bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Abundance, Growth, and Mortality of Suwannee Bass in Four Florida Rivers
Authors: Bonvechio Timothy F. , Allen Micheal S. , Cailteux Richard L.
Published: March 2005

In an effort to aid in the conservation of black basses, the relative abundance, growth, and mortality of Suwannee bass Micropterus notius and largemouth bass M. salmoides were estimated from four Florida rivers. Fish were collected by electrofishing in the four rivers during 2001 and 2002. Electrofishing catch per unit effort of Suwannee bass was highest in the Wacissa River (95.1 fish/h), intermediate in the Santa Fe River (22.6 fish/h), and lowest in the Withlacoochee (5 fish/h) and Ochlockonee rivers (1.9 fish/h). Catch per unit effort for largemouth bass was also highest in the Wacissa River (50 fish/h), intermediate in the Santa Fe (19.8 fish/h) and Ochlockonee rivers (17.1 fish/h), and lowest in the Withlacoochee River (9.9 fish/h). Mean total length (TL) at age across the four Suwannee bass populations was described by von Bertalanffy growth curves as TL = 386.1 · (1 − e−0.3733(age+0.7772)) for females and as TL = 324.1 · (1 − e−0.4735(age+0.6543)) for males. Mean TL at age across the three largemouth bass populations was also described by von Bertalanffy growth curves as TL = 644.2 · (1 − e−0.2064(age+0.9840)) for females and TL = 427.8 · (1 − e−0.3164(age+0.9991)) for males. Suwannee bass exhibited sex-specific growth rates similar to those of largemouth bass, females experiencing more rapid growth and attaining larger sizes than males (F1, 564 = 20.39; P < 0.01). Suwannee bass total annual mortality (A) averaged 40%, ranging from 28% to 46%. Similarly, largemouth bass total A averaged 40%, ranging from 35% to 46%. The current Florida minimum length limit on Suwannee bass directs fishing mortality almost solely to females, but estimates of fishing mortality are needed to determine whether this is a concern for black bass with a small native range.
Seasonal Movement Patterns, Habitat Use, and Home Range of Flathead Catfish in the Lower St. Joseph River, Michigan
Authors: Daugherty Daniel J. , Sutton Trent M.
Published: March 2005

Few studies have examined the seasonal movement patterns, habitat use, and home range of flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris in lotic systems throughout the northern United States. We used ultrasonic telemetry on 39 flathead catfish (range, 430–1,132 mm total length) in the lower St. Joseph River, Michigan, to increase our understanding of these behaviors in northern populations of flathead catfish and to provide important information for the development of appropriate management strategies in this system. Transmitters were surgically implanted into the peritoneal cavity of selected individuals captured by means of low-voltage AC electrofishing during 2002 and 2003. Habitat use of flathead catfish was dominated by large woody debris and riprap at water depths less than 3 m during all seasons except winter, when fish utilized main-channel pool habitats associated with coarse substrates at water depths greater than 4 m. Flow rates at fish locations were not significantly different among seasons (range, 0.1–0.7 m/s). The mean seasonal movement distance and home range of flathead catfish were greatest during spring (1,045 and 1,513 m, respectively) and fall (1,146 and 1,296 m, respectively), when fish transitioned between summer and winter habitats, while movement distance and home range during summer months averaged 218 and 596 m, respectively. No movement was observed during the winter season. Our study results indicate that seasonal differences exist in the movement patterns, habitat use, and home range of flathead catfish in the lower St. Joseph River and that the availability of structure and main-channel pool habitats are important considerations in the management of this species.
The Use of Two New Portable 12-mm PIT Tag Detectors to Track Small Fish in Shallow Streams
Authors: Cucherousset Julien , Roussel Jean-Marc , Keeler Rachel , Cunjak Richard A. , Stump Roland
Published: March 2005

This paper describes two prototypes of portable detectors based on radio frequency identification modules and antennas commercially available in Europe and North America for reading small (2.1-mm × 11.5-mm) passive integrated transponder tags. Maximum tag detection distances ranged from 17 to 36 cm, depending on the system and orientation of the tag to the antenna. The efficiency of the detectors was field-tested with both wild juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta and adult slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus that had been marked by injection of a tag into the peritoneal cavity. By probing the water with the antenna, we were able to detect, on average, 69% of age-1 trout (fork length, 148 ± 26 mm (mean ± SD)), 82% of age-0 trout (fork length, 72 ± 8 mm), and 82% of adult sculpin (total length, 74 ± 9 mm). We did not conduct a formal study to compare the performances of the two prototypes or to determine how habitat characteristics may alter their efficiency.
Delayed Mortality of Tournament-Caught Walleyes
Authors: Graeb Brian D. S. , Shepherd Jamie L. , Willis David W. , Sorensen Jason S.
Published: March 2005

