cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical localization of ANG II AT1 receptor in adult rat kidney using a monoclonal antibody

Molecular and functional studies have suggested that AT1 receptors are present in most nephron segments, yet direct demonstration of AT1 at these sites is lacking. The present study was performed to determine the intrarenal localization of the AT1 receptor utilizing a monoclonal anti-peptide (amino acid residues 8-17) antibody (6313/G2) in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Western blot analysis of kidney protein extracts showed a predominant 41-kDa immunoreactive band corresponding to the molecular weight of the deduced cDNA sequence. To determine optimal fixation conditions, kidney tissues were immersion fixed in Bouin's solution, 10% buffered Formalin, or 4% paraformaldehyde. Specificity of immunostaining was documented by preadsorption of the antibody with the immunogenic peptide sequence. Prominent AT1 immunostaining was visualized in the proximal tubule brush-border and basolateral membranes. In addition, distal tubules, cortical and medullary collecting ducts, and the renal arterial vasculature exhibited specific immunoreactivity. Glomerular staining for AT1 was observed in mesangial cells and podocytes. Macula densa cells stained positively. Similar localization of the AT1 receptor was obtained using the three tissue fixation methods, although the intensity of vascular and glomerular staining was highest in Bouin-fixed tissues. The present study demonstrates that the AT1 receptor is more widely distributed along the nephron than previously described and includes renal vascular smooth muscle and proximal and distal epithelial sites.
Brain uptake of benzodiazepines: effects of lipophilicity and plasma protein binding.

The rapid intracarotid injection technique was used to determine the unidirectional brain uptake of a number of benzodiazepines in the rat. The drugs varied considerably in their lipophilicity and, within the series oxazepam, lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide, desmethyldiazepam and diazepam, brain extraction of unbound moiety was enhanced as the octanol-water (pH = 7.4) partition coefficient increased. However, with flunitrazepam and midazolam, two fluorine-containing benzodiazepines, extraction was more and less extensive, respectively, than predicted from their lipophilicities. Importantly, the uptake findings were consistent with the characteristic onsets of central effects of the drugs established clinically in humans. The effects of reversible protein binding on uptake also were investigated by the addition of albumin (0-8 g.dl-1) to the injectate. This affected markedly the unbound fraction, determined in vitro by equilibrium dialysis, and also the brain uptake of all drugs. As the unbound fraction was reduced, the unidirectional brain extraction ratio decreased in a curvilinear fashion toward zero. However, attempts to describe the data were unsuccessful using a conventional model based on transcapillary uptake of only unbound drug whose binding kinetics with albumin were assumed to be the same as those indicated by equilibrium dialysis. The observed brain extraction was greater than predicted, and the discrepancy became more apparent as binding and albumin concentration increased. The data for all of the benzodiazepines could be fitted, however, if the equilibrium association constant was assumed to be smaller in vivo than in vitro, so that the effective unbound fraction in the brain capillaries was substantially higher (5- to 25-fold, dependent on the particular drug) than that estimated in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The human cytomegalovirus 86-kilodalton immediate-early 2 protein: synthesis as a precursor polypeptide and interaction with a 75-kilodalton protein of probable viral origin.

Abstract The immediate-early 2 (IE2) 86-kDa polypeptide, a major immediate-early gene product of human cytomegalovirus, regulates transcription both positively and negatively. We report two new properties of the IE2 86-kDa polypeptide in infected cells. Immunoprecipitation of infected cell proteins from human embryonic lung cells by antipeptide or monoclonal antibodies specific for IE2 epitopes revealed three closely migrating polypeptide species. The slowest, p86, behaved as expected for the mature 86-kDa IE2 polypeptide. The middle species, p80, was immunoprecipitated from denatured as well as native samples and labeled to steady state rapidly. Pulse-chase analysis demonstrated directly that p80 was a metabolic precursor to p86. The fastest-migrating species, p75, was not detected by probing blots of the immunoprecipitated proteins with IE2-specific antisera; p75 was not precipitated from denatured protein samples; and the products of partial proteolysis of p75 were distinct from those of p86. These properties established p75 as an unrelated coprecipitated polypeptide complexed with p86. The p75 proteins coprecipitated from cells infected with two different strains of human cytomegalovirus, AD169 and Towne, had different mobilities. p75 was detected as early as 6 h and as late as 72 h after infection, but it was not synthesized in cells released from a cycloheximide block. Thus, it is likely that p75 is an early viral protein.
AlGaN/GaN microwave power HEMTs

AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on sapphire and SiC substrates have strong advantages over other microwave power transistors. High breakdown voltage, high average power, and high efficiency have been obtained.
Wirelessly reconfigurable antenna

In this paper, we describe a reconfigurable antenna with switches on the antenna elements that are powered wirelessly, by the antenna itself. Control signals for individual switches are part of the antenna transmission. We describe the theory of operation and provide simulation results for a three-element parasitic dipole antenna array with two switches.
1JNH values show that N1...N3 hydrogen bonds are stronger in dsRNA A:U than dsDNA A:T base pairs.

