cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateral p-n junctions containing p-type (311)A facets in nonplanar metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy of AlGaAs lasers

Abstract p-Type (311)A facets have been demonstrated in the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxial growth of Se-doped AlGaAs layers on (100) GaAs substrate having etched [01 1 ] ridges. Lateral junctions containing the p-type (311)A facet are evidenced by measuring the electron-beam-induced current of the diode. The nonplanar doping result is ascribed to the deprived Se-doping and enriched C-doping of AlGaAs layers on the (311)A facet as compared with those on the (100) plane. This method is useful in fabricating lasers with a self-aligned current-blocking layer in a single growth step.
Ovariectomy of young mutant amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice leads to increased mortality.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting a large percentage of the elderly population. Preventative therapies for AD have been limited; however, epidemiological studies have demonstrated that estrogen replacement therapy may prevent or delay the onset of AD. Therefore, we utilized female mutant amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice (APPSWE), as a mouse model of AD-like pathology, to study the long-term effects of estrogen withdrawal. Interestingly, by 8 months of age 58% of the ovariectomized APPSWE mice had died, whereas there was no mortality in the sham ovariectomized APPSWE mice. This mortality was correlated with estrogen loss only in the APPSWE mice since background strain matched ovariectomized wild-type mice had virtually no mortality. Cerebral Aβ levels in the surviving APPSWE ovariectomized females were increased by 50% compared to the sham ovariectomized APPSWE females. However, the levels of Aβ in the ovariectomized APPSWE mice were still well below those observed in 2-year-old APPSWE mice that had Aβ plaques. Therefore, the mildly increased Aβ levels were not the suspected cause of death in these ovariectomized mice. Previous studies have demonstrated increased mortality in mice overexpressing mutant or wild type APP independent of Aβ accumulation; thus, estrogen withdrawal may potentiate this phenotype associated with APP overexpression.
One-step preparation of ultra-wide β-Ga2O3 microbelts and their photoluminescence study

Abstract Ultra-wide β-Ga 2 O 3 microbelts are synthesized in one-step process and their photoluminescence (PL) emission is studied. The width and thickness of the ultra-wide β-Ga 2 O 3 sheets are in the ranges 40–80 μm and 50–200 nm, respectively, while the lengths of these sheets are in the range of several hundreds of micrometers. The microbelts have been investigated with scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM, TEM, HRTEM), X-rays diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-rays spectroscope (EDX). Room-temperature PL emission spectra of the as-grown microstructures show a broad blue peak centered at around 480 nm. At temperatures below 140 K, another band centered at 715 nm emerges. This band is mainly attributed to nitrogen impurities in β-Ga 2 O 3 material. It is believed that the nitrogen impurities act as acceptors in β-Ga 2 O 3 inducing hole traps which recombine with electrons trapped at oxygen vacancy donors generating red-light emission.
Long-range transport of ozone, carbon monoxide, and aerosols to the NE Pacific troposphere during the summer of 2003: Observations of smoke plumes from Asian boreal fires

[1] Using a small aircraft, we conducted nine flights from 27 May through 5 August 2003 to collect vertical profiles of ozone, carbon monoxide, and total aerosol scattering in the 0–6 km column off the coast of Washington State. During 27 May, 2 June, and 5 August 2003 we observed air masses containing highly correlated and well-defined layers of O3, CO, and aerosol enhancements within the 0–6 km column. The largest of these pollution episodes, or “events,” occurred on 2 June 2003 when O3 and CO mixing ratios exceeded 100 and 220 ppbv, respectively. A suite of meteorological data indicated that these polluted layers were not due to local sources. NOAA Hysplit backward trajectories indicate that the polluted air masses originated from a vast region in Asia bounded by 35°–70°N and 70°–170°E and transited the Pacific Ocean at middle and upper latitudes to North America in 7–10 days. Satellite data and global aerosol transport models suggest that Siberian boreal fire emissions were the primary source of the three events. Our observations indicate that ozone and aerosol scattering enhancement ratios, O3/CO and σsp (550 nm)/CO ERs, during these episodes were relatively large and varied from 0.15 to 0.84 ppbv ppbv−1 and 0.24 to 1.24 Mm−1 ppbv−1, respectively. These observations coupled with ground-based measurements suggest that under certain circumstances, Siberian smoke was transported to the surface and had a significant influence on regional air quality in western Washington State. Notably, the 2 June event coincides with a period when O3 concentrations exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 8-hour standard (>84 ppbv) in Enumclaw, Washington, and the 5 August event corresponded with air quality degradation in Seattle, Washington, when 24-hour average fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations exceeded 18 μg m−3 during the first week of August.
Recurrent patterns in surface thermal fronts associated with cold filaments along the West Coast of North America

