cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-2 for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Notwithstanding the significant impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated morbidity and mortality, HAART-induced immune restitution is not complete. The potential utility of interleukin (IL)-2 to augment immune function has been extensively evaluated. Intravenous or subcutaneous IL-2 has been conclusively shown to induce significant increases in CD4 cell counts in HIV-infected patients, in particular when given concomitantly with HAART. Large randomized clinical trials are underway to investigate whether these CD4 cell increments will result in tangible clinical benefits.
Behavioral thermoregulation at high environmental temperatures: The intra-session pattern of cooling and resting

Rats exposed to a hot environment are trained to cool themselves by pressing a lever for a blast of cold air. All Ss exhibit an intrasession pattern of behavior consisting of alternating periods of cooling and resting. Ss are trained in one of two cooling situations in an effort to examine whether this pattern represents an artifact or an actual thermoregulatory phenomenon.
An autonomous vehicle for space exploration

The goal of this project was to implement a mechanical hardware system capable of autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance within any environment. The vehicle is capable of crossing relatively rough terrain while maintaining the main housing box level using an articulation arm which allows each set of left and right wheels to pivot independently around the central compartment. In order to survive in remote environments, the vehicle also has low power consumption. The vehicle also has the option of being remotely controlled for additional testing purposes.
Characterization of Thin-Film Negative Resist via Photo-FT-IR

Negative thin-film photoresists are used extensively in the circuitization of metalized substrates. Frequently questions regarding resist performance and reproducibility arise which require extensive functional evaluation. The analysis of the exposure (intensity, dose, and wavelength) and temperature effects typically requires the incremental analysis of a large matrix of samples. Photoreactions occurring in these resists can be conveniently monitored by FT-IR and correlated with functional performance. We have developed hardware and software accessories for an FT-IR spectrometer which allows spectroscopic analysis of photoresists during exposure to UV light. The utility of the Photo-FT-IR is demonstrated by a report of the photoresponse of two typical negative photoresists as a function of intensity and wavelength. We also report on the thermal stability of these two resist systems.
Weak Brønsted acid-thiourea co-catalysis: enantioselective, catalytic protio-Pictet-Spengler reactions.

The development of one-pot imine formation and asymmetric Pictet−Spengler reactions cocatalyzed by a chiral thiourea and benzoic acid is described. Optically active tetrahydro-β-carbolines, ubiquitous structural motifs in biologically active natural products, are obtained in high ee directly from tryptamine and aldehyde precursors.
The distance-to-bifurcation problem in non-negative dynamical systems with kinetic realizations

Consider a dynamical system ẋ = f(x, k 0 ) whose vector field is parameterized by real parameters k 0 . The distance-to-bifurcation problem seeks the smallest parameter variation γ = |k - k 0 | that results in a bifurcation of the original system's phase portrait. Prior work on this problem used numerical methods to search for the minimum γ, but these methods were computationally demanding and only guaranteed locally optimal solutions. This paper recasts the minimum distance-to-bifurcation problem as a sum-of-squares (SOS) relaxation for non-negative dynamical systems that have kinetic realizations. The class of systems with kinetic realizations is large enough to characterize a wide range of real world applications and the use of such realizations allows one to find explicit parameterizations of the system Jacobian as a rational function of system parameters. This parameterization of the Jacobian was originally proposed for chemical reaction networks and its value is that it greatly simplifies the distance-to-bifurcation problem by removing the need to keep the system's equilibria as decision variables in the distance-to-bifurcation problem. The proposed approach is illustrated on an food web in aquatic eco-systems. The example demonstrates that our approach is able to identify how a coordinated set of parameter variations may result in a smaller distance-to-bifurcation than predicted by competing computational tools.
Stress Intensity Factors for Cracked Steel Girders Strengthened with CFRP Sheets

AbstractThis paper presents the fracture characteristics of cracked wide-flange steel girders (W18–W40, W460–W1000 in metric) strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. A broad range of parameters are considered to study their effects on the crack-tip stress intensity of the girders: flange-to-web area ratios, crack depth-to-height ratios, CFRP-to-steel area ratios, CFRP-to-steel modular ratios, and CFRP-bond widths. A three-dimensional finite-element approach is proposed and validated with a previously conducted experimental program. A total of 1,240 models, i.e., 40 unstrengthened and 1,200 strengthened girders, are used to evaluate the crack-tip behavior of the W-shape girders. The response surface-regression analysis procedures (RSREGs) are used to develop correction factors for the stress intensity of the girders. Stochastic simulations are conducted to probabilistically understand the vulnerability of the cracked girders and evaluate the efficacy of CFRP strengthening in terms ...
Insights into metastable defects in semi-insulating GaAs from electronic Raman studies on nonequilibrium holes.

