cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Re)Constructing Technological Society by Taking Social Construction Even More Seriously 1

After recognizing that technologies are socially constructed, questions arise concerning how technologies should be constructed, by what processes, and granting how much influence to whom. Because partisanship, uncertainty, and disagreement are inevitable in trying to answer these questions, reconstructivist scholarship should embrace the desirability of thoughtful partisanship, should focus on strategies for coping intelligently with uncertainties, and should make central the study of social processes for coping with disagreement regarding technoscience and its utilization. That often will entail siding with have‐nots, meaning that reconstructivist scholars often will be opposing the behaviors of government, business, and technoscientific elites. Because reconstructivists normally will be outnumbered, we need to devote more systematic professional attention to setting our collective agenda concerning what is most worth researching
Atypical pituitary adenoma with malignant features

Pituitary carcinoma is characterized by the presence of systemic or central nervous system metastases rather than malignant histological features, making it an anomaly amongst carcinomas. In contrast, aggressive or atypical pituitary adenomas often have a relatively bland histological appearance despite their malignant growth patterns. We now report a case of a 67-years-old male with a giant pituitary tumor with overt pathologic and phenotypic features of malignancy, but the absence of metastases, that evolved from a benign non-functioning gonadotroph macroadenoma treated 10 years earlier. This case represents the first report of a pituitary adenoma with overt malignant histology that does not meet criteria for classification as pituitary carcinoma, helping to complete the pathological spectrum of disease observed with pituitary tumors.
Weak localization and conductance fluctuations in a chaotic quantum dot

We report detailed measurements of reproducible, aperiodic fluctuations in the magnetoconductance of a submicron, stadium-shaped quantum dot with quantum point contacts. We study the prominent dip at B = 0 that is associated with a ballistic analog of the weak localization effect, and find its properties to be in agreement with semiclassical arguments.
Symptomatic local recurrence of prostate carcinoma after radiation therapy

BACKGROUND Symptomatic local recurrence of prostate carcinoma (SLRPC) after radiation therapy (RT) is associated with morbidity and debilitating symptoms that have a substantial impact on the patient's quality of life. Most reports on the results of RT for localized prostate carcinoma (PC) do not address this endpoint. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of SLRPC and to identify the risk factors for this endpoint. METHODS The medical charts of 1006 patients who received RT for localized PC at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1987 and 1997 were reviewed. Local symptoms were defined as hematuria, voiding symptoms, urinary obstruction, and pelvic pain. Progressive symptoms accompanied by either confirmatory histology or cystoscopic findings were attributed to PC. Univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify risk predictors. RESULTS Among 964 patients for whom follow-up data were available, 277 patients had prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression, and 45 patients died of PC during a median follow-up of 9.4 years. In total, 33 patients (3.4%) developed SLRPC. In patients who experienced biochemical progression, the actuarial 5-year incidence of SLRPC was 8.3%. Among the patients who had developed SLRPC, 23 patients (69.7%) died of PC at a median of 25.3 months from the onset of local symptoms. Adverse histologic tumor subtypes (ductal, small cell, and sarcomatoid) were associated significantly with SLRPC (hazard ratio, 8.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.99–23.63). Clinical T classification at diagnosis, Gleason score, and initial PSA level showed a trend toward an increased hazard ratio. CONCLUSIONS SLRPC after radiotherapy therapy was an uncommon but clinically significant event. Aggressive histologic subtypes were predictive of this endpoint. Clinical T classification, Gleason score, and initial prostate-specific antigen levels also may have predictive value. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
NADPH Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 Regulates Host Susceptibility to Ozone via Isoprostane Generation

NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is recognized as a major susceptibility gene for ozone-induced pulmonary toxicity. In the absence of NQO1 as can occur by genetic mutation, the human airway is protected from harmful effects of ozone. We recently reported that NQO1-null mice are protected from airway hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary inflammation following ozone exposure. However, NQO1 regenerates intracellular antioxidants and therefore should protect the individual from oxidative stress. To explain this paradox, we tested whether in the absence of NQO1 ozone exposure results in increased generation of A2-isoprostane, a cyclopentenone isoprostane that blunts inflammation. Using GC-MS, we found that NQO1-null mice had greater lung tissue levels of D2- and E2-isoprostanes, the precursors of J2- and A2-isoprostanes, both at base line and following ozone exposure compared with congenic wild-type mice. We confirmed in primary cultures of normal human bronchial epithelial cells that A2-isoprostane inhibited ozone-induced NF-κB activation and IL-8 regulation. Furthermore, we determined that A2-isoprostane covalently modified the active Cys179 domain in inhibitory κB kinase in the presence of ozone in vitro, thus establishing the biochemical basis for A2-isoprostane inhibition of NF-κB. Our results demonstrate that host factors may regulate pulmonary susceptibility to ozone by regulating the generation of A2-isoprostanes in the lung. These observations provide the biochemical basis for the epidemiologic observation that NQO1 regulates pulmonary susceptibility to ozone. Background: NQO1 regulates pulmonary susceptibility to ozone. Results: In NQO1-null mice, ozone exposure generates precursors of A2-isoprostane in the lung. A2-isoprostane suppresses ozone-induced IL-8 expression, inhibits NF-κB, and modifies Cys179 in IKK. Conclusion: A2-isoprostane inhibits ozone-induced NF-κB activation via IKK inhibition. Significance: This molecular mechanism explains the paradoxical observation that loss of NQO1 protects from ozone toxicity.
Determination of the prevalence of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDPES) in human adipose tissue samples

