cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiolysis of thermally dehydrated gibbsite

Abstract Aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite, Al ( OH ) 3 ) powders and their thermally dehydrated forms were rehydrated and irradiated with gamma rays to examine the effects of the collapse of the crystalline gibbsite structure as it is converted to alumina on the transport of precursors of molecular hydrogen to the surface. The amount of hydrogen gas, H2, production from irradiated gibbsite and its transition phases with adsorbed water increased substantially with increasing temperature for dehydration of the samples, up to a point. The production of H2 for samples without water was considerably lower than the hydrated samples signifying the importance of surface water and the transport of precursors to the surface. EPR spectroscopy showed that the major radiolytic products are trapped electrons and related O− centers. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements of gibbsite dehydration established the temperatures of phase transitions from gibbsite to alumina. Changes to the surface and structure of gibbsite and its transition phases following irradiation were analyzed using nitrogen adsorption, powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). pXRD and Raman spectra showed amorphorization at about 300 °C, coupled to a substantial increase in specific surface area due to increasing porosity.
Surgical Outcomes in Cancer Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery After Recovering from Mild-to-Moderate SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients with cancer diagnoses and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection will require surgical treatment. The objective of this study was to determine whether a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the risk of adverse postoperative events following surgery in patients with cancer. METHODS: This was a propensity-matched cohort study from April 6, 2020 to October 31, 2020 at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Cancer patients were identified who underwent elective surgery after recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection and matched to controls based on patient, disease, and surgical factors. Primary study outcome was a composite of the following adverse postoperative events that occurred within 30 days of surgery: death, unplanned readmission, pneumonia, cardiac injury, or thromboembolic event. RESULTS: A total of 5682 patients were included for study, and 114 (2.0%) had a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. The average time from infection to surgery was 52 (range 20-202) days. Compared with matched controls, there was no difference in the rate of adverse postoperative outcome (14.3% vs. 13.4%, p = 1.0). Patients with a SARS-CoV-2-related inpatient admission before surgery had increased odds of postoperative complication (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.4 [1.6-34.3], p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A minimal wait time of 20 days after recovering from minimally symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be safe for cancer patients undergoing low-risk elective surgery. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections requiring inpatient treatment were at increased risk for adverse events after surgery. Additional wait time may be required in those with more severe infections.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a risk factor for cytomegalovirus hepatitis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a risk factor for cytomegalovirus hepatitis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report
Crystal structure of human calmodulin-like protein: insights into its functional role.

A calmodulin (CaM)-like protein (hCLP) is expressed in human mammary epithelial cells but appears to be limited to certain epithelial cells such as those found in skin, prostate, breast and cervical tissues. A decrease in the expression of this protein is associated with the occurrence of tumors in breast epithelium. The structure of hCLP determined to 1.5 A resolution by X-ray crystallography shows a distinct 30° displacement along the interconnecting central helix, when compared to the highly conserved structure of vertebrate CaM, resulting in a difference in the relative orientation of its two globular domains. Additionally, the electric surface potential landscape at the target protein binding regions on the two globular domains of hCLP is significantly different from those of CaM, indicating that the respective ranges of hCLP and hCaM target proteins do not fully overlap. Observations that hCLP can competitively inhibit CaM activation of target proteins also imply a role for hCLP in which it may also serve as a modulator of CaM activity in the epithelial cells where hCLP is expressed.
A gain scheduled multivariable design for a manual flight control system

A full envelope multivariable flight control system is developed for the Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA). Separate control laws are designed for the longitudinal and lateral directional axes. Output feedback controllers with integral error states are created using linear quadratic synthesis and simple linear transformations. Linear point designs are integrated into a gain schedule to create a full-envelope nonlinear control system. >
The Cement of Society: A Survey of Social Order

Preface and acknowledgements Introduction: the two problems of social order 1. Collective action 2. Bargaining 3. Social norms 4. Bargaining and collective action 5. Collective action and social norms 6. Bargaining and social norms Conclusion: the cement of society References Index.
The antibody drug absorption following subcutaneous or intramuscular administration and its mathematical description by coupling physiologically based absorption process with the conventional compartment pharmacokinetic model.

