cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoporous Ag and Ag–Sn anodes for energy conversion in photochemical fuel cells

Abstract Nanoporous Ag and Ag–Sn anodes made from chemical dealloying and electrochemical processes were studied for energy conversion in photochemical fuel cells. The porous materials possess better catalytic performance than their nonporous counterparts. Photochemical fuel cells were made using ethanol and ethylene glycol as fuels and the porous Ag and Ag–Sn as anodes. Open circuit voltage test results show that the porous anodes are sensitive to UV light. It is concluded that the nanoporous Ag and Ag–Sn materials with high surface areas can be used for photochemical fuel cell anodes.
Effects of Statins on Triglyceride Metabolism

Hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, or "statins," have been extremely efficacious in decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia and in treating patients with dysbetalipoproteinemia, a relatively rare form of hyperlipidemia. Clinical trials have indicated that statins can significantly lower very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride levels, although the central mechanism of action of statins-i.e., increasing the number of LDL receptors-would appear to suggest that they would have no significant effect on VLDL levels. Through a review of published data from animal and human studies, this article addresses the important clinical question of how drugs that inhibit the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol can affect triglyceride metabolism.
Models of Performance‐Measurement Use in Local Governments: Understanding Budgeting, Communication, and Lasting Effects

While attention has been paid to a few cities and counties exhibiting effective performance measurement systems, most U.S. local governments have been active in the development and use of performance measurement for several decades. This research examines the effects of performance-measurement information on budgetary decision making, communication, and other operations of U.S. local governments. Data are drawn from a national survey of city and county administrators and budgeters that included nearly 300 governments. Findings indicate the use of performance measurement by local departments is pervasive, although survey respondents are less enthusiastic about measurement effectiveness. Study results show subtle distinctions between city and county officials in their use of performance measurement for budgetary purposes and processes. Research findings indicate the consistent, active integration of measures throughout the budget process is important in determining real budget and communication effects in local governments.
Relativistic Corrections to the Dipole Sum Rule

The summed oscillator strength is calculated to order ${(\frac{v}{c})}^{2}$ for a Dirac electron in a central force field. The result ${(1+{T}_{00})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is interpreted in terms of the electron's increase of mass due to its kinetic energy. (${T}_{00}$ is the expectation value of the kinetic energy, in units of ${\mathit{mc}}^{2}$.) This analytical result is in fair agreement with our earlier numerical result, and those of Brown et al. for a $K$ electron of lead. We also calculate the bremsstrahlung-weighted cross section for a Dirac electron in a Coulomb field, and compare with our numerical result for lead.
Molecular hydrogen storage in binary THF-H2 clathrate hydrates.

The hydrogen storage capacity of binary THF−H2 clathrate hydrate has been determined as a function of formation pressure, THF composition, and time. The amount of hydrogen stored in the stoichiomet...
The Succession Conspiracy

The lack of succession planning has been identified as one of the most important reasons why many first-generation family firms do not survive their founders. This paper explores some of the factors that interfere with succession planning and suggests ways in which these barriers can be constructively managed.
663 ADAPTATION OF HEPATIC UREA CYCLE ENZYMES DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION IN THE RAT

Little is known about mechanisms of nitrogen (N) conservation in pregnancy and lactation. The purpose of this study was to document adaptation of three of the five hepatic urea cycle enzymes during pregnancy and lactation in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a 20% casein diet ad lib. Rats were killed on days 14 and 21 of pregnancy, at 24 hr post partum, and on day 14 of lactation. In pregnancy, the specific activities of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), argininosuccinate lyase (ASL), and arginase in the liver are significantly lower than control values at days 14 and 21. On day 21, the specific activities expressed as a percent of control values are 74% for OTC, 64% for ASL, and 76% for arginase. Because livers of pregnant rats are larger than control livers at days 14 and 21 (14.97g vs. 10.80 at day 14 and 16.97g vs. 11.45g at day 21), total activities for the pregnant rats are not significantly different from control values for OTC and are greater than control values for ASL and arginase. Twenty-four hours post partum, liver weight and specific and total activities of OTC are not significantly different from control values. At the peak of lactation, day 14, the specific activity of OTC is not different from the control level; but because of a significantly larger liver weight (22.20g vs. 11.92g), the OTC total activity is significantly greater. These results suggest that adaptation of urea cycle enzymes is not the major basis for N conservation during pregnancy and lactation. (Supported in part by NIH Grant # 08 T2 GM07379B.)
Pathophysiology of Tamm-Horsfall protein

