of electron diffraction patterns, to convert electron diffraction patterns into intensity profiles, and to retrieve precisely the lattice d spacings and the integral intensities of the diffraction rings. The design and implementation of QPCED2.0 are elucidated and application examples are given.
The Viability of Keynesian Demand Management in an Open Economy Context

When the Old Keynesian analysis of the 1940s and 1950s failed to resolve the stagflation problem of the 1970s, it became fashionable to declare that Keynesian economics was dead. Hi-tech forms of classical economics were resurrected by the younger generation of economists to justify the elimination of governmental responsibility for maintaining full employment. This New Classical economics rationalised the need (i) to free markets from governmental regulation and (ii) to provide an independent Central Bank. New Keynesians accepted the logic of New Classical analysis, but they argued that unemployment was due to some grand market failure caused by wage and/or price rigidities and/or asymmetric information and/or co-ordination failure.
Computational Intelligence as a Tool for Small Modular Reactors

Computational intelligence techniques (CITs) traditionally consist of artificial neural networks (ANNs), fuzzy systems and genetic algorithms. This article overviews diverse implementations of ANNs, which are the most prominent in nuclear engineering problems, especially for small modular reactors (SMRs). Advanced computational intelligence-based tools will allow data to be transformation into knowledge, thus improving understanding, predictability (can be seen from the two case studies for thermal-hydraulic prediction), sustainability, and performance of SMRs with real time analysis and monitoring.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Euphrosinidae (Annelida: Amphinomida) collected from Antarctica (R/V Polarstern, 1984, 1986) with comments on the generic placement of Euphrosine magellanica Ehlers, 1900

Abstract The Euphrosinidae (Polychaeta: Amphinomida) collected during cruises of the R/V Polarstern, and described by Hartmann-Schroder & Rosenfeldt (1988, 1992) are re-examined. In all, four of five species are here assigned to two previously described taxa: Euphrosine monroi, and Euphrosinella cirratoformis and a fifth species, Euphrosine antarctica, is newly referred to the genus Euphrosinopsis, as a new combination. Euphrosinopsis antarctica n. comb., has priority as type species of the genus, rendering Euphrosinopsis antipoda as the junior synonym. We suggest that Euphrosine magellanica is a misidentified Euphrosinella cirratoformis. Previous Antarctic records of Euphrosine cirrata are also referred to the genus Euphrosinella Detinova, 1985, and are likely E. cirratoformis. Diagnoses or additional descriptive information and appropriate illustrations are provided for all taxa.
NOTE: Synthesis and Characterization of a Poly(acrylamide) with Pendant 1,4-piperazine-2,5-dione Moieties via Post-polymerization Cyclization

A poly(acrylamide) was synthesized from N α -Boc-N ϵ -acrolyl-l-lysylglycine methyl ester via radical polymerization. This polymer typically had Mn ∼ 100,000 g/mol, Mw ∼ 300,000 g/mol, and a Tg of 93°C. Removal of Boc with TFA and cyclization with DABCO™ in DMSO at 65°C afforded a soluble piperazinedione-containing polymer that had a Tg of 157°C and thermal stability up to 300°C. These results demonstrate a viable and efficient synthetic route to piperazinedione-containing polyacrylamides of high molecular weight. Related polymers that incorporate substituted indane moieties could be useful high Tg materials for fabrication of LC and NLO devices.
Free-surface turbulent flows

We review experimental and computational studies of freesurface tu rbu len t jets and report on a recently completed experimental study of the interaction of a cotlowing jet with the free surface. The mean flow scaling and the tu rbu len t structure were measured. The vortical structure at the surface was determined using particle image velocimetry (P1V). The presence and evolution of the surface current is documented as well as enstrophy production at the surface. The results show a complex h igh ly three dimensional interaction. Enstrophy production at the surface is localized at the location where vortex rcconnection processes occur.
The reaction of the trimethylchlorosilane/magnesium reagent with gem- dibromocyclopropanes

Abstract The reaction of the trimethylchlorosilane/magnesium reagent with gem- dibromocyclopropanes in tetrahydrofuran medium results in the formation of silytated cyclopropanes and/or silylated ring-opened products, depending on the substituents on the cyclopropane ring.
The Nd:YAG laser 1.3 u wavelength: In vitro effects on ocular structures

We evaluated the in vitro effects of the 1.3 u wavelength of a Nd:YAG laser using a fiberoptic delivery system, with or without sapphire tips on ocular tissue. Conjunctival and retinal adhesions were achieved best with a noncontact technique compared with a contact method.
Effect of thermoplastic toughening agent on glass transition temperature and cure kinetics of an epoxy prepreg

