cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homologs of gp91phox: cloning and tissue expression of Nox3, Nox4, and Nox5.

gp91phox is the catalytic subunit of the respiratory burst oxidase, an NADPH-dependent, superoxide generating enzyme present in phagocytes. In phagocytes, the enzyme functions in host defense, but reactive oxygen generation has also been described in a variety of non-phagocytic cells, including cancer cells. We previously reported the cloning of Nox1 (NADPH oxidase1), a homolog of gp91phox, its expression in colon and vascular smooth muscle, and its oncogenic properties when overexpressed [Suh et al. (1999). Nature 401, 79‐82]. Herein, we report the cloning and tissue expression of three additional homologs of gp91phox, termed Nox3, Nox4 and Nox5, members of a growing family of gp91phox homologs. All are predicted to encode proteins of around 65 kDa, and like gp91phox, all show 5‐6 conserved predicted transmembrane a-helices containing putative heme binding regions as well as a flavoprotein homology domain containing predicted binding sites for both FAD and NADPH. Nox3 is expressed primarily in fetal tissues, and Nox4 is expressed in not only fetal tissues, but also kidney, placenta and glioblastoma cells. Nox5 is expressed in a variety of fetal tissues as well as in adult spleen and uterus. Nox isoforms are aberrantly expressed in several cells derived from human cancers, with Nox4 being the isoform most frequently expressed in the tumor cells investigated. Thus, expression of Nox family members is likely to account for some of the reactive oxygen generation seen in non-phagocytic cells. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Noise Can Induce Bimodality in Positive Transcriptional Feedback Loops Without Bistability

Transcriptional positive-feedback loops are widely associated with bistability, characterized by two stable expression states that allow cells to respond to analog signals in a digital manner. Using a synthetic system in budding yeast, we show that positive feedback involving a promoter with multiple transcription factor (TF) binding sites can induce a steady-state bimodal response without cooperative binding of the TF. Deterministic models of this system do not predict bistability. Rather, the bimodal response requires a short-lived TF and stochastic fluctuations in the TF's expression. Multiple binding sites provide these fluctuations. Because many promoters possess multiple binding sites and many TFs are unstable, positive-feedback loops in gene regulatory networks may exhibit bimodal responses, but not necessarily because of deterministic bistability, as is commonly thought.
The impact of type 2 diabetes and obesity on the long-term outcomes of more than 85 000 liver transplant recipients in the US.

Summary Background Type 2 diabetes is known to negatively impact the outcome of chronic liver disease. Aim To evaluate the impact of diabetes on the outcomes of liver transplants (LT). Methods Study cohort included adults (>18 years) who received LT in the US between 1994 and 2013 (The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients). Pre- and post-transplant diabetes was recorded in patients with mortality follow-up. Results We included 85 194 liver transplant recipients. Of those, 11.2% had history of pre-transplant diabetes. The most common indications for liver transplant were hepatitis C (36.4%), alcohol-related liver disease (20.6%), primary liver malignancy of unspecified aetiology (14.7%), cryptogenic cirrhosis (8.0%), hepatitis B (4.6%) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (3.9%). A total of 96.5% transplants were from deceased donors, and 7.9% donors had history of diabetes. During an average 6.5 years of follow-up, 31.3% recipients died and 8.8% had a graft failure. In multivariate survival analysis [at least 5 years of cohort follow-up (N = 35 870)], after adjustment for age, ethnicity, insurance type, history of chronic diseases, HCV infection and noncompliance, independent predictors of recipient mortality included the presence of pre-transplant diabetes [adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) = 1.21 (1.12–1.30)] and developing diabetes post-transplant [1.06 (1.02–1.11)]. Donor's history of diabetes was also independently associated with higher mortality [1.10 (1.02–1.19)]. Furthermore, donor's history of diabetes was also associated with an increased the risk of liver graft failure [1.35 (1.24–1.47)]. Conclusions Presence of type 2 diabetes pre- and post-transplant, as well as presence of type 2 diabetes in the donors, are all associated with an increased risk of adverse post-transplant outcomes.
Posterior interhemispheric transfalcine transprecuneus approach for microsurgical resection of periatrial lesions: Indications, technique, and outcomes

OBJECT Surgical exposure of the peritrigonal or periatrial region has been challenging due to the depth of the region and overlying important functional cortices and white matter tracts. The authors demonstrate the operative feasibility of a contralateral posterior interhemispheric transfalcine transprecuneus approach (PITTA) to this region and present a series of patients treated via this operative route. METHODS Fourteen consecutive patients underwent the PITTA and were included in this study. Pre- and postoperative clinical and radiological data points were retrospectively collected. Complications and extent of resection were reviewed. RESULTS The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 39 years (range 11–64 years). Six of the 14 patients were female. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.6 months (range 0.5–19.6 months). Pathology included 6 arteriovenous malformations, 4 gliomas, 2 meningiomas, 1 metastatic lesion, and 1 gray matter heterotopia. Based on the results shown on postoperative MRI,...
A new class of nonlinear PN sequences over GF(q/sup n/)

