cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postprandial hyperglycaemia and α-glucosidase inhibitors

Abstract Fasting blood glucose level is usually used to diagnose diabetes, but is not a good predictor of postprandial hyperglycaemia, which is a more accurate measure of the metabolic defect underlying type 2 diabetes. Postprandial blood glucose levels may be elevated while fasting levels are normal, constituting an early stage in type 2 diabetes that can be termed ‘postprandial diabetes’. Prevention of postprandial hyperglycaemia is important, as it is implicated in the development of macro- and microvascular complications associated with diabetes. The risk of cardiovascular disease is higher in individuals with postprandial hyperglycaemia, even without diabetes, than in individuals with normal postprandial blood glucose levels. Furthermore, postprandial hyperglycaemia is implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes. Even modest postprandial hyperglycaemia may lead to β-cell dysfunction. Agents that reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia have a key role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetic states. Most anti-diabetic agents that are currently available reduce fasting blood glucose levels, but have little impact on postprandial glycaemic excursions and thus do not normalize postprandial hyperglycaemia. However, new agents that control postprandial hyperglycaemia have been developed, for example, the α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose. Such agents have a potential to reduce the progression of diabetes as well as macro- and microvascular complications.
Application of the oxidative stability index for assessing the antioxidant properties of flavonoids

The antioxidant activities of representative flavonoid classes (flavonols, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones and flavanols) relative to dl-α-tocopherol were evaluated using the Oxidative Stability Index (OSI) value. At 5 mM concentrations in tocopherol stripped corn oil (TSCO), antioxidant activity was determined as follows: (+) catechin > quercetin > (+,−) taxifolin > dl-α-tocopherol > THI (3′, 4′, 7-trihydroxyisoflavone) > luteolin. Intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 1.43% and 2.73%. Peroxide Induction (PI) values were utilized as a comparison method using compounds and conditions identical to those in OSI experiments. Relative values for OSI and PI of the flavonoids tested showed a 0.98 correlation. This method also revealed differences in antioxidant activity of catechins due to stereochemistry. The OSI offers a simple, reproducible method for the evaluation of flavonoid antioxidant activities in a lipid environment.
Development of chemosensory attractants for white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus)

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus spp.) overpopulate many areas of the United States. Browse damage to agricultural crops, forest regeneration and landscaping can be severe. Human and animal health also are threatened by Lyme disease, which is spread by the deer tick (Ixodes dammini). Although sterilants to reduce and/or slow the growth of deer populations and vaccines against Lyme disease may soon become available, efficient and economical techniques to inoculate large numbers of deer have not been developed. Oral baits represent one promising possibility. In experiment 1, salt blocks and several olfactory lures were evaluated as potential lures for use in deer baits. Plain salt blocks were attractive and odour stimuli such as acorn, apple and peanut butter significantly enhanced effectiveness. Apple was the best stimulus in an old field; peanut butter and acorn were the best stimuli in a bottomland habitat. In experiment 2, blocks of minerals, salt, molasses, and mineral-molasses were presented; all were scented with apple extract. Mineral blocks were the most attractive, followed by salt blocks and mineralmolasses blocks; molasses blocks were the least attractive. In experiment 3, mixtures of apple, acorn and peanut butter extracts were presented with mineral blocks. None of the combinations was more attractive than the others and none was more attractive than mineral blocks presented with apple extract only.
Beam hardening in x-ray differential phase contrast computed tomography

The effects of beam hardening have been an issue from the beginning of x-ray computed tomography. Polyenergetic beams are attenuated more at lower energies, resulting in the so-called hardening of the beam. Beam hardening artifacts in diagnostic CT images are a result of data inconsistency in the fundamental imaging equation in conventional absorption CT. In theory, in phase contrast imaging, the fundamental imaging equation is related only to a line integral of electron density, which is energy independent. However, due to unaccounted absorption in the imaging equation for phase contrast, beam hardening artifacts will make their way into phase contrast images. In this work, we use grating based differential phase contrast imaging, which uses a polyenergetic source, and extracts phase information from a set of intensity images. The energy dependence in the imaging equation for differential phase contrast imaging, coupled with the beam hardening present in the measured intensity data, results in beam hardening artifacts in the reconstructed results. We demonstrate the magnitude of the beam hardening effects in phase contrast reconstructions and compare it to standard absorption reconstructions.
Preoperative lateralization of ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenomas by bilateral and simultaneous inferior petrosal venous sinus sampling.

