cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytosolic detection of phagosomal bacteria-Mechanisms underlying PAMP exodus from the phagosome into the cytosol.

The metazoan innate immune system senses bacterial infections by detecting highly conserved bacterial molecules, termed pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). PAMPs are detected by a variety of host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), whose function is to coordinate downstream immune responses. PRR activities are, in part, regulated by their subcellular localizations. Accordingly, professional phagocytes can detect extracellular bacteria and their PAMPs via plasma membrane-oriented PRRs. Conversely, phagocytosed bacteria and their PAMPs are detected by transmembrane PRRs oriented towards the phagosomal lumen. Even though PAMPs are unable to passively diffuse across membranes, phagocytosed bacteria are also detected by PRRs localized within the host cell cytosol. This phenomenon is explained upon phagocytosis of bacteria that specialize in phagosomal escape and cytosolic residence. Contrary to this cytosolic lifestyle, most bacteria studied to date spend their entire intracellular lifestyle contained within phagosomes, yet they also stimulate cytosolic PRRs. Herein, we will review our current understanding for how phagosomal PAMPs become accessible to cytosolic PRRs, as well as highlight knowledge gaps that should inspire future investigations.
Chemical genetic analysis of the budding-yeast p21-activated kinase Cla4p

The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are effectors for the Rho-family GTPase Cdc42p. Here we define the in vivo function of the kinase activity of the budding yeast PAK Cla4p, using cla4 alleles that are specifically inhibited by a cell-permeable compound that does not inhibit the wild-type kinase. CLA4 kinase inhibition in cells lacking the partially redundant PAK Ste20p causes reversible SWE1-dependent cell-cycle arrest and gives rise to narrow, highly elongated buds in which both actin and septin are tightly polarized to bud tips. Inhibition of Cla4p does not prevent polarization of F-actin, and cytokinesis is blocked only in cells that have not formed a bud before inhibitor treatment; cell polarization and bud emergence are not affected by Cla4p inhibition. Although localization of septin to bud necks is restored in swe1Δ cells, cytokinesis remains defective. Inhibition of Cla4p activity in swe1Δ cells causes a delay of bud emergence after cell polarization, indicating that this checkpoint may mediate an adaptive response that is capable of promoting budding when Cla4p function is reduced. Our data indicate that CLA4 PAK activity is required at an early stage of budding, after actin polarization and coincident with formation of the septin ring, for early bud morphogenesis and assembly of a cytokinesis site.
Stem Cell-Based Approaches to Spinal Cord Injury

Stem cells have great potential for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). Different types of stem cell include somatic and embryonic, both of which have unique advantages and disadvantages. Here, the profile of motor neuron progenitor cells and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells is discussed, and several significant animal model experiments using both cell types are reviewed. Clinical trials currently underway or planned using these cell types for SCI therapy will also be discussed. Finally, it is proposed that these cell types may be the most useful and clinically applicable for human therapeutic use. Keywords: Bone marrow stromal cell; Embryonic stem cell; Human embryonic stem cell-derived motor neuron progenitor cell; Human embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cell; Induced pluripotent stem cell; Neural progenitor cell; Neural stem cell; Spinal cord injury
Liquid chromatography on silica using mobile phases containing aliphatic carboxylic acids

Abstract The effect of adding aliphatic linear chain carboxylic acids to mobile phases used in separation of solutes of widely varying functionality on microparticulate silica was investigated. Changes in peak shape and retention time of varied solutes as a function of mobile phase acid chain length are described. Peak shape generally improves with increasing acid chain length, especially for acidic solutes. Retention of acidic solutes decreases with decreasing acid chain length; basic solutes exhibit the opposite behavior. These and other effects are discussed in conjunction with a propsed retention mechanism. Potential for application of this type of chromatographic system for rapid assessment of chemical types in complex samples is discussed.
Coherence in Science Education

Although there has been considerable discussion regarding the need to improve science education in the United States, it has not been easy, especially for scientists who are not educators, to pinpoint specific indicators in individual schools or specific solutions. Bardeen and Lederman focus on two aspects that can give more coherence to science education: the number of years of required science in high school and the need to change the order in which biology, chemistry, and physics are taught to give students the necessary prerequisites for the next stage of study.
Novel roles for aquaporins as gated ion channels

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the novel roles played by aquaporins (AQPs) as gated ion channels. AQPs are the members of the major intrinsic protein (MIP) gene family, a diverse group of water and solute channels found throughout the phyla of plants, animals, and bacteria. Membrane lipid bilayers have an inherently low permeability to water, an attribute that benefits life in aqueous and terrestrial environments. In specialized water-absorbing and secreting cells of mammals, membrane permeability to water is greatly enhanced by the expression of AQPs, a family of membrane proteins that provide channels for osmotically driven water ﬂuxes. An expanding role for mammalian AQPs as pathways for regulated solute transport is becoming evident and these channels are now proposed to mediate transmembrane ﬂuxes for a growing list of other substrates, including ions, glycerol, and carbon dioxide. The existence of selective water channels in biological membranes has been postulated based on physiological evidence before the first molecular identification of AQPs. The first member of the MIP family to be sequenced and characterized was the MIP of bovine lens, now known as “AQP0.” The chapter describes the structural features of MIP channels and summarizes the physiological and pathophysiological significance of aquaporin channel activity.
Modeling of Highly Branched Water‐Soluble Polymers with Applications to Drug Delivery Model Extensions and Validation

