cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral sensitization, behavioral tolerance, and increased [3H]WIN 35,428 binding in rabbit caudate nucleus after repeated injections of cocaine

This study examined whether changes in the behavioral response to repeated intravenous injections of cocaine hydrochloride (4 mg/kg, twice daily for 22 days) might be related to alterations in the dopamine (DA) transporter as measured by the binding of the potent cocaine analog [3H]WIN 35,428 to membranes derived from fresh caudate tissue. Rabbits demonstrated both tolerance and sensitization. Tolerance occurred for cocaine elicited convulsions, whereas sensitization occurred to the ability of cocaine to elicit motor activity, facial twitches, and head bobbing. Cocaine-exposed animals demonstrated a significant 17% increase in the Bmax of specific [3H]WIN 35,428 binding to caudate membranes with no change in Kd. The increase in Bmax was observed at 42 but not 96 h after the last chronic cocaine administration. There was no change in [3H]WIN 35,428 binding at 42 h after a single injection of cocaine. We suggest that the upregulation of the dopamine transporter in the caudate nucleus reflected the mechanisms involved in tolerance rather than sensitization.
Clinical evaluation of a new crown and fixed partial denture remover

1 here have been many attempts to invent devices and to develop techniques for the safe nontraumatic removal of crowns and fixed partial dentures. Most devices and techniques tend to destroy the integrity of the restorations. It is frustrating when a completed crown or fixed partial denture is binding and firmly affixed on its abutment(s) or is locked into a proximal contact at the time of fitting. Another problem occurs when one attempts to remove temporarily cemented castings or a cemented fixed partial denture when one retainer has loosened. Horn’ described the use of selected instruments for prying at margins of temporarily cemented fixed prostheses. Ewing’ suggested the use of a copper band filled with cement to remove crowns. Garver” described the use of autopolymerizing acrylic resin copings for a mechanical purchase when using a percussion instrument. Others have suggested the use of jack-screws, mallet and chisels, forceps, pliers, clamps, claws, and a screwjaw combination for removing cast restorations. Richwill Laboratories? has introduced a new concept for crown and fixed partial denture removal. The Richwill crown and fixed partial denture remover consists of a resin base pliable substance that develops strong temporary adhesive properties under compression. The force for prosthesis removal is generated by the patient’s muscles in a closing and opening movement of their jaws. The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of the Richwill removers for (1) binding and firmly affixing cast restorations at the time of fitting, (2) temporary acrylic resin or metal restorations, (3) temporarily cemented crowns, (4) temporarily cemeneted fixed partial dentures, (5) permanently cemented crowns, (6) permanently
Predictors of defibrillation energy requirements with nonepicardial lead systems.

The determinants of high defibrillation energy requirements (DER) using nonepicardial lead systems (NELS) have not been well characterized. The goal of this study was to examine prospectively the influence of clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and procedural variables on DER during NELS placement. Data from 100 consecutive patients undergoing attempted NELS implantation were analyzed. Transvenous leads, subcutaneous patches, and monophasic shock devices from two manufacturers were used. Leads were successfully positioned for testing in 95% of patients. An adequate DER ( 25 joules in 12 of 22 patients. Thus, adequate DER with monophasic shock waveforms can be obtained in most patients undergoing NELS testing. However, amiodarone therapy significantly increases the probability of obtaining high DER.
Detailed Investigation of Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasound Transducer Design Space for Optimal Operation

This paper presents our detailed design studies on capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs) via finite element models developed in ANSYS 12. In this study, we will discuss our experimentally verified coupled field finite element simulations for operation frequency and bandwidth. The effects of device geometry, type of coupling media, material selection and properties are investigated for the frequency response, and bandwidth using an analytical approach. A commercial design of experiment software, Minitab is utilized for sample runs for obtaining response curves. The design principles for CMUTs are given in detail for effective and quick design. The design guidelines illustrate that, the frequency response is a strong function of transducer geometry, material selection and coupling media.© 2011 ASME
Phase equilibria and physical properties

Abstract The average physical properties of multiphase aggregates, such as rocks, depend on the properties of the individual phases as well as the statistical spatial distribution of the phases, such as the relative concentrations, and the shape, orientation, and distribution of the grains of the individual phases. If the properties of the phases are similar, the aggregate properties depend mainly on volume averages of properties of the phases; this is the case for elastic properties of rocks. If the properties of the phases differ significantly, the geometric distribution of the phases becomes important; this is the case if a fluid phase is present, which may have a large effect on elastic and electrical properties. Laboratory measurements of properties of individual phases and aggregates, used with theoretical treatments of aggregate properties, permits the interpretation of seismic velocities, attenuation and electrical conductivity in the earth in terms of possible compositions, phases and distribution of phases, such as intergranular fluids.
Numerical simulations of free electron laser oscillators