PREVIOUS reports have established the utility of selective catheterization of the inferior petrosal sinus for determination of plasma ACTH concentrations in the diagnosis of pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism.1 2 3 4 5 Preliminary studies suggest that hormonal secretion from a laterally located microadenoma drains preferentially into the ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus.6 7 8 If this occurs consistently, simultaneous sampling of bilateral venous blood should provide a means of localizing the microadenoma in one side of the pituitary gland, aiding the surgeon's search for small lesions or, if the microadenoma cannot be found, allowing excision of the half of the gland containing the tumor. In this study we correlated . . .
CHARACTERIZING THE MASS/FORCE MEASUREMENT CAPABILITY OF A MICROBALANCE

Specifying and reducing the uncertainty is very important to all kinds of measurements. In order to have a better understanding of the noise mechanism responsible for lowering the quality of mass/force measurements, the Allan variation method is applied to investigate the noise performance of a commercial ultra-microbalance installed on different noise reduction platforms. It turns out that the marble table provides a better noise isolation environment for mass measurements than an optical table. The optimal integration time is found to be 100 sec ~ 200 sec, with a lowest deviation of 0.07 μg. A different data treatment simulating the ABA load/unload cycle is also applied with or without a delay time for signal integration. The consistency between Allan deviation and the ABA simulation plots points out that the optimal integration time is applicable either in single or cyclic mass measurements.
Costs of deception: cheaters are punished in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Abstract From a functional perspective, deception can evolve in animal populations but should be constrained by the costs associated with detection. It then follows that withholding information should be more prevalent as a form of deception than active falsification of information because of the relative difficulties associated with detecting cheaters. Empirical studies of deception have focused on the benefits of cheating but have provided no data on the costs associated with being detected as a cheater. I present results from field experiments on rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) which show that individuals discovering food announce their discoveries by calling on 45% of all trials. Discoverers who failed to call, but were detected with food by other group members, received significantly more aggression than vocal discoverers. Moreover, silent female discoverers ate significantly less food than vocal females. This demonstrates that there are significant costs to withholding information. Such costs may constrain the frequency with which deception occurs in this and other populations.
Electronic states on the surface of graphite

Abstract Graphite consists of graphene layers in an AB (Bernal) stacking arrangement. The introduction of defects can reduce the coupling between the top graphene layers and the bulk crystal producing new electronic states that reflect the degree of coupling. We employ low temperature high magnetic field scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) to access these states and study their evolution with the degree of coupling. STS in magnetic field directly probes the dimensionality of electronic states. Thus two-dimensional states produce a discrete series of Landau levels while three-dimensional states form Landau bands providing a clear distinction between completely decoupled top layers and ones that are coupled to the substrate. We show that the completely decoupled layers are characterized by a single sequence of Landau levels with square-root dependence on field and level index indicative of massless Dirac fermions. In contrast weakly coupled bilayers produce special sequences reflecting the degree of coupling, and multilayers produce sequences reflecting the coexistence of massless and massive Dirac fermions. In addition we show that the graphite surface is soft and that an STM tip can be quite invasive when brought too close to the surface and that there is a characteristic tip–sample distance beyond which the effect of sample–tip interaction is negligible.
Separated interface nerve electrode prevents direct current induced nerve damage

Direct current, DC, can be used to quickly and reversibly block activity in excitable tissue, or to quickly and reversibly increase or decrease the natural excitability of a neuronal population. However, the practical use of DC to control neuronal activity has been extremely limited due to the rapid tissue damage caused by its use. We show that a separated interface nerve electrode, SINE, is a much safer method to deliver DC to excitable tissue and may be valuable as a laboratory research tool or potentially for clinical treatment of disease.
Laying the foundation for epithelia: insights into polarized basement membrane deposition.

Epithelial tissues perform essential barrier and transport functions in almost all major organs, and the inability to properly form or maintain their polarized architecture has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. In this issue of EMBO reports , the Milan group implicates the Drosophila gene scarface ( scarf ) in the polarized deposition of basement membrane (BM) proteins (Sorrosal et al , 2010), a process which is crucial for maintaining epithelial structure. Mammalian epithelial cells have a polarized structure maintained by intercellular tight junctions, which separate distinct apical and basolateral plasma membrane (PM) domains. Many proteins have been found to be targeted specifically to either the apical or basolateral PM, where they are unable to diffuse across the tight junctional barrier (Fig 1; Tanos & Rodriguez‐Boulan, 2008). Another defining characteristic of epithelia is the existence of a complex network of secreted extracellular matrix proteins—such as laminin, collagens and heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs)—at the basal surface of epithelial cells, which are collectively known as the BM (Yurchenco et al , 2004). Basolateral‐specific cell‐surface receptors, such as integrins and dystroglycan, transduce signals from the BM and promote the adhesion of epithelial cells to the substratum. The BM is also crucial for specifying positional cues during the establishment and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity and, consequently, the proper formation of epithelial tissues. Figure 1. How could Scarf and Crag regulate the proper localization of basement membrane proteins to the epithelial basal surface? ( A ) By actively sorting BM cargo—such as laminin (Lam)—into vesicles bound for delivery to the basal surface. ( B ) Through the inhibition of the delivery or fusion of BM‐containing vesicles to the apical domain. ( C ) By removing BM from the apical surface through endocytosis and/or proteolysis. BM, basement membrane; Scarf, Scarface. The vesicular trafficking pathways that are required for the transport …
Effects of Economic Convergence on Stock Market Returns in Major EMU Member Countries

