cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Damage in DNA of an infecting phage T4 shifts reproduction from asexual to sexual allowing rescue of its genes.

The selective advantage of sexual reproduction is widely regarded as a major unsolved problem in biology. Recently, it has been proposed that the fundamental selective advantage of sex is its promotion of recombinational repair and hence survival of DNA in the germ line of organisms. A bacteriophage T4 system was set up to test this theory. After a phage T4 injects its DNA into an Escherichia coli cell it quickly establishes a barrier, through its immunity function, to infection by a second phage T4, arriving at a later time. This barrier causes phage T4 to reproduce asexually. The immunity barrier has a selective advantage in preserving the host cell as a sole resource for the first phage. If the first phage's DNA is damaged by UV irradiation, however, it has a reduced probability of being able to survive in the host cell when it is there alone. It was found that UV irradiation, in addition to reducing the first phage's viability, also prevents the first phage from raising an effective immunity barrier. This UV-induced reduction in immunity now allows sexual interaction with later-arriving secondary phage or sexual reproduction. It was found that these secondary phage enhanced survival of genes of the UV-damaged first phage. This supports the theory that under DNA-damaging conditions, which should be prevalent in nature, sex would have a selective advantage.
Limits on Drawability of Semicrystalline Flexible Polymers

We present a model study of the factors controlling the drawability of semicrystalline flexible polymers. Our approach focuses on the relative importance of the strength, σh, of the attractive bonds between chains in the amorphous phase and of that, σa, of the same chains free of attraction forces. We find that drawability reaches its maximum value when the ratio of the two strengths falls below a critical value σh/σa ≃ 150. The maximum draw value itself is controlled by the crystallinity and by the entanglement density in the amorphous phase.
Manganese inhibits NMDA receptor channel function: Implications to psychiatric and cognitive effects

Abstract Humans exposed to excess levels of manganese (Mn 2+ ) express psychiatric problems and deficits in attention and learning and memory. However, there is a paucity of knowledge on molecular mechanisms by which Mn 2+ produces such effects. We now report that Mn 2+ is a potent inhibitor of [ 3 H]-MK-801 binding to the NMDA receptor channel in rat neuronal membrane preparations. The inhibition of [ 3 H]-MK-801 to the NMDA receptor channel by Mn 2+ was activity-dependent since Mn 2+ was a more potent inhibitor in the presence of the NMDA receptor co-agonists glutamate and glycine ( K i = 35.9 ± 3.1 μM) than in their absence ( K i = 157.1 ± 6.5 μM). We also show that Mn 2+ is a NMDA receptor channel blocker since its inhibition of [ 3 H]-MK-801 binding to the NMDA receptor channel is competitive in nature. That is, Mn 2+ significantly increased the affinity constant ( K d ) with no significant effect on the maximal number of [ 3 H]-MK-801 binding sites ( B max ). Under stimulating conditions, Mn 2+ was equipotent in inhibiting [ 3 H]-MK-801 binding to NMDA receptors expressed in neuronal membrane preparations from different brain regions. However, under basal, non-stimulated conditions, Mn 2+ was more potent in inhibiting NMDA receptors in the cerebellum than other brain regions. We have previously shown that chronic Mn 2+ exposure in non-human primates increases Cu 2+ , but not zinc or iron concentrations in the basal ganglia [Guilarte TR, Chen M-K, McGlothan JL, Verina T, Wong DF, Zhou Y, Alexander M, Rohde CA, Syversen T, Decamp E, Koser AJ, Fritz S, Gonczi H, Anderson DW, Schneider JS. Nigrostriatal dopamine system dysfunction and subtle motor deficits in manganese-exposed non-human primates. Exp Neurol 2006a;202:381–90]. Therefore, we also tested the inhibitory effects of Cu 2+ on [ 3 H]-MK-801 binding to the NMDA receptor channel. The data shows that Cu 2+ in the presence of glutamate and glycine is a more potent inhibitor of the NMDA receptor than Mn 2+ . Our findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of Mn 2+ and/or Cu 2+ on the NMDA receptor may produce a deficit in glutamatergic transmission in the brain of individuals exposed to excess levels of Mn 2+ and produce neurological dysfunction.
Theoretical Estimation of Crack Growth Rates in Type 304 Stainless Steel in Boiling-Water Reactor Coolant Environments

Abstract The coupled-environment fracture model (CEFM)for intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of sensitized type 304 (UNS S30400) stainless steel (SS) in light-water reactor (LWR) heat-...
Responding to the Voices of Homeless Preschool Children and Their Families.

