Glycosaminoglycans and glycoconjugates in the adult anuran integument (Lithobates catesbeianus)

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from the integument of Lithobates catesbeianus were biochemically characterized and histochemically localized. Moreover, carbohydrate distribution was investigated using conventional and lectin histochemistry at light microscopy. Hyaluronan (HA), dermatan sulfate (DS) and a heparanoid were found in the integument. Sulfated and carboxylated GAGs were visualized in the Eberth-Katschenko (EK) layer, in the mucous glands, in the hypodermis as well as in the mast cells. Furthermore, glucose and galactose were identified in the integument through thin layer chromatography (TLC) assays. N-Acetyl-β-glucosamine residues were identified in the mucous glandular cells, between the corneum and spinosum strata, in the subepidermal region, and in the EK layer. N-Acetyl-galactosamine residues were evident in the EK layer, corresponding to a residue of the dermatan sulfate chain, which may be related to the collagenous fiber arrangement. These glycoconjugates occurred as secretory glandular products and as dermal structural elements. Moreover, HA and DS are the predominant GAGs in the L. catesbeianus integument. Considering the importance of glycoconjugates, they play a significant role to the integrity of the skin, providing mechanical support for integument cells. In addition, they are important to the water regulation mechanisms, since L. catesbeianus is preferably aquatic.     

Morphological characterization of the anuran integument of the Proceratophrys and Odontophrynus genera (Amphibia, Anuran, Leptodactylidae)

The morphological characteristics of the leptodactylid integument of Proceratophrys and Odontophrynus genera were investigated by means of stereoscopic, low vacuum scanning electron and light microscopy. The integument surface of Proceratophrys boiei, Proceratophrys laticeps and Proceratophrys appendiculata exhibited several projections, while the integument of Odontophrynus americanus had rounded elevations with smooth profile. Light microscopic observations showed the basic integument morphology for all anurans, i.e., an epidermis and a dermis, which is subdivided into a spongious layer and a compact layer. The epidermis is formed by basal, intermediary and cornified layers. However, in Proceratophrys genus the cornified layer had an irregular outline, while in O. americanus the external surface was smooth. In the spongious dermis, mucous and venom exocrine glands were observed, but in O. americanus an exclusive glandular type with apocrine secretory pattern was identified. The integument morphology showed peculiar characteristics that may be helpful for genus distinction. Thus, morphological methods may be considered as an efficient means to characterize and to differentiate anuran genera.     

Fibrillin-rich microfibrils of the extracellular matrix: ultrastructure and assembly.

Fibrillin-rich microfibrils are a unique class of extensible connective tissue macromolecules. Their critical contribution to the establishment and maintenance of diverse extracellular matrices was underlined by the linkage of their principal structural component fibrillin to Marfan syndrome, a heritable connective tissue disorder with pleiotropic manifestations. Microscopy and preparative techniques have contributed substantially to the understanding of microfibril structure and function. The supramolecular organisation of microfibrillar assemblies in tissues has been examined by tissue sectioning and X-ray diffraction methods. Published findings are discussed and new information reported on the organisation of microfibrils in the ciliary zonular fibrils by environmental scanning electron microscopy. This review summarises microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies that are informing current understanding of the ultrastructure of fibrillin-rich microfibrils.     

Structural aspects of the Eberth-Katschenko layer of Bufo ictericus integument: histochemical characterization and biochemical analysis of the cutaneous calcium (Amphibian, Bufonidae)

Anuran, such as Brazilian toad Bufo ictericus Spix, 1824, possess a calcified dermal layer called the Eberth-Katschenko (EK) layer located between the stratum spongiosum and the stratum compactum. It has been regarded as a protective barrier against desiccation or involved in storage and mobilization of calcium, or a barrier for the interchange of substances between the animal's internal and external environment. The B. ictericus integument was removed from the ventral and dorsal regions and examined by light microscopy, using histochemical techniques, and also submitted to biochemical calcium analysis. The intermediate layer is strongly basophilic and metachromatic. In the EK layer Alcian blue at different critical electrolytic concentration revealed hyaluronic acid, which coexists with the dermal calcium. We conclude that the EK layer of B. ictericus is a discontinuous layer and is formed of hyaluronic acid and a sulfated GAG different from chondroitin sulfate, heparin and heparan sulfate or keratan sulfate. The amount of cutaneous calcium is independent of region and sex. GAGs may play an important role in dermal hydric balance, protecting the animal against desiccation, and hyaluronic acid is probably able to anchor dermal calcium. Thus, all compounds of the EK layer are essential for integument integrity and functionality.     

