cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of cohesin complex stoichiometry and SMC3 modification-dependent protein interactions.

Cohesin is a protein complex that plays an essential role in pairing replicated sister chromatids during cell division 1-3. The vertebrate cohesin complex consists of four core components including structure maintenance of chromosomes proteins SMC1 and SMC3, RAD21 and SA2/SA1. Extensive research suggests that cohesin traps the sister chromatids by a V-shaped SMC1/SMC3 heterodimer bound to the RAD21 protein 4 that closes the ring. Accordingly, the single ‘ring’ model proposes that two sister chromatids are trapped in a single ring that is composed of one molecule each of the 4 subunits. However, evidence also exists for alternative models. The hand-cuff model suggests that each sister chromatid is trapped individually by two rings that are joined through the shared SA1/SA2 subunit. We report here the determination of cohesin subunit stoichiometry of endogenous cohesin complex by quantitative mass spectrometry. Using qConCAT-based isotope labeling, we show that the cohesin core complex contains equimolar of the 4 core components, suggesting that each cohesin ring is closed by one SA1/SA2 molecule. Furthermore, we applied this strategy to quantify post-translational modification-dependent cohesin interactions. We demonstrate that quantitative mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for measuring stoichiometry of endogenous protein core complex.
An anomaly in two neutron transfer cross section systematics in deformed nuclei

Abstract The cross section ratios σ (4 g + )/ σ (2 g + ) and σ (2 γ + )/ σ (2 g + ) are nearly an order of magnitude larger in the 182 W(t,p) 184 W reaction than for other measured cases of the (t,p) or (p,t) reactions in the rare earth and actinide deformed regions. On both relative and absolute scales the 2 g + state of 184 W is anomalously weakly populated in 182 W(t,p) while the 4 g + and 2 γ + states are enhanced relative to the ground-state transition.
Neonatal small left colon syndrome in the offspring of diabetic mothers-an analysis of 105 children.

Abstract Background and Aim Neonatal small left colon syndrome (NSLCS) is considered a rare cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction, with few documented cases in the English literature. Maternal diabetes has been reported in 40% to 50% of the published cases of NSLCS. Currently, the incidence of maternal diabetes is increasing, but there has been no study to ascertain the incidence and significance of NSLCS in this population. This review aims to assess the current significance of NSLCS and its association with maternal diabetes. Materials and Method This was a retrospective review of 105 offspring of diabetic mothers who were admitted during the period 2004 to 2008 to our neonatal unit with special emphasis on associated NSLCS. Results There were 6 cases of intestinal obstruction in this group of 105 children. Five children, including a pair of twins, had classic features of NSLCS as demonstrated in the contrast enema with an abrupt transition at the splenic flexure and a narrow left colon. Conservative treatment was successful in all, negating the need for further invasive investigation. The sixth child had rectosigmoid Hirschprung disease. During the study period, there were no other cases of NSLCS in the nondiabetic population. Conclusion Neonatal small left colon syndrome is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in offspring of diabetic mothers. Neonatal small left colon syndrome can be confidently diagnosed in this population based on the classic clinical and radiologic findings. The incidence of NSLCS can be expected to increase as the incidence of maternal diabetes increases.
Deletion analysis of the sapovirus VP1 gene for the assembly of virus-like particles

Human sapovirus (SaV) strains are agents of gastroenteritis. They cannot be grown in cell culture. In this study, constructs containing SaV N- and C-terminal-deleted recombinant capsid proteins (rVP1) were expressed in a baculovirus expression system to allow us to better understand the sequence requirements for the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs). Only proteins derived from N-terminal-deleted rVP1 constructs that began 49 nucleotides downstream assembled into VLPs, which included both small and native-size VLPs. Our results were similar to those reported in a rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) N- and C-terminal-deleted rVP1 expression study but were distinct from those reported in a norovirus N- and C-terminal-deleted rVP1 expression study, suggesting that SaV and RHDV may have similar expression requirements.
Sterol C24-methyltransferase: Physio- and stereo-chemical features of the sterol C3 group required for catalytic competence

Sterol C24-methyltransferases (24-SMTs) catalyze the electrophilic alkylation of Δ(24)-sterols to a variety of sterol side chain constructions, and the C3- moiety is the primary determinant for substrate binding by these enzymes. To determine what specific structural features of the C3-polar group ensure sterol catalysis, a series of structurally related C3-analogs of lanosterol that differed in stereochemistry, bulk and electronic properties were examined against the fungal 24-SMT from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) which recognize lanosterol as the natural substrate. Analysis of the magnitude of sterol C24-methylation activity (based on the kinetic constants of V(max)/K(m) and product distributions determined by GC-MS) resulting from changes at the C3-position in which the 3β-OH was replaced by 3α-OH, 3β-acetyl, 3-oxo, 3-OMe, 3β-F, 3β-NH(2) (protonated species) or 3H group revealed that lanosterol and five substrate analogs were catalyzed and yielded identical side chain products whereas neither the 3H- or 3α-OH lanosterol derivatives were productively bound. Taken together, our results demonstrate a chemical complementarity involving hydrogen bonding formation of specific active site contacts to the nucleophilic C3-group of sterol is required for proper orientation of the substrate C-methyl intermediate in the activated complex.
A Thousand Off-Target Effects of Targeted COX-2 Inhibitors