We quantified the delayed mortality of walleyes Sander vitreus during three tournaments (April–June 2003) on Lake Francis Case, South Dakota. Weigh-in procedures (e.g., air exposure of fish during weigh-in, distance traveled, and so forth) and lake conditions (wind speed and wave height) were also measured to investigate how these factors affected delayed mortality. Delayed mortality was similar for control and tournament fish during the April tournament but increased for tournament fish as lake water temperature increased. Delayed mortality was 0% for control fish, even when tournament fish experienced high mortality; thus, the mortality of tournament fish was attributed to the tournament. Tournament procedures were generally similar for all tournaments, except that anglers traveled farther during later tournaments. The higher mortality experienced by tournament-caught walleyes during the June tournament was probably due to warmer water temperatures (18–20°C). These results will allow fisheries managers to better predict the effects of delayed mortality on walleyes caught in tournaments.
Chemical and Spectroscopic Investigation on the Plaster of a Byzantine Church
Authors: Alfano Davide , Scarabino Carla , Inverso Donato , Proto Antonio
Published: March 2005

The discovery of a Byzantine church under the floor of one of the oldest churches of Salerno (Italy) has given us the opportunity to investigate the fine composition of the plaster through chemical and spectroscopic methods. In particular, considering that plasters are generally formed by a carbonate phase (carbonates) and an inert phase (silicates), the characterization, performed on the carbonate phase by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), has revealed the presence of dolomite minerals. This information indicates that, during the building process, some accessory minerals of marble were added in the mortar to be used like fillers. The carbonate phase makes too difficult the spectroscopic characterization of the inert phase. Only by acid attack of the plaster the inert phase has been isolated and its characterization, by XRD and optical microscopy, has indicated the presence of olivine minerals and other typical silicates of river sands.
Marbles in the FaÇade of the “Certosa di Pavia”: a Physico‐Chemical Study
Authors: Ferloni Paolo , Chierichetti Andrea , Tomasi Corrado , Ricci Oronzo
Published: March 2005

In the framework of an interdisciplinary research project on the well known monastery “Certosa di Pavia”, the thermal and structural properties of marbles employed in the construction of the façade of the basilica were investigated in order to detect the main decomposition phenomena occurring on the monument surface. The results obtained by means of thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses, as well as by means of X‐ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy, allowed one to characterize samples taken from various sculptures of the façade and to bring out the degradation phenomena occurring in some of them, in particular the formation of “black crusts” with a high content in gypsum. The present findings are in fair agreement with those reported by other research groups which also studied with different techniques the construction materials of this monument.
Origin of Arsenic Pollution in Southwest Tuscany: Comparison of Fluvial Sediments
Authors: Donati Alessandro , Pulselli Federico Maria , Riccobono Francesco , Dallai Luisa , Francovich Riccardo , Tiezzi Enzo
Published: March 2005

The Colline Metallifere in SW Tuscany are characterized by strong anomalies in arsenic concentrations and distribution. The area is sparsely populated and largely wild, though it has been subject to human impact due to mining and metal processing since Etruscan and Roman times. In the Middle Ages it was exploited intensively for silver and copper. Until 1995, pyrite (FeS2) was mined and roasted to produce sulphuric acid and iron. Hypotheses based on geological and mineralogical factors formulated in the last 20 years have failed to explain the peculiar distribution of arsenic in the Colline Metallifere. Here we report preliminary results of widespread sampling and analysis of the fluvial sediments of rivers originating in this mining area. The data was analysed in relation to the archaeological features of the area, since the presence of ancient mining and ore processing sites can shed light on the peculiar distribution of arsenic. Comparison of data from two rivers and their respective contaminated and uncontaminated coastal lagoons also clarified the general mechanisms of arsenic mobility, pinpointing the source of arsenic contamination. The study methods also promise to be useful for discovering unknown archaeological sites.
Characterization of Wax Manufactures of Hystorical and Artistic Interest
Authors: Campanella Luigi , Chicco Federica , Colapietro Marcello , Gatta Tania , Gregori Emanuela , Panfili Manuela , Russo Mario Vincenzo
Published: March 2005

Purpose of this scientific research is the physic and chemical characterization of two historical wax manufactures, made at the end of XIX century by Francesco Bianchi, a papal engraver. The chemical and analytical investigation was necessary to complete and to confirm the restorer's work. The IR Spectroscopy, X‐Ray and GC‐MS, the best technique to characterise wax, allowed us to obtain the following results. The two manufactures were made with commercial beeswax: in fact, the relative chromatograms showed unchanged peaks about esters of palmitic acid with C24 to C32 alcohol molecules; using standard beeswax we determined the same amount of hydrocarbons present in the wax manufactures. We found several hydrocarbons in these beeswax materials so that it is reasonable to think about successive modifications. ZnO (white zinc), a pigment, was added, probably due to its colour and covering capacity. Sb2S3, Anthimoniun vermilion, a red‐orange pigment, was added to these manufactures to give them a soft pink‐orange colour. By all used techniques we determined some modifications in the original beeswax; surely they were made to get a more malleable, mouldable, and then more able to be modelled wax.
Ranking of Phenols for Abiotic Oxidation in Aqueous Environment: a QSPR Approach
Authors: Gramatica Paola , Pilutti Pamela , Papa Ester
Published: March 2005

