cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Index profile determination in transition region of optical fibre preform

It is shown that the refractive-index profile in the transition region of an optical fibre preform can be obtained by a combination of a measurement of the deflection function and a ray-tracing procedure.
Anti-Sm autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus mice: a model system for disease-specific autoreactivity.

Our current understanding of the anti-Sm response is that it is SLE specific, antigen driven, and T cell dependent. It does not require a particular VH-VL Ig gene combination, but probably can be coded for by a limited number of such genes. It also appears in very high titers and in the isotypes which are characteristic of autoantibodies in autoimmune mice. Thus, the formation of anti-Sm antibodies in such mice probably reflects the basic immunoregulatory abnormalities that are fundamental to the spontaneous SLE syndrome in these animals. Future studies of anti-Sm antibodies should elucidate our understanding of the etiology of SLE. The basic questions that remain are: (1) what is the specificity of the helper T cells which are presumably required for the formation of anti-Sm antibodies in vivo? (2) what is the nature of the T-B collaboration that occurs? (3) what is the role of MHC class II? (4) why is the Sm antigen particularly targeted in this disease? (5) why is there some restriction of autoantibody gene usage for anti-Sm, antibodies? and (6) what are the cellular and genetic expressions of the fundamental immunoregulatory abnormalities that permit these animals to make anti-Sm antibodies?
Renal and metabolic effects of tempol in obese ZSF1 rats--distinct role for superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in diabetic renal injury.

Oxidative stress, that is, overproduction of reactive oxygen species and reduced antioxidant system activity, is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications; and therefore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic tempol should be protective in diabetic kidney. However, the effects of tempol in metabolic syndrome–associated renal injury have not been thoroughly examined. In this study, we examined the effects of 9 weeks of treatment with tempol on metabolic status, renal oxidative stress, and kidney function and structure in obese, diabetic, hypertensive ZSF1 rats and their nondiabetic, hypertensive, lean littermates. The obese rats had significantly reduced total SOD and catalase activity, increased peroxidase activity and lipid peroxidation, and higher level of protein oxidation in renal cortical tissue compared with their lean littermates. These changes were accompanied by renal injury (proteinuria; reduced excretory function; and markedly increased glomerular and interstitial inflammation, proliferation, and collagen IV synthesis). Tempol treatment slightly increased total SOD activity, significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and peroxidase activity, but had no effect on catalase and protein oxidation. Tempol had no effects on blood pressure, renal hemodynamics and excretory function, and proteinuria in obese rats, yet improved insulin sensitivity and reduced renal inflammatory, proliferative, and fibrotic changes. Because tempol possesses no catalase activity and, in diabetes, not only SOD but also catalase is inhibited, it is possible that the toxicity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) remains unaltered under tempol treatment. This study suggests that superoxide and H2O2 may have distinct roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic renal injury, with superoxide mainly being involved in inflammatory, proliferative, and fibrotic changes, and H2O2 in glomerular hemodynamics and proteinuria.
Reproduction of the Oily Bird Syndrome in Broilers

Abstract The Oily Bird Syndrome (OBS) was successfully reproduced in broilers under laboratory conditions which included elevated temperatures simulating summer conditions and feeding high energy diets with a relatively wide calorie to protein ratio. No significant difference in incidence of the syndrome was detected in broilers fed a corn-soy diet, or one with 13% animal protein concentrates and 7.5% bakery product, or with a diet containing 10% distillers dried grains with solubles. Substituting animal tallow for poultry oil significantly (P
Effects of the strong magnetic field on LED, extruded scintillator and MRS photodiode

Abstract The experimental results on the performance of the Metal/Resistor/Semiconductor (MRS) photodiode in the strong magnetic field of 4.4 T, and the possible impact of the quench of the magnet at 4.5 T on sensor's operation are reported. In addition, the experimental results on the performance of the extruded scintillator and WLS fiber, and various LEDs in the magnetic fields of 1.8 and 2.3 T, respectively, are detailed. The measurement method used is being described. The results of the work agree with the expectations that the LED, MRS and scintillator are not exhibiting sensitivity to the magnetic field presence. This result is essential for the design of the future electron–positron linear collider detector.
Nitrogen balances in forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest

Abstract In order to understand the role of nitrogen in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, especially Douglas-fir, a great number of studies have been initiated to evaluate both static and dynamic aspects of the nitrogen balance. This paper presents a summary of many of these past results covering 20 yr research with the specific intent of defining the nitrogen economy of these systems and the long- and short-term changes that are occurring. Variations of nitrogen in both soils and vegetation are discussed with some sampling techniques applicable to coniferous forests given. It appears that the soil total nitrogen, in different soils, varies several fold more than the nitrogen in the forest crops of these soils. The dynamics of nitrogen transfer within the ecosystem, together with gains and losses from the system, are presented.
Photosynthesis and leaf nitrogen in five Amazonian tree species during early secondary succession

