cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Heavy-Atom Salt on the Solid-Matrix Luminescence Properties of the (±)- trans -7,8-Dihydroxy- anti -9,10-Epoxy-7,8,9,10-Tetrahydrobenzo[ a ]pyrene-DNA Adducts and Tetrol I-1 Adsorbed on Several Solid Matrices

The effects of a heavy-atom salt on the room-temperature solid-matrix luminescence properties of the (±)-trans-7,8-dihydroxy-anti-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts [(±)-anti-BPDE-DNA adductsl and benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol (tetrol I-1) on several solid matrices were investigated. TlNO3 was found to be very effective in enhancing the room-temperature phosphorescence of the (±)-anti-BPDE-DNA adducts and tetrol I-1. However, the room-temperature fluorescence signals were quenched from the (±)-anti-BPDE-DNA adducts and tetrol I-1 on the solid matrices with the heavy-atom salt. It was found that 1% α-cyclodextrin/TlNO3, 10% trehalose/TlNO3, and 30% TlNO3/sodium acetate (NaOAc) yielded very strong RTP signals from the (±)-anti-BPDE-DNA adducts. The greatest enhancement of the RTP intensities from the (±)-anti-BPDE-DNA adducts was achieved with 30% TlNO3/NaOAc. In addition, a very low limit of detection (0.14 fmole/mg) for tetrol I-1 was acquired with 30% TlNO3/NaOAc. With its tremendous enhancement of RTP signals from the adducts and tetrol I-1 and the sub-femtomole limit of detection obtained for tetrol I-l, 30% TlNO3/NaOAc is ideal for the characterization and analysis of DNA adducts and their tetrol products.
Adaptive control for a class of large scale non-linear systems

The design of stabilizing controllers for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) non-linear plants with unknown non-linearities is a challenging problem. The inability to identify the non-linearities on-line or off-line accurately motivates the design of stabilizing controllers based on approximations or on approximate estimates of the plant non-linearities. However, the design of a centralized controller for large scale non-linear systems is often complex due to the high dimensionality and difficulty to implement in real time. In this paper a decentralized-like non-linear adaptive control algorithm is designed and analysed for a class of large scale non-linear systems with unknown non-linearities. The controller guarantees closed loop semi-global stability and convergence of the tracking error to a small residual set whose size can be specified a priori provided the neglected in the control design non-linear interconnections are small relative to the modelled non-linear parts. A procedure for choosing the vario...
The relationship between personality and the teaching effectiveness of music student teachers.

The purposes of this study were to determine if significant differences existed among the occupational personality types (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional) of music student teachers and to determine if the personality types or any of the major constructs of Holland's vocational theory (Consistency, Differentiation, Identity and Congruence) significantly contributed to music student teachers' teaching effectiveness. Subjects (n = 84) were music student teachers from institutions in Ohio, U.S.A. Significant within-group differences were found to exist among the personality types of music student teachers. Subjects' three highest mean scores were on the Artistic, Social and Investigative personality scores respectively. None of the personality types and none of Holland's constructs was found to significantly contribute to the overall variance of teaching effectiveness.
Strategic Design of an Interactive Video Learning Lab (IVL).

The purpose of this study was to research elements necessary for design of an interactive video learning lab (IVL) for business courses. A properly designed interactive video-learning lab will provide state-of-the-art training and educational materials, in a facility open twenty-four hours a day if needed. With the self-paced, personalized learning available with IVL, learning times can decrease while retention is increased. Using available courseware individualized instruction can be offered on topics not currently covered in the business curriculum.
Health benefits of cereal fibre: a review of clinical trials

Cereal fibre and whole-grain intakes have been consistently associated in the epidemiological literature with reduced mortality and risk of chronic disease including obesity, CVD and type 2 diabetes. The present review focuses on intervention trials with three primary aims: (1) understanding the mechanisms through which fibre consumption improves health (for example, examination of intermediate endpoints reflecting improved lipid, glucose and energy metabolism); (2) close evaluation of qualitative factors which modify fibre's effectiveness including physiochemical properties (for example, solubility, fermentability and viscosity), fibre extract molecular weight, fibre particle size and botanical structure of the fibre source grain; and (3) identification of areas in which additional research is needed. The first two aims typify the goals of nutrition research, in that improved understanding of the specific factors which determine fibre's health benefits has critical implications for dietary recommendations as well as improving understanding of physiological mechanisms. The third aim acknowledges the substantial gap between recommended and actual fibre intakes in many developed countries including the USA and the UK. In recognition of this deficit in total fibre intake, food manufacturing processes increasingly utilise fibre extracts and concentrates as food additives. However, whether fibre extracts provide similar health benefits to the fibre supplied in the constituents of whole grain is largely unexplored. The relative benefits of fibre extracts compared with whole-grain fibre sources therefore represent a critical area in which additional research is needed.
Noncommutative Kubo formula: Applications to transport in disordered topological insulators with and without magnetic fields

