cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzymology of long-chain base synthesis by liver: Characterization of serine palmitoyltransferase in rat liver microsomes

Serine palmitoyltransferase [palmitoyl-CoA:L-serine C-palmitoyltransferase (decarboxylating) EC 2.3.1.50] catalyzes the initial and committed step in the biosynthesis of the long-chain bases of sphingolipids. A simple assay, based upon the incorporation of [3H]serine into the chloroform-soluble product 3-ketosphinganine, has been developed and demonstrated to be valid for analyzing this enzyme in rat liver microsomes. More than 75% of the serine palmitoyltransferase of rat liver was associated with the microsomal subfraction. The dependencies of activity on the incubation time, pH, temperature, other assay components (e.g., dithiothreitol, EDTA, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate), and the concentrations of microsomal protein, L-serine, and palmitoyl-CoA were investigated. The requirement of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate for activity was established by formation of the apoenzyme by dialysis against cysteine, and recovery of full activity upon reconstitution with the coenzyme. Activities with fatty acyl-CoA's of varying alkyl chain length were distributed nearly symmetrically around a maximum at 16 carbons (palmitoyl-CoA) for the fully saturated substrates. Less activity was obtained with the CoA thioesters of cis-unsaturated fatty acids, but trans-9-hexadecenoyl-CoA yielded essentially the same activity as palmitoyl-CoA. Hence, this enzyme is capable of initiating the synthesis of the major long-chain bases, as well as compounds that may constitute the unidentified bases reported in analyses of mammalian sphingolipids.
4-(3-phenanthryl)butanoic acid.

The title compound, C 8H16 O 2 , crystallized in the centrosymmetric space group P2 1 /a. The single type of carboxylic hydrogen bond forms cyclic dimers about centers of symmetry. The carboxylic H atom is ordered as are the carboxylic O atoms. This structure comprises double layers of aromatic rings in a herring-bone array separated by double layers of hydrogen-bonded aliphatic strings and is a very close analog of the structures of 4-(2-naphthyl)butanoic acid and other terminally aryl-substituted n-aliphatic carboxylic acids.
Active Calcium and Strontium Transport in Human Erythrocyte Ghosts

Both calcium and strontium could be transported actively from erythrocytes if adenosine triphosphate, guanosine triphosphate, or inosine triphosphate were included in the hypotonic medium used to infuse calcium or strontium into the cells. Acetyl phosphate and pyrophosphate were not energy sources for the transport of either ion. Neither calcium nor strontium transport was accompanied by magnesium exchange, and the addition of Mg++ to the reaction medium in a final concentration of 3.0 mmoles/liter did not promote the transport of either ion. In the absence of nucleotide triphosphates, the addition of 1.5 mmoles/liter of Sr++ to the reaction solution did not bring about active calcium transport and similarly 1.5 mmoles/liter of Ca++ did not bring about active strontium transport. The inclusion of 1.5 mmoles/liter of Ca++ or Sr++ in the reaction medium did not interfere with the transport of the other ion when the erythrocytes were infused with adenosine triphosphate.
Counting the Number of Magnesium Ions Bound to the Surface-Immobilized Thymine Oligonucleotides That Comprise Spherical Nucleic Acids

Label-free studies carried out under aqueous phase conditions quantify the number of Mg2+ ions binding to surface-immobilized T40 sequences, the subsequent reordering of DNA on the surface, and the consequences of Mg2+ binding for DNA–DNA interactions. Second harmonic generation measurements indicate that, within error, 18–20 Mg2+ ions are bound to the T40 strand at saturation and that the metal–DNA interaction is associated with a near 30% length contraction of the strand. Structural reordering, evaluated using vibrational sum frequency generation, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering, is attributed to increased charge screening as the Mg2+ ions bind to the negatively charged DNA, reducing repulsive Coulomb forces between nucleotides and allowing the DNA single strands to collapse or coil upon themselves. The impact of Mg2+ binding on DNA hybridization and duplex stability is assessed with spherical nucleic acid (SNA) gold nanoparticle conjugates in order to determine an optimal working ...
Time course of exudation from excised corn root segments of different stages of development.

Xylem exudates were collected at hourly intervals from short segments which had been excised from two portions of the primary root of corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings and partially immersed in experimental salt solution containing (86)Rb. All segments showed variation in rates of output of both volume and ions for several hours, after which a steady state was attained which persisted for many hours. Apical segments produced little or no exudate for several hours and did not reach a steady state until 18 or more hours after excision. Basal segments produced exudate containing detectable quantities of isotope within an hour and they reached a steady state about 12 hours after excision. During their respective steady states, apical segments produced three times the volume per hour and translocated eight times as much Rb per hour as did basal segments.These differences in the time course of exudation and the large differences in output are interpreted as indicating that two independent systems of ion transport operate simultaneously in intact roots. If this interpretation is correct, then it would appear that one of these systems has a greater potential capacity for ion transport than the other.
Incarceration among young injectors in San Francisco: associations with risk for hepatitis C virus infection