Abstract A numerical simulation capability has been developed to model the physics and realistic design constraints of free electron laser oscillators driven by rf linear accelerators. Two computer codes have been written, FELEX and FELP. The code FELP is a one spatial dimension code with essentially unlimited time or spectral resolution. The codes are complementary and their use is dependent upon the problem being addressed. The code FELP is used to model optical and electron micropulse structure, broadband noise, and the sideband instability. The code FELEX models accelerator generated electron beam distributions, the transport of these distributions through wigglers with misalignments and field errors, self-consistent interaction with the optical field, and propagation of the optical field through resonators with realistically modelled components. FELEX is routinely used to match resonator designs to the optical parameters of the electron beam, and used to investigate the physics of 3-D micropulse effects. Some details of the codes will be presented along with various examples of simulation results.
Backwater areas as nursery habitats for fishes in pool 13 of the Upper Mississippi River

Samples of larval and juvenile fishes were collected at two depths weekly during spring and summer 1983 near the mouths of backwater areas in Pool 13 of the Upper Mississippi River. The study was conducted to determine the relative value of these habitats as nursery areas for fishes present and to note any interactions that might occur between the backwaters which are being rapidly lost to siltation, and the main channel. The larvae and juveniles collected represented 13 families divided into 27 lower taxa. Cyprinidae, Clupeidae, and Sciaenidae made up 90% of the total catch. Both larvae and juveniles were more abundant near the surface than near the bottom. Densities differed greatly among the three backwater areas studied. Larval fishes were grouped on the basis of their relative abundance in the backwaters or main channel. Overall, more larvae were captured in the backwaters than in main-channel habitats, indicating that backwaters were more productive. In the main channel, densities were greater downstream from the mouths of the backwaters than upstream-possibly indicating that (1) larval fish drifted out of the backwater areas, (2) water rich in nutrients or zooplankton that flowed into the main channel created productive downstream sites that were used as nursery areas, or (3) adult fishes selected downstream sites as spawning areas. Juvenile forms were more abundant in the backwater areas then in the main-channel habitats, some bottom-dwelling fishes excepted. The backwater areas were judged to be important nursery areas for larval and juvenile fishes, and seemed to benefit downstream main-channel sites. Any loss of these habitats would be detrimental to the Mississippi River as a whole.
Broad Molecular Weight Polypropylene Synthesis using Mixed Internal Donor Incorporated Magnesium Dichloride Supported Titanium Catalyst

Magnesium dichloride supported titanium tetrachloride catalyst with mixed internal donor, comprised of ethylbenzoate and sulfolane, were synthesized. The composition characteristics of catalysts indicate incorporation of sulfolane to max 8.2 wt%, in addition to ethylbenzoate. The amount of incorporated donors in solid catalyst is dependent on the sulfolane concentration and reaction temperature of the process. A physical characteristics study of catalyst indicated that morphology, crystallite size, surface area, pore volume and titanium distribution have not been influenced much by incorporation of the second internal donor (sulfolane). The catalysts, in combination with triethyl aluminum as cocatalyst and p-ethoxyethylbenzoate as external donor, show good activity for propylene polymerization. The polypropylene synthesized with an optimized catalyst system shows broad molecular weight distribution as compared to ethylbenzoate based catalyst.
Monitoring quality changes in stored frozen strawberries with time-temperature indicators

Abstract Commercially available time-temperature indicators were examined as quality change monitors for frozen strawberries during storage. Strawberries were stored under constant (−12, −18 and −35°C) and variable temperature treatments, and quality changes were evaluated at three-week intervals by sensory and chemical analysis methods. Indicator response was strongly correlated with firmness and ascorbic acid change in strawberries stored at −12°C.
Stringy evidence for D =11 structure in a strongly coupled type-IIA superstring

Witten proposed that the low energy physics of a strongly coupled {ital D}=10 type-IIA superstring may be described by {ital D}=11 supergravity. To explore the stringy aspects of the underlying theory we examine the stringy massive states. We propose a systematic formula for identifying nonperturbative states in {ital D}=10 type-IIA superstring theory, such that, together with the elementary excited string states, they form {ital D}=11 supersymmetric multiplets, in SO(10) representations. This provides hints for the construction of a conjectured weakly coupled {ital D}=11 theory that is dual to the strongly coupled {ital D}=10 type-IIA superstring.
Phase Corrected Three-dimensional Optical Assembly

We present a method to assembly colloidal particles into a three-dimensional structure utilizing the optical micromanipulation technique. Particles are first assembled into 2-D lattices with optical tweezers. A layer by layer approach is used to form the 3-D structure. The phase correction is applied to eliminate the diffraction from previously assembled layers. The preliminary experimental results for the optimization of the 3-D assembly are reported.
On the rotation of a moonlet embedded in planetary rings

