cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-temperature synthesis of silicon carbide inert matrix fuel through a polymer precursor route

A low temperature process of mixing different sizes of silicon carbide (SiC) particles with a polymer precursor was utilized to synthesize SiC pellets for potential use as inert matrix fuels (IMF) for light water reactors. The lower temperature process is required to prevent the reactions between SiC and the dispersed PuO2 fuel material. The effect of the polymer content and the cold pressing pressure on the packing of SiC particles was investigated. The effect of mixing coarse and fine SiC particles on the density and the pore size distribution was also investigated. It was found that the density and pore size distribution can be tailored by controlling the SiC size compositions, polymer content and pressing pressure at room temperature. A possible mechanism has been proposed to explain the forming of the pores with respect to the geometric arrangement between SiC particles and the polymer precursor. SEM images showed that ceria (cerium oxide) which is a PuO2 surrogate in this study, was well distributed in the pellet.
The symphony of cell movement: how cells orchestrate diverse signals and forces to control migration.

Carole Parent is a Senior Investigator at the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Her research interests are centered on understanding how cells detect and respond to external chemotactic signals and, in particular, how the relay of chemotactic signals from cell-to-cell impacts single and group cell migration under physiological and pathological conditions.
Modulation of podocyte phenotype in collapsing glomerulopathies

Podocytes are well-differentiated postmitotic cells whose function is largely based on their complex cytoskeletal architecture. In diseases with proteinuria, podocytes undergo morphologic changes. Podocytes react to an injurious stimulus by a reorganization of their foot process architecture that is independent of the primary injury and the cause of the proteinuria. Collapsing glomerulopathies, including the idiopathic and secondary forms due to HIV infection, have been previously considered a part of the focal sclerosing glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) spectrum. However, in contrast to FSGS, both forms of collapsing glomerulopathy are characterized by segmental and global collapse of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and by characteristic ultrastructural alterations in podocytes. These alterations include loss of the actin-based cytoskeleton, a dysregulated/dedifferentiated phenotype, cellular hypertrophy, and cell proliferation. These observations raise the following questions: 1) What mechanism causes glomerular collapse and do podocytes have a role? We recently proposed that in collapsing glomerulopathies the composition of the GBM is altered and contains more immature forms of collagen IV. These observations suggest that dedifferentiated/dysregulated podocytes may participate in remodeling the GBM composition, producing fetal collagen isoforms. 2) What is the pathomechanism underlying podocyte dysregulation? Although it is still unclear which etiologic factors are responsible for the idiopathic forms of collapsing glomerulopathy, in situ hybridization studies in a transgenic mouse model of HIV-associated collapsing glomerulopathy and on renal biopsies of patients with HIV-associated collapsing glomerulopathy demonstrated the presence of the HIV-1 RNA in podocytes and tubular epithelial cells. These findings suggest a direct link between viral gene expression and the dysregulation of the podocyte phenotype. 3) Another open question is how podocytes become infected in HIV-associated collapsing glomerulopathy. HIV-1 typically uses CD4 and a co-receptor such as CCR5 or CXCR4 to enter cells. So far, there is no demonstration of the expression of these receptors in podocytes. These negative findings, however, do not exclude the possibility that in the kidney another, CD4 independent, co-receptor may be used for viral cell entry. Finally, is it important to mention that collapsing glomerulopathies have a high prevalence in black patients, suggesting a link between racial background and the virus-related podocyte injury.
Do Batterer Intervention Programs Serve African American and Caucasian Batterers Equally Well? An Investigation of a 26-Week Program

Objective: The purpose of the study was to (a) evaluate a 26-week batterer intervention program by investigating changes in psychological variables related to abuse (i.e., truthfulness, violence, lethality, control, substance use, and coping abilities) between pretreatment and post treatment assessments in a sample of men involuntarily placed in treatment and (b) to investigate the differential effectiveness of this same program for African American and Caucasian batterers. Method: The study employed a secondary analysis of 142 treatment-completers who were randomly selected from a larger pool of 733 men. Results: Analysis failed to provide empirical support for the contention that both African American and Caucasian batterers would demonstrate significant changes, in the desired direction, on psychological variables related to violence, as a result of their participation in a 26-week batterer treatment program. Conclusion: Implications of the findings for social workers are explored and discussed.
Perspectives of Physician Parents in the NICU

Sixty-four physician parents of infants cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were mailed a survey inquiring about privacy, emotional state, and communication. Fifty-seven (89%) physician parents responded. Forty-six (81%) infants were preterm. Responses were not associated with illness severity or hospital length of stay. Most respondents believed their infant received good care and achieved a good outcome, but suggestions to enhance communication were common, and their consideration may improve NICU care. Most physician parents believed their experience made them more empathetic and compassionate. Further investigation into the reasons for this may help to enhance future medical education.
Photoinduced charge separation, intrinsic self-doping and device applications of heterojunction materials: Mixed-halide MX solids

