cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The geometry of finite dimensional algebras with vanishing radical square

Abstract Let Λ be a basic finite dimensional algebra over an algebraically closed field, with the property that the square of the Jacobson radical J vanishes. We determine the irreducible components of the module variety Rep d ( Λ ) for any dimension vector d. Our description leads to a count of the components in terms of the underlying Gabriel quiver. A closed formula for the number of components when Λ is local extends existing counts for the two-loop quiver to quivers with arbitrary finite sets of loops. For any algebra Λ with J 2 = 0 , our criteria for identifying the components of Rep d ( Λ ) permit us to characterize the modules parametrized by the individual irreducible components. Focusing on such a component, we explore generic properties of the corresponding modules by establishing a geometric bridge between the algebras with zero radical square on the one hand and their stably equivalent hereditary counterparts on the other. The bridge links certain closed subvarieties of Grassmannians parametrizing the modules with fixed top over the two types of algebras. By way of this connection, we transfer results of Kac and Schofield from the hereditary case to algebras of Loewy length 2. Finally, we use the transit of information to show that any algebra of Loewy length 2 which enjoys the dense orbit property in the sense of Chindris, Kinser and Weyman has finite representation type.
Automated Driving The Role of Forecasts and Uncertainty - A Control Perspective

Abstract Driving requires forecasts. Forecasted movements of objects in the driving scene are uncertain. Inevitably, decision and control algorithms for autonomous driving need to cope with such uncertain forecasts. In assisted driving, the uncertainty in the human/vehicle interaction further increases the complexity of the control design task. Our research over the past ten years has focused on control design methods which systematically handle uncertain forecasts for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. This paper presents an overview of our findings and discusses relevant aspects of our recent results.
Food Selection by Belding's Ground Squirrels in Relation to Plant Nutritional Features

Un ordre de selection a ete determine pour un ecureuil en utilisant differents indicateurs pour les 11 especes de plants etudiees et les parties de la plante, sous des conditions controlees. La relation entre la selection de nourriture et les caracteristiques nutritionnelles des plantes a ete examinee
Renal gluconeogenesis and blood flow during endotoxic shock.

Objectives: To determine whether endotoxic shock decreases the renal gluconeogenic capacity and the renal artery blood flow. Methods: An in-vivo, murine, nonrecirculating kidney perfusion model was studied in a trauma research laboratory. Each of 12 fasted, male Holtzman rats (shock n = 6, control n = 6) was injected with 1 mL of normal saline or endotoxin (20 mg/kg). Five hours after the injection, all the rats were anesthetized and blood samples were obtained for the determination of the plasma glucose. Right renal artery blood flow was measured by an ultrasonic small-animal flow meter. The kidney was then perfused via the renal artery with 37°C, oxygenated, glucose-free Krebs-Henseleit solution in the presence of 100 μmol of phloridzin to inhibit the cellular uptake of glucose. Renal glucose production was determined by measuring glucose in both renal vein effluent and urine. After 30 minutes of equilibration, 5 mmol of lactate and 0.5 mmol of pyruvate were added to the perfusate as a gluconeogenic substrate. Renal vein and ureteral effluent samples were collected after 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Results: The endotoxic shock group showed hypoglycemia (p < 0.05) as well as a decrease in renal artery blood flow (p < 0.05). Gluconeogenic stimulation was demonstrable in both the control and the endotoxic shock groups after 15 minutes of perfusion with substrate (p < 0.05). However, renal gluconeogenesis was significantly attenuated in the endotoxic shock group compared with the control. Conclusions: Renal glucose production in response to a gluconeogenic substrate is significantly attenuated during the hypoglycemic phase of endotoxic shock. Endotoxic shock also causes a significant decrease of renal artery blood flow
Host preferences of some acridids (Insecta: Orthoptera) in relation to some biochemical parameters

Biochemical analysis of host plants of 6 species of acridids for their total protein, carbohydrates, phenols, free aminoacids, water and nitrogen content revealed significant correlation in regard to their host preferences, wherein the leaf water-nitrogen index as well as the total phenol composition appeared to play an important role.
On the physical role of motivational forces in the operation of the biosphere

Motivational forces are discussed within the context of the physical operation of the terrestrial biosphere as an information processing system. The main categories of needs and desires that motivate the actions of individual organisms can be understood within the concept of information maximization as the apparent operational objective and criterion of performance of the biospheric system. Motivational forces such as the urge for activity, the instinct for survival, as well as the needs that are aimed at genetic and cultural reproduction, can be quantitatively expressed in a common currency by translating them into the equivalent amounts of biospheric information that they are contributing.
A Role for Phospholipase A2 Activity in Membrane Tubule Formation and TGN Trafficking

