cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Osteology and Phylogenetic Relationships of Fossil and Recent Paddlefishes (Polyodontidae) with Comments on the Interrelationships of Acipenseriformes

The comparative osteology and phylogenetic relationships of fossil and living paddlefishes (Polyodontidae) are investigated in detail for the first time. This peculiar, poorly known group is of gre...
Engineering RNA-binding proteins for biology

RNA-binding proteins play essential roles in the regulation of gene expression. Many have modular structures and combine relatively few common domains in various arrangements to recognize RNA sequences and/or structures. Recent progress in engineering the specificity of the PUF class RNA-binding proteins has shown that RNA-binding domains may be combined with various effector or functional domains to regulate the metabolism of targeted RNAs. Designer RNA-binding proteins with tailored sequence specificity will provide valuable tools for biochemical research as well as potential therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss the suitability of various RNA-binding domains for engineering RNA-binding specificity, based on the structural basis for their recognition. We also compare various protein engineering and design methods applied to RNA-binding proteins, and discuss future applications of these proteins.
Authenticating strangers in Online Social Networks

In current Online Social Networks (OSNs), it is necessary for a user to determine whether a claimed public key belongs to a target user. In this paper, we design a system to complete this task. We first find a common friend between two users and let her help to prove the ownership of the public key. The common friend is proved to exist with high probability in fast mixing OSNs. We also propose a protocol to securely compute the intersection of friend sets. The effectiveness of the system is demonstrated by simulation.
High intensity combustion of coal with water injection

Combustion efficiency and NO/sub x/ profiles have been measured in a high intensity coal flame with water injection to determine the joint effects on the reaction mechanism of reduced temperature, high moisture, and dilution. The furnace as used in previous experiments is a 2.5 m high vertical refractory tunnel with a square cross section 165 mm on the side. Combustion is staged at two levels using opposed horizontal jets near the top of the furnace. Water is injected at the center of the top. Slurry-equivalent water (mass) precentages for stable flames ranged up to 46%. Overall fuel equivalence ratios were 1.0 and 0.8. The flame extinguished at water percentages equivalent to 60% in a slurry. At the slurry-equivalent of 46% water the flame temperature was reduced by about 20%, and there was a reduction of 2 or 3 percentage points in the final exit combustion efficiency; the effect of water injection was found to be essentially second order except for the reduction in flame temperature. Nevertheless, the fast reaction mechanism was evidently unchanged, and the reaction was still at or close to the diffusion limit as found earlier with dry coal firing in spite of flame temperatures as low asmore » 1200/sup 0/C. This should have implications for CWS combustion if initial heating of the slurry spray is fast enough. The most important result is this demonstration that the controlling reaction mechanism through the whole temperature range is physical (diffusion), not chemical (kinetic), in direct contrast to coal combustion behavior in normal intensity flames.« less
Nucleotide activation of phosphorylase b in the presence and absence of salmine.

Abstract Phosphorylase b is activated to its maximum velocity by 1×10−3 M AMP ( Cori et al, 1953 ). Similar concentrations of IMP activate the enzyme to about 10%, however IMP or less than saturating concentrations of AMP completely activate the enzyme in the presence of salmine ( Krebs, 1954 ). The following work on the activation of phosphorylase b by structural analogues of AMP is part of a study designed to explore the chemical nature of the nucleotide binding site and clarify the action of salmine on activation. Preliminary studies of nucleotide activation indicate a high degree of specificity for AMP which is markedly altered in the presence of salmine. Nucleotide activation of phosphorylase b in the presence of salmine has manifested the critical importance of the 5′-phosphate and less rigid requirements for the pyrimidine and imidazole rings of the purine base.
Morphine lowering of self-stimulation thresholds: lack of tolerance with long-term administration.

Rats were given increasing amounts of morphine over a period of weeks in order to achieve tolerance. Doses of the drug which initially reduced the threshold for self-stimulation behavior continued to do so after long-term administration. These results demonstrate a persistent central effect of morphine which may be related to the opiate "high."
THE KINETICS OF INACTIVATION OF COMPLEMENT BY LIGHT.

The photoinactivation of complement has been studied with a view to determining if possible how many kinds of molecules disappeared during the reaction. It was found that: 1. The apparent course of photoinactivation is that of a monomolecular reaction. 2. Diffusion is not the limiting factor responsible for this fact, because the temperature coefficient of diffusion is much higher than that of photoinactivation ( Q 10 = 1.22 to 1.28, and Q 10 = 1.10 respectively). 3. There is no change in the transparency of serum solutions during photoinactivation, at least for light of the effective wave-length, which is in the ultra-violet region probably at about 2530 Angstrom units. It is pointed out that under these conditions only one interpretation is possible; namely, that during photoinactivation a single disappearing molecular species governs the rate of reaction. This substance must be primarily responsible for the hemolytic power of serum when it is used as complement.
Attitudes and Work Environment Factors Influencing the Information Technology Professionals' Work Behaviors

