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Understanding aquifer architecture is critical for managing groundwater resources in western Canada. Recent regulations have yielded abundant new gamma-ray well-log data from the principal aquifer in Alberta, the Paleocene Paskapoo Formation. A major obstacle to utilizing this data is the fact that gamma-ray measurements in the shallow subsurface are made through surface casing, which suppresses gamma-ray readings and effectively prohibits stratigraphic characterization. Here we describe and demonstrate a relatively simple and efficient method for normalizing gamma-ray data from stratigraphic horizons that are behind surface casing and apply this method to the Paskapoo Formation in west-central Alberta. The gamma-ray normalization procedure adjusts the cased gamma-ray values so that high and low percentile values of the resulting gamma-ray statistical distribution are equal to those of the non-cased values. The effectiveness of this procedure is demonstrated by comparing the normalized gamma-ray values from cased intervals with those from nearby wells without casing. Good matches between these wells, as well as the transition between normalized curves at the base of cased zones and the gamma-ray curves at the uppermost portion of uncased zones, suggest this methodology is effective for studying the Paskapoo Formation. The normalized curve allows cased and uncased intervals to be correlated, enabling improved stratigraphic characterization and mapping of fluvial sand bodies behind surface casing. This new data provides the framework for better characterization of aquifer dimensions and the derivation of stratigraphic parameters used to constrain hydrogeological models and enhance groundwater recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the leptin gene that results in Arg25Cys has been associated with beef carcass quality and milk composition in dairy cattle. However, leptin (LEP) also plays a role in immune performance and hence it was important to determine whether selection based on this SNP would negatively affect immune cell numbers or antibody production. LEP c.73C>T was assessed for effects on immune cell counts and antibody titres in 27 beef cattle herds ( n = 556). A commercial rabies vaccine had been administered to these animals. Prior to being vaccinated, counts of several important mononuclear cells (total and activated B lymphocytes, total and activated T helper and T cytotoxic, WC1 T lymphocytes and monocytes) as well as baseline serum antibody titres were determined for each animal. On day 21, antibody titres were measured and a booster vaccine was administered. Finally on day 42, antibody titres and mononuclear cell types were again counted. Counts of six different cell types were significantly associated with the LEP genotype; however, no consistent patterns were observed between LEP genotype (TT, CT or CC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations. Significant differences in the production of rabies antibodies in response to vaccination were observed relative to LEP genotype. Our results suggest that selection for either the C or T allele would not detrimentally impact on the measured indicators of immune function in beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unit wide behavioral programming system for high functioning mentally retarded clients who displayed maladaptive behavioral excesses was developed and implemented on a coeducational institutional living unit for 7 months. Significant clinical reductions were achieved in client injuries, broken windows, emergency, restraint usage, the percent of clients receiving psychotropic medications and medication dosages. These reductions continued during the program’s maintenance phase. A number of factors are discussed that appear to have contributed to the program’s success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the induction of hypertriglyceridemia. Use of rats as animal model; Feeding regimens with and without 13-cis-retinoic acid; Levels of Triglyceride and arachidonic acid.

Conventional and sterically stabilized liposomes derived from phosphatidylcholine or the antitumor agents, hexadecylphosphocholine and octadecyl-(1,1-dimethyl-4-piperidino-4-yl)-phosphate, as bilayer forming constituents, containing bleomycin, were developed and tested. Liposomal encapsulation of bleomycin enhanced strongly the antitumor activity against P388 leukemia and the Lewis lung carcinoma. This effect was clearly dependent on the size and lipid composition of the bleomycin-containing liposomes. The therapeutic effects were nearly equal for liposomal and free bleomycin in the B16 melanoma. The partial replacement of phosphatidylcholine by alkylphospholipids and the inclusion of polyethylene glycol modified lipids for sterical stabilization did not further improve the therapeutic efficacy but increased, in some cases, the toxicity of liposomes. Bleomycin-induced lung injury was not observed if liposomal bleomycin was administered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]