Field measurements of maximum net photosynthesis (Pmax), leaf nitrogen (N) content (leaf N per area and percent N), and specific leaf area (SLA) were made for Amazonian tree species within and across early successional sites of known ages after abandonment from slash-and-burn agriculture. We examined five species across a succes- sional sere near San Carlos de Rio Negro, Venezuela, to test whether plasticity was as- sociated with successional status and to determine whether changes in foliar properties during secondary succession can be attributed to shifts in species composition, in resource availability, or both. Average leaf N concentration was high (nearly 3%) for a pioneer species (Cecropiaficifolia) early in succession (1-3 yr after abandonment) but was always lower for the other early and mid- to-late succession species, especially later in succession (1-2% at 5-10 yr after abandonment). Net photosynthetic capacity (P /area and P I mass) varied as much as sixfold, being higher in pioneer species such as Cecropia and Vismia on recently abandoned sites and lower in late successional species such as Miconia and Licania on 10-yr abandoned agricultural sites. Total daily light availability also varied widely (14-fold) from its peak 1 yr after farm abandonment to low levels 9 yr into succession. During the first 5 yr of secondary succession, there were significant (P 0.05) for mid- to late-successional species. Higher instantaneous Pmax/N and greater slopes of the photosynthesis-N relationships in early than late succes- sional species suggest that pioneer species may show greater carbon assimilation capacity with elevated leaf N concentration on early successional sites than co-occurring species. The data suggest that early and late successional species may differ in the mode and degree of leaf-level physiological plasticity across succession.
Clinical outcomes of high-dose-rate interstitial gynecologic brachytherapy using real-time CT guidance

Abstract Purpose To evaluate clinical outcomes of CT-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy for primary and recurrent gynecologic cancer. Methods and Materials Records were reviewed for 68 women (34 with primary disease and 34 with recurrence) treated with CT-guided HDR interstitial brachytherapy between May 2005 and September 2011. Interstitial application was performed under general anesthesia using an iterative approach of catheter insertion and adjustment with serial image acquisition by CT in a dedicated brachytherapy suite. The median fractional brachytherapy dose was 3.9 Gy delivered twice daily in seven fractions. The median cumulative dose in equivalent 2-Gy fractions was 74.8 Gy. Actuarial survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and toxicity was reported by Common Toxicity Criteria. Results Primary disease sites were endometrial (34), cervical (17), vaginal (11), ovarian (3), and vulvar (3). Median age was 61.5 years, and tumor size at diagnosis was 3.4 cm. Median D90 and V100 were 73.6 Gy and 87.5%, respectively; median D2cc for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 67.1, 64.6, and 53.7 Gy, respectively. With a median followup of 17 months, actuarial rates of local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival at 2 years for all patients were 86%, 60%, and 64%, respectively. There were 9 grade 3 late toxicities (six gastrointestinal and three vulvovaginal). Conclusions HDR interstitial brachytherapy with CT-guided catheter placement results in acceptable local control, toxicity, and survival rates for women with primary or recurrent gynecologic cancer. Durable pelvic control may be achieved in most patients with this specialized brachytherapy technique.
Dynamics of acquired immunity boosted by exposure to infection

Abstract A mathematical model is presented to describe the dynamics of immunity which can be boosted by reexposure to infection. Immunity is assumed to last until a specified interval of time elapses without an exposure. This assumption is incorporated into a compartmental model as a differential-delay equation. When the model is applied to malaria epidemiology, the prevalence of disease among adults is greatest at intermediate rates of infection. Observed age-prevalence curves have shapes similar to those of the predicted curves. Immunity in an individual is formulated in terms of a stochastic process, and an expression for the average duration of immunity is obtained. The average duration of immunity increases with the rate of exposure, but the presence of mortality (or other kinds of removal) shortens the average duration observed, in analogy with the theoryof competing risks.
An Exploration of Motivations of Fine Art Students in Relation to Mental and Physical Well-Being

College art students are an overlooked minority population whose culture, career motivations, and mental health risks have not been studied, and there has been little to no specialized outreach to this population. This article describes the stereotypes associated with fine art students and the data available that confirms or refutes those stereotypes. It then reports an initial investigation of fine artists that assesses their mental and physical health as well as their career motivations. The discussion focuses on the implications for college counseling centers.
Econometric issues in modeling the costs of AIDS.