We have investigated the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes in generating membrane tubules at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Constitutive TGN membrane tubules and those induced by over-expressing kinase dead protein kinase D were inhibited by the PLA2 inhibitors ONO-RS-082 (ONO) and bromoenol lactone. These antagonists also inhibited secretory delivery of both soluble and transmembrane cargoes. Finally, use of the reversible antagonist ONO and time-lapse imaging revealed for the first time that PLA2 antagonists inhibit the initiation of membrane tubule formation at the TGN. Thus, PLA2 enzymes appear to have an important role in the earliest steps of membrane tubule formation at the TGN, which are utilized for membrane trafficking.
Thermal Management of Downhole Oil and Gas Logging Sensors for HTHP Applications Using Nanoporous Materials

One of the main challenges in designing oil & gas downhole wireline logging tools for high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) environments is to put together the most efficient thermal packaging to enhance the tool’s temperature survival time. In general, not all electronic components and sensors can withstand severe downhole temperature (max 500 degrees Fahrenheit). For those heat sensitive components, their electrical response and performance either decay or in some cases they completely fail when their temperature exceeds 300° F. In oil & gas wireline logging applications, the heat sensitive components can be thermally protected inside a Dewar vacuum flask that includes one or two thermal isolators and heat sinks. Cooler electronic components results in longer logging times that lead to a much higher performance and profitability. This paper first discusses the development of a one-dimensional analytical model to determine the transient temperature of heat sensitive sensors and electronic components in wireline logging tools. Second, it introduces a new and improved thermal packaging scheme based on a newly developed and commercially available nanoporous material. This material has a very low thermal conductivity and is used as a thermal shield between the outside environment and the electronics inside the flask. The new packaging scheme also includes a new design for the heat sink which is made of several solid disks separated by this nanoporous material. Results from this new design have shown roughly a 30% improvement compared with the conventional design. Results from both analytical and laboratory tests are discussed in this paper.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Understanding Herder-Farmer Conflicts in West Africa: Outline of a Processual Approach

While West African herders and farmers have long coexisted in symbiotic relationships that endure both peace and contentious engagements, reports of violent clashes between these two groups are becoming more frequent. It is urgent that we understand when, how, and why resource-related conflicts between herders and farmers escalate into widespread violence between whole communities. Until now, we have not been asking an important question: Why are most conflicts peacefully resolved while others in the same area escalate into violent engagement? In this paper, I outline a processual approach of addressing that question. While structural approaches have offered fruitful explanations of why there are herder-farmer conflicts, viewing these conflicts as dynamic processes can explain variability in outcomes across the many conflicts that may occur within the same context. I present this analytical approach by discussing studies of herder-farmer conflicts in Burkina Faso and Cameroon that, escalating, resulted in multiple deaths.
Application and evaluation of classification algorithms to a finite element model of a three-dimensional truss structure for nondestructive damage detection

The objective of this paper is to apply and evaluate the relative performance of classification algorithms for nondestructive damage detection (NDD). The classification algorithm are obtained form various forms of Baye's Rule. An established theory of damage localization, which yields information on the location of the damage directly form changes in mode shapes, is selected. Next, the application of classification is performed to the existing theory of damage localization. Expressions for the classification algorithms using the damage indicator functions from the damage localization theory are generated. Criteria for the evaluation of the proposed classification algorithms are then generated. Using the classification algorithms, damage localization is attempted in a numerical model of a 3D truss structure which contains simulated damage at various locations. Finally, the accuracy and reliability of the classification algorithms is evaluated using the established criteria.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vaccinia Virus A36R Membrane Protein Provides a Direct Link between Intracellular Enveloped Virions and the Microtubule Motor Kinesin

Previous work demonstrated that intracellular enveloped vaccinia virus virions use microtubules to move from the site of membrane wrapping to the cell periphery. The mechanism and direction of intracellular virion movement predicted that viral proteins directly or indirectly interact with the microtubule motor protein kinesin. The yeast two-hybrid assay was used to test for interactions between the light chain of kinesin and the cytoplasmic tails from five viral envelope proteins. We found that the N-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat region of the kinesin light chain (KLC-TPR) interacted with the cytoplasmic tail of the viral A36R protein. A series of C- and N-terminal truncations of A36R further defined a region from residues 81 to 111 that was sufficient for interaction with KLC-TPR. Interactions were confirmed by using pull-down assays with purified glutathione S-transferase (GST)-A36R and (35)S-labeled KLC-TPR. The defined region on A36R for interaction with kinesin overlaps the recently defined region (residues 91 to 111) for interaction with the A33R envelope protein. The yeast three-hybrid system was used to demonstrate that expression of A33R interrupted the interaction between A36R and KLC-TPR, indicating that the binding of A36R is mutually exclusive to either A33R or kinesin. Pull-down assays with purified GST-A36R and (35)S-labeled KLC-TPR in the presence of competing A33R corroborated these findings. Collectively, these results demonstrated that the viral A36R protein interacts directly with the microtubule motor protein kinesin and that the viral protein A33R may regulate this interaction.
A modified purification method and properties of pure porcine d-amino acid oxidase

