cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deleterious effect of thimerosal on the potency of inactivated poliovirus vaccine

High-potency inactivated poliovirus vaccine (eIPV) was combined with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine containing thimerosal as a preservative to simulate the performance of a potential tetravalent vaccine. Neither type 1 nor type 3 poliovirus antigens appeared to be affected by thimerosal after exposure for 1 h at 37 degrees C as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One epitope on the type 2 antigen was damaged within 5 min of exposure; however, the overall potency was unchanged when measured using a polyclonal antibody preparation. Exposure to thimerosal at 37 degrees C decreased the potency of all three poliovirus types to well below the level caused by heat deterioration alone in 1-2 days and to 0% after 16-17 days. At 25 degrees C, the potency of type 1 poliovirus decreased by 46% in 1 day, whereas poliovirus types 2 and 3 were stable for 1 week. Storage of eIPV at 4 degrees C in the presence of thimerosal reduced the potency of type 1 poliovirus antigen to undetectable levels after 4-6 months. Type 2 and 3 antigens were less markedly affected by 8 months of exposure to thimerosal at 4 degrees C. The loss of potency of type 1 as measured by ELISA was paralleled by a reduced level of neutralizing antibodies in mice injected with these preparations. The results obtained from testing eIPV in combination with DTP and thimerosal were generally similar to those obtained using eIPV with thimerosal. It remains to be seen to what extent thimerosal will affect the immunogenicity of eIPV in humans when injected as combined eIPV-DTP vaccine.
Effectiveness of Chemo- and Thermotherapeutic Treatments on Pepino mosaic virus in Tomato Seed.

Ling, K.-S. 2010. Effectiveness of chemo- and thermotherapeutic treatments on Pepino mosaic virus in tomato seed. Plant Dis. 94:325-328. Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is a seedborne virus of importance in greenhouse tomato. The ease of mechanical transmission of PepMV from contaminated tomato seed to seedlings makes commercial tomato seed a potential source of initial virus inoculum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chemo- and thermotherapeutic treatments on PepMV using seed from a commercial hybrid tomato seed lot. The effect of various seed treatments was evaluated through bioassay with mechanical inoculation of the treated seed extract on indicator plants (Nicotiana benthamiana). Three commonly used seed-treatment chemicals and two thermotreatment methods were evaluated. The most effective chemical was the commercial bleach solution (0.5 and 1.0% sodium hypochlorite), followed by trisodium phosphate. On the other hand, hydrochloric acid treatments were not effective. Under the stated chemotherapeutic treatment conditions, the rate of seed germination was not significantly affected. With thermotherapeutic treatments, although hot water soaking for 2 h at 55°C deactivated virus infectivity, it also resulted in a detrimental effect on seed germination. However, treatment with dry-heat baking (72 or 80°C for 48 to 72 h) was effective in reducing PepMV infection with minimum impact on seed germination.
Studies on the Schardinger dextrins. XII. The molecular size and structure of the delta-, epsilon-, zeta-, and eta-dextrins.

An enzyme from Bacillus macerans which converts starch into the well-characterized cyclic α-, β-, and γ-Schardinger dextrins (cyclohexaamylose, cycloheptaamylose, cyclooctaamylose) produces at the same time small amounts of higher molecular weight dextrins. These higher dextrins, not isolable by selective complex formation, were separated by high temperature cellulose column chromatography and designated δ-, ϵ-, ζ, η-, and θ-dextrins. Evidence from dialysis, ultracentrifugal analysis, optical rotation, chromatographic mobility, enzymic hydrolysis, and fragmentation analysis indicates that the δ-dextrin is a higher homolog of the α-, β-, and γ-dextrins (cyclononaamylose). The higher fractions (ϵ, ζ, η, and θ) are mixtures of purely α −1 → 4-linked cyclic molecules with “branched” cyclic molecules and branched open-chain dextrins.
The Relationship between Egg Shell Color and Incidence of Colored Meat Spots

Abstract VAN WAGENEN, Hall, and Wilgus (1937) reported that “eggs from the American breeds studied showed a much greater incidence of meat spots than did those from the Single Comb White Leghorn. No differences in the occurrence of blood spots were observed among the breeds”. Jeffrey (1945) working with Single Comb White Leghorns, Single Comb Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Legbars confirmed these observations. Nalbandov and Card (1944) proposed a view of meat spot formation which may be summarized as follows: “meat spots result from the transformation of blood clots, under the influence of changes in pH and high environmental temperatures, either prior to ovulation or during egg formation, or even after the egg is laid.” Card and Nalbandov (1944) reported that the average incidence of meat spots for their strains of Single Comb White Leghorns was 12.8 percent and for their heavy breeds 6.1 percent. In these same . . .
Toward a Model of the Hindu Jajmani System

Over the past dozen years, Indian, British and American social anthropologists have studied more than a score of Hindu villages in India. Their reports have been descriptions of caste, leadership, government, factionalism, economic and social change. There have been a few studies also of village religion, family life, kinship, and personality.
Negative ions in air-like gas mixtures

