cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strontium Isotopic Studies of Alkalic Rocks: The Alkalic Complexes of Eastern Uganda

Strontium isotopic ratios and rubidium and strontium abundances are reported for 34 representative samples from eight alkalic complexes in eastern Uganda, East Africa. The alkalic rocks and carbonatites exhibit a significant range of initial Sr 87 /Sr 86 ratios from 0.7029 to 0.7061. The carbonatites have the lowest Sr 87 /Sr 86 ratios, averaging 0.7034, although the Sr 87 /Sr 86 ratios of nephelinites and ijolites overlap those of carbonatites. Strontium averages 5000 ppm in carbonatite, 1200 ppm in nephelinite, and 500 ppm in ijolite. Initial Sr 87 /Sr 86 ratios of 8 specimens of fenite associated with three of the complexes vary between 0.7058 and 0.7527. These high initial ratios show that the material of the fenites, in part at least, predates the alkalic activity. The inverse correlation between initial Sr 87 /Sr 86 ratio and total strontium content in the fenites is interpreted as the result of migration of nonradiogenic strontium from the fenitizing solutions into the country rock.
Temperatures, heating rates and vapour pressures in near-surface snow at the South Pole

A finite-volume model is used to simulate 9 years (1995-2003) of snow temperatures at the South Pole. The upper boundary condition is skin-surface temperature derived from routine upwelling longwave radiation measurements, while the lower boundary condition is set to the seasonal temperature gradient at 6.5 m depth, taken from prior measurements at the South Pole. We focus on statistics of temperature, heat fluxes, heating rates and vapour pressures in the top metre of snow, but present results from the full depth of the model (6.5 m). The monthly mean net heat flux into the snow agrees with results from previous studies performed at the South Pole. On shorter timescales, the heating rates and vapour pressures show large variability. The net heat flux into the snow, which is between ± 5Wm −2 in the monthly mean, can be greater than ±20 W m −2 on hourly timescales. On sub-daily timescales, heating rates exceed 40 K d −1 in the top 10 cm of the snow. Subsurface temperatures, and therefore heating rates, are more variable during winter (April-September) due to increased synoptic activity and the presence of a strong, surface-based, atmospheric temperature inversion. The largest vapour pressures (60-70 Pa) and vertical gradients of vapour pressure are found in the top metre of snow during the short summer (December-January). In contrast, during the long winter, the low temperatures result in very small vapour pressures and insignificant vapour-pressure gradients. The high summertime vapour-pressure gradients may be important in altering the isotopic composition of snow and ice on the Antarctic plateau.
Hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors: novel target-now for new trials and new treatment strategies.

The worldwide prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is estimated to be approaching 200 million people. Current therapy relies upon a combination of pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin, a poorly tolerated regimen typically associated with less than 50% sustained virological response rate in those infected with genotype 1 virus. The development of direct-acting antiviral agents to treat HCV has focused predominantly on inhibitors of the viral enzymes NS3 protease and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5B. Here we describe the profile of BMS-790052, a small molecule inhibitor of the HCV NS5A protein that exhibits picomolar half-maximum effective concentrations (EC ) towards replicons expressing a broad range of HCV genotypes and the JFH-1 genotype 2a infectious virus in cell culture. In a phase I clinical trial in patients chronically infected with HCV, administration of a single 100-mg dose of BMS-790052 was associated with a 3.3 log10 reduction in mean viral load measured 24 h post-dose that was sustained for an additional 120 h in two patients infected with genotype 1b virus. Genotypic analysis of samples taken at baseline, 24 and 144 h post-dose revealed that the major HCV variants observed had substitutions at amino-acid positions identified using the in vitro replicon system. These results provide the first clinical validation of an inhibitor of HCV NS5A, a protein with no known enzymatic function, as an approach to the suppression of virus replication that offers potential as part of a therapeutic regimen based on combinations of HCV inhibitors.
A stable silicon(0) compound with a Si=Si double bond.

Dative, or nonoxidative, ligand coordination is common in transition metal complexes; however, this bonding motif is rare in compounds of main group elements in the formal oxidation state of zero. Here, we report that the potassium graphite reduction of the neutral hypervalent silicon-carbene complex L:SiCl4 {where L: is:C[N(2,6-Pri2-C6H3)CH]2 and Pri is isopropyl} produces L:(Cl)Si–Si(Cl):L, a carbene-stabilized bis-silylene, and L:Si=Si:L, a carbene-stabilized diatomic silicon molecule with the Si atoms in the formal oxidation state of zero. The Si-Si bond distance of 2.2294 ± 0.0011 (standard deviation) angstroms in L:Si=Si:L is consistent with a Si=Si double bond. Complementary computational studies confirm the nature of the bonding in L:(Cl)Si–Si(Cl):L and L:Si=Si:L.
Radiotherapy in Limited Small Cell Lung Cancer: Fractionation and Timing of Modalities.