By utilizing all of the voices of homeless children and families we can gain a better understanding of their needs and thus be more effective in designing programs that can support them in becoming more independent. This article reviews the importance of the voices of homeless preschool children and their parents as well that of the professionals who work with them in developing responses to this problem. Strategies that empower homeless preschool children and their families are noted. These strategies include: quality preschool care, therapeutic practices that empower the entire family, case management schemes that provide support to homeless children and families, and societal changes that empower the family. Critical roles that early childhood education professionals can carry out in this empowerment process are delineated and discussed.
Progress on vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays for infrared illumination applications

For infrared illumination with wavelength range of 808nm-1064nm, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) offer many advantageous properties including superior beam quality (such as low divergence, circular shape beam and speckle-free image), increased eye safety, high reliability and low manufacturing cost. We report our progress on highpower high-efficiency VCSELs and two dimensional (2D) VCSEL arrays for such illumination applications. GaAs-based VCSEL wafers are grown by MOCVD and processed into either top-emitting or bottom-emitting devices depending on the emission wavelength and applications. Results from both single devices and arrays are presented. In particular, record-high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 63.4% with 300mW output was achieved from VCSELs at 1064nm. Such VCSELs also operate with <55% PCE at 50C. For a 2mm by 10mm array, 56.4% PCE with 150W output was demonstrated. Using those VCSELs and arrays as building blocks, various high power illuminators ranging from a few Watts to over 100 kiloWatts have been fabricated.
Ovarian carcinoma: Management of stress in patients and physicians

A discussion of the management of ovarian cancer invariably involves the problems of death and dying faced by the patient, her family, and her physician. This paper attempts to deal with the general fears, anxieties, and problems of terminality, and also places attention on specific issues involved in living with the ongoing disease and its treatments. Focus is on the effects of the disease on the woman's self-image, on her family and relationships, on life outside the hospital, and on her relationship with her attending physician. Specific problems relating to the periods of (1) diagnosis, (2) operative management and treatment, and (3) terminality are discussed. Understanding the psychosocial realities of the patient provides the physician with added insights into methods to assist the patient in adaptation and coping with this ultimately fatal disease.
Structural relationships in rare earth-transition metal hydrides☆

Several structural types of form AB/sub 2/, AB/sub 3/, A/sub 2/B/sub 7/, and AB/sub 5/ (A = rare earth, B = transition metal) are known to be closely related, with local environments which are very similar among the different compounds. Based on these relationships, we suggest that hydride phases A/sub l/B/sub m/H/sub n/ should be related according to the relationships n(AB/sub 3/) = 1/3n(AB/sub 5/) + 2/3n(AB/sub 2/) and n(A/sub 2/B/sub 7/) = n(AB/sub 5/) + n(AB/sub 2/) where the n(AB/sub m/) are observed hydrogen phase concentrations. It is shown that the phases observed in pressure-composition isotherms for AB/sub 3/ and A/sub 2/B/sub 7/ systems can be understood from this viewpoint. A discussion is given of the maximum hydrogen concentration possible in the compounds having these structure types.
Optical spectroscopy of Cr 4+ :Y 2 SiO 5

Spectroscopic data on the absorption and the fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetimes are presented for Cr4+:Y2SiO5, the newest Cr4+-doped laser crystal. The fluorescence measurements were conducted at temperatures ranging from 10 to 310 K, and the absorption spectra were measured at room temperature and 77 K. Spectroscopic analysis of the absorption and the emission spectra is performed on the basis of a distorted tetrahedral symmetry for the Cr4+ site, namely C3V. The tetravalent chromium substitutes for Si4+ in this crystal, and there is no evidence for the presence of chromium in any other valence state. The Cr4+ site is characterized by strong crystal field parameters. We have tentatively assigned the sharp line at 1146 nm in the low-temperature fluorescence spectrum (excited by 1064-nm radiation) to the spin-forbidden singlet-to-triplet transition 1E–3A2, and the broad band with the peak at 1225 nm to the spin-allowed 3T2–3A2 transition. Excitation at 532 nm results in an additional type of emission in the near infrared. A similar dependence of the lasing wavelength on the pump wavelength was observed in the laser operation of the crystal at 77 K [ Chai , in Advanced Solid-State Lasers, ChaseL. L.PintoA. A., eds., Vol. 13 of OSA Proceedings Series ( Optical Society of America, Washington, D.C., 1992), pp. 28– 30].
Design and evaluation of a delay-based FPGA Physically Unclonable Function

A new Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) variant was developed on an FPGA, and its quality evaluated. It is conceptually similar to PUFs developed using standard SRAM cells, except it utilizes general FPGA reconfigurable fabric, which offers several advantages. Comparison between our approach and other PUF designs indicates that our design is competitive in terms of repeatability within a given instance, and uniqueness between instances. The design can also be tuned to achieve desired response characteristics which broadens the potential range of applications.
N-terminal Extension of the Cholera Toxin A1-chain Causes Rapid Degradation after Retrotranslocation from Endoplasmic Reticulum to Cytosol