Abstract The goals of AIDS or HIV econometric modeling efforts are: (i) to evaluate or project the costs-of-illness to the individual and to society; and (ii) to examine the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of medical and social services provided to patients. Most of the standard theoretical and statistical approaches are not applicable because of the scarcity, incompleteness and non-representative nature of available data. This paper discusses specific methodological approaches concerning AIDS and HIV epidemiology, medical cost estimation techniques, evaluation of the costeffectiveness of social support programs and valuation of human life. The epidemiologic projection approach - a simplified ‘back calculation’ method - suggests that the number of Americans infected with the AIDS virus in 1987–1988 was likely to be between 500 000 and 800000. This estimate is between 2 and 3 times lower than the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates. Methods for estimating both the direct and indirect costs of illness are described.
Modeling a gamma spectroscopy system and predicting spectra with Geant-4

An activity predictor software was previously developed to foresee activities, exposure rates and gamma spectra of activated samples for Radiation Science and Engineering Center (RSEC), Penn State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR), Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) measurements. With Activity Predictor it has been demonstrated that the predicted spectra were less than satisfactory. In order to obtain better predicted spectra, a new detailed model for the RSEC NAA spectroscopy system with High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector is developed using Geant-4. The model was validated with a National Bureau of Standards certified 60Co source and tree activated high purity samples at PSBR. The predicted spectra agreed well with measured spectra. Error in net photo peak area values were 8.6–33.6%. Along with the previously developed activity predictor software, this new model in Geant-4 provided realistic spectra prediction for NAA experiments at RSEC PSBR.
RESPONSE OF HIGH-SENSITIVITY C-REACTIVE PROTEIN TO EXERCISE TRAINING IN AN AT-RISK POPULATION

Background High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is promoted as an independent predictor of atherosclerotic risk. In addition, cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely related to hsCRP in single-sex cross-sectional analyses. Our objective was to determine if modulating fitness with exercise training imposes changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in a mixed-sex population at risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods We studied baseline and postintervention plasma hsCRP in 193 sedentary, overweight to mildly obese, dyslipidemic men and women who were randomized to 6 months of inactivity or 1 of 3 aerobic exercise groups: low amount–moderate intensity (energy equivalent of approximately 19.3 km/wk at 40%-55% peak V˙o 2 ), low amount–high intensity (energy equivalent of approximately 19.3 km/wk at 65%-80% peak V˙o 2 ), or high amount–high intensity (energy equivalent of approximately 32.2 km/wk at 65%-80% peak V˙o 2 ). Results At baseline, the study population was at intermediate to high cardiovascular risk as defined by hsCRP. Cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely related to hsCRP ( P r 2 = 0.34 for the entire model, P P > .20). Conclusions Cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely related to hsCRP independent of sex and accounts for most of the large sex disparity in hsCRP. Nonetheless, in the absence of a significant change in diet, 6 months of aerobic exercise training does not produce a significant change in hsCRP in an at-risk population.
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol immunochemical studies : Haptens, monoclonal antibodies, and a convenient synthesis of radiolabeled Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Immunopharmacotherapy as an approach to combat drugs of abuse has become an active area of investigation. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. The main active chemical in marijuana is delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC); hence, monoclonal antibodies with high affinity and specificity for delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol could be valuable immunopharmacotherapeutic intervention and diagnostic tools. We have synthesized immunoconjugates that induce an effective immune response to delta9-THC and describe a convenient synthesis of radiolabeled delta9-THC. We demonstrate the value and use of this probe to select anti-delta9-THC antibodies that bind delta9-THC with good affinity. The synthetic route to radiolabeled delta9-THC has enabled the correct assessment of the affinity of these antibodies to their ligand and may facilitate future binding studies between delta9-THC and its analogues and the cannabinoid receptors.
A model for psychophysical discrimination

Abstract An iterative general model for psychophysical discrimination, as linear two-factor networks, is proposed. The barriers encountered by the past generalizations of Landahl's binary model for psychophysical discrimination are analyzed. The model proposed here has a built in self-resetting feature. This feature enables the system to carry on various consecutive discrimination processes. Moreover, the model is constructed in such a way that these consecutive discrimination processes do not interfere with each other (the network has no memory). A short analysis is given to the relation and realization of the model as a McCulloch-Pitts neural network.
Charge-Coupled Computing For Focal Plane Image Preprocessing

A new class of charge-coupled devices called charge-coupled-computing devices is described. These analog circuits perform arithmetic functions such as addition, subtraction, and magnitude comparison in the charge domain. The circuits are compact and are designed to be insensitive to rail voltages, simplifying their utilization. These devices, in conjunction with input, output, and analog memory circuits, can be combined to form a simple but general-purpose and fully programmable charge-coupled computer. A prototype charge-coupled computer has been fabricated and tested. Prospects for forming a large array of computers (e.g., 1000 to 10,000) on a single chip for spatially parallel image preprocessing are discussed. Such image plane preprocessing of data would find use in real-time mobile robot vision systems, in which low power, lightweight computing is critical for economical viability.
Conductivity of Strongly Reduced and Quenched Ceramic La-Doped SrTiO3 Oregon Graduate Center, Beaverton, OR 97006