Abstract Previous studies indicate that cold filaments off northern California have sharp southern (s-type) and diffuse northern (d-type) thermal boundaries. In this study, 44 AVHRR satellite images taken from three coastal regions in the California Current System (northern, central, and Baja California) over a period of 10 years were used to examine the regional variation in surface frontal structure associated with cold filaments. The images were specifically chose from months where past mean wind conditions indicated upwelling occurred because cold filaments appear to be more abundant during the upwelling season. The images also were chosen to provide independent realizations of filament structure. Distributions of average gradient magnitude as a function of gradient angle were used to provide a more compact representation of the frontal information contained in each image. An analysis of these distributions shows that the sharp / diffuse boundary structure associated with cold filaments observed in shipboard data dominates the total surface frontal structure found in satellite data for two of the three regions studied. The recurrent, ubiquitous patterns found in the satellite-determined frontal structure are discussed in terms of their potential effects on acoustic propagation and regional implications on ecological community structure in the California Current System.
Binding sites for immune complexes containing IgG in the renal interstitium.

Abstract In immunologically mediated interstitial renal disease, immunoglobulin and complement are often localized in involved areas of the kidney. The mechanism by which these immune components localize in renal tubulo-interstitial sites is not known. Here, we describe the presence of binding sites for the Fc fragment of IgG in the renal interstitium of man and in a variety of other species. These binding sites were demonstrated in vitro by the specific adherence of IgG-coated sheep or human red blood cells to frozen sections of renal tissue. Binding was specifically blocked by IgG and not by IgM, IgA, or other human and animal proteins. Reagent RBC coated with the (Fab′)2 fragment of IgG were not bound. In contrast to the previously described human glomerular complement receptors, these interstitial IgG-Fc receptors are present in man and in all animal species studied. Such receptor sites may be involved in the deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in renal interstitial areas.
Projecting the Size Distribution of Agricultural Firms—An Application of a Markov Process with Non-Stationary Transition Probabilities

The first-order Markov chain model is frequently used to project the future size distribution of firms in a particular industry. This model, however, is based on the rather restrictive assumption that the transition probabilities remain constant over time. This assumption was found to be inappropriate in the case of plants manufacturing frozen milk products in Pennsylvania during the period 1944-1963 and, if adopted, could lead to erroneous results as some actual predictions indicated. This article suggests a method, based on multiple regression techniques, of replacing the constant transition probabilities with probabilities which are a function of various factors including structural characteristics in the industry. The results of this procedure compared quite favorably with those of the assumption of constant probabilities. T HE dynamic and stochastic nature of most economic phenomena has led several economists to postulate that the evolution of certain economic variables over time can be characterized as a stochastic process. The Markov chain model is frequently utilized as the stochastic model with which to predict the future time path of such variables. As a method of analyzing the current movement of a variable in order to predict its future movement, the Markov chain model can be extremely useful to social scientists in designing policy measures compatible with the future movement of the stochastic variable in question. Further, once the process of change is understood, one may then be in a position to suggest how the process must be altered in order to realize some specific target outcome. One of the most demanding assumptions of the Markov chain model is that the probability of occurrence of a particular outcome in any one trial of the sequence does not change throughout the entire sequence-that is, the transition probabilities are assumed to be stationary. This means that once the process of change has been established, the same process of change will continue indefinitely.
Regional cerebral brain metabolism correlates of neuroticism and extraversion.

Factor-analytic approaches to human personality have consistently identified several core personality traits, such as Extraversion/Introversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Consciousness, and Openness. There is an increasing recognition that certain personality traits may render individuals vulnerable to psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders and depression. Our purpose in this study was to explore correlates between the personality dimensions neuroticism and extraversion as assessed by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and resting regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMRglu) in healthy control subjects. Based on the anxiety and depression literatures, we predicted correlations with a network of brain structures, including ventral and medial prefrontal cortex (encompassing anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex), insular cortex, anterior temporal pole, ventral striatum, and the amygdala. Twenty healthy women completed an 18F FDG (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) positron emission tomography (PET) scan at rest and the NEO-FFI inventory. We investigated correlations between scores on NEO-FFI Neuroticism and Extraversion and rCMRglu using statistical parametric mapping (SPM99). Within a priori search territories, we found significant negative correlations between Neuroticism and rCMRglu in the insular cortex and positive correlations between Extraversion and rCMRglu in the orbitofrontal cortex. No significant correlations were found involving anterior cingulate, amygdala, or ventral striatum. Neuroticism and Extraversion are associated with activity in insular cortex and orbitofrontal cortex, respectively. Depression and Anxiety 23:133–138, 2006. & 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of self-reported smoking status among participants in a chemoprevention trial.

