cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-watt 1.25 μm quantum dot VECSEL

An InAs quantum dot (QD) vertical external cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) operating at a wavelength of 1.25 m is reported. The gain region of the laser consists of a resonant periodic gain structure using single QD layers at 12 adjacent electrical field antinodes - a design optimised to reduce strain accumulation and improve QD quality. A fibre-coupled 808 nm laser diode is used as a pump source and a spherical external mirror completes the cavity. Thermal management is accomplished by bonding the VECSEL sample to a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond heat spreader. Continuous wave output powers in excess of 3 W have been achieved at room temperature. The broad emission spectrum makes this device an ideal candidate for wavelength tunable or modelocked applications.
Realtime data filtering models for air temperature measurements

[1] Air temperature measurement biases caused by solar radiation and ambient wind speed are well-known. However, realtime air temperature filtering models are essential for generating homogeneous climate data by transforming one air temperature measurement system into another, and correcting in-situ air temperature biases especially for non-aspirated radiation shield systems. This study investigated the air temperature biases caused in the commonly used radiation shields in the United States, including the ASOS, MMTS, Gill, CRS, ASP-ES, and NON-ASP-ES shields along with corresponding temperature sensors. The realtime air temperature filtering models developed for each air temperature system are capable of removing the solar radiation and ambient wind speed effects on air temperature measurements taken over comparable vegetation surfaces at any weather station or experimental site.
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: the role of chemotherapy with updated outcomes.

Background: There are very few published data on the survival of patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, or, more specifically, on the efficacy and role of chemotherapy, especially in the era of modern diagnostic and treatment modalities. The current study examines the influence of advancements in imaging and chemotherapy on outcome and serves as an extension to a previous study published in 1986. Methods: Forty-two patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma who had presented to our institution between 1986 and 2000 were identified, and a retrospective chart review was performed. The study group included twenty-four men and eighteen women with an average age of sixty-six years. The diagnosis of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma was verified histologically, and data on treatment, adjuvant therapy, and survival were obtained from the medical records of all patients. All patients had been followed for a minimum of twenty-four months. Results: The tumors were classified, according to the system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, as grade IIA (five), grade IIB (twenty-six), and grade III (eleven). Three patients underwent biopsy only, eighteen had a limb-sacrificing procedure, and twenty-one had a limb-sparing procedure. In the group of patients who underwent resection, the surgical margins were classified as intralesional in three, marginal in two, wide in nineteen, and radical in fifteen. Twenty-seven patients received neoadjuvant therapy; of these, twenty-three received chemotherapy only, two received radiotherapy only, and two received combined therapy. The median survival time was 7.5 months, and the five-year rate of disease-free survival was 7.1%. With the numbers available, there was no significant difference in the rate of disease-free survival with respect to the use of chemotherapy (p = 0.54), the location of surgical margins (p = 0.14), the histological subtype (p = 0.87), the tumor stage at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.43), the tumor size (p = 0.79), or the performance of limb-sparing as opposed to limb-sacrificing procedures (p = 0.42). Conclusions: Despite advances in diagnostic modalities and adjuvant therapies, dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma continues to carry a poor prognosis. While local control is achieved in the majority of cases, distant disease remains the greatest clinical challenge, developing in 90% of patients. Efforts are needed to continue to encourage earlier diagnosis and to develop effective adjuvant therapies for the control of distant disease. The routine use of current adjuvant chemotherapy and its inherent risks in this population should be reconsidered. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series [no, or historical, control group]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Reconstruction of the Extruded Talus with Large Allograft Interfaces: A Report of 3 Cases

Although replant of the extruded talus would be preferable at the time of initial management, some patients present with a talus that had not been recovered. A series of 3 cases of the extruded talus that were reconstructed with large allograft interfaces are presented. Two of the cases had femoral head allografts and the other used morcellized cancellous allograft. Several orthobiologic substances were used in various proportions for each case. All 3 resulted in a solid union with minimal shortening of the extremity. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4
Ultrasound directed extrahepatic bile duct intraluminal brachytherapy

Intraluminal brachytherapy with a transcatheter Iridium-192 (Ir-192) wire, as a method to deliver a boost to patients with tumors of the extrahepatic bile ducts, has been well described. A major limitation of current imaging techniques is the inability to accurately define the proximal, distal, and most importantly the lateral extent of the tumor. We have found endoluminal ultrasound, which to this date has been used primarily to measure arterial wall layers, can successfully determine tumor volume in the bile ducts. The small diameter of these ultrasound probes allows easy insertion into a biliary duct drainage tube. Given the uncertainties in the determination of tumor size in the bile ducts, ultrasound is an ideal method by which to obtain the measurements. We present a case of recurrent islet cell carcinoma treated with external beam radiation therapy and an Ir-192 intraluminal brachytherapy boost in which the ultrasound probe was used to determine the tumor volume and response to therapy.
Parenting style, parent-youth conflict, and medication adherence in youth with type 2 diabetes participating in an intensive lifestyle change intervention.

