cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigations of Plastic Crystallinity in a Series of Organo-Substituted Carboranes

Abstract This investigation is concerned with the study of a series of organo-substituted 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane-11 (o-carboranes) compounds for plastic crystalline behavior. Differential thermal analysis has shown the existence of low temperature mesophases for six of the series of ten compounds studied. X-ray powder diffraction investigation of the six compounds showing mesophases indicates that in the highest temperature phase three had facecentered cubic lattices and the others orthorhombic lattices. Of the three compounds on which X-ray powder diffraction data at low temperature was obtained, it was shown that all had lattices in all of the lower temperature phases that could be indexed as orthorhombic.
ARPE-19, A Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line with Differentiated Properties

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of adjacent photoreceptors in the vertebrate retina. This study describes the development and characterization of ARPE-19, a spontaneously arising human RPE cell line with normal karyology which forms polarized epithelial monolayers on porous filter supports. The cell line was established by selective trypsinization of a primary RPE culture resulting in a uniform population of highly epithelial cells which exhibit a strong growth potential. To determine the extent of biochemical differentiation, the expression of the RPE-specific markers CRALBP and RPE65 was examined by Northern analysis. A single 1.6 kb CRALBP mRNA transcript and a single 2.8 kb RPE65 transcript were detected in samples of ARPE-19 total mRNA. The expression of CRALBP protein in ARPE-19 cell lysate was detected by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry was used to detect CRALBP throughout the cytoplasm of most, but not all, cells in confluent cultures. The essential criteria for monolayer formation were determined experimentally and it was found that ARPE-19 cells exhibit morphological polarization when plated on laminin-coated Transwell-COL filters in medium with a low serum content. The time course of tight-junction formation was determined by recording the transepithelial resistance of monolayers and reached a maximum of 50-100 omega cm2 after 4 weeks of culture. Barrier properties of ARPE-19 monolayers were evaluated by measuring the flux of 3H-inulin from the apical to the basolateral compartment of cell culture chambers. Finally, ARPE-19 clonal sublines were generated by serial dilution in an attempt to produce a subline with a high transepithelial resistance (TER). The morphology of the sublines was variable and the cloned cells exhibited a tendency to senesce in culture, confirming that this cell line is not transformed. No subline monolayers developed a TER greater than those recorded for the parent cells. Our results demonstrate that ARPE-19 has structural and functional properties characteristic of RPE cells in vivo and suggest that this cell line will be valuable for in vitro studies of retinal pigment epithelium physiology.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF CHYTRIDIOMYCETE AND OOMYCETE ZOOSPORES USING SPRAY-FREEZE FIXATION

The ultrastructure of zoospores of several zoosporic fungi was examined using a modified cryofixation technique. An atomizer was used to spray a zoospore suspension into the cold propane reservoir of a conventional plunge freeze-substitution apparatus. Spray-freeze fixation and freeze-substitution of zoospores porvided better fixation of vacuolar structures, membranes and the extracellular coat than that obtained with chemical fixation. The overall shape of cryofixed spores was closer to that seen in living zoospores. Two types of vacuoles were seen in cryofixed zoospores ofMonoblepharella andChytridium. One type of vacuole contained electron-opaque material within the lumen while the other type had no visible internal material in the lumen and appeared to be part of the water expulsion vacuole complex. Coated pits and coated vesicles were observed associated with both the water expulsion vacuoles and the plasma membrane inMonoblepharella andPhytophthora, suggesting that endocytosis of the plasma membrane and expulsion vacuoles is part of membrane recycling during osmoregulatory events. An extracellular coat was seen on the outer surface of cryofixed zoospores ofMonoblepharella sp.,Chytridium confervae andPhytophthora palmivora without the use of carbohydrate-specific stains. The spray-freeze method gave good and reproducible fixation of the wall-less spores in quantities greater than those obtained in previously described zoospore cryofixation studies. The technique is potentially useful for cell suspensions in that freeze damage from excess water is limited.
Sex difference in liver tryptophan pyrrolase activity of starved rats.

Die Tryptophanpyrrolase (LTP) ausgewachsener weiblicher Ratten nimmt wahrend 4-stundiger Hungerperiode von 1,06µM Kynurenin auf 2,26µM/g/h zu. Sie erreicht nach 24 h wieder Normalwerte, um dann wahrend einer 8tagigen Hungerperiode auf 5,75µM/g/h anzusteigen. Die LTP mannlicher Ratten zeigt nur unbedeutenden Anstieg wahrend gleicher Hungerperioden.
Who Is Performing Stapedectomy Surgery? Implications for Residency and Fellowship Training

