cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing for a Sentiment Premium

This chapter discusses the relationship between dispersion and realized returns. It leads to a discussion of a factor structure associated with heterogeneous beliefs. In theory, returns and dispersion are related through the sentiment premium. However, theory is silent about the sign of the relationship. Scientists report a negative relationship between dispersion and returns and suggest that it stems from restrictions on short selling. They established that the Fama–French three-factor model, augmented by momentum, cannot fully capture the manner in which dispersion in analysts' forecasts impacts asset prices. The Fama–French factors comprise returns on the market portfolio, a size factor, and a book-to-market equity factor. It also reports on two other exercises involving the sentiment premium. The first exercise involves the identification of a dispersion factor. This factor offers additional explanatory power in respect to realized returns and volatility. The second exercise examines estimating a structural system involving the SDF and consumption growth. This exercise features a weak sentiment component, largely because there is limited dispersion in respect to the proxy for aggregate consumption growth. Notably, both dispersion and bias appear to be germane variables.
Buddhism and Family

The received wisdom about Buddhism depicts it as an otherworldly religion that values the solitary monk or nun and devalues family life and the social world in general. Recent scholarship, however, reveals evidence that this picture is seriously flawed. Yes, there are many seminal Buddhist texts that suggest that monastics should destroy familial ties to whatever extent is possible. But there are many other texts, as well as inscriptions and other forms of material culture such as art and architecture, that indicate that in both the past and the present, Buddhist monks and nuns have remained embedded in family life in ways that might surprise us. Moreover, many Buddhist institutions have been modeled on the family and rely on familial loyalties for their strength and endurance. Familial ties have shaped the expression of Buddhism in every Buddhist society, structuring Buddhist institutions and providing a fundamental language and form of practice.
Chance‐constrained multi‐terminal network design problems

We consider a reliable network design problem under uncertain edge failures. Our goal is to select a minimum-cost subset of edges in the network to connect multiple terminals together with high probability. This problem can be seen as a stochastic variant of the Steiner tree problem. We propose two scenario-based Steiner cut formulations, study the strength of the proposed valid inequalities, and develop a branch-and-cut solution method. We also propose an LP-based separation for the scenario-based directed Steiner cut inequalities using Benders feasibility cuts, leveraging the success of the directed Steiner cuts for the deterministic Steiner tree problem. In our computational study, we test our branch-and-cut method on instances adapted from graphs in SteinLib Testdata Library with up to 100 nodes, 200 edges, and 17 terminals. The performance of our branch-and-cut method demonstrates the strength of the scenario-based formulations and the benefit from adding the additional valid inequalities that we propose. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 321–334, 2015
Effect of knee position on quadriceps muscle force steadiness and activation strategies

Introduction: In this study we investigated the effect of knee position on quadriceps force steadiness and activation strategies. Methods: Quadriceps force steadiness was evaluated in 22 volunteers at two knee positions by testing their ability to regulate submaximal force. Muscle activation strategies were studied in both time and frequency domains using surface electromyography. Results: Quadriceps force fluctuations and the associated agonist and antagonist activity were significantly higher at 90° than at 30° of flexion (P 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that knee position significantly affects quadriceps force steadiness and activation strategies. This finding may have important implications for designing a force control testing protocol and interpreting test results. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Peptide Chain Elongation: GTP Cleavage catalysed by Factors binding Aminoacyl-Transfer RNA to the Ribosome

At least two molecules of GTP may be hydrolysed during the addition of an amino-acid to a growing peptide chain.
Exploring Level of Support for Management Restrictions Using a Self-Classification Measure of Recreation Specialization

A single-item composite self-classification measure of recreational specialization is used to examine preferences for increasingly restrictive marine protected area management scenarios. Whether the self-classification measure can accurately classify respondents as casual, active, and committed divers was examined. A questionnaire was sent to 646 scuba divers recruited for the study, and a 78% response rate was obtained. The categories accurately predicted responses to a multiple indicator approach with a high level of replicability. These categories were used to estimate three stated preference models. Results for casual and active divers were as expected, but committed divers were the least favorable toward trip profiles with greater management restrictions. Alternative explanations worthy of future research are identified and discussed.
A Single Point Mutation in 3-Deoxy-d-manno-octulosonate-8-phosphate Synthase Is Responsible for Temperature Sensitivity in a Mutant Strain of Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella typhimurium mutants conditionally deficient in 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonate-8-phosphate (KDO8P) synthase activity play a central role in our understanding of lipopolysaccharide function in enteric bacteria. The detailed characterization of KDO8P synthase from such a mutant, however, has not been previously reported. To address this issue KDO8P synthase from S. typhimurium AG701 and from a related temperature-sensitive strain (S. typhimurium AG701i50) have been overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The enzyme from the temperature-sensitive strain has a single proline to serine substitution at position 145, leading to an increase in K(m) for both substrates, d-arabinose 5-phosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate. Analytical gel filtration and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicate that this enzyme also has an altered oligomeric state. These observations are rationalized through an examination of the structure of E. coli KDO8P synthase, which has 93% sequence identity to the enzyme from S. typhimurium.
The challenge of electronic services librarianship