The nature of negative ions in an air-like gas mixture containing 300 ppm2) of carbon dioxide and 1 ppm of water has been investigated using a drift tube working at atmospheric pressure and interfaced with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. It was found that the most dominant ion under equilibrium conditions is CO4−·(H2O).
High temperature, high strain deformation behavior of Ti–6.8Mo–4.5Fe–1.5Al

Abstract The elevated temperature deformation behavior of the metastable β titanium alloy Ti–6.8Mo–4.5Fe–1.5Al has been investigated within the temperature range 840–1290°C at constant strain rates between 2×10 −4 and 1 s −1 . The flow stress curves were characterized by discontinuous yielding, followed at the highest strain rates by slight strain hardening before flow softening and/or steady state flow. As the strain rate decreased, strain hardening was eliminated. Dynamic material modeling (DMM) was applied to establish flow stress–strain rate–temperature conditions corresponding to unstable and stable flow. Unstable flow was observed at all temperatures and strains at low strain rates (2×10 −4 –10 −2 s −1 ) and was related to grain boundary cracking and cavitation. Stable flow was present at higher strain rates (10 −2 –1 s −1 ) and was associated with dynamic recovery below 940°C and dynamic recrystallization at higher temperatures. In this high temperature stable region, a bimodal grain size distribution was observed comprising large discontinuously recrystallized grains and small continuously recrystallized grains. The former were nucleated within the near grain boundary region at low strains, while the latter formed within the grain interiors.
Air Transport in Liberia

Le Liberia dispose aujourd'hui d'une des compagnies aeriennes les plus efficaces et reputees d'Afrique. Les liens etablis pendant la seconde guerre mondiale contribuerent a faciliter cet essor. L'article evoque dans ce bref panorama l'histoire recente du transport aerien dans ce pays en voie de developpement.
Fugacity coefficients in vapor-phase mixtures of water and carboxylic acids

Abstract Strong nonideality in carboxylic acid vapors is attributed to the formation of dimers and trimers. To a good approximation, the enthalpy and entropy of dimerisation are the same for all carboxylic acids; similarly, the enthalpy and entropy of trimerisation are the same for all carboxylic acids. The weak nonideality in the water vapor can also be attributed to dimerisation. The cross-dimerisation between water and carboxylic acid monomers is probably very weak. Based on the ‘chemical theory’ of gas imperfection, equations are given for the fugacity coefficients of water and carboxylic acid in their binary vapor mixtures. The fugacity coefficient of the carboxylic acid deviates significantly from unity even at one atm. This large deviation must be taken into account in the calculation of activity coefficients in aqueous solution.
Tensile cervical facet capsule ligament mechanics: failure and subfailure responses in the rat

Clinical, epidemiological, and biomechanical studies suggest the involvement of the cervical facet joint in neck pain. Mechanical studies have suggested the facet capsular ligament to be at risk for subfailure tensile injury during whiplash kinematics of the neck. Ligament mechanical properties can be altered by subfailure injury and such loading can induce cellular damage. However, at present, there is no clear understanding of the physiologic context of subfailure facet capsular ligament injury and mechanical implications for whiplash-related pain. Therefore, this study aimed to define a relationship between mechanical properties at failure and a subfailure condition associated with pain for tension in the rat cervical facet capsular ligament. Tensile failure studies of the C6/C7 rat cervical facet capsular ligament were performed using a customized vertebral distraction device. Force and displacement at failure were measured and stiffness and energy to failure were calculated. Vertebral motions and ligament deformations were tracked and maximum principal strains and their directions were calculated. Mean tensile force at failure (2.96 +/- 0.69 N) was significantly greater (p < 0.005) than force at subfailure (1.17 +/- 0.48 N). Mean ligament stiffness to failure was 0.75 +/- 0.27 N/mm. Maximum principal strain at failure (41.3 +/- 20.0%) was significantly higher (p = 0.003) than the corresponding subfailure value (23.1 +/- 9.3%). This study determined that failure and a subfailure painful condition were significantly different in ligament mechanics and findings provide preliminary insight into the relationship between mechanics and pain physiology for this ligament. Together with existing studies, these findings offer additional considerations for defining mechanical thresholds for painful injuries.
HYPOXIA HOTSPOTS IN THE MISSISSIPPI BIGHT

Foraminiferal proxies of hypoxia indicate apparent low oxygen to hypoxic conditions in several hotspots in the Mississippi Bight. The foraminiferal hypoxia proxies, the Ammonia to Elphidium (A/E) index and the Pseudononion-Epistominella-Buliminella (PEB) index, were tabulated from three sets of core tops collected in 1951–1956. Additionally, the oxygenation history of a site near the Balize delta was evaluated over the past one hundred years based on A/E and PEB indices and size distributions of pyrite framboids in a gravity core dated by 210Pb geochronology. The results from the 1950’s core-top collections show apparent, recurrent low-oxygen to hypoxic bottom water on the inner shelf at hotspot locales seaward of the Mississippi-Alabama barrier islands and the eastern distributaries of the Balize delta. Specifically, the A/E index exceeds 90% on the inner shelf seaward of Horn and Dauphin islands, both of the Mississippi-Alabama barrier islands, and a center between Pass a Loutre and Main Pass of the Balize delta. In partial support of these results are reports of present-day low oxygen to hypoxic concentrations in bottom waters associated with seasonally high surface chlorophyll a and seasonal strengthening of a brackish-water cap at these locales. In contrast, the PEB index in core tops suggests good oxygenation at mid-shelf depths >30 m. The PEB index, size distributions of framboidal pyrite, and other indicators in a gravity core 44 km northeast of Pass a Loutre indicate no clear change in conditions over the past century, constraining the seaward extent of the hotspot near the Balize delta.
Identification and Frequency of Phytophthora Species Associated with Foliar Diseases in California Ornamental Nurseries

