cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fair Values, Comprehensive Income Reporting, and Bank Analysts' Risk and Valuation Judgments

We investigate whether the measurement and reporting of comprehensive income in financial statements systematically affects commercial bank equity analysts' investment risk assessments and valuation judgments. In an experiment in which 80 buy side analysts specializing in banking and financial institutions participated, we vary whether a bank is exposed to or hedged against interest rate risk across three different comprehensive income accounting regimes - piecemeal fair value accounting with comprehensive income reported in the statement of changes in equity, piecemeal fair value accounting with comprehensive income reported in a separate statement of performance, and full fair value accounting with comprehensive income reported in a separate statement of performance. When fair value changes are measured and reported on a piecemeal basis, we find no investment risk or valuation judgment differences across CI reporting regimes. Although we find that the analysts' investment risk judgments are influenced by the banks' risk management strategies, their valuation judgments are not. Only when fair value changes are measured completely and reported transparently (i.e., full fair value accounting) do analysts' valuation judgments distinguish between banks with different levels of risk. The study contributes to three avenues of literature concerned with financial-reporting transparency, risk, and fair value accounting. First, our ex ante evidence informs accounting standard setters as they evaluate whether to move to full fair value accounting for all financial instruments, and assess the degree to which differences in comprehensive income measurement and reporting affect the information analysts obtain from financial statements. Second, the study adds to the experimental accounting literature that examines comprehensive income reporting format effects and valuation judgments. Third, we add to archival accounting research on the information in comprehensive income by testing market participants' judgments under different comprehensive income reporting regimes, which cannot be directly investigated with archival data.
Caloric restriction eliminates the aging-related decline in NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits in the rat hippocampus and induces homeostasis.

Caloric restriction (CR) extends life span and ameliorates the aging-related decline in hippocampal-dependent cognitive function. In the present study, we compared subunit levels of NMDA and AMPA types of the glutamate receptor and quantified total synapses and multiple spine bouton (MSB) synapses in hippocampal CA1 from young (10 months), middle-aged (18 months), and old (29 months) Fischer 344×Brown Norway rats that were ad libitum (AL) fed or caloric restricted (CR) from 4 months of age. Each of these parameters has been reported to be a potential contributor to hippocampal function. Western blot analysis revealed that NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits in AL animals decrease between young and middle age to levels that are present at old age. Interestingly, young CR animals have significantly lower levels of glutamate receptor subunits than young AL animals and those lower levels are maintained across life span. In contrast, stereological quantification indicated that total synapses and MSB synapses are stable across life span in both AL and CR rats. These results indicate significant aging-related losses of hippocampal glutamate receptor subunits in AL rats that are consistent with altered synaptic function. CR eliminates that aging-related decline by inducing stable NMDA and AMPA receptor subunit levels.
Adiponectin and leptin trajectories in Mexican-American children from birth to 9 years of age.

Objectives: To address molecular mechanisms underlying obesity development, we examined patterns of critical metabolism-related hormones, adiponectin and leptin (adipokines), over childhood. Subjects and Design: Plasma adiponectin and leptin were measured in 80 Mexican-American children at birth and again at 2, 5, and 9 years from the ongoing prospective cohort followed by the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS). We used a mixture modeling approach to identify patterns in adipokine trajectories from birth to 9 years. Results: Leptin was positively related to child body size within all ages, however adiponectin had inverse and weaker associations with BMI at 2, 5, and 9 years. Correlations between adipokine levels over the 0–2, 2–5, and 5–9-year periods increased for both leptin (r=0.06, 0.31 and 0.62) and adiponectin (r=0.25, 0.41 and 0.46). Our mixture modeling approach identified three trajectory clusters for both leptin (1L [slowly-rising], 2L [rapidly-rising], and 3L [stable]) and adiponectin (1A [steep-dropping and rebounding], 2A [moderately-dropping], and 3A [stable]). While leptin groups were most separated over the 2–9-year period, adiponectin trajectories displayed greatest heterogeneity from birth to 2 years. Children in the rapidly-rising 2L group had highest BMI and waist circumference at 9 years. Further, children with greater birth weight had increased odds of belonging to this high risk group (OR=1.21 95% CI 1.03, 1.43, compared to stable group 3L). Children whose mothers consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages during pregnancy were at risk of being in the steep-dropping 1A group (OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.01, 1.17, compared to stable group 3A). Conclusion: Our results highlight developmental differences in leptin and adiponectin over the childhood period. Leptin closely reflects child body size however factors affecting adiponectin and long-term consequences of its changes over infancy need to be further explored.
The role of platelet-activating factor in lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial depression in guinea pigs