Abstract Halogen-bridged mixed-valence transition metal linear chain complexes (or MX chains, M: Pt, Pd, Ni; X: Cl, Br, I) are highly anisotropic, quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) materials that are related to conducting polymers, mixed stack charge-transfer salts, and oxide superconductors in terms of their low dimensionality and competing electron-phonon and electron-electron interactions. Each set of counterion and equatorial ligand that holds the MX chains in a three-dimensional array acts as a different “template” for the apparently soft PtX chain geometry by determining the M-M distance. Recently we prepared single crystals of mixed-halide MXxX′1−x materials which consist of segments of pure MX and MX′ producing junctions between the distinct halide segments. We have extensively studied the following three systems: (1) PtClxBr1−x, (2) PtClxI1−x and (3) PtBrxI1−x for a variety of concentrations x . For the PtClxBr1−x system we obtained direct spectroscopic evidence for charge separation from resonance Raman (RR) experiments on doped and photoexcited single crystals: electron polarons prefer to locate on the PtBr segment while the hole polarons are trapped within PtCl segments. Theoretical calculations based on a two-band Peierls-Hubbard model demonstrate strong hybridization of PtCl and PtBr electronic bands as the driving force for separation. In contrast to PtClxBr1−x, both the PtClxBr1−x and the PtClxBr1−x systems exhibit qualitatively different behavior, such as intrinsic “self doping”. Important photovoltaic device applications of these novel electronic materials are discussed.
Implementing the nash extension bargaining solution for non-convex problems

Conley and Wilkie (1993) introduced an axiomatization at the Nash extension bargaining solution defined on a domain of comprehensive but not necessarily convex problems. In this paper we present a non-cooperative game which implements the Nash extension solution in subgame perfect equilibria in the limit as the discount rate applied between rounds of play vanishes.
Perceived control in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): enhanced video-task performance.

This investigation was designed to determine whether perceived control effects found in humans extend to rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) tested in a video-task format, using a computer-generated menu program, SELECT. Choosing one of the options in SELECT resulted in presentation of five trials of a corresponding task and subsequent return to the menu. In Experiments 1-3, the animals exhibited stable, meaningful response patterns in this task (i.e., they made choices). In Experiment 4, performance on tasks that were selected by the animals significantly exceeded performance on identical tasks when assigned by the experimenter under comparable conditions (e.g., time of day, order, variety). The reliable and significant advantage for performance on selected tasks, typically found in humans, suggests that rhesus monkeys were able to perceive the availability of choices.
Quantum criticality and the phase diagram of the cuprates

I discuss a proposed phase diagram of the cuprate superconductors as a function of temperature, carrier concentration, and a strong magnetic field perpendicular to the layers. I show how the phase diagram gives a unified interpretation of a number of recent experiments.
Effects of 1-butanol, neomycin and calcium on the photosynthetic characteristics of pepc transgenic rice

The effects of 1-butanol, neomycin, and calcium on the photosynthesis of pepc transgenic rice were studied with over-expressed pepc transgenic rice (PC) of the 8th generation as study materials and with non-transgenic wild type (WT) rice and maize, a typical C4 plant, as control. The results indicated that 0.04% 1-butanol, 0.1 mmol L−1 neomycin, and 0.05 mmol L−1 calcium ions had not a significant effect on the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the three tested materials. The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that the pepc transgenic rice maintained its relative high net photosynthesis rate through increasing stomatal conductance. It was proved by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) that compared with the WT, the stomatal density of PC leaves increased while the stomatal aperture also increased under the 1-butanol treatment. The separate 1-butanol treatment significantly inhibited the PEPC activity of PC and maize leaves, while neomycin treatment alone had no significant effects on the PC and maize. However, the combined treatment with 1-butanol and neomycin evidently promoted the PEPC activity of PC and WT. Moreover, exogenous calcium significantly promoted the PEPC activity of the three materials. It is clear that the exogenous regulation on PEPC enzyme of pepc transgenic rice is different from both C4 and C3 plants.
Reverberation, Masking, Filtering, and Level Effects on Speech Recognition Performance

The purpose of this investigation was to describe the interactive effects of four signal modifications typically encountered in everyday communication settings. These modifications included reverbe...
Problems of mathematical physics which depend on a parameter and Jacobi series

