cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of adenosine A2 receptors in bovine retinal pigment epithelial membranes.

Abstract The pharmacological characteristics of adenosine A 2 receptors are described for membranes prepared from bovine retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells. RPE cells were isolated after removal of retina, lysed by freeze-thawing, and membranes separated from cytoplasmic components. A single population of adenosine binding sites is present in RPE membranes, as determined from saturation analysis and competition binding assays. From Scatchard plots, this single class of binding sites exhibited low affinity for adenosine receptor agonists. These low affinity sites were labeled by [ 3 H]-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) or [ 3 H]-CGS 21680 and K d s of 423 and 5·3 μM were determined for each radioligand, respectively. NECA-mediated stimulation of adenylate cyclase demonstrated that these binding sites represent adenosine receptors. No high affinity A 2a binding sites were detected in RPE membranes by either saturation studies, or by competition with adenosine A 1 -selective agonists which only displaced radioligand binding at high micromolecular concentrations. The low affinity A 2 receptor on RPE differs from the high affinity A 2a receptor characterized in bovine retinal membranes, but may be similar or identical to the lower affinity A 2b receptor detected in retinal membranes as well as other tissues.
Asteroseismology of the Multiply Periodic δ Scuti Star θ Tucanae

We present an asteroseismological analysis of the δ Scuti component of the binary star system θ Tucanae, using the 10 pulsational frequencies obtained photometrically by Paparo et al. and the mode identifications of Sterken. We have tested theoretical models with masses between 1.8 and 2.8 M☉ that have solar metal abundances, and we find that based upon mode stability arguments, the photometrically derived mass estimate of 2.1 ± 0.1 M☉ is probably accurate. The models with the best frequency match to θ Tucanae have masses of 1.9-2.1 M☉, luminosities between 20 and 25 L☉, effective temperatures between 7500 and 7685 K, log g values between 3.82 and 3.92, and rotational velocities between 70 and 90 km s-1. The luminosities of our models are more than a factor of 2 less than the Hipparcos-derived luminosity of 54 L☉, which suggests that the secondary star must be of comparable luminosity. We cannot determine whether tidal distortion is causing nonspherical perturbations in the pulsating component of this system with our current models, but the frequency spacing of observed pulsation modes suggests that rotation has a strong effect on the observed spectrum. Our models are consistent with the observed pulsation spectrum if rotational splitting is taken into account. Recently, De Mey, Daems, & Sterken determined spectroscopically that the θ Tucanae system is a spectroscopic binary with an anomalous mass ratio of 0.0896. In their model of this system, the δ Scuti component of the system is probably the beneficiary of mass transfer from the secondary, and the system was likely once an Algol-type system. The secondary is probably a 0.2 M☉ post-red giant branch object at ~7000 K (log g ~ 3.0), which has lost most of its mass via mass transfer and winds. This scenario raises the possibility that the interior of the δ Scuti star may be radically different from what single-star evolution models predict, although our results do not show any obvious differences. However, the age and envelope abundances should be different from single-star model predictions. We believe that this object provides an excellent opportunity to study the interiors of post-mass transfer objects using asteroseismology, and we suggest future observational and theoretical work that will help us understand this system.
Review of Repairing the U.S. Social Safety Net

Kant Patel, a professor at Missouri State University and original member of the Poverty & Public Policy editorial board, examines Repairing the U.S. Social Safety Net and discusses the many important social objectives outlined in the book.
Signal detection comparisons of phonemic and phonetic priming: The flexible-bias problem

The phonemic priming effect may reflect the hidden dynamics of spoken word perception and has thus been a key topic of recent research. This investigation compared phonemic and phonetic priming (cf. Goldinger, Luce, Pisoni, & Marcario, 1992), using signal detection methods. Although these methods were intended to provide separate indices of sensitivity and bias changes, the results were more complex. Instead, phonemic priming engendered a flexible, trial-specific strategy that affected hits and false alarms (and thereby altered sensitivity) but also created behavioral changes indicative of a bias. Together with previous research, the results suggest that phonemic priming data must be interpreted with caution, and they underscore the limitations of signal detection analyses in priming research (Norris, 1995). However, if a researcher can anticipate the likely form a bias will assume, signal detection methods can reveal priming effects.
Autocrine Role of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 β in Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type-I tax-Transfected Jurkat T-Cells

Abstract The interaction of human T-cell lymphotropic virus I (HTLV-I) tax gene with host cell factors plays an important role in the maintenance of the transformed state. There have been numerous reports that have demonstrated the role of tax in transactivating several cytokines. In this study, we show that upon mitogen stimulation, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 β (MIP-1β) is expressed and secreted in tax -transfected Jurkat cells. Furthermore, expression of CC-chemokine receptor-5 (CCR5) mRNA in these cells suggests an autocrine role for MIP-1β in HTLV-I-infected T-cells. These results, coupled with our earlier observations, demonstrate the influence that extracellular Tax protein might have on modulating host chemokines for proliferation and transformation of uninfected cells.
External Characteristics of Old Trees in the Eastern Deciduous Forest