Polycrystalline LaxSr1–xTiO3 (0x0.01) was quenched following equilibration at 1325 K in oxygen activities within the range 10−20a0210−8. Electrical conductivity at 10 to 500 K supports an Sr vacancy model previously indicated by high-temperature equilibrium measurements, with excess oxygen compensating the La donors for ao210−18 and Ti site-controlled valency conduction for stronger prequench reduction. Deductions about the reduced state from quenched-condition conductivity are less straightforward than those obtained from high-temperature measurements because of impurity scattering and impurity banding for x0.002.
Sedentary behavior, physical activity, and concentrations of insulin among US adults

Time spent watching television has been linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, all conditions characterized to some degree by hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. However, limited evidence relates screen time (watching television or using a computer) directly to concentrations of insulin. We examined the cross-sectional associations between time spent watching television or using a computer, physical activity, and serum concentrations of insulin using data from 2800 participants aged at least 20 years of the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The amount of time spent watching television and using a computer as well as physical activity was self-reported. The unadjusted geometric mean concentration of insulin increased from 6.2 microU/mL among participants who did not watch television to 10.0 microU/mL among those who watched television for 5 or more hours per day (P = .001). After adjustment for age, sex, race or ethnicity, educational status, concentration of cotinine, alcohol intake, physical activity, waist circumference, and body mass index using multiple linear regression analysis, the log-transformed concentrations of insulin were significantly and positively associated with time spent watching television (P = < .001). Reported time spent using a computer was significantly associated with log-transformed concentrations of insulin before but not after accounting for waist circumference and body mass index. Leisure-time physical activity but not transportation or household physical activity was significantly and inversely associated with log-transformed concentrations of insulin. Sedentary behavior, particularly the amount of time spent watching television, may be an important modifiable determinant of concentrations of insulin.
New RHT-Based Ellipsoid Recovery Method

A new method that enables randomized Hough transform (RHT)-based recovery of ellipsoid parameters from a collection of 3D points is presented. The approach is attractive since it can alleviate the traditional Hough transform's disadvantages of large computation time and memory usage - in particular for the ellipsoid detection's high-dimensional parameter space. The new method uses two RHT-based stages, first exploiting shape to enable recovery of position and then exploiting eigen analysis to recover the remaining parameters (of shape and orientation). Experimental results on synthetic and real data are also presented
Abnormal Sensorimotor Integrative Function of the Larynx in Congenital Laryngomalacia: A New Theory of Etiology

Objectives/Hypothesis: Laryngomalacia is an enigmatic disease in which laryngeal tone is weak, resulting in dynamic prolapse of tissue into the larynx. Sensorimotor integrative function of the brainstem and peripheral reflexes are responsible for laryngeal tone and airway patency. The goal of this study was to elucidate the etiology of decreased laryngeal tone through evaluating the sensorimotor integrative function of the larynx. The secondary goal was to evaluate factors and medical comorbidities that contribute to the wide spectrum of symptoms and outcomes. Study Design: Prospective and retrospective collection of evaluative data on infants with congenital laryngomalacia at two tertiary care pediatric referral centers. Methods: Two hundred one infants with laryngomalacia were divided into three groups on the basis of disease severity (mild, moderate, severe). Patients were followed prospectively every 8 to 12 weeks until symptom resolution or loss to follow-up. Sensorimotor integrative function of the larynx was evaluated in 134 infants by laryngopharyngeal sensory testing (LPST) of the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) by delivering a duration- (50 ms) and intensity- (2.5–10 mm Hg) controlled air pulse to the aryepiglottic fold to induce the LAR. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for medical comorbidities. Results: The initial LPST was higher (P 3) influenced the need for tracheotomy. Conclusions: Laryngeal tone and sensorimotor integrative function of the larynx is altered. The degree of alteration correlated with disease severity, indicating that factors that alter the peripheral and central reflexes of the LAR have a role in the etiology of signs and symptoms of laryngomalacia. GERD, neurologic disease, and low Apgar scores influenced disease severity and clinical course, explaining the spectrum of disease symptoms and outcomes. Sensorimotor integrative function improved as symptoms resolved.
Coming Home Again The Challenges and Rewards of Home-Based Self-Employment

This article focuses on ways of negotiating and balancing work and family as identified by in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 women working as Mary Kay consultants. Areas such as detailed descriptions of work structures, how the women did their work, how they balanced their work and family demands on a daily basis, and their perceptions of how family obligations and gender influenced their choice of a job and their job experiences were investigated. Data revealed that women negotiate work and family using spatial, behavioral, temporal, social, and psychological strategies to manage internal and external temporal and spatial boundaries. Further research should continue to explore the interaction of work and family with other home-based self-employed occupations.
Cenozoic extension and magmatism in the North American Cordillera: the role of gravitational collapse