The noncommutative theory of charge transport in mesoscopic aperiodic systems under magnetic fields, developed by Bellissard, Shulz-Baldes and collaborators in the 90's, is complemented with a practical numerical implementation. The scheme, which is developed within a ${C}^{*}$-algebraic framework, enables efficient evaluations of the finite-temperature noncommutative Kubo formula, with errors that vanish exponentially fast in the thermodynamic limit. Applications to a model of a two-dimensional quantum spin-Hall insulator are given. The conductivity tensor is mapped as a function of Fermi level, disorder strength, and temperature, and the phase diagram in the plane of Fermi level and disorder strength is quantitatively derived from the transport simulations. Simulations at finite magnetic field strength are also presented.
Clay Minerals in Some Illinois Soils Developed from Loess and Till Under Grass Vegetation

Clay mineral analyses were made of three groups of soil profiles — one developed from Peorian loess overlying Illinoian till — one associated with glacial till of Wisconsin age — one developed on deep to thin loess overlying Wisconsin till. These groups were investigated to determine the influence of parent material and intensity of weathering upon the soil profile development and clay mineral composition. Montmorillonite, illite, and chlorite are the dominant clay minerals in all the samples studied. In known loess samples, montmorillonite is invariably the most abundant clay mineral component. In the samples of unweathered till of Wisconsin age, illite and chlorite are the abundant clay minerals.
Density functional methods for high energy density plasmas and warm dense matter

Over the last dozen years, molecular dynamics with density functional theory has emerged as a powerful and accurate first-principles framework for calculating thermodynamic and transport properties of high energy density matter and warm dense matter. Electrical conductivity models based on these calculations have enabled a new era in the modeling and simulation of high energy density physics experiments that employ high current densities to access extreme conditions. These methods are also routinely used to generate accurate wide-range equations of state that have been validated against shock and ramp-wave experiments and are an essential component of inertial confinement fusion, planetary science, and dynamic materials research. In addition to the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and the equation of state, one also has access to optical properties such as the reflectivity and opacity. Most importantly, all these properties are obtained within the same theoretical framework and are manifestly consistent.
Analysis of energy transfer and ternary non-covalent filler/matrix/UV stabilizer interactions in carbon nanofiber and oxidized carbon nanofiber filled poly(methyl methacrylate) composites

Abstract Ternary non-covalent interactions between carbon nanofibers (CNFs), oxidized carbon nanofibers (ox-CNFs), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chains, and benzotriazole-containing UV stabilizers were analyzed using Fourier-transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR), time-resolved fluorescence emission spectroscopy, and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. The results indicated that PMMA chains form hydrogen bonds both with ox-CNF fibers and the UV stabilizer molecules. It was also determined that UV stabilizers strongly interact with CNF particles via π-π interactions. The extent of π-π and hydrogen bonding interactions was determined to be lower between ox-CNF particles and UV stabilizers due to less perfect graphitic structure of the former. The morphology of the composites indicated that the hydrogen bonds between PMMA chains and ox-CNF particles resulted in highly improved state of filler dispersion in ox-CNF/PMMA composites.
Fabrication and characterization of planar and channel polymer waveguides. III. Compositional distribution and solute loss in polymer thin films

For many microelectronic and optoelectronic applications, polymer thin films require the addition of small molecules. However, the thin-film geometry and associated processing techniques will influence the final morphology and compositional distribution of the constituents. It is therefore important that these be examined directly rather than inferred from bulk measurements. As an example system, the concentration and distribution of Disperse Red 1 (DR1) molecules in poly(methyl methacrylate) thin films were examined. Ultraviolet visibility spectroscopy and dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry indicate that the composition of the molecules decreased dramatically with thermal treatment of the film. The sublimation of the chromophore was observed to occur at temperatures well below the melting point of the small molecule and the glass transition of the pure polymer; this solute loss manifested itself in changes in the glass transition temperature of the film. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2021–2024, 2002
Photophysics and optical limiting of platinum(II) 4'-arylterpyridyl phenylacetylide complexes.

A series of platinum(II) 4‘-aryl-2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridyl phenylacetylide complexes (5−8) with 4‘-naphthyl, 4‘-phenanthryl, 4‘-anthryl, and 4‘-pyrenyl substituents have been synthesized and characterized. The emission properties of these complexes and their corresponding platinum(II) 4‘-aryl-2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridyl chloride complexes (1−4) at room temperature and 77 K have been systematically investigated. Except for the 4‘-pyrenyl-2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridyl phenylacetylide complex that emits from an admixing state consisting of metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT), intraligand charge-transfer (3ILCT), and 3π,π* characters, emissions of 4‘-naphthyl, 4‘-phenanthryl, and 4‘-anthryl-2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridyl phenylacetylide complexes all originate from a 3MLCT-dominant state. The emission lifetime of the 4‘-pyrenyl-2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridyl phenylacetylide complex (8) is longer than 2 μs at room temperature, and more than 300 μs at 77 K, while the other three complexes possess an emission lifetime of 200−400 ns a...
Comparison of Recent Massive Muon Pair Data with the Asymptotically Free Parton Model