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX), although their use is limited by COX-1–mediated gastrointestinal side effects. COX-2 inhibitors were developed to circumvent these side effects but had complications. In one of the biggest controversies in pharmaceutical history, COX-2 inhibitors were found to double the risk of cardiovascular disease. Now, a study by Ahmetaj-Shala et al . points to kidney-generated inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase as a major culprit in these unwanted effects of COX-2 inhibition. The group measured differential gene expression in wild-type and COX-2 deficient mice in a range of tissues (heart, aorta, blood, and kidney). Although none was altered in blood and only one in cardiovascular tissues, over 1000 genes were differentially expressed in the kidneys of COX-2-/- mice. Through pathway analysis of genes relevant to cardiovascular risk, the authors identified gene clusters related to turnover of methylarginines (ADMA and L-NMMA)—endogenous inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase. The circulating levels of these molecules increased in mice deficient in COX-2, with an associated reduction in vasomotor reactivity that could be reversed by L-arginine. Plasma ADMA rapidly rose in both mice and humans given oral COX-2 inhibitors to a concentration that is associated with cardiovascular risk in man, suggesting clinical relevance. In light of these new findings, prevailing ideas that COX-2’s dangerous cardiovascular effects result from direct effects on blood vessels may need revision. Instead, they argue for a role of kidney-derived methylarginines acting on the cardiovascular system as circulating hormones. ADMA might serve as a risk biomarker and L-arginine as a potential therapy, reopening the possibilities of safe COX-2 inhibitor use. B. Ahmetaj-Shala et al ., Evidence that links loss of cyclo-oxygenase-2 with increased asymmetric dimethylarginine: Novel explanation of cardiovascular side effects associated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Circulation 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.011591 (2014). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2014/12/05/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.011591.abstract
Perspectives of school leaders on the administrative internship

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to identify how current K-12 district and school leaders who are alumni of an educational administration program describe how they acquired the essential skills and experiences needed to be effective in the leadership positions. Design/methodology/approach – For this qualitative study, the authors interviewed program alumni of one university leadership preparation program regarding the experiences and training they identified as having prepared them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to be successful in their positions, as well as which components of their administrative internship experiences, if any, they identified as having most prepared them for their positions. Findings – School and district administrators indicated they acquired the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become successful leaders through specific preparation experiences and opportunities. Key experiences cited by alumni included gaining some leadership responsibilities...
Characterization of the gene encoding the most abundant in vitro translation product from virus-infected Chlorella-like algae

Abstract The gene (33kDa) encoding a 33-kDa peptide from Chlorella virus, PBCV-1, was cloned and sequenced. This gene encodes the most abundant in vitro translation product synthesized from viral mRNAs isolated beginning at 20 mi post-infection. The message persisted throughout the remainder of the viral life cycle. An open reading frame (ORF) of 717 bp. which encodes a polypeptide of 238 amino acids with a predicted M r ro 26 613, was found on a 2752-bp cloned frament from PBCV-1 HindIII restriction fragment 9. Transcriptional analysis of this ORF indicated that this it was experessed both and late, and as the viral life cycle progressed, the mRNA increased in size and abundance. Three other ORFs were also the largest of which (741 bp) hybrdized to a low-abundance transcrip which would encode a polypeptide with a predicted M r of 27 854.
Institutional ownership monitoring and corporate political activity: Governance implications

Abstract Corporate political activity (CPA) represents a strategy whereby firms attempt to influence government policymaking, to advance their strategic goals; firm owners may benefit from it. However, other research indicates that CPA is uncertain and increases information asymmetries between owners and managers. Hence, this study avoids the assumption that owners and managers have similar views regarding CPA and focuses on the relationship between institutional investors, large investors' ownership and investors' portfolio characteristics on firm CPA. The results reveal that institutional ownership is associated with reduced CPA among S&P 500 firms across five election cycles, but that investors' portfolio concentration is associated with increased CPA. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Experimental correlation between substrate properties and GaAs MESFET transconductance

The relationship between the characteristics of FET's obtained by direct ion implantation and the properties of a GaAs semi-insulating substrate was investigated. A positive correlation was observed between the dislocation etch-pit density, the as-grown mobility, the mobility after implantation, and the device transconductance. The observation of dislocations' effect on mobility is consistent with the model that dislocations act as segregation centers for imperfections. Localized substrate inhomogeneties are shown to affect the GaAs FET's frequency performance via the mobility.
Safe, Affirming, and Productive Spaces: Classroom Engagement among Latina High School Students.