On considere la construction des solutions d'un probleme a perturbation singuliere pour des valeurs du parametre eloignee de la valeur singuliere
The factor of time in retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose To analyze and discuss the relationship between the factor of time and our understanding of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods The author calls upon 30 years of experience in clinical investigations of ROP to critically synthesize selected literature on ROP, with attention to the broad theme of time. Future opportunities for clinical research are also considered. Results Although retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) ultimately is self-limited in its course, it is highly variable in its severity and outcome. Both the CRYO-ROP and the ETROP studies paid close attention to the chronology of ROP events; however, they approached the question of when to randomize eyes for treatment not simply according to a time definition, but rather according to disease severity characteristics. Still, results of both these studies can be reviewed from a time perspective, and indeed the pace of progression was one of the risk variables considered for ETROP randomization. The optimal schedule under which to perform eye examinations for active ROP is changing, as our understanding of this disease continues to improve. Discussion The factor of time is interwoven throughout the clinical course of ROP. Randomized clinical trials have proven to be an extremely efficient scientific method of comparing alternative treatment strategies. In looking toward the future, further randomized clinical trials are needed to investigate rational clinical management of cases in which retinal ablative therapy fails to arrest ROP’s progression.
Potential anticonvulsants. III. The condensation of isatin with cyclic ketones

Isatin has been condensed with a series of cyclic ketones to give 3-substituted-3-hydroxyoxindoles as potential anticonvulsant agents.
A stochastic differential reinsurance game

We study a stochastic differential game between two insurance companies who employ reinsurance to reduce the risk of exposure. Under the assumption that the companies have large insurance portfolios compared to any individual claim size, their surplus processes can be approximated by stochastic differential equations. We formulate competition between the two companies as a game with a single payoff function which depends on the surplus processes. One company chooses a dynamic reinsurance strategy in order to maximize this expected payoff, while the other company simultaneously chooses a dynamic reinsurance strategy so as to minimize the same quantity. We describe the Nash equilibrium of this stochastic differential game and solve it explicitly for the case of maximizing/minimizing the exit probability.
Isolation of single-copy-sequence clones from a yeast artificial chromosome library of randomly-sheared Arabidopsis thaliana DNA.

We describe the construction of a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) library from the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. Randomly sheared high molecular weight source DNA was extracted from frozen, ground leaf tissue and blunt-end-ligated to the vector pYAC3. By size-fractionating the ligation products, we achieved an average clone size of 150 kb. Approximately 6% of the YACs contained inserts from the chloroplast genome. We screened clones equivalent to greater than four A. thaliana haploid nuclear genomes and isolated YACs homologous to five single-copy-sequence probes. The library should be useful chromosome walking and genome mapping experiments. In addition, the approach used for its construction should be applicable to other higher plant species.
On dichotomizing phenotypes in family-based association tests: quantitative phenotypes are not always the optimal choice.

In family-based association studies, quantitative traits are thought to provide higher statistical power than dichotomous traits. Consequently, it is standard practice to collect quantitative traits and to analyze them as such. However, in many situations, continuous measurements are more difficult to obtain and/or need to be adjusted for other factors/confounding variables which also have to be measured. In such scenarios, it can be advantageous to record and analyze a “simplified/dichotomized” version of the original trait. Under fairly general circumstances, we derive here rules for the dichotomization of quantitative traits that maintain power levels that are comparable to the analysis of the original quantitative trait. Using simulation studies, we show that the proposed rules are robust against phenotypic misclassification, making them an ideal tool for inexpensive phenotyping in large-scale studies. The guidelines are illustrated by an application to an asthma study. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measurement and analysis of sequential design processes

As design processes continue to increase in complexity it is important to base process-improvement decisions on quantitative analysis. We describe the development of an analytical approach for evaluating sequential design-process completion time and for determining the sensitivities of design time with respect to individual task durations and transition probabilities. Techniques are also detailed for collecting process metadata and calibrating a design proecess model. Example applications illustrate the use of the methodology in analyzing and improving software and hardware design processes.
Transient photocharge measurements and electron emission from deep levels in undoped a-Si:H.

We report transient photocurrent and photocharge measurements in several undoped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) specimens in the time domain from 10 ns to 50 s; transients were measured using coplanar electrodes between 260 and 380 K. The photocharge measurements exhibit three features which we identify with electron deep trapping, trap emission, and recombination. We analyzed the typical emission times to obtain the activation energy and frequency prefactor. The activation energy varied between 0.4 and 0.6 eV for different specimens; the frequency prefactor varied exponentially with activation energy (``Meyer-Neldel'' behavior). We discuss the Meyer-Neldel dependence in terms of a temperature shift of D-center levels with respect to the transport edge. The emission time observations also account for the large difference between electron mobility-lifetime products estimated from time-of-flight and steady-state photocurrent measurements.
Limits of the general two‐allele single locus model with incomplete penetrance

A graphical method is presented that allows an investigator to find the mathematical limits of the general one locus two allele genetic model for any trait whose population prevalence is known. It is seen that while the model is quite flexible in its ability to fit family data, there remains a large area where the model cannot be fitted. Specific sub-regions corresponding to particular hypotheses (e.g. underdominant v. intermediate v. overdominant) can be found, thereby limiting the area that needs to be searched by other more complicated techniques. Moreover, knowledge of where a set of observations lies can enable an investigator to frame and test specific subhypotheses.
Peptides corresponding to the heptad repeat sequence of human parainfluenza virus fusion protein are potent inhibitors of virus infection.

