cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with a single agronomic plant host across the landscape: The structure of an assemblage

Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (phylum Glomeromycota) are important components of natural and managed ecosystems. We explored the AM fungal assemblage in a selection of maize fields across a landscape in eastern New York State and characterized their diversity, dominance, and species abundance distribution. In this managed agroecosystem, we could investigate environment-influenced composition and diversity patterns unencumbered by immediate host species effects. We found that AM fungal taxon abundances were distributed lognormally, which suggests that the fungal community structure is shaped in a complex manner by many interacting niche-related factors rather than by only a single factor of disturbance associated with agricultural management. In addition to species abundance distribution, the focal assemblage shared with natural AM fungal communities a pattern of very strong dominance of certain taxa. To quantify this pattern, we developed two new indices “overdominance” and “inequitability”. Contrary to expectations based on observations of natural AM fungal communities, we found that most of the individual field communities were dominated by taxa from within a narrow phylogenetic range. At the landscape scale, we did not find an inverse relationship between the levels of taxonomic richness and phylogenetic relatedness expected in complex communities shaped by competitive exclusion.
INTERNATIONAL BARTER AND COUNTERTRADE

Barter and countertrade will be significant trade tools throughout the 1980s. Presently confronted by saturated established markets and debt‐burdened new markets, firms of all sizes in all industry sectors must evaluate these trading approaches. This paper describes the forms of barter and countertrade, products typically traded, markets served, and objectives advanced by each form. The intent is to explore opportunities and problems accompanying each form, so that managers can assess the utilities of these transactions to their firms' international marketing strategies.
Protective Families in High- and Low-Risk Environments: Implications for Adolescent Substance Use

This study used data from a sample of 6th to 12th grade students (N = 48,641, 51% female), nested in 192 schools, to determine if the influence of family-based protective factors varied across different school contexts. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of individual-level family protective factors, relative to school-level aggregates of the same factors, on recent (past 30 days) use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. Cross-level interactions indicated that the effect of the student’s level of family protection, relative to other students in their school, differed depending on the aggregated school level of family protection. The results suggested that the benefit of belonging to a well-functioning family was more influential for students attending schools characterized by higher-than-average aggregated levels of protection compared to students attending schools of lower-than-average protection. Thus, family-level factors offered less protection for students in relatively high-risk school contexts. These results were consistent with a protective–reactive interaction and suggest that a thorough understanding of adolescent substance use must consider the complex interplay among adolescents, their families, and their social environments.
Phosphorylation of MyoGEF on Thr-574 by Plk1 Promotes MyoGEF Localization to the Central Spindle

We reported previously that a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, MyoGEF, localizes to the central spindle, activates RhoA, and is required for cytokinesis. In this study, we have found that Plk1 (polo-like kinase 1) can phosphorylate MyoGEF, thereby recruiting MyoGEF to the central spindle as well as enhancing MyoGEF activity toward RhoA. The in vitro kinase assay shows that Plk1 can phosphorylate MyoGEF on threonine 574. Immunoprecipitation/immunoblot analysis demonstrates that mutation of threonine 574 to alanine dramatically decreases threonine phosphorylation of MyoGEF in transfected HeLa cells, suggesting that threonine 574 is phosphorylated in vivo. Consistent with these observations, immunofluorescence shows that Plk1 and MyoGEF colocalize at the spindle pole and central spindle during mitosis and cytokinesis. Importantly, RNA interference-mediated depletion of Plk1 interferes with the localization of MyoGEF at the spindle pole and central spindle. Moreover, mutation of threonine 574 to alanine in MyoGEF or depletion of Plk1 by RNA interference leads to a decrease in MyoGEF activity toward RhoA in HeLa cells. Therefore, our results suggest that Plk1 can regulate MyoGEF activity and localization, contributing to the regulation of cytokinesis.
Insecticide screening with isolated nerve preparations for structure-activity relationships

Abstract The sciatic nerve-sartorius muscle preparation from the frog, the nerve-muscle preparation from the crayfish, and the abdominal nerve cord preparation from the crayfish have been compared for their sensitivity to various insecticides. The crayfish nerve cord was the most sensitive to insecticides and had a broad spectrum of sensitivity. A method was developed with this preparation to compare a large number of synthetic pyrethroids for their potencies to stimulate and block the nerve which is the primary target site. Both stimulating and blocking actions on the nerve can be assessed with this preparation. Certain pyrethroids are active insecticidally despite their weak nerve action, whereas some other pyrethroids are relatively moderate in killing insects despite their potent nerve action. Thus the new method can be effectively used to establish the true structure-activity relationship of synthetic pyrethroids or any other insecticides acting directly on the nerve.
Copulatory Behavior of Southern Grasshopper Mice (Onychomys torridus)

A quantitative description of the copulatory behavior of Onychomys torridus was derived from 48 tests and a total of more than 1000 observed locks. This species is slow to initiate copulation. Once initiated, copulatory activity persists for several hours. A mean of 18.7 locks and 1.2 mounts with deep thrusting occurred during the mean of 2 hours of copulatory activity that preceded a “satiety” criterion of one-half hour with no copulations. The intervals between successive locks lengthened as the tests progressed. Lock durations averaged 12 to 13 seconds, and decreased slightly near the end of satiety tests. Termination of locks appears largely a function of the behavior of the female. Possible functional significance of various aspects of this pattern is considered.
Factors influencing degree of infectivity of enterovirus ribonucleic acid.