Abstract Background . Exposure to tobacco products is readily assessed through self- or interview-administered questionnaires. Degree of misreporting among participants in chemoprevention trials is unknown. We assessed the level of discrepancy between self-reported smoking exposure and plasma cotinine among participants in a chemoprevention trial. Methods . Analyses were conducted among 824 men and women who participated in a dietary trial of adenoma recurrence. Smoking exposure was ascertained through self-administered questionnaires at three time-points. Plasma cotinine was measured by gas chromatography among 283 never, 446 former and 95 current self-reported smokers. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using various plasma cotinine cut-points. Results . Degree of misclassification for self-reported current smokers was minor (0–3%), regardless of cotinine cut-point used. Using a cut-point of 20 ng/ml, which takes into account exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among nonsmokers, sensitivity and specificity were 98.9% and 80.2%, respectively. Conclusions . These data indicate that degree of misreport for current smokers is extremely low; however, approximately 20% of self-reported never smokers misreport their exposure, suggesting that validation of self-report is needed for these individuals.
Bias temperature instability variation on SiON/Poly, HK/MG and trigate architectures

A summary of NBTI variation is reported on large data-sets across five generations of Intel technologies (90 nm to 22 nm) and a comparison of statistical frameworks is utilized to show the universality of variation metrics across generations. Large volumes of data and modeling are emphasized as critical to enable accurate simulations of NBTI in extreme tails.
Constraining dark matter-baryon scattering with linear cosmology

We derive constraints on elastic scattering between baryons and dark matter using the cosmic microwave background (CMB) data from the Planck satellite and the Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Elastic scattering allows baryons and dark matter to exchange momentum, affecting the dynamics of linear density perturbations in the early universe. We derive constraints to scattering cross sections of the form $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\propto}{v}^{n}$, allowing for a wide range of velocity dependencies with $\ensuremath{-}4\ensuremath{\le}n\ensuremath{\le}2$. We improve and correct previous estimates where they exist, including velocity-independent cross section as well as dark matter millicharge and electromagnetic dipole moments. Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest data dominate the constraints for $ng\ensuremath{-}3$, where the improvement over CMB data alone can be several orders of magnitude. Dark matter-baryon scattering cannot affect the halo mass function on mass scales $Mg{10}^{12}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$. Our results imply, model independently, that a baryon in the halo of a galaxy like our own Milky Way does not scatter from dark matter particles during the age of the galaxy.
Community-based colorectal cancer screening trials with multi-ethnic groups: A systematic review

The objective of this review was to summarize the current literature of community-based colorectal cancer screening randomized controlled trials with multi-ethnic groups. The CDC reports 40% of adults do not receive time-appropriate colorectal cancer screening. Although overall screening rates have improved since 2000, disparities remain. Studies examining community characteristics may offer insight into improving screening rates and eliminating disparities. We identified community-based colorectal cancer screening studies using PubMed and Ovid Medline database searches. Inclusion criteria were: community-based, randomized controlled trials; English language; published from 1/2001 to 8/2009; all colorectal cancer screening test interventions recommended in the 2008 “Joint Consensus” report; and study participants from at least two racial/ethnic groups, with not more than 90% representation from one group. There were 29 relevant articles published during 2001–2009; with 15 meeting inclusion criteria. We categorized the final studies (n = 15) into the four categories of Patient mailings (n = 3), Telephone outreach (n = 3), Electronic/multimedia (n = 4), and Counseling/community education (n = 5). Of 15 studies, 11 (73%) demonstrated increased screening rates for the intervention group compared to controls, including all studies (100%) from the Patient mailings and Telephone outreach groups, 4 of 5 (80%) Counseling/community education studies, and 1 of 4 (25%) Electronic/multimedia interventions. Patient choice and tailoring of information were common features of trials that increased screening rates across study categories. Including community-level factors and social context may be useful in future design and evaluation of colorectal cancer interventions to reduce or prevent new cases of colorectal cancer.
Determinator-inhibitor pairs as a mechanism for threshold setting in development: a possible function for pseudogenes.

Abstract Thresholds are frequently thought to be involved in the development of discrete structures in response to a shallow, monotonic gradient of morphogenetic information. We propose a mechanism for threshold setting that incorporates two essential components: (i) determinator genes that produce intracellular "determinators" that control cellular differentiation during development and (ii) intracellular "inhibitors" that bind tightly and specifically to the determinators to form "determinator-inhibitor pairs" that are inactive with respect to determinator function. The interaction of these components amplifies the intracellular response to an extra-cellular morphogen, thus producing a sharp transition in determinator gene activity. This system could operate at either the RNA level with the determinator-inhibitor pairs taking the form of sense-antisense RNAs or at the protein level via a competitive inhibition mechanism. In either case this model suggests a possible role for pseudogenes in development as a source of the intracellular inhibitors.
Reflections for September