Background: We describe incarceration history (jail or prison) among a community‐based sample of young injection drug users (IDU) (age<30 years) in San Francisco, and examine associations between selected socio‐demographic and behavioral characteristics and hepatitis hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections.Methods: Cross‐sectional baseline data from study of street‐recruited young IDU in San Francisco were analyzed.Results: In a sample of 839 young IDU, median age was 22 years, 70% were male, 86% had a lifetime history of incarceration, and 56% had been incarcerated in the prior year. Serologic markers of HBV and HCV infections were significantly higher among those with any history of incarceration (29% and 42% respectively) compared with those with no incarceration history. Variables independently associated with recent incarceration were gender (male), homelessness, increased years of injecting, and a history of having ever borrowed previously ...
Studies on Colombian cryptogams. IX. Daltonia fenestrellata (Musci: Daltoniaceae), a new species from Colombia

Daltonia fenestrellata Griffin was collected by A. M. Cleef in the Andes of Colombia in 1973. It is characterized by the cuspidate, incurved or recurved leaf tips, the elongated juxtacostal cells and the apically scabrous seta. It seems most closely allied toD. gomezii Crosby of Costa Rica.
Contrast effects in photoelectron microscopy: UV dose-dependent quantum yields of biological surface components

The relative brightness of photoelectron microscopy images as a function of exposure to UV light has been determined from model systems representative of biological cell surface components. Quantitative data for amino acid homopolymers, L-α-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and the polysaccharide Ficoll are reported as the absolute photoelectron quantum yields. The photoelectron quantum yields increase substantially over the initial values. For example, the quantum yields of poly-L-tyrosine at 200 nm is initially about 5 × 10−8 electrons/incident photon. The quantum yield increases with 254 nm irradiation, leveling off at about 5 × 10−4 electrons/incident photon after a dose of 3 × 1021 quanta cm−2. Pre-irradiation of poly-L-tyrosine in the presence of certain chemical agents, for example, the Lewis base diborane (B2H6), results in a substantial reduction of the dose-dependent increase in quantum yield. Exposure to the reducing agent stannane (SnH4) essentially eliminates the effect. These chemical treatments provide methods of controlling the UV dose-dependent effects in the photoelectron images.
On the nonexistence of nontrivial perfect e -codes and tight 2 e -designs in hamming schemes H(n, q) with e ≥ 3 and q ≥ 3

It is known that if there exist perfecte-codes or tight 2e-designs in a Hamming schemeH(n, q), then all the zeros of the Lloyd polynomial $$F_e \left( x \right) = \sum\limits_{i = 0}^e {\left( { - q} \right)^i \left( {q - 1} \right)^{e - i} } \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {n - i - 1} \\ {e - i} \\ \end{array} } \right)\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {x - 1} \\ i \\ \end{array} } \right)$$ are integers in the interval [1,n]. With some results of Best, we show that ife ≥ 3,n ≥ e + 1, andq ≥ 3, thenF e (x) has a nonintegral zero. Therefore there exist no nontrivial perfecte-codes and tight 2e-designs inH(n,q) ife ≥ 3 andq ≥ 3.
On the behavior of K -out-of- N Hopfield networks

Hopfield neural networks have been successfully applied to problems in areas such as combinatorial optimization, pattern recognition, and vision. Despite the successes, achieving consistency in performance remains an elusive goal. Numerous network parameters such as the initial state of the network dictate network performance, and tuning these parameters has proven to be a complex task. In this paper, we focus on a problem known as the K-out-of-N problem, and analytically explain the variations observed in the time required to achieve a solution for a fixed N as K varies between 1 and N.
The effect of actuator bending on Lamb wave displacement fields generated by a piezoelectric patch

A Lamb wave is a special type of elastic wave that is widely employed in structural health monitoring systems for damage detection. Recently, piezoelectric (piezo) patches have become popular for Lamb wave excitation and sensing because one piezo patch can serve as both the actuator and the sensor. All published work has assumed that the Lamb wave displacement field generated by a piezo patch actuator is axi-symmetric. However, we observed that piezo sensors placed at equal distances from the piezo patch actuator displayed different responses. In order to understand this phenomenon, we used a laser vibrometer to measure the full-field displacements around a circular piezo actuator noncontactly. The displacement fields excited by the piezo patch actuator are found to be directional, and this directionality is also frequency dependent, indicating that the out-of-plane bending dynamics of the piezo actuator may play an important role in the Lamb wave displacement fields. A simulation model that incorporates the bending deformation of the piezo patch into the calculations of the Lamb wave generation is then developed. The agreement between the simulated and measured displacement fields confirmed that the directionality of the Lamb wave displacement fields is governed by the bending deformation of the piezo patch actuator.
Measurement of Interfacial Mechanical Properties in Fiber‐Reinforced Ceramic Composites

