cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The action of MPTP on synaptic transmission is affected by changes in Ca2+ concentrations

Abstract 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) causes a disruption of nigrostriatal dopaminergic function which resembles parkinsonism. On the cellular level, the disruption involves a Ca 2+ independent release of dopamine, depletion of nigral and striatal dopamine, and the death of dopaminergic neurons. We have previously reported that MPTP can cause a non-reversible inhibition of neostriatal synaptic transmission. In this study we investigated the effect of altering Ca 2+ concentration on MPTP's actions in the mouse nigrostriatal brain slice. We report finding that the MPTP induced non-reversible decrease in N-2 amplitude did not occur if synaptic transmission had been blocked using a low Ca 2+ -high Mg 2+ artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) during MPTP application. Low Ca 2+ -high Mg 2+ ACSF did not however alter the decrease in slice dopamine content caused by MPTP. These data provide initial support for the hypothesis that MPTP's ability to alter functional synaptic transmission is Ca 2+ dependant whereas its releasing action on dopamine is Ca 2+ independent.
Optimization of the Transductional Efficiency of Lentiviral Vectors: Effect of Sera and Polycations

Lentiviral vectors are widely used as effective gene-delivery vehicles. Optimization of the conditions for efficient lentiviral transduction is of a high importance for a variety of research applications. Presence of positively charged polycations reduces the electrostatic repulsion forces between a negatively charged cell and an approaching enveloped lentiviral particle resulting in an increase in the transduction efficiency. Although a variety of polycations are commonly used to enhance the transduction with retroviruses, the relative effect of various types of polycations on the efficiency of transduction and on the potential bias in the determination of titer of lentiviral vectors is not fully understood. Here, we present data suggesting that DEAE-dextran provides superior results in enhancing lentiviral transduction of most tested cell lines and primary cell cultures. Specific type and source of serum affects the efficiency of transduction of target cell populations. Non-specific binding of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-containing membrane aggregates in the presence of DEAE-dextran does not significantly affect the determination of the titer of EGFP-expressing lentiviral vectors. In conclusion, various polycations and types of sera should be tested when optimizing lentiviral transduction of target cell populations.
Fully implicit solution of large-scale non-equilibrium radiation diffusion with high order time integration

We present a solution method for fully implicit radiation diffusion problems discretized on meshes having millions of spatial zones. This solution method makes use of high order in time integration techniques, inexact Newton-Krylov nonlinear solvers, and multigrid preconditioners. We explore the advantages and disadvantages of high order time integration methods for the fully implicit formulation on both two- and three-dimensional problems with tabulated opacities and highly nonlinear fusion source terms.
South Polar Layered Deposits of Mars: The cratering record

Data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) instruments aboard the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) were used in a detailed search of a selected part of the South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD) for impact craters. Impact craters with diameters from 0.8 to 5 km were identified from a MOLA-derived shaded relief map and were primarily validated using individual MOLA tracks and, in select cases, MOC narrow angle images. The resultant crater population determined in this study is at least four times the density of the crater population previously recognized. From these new statistics, we estimate the mean apparent surface age of the SPLD to be 30–100 Ma, depending on the established production model isochrons used. All of these craters are considerably shallower than other Martian craters in the same diameter range. We attribute this shallowness to be the cause of the lower detection rates of previous studies. There is a correlation between crater depth and rim height, which suggests that both erosion and infilling have affected the crater forms. A similar study of the north polar layered deposits uncovered no craters in this diameter range. A limited population of craters smaller than 800 m was uncovered in higher-resolution MOC narrow angle images. These do not appear to have been degraded to the same degree. This separate population implies a surface exposure age of only 100,000 years and perhaps indicates an event that erased all small craters and degraded and infilled the larger ones.
Dissociation of the Inotropic from the Glycogenolytic Effect of Epinephrine in the Isolated Rat Heart

Dissociation of the Inotropic from the Glycogenolytic Effect of Epinephrine in the Isolated Rat Heart
Screening of commercial lipases for production of mono- and diacylglycerols from butteroil by enzymic glycerolysis

Abstract Eight microbial lipases and one animal tissue lipase were tested for their ability to support glycerolysis reactions with butteroil in the presence and absence of t -butanol to produce monoacylglycerols (MAG) and diacylglycerols (DAG). Two bacterial lipases from Pseudomonas spp. showed the greatest yield of MAG (55–60%) and DAG (24–39%) in the presence or absence of t -butanol. In contrast, lipases from Rhizopus arrhizus, R. javanicus and R. delemar produced yields of MAG and DAG of 23–25% and 36–39%, respectively, but were effective only in the absence of t -butanol. Porcine pancreatic lipase showed limited glycerolysis activity in the presence of t -butanol, yielding 4·6% MAG and 10% DAG, but was not active in the absence of t -butanol. Geotricum candidum, Muco javanicus and Candida cylindracea (C. rugosa) lipases did not support glycerolysis in the presence or absence of t -butanol. It appears possible to selectively use lipases from Pseudonomas and Rhizopus spp. to transform butteroil into blends of MAG and DAG with MAG:DAG ratios of about 0·65 to 2·3.
On the parameters of codes for the Lee and modular distance