Abstract DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography now has been used for the final step in purification of d -amino acid oxidase apoenzyme. A specific enzymatic activity of 35–37 units/mg has been obtained for the pure holoenzyme. The purity has been established by disc and SDS gel electrophoreses and by sedimentation equilibrium. The molecular weight per enzyme monomer has been found to be 38,000 ± 1000. Each enzyme monomer binds one FAD and one benzoate with dissociation constants at 23 °C and pH 8.5 of 5.35 × 10 −7 m and 1.96 × 10 −6 m , respectively. The holoenzyme is more negatively charged than the apoenzyme at alkaline pH. The amino acid composition and some other physicochemical properties of the oxidase are reported.
The 1×1/1×2 phase transition of the TiO2() surface––variation of transition temperature with crystal composition

Abstract We use low-energy electron diffraction and low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM) to show that the TiO 2 (1 1 0) surface can reversibly transform between a high-temperature 1×1 phase and a low-temperature 1×2 phase. We find that the 1×1/1×2 transition occurs for a range of stoichiometry in oxygen-deficient crystals. To be quantitative about the stoichiometry dependence of the transition temperature, we accurately measure the crystal stoichiometry by using LEEM to determine the temperature at which crystallographic shear planes disappear from the bulk. In this way we show that the transition temperature increases with decreasing bulk oxygen content. By applying the Claperyon equation, we argue that this temperature dependence implies that the 1×1 and 1×2 surface phases have significantly different stoichiometries, with the 1×2 phase being Ti-rich compared to the 1×1 phase.
Cracking of brittle films on elastic substrates

Abstract An analysis is presented that relates the crack spacing in a brittle film on an elastic substrate to the stress in the film, its thickness and fracture toughness. This analysis differs from an earlier one presented by one of the authors in that it considers the effect of a sequential, rather than a concerted, propagation of cracks, and predicts a larger crack spacing. The validity of the present analysis was confirmed by experimental results from a model system consisting of epitaxial PrBa2Cu3O7−x films on SrTiO3 substrates. The experimentally observed relationship between the crack spacing and the film thickness was in excellent agreement with the theory.
Effective list length and part-whole transfer in first-graders' multitrial free recall

Abstract First-gradens' multitrial free recall shows an effective list-length (ELL) effect: an initial recall gain followed by a constant output level that fluctuates in item content. The part-whole transfer paradigm was used to investigate ELL. The ELL effect occurred in whole-list learning regardless of whether the prior task consisted of relevant practice, irrelevant practice, or an unrelated task. Relevant part-list learning resulted in positive transfer which declined from a high to a marginal level over the course of whole-list learning. Other analyses indicated a general deficit in the use of strategies. A response-strength model was used to explain the ELL effect and the transfer results.
From Hand‐Crafted to Electronic: Designing a Digital Mural that Brings an Archive to Life

Purpose – This feature aims to demonstrate how an idea, enormous creativity and commitment and being able to integrate the emerging technologies to achieve such a political and social statement into a new format can be done.Design/methodology/approach – Describes how a pair of artists, one of whom is a librarian, and an archive collaborated to produce a mural that includes images and first person quotes.Findings – The final artwork exists only as a digital file. The artists have also collaborated to produce a web site that includes a budding online story‐telling community. Included are samples of the mural.Originality/value – Provides a summary of an innovative idea of interest to information professionals.
Current Controversies in the Study of Personality across Cultures

Research on culture and personality is thriving. In this article, I address several prominent controversies, including: (a) alternative perspectives on the relationship between culture and personality; (b) the cross-cultural universality versus specificity of personality structure; (c) whether comparisons of mean inventory profiles reveal valid cultural differences in trait levels; and (d) the importance and role of the trait concept across cultures. Greater consensus regarding the relationship between culture and personality will likely be achieved if researchers clarify which aspects of personality they are addressing (e.g., basic tendencies vs. characteristic adaptations). Recent lexical and indigenous studies have weakened consensus regarding the universality and comprehensiveness of the Five-Factor Model. The validity of cultural mean profiles remains unresolved. Research on the importance of traits across cultures provides support for both trait and cultural psychology perspectives, although more culture-comparative studies of consistency and predictive validity are needed. Suggestions for research are offered.
Oxidation studies of hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon surfaces, atomically clean and subsequently oxidized to up to 20 A oxide thickness, were studied using AES and UPS. The oxidation was made in O2 in the pressure range 10−9 Torr to 5 atm and at 23 and 300°C. The oxidation rate at 23°C was found to be the same as that of crystalline silicon while at 300°C it was appreciably faster. Changes in the d N(E)dE AES Si LVV line shape near 80 eV upon oxidation could be correlated to changes in the silicon-oxygen bonding level observed in UPS. The detailed line shape of the AES Si LVV transition indicates that at 300°C a more homogeneous oxide is produced than at 23°C.
The Engaged Public – Political Science Gap: An Analysis of New York Times Non-Fiction Bestsellers on Politics

