cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental Characterization and Viscoplastic Modeling of the Temperature Dependent Material Behavior of Underfill Encapsulants

In this work, the viscoplastic mechanical response of a typical underfill encapsulant has been characterized via rate dependent stress-strain testing over a wide temperature range, and creep testing for a large range of applied stress levels and temperatures. A specimen preparation procedure has been developed to manufacture 80 × 5 mm uniaxial tension test samples with a specified thickness of .5 mm. The test specimens are dispensed and cured with production equipment using the same conditions as those used in actual flip chip assembly, and no release agent is required to extract them from the mold. Using the manufactured test specimens, a microscale tension-torsion testing machine has been used to evaluate stress-strain and creep behavior of the underfill material as a function of temperature. Stress-strain curves have been measured at 5 temperatures (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 C), and strain rates spanning over 5 orders of magnitude. In addition, creep curves have been evaluated for the same 5 temperatures and several stress levels. With the obtained mechanical property data, several viscoelastic and viscoplastic material models have been fit to the data, and optimum constitutive models for subsequent use in finite element simulations have been determined.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Cowhage-induced itch as an experimental model for pruritus. A comparative study with histamine-induced itch.

Background Histamine is the prototypical pruritogen used in experimental itch induction. However, in most chronic pruritic diseases, itch is not predominantly mediated by histamine. Cowhage-induced itch, on the other hand, seems more characteristic of itch occurring in chronic pruritic diseases.
Promotion of preneoplastic changes in liver by coal-derived organic mixtures applied to skin

The promotion of preneoplastic hepatocyte foci was observed in rats neonatally initiated by a single intraperitoneal injection of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) or diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and exposed, from weaning, to repeated topical applications of coal-derived complex organic mixtures that are carcinogenic for mouse skin. Topical application of these mixtures in the absence of prior initiation did not cause significant induction of hepatocyte foci. These observations indicate the advantage of the neonatal rat hepatocarcinogenesis system for detecting promoting activity in carcinogenic mixtures and identify the existence of systemic tumorigenic risk from cutaneous contact with promoting agents.
Application of Mechanochemical Synthesis to Manufacturing of Permanent Magnets

Synthesis of permanent magnet powders through mechanically and thermally activated reduction of metal oxides with calcium, which allows for the production of fine single crystal particles, may contribute to the ongoing search for alternatives to the Nd-Fe-B magnets. The reviewed efforts demonstrate the possibilities to prepare (1) high-coercivity SmCo5 nanoparticles for anisotropic exchange-coupled nanocomposites, (2) YCo5/LaCo5 powders with the magnetic properties superior to those obtained through other manufacturing methods and (3) submicron Mn-Bi powders with large concentration of the MnBi phase. Also discussed are less successful attempts to prepare Mn-Al, Zr-Co and Hf-Co hard magnetic alloys in which the principal phases are known or likely to be metastable.
An O(NlogN) hypercube N-body integrator

The gravitational N-body algorithm of Barnes and Hut [1] has been successfully implemented on a hypercube concurrent processor. The novel approach of their sequential algorithm has demonstrated itself to be well suited to hypercube architectures. The sequential code achieves O (NlogN) speed by recursively dividing space into subcells, thereby creating a hierarchical grouping of particles. Computing interactions between these groups dramatically reduces the amount of communication between processors, as well as the number of force calculations. Parallelism is achieved through an irregular spatial grid decomposition. Since the decomposition topology is not simple, a general loosely synchronous communication routine has been developed. Operations are simplified if the conventional grey code decomposition is modified so that the bits are taken alternately from each Cartesian dimension. A speedup of 180 has been achieved for a 500,000 particle two-dimensional calculation on 256 processors. A speedup of 65 has been obtained for a 64,000 particle three-dimensional calculation on 256 processors.
Automaticity, axion invisibility and cosnological baryosynthesis

Abstract We explore the reconciliation between solution of the strong CP problem by the invisible axion technique and the successful qualitative explanation of the baryon number of the universe from grand unification. Imposition of Peccei-Quinn symmetry can make the baryon asymmetry too small, if the dominant mechanism is decay of superheavy scalars. We show that grand unified models with automatic axion invisibility can avoid this difficulty. In particular a three-family SU(7) model gives an acceptable fourth-order contribution to baryon asymmetry. The requirement of sufficient baryosybthesis suggests how the light families of fermions must be assigned to representations of SU(7). The role of superheavy fermions is also discussed.
A Nucleic Acid Triple Helix Formed by a Peptide Nucleic Acid-DNA Complex

The crystal structure of a nucleic acid triplex reveals a helix, designated P-form, that differs from previously reported nucleic acid structures. The triplex consists of one polypurine DNA strand complexed to a polypyrimidine hairpin peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and was successfully designed to promote Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen base pairing. The P-form helix is underwound, with a base tilt similar to B-form DNA. The bases are displaced from the helix axis even more than in A-form DNA. Hydrogen bonds between the DNA backbone and the Hoogsteen PNA backbone explain the observation that polypyrimidine PNA sequences form highly stable 2:1 PNA-DNA complexes. This structure expands the number of known stable helical forms that nucleic acids can adopt.
Variceal Bleeding Prophylaxis: Variceal Banding or Propranolol