Abstract We introduce the concept of a weakly metric association scheme, a generalization of metric schemes. We undertake a combinatorial study of the parameters of codes in these schemes, along the lines of [9]. Applications are codes over Zq for the Lee distance and arithmetic codes for the modular distance. Our main result is an inequality which generalizes both the Delsarte upper bound on covering radius, and the MacWilliams lower bound on the external distance, yielding a strong necessary existence condition on completely regular codes. The external distance (in the Lee metric) of some self-dual codes of moderate length over Z5 is computed.
A self-tuning control scheme for disk file servos

The authors present a self-tuning control scheme for disk file track-following servos. The scheme augments an existing fixed controller to recover a specified nominal performance in the presence of unmodeled dynamics. The compensator used in each disk file is individually tuned by inserting an add-on adjustable compensator to the nominal compensator, utilizing a linear fractional transformation (LFT) known as the Youla-Kucera parametrization. Similarly, the difference between the actual disk drive dynamics and the nominal model is characterized by an unknown transfer function, using the Youla-Kucera parametrization applied to the plant rather than the compensator. The algorithm consists of two steps: identification of the unmodeled dynamics transfer function, followed by the synthesis of the add-on compensator, utilizing the linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) compensator methodology. >
Mustaches and Masculine Codes in Early Twentieth-Century America

The purpose of this article is to deepen our understanding of twentieth-century masculinity by considering the social function of facial hair. The management of facial hair has always been a medium of gendered body language, and as such has elicited a nearly continuous private and public conversation about manliness. Careful attention to this conversation, and to trends in facial hairstyles, illuminates a distinct and consistent pattern of thought about masculinity in early twentieth-century America. The preeminent form of facial hair - mustaches - was used to distinguish between two elemental masculine types: sociable and autonomous. A man was neither wholly one nor the other, but the presence and size of a mustache - or its absence - served to move a man one way or another along the continuum that stretched from one extreme to the other. According to the twentieth-century gender code, a clean-shaven man's virtue was his commitment to his male peers and to local, national or corporate institutions. The mustached man, by contrast, was much more his own man: a patriarch, authority figure or free agent who was able to play by his own rules. Men and women alike read these signals in their evaluation of men.
A study of marketing strategies of European and Japanese firms manufacturing in the US

Abstract This study investigates marketing strategies of European and Japanese firms manufacturing in the United States, the relationship between those strategies and the success achieved, and the role that manufacturing in the US plays in the export activities of the parent firm. The survey results suggest that most foreign firms manufacturing in the US emphasize the non-price elements of marketing including product adaptation. The study also found a direct relationship between the extent of research and development undertaken in the US by foreign firms and their market share in the US. Japanese firms were more likely than European firms to export to the US before manufacturing in the US, and Japanese subsidiaries in the US were heavier importers of intermediate goods than their European counterparts.
Diastolic abnormalities in young asymptomatic diabetic patients assessed by pulsed Doppler echocardiography

Indexes of left ventricular diastolic filling were measured by pulsed Doppler echocardiography in 21 insulin-dependent diabetic patients and 21 control subjects without clinical evidence of heart disease. No patient had chest pain or electrocardiographic changes during exercise testing. The mean age of patients was 32 years. All patients had a normal ejection fraction. Six (29%) of the 21 diabetic patients had evidence of diastolic dysfunction as assessed by the presence of at least two abnormal variables of mitral inflow velocity. The ratio of peak early to peak late (atrial) filling velocity was significantly decreased in diabetic compared with control subjects (1.24 +/- 0.21 versus 1.66 +/- 0.30, p. less than 0.001). Atrial filling velocity was significantly increased in diabetic patients (74.3 +/- 16.7 versus 60.3 +/- 12.2 cm/s, p less than 0.004), whereas early filling velocity was reduced by a nearly significant degree (88.8 +/- 12.6 versus 98.5 +/- 18.8 cm/s, p less than 0.057). The atrial contribution to stroke volume as assessed by area under the late diastolic filling envelope compared to total diastolic area was also significantly increased in diabetic compared with control subjects (35 versus 27%, p less than 0.001). Left ventricular diastolic filling abnormalities in diabetic patients did not correlate with duration of diabetes, retinopathy, nephropathy or peripheral neuropathy. These data suggest that approximately one-third of such patients have subclinical myocardial dysfunction unrelated to accelerated atherosclerosis. Doppler echocardiography may offer a reliable noninvasive means to assess diastolic function and to follow up diabetic patients serially for any deterioration in cardiac status before the appearance of clinical symptoms.
Translation in vitro of vesicular stomatitis virus mRNA lacking 5'-terminal 7-methylguanosine.

