cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long Short-Term Memory with Spin-Based Binary and Non-Binary Neurons

In this paper, we develop a low-power and area-efficient hardware implementation for Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks as a type of Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). The LSTM network herein employs Resistive Random-Access Memory (ReRAM) based synapses along with spin-based non-binary neurons to achieve energy-efficiency while maintaining comparable accuracy. The proposed neuron provides a novel activation mechanism with five levels of output accuracy to mimic the ideal tanh and sigmoid activation functions. We have examined the performance of an LSTM network for name prediction purposes utilizing ideal, binary, and the proposed non-binary neuron. The comparison of the results shows that our proposed neuron can achieve up to 85% accuracy and perplexity of 1.56, which attains performance similar to algorithmic expectations of near-ideal neurons. The simulations show that our proposed neuron achieves up to 34-fold improvement in energy efficiency and 2-fold area reduction compared to the CMOS-based non-binary designs.
A hierarchical Bayesian model for predicting fire ignitions after an earthquake with application to California

Fire following earthquake is a major threat to communities in seismic-prone areas. For mitigation and preparedness against this multi-hazard event, predictive models are needed starting with the expected number of ignitions. Previous studies have proposed regression models calibrated on historical data for predicting post-earthquake ignitions; however, the data scarcity due to low frequency of major earthquakes has been a hurdle for building these regression models. To address this issue, this paper proposes the use of hierarchical Bayesian modeling to analyze the influential variables affecting the number of past ignitions and to predict the number of ignitions of future earthquakes. The data comes from seven major earthquakes that occurred in California, for which the number of ignitions and corresponding variables were collected from fire department reports and GIS-based inventory. The collected data were randomly divided into a calibration dataset and a validation dataset for building the model. The results indicate that the hierarchical Bayesian model efficiently extracts the significant influential variables and shows agreement with the number of ignitions after each of the seven earthquakes. The posterior predictions from the hierarchical Bayesian model also provide uncertainty quantification for the estimates of the ignitions after each earthquake. The proposed model is then applied to a hypothetical magnitude 7.0 earthquake scenario along the Hayward Fault to illustrate applicability for community resilience assessment.
Vadose Zone Hydrology: Cutting Across Disciplines

The vadose zone is the region between ground level and the upper limits of soil fully saturated with water. Hydrology in the zone is complex: nonlinear physical, chemical, and biological interactions all affect the transfer of heat, mass, and momentum between the atmosphere and the water table. This book takes an interdiscipliary approach to vadose zone hydrology, bringing together insights from soil science, hydrology, biology, chemistry, physics, and instrumentation design. The chapters present state-of-the-art research, focusing on new frontiers in theory, experiment, and management of soils. The collection addresses the full range of processes, from the pore-scale to field and landscape scales.
CHAPTER 10 – PET Systems

This chapter introduces the basic ideas of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), including the design and function of PET systems. The designs for PET systems can be separated into three main groups of applications. This includes, small animal imaging, neurological imaging, and whole-body imaging. The goal of PET is to generate images of the distribution of positron emitters in vivo . PET systems rely on the detection of annihilation gamma rays that follow positron decay. The gamma rays are detected in coincidence by detectors that surround the patient. This chapter also discusses issues of scanner geometry and their effect on count rate. The spatial resolution of PET imaging is limited by the fundamental nature of positron annihilation, positron range, noncolinearity, detector point-spread function (PSF), and finally parallax error. To improve spatial resolution, improvements in system sensitivity are required in addition to higher resolution detector arrays. One technology that aids in this quest is depth of interaction (DOI) detector systems. A DOI system is designed to give information about the depth in the crystal at which an interaction takes place, and the system designer can exploit that information to correct parallax errors.
Enzymes acting on peptic substances.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses enzymes acting on pectic substances. There are three afore-mentioned enzymes acting on pectic substances, namely, protopectinase, pectin-polygalacturonase (PG) and pectinmethylesterase (PM). Pectin-Polygalacturonase (PG) enzyme generally accepted as responsible for the catalysis of the hydrolysis of the 1,4-glycosidic linkages between adjoining units of galacturonic acids in the basic polygalacturonic acid skeletons of all pectic substances. A great variety of interrelated changes occur during the enzymatic hydrolysis of polygalacturonic acids by PG and many of these changes have been used at times for the determination of PG action. Pectin methylesterase (PM) is the enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the methyl ester groups in pectinic acids. Pectinic acids isolated from beets have been shown to contain acetyl groups, the mode of attachment of which to the poly galacturonic acid skeleton is not known. Pectic enzymes have also been employed for the detection of pectin when it is used as stabilizing or thickening agent in various food products.
A Single-License Approach to Regulating Insurance

