cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new and simple technique of total hepatic ischemia in the mouse.

Background. A model of total hepatic ischemia is currently not available in mice. Models described in rats using portosystemic shunts to achieve total ischemia have been notoriously difficult. In mice, the problem is compounded further when using this type of technique because of the small size of the animal. A new technique is described combining partial hepatectomy with clamping of the remnant liver. Methods. A partial (30%) hepatectomy is performed with resection of the caudate, right lateral, and quadrate lobes, and papillary process. Vascular microclamps are placed across the pedicles of the median and left lateral lobe at the level of the hilum to achieve total ischemia. Spontaneous portocaval shunts through caudate branches and collateral vessels prevent mesenteric congestion. Animals were studied for survival. Results. The procedure consistently took less than 30 min (25±2 min), and no bleeding of the resected tissue was observed. Evidence for total hepatic ischemia and spontaneous shunts was demonstrated by the use of an intraportal dye. All animals survived 60 min of ischemia, whereas all died after 90 min of ischemia. Conclusion. This is a technically simple and rapid procedure to perform. In the current environment of multiple knockout mice and bioreagents that are available, a model of this type is essential.
The Structure of Valinomycin Cesium Picrate

The structure by X-ray crystallography of the valinomycin–cesium picrate complex has been determined by the heavy atom method. The crystal class was trigonal, space group P31, with unit cell dimensions a = b = 14.028(4) â, 31.888(10) Ǎ, Z = 3, filtered Mo radiation; the final value of R was 0.111 for 4088 reflections measured at − 170 °C. The enclosed cation was found to be too large for the cavity, causing the valinomycin to be incompletely closed and forming a weak bond with the picrate at the D-valyl end, which was the same end as had been previously found to be involved in the sodium complex. This result is in agreement with the proposal that the cation enters and exits by the D-valyl end.
Changes in mutagenicity of protein pyrolyzates by reaction with nitrite

Pyrolyzates of protein and related materials were treated with nitrite under acidic conditions, and the mutagenic activity toward Salmonella tester strains was determined. After treatment with nitrite in acidic solution, casein pyrolyzate, an extract of roasted chicken meat, tobacco-smoke condensate and some aromatic amines showed appreciable decreases in their mutagenic activities toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 98. Aromatic amines in the pyrolyzates may be changed by nitrite treatment to other forms having no or lower mutagenic activity toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 98. The contribution by aromatic amines to the total mutagenic activity of the pyrolyzates was as high as 80% in both casein pyrolyzate and extract of roasted chicken meat and 50% in tobacco-smoke condensate. Pyrolyzates of protein and related materials did not show a decrease in the mutagenic activity toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 100 with the same treatment.
A transposable epitope of HLA-B7, B40 molecules.

The monoclonal antibody M1340.2 defines a novel subtype of HLA-1340 that is expressed by the Sweig cell line. This molecule, called HLA-B40*, lacks an antigenic determinant that is common to HLA-137 and the HLA-Bw60 subtype of HLA-1340. Genes encoding HLA-B40* and HLA-BW60 have now been isolated and the amino acid sequences of these proteins compared with other HLA-13 locus molecules. These results show that HLA-B40* is a unique protein which differs from HLA-BW60 by eight amino acid substitutions. Comparison of the sequences for HLA-B40*, -Bw60, and -B7 localizes the MB40.2 epitope to a cluster of three substitutions at positions 177, 178, and 180 at the end of the α2 domain. Gene conversion or reciprocal recombination are postulated to have transferred this cluster of substitutions, and their associated epitope, during the evolution of HLA-B locus genes. The epitope may consist of an a helical segment which is exclusively found on MB40.2-positive molecules.
Chronic thalamic stimulation for the tremor of multiple sclerosis.

Article abstract The authors studied chronic high-frequency stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (Vim) for controlling upper extremity tremor in patients with MS using MRI, CT, and microelectrode recordings and stimulation to locate optimal target sites. Fifteen patients underwent surgery. All patients had reduced tremor but developed tolerance requiring repeated programming of the stimulator. Benefit at optimal stimulator settings was maintained. Two patients experienced complications: intracerebral hematoma and MS exacerbation. Chronic high-frequency stimulation of Vim provides tremor reduction if patients have access to frequent stimulator adjustments. This surgery is relatively safe.
Angiotensin II Stimulates Synthesis of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase

Previous studies have suggested that NO may play an important role in protecting the renal vessels from angiotensin II (ANGII)-mediated vasoconstriction. One possible mechanism for this interaction is that ANGII could stimulate NO production in the kidney by increasing endothelial NO synthase (NOS III). The present studies were performed in rats to determine whether acute or chronic elevations in ANGII are associated with enhanced renal NOS III mRNA or protein synthesis. In both acute and chronic studies captopril (20 microg/kg/min) was given I.V. to inhibit endogenous ANGII production. Acute suprarenal infusion of ANGII (8 ng/kg/min) for 110 minutes had no effect on arterial pressure but decreased GFR and renal plasma flow by 20% and 30%, respectively, and increased renal vascular resistance by 70%. Acute ANGII increased renal NOS III mRNA by 70% (as determined by ribonuclease protection assay), but had no effect on renal NOS III protein concentration (as detected by Western blot analyses). In contrast, chronic infusion of ANGII (5 ng/kg/min) for 10 days, increased arterial pressure by 30% and tended to reduce GFR and renal plasma flow. Chronic ANGII had no effect on renal NOS III mRNA levels, but increased NOS III protein by 90%. These data suggest that ANGII can stimulate NOS III synthesis and suggest that this may be one of the mechanisms whereby AngII may enhance NO production.
Diarthrodial joint contact models: finite element model development of the human hip

The demands associated with modeling geometrically complex anatomic structures often limit the utility of musculoskeletal finite element (FE) analyses. Automated meshing routines typically rely on the use of tetrahedral elements. Hexahedral elements, however, often outperform tetrahedral elements, namely during contact analyses. Hence, a need exists for a preprocessor geared towards automated hexahedral meshing of biologic structures. Two meshing schemes for finite element mesh development of the human hip are presented: (1) a projection method, coupled with a surface smoothing algorithm, has been applied to accommodate the near spherical nature of the femoral head articular cartilage surface, while (2) a technique termed the preferential method was developed to mesh the acetabulum. The latter technique benefits from a user traced bound of the articular surface. High-quality, three-dimensional continuum models, consisting solely of hexahedral elements, were generated for the femoral head and the acetabulum. To check the validity of the meshing routines, a transient deformable–deformable contact finite element analysis was carried out. Gait cycle kinematics and kinetics from the weight-bearing stance phase were considered. The contact pressure (1.74 MPa) was in agreement with the values reported in the literature.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE CENTRIOLES OF THE SEA URCHIN SPERMATOZOON

The spermatozoon of Lytechinus variegatus has two parallel centrioles. The basal body of the flagellum consists of the proximal centriole (a short cylinder of nine tubule-triplets) and its distal extension of nine tubule-doublets. The distal centriole lies near the distal end of the basal body, between the nucleus and the mitochondrion. The observations suggest that both the proximal and the distal centrioles are polarized structures, their tubule-triplets pitched in the same direction and their distal ends associated with the flagellar axoneme and with the mitochondrion, respectively. The distal centriole in different spermatozoa occupies different positions around the basal body-flagellum complex.
Naltrexone renders one-session exposure therapy less effective: A controlled pilot study

In vivo exposure has become the gold standard treatment for specific phobia. The endogenous opioid system is one mechanism proposed to explain why exposure provides such quick and effective treatment for specific phobia. The effect of naltrexone on fear and avoidance behavior was investigated among 15 specific phobia participants who received exposure treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive naltrexone, placebo, or no drug prior to attending one-session exposure treatment. Mixed effects regression results revealed that across time, the naltrexone group tolerated significantly less time in the room with the feared animal (Behavioral Avoidance Index) as compared to the placebo and no drug groups. Phobic individuals assigned to the naltrexone group had significantly higher fear ratings across time in comparison to the placebo group. Results provide support for the endogenous opioid system as a potential underlying biological mechanism associated with behavioral changes during in vivo exposure.
Acute HPA axis response to naltrexone differs in female vs. male smokers

Summary Background Both opioid antagonist administration and cigarette smoking acutely increase hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity as measured by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels. However, male and female smokers may differ in their response to the opioid antagonist naltrexone, which may be partially mediated by sex differences in HPA axis function. Smokers, as a group, have frequently been shown to have HPA axis dysfunction, which may have relevance to the course and maintenance of nicotine dependence. The purpose of this study was to examine possible sex differences in HPA axis function by comparing stress-hormone response to naltrexone within healthy male and female smokers. Additionally, exploratory analyses compared the combined effects of naltrexone and cigarette smoking on hormonal responsivity between the sexes. Method Thirty-eight healthy smokers (22 men) were tested in two separate morning sessions after 12 h of smoking abstinence. For women, self-reports of menstrual cycle information were obtained prior to each session (date of last menstruation, cycle length, reproductive phase, etc.). Each participant received 50 mg naltrexone or placebo capsule (in random order) and plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol were assessed at regular intervals for several hours. A subgroup of 12 participants underwent a similar, additional session in which they smoked a single cigarette three hours after naltrexone administration. Results Naltrexone significantly increased ACTH and cortisol levels in women, but not men (Drug × Sex × Time, p p p p Conclusion The findings support the hypothesis that women are more sensitive to opioid antagonism at the level of the HPA axis. Although further studies are needed to examine mechanisms underlying these responses, both results may have clinical implications for the use of naltrexone as a treatment for nicotine dependence.
Mother-daughter conflict and adjustment in Mexican-origin families: exploring the role of family and sociocultural context.