The evolution of technology in libraries is causing more technically oriented professionals to join the library profession. Having an electronic services librarian has become a hallmark of the electronic age. Many imaginative but similar job titles appear in library employment advertisements: “Network Services Librarian,” “Reference and Electronic Information Services Librarian,” “Electronic Information and Multimedia Librarian,” “Information Integrator.” Why is this new field in librarianship so popular? What are the requirements to be an “electronic services librarian?” What will their future be like? Is this new professional the answer to all new library technology developments? This article examines these questions and explores the problems in this emerging position by analyzing the experience of one academic library.
Differential regulation of fibrinogen γ chain splice isoforms by interleukin-6

Introduction Fibrinogen is a major structural protein in blood clots, and is also a well-known acute phase reactant. The γ chain gene of fibrinogen has two alternative splice variants, γA and γ' chains. γ' fibrinogen constitutes about 7% of total fibrinogen. Total fibrinogen levels and γ' fibrinogen levels have been associated with cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms regulating the production of the two isoforms are unknown. Several inflammatory cytokines are known to influence the production of total fibrinogen, but the role of cytokines in the production of γ' fibrinogen has not been examined. However, epidemiologic studies have shown an association between γ' fibrinogen levels and inflammatory markers in humans.
White Normativity: The Cultural Dimensions of Whiteness in a Racially Diverse LGBT Organization:

This article builds on examinations of whiteness in organizations by considering how white normativity—or the often unconscious and invisible ideas and practices that make whiteness appear natural and right—is sustained even in organizations that are attentive to structural factors. Based on two years of ethnographic fieldwork, this article critically examines the racial identity and culture of the Center, a Los Angeles lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) organization with a national reputation for multiculturalism, a visible presence of people of color in leadership, and a staff of more than 50 percent people of color. Despite these indicators of racial diversity, the organization also maintained a local reputation among queer people of color as the white LGBT organization in Los Angeles. The author demonstrates that the Center's formal and public attempts to build and proclaim a racially diverse collective identity, along with its reliance on mainstream diversity frames available in the broad...
Effects of suspended sediment characteristics and bed sediment transport on streambed clogging

Fine sediment deposition in streambeds can reduce pore water fluxes and the overall rate of hyporheic exchange, producing deleterious effects on benthic and hyporheic ecological communities. To increase understanding of the factors that control the reduction of hyporheic exchange by fine sediment deposition, we conducted experiments in a laboratory flume to observe changes in the rates of solute exchange and kaolinite clay deposition as substantial amounts of kaolinite accumulated in the streambed. Two long-term experiments were conducted, with durations of 14 days and 29 days. Use of a laboratory flume system allowed steady stream flow conditions to be maintained throughout both experiments, and alternating injections of known quantities of kaolinite and a sodium chloride tracer were used to assess the effect of clay accumulation on hyporheic exchange directly. In the first experiment, there was no bed sediment transport and kaolinite deposition formed a highly clogged near-surface layer that greatly reduced hyporheic exchange. Application of a fundamental model for advective hyporheic exchange indicated that the effective permeability and porosity of the streambed decreased substantially during the course of the experiment. In the second experiment, the kaolinite was prepared with different surface properties to be more mobile, and the experiment was conducted with a small degree of bed sediment transport. As a result, no distinct clogged layer developed, and the rate of hyporheic exchange was found to remain approximately constant throughout the experiment (29 days). These results indicate that increasing fine sediment loads, e.g. those that occur from changes in land use, can have substantially different impacts on hyporheic exchange and associated ecological processes depending on the stream flow conditions, the rate and frequency of bed sediment transport, and the extent of interaction of the introduced fines with bed sediments. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition protects cultured cerebellar granule neurons from glutamate-mediated cell death.

Primary insults to the brain can initiate glutamate release that may result in excitotoxicity followed by neuronal cell death. This secondary process is mediated by both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors in vivo and requires new gene expression. Neuronal cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) expression is upregulated following brain insults, via glutamatergic and inflammatory mechanisms. The products of COX2 are bioactive prostanoids and reactive oxygen species that may play a role in neuronal survival. This study explores the role of neuronal COX2 in glutamate excitotoxicity using cultured cerebellar granule neurons (day 8 in vitro). Treatment with excitotoxic concentrations of glutamate or kainate transiently induced COX2 mRNA (two- and threefold at 6 h, respectively, p < 0.05, Dunnett) and prostaglandin production (five- and sixfold at 30 min, respectively, p < 0.05, Dunnett). COX2 induction peaked at toxic concentrations of these excitatory amino acids. Surprisingly, NMDA, L-quisqualate, and trans-...
Water soluble σ-bonded organochromium compounds; unsubstit utedand substituted dichlorotris(pyridine)benzylchromium(III) complexes