Here, we show that 1JNH values are on average 0.4 Hz less negative for double-stranded RNA A:U than for DNA A:T base pairs, which, according to existing theory, suggests that RNA N1···N3 hydrogen bond distances are about 0.02 A shorter than those of DNA. Also, there is a statistically relevant trend between 1JNH and 2hΔ13C2 values, which supports the original hypothesis that 2hΔ13C2 values are also sensitive to hydrogen bond distances. Finally, a context dependence is observed for these values, which suggests that hydrogen-bonding and base-stacking interactions are coupled.
Trauma-focused intervention after bone marrow transplantation: A case study *

This paper describes the use of a Trauma-Focused Intervention (TFI) to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a 40-year-old man who was 2 years and 11 months post-bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for leukemia. Prior to the TFI, the patient had flashbacks to BMT and reported physical sensations such as sweating and chills triggered by reminders of this treatment. A preintervention diagnosis of PTSD was confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). After 10 TFI sessions including general and cancer BMT-specific information about PTSD, relaxation training, cognitive coping strategies, systematic desensitization, and relapse prevention, the patient no longer had a PTSD diagnosis. At 6-month follow-up, improvements were maintained, confirmed by the SCID. Using statistical analysis for a single case design, TFI was also found to significantly decrease distress and PTSD symptoms on self-report measures (as indicated with the Brief Symptom Inventory and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian), and to improve quality of life (Medical Outcome Survey). Results are discussed in terms of this specific cognitive-behavioral treatment for BMT survivors with PTSD and the relevance of such interventions in the oncology treatment setting, where the possibility of retraumatization is a realistic patient concern.
Diagnosing lymphoproliferative disorders involving the cerebrospinal fluid: increased sensitivity using flow cytometric analysis.

Flow cytometric immunophenotypic analysis (FCA) can be performed to evaluate lymphoid cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We compared this method with conventional cytologic diagnosis to determine its utility. A retrospective comparison of 35 consecutive CSF flow cytometry results with the corresponding cytologic diagnoses was undertaken. Twenty-five of 35 CSFs (71%) were successfully analyzed by flow cytometry. The 10 samples which could not be analyzed were either too old (greater than 3 days) or had an insufficient number of cells. A total of 9 lymphomas was detected: 4 by both flow cytometry and cytology; 2 by cytology alone; and 3 by flow cytometry alone. This represents a 50% increase in the detection of lymphoproliferative disorders in CSF by a combination of flow cytometry and cytology vs. cytology alone. Furthermore, in 3 cases with follow-up where the cytologic diagnosis was "atypical cells of undetermined significance" and the flow cytometric findings were negative for malignancy, the clinical course confirmed a benign pleocytosis in all three. We conclude that flow cytometric analysis markedly improves sensitivity when used in combination with cytology in the evaluation of lymphoid cells in CSF.
Diffusion-Controlled Polymer Dissolution and Drug Release

A model is formulated for diffusion-controlled polymer dissolution and simultaneous drug release for amorphous, uncrosslinked polymers. Calculated fractional drug release versus time curves are similar to experimental curves reported in the literature. Solutions of the transport equations provide a way of illustrating how polymer type and molecular weight can be used in an attempt to approach a constant drug release rate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 92–99, 2004
Radiation and Annealing Characteristics of Neutron Bombarded Silicon Transistors

Operating a silicon planar epitaxial transistor in the inverse configuration allows one to demonstrate clearly the importance of the neutron-induced base current component and its degradation of the emitter efficiency, and, because of the much larger depletion layer, to compute a volume dependent damage constant applicable to all silicon p-n junctions. The importance of minimizing the absolute change versus relative change in radiation hardening studies is clearly illustrated. Surface effects were found to be significant for transistors mounted in gas-filled cans. The diffusion potential was predicted, on theoretical grounds, to vary with neutron fluence, and the theory was experimentally confirmed. Isochronal and isothermal annealing data were obtained for the inverse configuration and from these data, it is concluded that the neutron-induced defect centers are field dependent.
Data based model to estimate subgrade moisture variation case study: Low volume pavement in North Texas