On utilise une methode d'indentation dans laquelle un indenteur pyramidal est utilise pour pousser les fibres et provoquer un glissement a l'interface fibre/matrice. L'analyse des resultats permet d'obtenir une mesure de l'energie de rupture de liaison, des contraintes de frottement par glissement, de leur uniformite et de leur sensibilite a un glissement repete
Photo-induced deformation of active polymer films: Single spot irradiation

Light-activated polymers can undergo complex deformation in response to the combination of mechanical and optical stimuli. These materials are attractive for remote actuation and sensing applications. However, the behavior of such materials subjected to photomechanical patterning is not well understood. In this paper we consider a polymer that operates by photoactivated stress relaxation; at the molecular level, photoinitiation of residual initiator molecules generate free radicals that break and then reform in-chain functionalities of stretched chains in an elastomeric network, which results in macroscopic stress relaxation. We carry out experiments and finite element calculations that demonstrate the sequence of deformation events culminating in the formation of a buckled spot as a result of biaxially stretching the elastomeric film then irradiating a circular region followed by releasing the mechanical constraint. In order to better understand the photomechanics, we analyze a simpler model problem wherein a linear elastic, stress relaxing disk is subjected to (i) radial extension, (ii) irradiation of a concentric circular region, and (iii) release of the applied displacements in (i), which results in deformation and stress redistribution. In the final step, the deformation may transition from planar to buckling out of the plane depending on system parameters. Companion finite element calculations are performed against which our analytical results are in good agreement. Although not directly comparable, the analytic model qualitatively agrees with the experiments. The results of this work provide a useful foundation from which to explore more interesting behavior of periodically photo-mechanically patterned films and other more challenging actuation problems.
General Library-Based Monte Carlo Technique Enables Equilibrium Sampling of Semi-atomistic Protein Models

We introduce "library-based Monte Carlo" (LBMC) simulation, which performs Boltzmann sampling of molecular systems based on precalculated statistical libraries of molecular-fragment configurations, energies, and interactions. The library for each fragment can be Boltzmann distributed and thus account for all correlations internal to the fragment. LBMC can be applied to both atomistic and coarse-grained models, as we demonstrate in this "proof-of-principle" report. We first verify the approach in a toy model and in implicitly solvated all-atom polyalanine systems. We next study five proteins, up to 309 residues in size. On the basis of atomistic equilibrium libraries of peptide-plane configurations, the proteins are modeled with fully atomistic backbones and simplified Go-like interactions among residues. We show that full equilibrium sampling can be obtained in days to weeks on a single processor, suggesting that more accurate models are well within reach. For the future, LBMC provides a convenient platform for constructing adjustable or mixed-resolution models: the configurations of all atoms can be stored at no run-time cost, while an arbitrary subset of interactions is "turned on".
A model for the quasiparticle interaction in 3He

Abstract A simple model of the effective quasiparticle potential in liquid 3 He is presented. A lowest-order expansion in the non-locality of the effective potential is made and is found to be accurate. Landau parameters are calculated; their comparison with experiment is excellent.
Chronic cannabinoid agonist (WIN 55,212-2) exposure alters hippocampal dentate gyrus spine density in adult rats.

Abstract Chronic abuse of drugs can result in vast negative repercussions on behavioral and biological systems by altering underlying neurocircuitry. Long-term cannabinoid administration in rats leads to detrimental cellular and dendritic morphology changes. Previous studies have found that chronic treatment with delta-9-THC selectively decreases dendritic morphology and spine density in the dentate gyrus of adolescent rats ( Rubino et al., 2009 ); however, whether these changes are specific to a particular developmental age is not known. The present study evaluated the effects of chronic exposure (7 or 21 days) to WIN 55,212-2 (i.p., 3.7 mg/kg), a potent cannabinoid agonist, on dendritic morphology of dentate gyrus neurons in adult rats. Upon completion of treatment brains were processed for Golgi–Cox staining. No significant effects of WIN 55,212-2 exposure were observed for dendritic branching or length. Spine density was quantified in the inner (proximal), middle, and outer (distal) thirds of the dendritic fields selected to approximate the spatial loci of afferents comprising the associational–commissural pathway, medial perforant path, and lateral perforant path, respectively. Compared to vehicle controls there was a significant reduction in spine density (~1 spine/10 μm) in the inner and middle dendritic segments. The spine density reduction was significant in inner segments following 7 days of treatment. These results suggest that chronic cannabinoid treatment specifically alters spine density in the dendritic targets of the associational–commissural afferents and medial perforant path projections, but not lateral perforant path. The resulting loss of dendritic spine density may be an important factor underlying cannabinoid induced memory impairments.
Latent variable models: Applications in education