The isothermal time–temperature-transformation (TTT) cure diagram is developed in this article to investigate the effect of thermoplastic toughening agent on glass transition temperature (Tg) and cure kinetics of an epoxy carbon fiber prepreg, Cycom 977-2 unidirectional (UD) tape. The glass transition temperature was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) over a wide range of isothermal cure temperatures from 140 to 200 °C. Times to gelation and vitrification were measured using shear rheometry. The glass transition temperature master curve was obtained from the experimental data and the corresponding shift factors were used to calculate the activation energy. The kinetic rate model was utilized to construct iso-Tg contours using the calculated activation energy. It was observed that the iso-Tg contours did not follow the behavior of the neat epoxy resin, since they deviated from the gel time curve. This deviation was believed to be the effect of the thermoplastic toughening agent. The behavior of the neat epoxy resin in 977-2 was shown by constructing the iso-Tg contours using the activation energy obtained from gel time modeling.
High-Stakes Accountability: Student Anxiety and Large-Scale Testing

This study examined the relationship between student anxiety about high-stakes testing and their subsequent test performance. The FRIEDBEN Test Anxiety Scale was administered to 1,134 11th-grade students, and data were subsequently collected on their statewide assessment performance. Test anxiety was a significant predictor of test performance when controlling for other expected predictors of test performance, including school performance as measured by grade point average. The composite test anxiety score was negatively related to test performance, although one test anxiety subscale demonstrated a positive relationship with test performance. This study provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between test anxiety and test performance. Implications for the provision of assessment and intervention for specific aspects of test anxiety are discussed, and directions for future research on the influence of anxiety on test performance are provided.
Comparison between dream reporters and low reporters as measured by the MMPI

The personality differences between 75 reporters of frequent dream recall and 111 low reporters were compared by the MMPI. Although there were no significant personality differences between the 2 groups, the trends were toward dream recallers tending to be more restless and nervous, more withdrawing, and more inclined to engage in manic activity.
Aperture efficiency for paraboloidal reflectors

The definition and formulas for cross polarization, phase error, and illumination efficiency given by Ludwig and Thomas are shown to not always account for the correct cross polarization and phase error loss. New definitions and formulas are proposed that give a better separation of the losses associated with cross-polarized radiation, phase errors, and nonuniform aperture illumination.
Liapunov stability for a fuzzy PID controlled flexible-joint manipulator

This paper presents Liapunov stability analyses for flexible-joint robotic manipulators controlled by a fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller that was developed by the present authors. This new fuzzy PID controller preserves the simple linear structure of its conventional counterpart yet enhances its self-tuning control capability, thereby significantly improving tracking control performance. This fuzzy PID controller is extended to a MIMO configuration for the multiple link robotic manipulator. Simulation results on a two-link flexible-joint robot arm are shown to demonstrate superior performance.
Predicting New Indications for Approved Drugs Using a Proteochemometric Method

The most effective way to move from target identification to the clinic is to identify already approved drugs with the potential for activating or inhibiting unintended targets (repurposing or repositioning). This is usually achieved by high throughput chemical screening, transcriptome matching, or simple in silico ligand docking. We now describe a novel rapid computational proteochemometric method called “train, match, fit, streamline” (TMFS) to map new drug–target interaction space and predict new uses. The TMFS method combines shape, topology, and chemical signatures, including docking score and functional contact points of the ligand, to predict potential drug–target interactions with remarkable accuracy. Using the TMFS method, we performed extensive molecular fit computations on 3671 FDA approved drugs across 2335 human protein crystal structures. The TMFS method predicts drug–target associations with 91% accuracy for the majority of drugs. Over 58% of the known best ligands for each target were corr...
Health promotion for women with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was twofold: first, to modify Stuifbergen’s health promotion intervention initially developed for women with multiple sclerosis for use among women with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and to evaluate the feasibility of the newly modified health promotion intervention named “Put Health Into Living” (PHIL). The pilot study was completed in two phases. Data sources: In phase I, data were derived from a literature review, a focus group of women with HIV/AIDS (n= 7), a panel of experts who reviewed the intervention for content, and three female community workers who evaluated the intervention for the context of living with HIV/AIDS, cultural relevancy, and literacy. During phase II, a pretest/posttest one-group design was used to determine the feasibility of the study methods, content, and format of the health promotion intervention among 10 women with HIV/AIDS. Conclusions: The pilot study demonstrated the importance of a health promotion intervention for a vulnerable population. Participants verbalized the benefits of attending a health promotion program to gain knowledge and skills to promote their health. One woman said, “I have been positive for 20 years now and no one has talked to me just about my overall health.” Participants indicated the PHIL intervention offered a supportive group environment, an overall health focus, and an acceptable format. Implications for practice: Health promotion is a desirable goal for persons living with a chronic disease, and the PHIL intervention has the potential to benefit persons living with HIV/AIDS if subsequent evidence is found in further testing of the intervention.
Evidence of a stimulatory effect of cyclic AMP on corpus allatum activity in Manduca sexta