CoFe-based granular alloys: the role of the metallic matrix

RF-sputtered CoFe-NM granular alloys (NM=Ag, Cu) with CoFe volume content, x_v, ranging from 0.10 to 0.45 have been studied. These two series of samples show similar features depending on the synthesis conditions and post-deposition annealing treatments, revealing the strong dependence of magnetotransport properties on microstructure. Three different regimes have been observed as x_v is increased: the classical giant magnetoresistance (GMR) regime at low ferromagnetic contents; at intermediate x_v, a domain structure appears, and GMR and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) together with domain wall scattering are observed; and a third regime at x_v close but below the volume percolation threshold, where the two latter contributions still coexist, while the GMR contribution has been suppressed by strong magnetic correlations. The role of the metallic matrix is crucial to determine the crossover ferromagnetic contents between these three regimes, which depend on the relative immiscibility of CoFe either in the Ag or Cu matrices and the diffusivity of Ag and Cu. Moreover, the metallic matrix settles the degree of CoFe segregation, sample crystallisation and texture, which are responsible for the magnetotransport properties.     

The extracellular matrix of the human aortic wall: ultrastructural observations by FEG-SEM and by tapping-mode AFM

Fragments of human ascending aorta harvested during heart surgery were cryofractured and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Elastic fibers appear as irregular, undulated laminae of variable size and shape. Their surface shows an evident fibrous texture suggestive of a criss-crossed, delicate filamentous scaffold and is marked by a number of features such as ridges, holes and protruding ribs. At higher magnification, both SEM and AFM show the surface composed of a finely granular material, with a bead size of approximately 20 nm. However, the thickness of the metal coating in one case, and the tip convolution effect on the other, may equally result in an artifactual enlargement of the structures, so that the beads may be significantly smaller. The surfaces created by the fracture always appear smooth and compact and with this technique do not reveal significant detail. The collagen component is mostly represented by small, uniform fibrils gathered in flexuous bundles and following a wavy course not unlike that of the elastic laminae. An orthogonal lattice of small proteoglycans is readily evident even without a specific treatment. Occasionally, the fibrils appear encrusted or engulfed in a grainy matrix reminiscent of the elastic fiber surface. Fluid Tapping-Mode Atomic Force Microscopy simultaneously reveals the surface-bound proteoglycans and the inner architecture of the fibrils, composed of smaller subunits following a spiral course with a winding angle of approximately 17 degrees.     

AFM study of the extracellular connective tissue matrix in patients with pelvic organ prolapse

The method of atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used for the first time for morphological investigation of pathological changes in the extracellular matrix of skin connective tissue upon the prolapse of pelvic organs (common disorder among women). Skin samples of patients with clinically proven pelvic-organ prolapse and of patients that do not have any connective tissue related disease (control group) are investigated via AFM. The AFM study reveals that the extracellular matrix of the skin connective tissues from patients with pelvic-organ prolapse diverges from the normal in various organization levels including both micro- and nanotexture (packing of collagen fibers and fibrils, respectively). The results of AFM study of the normal and pathologically changed skin connective tissues are in good agreement with the data of clinical morphological analysis, which indicates the potential of AFM as an independent diagnostic tool.     

Coevolutionary dynamics of opinion propagation and social balance: The key role of small-worldness

We present a (semi-) analytical model of asset fluctuations using the framework of Fokker-Planck equations, together with generalised diffusion coefficients. Allowing for time dependence of the coefficients D ₁ and D ₂ provides a route to the characterization of the long- and short-time nature of autocorrelation functions, as is demonstrated for Dow Jones 1993–2012 financial data.     