Abstract Most theories in the social sciences involve relationships among constructs which are not directly observable. Behavioral measures exist of all constructs, such as intelligence, creativity, and other cognitive traits, aggressiveness, sociability, and other personality and affective characteristics; but these observed measures are usually assumed to be imperfect indicators of the (presumed) underlying construct. The imperfections exist because of errors of measurement and because the observed behavior may be influenced by other underlying constructs in addition to the one of primary interest. Statistical methods, called latent variable models, have been developed to provide rigorous tests of theories involving unobserved variables. This paper describes the major types of latent variable models, shows how they can be applied in educational research, and gives representative examples of their use from the literature.
An Infrared Simulator For Testing Electro-Optical Systems Against Smoke And Obscurants

This paper describes the concept and current status in the development of an infrared simulator for testing electro-optical (EO) sensor systems against smoke/obscurants. The objective of the research is to implement realistic indoor smoke/obscurant testing of a variety of military electro-optical sensor systems under highly repeatable, computer-controllable conditions. The concept is to replay appropriate, previously recorded imagery from free-air smoke/obscurant field tests, utilizing an infrared scene generator. A reduced set of requirements was developed by limiting the application to a HgCdTe-based sensor system, the tank thermal sight, which represents a class of FLIRs that might be tested using the simulator. The simulator's requirements in terms of the role of scattering, target spectral characteristics, dynamic range, time constant, and spatial resolution are discussed. A group of technical approaches to infrared scene generation and their relative attributes are briefly reviewed, and the technical approach selected for continued development is described. The status of the research and performance of the current proof-of-concept image generator are summarized.
Detachment of ribosomes from dog pancreas polysomes without concurrent polypeptide synthesis

Abstract 1. Ribonucleoprotein particles were isolated from dog pancreas cytoplasm and shown to contain polysomes by zone sedimentation velocity analysis, sensitivity to ribonuclease, amino acid incorporation and electron microscopy. The parameters of amino acid incorporation into protein were determined, using as precursor either aminoacyl-tRNA or an amino acid mixture. 2. It was found that release of monomeric ribosomes from polysomes during incorporation from free amino acids was independent of polypeptide synthesis. Ribonuclease activity does not appear to be responsible for this effect. This breakdown of polysomes during incubation in the incorporation mixture was dependent on the presence of GTP and ATP. Polysomes were stabilized under these conditions by NH 4 + , K + , Mg 2+ , or by aminoacyl-tRNA. Since the components responsible for the breakdown phenomena were those participating in the known reactions of protein synthesis, the release of ribosomes may result from the malfunction of the mechanism that links movement of mRNA through the ribosomal decoding site to amino acid incorporation into polypeptides.
Universality away from critical points in two-dimensional phase transitions.

The $p$-state clock model in two dimensions is a system of discrete rotors with a quasiliquid phase in a region ${T}_{1}lTl{T}_{2}$ for $pg4$. We show that, for $pg4$ and above a temperature ${T}_{\mathrm{eu}}$, all macroscopic thermal averages become identical to those of the continuous rotor ($p=\ensuremath{\infty}$). This collapse of thermodynamic observables creates a regime of extended universality in the phase diagram and an emergent symmetry, not present in the Hamiltonian. For $p\ensuremath{\ge}8$, the collapse starts in the quasiliquid phase and makes the transition at ${T}_{2}$ identical to the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition of the continuous rotor. For $p\ensuremath{\le}6$, the transition at ${T}_{2}$ is below ${T}_{\mathrm{eu}}$ and no longer a BKT transition. The results generate a range of experimental predictions, such as the motion of magnetic domain walls, and limits on macroscopic distinguishability of different microscopic interactions.
Do staffing levels predict missed nursing care

Objective. To examine whether actual nurse staffing predicts missed nursing care, controlling for other unit characteristics. Design. This study utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive design. Setting. Ten hospitals in the Midwestern region of the USA. Participants. Nursing staff members with direct care responsibilities (n ¼ 4288) on 110 care units. Main Outcome Measures. The MISSCARE Survey was utilized to capture respondents’ perceptions of missed nursing care as well as other unit characteristics (i.e. demographics, work schedules and absenteeism). Actual staffing data (hours per patient day [HPPD], registered nurse hours per patient day [RN HPPD], skill mix) and unit level case mix index were collected from the participating hospitals for the mean scores of 2 months during survey distribution. Results. HPPD was a significant predictor of missed nursing care (b ¼ 20.45, P ¼ 0.002). Conclusions. Findings from this study suggest that missed nursing care may explain, at least in part, the relationship between staffing levels and patient outcomes.
Patient referrals to a multispecialty asthma clinic

A total of 656 patients with asthma have been referred to a multispecialty pediatric asthma clinic for evaluation; 52 (7.9%): mild; 406 (61.9%): moderate; 177 (27%): severe; and 21 (3.2%): incomplete data. No significant differences in demographics or payer source were observed across disease severity levels. Only 25% of the patients with primary care providers were referred by these practitioners. Over 20% of the mild asthmatics were using inhaled bronchodilators regularly. Only 40% and 50% of the moderate and severe asthmatics, respectively, were using inhaled bronchodilators regularly, and only 19% and 36%, respectively, were on maintenance inhaled corticosteroids. Pressures to reduce subspecialty services may place some of these asthma patients at increased risk for complications from this chronic lung disease.
Considering Race and Space: Mapping Developmental Approaches for Providing Culturally Responsive Advising