Reversible addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization can be used to produce highly branched polymer approximating the structure of dendrimers, but with less regularity and much less synthetic complexity. This can be accomplished by using a RAFT agent with a polymerizable double bond. Thus, the stoichiometry is fixed, with one branch point (RAFT agent double bond) per chain. Since each of these branch points will also branch, a highly regular highly branched material is formed. If this RAFT chemistry is applied to the monomer N-isopropyl-acrylamide (NIPAAm), the resulting water-soluble polymer has unique applications in drug delivery, due to the hyperbranched nature of the polymer, and also to the lower critical solution temperature exhibited by poly(NIPAAm). In this paper, a previous mathematical model of the RAFT-pNIPAAm system is extended, and validated against experimental polymerization data.
Periodic faceting of a Si(113) surface miscut towards [110]

Abstract The equilibrium morphology of a Si(113) surface miscut by a polar angle of 1.8° away from the (113) orientation along an azimuth within 3.5° of the [1 1 0] direction has been characterized by X-ray scattering, for temperatures between 900 and 1450 K. Above 1215 K, a uniformly stepped surface is found. Between 1075 and 1215 K, the surface phase-separates into two coexisting phases of different polar and azimuthal orientations. With decreasing temperature, the phase with the smaller polar angle approaches the (113) orientation, while the other phase exhibits an increasingly large polar angle (up to 9°). The two coexisting phases form a periodic groove structure with periodicity ranging from 740 to 940 A, depending on the temperature. Below 1075 K, the phase with the larger polar angle further phase-separates into two phases of different azimuth (±17°), resulting in coexistence among three distinct phases. The three coexisting phases form a quasi-periodic array of pyramids.
To Three or Not to Three? Shot Selection and Managerial Performance in the National Basketball Association

Empirically estimating managerial performance is often quite challenging. Without accurate measurement of managerial output or value added it is difficult to usefully analyze the labor market for managers. This paper uses shot selection between two-point and three-point shots to develop a measure of managerial productivity in the National Basketball Association (NBA). We test whether our measure significantly impacts firm (team) output (wins) and whether this managerial productivity measure is significant in explaining labor market outcomes. We show that managerial performance does, in fact, positively impact team performance and also helps explain differences in managerial compensation.
Blood-brain barrier disruption, HSP70 expression and apoptosis due to 3-nitropropionic acid, a mitochondrial toxin.

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP), a mitochondrial toxin, induces apoptosis in the striatum. We wanted to determine if there was a relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and apoptosis. BBB disruption following intrastriatal injection of 3-NP was assessed by Evans blue leakage, brain water content, and by the expression of the 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) and mRNA. Apoptosis was assessed by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'- triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) and gel electrophoresis to detect internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Microscopic evidence of Evans blue leakage due to 3-NP was present only 3 hr after injection. Both internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and TUNEL-labeling did not appear until 24 hr after injection. HSP70 (protein and mRNA) was also elevated by 24 hr. There was a quantitative increase in Evans blue leakage and brain water content due to 3-NP by 3 days after injection. Our results suggest that BBB disruption is an early event followed by increased HSP70 expression and apoptosis. We speculate that 3-NP damages endothelial cells, leading to vasogenic edema and apoptosis.
Radiant Cosmetics: What's in a Pout? (TN)

In 2006, Radiant Cosmetics president and CEO Margaret Clark was contemplating the launch of a new, lip-plumping product called 'Four Carat Pout.' Clark faced many decisions concerning the launch: marketing the product as a luxury brand or a retail item; how to position the product as a possible starting point for an expanded and-aging line; and how to market and distribute the product internationally, particularly in France. Issues of intellectual property ware also essential to the launch: in the past, Radiant had faced problems with cosmetic counterfeits. With the launch of the new product Four Carat Pout, Clark needed to decide whether to pursue patents, copyrights and/or trademarks for various aspects of the new product. The case focuses on the interplay between marketing strategies and intellectual property issues in the international fashion product.
Simple open fusion for an iodine screen test.