This study updates and extends existing literature by investigating the effects of economic convergence among major European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) member countries on stock market returns in each respective nation. Main findings include: (1) long-term stability in the EMU appears to be attainable, but further integration of product and factor markets is needed to reinforce convergence of real sectors; (2) the UK can be considered a quasi EMU participant due to convergence of its key economic variables with those of formal EMU members; and (3) economic convergence appears to be an important contributing factor to returns from stock markets in the included EMU countries except Germany.
Captan alters transcription in Escherichia coli permeabilized by toluene

RNA synthesis was measured in toluenized E. coli by the incorporation of radiolabeled precursor into either acid precipitable or phenol extracted RNA. Exposure to captan (100 μM) caused a 2.6 fold increase in the apparent rate of RNA synthesis. When captan was tested for its effect on the initiation of RNA synthesis, using either rifampicin-treated cells or by measuring the incorporation of γ[32P]ATP or γ[32P]GTP, no change was observed in the number of RNA chains being initiated. Thus, captan does not exert its influence at the level of initiation of nascent chains. However, captan did have an effect on chain growth. From calculations of the incorporation of precursors molecules, RNAs isolated from treated cells were measured to be an average of 2.7 times longer than those from untreated cells. RNA chain lengths were also analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. By this latter technique it was also shown that cells exposed to captan synthesized RNAs that were longer than those of untreated cells. Alterations in the degradation of RNA molecules do not account for the captan mediated response in RNA synthesis.
Abstract 2580: Induction of estrogen receptor alpha by GW9662 sensitizes mammary glands to tamoxifen treatment in organ culture

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARδ) are ligand activated nuclear receptor and binds to natural and synthetic ligands. Earlier we had reported that PPARδ agonist troglitazone inhibited the development of precancerous lesions induced by DMBA in mouse mammary gland organ culture (MMOC). In the present study we evaluated the effects of PPARδ agonist GW7845 and antagonist GW9662 on the development of 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary alveolar lesions (MAL) in ER negative mammary glands in MMOC. The results showed that both GW7845 and GW9662 inhibited development of ER- MAL in MMOC. Since PPARδ and ER cross talk has been reported in the literature, we determined the effects of GW9662 on the induction of ER and PR in this model. Real-time PCR studies and immunohistochemical analyses showed that GW9662 induced ERα in the absence of estradiol, whereas GW7845 did not induce ERα under these conditions. Both GW7845 and GW9662 failed to suppress mRNA expression of PPARδ in the mammary glands that are otherwise ER negative. However GW9662 suppressed the expression of PPARδ response genes adipsin and aP2. Conversely, GW7845 an agonist of PPARδ enhanced the expression of aP2 and adipsin. These results suggested that the effects of these agents are mediated by PPARδ in MMOC. Finally, Tamoxifen does not inhibit MAL in MMOC, however sequential treatments with GW9662 followed by Tamoxifen suppressed development of DMBA-induced MAL in these glands. Since the ER negative breast cancer patients are generally not treated with SERM, inducing ERα in the mammary cells by GW9662 possibly could make them responsive to Tamoxifen or other SERM. [This work was supported by N01 CN433303] Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2580. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2580
Pragmatic encroachment, stakes, and religious knowledge

It is commonly held that epistemic standards for S’s knowledge that p are affected by practical considerations, such as what is at stake in decisions that are guided by that p. I defend a particular view as to why this is, that is referred to as “pragmatic encroachment.” I then discuss a “new argument against miracles” that uses stakes considerations in order to explore the conditions under which stakes affect the level of epistemic support that is required for knowledge. Finally, I generalize my results to include other religiously significant propositions such as “God exists” and “God does not exist.”
Stimulating Children's Creativity and Curiosity: Does Content and Medium Matter?