Abstract The HRMS analysis of human adipose tissues for PCDDs and PCDFs demonstrated responses representative of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDPEs). The responses correspond to hexathrough decachloro PCDPE isomers with lipid-based concentrations ranging as high as 2000 pg/g. The identification of the responses as PCDPEs is described, and estimates of residue levels are provided.
Base-Directed Formation of Fluorescent Silver Clusters

Small silver clusters that form with short oligonucleotides are distinguished by their strong fluorescence. Previous work showed that red- and blue/green-emitting species form with the cytosine oligonucleotide dC12. To understand how the bases and base sequence influence cluster formation, the blue/green-emitting clusters that form with the thymine-containing oligonucleotides dT12, dT4C4T4, and dC4T4C4 are discussed. With dT12 and dT4C4T4, variations in the solution pH establish that the clusters associate with the N3 of thymine. The small clusters are bound to the larger DNA template, as demonstrated by fluorescence anisotropy, circular dichroism, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) studies. For dT4C4T4, FCS studies showed that approximately 50% of the strands are labeled with the fluorescent clusters. Absorption spectra and the gas dependence of the fluorescence show that nonfluorescent clusters also form following the reduction of the silver cation−oligonucleotide conjugates. Fluorescent cl...
Managing rewards to enhance relational worth

In this study, cognitive evaluation theory illustrates how the controlling aspects of reward redemption policy (stringent versus flexible) interact with the type of offered reward (social versus economic) to influence relational program effectiveness. We look at effectiveness by defining and measuring relational worth, the non-financial value of consumers to organizations. The hypotheses are empirically tested with a sample of season ticket holders of a professional sports team (n = 373) and then replicated in a second study with experimental data using scenarios in a hotel reward program context. Results indicate that perceived social rewards lead to affective commitment, while perceived economic rewards lead to continuance commitment. Involvement is a significant determinant in how reward type and policy influence commitment types; specifically, low-involvement consumers are more influenced by reward program signals than high-involvement consumers. Affective commitment produces the most relationally valuable consumer to an organization in terms of relational worth. Controlling policies have an undermining effect on all commitment types, regardless of reward type.
Theory of Low-Energy Pion-Pion Scattering. II

We have extended the previously published pion-pion calculations by solving numerically the coupled $s$-and $p$-wave equations based on a method of the inverse amplitude, to see if the lower partial waves near threshold converge to definite values. Elastic unitarity is still used for the right-hand cut. Numerical calculations show that the $s$-and $p$-wave scattering lengths are very much the same as those obtained before by using only the left-hand singularities chosen to have the correct functional forms near the branch point; however, the position and the width of the $p$-wave resonance energy are substantially improved. Solutions exhibit results as a function of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ similar to those found previously; a $p$-wave attraction corresponds to a strong $s$-wave attraction. Thus we find that the procedure of constructing the amplitude developed in the earlier paper is convincing.
Monomial bases and polynomial system solving (extended abstract)

This paper addresses the problem of efficient construction of monomial bases for the coordinate rings of zero-dimensional varieties.
51.1: Invited Paper: High Luminous Efficacy and Low Power Consumption Plasma TV

AC plasma display panel of high luminous efficacy and low power consumption was newly developed for energy regulation of TVs. New technologies for panel structure, discharge gas mixture, protective layer, material, process and driving were applied to a panel in order to increase luminous efficacy and reduce power consumption. Also, the reliability of the panel was improved by the reconstruction behavior and exaggerated grain growth (EGG) using the distribution of new functional layer and discharge control. The influences of design parameters on the luminous efficacy and reliability were investigated and discussed.
Non-linear increase in Bragg peak and narrowing of X-ray lines

Abstract Using high current densities at the copper target, the intensity of the copper Kα 1 peak is found to increase by more than 50 percent above the normal linear increment. In addition, the fundamental width of this line decreases with the increase of the tube current.
Estrogen increases galanin immunoreactivity in hyperplastic prolactin-secreting cells in Fisher 344 rats.

