bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Majorana zero mode and its lattice construction in iron-based superconductors
Authors: Li Geng , Ding Hong , Wang Zi-Qiang , Gao Hong-Jun ,   Nanoscale Physics and Devices Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Hefei National Laboratory, Hefei 230088, China,   Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201210, China,   Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
Published: January 2024

Majorana zero modes (MZMs) obey non-Abelian braiding statistics. The braiding of MZMs can be used to construct the basic unit − topological qubit − of the topological quantum computation, which is immune to environmental noise and can achieve fault-tolerant quantum computation. The existing MZM platforms include hybrid structures such as topological insulator/superconductor, semiconducting nanowire/superconductor and 1d magnetic atomic chain/superconductor, and single materials such as 2M-WS2, 4Hb-TaS2, and iron-based superconductors (IBSs). The IBSs have advantages such as easy to fabricate, pure MZMs and high surviving temperatures of MZMs. Recently, a large-scale, ordered and tunable MZM lattice has been observed in LiFeAs, which provides a promising platform to future topological quantum computation. In this paper, first, we review the experimental observations of MZMs in IBSs, focusing on FeTe0.55Se0.45, (Li0.84Fe0.16)OHFeSe, CaKFe4As4 and LiFeAs. Next, we introduce the critical experimental evidences of the MZMs. We also review the recent research work on the ordered and tunable MZM lattice in LiFeAs. Finally, we give conclusion and perspective on future Majorana research.
Analysis of the Influence of Public Transport Fleet on Regional Development through Community Accessibility and Road Connectivity in the City of Lhokseumawe
Authors: Halisya Tira Ayudya , Purwoko Agus , Lubis Satia Negara
Published: January 2024

Currently, a new concept in the transportation system has developed, namely a sustainable transportation system. The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of the public transportation network system on community connectivity in Lhokseumawe City. The analytical method used in this research is a descriptive quantitative method using primary and secondary data. Quantitative descriptive is a type of research that is used to analyze data by describing or describing the data that has been collected as it is. This research uses multiple linear regression analysis tools. The results showed that the number of fleets, passenger capacity, routes had a positive and significant effect on the accessibility of the people in Lhokseumawe City. The number of fleets, passenger capacity and public transport routes have a positive and significant effect on community connectivity. The results of research on community accessibility and road transportation connectivity have a positive and significant effect on the development of the Lhokseumawe City area.
Fuzzy Nbhd System in Fuzzy Top-R-Module
Authors: Melgat Basim Mohammed
Published: January 2024

We will give a crucial and suitable condition for a family of fuzzy sets in a module 𝑀 to be the family of neighborhoods of a member 𝑚𝛼 in fuzzy top. module.
DNA polymorphisms detect ancient barriers to gene flow in Basques
Authors: Iriondo M. , Barbero M.C. , Manzano C.
Published: August 2003

This work features the first district‐by‐district analysis of all provinces in the Iberian Peninsula with an autochthonous Basque population, and indicates the existence of genetic heterogeneity. The populations cluster in three groups arising from processes of genetic drift which probably occurred in pre‐Mesolithic times, and were probably those which repopulated the southern areas of the Basque Country after the Last Glacial Maximum. It seems that from that period onwards, the population settled in three major groups (West Basques, Central Basques, and East Basques), along geographical axes which appear substantial in the maintaining of each population unit. This genetic structure is probably reflected in other aspects such as the existence of ancient tribes and the dialects of the Basque language, the boundaries of which may be related at origin and which are quite similar to those detected in this work. Our results indicate that the populations of the Basque Country are genetically close to other neighboring populations, such as that of Aragon, which may indicate an outgoing gene flow from the Basque area down the River Ebro towards the Mediterranean seaboard. While our short tandem repeat data suggest that population structure within the Basques dates back to the Mesolithic, our findings are also consistent with the hypothesis that patterns of modern European genetic diversity have been shaped mainly during the Neolithic. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolutionary implications of the unusual walking mechanics of the common marmoset (C. jacchus)
Authors: Schmitt Daniel
Published: August 2003

Several features that appear to differentiate the walking gaits of most primates from those of most other mammals (the prevalence of diagonal‐sequence footfalls, high degrees of humeral protraction, and low forelimb vs. hindlimb peak vertical forces) are believed to have evolved in response to requirements of locomotion on thin arboreal supports by early primates that had developed clawless grasping hands and feet. This putative relationship between anatomy, behavior, and ecology is tested here by examining gait mechanics in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a primate that has sharp claws and reduced pedal grasping, and that spends much of its time clinging on large trunks. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected on three maleCallithrix jacchusas they walked across a force platform attached to the ground or to raised horizontal poles. The vast majority of all walking gaits were lateral‐sequence. For all steps, the humerus was retracted (<90° relative to a horizontal axis) or held in a neutral (90°) position at forelimb touchdown. Peak vertical forces on the forelimb were always higher than those on the hindlimb. These three features of the walking gaits ofC. jacchusseparate it from any other primate studied (including other callitrichids). The walking gaits ofC. jacchusare mechanically more similar to those of small, nonprimate mammals. The results of this study support previous models that suggest that the unusual suite of features that typify the walking gaits of most primates are adaptations to the requirements of locomotion on thin arboreal supports. These data, along with data from other primates and marsupials, suggest that primate postcranial and locomotor characteristics are part of a basal adaptation for walking on thin branches. Am J Phys Anthropol 120:000–000, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fiber architecture of the intrinsic muscles of the shoulder and arm in semiterrestrial and arboreal guenons
Authors: Anapol Fred , Gray J. Patrick
Published: August 2003