Effects of print, television and content on children's creativity, and measures of possibility and curiosity were examined. Eight science TV programs were identified as low or high creative and eight illustrated booklets were developed to mirror the programs' content. Fifth and sixth on-grade-level-readers were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: High Content TV, Low Content TV, High Content Print or Low Content Print. Students then completed the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, The Possibilities Index and The Children's Science Curiosity Scale. Low Content significantly outscored High Content on Visual Originality and High Content significantly outscored Low Content on measures of possibility and curiosity. Results suggest content has more effect on creativity and attitude than media.
Human fibroblasts transformed by the early region of SV40 DNA: Analysis of “free” viral DNA sequences

Abstract Human fibroblastic cells (HF) were transformed with the early region of the simian virus 40 genome (0.15 – 0.73 map units) by using the DNA-calcium phosphate coprecipitation technique of F. L. Graham and A. J. Van der Eb (1973, Virology 52 , 456–467). Transformation resulted in altered morphology and ability to grow in agarose. The SV40-transformed human fibroblasts (SVHF-A) have a limited life span and reach “senescence” after 10–11 passages. Analysis of the low molecular weight DNA extracted from SVHF-A cells shows a relatively high amount of free viral DNA sequences in circular supercoiled form. These circular molecules are very heterogeneous in size and contain sequences corresponding to the early region of the SV40 genome. Part of them may contain cellular DNA sequences as well. In situ hybridization experiments indicate that a minority of the SVHF-A cells (2–3%) are spontaneously induced to synthesize free viral DNA molecules and their frequency is increased by mitomycin C treatment. Immunofluorescence staining for SV40 T antigens also indicates that the cells producing free viral DNA contain higher T-antigen levels than the rest of the population. Our data suggest that the “free” viral DNA molecules derive from integrated viral sequences following replication in a minority of the cells rather than originating from a persistent extrachromosomal replication in every cell.
An update on community-acquired pneumonia in adults

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, despite effective therapies. Guidelines for CAP management vary widely in their approach. Resistance of S pneumoniae to penicillins and other antibiotics has prompted evaluation of the new fluoroquinolones.
A Transition in the Middle Ear

As a mammalian embryo develops, tubular tissues expand rapidly, often displacing resident mesenchymal cells, forming progressively enlarged areas such as the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Mechanistic explanations for such growth usually focus on cell proliferation and shape changes, or layering within the expanding tissue. On page 1453 of this issue, Thompson and Tucker ( 1 ) reveal that formation of the mammalian middle ear cavity is much more dynamic than thought, involving a programmed rupture of the epithelium and its replacement by a completely different cell type. In identifying two distinct origins of the cells that line the middle ear cavity, the authors overturn a long-held tenet of human embryology in suggesting that the process may be unique to mammals, perhaps in association with the evolution of the three middle ear sound-conducting bones.
Functional and non-functional transplants: studies with grafted hypothalamic and preoptic neurons

Neural transplants have provided a valuable tool for investigations of the nervous system. One of the major questions raised by such studies to date concerns the extent to which grafted neurons interact with the host. In the simplest theoretical case, the grafted nerve cells might provide a chronic basal release of neurotransmitters or neurohormones into the surrounding parenchyma. Such an interaction could occur in the absence of synapse formation and is consistent with the results seen following adrenal medulla tissue transplants in rodents with substantia nigra lesions 1,2 . At the other end of the spectrum, in the most complex case, the grafted neurons and host tissue might form a full complement of appropriate synapses to replace the function of damaged or lost neurons, with the graft becoming completely integrated into the host brain. While the full realization of this latter possibility seems unlikely when fetal transplants are made into adult animals, this article reviews evidence from studies on hypothalamic and preoptic neuron transplants which indicate that some appropriate contacts, which may be essential for proper graft function, are made between grafted tissue and the host brain.
Potassium Fertilization Effects on Cotton Lint Yield, Yield Components, and Reniform Nematode Populations

originally found in Mississippi in 1980 and by 2002 was estimated to infest 32.4% of the cotton hectarage in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lint yields have not changed apMississippi (Lawrence et al., 2002). Although genetics preciablyduringthelastdecade.Becausemoreandhigherinfestations is still probably the predominant reason for the lack of of reniform nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis) have been identified in mid-southern USA fields, this nematode might be a mitigating yield improvements, these higher field infestations of factor in the cotton yield stagnation. The objectives were to determine reniform nematodes may also be a mitigating factor. how varying rates of K fertilization interacted with different cotton The emergenceof reniform nematodes asan economgenotypes to influence dry matter partitioning, lint yield, fiber quality, ically challenging pathogen in cotton production has led and reniform nematode populations. Nine cotton genotypes were to the desire to incorporate cotton genotypes resistant grown in the field under two levels of K fertilization (0 and 112 kg toreniformnematodesintocurrentproductionschemes. Kha 1 ) and two levels of aldicarb [2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propional- While reniform nematode resistance exists in some of dehyde0-methylcarbamoyloxime] application (0 and 1.68 kg a.i. ha 1 ) the diploid Gossypium species, no commercial cotton from 1999 through 2001. Reniform nematode numbers and abovecultivars have yet been identified that possess reniform ground dry matter partitioning were determined at various times in
Stable Isotopes and Planktonic Trophic Structure in Arctic Lakes

