cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypersensitivity of scleroderma cutaneous vascular smooth muscle to 5-hydroxytryptamine.

SUMMARY Vascular smooth muscle strips from subcutaneous wrist vessels of patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) were studied in an isolated system. No difference between catecholamine response of scleroderma or control vessel strips was observed. Three of four patients demonstrated significant hypersensitivity to 5-hydroxytryptamine as compared to control values. Serotonin hypersensitivity may play a role in the evolution of Raynaud's phenomenon and vascular scleroderma.
Multi–Detector Row CT in Evaluation of 94 Living Renal Donors by Readers with Varied Experience

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess the accuracy of four-section multi–detector row computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of renal transplant donors when scans are read by one of multiple readers with varied levels of expertise, by using surgery as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board and complied with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Informed consent was waived. Between October 1999 and March 2003, 94 renal donors (42 men, 52 women; mean age, 44 years) underwent four-section multi–detector row CT. Unenhanced scanning of the abdomen was performed with 5-mm section thickness and table speed of 15 mm per rotation. Next, 135–150 mL of nonionic iodinated (300 mg/mL) contrast material was injected intravenously at a rate of 4–5 mL/sec. Contrast material–enhanced CT was initiated 20–25 seconds, 65–70 seconds, and 10 minutes after start of injection. Arterial phase scanning was performed with 1.25-mm sec...
Synthesis, characterization and applications of tether supported biomembrane-microsphere assemblies

Our objective is to develop a highly miniaturized, solid-phase platform for assaying the function and inhibition of integral membrane proteins (IMPs). To functionalize materials with active membrane proteins, the challenge is to build stabilized, supported biomembranes in which the substrate to biomembrane spacing can be controlled to accommodate larger membrane protein. The silica microsphere (5 micron) surface was functionalized with DiNHS-PEG in order to make a tethering bridge designed to yield spacing. Confocal fluorescence microscopy was utilized to analyze the silica surface at different stages of surface modification and examine the passivation of the substrate to the formation of lipid bilayers. The lateral mobility and fluidity of the supported membranes was analyzed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) was used as a quality control step to purify the lipid tethered microsphere complexes. These structures have been employed as a route to functionally immobilize the yeast drug efflux pump PDR5, an important anti-fungal drug target. Another intention is to develop a new platform to present molecules to stem cells within a biomimetic architecture: as laterally-mobile molecules embedded in the context of a tailored biomembrane.
Spirituality and Religiosity: Relative Relationships to Death Anxiety

To assess the relative contributions of spirituality and religiosity to levels of death anxiety, the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS) [1] and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) [2] were admini...
The myomatous erythrocytosis syndrome: A review

Objective To review the literature regarding the association of erythrocytosis and uterine myomas, because of the lack of anemia in many women with menorrhagia and fibroids. Data Sources We searched the MEDLINE Englishlanguage data base and reference lists to find articles referring to the myomatous erythrocytosis syndrome. Methods of Study Selection All case reports of the myomatous erythrocytosis syndrome were included in this review. Data Extraction and Synthesis Symptoms, laboratory studies, histopathologic findings, and possible etiologies for each of 31 cases were extracted. The symptoms described were most commonly related to the presence of a myomatous uterus with occasional manifestations of erythrocytosis. A routine complete blood count was used to diagnose erythrocytosis in all cases. Evaluation of the bone marrow, blood volume, erythrocyte life span, and erythropoietin activity have all been used to help confirm the diagnosis. The histopathologic findings were similar to those commonly seen in myomas. Possible factors in the etiology of this syndrome include: vascular shunts within the myoma, large uterine size, myoma site, change in red cell life span, alteration in erythropoietin production by the kidney, and autonomous secretion of erythropoietin or an erythropoietin-like substrate by the myomatous uterus. Conclusion Elevated levels of erythropoietin accompany the myomatous erythrocytosis syndrome. All myomas may alter erythropoietin production, causing varying degrees of erythrocytosis, which could explain the lack of anticipated anemia despite the presence of menorrhagia. Use of the currently available, highly sensitive radioimmunoassay for erythropoietin should help in our understanding of the role uterine myomas play in erythropoiesis.
Local Access to Care Programs (LACPs): New Developments in the Access to Care for the Uninsured

Context New, locally based health care access programs are emerging in response to the growing number of uninsured, providing an alternative to health insurance and traditional safety net providers. Although these programs have been largely overlooked in health services research and health policy, they are becoming an important local supplement to the historically overburdened safety net.
Excellence in vascular surgery: maintaining high standards.

