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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsa.2007.09.003 Byline: Harry Collins (a), Robert Evans (a), Mike Gorman (b) Keywords: Trading zones; Interactional expertise; Interdisciplinarity; Creole Abstract: The phrase 'trading zone' is often used to denote any kind of interdisciplinary partnership in which two or more perspectives are combined and a new, shared language develops. In this paper we distinguish between different types of trading zone by asking whether the collaboration is co-operative or coerced and whether the end-state is a heterogeneous or homogeneous culture. In so doing, we find that the voluntary development of a new language community -- what we call an inter-language trading zone -- represents only one of four possible configurations. In developing this argument we show how different modes of collaboration result in different kinds of trading zone, how different kinds of trading zone may be 'nested' inside each other and discuss how a single collaboration might move between different kinds of trading zone over time. One implication of our analysis is that interactional expertise is a central component of at least one class of trading zone. Author Affiliation: (a) Centre for the Study of Knowledge Expertise and Science (KES), Cardiff School of Social Sciences, Cardiff CF10 3WT, UK (b) Department of Department of Science, Technology, & Society, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4746, USA

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsa.2007.09.011 Byline: Robert Evans Keywords: Expertise; Economic forecasting; Periodic table of expertise; Judgement Abstract: The outputs of economic forecasting -- predictions for national economic indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates and inflation -- are all highly visible. The production of these forecasts is a much more private affair, however, typically being thought of as the work of individual forecasters or forecast teams using their economic model to produce a forecast that is then made public. This conception over-emphasises the individual and the technical whilst silencing the broader social context through which economic forecasters develop the expertise that is essential for the credibility of their predictions. In particular, economic forecasts are given meaning and fine-tuned through the social and institutional networks that give forecasters access to the expertise of a heterogeneous mix of academics, policy-makers and business people. Within these broader groups, individual forecasters often create private forecast 'clubs', where subscribers have privileged access to the expertise of the economist, but where the forecasters also have privileged access to their clients' own expert knowledge. In examining these aspects of the forecasters' work I show that the visible and audible activities of modelling and forecasting are made possible and plausible by virtue of the modeller's invisible interaction with a wider network. Author Affiliation: Centre for the study of Knowledge Expertise Science (KES), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, The Glamorgan Bldg, Cardiff CF10 3WT, UK

Objective: To further examine anesthetic bladder capacity as a biomarker for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patient subtypes, we evaluated demographic and clinical characteristics in a large and heterogeneous female patient cohort.Material and Methods: This is a retrospective review of data from women (n = 257) diagnosed with IC/BPS who were undergoing therapeutic bladder hydrodistention (HOD). Assessments included medical history and physical examination, validated questionnaire scores, and anesthetic BC. Linear regression analyses were computed to model the relationship between anesthetic BC and patient demographic data, symptoms, and diagnoses. Variables exhibiting suggestive correlations (P ≤ .1) were candidates for a multiple linear regression analysis and were retained if significant (P ≤ .05).Results: Multiple regression analysis identified a positive correlation between BC and endometriosis (P = .028) as well as negative correlations between BC and both ICSI score (P < .001) and the presence of Hunner's lesions (P < .001). There were higher average numbers of pelvic pain syndrome (PPS) diagnoses (P = .006) and neurologic, autoimmune, or systemic pain (NASP) diagnoses (P = .003) in IC/BPS patients with a non-low BC, but no statistical difference in the duration of diagnosis between patients with low and non-low BC (P = .118).Conclusion: These data, generated from a large IC/BPS patient cohort, provide additional evidence that higher BC correlates with higher numbers of non-bladder-centric syndromes while lower BC correlates more closely with bladder-specific pathology. Taken together, the results support the concept of clinical subgroups in IC/BPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of standard economic theory and social exchange theory in predicting employer-employee relations and wages in the labor market are studied. Standard economic theory suggests that wages are solely dependent on labor demand and supply. On the other hand, social exchange theory assumes a norm of reciprocity in social interactions wherein low wages translate into reduced efforts while high wages increase efforts.