This study aims to explore individual factors that moderate the relationship between fulfillment of the psychological contract and work behaviors. Two such work behaviors, innovative work IWB and organizational citizenship OCB, impact organizational performance. A sample of 258 information technology IT professionals across the U.S. responded to the web-based survey. Research hypotheses were evaluated using multiple regressions. Findings indicated that moderators self-efficacy, affective commitment, trust, and job satisfaction significantly affected the relationship between the IT professional's fulfillment of their psychological contract and their innovative work and organizational citizenship behaviors. Managerial implications for more informed decisions concerning policy and work environment issues are provided and avenues for further research are suggested.
Oligomerization of BH4-truncated Bcl-xL in solution

Abstract BH4 domain is critical for the anti-apoptotic functions of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x L and their binding abilities with other members of the Bcl-2 family. The cleavage of the BH4 domain in Bcl-x L and Bcl-2 by caspase 1 or 3 converts the anti-apoptotic Bcl-x L and Bcl-2 into pro-apoptotic proteins that potently induce apoptosis. Herein, we report that recombinant Bcl-x L proteins without N-terminal 61 residues, His 6 -NΔ61-Bcl-x L -CΔ21 and NΔ61-Bcl-x L -CΔ21, form oligomers in solution, whereas Bcl-x L -CΔ21 exists as a monomer. The oligomerization of the truncated proteins is independent of protein–lipid interaction, protein concentration or the ion strength of the solution. Circular dichroism spectrum shows a significant decrease in the content of α-helices upon deletion of N-terminal residues. NΔ61-Bcl-x L -CΔ21 also loses its heterodimerization capability with the BH3 peptide derived from Bak. This newly acquired property might be linked to its ability to induce apoptosis in cells.
The Elimination of Hung Juries: Retrials and Nonunanimous Verdicts

Relaxing the unanimity requirement for verdicts in a given criminal trial leads to fewer hung juries and more verdicts of all four types: correct and wrongful convictions, and correct and wrongful acquittals. A criminal proceeding, however, does not necessarily end when a jury hangs. We demonstrate that if retrials occur until a verdict is reached, a unanimous verdict rule is generally more accurate than a nonunanimous rule with respect to the probabilities of all four types of verdicts. Thus, a tradeoff between hung jury costs and verdict accuracy exists when considering unanimous versus nonunanimous verdict rules.
Three-dimensional optoelectronic crossbar switch

High-speed operation of free-space optical interconnect for a three-dimensional optoelectronic crossbar switching has been analyzed. System architecture, transmitter and receiver design are presented. The effect of ghost talk caused by the superposition of the delayed reflections of the original signal due to the multiple propagation of the wave between the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) detector has been analyzed. The study indicates that even in the presence of significant amount of ghost talk a high performance free-space optical interconnect can be realized in this system by employing a receiver architecture that allows for DC level adjustment of the signal at the input of the transimpedance amplifier stage.
A study of trypanosome aldolase

Abstract 1. 1. Biochemical and scrological properties of partially purified aldolase from Trypanosoma brucei, T. gambiense, T. rhodesiense, T. equiperdum, and T, lewisi have been studied. 2. 2. These enzymes have been purified some one hundred and fiftyfold from crude extracts by sonicadon, (NH4)2,SO4 fractionation, and DEAE Sephadex column chromatography. 3. 3. Partially purified aldolases had: (a) temperature optimum, 41–45° C.; (b) pH optimum, 7.3–7.6; (c) no metal ion requirement; (d) specificity for fructose- I,6-diphosphatc; (e) inhibition by Ag2+, Co2+, pyrophosphate, and p-hydroxymercuribenzoatc; and (f) serological identity. 4. 4. Aldolascs of T. egviperdum and T. lewisi were inhibited 95 per cent by Co2+ as. compared to 70 per cent with analogous enzymes of African trypanosomes.
Estimating high speed circuit interconnect performance

A technique requiring a minimum of computational effort is presented for providing engineering estimates of the effect of package mismatch, line loss, and crosstalk. The technique entails modifying the Fourier series of a symmetrical trapezoid (which serves as a reasonable approximation to an actual digital signal) by transfer functions representing mismatch, loss, or crosstalk. Transfer functions are introduced which utilize frequently-domain data (measured or calculated) and provide the necessary transition to the time-domain performance. Sample calculations are given along with an interpretation of the results. >
Self-efficacy and task orientation in first-year engineering design courses

Many engineering programs are implementing hands-on engineering experiences early in the curriculum, typically in the form of a project-based course in which students design and build a prototype as a team. However, research on these courses suggests that task orientation is correlated with gender, as are the increases in self-efficacy observed. As engineering self-efficacy is a critical determinant of persistence in engineering, particularly for underrepresented groups, this suggests that these courses may be reinforcing existing differences in self-efficacy by failing to provide mastery experiences to those with low engineering self-efficacy at the start. This work-in-progress presents some preliminary research on investigating the relationship between self-efficacy, tasks undertaken in courses of this nature, and other factors including demographics and teaming experiences. The goal of this work is to enable educators to design team-based engineering courses that allow all students to have equal access to both technical and professional tasks, both to develop their skills and to increase engineering self-efficacy.
Structural Conversions of Molybdenum−Iron−Sulfur Edge-Bridged Double Cubanes and PN-Type Clusters Topologically Related to the Nitrogenase P-Cluster

