cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between carbon isotope discrimination and grain yield of rainfed winter wheat in a semi-arid region

Carbon isotope discrimination (CID) has been suggested as an indirect selection criterion for grain yield under drought stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, the association between CID and grain yield varies greatly among different studies. In this study, conducted in western Kansas, a temperate semi-arid region, the genetic variation of grain CID and its association with grain yield and other agronomic traits were examined using 43 preliminary and 15 advanced breeding lines under dryland conditions. The 43 preliminary breeding lines were tested in three environments while the 15 advanced breeding lines were tested in one environment. Results showed that both preliminary and advanced breeding lines had significant genetic variations and relatively small coefficients of variation in grain CID, indicating grain CID as a promising trait for selection in wheat breeding programs. In the trials for the preliminary breeding lines, the association between grain CID and grain yield was significant (P < 0.05) and positive in all three environments with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.34 to 0.74. This correlation was stronger in a trial with expected post-anthesis drought stress. However, there was only a weak positive correlation between grain CID and grain yield in the trial for the advanced breeding lines. Winter injury may have confounded the grain CID and yield relationship. This study also revealed a significant (P < 0.05) and negative correlation between grain CID and grain protein content in all four trials with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from −0.43 to −0.65, suggesting a possible impact on baking quality while selecting high grain CID. Therefore, our results suggest that grain CID could be useful for grain yield prediction in semi-arid areas with moderate drought stress. However, precaution should be taken for selecting grain CID because of the effect of environment on its association with grain yield and its negative correlation with protein content.
Determinants of Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier 1 (SUMO1) Protein Specificity, E3 Ligase, and SUMO-RanGAP1 Binding Activities of Nucleoporin RanBP2

The RanBP2 nucleoporin contains an internal repeat domain (IR1-M-IR2) that catalyzes E3 ligase activity and forms a stable complex with SUMO-modified RanGAP1 and UBC9 at the nuclear pore complex. RanBP2 exhibits specificity for SUMO1 as RanGAP1-SUMO1/UBC9 forms a more stable complex with RanBP2 compared with RanGAP1-SUMO2 that results in greater protection of RanGAP-SUMO1 from proteases. The IR1-M-IR2 SUMO E3 ligase activity also shows a similar preference for SUMO1. We utilized deletions and domain swap constructs in protease protection assays and automodification assays to define RanBP2 domains responsible for RanGAP1-SUMO1 protection and SUMO1-specific E3 ligase activity. Our data suggest that elements in both IR1 and IR2 exhibit specificity for SUMO1. IR1 protects RanGAP1-SUMO1/UBC9 and functions as the primary E3 ligase of RanBP2, whereas IR2 retains the ability to interact with SUMO1 to promote SUMO1-specific E3 ligase activity. To determine the structural basis for SUMO1 specificity, a hybrid IR1 construct and IR1 were used to determine three new structures for complexes containing UBC9 with RanGAP1-SUMO1/2. These structures show more extensive contacts among SUMO, UBC9, and RanBP2 in complexes containing SUMO1 compared with SUMO2 and suggest that differences in SUMO specificity may be achieved through these subtle conformational differences.
Dynamical soft-wall AdS/QCD

We present a solution of the five-dimensional gravity-dilaton-tachyon equations of motion with a pure AdS{sub 5} metric and a quadratic dilaton and linear tachyon in conformal coordinates. This leads to an infrared soft-wall model where the dilaton profile gives rise to linear Regge trajectories for the four-dimensional mass spectrum of the dual gauge theory. Even though our approach is phenomenological the scalar fields resemble the dilaton and the closed string tachyon of a noncritical string theory. Interestingly, the linear tachyon has the correct profile to imply that chiral symmetry is not restored for highly excited states. Our solution thus provides a dynamical bottom-up model of linear confinement in holographic QCD.
Mechanical Responses of the Organ of Corti to Acoustic and Electrical Stimulation In Vitro

Abstract The detection of sound by the cochlea involves a complex mechanical interplay among components of the cochlear partition. An in vitro preparation of the second turn of the jird's cochlea provides an opportunity to measure cochlear responses with subcellular resolution under controlled mechanical, ionic, and electrical conditions that simulate those encountered in vivo. Using photodiode micrometry, laser interferometry, and stroboscopic video microscopy, we have assessed the mechanical responses of the cochlear partition to acoustic and electrical stimuli near the preparation's characteristic frequency. Upon acoustic stimulation, the partition responds principally as a rigid plate pivoting around its insertion along the spiral lamina. The radial motion at the reticular lamina greatly surpasses that of the tectorial membrane, giving rise to shear that deflects the mechanosensitive hair bundles. Electrically evoked mechanical responses are qualitatively dissimilar from their acoustically evoked counterparts and suggest the recruitment of both hair-bundle- and soma-based electromechanical transduction processes. Finally, we observe significant changes in the stiffness of the cochlear partition upon tip-link destruction and tectorial-membrane removal, suggesting that these structures contribute considerably to the system's mechanical impedance and that hair-bundle-based forces can drive active motion of the cochlear partition.
Synthesis and Adsorption Properties of Colloid-Imprinted Carbons with Surface and Volume Mesoporosity