Abstract Purpose: To determine if platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a key mediator of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial depression in guinea pigs. Methods: Hartley guinea pigs of either sex received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of either vehicle (n = 45) or one of three chemically dissimilar PAF receptor antagonists (n = 38) followed 30 to 60 minutes later by IP injections of either saline (0.8 mL, n = 33) or LPS (2 to 4 mg/ kg, n = 50). Left atria (LA) were harvested 16 hours later, suspended in Krebs-Henseleit buffer and attached to force-displacement transducers. Starling and force-frequency curves, contractile function in the potentiated and resting states, and inotropic response to either isoproterenol or phenylephrine were measured. Results: LPS caused a significant reduction in LA contractile function. Two of the three PAF receptor antagonists failed to ameliorate LPS-induced alterations in cardiac function. The third antagonist, SR27417, was approximately 50% effective in preventing LA contractile dysfunction. However, this beneficial response appeared to be caused by a primary inotropic effect of SR27417 because LA from animals treated with SR27417 and saline showed significantly higher contractile function compared with LA from animals treated with vehicle and saline. In vitro tests confirmed this. Some LA from LPS-treated animals exhibited reduced contractile responses when in the potentiated state, a sign of impaired calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The response of LA from endotoxic animals to isoproterenol was unchanged compared with controls whereas it was markedly impaired to phenylephrine. Use of SR27417 failed to improve this abnormal response. Conclusions: PAF does not appear to be a primary mediator of LIPS-induced myocardial depression in guinea pigs. LPS may impair SR calcium release thereby causing cardiac dysfunction.
Distributed Capacitance Mictostructure in Conductors

A new model for distributed capacicance in a conduction medium is introduced as a system of local RC diffusion equations coupled by a global elliptic equation. This model contains the local geometry of the distributed capacitors on which charge is stored and the exchange of current flux on their interface with the medium. The resulting degenerate initial—boundary—value problem in shown to be well posed and certain singular limits are characterized.
Incommensurate spin resonance in URu2Si2

We propose to search for the spin resonance in URu{sub 2}Si{sub 2} at {omega}{sub res} = 4-6meV at the incommensurate wavector Q* = (1 {+-} 0.4, 0, 0). We expect that this spin resonance will set in at temperatures below HO transition and the intensity of this peak will scale as {approx} {Delta}{sub HO} {approx} (T{sub HO} - T). The resonance peak is know to occur in the states with superconducting gap and results in the gapping of the electronic spectrum add ref on SrruO and cel 15. In the case of HO the gap {Delta}{sub HO} results in the partially gapped electron spectrum. That appears to be a sufficient condition, as shown by Wiebe et al to produce a gap in spin excitation spectrum. In addition, we predict a peak in the spin excitation spectrum, as spectral weight redistribution produces the resonance feature. To the best of our knowledge, if the predicted resonance peak indeed occurs, it would be the first case where the spin resonance occurs at an incommensurate vector Q*.
Transfer of monosaccharide onto exogenous acceptors by mitochondrial glycosyl transferases.

Mitochondrial glycosyl transferase have been studied by the transfer of labeled monosaccharide from nucleotide monosaccharide onto exogenous acceptor glycoproteins prepared by serial removal of carbohydrate from collagen, fetuin and immunoglobulin G. Triton X-100 extracts of isolated mitochondria were used as enzyme source. Collagen minus glucose served as the best acceptor for the transfer of glucose from UDP-glucose; immunoglobulin G minus sialic acid, galactose, N-acetyl-glucosamine and mannose served as the best acceptor for mannose from GDP-mannose. The reaction has been studied for divalent cation requirement (glucosyl transfer is optimal with Mg2+; mannosyl transfer is optimal with Mn2+), temperature optima (30 °C) and pH optima (6.8). The data reveal some similarities and some differences between cytoplasmic and mitochondrial glycosyl transferases.
Poisoning with the north american jack o'lantern mushroom, Omphalotus illudens

Ingestion of Jack O'Lantern mushrooms by fourteen people led to vomiting in 8, diarrhea in 5, weakness in 2. Tiredness, the feeling of weakness and being cold occurred in 8. Recovery was complete within 18 hours.
Occurrence of generalized infection of enteric origin in mice poisoned with nitrogen mustard.

Summary1. Nine to 10 weeks old female mice, averaging 27 g in weight were injected intraperitoneally with 0.2 mg (approximately 7 mg per kilo = LD90) of nitrogen mustard (Methyl bis (β-chloroethyl) hydrochloride). Cultures of heart's blood and spleen of mice sacrificed for that purpose were made at daily intervals. 2. Bacteremia was found to be present in over 1/3 of the mice on the 5th, 6th and 7th days. A number of additional mice on these days (6-17%) showed positive cultures of spleen only. The species of bacteria recovered from blood and or spleen were all members of the normal intestinal flora, with the exception of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis murium. 3. Generalized infection of enteric origin seems to play a less important role as a cause of death in mice poisoned with nitrogen mustard than in mice subjected to moderate doses of total body x-radiation.
Stability of rotating shear flows in shallow water

Asymptotic methods are used to determine the dispersion equation for disturbances of rotating parallel flows in shallow water. From this equation the unstable modes and their growth rates are determined. The solution involves seven asymptotic expansions which are matched together. The results supplement and extend those which have been obtained previously using numerical methods by Griffiths, Killworth & Stern (1982) and by Hayashi & Young (1987)
Strong optical diffraction in a nematic liquid crystal with high nonlinearity

Quantitative results of measurements on multiorder diffraction of light from a laser-induced phase grating in a nematic liquid crystal with high optical nonlinearity are presented. Theoretical calculations using a nonperturbative approach show good agreement with experiment.
Sleep and other behaviours of the red kangaroo (Megaleia rufa).