Variations in moisture content significantly alter the geotechnical characteristics of unsaturated soils, including resilient modulus, shear strength, permeability and volumetric deformation. Unpredicted variations of soil parameters can shorten the service life of infrastructures and induce major distresses on buried or soil supported structures, including low volume pavements. Estimating patterns of moisture variation can provide better understanding of soil properties variation and long term serviceability of the pavements. In the current paper, a case study was performed to develop a real time data based model and estimate subgrade moisture variation as a function of rainfall. A low volume rural hot mix asphalt pavement in North Texas was selected, investigated and instrumented with moisture sensors and a rain gauge. The sensors were installed under one lane of the pavements as deep as 4.5 m in lines representing pavement centerline, inner wheel path, outer wheel path and pavement edge. The site was monitored for over 2 years and hourly records of precipitation and volumetric moisture content at different soil depths were collected. The obtained data were non-parametrically analyzed in Matlab and a model was developed for moisture variation in real time. Based on the results, it was concluded that the pattern of moisture variation can be best described as a combined seasonal and temporal variation. Amplitude of seasonal moisture variation is fairly limited and tolerates within ±5% of an average value. On the other hand, temporary increase in moisture content due to rainfall can be as much as 12%. Since major changes in parameters of unsaturated soil happens within moisture contents close to saturation, this sudden increase in volumetric moisture content can lead to significant soil recharacterization. The developed model was able to capture both seasonal and temporary variation of moisture content and the outputs were within 90% confidence band of measured moisture contents. Comparison of model outputs with existing predictive models showed that the developed model has the capability to significantly increase the accuracy of the estimations. The developed model can be used to estimate moisture variation around buried structures, foundations, slopes and within pavement systems.
The genetic consequences of ablating helicase activity and the Top3 interaction domain of Sgs1

Abstract Sgs1, the RecQ helicase homolog, and Top3, the type-IA topoisomerase, physically interact and are required for genomic stability in budding yeast. Similarly, topoisomerase III genes physically pair with homologs of SGS1 in humans that are involved in the cancer predisposition and premature aging diseases Bloom, Werner, and Rothmund–Thompson syndromes. In the absence of Top1 activity, sgs1 mutants are severely growth impaired. Here, we investigate the role of Sgs1 helicase activity and its N-terminal Top3 interaction domain by using an allele-replacement technique to integrate mutant alleles at the native SGS1 genomic locus. We compare the phenotype of helicase-defective (sgs1-hd) and N-terminal deletion (sgs1-NΔ) strains to wild-type and sgs1 null strains. Like the sgs1 null, sgs1-hd mutations suppress top3 slow growth, cause a growth defect in the absence of Srs2 helicase, and impair meiosis. However, for recombination and the synthetic interaction with top1Δ mutations, loss of helicase activity exhibits a less severe phenotype than the null. Interestingly, deletion of the Top3 interaction domain of Sgs1 causes a top3-like phenotype, and furthermore, this effect is dependent on helicase activity. These results suggest that the protein–protein interaction between these two DNA-metabolism enzymes, even in the absence of helicase activity, is important for their function in catalyzing specific changes in DNA topology.
Sexual contact influences orientation to plant attractant in Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Chemical signals emitted by insects and their hosts are important for sexual communication and host selection. Plant volatiles facilitate the location of suitable hosts for feeding and oviposition, and may moderate responses to sex and aggregation pheromones. While mating has been shown to moderate behavioral responses to pheromones in a number of insects, little is known about the effects of mating on behavioral responses of insects to plant attractants, and even less is known about the mechanisms involved. In this study, mating was shown to decrease behavioral responses of the Colorado potato beetle to a host kairomone within 24 h, and attraction to the kairomone recovers only after 72 h. This decrease in responsiveness also occurs when only contact with the opposite sex is allowed; the effect is not observed with contact among individuals of the same sex. Peripheral olfactory responses to a component of the kairomone correlate with the observed behavioral responses and suggest involvement of antennal receptors in the behavioral change.
An expanding role for purine uptake permease-like transporters in plant secondary metabolism.

For the past decade, our understanding of the plant purine uptake permease (PUP) transporter family of was primarily oriented on purine nucleobase substrates and their tissue-specific expression patterns in Arabidopsis. However, a tobacco PUP-like homolog demonstrating nicotine uptake permease (NUP) activity was recently shown to affect both nicotine metabolism and root cell growth. These new findings expand the physiological role for PUP-like transporters to include plant secondary metabolism. Molecular evolution analyses of PUP-like transporters indicate they are distinct group within an ancient super family of drug and metabolite transporters (DMTs). The PUP-like family originated during terrestrial plant evolution sometime between the bryophytes and the lycophytes. A phylogenetic analysis indicates that the PUP-like transporters were likely were derived from a pre-existing nucleotide sugar transporter family within the DMT super family. Within the lycophyte Selaginella, there are three paralogous groups of PUP-like transporters. One of the three PUP-like paralogous groups showed an extensive pattern of gene duplication and diversification within the angiosperm lineage, whereas the other two more ancestral PUP-like paralogous groups did not. Biochemical characterization of four closely-related PUP-like paralogs together with model-based phylogenetic analyses indicate both subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization during the molecular evolution of angiosperm PUP-like transporters. These findings suggest that members of the PUP-like family of DMT transporters are likely involved in diverse primary and secondary plant metabolic pathways.
Degenerin Sites Mediate Proton Activation of δβγ-Epithelial Sodium Channel