A novel procedure which employs colloidal imprinting and air stabilization of the mesophase pitch particles is proposed for the synthesis of mesoporous carbons. This procedure allows one to control the degree of mesopore development during colloidal imprinting and carbonization and, consequently, to synthesize carbon particles with surface and volume mesoporosity. Nitrogen adsorption studies show that the resulting carbons exhibit interconnected spherical mesopores and their microporosity is negligible.
A Priori Predictions of Phase Transitions in KCaF 3 and RbCaF 3 : Existence of a New Ground State

We have made an $a$ priori theoretical study of the potential-energy surfaces for KCa${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ and RbCa${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, and have examined the relative stability of the various lower-symmetry structures generated from the cubic perovskite phase by "rotations" of the Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$ octahedra. A completely new ground state was discovered which, when included in the sequence of energy levels, allows us to give a full account both qualitatively and, in the case of RbCa${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$, quantitatively of the phase transition sequences in both systems.
Nitrosyl-Cobinamide, a New and Direct Nitric Oxide–Releasing Drug Effective In Vivo

A limited number of nitric oxide (NO)-generating drugs are available for clinical use for acute and chronic conditions. Most of these agents are organic nitrates, which do not directly release NO; ...
Life Cycle Investing, Holding Periods, and Risk

This article examines the relative performance of bills, bonds, and stocks over various holding periods. Using a resampling technique that accounts for the cross–sectional correlation between security classes, the authors find that the risk of underperformance for a strategy of investing in higher risk classes of investments is minimal over long holding periods, while the rewards are substantial.
Combined spectroscopic and topographic characterization of nanoscale domains and their distributions of a redox protein on bacterial cell surfaces

Redox protein nanoscale domains on the cell surface of a bacterium, Shewanella oneidensis MR1, grown in the absence and presence of electron acceptors, is topographically characterized using combined atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The protruding nanoscale domains on the outer membrane of S. oneidensis were observed, as was their disappearance upon exposure to electron acceptors such as oxygen, nitrate, fumarate, and iron nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA). Using SERS spectroscopy, a redox heme protein was identified as a major component of the cell surface domains. This conclusion was further confirmed by the disappearance of Raman vibrational frequencies, characteristic of heme proteins, upon exposure of the cells to electron acceptors. Our experimental results from our AFM imaging and SERS spectroscopy, consistent with the literature, suggest the protruding nanoscale surface domains as heme-containing secretions. Our results on the distributions of redox proteins on microbial cell surfaces will be helpful for a mechanistic understanding of the behaviors of surface proteins and their interactions with redox environments.
M-ary sequential hypothesis tests for automatic target recognition

Several forms of sequential hypothesis testing algorithms are described and their performance as classification algorithms for automatic target recognition is evaluated and compared. Several forms of parameteric algorithms, as well as a sequential form of a useful nonparametric algorithm are considered. The primary focus is the design of algorithms for automatic target recognition that produce maximally reliable decisions while requiring, on the average, a minimum number of backscatter measurements. The tradeoffs between the average number of required measurements and the error performance of the resulting algorithms are compared by means of Monte-Carlo simulation studies. >
A FRAMEWORK FOR EVALUATING BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

This paper explores solutions to the spherically symmetric Euler equations. Motivated by the work of Hagstrom and Hariharan7 and Geer and Pope,5 we model the effect of a pulsating sphere in a compressible medium. The literature available on this suggests that an accurate numerical solution requires artificial boundary conditions which simulate the propagation of nonlinear waves in open domains. Until recently, the boundary conditions available are in general linear, and based on non-reflection. Exceptions to this are the nonlinear nonreflective conditions of Thompson,11 and the nonlinear reflective condition of Ref. 7. The former is based on the rate of change of the incoming characteristics, while the latter relies on asymptotic analysis and the method of characteristics and accounts for the coupling of incoming and outgoing characteristics. Furthermore in Ref. 7 it was shown in a test situation in which the flow would reach a steady state over a long time, the method proposed in Ref. 11 could lead to an incorrect steady state. The current study considers periodic flows. Moreover, various other types and techniques of boundary conditions are included in this study. The technique recommended by Ref. 7 proved superior to all others considered, and matched the results of asymptotic methods which are valid for low subsonic Mach numbers.
Determining blood and/or breath alcohol concentration from transdermal alcohol data