Cholera toxin travels from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum of host cells, where a portion of the toxin, the A1-chain, is unfolded and targeted to a protein-conducting channel for retrotranslocation to the cytosol. Unlike most retrotranslocation substrates, the A1-chain escapes degradation by the proteasome and refolds in the cytosol to induce disease. How this occurs remains poorly understood. Here, we show that an unstructured peptide appended to the N terminus of the A1-chain renders the toxin functionally inactive. Cleavage of the peptide extension prior to cell entry rescues toxin half-life and function. The loss of toxicity is explained by rapid degradation by the proteasome after retrotranslocation to the cytosol. Degradation of the mutant toxin does not follow the N-end rule but depends on the two Lys residues at positions 4 and 17 of the native A1-chain, consistent with polyubiquitination at these sites. Thus, retrotranslocation and refolding of the wild-type A1-chain must proceed in a way that protects these Lys residues from attack by E3 ligases.
PS222. Characterizing the Evolution of the Extracellular Matrix During Adaptation of the Venous Limb of the Maturing Arteriovenous Fistula

Methods: The 2-hour and 24-hour attachment of Staphylococcus aureus TCH1516 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01-UW was determined on polytetrafluoroethylene, Dacron, nitinol, cobalt chromium, and Viabahn endoprosthesis. Individually and in combination, concentrations at 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 were tested on 2-mm sections of each graft. After each time interval, the prosthetics were rinsed to remove nonattached bacteria, sonicated to release the attached bacteria, spiral plated, and then analyzed for the attached concentration. Results: After 2 hours, there was a significant difference in the median attachment rates on Dacron (14%) compared with nitinol (2.1%), cobalt (1.4%), and Viabahn (0.73%) across all bacterial combinations (P < .05). Pseudomonas aeruginosa achieved the greatest attachment at most concentrations, regardless of the material. At the 24-hour mark, the median attachment for each concentration was greater than the highest initial concentration (108), with nitinol and cobalt having a statistically significant lower attachment (P < .05). Conclusions: Initial attachment is consistently poor, regardless of inoculation concentration, but greater on the synthetic grafts compared with metal stents. However, after 24 hours in a nutrient-poor environment, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are still able to achieve full attachment throughout.
The Central China School of Rural Studies: Guest Editor's Introduction

(2008). The Central China School of Rural Studies: Guest Editor's Introduction. Chinese Sociology & Anthropology: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 3-9.
An edge theorem for polytopes of polynomials which can drop in degree

Abstract A new version of the Edge Theorem for robust stability of polynomials that can drop in degree is given. The proof is of elementary nature and a counterexample is given to show that the original Edge Theorem of Bartlett, Hollot and Lin does not hold for the general case of arbitrary degree dropping.
Supply Chain Strategies for Perishable Products: The Case of Fresh Produce

This paper examines supply chain design strategies for a specific type of perishable product—fresh produce—using melons and sweet corn as examples. Melons and other types of produce reach their peak value at the time of harvest; product value deteriorates exponentially post-harvest until the product is cooled to dampen the deterioration. Using the product's marginal value of time (MVT), the rate at which the product loses value over time in the supply chain, we show that the appropriate model to minimize lost value in the supply chain is a hybrid of a responsive model from post-harvest to cooling, followed by an efficient model in the remainder of the chain. We also show that these two segments of the supply chain are only loosely linked, implying that little coordination is required across the chain to achieve value maximization. The models we develop also provide insights into the use of a product's MVT to develop supply chain strategies for other perishable products.
Large Break LOCA Safety Injection Sensitivity for a CE/ABB System 80+ PWR

A WCOBRA/TRAC model of an evolutionary pressurized water reactor with direct vessel injection was constructed using publicly available information and a hypothetical double-ended guillotine break of a cold leg pipe was simulated. The model is an approximation of a ABB/Combustion Engineering System 80+ pressurized water reactor (PWR). WCOBRA/TRAC is the thermal-hydraulics code approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for use in realistic large break LOCA analyses of Westinghouse 3- and 4-loop PWRs and the AP600 passive design. The AP600 design uses direct vessel injection, and the applicability of WCOBRA/TRAC to such designs is supported by comparisons to appropriate test data. This study extends the application of WCOBRA/TRAC to the investigation of the predicted behavior of direct vessel injection in an evolutionary design. A series of large break LOCA simulations were performed assuming a core power of 3914 MWt, and Technical Specification limits of 2.5 on total peaking factor and 1.7 on hot channel enthalpy rise factor. Two cladding temperature peaks were predicted during reflood, one following bottom of core recovery and a second caused by saturated boiling of water in the downcomer. This behavior is consistent with prior WCOBRA/TRAC calculations for some Westinghouse PWRs. The simulation results are described, and the sensitivity to failure assumptions for the safety injection system is presented.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Effects of amiodarone and its active metabolite desethylamiodarone on the ventricular defibrillation threshold