Responding to recent reports that Latina students often lack feelings of belonging at school and are dropping out in increasing numbers, this study explores how classroom environments influence eng...
Double-fed induction generator control for variable speed wind power generation

Vector control of a doubly fed induction generator drive for variable speed wind power generation is described. A wound rotor induction machine with back-to-back three phase power converter bridges between its rotor and the grid forms the electrical system. The control scheme uses stator flux-oriented control for the rotor side converter bridge control and grid voltage vector control for the grid side converter bridge. A complete simulation model is developed for the control of the active and reactive powers of the doubly fed generator under variable speed operation. Several studies are performed to test its operation under different wind conditions. A laboratory test setup consisting of a wound rotor induction machine driven by a variable speed dc motor is used to validate the software simulations.
Differential regulation of heme oxygenase isozymes by Sn- and Zn-protoporphyrins: possible relevance to suppression of hyperbilirubinemia.

Abstract Synthetic metalloporphyrins decrease heme oxygenase (HO)-dependent bilirubin formation. Presently, the effects in vivo and in vitro of Sn- and Zn-protoporphyrins on HO-1 (HSP-32) and HO-2 at the protein and transcript levels were examined. Western blot analysis of HO-2 in testes microsomes of Sn-protoporphyrin-treated rats revealed a dramatic disruption of the integrity of the HO-2 protein. Similar observations were made with the liver and adrenal HO-2 and the NADPH-cytochrome P -450 reductase of treated rats. Northern blot analysis, however, suggested unaltered tissue levels of HO-2 transcripts (∼ 1.9 and ∼ 1.3 kb). The HO-1 protein integrity in organs of treated rats was less dramatically affected by the metalloporphyrin and an increase in its 1.8 kb mRNA level in the testes was detected. Zn-protoporphyrin also increased HO-1 mRNA level in the testes, but did not affect HO-2 protein integrity. In in vitro studies with purified HO-1 and HO-2, both Sn- and Zn-protoporphyrins were equally inhibitory to HO-1 activity; Sn-protoporphyrin, however, was by far more inhibitory to HO-2-dependent activity than to that of HO-1. Together, these findings and the fact that HO-2 under normal conditions is the predominant form of the enzyme in most organs suggest that loss of HO-2 protein integrity may to a significant degree account for suppression of bilirubin formation by Sn-protoporphyrin. These in turn may reflect differences between HO-1 and HO-2, both at the transcriptional level with HO-2 being noninducible, and in structure/composition of the isozymes, with HO-2 being more labile.
Utility of the PedsQL™ family impact module: assessing the psychometric properties in a community sample

Research on families coping with pediatric chronic illnesses has established that children and parents are affected by the illness. Therefore, optimal assessment of parent and family functioning is clinically important. The PedsQL™ family impact module (FIM) assesses parents’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and family functioning. While the FIM has been shown to be reliable and valid in multiple chronic illness groups, there is little data on its use in non-clinical groups. The study’s objective was to assess the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the FIM in a community sample. Nine hundred and twenty-nine community parents of children 2–17 years old completed an anonymous online survey. The mean age of the participants was 37.6 years (SD = 8.6), and the majority were mothers (63.6 %), white (82.9 %), and married (74.8 %). The mean age of the children being reported on was 8.8 years (SD = 3.9), and the majority were female (52.3 %) and 41.2 % were reported as having at least one chronic condition. All of the FIM’s scales demonstrated excellent internal consistency reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis of the measure supported the current structure. The measure correlated in the expected direction with validated measures of anxiety, depression, child HRQOL, and number of chronic conditions endorsed. Independent t tests indicated that the measure has discriminant validity between parents who reported having a child with a chronic condition to those who did not. The results of this study suggest the FIM is a reliable and valid measure of parent HRQOL and family functioning within a community sample, and facilitate its use in comparative studies.
Stress cardiomyopathy: Clinical and ventriculographic characteristics in 107 North American subjects