The 5′-terminus 7-methylguanosine of vesicular stomatitis virus mRNA is not essential for translation of the mRNA. The 7-methylguanosine seems to have a mediating rather than an obligatory role in ribosome binding by the mRNA and in mRNA translation.
One-gigabit per second free-space optical interconnection

A simple and efficient board-to-board optical interconnection consisting of only a laser, two lenses, and a detector demonstrates the direct free-space interconnection of digital circuits. No external laser driver, detector preamplifier, or other interface circuitry was required because of the high efficiency of the link. A differential electrical-to-electrical current efficiency as high as 19% was measured. The interconnection operates at clock rates of 1 GHz.
Large-Area Silicon Sheet Technology Status in United States' Department of Energy Photovoltaics Programs

Large-area silicon sheet technology is being developed under the U.S. Department of Energy's National Photovoltaics Program to realize high-efficiency, low-cost photovoltaic (PV) cells that are the building blocks of PV modules and arrays. Both ingot technology and ribbon technology sheet-growth approaches are being pursued. The ingot technology includes Czochralski (Cz) growth and casting processes. Large ingots, both cylindrical and square, have been grown to demonstrate feasibility of producing satisfactory ingots for fabricating PV cells. These developments have been largely adopted by industry and Program-sponsored activities have been reduced. Wafering technology is also being developed, using both rotating-blade and linear-motion saws. Wafering appears to have reached a point where additional fundamental understanding of the sawing mechanism is needed to further wafering technology. Empirical developments have been concluded and only limited fundamental studies, which relate to fracture behavior, c...
Optimal population of FoxP3+ T cells in tumors requires an antigen priming-dependent trafficking receptor switch

FoxP3+ T cells populate tumors and regulate anti-tumor immunity. The requirement for optimal population of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in tumors remains unclear. We investigated the migration requirement and stability of tumor-associated FoxP3+ T cells. We found that only memory, but not naive, FoxP3+ T cells are highly enriched in tumors. Almost all of the tumor-infiltrating FoxP3+ T cells express Helios, an antigen associated either with thymus-generated FoxP3+ T cells or activated T cells in the periphery. The tumor-infiltrating FoxP3+ T cells largely lack CD62L and CCR7, two trafficking receptors required for T cell migration into secondary lymphoid tissues. Instead, the tumor infiltrating FoxP3+ T cells highly express memory/tumor-associated CCR8 and CXCR4. Antigen priming is required for induction of this trafficking receptor phenotype in FoxP3+ T cells and only antigen primed, but not antigen-inexperienced naive, FoxP3+ T cells can efficiently migrate into tumors. While the migration of FoxP3+ T cells into tumors was a readily detectable event, generation of induced FoxP3+ T cells within tumors was unexpectedly inefficient. Genetic marking of current and ex-FoxP3+ T cells revealed that tumor-infiltrating FoxP3+ T cells are highly stable and do not readily convert back to FoxP3− T cells. Taken together, our results indicate that population of tumors with thymus-generated FoxP3+ T cells requires an antigen priming-dependent trafficking receptor switch in lymphoid tissues.
Aggression in female Red-Winged Blackbirds: A strategy to ensure male parental investment

Female Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are often aggressive towards conspecific females during the breeding season. We hypothesize that the function of female-female aggression in this species is to guard the nonshareable portion of the male's parental investment.
The timecourse of space- and object-based attentional prioritization with varying degrees of certainty.

The relative contributions of surfaces (i.e., object-based) and underlying spatial representations (i.e., space-based) to attentional prioritization and selection remain unclear. In most experimental circumstances, the two representations overlap thus their respective contributions cannot be evaluated. Here, a dynamic version of the two-rectangle paradigm allowed for a successful de-coupling of spatial and object representations. Space-based (cued spatial location), cued surface (cued location on an object), and object-based (locations within the cued object) effects were sampled at several timepoints following the cue with high or low certainty as to target location. In the high uncertainty condition spatial benefits prevailed throughout most of the timecourse, as evidenced by facilitatory and inhibitory effects. Additionally, the cued surface, rather than a whole object, received the attentional benefit. When target location was predictable (low uncertainty manipulation), only probabilities guided selection (i.e., biased location received the benefit). These results suggest that with high uncertainty as to the location of the upcoming target, all available information present within the stimulus display is used for the purposes of attentional selection (e.g., spatial locations, surfaces) albeit to varying degrees and at different time points. However, as certainty increases, only spatial certainty guides selection (i.e., surfaces and objects are filtered out). Taken together, these results further elucidate the contributing role of space- and object-representations to attentional guidance.
Effects of exogenous phospholipids on platelet activation