The main objective of this paper is to propose a quantitative model to describe the absorption process for monoclonal antibody (mAb) following subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) administration. A hybrid model was established by coupling the physiologically based absorption process with a conventional pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) or PK model associated with intravenous infusion. Key physiological parameters evaluated include the volume distribution before systemic absorption, mAb drug clearance during lymphatic transport, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) capacity, the intrinsic drug clearance via lysosomal proteolytic process, and the lymphatic flow rate. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify those physiological parameters significantly impacting time to peak concentration (Tmax) or drug bioavailability. Simulation results showed that lymphatic flow rate is the only influential factor to Tmax. Lymphatic transit time and drug clearance during lymphatic transport are most influential to bioavailability but not identifiable in their effects. Bioavailability is positively related to the lymphatic flow only at its low range (i.e., at <0.5-fold of the selected value of 0.043 mL/min). The rest of physiological parameters only have marginal effects on either drug bioavailability or Tmax. Finally, simulation results confirmed lymphatic transport as the major route of mAb delivery.
Control of Active Sites in Selective Flocculation: III. Mechanism of Site Blocking

Abstract It has been shown in Parts I and II of this paper that heteroflocculation can be controlled by poisoning the sites for flocculant adsorption using a site blocking agent (SBA). An efficient SBA was determined to be the lower molecular weight fraction of the flocculant. In this paper, the underlying mechanism of SBA action is described. Also, the mathematical model detailed in Part I is used to determine the effect of different SBAs on apatite-dolomite separation efficiency. It has been demonstrated that the depression in flocculation is directly related to the site blocking parameter (Φ0). Further, the molecular weight of the site blocking agent is a more efficient parameter in blocking flocculation sites as compared to the SBA dosage. For mixed systems, the selectivity in floc formation can be normalized as the ratio between the collision efficiency factor for heteroflocculation and single component flocculation of the active component.
Why We Get Sick: The New Science of Darwinian Medicine

Why We Get Sick: The New Science of Darwinian Medicine. Randolph M. Nesse and George C. Williams. New York: Times Books (cloth) and Vintage Books (paper), 1994. xi + 290 pp.
The Fed is Ready to Raise Rates: Will Past be Prologue?

The Fed is likely to commence hiking its policy rate in 2015. It is unlikely, however, that this rate-hike cycle will feature a predictable 25 basis-point rise at each and every meeting once it begins. Instead, the Fed will, I believe, opt to deliver a path of policy normalization even more gradual than the path it delivered in 2004–06. This will be owed, at least in part, to the difficulty it will confront in estimating the neutral policy rate with any precision, as well as to the fact that this cycle is likely to begin with an inflation rate that will have been running below its 2% target since that target was first announced in 2012. The Fed will nonetheless begin to hike because it is forecasting that inflation will rise as unemployment falls to – or even below – its estimate of the non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment (NAIRU). Because of the slowdown in the United States and global potential growth, however, as well as a persistent excess of global saving relative to desired investment opportunities, I expect that, for at least the next couple of years and likely for some time beyond, the neutral Fed policy rate consistent with mandate-implied levels of unemployment and inflation will lie in the range of 2–3% in nominal terms, well below the pre-crisis estimates of 4%.
Bias-resolution-variance tradeoffs for single pixel estimation tasks using the uniform Cramer-Rao bound

Previously the authors introduced the Uniform Cramer-Rao (CR) Bound as a lower bound on the variance of biased estimators, along with the concept of the delta-sigma tradeoff curve. For an estimator whose variance lies an this curve, lower variance can only be achieved at the price of increased estimator bias gradient norm, and vice versa. However, for single pixel estimation, one can specify a variety of different estimator point response functions that have identical bias-gradient norm but with widely different resolution properties. This has lead to some counter-intuitive results and interpretation difficulties when using the Uniform CR Bound in performance studies of imaging systems. The authors now extend this tradeoff concept by introducing the 2nd-moment of the paint response function as a measure of resolution for single-pixel estimation tasks. They derive an expression for the delta-gamma-sigma tradeoff surface. This surface specifies an "unachievable region" of estimator variance. For estimators that lie on this surface, lower variance can only be achieved at the price of increased bias gradient norm and/or decreased estimator resolution. The authors present a method for computing this surface for linear gaussian inverse problems.
Problems in predicting the thermal properties of faced polyurethane foams

The thermal properties of polyurethane foams vary during service life depending on environmental conditions, the manner in which they are enclosed in the building partition, or if covered with facing membranes during their production. The effect of facing materials on thermal performance of the composites may range from a slight improvement of dimensional stability to a substantial reduction in the rate of loss of thermal resistance. Faced polyurethanes should be tested as composite materials, using a method that simulates performance conditions as closely as possible. Such a test method should include determination of cell gas composition as a measure of the aging process. Determination of cell gas composition after a period of exposure to different service conditions would allow an approximate correlation of laboratory results with in situ performance. The paper gives background information on effects of environmental factors and aging simulations on thermal resistance of polyurethanes and provides a starting point for dicusssion of the testing method.
Estimating the probability of occurrences of surface faulting earthquakes on the Wasatch fault zone, Utah

Although geological and geomorphic evidence strongly suggests that the Wasatch fault zone has generated large-magnitude earthquakes in late Quaternary time, the fault zone has not been associated with earthquakes greater than magnitude 5 1 2 in the past 133 yr. Therefore, realistic estimates of the likelihood of future damaging earthquakes must be based on more than historical seismicity data. The data base can be expanded by collecting site-specific geological information on earthquake recurrence and fault slip rates and by using this information in a model of the earthquake generation process. Uncertainties in both the physical basis for the model and in the geological parameters dictate a probabilistic approach. A semi-Markov model provides real-time probabilities of occurrence of at least one moderate to large (magnitude 6 1 2 or larger) earthquake at either of two sites for given elapsed times. Probabilities derived for the entire Wasatch fault zone are based on earthquake recurrence data on individual fault segments and are especially sensitive to elapsed times on individual segments.
Using Storyboarding to Model Gene Expression