The black hole in astrophysics: the origin of the concept and its role

Theory of Elasticity. By L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz. (Pergamon Press, 1970.) [Pp. vii + 165.] £3 0s. 0d. Scope: Treatise/textbook. Level: Specialist/postgraduate; undergraduate.

A Quantum Mechanics Primer. By Daniel T. Gillespie. (International Textbook Co., 1970.) [Pp. xiv + 137.] Scope: Treatise/textbook. Level: Undergraduate.

An Introduction to Quantum Physics. By Garrison Sposito. (John Wiley &; Sons Ltd., 1970.) [Pp. xviii + 425.] £6.15. Scope: treatise/Textbook. Level: Undergraduate.

An Introduction to Current Algebra. By D. H. LYTH. (Oxford University Press 1970.) [Pp. xi+ 66] 9Op. Scope: Treatise/textbook. Level: Specialist/postgraduate.

Progress in Optics. Edited by Emil Wolf. (North-Holland Publishing Co., 1970.) [Pp. xiii+ 458.] £8.75. Scope: Conference proceedings; treatise/textbook; survey; library; library(reference). Level: For specialists only; specialist/post-graduate;undergraduate; school; general reader.

Optics. By Miles V. Kleix. (John Wiley &; Sons Ltd., 1970.) [Pp. 647.] £8.00. Scope: Textbook. Level: Undergraduate.

States, Waves and Photom: A Modern Introduction to Light. By J. W. Sixmons and M. J. Guttman. (Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Inc., 1970.) [Pp. vii + 279.] £4.65.

Crystals and X-rays. 13. By H. S. Lipson. (Wykeham Publications, 1970.) [Pp. xiv + 198.] £1.75. Scope: Library. Level: Undergraduate; School; General reader.

A Dictionary of Named Effects and Laws in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. By D. W. G. Ballentyne and D. R. Lovett. (Chapman &; Hall Ltd., 1970.) [Pp. viii + 335.] £3. Scope: Library(reference). Level: General reader.

Experimental Crystal Physics (Second Edition). By W. A. Wooster and A. Breton. (Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1970.) [Pp. ix+ 150.] £3. Scope: Textbook. Level: Undergraduate.

Physics. By Davidbryant.(The English Universities Press Ltd., 1971.) [Pp. viii+ 264.] 55p. Level: General reader.

Nuclear Reactions. By I. E. McCarthy. (Pergemon Press. 1970.) [Pp. viii+327.] £1.75. Scope: Textbook; library. Level: Specialist/postgraduate;undergraduate.

Studies in Statistical Mechanics. Vol. V. Edited by J. De Boer and G. E. Uhlenbeck. (North-Holland Publishing Co. 1971.) [Pp. xivf 239.] £5.00. Scope: Survey. Level: Specialist/postgraduate.

A Simplijed Approach to Solid State Physics. By M. N. Rudden and J. Wilson. (Butterworths, 1971.) [Pp. vii+ 187.] £2.90. Scope: Textbook. Level: Undergraduate.

Classical Thermodynamics. By Arnold Munster. (John Wiley &; Sons Ltd., 1970.) [Pp. xiv+ 387.] £6.00. Scope: Library. Level: Specialist/postgraduate.

Progress in Elementary Particle and Cosmic Ray Physics. Edited by J. G. Wilson. (North-Hoiland Publishing Company, 1971.) [Pp. xl+ 396.] Ca. $21.75. Level: Specialist/postgraduate.

Pulsed High Magnetic Fields. By Heinz Knoepfel.(North-Holland, 1971.) [Pp. xxii+ 372.] £8.40.

