cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Epidemiological Study of Hyperdontia in American Blacks and Whites

Abstract Objective: To test the null hypothesis that American blacks do not have a higher frequency of extra permanent teeth than whites. Materials and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of adolescent ...
Choroidal neovascularization secondary to Candida albicans chorioretinitis

Purpose To study the clinical histories and courses of six patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to endogenous Candida albicans chorioretinitis. Methods The medical records, fundus photographs, and fluorescein angiograms of six patients who developed C. albicans chorioretinitis secondary to candidemia and who subsequently developed choroidal neovascularization in one or both eyes were reviewed. Results The six patients ranged in age from 18 to 79 years. Four were women and two men; all but one showed evidence of bilateral chorioretinal scarring secondary to C. albicans chorioretinitis. All patients had been treated successfully with systemic antifungal therapy (amphotericin B). Two weeks to two years after the chorioretinitis, choroidal neovascularization developed in one eye (four cases) or both eyes (two cases). The neovascularization on initial examination was subfoveal in four eyes, extrafoveal in three eyes, and juxtafoveal in one eye. Laser photocoagulation was used in four of the eight involved eyes. In these cases, the active choroidal neovascularization was brought under control. In one eye, the patient had submacular surgery for excision of the choroidal neovascular membrane. Final visual acuities ranged from 20/20 to 20/200 in treated eyes and from 20/50 to 20/400 in untreated eyes. Conclusion Choroidal neovascularization is a potential cause of late visual loss in patients who have had C. albicans sepsis and endogenous C. albicans chorioretinitis. Eyes that have chorioretinal scarring from C. albicans chorioretinitis should be watched for the development of choroidal neovascularization. Laser photocoagulation or perhaps surgical excision of the neovascular complex may be of benefit in selected cases.
Micro stereo lithography and fabrication of 3D MEMS and their applications

Micro Stereo Lithography (MSL) is a poor man's LIGA for fabricating high aspect ratio MEMS devices in UV curable semiconducting polymers using either two computer-controlled low inertia galvanometric mirrors with the aid of focusing lens or an array of optical fibers. This technique has also been successfully used recently for fabricating 3D metallic and ceramic MEMS devices. Microfabrication techniques such as bulk micromachining and surface micromachining currently employed to conceive MEMS are largely derived from the standard IC and microelectronics technology. Even though many MEMS devices with integrated electronics have been achieved by using the traditional micromachining techniques, some limitations have nevertheless to be underlined: 1) these techniques are very expensive and need specific installations as well as a cleanroom environment, 2) the materials that can be used up to now are restricted to silicon and metals, 3) the manufacture of 3D parts having curved surfaces or an important number of layers is not possible. Moreover, for some biological applications, the materials used for sensors must be compatible with human body and the actuators need to have high strain and displacement which the current silicon based MEMS do not provide. It is thus natural for the researchers to look for alternative methods to make 3D sensors and actuators using polymeric based materials. For MSL techniques to be successful as their silicon counterparts, one has to come up with multifunctional polymers. These multifunctional polymers have not only a high sensing capability but also a high strain and actuation performance. With the invention of organic thin film transistor, now it seems possible to fabricate polymeric based MEMS devices with built-in- electronics. Moreover, with combined architecture techniques, one can integrate silicon devices with the polymeric ones without much difficulty. In this paper, the applications of MSL for polymer and ceramic based microstructures and MEMS and applications of these devices in conceiving a compact fuel cell with carbon nanotubes and hydrogen are discussed.
The Distribution and Frequency of Seclusion and/or Restraint among Psychiatric Inpatients

This paper reports on the frequency and distribution of seclusion or restraint (SR) episodes among 1,266 adult inpatients at a state psychiatric hospital during the 2004 calendar year. Data on the concentration of SR episodes over patients and time can assist in planning alternative, recovery-oriented treatment models. Fifteen percent (N = 194) of patients experienced seclusion or restraint. Sixty-three percent of all seclusion hours were concentrated among only ten patients. Likewise, the ten patients with the most restraint hours constituted nearly 65% of total restraint hours for the year and 48% of all restraint episodes. Variables accessible through administrative data accounted for modest seclusion and restraint variance. A comprehensive strategy to prevent SR episodes requires tailored interventions targeted to known high-risk individuals and development of general hospital-wide alternatives to SR. General alternatives require greater attention to staff education, administrative oversight, de-escalation and debriefing practices, patient involvement, and other recovery-oriented practices to reduce or eliminate use of seclusion and restraint.
One- and two-pulse theory of light quenching