A procedure is described for the screening of serum samples for contamination with iodine. It is extremely rapid, obviates any cross-contamination problem, and is not influenced by the organic compounds of raw serum or filtrates. Studies indicate that the open-combustion technic is a reliable screening system for the handling of large numbers of samples.
On Analytical Solutions During Damped Wave Conduction and Relaxation in a Finite Slab Subject to the Convective Boundary Condition

This article describes the use of the final condition in the time domain to obtain bounded and physically reasonable solutions for the convective boundary condition for the case of a finite slab. The temperature overshoot problem is revisited for the convective boundary condition. The use of a physically realistic time condition is shown to remove the overshoot and lead to bounded solutions within Clausius’s inequality. The ramifications of these findings are discussed. The method of separation of variables was used to obtain the analytical solution for the wave temperature. The governing equation for temperature, a hyperbolic partial differential equation (PDE) is multiplied by exp(τ/2) that results in a hyperbolic PDE less the damping component. The wave temperature can be used to better understand the transient phenomena of heat conduction. For materials with large relaxation times, \({\tau_{\rm r} > \frac{\rho C_p}{4h}}\) , the temperature can be expected to undergo subcritical damped oscillations. The analytical solution is presented as an infinite Fourier series solution. The solution was found to be bifurcated. For materials with a small relaxation time, the time domain part of the solution was found to be a decaying exponential and for materials with large relaxation times the time domain part of the solution was found to be cosinuous. Analytical solutions for the average temperature of the finite slab were also obtained. The thermal time constant of the material was found from the solution. The average temperature versus time was found to exhibit convex curvature for systems with large Biot numbers and the average temperature versus time was found to exhibit concave curvature for systems with small Biot numbers. The thermal time constant for the finite slab at different Biot numbers were found and tabulated. The thermal time constant versus Biot number was found to exhibit a maxima. When Fourier parabolic equations are used, the thermal constant decreases monotonically with an increase in Biot number.
Inflammation Joins the “Niche”

Bone marrow-derived cells have an important role in tumor metastasis and have been reported to "prime" distant tissues for tumor engraftment, although the mechanisms for their recruitment have remained unclear. A new study by Hiratsuka et al. describes an inflammatory signaling pathway that mediates the chemoattraction of myeloid and tumor cells to organ-specific metastatic sites.
Is obesity a high-risk factor for laparoscopic colorectal surgery?

The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in obese patients and compare it to that of a nonobese group of patients who underwent similar procedures. All 162 consecutive patients who underwent an elective laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted segmental colorectal resection between August 1991 and December 1997 were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was used as an objective index to indicate massive obesity. The parameters analyzed included BMI, age, gender, comorbid conditions, diagnosis, procedure, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification score, operative time, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, intraoperative complications, conversion to laparotomy, postoperative complications, length of hospitalization, and mortality. Thirty-one patients (19.1%) were obese (23 males and 8 females). Conversion rates were significantly increased in the obese group (39 vs 13.5%, p=0.01), with an overall conversion rate of 18%. The postoperative complication rate in the obese group was 78% vs 24% in the nonobese group (p<0.01). Specifically, rates of ileus and wound infections were significantly higher in the obese group [32.3 vs 7.6% (p<0.01) and 12.9 vs 3.1%. (p=0.03), respectively]. Furthermore, hospital stay in the obese group was longer (9.5 days) than in the nonobese group (6.9 days, p=0.02). Laparoscopic colorectal segmental resections are feasible in obese patients. However, increased rates of conversion to laparotomy should be anticipated and the risk of postoperative complications is significantly increased, prolonging the length of hospitalization when compared to that of nonobese patients.
Time-temperature-transformation (TTT) analysis of cation disordering in omphacite

The kinetics of cation disordering in a natural ordered (P2/n) omphacite have been followed at P=18 and 30 kb, T= 750–1,260° C, for times of between 1.5 min and 16 days in a piston-cylinder apparatus. Time-temperature-transformation (TTT) analysis of the experimental data, using the presence or absence of the 11¯1 reflection in single crystal X-ray precession photographs to indicate the extent of reaction, yields an equilibrium order/disorder temperature (T ord) of 865±10° C, an activation enthalpy (1 bar) of 71±6 kcal mole−1 and an activation volume of 9±4 cm3 mole−1 (plus and minus figures represent the precision of a best fit between experimental data and TTT theory rather than absolute errors). The activation volume is consistent with a vacancy mechanism of cation diffusion. H2O, added in the form of oxalic acid, appears to speed the process up slightly. The overall transformation mechanism is continuous, involving neither the nucleation of a disordered phase nor a change in antiphase-domain distribution. This is consistent with both first- and non-first-order character for the C2/c⇋P2/n transformation, though a range of ordered states below T ord is indicated by the weakening of h+k=odd reflections. A simple extrapolation of the disordering rates to geological conditions leads to the first estimate of how long disordered omphacites would take to order in nature, ranging from less than one year at T≈800° C to more than 107 years at T<350° C.
Assay of partially neutralized guinea pig anti-insulin serum.