Tamm-Horsfall protein, a renal glycoprotein present in normal urine, is the primary constituent of urinary casts. Immunoelectron microscopy has shown that this protein is localized selectively along surface membranes of the thick ascending loop of Henle. In this surface membrane site, the unique aggregation and gel formation of Tamm-Horsfall protein in response to increasing concentrations of electrolytes within physiologic ranges may influence the permeability characteristics of this nephron segment. These aggregation characteristics also play a role in pathologic conditions and lead to the prolonged persistence of interstitial Tamm-Horsfall protein deposits in several tubulointerstitial diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated immunologic responses to this protein, including an immune complex tubulointerstitial nephritis in rats mediated by autoantibodies to Tamm-Horsfall protein.
Inhibition of PPARα/RXRα‐mediated direct hyperplasia pathways during griseofulvin‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Chronic griseofulvin (GF) feeding induces preneoplastic foci followed by hepatocellular carcinoma in the mouse liver. Our previous study suggested that GF-induced hepatocellular proliferation had a different mechanism from that of peroxisome proliferator (PP)–induced direct hyperplasia. The GF-induced hepatocellular proliferation was mediated through activation of immediate early genes such as Fos, Jun, Myc, and NFκB. In contrast, PP-induced direct hyperplasia does not involve activation of any of these immediate early genes. It has been shown that nuclear hormone receptors including peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) and retinoid x receptors (RXRs) play important roles in mediating the pleiotropic effects of PPs. To examine the possible roles of PPARs and RXRs during non-PP-induced hepatocellular proliferation and the interaction between PP and non-PP-induced proliferation, we have studied the expression of the PPAR and RXR genes in the GF model using northern blot hybridizations and gel retardation assays. The data showed that the expression of PPARα and RXRα genes was down-regulated in the livers containing preneoplastic nodules and in the liver tumors induced by GF. The mRNA down-regulation was accompanied by a decrease in the amount of nuclear protein–bound to peroxisome proliferator and retinoic acid responsive elements. Down-regulation was also associated with the suppressed expression of the PPARα/RXRα target genes (i.e., acyl-Co oxidase and cytochrome P450 4A1) and the catalase gene. The RXRγ gene was also down-regulated, but the RARα, β, and γ and PPARβ and γ genes were up-regulated. These results indicated that the hepatocarcinogenesis induced by GF is accompanied by suppression of the PPARα/RXRα-mediated direct hyperplasia pathway. The differential expression of these nuclear hormone receptors reveals a new aspect for understanding the individual roles and intercommunication of PPAR, RXR, and RAR isoforms in the liver. J. Cell. Biochem. 69:189–200, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Threats and Promises: Reputational Consequences and Transfer of Credibility.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the reputational consequences of making threats and promises and how they affect subsequent credibility. Eighty-eight high school girls were given predetermined information about the past behavior of their pairmates prior to receiving influence attempts from them. Each first learned that her pairmate had (1) threatened or promised in the past and then learned whether she had (2) fulfilled or failed to fulfill her threat or promise. The subject herself then received a threat or promise from her pairmate. As anticipated, threateners were viewed less favorably than promisers. These impressions were maintained when it was learned that commitments had been fulfilled, but altered decidedly when it was learned that they had not. Credibility or lack of it was found to generalize from threats to promises and from promises to threats only under some conditions. It was concluded that the fit between existing impressions and proclaimed future activity, not a person's record for past reliability, is often the critical determinant of whether or not she is judged to be credible.
Phase, amplitude, and polarization microscopy with a sampling field sensor

I describe an improved implementation of a previously reported interferometric device, the sampling field sensor (SFS) [Appl. Opt.47, B32-B43 (2008)]. It provides X, Y, and XY shearing interferometric information simultaneously (space multiplexed) with amplitude and polarization information while using time-multiplexed phase shifting. Its simple common-path configuration makes it compact and vibration insensitive, as demonstrated by the ~lambda/125 phase estimation repeatability that was below the coherent noise floor (estimated at ~lambda/50). The SFS may be viewed as an efficient, robust and accurate full-field optical-digital interface, easy to integrate with traditional imaging systems. This is demonstrated by using the sensor as the focal plane array of a transmitted-light microscope in a straightforward setup using an illumination path polarization phase shifter. This work is focused on a qualitative demonstration and presents phase, amplitude, and polarization images of different types of human cheek cells and Caenorhabditiselegans larvae.
RNA-Seq of the Nucleolus Reveals Abundant SNORD44-Derived Small RNAs

Small non-coding RNAs represent RNA species that are not translated to proteins, but which have diverse and broad functional activities in physiological and pathophysiological states. The knowledge of these small RNAs is rapidly expanding in part through the use of massive parallel (deep) sequencing efforts. We present here the first deep sequencing of small RNomes in subcellular compartments with particular emphasis on small RNAs (sRNA) associated with the nucleolus. The vast majority of the cellular, cytoplasmic and nuclear sRNAs were identified as miRNAs. In contrast, the nucleolar sRNAs had a unique size distribution consisting of 19–20 and 25 nt RNAs, which were predominantly composed of small snoRNA-derived box C/D RNAs (termed as sdRNA). Sequences from 47 sdRNAs were identified, which mapped to both 5′ and 3′ ends of the snoRNAs, and retained conserved box C or D motifs. SdRNA reads mapping to SNORD44 comprised 74% of all nucleolar sdRNAs, and were confirmed by Northern blotting as comprising both 20 and 25 nt RNAs. A novel 120 nt SNORD44 form was also identified. The expression of the SNORD44 sdRNA and 120 nt form was independent of Dicer/Drosha–mediated processing pathways but was dependent on the box C/D snoRNP proteins/sno-ribonucleoproteins fibrillarin and NOP58. The 120 nt SNORD44-derived RNA bound to fibrillarin suggesting that C/D sno-ribonucleoproteins are involved in regulating the stability or processing of SNORD44. This study reveals sRNA cell-compartment specific expression and the distinctive unique composition of the nucleolar sRNAs.
First Measurement of Single-Particle Energies in 100Sn