There is an often-noted gap between political scientists and policymakers. This article examines the related but less investigated gap between political scientists and the engaged public. Reasons for the gap are explored by making inferences about public preferences through an examination of New York Times non-fiction bestsellers on politics from 1985 to 2009. The analysis suggests that although non-fiction readers have an interest in a wide range of political issues, political scientists often fail to reach the engaged public for several reasons, such as due to the public’s increasing consumption of books of a partisan or ideological nature versus the norm of objectivity in academic research. On the basis of an examination of bestsellers on politics, this study explores the nature of the engaged public – political science divide and considers ways of potentially bridging the gap.
D-Alanyl-D-Lactate and D-Alanyl-D-Alanine Synthesis by D-Alanyl-D-Alanine Ligase from Vancomycin-resistant Leuconostoc mesenteroides EFFECTS OF A PHENYLALANINE 261 TO TYROSINE MUTATION *

The Gram-positive bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides, ATCC 8293, is intrinsically resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. This phenotype correlates with substitution of D-Ala-D-lactate (D-Ala-D-Lac) termini for D-Ala-D-Ala termini in peptidoglycan intermediates in which the depsipeptide has much lower affinity than the dipeptide for vancomycin binding. Overproduction of the L. mesenteroides D-Ala-D-Ala ligase (LmDdl) 2 in E. coli and its purification to approximately 90% homogeneity allow demonstration that the LmDdl2 does have both depsipeptide and dipeptide ligase activity. Recently, we reported that mutation of an active site tyrosine (Tyr), Tyr216, to phenylalanine (Phe) in the E. coli DdlB leads to gain of D-Ala-D-Lac depsipeptide ligase activity in that enzyme. The vancomycin-resistant LmDdl2 has a Phe at the equivalent site, Phe261. To test the prediction that a Tyr residue predicts dipeptide ligase while an Phe residue predicts both depsipeptide and dipeptide ligase activity, the F261Y mutant protein of LmDdl2 was constructed and purified to approximately 90% purity. F216Y LmDdl2 showed complete loss of the ability to couple D-Lac but retained D-Ala-D-Ala dipeptide ligase activity. The Tyr-->Phe substitution on the active site omega-loop in D-Ala-D-Ala ligases is thus a molecular indicator of both the ability to make D-Ala-D-Lac and intrinsic resistance to the vancomycin class of glycopeptide antibiotics.
Archaeology and world-systems analysis

Abstract Many archaeologists have criticized world-systems analysis (WSA) for being overly economistic, ignoring individual actors and importing modern analyses to ancient settings where they are inappropriate. Those criticisms are directed largely at Immanuel Wallerstein's original formulation that was explicitly developed to explain contemporary global inequalities within and among states. In that sense there is validity to these charges. We argue, however, that most of these critiques of WSA have been misplaced. They seem to be rooted in lack of attention to modifications and extensions of WSA over the last three decades intended to address these issues, and often demonstrate a lack of familiarity with a host of WSA studies since 1974. We further argue this newer comparative WSA is a work in progress, which can be useful to archaeologists in the study of regional interactions and long-term development, and to which archaeologists are the most qualified to contribute in order to further the modification...
Simulation and Predictability in a Coupled TOGA Model

A model of the tropical ocean and global atmosphere is described. It consists of an aqua-planet form of version one of the NCAR Community Climate Model coupled to a primitive equation model for the upper tropical ocean in a rectangular basin. At 24-year simulation is described that has almost no climate drift, a good simulation of the mean temperature gradient across the ocean, but smaller than observed annual and interannual variability. The coupled model is analyzed to see where it occurs on the schematic bifurcation diagram of Neelin. In years 9-16 of the simulation there is a dominant oscillation with a period of two years. The spatial pattern of this oscillation shows up clearly in the first empirical orthogonal function calculated from monthly averages of sea surface temperature anomalies. A series of 19 model-twin predictability out to a year. The predictability times are marginally increased if only the coefficient of the first empirical orthogonal function of monthly averaged sea surface temperature anomalies or NINO3 sea surface temperature is predicted. There is some evidence to indicate that it is easier to predict the onset of a model warm event than to predict the onset of a model cold event. More detailedmore » analysis of the first model-twin experiment shows that the initial divergence in the integrations is a change at day 6 in the incoming solar radiation due to a change in the atmospheric model clouds. The dominant early change in sea surface temperature occurs by this change in radiative heat flux. If the cloud feedback is set to zero, then the first changes are delayed to day 12 and occur in the evaporative and sensible heat fluxes and in the atmospheric wind stress. In this case the dominant early change to sea surface temperature is by advection due to the changed wind stress. 16 refs., 55 figs.« less
A total synthesis trilogy: calicheamicin γ1(I), Taxol®, and brevetoxin A.