Abstract Students often find it challenging to create images of complex, abstract biological processes. Using modified storyboards, which contain predrawn images, students can visualize the process and anchor ideas from activities, labs, and lectures. Storyboards are useful in assessing students' understanding of content in larger contexts. They enable students to use models to construct explanations, with evidence to support hypotheses — practices emphasized in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Storyboards provide an opportunity for performance assessment of students' content knowledge against a backdrop of observing patterns, determining scale, and establishing relationships between structure and function — crosscutting concepts within the NGSS framework.
Effects of aircraft noise on an intelligibility task.

The recorded sounds of three aircraft (T28 propeller airplane, Bell 204B helicopter, and Bell 206 helicopter) flying directly overhead at 300 ft and 900 ft (91.4 m and 274.3 m) were played While subjects engaged in an audiovisual task. The subjects viewed a series of 35-mm color slides of everyday scenes and heard them described by one-word labels. Each label was to be identified as "Right," "Wrong," or "Unheard." The results were in close agreement with previous field studies on the rated "annoyingness" of aircraft sounds and provided no support for the contention that impulsive helicopter noise ("blade-slap") is disruptive in ways not accoullfed for by simple measures of loudness level
U-Th-Ra disequilibria and the time scale of fluid transfer and andesite differentiation at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica (1968-2003)

Abstract To evaluate the time scale of fluid transfer and andesite differentiation at Arenal volcano in Costa Rica, we have measured trace-element concentrations and U-series disequilibria in whole rocks and mineral separates (pyroxene, plagioclase, magnetite) from lavas of the current eruption (1968 to 2003) by HR-ICP-MS, TIMS and PIMMS techniques. Whole rock and mineral separate analyses show a small but measurable variation in (230Th)/(232Th) (1.10 to 1.18). In contrast, (230Th)/(238U) range from 0.91 to 1.04 reflecting the moderate spread in Th/U. Stage 1 (1968–1971) whole rocks and mineral separates have both higher (230Th)/(232Th) and (238U)/(232Th) than to younger stage 2 lavas (1971 to present), which have lower, nearly constant (230Th)/(232Th) and lower, slightly variable (238U)/(232Th). 226Ra excesses exist in both whole rocks and mineral separates with (226Ra)/(230Th) ranging between 0.94 and 4.8. Whole rock (226Ra)/(230Th) are largest early in the eruption and decrease in the later lavas, which are influenced by newer recharge material. 238U–230Th whole rock and mineral data produce an inclined array on an equiline diagram, which we interpret to represent progressive melting of a variably fluxed mantle wedge and a Nicaraguan sediment component, and subsequent mixing. 238U–230Th internal isochrons suggest that minerals grew instantaneously with respect to the half-life of 230Th. Whole rock and mineral separate (226Ra)/(230Th) data indicate that melts were produced, transported, differentiated and erupted in
Parametric model of solar cooker performance

This paper presents a model for prediction of the cooking power of a solar cooker based on three controlled parameters (solar intercept area, overall heat loss coefficient, and absorber plate thermal conductivity) and three uncontrolled variables (insolation, temperature difference, and load distribution). The model basis is a fundamental energy balance equation. Coefficients for each term in the model were determined by regression analysis of experimental data. The model was validated for commercially available solar cookers of both the box and concentrating types. The valid range of model application includes most of the feasible design space for family-sized solar cookers. The model can be used to estimate the cooking capacity of existing box type and concentrating type solar cookers. It can also be used to find the combinations of intercept area and heat loss coefficient required to cook a given quantity of food in a given climate.
A watermarking algorithm for map and chart images

While watermarking algorithms have been developed for many types of digital content, little work has been done to develop watermarking algorithms for the class of map and chart images, despite their relative value. These images are generally of high resolution, have large areas of homogeneous pixels and are color-mapped or binary. These characteristics impede the use of watermarking algorithms designed for continuous-tone photographic images. This paper presents a novel blind watermarking algorithm designed for map and chart images. The algorithm segments the image into homogeneous regions and adds multiple watermark signals to the locations of the pixels on the boundary of several regions. The presence of these signals in the watermarked image is determined using a correlation-based detector. The watermarks can be detected in the presence of synchronization errors such as those incurred by cropping the image, or shifting by several columns or rows, and in the presence of noise. The algorithm is designed to efficiently process typical map images, which can have resolutions on the order of several 100 million pixels.
A Legislative Text New Ways to Write Laws