Constant volumes of guinea pig anti-insulin serum (GPAIS) were first incubated for 1 hr at 36 C with variable amounts of bovine, pork, human, rat and cod insulins, residual reactive insulin antibodies being then assayed under varied experimental conditions using mixtures of unlabeled and 131I-labeled bovine insulin. After partial neutralization with smaller amounts of the mammalian insulins, binding of bovine insulin by residual antibodies could be linearly related to the amount of preincubated insulin. Regression coefficients for the mammalian species of preincubated insulin were the same under comparable conditions of assay, but cod insulin reacted only weakly with the antibodies to bovine insulin. After complete neutralization with larger amounts of the mammalian insulins, GPAIS was still able to react with bovine insulin, which appeared to displace preincubated heterologous (cod > rat > human > pork) more than the homologous bovine insulin. Results are discussed in relation to a similar method used to...
JOB APPLICANTS' SEX AND MARITAL STATUS AS DETERMINANTS OF EVALUATIONS OF RESUMES

Summary.-Job applicants' sex and marital status were manipulated in a paradigm in which a resume was evaluated. Personnel recruirers were roleplayed by 117 MBA students, each of whom evaluated one resume. An interaction of sex of recruiter x applicant's marital status was found in relation to interviewing the applicant and applicant's motivation to work. Male recruirers raced the applicant more favorably in each case. No significant effects of applicant's sex x marital sratus were found. Implications for management were discussed. The impact of equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws has been an important influence on aH phases of the employment relationship. The selection of employees (i.e., access discrimination) has received particular emphasis (Arvey, 1979). Evaluation of job applicants' resumes continues to be an area with considerable practical value and research interest. The initial impression formed on the basis of an applicant's resume could be instrumental in the decision to interview and ultimately to hire the applicant. Many variables have been shown to influence evaluations of job applicants' resumes. Such variebles include the type of job (Cohen & Bunker, 1975; Muchinsky & Harris, 1977), attractiveness of the applicant (Beehr & Gilrnore, 1982; Cash, Gillen, & Burns, 1977; Dipboye, hey, & Terpstra, 1977; Dipboye, Fromkin, & Wiback, 1975), qualifications of the applicant (Dipboye, hey, & Terpstra, 1977; Dipboye, Fromkin, & Wiback, 1975), sex of the recruiter (Dipboye, Arvey, & Terpstra, 1977), and sex of the applicant (Shaw, 1972; Zikmund, Hitt, & Pickens, 1978). The present study investigated sex and marital status as factors influencing recruiters' evaluations of job applicants' resumes. These variables are of interest in view of the tendenq to attribute status by sex (Sarbin & Allen, 1968) and the fact that the contemporary resume protocol limits reference to personal data. Although an applicant can simply omit marital status from the resume, the situation is less clear with regard to sex. Inferences about sex are usually drawn from the applicant's first name. The following question is addressed in the present study: Are job candidates who omit (or limit) personal data eval'Portions of this article were presented at the meeting of the Eastern Academy of Management, 1983. The authors appreciate the helpful comments of three anonymous reviewers. Requests for reprints should be sent to Nicholas J. Beutell, W. Paul Srillman School of Business, Seton Hal: Universicy, South Orange, NJ 07079.
Forward-backward semiclassical dynamics with single-bead coherent state density

This paper reports investigations into the convergence properties of time correlation functions within the forward–backward semiclassical dynamics (FBSD) approximation when the Boltzmann phase space density function is not discretized by a sufficient number of path integral beads. Based on the behaviour of simple models and the relation to the more classical Kubo form, it is argued that the imaginary part of the correlation function generally converges faster than the real part and can be used to infer the latter via the detailed balance relation. Procedures are proposed for calculating Kubo-transformed correlation functions within the FBSD approximation. Numerical examples for model anharmonic systems (in one dimension or in contact with a dissipative bath) and Lennard–Jones fluids illustrate these ideas.
Axisymmetric Synthetic Jets: An Experimental and Theoretical Examination

The flowfield of a round synthetic jet driven by a piezoelectric membrane issuing into a quiescent environment is studied in this paper. The self-similar behavior exhibited by both synthetic and continuous turbulent jets leads to the hypothesis that synthetic jetsmay bemodeled using similarity analysis, just as continuous turbulent jets aremodeled. Accordingly, synthetic jets are modeled using both the Schlichting solution to boundary-layer equations in cylindrical coordinates and the Landau–Squire solution to the Navier–Stokes equations in spherical coordinates, for which the virtual viscosity coefficient of a continuous turbulent jet is replaced with that measured for a synthetic jet. The virtual viscosity of the synthetic jet for bothmodels is obtained from the spreading rate and velocity decay rate of the jet. Hot-wire anemometry is used to characterize the flow downstream of the orifice. The flowfield is observed to consist of two regions, as distinguished by the centerline velocity decay: namely, a developing and adeveloped region. The developing region is characterized by a velocity increase followed by a plateau, for which the axial extent of this region scales with the stroke length L. The developed region is identified by the centerline velocity decaying as x , and it is within this region that the jet models are applicable. The velocity decay rate and spreading rate of synthetic jets are observed to increase with stroke ratio L=d, while being independent of the Reynolds number Re. This dependency on stroke ratio is attributed to the increase in impulse and energy of the emerging vortex rings as the stroke ratio increases and their subsequent enhanced interaction. The geometry of the actuator is additionally seen to impact the spreading and decay rates by means of influencing the initial conditions at the orifice. The experiments verify that byusing the adjusted value of the virtual viscosity, the theoreticalmodels of a continuous turbulent jetmay still be used to model a periodic synthetic jet. The virtual viscosity of the synthetic jets under test proves to be larger than that of equivalent turbulent continuous jet based on the same momentum flux. The enhanced viscosity is attributed to the additional momentum transfer and mixing brought about by the periodic introduction and breakdown of the vortex rings in synthetic jets.
Power dissipation of VLSI array processing systems