It is indeed an honor and a great privilege to serve as your President for the past year. I thank you for placing your trust in me; I am grateful and humbled. No one succeeds without the help of others. I consider myself very fortunate to have had good mentors and role models in my formative years (Fig 1). I have strived to emulate them. Since my fellowship, I have worked in mainly two organizations, Loyola in Chicago and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. I have been blessed with decent, hardworking, conscientious surgeons who are my current and former partners, and I could not have gotten here without their help and support. I thank them. I am also indebted to the fellows and residents I had the privilege of training, in Grand Rapids and in Chicago. They are the future of vascular surgery, and they were a source of challenge, inspiration, and pride. I also thank the executive council of this society, particularly Pat Geraghty, your secretary, Terri Comegys, and all of the staff at Boston-Based who made my life easier. Everyone knows that it is the secretary of the organization that does all the heavy lifting. Of course I would not be here without the guidance and support of my family, my parents, and grandparents, who sent me to the best schools available, facilitated my education, and set high standards. As you heard, I was born in Cairo, Egypt. My father was a general surgeon and my mother taught English to fifthgraders in a private school. I grew up in my grandparents’ house. I went to a French Jesuit school, College de la Sainte Famille, in Cairo, where all the subjects were taught in
Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Insulin-regulated Membrane Aminopeptidase from Glut4 Vesicles

The insulin-regulated glucose transporter isotype GluT4 expressed only in muscle and adipose cells is sequestered in a specific secretory vesicle. These vesicles harbor another major protein, referred to as vp165 (for vesicle protein of 165 kDa), that like GluT4 redistributes to the plasma membrane in response to insulin. We describe here the cloning of vp165 and show that it is a novel member of the family of zinc-dependent membrane aminopeptidases, with the typical large extracellular catalytic domain and single transmembrane domain but with a unique extended cytoplasmic domain. The latter contains two dileucine motifs, which may be critical for the specific trafficking of vp165, since this has been shown to be the case for this motif in GluT4. However, the tissue distribution of vp165 is much wider than that of GluT4; consequently, vp165 may also function in processes unrelated to insulin action and may serve as a ubiquitous marker for a specialized regulated secretory vesicle.
Ices: Minerals with a geophysical future

Planetologists have focused their attention recently on a family of minerals known in the jargon as the ‘planetary ices.’ A small part of this special interest derives from the expectation of Comet Halley in 1985. Comets are often classified by planetary petrologists as ‘dirty snowballs.’ In large part, however, interest in the ices stems from the exciting results of the Voyager spacecraft missions. Most of Saturn's rings, indeed most of the moons of Saturn and Venus, have turned out to be icy. The interiors of the giant planets are made up of ices. Pluto has ice; so has its large moon, Charon.
Using rubrics in economics

Abstract We detail the use of a technique which has the potential to better correlate class activities and learning objectives and reduce time spent in assessing learning while also addressing the issue of subjectivity in grading. Rubrics contain an explicit description of evaluation criteria and standards of competency which aid the development of course materials and support objective grading of assignments. We present an introduction to rubric use in economics, describing examples of their use as a student- and an instructor-centered (formative and summative) assessment tool in two very different types of courses: micro principles and quantitative methods.
The Entrepreneurial Climate in Canada: The Entrepreneur’s Viewpoint

Abstract This exploratory study examines the entrepreneurial climate in Canada from the perspective of the Canadian entrepreneur. The goal is to examine whether or not Canada offers a nutrient-rich environment for entrepreneurial development. Respondents believe that Canada has the infrastructure as well as the business support (suppliers and vendors) to assist entrepreneurial firms. They also suggest that Canadians are capable of seeing entrepreneurial opportunities and that there is substantial entrepreneurial talent in Canada, both men and women. However, entrepreneurs view the lack of cultural support and encouragement for entrepreneurship in Canada, the Canadian tax system, lack of capital, lack of entrepreneurial education, and a national aversion to failure as key impediments to entrepreneurial development in Canada. While some of hese barriers are amenable to changes in government policy and entrepreneurial education, the cultural impediments may be more intractable.
Stroke Thrombolysis 2006: An Update Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases

Acute stroke therapy took a major step forward in 1996 after the approval of Intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) by the US Food and Drug Administration for patients presenting within 3 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. Since that time, there have been considerable advances in imaging techniques as well as the advent of devices to help in the management of acute stroke patients. As a result, the arsenal to treat acute stroke has grown, and the field of stroke as a subspecialty of neurology has emerged. Despite these advances, only 3% to 8% of eligible patients with acute stroke in the United States are administered thrombolytics. 1 We herein review the use of thrombolytics in stroke and provide an overview of the imaging advances, new devices, and recent trials that are shaping modern stroke therapy. Finally, we provide a practical approach to the management of acute stroke, specifically for the practicing cardiologist, who may encounter stroke during cardiac catheterization, post myocardial infarction (MI), and in a variety of other settings.
Landuse legacies and small streams: identifying relationships between historical land use and contemporary stream conditions