The internal organization of myofibers and connective tissues has important physiologic implications for muscle function and for naturalistic behavior. In this study of forelimb muscle morphology and primate locomotion, fiber architecture is examined in the intrinsic muscles of the shoulder (musculi deltoideus, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, subscapularis, teres major, and t. minor) and arm (m. coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, brachialis, and triceps brachii) in the semiterrestrial vervets (Chlorocebus aethiops) and arboreal red‐tailed guenons (Cercopithecus ascanius). Wet weights and lengths of whole muscles, lengths of fasciculi and their associated proximal and distal tendons, and angles of pinnation were measured to estimate morphologic correlates of physiologic properties of individual muscles: force, velocity/excursion, energy expense, and relative isometric or isotonic contraction. Neither mean total‐shoulder:total‐arm ratios for muscle mass nor total reduced physiological cross‐sectional area exhibited significant (P < 0.05) interspecific differences, thus emphasizing the importance of fine‐tuning musculoskeletal analyses by the data collected here. The results generally support those previously published for quadriceps femoris and triceps surae of the hind limb in these species (Anapol and Barry [1996] Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 99:429–447). The fiber architecture of the semiterrestrial vervets is largely suited for higher velocity while running on the ground. By contrast, the architectural configuration of red‐tailed monkeys implies relatively isometric muscle contraction and passive storage of elastic strain energy for exploitation of the compliant canopy, where substrate components are situated beneath the sagittal plane of the animal. With respect to relative distribution of maximum potential force output among muscles of either shoulder or arm groups in these otherwise hind limb‐dominated quadrupedal primates, statistically significant interspecific differences are best interpreted in light of braking, climbing, and, for vervets, the transition between ground and canopy.

The interspecific differences shown here for the intrinsic muscles of the shoulder and arm underscore the significance of intramuscular morphology in reconciling structure and function with regard to locomotor behavior. Its analysis and interpretation lend support to consideration of “semiterrestrial” as a bona fide locomotor category uniquely different from what is practiced by dedicated arboreal and terrestrial quadrupeds that occasionally visit the habitat of one another. Data from a more committed terrestrial species would clarify this enigma. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular mechanism of inhibition of osteoclastic resorption of bone and calcified cartilage by long‐term pamidronate administration in ovariectomized mature rats
Authors: Mayahara Mitsuori , Sasaki Takahisa
Published: August 2003

We examined the effects of long‐term bisphosphonate (BP, pamidronate) administration at a therapeutic dose (1.5 mg/kg/day) on the distribution, structure, and vacuolar‐type H+‐ATPase expression of osteoclasts, and the resulting trabecular bone volume and structure in ovariectomized (OVX) mature rats. Six‐month‐old female rats were allocated to sham‐operated control, untreated‐OVX, and BP‐administered OVX groups. Postoperatively, BP was administered intraperitoneally once a day to OVX rats for up to 30 days. On postoperative days 14, 30, and 60, all of the rats were killed and the distal metaphyseal area of the dissected humeri was examined. Quantitative backscattered‐electron image analysis revealed that the trabecular bone volume/unit medullary area in untreated OVX rats was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that in sham‐operated controls at 30 and 60 days postoperation. BP administration significantly (P < 0.05) increased trabecular bone volume at 14, 30, and 60 days postoperation in BP‐administered OVX rats compared to both sham‐operated and untreated OVX rats. Compared to untreated OVX rats, the number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive osteoclasts along the bone trabeculae in BP‐administered OVX rats was not significantly decreased on days 14 and 30, but was significantly decreased on day 60. Ultrastructurally, BP administration caused the disappearance of both the ruffled border (RB) and the clear zone (CZ) structures, and decreased the expression of vacuolar‐type H+‐ATPase in most osteoclasts, but did not significantly induce apoptosis of osteoclasts detected by the terminal dUTP nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) method. Our results suggest that long‐term BP administration significantly reduces bone and calcified cartilage resorption through impairment of the structure and bone‐resorbing function of osteoclasts, and thereby effectively maintains trabecular bone volume and structure in ovariectomy‐induced acute estrogen deficiency in mature rats. Anat Rec Part A 274A:817–826, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hematopoietic cells from bone marrow have the potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vitro
Authors: Eisenberg Leonard M. , Burns Lindsey , Eisenberg Carol A.
Published: August 2003