The use of thoracic radiotherapy is important to survival in the treatment of limited disease small-cell lung cancer. How to administer that therapy is the subject of continuing clinical trials and ongoing clinical debates. This article focuses on the issues of fractionation of the radiotherapy and describes the rationale for accelerated treatment and hyperfractionated treatment in small cell lung cancer. Theoretical and clinical concepts and recent trials are discussed. Altered fractionation schemes appear to increase acute responding reactions, but are associated with improved local control. The issue of fractionation and central nervous system tolerance is reviewed. Since the cornerstone therapy for this systemic disease is multiagent chemotherapy, strategies for integration of thoracic radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy are reviewed. The concepts of sequential, alternating, and concurrent therapy are discussed in the context of clinical trials. The issue of integration in the course of treatment is also discussed. Early versus delayed radiation treatment may have different meanings for clinicians and investigators dealing with this disease. All of these issues are covered for the modern cisplatin-etoposide era.
Dynamic regulation of sensorimotor integration in human postural control.

Upright stance in humans is inherently unstable, requiring corrective action based on spatial-orientation information from sensory systems. One might logically predict that environments providing a...
Indium tin oxide films from metallo-organic precursors

Tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) films were prepared by the metallo-organic decomposition process to have nominal composition In1.91Sn0.09O3. The films were prepared by spinning a solution of the metallo-organic precursors on various substrates, firing the organic films to 550 °C in air and then annealing at various temperatures in air. The effect of annealing temperature on grain size, resistivity, Hall mobility and transmittance was studied. It was determined that the films were degenerate n-type semiconductors, and the transmittance of ITO films annealed at 650 °C was greater than 95% in the 450–1000 nm wavelength range.
Neural Responses to Macronutrients: Hedonic and Homeostatic Mechanisms

The brain responds to macronutrients via intricate mechanisms. We review how the brain's neural systems implicated in homeostatic control of feeding and hedonic responses are influenced by the ingestion of specific types of food. We discuss how these neural systems are dysregulated in preclinical models of obesity. Findings from these studies can increase our understanding of overeating and, perhaps in some cases, the development of obesity. In addition, a greater understanding of the neural circuits affected by the consumption of specific macronutrients, and by obesity, might lead to new treatments and strategies for preventing unhealthy weight gain.
Sonographic cervical assessment to predict the success of labor induction: a systematic review with metaanalysis.

Objective The purpose of this investigation was to review the literature that evaluates sonographic cervical assessment to predict successful induction of labor. Study Design Published prospective trials that measured sonographic cervical length before labor induction was initiated were evaluated. Trials were excluded if they contained data presented in later articles or did not contain extractable data. The total analysis included 20 trials with 3101 aggregate participants. Results Cervical length predicted successful induction (likelihood ratio of positive test, 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-2.31) and failed induction (likelihood ratio of negative test, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.39-0.67). Cervical length did not predict any specific outcome (eg, mode of delivery). The assessment of cervical wedging proved to be a useful diagnostic test, with a likelihood ratio of a positive test result of 2.64 and a likelihood ratio of a negative test result of 0.64. Conclusion Sonographic cervical length was not an effective predictor of successful labor induction. Further evaluation of cervical wedging in the prediction of labor induction appears warranted.
Regional differences in operative obstetrics: a look to the South

Abstract Objective: To compare operative delivery rates across regions of the United States from 1987 to 1994 and to evaluate how the rates of severe obstetric lacerations changed during the same period. Methods: I used diagnosis and procedure data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey and natality data from the National Center for Health Statistics to describe temporal and regional variations in the rates of cesarean, forceps, and vacuum delivery. I described temporal trends in the rates of cervical and severe perineal lacerations during the same period. I performed exploratory analyses of detailed 1990 data to test for regional differences in demographic risk factors that might explain differences in operative delivery rates. Results: Between 1987 and 1994, cesarean delivery rates fell from approximately 25% to less than 22% in all regions except the South. Operative vaginal delivery rates were stable at 10–12% and were consistently lowest in the Northeast (8.2% in 1994) and highest in the South (12.9% in 1994). Vacuum surpassed forceps deliveries in all regions except the South. The rates of cervical and fourth-degree perineal lacerations declined by 57% and 40%, respectively, whereas the rate of third-degree lacerations did not decline. Demographic risk factors for cesarean delivery were no more prevalent in the South than in other regions. Age under 25 years was the only demographic risk factor for forceps delivery that was more prevalent in the South. Conclusion: In all but the southern United States, cesarean delivery rates declined and vacuum surpassed forceps delivery. These regional differences are not explained by differences in demographic risk factors.
Three-dimensional computer-aided reconstruction and measurement of the temporal bone for singular neurectomy.