This study examined the role of mother-daughter conflict in both mothers' and daughters' adjustment. Drawing from ecologically oriented and person-environment fit models, the authors investigated how the family context, as defined by the transition to adolescent motherhood, and the sociocultural context, as measured by mother-daughter discrepancies in cultural orientations, shaped the associations between conflict and adjustment in Mexican-origin families. Overall, conflict was positively related to mothers' and adolescents' depressive symptoms and adolescents' risky behaviors. This relation was strongest when daughters were more Mexican-oriented than their mothers, and weakest when mothers were more Mexican-oriented than their daughters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Transgenic Cotton with Improved Resistance to Glyphosate Herbicide

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] herbicide can be topically applied twice at rates as high as 0.84 kg a.e. (acid-equivalent) ha -1 to glyphosate-resistant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars until the fourth true leaf stage, with the requirement of at least 10 d and two nodes of growth between applications. But, such cultivars are not reproductively resistant to glyphosate applied topically or imprecisely directed after the four-leaf stage because glyphosate can curtail pollen development and ovule fertilization, which potentially reduces yield. Extending glyphosate resistance past the four-leaf stage would provide growers with additional weed management options. Our objective was to test under field conditions glyphosate resistance of cotton germplasm transformed with gene constructs previously shown to impart extended glyphosate resistance in the greenhouse. Four or six transgenic cotton lines containing one of several constructs conferring extended glyphosate resistance, plus the current glyphosate-resistant control ('Coker 312'-1445), were tested at nine U.S. locations in 2001. Within locations, treatment designs consisted of cross-classified arrangements of transgenic lines and glyphosate rates [0, 1.68, and 2.52 kg a.e. ha -1 ]. Treated plots received glyphosate over-the-top of cotton at four growth stages (3-, 6-, 10-, and 14-leaf crop stages). Compared with Coker 312-1445, extended glyphosate resistance was expressed as higher yields when glyphosate was applied topically at the four growth stages. Mature plant mapping confirmed extended glyphosate resistance of the new transgenic cotton through similar fruit distribution and weight with or without glyphosate treatment. The capability to apply glyphosate topically to cotton later in crop development will facilitate weed management and could reduce dependence on directed herbicides.
The evolving landscape of the learning commons

Purpose – Libraries are exploring the meaning of the “information commons” and have responded to the technological needs of the diversity of digital access trends. The purpose of this conceptual article is to explore the possibilities of the next step of developing dynamic “learning commons” using examples of projects and ideas presented by librarians in the field.Design/methodology/approach – The “learning commons” model has the potential to be a laboratory for students, librarians and faculty. It is a collaboration space and requires partnerships and cooperation across disciplines. Ideas about user behavior and types of projects to be explored are included.Findings – Funding for learning commons is linked to measured outcomes. The role of the librarian changes to include advocacy and project planning.Practical implications – This paper demonstrates that the change in library service via the learning commons concept requires planning, interdisciplinary collaboration and a certain amount of risk taking.Or...
Voice restoration after laryngectomy : Experience with the Blom-Singer extended-wear indwelling tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis

Background The Blom-Singer tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis has undergone continuous design modifications during the last 18 years to make it more effective, anatomically compatible, and easier to use. This evolution continues with the recent introduction of an indwelling-style voice prosthesis intended for use by individuals who are unable or disinclined to use a self-removable-style voice prosthesis. The a priori set-lifespan goal of the indwelling prosthesis was 180 days. Methods The present investigation describes the experience of 81 consecutive participants who used a total of 206 indwelling voice prostheses. Selection criteria included total laryngectomy and either primary (n = 35) or secondary (n = 46) tracheoesophageal puncture. All participants had external-beam radiotherapy either pre- or postlaryngectomy. Specifically, lifespan of the prosthesis, the effects and clinical management of fungal colonization, and participant satisfaction with this style prosthesis were studied. Results A prosthesis use rate of 90% was observed. Group 1 prostheses (without fungal colonization and without Nystatin® therapy) exhibited a lifespan significantly longer than did group 2 prostheses (with fungal colonization and prior to Nystatin® therapy) (sample mean [X] = 185.6 days versus 80.6 days; p < .05). Group 3 prostheses (following Nystatin® therapy) also exhibited a lifespan significantly longer than that of group 2 prostheses (X = 156.1 days versus 80.6 days; p < .05). Lifespans of group 1 and group 3 prostheses were not significantly different (p < .05). Conclusions The extended-wear, indwelling voice prosthesis achieved its a priori lifespan goal of 180 days (6 months) with almost uniform patient preference and without risk of increased complications. When fungal colonization was present, Nystatin® therapy significantly prolonged prosthesis lifespan. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19:487–493, 1997.
A meta-analysis of prehospital airway control techniques part I: orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation success rates.