Abstract We present calculations of v W 2 and of massive muon pair production cross sections in the kinematic ranges of recent experiments. These calculations test the asymptotically free parton model and excellent agreement with the data is found. Estimates of the transverse momentum 〈 q ⊥ 〉 μμ expected in massive dimuon experiments are made. For s = 750 GeV 2 and M μμ ≈ 10 GeV, we predict 〈 q ⊥ 〉 μμ ≈ 1.4 GeV/ c .
REPLICATION OF BACTERIOPHAGE RNA: STUDIES ON THE FATE OF PARENTAL RNA.

Parental RNA of the bacteriophage R17 is converted to a double-stranded replicative intermediate which can be detected by its characteristic sedimentation rate and its resistance to pancreatic ribonuclease as early as six minutes after infection of Escherichia coli. Chloramphenicol inhibits the conversion and therefore production of the ribonuclease-resistant form must require protein synthesis. Prior to ribonuclease treatment the replicative intermediate displays a heterogeneous sedimentation characteristic in sucrose gradients, but it sediments as a homogeneous sharp peak if treated with RNase before centrifugation. Sedimentation analysis of lysates of infected cells prepared 20 minutes after infection demonstrates that all intact parental phage RNA found in the lysate sediments with 70 s ribosomes in both the single- and double-stranded forms.
Elements of a Sociology of Ideas in the Saint-Simonist Philosophy of History

Before Marx, the posthumous disciples of Saint-Simon attempted to develop a theory of the social relatedness of all ideas, holding that knowledge and ideas were inseparable from their social context, that even the positive scientific method must be considered as related to a specific historic society rather than as universally valid. Proceeding from a typology of society, they examined the social relatedness of various types of mental productions besides scientific methodology: the generalizations of science, political economy, jurisprudence, historiography, theology, literature, and aesthetics.
Multichannel remotely programmable logic delay system

Abstract A remotely programmable logic delay system is described consisting of up to 16 independent electronic delays for fast NIM pulses—each having a delay capability of 0–101 ns. Each delay can be set locally at the delay unit or remotely from a two-wide CAMAC unit which permits front-panel manual or computer selection of any delay channel and its delay. Individual delay settings over the full range show less than a ±1 ns maximum accumulated error from their nominal settings for typical NIM pulse widths down to 6 ns fwhm at instantaneous rates up to 50 MHz. Pulse-width variations between input and output are less than ±1 ns for the same pulse widths and rates.
Endoscopic management of ureteral complications following renal transplantation.

Management of ureteral complications after kidney transplantation can be done with a surgical, percutaneous, or endoscopic approach. The aim of this study was to determine the success rate of the endoscopic retrograde approach for the management of these complications following renal transplantation. We reviewed the records of 25 patients who underwent endoscopic management of ureteral complications after renal transplant between 1995 and 2005. Variables examined included timing of event following transplant, type of ureteral complication, equipment implemented in the procedure, operating time, success in stent placement, and complications. Initial approach was via rigid cystoscopy followed by flexible cystoscopy if needed. Initial attempts to intubate the ureteral orifice were by a flexible-tipped guide wire, and occasionally an angiocatheter guide was used for ultimate wire placement. Stents were positioned with fluoroscopic and direct visual guidance. Of 25 patients evaluated, five had a ureteral anastomotic leak with a mean time of presentation of 16.8 days. The remaining 20 patients suffered from ureteral obstruction revealed by hydronephrosis on a renal ultrasound prompted by a rising creatinine. Mean time of onset was 48 months. Although each was initially approached with rigid cystoscopy, 12 were converted to flexible cystocopy for easier access to the ureteral orifice. Twenty of the 25 patients had successful stent placement with three failures in the ureteral obstruction group and two failures in the leakage group. Average operative time was 42 minutes. No intraoperative complications were experienced. Resolution of hydronephrosis in those with preoperative obstruction was noted and all stented urinary leaks resolved.
Parental responses to infant crying: the influence of child physical abuse risk and hostile priming.