Abstract Intercalation of amphipaths into the plasma membrane of platelets has a marked effect on their morphology. Incubation of platelets with phosphatidylcholines (PC) results in rounding of the platelet body and spiculation, while incubation with aminophospholipids such as dilauroylphosphatidylserine (DLPS) results in a biphasic shape change consistent with the bilayer couple model (Sheetz, M.P. and Singer, S.J. (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 71, 4457–4461) and with the activity of an aminophospholipid translocator facilitating transverse bilayer diffusion (Daleke, D.L. and Huestis, W.H. (1985) Biochemistry 24, 5406–5416). The present study extends this work to investigate the effects of PC and PS on platelet responses to a natural agonist, thrombin. PC incorporation produces a concentration-dependent progression of shape changes, beginning with surface ruffling and development of fine spicules, followed by sphering of the cell body, and ending with the apparent loss of spicules. PC reduces platelet responses to thrombin only under conditions that promote membrane vesiculation, seen morphologically as a loss of spicules and biochemically as a loss of 14 C-PC labeled membrane. PS homologues of varying acyl chain composition induce concentration- and time-dependent platelet sphering. Incorporation of PS inhibits thrombin-induced platelet shape change, granule secretion, and protein phosphorylation. Inhibition of these responses requires transit of the exogenous PS to the cytofacial leaflet of the membrane bilayer.
Genome composition, caste, and molecular evolution in eusocial insects

Kent et al. (1) recently investigated genome evolution in the honey bee and proposed “strong links between recombination, biased gene conversion, GC-content evolution, and worker behavior.” However, we feel these connections may be more nuanced than suggested.
IN VIVO PO2 IMAGING IN THE PORCINE MODEL WITH PERFLUOROCARBON F-19 NMR AT LOW FIELD

Quantitative pO2 imaging in vivo has been evaluated utilizing F-19 NMR in the porcine model at 0.14 T for the lungs, liver, and spleen following IP administration of the commercial perfluorotributylamine (FC-43)-based perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsion, Oxypherol-ET. Calculated T1 maps obtained from a two spin-echo saturation recovery/inversion recovery (SRIR) pulse protocol are converted into quantitative pO2 images through a temperature-dependent calibration curve relating longitudinal relaxation rate (1T1) to pO2. The uncertainty in pO2 for a T1 measurement error of ±5% as encountered in establishing the calibration curves ranges from ±10 torr (±40%) at 25 torr to ±16 torr (±11%) at 150 torr for FC-43 (37°C). However, additional uncertainties in T1 dependent upon the signal-to-noise ratio may be introduced through the SRIR calculated T1 pulse protocol, which might severely degrade the pO2 accuracy. Correlation of the organ image calculated pO2 with directly measured pO2 in airway or blood pools in six pigs indicate that the PFC resident in lung is in near equilibrium with arterialized blood and not with airway pO2, suggesting a location distal to the alveolar epithelium. For the liver, the strongest correlation implying equilibrium was evident for venous blood (hepatic vein). For the spleen, arterial blood pO2 (aorta) was an unreliable predictor of pO2 for PFC resident in splenic tissue. The results have demonstrated the utility and defined the limiting aspects of quantitative pO2 imaging in vivo using F-19 MRI of sequestered PFC materials.
Development of hybrid predictive models and optimization techniques for machining operations

Abstract This paper presents a summary of recent developments in modeling and optimization of machining processes, focusing on turning and milling operations. With a brief analysis of past research on predictive modeling, the paper presents the analytical, numerical and empirical modeling efforts for 2D and 3D chip formation covering the development of a universal slip-line model, a comprehensive finite element model, and integrated hybrid models. This includes a newly developed equivalent toolface (ET) model and new tool-life relationships developed for machining with complex grooved tools. At the end, a performance-based machining optimization method developed for predicting optimum cutting conditions and cutting tool selection is presented. The paper also highlights the need for considering a machining systems approach to include the integrated effects of workpiece, cutting tool and machine tool.
A role for radiation in the treatment of hairy cell leukemia complicated by massive lymphadenopathy. A case report

A patient with leukemic reticuloendotheliosis is described who two years following splenectomy developed massive retroperitoneal, abdominal, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Therapeutic intervention was necessary because the bulky tumor masses produced disabling pain in the back and chest regions. Low-dose radiation to the involved fields produced prompt regression of the adenopathy along with dramatic pain relief. This case suggests that hairy cells may be quite sensitive to radiation, and this therapeutic modality should be considered, especially when local problems are present.
Perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy with antegrade esophageal inversion for high-grade dysplasia and invasive esophageal cancer.