Abstract Background Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) is a newly described reversible cardiomyopathy of largely unclear etiology. We studied SCM in a large cohort to gain further insights. Methods We retrospectively identified 114 cases of SCM from among 12,150 consecutive North American patients diagnosed as Troponin-positive acute coronary syndrome, from January 2000 through December 2007, at two 24-h coronary angioplasty-capable centers. Left ventriculographic wall contractility was analyzed and scored in 107 patients on the right anterior oblique view. Results In 107 patients (66±14 years, 99 females), variable regional contractility or "ballooning" was observed including: postero-basal, 1%; basal+mid-ventricular, 1%; diaphragmatic, 2%; localized apical, 2%; antero-lateral, 11%; complete mid-ventricular, 29%; and classical variant, 54%. The localized and complete mid-ventricular variants ( n =45, 40 females) had a younger median age at presentation (64 vs. 71 years, p =0.008) and higher median LV ejection fraction (45% vs. 35%, p =0.006) than the classical or tako-tsubo variants ( n =58, 55 females) with similar baseline exposure to stressors, risk factor and in-hospital complications. Frequency of involvement and mean contractile score (dysfunction) of the antero-lateral segment was significantly ( p diaphragmatic>apical>basal. Conclusion From a single large cohort of SCM, evidence on significant individual variation in clinical and morphological pattern was confirmed. Frequency and vulnerability to transient dysfunction differs within segments with antero-lateral involvement significantly greater than diaphragmatic, apical, basal-anterior and basal-posterior LV segments. Further studies in phenotype should be undertaken for proper identification, classification and pathophysiological implications.
Chromosome Displacement in and Extraction from Human Cells at Different Mitotic Stages

Chromosomes of HeLa, ERK, and human embryonic lung cells have been manipulated at different mitotic stages. A method for releasing chromosomes from metaphase human embryonic lung cells has been developed and seven HeLa cell lines have been established from individual mitotic cells isolated and cloned after manipulation.
Cardiovascular risk factors and socioeconomic status in African American and Caucasian women.

Self-reported cardiovascular risk factors of obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking in African American and Caucasian women in North Carolina were compared, controlling for socioeconomic status (SES). Participants were 1,945 women aged 23 to 53 years; 20.1% African American and 79.9% Caucasian. Of the African American women, 38.8% were obese, 51.7% were inactive, and 31.2% smoked; of the Caucasians, 19.9% were obese, 31.2% were inactive, and 33.8% smoked. SES differed significantly by race (p < 0.001). Low and middle SES African American women were much more likely than high SES African Americans to be obese, inactive, and smokers. Among Caucasian women, those with low SES had the greatest prevalence for all three risk factors. After controlling for income and education, African American women were more than twice as likely as Caucasian women to be obese and to be inactive, but were only half as likely to smoke. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 21: 285–295, 1998
Trend Shocks and Cyclicality of Gross Financial Flows

This paper analyzes the behavior of international gross capital flows over the business cycle in a two-country DSGE portfolio choice model with shocks to both the transitory and trend components of the endowment. Empirical work on international capital flows documents weakly procyclical, and at times, countercyclical gross financial flows between economies. This observation cannot be reconciled with the predictions of the standard open economy model. These models typically employ transitory productivity shocks as the main driver of business cycles. However the recent theoretical and empirical literatures emphasize the importance of shocks to the trend component of output in matching business cycle moments with data. Our main finding is that transitory shocks result in strongly procyclical gross capital flows, while trend shocks yield weakly countercyclical gross outflows and weakly procyclical gross inflows. Overall, both the magnitude and the sign of correlation coefficients from our model are more consistent with the empirical evidence in the literature. We demonstrate that transitory shocks alone cannot produce results that are in line with the empirical evidence. This finding holds true for different levels of persistence of the transitory shocks. We illustrate that empirically sound predictions are the result of the separation of the transitory and trend shocks.
The economic self-sufficiency of Wisconsin's former foster youth

Abstract This study uses administrative data to examine the self-sufficiency of 8511 former foster youth who were discharged from Wisconsin's out-of-home care system between 1992 and 1998 and were at least 16 years old at the time they were discharged. Three indicators of self-sufficiency were measured: employment, earnings and public assistance receipt. The youth were followed from the quarter in which they were discharged through the fourth quarter of 2000. Most were employed in at least one of the first eight quarters after their discharge, but relatively few had earnings in all eight. Quarterly earnings increased over time, but remained very low. Earnings were still below the poverty threshold even eight years post-discharge. Nearly one fifth of the youth received AFDC/TANF cash assistance in at least one of their first eight quarters after their discharge, and nearly one third received food stamps. Implementation of welfare reform was associated with a reduction in public assistance receipt, although other economic factors are also likely to have contributed to this downward trend. Relationships between these outcome measures and both the demographic characteristics and out-of-home care experiences of these former foster youth were examined using multivariate statistical techniques. The policy and practice implications of the findings are discussed.
Averaging for some periodic and random nonlinear Schrödinger models

In the present communication, we derive averaging equations for nonlinear Schrodinger settings with periodic as well as ergodic random potentials. Our case examples are motivated by recent experimentally accessible applications in soft-condensed matter, as well as in optical physics. Particular features of the resulting equations are compared directly with corresponding predictions of the original model and good agreement is found between the two. Higher order corrections to the leading order averaging results are also discussed.
Impact of a teacher mentorship program on mentors' and mentees' perceptions of classroom practices and the mentoring experience

Teachers’ perceptions of their classroom practices were examined within the framework of a year-long mentorship experience in a K-12 public school district. A total of 43 mentors and 41 newly hired...
L-trans-2,3-Pyrrolidine Dicarboxylate: Characterization of a Novel Excitotoxin