Objectives: To demonstrate that 1) recent graduates of training programs in otorhinolaryngology–head and neck surgery are less likely to recommend/perform stapedectomy than more senior otolaryngologists; and 2) when surgery is recommended, referral is most commonly made to an otologist/neurotologist. Study Design: Survey of 500 regional otolaryngologists pertaining to their treatment of patients with hearing loss secondary to otosclerosis. Methods: Otolaryngologists in community practice were provided with written surveys pertaining to their treatment of otosclerosis. Results: Data were obtained from 179 general otolaryngologists treating adults and children in solo or group private practices in our geographic region. The majority (66%) diagnosed one to five new cases per year. Ten percent of surgeons graduating in the 1970s, 25% graduating in the 1980s, 50% graduating in the 1990s, and 90% of graduates in the 2000s never performed stapedectomy as part of their practices (P < .001). Similarly, a significant number of surgeons who formerly performed stapedectomies no longer do this surgery. A trend toward greater use of hearing aids for the treatment of otosclerosis was seen in more recent graduates (P < .08). When surgery was recommended, otologists/neurotologists received the majority of referrals (75%) from the practitioners surveyed. Conclusions: Stapedectomy is performed and recommended less often by more recent graduates of otolaryngology training programs. Training requirements for both general otolaryngologists and neurotologists may need modification given current practice patterns for stapes surgery.
Stream temperature: scaling of observations and issues for modelling

*Correspondence to: Sherri L. Johnson, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. E-mail: sherrijohnson@fs.fed.us Stream temperature dynamics, which influence most in-stream biological processes, have been the focus of much controversy. Stream temperatures have become a major issue in some regions and the centre of policy debate, because elevated temperatures can negatively impact cold-water fish species, such as threatened or endangered salmonids. To add to the controversy, numerous contradictions exist in published literature about the controlling factors of stream temperature: the role of air temperature (Sullivan and Adams, 1990; Webb and Nobilis, 1997); effects of shade (Larson and Larson, 1996; Beschta, 1997); substrate fluxes and conduction (Brown, 1969; Webb and Zhang, 1997); and changes in longitudinal temperature trajectories downstream of harvested areas (Beschta et al., 1987; Zwieniecki and Newton, 1999). Although the influences of stream temperature appear to be simple, we have much to learn about these complex processes. This commentary addresses two main points regarding modelling of stream temperature dynamics: the problems with air temperature correlations to predict stream temperature and the importance of scaling of factors, both microclimatic influences as well as reach-scale upstream influences. An important distinction in understanding the influences of stream temperature is the differences between correlation and causation. For example, high correlations exist between air and stream temperature in the diurnal and seasonal patterns of temperature fluctuations; air temperature is occasionally used as a ‘surrogate’ for predictions instead of complex heat flux equations (Webb, 1987). Unfortunately, the literature has numerous examples of statements that air temperature is a major driver of stream temperature (Smith and Lavis, 1975; Sullivan and Adams, 1990), which can be confusing to readers unfamiliar with stream temperature dynamics. Heat budget analyses show that convection, or the transfer of heat energy from warmer air to cooler stream water is, in fact, only a small portion of the energy exchanges influencing stream temperature (Sinokrot and Stefan, 1993; Webb and Nobilis, 1997). The major factor influencing both air and stream temperature is incoming solar radiation. Correlations can be helpful in predicting patterns for a future time or a nearby location, but correlations do not imply causation. Complex environmental gradients occur over very short distances away from the stream. Wind speed, relative humidity, subsurface saturation and soil and air temperature are very responsive to
"The Story of My Life": AIDS and 'Autobiographical Occasions'

Talk and ‘telling’ have assumed prominent roles in preventing HIV and promoting life with the disease at the start of the twenty-first century. Our concern in this paper is to show how social structures and circumstances shape the narrative productions of HIV positive patients whose lives are institutionally managed. We consider what ‘telling’ means when young women with few economic resources are encouraged or mandated to talk about themselves by case managers, researchers, therapists, welfare workers, and clinic staff. We organize our analysis around three such ‘autobiographical occasions’: disclosures to intimate partners prompted by agents of the state; employment opportunities in which women are hired to tell others about living with HIV as peer educators or outreach health workers; and research interviews. We argue that storylines about living with HIV have been laid down by powerful social actors whose illness experiences do not reflect those of many poor patients. These formulations constitute an ‘archive’ which organizes institutional practices and discourses. These matter not only because they provide patients with a language through which to render their actions meaningful, but because they shape the everyday experience of HIV outside the clinic, the welfare office, and the therapy session.
NO reduction by CH4 in the presence of O2 over La2O3 supported on Al2O3

Dispersing La2O3 on δ- or γ-Al2O3 significantly enhances the rate of NO reduction by CH4 in 1% O2, compared to unsupported La2O3. Typically, no bend-over in activity occurs between 500° and 700°C, and the rate at 700°C is 60% higher than that with a Co/ZSM-5 catalyst. The final activity was dependent upon the La2O3 precursor used, the pretreatment, and the La2O3 loading. The most active family of catalysts consisted of La2O3 on γ-Al2O3 prepared with lanthanum acetate and calcined at 750°C for 10 h. A maximum in rate (mol/s/g) and specific activity (mol/s/m2) occurred between the addition of one and two theoretical monolayers of La2O3 on the γ-Al2O3 surface. The best catalyst, 40% La2O3/γ-Al2O3, had a turnover frequency at 700°C of 0.05 s−1, based on NO chemisorption at 25°C, which was 15 times higher than that for Co/ZSM-5. These La2O3/Al2O3 catalysts exhibited stable activity under high conversion conditions as well as high CH4 selectivity (CH4 + NO vs. CH4 + O2). The addition of Sr to a 20% La2O3/γ-Al2O3 sample increased activity, and a maximum rate enhancement of 45% was obtained at a SrO loading of 5%. In contrast, addition of SO=4 to the latter Sr-promoted La2O3/Al2O3 catalyst decreased activity although sulfate increased the activity of Sr-promoted La2O3. Dispersing La2O3 on SiO2 produced catalysts with extremely low specific activities, and rates were even lower than with pure La2O3. This is presumably due to water sensitivity and silicate formation. The La2O3/Al2O3 catalysts are anticipated to show sufficient hydrothermal stability to allow their use in certain high-temperature applications.
Application of a nitrocellulose immunoassay for quantitation of proteins secreted in culture media