Edge-bridged Mo−Fe−S double cubanes are versatile precursors for the synthesis of other clusters of the same nuclearity. Thus, the double cubane [(Tp)2Mo2Fe6S8(PEt3)4] sustains terminal ligand substitution with retention of the Mo2Fe6(μ3-S)6(μ4-S)2 core structure and rearrangement to the Mo2Fe6(μ2-S)2(μ3-S)6(μ6-S) topology of the nitrogenase PN cluster upon reaction with certain nucleophiles. Four distinct processes for the conversion of double cubanes to PN-type clusters are documented, affording the products [(Tp)2Mo2Fe6S9(SR)2]3-, [(Tp)2Mo2Fe6S8(OMe)3]3-, and [(Tp)2Mo2Fe6S7(OMe)4]2-. In the latter clusters, two methoxides are terminal ligands and one or two are μ2-bridging ligands. The reverse transformation of a PN-type cluster to an edge-bridged double cubane has been demonstrated by the reaction of [(Tp)2Mo2Fe6S8(OMe)3]3- with Me3SiX to afford [(Tp)2Mo2Fe6S8X4]2- (X = Cl-, Br-). Edge-bridged double cubanes have been obtained in the oxidation states [Mo2Fe6S8]2+,3+,4+. The stable oxidation state of P...
Elevated specific activity of 5′-nucleotidase in a spinal cord myelin fraction from shiverer mice comparison with other myelin-associated enzymes and myelin proteins

Abstract Meylin partially purified from spinal cords of dysmyelinating mutant (shiverer) mice had almost three-fold the specific activity of 5′-nucleotidase found in the respective myelin fraction from normal mice. The specific activities of two other normally myelin-associated enzymes, 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide-3′-phosphohydrolase and carbonic anhydrase, were only slightly higher in the myelin membranes from shiveres, compared to those from controls. In the mutants, the three enzymes probably occur in oligodendrocyte processes. Hhypothetically, the 5′-nucleotidase in the myelin sheath in shiverer and normal mice may be localized in specialized structures.
Multiple time series analysis of simultaneous equations model specification

This paper presents an extension of the Zellner-Palm methodology using the multiple time series representation of an underlying structural econometric model. The multiple time series approach avoids the problem of cancellation of common factors that has made it difficult to infer structural model characteristics from univariate time series models. In addition the correspondence between the structural model and the multiple time series model provides structural content to the tests for Granger-causality. The approach is illustrated with applications to small macroeconomic models of Friedman and Sargent and Wallace.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF APACHE SCORE AND LACTATE IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST AND SHOCKABLE RHYTHM IN THE ABSENCE OF ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

The prognostic value of the APACHE score and lactate levels on mortality in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and shockable rhythm (OHCA-SR) without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are not well known. We assessed the impact of these variables on outcomes in patients
Similarities and differences in the primary structure of fraction I proteins in the genus Nicotiana.

Fraction I proteins were purified from 30 species of the genus Nicotiana, and separated into large and small subunits which in all cases displayed the same relative ratio. Tryptic peptides of each subunit which were soluble at pH 2.2 were analyzed by ion-exchange column chromatography with a gradient elution system. N. tabacum was used as a standard for comparison, 27 peptides being resolved from the large subunit and 23 for the small subunit. The composition of Fraction I proteins from other Nicotianas ranged from no differences (7 species) to as many 13 differences distributed in both the large and small subunits. The distribution of differences allowed a chemical taxonomic classification of the genus to be made which was closely similar (with only two excpetions) to the classical taxonomy. The results confirm a previous concept that mutation of the small subunit coded by nuclear DNA is much more frequent than mutation of the large subunit coded by chloroplast DNA. The differences also serve as unique phenotypic markers for both nuclear and chloroplast DNA genes coding for Fraction I protein. The markers will be of great utility in further studies of evolution, transfer of genetic information by parasexual hybridization and mode of chloroplast DNA mutation.
Inhibition of aflatoxin biosynthesis by phenolic compounds

The phenolic compounds acetosyringone, syringaldehyde and sinapinic acid inhibited the biosynthesis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by A. flavus. Acetosyringone was the most active among the three compounds, inhibiting aflatoxin level by 82% at 2 m mol l−1. The synthesis and accumulation of norsolorinic acid, an aflatoxin biosynthetic intermediate, was also inhibited. These results suggest that at least one step early in the AFB1 biosynthetic pathway is inhibited by the phenolics.
Enhanced immunoPET of ALCAM-positive colorectal carcinoma using site-specific 64Cu-DOTA conjugation