A computer reconstruction method was used to study five normal temporal bones for the three-dimensional anatomy necessary for singular neurectomy. The length of the singular canal was 4.9 ± 0.6 mm. The distal portion of the singular canal courses at a sharp angle (48.2°) to the direction of the transmeatal surgical approach for this operation. The reconstructions indicated that the singular canal can be exposed by introducing a drill through the external auditory meatus at a point 0.71 mm posteroinferior to the posteromedial margin of the round window on the saucerized medial wall of the round window niche. The distance from this site to the distal end-portion of the singular canal averaged 1.47 mm. The point on the drilling course (from the drilling site to the singular canal) closest to the vestibular end of the hook portion of the cochlea was 0.48–1.00 mm from the drilling site. The reconstructions also indicated that the dissection should proceed superomedially, if necessary, after a 1-mm-deep straight dissection along the transmeatal approach. The ampulla of the posterior semicircular canal, cochlear aqueduct and inferior cochlear vein were all found to lie within 2 mm of the drilling point.
Selecting Plants and Nitrogen Rates to Vegetate Crude-Oil–Contaminated Soil

Phytoremediation can be effective for remediating contaminated soils in situ and generally requires the addition of nitrogen (N) to increase plant growth. Our research objectives were to evaluate seedling emergence and survival of plant species and to determine the effects of N additions on plant growth in crude-oil–contaminated soil. From a preliminary survival study, three warm-season grasses—pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.), sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense [Piper] Stapf [Piper]), and browntop millet (Brachiaria ramosa L.)—and one warm-season legume—jointvetch (Aeschynomene americana L.)—were chosen to determine the influence of the N application rate on plant growth in soil contaminated with weathered crude oil. Nitrogen was added based on total petroleum hydrocarbon-C:added N ratios (TPH-C:TN) ranging from 44:1 to 11:1. Plant species were grown for 7 wk. Root and shoot biomass were determined and root length and surface area were analyzed. Pearlmillet and sudangrass had higher shoot and root...
Civil Procedure: Doctrine, Practice, and Context

Give your students important insight on the crucial role of civil procedure in their future careers, with CIVIL PROCEDURE: Doctrine, Practice, and Context, Second Edition.
The Relationship Between the Genetic and Environmental Influences on Common Internalizing Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Well-Being

To determine the relationship between the genetic and environmental risk factors for common internalizing psychopathology (IP) and mental well-being (MWB), we examined detailed measures of emotional, social and psychological well-being, and a history of major depression (MD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks in the last year, in 1,386 twins from same-sex pairs from the MIDUS national USA sample assessed in 1995 and then again in 2005. Statistical analyses were performed with the Mx program. In the 1995 data, the best fit model contained one substantially heritable common factor for MD, GAD and panic attacks, and one strongly heritable common factor for the three well-being measures. Genetic and environmental risk factors for IP accounted for, respectively, 50 and 5%, of the genetic and environmental influences on MWB. We then constructed, using 1995 and 2005 data, two common factors that reflected temporally stable influences on (i) MD and GAD, and (ii) on emotional and psychological well-being. Genetic and environmental risk factors for the stable liability to IP accounted for 41 and 29% of the stable genetic and environmental influences, respectively, on MWB. This study suggests that genetic risk factors for IP make up 41–50% of the genetic influences on MWB. The overlap of environmental risk factors is more modest. Although low levels of IP on average reflect a high genetic propensity for MWB, other independent genetic influences play an important role in producing good mental health.
Mechanotransduction and endothelial cell homeostasis: the wisdom of the cell

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) play significant roles in regulating circulatory functions. Mechanical stimuli, including the stretch and shear stress resulting from circulatory pressure and flow,...
The Effects of Campaign Spending in House Elections: New Evidence for Old Argument

The question of how campaign spending affects election results remains open because the simultaneity problem has proven so intractable. Green and Krasno's (1988) recent attempt to solve the problem - and to demonstrate that marginal returns on spending are as great for incumbents as for challengers - again comes up short. A panel feature of the ABC News/Washington Post Congressional District Poll conducted during the 1986 elections offers a fresh perspective on the question. Analysis of changes in voting intentions during the final six weeks of the campaign shows that, as the tainted OLS studies have invariably suggested, the amount spent by the challenger is far more important in accounting for voter's decisions than is the amount spent by the incumbent.
The Phylogeny of the Extant Hexapod Orders

Morphological and molecular data are marshalled to address the question of hexapod ordinal relationships. The combination of 275 morphological variables, 1000 bases of the small subunit nuclear rDNA (18S), and 350 bases of the large subunit nuclear rDNA (28S) are subjected to a variety of analysis parameters (indel and transversion costs). Representatives of each hexapod order are included with most orders represented multiply. Those parameters that minimize character incongruence (ILD of Mickevich and Farris, 1981, Syst. Zool. 30, 351–370), among the morphological and molecular data sets are chosen to generate the best supported cladogram. A well-resolved and robust cladogram of ordinal relationships is produced with the topology (Crustacea ((Chilopoda Diplopoda) ((Collembola Protura) ((Japygina Campodeina) (Archaeognatha (Zygentoma (Ephemerida (Odonata ((((Mantodea Blattaria) Isoptera) Zoraptera) ((Plecoptera Embiidina) (((Orthoptera Phasmida) (Grylloblattaria Dermaptera)) ((((Psocoptera Phthiraptera) Thysanoptera) Hemiptera) ((Neuropteroidea Coleoptera) (((((Strepsiptera Diptera) Mecoptera) Siphonaptera) (Trichoptera Lepidoptera)) Hymenoptera)))))))))))))).
Detoxification of phenol by the aquatic angiosperm, Lemna gibba