We have recently demonstrated that fluorescence emission can be quenched by laser light pulses from modern high-repetition rate lasers, a phenomenon we call 'light quenching'. We now describe some of the possible effects of light quenching on the time- resolved intensity and anisotropy decays of fluorophores. We show that light quenching can decrease or increase the time-zero anisotropy, and that the initial anisotropies can increase to unity under selected conditions. Quenching with time-delayed light pulses is predicted to result in oscillations in the frequency-domain intensity and anisotropy decays. The increasing available and use of pulsed laser sources of light offers the opportunity for a new class of one- two- or multiple-pulse time- resolved experiments.
Mining DNA data in an efficient 2D optical architecture

Optical computing is applicable to very large database problems that require several iterations of processing. One such forthcoming problem is the analysis of DNA data, in which an individual in a population may have billions of bases in their DNA structure. Current methods only find simple first order associations between the DNA structure and the expressed illnesses. This means that the presence or absence of a gene strongly influences the onset of an illness. These current methods will have a difficult time in finding higher order associations between the genome and the expressed phenotypes. The discovery of such associations will take several iterations through a large database to extract association information. Searching a database of billions of elements for each of hundreds of individuals through thousands of iterations is prohibitively expensive on electronic concepts. Highly parallel architectures such as optical correlators will offer the opportunity to process this large amount of data in a higher-order fashion.
Arrested states produced by isoleucine deprivation and their relationship to the low serum produced arrested state in Swiss 3T3 cells.

Abstract This study examines cell cycle maturational arrests induced by isoleucine deficiency in Swiss 3T3 cells. Whereas low serum selectively blocks the maturation of cells in mid-G1, while allowing late G1, S, G2 and M cells to continue maturing through the cell cycle, isoleucine deprivation blocks the maturation of cells at the end of G1 and also in late S. These blocks are at median ages of approx. 5.2 ± 1.3 h and 12.1 ± 3 h after division. Cells prevented from maturing beyond these two points require serum to resume proliferation, although they have passed the mid-G1 low serum block point. This indicates that resumption of proliferation requires additional events not part of normal transit through the cell cycle. Furthermore, the kinetics of growth resumption differ from those of low serum arrested cells. Cells arrested by isoleucine deprivation appear to be in physiological states which are not part of the proliferative cell cycle and which do not coincide with the low serum arrested state.
Acetate kinase (pyrophosphate). A fourth pyrophosphate-dependent kinase from Entamoeba histolytica.

Abstract An enzyme from Entamoeba histolytica catalyzes the formation of acetyl phosphate and orthophosphate from acetate and inorganic pyrophosphate (PP i ), but it displays much greater activity in the direction of acetate formation. It has been purified 40-fold and separated from interfering enzyme activities by chromatography. Its reaction products have been quantitatively established. ATP cannot replace PP i as phosphoryl donor in the direction of acetyl phosphate formation nor will any common nucleoside diphosphate replace orthophosphate as phosphoryl acceptor in the direction of acetate formation. The trivial name proposed for the new enzyme is acetate kinase (PP i ).
Effects of high-dose ethinyl estradiol on serum concentrations and hepatic secretion of the very-low-density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I in the rat

Female and male rats were treated with ethinyl estradiol (5.0 mg/kg daily for 5 days). Control animals were pair fed to compensate for the reduction in food intake induced by the estrogen, or were fed ad libitum. Treatment with ethinyl estradiol reduced total cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I concentrations in the serum of female and male animals. The concentrations of serum and hepatic triacylglycerol were depressed markedly in animals of both sexes in groups treated with ethinyl estradiol, compared to the control group fed ad libitum. Compared to the pair-fed controls, however, ethinyl estradiol had only a very minor further reduction on serum triacylglycerol concentration. In male and female rats, the synthesis and secretion of triacylglycerol by the liver was, in comparison to the pair-fed controls, stimulated by estrogen, whereas the secretion of unesterified cholesterol was unaffected by any of the treatment regimens. The synthesis and secretion of total cholesteryl esters by livers from male and female rats was increased by treatment with ethinyl estradiol. The hepatic synthesis and secretion of VLDL triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester was stimulated by ethinyl estradiol in male and female rats, and the VLDL particle was enriched with cholesteryl ester. Treatment with the high-dose estrogen increased the secretion of apolipoprotein A-I by livers from female rats. It is suggested that the depression in the serum concentrations of cholesteryl esters and apolipoprotein A-I is the result of increased rates of hepatic and/or peripheral catabolism of these components and that the hepatic production rates were increased or unaffected in animals administered high doses of ethinyl estradiol. Since the secretion of apolipoprotein A-I by livers from male rats was unaffected by treatment with ethinyl estradiol, the response to estrogen may be sex related.
Effects of dehydration on plasma osmolality, thirst-related behavior, and plasma and brain angiotensin concentrations in Couch's spadefoot toad, Scaphiopus couchii.