Stable doubly magic nuclei have been the cornerstones of nuclear structure since the inception of the nuclear shell model. Doubly magic nuclei located far from the line of stability serve as a guide in the pursuit to understand ever more exotic systems. Single-particle energies and nucleon-nucleon interactions in doubly magic nuclei are stringent tests of nuclear models and are critical for understanding neighboring nuclei. They will play an essential role in developing universal interactions in nuclei that will consistently describe all nuclei.
A decision rule in the simplex method that avoids cycling

It is shown that cycling will not occur in the simplex method if the following decision rule is used to solve ties:At each iteration, solve the tie by making a choice that minimizes the number of times the selected basis has appeared in the previous iterations.
EXCESS GROWTH IN TADPOLES AFTER TRANSPLANTATION OF THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS11

The primordium of the adenohypophysis was transplanted to the animal's own tail in frog (Rana pipiens) embryos. The growth of these animals was compared under standardized conditions with that of hypophysectomized, thyroidectomized and normal (operated and unoperated) controls. Growth in hypophysectomized animals was found to be retarded as compared to normals from the earliest feeding stages onward. Graft pituitaries were found to repair this growth deficit at all stages. At later tadpole stages a definite excess of growth rate over normals occurred in animals bearing displaced pituitaries. Thyroidectomized animals grew as normals in premetamorphic stages. Later they exceeded normals and, lacking metamorphosis, eventually reached giant size. Pituitary transplant animals also grew rapidly in postmetamorphic stages and attained giant size. An inhibitory control by the brain over the production of pituitary hormone(s) stimulating growth in the tadpole is postulated.
Authentication of true cinnamon (Cinnamon verum) utilising direct analysis in real time (DART)-QToF-MS.

The use of cinnamon as a spice and flavouring agent is widespread throughout the world. Many different species of plants are commonly referred to as ‘cinnamon’. ‘True cinnamon’ refers to the dried inner bark of Cinnamomum verum J. S. Presl (syn. C. zeylanicum) (Lauraceae). Other ‘cinnamon’ species, C. cassia (Nees & T. Nees) J. Presl (syn. C. aromaticum Nees) (Chinese cassia), C. loureiroi Nees (Saigon cassia), and C. burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume (Indonesian cassia), commonly known as cassia, are also marketed as cinnamon. Since there is a prevalence of these various types of ‘cinnamons’ on the market, there is a need to develop a rapid technique that can readily differentiate between true cinnamon (C. verum) and other commonly marketed species. In the present study, coumarin and other marker compounds indicative of ‘cinnamon’ were analysed using DART-QToF-MS in various samples of cinnamon. This method involved the use of [M + H]+ ions in positive mode in addition to principal component analysis (PCA)...
Association between alcohol consumption and plasma fetuin-A and its contribution to incident type 2 diabetes in women.

Aims/hypothesis The benefits of moderate alcohol consumption for type 2 diabetes have been postulated to involve a mechanism of improved insulin sensitivity. Fetuin-A, which is known to inhibit insulin signalling, has emerged as a biomarker for diabetes risk. Alcohol consumption may influence circulating fetuin-A concentrations and subsequently diabetes risk by altering the insulin signal. We therefore hypothesised that moderate alcohol consumption would be associated with lower fetuin-A concentration and that fetuin-A would partly explain the association between alcohol consumption and incident type 2 diabetes.
Intracellular pH changes associated with protein and potassium deficiency.

Abstract Skeletal muscle Na + and K + content remained essentially unchanged when normal rats were provided a low-K + , protein-free diet for 35 days. Animals subsequently given a diet deficient only in K + for 48 hours rapidly lost muscle K + which was only partially compensated by Na + gain. This created an intracellular Na + plus K + deficit comparable to that observed when normal rats are given a K-deficient diet for several weeks. Despite the rapidly produced intracellular cation deficit, there was hardly any change in muscle cell pH during the 48-hour, low-K + regimen. This and other evidence indicate that the proposed exchange of skeletal muscle K + for extracellular H + is not the cause of the intracellular acidity found in association with K + -deficiency in the rat.
Adverse psychosocial consequences of extreme obesity and the effects of surgically induced weight loss

ment in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Surg Endosc 2002;16:1027–31. [15] Peltonen M, Lindroos AK, Torgerson JS. Musculoskeletal pain in the obese: a comparison with general population and long-term changes after conventional and surgical obesity treatment. Pain 2003;104: 549–57. [16] Bump RC, Sugerman HJ, Fantl JA, et al. Obesity and lower urinary tract function in women: effects of surgically induced weight loss. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1992;167:392–7. [17] Narbro K, Agren G, Jonsson E, et al. Sick leave and disability pension before and after treatment for obesity: a report from the SOS study. Int J Obes 1999;23:619–24.
Dedicated Machine Constraint Scheduling as a Shortest-Path Problem