Background and Methods: We compared propranolol therapy and endoscopic ligation for the primary prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices. This prospective, controlled trial included consecutive eligible patients who had large varices (＞ 5mm in diameter) that were at high risk for bleeding. The patients were assigned to either propranolol therapy, at a dose sufficient to decrease the base-line heart rate by 25 percent, or variceal ligation, to be performed weekly until the varices were obliterated or so reduced in size that it was not possible to continue treatment. Results: Of the 89 patients, 82 of whom had cirrhosis of the liver, 44 received propranolol and 45 underwent variceal ligation. The mean (±.SD) duration of follow-up in each group was 14 ±-9 and 13 ± 10 months, respectively. The mean time required to achieve an adequate reduction in the heart rate was 2.5 ±. 1.7 days; the mean number of sessions needed to complete variceal ligation was 3.2 ± 1.1. After 18 months, the actuarial probability of bleeding was 43 percent in the propranolol group and 15 percent in the ligation group (P=0.04). Twelve patients in the propranolol group and four in the ligation group had bleeding. Three of the four in the ligation group had bleeding before their varices had been obliterated. Nine patients in the ligation group had recurrent varices, a mean of 3.7 months after the initial treatment. Five patients in each group died; bleeding from the varices was the cause of death of four patients in the propranolol group and of three in the ligation group. There were no serious complications of variceal ligation; in the propranolol group, treatment was stopped in two patients because of side effects. Conclusions: In patients with high-risk esophageal varices, endoscopic ligation of the varices is safe and more effective than propranolol for the primary prevention of variceal bleeding.
Institutional Efforts to Improve Black Male Student Achievement: A Standards-Based Approach

According to a 2010 report from the Schott Foundation for Public Education, only 47 percent of black male students graduated from high school in 2008 with peers in their entering cohorts. Thus, muc...
Electrolytic pretreatment of Illinois No. 6 coal

Abstract Electrolysis of Illinois No. 6 coal in acidic as well as basic electrolytes accomplishes significant amount of sulfur and ash removal under moderate reaction conditions. Electrolysis at 1.4 V vs. SCE (saturated calomel electrode) in 2 M NaCl + 9% HCl electrolyte accomplishes 62% sulfur removal and leaves behind a clean coal with the sulfur to heating value ratio of 1.44 lb S/million Btu (0.619 kg S/GJ) while coal slurry oxidation at 3.0 V vs. SCE results in 72% ash removal. Coal electrolysis in basic electrolytes accomplishes a clean residue with relatively low oxygen content. The sulfur to heating value ratio of 2.11 lb S/million Btu (0.907 kg S/GJ) is observed for coal electrolyzed in 2 M NaOH at 3.0 V vs. SCE. Impurity removal from coal is simultaneously accompanied by clean hydrogen gas production at the cathode at Faradaic coulometric efficiencies of over 95%. Hydrogen gas is produced by the depolarization of water by mineral impurities present in coal. A relatively small amount of H 2 is produced due to water splitting caused by the carbonaceous part of the coal. Model reaction pathways for coal cleaning are discussed. More work is in progress on the types of sulfur forms removed from coal.
Measurement error adjustment in essential fatty acid intake from a food frequency questionnaire: Alternative approaches and methods

Background We aimed at assessing the degree of measurement error in essential fatty acid intakes from a food frequency questionnaire and the impact of correcting for such an error on precision and bias of odds ratios in logistic models. To assess these impacts, and for illustrative purposes, alternative approaches and methods were used with the binary outcome of cognitive decline in verbal fluency.
Independence in activities of daily living for end-stage renal disease patients: biomedical and demographic correlates

Factors associated with physical well-being were examined in a population-based sample of adult end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in Michigan (n = 459). The dependent variables were two measures of physical functioning: (1) a ten-item measure of activities of daily living (ADL), and (2) the 45-item physical dysfunction dimension of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). Independent variables included four modalities of treatment (in center hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPO], related transplant, and cadaver trans plant); primary cause of ESRD (eg, diabetes, glomerulonephritis); comorbidity (other illnesses besides primary cause of ESRD); and demographic characteristics (sex, race, age, marital status, education). ADL and SIP unad justed mean scores differed significantly by category for each of the eight study factors (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P P P
Extraction of DNA from paraffin-embedded tissue for analysis by polymerase chain reaction: New tricks from an old friend

For decades virtually all human tissues have been fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. The DNA present in fixed tissues is degraded in size but can be analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for specific genetic alterations. The original purpose of fixation, to optimally preserve complex histological and spatial features, is lost with bulk DNA extraction. Because the PCR allows the analysis of even a single molecule of DNA, it is possible to genetically analyze small groups of cells on a microscope slide with techniques such as selective ultraviolet radiation fractionation (SURF). The direct correlation of histological phenotype with genotype provides information that is difficult to obtain by other methods and allows a more precise translation between molecular studies and the current vast histological database.
Increased height in patients with medulloblastomas.