Mark Pauly wrote an editorial comment on a 1994 paper authored by R. Labelle, G. Stoddart and T. Rice which discussed the meaning and significant of supplier-induced demand. In his essay, Pauly dismissed as irrelevant an approach that is used in evaluating social structures in health care that other researchers believe are an effective normative framework. However, his interpretation of welfare economics as a source of normative propositions is problematic.

To describe the effect of robotic locomotor training (RLT) and activity-based training (ABT) on cardiovascular indices during various physiological positions in individuals with spinal cord injury. Randomized controlled pilot study. Private practice: Therapy & Beyond Centre - Walking with Brandon Foundation, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa. Participants with chronic traumatic motor incomplete tetraplegia (N=16) who resided in the Western Cape, South Africa. Robotic locomotor training (Ekso GT) and activity-based training over a 24-week intervention. Brachial and ankle blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, and cardiovascular efficiency during 4 physiological positions. No differences between groups or over time were evident in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, ankle systolic pressure, ankle brachial pressure index, and heart rate variability. Standing heart rate at 24 weeks was significantly higher in the ABT group (95.58±12.61 beats/min) compared with the RLT group (75.14±14.96 beats/min) (P =.05). In the RLT group, no significant changes in heart rate variability (standard deviation R-R interval and root mean square of successive differences) was found between the standing and 6-minute walk test physiological positions throughout the intervention. Cardiovascular efficiency in the RLT group during the 6-minute walk test improved from 11.1±2.6 at baseline to 7.5±2.8 beats per meter walked at 6 weeks and was maintained from 6 to 24 weeks. Large effect sizes and significant differences between groups found in this pilot study support the clinical effectiveness of RLT and ABT for changing cardiovascular indices as early as 6 weeks and up to 24 weeks of rehabilitation. RLT may be more effective than ABT in improving cardiac responses to orthostatic stress. Based on heart rate variability metrics, the stimulus of standing has comparable effects to RLT on the parasympathetic nervous system. Cardiovascular efficiency of exoskeleton walking improved, particularly over the first 6 weeks. Both the RLT and ABT interventions were limited in their effect on brachial and ankle blood pressure. A randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size is warranted to further examine these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Imitation Game can be used in as many ways as you have ingenuity. • Restrictions should not be placed on the way the Imitation Game is used. • The Imitation Game is a quantitative method, or explores social worlds, or both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are very prominent and early features in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and in animal models of PD. Thus, antioxidant therapy for PD has been proposed, but in clinical trials such strategies have met with very limited success. Methylene blue (MB), a small-molecule synthetic heterocyclic organic compound that acts as a renewable electron cycler in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, manifesting robust antioxidant and cell energetics-enhancing properties, has recently been shown to have significant beneficial effects in reducing nigrostriatal dopaminergic loss and motor impairment in acute toxin models of PD. However, no studies have investigated the impact of this promising agent in chronic models or for olfactory dysfunction, an early non-motor feature of PD. To test the efficacy of low-dose MB for olfactory dysfunction, motor symptoms, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration, mice were injected with ten subcutaneous doses of 25 mg/kg MPTP, plus 250 mg/kg intraperitoneal probenecid or saline/probenecid at 3.5-day intervals. Following the onset of olfactory dysfunction, MPTP/probenecid (MPTP/p) and saline/probenecid mice were provided drinking water with or without 1 mg/kg/day MB. Oral delivery of low-dose MB significantly ameliorated MPTP/p-induced deficits in motor coordination, as well as degeneration of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons of the substantia nigra and TH-positive terminals in the striatum. Importantly, olfactory dysfunction was ameliorated by MB treatment, whereas this benefit is not observed with currently available anti-Parkinsonian medications. These results indicate that low-dose MB is a promising neuroprotective intervention for both motor and non-motor features of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a congenital malformation of structures derived from the first and second pharyngeal arches leading to underdevelopment of the face. However, besides the craniofacial underdevelopment, extracraniofacial anomalies including cardiac, renal and skeletal malformation have been described. The aim of this study is to analyse a large population of patients with regard to demographics, typical phenotypes including craniofacial and extracraniofacial anomalies, and the correlations between the different variables of this condition. Material and