Under dehydrating conditions, many terrestrial vertebrates species exhibit increases in plasma osmolality and their drinking behavior. Under some circumstances, this behavioral change is accompanied by changes in plasma and central angiotensin concentrations, and it has been proposed that these changes in angiotensin levels induce the thirst-related behaviors. In response to dehydration, the spadefoot toad, Scaphiopus couchii, exhibits thirst-related behavior in the form of cutaneous drinking. This behavior has been termed water absorption response (WR) behavior. Spadefoot toads live in harsh desert environments and are subject annually to dehydrating conditions that may induce thirst-related behavior. We tested the hypothesis that an increase in WR behavior is associated with both an increase in plasma osmolality and an increase in plasma and brain angiotensin concentrations. First, we determined the degree of dehydration that was necessary to initiate WR behavior. Animals dehydrated to 85% of their standard bladder-empty weight via deprivation of water exhibited WR behavior more frequently than control toads left in home containers with water available. Next, using the same dehydration methods, we determined the plasma osmolality and sodium concentrations of dehydrated toads. Toads dehydrated to 85% standard weight also had a significant increase in plasma osmolality, but exhibited no overall change in plasma sodium concentrations, indicating that while an overall increase in plasma osmolality appears to be associated with WR behavior in S. couchii, changes in sodium concentrations alone are not sufficient to induce the behavior. Finally, plasma and brain angiotensin concentrations were measured in control toads and toads dehydrated to 85% standard weight. Plasma and brain angiotensin concentrations did not increase in dehydrated toads, indicating that dehydration-induced WR behavior that is associated with changes in plasma osmolality may not be induced by changes in endogenous angiotensin concentrations in S. couchii. J. Exp. Zool. 286:572–584, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The salience of 'culture's consequences' : The effects of cultural values on top executive commitment to the status quo

While top executives are argued to play a central role in strategic adaptation, evidence suggests that they are not equally open to organizational change. This study extends earlier investigation of the determinants of top executive commitment to the status quo (CSQ) to the international arena, examining the influence of cultural values on executive open-mindedness toward change. Using data from a survey of top managers in 20 countries, analyses reveal that values of individualism, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and long-term orientation are significantly related to executives’ adherence to existing strategy and leadership profiles. Further, while confirming earlier findings that industry tenure is positively related to strategy CSQ, results show that tenure does not significantly affect leadership CSQ once cultural values are controlled. In summary, the findings reveal that culture has an important impact on executive mindsets, as demonstrated by the fact that executives of differing cultural background are not equally open to change in organizational strategy and leadership profiles. Second, the findings suggest that executives’ views of appropriate leadership profiles reflect the imprint of cultural socialization moreso than professional experience. Finally, and more broadly, the study offers empirical support for the view that values figure prominently in shaping executives’ strategic and leadership orientations. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Inhibitory potential of herb, fruit, and fungal-enriched cheese against key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes and hypertension

Abstract In the current study, three different types of cheese, cheddar, feta, and Roquefort, were screened to determine the variations in phenolic-linked antioxidant activity and the potential to inhibit key enzymes relevant to type 2 diabetes and related hypertension. The cheese samples were assayed for total phenolic content, related antioxidant activity, and inhibition of α-glucosidase, pancreatic α-amylase inhibitory activity, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-I inhibitory activity. The three fungal-enriched Roquefort cheese samples had the highest total phenolic content. The phenolic content in the herb cheese was slightly but not significantly higher compared to plain cheese. Roquefort cheese samples had the highest antioxidant-linked DPPH (free radical) scavenging activity and as expected DPPH radical scavenging activity was higher in the herb cheese compared to plain cheese. All samples had some α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities, with cranberry-enriched cheese having the highest activities. However, no correlation to soluble phenolic content was observed. All the cheese samples had very high anti-ACE-I inhibitory activity, indicating no correlation to phenolic content and activity was even high in 10× diluted samples. The highest ACE-I inhibitory activity was observed in plain and herb-enriched cheddar cheese as well as cranberry-enriched cheese. These studies indicate that cranberry-enriched cheese had the best potential for inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase relevant for type 2 diabetes management, whereas any cheese product had potential for ACE-I inhibition linked to hypertension management, indicating likely the role of other factors such as peptides from cheese fermentation. Industrial relevance This research is focused on screening of different types of commercial plain, herbal, fruit, and fungal-enriched to provide a strong biochemical rationale for further design of functional cheese products for anti-type 2 diabetic and relevant hypertension management. A better understanding of these functional attributes provides a strong biochemical rationale for design in vivo and clinical studies from which right design of functional food can be established.
Diurnal, seasonal, and genotypic variation of sucrose phosphate synthetase from maize leaf blades☆

Abstract Sucrose phosphate synthetase (SPS) activity of leaf blades from seven inbred lines of maize (Zea mays L.) was monitored throughout the growing season. Activity was low during the first part of the season, steadily increased until tassel emergence, and then declined. Some genotypes showed a second minor peak of SPS activity during ear fill. Differences among the genotypes were most apparent near tasselling. During a 24-h period, peaks in SPS activity were observed at approx. 1600 and 0200 hours. The possibility that SPS, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), and phosphofructokinase (PFK) may compete for hexose-phosphates in discussed.
Vegetation Responses to Edge Environments in Old-Growth Douglas-Fir Forests.