It has been suggested that a conserved heptad repeat region in paramyxovirus fusion (F) proteins is essential for viral fusion activity (Buckland et al., 1992; Sergel et al., 1994; Reitter et al., 1995) We have studied synthetic peptides containing the heptad repeat regions derived from the F proteins of human parainfluenza virus type 2 (Pl2) and type 3 (Pl3) for their function as potential inhibitors of virus-induced cell fusion as well as their effects on spread of viral infection. Two peptides containing sequences of heptad repeat B, adjacent to the transmembrane domain of the F protein, were synthesized for both Pl2 and Pl3 F proteins. We observed that the longer peptides [34 amino acids (a.a.) for Pl2F or 35 a.a. for Pl3F] which extend from heptad repeat B to the transmembrane domain showed complete inhibition of cell fusion induced by the respective virus as well as by the vaccinia-expressed F and HN proteins. The 50% effective concentration to inhibit virus-induced cell fusion was 2.1 microM for Pl2 and 1.2 microM for Pl3. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of each peptide on virus-induced cell fusion were found to be virus type-specific. These peptides were found to also inhibit viral entry and to prevent plaque formation when mixed with the virus inoculum. Furthermore, the peptides caused a reduction in virus yield when assayed 48 hr after low m.o.i. infection and in the size of viral plaques when added to the overlay. Shorter peptides (21 a.a. for Pl2F or 24 a.a. for Pl3F) which correspond to the partial sequence of heptad repeat B for Pl2F and the entire heptad repeat B for Pl3F showed partial inhibition of Pl2- or Pl3-induced cell fusion. These results indicate that peptides containing the heptad repeat B sequence have the potential to inhibit virus-induced cell fusion, virus entry, and spread of virus infection.
Mechanical coupling between myosin molecules causes differences between ensemble and single-molecule measurements.

In contracting muscle, individual myosin molecules function as part of a large ensemble, hydrolyzing ATP to power the relative sliding of actin filaments. The technological advances that have enabled direct observation and manipulation of single molecules, including recent experiments that have explored myosin's force-dependent properties, provide detailed insight into the kinetics of myosin's mechanochemical interaction with actin. However, it has been difficult to reconcile these single-molecule observations with the behavior of myosin in an ensemble. Here, using a combination of simulations and theory, we show that the kinetic mechanism derived from single-molecule experiments describes ensemble behavior; but the connec- tion between single molecule and ensemble is complex. In particular, even in the absence of external force, internal forces generated between myosin molecules in a large ensemble accelerate ADP release and increase how far actin moves during a single myosin attachment. These myosin-induced changes in strong binding lifetime and attachment distance cause measur- able properties, such as actin speed in the motility assay, to vary depending on the number of myosin molecules interacting with an actin filament. This ensemble-size effect challenges the simple detachment limited model of motility, because even when motility speed is limited by ADP release, increasing attachment rate can increase motility speed.
Mechanistic Studies of Protein Arginine Deiminase 2: Evidence for a Substrate-Assisted Mechanism

Citrullination, which is catalyzed by protein arginine deiminases (PADs 1-4 and 6), is a post-translational modification (PTM) that effectively neutralizes the positive charge of a guanidinium group by its replacement with a neutral urea. Given the sequence similarity of PAD2 across mammalian species and the genomic organization of the PAD2 gene, PAD2 is predicted to be the ancestral homologue of the PADs. Although PAD2 has long been known to play a role in myelination, it has only recently been linked to other cellular processes, including gene transcription and macrophage extracellular trap formation. For example, PAD2 deiminates histone H3 at R26, and this PTM leads to the increased transcription of more than 200 genes under the control of the estrogen receptor. Given that our understanding of PAD2 biology remains incomplete, we initiated mechanistic studies on this enzyme to aid the development of PAD2-specific inhibitors. Herein, we report that the substrate specificity and calcium dependence of PAD2 are similar to those of PADs 1, 3, and 4. However, unlike those isozymes, PAD2 appears to use a substrate-assisted mechanism of catalysis in which the positively charged substrate guanidinium depresses the pKa of the nucleophilic cysteine. By contrast, PADs 1, 3, and 4 use a reverse-protonation mechanism. These mechanistic differences will aid the development of isozyme-specific inhibitors.
Structure of Light Neutron-rich Nuclei Studied with Transfer Reactions

Transfer reactions have been used for many years to understand the shell structure of nuclei. Recent studies with rare-isotope beams extend this work and make it possible to probe the evolution of shell structure far beyond the valley of stability, requiring measurements in inverse kinematics. We present a novel technical approach to measurements in inverse kinematics, and apply this method to different transfer reactions, each of which probes different properties of light, neutron-rich nuclei.
A biphasic multiscale study of the mechanical microenvironment of chondrocytes within articular cartilage under unconfined compression