Abstract The crystalline water-soluble, σ-bonded dichlorotris(pyridine)benzylchromium(III), dichlorotris(pyridine)(o-chlorobenzyl)chromium(III) and dichlorotris(pyridine)(p-chlorobenzyl)chromium(III) complexes have been isolated from the reaction of dichlorobis(pyridine)chromium(II) and the appropriate benzyl halides in pyridine solution. Solvated monobenzylchromium dichloride, prepared by the Grignard route, is converted with water to the penta-aquobenzylchromium(III) cation and with pyridine to the crystalline dichlorotris(pyridine)benzylchromium(II). The crystalline monobenzylchromium compound acts both as a source of benzyl anions and as a source of benzyI radicals.
Alkalinization of the intralysosomal pH by clindamycin and its effects on neutrophil function

Clindamycin is concentrated within human neutrophils and their lysosomes because the intralysosomal pH is highly acidic and this antibiotic behaves as a weak base. We have examined the ability of clindamycin to buffer (alkalinize) the intralysosomal pH and studied the consequences of alterations of lysosomal pH on neutrophil functions. At therapeutic concentrations of clindamycin (0.01 mM), we observed no effect on intralysosomal pH as monitored by the distribution and fluorescence of a weakly basic fluorescent probe 9-aminoacridine. However, at higher concentrations (1.0 mM), clindamycin alkalinized the intralysosomal pH and inhibited neutrophil lysosomal degranulation to several stimuli, and superoxide production in response to phorbol myristate acetate. Neutrophil locomotion was unaffected even at concentrations of clindamycin which increased the intralysosomal pH. We conclude that clindamycin accumulates in acidic neutrophil lysosomes and, at high concentrations, alkalinizes the intralysosomal pH. Coincident with lysosomal alkalinization there is inhibition of secretion and respiratory burst activity suggesting that intact lysosomal pH regulation is important for these functions. Clindamycin provides a useful tool to examine the relationships between weak base uptake, lysosomal pH and neutrophil functions.
Creating Democratic Learning Communities: Transformative Work as Spatial Practice

The focus of this article revolves around democratic learning communities and the work of P–12 teachers and educational leaders as spatialized practice. Through a critical pragmatic lens, we explore what is necessary to transform the social space of contemporary schools into democratically practiced places of learning for teachers: democratic learning communities. The importance of democratizing social space for learning is examined in relation to developing faculty learning communities. The transformation occurs when learning communities of inquiry and practice are engaged in social discourse concerned with generating new knowledge while critically examining existing knowledge in relation to existing social practices. Extending how educators think about faculty learning communities in schools as a form of spatialized practice, Dewey's ideas of democratic education are accepted as a basis for reconceptualizing the social space within the school as a democratically practiced place.
Mulitlayer Cloud Detection in the MODIS Collection 5 Cloud Product

Multilayer cloud detection using, in part, a water vapor absorption band at 0.94 µm has been implemented in the recent MODIS Collection 5 processing stream. Evaluation with active sensor(s) will be discussed.
Epidemiology of head and neck cancer in the United States.

BackgroundCancer rates of the head and neck are traditionally linked to public health issues.ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of head and neck cancer in the United States.Design and SettingNational Cancer Institute's Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. RESULTS: A total of 75,000 cases of head and neck cancer were diagnosed in 2001. Incidence is rising in thyroid (up 52%), bone (43%) soft tissues (20%), salivary (20%), tongue (16%), tonsil (12%), and nose (12%). Incidence is falling in lip (down 58%), hypopharynx (35%), cervical esophagus (32%), oropharyngeal mucosa (26%), and larynx (26%). There were 30,000 deaths from head and neck cancer in 2001. Mortality has decreased to some degree at all sites except thyroid where it was stable.ConclusionMany head and neck cancers have changing incidence and mortality rates contrary to expected changes given trends in public health issues. Further investigation of risk factors, diagnostic practices, and management strategies is warranted.E...
Preference and belief: Ambiguity and competence in choice under uncertainty

We investigate the relation between judgments of probability and preferences between bets. A series of experiments provides support for the competence hypothesis that people prefer betting on their own judgment over an equiprobable chance event when they consider themselves knowledgeable, but not otherwise. They even pay a significant premium to bet on their judgments. These data connot be explained by aversion to ambiguity, because judgmental probabilities are more ambiguous than chance events. We interpret the results in terms of the attribution of credit and blame. The possibility of inferring beliefs from preferences is questioned.1
Alcohol exposure during the first two trimesters equivalent alters granule cell number and neurotrophin expression in the developing rat olfactory bulb.