AbstractBackground. Airway management is a key component of prehospital care for seriously ill and injured patients. Although endotracheal intubation has been a commonly performed prehospital procedure for nearly three decades, the safety and efficacy profile of prehospital intubation has been challenged in the last decade. Reported intubation success rates vary widely, and established benchmarks are lacking. Objective. We sought to determine pooled estimates for oral endotracheal intubation (OETI) and nasotracheal intubation (NTI) placement success rates through a meta-analysis of the literature. Methods. We performed a systematic literature search for all English-language articles reporting placement success rates for prehospital intubation. Studies of field procedures performed by prehospital personnel from any nation were included. All titles were reviewed independently by two authors using prespecified inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates of success rates for each airway technique, including drug-fac...
Plasmonic interferometry for biosensing

In this work, we report the design, fabrication and characterization of novel biochemical sensors consisting of nanoscale grooves and slits milled in a metal film to form planar plasmonic interferometry. By integrating thousands of plasmonic interferometers per square millimeter with a microfluidic system, we demonstrate a sensor able to detect physiological concentrations of glucose in water over a broad wavelength range (400–800 nm). A wavelength sensitivity between 370–630 nm/RIU (RIU, Refractive Index Units), a relative intensity change between ∼103–106 %/RIU, and a resolution of ∼3×10−7 in refractive index change were experimentally measured using typical sensing volumes as low as 20 femtoliters. These results show that multispectral plasmonic interferometry is a promising approach for the development of high-throughput, real-time and extremely compact biochemical sensors.
Correction to “Compressive Sensing Reconstruction With Prior Information by Iteratively Reweighted Least-Squares” [Jun 09 2424-2431]

In the above titled paper (ibid., vol. 57, no. 6, pp. 2424-2431, Jun. 09), there is a typo, and the following modification, presented here, is needed.
Non-linear oscillations of an inextensible, air-inflated, cylindrical membrane

Abstract A long cylindrical membrane, attached to a horizontal base along two generators and inflated with air, is considered. The material is assumed to be inextensible and its weight is neglected, so that the equilibrium shape of the cross section is circular. Two-dimensional non-linear oscillations about this equilibrium configuration are investigated. Galerkin's method is applied, first with one term and then with two terms. The method of multiple scales is utilized to study weakly non-linear motions, and the equation of motion is also integrated numerically. The results of these two methods are compared for various cases. It is seen that the vibration frequencies tend to decrease as the amplitude of the motion increases.
Identification and sequence analysis of Treponema pallidum tprJ, a member of a polymorphic multigene family

TnphoA mutagenesis was used to identify genes encoding exported proteins in a genomic DNA library of Treponema pallidum, the syphilis agent. The nucleotide sequence of an open reading frame (tprJ) that encodes a 755-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 81.1 kDa was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of TprJ has homology to the major surface protein of Treponema denticola, a periodontal pathogen. Southern hybridization and genomic DNA sequence analysis indicate that tprJ is a member of a polymorphic multigene family. RT-PCR data showed that tprJ is expressed in treponemes during syphilitic infection. A putative tprJ gene was sequenced from T. pertenue, the closely related yaws agent. The deduced amino acid sequence of T. pertenue TprJ is 87.3% identical to that of T. pallidum TprJ. This is the first report of significant sequence differences within homologous genes of T. pallidum and T. pertenue.
Enabling Digital Earth simulation models using cloud computing or grid computing – two approaches supporting high-performance GIS simulation frameworks

Abstract Geospatial simulation models can help us understand the dynamic aspects of Digital Earth. To implement high-performance simulation models for complex geospatial problems, grid computing and cloud computing are two promising computational frameworks. This research compares the benefits and drawbacks of both in Web-based frameworks by testing a parallel Geographic Information System (GIS) simulation model (Schelling's residential segregation model). The parallel GIS simulation model was tested on XSEDE (a representative grid computing platform) and Amazon EC2 (a representative cloud computing platform). The test results demonstrate that cloud computing platforms can provide almost the same parallel computing capability as high-end grid computing frameworks. However, cloud computing resources are more accessible to individual scientists, easier to request and set up, and have more scalable software architecture for on-demand and dedicated Web services. These advantages may attract more geospatial sc...
Tunable dual-band terahertz metamaterial bandpass filters

We report metamaterial terahertz (THz) bandpass filters with tunable dual-band selectivity. The shift in the center frequency of the device is achieved by actively modifying the effective length of the resonators. This was realized by introducing vanadium dioxide (VO2) bridges interconnecting specific regions of each resonator. Raising the temperature across the phase transition shifted the resonance frequency by ~32% due to changes in the electrical conductivity of the VO2. Measured THz transmission response of the proposed dual-band filter was in good correspondence with simulations.
An enhancer element in the house-keeping promoter for acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene

The gene for acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biogenesis of long chain fatty acids, contains two promoter regions which control the generation of different forms of carboxylase mRNA. At least five different forms of carboxylase mRNA are generated by differential splicing of the two transcripts formed under the influence of two promoters. One of the two promoters is mainly responsible for the generation of a class of carboxylase mRNA species, pAU type, induced tissue specifically under lipogenic conditions; the other generates ACC mRNAs (FL-type) which are expressed under normal conditions but this expression is also stimulated under lipogenic conditions. In the present studies, we have characterized the promoter that is responsible for the FL-type of ACC mRNA. This promoter contains no TATA or CAAT boxes, but five G/C motifs whose sequences are typical of transcriptional factor Sp1 binding sites. However, the presence of these G/C motifs is not sufficient to drive the transcription of the gene under the control of this promoter. Expression of promoter activity requires three copies of 11 to 13mer enhancer elements which are located in the region upstream to the G/C motifs. The presence of such enhancer elements in a house-keeping gene is unusual, and provides a new example where an enhancer element occurs in the CpG island-type promoter of a house-keeping gene.
Effect of nucleon correlations on pion condensation in neutron stars

It is pointed out that nucleon-nucleon correlations, play an important role in the pion condensation problem. Their effect is estimated by a simple analytical method. It is seen that they inhibit condensation by reducing the attraction a pion might otherwise feel in nuclear matter. Further the effect of correlations increases with nucleon density ϱ, offsetting the corresponding increase in the attraction felt by pions in free neutron matter.
Model-based constraints on interpreting 20th century trends in ice core 10Be

[1] Beryllium-10 ice-core records are useful for understanding solar magnetic field changes over time, and in particular over the 20th century, during which there are a variety of relevant observations. However, differences between 10Be snow concentration records from different locations complicate the process of developing a coherent understanding of changes in cosmogenic isotope production. We use the Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE general circulation model to simulate the production and transport of beryllium isotopes for this time period. We compare our results with surface air observations, and with ice-core records from Dye 3, Taylor Dome, and South Pole. We find that unforced weather-related (internal) variability causes modeled trends in 10Be snow concentration to vary from the ensemble mean by 50% and greater at all three ice-core locations. Lower levels of internal variability at Taylor Dome and South Pole relative to Dye 3 make the simulated 10Be values at these locations better estimates of the ensemble-mean trend in 10Be snow concentration. In addition, the ensemble mean concentration trend at Dye 3 was significantly different from the expected modeled trend based on applied production changes alone. Overall, the results imply that during the 20th century, 10Be data from multiple cores are likely to be required to make meaningful inferences about 10Be production changes. The model simulations imply that data from Antarctica are likely to be more robust.
Liquid−Liquid Equilibria for Binary Mixtures of Water + Acetophenone, + 1-Octanol, + Anisole, and + Toluene from 370 K to 550 K

Liquid−liquid equilibria are reported for binary mixtures of water with acetophenone, 1-octanol, anisole, and toluene in the temperature range of 370 K to 550 K. The data were measured in a variable-volume windowed vessel by a traditional cloud point technique. These results are in good agreement with data reported in the literature. Above 450 K binary data for the water + anisole and water + acetophenone systems have not been reported previously.
Tax evasion and self-insurance

Abstract This paper examines the effect of an increase in the tax rates on tax evasion in a model where taxpayers self-insure against possible penalties. The analysis shows that the effect depends on the marginal productivity of self-insurance. If the marginal productivity is not too small, an increase in the tax rates leads to greater tax evasion and less tax compliance. This result stands in contrast with the theoretical result in the literature but accords well with empirical findings.
Basal encephalocoele: imaging and exposing the hernia

Basal encephalocoeles are rarely reported anomalies. Eight cases seen by one unit manifested external facial features and internal cerebral anomalies characteristic of the individual encephalocoele subgroups. CT and MR imaging delineates the anatomy of the skeletal defect and the associated cerebral abnormalities. Such imaging of cases of median cleft face syndrome may identify previously unsuspected basal encephalocoeles. Transcranial correction with increased exposure, if needed, by the technique of facial bipartition has been performed in five cases.
Technologies for large-scale physical mapping of human chromosomes

Abstract Developing and characterization ordered clone collection from human chromosome specific DNA libraries is proceeding as part of a larger effort to construct a physical map of the entire human genome. The robotics and automation section at Los Alamos has been focussed on developing the hardware and software tools required to support this objective. These tools are typically integrated systems that combine an intuitive user interface, a database, as well as the relevant hardware technologies. To date, we have developed a system to automatically grid clones onto nylon filters in high density arrays. We have also developed a hybridization autoradiograph software scoring tool that combines image analysis, databasing, and a user interface.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE PHI‐THICKENINGS AND CASPARIAN STRIPS IN PELARGONIUM ROOTS