Abstract Computational analyses have been used to study the biomechanical microenvironment of the chondrocyte that cannot be assessed by in vitro experimental studies; yet all computational studies thus far have focused on the effect of zonal location (superficial, middle, and deep) on the mechanical microenvironment of chondrocytes. The aim of this paper was to study the effect of both zonal and radial locations on the biomechanical microenvironment of chondrocytes in inhomogeneous cartilage under unconfined stress relaxation. A biphasic multiscale approach was employed and nine chondrocytes in different locations were studied. Hyperelastic biphasic theory and depth-dependent aggregate modulus and permeability of articular cartilage were included in the models. It was found that both zonal and radial locations affected the biomechanical stresses and strains of the chondrocytes. Chondrocytes in the mid-radial location had increased volume during the early stage of the loading process. Maximum principal shear stress at the interface between the chondrocyte and the extracellular matrix (ECM) increased with depth, yet that at the ECM–pericellular matrix (PCM) interface had an inverse trend. Fluid pressure decreased with depth, while the fluid pressure difference between the top and bottom boundaries of the microscale model increased with depth. Regardless of location, fluid was exchanged between the chondrocyte, PCM, and ECM. These findings suggested that even under simple compressive loading conditions, the biomechanical microenvironment of the chondrocytes, PCM and ECM was spatially dependent. The current study provides new insight on chondrocyte biomechanics.
Toward extracting all phylogenetic information from matrices of evolutionary distances.

The matrix of evolutionary distances is a model-based statistic, derived from molecular sequences, summarizing the pairwise phylogenetic relations between a collection of species. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction methods relying on this matrix are relatively fast and thus widely used in molecular systematics. However, because of their intrinsic reliance on summary statistics, distance-matrix methods are assumed to be less accurate than likelihood-based approaches. In this paper, pairwise sequence comparisons are shown to be more powerful than previously hypothesized. A statistical analysis of certain distance-based techniques indicates that their data requirement for large evolutionary trees essentially matches the conjectured performance of maximum likelihood methods—challenging the idea that summary statistics lead to suboptimal analyses. On the basis of a connection between ancestral state reconstruction and distance averaging, the critical role played by the covariances of the distance matrix is identified.
Structure of the Nucleic Acids

WE have formulated a structure for the nucleic acids which is compatible with the main features of the X-ray diagram and with the general principles of molecular structure, and which accounts satisfactorily for some of the chemical properties of the substances. The structure involves three intertwined helical polynucleotide chains. Each chain, which is formed by phosphate di-ester groups and linking β-D-ribofuranose or β-D-deoxyribofuranose residues with 3′, 5′ linkages, has approximately twenty-four nucleotide residues in seven turns of the helix. The helixes have the sense of a right-handed screw. The phosphate groups are closely packed about the axis of the molecule, with the pentose residues surrounding them, and the purine and pyrimidine groups projecting radially, their planes being approximately perpendicular to the molecular axis. The operation that converts one residue to the next residue in the polynucleotide chain is rotation by about 105° and translation by 3.4 A.
Animal endogenous triglycerides. II. Rat and chicken adipose tissue.

The endogenous adipose tissue triglycerides of rat and chicken differ markedly in composition from those of swine although all three contain the same major fatty acids. The main difference is that the swine triglycerides have saturated fatty acids in the middle position, whereas in rat and chicken that position is preferentially occupied by unsaturated acids. In swine adipose tissue triglycerides the order of preference for the middle position is 16∶0>16∶1>18∶0>18∶1, whereas in rat and chicken triglycerides the order is 18∶1>16∶1>18∶0>16∶0. Generalizing, in swine the order of preference for the 2 position is chain length over unsaturation, shorter chains over longer chains, and saturation over unsaturation. In rat and chicken, the degree of unsaturation prevails over chain length, longer chains over shorter chains, and unsaturation over saturation.
Human breast cancer in the athymic nude mouse: Cystostatic effects of long-term antiestrogen therapy

We have investigated the effects of long-term estrogen withdrawal or tamoxifen therapy of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells growing in the athymic nude mouse to clarify mechanisms by which endocrine therapy inhibits tumor growth. Estrogen withdrawal with or without tamoxifen inhibited MCF-7 tumor growth, but did not cause significant regression, even after 4 months of treatment. Serial histologic studies of treated tumors revealed a reduction in mitotic rate but no significant gross or ultrastructural cytopathic changes. Treated tumors did show a modest increase in stromal fibrosis as well as occasional cytoplasmic or nuclear vacuolization, perhaps indicating early cytopathic effects. Cell viability was confirmed by cloning tumor cells in soft agar; cloning efficiency in treated tumors was similar to that in controls. Tumor fragments from treated mice were also viable and formed tumors when transplanted into estrogen-supplemented but not estrogen-deprived mice indicating continued hormone dependence. When estrogen-deprived or tamoxifen-treated mice were replenished with estrogen, cell proliferation was reactivated and tumor growth resumed. After 3-4 months of endocrine therapy, tumors began to regrow despite continued treatment suggesting the conversion to hormone independence. These studies suggest that in this model system, estrogen withdrawal and antiestrogen therapy work primarily by cytostatic rather than cytocidal mechanisms.
Social Justice and Dispositions for Adult Education