Abstract Objectives. We evaluated whether the reported difference in the ventricular defibrillation threshold (DFT) between short-term intravenous and oral amiodarone is due to the effect of amiodarone’s active metabolite desethylamiodarone (DEA). Background. Amiodarone is frequently used in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator devices (ICD). Long-term oral amiodarone raises the DFT, but intravenous amiodarone has not been shown to have this effect. DEA, an active metabolite of amiodarone, has different electrophysiologic properties than its parent compound and may be responsible for the observed different effects of intravenous and oral amiodarone on DFT. Methods. We ascertained the DFT in 24 pigs randomized to receive intravenous amiodarone, DEA or vehicle. Defibrillation was delivered through a transvenous lead system using a biphasic waveform. The DFT was determined using an up-down DFT algorithm and defined as the average minimal energies resulting in successful defibrillation delivered from ascending and descending serial shocks. Results. Amiodarone caused a dose-response increase in DFT (mean ± SD) from 22.7 ± 4.1 (baseline) to 26.1 ± 2.9 (10 mg/kg body weight), p = 0.11, to 34.9 ± 8.2 J (after an additional 15 mg/kg), p = 0.035. DEA (10 mg/kg) caused an increase in DFT from 20.5 ± 6.3 to 33.9 ± 13.6 J, p Conclusions. DEA increases DFT by a greater amount than its parent drug amiodarone. There is an effect of intravenous amiodarone on DFT that is dose dependent.
Event-related oscillations in offspring of alcoholics: neurocognitive disinhibition as a risk for alcoholism.

Background Event-related oscillations (EROs) are increasingly being used to assess neurocognitive functioning in normal and clinical populations. The current study compares different frequency activities in offspring of alcoholics (OA) and in normal control subjects (NC) to examine whether the OA group exhibits any abnormality in oscillatory activity while performing a Go/NoGo task. Methods The S-transform algorithm was employed to decompose the electroencephalographic (EEG) signals into different time-frequency bands, and the oscillatory responses in the P300 time window (300–700 milliseconds) were statistically analyzed in both groups. Results The OA group manifested significantly decreased activity in delta (1–3 Hz), theta (4–7 Hz), and alpha1 (8–9 Hz) bands during the NoGo condition, as well as reduced delta and theta activity during the Go condition. This reduction was more prominent in the NoGo than in the Go condition. Conclusions The decreased response in delta, theta, and alpha1 oscillations, especially during the NoGo condition in high-risk individuals, is perhaps suggestive of cognitive and neural disinhibition and may serve as an endophenotypic marker in the development of alcoholism and/or other disinhibitory disorders.
Genetic mouse models of extended lifespan

Abstract Since 1996, seven genetic mouse models have been reported to show increased lifespan: Ames and Snell dwarf mice, the ‘little mouse’ ( Ghrhr lit/lit ), mice null for either growth hormone receptor/binding protein ( GHR/BP −/− ) or p66 shc ( p66 shc−/− ), mice heterozygous for the IGF-I receptor ( Igf1r +/− ), and fat-specific insulin receptor knockout mice. In this article, we describe and evaluate these mouse models with respect to their relevance for aging studies. While these seven genetic models all show a significant increase in lifespan, issues of sample size and animal husbandry procedures require further evaluation before firm conclusions can be drawn on the reproducibility of life extension in most of these mouse models. Because data on the age-related pathology and physiological functions are lacking for all of the models, except the dwarf mice, it is too early to conclude that aging is retarded in these mouse models. However, these mouse models are already providing new information about the mechanism underlying mammalian aging.
Poly(p-phenyleneacetylene)-based light-emitting diodes

A study of poly(p-phenyleneacetylene) (PPA)-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is described and discussed. The LEDs were fabricated by spin-coating the indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate with the 2,5-dibutoxy or 2,5-dihexoxy derivative of PPA dissolved in toluene, followed by evaporation of a layer of Ca and Al or Al only on the polymer. As the spin- coating, drying, and operation of the diodes was performed in air with no heat sink, the Ca/Al devices degraded within a few minutes at room temperature, but were stable in a He ambient at low temperatures. However, it was noted that baking the diodes coated with an Al layer for 2 - 6 hours at 150 degree(s)C in a flow of dry N2 markedly increased their performance. However, no improvement was achieved by baking the polymer laser prior to metallization. It is therefore believed that the baking process removes significant defects from the polymer/metal interface. The nature of these results is discussed in terms of bulk defects as well as defects at the ITO/polymer and polymer/metal interfaces.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vacuum ultraviolet circular dichroism of poly(dI-dC)·poly(dI-dC): No evidence for a left-handed double helix

The authors have extended the CD spectrum of poly(dI-dC) x poly(dI-dC) to 180 nm. Wavelengths less than about 200 nm are referred to as vacuum ultraviolet (vuv) radiation. Most of the CD spectra of nucleic acids presently in the literature stop between 200 and 230 nm and are hence limited to the far-uv. They measured the vuv CD spectrum of poly(dI-dC) x poly(dI-dC) using a spectrometer that receives radiation from the vuv electron storage ring of the National Synchrotron Light Source. The authors also recorded the absorption spectrum of the polymer to 185 nm using a Cary 118 spectrophotometer.
Platelet interlocks are the key to toughness and strength in nacre