The concept of landscape legacies has been examined extensively in terrestrial ecosystems and has led to a greater understanding of contemporary ecosystem processes. However, although stream ecosystems are tightly coupled with their catchments and, thus, probably are affected strongly by historical catchment conditions, few studies have directly examined the importance of landuse legacies on streams. We examined relationships between historical land use (1944) and contemporary (2000-2003) stream physical, chemical, and biological conditions after accounting for the influences of contemporary land use (1999) and natural landscape (catchment size) variation in 12 small streams at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA. Most stream variables showed strong relationships with contemporary land use and catchment size; however, after accounting for these factors, residual variation in many variables remained significantly related to historical land use. Residual variation in benthic particulate organic matter, diatom density, % of diatoms in Eunotia spp., fish density in runs, and whole-stream gross primary productivity correlated negatively, whereas streamwater pH correlated positively, with residual variation in fraction of disturbed land in catchments in 1944 (i.e., bare ground and unpaved road cover). Residual variation in % recovering land (i.e., early successional vegetation) in 1944 was correlated positively with residual variation in streambed instability, a macroinvertebrate biotic index, and fish richness, but correlated negatively with residual variation in most benthic macroinvertebrate metrics examined (e.g., Chironomidae and total richness, Shannon diversity). In contrast, residual variation in whole-stream respiration rates was not explained by historical land use. Our results suggest that historical land use continues to influence important physical and chemical variables in these streams, and in turn, probably influences associated biota. Beyond providing insight into biotic interactions and their associations with environmental conditions, identification of landuse legacies also will improve understanding of stream impairment in contemporary minimally disturbed catchments, enabling more accurate assessment of reference conditions in studies of biotic integrity and restoration.
Retrograde transneuronal regulation of the afferent innervation to the rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.

The superior cervical sympathetic ganglion of the rat receives its preganglionic afferent innervation through the cervical sympathetic trunk, and sends most of its postganglionic axons through two major nerves, the internal (ICN) and external carotid nerves (ECN). In the present study, the ICN alone or both the ICN and the ECN were cut in neonatal and adult rats. Two months after these lesions, ganglionic neurons, synapses and preganglionic axons were counted and compared with unoperated control values. After cutting the ICN alone in neonatal rats, ganglionic neurons were reduced in number by 70% and synapses were reduced by 50%, but there was no change in the number of preganglionic axons. Cutting both the ICN and the ECN in neonates resulted in an 88% reduction of ganglionic neurons and an 83% reduction of synapses. In this case there was a 63% reduction in the number of preganglionic axons. After cutting either the ICN alone or both the ICN and the ECN in neonates, there was a hyperinnervation (increased number of synapses) of the remaining ganglionic neurons. In the adult rat, cutting either the ICN alone or both the ICN and ECN resulted in a smaller loss of ganglionic neurons, and there was no loss of preganglionic axons. There was no hyperinnervation of surviving neurons in adult rats. Thus, the response by preganglionic axons to a reduced number of ganglionic neurons differs in the neonate and adult rat. In the developing animal, the degenerative response to injury is much more severe than in the adult, but the reorganizational response is also greater.
NO-Bound Myoglobin: Structural Diversity and Dynamics of the NO Ligand

We used femtosecond infrared polarization spectroscopy and density functional theory in a study on the key signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) bound to myoglobin. Our results show that after photolysis, a substantial fraction of NO recombines within the first few picoseconds. We discovered that the diatomic ligand is severely tilted in the protein and present evidence that the Fe-NO moiety can sample a wide range of off-axis tilting and bending conformations.
They Danced in the Bible: Identity Integration among Christian Women Who Belly Dance

Christianity has expectations regarding appropriate gender roles, the body, and sexuality. Belly dance helps women creatively express themselves, move their bodies in new ways, become empowered, and feel sensual. Many Christian belly dancers also consider the dance to be spiritual. Yet, most of these women do not personally experience conflict between belly dance and Christianity. Utilizing interviews with 27 Catholic and Protestant female belly dancers, this project examines how Christian belly dancers integrate their identities derived from both worlds without experiencing conflict. Results show that along with maintaining dual roles, selectively defining religion, and separating roles, belly dancers use a new strategy that I call "setting intention" to integrate their Christianity and belly dancing. These findings illustrate how identity integration techniques are used without a history of conflict, and how people combine their identities derived from religious institutions with spiritually meaningful leisure activities that challenge some of their religion's tenets.
The post-human condition: Subject modes in the poetry of Madeleine de l’Aubespine (1546–96)

Madeleine de l’Aubespine (1546–1596), patron and literary protegee of the great poet Pierre de Ronsard, reverses the expected user/tool, active/passive dichotomy of premodern sexuality by placing women in subject positions and reifying men in her erotica. Far from conjuring up hostility or cynicism, l’Aubespine erases the abjection and misogyny expected in that genre and casts sexually explicit verse in a sensuous, domestic setting. Her instrumentalization of men complicates premodern definitions of the human, including the Aristotelian distinction from animals and objects based on three elements: free will, reason and language. In turn, Roland Barthes's reflection on dismembered body parts and Michel de Montaigne's essay on cannibalism explore the limits between body and flesh, being and non-being. The three literary texts form a constellation where disembodied objects allow romantic attachment, eating, sex and keeping alive, illustrating the multiplicity of subject modes and allowing premodern and postmodern subjects to inform each other.
V T Adjustment by L eff Engineering for LSTP Single Gate Work-function CMOS FinFET Technology

