Possible immunoenhancement of persistent viremia by feline leukemia virus envelope glycoprotein vaccines in challenge-exposure situations where whole inactivated virus vaccines were protective.

Kittens immunized with purified native FeLV-gp70 or -gp85 envelope proteins developed ELISA, but not virus neutralizing, antibodies in their serum to both whole FeLV and FeLV-gp70. Kittens vaccinated with envelope proteins and infected with feline sarcoma virus (FeSV) developed smaller tumors than nonvaccinates, but a greater incidence of persistent retroviremia. Similarly, FeLV-gp70 and -gp85 vaccinated kittens were more apt to become persistently retroviremic following virulent FeLV challenge exposure than nonvaccinates. Kittens vaccinated with inactivated whole FeLV developed smaller tumors after FeSV inoculation and had a lower incidence of persistent retroviremia than nonvaccinates. The protective effect of inactivated whole FeLV vaccine against persistent retroviremia was also seen with FeLV challenge-exposed cats. Protection afforded by inactivated whole FeLV vaccine was not associated with virus neutralizing antibodies, although ELISA antibodies to both whole FeLV and FeLV-gp70 were induced by vaccination

Reproducibility of the bronchoconstrictive response to eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea

Background: Eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH) is considered an effective bronchoprovocation challenge for identifying exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). However, the reproducibility of the hyperpnoea-induced bronchoconstriction (HIB) response elicited by EVH remains unknown and was therefore the focus of this study. Methods: Two cohorts of 16 physically active males (each cohort comprised 8 controls and 8 with physician diagnosis of asthma) participated in two studies of the short- and long-term reproducibility of the bronchoconstrictive response to an EVH test with dry air. EVH was performed on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 (short-term study), and 0, 35, and 70 (long-term study). HIB was diagnosed by a ≥10% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after EVH. Results: On day 0 of the short-term study, FEV1 fell by 2 ± 1% (P < 0.05) and 27 ± 18% (P < 0.01) from pre-to post-EVH in control and HIB-positive groups respectively. The post-EVH fall in FEV1 did not differ across the short-term study test days. In the HIB-positive group, the day-to-day coefficient of variation, reproducibility, and smallest meaningful change for the fall in FEV1 were 12%, 328 mL, and 164 mL, respectively. On day 0 of the long-term study, FEV1 fell by 2 ± 2% and 25 ± 18% (P < 0.01) after EVH in control and HIB-positive groups respectively. The post-EVH fall in FEV1 did not differ across the long-term study test days. In the HIB-positive group, the day-to-day coefficient of variation, reproducibility, and smallest meaningful change for the fall in FEV1 were 10%, 196 mL, and 98 mL respectively. Conclusion: The EVH test elicits a reproducible bronchoconstrictive response in physically active males with physician diagnosed asthma. These data thus support the clinical utility of the EVH test for EIB screening and monitoring

Enrichment Effects On Object-In-Place Task Performance In The Adolescent Rat Are Due To Task Novelty And Subject Age

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical growth, correlated with increased exploration and novelty-seeking behaviors that can be potentially risky. These behaviors can be mediated by processes such as environmental enrichment (EE), which consists of repeated exposure to novelty and physical exercise. Prior research indicates EE has a significant mitigating effect on novelty-seeking behaviors in the adolescent rat during early adolescence (pnd 36), but not late adolescence (pnd 50), in an Object-in-Place (OiP) task. Prior research also indicates there are significant sex differences at pnd 36 but not pnd 50 in OiP testing. This study elucidates whether task novelty or subject age at time of testing produced these observed differences by testing OiP once in late adolescence. The CA1, DG, and CA3 regions of the hippocampus and the basolateral and lateral amygdala were analyzed for neural processing following the OiP task. Behavioral results found that the main effect of enrichment was age-dependent, whereas observed sex differences were task-novelty dependent. Neural analysis indicated that the CA1 and LA were significantly less active in EE subjects, but no other region was statistically different. EE was found to have a beneficial impact on subjects, but that this impact was stronger in early adolescence

Usability Test Results for Encore in an Academic Library

This case study gives the results a usability study for the discovery tool Encore Synergy, an Innovative Interfaces product, launched at Appalachian State University Belk Library &amp; Information Commons in January 2013. Nine of the thirteen participants in the study rated the discovery tool as more user friendly, according to a SUS (Standard Usability Scale) score, than the library’s tabbed search layout, which separated the articles and catalog search. All of the study’s participants were in favor of switching the interface to the new “one box” search. Several glitches in the implementation were noted and reported to the vendor. The study results have helped develop Belk library training materials and curricula. The study will also serve as a benchmark for further usability testing of Encore and Appalachian State Library’s website. This article will be of interest to libraries using Encore Discovery Service, investigating discovery tools, or performing usability studies of other discovery services