Abstract We examine the rotation of a small moonlet embedded in planetary rings caused by impacts of ring particles, using analytic calculation and numerical orbital integration for the three-body problem. Taking into account the Rayleigh distribution of particles' orbital eccentricities and inclinations, we evaluate both systematic and random components of rotation, where the former arises from an average of a large number of small impacts and the latter is contribution from large impacts. Calculations for parameter values corresponding to inner parts of Saturn's rings show that a moonlet would spin slowly in the prograde direction if most impactors are small particles whose velocity dispersion is comparable to or smaller than the moonlet's escape velocity. However, we also find that the effect of the random component can be significant, if the velocity dispersion of particles is larger and/or impacts of large particles comparable to the moonlet's size are common: in this case, both prograde and retrograde rotations can be expected. In the case of a small moonlet embedded in planetary rings of equal-sized particles, we find that the systematic component dominates the moonlet rotation when m / M ≪ 0.1 (m and M are the mass of a particle and a moonlet, respectively), while the random component is dominant when m / M ≳ 0.3 . We derive the condition for the random component to dominate moonlet rotation on the basis of our results of three-body orbital integration, and confirm agreement with N-body simulation.
Learning complementarity and setup time reduction

This article studies the effects of transmission of learning in setups for the multi-item capacitated lot-sizing problem. This learning complementarity affects the scheduling of the products and the resulting model considers simultaneous decisions about lot-sizing and sequencing in a nonlinear formulation. Learning complementarity favors frequent setups and lower inventories and reaches the zero-inventory schedules even at low levels of learning. Through the use of an example the following three scenarios are examined: (i) no transmission of learning, (ii) partial transmission of learning, and (iii) complete transmission of learning. The schedules of the three scenarios are compared and the computational complexity of the nonlinear integer model considering lot-sizing and sequencing issues is discussed.
Denoising of x-ray imagery with spatially varying estimates of noise variance

We described a way to use a block-matching 3-D denoising algorithm to reduce noise in x-ray imagery. We first filtered an image multiple times using different estimates of the noise variance. From a simple estimate of the denoised image, we then estimated the noise variance at each pixel of the image. Using this approach, we obtained improved results when compared to using a single value of estimate for the noise variance. Even a small number of quantization levels of the estimates of the noise showed improved results.
Laser-Enhanced Ionization Spectrometry: Characterization of Electrical Interferences:

The electrical interferences associated with laser-enhanced ionization (LEI) spectrometry are characterized in this study. This was accomplished by comparison of LEI signal behavior in acetylene/air and hydrogen/air flames. A discussion of the relationship of the analytical signal and the total ion concentration in the flame is presented. The results of flame composition experiments are discussed as well as the role of matrix ions in determining signal strength. Experiments with modified sensing electrodes and higher applied voltages illustrate a partial remedy for electrical interferences.
Homogeneous hydrolysis rate constants—Part II: Additions, corrections and halogen effects

Neutral and alkaline rate constants were measured for 14 halogenated hydrocarbons, and new or revised rate constants were determined for hexachloroethane, trichloroethene, and 1,2-dichloroethane. These results include the effects of F or Br substitution for Cl in halogenated methanes, ethanes, and ethenes. The brominated ethanes and ethenes are more reactive than the corresponding chlorinated compounds, due to lower activation energies and higher activation entropies. Fluorine substitution increases the activation energy for some of the ethanes and greatly decreases reactivity for most of the compounds studied. However, fluorodichloromethane is about as reactive as chloroform. Complex reactions were observed in alkaline solutions of vinyl chloride and 1,2-dichlorotrifluoroethane.
The associations between smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and asthma severity in the general US population.

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and asthma severity among US adults. The magnitude of these associations was very strong. For example, those who visited an emergency room in the past year were 60% more likely than those who did not to smoke; those who used an inhaler ≥15 times in the past month (versus those who did not use an inhaler) were 90% more likely to be physically inactive; and those who had asthma symptoms all the time in the past 30 days (versus those with no symptoms) were 80% more likely to be obese.
A new property of the association matrices for EGD and hypercubic association schemes

Abstract The association matrices of the extended group divisible and the hypercubic association schemes are shown to be countersymmetric.
Recognition of Delirium on Pediatric Hospital Services

Objective Identify the frequency with which pediatric care teams recognize delirium in patients referred for psychiatric consultation, whether their diagnosis is substantiated by the involved consultant, and whether this diagnosis is documented in the discharge problem list. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on all inpatient children receiving consultation from the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry service between 2003 and 2011. Additionally, the problem lists of all inpatient pediatric discharges during that period were examined for the diagnosis of “delirium” or “encephalopathy.” Results Six of the 515 children referred to psychiatry for any reason were diagnosed with delirium by the pediatric team. The diagnosis was confirmed by psychiatry in all cases. An additional 47 cases of delirium were diagnosed by psychiatry in this same cohort, a condition never mentioned in the pediatric chart. Only 8 of the total 53 patients (15.1%) diagnosed with delirium by pediatrics and/or psychiatry had this condition listed in the discharge problem list. Overall, diagnoses of delirium or encephalopathy were included in only 89 of the total 64,046 problem lists for any pediatric discharge. Conclusions Delirium was not noted or mentioned in 88.7% of delirious patients referred for psychiatric consultation, potentially because it was never diagnosed by pediatrics. There is a low documentation rate of this condition on the discharge problem list, even in those children so diagnosed by pediatrics. These findings highlight the important role of the consultation psychiatrist as an educator as well as a diagnostician.
Policy responses to unauthorized or irregular workers