A macro-dot immunoassay was developed to quantitate proteins (antigens) secreted in the culture media of primary rat hepatocytes. Dilutions of protein standards and undiluted spent culture media were applied to numbered sheets of nitrocellulose (NC) paper by vacuum filtration (in volumes up to 1 ml) through a specially designed macrofiltration apparatus constructed of plexiglass. Sequential incubation of the NC with bovine serum albumin blocking buffer, monospecific antibody, and 125I Protein A enabled quantitation of protein concentration by determination of NC bound radioactivity. Linear and reproducible standard curves were obtained with fibrinogen, albumin, transferrin, and haptoglobin. A high degree of coefficient of correlation between radioactivity (cpm) and protein concentration was found. Intra- and intertest reproducibility was excellent (C.V.'s < 7%). By using monospecific antibodies, single proteins (i.e., fibrinogen), as low as 32 ng/ml, could be quantified in heterogenous protein mixtures and in spent culture media. The assay was sensitive to the difference of fibrinogen secretion under nonstimulatory (serum-free hormonally defined medium, SFHD) and stimulatory (SFHD plus hydrocortisone) culture conditions. The procedure and techniques described are applicable to the quantitation of any protein in a suitable buffer.
Combined core/boundary layer plasma transport simulations in tokamaks

Abstract Significant new numerical results are presented from self-consistent core and boundary or scrape-off layer plasma simulations with 3-D neutral transport calculations. For a symmetric belt limiter it is shown that, for plasma conditions considered here, the pump limiter collection efficiency increases from 11% to 18% of the core efflux as a result of local reionization of blade deflected neutrals. This hitherto unobserved effect causes a significant amplification of upstream ion flux entering the pump limiter. Results from coupling of an earlier developed two-zone edge plasma model ODESSA to the PROCTR core plasma simulation code indicates that intense recycling divertor operation may not be possible because of stagnation of upstream flow velocity. This results in a self-consistent reduction of density gradient in an intermediate region between the central plasma and separatrix, and a concomitant reduction of core-efflux. There is also evidence of increased recycling at the first wall.
383 DISPOSITION OF THEOPHYLLINE AND CAFFEINE IN NEONATAL PIGLETS

A pharmacokinetic (PK) study to evaluate the piglet as a model for theophylline (T) and caffeine (C) disposition was undertaken in 28 animals who received a 10 mg/kg IV bolus injection of C or T, followed by multiple blood sampling over 24 hours. C and T were quantitated from serum by HPLC (CV<3% at 0.1-100 mg/L). Comparison of T and C disposition was performed at 2 (n=6 per group), 4-5 (n=4 per group) and 19-20 (n=4 per group) days of age, and resulted in the following data (mean): With the exception of T clearance (CL) between the 4.25 and 20.25 day groups, and Vdarea for all age groups, there were significant (p<0.05) differences for C and T PK parameters between all age groups. C was not detectable in piglets receiving T; however, T was detected (0.4±0.2 mg/L at 11.5±4.2 hr) in the 4 oldest piglets receiving C. PK parameters for C and T in piglets studied at 2 days of age were similar to those reported in human neonates. In the older animals, they were markedly different than values reported for human neonates of similar age. Furthermore, ability for T biotransformation to C appears deficient in the piglet. These differences from human neonates will require further elucidation for piglets to be effective “models”.
A commensal symbiosis between Prevotella bivia and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius involves amino acids: potential significance to the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis

In both batch and continuous culture, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius was able to grow in vaginal defined medium with Prevotella bivia, but not in pure culture. Growth of P. anaerobius was increased by 238% (P<0.001) in peptone-supplemented vaginal defined medium conditioned by prior growth of P. bivia. Analysis of P. bivia culture supernatants showed a net accumulation of amino acids and subsequent growth of P. anaerobius in the conditioned supernatants resulted generally in amino acid utilization. Supplementation of peptone-supplemented vaginal defined medium with amino acids in concentrations similar to those available after prior growth with P. bivia were growth-stimulatory (246%, P=0.006) for P. anaerobius. Increased availability of amino acids by P. bivia is proposed as a mechanism to support the observed in vitro commensal symbiosis between P. bivia and P. anaerobius.
On the Rate of Convergence of Difference Approximations for Uniformly Nondegenerate Elliptic Bellman's Equations

We show that the rate of convergence of solutions of finite-difference approximations for uniformly elliptic Bellman's equations is of order at least h 2/3, where h is the mesh size. The equations are considered in smooth bounded domains.
General-purpose computations using graphics processors

High-performance 3D graphics hardware has become as ubiquitous as floatingpoint hardware. The graphics processing unit (GPU) has, alongside the CPU, become one of the desktop's two major computational components. Developers design these GPUs to operate on data streams consisting of an ordered sequence of attributed primitives like vertices or fragments. Compared to conventional CPUs, GPUs consist of high-bandwidth memories and more floating-point hardware units. General-purpose computation using graphics processors (GPGP) involves the increasing use of GPUs' computational power in scientific, database, geometric, and other nongraphics applications. These GPGP applications use GPUs primarily designed for rapid rasterization of geometric primitives to shaded pixels on the screen.
Vascular angiotensin II receptor and calcium signaling in toadfish.