We have analyzed the metastable defects in undoped semi-insulating GaAs from a new perspective, that of the electronic Raman scattering of holes generated on the compensated, residual shallow acceptors by cw neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser radiation. The scattering results, when correlated with the several photoquenching phenomena, provide information on (i) the charge state of $\mathrm{EL}2$ defects before they undergo the transition from a normal to a metastable state, and (ii) the relationship between ${\mathrm{As}}_{\mathrm{Ga}}$ compensating centers and metastable $\mathrm{EL}2$ defects.
High ceruloplasmin levels in rats without high lipoprotein oxidation rates

The serum copper protein ceruloplasmin, though sometimes considered an antioxidant, can promote lipoprotein oxidation in vitro under certain conditions. However, an inflammation-induced, two week elevation of rat serum ceruloplasmin levels did not render low plus very low density lipoproteins more prone to oxidation in vitro. Thus, high ceruloplasmin levels in vivo are not necessarily associated with high lipoprotein oxidation rates.
National “versus” global red lists of imperiled fishes: why the discord?

Countries develop “Red Lists” of their endangered freshwater fish species. At the same time, international bodies such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognize fishes threatened at a global scale. A comparison between red listed fish species in 12 countries with their IUCN ranks showed that many of the species that appear on country lists are not recognized similarly by IUCN, and vice versa. Disagreement arises as a result of missing assessments, misapplication of data or protocols, focus on local vs. global status, emphasis on subspecies vs. species, acceptance of simple rarity as a metric of imperilment for marginal populations, failure or inability of countries to follow IUCN protocols, lack of communication, disagreement on the status of species, and legal wrangling, among others. Regardless, disagreement can be used to justify delaying action to protect species and undermines the credibility of those engaged in preservation efforts. These problems could be diminished via greater communication and respect between national and international entities, active conflict resolution, and creation of an IUCN category that recognizes species protected by national legislation via a “TH(N) (Nationally Threatened)” rank, regardless of adherence to IUCN protocols.
Tribology and Hardness of Excimer-Laser-Processed Titanium Layers on Cubic Zirconia

We have examined the wear and friction and surface hardness of excimer-laser-processed Ti layers on cubic zirconia substrates. The film exhibits a complex array of cracking following processing that is related to the crystallographic orientation of the substrate. The friction between the laser-processed layers and both steel and ruby pins is reduced by approximately one-third relative to that of untreated zirconia. In the untreated case, wear is characterized by pin wear and debris, whereas the laser-processed layer wears by film transfer to the pin. The surface hardness of the processed layer is lower than that of both the untreated zirconia and the deposited Ti film. Indentation tests indicate that the surface is brittle following processing.
The cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase activity in mucous and serous cells of the salivary gland.

The present study was undertaken to localize adenylate cyclase activity in salivary glands by cytochemical means. For the study, serous parotid glands and mixed sublingual glands of the rat were used. Pieces of the fixed glands were incubated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or adenylyl-imidodi-phosphate (AMP-PNP) as substrate: inorganic pyrophosphate or PNP liberated upon the action of adenylate cyclase on the substrates is precipitated by lead ions at their sites of production. In both glands, the reaction product was detected along the myoepithelial cell membranes in contact with secretory cells, indicating that a high level of adenylate cyclase activity occurs in association with these cell membranes. The association with a high level of the enzyme activity might be related to the contractile nature of myoepithelial cells which are supposed to aid secretory cells in discharging secretion products. A high level of adenylate cyclase activity was also detected associated with serous secretory cells (acinar cells of the parotid gland and demilune cells of the sublingual gland), but not with mucous secretory cells. In serous cells, deposits of reaction product were localized along the extracellular space of the apical cell membrane bordering the lumen. This is the portion of the cell membrane which fuses with the granule membranes during secretion. Since the granule membranes are not associated with a detectable level of adenylate cyclase activity, it appears that the enzyme activity becomes activated or associated with the granule membranes as they become part of the cell membrane by fusion. The association with a high level of adenylate cyclase activity appears to be related to the ability of the membrane to fuse with other membranes. It is likely, since the luminal membrane of mucous cells which does not fuse with mucous granule membranes during secretion is not associated with a detectable enzyme activity.
An evaluation of the Tripartite Influence Model of body dissatisfaction and eating disturbance with adolescent girls

The Tripartite Influence Model of body image and eating disturbance proposes that three formative influences (peer, parents, and media) affect body image and eating problems through two mediational mechanisms: internalization of the thin-ideal and appearance comparison processes. The current study evaluated this model in a sample of 325 sixth through eighth grade girls. Simple path analyses indicated that internalization and comparison fully mediated the relationship between parental influence and body dissatisfaction and partially mediated the relationship between peer influence and body dissatisfaction. Additionally, internalization and comparison partially mediated the relationship between media influence and body dissatisfaction. Six a priori SEM models based on the full Tripartite Influence Model were also evaluated. A resulting model was found to be an adequate fit to the data, supporting the viability of the Tripartite Model as a useful framework for understanding processes that may predispose young women to develop body image disturbances and eating dysfunction.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Tube Placement in Patients with Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD)