This exploratory essay critically examines how social relations structure the production of space on a college campus. In particular, we analyze how the organization of one particular site—the student advising office at a southeastern university—calls attention to the relationship between race and space in ways that re-inscribe narrow definitions of academic advising that are tied to the larger context of the universities and that continue to exclude students of color. Consequently, through this article, we use the university academic advising office as an example of a reified racialized space. To this end, by applying Henri Lefebvre's (1991) concept of critical geography, discourse analysis, and critical race theory to a specific advising session between a black advisor and a black student, we provide a lens to analyze this norming of space within the constraints of a prescriptive approach to advising. The results from our inquiry suggest that institutional interpretations of race have significant materi...
Predicting Quality of Life After Radical Prostatectomy: Results From CaPSURE

ABSTRACTPurpose: We investigated the usefulness of patient and tumor characteristics in predicting continence, potency, and physical and mental health 1 year after radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: We studied 372 men drawn from Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE), a national, longitudinal cohort, who underwent radical prostatectomy alone for localized prostate cancer. Health related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed before and 12 months after (range 9 to 15) surgery with the Physical and Mental Component Summaries of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey and the Sexual and Urinary Function scales of the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index. Covariates included clinical T stage, prostate specific antigen Gleason sum, age, race, income, education, relationship status, comorbidity and overall health self-rating. Chi-square and backward stepwise multivariate analysis identified differences between men who did and did not return to baseline HRQOL postoperatively. Return to baseli...
Development of ODS FeCrAl for Compatibility in Fusion and Fission Energy Applications

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) FeCrAl alloys with 12–15% Cr are being evaluated for improved compatibility with Pb-Li for a fusion energy application and with high temperature steam for a more accident-tolerant light water reactor fuel cladding application. A 12% Cr content alloy showed low mass losses in static Pb-Li at 700°C, where a LiAlO2 surface oxide formed and inhibited dissolution into the liquid metal. All the evaluated compositions formed a protective scale in steam at 1200°C, which is not possible with ODS FeCr alloys. However, most of the compositions were not protective at 1400°C, which is a general and somewhat surprising problem with ODS FeCrAl alloys that is still being studied. More work is needed to optimize the alloy composition, microstructure and oxide dispersion, but initial promising tensile and creep results have been obtained with mixed oxide additions, i.e. Y2O3 with ZrO2, HfO2 or TiO2.
Constraining global isoprene emissions with Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) formaldehyde column measurements

[1] Biogenic isoprene plays an important role in tropospheric chemistry. Current isoprene emission estimates are highly uncertain because of a lack of direct observations. Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a high-yield product of isoprene oxidation. The short photochemical lifetime of HCHO allows the observation of this trace gas to help constrain isoprene emissions. We use HCHO column observations from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME). These global data are particularly useful for studying large isoprene emissions from the tropics, where in situ observations are sparse. Using the global Goddard Earth Observing System–Chemistry (GEOS-CHEM) chemical transport model as the forward model, a Bayesian inversion of GOME HCHO observations from September 1996 to August 1997 is conducted to calculate global isoprene emissions. Column contributions to HCHO from 10 biogenic sources, in addition to biomass-burning and industrial sources, are considered. The inversion of these 12 HCHO sources is conducted separately for eight geographical regions (North America, Europe, east Asia, India, Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia). GOME measurements with high signal-to-noise ratios are used. The a priori simulation greatly underestimates global HCHO columns over the eight geographical regions (bias, −14 to −46%; R = 0.52–0.84). The a posteriori solution shows generally higher isoprene and biomass-burning emissions, and these emissions reduce the model biases for all regions (bias, −3.6 to −25%; R = 0.56–0.84). The negative bias in the a posteriori estimate reflects in part the uncertainty in GOME measurements. The a posteriori estimate of the annual global isoprene emissions of 566 Tg C yr−1 is ∼50% larger than the a priori estimate. This increase of global isoprene emissions significantly affects tropospheric chemistry, decreasing the global mean OH concentration by 10.8% to 0.95 × 106 molecules/cm3. The atmospheric lifetime of CH3CCl3 increases from 5.2 to 5.7 years.
Beta-adrenergic Receptor Blockers in Heart Failure.