Nacre, the inner layer of mollusk shells is a composite made of platelets of mineral aragonitic calcium carbonate with a few weight percent organic material sandwiched in between. The organic and nanostructural nuances are often suggested to be the reason for the extreme toughness of nacre. Here we report the presence of interlocks between platelets of nacre from red abalone. We also report and show, using three-dimensional finite element modeling, that interlocks are the key mechanism for the high toughness and strength of nacre. The observed rotation between platelet layers, which were earlier reported as defects of structure, are necessary for the formation of interlocks.
Microbial infestation of carbonate substrates planted on the St. Croix shelf, West Indies

Carbonate substrates prepared from the shells of living organisms and inorganic calcite were planted on the St. Croix shelf and periodically harvested to determine the nature and extent of microbial infestation by endolithic organisms. Substrates, 1 to 10 mm in diameter, were mounted on plexiglass sheets and anchored at five sites at depths ranging from the intertidal to 30 m. Samples were harvested after exposure times ranging from 9 days to 18 months. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of plastic-impregnated endoliths and their resultant microborings, in association with specimens isolated through acid dissolution of host substrates, formed the basis for this investigation. Blue-green algae were found to be the dominant microborers, and green algae were of secondary importance. Red algae and fungi were relatively scarce. In order of decreasing abundance, the following endolithic organisms were observed: Mastigocoleus testarum (blue-green alga), Plectonema terebrans (blue-green alga), Phaeophila engleri (green alga), Hyella sp. A (blue-green alga), Ostreobium brabantium (green alga), Calothrix sp. (blue-green alga), Ostreobium constrictum (green alga), moniliform fungus(?), Conchocelis stage of Porphyra sp. (red alga), Scytonema (blue-green alga), microboring sponge, reticulate fungus(?), and Hyella sp. B (blue-green alga). Initial infestation of planted substrates was detectable after exposure periods of as little as 9 days and heavy infestation within 2 to 4 months. Less than 10 percent of the grains exposed for 9 days were colonized by endoliths; after 4 months approximately 95 percent of the grains were colonized. The distributional patterns of microborers that infested substrates planted on the St. Croix shelf are believed to be environmentally controlled and may be applicable in the paleoecological analyses of ancient carbonates.
Predicting tensile and compressive mechanical properties of bimodal nano-aluminum alloys

We present a new analytical model for predicting the tensile and compressive mechanical properties of bimodal nano-aluminum alloys. The model relies on simple material variables that show a Hall–Petch-like grain size dependence including a newly defined ductility parameter which can be used with the Hollomon equation to allow for the prediction of failure stress and strain. When the model is applied to bimodal nano-aluminum alloys, the results show excellent agreement with the experimental observations.
Mitochondrial movement during the ascidian sperm reaction

The ascidian sperm reaction, Which involves swelling, migration, and loss of the single large mitochondrion, can be triggered in vitro by raising the seawater pH to 9.3 or lowering Na+ to 20 mM, but only if the sperm are allowed to attach to a suitable Substate. Mitochondrial translocation does not usually occur in the absence of sperm attachment. Extracellular Ca2+ is necessary for triggering the reaction with low Na+ but not high pH; however, the intrecellular Ca2+ blocker, TMB-8, inhibits high pH-induced mitochondrial movement in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. After swelling, the mitochondrion fluoresces in the presence of chlortetracycline, suggesting that Ca2+ becomes membranebound after activation. Elevated cAMP and theophylline both inhibit mitochondrial move ment but not sperm motility. The antiactin drug cytochalasin B(10μM) and the calmodulinblocking drugs TFP (1 μM) and W-13 (10 μM) block mitochondrial movement, suggesting roles for actin and calmodulin in mitochondrial movement. A model is proposed relating intracellular alkalinization, Ca2+ influx, actin, myosin, and calmodulin in mitochondrial translocation.
The ultrastructure of inclusions inVinca nuclei

An electron microscopic study of leaf and petal mesophyll tissue ofVinca rosea revealed the presence of nuclear inclusions. The inclusions were found to be tubular with an outside diameter of about 100 A. The tubular inclusions inVinca appear to be similar to those that have been described in nuclei of other plants.
Arctic Fog Droplet Size Distribution and Its Effect on Light Attenuation

Abstract Arctic fog droplets were sampled on narrow glass plates precoated with chloride-sensitive gelatin film at Point Barrow, Alaska, in the summer of 1971. The relation between the radius of the log droplet and the radius of the imprint on the film was determined experimentally. The collection efficiency of the fog droplet was determined. About 20,000 fog droplet radii were measured. The results of the analysis of the concentration and the size distribution of fog droplets are presented in the form of tables and figures. It is shown that the concentration and the size distribution changed rapidly with time and space; the droplet radii ranged widely between 3.3 and 65 µm; the maximum concentration was 24 droplets cm−3 and the liquid water content was 0.09 gm m−3 at a visibility of 250 m. Calculations were made of the attenuation by fog at wavelengths of 0.55 and 1.06 µm for the observed size distributions and concentrations of fog droplets. The values of the visual range calculated at a threshold const...
Growth performance of Karacabey Merino and Kivircik lambs under semi-intensive management in Turkey