ABSTRACT Numerous ornamental nurseries in 32 California counties were surveyed for leaf spots as part of the California Department of Food and Agriculture mandated surveys targeting Phytophthora ramorum. Tissue collected during the 2005 and 2006 surveys was initially screened by a Phytophthora-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All positives samples were further tested using polymerase chain reaction to determine if P. ramorum was present. P. ramorum was detected in 1% of the total number of samples taken during the surveys. A total of 377 isolates were identified as species of Phytophthora other than P. ramorum, and their identity was determined by internal transcriber spacer (ITS) sequences. Subsets of the putative ITS-species were further verified using accepted morphological characters. Thirteen species of Phytophthora were found: P. cactorum, P. cambivora, P. citricola, P. citrophthora, P. cryptogea, P. foliorum, P. gonapodyides, P. hibernalis, P. nemorosa, P. ‘Pgchlamydo’, P. pseudosyringae...
Case Studies for a First-Order Robust Nonlinear Programming Formulation

In this paper, we conduct three case studies to assess the effectiveness of a recently proposed first-order method for robust nonlinear programming [Zhang, Y.: J. Optim. Theory Appl. 132, 111---124 (2007)]. Three robust nonlinear programming problems were chosen from the literature using the criteria that results calculated using other methods must be available and the problems should be realistic, but fairly simple. Our studies show that the first-order method produced reasonable solutions when the level of uncertainty was small to moderate. In addition, we demonstrate a method for leveraging a theoretical result to eliminate constraint violations. Since the first-order method is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other robust optimization techniques, our studies indicate that, under moderate uncertainty, the first-order approach may be more suitable than other methods for large problems.
Bio-inspired chemical reactors for growing aligned gold nanoparticle-like wires.

Bioinspired masks, created by merging sol–gel chemistry with biotemplating, were used as local chemical reactors to grow aligned arrays of gold nanoparticle-like wires.
Rheological and biochemical characterization of salmon myosin as affected by constant heating rate.

Abstract: Purified Chinook salmon myosin was studied using sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacryamide gel electrophoresis and densitometric analysis to determine its purity (approximately 94%). Myosin subjected to a constant heating rate began to form aggregates at >24 °C as measured by turbidity at 320 nm. Conformational changes, as measured by surface hydrophobicity (So), began at 18.5 °C and continued to increase up to 75 °C after which it decreased slightly. Total sulfhydryl (TSH) content remained steady from 18.5 to 50 °C after which point the TSH began to drop. Surface reactive sulfhydryl groups gradually increased as the temperature increased from 18.5 to 55 °C and then followed a similar trend as TSH decreased. Presumably disulfide bond started to be formed at around 50 to 55 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry showed 4 peaks, 3 endothermic (27.9, 36.0, 45.5 °C), and 1 exothermic (49.0 °C). Dynamic rheological measurements provided information concerning the gelation point of salmon myosin that was 31.1 °C as samples were heated at a rate of 2 °C/min.
He metastable concentration measurements in a glow discharge

Abstract The density of the metastable He atoms in the positive column of a glow discharge is determined using two techniques involving a Fourier Transform spectrometer. The techniques are the traditional self-absorption method and the newly reported Doppler shift technique. The two results agree well within the experimental errors.
Effect of intravenous eicosapentaenoic acid on cerebral blood flow, edema and brain prostaglandins in ischemic gerbils

Eicosapentaenoic acid is converted by cyclo-oxygenase to the prostacyclin, PGI3. Consequently eicosapentaenoic acid might protect the brain from the impairment in cerebral blood flow that follows temporary cerebral arterial occlusion. We studied the effect of 90% pure eicosapentaenoic acid, given intravenously, on cerebral blood flow, brain water and prostaglandins after ischemia in gerbils. Ischemia was produced by bilateral carotid occlusion for 15 min followed by reperfusion for 2 h. In experimental gerbils, 0.833 mg or 0.167 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (Na salt) was given intravenously followed by a continuous infusion of 1 mg h-1. Control gerbils were given 0.167 mg of linoleic acid (Na salt) intravenously followed by a continuous infusion of 1 mg h-1 or a saline infusion. Regional cerebral blood flow was measured by the hydrogen clearance method and brain water by the specific gravity technique. Brain diene prostaglandins were measured by radioimmunoassay. In control gerbils cerebral blood flow decreased significantly during reperfusion and remained depressed after 2 h of reperfusion. In eicosapentaenoic acid treated gerbils blood flow decreased initially but after 2 h of reperfusion blood flow was significantly higher than in control gerbils. Brain edema and brain diene prostaglandins were not significantly different between control and experimental groups. Our study indicates that eicosapentaenoic acid, given intravenously, improves cerebral blood flow after ischemia and reperfusion. We speculate that this effect may be due to the formation of the prostacyclin, PGI3.
Collaborative Management and Public Trust Responsibilities: A Help or a Hindrance?