Detailed behind-the-scenes accounts of the total syntheses of calicheamicin γ1I, Taxol®, and brevetoxin A are discussed with particular emphasis placed on strategies and tactics employed in these campaigns. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201200005
Salvage surgery or salvage radiotherapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer

Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of salvage radiation or surgery for locally recurrent tumor after initial treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods. The treatment records of 70 patients with local treatment failure after definitive therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer were reviewed. Initial treatment consisted of external beam radiation therapy (RT) in 27 patients and radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) in 43 patients. Results. The mean serum PSA levels were similar in both groups before initial treatment: 8.5 and 10.5 ng/mL for the salvage RP and salvage RT groups, respectively (P = 0.09). However, at the time of salvage treatment, the mean serum PSA levels were 9.1 and 1.1 ng/mL for the salvage RP and salvage RT groups, respectively (P = 0.0001). The mean time from tumor recurrence to salvage treatment was 15.6 months for the salvage RP group and 4.9 months for the salvage RT group (P = 0.0001). Although there was no statistical difference in the disease-free survival rate (P = 0.38), a trend for better disease control in the salvage RT group was evident (74.4% versus 44.4%). Patients treated with salvage RP had a higher rate of urinary incontinence than those undergoing salvage RT: 63% and 32.6%, respectively (P = 0.01). Conclusions. The disease-free survival rate was similar between patients receiving salvage RP or RT, despite the significantly higher serum PSA levels at the time of treatment and the delay in time to treatment for the salvage RP patients. Salvage RP is associated with a high rate of urinary incontinence. Earlier identification of tumor recurrence after RT may improve the efficacy and safety of salvage RP.
The electronic spectra of fluorene, dibenzofuan and carbazole☆

Abstract The lowest energy π → π ∗ transition of fluorene vapor has its origin at 33773 cm −1 and has been assigned as a 1 A → 1 L b transition. Two π → π ∗ transitions have been observed for dibenzofuran vapor. The one with the origin at 31488 cm −1 has been assigned as a 1 A → 1 L b transition; while the one which originates at 33647 cm −1 was assigned 1 A → 1 L a . The strong π → π ∗ transition of carbazole which originated at 36346 cm −1 , was assigned 1 A → 1 L a . The weaker π → π ∗ band system, originating at 30694 cm −1 , was assigned 1 A → 1 L b . Tentative assignments were made for the 30694 cm −1 band system of carbazobe. Molecular orbital calculations were performed which predicted that (i) carbazole would have the lowest transition energy, dibenzofuran intermediate, and fluorene the highest, (ii) the lowest singlet-singlet transition would be polarized along the axis which contains the hetero-atom, and (iii) this lowest transition should be weaker than the second lowest transition. All of these predictions have been confirmed experimentally.
Endolymphatic stromal myosis: Surgical and hormonal therapy for extensive venous recurrence

The surgical management for recurrent endolymphatic stromal myosis metastatic to the inferior vena cava is described. Positive estrogen and progesterone receptors in the resected tumor are reported. A plan of therapy is suggested for patients with endolymphatic stromal myosis, including a rationale for adjuvant progestin therapy.
A Phase 1 Trial of pharmacologic interactions between transdermal selegiline and a 4-hour cocaine infusion

The selective MAO-B inhibitor selegiline has been evaluated in clinical trials as a potential medication for the treatment of cocaine dependence. This study evaluated the safety of and pharmacologic interactions between 7 days of transdermal selegiline dosed with patches (Selegiline Transdermal System, STS) that deliver 6 mg/24 hours and 2.5 mg/kg of cocaine administered over 4 hours. Twelve nondependent cocaine-experienced subjects received deuterium-labeled cocaine-d5 intravenously (IV) 0.5 mg/kg over 10 minutes followed by 2 mg/kg over 4 hours before and after one week of transdermal selegiline 6 mg/24 hours. Plasma and urine were collected for analysis of selegiline, cocaine, catecholamine and metabolite concentrations. Pharmacodynamic measures were obtained. Selegiline did not change cocaine pharmacokinetic parameters. Selegiline administration increased phenylethylamine (PEA) urinary excretion and decreased urinary MHPG-sulfate concentration after cocaine when compared to cocaine alone. No serious adverse effects occurred with the combination of selegiline and cocaine, and cocaine-induced physiological effects were unchanged after selegiline. Only 1 peak subjective cocaine effects rating changed, and only a few subjective ratings decreased across time after selegiline. No pharmacological interaction occurred between selegiline and a substantial dose of intravenous cocaine, suggesting the combination will be safe in pharmacotherapy trials. Selegiline produced few changes in subjective response to the cocaine challenge perhaps because of some psychoactive neurotransmitters changing in opposite directions.
The Pit-1 Homeodomain and β-Domain Interact with Ets-1 and Modulate Synergistic Activation of the Rat Prolactin Promoter