Actual food—web structure or function is difficult to determine based on visual observation, gut analyses, or the feeding interactions expected from a given list of species. We used C and N stable—isotope distributions to define food—web structure in arctic lakes, and we compared that structure with results based on more traditional analyses. Although zooplankton species composition was similar across the eight lakes studied, the food—web structure varied greatly. In some lakes the copepod predator Heterocope fed on the herbivorous copepod Diaptomus as expected in a conventional food web. In most lakes, however, °15N data were consistent with Heterocope functioning as an herbivore rather than a predator. These inferences were supported by evidence from carbon isotopes and energy—flow data. Our study indicates that only two or three trophic levels exist in the macrozoopolankton of these lakes, in comparison to five or six trophic levels reported in temperate lakes. Isotope analyses showed that actual food—web structure is poorly predicted from simple consideration of species lists and potential trophic interactions.
Urban Community Action Planning Inspires Teenagers to Transform Their Community and Their Identity

This paper discusses the way a participatory community development technique, Urban Community Action Planning (UCAP), transformed a group of city teenagers into community planners. This teen group,...
Prioritizing predicted cis-regulatory elements for co-expressed gene sets based on Lasso regression models

Computational prediction of cis-regulatory elements for a set of co-expressed genes based on sequence analysis provides an overwhelming volume of potential transcription factor binding sites. It presents a challenge to prioritize transcription factors for regulatory functional studies. A novel approach based on the use of Lasso regression models is proposed to address this problem. We examine the ability of the Lasso model using time-course microarray data obtained from a comprehensive study of gene expression profiles in skin and mucosal wounds in mouse over all stages of wound healing.
Comparison between oral and intramuscular dexamethasone in suppressing unconjugated estriol levels during the third trimester.

Abstract Objectives : Unconjugated estriol production depends on fetal adrenal androgen precursors. Fetal exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids results in adrenal suppression with a subsequent decrease in maternal serum unconjugated estriol levels. We compared the efficacy between oral and intramuscular dexamethasone in maternal serum unconjugated estriol suppression at 48 hours after the initial dose among women at risk for preterm delivery. Study Design: Twenty-four gravidas at risk for preterm delivery were randomized to receive either 6 mg intramuscular or 8 mg oral dexamethasone every 12 hours for a total of 4 doses. Blood samples (9 mL) were obtained before the initial dexamethasone administration and again after the fourth dose. Serum was separated and frozen at –70°C and subsequently underwent batch analysis. Unconjugated estriol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay with intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation of 7.9% and 5.5%, respectively. All values are reported as mean ± SD. The primary statistical analysis was a t test, with P Results: At the time of dexamethasone administration, gestational ages in both groups were similar. Predexamethasone and postdexamethasone unconjugated estriol levels were also similar between the intramuscular and oral groups (5.39 ± 3.99 vs 1.80 ± 2.49 ng/mL and 6.05 ± 3.00 vs 1.61 ± 1.03 ng/mL, respectively, P > .05). No difference in percent decrease in unconjugated estriol levels was found between the intramuscular (0.67 ± 0.24) and oral (0.65 ± 0.39) groups. Conclusion: Oral dexamethasone (8 mg) produces similar maternal serum unconjugated estriol suppression compared with intramuscular dexamethasone (6 mg) when evaluated 48 hours after administration.
Chemical engineering of the single-walled carbon nanotube-nylon 6 interface

We report an approach to the chemical engineering of the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)−polymer interfacial interaction in a nylon 6 graft copolymer composite which is based on the degree of SWNT functionality. Continuous fibers are drawn from composites fabricated from the in situ polymerization of caprolactam with SWNTs possessing a range of carboxylic acid (SWNT-COOH) and amide (SWNT-CONH2) functionalities. Mechanical performance evaluation of the composite fibers shows that a high concentration of the carboxylic acid functional groups leads to a stronger SWNT−nylon interfacial interaction, as reflected in greater values of the Young's modulus and mechanical strength. Replacement of the COOH group by CONH2 in the SWNT starting material changes the grafting polymerization chemistry, thereby leading to the covalent attachment of longer graft copolymer chains to the SWNTs, and alters the composite morphology while increasing the composite flexibility and toughness.
Wheat tillage and water quality in the Southern plains