Abstract Objective Managing a crying infant is a challenge universally faced by new parents. This study examined whether parental interpretations, feelings, and behaviors following exposure to a 2-minute videotaped segment of a crying infant varied as a function of child physical abuse (CPA) risk and exposure to cues of hostility (i.e., hostile priming). Method Participants included 84 general population parents (52 low and 32 high CPA risk) with valid and complete protocols. It was predicted that (1) negative trait ratings, (2) feelings of hostility, and (3) ability to modulate grip strength would differ across CPA risk groups (high vs. low) and priming conditions (hostile vs. neutral). Results As expected, high, compared to low, CPA risk parents rated the crying infant more negatively and reported higher levels of hostile feelings after watching the crying infant video. Hostile priming independently increased feelings of hostility, such that high CPA risk parents who were primed with hostile words reported higher levels of hostile feelings relative to all other conditions. Hostile priming also was modestly associated with increased use of excessive force when parents attempted to produce a half-strength grip; however this difference was apparent only among high CPA risk parents. Conclusions High, compared to low, CPA risk parents rated the crying infant more negatively and reported higher levels of hostile feelings after watching the crying infant video. Hostile priming independently increased hostile feelings and was modestly associated with use of excessive force in the hand grip task among high CPA risk parents.
Rapid single-flux quantum fast-packet switching element

We present the design of a rapid single-flux quantum N X N fast-packet TDM switching element that can be used in ATM packet switches. Using simple 3.5-micrometers niobium-trilayer technology, this device would allow the external exchange rate fe equals 10 Gb/sec per switched channel at the internal clock frequency f0 equals 40 GHz. The element structure implies that a separate unit provides the address of the destination channel for each packet and resolves packet contentions.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Generation and characterization of transgenic mice expressing mitochondrial targeted red fluorescent protein selectively in neurons: modeling mitochondriopathy in excitotoxicity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Mitochondria have roles or appear to have roles in the pathogenesis of several chronic age-related and acute neurological disorders, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia, and could be critical targets for development of rational mechanism-based, disease-modifying therapeutics for treating these disorders effectively. A deeper understanding of neural tissue mitochondria pathobiologies as definitive mediators of neural injury, disease, and cell death merits further study, and the development of additional tools to study neural mitochondria will help achieve this unmet need. We created transgenic mice that express the coral (Discosoma sp.) red fluorescent protein DsRed2 specifically in mitochondria of neurons using a construct engineered with a Thy1 promoter, specific for neuron expression, to drive expression of a fusion protein of DsRed2 with a mitochondrial targeting sequence. The biochemical and histological characterization of these mice shows the expression of mitochondrial-targeted DsRed2 to be specific for mitochondria and concentrated in distinct CNS regions, including cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord. Red fluorescent mitochondria were visualized in cerebral cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons, ventrobasal thalamic neurons, subthalamic neurons, and spinal motor neurons. For the purpose of proof of principle application, these mice were used in excitotoxicity paradigms and double transgenic mice were generated by crossing Thy1-mitoDsRed2 mice with transgenic mice expressing enhanced-GFP (eGFP) under the control of the Hlxb9 promoter that drives eGFP expression specifically in motor neurons and by crossing Thy1-mitoDsRed2 mice to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice expressing human mutant superoxide dismutase-1. These novel transgenic mice will be a useful tool for better understanding the biology of mitochondria in mouse and cellular models of human neurological disorders as exemplified by the mitochondrial swelling and fission seen in excitotoxicity and mouse ALS.
A new primary standardization of 229Th

Abstract The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has certified a high-purity 229Th Standard Reference Material as SRM 4328C, based on live-timed 4παβ-γ anticoincidence counting (LTAC) of the equilibrium solution. The LTAC system was optimized to minimize the uncertainty in the result due to the two short-lived ground-states present in the decay chain. Confirmatory measurements were carried out by four other methods. Furthermore, the present absolute activity and measured γ-ray emission rates were combined to obtain γ-ray emission probabilities.
Hunting Billbug (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Life Cycle and Damaging Life Stage in North Carolina, With Notes on Other Billbug Species Abundance

In the southeastern United States, hunting billbug, Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden, adults are often observed in turfgrass, but our knowledge of their biology and ecology is limited. Field surveys and experiments were conducted to determine the species composition, life cycle, damaging life stage, and distribution of billbugs within the soil profile in turfgrass in North Carolina. Linear pitfall trapping revealed six species of billbug, with the hunting billbug making up 99.7% of all beetles collected. Data collected from turf plus soil sampling suggest that hunting billbugs have two overlapping generations per year in North Carolina and that they overwinter as both adults and larvae. Field experiments provided evidence that adult hunting billbugs are capable of damaging warm season turfgrasses.
Sources of faecal indicator bacteria in a brackish, tropical stream and their impact on recreational water quality

This study assessed the contribution of water from a stream on the microbial quality of a swimming beach. The faecal indicator bacterial concentrations/100mL in Kaelepulu Stream greatly exceeded the three USEPA recreational water quality standards (200 faecal coliform, 126 E. coli, 33 enterococci). The primary sources for these indicator bacteria were determined to be environmental/non-point sources (tributary streams, storm drains, duck faeces, soil, rain). Sewage discharge is another, although sporadic source. Monitoring waters for C. perfringens was the most reliable indicator of sewage contamination primarily because soil is not a major source of this bacterium. Water from this inland system was a source of faecal indicator recovered from shoreline water samples obtained from Kailua Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the state of Hawaii.
Dicritical divisors and Jacobian problem