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) is an immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecule that is aberrantly expressed in a wide variety of human tumors, including melanoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, bladder cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This wide spectrum of human malignancies makes ALCAM a prospective pan-cancer immunoPET target to aid in detection and diagnosis in multiple malignancies. In this study, we assess site-specific versus non-site-specific conjugation strategies for 64Cu-DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) immunoPET imaging of a fully human ALCAM cys-diabody (cDb) with a reduced linker length that retains its bivalent binding ability. ALCAM constructs with linker lengths of eight, five and three amino acids were produced to make true non-covalent site-specifically modified cDbs. Characterization by gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography, flow cytometry and mass spectrometry of the various constructs was performed. To demonstrate the increased utility of targeting multiple malignancies expressing ALCAM, we compare the targeting of the site-specific versus non-site-specific conjugated cDbs to the human colorectal cancer xenograft LS174T. Interestingly, the conjugation strategy not only affects tumor targeting but also hepatic and renal uptake/clearance.
Intracavity absorption line shape and the super-regen model

Abstract Intracavity absorption has been observed in a short lived excited state of helium produced in an RF discharge inside the dye laser cavity. The line shape consists of an absorption feature with two symmetric enhancement wings. The central absorption feature is considerably broadened over the natural width, and this is shown to be in agreement with the superregen model. It is also shown that under certain conditions the ICA signal inverts so that the central feature becomes enhanced and the symmetric wings appear as absorption. This result is also in agreement with predictions of the model.
Attributes of a derived differential/difference energy equation within the platform of the Lévêque problem

The main idea of the Leveque approximation was to provide a simple asymptotic solution for the development of the thermal boundary layer in a laminar tube flow with fully established velocity and uniform inlet temperature. Inspired in the “flat plate passage” idealization, Leveque assumed that the hydrodynamic boundary layer was confined to a thin annular region near the wall so that the velocity varied linearly with the distance y = R - r measured from the wall in an equivalent “parallel-plate passage”. In contrast, this paper addresses the Leveque problem adhering to the original energy conservation equation in cylindrical coordinates continually, but without making any geometric and/or hydrodynamic assumptions a priori. The semi-analytic solution procedure proposed here combines the Transversal Method Of Lines (TMOL) with the Frobenius method, a particular case of the power series method.
Self-Directed Learning: Implications for Museums

AbstractSelf-directed learning (SDL) has numerous implications for understanding adult learners and for improving their museum experiences. Through a review of the conceptual and empirical literature, the relationship between SDL and education within a museum setting is explored in this article. Discussion includes an overview of SDL, inquiry into two models, Self-Directed Orientation toward Learning (SDOL) and Personal Responsibility Orientation (PRO) that offer particular insight into SDL and museums, and implications for practice that SDL may provide for museums.
Color rendering: Beyond pride and prejudice

It is a truth, universally ignored, that a single metric of color rendering must be in want of another. Evi- dence presented here, together with those from an earlier study, strongly suggest that the quest for a single metric to quantify color rendering will be in vain. Rather, the strengths of color rendering index (CRI) and of gamut area index (GAI) y seem to counteract the weaknesses of one another, such that together they can be used to guide lighting practitioners in choosing a source that will pro- vide good color rendering of most objects in most appli- cations. The present study was conducted to determine whether sources, both warm and cool, with high levels of both CRI (above 80) and GAI (above 80 and less than 100) were judged better than ones with high levels of just CRI or just GAI. The results support the conclusion that a two-metric system of color rendering is needed for general illumination applications. � 2010 Wiley Periodicals,
Effects of Intestinal Coccidiosis Upon the Course of Salmonella Typhimurium Infection in Chicks

Abstract THE popular theory that coccidiosis predisposes chickens to infections by opportunistic bacteria arising from the damaged intestine is supported by a limited number of research reports (Ott, 1937; Stafseth, 1931; Stephens et al., 1964; Tyzzer, 1937). Stephens et al. (1964) reported that in each of seven trials, Salmonella typhimurium was recovered from the internal organs of a higher percentage of chicks inoculated per os with both this bacterium and oocysts of Eimeria necatrix than from those given S. typhimurium alone. In that study, the chicks were examined 12 days after the administration of the coccidium and the first of three inoculations with S. typhimurium. The present study was conducted to further evaluate the effects of coccidiosis caused by E. necatrix upon the susceptibility of chicks to infection with S. typhimurium, and, subsequently, upon the rate of elimination of the bacterium from the internal organs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four battery trials …
NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry reveals an autonomic-like innervation in the postnatal hamster cochlea.