Abstract This study considers the impact of conventional-till (moldboard plow or sweeps) and no-till wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) management practices on surface and groundwater quality. Concentrations and amounts of sediment, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in surface runoff, and associated nutrient levels in ground water were determined for seven dryland watersheds at two locations for periods up to 14 years. In general, annual surface runoff was similar for both tillage practices, ranging from 6 to 15 cm. Compared with conventional till, no-till reduced sediment, N, and P loss an average of 95%, 75%, and 70%, respectively. Concurrently, elevated levels of dissolved P (maximum 3.1 mg l −1 ) in surface runoff, and nitrate-N in ground water (maximum 26 mg l −1 ) were observed. About 25% more available soil water was in the no-till soil profiles, but this did not translate into increased grain yield. Instead, no-till grain yields were reduced an average 33% (600 kg ha −1 ) compared witj conventional till, which is attributed to a lower availability of surface applied fertilizer, and increasing cheat ( Bromus tectorum L.) and associated weed problems. From an overall agronomic and environmental standpoint, our results indicate that the management of no-till systems should include careful fertilizer placement and timing.
Endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthase inhibition. Effects on cerebral blood flow, pial artery diameter, and vascular morphology in rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of inhibiting endothelial-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide) on cerebral vascular integrity in the rat by: 1. measuring large pial artery diameter through an operating microscope, 2. monitoring cortical cerebral blood’ flow (cCBF) by laser-doppler flowmetry and 3. examining morphological changes in the ultrastructure of the vascular endothelial cell. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L NAME), or saline was infused via a retrograde right external carotid artery catheter at a rate of 3 mg/kg/min to a total dose of a 190 mg/kg (n = 16), or intravenously at 1 mg/kg/min to a total dose of 15 mg/kg (n = 6) or 30 mg/kg (n = 8).
A large eddy PIV method for turbulence dissipation rate estimation

Abstract Accurate estimation of the turbulence dissipation rate is important for the turbulent flows in the chemical process industry. Previous studies, limited by single-point velocity measurement techniques, mainly focus on measuring the single-point local dissipation rate or averaged dissipation rate over a finite volume. Various methods — turbulent kinetic energy balance, Taylors hypothesis, and dimensional analysis — have been proposed to estimate the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy. These methods cannot provide the global distribution of the dissipation rate over a large flow region. Since particle image velocimetry (PIV) is capable of providing multi-point instantaneous measurements of a flow field, it is more suitable for examining the dissipation rate distribution. However, PIV measurements are limited to finite grid sizes, which often exceed the smallest eddy sizes that dominate the turbulence dissipation rate. In this paper, a large eddy PIV method for dissipation rate estimation is proposed. Based on a dynamic-equilibrium assumption for the sub-grid scale (SGS) flux between the resolved and the sub-grid scales, our method measures the SGS energy flux, and thus, estimates the turbulence dissipation rate. The SGS flux is obtained from the strain-rate tensors computed from velocity fields and the modeled SGS stress. When the PIV measurement resolves down to the Kolmogorov scale, the SGS stress is replaced with the viscous shear stress. In other words, the resolved velocity fields directly give the dissipation rate. This method is applied to estimate the dissipation rate along the center plane of a stirred vessel with an axial 45° pitched-blade turbine. The results obtained are compared with those calculated using the dimensional analysis method. The average dissipation rates over the impeller and flow discharge regions are also evaluated and compared using both methods.
Bipolarity and Bipolarization in the Cold War Era Conceptualization, Measurement, and Validation

There is little consensus and some degree of confusion over the meanings of the polarity and polarization concepts. An argument is advanced for viewing these phenomena as distinctly separate with p...
A unique resonance mode observed in a prism-coupled micro-tube resonator sensor with superior index sensitivity

Silica micro-tube resonators were studied by using a prism-coupled method and act as refractive index sensing elements. Two types of refractive index sensing modes were observed experimentally by tuning the incident angles in the prism-coupled configuration. The resonance mode with sensitivity below 100nm/RIU is a result of the typical evanescent wave interaction with the fluid, while the mode with record high sensitivity of ~ 600nm/RIU is a form of non-evanescent wave with high optical field in the low index fluid region. An analysis of the field distribution of the resonance modes in the micro-tube also revealed the existence of high order modes with strong optical field inside the low index liquid core, which leads to the high index sensitivity. Theoretical calculation of the sensitivity for this specific mode obtained by the Mie scattering method is consistent with the experimental result. A ray optics picture is presented to elucidate the physical nature of this special resonance mode observed in the micro-tube resonator.
Agonistic relationships and sexual behaviour patterns in male guppies, Poecilia reticulata

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to assess the influence of agonistic relationships among male guppies on their sexual and aggressive behaviour under different social conditions. In experiment 1, each male of small mixed-sex groups of guppies was systematically removed and reintroduced to the group. Only during the alpha male reintroduction were there any changes in the sexual behaviour of the remaining males; the female-preferred sigmoid display of the beta males was depressed. During reintroductions, the alpha male was responsible for most aggression directed towards the reintroduced male. Females also responded aggressively towards the reintroduced males, particularly the alpha male. In experiment 2, an unfamiliar male was introduced to each established mixed-sex group. Again, rank-related behaviour was evident; most aggression directed towards the unfamiliar male was performed by the alpha male. The unfamiliar male also performed fewer sigmoid displays than did the alpha male. Thus, agonistic relationships among males may be responsible for suppression of sexual behaviour by subordinate and non-resident males and should be considered as a factor in sexual selection processes in guppies.
GONADOTROPIC ACTION OF NORMAL MALE URINE EXTRACT ON OVARIES OF NORMAL AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED IMMATURE RATS AND OF IMMATURE MICE1