A new class of pseudo-random sequences (called cascaded GMW-type permutation polynomial (CGPP) sequences) over GP(q/sup n/) is constructed using a system of n orthogonal cascaded GMW functions in GF(q). Their statistical properties are given. Classification, evaluation, and implementation of the CGPP sequences are derived. A sequence generated by mapping elements of a CGPP sequence into GF(q) is also presented.
Ventral tegmental microinjection of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol enhances ventral tegmental somatodendritic dopamine levels but not forebrain dopamine levels : evidence for local neural action by marijuana's psychoactive ingredient

Basal extracellular levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in both ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (Acb) were simultaneously monitored by in vivo brain microdialysis in laboratory rats. Microinjection of 12 μg or 24 μg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana and hashish, into the VTA produced a dose-dependent increase in somatodendritic DA levels in VTA but failed to produce any simulatenous change in extracellular DA in Acb. Direct Δ9-THC perfusion (5×10−5 and 2×10−4 M) into Acb via the microdialysis probes caused a significant increase in extracellular DA levels in Acb. These findings suggest that (1) Δ9-THC has a facilitating effect on somatodendritic DA efflux, and (2) the elevation of Acb DA levels seen in our previous studies with systemic administration of Δ9-THC may result from local actions of Δ9-THC at or near the DA terminal projections in Acb.
Thermal reinforcement in the rat: The topography of operant leverpressing

Three rats were trained to press a lever on a fixed-ratio 3 schedule to obtain a 4-sec burst of radiant heat in a cold environment. Control conditions suggested that this learning was dependent on the contingency between leverpressing and heat reinforcements, and the warming properties of the heat lamp reinforcer. Leverpressing in all subjects was characterized by relatively long-duration presses, and observations showed that more than half of the ratio runs contained leverpress topographies in which the subject remained immobile on the lever for greater than 4 sec or used the lever as a support for rearing and sniffing. These results suggest that the low rates of responding on operant schedules of thermal reinforcement are accompanied by the development of leverpress topographies that are incompatible with high rates of responding.
An agent based approach to the potential for rebound resulting from evolution of residential lighting technologies

More energy efficient lighting options, such as compact fluorescent bulbs and light emitting diodes are predicted to significantly reduce the amount of energy used for lighting. Such forecasts are predicated on the assumption of light saturation and do not take into account the potential for economic rebound. The potential of the rebound effect to reduce or negate predicted energy savings is explored here. This work uses an agent-based model with a cellular automata approach to study the impact of rebound on the consumption of residential light and associated energy use, using three lighting technologies, and a time span from 2012 to 2030. Agents, representative of households, select between three lighting options using a multiplicative utility function and a probabilistic choice mechanism. Agents then decide whether to consume more light and potentially more energy based on the lighting technology selected and personal preferences. The agents are heterogeneous in nature, consisting of seven typologies, with their characteristics informed through survey data. The results of the model indicate that although the consumption of light may increase, overall changes in the consumption of energy compared to 2012 levels will be minor. If the consumption of light is held steady, assuming saturation, then there is the potential for the adoption of energy-efficient lighting to result in significant energy savings. However, if the rebound effect occurs, there will be a decrease in the consumption of energy for lighting as consumers adopt more energy efficient options. Overtime as the consumption of light continues to increase, those savings will largely be eroded. This study suggests that the adoption of energy-efficient lighting in itself will not reduce the overall consumption of energy for lighting on a long-term scale although it may be successful in doing so in the short-term. The rebound effect will greatly reduce the projected energy savings from more efficient lighting technologies, with potential for direct rebound to exceed 100 %. In order for the quantity of energy utilized in residential lighting to decrease, solutions beyond that of efficiency gains must be considered.
Common and distinct roles for the binding partners Rabenosyn-5 and Vps45 in the regulation of endocytic trafficking in mammalian cells

In several invertebrate organisms, the Sec1p/Munc18-like protein Vps45 interacts with the divalent Rab4/Rab5 effector, Rabenosyn-5 and carries out multiple functions in the endocytic/secretory pathways. In mammalian cells, Vps45 and Rabenosyn-5 also interact, but the molecular characterization of this binding, and the functional relationship between these two proteins has not been well defined. Here we identify a novel sequence within Rabenosyn-5 required for its interaction with Vps45. We demonstrate that hVps45-depletion decreases expression of Rabenosyn-5, likely resulting from Rabenosyn-5 degradation through the proteasomal pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrate that similar to Rabenosyn-5-depletion, hVps45-depletion causes impaired recycling of β1 integrins, and a subsequent delay in human fibroblast cell migration on fibronectin-coated plates. Moreover, β1 integrin recycling could be rescued by reintroduction of siRNA-resistant wild-type Rabenosyn-5, but not a mutant deficient in Vps45 binding. However, unlike Rabenosyn-5-depletion, which induces Golgi fragmentation and decreased recruitment of sorting nexin retromer subunits to the Golgi, hVps45-depletion induces Golgi condensation and accumulation of retromer subunits in the vicinity of the Golgi. In part, these phenomena could be attributed to reduced Syntaxin16 expression and altered localization of both Syntaxin16 and Syntaxin6 upon Vps45-depletion. Overall, these findings implicate hVps45 and Rabenosyn-5 in post early endosome transport, and we propose that their interaction serves as a nexus to promote bidirectional transport along the endosome-to-recycling compartment and endosome-to-Golgi axes.
Thermally excited vibrations of the mirrors of laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors.