Nearly everyone complains about the obscurity of statutes. Grumblings have been heard spasmodically ever since Jeremy Bcntham gave his "six remedies for long-windedness" in a book so long-winded that it is hardly ever read. Several years ago a distinguished authority declared that draftsmanship had grown worse, on the whole, in the seven centuries since Magna Carta. There is no reason to conclude that the problem is insoluble. Now and then a draftsman with new ideas produces a statute of startling clarity. The reason why these instances arc rare and sporadic is that most draftsmen see no compelling reason for making laws readable. Eminent writers like Freund and Horack have pleaded for a simpler style, but have not said why they want it. Other competent students of legislation have regarded readability as a matter of slight importance. The subject is
Overcoming Relativism? Levinas's Return to Platonism

Emmanuel Levinas's concept of “the face of the Other” involves an ethical mandate that is presumably transcultural or, in his terms, “precultural.” His essay “Meaning and Sense” provides his most explicit defense of the idea that the face has a meaning that is not culturally relative, though it is always encountered within some particular culture. Levinas identifies his position there as a “return to Platonism.” Through a careful reading of that essay, exploring Levinas's use of religious terminology and the (some-times implicit) relationships of the essay to the work of other phenomenologists and of Saussure, the author seeks to clarify (1) what Levinas retains and what he rejects in returning to Platonism “in a new way,” (2) the sense in which this return constitutes an “overcoming” of relativism, and (3) the nature of the phenomenological warrant that he offers for his position.
Major Depression and Risky Sexual Behavior among Substance Dependent Patients: The Moderating Roles of Distress Tolerance and Gender.

The goal of the present study was to examine the main and interactive effects of major depressive disorder (MDD), distress tolerance (DT), and gender on multiple indices of risky sexual behavior (RSB) within a sample of 185 substance dependent patients in residential substance abuse treatment. Participants were interviewed to establish current MDD (as well as other Axis I and II diagnoses) and completed a behavioral measure of DT, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task-Computerized Version. Results provided evidence of a MDD × DT interaction for number of different past year commercial and casual sexual partners with which penetrative sex occurred. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that participants with current MDD and low DT reported the greatest number of commercial and casual sexual partners. Results highlight one psychological vulnerability (DT) that may improve our understanding of the complex relationship between depression and RSB. Treatment implications of findings are discussed.
Thermochemistry of the reaction of benzaldehyde with iodine. The enthalpy of formation of benzaldehyde and benzoyl iodide

Gas phase equilibrium constants K 12 for the reaction PhCHO + I 2 = PhCIO + HI have been measured spectrophotometrically over the temperature range 240 to 341°C. Using a value of { S °(PhCIO, g, 298 K) — S °(PhCHO, g, 298 K)} = 12.5 cal K −1 mol −1 obtained from the atom substitution rule, and a mean δ C o p for the equilibrium of 2.0 cal K −1 mol −1 , δ S o (540 K) is calculated to be (0.9 ± 1) cal K −1 mol −1 . Applying this δ S o (540 K) and the experimentally measured values of K 12 to the van't Hoff equation, yields a mean δ H o (540 K) of (3.5 ± 0.8) kcal mol −1 , equivalent to δ H o (298 K) = (3.0 ± 1.0) kcal mol −1 . This is in excellent agreement with δ H o (298 K) = (2.7 ± 2.5) kcal mol −1 from the most recent calculations of δ H o f (298 K) of PhCHO and PhCIO, but in poor agreement with δ H o (298 K) = −4.3 kcal mol −1 from previous calculations of these values. Discounting the original calculations, mean values of δ H o f (PhCHO, g, 298 K) = −(8.9 ± 1.0) kcal mol −1 and δ H o f (PhCIO, g, 298 K) = +(2.6 ± 1.0) kcal mol −1 are obtained.
Ischemia Induces Significant Changes in Purine Nucleoside Concentration in the Retina-Choroid in Rats

Adenosine, produced from the decomposition of adenosine triphosphate, is believed to provide protective effects during ischemia. On the other hand, adenosine metabolites may serve as precursors for oxygen free radical formation. The time course of formation of adenosine and its purine metabolites was studied during retinal ischemia in rats. Concentrations of adenosine and its purine nucleoside metabolites inosine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine in the retina-choroid of ketamine/xylazine-anesthetized rats were measured during retinal ischemia using high performance liquid chromatography. Quantitative measurements were made possible in the small tissue mass through the use of internal standards. Ischemia was induced by ligation of the central retinal artery. In each rat, one eye was ischemic while the other served as a non-ischemic control. Eyes were frozen in situ at 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 min of ischemia. The retina-choroid was then removed from the frozen eyes and analysed. Significant increases in the concentrations of adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine in ischemic compared to control retina-choroid were detectable within 1 to 5 min of the onset of ischemia, and within 10 min for xanthine. Increase in adenosine concentration in ischemic relative to control retina-choroid plateaued at 30 min of ischemia, while inosine and hypoxanthine concentrations increased continuously. The increase in xanthine concentration was exponential throughout the measurement period. This study documented the time-related changes in purine nucleoside concentration during ischemia. Prolonged ischemia results in ongoing production of xanthine, which by serving as a precursor for oxygen free radical formation, could be a pathogenic factor in prolonged retinal ischemia.
A workholding optimization model for turning of ring-shaped parts