Parenting behaviors and family conflict relate to type 1 diabetes outcomes in youth. Our purpose was to understand these relationships in parents and youth with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The TODAY (Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth) trial enrolled youth (10-17 years) with T2DM and parent/guardian. For this ancillary study, we enrolled a sample of youth-parent pairs (N = 137) in 1 study arm (metformin plus lifestyle intervention). They completed questionnaires measuring parenting style related to normative (e.g., completing homework) and diabetes self-care (e.g., testing blood glucose) tasks, and parent-youth verbal conflict (baseline, 6, and 12 months). Parenting style was consistent across normative and diabetes tasks, with gradual increases in autonomy perceived by youth. Conversations were generally calm, with greater conflict regarding normative than diabetes tasks at baseline (youth: p .05), and 12 months (youth: p > .05., parent: p = .05). A permissive parenting style toward normative tasks and a less authoritarian style toward diabetes tasks, at baseline, predicted better medication adherence (8-12 months) (normative: adjusted R2 = 0.48, p < .001; diabetes: adjusted R2 = 0.47, p < .001). Parent-youth conflict did not predict medication adherence. Youth with T2DM who perceive more autonomy (less parental control) in day-to-day and diabetes tasks are more likely to adhere to medication regimens. It may be valuable to assess youth perceptions of parenting style and help parents understand youths' needs for autonomy.
Cannabinoid1 receptor in the dorsal vagal complex modulates lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation in ferrets.

Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) is an effective anti-emetic; however, other potential gastrointestinal therapeutic effects of delta9-THC are less well-known. Here, we report a role of delta9-THC in a vago-vagal reflex that can result in gastro-oesophageal reflux, that is, gastric distension-evoked lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) relaxation. Oesophageal, LOS and gastric pressures were measured using a miniaturized, manometric assembly in decerebrate, unanaesthetized ferrets.Gastric distension (30 ml) evoked LOS relaxation (70 +/- 8% decrease from baseline). Delta9-THC administered systemically (0.2 mg kg-1, iv.) or directly to the dorsal hindbrain surface (0.002 mg),significantly attenuated the nadir of the gastric distention-evoked LOS relaxation, and time to reach maximal response. Similar increases to maximal effect were observed after treatment with the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (0.2 mg kg-1 iv.). The effect of systemic delta9-THC on gastric distention-evoked LOS relaxation was reversed by a selective cannabinoid1 (CBI) receptor antagonist, SR141617A (1 mg kg-1 i.v.). Since this reflex is vagally mediated, we used a CB1 receptor antiserum and immunocytochemistry to determine its distribution in ferret vagal circuitry. CBI receptor staining was present in cell bodies within the area postrema, nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and nodose ganglion. Intense terminal-like staining was noted within the NTS and dorsal motor vagal nucleus (DMN). Neither nodose ganglionectomy nor vagotomy altered the CB1 receptor terminal-like staining in the dorsal vagal complex. Retrogradely labelled gastric- or LOS-projecting DMN neurones did not express CBI receptors within their soma. Therefore, CBI receptor staining in the NTS and DMN is not due to primary vagal afferents or preganglionic neurones. These novel findings suggest that delta9-THC can modulate reflex LOS function and that the most likely site of action is via the CBI receptor within the NTS. This effect of delta9-THC may have implications in treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux and other upper gut disorders.
Effects of pinealectomy, melatonin injections and melatonin antibody production on the mean duration of individual hibernation bouts in Spermophilus tridecemlineatus

Abstract 1. 1.|Pinealectomy did not significantly alter the length of the mean durations of individual hibernation bouts in adult Spermophilus tridecemlineatus . 2. 2.|Similarly, no statistically-significant differences in mean durations of individual hibernation bouts between pinealectomized and sham-pinealectomized group squirrels were observed for young-of-the year S. tridecemlineatus 3. 3.|Some apparent differences of pinealectomy are suggested as they relate to age, stage of hibernation cycle and time of year during which pinealectomies are performed. 4. 4.|Daily s.c. injections of 50 μg of melatonin late in the subjective photophase induced no statistically-significant differences in mean durations of individual hibernation bouts between either adult, female pinealectomized or intact S. tridecemlineatus and their respective controls. 5. 5.|Adult, female S. tridecemlineautus with reduced titres of endogenous melatonin displayed on statistically-significant difference in the mean duration of initial hibernation bouts compared with controls. 6. 6.|It is possible that melatonin per se or that pinealectomy or melatonin titre alterations are generally failing to induce any significant changes in the torpor/arousal cycles of seasonal hibernators; or that a parameter other than the duration of torpor/arousal cycles is being modulated by the pineal complex.
Recognition of the 1811?1812 New Madrid earthquakes in Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee sediments using pollen data