Introduction: Inadequate nutritional support after LVAD placement is known to increase postoperative infections and to decrease survival. LVAD patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation and complicated postoperative recovery requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation may require long-term tube feedings. Placement of a PEG requires knowledge of the location of the LVAD pocket and driveline to avoid device infection and injury. Methods: Between August 2008 and December 2011, 39 patients underwent HeartMate II LVAD placement in our institution. Among them, 5 patients underwent PEG tube placement for long-term nutritional support. Procedure management consisted of cessation of anticoagulation and correction of abnormal coagulation; a cardiothoracic surgeon or intensivist in the operating room to communicate with the surgeon who performed the PEG procedure; and VAD coordinator or perfusionist in the operating room to assist in monitoring the VAD. Data were retrospectively analyzed to investigate complications related to the PEG placement. Results: The studied patients consisted of 3 males and 2 females with mean age of 58 +/﹣5.0. The interval of LVAD to PEG placement was a mean 21 +/﹣8.8 days. PEG was successfully performed in the operating room in all patients. There were no LVAD device or driveline injuries related to the PEG procedure. There were no postoperative short-term or long-term PEG related complications such as acute gastric bleeding or dislodgement of the PEG tube. Conclusions: PEG placement for HeartMate II LVAD patients can be done without increasing the risk of device or intraabdominal organ injury with carefully coordinated efforts from both the mechanical support team and surgical services.
One-dimensional electromagnetic bandgap for directivity enhancement of waveguide antennas

A deformed 1D electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) is constructed by finite dielectric discs staked in front of the antenna. The dielectric discs of quarter-dielectric-wavelength thickness separated by a quarter wavelength and placed a half wavelength from the flanged waveguide aperture are studied. Such an arrangement enhances the antenna directivity. The effect of different parameters on the antenna directivity is investigated when one finite disc is considered. Two dielectric discs are also studied and show that the directivity increases further as the number of discs increases. The analysis is carried out numerically using a method of moments (MoM) code for bodies of revolution. Two antennas are build to verify the effect of the dielectric disc on the antenna directivity. It is found that this concept is valid regardless of the aperture shape. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 47: 430–434, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21192
The pituitary stalk effect: is it a passing phenomenon?

Most patients with large pituitary tumors do not exhibit hyperprolactinemia as a result of pituitary lactotroph disinhibition (stalk effect). Studies have demonstrated that increased intrasellar pressure is associated with both “stalk effect” hyperprolactinemia and pituitary insufficiency. Our primary hypothesis was that, despite continued disinhibition, lactotroph failure is responsible for normoprolactinemia in patients with large macroadenomas. As a corollary, we proposed that the hyperprolactinemia phase, which presumably would precede the insufficiency/normoprolactinemic state, would more likely be discovered in premenopausal females and go unnoticed in males. Prospective, consecutive surgical series of 98 patients of clinically nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. Lactotroph insufficiency was inferred by the coexistence of insufficiency in another pituitary axis. The existence of pre-operative lactotroph disinhibition was inferred based on comparison of pre- versus post-operative prolactin levels. 87 % of patients with tumor size >20 mm and normoprolactinemia had pituitary insufficiency. Pre-operative prolactin in patients with pituitary insufficiency were lower than those with intact pituitary function. Prolactin levels dropped in nearly all patients, including patients with normoprolactinemia pre-operatively. Premenopausal women had smaller tumors and higher pre-operative prolactin levels compared to males. No premenopausal female exhibited evidence of pituitary insufficiency. Our study provides suggestive evidence that the “stalk effect” pathophysiology is the norm rather than the exception, and that the finding of normoprolactinemia in a patient with a large macroadenoma is likely a consequence of lactotroph insufficiency. In males, the hyperprolactinemia window is more likely to be missed clinically due to an absence of prolactin-related symptoms.
Timing and dosage of postoperative radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract

Seventy patients who received postoperative irradiation (PI) after curative surgery for stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract were studied retrospectively to compare the rate of local and regional recurrence (LRR) and the effect of total dose on LRR rate in patients irradiated timely (n = 40) with those who were not (n = 30). Overall, the LRR rate was higher when PI was delayed than when timely (37% vs 20%). No advantage resulted from increasing total dose when PI was delayed; the LRR rate in the primary site and upper neck was 18% with less than 60 Gy and was 26% with 60 Gy or more; the LRR rate in the lower neck was 13% with 50 Gy or less and was 14% with more than 50 Gy. These data seem to corroborate the findings of other investigators regarding the importance of initiating timely PI, but not the observation that a pronounced delay is not detrimental provided higher tumoricidal doses are used.
Evolution of the optical properties of seawater influenced by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico

The fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) technique coupled with parallel factor (PARAFAC) modeling and measurements of bulk organic carbon and other optical properties were used to characterize the oil components released from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and to examine the chemical evolution and transformation of oil in the water column. Seawater samples were collected from the Gulf of Mexico during October 2010 and October 2011, three months and fifteen months, respectively, after the oil spill was stopped. Together with previous results from samples collected during the oil spill in May/June 2010, these time series samples allow us to elucidate changes in the optical properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the time of maximum oil impact to its recovery, 15 months after the spill. Although the oil had profoundly altered the optical properties of the DOM in the entire water column during the oil spill, naturally occurring DOM became predominant in surface waters by October 2010, three months after the spill. Anomalous DOM with high optical yields, however, still resided in deep waters even 15 months after the oil spill in October 2011, showing a persistent influence of the oil in deep waters. Based on fluorescence EEM data and PARAFAC modeling, three oil components and one natural humic-like DOM could be readily identified. The most prominent oil component had its maximum fluorescence intensity at Ex/Em 224/328 nm, and the other two centered on Ex/Em 264/324 and 232/346 nm, respectively. The humic-like DOM component had its wide emission peak from 390 to 460 nm over the excitation wavelength at ∼248 nm. We hypothesized that component-2 (264/324 nm) was mostly derived from photochemical degradation and the component-3 (232/346 nm) could be a degradation product from both microbial and photochemical degradation, although both C2 and C3 are subject to degradation at different rates. The oil component ratios, such as C2/C1 and C3/C1, were closely related to degradation states of oil and can be used as a sensitive index to track the fate, transport and transformation of oil in the water column.
Marketing in an Information-Intensive Environment: Strategic Implications of Knowledge as an Asset:

The author presents a framework for thinking about the impact of information and information technology on marketing. The focus is on the concept of “information” or “knowledge” as both an asset to...
Enzymatic sulfation of steroids III. The sulfation of corticosterone by the glucocorticoid sulfotranferases of rat liver cytosol

Abstract A radioisotopic assay for the cytoplasmic corticosterone sulfotransferase activity of rat liver was developed. The steroid inhibits the enzyme reaction. For reliable results, a complex assay method, using three different corticosterone concentrations, each studied with several different amounts of enzyme, was necessary. This ‘mosaic’ assay compensates for observed biological, gonadal and seasonal enzyme fluctuations. Cytosols from female rats contain 6–9-times the enzyme activity found in males. The sulfation product with both sexes is corticosterone-21-sulfate. The effects of castration and of androgen administration on hepatic cortisol and corticosterone sulfation were compared in female rats. Ovariectomy resulted in 20–32% and 25–35% decreases of hepatic corticosterone and cortisol sulfotransferase activity, respectively. Androgen administration caused 37–55% and 40–60% decreases of sulfation of the twoo steroids. The data suggest the equivalence of hepatic cortisol and corticosterone sulfotransferases. Fractionation of cytosols from female rats, on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 columns, resolved three peaks of corticosterone sulfotransferase activity which eluted concurrently with the hepatic cortisol sulfotransferase I, II and III. They appear to be the same enzymes. Cytosol from males contained cortisosterone sulfotransferase activity due to mostly to sulfotransferase III. Sulfotransferases I and II appear to have higher turnover numbers for hepatic cortisol than for corticosterone. The reverse is true for sulfotransferase III.
Trending Tech Services: Rethinking the Tech in Tech Services: Programming as a Curriculum Integrated Element of Knowledge Organization Disciplines and the Impact on Student Learning, Literacy, and Professional Preparedness

The growing ubiquity of computer science and information technology across K–12, undergraduate, and graduate education is an example of the even more intensive transformation of professional graduate-level disciplines in which students and professionals alike are increasingly expected to possess not only IT skills but also foundational understandings of complex data models and their use in computationally intensive environments. In this article the author explores the learning of computer science concepts through the lens of knowledge organization disciplines by measuring student use of programming techniques in a curriculum integrated assignment. The author begins with a literature review of techniques that are used to integrate computer science programming content into curricula and explores specifically how these models apply in knowledge organization and information science disciplines. An analysis of 59 assignments that served as the capstone integrated work in an information organization course is p...
Solid-State NMR Spectra and Long, Intra-Dimer Bonding in the π-[TTF]22+(TTF = Tetrathiafulvalene) Dication