We develop a scheme for the blind deconvolution of blood or breath alcohol concentration from biosensor measured transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC). The scheme is based on a distributed parameter model with unbounded input and output for the transdermal transport of ethanol from the blood through the skin to the sensor. The estimation of the convolution filter that serves to calibrate the underlying model to a particular subject and device is formulated as a nonlinear least squares fit of unknown parameters appearing in the model to a subject's laboratory alcohol administration session data. The deconvolution is formulated as a regularized quadratic programming problem using the calibrated model. A scheme to automatically locate distinct drinking episodes in the TAC data based on a Hodrick Prescott filter is discussed. Numerical results involving actual patient data is presented.
Cross number invariants of finite abelian groups

Abstract We study the conjectured values of the maximal cross number k ( G ) of a zero-sum free sequence over a finite abelian group G, defined by Krause, and the maximal cross number K 1 ( G ) of a unique factorization sequence over G, defined by Gao and Wang. We prove that the conjectured values of k and K 1 must hold for G ⊕ C p α when they hold for G, given that p is small compared to the prime factors of exp ( G ) . When the prime factors of n are far apart and q is the largest among them, we prove the conjectured value of K 1 ( G ) for groups G = C n ⊕ C q and that of k ( G ) for groups G = C n ⊕ H q , where H q is an arbitrary finite abelian q-group.
Studies on dilute solutions and dispersion of the polysaccharide from Xanthomonas campestris NRRL B-1459☆

Abstract Some properties of the extracellular polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris NRRL B-1459 were measured in partially purified culture fluids and in liquid systems prepared from thoroughly purified and lyophilized material. High intrinsic viscosities resulted from dispersions and solutions of polysaccharide B-1459 in 0.01 m ammonium acetate and 4 m urea. Heating a dispersion of B-1459 in 4 m urea yielded a true macromolecular solution in which the polysaccharide had an apparent molecular weight of approximately 2 × 10 6 . Lightscattering measurements on culture fluids of B-1459 made 4 m in urea gave molecular weights of 13 × 10 6 and 50 × 10 6 . Various solution-properties and factors that affect the viscosity of dispersions prepared from lyophilized polysaccharide are presented.
Development of graafian follicles in adult human ovary. I. Correlation of estrogen and progesterone concentration in antral fluid with growth of follicles.

ABSTRACT Radioimmunoassays of progesterone, estradiol-17β and estrone were performed on antral fluids aspirated from ovaries in situ or from individual follicles dissected out of excised ovaries during different phases of the menstrual cycle of women. A marked increase in progesterone was observed in samples of antral fluid aspirated from ovaries in situ during late proliferative phase (days 10–14), 790–1080 pg/μl, compared to early proliferative phase (days 4–9), 154–366 pg/μl. Estradiol-17β concentrations (983–1355 pg/μl) were also elevated during late proliferative phase and reached a peak on day 12. Estrone levels were 2–3 times lower than those of estradiol-17β. There was a progressive overall increase in the steroid concentration of antral fluids of individual follicles related to their growth during proliferative phase. Progesterone concentration was relatively increased in follicles of 7–8 mm diameter. The level rose sharply in the larger follicles (11–21 mm) during late proliferative phase. Estro...
Outpatient parathyroidectomy: a new paradigm from a nursing perspective.

Purpose of review Nursing assessment and management regarding the care of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (1 degrees HPTH) has evolved in parallel with the marked changes in diagnosis and surgical approach to the disease. Earlier diagnosis and vast advancements in surgical approach has shifted the paradigm of nursing intervention into the outpatient setting. Recent findings The early detection of 1 degrees HPTH has become more prevalent in the preceding three decades. The clinical profile has shifted to minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic patients who have excess serum PTH levels, along with hypercalcemia. A recent consensus conference proposed diagnostic guidelines relevant to the decision making process regarding the advisability of surgical intervention vs. medical management. With surgical intervention as the only definitive treatment for 1 degrees HPTH, the successful outcomes associated with outpatient minimally invasive parathyroidectomy have shifted the patterns of recommendation for surgery, even within the group of asymptomatic patients. Summary The endocrine nurse is integral in the successful team management of patients diagnosed with 1 degrees HPTH. From a nursing perspective, the paradigm has shifted from an inpatient focus centered around the progressive clinical signs and symptoms of the disease, to a comprehensive patient care model of assessment, education, and pre, peri and postoperative monitoring of patients who benefit from the demonstrated positive outcomes associated with parathyroid surgery in the outpatient setting.
A selective assay for prephenate aminotransferase activity in suspension-cultured cells of Nicotiana silvestris.