The effect of thermally excited mirror vibrations on length measurements using a laser interferometer gravitational-wave detector is calculated, and the number of vibrational modes which must be included to predict the Brownian motion of the mirror surface relative to its center of mass is estimated. These calculations account for both the full three-dimensional shape of the vibrational modes of the mirrors and the spatial shape of the optical modes of the interferometer. A convergence pattern for the number of modes which must be included in a complete thermal noise estimate is found; all vibrational modes with acoustic wavelengths greater than the laser beam spot size must be considered. When the full geometries of the mirror and the optical mode are taken into account, the thermal noise power in the gravitational-wave frequency bandwidth for mirror and laser parameters relevant to the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) interferometer is approximately a factor of 6 larger than the noise obtained in earlier estimates which typically considered only the lowest few modes. If mirror vibrational thermal noise were the limiting noise source for the detection of some astrophysical sources, then this difference in noise power would result in a factor of 15 difference in estimated determination rates for these sources.
Group-delay diagnostic for measuring vapor column density

We describe a technique for determining Nfl by measuring the group-velocity delay of a probe laser beam propagating through a vapor. This diagnostic has wide dynamic range, is simple to implement, and can be used as a high-bandwidth vapor rate monitor. In addition, it can be used to measure column density, Nl, number density, N, oscillator strengths, f, or absorption cross sections, collisional line broadening, and vapor group-velocity delay.
A diffusion model for cosmic ray propagation in the Galaxy

A diffusion model for the propagation of relativistic nuclear cosmic rays in the Galaxy is developed. The model has two nonstandard features: The escape of cosmic-ray particles from the Galaxy is simulated by a term in the diffusion equations, rather than the imposition of boundary conditions on the diffusion solution at the surface of the confinement region. And an age-dependent, locally-averaged effective gas distribution is employed in the diffusion equations. The model simulates free-particle outflow at the Galactic boundary. The model is fit to chemical composition data in the 0.3–5 GeV per nucleon range. It is then consistent with the large-scale Galactic γ-ray data, radio halo data, energy constraints on the assumed supernova sources, and, when extended to very high energies, cosmic-ray anisotrophy data. From the fit we conclude that the cosmic rays are confined in a large flattened or quasis-pherical halo with a scale height in the range 3–6 kpc and an average Galactic escape time of ∼108 yr.
Not your father's planarian: a classic model enters the era of functional genomics

Freshwater planarians were a classic model for studying the problems of development and regeneration. However, as attention shifted towards animals with more rigid developmental processes, the planarians, with their notoriously plastic ontogeny, declined in significance as a model system. This trend was exacerbated with the introduction of genetic and molecular approaches, which did not work well in planarians. More recently, the heightened interest in stem-cell biology, along with the successful application of molecular, cellular and genomic approaches in planarians, is re-establishing these fascinating organisms as models for studying regeneration and developmental plasticity.
Energy Metabolism during Anchorage-Independence. Induction by Osteopontin-c

The detachment of epithelial cells, but not cancer cells, causes anoikis due to reduced energy production. Invasive tumor cells generate three splice variants of the metastasis gene osteopontin, the shortest of which (osteopontin-c) supports anchorage-independence. Osteopontin-c signaling upregulates three interdependent pathways of the energy metabolism. Glutathione, glutamine and glutamate support the hexose monophosphate shunt and glycolysis and can feed into the tricarboxylic acid cycle, leading to mitochondrial ATP production. Activation of the glycerol phosphate shuttle also supports the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Drawing substrates from glutamine and glycolysis, the elevated creatine may be synthesized from serine via glycine and supports the energy metabolism by increasing the formation of ATP. Metabolic probing with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, L-glutamate, or glycerol identified differential regulation of the pathway components, with mitochondrial activity being redox dependent and the creatine pathway depending on glutamine. The multiple skewed components in the cellular metabolism synergize in a flow toward two mechanisms of ATP generation, via creatine and the respiratory chain. It is consistent with a stimulation of the energy metabolism that supports anti-anoikis. Our findings imply a coalescence in cancer cells between osteopontin-a, which increases the cellular glucose levels, and osteopontin-c, which utilizes this glucose to generate energy.
Teaching African American Women’s Experiences With Intimate Male Partner Violence Using Narratives as Text in Gender Violence Pedagogy