methods A retrospective study was conducted in patients diagnosed with CFM with available clinical and/or radiographic images. All charts were reviewed for information on demographic, radiographic and diagnostic criteria. The presence of cleft lip/palate and extracraniofacial anomalies were noted. Pearson correlation tests and principal component analysis was performed on the phenotypic variables. Results A total of 755 patients were included. The male-to-female ratio and right-to-left ratio were both 1.2:1. A correlation was found among Pruzansky–Kaban, orbit and soft tissue. Similar correlations were found between ear and nerve. There was no strong correlation between phenotype and extracraniofacial anomalies. Nevertheless, extracraniofacial anomalies were more frequently seen than in the ‘normal’ population. Patients with bilateral involvement had a more severe phenotype and a higher incidence of extracraniofacial and cleft lip/palate. Conclusion Outcomes were similar to those of other smaller cohorts. Structures derived from the first pharyngeal arch and the second pharyngeal arch were correlated with degree of severity. Extracraniofacial anomalies were positively correlated with CFM. The findings show that bilaterally affected patients are more severely affected and should be approached more comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major concern in FGFR2 craniofaciosynostosis is oculo-orbital disproportion, such that orbital malformation provides poor accommodation and support for the orbital contents and peri-orbita, leading to insufficient eyelid closure, corneal exposure and eventually to functional visual impairment. Fronto-facial monobloc osteotomy followed by distraction osteogenesis aims to correct midfacial growth deficiencies in Crouzon–Pfeiffer syndrome patients. Fronto-facial bipartition osteotomy followed by distraction is a procedure of choice in Apert syndrome patients. These procedures modify the shape and volume of the orbit and tend to correct oculo-orbital disproportion. Little is known about the detailed 3D shape of the orbital phenotype in CPS and AS, and about how this is modified by fronto-facial surgery. Twenty-eight patients with CMS, 13 patients with AS and 40 control patients were included. CT scans were performed before and after fronto-facial surgery. Late post-operative scans were available for the Crouzon–Pfeiffer syndrome group. Orbital morphology was investigated using conventional three-dimensional cephalometry and shape analysis after mesh-based segmentation of the orbital contents. We characterized the 3D morphology of CPS and AS orbits and showed how orbital shape is modified by surgery. We showed that monobloc-distraction in CPS and bipartition-distraction in AS specifically address the morphological characteristics of the two syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We respond to the article by Panagos et al. in Environmental Science & Policy 2016, 59, 53–57. We first outline the history of assessing water erosion of cultivated land in Britain, to place in context why a model approach has not been considered the best way to assess erosion in Britain. Since 1982 a field- based approach has been consistently chosen. We then consider three particular points of contention between ourselves and Panagos et al.—1) the importance of wash erosion, 2) the cost of carrying out a field-based assessment of erosion, and 3) that the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation should be the harmonized method to assess soil loss. Last, we respond to individual points made by Panagos et al. before drawing some conclusions. One conclusion is that a more harmonious way of assessing erosion was put forward in 2004 by Gobin et al. combining both field-based and model assessments, but unfortunately that route was not taken by researchers at the Joint Research Centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Part I of this two part paper we tried to elicit the ‘essence’ of the notion of interactional expertise by looking at its origins. In Part II we will look at the notion of contributory expertise. The exercise has been triggered by recent discussion of these concepts in this journal by Plaisance and Kennedy and by Goddiksen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We respond to an article by Panagos et al.—‘The new assessment of soil loss by water erosion in Europe’ in Environ. Sci. Policy, 2015, 54, 438–447. It is aimed at helping policy makers make better decisions. The assessment uses a Geographical Information Systems approach based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. RUSLE is based on data gained from plot experiments. The authors assume RUSLE is the only way to assess erosion and ignore critiques of erosion models and other ways of assessing erosion. A different way of assessing water erosion, based on collecting information on extent, frequency and rates, mainly from farmers’ fields but also grazed uplands, has been carried out over recent decades in Britain. The two ways of assessing erosion, one largely theoretical, the other based on reality, evolved in response to particular situations. However, they should relate well to each other. We show that the model is inappropriate to assess soil loss by water erosion in Britain, not only for agricultural land but also for uncultivated land. Predicted high rates of erosion do not relate well to where