OBJECTIVE: Medulloblastomas demonstrate histological features similar to neuroendocrine tumors. Expression of various receptors for growth factors and production of growth hormones have been identified to occur with medulloblastomas. We studied the preoperative height of patients with medulloblastomas. METHODS: We studied 85 patients (64 children and 21 adults) with medulloblastomas and 42 patients (27 children and 15 adults) with cerebellar astrocytomas who served as a control group. All of the patients had their height and weight documented on standardized growth charts. In addition, age, sex, symptoms, radiographic findings, treatment, and survival were examined. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 22.4% of the patients with medulloblastomas were above the 95% curve in height and 80.0% were above the 50% curve for height. Compared with patients with cerebellar astrocytomas, 7.1% were above the 95% curve for height and 54.8% were above the 50% curve for height. The distribution of patients along the weight curves for both tumor types demonstrated a slight prevalence for lower weights but was not significantly different from the national average. A significant number of patients presenting with medulloblastomas attained increased height, which was disproportionate to the weight loss generally observed with neoplasms. To our knowledge, the disproportionate number of patients with medulloblastomas and increased height has not been reported before. A similar deviation in height distribution from the normal population could not be identified in patients with cerebellar astrocytomas. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that medulloblastomas may be influenced by growth hormone production or may produce growth factors in vivo.
Propagation of anSH-torque pulse in a three layered solid half-space

The potential functions caused due to anSH-torque pulse from a point source in any of the layers of a three-layered solid half-space have been evaluated in terms of definite integrals, usingCagniard's method. The solution is given as a double infinite series, of which only a finite number of terms contribute to the disturbance at a definite time, and the number of such terms increases with time.
Using Response to Intervention to Enhance Outcomes for Children

Response to Intervention (RTI) models have substantial promise for screening, intervention service delivery, and to serve as catalysts for system change to enhance the educational outcomes of children. RTI represents a more flexible service delivery model; however, it is essential to articulate how RTI can be effectively implemented and demonstrated to be functionally meaningful. This article provides a brief review of probable advantages and possible challenges of implementing RTI and also provides an overview of data emerging from the Screening to Enhance Equitable Placement (STEEP) problem-solving model. Further research is necessary to clearly delineate the purpose(s), operationalize procedures and judgments, and evaluate the decisionmaking utility of the RTI models in practice.
Evaluation of K(HYNIC)2 as A Bifunctional Chelator for 99mTc-Labeling of Small Biomolecules

This study sought to evaluate K(HYNIC)(2) (K = lysine and HYNIC = 6-hydrazinonicotinyl) as a bifunctional chelator for (99m)Tc-labeling of biomolecule. In this study, four K(HYNIC)(2)-conjugated cyclic RGD peptides, K(HYNIC)(2)-RGD(2) (RGD(2) = E[c(RGDfK)](2)), K(HYNIC)(2)-3G-RGD(2) (3G-RGD(2) = Gly-Gly-Gly-E[Gly-Gly-Gly-c(RGDfK)](2)), K(HYNIC)(2)-2P-RGD(2) (2P-RGD(2) = E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)](2), and PEG(4) = 15-amino-4,7,10,13-tetraoxapentadecanoic acid), and K(HYNIC)(2)-3P-RGD(2) (3P-RGD(2) = PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2) were prepared, and evaluated for their integrin αvβ3 binding affinity. IC(50) values were determined to be 47 ± 2, 35 ± 2, 37 ± 2, 85 ± 2, and 422 ± 15 nM for K(HYNIC)(2)-2P-RGD(2), K(HYNIC)(2)-3P-RGD(2), K(HYNIC)(2)-3G-RGD(2), K(HYNIC)(2)-RGD(2), and c(RGDyK), respectively, against (125)I-echistatin bound to U87MG cells. Macrocyclic complexes [(99m)Tc(K(HYNIC)(2)-RGD(2))(tricine)] (1), [(99m)Tc(K(HYNIC)(2)-3G-RGD(2))(tricine)] (2), [(99m)Tc(K(HYNIC)(2)-2P-RGD(2))(tricine)] (3), and [(99m)Tc(K(HYNIC)(2)-3P-RGD(2))(tricine)] (4) were prepared, and evaluated in athymic nude mice bearing U87MG glioma xenografts for their tumor targeting capability and biodistribution. It was found that 1-4 all had high solution stability and more than two isomers, as evidenced by the presence of multiple radiometric peaks in their radio-HPLC chromatograms. The tumor uptake of 1-4 was 3.78 ± 0.81, 7.46 ± 1.68, 9.74 ± 1.65, and 8.59 ± 1.52%ID/g, respectively, which was completely consistent with trend of integrin α(v)β(3) binding affinity for cyclic RGD peptides. Replacing [(99m)Tc(HYNIC)(tricine)(TPPTS)] (TPPTS = trisodium triphenylphosphine-3,3',3"-trisulfonate) with [(99m)Tc(K(HYNIC)(2))(tricine)] had little impact on radiotracer tumor uptake; but it had significant effect on the uptake of radiotracer in kidneys, lungs, and spleen. The tumor was clearly visualized by SPECT/CT with excellent contrast in a glioma-bearing mouse administered with 4. K(HYNIC)(2) would be particularly useful for (99m)Tc-labeling of small biomolecules with one or more disulfide linkages.
Cellular mechanisms involved in cyclic stromal renewal of the uterus. II. The albino rat