In earlier research on religious coping and intimate male partner violence, the author interviewed African American women who had experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by a spouse. This article describes how she uses these narrative accounts to help university students empathically experience the women’s responses to spousal abuse. Interview data, researcher accounts, and gender violence literature combine to validate both the universal and uncommon nature of Black women’s struggle with intimate male partner violence. Black feminist principles are used as a framework for exposing the multiple dynamics that intersect abused African American women’s experiences and worldviews.
THE ROLE OF IONOMOLECULAR SURFACTANT COMPLEXES IN FLOTATION

Abstract The formation of highly surface-active ionomolecular complexes has been suggested recently to be a phenomenon that governs the pH-dependence of hematite flotation using oleate. The differential thermogravimetric work reported in the literature on alkylamine-alkylamine hydrochloride mixtures shows complete complexing of them when present in equimolar amounts. The pH dependence of quartz flotation using amine, speculated in the past to be due to various mechanisms, is discussed in the light of these results. The additional correlation obtained for flotation with surfactant complex formation suggests the role of such complexes in froth flotation to be of wide application.
Enhancement of gp120-Specific Immune Responses by Genetic Vaccination with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Gene Fused to the Gene Coding for Soluble CTLA4

DNA vaccines exploit the inherent abilities of professional antigen-presenting cells to prime the immune system and to elicit immunity against diverse pathogens. In this study, we explored the possibility of augmenting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120-specific immune responses by a DNA vaccine coding for a fusion protein, CTLA4:gp120, in mice. In vitro binding studies revealed that secreted CTLA4:gp120 protein induced a mean florescence intensity shift, when incubated with Raji B cells, indicating its binding to B7 proteins on Raji B cells. Importantly, we instituted three different vaccination regimens to test the efficacy of DNA vaccines encoding gp120 and CTLA4:gp120 in the induction of both cellular (CD8+) and antibody responses. Each of the vaccination regimens incorporated a single intramuscular (i.m.) injection of the DNA vaccines to prime the immune system, followed by two booster injections. The i.m.-i.m.-i.m. regimen induced only modest levels of gp120-specific CD8+ T cells, but the antibody response by CTLA4:gp120 DNA was nearly 16-fold higher than that induced by gp120 DNA. In contrast, using the i.m.-subcutaneous (s.c.)-i.m. regimen, it was found that gp120 and CTLA4:gp120 DNAs were capable of inducing significant levels of gp120-specific CD8+ T cells (3.5 and 11%), with antibody titers showing a modest twofold increase for CTLA4:gp120 DNA. In the i.m.-gene gun (g.g.)-g.g. regimen, the mice immunized with gp120 and CTLA4:gp120 harbored gp120-specific CD8+ T cells at frequencies of 0.9 and 2.9%, with the latter showing an eightfold increase in antibody titers. Thus, covalent antigen modification and the routes of genetic vaccination have the potential to modulate antigen-specific immune responses in mice.
Onondaga Lake and the dynamics of chloride in the Oswego River

The temporal distribution of chloride concentration in the Oswego River was determined at 6 hr intervals for a 3 mo period during the summer of 1982. The dynamics of relative flow and chloride contributions from the three major sources forming the Oswego River, and the dynamics of flow releases from one of the sources, chloride-polluted Onondaga Lake, were determined from the above measurements, available chloride concentrations, and flow data for the system, through application of a simple mass balance on chloride. The chloride concentration and load in the Oswego River were found to be highly variable with time, and largely due to the dynamics of flow release from Onondaga Lake. The chloride distribution in the Oswego River, with its unique dynamics and chemically conservative nature, make it a valuable hydraulic tracer for the system.
The use of preview wind measurements for blade pitch control

Abstract Light detection and ranging systems are able to measure conditions at a distance in front of wind turbines and are therefore suited to providing preview information of wind disturbances before they impact the turbine blades. In this study, preview-based disturbance feedforward control is investigated for load mitigation. Performance is evaluated assuming highly idealized wind measurements that rotate with the blades and compared to performance using more realistic stationary measurements. The results obtained using idealized, “best case” measurements show that excellent performance gains are possible with reasonable pitch rates. However, the results using more realistic wind measurements show that without further optimization of the controller and/or better processing of measurements, errors in determining the shear local to each blade can remove any advantage obtained by using preview-based feedforward techniques.
FeeM, an N-acyl amino acid synthase from an uncultured soil microbe: structure, mechanism, and acyl carrier protein binding

Attempts to access antibiotics by capturing biosynthetic genes and pathways directly from environmental DNA, which is overwhelmingly derived from uncultured bacteria, have revealed a large and previously unknown family of N-acyl amino acid synthases (NASs). The structure of the NAS FeeM reveals structural similarity to the GCN5-related N-acyl transferases and acylhomoserine lactone synthases. The overall structure has a central beta sheet with alpha helices on both sides. A bound product at a cleft in the beta sheet identifies the active site and the structural basis for catalysis, and sequence conservation in this region indicates a bias for recognition over speed. FeeM interacts with an acyl carrier protein (FeeL), and the structure, mutagenesis, and enzymatic measurements reveal that a small hydrophobic pocket in alpha helix 5 dominates binding of FeeM to FeeL. The structural and mechanistic analyses suggest that the products of FeeM could be bacterial signaling agents.
Determination of the membrane contact residues and solution structure of the helix F/G loop of prostaglandin I2 synthase