This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo excitotoxic properties of a novel conformationally constrained analogue of L-trans-2,3-pyrrolidine dicarboxylate (L-trans-2,3-PDC). When tested for excitotoxic activity in rat cortical cultures, L-trans-2,3-PDC mimicked the action of NMDA in both acute (30 min) and chronic (24 hr) exposure paradigms. This neurotoxicity was attenuated by co-addition of MK-801 (10 μM). Microinjections of L-trans-2,3-PDC into the dorsal hippocampus of male rats also induced a selective pattern of pathology indicative of an NMDA receptor excitotoxin. In contrast to the equipotency observed in vitro, 100 nmol of L-trans-2,3-PDC were needed to produce cellular damage comparable to that induced by 25 nmol of NMDA. Consistent with an action at NMDA receptors, L-trans-2,3-PDC-induced damage could be significantly reduced by co-administration of MK-801 (3 mg/kg i.p.), but not by NBQX (25 nmol). In radioligand binding assays L-trans-2,3-PDC inhibited the binding of 3H-L-glutamate to NMDA receptors (IC50 1 μM), although it also exhibited some cross reactivity with KA and AMPA receptors. L-trans-2,3-PDC was also identified as a competitive inhibitor (Ki = 33 μM) of 3H-D-aspartate uptake into rat forebrain synaptosomes. In contrast to the action of a transporter substrate, such as L-glutamate, L-trans-2,3-PDC did not exchange with 3H-D-aspartate that had been previously loaded into the synaptosomes. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Transferable cell-secreted extracellular matrices enhance osteogenic differentiation

The coating of synthetic biomaterials with cell-derived decellularized extracellular matrices (DMs) represents a promising approach to confer bioactivity to otherwise inert materials and direct cell fate of host or transplanted cells. These coatings are typically deposited on biomaterials by culturing matrix-depositing cells for a sufficient duration on the target, followed by decellularization of the substrate. We hypothesized that DMs created in monolayer culture could be collected and then transferred to a secondary substrate while retaining their instructive potential. Transferred decellularized matrices (tDMs) were created by culturing human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on tissue culture plastic (TCP) under a controlled microenvironment to deposit a highly osteogenic DM, followed by collection, mechanical homogenization and transfer to a secondary culture surface. We then investigated its capacity to accelerate naive hMSC osteogenic differentiation by quantifying gene expression, intracellular alkaline phosphatase production, and calcium deposition when cultured on DMs or tDMs. All markers were significantly higher in hMSCs seeded on DMs or tDMs compared to cells on TCP. The osteogenic response of naive hMSCs to tDMs was dose dependent. We observed a reduction in ERK phosphorylation in hMSCs, as well as a possible role of the cell surface integrin α2β1, when probing the mode of efficacy for tDMs. This study represents a proof-of-principle that cell-derived matrix coatings can be deposited and effectively transferred while retaining the ability to instruct cell phenotype, thus offering a novel approach toward the development of hybrid biomaterials that mimic the complex interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix.
Closing the TRAIL to the DISC

Comment on Mirandola et al, page [508][1] Sensitivity of erythroid progenitors to TRAIL-induced apoptosis is limited to a period initiated by TRAIL receptor expression and terminated by PKCϵ up-regulation. In 1990, Koury and Bondurant reported that erythropoietin (EPO) prevents apoptosis of
Radioimmunotherapy as a Therapeutic Option for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) represents a relatively new antibody-based radiopharmaceutical treatment for patients with various kinds of tumors. Although the field has a long history of preclinical and clinical investigations using many different agents, to date, only 2 of these immunologically targeted radiopharmaceuticals have been cleared for commercial sale. Both of these agents ((90)Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan or "Zevalin" [Biogen-Idec, Boston, MA] and (131)I-tositumomab or "Bexxar" [GlaxoSmithKline Research, Triangle Park, NC]) are directed against the CD20 surface antigen found on normal mature B cells and greater than 95% of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Both compounds produce similar impressive clinical outcomes (approximately 20%-40% complete response rates and 60%-80% overall response rates for patients with indolent B-cell NHL). Current protocol-based investigations of anti-CD20 RIT relate to new clinical uses and new CD20(+) targets.
Involvement of the invertible G segment in bacteriophage Mu tail fiber biosynthesis