Galanin is a widely distributed regulatory peptide which modulates the pituitary secretion of PRL and GH. Estrogen administration strongly stimulates galanin gene expression in the rat anterior pituitary. In adult female Fischer 344 rats, estrogen also induces hyperplasia of lactotropes. We used immunocytochemical analysis to assess the effects of estrogen on galanin-like immunoreactivity (Gal-IR) in the rat pituitary and hypothalamus during sc diethylstilbestrol (DES) implantation and after its removal at 30 days. In the anterior pituitary, DES implantation increased the portion of Gal-IRcontaining cells from less than 2% in the control rats to 18.3% after 3 days of DES and 36% after 30 days. These changes paralleled the lactotrope hyperplasia exhibited in response to DES exposure. Ten and 30 days after removal of the DES capsules, the percentage of Gal-IR-containing cells in the anterior pituitary decreased to 6.3% and 1.5%, respectively. Colocalization studies revealed that Gal-IR-containing cells were...
Correlation between speciated hydrocarbon emissions and flame ionization detector response for gasoline/alcohol blends .

The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard has made it a requirement to increase the production of ethanol and advanced biofuels to 36 billion gallons by 2022. Ethanol will be capped at 15 billion gallons, which leaves 21 billion gallons to come from other sources, such as butanol. Butanol has a higher energy density and lower affinity for water than ethanol. Moreover, alcohol fueled engines in general have been shown to positively affect engine-out emissions of oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide compared to their gasoline fueled counterparts. In light of these developments the variety and blend levels of oxygenated constituents is likely to increase in the foreseeable future. The effect on engine-out emissions for total hydrocarbons (THC) is less clear due to the relative insensitivity of the flame ionization detector (FID) toward alcohols and aldehydes. It is well documented that hydrocarbon (HC) measurement using a conventional FID in presence of oxygenates in the engine exhaust stream can lead to a misinterpretation of HC emissions trends for alcohol fuel blends. Characterization of the exhaust stream for all expected hydrocarbon constituents is required to accurately determine the actual concentration of unburned fuel components in the exhaust. In addition to a conventional exhaust emissions bench, this characterization requires supplementary instrumentation capable of hydrocarbon speciation and response factor independent quantification. Although required for certification testing, this sort of instrumentation is not yet widely available in engine development facilities. Therefore an attempt is made to empirically determine an oxygenate fuel, FID correction factor. Exhaust emissions of an engine fueled with several blends of gasoline and ethanol, n-Butanol and iso-Butanol were characterized using both a conventional FID and an FTIR. Based on these results, a response factor predicting the actual hydrocarbon emissions, based solely on FID results as a function of alcohol type and content, is presented. Finally the correlation derived from data presented in this study is compared to equations and results found in the literature.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Differential Roles of Cardiac Myosin-Binding Protein C and Cardiac Troponin I in the Myofibrillar Force Responses to Protein Kinase A Phosphorylation

The heart is remarkably adaptable in its ability to vary its function to meet the changing demands of the circulatory system. During times of physiological stress, cardiac output increases in response to increased sympathetic activity, which results in protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylations of the myofilament proteins cardiac troponin (cTn)I and cardiac myosin-binding protein (cMyBP)-C. Despite the importance of this mechanism, little is known about the relative contributions of cTnI and cMyBP-C phosphorylation to increased cardiac contractility. Using engineered mouse lines either lacking cMyBP-C (cMyBP-C(-/-)) or expressing a non-PKA phosphorylatable cTnI (cTnI(ala2)), or both (cMyBP-C(-/-)/cTnI(ala2)), we investigated the roles of cTnI and cMyBP-C phosphorylation in the regulation of the stretch-activation response. PKA treatment of wild-type and cTnI(ala2) skinned ventricular myocardium accelerated stretch activation such that the response was indistinguishable from stretch activation of cMyBP-C(-/-) or cMyBP-C(-/-)/cTnI(ala2) myocardium; however, PKA had no effect on stretch activation in cMyBP-C(-/-) or cMyBP-C(-/-)/cTnI(ala2) myocardium. These results indicate that the acceleration of stretch activation in wild-type and cTnI(ala2) myocardium is caused by phosphorylation of cMyBP-C and not cTnI. We conclude that the primary effect of PKA phosphorylation of cTnI is reduced Ca(2+) sensitivity of force, whereas phosphorylation of cMyBP-C accelerates the kinetics of force development. These results predict that PKA phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins in living myocardium contributes to accelerated relaxation in diastole and increased rates of force development in systole.
Teaching within a Curricular Zone of Safety: School Culture and the Situated Nature of Student Teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to continue the theoretical delineation of the nature of pedagogical content knowledge. Two student teachers were observed teaching an elementary games and high school sport unit and interviewed in depth about their lessons, biography, pedagogical content knowledge, and aspects of the school culture. Data were analyzed by constant comparison and analytic induction. Trustworthiness was established through member checks and triangulation. In the high school, both student teachers tried to use extending and refining tasks, as they had in the elementary school. But, when confronted with aspects of the high school culture, both retreated to a curricular zone of safety relying on application tasks. This zone, the defining aspect of their pedagogical content knowledge of teaching sports, emerged from and was constituted by the relations among goals, capabilities, teaching, inadequate pedagogical content knowledge, and aspects of the school culture. It is argued that situated...
Knowledge, Discovery and Imagination in Early Modern Europe: The Rise of Aesthetic Rationalism