The ability to produce precision ring-shaped parts using the turning process depends significantly on the workholding characteristics. Workholding parameters such as the number of jaws and chucking force are known to influence the roundness tolerance of ring-shaped parts commonly used in ball/roller bearing applications. Experimental trial-and-error methods are often used in practice to optimize the workholding parameters to achieve the desired part quality. This paper presents a systematic mathematical approach for optimizing these parameters using a previously developed analytical model of ring deformation and a model for determining the minimum chucking force. The optimization approach takes as input the required roundness tolerance, geometry, and mechanical properties of the ring, cutting forces, and the coefficient of friction between the jaws and the ring. The output consists of the minimum number of jaws and the range of acceptable chucking forces that ensures the required tolerance while preventing slip of the ring. Simulation examples illustrate the use of the proposed workholding optimization approach for a turning application. In addition, the paper proposes the concept of dynamic chucking force control that promises to yield part roundness that is superior to that obtained via conventional constant force chucking.
In situ measurement of flame-formed silica particles using dynamic light scattering

We have used dynamic light scattering to make in situ measurements of flame-synthesized silica particles. Unlike many of the common Mie-scattering techniques, the technique used here does not rely on the absorption of light by the particles. This technique is, therefore, especially advantageous for the measurement of silica and other particles with real refractive indices. The dynamic-light-scattering technique has the additional advantage of being insensitive to particle optical properties.
Progress in advanced high temperature materials technology

Significant progress has recently been made in many high temperature material categories pertinent to such applications by the industrial community. These include metal matrix composites, superalloys, directionally solidified eutectics, coatings, and ceramics. Each of these material categories is reviewed and the current state-of-the-art identified, including some assessment, when appropriate, of progress, problems, and future directions.
Bend and twist sensing in a multi-core optical fiber

We present a method for sensing both bending and twisting in an optical fiber which is compatible with extensive multiplexing. The technique employs a multi-core fiber design, high-performance static strain sensing, and robust reconstruction algorithms.
Beam–plasma interactions in a positive ion–negative ion plasma

An electron-free plasma consisting of negative ions /SF6(-)/ and positive ions /Ar(+)/, and negligible neutral-ion collision frequencies has been created in the laboratory. This plasma has a mass ratio of approximately 3.5-similar to many computer particle-in-cell simulated systems. A fluid description of this positive and negative ion confinement (PANIC) plasma is given and compared to experimental measurements of a beam-plasma instability for both beam species and a wide range of beam energies. The fluid dispersion relation and most growing modes are predicted to be insensitive to many parameters of the PANIC beam-plasma system, and found to the consistent with the data.
Numerical Simulation of Surface Waves Generated by a Subaerial Landslide at Lituya Bay Alaska

This paper presents simulated results of a computational study conducted to analyze the impulse waves generated by the subaerial landslide at Lituya Bay, Alaska. The volume of fluid method is used to track the free surface and shoreline movements. The renormalization group turbulence model and detached eddy simulation multiscale model were used to simulate turbulence dissipation. The subaerial landslide is simulated using a sliding mass. Results from the two-dimensional simulations are compared with the results from a scaled-down experiment. The experiment is carried out at a 1:675 scale. In the experimental setup, the subaerial rockslide impact into the Gilbert Inlet, wave generation, propagation, and runup on the headland slope is considered in a geometrically undistorted Froude similarity model. The rockslide is simulated by a granular material driven by a pneumatic acceleration mechanism so that the impact characteristics can be controlled. Simulations are performed for different values of the landslide density to estimate the influence of slide deformation on the generated tsunami characteristics. Simulated results show the complex flow patterns in terms of the velocity field, shoreline evolution, and free surface profiles. The predicted wave runup height is in close agreement with both the observed wave runup height and that obtained from the scaled-down experimental model.
Critical and tricritical behavior in the hierarchical model

The hierarchical model is solved exactly, numerically in the presence of a magnetic and a staggered magnetic field. Critical and tricritical behavior is studied. The general picture of Riedel and Wegner is confirmed. It is shown that their logarithmic corrections are unobservable owing to the interference of higher-order corrections.
Mutations of muscle glycogen synthase that disable activation by glucose 6-phosphate.