Forest edges created by dispersed-patch clear-cutting have become a con- spicuous landscape feature in western North America, but the effects of edge on forest structure and function are still poorly understood. In this paper we describe responses of stocking density, growth, mortality, and regeneration for three conifer species from the clear-cut edge into the interior of old-growth forest patches adjacent to 10-15 yr old clearcuts in southern Washington and central Oregon. The significance of edge effects for each variable was tested through a single-factor (distance) analysis of variance (F test). Relationships between these variables and depth-of-edge influence (i.e., edge width) on old-growth forest were characterized by nonlinear regression models. Near the edge (forest-clearcut boundary line), the old-growth forest has (1) reduced stocking density, as measured by canopy cover, number of stems per hectare, and basal area; (2) increased growth rates of dominant Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), as calcu- lated by an index of relative growth rate; (3) elevated rates of tree mortality, as measured by standing dead and down trees (snags and logs); and (4) greater numbers of Douglas-fir and western hemlock seedlings (<100 cm tall) and saplings (10 1-200 cm) but fewer of Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis). The depth-of-edge influence, when calculated as the point along the clearcut-forest gradient at which a given variable has returned to a condition representing 2/3 of the interior forest environment, ranged from 16 to 137 m for variables related to distance from the edge. The amount of a square forest patch affected by edge decreased as patch size increased and varied greatly with the depth-of-edge influence. With increasing concerns about organisms and processes that require interior forest habitat, determining the area of residual forest influenced by adjacent clearcut is critical to current and future resource management. Responses of additional biological variables must be explored and information on edge phenomena should be extended to the scale of landscapes.
Spectral Domains in Several Complex Variables

In this paper we study the concepts of spectral domain and complete spectral domain in several complex variables. For a domain Ω in Cn and an n-tuple T of commuting operators on a Hilbert space H such that the Taylor spectrum of T is a subset of Ω, we introduce the quantities KΩ(T ) and MΩ(T ). These quantities are related to the quantities KX(T ) and MX(T ) introduced by Paulsen for a compact subset X. When T is an n-tuple of 2×2 matrices, KΩ(T ) and MΩ(T ) are expressed in terms of the Caratheodory metric and the Mobius distance. This in turn answers a question by Paulsen for tuples of 2×2 matrices. We also establish von Neumann’s inequality for an n-tuple of upper triangular Toeplitz matrices. We study the regularity of KΩ(T ) and MΩ(T ) and obtain various comparisons of these two quantities when T is an n-tuple of Jordan blocks.
Diesel Particulates—What They Are and Why

The diesel passenger car offers a substantial advantage in fuel economy over its gasoline-powered counterpart, but the long-range future of the diesel in this application is threatened by future federal standards on exhaust particular emissions. These particulates are primarily combustion-generated carbonaceous soot in combination with a solvent-extractable hydrocarbon fraction. Particulate production involves an incompletely understood series of phenomena that includes nucleation, surface growth, agglomeration, dehydrogenation, oxidation, and adsorption and condensation of gaseous hydrocarbons. The contemporary state of understanding of these events is reviewed as they apply to the passenger-car diesel engine.
Speech graffiti vs. natural language: assessing the user experience

Speech-based interfaces have great potential but are hampered by problems related to spoken language such as variability, noise and ambiguity. Speech Graffiti was designed to address these issues via a structured, universal interface protocol for interacting with simple machines. Since Speech Graffiti requires that users speak to the system in a certain way, we were interested in how users might respond to such a system when compared with a natural language system. We conducted a user study and found that 74% of users preferred the Speech Graffiti system to a natural language interface in the same domain. User satisfaction scores were higher for Speech Graffiti and task completion rates were roughly equal.
The Eroticization of Labor in Cuba's All-Inclusive Resorts: Performing Race, Class and Gender in the New Tourist Economy

This paper examines the eroticization of labour in Cuba's new, all-inclusive beach resorts where workers are asked to enact scripts of affective labour, sexual enticement, and servility in the delivery of their occupational roles. Most studies of sexualized labour argue that workers’ resistance is found in not complying with management's exigencies. Instead, in this paper I argue that workers’ resistance can be found in the appropriation of their sexualized labour to establish relationships with hotel guests that provide more direct benefits and opportunities for travel and migration.
Locus coeruleus-induced modulation of forebrain electroencephalographic (EEG) state in halothane-anesthetized rat