Abstract Sleep processes and social behaviours of five red kangaroos were systematically observed. Behavioural REM sleep was distinguished from ‘normal’ sleep, and its percentage was inversely correlated with subject's age. Observed negative social interactions indicated that a rigid dominance hierarchy existed, and positive interactions were restricted to mother-joey relationships.
CHARGE LOCALIZATION AND STRIPES IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL THREE-BAND PEIERLS-HUBBARD MODEL

Using a two-dimensional three-band Peierls-Hubbard model appropriate to layered transition-metal oxides, and in an inhomogeneous Hartree-Fock approximation, we show that several kinds of charge-localized mesoscopic patterns (stripes) may exist: vertical site stripes, vertical zig-zag stripes, diagonal site stripes, and oxygen-centered stripes. A random-phase-approximation analysis reveals new phonon modes and intense low-energy spin excitations in these stripes. A softened phonon mode with momentum ({pi},0) in the oxygen-centered stripe may explain the anomalous phonons observed by neutron-scattering experiments in several cuprate superconductors. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Reduction of Nematode and Insect Damage to Potatoes by Band Application of Systemic Insecticides and Soil Fumigation

Four systemic insecticides and a fumigant were applied for control of nematodes and insects in potatoes. The insecticides carbofuran, aldicarb, Dasanit® ( 0,0 - diethyl O -[ p -(methylsulfinyl) phenyl] phosphorothioate), and disulfoton were applied in a band at planting time to 1 side of the row at the rate of 44.8 kg per hectare. This method of treatment was compared with preplanting fumigation with Telone® (mixed dichloropropenes) at the rate of 233.7 liters/hectare. Aldicarb and Telone reduced populations of meadow nematodes, Pratylenchus penetrans Cobb, 90% or more in soil to a depth of 30.5 cm. To a depth of 20.3 cm carbofuran gave 90% reduction in populations. Dasanit gave 80% reduction, and disulfoton reduced populations only 60%. Carbofuran gave protection to the untreated side of the row. Aldicarb, disulfoton, and Dasanit appeared to repel tobacco stunt nematodes, Tylenchorhynchus claytoni Steiner. At harvest time populations of meadow and tobacco stunt nematodes were 90% lower in Aldicarb plots and 60-80% lower in Telone and carbofuran plots than in untreated plots. Weekly applications of 1.12 kg per hectare of either endosulfan or carbaryl, used alternately, were made to all plots, including controls. When green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), became a problem, malathion was substituted for carbaryl. Aldicarb, Dasanit, and carbofuran reduced feeding by potato flea beetles. Epitrix cucumeris (Harris) 95% or more. Aldicarb and carbofuran decreased Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), damage more than 80%. All systemic insecticides reduced aphid damage in July, but in August Dasanit was less effective than the others. Aphid injury in early August was less severe on plants grown in Telone-treated soil than in untreated soil. Disease levels were low in all plots.
Mechanisms related to the cardioprotective effects of protein kinase C epsilon (PKC epsilon) peptide activator or inhibitor in rat ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The role of protein kinase C epsilon (PKC ɛ) in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-induced myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury and novel-related mechanisms, such as regulation of vascular endothelium nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) release from blood vessels, have not been previously evaluated. A cell-permeable PKC ɛ peptide activator (1–10 μM) significantly increased endothelial NO release from non-ischemic rat aortic segments (p < 0.01). By contrast, PKC ɛ peptide inhibitor (1–10 μM) dose-dependently decreased NO release (p < 0.01). Then, these corresponding doses of PKC ɛ activator or inhibitor were examined in MI/R. The PKC ɛ inhibitor (5 μM given during reperfusion, n = 6) significantly attenuated PMN-induced postreperfused cardiac contractile dysfunction and PMN adherence/infiltration (both p < 0.01), and expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; p < 0.05). By contrast, only PKC ɛ activator pretreated hearts (5 μM PKC ɛ activator given before ischemia (PT), n = 6), not PKC ɛ activator given during reperfusion (5 μM, n = 6) exerted significant cardioprotection (p < 0.01). Moreover, the NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, did not block the cardioprotection of PKC ɛ inhibitor, whereas it completely abolished the cardioprotective effects of PKC ɛ activator PT. In addition, PKC ɛ inhibitor (0.4 mg/kg) significantly decreased H2O2 release during reperfusion in a femoral I/R model (p < 0.01). Therefore, the cardioprotection of PKC ɛ inhibitor maybe related to attenuating ICAM-1 expression and H2O2 release during reperfusion. By contrast, the cardioprotective effects of PKC ɛ activator PT may be mediated by enhancing vascular endothelial NO release before ischemia.
Transoral surgical removal of a sialolith in the submandibular gland.