Prephenate aminotransferase in Nicotiana silvestris Speg. et Comes is highly stable to thermal treatment. This property was exploited to obtain, by treatment at 70° C for 10 min, a residual level (1–4%) of aspartate aminotransferase activity that proved to be catalyzed exclusively by prephenate aminotransferase. The latter enzyme was the most mobile of all aspartate aminotransferase bands during polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis conducted under non-denaturing conditions. This methodology for convenient assay of prephenate aminotransferase in crude extracts, as demonstrated for N. silvestris, may generally apply to higher plants since prephenate aminotransferase from a variety of plant sources has been found to exhibit high thermal stability.
Lipid and flavour quality of stored breast meat from broilers fed marine algae

In the current study, broilers were fed either 2·8 or 5·5% natural golden marine algae (MA) or 2·1% menhaden oil in an effort to produce an n-3 fatty acid (FA) enriched broiler breast product with acceptable flavour and lipid quality. Previously cooked or raw breast samples were stored at -23°C for 82 d and evaluated at intervals for flavour and TBA values. All treatments significantly increased breast n-3 FA content compared to samples from control-fed birds. The greatest n-3 FA deposition (212 mg kg−1) was achieved by feeding 5·5% MA. All dietary n-3 FA significantly reduced flavour scores compared to samples from control-fed birds, although 2·8% MA samples were still considered acceptable by consumer panelists. Deterioration of flavour quality during storage of previously cooked samples was accelerated by all n-3 FA treatments except 2·8% MA. The rate of TBA production during storage of cooked breast meat was increased by n-3 FA, but this was curtailed by storing samples raw. These data indicate that 2·8% MA is useful for enhancing poultry tissue n-3 FA with minimal compromise in flavour or lipid quality, thus yielding a product that may serve as a substitute for fish in the diet. © 1988 Society of Chemical Industry
A Study of Staff Development Programs for Improving School Discipline.

This paper reports two phases of an ongoing study of the effectiveness of teacher training programs related to school discipline. An exhaustive review of efficacy studies of programs such as Reality Therapy, Teacher Effectiveness Training, and Human Relations Training revealed serious methodological weaknesses. Most studies indicated programs involved teacher attitudes towards more humane discipline, but there were few demonstrations of actual behavior change in students. After phase 1, programs were examined for teaching strategies and processes taught to teachers to improve school discipline. A list of 38 processes were identified and each program examined for their presence. Phase 2 reports the incidence of these processes across programs and suggests further approaches to using these data for continuing research.
Off-Line Automated Performance Test Of The Somatom-2 Computed Tomographic (CT) Scanner

An automated method has been developed to test the performance of the Somatom-2 CT-scanner. The approach is based on the utilization of the three-section phantom supplied with the device by Siemens. The phantom contains rectangular blocks, a water bath and aluminum strips. Using the blocks, the edge response function, the line spread function and the modulation transfer function are computed. From the water bath section uniformity and noise are assessed: the image is divided into 80 subdivisions organized into four bands, four quadrants and two hemispheres, and the mean and standard deviation are computed for each. The same water bath image is also used for the computation of the noise power spectrum. The computer programs are being converted to facilitate on-line applications.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Wetting Behavior of Lightly Sulfonated Polystyrene Ionomers on Silica Surfaces

The wetting/dewetting behavior of thin films of lightly sulfonated low molecular weight polystyrene (SPS) ionomers spin-coated onto silica surfaces were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements, and electron microscopy. The effects of the sulfonation level, the choice of the cation, the solvent used to spin-coat the films, and the molecular weight of the ionomer were investigated. Small angle X-ray scattering was used to determine the bulk microstructure of the films. The addition of the sulfonate groups suppressed the dewetting behavior of the PS above its glass transition temperature, e.g. no dewetting occurred even after 240 h of annealing at 120 °C. Increasing the sulfonation level led to more homogeneous and smoother surfaces. The choice of the cation used affected the wetting properties, but not in a predictable manner. When tetrahydrofuran (THF) or a THF/methanol mixed solvent was used for spin-casting, a submicron-textured surface morphology was produced, which may b...
Semantics and the syntactic classification of words

Traditional grammars classify words according to generic syntactic functions or morphological characteristics. For teaching humans and for descriptive linguistics this seemed sufficient. The advent of computers has changed the situation. Since machines are devoid of experiential knowledge, they need a more explicit grammar to handle natural language. Correlational Grammar is an attempt in that direction. The paper describes parts of correlational syntax and shows how a highly differentiated syntax can be used to establish word classes for which an intensional semantic definition can then be found. It examplifies this approach in two ares of grammar: predicative adjectives and transitive verbs. The classification serves to eliminate ambiguity and spurious computer interpretations of natural language sentences.
Influence of Customized 125I Plaque Radiotherapy Design on Dosimetry Related to Iris Melanoma

Materials/Methods: The diagnosis of iris melanoma was documented after opthalmoscopic evaluation, fundus photography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and demonstrable tumor enlargement over time. Patients were treated with customized episcleral 125I plaque radiotherapy as an alternative to the surgical intervention that enucleation entails. Management of this tumor is largely dependent on tumor size and seeding. Tumor seeding often accompanies the spread of iris melanoma and invasive procedures can shed malignant cells into the circulation. Iodine-125 seeds (Model 6711; Oncura) were affixed to the plaques to deliver a prescribed tumor apex dose of 70 Gy (TG-43 formalism). Small size plaques (10 mm) were loaded in a ladder design, while medium (15 mm) and large (18 mm) were symmetric pinwheel or outer circumference patterns. To achieve the prescription dose of 70 Gy (TG-43), seed strengths ranging from 1.98 to 4.84 mCi/seed were used and corresponding dose rates of 58-75 cGy/hr were calculated. The plaques are typically planned, using the BEBIG treatment planning software, to deliver the prescribed dose in 4 days.
AN ENTROPY‐BASED MEASURE OF DEPENDENCE BETWEEN TWO GROUPS OF RANDOM VARIABLES