The orientation [G(+) or G(-)] of the invertible G segment of bacteriophage Mu DNA determines the host range specificity of the phage particles. In this study the hypothesis that the G segment genes are involved in synthesis of Mu tail fibers has been tested. Serum blocking power (SBP) assays demonstrated that among Mu late gene mutants only those defective in genes S or U encoded by the G segment were defective in G(+) SBP and that they lacked the same antigens. Electron microscopy of lysates produced by inversion-defective gin mutants (isolated by their inability to complement a hin inversion-defective mutant of the Salmonella phase variation segment) showed that G(+) phages with amber mutations in S or U made tail-fiberless particles with contracted tail sheaths. Inversion of G to the G(-) orientation or suppression of the amber mutations restored the normal phage particle morphology. These experiments demonstrate that genes S and U are required for Mu G(+) tail fiber biosynthesis and/or attachment.
The role of quenched-ln embryos in solid-state nucleation processes

Consideration is given the possibility that embryos retained from a higher temperature may assist in subsequent nucleation processes. Quantitative thermodynamic and kinetic constraints are found to exist for formation and retention of “precipitation-type” embryos. It is shown for dilute solutions that the spectrum of concentration fluctuations is independent of temperature, so that quenching rate is not a consideration. Various suggestions for the martensite nucleus are considered.
Effects of Sharing Control of Unmanned Vehicles on Backup Behavior and Workload in Distributed Operator Teams

This study examined the effects of sharing vehicle control on workload and support behaviors with teams using multiple unmanned systems. The design of systems control was manipulated such that teammates could only control their own vehicle or share control of their vehicle with a teammate. Process variables focused on requests for navigational support from an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) operator and the support that was provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator. The primary outcome of interest was workload, as measured by the NASA TLX. Results indicated that there was an interaction between the design manipulation and UGV requests for support in the prediction of support that was provided by an UAV operator, where support was only provided when teams did not share control of their teammate's vehicle. The sharing of control and provision of navigation support both increased workload for the UAV operator. Language: en
Iodine status and thyroid function of Boston-area vegetarians and vegans.

Context: Adequate dietary iodine is required for normal thyroid function. The iodine status and thyroid function of U.S. vegetarians and vegans have not been previously studied. Environmental perchlorate and thiocyanate (inhibitors of thyroid iodine uptake) exposures may adversely affect thyroid function. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the iodine status and thyroid function of U.S. vegetarians (consume plant based products, eggs, milk; abstain from meat, poultry, fish, shellfish) and vegans (avoid all animal products) and whether these may be affected by environmental perchlorate and thiocyanate exposures. Design and Setting: This was a cross-sectional assessment of urinary iodine, perchlorate, and thiocyanate concentrations and serum thyroid function in Boston-area vegetarians and vegans. Subjects: One hundred forty-one subjects (78 vegetarians, 63 vegans) were recruited; one vegan was excluded. Results: Median urinary iodine concentration of vegans (78.5 μg/liter; range 6.8–964.7 μg...
A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF SUPERHEATING BOILING REACTORS

The principles of gas-cooled and of boiling water reactors are combined in a preliminary study of the thermal characteristics of a reactor which can generate superheated steam. Heat transfer relati...
Progressive search and retrieval in large image archives

In this paper, we describe the architecture and implementation of a framework to perform content-based search of an image database, where content is specified by the user at one or more of the following three abstraction levels: pixel, feature, and semantic. This framework incorporates a methodology that yields a computationally efficient implementation of image-processing algorithms, thus allowing the efficient extraction and manipulation of user-specified features and content during the execution of queries. The framework is well suited for searching scientific databases, such as satellite-image-, medical-, and seismic-data repositories, where the volume and diversity of the information do not allow the a priori generation of exhaustive indexes, but we have successfully demonstrated its usefulness on still-image archives.
Sitting Requirements and the CPA Exam

ABSTRACT: This study examines the association between jurisdictions' CPA exam educational requirements and exam pass rates, scores, and number of candidates from 2006 to 2013. More specifically, we examine provisional candidacy to sit for the CPA exam. Provisional status allows a candidate to sit for the CPA exam prior to obtaining the required number of hours or graduate degree. Our results indicate that while 150-hour exam jurisdictions outperform 120-hour jurisdictions, provisional jurisdictions outperform both 150- and 120-hour jurisdictions for pass rates and average scores. We also find that the number of candidates sitting for the exam is significantly lower for provisional and 150-hour jurisdictions than for 120-hour jurisdictions. Our study contributes to the literature by considering the potential benefits of sitting in provisional jurisdictions and is likely to be of interest to accounting educators, state boards, and public accounting firms. Data Availability: Data are publicly available from ...
The existence of implicit bias is beyond reasonable doubt: A refutation of ideological and methodological objections and executive summary of ten studies that no manager should ignore

