cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole displays enhanced anxiolytic efficacy without tolerance in rats following subchronic administration

The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) dose-dependently (3.0–30.0 mg/kg) displayed anxiolytic activity, as measured by an increase in open arm exploration time in the elevated plus-maze (EPM), following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration in rats. Acute administration of 7-NI at 30.0 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) increased open arm exploration time by 176% compared to vehicle control, similar to the benzodiazepine diazepam at 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg (+191 and +200%, respectively). However, 39 h following subchronic 5-day administration of diazepam twice daily (bid) at 3.0 mg/kg, diazepam was devoid of anxiolytic activity at 1.0 mg/kg, as measured by no difference in open arm exploration time compared to vehicle control, while the 3.0 mg/kg dose still produced a significant (P<0.05) 175% increase in open arm exploration time. In contrast, following subchronic administration of 7-NI (30.0 mg/kg, bid), a significant (P<0.01) enhancement in open arm exploration time was observed at 30.0 mg/kg (+665% compared to control). Therefore, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by 7-NI resulted in anxiolysis similar to diazepam following acute administration in the EPM. However, following subchronic administration, unlike diazepam which showed an attenuation of anxiolytic activity, 7-NI displayed enhanced anxiolytic efficacy and was devoid of tolerance.
The effect of alcohol upon the differential brightness threshold in rats

A modified Skinner box containing two bars with a light above each bar was used to train rats to press beneath the brighter light. The brighter light was held constant and the comparison, light was varied to produce twelve brightness differences.
A decomposition of Solomon's descent algebra

Abstract A descent class, in the symmetric group Sn, is the collection of permutations with a given descent set. It was shown by L. Solomon (J. Algebra41 (1976), 255–264) that the product (in the group algebra Q(Sn)) of two descent classes is a linear combination of descent classes. Thus descent classes generate a subalgebra of Q(Sn). We refer to it here as Solomon's descent algebra and denote it by Σn. This algebra is not semisimple but it has a faithul representation in terms of upper triangular matrices. The main goal of this paper is a decomposition of its multiplicative structure. It develops that Σn acts in a natural way on the so-called Lie monomials. This action has a purely combinatorial description and is a crucial tool in the construction of a complete set of indecomposable representations of Σn. In particular we obtain a natural basis of irreducible orthogonal idempotents Σλ (indexed by partitions of n) for the quotient Σ n √Σ n . Natural bases of nilpotents and idempotents for the subspaces EλΣnEμ, for two arbitrary partitions λ and μ, are also constructed and the dimensions of these spaces are given a combinatorial interpretation in terms of the so-called decreasing factorization of an arbitary word into a product of Lyndon words.
Regional electroencephalographic asymmetries in bipolar seasonal affective disorder before and after exposure to bright light

Electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetries found in nonseasonal depression were examined in seasonal affective disorder before and after bright-light exposure. Subjects with seasonal depression demonstrated the expected pattern of frontal asymmetry both when depressed and following light-induced remission. Right-hemisphere EEG coherence, by contrast, served as a state-dependent indicator of seasonal depression.
The mathematical case against unipolar mania.

Abstract A mathematical model is developed based on several assumptions to predict frequency of admission for apparent unipolar mania given that such patients have the same illness as bipolars. The model is compared with data from previous studies of unipolar mania and with data from the author's own study of 77 unipolar manic patients. The observations generally supported the model. It is concluded that the same DSM III convention of classifying unipolar manics under the heading “Bipolar disorder” is upheld.
A biomechanical model to estimate corrective changes in muscle activation patterns for stroke patients

We have created a model to estimate the corrective changes in muscle activation patterns needed for a person who has had a stroke to walk with an improved gait-nearing that of an unimpaired person. Using this model, we examined how different functional electrical stimulation (FES) protocols would alter gait patterns. The approach is based on an electromyographically (EMG)-driven model to estimate joint moments. Different stimulation protocols were examined, which generated different corrective muscle activation patterns. These approaches grouped the muscles together into flexor and extensor groups (to simulate FES using surface electrodes) or left each muscle to vary independently (to simulate FES using intramuscular electrodes). In addition, we limited the maximal change in muscle activation (to reduce fatigue). We observed that with the two protocols (grouped and ungrouped muscles), the calculated corrective changes in muscle activation yielded improved joint moments nearly matching those of unimpaired subjects. The protocols yielded different muscle activation patterns, which could be selected based on practical condition. These calculated corrective muscle activation changes can be used in studying FES protocols, to determine the feasibility of gait retraining with FES for a given subject and to determine which protocols are most reasonable.
Formation of self-assembled lipid bilayers on solid substrates