Recent explanations of changes in early modern European thought speak much of a move from orality and emphasis on language to print culture and a 'spatial' way of thinking. Timothy J. Reiss offers a more complex explanation for the massive changes that occurred. He describes how by the late fifteenth century the language arts of the trivium had come to seem useful only for communication, teaching and public debate, and how humanists turned to the mathematical arts of the quadrivium - including music - to enable new means and methods of discovery. Reiss goes on to argue that the new 'mathematical' ideal formed the basis of wide sociocultural renewal; he analyses Northern vernacular grammars, examines the work of French and Italian mathematicians, musicians and philosophers including Descartes, and censures such modern commonplaces as the supposed impact of print and 'spatial' thinking. He ends by exploring the broad impact of this 'mathematisation' of the Western imagination.
Interchange between X- and Y-Chromosomes in Attached X Females of Drosophila Melanogaster.

Attached X-chromosomes (XX) of Drosophila melanogaster separate occasionally (L. V. Morgan,(1) Anderson,(2) Muller and Dippel,(3) Dobzhansky,(4) Sturtevant(5)). The present cytological study was undertaken to compare the structure of detached X's with that of normal X-chromosomes.
The Impact of being “Migrant”: Demographies of Inequality and Outcomes of Possibility

This article addresses the schooling trajectories, secondary and tertiary, of migrant students who participated in the Migrant Student Leadership Institute (MSLI). The authors present empirical information on the general trends, norms, and policies that have informed the schooling of MSLI students. Specifically, the authors situate an analysis of what they term “demographies of inequality”, the pedagogical conditions that students have been exposed to throughout their schooling, against the “outcomes of possibility” that students pursue following their participation in the MSLI. The article discusses the impact of “being” migrant in terms of the sociohistorical conditions that shape the migrant experience and how that experience can shift when there is a point of reference outside of them. The authors suggest that MSLI's pedagogical practices aid in establishing the conditions for students to redirect their schooling pathways, not only through what they learn in the programme itself, but also through how ...
A cascade‐transport model for turbulent shear flows

A simple model for local spectral resolution in turbulent shear flows is developed. The original cascade model of Desnyanski and Novikov contains time derivatives, spectral transfer, and viscous dissipation terms for shell‐averaged turbulent energy. The model is adapted for shear flows by the addition of a convective derivative, a turbulence production term, and a turbulent transport term. Both production and transport are based on a spectral distribution of the eddy viscosity. When integrated over all scales, the model reduces to the κ equation of κ‐e models, whereas in uniform mean flows it reduces to the original cascade model. Calibration of the model constants is achieved based on experimental results for homogeneous shear flow.
Prevention of alcohol toxicity by adequate nutrients: Mechanism and potential application

Abstract A high blood alcohol level is necessary but not sufficient for the expression of ethanol's toxic effects on the liver, pancreas, etc. The 26% alcohol liquid diet apparently abates the toxic effects of ethanol observed when the 36% alcohol diet is fed to rats by holding the blood alcohol concentration below that achieved with the 36% alcohol diet. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism whereby the 26% alcohol liquid diet holds down the blood alcohol level. The area under the blood alcohol concentration versus time curve (AUC) was measured in rats intubated with the 26% alcohol diet. From this data a power function relation relating dose of alcohol and the AUC was derived. The hourly ingestion of liquid diet by rats fed either the 26% or 36% liquid alcohol diet was determined for 42 hours. The quantity of ethanol ingested per kg body weight over the 42 h time period was not significantly different between rats fed the 26% and those fed the 36% alcohol diets. However, the blood alcohol concentrations after 34 h (2 AM) and 41 h (9 AM) and the AUC calculated by the power function relations from the temporal ingestion of the diets were significantly different between rats ingesting the 36% and 26% alcohol diets. The mechanism whereby the blood alcohol level is held down when the 26% alcohol diet is fed involves four factors. First, lower alcohol dose is necessarily ingested per volume of diet with the 26% alcohol diet than with the 36% alcohol diet. Second, this study showed that a significant decrease in the AUC occurs when the 26% alcohol diet is ingested compared to alcohol without diet. Third, the AUC is a nonlinear power function of the alcohol dose. And fourth, we found a temporal difference in the ingestion of the alcohol dose which results in a smaller calculated AUC when the 26% alcohol diet is fed than when the 36% alcohol diet is fed. First-pass alcohol metabolism which is increased by nutrients occurs in the human. It is therefore possible that the ingestion of a food bar, containing all nutrients in the proportions in which they are recommended for the human, simultaneous with the ingestion of each ethanol drink, would also result in significantly lower blood alcohol levels and hence reduced toxicity in the human.
Adaptation in Lasting Marriages

This paper is based on research that explored how 120 spouses from a sample of 60 white, African American, and Mexican American marriages adapted over the life span of their relationships which included the early years prior to children, the child-rearing years, and the empty-nest years. Important dimensions of these relationships — conflict and its management, sexuality, intimacy, decision-making and satisfaction — were explored in semi-structured interviews with each spouse. Understanding how spouses adapt over the life span of their relationships has important implications for prevention programs and for practice.
Short note: Applications of third‐order statistics for the automatic time picking of seismic events