erosion actually occurs and are too high, and the model takes no account of the spatial extent of erosion on the ground. In other words, the model does not reflect reality. Policy decisions should not be taken based on such a model. Erosion must be assessed in a better way with a large field-based element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subgrades of expansive nature are one of the main causes of damage to road network in Australia. Consequently, lime stabilization has been widely used to reduce the swell- shrink potential of these types of soils and thus reduce the associated damage. After stabilization and compaction, the subgrade will naturally be exposed to cycles of full swell and or partial shrinkage due to climatic cycles. This paper investigates this behaviour for lime stabilized compacted expansive soil from weathered Quaternary Volcanic geological deposits located in Western Victoria; Australia. These soils were stabilized with varying percentages of hydrated lime (2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 percent) and the swell-shrink paths of both untreated and treated soils were studied. Test specimens were compacted at optimum moisture content and maximum dry density. The samples were subjected to full swell-shrink cycles under a surcharge of 25 kPa to reach structural stabilization and to simulate the impact of climatic wetting and drying cycles. Vertical deformation and swell-shrink cycle relationships for untreated and treated samples were obtained and analyzed. The results of lime stabilization indicate that equilibrium is reached after three cycles for both untreated and treated samples. In addition, results suggest that maximum deformation occurs in the second swelling cycle. Vertical deformation of untreated sample was reduced to a third after adding 2 percent lime and reduced to a sixth after adding 3 percent lime. The gradient of swelling and shrinkage path reduced to about a sixth and third when it is treated with 2 and 3 percent, respectively. The treated samples reached maximum swelling at a higher degree of saturation than the untreated sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Part I of this two part paper we try to set out the ‘essence’ of the notion of interactional expertise by starting with its origins. In Part II we will look at the notion of contributory expertise. The exercise has been triggered by recent discussion of these concepts in this journal by Plaisance and Kennedy and by Goddiksen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella is an important economic and public health concern for the poultry industry. Fresh ground product has been linked with multiple salmonellosis outbreaks in humans. Exposure can be controlled by proper handling and preparation by consumers; however, the industry desires to minimize carriage levels in the final product. A substantial obstacle in reducing product contamination stems from limitations in diagnostic methodologies. Detection of Salmonella contamination currently requires extended incubation periods, and by the time test results are available, the fresh product has reached retail shelves. The goal of this study was to develop a preharvest diagnostic protocol for the evaluation of ground product contamination. The turkey processing plant where this research was conducted had previously established Salmonella screening (BAX system) of ground product, thus providing an opportunity for preharvest sample comparison. Drag swabs were collected from live-haul trailers entering the processing plant over a 12-month period. The swabs were added to modified buffered peptone water and incubated at 40°C. After incubation for 6 h or overnight, samples were tested for the presence of Salmonella with the DNAble assay and related to ground turkey samples from corresponding lots. The linear relationship for the percentage of Salmonella- positive live-haul trailers was significant for both the 6-h (slope = 1.02, R² = 0.96, and P < 0.0001) and overnight (slope = 0.35, R² = 0.93, and P = 0.0015) incubations, with the percentage of Salmonella-positive ground turkey samples. These data indicate that preharvest screening provides a meaningful evaluation of product contamination. Additionally, the 6-h incubation protocol is rapid enough to allow for product mitigation and could potentially aid in the reduction of future salmonellosis outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes modifications to an existing cellulose pyrolysis mechanism in order to include the effect of potassium on product yields and composition. The changes in activation energies and pre-exponential factors due to potassium were evaluated based on the experimental data collected from pyrolysis of cellulose samples treated with different levels of potassium (0–1% mass fraction). The experiments were performed in a pyrolysis reactor coupled to a molecular beam mass spectrometer (MBMS). Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on the collected data revealed that cellulose pyrolysis products could be divided into two groups: anhydrosugars and other fragmentation products (hydroxyacetaldehyde, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, acetyl compounds). Multivariate curve resolution (MCR) was used to extract the time resolved concentration score profiles of principal components. Kinetic tests revealed that potassium apparently inhibits the formation of anhydrosugars and catalyzes char formation. Therefore, the oil yield predicted at 500 ° C decreased from 87.9% from cellulose to 54.0% from cellulose with 0.5% mass fraction potassium treatment. The decrease in oil yield was accompanied by increased yield of char and gases produced via a catalyzed dehydration reaction. The predicted char and gas yield from cellulose were 3.7% and 8.4%, respectively. Introducing 0.5% mass fraction potassium treatment resulted in an increase of char yield to 12.1% and gas yield to 33.9%. The validation of the cellulose pyrolysis mechanism with experimental data from a fluidized-bed reactor, after this correction for potassium, showed good agreement with our results, with differences in product yields of up to 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toponome imaging systems (TIS) can yield high-resolution subcellular colocalization images of multiple proteins within single cells and intact tissue sections, giving this technology significant potential for identifying multiplex biomarkers that simultaneously measure several aspects of a cell. The integral role of the microenvironment in malignant progression and the recently appreciated heterogeneity of cancer cells underscore the importance of characterizing complex molecular phenotypes and the large protein network structures of single cells within their preserved anatomical context. Here, we discuss the TIS technique and the potential for developing new sensitive and specific multiplex biomarkers for risk stratification and diagnosis, in addition to its utility for anticancer drug discovery by identifying ‘hub’ proteins that are essential regulators of protein networks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Submicron-scale columnar cobalt structures with three different cross-sectional geometries – solid cylinders, x-shaped pillars and keyhole-shaped pillars – were characterized by uniaxial compression tests. All electroplated specimens possess a hybrid polycrystalline–nanocrystalline microstructure. Results of uniaxial compression revealed that the average mechanical strengths of submicron cobalt specimens are statistically indistinguishable, regardless of cross-sectional geometry. This surprising result is in contrast with previous studies of solid cylindrical pillars, where the mechanical strength shows a dependence on specimen size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The great majority of dendroclimatological work in Australia has thus far relied on ring-width chronologies only. We report novel results from a pilot study that show the potential to develop density-based climatically sensitive chronologies from two long-lived conifers endemic to Tasmania: Pencil Pine and Celery Top Pine. Cross-dating of average ring density profiles within each of the two sites examined was comparable with the better replicated ring-width chronologies from the sites. Cross-dating potential for maximum density was also indicated. Correlations between density and climate for both species were stronger and more persistent across a window of several months than correlations between ring width and climate. These stronger correlations suggest that temperature reconstructions based on average density may be possible. The ability to develop high resolution temperature-sensitive chronologies would allow for spatial comparisons across regions such as Tasmania that are affected by multiple broad-scale climate systems. A particularly novel result was the finding that maximum density was significantly related to stream-flow at the end of the growing season. Further work is required to assess the potential to reconstruct temperature, and to reconstruct stream-flow for important Tasmanian catchments over the past 500–800 years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The bacteriostatic activity of the transferrin family has been known since the early 1960’s. The possession of high affinity iron(III)-binding sites and the existence of a specific membrane-bound receptor, have led to the present understanding of serum transferrin acting as the major iron transporter between cells in vertebrate systems. Iron chelators can interact with transferrin, either by directly donating iron or by removing iron from the protein; both interactions have relevance for haematology. Scope of review: Urea polyacrylamide gels and HPLC methods have been developed for the resolution and quantification of the four major forms of transferrin, diferric-transferrin, C-mono Fe-transferrin, N-mono Fe-transferrin and apo transferrin. Major conclusions: Negatively charged ligands with pFe values >20 remove iron from transferrin, preferably from the N-lobe iron-binding site. Some siderophores are capable of removing iron from transferrin. 3-Hydroxypyridin-4-ones, lacking a negative charge are able to remove iron from transferrin with a strong preference for the C- lobe iron-binding site. The donation of iron to apo transferrin by hydroxypyridinone iron(III) complexes has relevance to the treatment of clinical anaemias, because the hydroxypyridinones can also mobilize iron from the reticuloendothelial system and so facilitate the redistribution of iron from macrophages to reticulocytes. General significance: Hydroxypyridinones have excellent potential for facilitating the redistribution of iron and this has relevance to the treatment of many disease types, including neurodegeneration and clinical anaemias. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Transferrins: Molecular mechanisms of iron transport and disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The amplified myeloma centrosome has been identified as a therapeutic target. The present study explored the expression and prognostic significance of the centrosome-associated protein PLK1 in myeloma and the effect of BI 2536, a potent and selective inhibitor of PLK1, on myeloma cells. High plasma cell expression of PLK1 protein in myeloma patient bone marrow biopsies is an independent adverse prognostic factor (HR=2.3, p =0.003 unadjusted; HR=1.9, p =0.03 in multivariable model). BI 2536 inhibits myeloma cell lines at nanomolar concentrations, and is therapeutic for xenografts in NOD/SCID mice. PLK1 inhibition is a potential new strategy for the treatment of multiple myeloma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We previously detected a membrane-bound, copper-containing oxidase that may be involved in iron efflux in BeWo cells, a human placental cell line. We have now identified a gene encoding a predicted multicopper ferroxidase (MCE) with a putative C-terminal membrane-spanning sequence and high sequence identity to hephaestin (Heph) and ceruloplasmin (Cp), the other known vertebrate MCF. Molecular modeling revealed conservation of all type I, II, and Ill copper-binding sites as well as a putative iron-binding site. Protein expression was observed in multiple diverse mouse tissues, including placenta and mammary gland, and the expression pattern was distinct from that of Cp and Heph. The protein possessed ferroxidase activity, and protein levels decreased in cellular copper deficiency. Knockdown with small interfering RNA in BeWo cells indicates that this gene represents the previously detected oxidase. We propose calling this new member of the MCF family "zyklopen." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CXCR4/stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1) axis plays important roles in development, leukocyte trafficking, HIV infection, and tumorigenesis. Its critical function in bone marrow stem cell and hematopoietic progenitor cell retention, homing and release has been well-characterized by genetic and pharmacological analyses. However, its role in neutrophil retention and release is still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that T134, a peptide antagonist of human CXCR4, is also a potent antagonist of mouse CXCR4. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with T134 resulted in a rapid and time-dependent increase of white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils, as well as hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in peripheral blood. Interestingly, recurrent WBC and neutrophil mobilization was achieved by repeated T134 treatment, and the T134-mediated increase and subsequent retreat of WBC and neutrophils correlated with T134 activity in the peripheral blood. Kinetic analysis revealed that T134 binding to CXCR4 did not induce any significant cell-surface receptor downregulation, indicating that T134-induced WBC and neutrophil mobilization is likely due to direct blockage of the CXCR4/SDF-1 interaction. The results from this study support an important role of CXCR4/SDF-1 axis in neutrophil retention and release in the marrow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Antifreeze proteins (AFP) and antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGP) lower the freezing point of marine fish plasma non-colligatively by specifically adsorbing to certain surfaces of ice crystals, modifying their structure and inhibiting further growth. While the freezing point is lowered, the melting point is unaltered and the difference between the two is termed thermal hysteresis (TH). In pure water, the level of TH is directly related to the intrinsic activity of the specific AF(G)P in solution and to their concentration. Results of this study indicate that when AF(G)P are dissolved in salt solutions, such as NaCl, encompassing the range they could encounter in nature, there is a synergistic enhancement of basal TH that is positively related to the salt concentration. This enhancement is likely a result of the hydration shell surrounding the dissolved ions and, as a consequence, reducing freezable water. A secondary reason for the enhancement is that the salt could be influencing the hydration shell surrounding the AF(G)P, increasing their solubility and thus the protein surface area available to adsorb to the ice/water interface. The former hypothesis for the salt enhanced TH has implications for the in vivo function of AF(G)P, particularly at the seawater/external epithelia (gills, skin, stomach) interface. The latter hypothesis is likely only relevant to in vitro situations where freeze dried protein is dissolved in low salt solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The thermal stability of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) was investigated over the pH range 3–8 employing a variety of biophysical techniques under conditions of low and high ionic strength. Analysis of the structural stability of Ad5 by dynamic light scattering, intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence, and second derivative UV absorption spectroscopies suggest that the capsid stability of Ad5 increases with decreasing pH under both ionic strength conditions. Significant