Background We examined the safety and effectiveness of antegrade laparoscopic inversion esophagectomy (LIE) for patients with multifocal high-grade dysplasia and distal esophageal cancer. Methods We reviewed our experience with antegrade LIE, using an institutional research board-approved prospective database. Results Thirty-six patients with an average age of 64 years underwent LIE. Indications included multifocal high-grade dysplasia (n = 4), adenocarcinoma (n = 30), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 2); 11 patients had undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiation. LIE was completed successfully in 34 (94%) patients, whereas 2 required a conversion to open transhiatal esophagectomy. LIE required 221 minutes to perform, with a median blood loss of 100 mL. R0 resection was achieved in 97% of cases with a median lymph node harvest 15. Median hospital stay was 8 days, and 61% of patients were discharged to their home. Postoperative complications included anastomotic leak (n = 11) and stricture (n = 18), atrial arrhythmia (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 4), and tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 2). Operative outcomes after neoadjuvant therapy did not differ from those for primary operative resection. Conclusion Antegrade LIE is a safe treatment approach for patients with high-grade dysplasia and distal esophageal cancer. Complete resection with an adequate lymph node harvest can be achieved consistently for primary operative resection or after neoadjuvant chemoradiation.
The hydrodynamic interactions between two spheres in a Brinkman medium

The hydrodynamic interaction between two spheres in a Brinkman medium has been calculated using both the method of reflections and the boundary collocation technique. In particular, calculation of the forces and dipoles for two spheres in a uniform stream and linear field show that the method of reflections converges more rapidly than in the Stokes case, owing to screening of interactions, and that the boundary collocation technique produces accurate solutions at almost all separations (except touching) with relatively few collocation points.
Sources of mercury in a contaminated stream--implications for the timescale of recovery.

Mercury contamination in East Fork Poplar Creek in Tennessee arises from dissolved mercury exiting a headwater industrial complex and residual mercury in the streambed and soil throughout the watershed downstream. The headwater inputs generate chronic base flow concentrations of total mercury of about 1,000 ng/L, but most of the annual export of mercury from the system appears to originate farther downstream. Effective targeting of remedial efforts requires determining how long downstream sources might continue to contaminate the system following elimination of the headwater mercury inputs. The authors calculations suggest that (1) contaminated soils and sediments account for >80% of the annual mercury export from the entire watershed, with most export occurring during wet weather events; (2) bank erosion and resuspension of streambed particulates are the major mercury sources maintaining high annual mercury export rates; and (3) the inventory of particle-associated mercury in the streambed was not large enough to sustain the estimated export rates for more than a few years. The authors findings imply that to prevent waterborne mercury contamination in this system from continuing for decades, remedial actions will have to control the headwater mercury source that sustains day-to-day base flow mercury concentrations and the riparian stream-bank sources that generate most of the mercury export from the system. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:764–772. © 2013 SETAC
MR IMAGING TECHNIQUES OF THE LIVER

This article discusses current MR imaging techniques that are routinely used for hepatic imaging. We stress the use of multiple types of pulse sequences for tissue characterization in a comprehensive examination of the liver. Although a single pulse sequence can occasionally be sufficient to detect and characterize liver pathology, information gathered from multiple pulse sequences is more commonly required for confident diagnosis. We acquire T1-weighted axial images in all patients and various T2-weighted pulse sequences as a complementary way to detect and characterize focal liver lesions. If there is any question as to the etiology of a focal liver lesion or a diffuse liver abnormality after both T1- and T2-weighted images have been obtained, contrast enhancement is used to assist in tissue characterization (see Appendix). This article largely limits the discussion of contrast agents to extracellular gadolinium chelates. The article by Hahn and Saini elsewhere in this issue addresses other available MR imaging contrast agents.
Clinical quality vs analytical performance: what are the right targets and target values?

For optimal performance of laboratory tests, testing processes should be designed to provide clinically useful quality and QC procedures should be selected to assure that the necessary clinical quality is achieved in routine production. One important issue is how to define clinical quality. Today’s practice guidelines, quality regulations, and quality standards provide some targets for analytical quality, but they fail to adequately address clinical quality. Target values for precision and accuracy are not the same as clinical quality, though analytical performance certainly contributes to the clinical quality of test results. How can we proceed in our quest to improve quality when there are inconsistencies and inadequacies in the specifications found in practice guidelines, regulations, and standards? Today target values are often being set for the wrong targets. A better approach is possible if we focus on test interpretation guidelines to define clinical quality, then derive specifications for the accuracy and precision that are appropriate for the method, as well the QC rules and numbers of control measurements that are necessary to guarantee the desired quality will be achieved in routine operation of the testing process.
Thermodynamics, kinetics and modeling studies of the LaNi5−xCox hydride system

Abstract A study was done to determine the effect of compositional changes in the LaNi5−xCox–H system (x=0, 1, 2, and 3) on thermodynamic and kinetic properties. Enthalpies of formation were determined for the various hydrides and desorption rates were measured at 60°C. The enthalpies of formation were found to increase linearly as the cobalt content in the alloys increased. Desorption rates decreased with increasing cobalt content. These results indicated that dehydriding rates are inversely proportional to hydride stability. An attempt was also made to determine if some classical mathematical equations, based on the shrinking core model, would fit the experimental data. The equations used had not been previously applied to metal hydride systems. The results showed that chemical reaction at the α–β interface is the likely rate controlling process.
West Nile virus infection in birds and mammals