Previous studies used nicotinamide adenine diphosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase histochemistry as an indicator of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression in the adult mammalian cochlea. In this study, we investigated the early postnatal expression of diaphorase activity in the hamster cochlea. Two types of extrinsic fibers were intensely labeled as early as postnatal day 3 (P3) in the portion of the cochlear nerve that innervates the base of the modiolus. By P10, these fibers had reached the spiral ganglion and were projecting toward the organ of Corti. The perivascular type of fiber did not project into the organ of Corti; however, the nonperivascular type could be traced among the supporting cells below the outer hair cells. Spiral ganglion cell somata were also labeled as early as P3. The onset of diaphorase expression in the spiral ganglion cells corresponds to a critical period of synaptogenesis for these sensorineural cells. If NADPH-diaphorase activity is an indicator of NOS, then our results suggest that NO may play a role during postnatal cochlear development.
Indoor localisation robustness and performance improvement

This paper studies performance robustness of dynamic indoor localisation systems that use only received signal strength (RSS). We introduce a simple radio distortion method to capture signal perturbations under uncontrolled environments where signal values could be changed dynamically. With the method, we examine several location searching algorithms, including 'lateration' and 'multidimensional scaling (MDS)' for distance-based systems, as well as 'clustering', 'least mean square errors', 'closeness elimination' and 'second lowest mean square errors' for the database-based system using two different environments including one regular office building and one underground floor-plan, we observed that 'MDS' and 'clustering' presented stable and smaller localisation errors under most experimental settings. Of systems studied in this paper, strong experimental evidence also indicated that the signal-location map method, a database-based system, outperforms all distance-based systems in this paper, especially when environment is dynamic or when radio signal values are distorted intentionally.
Effect of Sc Doping on Ferroelectric and Dielectric Properties of Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 Thin Film by Sol-Gel Process

Pure Bi0.9La0.1Fe1-xScxO3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) (BLFSO) thin films were deposited on conductive indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates through a simple sol-gel process. The effect of Sc doping on the XRD, microstructure, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of BLFO films was studied. Compared to counterparts of Bi0.9La0.1FeO3 (BLFO) film, the grain refinement of all films is obvious. When the value of Sc is 0.15, the double remanent polarization 2Pr is effectively enhanced with the extreme value of 17.7µC/cm2. The dielectric constant exhibits a trends of increase firstly and then decrease with the increase amount of scandium level.
Synthesis and reactivity of cyclopentadienyltitanium complexes of the polydentate alkoxide ligand cis-1,3,5-cyclohexanetrialkoxide

Abstract Cis -1,3,5-cyclohexanetriol [C 6 H 9 (OH) 3 ] reacts with η 5 -(C 5 R 5 )TiCl 3 [R 5 = H 5 , Me 5 , (Me 3 Si)(H) 4 , 1,3-(Me 3 Si) 2 (H) 3 , (1,3-(t-Bu) 2 (H) 3 ] in the presence of three molar equivalents of triethylamine, affording substituted cyclopentadienyltitanium cis -1,3,5-cyclohexanetrialkoxide complexes with an adamantane-type structure. The complex η 5 -(C 5 Me 5 )Ti(O 3 C 6 H 9 ) is thermally stable to 220°C in the solid state, and a benzene solution of the complex η 5 -(1,3-t-Bu 2 C 5 H 3 )Ti(O 3 C 6 H 9 ) is stable to cleavage of the alkoxide ligand by three equivalents of H 2 O for more than 3 h. Attempts to cleave 1,3-t-Bu 2 C 5 H 4 from η 5 (1,3-t-Bu 2 C 5 H 3 )Ti(O 3 C 6 H 9 ) with electrophiles H + and Br 2 are reported.
IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) is preferentially associated with the fetal-facing basal surface of the syncytiotrophoblast in the human placenta.

Abstract IGF receptors are expressed in a spatially polarized manner on the syncytiotrophoblast cell membrane. We therefore examined the hypothesis that IGFBPs expressed at the maternal–fetal interface interact with distinct surfaces of the syncytiotrophoblast membrane to modulate IGF function. Membrane vesicles were prepared specifically from the maternal-facing, microvillous membrane (MVM) and the fetal-facing, basal membrane (BM) surfaces of the syncytiotrophoblast. The association of IGFBPs with each membrane preparation was determined by ligand blot analysis. A doublet migrating at 38/42 kD was detected in both MVM and BM preparations. Selective immunoprecipitation followed by ligand blot analysis identified this IGF binding species as IGFBP-3. Additionally, a protein migrating at approximately 29 kD was associated primarily with the BM. This protein was identified as IGFBP-1 by both immunoprecipitation and ligandblotting techniques. Non-denaturing PAGE revealed five distinct bands corresponding to different degrees of phosphorylation. The phosphorylation pattern of BM-associated IGFBP-1 was identical to that of native IGFBP-1 in amniotic fluid. Immunohistological analysis of term placenta revealed IGFBP-1-specific staining of the syncytiotrophoblast and the fetal capillary/pericapillary bed. The localization of IGFBP-1 to a distinct compartment within the fetal placenta, not in proximity to the syncytiotrophoblast type I IGF receptor, suggests it may play a role in regulating/targeting IGF activity within the stromal compartment or by exerting IGF-independent effects on the basal surface of the syncytiotrophoblast. The nature of its binding to the BM has not been determined.
The Pole Assignability Property in Polynomial Rings over GCD-Domains