Lemna gibba was used to study the toxicity and metabolism of phenol. The toxicities of phenol and its major metabolite were described in terms of the effect of increasing concentrations on the vegetative reproduction of duckweed over a 7-day growth period. The respective EC10 and EC50's were 0.08 & 0.54 mM for phenol and 0.15 & l.10 mM for the major plant-produced metabolite which was subsequently isolated from the plant's growth medium. After purification, the metabolite was identified, by 400 MHz NMR and chemical ionization MS. The structural identity was confirmed by comparison with authentic phenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside that had been acetylated.
The mechanism of selective transfection mediated by pentablock copolymers; part II: nuclear entry and endosomal escape.

Abstract Transfection efficiencies of non-viral gene delivery vectors commonly vary with cell type, owing to differences in proliferation rates and intracellular characteristics. Previous work demonstrated that the poly(diethylaminoethylmethacrylate) (PDEAEM)/Pluronic F127 pentablock copolymers exhibit transfection in vitro selectively in cancer cell lines as opposed to non-cancerous cell lines. This study continues the investigation of intracellular barriers to transfection using this vector in “normal” and cancer cell lines to understand the underlying mechanisms of the selectivity. Results from Part I of this investigation showed, using conjugated epidermal growth factor, that cellular uptake of these polyplexes is not a major barrier in these systems. Part II of this work continues the investigation into the other potential intracellular barriers, endosomal escape and nuclear entry, using a lysosomotropic agent chloroquine (CLQ), and a nuclear localization signal (NLS) SV40, respectively. Lack of effectiveness of NLS peptide in improving the transfection efficiency suggests that nuclear uptake might not be the major intracellular barrier using the pentablock copolymer vectors, or that the nuclear transport might not be primarily achieved through nuclear pores. However, inclusion of CLQ led to a dramatic enhancement in the level of gene expression, with an almost two orders of magnitude increase in expression seen in normal cell lines, compared with that the increase observed in cancer cell lines. The different lysosomal pH values in normal vs cancer cells was believed to cause the pentablock copolymer vectors to behave distinctly during transport through endocytic pathways, with greater loss of functional DNA occurring in normal cells containing more acidic endocytic vesicles in contrast to cancer cells with less acidic vesicles. Interestingly, CLQ introduced almost no enhancement in the transfection with the control vector ExGen which lacked selectivity of transfection. Exploiting intracellular differences between normal and cancer cells for gene delivery vector design offers a new paradigm to achieve transfection selectivity based on intracellular differences rather than conventional approaches involving vector modification using specific ligands for targeted delivery.
The Leray–Schauder approach to the degree theory for (S+)-perturbations of maximal monotone operators in separable reflexive Banach spaces

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the fact that the topological degree theory of Leray and Schauder may be used for the development of the topological degree theory for bounded demicontinuous ( S + ) -perturbations f of strongly quasibounded maximal monotone operators T in separable reflexive Banach spaces. Certain basic homotopy properties and the extension of this degree theory to (possibly unbounded) strongly quasibounded perturbations f are shown to hold. This work uses the well known embedding of Browder and Ton, and extends the work of Berkovits who developed this theory for the case T = 0 . Besides being an interesting mathematical problem, the existence of such a degree theory may, conceivably, become useful in situations where the use of the Leray–Schauder degree (via infinite dimensional compactness) is necessary.
FATIGUE AS MARKER OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN CHILDHOOD IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

Patients with ITP are said to be normal apart from bleeding. Review of clinic notes for 27 children seen January–October, 2008 showed that 6 (22%) had a history of fatigue which resolved with improvement of platelet counts. While preliminary, our experience suggests that fatigue can be striking in children with ITP.
Radioiodide Uptake in Brain, CSF, Thyroid, and Salivary Glands of Audiogenic Seizure Mice

DBA/2J (DBA) mice are susceptible to audiogenic seizures (ASs) in an age-dependent manner. Anion transport as measured by radioiodide uptake was determined in thyroid gland, salivary gland, skeletal muscle, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, and CSF from these mice at various ages. Anion transport was also determined in C57BL/6J(C57) mice, an AS-resistant strain. In thyroid, DBA mice had an enhanced ability to concentrate iodide at 21 days of age when they have maximal AS susceptibility, as compared with the same-aged C57 mice. This difference in thyroid function was less marked at 40 days of age, when DBA mice are less AS susceptible, and was absent at 110 days of age, when DBA mice are AS resistant. In brain, differences in iodide uptake were also noted between these two strains of mice at 21 days of age. DBA mice had an increased concentration of iodide in CSF, an indication that they have a defect in the transport of iodide out of the CSF across the choroid plexus. In addition, DBA mice had a lower ratio of cerebral cortex to CSF iodide, which suggests that DBA mice have a defect in the transport of this anion into cerebral cortical cells from brain interstitial fluid. These differences in iodide transport in brain decreased with age as the AS susceptibility of DBA mice decreased. These results suggest a relation between anion transport in thyroid gland, cerebral cortex, and choroid plexus and AS susceptibility in DBA mice at 21 days of age.
Vitamin D and the anti-viral state