State regulation of insurance companies has been criticized for many years because of the burden imposed on insurers by having to comply with the laws of many jurisdictions. These higher costs are passed on to consumers. The problems with the current regulatory structure are prompting calls for increased federal regulation of insurance. However, all proposals to federalize insurance regulation create opportunities for abuse at the hands of the federal government and fail to utilize the benefits of a federal system. This article shows how many of the problems of the current system can be addressed without resorting to a large scale intrusion of federal regulators into insurance markets. The proposed solution calls for minimal federal intervention to provide for jurisdictional competition between states that would be allowed to charter insurers that could operate nationally with only the single license granted by the charter. This single-license approach addresses the most salient concerns of proponents of federal optional chartering. It also has the potential for triggering competition and innovation in insurance products and rates while preserving a meaningful role for state regulation.
Faculty attitudes towards college athletics and the academic competency of student-athletes at a NCAA Division-I Institution

FACULTY ATTITUDES TOWARDS COLLEGE ATHLETICS AND THE ACADEMIC COMPETENCY OF STUDENT-ATHLETES AT A NCAA DIVISION-I INSTITUTION Christopher R. Atwater, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Director: Beverly J. Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D. Professor, School of Education The purpose of this investigation was to examine faculty attitudes towards the role of college athletics and the academic competency of student-athletes at a NCAA Division-I Institution. By analyzing faculty attitudes, this study contributes to a better understanding of factors associated with how educators view athletics in higher education and how they develop their attitudes towards student-athletes from an academic perspective. Though prior research indicates quantitatively that faculty possess distinct views of these concepts, there was a gap between measured attitudes and known factors that contribute to these attitudes. By analyzing both quantitative and qualitative results, this investigation advanced the knowledge base of what factors, themes and trends exist in relation to faculty attitudes towards college athletics and the academic competency of student-athletes. Furthermore, by identifying relevant factors, this study may serve future practitioners by helping them hone techniques for successful and perceived change of the college experience for student-athletes in higher education.
Plasticity of crystalline proteins

Abstract The spatial and temporal correlations of the atomic movements in well ordered protein crystals and the variations in structure among different crystalline environments demonstrate the intrinsic plasticity of hydrated protein molecules.
First principles calculations for analysis of martensitic transformations

The change in crystal energy is calculated for atomic displacements corresponding to phonons, elastic shears, and lattice transformations. Anomalies in the phonon dispersion curves of NiAl and NiTi are analyzed and recent calculations for TiPd alloys are presented.
Receptivity to Mediation: The Role of 'Benevolent' Sexism

This study employed a laboratory method to examine the role of "benevolent sexism" in a negotiator's receptivity to a mediator. Benevolent sexism refers to attitudes and beliefs about women that the perceiver subjectively considers positive (Glick & Fiske, 1996; 2001). The participants were 45 female students, placed in the role of negotiator, and their opponent was a male. They were then asked to evaluate a mediator who was either male or female. Earlier, their attitudes on the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) were assessed. A correlation analysis indicated that a benevolently sexist viewpoint was positively associated with greater receptivity (satisfaction, acceptance, and trust) to the male mediator. In other words, women who held the beliefs that women ought to be protected from harm, that women ought to be put on a pedestal, etc., anticipated better treatment when the mediator was a male. Moreover, women who endorsed hostile sexist viewpoints were less receptive to a female mediator. This study represents the first demonstration that attitudes associated with benevolent sexism may have an important impact on a negotiator's receptivity to a mediator. The implication is that mediator training programs might benefit by educating mediators to be aware of resistance that simply stems from the gender context of the mediation.
Computer Ethics: Computer Ethics and International Development

