cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron induced decomposition of Ni(CO) 4 adsorbed on Ag(111)

Nickel tetracarbonyl (Ni(CO)4) adsorption on Ag(111) was studied with temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), digital electron-stimulated desorption ion angular distribution (ESDIAD) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Ni(CO)4 physisorbs molecularly at 90 K on Ag(111), with thermal desorption maxima observed near 170 and 150 K. Analysis of AES spectra indicates no Ni, C or O is present at the surface following TPD, showing that Ni(CO)4 does not thermally decompose on Ag(111). Bombardment by 100–300 eV electrons induces positive ion and excited neutral particle desorption, and conversion of molecularly adsorbed Ni(CO)4 into unidentified Nix(CO)y surface species. CO thermally desorbs from these surface-bound species near 240, 300 and 400 K, leaving a Ni deposit on the Ag surface. This Ni diffuses below the surface above 450 K. ESDIAD patterns from molecularly adsorbed Ni(CO)4 are composed of ESD fragments (CO+, O+, and neutrals) ejected normal to the surface, suggesting that Ni(CO)4 on Ag(111) orients one CO ligand nearly perpendicular to the substrate. In contrast, Nix(CO)y surface species do not produce directed ESDIAD beams, possibly reflecting a non-normal or random orientation of CO ligands in these adspecies. The total cross section for electron induced Ni(CO)4 fragmentation is about 2 × 10−16 cm2, and is not strongly dependent on incident electron energies between 100 and 300 eV.
The CDF Run IIa silicon detector and its upgrade Run IIb

Abstract The CDF RunIIa silicon detector has now made the transition from commissioning to data taking. The current state of the CDF RunIIa silicon detector's online and of fline tracking algorithms, the performance of Layer 00, and the status of the Run IIb silicon upgrade project are presented in this article.
Perceptions and practice: Agency efforts for the hardest-to-place children

Abstract This research focuses on perceptions and practices of agency staff supervising the placements of the hardest-to-place children. It uses an in-depth case-history approach to examine the case files of 80 children who were identified through the state adoption photolisting service as waiting the longest time for placement as of December 1998. Study results indicate that children in the sample had spent an average of 11.8 years waiting for placement. Children experiencing long delays were more likely to have substantial disabilities, be male, African American, and be older when they entered care. Caseworkers were not convinced of the eventual adoptability of the child in their care and this skepticism appears to be translating into reduced recruitment efforts on behalf of the child. Agency screening practices appear to be restricting placement options for these children. Implications of study results for child welfare practice are discussed.
Improved protein recovery in reversed-phase liquid chromatography by the use of ultrahigh pressures.

The effect that elevated pressure used in ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) has on protein recovery was investigated. Specifically, protein carryover (“ghosting”) and recovery were examined. Four model proteins (ribonuclease A, ovalbumin, myoglobin, BSA) were separated by gradient RPLC at both conventional (160 bar) and ultrahigh pressures (>1500 bar). A custom gradient UHPLC system was used to generate conventional pressures on 5-μm diameter reversed-phase supports and ultrahigh pressures on identical 1.4-μm supports. The results indicate that, by increasing the pressure, protein carryover from run to run is reduced and in some cases eliminated above a certain threshold pressure for the model proteins studied. Further work indicates that recovery was enhanced for each of the proteins studied, even approaching 100% for certain proteins.
Evidence-based medicine and the implantable defibrillator

Evidence from recent randomized clinical trials now strongly supports the use of the implantable defibrillator, as treatment of first choice, in patients who have experienced symptomatic, sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Little or no controversy remains on this question, either among physicians or third-party players. The evidence-based use of the defibrillator as primary preventative therapy (that is, for patients who have an increased risk for lethal arrhythmias, but who have not yet experienced them) is far more limited. Two randomized trials have now demonstrated a survival benefit with the defibrillator in patients who have ichemic heart disease; reduced left ventricular ejection fraction; documented nonsustained ventricular tachycardia; and inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia during electrophysiologic testing that is not suppressed by at least one drug trial. Based on the strength of this recently available information, the screening of appropriate patients, while admittedly inconvenient, ought to be strongly considered. The broader use of the implantable defibrillator in the primary prophylaxis of arrhythmic sudden death will have to await the results of future trials.
Complete purification of the acetylcholine receptor protein from mammalian muscle

The receptor (ACh.R) for acetylcholine (ACh) has so far been obtained in apparently pure form only from fish electric organs (for reviews, see [ 1,2] ). From vertebrate skeletal muscle, on the other hand, where ACh.R is essential for synaptic transmission and for denervation supersensitivity to ACh, no extensive purification has been reported. Muscle is a much poorer source of ACh.R, and even after its proliferation following denervation it is far below the level in the electric organ of Torpedo. For muscles, quantitation and localisation of ACh.R, by exploitation of its essentially irreversible binding of labelled cu-bungarotoxin (BuTX), was initially described [3], and solubilisation of this ACh.R in detergents and some fractionation has been reported [4-71. Subsequently [S] , we reported upon a preparation, partly purified by affinity chromatography, of the form of ACh.R which is responsible for the extrajunctional ACh sensitivity of denervated mammalian muscle. We have further applied affinity chromatography in a more bio-specific form (in the sense in which this technique has been critically reviewed by Barry and O’Carra [9] ), and describe here the complete purification of this muscle ACh.R.
Differential Pulse Polarographic Analysis of Adriamycin in Plasma