The (13)C chemical-shift tensor principal values for TTF and pi-[TTF](2)(2+) (TTF = tetrathiafulvalene) dimer dications have been measured in order to better understand the electronic structure and long intradimer bonding of these TTF-based dimer structures. The structure of pi-[TTF](2)(2+) is abnormal due to its two C-C and four S-S ca. 3.4 A intradimer separations, which is less than the sum of the sulfur van der Waals radii, and has a singlet (1)A(1g) electronic ground state. This study of TTF and [TTF](2)(2+) was conducted to determine how the NMR chemical-shift tensor principal values change as a function of electronic structure. This study also establishes a better understanding of the interactions that lead to spin-pairing of the monomeric radical units. The density functional theory (DFT) calculated nuclear shielding tensors are correlated with the experimentally determined principal chemical-shift values. The embedded ion method (EIM) was used to investigate the electrostatic lattice potential in [TTF](2)(2+). These theoretical methods provide information on the tensor magnitudes and orientations of their tensor principal values with respect to the molecular frame. The experimental chemical-shift principal values agree with the calculated quantum mechanical chemical-shielding principal values, within typical errors commonly seen for this class of molecular system. Relatively weak Wiberg bond orders between the two [TTF](+) components of the dimer dication correlate with the long bonds linking the two [TTF](+) monomers and substantiate the claim that there is weak multicenter bonding present.
Generality of a strength model for three conditions of repeated recall

Abstract A Markovian model of repeated recall is presented that is based on four memory processes: (a) a presentation increment that strengthens the memory trace of a word when the word is shown to a subject, (b) a recall increment that strengthens the trace when the subject successfully recalls the word, (c) a cueing decrement that weakens the trace as contextual cues for retrieving a word change over successive trials of attempted recall, and (d) a sampling rule that translates the strength of a memory trace into a probability of recall. Mathematically, the model predicts the relative frequencies of the recall patterns that are defined by sequences of recalls and forgets for individual words over trials. According to the model, the recallability of a word depends on its state, which is a function of (a) whether the word has been recalled for the first time, and if so, then (b) how many consecutive forgets of the word immediately precede the current trial, (c) how many successful recalls of the word have accumulated, and (d) how many previous trials of attempted recall have elapsed. Paradigms that were well described by the model were (a) no reminding, in which words were presented once and then recalled repeatedly without additional presentations; (b) restricted reminding, in which words were presented before each trial of attempted recall up to their first successful recall but not thereafter; and (c) complete reminding, in which all words were presented befor each attempted recall, whether previously recalled or not. Differences in recall among these conditions were explained in terms of differences in values of the model's parameters.
Social Processes in Disaster: Family Evacuation

Family responses to disaster warnings were studied through an analysis of interviews conducted with a random sample of 278 families who were suddenly evacuated from their homes prior to a major flood in Denver, Colorado, June 16, 1965. Using a symbolic interactionist perspective, analysis of the data revealed a series of interrelated but qualitatively distinct processes through which warning, confirmation, and evacuation occurred. Evacuation behavior followed four general patterns: 1) evacuation by default, 2) evacuation by invitation, 3) evacuation by compromise, and 4) evacuation by decision.
Effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and glucocorticoids on the growth of rat and mouse osteoblast-like bone cells

The effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and its interaction with glucocorticoids to regulate bone cell growth were studied in osteoblast-like (OB) cell cultures. Owing to our earlier findings that species difference and cell density at the time of treatment modified hormonal responses, comparisons were made between rat and mouse cells and sparse and dense cultures. 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited cell proliferation in both species regardless of cell density. The magnitude of inhibition was larger in mouse cells, but the sensitivity to 1,25(OH)2D3 was the same for both species. Other metabolites, 25(OH)D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3, were >100-fold less potent than 1,25(OH)2D3 even in serum-free medium, which is similar to their ratio of affinity for the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor. Dexamethasone, as previously shown, inhibited sparse and dense mouse cell cultures and sparse rat cell cultures while stimulating dense rat cell cultures to grow. The inhibitory actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 were not additive to the inhibitory dexamethasone effects. However, 1,25(OH)2D3 addition resulted in attenuation of the stimulatory effect of dexamethasone. These responses to 1,25(OH)2D3 and dexamethasone were dependent on cell density and not selective attachment of certain cell types at either plating density. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that 1,25(OH)2D3 exerts an inhibiting action on both mouse and rat bone cell proliferation. This effect must be reconciled with thein vivo beneficial actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 on bone metabolism. Also, the likelihood of decreased cell number must be considered when biochemical activities are assessed after vitamin D treatmentin vitro.
Ultrafast Electron Transfer between Conjugated Polymer and Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide (ATO) Nanoparticles

Nanocomposites of conjugated polymers and wide band gap metal oxide semiconductors have received intense interests in recent years because of their potential application in solar cells. Photoinduced charge separation and recombination in conjugated poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-(phenylene vinylene)] (MEH-PPV) sensitized Sb:SnO2 (ATO) nanocrystalline thin films were investigated by ultrafast transient IR spectroscopy. For ATO films with 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% Sb dopants, the rates of electron injection from MEH-PPV to ATO were similar (ranging from 0.77 to 0.46 ps), while the rates of the charge recombination increased at higher doping levels. The effects of the doping level on the injection and the recombination rates were discussed.
Testis steroid sulfatase activity in rats treated with chorionic gonadotrophin.