Abstract Growth performances of 202 Kivircik (K) and Karacabey Merino (KM) lambs reared under semi-intensive management in Turkey were evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of K and KM lambs in terms of weights at birth and at 30-day intervals from birth to 150 days of age and of average daily gain between these intervals. Data were collected in 2005, and analyzed by GLM procedures of SAS. The effects of genotype, type of birth, sex of lamb, linear regression of lambs’ age, and dam postpartum body weights were significant. Sex variation became unimportant as lambs grew older. Male lambs were heavier than females at birth and at all ages. Lambs born to older dams were heavier than those born to younger dams at all ages. Average daily weight gains during the growth period were significantly affected by genotype, sex, type of birth and age of dam.
Academy chops another board

The number of National Research Council boards that advise the U.S. government on space policy has been reduced from three to two, according to testimony presented to Congress last week. The Space Applications Board has been eliminated and its responsibilities split between the Space Science Board, now called the Space Studies Board, and the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board. The Space Studies Board will counsel NASA and other agencies on a broader range of space science issues than before, including microgravity research, Earth remote sensing, and human exploration of the solar system, all previously in the purview of the SAB.
Vagal Modulation of Hypertension

Resistant hypertension despite compliance with pharmacologic therapies continues to hamper optimal blood pressure control. Vagal modulation via direct stimulation of the body’s parasympathetic nervous system is proving a promising therapeutic modality to help patients achieve their blood pressure goals. In this article, we review some of the key concepts of different vagal modulations for resistant hypertension including baroreflex activation therapy, renal sympathetic denervation, and direct vagal nerve stimulation.
MIRD Continuing Education: Bystander and Low–Dose-Rate Effects: Are These Relevant to Radionuclide Therapy?

Bystander and low-dose-rate effects influence the dose-response relationship in a manner not predicted by current dosimetric methodologies. Radiation-induced bystander effects refer to biologic responses in cells that are not traversed by an ionizing radiation track and, thus, not subject to direct energy deposition; that is, the responses occur in nonirradiated cells. Low-dose-rate hypersensitivity effects have been documented as a reduction in the survival of cells irradiated at dose rates of 0.1-1.0 Gy/h, with total doses ranging from 1.5 to 5 Gy. For humans undergoing external radiotherapy, evidence of bystander events has been observed in the form of abscopal effects, wherein irradiation of one portion of the anatomy affects a portion outside the radiation field, whereas low-dose-rate hypersensitivity has not been described. In this report, the historical literature is briefly reviewed, key experiments are summarized, and current understanding of the factors thought to be involved in the bystander and low-dose-rate effects is conveyed. The mechanisms associated with these events are still being investigated, and questions remain on their impact in radionuclide therapy. Although current findings do not yet sufficiently justify changing traditional dose estimates used to predict the outcomes of radionuclide therapy, it is important to appreciate the potential importance of these effects and to begin revising methods to reflect the emerging empiric and mechanistic knowledge.
Analysis of spurious modes in mixed finite element method for Maxwell's equation with E and H as variables

In this study the formulations of mixed finite element (FEM) method for Maxwell's equations with E and H as variables are given, and the appearance of spurious modes of this mixed FEM are discussed. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the spurious modes can be eliminated by choosing the interpolation degrees for E different from that for H. This non-spurious mixed FEM scheme can be utilized in both time domain and frequency domain, and it is very suitable for the future implementation of the discontinuous Galekin finite element method (DG-FEM).
Breaking the barriers: high performance security for high performance computing

This paper attempts to reconcile the high performance community's requirement of high performance with the need for security, and reconcile some accepted security approaches with the performance constraints of high-performance networks. We propose a new paradigm and challenge existing practice. The new paradigm is that not all domains need longterm forward data confidentiality. In particular, we take a fresh look at security for the high-performance domain, focusing particularly on component-based applications. We discuss the security and performance requirements of this domain in order to elucidate both the constraints and opportunities. We challenge the existing practice of high-performance networks sending communication in plaintext. We propose a security mechanism and provide metrics for analyzing both the security and performance costs.
Mask 3D effects and compensation for high NA EUV lithography

Mask shadow compensation for EUV lithography has typically been performed using simple rule-based schemes during optical proximity correction (OPC). However, as feature sizes decrease, the required corrections get more complex as they become dependent on both feature size and type. Thus, OPC models that account for these 3D mask effects are becoming essential. These models become even more important for higher numerical aperture EUV systems due to larger angles of incidence on the mask and tighter process budgets for CD and overlay. This paper will focus on estimating these 3D mask effects and evaluate the extendibility of current available OPC models for some specific higher numerical aperture EUV systems. It is concluded that the current available 3D mask models are capturing the primary effects and it is believed that with further refinement they are likely extendable to meet the needs of future high-NA tools. Additionally, a combination of thinner mask absorber, tighter scanner focus control and/or larger optical magnification will likely be required to print sub-30nm pitch structures with higher numerical aperture EUV systems.
Reaching the Unreached: Treatment as Prevention as a Workable Strategy to Mitigate HIV and Its Consequences in High-Risk Groups