Vitamin D has long been recognized as essential to the skeletal system. Newer evidence suggests that it also plays a major role regulating the immune system, perhaps including immune responses to viral infection. Interventional and observational epidemiological studies provide evidence that vitamin D deficiency may confer increased risk of influenza and respiratory tract infection. Vitamin D deficiency is also prevalent among patients with HIV infection. Cell culture experiments support the thesis that vitamin D has direct anti-viral effects particularly against enveloped viruses. Though vitamin D's anti-viral mechanism has not been fully established, it may be linked to vitamin D's ability to up-regulate the anti-microbial peptides LL-37 and human beta defensin 2. Additional studies are necessary to fully elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of vitamin D as an anti-viral agent.
Special Educators’ Perspectives on the Services and Benefits of Educational Audiologists

A 36-item survey was used to determine whether special educators have access to the services of an audiologist and whether they obtained benefit from the audiologist’s services. Additional goals included gathering information about special educators’ understanding of basic audiological concepts related to a school setting, added job responsibilities brought about by lack of access to an audiologist, and collaboration between these teachers and audiologists. The survey was emailed to special educators identified through online school district directories. A total of 39% of the surveyed special educators had access to an educational/contractual audiologist, with 71% of them believing they received benefit from these services. These benefits included provision of hearing screenings, in-services, and aural (re)habilitation. In all, 73% of the special educators judged their own background understanding of basic audiological information within the “low” range, and most of the special education teachers surveyed...
The emergence of collective vibrations in cluster models: Quantum chemical study of the methyl-terminated Si(111) surface

In this paper we present structures and harmonic vibrational frequencies for the methylated silicon (111) surface from quantum chemical calculations using both cluster models and periodic boundary conditions. The results from both calculations are in very good agreement with experimentally determined frequencies. We demonstrate that relatively small cluster models already show the emergence of collective vibrational modes and provide a general method for the assignment of vibrational frequencies for extended surfaces from cluster models. Finally, we discuss a vibrational mode that results from the coupling between near-surface phonons and the silicon-carbon bending modes.
The Centralization of Food Systems and Political Power

This article focuses on those dimensions of Manning's book that deal with the relationship between the consolidation of agriculture and the centralization of political power. It argues that a sustainable future founded on principles of social and economic equity are likely not achievable without attending to the inequalities inherent in an industrial food system.
Derivation of a distributed algorithm for finding paths in directed networks

Abstract A distributed algorithm is developed that can be used to compute the topology of a network, given that each site starts with information about sites it is adjacent to, the network is strongly connected, and communication channels are unidirectional. The program is derived using assertional reasoning.
High Energy, Broadband Nd:glass Applications for CPA

We investigate the gain of mixed Nd:glass for chirped pulsed amplification. Ten orders of magnitude gain and sub-150fs transform limited pulses can be achieved with novel silicate glass and spectral shaping of the input pulse.
Anti-Windup LPV Control Design of MR Dampers for Structural Vibration Suppression

Magneto-rheological (MR) dampers that belong to the family of semi-active devices are widely used for vibration attenuation in space and civil engineering structures. In this paper, we study the use of MR dampers for seismic protection of a model two-story structure. A modified Bingham model of the MR damper is considered for linear parameter varying (LPV) modeling and control of the system. The main contribution of the paper is the design and experimental validation of an LPV anti-windup compensator to tackle the effect of actuator saturation on control design performance. The designed LPV anti-windup control scheme is advantageous from the implementation standpoint because it can be considered as an addition to the existing control system. Experimental results demonstrate the effective vibration suppression of the structure in the presence of the seismic excitation inputs by utilizing an LPV control strategy. An inner/outer loop control strategy is further developed and implemented considering the actuator saturation effect to reduce the control effort and saving the MR damper power consumption.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
CHARACTERIZATION OF IgG COMPLEXES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Readily demonstrable IgG complexes are a characteristic feature of the serum and joint fluid of most patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The complexes that occur in the joint fluids have been implicated in the activation of the complement system. Studies with highly purified radiolabeled joint fluid complexes, dissociated in acid buffers, showed that isolated 7S fractions contain all the components necessary to readily reassociate and reform rapidly sedimenting complexes. Furthermore, quantitation of anti-IgG activity in the dissociated 7S fraction demonstrated that the preponderance of molecules possessed anti-IgG activity. These findings provided evidence that IgG anti-IgG molecules account for the major proportion of the precipitable IgG complexes. Quantitation by analytic ultracentrifugation revealed considerable amounts of complexes not detected by precipitation with the monoclonal anti-IgG reagents, which thus emphasizes the existence of a spectrum of IgG complexes with differing physical and biologic properties. Sodium sulfate, used at varying concentrations, proved to be useful for differentially enriching various fractions of the complexes.
Distance and dissolution: geographic patterns of support for and opposition to dredging the Hudson River