Engineering of the electrical channel length (Leff) is investigated as an alternative means for adjusting the threshold voltage (Vtau) in double-gate (DG) MOSFETs, to allow a single mid-gap work function gate material to be used with undoped CMOS channels. Device simulations for 18 nm gate length (LG) indicate that ITRS performance specifications for low standby power (LSTP) applications can be met with this approach. Different source/drain (S/D) doping profiles yielding the same Leff can be used to achieve the desired Vtau, allowing for flexibility in process design.
Real-time 3-dimensional volumetric ultrasound imaging of the vena contracta for stenotic valves with the use of echocardiographic contrast imaging: in vitro pulsatile flow studies.

Abstract The purpose of our study was to investigate the utility of real-time 3-dimensional volumetric ultrasound coupled with echo contrast imaging to visualize and quantify effective flow areas for stenotic valves in vitro. Real-time 3-dimensional ultrasound imaging has recently emerged as a promising method for increasing the quantitative accuracy of echocardiography. Since the technique currently does not process Doppler information, its use for quantifying flow has not been studied. However, the use of contrast agents to visualize cardiac flows with the use of echocardiography should allow determination of mass-dependent flow parameters such as effective flow area (vena contracta area) for stenotic lesions. We used real-time 3-dimensional imaging in an in vitro stenotic valve model (areas 0.785 to 1.767 cm 2 ) under pulsatile flow conditions (60 bpm; 40 to 80 mL/beat). An echo contrast agent was used to visualize the distal jet. Real-time 3-dimensional imaging provides simultaneous views of long-axis and short-axis (C-scan) image planes of the jet. The vena contracta was identified and measured by placing the C-scan line immediately distal to the orifice and measuring the cross-sectional flow area. System gain and postprocessing curve shape affected 3-dimensional areas; minimal gain and a custom curve produced best agreement to actual vena contracta areas measured with a previously validated laser method ( y = 0.939 x + 0.089; r = 0.98; standard error of estimate=0.158 cm 2 ). We conclude that real-time 3-dimensional ultrasound imaging coupled with a contrast agent can be used as an accurate yet simple clinical means of measuring effective flow areas for stenotic valves. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:541-50.)
Advice and Consent Unitary Actors, Advisory Models, and Experimental Tests

This research explores two approaches to modeling decisions about when to resort to conflict. The authors begin from a model of a single actor making unilateral decisions for her or his nation-state. That model is expanded to incorporate advisors who make recommendations to the unitary actor. Those recommendations can be accepted or rejected as the leader sees fit. The authors' concern is to explore the robustness of the unitary actor model when others are added to the decision process. The authors rely on theoretical findings from social choice theory to develop the model. Laboratory experiments are then used to test the predictions from their model.
Childhood and adulthood temperament and problem behaviors and adulthood substance use.

A sample of 229 adult men and women were assessed to examine the relationships between childhood and adulthood temperament and problem behaviors. The influence of these variables on adult substance use was also assessed. Results indicated that individuals who had "difficult" temperament characteristics (e.g., hyperactivity) and who experienced problem behaviors (e.g., antisocial behaviors) as children were likely to exhibit them as adults. In addition, the continuation of temperament characteristics and problem behaviors from childhood into adulthood did not demonstrate a high degree of specificity. When the relationships between temperament and problem behaviors to substance use were examined, conduct disorder during childhood and antisocial behavior during adulthood were found to be the best predictors of adult substance abuse. Moreover, this relationship became increasingly stronger with more substance involvement. These results underscore the importance of examining substance use in finer detail by assessing the pattern of substance use, instead of overall substance use involvement.
Probing heterogeneous thermal relaxation by nonlinear dielectric spectroscopy

The application of time-dependent electric fields to a sample that exhibits dielectric loss results in the irreversible transfer of energy from the external field to the slow degrees of freedom in the material. These slow modes are coupled only weakly to the phonon bath and elevated fictive temperatures are thus associated with considerable persistence times. Assuming locally correlated heterogeneities regarding dielectric and thermal relaxation times, extremely pronounced nonlinear dielectric effects are predicted. For two glass-forming systems, glycerol and propylene glycol, the predicted effects are observed experimentally by high-field impedance spectroscopy. At fields of 283 kV cm−1, the dielectric loss increases by up to 9% over its low-field value. This nonlinearity displays a characteristic frequency dependence, with the loss at frequencies below the peak value being field invariant, whereas the high-frequency wing experiences a near uniform relative increase of the loss. If the dielectric and thermal time constants are assumed to be independently distributed, the model fails to explain the findings.
What About Nonprogrammatic Factors? Women's Perceptions of Staff and Resident Relationships in a Community Corrections Setting