The limited availability and variability of data related to the overall degradation of compounds in the environment is a very relevant issue in studies related to environmental fate and chemical behavior. The studied phenol data set consists of reaction rate constants of different oxidation reactions in surface waters, available either experimentally or, to fill the data gap, from our QSAR models reported herein. A PCA (Principal Component Analysis) model based on these oxidative degradations has been proposed to evaluate the degradability of chemicals. The score of the first Principal Component is modelled by theoretical molecular descriptors to obtain a multiple linear regression (MLR) model with high predictive power, both internally and externally validated. This modeling approach allows a fast and preliminary ranking of phenols according to their tendency to be degraded by oxidants in water, starting only from knowledge of their molecular structure.
Oxalate Films and Red Stains on Carrara Marble
Authors: Realini Marco , Colombo Chiara , Sansonetti Antonio , Rampazzi Laura , Colombini Maria Perla , Bonaduce Ilaria , Zanardini Elisabetta , Abbruscato Pamela
Published: March 2005

The analytical studies carried out during two different diagnostic surveys, respectively in 1983 and 2003, offered the opportunity to control decay phenomena development on stones facing Certosa of Pavia (Italy). Calcium oxalate films and red stains, present on Carrara marble surface, have been particularly focused; these are the only decay phenomena which apparently have remained unchanged during a period of twenty years. More sensitive and in‐depth analytical studies (FTIR equipped with diamond cell, GC‐MS, SEM‐EDS and optical microscopy) achieved a better knowledge about their composition. Results allowed a critical evaluation of the role of oxalate films on the external marble surface and to suggest new hypotheses about the formation of red stains.
Underground Waters Quality in the Province of Lecce (Apulia, Southern Italy)
Authors: Buccolieri Alessandro , Buccolieri Giovanni , Cardellicchio Nicola , Maci Antonella
Published: March 2005

This paper shows the results of underground waters last monitoring in the province of Lecce (Apulia, Southern Italy). We carried out the physical‐chemical characterization of the aquifers and their classification in accordance to limit values sanctioned by Italian legislation in force, by European directives and by FAO, in order to define their quality and to establish their possible use for drinkable and irrigation purposes. The attention has been focused on salinity evaluation and underground waters contamination phenomena, due to sea‐water intrusion and to the use of fertilizers. Salinity and nitrates concentrations are high in a few wells. Iron and manganese concentrations are very high for almost every sample and this is due to corrosion phenomena of artesian wells metallic structure. For a better interpretation of data, multivariate statistical analysis has been used, in order to obtain the correlation among analytical results, soils hydro‐geological properties and anthropic conditions.
Lamination of Fragile Documents as Preliminary Intervention to Aqueous Mass Deacidification. A Study on Reversibility Effects
Authors: Zappalà Antonio , Calvini Paolo , Gorassini Andrea , de Stefani Caroline
Published: March 2005

Paper lamination is a widely known method to consolidate fragile and brittle documents. Since the loss of mechanical strength of paper documents is almost completely due to their acidity, the procedure generally adopted by restorers consists of an aqueous treatment of deacidification followed by consolidation. The drawback of this method is due to the loss of paper fragments during the deacidification step, that must be therefore accurately controlled. Some preliminary experiments showed that a better and faster practice would be the lamination of paper documents with a water‐resistant sheet before their immersion in the deacidification bath. The aim of this work is to evaluate the permeability, chemical stability and reversibility of the lamination sheets coated with two commercially available acrylic resins. From both gravimetric and FTIR analyses it appeared that slight modifications of the acrylic monomers led to different properties, and this behaviour can be exploited to improve the properties of lamination sheets in order to set up a reliable method of aqueous mass deacidification.
Operational and microbiological aspects of a bioaugmented two‐stage biotrickling filter removing hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide
Authors: Sercu B. , Núñez D. , Van Langenhove H. , Aroca G. , Verstraete W.
Published: March 2005

A two‐stage biotrickling filter was developed for removing dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The first biotrickling filter (ABF) was inoculated with Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and operated without pH control, while the second biotrickling filter (HBF) was inoculated with Hyphomicrobium VS and operated at neutral pH. High DMS elimination capacities were observed in the HBF (8.2 g DMS m−3 h−1 at 90% removal efficiency) after 2 days. Maximal observed elimination capacities were 83 g H2S m−3 h−1 (100% removal efficiency) and 58 g DMS m−3 h−1 (88% removal efficiency) for the ABF and the HBF, respectively. The influence of a decreasing empty bed residence time (120 down to 30 sec) and the robustness of the HBF towards changing operational parameters (low pH, starvation, and DMS and H2S peak loadings) were investigated. Suboptimal operational conditions rapidly resulted in lower DMS removal efficiencies, but recovery of the HBF was mostly obtained within a few days. The H2S removal efficiency in the ABF, however, was not influenced by varying operational conditions. In both reactors, microbial community dynamics of the biofilm and the suspended bacteria were investigated, using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). After a period of gradual change, a stable microbial community was observed in the HBF after 60 days, although Hyphomicrobium VS was not the dominant microorganism. In contrast, the ABF biofilm community was stable from the first day and only a limited bacterial diversity was observed. The planktonic microbial community in the HBF was very different from that in the biofilm. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An intron GATA‐binding site regulates chromatin accessibility and is essential for IL‐4 gene expression in mast cells
Authors: Kwan Mildred , Powell Doris R. , Nachman Tammy Y. , Brown Melissa A.
Published: March 2005