Abstract Experimental bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) are usually formed by spreading a lipid solution across an aperture in a hydrophobic septum that separates two aqueous phases. Formed in this manner, a BLM is an extremely fragile structure with a limited lifetime. For protracted studies and for practical applications, as in biosensors and in molecular electronic devices development, a long-lived BLM (or lipid bilayer) is a prerequisite. Here, we report a simple and novel method for forming self-assembled lipid bilayers on solid substrates. The resulting supported BLMs have the desired dynamic properties as well as the requisite mechanical stability. They permit long-term electrochemical and photoelectronic investigations of the bilayer lipid membrane structure. Further, they may provide a foundation for a new class of molecule-based devices and contribute to the development of biosensors in the future.
Film boiling heat transfer of droplet streams and sprays

Abstract This paper presents an empirical approach to determining film boiling heat transfer of a spray from extrapolation of the heat transfer characteristics of an isolated droplet stream. First, an experimental investigation of film boiling heat transfer from a polished nickel surface to a continuous stream of monodispersed water droplets was performed for surface temperatures up to 400°C. Empirical correlations are presented for film boiling heat transfer rate and droplet heat transfer efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions. These single droplet stream correlations were then employed to predict film boiling heat transfer rates of both multiple droplet streams and sprays of uniform droplet size and velocity. By correctly accounting for differences in volumetric flux and droplet heat transfer efficiency, it is shown how the single droplet stream correlations facilitate the prediction of film boiling heat transfer of a dilute spray.
Strategies for Document Management

Keyword search has failed to adequately meet the needs of enterprise users. This is largely due to the size of document stores, the distribution of word frequencies, and the indeterminate nature of languages. The authors argue a different approach needs to be taken, and draw on the successes of dimensional data modeling and subject indexing to propose a solution. They test our solution by performing search queries on a large research database. By incorporating readily available subject indexes into the search process, they obtain order of magnitude improvements in the performance of search queries. Their performance measure is the ratio of the number of documents returned without using subject indexes to the number of documents returned when subject indexes are used. The authors explain why the observed tenfold improvement in search performance on our research database can be expected to occur for searches on a wide variety of enterprise document stores.
The TIGR Plant Transcript Assemblies database

The TIGR Plant Transcript Assemblies (TA) database (http://plantta.tigr.org) uses expressed sequences collected from the NCBI GenBank Nucleotide database for the construction of transcript assemblies. The sequences collected include expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and full-length and partial cDNAs, but exclude computationally predicted gene sequences. The TA database includes all plant species for which more than 1000 EST or cDNA sequences are publicly available. The EST and cDNA sequences are first clustered based on an all-versus-all pairwise sequence comparison, followed by the generation of consensus sequences (TAs) from individual clusters. The clustering and assembly procedures use the TGICL tool, Megablast and the CAP3 assembler. The UniProt Reference Clusters (UniRef100) protein database is used as the reference database for the functional annotation of the assemblies. The transcription orientation of each TA is determined based on the orientation of the alignment with the best protein hit. The TA sequences and annotation are available via web interfaces and FTP downloads. Assemblies can be retrieved by a text-based keyword search or a sequence-based BLAST search. The current version of the TA database is Release 2 (July 17, 2006) and includes a total of 215 plant species.
Tomorrow's consumer — the shifting balance of power

What are the prospects for consumerism? Often despised as self-indulgent, consumers are frequently motivated by altruism and their needs to express their identity, to build relationships, to obtain fulfilment and even to find a substitute for religion. Mass-customisation is producing fundamental change, revolutionising attitudes to choice, with a key role for agents (human and online) in helping people choose. Consumer power will grow and brands will be under pressure from rising consumer expectations. While retailers fight back with targeted marketing and special offers, brands will need to serve consumer needs as much as suppliers. Online shopping could transform consumer behaviour, driven by cost saving and convenience and spurred on by competition. Will retailers protect their traditional channels or go online because they are afraid not to? ‘Etailing’ will need to create consumer trust, so regulation will be critical, possibly leading to legal responsibilities for quality on Internet service providers (ISPs) and portals and with systems to help new entrants build a track record of reliability, thereby increasing competition, choice and consumer power. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications.
Regge parametrization of angular distributions for heavy-ion transfer reactions☆

A two-pole one-zero Regge parametrization of the l-window for transfer reactions is employed in conjunction with a chi-squared search program to obtain high-quality fits to a wide variety of transfer data. The data employed include both direct and multi-step transfers.
Adenosquamous carcinoma of prostate.