SummaryIn preparations of RNA made from polioviruses by phenol extraction technic, the infectivity of RNA which is rendered undetectable by dilution in isotonic or hypotonic salt solutions can be quantitatively recovered by addition of NaCl or KCl. This is true whether the exposure to low salt concentrations is brief, or as long as 24 hours. Reversibility of infectivity by hypertonic salt concentrations would seem to preclude participation of residual RNAase in the preparation itself as a major cause of inactivation of RNA infectivity with alterations in molarity.
OAM Induced BEC Vortices - Detection and Applications

We present an overview of theoretical work on atomic vortices created using OAM states. Gyroscopes are an important application of atomic vortex superposition. We use non-destructive detection schemes to compare with sensitivity of current gyroscopes.
Meteorological Uses of the Stereographic Horizon Map Projection

Meteorological uses of stereographic horizon map projection, permitting placement of map center at any point on earth
Virginian railway motor-generator electric locomotive maintenance costs

AN OUTSTANDING advantage of electric traction for heavy mainline railroading is the lower maintenance costs realized with electric locomotives in comparison with other forms of motive power such as the steam locomotive or the diesel-electric. This attribute is virtually self-evident when it is considered that the electric locomotive is essentially a converter of energy, and is not burdened with power generators as are the self-contained types of motive power.
Development of a mechanism-based, DNA staining protocol using SYTOX orange nucleic acid stain and DNA fragment sizing flow cytometry.

Accurate measurement of single DNA fragments by DNA fragment sizing flow cytometry (FSFC) depends upon precise, stoichiometric DNA staining by the intercalating dye molecules. In this study, we determined the binding characteristics of a commercially available 532 nm wavelength-excitable dye and used this information to develop a universal DNA staining protocol for DNA FSFC using a compact frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser excitation source. Among twelve 532 nm wavelength-excitable nucleic acid staining dyes tested, SYTOX Orange stain showed the highest fluorescence intensity along with a large fluorescence enhancement upon binding to double-stranded DNA ( approximately 450-fold). Furthermore, using SYTOX Orange stain, accurate fragment-size-distribution histograms were consistently obtained without regard to the staining dye to base pair (dye/bp) ratio. A model describing two binding modes, intercalation (primary, yielding fluorescence) and external binding (secondary, involving fluorescence quenching), was proposed to interpret the performance of the dyes under different dye/bp ratios. The secondary equilibrium dissociation constant was found to be the most critical parameter in determining the sensitivity of each fluorophore to the staining dye/bp ratio. The measurements of both equilibrium dissociation constants provided us with a theoretical framework for developing a universal protocol which was successfully demonstrated over a wide range of DNA concentrations on a compact flow cytometer equipped with a frequency-doubled, diode-pumped, solid-state Nd:YAG laser for rapid and sensitive DNA fragment sizing.
Lectin-Induced Inhibition of Nerve Growth Factor Binding by Receptors of Sympathetic Ganglia

Nerve growth factor (NGF) initiates a pleiotypic response in numerous tissues derived from the neural crest by binding to specific plasma membrane receptors. In sympathetic ganglia this receptor has been characterized as a highly asymmetric, minimally hydrophobic, intrinsic membrane protein with a molecular weight of 135,000 (Costrini et al., 1979b). To further characterize this moiety we assessed the effects of lectins on 125I-NGF specific binding to preparations of particulate and nonionic detergent-extracted microsomal receptors of rabbit superior cervical ganglia (SCG). Concanavalin A (Con A) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), but not soybean agglutinin or Ulex europaeus 1, induced a concentration-related, carbohydrate-specific decrease in 125I-NGF binding. Following Con A exposure, 125I-NGF specific decrease in 125I-NGF binding. Following Con A exposure, 125I-NGF specific binding to particulate SCG receptors was maximally reduced to 23% of control values. WGA similarly reduced NGF binding to particulate microsomal receptors to 37% of control values. Scatchard analysis of growth factor binding following Con A exposure indicated that this lectin effect was principally due to a sixfold reduction in maximum receptor affinity. Lectin-associated impairment of NGF binding was also demonstrated by using a Triton X-100 solubilized receptor preparation. These results provide evidence that the high-affinity-state NGF receptor of SCG is a glycoprotein containing N-acetylglucosamine and alpha-D-mannopyranoside residues. These residues are probably located in close proximity to the growth factor binding region of the NGF receptor.
A Statistical Framework for Improving Genomic Annotations of Prokaryotic Essential Genes