ABSTRACT: Because old trees contain centuries of environmental history, investigators are increasingly turning to dendrochronology to create context for current environmental change. While a suite of characteristics to identify old trees has been developed, most of these characteristics are for conifers or trees growing in low-density forests. Given that the diverse Eastern Deciduous Forest (EDF) is dominated by a species-rich, angiosperm-dominated woody flora, old-growth forests are scarce in the EDF, and research permits in natural areas often limit the number of trees that can be sampled, having a suite of characteristics that identify old trees for a wider range of species increases the likelihood of efficiently creating longer depths of ecological history. The common indicators of old (> 250 year old) EDF angiosperms are presented to aid in the recovery and preservation of these living sources of information. Six common external characteristics of old angiosperm trees include: (1) smooth or “balding”...
Post-Prostatectomy Voiding Dysfunction

Prostatectomy, whether performed for obstructive voiding or prostatic malignancy, is a common procedure performed by urologists. Postoperative voiding complaints are not uncommon and generally can be categorized into four main entities: intrinsic sphincter deficiency, outlet obstruction, detrusor overactivity, or detrusor hypocontractility. This review discusses the prevalence of these disorders, risk factors for their development, and recommended evaluation.
Reassessing Subjectivity, Criticality, and Inclusivity: Marcuse’s Challenge to Adult Education:

For his influence on Habermas alone, Marcuse’s work deserves attention by adult educators. If Habermas is a central theoretical reference point for our field, then knowledge of a precursor’s ideas ...
The paradigm of Huntington's disease: therapeutic opportunities in neurodegeneration.

Despite a relatively small number of affected patients, Huntington’s disease (HD) has been a historically important disease, embodying many of the major themes in modern neuroscience, including molecular genetics, selective neuronal vulnerability, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and transcriptional dysregulation. The discovery of theHD gene in 1993 opened the door to the mechanisms of HD pathogenesis. Multiple pathologic mechanisms have been discovered, each one serving as a potential therapeutic target. HD thus continues to serve as a paradigmatic disorder, with basic bench research generating clinically relevant insights and stimulating the development of therapeutic human trials.
Effect of leukocyte depletion on glomerular dynamics during acute glomerular immune injury.

Effect of leukocyte depletion on glomerular dynamics during acute glomerular immune injury. Large doses of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody (AGBM-Ab) have been shown consistently to decrease both single nephron filtration rate (SNGFR) and the glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient (LpA) within 60min of administration of the antibody. Both the decrease in SNGFR and LpA may be the result of infiltration of leukocytes blocking capillary loops and/or endothelial cell separation from the glomerular basement membrane through leukocyte dependent activated cytotoxic products or by mechanisms associated with leukocyte activation and infiltration. Administration of 2.5 µg/g body wt AGBM-Ab was performed in 10 control Munich-Wistar rats and in six Munich-Wistar rats in which 3 to 5 days prior to micropuncture experiments the rats were splenectomized and then irradiated to produce leukocyte depletion. Micropuncture measurements were performed in a condition of plasma volume expansion both prior to and after AGBM-Ab administration. In the control group, SNGFR decreased from 64 ± 3 to 48 ± 2nl/min·g kidney wt after AGBM-Ab administration due to a decrease in LpA from 0.13 to 0.06nl· sec −1 mm Hg −1 · g kidney wt −1 . This decrease in either SNGFR or LpA did not occur in the leukocyte depleted group. Linear deposits of IgG and C 3 were similar in both groups. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were significantly decreased in glomerulus from 7.4 ± 0.7 in control vs. 0.7 ± 0.3 in leukocyte depletion >(P
Ligand valency affects transcytosis, recycling and intracellular trafficking mediated by the neonatal Fc receptor.

The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) transports IgG across epithelial cell barriers to provide maternal antibodies to offspring and serves as a protection receptor by rescuing endocytosed IgG and albumin from lysosomal degradation. Here we describe the generation of polarized Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells expressing rat FcRn (rFcRn) to investigate the potential requirement for ligand bivalency in FcRn-mediated transport. The rFcRn-MDCK cells bind, internalize and bidirectionally transcytose the bivalent ligands IgG and Fc across polarized cell monolayers. However, they cannot be used to study FcRn-mediated transport of the monovalent ligand albumin, as we observe no specific binding, internalization or transcytosis of rat albumin. To address whether ligand bivalency is required for transport, the ability of rFcRn to transcytose and recycle wild-type Fc homodimers (wtFc; two FcRn-binding sites) and a heterodimeric Fc (hdFc; one FcRn-binding site) was compared. We show that ligand bivalency is not required for transcytosis or recycling, but that wtFc is transported more efficiently than hdFc, particularly at lower concentrations. We also demonstrate that hdFc and wtFc have different intracellular fates, with more hdFc than wtFc being trafficked to lysosomes and degraded, suggesting a role for avidity effects in FcRn-mediated IgG transport.
Photoactivation of cryptochromes from Drosophila melanogaster and Sylvia borin: insight into the chemical compass mechanism by computational investigation.