This study examines how women perceive nonprogrammatic factors while residing at a community corrections facility. Qualitative interview data was used to understand how women perceive and experience the social environment of the facility, and how these experiences may contribute to their adjustment and motivation. Findings include various themes that emerged during data analysis, including perceptions of staff characteristics and interactions, the environmental context, and relationships with residents. Implications for evidence-based practices and gender-responsive treatment are discussed.
Simultaneous Exact/Approximate Boundary Controllability of Thermo-Elastic Plates with Variable Thermal Coefficient and Moment Control☆☆☆

Abstract We study a controllability problem (exact in the mechanical variables { w , w t } and, simultaneously, approximate in the thermal variable θ) of thermo-elastic plates by means of boundary controls, in the hinged/Dirichlet BC case, when the “thermal expansion” term is variable in space.
Multi-robot information sharing for complementing limited perception: A case study of moving ball interception

Poor sensor data because of uncertainty and hardware limitations results in a robot misinterpreting the state of its surrounding environment, leading to bad decisions and eventually failure to successfully perform its desired tasks. These limitations can be overcome if a teammate robot with a better view shares its visual information. Our work aims to investigate why current approaches fail to effectively use teammate sensor data, propose an alternative where a teammate helps to better capture the state of the environment, and demonstrate that the robot can make better decisions when a teammate shares its perceptual data. Raw teammate sensor data is not meaningful unless provided a relative, geometric transform to place this data within another robot's own egocentric coordinates. There are few approaches that are able to discover this relative localization accurately in sparse environments while remaining computationally light. Our approach addresses these limitations by accumulating correspondence matches of objects over time from the overlapping views of two stationary robots to compute an accurate relative localization. We evaluate the benefits of teammate sensor data used with our computed relative localization with a challenging, time critical task where the robot's cameras alone are lacking. Our empirical results with two coordinating robots indicates that our approach is able to successfully take advantage of teammate robots with a better view within the challenging physical and hardware constraints of our robots.
The Fanconi anemia protein interaction network: Casting a wide net

It has long been hypothesized that a defect in the repair of damaged DNA is central to the etiology of Fanconi anemia (FA). Indeed, an increased sensitivity of FA patient-derived cells to the lethal effects of various forms of DNA damaging agents was described over three decades ago [A.J. Fornace, Jr., J.B. Little, R.R. Weichselbaum, DNA repair in a Fanconi's anemia fibroblast cell strain, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 561 (1979) 99-109; Y. Fujiwara, M. Tatsumi, Repair of mitomycin C damage to DNA in mammalian cells and its impairment in Fanconi's anemia cells, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 66 (1975) 592-598; A.J. Rainbow, M. Howes, Defective repair of ultraviolet- and gamma-ray-damaged DNA in Fanconi's anaemia, Int. J. Radiat. Biol. Relat. Stud. Phys. Chem. Med. 31 (1977) 191-195]. Furthermore, the cytological hallmark of FA, the DNA crosslink-induced radial chromosome formation, exemplifies an innate impairment in the repair of these particularly cytotoxic DNA lesions [A.D. Auerbach, Fanconi anemia diagnosis and the diepoxybutane (DEB) test, Exp. Hematol. 21 (1993) 731-733]. Precisely defining the collective role of the FA proteins in DNA repair, however, continues to be one of the most enigmatic and challenging questions in the FA field. The first six identified FA proteins (A, C, E, F, G, and D2) harbored no recognizable enzymatic features, precluding association with a specific metabolic process. Consequently, our knowledge of the role of the FA proteins in the DNA damage response has been gleaned primarily through biochemical association studies with non-FA proteins. Here, we provide a chronological discourse of the major FA protein interaction network discoveries, with particular emphasis on the DNA damage response, that have defined our current understanding of the molecular basis of FA.
Purification of calcium-dependent phosphodiesterases from rat cerebrum by affinity chromatography on activator protein-sepharose.

Abstract Calcium-dependent activator protein purified from rat cerebrum was reacted with either N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated succinylated aminopropyl agarose or cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose 4B. The activator protein-agarose column did not serve as an affinity adsorbant for purification of calcium-dependent phosphodiesterases from rat brain. The activator protein-Sepharose was an effective adsorbant for calcium-dependent phosphodiesterases. In the presence of calcium ions, this column selectively retained the calcium-dependent phosphodiesterases from soluble and solubilized particulate fractions from rat cerebrum. The phosphodiesterases were eluted from the column in the presence of [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid.
Glutamate formation via the leucine-to-glutamate pathway of rat pancreas

The leucine-to-glutamate (Leu→Glu) pathway, which metabolizes the carbon atoms of l-leucine to form l-glutamate, was studied by incubation of rat tissue segments with l-[U-14C]leucine and estimatio...
Evaluation of reaction mechanism of coal-metal oxide interactions in chemical-looping combustion