The neuropathologist’s hands, her gloves the purple of thyme in flower, lift from the bin of white plastic, something that might have held bird seed or daffodil bulbs, your brain: Unrecognizable, although Unique as was your face or voice. You wanted us to see it, and so I feel you ask us, …
Kinetic control in the polymerization of a feast monomer: A route into finite polyenes

Abstract The [2 + 4] Diels-Alder adduct of naphthalene and cyclobutadiene (1) is polymerized through ring-opening metathesis by titanium methylidene sources to produce a soluble polyacetylene precursor. The polymerization proceeds through first-order kinetics and linear increase in molecular weight, providing a route into conjugated polyene segments of various controlled lengths. Evidence suggests that the system represents a ‘living’ polymerization.
Regulating product safety: The informational role of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission

Those familiar with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission know that it often deals with product safety issues. Nevertheless it is not generally recognized as a “safety agency.” This paper undertakes a comprehensive review and analysis of the FTC's safety-related activities. It also presents a preliminary evaluation of the potential for FTC safety-related activities to improve consumer product-related safety as compared to other, more traditional, forms of safety law and regulation. It recommends that the FTC make greater use of its unfairness authority to provide safety information during the period of product use in contrast to the Commission's current focus on regulating pre-purchase information.
Initial soil moisture retrievals from AMSR‐E: Multiscale comparison using in situ data and rainfall patterns over Iowa

[1] Coupled with information from the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS), standard soil datasets and vegetation and land surface parameters, a land surface microwave emission model (LSMEM) is employed using AMSR-E brightness temperatures at X-band (10.7 GHz) to determine soil moisture over Iowa for June and July 2002. Comparisons of calculated soil moisture with in situ validation data collected from a densely monitored watershed as part of the SMEX02 campaign, indicate that accuracies in the order of 3% vol./vol. are achievable, even where agricultural surfaces such as corn and soybean dominate. Additionally, to qualitatively evaluate the derived product and identify the level of coherence between related hydrometeorological data, a comparison of soil moisture retrievals with precipitation patterns is undertaken. Consistent spatial correlation is observed between these two fields, illustrating not only that remotely sensed soil moisture has potential to provide improved characterisation of large scale precipitation patterns, but that such patterns may also offer a pathway towards enhanced assessment of soil moisture retrievals.
A New Multiinput Three-Level DC/DC Converter

Power electronics solutions based on multiple converter configurations offer cost-effective solutions by integrating a number of components at input or output power stages. This paper proposes a new multiinput isolated three-level converter for renewable and sustainable energy systems adopting high dc link voltage. Multiple dc sources are integrated to the three-level dc/dc converter before the isolation stage, resulting in reduced part-count, determining dc link voltage level and allowing flexibility in transformer design. The proposed architecture eliminates two boost switches which are present in the two-stage counterpart. The input inductors are operated in discontinuous conduction mode; thus, power can be shared between input sources through proper selection of input inductors. A low voltage prototype has been designed to serve as a proof of concept.
The release of trace elements by dying marine phytoplankton

The extent to which sinking phytoplankton can directly influence the cycling and vertical transport of metals in the oceans depends largely on the loss rates of the metals from dying cells during their descent. This was examined in a series of radiotracer experiments in which a diatom, a dinoflagellate, and a coccolithophore each accumulated Se, Ag, Sn, Au and Am and then were maintained in the dark for up to 10 days to assess depuration kinetics. Concurrent measurements were made of cell counts and particulate C, N and dry weight. Se was taken up actively by the cells, Sn and Am passively, and Ag and Au uptake patterns varied with the species. The coccolithophores had less reactive surfaces for these metals than did the other species, as reflected in lower metal uptake and greater metal release. Generally, those metals with greatest particle affinity during uptake (Am, Sn, Ag) were retained for the longest periods. All cells decomposed over time, so that particulate C and N decreased by up to 10.7 and 9.8% day−1, respectively, in diatom cultures, up to 4.7 and 4.9% day−1 in dinoflagellate cultures, and up to 6.5 and 6.0% day−1 in coccolithophore cultures. In the diatoms, all elements except Se were released more slowly than C and N from the particulate phase, resulting in increasing metal:C (or N) ratios with time, while Se was released faster than C or N. With the dinoflagellates, elemental release generally followed C and N release, while with the coccolithophores elements were released more rapidly than C and N from the particulate phase. Metals (especially Am, Ag, Sn) were retained sufficiently long, even by decomposing cells, to suggest that phytoplankton sinking as aggregates at rates of 100 m day−1 would effectively transport these metals hundreds of meters out of oceanic surface waters.
Direct and indirect costs of fibromyalgia to patients and their families