Abstract The literature and textbooks reveal minimal description of the transoral approach to the extirpation of a sialolith in the submandibular gland. The majority of the references to this procedure have described an extraoral surgical removal of the gland. This paper describes a transoral method for removal of the sialolith in cases where there is no evidence of pathologic degeneration of the gland.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOUNDARY SPANNING ROLES IN STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING [I]

The influence of boundary spanning roles on strategic decision-making was explored in a field study in fifteen organizations. Results support the importance of boundary spanning roles in the strategic decision-making process and the relationship of technology to the differential strategic decision-making influence of different boundary spanning roles.
Dephosphorylation of the two regulatory components of myosin phosphatase, MBS and CPI17.

Abstract Dephosphorylation of the two key regulatory factors of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP), CPI17 and MBS (myosin binding subunit) of MLCP was studied. While Thr38 phosphorylated CPI17 is quite susceptible to protein phosphatases, phosphorylated MBS was highly resistant to dephosphorylation. Type 2A, 2B and 2C protein phosphatases (PP2A, PP2B and PP2C), but not type 1 (PP1), dephosphorylated CPI17. The majority of the CPI17 phosphatase activity in smooth muscle was attributed to PP2A and PP2C. Phospholipids inhibited dephosphorylation of MBS and arachidonic acid (AA) inhibited PP2A activity against both MBS and CPI17, raising the possibility that AA favors the preservation of active MLCP. Consistently, while the phosphorylation of CPI17 was promptly decreased when the agonist was removed, the phosphorylation of MBS was unchanged in intact smooth muscle fiber. The results suggest that MBS phosphorylation mediated regulation of MLCP is not suitable for regulating rapid change in myosin phosphorylation. On the other hand, phosphorylated CPI17 is readily dephosphorylated thus likely to play a role in regulating fast phosphorylation–dephosphorylation cycle in cells.
Entry and exit of makes in the automobile industry, 1895–1960: An international comparison

Abstract The historical patterns of the entry and exit of makes in the automobile industries of France, Germany, Great Britain and the United States are examined. The findings, covering over 3000 makes of passenger vehicle, show great similarities in these patterns, despite the substantial inter-country differences in market size, economic conditions and institutional arrangements. The results justify the conclusion that the evolution of basic technologies, as described in a number of theoretical and empirical studies, is the most important force in shaping the long-term development of industries and markets.
Improved multiquadric method for elliptic partial differential equations via PDE collocation on the boundary

The multiquadric radial basis function (MQ) method is a recent meshless collocation method with global basis functions. It was introduced for discretizing partial differential equations (PDEs) by Kansa in the early 1990s. The MQ method was originally used for interpolation of scattered data, and it was shown to have exponential convergence for interpolation problems. In [1], we have extended the Kansa-MQ method to numerical solution and detection of bifurcations in 1D and 2D parameterized nonlinear elliptic PDEs. We have found there that the modest size nonlinear systems resulting from the MQ discretization can be efficiently continued by a standard continuation software, such as auto. We have observed high accuracy with a small number of unknowns, as compared with most known results from the literature. In this paper, we formulate an improved Kansa-MQ method with PDE collocation on the boundary (MQ PDECB): we add an additional set of nodes (which can lie inside or outside of the domain) adjacent to the boundary and, correspondingly, add an additional set of collocation equations obtained via collocation of the PDE on the boundary. Numerical results are given that show a considerable improvement in accuracy of the MQ PDECB method over the Kansa-MQ method, with both methods having exponential convergence with essentially the same rates.
Genetic and Behavioral Evidence for Restricted Gene Flow among Coastal Cutthroat Trout Populations

Abstract Using a genetic and tag–recapture study, we assessed the geographic scale of population structuring and dynamics of gene flow in collections of coastal cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki clarki in Washington State. Tests for genotypic differentiation at 10 microsatellite loci were significant for all pairwise comparisons among 10 collections from Hood Canal creeks separated by about 2–100 km. Similarly, F-statistic analogues indicated that low but significant population structure existed among the nine anadromous collections (ϑST = 0.030, ρST = 0.029). Results from tests for isolation by distance revealed significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances. Previously published genetic data at six common loci from 14 coastal cutthroat trout collections across Washington were incorporated for some additional analyses. When analyzing all 22 anadromous collections at the six common loci, estimates of population structure increased to 0.088 for ϑST and 0.081 for ρST. All collections wer...
Long-range persistence in climatological and hydrological time series: analysis, modeling and application to drought hazard assessment