Abstract A case is reported of metastatic adenosquamous carcinoma that developed in a patient one year after diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the prostate by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Prostatic origin of the neoplasm was proved by immunoperoxidase staining for prostatic acid phosphatase in the metastases as well as demonstration of both glandular and squamous differentiation in tumor within the prostate on repeat TURK This change in tumor differentiation occurred despite the fact that the patient had received no estrogen or radiation. The metastases showed remarkable response when the patient later began diethylstilbestrol (DES) therapy.
Early Primary Tumor Size Reduction Is an Independent Predictor of Improved Overall Survival in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated With Sunitinib

Background In metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with targeted agents and their primary tumor (PT) in situ, early PT decrease in size correlates with improved overall PT response, but the effect on overall survival (OS) is unknown.
Compartment-specific q-space analysis of diffusion-weighted data from isolated rhesus optic and sciatic nerves

We investigated compartment-specific water diffusion properties in two widely structurally different isolated bovine nerves. Sciatic and optic nerves were immersed in saline containing Gd-DTPA(2+). Consequently, T(1) became non-monoexponential and fit well to a biexponential function. q-Space diffusion data were collected for each component. In the sciatic nerve, the slow-decaying component (T(1s)) was considerably more restricted and directional than the fast-decaying component (T(1f)). In the optic nerve, fractional anisotropy of both components was comparable and similar to that of the total H(2)O signal. The root mean square of the displacement distribution functions of T(1s) correlated well with the widely different axonal diameters of both nerves. Possibly, the source of T(1s) is the intra-axonal compartment and that of T(1f) is associated with the inter-axonal space. The compartment specificity of the method shown makes it useful for the investigation of the contribution of each nerve compartment to diffusion tensor imaging measurements and other diffusion-based methods.
Effects of Governance Practices and Investment Strategies on State and Local Government Pension Fund Financial Performance

Abstract Recent statistical studies concerning state and local government pension funds’ boards of trustees have focused on two complementary issues. First is the influence governance practices have on administration of fund assets. Second is the impact of investment strategy choices on funds’ total rates of return. Reported results indicate that the primary effects of governance practices on pension outcomes are indirect via asset allocation decisions. This study re-examined these issues using abnormal return as an inherently valued measure of risk adjusted financial performance. An innovation of the investigation is that “process analysis” was used to decompose the direct and indirect effects of governance practices on financial performance. Results suggest that while both types of effects exist, direct impacts dominate relative to mediating processes.
Management of small and diminutive polyps

Abstract Cold forceps are an appropriate tool for resection of 1-3-mm polyps that can be engulfed in a single bite. Jumbo and large-capacity forceps are more likely to engulf a tiny polyp in a single bite and are more effective and efficient than standard-size forceps. Cold snaring (transection of a polyp by guillotining without the use of electrocautery current) is more effective than either cold or hot forceps for resection of small polyps and can be used for polyps 1-9mm in size. The size at which hot snaring (the use of snare and cautery in the traditional manner for polypectomy) should be used is unknown, but the author often uses hot snaring for pedunculated polyps, bulky sessile polyps, and proximal colon serrated polyps that are 6-9mm in size. The cold snaring technique involves grasping a rim of normal tissue around the polyp and does not require tenting, and is therefore fundamentally different than hot snaring. Hot forceps should only be used for polyps ≤5mm in size, it can leave residual polyp and create a thermal injury that risks delayed hemorrhage and rarely perforation. The author never uses hot forceps. The current paradigm of diminutive polyp (polyps ≤5mm in size) management is to resect and send for pathologic evaluation. The pathology (adenoma vs hyperplastic) following removal is used to guide the postpolypectomy surveillance interval. Polyps in this size range very rarely have cancer, and infrequently have either villous elements or high-grade dysplasia. This observation has generated interest in developing endoscopic imaging technologies that could serve as alternatives to the pathologist's examination of diminutive polyps and would be less expensive than the histologic evaluation. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has recommended minimum performance thresholds for imaging technologies with regard to 2 clinically relevant end points: (1) a policy of "resect and discard" for high-confidence interpretations of diminutive polyps anywhere in the colon and (2) leaving distal colon hyperplastic polyps in place without resection. Several technologies appear promising with regard to reaching the recommended performance thresholds, and additional study of how well they function when used by community endoscopists is awaited.
A Study-Abroad Program: An Examination of Impacts on Student Attitudes.

This article examines the impact of a unique overseas political science program on the attitudes of student participants. It focuses on assessing attitude change in regard to worldmindedness and support for the United Nations and in regard to self-esteem and tolerance of ambiguity. The findings include the conclusion that a substantial degree of change occurred only on the self-esteem variable.
Pseudo-epitaxial C60 films prepared by a hot-wall method

We have used both reflection-geometry and grazing-incidence-geometry X-ray scattering to study thin films of C60 evaporated onto mica substrates via a hot-wall technique. The growth mode yields close-packed C60 planes, which are parallel to the substrate surface and which exhibit out-of-plane correlation lengths of 850 A. In the film plane the C60 is at best pseudo-epitaxial, with a 0.9° distribution of crystallite orientations, a 450 A in-plane correlation length, and a 3.7% lattice mismatch, better than obtained by other thin film techniques but far from the accepted definition of single crystal thin film epitaxy.
Deflection Results From Moving Loads on a Beam That Rests Upon an Elastic Foundation Reacting in Compression Only

