Fate of carbon tetrachloride during phytoremediation with poplar under controlled field conditions

The fate of carbon tetrachloride (CT) during phytoremediation with poplar was assessed by examining the transpiration of CT from leaves, diffusion from soil, tree trunks, and surface roots, and accumulation of chloride ion in soil and plant tissues. Feedwater containing 12-15 mg/L CT was added to the field test beds planted with poplar, and over 99% of the CT was removed. No significant amount of CT was transpired or diffused into the air, and no significant amount of CT-chlorine accumulated in the tree tissues. Chloride ion accumulated in the soil accounted for all of the CT-chlorine removed. When soils from the root zones were compared to unvegetated soils, microbial mineralization of CT was not enhanced in soils from the root zones as compared to unvegetated soils. Thus, we conclude that uptake and dechlorination of CT by plant tissues is likely the primary mechanism for phytoremediation by poplar.     

Development of a novel strategy for engineering high-affinity proteins by yeast display

Yeast display provides a system for engineering high-affinity proteins using a fluorescent-labeled ligand and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). In cases where it is difficult to obtain purified ligands, or to access FACS instrumentation, an alternative selection strategy would be useful. Here we show that yeast expressing high-affinity proteins against a mammalian cell surface ligand could be rapidly selected by density centrifugation. Yeast cell-mammalian cell conjugates were retained at the density interface, separated from unbound yeast. High-affinity T cell receptors (TCRs) displayed on yeast were isolated using antigen presenting cells that expressed TCR ligands, peptides bound to products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The procedure yielded 1000-fold enrichments, in a single centrifugation, of yeast displaying high-affinity TCRs. We defined the affinity limits of the method and isolated high-affinity TCR mutants against peptide variants that differed by only a single residue. The approach was applied to TCRs specific for class I or class II MHC, an important finding since peptide-class II MHC ligands have been particularly difficult to purify. As yeast display has also been used previously to identify antigen-specific antibodies, the method should be applicable to the selection of antibodies, as well as TCRs, with high-affinity for tumor cell-surface antigens.     

Rubus fruit phenolic research: The good,the bad,and the confusing

Here we attempt to clarify contemporary scientific findings of Rubus fruit phenolics, focusing mainly on published peer-reviewed work from the last 6 years. Our review focuses on research papers that identified phenolics of Rubus fruit, although other edible parts of Rubus plants (i.e. leaves, roots) also contain phenolics. With an increased awareness given to the potential health benefits of consuming berries high in phenolics, efforts have been directed at enhancing Rubus fruit quality and colour (through plant selection, harvesting, storage, etc.) for processors and consumers alike. Assessment of any progress requires knowing the state of the starting material, so effective research into Rubus phenolics relies upon the accurate identification of the components in Rubus fruit in the initial investigations. We have summarised these reports into three sections: anthocyanins, phenolic monomers other than anthocyanins, and phenolic polymers. More work is needed in identification and quantification, and further opportunities remain for deciphering and clarifying existing phenolic information for Rubus fruit.     

Anthocyanin fingerprinting of true bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miq.) fruit

The interest in black raspberry products has been increasing due to its flavor and potential health benefits. While black raspberries grown in North America are Rubus occidentalis, there has been some confusion regarding the identity of black raspberry grown in Korea (known as bokbunja; Rubus coreanus). As such, there is a need to define the anthocyanin profile of R. coreanus fruit collected from a verified source. We analyzed three genotypes of bokbunja fruit for anthocyanin profiles. While each varied in its anthocyanin proportions and total concentration, bokbunja fruit contained three anthocyanins: cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, and pelargonidin-3-glucoside, and lacked the xylose containing glycosides characteristic of R. occidentalis: cyanidin-3-sambubioside, and cyanidin-3-xylosylrutinoside. Due to mix-ups of bokbunja identity, research claiming to be conducted on bokbunja fruit requires confirmation that the fruit was sourced from a correctly identified plant. The distinct anthocyanin profiles between the two species can be used to confirm plant identity.     

Attitude–behavior relations: A comparison of the Fishbein-Ajzen and the Bentler-Speckart models.

Compares the model of attitude–behavior relations developed by M. Fishbein and I. Ajzen (1975) with the modifications of the model made by P. M. Bentler and G. Speckart (see record 1980-00949-001). Ss were 236 undergraduates; class attendance was the behavioral measure. An analysis of linear structural relationships, using multiple indicators for each underlying construct, supported the Bentler-Speckart addition to the Fishbein-Ajzen model, with prior behavior as a direct causal influence on both subsequent behavior and behavioral intentions. However, consistent with the original Fishbein-Ajzen model, a significant direct path from attitude to subsequent behavior was not found. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Erratum to Latham, Mitchell, and Dossett.

Reports an error in the original article by Gary P. Latham, Terence R. Mitchell, and Dennis L. Dossett (Journal of Applied Psychology, 1978, Vol. 63, No. 2, pp. 163-171). In Table 1 of the article, the mean for assigned goal setting and public recognition is incorrect. The corrected mean is given. (The following abstract of this article originally appeared in record 1979-02470-001.) In Study 1, 76 engineers/scientists either participated in the setting of, or were assigned, specific behavioral goals during their performance appraisal. Participative goal setting resulted in more difficult goals being set than was the case when the goals were assigned. Perceptions of goal difficulty, however, were not significantly different in the 2 goal-setting conditions. In Study 2, the analysis of the performance data collected 6 mo later on 132 engineers/scientists revealed main effects for both goal setting and anticipated rewards. Only participative goal setting led to significantly higher performance than a "do your best" and a control group condition. There was no significant difference between the performance of the latter 2 conditions despite the fact that the individuals in the do-your-best group received knowledge of results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Increasing technical training efficiency: Peer training via computer-assisted instruction.

Conducted 2 studies of peer training via computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in the technical training of electronics in the military. Ss were 182 male US Air Force personnel. Study 1 compared a peer-trained CAI group (n?=?72) to both an individually trained CAI group (n?=?55) and a conventionally trained group (n?=?55). Results indicate no differences in achievement levels, but the mean training times of both CAI groups were significantly less than that of the conventionally trained group. The mean peer-trained CAI training time was significantly lower than that of the individually trained group, and the variability of training time was also significantly lower. Study 2, using the peer-trained subsample from Study 1 and an additional 48 Ss, investigated optimum pairing strategies. Ss were paired for training based on their previously demonstrated ability. Pairing strategies did not affect individual achievement scores, but some strategies were consistently superior in reducing training times. Implications of CAI peer training in both military and civilian technical training are discussed. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)