Abstract From our topological arrangement model of prostaglandin I2 synthase (PGIS) created by homology modeling and topology studies, we hypothesized that the helix F/G loop of PGIS contains a membrane contact region distinct from the N-terminal membrane anchor domain. To provide direct experimental data we have explored the relationship between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and the PGIS F/G loop using a constrained synthetic peptide to mimic PGIS residues 208–230 cyclized on both ends through a disulfide bond with added Cys residues. The solution structure and the residues important for membrane contact of the constrained PGIS F/G loop peptide were investigated by high-resolution 1 H two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) experiments and a spin label incorporation technique. Through the combination of 2D NMR experiments in the presence of dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles used to mimic the membrane environment, complete 1 H NMR assignments of the F/G loop segment have been obtained and the solution structure of the peptide has been determined. The PGIS F/G loop segment shows a defined helix turn helix conformation, which is similar to the three-dimensional crystallography structure of P450BM3 in the corresponding region. The orientation and the residues contacted with the membrane of the PGIS F/G loop were evaluated from the effect of incorporation of a spin-labeled 12-doxylstearate into the DPC micelles with the peptide. Three residues in the peptide corresponding to the PGIS residues L217 (L11), L222 (L16), and V224 (V18) have been demonstrated to contact the DPC micelles, which implies that the residues are involved in contact with the ER membrane in the native membrane-bound PGIS. These results provided the first experimental evidence to localize the membrane contact residues in the F/G loop region of microsomal P450 and are valuable to further define and understand the membrane topology of PGIS and those of other microsomal P450s in the native membrane environment.
Developmental changes of myelin-related lipids in brain of miniature swine.

The biochemical development of whole brains from male and female miniature swine aged 2 weeks to 1 years was studied. The data were similar for both sexes. The brain-body weight ratio declined rapidly for the first 10–12 weeks after birth, then decreased at a slower rate up to 1 year. Total brain lipid weight and lipid phosphorus changed rapidly during the first 8–10 weeks of life, but thereafter changed very little. The glycolipid content rapidly increased during the first 12–14 weeks of life and then increased at a slower rate. Total brain cholesterol increased continuously over the time period studied, although the rate of increase appeared to decline with age. Monogalactosyl diacylglycerol concentration remained constant up to about 8 weeks of age, but then decreased continuously up to 1 year. The alkali-labile fatty acid composition of pig brain remained relatively constant except for increases in 18∶1 and 22∶6(n − 3) and a decrease in 16∶0. The increase in percentage of 18∶1 was most rapid during the first 10 weeks of age. These data suggest that the “growth spurt” or active myelination phase of miniature pig brain development ends at 8–10 weeks post partum.
The Effects of Cytosine Arabinoside on RNA-primed DNA Synthesis by DNA Polymerase α-Primase

Oligonucleotides containing a specific initiation site for polymerase α-primase (pol α-primase) were used to measure the effects of cytosine arabinoside triphosphate and cytosine arabinoside monophosphate (araCMP) in DNA on RNA-primed DNA synthesis. Primase inserts araCMP at the 3′ terminus of a full-length RNA primer with a 400-fold preference over CMP. The araCMP is elongated efficiently by pol α in the primase-coupled reaction. Extension from RNA 3′-araCMP is 50-fold less efficient than from CMP, and extension from DNA 3′-araCMP is 1600-fold less efficient than from dCMP. Using araCMP-containing templates, primer synthesis is reduced 2-3-fold, and RNA-primed DNA synthesis is reduced 2-8-fold. The efficiency of polymerization past a template araCMP by pol α is reduced 180-fold during insertion of dGMP opposite araCMP and 35-fold during extension from the araCMP:dGMP 3′ terminus. These results show that the pol α-primase efficiently incorporates araCMP as the border nucleotide between RNA and DNA and suggest that the inhibitory effects of araC most likely result from slowed elongation of pol α and less so from inhibition of primer synthesis by primase.
Harderian gland lipids of male and female golden hamsters

Abstract 1. 1. Cholesterol, fatty acid, alkyldiacylglycerol, phosphotidyl choline, phosphotidyl ethanolamine and an unidentified phospholipid were separated by thin-layer chromatography. 2. 2. Gas-liquid chromatography of the lipids showed that the predominant fatty acids in the female gland have chain lengths ranging from C16 to C20 while those of the male gland ranged from C10 to C20. 3. 3. The prevalence of C16:0 and C18:1 in the female contributes to an aspect of sexual dimorphism in the hamster Harderian gland not reported previously.
Small‐scale degradation of carbon‐14 labelled carboxylic acids. I. Modification of the hunsdiecker reaction

