cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of rat hepatic hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (SULT2-40/41) gene expression by glucocorticoids: evidence for a dual mechanism of transcriptional control.

Glucocorticoid-inducible hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (SULT2-40/41) gene transcription was investigated in primary cultured rat hepatocytes transiently transfected with a series of SULT2-40/41 5′-flanking region-luciferase reporter constructs, with emphasis on examining the functional role of an inverted repeat-0 nuclear receptor motif (IR0). Treatment of transfected cultures with any of four glucocorticoids activated luciferase expression from a construct containing 1938 base pairs (bp) of the SULT2-40/41 gene 5′-flanking sequence, whereas deletion of bp −227 to −158 (containing the IR0 motif) largely abolished the effect. On closer analysis, treatment of hepatocyte cultures with either of the potent glucocorticoids dexamethasone [strong cytochrome P-450 3A (CYP3A) inducer] or triamcinolone acetonide (weak CYP3A inducer) produced dose-dependent increases in luciferase activity when hepatocytes were transiently transfected with a construct containing as little as 158 bp of 5′-flanking sequence or containing a mutated IR0 motif. The dexamethasone dose-dependent increase in luciferase activity continued through a dose of 10−6 M when the transfected construct contained the IR0 motif, but was maximal at 10−7 M when the transfected construct lacked the IR0 motif. In contrast, triamcinolone acetonide-induced luciferase activity was maximal at a dose of 10−7 M, irrespective of the presence or absence of the IR0 motif. Coincubation of transfected hepatocytes with 10−8 M dexamethasone and the antiglucocorticoid RU486 inhibited luciferase expression. Luciferase induction by the prototypical CYP3A inducer pregnenolone 16α-carbonitrile was restricted to constructs containing the IR0 motif. These data suggest that glucocorticoid-inducible SULT2-40/41 gene expression occurs through a dual mechanism, whose components possibly involve the glucocorticoid receptor and the pregnane X receptor.
Serum Protein-Steroid Hormone Interactions. Effects of Glucocorticoids on Glucose Metabolism in Rat Adipose Isolated Cells, and the Influence of Human Plasma Corticosteroid Binding Protein

Free adipose cells were prepared by treatment of rat epididymal adipose tissue with bacterial collagenase in the presence of gelatin. The conversion of U-14C-glucose to carbon dioxide and lipids by free adipose cells was markedly inhibited by physiological concentrations (10-8-10-6M) of cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, prednisolone and dexamethasone. Inhibitions by the naturally occurring steroids were directly proportional to the order of magnitude of their concentrations. The order of increasing inhibitory activity was: natural glucocorticoids, prednisolone, dexamethasone. The inhibitory effects of 5 × 10-7M cortisol, cortisone and corticosterone on glucose metabolism by adipose cells were overcome by a human plasma corticosteroid binding protein (CBG), and the influence of this protein was directly related to its concentration. As judged by this metabolic assay for binding activity, as well as by an equilibrium dialysis binding assay, CBG had a lower affinity for prednisolone and dexamethasone than...
Inhibition of Pythium spp. and Suppression of Pythium Blight of Turfgrasses with Phosphonate Fungicides

Pythium aphanidermatum and other Pythium spp. cause Pythium blight of turfgrasses in the United States. Phosphonate fungicides suppress Pythium blight when applied preventatively, but efficacy may vary with product, rate and timing of application, and host species. The objectives of this study were to assess the inhibitory effects of phosphorous acid on Pythium spp. in vitro, and determine if active ingredient and formulation of phosphonate fungicides provide similar levels of Pythium blight suppression on perennial ryegrass and creeping bentgrass when applied at equivalent rates of phosphorous acid. Phosphorous acid EC50 values (effective concentration that reduces mycelial growth by 50%) for P. aphanidermatum isolates ranged from 35.6 to 171.8 μg/ml. EC50 values for isolates of six other Pythium spp. were between 38.7 and 220.8 μg/ml. In 2004 and 2005, all phosphonate treatments provided significant suppression of Pythium blight symptoms on creeping bentgrass and perennial ryegrass relative to the untreated control. No differences in percentage of blighted turf occurred among phosphonate treatments when applied at equivalent rates of phosphorous acid in either year of the study, regardless of active ingredient, formulation, or turfgrass species.
Searching for Alternatives: Does Your Disposition Matter?

In the decision-making process, vast quantities of information is often parsed into a manageable set of top choices in order to meaningful select the best option. But what individual traits and dispositions impact this process? In this exploratory research effort, the authors address three such dispositions and their impact on selecting alternatives for a decision. Conducting two surveys for two different contexts, they find that motivational dispositions do have some impact on product searches, but may have minimal impact on information searches. The authors conclude that context has a major impact on the decision-making process and that technology/disposition fit may be a useful concept to guide the design of search technologies.
Active Learning in the Introductory Cultural Anthropology Course

The author describes three exercises that can be used to encourage active participation in cultural anthropology classes: use of a puzzle to demonstrate focal issues about culture; discussion of a specific piece of fieldwork to demonstrate the relationships among fieldwork, ethics, and cultural relativity; and use of study questions in ethnographic films to allow students actively to discuss issues.
The connections between the lateral giant fibers of earthworms.