We present a new automatic time-picking method based on third-order statistics, namely bicoherence correlation. Contrary to conventional methods, which are based on second-order statistics (i.e. cross-correlation or neural-network trainings), our method is less sensitive to coloured noise as well as the bandwidth of the signal. Bicoherence correlation can also be used for autotracking events in seismic data for an interpretation.
Observations of low‐energy ions in the wake of a magnetospheric satellite

Measurements of low-energy ions made by the retarding ion mass spectrometer (RIMS) onboard the Dynamics Explorer 1 (DE 1) satellite are used to study some aspects of 'body-plasma interactions' in the terrestrial plasmasphere. Preliminary results are presented, yielding the degree of H+ and He+ ion depletion in the wake of the satellite in terms of specific and average ion Mach numbers, average ion mass, body size normalized to ionic Debye length, and body potential normalized to ion thermal energy. Some results from the RIMS measurements are compared with relevant results from the Explorer 31 and the Atmosphere Explorer C ionospheric satellites. Wake depletion is found to vary approximately linearly for small bodies (R-sub-Di less than about 12) and exponentially for large bodies (R-sub-Di greater than 50).
Constrained Choices and Persistent Gender Inequity: The Economic Status of Working Women in a High-Income, Low-Poverty State With Lessons for Others

This paper reports on exploratory research in New Hampshire, a state which has socio-economic characteristics—including strong long-term economic performance, high levels of educational achievement among women and low poverty—that would seem to foster gender earnings equity. Yet, New Hampshire has the fourth lowest gender earnings equity in the nation. The detailed exploration of this state's experience highlights that to reach a higher plateau of gender earnings equity will require significant changes in gender relations in marriages and families, the enhancement of support systems for women and their families, and changes in industry and occupational practices in the United States. The focused inquiry highlights how difficult it will be to improve gender earnings equity in the nation. The paper was written as part of a special issue for the American Behavioral Scientist on the economic status of women in the United States and is intended to inform both future inquiry and policy discussions.
Cleanliness Verification and Defining Acceptable Cleanliness Levels

AbstractThe key to surface finishing is a ‘properly’ prepared surface. Defining and maintaining the surface preparation at ‘proper’ levels is, at best, subjective. Often the failure of surface preparation processes is not discovered until problems, such as poor adhesion, occur downstream resulting in non-conformance owing to poor quality surface cleanliness. To assure consistent quality of surface cleanliness, it is important to define how clean the surface has to be. This paper discusses the types of contamination, the most common surface cleanliness measuring/verification techniques, factors affecting the choice of cleanliness measuring/verification techniques, and a structured approach to defining the ‘acceptable level of cleanliness’. In short, this paper discusses the ways to define how ‘clean’ is clean.
Thermodynamic parameters for the α-β quartz and α-β cristobalite transitions

From high temperature X-ray data on ΔV, and high pressure differential thermal analyses, it is established that both the α-β quartz and α-β cristobalite transitions are first order. For quartz ΔV = 0.11 cm3mole, ΔH = 86 calmole; for cristobalite ΔV = 1.03 cm3mole, ΔH = 270 calmole.
Radiographic determination of total lung capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis

The radiographic method for determination of total lung capacity described byLoyd and associates 1 has been shown to give reliable and reproducible results in normal adolescents and in patients with cystic fibrosis and other chronic respiratory diseases. It has the advantage of requiring only standard posteroanterior and lateral chest radiographs on deep inspiration. The results obtained correlated well with those obtained by the helium dilution method except in some patients with advanced cystic fibrosis, in whom the difference was significant and apparently due to gas trapping.
Position paper on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Excerpt To the editor: The recent position paper on the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) provides timely and appropriate guidance in many respects (1). I strongly disagree, however, with P...
Organic Synthesis by Means of Metal Complexes. X1Copper Catalyzed Oxidation of o-Phenylenediamine to Mucononitrile

Abstract This paper describes a simple stereospecific synthesis of cis,cis-mucononitrile and its derivatives in hig hyields. The procedure is based on the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine derivatives with molecular oxygen catalyzed by cuprous salts. Oxidative coupling of aniline with molecular oxygen catalyzed by cuprous chloride gives azobenzene2. Also it is known that o-phenylenediamine (PDA) is oxidized in the presence of ferric3, Cobaltous4, and cupric chlorides5to afford 2,3-diaminophenazine or 2-amino-3oxophenazine. The formation of a metal nitrogen bonded intermediate, followed by intermolecular reaction was postulated in these oxidation reactions.6,7.Mechanistic consideration of these reactions leads us to expect that the oxidation of PDA with molecular oxygen under selected conditions should proceed intramolecularly with ring claevage to give mocononitrile(MNL). PDA is converted into MNL by using stoichimetricamount of nickel peroxide8or lead terraacetate9, but the yields are low. We now wish to r...
Evaluating the Impact of International Collaboration on Geography Learning