Federal law mandates a period of public comment on major environmental policy decisions. All comments, including the address of the commenter, are filed in a publicly available database. Such information is natural for geographic analysis, particularly in the case of the Hudson River Superfund site where perceived costs and benefits vary greatly along the river. The geographical pattern of support for and opposition to the EPA's dredging plan for the Hudson River Superfund site shows the action to be far less popular near the proposed site on the Upper Hudson than to the south. Results also show the importance of information conduits like corporations and environmental groups in the response to such an issue.
Can there be a theory of fitness

This paper discusses the way in which the adaptability and reliability of biological systems is connected to their uncertainty about the environment. This provides a basis for analyzing patterns of biological adaptability and their relation to the organization and evolution of biological systems, including the evolution of the nervous system.
Diet and acne

Historically, the relationship between diet and acne has been highly controversial. Before the 1960s, certain foods were thought to exacerbate acne. However, subsequent studies dispelled these alleged associations as myth for almost half a century. Several studies during the last decade have prompted dermatologists to revisit the potential link between diet and acne. This article critically reviews the literature and discusses how dermatologists might address diet when counseling patients with acne. Dermatologists can no longer dismiss the association between diet and acne. Compelling evidence exists that high glycemic load diets may exacerbate acne. Dairy ingestion appears to be weakly associated with acne, and the roles of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, zinc, vitamin A, and dietary fiber remain to be elucidated. This study was limited by the lack of randomized controlled trials in the literature. We hope that this review will encourage others to explore the effects of diet on acne.
Early intervention in schizophrenia: three frameworks for guiding ethical inquiry

Psychiatric research is making important strides toward early detection and treatment of schizophrenia. Discovery of genetic markers, identifiable prodromes, and low-risk interventions fuel this vital scientific movement. At the same time, investigators and clinicians are studying the ethical questions that arise whenever the bounds of diagnosis and treatment are evolving rapidly. This ethical analysis generally falls within three dominant frameworks of bioethics: the conceptualization of disease, scientific uncertainty, and risk-factor ethics. These frameworks are explored as potential guides for directing ethical inquiry in early intervention.
The Responsive Community (I&We)

Opposition to collectivism from both libertarians who challenged totalitarianism and laissez faire conservatives who opposed controlling collective institutions led to a celebration of individualism. However, this movement to individualism in America has undercut the legitimacy of the community and of the public realm. This paper examines the extreme historical positions of individualist (Whigs) and collectivists (Tories), and argues for a synthesis between the two that invests rights in both the person and society, and views individuals and their union as both commanding primary status.
Visualizing the Life and Legacy of Henry VIII: Guiding Students with Eight Types of Graphic Organizers

Delving into the life and legacy of Henry VIII is both complex and captivating. People seem compelled to learn more abut his critical contributions and controversial conduct that range from the significant to the scandalous. Reflecting on the history of the world would be incomplete without investigating the events and escapades associated with Henry VIII, whose impact of 500 years ago resonates through today's society and into the future through literature, music, politics, and religion. To view the many facets of Henry VIII, classroom teachers and their students are encouraged to use graphic organizers to provide easy-to-understand visualizations. Eight types of graphic organizers engage learners in student-centered activities that help students make meaning from and show relationships among the diverse attributes of Henry VIII. When combined, the eight graphic organizers equip learners with valuable tools to construct a holistic examination about the history of Henry VIII.
Laminin-like proteins are differentially regulated during cerebellar development and stimulate granule cell neurite outgrowth in vitro.

The basement membrane glycoprotein laminin-1 is a potent stimulator of neurite outgrowth. Although a variety of laminin isoforms have been described in recent years, the role of alternative laminin isoforms in neural development remains largely uncharacterized. We found that a polyclonal antibody raised against the α1, β1, and γ1 chains of laminin-1 and a monoclonal antibody raised against the α2 chain of laminin-2 detect immunoreactive material in neuronal cell bodies in the developing mouse cerebellum. In addition, laminin-1-like immunoreactivity was found in cell types throughout the cerebellum, but laminin-α2-like immunoreactivity was restricted to the Purkinje cells. Purified laminin-1 and laminin-2 stimulated neurite outgrowth in primary cultures of mouse cerebellar granule neurons to a similar extent, whereas the synthetic peptides tested appeared to be active only for cell adhesion and not for stimulation of neurite outgrowth. The E8 proteolytic fragment of laminin-1 contained full neurite outgrowth activity. The identity of laminins expressed in granule neurons was also examined by Western blotting; laminin-like complexes were associated with the cell and appeared to have novel compositions. These results suggest that laminin-like complexes play important roles in cerebellar development. J. Neurosci. Res. 54:233–247, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Increasing the feed value of forestry waste by ammonia freeze explosion treatment