A B STRA CT An ultrastructural examination of hypodermal cell walls failed to demonstrate the presence of casparian strips as has been reported in the literature. Rather, these cells have supportive phi-thickenings which differ significantly from casparian strips. Adjacent phi-thickenings are convex-convex and stratified in transection, with an uneven surface like the rest of the phi-cell's wall. They may be unbranched or branched and in the latter case, especially, they may appear on tangential as well as radial and transverse walls. They are lignified early in development and are associated with microtubules which lie parallel to the long axis of the thickening. Further, the plasmalemma exhibits no special adherence to the thickened wall region. In each of these and other characteristics phi-thickenings contrast sharply with casparian strips.
Nature and Rates of Selenium Transformations: A Laboratory Study of Kesterson Reservoir Soils

The speciation and association of Se in soil determines its availability to biota. Oxidized forms are generally more biologically available. Surface and subsurface soils from Se-contaminated Kesterson Reservoir were incubated for 2.5 yr at temperatures of 15, 25, and 35°C in order to measure Se oxidation rates and help identify the most readily oxidizable fractions. A range of moisture contents was maintained. Six Se fractions: soluble Se(IV), soluble Se(VI), adsorbed Se, organic Se, carbonate Se, and refractory Se, were monitored via periodic extraction. Oxidation rates were estimated based on changes in the relative proportions of these fractions with time. No significant changes were noted in soils from a depth of 0.45 to 0.55 m. Transformations were observed in surface soils (0-0.10 m). The most prominent change was the oxidation of up to 50% of refractory Se to soluble Se(VI). A smaller portion of the organic Se pool was also oxidized. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated the dominance of Se(0) in the refractory pool. First-order oxidation rates were between 0.058 and 0.29 yr -1 for organic Se, and between 0.11 and 2.4 yr -1 for refractory Se, with a strong positive correlation with temperature. No losses of total Se were observed, indicating the relative insignificance of methylation. An apparent plateau in oxidation of the refractory pool suggests heterogeneity of this pool, with some components more readily oxidized than others. With time, currently reduced Se will be oxidized, although some fractions are likely to remain biologically unavailable for decades.
Surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus outside the operating theater.

The widespread availability of newborn centers and competent management of respiratory problems in the newborn have allowed survival of many infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) who previously would have died. Most deaths after surgical correction of PDA in the newborn have been due to problems in management of ventilation and nursing care. Since most patients are intubated and on respirators prior to election of operative closure, we decided to close the ductus in the newborn center, without moving the patient or disturbing the equipment. The same nurses and pediatric fellows would manage the infant after surgery. The first 9 consecutive premature infants with near-fatal respiratory problems associated with patent ductus arteriosus and operated upon in the newborn center all survived, improved, and were discharged home. There were no infections or other major surgical complications. We conclude that, in properly selected patients, surgical closure of the patent ductus arteriosus is best done in the newborn center under local anesthesia.
Quaternionic line-sets and quaternionic Kerdock codes

Abstract When n is even, orthogonal spreads in an orthogonal vector space of type O−(2n−2,2) are used to construct line-sets of size (2n−1+1)2n−2 in H2n−2 all of whose angles are 90° or cos −1 (2 −(n−2) 2 ) . These line-sets are then used to obtain quaternionic Kerdock codes. These constructions are based on ideas used by Calderbank, Cameron, Kantor, and Seidel in real and complex spaces.
Do Internet Users Have More Social Ties? A Call for Differentiated Analyses of Internet Use

Research on the impact of Internet use on social ties has generated conflicting results. Based on data from the 2000 General Social Survey, this study finds that different types of Internet usage are differentially related to social connectivity. While nonsocial users of the Internet do not differ significantly from nonusers in network size, social users of the Internet have more social ties than nonusers do. Among social users, heavy email users have more social ties than do light email users. There is indication that, while email users communicate online with people whom they also contact offline, chat users maintain some of their social ties exclusively online. These findings call for differentiated analyses of Internet uses and their effects on interpersonal connectivity.
Iron alloy Fischer-Tropsch catalysts. VI. FeCo on ZSM-5

A series of Fe and FeCo catalysts on ZSM-5 support were prepared and characterized in comparison with a similar Y-supported series. Shape selectivity is important in determination of product distribution of ZSM-5 materials, particularly in leading to a significant aromatic product fraction. The paper describes the particle size distribution; reduction and carburization of Fe/HZSM-5 and FeCo/HZSM-5; CO and water-gas shift activities; and product selectivities. 4 references.
Substratum Topography Modulates Corneal Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transformation

Purpose. The transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is critical to corneal wound healing, stromal haze formation, and scarring. It has recently been demonstrated that the provision of biomimetic substratum topographic cues inhibits the progression toward the myofibroblast phenotype under the influence of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of another fundamental biophysical cue, substrate compliance, on TGF-β1–induced myofibroblast transformation of primary corneal cells isolated from human and rabbit corneas.
Experimental transmission of St. Louis Encephalitis Virus by, Culex pipiens Linnaeus.