We consider the implications of public trust administration principles for collaborative fish and wildlife management. Collaboration can increase the capacity of agencies to provide fish- and wildl...
STRADDLE-GATE TRANSISTOR: A MOSFET IN THE LIMIT OF USEFUL FIELD-EFFECT

For transistor, the limit of usable field-effect is defined by tunneling between the source and the drain - the mechanism that competes with field-effect as device dimensions shrink to near deBroglie wavelength. This is a more fundamental constraint in the operation of a field-effect transistor than random dopants, oxide thickness, doping magnitudes and depth, gate resistivity, soft-error rates, etc. We describe here a MOSFET structure, the straddle-gate transistor, that uses inversion regions as virtual source and drain, operates within the limits placed by the other constraints, and operates at acceptable power levels with good power gain and output conductance at 10 nm channel lenth. Experimental behavior of the straddle geometry are also described to summarized the advantages accrued using electron injection from the thin inversion regions.
Is the South Pacific helium-3 plume dynamically active?

Abstract It is suggested that the hydrothermal vents of the South Pacific Rise produce a beta-governed circulation at mid-depth, and that perhaps the associated plume of excess3He (Lupton and Craig [1]) points westward because of the dynamics of this circulation rather than as a passive tracer.
Subcellular differentiation in sporulating yeast cells

We have previously described the induction of two sets of sporulation-specific mRNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Herein we correlate the appearance of these RNAs with the major morphogenic events of sporulation, and we analyze the spatial distribution of the RNAs within the ascus. Several observations suggest that the first set of messages is involved in spore wall synthesis. In fractionation experiments, these mRNAs are detected in the ascal cytoplasm but not in developing spores, indicating that the proteinaceous component of the spore wall is synthesized from the external compartment. The second set of messages is induced later in the course of spore maturation. These mRNAs accumulate within the spores and, unlike the first set of mRNAs, are retained in mature asci until the early stages of germination. We conclude that the development of ascospores proceeds through the differentiation of functionally distinct subcellular compartments.
Altered emotionality of the vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rat

Observation of open field behavior of vasopressin-deficient (DI) and normal Long-Evans rats indicated elevated levels of open field activity for the DI rats. Exposure to an acoustic stressor resulted in decreased activity in both groups of animals but with a lesser effect on the DI rat. Handling prior to experimentation diminished the differences between DI and normal rats. Although both groups displayed an equivalent rise in plasma corticosterone in response to the open field, the addition of the acoustic stressor resulted in greater elevation of corticosterone in the normal animals. The behavioral and hormonal data suggest that the DI rat exhibits decreased emotional reactivity. Measurement of brain neurotransmitter levels revealed higher concentrations of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the limbic regions of the DI rat. These alterations may underlie the behavior reflecting decreased emotionality of the DI rat. In turn, the altered emotional state may be the basis for alteration in performance on learning/memory tasks of these animals. Thus, vasopressin effects on the retrieval and/or consolidation of information may not be direct but rather through its ability to influence the emotional state of the animal.
Modifying and protective factors in inactivation of prostatic acid phosphatase by high voltage beta-rays

Abstract The inactivation of dilute solutions of prostatic acid phosphatase was found to be altered by (1) the protein environment of the enzyme during irradiation; the concentration of these proteins as well as their configurational properties play an important role in this respect. (2) The nature and concentrations of the amino acids present in the enzyme solution exposed to beta-radiation also exerted a modifying influence on the degree of the inactivation of the acid phosphatase. The amino acids apparently divert the energy of irradiation from the enzyme by undergoing a condensation polymerization.
Outcomes after a Ladd procedure for intestinal malrotation with heterotaxia.