We present power spectra of time-series data for tree ring width chronologies, atmospheric temperatures, river discharges and precipitation averaged over hundreds of stations worldwide. The average power spectrum S for each of these phenomena is found to have a power-law dependence on frequency with exponent −12 : S(f) ∝f−12. An advection-diffusion model of the vertical transport of heat and water vapor in the atmosphere is presented as a first-order model of climatic and hydrological variability. The model generates variability with the observed spectrum. The model is validated with a correlation analysis of temperature and water vapor concentration measurements from the TIROS operational vertical sounder (TOVS). Drought frequency analyses based on synthetic lognormal streamflows with the above power spectrum are presented. We show that the presence of long memory as implied by the power-law power spectrum has a significant effect on the likelihood of extended droughts compared with the drought hazard implied from standard autoregressive models with short memory.
Picosecond time-resolved absorption measurements on the excited singlet state of biphenylene

Abstract The photophysical behavior of biphenylene has been investigated employing picosecond time-resolved absorption measurements over the range 400–760 nm. The temporal behavior of the different absorption maxima suggest that the transient absorption results from two different configurations of biphenylene. It is estimated that the configuration changes within 15–30 ps after excitation. The lifetime of the relaxed emitting state of the compound is measured to be 245±15 ps.
A knowledge-based thinning algorithm

Abstract One common defect of thinning algorithms is deformation at crossing points. To solve this problem, a new thinning method, called the knowledge-based thinning algorithm (KBTA), is proposed. It first represents a binary pattern by coded run lengths of the horizontal line segments. Then the relationship between line segments is described quantitatively by another new algorithm which makes use of both forward and backward derivatives. It afterwards identifies the regions where branches of the pattern meet, then extracts their shape features and thins all of them. Knowing the identities of these regions, perfect skeletons can be obtained. Other regions are thinned by an existing algorithm which is based on contour generation. Experiments with a wide variety of binary patterns show that this new technique generates better skeletons than several other well-known algorithms.
Pre-pressurization effects on initiation of subcooled pool boiling during pressure and power transients

Abstract Evidence is presented demonstrating effects of pressure-temperature history on conditions for initiation of nucleate pool boiling in water under a range of conditions. Boiling phenomena were studied using platinum-wire heating elements. Element temperature, pressure or heat flux, and boiling initiation time were monitored during both increasing-power and decreasing-pressure transients. It was found that, if the system were subjected to highly subcooled (over-pressure) conditions prior to a transient, nucleate boiling was significantly suppressed. Results agree qualitatively with predictions of a model based on contact-angle hysteresis in movement of the liquid-vapor meniscus in a boiling nucleation site.
Density functional study of the conformers of Co4-based single-molecule magnet

We present a detailed density functional theory-based investigation on the geometry and electronic structure of the [Co4(hmp)4(MeOH)4Cl4] molecule. It is experimentally found to behave as a molecular magnet. The all-electron electronic structure calculations and geometry optimization of the 88-atom molecule were carried out within the generalized gradient approximation to the exchange correlation energy. We also study the electronic structures and geometries of a few low-lying conformers of this molecule. It is found that the magnetic anisotropy energy is highly sensitive to the geometric structure of the molecule. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 93: 324–331, 2003
Incorporating the Stages of Change Model in Solution Focused Brief Therapy With Non-Substance Abusing Families: A Novel and Integrative Approach

Both the Stages of Change Model (transtheoretical model [TTM]) and solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) are widely used when counseling substance abusing clients, and there is broad support in the literature to document their effectiveness. Likewise, SFBT has also been applied in the martial and family counseling setting with good results. The authors found no documentation in the literature integrating the TTM and SFBT as a therapeutic technique. As both models are widely used, accepted, and have been empirically validated, after reviewing the pertinent literature, the authors propose a methodology incorporating both the TTM and the SFBT when working with non-substance abusing clients and their families.
Dithiaporphyrin derivatives as photosensitizers in membranes and cells.

We synthesized a series of analogues of 5,20-diphenyl-10,15-bis(4-carboxylatomethoxy)phenyl-21,23-dithiaporphyrin (I) as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The photosensitizers differ in the length of the side chains that bind the carboxyl to the phenol at positions 10 and 15 of the thiaporphyrin. The spectroscopic, photophysical, and biophysical properties of these photosensitizers are reported. The structural changes have almost no effect on the excitation/emission spectra with respect to I's spectra or on singlet oxygen generation in MeOH. All of the photosensitizers have a very high, close to 1.00, singlet oxygen quantum yield in MeOH. On the contrary, singlet oxygen generation in liposomes was considerably affected by the structural change in the photosensitizers. The photosensitizers possessing short side chains (one and three carbons) showed high quantum yields of around 0.7, whereas the photosensitizers possessing longer side chains showed smaller quantum yield, down to 0.1...
Adenine Nucleoside 3′-Tetraphosphates Are Novel and Potent Inhibitors of Adenylyl Cyclases