In this article, we respond at length to recent critiques of research on implicit bias, especially studies using the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Tetlock and Mitchell (2009) claim that ‘‘there is no evidence that the IAT reliably predicts class-wide discrimination on tangible outcomes in any setting,’’ accuse their colleagues of violating ‘‘the injunction to separate factual from value judgments,’’ adhering blindly to a ‘‘statist interventionist’’ ideology, and of conducting a witch-hunt against implicit racists, sexists, and others. These and other charges are specious. Far from making ‘‘extraordinary claims’’ that ‘‘require extraordinary evidence,’’ researchers have identified the existence and consequences of implicit bias through well-established methods based upon principles of cognitive psychology that have been developed in nearly a century’s worth of work. We challenge the blanket skepticism and organizational complacency advocated by Tetlock and Mitchell and summarize 10 recent studies that no manager (or managerial researcher) should ignore. These studies reveal that students, nurses, doctors, police officers, employment recruiters, and many others exhibit implicit biases with respect to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, social status, and other distinctions. Furthermore—and contrary to the emphatic assertions of the critics—participants’ implicit associations do predict socially and
Coherent structure in the turbulent planar jet. Part 2. Structural topology via POD eigenmode projection

The topology of the large-scale structure in the similarity region of a turbulent planar jet is investigated experimentally. The large-scale structure is reconstructed in physical space by projection of measured proper orthogonal decomposition eigenmodes onto instantaneous flow-field realizations. The instantaneous flow-field realizations are obtained by a spanwise aligned triple X-wire rake arrangement which is used in conjunction with the linear stochastic estimation technique. Instantaneous realizations are also acquired via a second triple rake arrangement which provides an assessment of the effect of spatial aliasing on the resulting structural topology. Results indicate that the self-similar large-scale structure in the planar jet consists of a dominant planar component consisting of two lines of large-scale spanwise vortices arranged approximately asymmetrically with respect to the jet centreline. This planar component of the structure resembles the classic Karman vortex street. There is a strong interaction between structures on opposite sides of the jet in the form of nearly two-dimensional lateral streaming motions that extend well across the flow. In addition, results indicate that the effect of the nonplanar spanwise modes is to both tilt and bend the primary spanwise vortex tubes and thereby redistribute large-scale vorticity. The bending occurs primarily in the streamwise direction. The degree to which the spanwise vortices are distorted varies greatly; in some cases they are nearly streamwise oriented and in others only slight distortion of a spanwise vortex is noted. Based upon the experimental results, prospects for low-order modelling of the jet large-scale structure are discussed.
Effects of varying forage and concentrate carbohydrates on nutrient digestibilities and milk production by dairy cows.

Abstract Five Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to determine the effect of replacing forage NDF with soyhull NDF and varying concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates on nutrient digestion and milk production. Diets in which NDF percentage from forage (corn silage: alfalfa hay, 1:1) was 80 (control), 70, or 60 were formulated by substituting soyhulls for forage; total forage was 43.2, 36.7, and 31.1% of the diets, respectively, but total NDF was 31%. Nonstructural carbohydrates were formulated to be 47 (control), 35, or 25% by substituting soyhulls, roasted soybeans, and Ca soaps for concentrate. Ruminal acetate: propionate ratio decreased linearly when diets lower in forage NDF were fed, but it increased quadratically when dietary nonstructural carbohydrates were reduced. Apparent digestibility of OM increased quadratically, but NDF digestibility and lactation performance were unaffected when diets lower in forage NDF were fed. Digestibility of NDF increased linearly when nonstructural carbohydrates were reduced, perhaps because of greater digestibility of soyhull NDF and smaller negative associative effects. Fat from soybeans and Ca soaps was increased as nonstructural carbohydrates decreased. Added fat probably increased fatty acid digestibility and decreased milk protein percentage. Greater FCM production without correspondingly greater feed intake or BW loss increased feed efficiency as nonstructural carbohydrates decreased. In dairy rations containing soyhulls, 60% of dietary NDF from forage should maintain lactation performance, and decreasing nonstructural carbohydrates to 25 to 35% of feed DM, coupled with adding dietary fat, may decrease negative associative effects and improve efficiency of milk production.
Adaptive CDMA cell sectorization with linear multiuser detection

We consider the problem of adaptive cell sectorization in a CDMA system when the receiver employs a linear multiuser detector. Specifically, given the number of sectors and terminal locations, we investigate how to appropriately sectorize the cell, such that the total transmit power is minimized, while each user has acceptable quality of service, under the assumption that the base station employs linear multiuser detectors. The resulting joint optimization problem has high complexity for arbitrary signature sequences, so we concentrate on the tractable case where the square of the crosscorrelation values between the signature sequences are equal. We formulate the sectorization problem for different linear detectors. The optimum sectorization problem with linear multiuser detector has the same complexity as the one with the matched filter. Numerical results suggest that significant power saving is achieved by incorporating better receiver structures, i.e. MMSE detector, or decorrelator.
Latent HIV-1 Infection Occurs in Multiple Subsets of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells and Is Reversed by NF-κB Activation