Abstract Purpose Intestinal rotation abnormalities and complex congenital heart disease associated with heterotaxia coexist. Despite the risk for midgut volvulus, performing a Ladd procedure for asymptomatic malrotation with heterotaxia remains to be controversial because the presumed risk for postoperative complications is thought to exceed the benefits of the operation. The purpose of this study was to review the incidence of complications after a Ladd procedure in asymptomatic patients with heterotaxia to guide recommendations for this patient population. Methods The medical records of all patients with heterotaxia who underwent a Ladd procedure for asymptomatic malrotation between 1984 and 2004 were reviewed. Type of cardiac disease, postoperative complications, and survival were recorded. Results Twenty-two patients (9 boys and 13 girls) with heterotaxia underwent an elective Ladd procedure after their medical stabilization or surgical correction or palliation of their cardiac anomaly. Of these patients, 19 were younger than 1 month at the time of the operation. The remaining 3 patients underwent the operation when they were between 2 and 5 months old. Three of the 22 patients (14%) developed postoperative intestinal obstruction: lysis of adhesions was performed in 1 patient; another patient required a staged bowel resection for a closed loop obstruction; and yet another patient had recurrent midgut volvulus 4 years after an incomplete initial Ladd procedure. All patients survived the initial and secondary procedures. Four deaths, all more than 1 month after the surgery, occurred as sequelae of the underlying cardiac anomaly. Length of follow-up ranged from 1 to 17 years. Conclusions We report on a 14% risk of postoperative bowel obstruction after an elective Ladd procedure, as compared with a small but significant incidence of midgut volvulus in patients with malrotation in the setting of complex congenital heart disease. Our results support the conclusion that an elective Ladd procedure at a time of relative cardiac stability for selected patients with heterotaxia has an acceptably low morbidity and should be considered to prevent midgut volvulus.
Composition of Bone IX. Equilibration of Serum with CaHPO4

Because of the complications introduced by the presence of proteins in serum, we studied first the solubility equilibria in protein-free solutions. We1 found that, at the pH of serum, solutions with the inorganic composition of ricketic serum are markedly under-saturated with respect to CaHPO4. Solutions with the calcium and phosphorus content of normal blood serum are slightly undersaturated; it is only solutions which have Ca × P products greater than about 50 which are supersaturated with respect to CaHPO4.Since part of the calcium in serum is bound to protein, it was predicated that ricketic serum is undersaturated with respect to CaHPO4; normal serum should be slightly undersaturated with respect to this substance.This theory was tested by shaking blood sera for one hour at 38° with crystalline CaHPO4. As a result of the equilibration, the phosphorus increased in all cases; in some cases both calcium and phosphorus increased. In every case equilibration produced an increase in the Ca × P product and ...
Vibration characteristics of aluminum plates reinforced with boron-epoxy composite material.

Analytical and experimental data on the vibration characteristics of cantilevered winglike flat trapezoidal aluminum plates are presented. The plates had been reinforced with boron-epoxy composite material which had been placed symmetrically about the plate middle surface. The effect of filament orientation on the mode shapes and frequencies of the first ten modes and on the damping coefficients of several of the lowest frequency modes has been investigated experimentally. Experimental data are compared with results from a finite-element analysis. Stiffness properties of the composite material for use in the analysis were determined from vibration tests of composite reinforced aluminum beams.
Ceramics for Molten Materials Containment, Transfer and Handling on the Lunar Surface

As part of a project on Molten Materials Transfer and Handling on the Lunar Surface, molten materials containment samples of various ceramics were tested to determine their performance in contact with a melt of lunar regolith simulant. The test temperature was 1600 C with contact times ranging from 0 to 12 hours. Regolith simulant was pressed into cylinders with the approximate dimensions of 1.25 dia x 1.25cm height and then melted on ceramic substrates. The regolith-ceramic interface was examined after processing to determine the melt/ceramic interaction. It was found that the molten regolith wetted all oxide ceramics tested extremely well which resulted in chemical reaction between the materials in each case. Alumina substrates were identified which withstood contact at the operating temperature of a molten regolith electrolysis cell (1600 C) for eight hours with little interaction or deformation. This represents an improvement over alumina grades currently in use and will provide a lifetime adequate for electrolysis experiments lasting 24 hours or more. Two types of non-oxide ceramics were also tested. It was found that they interacted to a limited degree with the melt resulting in little corrosion. These ceramics, Sic and BN, were not wetted as well as the oxides by the melt, and so remain possible materials for molten regolith handling. Tests wing longer holding periods and larger volumes of regolith are necessary to determine the ultimate performance of the tested ceramics.
Radiation‐induced gene expression profile of human cells deficient in 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanine glycosylase

The human OGG1 gene encodes a DNA glycosylase that is involved in the base excision repair of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanine (8-OH-dG) from oxidatively damaged DNA. Cellular 8-OH-dG levels accumulate in the absence of this activity and could be deleterious for the cell. To assess the role of 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1) in the cellular defense mechanism in a specific DNA repair defect background, we set out to determine the expression pattern of base excision repair genes and other cellular genes not involved in the base excision pathway in OGG1-deficient human KG-1 cells after ionizing radiation exposure. KG-1 cells have lost OGG1 activity due to a homozygous mutation of Arg229Gln. Gene expression alterations were monitored at 4, 8, 12 and 24 hr in 2 Gy irradiated cells. Large-scale gene expression profiling was assessed with DNA microarray technology. Gene expression analysis identified a number of ionizing radiation-responsive genes, including several novel genes. There were 2 peaks of radiation-induced gene induction or repression: one at 8 hr and the other at 24 hr. Overall the number of downregulated genes was higher than the number of upregulated genes. The highest number of downregulated genes was at 8 hr postirradiation. Genes corresponding to cellular, physiologic, developmental and extracellular processes were identified. The highest number of radiation-induced genes belonged to the signal transduction category, followed by genes involved in transcription and response to stress. Microarray gene expression data were independently validated by relative quantitative RT-PCR. Surprisingly, none of the genes involved in the base excision repair of radiation-induced DNA damage showed altered expression.
A thermal ion source for quadrupole mass spectrometers