During the first four days postpartum, heterophils (polymorphonuclear leucocytes) and macrophages occur in the intercellular compartment of the luminal epithelium of the uterine endometrium. Cytochemical and ultrastructural evidence indicates that transepithelial emigration of these stromal cells to the uterine cavity is occurring. This event takes place while the luminal epithelium is proliferating in response to the estrogenic stimulus of the postpartum estrus. Heterophil emigration precedes that of the macrophages and is most conspicuous during days 1 and 2. Although it has been established that collagen fibrils occur in uterine phagocytes (Schwarz and Guldner, 1967) assumed to be macrophages (Parakkal, 1969, 1972), their precise role in collagen degradation remains undefined. It seems likely that the emigrating macrophages, heavily laden with phagolysosomal derivatives and lipid droplets, are hauling the remnants of the intercellular substance out of the endometrium during days 2–4 postpartum. Ultrastructural evidence indicates that the emigrating macrophage punctures the basal lamina and passes through the intercellular compartment of the luminal epithelium by active penetration. Another mode of macrophagic egress operates in the deep stroma of the endometrium and myometrium where lymphatic drainage occurs. Macrophages accumulate in the perilymphatic stroma as well as within lymphatic vessels. Thus macrophagic emigration through the luminal epithelium and lymphatic vessels may provide a cellular mechanism for elimination of the intercellular stromal substance in the regressing uterus. Transepithelial emigration is a mechanism which operates also in the marsupial uterus (Padykula and Taylor, 1976), and thus may be a fundamental mechanism among subprimate mammals that fulfills in part the function that menstruation effects in primates.
Why Liberal Neutralists Should Accept Educational Neutrality

Educational neutrality states that decisions about school curricula and instruction should be made independently of particular comprehensive doctrines. Many political philosophers of education reject this view in favor of some non-neutral alternative. Contrary to what one might expect, some prominent liberal neutralists have also rejected this view in parts of their work. This paper has two purposes. The first part of the paper concerns the relationship between liberal neutrality and educational neutrality. I examine arguments by Rawls and Nagel and argue that some of the same arguments they use to justify liberal neutrality also justify educational neutrality; thus, if we accept these arguments for liberal neutrality, we should also accept educational neutrality. The second part of the paper defends educational neutrality against objections that it is impossible and objections that it is undesirable.
An algorithm for modeling the sinusoidal input/steady-state response behavior of nonlinear systems over a set of frequencies and amplitudes☆

Abstract An algorithm for constructing a black box model of the sinusoidal input/steady-state response behavior of nonlinear time-invariant systems over a set of frequencies and amplitudes is presented. It is assumed that the steady-state response is periodic of the same fundamental frequency as the excitation, and that the Fourier coefficients are continuous functions of amplitude and square-integrable functions of frequency. The algorithm converges, in a mean-square sense, to an exact representation of the first N harmonics of the steady-state response minus its d.c. component. The model constructed by the algorithm admits a relatively simple physical realization characterized by 2NM+1 linear dynamic elements, and N(2M+1)+1 nonlinear static elements. The underlying mathematical structure of the model is an orthogonal series expansion relative to time whose coefficients are themselves truncated orthogonal expansions relative to frequency. Here M, the number of harmonics used for frequency interpolation, is determined by the algorithm. Of the N(2M+1)+1 memoryless nonlinearities which characterize the model, N of these are specified ahead of time (Tchebysheff polynomials), and 2NM+1 are parameters which mold the representation to the specific system being modeled. Each of these functions of a single variable can be obtained in a pointwise manner directly from steady-state measurements. The algorithm was implemented on a digital computer, and forced versions of the classic equations of van der Pol and Duffing were run as examples. An additional analytic example of a frequency multiplier of prescribed bandwidth was also presented.
Monoamine depletion blocks triazolam-induced phase advances of the circadian clock in hamsters.

Injections with the short-acting benzodiazepine, triazolam (Tz), 6 h before activity onset (CT6) produce large phase advances of the circadian pacemaker in hamsters. An increase in locomotor activity and/or the state of arousal is considered essential for the effects of Tz, suggesting the potential involvement of central monoaminergic systems in this process. The present study examines the effect of reserpine-induced monoamine depletion on the phase-shifting effects of Tz in hamsters. Wheel running activity of 16 male golden hamsters (14 weeks old) was continuously monitored in constant darkness. After a stable free-running circadian rhythm was established half of the animals received reserpine (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) and the other half vehicle treatment. Ten days later all animals were given Tz injections (10 mg/kg i.p.) at CT6 and the circadian activity rhythm was monitored for 2 more weeks. An additional 10 animals were used to determine the effect of reserpine on the central monoamine levels using high pressure liquid chromatography. A circadian rhythm of locomotor activity with reduced amplitude and longer free-running period persisted after reserpine treatment, despite the significant monoamine depletion. Triazolam injections at CT6 induced large phase-advances (93.1 ± 14.9) in the control group that were markedly attenuated in 7 out of the 8 reserpine-treated animals (3.12 ± 17.7min, P < 0.01). Our results suggest that monoaminergic systems are essential for the phase-shifting effect of Tz upon the circadian system in hamsters.
Distribution, excretion, and binding of radioactivity in the rat after intraperitoneal administration of the lung-toxic furan, [14C]4-ipomeanol☆

