cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging of electroconvection in a polar organic solvent.

Molecular motion in the polar organic solvent nitrobenzene induced by an electric field is studied by magnetic resonance imaging. Rf pulse sequences that correlate images obtained at two different times under conditions of both continuous and pulsed electric fields are introduced. The resultant image correlation spectra indicate that the time scale of motion in a 9.6 kV/cm electric field is tens of milliseconds. Comparison of the results to an analytic solution for the Fokker-Planck probability function for one-dimensional bounded diffusion yields an electric field dependent effective diffusion coefficient for perdeuterated nitrobenzene of D = 1.08 x 10(-5) cm(2)/s + (3.33 x 10(-3) cm(4)/kV(2)s) E(2) at room temperature. Characteristics of this electroconvection and its consequences for combining multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance with electrical orientation are also discussed.
Feeding of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus to infants in hospital for prevention of diarrhoea and shedding of rotavirus

Abstract Summary Acute diarrhoea is a serious cause of infant morbidity and mortality, and the development of preventive measures remains an important goal. Bifidobacteria (which constitute the predominant intestinal flora of breastfed infants), as well as other lactic-acid-producing organisms such as Streptococcus thermophilus, are thought to have a protective effect against acute diarrhoeal disease. However, their efficacy has not been assessed in controlled trials. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, infants aged 5-24 months who were admitted to a chronic medical care hospital were randomised to receive a standard infant formula or the same formula supplemented with Bifidobacterium bifidum and S thermophilus. Patients were evaluated daily for occurrence of diarrhoea, and faecal samples, obtained weekly, were analysed for rotavirus antigen by enzyme immunoassay. Faecal samples were also obtained during an episode of diarrhoea for virological and bacteriological analyses. 55 subjects were evaluated for a total of 4447 patient-days during 17 months. 8 (31%) of the 26 patients who received the control formula and 2 (7%) of 29 who received the supplemented formula developed diarrhoea during the course of the study (p=0·035, Fisher's exact test, two-tailed). 10 (39%) of the subjects who received the control formula and 3 (10%) of those who received the supplemented formula shed rotavirus at some time during the study (p=0·025). The supplementation of infant formula with B bifidum and S thermophilus can reduce the incidence of acute diarrhoea and rotavirus shedding in infants admitted to hospital.
A rapid, two-step method for high-yield purification of recombinant rat acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors.

Abstract We describe the preparation of vectors for T7 polymerase-driven, high-level expression of rat acidic (aFGF) or basic (bFGF) fibroblast growth factors in Escherichia coli . Following isopropyl-β- d -thiogalacto-side induction of T7 polymerase, rat aFGF or bFGF represented a major portion of the proteins synthesized by vector-transformed E. coli . Passage of cell extracts through an Amicon YM-100 membrane provided ultrafiltrates containing either aFGF or bFGF as the principal component. A single heparin-Sepharose chromatography of the ultrafiltrates yielded essentially homogenous, biologically active, recombinant rat aFGF or bFGF. By silanizing vessels and using buffers containing 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid, we could store homogenous aFGF or bFGF preparations without significant loss during repeated freezing and thawing. Previous methods for purifying aFGF or bFGF utilized salt fractionation followed by sequential ion exchange and heparin-Sepharose chromatography. These purified aFGF or bFGF preparations routinely were stored in buffered carrier protein to minimize mitogen loss resulting from adsorption to glass or plastic surfaces. In contrast, the methods that we detail are rapid, require minimal manipulation of preparations, and permit storage of carrier-free, homogenous preparations without loss resulting from surface adsorption. The protocols can be used for preparation of homogenous aFGF or bFGF of other species and may be readily applied to the isolation and characterization of FGF-like mitogens present in cultured cell extracts, conditioned medium, or tissue preparations.
Gradient competence at the Syntax-Discourse Interface

In this article, we present additional support of Duffield's (2003, 2005) distinction between Underlying Competence and Surface Competence. Duffield argues that a more fine-grained distinction between levels of competence and performance is warranted and necessary. While underlying competence is categorical, surface competence is more probabilistic and gradient, being sensitive to lexical and constructional contingencies, including the contextual appropriateness of a given construction. We examine a subset of results from a study comparing native and learner competence of properties at the syntax-discourse interface. Specifically, we look at the acceptability of Clitic Right Dislocation in native and L2 Spanish, in discourse-appropriate context. We argue that Duffield's distinction is a possible explanation of our results.
ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE-DEPENDENT SUPEROXIDE GENERATION FROM ADRIAMYCIN