aggregation, however, was observed at pH ≤ 5 under conditions of low ionic strength. These studies also suggest that the physical stability of Ad5 is significantly enhanced under acidic conditions in the presence of 1 M NaCl. Evaluation of the quaternary structural stability of Ad5 by dynamic light scattering and extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy suggest that the Ad5 capsid undergoes a two-step dismantling process wherein the viral particles initially expand in size near 50°C and the DNA core is at least partially exposed to the surrounding solvent. Complete capsid disassembly and total exposure of the DNA core follows at higher temperatures. Data generated during these studies were combined employing a multidimensional eigenvector approach that combines data from numerous techniques into a colored representation. This picture, or “empirical phase diagram,” provides an intuitive representation of the physical stability of Ad5 over the pH range 4–8 from 10°C to 85°C. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 95:237–247, 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this project was to investigate and demonstrate production methods at a continuous, bench-scale level and generate sufficient material for an initial evaluation of a potentially profitable method of producing bioenergy and sequestering carbon. The novel process uses agricultural, forestry, and waste biomass to produce hydrogen using pyrolysis and reforming technologies conducted in a 50kg/h pilot demonstration. The test runs produced a novel, nitrogen-enriched, slow-release, carbon-sequestering fertilizer. Seven kilograms of the material were produced for further plant growth response testing. A pyrolysis temperature profile was discovered that results in a carbon char with an affinity for capturing CO2 through gas phase reaction with mixed nitrogen-carrying nutrient compounds within the pore structures of the carbon char. A bench-scale project demonstrated a continuous process fluidized-bed agglomerating process. The total amount of CO2 sequestration was managed by controlling particle discharge rates based on density. The patent-pending process is particularly applicable to fossil-fuel power plants as it also removes SOx and NOx, does not require energy-intensive carbon dioxide separation and operates at ambient temperature and pressure. The method of sequestration uses existing farm fertilizer distribution infrastructure to deliver a carbon that is highly resistant to microbiological decomposition. The physical structure of carbon material provides a framework for building an NPK fertilizer inside the pore structure and creating a physical slow-release mechanism of these nutrients. The complete process produces three times as much hydrogen as it consumes making it a net energy producer for the affiliated power plant. See http://www.eprida.com/hydro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Policy makers concerned about soil erosion and its impacts need good quality information on which to base their decisions. There is a trend toward using erosion models to aid such decision making. Such models are based on data obtained from experimental plots. The theoretical results need to be compared with information gained from monitoring erosion in the field to assess if theory accords with reality. Data from the Minimum Information Requirement version of the Water Erosion Prediction Project model (MIRSED) are compared to information gained from field monitoring over a 5-year period (1982–1986) in 11 localities widely spread throughout England and Wales. Two of the localities, Gwent and Shropshire, are examined in detail. The model seriously over predicts erosion, both in amount and extent. Also, the statistical distributions of the data values are different. The model predicts erosion will happen where it does not. The reasons why the two assessments of erosion differ greatly are explored. This comparison shows there is an urgent need to develop models which incorporate information gained from field-based observations. Until better models are devised, policy makers and decision takers should treat the results of modelling exercises with great caution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Maillard chemistry, or the low temperature condensation of amino acids and carbohydrates, is shown to be relevant to the practical regime of biomass pyrolysis and leads to dramatic changes in low-temperature volatile products and residual solid structure. Mixtures of amino acids and glucose were subjected to a two-temperature heating sequence (5 min each at 170 and 325 °C) and the volatile products analyzed by molecular beam mass spectrometry. Significant volatile yield was observed from the mixtures at 170 °C where neither amino acids nor glucose generated volatile material in the time frame studied. Proline was the most active of the amino acid studied.Volatile products at low temperature included the diketopiperazine, which were generated in higher yields than from proline alone. Also generated were Maillard condensation such as 1-(1′-pyrrolidinyl)-2-propanone. These products were also generated at 325 °C, but in addition, the mass spectra included evidence for the direct formation of nitrogen-containing aromatics. These observations are discussed in relation to known Maillard chemistry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]