The Center for Global Geography Education (CGGE) is a set of online modules exploring geographic issues, which allow collaborative analysis and discussion between international teams of undergraduates. Using data from trials held in 10 countries, the modules' effectiveness in improving student understanding of geographic concepts and appreciation for cross-cultural perspectives on the issues were evaluated. Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data revealed that CGGE achieved its aims of enhancing geographic knowledge and skills. The modules and their international collaboration design inspired high interest among students and professors. Specific revisions to their content are identified in order to foster deeper exchanges of international perspectives among university students.
A Bioinspired Construct That Mimics the Proton Coupled Electron Transfer between P680•+ and the TyrZ-His190 Pair of Photosystem II

A bioinspired hybrid system, composed of colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles surface modified with a photochemically active mimic of the PSII chlorophyll-Tyr-His complex, undergoes photoinduced stepwise electron transfer coupled to proton motion at the phenolic site. Low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance studies reveal that injected electrons are localized on TiO2 nanoparticles following photoexcitation. At 80 K, 95% of the resulting holes are localized on the phenol moiety and 5% are localized on the porphyrin. At 4.2 K, 52% of the holes remain trapped on the porphyrin. The anisotropic coupling tensors of the phenoxyl radical are resolved in the photoinduced D-band EPR spectra and are in good agreement with previously reported g-tensors of tyrosine radicals in photosystem II. The observed temperature dependence of the charge shift is attributed to restricted nuclear motion at low temperature and is reminiscent of the observation of a trapped high-energy state in the natural system. Electrochemical stu...
Designing highly specific biosensing surfaces using aptamer monolayers on gold.

To build highly specific surfaces using aptamer affinity reagents, the effects of linker and coadsorbents were investigated for maximizing target binding and specificity for aptamer-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) supported on gold. An aptamer that binds the protein thrombin was utilized as a model system to compare different mixed monolayer systems toward maximizing binding and selectivity to the immobilized aptamer. Important factors used to optimize binding characteristics of thrombin to the aptamer-based monolayer films include changes in design elements of the linker and different coadsorbent thiols. Binding events measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and ellipsometry showed that the binding performance of the aptamer SAMs depends principally on the linker and to a lesser extent on the coadsorbent. SAMs formed with HS−(CH2)6−OP(O)2O−(CH2CH2O)6−TTTTT−aptamer exhibited a 4-fold increase in binding capacity versus SAMs made using HS−(CH2)6-TTTTT−aptamer. Furthermore, SAMs made using HS−(CH...
G Protein βγ-Subunit Signaling Mediates Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Inflammation in Allergic Asthma

Since the Gβγ subunit of Gi protein has been importantly implicated in regulating immune and inflammatory responses, this study investigated the potential role and mechanism of action of Gβγ signaling in regulating the induction of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a rabbit model of allergic asthma. Relative to non-sensitized animals, OVA-sensitized rabbits challenged with inhaled OVA exhibited AHR, lung inflammation, elevated BAL levels of IL-13, and increased airway phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) activity. These proasthmatic responses were suppressed by pretreatment with an inhaled membrane-permeable anti-Gβγ blocking peptide, similar to the suppressive effect of glucocorticoid pretreatment. Extended mechanistic studies demonstrated that: 1) corresponding proasthmatic changes in contractility exhibited in isolated airway smooth muscle (ASM) sensitized with serum from OVA-sensitized+challenged rabbits or IL-13 were also Gβγ-dependent and mediated by MAPK-upregulated PDE4 activity; and 2) the latter was attributed to Gβγ-induced direct stimulation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, c-Src, resulting in downstream activation of ERK1/2 and its consequent transcriptional upregulation of PDE4. Collectively, these data are the first to identify that a mechanism involving Gβγ-induced direct activation of c-Src, leading to ERK1/2-mediated upregulation of PDE4 activity, plays a decisive role in regulating the induction of AHR and inflammation in a rabbit model of allergic airway disease.
L Subshell Ionization Cross Sections of Pr, Sm, Tb, Ho, and Yb for 150-400 KeV Protons

Thick target x-ray yields of Pr, Sm, Tb, Ho, and Yb have been measured for incident protons in the energy range of 150-400 keV. Yields of the L?12, L?1, and L?23 transitions were first converted into x-ray cross sections, then to L-subshell ionization cross sections by the use of theoretical Coster-Kronig decay rates, fluorescence yields, and radiative decay rates. The resultant L-subshell ionization cross sections are found to be in reasonable agreement with the perturbed stationary-state theory as applied to the L shell by Brandt and Lapicki when allowance is made for relativistic effects.
The conditional probability and the linear flow graph approaches to analyzing probabilistic causal systems

An alternative theoretical approach to the analysis for dichotomous causal systems that involve probabilistic causation, the conditional probability approach, has recently been explicated. It was shown that there exist various composition and decomposition rules for analyzing various kinds of general causal systems, and an important distinction between pure-“or”-and pure-“and”-causal systems was explicated. In this paper these earlier results are used to analyze a causal system which has been studied by J.A. Davis (1976), who uses his linear flow graph approach to analysis. The results of the conditional probability approach are compared to the linear flow graph, and it is shown that the two approaches lead to strikingly different results.
Solution conformation of DNA.