Abstract A sensitive differential pulse polarographic method is described for the determination of adriamycin in plasma. No sample preparation or manipulation is required; polarograms are recorded after direct introduction of a dropping mercury electrode into a degassed, untreated plasma sample. The method does not distinguish between parent drug and its metabolites. The minimum detectable concentration of adriamycin is 400 ng of drug/ml of plasma. Eleven anti-neoplastic agents, often used therapeutically in combination with adriamycin, were evaluated with respect to their possible interference with this method.
New cloud free line of sight statistics measured with digital whole sky imagers

Cloud Free Line of Sight (CFLOS) statistics can be important to a number of applications involving transmittance of light through the atmosphere, including laser propagation, light propagation, and detection of objects by humans and instruments. This paper will discuss Cloud Free Line of Sight (CFLOS) and cloud persistence statistics determined from cloud measurements taken with Whole Sky Imagers (WSI). The WSIs are ground-based digital imaging systems that image the full upper hemisphere down to the horizon in wavebands in the visible and NIR. Digital automated WSI systems were originally developed by the Marine Physical Lab in the 1980's to address the CFLOS application, and then further developed for 24-hour day and night capability. Approximately three million image sets have been acquired with the Day/Night WSI in conjunction with DOE's ARM program. Recent advances in the cloud decision algorithms at Marine Physical Lab have enabled the extraction of processed cloud images of sufficient quality to obtain reliable cloud statistics. A test sample of approximately 4500 image sets has been processed to yield CFLOS statistics down to the horizon, as well as statistics related to the persistence of clouds and cloud holes. This talk will provide a brief overview of the instruments and current algorithm developments. The CFLOS results and sample persistence results will be presented.
Archaea: from genomics to physiology and the origin of life.

This document represents a report on a meeting about Archaea. The meeting had an unusually diversified mix of topics all related to Archaea highlighting their differences and similarities with other kingdoms of life. Thus, a large number of scientists from others areas of biology participated in this conference. One-third of the speakers (11 of 33) represented laboratories whose main interests have not been archaea and who have not previously participated in similar symposia or workshops. Thus, this symposium provided a unique opportunity for archaeal researchers to interact in a wider forum. Because of the broad range of topics covered, the conference also introduced many of the participants to new areas of archaeal research. The discussions of genomics, molecular mechanisms of transcription, metabolic pathways and evolution were at a very high level. Talks and posters provided detailed discussions of the state of the current knowledge in RNA processing, transcriptional initiation, chromatin structure, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, autotrophic CO2 fixation, Upid biosynthesis and a wide range of other topics. In addition to providing overviews, major areas of scientific argument were clearly delineated, particularly in the discussions of genomics and evolution. Some of the questions raised included: how representative are individual gene trees of organismal evolution, how prevalent is horizontal evolution, how reliable are functional assignments in genomics? On these topics, the different points of view were well represented. The future of any field depends on the enthusiasm and intellectual engagement of young scientists working in the area. Therefore, the participation of 29 graduate and postdoctoral students (out of about 135 participants) was a highlight of the meeting. This was the consequence of funding contributions by NSF and NASA.
Preparation of covalently closed and open circular DNA molecules of phage λ

Abstract Open circles of Escherichia coli phage λ DNA can be efficiently prepared by incubation of the DNA at alkaline pH. Covalently closed circles can be prepared by superinfecting a lysogen with λ phage and pelleting chromosomal DNA; the circles, which may contain bound protein, remain in the supernatant. The advantages of these new procedures are described.
Prognosis of surgically treated intracranial arterial aneurysm patients.

From 1969 to 1973, we undertook a direct surgical therapeutic approach with 62 patients who had intracranial aneurysms. The surgical mortality for patients in the first three clinical grades was 5%. Sixty-eight percent of the entire group of patients had improved conditions at follow-up. When these results are compared to the expected outcome of the natural course of the disease under conservative management, the superiority of the direct approach is seen. With the aid of modern instrumentation, anesthesia, steroid therapy, and magnification, neurosurgical centers handling a reasonable volume of these cases should achieve comparable results. ( JAMA 237:1845-1847, 1977)
Shoe Orthotics for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of a randomized clinical trial of shoe orthotics for chronic low back pain. Methods The study recruited 50 patients with chronic low back pain through media advertising in a midwestern suburban area. Medical history and a low back examination were completed at a chiropractic clinic. Subjects were randomized to either a treatment group receiving custom-made shoe orthotics or a wait-list control group. After 6 weeks, the wait-list control group also received custom-made orthotics. This study measured change in perceived pain levels (Visual Analog Scale) and functional health status (Oswestry Disability Index) in patients with chronic low back pain at the end of 6 weeks of orthotic treatment compared with no treatment and at the end of 12 weeks of orthotic treatment. Results This study showed changes in back pain and disability with the use of shoe orthotics for 6 weeks compared with a wait-list control group. It appears that improvement was maintained through the 12-week visit, but the subjects did not continue to improve during this time. Conclusions This pilot study showed that the measurement of shoe orthotics to reduce low back pain and discomfort after 6 weeks of use is feasible. A larger clinical trial is needed to verify these results.
5‘-Dithiophosphoryl deoxyoligonucleotides : synthesis and biological Studies