Recent studies have indicated that hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) have the capacity to form cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we further examined the cardiac competence of HPCs by asking whether these cells by themselves can be provoked to undergo cardiac differentiation. Our data indicate that in response to growth factor treatment, HPCs from avian bone marrow (BM) can undergo cardiac differentiation, as indicated by their expression of multiple cardiac transcription factors and sarcomeric proteins. Furthermore, coculture experiments with adult mouse BM cells and embryonic heart tissue confirmed that HPCs are able to both integrate into cardiac tissue and differentiate into cardiomyocytes. In an additional set of experiments, we investigated whether other hematopoietic populations might possess cardiac potential by examining whether blood cells that normally are recruited to damaged tissue might act as a source of newly generated cardiomyocytes. Remarkably, macrophages cocultured with cardiac explants also demonstrated an ability to integrate into contractile heart tissue and undergo cardiac differentiation. Thus, our data suggest that the capacity of blood cells to transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes is not limited to classically defined hematopoietic progenitors. Anat Rec Part A 274A:870–882, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chiral HPLC separation and CD spectra of the C‐2 diastereomers of naringin in grapefruit during maturation
Authors: Caccamese Salvatore , Manna Luigi , Scivoli Giovanna
Published: August 2003

Naringin is the chief flavanone glycoside of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). It is responsible for part of the bitter taste of the fruit and can cause the inhibition of some cytochrome P450s. The direct separation of (2R)‐ and (2S)‐naringin in the albedo of grapefruits was obtained in normal phase HPLC mode using Chiralcel OD as chiral stationary phase and n‐hexane/ethanol with 0.1% of TFA as mobile phase. Chiralpak AD was almost ineffective in the separation. This procedure was used to evaluate the stereochemistry at C‐2 during maturation of the grapefruit. The CD curves of (2R)‐ and (2S)‐naringin isolated by semipreparative chiral HPLC were determined and the elution order of the chromatographic peaks was related to the absolute C‐2 configuration. Partial resolution of the C‐2 diastereomers of narirutin was obtained on Chiralpak AD. Chirality 15:661–667, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereoselective pharmacokinetics and metabolism of flobufen in guinea pigs
Authors: Trejtnar František , Král Radim , Pávek Petr , Wsól Vladimír
Published: August 2003

Stereoselective aspects of pharmacokinetics and metabolism of a chiral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, flobufen, 4‐(2′, 4′‐difluorobiphenyl‐4‐yl)‐2‐methyl‐4‐oxobutanoic acid, were studied in male guinea pigs after p.o. administration of racemic flobufen (rac‐flobufen) at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected at intervals over 16 h after the administration of rac‐flobufen for the quantification of flobufen enantiomers and their respective metabolites in plasma by chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was used to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of R‐ and S‐flobufen. The plasma concentrations of the S‐ and R‐enantiomers differed significantly during the experimental period. The S/R‐enantiomeric ratio in 7plasma reached a maximum value of 10.1 at 240 min postdose. The oral clearance value of R‐flobufen was five times higher than S‐flobufen. The other pharmacokinetic parameters (Ke, T1/2, VSS/F, MRT) of the enantiomers also differed substantially. All four stereoisomers of the dihydrometabolite of flobufen were detected in plasma with varying concentrations. Metabolite 17203 [4‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)‐phenylacetic acid] exhibited a relatively longer residence time compared to that noted for the enantiomers of the parent compound. Pharmacokinetics of the flobufen enantiomers were stereoselective in guinea pigs. The metabolism of flobufen was complex. However, metabolite 17203 seemed to be the main metabolite of flobufen that may be responsible for its relatively long‐lasting antiphlogistic and immunomodulatory effects. Chirality 15:724–729, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conflict resolution and moral reasoning
Authors: Heydenberk Warren R. , Heydenberk Roberta Anna , Bailey Sharon Perkins
Published: September 2003

The effects of conflict resolution training on students' moral reasoning were examined in this five‐year study. Inspired by pilot
studies that found increased attachment, cooperation, and prosocial skills in treatment classrooms, the study was conducted with elementary students
(ten treatment groups and eight comparison groups) in a low‐income Philadelphia school and in two schools in a suburban
low‐income district. Treatment group teachers were trained in integrated conflict resolution strategies, and they were provided ongoing support
to ensure classroom implementation of conflict resolution skills. Treatment group students demonstrated significant improvement in moral reasoning.
Derivation of 1/f fluctuations by means of the spatial coarse‐graining method for a neural network model
Authors: Kamitani Yoshinobu , Suyari Hiroki , Matsuba Ikuo
Published: September 2003

The 1/f spectra that appear in electroencephalogram data are among the characteristics that appear in the wide range of self‐organizing phenomena encompassing both physical and sociological phenomena. The fact that they appear across the various objects suggests that the underlying cause of the 1/f spectra can be elucidated by using a simplified model that does not depend on the detailed structure of the objects. This paper, treating the electroencephalogram as a macro‐quantity of neuron activities, demonstrates the existence of a self‐similar solution through the spatial‐temporal coarse‐graining of a neural network, which is a simplified model of the brain. The self‐similar solution in fact leads to the derivation of a 1/f spectrum. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 87(1): 72–81, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.10016
Cumulative demand of the earthquake ground motions in the near source
Authors: Manfredi Gaetano , Polese Maria , Cosenza Edoardo
Published: September 2003