Mission Possible: A Library’s Rededication to Public Service

Many libraries could use a shake up to rededicate the organization to its service mission. Explore how one academic library recommitted itself to a core service mission through strategic planning, reorganization, and cross training. The library’s approach to uniting service desks may be especially interesting

Library Services for Distance Learners at Drexel University's LeBow College of Business

Focuses on the extension of the services of the W. W. Hagerty Library to the distance learning programs at LeBow College of Business of Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Discussion of the library services provided; Information on the awareness and instruction initiative of the business librarian; Discussion of issues on funding, time commitment and measures of use in serving distance learning programs

Transcriptomic Profiling Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Induced Signature Genes In Human Cervical Epithelial Cells

Cervical epithelia cells play central roles in cervical remodeling (CR) including mounting physical and immunological barriers, proliferation and differentiation, maintenance of fluid balance and likely in withstanding the mechanical force exerted by the growing fetus prior to term. We have previously characterized the cellular localization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptor, and signaling molecules in the cervix of rodents. These earlier studies reveal that VEGF and its associated molecules largely target and are localized in the cervical epithelial cells. In the present study, we attempt to decipher the specific roles of VEGF in Human cervical epithelial cells by delineating VEGF signature genes using RNA sequencing. Following optimization of dosage and incubation time, Human cervical epithelial cells were treated with either vehicle only or with 50 ng of exogenous VEGF protein using an in vitro model. Using RNA sequencing, 25,000 genes were screened, of which 162 genes were found to be differentially expressed. Twelve genes were found to be statistically significantly differentially expressed. We conclude that VEGF plays a key role in CR by altering the expression of genes that regulate proliferation, immune response, energy metabolism and cell structure, biological processes that are essential to CR

A Study Of The Reasons Why Freshmen Drop Out Of Appalachian State Teachers College

It was the purpose of this study (1) to determine the causes of drop-outs in the freshman classes of 1946-1947 through 1951-1952 at Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, North Carolina; (2) to make an analysis of certain factors believed to cause them to drop out of college; and (3) to make certain suggestions for improving the offerings of the college

A Study Of The Civil Government Of British East Florida

The purpose of this study was to investigate the methods and processes of the civil government of the province of British East Florida and (1) to determine whether features of the government were unique and (2) to discover the reasons for any unusual features so discovered. All general works on Florida history which were available in the libraries of the Palm Beach and Miami areas of Florida were examined for relevant material. All issues of the Florida Historical Quarterly were examined and all relevant material was read. Much of the material for the study was taken from transcriptions of microfilms of original British Colonial Office Records for the years 1763 to 1784 which were available in the city of Miami, Florida Library. It was found that the government of British East Florida was unique in that the inhabitants were not taxed, that there was no legislative assembly during most of the colony's existence, and that the colonial population was almost completely loyal to the British crown

Echoing Attitudes: The Echoes of Ecclesiastes and T. S. Eliot in Look Homeward, Angel and Of Time and the River

This work focuses on Ecclesiastes, works of T. S. Eliot, and Look Homeward, Angel and Of Time and the River by Thomas Wolfe; looks to Catherine Gallagher’s and Stephen Greenblatt’s idea of social energy creating a connection between Ecclesiastes, Eliot, and Wolfe. By examining Ecclesiastes’ and Eliot’s manifestations in the work of Wolfe, the three can be connected through a flow of social energy. An examination of direct borrowing and allusions, as well as thematic connections link Eliot and Wolfe. Interpreting Look Homeward, Angel, the study examines images, characters, and language and how those elements echo Ecclesiastes and Eliot. Aspects of the novel directly borrow content or attitude from Ecclesiastes and Eliot, as well as offer subtler echoes. This reading of Look Homeward, Angel focused on motifs of death, miscommunication, and afterlife, as well as specific tone and language. Of Time and the River in a similar manner offers direct echoes and more subtle echoes to Ecclesiastes and Eliot. This reading of Of Time and the River focuses on Eliot’s use of October, Wolfe’s Ecclesiastical take on death, and the symbol of the river. These connections create a relationship of similar, but unique influence between Ecclesiastes, Eliot, and Wolfe