Glycerides isolated from the aerial parts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Malva verticillata</Emphasis> cause immunomodulation effects via splenocyte function and NK anti-tumor activity

A preliminary study revealed that a 10 µg/mL n-BuOH fraction of Malva verticillata aerial parts significantly enhanced splenocyte proliferation and induced significant enhancement of natural-killer (NK) cell activity against tumor cells (YAC-1). This study was initiated to identify the principal components that exhibited these activities, and four glycerides were isolated through repeated SiO₂ and ODS column chromatography. Structures of compounds 1–4 were determined to be (2S)-1-O-palmitoyl glyceride, (2S)-1-O-stearoyl glyceride, (2S)-1-O-linolenoyl glyceride, and (2S)-1,2-di-O-linoleoyl glyceride, respectively. Compounds 1–3 showed potential immune-enhancing activity in murine splenocyte and natural-killer (NK) cells at 10 µM. In contrast, compound 4 showed weak activity, indicating the monoacyl glycerides (1–3) are more effective than diacyl glyceride (4). Also, the longer the carbon number of the fatty acid in monoacyl glyceride, the better the activity, and the monoacyl glyceride including an unsaturated fatty acid (3) is more effective than the glycerides including the saturated fatty acids (1–2).     

Moisture diffusion in composite sandwich structures

The mechanical properties of polymer core materials in sandwich structures are often degraded by moisture that is absorbed during storage. To date, there is no reliable model to predict the amount of moisture that is present in these sandwich core materials. A multi-layer diffusion model applicable to these sandwich structures is described in this report. Inputs to this model are: (1) diffusivities of core and face sheet materials as functions of temperature, (2) moisture saturation data as a function of relative humidity, and (3) sandwich structure exposure history. The output is a prediction of the amounts of moisture in the core material and face sheets as a function of time.

In order to validate this model, moisture diffusion experiments were performed on a sandwich material consisting of graphite–epoxy face sheets and a core of Rohacell^® polymethacrylimide 200WF foam. Samples of this material were dried, and then hydrated at either 32 °C or 65 °C at either 83% or 100% relative humidity. The face sheets were separated from the core and each component was weighed, dried, and weighed again in order to determine the moisture distribution in the sandwich structure. The results were then compared with the model predictions.     

Electromagnetic spatial coherence wavelets

The recently introduced concept of spatial coherence wavelets is generalized to describe the propagation of electromagnetic fields in the free space. For this aim, the spatial coherence wavelet tensor is introduced as an elementary amount, in terms of which the formerly known quantities for this domain can be expressed. It allows for the analysis of the relationship between the spatial coherence properties and the polarization state of the electromagnetic wave. This approach is completely consistent with the recently introduced unified theory of coherence and polarization for random electromagnetic beams, but it provides further insight about the causal relationship between the polarization states at different planes along the propagation path.     

The relationship between the psychological investigator and the public schools.

In an effort to create a reciprocating arrangement between university and various school systems, "a facility, designated the Office of Child Research was recently established at the University of Texas." This unit provides assistance to the investigator in the preparation of the research proposal, submits the research proposal, informs the investigator of the disposition of his proposal and assists in preliminary arrangements, reports to the school on completion of the study, provides a variety of reciprocating services, and maintains records. From Psyc Abstracts 36:02:2KA01C. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A low-cost high-power microwave receiver

The simple receiver described monitors the incident power density close to sensitive electronics and provides a record of the occurrence of potentially damaging RF exposure. This receiver measures the peak value of the incident field strength over a broad instantaneous bandwidth (1-6 GHz), identifies time periods during which threshold field strengths (2, 10, and 50 V/m) are exceeded, covers a ±45° field of view, and detects a single pulse whose duration exceeds 250 ns. This receiver purposely uses a simple design to permit low-cost fabrication, and a unique microstrip antenna was developed to fulfil design objectives     

A multiwire chamber system for measurements of neutron spectra

A new type of detector for measuring neutron flux and energy over a wide range of angles and energies is being developed. Measurements of neutron elastic and inelastic scattering as well as neutron energy continua are possible. Time-of-flight is not used for measuring outgoing neutron energy, and so for continuum measurements this system has some distinct advantages over conventional neutron detectors. Neutron energy measurement is carried out by measuring the energy and angle of the recoil proton produced by the neutron in a CH₂ converter. Spectra from ⁷Li(p, n)⁷Be at 62 MeV and ⁴⁰Ca(n, n′χ) at 65 MeV are presented.