The dicritical divisor coming out of integrable holonomic systems gets miraculously married to the jacobian problem of algebraic geometry.
Clinical Expertise: A Preliminary Attempt to Clarify Its Core Elements

The recent emphasis on evidence-based practice revolves around an integration of three domains: client characteristics, relevant research, and clinical expertise. Unfortunately, most reports focus on the examination of current research, while few guidelines exist for clarifying or developing expertise in clinical psychology. Although expertise is more advanced than competence, basic clinical competence can set the foundation for the development of more sophisticated skills. It is best to strive for narrow domains of expertise instead of global ratings of a professional as an “expert”. Five criteria are proposed for evaluating, developing, and maintaining clinical expertise: (1) the professional must possess a terminal degree in the field, (2) the professional has accumulated multiple years of clinical experience in the direct provision of clinical assessment, psychological testing, or psychological treatment, (3) the professional has attained advanced credentials in a specific area of psychology, (4) the professional is visible in the professional community at a national level, and (5) the professional has demonstrated evidence of superior clinical skills in a specific application of psychology. Together, these five criteria help to objectify the evaluation and cultivation of clinical expertise in psychology. Because each criterion is weak and flawed if used alone, it is recommended that multiple criteria are used in combination to define clinical expertise.
Developing and implementing collaborative research in global mental health: the NIMH Hubs

Abstract Background The US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has stimulated and participated in efforts to identify priorities in global mental health research and facilitate research activities aimed at meeting the greatest challenges. Methods In 2010, we convened clinicians and researchers, service users, representatives from ministries of health, and non-governmental organisations operating in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to discuss what research is needed to reduce the mental health treatment gap. Findings Ensuring that research meets the needs of end-users was a dominant theme. We subsequently developed an initiative, Collaborative Hubs for International Research on Mental Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (CHIRMH), with the goal of establishing regional hubs that would conduct public-health-relevant research through strategic collaborations and develop research capacity. Applicants needed to show collaboration with local or regional government agencies and non-governmental organisations that ensured access to service provider and service user viewpoints. The initiative required teams to conduct research on task-sharing for the delivery of mental health interventions, thus addressing the dearth of mental health human resources—one contributor to the treatment gap. Interpretation NIMH currently has four funded Hubs in south Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Each Hub coordinates a collaborative team of investigators and stakeholders from at least five countries and multiple institutions in a given region. CHIRMH teams have launched studies applying mixed methods to test models of mental health service delivery in various health system environments in LMICs, established research training opportunities, and enriched the mental health research networks in LMICs. Funding NIMH.
Variation in nutrient digestibility and energy intake are key contributors to differences in postweaning growth performance

Pig weight variation represents an impor- tant source of lost production and profitability in the swine industry. To date, few experiments have clas- sified how pigs of the same age but different weight utilize dietary energy and nutrients. The objective of this experiment was to characterize how pigs with varying weaning weights (WW) and postweaning growth perfor- mance differ in apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy or nutrient digestibility or energy utilization. Ninety-six barrows weaned at 18 to 22 d of age were selected from 960 to represent the 10% of the light- est (LWW), median (MWW), and heaviest (HWW) at weaning (n = 32 pigs per WW category). Pigs were housed in metabolism crates for a 5-d acclimation period and a 27-d study and fed ad libitum quantities of a com- mon diet containing titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Fecal grab samples and total urine were collect- ed during a 3-d collection period at the beginning and end of the experiment. After the experiment, pigs within each WW category were further classified into the 33% slowest, median, or fastest ADG categories. This resulted in a total of 9 treatments in a nested design. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. There were no differences in ATTD according to WW at the beginning or end of the experiment, or when ADG was nested within WW at the beginning of the experiment. However, the ATTD of DM, GE, N, and ash, as well as the related DE, ME, and NE content, were greatest (P < 0.01) in the median ADG categories of pigs at the end of the experiment. Energy intake increased with increasing WW (P < 0.001; NE intake = 1.40, 1.64, and 1.89 Mcal/d for pigs from the LWW, MWW, and HWW, respective- ly). However, the ratio of calculated to actual ME intake was lower in LWW pigs than HWW pigs (P = 0.04; 1.03 and 1.10 for LWW and HWW pigs, respectively). When ADG was nested within WW category, both increasing WW and ADG increased (P < 0.001) energy intake, utili- zation, and efficiency for gain, energy retained as tissue, and retained GE. The calculated to actual ME intake ratio differed (P < 0.03), supposedly because of differences in thermoneutrality, and therefore maintenance require- ments. Reduced postweaning ADG appears to be driven by a combination of poor nutrient digestibility, energy intake, and, possibly, cold stress, which may provide avenues for more directed pig management strategies in the future to minimize variation within a group.
A multichemical defense mechanism of bitter oliveOlea europaea (oleaceae) : Is oleuropein a phytoalexin precursor?