Although behavioral studies demonstrated light-induced magnetoreception in the insect Drosophila melanogaster, gaining insight into the possibility that a radical-pair mechanism accounts for the magnetic response of the cryptochrome (DmCry1) is complicated by a number of factors. In addition, the mechanism of magnetoreception for the cryptochrome from the garden warbler bird Sylvia borin (gwCry1a), which demonstrated a long-lived radical pair by transient optical absorption measurements, has also not been rationalized. To assess potential feasibility of a radical-pair mechanism in DmCry1 and gwCry1a, formed by excitation and electron transfer between a Trp-triad and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), further separated by electron transfer within the triad, we applied a combination of theoretical methods, including homology modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) for structure refinement, high-level ab initio theory, and MD simulations using a polarizable force-field for prediction of pKa and the electron tra...
The fine structure of sensory receptor processes in the auricular epithelium of the planarian, Dugesia tigrina.

The marginal epithelium of the lateral auricles of the planarian, Dugesia tigrina, includes a cell type with surface cilia and microvilli, a basal nucleus, and dense cytoplasm containing secretory vacuoles, Golgi elements, mitochondria and ribosomes. Through channels within the epithelial cytoplasm, cellular processes, interpreted as extensions of neurosensory receptor cells located in the subepidermis, project to the surface. The receptor processes, containing microtubules, mitochondria, vesicles and an agranular tubular reticulum, project beyond the epithelial cell surface; one or two cilia each emerge from a basal body in the apex of the projection. Close to the point of emergence to the epithelial surface, each cylindrical receptor process is surrounded by a collar-like septate junction between adjacent plasma membranes. The cilia of the projections differ from those of the epithelial cells in diameter, density of matrix and in the banding patterns of the rootlets. A few projections appear with the apex and basal body retracted below the epithelial surface. The possible function of these ciliated processes in sensory reception is discussed.
Nickel–iron dithiolates related to the deactivated [NiFe]-hydrogenases

Described herein are preparations of synthetic models for the deactivated Ni(II)Fe(II) states of the [NiFe]-hydrogenases. Iodination of the S = ½ species [(dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)3]+ afforded the diamagnetic iodo complex [(dppe)Ni(pdt)IFe(CO)3]+. Crystallographic analysis of this species confirmed the presence of square-pyramidal Ni linked to an octahedral Fe centre. The Ni⋯Fe separation of 3.018 A indicated the absence of metal–metal bonding. This complex could be reduced to give (dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)3 and, in the presence of iodide, decarbonylated to afford (dppe)Ni(pdt)FeI2. Derivatives of the type [(diphosphine)Ni(dithiolate)XFe(CO)2L]+ (X = Cl, Br, I) were prepared by halogenation of mixed-valence precursors [(diphosphine)Ni(dithiolate)Fe(CO)2L]+ (diphosphine = dppe, dcpe; L = tertiary phosphine or CO). The Fe(CO)2(PR3)-containing derivatives are more robust than the related tricarbonyl derivatives. Exploiting this greater stability, we characterised examples of chloride and bromide derivatives. Related fluorides could be prepared by F− abstraction from BF4−. Spectroscopic evidence is presented for the hydroperoxide [(dppe)Ni(pdt)(OOH)Fe(CO)2L]+, which represents a model for the Ni-SU state.
The disappearance of dichoptically presented real and subjective contours

The fragmentation characteristics of luminous figures set off by real or subjective contours were studied under dichoptic viewing conditions. Dichoptically viewed subjective contours fragmented in a manner quantitatively and qualitatively similar to that previously obtained with binocular viewing. The number of fragmentations for real contour analogues increased substantially under dichoptic relative to binocular conditions. These results are considered to support the view that subjective contours arise primarily from central processes within the perceptual system.
Teaching Anthropology to "Nonelite" Students: A Beginning Discussion.

I describe a strategy for designing an introductory course in cultural anthropology for “nonelite” students. The course is organized around basic themes. Emphasis is placed on the importance of using the culture concept as an analytical tool in order to understand better culturally different behaviors. TEACHING ANTHROPOLOGY, CULTURE CONCEPT, UNDERSTANDING OTHERS
I. The Pricing of Meat: A Study in the Use of Royal Proclamations in the Reign of Henry VIII

The major argument of those who view the Statute of Proclamations as a tyrannical measure seems to be that the government planned to use it to replace Parliamentary legislation with legislation by decree. Unfortunately this supposition has not been tested by a study of the actual use of proclamations in the reign of Henry VIII. The continuation of a three-centuries-old controversy over the meaning and intent of this enigmatic statute indicates that further efforts to unravel the mystery by concentrating on the wording of the statute and the circumstances surrounding its passage would prove unrewarding unless new evidence were to be uncovered. This dilemma suggests that a new approach is necessary. If the Statute of Proclamations is to be understood in its proper context, the total role of proclamations in Tudor legislation and administration must be investigated, and their relationship to other types of legislation during the entire Tudor period must be studied.
Effects of pancreatectomy on development of atherosclerosis in the rabbit.