Several GATA‐binding sites have been identified in regions both distal to and within the murine IL‐4 gene locus, yet their relative role in IL‐4 expression is unknown. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to demonstrate that GATA‐1 and GATA‐2 are associated with a regulatory element within the second intron of the IL‐4 gene in murine mast cells in vivo. Furthermore, although expression from a stably integrated wild‐type IL‐4 minigene parallels endogenous IL‐4 gene expression, mutation of the GATA‐binding element, but not an SP‐1‐binding site, virtually abolishes transcription in mast cells, an observation that correlates with the local loss of H3 and H4 histone acetylation in the intron. Treatment with the chromatin remodeling agents 5 azacytidine and trichostatin A can restore this defect in transcription. These results define an essential site of GATA influence on IL‐4 expression in mast cells and directly support the idea that GATA factors have a profound impact on locus accessibility.
Dendritic cells govern induction and reprogramming of polarized tissue‐selective homing receptor patterns of T cells: important roles for soluble factors and tissue microenvironments
Authors: Dudda Jan C. , Lembo Annalisa , Bachtanian Eva , Huehn Jochen , Siewert Christiane , Hamann Alf , Kremmer Elisabeth , Förster Reinhold , Martin Stefan F.
Published: March 2005

Tissue‐selective homing is established during naive T cell activation by the tissue microenvironment and tissue‐specific dendritic cells (DC). The factors driving induction and maintenance of T cell homing patterns are still largely unknown. Here we show that soluble factors produced during the interaction of T cells with CD11c+ DC isolated from skin‐ or small intestine‐associated tissues differentially modulate expression of the corresponding tissue‐selective homing receptors (E‐selectin ligands and α4β7 integrin/CCR9, respectively) on murine CD8+ T cells. Injection of tissue‐specific DC via different routes induces T cells with homing receptors characteristic of the corresponding local tissue microenvironment, independent of the origin of the DC. These data indicate an important role for signals delivered in trans. Moreover, DC can reprogram the homing receptor expression on T cells previously polarized in vitro for homing to skin or small intestine. Importantly, skin‐homing memory T cells stimulated directly ex vivo can also be reprogrammed by intestinal DC to a gut‐homing phenotype. Our results show that tissue‐selective homing receptor expression on effector and memory T cells is governed by inductive as well as suppressive signals from both DC and tissue microenvironments.
Characterization of some synthetic Ru and Ir complexes by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Lou Xianwen , van Buijtenen Jeroen , Bastiaansen Jolanda J. A. M. , de Waal Bas F. M. , Langeveld Bea M. W. , van Dongen Joost L. J.
Published: March 2005

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) was applied to the analysis of Ru(OCOCF3)2(CO)(PPh3)2, Ru(OCOC3F7)2(CO)(PPh3)2, Ir(tBuppy)3 and Ir(ppy)2(acac) complexes. A troublesome problem in the MALDI‐TOFMS characterization of these metal complexes is the possible replacement of complex ligands by matrix. In this contribution, 10 matrices, ranging from acidic to basic, were investigated: α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), sinapinic acid (SA), dithranol, 2,4,6‐trihydroxyactophenone (THAP), 6‐azo‐2‐thiothymine (ATT), norharman, 2‐[(2E)‐3‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐2‐methylprop‐2‐enylidene]malononitrile (DCTB), 4‐nitroaniline (NA) and 2‐amino‐5‐nitrophyridine (ANP). With most of the matrices, including the neutral and basic ones, matrix substitution of ligand could clearly be detected. Based on the experimental results, possible mechanisms of matrix substitution were discussed. It was demonstrated that the ligand exchange process might also occur through the gas‐phase reactions initiated by laser shots. Among the matrices tested, DCTB was found to be the best one for the complexes that are prone to ligand exchange by matrix. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of thermal exposure on the microstructure, tensile properties and the corrosion behaviour of 6061 aluminium alloy sheet
Authors: Braun R.
Published: March 2005

Sheet material of the Al‐Mg‐Si alloy 6061 in the tempers T4 and T6 was thermally exposed at temperatures ranging from 85 to 120°C for 1000 h. The microstructure, tensile properties and the corrosion behaviour in the different heat treatment conditions were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy as well as performing tensile tests and various corrosion tests. The additional heat treatments, which should simulate aging during long‐term service usage, caused an increase in strength of 6061‐T4 sheet, associated with changes in the naturally aged microstructure. Thermal exposure at 120°C for 1000 h resulted in tensile and corrosion properties being similar to those obtained for peak‐aged sheet. Alloy 6061 in the T6 temper exhibited microstructural stability when additionally heat treated at 85 and 120°C for 1000 h. No significant alterations in the microstructure, tensile properties, and corrosion performance were observed after exposure to slightly elevated temperatures.
Optimierung des Schweißprozesses hochlegierter Stähle und Verbesserung der Korrosionsbeständigkeit der Schweißverbindungen
Authors: Schilling K. , Göllner J. , Ryspaev T. , Reiter R. , Wesling V.
Published: March 2005

Die Optimierung von Schweißprozessen ist erforderlich, um eine gute Haltbarkeit der Schweißverbindungen und eine Minimierung der Korrosionsneigung zu erzielen.