The Power Factor Approximation (PFA) power estimation method is reviewed and applied to VLSI array processing systems. The power dissipation of 1, 2, and 3 dimensional algorithms implemented on linear, hexagonal, and cubic processor arrays is investigated. Closed form equations are developed which show how the overall power dissipation is influenced by an algorithm's size and dimensionality, the target array processor's size and dimensionality, and the adopted partitioning strategy. The power estimation methods developed in this paper can be applied in the early phases of VLSI algorithm/architecture design, selection, and partitionment. The power dissipation of a matrix-matrix multiplication operation is estimated as an example application.
A scanning electron microscopic study of the Sertoli cell and spermiation in the syrian hamster

The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the Sertoli cells in normal and germ-cell-depleted testes. The Sertoli cells appear to attain characteristic configurations in the various stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. In tubules containing maturation-phase spermatids, Stages I-IV, the Sertoli cells exhibit column-like bases which give rise to lamellae measuring 25–30 μm in width which ensheath the spermatids and residual cytoplasmic bodies. In the Stages VIII-IX long flat sheets of Sertoli cytoplasm rest atop the step-8 and -9 spermatids. These sheets are oriented parallel to the basement membrane of the tubule with their long axis parallel to the long axis of the tubule. In Stages V-VI the head and proximal portion of the tail of the maturation-phase spermatids are ensheathed in sleeve-like Sertoli cell processes. Cuff-like terminations demarcate the terminus of these sleeves that surround maturing spermatids up to spermiation. In tubules undergoing spermiation, the sleeves retract so that only the tip of the spermatid head remains in the sleeve. Appendicular processes extend from the dorsum of the Sertoli cell sleeves in the tubules undergoing spermiation. After spermiation the appendix elongates while the sleeve evaginates until the everted sleeve is a finger-like process that extends into the tubular lumen. In tubules in which the seminiferous epithelium has been depleted with epinephrine injections the Sertoli cells attain two configurations. The first is characterized by having long attenuated lamellar processes that orient perpendicular to the basement membrane, with numerous ramifying processes arising from the lamellae. In the second configuration the Sertoli cells' lamellae orient parallel to the basement membrane of the tubule and lack the elaborate ramifications seen in the first configuration.
Driver Perception of Risk: Objective Risk versus Subjective Estimates

Objective risk is frequently at variance with driver s'estimation of it. This study was undertaken to examine this phenomenon and to ascertain the cause. Slides of highway sites for which objective risk was known were shown to 49 drivers. The correlation between their subjective estimates and actual accident data was small and nonsignificant Particular problems were noted around drivers' understanding of the hazards conveyed by signs and signals.
Enteric pathogens and gut function: Role of cytokines and STATs

The gut harbors the largest immune system in the body. The mucosa is considered to be the initial site of interaction with commensal and pathogenic organisms; therefore, it is the first line of defense against the pathogens. In response to the invasion of various pathogens, naive CD4(+) cells differentiate into subsets of T helper (Th) cells that are characterized by different cytokine profiles. Cytokines bind to cell surface receptors on both immune and non-immune cells leading to activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway and influence gut function by upregulating the expression of specific target genes. This review considers the roles of cytokines and receptor-mediated activation of STATs on pathogen-induced changes in gut function. The focus on STAT4 and STAT6 is because of their requirement for the full development of Th1 and Th2 cytokine profiles.
Sulfur species behavior in soil organic matter during decomposition

Received 27 June 2007; accepted 27 August 2007; published 11 December 2007. [1] Soil organic matter (SOM) is a primary reservoir of terrestrial sulfur (S), but its role in the global S cycle remains poorly understood. We examine S speciation by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy to describe S species behavior during SOM decomposition. Sulfur species in SOM were best represented by organic sulfide, sulfoxide, sulfonate, and sulfate. The highest fraction of S in litter was organic sulfide, but as decomposition progressed, relative fractions of sulfonate and sulfate generally increased. Over 6-month laboratory incubations, organic sulfide was most reactive, suggesting that a fraction of this species was associated with a highly labile pool of SOM. During humification, relative concentrations of sulfoxide consistently decreased, demonstrating the importance of sulfoxide as a reactive S phase in soil. Sulfonate fractional abundance increased during humification irrespective of litter type, illustrating its relative stability in soils. The proportion of S species did not differ systematically by litter type, but organic sulfide became less abundant in conifer SOM during decomposition, while sulfate fractional abundance increased. Conversely, deciduous SOM exhibited lesser or nonexistent shifts in organic sulfide and sulfate fractions during decomposition, possibly suggesting that S reactivity in deciduous litter is coupled to rapid C mineralization and independent of S speciation. All trends were consistent in soils across study sites. We conclude that S reactivity is related to speciation in SOM, particularly in conifer forests, and S species fractions in SOM change during decomposition. Our data highlight the importance of intermediate valence species (sulfoxide and sulfonate) in the pedochemical cycling of organic bound S.
Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Fitness With Exercise Training in Older Adults Who Attend Senior Centers