Managing migration is one of the key challenges facing nation states in a 21st century marked by closer connections and rising inequality between countries. In a world in which travel and tourism are becoming a major industry, and in which wages across borders can be 20 or 30 times higher, there are increasing incentives to cross national borders for employment. The industrial countries, which have about 12 percent of the world's labor force but 60 percent of the world's migrants, are struggling with the best ways to respond to rising numbers of irregular workers. Most responses are some combination of prevention, interior enforcement, and legalization: the challenge is how to include the fourth element, cooperation with migrant countries of origin.
Experimental and numerical investigation of double-diffusive convection induced by a discrete heat source

Abstract Various engineering systems, such as those associated with crystal growth techniques or solar ponds, may be characterized by double-diffusive behavior induced by discrete heat sources. Due to the relevance of such systems, the objective of this study is to investigate double-diffusive convection induced by bottom heating with a finite, heated strip placed beneath a salt-stratified layer. Attention is focused on the formation and growth of converting regions in the salt-stratified fluid. Experimental and numerical results reveal that development of convective conditions is characterized by an interaction between Rayleigh-Benard-type convection and longitudinal convective rolls formed by horizontal temperature gradients. Secondary flow is visualized and predicted to occur above the bottom convection cell. For relatively unstable combinations of the salt stratification and applied heat flux, a complicated interaction between chaotic, double-diffusive convection and a three-dimensional, gravity wave distribution are observed.
Herbert Spencer and scientism

Summary Scientism applies the ideas and methods of the natural sciences to the humanities and social sciences. Herbert Spencer applied the law of the conservation of energy to social questions and arrived at formula answers to the issues of the day. The kind of certitude that Spencer aimed for was possible only by ignoring a system of values. Much as he may have believed that he was above personal beliefs, there are values implicit in Spencer's theories and they are the values of the nineteenth-century British middle class. Reasoning by analogy is as valid in social theory as it is in the natural sciences. Spencer's error was in universally applying the idea of the conservation of energy to social systems by means of identity rather than by analogy. Scientists in Britain, where there was a self-assured scientific community, dismissed Spencer's theories as being unscientific, but he enjoyed a vogue in the United States.
Treatment of ostial lesions of the left anterior descending coronary artery with Palmaz-Schatz coronary stent.

We evaluated acute and long-term clinical and angiographic results of elective Palmaz-Schatz coronary stent implantation for left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ostial stenosis in 23 consecutive patients. Eight patients had stable angina, 14 had unstable angina, and 1 had recent myocardial infarction. Sixteen patients had single-vessel, 5 had double-vessel, and 2 had triple-vessel disease. Clinical success without major complications (death, acute myocardial infarction, emergency coronary artery bypass grafting) was obtained in all cases and technical success in 20 cases (86.9%). After stenting, minimal lumen diameter increased from 1.05 ± 0.45 mm to 2.89 ± 0.52 mm (p < 0.001), and percent diameter stenosis decreased from 65.49% ± 13.36% to 2.94% ± 19.93% (p < 0.001). One case of subacute thrombosis and no major bleeding occurred. Twenty patients were followed-up for 6 months, during which no acute cardiac event (death, acute myocardial infarction) was observed. Eighteen patients were eligible for follow-up coronary angiography; restenosis (≥50% diameter stenosis) was observed in 4 (22.2%). Minimal lumen diameter was 1.77 ± 0.55 mm, percent diameter stenosis was 39.66% ± 17.62%, late loss was 1.01 ± 0.69 mm, net gain was 0.79 ± 0.55 mm, and loss index (late loss/acute gain) was 0.53 ± 0.37. This study suggests that elective Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation may be a safe and successful treatment of LAD ostial lesions and provides a large increase in lumen diameter.
Die Schwefelsäureverbindungen des Kupferphthalocyanins

Aus einer gesattigten Losung von Cu-Phthalocyanin in konzentrierter Schwefelsaure scheiden sich beim Abkuhlen oder Verdunnen Kristalle der Zusammensetzung Cu-Pc. x H2SO4 (x=5−6) ab. Der Abbau dieser Kristalle zum α- bzw. γ-Cu-Phthalocyanin wird rontgenographisch an Einkristallen und Pulvern verfolgt. Crystals of the composition Cu-Pc · x H2O (x=5−6) were precipitated by cooling or diluting a saturated solution of Cu-Phthalocyanine in concentrated sulfuric acid. The decomposition of single crystals and powders of this compound was studied by means of X-ray methods.
An electrochemical and surface analytical study of stainless steels and titanium exposed to natural seawater