Several recent papers, among them [BSSV, Tl, T2], have considered the problem of identifying rings with the property of “pole assignability.” (The definition appears below.) In particular, Bumby, Sontag, Sussmann, and Vasconcelos [BSSV] showed that, while a polynomial ring in one indeterminate over a field has this property, the polynomial ring in two indeterminates over the reals, R[x, y], and the polynomial ring in one indeterminate over the integers, Z[x], do not have this property. Then Tannenbaum [Tl, T23 showed that the polynomial ring in two indeterminates over any field does not have this property. The purpose of this note is to unify the proofs of these two facts in results that we hope will be helpful in identifying the pole assignability property (or its absence) in other rings. Let
Combined use of colorimetric and microelectrode methods for evaluating rhizosphere pH

Plant control of rhizosphere pH is important for nutrient mobilization and uptake, and also affects microbial activity and pathogens in the vicinity of the root. Limited information is available on the ability of plant species and genotypes within a species to induce pH changes in the rhizosphere. A growth chamber study was conducted to characterize patterns of pH change within the rhizosphere of selected genotypes in an alkaline environment with a balanced nutrient supply. After germination in incubators, seedlings of 32 genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max. L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), sordan [sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), sudangrass (Sorghum sudanese L.) hybrid], wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were transferred into aseptic agar medium (pH 7.6) with bromocresol purple indicator. Ability of the embedded roots to induce rhizosphere pH change was followed by photographing the color change of the bromocresol purple indicator. The pH for selected genotypes at different root zones (maturation, elongation, meristematic) was also monitored by a microelectrode at 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-mm distances from the root surface. Rhizosphere acidification for selected genotypes within a species were in the order: soybean, Hawkeye>PI-54169; maize, Pioneer-3737>Pioneer-3732>CM-37; sordan, S-757>S-333; sorghum, SC-33-8-9EY≃SC-118-15E; barley, Bowman>Primus II; oats, Hytest>SD-84104. The pH patterns within the root system varied from species to species. The highest amount of acidification was found at the elongation and meristematic zones for soybean, while the highest amount of acidification was found at the maturation zone for barley under the same experimental conditions. The agar method allowed the determination of a genotype's capability to induce rhizosphere pH changes while the microelectrode method is necessary for quantifying the spatial variation of specific root developmental zones with high resolution.
Involved-Field Radiotherapy Before High-Dose Therapy and Autologous Stem-Cell Rescue in Diffuse Large-Cell Lymphoma: Long-Term Disease Control and Toxicity

Purpose To analyze outcome, prognostic factors, and toxicities in patients with diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLCL) who received involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) before high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell rescue (ASCR). Patients and Methods Between January 1990 and August 2006, 164 patients with relapsed or refractory DLCL received IFRT at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) before high-dose chemotherapy and ASCR. IFRT was delivered to involved sites measuring more than 5 cm or to sites with residual disease more than 2 cm. Radiotherapy was administered in 1.5-Gy fractions twice daily to a total dose of 30 Gy. Progression-free survival and overall survival were calculated, and short- and long-term toxicity was assessed according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (version 2.0). Median follow-up was 60 months (range, 2 to 187 months). Results Two- and 5-year progression-free survival was 62% and 53%; 2- and 5-year overall survival was 67% and 58%, respecti...
Exposure of Neutralizing Epitopes in the Carboxyl-terminal Domain of TcdB Is Altered by a Proximal Hypervariable Region

The sequence, activity, and antigenicity of TcdB varies between different strains of Clostridium difficile. As a result, ribotype-specific forms of TcdB exhibit different toxicities and are not strongly cross-neutralized. Using a combination of biochemical and immunological approaches, we compared two important variants of TcdB (TcdB012 and TcdB027) to identify the mechanisms through which sequence differences alter epitopes and activity of the toxin. These analyses led to the discovery of a critical variation in the 1753–1851 (B2′) region of TcdB, which affects the exposure of neutralizing epitopes in the toxin. Sequence comparisons found that the B2′ region exhibits only 77% identity and is the most variable sequence between the two forms of TcdB. A combination of biochemical, analytical, and mutagenesis experiments revealed that the B2′ region promotes protein-protein interactions. These interactions appear to shield neutralizing epitopes that would otherwise be exposed in the toxin, an event found to be less prominent in TcdB012 due to sequence differences in the 1773–1780 and 1791–1798 regions of the B2′ domain. When the carboxyl-terminal domains of TcdB012 and TcdB027 are swapped, neutralization experiments suggest that the amino terminus of TcdB interacts with the B2′ region and impacts the exposure of neutralizing epitopes in the carboxyl terminus. Collectively, these data suggest that variations in the B2′ region affect protein-protein interactions within TcdB and that these interactions influence the exposure of neutralizing epitopes.
Protein filaments: Bundles from boundaries.