The ability of HIV-1 to establish a latent infection presents a barrier to curing HIV. The best-studied reservoir of latent virus in vivois resting memory CD4T cells, but it has recently been shown that CD34hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) can also become latently infected by HIV-1 in vitro and in vivo. CD34 cells are not homogenous, however, and it is not yet known which types of CD34cells support a latent infection. Furthermore, the mechanisms through which latency is established in this cell type are not yet known. Here we report the development of a primary cell model for latent HIV-1 infection in HPCs. We demonstrate that in this model, latent infection can be established in all subsets of HPCs examined, including HPCs with cell surface markers consistent with immature hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. We further show that the establishment of latent infection in these cells can be reversed by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-) through an NF-B-dependent mechanism. In contrast, we do notfind evidence for a role of positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) in the establishment of latent infection in HPCs. Finally, we demonstrate that prostratin and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), but not hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) or 5-aza-2=-deoxycytidine (Aza-CdR), reactivate latent HIV-1 in HPCs. Thesefindings illuminate the mechanisms through which latent infection can be established in HPCs and suggest common pathways through which latent virus could be reactivated in both HPCs and resting memory T cells to eliminate latent reservoirs of HIV-1.
Head-space GLC Determination of Triethylamine in Pharmaceuticals

A head-space GLC procedure is described for the quantitative determination of residual triethylamine in streptomycin sulfate and methacycline hydrochloride. This method is both rapid and accurate.
A computerized system for monitoring systolic time intervals from esophageal accelerograms.

Abstract An automated microcomputer system for monitoring heart rate and systolic time intervals (STI)—preejection period (PEP), left ventricular ejection time (LVET), and PEP LVET —was implemented. The system, employing esophageal accelerometry, is economical and simple to operate. Being light and compact, it is therefore portable. The accuracy and reliability are no less than considerably more costly systems. The set of systolic time intervals can be measured and output in 6 sec. The system offers the advantage of monitoring STI in a larger number of surgical patients than do traditional systems due to its esophageal transducer.
Fuzzy Hopfield-Tank TSP model

This paper presents a fuzzy approach to the traditional Hopfield-Tank TSP model. It is shown that a fuzzy interpretation of the rows of the activation array reveals interesting features of the dynamics. For example, the initial 'centroid' nature of the network becomes obvious, and even more interesting is the emergence of a 'monotonic' phase that paves the way for the final, nearest-city, phase. This fuzzy approach sheds new light on the Hopfield-Tank model and exposes many previously unnoticed aspects of the network.
The Bank, the IMF, and the WHO: More Data On Functionalist Learning

Responses to a mailed questionnaire indicate that experience with the World Bank, the IMF and the WHO does not necessarily result in attitudes more favorable to those agencies or to international c...
Transcriptional regulation of the TGF-β1 promoter by androgen receptor

TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1 is a multifunctional cytokine that influences homoeostatic processes of various tissues. TGF-β1 expression is inhibited by androgens in the prostate gland, whereas its expression is enhanced by androgens in highly metastatic prostate cancer cells. Here, we examined regulation of human TGF -β 1 promoter activity by androgen in prostate cancer cells. The full-length (−3363 to +110) promoter showed a high level of activity in response to androgen in PC3mm2 cells expressing AR (androgen receptor). Further deletion analysis revealed three distal and three proximal AREs (androgen-response elements) in the promoter. Gel-shift and footprint assays show that these AREs physically interact with the DNA-binding domain of AR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the androgen-dependent recruitment of AR to the ARE-containing regions of the TGF -β 1 gene. More importantly, a negative ARE was detected in the TGF -β 1 promoter. Both positive and negative AREs are functional in the androgen-regulated transcription of the TGF -β 1 promoter. These findings imply that androgen signalling may positively or negatively regulate TGF-β1 expression in response to various signals or under different environmental conditions.
An experimentally induced host shift in a seed beetle

Many insects use a fairly well-defined set of host plants, but are occasionally observed on an atypical host. The seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) has rarely been reported to attack lentil, which is distantly related to its usual legume hosts. An initial assay of an Asian beetle population revealed that none of the 100 larvae entering lentil seeds survived to adult emergence. Nevertheless, three attempts at mass selection, in which more than 2 000 adults were added to lentil seeds, eventually yielded self-sustaining populations. In each case, a severe bottleneck was followed by a rapid increase in survival, which exceeded 65% after only five generations and surpassed 85% in <20 generations. Subsequent large-scale experiments indicated that survival in lentil is initially <2% and that most larvae die before they have completely entered a seed. The only potential trade-off associated with rapid adaptation to lentil was a modest increase in the time required to develop in the ancestral host, mung bean. Reciprocal crosses between a lentil-adapted line (F10) and a mung-bean line produced offspring with intermediate survival, very long development times, and small size. Although the Asian population has been kept under uniform laboratory conditions for more than 200 generations, it appears to maintain rare alleles that permit the colonization of an extremely poor host. Such standing genetic variation can account for the sporadic appearance of unusual 'biotypes' among herbivorous insects.