Abstract 1. 1. Intracellular stimulation and recording techniques show elecrical connections between the lateral giant fiber of earthworms. In the species studied the connections attenuate electrical signals about three times. 2. 2. Anodal block of one lateral giant fiber does not delay conduction past the block. The bridges between the two fibers appear to conduct rapidly and the imblocked fiber determines conduction velocity for both fibers. 3. 3. Alcohol in the saline bath depresses conduction between the giant fibers and produces variable delay in crossover. Delayed crossings may be limited to particular regions of the nerve cord. Moving, labile sites of spike crossover, resembling quasi-artificial synapses, probably depends upon the demonstrated connections.
Segmented tri-gate bulk CMOS technology for device variability improvement

Tri-gate bulk MOSFETs are realized using a simple shallow-trench-isolation (STI) oxide recess approach. The tri-gate structure together with a retrograde body doping profile provides for superior electrostatic integrity, particularly for narrow fin widths, to reduce variability in transistor performance. The benefits of tri-gate bulk MOSFET technology for 28nm-node 6-T SRAM cells (0.149um2 bit-cell area) are assessed. As compared against planar cells, tri-gate cells show less degradation in static noise margin (SNM) and write margin (WRM) variations with decreased operating voltage. Thus, the STI-recess process provides a simple means for reducing device performance variability to facilitate CMOS technology scaling.
Thoughts on brackets and dissipation: Old and new

Bracket formulations of two kinds of dynamical systems, called incomplete and complete, are reviewed and developed, including double bracket and metriplectic dynamics. Dissipation based on the Cartan-Killing metric is introduced. Various examples of incomplete and complete dynamics are discussed, including dynamics associated with three-dimensional Lie algebras.
The cytochrome oxidase superfamily of redox-driven proton pumps

Most respiratory oxidases of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms are members of a superfamily of enzymes that couple the redox energy available from the reduction of molecular oxygen to the mechanism of pumping protons across the membrane. The recent applications of site-directed mutagenesis and of a variety of spectroscopic techniques have allowed major advances in our understanding of the structure and function of these proteins.
Materials Genome for Graphene-Cement Nanocomposites

AbstractGraphene nanoplatelets have unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties that render them ideal reinforcing materials. The attractive properties of graphene have led to intensive research on graphene-polymer nanocomposites. However, very little work has been reported on using graphene in manufacturing multifunctional cement-based nanocomposites. This paper attempts to bridge recent findings of science-based discovery and nanoscience to the ancient and challenging technology of cement. Utilizing a holistic approach (i.e., integrating modeling, synthesis, and analysis of cement) is a challenge that cannot be fully addressed in one paper or one research experiment. Therefore, this paper presents a general framework for using a system approach to study cement-based materials. The paper highlights primary findings in manufacturing and characterizing graphene-cement nanocomposites (GCNCs). A bottom-up approach is used to correlate the atomic assembly of GCNCs with their macroscopic properties. ...
Abductive inferencing for integrating information from human and robotic sources

Abductive inference (best-explanation reasoning) is a useful conceptual framework for analyzing and implementing the inferencing needed to integrate information from human and robotic sources. Inferencing proceeds from reports, to explanations for these reports, given in terms of hypothesized real-world entities and the processes by which the entities lead to the reports. Reports from humans and robotic sources are subject to different kinds of corruption, so they require different treatment as sources of evidence. The best explanation for a certain report might be that it presents a reliable statement that results from a chain of causality from the events reported, to their effects on human or robotic senses, and from there through transduction, processing, and reporting. Confidence in this explanation will be undercut by evidence supporting a rival explanation, such as one involving error or intended deception.
Effect of sprouted barley grain supplementation of an herbage-based or haylage-based diet on ruminal fermentation and methane output in continuous culture1