In multivariate statistics, the linear relationship among random variables has been fully explored in the past. This paper looks into the dependence of one group of random variables on another group of random variables using (conditional) entropy. A new measure, called the K-dependence coefficient or dependence coefficient, is defined using (conditional) entropy. This paper shows that the K-dependence coefficient is a measure of the degree of dependence of one group of random variables on another group of random variables. The dependence measured by the K-dependence coefficient includes both linear and nonlinear dependencies between two groups of random variables. Therefore, the K-dependence coefficient measures the total degree of dependence and not just the linear component of the dependence between the two groups of random variables. Furthermore, the concept of the K-dependence coefficient is extended by defining the partial K-dependence coefficient and the semipartial K-dependence coefficient. Properties of partial and semipartial K-dependence coefficients are also explored.
Cell surface display of functional human MHC class II proteins: yeast display versus insect cell display

Reliable and robust systems for engineering functional major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) proteins have proved elusive. Availability of such systems would enable the engineering of peptide-MHCII (pMHCII) complexes for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. In this paper, we have developed a system based on insect cell surface display that allows functional expression of heterodimeric DR2 molecules with or without a covalently bound human myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide, which is amenable to directed evolution of DR2–MBP variants with improved T cell receptor (TCR)-binding affinity. This study represents the first example of functional display of human pMHCII complexes on insect cell surface. In the process of developing this pMHCII engineering system, we have also explored the potential of using yeast surface display for the same application. Our data suggest that yeast display is a useful system for analysis and engineering of peptide binding of MHCII proteins, but not suitable for directed evolution of pMHC complexes that bind with low affinity to self-reactive TCRs.
Cyclic Wiener filtering: theory and method

Conventional time and space filtering of stationary random signals, which amounts to forming linear combinations of time translates and space translates, exploits the temporal and spatial coherence of the signals. By including frequency translates as well, the spectral coherence that is characteristic of cyclostationary signals can also be exploited. Some of the theoretical concepts underlying this generalized type of filtering, called frequency-shift (FRESH) filtering, are developed. The theory of optimum FRESH filtering, which is a generalization of Wiener filtering called cyclic Wiener filtering, is summarized, and the theory is illustrated with specific examples of separating temporally and spectrally overlapping communications signals, including AM, BPSK, and QPSK. The structures and performances of optimum FRESH filters are presented, and adaptive adjustment of the weights in these structures is discussed. Also, specific results on the number of digital QAM signals that can be separated, as a function of excess bandwidth, are obtained. >
Probability of Heterosexual HIV-1 Transmission per Coital Act in Sub-Saharan Africa

epidemiology for .2 decades. These estimates are needed for modeling the epidemic and for projecting the effects of preventive interventions. However, the estimates of the probability of transmission per sex act, largely derived from empirical studies and modeling based on HIV-discordant couples, have been troublingly heterogeneous, varying between low- and high-income countries, male-to-female versus female-to-male transmission, stage of HIV infection in the positive partner, the effects of sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, and sexually transmitted infection cofactors [1‐5]. An article by Hughes and colleagues in this issue of the Journal provides valuable new estimates of HIV transmission per coital act in sub-Saharan Africa [6]. This study of 3297 HIV-discordant couples enrolled in a randomized trial of acyclovir suppressive therapy in eastern and southern Africa has the advantage of large numbers, frequent follow-up with quarterly visits, and genetic linkage of the transmitted virus to the index HIV-positive partner so as to exclude infections acquired from external partners. The acyclovir intervention did not affect HIV acquisition [7], so this trial population provides an excellent observational study with which to estimate per coital HIV transmission. In addition, the investigators used rigorous statistical methods to estimate per coital act transmission probabilities and to assess the effects of covariates. However, Hughes et al could only assess infectivity during latent stage disease, and were unable to measure transmission duringearlyorlatestagesofHIVdisease,which is associated with higher infectivity per coital act [1‐3, 5, 8]. The investigators did not identify any acute or recent infections among the index positive partners in these stable HIV-discordant couples. Eligibility for enrollment into the randomized trial excluded HIV-infected partners with CD4 counts ,250 cells/mL, and participants whose CD4 counts declined below that level were provided antiretroviral therapy. Also, the enrolled HIV-discordant couples who had accepted voluntary couples counseling and testing had very high rates of condom use (93% of sex acts were reported as protected), so generalizability to other sub-Saharan African settings with substantiallylowercouples-counselingrates
Structure of the Ca2+-dependent PP2A heterotrimer and insights into Cdc6 dephosphorylation.