The article identifies dispositions from a thematic investigation of the pedagogical practice of Ernesto Che Guevara and various social movements in the United States. The article outlines and places these dispositions within the context of debates over social justice and dispositions for education program accreditation in the United States that often directly impact adult education graduate programs. These dispositions are then demonstrated in historical and contemporary adult education practice. The article argues that these dispositions have increasing relevance given the growing polarization of wealth and poverty and environmental destruction facing humanity.
Viral assembly of oriented quantum dot nanowires

The highly organized structure of M13 bacteriophage was used as an evolved biological template for the nucleation and orientation of semiconductor nanowires. To create this organized template, peptides were selected by using a pIII phage display library for their ability to nucleate ZnS or CdS nanocrystals. The successful peptides were expressed as pVIII fusion proteins into the crystalline capsid of the virus. The engineered viruses were exposed to semiconductor precursor solutions, and the resultant nanocrystals that were templated along the viruses to form nanowires were extensively characterized by using high-resolution analytical electron microscopy and photoluminescence. ZnS nanocrystals were well crystallized on the viral capsid in a hexagonal wurtzite or a cubic zinc blende structure, depending on the peptide expressed on the viral capsid. Electron diffraction patterns showed single-crystal type behavior from a polynanocrystalline area of the nanowire formed, suggesting that the nanocrystals on the virus were preferentially oriented with their [001] perpendicular to the viral surface. Peptides that specifically directed CdS nanocrystal growth were also engineered into the viral capsid to create wurtzite CdS virus-based nanowires. Lastly, heterostructured nucleation was achieved with a dual-peptide virus engineered to express two distinct peptides within the same viral capsid. This work represents a genetically controlled biological synthesis route to a semiconductor nanoscale heterostructure.
Contemporary Progressive Christianity and Its Symbolic Ramifications

In the last decade, progressive Christians have been mounting an increasingly perceptible challenge to the ‘Christian right’ in the United States. New organizations and websites are cropping up, a wellspring of books are being published, and long-standing progressive writers and theologians are garnering more attention and support than ever before. Despite significant advances, however, the impact of the ‘religious left’ in the American public sphere is still limited. In this paper, I ask why. Based on participant observation, discourse analysis, and in-depth interviews, and using a multidimensional culturalist perspective rooted in Durkheimian and Weberian ideas, I explore the symbolic dynamics of the Christian ‘left’. I argue that in addition to their structural disadvantages, progressive Christians face thorny dilemmas regarding authority/legitimacy, rationalization, de-mystification, disenchantment, charisma (or the lack thereof), and profanation that, though not insurmountable, are not easily resolved.
Retention of Adult Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis 2008-2013.

BACKGROUND: We previously published systematic reviews of retention in care after antiretroviral therapy initiation among general adult populations in sub-Saharan Africa. We estimated 36-month retention at 73% for publications from 2007 to 2010. This report extends the review to cover 2008-2013 and expands it to all low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We searched PubMed Embase Cochrane Register and ISI Web of Science from January 1 2008 to December 31 2013 and abstracts from AIDS and IAS from 2008-2013. We estimated retention across cohorts using simple averages and interpolated missing times through the last time reported. We estimated all-cause attrition (death loss to follow-up) for patients receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy in routine settings in low- and middle-income countries. RESULTS: We found 123 articles and abstracts reporting retention for 154 patient cohorts and 1554773 patients in 42 countries. Overall 43% of all patients not retained were known to have died. Unweighted averages of reported retention were 78% 71% and 69% at 12 24 and 36 months after treatment initiation respectively. We estimated 36-month retention at 65% in Africa 80% in Asia and 64% in Latin America and the Caribbean. From lifetable analysis we estimated retention at 12 24 36 48 and 60 months at 83% 74% 68% 64% and 60% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Retention at 36 months on treatment averages 65%-70%. There are several important gaps in the evidence base which could be filled by further research especially in terms of geographic coverage and duration of follow-up.
Effect of aerosol-induced radiative interactions on atmospheric stability and optical turbulence

It is well known that the presence of aerosols in the atmospheric boundary layer can have a significant impact on electromagnetic propagation, and the underlying physical processes involving extinction, multiple scattering, and thermal emission are reasonably well understood. In this paper we examine a related, but less well understood, aspect which we term aerosol-induced `radiative damping' that can alter the local atmospheric stability and the vertical profiles of temperature and humidity which, in turn, can alter the vertical profiles of optical turbulence and hence image propagation.
The importance of origins