Reelfoot Lake is located within the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a region characterized by ongoing seismic activity and the locus of a series of large earthquakes (m b >7) during 1811–1812. Coseismic uplift and subsidence from the 1811–1812 events formed the lake basin from a partially inundated alluvial bottomland forest. Lithologic, chronologic, and palynologic data from a vibracore are used here to characterize the 1811–1812 earthquake record in lacustrine sediments. The stratigraphic record consists of a poorly consolidated upper silt, an intervening 10-cm sand layer, overlying a compact lower silt. Calibrated radiocarbon age estimates on wood samples from both silt units indicate deposition during historical time (1490–1890 AD). Better age estimates were obtained by correlating pollen assemblage data from the upper and lower silt with the historical record of land-use change in the Reelfoot Lake region. Two factors resulted in changing plant distributions (and hence pollen assemblages) in Reelfoot Lake sediments: 1) altered drainage patterns of Reelfoot Creek and Bayou de Chien resulting from 1811–1812 uplift and subsidence, and 2) deforestation and subsequent cultivation beginning approximately 1850 AD. The upper silt is characterized by a oak/cedar arboreal pollen (AP) assemblage, showing a mixture of upland and alluvial bottomland AP influx from the region to the open lake basin. Non-arboreal pollen (NAP) in the upper silt shows increasing abundance of Composites, particularly ragweed pollen indicating cultivation. This unit was deposited after the 1811–1812 earthquakes. The intervening sand layer was apparently emplaced by earthquake activity, or represents colluvium derived from most recent (1811–1812) coseismic uplift of Reelfoot scarp, which forms the western margin of the lake. The lower silt is characterized by a baldcypress/cedar AP assemblage with minor percentages of other flood-tolerant AP genera, interpreted as a baldcypress-dominated bottomland forest. Pollen influx in this environment is dominated by gravity-component deposition from local sources. The NAP in the lower silt shows that ragweed is rare or absent, suggesting pre-settlement conditions and deposition prior to 1811–1812.
Approaching Terra Incognita with James F. T. Bugental: An Interview and an Overview of Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy.

The purpose of this article is to report on the existential-humanistic approach to psychotherapy advanced by James F. T. Bugental. A brief biography is presented, along with an overview of the method, followed by an interview conducted with Dr. Bugental in November of 2002. Included is a discussion of key concepts such as subjectivity, presence, and the living moment. The major goals of this approach are outlined, along with suggestions and contraindications for use. Directions for future research and consideration are offered.
Quantum action principle and base operators for bosons and fermions

Abstract A new quantum action principle is formulated by expressing the Klein–Gordon, Dirac and Proca equations in the form of eigenvalue equations for quantum action operators. These operators are Hermitian and they become the base operators for bosons and fermions. The principle postulates that their only allowed eigenvalue is Planck's constant. Relationships between the quantum action operators and the Casimir operators of the Poincare group and translation group are derived. It is shown that the obtained results supplement Wigner's original work on classification of the irreducible representations of the Poincare group.
The development of the Bedford institute deep-sea drill☆

Abstract A new concept for drilling short cores of rock from the floor of the deep ocean is described. The power for operating the drill is obtained from water which moves from the normal ambient hydrostatic pressure into a low pressure void. A general description is given of the complete drill assembly and its method of operation. The results of three series of experiments at sea, and of a number of tests on land are given, from which the abilities and limitations of the drill in its present form may be inferred. The plans for future work are described and long-range objectives are outlined.
Experimental hyperphenylalaninemia: effect on central nervous system myelin subfractions.

Abstract We examined the effects of experimental hyperphenylalaninemia on the formation of subfractions of myelin in the central nervous system of 18- to 110-day-old rats. Hyperphenylalaninemia was induced by giving rats daily subcutaneous injections of α-methylphenylalanine and phenylalanine from the 3rd to the 15th postnatal day. A mixture of [ 3 H]glycine and [ 14 C]glucose was injected intraventricularly into 17-, 20-, and 24-day-old control and experimental rats 18 h prior to the isolation and subfractionation of CNS myelin. Nonradioactive myelin subfractions were isolated from 43- and 110-day-old rats. Animals that had been hyperphenylalaninemic between the 3rd and 15th postnatal day exhibited a deficiency of total myelin protein throughout the study. With the exception of one age, these rats had a deficit of the classical, mature light myelin. The light and medium myelin subfractions from 18- to 43-day-old experimental rats and heavy myelin from the 25- and 43-day-old experimental rats had a deficiency of myelin basic proteins and an excess of the high molecular weight proteins. Nonetheless, previously hyperphenylalaninemic rats incorporated more [ 3 H]glycine into the basic proteins of all myelin subfractions. The proportion of total brain [ 3 H] glycine and [ 14 C]glucose that was incorporated into combined (total) myelin subfractions was near normal in rats that were hyperphenylalaninemic between the 3rd and 15th postnatal day. However, these rats demonstrated decreased 3 H and 14 C incorporation into light myelin at 21 and 25 days, increased 3 H and 14 C incorporation into medium myelin at 25 days, and increased incorporation into heavy myelin at 21 days.
Myocardial morphology and blood flow distribution in chronic volume-overload hypertrophy in dogs