A modified Hunsdiecker reaction is described for the degradation of the silver salts of acetic acid-1−14C, acetic acid-2−14C, propionic acid-1−14C, propionic acid-3−14C, n-butyric acid-1−14C and n-butyric acid-2−14C to carbon dioxide, silver bromide and an organic bromide containing one less carbon atom than the acid, on a 0.5 to 10 millimole scale. This reaction is performed by allowing the silver salt of a carbon-14 labelled acid to react with bromine vapor in a sealed tube. Then the separation, purification and determination of the amount of each degradation product is accomplished by use of high vacuum techniques. Finally, the products which are obtained in a radiochemically pure form are analyzed for radioactivity by liquid scintillation counting.
Disentangling Constituency and Legislator Effects in Legislative Representation: Black Legislators or Black Districts?

Objective. Does the race of a legislator or does the black population of a district best predict legislative roll-call voting in the interests of African Americans? Due to methodological limitations, no prior study has found that both the race of the legislator and the black district population are significant predictors of congressional roll-call voting. Drawing on post Shaw v. Reno/Miller v. Johnson congressional districts (with greater data variance), I examine the effect of these two racial representation variables on roll-call voting in the 104th–106th Congresses. Methods. Linear regression with random effects is employed in two statistical models. Results. Even when the black district population and party are considered, the presence of an African-American legislator leads to greater substantive representation of black constituents. Conclusion. Districting plans that maximize the election of black legislators and Democrats are the most important for the aggregate enhancement of liberal voting in Congress, while districting plans that maximize black district populations and Democrats are the most important for the aggregate enhancement of civil rights voting records in Congress.
Real and reactive power control of a three-phase single-stage PV system and PV voltage stability

Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems with power electronic interfaces can provide both real and reactive power to meet power system needs with appropriate control algorithms. This paper presents the control algorithm design for a three-phase single-stage grid-connected PV inverter to achieve either maximum power point tracking (MPPT) or a certain amount of real power injection, as well as the voltage/var control. The switching between MPPT control mode and a certain amount of real power control mode is automatic and seamless. Without the DC-to-DC booster stage, PV DC voltage stability is an important issue in the control design especially when the PV inverter is operating at maximum power point (MPP) with voltage/var control. The PV DC voltage collapse phenomenon and its reason are discussed. The method based on dynamic correction of the PV inverter output is proposed to ensure PV DC voltage stability. Simulation results of the single-stage PV system during system disturbances and fast solar irradiation changes confirm that the proposed control algorithm for single-stage PV inverters can provide appropriate real and reactive power services and ensure PV DC voltage stability during dynamic system operation and atmospheric conditions.
Marker rescue with plasmids bearing deletions in rpoD identifies a dispensable part of E. coli sigma factor

Recombinant DNA techniques allow rapid construction and characterization of tools for genetic dissection of essential genes. In this report, we describe construction of a set of deletions in rpoD, the gene which encodes the sigma subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase. We used this deletion set to identify a region of the sigma polypeptide which is dispensable for its function.
Ultrastructure of the outer epithelium of the mantle in the clam Mercenaria mercenaria in relation to calcification of the shell.

Abstract The general outer epithelium of the mantle in the clam Mercenaria mercenaria is composed of tall narrow columnar cells characterized by densely packed apical microvilli, convoluted lateral and basal cell membranes and abundant mitochondria in the apical and 'basal cytoplasm. Cells are joined apically by a zontila adherens followed by a septate desmosome. Small calcium-rich granules fill the intercellular spaces and are also present in small vesicles in the apical cytoplasm and the mierovilli. Amoebocytes in the subepithelial connective tissue also contain granulefilled vacuoles. Soluble calcium was detected histochemically in the intercellular spaces but not intracefularly. The possible routes of calcium flux through the outer epithelium of the mantle are discussed.
Ultrafiltration of proteins in stagnation flow

The effect of viscosity and diffusivity variations on concentration polarization during the ultrafiltration of protein solutions in two-dimensional stagnation flows is investigated by numerical integration of the equations of continuity and motion. It is found that these effects are surprisingly small and insensitive to the forms of concentration dependence postulated. The high Schmidt numbers and low permeation rates characteristic of these systems result in considerable simplification of the analysis and permit use of a modified Chilton-Colburn relation for predicting the onset of sludge formation at the membrane-solution interface. The predicted dependence on Schmidt number agrees with published experimental data for other boundary-layer flows and suggests the possibility of improved prediction of equipment performance.
Biomechanical Rationale for Surgical- Orthodontic Expansion of the Adult Maxilla