Schweißprozesse stellen eine erhebliche Beeinflussung für den Werkstoff dar. Es kann dabei zu Ausscheidungen bzw. zu starken Gefügeveränderungen, zur Erhöhung der Eigenspannungen und nicht zuletzt zu Schichtbildungen kommen. All diese Veränderungen üben einen großen Einfluss auf das Korrosionsverhalten aus. Insbesondere Anlaufschichten verändern die für die Korrosionsbeständigkeit entscheidende Passivschicht. Aber auch Oberflächenbearbeitungsverfahren können das Korrosionsverhalten beeinflussen. Deshalb musste sowohl der Schweißprozess als auch eine auf den jeweiligen Schweißprozess abgestimmte “Nachsorge” optimiert werden. Die Optimierung des Schweißprozesses erfolgte durch Variation der Streckenenergie und verschiedener Schutzgase. Bei der Wahl des Oberflächenbehandlungsverfahrens ist zu berücksichtigen, dass ein augenscheinliches Entfernen der Anlaufschichten nicht unbedingt eine Verbesserung des Korrosionsverhaltens nach sich zieht. Oft bleiben Spuren des Bearbeitungswerkzeuges auf der Oberfläche zurück, die sich negativ auf das Korrosionsverhalten auswirken können.

Der Einfluss dieser verschiedenen Parameter auf die Korrosionseigenschaften konnte mit Hilfe von elektrochemischen und oberflächenanalytischen Untersuchungen belegt werden.

Dazu wurden verschieden oberflächentechnisch behandelte Proben von zwei typischen hochlegierten austenitschen Stählen und Verbindungsschweißungen verwendet.
Using pit solution chemistry for evaluation of metastable pitting stability of austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Moayed M. H. , Newman R. C.
Published: March 2005

The stability of a corrosion pit is directly related to the pit solution chemistry. In order to know the stability of a meastable pit, the product of corrosion current density and diffusion depth (pit radius for an open hemisphere pit) is compared to the stability product obtained from the artificial pit electrode results. In this paper the stability of a metastable pit recorded on a 904L stainless at 54°C (2°C below the alloy CPT) is investigated. Assuming the geometry result of such a transient is an open hemisphere, pick current density and pit radius were calculated from Faraday's equation and then pit stability product (i·a) was calculated. This value was compared with the product of i·a associated with the pit solution chemistries (critical, saturation and supersaturation concentrations) which were obtained from the investigation on artificial pit electrode at the same temperature. SEM investigations on pit cavity generated from large metastable pit current transients with the stability product greater than the stability product associated with supersaturation concentration of pit environment proves that measured pit solution chemistry from artificial pit electrode is a reliable step for evaluation of pit stability.
Conformations produced by interactions of the side chains in poly(silylenemethylene) with the repeating sequence [Si(CH3)RCH2]x [R = O(CH2)3OC6H4C6H5]
Authors: Helfer Carin A. , Chen Donghai , Mattice Wayne L. , Farmer Barry L.
Published: March 2005

A coarse‐grained model has been developed for asymmetrically substituted poly(silylenemethylene)s in which the side chain is a flexible spacer terminated by a biphenyl unit. Each monomer unit is represented by four coarse‐grained beads that interact via a Lennard–Jones potential and are subject to the first‐ and second‐order interactions deduced from the atomistically detailed model. Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations were performed for isolated syndiotactic, isotactic, and atactic chains. Snapshots from the equilibrated coarse‐grained chain on the discrete space of a high coordination lattice were reverse‐mapped to atomistically detailed structures in continuous space. At 373 K, the chains were disordered independent of the stereochemical composition. The occupancy of bond pairs depended on the stereochemical composition, with the trans‐gauche (tg) sequence being favored by the isotactic chain. When the simulation was performed with the backbone constrained to specific periodic structures, the g helix was the lowest energy structure for either the atactic or isotactic chains. For the syndiotactic chain, the g and gt helices were favored. The appearance of the g helix as the favored periodic structure of the isolated chain was consistent with the chain conformation reported previously for the smectic phase of this polymer in the bulk state. The g helix was disrupted when the backbone was allowed to access nonhelical conformations, even though these conformations may have been slightly higher in energy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 886–896, 2005
Adolescents’ and parents’ future beliefs
Authors: Malmberg Lars‐Erik , Ehrman Jonas , Lithén Tom
Published: March 2005

We investigated how adolescents’ and parents’ future beliefs, i.e. their goals and probability estimations (regarding future career, social and family life) were (1) structured, (2) interrelated, and (3) whether adolescents’ perceived family interaction mediated parents’ and adolescents’ beliefs, among 239 11–16‐year olds and 197 parents. Using structural equation models we found that (a) goals were similarly structured, but unrelated, suggesting cultural transmission of goals and autonomous goal setting for adolescents, (b) probability estimations were differently structured, and related, suggesting different perceptions of opportunities, and (c) family interaction mediated the relationship between parents’ probability estimations and adolescents’ future beliefs, reflecting the role of the family for adolescents’ future co‐planning.
Perceived parent–child adjustment in the family reunification among a group of runaway adolescents in Hong Kong
Authors: Liu E. Suk‐Ching
Published: March 2005