Introduction One of the areas in which the rapid growth of technology, especially digital technology, is having a huge impact is international development. It is causing a “digital divide,” that is, a widening of the gulf between nations that have well-developed technologies and those that have little or none. To remedy this problem, the United Nations has organized a program called the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). A brief consideration of this Summit will identify some of the problems that a lack of technology, or an imbalance of technology, has caused in the area of international development and some suggestions for possible solutions to these problems. The World Summit on the Information Society The World Summit on the Information Society is a worldwide effort to improve and make more equitable the communication of information throughout the nations of the world. Specifically, WSIS defines itself in these words: “The digital revolution in information and communication technologies has created the platform for a free flow of information, ideas and knowledge across the globe. This revolution has made a profound impression on the way the world functions. The Internet has become an important global resource, a resource that is critical to both the developed world as a business and social tool and the developing world as a passport to equitable participation, as well as economic, social and educational development.
In situ hybridization analysis of ovarian prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase mRNA throughout the periovulatory period of the ewe

Cellular alterations in level of expression of mRNA encoding for prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase were quantified within ovarian tissues of sheep obtained before, during and after induction of the preovulatory surge of LH and ovulation with LHRH. This was accomplished by isotopic in situ hybridization using a selective cRNA probe to ovine prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase mRNA. A significant elevation in mRNA was detected within the theca interna of the preovulatory follicle at 8, 16 and 24 hr following administration of LHRH. Very close to the time of ovulation (ie., at 24 hr post-LHRH) a marked rise in mRNA was observed in association with epithelial cells covering the apical surface of the follicle. Ovarian cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid produced during the ovulatory process in the ewe originate within the thecal layer and germinal epithelium of the follicle destined to ovulate.
A mixed-methods evaluation of health and safety hazards at a scrap metal recycling facility

Little work has been done to assess hazardous exposures among scrap metal recycling workers. This study evaluated safety and health hazards at one scrap metal recycling facility using three methods. The first method was a semi-quantitative hazard observation tool (HOT) used by researchers to rate the presence and magnitude of exposures for 13 hazards. The second collected self-reported exposure information on nine hazards from workers. The third was quantitative industrial hygiene (IH) measurements of noise, total particulate, carbon monoxide, and blood lead levels. We collected 677 HOT observations, collected self-reported exposure information from all 46 workers at the facility, and made over 150 IH measurements among workers in potentially lead-exposed jobs. All three methods demonstrated substantial exposures to most of the hazards assessed, and exposures were found to vary by work area. Workers were found to report higher exposures to a number of hazards, as well as higher use of controls, when compared to the HOT data. Workers and observations overestimated dust exposures and underestimated noise exposures when compared to IH measurements. Agreement among five different observers who used the HOT instrument was found to be moderate to substantial across all hazards and controls. The results of this study indicate that scrap metal recycling workers at the participating facility were highly exposed to a variety of occupational hazards, and that additional safety and health measures are warranted in the scrap metal recycling industry. The HOT instrument developed for this study has potential for use in evaluating hazards in other industries.
On Interaction Effects Involving Block Variables

The problem of estimating interaction effects involving unmeasured block variables determined by observed indicator variables is discussed. It is shown that interaction effects involving block variables can be estimated using currently available software. In the case in which a block variable interacts with an observed variable, the multiplicative identity for the unobserved interaction term reduces to a linear combination of cross-products of the measured variable and constituents of the block variable. In this case the model can be estimated via nonlinear regression, or via LISREL with equality restrictions. The former technique can also be used to estimate models in which two or more unobserved block variables interact with one another; in this case, nonlinear combinations of cross-products involving constituent variables constitute the unobserved interaction term. Numerical illustration of the proposed procedures is given, as applied to a problem involving the effects of socioeconomic variables on job...
Quadratic programming formulations for classificationand regression