Pit-1/GHF-1 is a pituitary-specific, POU homeodomain transcription factor required for development of somatotroph, lactotroph, and thyrotroph cell lineages and regulation of the temporal and spatial expression of the growth hormone, prolactin (PRL), and thyrotropin-beta genes. Synergistic interaction of Pit-1 with a member of the Ets family of transcription factors, Ets-1, has been shown to be an important mechanism regulating basal and Ras-induced lactotroph-specific rat (r) PRL promoter activity. Pit-1beta/GHF-2, an alternatively spliced isoform containing a 26-amino acid insert (beta-domain) within its transcription-activation domain, physically interacts with Ets-1 but fails to synergize. By using a series of Pit-1 internal-deletion constructs in a transient transfection protocol to reconstitute rPRL promoter activity in HeLa cells, we have determined that the functional and physical interaction of Pit-1 and Ets-1 is mediated via the POU homeodomain, which is common to both Pit-1 and Pit-1beta. Although the Pit-1 homeodomain is both necessary and sufficient for direct binding to Ets-1 in a DNA-independent manner, an additional interaction surface was mapped to the beta-domain, specific to the Pit-1beta isoform. Thus, the unique transcriptional properties of Pit-1 and Pit-1beta on the rPRL promoter may be due to the formation of functionally distinct complexes of these two Pit-1 isoforms with Ets-1.
Integrated pest management in protected ornamentals in England1

During the past 2 years, there has been a rapid expansion of integrated pest management (IPM) in the ornamental sector of the glasshouse industry. Most of this expansion has resulted from improved availability of Amblyseius spp. for the control of thrips, although there is little information on the likelihood of success with this predator. IPM was done on 20 plant species on 21 nurseries in south-east England and there were many successes with crops that would normally receive intensive insecticide programmes to control thrips. Each plant species required its own IPM programme to be devised according to its pest complex. Techniques, particularly to monitor IPM, were devised and some staff were trained to assist in the monitoring. IPM is generally twice as expensive as routine insecticide programmes but has other advantages such as a safer environment for staff and better crop quality.
Acid-Blanching and EDTA Effects on Yield, Quality and Microbiological Stability of Canned Mushrooms

A new process involving acid-blanching and addition of ethylenediaminetetra acetic acid (EDTA) to canning bring (ABC process) was compared with the standard commercial method (SCM) for effects on yield, quality and microbiological stability of canned mushrooms. Yields were not significantly affected by the ABC process compared to the SCM, but the ABC process resulted in significant improvement in color and texture of the canned products. Spoilage from natural mcsophilic and thermophilic bacteria of cans receiving less than recommended thermal process was significantly reduced by the ABC compared to the SCM process. Comparison of the ABC process with the SCM (Fo 7.5 vs 15) in a commercial cannery confirmed the feasibility and potential of the ABC process at reduced Fo to improve quality and increase microbial stability of canned mushrooms.
The Cirque du Soleil of Golgi membrane dynamics.

The role of lipid metabolic enzymes in Golgi membrane remodeling is a subject of intense interest. Now, in this issue, Schmidt and Brown (2009. J. Cell Biol. doi:10.1083/jcb.200904147) report that lysophosphatidic acid–specific acyltransferase, LPAAT3, contributes to Golgi membrane dynamics by suppressing tubule formation.
Effects of sulphur nutrition on nitrogen and carbon metabolism in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)

Studies were conducted with one-year-old plants of the perennial legume, lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), to determine the effects of various levels of S (0.3, 1.5, and 7.5 mM) on N2-fixation, photosynthesis, herbage free amino acid pools and protein amino acids, levels of protein, and activities of key enzymes of leaf nitrogen and carbon metabolism. Sulphur deficiencies in the 0.3 mM S treatment, as determined by N:S ratios, did not appear until the second growth cycle. This treatment was severely S-deficient by the end of the third growth cycle. Sulphur deficiencies did not occur in the other two treatments over three cycles of growth. By the middle of the second growth cycle acetylene reduction rates of plants grown with 0.3 mM S were lower than those of other treatments. At the end of the third growth cycle acetylene reduction rates of the 0.3 mM S treatment were ca. 30–35% that of the other treatments. There was no effect of S-deficiency on photosynthesis, levels of leaf NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase activity, or concentrations of leaf protein over the course of the experiments. Levels of NAD-glutamate dehydrogenase, NAD-malate dehydrogenase, and glutamate oxaloacetate trans-aminase activity and concentrations of free methionine, arginine, urea, and ammonia increased, with S-deficiency. Boron concentrations were very high (ca. 300 μg/g dry wt.) in S-deficient plants. The mole percent methiomne in leaf protein decreased slightly and chlorophyll concentration decreased markedly with S-deficiency. This study suggests that N2-fixation is affected early during S-deprivation of lucerne and that subsequent effects of S-deficiency may be due to loss of fixed nitrogen.
OVERVIEW OF A RECONFIGURABLE SIMULATOR FOR MAIN CONTROL ROOM UPGRADES IN NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

This paper provides background on a reconfigurable control room simulator for nuclear power plants. The main control rooms in current nuclear power plants feature analog technology that is growing obsolete. The need to upgrade control rooms serves the practical need of maintainability as well as the opportunity to implement newer digital technologies with added functionality. There currently exists no dedicated research simulator for use in human factors design and evaluation activities for nuclear power plant modernization in the U.S. The new research simulator discussed in this paper provides a test bed in which operator performance on new control room concepts can be benchmarked against existing control rooms and in which new technologies can be validated for safety and usability prior to deployment.
ANOMALOUS INFERIOR VENA CAVA DRAINING INTO THE LEFT ATRIUM ASSOCIATED WITH INTACT INTERATRIAL SEPTUM AND MULTIPLE PULMONARY ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULAE.