Abstract A 4-unit dual-flow continuous-culture fermentor system was used to assess the effect of supplementing 7-d sprouted barley (SB) or barley grain (BG) with an herbage-based or haylage-based diet on nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, bacterial protein synthesis, and methane (CH 4 ) output. Treatments were randomly assigned to fermentors in a 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement using 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Experimental diets were (1) 55.5g of herbage dry matter (DM) + 4.5g of SB DM, (2) 56.0g of herbage DM + 4.0g of BG DM, (3) 55.5g of haylage DM + 4.5g of SB DM, and (4) 56.0g of haylage DM + 4.0g of BG DM. Forages were fed at 0730, 1030, 1400, and 1900h, whereas SB and BG were fed at 0730 and 1400h. Gas samples for CH 4 analysis were collected at 0725, 0900, 1000, 1355, 1530, and 1630h on d 8, 9, and 10. Fluid samples were taken once daily on d 8, 9, and 10 for pH measurements and for ammonia-N and VFA analysis and analyzed for DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber for determination of nutrient digestibilities and estimation of bacterial protein synthesis. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the effect of forage source (haylage vs. herbage), supplement (BG vs. SB), and the forage × supplement interaction. Apparent and true DM and organic matter digestibilities as well as apparent crude protein digestibility were not affected by forage source. However, true DM digestibility was greatest for diets supplemented with SB. Apparent neutral and acid detergent fiber digestibilities of herbage-based diets were higher than haylage-based diets but fiber digestibility was not affected by supplement. Diets supplemented with SB had higher mean and minimum pH than BG; however, maximum pH was not affected by diet. Supplementation with BG produced a greater concentration of total VFA compared with diets supplemented with SB. Haylage-based diets produced greater CH 4 output compared with herbage-based diets but supplementation did not affect CH 4 output. Efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis was greater for herbage-based diets compared with haylage-based diets, with no effect of supplementation. Overall, supplementation with SB marginally increased true DM digestibility of herbage- and haylage-based diets but did not affect fiber and crude protein digestibilities, CH 4 output, and bacterial efficiency, compared with BG.
A long pollen record from Ahaliorak Lake, Arctic Alaska

Abstract The pollen analysis of the top three meters of sediments in Ahaliorak Lake from north of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska spans from the present to before 30,000 years ago, revealing the history of climate since early in the Boutellier interstade. Comparison with other data show that the record represents the history of regional climate. Climate of the Boutellier interstade was perhaps as warm as some Holocene climates but was significantly drier. Moisture early in the last glaciation suggests partial flooding of the Bering-Chukchi platform. Climate of the glacial maximum was cold and dry until the waning phase of the glaciation when increasing moisture is apparent. The time of the late glacial birch rise was a period of exceptional warmth at Ahaliorak Lake, which then supported a community of Myriophyllum . The vegetation of the Bering land bridge north of the Brooks Range was not a polar desert but neither was it steppe, rather it was poorly productive, dry tundra.
Vimentin in cancer and its potential as a molecular target for cancer therapy.

Vimentin, a major constituent of the intermediate filament family of proteins, is ubiquitously expressed in normal mesenchymal cells and is known to maintain cellular integrity and provide resistance against stress. Vimentin is overexpressed in various epithelial cancers, including prostate cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, tumors of the central nervous system, breast cancer, malignant melanoma, and lung cancer. Vimentin’s overexpression in cancer correlates well with accelerated tumor growth, invasion, and poor prognosis; however, the role of vimentin in cancer progression remains obscure. In recent years, vimentin has been recognized as a marker for epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although EMT is associated with several tumorigenic events, vimentin’s role in the underlying events mediating these processes remains unknown. By virtue of its overexpression in cancer and its association with tumor growth and metastasis, vimentin serves as an attractive potential target for cancer therapy; however, more research would be crucial to evaluate its specific role in cancer. Our recent discovery of a vimentin-binding mini-peptide has generated further impetus for vimentin-targeted tumor-specific therapy. Furthermore, research directed toward elucidating the role of vimentin in various signaling pathways would reveal new approaches for the development of therapeutic agents. This review summarizes the expression and functions of vimentin in various types of cancer and suggests some directions toward future cancer therapy utilizing vimentin as a potential molecular target.
Effects of limit feeding corn or dried distillers grains with solubles at 2 intakes during the growing phase on the performance of feedlot cattle.

Energy density in growing diets may affect carcass quality of cattle; however, few reports have described the impact of energy source. The objectives of this research were to determine effects of source [dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) vs. corn] and amount (limit-fed to gain 0.9 vs. 1.4 kg of BW/d) of energy during the growing phase on feedlot performance and marbling. Angus-cross steers (144 head) were blocked by BW (average initial BW = 252 ± 36 kg), allotted within each block to 8 pens (6 steers/pen, 24 pens total), and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 feeding systems in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) 65% DDGS fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d, 2) 65% DDGS fed to gain 1.4 kg of BW/d, 3) 65% corn fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d, and 4) 65% corn fed to gain 1.4 kg of BW/d. Fecal grab samples were collected on d 52 of the growing phase to determine digestibility of DM, ADF, NDF, ether extract (EE), and CP. After the 98-d growing phase, all steers were fed the same finishing diet. Steers were slaughtered by pen when average BW within the pen was 544, 522, and 499 kg for the large, medium, and small BW blocks, respectively. Average daily gain and DMI differed (P < 0.01) by design during the growing phase. Compared with the corn-based diets, digestibilities of DM, NDF, and EE were decreased (P < 0.02) when DDGS-based diets were fed during the growing phase, whereas the digestibility of N was increased (P < 0.01). The ADG was greatest (P = 0.02) during the finishing phase for steers fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d initially, but source of energy during the growing phase did not affect (P = 0.24) finishing phase ADG. Steers fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d during the growing phase also had less backfat (P = 0.08), decreased USDA yield grades (P = 0.03), and greater LM area (P < 0.01) than steers fed to gain 1.4 kg of BW/d. There was an interaction between energy source and amount for marbling scores (P = 0.02). Steers fed corn-based diets to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d during the growing phase had the most marbling, whereas those fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d on DDGS had the least marbling; the remaining feeding systems were intermediate. Overall ADG and DMI were affected (P < 0.06) by both source and amount of energy fed during the growing phase. Feeding the DDGS-based diet to achieve greater ADG during the growing phase increased marbling, whereas feeding the corn-based diet to increase ADG during the growing phase decreased marbling.
The reaction of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, to homologous tissue implants