Abstract This study investigates the cost of fibromyalgia (FM), in the US, to patients and those that support them. The authors estimate both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include those related to payments for physician and nurse practitioner services, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and nutritional supplements. Indirect costs include the time spent by patients and other caregivers as they attempt to treat their illness. Time measurements include the volunteer efforts of others whom care for the patient and travel time to appointments, including the value of lost wages. The authors create the constructs of well-being, quality of life, pain, distress, and fatigue and associate these constructs with economic loss. The study used an exploratory descriptive survey design. Questionnaires were sent to 432 members of an urban FM support group. They reported annual average direct costs to individuals of $3813, indirect costs of $720, and total costs of $4533. Well-being, pain, and severity were significantly correlated with direct and total costs. Pain and severity were associated with indirect costs, while fatigue was not correlated to any of the cost variables. Although many FM patients are able to function in society, the costs associated with their attempts at treatment are relatively expensive to both the individual and society.
Coordination behavior of thiocyanate in the complexes [CH3P(C6H5)2]2M(CNS)2 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt)

Abstract The complexes [CH3P(C6H5)2]2M(CNS)2 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) have been prepared and characterized. The structures of these complexes are markedly metal ion and physical state dependent. All of the complexes are square planar. In the solid state the nickel complex is trans-L2M(NCS)2 (by crystal structure analysis), the palladium complex is trans-L2Pd(SCN)2 and the platinum complex it cis-L2(NCS)2 (both determined by infrared spectroscopy, including integrated intensity measurements). Fourier transform phosphorus nmr spectra on chloroform solutions at ambient temperature indicate that for the platinum complex, all six possible isomers are present in solution in the relative ratios: trans-L2Pt(NCS)2: trans-L2Pt(SCN)(NCS): trans-L2Pt(SCN)2: cis-L2Pt(NCS)2: cis-L2Pt(SCN)2: cis-L2Pt(SCN)(NCS): 0.38:0.57:0.38: 0.34:0.28:1, respectively. For the palladium complex, under similar conditions, all of the isomers but cis-L2Pd(SCN)(NCS) are present, with trans-L2Pd(NCS)2 and cis-L2Pd(NCS)2 predominant in a ratio of O.15:1, respectively. The relative population of cis isomers decreases in the sequence Pd > Pt > Ni, and the relative population of mixed linkage isomers decreases in the sequence Pt > Pd > Ni. The differences in the structures are discussed in light of current theories.
The isolation from ribonucleic acid of substituted uridines containing α-aminobutyrate moieties derived from methionine

Abstract The RNA of an established line of Chinese hamster cells growing in cell culture contains a small number of uridines substituted at the 3-position with a γ-linked α-aminobutyrate residue. Structure has been ascertained by: (a) examination of incorporation of isotopic labels from precursors; (b) degradation with anhydrous hydrazine and comparison of the products with synthetic material or with hydrazinolysis products of known uridines; and (c) comparison of the unknowns as their hydantoin derivatives with the 5-β-(bromoethyl)hydantoin alkylation products of uridine and of 1- and 3-methylpseudouridine. In this manner it is shown that 18-S RNA of ribosomes contains a single residue of a nucleoside which we tentatively identify as 1-methyl-3-γ-(α-amino-α-carboxypropyl)pseudouridine per molecule. RNA isolated from the supernatant fraction, sedimenting at 4 S and co-electrophoresing with transfer RNA on polyacrylamide gels, contains several similar bases, one of which is identified as 3-γ-(α-amino-α-carboxypropyl)uridine. Each of the above nucleosides derives its α-aminobutyrate residue from methionine.
Some results on the precompactness of orbits of dynamical systems

Abstract : In order to apply the invariance principle to a dynamical system on a general Banach space, it is necessary to show that positive orbits are precompact. In applications, it is often not too difficult to show that positive orbits are bounded, but this does not imply precompactness unless the underlying space is finite dimensional. Using an approach based on homeomorphic state transformations, the authors obtain certain general criteria for assuring precompactness of positive orbits. These criteria formalize and extend a number of specialized devices previously employed for this purpose. (Author)
A Composite-Model for E-Commerce Diffusion: Integrating Cultural and Socio-Economic Dimensions to the Dynamics of Diffusion

Why are some countries successful with e-commerce while others flounder? The purpose of this article is to study the impact of technology, cultural, and socio-economic factors on the global diffusion of e-commerce. While past studies have focused on technology reasons alone, this research includes cultural and socio-economic factors as well. Having access to the Internet does not necessarily translate to e-commerce usage. Fundamentally, culture and socio-economic factors are pivotal in bridging the gap between Internet usage and e-commerce diffusion. The objective is to provide a model that quantifies the aggregated influences of all factors on global e-commerce diffusion. A cross-country regression model analyzes the determinants of e-commerce diffusion and the results used in a cluster analysis to provide further evidence that the propensity for e-commerce depends on the interplay among the different factors. The results can provide firms with an improved understanding of strategies to employ while implementing e-commerce.
A mathematical programming approach to a deterministic Kanban system

In this paper we present a mathematical programming model for the Kanban system in a deterministic multi-stage capacitated assembly-tree-structure production setting. We discuss solution procedures to the problem and address three special cases of practical interest.
Determinants of Student and Parent Satisfaction at a Cyber Charter School.