Summary1. Pancreatectomy in the rabbit causes a limitation of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. 2. It is postulated that this effect is due to diminished absorption and that pancreatic secretions are necessary for absorption of cholesterol from the gastrointestinal tract.
Increase in retention of a taste aversion by weanling rats after a long interval

Weanling rats were tested for retention of an aversion to a novel flavor (chocolate milk) that had been conditioned as a single-element conditioned stimulus (CS) or in compound with a novel ambient odor (banana). The presence of the ambient odor during conditioning had no effect on flavor aversion shortly thereafter, confirming previous results. The flavor aversion observed 21 days after conditioning, however, was significantly stronger for pups conditioned with the single-element CS than for those given the flavor-odor compound as the CS. This retention effect was due to a surprisingincrease in the conditioned aversion observed 21 days after conditioning with the single-element CS. A second experiment confirmed this paradoxical increase in retention of the aversion to chocolate milk. This experiment also verified that no such increase occurred in retention of the conditioned aversion to a different flavor (saccharin), whether the initial aversion was strong or weak. The results may be explained in terms of generalized latent inhibition from consumption of mother’s milk.
Power line control under uncertainty of ambient temperature

This paper discusses a control scheme for maintaining low tripping probability of a transmission system power line under thermal stress. We construct a stochastic differential equation to describe the temperature evolution in a line subject to randomness of the ambient temperature. When the distribution of the ambient temperature changes, so does the dependence of the tripping probability as a function of line current. The theory of extremes of Gaussian random fields is used to guide the size of the underlying frequency inspection so as to insure that current is effective for controlling the risk of overheating. In particular, we show that only when the change of temperature is suitably light-tailed (according to a precise definition discussed in the paper), the current provides a powerful enough mechanism to control tripping probabilities due to overheating. We then provide bounds that can be used to control the tripping probability in our stochastic model.
Serologic markers for staging human immunodeficiency virus infections

Abstract In the present study, 80 serum specimens were tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and indirect fluorescent antibody tests, HIV (p24) antigen, and Western Blot analyses. A total of 40 specimens were HIV antigen-positive, 35 were antigen-negative and five were indeterminant. Among the 40 antigen-positive sera, 38 had positive antibodies by EIA with confirmation by Western Blot. Two cases were antigen-positive and were thought to be early stages where antibodies had not yet developed. Among the 38 sera, 30 (79%) had decreased or had no reactions by indirect fluorescent antibody tests. Among the 35 antigen-negative cases, all 35 had positive antibodies by EIA and all 35 had bands at gp41 by Western Blot. Among 84 HIV-infected patients, 30 had >400 CD4+ cells per cubic millimeter, 21 patients had 200–400 CD4+ cells and 33 had 400 CD4+ cells. In contrast 18 (55%) of the patients with antigen positivity and incomplete banding on Western Blot had
The transcriptional regulatory code of eukaryotic cells – insights from genome-wide analysis of chromatin organization and transcription factor binding

Control of eukaryotic gene expression involves combinatorial interactions between transcription factors and regulatory sequences in the genome. In addition, chromatin structure and modification states play key roles in determining the competence of transcription. The term 'transcriptional regulatory code' has been used to describe the interplay of these events in the complex control of transcription. With the maturation of methods for detecting in vivo protein-DNA interactions on a genome-wide scale, detailed maps of chromatin features and transcription factor localization over entire genomes of eukaryotic cells are enriching our understanding of the properties and nature of this transcriptional regulatory code. The rapidly growing number of maps has revealed the dynamic nature of nucleosome composition and chromatin remodeling at regulatory regions and highlighted some unexpected properties of transcriptional regulatory networks in eukaryotic cells.
Distribution of chemicals injected into fertile eggs and its effect upon apparent toxicity

Abstract Chemicals and mixtures of various types injected into the yolks of fertile eggs moved and reacted in different ways, depending upon their densities and individual properties. None mixed readily with the yolk. Effects upon the embryos were closely related to the direction of initial movement. When diluted in several ways before injection, individual chemicals produced responses which differed in both extent and type. Results indicate that the effects following injection are not valid criteria for comparing toxicities.
Light- and electron-microscope study of acid phosphatase in mouse oral mucosa.