Abstract A study was made of the host reaction of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas , to intraspecific living tissue implants. A number of the implants were rejected by the host; but those that remained within the host appeared normal throughout the experiment. Although the implants appeared to inhibit wound healing, the process ultimately followed the typical pattern for the species. Leucocytes delineated the wound and formed a union with the implants. Finally, the implants fused with the host and became contiguous with it.
Competition between lone pair–π, halogen bond, and hydrogen bond in adducts of water with perhalogenated alkenes C2ClnF4−n (n = 0–4)

Abstract A thorough search of the potential energy surface is carried out for heterodimers of water with C 2 Cl n F 4− n . Three different types of interactions are observed. Structures dominated by a lone pair–π interaction have the highest binding energies, and are stabilized by charge transfer from O lone pairs of H 2 O to the C C π * antibonding orbital of the alkene. Halogen-bonded O⋯Cl complexes are slightly less strongly bound, followed by OH⋯X hydrogen bonds. The replacements of Cl by F atoms have only small effects upon binding energies. Inclusion of vibrational and entropic effects removes the clear energetic superiority of lp–π binding energies. When combined with the observation of several similar geometries for each particular heterodimer type, and a sensitivity to basis set, it would be quite difficult to predict with any degree of certainty the single most stable configuration, even with very high level calculations.
Application of intermediate-coupling unified nuclear model to odd-mass iodine isotopes

Abstract Employing the intermediate-coupling unified nuclear model, the properties of the low-lying levels of the odd-mass iodine isotopes are investigated. The electromagnetic transition probabilities and nuclear moments are also calculated. In most cases, the results are found to be in fairly satisfactory agreement with the experimentally observed values. A number of energy levels is predicted which should stimulate new measurements.
A Simple Approach to Control the Growth of Polyaniline Nanofibers

Abstract Polyaniline nanofibers are synthesized via controlled chemical oxidative polymerization. The interconnected, branched network-like nanostructures are demonstrated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using different synthetic conditions as well as different dopant acids we can control the diameters of polyaniline nanofibers ranging from 30 nm to 80 nm. UV/vis spectra of polyaniline nanofibers are consistent with nonfibrous polyaniline powders prepared by the conventional chemical synthesis. The nanofibrous morphology has no significant change when redoped/dedoped multiple times by the acid/base solutions. The formation mechanism of the nanofibers is discussed.
Video-microscopy-based study of molecular crystal growth modes

Abstract Control over molecular crystal growth modes requires control over growth rates. Improvements in crystal size, morphology and defects due to improved control over growth rates have been reported using a modification of the standard constant current method of electrocrystallization. This modified method seeks to maintain a constant current density at the crystal surface , using a theoretical approximation of the actual time-dependence of the crystal surface area. In this paper, we present direct experimental observations of the time dependence of the crystal surface area (and the location and rate of new growth) for single crystals of (BEDT-TTF) 2 Cu(SCN) 2 . Contrary to theory, we find that growth at crystal faces normal to the high conductivity plane does not occur uniformly but instead occurs primarily along electric field lines. Our results illustrate the need for in-situ measurements to control the current density at the crystal surface. The change in the effective surface area for oxidation due to the anisotropic conductivity of molecular crystals is also discussed.
Program-Integrated Information Literacy Instruction for Online Graduate Students

Academic librarians often provide information literacy support for specific courses or topics in the form of research guides, one-shot training sessions, library orientations, or by embedding library content into online courses. Less frequently, they provide continuous program-level support on-campus or online. This paper highlights the value of sustained involvement of librarians at the program level to provide information literacy in an online environment. The description of implementation, research results, and strategies for sustainability will be useful to other online programs engaged in equipping online graduate students with essential information literacy skills to succeed in their academic endeavors.
Cost Allocation Strategies at Florida Petroleum Cleanup Facilities: A Tiered Decision Approach