In this paper the effects of near‐fault earthquakes are investigated through the study of parameters related to both input energy and plastic cycles demand. Based on the results of two different regression analyses performed with 128 near‐fault and 122 far‐field registrations, respectively, the Cosenza and Manfredi adimensional Id index was found to be the best seismological parameter correlated to the number n and amplitude m of plastic cycles in the vicinity of the source as well as far from it. Analytical formulations for n,m and for the equivalent number of plastic cycles neq are proposed for near‐fault and far‐field regions. The study of Id and neq shows the tendency of such parameters to increase as the distance increases. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological management of aggression and violence
Authors: Humble F. , Berk M.
Published: August 2003

The pharmacological management of violence and aggression is a common and substantial clinical dilemma in the emergency psychiatric situation. A literature search was conducted through PubMed and using the Cochrane Library. This was followed by a manual search of selected literature. Randomised controlled trials were sought that specifically addressed the acute situation, rather than the ongoing management of chronic conditions. There was a paucity of well‐controlled data and insufficient evidence to support the use of many agents in emergency situations. Many studies had considerable limitations making comparison difficult. Efficacy data for a range of treatment options exists, including the use of classical and atypical anti‐psychotic agents, benzodiazepines and combination therapies. Clinical risk, tolerability and environmental factors need to form part of a careful and considered judgement in the choice of treatment. Safety, tolerability and the potential for a positive experience are major considerations, thus paving the way for long term compliance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Murder or mortuary behaviour? An Iron Age enigma from Northeast Thailand
Authors: Tayles N.
Published: August 2003

During the excavation of the Iron Age site of Noen U‐Loke, in the Mun River Valley, northeast Thailand, in 1998 an unusual case of possible fatal cranial trauma in an elderly woman was recovered. Her skull was cleaved across the centre from side to side. The woman was buried with her head inside a ceramic pot, which is unusual for the site, but with jewellery similar to that in other burials. She was interred in a large cluster of graves, with a high proportion of infants and children. Her burial treatment suggests that she was not being treated punitively. The position of the mandible shows that the cleavage is not a postmortem artifact but it is not possible to determine the reason for it or whether it was the cause of her death or occurred immediately afterward. It is an unusual and intriguing enigma. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral implications of labret use: a case from pre‐Columbian Chile
Authors: Torres‐Rouff C.
Published: August 2003

This paper examines the osteological evidence for a case of long‐term labret use in pre‐Columbian north Chile and the pathological conditions associated with it. The burials from the site of Solcor 3 (AD 400–900) included a complete skeleton associated with two quartz labrets. Analysis of the skeleton of this adult male revealed wear and polish on the labial surface of both mandibular canines, indicating that the labrets were worn as a pair on either side of the midline of the lower lip. In addition to these abrasion facets, there were also areas of periosteal reaction in the alveolar bone of the canines. These patterns were analysed from the perspective of the clinical dentistry literature and compared to archaeological data. It is concluded that this individual's dental health was affected by wearing labrets, although not as seriously as might be expected based on contemporary medical reports. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soluble polymer‐bound quaternary ammonium salts for the addition reaction of glycidyl methacrylate with carbon dioxide
Authors: Kim Jang‐Joo , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Lee Hwa‐Soo , Park Dae‐Won
Published: August 2003

Soluble polymeric catalysts containing benzyltrialkylammonium chloride moieties and styrene or N,N‐dimethylacrylamide as a polar unit were prepared by copolymerization of vinylbenzyl chloride and the corresponding monomer, and then quaternization of the chloromethyl group by trialkylamines. The addition reaction of glycidyl methacrylate and carbon dioxide proceeded effectively using these polymer‐supported quaternary ammonium salts. The catalytic activity was affected by the amount of vinylbenzyl chloride, type of reaction solvent, and the structure of trialkylammonium salt due to the balance between lipophilicity and steric hindrance of the pendant quaternary ammonium salt. A kinetic study was also carried out to better understand the reaction steps. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semilocalized approach to investigation of chemical reactivity
Authors: Gineityte V.
Published: August 2003