The δ-subunit of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) is predominately expressed in brain, heart, and pancreas. The amiloride sensitivity, Na+ conductance, and critical domains for gating are characterized as a cross between proton-activated Na+ channels and α-ENaC. The hypothesis that external protons may activate human δ-ENaC was addressed by expressing δβγ-hENaC in Xenopus oocytes and evaluating proton-activated current with the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Our results showed that protons transiently evoked a Na+ current with an EC50 of pH 6 overlapped on the basal current of δβγ-hENaC. Proton-activated current was not observed in uninjected oocytes. Studies on gating kinetics revealed that activation, desensitization, and recovery times of proton-activated Na+ current were 3.8 ± 0.5 s, 253 ± 9.5 s, and 10 ± 3.6 s, respectively (n = 4–12). Alkali metal cation selectivity of the proton-activated current was identical to that of the basal current of δβγ-hENaC. The metabolic acids, lactate, pyruvate, and formate, modified the proton-activated current, as did hypo-osmotic stress. EDTA, hypo-osmolarity, and lactate enhanced proton activation synergistically. Our results suggest that δ-hENaC subunit is essential for proton-activated current and γ-subunit may potentially regulate the response of δ-hENaC to protons. We have concluded that δβγ-hENaC is a proton-activated cation channel whose closing gate can be regulated by a proton-induced conformational change. Proton-sensitivity of δβγ-hENaC may be an important mechanism for integrating external ischemic signals in inflamed and hypoxic tissues.
Disk scattering at edge-on incidence

As part of a general study of the backscattering from thin plates illuminated by a plane wave at glancing incidence, measurements have been made of the surface and far fields of circular disks. Some results of the surface field probing are presented and interpreted in terms of optics and creeping wave components analogous to those appropriate to the surface of a cylinder. Analytic forms for the components are then determined, and an expression for the backscattered field deduced therefrom. The result is compared with measured far-field data for electrically thin disks, and the effects of increasing the electrical thickness, either uniformly or nonuniformly, are also discussed.
Recursion in a Quantifier vs. Elementary Induction

Spector [21] proved that a relation R on ω is Π 1 1 if and only if it is (positive elementary) inductive on the structure 〈ω, +, ·〉; Kleene [8] showed that R is Π 1 1 if and only if it is semirecursive in the type 2 object E . These two “constructive” characterizations of the Π 1 1 relations have led to the independent study of (positive elementary) induction and recursion in E on an arbitrary structure, as natural generalizations of the theory of Π 1 1 relations on (ω, +, · 〉. The theory of (positive elementary) induction on an arbitrary structure was developed by Moschovakis in his book Elementary induction on abstract structures (EIAS) ; one of the most important theorems there is a generalization of the classical theorem of Spector [20] and Gandy [3] about the Π 1 1 relations on ω: a relation R is inductive on an acceptable structure . if and only if there is a formula φ( Y, x ) of the language of such that: where HYP is the collection of hyperelementary relations on . Moschovakis [17] and Kechris and Moschovakis [6] showed how to develop the theory of recursion in higher types as a chapter in the general theory of inductive definability. This approach to recursion in higher types makes it possible to use methods from the theory of inductive definability in studying recursion in E . In this paper we establish some results about recursion in E on a structure which bolster the naturalness of this theory and contribute to its comparison with (positive elementary) induction.
Synergy in machines

Abstract The capability of a finite state machine constructed of component machines in a composition with feedback is shown to be greater than the capabilities of series-parallel (or cascade) compositions of these same components. A measure of the amount of feedback in a construction is defined and a hierarchy of classes of machines is obtained by increasing the amount of feedback permitted in the members of each class.
COMPARISON OF UNIDIMENSIONAL AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACHES TO IRT PARAMETER ESTIMATION

It is common to assume during statistical analysis of a multiscale assessment that the assessment has simple structure or that it is composed of several unidimensional subtests. Under this assumption, both the unidimensional and multidimensional approaches can be used to estimate item parameters. This paper theoretically demonstrates that these two approaches are the same if the joint maximum likelihood method is used to estimate parameters. However, they are different from each other if the marginal maximum likelihood method is applied. A simulation study is then conducted in this paper to further compare the unidimensional and multidimensional approaches with marginal maximum likelihood method. The simulation results indicate that when the number of items is small the multidimensional approach provides more accurate estimates of item parameters, while the unidimensional approach prevails if the test length is long enough. Further, the impact of violation of the simple structure assumption is also investigated. Specifically the correlation coefficient between subscales will be highly overestimated when the simple structure assumption is violated.
Global Capitalism and Transnational Class Formation

The global capitalism perspective, as it has been called by critics and contributors alike (Arrighi, 2001; Carroll and Sapinski, 2010; Chase-Dunn et al., 2005; Dicken, 2007; Embong, 2000; Harris, 2...
Embedded systems in the wild: ZebraNet software, hardware, and deployment experiences

The Princeton ZebraNet project is a collaboration of engineers and biologists to build mobile, wireless embedded systems for wildlife tracking. Over the lifetime of the project, we have implemented a number of compression, communication, and data management algorithms specifically tailored for the small memory, constrained energy and sparse connectivity of these long-lifetime systems. We have gone through three major generations of hardware and software implementations, and have done two successful real-world deployments on Plains Zebras in Kenya, with a third deployment planned for Summer, 2007. In this talk, I will discuss our real-life experiences with crafting embedded systems hardware and software, and our deployment experiences in Africa. I will also put forward a vision for how portability, reliability, and energy-efficiency can be well-supported in future embedded systems.
Anatomía y espectro patológico de las lesiones del infundíbulo hipofisario