Cost allocations are conducted at Florida petroleum facilities between the state and private parties for the combined cleanup of multiple discharges that are not all eligible for state funding. This article proposes a tiered decision process for determining allocation strategies for cleanup costs and a method of apportioning costs by mass and volume to account for various plume scenarios and the significant constituents of petroleum contamination in soil and groundwater. The approach incorporates elements of the methods used at Superfund sites and addresses specific requirements of the Florida petroleum cleanup-funding program. More than 100 cost allocations were concluded using the approach.
Parent-child DRD4 genotype as a potential biomarker for oppositional, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract The primary objective of the present study was to examine whether a combination of parent-child DRD4 genotypes results in more informative biomarkers of oppositional, separation anxiety, and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Based on prior research indicating the 7-repeat allele as a potential risk variant, participants were sorted into one of four combinations of parent–child genotypes. Owing to the possibility of parent-of-origin effects, analyses were conducted separately for mother–child (MC) and father–child (FC) dyads. Mothers completed a validated DSM-IV-referenced rating scale. Partial eta-squared (ηp 2 ) was used to determine the magnitude of group differences: 0.01–0.06 = small, 0.06–0.14 = moderate, and > 0.14 = large. Analyses indicated that children in MC dyads with matched genotypes had the least (7−/7−) and most (7+/7+) severe mother-rated oppositional-defiant (ηp 2 = 0.11) and separation anxiety (ηp 2 = 0.19) symptoms. Conversely, youths in FC dyads with matched genotypes had the least (7−/7−) and most (7+/7+) severe obsessive-compulsive behaviors (ηp 2 = 0.19) and tics (ηp 2 = 0.18). Youths whose parents were both noncarriers had less severe tics than peers with at least one parental carrier, and the effect size was large (ηp 2 = 0.16). There was little evidence that noncarrier children were rated more severely by mothers who were carriers versus noncarriers. Transmission Disequilibrium Test analyses provided preliminary evidence for undertransmission of the 2-repeat allele in youths with more severe tics ( p = 0.02). Parent genotype may be helpful in constructing prognostic biomarkers for behavioral disturbances in ASD; however, findings are tentative pending replication with larger, independent samples.
Comorbidity of DSM-IV pathological gambling and other psychiatric disorders: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

Objective To present nationally representative data on lifetime prevalence and comorbidity of pathological gambling with other psychiatric disorders and to evaluate sex differences in the strength of the comorbid associations. Method Data were derived from a large national sample of the United States. Some 43,093 household and group quarters residents age 18 years and older participated in the 2001-2002 survey. Prevalence and associations of lifetime pathological gambling and other lifetime psychiatric disorders are presented. The diagnostic interview was the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV Version. Fifteen symptom items operationalized the 10 pathological gambling criteria. Results The lifetime prevalence rate of pathological gambling was 0.42%. Almost three quarters (73.2%) of pathological gamblers had an alcohol use disorder, 38.1% had a drug use disorder, 60.4% had nicotine dependence, 49.6% had a mood disorder, 41.3% had an anxiety disorder, and 60.8% had a personality disorder. A large majority of the associations between pathological gambling and substance use, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders were overwhelmingly positive and significant (p .05). Conclusion Pathological gambling is highly comorbid with substance use, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, suggesting that treatment for one condition should involve assessment and possible concomitant treatment for comorbid conditions.
Structural Insights into the Type II Secretion Nanomachine

The Type II secretion nanomachine transports folded proteins across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Recent X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and molecular modeling studies provide structural insights into three functionally and spatially connected units of this nanomachine: the cytoplasmic and inner membrane energy-harvesting complex, the periplasmic helical pseudopilus, and the outer membrane secretin. Key advances include cryo-EM reconstruction of the secretin and demonstration that it interacts with both secreted substrates and a crucial transmembrane clamp protein, plus a biochemical and structural explanation of the role of low-abundance pseudopilins in initiating pseudopilus growth. Combining structures and protein interactions, we synthesize a 3D view of the complete complex consistent with a stepwise pathway in which secretin oligomerization defines sites of nanomachine biogenesis.
Forage Selection of Native and Nonnative Woody Plants by Beaver in a Rare-Shrub Community in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina

Abstract Castor canadensis (Beaver) is a selective forager that can modify the species composition and structure of plant communities. However, no studies have examined the use of woody plants by Beaver in temperate forests that contain a dominant nonnative plant. We investigated foraging of woody plants by Beaver in a riparian shrub community that is dominated by both native and nonnative species, including the federally threatened shrub Spiraea virginiana (Virginia Spiraea). We established 48 random, 25-m transects along a 12-km reach of the Cheoah River in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. We sampled woody plants every 5 m using a modified point-centered quarter method to estimate relative abundance and to quantify browsing by Beaver. We used a mixed linear model to determine Beaver forage selection on the 9 most abundant plant species and Virginia Spiraea. We recorded 984 plants of 58 woody species (55 native, 3 nonnative). Beaver browsed 24% of the woody species sampled and 8% of all stems...
The question of the validity of using radical probes for determining SET: the reaction of alkyl halides with LiAlH4

Abstract The validity of using a cyclizable alkyl iodide as a radical probe on reaction with LiAlH 4 and other nucleophiles has been recently questioned. Both previously presented data as well as new data presented here makes it clear that the cyclized products formed in the reactions studied are indeed formed to a significant extent via an electron transfer process involving a radical precursor.
Studies on the role of catecholamines as regulators of tyrosine aminotransferase.