Abstract Objective: To develop a biomechanical rationale for surgical-orthodontic correction of transverse maxillary deficiencies in adults by clarifying the internal stress responses to rapid palatal expansion in a photoelastic model. Materials and Methods: A three-dimensional photoelastic analog of an adult human skull was constructed by fabricating the individual facial bones from a photoelastic material and fixing them along their anatomic sutural areas. After determining the force-activation characteristics of a Hyrax expansion appliance in a straining frame, the appliance was applied to the analog and incrementally activated. The stresses developing at the different craniofacial areas were visualized and photographed in the field of a circular polariscope. Sequential cuts were performed to simulate midpalatal, zygomatic buttress, and pterygomaxillary osteotomies, and the alterations in the internal stress responses were recorded after each individual cut. Results: The force-activation characteristics of the Hyrax appliance are in the orthopedic range (500 g). The magnitude and distribution of the stresses induced by appliance activation differed notably between the simulated osteotomies. Analysis of fringe patterns showed that the midpalatal and pterygomaxillary articulations were the primary anatomic sites of resistance to expansion forces. The patterns of distribution and the increase in the magnitude of the stresses at superior sutural location were particularly pronounced after the pterygomaxillary cuts. The forces produced by the Hyrax appliance had deep anatomic effects, with internal stresses also manifesting at regions distant from the site of force application. Conclusions: Based on photoelastic observation, it may be concluded that complete midpalatal and pterygomaxillary osteotomies are essential for predictable skeletal expansion in adults. Exclusive use of bilateral zygomatic buttress osteotomies appears to be inadequate. The expansion forces exerted by the Hyrax appliance are orthopedic in nature and produce deep anatomic effects. Clinicians should be aware that the craniofacial stresses produced by appliance activation may be experienced by the patient as pain or discomfort.
COACH trial: a randomized controlled trial of nurse practitioner/community health worker cardiovascular disease risk reduction in urban community health centers: rationale and design

Abstract Background Despite well-publicized guidelines on the appropriate management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes, implementation of risk-reducing practices remains poor. This paper describes the rationale and design of a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a comprehensive program of CVD risk reduction delivered by nurse practitioner (NP)/community health worker (CHW) teams versus enhanced usual care in improving the proportion of patients in urban community health centers who achieve goal levels recommended by national guidelines for lipids, blood pressure, HbA1c and prescription of appropriate medications. Methods The COACH (Community Outreach and Cardiovascular Health) trial is a randomized controlled trial in which patients at federally-qualified community health centers were randomly assigned to one of two groups: comprehensive intensive management of CVD risk factors for one year by a NP/CHW team or an enhanced usual care control group. Results A total of 3899 patients were assessed for eligibility and 525 were randomized. Groups were comparable at baseline on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with the exception of statistically significant differences in total cholesterol and hemoglobin A1c. Conclusions This study is a novel amalgam of multilevel interdisciplinary strategies to translate highly efficacious therapies to low-income federally-funded health centers that care for patients who carry a disproportionate burden of CVD, type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled CVD risk factors. The impact of such a community clinic-based intervention is potentially enormous.
Thermal breakup of NH3 adsorbed on W(211)

Abstract Interaction of ammonia with a (211) tungsten surface is studied by flash desorption mass spectrometry, low energy electron diffraction, and measurements of work function change. The ammonia is adsorbed at room temperature. Upon heating, one-third of the hydrogen is evolved at 500° leaving a residue having stoichiometry NH 2 . At about 800°K NH 2 groups are ordered without further decomposition into a centered rectangular array resting upon the substrate. The overlayer and substrate together form a C(4 × 2) structure. Onset of partial evaporation of the NH 2 layer begins at about 900°K with the rectangular unit mesh of the NH 2 array being continuously stretched in the direction parallel to the troughs of the substrate. The maximum stretching amounts to about 12%, with stoichiometry apparently remaining NH 2 . At 1050°K, the rectangular array becomes unstable and there is a drastic surface rearrangement after which LEED patterns are similar to patterns produced by pure nitrogen, though stoichiometry seems to be still NH 2 . Finally, heating to even higher temperatures causes destruction of this “pseudo-nitrogen” NH 2 structure. Nitrogen and hydrogen evaporate together in a pressure burst near 1200°K and the surface is completely clean at about 1300°K. NH 3 can be adsorbed as a second weakly held layer on top of an NH 2 primary layer. Kelvin method measurements have shown that the work function is hardly changed by a layer of NH 2 , but NH 3 reduces the work function by about one volt after adsorption either on a clean surface or on a thermally prepared NH 2 layer.
Confession of Error by AdministrativeAgencies