Abstract The knowledge of reaction mechanism is very important in designing reactors for chemical-looping combustion (CLC) of coal. Recent CLC studies have considered the more technically difficult problem of reactions between abundant solid fuels (i.e. coal and waste streams) and solid metal oxides. A definitive reaction mechanism has not been reported for CLC reaction of solid fuels. It has often been assumed that the solid/solid reaction is slow and therefore requires that reactions be conducted at temperatures high enough to gasify the solid fuel, or decompose the metal oxide. In contrast, data presented in this paper demonstrates that solid/solid reactions can be completed at much lower temperatures, with rates that are technically useful as long as adequate fuel/metal oxide contact is achieved. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations as well as experimental techniques such as thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), flow reactor studies, in situ X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to evaluate how the proximal interaction between solid phases proceeds. The data indicate that carbon induces the Cu–O bond breaking process to initiate the combustion of carbon at temperatures significantly lower than the spontaneous decomposition temperature of CuO, and the type of reducing medium in the vicinity of the metal oxide influences the temperature at which the oxygen release from the metal oxide takes place. Surface melting of Cu and wetting of carbon may contribute to the solid–solid contacts necessary for the reaction.
Facile synthesis of N‐succinimidyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) for protein labeling

An efficient preparation of N-succinimidyl 4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) based on a convenient three-step, one-pot procedure is described. [18F]Fluorination of the precursor ethyl 4-(trimethylammonium triflate)benzoate gave ethyl 4-[18F]fluorobenzoate. Saponification of the ethyl 4-[18F]fluorobenzoate with aqueous tetrapropylammonium hydroxide yielded the corresponding 4-[18F]fluorobenzoate salt ([18F]FBA), which was then treated with N,N,N,N′-tetramethyl-O-(N-succinimidyl)uronium hexafluorophosphate. The purified [18F]SFB was used for the labeling of Avastin™ (Bevacizumab) through [18F]fluorobenzoylation of the Avastin's α-amino groups. The decay-corrected radiochemical yields of [18F]SFB were as high as 44% (based on [18F]fluoride (n=10) with a synthesis time of less than 60 min. [18F]Avastin was produced in decay-corrected radiochemical yields of up to 42% (n=5) within 30 min (based on [18F]SFB). The radiochemical purities of [18F]SFB and [18F]Avastin were greater than 95%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of delaying injections of prolactin and actinomycin D on metamorphic changes in thyroxine‐treated Ambystoma tigrinum

As a part of our continuing effort to understand the nature of the inhibition of thyroxine-induced metamorphosis by prolactin in the tiger salamander, we examined the effects of delaying the initiation of prolactin treatment for progressively longer time intervals following the injection of a metamorphosing dose of thyroxine. Prolactin continued to inhibit gill resorption when given either 2 or 4 days following thyroxine, but the magnitude of the inhibition appeared to diminish. Delay of prolactin treatment until day 6 abolished the inhibition. In contrast, tail fin regression appeared to be inhibited in an undiminished fashion by prolactin given 2, 4, or 6 days following thyroxine. Body weight loss was inhibited in a similar manner. In a second experiment, actinomycin D, a transcription inhibitor, was observed to inhibit metamorphic changes. A delay of 5 days in the administration of this drug relative to thyroxine treatment produced a significant reduction in its inhibition of gill resorption, tail fin regression, and body weight loss. Surprisingly, late (day 5 following thyroxine) treatments with prolactin still produced a significant inhibition of fin regression and weight loss even when the inhibitory dose of actinomycin D was given on day 5 along with the prolactin. These results are discussed with respect to their implications concerning our understanding of the mechanism of prolactin action during amphibian metamorphosis.
A SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY OF EDUCATION: THE CASE OF CHIAPAS

In this study the author examines the utility of social anthropological theory for the analysis of education. The framework is equilibrium and processual analysis as developed by the British “school” of social anthropology. After discussing the most relevant literature, the author proceeds to apply this structural approach to the case of Chiapas and analyzes schools in two ecological zones within this state: the piedmont region of the Pacific Coast known as the Soconusco, and the highland Altos zone. This analysis is based on extensive fieldwork in the area over a two-year period. The study also discusses the manner in which educational policy is shaped by the national and political structure by using concepts from political anthropology. The author concludes that the national educational system has failed to introduce major sociocultural change in the Altos region because it is not congruent with Indian allocation of time and resources and because the Indian mode of production must be transformed in order to produce sociocultural change. This stands in clear contrast with the Soconusco region where schools are valued as a resource and regarded as effective political institutions. The conservatism of the Indians in the Altos region and the openness to change in the Soconusco are outcomes of different systems of adaptation within different ecological settings. The Mexican case is often considered as an example of a revolutionary mode of education. In the case of the Soconusco, education did in fact for a period of time promote and secure the restructuring of society, albeit as part of a more general process of transformation. Patterns of stratification, ethnic identity and cultural patterns did change as a result of agrarian reform; education as an institution reflected and promoted the process of change. In the case of the Altos de Chiapas, education has not been revolutionary in nature but reflects and helps to perpetuate the existing ethnic differentiation and economic stratification of the region. The educational system has had little impact on the majority of Indian children and manages to siphon off the few students who do become acculturated.
Foliar Reflective Film and Water Deficit Increase Anthocyanin to Soluble Solids Ratio during Berry Ripening in Merlot