Congestive heart failure is a progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Standard therapy for patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction now includes angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and β blockers. β Blockers have been demonstrated to decrease mortality, reduce hospitalizations, improve functional class, decrease left ventricular dimensions, and improve ejection fraction in several large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. In addition to reducing deaths due to progressive heart failure, β blockers also reduce the incidence of sudden death. Therapy with β blockers can successfully be initiated in most patients with heart failure if recommended titration schedules are followed. β Blockers are an important component of medical therapy for all stages of heart failure.
From Republican Party to Republican Religion: The New Political Evangelists of the Right

This essay shows an important shift in the Religious Right from Evangelical participation to Renewalist participation in politics. Renewalists, who are largely Pentecostals, Charismatics and non-denominational Christians, have been lumped into the "Evangelical" category by scholars and the media alike. Yet their theological orientations and concerns drive political questions and actions in different ways. Sarah Palin's placement on the Republican ticket in 2008 as the Vice Presidential candidate represents the first time an explicitly Renewalist Christian has been nominated. Since then, Palin's weaving of her theological orientation has influenced both political activity and Republican candidates in the 2012 election. Butler's essay explores Palin's contribution to this change, and poses questions about how this shift affects the future of the Religious Right.
Electrical transmission system planning/operation-managing change and uncertainty

National Grid Company plc (NGC) as the owner and operator, is responsible for the effective planning, development and operation of the high voltage transmission system in the UK to facilitate competition in generation whilst maintaining standards of the security and quality of electricity supply. This paper gives a review on the impact of the generation market on the planning and operation of the NGC system. Measures taken to manage the change and uncertainty are discussed.
Reducing Li-ion safety hazards through use of non-flammable solvents and recent work at Sandia National Laboratories

Abstract This article will briefly discuss the genesis of the Li-ion chemistry and its meteoric rise to prominence, supplanting aqueous rechargeable batteries such as NiCd and NiMH. The principal intent of this article is to discuss the issues with thermal instability of common Li-ion electrolytes, which detract from the positive attributes of this chemistry. The development of an innovative low-cost non-flammable electrolyte will greatly improve the safety and reliability of lithium batteries, a key technological hurdle that must be overcome for the wider application of this chemistry. This article will also include the advancements made in combating/mitigating solvent flammability through the addition of fire retardants, fluoro-solvents, ionic liquids etc. The scope of the article will be limited to the flammability of non-aqueous solvents and will not include the thermal instability issues of anodes and cathodes. We will elaborate using examples from our in-house research aimed at mitigating solvent flammability by using hydrofluoro ethers (HFEs) as a cosolvent. Additionally, we will describe in-house capabilities for prototyping 18,650 cells and in-house thermal abuse test capabilities that allow us to evaluate materials and their thermal responses in actual cell configurations.
Simultaneous measurement of local gain and electron density in X-ray lasers

X-ray lasers (XRLs) have experimental average gains that are significantly less than calculated values and a persistently low level of spatial coherence. An XRL has been used both as an injected signal to a short XRL amplifier and as an interferometer beam to measure two-dimensional local gain and density profiles of the XRL plasma with a resolution near 1 micrometer. The measured local gain is in agreement with atomic models but is unexpectedly spatially inhomogeneous. This inhomogeneity is responsible for the low level of spatial coherence observed and helps explain the disparity between observed and simulated gains.
Influence of bond interchange reactions on mechanical behavior of solid poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Reported are a pair of studies exploring the possible role of transesterification during the deformation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) near its glass transition temperature. SANS experiments on PET-D/PET-H blends were carried out on films drawn according to the method of Petermann and Gohil at 70 and 90°C. In order to avoid effects of orientation on the SANS pattern, the measurements were made on liquid solutions made from the drawn material. The results show a decrease in the D-sequence length upon deformation, while the molecular weight of the chain is unchanged. This result indicates that bond exchange has taken place. Based upon the SANS results, an approximate activation energy in the 8-24 kcal/mol range is reported for bond interchange. To test the hypothesis that transesterification may play a role in the mechanical behavior of PET near T g , creep measurements were carried out over a temperature range on either side of T g . Activation energies obtained from time-temperature superposition shift factors showed a dual behavior: above T g the activation energy matches those for diffusive processes in PET ; below T g the activation energy coincides with activation energies reported for exchange reactions in this material. The role of annealing prior to deformation is also reported, and it is shown that the activation energy increases rapidly with increasing annealing temperature.
Ketoglutarate dehydrogenase from ribbed mussel gill mitochondria: Modulation by adenine nucleotides and calcium ions

The transient accumulation of proline in the gills of the osmotically stressed ribbed mussel (Modiolus demissus), may be controlled by a transient regulation of the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) activity. In this study, KGDH was partially purified from lysed mitochondria of gill tissue by differential centrifugation techniques. Various modulators of enzyme activity assayed at a saturating concentration (2.5 mM) of ketoglutarate (KG), showed inhibition by high concentrations of Cl− (10–100 mM) and a slight activation or inhibition by the other compounds (10 mM), when assayed in the absence of added Ca++. Addition of Ca++ at pH 7.2 caused no change in Ks0.5 for KG and a 1.5-fold increase in Vmax whereas at pH 7.8, no change in Vmax but a 40–50% decrease in Ks0.5 and slight positive cooperative effects (“napp” 1.4–1.7) were observed. At pH 7.8, addition of adenine nucleotides (AMP, ADP, ATP at 5mM) had no effect on the Vmax; however, ATP and ADP lowered the Ks0.5 by 3.5–4-fold. The CoA derivatives of short chain fatty acids were found to inhibit the enzyme by 30–60%. This inhibition was reversed by Ca++ but only at higher KG concentrations (250 μM). The enzyme showed a major change in activity at nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ratio (NAD/NADH) > 1, an effect that could not be modified by Ca++. It appears, therefore, that the mussel gill KGDH is mainly regulated by changes in mitochondrial pH and ketoglutarate or adenine nucleotide levels, rather than by changes in mitochondrial calcium levels.
On the empirical constants in the dorn equation