The two experimental curves shown strongly verify the theoretical appropriateness of using an elastic foundation that reacts in compression only to represent railroad track support. In comparing the improvement in accuracy gained versus the complexity of calculation though, it is suggested that only with high speed trains is any marked advantage achieved with this more accurate model. At all speeds downward deflections (maximum deflections and stresses) were nearly identical in the two models, an argument against using a newer foundation model.
Effects of forage-to-concentrate ratio and dietary fiber manipulation on gas emissions and olfactometry from manure of Holstein heifers

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of differing ratios of forage to concentrate (F:C) and fiber levels on odor and gas emissions from manure. Eight Holstein dairy heifers (362.45±4.53 d of age and 335.6±7.41 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to a split-plot, 4×4 Latin square design (21-d periods) with F:C as the whole plot (20 or 80% forage) and fiber level as sub-plot (0, 20, 40, or 60% inclusion of corn stover). Gas concentration was determined using an infrared photoacoustic analyzer over a 24-h period using a steady-state flux chamber setup. Odorous air samples were collected from chamber headspace and evaluated by 6h uman assessors using a forced-choice dynamic olfactometry technique. Emissions of CO 2 were greater for the low than high concentrate diets, and no differences were observed for NH 3 and CH 4 emissions between F:C. Although F:C had no effect on NH 3 emissions, as dietary fiber increased, a linear interaction with opposite effects was found for high and low concentrate diets. Nitrous oxide emissions were below minimum detectable levels. Neither F:C nor neutral detergent fiber level affected odor intensity. Odor emissions were successfully assessed, and manipulation of dietary fiber has the potential to influence CH 4 and NH 3 emissions.
Perseveration of associative strength in rabbit nictitating membrane response conditioning

The present experiment used a transfer-of-training procedure in rabbit nictitating membrane response (NMR) conditioning to determine whether a retention interval and/or extinction could reduce associative strength. The experimental design required that groups receive 0, 3, 15, 45, 150, or 240 CS-US pairings in Stage 1. Next, the groups were given, in succession, a 10-day retention interval and 480 CS-alone trials. In Stage 2, all groups obtained 240 CS-US pairings for NMR conditioning. Another group was also employed and received only the 240 CS-US pairings in Stage 2. The results indicated that 15 to 240 CS-US pairings in Stage 1 substantially enhanced NM CR performance in Stage 2 despite the interpolation of the retention interval and CS-alone trials. When 3 CS-US pairings had been given in Stage 1, no augmentation in the NM CR performance rate occurred in Stage 2. However, the 3 CS-US pairings were effective in prohibiting the 480 CS-alone trials from retarding subsequent NM CR performance. Without any pairings in Stage 1, the 480 CS-alone trials produced strong latent inhibition of NMR conditioning in Stage 2. The data were used to support the theoretical view that associative strength resulting from CS-US pairings is relatively permanent. Moreover, the findings were relevant for an evaluation of Pearce and Hall’s (1980) recent statements concerning CS associability and the relationship between excitatory and inhibitory processes.
A proof on the invariance of the Hirschman Uncertainty to the Rényi entropy parameter and an observation on its relevance in the image texture classification problem

In [1] we developed a new uncertainty measure which incorporates Renyi entropy instead of Shannon entropy. This new uncertainty measure was conjectured to be invariant to the Renyi order α > 0, whereas for discrete signals other than picket fence signal the uncertainty measure decreases for α > 0. In this paper, we prove this invariance, and test whether this invariance is predictive in the problem of texture classification for digital images. In the preliminary results, we find that it does, in that the recognition performance does not depend significantly on the Renyi parameter α. We hope that these results will be extended to other problems where Renyi entropy is used.
Robustness and power of analysis of covariance applied to ordinal scaled data as arising in randomized controlled trials.

In clinical trials comparing two treatments, ordinal scales of three, four or five points are often used to assess severity, both prior to and after treatment. Analysis of covariance is an attractive technique, however, the data clearly violate the normality assumption and in the presence of small samples, and large sample theory may not apply. The robustness and power of various versions of parametric analysis of covariance applied to small samples of ordinal scaled data are investigated through computer simulation. Subjects are randomized to one of two competing treatments and the pre-treatment, or baseline, assessment is used as the covariate. We compare two parametric analysis of covariance tests that vary according to the treatment of the homogeneity of regressions slopes and the two independent samples t-test on difference scores. Under the null hypothesis of no difference in adjusted treatment means, we estimated actual significance levels by comparing observed test statistics to appropriate critical values from the F- and t-distributions for nominal significance levels of 0.10, 0.05, 0.02 and 0.01. We estimated power by similar comparisons under various alternative hypotheses. The model which assumes homogeneous slopes and the t-test on difference scores were robust in the presence of three, four and five point ordinal scales. The hierarchical approach which first tests for homogeneity of regression slopes and then fits separate slopes if there is significant non-homogeneity produced significance levels that exceeded the nominal levels especially when the sample sizes were small. The model which assumes homogeneous regression slopes produced the highest power among competing tests for all of the configurations investigated. The t-test on difference scores also produced good power in the presence of small samples.
The Comparative Efficacy of Six Anticoccidial Compounds