This paper proposes a graph framework to undertake the issue of scheduling for dedicated machine constraint in the semiconductor manufacturing system. By finding the shortest paths in the graph, the framework finds the best scheduling result with an optimal makespan for the system. The framework first constructs a graph based on the current situation and then schedules wafers to machines under the constraint. Experiments are presented to validate the proposed graph framework.
Intracellular distribution of hepatic and renal gluconeogenic enzymes in embryonic and growing chickens.

Abstract The intracellular distribution of hepatic and renal gluconeogenic enzymes in 20-day-old chicken embryos and 4-week-old chickens (Gallus domesticus: New Hampshire male × Columbian female) has been studied. Pyruvate carboxylase, fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphatase were found primarily in the mitochondrial, cytosolic, and microsomal fractions, respectively. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was present not only in the mitochondria but also in the cytosol of the chicken liver and the kidney. The intracellular distribution of the liver enzyme differed from that of the kidney enzyme in chicken embryos as well as in growing chickens.
Microperforation with Laser Beam in the Preparation of Microelectrodes

Using a laser beam, spot perforations have been made in the vinyl lacquer insulation of tungsten microelectrodes. To develop the method, the effect of the diffraction of the laser beam on the diameter of the burning point and of the geometric and diffractive conditions in the focusing of the beam have been examined, taking into account the small diameter of the electrode (about 10-15 ?m) and the thinness of the insulating layer. Using the burning method described here, it has been possible to decrease the effective divergence angle of the laser beam so that the diameters of the holes which are formed on the electrode are mostly 2 ?m or less. The burning point of the laser beam can be localized with the developed optical method to a desired point on the electrode. The perforation has been performed in saline immersion-liquid to protect the objective and to test immediately formed holes electrolytically. The burning apparatus and method have been explained.
Maximizing Multicast Lifetime with Transmitter-Receiver Power Tradeoff is NP-Hard

The problem of maximizing multicast lifetime (MML) in wireless ad hoc networks is reexamined under a recently proposed transmitter-receiver power tradeoff (TRPT) model, for which the energy consumed by a node to reliably receive a bit is inversely proportional to the energy level at which the bit is transmitted. Under the TRPT model, MML was conjectured to be NP-hard. We herein prove the conjecture under the assumption of bounded and discrete power levels.
EFFECT OF CHELATING AGENTS ON THE GROWTH OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN SEAWATER

Jones, Galen E. (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, La Jolla). Effect of chelating agents on the growth of Escherichia coli in seawater. J. Bacteriol. 87:483–499. 1964.—Escherichia coli did not grow at 37 C, or grew only after a prolonged lag phase in filter-sterilized basal seawater medium (synthetic or natural seawater supplemented with glucose, NH4Cl, and K2HPO4). When this basal medium was enriched with 0.01% or less organic matter, such as casein hydrolysate, peptone, or yeast extract, growth always occurred after a short lag phase. Adding 10−5m cysteine or autoclaving the seawater gave a similar effect. A variety of organic chelating agents (histidine, glycine, methionine, glycylglycine, 8-hydroxyquinoline, thioglycolic acid, o-phenanthroline, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, etc.) reversed the toxicity of filter-sterilized basal seawater medium in concentrations predictable from stability constants. Even metal-complexing agents such as Na2S2O3, Na2S, and NaCN in appropriate concentrations reversed toxicity. The quality of the distilled water and the treatment of glassware had a significant effect on the growth of E. coli in basal seawater medium. It was concluded that iodate is probably not the toxic substance for E. coli in seawater, since relatively high concentrations were stimulatory. The inhibition resulting from the individual salts of synthetic seawater was proportional to their concentration; NaCl was most inhibitory. This toxicity is believed to be derived from trace impurities in the reagent-grade chemicals used to prepare synthetic seawater. Evidence was also found for the toxicity of heavy metals in natural seawater. Heavy metals in seawater appear to inhibit growth but not respiration.
The Application Of Self-Employment Tax To Limited Liability Companies: A Critical Analysis