Olea europaea (Oleaceae) is resistant in nature to insect and microbe attack. Two types of chemical protection were found in the foliage. One type is the bitterseco-iridoid glycosides oleuropein (1) and ligstroside (2); The other is a physical barrier of crystalline oleanolic acid (4) that coats the leaf surface. Theseco-iridoid glycosides were isolated using two different countercurrent chromatographies: rotation locular countercurrent chromatography (RLCC) and droplet countercurrent chromatography (DCCC). The dimethyl ester (III) was shown to be an artifact. This is the first isolation of ligstroside fromO. europaea. In an antimicrobial test by the paper disk method againstBacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, andEscherichia coli, compounds I, II, and III inhibited a growth ofB. subtilis at pH 7. Similar tests under the influence of β-glucosidase suggest an aglycone of oleuropein, either the hemiacetal (i) or the possible enal-aldehyde (ii), could be the active intermediate. This intermediate could be produced rapidly in response to microorganism invasion. Oleuropein producing such a postinfection active intermediate could be referred to as a phytoalexin precursor.
Microstructure formation in the cure of unsaturated polyester resins

Abstract The microstructures in cured styrene-unsaturated polyester resins were studied by using scanning electron microscopy. The size and structure of the microgels depend strongly on the concentration of styrene monomer and the chemical structure of the polyester resins. Using a Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopic method, changes of styrene and polyester vinyl groups during reaction were measured. The results revealed that microgel formation has a great effect on the reaction kinetics of unsaturated polyester resins.
One-pot glyco-affinity precipitation purification for enhanced proteomics: the flexible alignment of solution-phase capture/release and solid-phase separation.

A one-pot affinity precipitation purification of carbohydrate-binding protein was demonstrated by designing thermally responsive glyco-polypeptide polymers, which were synthesized by selective coupling of pendant carbohydrate groups to a recombinant elastin-like triblock protein copolymer (ELP). The thermally driven inverse transition temperature of the ELP-based triblock polymer is maintained upon incorporation of carbohydrate ligands, which was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and 1H NMR spectroscopy experiments. As a test system, lactose derivatized ELP was used to selectively purify a galactose-specific binding lectin through simple temperature-triggered precipitation in a high level of efficiency. Potential opportunities might be provided for enhanced proteomic, cell isolation as well as pathogen detection applications. Keywords: glyco-affinity precipitation • protein purification • glycoconjugate • elastin-like polypeptide
Imitative modeling as a language intervention strategy: the effects of two mediating variables.

Previous research has indicated that language intervention strategies which stress the learning of abstract grammatical rules are more successful than those which emphasize specific stimulus-respon...
Getters as plasma reagents in glow discharge mass spectrometry

Abstract Plasma modification studies are carried out using getter reagents as sample matrices in analyzing lanthanum oxide with glow discharge mass spectrometry. Five metals with varying gettering abilities. Ti, Ta, W, C and Ag, are evaluated with respect to removing gaseous interferences from the discharge and enhancing the atomic population of the analyte. Gettering action is considered proportional to the metal's sputter yield and its affinity toward oxygen.
NMR Spin echo measurement of vortex motion and the penetration depth of a type II superconductor

Abstract An NMR spin echo measurement of driven vortex motion in a type II superconductor is reported. The effect of vortex displacement during the measurement is to reduce the spin echo amplitude. A model for the effect is used to obtain the penetration depth (λ) of multifilament NbTi alloy wire as a function of temperature. A limiting low temperature value λ(0) = 250 ± 25 nm is found.
A Bayesian Approach to Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling With Continuous and Dichotomous Outcomes

Multilevel Structural equation models are most often estimated from a frequentist framework via maximum likelihood. However, as shown in this article, frequentist results are not always accurate. Alternatively, one can apply a Bayesian approach using Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation methods. This simulation study compared estimation quality using Bayesian and frequentist approaches in the context of a multilevel latent covariate model. Continuous and dichotomous variables were examined because it is not yet known how different types of outcomes—most notably categorical—affect parameter recovery in this modeling context. Within the Bayesian estimation framework, the impact of diffuse, weakly informative, and informative prior distributions were compared. Findings indicated that Bayesian estimation may be used to overcome convergence problems and improve parameter estimate bias. Results highlight the differences in estimation quality between dichotomous and continuous variable models and the importance o...
On the question of mesoscale patterns in the sea surface temperature field in the tropical Atlantic

The space variability of sea surface temperature, as indicated by observations from individual merchant ships and research vessels, is considered in investigating the question of the existence of mesoscale patterns in the sea surface temperature field in the tropical Atlantic. This approach offers strong evidence that mesoscale patterns are considerably weaker than those indicated in an article previously published in this journal. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1967.tb01463.x
A transient kinetic observation of chain growth in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

An abrupt change of the reaction environment from 12COH2 to 13COH2 leads to a gradual ingrowth of 13C in hydrocarbons. This rate of ingrowth can be modeled in a manner which is essentially independent of the details of the reaction mechanism. It is calculated that the rate of CC bond formation varies from ≥1 s-1 (ruthenium) to ≤0. 1 s-1 (cobalt). Further findings include the experimental observation of surface heterogeneity and the relatively short residence times for the C1 monomers involved in chain growth.
Anti-bilharzial antimony drugs.