Objetivo El espectro patologico de las enfermedades del infundibulo hipofisario es variado. Revisamos 65 lesiones infundibulares en 44 adultos y 21 ninos, y resumimos los hallazgos de imagen y su presentacion clinica. Conclusion Las enfermedades que afectan al infundibulo hipofisario son muchas y distintas a las de la silla turca y la region paraselar. Las lesiones del tallo hipofisario pueden agruparse en tres categorias: congenitas y del desarrollo, infecciosas e inflamatorias, y neoplasicas. Conocer los hallazgos en imagen de las enfermedades especificas de los adultos y los ninos es importante para hacer un diagnostico correcto y aplicar el tratamiento adecuado.
Nasal Sinus Leiomyosarcoma in a Patient with History of Non-Hereditary Unilateral Treated Retinoblastoma

Hereditary patients with a history of treated retinoblastoma (RB) have a greatly increased risk of a broad spectrum of secondary malignancies appearing many years later, with a high incidence in the head and neck region. Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) account for up to 58% of these tumors. LMS in the sinonasal region generally are uncommon and are associated with a locally aggressive course and have a poor prognosis. RB may occur in two forms. The hereditary form is generally bilateral but can present unilaterally with a positive family history and typically exhibits a germline mutation in the RB1 gene on chromosome 13. The non-hereditary form is usually unilateral but can show the same germline mutation in up to 10% of cases. Patients with hereditary RB have been shown to have a significantly higher cumulative risk of developing secondary malignancies than those with the non-hereditary form (28 vs. 1.44% respectively). Most reported cases of sinonasal LMS are in patients with a history of the bilateral hereditary form of treated RB. We report a case of LMS of the nasal sinus area in a 35-year-old African American male with a history of non-hereditary unilateral RB and radiation therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of sinonasal LMS arising in a patient with a history of non-hereditary unilateral RB. The clinical history, radiology, and pathology are presented along with a brief discussion of the literature.
O lugar da prisão na nova administração da pobreza

The irresistible rise of the penal state in the United States manifests the implementation of a policy of criminalization of poverty that is the indispensable complement to the imposition of precarious and underpaid wage labor as civic obligation for those trapped at the bottom of the class and caste structure. The prison has thus regained a central place in the panoply of instruments for the government of poverty, at the crossroads of the deskilled labor market, the collapsing urban ghetto, and social-welfare services "reformed" with a view to buttressing the discipline of desocialized wage work.
Influence of Breathing Mode and Activity Level on the Regional Deposition of Inhaled Particles and Implications for Regulatory Standards

Particulate-size-selective sampling is an important consideration in determining ambient air-quality standards and threshold limit values for workplace exposures. Hazard evaluations, as well as risk analyses, can benefit from an improved understanding of factors affecting regional respiratory tract deposition of particles in man. Here, thoracic deposition and its component parts are examined, as a function of particulate size, for ventilation rates ranging from normal respiration to heavy exercise in individuals who are habitual mouth breathers and in those who normally employ oronasal breathing when minute ventilations exceed approximately 35 Lmin-1. Nonlinear regression techniques were used to fit logistic models of the form Y = (1+e alpha+beta log X)-1 to data from tests measuring extrathoracic (ET) and tracheobronchial (TB) deposition.
Isotopic anomalies of Ne, Xe, and C in meteorites. II. Interstellar diamond and SiC: Carriers of exotic noble gases

Abstract Continuing our efforts to find the carriers of presolar noble gases, we isolated 15 separates from the Murray C2 chondrite on the basis of grain size and chemical resistance, and analyzed them by mass spectrometry for Ne and Xe. The abundant (570 ppm) Cδ diamond, carrier of Xe-HL and Ne-A1, 2, was efficiently removed by a new type of colloid separation. The rare component Xe-S was enriched ~ 17-fold over the best previous sample; its carrier Cβ appears to be SiC, of much larger size than Cδ (mean diameter ~0.12 μm vs. 0.0026 μm) and lower abundance (~2 ppm), but likewise showing a sharply peaked log-normal size distribution. If these distributions reflect grain growth from circumstellar gas shells, then their near-perfect shape suggests minimal alteration of the grains by secondary processes such as fragmentation or erosion, and hence a short residence time in interstellar space. A third component, Ne-E(H), was enriched ~ 9-fold over the best previous sample in an acid-insoluble residue of SiC, Cδ, and chromite, which was left when a coarse spinel fraction was dissolved. This SiC (~7 ppm), differing from the Cβ-SiC mentioned above, appears to be Cϵ, the carrier of Ne-E(H). The data obtained thus far show that both diamond (Cδ) and amorphous carbon (Cα, Cθ) occur as interstellar grains, along with SiC (Cβ, Cϵ). Crystalline graphite, though long predicted as a stable stellar condensate at high C/O ratios, has not been found. Each noble-gas component is associated with only one carbon allotrope or compound, which suggests that carbon condensation in a given star is strongly selective.
Trends in State Certificate of Need and Moratoria Programs for Long-Term Care Providers