Abstract Ammonia freeze explosion treatment decreased the lignin content of aspen twigs and chips by 30% and aspen bark by 20%. This resulted in increased accessibility of lignocellulose to enzyme hydrolysis and increased the in vitro digestibility of the woody material. The residual ammonia in the substrate increased the crude protein feed value from 0 to 12–20%. The treated aspen waste may be used as a roughage component of ruminant diet.
Improving treatment of guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency: reduction of guanidinoacetic acid in body fluids by arginine restriction and ornithine supplementation.

Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency (McKusick 601240), an inborn error of creatine biosynthesis, is characterized by creatine depletion and accumulation of guanidinoacetate (GAA) in the brain. Treatment by oral creatine supplementation had no effect on the intractable seizures. Based on the possible role of GAA as an epileptogenic agent, we evaluated a dietary treatment with arginine restriction and ornithine supplementation in order to achieve reduction of GAA. In an 8-year-old Kurdish girl with GAMT deficiency arginine intake was restricted to 15 mg/kg/day (0.4 g natural protein/kg/day) and ornithine was supplemented with 100 mg/kg/day over a period of 14 months. The diet was enriched with 0.4 g/kg/day of arginine-free essential amino acid mixture and creatine treatment remained unchanged (1.1 g/kg/day). Guanidino compounds in blood, urine, and CSF were measured by means of cation-exchange chromatography. The combination of arginine restriction and ornithine supplementation led to a substantial and permanent decrease of arginine without disturbance of nitrogen detoxification. Formation of GAA was effectively reduced after 4 weeks of treatment and sustained thereafter. Biochemical effects were accompanied by a marked clinical improvement. Distinctly reduced epileptogenic activities in electroencephalography accompanied by almost complete disappearance of seizures demonstrates the positive effect of GAA reduction. This indicates for the first time that GAA may exert an important epileptogenic potential in man. Arginine restriction in combination with ornithine supplementation represents a new and rationale therapeutic approach in GAMT deficiency.
The dynamical response of a subcrustal phase boundary to pressure perturbations

Abstract The dynamical response of a subcrustal phase transition to pressure perturbations is reexamined and a model for the response of a univariant phase-transition boundary to pressure perturbations is formulated. Analytical solutions of the problem show that the phase boundary is discontinuous if the velocity of the boundary is less than a critical value, whereas at higher speeds a two-phase region exists. The relaxation motion of the phase boundary due to thermal diffusion is examined in both cases and the implications for Postglacial land upheaval processes are discussed. Moreover a solution of the equation which might be relevant for the formation of very thick sediment layers is studied. In agreement with observations it is found that under certain specified conditions the sediments will form at a constant water depth.
DNA Binding Proteins That Amplify Surfactant Protein B Gene Expression: Isolation and Characterization

We identified and characterized two proteins that bind the promoter of surfactant protein B (SP-B) and affect its expression. Proteins A2 and B were identified and their cDNAs cloned and sequenced. Both were novel. They bound a 212-bp functional promoter region at an NF1 site, located between -184 and -198. Effects of these DNAbp on SP-B promoter activity were studied by contransfecting a reporter construct of this 212-bp sequence + luciferase, together with expression constructs for A2 and B into H441 cells. Alone, A2 and B expression elicited modest but statistically significant increases in SP-B promoter activity. When dexamethasone was added, B further increased SP-B promoter activity. For SP-B, basal expression and glucocorticoid responsiveness may involve a number of hitherto unknown gene activators.
Evidence for the formation of the (Ph3P)2Pt complex of 3,7-dimethyltricyclo[3.3.0.03,7]oct-1(5)-ene, the most highly pyramidalized alkene in a homologous series. Isolation and X-ray structure of the product of the ethanol addition to the complex.

Attempts to isolate the (Ph3P)2Pt complex of the highly pyramidalized olefin 3,7-dimethyltricyclo[3.3.0.03,7]oct-1(5)-ene 2 by generation of 2 in the presence of (Ph3P)2PtC2H4, followed by crystallization of the complex (2-Pt) from THF−ethanol, resulted in the isolation of the adduct of 2-Pt with ethanol (5). Calculations confirm that addition of alcohol across the C1−C5 bond is more favorable in 2-Pt than in the corresponding (Ph3P)2Pt complexes of less pyramidalized olefins, despite the stronger Pt−C bonds in 2-Pt.
Ribbon Terrain Formation, Southwestern Fortuna Tessera, Venus: Implications for Lithosphere Evolution