In this study we investigated myocardial structural alterations and regional myocardial blood flow in chronic volume-overload induced left ventricular hypertrophy in the dog. Moderate hypertrophy (28%) was produced by inserting a shunt between the left subclavian artery and the left atrial appendage in 7 dogs (LVH), while a sham operation was performed on 5 control dogs (C). At a paced heart rate of 100 beats/min there were no differences in blood-flow distribution to the subendocardium (ENDO) mid-myocardium (MYO) or subepicardium (EPI) or in ENDO/EPI ratios between the two groups of dogs. Following adenosine-induced coronary vasodilatation (1 mg/kg/min), there was a relative shift in blood flow away from the ENDO in the LVH dogs so that the ENDO/EPI ratio was reduced. Analysis of the microvascular bed and myocyte cross-sectional area in the same three regions of interest revealed a significant reduction in capillary density in the ENDO region of the hypertrophied hearts when compared to controls (LVH = 2463 +/- 10, C = 2773 +/- 75 caps/mm2) and a corresponding increase in myocardial cell cross-sectional area (LVH = 262 +/- 10, C = 233 +/- 36 microns 2). The reduction in capillary density in LVH may be explained on the basis of increased muscle growth without appropriate capillary proliferation indicating an inadequate neovascular response to this form of overload. The results also indicate that blood-flow distribution abnormalities may not be detected at resting flow with moderate LVH produced by volume overload.
Biochemical and immunological approaches to the study of gap junctional communication.

Studies on gap junctions isolated from rat liver by a procedure that avoids exogenous proteolysis (Hertzberg, E. L.; Gilula, N. B.; J. Biol. Chem. 254: 2138–2147; 1979) are described. The original isolation procedure was modified to increase the yield and has been extended to the preparation of gap junctions from mouse and bovine liver. Peptide map studies showed that the 27,000-dalton polypeptides present in liver gap junction preparations from all three sources are homologous and are not derived from other polypeptides of higher molecular weight that are observed in cruder preparations. Similar studies with lens fiber junctions demonstrated no homology between liver and lens junction polypeptides. Antibodies to the lens junction polypeptide did not cross-react with the liver gap junction polypeptide, further supporting this conclusion.
Measuring Consumer Perceptions of Quality Differences Among Competing Health Benefit Plans

In this paper, we combine revealed preference and survey data on attribute importance to estimate parameters that represent average perceived differences in the quality and convenience of competing health benefit plans. We find that consumers do not perceive differences in provider quality across options, though they do perceive differences related to waiting time and access to specialists. In order to validate our approach, we estimate parameters representing perceived premiums and compare the estimates to actual premium differences. The results suggest that consumers correctly perceive the high-premium option to cost more than the low-premium option. These results increase our confidence in the use of stated importance data to identify and interpret parameters measuring the effect of otherwise unobservable attributes of choice alternatives.
Functional Expression and Biochemical Characterization of an Epitope-Tagged Connexin37

To study the gap junction protein connexin37 (Cx37), we stably transfected cell lines with constructs of human Cx37 containing the epitope tag FLAG (DYKDDDDK). A Cx37 construct containing the FLAG moiety at the carboxyl terminus (Cx37F) was expressed in BWEM cells, and did not substantially alter the levels of endogenous Cx43 in these cells. Immunostaining showed that Cx37F colocalized with Cx43 at cell–cell contacts. Pulse-chase metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation with anti-FLAG antibodies indicated that Cx37F was synthesized as a protein that ran at 35.9 ± 0.9 kDa on reducing SDS–PAGE but chased into a slower migrating band at 38.0 ± 1.0 kDa. This shift in mobility was due to phosphorylation on serine residues, based on [32P]-metabolic labeling, immunoprecipitation, and phosphoamino acid analyses. The transition to the phosphoCx37F correlated with a loss of solubility in 1% Triton X-100. Based on the [35S]-methionine pulse-chase experiments, the half-life of the labeled Cx37F was approximately 3 h, which is within the range reported for other connexins. Analysis of dye injection experiments indicated that dye transfer was reduced in Cx37-transfected cells in comparison to parental BWEM cells, suggesting that formation of heteromeric Cx37–Cx43 channels reduced the molecular permeability of communication between these cells. Moreover, the similarities of previously demonstrated kinetic details and modification of Cx43 to our new data regarding Cx37 provide evidence for a commonality in processing and assembly steps of these two connexins.
Temperature dependence of the infrared absorption cross sections of carbon tetrachloride