Glycogen synthase, an enzyme of historical importance in the field of reversible protein modification, is inactivated by phosphorylation and allosterically activated by glucose 6-phosphate (glucose-6-P). Previous analysis of yeast glycogen synthase had identified a conserved and highly basic 13-amino-acid segment in which mutation of Arg residues resulted in loss of activation by glucose-6-P (12). The equivalent mutations R578R579R581A (all three of the indicated Arg residues mutated to Ala) and R585R587R590A were introduced into rabbit muscle glycogen synthase. Whether expressed transiently in COS-1 cells or produced in and purified from Escherichia coli, both mutant enzymes were insensitive to activation by glucose-6-P. The effect of phosphorylation was studied in two ways. Purified, recombinant glycogen synthase was directly phosphorylated by casein kinase 2 and glycogen synthase kinase 3, under conditions that inactivate the wild-type enzyme. In addition, phosphorylation sites were converted to Ala by mutagenesis in wild-type and in the glucose-6-P desensitized mutants expressed in COS-1 cells. Phosphorylation inactivated the R578R579R581A mutant but had little effect on the R585R587R590A. This result was surprising since phosphorylation had the opposite effects on the corresponding yeast enzyme mutants. The results confirm that the region of glycogen synthase, Arg-578–Arg-590, is required for activation by glucose-6-P and suggest that it is part of a sensitive and critical switch involved in transitions between different conformational states. However, the role must differ subtly between the mammalian and the yeast enzymes.
Part three: new books on writing computer user documentation

When I began teaching computer user documentation, there were very few books on the subject...and the few that existed weren't very good (John O'Rourke's Writing for the Reader (1976) excepted). Much has changed since--most notably the increasing interest and market for books on computer user documentation. In fact, so many books have been published in the last three years that this is the third in a series of reviews of ten such books.
Fiction, imagination, and social cognition: Insights from autism

Abstract Some scholars have suggested that fiction builds upon our capacity for daydreaming and imagination, while others have proposed that it appeals to our capacity for getting inside the minds of others. However, very little research has investigated the way that individuals with deficits in imagination and social cognition view and develop preferences for fiction. Here, I review research on one such population: individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and present an experiment that investigates fiction preferences in ASC. As a whole, this work suggests that both fictionality and social content may play an important role in the appeal of fiction—and that the scientific study of fiction could benefit by taking into account the perspectives of individuals who view the world in different ways.
In situ evaluation of solute retardation using single-well push-pull tests

Abstract More efficient methods are needed for the in situ evaluation of solute sorption to aquifer sediments. The objective of this study was to develop a simplified method for estimating retardation factors for injected solutes from “push–pull” test extraction phase breakthrough curves (BTCs). Sensitivity analyses based on numerical simulations were used to evaluate the method performance for a variety of test conditions. Simulations were conducted for varying retardation factors, aquifer parameters and injection phase durations, for tests performed under nonideal transport conditions such as nonlinear equilibrium and linear nonequilibrium sorption, and for a test performed in a physically heterogeneous aquifer. Predicted retardation factors showed errors ⩽14% in tests performed under ideal transport conditions (physically homogeneous aquifer with spatially uniform dispersivity that does not vary from solute to solute, spatially uniform linear equilibrium sorption). The method performed more poorly for solutes with large retardation factors ( R >20) and for tests conducted under nonideal transport conditions, and is expected to perform poorly in aquifers with highly heterogeneous sorption. In an example application, we used the method to estimate the distribution coefficient for 85 Sr using data from a field test performed by Pickens JF, Jackson RE, Inch KJ, Merritt WF. (Water Resour Res 1981;17:529–44). Reasonable agreement was found between distribution coefficients obtained using the simplified method of estimation and those obtained by Pickens et al. (1981).
Pancreatic Polypeptide: Identification of Target Tissues Using an In Vivo Radioreceptor Assay

The definitive function of pancreatic polypeptide in mammalian physiology remains unknown. The identification of specific PP target tissues should be helpful to further investigations into the possible regulatory actions of this peptide. An in vivo radioreceptor assay was used in the rat to locate potential binding sites of I(125) bovine PP. In vitro, high concentrations of unlabeled hormone competitively inhibit binding to receptors by low concentrations of labeled hormone. In vivo studies showed that, in the presence of concentrated unlabeled pancreatic polypeptide, labeled PP distributes between the plasma and interstitial fluid. When excess unlabeled PP is replaced with saline in the companion animals, the labeled peptide appears to distribute in a volume that exceeds the combined plasma volume and interstitial fluid volume of the tissue. Using this in vivo receptor assay, the distribution volume that exceeds the anatomic extracellular volume has been identified as the receptor compartment. With this assay we demonstrated in the rat specific and displaceable PP binding to the ductus choledochus, duodenum, ileum, and adrenal gland. The NVV determined in the adrenal gland of experimental animals was 3.9 times greater than that found in the control group. Binding was rapid and was displaced only by excess unlabeled pancreatic polypeptide. Neither excess insulin nor excess neuropeptide Y significantly reduced this binding.
Small molecule – Silica interactions in porous silica structures