One of the significant issues that has arisen in connection with limited liability companies (LLCs) electing to be taxed as a partnership is the application of self-employment tax to its members. The issue of when an LLC member’s distributive share of LLC income is subject to self-employment tax has not been definitively answered. This paper reviews the current rules on when an LLC member’s distributive share of LLC income is subject to self-employment tax and analyzes proposals that have been made to clarify the law in this area.
The Use of the Nash Bargaining Model in Trajectory Selection

This paper describes a study performed to investigate the use of the Nash Bargaining Model in the selection of a trajectory for the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 MJS77 Project spacecraft in the vicinity of Titan, the largest satellite of Saturn. This effort was exploratory in nature with the objective of evaluating the appropriateness of the approach. Although questions were raised regarding the use of the Nash concept of “fairness” as the design criterion and the practical interpretation of randomized outcomes, the results suggest that the model does have potential value as an aid in resolving complex mission design problems.
Crystal structure of the conserved subdomain of human protein SRP54M at 2.1 A resolution: evidence for the mechanism of signal peptide binding.

Protein SRP54 is an integral part of the mammalian signal recognition particle (SRP), a cytosolic ribonucleoprotein complex which associates with ribosomes and serves to recognize, bind, and transport proteins destined for the membrane or secretion. The methionine-rich M-domain of protein SRP54 (SRP54M) binds the SRP RNA and the signal peptide as the nascent protein emerges from the ribosome. A focal point of this critical cellular function is the detailed understanding of how different hydrophobic signal peptides are recognized efficiently and transported specifically, despite considerable variation in sequence. We have solved the crystal structure of a conserved functional subdomain of the human SRP54 protein (hSRP54m) at 2.1 A resolution showing a predominantly alpha helical protein with a large fraction of the structure available for binding. RNA binding is predicted to occur in the vicinity of helices 4 to 6. The N-terminal helix extends significantly from the core of the structure into a large but constricted hydrophobic groove of an adjacent molecule, thus revealing molecular details of possible interactions between alpha helical signal peptides and human SRP54.
Channel management in collocated WiFi-WiMAX networks

In order to ensure fair access and efficiency of bandwidth usage in wireless integrated networks, resource allocation algorithms should be well designed. In this paper, we briefly discuss the complete sharing, complete partitioning and Hybrid resource sharing approaches and their shortcomings in WiMax-WiFi integrated networks. To overcome these shortcomings we propose the Prioritized Resource Sharing algorithm for WiMax-WiFi integrated networks. In this algorithm, the channels are prioritized for different traffic classes rather than strict reservation or open access. We analyze the proposed algorithm by modeling it using two dimensional continuous time Markov chains. The simulation results indicate that the Prioritized Sharing model achieves the best system utilization compared to other algorithms. It is also observed that due to heavy traffic of one class of users, other class of users are not starved unlike in complete sharing.
On Methods of Finding Bäcklund Transformations in Systems with More than Two Independent Variables

Backlund transformations, which are relations among solutions of partial dierential equations-usually nonlinear-have been found and applied mainly for systems with two independent variables. A few are known for equations like the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation (1), which has three independent variables, but they are rare. Wahlquist and Estabrook (2) discovered a systematic method for searching for Backlund transforma- tions, using an auxiliary linear system called a prolongation structure. The integrabil- ity conditions for the prolongation structure are to be the original dierential equation system, most of which systems have just two independent variables. This paper dis- cusses how the Wahlquist-Estabrook method might be applied to systems with larger numbers of variables, with the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation as an example. The Zakharov-Shabat method is also discussed. Applications to other equations, such as the Davey-Stewartson and Einstein equation systems, are presented.
Detecting and Correcting Syntactic Errors in Machine Translation Using Feature-Based Lexicalized Tree Adjoining Grammars

Statistical machine translation has made tremendous progress over the past ten years. The output of even the best systems, however, is often ungrammatical because of the lack of sufficient linguistic knowledge. Even when systems incorporate syntax in the translation process, syntactic errors still result. To address this issue, we present a novel approach for detecting and correcting ungrammatical translations. In order to simultaneously detect multiple errors and their corresponding words in a formal framework, we use feature-based lexicalized tree adjoining grammars, where each lexical item is associated with a syntactic elementary tree, in which each node is associated with a set of feature-value pairs to define the lexical item’s syntactic usage. Our syntactic error detection works by checking the feature values of all lexical items within a sentence using a unification framework. In order to simultaneously detect multiple error types and track their corresponding words, we propose a new unification method which allows the unification procedure to continue when unification fails and also to propagate the failure information to relevant words. Once error types and their corresponding words are detected, one is able to correct errors based on a unified consideration of all related words under the same error types. In this paper, we present some simple mechanism to handle part of the detected situations. We use our approach to detect and correct translations of six single statistical machine translation systems. The results show that most of the corrected translations are improved.
Constitutive Expression of Murine Decay-Accelerating Factor 1 Is Controlled by the Transcription Factor Sp1