Electron Optics. By O. Klemperer and M. E. Barnett. (Cambridge University Press, 1971.) [Pp. ix+ 506.] £9.00. Scope: Textbook. Level: Undergraduate/postgraduate     

The matrix Hamiltonian for hadrons and the role of negative-energy components

The world-line (Fock-Feynman-Schwinger) representation is used for quarks in an arbitrary (vacuum and valence gluon) field to construct the relativistic Hamiltonian. After averaging the Green’s function of the white \(q\bar q\) system over gluon fields, one obtains the relativistic Hamiltonian, which is a matrix in spin indices and contains both positive and negative quark energies. The role of the latter is studied using the example of the heavy-light meson and the standard einbein technique is extended to the case of the matrix Hamiltonian. Comparison with the Dirac equation shows good agreement of the results. For an arbitrary \(q\bar q\) system, the nondiagonal matrix Hamiltonian components are calculated through hyperfine interaction terms. A general discussion of the role of negative-energy components is given in conclusion.     

On the role of water vapour in the heat balance of the antarctic lower stratosphere

Summary A general circulation model (GCM) is used to investigate the effect on Antarctic temperatures due to changes in ozone and water vapour concentrations. It is shown that the stratospheric cooling due to the ozone secular trend is largely compensated by the H₂O loss associated with the formation of type 2 polar stratospheric clouds (PSC-2). The partial dehydration of the Antarctic lower stratosphere acts in such a way to significantly reduce the cooling associated to the O₃ depletion.     

Soft X-ray transition matrix elements: The role of approximation of the valence states

The coordinate, momentum and potential forms of the interband transitions matrix elements are equivalent when the initial and the final states are exactly known. For the soft X-ray transitions we assume exact core states, and approximate valence states. Then the three different forms of the matrix elements are no longer equivalent and are related by new, more general expressions. From these the qualitative conclusions regarding the appropriate form of the approximated valence states are derived. It turns out, that the orthogonalization of the approximate valence wave function to the core states is very important for the correct behaviour of the photon energy dependence of the soft X-ray emission. These results are illustrated by simple numerical examples.     

Chemical properties of the extracellular matrix of the snail nervous system: A comprehensive study using a combination of histochemical techniques

The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of various types of protein and carbohydrate polymers with red-ox and acid–base properties that have a crucial impact on tissue homeostasis. In the present study, a combination of both frequently applied and also specialized histochemical staining methods were used to reveal the chemical properties of the ECM of the snail central nervous system (CNS) which has a long been favored experimental model for comparative neurobiologists. Reactions such as silver ion reduction to label oxidative elements and different protein fibers, visible and fluorescent periodic-Schiff (PAS) reaction for the detection of unbranched chain of carbohydrates, and cationic dyes (acridine orange and alcian blue) for differentiating acidic carbohydrates were used. Illumination of sections stained with toluidine blue at pH 4.0 by a fluorescent light (λ ex546/em580 nm), visualized components of the extraneural space (ECM molecules and glial cells) of the adult and also the developing CNS. Silver, toluidine blue and azure A were used to detect specific molecule bands in CNS extracts separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Some molecules showed both negative character and had carbohydrate side chains revealed by the Solanum tuberosum lectin probe. In a comparison of a freshwater aquatic (Lymnaea stagnalis) and a terrestrial (Helix pomatia) species, the ECM showed similarities in the composition of the periganglionic sheath and interperikaryonal space. The sheath was rich in alcian blue-positive sulfated proteoglycans infiltrated the space between collagen and reticular fibers, whereas in the interperikaryonal space PAS- and acridine orange-positive neutral and weakly acidic carbohydrates were detected. The ganglionic neuropil was mostly filled with PAS-positive material, but negatively charged sulfated and carboxylated molecules detected by acridine orange and alcian blue were present only in Helix. A low carbohydrate content was also found in the neuropil of both adult and developing Lymnaea, but most of the ECM components appeared only during the postembryonic juvenile stages. Comparing the SDS-PAGE of the periganglionic sheath and neural tissue extracts, toluidine blue (pH 4.0) and azure A (pH 2.0) revealed negatively charged molecules; some were found in both fractions. These results show, for the first time, the general chemical characteristics of the ECM of the snail CNS, indicating differences in the composition of the ganglion neuropil between aquatic and terrestrial species. Hence, a different strategy for retaining water by the neural tissue is suggested in species living in different environments.     