Abstract Injection of dibutyryl-cAMP prevents cuticular melanization of black Manduca sexta larvae, whose pigmentation is related to a defect in the control of the corpus allatum. The cAMP analog has no effect in allatectomized black larvae. Significant stimulation of corpus allatum activity was obtained in vitro with compounds which elicit or mimic elevated intracellular cAMP levels (dibutyryl-, 8-bromo-, N 6 benzoyl-, and 8-thiomethyl-cAMP, 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine), but not with dibutyryl-cGMP. Relatively inactive glands, such as those on day 4 of last larval stadium or from black mutant larvae, were more sensitive to these compounds than glands actively synthesizing JH/JH acid. JH acid synthesis by corpora allata taken after pupal commitment in the last larval stadium (days 6 and 8) was not stimulated by either dibutyryl-cAMP or 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine, but day 8 glands appeared to be inhibited by dibutyryl — cAMP. The results indicate that a cAMP second messenger system is involved in the transduction of signals which stimulate JH/JH acid synthesis by Manduca corpora allata prior to pupal commitment and suggest that it may be involved in the inhibition of JH acid synthesis after commitment. They also imply that the proposed hemolymph factor to which the black mutant corpora allata are differentially sensitive interfaces with the cAMP system.
Anesthetic management of patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation for treatment of atrial fibrillation using high-frequency jet ventilation.

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe anesthetic management and perioperative complications in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation under general anesthesia using high-frequency jet ventilation. The authors also identified variables associated with longer ablation times in this patient cohort. Design A retrospective observational study. Setting The electrophysiology laboratory in a major university hospital. Participants One hundred eighty-eight consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation under general anesthesia with high-frequency jet ventilation. Interventions High-frequency jet ventilation was used as the primary mode of ventilation under general anesthesia. Measurements and Main Results High-frequency jet ventilation was performed successfully throughout the ablation procedure in 175 cases of the study cohort. The remaining 13 patients had to be converted to conventional positive-pressure ventilation because of high PaCO 2 or low PaO 2 on arterial blood gas measurements. Variables associated with a shorter ablation time included a higher ejection fraction ( p = 0.04) and case volume performed by each electrophysiologist in the study group ( p = 0.001). Conclusions High-frequency jet ventilation is generally a safe technique that can be used in catheter ablation treatment under general anesthesia.
Relation of Angler Catch Rates and Effort to Reductions in Numbers of Trout Stocked in Five Oregon Streams

Abstract Creel surveys of angler pressure and success were repeated in the same manner, on the same dates, and on the same hourly schedule over a 2-year period (1975 and 1976) on five streams of the Willamette Valley, Oregon that were stocked with catchable trout. Numbers of rainbow trout (Saltno gairdneri) stocked were reduced by 25 or 50% on each stocking date in the second year. Catches per angler and per hour declined significantly but the proportion of stocked fish caught in each stream remained essentially the same over the 2-year period. Changes in angler numbers did not differ significantly although, individually, fishermen spent less time angling. Conceivably, stocking density changes can be used as a management tool for manipulating or transferring pressure from a fishery for catchable rainbow trout without reducing the proportion of stocked fish caught.
Dielectric Elastomer Generators for foot plantar pressure based energy scavenging

Parasitic energy scavenging from human-generated vibrations with piezoelectric materials has long been studied in contrast to electromagnetic or conventional electrostatic transducers. Dielectric Elastomers (DEs) are now gaining notice as low-cost electrostatic transducers with high energy densities. However, their transduction mechanism is more intricate. DE Generators (DEGs) are functionally variable capacitors, which require fine-grained control of their charging cycles in order to maximize the energy transduced. Based on a detailed DEG model that incorporates an effective method to time the charge cycles, we contrast the energy scavenged from shoe strikes by DEGs that are virtually embedded into the shoe sole, to similar piezoelectric generators. This comparison for a plantar pressure dataset of a walking subject demonstrates a multiple order-of-magnitude improvement in harvested energy.
Effect of low shear stress on permeability and occludin expression in porcine artery endothelial cells.