Abstract Acid phosphatase activity was studied in mouse labial mucosa at the light- and electron-microscope levels. Activity of this enzyme was greatest in the stratum granulosum, where it appeared to be scattered throughout the cytoplasm of the cells, at cell membranes, and in structures considered to be degenerating nuclei. Cells of the stratum corneum also exhibited cytoplasmic acid phosphatase activity. The possible role of this enzyme in the process of keratinization has been discussed.
Maximizing support for maxillary defects

The use of the medical-grade silicone obturator can aid the prosthodontist attempting prosthetic closure of maxillary defects. This type of obturator prosthesis allows the patient to resume near-normal oral function. It aids in the preservation of the oral structures because it uses the support available from the defect to reduce the force per unit area on the remaining "normal" oral structures.
On the cross-cultural examination of acts and dispositions

The articles by Angleitner and Demtroder (1988) and Smid et al. (1988) raise several important issues about the study of acts, dispositions, and personality. While the results of Angleitner and Demtroder provide a powerful demonstration of the cross-cultural generality of the act frequency approach, several conclusions appearing in both papers require clarification: (1) multiple category membership is a complexity that occurs in the natural object domain as well as in the act-disposition domain, (2) the differences between the subjective conditional probability approach used by Smid et al., and the act frequency approach render the conclusions drawn by Smid et al. about the act frequency approach of Buss and Craik erroneous, and (3) distinctions among basic forms of personality data (beliefs about self, beliefs held by others about the self, and act trends in everyday life) require clear separation so that the multiple goals in personality psychology are not conflated.
A simplex analysis of slope stability

Abstract The downhill simplex algorithm is applied to systematically locate the critical failure mechanism in slopes and to compute the minimum factor of safety. The proposed method is illustrated with three examples of circular and noncircular slope stability and its results are compared to previously published solutions. Although it is not the most efficient optimization procedure, the simplex method is versatile, robust, and simple. It is recommended to enhance slope stability programs by providing for an automatic search of the critical failure mechanisms.
Antarctic upper atmosphere investigations by optical methods

Abstract Important characteristics of the atmosphere can be studied by remote sensing from the ground and from space. Experiments that have been and are being carried out in Antarctica make use of imaging, photometry, spectroscopy and interferometry from the ground and complementary measurements from space. Recent spectral observations of the hydrogen aurora at Syowa, Antarctica, and at Husafell, Iceland, and concomitant measurements of proton fluxes by satellite borne particle detectors have renewed interest in the proton aurora. Unsolved aspects of this phenomenon are discussed and potentially fruitful observations in Antarctica are suggested.
Pickles, Pizza, and PREP

The Department of Education of the American Academy of Pediatrics has provided residency training program directors with a complimentary copy of CompuPREP, the computerized version of the PREP Self-Assessment, each year since the computer version became available. Formatted for IBM and Macintosh personal computers, CompuPREP was developed in response to numerous requests from Academy members for computerized educational materials. Currently, it is sent to more than 3,000 subscribers annually. Although the questions, critiques, and references are identical to those contained in the printed version (which is distributed to all pediatric residents through a grant from Ross Laboratories), the computer version has several features that make it a particularly good learning tool: access to immediate feedback about answers without moving from booklet to booklet; an option to review questions by subject area to enhance concentrated learning; and an automatic scoring system that produces a personal performance chart.
Isolated idiopathic hypomagnesemia presenting as aphasia and seizures.

Isolated hypomagnesemia of the idiopathic form is a rare condition that is known to present as generalized motor seizures in children. This report describes a 4-year-old African-American male who presented with a predominant symptom of sudden onset aphasia and no clear initial motor seizure activity. An evaluation revealed an isolated and severe hypomagnesemia (initial serum magnesium levels 40% under conditions of hypomagnesemia). The child had subsequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures that were brought under control with valproic acid therapy and magnesium supplementation. Six months after the diagnosis, he had regained 50-60% of his speech and had no further staring spells or motor seizure activity after the initial episode. Isolated and idiopathic hypomagnesemia caused by defective renal reabsorption of magnesium is a rare familial condition with variable inheritance. Aphasia as the solitary presenting symptom has not been described before. The exact pathophysiology of hypomagnesemic aphasia and seizures is not known but may relate to disinhibition of specific types of glutamate receptors. In the present case, neuronal depolarization may have been localized to language areas in the temporal lobes.
Technetium-99m teboroxime regional myocardial washout in subjects with and without coronary artery disease

Abstract The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that regional myocardial washout of technetium-99m teboroxime is slowed in the presence of coronary stenosis. Washout was assessed in 33 catheterized patients and in 13 with a low likelihood of coronary artery disease, using a triple detector camera and dynamic single-photon emission computed tomography, with serial 1-minute acquisitions after injection of 20 to 25 mCi of teboroxime at the third minute of adenosine-induced hyperemia. Washout was measured as the percent change in counts between the first, second and third minutes after injection, as measured in 6 short-axis myocardial regions of interest. Myocardial regions were classified as ischemic (≥50% diameter stenosis and no prior myocardial infarct), infarcted, normal (no significant coronary stenosis) or “low likelihood” (from the 13 patients with a low likelihood of coronary artery disease). Teboroxime washout was significantly (p
Rigorous analysis of the TM/sub 0n/ modes in a dielectric-post resonator with an annular slot in the upper plate