The B″/PR72 family of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an important PP2A family involved in diverse cellular processes, and uniquely regulated by calcium binding to the regulatory subunit. The PR70 subunit in this family interacts with cell division control 6 (Cdc6), a cell cycle regulator important for control of DNA replication. Here, we report crystal structures of the isolated PR72 and the trimeric PR70 holoenzyme at a resolution of 2.1 and 2.4 A, respectively, and in vitro characterization of Cdc6 dephosphorylation. The holoenzyme structure reveals that one of the PR70 calcium-binding motifs directly contacts the scaffold subunit, resulting in the most compact scaffold subunit conformation among all PP2A holoenzymes. PR70 also binds distinctively to the catalytic subunit near the active site, which is required for PR70 to enhance phosphatase activity toward Cdc6. Our studies provide a structural basis for unique regulation of B″/PR72 holoenzymes by calcium ions, and suggest the mechanisms for precise control of substrate specificity among PP2A holoenzymes.
Attitudes Toward Corporate Art Collecting: A Survey of Design Professionals

This study was developed to assess the current attitudes in corporate art collecting. The sample population was selected from art advisors, interior designers, and architects involved with corporate art collections in the United States. The survey consisted of 15 questions addressing the motivation for collecting art, the contribution art makes to the workplace, selection of art, details for assembling a collection, and employee responses to art. The motivation to collect art focused on stimulation of the work environment, increased productivity and creativity, and concern for corporate image. The findings stressed the importance of the environment in enhancing employee satisfaction with the workplace. Ninety-four percent of the respondents felt corporate art collecting would continue to grow.
5–HT and 5–HT‐SO4, but not tryptophan or 5‐HIAA levels in single feeding neurons track animal hunger state

Serotonin (5-HT) is an intrinsic modulator of neural network excitation states in gastropod molluscs. 5-HT and related indole metabolites were measured in single, well-characterized serotonergic neurons of the feeding motor network of the predatory sea-slug Pleurobranchaea californica. Indole amounts were compared between paired hungry and satiated animals. Levels of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HT-SO4 in the metacerebral giant neurons were observed in amounts approximately four-fold and two-fold, respectively, below unfed partners 24 h after a satiating meal. Intracellular levels of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and of free tryptophan did not differ significantly with hunger state. These data demonstrate that neurotransmitter levels and their metabolites can vary in goal-directed neural networks in a manner that follows internal state.
Measurement of helicopter rotor blade deformation using digital image correlation

An experimental study on the application of the digital image correlation (DIC) technique to measure the deformation of rotating helicopter blades is described. Measurements on two different rotors of diameter 24 and 39 in., with different rotor hubs, were carried out to explore applicability of the technique over a range of scales. Commercial DIC software was synchronized with the frequency of rotation such that rotor blade images could be obtained at a constant rotor azimuth. Bending and torsion mode shapes were extracted from the data with deformation as high as 0.4 in. measured with an accuracy of 0.0038 in. This technique is very advantageous because it is noncontact, cost effective, accurate and simple to implement while yielding full-field, three-dimensional data with a high spatial resolution.
Antiproliferative Mechanism of Action of the Novel Taxane Cabazitaxel as Compared with the Parent Compound Docetaxel in MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells

Cabazitaxel, a novel chemotherapeutic taxane, is effective against docetaxel-resistant cells and tumors. It is approved for treatment of metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer in patients pretreated with docetaxel. Objective responses have been observed in many other cancers, including pretreated metastatic breast cancer. Cabazitaxel and docetaxel share a high degree of structural similarity. The basis for cabazitaxel's efficacy is unclear, and its mechanism has not been described. We compared the effects of cabazitaxel and docetaxel on MCF7 human breast cancer cells expressing fluorescent tubulin. Both drugs inhibited cell proliferation (IC50s, cabazitaxel, 0.4 ± 0.1 nmol/L, docetaxel, 2.5 ± 0.5 nmol/L) and arrested cells in metaphase by inducing mitotic spindle abnormalities. Drug concentrations required for half-maximal mitotic arrest at 24 hours were similar (1.9 nmol/L cabazitaxel and 2.2 nmol/L docetaxel). Cabazitaxel suppressed microtubule dynamic instability significantly more potently than docetaxel. In particular, cabazitaxel (2 nmol/L) suppressed the microtubule shortening rate by 59% (compared with 49% for 2 nmol/L docetaxel), the growing rate by 33% (vs. 19%), and overall dynamicity by 83% (vs. 64%). Cabazitaxel was taken up into cells significantly faster than docetaxel, attaining an intracellular concentration of 25 μmol/L within 1 hour, compared with 10 hours for docetaxel. Importantly, after washing, the intracellular cabazitaxel concentration remained high, whereas the docetaxel concentration was significantly reduced. The data indicate that the potency of cabazitaxel in docetaxel-resistant tumors is due to stronger suppression of microtubule dynamics, faster drug uptake, and better intracellular retention than occurs with docetaxel. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(8); 2092–103. ©2014 AACR .
The effect of multi-year vs single-year stocking on lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque, 1817) genetic diversity