Large-scale systematic analysis of gene essentiality is an important step closer toward unraveling the complex relationship between genotypes and phenotypes. Such analysis cannot be accomplished without unbiased and accurate annotations of essential genes. In current genomic databases, most of the essential gene annotations are derived from whole-genome transposon mutagenesis (TM), the most frequently used experimental approach for determining essential genes in microorganisms under defined conditions. However, there are substantial systematic biases associated with TM experiments. In this study, we developed a novel Poisson model–based statistical framework to simulate the TM insertion process and subsequently correct the experimental biases. We first quantitatively assessed the effects of major factors that potentially influence the accuracy of TM and subsequently incorporated relevant factors into the framework. Through iteratively optimizing parameters, we inferred the actual insertion events occurred and described each gene’s essentiality on probability measure. Evaluated by the definite mapping of essential gene profile in Escherichia coli, our model significantly improved the accuracy of original TM datasets, resulting in more accurate annotations of essential genes. Our method also showed encouraging results in improving subsaturation level TM datasets. To test our model’s broad applicability to other bacteria, we applied it to Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Francisella tularensis novicida TM datasets. We validated our predictions by literature as well as allelic exchange experiments in PAO1. Our model was correct on six of the seven tested genes. Remarkably, among all three cases that our predictions contradicted the TM assignments, experimental validations supported our predictions. In summary, our method will be a promising tool in improving genomic annotations of essential genes and enabling large-scale explorations of gene essentiality. Our contribution is timely considering the rapidly increasing essential gene sets. A Webserver has been set up to provide convenient access to this tool. All results and source codes are available for download upon publication at http://research.cchmc.org/essentialgene/.
OPTIMAL PORTFOLIOS: MARKOWITZ FULL COVARIANCE VERSUS SIMPLE SELECTION RULES

Two major problems faced by portfolio managers are estimating the risk and return characteristics of individual securities and combining individual security risk and return estimates into optimal portfolios. The second problem is investigated in this paper by using the simple ranking criteria suggested by Elton, Gruber, and Padberg (EGP). The empirical results indicate that the EGP procedure is effective in estimating Markowitz efficient portfolios and can be an effective screening procedure for large numbers of securities.
The x ray structure of thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid.

Abstract The X ray crystal structure of thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid has been determined. It appears that the anomalously low basicity of this compound in comparison with that of its non-sulfur-containing analogue, proline, is due to the resonance stabilization of the unprotonated form of thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. This stabilization is conferred through an increased interaction of the sulfur atom with the thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid ring that is only possible when the nitrogen atom maintains a trigonal geometry. This effect seems also to account for the greater instability of N-hydroxymethylamines formed from thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as compared to those formed from proline. The crystal structure shows, in addition, an intramolecular hydrogen bond in combination with a bifurcated hydrogen bond.
Training Marketing Students to be Service Problem Solvers: A Framework for Integrated Training for Services (FITS)

This article presents a tested approach to preparing services marketing students to be more skillful analysts and problem solvers. The Framework for Integrated Training for Services (FITS) integrates three methods—the critical incident technique, service process analysis, and role playing to improve students' competencies in synthesizing information and evaluating service quality.
Target tracking strategies for a nonlinear, flexible aircraft-inspired model

Aeroelastic wing micro aerial vehicle (MAV) concepts are being explored for military and civilian applications. However, on the whole, the issues of control of MAVs are largely unexplored. The authors seek to employ distributed parameter modeling and control theory in an effort to achieve agile flight potential of flexible, morphable wing MAV airframes. In this work, two Euler-Bernoulli beams connected to a rigid mass are used to model the heave dynamics of an aeroelastic wing MAV. A nonlinear aerodynamic lift force acts upon this multiple component structure. The focus of this paper is an effort to employ tools from linear distributed parameter control theory to gain insight into feasibly obtained wing shape, as a bridge to examining optimal wing morphing trajectories for achieving agile flight.
A coding framework for low-power address and data busses

This paper presents a source-coding framework for the design of coding schemes to reduce transition activity. These schemes are suited for high-capacitance buses where the extra power dissipation due to the encoder and decoder circuitry is offset by the power savings at the bus. In this framework, a data source (characterized in a probabilistic manner) is first passed through a decorrelating function f/sub 1/. Next, a variant of entropy coding function f/sub 2/ is employed, which reduces the transition activity. The framework is then employed to derive novel encoding schemes whereby practical forms for f/sub 1/ and f/sub 2/ are proposed. Simulation results with an encoding scheme for data buses indicate an average reduction in transition activity of 36%. This translates into a reduction in total power dissipation for bus capacitances greater than 14 pF/b in 1.2 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. For a typical value for bus capacitance of 50 pF/b, there is a 36% reduction in power dissipation and eight times more power savings compared to existing schemes. Simulation results with an encoding scheme for instruction address buses indicate an average reduction in transition activity by a factor of 1.5 times over known coding schemes.
First report of microcystin-LR in the cyanobacterium Gloeotrichia echinulata