Abstract A plot of the frequency-of-correspondence of a given value of n (the stress exponent in the power-law creep equation) against n shows that the value n = 4.5 has no special significance. A correllation exists between n and the other constant of the equation, A, which suggests instead that the value n = 3 does have a special meaning: it is probably the only value for which the Dorn equation has a physically plausible meaning.
Observed and WRF-Simulated Low-Level Winds in a High-Ozone Episode during the Central California Ozone Study

Abstract A case study is carried out for the 29 July–3 August 2000 episode of the Central California Ozone Study (CCOS), a typical summertime high-ozone event in the Central Valley of California. The focus of the study is on the low-level winds that control the transport and dispersion of pollutants in the Central Valley. An analysis of surface and wind profiler observations from the CCOS field experiment indicates a number of important low-level flows in the Central Valley: 1) the incoming low-level marine airflow through the Carquinez Strait into the Sacramento River delta, 2) the diurnal cycle of upslope–downslope flows, 3) the up- and down-valley flow in the Sacramento Valley, 4) the nocturnal low-level jet in the San Joaquin Valley, and 5) the orographically induced mesoscale eddies (the Fresno and Schultz eddies). A numerical simulation using the advanced research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) reproduces the overall pattern of the observed low-level flows. The physical ...
62-Year-Old Woman With Fever, Dyspnea, Pleuritic Chest Pain, and Weight Loss

A 62-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented for evaluation of chronic pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, cough, odynophagia, fatigue, weight loss of 16.6 kg (30 lb), and migratory joint pains. Ten years earlier, RA had been diagnosed on the basis of polyarticular inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid factor (RF) had subsequently been positive and anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies negative. No signs or symptoms of underlying connective tissue disease (CTD) had been reported, and no serologic testing for CTD performed. For the past 6 years, the patient had been taking etanercept, methotrexate, and prednisone. Five months before presentation, findings on computed tomography (CT) of the chest reportedly were consistent with RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) or methotrexate-induced lung injury. Pulmonary function testing displayed a restrictive pattern. Methotrexate use was discontinued. One month before presentation, use of etanercept was discontinued because of leukopenia and perioral “fever blisters,” presumed to be adverse effects of medication. On arrival to our institution, her medication regimen was prednisone at 7.5 mg/d, sitagliptin-metformin, levothyroxine, lisinopril, pantoprazole, and simvastatin, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as needed.
Accuracy of AlGaAs growth rates and composition determination using RHEED oscillations

Abstract We investigate the sources of uncertainty in the measurement of the reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) intensity oscillations during growth of AlAs, GaAs, and AlGaAs on GaAs substrates, and the resulting effects on predicted growth rates and composition. Sources of error examined include beam positioning, flux transients, substrate size, ‘beat’ phenomena in the RHEED oscillations, substrate temperature, and incident beam direction. We find that flux transients and flux nonuniformity are the dominant systematic errors in predicting growth rates and composition with RHEED. From flux uniformity measurements, we estimate the beam positioning error for our growth system to be 0.2–0.6%/mm, and substrate size to impact the uncertainty by as much as several percent. In addition to these errors, flux transients can cause an uncertainty of up to 1%. We also present a procedure that uses the measured variance in the growth rates to calculate the composition with the smallest mean square error.
In vivo GnRH responsiveness of LH secretion in the female turtle, Trachemys scripta, in relation to the reproductive stage.

Abstract The effects of several forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the in vivo secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) were investigated in the female turtle Trachemys scripta. Serial injections of large vitellogenic turtles with 1-2 μg (ca. 0.15 μg/100 g turtle) of chicken GnRH-I (cGnRH-I) and multiple blood sampling revealed that mature females were unresponsive to GnRRH. In contrast, both forms of avian GnRH, cGnRH-I and cGnRH-II, and an avian GnRH analogue (GnRHa) significantly increased circulating levels of LH in previtellogenic turtles. In these turtles, plasma LH increased within 10 min after the initial injection of 0.5 μg GnRHa or cGnRH-I, but this increase in LH was generally transient and could not be sustained for more than 2 hr even with repeated GnRH injections. Turtles treated with GnRHa on Day 1 showed attenuated pituitary responsiveness to subsequent GnRH challenges on Day 2, whereas turtles treated with both native forms of chicken GnRH remained equally responsive on Day 2. In vitro, GnRHa was more resistant to degradation in plasma than both native forms of GnRH, and the clearance rate of GnRHa in vivo was also slower than that of cGnRH-I. The results show, for the first time, that in vivo GnRH administration stimulates and desensitizes LH secretion in the turtles, but the GnRH responsiveness is related to reproductive status. Furthermore, the results suggest that the desensitizing effects of various forms of GnRH in vivo may be related to their clearance rate.
Pleistocene and dinosaur gelatins.