Following a protracted phase ( � 155–60 Ma) of crustal shortening and mountain building, widespread extension and magmatism have dominated the tectonic history of the North American Cordillera since early Tertiary. Although decades of intensive investigations have made North American Cordillera one of the best studied continental regions in the world, many fundamental issues, including the cause of metamorphic core complexes and basin-and-range extension and their relationship with the overlapping magmatism, remain controversial. Recent studies have emphasized the role of gravitational collapse in causing both extension and magmatism in the Cordillera, but the geodynamics of gravitational collapse are not well understood. Using simple thermal–rheological and thermomechanical modeling, we address the following questions. (1) Could gravitational collapse of the thickened Cordilleran crust have formed the metamorphic core complexes? (2) Did gravitational collapse induce the intensive mid-Tertiary volcanism in the Cordillera? (3) What caused basin-and-range extension and the associated basaltic volcanism? Our results show that, although a thickened crust at isostatic equilibrium is dynamically unstable and tends to collapse, major postorogenic extension happens only when the lithosphere is sufficiently weakened by thermal processes associated with orogenesis, including thermal relaxation, radioactive heating, shear heating, and mantle thermal perturbations. Ductile spreading within the lower crust plays a major role in postorogenic gravitational collapse. This mechanism can explain most metamorphic core complexes and the associated plutonism. However, it is unlikely to have induced major mantle upwelling required by the voluminous silicic eruption during the mid-Tertiary. The cause of the mid-Tertiary mantle upwelling remains speculative, but strong mantle thermal perturbations under the northern Basin and Range province may have persisted since mid-Miocene. Thermomechanical modeling shows that this mantle upwelling may have caused significant ductile deformation within the surrounding lithosphere, with lithospheric material being pushed away and downward from the upwelling asthenosphere. The loci of maximum lithospheric thinning are near the margins of the upwelling mantle and have migrated outward during basin-and-range extension. This process can explain some of the spatial–temporal evolution of extension and volcanism in the Cordillera since mid-Miocene. The resultant lithospheric structures are consistent with geophysical observations in the Basin and Range province. D 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Polymer Pillars as Optical I/O for Gigascale Chips using Mirror-Terminated Waveguides

Polymer pillars are chip-level optical I/Os that provide spatial confinement of light propagating between a chip and a board/substrate. The integration of polymer pillars and mirror-terminated waveguides is presented. Pillars are fabricated directly above the metallized anisotropically-etched silicon sidewalls that terminate the waveguides. The mirror angle is 54.74deg, yet the presence of the pillar produces a 90deg bending of the light. Enabled by mirror-terminated waveguides, polymer pillars represent a promising optical I/O technology for GSI
Antagonism of platelet-derived growth factor receptor in non small cell lung cancer: rationale and investigations.

Molecules that target growth and survival pathways in cancer cells have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Imatinib mesylate is one such agent inhibiting the tyrosine kinase that results from the Bcr-Abl translocation. Imatinib is also a potent inhibitor of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor. The platelet-derived growth factor receptor is crucial in the regulation of interstitial fluid pressure, as well as in the function of pericytes. Increased interstitial fluid pressure is a common feature of solid tumors and is thought to impede transcapillary transport of chemotherapy. Preclinical data show that platelet-derived growth factor receptor antagonism decreases interstitial fluid pressure, augments intratumoral concentration of chemotherapy, and impairs tumor growth. Pericytes are important cells in the vascular support structure of tumors regulating endothelial cell survival and directing capillary growth. Preclinical data suggest that dual targeting of pericytes and endothelial cells is a more effective antiangiogenic strategy than antiendothelial monotherapy. Two phase II studies in advanced non–small cell lung cancer are currently under way with imatinib. The first trial evaluates the use of intermittent imatinib and weekly paclitaxel in elderly patients. The second trial evaluates a novel maintenance strategy of imatinib and the antivascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab after first-line chemotherapy with bevacizumab. These trials should indicate whether encouraging preclinical data can be translated into clinical benefit in non–small cell lung cancer.
Evaluating protein quality by estimating energy deposition coefficients.

Concepts of nutritional energetics were applied in this study to evaluate protein quality. Isonitrogenous purified diets containing lactalbumin, commercially prepared non-defatted corn germ or unheated isolated soybean protein were fed for 3 weeks at different levels of intake to male weanling rats. The metabolizable energy intake (MEI) that main tained total carcass energy (carcass energy maintenance coefficient) and the efficiency with which MEI was utilized to promote an increase in car cass energy (carcass energy deposition coefficient) were determined for each diet. Changes in total carcass energy were partitioned between changes in the energy of carcass fat and carcass lean (fat-free carcass). The MEI that maintained the energy of carcass fat and carcass lean (fat and lean energy maintenance coefficients) were determined. The rates of retention of MEI as fat and as lean as intake of the diet increased (fat and lean energy deposition coefficients) were estimated for each diet. Regardless of diet, there were no significant differences among energy maintenance coefficients for the total carcass, carcass fat, or carcass lean. Energy deposition coefficients for both total carcass and carcass fat were significantly higher for the lactal bumin diet than for the corn germ or soybean diets, with no significant difference between the latter two. The energy deposition coefficient for carcass lean was significantly higher for the lactalbumin diet than for the corn germ diet which in turn was significantly higher than for the soybean diet. The observed differences among the energy deposition coefficients for carcass lean were attributed to differences with which growth of lean tissue was promoted by the three dietary proteins. The advantages of using energy deposition coefficients for evaluating protein quality are discussed. J. Nutr. 108: 1555-1565, 1978.
Normal Alcohol Metabolism after Gastric Banding and Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Case-Cross-Over Trial