Abstract A new ion source has been designed and tested for performing thermal ionization isotopic analyses with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Significantly improved performance in comparison to the commercial source was obtained.
The proliferative actions of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, epidermal growth factor, butyrate and propionate on ruminal epithelial cells in vitro

Abstract The rumen epithelium increases in size and surface area in response to increased feed intake, presumably due to increased epithelial cell proliferation. Isolated ruminal cells were cultured in vitro to determine the effect of various growth factors on ruminal cell proliferation. The growth factors evaluated included insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I and epidermal growth factor. VFA propionate and butyrate were also evaluated. Ruminal epithelial cells were isolated from five lambs via serial tryptic digestion and prepared for sterile culture by serial washes in sterile buffered salts solution. Cell proliferation was assessed by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetra-zoliumbromide] (MTT) assay. Cell growth was stimulated to 75, 96 and 97% of the growth of cells cultured in DMEM supplemented with 5% FCS (for Ins, IGF-I and EGF, respectively). Propionate and butyrate addition resulted in an overall decline in cell growth to below controls (61 and 49%, respectively). When butyrate (1 mmol) was present in the media Ins, IGF-I and EGF overcame the butyrate inhibition, but did not attain the growth observed in uninhibited cultures (67, 57 and 60%, respectively). Although butyrate has been implicated as a possible mediator of ruminal cell growth in vivo, growth factors such as insulin, IGF-I and EGF are more effective inducers of growth in vitro.
Biomechanical comparison of lumbosacral fixation techniques in a calf spine model.

Study design biomechanical testing of the strength and stability of lumbosacral fixation constructs. Objectives The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the biomechanical properties of five different lumbosacral fixation constructs and determine the benefit of adding supplementary fixation to S1 screws. Summary of background data Extension of long fusions to the sacrum remains a difficult clinical challenge. Only a limited number of biomechanical studies have evaluated the different fixation methods available, and none has included both nondestructive and load to failure testing of these fixation methods. Methods Six fresh-frozen calf spines were prepared and tested for each construct. The five constructs tested included the following: S1 screws alone, S1 screws and S2 proximally directed screws, S1 screws and S2 distally directed screws, S1 screws and intrasacral rods, and S1 screws and iliac screws. Nondestructive, multidirectional flexibility analyses included four loading methods followed by a destructive flexural load to failure. Lumbosacral peak range of motion (millimeters or degrees) and ultimate failure load (Nm) of the five reconstruction techniques were statistically compared using a one-way analysis of variance combined with a Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test. Results S1 screw strain tested in flexion-extension was significantly reduced by the addition of any second point of distal fixation. There was no significant difference between any of the different sacral fixation constructs (P > 0.05). In axial compression, only the addition of iliac screws significantly reduced S1 screw strain. In destructive testing under flexion loading, only iliac screws statistically increased the load at failure (P = 0.005). Conclusion This study demonstrates the effectiveness of adding a second fixation point distal to the S1 screws in reducing S1 screw strain. Iliac fixation is more effective than secondary sacral fixation points but may not be necessary in all clinical situations. Only iliac fixation effectively increased the load to failure under catastrophic loading conditions. Supplementary sacral fixation failed to significantly protect against catastrophic failure. These findings support the clinical observation that iliac fixation is least likely to fail in high-risk, long fusions. Whether testing range of motion, screw strain, or load to failure, no benefit could be demonstrated for intrasacral rod placement when compared with other supplementary sacral fixation techniques. Intrasacral rod placement was equal to a second sacral screw in reducing S1 screw strain during flexion-extension loading. It was not as effective as iliac fixation in reducing screw strain or preventing catastrophic failure. When choosing fixation methods in long fusions to the sacrum, this study supports the use of iliac fixation as the method least likely to loosen or pull out. A second point of sacral fixation also offers biomechanical advantages when compared with S1 fixation alone and may be an appropriate choice in less "high risk" fusions to the sacrum.
An Econometric Model for United States Agriculture

Abstract Economists and agricultural economists have done parallel research in estimating quantitative economic relations for various economic sectors. This study is an attempt to bring together the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors by grafting onto a master model of the total economy a set of estimated relationships for the agricultural sector. In this way it is possible to trace the effects of changes in the non-agricultural economy through the agricultural sector and in turn to make some estimates of the contribution of agriculture to the total. In estimating supply, demand and price relationships within agriculture twelve product categories are examined. This permits the results to be applied as forecasting devices for disaggregated commodity groups within agriculture. The results are not as gratifying as one would wish and consequently many of the relationships are being re-examined and re-estimated.
Optical coherence tomography findings in persistent diabetic macular edema: the vitreomacular interface.