Gloeotrichia echinulata is a bloom-forming cyanobacterium that is common in eutrophic lakes, and less prevalent but increasing in oligotrophic lakes. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis to test for the presence of the hepatotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in G. echinulata collected from an oligotrophic lake in central New Hampshire, USA. We found that G. echinulata contained MC-LR at mean concentrations of 97.07 +/- 7.78 (1 s.e.) ng MC-LR g(-1) dry wt colonies. This suggests that recent outbreaks of G. echinulata in oligotrophic lakes used as water sources throughout New England (USA) may pose a health concern. The toxicity of G. echinulata reported here suggests the need for future monitoring of microcystins in oligotrophic lakes.
Electron beam measurement of rotational temperatures with vibrational temperatures greater than 800 K

Electron beam measurement of rotational and high vibrational temperature in molecular nitrogen
Effects of zeolite structure and aluminum content on thiophene adsorption, desorption, and surface reactions

The adsorption and desorption of thiophene and the reactions of thiophene-derived adsorbed species in He, H2, and O2 were examined on H-ZSM5, H-Beta, and H-Y with varying Si/Al ratios. Thiophene adsorption uptakes (per Al) were independent of Al content, but were above unity and influenced by zeolite structure (1.7, 2.2, and 2.9 on H-ZSM5, H-Beta, and H-Y). These data indicate that thiophene oligomers form during adsorption and that their size depends on spatial constraints within zeolite channels. Adsorption and oligomerization occur on Bronsted acid sites at 363 K. Thiophene/toluene adsorption from their mixtures show significant thiophene selectivity ratios (10.3, 7.9, and 6.4, for HZSM5, H-Beta, and H-Y zeolites), which exceed those expected from van der Waals interactions and reflect specific interactions with Bronsted acid sites and formation of toluene‐thiophene reaction products. Treatment of thiophene-derived adsorbed species above 363 K in He or H2 led to depolymerization of thiophene oligomers and to the formation of unsaturated adsorbed species with a 1:1 thiophene/Al stoichiometry on all zeolites and at all Si/Al ratios. These unsaturated species desorb as stable molecules, such as H2S, hydrocarbons, and larger organosulfur compounds, formed via ring opening and hydrogen transfer from H2 or co-adsorbed species, and also form stranded unsaturated organic deposits. Smaller channels and higher Al contents preferentially formed H2S, benzotiophenes, and arene products during treatment in He or H2, as a result of diffusion-enhanced of secondary reactions of desorbed thiophene molecules with adsorbed thiophenederived species. Only oxidative regeneration treatments led to full recovery of thiophene uptake capacities. A preceding treatment in H2, however, led to the partial recovery of thiophene-derived carbon atoms as useful hydrocarbons and decreased the amount of CO2 and SO2 formed during subsequent oxidative treatments required for regeneration. # 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.
The Fellowship Council: a decade of impact on surgical training

Background The objective of this project is to document the history of the Fellowship Council (FC) and report its current impact on surgical training. The need for advanced training in laparoscopic surgery resulted in the rapid development of fellowships for which there was no oversight. Fellowship program directors began meeting in the 1990s and formally created the FC in 2004 to provide that oversight.
Minimally Invasive Implant and Sinus Lift Surgery With Immediate Loading

As 1-stage dental implants continue to gain significantly in popularity, the adaptation of surgical protocols specifically geared to single-stage implants should be considered. Because this type of implant is transgingival at the time of placement, it is now practical to perform implant surgery as well as sinus elevation surgery using minimally invasive techniques without the need for flaps or sutures. The basic concept involves the use of a 5- or 6-mm dermal tissue punch that permits access to the osteotomy site as well as to the sinus, when an elevation procedure is indicated. This technique allows for excellent esthetics in immediate load situations, forming a natural and predictable interdental papilla at the time of surgery.
Interannual variability of air-sea O2 fluxes and the determination of CO2 sinks using atmospheric O2/N2

[1] Motivated by the use of atmospheric O2/N2 to determine CO2 sinks under the assumption of negligible interannual variability in air-sea O2 fluxes, we examine interannual fluctuations of the global air-sea flux of O2 during the period 1980–1998 using a global ocean circulation and biogeochemistry model along with an atmospheric transport model. It is found that both the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle and wintertime convection in the North Atlantic are primary drivers of global air-sea oxygen flux interannual variability. Model estimated extremes of O2 flux variability are −70/+100 × 1012 mol/yr (Tmol/yr), where positive fluxes are to the atmosphere. O2/N2 variability could cause an up to ±1.0 PgC/yr error in estimates of interannual variability in land and ocean CO2 sinks derived from atmospheric O2/N2 observations.
The novel sigma-2 receptor ligand SW43 stabilizes pancreas cancer progression in combination with gemcitabine