Steroid 3β-sulfatase activity was assayed in rat testes after the in vivo injection of HCG (100 U/day) or with saline after 3 and 10 days. HCG was tested with hypophysectomized rats compared with sham operated controls but no differences in steroid sulfatase activities were observed. Steroid 17β-sulfate was not cleaved significantly by the testicular enzyme and HCG treatment was not effective in activating the enzyme with 17β-estradiol-17β-sulfate and testosterone sulfate as substrates. The cleavage of pregnenolone-3β-sulfate was observed to follow a biphasic response to HCG administration, with a decrease in cleavage activity after 3 days followed by a restoration of cleavage activity after 10 days of HCG treatment. From the small magnitude of enzyme response, it is apparent that testicular steroid 3β-sulfatase is not a primary locus of gonadotrophin control. Steroid sulfate contribution to the regulation of testicular steroid hormone formation is considered in terms of secretion and local product feed-b...
Renaturation of DNA in the presence of ethidium bromide.

The rate of renaturation of T2 DNA has been studied as a fuction of ethidium bound per nucleotide of denatured DNA. The Binding constants and number of binding sites for ethidium have been determined by spectral titration for denatured DNA at 55, 65, and 75°C and for native DNA at 65°C in 0.4M Na+. The rate of renaturation of T2 DNA was found to be independentof ethidium binding up to 0.03 moles per mole of nucleotide. Above 0.03 moles, the rate drops off precipitously approaching zero at 0.08 and 0.06 moles bound ethidium per nucleotide at 65°C respectively. A study was also made of the use of bound ethidium fluorescence as a probe for monitoring DNA renaturation reactions.
Whole-System Integration and Modeling Essential to Agricultural Science and Technology for the 21st Century

Abstract In the 21st century, agricultural research has more difficult and complex problems to solve. The continued increase in population in the developing countries requires continued increases in agricultural production. However, the increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and water required for the new higher yielding crop varieties has been causing environmental problems. Excessive leaching and runoff of agricultural chemicals are seriously affecting the quality of both the groundwater and surface waters. Increase in soil salinity, decline in soil organic matter, and increase in soil erosion remain the major problems in intensively farmed areas. Even the air quality is being affected. At the same time, market-based global competition is challenging the economic viability of traditional agricultural systems. Global climate change will pose additional challenges. The solution or mitigation of these changing and multiple problems will require continual improvement or changes in management and selectio...
Common Garden Experiment Reveals Genetic Control of Phenotypic Divergence between Swamp Sparrow Subspecies That Lack Divergence in Neutral Genotypes

Background Adaptive divergence between populations in the face of strong selection on key traits can lead to morphological divergence between populations without concomitant divergence in neutral DNA. Thus, the practice of identifying genetically distinct populations based on divergence in neutral DNA may lead to a taxonomy that ignores evolutionarily important, rapidly evolving, locally-adapted populations. Providing evidence for a genetic basis of morphological divergence between rapidly evolving populations that lack divergence in selectively neutral DNA will not only inform conservation efforts but also provide insight into the mechanisms of the early processes of speciation. The coastal plain swamp sparrow, a recent colonist of tidal marsh habitat, differs from conspecific populations in a variety of phenotypic traits yet remains undifferentiated in neutral DNA. Methods and Principal Findings Here we use an experimental approach to demonstrate that phenotypic divergence between ecologically separated populations of swamp sparrows is the result of local adaptation despite the lack of divergence in neutral DNA. We find that morphological (bill size and plumage coloration) and life history (reproductive effort) differences observed between wild populations were maintained in laboratory raised individuals suggesting genetic divergence of fitness related traits. Conclusions and Significance Our results support the hypothesis that phenotypic divergence in swamps sparrows is the result of genetic differentiation, and demonstrate that adaptive traits have evolved more rapidly than neutral DNA in these ecologically divergent populations that may be in the early stages of speciation. Thus, identifying evolutionarily important populations based on divergence in selectively neutral DNA could miss an important level of biodiversity and mislead conservation efforts.
Towards a comprehensive direct prediction strategy of the effects of mistuning on the forced response of turbomachinery blades

The objective of the present article is to provide a progress report on, and highlight, some ongoing efforts regarding the available techniques for the direct (i.e. not based on Monte Carlo simulations) prediction of the distribution of the forced response of turbomachinery bladed disks that exhibit small blade‐to‐blade variations in their structural properties (random mistuning). The focus of this effort is on the statistical distributions of the amplitudes of response of a typical blade at a given frequency (level 1), of the maximum responding blade on the disk at a given frequency (level 2), and finally of the maximum responding blade on the disk over a frequency sweep (level 3). When appropriate, emphasis will be placed on the reliability of these techniques as a function of the blade‐to‐blade coupling strength.
Cannabinoid exposure during zebra finch sensorimotor vocal learning persistently alters expression of endocannabinoid signaling elements and acute agonist responsiveness

Background Previously we have found that cannabinoid treatment of zebra finches during sensorimotor stages of vocal development alters song patterns produced in adulthood. Such persistently altered behavior must be attributable to changes in physiological substrates responsible for song. We are currently working to identify the nature of such physiological changes, and to understand how they contribute to altered vocal learning. One possibility is that developmental agonist exposure results in altered expression of elements of endocannabinoid signaling systems. To test this hypothesis we have studied effects of the potent cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212-2 (WIN) on endocannabinoid levels and densities of CB1 immunostaining in zebra finch brain.
A Challenge for Principals--Designing the Curriculum.