Purpose To assess the optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of eyes with persistent clinically significant diabetic macular edema (PDME) after focal laser treatment, with emphasis on the vitreomacular interface (VMI) characteristics. Design Prospective, observational case series. Methods Fifty eyes with PDME after at least one focal laser treatment were enrolled prospectively. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, stereoscopic fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), and OCT were performed for each eye. The main outcome measures included the detection rate of VMI abnormalities (VMIA) by OCT in comparison with biomicroscopy, fundus photography, and FA (traditional techniques); the relationship between VMIA and the number of focal laser sessions per eye and FA leakage pattern. Results Two of 50 eyes were excluded because of incomplete data. For the remaining 48 eyes, 25 eyes (52.1%) demonstrated definite VMIA, including anomalous vitreal adhesions, epiretinal membrane (ERM), or both, and six eyes (12.5%) had questionable VMIA. OCT in general was 1.94 times more sensitive than traditional techniques combined in detecting VMIA ( P = .00003). The number of focal laser sessions and diffuse FA leakage were not associated with an increased prevalence of VMIA ( P = .13 and P = .47, respectively). Conclusions This study demonstrates a high prevalence of VMIA in eyes with PDME after focal laser treatment and underscores the superiority of OCT in detecting these abnormalities. OCT evaluation of eyes with PDME may be helpful in identifying VMIA, which may impact treatment selection and patient subgroup stratification.
A DIRECT CONNECTION OF A TRICYCLIC ANALOG OF METHYLLYCACONITINE WITH 2-METHYLSUCCINIMIDOBENZOIC ACID

Abstract An efficient procedure for attaching the methylsuccinimidobenzoate ester unit to an ABE ring segment of methyllycaconitine is described.
Insulin biosynthesis in isolated channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) islets: the effect of glucose.

Abstract The present experiments were undertaken to evaluate the optimal conditions for insulin biosynthesis in isolated channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) islets. It was found that fish islets increase the utilization of [5- 3 H]glucose as a function of glucose concentration in a similar manner to mammalian islets. When the islets were preincubated in Dulbecco's modified medium or Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate overnight, the previously reported paradoxical decrease in insulin biosynthesis between 2.8 and 16.6 m M glucose did not occur. Preincubation, followed by incubation at glucose concentrations which are within the physiological range for fish, between 0 and 1 m M , showed a two-to threefold increase in the synthesis of insulin-related peptides.
Observation of the field-dependent ramsey resonance without extremely homogeneous magnetic fields☆

Abstract The necessary condition for observation of a Ramsey resonance is given for atoms traversing a quite inhomogeneous magnetic field. The application to a field-dependent transition is demonstrated for 39 K atoms in a magnetic field with variations > 0.1 G. Several applications of the technique are suggested.
A microcomputer-based laboratory: Real-world experience

This paper discusses current hardware and software in use at the Center for Automated Systems in Education, a project of the department of psychology at Southwest Texas State University. The hardware ranges from inexpensive microcomputers to sophisticated color graphic display systems. The advantages and disadvantages of various systems are considered. Current projects of interest to educators and psychologists are mentioned.
Isotopic evolution of the mantle: a model

We investigate a model of mantle evolution which acknowledges the importances, in early Earth history, of large degrees of partial melting and crystal fractionation rather than, as in recent models, small degrees of partial melting operating on primary mantle. The major source regions are in the upper mantle and evolve from a primitive mantle melt by crystal fractionation and the formation of chemically distinct cumulate layers. The Rb/Sr and Sm/Nd ratios in melts are relatively unfractionated in processes involving large (> 15%) degrees of partial melting. The ratios are even less fractionated in orthocumulates forming from these melts. Small degrees of partial melting, or removal of residual fluids after nearly complete crystalization of cumulate layers, are the processes that lead to significant fractionation. The importance of these processes increases as the upper mantle cools. The observation of nearly primitive isotopic ratios does not necessarily imply the presence of ancient primitive undifferential reservoirs. The transfer of intercumulus fluids from a crystalizing cumulate layer gives time-dependent Rb/Sr and Sm/Nd ratios in both the donor and receiving reservoirs since the late-stage fluids become more enriched as crystalization proceeds. Enrichment in such a system is progressive with time. Time-integrated Nd/Sm and Rb/Sr ratios, therefore, need not depart much from primitive ratios even though current values for LILE concentration, Rb/Sr, Nd/Sm, etc., may be large. The time constant for LILE enrichment appears to be 2 Gyr, about the same as required for the U/Pb system and the same as the characteristics time associated with mantle cooling. The mantle reservoirs may be much more ancient than generally assumed.
Products of photodegradation for coumarin laser dyes

Abstract The products of conventional photolysis of the coumarin laser dyes, C1, C35, C153, and C152 have been investigated. The previously reported dealkylation of C1 is documented for the fluorinated dyes, C35, and C152 in deaerated solvents. In addition, a reduction product is identified for C1, consistent with a radical mechanism for decomposition. Evidence is provided that the concentration quenching (self quenching) of singlet dye is important to the degradation mechanism. For the rigid dye, C153, a photooxidation product involving the amine functionality results from decomposition in aerated media. For several dyes, very low triplet yields have been measured.
Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging for viscosity measurements of non-Newtonian fluids using a miniaturized RF coil