Background Severe obesity remains the leading public health concern of the industrialized world, with bariatric surgery as the only current effective enduring treatment. In addition to gastric bypass, gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy have emerged as viable treatment options for the severely obese. Occasionally, poor postoperative psychological adjustment has been reported. It has been previously demonstrated that breath alcohol content (BAC) levels and time to sober were increased in postoperative gastric bypass patients. The aim of this study was to examine whether alcohol metabolism in patients undergoing restrictive-type bariatric procedures is also altered. Study Design Nine patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and 7 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were recruited. Preoperatively, 3-month and 6-month BAC and time to sober were measured after administration of 5 ounces of red wine. In addition, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire of drinking habits. Result The 16 total participants achieved a mean 44.7% 6-month excess weight loss. There were no significant changes in peak BAC or time to sober from preoperative levels (0.033%, 67.8 min, respectively) to 3 months (0.032%, 77.1 min, respectively, p=0.421) or 6 months (0.035%, 81.2 min, respectively, p=0.198). Conclusion Patients undergoing LAGB and LSG do not share the same altered alcohol metabolism as seen in gastric bypass patients. However, all bariatric surgery patients should be counseled regarding alcohol use.
Synaptic inputs to retinal ganglion cells that set the circadian clock.

Melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) project to the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and mediate photoentrainment of the circadian system. Melanopsin is a novel retinal-based photopigment that renders these cells intrinsically photosensitive (ip). Although genetic ablation of melanopsin abolishes the intrinsic light response, it has a surprisingly minor effect on circadian photoentrainment. This and other non-visual responses to light are lost only when the melanopsin deficiency is coupled with mutations that disable classical rod and cone photoreceptors, suggesting that melanopsin-containing RGCs also receive rod- and cone-driven synaptic inputs. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recording, we demonstrate that light triggers synaptic currents in ipRGCs via activation of ionotropic glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. Miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) were clearly observed in ipRGCs, although they were less robust and were seen less frequently than those seen in non-ip cells. Pharmacological treatments revealed that the majority of ipRGCs receive excitatory glutamatergic inputs that were blocked by DNQX and/or kynurenic acid, as well as inhibitory GABAergic inputs that were blocked by bicuculline. Other ipRGCs received either glutamatergic or GABAergic inputs nearly exclusively. Although strychnine (Strych)-sensitive mPSCs were evident on many non-ipRGCs, indicating the presence of glycinergic inputs, we saw no evidence of Strych-sensitive events in ipRGCs. Based on these results, it is clear that SCN-projecting RGCs can respond to light both via an intrinsic melanopsin-based signaling cascade and via a synaptic pathway driven by classical rod and/or cone photoreceptors. It remains to be determined how the ipRGCs integrate these temporally distinct inputs to generate the signals that mediate circadian photoentrainment and other non-visual responses to light.
An ESCA method for determining the oxide thickness on aluminum alloys

A simple method for estimating the oxide thickness on aluminum alloys using ESCA was investigated. The method is based on a uniform overlayer model and requires only a single ESCA measurement per sample. Expressions are shown which relate the experimental intensity ration of the oxidic and metallic Al 2p ESCA peaks to the oxide thickness, for both MG and Al x-ray sources. The method does not require ion etching or separate calibration procedures. Several practical examples that illustrate the usefulness of this method are presented. The method can also be applied to other thin film (i.e. <∼ 100 A) metal oxide/metal systems. The maximum oxide thickness that can be measured using the method is limited to approximately three times the inelastic mean free path of the appropriate photoelectrons within the material of interest.
Synthesis of ω-sulfonated polystyrene via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and postpolymerization modification

The synthesis of chain-end sulfonated polystyrene [PS (ω-sulfonated PS)] by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization followed by postpolymerization modification was investigated by two methods. In the first method, the polymer was converted to a thiol-terminated polymer by aminolysis. This polymer was then sulfonated by oxidation of the thiol end-group with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA) to produce a sulfonic acid end-group. In the second method, the RAFT-polymerized polymer was directly sulfonated by oxidation with m-CPBA. After purification by column chromatography, ω-sulfonated PS was obtained by both methods with greater than 95% end-group functionality as measured by titration. The sulfonic acid end-group could be neutralized with various ammonium or imidazolium counter ions through acid–base or ionic metathesis reactions. The effect of the ionic end-groups on the glass transition temperature of the PS was found to be consistent with what is known for PS ionomers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Tissue distribution of channel catfish virus.