Table of ContentsI. Introduction. ...1197II. A Case Study: The Stream Buffer Zone Rule Litigation 1200III. Existing Standards of Judicial Review for Confessions of Error 1206A. Administrative Agencies 1206B. Solicitors General 1208C. Prosecutors 1213IV. Recommended Standard of Judicial Review for Confessions of Error by Administrative Agencies 1215A. Policy Considerations 1215B. Type I Cases - Straightforward Errors 1219C. Type II Cases - Matters of Agency Discretion 1219D. Type III Cases - Strategic Confessions 1220V. The Recommended Standard Applied: Revisiting the Stream Buffer Zone Rule Litigation 1221A. Agency's Interest 1221B. Regulated Party's Interest 1223C. Public's Interest 1224D. Judiciary's Interest 1225E. Balancing the Interests 1226VI. Conclusion 12271. IntroductionThis Note examines the unusual practice in which an administrative agency "confesses error" in a legal challenge to an agency action. In particular, it emphasizes the political ramifications of agency confessions of error,1 highlights the lack of a judicial standard for reviewing such confessions,2 and ultimately recommends an analytical framework that courts should use in deciding whether to accept agency confessions of error.3In general, a confession of error occurs when a government attorney4 admits to a court that the government has committed a legal mistake.5 A government attorney, such as a prosecutor or the Solicitor General, confesses error in order to "ensure the proper and fair administration of justice."6 For example, if a prosecutor learns that the state has improperly convicted a criminal defendant, he may confess error on appeal and ask the appellate court to vacate the conviction.7 In addition, a handful of times each term, the Solicitor General confesses error before the Supreme Court, arguing that the government should not have prevailed in the court below and asking the justices to reverse the judgment.8Although prosecutors and Solicitors General are the government attorneys who most commonly confess error, other executive branch officials also have occasion to use the practice. An administrative agency, for instance, will sometimes confess error in litigation that challenges an agency action such as a rulemaking.9 Agency confessions of error can serve legitimate purposes, such as ending litigation that is no longer contested and conserving agency and judicial resources; however, they may also serve illegitimate purposes, such as when an agency uses a confession of error as a strategic device to achieve a political goal.10 This Note examines that distinction and explores how the risk of an improperly motivated confession of error is especially acute in times of political transition, such as during a change in presidential administrations.Part II begins by introducing litigation concerning the Stream Buffer Zone Rule (SBZ Rule)," which is an environmental regulation that protects streams from the effects of coal mining. …
Metabolizable Energy Values of Soybean Oil and Hydrogenated Soybean Oil for Broilers

Abstract The AMEn of native soybean oil (SBO) and hydrogenated soybean oil (HSBO) were determined using 120 male broiler chickens between 3 and 4 wk of age. Test diets were prepared by adding the oils at the expense of a 23% crude protein, corn-soybean meal basal diet at substitution levels of 0, 10, and 20% on a weight basis. Each of the five diets (basal and four test diets) was provided for ad libitum intake to four pens of six chicks per pen for 7 days. Total amounts of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were higher, but polyunsaturated fatty acids lower in the HSBO compared with the SBO. Trans monoenes were present only in HSBO at 41% of the total fatty acids. A linear increase in both the gross energy and in the AMEn content of the diets was obtained by the incremental increase of either SBO or HSBO. The AMEn estimates of SBO and HSBO were determined to be 8,739 and 7,657 kcal/kg, respectively. These values represent 92.4 and 80.9% of their respective gross energy values.
Strengthening federal interagency collaboration in the ocean policy arena: learning from experience

An ongoing need exists for the United States of America to move toward a comprehensive and coordinated approach to a national ocean policy. In order to achieve this, the nation must coordinate its efforts across agencies and sectors and work with state, local, tribal and territorial authorities, as well as non-governmental groups and the public. Policymakers generally emphasize structural solutions, such as the creation of new interagency groups, when addressing the challenges presented by the federal government structure. This approach, while an important step in strengthening collaboration, often gives little consideration to other non-structural factors that impact collaboration, such as human factors. The public administration literature, complemented by lessons from existing federal interagency groups, can provide important insights into what factors - structural and nonstructural - affect interagency collaboration, and how existing and new groups might be strengthened as part of the nation's new ocean governance system. This paper provides a brief background of U.S. ocean policy and discusses the context for interagency cocollaboration in the ocean policy arena. The paper addresses the new ocean governance structure established by President Bush's Executive Order 13366 and the U.S. Ocean Action Plan released on December 17, 2004, and discusses progress and next steps for the groups within the governance structure. Finally, the paper provides some insights from the public administration literature and existing interagency groups into what factors promote and hinder collaboration. The insights from existing interagency groups, which stem from the author's doctoral research in marine policy at the University of Delaware, are a preliminary look at the research results that will be presented in the dissertation and published in the Fall of 2005. The preliminary insights from this paper and the research results presented in the dissertation should provide decision makers with a guide to factors that promote and hinder collaboration - a guide that should be considered in strengthening the groups in the ocean governance system as the groups develop further their work plans and collaboration activities
The role of gastrostomy tube placement in advanced dementia with dysphagia: a critical review.

Purpose Over 4.5 million people in North America had a diagnosis of dementia in the year 2000, and more than half had advanced disease with potential aspiration risk. There is much controversy regarding the use and timing of enteral feeding support in these patients with dysphagia. The management of dysphagia is far more complex when considering quality of life, “comfort care” hand feeding, the use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG), and associated mortality rates. This study seeks to critically review the literature that evaluates PEG placement in this population.