Determinants of selective memory about the self.

Investigated the influence of success and failure experiences and expectancies (on an ability task) on selective memory for positive vs negative personality information about oneself. Success-failure experiences and expectancies were manipulated independently in all combinations. Ss were 90 undergraduates. Thereafter, each S was exposed to an equal extent to positive and negative information about his personality and then tested for memory of that information. As predicted, Ss correctly remembered their personality liabilities relatively less than their assets when they expected to succeed than when they expected to fail on an ability test or when they had no relevant expectancy (control). Also, as predicted from cognitive social learning theory, the effects of expectancy overshadowed those of experience. Correlations with data from Byrne's Repression-Sensitization Scale and Rotter's Internal-External Control Scale are discussed. (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Expression,Receptor Binding,and Biophysical Characterization of Guinea Pig Insulin desB30: A Monomeric Insulin Variant

Here we report, for the first time, the heterologous expression of desB30 guinea pig insulin (GI desB30) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The affinities of GI desB30 for the insulin receptor A and the IGF‐I receptor were also quantified for the first time. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation studies confirmed that GI desB30 did not form dimers or hexamers, in contrast to human insulin. Sizeexclusion chromatography connected to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed that GI desB30 has affinity towards several divalent metal ions. These studies did not indicate the formation of any larger structures of GI desB30 in the presence of various divalent metal ions, but did indicate that GI desB30 has an affinity towards Mn, Co, and Cu ions. Finally, the low affinity for the insulin receptor and the very low affinity for the IGF‐I receptor by GI desB30 were quantified.     

Chlorellestadite in the preheater system of cement kilns as an indicator of HCl formation

The conditions leading to the formation of water-insoluble chlorellestadite, ideal formula (unit cell content) Ca₁₀(SiO₄)₃(SO₄)₃Cl₂, instead of water-soluble KCl and NaCl in Portland cement kiln systems were investigated by quantitative X-ray phase analysis of plant samples, preparation of pure chlorellestadite, and thermodynamic calculations. The results support the view that water-insoluble chloride is present as chlorellestadite. A reason for its occurrence could be poor contact between the hot kiln gases and lime-containing dust causing formation of gaseous HCl, which then produces chlorellestadite in contact with the hot meal in the preheater unit.The structure model for synthetic chlorellestadite, used in the quantitative X-ray phase analysis, was refined by the full profile Rietveld method using the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum (CuK_α1). Crystal data: hexagonal, space group P6₃/m, a=9.6773(3) Å, c=6.8585(1) Å, Z=1. A disordered S/Si distribution was observed.     

A cryostat and temperature control system optimized for measuring relaxations of glass-forming liquids

An experimental setup, including a cryostat and a temperature control system, has been constructed to meet the demands of measuring linear and nonlinear macroscopic relaxation properties of glass-forming liquids in the extremely viscous state approaching the glass transition. In order to be able to measure such frequency-dependent response functions accurately (including dielectric permittivity, specific heat, thermal expansivity, and shear and bulk moduli), as well as nonlinear relaxations following a temperature jump, one must have the ability to hold temperatures of liquids steady over the span of several days or even several weeks. To maximize temperature stability, special care is taken to thermally isolate the sample chamber of the cryostat. The main temperature control system is capable of maintaining temperatures within a few millikelvins. If liquid is deposited into a special transducer assembly that includes a subcryostat unit, the temperature of liquids can be maintained even more precisely, within a few tenths of a millikelvin. This subcryostat unit is more responsive to temperature changes because (i) it is equipped with a Peltier element that provides secondary heating and cooling, (ii) the transducer contains a layer of liquid that is only 50 micfom thick, and (iii) feedback proportional-integral-derivative temperature control is implemented by a fully analog circuit. The subcryostat permits us to change and stabilize temperatures quickly; it takes only 10 s to stabilize the temperature within tenths of a millikelvin after a jump of 1 K, for example, a capability that is highly advantageous for accurately observing relaxation processes following a temperature step.     

Concurrent disruption of cell cycle associated genes in mantle cell lymphoma: a genotypic and phenotypic study of cyclin D1, p16, p15, p53 and pRb

Mantle cell lymphomas (MCL) are morphologically and immunophenotypically distinctive lymphoid neoplasms characterised by overexpression of cyclin D1. Recent studies have suggested that co-operating aberrations of cell cycle associated genes may provide a growth advantage to a tumour. To address this issue further, we investigated five typical and three aggressive (blastoid) MCL for alterations in the cell cycle regulating genes p15, p16, CDK4, Rb and p53. In 3/3 aggressive cases with cyclin D1 overexpression we found aberration of at least one additional gene. One case showed diminished expression of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb); one case harboured deletion of both p15 and p16; and one case exhibited both deletion of p16 and point mutation of p53. However, we also identified two typical cases which in addition to cyclin D1 overexpression exhibited diminished pRb expression and p15 and p16 hypermethylation, respectively. Our findings confirm and extend other recent investigations and indicate that co-operating genetic alterations of cell cycle-associated genes may contribute to the pathogenesis of MCL.     

Decision processes and risk taking in traffic: Driver response to the onset of yellow light.

Examined the relationship between the drivers' distance from an intersection (0-100 yds) when the light changed from green to yellow and the probability that the drivers would proceed through the intersection. 100 men and 44 women comprised the experiment sample; 77 men and 29 women formed a control group. The function relating the 2 variables approximated a normal ogive, but there was additional evidence that drivers took both distance and speed into account in deciding whether to proceed or stop. Among the drivers who were at intermediate distances (40-60 yds) when the light changed, younger males (estimated to be under 30) were more likely both to proceed and to violate the red light than were other drivers. The latter finding could be attributed to the younger males' faster driving and the related tendency to ignore the consequences of the decision conflict induced by the yellow light. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluation of ploidy of mature canine megakaryocytes, using Feulgen staining and microspectrophotometry

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate megakaryocyte size and ploidy, using Feulgen staining and microspectrophotometry, in adult dogs with normal platelet count. ANIMALS: Group A contained 8 and group B contained 11 adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Megakaryocytes were evaluated by light microscopy and staged according to maturation status. Stage-III megakaryocytes were measured and mapped for future relocation. Bone marrow aspirates were destained and restained, using the Feulgen method. Previously identified stage-III megakaryocytes were measured for DNA content, using microspectrophotometry. RESULTS: Megakaryocyte size correlated with ploidy values, and mean sizes within ploidy groups were significantly (P < 0.05) different from each other for both groups. The model ploidy value of stage-III megakaryocytes, which represented 18% of the total megakaryocyte population of the combined groups, was 32N. This is in contrast to results of flow cytometric studies, which indicated that the modal ploidy value for all canine megakaryocytes was 16N. CONCLUSIONS: Reasons for the disparate results between microspectrophotometric techniques and flow cytometry include maturation stage of the megakaryocyte population evaluated and percentage of megakaryocytes within that maturation stage. Flow cytometric methods, which evaluate all megakaryocytes detectable by antibody, may include cells still capable of DNA synthesis, resulting in a shift in the observed modal ploidy value. Recognition of the difference between canine and human megakaryocyte ploidy distribution is important, particularly in studies in which the dog is used as an animal model for human megakaryocytopoiesis.     

Structural characterisation of rac-bis(2,2-bipyridine)(2,5-dipyridylpyrazine)ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate; a key building block for metallodendrimers

The complex [(bipy)₂Ru(dpp)][PF₆]₂ which contains a vacant 2,2^′-bipyridine-like metal-binding domain has been structurally characterised. This compound is a key building block for the construction of metallodendrimers using the “complexes as metals, complexes as ligands” approach.