Abstract 2′-Deoxyadenosine 3′-tetraphosphate (2′-deoxy-3′-A4P) and 2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine 3′-tetraphosphate (2′,5′-dideoxy-3′-A4P) were synthesized, and their effects were tested on crude and purified forms of native adenylyl cyclases isolated from brain. Syntheses combined the method of alkoxide activation with the use of tribromoethyl phosphoromorpholino-chloridate as an initial phosphorylating agent. Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase was rapid in onset. With 2′-d-3′-A4P or 2′,5′-dd-3′-A4P inhibition of a purified native enzyme conformed to a linear noncompetitive behavior with respect to substrate, metal-5′ATP. Order of potency was 2′,5′-dideoxy- > 2′-deoxyadenosine and 3′-tetraphosphate > 3′-triphosphate. Both mechanism of inhibition and rank order of potency were consistent with inhibition via the 3′-nucleotide-(P)-site on adenylyl cyclase. Neither 2′,5′-dd-3′-ATP nor 2′,5′-dd-3′-A4P had any effect on the activities of other adenosine nucleotide binding proteins such as Ca2+/calmodulin-sensitive cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, Na+/K+-ATPase, or cAMP-dependent protein kinase. With purified adenylyl cyclase from bovine brain 2′,5′-dd-3′-A4P and 2′-d-3′-A4P gave, respectively, IC50 values of 9.3 and 15 nm and Ki values of 23 and 53 nm. These 3′-nucleotides are the most potent regulators described for adenylyl cyclases.
Fundamental aspects of surface engineering of transition metal oxide photocatalysts

Many metal oxide photocatalysts exhibit strong variations in their photocatalytic activities as a function of their crystallographic surface orientation. In this Perspective possible fundamental reasons for the surface dependent photocatalytic properties are discussed. The majority of the data imply that the differing surface activities for photo-oxidation and -reduction reactions are mainly a consequence of electron and hole diffusion towards different surfaces. This is either due to directional charge carrier diffusion as a result of bulk anisotropies or it is a consequence of differing band bending (or flat band potentials) at the interface of the photocatalyst with its environment. Although the fundamental reason for the surface electronic structure must lie in the surface structure, no correlation between surface chemical properties and photochemical properties has yet been unambiguously determined. The importance of surface charge separation and charge trapping at the surface leads to new concepts for engineering surface properties with potentially increased photocatalytic activity. Consequently, enhancement can be achieved by synthesizing photocatalyst powders that expose surfaces with ‘naturally’ higher photoactivity; or in a proposed approach by modifying surfaces selectively with special surface phases or monolayer heterostructures that enhance charge separation at the surface. In addition, special surface phases with a narrowed band gap may enable visible light activity of otherwise only UV active bulk materials.
Does intramesorectal excision for ulcerative colitis impact bowel and sexual function when compared with total mesorectal excision

Abstract Background Proctectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) can be performed via intramesorectal (IME) or total mesorectal excision (TME). Methods We compared patient-reported bowel and sexual function among IME versus TME UC patients (September 2000 to March 2011) using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function scale, Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life, Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, Female Sexual Function Instrument, and International Index of Erectile Dysfunction surveys. Results Eighty-nine IME versus TME patients (35 ± 2 years, 57% male, 62% IME) had similar baseline characteristics, although IME patients had more open procedures (P ≤ .03). IME patients reported better fecal continence (P = .009) but similar fecal incontinence-related quality of life (P ≥ .44). For sexual function, there were no differences for either women (Female Sexual Function Instrument; P ≥ .20) or men (International Index of Erectile Dysfunction; P ≥ .22). Conclusions IME appears to be associated with better fecal continence but no difference in overall bowel or sexual function compared with TME in patients with UC.
Probing the chromoelectric and chromomagnetic dipole moments of the top quark at hadronic colliders.

We study the effects of the anomalous chromoelectric and chromomagnetic dipole moments of the top quark on top-pair production, on top-pair plus one jet production, and on their ratios, as well as their dependence on the transverse momenta of the top quark and the jet. We also construct {ital CP}-odd and {cflx {ital T}}-odd observables to probe the dispersive part of the chromoelectric form factor of the top quark, and compare their sensitivities in both top-pair and top-pair plus one jet production. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Interactions between mammals and pathogens: an introduction

The role of pathogens in the population dynamics of some mammals was considered and rejected as unimportant in the mid-20th century. In recent decades, exploration of interactions between mammals and their pathogens and of the importance of those interactions for population, community, and ecosystem dynamics has undergone a renaissance. This paper briefly introduces the topics discussed in this Special Feature and their importance in mammalian biology.
Exchange Rates, Market Structure, Prices and Imports*

Eighteen months after sizable declines in the US and Australian dollars in 1985, the trade accounts of both countries showed little improvement In some markets import prices failed to decline as expected Was this due to normal lags, or are there markets where exchange rate responses are limited? This paper analyzes the impact of firm behaviour and market structure on the sensitivity of import markets to exchange rate changes.
Don Quijote en el siglo XX: cuatro lecturas de escritores

Cervantes’ Don Quixote has produced a rich exegetical tradition since its publication four centuries ago. A long-standing reading tradition has described it as the foundation of the modern realist novel. An also well-established reading tradition, not necessarily opposed to the other one, has stressed an element of semiotic indeterminacy and instability of meaning as its major attribute. This article focuses on the readings of four twentieth-century writers: Miguel de Unamuno, Franz Kafka, Jorge Luis Borges, and Milan Kundera. How did these writers place themselves in relation to those reading traditions? In what ways do their texts interact with Cervantes’ novel and with the multiple elements it has to offer? This essay highlights aspects of Don Quixote that the readings of these four writers reveal, while at the same time reflecting on aspects of their own poetics that their readings serve to clarify.
The Family-of-Origin Scale: Discriminant Validity with Adult Children of Alcoholics.