Abstract The term tessera has been used to describe regions of deformed venusian crust exhibiting two or more intersecting sets of structural elements; however, tessera includes terrains formed by a variety of spatially and temporally discrete tectonic processes. Tessera fabric characterizes highland plateau structure, and thus understanding the nature of this deformation is critical to understanding the mode of highland plateau formation. Many tessera fabrics include ribbons, folds, and late graben. In this paper, we refine the geometry of ribbons through geologic mapping and radargrammetric analysis of type ribbon structures at southwestern Fortuna Tessera; we extend our findings to ribbon fabrics at Thetis Regio. Any model of ribbon formation must account for the following constraints on ribbon geometry. (a) Ribbon-forming lineaments exhibit sharp contrasts relative to adjacent materials. (b) Ribbon-bounding lineaments form a distinct pattern alternating between radar-dark and radar-bright, which represent trough walls oriented away from and toward the satellite, respectively. (c) Ribbons form long, narrow troughs that alternate with parallel, narrow ridges; ridges and troughs display extreme length:width aspect ratios. (d) Trough walls are near vertical. (e) Troughs are shallow with consistent shallow depth along individual troughs and in adjacent troughs. (f) In some cases (e.g., southwest Fortuna Tessera) trough walls are parallel and matched and would exhibit a close fit if the trough was closed; in these cases trough walls merge laterally forming V-shaped terminations. Trough floors are smooth and flat, lacking small-scale interior lineaments. (g) In other cases (e.g., Thetis Regio) ribbons display (a)–(d), but trough walls are defined by a series of subparallel lineaments including local interior lineaments, and trough floors ramp up to join trough walls displaying parallel rather than V-shaped terminations. Trough walls would not display a close fit if closed. We propose two member types of ribbons, tensile-fracture ribbons and shear-fracture ribbons. Tensile-fracture ribbons display features (a)–(f) and formed by the opening of tensile fractures of a thin brittle layer above a ductile substrate. They require a near fracture-free shallow crust and very shallow depth to the brittle–ductile transition (BDT) ( The presence of ribbon structures within highland plateaus favors an upwelling model for highland plateau formation, in which crustal thickening results from magmatic underplating related to a mantle upwelling or mantle plume. In order for the plume to be able to anneal mechanically the crust as required by ribbon formation, the lithosphere would likely have to be quite thin. These implications are consistent with highland plateaus as an ancient signature of mantle plumes on thin lithosphere, whereas volcanic rises, which are presently thermally supported, reflect thick lithosphere. Phoebe Regio represents a transitional lithospheric thickness.
Selective alkylation of pyrimidyl dianions III: No-carrier-added synthesis of [11C-methyl]-thymidine

A no-carrier-added, high specific activity synthesis of [11C-methyl]-thymidine is reported. Reaction of 3'. 5'-O-bis-(tetrahydropyramyl)-5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine with n-butylithium produced a diamion which was alkylated with [11C]-methyl iodide, and on subsequent hydrolysis, yielded [IIC-methyl]-thymidine. The labeled compound was isolated from the by-product 2'-deoxymidine by HPLC on a reverse phase C18 semipreparative column with mean radiochemical yield of 18.8% (decay corrected) in 30-35 min and radiochemical purity >99%. This no-carrier-added synthesis can be used to produce [11C-methyl]-thymidine with mean specific activity over 1000 mCi/mumol for positron emission tomography (PET) studies.
Tracking Early Decline in Cognitive Function in Older Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer Disease Dementia The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Cognitive Function Instrument

Importance Several large-scale Alzheimer disease (AD) secondary prevention trials have begun to target individuals at the preclinical stage. The success of these trials depends on validated outcome measures that are sensitive to early clinical progression in individuals who are initially asymptomatic. Objective To investigate the utility of the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI) to track early changes in cognitive function in older individuals without clinical impairment at baseline. Design, Setting, and Participants Longitudinal study from February 2002 through February 2007 at participating Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study sites. Individuals were followed up annually for 48 months after the baseline visit. The study included 468 healthy older individuals (Clinical Dementia Rating scale [CDR] global scores of 0, above cutoff on the modified Mini-Mental State Examination and Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test) (mean [SD] age, 79.4 [3.6] years; age range, 75.0-93.8 years). All study participants and their study partners completed the self and partner CFIs annually. Individuals also underwent concurrent annual neuropsychological assessment and APOE genotyping. Main Outcomes and Measures The CFI scores between clinical progressors (CDR score, ≥0.5) and nonprogressors (CDR score, 0) and between APOE e4 carriers and noncarriers were compared. Correlations of change between the CFI scores and neuropsychological performance were assessed longitudinally. Results At 48 months, group differences between clinical progressors and non-progressors were significant for self (2.13, SE=0.45, P P P APOE e4 carriers had greater progression than noncarriers on the partner (1.10, SE=0.44, P P Conclusions and Relevance Demonstrating long-term clinical benefit will be critical for the success of recently launched secondary prevention trials. The CFI appears to be a brief, but informative potential outcome measure that provides insight into functional abilities at the earliest stages of disease.