Using a micropatterning technique, the architecture of actin networks is revealed to be influenced by the spatial organization of actin filament nucleation. Considering the geometric boundaries within live cells, implications in the realm of actin-induced cell functions are vast.
How Right to Work Is Destroying the American Labor Movement: From the Ku Klux Klan to the Tea Party

This essay examines recent efforts to enact right to work laws and analyzes the impact of such laws on union development. The argument is that right to work is an invidious anomaly in federal collective bargaining policy, and Section 14(b) should be eliminated from the National Labor Relations Act. Proponents of right to work legislation claim that such laws promote economic development, but the evidence for that claim is unconvincing. Alternatively, supporters of the legislation assert that it promotes individual liberties in our market economy. Opponents of right to work challenge the normative dimension of right to work as an empty ideology that cannot withstand critical scrutiny. Right to work is inimical to the economic and social interests of American workers.
Late Wisconsin/Early Holocene Vegetation in the Bonneville Basin

Woodrat middens from the northern Bonneville Basin allow a reconstruction of vegetation changes from 14,000 to 9000 yr ago. Cold montane steppe, dominated by sagebrush, covered much of the western Bonneville Basin prior to 13,000 yr ago. From 13,000-10,800 yr ago, the region was vegetated by limber pine woodlands in lower montane settings and a mosaic of limber pine and sagebrush steppe along basin flour margins. These low-elevation limber pine woodlands began to retreat upslope after about 11,000 yr ago due to increasingly drier climatic conditions, and were replaced by relatively more xeric desert scrub dominated by sagebrush and shadscale. The growth of limber pine at low elevations suggests that summer temperatures were as much as 6°C lower than at present. This evidence is in apparent conflict with the currently accepted post-Provo Lake Bonneville chronology, especially the magnitude of the postulated near-dessication of Lake Bonneville from ca. 13,000-12,200 yr ago.
Traveling on the Curved Earth

By using the interpretation of rotations in three-dimensional space as certain 3 times 3 matrices (without even knowing explicitly any of the properties of these matrices), together with an elementary knowledge of vector analysis that includes the notion of dot product, we give an easy method for finding the equations of great circle paths (on spherical surfaces) as parameterized curves—first in terms of Cartesian coordinates, and then in terms of the more useful navigational coordinates of latitude and longitude.
Synchro and Resolver Performance Definitions

A consistent set of fundamental synchro and resolver definitions is presented with some application notes. The realizable performance of these units in a system is indicated. These definitions or Proposed Standards have been subdivided into three parts, as follows: I. Precision resolver definitions, II. Synchro control transmitter definitions, III. Synchro performance definitions. Each subject will be treated regarding definitions, schematic diagrams, errors, and pertinent data.
Therapy for auditory processing impairment in aphasia: More data revealed, more questions to ask

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Woolf, C., Panton, A., Rosen, S., Best, W., & Marshall, J. (2014). Therapy for auditory processing impairment in aphasia: An evaluation of two approaches. Aphasiology, 28, 1481–1505.Source of funding and disclosure of interests: Funded by The Stroke Association Award Number 40251. No conflicts of interest were reported.
Chronic infection, inflammation, and epithelial ovarian cancer.

At the present time, the etiology of epithelial ovarian cancer is poorly understood. It has recently been recognized that certain chronic infectious agents may contribute to carcinogenesis by inducing a state of persistent inflammation. Since the female upper genital tract is a frequent site of chronic infections, we propose various strategies that may be useful for determining the potential role of chronic infection and persistent inflammation in the pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer.
Laser enhanced chemical reaction between O3 (001) and NO

Abstract A CO 2 TE laser excited fluorescence experiment demonstrated that ozone in the (001) vibrational state causes the enhancement in the rate constant recently observed for the reaction O † 3 + NO → NO ‡ 2 ( 2 B 1 ) + O 2 . Rate constants for vibrational deactivation of O † 3 by NO 2 and O 2 at T = 298 K were measured by observing the 10 μm fluorescence from O † 3 , with the results k O 3 −NO 2 = 5900 ± 660 s -1 torr -1 and k O 3 -O 2 = 605 ± 50 s -1 torr -1 . The total rate of O † 3 by NO was determined from NO ‡ 2 fluorescence measurements and agrees with the value currently in the literature.
Pentafluorobenzylation of capsaicinoids for gas chromatography with electron-capture detection

Abstract The alkylation of capsaicinoids with pentafluorobenzyl (PFB) bromide for gas chromatography with electron-capture detection was studied. The PFB derivatives were formed within 30 min at 60°C and did not show any signs of decomposition. The alkylated capsaicinoids had a hydrophobic character making them suitable for gas chromatography on a non-polar column. The electron-capture response for the PFB derivatives of capsaicinoids was very sensitive and amounts of capsaicin down to 10 pg were easily detected. The method was succesfully applied to measurement of capsaicinoids in Capsicum products using vanillylamide of octanoic acid as an internal standard.
Structure of the lipopolysaccharide core isolated from a human strain of Aeromonas hydrophila