Abstract The present study examined the discriminant validity of the Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS) with 60 self-defined adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and 64 undergraduate and graduate university students. The ACOAs obtained significantly lower scores on the 10 FOS subscales, two larger dimensions of Autonomy and Intimacy, and global score. A discriminant function correctly classified nearly 88% of the sample. The findings are generally compatible with theoretical and clinical writing about ACOAs and provide further psychometric support for the FOS as a clinical and research instrument.
Intraoperative cholangiography and postoperative pancreatitis.

Background: It has been suggested that intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) can cause postoperative pancreatitis. Methods: We studied the relationship between IOC and pancreatitis by reviewing the case histories of 500 patients (1992–97) who underwent cholecystectomy at our institution. In 82% of cases, the cholecystectomies were done laparoscopically, whereas, 7% were converted to an open procedure. An IOC was performed in 435/500, or 87%. During these studies, common bile duct (CBD) stones (or the possibility of a stone) were noted in 14% of the cases. An intraoperative CBD investigation was required in nine of 435 cases or 8.5%, while 28/435 (9.2%) underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Results: Follow-up was available in 90% of our patients (452/500). We found six cases of postoperative pancreatitis; only three of 452 (0.6%) occurred <1 year after cholecystectomy. None of these patients had a preoperative history of pancreatitis. In all six cases, there appeared to be an etiology for the pancreatitis unrelated to IOC. Conclusion: We could find no statistical association between IOC and postoperative pancreatitis. Postoperative pancreatitis is uncommon at our institution, where routine IOC is employed. Therefore, we conclude that IOC does not cause pancreatitis.
A method for determining filter spacing in assumed velocity filter banks

An implementation of the Chen equation is presented along with an expanded set of results. A number of important system tradeoffs, such as the number of filters as a function of the acceptable loss factor, is demonstrated. In order to accomplish this, a method is presented for computing the maximum speed or angular mismatch between a target and velocity filter for a given acceptable loss in SNR. This allows one to determine the radial and angular spacing of filters in a filter bank for the specified loss factor, and consequently the necessary number of filters to cover a given velocity space. This might be useful, not only for design of static filter banks, but even more so in dynamic environments with changing filter needs. >
Ultraviolet Radiation Intensity Predicts the Relative Distribution of Dermatomyositis and Anti-Mi-2 Autoantibodies in Women

Objective Because studies suggest that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) modulates myositis phenotype and Mi-2 autoantigen expression, we conducted a retrospective investigation to determine if UVR may influence the relative prevalence of dermatomyositis and anti-Mi-2 autoantibodies in the United States.
On the retreat of forested, cohesive riverbanks

Abstract Data from the Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania and the South River in Virginia document spatial and temporal patterns describing the retreat of gently curving bends with forested riparian zones containing a mix of very large and smaller trees, cohesive banks, and slow rates of migration (∼ 0.1 m/yr). Field data include 2.5 years of bank profile surveys, measurements of tree morphology, and ground-based laser scanner (LiDAR) surveys repeated biannually. These banks retreat through a cycle of erosion on decadal timescales. Initially, small volumes (mean = 0.173 m3 per bank erosion event) of soil are removed between large trees growing on the bank. Near trees, the rate of bank retreat is initially negligible, creating a scalloped bank morphology buttressed by large trees. As the trees are increasingly exposed to the flow, they become slowly undercut, gradually leaning into the channel and sliding down to the toe of the bank, eventually toppling into the river after a few years, which restarts the cycle. A magnitude–frequency analysis of monitoring data from the Brandywine Creek indicates that the effective bank erosion event only 0.11 m3; thus, forested bank retreat is dominated by small soil failures. Large erosion events, many associated with trees toppling into the river, greatly increase the variance of time-averaged rates of bank erosion, such that almost 4 years of monitoring are needed to measure time-averaged rates of erosion to within an accuracy of 10%. Because of the limited spatial extent of our survey data and the absence of large discharges, these results are provisional. Improved process-based models to predict the retreat of forested riverbanks should account for the spatial structure of riparian forests and the interactions between the flow, the gradual removal of bank soils, and the ongoing efforts of the trees to remain attached to the bank.
THE END(S) OF MASCULINITY STUDIES