This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of exercise training on functional fitness, assessed by Senior Fitness Tests, and health-related quality of life (HRQL), assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36), in previously inactive senior center adults (n = 10 males and n = 28 females). Exercise training resulted in significant improvements for chair stand, arm curl, two-minute step, and sit-and-reach tests (all p < 0.001). Role physical (p < 0.001), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p = 0.002) MOS SF-36 domains also improved. The results suggest that participation in exercise by senior center members can provide important additional benefits.
A Second Magnesium Ion Is Critical for ATP Binding in the Kinase Domain of the Oncoprotein v-Fps†

The activity of the kinase domain of the oncoprotein v-Fps was found to be sensitive to the concentration of magnesium ions. Plots of initial velocity versus free magnesium concentration are hyperbolic and do not extrapolate to the origin at stoichiometric ATP-Mg, indicating that there are two sites for metal chelation on the enzyme and the second is nonessential for catalysis. The second metal is strongly activating and increases the reaction rate constant almost 20-fold from 0.5 to 8.3 s-1 using 0.2 mM ATP-Mg and 1 mM peptide, EAEIYEAIE. This increase in rate is due to a large increase in the apparent affinity of ATP-Mg at high magnesium concentrations. At 0.5 and 10 mM free Mg2+, KATP-Mg is 3.6 and 0.22 mM, respectively. Extrapolation of the observed affinity of ATP-Mg to zero and infinite free metal indicates that KATP-Mg is greater than 8 mM in the absence of the second metal and 0.1 mM in the presence of the second metal, a minimum 80-fold enhancement. By comparison, free levels of the divalent ion ...
Earnings management and the performance of seasoned equity offerings1

Abstract Recent studies document that firms conducting seasoned equity offerings experience poor stock price and earnings performance in the post-offering period. I investigate whether earnings management around the time of the offering can explain a portion of the poor performance. Consistent with this explanation, I show that earnings management during the year around the offering predicts both earnings changes and market-adjusted stock returns in the following year. These findings suggest that the stock market temporarily overvalues issuing firms and is subsequently disappointed by predictable declines in earnings caused by earnings management.
The Quest for Chain-Link Hydrogen-Bonded Capsules: Self-Assembly of C-Methyl Calix[4]resorcinarene with 1,2-Bis(5‘-pyrimidyl)ethyne

The self-assembly of the tetradentate ligand 1,2-bis(5‘-pyrimidyl)ethyne with C-methyl calix[4]resorcinarene under a variety of conditions is reported. The structures of two different three-dimensional hydrogen bonded networks formed on self-assembly are presented. One structure contains ligand-bridged resorcinarenes with a “chain-link” capsule motif. The other structure is a three-dimensional network of cross-linked stacked resorcinarenes.
The effect of time, shock stimulation, and stimulus uncertainty on the non-associative GSR

Using an unpaired-stimuli procedure, 10 tones were presented to Ss, interspersed with a mean of either 1 shock (range, 0–2 for 5 shocks (range, 4–6). Time between tones was either 100 or 200 sec. A fifth group also received a mean of 5 shocks between tones but the range was larger (from 2 to 8). The time interval variable showed no effect on the GSR. GSR to the tone was negatively related to the amount of shock, but also varied as a function of the amount of information in the stimulus sequence, as indicated both by a measure of informational uncertainty and by subjective predictive accuracy.
Age Effects and Sample Size in Free Listing

The literature in the psychology of aging shows cognitive declines among older adults in many abilities. This study addresses the question of whether informant age affects production in free listing. The study compares numbers of free-listed items across four quotidian domains by groups of older (n = 30) versus younger ( n = 31) adults. Smaller samples of five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five were also analyzed to assess age by sample size interaction at smaller sample sizes. Results show that at the level of the group and at every sample size, older adults produce more unique items than younger adults but that when idiosyncratic items (mentioned by only one person) are eliminated from the analysis, older and younger adults produce equivalent numbers of items. Finally, we varied the size of target sets (ten, fifteen, twenty) of most frequently cited items at thirty participants and examined the percentage of those items present for sample sizes of five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five particip...
Hypnotherapy is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation: Results of a randomized controlled trial

