PURPOSE To investigate lens growth after different doses of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and to investigate the long-term effect of a near-threshold UVR dose on the refractive index distribution in the lens. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats received UVR (lambda(MAX) = 300 nm) unilaterally during a 15-minute period. The exposure dose ranged from 0.1 to 20 kJ/m(2), and the rats were kept for up to 32...

We present a technique for capturing the extreme dynamic range of natural illumination environments that include the sun and sky, which has presented a challenge for traditional high dynamic range photography processes. We find that through careful selection of exposure times, aperture, and neutral density filters that this full range can be covered in seven exposures with a standard digital ca...

Understanding why some species are at high risk of extinction, while others remain relatively safe, is central to the development of a predictive conservation science. Recent studies have shown that a species' extinction risk may be determined by two types of factors: intrinsic biological traits and exposure to external anthropogenic threats. However, little is known about the relative and inte...

Temporary ponds where many amphibians breed experience a gradual desiccation that leads to growing larval densities, which can reduce tadpole survival rates and increase cannibalistic interactions among carnivorous salamander larvae. Concentrations of many agrochemicals, including nitrogenous fertilizers, can also increase as the water volume decreases. We analyzed the effects of ammonium nitra...

Although high-density lipoproteins (HDL) possess many features that contribute to the association between elevated HDL cholesterol and protection from atherosclerosis, these lipoproteins may be modified in certain individuals and/or circumstances to become proinflammatory. The ability of HDL to inhibit or paradoxically to enhance vascular inflammation, lipid oxidation, plaque growth, and thromb...

We are attempting to produce high-density arrays of surface-bound oligonucleotides for hybridization experiments. Our approach is to mechanically miniamri~ conventional DNA synthesis chemistry. Ink-jet printer heads are used to deliver small drops of reagents to a chemically modified silicon dioxide surface, where they react to synthesize DNA. The drops are confined to small areas by a pattern ...

hdpe monofilaments were obtained using different extruders and drawn by post-extruder equipments. after solidification, drawn and undrawn monofilaments (draw ratio 7:1) were irradiated with 10 mev electron beams in air at room temperature at 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kgy dose ranges to induce a network structure. hdpe crosslinking was studied on the basis of gel content measurements. the fibers w...

OBJECTIVES To assess whether paternal exposure to organic solvents is associated with decreased fertility. METHODS A retrospective time to pregnancy study was conducted among men biologically monitored for organic solvents. The workers were classified into exposure categories on the basis of work description and the use of solvents as reported in the questionnaires, and on biological exposure...