Abstract Samples of three stainless steels and titanium grade 2 were exposed to flowing seawater at Port Hueneme, California under natural and reduced light environments. A total of four sets of samples were exposed for times up to 120 days. Open-circuit potential ( E corr ) and electrochemical impedance data as a function of exposure time were used to monitor the electrochemical behavior of the four materials. Surface examination showed a gradual increase in coverage by the biofilm as a function of exposure time. A small increase of E corr was observed, independent of exposure conditions and similar in magnitude to that observed in an abiotic, synthetic salt solution. Impedance data remained capacitive over the entire test period. Capacitance values were similar in natural and synthetic seawater. Localized corrosion was not observed for any sample. Pitting scans in 3.5% NaCl, performed as a function of pH, showed that the pitting potential of 304 stainless steel (SS) reached a value of about 0 mV at pH = 2.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Heart Failure Etiology, Prognosis, and Management

Heart failure (HF) remains a major health care burden for the USA. Racial/ethnic groups in the USA are at increased risk for developing HF and incur higher rates of morbidity. Understanding the variations in the clinical syndrome of HF among different racial/ethnic groups is fundamental to addressing how to effectively treat these sub-groups. Despite evidence-based guideline-recommended medical and device therapy for HF, eligible patients from various racial/ethnic groups suffer disparities in receiving guideline-based HF therapy. The initiation of performance improvement programs has improved adherence to guideline-based therapy. The racial/ethnic differences that exist regarding the etiology and responses to medical therapy are fundamental to addressing ways to improve access to care, adherence, and overall survival in these at-risk groups. The review outlines racial/ethnic variations in the etiology, prognosis, and management with medical and device therapy for HF.
The glycosaminoglycan composition of the lung with acute and chronic pathology and in senescence.

Abstract The content and distribution of GAGs in the anatomic structures of pathological (pneumoconiosis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism) and senescent lungs have been measured. The total GAG content of the lung structures, except central bronchi is generally lower than normal in the pathological lungs. The GAG distribution in the pleura (DS predominant), central bronchi (C6S predominant), arteries, veins and ‘total lung’ is similar to the corresponding normal distribution. The other notable observations are: the concentration of HA in peripheral bronchi and alveoli is increased possibly in response to the high local concentration of coal dust; an age related GAG switch from DS in the arteries of the young to C6S in the arteries of the mature lung is confirmed; the arterial GAG content generally increases with age up to age 103 in the male; the arteries of a female smoker display the mature male pattern of GAG composition. The data suggest that gender, smoking and age, more than acute pathology, determine the GAG composition of the anatomic structures of the lung.
Lossless holographic spectrum splitter in lateral photovoltaic devices

A lossless holographic spectrum splitter is proposed for partitioning the solar spectrum into two segments in a two-cell lateral photovoltaic (PV) device. The holographic splitter is used to redirect the majority of high energy photons to a high band-gap PV cell. A low band-gap PV cell is positioned to collect any remaining high energy photons along with the low energy photons. The optimal spectral characteristics of the holographic spectrum splitter, implemented using two multiplexed volume phase gratings, and the optimal band-gap energies of the two lateral PV cells are simultaneously obtained through a detailed balance analysis. With arbitrary band-gap energies and a concentration of 100 suns, the overall efficiency of the proposed lateral PV cell architecture can reach as high as 45% under the AM 1.5 direct-plus-circumsolar spectrum.
Nucleosome Recognition by the Piccolo NuA4 Histone Acetyltransferase Complex

The mechanisms by which multisubunit histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes recognize and perform efficient acetylation on nucleosome substrates are largely unknown. Here, we use a variety of biochemical approaches and compare histone-based substrates of increasing complexity to determine the critical components of nucleosome recognition by the MOZ, Ybf2/Sas3, Sas2, Tip60 family HAT complex, Piccolo NuA4 (picNuA4). We find the histone tails to be dispensable for binding to both nucleosomes and free histones and that the H2A, H3, and H2B tails do not influence the ability of picNuA4 to tetra-acetylate the H4 tail within the nucleosome. Most notably, we discovered that the histone-fold domain (HFD) regions of histones, particularly residues 21-52 of H4, are critical for tight binding and efficient tail acetylation. Presented evidence suggests that picNuA4 recognizes the open surface of the nucleosome on which the HFD of H4 is located. This binding mechanism serves to direct substrate access to the tails of H4 and H2A and allows the enzyme to be "tethered", thereby increasing the effective concentration of the histone tail and permitting successive cycles of H4 tail acetylation.
Structure of crystal violet tetraphenylborate

The crystal structure of crystal violet tetraphenylborate has been determined. C25H30N3·C24H20B is orthorhombic, Pn21a, witha=9.497(6) A,b=16.474(5) A,c=25.894(9) A,V=4051 A3,Mr=691.77,Dcalc=1.13 g cm−3 forZ=4,F(000)=1480, finalR=0.045, andRw=0.044 for 1842 observed reflections [F0≥5σ(F0)]. The compound was crystallized from acetone. It was found to conduct poorly in either the crystalline state or as a pressed pellet although it serves well as a solution electrolyte.
Hormonal Changes Associated with Estrogen Induced Luteolysis in the Pregnant Hamster: A Reevaluation of the Luteotropic Complex