Summary Background The efficacy of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation is well documented. However, due to relapse rates and side effects, hypnotherapy is gaining attention as an alternative treatment option. The aim of this one-center randomized study was to compare the efficacy of hypnotherapy alone, as well as hypnotherapy with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), to conventional NRT in patients hospitalized with a cardiac or pulmonary illness. Methods We evaluated self-reported and biochemically verified 7-day prevalence smoking abstinence rates at 12 and 26 weeks post-hospitalization. Patients ( n =164) were randomized into one of three counseling-based treatment groups: NRT for 30 days (NRT; n =41), a 90-min hypnotherapy session (H; n =39), and NRT with hypnotherapy (HNRT; n =37). Treatment groups were compared to a "self-quit" group of 35 patients who refused intervention. Results Hypnotherapy patients were more likely than NRT patients to be nonsmokers at 12 weeks (43.9% vs. 28.2%; p =0.14) and 26 weeks after hospitalization (36.6% vs. 18.0%; p =0.06). Smoking abstinence rates in the HNRT group were similar to the H group. There was no difference in smoking abstinence rates at 26 weeks between "self quit" and participants in any of the treatment groups. In multivariable regression analysis adjusting for diagnosis and demographic characteristics, H and HNRT were over three times more likely than NRT participants to abstain at 26-weeks post-discharge (RR=3.6; p =0.03 and RR=3.2; p =0.04, respectively). Conclusion Hypnotherapy is more effective than NRT in improving smoking abstinence in patients hospitalized for a smoking-related illness, and could be an asset to post-discharge smoking cessation programs.
Structure and magnetic properties of Mn-doped ZnO thin films

We report the structure and magnetic properties of Zn1−xMnxO thin films grown on Si(001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Structure and phase evolution with Mn doping has been studied using x-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy. The undoped and 1% Mn-doped ZnO films are completely (001) oriented, and further Mn doping deteriorates the (001) orientation. For Mn concentrations below 3%, only the hexagonal ZnO phase exists in the films without secondary phases. As the Mn concentration reaches 5%, secondary phase Mn2O3 was found aggregating at grain boundaries. All the Mn-doped films show ferromagnetic properties at room temperature, and the magnetic moment decreases as the Mn concentration increases. Our results suggest that the ferromagnetism observed in Zn1−xMnxO thin films is intrinsic rather than associated with secondary phases.
Scalable Parallel Coset Enumeration

Coset enumeration, like Grobner bases, is a notoriously difficult algorithm to parallelize. We demonstrate a successful shared memory parallelization achieving a seven times speedup on an Origin 2000 CC-NUMA computer using 16 CPUs. We take as a testbed, an enumeration of Lyons?s group (8835156 cosets). This provides comparability with previous efforts in the literature (Cooperman and Havas, 1997; Havas and Ramsay, 2000) for which the best previous speedup was a factor of 4. The new parallelization depends on two new heuristics, clouds and shallow scan. Clouds is an example of bulk definition of cosets, which forms the key to our more efficient parallelization. The parallelization is implemented using TOP-C. By taking advantage of TOP-C?s option to compile for either shared or distributed memory, we also demonstrate the first efficient parallelization of a coset enumeration program using distributed memory.Our faster results expose for the first time in the context of coset enumeration the “memory wall", i.e. the latency barrier of the RAM. We verify this memory wall by showing on an Origin 2000 that a memory-bound parallel program with 64 CPUs doing nothing but randomly accessing RAM achieves at best a speedup of only 3.75 over the single-CPU version. Further, it is demonstrated that even sequential versions of coset enumerations programs are memory latency-bound in today?s technology. The lessons of bulk definition and of the memory wall carry over to related algorithms such as Grobner bases, Knuth-Bendix, and other symbolic algebra algorithms with intermediate swell.
Crowd creativity through combination

The goal of this research is to perform large-scale experiments to see if the crowd, mediated by technology, produces creative designs by combining designs. To fulfill this goal, a sequential combination system is built. The system is a variant on a human based genetic algorithm, through which the crowd participates in an iterative process of design, evaluation, and combination. The study will provide a way of creatively solving problems in a number of different domains. It will also shed light on the mechanisms of social creativity: how individuals can build on each other's work and how technology can facilitate design by encouraging collaboration through shared designs.
Rapid transport of anthropogenic lead through soils in southeast Missouri

Abstract To investigate Pb transport and cycling, soils from the forest floor and cores from White Oaks (Quercus alba L.) were collected near a Pb smelter in SE Missouri at varying depths from the surface and varying distances. Lead concentrations in soil samples at the surface drop dramatically with distance from approximately 1500 mg/kg at less than 2 km from the smelter to around 100 mg/kg at localities greater than 2 km from the smelter. Lead contents in tree rings are below 0.5 mg/kg in samples dated prior to 1970, and rapidly increase in 1975–1990 samples. Isotopic compositions of soils and tree rings exhibit systematic variations of Pb isotopic compositions with depth and tree ring age. Distinguishable isotopic signatures for Pb sources allowed quantification of the contribution of smelter Pb to the soils. At depths where Pb concentrations decreased and approached constant values (10–25 cm, 10–30 mg/kg), 50–90%, 40–50% and 10–50% of the Pb could be derived from the smelter for the samples at locations less than 2, 2–4 and over 4 km from the smelter, respectively. The remaining portion was attributable to automobile emission and bedrock sources. Because the smelter operated from 1963 to 2003 and samples were collected in 1999, it is estimated that smelter Pb infiltrates at rates of ∼1 cm/yr (30 cm in 30 yr). At distances less than 1.5 km from the smelter, even though Pb concentrations become asymptotic at a depth of ∼30 cm, isotopic evidence suggests that Pb has migrated below this depth, presumably through exchange with naturally occurring Pb in the soil matrix. This implies that soils heavily polluted by Pb can exceed their Pb carrying capacity, which could have potential impacts on shallow groundwater systems and risk further exposure to human and ecological receptors.
Soluble lectins: a new class of extracellular proteins