The problem of a cylindrical dielectricpost resonator with an annular slot in the upper plate is rigorously solved. The analysis is based on an integral equation for the electric field in the slot which in the absence of external excitation has nontrivial solutions only at the complex resonant frequencies of the structure. This integral equation is solved numerically by the method of moments, and the resonant frequencies are determined as the zeros of the associated matrix determinant in the complex frequency plane. Attention is limited to the axisymmetric TM0n modes. Sample numerical results are given, including the complex resonant frequencies, the associated modal fields, and the radiation patterns of the first few resonator modes, and show the dependence of these quantities on the width and location of the annular slot.
Investigation of a flat-plate oscillating heat pipe with Tesla-type check valves

Abstract Tesla-type check valves were integrated into a flat-plate oscillating heat pipe (FP-OHP) in order to promote and sustain a desired circulatory flow to increase overall thermal performance. Using neutron radiography, gray-scale images capturing the internal flow behavior within two bottom-heated copper FP-OHPs – one with Tesla-type valves (TV FP-OHP) and one without – both charged with water at a filling ratio of 70% – were collected. With the Tesla-type valves installed in the adiabatic section of the TV FP-OHP, it was found that circulation in the desired direction was promoted and that this promotion increased with heat input. The TV FP-OHP consistently possessed a lower thermal resistance than its counterpart without check valves. The percent-reduction in thermal resistance was on-the-order of 15–25% depending on the power input. Implementation of Tesla-type check valves is a promising means for circulatory flow rectification within an OHP, but future research is needed to further optimize valve design, quantity, and alignment.
Value of genetic testing in the management of pancreatitis

The majority of pancreatic diseases are associated with genetic polymorphisms. Recent breakthroughs in understanding the origin and pathways toward pancreatic diseases, and especially acute and chronic pancreatitis, reveal that specific variation in the genomic DNA sequence of individuals strongly influence their susceptibility to pancreatitis, the severity and nature of the inflammatory process, and the likelihood of various complications. Acute pancreatitis is an event, and chronic pancreatitis is a process. They are sequentially linked with chronic pancreatitis reflecting a pathophysiological response to acute pancreatitis events. The triggers, thresholds, mechanism of injury, and immunological responses of individuals with acute and chronic pancreatitis are being organised and defined. In the future, early use of genetic testing will likely play a critical role in early diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic diseases, and could guide new and effective preventative and therapeutic interventions. The benefits and risk of limited genetic testing have been defined by consensus conference, while the framework for future and more extensive genetic evaluation is still developing.
Synthesis and characterization of triptycene-based polyimides with tunable high fractional free volume for gas separation membranes

Robust polymer membranes that are highly permeable and selective are desired for energy efficient gas separation processes. In this study, a series of rigid, bulky triptycene-based diamine monomers were designed, synthesized, and subsequently incorporated into the backbone of polyimides via polycondensation with 2,2′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) to obtain a series of polyimide membranes with high fractional free volume. These triptycene-containing polyimides with systematic variations in their chemical structure demonstrate the viability of the ‘tunable’ fractional free volume by introducing various substituents onto the polymer backbone. All the polyimides synthesized exhibited film-forming high molecular weight, high solubility, and excellent thermal properties, with glass transition temperatures ranging from 280 °C to 300 °C and thermal stability up to 500 °C. Compared to other classes of glassy polymers, these triptycene-polyimides had high combinations of permeability and selectivity, suggesting that a favorable free volume size distribution in these triptycene polyimides was induced by the unique chain packing mechanism of triptycene units. The correlation between gas transport properties and the polymer chemical structure was also investigated. Altering the size of the substituents neighboring the triptycene units provides greater opportunity to fine-tune the fractional free volume and free volume size distribution in the polymer, which in turn can change the transport properties effectively to meet various separation needs. It is expected that additional design modifications made by exploiting the chemistry versatility of the triptycene moiety and by selectively adding other components may improve these membranes to break the gas permeability–selectivity trade-off barrier.
Coronary Artery Fistulae

Coronary artery fistulae are abnormal communications between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber or major vessel (vena cava, pulmonary veins, pulmonary artery). They are usually diagnosed by coronary arteriography. Clinical presentations are variable depending on the type of fistula, shunt volume, site of the shunt, and presence of other cardiac conditions. In this article, we review the literature regarding etiology, incidence, clinical manifestation, image studies, and management.
Maternal and Fetal Leptin Correlate with Fetal Growth in Preeclampsia.|[dagger]| 1519