Adriamycin (or doxorubicin) is an active and broad spectrum chemotherapeutic agent. Unfortunately, its clinical use is severely restricted by a dose-limiting cardiotoxicity which has been linked to the formation of superoxide. Enzymatic one-electron reduction of adriamycin forms adriamycin semiquinone radical, which rapidly reacts with oxygen to form superoxide and adriamycin. In this way, adriamycin provides a kinetic mechanism for the one-electron reduction of oxygen by flavoenzymes such as NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase. We demonstrate here that the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) reduces adriamycin to the semiquinone radical. As a consequence, superoxide formation is enhanced and nitric oxide production is decreased. Adriamycin binds to eNOS with a Km of approximately 5 microM, as calculated from both eNOS-dependent NADPH consumption and superoxide generation. Adriamycin stimulated superoxide formation is not affected by calcium/calmodulin and is abolished by the flavoenzyme inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium. This strongly suggests that adriamycin undergoes reduction at the reductase domain of eNOS. A consequence of eNOS-mediated reductive activation of adriamycin is the disruption of the balance between nitric oxide and superoxide. This may lead eNOS to generate peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide, potent oxidants implicated in several vascular pathologies.
A Research Note on Gendered Perceptions of Wildlife: The Ethic of Care Meets a Snake and a Tortoise

This research note asks whether the gender of a landowner matters when it comes to endangered species conservation. Based on interviews with landowners in Ohio and Utah who share their property with endangered snakes or tortoises, it is argued that effective policy must confront existing gender differences. Women and men care equally about the tortoise in Utah while women care significantly less about the snake in Ohio. Moreover, women appear to extend an ethic of care to tortoises but not snakes. Thus, there is reason to believe that gender can matter and, when it does, policy needs to address this difference.
Development and testing of a fluorescence biosensor for glucose sensing

Rapid, accurate, and minimally-invasive biosensors for glucose measurement have the potential to enhance management of diabetes mellitus and improve patient outcome in intensive care settings. Recent studies have indicated that implantable biosensors based on Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) can provide high sensitivity in quantifying glucose concentrations. However, standard approaches for determining the potential for interference from other biological constituents have not been established. The aim of this work was to design and optimize a FRET-based glucose sensor and assess its specificity to glucose. A sensor based on competitive binding between concanavalin A and dextran, labeled with long-wavelength acceptor and donor fluorophores, was developed. This process included optimization of dextran molecular weight and donor concentration, acceptor to donor ratio, and hydrogel concentration, as well as the number of polymer layers for encapsulation. The biosensor performance was characterized in terms of its response to clinically relevant glucose concentrations. The potential for interference and the development of test methods to evaluate this effect were studied using a potential clinical interferent, maltose. Results indicated that our biosensor had a prediction accuracy of better than 11% and that the robustness to maltose was highly dependent on glucose level.
Inhibition of murine sarcoma virus induced transformation in an adenovirus -- NRK system.

Cell transformation induced by murine sarcoma virus (MSV-M) is significantly inhibited (80–90%) in a clonal line of normal rat kidney (NRK) cells when they are infected with rat cell passaged adenovirus 12 (R-Ad12). No inhibition is seen when R-Ad12 is added simultaneously with, or 1 1/2 or 24 hr after, MSV-M infection, suggesting that inhibition occurs most probably intracellularly. There is also a direct correlation between the extent of focus formation and the concentration of R-Ad12 used. Concentrations of R-Ad12 used to inhibit cell transformation do not affect cell growth. Significant inhibition in foci (90–100%) is also evident in the first two subcultures of R-Ad12 infected NRK cells. The mechanism of the inhibition is not yet known.
A Publishing History of John Mitchell’s Map of North America, 1755-1775

John Mitchell’s Map of the British and French Dominions in North America (London, 1755) is a prominent feature of the history of cartography of the British colonies in North America. A close examination of the history of the publication of its seven identified variants (1755-1775) indicates, however, that the map is properly understood in terms of the British, and more specifically London, market for maps and geographical information. There, it contributed to public discussions about the nature of the British empire and the British nation. This study also demonstrates the validity and necessity of applying the established bibliographical scheme of edition, printing, issue, and state to maps.
The behavior of redox-sensitive metals across a laminated–massive–laminated transition in Saanich Inlet, British Columbia

Abstract Holocene laminated sediments in Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, are interrupted by frequent, non-laminated, massive layers. These layers may be debris flows released by earthquakes or bioturbated sediments deposited during periods of relatively high bottom water oxygen concentration and/or low surface productivity, or both. We determined the organic carbon content and the concentration of a suite of redox-sensitive metals in bulk sediments at approximately 1-cm resolution across a laminated–massive–laminated interval (ODP leg 169S Site 1033, Hole B, 4H4 54–74 cm), to determine the redox conditions under which the massive layer was deposited. Our results indicate that this massive interval was deposited under anoxic bottom waters. Manganese/Al ratios are consistently low throughout the massive section, while Mo/Al, Cd/Al, Re/Al, and U/Al ratios are enriched relative to their metal/Al ratios in detrital material (represented by Cowichan River suspended sediments). The concentration of organic carbon in the lower portion of the massive layer is higher than in the upper portion, which has a concentration similar to that in the overlying and underlying laminated sediments. Well-defined peaks in Mo/Al, Cd/Al, and Re/Al and a broad peak in U/Al occur in the lower portion of the massive layer. The positions of the Cd/Al, Re/Al, and Mo/Al peaks, as well as the increase in organic carbon content with depth in the massive layer, are best explained by a process of diagenetic redistribution of metals that occurred after the massive layer was emplaced.
Performance analysis of capacity discovery algorithm on hardware platform