Application of the power series for the one‐electron density matrix Gineityte, V., J Mol Struct Theochem 1995, 343, 183 to the case of two interacting molecules is shown to yield a semilocalized approach to investigate chemical reactivity, which is characterized by the following distinctive features: (1) Electron density (ED) redistributions embracing orbitals of the reaction centers of both molecules and of their neighboring fragments are studied instead of the total intermolecular interaction energy; (2) the ED redistributions are expressed directly in the basis of fragmental orbitals (FOs) without passing to the basis of delocalized molecular orbitals (MOs) of initial molecules; (3) terms describing the ED redistributions due to an intermolecular contact arise as additive corrections to the purely monomolecular terms and thereby may be analyzed independently; (4) local ED redistributions only between orbitals of the reaction centers of both molecules are described by lower‐order terms of the power series, whereas those embracing both the reaction centers and their neighborhoods are represented by higher‐order terms. As opposed to the standard perturbative methods based on invoking the delocalized (canonical) MOs of isolated molecules, the results of the approach suggested are in‐line with the well‐known intuition‐based concepts of the classic chemistry concerning reactivity, namely, with the assumption about different roles of the reaction center and of its neighborhood in a chemical process, with the expectation about extinction of the indirect influence of a certain fragment (substituent) when its distance from the reaction center grows, etc. Such a parallelism yields quantum chemical analogs for the classic concepts and thereby gives an additional insight into their nature. The scope of validity of these concepts also is discussed. Applicability of the approach suggested to specific chemical problems is illustrated by a brief consideration of the SN2 and AdE2 reactions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 94: 302–316, 2003
An active search method for local individual features in off‐line signature verification
Authors: Ando Shingo , Nakajima Masato
Published: September 2003

We propose a new method of off‐line signature verification that extracts individual “peculiarities“ from parts of a signature and uses them for verification. In the registration process, reference signatures are compared with each other for correspondence estimation, and multiple areas exhibiting strong individual peculiarities are extracted. In the verification process, correspondence estimation is first performed, then verification is performed with the extracted local features. We used multiscale regularization for correspondence estimation, and a genetic algorithm for extracting areas that exhibited strong individual peculiarities. As measures of the degree of individual peculiarities we used the magnitude of the deviation as determined from repeated signatures and the degree of complexity of the pen stroke. A verification experiment involving 20 subjects and their Japanese signatures (a total of 800 signatures) produced a best‐case average verification error rate of 2.63%. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(12): 64–76, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10092
Influence of thiol balance on micellar cholesterol handling by polarized Caco‐2 intestinal cells
Authors: Napolitano Mariarosaria , Rainaldi Gabriella , Bravo Elena , Rivabene Roberto
Published: September 2003

The in vitro thiol redox modulation of cholesterol homeostasis was investigated in polarized Caco‐2 intestinal cells. Cells were pre‐incubated with the pro‐oxidant compound CuSO4 or with the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), to induce a mild shift of the intracellular redox potential toward, respectively, a more oxidizing or a more reducing equilibrium, via a manipulation of intracellular soluble thiols (glutathione). Then, monolayers were exposed to micellar cholesterol and both the cholesterol uptake and export, as well as the cholesteryl ester cycle, were analyzed. We found that pro‐oxidizing conditions induced a significant cholesterol retention within the cells, particularly in the unesterified form (FC), as a result of an augmented sterol incorporation coupled with a reduced rate of FC esterification. A reduction in FC export was also evident. Furthermore, the combination of FC retention and the oxidative imbalance leads to significant alterations of the monolayer integrity, evidenced by both the enhanced tight junction permeability and the lactate dehydrogenase release into the basolateral medium. In contrast, a more reducing environment generated by NAC pre‐treatment favors the limitation of the resident time of FC into the cells, via a reduced cholesterol uptake and a concomitant increased cholesterol esterification. In addition, a significant higher FC extrusion into the basolateral medium was also appreciable. Our results indicate that the thiol balance of intestinal cells may be critical for the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis at the intestinal level, influencing the lipid transport throughout the intestinal barrier.
Noise in gene expression as the source of non‐genetic individuality in the chemotactic response of Escherichia coli
Authors: Levin M.D.
Published: August 2003

A deterministic computer model of the signal transduction pathway mediating bacterial chemotaxis was used to examine the variation in both unstimulated swimming behaviour and adaptation time to stimuli in clonal populations of cells. Copy numbers of proteins in the pathway were computed from a simplified model of transcription and translation that predicts greater‐than‐Poissonian statistics. Simulated and experimental individuality data could be brought into good agreement on varying the noise strength of the protein copy number distributions. In the simulations, all the proteins in the pathway are involved to a significant degree in the appearance of phenotypic diversity, although there is a modest decrease in influence with increasing copy number.
The diversity of globin‐coupled sensors
Authors: Freitas Tracey Allen K , Hou Shaobin , Alam Maqsudul
Published: September 2003