Abstract It has been suggested that catecholamines are involved in the control of tyrosine aminotransferase activity. We have studied the effects of drugs which produce adrenergic blockade and catecholamine depletion on the activity of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) in rat liver. Phentolamine was found to increase TAT activity while phenoxybenzamine and propranolol had no effect. Of the depleting agents tested reserpine, guanethidine and α-methyl-para-tyrosine increased TAT activity while α-methyl-meta-tyrosine had no effect. All compounds which increased TAT activity also increase the plasma corticosterone concentration; α-methyl-para-tyrosine also increased slightly the enzyme activity in adrenalectomized rats. Thus, TAT activity is influenced by the changes in plasma corticosterone levels which these compounds produced, rather than their adrenergic blocking or catecholamine depleting effects. The response to α-methyl-para-tyrosine in adrenalectomized animals suggests that some additional mechanism is also involved.
Evidence for coiled-coil dimer formation by an Epstein-Barr virus transactivator that lacks a heptad repeat of leucine residues.

Abstract Two regions of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BZLF1 gene product, ZEBRA, share sequence homology with c-Fos, one of which corresponds to the DNA binding domain of c-Fos. ZEBRA does not, however, contain the heptad repeat of leucines present in the dimerization domains of leucine zipper proteins. Here it is shown that ZEBRA binds its recognition sites as a homodimer and that the region adjacent to the basic DNA binding domain is essential for dimerization. This region contains a 4-3 repeat of predominantly hydrophobic residues, which is precisely in register with the hydrophobic heptad repeat present in the leucine zipper proteins with respect to the basic DNA binding domain. A mutational analysis of ZEBRA supports a model for dimerization involving a coiled-coil interaction. These results indicate that a heptad repeat of leucines is not a structural requirement for formation of coiled-coil dimers by transcription factors.
Emergency Contraception: Update and Review

Emergency contraception (EC) is the postcoital method of pregnancy prevention. Three methods of EC are used in the United States: (1) levonorgestrel-only pills, Plan B (Barr Pharmaceuticals, LLC, New Jersey) (2) combined estrogen and progestin pills, and (3) the copper intrauterine device. Used within 120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse, EC reduces the risk of pregnancy by 60 to 94%. EC is a critical component of medical care for sexual assault survivors, and several states have laws mandating this standard of care. Levonorgestrel-only EC is available to women >or=17 years of age without a prescription. Women who were counseled by their clinician about EC were 11 times more likely to use EC in the following 12 months. Advance provision of EC to women has not been found to decrease rates of unintended pregnancy compared with routine pharmacy access; however, women routinely prefer advance provision. The newly approved by the Food and Drug Administration single-dose EC, Plan B One-Step (Barr Pharmaceuticals, LLC), may affect unintended pregnancy rates among EC users by simplifying use.
Substance and procedure in theories of prudential value

In this paper I argue that the debate between subjective and objective theories of prudential value obscures the way in which elements of both are needed for a comprehensive theory of prudential value. I suggest that we characterize these two types of theory in terms of their different aims: procedural (or subjective) theories give an account of the necessary conditions for something to count as good for a person, while substantive (or objective) theories give an account of what is good for a person, given some set of necessary conditions. Characterizing the theories in this way allows us to see their mutual compatibility. To make this case, I assume that a theory of prudential value ought to be descriptively and normatively adequate. The criterion of descriptive adequacy requires that our theory explain the subject relativity of prudential value. I characterize subject relativity in terms of justifiability to subjects and I argue that certain procedural theories are well suited to meet this criterion. Th...
Heat treatment reduces oxidative stress and protects muscle mass during immobilization.