Infrared absorption cross sections for carbon tetrachloride are reported over the range 730 to 825 cm−1 at four different temperatures (298, 273, 248, and 223 K). The absorption cross sections were measured using Fourier transform spectroscopy at a spectral resolution of 0.05 cm−1. The integrated band intensity for this spectral region was found to be (5.75±0.30) × 10−17 cm2 molecule−1 cm−1, independent of temperature. The absorption cross sections were found to be essentially independent of spectral resolution (between 0.05 and 0.25 cm−1) and foreign gas pressure (0–1 atm at 298 K, 0–200 torr at 223 K), although changes of about 5 to 10 % were noted in the structured regions of the spectrum. Our measured band intensity appears to be about 15 % higher than recently published data. These differences are discussed in terms of their effect on previously reported stratospheric CCl4 altitude profiles.
Late-life effect of early mystical experiences: A cross-cultural comparison

Abstract This article examines the effect of early mystical experiences on two elderly men who were among the most spiritually mature persons found in a larger study of optimal personality development in India and England. After having had deeply moving mystical-type experiences as young men, each went through the stages of spiritual development suggested by Collins (1991): Awakening, Purgation, Illumination, and Transformation. The Indian culture appeared to make transition along this path much easier than was found to be the case with the English respondent. The fact that despite differing cultural influences, they both came to a remarkably similar spiritual state provides support for William James' argument for the transcultural nature of mystical experiences, and their long-term effect.
From Gutenberg to the global information infrastructure: access to information in the networked world

From the Publisher: Winner of the American Society for Information Science and Technology's 2001 Best Book Award Will the emerging global information infrastructure (GII) create a revolution in communication equivalent to that wrought by Gutenberg, or will the result be simply the evolutionary adaptation of existing behavior and institutions to new media? Will the GII improve access to information for all? Will it replace libraries and publishers? How can computers and information systems be made easier to use? What are the trade-offs between tailoring information systems to user communities and standardizing them to interconnect with systems designed for other communities, cultures, and languages? This book takes a close look at these and other questions of technology, behavior, and policy surrounding the GII. Topics covered include the design and use of digital libraries; behavioral and institutional aspects of electronic publishing; the evolving role of libraries; the life cycle of creating, using, and seeking information; and the adoption and adaptation of information technologies. The book takes a human-centered perspective, focusing on how well the GII fits into the daily lives of the people it is supposed to benefit. Taking a unique holistic approach to information access, the book draws on research and practice in computer science, communications, library and information science, information policy, business, economics, law, political science, sociology, history, education, and archival and museum studies. It explores both domestic and international issues. The author's own empirical research is complemented by extensive literature reviews and analyses.
Regulated Expression of the Ets-1 Transcription Factor in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vivo and In Vitro

Ets-1 regulates the transcription of several genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins (ie, osteopontin and tenascin) as well as enzymes involved in degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ie, stromelysin and urokinase plasminogen activator). In the present study, we investigated the regulation of c-ets-1 in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells as well as in the arterial wall after balloon injury in vivo. Serum-starved smooth muscle cells exposed to serum for various time points express a major c-ets-1 mRNA transcript of 5.3 kb and minor bands of 4.0 and 2.5 kb with a peak at 2 hours after stimulation. These effects were concentration dependent. Western blotting revealed an increase in 55- and 40-kD immunoreactive ets-1 proteins in cells treated with serum for 2 hours, and binding to an oligonucleotide containing the ets-1 consensus cis-acting motif was demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Ets-1 mRNA abundance was induced with a peak at 2 hours after stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor-BB and with angiotensin II. There was a distinct increase of ets-1 immunoreactivity in the inner layer of the media 2 hours after balloon catheter injury of rat arteries, which declined after 6 hours and returned to the basal level 1 day after vessel wall damage. Arterial c-ets-1 mRNA content was induced with an identical time course. These findings suggest that c-ets-1 may be of importance in the mitogenic signaling pathway of smooth muscle cells grown in culture. In addition, ets-1 may play a role in the activation of smooth muscle cells in vivo after mechanical injury of the vessel wall. Because the ets-1 transcription factor activates the gene expression of a number of mRNA species involved in matrix deposition and degradation, these data are compatible with a role for ets-1 in vascular remodeling and/or cell migration.
Epifauna and Thermal Additions in the Upper Patuxent River Estuary

In the upper Patuxent Estuary environmental changes in temperature, salinity, and turbidity over a 5-year period are linked to changes in epifaunal production and species distribution. During 1967 a series of monthly panels showed dry weight production averaged 2.8 times greater in a steam electric station heated effluent than in the intake. A downriver shift in epifanual production in 1967 and changes in species abundance was noted and attributed to natural changes in salinity and turbidity and man-induced changes in temperature.
Eclipse help system: an open source user assistance offering

In this paper, we discuss the theoretical and practical elements of designing an open source User Assistance (UA) System. Specifically, we introduce UCD requirements, including those to accommodate different user modes for UA architectures and complex document integration. We then detail how these requirements were delivered in the open source Eclipse project.
Response of aromatic‐pathway enzymes to changing physiological states of growth in suspension cultures of Nicotiana silvestris