Serum leptin, the product of the obesity (ob) gene, correlates with adiposity and increases fat utilization. Leptin mRNA is present in the placenta, suggesting a role for leptin in fetal growth. Maternal serum leptin, triglyceride (trig) and free fatty acids (FFA) are elevated in healthy pregnancy, and are increased further in preeclampsia (PRE). Umbilical cord leptin levels correlate with birth weight, but not with maternal leptin levels in healthy pregnancy. Preeclampsia is associated with reduced perfusion of the placenta. We hypothesized that leptin production is increased in poorly perfused placenta in PRE and by increasing maternal fat utilization increases fuel availability to the fetus promoting fetal growth. Methods: Venous blood was obtained prepartum from 14 women with PRE and 15 healthy pregnant women (CNTL). Mixed arterio-venous blood was obtained from the umbilical cord of their infants at delivery. Plasma leptin concentration was measured by human antibody RIA. Lipids were measured by standard techniques. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney comparison of medians and Pearson correlation. Results: Median gestational age (38.1 v 37.7 wks), birth weight (BW, 3.1 v 3.2 kg), maternal leptin (52.8 v 26.7 ng/ml), cord leptin (3.7 v 5.6 ng/ml), maternal trig (263 v 239 mg/dl) and FFA (0.84 v 0.61 mmol/L) did not differ between PRE and CNTL, while BW%ile (29.3 v 59.7%) was significantly different at p=0.05. The correlation between maternal and cord leptin was highly significant in PRE (r=0.87, p=0.000) but not in CNTL(r=-0.16). Maternal trig did not correlate with leptin in PRE (r=-0.34) or CNTL (r=0.10). Maternal FFA correlated with leptin in CNTL (r=-0.72, p=0.003) but not PRE (r=-0.16). BW correlated with both maternal leptin (r=0.71, p=0.004) and cord leptin (r=0.67, p=0.012) in PRE. Only cord leptin was related to BW in CNTL (r=0.69, p=0.005). Conclusion: These data confirm the positive relationship between cord leptin and BW. We also found highly significant correlations of maternal leptin to cord leptin and to BW in preeclampsia which are not present in healthy pregnancy. Our hypothesis that maternal leptin increased in preeclampsia to increase fuel availability for the fetus is, however, not supported by these preliminary data.
Psychological Responses to Stress in Complex Organizations

Appreciation for irrational individual and organizational characteristics is fundamental to the ability to "enter"and comprehend the true significance of interpersonal and organizational behavior. ...
Adaptive passive, semiactive, smart tuned mass dampers: identification and control using empirical mode decomposition, hilbert transform, and short‐term fourier transform

SUMMARY Tuned mass dampers (TMD), active mass dampers (AMD) and hybrid mass dampers (HMD) have been widely applied for vibration control of tall buildings and bridges in the past decade. Recently, the author and his coworkers have developed semiactive or smart tuned mass dampers (STMD) using semiactive variable stiffness systems. STMD’s are superior than TMD’s in reducing the response of the primary structure. In case the fundamental frequency of the primary structure changes due to damage or deterioration, then the TMD will be off-tune; hence, it will lose its effectiveness significantly, whereas the STMD is robust against such changes as it is always tuned. The author and his coworkers have shown that STMD can provide performance similar to AMD/HMD, but with an order of magnitude less power consumption. In this paper, new adaptive length pendulum STMD’s are introduced. The concept of adaptive passive tuned mass dampers (APTMD) is introduced. APTMD is a TMD in which a tuning parameter such as frequency is adjusted passively based on some local mechanical feedback (displacement, velocity, rotation, etc.), but without associated sensing and computer feedback needed in a STMD. Also, the concept of STMD is further developed in this paper and practical STMD’s and APTMD’s implementation in USA, Japan, and China is presented. Systems with semiactive variable stiffness devices and STMD/APTMD are linear time varying systems (LTV); hence, algorithms are needed for their identification and control. Recently, the author and his coworkers have developed instantaneous frequency tracking control algorithms. In this paper new system identification algorithms based on time frequency methods, such as Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), Hilbert Transform (HT), and short time Fourier transform (STFT), are developed. New real time tuning algorithms that identify the instantaneous frequency of the LTV system and tune the STMD are developed based on EMD, HT, and STFT. Systems with STMD subjected to stationary (harmonic,
Wall-Layer Modeling for Cartesian Grid Solver Using an Overset Boundary Layer Orthogonal Curvilinear Grid

Wall-layer modeling for a Cartesian grid solver is developed by coupling an orthogonal curvilinear grid solver using overset grid interpolation and coupled pressure Poisson solver. A thin wall-layer grid is considered sufficient to resolve the boundary layer. Initial validation is performed for laminar flows over a circular cylinder, where the wall-layer model shows up to 10% improvement in the surface pressure and vorticity prediction for Re = 40, and 3% improvement in the lift and drag coefficient amplitude for Re = 200 compared to the IBM Cartesian grid solver on the same background grid. Next, validation is performed for the turbulent flow over a circular cylinder at Re = 3900 using LES. The results show very good agreement for the mean circulation bubble, drag coefficients, unsteady vortex shedding Strouhal number, and mean and turbulent velocity profiles when compared with experimental data and benchmark LES simulations. Initial results for LES of interface piercing circular cylinder at Re = 2.7×10 4 and Fr = 0.8 are presented. The results are encouraging, but suggests that the current grid is coarse in the normal direction and finer grids are required.
Assessing the Perceived Value of Research Participation.