Hamsters were injected sc on Day 1 of pregnancy (sperm positive) with 50 micrograms estradiol cyclopentylpropionate (ECP) or peanut oil. On Day 5, serum progesterone (P4) was 10.6 ng/ml in controls vs 3.1 ng/ml after ECP. In the ECP group, serum prolactin (PRL) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) did not differ from controls but serum luteinizing hormone (LH) was significantly lower than that of the controls, and usually below the sensitivity of the radioimmunoassay (RIA). After ECP, structural signs of luteolysis (weight and histology) and absence of antral follicles characterized the ovary. Injection of an anti-LH serum on Day 4 halved serum P4 levels on Day 5 in control animals but caused no further lowering of P4 in ECP-treated hamsters. Treatment on Days 1-5 with 1.0 IU hCG or 10 micrograms LH plus ECP on Day 1 restored, by the afternoon of Day 5, serum P4 to the control range (9-10 ng/ml) and antral follicles were now present. The results indicate that a large dose of ECP causes luteolysis by reducing LH levels and reinforce the concept of a luteotropic complex in the hamster with PRL and FSH constituting the minimal components and LH serving as a synergist.
Pressurized injection of aqueous solutions into tree trunks

Abstract A more precise analysis of the factors limiting pressurized trunk injection using dye solutions, a growth retardant (daminozide, succinic acid 2,2dimethyl hydrazide) and a my cobacteriostatic agent (tetracycline) has been completed. This included methods of drilling injection ports, influence of port diameter, depth, and pressure system. Results of these investigations suggest that trunk injection of aqueous solutions is feasible in many angiospermous species. Injected solutions moved up and down the 1- and 2-year old xylem into major scaffold and secondary branches, into terminal bud tissues of elongating shoots and secondary and tertiary lateral roots. Depending upon species, injection rates varied from 200 to 1800 ml/min at 14.08 kg cm −2 through injection ports 0.63 cm in diameter and 5 cm deep. Inhibition of stem elongation in Prunus persica var. nectarina (Ait.) Maxim and Prunus persica L. ‘Johnson’ and ‘Loadel’ trees was obtained with 5 to 50 g daminozide/tree, using 0.5 to 5% solutions. Tetracycline-induced remission of “pear decline” was achieved with 100–800 mg dosages depending on tree size. Dormant-season injections were effective for controlling growth and/or pear decline.
Metal/Semiconductor interfacial reactions

Vapor phase deposition of thin metal films on semiconductors followed by annealing frequently leads to the nucleation and growth of one or more reaction products in the vicinity of the metal/ semiconductor interface. Often, these products are intermetallic compounds that may be distributed as precipitates in the interfacial region. The composition, size, shape, and areal density of these precipitates may be the major factors in determining the electrical properties of the interface. The semiconductors studied were GaAs, SiC, and semiconducting diamond, while the metals were principally the refractory metals, although several other metals were also investigated. The interfaces of representative samples were examined using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including selected area electron diffraction (SAD), and optical metallography. The electrical properties were evaluated by current-potential (I-V) and Hall effect measurements.
Electronic and magnetic phase transitions in (Sm0.65Sr0.35)MnO3 induced by temperature and magnetic field

Abstract Temperature (4.2–260 K) and magnetic field (0–50 kOe) dependencies of the DC electrical resistance, DC magnetization, and AC magnetic susceptibility of (Sm 0.65 Sr 0.35 )MnO 3 prepared from high purity components have been studied. (Sm 0.65 Sr 0.35 )MnO 3 undergoes a temperature-induced transition between low-temperature ferromagnetic metallic and high-temperature paramagnetic insulating-like states. A magnetic field strongly affects this transition resulting in a metallic state and “colossal” magnetoresistance in the vicinity of the metal↔insulator transition. Magnetic and electric properties of (Sm 0.65 Sr 0.35 )MnO 3 are different compared to those reported earlier for similar composition, which is attributable to the purity of the starting materials and/or different process of synthesis. The character of phase transformations observed in (Sm 0.65 Sr 0.35 )MnO 3 is compared to that reported for Gd 5 (Si x Ge 4− x ) intermetallic alloys with a true first order phase transition.
Critical Issues in Distance Education: A report from the United States

Distance education has grown rapidly in the United States in recent years. Both private‐ and public‐sector organizations have embraced the practice of reaching their clients, employees, and students at a distance via new technologies afforded them by the telecommunication and computer nexus. Distance education is grounded on technology, and its practice would be difficult, if not impossible, without it. However, reducing the idea to its technological foundations, and losing sight of its social science base has led to a conceptual confusion in the field. This article will illustrate the growth of distance education in the United States, describe the social science paradigm of distance education, demonstrate the empirical evidence of this paradigm, and analyze its ramifications for the field in general, as well as for students, educational organizations, and instructors.
Nitrogen Applications for Wheat Production across Tillage Systems in Alabama