In his Essay “Science in the Arab world: vision of glories beyond” (3 June, p. [1416][1]), W. Maziak states that “[o]ne [of the knowledge shocks that ignited the Renaissance] was delivered by Ibn-Sina (Avicenna, 980 to 1037), whose Kitab Al-Shifa (“The Book of Healing”) introduced medieval
Can differences in obstetric outcomes be explained by differences in the care provided? The MFMU Network APEX study

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether hospital differences in the frequency of adverse obstetric outcomes are related to differences in care. Study Design The Assessment of Perinatal EXcellence cohort comprises 115,502 women and their neonates who were born in 25 hospitals in the United States between March 2008 and February 2011. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to quantify the amount of variation in postpartum hemorrhage, peripartum infection, severe perineal laceration, and a composite adverse neonatal outcome among hospitals that is explained by differences in patient characteristics, hospital characteristics, and obstetric care provided. Results The study included 115,502 women. For most outcomes, 20-40% of hospital differences in outcomes were related to differences in patient populations. After adjusting for patient-, provider-, and hospital-level factors, multiple care processes were associated with the predefined adverse outcomes; however, these care processes did not explain significant variation in the frequency of adverse outcomes among hospitals. Ultimately, 50-100% of the interhospital variation in outcomes was unexplained. Conclusion Hospital differences in the frequency of adverse obstetric outcomes could not be explained by differences in frequency of types of care provided.
College students as writing theorists: Goals and beliefs about the causes of success.

Abstract With students in undergraduate composition courses, we studied types of goals in writing and beliefs about how to write well. Four dimensions were distinguishable. The first involved aesthetic and expressive goals and associated beliefs. The second involved the goals of improving one′s logical reasoning ability and one′s knowledge of subject matter and the belief that successful writing depends on flexible strategies. The third involved the goal of being methodical and correct in surface-level conventions (e.g., punctuation and spelling) and the beliefs that successful writing requires an emphasis on the same concerns. A fourth dimension involved the beliefs that effective writing depends on systematic approaches, hard work, and conformity to traditional authority. Expressionistic goals and beliefs about success in writing were most strongly related to intrinsic commitment to writing. A more-or-less inverse pattern of associations was found for dualistic views of writing instruction. The results could have relevance for theory and research on motivation and the teaching of writing.
REMOVING THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE HALO FROM FORTUNE'S "MOST ADMIRED" COMPANIES

Fortune's annual ratings of America's largest corporations are shown to be heavily influenced by previous financial results, thus creating a halo that must be removed before these qualitative reput...
The clinical significance of prenatally diagnosed choroid plexus cysts.

Abstract The choroid plexus cyst is one of many malformations of the central nervous system that can be detected in utero by ultrasonography. Choroid plexus cysts occur in 2.3% of fetuses. Because previous reports have shown an association between choroid plexus cysts and chromosomal anomalies, we analyzed 82 prenatally diagnosed cases, 65 of whom had chromosome analysis performed. Of the latter group, 6.2% had chromosomal anomalies of the trisomy 18 type. The remaining 17 cases were clinically normal at birth. These cases of trisomy 18 were also associated with multiple structural anomalies. Therefore, we suggest that after the diagnosis of choroid plexus cysts is made, a complete ultrasonographic survey of the fetal anatomy be performed. Fetal karyotype determination may be offered to patients, especially in the presence of structural anomalies. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989;160:1207-10.)
The Nursing Home as Village: Lessons from Ethnomusicology

Gene Cohen leaves us with a challenge: he has demonstrated that elders benefit from creative activities, but he has left unanswered the questions of how creativity fits into late-life learning and why it is important. In response, this article uses ethnomusicology, the study of music and culture, in order to uncover how nursing homes function as villages, and thereby makes explicit the reasons why music enables elders and their caregivers to create homes out of institutions. By recognizing the significance of music within institutions, we can lay the groundwork for more humane models of custodial care for our elders.
Evolutionary divergence of pobA, the structural gene encoding p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase in an Acinetobacter calcoaceticus strain well-suited for genetic analysis.