Abstract FOLLOWING introduction of the sulfonamides, anticoccidial compounds have become available in ever-increasing number. While the literature concerning some is voluminous, there have been few efforts to compare the efficacy of more than two or three coccidiostats under similar experimental conditions. For this reason, six currently available anticoccidial agents were selected for controlled comparison of relative protection against mortality and morbidity caused by Eimeria tenella. The results are presented in this report. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five hundred and seventy-three 3- to 4-week-old straight run, mixed breed, coccidia-free chicks were used in four experiments. They were distributed by weight, according to the method of Gardiner and Wehr (1950), into groups of 18 to 22 birds. Each group was confined in a galvanized wire cage and permitted access to starting mash and water. In each experiment, the groups that received coccidiostats were started on the appropriately medicated mash approximately 24 hours prior to …
Backward walking practice decreases oxygen uptake, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion

Abstract Backward walking, a form of knee rehabilitation shown to protect knee structures, has been predicted to maintain cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the motor learning effects on oxygen uptake (VO 2 ), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during a backward-walking habituation program. Eight males completed baseline measures of VO 2 , HR, and RPE while walking backwards at 3·2–3·7mph on a treadmill. Backward walking practice was conducted three times/week for 15min. Participants returned to the lab at the end of weeks one–four and walked backwards at the same speed as the baseline session. Statistical analyses revealed significant decreases from baseline to week four in VO 2 (2·05±0·56 to 1·66±0·28L.min −1 , P −1 , P P 2 , HR, and RPE as participants became more skilled at this movement.
Orbital observations of contemporary dune activity in Endeavor crater, Meridiani Planum, Mars

[1] Although aeolian landforms are pervasive on Mars, evidence for contemporary activity has been limited. The next major campaign for the Mars Exploration Rover “Opportunity” is the investigation of the ∼20 km diameter Endeavor crater, ∼6 km to southeast of the rover's position as of December 2010. We present evidence from orbital imagery that eight aeolian bed forms (∼14,000 m2) in Endeavor crater have been active within the past decade (2001–2009), at a spatial scale that should be directly observable by Opportunity from the crater rim. Two dunes appear to show translational migration (∼10–20 m), but all dunes indicate erosion to be the dominant process with up to 100% sediment removal. Thermophysical properties of these dunes are consistent with very fine to fine sand sizes, the particle sizes most easily moved by the Martian atmosphere. The dunes that show the most surface change have a rippled appearance without well-defined slip faces. Based on their morphology (elliptical shape), we classify them as dome dunes. Mesoscale atmospheric modeling is employed to provide insight into the atmospheric forcing of this aeolian system. The major wind regimes from modeling are consistent with observations of wind streaks, sand streamers, ripples, and slip faces of regional dune fields although modeled wind speeds are insufficient to move sand. The translation and erosion of these dunes constitutes the largest contemporary movement of sand-sized sediment reported on Mars to date and demonstrates that Endeavor crater has been subject to wind profiles exceeding the threshold velocity at the surface (daily/seasonally and/or episodically) in the recent past.
Heightened stability of polcalcin Phl p 7 is correlated with strategic placement of apolar residues.

Abstract Phl p 7 exhibits atypical conformational stability and a diminutive denaturational heat capacity increment, Δ C p . Because exposure of apolar surface largely dictates the magnitude of Δ C p , a depressed value could signify an unusually compact unfolded state. The volume of the denatured state ensemble (DSE) is evidently inversely correlated with mean hydrophobicity [Pace et al . , Protein Sci. 19 (2010) 929–943]. Interestingly, apolar residues replace more polar ones at four positions in Phl p 7. We herein examine the consequences of replacing those residues with the corresponding ones from Bra n 1, a related isoform. All four mutations – M4H, L21A, I60T, and C63A – destabilize Phl p 7. Our analysis suggests that the DSE of Phl p 7 is indeed highly compact and that the substitutions act by increasing its volume and solvent-accessibility. All four mutations increase the urea m value; L21A, I60T, and C63A also yield a perceptible increase in Δ C p .
Isoform selective inhibition of STAT1 or STAT3 homo-dimerization via peptidomimetic probes: structural recognition of STAT SH2 domains.