A 30-year-old woman with cyanotic heart disease due to anomalous drainage of the inferior vena cava into the left atrium in the presence of an intact interatrial septum is reported. The diagnosis was established during life and the defect was successfully corrected by open-heart surgery. The patient failed to survive due to associated multiple pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae. The embryology of the intracardiac defect, the pathophysiology of these fistulae, and the associated advanced pulmonary atherosclerosis are discussed.
The Development of the Interventricular Septum of the Human Heart; Correlative Morphogenetic Study

For the understanding of the developmental significance of various parts of the normal ventricular septum, 54 normal human embryos and 154 mature heart specimens showing different types of VSD's and AV canal malformation were studied. The pars interventriculare of the septum membranaceum is derived primarily from the right superior and inferior tubercles of the AV cushions. The pars atrioventriculare is formed by the closure of the bulboauricular canal. The posterior smooth septum is a result of the balanced growth of the margins of the interventricular foramen. The posterior trabeculated septum develops as a result of the expansion of the two ventricles on both its sides. The anterior portion of the crista, the conoventricular septum, is derived from the anterior portion of the conoventricular flange. The midportion of the crista represents the conus septum and it is derived from conus ridges 1 and 3. The parietal portion of the crista is derived from conus ridge 3.
Forensics in dermatology: Part I

The evaluation of skin findings is critical in identifying many types of injury, whether self- inflicted or accidentally or intentionally inflicted. Specific causes of injury include homicide, abuse, neglect, assault, self-inflicted injury, suicide, torture, poisoning, and bioterrorism. Forensic findings in hair and nails are also discussed. This overview of dermatologic findings in forensic pathology highlights the significance of the cutaneous manifestations of injury.
Varenicline in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders

Objective: To summarize the efficacy and safety data for the use of varenicline in the treatment of alcohol use disorders. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Cochrane Library (through May 2014). Key search terms included varenicline, alcohol, alcohol dependence, alcoholism, ethanol, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Additional references were identified from literature citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Results were limited to clinical trials and case reports that discussed either the use of varenicline in alcohol drinking patients or adverse effects experienced with its use. Only English language studies in humans were reviewed. Data Synthesis: In all, 7 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials and 1 open-label study were identified that evaluated the impact of varenicline on various drinking-related end points. The studies were conducted in patients dependent on alcohol (n = 4), non-alcohol-dependent patients (n =...
K/Ka-band antenna for broadband aeronautical mobile application

JPL is developing a K/Ka-band, satellite-tracking antenna system under contract for JPL's Broadband Aeronautical Terminal task to demonstrate full duplex, compressed video communications from both business and commercial jumbo jet class aircraft. The aircraft antenna represents a major part of the development of the terminal, and the antenna system preliminary design is summarized in the paper. The antenna is scheduled to be used for formal communication experiments in Fall 1995 with the ACTS in the K/Ka-band. >
A new generalization of Mantel's theorem to k-graphs

Let the k-graph Fan^k consist of k edges that pairwise intersect exactly in one vertex x, plus one more edge intersecting each of these edges in a vertex different from x. We prove that, for n sufficiently large, the maximum number of edges in an n-vertex k-graph containing no copy of Fan^k is @?"i"="1^k@?n+i-1k@?, which equals the number of edges in a complete k-partite k-graph with almost equal parts. This is the only extremal example. This result is a special case of our more general theorem that applies to a larger class of excluded configurations.
Effects of the diet on brain neurotransmitters

The synthesis of neurotransmitters in mammalian brain responds rapidly to changes in precursor availability. Serotonin synthesis depends largely on the brain concentrations of L-tryptophan, its precursor amino aicd. This relationship appears to be physiologic: when brain tryptophan levels vary because of insulin secretion or meal ingestion, corresponding alterations occur in the rate of serotonin formation. The ability of any food to modify brain tryptophan (and serotonin) depends on how its ingestion changes the serum concentration of not only tryptophan, but also several other large neutral amino acids that compete with tryptophan for uptake into the brain. Such precursor-induced changes in brain serotonin appear to be functionally important: animals having a reduced level of brain serotonin (caused by the chronic ingestion of a naturally tryptophan-poor diet, such as corn) demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to painful stimuli; this pain sensitivity can be acutely restored to normal values by a single injection of L-tryptophan, which rapidly elevates brain serotonin. The synthesis of catecholamines (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain also varies with the availability of the precursor amino acid L-tyrosine. Single injections of this amino acid increase brain tyrosine levels and accelerate brain catechol synthesis, while injections of a competing neutral amino acid (e.g., leucine, tryptophan) reduce brain tyrosine and its rate of conversion to dopa. The rate of catecholamine synthesis, however, appears to be influenced less by precursor levels than is serotonin formation: tyrosine hydroxylase, whcih catalyzes the rate-limiting step in catecholamine synthesis, responds strongly to end-product inhibition and to other controls that reflect variations in neuronal activity. The synthesis of acetylcholine in brain responds to substrate (choline) availability much like serotonin synthesis. Short-term alterations in brain choline levels are mirrored by similar changes in brain acetylcholine concentration. Variations in the daily dietary intake of choline also modify brain choline and acetylcholine. The relationship between choline availability and acetylchyoline synthesis has already foudn a cletween choline availability and acetylchyoline synthesis has already found a clinical application: choline has been used successfully in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, a disorder of the central nervous system thought to reflect a deficiency in cholinergic transmission. These relationships between precursor availability from the periphery and brain neurotransmitter synthesis may ultimately provide the brain with information about peripheral metabolic state.
Purification and Characterization of Mycobacterial Phospholipase A: an Activity Associated with Mycobacterial Cutinase