The renin-angiotensin system evolved during the early evolution of vertebrates and regulates blood pressure/blood volume homeostasis in nonmammalian and mammalian vertebrates. Properties of vascular angiotensin (ANG) receptors and signal pathways in primitive animals are, however, not well understood. We aimed to determine whether vascular ANG II receptors in the toadfish, Opsanus tau, an aglomerular teleost, pharmacologically resemble either the ANG subtype 1 receptor (AT1) or the subtype 2 receptor (AT2) by examining (i) the effects of selective ANG receptor antagonists on ANG II-induced vasopressor action and binding and (ii) ANG II's effect on cytosolic Ca2+ signaling. [Asn1, Val5]ANG II (native teleost ANG II) dose-dependently increased the mean arterial pressure of conscious toadfish. ANG II-induced pressor responses (100-500 ng/kg) were inhibited substantially (79-83%) by [Sar1, Ile8]ANG II (5 microg x kg-1 + 5 microg x kg-1 x min-1) and moderately (34-53%) by losartan (AT1 antagonist, 10 mg/kg + 20 mg x kg-1 x h-1) and by PD 123319 (AT2 antagonist, 10 mg/kg + 20 mg x kg-1 x h-1) (36-60%). Likewise, the [Asp1, Val5, His9]ANG I-induced pressor effect was completely eliminated by an ANG I-converting enzyme inhibitor, SQ 14,225. Specific 125I-ANG II binding to vascular smooth muscle (VSM) membrane fractions was displaced completely by [Asn1, Val5]ANG II and [Sar1, Ile8]ANG II. Losartan, but not PD 123319, partly displaced ANG II binding at 10(-10)-10(-6) M. Furthermore, ANG II (10(-7) or 10(-8) M) caused a rapid, transient increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ signal (fluorescence ratio (FR) of 340/380 nm) of isolated VSM tissues measured by fura-2 and a dual wavelength fluorospectrometer, whereas extracellular K+ induced sustained, dose-dependent (P < 0.01) increases in FR. The results indicate that toadfish VSM tissues possess a rather nonselective ANG receptor; partial inhibition of ANG II binding by losartan and stimulation of cytosolic Ca2+ signaling by ANG II suggest that the receptor has some resemblance to AT1 homologous receptors.
19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of the complex of 2-benzyl-4-oxo-5,5,5-trifluoropentanoic acid and carboxypeptidase A

(dl)-2-Benzyl-4-oxo-5,5,5-trifluoropentanoic acid is a strong transition state analog inhibitor of the zinc protease carboxypeptidase A. 19 F NMR spectroscopy of the aqueous solution of this inhibitor shows the hydrate of the ketone carbonyl to be the major species, with a shift of −9.95 ppm. As the pH is varied from 4.9 to 13.1, a 1.53 ppm downfield shift occurs, giving a pK α of 11.10. When excess inhibitor is added to the enzyme, a new, bound peak appears at −8.84 ppm, in addition to the free hydrate peak. Spectra taken at pH's from 4.90 to 9.15 show no change in the position of the bound resonance; from 9.15 to 12.15, a 0.26 ppm upfield shift occurs. The interpretation is that the monoanion of the hydrate is the form that binds to the enzyme.
Polymeric Aluminasilazane Precursors for Aluminosilicon Nitride

Abstract : The reaction of trimethylaluminum with the cyclic oligomers obtained by ammonolysis of methyldichlorosilane results in evolution of methane and formation of soluble, cross-linked aluminasilazanes. Pyrolysis of the products in a stream of argon gives a good yield of black aluminosilicon carbonitride, while pyrolysis in a stream of ammonia results in formation of white aluminosilicon nitride. (jg)
Reconfiguration of Sun-Earth Libration Point Formations Using Solar Radiation Pressure

The use of solar radiation pressure for reconfiguration of spacecraft formations near one of the collinear sun-Earth libration points is examined. Specifically, it is considered whether spacecraft that are equipped with sun-facing thermal shields can exploit the solar radiation pressure force that acts on them to perform gradual relative maneuvering. Small shield off-pointing angles give rise to differential solar radiation pressure forces that are essentially perpendicular to the sun line: The effect of these small differential forces on the relative motion of the spacecraft in the formation is, therefore, quite different from that of the total (down-sun) solar force on the absolute orbital motion. First, the linearized equations of relative motion for libration point formations under differential solar radiation forcing are set up, with the sun shield off-pointing angle taken as the control input variable. The range of validity of these equations is examined. The effect of solar radiation pressure on the absolute motion is also analyzed, and the station-keeping issue is avoided by shifting the original libration point to a new equilibrium point. These equations are then used to study the existence and properties of solution trajectories that take the spacecraft from a given initial formation geometry to a desired final one. When the vector control produced by solar radiation pressure is reduced to a scalar one, the existence and properties of time-optimal trajectories based on bang-bang control theory are analyzed. Comparisons made between these two types of transfer trajectories show that the former possess simpler steering of sun shields, whereas the latter have a shorter transfer time and more reachable points in the target orbit.
Rate of Progression of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque in Women