Summary Many lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque, 1817) populations in the Great Lakes have not recovered from previous threats, whereby stocking can increase population abundances. Stocking in Oneida Lake, New York used two approaches: single-year stocking using sturgeon from the Des Prairies River and multi-year stocking using sturgeon from the St. Lawrence River. Stocked A. fulvescens were sampled and assigned to their corresponding stocking strategy based on age. Samples were analyzed at 12 microsatellite loci to evaluate how a single year of stocking (N = 273) and multiple years of stocking (N = 100) affected genetic diversity and effective population size (Ne). Single-year stocking resulted in lower genetic diversity, likely due to a small number of parents. Multi-year stocking retained most of the genetic diversity of the source population, compensating for the few parents available in a single year. Although multi-year stocking resulted in a higher Ne, the Ne:N ratio was lower (0.34) compared to single-year stocking (0.65), likely due to unequal sex ratios and family size variance across years. It is recommended that stocking of Lake Sturgeon take place over several years. However, consistent numbers need to be stocked each year and family size should be equalized across cohorts in order to maximize Ne.
Analysis of estrogens and anabolic steroids by SPME with on-fiber derivatization and GC/MS †

The solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), Bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) headspace derivatization on the SPME fiber, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of steroids from aqueous and biological solutions are shown. The effects of extraction and derivatization parameters have been shown. The extraction time of several steroids was shown to be approximately 30 min., which is typical of SPME methods. The analyte solution pH and ionic strength may have dramatic effects on the extraction recovery and should be optimized as part of method development. The incubation temperature may have several influences on the recovery from the derivatization reaction. Each analyte has a separate optimum temperature for derivatization. Thus, for mixtures, a compromise will be necessary. The analysis of anabolic steroids of abuse is shown. A detection limit of less than 200 pg/mL for testosterone from water is seen. Calibration for testosterone from water indicates a linear range to at least 1000 ng/mL, or three to four orders of magnitude. Several other steroids were extracted from urine at 10–100 ng/mL levels, and calibration for these compounds also exhibited linear behavior. The SPME with on-fiber headspace derivatization is a promising technique for the analysis of polar or nonvolatile compounds. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 10: 551–556, 1998
Is ‘normative naturalism’ an oxymoron?

Abstract There has been much discussion concerning the consequences of ‘going natural’, i.e., of replacing a priori epistemology with empirical psychology. Traditionalists claim that a naturalized epistemology is not viable—to eliminate the normative from an account of knowledge is to cease to do epistemology at all. Naturalists claim that a naturalized account is the only viable one—assuming, in step with the urgings of Quine, that there are no standards independent of (and external to) science, science itself must act as the sole epistemic norm. In the wake of the above debate some epistemologists have attempted to argue in favor of, and develop, a middle‐ground position—normative naturalism. Such a position is intended to be consistent with the naturalist's intuition that the traditional search for a ‘first philosophy'is misguided and consistent with the traditionalist's intuition that a complete elimination of the normative would leave epistemology impotent. In this paper I will examine one argument i...
An Empathetic Psychological Perspective of Police Deadly Force Training

Police officers must be able to make an accurate appraisal of a lethal encounter and respond with appropriate force to mitigate the threat to their own lives and to the lives of others. Contemporary police deadly force training places the cadet in mock lethal encounters, which are designed to simulate those occurring in the real lives of law enforcement officers. This Reality Base Training (RBT) is designed to provide cadets with experiences that require their reactions to be within the law, policies and procedures, and ethics while undergoing a very stressful, emotional, and physically dynamic situation (Artwohl & Christensen, 1997; Blum, 2000; Grossman, 1996; Miller, 2008; Murray, 2006). Three police cadets provided written accounts of their deadly force training experiences in the RBT format. The descriptive phenomenological psychological method was used to analyze the data and to synthesize a general psychological structure of their experiences. The results reveal the perceptions, thoughts, feelings and behaviors reflecting the role of consciousness and psychological subjectivity in the participants’ understandings and decision-making in the simulated situations.
Employed Females' Clothing Preference, Self‐Image Congruence, and Career Anchorage

A model was developed that related the clothing preference of employed females with self-congruity, ideal congruity, and career anchorage. It was hypothesized that (a) employed females are more likely to wear those outfits that match their actual self-image and ideal self-image than those that do not match their actual and ideal self-image; (b) the more upward the career anchorage, the greater the self- and ideal congruity involving a business-like outfit, and the greater the preference for wearing business-like outfits. The sample consisted of 227 women faculty and staff members at three universities. Five garment images were used: feminine, business-like, casual, sexy, and collegiate. The hypotheses were mostly supported.
The Impact of Mechanical Bowel Preparation on Postoperative Complications for Patients Undergoing Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion

Purpose: The benefit of routine mechanical bowel preparation for patients undergoing radical cystectomy is not well established. We compared postoperative complications in patients who did or did not undergo mechanical bowel preparation before radical cystectomy.Materials and Methods: In 2008 a single surgeon (GDS) performed open radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder in 105 consecutive patients with preoperative mechanical bowel preparation consisting of 4 l GoLYTELY®. In 2009 radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder was performed in 75 consecutive patients without mechanical bowel preparation. A comprehensive database provided clinical, pathological and outcome data.Results: All patients had complete perioperative data available. The 2 groups were similar in age, Charlson comorbidity score, diversion type, receipt of neoadjuvant radiation or chemotherapy, blood loss, hospital stay, time to diet and pathological stage. Postoperative urinary tract infect...
Proteomic alterations of distinct mitochondrial subpopulations in the type 1 diabetic heart: contribution of protein import dysfunction

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with increased risk of heart failure in type 1 diabetic patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction is suggested as an underlying contributor to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac mitochondria are characterized by subcellular spatial locale, including mitochondria located beneath the sarcolemma, subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM), and mitochondria situated between the myofibrils, interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM). The goal of this study was to determine whether type 1 diabetic insult in the heart influences proteomic make-up of spatially distinct mitochondrial subpopulations and to evaluate the role of nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein import. Utilizing multiple proteomic approaches (iTRAQ and two-dimensional-differential in-gel electrophoresis), IFM proteomic make-up was impacted by type 1 diabetes mellitus to a greater extent than SSM, as evidenced by decreased abundance of fatty acid oxidation and electron transport chain proteins. Mitochondrial phosphate carrier and adenine nucleotide translocator, as well as inner membrane translocases, were decreased in the diabetic IFM (P < 0.05 for both). Mitofilin, a protein involved in cristae morphology, was diminished in the diabetic IFM (P < 0.05). Posttranslational modifications, including oxidations and deamidations, were most prevalent in the diabetic IFM. Mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mtHsp70) was significantly decreased in diabetic IFM (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial protein import was decreased in the diabetic IFM with no change in the diabetic SSM (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that mitochondrial proteomic alterations in the type 1 diabetic heart are more pronounced in the IFM. Further, proteomic alterations are associated with nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein import dysfunction and loss of an essential mitochondrial protein import constituent, mtHsp70, implicating this process in the pathogenesis of the diabetic heart.
Evaluation and management of pituitary incidentalomas

A surprising number of apparently healthy people harbor unsuspected pituitary tumors, which are being discovered incidentally on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for other reasons. The majority can be safely observed; for others, medical therapy or surgical resection is necessary. In this article we outline our approach.
Varicella Outbreak Epidemiology in an Active Surveillance Site, 1995–2005

We describe trends and characteristics of varicella outbreaks identified in an active surveillance site from 1995 to 2005. Cases of varicella were reported to the active surveillance project, and outbreaks were defined retrospectively as > or =5 varicella cases epidemiologically linked to a common setting that occurred within 1 incubation period. Outbreaks were grouped by calendar year. From 1995-1998 to 2002-2005, varicella outbreaks significantly decreased in number, from 236 to 46 (P< .001); in size, from a median of 15 cases/outbreak to 9 cases/outbreak (P< .001); and in duration, from 44.5 days to 30 days (P< .001). The median age of case patients with outbreak-related varicella increased from 6 to 9 years (P< .001). The 1-dose varicella vaccination program has been successful in decreasing the number of outbreaks and cases; however, challenges remain with regard to controlling outbreaks among vaccinated persons and targeting vaccination efforts to susceptible persons in older age groups.
Invariant Utility Functions and Certain Equivalent Transformations

This paper defines invariant utility functions to continuous monotonic transformations. We also define transformation invariance as the condition in which the certain equivalent of a lottery follows a continuous monotonic transformation that is applied to its outcomes. We show that invariant utility functions uniquely satisfy transformation invariance, and we illustrate how knowledge of an invariance criterion determines the functional form of the utility function. This formulation extends the widely used notions of invariance to shift and scale transformations on the outcomes of a lottery to more general monotonic transformations. Moreover, we interpret any continuous and strictly monotonic utility function as an invariant utility function to a composite monotonic transformation. Furthermore, we show how this composite transformation uniquely characterizes the utility function up to a linear transformation. We derive the invariance formulations that lead to the assignment of hyperbolic absolute risk-averse (HARA) utility functions, linear plus exponential utility functions, and a two-parameter power-logarithmic utility function that generalizes the logarithmic utility function. We work through several examples to illustrate the approach.