Abstract The effects of reversible enhancement or suppression of locus coeruleus (LC) neuronal discharge activity on forebrain electroencephalographic (EEG) activity have been previously examined in two series of experiments in halothane-anesthetized rats. Unilateral enhancement of LC activity increased EEG measures of arousal in frontal cortex and hippocampus. The EEG effects of LC activation were blocked by intracerebroventricular pretreatment with the noradrenergic β-antagonist, propranolol. Bilateral, but not unilateral, suppression of LC activity substantially increased EEG measures of sedation/anesthesia in cortex and hippocampus. In all experiments: a) EEG responses were only observed following changes in LC activity levels; b) onset of EEG responses closely followed changes in LC neuronal activity; c) recovery of EEG responses closely followed the recovery of LC neuronal activity. The present report integrates these previous results and considers their implications for the hypothesis that the LC may be an important modulator of behavioral state and/or state-dependent processes. Together, the two series of experiments yield complementary observations that have implications for LC function that are not apparent when considering each series in isolation.
An integrated head immobilization system and high-performance RF coil for fMRI of visual paradigms at 1.5 T.

A flexible quadrature radiofrequency coil that maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio over the field of view of the human brain has been integrated into a head immobilization and visor system for fMRI at 1.5 T. Head motion is reduced by the visor that incorporates a head clamp and a simple visual sighting system that provides feedback on head position. This system is demonstrated in serial images by correction of deliberate head motions. The sensitivity at the cortical surface of fMRI using blood oxygenation level dependent contrast is increased significantly above that of the commercial rigid volume RF coil under the same acquisition conditions. This improved performance is demonstrated using visual activation and eye movement paradigms.
Effect of fodder beet cube size on ethanol production via diffusion fermentation

The size of fodder beet cubes used to produce fuel ethanol via diffusion fermentation was varied to see how this affected various fermentation parameters. The highest yeast populations, shortest fermentation times, and highest ethanol yields and fermentation efficiencies were observed when 2.54 cm square cubes (or smaller) were utilized. Ethanol concentrations here averaged 4.21% (v/v) while the highest concentration reached was 4.83%. To minimize energy for slicing beets and still optimize yields, cubes of 1.91–2.54 cm should be used.
Vascular development in the retina and inner ear: Control by Norrin and frizzled-4, a high-affinity ligand-receptor pair

Incomplete retinal vascularization occurs in both Norrie disease and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). Norrin, the protein product of the Norrie disease gene, is a secreted protein of unknown biochemical function. One form of FEVR is caused by defects in Frizzled-4 (Fz4), a presumptive Wnt receptor. We show here that Norrin and Fz4 function as a ligand-receptor pair based on (1) the similarity in vascular phenotypes caused by Norrin and Fz4 mutations in humans and mice, (2) the specificity and high affinity of Norrin-Fz4 binding, (3) the high efficiency with which Norrin induces Fz4- and Lrp-dependent activation of the classical Wnt pathway, and (4) the signaling defects displayed by disease-associated variants of Norrin and Fz4. These data define a Norrin-Fz4 signaling system that plays a central role in vascular development in the eye and ear, and they indicate that ligands unrelated to Wnts can act through Fz receptors.
Observation of shell structures in the growth of microcluster ions

Abstract We have observed shell structure manifested in the size distributions of various non-metallic cluster ions sequentially grown on seed positive ions generated by electron impact ionization in a pulsed supersonic jet. The data suggest the identification of the core ion and the placement of equivalent ligands about the core during the embryonic stages of cluster growth. A crown structure similar to that of H3+·(H2)n, is indicated for H3O+·(H2)n (n⪕4). Pentagonal bipyramid structures with five neutrals surrounding a dimer ion core are suggested by the (CO)n+ (n⪕19) and (N2)n+ (n⪕14) cluster size distributions, whereas (CO2)n+ (n⪕ 16) clusters appear to have a relatively amorphous structure. Variations in the cluster size distributions of Xen+ (n⪕26) are correlated with the elongated icosahedral structure.
ISO 14001 and solid waste generation rates in US manufacturing organizations: an analysis of relationship

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of ISO 14001 and other significant factors on solid waste generation rates of organizations. The research is based on a survey conducted on a random sample of industrial companies that operate in United States. The paper reveals that companies’ solid waste generation rates are significantly reduced by certification and identifies several factors of ISO 14001 that are most significant in terms of solid waste reduction. The paper also reveals that solid waste disposal costs are also significant and influence the solid waste generation of industrial companies.
Asymptotic Joint Normality of Outdegrees of Nodes in Random Recursive Trees