Curriculum design is not a simple task, say these writers. However, it is exciting, and if done well, rewarding—not only for those who participate but for the students who will benefit from a well-...
Lactation and Growth of Dairy Cows and Steers from Large Amounts of Dried Whey

Abstract Large amounts of dried whole whey (65% of concentrate mix) were fed to 10 lactating cows during 16 wk. Dried whole whey replaced all of corn, dicalcium phosphate, trace mineralized salt, and portions of oats and soybean meal which were included in the concentrate mix fed to 10 control cows. All received the respective concentrate mix at 1 kg/3kg milk produced, 4kg alfalfa hay daily, and corn silage ad libitum. Milk production tended to be less for dried whole whey diet (22.8 and 24.5 kg/day), although 4% fat-corrected milk and solids-corrected milk were similar because of a higher percent fat (3.77 and 3.46) and percent protein (3.08 and 2.99) in the milk. In a second trial, 12 Holstein steers weighing about 300kg were in a 2×2 factorial experiment of 16 wk evaluating dried whole whey (65% of concentrate mix, 45% of total dry matter intake) and limestone (2.8% of dry matter intake). The control diet contained corn, soybean meal, vitamins A and D, minerals, and corn silage. Diets consisted of 70% of dry matter as concentrate mix and 3 0% as corn silage fed ad libitum as a total mixed ration. Weight gains and dry matter intakes were similar for steers fed dried whole whey and control diets but tended to be less with limestone diets. Samples of rumen contents from cows and steers fed dried whole whey contained more butyrate and less propionate than from animals fed control diets. Rumen ammonia concentrations were lower in steers fed dried whole whey, and limestone additions had no effect on rumen volatile fatty acids, ammonia, or fecal starch.
Traumatic injuries involving tendons of the distal limbs in horses: a retrospective study of 55 cases

Summary Fifty-five horses were presented to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1st of January 1980 and 31st of December 1989 for treatment of distal limb lacerations involving flexor tendons (n = 35) or extensor tendons (n = 20). Of the 35 flexor tendon lacerations, 11 horses were killed without treatment and 24 horses were treated. Twenty-two horses were included in determining outcome. Four (18 per cent) returned to their original level of use, nine (41 per cent) returned to limited riding, seven (32 per cent) returned to breeding or pasture soundness and two (9 per cent) were killed. Eighteen of the 20 horses with extensor tendon lacerations underwent treatment and 15 had sufficient follow-up to determine outcome. Seven (47 per cent) returned to their original or intended use, five (33 per cent) returned to limited use, one (7 per cent) was used for breeding and two (13 per cent) were killed. Results for horses with extensor tendon lacerations support previous reports that these injuries can be treated successfully. Results for horses having flexor tendon lacerations were better than in previous reports.
Surveillance of Cryptosporidia in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

were available for examination. Because respiration can occur through both the lungs and the skin of frogs, there may have been a cutaneous route of infection in these frogs; however, hematogenous spread to muscle tissue via inhalation or ingestion of conidia cannot be excluded. As is often seen in other species, inflammatory reaction to the organisms in the frogs was nonexistent and consisted only of fibrosis surrounding the organisms.
Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) knockout rats produced by transcriptional activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-mediated gene inactivation

Genetically engineered mice are a valuable resource for studies of the behavioral effects of ethanol. However, for some behavioral tests of ethanol action, the rat is a superior model organism. Production of genetically engineered rats has been severely hampered due to technical limitations. Here we utilized a promising new technique for efficient site-specific gene modification to create a novel gene knockout rat line. This approach is based on transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). TALENs function in pairs and bind DNA in a sequence-specific manner. Upon binding to the target sequence, a functional nuclease is reconstituted that creates double-stranded breaks in the DNA that are efficiently repaired by non-homologous end joining. This error-prone process often results in deletions of varying lengths at the targeted locus. The toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) gene was selected for TALEN-mediated gene inactivation. Tlr4 has been implicated in ethanol-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, as well as multiple ethanol-induced behavioral effects. To generate Tlr4 knockout rats, a pair of TALEN constructs was created that specifically target Exon 1 immediately downstream of the start of translation. TALEN mRNAs were microinjected into the cytoplasm of one-cell Wistar rat embryos. Of 13 live-born pups that resulted, one harbored a mutation in Exon 1 of Tlr4. The mutated allele consisted of a 13 base-pair deletion that was predicted to create a frameshift mutation after amino acid 25. This founder rat successfully transmitted the mutation to F1 offspring. Heterozygous F1 offspring were interbred to produce homozygous F2 animals. Homozygous mutants expressed the 13-bp deletion in Tlr4 mRNA. In contrast to control rats that produced a robust increase in plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha in response to a lipopolysaccharide challenge, homozygous rats had a markedly attenuated response. Thus, the mutant Tlr4 allele generated by TALEN-mediated gene inactivation represents a null allele. This knockout rat line will be valuable for studies of ethanol action as well as more general inflammatory conditions including septic shock. In conclusion, TALEN-mediated gene targeting in rat zygotes represents an inexpensive, efficient, and rapid method for creating genetically engineered rats.
Nutritive Value of Spelt (Triticum Sativum Spelta) for Dairy Cattle