This study examined the role of heating on oxidative stress and muscle mass in immobilized limbs. Rats were divided into three groups (n = 9/group): a control group (Con), an immobilized group (Im)...
Molecular dynamics of a hard sphere fluid in small pores

A molecular dynamics study is carried out on a hard sphere fluid in pores of molecular dimensions. The confinement of the pore walls results in density inhomogeneities which yield pressure anisotropy and an increased particle collision frequency over that observed in the bulk phase at the same overall density. Diffusivity along the pore axis is less than that of the bulk fluid and decreases by about a factor of two in going from specular to diffuse pore wall reflection. Diffusive motion in the pore cross-section is discussed.
Grassroots Transnational Social Movement Activism: The Case of Peoples' Global Action

Abstract The process of globalization has profoundly affected social movement activism. Globalization from above is countered by a globalization from below. Social movement activists in different parts of the world are linked by multiple formal and informal ties. This article argues that much of today's social movement activism takes place in a transboundary space enabling social movements to coordinate their activities. To theoretically account for this phenomenon, we need to move beyond the state-centric perspective that has informed most of the theories and analysis of social movements. This article illustrates this transnational social movement activism by describing the informal workings of the transnational network of Peoples' Global Action.
A Complex of the Srb8, -9, -10, and -11 Transcriptional Regulatory Proteins from Yeast

The Srb8, -9, -10, and -11 proteins of yeast have been isolated as a discrete, stoichiometric complex. The isolated complex phosphorylates the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II at serines 2 and 5. In addition to the previously reported human homologs of Srb10 and 11, we have identified TRAP230/ARC240 and TRAP240/ARC250 as the human homologs of Srb8 and Srb9, showing the entire Srb8/9/10/11 complex is conserved from yeast to humans.
Effect of Feed Ingredients on the Antifungal Activity of Propionic Acid

Abstract The effect of mixing varying amounts of soybean meal, fish meal, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, fat, and limestone in corn meal on the antifungal activity of propionic acid was assessed by measuring the production of CO2 by fungi in the mixtures. Antagonism was observed with soybean meal, fish meal, poultry by-product meal, and limestone. Corn gluten meal was without effect while the addition of fat to corn meal enhanced the activity of propionic acid. The antagonistic effects can be rationalized on the basis of the free acid form of propionic acid being converted to the less active salt form by the buffering capacity of the antagonistic supplements. The lack of an effect with corn gluten meal would reside in its low buffering capacity and the synergistic effect of fat can be explained on the basis of enhanced distribution of propionic acid. That the activity of antifungal agents can be controlled by feed ingredients may be useful in establishing usage levels.
The Types and Styles of Managerial Information Scanning

Information scanning refers to any verbal, nonverbal or written request for information. Engaging in information scanning is essential to effective participation in organizational decision-making and problem-solving activities. This qualitative investigation of information-scanning behavior in organizations identifies the types of executive information scanning and distinguishes individual verbal and nonverbal scanning styles.
A Case for Teaching the Humanities in the High Schools

Education, the author believes, falls far short of the goals set for it by our society. The humanities receive insufficient emphasis in the schools, and the quality of life in America is poorer because this is so.
Determination of gastric acidity by measurement of azure A in the blood serum.

A tubeless gastric analysis procedure based on the azure A level in blood serum and the experimental results in three groups of individuals have been described.
Observation of a fast dielectric relaxation in semi-crystalline poly(ethylene oxide)

Abstract Our broadband dielectric study has revealed for the first time a relaxation (termed γ′) between the low temperature β and γ-processes of semi-crystalline poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The activation energy of the γ′-transition is indicative of a local process, and this relaxation becomes broader with increasing temperature. We propose that this process is due to the motion of PEO segments in the transition region between PEO lamellae and disordered interlamellar amorphous segments. The unusual local character of the γ′-process is explained by analogy to the fast process or primitive α-relaxation in nanoconfined glass forming systems. This mechanism is supported by comparison of the dielectric behavior of samples with different thermal histories.
Geochemistry and origin of mafic rocks from the Pelona, Orocopia, and Rand Schists, southern California

Abstract Metabasites from the Pelona-Orocopia-Rand (POR) schist, a presumed subduction complex in southern California, have been analyzed for major, minor, and trace element concentrations to investigate the nature, origin, and tectonic implications of these rock bodies. Element abundances indicate that these rocks are tholeiitic and alkalic basalts generated from several sources. Most samples (group 1) resemble normal to transitional mid-ocean ridge basalts (N-type to T-type MORB). Variation of MORB-like samples can be accounted for by low-pressure crystal fractionation. A second group (group 2), which includes five samples from the Rand Mountains and one from the San Gabriel Mountains, has elemental abundances similar to those of tholeiitic ocean-island basalts or E-type MORB, although phosphorus is unusually low. Several samples of group 2 have high MgO, Ni, and Cr, characteristics which are commonly associated with crystal accumulation. A final group (group 3) consists of two samples from the Orocopia Mountains that resemble alkalic ocean-island basalts. The analyzed samples were collected from six different bodies of POR schist. There seem to be no major differences in basalt type which would imply a unique and separate source for any one area. Various sites of accumulation have been suggested for the protoliths of the POR schist: open ocean, Gulf of California-type basin, trapped back-arc basin, and rifted back-arc basin. The first three settings are entirely consistent with the basalt geochemistry. The last option is less likely, but not impossible.
Phase Transition of Thin-Film Superconducting Cylinders in a Magnetic Field. I. Parallel-Field Measurements