The first synthesis of 5‘-dithiophosphoryl deoxyoligonucleotides is reported. These oligomers are prepared by reacting O-(9-fluorenemethyl) H-phosphonothioate with an appropriately protected deoxyoligonucleotide and then oxidizing phosphorus with elementary sulfur. By using 35S-sulfur, a long-lived radioactive isotope that is useful for monitoring biological and biochemical experiments can be introduced into deoxyoligonucleotides. 5‘-Dithiophosphoryl deoxyoligonucleotides are stable toward alkaline phosphatase and do not serve as substrates for T4-polynucleotide ligase. These oligomers undergo oxidative phosphoryl disulfide formation to yield dimers via an intermolecular reaction or with cysteine to generate an amino acid-deoxyoligonucleotide joined through the 5‘-dithiophosphoryl moiety and the cysteine sulfhydryl function.
Work in progress - Innovation using the baldrige process

Increasingly, it is evident that the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) process is helping universities achieve their strategic planning goals. Yet, minimal attention in the engineering colleges has been given to the Baldrige criteria/process. This paper will address the successes of the Baldrige process for colleges and universities achieving academic achievement improvement. It will discuss the elements of the Baldrige criteria for higher education and identity three higher-level educational institutions that are MBNQA in education winners and their successes. The use of the Baldrige criteria in engineering colleges will be discussed. This paper proposes that the Baldrige criteria could provide the framework for systematic thinking for leading innovation to current engineering education critical issues.
Associated changes in Ca2+ and Sr2+ activation properties and fiber proteins in cross-reinnervated rabbit soleus.

Changes in the Ca2+ and Sr2+ activation properties of functionally skinned slow-twitch soleus fibers were measured and compared with those of normal fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) following cross-reinnervation of soleus with the nerve to EDL. Most of the fibers showed either complete transformation of activation properties (66%) or remained unchanged (34%). The change in sensitivity to divalent cations was correlated with changes in the proteins present in fibers pooled on the basis of their activation properties. The banding patterns of the 35,000- and 37,500-dalton proteins (tropomyosin and troponin T) in cross-reinnervated soleus were correspondingly transformed to those of normal EDL. Slow and fast myosin light chains were present in the pooled cross-reinnervated fibers. Fiber distributions based on activation properties were confirmed by histochemical features. For the first time it has been demonstrated that cross-reinnervation produced changes in the activation properties of soleus fibers and associated changes in the regulatory proteins measured.
Motivational skills & self-regulation for learning: A trait perspective

Abstract We report a series of investigations that focus on the nature of motivational skills and self-regulation for learning as traits, in contrast to consideration of self-regulation as resulting from particular interventions. In this context, we consider how self-report measures of motivational and self-regulation skills relate to other traits, such as ability, personality, interests, academic selfconcept, self-ratings of abilities. In addition, we discuss how such trait measures are associated with task-specific self efficacy across tasks of varying complexity—from simple information processing to complex air traffic controller tasks. Selfregulatory and motivational skills show substantial overlap with other trait measures, as do measures of learning strategies. Motivational and domain-specific self-concepts, along with trait anxiety, appear to be strongly related to task-specific self efficacy.
Electron Microprobe Analysis of REE in Apatite, Monazite and Xenotime: Protocols and Pitfalls

Phosphate accessory phases contain a wealth of petrologic and chronological information, but each possesses particular properties that make accurate quantitative microanalysis difficult. This chapter provides an overview of the literature concerned with the main problems of electron microprobe (EMP) phosphate analysis. These include the volatility of fluorine in F-bearing apatite, and the mutual interference of L- and M-line X-rays from the major and trace elements in monazite and xenotime, along with consideration of standards, detection limits, absorption edges, and ZAF corrections in REE phosphates. The typical apatite in metamorphic parageneses is enriched in F− (e.g., Smith and Yardley 1999), though enrichments in OH− and Cl− have been noted, either as inherited grains (Smith and Yardley 1999), or original growth (Harlov et al. 2002). Diffusive volatility of light anions such as F and Cl, and light cations such as K and Na, is a well known problem in electron microprobe analysis (Goldstein et al. 1984), but the relatively high F content of typical metamorphic apatite combined with its particular crystalline structure generate a unique analytical problem, namely, time-dependent variation in apatite F X-ray intensity driven by surface-ward diffusion of F ions in response to the electric field produced by implantation of primary beam electrons at a depth below the analyzed region (Stormer et al. 1993). Stormer et al. (1993) examined variations in apatite F and Cl X-ray intensity as a function of a number of factors including analysis time, analysis current, accelerating voltage, and crystallographic orientation. Under typical EMP operating conditions (15 keV, 15 nA), Stormer et al. (1993) found that for sections oriented perpendicular to the c crystallographic axis, F X-ray intensity doubles in the first 60–120 s of cumulative beam exposure (Fig. 1⇓). There is a strong crystallographic control over this F X-ray intensity …
Protective effect of rhinovirus receptor blocking antibody in human fibroblast cells.