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between gender and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and its rate of progression in subjects treated with established medical therapies. Background It is uncertain whether the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) differs between genders. Methods A systematic analysis was performed of 978 subjects who participated in serial studies of atheroma progression. Genders were compared with regard to the extent of coronary atheroma at baseline and subsequent change in response to use of established medical therapies. Results Women were more likely to have a history of hypertension and higher levels of body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Despite this, women had less plaque in terms of percent atheroma volume (PAV) (33.9 ± 10.2% vs. 37.8 ± 10.3%, p Conclusions Despite the presence of more risk factors, the extent of atheroma in women with angiographic CAD is less than in men in subjects participating in clinical trials that employed serial assessments with IVUS. The finding that the rate of plaque progression or regression does not differ between genders in the setting of intensive risk factor modification supports the use of established medical therapies in women with CAD.
Determining a distributed parameter in a neural cable model via a boundary control method

Dendrites of nerve cells have membranes with spatially distributed densities of ionic channels and hence non-uniform conductances. These conductances are usually represented as constant parameters in neural models because of the difficulty in experimentally estimating them locally. In this paper we investigate the inverse problem of recovering a single spatially distributed conductance parameter in a one-dimensional diffusion (cable) equation through a new use of a boundary control method. We also outline how our methodology can be extended to cable theory on finite tree graphs. The reconstruction is unique.
Effect of phonon transfer on the neutron resonance line shape

Abstract A theoretical investigation of the effect of phonon transfer on the resonance line shape for the capture of a neutron by an atom bound in a lattice is presented. We start with Lamb's formula for the transition probability and derive the expression for the line shape when the phonon occupation numbers of the lattice are taken into account.
Systematic review: incidence of abdominal/pelvic surgery amongst patients using tegaserod in randomized controlled trials

Summary Background : In the USA, tegaserod is contraindicated in patients with a history of bowel obstruction, abdominal adhesions or symptomatic gall-bladder disease due to a non-significant difference in abdominal surgery between tegaserod-using and placebo-using patients in Phase III trials. Aim : To calculate the incidence of abdominal and pelvic surgery in tegaserod-using and placebo-using patients in randomized controlled trials and to assess the possible association between medication and surgery, using pre-specified criteria in a blind adjudication procedure. Methods : Primary study selection criteria included: (i) randomized controlled trial; (ii) comparison of tegaserod vs. placebo; and (iii) results reporting the incidence of abdominal and pelvic surgery. A panel of experts in epidemiology and functional bowel disorders reviewed the history of each patient who underwent surgery. Experts were blind with regard to whether patients used tegaserod or placebo. Using pre-specified criteria, experts rated the likelihood of an association between medication use and surgery. Results : Thirteen randomized controlled trials (n =9857 patients) met the primary study selection criteria. No significant difference in the incidence of abdominal/pelvic surgery was identified between tegaserod-using and placebo-using patients: pelvic surgery, 0.16% vs. 0.19% (P = 0.80); abdominal surgery (non-cholecystectomy), 0.15% vs. 0.19% (P = 0.61); cholecystectomy, 0.13% vs. 0.03% (P = 0.17); total abdominal/pelvic surgery, 0.44% vs. 0.41% (P = 1.00). Post-adjudication, there was no significant difference in the incidence of abdominal/pelvic surgery between tegaserod-using and placebo-using patients. Conclusion : Data from randomized controlled trials demonstrate a similar incidence of abdominal/pelvic surgery in tegaserod-using and placebo-using patients.
Investigations into the protective effect of estuarine sediment on virus survival

Abstract It has been shown that enteric viruses readily adsorb to estuarine sediments and that this association acts to prolong their survival in marine waters. This study sought to ascertain whether sediment protects virus from any one specific inactivating factor and to define the properties of sediment responsible for such protection. Laboratory studies demonstrated that sediment was capable of protecting poliovirus 1 (strain LSc) from the inactivating effects of microorganisms, heat and salts. An anaerobic environment did not influence virus survival. The presence of bacterial nutrients was found to enhance virus survival, possibly by virus adsorption to the resulting bacterial population; however, organic material naturally present in sediment did not enhance virus survival in sea-water. Virus adsorption to sediment appears to be the most important characteristic of the virus and sediment interaction that retards virus inactivation.
Unlimited-volume electrokinetic stacking injection in sweeping capillary electrophoresis using a cationic surfactant.