We study the joint probability distribution of the number of nodes of outdegree 0, 1, and 2 in a random recursive tree. We complete the known partial list of exact means and variances for outdegrees up to two by obtaining exact combinatorial expressions for the remaining means, variances, and covariances. The joint probability distribution of the number of nodes of outdegree 0, 1, and 2 is shown to be asymptotically trivariate normal and the asymptotic covariance structure is explicitly determined. It is also shown how to extend the results (at least in principle) to obtain a limiting multivariate normal distribution for nodes of outdegree 0, 1, …, k.
Summary of session B3 at GR20/Amaldi10

A wide variety of results was presented in session B3, the “non-astrophysical” numerical relativity parallel session. some results included improved numerical methods for such things as asymptotically flat spacetimes, generation of initial data, and characterization of binary black hole systems. Others included the propagation of various types of matter fields in the presence of black holes, naked singularities, and wormholes. There were also several simulations of spacetimes asymptotic to anti-de Sitter space. These simulations are of interest both for general relativity and (through the AdS/CFT correspondence) for the behavior of quantum field theories.
Microbial inoculation of alfalfa haylage: ensiling characteristics and milk production response when fed to early lactation dairy cows.

Abstract Third-cutting alfalfa hay harvested at bud stage and wilted to approximately 65% moisture was treated with a live bacterial inoculant at the rate of 300,000 cfu/g fresh alfalfa. Treated alfalfa was packed in polyethylene bags. Samples were taken at time of ensiling and d 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 28 postensiling. Mean pH was lower in the treated haylage (5.09 and 5.71 for treatment and control, respectively). Mean temperatures were higher in the treated haylage (30.0 and 28.0°C for treatment and control, respectively). Mold count, water-soluble carbohydrate, alpha amino nitrogen, CP, and ADF were not affected by treatment. Regardless of treatment, pH, mold counts, and water-soluble carbohydrates declined with time. There was no significant difference between treatments for DM intake, milk production, and milk composition.
Synthesis of 5-nitro-2-[N-3-(4-azidophenyl)-propylamino]-benzoic acid: Photoaffinity labeling of human red blood cell ghosts with A 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid analog

Abstract A photoaffinity analog of the potent epithelial chloride channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid has been synthesized and characterized. In the dark, this reagent, 5-nitro-2-[N-3-(4-azidophenyl)-propylamino]-benzoic acid, and the parent compound reversibly inhibited chloride efflux in human red blood cell ghosts. Irradiation of ghost membranes with 350 μM arylazide analog reduced the rate of chloride efflux to 33% of the control value. The photoinactivation process was not reversed by exhaustive washing of ghost membranes. Covalent incorporation of the photoaffinity reagent was supported by difference ultraviolet spectroscopy, which indicated the attachment of the substituted 2-amino-5-nitrobenzoic acid chromophore to ghost membranes. The novel photolabeling agent described here should be a useful structural probe for chloride channels in erythrocyte membranes and epithelial cells.
Cooperative target convergence using multiple agents

This work considers the problem of causing multiple (100`s) autonomous mobile robots to converge to a target and provides a follow-the-leader approach to the problem. Each robot has only a limited-range sensor for sending the target and also larger but also limited-range robot-to-robot communication capability. Because of the small amount of information available to the robots, a practical approach to improve convergence to the target is to have a robot follow the robot with the best quality of information. Specifically, each robot emits a signal that informs in-range robots what its status is. A robot has a status value of 0 if it is itself in range of the target. A robot has a status of 1 if it is not in range of the target but is in communication range of a robot that is in range of the target. A robot has a status of 2 if it is not in range of the target but is within range of another robot that has status 1, and so on. Of all the mobile robots that any given robot is in range of, it follows the one with the best status. The emergent behavior is the ant-like trails of robots following each other toward the target. If the robot is not in range of another robot that is either in range of the target or following another robot, the robot will assign-1 to its quality-of-information, and will execute an exhaustive search. The exhaustive search will continue until it encounters either the target or another robot with a nonnegative quality-of-information. The quality of information approach was extended to the case where each robot only has two-bit signals informing it of distance to in-range robots.
Efficacy of the morantel sustained release trilaminate matrix against gastrointestinal nematodes in beef calves.