The recently discovered globin‐coupled sensors (GCSs) are heme‐containing two‐domain transducers distinct from the PAS domain superfamily. We have identified an additional 22 GCSs with varying multi‐domain C‐terminal transmitters through a search of the complete and incomplete microbial genome datasets. The GCS superfamily is composed of two major subfamilies: the aerotactic and gene regulators. We postulate the existence of protoglobin in Archaea as the predecessor to the chimeric GCS.
Obstetric implications of low‐lying placentas diagnosed in the second trimester
Authors: Ogueh O. , Morin L. , Usher R.H. , Benjamin A.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: To determine the obstetrical outcome of pregnancies initially complicated by a low‐lying placenta in the second trimester. Methods: We reviewed the obstetric outcome of all women with singleton deliveries from 1 January 1997 to 31 March 1999 and compared the 703 women with low‐lying placentas (placentas in the lower uterine segment) with the 6938 women with placentas that were normally situated in the upper uterine segment at 16–22 weeks’ gestation. Results: Pregnancies complicated by a low‐lying placenta in the second trimester were not associated with antepartum hemorrhage, preterm births, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, pregnancy‐induced hypertension, fetal growth restriction or cesarean births. However, they had a higher incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (odds ratio 1.768, 95% confidence interval 1.137, 2.748) than women with a normally situated placenta in the second trimester. Conclusions: Pregnant women with low‐lying placentas in the second trimester have a higher incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and hence, it would be prudent to carefully manage the third stage of labor in these women.
Vibration‐Induced Nystagmus in Patients with Vestibular Disorders
Authors: Ohki Masafumi , Murofushi Toshihisa , Nakahara Haruka , Sugasawa Keiko
Published: September 2003

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to clarify the clinical significance of vibration‐induced nystagmus (VIN). METHODS: One hundred patients with unilateral vestibulocochlear disorders were enrolled into this study. However, patients with spontaneous nystagmus were excluded. Vibratory stimuli (approximately 100 Hz) were presented to the mastoids and the forehead. Patients also underwent caloric testing and vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients, 60 (60%) showed VIN. The nystagmus was mainly horizontal. VIN was more frequently evoked on the mastoids than the forehead. In the majority of patients, the direction of VIN was toward the healthy side, whereas some patients, especially patients with Meniere's disease, showed nystagmus toward the affected side. VIN was frequently evoked in patients with severe unilateral vestibular damages (canal paresis >50%) (39 of 43, or 90%).

CONCLUSION

VIN testing is a simple and sensitive clinical test that indicates unilateral vestibular dysfunction.
The Effects of Montelukast on Intradermal Wheal and Flare
Authors: Hill Samuel L. , Krouse John H.
Published: September 2003

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the effect of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, on intradermal skin testing.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in a university setting.

METHODS

After a 1 ‐week washout of allergy pharmacotherapy, intradermal skin testing was performed on 23 atopic subjects. Whealing size was measured 20 minutes after injection. Subjects then began a 1 ‐week regimen of daily loratadine, montelukast, or placebo. At 1 week, subjects again underwent intradermal skin testing. The change in wheal size was then calculated from baseline.

RESULTS

A significant difference (P < 0.05) between the montelukast and loratadine groups in suppression of intradermal whealing at 1 week was observed. No significant difference was noted between the montelukast and placebo subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Montelukast demonstrated no significant suppression of skin whealing after antigen challenge over placebo.

SIGNIFICANCE

Montelukast does not need to be discontinued before intradermal allergy testing.
Long term in vitro‐cultured plant cells show typical neoplastic features at the cytological level
Authors: Häsler Julien , Wüest Jean , Gaspar Thomas , Crèvecoeur Michèle
Published: August 2003

Cells from a green normal (dependent on exogenous hormones) callus and from an achlorophyllous fully habituated (independent from exogenous hormones) callus, both generated from the same sugarbeet strain more than twenty years ago, were reexamined cytologically, ten years after the first comparative description. Cells from the habituated callus, already considered as neoplastic cells, because terminating a neoplastic progression where the organogenic totipotency was lost, still showed nuclear invaginations, polynucleolation, vacuolation of nucleoli and incomplete cell walls, nevertheless at a higher degree. The present study particularly shows that, compared to their previous description, normal cells have started to acquire some features (polynucleolation, nuclear invaginations…) that are typical of the neoplastic cells. This suggests that normal cells, on the long term, also entered a neoplastic progression, which should explain the known progressive loss of regeneration capacity of too long subcultured hormone‐dependent calli.
Morphine alleviates early stages of apoptosis in cultured CEM x174 cells infected with simian immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Hao Y.S. , Li P.F. , Zhang F.X. , Huang D.A. , Liu X.H. , Li G.
Published: August 2003

The reduction in apoptosis caused by short‐term exposure of CEM x174 cells infected with SIVmac239 to morphine was investigated. Eeffects of morphine on the viability of normal and infected CEM x174 cells were determined by MTS assay. Apoptosis induced by SIVmac239 and the effects of morphine were analyzed by flow cytometry. cAMP levels, PKA activity, and the resulting histone H3 phosphorylation levels were measured. The results show a pronounced decrease in numbers of infected SIVmac239 cells compared to controls. Morphine elevated cell viability in the infected groups. Annexin V binding assays showed that 1 μmol l−1morphine increased the percentage of viable cells and decreased apoptotic cells. Morphine also downregulated cAMP and PKA activity in both groups, but more markedly in the infected group. Histone H3 phosphorylation was elevated after virus infection and decreased in the presence of morphine. The results indicate that the cAMP‐PKA signal transduction cascade is involved in morphine regulation of early SIVmac239‐induced apoptosis.
Effect of muscle relaxants on experimental jaw‐muscle pain and jaw‐stretch reflexes: a double‐blind and placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Svensson Peter , Wang Kelun , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars
Published: September 2003