West Nile virus (WNV) was found throughout New York State in year 2000. The epicenter was located in New York City with a high level of activity in the immediately surrounding counties, including Rockland, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk. During 2000, WNV testing was performed by the Wadsworth Center on 3,687 dead birds, representing 153 species, 46 families, and 18 orders. There were 1,203 WNV-positive birds, representing 63 species, 30 families and 14 orders. The percentage of WNV-positive birds was 33% for all birds tested throughout the state, with no significant difference in infection rates in migratory versus resident birds, although significantly more resident birds were submitted for testing. The highest apparent mortality for the entire season was observed in American crows in Staten Island, a location that also showed the highest minimal infection rate in Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes. Studies examining tissue tropism of WNV in corvids and noncorvids from the epicenter and from remote locations indicated that the kidney was the most consistently infected tissue in birds, regardless of level of infection. The brain was the next most consistently positive tissue. The differences in infection among the tissues were most apparent when low levels of virus were present. Experimental mouse inoculation demonstrated a classical flavivirus infection pattern.
Experimental Diets for Intensive Culture of Yellow Perch

Abstract No significant difference in growth or percentage mortality was observed among groups of fingerling yellow perch (Perca flavescens) fed four experimental diets. The amount of whole-body fat was positively associated with the amount of dietary fat and metabolizable energy. The amount of whole-body ash was negatively associated with the amount of dietary protein and positively associated with the amount of dietary nitrogen-free extract. The amount of whole-body protein and moisture did not differ significantly among groups fed the various diets.
Lasing XeO in liquid argon.

We have lased XeO at 547 nm with xenon and N2O concentrations of tens of parts in 106 in liquid argon. The solution was pumped with a short-pulse 1-MeV e beam. The resulting gain was at least 23% per centimeter.
Sensitivity of ridge-type estimation methods to condition number

An analysis of ridge-type estimation methods and their performance in response to different levels of ill-conditioning is presented. By adjusting the observation accuracy and the sampling rate, the amount of ill-conditioning in a linear estimation problem is altered. The effectiveness of the ridge-type methods in response to these changes is evaluated by comparing the solution accuracy with those of the standard minimum variance techniques. Results show the improved performance of the ridge-type estimation method for various levels of ill-conditioning. In addition, the amount of improvement increases as the level of ill-conditioning present in the problem is increased.
Spin-induced variations of phonon frequencies in ferromagnetic metals

The effects of magnetization on phonon frequencies are investigated for FCC Ni from first principles by combining the fixed spin moment method and density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) as implemented with the all-electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method. We explicitly show that the phonon frequencies change appreciably as the magnetic moment varies, and that the magnetic effect on phonon frequencies comes from the mixed role of the spin-dependent screening, as proposed by Kim, and the effect of magnetostriction.
Adenosine A1 receptor activation inhibits LTP in sympathetic ganglia.

The effects of adenosine on long-term potentiation of sympathetic ganglia was studied in the isolated superior cervical ganglion of the rat, using extracellularly recorded compound action potential as an index of synaptic transmission. Adenosine in a small concentration (2 microM) blocked the post-tetanic potentiation without affecting long-term potentiation. Higher concentrations blocked both responses with no significant effect on basal transmission. The inhibitory effect appears to be due to activation of adenosine A1 receptors. This was indicated by results from experiments with the A1 agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (1 microM) which caused inhibition of the basal transmission as well as long-term potentiation and post-tetanic potentiation. This inhibition was readily antagonized by 8-phenyltheophylline (1 microM), an A1 receptor antagonist. A small enhancement of basal transmission was seen on treatment with 8-phenyltheophylline. The inhibitory effect of N6-cyclopentyladenosine on long-term potentiation was totally prevented when the Ca2+ concentration in the superfusate was doubled (from 2.2 to 4.4 mM). The adenosine A2 receptor agonist 5'-(N-cyclopropyl)-carboxamidoadenosine (1 microM), although caused a slight potentiation of basal transmission, had no significant effect on the post-tetanic potentiation or long-term potentiation. The adenosine transport inhibitors, dipyridamole (2 microM) and S-(4-nitorobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (2 microM) caused significant inhibition of the basal ganglionic transmission without affecting post-tetanic potentiation or long-term potentiation. The effect of dipyradimole on basal transmission was not antagonized in the presence of 8-phenyltheophylline suggesting a non-specific action. The results suggest that exogenous adenosine can inhibit both post-tetanic potentiation and long-term potentiation in sympathetic ganglia, probably by activation of presynaptic A1 receptors. The results also suggest that endogenous adenosine, which is probably released in minute amounts, may only modulate basal transmission without influencing induction or maintenance of long-term potentiation in the superior cervical ganglion.
A high‐performance low‐cost computer interface for AES/XPS