Although alcohol has been shown to affect brain development adversely, the underlying mechanism of alcohol's actions are poorly understood. The present study addressed the hypothesis that alcohol affects growth factor availability during critical periods of neural growth by measuring the mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a potent developmental growth factor. Multiple offspring of timed-pregnant rat dams given alcohol (6.0 g/kg per day) or control treatments during gestation were sacrificed at either embryonic (E) day 21 or E33 (usually postnatal day 10) when their olfactory bulbs were processed for molecular analyses or neuron counting. BDNF mRNA levels were measured by reverse-transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and DNA methylation of the BDNF gene was quantified by Southern blot analyses following digestion with methylation-sensitive enzymes. Estimates of total granule cell number were obtained by counting those cells using unbiased stereological techniques. There was a significant decrease in BDNF mRNA levels in the alcohol-exposed offspring of both ages compared with controls. In addition, the number of olfactory bulb granule cells significantly decreased in the E33 but not the E21 rat pups exposed to alcohol compared with their appropriate aged controls. Finally, BDNF DNA of alcohol-exposed animals was less susceptible to digestion with the methylation-sensitive enzyme HpaII compared with controls, suggesting that the DNA of the alcohol exposed pups was hypermethylated. Our results indicate that exposure to alcohol during early brain development in the rat, a period equivalent to the first two trimesters in humans, can have a detrimental effect on normal development of the olfactory bulb by reducing the number of BDNF-synthesizing neurons. Although the exact mechanism for the alcohol-induced neuronal loss is unknown, the inappropriate transcription of the BDNF gene is one mechanism that may account for the complexity of effects observed in offspring exposed to heavy alcohol exposurein utero. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 41: 414–423, 1999
NMR analysis of γ-radiation induced degradation of halthane-88 polyurethane elastomers

Abstract We report 1 H and 13 C NMR analysis of changes in chain dynamics in a polyurethane elastomer system, Halthane 88-3, caused by exposure to 1.2 MeV gamma radiation from a Co-60 source. 1 H NMR relaxation measurements clearly discriminate between interfacial, soft segment, and sol domains in the polymer. The 1 H T 2 of the interfacial domain and the soft segment domain increased with the increased dose of γ -radiation. 13 C CPMAS experiments also show that the hard segment domain remained unchanged up to cumulative dose of 100 kGray. The 1 H and 13 C NMR results strongly suggest that the Halthane 88-3 elastomer undergoes chain scission, primarily in the long chains that make up the soft segments of the polymer. The NMR results are compared to results from DMA and a direct correlation between observables has been demonstrated.
Earth's Gravity Field: Relation to Global Tectonics

An improved solution for the gravity field shows ocean rises, as well as trench and island arcs, as mass excesses. Ocean basins, areas of recent glaciation, and the Asian portion of the Alpide belt are mass deficiencies. Most features appear interpretable as varying behavior of the lithosphere in response to asthenospheric flow.
Human immunoglobulins with a1 allotypic determinants of rabbit inuminoglobulin heavy chains

ALLOTYPIC genetic variations in the variable (V) part of immunoglobulin (Ig) chains have been clearly identified only in the domestic rabbit. Three allotypic specificities, a1, a2 and a3, controlled by allelic genes, a1, a2 and a3, at the a locus, are present on the variable region of heavy chains of all classes (IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE)1–3. These allotypic specificities reflect multiple amino acid differences in the V region of Ig heavy chains4.
Population Fluctuations in Complex Life Cycles: An Example From Pemphigus Aphids

The population dynamics of organisms with complex life cycles are rarely examined due to the number of potentially interacting variables. Experimental manipulations of conditions and long—term data on abundances were used to investigate the bases of year—to—year fluctuations in population size in the aphid Pemphigus betae, which has a complex life cycle. Spring generations may live in leaf galls on cottonwood trees, whereas summer generations obligately inhabit roots of herbaceous Rumex and Chenopodium species. Experimental manipulation of irrigation levels of root colonies in both field and garden experiments showed that soil moisture affects aphid survival and reproduction on roots. The importance of this single factor in governing population size is further supported by 6 yr of gall—density and weather data showing a strong relationship between gall abundance and the amount of rainfall the previous season. Censuses of autumn migrants arriving at cottonwoods during three of these years corroborate this. Thus, weather affects success on summer hosts and consequently determines numbers of migrants returning to cottonwoods and gall abundances during the subsequent spring. This study demonstrates that conditions during one phase of a complex life cycle may largely determine the population size of future generations using alternate niches.
The relationship of feed and water deprivation to greenish gizzard mucous membrane and contents in chickens.