This qualitative research explores, from the perspectives of runaway adolescents, what kind of family responses facilitate and attract a runaway adolescent to return home and what kind of parental characteristics facilitate the adolescents’ adjustment to family reunification. The study carried out in‐depth interviews with 16 adolescent boys between the ages of 13–17 in Hong Kong who, at the time of interview, had returned home after a runaway event and had been living together with their parents for considerably long and stable periods of time (from one to four years). Implications are directed toward counsellors and parents who are concerned with intervening with such at‐risk adolescents.
Upper limb activity over time in complex regional pain syndrome type 1 as objectively measured with an upper limb‐activity monitor: An explorative multiple case study
Authors: Schasfoort Fabiënne C. , Bussmann Johannes B.J. , Krijnen H. John , Stam Henk J.
Published: March 2005

Background An upper limb‐activity monitor (ULAM) has been developed to determine activity limitations in complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS1). The ULAM is based on 24 h ambulatory monitoring of body segment accelerations and enables valid and objective quantification of mobility and upper limb activity in transversal studies.

Aims To explore upper limb activity over time in acute upper limb CRPS1 as measured with the ULAM in a longitudinal study, and to compare this to time courses of other outcome measures for activity limitations and impairments.

Methods Four subjects were measured four times during a treatment protocol. Several ULAM outcome measures related to upper limb usage and mobility, three questionnaires (RASQ, DASH, RAND36), and six impairment outcome indicators (VAS‐momentary pain, VAS‐pain resulting from effort, volume, temperature, active range of motion, strength) were used.

Results Objectively measured upper limb activity frequently improved; improvements of >5% were found for 63% of the ULAM outcome measures at final assessment. The ULAM outcome measures had a time course more similar to the body‐part and CRPS1 specific questionnaire RASQ than the other questionnaires. The time course of impaired temperature was most often in accordance with the ULAM, and both VAS scores showed least accordance.

Conclusions Clear changes in upper limb activity over time were frequently found as objectively measured with the ULAM, and relationships among the time courses of the ULAM and other outcome measures were largely explainable. The ULAM can validly assess upper limb activity over time in CRPS1, but between‐measurement variability needs careful consideration.
Further support for the pain stages of change model: Suggestions for improved measurement
Authors: Maurischat Carsten , Härter Martin , Kerns Robert D. , Bengel Jürgen
Published: March 2005

Recent efforts to operationalize persons' readiness to adopt a self‐management approach to chronic pain have met with promising, but somewhat limited, results. The current study describes the development and psychometric evaluation of a German version of Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ). A new item pool was developed to attempt to improve in particular the discriminant validity of the scales and in order to obtain a shortened measure. The items were administered to 494 chronic pain patients who were split into two independent samples. Item‐ and factor‐analysis performed on data from one half of the sample resulted in four scales: precontemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The scales of the new measure, called the “Freiburg Questionnaire‐Stages of Chronic Pain Management (FQ‐STAPM)”, showed good indices of reliability, homogeneity, and discriminant validity. Both the concurrent and divergent validity indices and the relationships between scale scores and pain related variables proved to be consistent with the transtheoretical model. Confirmatory factor analysis using LISREL performed on the second half of the sample supported the goodness‐of‐fit of the structure model. Implications of these findings for future research exploring the relevance of the pain stages of change model are discussed.
Hepsin activates pro‐hepatocyte growth factor and is inhibited by hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor‐1B (HAI‐1B) and HAI‐2
Authors: Kirchhofer Daniel , Peek Mark , Lipari Michael T. , Billeci Karen , Fan Bin , Moran Paul
Published: March 2005

Hepsin, a type II transmembrane serine protease, is highly upregulated in prostate cancer and promotes tumor progression and metastasis. We generated a soluble form of hepsin comprising the entire extracellular domain to show that it efficiently converts single‐chain hepatocyte growth factor (pro‐HGF) into biologically active two‐chain HGF. Hepsin activity was potently inhibited by soluble forms of the bi‐Kunitz domain inhibitors HAI‐1B (IC50 21.1 ± 2.7 nM) and HAI‐2 (IC50 1.3 ± 0.3 nM). Enzymatic assays with HAI‐1B Kunitz domain mutants (R260A and K401A) further demonstrated that inhibition was due to Kunitz domain‐1. The results suggest a functional link between hepsin and the HGF/Met pathway, which may contribute to tumor progression.
Selection for TRAIL resistance results in melanoma cells with high proliferative potential
Authors: Wu Jing Jing , Zhang Xu Dong , Gillespie Susan , Hersey Peter
Published: March 2005

To better understand the outcome of the interaction between TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing factor (TRAIL) and tumor cells, we studied TRAIL‐resistant melanoma cells resulting from prolonged exposure to TRAIL and found that they had higher proliferative activity than the parental cells both in vitro and in vivo. This was associated with reduced p53 and p21 expression and increased activation of Erk1/2 and Akt. Accelerated proliferation was not due to TRAIL‐mediated signaling but appeared to be the result of selection of previously existing, characteristically distinct cells. Moreover, responses of p53 to stimulation in the TRAIL‐resistant cells appeared to be impaired.
Balancing exploitation and conservation of the eastern Scotian Shelf ecosystem: application of a 4D ecosystem exploitation index
Authors: Bundy Alida , Fanning Paul , Zwanenburg Kees C.T.
Published: March 2005