Elevated temperatures can decrease the ratio of anthocyanins to soluble solids in red-skinned berries, and warming trends in grape production regions have raised concern about color to alcohol balance in wines produced from fruit with altered ratios. This study investigated the effect of a foliar reflective film on the ratio of anthocyanins to soluble solids in deficit-irrigated Merlot grapevines over a 5-year period. Vines were irrigated to provide 90 or 35% of estimated water demand (DI90 and DI35, respectively) and were either sprayed with a kaolin-based reflective film or left unsprayed using a replicated, split-plot design. During the 2008–2010 seasons, crop load was adjusted in half of the vines within each subplot by removing 50% of clusters prior to bloom. Regardless of crop load, the reflective film increased the ratio of anthocyanins to soluble solids in DI90 and DI35 when the concentration of soluble solids was 18 to 24%. The reflective film did not alleviate the decrease in yield or titratable acidity associated with water deficit, and it had no influence on yield per vine. However, it reduced the number of berries per cluster, especially in DI35-irrigated grapes. In DI90-irrigated vines, decreased berry number per cluster was associated with increased berry fresh weight and anthocyanin content per berry. Cluster removal influenced berry composition at harvest only under DI35 irrigation. The ratio of anthocyanins to soluble solids during ripening was higher in DI35-irrigated plants than in those under DI90 irrigation. Taken together, foliar reflective film combined with deficit irrigation increased the ratio of anthocyanins to soluble solids under arid conditions with high solar radiation.
Compensation strategy for optical distortions arising from the beam-beam interaction at CESR

Following more than two decades of operation at 5 GeV beam energy for studies of bottom quark bound states, the Cornell electron storage ring (CESR) converted to 2 GeV operation in 2001 for the purpose of investigating bound states of charm quarks. This reduction of beam energy increased the relative contributions of the beam-beam force. The beam-beam interaction has been found to have considerable consequences for the optics and for the injection aperture. We describe recent developments in our modeling of the beam-beam interaction, experimental validation techniques, and investigations into compensation strategies.
The ototoxic interaction of viomycin, capreomycin and polymyxin B with ethacrynic acid

The ototoxic interaction between the aminoglycoside antibiotics (streptomycin, kanamycin, etc.) and the loop-inhibiting diuretics (ethacrynic acid, furosemide and bumetanide) has been well documented. This interaction causes extensive destruction of the hair cells of the cochlea. Brummett et al. (1974) demonstrated that this interaction did not occur with the non-loop-inhibiting diuretics and kanamycin. The present study was undertaken to determine if antibiotics other than the aminoglycosides could produce the ototoxic interaction when combined with a loop-inhibiting diuretic. Three antibiotics-viomycin, capreomycin, and polymyxin B- when given with ethacrynic acid were found to produce cochlear hair cell damage that was similar to that produced by aminoglycoside antibiotics administered with ethacrynic acid. Therefore, the interaction appears to be specific to the loop-inhibiting diuretics but not specific for the aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Effects of Nitroglycerin on Responses of the Systolic Time Intervals to Exercise

The effects of 0.6 mg sublingual nitroglycerin on responses of the left ventricular (LV) systolic time intervals to a 4-min exercise step test were determined in 10 patients with angina and 10 normal controls. In normal subjects, the exercise test shortened total electromechanical systole corrected for heart rate (Q2c22 msec but left the LV ejection time corrected for heart rate (LVETc) unchanged. By contrast, in the angina group, exercise failed to shorten the Q2c but prolonged the LVETc 25 msec. In both groups, nitroglycerin shortened the LVETc and Q2c after exercise. By decreasing LV afterload, preload, and hypoxia, and by improving LV function, nitroglycerin abolished the abnormal marked prolongation of LVETc after exercise in angina patients and converted the failure of their Q2c to shorten after exercise into a normal shortening of Q2c. Nitroglycerin also had marked effects at rest, which contributed importantly to its effects on the systolic temporal responses to exercise. Suppression by nitroglyce...
Copper Chalcopyrite Film Photocathodes for Direct Solar-Powered Water Splitting