Abstract DIXON (1963) observed greenish gizzard mucous membranes and contents in broilers in slaughter houses and believed the incidence was related to feed and water deprivation during shipping. When greenish gizzard mucous membranes and contents were observed by the authors during the course of a feed and water deprivation experiment, these lesions were deemed worthy of a special study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 70 individually caged White Leghorn hens, 40 were given water but no feed, 10 feed but no water, and 20 hens ad libitum feed and water. Of the 40 chickens receiving water but no feed, 5 were killed for examination after 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 24, and 48 hours of treatment. Five hen groups of those receiving feed but no water were examined after 24 and 48 hours, and of those receiving feed and water ad libitum after 6, 10, 24, and 48 hours of treatment… .
Isolated adrenal hematoma presenting as acute right upper quadrant pain.

Abstract Background: Adrenal hematoma is an infrequent occurrence in the setting of adult trauma care. It is typically associated with diffuse abdominal injury, and its presence is commonly correlated with high injury severity and mortality. Objectives: To discuss the recognition of adrenal hematoma as a cause of right upper quadrant pain. Case Report: We present the case of a 23-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute right upper quadrant pain after blunt trauma to the area; he was initially diagnosed with an abdominal contusion with an incidental adrenal adenoma. After experiencing continued pain for 2 days, the patient returned to the ED for re-evaluation. Subsequent imaging revealed that the adrenal mass had enlarged, and it was determined that this patient had suffered an acute adrenal hematoma. The lesion was determined to be self-limited and the patient was treated with supportive care. Follow-up images 8 weeks later revealed resolution of the hematoma and the patient reported complete resolution of symptoms. We also discuss adrenal hematoma in the trauma setting and explain that in our patient, given the clinical scenario and statistical evidence, an initial diagnosis of adrenal hematoma should be favored over abdominal contusion with incidental adenoma. Conclusion: We describe a case of a traumatic isolated adrenal hematoma that presents acutely as right upper quadrant pain. This unusual presentation highlights the need for recognition of the adrenal gland as a potential cause of right upper quadrant pain in the trauma setting.
Introduction to Paper by G. James Blaine, D.Sc. et al, “PACS Workbench at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology—1983”

IT HAS BEEN ASTOUNDING to witness the two-decade computing evolution, which increased processing power, communications bandwidth, and storage capacity while reducing costs. Most of the technology limitations that challenged our early development of picture archiving and communications system (PACS) development have been dissolved. Our quest for modular components has been partially facilitated by the developments of DICOM v3 and more recently by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) initiative to address the integration of the healthcare environment (IHE). While many of the commercial systems are still limited in their ability to be tailored to support the radiologist’s need for specialized workflow, adoption of the IHE technical framework holds promise. As in the PACS Workbench experiments, we still find it is essential to have tools to measure image flow, queue arrival times, and queue departure times in order to understand the bounds and performance of our installed commercial systems. The dynamic display of performance metrics, missing in many systems today, continues to be required to enable the “measured, scientific approach” that we sought in our original implementations.
Sol-Gel Preparation of Composites of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) with SiO2 and SiO2/TiO2, and Their Mechanical Properties.

Composites of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) with silica and silica-titania mixed oxides have been successfully prepared using the sol–gel hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). In the study of the hydrolysis and sol–gel transition reaction, it was found that co-condensation between TEOS and PDMS was the dominant reaction under the chosen conditions, and that most of the PDMS was thereby incorporated in the SiO2 network. The presence of PDMS during the sol–gel reaction was found to greatly shorten the gelation time of the system. The most striking change in mechanical properties of composites with high inorganic content is the marked improvement in impact strength, arising from the existence of energy-absorbing ductile processes. In the case of high PDMS content, the thermal stability of polymer can be improved by the presence of the in-situ precipitated ceramic phases.
A field theory of neural nets. II. Properties of the field equations.

The field equation derived in Part I (Griffith,Bull. Math. Biophysics,25, 111–120, 1963a) is examined further. The stability of critical solutions is investigated and it is shown that, at least in certain cases, general solutions tend toward critical solutions. The relationship between the present field theory and a conventional matrix formulation is derived.
EPR and saturation transfer EPR spectra at high microwave field intensities

Abstract The eight unique EPR signals at the first and second harmonies of the Zeeman modulation are sensitive to the very slow rotational diffusion of spin labeled biomolecules when these signals are recorded under conditions of microwave saturation and finite Zeeman modulation frequencies and amplitudes. Such saturation transfer sensitive spectra have been employed to study contractile proteins, hemoproteins, enzymes, etc. When these species or their supramolecular complexes are characterized by correlation times in the range 10 −8 to 10 −3 s. Published computer simulation reproduce quite well spectra at the longer correlation times and the general sensitivity of spectra to changing rotational correlation time; however, agreement between experimental and calculated spectral shapes is poor for rotational correlation time on the order of 10 −7 s and the dependence of experimental spectra upon microwave field intensity is not reproduced. In the present communication we show that the previously reported discrepancy between experimental and calculated spectra is due to the neglect of higher order cou magnetic interactions modulated by the molecular motion and involving the spin-microwave field interaction. When these “pseudodiagonal” terms of the spin density equation are explicitly included, experimental spectral lineshapes, spectral line positions, and the ratios of amplitudes of the various signal components are quantitatively reproduced. Plots of the ratios of the heights of the high and low field spectral extrema suggest a procedure for calibrating microwave field intensities as these ratios are found experimentally and theoretically to be nearly a linear function of microwave field intensity for intensities in the range 0.15 to 0.5 G. The separation of low and high field extrema was observed to increase with increasing microwave field intensity, suggesting the need to carefully consider saturation effects when determining rotational correlation times from this separation.
Synthetic biology with surgical precision: targeted reengineering of signaling proteins