The effectiveness of the morantel sustained release trilaminate (MSRT) in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes through a grazing season was evaluated using 60 yearling beef stocker calves randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 animals each. In April 1985, the calves comprising the treatment group each received an MSRT designed to release morantel tartrate continuously for 90 days while those of the control group remained unmedicated. All animals were weighed and samples of rectal feces were taken at 14-day intervals, beginning on Day 0, until trial termination (Day 168). At trial termination, 10 control and 10 treated calves were necropsied for recovery of gastrointestinal nematodes. Three sets of parasite-naive tracer calves were utilized to evaluate the initial, interim and final levels of pasture contamination by nematode larvae. Overall, the use of the MSRT resulted in a 75.5% reduction (P less than 0.001) in output of nematode eggs from the principals, an 81.8% reduction (P less than 0.001) in numbers of gastrointestinal nematodes in principals (at trial termination), and a 96.9% reduction (P less than 0.05) of pasture larval nematode contamination (as indirectly indicated by parasite burdens in tracer calves). The mean weight advantage of treated calves was 16.6 kg per head (P less than 0.001).
Dynamic theory of crystallization in Ge 2 Sb 2.3 Te 5 phase-change optical recording media

We develop a theory of the crystallization dynamics of Ge2Sb2.3Te5 thin films that shows good qualitative agreement with experimental reflectivity results from a two-laser static tester. The theory is adapted from the nucleation theory of liquid droplets from supersaturated vapor and elucidates the physics underlying the amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation under short-pulse excitation. In particular, the theory provides a physical picture in which crystalline islands, or basic embryos, are thermally activated in the amorphous material and subsequently grow as stable nuclei are formed.
Maintenance energy demand affects biomass synthesis but not cellulase production by a mesophilicClostridium

Secretion of cellulolytic activity by the mesophilClostridium strain C7 was studied while the bacterium underwent progressive carbon/energy starvation and the ensuing continuous decline in growth rate. In the slowest range of growth rates studied the organism was in full response to the global regulation imposed by guanosine 5′, 3′-bispyrophosphate (ppGpp). The exoenzymes of the cellulase complex were produced at the same volumetric rate whether or not the response was active. However, the volumetric rate of biomass synthesis was reduced 45% or more by the response. Energy necessary to maintain the ppGpp-regulated state (i.e., maintenance energy) was, therefore, diverted from energy going to synthesis of biomass but not from that going to exoenzyme synthesis, making the yield of cellulase activity per mole of carbon-energy substrate independent of growth rate and the exoenzyme complex produced from the substrate with equal efficiency at all growth rates. The primary consideration in improving exoenzyme productivity by bacteria with this type of energy distribution between secretion, growth, and maintenance is simply increasing yield per mole of carbon-energy substrate, with growth rate effects on yield a secondary and minimum concern.
Evolving concepts on the age-related changes in “muscle quality”

The deterioration of skeletal muscle with advancing age has long been anecdotally recognized and has been of scientific interest for more than 150 years. Over the past several decades, the scientific and medical communities have recognized that skeletal muscle dysfunction (e.g., muscle weakness, poor muscle coordination, etc.) is a debilitating and life-threatening condition in the elderly. For example, the age-associated loss of muscle strength is highly associated with both mortality and physical disability. It is well-accepted that voluntary muscle force production is not solely dependent upon muscle size, but rather results from a combination of neurologic and skeletal muscle factors, and that biologic properties of both of these systems are altered with aging. Accordingly, numerous scientists and clinicians have used the term “muscle quality” to describe the relationship between voluntary muscle strength and muscle size. In this review article, we discuss the age-associated changes in the neuromuscular system—starting at the level of the brain and proceeding down to the subcellular level of individual muscle fibers—that are potentially influential in the etiology of dynapenia (age-related loss of muscle strength and power).
Generating positive contrast from off-resonant spins with steady-state free precession magnetic resonance imaging: theory and proof-of-principle experiments

It is well known that magnetic susceptibility variations lead to signal voids in MRI. However, recent work has shown that positive-contrast imaging of susceptibility-induced field variations can provide signal enhancements rather than signal losses. In this paper, we propose a new method for generating positive contrast from off-resonant spins with steady-state free precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance imaging. Based on theory and experiments, we demonstrate that positive-contrast images can be acquired in the presence of susceptibility-shift media with low flip angle excitations that are determined by the spin relaxation time constants of the imaging medium. Compared to other techniques, this technique is substantially faster and has low specific absorption rates, permitting high-field imaging. In addition to acquiring positive-contrast images, we also show that it is possible to suppress the imaging medium to desired levels; thereby allowing for simultaneous registration of the background details surrounding the susceptibility-shift media. Among practical applications, we anticipate that the proposed technique can potentially facilitate high field magnetic-resonance-based molecular imaging.
FROM INDIVIDUAL TO CORPORATE PRAXIS: A SYSTEMIC RE-IMAGINING OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Abstract While praxis-oriented educational methodologies have become nearly normative in adult Christian religious education, an individualist framework still colors many of the approaches involved. Participants gather for reflection, but are sent individually for action in the world. Yet, the complexities of issues that Christians are called to address as agents of effective social transformation increasingly require models of communal or corporate praxis in which communities engage together in action as well as reflection. This article explores the systemic perspective and disciplines of learning organizations as a framework for reimagining the role of religious educator as a catalyst of true communal praxis in congregations.
Changing barriers to the internationalization of franchising operations: Perceptions of domestic and international franchisors