THE PRESENCE of gonadotropic activity in the urine of normal men has been II demonstrated by several investigators (1–1O). Because of the low concentration of the active substance in the urine and the consequent necessity for injection of large amounts of extract (in urine equivalents), little work has been done to determine the qualitative nature of the ovarian response to such extracts. However, within the last several years an extract, Prospermin, stated to be prepared from normal male urine, has become available and several investigations on the action of this preparation have been reported. Leathern and Morrell (11) found that in the dog Prospermin produces pronounced follicle stimulation and all the manifestations of estrus. Similar results were obtained with immature female cats, although luteinization was obtained after injection periods of more than 12 days (12).
Exploring the Protective and Promotive Effects of School Connectedness on the Relation between Psychological Health Risk and Problem Behaviors/Experiences

The broad construct of school connectedness has been identified as a developmental protective factor due to itsassociation with lower involvement in a variety of problem behaviors. However, resilience research differentiatesbetween protective (lower frequency of problem behaviors primarily in the presence of high risk) and promotive(lower frequency of problem behaviors primarily in conditions of low risk) developmental influences, and thishas been an understudied aspect of school connectedness. This study examined the potential protective andpromotive influences of school connectedness in a sample of 3,220 students in Grades 8, 10, and 12 from fourCalifornia school districts. These youths completed self-reports of their psychological health risk, perceptions ofschool connectedness, and involvement in problem behaviors/experiences. Taking a person-focused data analysisapproach, a series of multinomial logistic regressions found that although school connectedness was protectivefor involvement in problem behaviors/experiences, more support was found for its promotive influences.Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Fused silica packed capillary columns in supercritical fluid chromatography

Packed capillary columns provide advantages of low flow rates, moderate sample capacities and loadabilities, short analysis times, high detectabilities, and the possibility of using a wide variety of commercially available stationary phases. This type of column is finding increasingly more applications in a variety of fields. In this paper, we report detailed studies using relatively long (0.5 to 10 m) packed capillary columns in SFC. Characteristics such as packing density and column stability are reported, as well as efficiency, resolution, and pressure drop for the different columns. It was found that densely packed capillary columns prepared using supercritical CO2 as the slurry fluid are more stable and generally have better performance than conventional solvent slurry packed columns.
Relationship of Hepatic Glucose Uptake to Intrahepatic Glucose Concentration in Fasted Rats After Glucose Load

Glucose concentration gradients across the liver and hepatic blood flow were measured to characterize the relationship of hepatic glucose uptake to hepatic glucose concentration for 240 min after administration of a large oral glucose load to fasted rats. Extraction of glucose occurred only transiently, from 20 to 80 min after glucose administration. The liver changed from net glucose output to net glucose removal only when the intracellular hepatic glucose concentration exceeded 12.5 mumol/ml water. Even when arteriovenous glucose concentrations gradients were compatible with net direct hepatic uptake of glucose, the hepatic glucose concentration always exceeded the inflow glucose concentration. These data indicate that direct glucose uptake occurred against a concentration gradient when the liver is considered as a whole. The hepatic intracellular-to-extracellular glucose concentration gradient changed very little, suggesting that this is not being regulated by glucose, insulin, or other effectors. The mechanism by which the hepatic glucose concentration and net hepatic glucose uptake versus output are coordinated is unknown. The rate of glycogen synthesis was linear for 120 min after administration of the glucose load. This occurred in the presence of direct uptake of glucose early in the time course and later in the presence of net glucose output by the liver. Net direct uptake of glucose by the liver could account for, at most, 37-55% of the glycogen formed. Fractional extraction of both lactate and alanine decreased after glucose was given, but net hepatic uptake of these metabolites could account for 33-49 and 7-10%, respectively, of the glycogen formed, depending on plasma versus blood water flow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Spontaneous and pokeweed mitogen-induced plaque-forming cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract The peripheral B-cell function of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was studied mainly employing a reverse hemolytic plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay. There was a high percentage of total PFC composed predominantly of cells secreting IgA and IgG but not IgM. Both increased IgA and IgG PFC were associated with active SLE disease. Furthermore, PFC were higher in untreated patients, in those with low C3 complement levels, and in those with high DNA binding. Pokeweed mitogen (PWM) induced a dichotomous response of SLE mononuclear cells, i.e., a normal proliferative response but a strikingly low PFC response. Normalization of the PWM-induced PFC response of SLE patients required depletion of adherent cells plus the addition of irradiated normal mononuclear cells (MNC). Methylprednisolone treatment of SLE MNC in vitro did not improve the PFC response to PWM. These studies suggest that both an abnormally active suppressor of PWM-induced PFC responses and a deficiency of normal helper function may contribute to certain B-cell defects in SLE. Multiple immunoregulatory disturbances appear to be present in patients with SLE.
Early handling effects on neophobia and conditioned taste aversion