The kidney, liver, intestine, brain, and muscle of live infected channel catfish were assayed for channel catfish virus in channel catfish gonad cell cultures. Sampling was done at 24-hour intervals for 120 hours. The virus was first detected in the kidneys of channel catfish 24 hours after inoculation. Channel catfish virus was also isolated at sequential time intervals from the intestine, liver, brain, and muscle. Virus was detected in the kidney, liver, and intestine but not the brain of the fish that died 70 hours after infection.
Active and Passive Immunization Against the Virus of Malignant Panleucopenia of Cats

SummaryEvidence is presented which suggests that the injection of formalinized suspensions of organs from cats infected with the virus of malignant panleucopenia induces resistance in susceptible animals against a subsequent injection of active virus. The serum of cats convalescent from infection or that of animals vaccinated with formalinized material and then inoculated wth living virus, will protect susceptible cats from a subsequent or recent exposure to an animal suffering from the disease or from a subsequent injection of active virus.
Concreteness, Metaphor, and Psychosomatic Disorders: Bridging the Gap

Patients who suffer from psychosomatic disorders often find it hard to imagine that their symptoms could indicate something more than somatic distress. They have little skill in self-observation and little capacity to think abstractly. Yet psychoanalysis relies on interpretation and insight for change. Frustration may develop on both sides of the couch as the analyst discovers that the patient cannot make use of the best tools in the analyst's arsenal. This article discusses the treatment of a concrete patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), in whom long work on the metaphor of his illness eventually enabled him to use analytic interpretations for change and growth.
BSW House Calls: A New Look at Aging Through Experiential Learning

Though baby boomers are now turning 65 in rapid numbers, too few social workers are interested in working with older adults. Students in an undergraduate social work practice class were encouraged to enroll in a half-day gerontological social work experience as part of a BSW Experiential Learning (BEL) grant, funded by the Hartford Foundation. Sixty-two students participated in a supervised geriatric clinic orientation and interdisciplinary house calls. Fifty-three students without the intervention served as a comparison group. Five BEL measures assessed interest in aging coursework, fieldwork, graduate study, gerontological careers, and perception of aging competency. Significant change from pre- to posttest on each BEL measure was found for the intervention group but not for the comparison group. In multiple regression analyses the intervention explained 7% to 12% of the variance for the five BEL measures at posttest. The relationship between experiential learning and a BSW student's interest in geronto...
High-Throughput Screening for Human Galactokinase Inhibitors:

Inherited deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) can result in a potentially lethal disorder called classic galactosemia. Although the neonatal lethality associated with this disease can be prevented through early diagnosis and a galactose-restricted diet, the lack of effective therapy continues to have consequences: developmental delay, neurological disorders, and premature ovarian failure are common sequelae in childhood and adulthood. Several lines of evidence indicate that an elevated level of galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1-p), the product of galactokinase (GALK), is a major, if not sole, pathogenic mechanism in patients with classic galactosemia. The authors hypothesize that elimination of gal-1-p production by inhibiting GALK will relieve GALT-deficient cells from galactose toxicity. To test this hypothesis, they obtained human GALK using a bacterial expression system. They developed a robust, miniaturized, high-throughput GALK assay (Z' factor = 0.91) and used this assay to screen against libraries composed of 50,000 chemical compounds with diverse structural scaffolds. They selected 150 compounds that, at an average concentration of 33.3 microM, inhibited GALK activity in vitro more than 86.5% and with a reproducibility score of at least 0.7 for a confirmatory screen under identical experimental conditions. Of these 150 compounds, 34 were chosen for further characterization. Preliminary results indicated that these 34 compounds have potential to serve as leads to the development of more effective therapy of classic galactosemia.
Examination of subfamilial phylogeny in Bromeliaceae using comparative sequencing of the plastid locus ndhF.

Parsimony analysis of 31 sequences of the chloroplast locus ndhF was used to address questions of subfamilial phylogeny in Bromeliaceae. Results presented here are congruent with those from chloroplast DNA restriction site analysis in recognizing a clade containing Bromelioideae and Pitcairnioideae, and in resolving Tillandsioideae near the base of the family. Placements of several taxonomically difficult genera (e.g., Glomeropitcairnia and Navia) corroborate those of traditional treatments; however, these data suggest that Brocchinia (Pitcairnioideae) is the sister group to the remainder of Bromeliaceae. Further evidence for the paraphyly of Pitcairnioideae includes the resolution of Puya as the sister group to Bromelioideae. Implications for taxonomic realignment at the subfamily level are considered.
Central masking in normal listeners.