This study examines factors that inhibit the internationalization of franchising operations. The factors are classified along the dimensions of importance and difficulty. The perceptions of domestic franchisors and international franchisors are compared. The results indicate that different factors inhibit internationalization of franchising efforts depending upon the stage of the franchising process. Comparisons of the results with previous studies indicate that significant changes have occurred in the perceived importance, changes which are understandable in light of changes in franchising practices as well as changes in the international environment. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Counseling Needs of Gifted Students: An Analysis of Intake Forms at a University-Based Counseling Center

The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of the counseling needs of gifted children from the perspective of parents who sought help from a fee-based counseling center for gifted students. The counseling center provided assessment and educational and career guidance, as well as family social/emotional counseling, all of which were differentiated to meet the needs of gifted children ages 4-18. Participating parents completed intake forms that included a 47-item client problem inventory and were designed to assist the counseling process. One hundred and twenty of these problem inventories were analyzed to determine which counseling needs led parents to bring their children for counseling services and whether there were any differences in perceived needs among three different developmental levels of children (preschool, preadolescent, and adolescent). Results suggested that age had a statistically and practically significant effect on parent perceptions of career and child (psychosocial) conce...
Fluorides and the changing prevalence of dental caries

Community water fluoridation and individual use of fluorides have brought about a marked reduction in the prevalence of dental caries in the United States during the past 35 years. There is evidence that the prevalence of caries is declining in communities with unfluoridated water as well as in those with fluoridated water. This phenomenon may be related to an increase of fluoride in the food chain, especially from the use of fluoridated water in food processing, increased use of infant formulas with measurable fluoride content, and even unintentional ingestion of fluoride dentifrices. This trend should encourage reevaluation of research priorities and previously accepted standards for optimal fluoride use.
Differential effects of transferrin receptor blockade on the cellular mechanisms involved in graft rejection.

Since transferrin receptor (TfR) appears on activated T cells following the interaction of the antigen-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) with the T cell receptor (TCR) and the appearance of interleukin (IL)-2R, we therefore hypothesize that in vivo blockade of TfR prolongs allograft survival by altering the cellular mechanisms involved in graft rejection. Previous results in our laboratory have demonstrated that anti-TfR monoclonal antibody (mAb) at 100 μg on days 0 and 1 of transplantation significantly prolonged allograft survival to 25.7 ± 0.9 days in a murine heterotopic, nonvascularized cardiac allograft model. In the current studies, administration of anti-TfR mAb at the time of maximal TfR expression, on days 2 and 3 post-transplantation, failed to prolong allograft survival (13.0 ± 0.0 days) compared to the isotype controls (10.5 ± 0.5 and 10.7 ± 0.4 days) (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon rank sum). A 4-day course of anti-TfR mAb significantly prolonged allograft survival compared to the isotype controls, but was no more effective than a 2-day course of the mAb. Anti-TfR mAb suppressed the mixed lymphocyte response to donor-specific and third-party alloantigen by 78.7% (p < 0.05) and 80.8% (p < 0.05), respectively, while stimulating the CTL response to donor-specific (16.3%, p < 0.05) and third party (49.3%, p < 0.01) alloantigen. Anti-TfR mAb suppressed IL-15 and increased IL-4 intragraft mRNA expression when compared to the isotype controls. Examination of cell surface receptors important during T cell activation revealed alterations in expression following anti-TfR mAb treatment. Anti-TfR mAb is an effective immunosuppressant prolonging allograft survival by altering cell-mediated immune responses and the intragraft cytokine micro-environment.
The effect of annealing environments on the epitaxial recrystallization of ion-beam-amorphized SrTiO3

Time-resolved reflectivity and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy were used to investigate the effects of regrowth environments on the thermally induced solid phase epitaxial (SPE) regrowth of amorphous near-surface layers produced by ion implantation of single-crystal SrTiO3. Water vapor in the regrowth atmosphere was found to alter both the apparent rate and activation energy of the SPE regrowth. For relatively dry atmospheres, a single constant regrowth rate is observed at any given temperature, and the activation energy is 1.2 ± 0.1 eV. When the concentration of H2O vapor in the atmosphere is increased, however, the regrowth activation energy effectively decreases to ∼0.95 eV. When regrown in atmospheres containing H2O vapor, the SrTiO3 amorphous layer exhibits two distinct stages of SPE regrowth as compared to the single rate found for dry anneals. This two-stage process apparently results from the diffusion of H/OH from the regrowth atmosphere at the surface of the crystal through the amorphous layer to the regrowing crystalline/amorphous interface.