Abstract Infection of HeLa cells by human rhinoviruses (RV) of the major receptor group is inhibitd by a HeLa-derived rhinovirus receptor murine monoclonal antibody (RRMA). In yield reduction studies in human embryonic lung fibroblast cells, pre-treatment with 1.0 or 10 μg/ml of RRMA partially protected (>90% titer reduction) against infection by RV 39 or coxsackie A21 (members of the major receptor family), but not by RV 1A (member of the minor receptor family). The protection afforded by RRMA persisted at least 72 h after a 2-h exposure. These results suggest that RV receptors can be effectively blocked for prolonged periods in cultured fibroblast cells.
Evaluation of particulate bioglass in a rabbit radius ostectomy model

Osseous defects and fractures may require supplimentation to support and promote healing. Bioglass (BG) may be a useful therapeutic for these conditions. Therefore, we executed a study to determine whether particulate BG could promote healing of 20-mm unilateral ostectomies in the radius of rabbits. Ostectomies were either treated with BG or remained untreated in the control (CTL) group. At 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment, ostectomies were assessed histomorphometrically and biomechanically. New bone formation was more intense contiguous to the host bone for both BG and CTL than centrally, yet BG animals displayed active mineralization throughout the ostectomy. The amount of bone within BG-filled defects was greater than CTLs at 4 weeks, whereas, at 8 weeks there was no difference. Biomechanically, the BG-treated limbs required more torque to break than did CTL limbs at 4 weeks; however differences were not significantly different. By 8 weeks, the BG-treated and CTLs, had comparable strength. Bioglass may be a useful therapy to produce the early phase of osseous repair. However, improvements in handling properties of the particles will be needed to enhance efficacy.
A conformational switch in syntaxin during exocytosis: role of munc18

Syntaxin 1, an essential protein in synaptic membrane fusion, contains a helical autonomously folded N-terminal domain, a C-terminal SNARE motif and a transmembrane region. The SNARE motif binds to synaptobrevin and SNAP-25 to assemble the core complex, whereas almost the entire cytoplasmic sequence participates in a complex with munc18-1, a neuronal Sec1 homolog. We now demonstrate by NMR spectroscopy that, in isolation, syntaxin adopts a 'closed' conformation. This default conformation of syntaxin is incompatible with core complex assembly which requires an 'open' syntaxin conformation. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we find that disruption of the closed conformation abolishes the ability of syntaxin to bind to munc18-1 and to inhibit secretion in PC12 cells. These results indicate that syntaxin binds to munc18-1 in a closed conformation and suggest that this conformation represents an essential intermediate in exocytosis. Our data suggest a model whereby, during exocytosis, syntaxin undergoes a large conformational switch that mediates the transition between the syntaxin-munc18-1 complex and the core complex.
The dopamine agonist, phno ((+)-4-propyl-9-hydroxynaphthoxazine), inhibits cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate formation and prolactin release from anterior pituitary cells

In cultured rat anterior pituitary cells incubated for 30-180 min, PHNO caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of prolactin release (IC50 approximately 0.5 nM) with maximal suppression at 5 nM. Forskolin increased cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) generation by stimulating adenylate cyclase and PHNO inhibited this effect with the same concentration profile as for inhibition of prolactin release. Inhibitory effects of 0.5 nM PHNO on prolactin release and cAMP generation were abolished by coincubation with 10 nM haloperidol, a D2 dopamine receptor antagonist. Within 30 min, 0.5 nM PHNO blunted the stimulation of prolactin release due to 10 nM thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or angiotensin II (AII). Thus, PHNO appears to activate the D2 dopamine receptor to inhibit the formation of cAMP and the secretion of prolactin.
Uncertain spatial data handling: Modeling, indexing and query