ABSTRACT Research indicates that in traditional public schools the subjective well-being of students and parents varies by gender, race, and special education status. Prior studies suggest that general education students are more satisfied with their schooling than special education students, that female students have greater satisfaction with their schooling than male students, and that Caucasian and Latino students report greater school satisfaction than African American students. No prior research has studied parental and student subjective well-being in a cyber environment. The authors investigate parental and student subjective well-being in a cyber charter school, using a student (n = 269; 53.7% response rate) and parent (n = 232; 48.7% response rate) survey. They find statistically significant differences in subjective well-being across demographic groups of students, and also significantly higher satisfaction among special education students in the cyber school environment. Implications are discussed.
The role of lysosomes and proteases in hormone secretion and degradation.

In endocrine cells, complex relationships exist between the lysosome and hormone secretion. These relationships may have developed from a common evolutionary origin. As lysosomal and secretory systems evolved, diverse functional relationships developed between them. From a basic intracellular “digestive” role, lysosomes and their proteolytic enzymes developed new and varied origins and functions in hormone processing, release, and intraand extracellular degradation. 1.1 Proteolytic enzymes and hormone availability Hormone effects are a function of the availability of hormone at target receptors. Proteolytic enzymes can have an important role in regulating the availability of hormone by: 1) increasing the intracellular production of secreted forms from precursors, 2) facilitating release or exocytosis, 3) decreasing intracellular concentrations by degradation of excessive intracellular hormone, 4) inactivation or activation of hormone by proteolytic enzymes in serum, and 5) degradation of hormone in target...
Formulation and release characteristics of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres containing chemically modified protein.

Chemical modification of proteins may influence their formulation into and release from polymeric microspheres. Three chemical modifications of rat serum albumin (RSA) were effected on the amine groups of this protein: conjugation with a polyanion using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide, intermolecular cross-linking using glutaraldehyde, and reductive alkylation using propyl aldehyde. The modified proteins had different physicochemical properties as well as improved encapsulation efficiencies compared with native RSA microspheres. The microspheres were incubated at 37°C for over one month to investigate the influence of protein modification on the release profiles. Microsphere degradation accelerated from the ninth day of the release studies and this coincided with an increase in the release rates. The degradation rates of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres containing either native or crosslinked RSA were more rapid than those containing either heparin conjugated or propylated RSA. This was in agreement with the release data, since the release of the native and crosslinked RSA were more rapid than those of the other modified proteins. The release profiles of the RSA-heparin conjugates and the propylated RSA were approximately zero rather than first order between the tenth and thirtieth day of study. Chemical modification of protein may be a useful method to increase encapsulation efficiency and to decrease release rates of proteins that are to be used in microsphere formulations of potent therapeutic proteins.
Liver-Directed Gene Therapy: Evaluation of Liver Specific Promoter Elements

Liver-directed gene therapy could dramatically alter the therapy of many inherited hematologic and metabolic diseases. We have developed a rapid, reliable, low-mortality method for the in vivo delivery in rats of retroviral vectors 24 hr after 70% hepatectomy by intraportal injection during hepatic in-flow occlusion (HIFO). Using the human alpha 1-antitrypsin (hAAT) reporter gene, we found in vivo that up to 10% of hepatocytes integrated the provirus, and serum hAAT protein levels were sustained for up to 1 year. Despite high in vivo transduction efficiencies, gene expression at the mRNA level is disappointingly low compared to in vitro transduced NIH 3T3 or Hepa A1 tissue culture cells. In this report, LNL-6-derived retroviral vectors (RV) were combined with one of two strong, liver-specific promoters, murine albumin or human alpha 1-antitrypsin, an upstream insertion of a trimer of hepatocyte nuclear factor-3 (HNF-3) binding sites, and the hAAT reporter gene. HNF-3 has been demonstrated to increase in vitro transcriptional activity [23]. Twenty-four hours after 70% hepatectomy, 10-fold concentrated (by methotrexate-resistant titer) RV-producing cell supernatant was given intraportally during a 3-min HIFO. Serum hAAT levels as quantitated with a human specific ELISA were sustained for over 40 weeks with all of the liver-specific promoter constructions. However, the hAAT protein production with the murine albumin promoter retroviral constructs decreased with time, but was sustained at levels approximately 80% of the initial serum peak levels with the constructs containing the hAAT promoter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Roles of veratryl alcohol and oxalate in fungal lignin degradation