Lipopolysaccharide was isolated from the cell-walls of a human strain of Aeromonas hydrophila by the aqueous phenol method in 0.58% yield (based on dry weight of bacteria). The lipopolysaccharide consisted of SR-polysaccharide, core-oligosaccharide and lipid A; there was no O-specific polysaccharide. The core had the composition d-galactose, d-glucose, d-glycero-d-manno-heptose, l-glycero-d-manno-heptose and d-glucosamine in a molar ratio of 1:1:2:4:1. Glucosamine was linked to an l-glycero-d-manno-heptose residue by a bond which was resistant to hydrolysis. The d-glucosamine-(1–7)-ld-heptose disaccharide was isolated and identified by the mass spectrum of its methylated alditol and the heptose residue not observed under normal hydrolysis conditions was easily determined after deamination of the complete core. Methylation analysis, chemical degradation, periodate and chromium trioxide oxidation and nuclear magnetic resonance (13C and 1H NMR) spectroscopy were used to identify the structure of the core oligosaccharide as:
Thermoluminescent dosimetry for 103Pd seeds (model 200) in solid water phantom

Dose measurements using LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) have been performed for single 103Pd seeds (model 200) at the center of a solid water phantom. TLD cubes 1 mm on an edge were used for measurements from 1 mm to 1 cm at 1-mm intervals. The cubes were centered along transverse and longitudinal axes and along radial lines from seed center at 10 degrees increments. TLD chips of dimension 3.1 X 3.1 X 0.89 mm were used at distances of 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 cm at 15 degrees angular intervals. Data are presented as the product of distance squared and dose rate per unit source strength, plotted versus distance and angle. At 1 cm from seed center along the transverse axis this product was found to be 0.88 cGy cm2 mCi-1h-1. A dose-rate table in polar coordinates has been formulated for use with multiseed dose distribution calculations. Comparison with data of Meigooni et al. [Endocuriether./Hyperthermia Oncol. 6, 107-117 (1990)] shows general agreement for distances of 2 cm or greater. A comparison of our transverse axis data with Russell's calculated values (Theragenics Internal Report, 4 November 1984) for an ideal point source of 103Pd shows very good agreement except at distances less than 0.5 cm, where differences are attributable to the extended source effect in the actual seed.
III. On the concept of attitude

Evaluation is, as J. R. Maze has recently suggested, central to the concept of attitude. But it is argued that Maze's noncognitivist analysis of evaluation yields an inadequate account of our ordinary concept of attitude. A criteriological account of evaluation is sketched which allows for an objective dimension to evaluation and hence to attitudes. In the case of attitudes, it is argued that some criteria will be chosen at least in part for their consequences, and hence will not be chosen solely on the basis of interest, preference or affect.
Cooperation and competition in strategic games with private information

We study strategic games in the tradition of cooperative game theory, where players may make binding agreements that involve side payments. We use a decomposition of strategic games into competitive and cooperative components to define and axiomatize a solution that unifies earlier solutions and generalizes to the case of incomplete information. In the latter case, we give incentive compatible mechanisms that achieve first-best efficiency.
Joint-space analysis of “pick-any” data: Analysis of choices from an unconstrained set of alternatives

Social and naturally occurring choice phenomena are often of the “pick-any” type in which the number of choices made by a subject as well as the set of alternatives from which they are chosen is unconstrained. These data present a special analytical problem because the meaning of non-choice among pick-any choice data is always ambiguous: A non-chosen alternative may be either unacceptable, or acceptable but not considered, or acceptable and considered but not chosen. A model and scaling method for these data are introduced, allowing for this ambiguity of non-choice. Subjects are represented as points whose coordinates are proportional to the centroids of the points representing their choices. Alternatives are represented at points whose coordinates are proportional to the centroids of the points representing subjects who have chosen them. This centroid scaling technique estimates multidimensional joint spaces from the pick-any data.
Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase α activates Src-family kinases and controls integrin-mediated responses in fibroblasts

Abstract Background: Fyn and c-Src are two of the most widely expressed Src-family kinases. Both are strongly implicated in the control of cytoskeletal organization and in the generation of integrin-dependent signalling responses in fibroblasts. These proteins are representative of a large family of tyrosine kinases, the activity of which is tightly controlled by inhibitory phosphorylation of a carboxy-terminal tyrosine residue (Tyr527 in chicken c-Src); this phosphorylation induces the kinases to form an inactive conformation. Whereas the identity of such inhibitory Tyr527 kinases has been well established, no corresponding phosphatases have been identified that, under physiological conditions, function as positive regulators of c-Src and Fyn in fibroblasts. Results: Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase α (RPTPα) was inactivated by homologous recombination. Fibroblasts derived from these RPTPα −/− mice had impaired tyrosine kinase activity of both c-Src and Fyn, and this was accompanied by a concomitant increase in c-Src Tyr527 phosphorylation. RPTPα −/− fibroblasts also showed a reduction in the rate of spreading on fibronectin substrates, a trait that is a phenocopy of the effect of inactivation of the c-src gene. In response to adhesion on a fibronectin substrate, RPTPα −/− fibroblasts also exhibited characteristic deficiencies in integrin-mediated signalling responses, such as decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of the c-Src substrates Fak and p 130 cas , and reduced activation of extracellular signal regulated (Erk) MAP kinases. Conclusions: These observations demonstrate that RPTPα functions as a physiological upstream activator of Src-family kinases in fibroblasts and establish this tyrosine phosphatase as a newly identified regulator of integrin signalling.