Abstract The complexity of living systems exceeds everything else studied by natural sciences. Sophisticated networks of intimately intertwined signaling pathways coordinate cellular functions. Clear understanding how the integration of multiple inputs produces coherent behavior is one of the major challenges of cell biology. Integration via perfectly timed highly regulated protein–protein interactions and precise targeting of the “output” proteins to particular substrates is emerging as a common theme of signaling regulation. This often involves specialized scaffolding proteins, whose key function is to ensure that correct partners come together in an appropriate place at the right time. Defective or faulty signaling underlies many congenital and acquired human disorders. Several pioneering studies showed that ectopic expression of existing proteins or their elements can restore functions destroyed by mutations or normalize the signaling pushed out of balance by disease and/or current small molecule–based therapy. Several recent studies show that proteins with new functional modalities can be generated by mixing and matching existing domains, or via functional recalibration and fine–tuning of existing proteins by precisely targeted mutations. Using arrestins as an example, we describe how manipulation of individual functions yields signaling–biased proteins. Creative protein redesign generates novel tools valuable for unraveling the intricacies of cell biology. Engineered proteins with specific functional changes also have huge therapeutic potential in disorders associated with inherited or acquired signaling errors.
Influence of molecular variations of ionophore and lipid on the selective ion permeability of membranes: II. A theoretical model.

The steady-state electrical properties induced by neutral carriers of ions in lipid bilayer membranes and the time dependence of the membrane current for low applied voltages are described theoretically in terms of a model which allows for a voltage dependence of the interfacial reactions, as well as for a trapezoidal shape of the internal free energy barrier for translocation of the complex. The basic features of the model are closely related to those of others presented previously (J.E. Hall, C.A. Mead & G. Szabo, 1973,J. Membrane Biol. 11:75; S.B. Hladky, 1974,Biochim. Biophys. Acta 352:71; S.B. Hladky, 1975,Biochim. Biophys. Acta 375:327; Eisenman, Krasne & Ciani, 1975,Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 264:34), but the analysis of its consequences on the steady-state and nonsteady-state electrical characteristics is given here in greater detail and is extended to provide the expression for the zero-current potential in ionic gradients. It is shown that parameters, such as the width of the trapezoidal barrier, the plane of the reaction and the ratio of the rate constant of translocation across the membrane interior to the rate constant of dissociation of the complex, can be deduced from steady-state analysis, whereas the individual values of these constants and the distance between the equilibrium positions of the complexes are deducible from relaxation measurements.
Interactions of colloidal particles with complex ions and polymers

The lecture represented a review of the work done in the author’s laboratory dealing with the behavior of a variety of submicronic particles in the presence of simple and complex ions, surface active agents, polyelectrolytes and polymers. Experimentally, the stability of colloidal sols, which can be readily followed by optical methods, was investigated as a function of the composition of the electrolyte environments. This approach offers a number of advantages when the evaluation of solid-solute interactions is attempted. By selecting various colloidal sols one can study the interactions of counterions with particles of different surface properties, such as the charge density, type and concentration of stabilizing ions, degree of solvation, surface ionization, etc.
High-Q ZBLAN microcavities for mid-infrared applications

We have demonstrated a simple and reliable method for fabricating high-Q WGM (Whispering Gallery Mode) optical microcavities in “mid-IR relevant” ZBLAN glasses. Intrinsic quality factors of 107 have already been demonstrated.
Temperature sensitivity of flocculation induction, conjugation and sporulation in fission yeast

Homothallic cultures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, anaerobically grown to stationary phase in broth at 32°C, were induced by aeration to flocculate. Flocculation was followed by copulation, conjugation, zygote formation, meiosis and sporulation. Cultures grown to stationary phase at 32°C and then aerated at 37°C did not sporulate. Grown to stationary phase at 37°C, cultures were not immediately inducible when aerated at 32°C. To identify which events in the developmental sequence were thermosensitive, we grew and induced cultures at 32°C and then shifted them at various times to 37°C. We observed the following events to be thermosensitive: development of respiratory sufficiency, readiness (inducibility of a culture within 1 h), flocculation induction, copulation, conjugation and early sporulation (including meiosis). Respiration, flocculation and spore maturation were thermoresistant. Conjugation-induced lysis and post-developmental deflocculation were enhanced at 37°C.
Learning to identify crowded letters: does it improve reading speed?