Abstract 1. 1. Amino acid analyses have been made of the fossil proteins from several dinosaur and two previously studied Pleistocene bones and of peptide mixtures derived from them. 2. 2. More than 90% of the protein of the Pleistocene fossils and 30–60% of that of the dinosaurs was solubilized by heating with water at 110°C. 3. 3. For the Pleistocene gelatins from 70 to 90% of their amino acids were present as peptides, for the dinosaur gelatins the peptide content has lain between 60 and 75%. Peptides and free acids in the gelatins have been separated by Sephadex filtration. 4. 4. Most of the fossil proteins not solubilized by water could be rendered soluble by mild treatments with HCl and up to 60% of this product was in the form of peptides.
Impact of clinical trial protocols on patient care systems at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Clinical trial protocols represent a significant component of the research program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Currently, there are nearly 800 active protocols using more than 150 investigational drugs. Sponsors of these trials include the National Cancer Institute, numerous pharmaceutical companies, and a variety of other funding sources. Because of our large patient base, however, routine participation in cooperative groups is limited. The impact of clinical trial protocols on patient care systems is a growing concern that is addressed primarily by the Surveillance Committee at M.D. Anderson. Like many institutional review boards, this committee reviews all protocols and must grant approval before the activation of any clinical trial
Social informatics: Perspectives, examples, and trends

Les AA. definissent ce qu'est l'informatique sociale et passent en revue la litterature recente sur le sujet, les tendances actuelles et emergentes, les opportunites et les questions encore non explorees, notamment pour l'enseignement et la pratique professionnelle. L'importance du contexte social et le pluralisme methodologique sont les deux principes de l'informatique sociale. Les resultats communs issus de la recherche concernent les effets paradoxaux de l'utilisation des technologies de l'information et de la communication (TIC) ; comment l'utilisation des TIC avantage certains groupes plus que d'autres et les consequences ethiques et morales de ces differences ; la relation reciproque entre la conception, l'implementation, l'utilisation des TIC et le contexte dans lequel cela se produit.
Taking ALPS down a Notch

Notch activation is an early and critical event during T-cell leukemogenesis, hence Notch signal inhibition is a desirable and feasible intervention to abrogate the process of lymphocyte accumulation and antibody production secondary to apoptosis defects as shown in 2 murine models here. However, prudent and diligent assessment of the risks and benefits of any such therapies should be imperative, especially in many nonmalignant lymphoproliferative and autoimmune disorders, including autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS).
Identification and Partial Characterization of a Mr 105,000 Nucleolar Antigen Associated with Cell Proliferation

Abstract This study reports the identification and partial characterization of a novel M r 105,000 nucleolar antigen (P105) identified by a monoclonal antibody. This monoclonal antibody was obtained when a nucleolar protein extract separated from the immunodominant protein C23 was used as the immunogen. Nucleolar antigen P105 was not detected in normal (resting) human liver, kidney, or peripheral blood lymphocytes but was present in a variety of human malignant cells and tissues. Lymphocyte nucleoli also exhibited specific P105 staining after 72 h of phytohemagglutinin stimulation. Nucleolar antigen P105 was detected in growing and dividing HL 60 cells but was not detected in retinoic acid-induced differentiated HL 60 cells. When HeLa cells were made quiescent by 48 h of serum starvation, the P105 antigen was not detected, but after refeeding with serum-containing medium, the antigen P105 was detected in the HeLa nucleoli within 2 h. These results indicate that nucleolar antigen P105 is a proliferating cell nuclear and nucleolar antigen-like molecule which appears early in the G 1 -S phase of the cell cycle.
RUMU editor: a non-WYSIWYG web editor for non-technical users

This paper discusses RUMU Editor, a prototype of a non-WYSIWYG web editor for non-technical users. Users often struggle with WYSIWYG web editors, and the code produced is notoriously bad. RUMU aims to improve the user experience and the resulting websites by providing a simple semantic markup language for the user, changing how styles are applied, simplifying and automating complex aspects of web design, and enabling users to make responsible choices. I conducted usability studies to compare RUMU to iWeb, a WYSIWYG editor, the results of which suggest that users are more satisfied and successful with RUMU. In a case study, two users created real personal websites using iWeb or RUMU. In a blind survey, web designers preferred the websites and source generated by RUMU.