The activity levels of enzymes of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis respond to changing physiological states of growth, as illustrated by results obtained from suspension-cultured cells of Nicotiana silvestris Speg. et Comes line ANS 1 (2N=24). The experimental system provides a foundation for interpretations about overall regulation of enzyme levels in relationship to growth physiology. Levels of activity for shikimate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.25), prephenate aminotransferase and arogenate dehydrogenase were followed throughout a growth cycle obtained by a conventional subculture protocol. Enzyme date were also obtained from cell cultures maintained in continuous exponential growth for greater than 10 generations (EE cells). Both shikimate dehydrogenase and prephenate aminotransferase exhibited elevated stationary-phase levels of enzyme, much of which was carried over into a subsequent subculture. At least 4 generations of exponential growth were required before diminution of the latter two enzymes to the levels characteristic of truly exponential-phase growth (EE cells) occurred. This is reminiscent of the overall behavior of 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase (EC 4.1.2.15), specifically attributed to the properties of the cytosolic isozyme species (DAHP synthase-Co). Elevation of arogenate dehydrogenase also occurred in stationary-phase cells, but diminished rapidly during lag phase to reach the level characteristic of EE cells.
Inorganic and organic fluoride concentrations in tissues after the oral administration of sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) to rats.

Abstract Male rats were used to study the inorganinc (ionic) and organic fluoride concentration in plasma, liver, kidneys and stomach content after oral doses of 0, 2.2, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0 and 7.0 mg sodium monofluoroacetate (SMFA, Compound 1080)/kg body weight. Tissue and plasma ionic fluoride concentrations were observed to be higher in all rats given SMFA as compared to rats in the control group. This observation suggests in vivo defluorination of SMFA. Homogenates of liver obtained from SMFA poisoned rats showed significant increases in ionic fluoride concentration during a 6-day storage period at +4°C, with the total fluoride concentration (ionic and organic) remaining constant. The average percentages of distribution of SMFA (organic fluoride) in plasma, liver, and kidneys were 7.05, 5.07 and 1.68, respectively. Plasma and tissue SMFA concentrations were generally lower than the corresponding stomach fluid SMFA concentrations for all dosage groups. Lethal concentration of SMFA in the liquid stomach content was in the range 84.9–189 μg/ml, corresponding to total (ionic and organic) fluoride concentrations in the range of 16.1–36 μg/ml.
Tunable bipolar optical interactions between guided lightwaves

Attractive and repulsive optical forces between coupled photonic waveguides are demonstrated – previously, only attractive forces had been observed. The sign of the force can be controlled by varying the relative phase between the guided modes. This effect could be used in planar light-force devices on a CMOS-compatible platform.
Colonization of New York vineyards by Anagrus spp. (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae): overwintering biology, within-vineyard distribution of wasps, and parasitism of grape leafhopper, Erythroneura spp. (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), eggs

Received February 16, 1999; accepted January 17, 2000 A study was conducted in New York to identify the Anagrus species present in vineyards, to determine the plants in which Anagrus species overwinter, and to characterize the dispersal of wasps and level of parasitism of grape leafhopper eggs in vineyards. Anagrus daanei S. Triapitsyn and Anagrus erythroneurae S. Trjapitzin and Chiappini were the most abundant species reared from Vitis labrusca Bailey and Vitis vinifera L. cultivars, respectively. V. labrusca cultivars are infested predominantly by Erythroneura comes (Say), whereas V. vinifera cultivars are infested primarily by the Erythroneura vitifex Fitch‐Erythroneura bistrata McAtee complex. Anagrus tretiakovae S. Triapitsyn was reared from seven grape cultivars in approximately equal proportions. Thus, A. daanei and A. erythroneurae appear to possess greater degrees of host specificity than A. tretiakovae. These results support the belief that, although Anagrus species have relatively broad host associations, host preferences do exist. These preferences may be mediated by the plant associations of particular leafhopper species. Anagrus species use alternate hosts that infest several plant species. In particular, diapausing insect eggs in Acer saccharum Marshall, Robinia pseudo-acacia L., Rosa multiflora Thunberg, Salix nigra L., Vitis riparia Michaux, and Zanthoxylum americanum Miller may play important roles in the overwintering biology of the Anagrus species that are most abundant in vineyards. Following emergence from overwintering hosts, Anagrus adults are aggregated at the vineyard edge early in the season (May and June). By midseason or later (August and September), the pattern of wasp colonization and parasitism indicates that parasitoids are more widely dispersed in the vineyards. This pattern is consistent with colonization from vineyard edges, followed by relatively slow dispersal into the vineyard interior. Further investigations are necessary to identify the alternate host(s) that Anagrus exploits during the winter and spring and to delineate the phenology of such alternate hosts, as well as that of the grape leafhoppers and Anagrus species in the spring. Habitat management studies could then be conducted to identify strategies that would accelerate population growth of Anagrus in the spring and increase the rate of dispersal into vineyards. © 2000 Academic Press
The Endothelium but not the Syncytiotrophoblast of Human Placenta Expresses Caveolae