Abstract 4-Ipomeanol [1-(3-furyl)-4-hydroxypentanone] is a poisonous metabolite produced in the mold-damaged sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). In experimental animals the compound characteristically exhibits lung toxicity, producing prominent pulmonary edema and congestion. The distribution and excretion of radioactivity in rats after administration of [14C]4-ipomeanol has been studied. The toxin was given ip at doses of 2, 10, and 30 mg/kg. Approximately half of the administered radioactivity appeared in the urine within 2 hr, with only traces occurring in the feces and expired air. The greatest tissue concentration of radioactivity occurred in the lungs. Other organs showing significant concentrations were liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. The maximal accumulation of activity occurred in the tissues within 0.5–1 h. The values declined over the next 1–2 hr, then reached a plateau representing residual activity. This residual activity is particularly high in lung, liver, and kidney, and represents the toxin or its metabolite(s) which has become tightly bound to tissue macromolecules. Binding occurs maximally in lung, and therefore may indicate that the binding phenomenon is involved in the toxic mechanism of 4-ipomeanol.
Excited-state absorption spectroscopy of self-trapped excitons in alkali halides

Optical transitions between the lowest metastable triplet state and higher states of the self-trapped exciton are reported for nine alkali halides, in the energy range from 0.6 to 5.5 eV. Measurements were made on pure crystals using techniques of time-resolved spectroscopy and electron-pulse irradiation. Variation of the transition energies with lattice constant provides additional evidence for the classification of the spectra in terms of two basic categories: hole transitions localized on the $X_{2}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ core, and electron transitions largely decoupled from the influence of the core ions. Optical binding energies of the self-trapped exciton are estimated from the spectra, and are found to be 2-4 times greater than the binding energies of corresponding unrelaxed excitons. The relaxation of the lattice around the exciton is discussed in terms of a two-dimensional configuration-coordinate model. Hole self-trapping and the Stokes shift of emission occur principally through the axial mode, as commonly accepted. The increase of exciton binding energy upon relaxation to the equilibrium configuration is attributed to a nonaxial mode of relaxation which may be viewed as analogous to the breathing mode that broadens and shifts $M$-center transitions.
Ascites produced by peritoneal seeding of neuroblastoma

Preoperative CT and ultrasound of a 16-month-old girl with abdominal mass demonstrated the calcified mass and a copious amount of ascites. Pathological examination of the tumor revealed neuroblastoma, a tumor not usually associated with peritoneal seeding or ascites.
Separation and characterization of two chorismate-mutase isoenzymes from Nicotiana silvestris.

Two isoenzymes of chorismate mutase (EC 5.4.99.5) were isolated and partially purified from leaves of diploid (2n=24) Nicotiana silvestris Speg. et Comes and from isogenic cells in a suspension culture originally established from haploid tissue. An isoenzyme denoted CM-1 (Mr=52,000) accounted for the major fraction of total activity recovered from suspension-cultured cells, while isoenzyme CM-2 (Mr=65,000) represented the major fraction of activity recovered from green leaf tissue. The ratio of isoenzyme levels from these two sources differed more than 20-fold. The subcellular location of isoenzyme CM-1 is known to be in the chloroplasts of green leaves or in proplastids of cultured cells, while isoenzyme CM-2 is located in the cytosol. Both isoenzymes were stable during partial purification, possessed broad pH optima for catalysis between 6.0 and 8.0, and were active without denaturation at temperatures at least as high as 45° C. Thiol reagents were unnecessary for either stability or activity of both isoenzymes. The affinity of isoenzyme CM-2 for substrate (Km=0.24 mM) was almost an order of magnitude better than that of CM-1. The kinetic behavior of isoenzyme CM-1 was influenced by pH, while that of isoenzyme CM-2 was not. At pH 7.2, hyperbolic substrate-saturation curves (Km=1.7 mM) were obtained for isoenzyme CM-1. At pH 6.1, however, isoenzyme CM-1 displayed relatively weak positive cooperativity, Hill plots yielding an n value of 1.2 At pH 6.1 the half-saturation ([S]0.5) value was 2.5 mM.
Studies on the presence and absence of glycerol in unfrozen and frozen ram semen: Fertility trials and the effect of dilution methods on freezing ram semen in the absence of glycerol