Alabama wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) farmers are changing management practices, which include using higher N fertilizer rates and planting wheat with no-tillage or other conservation tillage systems to maximize yields. Experiments were conducted to (i) determine the level of tillage necessary to optimize wheat yields across different regions of Alabama and (ii) determine if N requirements change across tillage systems and regions in Alabama at four locations resulting in 9 site-year comparisons. Each experiment consisted of a split-plot design with tillage as the main plot and 12 N fertilizer treatments as subplots, replicated four times to compare Zadoks’ Growth Stage (GS)-30 tiller densities, tiller N concentrations, tiller biomass, GS-31 wheat biomass, biomass N concentration, wheat yields, and grain crude protein. Nitrogen treatments consisted of different rates across fall, GS-30, and GS-31 application times. Tillage systems had no effect on tiller density, tiller N concentration, or tiller biomass, but fall N increased tiller density 15% and tiller biomass 34% across Coastal Plain locations. Non-inversion tillage increased wheat yields 13% on Coastal Plain soils compared to conventional tillage. Fall N increased wheat yields 10%, and N applied at GS-30 improved yields 18% compared to delaying application until GS-31, indicating application of fall N and applying total N by GS-30 was imperative for successful wheat production on Coastal Plain soils. Neither tillage system nor N applications affected wheat production extensively across the Limestone Valley. Non-inversion tillage or no-tillage with current recommended N practices can be successfully used in Alabama wheat production.
Critical roles of inflammation and apoptosis in improved survival in a model of hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury in Pneumocystis murina-infected mice.

Pneumocystis infections increase host susceptibility to additional insults that would be tolerated in the absence of infection, such as hyperoxia. In an in vivo model using CD4-depleted mice, we previously demonstrated that Pneumocystis murina pneumonia causes significant mortality following an otherwise nonlethal hyperoxic insult. Infected mice demonstrated increased pulmonary inflammation and alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis compared to controls. To test the mechanisms underlying these observations, we examined expression of components of the Fas-Fas ligand pathway in P. murina-infected mice exposed to hyperoxia. Hyperoxia alone increased expression of Fas on the surface of type II alveolar epithelial cells; conversely, infection with P. murina led to increased lung expression of Fas ligand. We hypothesized that inhibition of inflammatory responses or direct inhibition of alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis would improve survival in P. murina-infected mice exposed to hyperoxia. Mice were depleted of CD4+ T cells and infected with P. murina and then were exposed to >95% oxygen for 4 days, followed by return to normoxia. Experimental groups received vehicle, dexamethasone, or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Compared with the vehicle-treated group, treatment with dexamethasone reduced Fas ligand expression and significantly improved survival. Similarly, treatment with GM-CSF, an agent we have shown protects alveolar epithelial cells against apoptosis, decreased Fas ligand expression and also improved survival. Our results suggest that the dual stresses of P. murina infection and hyperoxia induce lung injury via activation of the Fas-Fas ligand pathway and that corticosteroids and GM-CSF reduce mortality in P. murina-infected mice exposed to hyperoxic stress by inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis.
Comparison of Diet Among Reintroduced and Wild Juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) and Adult Female Ouachita Map Turtles (Graptemys ouachitensis)

Abstract Reintroductions are increasingly utilized in conservation, but the experiences and environments to which animals are exposed prior to release can significantly impact the success of such efforts. We investigated differences in the diet of reintroduced juvenile alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) relative to juveniles from a wild population. In addition, we compared the diet of adult female Ouachita map turtles (Graptemys ouachitensis) to reintroduced M. temminckii with whom co-occurrence was recently reestablished and wild juvenile M. temminckii in a river system where the species have enjoyed long-term sympatry. There were differences in diversity and richness of the diet of M. temminckii at the two study sites that could be due to dissimilarity in foraging experience. There was greater overlap in diet of M. temminckii and G. ouachitensis at the site of reintroduction than at the site of long-term sympatry that corresponded to variation in composition of diet. Such a difference c...
Mechanism of inhibition of calcium uptake into sarcoplasmic reticulum by notexin, a neurotoxic and myotoxic polypeptide.

Notexin belongs to a class of snake venom neurotoxins and myotoxins that have phospholipase A2 activity. Previous studies have shown that these toxins affect target cells differently from phospholipases that are not neurotoxic or myotoxic. Notexin inhibited the Ca2+ uptake into fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum from rabbit skeletal muscle, but it did not cause an efflux of previously accumulated Ca2+ or inhibit the Ca2+–ATPase activity. It is suggested that notexin specifically binds to and decreases the conductance for Ca2+ of the Ca2+ pump and/or the conductance of a channel for an ion that facilitates Ca2+ transport. The K+ ionophore valinomycin reversed the notexin-induced inhibition of Ca2+ uptake into sarcoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that the molecular target of notexin could be a K+ channel. Two types of reconstitution experiments make it unlikely that notexin acts by degrading a minor lipid that is resistant to hydrolysis by nontoxic phospholipases A2. Notexininactivated sarcoplasmic reticulum v...
Two Potential Uses of Excess Capacity in the Milking Parlor