The superconducting transition temperature was measured as a function of magnetic field for thin-film hollow cylinders in an accurately parallel magnetic field. Quantitative results were obtained for one indium and nine aluminum cylinders with film thicknesses $d$ varying from 2900 to 340 \AA{} and with diameters from 1.4 to 4.8 \ensuremath{\mu}. The results agree well with Tinkham's analysis based on the Ginzburg-Landau theory even in the very-thin-film region where the penetration depth $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\gg}d$ and the transition region is greatly broadened. Values of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ obtained from the amplitude of periodic variations of ${T}_{c}$ with $H$ and from the background monotonic variation of ${T}_{c}$ both agree with values derived from the low-temperature critical field and theoretical estimates. A search for higher-order electron correlations which would give an admixture of higher periodicity of flux quantization yielded a negative result. Evidence was found for the effect of fluctuations on the magnetic field dependence of the phase boundary.
Targeting the AMP-activated protein kinase for cancer prevention and therapy

Despite the advances in biomedical research and clinical applications, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Given the limitations of conventional chemotherapeutics, including serious toxicities and reduced quality of life for patients, the development of safe and efficacious alternatives with known mechanism of action is much needed. Prevention of cancer through dietary intervention may hold promise and has been investigated extensively in the recent years. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor that plays a key role in the regulation of protein and lipid metabolism in response to changes in fuel availability. When activated, AMPK promotes energy-producing catabolic pathways while inhibiting anabolic pathways, such as cell growth and proliferation—thereby antagonizing carcinogenesis. Other anti-cancer effects of AMPK may include promoting autophagy and DNA repair upon UVB damage. In the last decade, interest in AMPK has grown extensively as it emerged as an attractive target molecule for cancer prevention and treatment. Among the latest developments is the activation of AMPK by naturally-occurring dietary constituents and plant products—termed phytochemicals. Owing to their efficacy and safety, phytochemicals are considered as an alternative to the conventional harmful chemotherapy. The rising popularity of using phytochemicals for cancer prevention and therapy is supported by a substantial progress in identifying the molecular pathways involved, including AMPK. In this article, we review the recent progress in this budding field that suggests AMPK as a new molecular target in the prevention and treatment of cancer by phytochemicals.
Alcohol, drugs, and condom use among drug offenders: An event-based analysis

Background Studies of the association between substance use and condom use in specific sexual encounters often do not separate the effects of alcohol and different types of drugs. Because the pharmacological effects and social settings of various substances differ, their effects on unprotected intercourse may vary as well.
The Three-Legged Race: Cooperating to Compete

Abstract In the prisoners' dilemma contest several couples play the finitely repeated prisoners' dilemma. Each time a couple cooperates, it scores a point, and a small prize is awarded to the winners. An analogue of the “folk” theorem for repeated games is obtained with subgame perfect equilibrium (SPE). Next, allowing renegotiations within each team, we study a solution concept based on renegotiation-proof equilibrium (RPE). If couples are informed about the score, no equilibrium exists. If they are not, cooperation is the unique equilibrium outcome. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: C72.
Morpholino-Mediated Knockdown of ERα, ERβa, and ERβb mRNAs in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos Reveals Differential Regulation of Estrogen-Inducible Genes

Genetically distinct estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes (ERα and ERβ) play a major role in mediating estrogen actions in vertebrates, but their unique and overlapping functions are not entirely clear. Although mammals have 1 gene of each subtype (ESR1 and ESR2), teleost fish have a single esr1 (ERα) and 2 esr2 (ERβa and ERβb) genes. To determine the in vivo role of different ER isoforms in regulating estrogen-inducible transcription targets, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were microinjected with esr-specific morpholino (MO) oligonucleotides to disrupt splicing of the exon III/intron III junction in the DNA-binding domain. Each MO knocked down its respective normal transcript and increased production of variants with a retained intron III (esr1 MO) or a deleted or mis-spliced exon III (esr2a and esr2b MOs). Both esr1 and esr2b MOs blocked estradiol induction of vitellogenin and ERα mRNAs, predominant hepatic genes, but esr2b was the only MO that blocked induction of cytochrome P450 aromatase B mRNA, a predominant brain gene. Knockdown of ERβa with the esr2a MO had no effect on estrogen induction of the 3 mRNAs but, when coinjected with esr1 MO, attenuated the effect of ERα knockdown. Results indicate that ERα and ERβb, acting separately or cooperatively on specific gene targets, are positive transcriptional regulators of estrogen action, but the role of ERβa, if any, is unclear. We conclude that MO technology in zebrafish embryos is an advantageous approach for investigating the interplay of ER subtypes in a true physiological context.
Idealization in engineering modeling and design

The relationship of idealizations to the accuracy of engineering analysis is examined. The approaches available to control idealizations are indicated, and importance of understanding the relationship among idealizations is demonstrated.