The complement regulatory protein decay-accelerating factor (DAF or CD55) protects host tissue from complement-mediated injury by inhibiting the classical and alternative complement pathways. Besides its role in complement regulation, DAF has also been shown to be a key player in T cell immunity. Modulation of DAF expression could therefore represent a critical regulatory mechanism in both innate and adaptive immune responses. To identify and characterize key transcriptional regulatory elements controlling mouse Daf1 expression, a 2.5-kb fragment corresponding to the 5' flanking region of the mouse Daf1 gene was cloned. Sequence analysis showed that the mouse Daf1 promoter lacks conventional TATA and CCAAT boxes and displays a high guanine and cytosine content. RACE was used to identify one major and two minor transcription start sites 47, 20, and 17 bp upstream of the translational codon. Positive and negative regulatory regions were identified by transiently transfecting sequential 5'deletion constructs of the 5'flanking region into NIH/3T3, M12.4, and RAW264.7 cells. Mutational analyses of the promoter region combined with Sp1-specific ELISA showed that the transcription factor Sp1 is required for basal transcription and LPS-induced expression of the Daf1 gene. These findings provide new information on the regulation of the mouse Daf1 promoter and will facilitate further studies on the expression of Daf1 during immune responses.
Unbalanced cryptic 5p deletion/17p duplication identified by subtelomeric FISH in a family with a boy with chimerism and a balanced t(4;5).

The use of subtelomeric FISH probes has greatly supplemented conventional chromosome analysis in detecting cryptic anomalies in patients with mental retardation (MR), dysmorphic features, and congenital malformations. We report a 3-month-old boy who was diagnosed with ambiguous genitalia, dysmorphic features, and developmental delay. Standard chromosome studies on blood revealed a chimeric karyotype of 46,XY,t(4;5)(q31.1;q14)[46]/46,XX[4]. The boy had intra-abdominal gonads that were testicular in origin by biopsy. Multiple dysmorphic features, marked hypotonia, developmental delay, poor growth, and relative macrocephaly were noted on physical exam. His 2.5-year-old sister also presented with hypotonia, developmental delay, relative macrocephaly, and similar dysmorphic stigmata. In addition, she was diagnosed with several internal malformations. Her karyotype was 46,XX. Due to the striking phenotypic similarity, subtelomeric FISH studies were initiated in the siblings. In addition to the known balanced karyotypic abnormalities, the boy was found to have a derivative chromosome 5 with a 5pter deletion and a 17pter duplication. This cryptic abnormality was also detected in his sister. Chromosome analysis of the father revealed a subtle balanced t(5;17)(p15.31;p13.1) which was confirmed by subtelomeric FISH, whereas the mother's chromosome complement was normal. This familial constellation illustrates the usefulness of subtelomeric FISH in the diagnosis of cryptic chromosome abnormalities in patients for whom conventional karyotype does not disclose findings sufficient to explain the observed phenotypic anomalies. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Remarks on negative heat capacities of clusters

The concept of negative heat capacities of clusters has been examined and argued. This discussion examines the arguments and concepts with the goal of clarifying the inherent ambiguities in the concept itself. We also show how one must use caution with this and related concepts that extend to nonequilibrium systems properties that are well defined just for equilibrium systems.
A Research Practitioner's Perspective on Culturally Relevant Prevention Scientific and Practical Considerations for Community-Based Programs

This article is a response to a number of articles that use a culturally relevant prevention (CRP) approach for ethnic and racial minorities. The reaction is from a research practitioner's viewpoint. The authors argue in favor of determining an operational definition of cultural relevance by implementing prevention services with fidelity in the field and understanding what structural components of CRPs are minimally necessary for the effective operation of the prevention programs. Field personnel also need to identify reliable ways to involve in planning those individuals who represent service recipient characteristics. The article closes with a recommendation that research practitioners pursue an active evaluation agenda aimed at further standardizing and quantifying the effectiveness of CRP strategies for underserved racial and ethnic groups.
In search of higher persistence rates in distance education online programs

Tinto's [Rev. Educ. Res. 45 (1975) 89; Tinto, V. (1987). Leaving college. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press; Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press] student integration model and Bean and Metzner's [Rev. Educ. Res. 55 (1985) 485] student attrition model have been influential in explaining persistence and attrition in higher education programs. However, these models were developed with on-campus programs in mind and, although they are broadly relevant to distance education programs, their ability to explain the persistence of online students is limited. Distance education students have characteristics and needs that differ from traditional learners and the virtual learning environment differs in important ways from an on-campus environment. This article draws chiefly from Tinto's and Bean and Metzner's models and the results of research into the needs of online distance education students in order to synthesize a composite model to better explain persistence and attrition among the largely nontraditional students that enroll in online courses.
Effects of central and systemic administration of leptin on neurotransmitter concentrations in specific areas of the hypothalamus

Leptin, a hormone produced by adipocytes, has been shown to affect a number of central functions, such as regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, feeding, and body weight regulation. ...
The feasibility of a variable output matching circuit in a high-power SSPA