Background: Sigma-2 receptors are over-expressed in proliferating cancer cells, making an attractive target for the targeted treatment of pancreatic cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of the novel sigma-2 receptor ligand SW43 to induce apoptosis and augment standard chemotherapy. Results: The binding affinity for sigma-2 ligands is high in pancreas cancer, and they induce apoptosis with a rank order of SV119 < SW43 < SRM in vitro. Combining these compounds with gemcitabine further increased apoptosis and decreased viability. Our in vivo model showed that sigma-2 ligand treatment decreased tumor volume to the same extent as gemcitabine. However, SW43 combination treatment with gemcitabine was superior to the other compounds and resulted in stabilization of tumor volume during treatment, with minimal toxicities. Conclusions: This study shows that the sigma-2 ligand SW43 has the greatest capacity to augment gemcitabine in a pre-clinical model of pancreas cancer and has provided us with the rationale to move this compound forward with clinical investigations for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation of anal canal cancer: the first approach

Since the late 1970's, increasing evidence from single-arm phase II studies has indicated that combined modality therapy yields a complete response rate of approximately 80-90% in most patients with squamous cell cancers of the anal canal. Surgery, most commonly an abdominoperineal resection, is reserved for salvage therapy. Although patients with large primary tumors (>5 cm) have a lower complete response rate of 50-75%, the majority of patients may be spared a colostomy and have an excellent overall survival. This chapter reviews the recent literature of patients treated for squamous cell, basaloid, and cloacogenic carcinoma (collectively defined as squamous cell cancer) of the anal canal.
Meningothelioma as the predominant histological subtype of midline skull base and spinal meningioma

Object This study was undertaken to test a hypothesis that meningiomas of the midline skull base and spine are predominantly of the meningothelial histological subtype. Methods The cases of 794 consecutive patients who underwent resection for meningioma at the Cleveland Clinic between January 1991 and March 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. The authors analyzed the relationship between the tumors’ histological subtypes and sites of origin in the 731 patients from this group who harbored tumors that were determined to be benign histologically (World Health Organization Grade I). Meningothelial meningiomas (MMs) accounted for 63.5% (464/731) of the Grade I tumors. The incidence of MM according to the site of origin was as follows: 84.9% (186/219) in the midline skull base, 58.3% (35/60) in the lateral skull base, 48.5% (183/377) in a non–skull base location, and 80% (60/75) in spinal locations. The incidence of MM in the midline skull base and spinal locations were significantly higher than in non–skull b...
Neutron activation analysis of chert artifacts from a Hopewell mound

Six artifacts from a Hopewell mound located near Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and 21 geologic specimens from three different chert sources in the Ohio River Valley were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Principal components analysis and posterior classification of the artifacts on the basis of Mahalanobis distance calculated probabilities were used to determine the most probable source for each of the artifacts.
Recent Trends in Hospitalization for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospitalizations for elderly Medicare patients decreased during the previous decade. However, trends in population rates of AMI hospitalizations for all adults by subgroups have not been described. Using data from a large all-payer administrative database of hospitalizations, we calculated annual AMI hospitalization rates from 2001 through 2007. Trend analysis was performed across age, gender, and ethnicity categories using survey regression. Overall rate decreased from 314 to 222 AMI hospitalizations per 100,000 patients from 2001 through 2007, representing a 29.2% decrease. Significant decreases were observed in AMI hospitalization rate for each group by age categories (p
PSO-based Hybrid Generating System Design Incorporating Reliability Evaluation and Generation/Load Forecasting

Traditional fuel-fired power generation is receiving tighter pressure primarily due to its severe consequences of pollutants emission. Alternatively, renewable sources of energy appear promising in reducing emissions and slowing down world's energy consumption. However, these are intermittent in nature and also demand high capital investments. Thus, in a hybrid generation system, the contributions of these intermittent sources should be determined by different design requirements in terms of cost, reliability, and environmental restrictions. There are many uncertain factors in a hybrid power-generating system including equipment failures and random variations in both generation and load. In this paper, all of these uncertainties are considered during design via adequacy assessment and generation/load forecasting. Due to the complexity and nonlinearity of the intended design problem, a guided stochastic search algorithm called particle swarm optimization is modified and applied to derive a set of design alternatives fulfilling different application needs. Furthermore, a numerical example is used to demonstrate how a hybrid power-generating system is designed based on the proposed optimization procedure.
The Integration of Libraries and Academic Computing at Columbia: New Opportunities for Internal and External Collaboration

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, the libraries and academic computing units at Columbia have been brought together to form a new information services organization. This article will trace the history and current state of IT and library relationships at Columbia University. The expanding collaboration among academic computing services, their deeper partnership and integration with library programs, the working relationship with campus administrative computing, and participation in national and international projects will be described and evaluated.
Starvation and Feeding a High-Carbohydrate, Low-Fat Diet Regulate the Expression Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-1 in Chickens