A hardware implementation of a completely decentralized multi-agent system for capacity discovery in micro-grids is presented. Performance in terms of time-to-convergence of the decentralized system, using wireless communications is reported. An Arduino microcontroller and ZigBee radio are used to implement the algorithm.
The influence of catecholamines and cyclic AMP on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity and lipid biosynthesis in isolated rat hepatocytes.

A modification of existing techniques for isolating rat hepatocytes by perfusion of the liver with collagenase is described in which hepatocyte viability remained greater than 90% and incorporation of [3H]leucine into protein remained nearly linear during subsequent cell incubation at 37 °C for 6 h. Both the initial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity and the rate of sterol synthesis were significantly lower in hepatocytes isolated from rats killed at about the fourth hour of the 12 h light period (L-4) than from those killed at the sixth hour of the dark period (D-6). Incubation of L-4 hepatocytes resulted in increases in both the activity of HMG-CoA reductase and the rate of sterol synthesis from [14C]acetate of 200–300% by 3 h, but that from [14C]mevalonate did not change. In contrast, D-6 hepatocytes showed no increase in reductase activity or in sterol synthesis. Rat serum elicited a rapid increase in the activity of HMG-CoA reductase and the rate of sterol synthesis in L-4 and D-6 cells. Serum did not stimulate sterol synthesis from [14C]mevalonate or fatty acid synthesis from [14C]acetate. Epinephrine or norepinephrine resulted in an increase in the hepatocyte reductase activity which was maximal after 3 h of incubation, at an initial hormone concentration of approximately 5.5 × 10−5m, with both L-4 and D-6 cells. Epinephrine or norepinephrine also stimulated the rate of incorporation of [14C]acetate into nonsaponifiable lipids of L-4 cells but decreased the rate of incorporation into fatty acids. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP at a concentration of 3 × 10−8m did not affect the increase in reductase activity observed after a 3 h incubation of L-4 hepatocytes in the presence or absence of rat serum. However, high concentrations (3 × 10−4m) partially prevented the increase in enzyme activity. The data indicate that the stimulatory effect of the catecholamines on HMG-CoA reductase activity does not involve elevated concentrations of cyclic AMP as an intermediary.
Impact of controlled-release oxycodone on efficacy beliefs and coping efforts among osteoarthritis patients with moderate to severe pain.

Objectives: This study examines the impact of controlled-release oxycodone (OxyContin®) on cognitive-behavioral indicators of efficacy beliefs and coping efforts in patients with osteoarthritis who experience persistent pain. Methods: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 104 male and female patients with osteoarthritis who experienced moderate to severe pain. Pain assessment, arthritis helplessness, and coping efforts were assessed before and after for treatment and placebo control groups. Results: Examination of differences between treatment and control groups after 2 weeks revealed significant reductions in reported pain, improvements in coping efficacy, and reductions in helplessness and passive coping in response to controlled-release oxycodone treatment compared to placebo. Changes in pain partially mediated the effects on coping in subsequent assessments. Discussion: The findings indicate that controlled-release oxycodone treatment accounted for improvements in coping with pain beyond that of placebo controls. This medication may be most beneficial to osteoarthritis patients when incorporated as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.
Mobility of Capped Silver Nanoparticles under Environmentally Relevant Conditions

The mobility and deposition of capped silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) on silica surfaces were characterized over a wide range of pH and ionic strength (IS) conditions, including seawater and freshwater. Two common organic capping agents (citrate and PVP) were evaluated. Both the capped Ag NPs and the silica surfaces were negatively charged under these environmentally relevant conditions, resulting in net repulsive electrostatics under most conditions. The steric repulsion introduced by the capping agents significantly reduced aggregation and deposition. In addition, the presence of natural organic matter in solution further decreased the deposition of either Ag NP on silica. Ag NPs were found to be highly mobile under these environmentally relevant conditions, with little or no deposition.
Adrenaline Synthesis: Control by the Pituitary Gland and Adrenal Glucocorticoids

The activity of phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase, an enzyme that synthesizes adrenaline from noradrenaline in the adrenal medulla, is markedly depressed following hypophysectomy. Enzyme activity is restored to normal after administration of ACTH or the potent glucocorticoid, dexamethasone. Thus the biosynthesis of adrenaline in the adrenal medulla appears to be regulated by the pituitary-adrenocortical system.
NAFTA, tourism, and environment in Mexico