ANTIMONIALS are the treatment of choice for bilharziasis, a parasitic disease prevalent in Egypt as well as in many other tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The undesirability of giving the heavy metal poison antimony is well recognized as a calculated but necessary risk.
Association Between Pregnancy Intention and Reproductive-health Related Behaviors Before and After Pregnancy Recognition, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2002

Objectives Given that approximately half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, the authors sought to understand the relation between pregnancy intention and health behaviors. Methods Mothers of live-born infants without major birth defects were interviewed as part of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. The interview assessed pregnancy intention as well as exposures to vitamins, alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, occupational hazards, exogenous heat (e.g., hot tubs and saunas) and caffeine. Crude odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and stratified analyses were performed to assess interaction. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios. Results Both before and after the diagnosis of pregnancy, women with unintended pregnancies were more likely to use illicit drugs, smoke, be exposed to environmental smoke, and not take folic acid or multivitamins. The degree to which women altered behaviors after they realized they were pregnant was also associated with their pregnancy intention status. For certain behaviors, maternal age or parity altered the association between pregnancy intention and changing behaviors after awareness of pregnancy. Conclusion Pregnancy intention status is a key determinant of pregnancy-related behavior. To improve reproductive outcomes, preconceptional and prenatal programs should consider a woman’s desire for pregnancy.
A formal approach to specifying assembly operations

Abstract Experience has proved that exploiting robots for assembly tasks is much more difficult than manufacturing engineers had expected and many attempts at implementing robotic assembly have failed. Our research has led us to believe that a formal approach to specifying the steps required for assembly would be of great benefit in developing the required software for a specific task, and in adaptively controlling and monitoring the execution of robotic assembly steps. The US National Bureau of Standards has developed a formal system, called ABC (for Assembly By Constraints) for specifying the steps required for assembly. The system is based on the reduction in the degrees of freedom of objects as they are assembled. Using this basic concept, we have developed 14 primitive operations which can be used to completely specify assembly steps for a large class of problems. This paper initially outlines the historical development of the system, then describes two pieces of software developed to allow easy definition of assembly tasks using the ABC system, and finally presents two practical examples.
The microbiota regulates neutrophil homeostasis and host resistance to Escherichia coli K1 sepsis in neonatal mice

Neonatal colonization by microbes, which begins immediately after birth, is influenced by gestational age and the mother's microbiota and is modified by exposure to antibiotics. In neonates, prolonged duration of antibiotic therapy is associated with increased risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS), a disorder controlled by neutrophils. A role for the microbiota in regulating neutrophil development and susceptibility to sepsis in the neonate remains unclear. We exposed pregnant mouse dams to antibiotics in drinking water to limit transfer of maternal microbes to the neonates. Antibiotic exposure of dams decreased the total number and composition of microbes in the intestine of the neonates. This was associated with decreased numbers of circulating and bone marrow neutrophils and granulocyte/macrophage-restricted progenitor cells in the bone marrow of antibiotic-treated and germ-free neonates. Antibiotic exposure of dams reduced the number of interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing cells in the intestine and production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Granulocytopenia was associated with impaired host defense and increased susceptibility to Escherichia coli K1 and Klebsiella pneumoniae sepsis in antibiotic-treated neonates, which could be partially reversed by administration of G-CSF. Transfer of a normal microbiota into antibiotic-treated neonates induced IL-17 production by group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in the intestine, increasing plasma G-CSF levels and neutrophil numbers in a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)- and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent manner and restored IL-17-dependent resistance to sepsis. Specific depletion of ILCs prevented IL-17- and G-CSF-dependent granulocytosis and resistance to sepsis. These data support a role for the intestinal microbiota in regulation of granulocytosis, neutrophil homeostasis and host resistance to sepsis in neonates.
Single Cell Imaging of the Chick Retina with Adaptive Optics