In mammalian liver, the mature form of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is an important activator of a wide array of genes involved in triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Starvation and feeding a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet modulate the concentration of mature SREBP-1c primarily by a pretranslational mechanism. It is not known whether alterations in nutritional status regulate the concentration of SREBPs in nonmammalian species. In this study, we found that in previously starved chicks, feeding a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet stimulated a robust increase (14-fold at 5 h of feeding) in the concentration of mature SREBP-1 in liver. Feeding a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet also increased the concentration of precursor SREBP-1 and SREBP-1 messenger RNA in chick liver; however, the magnitude of this effect was substantially lower than that observed for mature SREBP-1. DNA binding experiments demonstrated that 3 protein complexes containing SREBP bound the acetyl-CoA carboxylase-alpha (ACCalpha) sterol regulatory element (SRE) in chick liver and that the binding activity of 2 of these complexes was increased by consumption of a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. Additional analyses showed that feeding a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet had no effect on the concentration of mature SREBP-2 and the binding of SREBP-2 to the ACCalpha SRE in chick liver. These results indicate that alterations in the concentration of mature SREBP-1 play a role in mediating the effects of starvation and feeding a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet on ACCalpha transcription in chick liver and that diet-induced changes in mature SREBP-1 concentration in chick liver are mediated primarily by a posttranslational mechanism.
Upconversion and reduced 4 F 3/2 upper-state lifetime in intensely pumped Nd:YLF

Nonexponential decay of the 4F3/2 upper laser state in Nd:YLF was observed with time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and small-signal gain probes in low-doped (1.16-at. %) samples when intensely pumped to high population inversions. A rapid initial decay is observed after Q-switched laser pumping, followed by a longer nonexponential decay that is clearly identified as a phase of migration-assisted energy-transfer upconversion (ETU) in the hopping regime. During this phase, a rate-equation treatment is valid and the macroscopic ETU coefficient, α2 = (0.98 ± 0.03) × 10-16 cm3/s, is directly evaluated from the decay kinetics. The ETU and the migration microparameters are also estimated to be Cda* ≈ 200 × 10-40 cm6/s and Cdd ≈ 1000 × 10-40 cm6/s, respectively, and are compared with theoretical values found in the literature. On the basis of these values, rate-equation treatments of intensely pumped Nd:YLF are not strictly valid.
The effects of Pulsed Green Laser Annealing for Carbon NanoWalls (CNWs)

The effects of the pulsed green laser annealing at ambient nitrogen for two different heights-CNWs grown on silicon substrate were investigated on the crystallinity and morphology using Raman spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and XPS. For the 1μm height-CNWs, the peak intensity of D-band spectra decreased as the laser energy density increased up to 1.3Jcm-2, ID/IG ratio decreased from 2.5 to 0.7. The crystallinity of CNWs was improved by the laser irradiation. For the 1μm height-CNWs irradiated above 1.5Jcm-2, the height of CNWs decreased gradually as the laser energy density increased, it was clarified that the surfaces of CNWs were vaporized by the laser irradiation. For the 20μm height-CNWs, the peak intensity of D band spectra also decreased until the laser energy density increased up to 0.8Jcm-2, ID/IG ratio decreased from 1.6 to 0.5. From the TEM observation of CNWs irradiated at 0.8 Jcm-2, it was confirmed that the laser irradiation changed CNWs to be highly oriented crystal structure. However above 0.8Jcm-2, the crystallinity was deteriorated due to the vaporization of CNWs as the same as the 1μm height-CNWs. The pulsed green laser annealing is effective to improve the crystallinity of CNWs on optimal laser energy density for both height-CNWs, the higher laser energy densities vaporized the CNWs and changed the morphology and crystallinity of CNWs.
Ligand-independent dimerization of CXCR4, a principal HIV-1 coreceptor.

CXCR4, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family of proteins, is the receptor for stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1α) and is a principal coreceptor for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). CXCR4 has also been implicated in breast cancer metastasis. We examined the ability of CXCR4 to homomultimerize in detergent-solubilized cell lysates and in the membranes of intact cells. CXCR4 was found to multimerize in cell lysates containing the detergents CHAPSO or Cymal-7 but not other detergents that have been shown to disrupt the native conformation of CXCR4. CXCR4 expression levels did not affect the observed multimerization and differentially tagged CXCR4 molecules associated only when coexpressed in the same cell. CXCR4 did not interact with CCR5, the other principal HIV-1 coreceptor, when the two proteins were coexpressed. Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET2), we demonstrated that CXCR4 multimers are found naturally in the intact cell membrane, in both the presence and absence of multiple CXCR4 ligands. Ligand binding did not significantly alter the observed BRET2 signal, suggesting that CXCR4 exists as a constitutive oligomer. In cell lysates prepared with non-denaturing detergents, CXCR4 sedimented in a manner consistent with a dimer, whereas CCR5 sedimented as a monomer under these conditions. The stable, constitutive dimerization of CXCR4 may contribute to its biological functions in chemokine binding, signaling, and HIV-1 entry.
Rapid Antigen Tests