A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled three‐way cross‐over study was performed to investigate the effect of two muscle relaxants (tolperisone hydrochloride and pridinol mesilate) on experimental jaw‐muscle pain and jaw‐stretch reflexes. Fifteen healthy men participated in three randomised sessions separated by at least 1 week. In each session 300 mg tolperisone, 8 mg pridinol mesilate or placebo was administered orally as a single dose. One hour after drug administration 0.3 ml hypertonic saline (5.8%) was injected into the right masseter to produce muscle pain. Subjects continuously rated their perceived pain intensity on an electronic 10‐cm visual analogue scale (VAS). The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured and short‐latency reflex responses were evoked in the pre‐contracted (15% maximal voluntary contraction) masseter and temporalis muscles by a standardised stretch device (1 mm displacement, 10 ms ramp time) before (baseline), 1 h after medication (post‐drug), during ongoing experimental muscle pain (pain‐post‐drug), and 15 min after pain had vanished (post‐pain). Analysis of variance demonstrated significantly lower VAS peak pain scores (5.9±0.4 cm) after administration of tolperisone hydrochloride compared with pridinol mesilate (6.8±0.4 cm) and placebo (6.6±0.4 cm) (P=0.020). Administration of pridinol mesilate was associated with a significant decrease in PPTs compared with tolperisone hydrochloride and placebo (P=0.002) after medication, but not after experimental jaw‐muscle pain. The normalised peak‐to‐peak amplitude of the stretch reflexes were not significantly influenced by the test medication (P=0.762), but were in all sessions significantly facilitated during ongoing experimental jaw‐muscle pain (P=0.034). In conclusion, tolperisone hydrochloride provides a small, albeit significant reduction in the perceived intensity of experimental jaw‐muscle pain whereas the present dose had no effect on the short‐latency jaw‐stretch reflex.
On a principle of sufficient reason
Authors: LEFTOW BRIAN
Published: August 2003

In The Metaphysics of Creation and The Metaphysics of Theism, Norman Kretzmann defends an argument for God's existence which he claims to find in Aquinas. I assess this argument's key premise, a principle of sufficient reason, that: ‘PSR2: Every existing thing has a reason for its existence either in the necessity of its own nature or in the causal efficacy of some other beings’. PSR2 requires God's nature to explain His existence. Kretzmann does not tell us how this explanation is supposed to go. I examine such ways as I can envision that God's own nature might explain His existence. None pan out. I argue contra Kretzmann that if God is simple, as Aquinas understood this, His nature does not explain His existence, and while His existence is in itself per se notum (‘self-evident’) this does not entail that it has an explanation. If this is correct, we ought not to read Aquinas as committed to PSR2. Further, if I'm right that it's impossible for ‘the necessity of a thing's nature’ to explain its existence, PSR2 is true only if every existing thing has a reason for its existence in the causal efficacy of some other beings. So, if I'm right, theists ought to steer clear of PSR2, at least read in terms of genuine explanation. I finally offer a weaker reading of ‘a reason for its existence’ which does not generate the problems of the stronger reading Kretzmann seems to have in mind. This too, though, turns out to have its problems.
Neodymium budget in the modern ocean and paleo‐oceanographic implications
Authors: Tachikawa K. , Athias V. , Jeandel C.
Published: August 2003

The oceanic Nd budget is calculated using a steady state 10‐box model and a compilation of field data. This is the first attempt to propose consistent estimates of the Nd fluxes entering the ocean, as well as indicating possible Nd sources and the proportion of Nd fluxes exchanged between dissolved and particulate fractions. With presently available Nd data the best estimates give a total Nd influx of 9 × 109 g/yr, which leads to an oceanic Nd residence time of 500 years. From modeling tests we suggest that the authigenic Nd scavenged by particulates is 100% remineralized in the deep ocean. The total exchanged Nd flux may be as high as 2 × 1010 g/yr. The εNd(0) values of the influxes are −22, −11, +1, and −4 for the North Atlantic, surface Atlantic, North Pacific, and surface Indo‐Pacific regions, respectively. Atmospheric and riverine Nd fluxes are insufficient to explain the magnitude and regional variability of calculated Nd influxes and εNd(0). We propose continental margins as an additional source supplying Nd to the ocean. Using the model calibrated for Nd, we examine the sensitivity of deep water εNd(0) to variations of Nd inputs to the ocean. Deep water Nd concentrations and εNd(0) vary with the changes in Nd influxes and their εNd(0). As Nd sources to the ocean may change during glacial/interglacial periods, the εNd(0) shifts recorded in ferromanganese nodules and crusts do not necessarily reflect changes in paleoceanic circulation. The effects of continental erosion should be considered in reconstructing patterns of ocean circulation using Nd isotopes.
Quiet time magnetotail plasma flow: Coordinated Polar ultraviolet images and Geotail observations
Authors: Ieda A. , Shue J.‐H. , Liou K. , Ohtani S.‐I. , Meng C.‐I. , Fairfield D. H. , Mukai T. , Saito Y. , Machida S. , Nagai T. , Parks G. K.
Published: September 2003