This study examined state policies for certificate of need or moratoria for new building, renovation, and remodeling of long-term care (LTC) providers, using a telephone survey of state officials in between 1990 and 2002. In 2002, the vast majority of states still continue to regulate the supply of nursing homes, hospital-based nursing homes, and facilities for the mentally retarded/developmentally disabled. Surprisingly, 18 percent of states regulate the supply of residential care facilities, 35 percent regulate home health agencies, and 37 percent regulate hospices. These state efforts to control supply are primarily based on cost containment strategies and assuring the appropriate distribution of LTC services. Where limits are placed on home and community service providers, however, access could be negatively impacted.
Young Children Manifest Spiritualities in Their Hip-Hop Writing

In this article, the author combines multicultural feminist critical theories with the voices of Black and Latina/Latino young spiritual children to extend culturally responsive teaching. The author illuminates how children use their hip-hop writing to construct themselves as people who communicate with God, choose spiritual content for their hip-hop songs, and attest to God’s abilities to help people. By helping in-service and preservice teachers increase their awareness and understandings of children’s spiritualities and spiritual practices, one can (re)vision the policies, pedagogies, methodologies, and structures that are, can, and should occur in educational institutions.
Near-simultaneous plasma structuring in the midlatitude and equatorial ionosphere during magnetic superstorms

[1] Near simultaneous formation of ionospheric plasma density structures at middle and equatorial latitudes during the intense magnetic storms of October 29–31, 2003, July 15, 2000, and March 30–31, 2001 is investigated. The evolution of these structures is explored by measuring amplitude scintillation of satellite signals at 250 MHz, determining zonal irregularity drifts and by detecting equatorial plasma bubbles with DMSP satellites. During abrupt decreases of SYM-H (1-minute resolution Dst) that signify the penetration of high latitude electric fields, an impulsive onset of scintillation occurs at Hanscom AFB (HAFB), a sub-auroral location, as well as in the equatorial region where the early evening period corresponds to the time of scintillation onset at midlatitudes. The onset of equatorial scintillation is delayed from that at midlatitudes by about 20 minutes which can be accounted for by considering instantaneous electric field penetration and plasma instability growth time of equatorial irregularities.
Natural polymers for gene delivery and tissue engineering

Although the field of gene delivery is dominated by viral vectors and synthetic polymeric or lipid gene carriers, natural polymers offer distinct advantages and may help advance the field of non-viral gene therapy. Natural polymers, such as chitosan, have been successful in oral and nasal delivery due to their mucoadhesive properties. Collagen has broad utility as gene activated matrices, capable of delivering large quantities of DNA in a direct, localized manner. Most natural polymers contain reactive sites amenable for ligand conjugation, cross-linking, and other modifications that can render the polymer tailored for a range of clinical applications. Natural polymers also often possess good cytocompatibility, making them popular choices for tissue engineering scaffolding applications. The marriage of gene therapy and tissue engineering exploits the power of genetic cell engineering to provide the biochemical signals to influence proliferation or differentiation of cells. Natural polymers with their ability to serve as gene carriers and tissue engineering scaffolds are poised to play an important role in the field of regenerative medicine. This review highlights the past and present research on various applications of natural polymers as particulate and matrix delivery vehicles for gene delivery.
Hearing Loss and Antiretroviral Therapy in Patients Infected With HIV-1

Objective: To explore the association between hearing loss and antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected persons. Design: Case-control study. Setting: University-based HIV clinic. Participants: Volunteer sample of 99 HIV-infected patients. Interventions: Standardized interview focusing on risks for hearing loss, review of clinic pharmacy records, and hearing tests by portable audiometry. Main Outcome Measure: Hearing loss, defined as threshold of more than a 25-dB hearing level at 4000 Hz in 1 or both ears. Results: Hearing loss was common, seen in 29 subjects (29%). It was significantly associated with age and history of ear infection and tended to be more common in subjects prescribed antiretroviral agents. An interaction existed between age and antiretroviral therapy; the association between hearing loss and antiretroviral therapy was significant for subjects aged 35 years or older, but not for subjects younger than 35 years. In subjects aged 35 years or older, this association remained significant using a multivariate model that included those variables found to have the greatest potential for confounding (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-20.5; P =.05). Conclusions: Hearing loss is common among HIV-infected individuals and is associated with antiretroviral therapy in those aged 35 years or older.
A look into the Val Verde Basin, Texas