Trials were conducted to study fertility of ram semen under various breeding conditions. In trial 1, 60 cycling ewes were randomly divided into five treatment groups of 12 ewes. Group 1 was bred naturally. Groups 2 through 5 were artificially inseminated with pooled, diluted semen: group 2 with fresh, diluted semen; group 3 with semen stored at 5 °C for 6 h; group 4 with semen containing 3% glycerol (vv) stored at 5 °C for 6 h; and group 5 with frozen-thawed glycerolated (3%) semen. Lambing rates were 83, 91, 83, 41, and 33%, respectively. Trial 2 studied the site of semen deposition and the effect of dialysis on frozen-thawed glycerolated ram semen fertility. Seventy-eight ewes were divided into three treatment groups. Two groups of 33 ewes each were inseminated in the cervix; group 1 with nondialyzed glycerolated thawed semen and group 2 with glycerolated thawed semen dialyzed (1:10) against TEST-yolk-glucose extender for 30 min at 5 °C. In group 3, 12 ewes received intrauterine inseminations of glycerolated frozen-thawed semen. Percentage lambing rates were 33, 48, and 67%, respectively. Dialysis of frozen-thawed semen did not improve lambing rate significantly (P > 0.05). However, intrauterine insemination of glycerolated frozen-thawed semen yielded a significantly higher lambing rate (P < 0.05). The effect of different dilution methods on survival of ram sperm frozen in the absence of glycerol is described. Ram semen diluted by the cold dilution method and frozen in the absence of glycerol was inseminated into 46 cycling ewes. A lambing rate of 52% was obtained.
Critical factors for detection of biphasic changes in membrane properties at specific sterol mole fractions for maximal superlattice formation.

Here we use the excitation generalized polarization (GP ex ) of 6-lauroyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene (Laurdan) fluorescence in fluid cholesterol/l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-L-a-phosphatidylcholine large unilamellar vesicles to explore the experimental conditions that would be required in order to detect a biphasic change in membrane properties at specific sterol mole fractions (C r ) (e.g., 20.0, 22.2, 25.0, 33.3, 40.0, and 50.0 mol %) for maximal sterol superlattice formation. Laurdan's GP ex changes with sterol content in an alternating manner, showing minima (termed as GP ex dips) at ∼Cr. GP ex dips are detectable if the vesicles are preincubated for a sufficient time period and protected from sterol oxidation. In most cases, vesicles with a higher lipid concentration take a longer time to show a GP ex dip at C r . The depth of the GP ex dip increases with increasing incubation time and eventually reaches a plateau, at which the maximum area covered by superlattices is expected to be achieved. However, if the vesicles are not protected against sterol oxidation, the GP ex dips are attenuated or obliterated. These effects can be attributed to the increased inter-bilayer lipid exchange and the increased vesicle-vesicle interactions present at high lipid (vesicle) concentrations as well as the decreased interactions between oxysterols and phospholipids. These possible explanations have been incorporated into a kinetic model that is able to calculate the effects of sterol oxidation and lipid concentration on the depth of the GP ex dip. The depth of the GP ex dip, the required incubation time for the dip formation, and the lipid concentration dependence of the GP ex dip vary with C r , suggesting different physical properties for different sterol superlattices. To detect a biphasic change in membrane properties at C r , one should also use small sterol mole fraction increments over a wide range, keep all of the vesicles in the same sample set under the same thermal history, and consider lipid concentration, probe type, and C r value. These results improve our mechanistic understanding of sterol superlattice formation and explain why some studies, especially those requiring high lipid concentrations, did not detect a biphasic change in membrane properties at C r .
Extended parental care in marine amphipods: II. Maternal protection of juveniles from predation

Many terrestrial invertebrate parents effectively protect their offspring from predation. In this study, I examined whether marine amphipods that engage in extended parental care are able to provide protection from predation for their offspring. Two species, Leptocheirus pinguis and Casco bigelowi, host their juveniles in burrows while the epibenthic Dyopedos monacanthus cares for its offspring on mud whips. The size of amphipod dwellings was positively correlated with their body size, with large individuals of the burrow-dwelling L. pinguis and C. bigelowi inhabiting deeper burrows. The survival rates of adult females of L. pinguis and C. bigelowi exposed to sand shrimp (Crangon septemspinosa) predators were very high, while those of D. monacanthus females were relatively low. Juveniles of L. pinguis (filter-feeder), C. bigelowi (deposit-feeder) and D. monacanthus (suspension-feeder) in presence and absence of their mothers were exposed to predators. In the filter-feeding species L. pinguis, the effects of predators on juvenile survival was significantly reduced by maternal protection. In the experiment with C. bigelowi, juvenile survival was significantly affected by predation but not by maternal protection. Many C. bigelowi juveniles that left the burrows of their mothers during the experiment were severely affected by predation, but smaller juveniles that remained in the maternal burrows survived in the predator treatments. Juvenile D. monacanthus were significantly affected by predation but not by maternal care. Juvenile D. monacanthus that remained on the maternal mud whip during the experiment survived exposure to predators, while those that had already built their own mud whips did not. Despite the experiments for C. bigelowi and D. monacanthus revealed parental protection only at a closer look, it is concluded that extended parental care in all three amphipod species is an effective mechanism to protect juveniles from predation. The results indicate that maternal dwellings are important structures where juveniles find protection. While protection from predation may be one of the most important benefits of extended parental care in these amphipods from shallow subtidal soft-bottoms, juveniles may also benefit in other ways as is suggested by reports on maternal food-provisioning and grooming.
Actin cytoskeleton as the principal determinant of size-dependent DNA mobility in cytoplasm: a new barrier for non-viral gene delivery