Abstract Veratryl alcohol (3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol) and oxalate are secondary metabolites of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and other white-rot fungi. Veratryl alcohol is involved in lignin peroxidase catalysis as a substrate, and oxalate is involved in Mn peroxidase activity in its ability to chelate Mn 2+ . The role of veratryl alcohol in lignin degradation has been the subject of numerous studies and considerable debate. Several investigators have proposed that veratryl alcohol can act as a redox mediator of lignin degradation. In this mechanism, veratryl alcohol is oxidized by lignin peroxidase to form a cation radical. This cation radical then acts as a diffusible oxidant, mediating the oxidation of compounds that are putatively inaccessible to the lignin peroxidase active site, such as the bulky lignin polymer. Other investigators suggested that the short lifetime of the veratryl alcohol cation radical would make diffusion from the active site unlikely. Still others have suggested that veratryl alcohol is not a mediator at all and that its primary role is protecting lignin peroxidase from inactivation by H 2 O 2 . Recent evidence clearly shows that veratryl alcohol does form a cation radical upon oxidation by lignin peroxidase and that it can mediate the oxidation of some substrates. While the possibility of cation radical diffusion exists, it now appears that an enzyme-bound radical would have greater stability. In contrast, diffusible oxidation does play a role in Mn peroxidase activity. Mn peroxidase catalyzes the oxidation of Mn 2+ to Mn 3+ . Mn 3+ is a diffusible oxidant and is capable of oxidizing phenolic substrates. Studies have shown that chelating Mn 3+ with oxalate enhances its reactivity with its organic substrates. Other investigations have shown that Mn peroxidase activity is stimulated by oxalate. This article summarizes current understanding of the roles veratryl alcohol and oxalate play in the enzymatic degradation of lignin.
Free and random vibrations of column-supported cooling towers

Abstract A transfer matrix formulation is used to develop an efficient algorithm to analyze the dynamic behavior of a cooling-tower structure, which consists of a thin hyperbolic shell of revolution supported at the base by flexible columns. The paper is divided into three parts: (1) free vibration, (2) seismic excitation, and (3) wind excitation. The seismic effect is assumed to be dominated by the horizontal ground acceleration, modeled as an evolutionary random process. The wind pressure field is separated into a static part and a fluctuation part, the latter being modeled as a statistically stationary random field. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the application of the theory. In the case of wind excitation, surprising results are found that the fluctuation part of the structural response is not always dominated by the lowest frequency modes, contrary to common expectations.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for angiotensin-converting enzyme in rat testes

Abstract An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to determine the concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the testes of rats. ACE was isolated and purified from the testes by affinity chromatography using the specific ACE inhibitor lisinopril bound to Sepharose CL-4B. Polyclonal antibodies to the purified ACE protein were produced in rabbits. A competitive antigen capture ELISA was developed by using antibody-coated polystyrene tubes as the solid phase and alkaline phosphatase covalently bound to purified ACE as the detector. This paper describes in detail the procedures for preparing the affinity gel and column, isolating and purifying ACE protein, producing and isolating the antibodies, production of the alkaline phosphatase-ACE conjugate, and the development of the ELISA. The assay was tested by determining the amount of ACE protein in rat testis as affected by zinc deficiency, a condition known to reduce ACE activity in this tissue. Preliminary results showed a direct correlation between the reduction in ACE activity and ACE protein in the Zn-deficient rats.
Microchannel Systems in Titanium and Silicon for Structural and Mechanical Studies of Aligned Protein Self-Assemblies

We report a technique for the alignment of self-assembled protein systems, such as F-actin bundles and microtubules, in a surface-modified titanium or silicon microfluidic device. Assembling filamentous protein systems in a confined geometry produces highly aligned samples for structural and mechanical studies. Biomolecular self-assembly can be investigated in a controlled fashion under different molecular concentration gradients and conditions along a channel length. We have shown that surface-modified devices produced via a high aspect ratio etch process in titanium and silicon can be used to confine and control such macromolecular assemblies and present examples of F-actin bundles and microtubules in this system.
Effects of global sourcing on textiles and apparel

– 1 January 2005 sees quota elimination in textile and apparel trade. This study traces textile and apparel trade, since 1994 and analyzes how trade agreements have influenced sourcing within the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the world. Statistical measurements of offshore sourcing of textile and apparel are analyzed with emphasis on developments in countries within NAFTA and the World Trade Organization (WTO)., – Prior to NAFTA, the United States major textile and apparel trade involved the “far shore” countries of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and the “near shore” countries of Canada and Mexico. Charting statistical measurements from the databases of the Office of Textile and Apparel, US Department of Commerce for the past decade reveals dramatic changes in sourcing locations for US firms., – Trade agreements have influenced the production, manufacturing, and sourcing of textile and apparel products. Small‐ and large‐scale restructuring of the industries of the world are required in response to the changes in trade of textiles and apparel. As a result of the Multi‐Fiber Agreement (MFA) 1974, Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) 1994, NAFTA 1994, and the transitional program of the WTO of 1995 global sourcing had re‐directed the course of US textiles and apparel trade markets to low cost offshore locations at the expense of US jobs., – This study gives insight into concerns and problems facing the US and other developed countries as jobs in many areas are transferred to low wage countries.
p53 induction of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor counteracts p53 growth suppression through activation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling cascades