Abstract A series of porous silica frameworks with different pore sizes (SSZ-59, MCM-41 and SBA-15) was studied by immersion calorimetry in various solutions (water, ethanol, triethylamine, NaCl brine and Na2CO3/NaHCO3 buffer) at 25 °C to determine the interaction energies between inorganic silica frameworks and various small molecules which may be of importance in the context of CO2 sequestration, carbonate mineralization, and environmental remediation. The enthalpies of immersion for the calcined porous silica samples range from −0.7 to −9.6 kJ per mole of SiO2 in water, −3.4 to −10.5 kJ per mole of SiO2 in ethanol, −5.7 to −15.1 kJ per mole of SiO2 in triethylamine, −1.5 to −11.4 kJ per mole of SiO2 in NaCl brine (1 M) and −0.5 to −8.0 kJ per mole of SiO2 in a Na2CO3/NaHCO3 buffer solution (1 M). The enthalpies of interaction between porous silicas and water, ethanol and triethylamine vary from −0.3 to −2.3 kJ per mole of H2O, from −49.1 to −62.5 kJ per mole of ethanol and from −65.5 to −95.6 kJ per mole of triethylamine. The enthalpies of interaction suggest that guest–host interactions in silica-based porous media are governed both by pore size and concentration of surface hydroxyl groups. The generally hydrophobic surfaces of porous silica materials bond more strongly to organic molecules (ethanol and triethylamine) than to aqueous solutions and the energetics of such functionalized organic – rich silica surfaces could play a significant role in geologic CO2 sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, and geochemistry in low-temperature diagenetic and sedimentary environments.
Neuromuscular blocking agents do not alter local anesthetic seizure thresholds

Abstract The brain's convulsant threshold is not affected by choice of paralyzing agent. One group of 10 anesthetized and ventilated cats was paralyzed with gallamine, another group with metocurine. Bupivacaine (a potent local anesthetic agent) was infused at a rate of 1 mg/kg/min until the onset of electrical seizure discharges. The convulsant dose of bupivacaine was 4.6 ± 0.6 mg/kg after gallamine and 4.8 ± 1.0 mg/kg after metocurine. The two values did not differ significantly; neither did bupivacaine plasma concentrations during florid electrical convulsions.
Deletion of the Regulatory Domain in the Pyridoxal Phosphate-dependent Heme Protein Cystathionine β-Synthase Alleviates the Defect Observed in a Catalytic Site Mutant

Abstract The most common cause of severely elevated homocysteine or homocystinuria is inherited disorders in cystathionine β-synthase. The latter enzyme is a unique hemeprotein that catalyzes pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent condensation of serine and homocysteine to give cystathionine, thus committing homocysteine to catabolism. A point mutation, V168M, has been described in a homocystinuric cell line and is associated with a B6-responsive phenotype. In this study, we have examined the kinetic properties of this mutant and demonstrate that the mutation affects the PLP but not the heme content. The ∼13-fold diminution in activity because of the mutation corresponds to an ∼7-fold decrease in the level of bound PLP. This may be explained by half of the sites activity associated with cystathionine β-synthase. The addition of PLP results in partial but not full restoration of activity to wild type levels. Elimination of the C-terminal quarter of the mutant protein results in alleviation of the catalytic penalty imposed by the V168M mutation. The resulting truncated protein is very similar to the corresponding truncated enzyme with wild type sequence and is now able to bind the full complement of both heme and PLP cofactors. These results indicate that the V168M mutation per se does not affect binding of PLP directly and that interactions between the regulatory C terminus and the catalytic N terminus are important in modulating the cofactor content and therefore the activity of the full-length enzyme. These studies provide the first biochemical explanation for the B6-responsive phenotype associated with a cystathionine β-synthase-impaired homocystinuric genotype.
“Welcome to the Real World”: Navigating the Gap Between Best Teaching Practices and Current Reality

Preservice teachers sometimes experience a gap between best practices that they learn in teacher preparation programs and actual practices that they encounter in classrooms as student teachers. In this self-study, I investigate the gap between best and actual practices, as experienced by a university teacher educator who spent a year as a student teacher in a middle and high school English language arts program. Occupying the identities of a student, a student teacher, a teacher educator, and a researcher, I explored the gap from these multiple perspectives, with the intent of learning how to better support student teachers' development. My findings fall into three distinct phases: (1) In “Mind the gap,” I explain the dilemma I encountered as a student teacher. (2) In “Mine the gap,” I describe the process of exploring the nature and extent of this dilemma. (3) In “The gap is mine,” I analyze a shift in my understanding of where the gap is located. I then illustrate, in a series of short vignettes, the si...
Cerebral amino acid, norepinephrine and nitric oxide metabolism in CNS oxygen toxicity.