A search for fast flows in the plasma sheet during quiet times was conducted in order to further test the previously found close association between fast flows and auroral brightenings. We first identified “quiet intervals” of at least 30‐min duration in the Polar ultraviolet global images of auroras. During 16 months of Polar observations from January 1997 through April 1998, 41 quiet intervals were identified when Geotail was between 8 and 31 RE down the tail and within 10 RE of the midnight meridian. Fast flows were more rare during the quiet intervals than at other times. For 4 of the 41 intervals identified, Geotail detected flows faster than 300 km s−1 in the plasma sheet. All the four flows were earthward parallel flows accompanied by northward magnetic field beyond 20 RE, and there were no perpendicular flows faster than 300 km s−1. To understand the nature of the fast (but not perpendicular) flows during the quiet intervals, an earthward flow at 21 RE down the tail was studied in detail. The plasma beta was higher than unity during the earthward flow, but the fastest ion velocity moments consisted of the two counterstreaming components flowing along the magnetic field, a characteristic known to define the plasma sheet boundary layer. Our results further support the close association between auroral brightenings and clear fast flows as seen in previous studies, because no perpendicular fast flows were found during quiet intervals. Since some perpendicular flows slower than 300 km s−1 were found beyond ∼20 RE down the tail, a velocity of ∼300 km s−1 appears to statistically make a difference in the geoeffectiveness of perpendicular flows.
Seasonal NH3 emission estimates for the eastern United States based on ammonium wet concentrations and an inverse modeling method
Authors: Gilliland Alice B. , Dennis Robin L. , Roselle Shawn J. , Pierce Thomas E.
Published: August 2003

Significant uncertainty exists in the magnitude and variability of ammonia (NH3) emissions. NH3 emissions are needed as input for air quality modeling of aerosols and deposition of nitrogen compounds. Approximately 85% of NH3 emissions are estimated to come from agricultural nonpoint sources, which are suspected to have a strong seasonal pattern. Because no seasonal information is available in current NH3 emission inventories for air quality modeling, the emissions are often distributed evenly over the year by default. Doing so can adversely affect air quality model‐predicted concentrations of nitrogen‐containing compounds, as shown here. We apply a Kalman filter inverse modeling technique to deduce monthly 1990 NH3 emissions for the eastern United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model and ammonium (NH4+) wet concentration data from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program network are used. The results illustrate the strong seasonal differences in NH3 emissions that were anticipated, where NH3 emissions are more than 75% lower during the colder seasons fall and winter as compared to peak emissions during summer. The results also suggest that the current USEPA 1990 National Emission Inventory for NH3 is too high by at least 20%. This is supported by a recent USEPA study of emission factors that proposes lower emission factors for cattle and swine, which are two of the largest sources of NH3 emissions in the inventory.
Signatures of shuttle and rocket exhaust plumes in TIMED/SABER radiance data
Authors: Siskind D. E. , Stevens M. H. , Emmert J. T. , Drob D. P. , Kochenash A. J. , Russell J. M. , Gordley L. L. , Mlynczak M. G.
Published: August 2003

We have searched the 6.8 μm water vapor radiance data obtained from the Sounding of the Atmosphere with Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) on the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite for evidence of rocket plumes. Between 94–130 km, significant radiance enhancements are occasionally seen which correspond in time and space to emission from the exhaust plumes of the space shuttle and various unmanned liquid‐fueled rockets. Over a 10 month period in 2002 (Feb–Nov), SABER detected about 40% of the total liquid fueled launches, including four out of four space shuttle launches. The shuttle plumes are seen at and below 115 km, while the unmanned rocket plumes extend to higher altitudes. The meridional transport of the shuttle plumes near 110 km suggests a dependence upon the local time of the launch with plumes from mid‐day launches traveling to the N and plumes from late afternoon and evening launches traveling to the S.
Genetic analysis of males from intracytoplasmic sperm injection couples
Authors: Cruger DG , Agerholm I , Byriel L , Fedder J , Bruun‐Petersen G
Published: August 2003

A total of 392 men referred for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) participated in genetic analysis. The control group consisted of 100 normal fertile males. Chromosome and DNA analyses were performed to investigate the frequency of Y‐chromosome microdeletions and CFTR mutations (the controls underwent DNA analysis only). An abnormal karyotype was found in 4.6% of all males, but the frequency among men with azoospermia was higher, at 11.7%. Y‐chromosome microdeletions were found only among men with azoospermia (6.5%) and men with extreme oligospermia (2%). Compound heterozygosity for CFTR mutations was found in men with azoospermia (3.9%) and congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) only. We conclude that all couples referred for ICSI should be offered chromosome analysis. DNA analysis for Y‐chromosome microdeletions should be reserved for men with azoospermia or extreme oligospermia (<1 × 106 spermatozoa). Analysis for CFTR mutations should be limited to those with obstructive azoospermia or those with a family history of cystic fibrosis.