The purpose of this paper is to determine how NAFTA influenced the Mexican tourism sector and its effects on the environment. The linkage between the tourism sector and NAFTA is done through the analysis of foreign direct investment and cross-border trade in services. The quantitative section of the paper focuses on analyzing commercial presence in the form of hotels and restaurants, as well as the use of services abroad. The paper concludes that NAFTA represented greater certainty to investors but was not the main driver behind the investments in tourism services. The analysis of visitors from US and Canada in Mexico recognizes that NAFTA did not have significant impact on the tourism flow. NAAEC, on the other hand, serves in this research as a qualitative connection between tourism sector and the environment for attending to citizen submissions on failures in environmental law enforcement in Mexico regarding tourism projects. It is included with an economic-environmental balance in Cancun—which shows that the greatest environmental impact is of global importance: CO2 released into the air by air transportation, followed by the local impact of water consumption, waste generation, and electricity usage, in that order.
Structural studies on colloidal tetraalkylammonium manganese oxides.

t. Introduction Mixed valent manganese oxides are of interest due to their diverse range of electrical, magnetic, and catalytic properties. Recently, novel colloids of manganese oxide have been prepared using tetraalkylammonium cations (allcyl = methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl) to prevent agglomerization (Brock et al., 1998). These materials are of interest due to unique optical properties associated with quantum confinement and their potential as starting materials for novel manganese oxide materials. In this work Mn K-edge XAFS studies were performed on colloidal MnOx samples prior and upon sol to gel transition and after different heat treatment procedures to reveal structural and electronic changes in the colloidal particles. Theoretical XAFS calculations known to yield reliable backscattering phases and amplitudes are applied in combination with suitable fitting routines to the analysis of colloidal manganese oxide systems. 2. Experimental section 2.1 Preparation of colloidal manganese oxides A detailed description of the synthesis of tetraalkylammonium (TAA) manganese oxide colloids appears elsewhere (Brock et al., 1999). The materials are prepared via reduction of tetraalkylanunonium permanganate salts (alkyl = ethyl, prowl) with 2-butanol in aqueous solutions. XAFS measurements have been obtained on the colloids as-prepared (TAA-A), with the residual 2-butanol removed (TAA-H), and on the gels (TAA-G). Measurements have been made on both tetraethylammonium (TEA) and tetrapropylammonium (TPA) manganese oxide colloids and gels with manganese concentrations from 0.1-0.4 M.
Plasmodesmata and the supracellular nature of plants

In the classical formulation of Munch (1930), plasmodesmata are considered to form simple cytoplasmic bridges between neighbouring plant cells to create the symplasm. This concept has dominated, if not monopolized, the thinking of plant biologists and in particular plant physiologists over the last few decades. Recent advances in ultrastructural, physiological and molecular studies on plasmodesmata indicate that this simple view is in need of revision. Structurally, the higher plant plasmodesma has been revealed to be a supramolecular complex consisting of membranes and proteins. Functionally, evidence is at hand that this complex structure appears to have evolved not only to control the size exclusion limit for intercellular diffusion of metabolites and small molecules, but also to potentiate and regulate intercellular trafficking of macromolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids. In this regard, plasmodesmal transport may share parallel regulatory mechanisms with nucleocytoplasmic transport. Based on these findings, we advance the hypothesis that plants function as supracellular, rather than multicellular, organisms. As such, the dynamics of the plant body, including cell differentiation, tissue formation, organogenesis and specialized physiological function(s), is subject to plasmodesmal regulation. Plasmodesmata presumably accomplish such regulatory roles by trafficking informational molecules which orchestrate both metabolic activity and gene expression. Current and future studies on the evolutionary origin(s) of plasmodesmata are likely to provide valuable information in terms of the genetic and molecular basis for the supracellular nature of plants. Contents Summary 435 I. Introduction 436 II. Plasmodesmal formation, structure and biochemistry 436 III. Evolution of plasmodesmata 445 IV. Symplasmic dynamics 452 V. Plasniodesmal trafficking of macromolecules: parallels with nucleocytoplasmic transport 457 VI. Role of plasmodesmata in plant development 464 VII. Concluding remarks 469 Acknowledgements 470 References 470.
Pyoderma gangrenosum and cranial osteolysis: case report and review of the paediatric literature

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a poorly understood, ulcerating cutaneous disorder which is rarely seen in the paediatric age-group. We report a 3-year-old boy who developed an ulcer over the left frontoparietal scalp at the age of 1 year. A 9-cm area of underlying cranial bone was destroyed. The appearance on radiographs and CT scan was suggestive of eosinophilic granuloma, osteomyelitis, or other destructive processes. Biopsies of the scalp lesion and calvaria showed granulation tissue and degenerating bone. After the biopsies the scalp lesion increased in size, and wound dehiscence occurred. Ulceration developed at the site of a PPD skin test, which on biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. Pyoderma gangrenosum should be added to the differential diagnosis of cutaneous disorders which can result in osteolytic/osteonecrotic defects.
The harvest system