Abstract Optical observations on linear B -form DNA by the method of electric linear dichroism show that the value of the limiting reduced dichroism is molecular weight-dependent, increasing with molecular weight to a limit of about −1.41 ± 0.02 in aqueous solution. These data and the rotational relaxation times obtained from the decay of the dichroism when the orienting field is instantaneously removed, imply the existence of a non-linear tertiary equilibrium structure for DNA. The data indicate that the essential B -form parameters of the double-stranded DNA are retained in this tertiary structure, and are not consistent with a DNA structure in which the base-pairs have a 34 ° propeller-like twist (Hogan et al. , 1978). The interpretation of the dichroism data is supported by a clear demonstration that the magnitude of dichroism change in ethanol corresponds to that expected for the B to A -form structural transition as determined from X-ray diffraction. We propose that the tertiary structure of B -DNA is a helical coil and suggest the limits of the structural parameters of the coil consistent with the observations.
Scott sentences and admissible sets

Abstract Bounds are obtained for the Scott sentence of a structure. Special attention is given to linear orderings. The existence of Scott sentences is related to other properties admissible sets.
A Framework for Comparing the Efficiency of Futures Markets

Empirical observation and theoretical analyses show that the allocative and forward pricing functions of futures markets are more reliable for continuous than for discontinuous inventory markets. This emphasis on the importance of carry-over inventory in affecting day-to-day price spreads is extended to take into account other factors which contribute to pricing efficiency. By examination of the characteristic behavior of the life cycle of a futures contract, a framework is developed to test, analyze, and contrast the performance of futures markets, i.e., how reliable futures quotations are as predictors of spot (cash) prices. Policy and theoretical implications are given.
Ultrastructure of in vitro type 2 epithelial cell cysts derived from adult rabbit lung cells

Fragments of adult rabbit lung, composed chiefly of terminal airway obtained by a trypsin digestion technique were maintained on collagen-coated cellulose sponges in Ham's F12 medium. Cell-sponge associations were examined with light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy over a period from 6 to 28 days. After an initial 24- to 48-hour period of cell migration from the airway fragment, sponge matrices became lined with cells suggestive of alveolar macrophages. After one week in culture, cysts appeared to be composed entirely of type 2 epithelial cells. These were characterized by a microvillous apical border and an elaborate junctional complex. The lumen of these cysts contained both myelin-like lamellar configurations and tubular my-elin structures such as have been described from pulmonary washings. Consistent with the age of the sponge cultures, one or more cyst types described as young, middle and late could be found simultaneously. Middle aged cysts showed signs of active secretion into the lumen. Late cysts showed changes in the epithelium comprising the cyst wall suggestive of a cell type intermediate between type 1 and type 2 epithelial cells.
Variation in Soybean Response to Early Season Foliar Fertilization among and within Fields

Foliar fertilization of crops can complement soil fertilization. Recent research showed that soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield response to early season N-P-K foliar fertilization was inconsistent and difficult to predict. This study's objectives were to further evaluate soybean response to early season N-P-K fluid fertilizers with or without S or micronutrients and to assess the within-field response variation. The mixtures 3-8-15 (N-P-K), 3-8-15-1 (N-P-K-S), 10-4-8, 10-4-8-1, and 10-4-8-1 plus B, Fe, and Zn were evaluated in 18 conventional small-plot trials. The within-field variation in response to a 3-8-15 fertilizer mixed with glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] herbicide was evaluated in eight strip trials harvested with combines equipped with yield monitors and differential global positioning systems receivers. A fertilizer rate of 28 L ha -1 was sprayed once at the V5 growth stage. There was a yield response to the 3-8-15 and 10-4-8-1 fertilizers in one small-plot trial (260 kg ha -1 ) and to 3-8-15 fertilizer in another trial (360 kg ha -1 ). There was a small response to the 3-8-15 fertilizer across the 18 trials (93 kg ha -1 ). Soybean responded to 3-8-15 fertilizer only in one strip trial where the yield response was higher in acidic soil areas. No response variation was detected across contrasting soil test values or soil types within other trials. Soybean response to foliar fertilization across all production conditions will seldom offset fertilization costs. The probability of economic yield response could be increased if the fertilizer is mixed with a postemergence herbicide because application costs are reduced.
CrbpI modulates glucose homeostasis and pancreas 9-cis-retinoic acid concentrations