Purpose: The chick eye is extensively used as a model in the study of myopia and its progression; however, analysis of the photoreceptor mosaic has required the use of excised retina due to the uncorrected optical aberrations in the lens and cornea. This study implemented high resolution adaptive optics (AO) retinal imaging to visualize the chick cone mosaic in vivo.Methods: The New England College of Optometry (NECO) AO fundus camera was modified to allow high resolution in vivo imaging on two 6-week-old White Leghorn chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus)–labeled chick A and chick B. Multiple, adjacent images, each with a 2.5o field of view, were taken and subsequently montaged together. This process was repeated at varying retinal locations measured from the tip of the pecten. Automated software was used to determine the cone spacing and density at each location. Voronoi analysis was applied to determine the packing arrangement of the cones.Results: In both chicks, cone photoreceptors were clearly visible a...
Characterization of human membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46) on spermatozoa.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46) is a complement regulator widely expressed as four isoforms that arise via alternative splicing. On human spermatozoa, MCP is expressed on the inner acrosomal membrane and alterations of spermatozoa MCP may be associated with infertility. In rodents, expression of MCP is largely restricted to the testes. MCP on human spermatozoa has a unique Mr pattern that we have investigated. We also characterized MCP expression in mice transgenic (tg) for human MCP. Human MCP expression in the tg mice mimics the human pattern in that it is located on the inner acrosomal membrane and has a faster Mr than MCP expressed elsewhere. Sequencing of RT-PCR products from the testis indicates that there is not a unique male reproductive tissue specific cytoplasmic tail. Instead, human spermatozoa express MCP bearing cytoplasmic tail two, which is also utilized in most other tissues and contains several signaling motifs. Further, using N-glycosidases, we demonstrate that the unique lower molecular weight of MCP on spermatozoa is secondary to a modification in the N-linked sugars. Specifically, as the spermatozoa mature, but before they reach the epididymis, the three N-linked sugars of MCP are trimmed to less complex structures. While the purpose of this deglycosylation is unknown, we propose that it is a common feature of proteins expressed on the plasma and inner acrosomal membranes of spermatozoa and hypothesize that it is a spermatozoa specific event critical for facilitating sperm–egg interactions. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62:534–546, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mesosiderites. I - Compositions of their metallic portions and possible relationship to other metal-rich meteorite groups

The metal from 17 mesosiderites has been analyzed for Ni, Ga, Ge, and Ir by the techniques of atomic-absorption spectrometry and neutron activation. Most mesosiderite metal samples fall in a narrow compositional range: Ni, 7.0-9.0%; Ga, 13-16 ppm; Ge, 47-58 ppm; and Ir, 2.4-4.4 ppm. Most of those falling outside these ranges belong to Powell's (1971) least-metamorphosed type. Mesosiderite metal falls in the same general composition range as IIIAB irons, IIIE irons, pallasites and H-group chondrite metal. There are distinct differences in detail, however, and firm evidence for a close genetic relationship between any of these groups and the mesosiderites is lacking.
Surface membrane polarity of proximal tubular cells: Alterations as a basis for malfunction

Surface membrane polarity of proximal tubular cells: Alterations as a basis for malfunction. The surface membrane of proximal tubular cells is organized into distinct apical and basolateral membrane domains. The establishment and maintenance of these biochemically, structurally and physiologically distinct domains involves a multi-stage process involving cell-cell, cell-ECM interactions, and polarized targeting mechanisms. Ischemia, via cellular ATP depletion, results in a series of structural, biochemical and functional alterations that lead to loss of proximal tubular cell surface membrane polarity. Of central importance is the rapidly-occurring, duration-dependent disruption and dissociation of the actin cytoskeleton and associated surface membrane structures. This results in numerous cellular alterations including loss of cell-cell contact, cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and surface membrane polarity. Redistribution of surface membrane proteins and lipids into the alternate domain results in the cells inability to function properly. Repair of these disorders involves re-establishment of the actin cytoskeleton and apical and basolateral surface membrane domains. Recent information indicates growth factors may play a role in hastening this repair process.
New constraints on neutralino dark matter in the supersymmetric standard model

We investigate the prospects for neutralino dark matter within the supersymmetric standard model (SSM) including the constraints from universal soft supersymmetry breaking and radiative breaking of the electroweak symmetry. The latter is enforced by using the one-loop Higgs effective potential which automatically gives the one-loop-corrected Higgs-boson masses. The radiative breaking constraint imposes novel correlations between the traditional relic density variables and makes the Higgs-boson masses variable and generally heavy throughout the allowed parameter space. We perform an exhaustive search of this five-dimensional space and find that the neutralino relic abundance ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}{h}_{0}^{2}$ depends most strongly on the ratio ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}=\frac{{m}_{0}}{{m}_{\frac{1}{2}}}$. For ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}\ensuremath{\gg}1$ the relic abundance is almost always much too large, wheras for ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}\ensuremath{\ll}1$ the opposite occurs. For ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}\ensuremath{\sim}1$ there are wide ranges of the remaining parameters for which ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}\ensuremath{\sim}1$. We also determine that ${m}_{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{l}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}100$ GeV is necessary in order to possibly achieve ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}\ensuremath{\sim}1$. Moreover, for ${m}_{{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{t}}_{1}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}45(100)$ GeV ${m}_{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{q}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}170(250)$ GeV is also required.