The central masking phenomenon (CM) was studied with a clinical audiometric paradigm in a group of 40 normal-hearing subjects. Contralateral maskers of wide-band noise and narrow-band noise were used each at 40 dB SL to evaluate thresholds for 500, 1 000, 2 000 and 4 000 Hz tones. CM was shown to increase in dB with increase in frequency of the test tone and with decrease in masker bandwidth. A corrective factor of 5 dB to 10 dB was suggested to account for the effect in clinical audio-metric evaluation.
The Cytochrome P450 Lanosterol 14α-Demethylase Gene Is a Demethylation Inhibitor Fungicide Resistance Determinant in Monilinia fructicola Field Isolates from Georgia

Resistance in Monilinia fructicola to demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides is beginning to emerge in North America, but its molecular basis is unknown. Two potential genetic determinants of DMI fungicide resistance including the 14α-demethylase gene (MfCYP51) and the ATP-binding cassette transporter gene MfABC1, were investigated in six resistant (DMI-R) and six sensitive (DMI-S) field isolates. No point mutations leading to an amino acid change were found in the MfCYP51 gene. The constitutive expression of the MfCYP51 gene in DMI-R isolates was significantly higher compared to DMI-S isolates. Gene expression was not induced in mycelium of DMI-R or DMI-S isolates treated with 0.3 μg of propiconazole/ml. A slightly higher average MfCYP51 copy number value was detected in DMI-R isolates (1.35) compared to DMI-S isolates (1.13); however, this difference could not be verified in Southern hybridization experiments or explain the up to 11-fold-increased MfCYP51 mRNA levels in DMI-R isolates. Analysis of the upstream nucleotide sequence of the MfCYP51 gene revealed a unique 65-bp repetitive element at base pair position −117 from the translational start site in DMI-R isolates but not in DMI-S isolates. This repetitive element contained a putative promoter and was named Mona. The link between Mona and the DMI resistance phenotype became even more apparent after studying the genetic diversity between the isolates. In contrast to DMI-S isolates, DMI-R isolates contained an MfCYP51 gene of identical nucleotide sequence associated with Mona. Still, DMI-R isolates were not genetically identical as revealed by Microsatellite-PCR analysis. Also, real-time PCR analysis of genomic DNA indicated that the relative copy number of Mona among DMI-S and DMI-R isolates varied, suggesting its potential for mobility. Interestingly, constitutive expression of the MfABC1 gene in DMI-R isolates was slightly lower than that of DMI-S isolates, but expression of the MfABC1 gene in DMI-R isolates was induced in mycelium after propiconazole treatment. Therefore, the MfABC1 gene may play a minor role in DMI fungicide resistance in M. fructicola. Our results strongly suggest that overexpression of the MfCYP51 gene is an important mechanism in conferring DMI fungicide resistance in M. fructicola field isolates from Georgia and that this overexpression is correlated with Mona located upstream of the MfCYP51 gene.
IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPRESSED WORK SCHEDULES: PARTICIPATION AND JOB REDESIGN AS CRITICAL FACTORS FOR EMPLOYEE ACCEPTANCE

This paper summarizes the empirical evidence on compressed work weeks and analyzes the effects of an implementation of a three-day/ thirty-eight hour (3/38) work schedule among information systems personnel (N= 84). Data showed that eighteen months after implementation, 3/38 employees still strongly favor the compressed schedule. Those most likely to express favorable attitudes towards the schedule were employees who had participated in the decision to implement 3/38, those whose jobs had been enriched by the schedule change, and those with strong higher order needs. Fatigue did not appear to be a problem. The data also suggest substantial organizational payoffs including reductions in sick time, overtime, and personal leave time.
Die Energie der Sonne

Die Sonne verliert unablassig Energie, denn sie strahlt sie ungeheuer schnell ab. In nur einer Sekunde gibt sie mehr Energie ab, als die Menschen seit Beginn ihrer Geschichte verbraucht haben. Das Sonnenfeuer brennt zu hell, es kann nicht dauernd so bleiben. Nichts bleibt immer heis, alles verbraucht sich einmal.
Noncoding RNA plugs into a proinflammatory circuit

A subset of CD4+ T cells, T helper 17 (TH17) cells contribute to multiple human autoimmune diseases. Intensive efforts are under way to pinpoint new therapeutic targets to inhibit TH17-driven tissue inflammation. The nuclear receptor RORγt is an essential transcriptional regulator for TH17 cell
Limiting models for equations with large random potential: A review

This paper reviews several results obtained recently in the convergence of solutions to elliptic or parabolic equations with large highly oscillatory random potentials. Depending on the correlation properties of the potential, the resulting limit may be either deterministic and solution of a homogenized equation or random and solution of a stochastic PDE. In the former case, the residual random fluctuations of the heterogeneous solution may also be characterized, or at least the rate of convergence to the deterministic limit established. We present several results that can be obtained by the methods of asymptotic perturbations, diagrammatic expansions, probabilistic representations, and the multiscale method.