Summary and ConclusionsIt appears that certain species of Culex mosquitoes may act as vectors of the virus of St. Louis encephalitis. This is supported by the following evidence: 1. In certain areas Culex mosquitoes have fitted into the epidemiological picture to the extent that several workers have stressed their probable importance as vectors. 2. Virus is available to mosquitoes in the blood of doves and a number of other species of experimentally infected vertebrates. Evidence of naturally acquired infection has been demonstrated in the serum of many vertebrate hosts. 3. Infected Culex tarsalis have been collected in nature. 4. Culex pipiens has been shown to act as an experimental vector, transmission having been demonstrated to occur between the 4th and the 11th day after an infective meal. Virus persists in the mosquito for at least 13 days.
Dancing Into the Desert

This article addresses concerns of being and becoming between father and son. The article uses performative and autoethnographic approaches to examine the poetics of memory and family construction. The piece centers on disability, fatherhood, and masculinity. The author produces a narrative engagement with his father that imagines a reflexive approach to the poetics of memory. The text spreads across various memories culminating in a recent journey to Sedona, Arizona. The memories and the journey demonstrate the growing distance between father and son and the process of mending such gaps through the recognition of the self in the other.
The potential for treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with Anti-D to prevent splenectomy: A predictive cost analysis

Abstract Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder affecting both children and adults that can be manifested by severe bleeding episodes. Adult ITP patients have a low rate of spontaneous remission, and symptomatic patients commonly undergo splenectomy; however, maintenance therapy may increase the rate of remission, allowing splenectomy to be avoided. Anti-D is a recently licensed treatment for ITP that has the potential to delay, and possibly avoid, the need for splenectomy. We used preliminary data from an ongoing clinical trial to evaluate the costs involved in using anti-D therapy for 1 year with the intent of avoiding the need for splenectomy. We accounted for different possible outcomes at the completion of the clinical trial. An economic model with a theoretical cohort of 100 patients was developed using the model of an ongoing clinical trial. The average wholesale price was used to determine the cost of an infusion of anti-D based on an average dose ($1,213 per infusion). The cost of splenectomy was determined by a literature review ($16,000). Costs were calculated for all known patient outcomes; where outcomes were unknown and likely to vary, all possible outcomes were accounted for (splenectomy or no splenectomy).In our theoretical cohort, 31 of 100 patients were taken off anti-D and received splenectomy, 32 of 100 were stable after receiving anti-D and would not need splenectomy, and 37 of 100 had indeterminate outcomes after receiving anti-D. When compared with the cost of the hypothetical scenario of initially giving all 100 patients splenectomy ($1.6 million), a minimum of 47 patients would have to avoid splenectomy to result in a cost savings for our cohort of 100 patients. The group of 47 patients avoiding splenectomy would be composed of the 32 patients comprising the stable group and at least 15 of the 37 patients comprising the group with indeterminate outcomes. If all 37 of the patients in the group with indeterminate outcomes avoid splenectomy, $363,000 and 69 spleens would be saved. Our data suggest that in the phase III trial of maintenance anti-D therapy versus immediate splenectomy, anti-D therapy will be a cost-effective option if 47% or more of patients avoid splenectomy.
Practical synthesis of allylsilanes from 1-benzenesulfonyl-2-trimethylsilylethane

Abstract the methanesulfonates of the adducts of aldehydes and ketones with l-(l-benzene-sulfonyl-2-trimethylsilyl) ethyllithium are converted by sodium-amalgam to allylsilanes
Germ Cell Specification and Migration in Drosophila and beyond

The passage of an individual's genome to future generations is essential for the maintenance of species and is mediated by highly specialized cells, the germ cells. Genetic studies in a number of model organisms have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms that control specification, migration and survival of early germ cells. Focusing on Drosophila, we will discuss the mechanisms by which germ cells initially form and remain transcriptionally silent while somatic cells are transcriptionally active. We will further discuss three separate attractive and repellent guidance pathways, mediated by a G-protein coupled receptor, two lipid phosphate phosphohydrolases, and isoprenylation. We will compare and contrast these findings with those obtained in other organisms, in particular zebrafish and mice. While aspects of germ cell specification are strikingly different between these species, germ cell specific gene functions have been conserved. In particular, mechanisms that sense directional cues during germ cell migration seem to be shared between invertebrates and vertebrates.
Superconductivity and dissipation in small-diameter Pb-In wires