An Auger/XPS system has been automated using a mircocomputer. Some considerations in the design of the interface which could be used for a variety of spectroscopies will be presented and should be of general interest. The spectrometer used in this work was a Perkin–Elmer Physical Electronics Model 550 SAM/XPS. The computer used was a Zenith Z-100 but the interface was designed for use with any microcomputer having two parallel I/O ports. Hardware details will be discussed with emphasis on the versatility, efficiency, and cost. The sweep control for the electron energy analyzer utilizes two 12 bit DAC's, one for the starting energy and another for the energy sweep range, thereby allowing 12 bits of resolution in both the sweep and offset. The software has been written in Microsoft FORTRAN, a subset of FORTRAN 77. The versatility of this system is illustrated with XPS data from Ag and a high kinetic energy backscattered primary.
Characterization of rat placental TRH-like material and the ontogeny of placental and fetal brain TRH

Summary TRH immunological and biological activity was characterized in rat placental extracts. Placnntae were extracted sequentially with 2 N acetic acid and glacial acetic acid. The lyophilized residues were further extracted with 90 per cent methanol, and the extracts were then dried, and reextracted with distilled water. When a 100 000 g supernatant fraction of this extract was utilized for characterization, TRH extracted from the placenta was found to be similar to synthetic TRH by four criteria: parallelism of immunoassay inhibition curves, similarity of elution volumes after Sephadex G-10 chromatography, TRH biological activity (TSH release from rat pituitaries in vitro), and identity on high-pressure liquid chromatography. Between the 16th and 20th day of gestation, placental TRH activity increased nearly threefold, from 10.9±3.0 to 29.7 ±3.7 pg/mg protein. Changes of a similar magnitude were apparent in the fetal brain (6.0±0.5 to 18.9±2.4 pg/mg protein). Our studies suggest that TRH activity in the rat placenta increases with gestational age in a pattern similar to that described previously for certain placental protein hormones and developmental changes in fetal brain TRH.
Pharmacokinetics and Mechanism of Action of a Doxorubicin-Monoclonal Antibody 9.2.27 Conjugate Directed to a Human Melanoma Proteoglycan,

Doxorubicin (DXR) conjugated to a monoclonal antibody (MAb), 9.2.27, which recognizes a human melanoma-associated proteoglycan, effectively suppresses the growth of human melanoma xenografts and prolongs the life span of tumor-bearing athymic nude (nu/nu) mice. We have investigated further the mechanism(s) of this in vivo antitumor activity. Our results indicate that following iv injection, the DXR-MAb 9.2.27 conjugate is cleared from the circulation with typical biphasic kinetics, similar to the clearance process of the unconjugated MAb 9.2.27. In contrast, less than 10% of injected dose per milliliter of blood is found in the circulation at any given time after ip injection. Toxicity studies further indicate that DXR-MAb 9.2.27 conjugate is less toxic in vivo than the freely administered DXR, which is known to cause considerable cardiotoxic effects. Direct autoradiography demonstrates that the DXR-MAb 9.2.27 conjugate binds specifically to the tissue sections derived from a human melanoma xenograft of a nude mouse. A critical evaluation is given of the relevance of these findings and their impact on the design of future strategies for the immunochemotherapy of malignant melanoma.
Vaccine Impedes the Development of Reflux-induced Esophageal Cancer in a Surgical Rat Model: Efficacy of the Vaccine in a Post-Barrett’s Esophagus Setting

Purpose We developed and evaluated a GM-CSF whole-cell tumor vaccine for esophageal cancer. Experimental design Cell lines derived from surgically induced rat reflux esophageal tumors were passaged in vitro and transfected with GM-CSF. First, the GM-CSF whole cell vaccine was evaluated against subcutaneously transplanted esophageal tumor cells. In a subsequent study, the vaccine was tested to see if it could reduce the incidence of cancer in the surgical reflux model. Results While subcutaneously transplanted tumor cells produced lasting tumors in PBS non-vaccinated placebo rats, transplanted tumors regressed and were immunologically rejected in animals vaccinated prior to implantation. In the surgical reflux model, the vaccine reduced the incidence of cancer from 17/23 (74%) in the controls to 6/16 (38%) in the vaccinated animals (P = 0.046). Conclusions The GM-CSF whole cell tumor vaccine effectively promoted a strong immune response against subcutaneously transplanted tumors and protected animals from developing esophageal cancer in the reflux model.
Orientation dependence in the double ionization of HD molecules