Immunoassays for the detection of the antigens of microorganisms remain important tools for the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. Great strides have been made since the introduction of the early precipitation and agglutination assays in increasing the sensitivity, specificity, standardization, and automation of antigen tests [1–4]. Antigen tests have long been used to detect infectious agents that are difficult, slow, or hazardous to culture. However, antigen detection methods are especially useful for rapid diagnosis, whether in the clinic, emergency department, doctor’s office, or central laboratory. Simple one-step assays can provide results in 15 min with dramatic benefits to physician decision-making.
Endogenous and exogenous catalase in reoxygenation lung injury

Reexpansion pulmonary edema parallels reperfusion (reoxygenation) injuries in other organs in that hypoxic and hypoperfused lung tissue develops increased vascular permeability and neutrophil infiltration after reexpansion. This study investigated endogenous lung catalase activity and H2O2 production during hypoxia (produced by lung collapse) and after reoxygenation (resulting from reexpansion), in addition to assessing the effects of exogenous catalase infusion on the development of unilateral pulmonary edema after reexpansion. Lung collapse resulted in a progressive increase in endogenous catalase activity after 3 (14%) and 7 days (23%), while activities in contralateral left lungs did not change (normal left lungs averaged 180 +/- 11 units/mg DNA). Tissue from control left lungs released H2O2 into the extracellular medium at a rate calculated to be 242 +/- 34 nmol.h-1.lung-1. No significant change in extracellular release of H2O2 occurred after 7 days of right lung collapse. However, after reexpansion of the previously collapsed right lungs for 2 h, H2O2 release from both reexpanded right and contralateral left lungs significantly increased (88 and 60%, respectively) compared with controls. Infusion of exogenous catalase significantly increased plasma and lung catalase activities. Exogenous catalase infusion prevented neither the increase in lung permeability nor the infiltration with neutrophils that typically occurs in reexpanded lungs. These data indicate that lung hypoxia/reoxygenation, induced by sequential collapse and reexpansion, has specific effects on endogenous lung catalase activity and H2O2 release. However, exogenous catalase does not prevent reexpansion pulmonary edema, eliminating extracellular (but not intracellular) H2O2 as an important mediator of unilateral lung injury in this model.
High strain rate behavior of a SiC particulate reinforced Al2O3 ceramic matrix composite

The high strain rate deformation behavior of composite materials is important for several reasons. First, knowledge of the mechanical properties of composites at high strain rates is needed for designing with these materials in applications where sudden changes in loading rates are likely to occur. Second, knowledge of both the dynamic and quasi-static mechanical responses can be used to establish the constitutive equations which are necessary to increase the confidence limits of these materials, particularly if they are to be used in critical structural applications. Moreover, dynamic studies and the knowledge gained form them are essential for the further development of new material systems for impact applications. In this study, the high strain rate compressive deformation behavior of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) consisting of SiC particles and an Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} matrix was studied and compared with its quasi-static behavior. Microscopic observations were conducted to investigate the deformation and fracture mechanism of the composite.
Components and Characteristics of a Psychiatric Partial Hospital Military Program.

ABSTRACT This article describes the components of a psychiatric partial hospital military program and the characteristics of referrals received over the 5-year period from 2009 to 2013. The 5-year study period included ongoing combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan along with their subsequent troop withdrawals and change in mission. A total of 1,194 service members were referred for this level of care, and even with the changing battlefield conditions, the number of psychiatric referrals remained steady throughout the 5-year period, with a significant spike in admissions in 2013. The principal diagnoses were major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. One-third of the admissions came from service members with 4 to 8 years' time in service and slightly more than one-third were employed in direct combat roles or medical support. In terms of gender, females accounted for one-quarter of the admissions.
Passive and active vibration control in a microgravity environment - A sensitivity analysis

In this study, passive and active vibration control methodologies for equipment and their light secondary attachments in large space structures under orbital excitations are considered. The equipment is modeled as a shear beam and its secondary attachment is treated as a single-degree-of-freedom lumped mass system. Vibration control mechanisms considered are pure friction, spring-damper, resilient friction and active friction control. Sensitivity analyses with respect to variations in the properities of the base isolation systems, the structure, and the intensity of the orbital excitations are performed. System parameters of the isolation systems are chosen to provide significant reduction in the transmitted vibrations. However, due to variations in the mechanical properties during manufacturing and fabrication, the prototype system properties may be somewhat different from the designed condition. Therefore, the effects of small variations in the design parameters on system performance are examined. The results show that the vibration control devices are insensitive to small variations of parameters near their design con-
Fermions on the worldsheet of effective strings via coset construction