Superconductivity in very small-diameter Pb-In wires has been studied through measurements of the resistance in the low-current limit, and the voltage-current characteristics. These properties were measured as functions of temperature and magnetic field, and in the presence of microwave radiation. The results are analyzed in terms of several different theoretical models. Predictions based on possible granularity and the Coulomb blockade, on the effects of mesoscopic fluctuations, and on the phenomena of thermal and quantum phase slip, are all considered. It appears that over most of the range which has been studied the behavior is best described by phase slip, and evidence for both thermally activated and quantum phase slip is found. The behavior during a phase-slip event is closely analogous to the motion of a particle in a multiwell potential. In this picture, thermally activated phase slip occurs when the particle is thermally activated over the potential barrier which separates adjacent wells, while quantum phase slip corresponds to tunneling of the particle between wells. We have also observed behavior which implies the existence of discrete energy levels of the particle within a well. While most of the results can be understood at least qualitatively with use of the phase-slip picture, certain aspects remain unexplained.
A stochastic differential equation approach to soil moisture

The dynamics of water within the unsaturated root zone of the soil are represented by a pair of stochastic differential equations (SDE's), one representing the so-called “surplus” state of the moisture and the other the “deficit” condition. The inputs to the model are the climatically controlled random infiltration events and evapotranspiration which are modeled as a compound Poisson process and a Wiener (Brownian motion) process, respectively. The solutions to these SDE's are not in “close-form” but sample functions are obtained by numerical integration. The moment properties of the soil moisture evolution process have also been derived analytically including the mean, variance, covariance and autocorrelation functions. To illustrate the model, climatic parameters representing the “surplus” and “deficit” cases and properties of clay loam soil have been used to numerically derived the corresponding sample functions. With proper selection of all the parameters, physically realistic sample trajectories can be obtained for the model.
Nesting material as a reinforcement for operant behavior in the rat

Paper strips served as an adequate reinforcement for the acquisition and maintenance of fixed-ratio barpressing in two pregnant rats. Prior to parturition, only a small daily nest was built and barpressing occurred only in the dark part of the lighting cycle. Following parturition, barpressing for nesting material greatly increased, and sustained periods of responding alternated with nest-building and pup-care activities.
Evidence for the Effectiveness of Peer Review

Scientific editors’ policies, including peer review, are based mainly on tradition and belief. Do they actually achieve their desired effects, the selection of the best manuscripts and improvement of those published? Editorial decisions have important consequences—to investigators, the scientific community, and all who might benefit from correct information or be harmed by misleading research results. These decisions should be judged not just by intentions of reviewers and editors but also by the actual consequences of their actions. A small but growing number of studies has put editorial policies to a strong scientific test. In a randomized, controlled trial. blinding reviewers to author and institution was usually successful and improved the quality of reviews. Two studies have shown that, contrary to conventional wisdom, reviewers early in their careers give better reviews than senior reviewers. Many studies have shown low agreement between reviewers but there is disagreement about whether this represents a failing of peer review or the expected and valuable effect of choosing reviewers with complementary expertise. In a study of whether manuscripts are improved by peer review and editing, articles published in Annals of Internal Medicine were improved in 33 of 34 dimensions of reporting quality, but published articles still had room for improvement. Because of the central place of peer review in the scientific community and the resources it requires, more studies are needed to define what it does and does not accomplish.
Optical Clock Distribution in Electronic Systems

Techniques for distribution of optical signals, both free space and guided, within electronic systems has been extensively investigated over more than a decade. Particularly at the lower levels of packaging (intra-chip and chip-to-chip), miniaturized optical elements including diffractive optics and micro-refractive optics have received considerable attention. In the case of optical distribution of data, there is the need for a source of optical power and a need for a means of modulating the optical beam to achieve data communications. As the number of optical data interconnections increases, the technical challenges of providing an efficient realization of the optical data interconnections also increases. Among the system signals which might be transmitted optically, clock distribution represents a substantially simplified problem from the perspective of the optical sources required. In particular, a single optical source, modulated to provide the clock signal, replaces the multitude of optical sources/modulators which would be needed for extensive optical data interconnections. Using this single optical clock source, the technical problem reduces largely to splitting of the optical clock beam into a multiplicity of optical clock beams and distribution of the individual clocks to the several portions of the system requiring synchronized clocks. The distribution problem allows exploitation of a wide variety of passive, miniaturized optical elements (with diffractive optics playing a substantial role). This article reviews many of the approaches which have been explored for optical clock distribution, ranging from optical clock distribution within lower levels of the system packaging hierarchy through optical clock distribution among separate boards of a complex system. Although optical clock distribution has not yet seen significant practical application, it is evident that the technical foundation for such clock distribution is well established. As clock rates increase to 1 GHz and higher, the practical advantages of optical clock distribution will also increase, limited primarily by the cost of the optical components used and the manufacturability of an overall electronic system in which optical clock distribution has been selectively inserted.