Abstract The identification of constitutively activated STAT (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) proteins in aberrant cell signaling pathways has led to investigations targeting the selective disruption of specific STAT isoforms directly associated with oncogenisis. We have identified, through the design of a library of peptidomimetic inhibitors, agents that selectively disrupt STAT1 or STAT3 homo-dimerization at low micromolar concentrations. ISS840 has 20-fold higher inhibition of STAT1 homo-dimerization (IC50 value of 31 μM) relative to STAT3 (IC50 value of 560 μM).
Synthesis of β-Galactooligosaccharides from Lactose Using Microbial β-Galactosidases

Galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) are nondigestible oligosaccharides and are comprised of 2 to 20 molecules of galactose and 1 molecule of glucose. They are recognized as important prebiotics for their stimulation of the proliferation of intestinal lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Therefore, they beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of a limited number of gastrointestinal microbes (probiotics) that confer health benefits. Prebiotics and probiotics have only recently been recognized as contributors to human health. A GOS can be produced by a series of enzymatic reactions catalyzed by β-galactosidase, where the glycosyl group of one or more D-galactosyl units is transferred onto the D-galactose moiety of lactose, in a process known as transgalactosylation. Microbes can be used as a source for the β-galactosidase enzyme or as agents to produce GOS molecules. Commercial β-galactosidase enzymes also do have a great potential for their use in GOS synthesis. These transgalactosyl reactions, which could find useful application in the dairy as well as the larger food industry, have not been fully exploited. A better understanding of the enzyme reaction as well as improved analytical techniques for GOS measurements are important in achieving this worthwhile objective.
Contact zones: Rethinking the sensual life of the state

Much of the recent scholarship in anthropology and related disciplines suggests that attempts to theorize the operations of power under modern capitalism require us to rethink the state as a site of meaning production, emotional investment, and fantasy. But, moreover, as I argue here, modern states are not just imagined or discursive cultural regimes but also embodied forms. Political fields and national spaces have a visual, tactile, sensuous, and emotional dimension: the life of the state has a corporal grounding. My argument is centered on those sensually concrete spaces of power, where the machinations of state and the embodied subject collide: in these zones of contact, the political field assumes a somatosensory gestalt. By a focus on the entanglements of subjectivities, bodies, and states, my essay aims to contribute toward a new cultural analytics of political regimes.
Hot Extrusion of Ceramics

Two dense ceramics, BizSrzCaCuzOs+x and 2Y-TZP: 10 wt% Al2O3, were hot-extruded through conical dies under a wide range of conditions. Extrusion of BizSr2Ca- CU~O~+~ was performed at 775" to 825°C and speeds of 0.0005 to 0.2 mm/s, with the die semi-angles from 30" to 60" and extrusion ratios from 4 to 9. Extrusion of 2Y-TZP:10 wt% AIzO3 was performed at 1650°C and 0.017 mm/s. During hot extrusion of BizSrzCaCuzOs+x, a strong texture was developed with the basal plane aligned along the extrusion direction, whereas the zirconia/alumina composite underwent grain growth which resulted in strain hardening. A simple analytical extrusion model for strain-rate-sensitive materials has been developed using a combined slab method and upper-bound method and a power-law material flow equation. The model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results and they further serve to delineate the limitation of the extrusion technique for ceramic applications. [Key words: extrusion, superconductors, zirconia, texture, creep.] I. Introduction
Effect of repeated screw joint closing and opening cycles on implant prosthetic screw reverse torque and implant and screw thread morphology

Statement of problem Clinicians must know if a new screw can predictably increase reverse torque after multiple screw insertion cycles. Purpose The purpose of this study was (1) to compare the effect of multiple implant prosthetic screw insertion and removal cycles on reverse torque, (2) to determine whether a new screw, after multiple screw insertion cycles, affects reverse torque, and (3) to assess implant and prosthetic screw thread surface morphology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Material and Methods One primary screw was paired with an implant (MT Osseospeed) and inserted to 25 Ncm torque 9, 19, 29, or 39 times (n=10). Primary screw reverse torque values were recorded after each insertion. A second, reference screw was then paired with each implant for a final screw insertion, and reverse torque was measured. Maximum, minimum, median, and mean values ( P max , P min , P median , and P mean ) were identified for primary screws. A 1-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc analysis assessed the influence of multiple screw insertion cycles on P max , P min , P median , and P mean values (α=.05). Confidence intervals were used to test differences between reference (REF) screw data and corresponding DMAX and DMIN (DMAX= P max -REF; DMIN= P min -REF). The surface topography of an unused implant and screw and of 1 implant and screw from each group was evaluated with SEM. Results Pairwise comparisons showed that 9 or fewer insertion cycles resulted in significantly greater mean reverse torque (20.9 ± 0.5 Ncm; P Conclusions After 10 screw insertion cycles, a new prosthetic screw should be used with the implant system tested to maximize screw reverse torque and maintain preload when an abutment is definitively placed.
Interactive visualization of design patterns can help in framework understanding