Soluble lectins of cellular slime molds and vertebrates are present at extracellular sites in the developing or adult tissues that make them. Some lectins are concentrated around cell groups, as in extracellular matrix or elastic fibers. Others are at the interface between cells and the external environment, as in mucin or slime. Specific glycoproteins, proteoglycans, or polysaccharides that bind these endogenous lectins may also be present at these sites. Interactions between the lectins and glycoconjugates appear to play a role in shaping extracellular environments.
Search for evidence of antineutrino decays, II

Large-volume NaI detectors were used in a nuclear explosion peak antineutrino flux of 1.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{14}$ in an attempt to observe possible decay products. No such products were detected. Upper limits for observable decays were estimated from the system detection limits.
Studies on the relationship of pteroylglutamic acid to the growth of psittacosis virus, strain 6BC.

p-Aminobenzoic and pteroic acids antagonize the inhibition of the growth of psittacosis virus (strain 6BC) by sulfadiazine in a competitive manner. Pteroylglutamic acid exerts a non-competitive type sulfonamide antagonism. The effects of certain analogues of pteroylglutamic acid and of pteroic acid on the growth of psittacosis virus and its inhibition by sulfadiazine are reported. The implications of these findings with regard to the possible synthesis of pteroylglutamic acid by psittacosis virus and its suggested role as an essential factor for growth of this virus are discussed.
Polymetalation of aromatic compounds

Abstract It was found that polynuclear aromatics such as anthracene, biphenyl, fluorene and indene are easily polylithiated by n-butyllithium and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylenedianmine (TMEDA) in hydrocarbon solvent. This was established by quenching the reaction mixtures with deuterium oxide. The deuterated compounds were isolated and examined by mass spectrometry. The mass spectral data revealed that as many as ten lithium atoms are placed on some of the polynuclear aromatic compounds. The polylithiated aromatic compounds were also derivatized with chlorotrimethylsilane. The mass spectra of the trimethylsilylated derivatives confirmed the results obtained from the deuteration experiments. n-Butyllithium alkylated aromatic compounds simultaneously with the lithiation reactions, e.g. mono-, di and tri-alkylated biphenyls and anthracenes were isolated from their respective reaction mixtures.
The ν2 + ν3 − ν2 Band of NH+3

Abstract The ν 2 + ν 3 − ν 2 hot band of NH + 3 ( X 2 A ″ 2 ) has been observed on the absorption spectrum recorded by using a difference frequency laser spectrometer combined with the velocity modulation technique in the region between 3500 and 2900 cm −1 . The molecular ions were produced in the positive column of a glow discharge with a gas mixture of N 2 /H 2 /He in a ratio around 1/1/100. From the observed spectrum, the band origin was determined (ν 0 = 3371.5607(21) cm −1 ) and the rotational structure characterized up to N , K = 10, N − 4. A symmetric rotor Hamiltonian with A 1 - A 2 splittings and l resonance was used for the analysis and the spin-rotation constants were determined. The values obtained for the centrifugal distortion constants of both states do not satisfy the planarity relations. This fact is interpreted as an evidence for the presence of an x − y Coriolis interaction between the ν 2 and the ν 4 states, in agreement with theoretical predictions by Kraemer and Spirko ( J. Mol. Spectrosc. 153 , 276-284, 1992). The lack of experimental observation on ν 4 prevented a full treatment of the perturbation.
Multi-ingredient, Caffeine-containing Dietary Supplements: History, Safety, and Efficacy

Abstract Purpose Our objective was to review the history, safety, and efficacy of caffeine-containing dietary supplements in the United States and Canada. Methods PubMed and Web of Science databases (1980-2014) were searched for articles related to the pharmacology, toxicology, and efficacy of caffeine-containing dietary supplements with an emphasis on Ephedra -containing supplements, Ephedra -free supplements, and energy drinks or shots. Findings Among the first and most successful dietary supplements to be marketed in the United States were those containing Ephedra —combinations of ephedrine alkaloids, caffeine, and other phytochemicals. A decade after their inception, serious tolerability concerns prompted removal of Ephedra supplements from the US and Canadian markets. Ephedra -free products, however, quickly filled this void. Ephedra -free supplements typically contain multiple caffeine sources in conjunction with other botanical extracts whose purposes can often be puzzling and their pharmacologic properties difficult to predict. Ingestion of these products in the form of tablets, capsules, or other solid dosage forms as weight loss aids, exercise performance enhancers, or energy boosters have once again brought their tolerability and efficacy into question. In addition to Ephedra -free solid dosage forms, caffeine-containing energy drinks have gained a foothold in the world market along with concerns about their tolerability. Implications This review addresses some of the pharmacologic and pharmaceutical issues that distinguish caffeine-containing dietary supplement formulations from traditional caffeine-containing beverages. Such distinctions may account for the increasing tolerability concerns affiliated with these products.