Damages to the extracellular matrix in articular cartilage due to cryopreservation by microscopic magnetic resonance imaging and biochemistry

To investigate the damages to the extracellular matrix in articular cartilage due to cryopreservation, the depth-dependent concentration profiles of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in 34 cartilage specimens from canine humeral heads were imaged at 13-μm pixel resolution using the in vitro version of the dGEMRIC protocol in microscopic MRI (μMRI). In addition, a biochemical assay was used to determine the GAG loss from the tissue to the solution where the tissue was immersed. For specimens that had been frozen at −20°C or −80°C without any cryoprotectant, a significant loss of GAG (as high as 56.5%) was found in cartilage, dependent upon the structural zones of the tissue and the conditions of cryopreservation. The cryoprotective abilities of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a function of its concentration in saline and storage temperature were also investigated. A 30% DMSO concentration was sufficient in preventing the reduction of GAG in the tissue at the −20°C storage temperature, but a 50% concentration of DMSO was necessary for the −80°C cryopreservation. These imaging results were verified by the biochemical analysis.     

电子分析天平的工作原理及在实验中的应用

简要介绍电子分析天平的工作原理，并通过实验说明电子分析天平的优点。     

Blueshifts of emission energy from InAs quantum dots in GaAs matrix due to narrowed interdot spacing: a token of the integrity of a nanostructure

The shifts of emission energy from InAs quantum dots (QDs) in the GaAs matrix due to change in the QD stacking period have been numerically analyzed by investigating the strain modified shifts of band edges. Narrower stacking results in a blueshift of emission energy from direct band gap transition provided the QD spacing is wide enough to avoid electronic coupling. Through a comparison with existing experimental results in the literature, processing methods and variables that have benefits in achieving a blueshift have been inferred. A blueshift through decreased QD spacing has been proposed as a token of the integrity of a processed QD nanostructure . PACS 68.65.+g; 78.66.Fd     

多层介质的转移矩阵及其在声子晶体中的应用

引入四维波矢的概念,推导出弹性波斜入射到多层介质系统时的转移矩阵以及透射系数和反射系数。利用这些公式计算了纵波和横波正入射到一维掺杂声子晶体时纵波和横波的透射系数。得出:当纵波正入射时,透射波中纵波在一定频率范围内出现了禁带,并且在禁带的中心频率处出现了缺陷模。当横波正入射时也有相同的结果。     

The role of the biexciton in a dynamic density matrix theory of the semiconductor band edge

We describe the dielectric response of the semiconductor band edge in a dynamic density matrix model. Our treatment is based on a set of ₃-relevant constitutive equations involving two-, four- and six-point density matrices. We demonstrate that under certain conditions all contributions to the third order susceptibility can be expressed in terms of excitonic and biexcitonic transitions. As a first application of these ₃-relevant equations we investigate the influence of the biexciton on the optical Stark effect in CuCl. We calculate shifts and lineshapes. Our results turn out to be in excellent agreement with experiments as well as with other theoretical predictions.     

Isomeric state of 80Y and its role in the astrophysical rp-process

A careful investigation of the isomeric transition of the long-lived state at 228.5 keV excitation energy in ⁸⁰Y has been done. The HIGISOL facility at the Jyv?skyl? isochronous cyclotron has been used. We used the electron magnetic transporter to prepare an appropriate source and to measure the electron spectra in clean background conditions. The measured internal conversion coefficient α_K = 0.50±0.07 allows unambiguous 1^- identification for the 228.5 keV first excited isomeric state in ⁸⁰Y. With a “bare" half-life of 6.8±0.5 s found in this work, this state is strongly populated in the rp-process during X-ray bursts and has therefore to be taken into account in X-ray burst model calculations. However, because of the similarity of the β-decay half-lives of isomeric and ground states, we find a maximum reduction in the effective β-decay lifetime of ⁸⁰Y of only 17±2%. Our results pave the way for a future investigation of the impact of the isomeric state on the “effective" ⁸⁰Y proton capture rate. Received: 14 March 2001 / Accepted: 10 July 2001