The cytosol of mammalian cells is a crowded environment containing soluble proteins and a network of cytoskeletal filaments. Gene delivery by synthetic vectors involves the endocytosis of DNA-polycation complexes, escape from endosomes, and diffusion of non-complexed DNA through the cytosol to reach the nucleus. We found previously that the translational diffusion of large DNAs (>250 bp) in cytoplasm was greatly slowed compared with that of smaller DNAs (Lukacs, G. L., Haggie, P., Seksek, O., Lechardeur, D., Freedman, N., and Verkman, A. S. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 1625-1629). To determine the mechanisms responsible for size-dependent DNA diffusion, we used fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to measure the diffusion of single fluorophore-labeled DNAs in crowded solutions, cytosol extracts, actin network, and living cells. DNA diffusion (D) in solutions made crowded with Ficoll-70 (up to 40 weight percentage) or soluble cytosol extracts (up to 100 mg/ml) relative to diffusion of the same sized DNAs in saline (D/D(o)) was approximately independent of DNA size (20-4500 bp), quite different from the strong reduction in D/D(o) in the cytoplasm of living cells. However, the reduced D/D(o) with increasing DNA size was closely reproduced in solutions containing cross-linked actin filaments assembled with gelsolin, whereas soluble macromolecules of the same size and concentration did not reduce D/D(o). In intact cells microinjected with fluorescent DNAs and studied by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy or photobleaching methods, D/D(o) was reduced by 5-150-fold (20-6000 bp); however, the size-dependent reduction in D/D(o) was abolished after actin cytoskeleton disruption. Our results identify the actin cytoskeleton as a major barrier restricting cytoplasmic transport of non-complexed DNA in non-viral gene transfer.
Lidar validation of VAS cirrus cloud height determinations

The determination of cirrus cloud pressure altitude and IR attenuation using CO2 channel radiometric data from the VISSR (Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer) Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) on board the GOES geostationary satellite is discussed. The independent ground-based determination of cirrus cloud altitude, thickness, and optical properties obtained with the High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) is described. HSRL cirrus cloud measurements are compared to VAS CO2 cloud top height retrievals generated for the First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project Regional Experiment cirrus intensive Field Observations, held in Wisconsin in October and November of 1986.
Management of technology: New frameworks

Abstract New approaches are being sought to improve management of technology (MOT) in the practical setting, and to give it more structure for academic purposes. This article suggests one possible avenue for improvement, namely the creation of a core theory of technology to serve as a mother science for MOT. The article proposes a number of frameworks that could contribute to such a core theory. It outlines a framework for analyzing individual artefacts, presents a system of classification of artefacts, suggests a standard framework of technological trends, searches for a chart of technological limits and explores a profile of social preferences with respect to technology. The practical application of each framework is briefly discussed.
Genotyping panel for assessing response to cancer chemotherapy

Background Variants in numerous genes are thought to affect the success or failure of cancer chemotherapy. Interindividual variability can result from genes involved in drug metabolism and transport, drug targets (receptors, enzymes, etc), and proteins relevant to cell survival (e.g., cell cycle, DNA repair, and apoptosis). The purpose of the current study is to establish a flexible, cost-effective, high-throughput genotyping platform for candidate genes involved in chemoresistance and -sensitivity, and treatment outcomes.
Nanotechnology and MEMS-based systems for civil infrastructure safety and security: Opportunities and challenges

Critical civil infrastructure systems such as bridges, high rises, dams, nuclear power plants and pipelines present a major investment and the health of the United States' economy and the lifestyle of its citizens both depend on their safety and security. The challenge for engineers is to maintain the safety and security of these large structures in the face of terrorism threats, natural disasters and long-term deterioration, as well as to meet the demands of emergency response times. With the significant negative impact that these threats can have on the structural environment, health monitoring of civil infrastructure holds promise as a way to provide information for near real-time condition assessment of the structure's safety and security. This information can be used to assess the integrity of the structure for post-earthquake and terrorist attacks rescue and recovery, and to safely and rapidly remove the debris and to temporary shore specific structural elements. This information can also be used for identification of incipient damage in structures experiencing long-term deterioration. However, one of the major obstacles preventing sensor-based monitoring is the lack of reliable, easy-to-install, cost-effective and harsh environment resistant sensors that can be densely embedded into large-scale civil infrastructure systems. Nanotechnology and MEMS-based systems which have matured in recent years represent an innovative solution to current damage detection systems, leading to wireless, inexpensive, durable, compact, and high-density information collection. In this paper, ongoing research activities at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Center for Transportation Infrastructure Safety and Security on the application of nanotechnology and MEMS to Civil Infrastructure for health monitoring will presented. To date, research showed that nanotechnology and MEMS-based systems can be used to wirelessly detect and monitor different damage mechanisms in concrete structures as well as monitor critical structures' stability during floods and barge impact. However, some technical issues that needs to be addressed before full implementation of these new systems and will also be discussed in this paper.
Flipping the Script: Analyzing Youth Talk about Race and Racism.