In search of an efficient semiconductor material for direct photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production, chalcopyrite films in the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 system (CIGS) with bandgaps of 1.3-1.65 eV have been evaluated. The films have been fabricated by 2-stage and 3-stage co-evaporation processes. Film samples have been fabricated into CIGS/CdS solar cells for evaluation of solid-state device properties, and into CIGS photocathodes for evaluation of the photoelectrochemical hydrogen-production characteristics. The PEC current-potential scans of the photocathodes in 0.5M sulfuric acid show photocurrents of 18-27 mA/cm2 under simulated AM1.5 global light (100 mA/cm2) at sufficient cathodic potential bias. In terms of fill factor of the photocurrent curves, electrodes with molybdenum back contact are superior to SnO2:F back contact because of better conductivity. The morphology as seen in scanning electron micrographs is unchanged after initial PEC testing in the cathodic regime, suggesting films are stable.
Ultrastructure of trophozoites, zoospores and cysts of Reclinomonas americana Flavin & Nerad, 1993 (Protista incertae sedis: Histionidae)

Summary Several previously-unreported features of Reclinomonas americana are described from light and electron microscopical observations. Golgi apparatuses were found in trophozoites and zoospores, as were ejectosomes and inclusion bodies. Scale-bearing vesicles were present in zoospores but not trophozoites, and zoospores lacked epipodia. No vane was present on the posterior flagellum of zoospores. Cysts were formed only in mineral media with added bacteria; they did not appear in infusion media. Kinetids in trophozoites and zoospores, reconstructed from serial sections, consisted of two basal bodies, a dorsal fan of secondary cytoskeletal microtubules, and three ventral microtubular roots, the leftmost of which had a multilayered structure at its proximal end. Ultrastructural features suggest that the genera Reclinomonas and Jakoba are sister taxa, and that the nearest relations to these two genera are the retortamonads, an amitochondriate archezoan group.
Microporous metal–organic frameworks for acetylene storage and separation

Acetylene is an important starting material in the petrochemical and electronic industry for various industrial and consumer products, and a promising alternative energy source for future acetylene fuel cell vehicles. Porous metal–organic frameworks have been demonstrated as very practical useful materials for acetylene storage and separation which might provide the solid resolution for the safe storage and transportation of acetylene. Because of the explosive nature of acetylene, strong interactions of the pore surfaces with acetylene are very important to realize high acetylene storage MOFs at room temperature and low pressure, which can be fulfilled by the immobilization of open metal sites. Microporous MOFs having high adsorption affinity and matchable pore size with acetylene molecules have been realized to exhibit high selective C2H2/CO2, C2H2/CH4 and C2H2/C2H4 separation.
ANSERLIN. a broad-band, low-profile, circularly polarized antenna

A technique is presented for improving the performance of low-profile, circularly polarized (CP) radiating-line antennas. The essential elements of the technique pertain to establishing a single traveling wave on an annular sector of conducting strip that is positioned parallel and close to a large conducting surface. The antenna is named the annular sector, radiating-line (ANSERLIN) antenna. Using this technique, the impedance bandwidth becomes so large that it no longer has any bearing on the operating bandwidth. Instead, the pattern shape and axial ratio become the factors that limit the bandwidth. Both senses of circular polarization can be transmitted or received from the same structure. Experimental results for two-port ANSERLIN antennas are presented. The method of exciting a traveling wave on the annular sector is discussed. Design parameters are given for an antenna that will produce a broadside axial ratio that is less than 0.5 dB at a specified frequency. >
Concurrency vs. sequential interleavings in 1-D threshold cellular automata

Summary form only given. Cellular automata (CA) are an abstract model of fine-grain parallelism: the individual node update operations are rather simple, and therefore comparable to the basic operations of the computer hardware, yet the power of the model stems from the interaction and synergy of these simple local node computations that can often generate highly complex global behavior. In classical CA, all the nodes execute their operations in parallel, that is, (logically) simultaneously. We consider herein the sequential version of CA, or SCA, and compare and contrast SCA with the classical, parallel CA. We show that there are 1D CA with simple nonlinear node state update rules that cannot be simulated by any comparable SCA, irrespective of the node update ordering. While the result is trivial if one considers a single automaton's computations, we find this property quite interesting and having important implications when applied to all possible computations of entire nontrivial classes of CA (SCA). We also share some thoughts on how to extend the results herein, and, in particular, we try to motivate the study of genuinely asynchronous cellular automata.
Teaching undergraduate human factors: The need, activities, and benefits

In this article, we outline the need for and role of undergraduate h u m factors education, describe several activities for teaching human factors, and identify the benefits associated with offering the course. The results of a survey of psychology undergraduates (N = 11 1) revealed that they were unfamiliar with, yet interested in, human factors issues. A human factors course can inform students about the profession, meet their interests, and provide a variety of useful skills. We present 6 successful hands-on activities for teaching about human factors. Students reported that they enjoyed these activities and gained a greater understanding of the principles. Students also noted that the course increased their knowledge about the profession and provided new perspectives for examining systems and applying the principles.