Editor's note: This paper won the Best Poster Paper Award from the 2001 Annual Meeting in San Antonio. The study area consists of 180 miles2 within the Val Verde Basin. A new interpretation is proposed and is based primarily on 3D seismic data. Emphasis is placed on the Lower Permian to Pennsylvanian Section in which hydrocarbons have been found from tight reservoirs. The general stratigraphy is summarized, the focus being on hydrocarbon source, reservoirs, and seal. Seismic lines, spread across the area, illustrate structure. The producing fields sit atop the Foreland Thrust, which was transported as a decollement zone on Mississippian shales. A series of backthrusts is invoked to accommodate the movement of competent rocks up the ramped Foreland Thrust, creating the main structures in the fields. The Foreland Thrust is thought to be the primary migration pathway while the back-thrusts appear to be secondary migration pathways. The new interpretation incorporates 3D seismic, well, and reservoir performance data. The 3D seismic data, in particular, demonstrate the overall sequence stratigraphy of the basin and lead to a new structural interpretation. This interpretation is based mainly on 3D seismic data. Emphasis is placed on the Lower Permian to Pennsylvanian geologic section where hydrocarbons have been found in tight reservoirs. Currently, these reservoirs are being developed by Conoco Inc. in partnership with Tom Brown Inc. Geographically, the study area is located about 120 miles south of Midland in Texas. It encompasses Conoco's 3D seismic coverage in the Val Verde Basin and occupies an area roughly 30 × 6 miles. Geologically, the Val Verde Basin comprises the southern portion of the greater Permian Basin of mid-continent United States. It lies between the Central Basin Platform to the north and the Marathon Uplift to the south (Figure 1). Figure 1. Location map. Based on 2D seismic …
Unsteady and Three-Dimensional Simulation of Blood Flow in the Human Aortic Arch

A three-dimensional and pulsatile blood flow in a human aortic arch and its three major branches has been studied numerically for a peak Reynolds number of 2500 and a frequency (or Womersley) parameter of 10. The simulation geometry was derived from the three-dimensional reconstruction of a series of two-dimensional slices obtained in vivo using CAT scan imaging on a human aorta. The numerical simulations were obtained using a projection method, and a finite-volume formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations was used on a system of overset grids. Our results demonstrate that the primary flow velocity is skewed towards the inner aortic wall in the ascending aorta, but this skewness shifts to the outer wall in the descending thoracic aorta. Within the arch branches, the flow velocities were skewed to the distal walls with flow reversal along the proximal walls. Extensive secondary flow motion was observed in the aorta, and the structure of these secondary flows was influenced considerably by the presence of the branches. Within the aorta, wall shear stresses were highly dynamic, but were generally high along the outer wall in the vicinity of the branches and low along the inner wall, particularly in the descending thoracic aorta. Within the branches, the shear stresses were considerably higher along the distal walls than along the proximal walls. Wall pressure was low along the inner aortic wall and high around the branches and along the outer wall in the ascending thoracic aorta. Comparison of our numerical results with the localization of early atherosclerotic lesions broadly suggests preferential development of these lesions in regions of extrema (either maxima or minima) in wall shear stress and pressure.
Restaurant management and operations: a tourism virtual experience.

Abstract Virtual enterprise (VE) is an inter-disciplinary business simulation, where students use technology to trade products and services through a global e-commerce network of more than 3,000 firms. VE CAANESA International Restaurant utilizes the Internet as a major part of the daily enterprise operations. This inner city community of students worked in an on-campus office environment as managers of different departments, using a web-based instructional platform. The paper is an empirical study, demonstrating the course design, development and dissemination of information using regular classroom instruction in business and marketing techniques, as well as the Internet accessed instructional program. The course information could be accessed at any time day or night. The usage information is detailed within. The shift in the comfort level of the students in various skills was measured at the beginning and end of the semester when the students took a self-evaluative skills inventory assessment survey. Th...
Dual-function nanofilm coatings with diffusion control and protein resistance.

To date, limited examples of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) can be found that truly exploit the power of layer-by-layer nanoassembly to combine multiple functions into a complex multilayer. We demonstrate that PEMs can be designed as optimized coatings for implantable biosensors, exhibiting both diffusion control and protein resistance. PEM coatings comprising strong−weak and weak−weak pairs were evaluated, resulting in decreases in glucose diffusivity up to 5 orders of magnitude compared to water. Addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-grafted terminal layers on the base diffusion-controlling multilayers substantially improved resistance to albumin adsorption relative to unmodified PEMs. For transport-controlling films comprising strong−weak polyelectrolyte pairs, the consistent diffusivity was observed even after exposure to protein-containing solutions, indicating minimal effects of biofouling. In contrast, the transport behavior of weak−weak polyelectrolyte pairs was susceptible to alteration by ...
Child Survival in Community Contexts

Characteristics of community contexts important to child survival in Third World countries are reviewed. The type of economic production and stratification system, women's position, medical care and public health services, and cultural practices constrain and provide resources to individuals living within a community. Child survival viewed within the community context expands upon structural forces affecting mortality differentials.
Solar Chemistry of Metal Complexes