Framework programming is regarded as one the main advantages of object-oriented software engineering, and is expected to increase software reuse. In exploiting frameworks, however, programmers often face difficulties caused by the complexity of the hidden architecture and the multiplicity of the design decisions that are embedded in a framework. Interactive visualization of design patterns occurring in a framework shows how the framework is operating, in a flexible yet structured way that contributes to the programmer's understanding of the underlying software architecture. In this way, programmers can explore and use frameworks efficiently even when they are distributed without vast amounts of documentation and source code.
Cell balancing for vehicle identification perception experiments and correcting for cell imbalance in test results

Corrections are given for cell imbalance in the design and analysis of twelve (12)-target identification (ID) perception tests. Such tests are an important tool in the development of the Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) observer performance model used in NVThermIP to compare electro-optical systems. It is shown that the partitions of the 12-target set previously used in perception experiments exhibit statistically significant cell imbalance. Results from perception testing are used to determine the relative difficulty of identifying different images in the set. A program is presented to partition the set into lists that are balanced according to the collected observer data. The relative difficulty of image subsets is shown to be related to the best-fit V50 values for the subsets. The results of past perception experiments are adjusted to account for cell imbalance using the subset V50 terms. Under the proper conditions, the adjusted results are shown to better follow the TTP model for observer performance.
Consistency and the Lack Thereof in Pacific Decadal Oscillation Impacts on North American Winter Climate

AbstractImpacts of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on North American climate were initially assessed over one negative (~1943 to 1976) and one positive (1977 to ~1990) PDO regime. Release of the Twentieth Century Reanalysis and the recent occurrence of negative PDO years make it possible to study the stability of PDO teleconnections. This analysis identified consistency in broad-scale teleconnection patterns but also critical differences in the amplitude of circulation pattern, temperature, and precipitation anomalies between comparable phases of the PDO. Many of these discrepancies were apparent after controlling for long-term trends and the impact of ENSO and were associated with variability in Atlantic Ocean temperatures and in the northern annular mode. Results from this study suggest that not all of the climate variability attributed to the PDO derives solely from fluctuations in Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs), that the climatic impact of these SST anomalies varies over time, or that t...
Effect of fat reduction on chemical composition, proteolysis, functionality, and yield of Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese was made from skim milk standardized with cream (unhomogenized, 40% milk fat) to achieve four different target fat percentages in the cheese (ca. 5, 10, 15, and 25%). No statistically significant differences were detected for cheese manufacturing time, stretching time, concentration of salt in the moisture phase, pH, or calcium as a percentage of the protein in the cheese between treatments. As the fat percentage was reduced, there was an increase in the moisture and protein content of the cheese. However, because the moisture did not replace the fat on an equal basis, there was a significant decrease in the moisture in the nonfat substance in the cheese as the fat percentage was reduced. This decrease in total filler volume (fat plus moisture) was associated with an increase in the hardness of the unmelted cheese. Whiteness and opacity of the unmelted cheese decreased as the fat content decreased. Pizza baking performance, meltability, and free oil release significantly decreased as the fat percentage decreased. The minimum amount of free oil release necessary to obtain proper functionality during pizza baking was between 0.22 and 2.52 g of fat/100 g of cheese. Actual cheese yield was about 30% lower for cheese containing 5% fat than for cheese with 25% fat. Maximizing fat recovery in the cheese becomes less important to maintain high cheese yield, and moisture control and the retention of solids in the water phase become more important as the fat content of the cheese is reduced.
Evaluating reference data accuracy: a mixed methods study

Purpose – Reference data collection tools facilitate the collection of in‐depth data about reference interactions. Since this information may influence decisions, library managers should examine how these tools are used and assess how these data entry behaviors may impact the accuracy of the data. This paper aims to analyze reference staff perceptions and data entry behaviors using a reference data collection tool.Design/methodology/approach – The two‐year mixed method study analyses reference staff perceptions and data entry behaviors related to the reference data collection tool used at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries. The authors identified six distinct data entry behaviors for analysis in this study.Findings – The survey results indicate that staff consider the tool to be both easy to use and useful. These findings, under the technology acceptance model, indicate technology acceptance, which influences adoption and use of the tool. Though rates of adoption and use of the tool are high, th...
Interfacial resistance to interphase mass transfer in quiescent two-phase systems

Interfacial resistance to solute mass transfer between two unstirred immiscible fluids is theoretically calculated. Solute molecules are modeled as Brownian particles, bathed by homogeneous fluid continua when wholly immersed in either fluid, or else by heterogeneous fluid continua when instantaneously straddling the interface. These diffusing particles are assumed to be subjected to either repulsive or attractive conservative forces exerted on them by the interface. Additionally, their mobility is supposed affected by proximity to the interface. Circumstances are found to exist under which the interface may offer significant resistance to interphase transport. Surprisingly, conditions also exist in which the interface may actually offer a negative resistance to such solute transfer. In such cases, the presence of the interface enhances the overall interphase mass transfer rate.
Variation in plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in lingcod: relationships among season, size, and gonadal steroids