Managing and manipulating uncertainty in spatial databases are important problems for various practical applications of geographic information systems. Unlike the traditional fuzzy approaches in relational databases, in this paper a probability-based method to model and index uncertain spatial data is proposed. In this scheme, each object is represented by a probability density function (PDF) and a general measure is proposed for measuring similarity between the objects. To index objects, an optimized Gaussian mixture hierarchy (OGMH) is designed to support both certain/uncertain data and certain/uncertain queries. An uncertain R-tree is designed with two query filtering schemes, UR1 and UR2, for the special case when the query is certain. By performing a comprehensive comparison among OGMH, UR1, UR2 and a standard R-tree on US Census Bureau TIGER/Line^(R) Southern California landmark point dataset, it is found that UR1 is the best for certain queries. As an example of uncertain query support OGMH is applied to the Mojave Desert endangered species protection real dataset. It is found that OGMH provides more selective, efficient and flexible search than the results provided by the existing trial and error approach for endangered species habitat search. Details of the experiments are given and discussed.
Pathogenesis of the supravalvular aortic stenosis syndrome

Experiences with 15 cases of the syndrome of supravalvular aortic stenosis are described. Clinical and epidemiologic relationships between the syndrome and infantile hypercalcemia suggest the existence of a common prenatal cause for both disorders.
Serial changes in left ventricular relaxation and chamber stiffness after large myocardial infarction in rats.

To determine the time course of changes in left ventricular diastolic properties after a large myocardial infarction, we serially measured left ventricular relaxation, chamber stiffness, and the ratio of left ventricular cavity to wall volume (V/VW) after coronary artery ligation in rats. Left ventricular relaxation was measured during the occlusion and then both relaxation and chamber stiffness were measured at 3 hr, 24 hr, and 3, 5, and more than 22 days after infarction. Left ventricular pressures and left ventricular dP/dt were recorded with micromanometer-tipped catheters. Left ventricular relaxation was measured by computer digitization of the left ventricular pressure tracings and averaged over 100 to 150 cardiac cycles. Five chamber stiffness constants were calculated from pressure-volume curves that were obtained ex vivo. We found ventricular relaxation prolonged for the first hour after coronary occlusion; relaxation was maximally prolonged at 10 to 15 min after onset of occlusion. After 1 hr re...
A REVIEW OF CAPILLARY AND PACKED COLUMN GAS CHROMATOGRAPHS

In this review, the essential aspects of gas chromatography are discussed. The article begins with a very brief discussion of basic chromatographic theory, followed by an in-depth treatment of the instrumentation involved. This discussion starts a discussion of chromatographic columns, the distinctions among which are used to classify the different modes of gas chromatography. Following this is an in-depth discussion of instrumentation, the treatment of which follows the classification by column types. This discussion includes the operational principles and applications of injectors, detectors and data handling systems. In conclusion, a listing of suggested further reading is provided.
Autoradiographic characterization of [3H]imipramine and [3H]citalopram binding in rat and human brain: species differences and relationships to serotonin innervation patterns.

Abstract The neuroanatomical distribution of binding sites for [3H]imipramine and [3H]citalopram was assessed by in vitro autoradiography in select regions of the rat and human forebrain. To determine involvement of serotonin-containing terminals in the binding of [3H]imipramine and [3H]citalopram, binding of these compounds was measured in rats after destroying serotonin-containing neurons with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT). Treatment with this neurotoxin decreased serotonin content by 90% and reduced [3H]citalopram binding to a similar extent. These results demonstrate that [3H]citalopram binding is a reliable marker for serotonin-containing terminals. Binding of [3H]imipramine was reduced by only 15–35% after 5,7-DHT treatment. These latter results suggest that only a small fraction of [3H]imipramine binding to brain sections is associated with serotonergic terminals under standard conditions used in autoradiographic studies with the ligand. Dose-response effects of fluoxetine and desipramine on displacement of [3H]imipramine binding in forebrain regions indicate that the ligand labels predominantly high capacity, low affinity binding sites. To determine the utility of the rat brain as a model for [3H]imipramine and [3H]citalopram binding in the human brain, binding of the ligands was compared in human and rat hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. The pharmacological characteristics of [3H]imipramine and [3H]citalopram binding were similar in the rat and human brain. However, substantial species differences were observed in topographic patterns of [3H]imipramine binding within the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The distribution of [3H]citalopram binding sites within the amygdala and hypothalamus were also strikingly different in rats compared to humans. This work provides the first demonstration that marked species differences exist in the topography of serotonergic innervation and in the distribution of [3H]imipramine binding sites within the rat and human brain regions examined.
125I Radioimmunoassay of Netilmicin

We report a radioimmunoassay for the new semisynthetic aminoglycoside netilmicin with a sensitivity of 480 pg per tube and a correlation coefficient of 0.94 between this radioimmunoassay and a microbioassay for measurement of netilmicin in serum.
Scatter Retinal Photocoagulation for Proliferative Sickle Cell Retinopathy

We treated sea-fan neovascularization in 19 patients (21 eyes) who had proliferative sickle cell retinopathy with localized scatter photocoagulation. We placed burns of light to moderate intensity adjacent to 45 sea fans in a scatter fashion. In general, treatment extended from 1.5 mm posterior to 1.5 mm anterior to the sea fan and one clock hour to each side of each lesion. Flat sea fans responded dramatically to treatment, with complete regression in 24 of 28 lesions. Elevated sea fans (especially large ones) responded less readily, with complete regression in only four of 17 lesions. Localized scatter photocoagulation is valuable in treating patients with early proliferative sickle cell retinopathy.
Measurement of tumor interstitial volume fraction: method and implication for drug delivery.