IN THE NEAR DECADE SINCE Herbert Sussman published this journal’s last review essay on the study of masculinities (in VLC 20 from 1992), we in the U.S. have engaged in a heated national debate over “gays in the military,” have participated in a wonderfully perverse (to my mind) public discussion on whether or not oral sex is really “sex,” have seen a muscle-bound ex-wrestler elected governor of Minnesota and a cross-dressing “bisexual” basketball player make national sports headlines for his skills on the court and in front of the makeup mirror. Issues of masculinity — specifically, issues of self-control, proper and improper forms of male self-expression, and the importance (or lack thereof) of traditional adult male “role models” for youth — have been raised by or figured in all of these controversies. Frankly, I have loved the 1990s, have found it a time of enormously entertaining and productive social, cultural, and, yes, scholarly confusion and dynamism. At its best, the decade saw the tackling of some of the most profound issues imaginable regarding the intertwined nature of identity, performance, and politics. At its worst, of course, it simply saw the rehashing of dreary, formulaic answers to some of the toughest questions it dared to pose (a media-encouraged policy of “Oh, ask, please ask, . . . but first let’s promise not to tell each other anything that we don’t particularly want to hear”).
Unipolar interpattern association neural networks.

A method for constructing a unipolar interconnection weight matrix (IWM) of the interpattern association (IPA) model is presented. By a search of the redundant interconnection links, a method that removes all negative links is introduced. Since the IWM is unipolar, the difficulty of implementing positive and negative IWM’s can be avoided. Computer simulation and experimental results show that the unipolar IWM IPA neural network performs better than the bipolar IWM IPA model.
THE COLLOIDAL BEHAVIOR OF EDESTIN

1. It has been shown by titration experiments that the globulin edestin behaves like an amphoteric electrolyte, reacting stoichiometrically with acids and bases. 2. The potential difference developed between a solution of edestin chloride or acetate separated by a collodion membrane from an acid solution free from protein was found to be influenced by salt concentration and hydrogen ion concentration in the way predicted by Donnan's theory of membrane equilibrium. 3. The osmotic pressure of such edestin-acid salt solutions was found to be influenced by salt concentration and by hydrogen ion concentration in the same way as is the potential difference. 4. The colloidal behavior of edestin is thus completely analogous to that observed by Loeb with gelatin, casein, and egg albumin, and may be explained by Loeb's theory of colloidal behavior, which is based on the idea that proteins react stoichiometrically as amphoteric electrolytes and on Donnan's theory of membrane equilibrium.
Stepwise Deletions of PolyA Sequences in Mismatch Repair-Deficient Colorectal Cancers

PolyA simple repeat sequence deletions are common in tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI+). Such deletions occur one base at a time in DNA mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient yeast suggesting larger deletions in human MSI+ tumors represent multiple sequential stepwise losses. Sum total deletions in four polyA repeats were variable (between −17 to −45 bp) in 20 sporadic MSI+ colorectal cancers. Progressive but less extensive total deletions (maximum of −12 bp) occurred in similar polyA sequences in MMR-deficient mice (mlh1−/−) up to 478 days old. PolyA repeat lengths were relatively stable but already shortened in the MMR-deficient cell line HCT116. A transgene with 26 A’s transfected into HCT116 shortened an average of 3.8 bases pairs after 469 days in culture, less than average deletions of BAT25 (−5.3) or BAT26 (−9.0) in MSI+ cancers. These findings further suggest that extensive polyA deletions common in MSI+ tumors likely reflect multiple stepwise smaller deletions that accumulate more than hundreds of divisions after loss of MMR.
The kinetics of NaO+O2+M and NaO+CO2+M and their role in atmospheric sodium chemistry

We have discovered a new type of reaction for atmospheric Na species and propose that this type of reaction will dominate its chemistry. The third order rate constants for NaO + O2 + M and NaO + CO2 + M were measured at 297 K in a flow tube study. The rate constants for NaO + O2 with He, N2, and N2O as third bodies are (1.3±0.8), (3.5±0.7), and (11±4)×10−30 cm6 molecule−2 s−1. The rate constants for NaO + CO2 with N2 and N2O as third bodies are (8.7±2.6) and (12±5)×10−28 cm6 molecule−2 s−1. We show that these association reactions, and others like them, will produce Na compounds that are likely to render Na species inactive in stratospheric ozone chemistry. The reactivities of NaO, NaO2, NaO3, and NaCO3 with O atoms were also tested.
The Perceived Informational Basis of Attitudes: Implications for Subjective Ambivalence

Three studies tested the hypothesis that when people receive persuasive messages, their perceptions of the information on which they base their attitudes can determine feelings of subjective ambivalence. Across studies, it is shown that when elaboration (e.g., need for cognition, personal relevance) is high, people have more subjective ambivalence when they perceive that they have based their attitudes on the source of a message rather than the arguments contained in that message. When elaboration is low, this effect is reversed. These findings suggest that people can assess the informational basis of their attitudes and that these assessments influence feelings of attitude ambivalence.