The physiological response of a fish to its environment is mediated through the endocrine axis controlling growth. Therefore, growth-regulating hormone levels can serve as ecologically relevant indicators of fish growth rate. We quantified variation in plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to evaluate its potential as an indicator of growth in lingcod, an economically and ecologically important bottomfish species in the northeast Pacific. An information-theoretic model selection approach was used to test the hypothesis that variation in lingcod IGF-I is related to season, body size, and gonadal steroid concentration. Season and a length × season interaction were the most important predictors of plasma IGF-I among the variables we evaluated, suggesting that season and body size should be explicitly accounted for when interpreting endocrine patterns in wild fish populations. This is among the few studies that have measured and interpreted patterns of IGF-I in wild fish and the first to describe seasonal endocrine profiles in lingcod.
The drosophila shaker gene codes for a distinctive K+ current in a subset of neurons

Abstract A transient K + current coded by the Shaker gene was identified in muscle and expressed in Xenopus oocytes by injecting cRNA transcribed from a cloned cDNA. The Shaker current has not previously been identified in neurons. Mutational analysis now reveals that in neurons, Shaker is required for expression of a very rapidly inactivating K + current with a depolarized steady-state inactivation curve. Together, these properties distinguish the Shaker -coded current from similar fast transient K + currents coded by other genes. The Sh 5 mutation further enhanced the depolarization of the Shaker current steady-state inactivation curve. Deletion of the Shaker gene completely removes the transient K + current from a small percentage of neurons (15%) in a mixed population, and removes a portion of the whole-cell current in about 35% of neurons. The remaining 50% of neurons were apparently unaffected by deletion of the Shaker gene. The unique combination of rapid inactivation and depolarized steady-state inactivation of the Shaker current may reflect a unique functional role for this curent in the nervous system such as the rapid repolarization of action potentials.
Nef-mediated MHC class I down-regulation unmasks clonal differences in virus suppression by SIV-specific CD8+ T cells independent of IFN-γ and CD107a responses

Abstract CD8 + T lymphocytes (CTL) play a role in controlling HIV/SIV infection. CTL antiviral activity is dependent on recognition of antigenic peptides associated with MHC class I molecules on infected target cells, and CTL activation can be impaired by Nef-mediated down-regulation of MHC class I molecules. We tested the ability of a series of rhesus macaque CD8 + T-cell clones specific for the SIV Gag CM9 peptide to suppress SIV infection of autologous CD4 + T cells. We used a set of SIV mac 239 viruses with either wild-type Nef or Nef mutations that impair MHC class I down-regulation. All CTL clones efficiently suppressed virus replication in cells infected with mutant viruses with altered Nef function, phenotypically MHC class I high or MHC class I intermediate . However, the ability of the clones to suppress virus replication was variably reduced in the presence of wild-type Nef (MHC class I low ) despite the observations that all CTL clones showed similar IFN-γ responses to titrated amounts of cognate peptide as well as to SIV-infected cells. In addition, the CTL clones showed variable CD107a (CTL degranulation marker) responses that did not correlate with their capacity to suppress virus replication. Thus, the clonal differences are not attributable to TCR avidity or typical effector responses, and point to a potential as yet unknown mechanism for CTL-mediated suppression of viral replication. These data emphasize that current assays for evaluating CTL responses in infected or vaccinated individuals do not fully capture the complex requirements for effective CTL-mediated control of virus replication.
P4.01. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Throughout the Pediatric Lifecycle

Scientific abstracts presented at the International Congress for Clinicians in Complementary & Integrative Medicine 2013 This session will provide an evidence-based overview of the critical role of omega-3 fatty acids from pre-conception to adolescence. It will review the role of omega-3 fatty acids in normal childhood development and their role in the prevention of chronic illness in childhood based on the growing literature base in this area and case examples. This session will offer guidance to the practitioner on the various types of omega-3 fatty acids availa ble for all stages of the pediatric life cycle and guide the practitioner in the most recent age-based dosing recommendations. Select pediatric conditions where omega-3 fatty acid supplement use is strongly supported by the literature will be reviewed.
Deferoxamine increases the susceptibility of β-thalassemic, iron-overloaded mice to infection with Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract The effect of the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) on resistance to infection with Listeria monocytogenes in mice with a condition analogous to human β-thalassemia was studied. Intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg DFO resulted in significantly increased mortality when given one, three and six days before infection with L. monocytogenes (for all three time points, p
Retrieval of biomedical review: a comparative evaluation of online databases for reviews of drug therapy

The retrieval of review articles in the biomedical area is examined, by a case study approach, using two test queries, relating to aspects of drug therapy, for a comparative evalua tion of six online databases. It is concluded that a variety of sources must be searched in combination for comprehensive retrieval, lack of indexing of the "review" concept being a major problem. Suggestions for improvement in retrieval of review literature are made.