In this paper the detailed Coleman-Callan-Wess-Zumino procedure for introducing fermions on the world sheet of a string propagating in flat space-time is presented. The theory of nonlinear realizations is used to derive the transformation as well as the interactions of fermionic matter fields under arbitrary spinorial representations of the unbroken subgroup. This demonstrates that even for nonsupersymmetric spinors, the interactions are still severely restricted by the nonlinearly realized symmetry. We also explain how supersymmetric models provide an example for this construction with Goldstinos as matter fields, and how one can use the $\ensuremath{\kappa}$-symmetry of the Green Schwarz action in particular, to verify this nonlinear transformation for a specific matter field representation. We finally restrict the target space dimension without reference to supersymmetry, but rather by imposing one-loop integrability on a fermionic string that nonlinearly realizes Poincare symmetry. This singles out the critical dimension $D=10$ for heterotic, Green-Schwarz and Ramond-Neveu-Schwarz supersymmetric strings.
Effects of Spring and Fall Insecticide Applications on Cutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Damage to Michigan Asparagus

Cutworms, primarily the white cutworm, Euxoa scandens (Riley) and the darksided cutworm, E. messoria (Harris), cause serious damage to asparagus in Michigan. Foliar insecticides, baits, and granular formulations of various insecticides were evaluated for their effects on cutworm mortality, survival, and subsequent damage when applied during harvest (spring) or in the fall. Spring applications of permethrin were most effective in reducing damage and survival during harvest. Fall bait or granular applications also effectively reduced survival and damage by white cutworms. Overwintering mortality of larvae was estimated as 86% in the absence of insecticide treatment. Analysis of spring treatment data showed that a larva damaged about 0.1 spears per night.
Nation Building. A Long-Term Perspective and Global Analysis

Why have some states been captured by specific ethnic elites and their clienteles, excluding all others from access to government power? Conversely, what explains political inclusion across ethnic divides or, in other words, successful ‘nation building’? Assuming a relational theoretical perspective, I argue that high state capacity to deliver public goods, well developed voluntary organizations, and low levels of linguistic diversity enhance nation building because they make it easier to extend networks of political alliances across an entire territory. Contemporary state capacity and linguistic diversity are in turn related to levels of state formation achieved during the late 19th century. On average, such long-term factors of political development are more important for explaining contemporary nation building than political institutions (including democracy) or the legacies of imperial rule. This is demonstrated on the basis of a cross-national data set covering all countries of the world since 1945.
Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone arrest the growth of MDA-MB-468 estrogen-independent human breast cancers in nude mice.

Since antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) inhibit proliferation of various tumors, in this study we investigated the effects of GH-RH antagonists MZ-5-156 or JV-1-36 on growth of estrogen-independent MDA-MB-468 human breast cancers xenografted into nude mice. Both GH-RH antagonists administered at a dose of 20 μg/day induced regression of some and growth-arrest of other tumors, while control tumors continued to grow. After 5 weeks of therapy with MZ-5-156 or JV-1-36, final volume and weight of MDA-MB-468 tumors were significantly decreased (all p values <0.001) and serum IGF-I levels as well as tumor IGF-I mRNA expression were reduced as compared with controls. High affinity binding sites for IGF-I were detected by the ligand binding method. Gene expression of human IGF-I receptors, as measured by the RT-PCR, was not significantly different in control and treated MDA-MB-468 tumors. In cell culture, IGF-I did not stimulate, GH-RH slightly stimulated, while MZ-5-156 and JV-1-36 inhibited proliferation of MDA-MB-468 cells known to possess defective insulin and IGF-I receptor signaling. The expression of mRNA for human GH-RH was found in five of 8 tumors treated with GH-RH antagonists, and in one of the five control tumors. These results suggest that GH-RH antagonists inhibit MDA-MB-468 breast cancers possibly through mechanisms involving interference with locally produced GH-RH.
All status error compensation about three axis magnetic heading sensor

Through analysing the reason about three axis magnetic heading measured principle and error,a fast and effective method about compensation is brought forward.The experimental result indicats the all status error about magnetic heading measure is corrected less than 1 degree from 20 degree by automatism compass error compensatory method,this has gained the satisfactory effect in engineering adduction.
Oxidation of Cholesterol in Commercially Processed Cow's Milk

Pasteurized whole milk, ultra-high temperature heated milk, canned evaporated milk, skim milk and instant nonfat dry milk were analyzed for presence of oxidized cholesterol compounds. Effects of heating whole milk and storage of whole milk lipid extracts were also examined. Analytical thin-layer chromatography data indicate that cholesterol in liquid milk was stable during commercial pasteurization, sterilization and evaporation. However, instant non-fat dry milk contained 7-hydroxy-cholesterol. Heating whole milk for 12 h at 85°C did not produce oxysterols, but GC-MS analysis indicate that storage of whole milk lipids may have produced steroidal ketones.