It is important to evaluate the tumor interstitial volume fraction that is accessible for drug accumulation during the distribution phase in order to determine the potential efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we performed simulations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity using a two-compartment tissue model for quantitative analyses of absolute interstitial volume measurements while we experimentally characterized a mouse tumor model with a dual MR contrast-agent method. Previously, consecutive intravenous injections of a strictly intravascular T1 contrast agent followed by an extravasating agent were used as a strategy for the quantification of both relative blood volume (Rel_BV) and relative interstitial volume (Rel_ITST) (Weissleder et al. Eur J Cancer 1998;34:1448–1454; Bogdanov et al. Neoplasia 1991;1:438–435). In the current study, we demonstrate that this approach can be further improved, and that it enables one to accurately evaluate both relative and absolute interstitial volumes. The animal data indicated that a significant difference exists between the absolute interstitial volume fractions of subcutaneously implanted MDA PCa 2b tumor and skeletal muscle tissue (27.5 ± 9.1% and 15.9 ± 0.7%, respectively (P < 0.05)), while only a minor difference was found for the absolute blood volumes (Abs_BV) (Kim et al. Magn Reson Med 2002;47:1110–1120) of these tissues. Magn Reson Med 52:485–494, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Light scattering from a sphere behind a surface

The light scattered by a sphere behind a plane surface is solved with an extension of Mie theory. I solve the boundary conditions at the sphere and at the surface simultaneously and develop the scattering amplitude and Mueller scattering matrices. This approach involves the multiplication of the fields in the half-space region not including the sphere by an appropriate Fresnel reflection coefficient and the projection of these fields onto the half-space region including the sphere. The scattered fields from the sphere, reflecting off the surface and interacting with the sphere, are assumed to be incident upon the surface at near-normal incidence. The exact scatter approaches this limit when (1) the sphere is at a large distance from the surface, (2) the sphere radius is small compared with the incident wavelength, or (3) the difference between the refractive indices of the two half-space regions is either small or great.
Electric-field-induced memory effects in granular films.

We report on a study of memory effects in granular film systems. Experiments by Lambe and Jaklevic and by Adkins et al. are examined. In the former, a granular film is embedded in a capacitor, and the memory effect is an anomaly in the low-temperature capacitance-voltage plot centered at the bias in which the capacitor was cooled. In the latter, the granular film forms one plate of a capacitor, bias is applied between the capacitor plates, and the memory effect is an anomaly in the low-temperature plot of the granular film's conductance versus bias, centered about the cooling bias. In reviewing these experiments, it is found that there is lacking a theoretical understanding which correctly addresses the roles of electrostatic and electrochemical potentials in establishing the memory. Experiments are carried out on a Lambe-Jaklevic device which provide insights into the effect and supplement the existing experimental results. Two theoretical models are proposed. One, based on the idea of the Coulomb glass, predicts results inconsistent with some aspects of the experimental results. The other is related to the ideas in the original Lambe-Jaklevic and Adkins et al. works but resolves issues raised in considering their models and is consistent with allmore » experimental results.« less
Neuroprotective agent riluzole potentiates postsynaptic GABAA receptor function

Abstract The antiepileptic drug riluzole is a use-dependent blocker of voltage-gated Na+ channels and selectively depresses action potential-driven glutamate over γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release. Here we report that in addition to its presynaptic effect, riluzole at higher concentrations also strongly potentiates postsynaptic GABAA responses both in cultured hippocampal neurons and in Xenopus oocytes expressing recombinant receptors. Although peak inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) of autaptic hippocampal neurons were inhibited, 20–100 μM riluzole significantly prolonged the decay of IPSCs, resulting in little change in total charge transfer. The effect was dose-dependent and reversible. Riluzole selectively increased miniature IPSC fast and slow decay time constants, without affecting their relative proportions. Miniature IPSC peak amplitude, rise time and frequency were unaffected, indicating a postsynaptic mechanism. In the Xenopus oocyte expression system, riluzole potentiated GABA responses by lowering the EC50 for GABA activation. Riluzole directly gated a GABAA current that was partially blocked by bicuculline and gabazine. Pharmacological experiments suggest that the action of riluzole did not involve a benzodiazepine, barbiturate, or neurosteroid site. Instead, riluzole-induced potentiation was inhibited by the lactone antagonist α-isopropyl-α-methyl-γ-butyrolatone (α-IMGBL). While most anticonvulsants either block voltage-gated Na+ channels or potentiate GABAA receptors, our results suggest that riluzole may define an advantageous class of anticonvulsants with both effects.
Coal depositional models in some Tertiary and Cretaceous coal fields in the U.S. Western Interior