Sweeping is an effective and convenient way for online sample preconcentration in micellar electrokinetic chromatography. The usual procedure includes a hydrodynamic injection step carried out by applying pressure to the sample vial followed by the subsequent sweeping and separation processes. The injected sample volume is limited by the dimensions of the capillary because a part of the capillary has to be left free of sample solution for the subsequent sweeping and separation steps. In addition, when a short capillary, such as 4−10 cm, is used for sweeping, the injected sample volume is small even if the entire capillary is filled with sample solution. To solve this problem, an electrokinetic stacking injection (EKSI) scheme was developed by using a cationic surfactant, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, for sweeping in capillary electrophoresis. An experimental model was proposed, and the entire process was theoretically analyzed. According to the theoretical discussion, the optimal conditions for two mo...
Sensitivity to new high-mass states decaying to t t ¯ at a 100 TeV collider

We discuss the sensitivity of a 100 TeV $pp$ collider to heavy particles decaying to top-antitop $(t\overline{t})$ final states. This center-of-mass energy, together with an integrated luminosity of $10\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{ab}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, can produce heavy particles in the mass range of several tens of teraelectronvolts (TeV). A Monte Carlo study is performed using boosted-top techniques to reduce QCD background for the reconstruction of heavy particles with masses in the range of 8--20 TeV, and various widths. In particular, we study two models that predict heavy states, a model with an extra gauge boson (${\mathrm{Z}}^{0\ensuremath{'}}$) and with a Kaluza-Klein (KK) excitation of the gluon (${\mathrm{g}}_{\mathrm{KK}}$). We estimate the sensitive values of $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{Br}$ of about 2 (4) fb for ${\mathrm{Z}}^{0\ensuremath{'}}$ (${\mathrm{g}}_{\mathrm{KK}}$), with a corresponding mass reach of 13 (20) TeV.
DIFFERENTIAL-EFFECTS OF OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA-6 FATTY-ACIDS ON PRIMARY TUMOR-GROWTH AND METASTASIS

The amount and type of dietary lipid can significantly influence spontaneous tumor development and tumor progression. To determine the effect of fish oil (rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) and corn oil (rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) on primary tumor growth, metastasis and carcass weight, 45 female Lewis/Wistar rats with subcutaneous mammary tumor implants (MAC-33) were randomized to 1 of 3 diets with 30% lipid consisting of: (i) corn oil alone, (ii) combined 50%:50% corn oil:fish oil, or (iii) fish oil alone. Primary tumor weight was significantly reduced in animals which were fed fish oil or corn oil alone compared to animals given combined corn oil:fish oil diet. Biochemical analysis (protein, DNA, RNA) of the primary revealed no difference between dietary groups. Cell cycle analysis of the primary tumor showed no difference in percent G(0)-G(1), S, G(2)-M or growth fraction (% S + G(2)-M) between dietary groups. In contrast, lung metastasis, was reduced in animals fed the combined corn oil:fish oil diet. Thus, dietary, lipid intake can significantly influence primary tumor growth and tumor metastasis. Differential effects of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids occur on primary tumor growth and development of distant pulmonary metastases in this animal model.
Planning by Freehold

Government planning of urban development is inefficient as it is controlled by political processes rather than conducted on behalf of the people it is intended to benefit. Certain forms of property rights such as divisions of freehold and leasehold can, and in practice do, lead to much more effective use of resources and provision of shared services as the owners of the freehold have an incentive to maximise site values and rents.
Microtubles and actin filaments in teleost visual cone elongation and contraction

Teleost retinal cones contract in light and elongate in darkness. This paper describes the disposition of microtubules and cytoplasmic filaments in cone cells of 2 species of fish (Haemulon sciurus and Lutjanus griseus). In Haemulon, the neck-like “myoid” region of the cone changes in length from 5 μ to 75 μ. Maximal observed rates of elongation and contraction are comparable to that of chromosome movement in mitosis (2–3 μ/min). Microtubules presumably participate in cone elongation, since numerous longitudinal microtubules are present in the myoid region, and colchicine blocks dark-induced elongation. Myoid shortening, on the other hand, appears to be an active contractile process. Disruption of microtubules in dark-adapted cones does not produce myoid shortening in the absence of light, and light-induced myoid shortening is blocked by cytochalasin-B. Cone cells possess longitudinally-oriented thin filaments which bind myosin subfragment-1 to form arrowhead complexes typical of muscle actin. Myoid thin filaments are clearly observed in negatively stained preparations of isolated cones which have been disrupted with detergent after attachment to grids. These myoid filaments are not, however, generally preserved by conventional fixation, though bundles of thin filaments are preserved in other regions of the cell. Thus, actin filaments are poorly retained by fixation in precisely the region of the cone cell where contraction occurs. Cone cells also possess longitudinally-oriented thick filaments 130–160A in diameter. That these thick filaments may be myosin is suggested by the presence of side-arms with approximately 150 A periodicity. The linear organization of the contractile apparatus of the retinal cone cell makes this cell a promising model for morphological characterization of the disposition of actin and myosin filaments during contraction in a nonmuscle cell.
Paleoclimatology and paleo-oceanography of the Norwegian and Greenland Seas: The last 450,000 years