The Harvest System is a large-scale data processor designed for maximum performance in handling extremely large amounts of data in primarily non-arithmetic operations. It is being built by IBM under contract with the Government and incorporates both a new system organization and a stored program concept of macro-instructions which directly implement many useful data manipulating sub-routines. Design features include a very high processing rate and an on-line table lookup facility for effecting very general transformations.
Erratum to Seipel HA, Kalivas JH. Effective rank for multivariate calibration methods. J. Chemometrics 2004; 18: 306–311

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in J. Chemometrics 2004; 18: 306–311.
Synthesis and Metabolism of Bence Jones Protein and Calculation of Tumour Burden in Patients with Bence Jones Myeloma

Summary. Synthesis and metabolism of Bence Jones protein was measured in seven patients with Bence Jones myeloma. Using the plasma and urine levels of 125I-labelled Bence Jones protein, it was possible to calculate the fractional catabolic rate (FCR), fractional proteinuric rate (FPR), and fractional metabolic rate (FMR) for the individual patients. There was a high degree of correlation between decreased metabolism and reduced creatinine clearance (P < 0.001). Ideal regression equations (linear and nonlinear) relating FCR, FPR and FMR with fractional creatinine clearance (FCC) were calculated. Using these regression equations plus measured values for the synthetic rates of light chain for bone marrow plasma cells, the myeloma cell mass or tumour burden was measured in each patient. Correlations between these measured cell mass values and those derived from clinical staging were reasonably good. However, for the lambda (γ) Bence Jones myeloma patients, the measured cell mass values were significantly higher than predicted from clinical staging. Further studies will be necessary to validate this latter observation. It is hoped that this study will serve as a basis for a comprehensive schema allowing accurate cell mass measurement and staging of Bence Jones myeloma.
Wavelets and self-affine tilings

Given a self-affine periodic tiling ofR n we construct an associatedr-regular multiresolution analysis and wavelet basis with the same lattice of translations and scaling matrix as the tiling.
Hemophilia A: Polymorphism Detectable by a Factor VIII Antibody

Plasma from 54 patients with hemophilia A was tested for neutralizing activity with a human antibody to factor VIII. The plasma from 52 patients had no demonstrable neutralizing activity. Two plasma samples had neutralizing activity equivalent to that of normal plasma despite the lack of factor VIII clotting activity. Apparently, most patients with hemophilia A do not synthesize factor VIII, whereas a few synthesize an inactive molecule with a presumed genetic structural mutation of the active site but with antigenic determinants in common with normal factor VIII. Thus, hemophilia A is a disease caused by more than a single genetic mechanism.
Woody vegetation communities of tidal freshwater swamps in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida (US) with comparisons to similar systems in the US and South America

Questions What are the general tree communities found in tidal freshwater swamps along four large coastal rivers in the southeastern United States (US)? How do these communities compare to other tidal freshwater swamps in the US and South America? Locations Tidal floodplains of major rivers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the southeastern US: Savannah, Altamaha, Suwannee and Apalachicola Rivers. Methods An extensive survey of trees and shrubs was conducted to describe the communities from a range of tidal freshwater swamps. River basins studied include micro-tidal (Gulf coast) and meso-tidal (Atlantic coast) regimes, and study areas were located both near and distant to primary channels. A total of 128 plots (100 m2 each) were inventoried, distributed evenly over the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers along the Atlantic coast, and the Suwannee and Apalachicola Rivers along the Gulf coast. Multivariate statistics helped discern communities and the significant indicator species in each. Results Four general communities were characterized and named according to the strongest individual indicator species in each: Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) Community, Swamp Tupelo (Nyssa biflora) Community, Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor) Community and Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto) Community. Conclusions Descriptions of most tidal freshwater swamps in the southeastern US fit within the communities described in this study. Because studies that make inferences between environmental drivers (e.g. salinity, hydroperiod, hurricanes) and specific community types are best applied to the same communities (but perhaps different river systems), this work provides a framework by which tidal freshwater forested wetlands can be accurately compared based on their tree communities. We suggest that, within the broad range of our inventories, the four communities described identify the primary associations that should be tracked within most tidal freshwater swamps of the US. However, we identify some river basins in the US that do not fit this construct. Diversity of major tree communities in tidal freshwater swamps outside the US is generally much lower (with the notable exception of Amazonian hardwood tidal varzea), as are basal area values.
Reactions of oxyfluoride precursors for the preparation of barium yttrium cuprate films