Crowding, the difficulty in identifying a letter embedded in other letters, has been suggested as an explanation for slow reading in peripheral vision. In this study, we asked whether crowding in peripheral vision can be reduced through training on identifying crowded letters, and if so, whether these changes will lead to improved peripheral reading speed. We measured the spatial extent of crowding, and reading speeds for a range of print sizes at 10° inferior visual field before and after training. Following training, averaged letter identification performance improved by 88% at the trained (the closest) letter separation. The improvement transferred to other untrained separations such that the spatial extent of crowding decreased by 38%. However, averaged maximum reading speed improved by a mere 7.2%. These findings demonstrated that crowding in peripheral vision could be reduced through training. Unfortunately, the reduction in the crowding effect did not lead to improved peripheral reading speed.
Angiotensin II receptors from peritransplantation through first-year post-transplantation and the risk of transplant coronary artery disease.

AbstractObjectives: We evaluated whether the angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors from perioperation through one-year post-transplantation predict the transplant coronary artery disease (TCAD) progres...
Light and Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Hydrogen Ion-Induced Brain Necrosis

Excessive accumulation of hydrogen ions in the brain may play a pivotal role in initiating the necrosis seen in infarction and following hyperglycemic augmentation of ischemic brain damage. To examine possible mechanisms involved in hydrogen ion-induced necrosis, sequential structural changes in rat brain were examined following intracortical injection of sodium lactate solution (pH 4.5), as compared with injections at pH 7.3. Following pH 7.3 injection, neuronal swelling developed between 1 and 6 h, but only a needle track wound surrounded by a thin rim of necrotic neurons and vacuolated neuropil was present 24 h after injection. In contrast, pH 4.5 injection produced neuronal necrosis as soon as 1 h after injection, followed by necrosis of astrocytes and intravascular thrombi at 3 and 6 h. Alterations common to both groups included vascular permeability to horseradish peroxidase, dilation of extracellular spaces, astrocyte swelling, capillary compression, and vascular stasis. These data suggest that neurons, astrocytes, and endothelia can be directly damaged by increased acid in the interstitial space. Lethal injury initially appeared to affect neurons, while subsequent astrocyte necrosis and vascular occlusion may damage tissue by secondary ischemia.
α1-Adrenoceptor subtypes and the regulation of peripheral hemodynamics in the conscious rat

The peripheral hemodynamic effects of SZL-49, a prazosin analog capable of selectively inactivating the alpha 1a-adrenoceptor subtype, was evaluated in the conscious rat. One hour after SZL-49 administration, total peripheral vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure significantly decreased and cardiac output and heart rate increased. Twenty-four hours after SZL-49, blood pressure returned to control preinjection levels while peripheral resistance remained decreased and cardiac output and heart rate were elevated. The phenylephrine dose-response curves for mean arterial blood pressure and total peripheral vascular resistance were shifted to the right but the maximal responses were not decreased. These data show that the alpha 1a receptor plays a role in the tonic maintenance of arterial blood pressure. The alpha 1b receptor appears to participate in the response to exogenously administered agonists.
Neoaplectana parasitism of larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella

Abstract The infective stage of the neoaplectanid nematode DD-136 enters the alimentary tract of Galleria mellonella via the mouth. After exsheathing in the crop or midgut of the host, the third-stage juveniles penetrate through the wall of the midgut, apparently by mechanical means, and enter the hemocoel. As the nematode transforms into a parasitic third-stage juvenile, cells of the bacterium Achromobacter nematophilus are released from the lumen of the anterior portion of the nematode's intestine and escape through the anus into the hemocoel. Initial defense reactions against some of the nematodes immediately after entry are insufficient to ward off the attack. Before the death of the insect, the developing nematodes invade the fat tissue, Malpighian tubules, silk glands, and muscle tissue of the host. All of these tissues, along with the midgut epithelium, show signs of disintegration before death of the host.
Multiple inquiry in the validation of writing tests

Abstract In social-science research and in program evaluation, multimethod designs are well known, but few have been applied in the validation of writing tests. Yet there are good reasons to evaluate a testing program along many measures: to be of use to a variety of stakeholders, to be sensitive to the presence of conflicting perspectives, to seek convergent findings among studies with different biases, and to probe a social context that is complex, fluid, and provisional. At Washington State University, validation of the writing-placement examination system followed multiple-inquiry lines, and therefore stands as a test case. Analysis of the findings from WSU shows the value of multiple studies to different groups: to the students, both native and nonnative speakers of English, both transfer and non-transfer; to the writing-course teachers; to the other faculty on campus; to the cross-campus corps of raters; to the chairs and heads of programs; and to the board of regents. In multiple inquiry, a key role is the writing-program administrator, who probably should be included on any validation team. Although multiple inquiry proved sometimes problematic at Washington State, it also proved unusually productive of recommendations for improvement.
Tritium labeling of proteins with 3H-chloroform