We are currently investigating the level of isotropy in the dissociative double ionization of HD molecules by fast ions as a function of projectile ion velocity. The light ions used to doubly ionize ground state HD molecules originate at the Auburn University Accelerator, which is capable of producing ions with velocities ranging from 3 to 13 atomic units. The molecule fragment momenta are measured using Cold Target Recoil Momentum Spectroscopy (COLTRIMS), allowing for the isolation of the double ionization channel and determination of the internuclear axis relative to the ion beam.
Big Boys Do Cry [Point of View]

In this paper radiation exposure and absorbed dose assessment are done and the risks involved are analysed. From 1950 to 2002, 196 Leukemia deaths were attributable to radiation exposure >;= 0.0005 Gy for the case of Hiroshima atom bombing. On 12 April, Japan upgraded its classification of the Fukushima disaster from Level 5 (accident with wider consequences) to Level 7 (major accident), out of seven levels on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale.
How wearing eyeglasses affects facial recognition

Two studies examine the ability to recognize previously seen persons embedded among foils. Subjects in Study I tried to identify 20 persons among 20 foils (an easy task), whereas subjects in Study II tried to identify 50 persons among 50 foils (a difficult task). There were three independent variables: the stimulus person’s eyeglasses and sex, and the subject’s depth of processing. The first two independent variables were varied by photographs of males and females with or without glasses; depth of processing was manipulated by having subjects either judge traits (deep) or describe appearance (shallow) of the stimulus persons during the initial exposure phase. Responses were scored for “hits,” and “false alarms,” and these were transformed intod’ and β indices. Generally speaking, eyeglasses hindered facial recognition; deep processing facilitated the difficult recognition task more than the easy task; and there was a same-sex advantage in recognition. Analyses of subjects’ judgments suggest that glasses lessen attractiveness and discriminability.
Moving toward mainstream: Perspectives on enhancing therapy with men.

Psychotherapists began sharing their clinical experiences with men's gender-related psychological issues and the challenges of addressing them in therapy during the late 1970s and early 1980s (e.g., O'Neil, 1981; Scher, 1979; Skovholt, 1978). However, it has taken several decades for these messages and the accompanying research to yield advances that are being adopted into more mainstream psychotherapeutic practices. Over the recent three decades, the theory, research, and clinical wisdom about psychotherapy with men can be viewed as falling into several main clusters. Specifically, there is literature and research providing: - General information on masculine socialization and the psychology of men. - Information about specific issues that men and male clients bring to therapy. - Information about the expectations and experiences of specific groups of men (e.g., men of differing racial/ethnic backgrounds, geographical regions, age cohorts, spiritual/religious beliefs, differing physical ability statuses). - Suggestions for addressing men's reluctance to seek psychotherapy and the challenges associated with forming therapeutic working alliances with men when they do come to therapy. - Suggestions regarding adjustments to psychotherapeutic processes for conducting effective psychotherapy with men. - Development and assessment of instruments to assess endorsement of various male norms and of aspects of men's gender role conflict and stress. Reviewing the earliest writings, some of these pioneering therapists' initial clinical observations remain highly relevant today.
The influence of chemical equilibrium on fluid-solid reaction rates and the falsification of activation energy

The purpose of this article is to analyze critically and quantitatively the effect of chemical equilibrium on the overall rates of fluid-solid reactions. It is shown through a mathematical analysis that a reaction with a small equilibrium constant (a positive standard free energy of reaction) is more likely to be rate controlled by pore diffusion or mass transfer than a reaction with a large equilibrium constant. The overall reaction rate of the former also tends to be slow. Furthermore, the apparent activation energy of such a reaction approaches the standard enthalpy of reaction (ΔH o), rather than the true activation energy of the chemical reaction. Therefore, the usual statement of a mass-transfer-controlled reaction having a small value of apparent activation energy is incorrect for such a reaction. Conversely, a large value of apparent activation energy does not necessarily indicate a rate control by chemical kinetics, as is usually assumed. The law of additive reaction times developed by the author is shown to apply to equilibrium-limited fluid-solid reactions and to be useful in quantitatively analyzing the behavior of such reactions. Examples of experimental results supporting the aforementioned theoretical analysis are presented.
Development of a broad landscape monitoring system using hyperspectral imagery to detect pest infestation

Comprised of 28 million hectares in 2007, the United States (US) maize agricultural landscape was valued at $52 billion. Any threat to the continued dependability of this crop, now important as both a food and fuel source, becomes an important economic and ecological resource management factor for the global economy. Many genetically modified maize varieties contain toxins that target insects, reducing insecticide applications with positive ecological and human health consequences. Crop monitoring is required by US law to manage the development of insect resistance. To assess the onset of resistance, a proactive monitoring system must be able to identify maize infestation across the broad agricultural landscape. Non-destructive monitoring tools are necessary at a scale and definition required to discern insect infestation effects. A joint USEPA and NASA hyperspectral imagery and decision support system project has been successfully evaluated for its ability to distinguish insect infestations in several locations.