Abstract Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages in Norwegian Sea sediments show that during the past 450,000 years a glacial regime, characterized by permanent sea-ice cover and the absence of the Norwegian Current, prevailed in the Norwegian Sea. These extremely cold conditions were interrupted by short, quasi-periodic (period of about 100,000 years) incursions of water warm enough to reduce sea-ice cover on a seasonal basis. Only the two most recent incursions were of sufficient intensity to bring relatively warm Norwegian Current waters into the region and thus justify here the name “interglacial”: the last interglacial (about 120,000 B.P.) and the Holocene. The absence of the Norwegian Current from the Norwegian Sea for all but about 20,000 of the last 450,000 years has had two important effects. First, a major source of heat for the Scandinavian land mass was not present except during the Holocene and the last interglacial. Thus, Scandinavia probably enjoyed a climate much like, or more severe than, that of Spitsbergen for most of the last 450,000 years. Large ice sheets were probably the rule rather than the exception. Second, the source of saline water for the formation of North Atlantic Deep Water was not present. This fact, together with the prevailing ice cover, prevented formation of a deep-water mass, except during the Holocene and the last interglacial. Deep water in the North Atlantic for all the remainder of the last 450,000 years must have formed elsewhere and by another mechanism. The prevailing ice-covered condition of the Norwegian Sea rules out the possibility of an open surface-water connection between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans for all of the last 450,000 years. This is further evidence that the Ewing-Donn theory of an ice-free Arctic Ocean is incorrect. Of all the Pleistocene interglacial events recognized in temperate and low latitudes, only the last interglacial (Eemian) and the Holocene were intense enough to transport warm water into the Norwegian Sea and melt large amounts of sea ice. Future theories to explain climatic change must account for these anomalously warm interglacials as well as the extremely cold average conditions of the Norwegian Sea.
Diverse Precerebellar Neurons Share Similar Intrinsic Excitability

The cerebellum dedicates a majority of the brain's neurons to processing a wide range of sensory, motor, and cognitive signals. Stereotyped circuitry within the cerebellar cortex suggests that similar computations are performed throughout the cerebellum, but little is known about whether diverse precerebellar neurons are specialized for the nature of the information they convey. In vivo recordings indicate that firing responses to sensory or motor stimuli vary dramatically across different precerebellar nuclei, but whether this reflects diverse synaptic inputs or differentially tuned intrinsic excitability has not been determined. We targeted whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to neurons in eight precerebellar nuclei which were retrogradely labeled from different regions of the cerebellum in mice. Intrinsic physiology was compared across neurons in the medial vestibular, external cuneate, lateral reticular, prepositus hypoglossi, supragenual, Roller/intercalatus, reticularis tegmenti pontis, and pontine nuclei. Within the firing domain, precerebellar neurons were remarkably similar. Firing faithfully followed temporally modulated inputs, could be sustained at high rates, and was a linear function of input current over a wide range of inputs and firing rates. Pharmacological analyses revealed common expression of Kv3 currents, which were essential for a wide linear firing range, and of SK (small-conductance calcium-activated potassium) currents, which were essential for a wide linear input range. In contrast, membrane properties below spike threshold varied considerably within and across precerebellar nuclei, as evidenced by variability in postinhibitory rebound firing. Our findings indicate that diverse precerebellar neurons perform similar scaling computations on their inputs but may be differentially tuned to synaptic inhibition.
Sick-building syndrome fatigue as a possible predation defense

Sick-building syndrome is an illness characterized by fatigue, headache, and upper-respiratory complaints. It is usually associated with modern office buildings, structures with an impervious outer shell and inoperable windows. Poor air quality, specific pollutants, and inadequate ventilation are considered common causes. The ability to smell faint odors requires air that is free of contamination. Human evolutionary ancestors depended on odors for survival. Even the slightest increase in the ability to smell a predator conveyed a distinct, immediate survival advantage. Conversely, an enormous survival advantage would also accrue to the animal that sought protection or avoided activity when this vital olfactory information was unavailable. Such would be the case with fire on the savannah. The foraging, olfactory dependent animal, unable to smell predators because of contaminated air, would be quickly snatched by a keen-sighted carnivore. There exist, however, well-described reflexes from the nose mediated through the trigeminal nerve that discourage activity when these free nerve endings are irritated. This mechanism may serve as a defense against predation. In adulterated atmosphere the animal, subdued by these reflexes, would be less likely to venture forth and, therefore, less vulnerable to predators. Similar reflexes may persist in humans, activated by poor air quality, air ill-suited for the dissemination of odors. I suggest that the human perception of these inhibitory reflexes is the feeling of fatigue associated with the sick building syndrome.
Labeling DNA and Preparing Probes

Labeling nucleic acids with radioisotopes, fluorophores, biotin, or digoxigenin enables their detection and analysis. When designing a labeling strategy, consider the intended application, the source of nucleic acid, and the type of label to incorporate. DNA oligonucleotides can be 5′ end-labeled with radioisotopes in a reaction catalyzed by T4 polynucleotide kinase, or nonisotopic labels can be incorporated into oligonucleotides during DNA synthesis. Larger DNA substrates can be labeled by 5′ end labeling (radioisotopes) or labeled uniformly along the length of the DNA by nick translation or random primed synthesis (using radioisotope or nonisotopic labels). The labeled DNA can be used for a variety of applications, including probing Southern blots, probing northern blots, in situ hybridization, quantifying real-time PCR results, and gel shift assays. Keywords: nucleic acid probe; end-labeling; random primed synthesis; nick translation; radioisotope; fluorophore; biotin; digoxigenin; polynucleotide kinase; terminal transferase
Router active queue management for both multimedia and best-effort traffic flows