Undergraduate psychology majors are encouraged to engage in research to improve understanding of research methods and increase research skills. This study examines the potential of volunteering as ...
Vocal matching of frequency modulation in synthesized vowels

Nine male singers attempted to match rates and extents of synthesized vocal vibrato at low, middle, and high pitch levels. The results showed that on average, the singers were able to match rates of 3, 5, and 7 Hz within 13%. It was difficult for the singers, however, to match extents of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 semitones. Thus, the results indicated singers' reasonably good ability to match rates but, contrary to prevalent opinions, not extents of vocal vibrato.
Provisioning of Young in Golden Lion Tamarins (Callitrichidae, Leontopithecus rosalia): A Test of the Information Hypothesis

Provisioning of young after weaning or fledging is a highly variable phenomenon. Among cooperative breeders, such as marmosets and tamarins, both parents and natal adults may provision immatures. Experiments designed to measure the effects of food familiarity on food-transfer interactions were conducted on zoo-living golden lion tamarin, Leontopithecus rosalia, families to test one proposed benefit of provisioning to recipient young — that immature callitrichids learn food preferences through exposure to food items obtained from older group members. Adults transferred to immatures foods that were known to adults, but novel to immatures, and foods that were novel to all more frequently than foods that were familiar to both adults and immatures. Results suggest that adults alter their behavior such that learning by immatures is fostered. Immatures also were less likely to reject new foods acquired from other group members, compared with those obtained independently, suggesting the possibility that immatures attend to food transfer to facilitate incorporation of new foods into the diet. In contrast, anecdotal accounts of wild marmoset and tamarin food transfer have indicated that infants receive from adults foods that primarily are high in lipids and/or protein, as expected if provisioning acts to supplement nutrition. These apparently contradictory findings may reflect the differing effects of the captive and wild environment on food-transfer behavior or may point to a dual function of provisioning dependent on age of the recipient.
Urbanization affects plant flowering phenology and pollinator community: effects of water availability and land cover

Climate change and urbanization have been shown to alter plant phenology. However, a mechanistic understanding of these changes in flowering phenology and associated pollinator communities is lacking. Thus, this study was designed to examine finer scale flowering phenological patterns and driving processes in an arid urban ecosystem. Specifically, we tested the effect of water availability and land cover type on the flowering phenology of brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) and investigated the arthropod pollinator community associated with brittlebush. The fieldwork was carried out as part of a larger community ecology experiment following a factorial nested design. We chose three land cover types, each of which had three replicates, resulting in a total of nine sites. For water availability manipulations, 60 genetically different 5-gallon potted plants were placed on the ground within each site. Pan-trapping was used to collect potential pollinators. Our results showed that water availability did not produce significant differences in flowering phenology. However, brittlebush planted in mesiscaped urban sites bloomed later, longer, and at a higher percentage than those planted in desert remnant sites and desert fringe sites. Furthermore, desert remnant sites were significantly lower in pollinator abundance than desert fringe sites. Pollinator richness varied over time in all land cover types. This study provides empirical evidence that land cover type, which is strongly correlated to temperature, is the primary cause for altered flowering phenology of brittlebush in the Phoenix area, although water availability may also be important. Moreover, land cover affects total abundance of bee pollinators.
A group Motivational Interviewing intervention reduces drinking and alcohol-related negative consequences in adjudicated college women

College students who violate campus alcohol policies (adjudicated students) are at high risk for experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences and for undermining campus life. Further, college women may be especially at-risk due to differential intoxication effects and sexual consequences experienced mainly by female students. Research on interventions for adjudicated students, especially adjudicated females, has been limited. One hundred and fifteen college women who received a sanction for violating campus alcohol policies participated in the study. The two-hour group intervention focused on female-specific reasons for drinking and included decisional balance, goal setting and other exercises. Participants completed follow-up surveys for 12 weeks following the intervention and answered questions regarding alcohol consumption and alcohol-related negative consequences. Findings support the use of an MI-based intervention to reduce both alcohol consumption and consequences among adjudicated females. Specifically, alcohol use was reduced by 29.9% and negative consequences were reduced by 35.87% from pre-intervention to 3-month follow up. Further, the intervention appeared to successfully initiate change in the heaviest drinkers, as women who drank at risky levels reduced alcohol consumption to a greater extent than women who drank at moderate levels.
Some accomplishments of logistics research

This is a survey paper drawing from several instances of work by the Logistics Research Project over the past ten years. The selection and treatment of this material has been influenced somewhat by the Conference papers being presented by other Project Members; however this mainly tends to reduce the amount of detail reported for those areas. It is also true that the present paper tends in the direction of a historical record; empirical methods of logistics research are stressed but not to the exclusion of material on the origins of the problems attacked, the course of their formulation as research problems, or the practical application of the results. The principal subjects treated are: operational logistics planning, industrial mobilization, usage data collection and analysis, the Allowance List Test Program, logistics data processing, and some additional instances of logistics research. The rather ambitious aim of the paper is to present an account which will do justice to the many individuals who have been responsible for these accomplishments of logistics research.