In this article, we examine how youth in one urban high school talked about race and racism while participating in a curriculum that introduced the analytic lens of story types (stock stories, concealed stories, resistance stories, and counterstories) to look at race and racism and engage these issues through storytelling and the arts. We draw on data from observations and focus group interviews to examine student-initiated themes and conversation as the curriculum unfolded. In particular, we look at the use of language, particularly racialized jokes and name calling, to consider how such talk functions to create social and rhetorical spaces where youth of color can express and critically analyze the particularities of their lived experiences of race and racism in a contemporary “color-blind” context that asserts race no longer matters. [urban education, youth development, racism, resistance].
SNP-PHAGE – High throughput SNP discovery pipeline

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as defined here are single base sequence changes or short insertion/deletions between or within individuals of a given species. As a result of their abundance and the availability of high throughput analysis technologies SNP markers have begun to replace other traditional markers such as restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSRs or microsatellite) markers for fine mapping and association studies in several species. For SNP discovery from chromatogram data, several bioinformatics programs have to be combined to generate an analysis pipeline. Results have to be stored in a relational database to facilitate interrogation through queries or to generate data for further analyses such as determination of linkage disequilibrium and identification of common haplotypes. Although these tasks are routinely performed by several groups, an integrated open source SNP discovery pipeline that can be easily adapted by new groups interested in SNP marker development is currently unavailable. We developed SNP-PHAGE (SNP discovery P ipeline with additional features for identification of common haplotypes within a sequence tagged site (H aplotype A nalysis) and Ge nBank (-dbSNP) submissions. This tool was applied for analyzing sequence traces from diverse soybean genotypes to discover over 10,000 SNPs. This package was developed on UNIX/Linux platform, written in Perl and uses a MySQL database. Scripts to generate a user-friendly web interface are also provided with common queries for preliminary data analysis. A machine learning tool developed by this group for increasing the efficiency of SNP discovery is integrated as a part of this package as an optional feature. The SNP-PHAGE package is being made available open source at http://bfgl.anri.barc.usda.gov/ML/snp-phage/ . SNP-PHAGE provides a bioinformatics solution for high throughput SNP discovery, identification of common haplotypes within an amplicon, and GenBank (dbSNP) submissions. SNP selection and visualization are aided through a user-friendly web interface. This tool is useful for analyzing sequence tagged sites (STSs) of genomic sequences, and this software can serve as a starting point for groups interested in developing SNP markers.
Enclaves and Development: An Empirical Assessment

In this paper we investigate empirically whether or not the notion of an enclave adds substantially to existing knowledge of the determinants of long-run economic, political, or institutional development. We discuss the prominent place of enclaves in historical accounts in the dependent development literature, particularly in the work of Cardoso and Faletto (1966, 1979) and the large difficulties of determining in practice whether or not a country was or was not an enclave. We find little evidence for a relationship between past enclave status and long-run growth, inequality, or the size of the government. However, there does seem to be some preliminary evidence that countries that were enclaves have greater state capacity than non-enclaves and have been less democratic in the post-WWII period.
Rethinking the Ethics of John: A Review Article

The essays in Rethinking the Ethics of John, edited by Jan G. van der Watt and Ruben Zimmermann, make a signiﬁcant contribution to the study of Johannine ethics. They show that the Gospel’s narrative form with its character portrayal, speciﬁc directives, and images, provides critical reflection on human action. The command to ‘love one another’ need not be understood in a narrow sense, for it forms community and engages the world. Themes of ‘life’ and ‘truth’ work together with ‘love’ to create a multifaceted ethical perspective. The Gospel afﬁrms values included in Jewish law, while centering ethical reflection on the action of God in Jesus, which evokes a human response. The critical stance toward opponents in the Johannine epistles stands in tension with the love command, but references to God’s action on behalf of the world opens up possibilities for positive reading.
INTRAORAL DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AND CLINICAL USE IN TWO HORSES AND A LLAMA

A technique for intraoral radiography of the maxillary cheek teeth in large animals using strips of nonscreen and commercial dental x-ray film is described. The method was initially tested using horse cadaver heads and subsequently on three large animal patients with signs of dental disease. Limitations of the described technique include necessity for general anesthesia, special x-ray film and manual developing. Additionally, the need for very accurate adjustment of incident beam angle, beam centering point and depth in the oral cavity provide a major technical challenge. After becoming famillar with the technique, the major limitation was increased time for manual film developing. The images provided by nonscreen technique were subjectively superior. The anatomic detail of the apical and periodontal regions of the teeth was better than on survey radiographs. Nonscreen intraoral technique should be considered for anesthetized large animal patients with signs of dental disease.
Effect of soil sorption and aquatic natural organic matter on the antibacterial activity of a fullerene water suspension

The present study investigated the association of a C60 water suspension (nC6) with natural organic matter, present as a soil constituent or dissolved in the water column, and its effect on the antibacterial activity of nC60. Sorption of nC60 to soil reduced its bioavailability and antibacterial activity, and the sorption capacity strongly depended on the organic content of the soil. Adsorption of aquatic dissolved humic substances onto nC60 and possible subsequent reactions also were found to eliminate nC60 toxicity at humic acid concentrations as low as 0.05 mg/L. These findings indicate that natural organic matter in the environment can mitigate significantly the potential impacts of nC60 on microbial activities that are important to ecosystem health.