Although both fluid shear stress and mass transport of atherogenic substances into the vascular wall are known to be important factors in atherogenesis, there has been little research on the effect of shear stress on vascular permeability. Therefore, the effects of shear stress on the permeability of arteries and the expression of the endothelial cell tight junction molecule occludin, an important regulator of vascular permeability, were investigated. Porcine carotid arteries were perfusion cultured ex vivo with low (1.5 dyne/cm2) or physiologic (15 dyne/cm2) shear stress and 100 mmHg pressure for 24 hours. Subsequently, 20 nm gold particles in solution were infused into the lumen of vessels at 100 mmHg for 30 minutes. Frozen sections were then cut and stained for gold particles. Image analysis was used to determine the density of the particles in the vessel walls. The expression of endothelial cell occludin mRNA and protein were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Permeability results showed a 2.8-fold increase in the apparent permeability of vessels cultured with low versus physiologic shear stress. RT-PCR and Western blotting results showed significant decreases in occludin mRNA and protein expression at 12 and 24 hours in vessels cultured with low versus physiologic shear stress. These results demonstrate that low shear stress increases vascular permeability in porcine carotid arteries, possibly owing to decreased occludin expression. These results may have implications in the preferential formation of atherosclerotic vascular disease adjacent to branches and bifurcations where low mean shear stresses may occur.
Effect of α-tocopherol and tocopherol succinate on lipid peroxidation in equine spermatozoa

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of alpha-tocopherol and its ester, alpha tocopherol succinate, on lipid peroxidation and motility of equine spermatozoa. In experiment one, spermatozoa were incubated with dl-alpha-tocopherol (5, 25, 100 or 500 microM), DL-alpha tocopherol succinate (5, 25, 100 or 500 microM) or vehicle (0.5% ethanol) at 38 degrees C, and sperm motility was determined at 30, 60 and 120 min. In experiment two, spermatozoa loaded with the lipophilic probe, C11BODIPY(581/591), were incubated with dl-alpha-tocopherol (50 and 100 microM), DL-alpha-tocopherol succinate (50 and 100 microM) or ethanol (0.5%) and with the promoters cumene hydroperoxide, Fe2SO4, and ascorbate at 38 degrees C in 5% CO2. Lipid peroxidation was determined by changes in fluorescence of C11BODIPY(581/591), and motility was determined by CASA at 0, 15, 30 and 60 min. In experiment three, spermatozoa loaded with C11BODIPY(581/591) were incubated with dl-alpha-tocopherol (5, 25, 100 or 500 microM), DL-alpha-tocopherol succinate (5, 25, 100 or 500 microM) or ethanol (0.5%) at 38 degrees C and then submitted to a 4-hour incubation at room temperature. Motility and lipid peroxidation were determined at 1 and 4 h. In experiment four, the effect of DL alpha tocopherol (5, 25 or 500 microM), DL-alpha-tocopherol succinate (5, 25 or 500 microM) or ethanol (0.5%) on lipid peroxidation and motility were evaluated during storage at 5 degrees C in a skim-milk based extender. Although dl-alpha-tocopherol succinate appeared more effective than DL-alpha-tocopherol in preventing lipid peroxidation during short-term incubations, the succinate ester suppressed sperm motility compared to dl-alpha-tocopherol alone.
A Multidimensional Study of a 50-MeV, 1500-Rad/Pulse Radiographic Linac, Using the Stagger-Tuning Concept

Stagger tuning of accelerator cavities, or blocks of cavities, can significantly enhance the achievable charge transfer through an electron linac operating in the stored-energy mode. The output bremsstrahlung flux can be increased over a conventional approach by an order of magnitude without any significant degradation in emittance growth or energy spread. Given a suitable injector, a 1500-rad/pulse, 50-MeV radiographic linac appears to be practical at a 400-MHz operating frequency; a 150-rad/pulse, 50-MeV radiographic linac will operate at 1300 MHz. A multidimensional study was made using the PARMELA code where several parameters, including beam current, synchronous phase angle, and beam radius, were varied while observing the effects on emittance and transmission efficiency.
Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording

Heat-assisted magnetic recording is a promising approach for enabling large increases in the storage density of hard disk drives. A laser is used to momentarily heat the recording area of the medium to reduce its coercivity below that of the applied magnetic field from the recording head. In such a system, the recording materials have a very high magnetic anisotropy, which is essential for the thermal stability of the magnetization of the extremely small grains in the medium. This technology involves new recording physics, new approaches to near field optics, a recording head that integrates optics and magnetics, new recording materials, lubricants that can withstand extremely high temperatures, and new approaches to the recording channel design. This paper surveys the challenges for this technology and the progress that has been made in addressing them.
2013 OIC Manufacturing Problem Contest

A transmission filter from 400nm to 1100nm is selected for the contest to display current thin film manufacturing capabilities. Filters submitted by participants will be evaluated and the results will be presented at the conference.