Few indicators exist that measure the effects of fishing at the whole-ecosystem level. A 4D ecosystem exploitation index is proposed that integrates four measures of ecosystem status: (i) the trophic balance of exploitation, (ii) the intensity of exploitation, (iii) species richness, and (iv) disturbance of the trophic structure. The central concept is that fisheries should extract yield in proportion to the productivity at each trophic level, at sustainable exploitation rates, with minimal disturbance to the trophic structure, and with no loss in species richness. The ecosystem exploitation index is tested on simulated ecosystem data and applied to data from the eastern Scotian Shelf, Canada. The model simulations provided consistent results that should facilitate cross-system comparisons of exploitation and ecosystem status. When applied to actual observations, the results were less coherent, likely attributable to lag effects and environmental impacts. All fisheries likely alter the trophic structure of ecosystems, and the rate and trophic pattern of exploitation determines the level of change. Exploiting all trophic levels equally would always result in less change to trophic structure than top-heavy exploitation. Further testing is required to determine lag effects and sensitivity to various assumptions.
Emergency craniotomy in patients with intracranial metastatic gestational trophoblastic tumor
Authors: Yang J.J. , Xiang Y. , Yang X.Y. , Wan X.R.
Published: March 2005

Objective

To study the diagnosis, management and prognosis of intracranial metastases of gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) patients who had emergency craniotomy.

Methods

Sixty three intracranial metastases of GTT patients were hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1985 to 2004. Thirteen of them had craniotomy that were retrospectively analyzed and all of them had a feature of raised intracranial pressure followed by intracranial hemorrhagic mass.

Results

Of the thirteen patients who had undergone surgery combined with multiagent chemotherapy, seven got complete remission (CR), five got partial remission (PR), and one died of progress of the disease (PD). There were three patients who died (23.1%) during or after therapy.

Conclusions

Emergency craniotomy has a small but important role to play in selected patients with brain metastases who display rapidly deteriorating signs. An undetermined intracranial hemorrhage in young female patients of a reproductive age group should raise the suspicion of cerebral metastatic GTT.
PIGEONPEA RHIZOBIA PREVALENCE AND CROP RESPONSE TO INOCULATION IN ZIMBABWEAN SMALLHOLDER-MANAGED SOILS
Authors: MAPFUMO P. , MPEPEREKI S. , MAFONGOYA P.
Published: March 2005

A study was conducted to determine the population sizes of indigenous pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)-nodulating rhizobia and responses of the crop to rhizobial inoculation in soils under smallholder management. Rhizobia populations were determined in 21 soils from three different agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe using the plant infection most-probable-number technique. Pigeonpea response to rhizobial inoculation was tested in five soils representative of low, medium and high rhizobia populations. Pigeonpea rhizobia ranged from undetectable to 121 cells per g soil compared with 16 to 159 cells per g soil for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) which was used for reference. Soils with high cowpea rhizobia counts had relatively low counts of pigeonpea rhizobia and vice versa, showing that the two legumes associate with different subgroups of rhizobia. Poor soil organic matter, low soil moisture at sampling, low pH and low clay content of the soils had a significant negative effect on rhizobial counts. Organic matter appeared critical for maintenance of high populations of indigenous rhizobia in the mostly sandy soils sampled. Lack of pigeonpea response to inoculation in all the soils tested despite the low initial rhizobial populations could be the result of within-season proliferation of indigenous populations which are competitive and effective. There was evidence of rapid build-up of pigeonpea-compatible rhizobia within one growing season when the crop was first introduced. It was concluded that effective pigeonpea rhizobia occur in many arable soils of Zimbabwe. However, to fully exploit biological nitrogen fixation and maximize yields of pigeonpea, highly efficient, adapted and competitive indigenous rhizobial isolates must be identified and evaluated.
The genus Pertusaria (Pertusariales: Pertusariaceae) in the Juan Fernández Archipelago (Chile)
Authors: MESSUTI María Inés
Published: March 2005

Eight species of the lichen genus Pertusaria (Pertusariaceae) are reported from the Juan Fernández Archipelago (Chile). Pertusaria fernandeziana is described as a new species and two species, Pertusaria phlyctaenula Nyl. and Pertusaria dehiscens Müll. Arg., are recorded for the first time from the archipelago. Range extensions of the known distribution within the archipelago are reported for Pertusaria hadrocarpa Zahlbr., Pertusaria melanospora Nyl., Pertusaria pachythallina (Räsänen) Messuti, Pertusaria papillulata Nyl., and Pertusaria velata (Turner) Nyl. Pertusaria polycarpa Kremp. var. monospora Zahlbr. is reduced to synonymy with Pertusaria papillulata and Pertusaria chilena Zahlbr. is synonymized with Pertusaria velata. A diagnostic key, descriptions, and illustrations of the species are presented with data on their habitat ecology and distribution.
Graphis tetralocularis, a new lichen with four-celled ascospores from tropical Africa
Authors: BOCK Christina , HAUCK Markus
Published: March 2005