Abstract The pobA gene encoding p -hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase (PobA) from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus has been developed as a genetic tool for the analysis of structure-function relationships in this enzyme. By exploiting the favorable genetic system of A. calcoaceticus strain ADP1, it is possible both to select and to map mutations which disturb PobA activity; characterization and sequence determination of mutants derived in this manner may complement site-directed studies with the homologous Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene. We have determined the nucleotide (nt) sequence of A. calcoaceticus pobA and performed a systematic comparison of the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence with that of the PobA enzyme from Pseudomonas fluorescens , for which the three-dimensional structure is known. Despite a 26% difference in the G + C content of the homologous genes, constraints against structural divergence of the proteins were revealed by an overall identity of 62.4% in the aligned aa sequences of PobA. Clusters of identical sequence occur at previously identified sites of ligand binding and at regions associated with subunit-subunit interaction. Based on the conservation of specific residues involved in flavin binding, we have assembled a consensus sequence for nicotinamide-flavoprotein monooxygenases which differs from that of the oxidoreductase class of flavoproteins. In addition to the conserved regions shared by the two PobA homologs, there are isolated pockets of divergence. The nt sequence divergence in one such region within the A. calcoaceticus gene can be attributed to the acquisition of short nt sequence repetitions.
What lies beneath: Parenting style and implicit self-esteem.

Abstract The current studies extend previous research on self-esteem by examining one of the likely origins of implicit self-esteem. Three studies showed that young adult children who reported that their parents were more nurturing reported higher implicit self-esteem compared with those whose parents were less nurturing. Studies 2 and 3 added a measure of overprotectiveness and revealed that children who reported that their parents were overprotective also reported lower implicit self-esteem. Moreover, Study 3 revealed that mothers’ independent reports of their early interactions with their children were also related to children’s level of implicit self-esteem. In all three studies, these findings remained reliable when we controlled statistically for participants’ explicit self-esteem. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature validating the construct of implicit self-esteem.
Velocity shear in a thermohaline staircase

Abstract Vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and horizontal velocity in the tropical Atlantic thermocline showed a short thermohaline staircase suggestive of salt fingering in a region of reduced vertical density gradient. Mean square shear was lower than adjacent segments of the profile, with the shear being largest across the stepped interface. Richardson numbers across the interfaces, were generally larger than typical thermocline values and indicate that flow is probably stable, with respect t Kelvin-Helmholtz waves and that the salt-finger field will be undisturbed.
Activation of Excitatory Amino Acid Receptors in the Rat Hippocampal Slice Increases Intracellular Cl− and Cell Volume

The effects of glutamatergic excitotoxins on intracellular Cl- were investigated in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampal slice. Hippocampal slices from rats (14-19 days old) were loaded with 6-methoxy-N-ethylquinolinium chloride (MEQ), a Cl(-)-sensitive fluorescent probe with a fluorescence intensity that correlates inversely with intracellular [Cl-]. Slices were exposed for at least 10 min at 26-28 degrees C to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA; 100 microM) or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA; 50 microM). A UV laser scanning confocal microscope was used to measure changes in MEQ fluorescence within area CA1 pyramidal cell soma. Both glutamate receptor agonists produced a rapid decrease in MEQ fluorescence that persisted after washout following a 10-min exposure. The effects of NMDA and AMPA were prevented by the competitive antagonists 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid and 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, respectively. Neither tetrodotoxin nor picrotoxin prevented the effect of NMDA or AMPA, indicating the lack of involvement of presynaptic mechanisms. The effects of NMDA and AMPA on MEQ fluorescence were dependent on the levels of extracellular Cl-, but only NMDA responses were dependent on the levels of extracellular Na+. Removal of Ca2+ from the superfusion medium did not alter the effects of NMDA or AMPA on MEQ fluorescence. In addition, neither the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin nor the L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel agonist (Bay K 8644) decreased MEQ fluorescence. The effects of NMDA and AMPA on cell (somal) volume were also assessed with the fluorescent probe calcein acetoxymethyl ester. Both NMDA and AMPA decreased calcein fluorescence (indicating an increased cell volume), but this was preceded by the decrease in MEQ fluorescence (equivalent to an intracellular accumulation of approximately 20 mM Cl-). Thus, excitotoxins may cause Cl- influx via an anion channel other than the GABA(A) receptor and/or reduce Cl- efflux mechanisms to produce cell swelling. Such anionic shifts may promote neuronal excitability and cell death following an excitotoxic insult to the hippocampal slice.
Evaluating in-home water purification methods for communities in Texas on the border with Mexico

This study evaluated user preferences among three alternative in-home water treatment technologies suitable for households relying on trucked water in El Paso County, Texas, which is on the border with Mexico. The three technologies were: chlorination of household storage tanks, small-scale batch chlorination, and point-of-use ultraviolet disinfection. Fifteen households used each of the three technologies in succession for roughly four weeks each during April through June of 2004. Data were collected on treated water quality, and a face-valid survey was administered orally to assess user satisfaction with the technologies on a variety of attributes. Treatment with a counter-top ultraviolet disinfection system received statistically significantly higher ratings for taste and odor and likelihood of future use than the other two approaches. Ultraviolet disinfection and small-scale batch chlorination both received significantly higher ratings for ease of use than did storage tank chlorination. Over-chlorination was a common problem with both batch chlorination and storage tank chlorination. Water quality in the households using trucked water is now higher than was reported by a previous study, suggesting that water quality has improved over time.