This work reports on applications of a miniaturized RF coil combined with a capillary tube for the design of a portable on-line/in-line magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based viscometer. A microfabricated Helmholtz RF coil with the average diameter of 7 mm and a Teflon tube with ID = 1.02 mm were utilized. Tube flows of two aqueous CMC polymer solutions (2% with MW = 250k and 1% with MW = 700k) of different viscosities at 1.99 µL s−1 volumetric flow rate were monitored. It was shown that the RF coil and the capillary permit measurement of shear thinning phenomena during flow. A constitutive power law model was used to analyse the tube flows. Viscosity was successfully measured for both the CMC solutions. The less viscous CMC solution was found to have the power index n = 0.77 ± 0.06 and the flow consistency coefficient K = 1.68, whereas the more viscous CMC solution exhibited n = 0.5 ± 0.03 and K = 7.23. The MRI measurements compared well with measurements of the same samples performed on a conventional rotational rheometer. The range of shear rates covered by the obtained MRI viscosity data was 3–20 s−1.
The Shame of Science Education

Public understanding of science is appalling. The major contributor to society's stunning ignorance of science has been our educational system. The inability of students to appreciate the scope, meaning, and limitations of science reflects our conventional lecture-oriented curriculum with its emphasis on passive learning. The student's traditional role is that of a passive note-taker and regurgitator of factual information. What is urgently needed is an educational program in which the students become interested in actively knowing, rather than passively believing. The use of problem-based learning provides a rich vehicle for making our students active participants in the learning process. One of the most effective ways of implementing problem-based learning is to organize the students in small discussion groups. The potential of small, carefully structured learning groups in higher education has yet to be realized.
Changes in vitamin E prescribing for Alzheimer patients.

Objective: At the end of 2006, a survey was sent to members of the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) to assess possible changes in prescribing Vitamin E to patients with Alzheimer disease that followed two published reports in early 2005 suggesting increased mortality and an increased incidence of heart failure with Vitamin E supplements. Method: A three-item questionnaire was mailed to all AAGP members who had prescription privileges to assess changes in prescribing Vitamin E after January, 2005. Results: A total of 572 completed surveys were returned for a response rate of 35%. Nearly 60% of respondents reported a change over the 2 years that followed the 2005 reports. The greatest change was in the group not prescribing Vitamin E, which increased from 6.6% before 2005 to 60.6% afterward. Conclusions: AAGP members significantly reduced prescribing Vitamin E to patients with Alzheimer disease after 2005. The two reports are discussed with an emphasis on their methodological limitations and the potential for additional information on Vitamin E side effects from ongoing research.
Mapping of stress distribution in woven‐fabric composites

Mapping of the stress distribution in composite materials, both at the fiber/matrix interface and in the composite constituents, is important to understand the material mechanical response. Stress mapping can help predict composite behavior under certain stresses especially failure or delamination. In this work, two analytical models were proposed to map the stress distribution at fiber, matrix and fiber/matrix interface utilizing the concept of stress superposition. The first model dealt with the fiber in the longitudinal direction considering axisymmetric conditions. The second model addressed the fiber stress distribution in the transverse direction. Experimental data from four-point flexural tests of woven fabric composites was processed using the Graphical Integrated Numerical Analysis (pcGINA) to obtain the maximum stress in the target laminate and this value was used as the input for the two analytical models. The value for the maximum interfacial shear stress was calculated using the models and results were compared to pull-out fiber test values obtained from literature. Good agreement was observed between the model calculations and the literature data. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Recording leaf movements with a strain gauge

Leaf movement recording system using strain gauge for testing light-dark cycle effects in connection with physical limitations of orbiting capsule
M-Theory Inspired No-Scale Supergravity

We propose a supergravity model that contains elements recently shown to arise in the strongly-coupled limit of the E8 × E8 heterotic string (M-theory), including a no-scale-like Kahler potential, the identification of the string scale with the gauge coupling unification scale, and the onset of supersymmetry breaking at an intermediate scale determined by the size of the 11th dimension of M-theory. We also study the phenomenological consequences of such scenario, which include a rather constrained sparticle spectrum within the reach of present-generation particle accelerators.
Low Power Arcjet Thruster Pulse Ignition

An investigation of the pulse ignition characteristics of a 1 kW class arcjet using an inductive energy storage pulse generator with a pulse width modulated power converter identified several thruster and pulse generator parameters that influence breakdown voltage including pulse generator rate of voltage rise. This work was conducted with an arcjet tested on hydrogen-nitrogen gas mixtures to simulate fully decomposed hydrazine. Over all ranges of thruster and pulser parameters investigated, the mean breakdown voltages varied from 1.4 to 2.7 kV. Ignition tests at elevated thruster temperatures under certain conditions revealed occasional breakdowns to thruster voltages higher than the power converter output voltage. These post breakdown discharges sometimes failed to transition to the lower voltage arc discharge mode and the thruster would not ignite. Under the same conditions, a transition to the arc mode would occur for a subsequent pulse and the thruster would ignite. An automated 11 600 cycle starting and transition to steady state test demonstrated ignition on the first pulse and required application of a second pulse only two times to initiate breakdown.