Abstract Precursor films prepared by metal organic deposition are shown to be much richer in fluorine than previously suspected. The ratio of fluorine to barium is 2.7 when the film is prepared at 400 °C and decreases with increasing temperature. That is, the films contain more fluorine than can be explained by only barium fluoride being present. The remaining F/Ba ratio trajectory of MOD decreases from 2.7 to about 1.5 without the formation of detectable Ba2YCu3O6.5 (YBCO). The trajectory is also shown to include compositions known to contain low melting liquids. These observations show that YBCO formation from MOD-derived precursor occurs in multiple steps: (1) decomposition of YF3, (2) decomposition of BaF2 without YBCO nucleation, (3) formation of YBCO via liquid phase. This means small amount of oxyfluoride melt is present in the film during the conversion to YBCO. Thicker films have a larger F/Ba ratio at any given temperature which possibly leads to more melt. The melt may contribute to the densification and the epitaxial growth of YBCO. It may also, however, cause reaction with substrate and/or buffer layer.
Geochemistry of mid-Cretaceous Pacific crust being subducted along the Tonga–Kermadec Trench: Implications for the generation of arc lavas

Abstract The Pacific Plate is currently being subducted at a rapid rate beneath the Indo-Australian Plate along the Tonga–Kermadec Trench in the southwestern Pacific. It has long been assumed that the lithosphere being subducted is relatively old and homogeneous in composition. Basaltic lavas dredged from the upper crust of the incoming lithosphere along the length of the trench are mid- to late-Cretaceous in age. Although the samples are mainly N-MORB, they range from tholeiitic to alkalic basalts. Concentrations of incompatible trace elements show a high degree of variability (e.g., Ba = 8 to 270 ppm, Rb = 0.4 to 39 ppm, Sr = 60 to 625 ppm, and Nd = 2.3 to 25 ppm). Neodymium, Sr and Pb isotopic data also show wide ranges (eNd(T) = 5.7–11.2; 87Sr/86Sri = 0.70224–0.70311; 206Pb/204Pbi = 17.84–20.22). More importantly, the basaltic crust being subducted displays a latitudinal compositional variation that is similar to that shown by the Tonga–Kermadec arc lavas. Previous studies have proposed that the variably depleted sub-arc mantle, which was preconditioned through a backarc melt extraction or displacement process, is mainly responsible for the latitudinal variation in the Tonga–Kermadec arc lavas. However, our new results suggest a greater role of the lithospheric input into the source of arc lavas. The three end-member possibilities linking the latitudinal variation of the lithospheric input to the source of arc lava output are: (1) the mantle wedge beneath the volcanic arc on the west side of the trench, the main source of Tonga–Kermadec arc lavas, is a western extension of the Cretaceous Pacific upper mantle east of the trench; (2) the altered oceanic crust melts and the resultant slab melt modifies the mantle source of arc lavas; and (3) fluids dehydrated from the altered oceanic crust effectively transfer the compositional signature of the subducted slab into the mantle source of arc lavas.
Activation clustering in neural and social networks

Questions related to the evolution of the structure of networks have received recently a lot of attention in the literature. But what is the state of the network given its structure? For example, there is the question of how the structures of neural networks make them behave? Or, in the case of a network of humans, the question could be related to the states of humans in general, given the structure of the social network. The models based on stochastic processes developed in this article, do not attempt to capture the fine details of social or neural dynamics. Rather they aim to describe the general relationship between the variables describing the network and the aggregate behavior of the network. A number of nontrivial results are obtained using computer simulations. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 10: 42–50, 2005
Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Observed Autism Symptom Severity During School Recess: A Preliminary Randomized, Controlled Trial

This study compared cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and treatment-as-usual (TAU) in terms of effects on observed social communication-related autism symptom severity during unstructured play time at school for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Thirteen children with ASD (7–11 years old) were randomly assigned to 32 sessions of CBT or community-based psychosocial treatment (TAU) for 16 weeks. The CBT program is based on the memory retrieval competition model and emphasizes the development of perspective-taking through guided behavioral experimentation supplemented with reflective Socratic discussion and supported by parent training and school consultation to promote generalization of social communication and emotion regulation skills. Trained observers blind to treatment condition observed each child during recess on two separate days at baseline and again at posttreatment, using a structured behavioral observation system that generates frequency scores for observed social communication-related autism symptoms. CBT outperformed TAU at posttreatment on the frequency of self-isolation, the proportion of time spent with peers, the frequency of positive or appropriate interaction with peers, and the frequency of positive or appropriate peer responses to the target child (d effect size range 1.34–1.62). On average, children in CBT were engaged in positive or appropriate social interaction with peers in 68.6 % of observed intervals at posttreatment, compared to 25 % of intervals for children in TAU. Further investigation of this intervention modality with larger samples and follow-up assessments is warranted.
Meaningfulness and percentage occurrence of items in serial learning

Two levels of percentage occurrence of items (%OI) were combined factorially with two levels of meaningfulness (M) in a serial task. Item deletion appeared to have a greater effect in early than late stages of learning, and to be more detrimental to low M than to high M materials.
Interactions of tissue and fertilizer nitrogen on decomposition dynamics of lignin-rich conifer litter