Abstract Milking parlors are a large and often underutilized investment on most dairy farms. Two viable options for increasing usage of the milking parlor are switching to three times daily milking or increasing the number of cows milked twice daily. A basic scenario was developed from data collected on New York dairy farms in 1992. To determine the economic impact of the two alternatives on the base farm, prepared statements of income and cash flow are reviewed. Net farm income and cash flow increase with the adoption of either alternative. Net cash flow increases more rapidly with the move to three times daily milking and does not require new debt. Expansion of the herd milked twice daily results in a larger increase in net farm income. Fluctuations in milk price, milk production, feed costs, and interest rate have a greater impact on net farm income and cash flow for the herd expansion option.
Unleashing Unstructured Data's Value for Enterprise IT Asset Management

Within the enterprise, domain-specific knowledge is often recorded by IT processes or employees in the form of noisy, unstructured data. The question then arises on how to gain actionable insight from the volumes of un-structured data in order to improve the bottom line in an effective and timely manner. In this paper we propose a method on how to approach the issue within the realm of software license management (SLM). After providing some background materials in the early sections, we will describe the processes, business logic, and data model-ing components of our Ontology based solution. The first technical section ("CMDB as Semantic model and Se-mantic Reconciliation Framework") defines the CMDB information hierarchy needed to support various domain relationships that ultimately reconcile the semantic in-formation models. The following section describes how to identify and extract valid software product licenses and conditions of use from the noisy, unstructured pur-chase order data housed in legacy procurement sources. The subsequent section annotates and reconciles the unstructured data using semantic models with temporal contexts and a robust semantic reconciliation mediator. Following that we describe the application and use cas-es. Finally, we will present our observations and make recommendations gleaned from our experience and fu-ture development efforts.
Temperature effect on fractal structure of silica aggregates

Abstract Light scattering and transmission electron microscopy measurements are reported for aggregation of silica particles in suspension at high temperatures (50° and 80°C). Fractal dimensions df of 1.79–1.85 were determined using a variety of experimental procedures and data treatment methods. The values are smaller than df ∼ 2 for silica clusters formed at room temperatures. An aggregation mechanism for the silica aggregates with more open structures is presented.
The present and future role of peanuts in meeting the world’s need for food

Peanuts have a potential for supplying a significant portion of the world’s needs for edible vegetable oils and the protein portion of human diets. Africa, India and Mainland China account for ca. 75% of the world’s production. In these countries yields are low, markets are not well developed, and most of the crop is crushed for oil with the cake being used as animal feed or fertilizer. Government programs to encourage production by price supports, research and education have been sporadic. Peanuts are likely to fall further behind soybeans and sunflower seed as sources of edible vegetable oils and dietary protein.
Thermal Fatigue of Cast and Hot-Pressed Lead-Antimony-Silver-Tellurium (LAST) Thermoelectric Materials

Lead-antimony-silver-tellurium (LAST) thermoelectric materials are candidates for waste-heat recovery applications. However, rapid heating and cooling (thermal shock) imposes thermomechanical stresses that can cause microcracking. Waste-heat recovery applications involve thermal fatigue, in which a series of hundreds or thousands of individual thermal shock events can lead to accumulation of microcrack damage in brittle thermoelectrics such as LAST. Microcracking in turn leads to a decrease in transport properties, such as electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties, including elastic modulus and strength. Thus, microcracking can affect both thermoelectric performance and mechanical integrity. In this study, LAST specimens were rapidly cooled (quenched) into a fluid (water or silicone oil) in order to compare the results with the vast majority of thermal shock studies of brittle materials that are quenched in a similar manner. Decreases in elastic modulus, E, with accumulating microcrack damage were measured using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS). The evolution of thermal fatigue damage observed in this study is also described well by an equation that successfully describes thermal fatigue damage in a variety of brittle materials.
The cold-sensitive period for frizzled in the development of wing hair polarity ends prior to the start of hair morphogenesis

The function of the frizzled (fz) gene is essential for the development of the normal pattern of hairs on the Drosophila wing. In the absence of fz function hairs develop, but they display an abnormal polarity. Mutations in fz result in an altered subcellular location for the assembly of the F-actin filled prehair that becomes the adult cuticular hair. This observation led to the suggestion that fz and other tissue polarity genes form a regulatory pathway that controls the initiation of prehairs. We have isolated a cold-sensitive fz allele and found that the cold-sensitive period for fz in the pupal wing starts in the early pupae and ends prior to the first sign of prehair morphogenesis. This cold-sensitive mutation is due to a missense mutation in a putative transmembrane domain. Western blot analysis shows that the accumulation of the mutant protein is not cold sensitive, consistent with the supposition that it is the activity of the mutant protein that is cold sensitive. Our data argue that fz has a regulatory function in specifying where the prehair forms, but no role in the actual morphogenesis of the prehair.