Electronic excited states of certain transition metal complexes undergo oxidation-reduction reactions that store chemical energy. Such reactions have been extensively explored for mononuclear complexes. Two classes of polynuclear species exhibit similar properties, and these complexes are now being studied as possible homogeneous sensitizer-catalysts for hydrogen production from aqueous solutions.
Erosion of steels in coal-solvent slurries

Abstract The erosion of several commercial piping steels by coal-solvent slurries was investigated at room and elevated temperatures. The liquid solvents used (kerosene, creosote oil and anthracene oil) had different viscosities that resulted in marked differences in the erosivity of the slurries. The effects of the mechanical properties and compositions of the steel alloys were related to their erosion behavior. The effect on the erosion of steel alloys of the impingement angle of the slurry was determined and related to the viscosity and boundary lubrication of the slurry carrier liquids. The effect of heat treatment of low alloy steels on their erosion behavior was determined.
Constructing Knowledge for the Future: Exploring Alternative Modes of Inquiry from a Philosophical Perspective

Clothing and textiles research is examined within a futuring framework to discuss potential avenues for development of thought within the field. A philosophical perspective linking ontology, epistemology, and methodology is posited as important to exploring assumptions that guide the research process. The material culture studies perspective, the feminist social science perspective, and the critical science perspective are discussed as three potential ways of approaching the subject matter in need of mainstreaming as we look to the future of knowledge production within clothing and textiles. Based on this discussion, ideas and implications for scenario-building in the traditional futures sense are presented.
Vesicoureteral Reflux in Male Infants Diagnosed After First Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

Purpose Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a relatively common cause of fever in infants. The association of VUR, UTI and renal parenchymal scarring (RPS) is well recognised. Susceptibility to RPS in VUR varies according to age and gender, with male infants under one year of age reported to be at greatest risk. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of RPS and risk factors for RPS in a large cohort of male infants who were diagnosed to have VUR after first documented febrile UTI. Material and Methods Between 1985 and 2008, 363 consecutive male infants were diagnosed to have primary VUR on voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). 308 (85%) infants were hospitalised with the first documented febrile UTI and 55 (15%) infants with febrile UTI were managed as outpatients. Age at diagnosis in the 363 infants was defined as patient's age at the time of the first VCUG. RPS was evaluated by 99mtechnetium-DMSA scan performed at least 3months after the UTI. Results Among the 363 infants (median age 7 months),reflux was unilateral in 132 infants and bilateral in 231 resulting in 594 refluxing ureters. VUR was grade II in 19 (3.2%) ureters, grade III in 217(36.5%), grade IV in 276 (46.5%) and grade V in 82(13.8%) ureters. RPS was observed in 109 (34%) of the 321 patients who had DMSA scan. RPS was mild in 43 (39.4%) infants, moderate in 51 (46.8%) and severe in 15 (13.8%) infants. Ninety nine (90.8%) of the 109 infants with RPS had grade IV or V VUR. Conclusions Our data show that primary VUR in male infants diagnosed following a febrile UTI is often bilateral, high grade and associated with a high incidence of renal parenchymal scarring. Early identification and treatment of VUR in male infants may prevent UTI-related renal parenchymal damage and progression of renal damage in congenital reflux nephropathy.
Mechanical properties of undoped GaAs. Part I: Yield stress measurements

Abstract The present series of papers reports on the yield and fracture properties of undoped single crystal GaAs. In part I, the results of uniaxial compression tests over a range of temperatures, 200–550 °C, and strain rates, 2.5 × 10−5–2 × 10−4 s−1 are presented. Previous reports on deformation of GaAs have mostly involved tests in the ductile regime (T ⩾ 400 °C). Although there are a few reports on low-temperature deformation tests in the brittle regime of GaAs, they were all performed in the presence of a hydrostatic pressure. The present experiments extend the deformations from the ductile to the brittle regime of the material without the superposition of a hydrostatic stress. In this way, the temperature- and strain rate dependence of the yield stress τy of GaAs has been determined. The results show an abrupt change in the deformation mechanism at a critical temperature Tc2 that systematically increases with the strain rate e ˙ . The critical temperature Tc2 is in the same range as the brittle-to-ductile transition (BDT) temperature TBDT of GaAs and follows the same trend with respect to changes in the strain rate. In part II of this series, we report on direct measurement of TBDT of GaAs at different strain rates to see how it compares with the critical temperatures Tc2, obtained from uniaxial compression tests. For the measurements of TBDT, we have used the technique of four-point bend testing. Finally, in part III, the same undoped GaAs material is deformed by static and dynamic (displacement-sensitive) indentation tests over a wide range of temperatures and the results compared with those obtained from compression experiments and four-point bend tests. The results show that the indentation BDT temperature TIBDT is significantly lower than the value of TBDT obtained from direct fracture experiments (part II), presumably because of the superimposed hydrostatic component present in an indentation. The microstructure of samples deformed by compression and indentation tests are also investigated by transmission electron microscopy and dislocation mechanisms are discussed to interpret the plastic and fracture properties of GaAs.