High tissue nitrogen (N) accelerates decomposition of high-quality leaf litter in the early phases of mass loss, but the influence of initial tissue N variation on the decomposition of lignin-rich litter is less resolved. Because environmental changes such as atmospheric N deposition and elevated CO2 can alter tissue N levels within species more rapidly than they alter the species composition of ecosystems, it is important to consider how within-species variation in tissue N may shape litter decomposition and associated N dynamics. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a widespread lignin-rich conifer that dominates forests of high carbon (C) storage across western North America, and displays wide variation in tissue and litter N that reflects landscape variation in soil N. We collected eight unique Douglas-fir litter sources that spanned a two-fold range in initial N concentrations (0.67–1.31%) with a narrow range of lignin (29–35%), and examined relationships between initial litter chemistry, decomposition, and N dynamics in both ambient and N fertilized plots at four sites over 3 yr. High initial litter N slowed decomposition rates in both early (0.67 yr) and late (3 yr) stages in unfertilized plots. Applications of N fertilizer to litters accelerated early-stage decomposition, but slowed late-stage decomposition, and most strongly affected low-N litters, which equalized decomposition rates across litters regardless of initial N concentrations. Decomposition of N-fertilized litters correlated positively with initial litter manganese (Mn) concentrations, with litter Mn variation reflecting faster turnover of canopy foliage in high N sites, producing younger litterfall with high N and low Mn. Although both internal and external N inhibited decomposition at 3 yr, most litters exhibited net N immobilization, with strongest immobilization in low-N litter and in N-fertilized plots. Our observation for lignin-rich litter that high initial N can slow decomposition yet accelerate N release differs from findings where litter quality variation across species promotes coupled C and N release during decomposition. We suggest reevaluation of ecosystem models and projected global change effects to account for a potential decoupling of ecosystem C and N feedbacks through litter decomposition in lignin-rich conifer forests.
Tube-cleaning behaviour in the polychaete annelid Chaetopterus variopedatus (Renier)

Abstract The tube-cleaning behaviour of Chaetopterus variopedatus was investigated utilizing a glass observation chamber and water-pressure recording system. Intake of particulate material into the tube-house resulted in one or more of the following responses: (1) cessation of water-flow; (2) increased water-flow in the normal direction; (3) very short but intense bursts of reversed water-flow; and (4) long duration, high velocity, reversed water-flow. The behavioural events underlying the various flow-patterns are described. The functional effectiveness and neural control of the different cleaning responses are discussed.
Co-Immobilization of Gradient-Patterned Growth Factors for Directed Cell Migration

Cell migration is critically important for the repair of chronic wounds, which cost billions of dollars each year to treat and can lead to serious complications, including amputation and death. Growth factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), are known to be deficient in chronic wounds; unfortunately, traditional delivery of soluble growth factors to wounds is expensive and complicated by their degradation. We have previously shown that directed and accelerated keratinocyte migration could be achieved by creating immobilized gradients of EGF. In this work, we have optimized EGF gradients for cell migration, synthesized and characterized gradient patterns of IGF-1, and tested for migration synergy upon combination of EGF and IGF-1 patterns. An optimal EGF concentration and pattern was identified, resulting in migration that was almost 10-fold that achieved on unpatterned controls. Immobilization of IGF-1 gradients also accelerated and directed keratinocyte migration (p < 0.05), however, no difference in migration was found across various IGF-1 concentrations or gradient patterns. Although combining EGF with IGF-1 patterns did not accelerate migration beyond levels achieved using EGF alone, these methods can be applied to create other types of multi-component gradients that may ultimately be utilized to create bioactive wound dressings.
Is mammography useful in screening for local recurrences in patients with TRAM flap breast reconstruction after mastectomy for multifocal DCIS

Background: Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction is being used more often for the treatment of breast cancer. Mammography is not used routinely to evaluate TRAM flaps in women who have undergone mastectomy. We have identified the potential value of its use in selected patients. Methods and Results: We report on four women who manifested local recurrences in TRAM flaps after initial treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or DCIS with microinvasion undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. All four patients presented with extensive, high-grade, multifocal DCIS that precluded breast conservation. Three of four mastectomy specimens demonstrated tumor close to the surgical margin. Three of the four recurrences were detected by physical examination; the remaining local recurrence was documented by screening mammography. The recurrences had features suggestive of malignancy on mammography. Conclusion: We conclude that all patients undergoing mastectomy and TRAM reconstruction for extensive, multifocal DCIS should undergo regular routine mammography of the reconstructed breast. Our experience with this subgroup of patients raises concern about the value of skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction for therapy. Adjuvant radiation therapy should be recommended for those patients with negative but close surgical margins.
Protein phosphorylation in isolated nuclei from etiolated Avena seedlings Effects of red/far-red light and cholera toxin