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether early handling, a manipulation which affects both behavioral and pituitary-adrenal responsiveness to novel and aversive situations, will affect responses in adult rats confronted with novel substances (neophobia) or with substances associated with illness (conditioned taste aversion). We found that (1) early handling reduces the neophobia shown by adult animals and that handled animals appear better able to distinguish between a preferred and a nonpreferred substance. (2) Handling reduces the magnitude of the initial taste aversion and also increases the rate of recovery of drinking to pretoxicosis levels. (3) These behavioral differences between handled and nonhandled animals are not due to differential pituitary-adrenal responses to LiCl. (4) Early handling does affect the conditioned elevation of plasma corticoids upon reexposure to milk under a Forced Extinction procedure. In this situation nonhandled animals show greater corticoid elevations than handled animals. (5) Manipulation of the number of exposures to a substance prior to pairing that substance with LiCl affects the magnitude of both the aversion and the elevation of plasma corticoids which are produced upon reexposure. As number of preexposures increase, both the magnitude of the aversion and the elevation of corticoids decrease.
Hierarchical spatial/spectral processing for road mapping

This paper describes a work in progress to develop an updated road mapping system. The system is designed to generate map products working directly from multispectral imagery. The updated system is uses a resolution hierarchy to match the size of the roads, measured in image pixels, to the optimal processing configurations. The original system was designed to work with low resolution Landsat TM imagery while the updated system is designed to be more versatile with the ability to generate products from the new systems now available such as Landsat VII, IKONOS, and Digital Globe. The majority of the map production is performed in an automated mode requiring no user interaction. A Java interface to support final editing of the automated results has been built to support application on multiple platforms. This paper describes the mapping algorithms, the special editing interface designed for road vector maps, and results of some processing experiments.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of elastic strain on band edge alignment and position of intermediate band of isolated and coupled quantum dots

Solar cells with quantum dot nanostructure absorbing medium have a potential to overcome single junction limit and achieve the solar energy conversion efficiency up to 63%. Self-assembled quantum dots that are grown by using molecular beam epitaxy(MBE) or metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) have significant effect of strain on the band edge alignment and hence the confinement potential of electrons and holes. The energetic positions of confined energy states in quantum dots, which, act as intermediate state or band in intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs) are strongly affected by the strain in and around a quantum dot (QD). This work is focused on the calculation of strain distribution and its effect on band structure of QD array for its potential application in quantum dot intermediate band solar cells (QDIBSCs). Strain distribution in and around a QD is calculated using continuum theory of elasticity. When the inter-dot distance in the growth direction is sufficiently close, there is the interaction in strain distribution of QD layers. The strain distribution due to a vertically aligned QD array is calculated from superposition of the strain due to single quantum dot. The strain calculated this way is given as input for the calculation of band edge alignment and the position of QD confined states.
A secure and scalable group key exchange system

We present a Group Key Exchange protocol which extends in a natural way the Diffie-Hellman protocol. Our protocol is scalable: it has two rounds (for n>2 parties) and the number of modular exponentiations per user is constant. It is secure against a passive adversary if the Diffie-Hellman problem is intractable.
Synthesis and Reactions of fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3X] (dmbpy = 4,4‘-Dimethyl-2,2‘-bipyridine; X = COOH, CHO) and Their Derivatives

Reactions of fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3COOH] (1) alone or together with fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3CHO] (4) or other compounds which could be generated in photocatalytic reductions of CO2 from fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3Cl] have been studied to establish possible routes to CO and formate. The results suggest that the reactions of 1 are governed by complex equilibria involving its ionization to Re(dmbpy)(CO)4+ and OH- or proton transfer to highly basic species. Parallel reaction paths, emanating from Re(dmbpy)(CO)4+, are suggested to account for the formation of CO and formate in the catalytic reactions and support the proposal that 4 is a likely catalytic intermediate in addition to 1. New compounds have been isolated or prepared in order to support proposals about reaction pathways: {fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3]2(OCO2)} (5), fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3OH]·2.5H2O (8a), {fac,fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3]2(H)}[OTf] (11), fac,fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3CO2Re(bpy)(CO)3] (13), fac-[Re(bpy)(CO)3OH] (17) and {fac,fac,fac-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)3]3(OCO2)}[ReO4] (18). Compound...