The human placenta is a complex specialized structure that mediates the interchange of molecules, ions, and gases between maternal and foetal circulation. We have investigated the distribution and expression of caveolae/caveolin in the placenta. Using immunochemical, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural methods, we show that the placenta expresses caveolin-1 and caveolin-2, which are marker proteins for caveolae. These proteins and caveolae were expressed at high levels in endothelium of placental capillaries and in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of larger vessels. In addition, fibroblasts in areas of the placenta with high connective tissue content also expressed caveolin. However, we were unable to detect these proteins or caveolae-like structures in the syncytiotrophoblast layer or in cytotrophoblasts. These results have important implications for further understanding placental biology and for the role of caveolae in cell regulation in this organ.
Three Peaces Of Empúries (1189-1220)

Previous studies on the Peace and Truce of God have emphasized how the countkings employed its statutory provisions to strengten their clerical-royalist programme. With the publication of three previously unknown peaces for the county of Empuries (1189, 1206, 1220) discovered in the Archivo Ducal de Medinaceli, it is now possible to consider with greater precision how a regional lord implemented the peace and its effect on local power. The instituted peace provoked strong reactions from the Catalan barons because it infringed on their traditional immunities and lordship. The counts of Empuries could not confront their leading nobles and their traditional immunities as aggressively as the count-kings. Compromised by the custom of fiefs and castle rights, the peace became a collaborative effort between the count and powerful nobles. Although the peace statutes did not produce significant administrative innovation in Empuries they did promote territorial identity.
Audit sampling with nonsampling errors of the first type

. Standard statistical auditing procedures rest upon the assumption that statistical nonsampling errors do not exist. Three distinct types of statistical nonsampling errors have been identified in the literature. This paper presents new theoretical results regarding the problem of audit sampling in the presence of nonsampling errors of the first type. When nonsampling errors of the first type exist, standard statistical auditing procedures yield a negatively biased estimate of the true number of errors and dollar amounts associated with those errors. A double-audit sampling plan is introduced here and provides an unbiased estimate of the true number of errors and dollar amounts of those errors in the presence of nonsampling errors of the first type. A new concept of auditor reliability also is defined, and results analogous to those in classical measurement theory are developed for the case of nonsampling errors of the first type. The multiple auditor results reported in a previous study are reanalyzed to give an estimate of the true number of problems and an estimate of auditor reliability in a complex auditing task. Resume. Les procedes de verification statistiques standard reposent sur l'hypothese selon laquelle les erreurs non dues au sondage statistique n'existent pas. Trois categories distinctes d'erreurs statistiques autres que celles d'echantillonnage sont identifiees dans la documentation existante. Les auteurs proposent de nouveaux resultats theoriques concernant le probleme de verification par sondages en presence d'erreurs non dues au sondage appartenant a la premiere de ces trois categories. Lorsqu'il existe des erreurs non dues au sondage appartenant a cette premiere categorie, les procedes de verification statistiques standard livrent une estimation negativement biaisee du nombre veritable d'erreurs et des valeurs monetaires associees a ces erreurs. Le double plan de verification par sondages propose ici offre une estimation non biaisee du nombre d'erreurs veritable et des valeurs monetaires correspondant a ces erreurs en presence d'erreurs non dues au sondage appartenant encore une fois a la premiere categorie. Les auteurs definissent egalement une nouvelle notion de fiabilite du verificateur et mettent au point des resultats analogues a ceux que permet d'obtenir la theorie classique de mesure, pour les cas d'erreurs non dues au sondage appartenant a ladite premiere categorie. Ils procedent a une nouvelle analyse des resultats multiples dont il est fait etat dans une etude effectuee par d'autres auteurs, cela afin d'obtenir une estimation du nombre de problemes veritable et une evaluation de la fiabilite du verificateur dans une tâche de verification complexe.
Wavelet-based image coding using nonlinear interpolative vector quantization

We propose a reduced complexity wavelet-based image coding technique. Here, 64-D (for three stages of decomposition) vectors are formed by combining appropriate coefficients from the wavelet subimages, 16-D feature vectors are then extracted from the 64-D vectors on which vector quantization (VQ) is performed. At the decoder, 64-D vectors are reconstructed using a nonlinear interpolative technique. The proposed technique has a reduced complexity and has the potential to provide a superior coding performance when the codebook is generated using the training vectors drawn from similar images.
Photoassisted Overall Water Splitting in a Visible Light-Absorbing Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrochemical Cell

Iridium oxide nanoparticles stabilized by a heteroleptic ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) dye were used as sensitizers in photoelectrochemical cells consisting of a nanocrystalline anatase anode and a Pt cathode. The dye coordinated the IrO2·nH2O nanoparticles through a malonate group and the porous TiO2 electrode through phosphonate groups. Under visible illumination (λ > 410 nm) in pH 5.75 aqueous buffer, oxygen was generated at anode potentials positive of −325 mV vs Ag/AgCl and hydrogen was generated at the cathode. The internal quantum yield for photocurrent generation was ca. 0.9%. Steady-state luminescence and time-resolved flash photolysis/transient absorbance experiments were done to measure the rates of forward and back electron transfer. The low quantum yield for overall water splitting in this system can be attributed to slow electron transfer (∼2.2 ms) from IrO2·nH2O to the oxidized dye. Forward electron transfer does not compete effectively with the back electron transfer reaction from TiO2 to the ...
Formation and differentiation of the external granular layer of the chick cerebellum.