Abstract The technique of labeling proteins with high specific activity 3 HCCl 3 , reported by Saunders et al. {J. Am. Chem. Soc., 89 , 472 (1967)}, was applied to L-alanyl-L-alanine. The non-exchangeable tritium associated with the dipeptide was lost upon acid hydrolysis. THe major portion of tritium label cannot, therefore, result from reactions whereby a hydrogen atom on the peptide is replaced by a tritium atom. Evidence is presented for the formation of an α- and/or N- 3 H-dichloromethyl peptide from reaction of ·C 3 HCl 2 and a peptide radical.
Neutron capture by light nuclei at astrophysical energies

Results obtained in the studies of radiative neutron capture on light nuclei at thermal and astrophysical energies are reviewed. The capture reactions in question are part of the primordial nucleosynthesis reaction chain underlying formation and development of the Universe. The reactions are treated within the potential cluster model with orbital states of clusters classified by Young diagrams. It is demonstrated that the intercluster potentials obtained from the phase shift analysis and description of the main characteristics of bound nuclear states in cluster channels can be used for the analysis of radiative capture characteristics.
Generalized Ginzburg-Landau theory of pseudo-one-dimensional systems

A generalized Ginzburg-Landau theory is suggested to describe the phase transition of an array of weakly coupled pseudo-one-dimensional chains. Using a mean-field approximation, the coupled-chain problem is reduced to that of a single chain in an effective field. The finite-range correlations which develop along the chain are treated using exact one-dimensional solutions. The results obtained are then used to construct a generalized Ginzburg-Landau theory. We argue that this approach provides a means of treating the remaining slowly varying long-range fluctuations. Results are given for a variety of arrays consisting of Ising, classical Heisenberg, real and complex ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{4}$ chains.
Interactions and aggregation of apoferritin molecules in solution: effects of added electrolytes.

Abstract We have studied the structure of the protein species and the protein–protein interactions in solutions containing two apoferritin molecular forms, monomers and dimers, in the presence of Na + and Cd 2+ ions. We used chromatographic, and static and dynamic light scattering techniques, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Size-exclusion chromatography was used to isolate these two protein fractions. The sizes and shapes of the monomers and dimers were determined by dynamic light scattering and AFM. Although the monomer is an apparent sphere with a diameter corresponding to previous x-ray crystallography determinations, the dimer shape corresponds to two, bound monomer spheres. Static light scattering was applied to characterize the interactions between solute molecules of monomers and dimers in terms of the second osmotic virial coefficients. The results for the monomers indicate that Na + ions cause strong intermolecular repulsion even at concentrations higher than 0.15M, contrary to the predictions of the commonly applied Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory. We argue that the reason for such behavior is hydration force due to the formation of a water shell around the protein molecules with the help of the sodium ions. The addition of even small amounts of Cd 2+ changes the repulsive interactions to attractive but does not lead to oligomer formation, at least at the protein concentrations used. Thus, the two ions provide examples of strong specificity of their interactions with the protein molecules. In solutions of the apoferritin dimer, the molecules attract even in the presence of Na + only, indicating a change in the surface of the apoferritin molecule. In view of the strong repulsion between the monomers, this indicates that the dimers and higher oligomers form only after partial denaturation of some of the apoferritin monomers. These observations suggest that aggregation and self-assembly of protein molecules or molecular subunits may be driven by forces other than those responsible for crystallization and other phase transitions in the protein solution.
Nisoxetine infusion into the olfactory bulb enhances the capacity for male rats to identify conspecifics.

Abstract In the present report, the norepinephrine uptake inhibitor nisoxetine as well as a cocktail of nisoxetine and the α-adrenergic receptor antagonist phentolamine were infused unilaterally into the olfactory bulb during microdialysis to assess their effects upon the capacity of male rats to identify conspecifics. A social discrimination test was conducted while simultaneously measuring olfactory bulb norepinephrine output in the dialysate before, during, and after behavioral testing. Nisoxetine significantly increased norepinephrine levels in the olfactory bulb compared with the Ringer’s solution control group. Following such increases in olfactory bulb norepinephrine, identification responses were enhanced compared with that observed in the Ringer’s control. In the presence of phentolamine, nisoxetine elevated olfactory bulb norepinephrine to levels similar to that obtained in the nisoxetine alone group, however, investigatory responses directed to the conspecifics indicated an absence of identification capacity similar to that observed in the Ringer’s control group. These results reveal a direct link between norepinephrine transmission in the olfactory bulb and enhanced identification via its activation of postsynaptic α-adrenergic receptors. These results also show that inhibition of norepinephrine uptake may represent an important mechanism involved with the enhancement of social identification and suggest a possible novel effect for the antidepressant nisoxetine.