A novel active queue management scheme is proposed to employ in the routers that deal with both the best-effort traffic flows and multimedia traffic flows. Most of the available active queue management schemes consider only TCP flows, which results in unexpected congestion when dealing with multimedia flows. The queue size and packet receiving rate are the common parameters to calculate the marking probability in the queue. The use of round trip time (RTT) in the process of marking probability calculation has advantages over other approaches. We discuss the applicability of our approach when the framework in our earlier paper is used for rate adaptation in multimedia flows. With the use of RTT in packet marking probability calculations, we can assure rate reduction in both best-effort and multimedia flows before a queue gets exhausted. The most influential feature of the proposed approach is that it can work with the existing systems. The soundness of the proposed approach is inferred from the simulation results.
Increased Nest Defence of Upland-nesting Ducks in Response to Experimentally Reduced Risk of Nest Predation

Parent birds should take greater risks defending nests that have a higher probability of success. Given high rates of mammalian nest predation, therefore, parents should risk more for nests in areas with a lower risk of mammalian predation. We tested this hypothesis using nest defence data from over 1300 nests of six species of dabbling ducks studied in an area where predation risk had been reduced through removal of mammalian predators. When predator removal reduced nest predation, the ducks increased risk taking as predicted. Also as predicted, risk taking varied inversely with body size, an index of annual survival, among species. For ducks to vary nest defence in response to variation in predation risk they must be able to assess the risk of nest predation. Because ducks modifi ed nest defence in the breeding season immediately following predator removal, ducks may be able to assess predator abundance indirectly (e.g. by UV refl ection from urine) rather than by seeing or interacting directly with the predators.
Evidence of Tissue-specific Allelopathic Activity in Euthamia graminifolia and Solidago canadensis (Asteraceae)

Abstract Euthamia graminifolia and Solidago canadensis may be found growing in dense, essentially monospecific, stands. One hypothesis to explain this phenomenon is that both of these goldenrods, as do many related taxa in Asteraceae, release allelochemicals into the surrounding environment. To test this hypothesis, leaf and root/rhizome tissues of both species were screened for allelopathic activity. Aqueous extracts (50 g dried tissue in 2000 ml distilled water) were prepared for each tissue type for each species and a series of dilutions ranging from 0% to 100% of each extract was used for testing radish and lettuce seed germination and root growth. Leaf extracts from both species significantly inhibited seed germination and root growth. Root/rhizome extracts significantly inhibited root growth, but had no effect on seed germination. These results suggest that allelopathy may inhibit the growth and survival of competing species. In addition, both taxa may have a negative effect on yields of nearby crop...
DIELECTRIC TENSOR CHARACTERIZATION FOR OVERCOATED AMORPHOUS TbFe ALLOYS.

Amorphous thin films of TbFe. sputter-deposited on quartz substrates with compositions supporting polar Kerr magneto-optical behavior, and overcoated with a transparent protective layer, are studied to determine their dielectric tensor elements. Refleetivity measurements over a range of angles of incidence are made in an apparatus that corrects for the overcoat layer and exploits magnetization reversal to enhance the measurement of r ⊥, the complex reflectivity associated with the magneto-optical signal. Conventional Fresnel reflectivities are also found. The theoretical model for reflectivities from a thick film magneto-optical medium at oblique incidenci is developed and used within a Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear estimation algorithm to estimate sequentially the dielectric tensor elements, considering their widely varying magnitudes and sensitivities to errors in reflectivity data. The interpretation of the dielectric elements in terms of magneto-optical performance and structural perpendicular anisotropy is discussed.
Effects of convex transverse curvature on wall-bounded turbulence. Part 2. The pressure fluctuations

The effects of convex transverse curvature on the wall pressure fluctuations were studied through direct numerical simulations. The flow regime of interest is characterized by large ratio of the shear-layer thickness to the radius of curvature (γ = δ/a) and by small a+, the radius of curvature in wall units. Two direct numerical simulations of a model problem approximating axial flow boundary layers on long cylinders were performed for γ = 5 (a+ ≈ 43) and γ = 11 (a+ ≈ 21). The space-time characteristics of the wall pressure fluctuations of the plane channel flow simulation of Kim, Moin & Moser (1987), which were studied by Choi & Moin (1990) are used to assess the effects of curvature. As the curvature increases the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) pressure fluctuations decrease and the ratio of the streamwise to spanwise lengthscales of the wall pressure fluctuations increases. Fractional contributions from various layers in the flow to the wall r.m.s. pressure fluctuations are marginally affected by the curvature. Curvature-dependent timescales and lengthscales are identified that collapse the high-frequency range of the wall pressure temporal spectra and the high wave-number range of the wall pressure streamwise spectra of flows with different curvatures. Taylor's hypothesis holds for the wall pressure fluctuations with a lower convection velocity than in the planar case.