Cellular retinol-binding protein type I (CrbpI), encoded by Rpb1, serves as a chaperone of retinol homeostasis, but its physiological effects remain incompletely understood. We show here that the Rbp1(-/-) mouse has disrupted retinoid homeostasis in multiple tissues, with abnormally high 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cRA), a pancreas autacoid that attenuates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The Rbp1(-/-) pancreas has increased retinol and intense ectopic expression of Rpb2 mRNA, which encodes CrbpII: both would contribute to increased β-cell 9cRA biosynthesis. 9cRA in Rbp1(-/-) pancreas resists postprandial and glucose-induced decreases. Rbp1(-/-) mice have defective islet expression of genes involved in glucose sensing and insulin secretion, as well as islet α-cell infiltration, which contribute to reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, high glucagon secretion, an abnormally high rate of gluconeogenesis, and hyperglycemia. A diet rich in vitamin A (as in a standard chow diet) increases pancreas 9cRA and impairs glucose tolerance. Crbp1 attenuates the negative impact of vitamin A (retinol) on glucose tolerance, regardless of the dietary retinol content. Rbp1(-/-) mice have an increased rate of fatty acid oxidation and resist obesity when fed a high-fat diet. Thus, glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism rely on Rbp1 expression and its moderation of pancreas retinol and of the autacoid 9cRA.
SEM Analysis of Oxide Thin Films and Reactions

The determination of orientation relationships between thin oxide films and the underlying single-crystal oxide substrates using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is discussed. In these well-defined systems, complementary information concerning the local chemistry can be obtained using high-resolution backscattered electron (BSE) imaging. Recent studies have shown the value of using EBSD patterns (EBSPs) in SEM.
Secondary Structure of the Mature Ex Virio Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Genomic RNA Dimerization Domain

Retroviral genomes are dimeric, comprised of two sense-strand RNAs linked at their 5' ends by noncovalent base pairing and tertiary interactions. Viral maturation involves large-scale morphological changes in viral proteins and in genomic RNA dimer structures to yield infectious virions. Structural studies have largely focused on simplified in vitro models of genomic RNA dimers even though the relationship between these models and authentic viral RNA is unknown. We evaluate the secondary structure of the minimal dimerization domain in genomes isolated from Moloney murine leukemia virions using a quantitative and single nucleotide resolution RNA structure analysis technology (selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension, or SHAPE). Results are consistent with an architecture in which the RNA dimer is stabilized by four primary interactions involving two sets of intermolecular base pairs and two loop-loop interactions. The dimerization domain can independently direct its own folding since heating and refolding reproduce the same structure as visualized in genomic RNA isolated from virions. Authentic ex virio RNA has a SHAPE reactivity profile similar to that of a simplified transcript dimer generated in vitro, with the important exception of a region that appears to form a compact stem-loop only in the virion-isolated RNA. Finally, we analyze the conformational changes that accompany folding of monomers into dimers in vitro. These experiments support well-defined structural models for an authentic dimerization domain and also emphasize that many features of mature genomic RNA dimers can be reproduced in vitro using properly designed, simplified RNAs.
Homomeric interactions between transmembrane proteins of Moloney murine leukemia virus.

We have studied homomeric interactions between transmembrane proteins (TM) of the Moloney murine leukemiavirusenvelopeusingtheSaccharomycescerevisiaetwo-hybridsystem.TMinteractsstronglywithitself but not with various control proteins. Deletional and mutational analyses indicated that the putative leucine zippermotifintheextracellulardomainofTMisessentialandsufficienttomediatethebinding.Thefirstthree repeats of the leucine zipper-like motif are the most important in mediating the interaction. The TM-TM interaction detected in this system may play a role in several stages of viral replication. Envelope proteins of retroviruses, including those of Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV), are synthesized in infected cells as a glycoprotein precursor (19, 41; for a review, see reference 16). These glycoproteins form oligomers in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and are subsequently cleaved in the Golgi apparatus by host proteases into two subunits: the extracellular surface protein (SU) and the transmembrane protein (TM) which spans the membrane (12, 27). SU and TM remain associated with each other and are anchoredtothemembranethroughTM(32).Thereareprobably multiple contacts in both SU and TM domains responsible for oligomerization (37). Envelope proteins have two major functionsduringviralreplication.First,theymediatebindingofthe
Bell Pepper Plant Growth, Gas Exchange, Mineral Nutrition, Phytophtora Blight, Fruit Yield, and Postharvest Fruit Decay as Affected by Harpin Protein

Harpin protein is an elicitor of hypersensitive response in plants. When applied exogenously, harpin is claimed to control plant diseases, increase plant growth and yield, and reduce postharvest fruit decay. The plant responses to harpin application have been inconsistent. This study was intended to determine the effects of harpin on plant growth, gas exchange, control of Phytophtora blight, fruit yield, and control of postharvest fruit decay in bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.). When applied only before planting, harpin increased marketable yield of bell pepper, but when applied both before and after planting, it reduced marketable and total yields. Harpin had no beneficial effect on plant growth, leaf mineral nutrient content, leaf gas exchange, incidence of Phytophtora blight in the field, and incidence of softrot of fruit after harvest. Harpin had little or no positive effect on most plant attributes in bell pepper in the field or after harvest.