While there have been significant advances in curbing the HIV disease epidemic worldwide, there continues to be significant number of incident cases with 2.3 million new infections in the year 2012 alone. Treatment as prevention (TasP), which involves the use of antiretroviral drugs to decrease the likelihood of HIV illness, death and transmission from infected individuals to their noninfected sexual and /or drug paraphernalia-sharing injecting partners, must be incorporated into any HIV prevention strategy that is going to be successful on a large scale. Especially in resource-limited settings, the focus of the prevention approach should be on high-risk groups who contribute disproportionately to community HIV transmission, including people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers. Innovative strategies including integrated care services adapted to different patient care settings have to and can be employed to reach these at-risk populations.
A little more on stabilized Q1Q1 for transient viscous incompressible flow

In an attempt to overcome some of the well-known 'problems' with the Q i P 0 element, we have devised two 'stabilized' versions of the Q 1 Q 1 element, one based on a semi-implicit approximate projection method and the other based on a simple forward Euler technique. While neither one conserves mass in the most desirable manner, both generate a velocity field that is usually 'close enough' to divergence-free. After attempting to analyse the two algorithms, each of which includes some ad hoc 'enhancements', we present some numerical results to show that they both seem to work well enough. Finally, we point out that any projection method that uses a 'pressure correction' approach is inherently limited to time-accurate simulations and, even if treated fully implicitly, is inappropriate for seeking steady states via large time steps.
Energy-yield and conversion-efficiency measurements of high-order harmonic radiation.

Experimental measurements of the absolute energy yields and conversion efficiencies of high-order harmonic radiation in the spectral range of 31 to 17 nm are presented. We examine energy yields as a function of a number of parameters including drive laser wavelength, target atom, focal geometry, and peak laser intensity, and we have generated individual harmonics with energies as high as 60 nJ at wavelengths as short as 20 nm. Under optimum conditions, we find that conversion efficiencies of as high as 10[sup [minus]7] into each harmonic are possible.
An analysis of licking microstructure in three strains of mice

Mouse models of feeding provide a useful tool for elucidating the molecular pathways of energy regulation. The majority of studies in mice have been limited to intake analyses conducted over extended periods of time, which fail to distinguish between a variety of factors that influence nutrient intake. Using licking microstructure analyses we examined both the size and number of licking bursts for water, polycose, sucrose and lecithin in three strains of mice (C57BL/6J, 129Sv/ImJ and C57129F1 hybrids), using pause criteria (250-500, >500 and >1000 ms) that have previously been described in the rat. Burst size and number varied both as a function of tastant concentration and mouse strain; however, these differences were most evident with the >1000 ms pause criterion. Consistent with previous reports, during water consumption C57 mice showed longer mean interlick intervals, a larger number of bursts but reduced burst size relative to the two other strains. F1 mice showed larger burst sizes for polycose, while C57 mice displayed a greater number of bursts for both polycose and sucrose. Both 129 and F1 mice were insensitive to sucrose concentration, whereas C57 mice showed attenuated lecithin intake influenced by a reduction in the size of bursts for this tastant. These results suggest that these strains of mice display differences in the pattern of licking that are most evident with the use of larger pause criteria. These differences in licking behavior might reflect influences of genetic background on pre- and post-ingestive factors controlling intake, the reinforcing properties of each tastant, or native differences in licking style.
Tracking speckle patterns with optical correlation

It has been shown that tracking small particle motion can be accomplished by tracking the speckle pattern is produces. This paper describes various methods of real-time tracking of speckle patterns obtained from ultrasonic flow imaging of blood and tissue motion using optical correlation. Results obtained from a gray scale joint transform correlator utilizing a twisted nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulator and from Sandia Lab's acousto-optical correlator are presented. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of real-time tracking with accuracy comparable to that of template matching algorithms currently being implemented in digital hardware.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Epicurean Cannibalism, or France Gone Savage