We have studied the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of several nuclear proteins in isolated nuclei from etiolated Avena seedlings as a function of red/far-red light. The effect of stimulatory (ADP-ribosylation by cholera toxin) or inhibitory (GDPβS) conditions for GTP-binding proteins was also studied. Red or far-red light enhanced the phosphorylation level of 2 nuclear proteins with molecular masses of 75 and 60 kDa. The phosphorylation pattern was affected by the addition of cholera toxin or GDPβS to the isolated nuclei. At least 2 proteins with molecular masses of 24 and 75 kDa cross-reacted by Westerrs blot with GTP-binding protein antibodies.
Poisson and non-poisson behavior of radioactive systems

Abstract Recent reports that radioactive count rates did not follow Poisson statistics, even after conventional dead-time corrections, were confirmed for dead-times ≧0.8 μ sec . However, excellent agreement was obtained with Brockwell-Moyal statistics, and these are suggested for accurate dead-time corrections.
Metabolic and hormonal studies on two insect cell lines.

Abstract Both Antheraea eucalypti cell cultures and the faster growing Trichoplusia ni cell cultures respond to medium replenishment by exhibiting bursts of RNA and protein synthesis. Actinomycin-D inhibits the RNA bursts while puromycin inhibits the bursts of protein synthesis. Further studies on the effects of these inhibitors suggest that new mRNA is needed for bursts of protein synthesis and one or more proteins are requisite for the bursts of RNA synthesis. Short-term studies on the effects of β-ecdysone (1–50 μg/ml) on protein and RNA synthesis in the two cell cultures were negative. Further experiments utilized either 3H-α-ecdysone or 3H-β-ecdysone and revealed essentially no uptake of 3H-α-ecdysone by the cell cultures even after 48hr and a very limited uptake of β-ecdysone. In addition, no metabolic products of α- or β-ecdysone were found either in the cells or incubation medium. The addition of haemolymph or foetal bovine serum to the incubation medium improved the uptake of β-ecdysone by the cell lines but the total uptake was still extremely low. One reason that the cell lines do not respond to ecdysone during the time period studied may be the inability of these cell cultures to take up ecdysone from the medium in sufficient quantity. Juvenile hormone on the other hand was a potent inhibitor of RNA and protein synthesis in both cell cultures and was more efficient than any of the other selected lipids studied. This inhibitory effect was also seen when the water soluble juvenile hormone-lipoprotein complex was added to the cell cultures and it is suggested that the inhibition is a result of swelling and plasma membrane lesions induced by the juvenile hormone.
Radiographic examination of the stomach and duodenum: comparison of single-, double- and biphasic-contrast methods

We compared retrospectively three groups of 150 patients who had undergone radiologic examinations of the stomach and duodenum. Each group was examined with a different barium suspension and radiographic technique: single-contrast (SC), double-contrast (DC), or biphasic-contrast (BC). The radiographs of each study were evaluated for technical quality and visualization of lesions. The number of X-ray exposures, films, and the amount of fluoroscopic time for each study were tabulated. The total radiation dose and cost for each technique were calculated. The BC examinations required the greatest number of radiographic exposures and X-ray films; however, cost was highest for the DC method. Fluoroscopy was significantly longer during the DC procedures, and the total radiation dose was also highest with this technique. Gaseous distention and barium coating of the stomach were equally good for the BC and DC groups, but X-ray penetration of the barium suspension during compression filming was significantly better in the BC and SC groups. Areae gastricae were most frequently seen during the BC studies and artifacts from excess secretions, barium flocculation or gas bubbles were least commonly present using this technique. Significantly more lesions were demonstrated in the stomach with the BC technique than with the other methods; however, the number of lesions found in the duodenum was the same for each technique.
Aspirin Stabilization of the Blood-Aqueous Barrier in the Human Eye

After anterior chamber paracentesis, patients responded with an effusion of protein into the anterior chamber. Pretreatment with aspirin significantly decreased this trauma-induced, probably prostaglandin-mediated, disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier. Protein levels in aqueous humor of human eyes were measured in samples taken initially and five minutes after anterior chamber tap. The protein rise of 53% in five minutes in control patients was limited to 7% in patients pretreated with systemically administered aspirin. Prostaglandin mechanisms may be important in human ocular trauma and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors may control the reaction to surgical trauma.
Texturization of Co-Precipitated Soybean and Peanut Proteins by Twin-Screw Extrusion

A co-precipitated concentrate of soybean and peanut proteins, prepared from flours along with two soy concentrates, a peanut concentrate and a soy-peanut concentrate blend, were texturized by twin-screw extrusion followed by rheological, functional and ultrastructural analysis of the textured products. Optimal feed moisture varied among the different feed materials and corresponded to final product moisture. Compared to the other textured products, the textured co-precipitated concentrate exhibited increased rehydration capacity, decreased peak force and work, moderate expansion and a unique ultrastructure. Product ultrastructure was determined to correspond with rheological and functional characteristics of the extrudates. Co-precipitation of soybean and peanut proteins resulted in a feed material with modified extrusion performance.