This paper analyzes a new technique for matching the output impedance of a 100-W-class solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) to a load using a variable transformer circuit consisting of switchable series-inductor and shunt-capacitor banks. A large-signal time-domain tool (Saber/spl reg/) is adapted to model the matching circuit and shows that the power-added efficiency can be made much more level with respect to input and output power than in a fixed matching circuit. For example, in a class-AB LD-MOSFET-based SSPA designed for 60% PAE at /spl sim/110 W output, the variable matching circuit allows for /spl sim/50% PAE down to about 20 W output, compared to about 25% PAE from a fixed matching circuit.
Differences in health promotion program participation, barriers and physical activity among faculty, staff and administration at a university worksite

Purpose – Health promotion programs (HPPs) are increasingly prevalent at universities due to the numerous documented benefits in other various work environments. However, universities are unique work environments with various job duties and responsibilities. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine differences in participation in university HPPs among faculty, staff and administration. Further, barriers to participation were examined as well as an analysis of those meeting weekly physical activity (PA) recommendations. Design/methodology/approach – An electronic survey was sent to all employees at a large, metropolitan university (n=3,603), that inquired about participation in the university HPP in the last six months and their perceived barriers to participation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA amount, and thus, if the employee was meeting the weekly PA recommendations was determined. Findings – Results (n=308) indicated a difference in HPP participation ...
Coordination and Policy Moderation at Midterm

Eligible voters have been coordinating their turnout and vote decisions for the House of Representatives in midterm elections. Coordination is a noncooperative rational expectations equilibrium. Stochastic choice models estimated using individual-level data from U.S. National Election Studies surveys of the years 1978–1998 support the coordinating model and reject a nonstrategic model. The coordinating model shows that many voters have incentives to change their votes between the presidential year and midterm after learning the outcome of the presidential election. But this mechanism alone does not explain the size of midterm cycles. The largest source of loss of support for the president's party at midterm is a regular pattern in which the median differences between the voters' ideal points and the parties' policy positions have become less favorable for the president's party than they were at the time of the presidential election (nonvoters show the same pattern). The interelection changes are not consistent with the theory of surge and decline.
Electrodeposition and Characterization of Very Thin Film II-VI Compounds for Novel Superlattice Solar Cells

Thin films of lead telluride (PbTe) and zinc telluride (ZnTe) have been electrodeposited on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates. Uniform dense films of ∼ 100 nm have been obtained for both materials. The electrochemical deposition procedures for fabricating these films are described. The as-deposited films have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and optical absorption spectrophotometry. Multi layer structures, up to 3 layers, of ZnTe/PbTe films, have been fabricated.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Restoring the endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) to the upper Clinch River, Virginia: an evaluation of population restoration techniques

From 2005 to 2011, the federally endangered freshwater mussel Epioblasma capsaeformis (oyster mussel) was reintroduced at three sites in the upper Clinch River, Virginia, using four release techniques. These release techniques were (1) translocation of adults (site 1, n = 1418), (2) release of laboratory-propagated sub-adults (site 1, n = 2851), (3) release of 8-week-old laboratory-propagated juveniles (site 2, n = 9501), and (4) release of artificially infested host fishes (site 3, n = 1116 host fishes). These restoration efforts provided a unique research opportunity to compare the effectiveness of techniques used to reestablish populations of extirpated and declining species. We evaluated the relative success of these four population restoration approaches via monitoring at each release site (2011–2012) using systematic 0.25-m2 quadrat sampling to estimate abundance and post-release survival. Abundances of translocated adult and laboratory-propagated sub-adult E. capsaeformis at site 1 ranged 577–645 and 1678–1700 individuals, respectively, signifying successful settlement and high post-release survival. Two untagged individuals (29.1 and 27.3 mm) were observed, indicating that recruitment is occurring at site 1. No E. capsaeformis were found at sites where 8-week-old laboratory-propagated juveniles (site 2) and artificially infested host fishes (site 3) were released. Our results indicate that translocations of adults and releases of laboratory-propagated sub-adults were the most effective population restoration techniques for E. capsaeformis. We recommend that restoration efforts focus on the release of larger (>20 mm) individuals to accelerate augmenting and reintroducing populations and increase the probability for recovery of imperiled mussels.
Secreted APP regulates the function of full-length APP in neurite outgrowth through interaction with integrin beta1

Background β-Amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been reported to play a role in the outgrowth of neurites from cultured neurons. Both cell-surface APP and its soluble, ectodomain cleavage product (APPs-α) have been implicated in regulating the length and branching of neurites in a variety of assays, but the mechanism by which APP performs this function is not understood.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes versus Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae in a high clay-content Oxisol soil: greenhouse trials with potted Litchi chinensis