Abstract CNS oxygen (O 2 ) toxicity is complex, and the etiology of its most severe manifestation, O 2 convulsions, is yet to be determined. A role for depletion of the brain GABA pool has been proposed, although recent data have implicated production of reactive O 2 species, e.g. H 2 O 2 , in this process. We hypothesized that the production of H 2 O 2 and NH 3 produced by monoamine oxidase (MAO) would lead to depletion of GABA and production of nitric oxide (NO) respectively, and thereby enhance CNS O 2 toxicity. In this study, rats treated with an MAO inhibitor (pargyline) or a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (LNNA) were protected against O 2 -induced convulsions. Selected cerebral amino acids including arginine were measured in control and O 2 treated rats (6 ATA, 20 min) with or without drug pretreatment. After O 2 exposure, the cerebral pools of glutamate, aspartate, and GABA decreased significantly while glutamine content increased relative to control (P 2 was not prevented despite protection from seizures by both pargyline and LNNA. The NO precursor, arginine, was increased significantly in the brain by toxic O 2 exposure, but both pargyline and LNNA inhibited this effect. Simultaneous norepinephrine measurements indicated that its storage substantially decreased during hyperoxia (P 2 by these inhibitors is not related to preservation of the GABA pool. More importantly, O 2 dependent norepinephrine metabolism and NO synthesis appear to be interactive during CNS O 2 toxicity.
Literacy in the Community: A Study of "Mexicano" Families in Chicago.

The study reported here is part of the Mexican‐origin Language and Literacy Project at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We gathered data for this study through long‐term participant observation; that is, as we participated in the lives of one social network of Mexican immigrant families over the course of several years, we learned how both Spanish and English literacy are used in the various domains of their lives. We illustrate here the embedded nature of these practices by describing those that occur within two institutions: the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) and the Catholic Church. Although many adult members of these families have relatively limited literacy skills due to restricted access to formal education, they nevertheless manage a variety of literacy practices that, to a greater extent than most people are aware, serve their specific literacy needs.
Policing the Ivory Tower: Students’ Perceptions of the Legitimacy of Campus Police Officers

Policing research has largely overlooked how college students’ perceptions of the legitimacy of campus police officers can be enhanced and diminished. Using data from interviews and focus groups with students and staff, along with data from two field observations, this article finds that although students expect the campus police to protect them from harm, they believe that officers should fulfill this function while not interfering with their lives as college students. Further, students delegitimize the power of the campus police by raising questions about their status as “real” officers and highlighting how they overreact to the wrong types of behaviors.
Seeing White through Rap: A Classroom Exercise for Examining Race Using a Hip-Hop Video

When discussing race in the classroom, getting students—including, importantly, white students—to see that all people have racial identities can be a challenge. This classroom exercise employs a rap video as a tool for helping to reveal white as a racial identity and for exploring the concept of white privilege—the idea that economic, social, and psychological advantages accrue to white people because of their racial identity. In this article, I argue the benefits of using rap videos as a teaching aid, paying special attention to the ways in which whiteness and white privilege can be analyzed using the video “Hell Yeah” by the group dead prez.
La3+-induced fusion of phosphatidylserine liposomes. Close approach, intermembrane intermediates, and the electrostatic surface potential

The fusion of large unilamellar phosphatidylserine liposomes (PS LUV) induced by La3+ has been monitored using the 1-aminoapthalene-3,6,8-trisulfonic acid/p-xylenebis(pyridinium bromide) (ANTS/DPX) fluorescence assay for the mixing of aqueous contents. The fusion event is extensive and nonleaky, with up to 95% mixing of contents in the fused liposomes. However, addition of excess EDTA leads to disruption of the fusion products in a way that implies the existence of metastable intermembrane contact sites. The maximal fusion activity occurs between 10 and 100 microM La3+ and fusion can be terminated rapidly, without loss of contents, by the addition of excess La3+, e.g., 1 mM La3+ at pH 7.4. This observation is explained by the very large intrinsic binding constant (approximately 10(5) M-1) of La3+ to the PS headgroup, as measured by microelectrophoresis. Addition of 1 mM La3+ causes charge reversal of the membrane and a large positive surface potential. La3+ binding to PS causes the release of a proton. These data can be explained if La3+ can chelate to PS at two sites, with one of the sites being the primary amino group. This binding model successfully predicts that at pH 4.5 fusion occurs up to 2 mM La3+, due to reduced La3+ binding at low pH. We conclude that the general mechanism of membrane fusion includes three kinetic steps. In addition to (a) aggregation, there is (b) the close approach of the surfaces, or thinning of the hydration layer, and (c) the formation of intermembrane intermediates which determine the extent to which membrane destabilization leads to fusion (mixing of aqueous contents), as opposed to lysis. The lifetime of these intermembrane intermediates appears to depend upon La3+ binding to both PS sites.
Old Saybrook I and II: The Visioning and Re-Visioning of Humanistic Psychology

This article provides an overview of the process known as Old Saybrook II, which is re-visioning humanistic psychology for the 21st century. In 1964, an eminent group of humanistically oriented psy...