Summary Spelt samples from ten different sources were found to have a composition similar to oats. Digestion coefficients of a spelt sample determined directly, using three dry Holstein cows, showed that TDN values for spelt were approximately the same as those for oats. In a 90-day trial in which an equal weight of spelt relative to oats or corn was fed as growth supplements to dairy heifers, those fed oats or spelt exhibited similar live weight increases (93 lb). In contrast, those fed corn had greater (P Corn, oats, and spelt were also compared on a pound-for-pound basis for milk production. Average daily production of 4% FCM for cows fed oats or corn was 53.1 and 52.2 lb, respectively, significantly greater than the 50.3 lb of FCM produced by those fed spelt (P
The recognition of words after their acoustic offset: Evidence and implications

The aim of this study is to show that continuous spoken word recognition cannot always be a strictly sequential, left-to-right, word-by-word process. The gating paradigm was used to present monosyllabic and polysyllabic words in context and to follow the responses given to them through the next three words of the sentence. The isolation points and total acceptance points were calculated with respect to the acoustic offsets of the words. It was found that more than half of the monosyllabic words were isolatedafter their offset, and thatall these words, with one exception, received a perfect confidence rating during the next word or words. Reasons for this delay in recognition are examined, and the implications for sequential, left-to-right models of word recognition are discussed.
Limitations of CD95 ligand-transduced killer dendritic cells to prevent graft rejections.

As an attempt to experimentally induce antigen (Ag)-specific immunosuppression, we have previously created CD95 ligand (CD95L)-transduced dendritic cells (DC), which delivered apoptotic, but not activation, signals to CD4 + T cells in vitro in an Ag-dependent manner. We have also demonstrated that CD95L-transduced DC (termed killer DC) injected into syngeneic animals suppressed delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to an administered Ag. Based on these findings, we tested whether the injection of killer DC derived from A/J mice (H-2 a ) into allogeneic BALB/c recipients (H-2 d ) could prolong the survival of A/J-derived skin grafts by depleting A/J-reactive effector T cells. This attempt has not been successful. In this study, we elucidate the reasons for this failure, especially in terms of in vitro effects of killer DC on in vivo primed alloreactive T cells. We show that killer DC (i) failed to induce the proliferation of naive alloreactive T cells in a CD95/CD95L-dependent fashion, (ii) inhibited the proliferation of in vivo primed alloreactive T cells, (iii) killed relatively small fractions (up to 30%) of these T cells in vitro in a CD95/CD95L-dependent fashion and (iv) significantly, but incompletely, inhibited the generation of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activities against A/J determinants. Thus, killer DC have significant, but modest, capacities to suppress in vitro alloimmune responses, which may not be sufficient to prolong the survival of alloskin grafts in a stringent allograft model. This study suggests that the current format of killer DC technology requires more modifications for its clinical application to prevent graft rejection.
View-dependent multiresolutional flow texture advection

Existing texture advection techniques will produce unsatisfactory rendering results when there is a discrepancy between the resolution of the flow field and that of the output image. This is because many existing texture advection techniques such as Line Integral Convolution (LIC) are inherently none view-dependent, that is, the resolution of the output textures depends only on the resolution of the input field, but not the resolution of the output image. When the resolution of the flow field after projection is much higher than the screen resolution, aliasing will happen unless the flow textures are appropriately filtered through some expensive post processing. On the other hand, when the resolution of the flow field is much lower than the screen resolution, a blocky or blurred appearance will be present in the rendering because the flow texture does not have enough samples. In this paper we present a view-dependent multiresolutional flow texture advection method for structured recti- and curvi-linear meshes. Our algorithm is based on a novel intermediate representation of the flow field, called trace slice, which allows us to compute the flow texture at a desired resolution interactively based on the run-time viewing parameters. As the user zooms in and out of the field, the resolution of the resulting flow texture will adapt automatically so that enough flow details will be presented while aliasing is avoided. Our implementation utilizes mipmapping and programmable GPUs available on modern programmable graphics hardware.