Abstract Detailed stratigraphic and sedimentological studies of the Tertiary Tongue River Member of the Fort Union Formation in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, and the Cretaceous Blackhawk Formation and Star Point Sandstone in the Wasatch Plateau, Utah, indicate that the depositional environments of coal played a major role in controlling coal thickness, lateral continuity, potential minability, and type of floor and roof rocks. The potentially minable, thick coal beds of the Tongue River Member were primarily formed in long-lived floodbasin backswamps of upper alluvial plain environment. Avulsion of meandering fluvial channels contributed to the erratic lateral extent of coals in this environment. Laterally extensive coals formed in floodbasin backswamps of a lower alluvial plain environment; however, interruption by overbank and crevasse-splay sedimentation produced highly split and merging coal beds. Lacustrine sedimentation common to the lower alluvial plain, similar to the lake-covered lower alluvial valley of the Atchafalaya River Basin, is related to a high-constructive delta. In contrast to these alluvial coals are the deltaic coal deposits of the Blackhawk Formation. The formation consists of three coal populations: upper delta plain, lower delta plain, and ‘back-barrier’. Coals of the lower delta plain are thick and laterally extensive, in contrast to those of the upper delta plain and ‘back-barrier’, which contain abundant, very thin and laterally discontinuous carbonaceous shale partings. The reworking of the delta-front sediments of the Star Point Sandstone suggests that the Blackhawk-Star Point delta was a high-destructive system.
Nitric oxide directly promotes vascular endothelial insulin transport.

Insulin resistance strongly associates with decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and endothelial dysfunction. In the vasculature, NO mediates multiple processes that affect insulin delivery, including dilating both resistance and terminal arterioles in skeletal muscle in vivo. However, whether NO directly regulates vascular endothelial cell (EC) insulin uptake and its transendothelial transport (TET) is unknown. We report in this article that l-NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) pretreatment blocked, whereas l-arginine and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) each enhanced, EC uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled insulin. SNP also partly or fully reversed the inhibition of EC insulin uptake caused by l-NAME, wortmannin, the Src inhibitor PP1, and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, SNP promoted [125I]TyrA14insulin TET by ∼40%. Treatment with insulin with and without SNP did not affect EC cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, and the cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP did not affect FITC-insulin uptake. In contrast, treatment with insulin and SNP significantly increased EC protein S-nitrosylation, the colocalization of S-nitrosothiol (S-NO) and protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), and Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and inhibited PTP1B activity. Moreover, a high-fat diet significantly inhibited EC insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and FITC-insulin uptake that was partially reversed by SNP in rats. Finally, inhibition of S-nitrosylation by knockdown of thioredoxin-interacting protein completely eliminated SNP-enhanced FITC-insulin uptake. We conclude that NO directly promotes EC insulin transport by enhancing protein S-nitrosylation. NO also inhibits PTP1B activity, thereby enhancing insulin signaling.
Electroproduction at very small values of the scaling variable

It is a real pleasure to dedicate these remarks to my colleague and friend, Jack Steinberger, whose work with neutrino production of hadrons has so much advanced our knowledge of the interior structure of the nucleon.
Control of Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars

Control of Pseudomonas syringae pathovars is similar to other phytopathogenic bacteria. Primary control protocols include quarantine, chemical control, host plant resistance, and seed certification. Recently, non protein amino acids such as β-aminobutyric acid and chemical activators including 2, 6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA) and benzo (1,2,3) thiadiazole-7carbothoioic acid-S-methyl ester (BTH) add an additional facet for control. These chemicals have no or limited effect on the causal agent but invoke plant defence responses such as systemic acquired resistance (SAR).
Linguistics at the beginning of the 21st century

L'A. analyse l'ouvrage de Aronoff et Rees-Miller The handbook of linguistics (2001). Ce livre de poche s'adresse a un public non-linguiste, avec pour but de faire decouvrir et d'expliquer au neophyte les differentes disciplines et theories des sciences du langage. L'A. note a ce propos que cet ouvrage ne se contente pas d'explorer les domaines les plus familiers mais aussi des plus specifiques (e.g. traduction, expertise linguistique). Cette etude discute individuellement de chaque chapitre, en traitant de leur contenu general et en verifiant leur accessibilite au public. L'A. conclut sur l'etat de la recherche dans les sciences du langage au XXIeme s.
Noninvasive Real-Time Monitoring of Liver-Stage Development of Bioluminescent Plasmodium Parasites