Graphis tetralocularis C. Bock & Hauck is described as a new species from Rwanda. It is characterized by triseptate, hyaline ascospores 12–15(–17)×5–7·5 μm, a connivent, laterally carbonized exciple and by the presence of atranorin. So far, G. tetralocularis is only known from the type locality in central Africa, where it grows epiphytically on Nuxia floribunda in a dry forest.
FT-Raman spectroscopy of the Christmas wreath lichen, Cryptothecia rubrocincta (Ehrenb.:Fr.) Thor
Authors: EDWARDS Howell G. M. , de OLIVEIRA Luiz F. C. , SEAWARD Mark R. D.
Published: March 2005

FT-Raman spectra have been obtained from the highly pigmented lichen Cryptothecia rubrocincta from a Brazilian vestigial rainforest habitat. Spectral signatures of the two main lichen substances, chiodectonic acid and confluentic acid, were identified in adjacent zones of the thallus. Of the characteristic zonal colours displayed by the thallus, the outer red zone contained chiodectonic acid and no calcium oxalate, and graded into by a pink zone with calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite) in association with chiodectonic acid, to the inside of which is a concentric white zone containing calcium oxalate dihydrate (weddellite); however, chemically differentiated sites (elliptical brown flecks with a major axis of c. 15 μm) in both the pink and red zones contained chiodectonic acid and calcium oxalate monohydrate. The role of Raman spectroscopy in the spatial identification of lichen substances in the thallial structures is demonstrated.
Two new species of Xanthoparmelia (Ascomycota: Parmeliaceae ) from Spain
Authors: BLANCO Oscar , CRESPO Ana , ELIX John A.
Published: March 2005

Xanthoparmelia isidiovagans and X. subverrucigera from Spain are described as new to science. Both species are characterized by an isidiate upper surface and the presence of the stictic acid chemosyndrome in the medulla, but X. isidiovagans has a vagrant thallus with markedly revolute lobes with a black lower surface, whereas X. subverrucigera has adnate thalli with subirregular lobes and a brown lower surface.
Opera out of performance: Verdi's Macbeth at San Francisco Opera
Authors: LEVIN DAVID J.
Published: March 2005

This essay does two things, one of them analytical, the other more sociological. The former consists in a dramaturgical analysis of Verdi's Macbeth. The discussion is not entirely conventional insofar as its impetus was pragmatic: this section lays out some of the dramaturgical thinking that went into preparations for a new production of Verdi's work slated for San Francisco Opera in the Autumn of 2004. Alas, in the Autumn of 2003 the production was abruptly cancelled. This (non-)event led to the essay's sociological aspiration: a consideration of how and why that cancellation came about. In addition to reviewing Pamela Rosenberg's unusually ambitious, experimental and controversial regime at San Francisco Opera, the essay also speculates on the relationship between a nascent critical dramaturgy and the prospects for innovation on the operatic stage in the United States at this historical moment.
Defrosting instructions: A response
Authors: SMART MARY ANN
Published: March 2005

The title of this issue, ‘Performance Studies and Opera’, optimistically announces a conjunction between two disciplines that have previously had surprisingly little to do with each other, despite substantial common ground. The three articles gathered here, however, bear marks both of the excitement sparked by the novelty of bringing the methods of performance studies to bear on opera (significantly, the reverse process, operatic theory used to interpret other modes of performance, remains almost unimaginable) and a caution occasioned by their authors' sensitivity to the difficulties involved in any such translation.
The Legislative Record: The Japan National Diet in 2004
Authors: HIROSE JUNKO
Published: March 2005

The general election in November 2003 and the Upper House election in July 2004 indicate that the Japanese politics is going from a one party dominant toward a two major party system. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) narrowly keeps a majority in both Houses by merging the New Conservative Party and by forming a coalition with New Komeito.
Protein Release in Recombinant Escherichia coli Using Bacteriocin Release Protein
Authors: Yu Peng , San Ka‐Yiu
Published: March 2005

The effect of induction level of the bacteriocin release protein (BRP) on cell growth characteristics, protein expression, and protein release in a recombinant strain of Escherichia coli RR1 was investigated. Mitomycin C., the inducing agent, when added to the growth medium in moderate amounts (up to 200 ng/mL) was observed to enhance the release of periplasmic proteins from the cell to the fermentation broth substantially. The percentages of release of the proteins α‐amylase and β‐lactamase were increased by factors of about 7 and 3, respectively, upon induction of the BRP. The percentage of α‐amylase released into the broth increased from only about 5% to almost 50% with the aid of BRP. The cell growth curve and low extracellular activity of the cytoplasmic protein β‐galactosidase were indicative that cell lysis did not occur in an appreciable amount at a low induction level, with a mitomycin C concentration of less than 300 ng/mL.
Effect of Substrate Concentration on Multicomponent Adsorption
Authors: Converse Alvin O. , Girard Daniel J.
Published: March 2005

Recent studies of the adsorption of cellulase enzymes onto pretreated wood indicate that the adsorption isotherm is dependent upon the concentration of substrate in the solution. The computer studies reported in this note show that such behavior is to be expected of Langmuir type adsorption when two types of adsorbants compete for the same adsorption sites.