Tumor suppressor p53 induction in response to cellular stresses activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade through pathways involving Ras and RAF: p53's ability to activate this pathway is dependent on p53-mediated transcription. In order to investigate potential p53 target gene(s) involved, we utilized expression array analysis and identified heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) as being markedly up-regulated by p53. In response to DNA damage, HB-EGF was induced in wild-type, but not in mutant p53-containing cells, implying its p53 dependence. HB-EGF neutralizing antibody and inhibitors of EGF receptor signaling abrogated p53-induced MAPK activation. Expression of HB-EGF was shown to protect cells from H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis through MAPK activation. Additionally, the PI3K/Akt pathway was activated in response to p53 signaling through HB-EGF induction, and inhibition of MAPK and Akt activation after DNA damage decreased cell survival in wild-type p53-containing cells. All these findings point to a novel aspect of p53 function. Namely, p53-induced growth factors such as HB-EGF, which activate MAPK and Akt signaling, may be involved in a compensatory mechanism to alleviate adverse effects of cellular stresses.
Hydropedological processes and their implications for nitrogen availability to corn

Abstract Hydropedological processes affect soil water and nutrient transport and cycling. This study evaluated the impact of hydropedological properties on soil N availability and corn (Zea mays L.) growth in three areas within the same field representing distinguishing but typical mid-Atlantic (USA) landforms. These areas included: a depressional area (Site A), a steep (14%) slope area (Site B), and a flood plain area with 1% slope (Site C); different soil types (Hagerstown, Opequon, and Melvin series, respectively); and varying hydrological features (soil water content, matric potential, and subsurface flow) in a Ridge and Valley agricultural landscape. A small-plot replicated study was conducted in each of these three areas, including four blocks of two N treatments (NH4NO3) applied to corn at planting (0 and 150 kg N ha− 1). Soil and above-ground plant biomass samples were collected during the growing season and grain yield was determined at harvest. Site A had the greatest mean grain yield (fertilized: 8.5 Mg ha− 1; control: 4.5 Mg ha− 1) and above-ground plant biomass (at physiological maturity or PM, fertilized: 11.7 Mg ha− 1; control: 7.1 Mg ha− 1), probably due to the fine-textured (> 19% clay) and low saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat 20% sand), and deep subsurface lateral convergent flow (0.7 m below the surface). Understanding these types of relationships between corn response to N fertilizer and hydropedological features will improve N management decisions for corn production.
A Pilot Feasibility Study of Whole-systems Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga therapy for Weight Loss:

Objective:To develop and test the feasibility of a whole-systems lifestyle intervention for obesity treatment based on the practices of Ayurvedic medicine/ Yoga therapy.Design:A pre-post weight loss intervention pilot study using conventional and Ayurvedic diagnosis inclusion criteria, tailored treatment within a standardized treatment algorithm, and standardized data collection instruments for collecting Ayurvedic outcomes.Participants:A convenience sample of overweight/obese adult community members from Tucson, Arizona interested in a “holistic weight loss program” and meeting predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria.Intervention:A comprehensive diet, activity, and lifestyle modification program based on principles of Ayurvedic medicine/yoga therapy with significant self-monitoring of lifestyle behaviors. The 3-month program was designed to change eating and activity patterns and to improve self-efficacy, quality of life, well-being, vitality, and self-awareness around food choices, stress management,...
Delayed amplification of cytomegalovirus infection in the placenta and maternal tissues during late gestation.

Abstract To simulate first-trimester human cytomegalovirus infection, pregnant guinea pigs were inoculated with a low dose of guinea pig cytomegalovirus during the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal viremia, which was cleared by 2 weeks after inoculation, was found to reappear near the time of delivery in one third of the animals tested. The virus, first detected in the placenta during initial maternal viremia, replicated after the time when maternal blood was cleared of virus, although high titers of maternal serum antibodies were present. In the last week of gestation (43 to 48 days after inoculation), the virus was detected in 95% of placentas and was present at high titers. Fetal infection first appeared on day 25 after inoculation and reached an incidence of 37% in the last week of gestation despite the presence of fetal antibody. These results suggest that the placenta may amplify cytomegalovirus infection late in human gestation, even after low-dose infection in the first triester.