We describe mycobacterial phospholipase A activity (MPLA) and, using reverse genetics, have associated this activity with putative mycobacterial cutinase. PLAs, which hydrolyze fatty acids on phospholipids, play a significant role in human inflammatory states and disease pathogenesis. In prokaryotes, the recognition of their role in virulence is more recent. Cutinases are serine esterases whose primary substrate is cutin, the waxy exterior layer of plants. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has maintained seven putative cutinases, though it should not encounter cutin; we demonstrate that known cutinases and MPLA cleave phospholipids in a PLA-type manner and also hydrolyze Tween. We analyzed cutinase motifs in mycobacteria and found the motif very prevalent. All mycobacteria tested had MPLA activity. These studies suggest an alternative use for putative cutinases by the M. tuberculosis group that is likely related to MPLA activity and lipid metabolism.
Frequency offset compensation for crystal-free 802.15.4 communication

The IEEE 802.15.4 standard is widely used in low power wireless sensor networks. Providing 250kbps raw data band-width, its physical layer (PHY) mandates tight constraints on the RF carrier frequency, calling for an absolute accuracy of ±40 ppm. This specification necessitates the use of a crystal timing reference, thus requiring design of a multi-component PCB to implement any 802.15.4 compliant solution. However, in this work, a proposed frequency compensation algorithm can be added to the 802.15.4 PHY layer to relax the requirements on a timing reference to up to ±1000 ppm relative frequency error between a transmitter and receiver, allowing for the elimination of the crystal and paving the way for a single-chip integrated 802.15.4 wireless node. A wide bandwidth channel-select filter allows for offset in the received signal carrier frequency, while an additional demodulator output estimates that frequency offset. An adaptive feedback loop can then adjust the receiver clock rate to center the received signal in the channel, following which a narrowband filter can be applied to restore noise performance. Such a system has been simulated, and the results presented in this work demonstrate the feasibility of standards-compliant wireless communication using inaccurate timing references.
One of two copies of the gene for the activatable shiga toxin type 2d in Escherichia coli O91:H21 strain B2F1 is associated with an inducible bacteriophage.

Shiga toxin (Stx) types 1 and 2 are encoded within intact or defective temperate bacteriophages in Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and expression of these toxins is linked to bacteriophage induction. Among Stx2 variants, only stx2e from one human STEC isolate has been reported to be carried within a toxin-converting phage. In this study, we examined the O91:H21 STEC isolate B2F1, which carries two functional alleles for the potent activatable Stx2 variant toxin, Stx2d, for the presence of Stx2d-converting bacteriophages. We first constructed mutants of B2F1 that produced one or the other Stx2d toxin and found that the mutant that produced only Stx2d1 made less toxin than the Stx2d2-producing mutant. Consistent with that result, the Stx2d1-producing mutant was attenuated in a streptomycin-treated mouse model of STEC infection. When the mutants were treated with mitomycin C to promote bacteriophage induction, Vero cell cytotoxicity was elevated only in extracts of the Stx2d1-producing mutant. Additionally, when mice were treated with ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic that induces the O157:H7 Stx2-converting phage, the animals were more susceptible to the Stx2d1-producing mutant. Moreover, an stx2d1-containing lysogen was isolated from plaques on strain DH5α that had been exposed to lysates of the mutant that produced Stx2d1 only, and supernatants from that lysogen transformed with a plasmid encoding RecA were cytotoxic when the lysogen was induced with mitomycin C. Finally, electron-microscopic examination of extracts from the Stx2d1-producing mutant showed hexagonal particles that resemble the prototypic Stx2-converting phage 933W. Together these observations provide strong evidence that expression of Stx2d1 is bacteriophage associated. We conclude that despite the sequence similarity of the stx2d1- and stx2d2-flanking regions in B2F1, Stx2d1 expression is repressed within the context of its toxin-converting phage while Stx2d2 expression is independent of phage induction.