To examine the formation and differentiation of the external granular layer, chick embryos ranging in age from two to 20 days were treated with tritiated thymidine and sacrificed after various time intervals. By studying the migration of the labeled cells at different stages of development, the following observations were made: (1) cells originating from the neuro-epithelial layer along the ventricular surface of the cerebellar plate migrate through previously formed cell layers of neuroblasts to the surface; (2) the development of the lateral portion of the cerebellar plate is approximately 24 hours more advanced than that of the medial region, thus explaining the appearance of the external granular layer first laterally and then medially; (3) at no time during development can a proliferation center be found in the ventrolateral angle of the fourth ventricle. Based on theses results, it is concluded that the cells of the external granular layer originate from the neuroepithelium bordering the ventricular surface of the cerebellar plate and migrate from this position straight to the surface. No evidence for a surface migration from the ventrolateral angle in a dorsomedial direction can be found. Shortly after the formation of the external granular layer at day six, its cells begin to proliferate. During this period, which lasts until day 15, relatively few cells leave the external granular layer to migrate inwards. After this day a massive inward migration occurs, and the cells of the external granular layer differentiate into the granular cells and perhaps the glia cells. In the internal granular layer they intermingle with the Purkinje cells and Golgi II neurons, which originate in the neuro-epithelial layer between days three and six of development. Shortly after hatching, when the external granular layer has fulfilled its function in cell production, it disappears.
Simultaneous measurements of angular scattering and intensity scintillation in the atmosphere

Simultaneous measurements of the spatial covariance of intensity and the angular spectrum of plane waves have been made for a diverging He–Ne laser beam propagating over a 1-km horizontal path. Most of the data are taken during strong scintillation. The measured angular spectrum is used to estimate the wave-structure function D(s). The propagation equation for the intensity covariance depends on the medium only through the longitudinal derivative of D(s). Thus, for a homogeneous medium, D(s) is sufficient to calculate the intensity covariance, although such a calculation has not been done in general. The estimated D(s) is used to calculate the intensity covariance by using weak scintillation theory and also by using an asymptotic theory for strong scintillation. The measured intensity covariances are then compared with these calculations. In both cases there is qualitative agreement, but the quantitative comparison is poor. It is shown that the inner scale of the turbulence is an important factor in weak scintillation, and it is argued that this inner scale is a dominant factor in strong scintillation.
Rotationally excited HD toward Zeta Ophiuchi

Copernicus satellite measurements of HD in J-double prime = 1 and J-double prime = 0 toward Zeta Oph are reported. The ratio of the number densities of HD in the J = 0 and J = 1 states is determined to be 0.15 + or - 0.02 at the 1-sigma level. A value of approximately 24 x 10 to the -17th erg/cu cm per A at 1000 A is obtained for the UV energy density at the Zeta Oph cloud, and the mechanisms for excitation of HD are examined. A tight upper limit is derived for the abundance of HCl, which has been predicted to be present due to the interaction of ionized chlorine with neutral hydrogen. A calculation is performed which indicates that the cloud is 28 pc from the star. It is shown that the two-component cloud model of Black and Dalgarno (1977) with densities of 500 and 2500 H nuclei per cu cm for the outer regions and core, respectively, is in excellent agreement with the observations.
Cockroach allergen levels and associations with cockroach-specific IgE.

Background Among inner-city children with asthma, cockroach allergen exposure has been associated with allergic sensitization. Objective We hypothesized that cockroach allergen levels in homes would be associated with sensitization to cockroach allergens in children. Methods From a low-income preschool program, 341 four-year-old children selected on the basis of the willingness of their caregivers to participate in the study were enrolled. Dust from their beds and kitchens were analyzed for cockroach (Bla g 2), mouse (mouse urinary proteins), and cat allergens (Fel d 1). Serum samples were analyzed for allergen-specific IgE antibodies by immunoassay. Results Bla g 2 levels >1 U/g in children's bed and kitchen dust samples were independently associated with cockroach-specific IgE (odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-6.4; and OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2-9.4, respectively), adjusting for sex, ethnicity, asthma, pet ownership, mother's allergic sensitization, environmental tobacco smoke, and having lived in other homes. Bla g 2 was associated (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.0-13.1) with cockroach-specific IgE among children with asthma. Among children without asthma, the ORs were similar (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 0.9-10.3), but the association was not statistically significant. Conclusion Concentrations of the major cockroach allergen, Bla g 2, in settled dust were associated with cockroach-specific IgE independent of other factors in a cohort of 4-year-old inner-city children.