Background. The morbidity and mortality associated with malaria are heightened because of the spread of drug-resistant parasites and the lack of an effective vaccine. Plasmodium liver stages are the targets of new chemo-therapeutics and vaccines, but there are limited tools available to study this stage in vivo. Methods. To overcome this obstacle, we developed a method with which to study Plasmodium liver stages by means of bioluminescent imaging (BLI) of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii. We created a P. yoelii YM strain (PyLuc) that stably expresses firefly luciferase driven by a constitutive promoter. Results. Using BLI, we performed imaging of the Plasmodium liver stages of mice infected with PyLuc sporozoites and monitored parasite dissemination during blood-stage infection. Because PyLuc luciferase activity is proportional to the number of parasites, BLI can be used to quantify the effect of drugs on liver-stage development. Moreover, using BLI, we demonstrated that immunization with blood-stage parasites confers partial protective immunity against the development of liver stages. Conclusions. BLI is a noninvasive technique that is useful for screening potential drugs and candidate vaccines with which to combat malaria. The prospect of cross-stage protective immunity increases the number of avenues to be explored in the development of an effective vaccine against malaria.
Considerations for ecological reconstruction of historic vegetation: Analysis of the spatial uncertainties in the California Vegetation Type Map dataset

Historical ecological data are valuable for reconstructing early environmental and vege- tation community conditions and examining change to vegetation communities and distur- bance regimes over decadal and longer temporal scales, but these data are not free from error. We examine the spatial uncertainties associated with 18,000 vegetation plots in the decades-old Cali- fornia Vegetation Type Mapping (VTM) dataset that has been digitized for use in modern ecolog- ical analysis. We examine the relationship be- tween plot location error and basemap year, basemap scale, plot elevation, plot slope, and general plot habitat type. Bivariate plots and classification and regression tree analysis (CART) confirm that basemap scale and age are the strongest explanation of total error. Total error in spatial location for all plots ranged from 126.9 m to 462.3 m; plots drawn on 15-min (1:62,500-scale) basemaps had total error ranging from 126 m to 199.7 m, and plots drawn on coarser-scale basemaps (1:125,000-scale) had total errors ranging from 241 m to 461.2 m. Relocation of individual VTM plots is considerably easier for plots originally marked on 1:62,500-scale maps produced after 1904, and more difficult for plots originally marked on 1:125,000-scale maps pro- duced before 1898. Biogeographical analyses that rely less on relocating individual plots, such as environmental niche modeling or multivariate analyses can alleviate some of these concerns, but all researchers using these kinds of data need to consider errors in spatial location of plots. The paper also discusses ways in which the differing spatial error might be reported and visualized by those using the dataset, and how the data might be used in modern environmental niche models.
Murder by Suicide: Episodes from Muslim History

Suicide terrorism and other operations that consume the killer's life employ beliefs and practices intended to reconcile the killer with his or her own death. This article reviews three episodes from Muslim history: the Assassins of Syria and Persia, juramentado in the Philippines, and Husayn's martyrdom at Karbala. Each of these episodes manifests a different symbolic stratagem: the neutralization of transition anxiety, the sacrificial fusion of murder and suicide, and the justifying projection of the past onto the present. [Keywords: suicide terrorism, Islam, Middle East, Iran, Philippines]
Mandatory Continuing Education: Time for Reevaluation

can be broadly categorized as follows: Continuing education is a required condition for ( 1) the renewal of a pro fessional license—for example, the model licensing statute promulgated by the National Association of Social Workers since 1973, which includes a provision for mandatory continuing education, (2) the renewed of a spe cialty certification, and (3) contin ued membership in a professional as sociation.1
Can the Prince Really Be Tamed? Executive Prerogative, Popular Apathy, and the Constitutional Frame in Locke's Second Treatise

Even as he recommends it as the extra-constitutional solution to the inefficiencies and insufficiencies of legislative constitutionalism, Locke's Second Treatise is far more aware of the dangers of executive prerogative than the more optimistic accounts in the recent scholarship have appreciated, making Locke pessimistic about the permanent sustenance of legislative constitutionalism. This pessimism stems from Locke's recognition that the people are far too constitutionally passive for the vigilance essential to ‘umpire’ well the necessity of executive action outside the laws. In fact, liberalism itself can contribute to such passivity: the people are content to allow an executive to act with a significant degree of discretion outside the laws so long as those actions do not interfere with their short-term interest in security and prosperity. Understanding Locke's pessimism regarding popular vigilance casts into new light his argument for a legislative constitutionalism based on fundamental laws that establish a clear separation of powers. Such fundamental laws provide legislative elites with the constitutional ‘signals’ by which they can alert the otherwise slumbering people about an executive intent on usurpation and tyranny.
INFECTION CONTROL IN THE BRONCHOSCOPY SUITE: A Review

Bronchoscopy can occasionally transmit disease. Infection control in the bronchoscopy suite is especially important because of the risk of transmitting HIV or tuberculosis. Many case reports, patient series, and small studies have been published, but little comprehensive guidance is available for clinicians who wish to learn more about the problem and prevent it. We review the literature and describe three ways in which bronchoscopy can cause disease: by transmitting infections between patients, by transferring microorganisms within a patient, and by triggering coughing that can cause airborne infection of patients or health-care workers. Recommendations for infection control are listed; they include installing powerful air filters, using disposable bronchoscope suction valves, manually cleaning all equipment before disinfection, controlling patient coughing, and in some cases, giving patients prophylactic antibiotics.