Abstract In a previous study, laboratory trials indicated that 9 strains and species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) were pathogenic against larvae of Diaprepes abbreviatus in an Oxisol from Puerto Rico. In this study we tested the efficacy of 5 species/strains of EPN in an Oxisol under greenhouse conditions. The nematodes were applied at 100 infective juveniles per cm2 to 19-L pots containing a high clay-content Oxisol (69% clay) and 3 seedlings of Litchi chinensis. All treatments significantly reduced the mean proportion of D. abbreviatus larvae surviving (ranging from 0 to 36%) compared to survival in untreated controls (ranging from 80 to 86%). This suggests that EPNs might be suitable to play a role in integrated pest management strategies against D. abbreviatus in tropical soils with high clay content.
A learning model for essentialist concepts

Many cognitive scientists take it for granted that concepts like CAT (mental terms that are expressed with single nouns) can be learned by observing a co-occurrence in superficial properties, such as having fur, being 4-legged, and tending to purr, and then building a complex category representation from representations for those superficial properties. A less popular account, known as Psychological Essentialism, claims that concepts like CAT pick out deep, hidden properties (essences) that are causal explanations for observable co-occurrences in superficial properties. The trouble is, Psychological Essentialism lacks an account of how such essentialist concepts could be learned, and often adopt the unpalatable conclusion that such concepts are innate. Developmental roboticists have recently started implementing systems that employ learned hidden/latent variables. The present paper spells out a learning theory for essentialist concepts, and presents two psychology experiments that help support the account over the associationist alternative.
The Effects of Depth and Distance in a Criminal Code on Charging, Sentencing, and Prosecutor Power

Today's conventional wisdom about criminal justice in the United States tells us that criminal codes do not matter much. The real impact of the criminal law appears not in the statute books but in the choices of criminal prosecutors who apply those laws. Moreover, decision-making by prosecutors takes on even greater importance in the context of late twentieth century reforms that have made sentencing more determinate and less discretionary. Scholars have argued that these legal changes have effectively increased prosecutorial influence over sentences. Despite these claims, little is known about the actual use of prosecutorial discretion under these kinds of sentencing laws. In this Article, we use statewide data to examine the amount of charge movement in North Carolina, and estimate the impact that charge reductions have on sentencing outcomes. The evidence shows that charge reductions are common, occurring in roughly half of all felony cases that resulted in conviction, and that the prosecutor's decision to reduce criminal charges has a large effect on average sentence severity. These effects do not apply equally, however, to all crimes. To understand why, it is useful to think about two dimensions of the criminal code and sentencing guidelines. First, the depth of the criminal code refers to the number of charging options available to prosecutors, charges that might apply to a given set of facts. The second conceptual tool is the distance between charging options, which refers to the relative difference in the sentences that attach to the more- and less-serious charging options. What are the effects of depth and distance in the criminal code and accompanying sentencing guidelines? When a group of related crimes offer deeper charging options, the prosecution and defense agree more often to reduce the charges. Large distances between the available charging options make it less likely that the prosecution and defense will agree on a particular charge reduction. In those areas of the code where distances between charges are greater, charge reductions explain a large component of the sentence imposed in the case. Thus, in theoretical terms this Article updates the idea (today considered by many to be quaint) that the substantive criminal law determines the outcome of the criminal process. Plea bargaining is not an entirely Coasian exercise that allows the parties to negotiate a customized outcome without regard to the legal rules that create starting points. Even in a world where prosecutorial discretion is a dominant feature, the substantive criminal law matters.
TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION MODULATES CURRENT AMPLITUDE AND KINETICS OF A NEURONAL VOLTAGE-GATED POTASSIUM CHANNEL

The modulation of the Kv1.3 potassium channel by tyrosine phosphorylation was studied. Kv1.3 was expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells, and its activity was measured by cell-attached patch recording. The amplitude of the characteristic C-type inactivating Kv1.3 current is reduced by >95%, in all cells tested, when the channel is co-expressed with the constitutively active nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, v-Src. This v-Src-induced suppression of current is accompanied by a robust tyrosine phosphorylation of the channel protein. No suppression of current or tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv1.3 protein is observed when the channel is co-expressed with R385A v-Src, a mutant with severely impaired tyrosine kinase activity. v-Src-induced suppression of Kv1.3 current is relieved by pretreatment of the HEK 293 cells with two structurally different tyrosine kinase inhibitors, herbimycin A and genistein. Furthermore, Kv1.3 channel protein is processed properly and targeted to the plasma membrane in v-Src cotransfected cells, as demonstrated by confocal microscopy using an antibody directed against an extracellular epitope on the channel. Thus v-Src-induced suppression of Kv1.3 current is not mediated through decreased channel protein expression or interference with its targeting to the plasma membrane. v-Src co-expression also slows the C-type inactivation and speeds the deactivation of the residual Kv1.3 current. Mutational analysis demonstrates that each of these modulatory changes, in current amplitude and kinetics, requires the phosphorylation of Kv1.3 at multiple tyrosine residues. Furthermore, a different combination of tyrosine residues is involved in each of the modulatory changes. These results emphasize the complexity of signal integration at the level of a single ion channel.