This article explores the figure of the Epicurean-as-cannibal in the Doctrine curieuse des beaux esprits de ce temps, ou pretendus tels (1623) by the French Jesuit priest Garasse. The Doctrine was drafted as an attack on the poet Theophile de Viau and his ‘Epicurean’ entourage, and was instrumental in transforming the French literary field of the early seventeenth century. Garasse uses the figure of the cannibal to locate Epicureans outside the civilized, Catholic, and human community. Cannibalism comes to signify transgressive, animal-like behaviour based on immanent desire as opposed to civilized behaviour guided by external law, while the cannibal serves as a figure for the heretical body that threatens to devour French youth. After comparing Theophile and Epicureans to cannibalistic peoples, Garasse moves on to associate them with cannibalistic animals in order to depict the supposed danger they represented to the Christian French body politic.
The effect of copper deficiency on heart microsomal phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis and concentration.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of dietary copper deficiency on phosphatidylcholine biosynthetic enzymes, phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase, phosphatidyldimethyltransferase and choline phosphotransferase of heart microsomes was measured in rats. The data indicated that dietary copper deficiency can alter phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis and concentration in microsomal membranes of the heart. 2. 2. There was a significant decrease in the specific activity of choline phosphotransferase. 3. 3. There was a significant decrease in the concentration of total phospholipid-P, phosphatidylcholine-P, phosphatidylethanolamine-P, phosphatidylinositol-P, sphingomyelin-P and cardiolipin-P in the microsomes of the copper deficient animals. 4. 4. There was a significant decrease in the concentration of copper in microsomes of heart and liver in the copper deficient animals.
Fcγ Receptors: Old Friends and New Family Members

Although cellular receptors for immunoglobulins were first identified nearly 40 years ago, their central role in the immune response was discovered only in the last decade. They are key players in both the afferent and efferent phase of an immune response, setting thresholds for B cell activation, regulating the maturation of dendritic cells, and coupling the exquisite specificity of the antibody response to innate effector pathways, such as phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells. Moreover, because of their general presence as receptor pairs consisting of activating and inhibitory molecules on the same cell, they have become a paradigm for studying the balance of positive and negative signals that ultimately determine the outcome of an immune response. This review will summarize recent results in Fc-receptor biology with an emphasis on data obtained in in vivo model systems.
Social-Cognitive Origins of Chronic Stress in Adolescents: Recent Findings from School-Based Studies of Urban Youth

Abstract Chronic emotional distress in childhood and adolescence may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Yet the early origins of chronic distress are poorly understood Social-cognitive theory attributes recurring emotional arousal to problematic interpersonal strivings and expectations engendered by faulty social “schemata”—or “working models”—of interpersonal relationships. Evidence supporting this possibility is found in recent studies of social information-processing, emotion, and blood pressure in black and white urban adolescents at increased risk of developing essential hypertension. This article summarizes results of a series of investigations that examined the relationships between high-risk adolescents' interpersonal strivings, social expectations, emotional distress, blood pressure responses to various stressors, and elevations in blood pressure during a normal school day. Results support the hypothesis that cognitive expectancies and goals for interpersonal re...
Sport Tourism: A Critical Analysis of Research

The concept of sport related tourism has become more prominent in the last few years both as an academic field of study and an increasingly popular tourism product. The purpose of this paper is to review and critique the sport tourism literature as it stands in 1998, and to suggest a future research agenda. Disparities in the definition of sport tourism are addressed and some of the difficulties which scholars have faced in establishing a standardised definition are outlined. In answering the question why has sport tourism suddenly become so prominent, a look back at history shows that people have engaged in sport related travel for centuries. However, in the past ten years, the popularity of this form of travel has increased. Various explanations, such as the increased emphasis on health and fitness and increased use of sports events by cities to attract tourists, are examined. The question of what is known about sport tourism includes a review and critique of the literature in the three domains of sport tourism: active sport tourism, which refers to people who travel to take part in sport; event sport tourism, which refers to travel to watch a sports event; and nostalgia sport tourism, which includes visits to sports museums, famous sports venues, and sports themed cruises. The overarching conclusion from this review is that the field suffers from a lack of integration in the realms of policy, research, and education. At a policy level, there needs to be better coordination among agencies responsible for sport and those responsible for tourism. At a research level, more multi-disciplinary research is needed, particularly research which builds upon existing knowledge bases in both sport and tourism. In the realm of education, territorial contests between departments claiming tourism expertise and those claiming sport expertise need to be overcome.
Endophyte symbiosis with tall fescue: how strong are the impacts on communities and ecosystems?

Abstract We have investigated community and ecosystem consequences of endophyte symbiosis with tall fescue over the past 13 y. Lolium arundinaceum is the most abundant plant in the eastern USA, and most is infected by the wild-type KY-31 endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum. We established two large experimental grasslands (in 1994 and in 2000) with endophyte-infected or endophyte-free seed sown on recently plowed herbaceous vegetation. Other plant species established by seed or vegetative fragments. No other treatments were applied and plots were subject to natural biotic and abiotic variation. A third experiment examined ecological influences on endophyte infection dynamics starting from an intermediate infection frequency. Finally, we synthesized recent literature investigating the impacts of the tall fescue endophyte on the abundance of associated arthropod species. We found wide-ranging consequences of the endophyte from significant effects on soil feedback and decomposition rates, to plant-plant competition, diversity, productivity, invasibility and succession, to plant-herbivore interactions and energy flow through the food web. Further, we found that herbivore pressure caused rapid increases in infection frequency. Our results suggest that endophyte symbiosis in tall fescue can have a transforming effect on ecological systems.