We reformulate the support vector machine approach to classification and regression problems using a different methodology than the classical 'largest margin' paradigm. From this, we are able to derive extremely simple quadratic programming problems that allow for general symbolic solutions to the classical problems of geometric classification and regression. We obtain a new class of learning machines that are also robust to the presence of small perturbations and/or corrupted or missing data in the training sets (provided that information about the amplitude of the perturbations is known approximately). A high performance framework for very large-scale classification and regression problems based on a Voronoi tessellation of the input space is also introduced in this work. Our approach has been tested on seven benchmark databases with noticeable gain in computational time in comparison with standard decomposition techniques such as SVMlight.
Environmental planning in regulation and management of instream gravel mining in California

Abstract In California, the mining of sand and gravel from rivers and streams is presently regulated under the state's Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA), with 113 different countries and cities designated as lead agencies for approving reclamation plans and issuing special use permits. These agencies rarely have the technical expertise or resouces to assess cumulative impacts of instream mining or to monitor the sometimes subtle and frequently delayed off-site environmental impacts. Moreover, the concept of ‘reclamation’ is unsuitable for instream mining whose effects propagate upstream and downstream during mining and cannot be reversed by subsequent on-site reclamation. Instream operators also fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies, such as the US Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Fish and Game, but these agencies lack resources and a consistent approach to evaluate and mitigate the environmental effects of instream mining. Instream gravel mining can be properly addressed only by comprehensive environmental planning that evaluates all potential aggregate sources, including upland deposits, and the environmental impacts of their extraction. Aggregate extraction from rivers must be managed on the scale of river basins, while the demand for aggregate and the various sources of its supply must be managed on the scale of production-consumption regions.
Imperial frameworks of religion: Catholic military chaplains of Germany and Austria-Hungary during the First World War

This article argues for a more nuanced cultural history of religion for the losing powers by looking comparatively at Catholicism in two different imperial frameworks. The article supplements imperial and national perspectives with local and supranational elements, thus contributing to a new historiographic generation of transnational conceptualization. The study of Catholicism allows one to examine the category of the nation, but also to get above and below it with imperial, ecclesiastical and local elements. By probing the similarities and differences of wartime Catholicism for the losing powers, a transnational history of religiosity allows scholars to go beyond standard histories of religion during the war that unjustly merge individual religious belief with ultimate collective defeat. The essay examines the figure of the Catholic military chaplain as a symbolic focal point of discussions of religion and warfare, both in literature and in scholarly discourse. The article begins by reconsidering the po...
Same-sex cohabiting elders versus different-sex cohabiting and married elders: Effects of relationship status and sex of partner on economic and health outcomes

Abstract In this article, I use pooled data from the 2008–2010 American Community Surveys to examine outcomes for different-sex married, different-sex cohabiting, and same-sex cohabiting elders across several key economic and health indicators, as well as other demographic characteristics. The findings suggest that elders in same-sex cohabiting partnerships differ from those in different-sex marriages and different-sex cohabiting relationships in terms of both financial and health outcomes, and that women in same-sex cohabiting partnerships fare worse than men or women in other couple types. The results indicate that financial implications related to the sex of one’s partner might be more predictive of economic and health outcomes in old age, rather than solely access to legal marriage. Nonetheless, findings suggest that individuals in same-sex cohabiting partnerships might experience worse outcomes in old age as a result of cumulative effects across the life course from both the sex of their partner (in the case of female couples) as well as their lack of access to benefits associated with marriage. Accordingly, these findings demonstrate that persons in same-sex cohabiting partnerships require unique policy considerations to address health and economic concerns in old age.
Gray Scale Ultrasound Evaluation of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Although the popliteal arteries are the most common sites of peripheral arterial aneurysms, their detection often goes unrecognized until complications evolve. Inasmuch as surgical therapy prior to development of complications offers the greatest benefit to patients, early diagnosis becomes an important cornerstone in their management.
Breast Cancer Beliefs and Mammography Screening Practices Among Chinese American Immigrants

Objective To explore knowledge and beliefs (perceived risk factors, susceptibility, benefits, common barriers, and cultural barriers) in relation to mammography screening practices among Chinese American women. Design A descriptive study guided by the Health Belief Model. Setting Metropolitan area in the northwestern United States. Participants One hundred Chinese immigrant women, 40 years or older. Main Outcome Measures The percentage of Chinese American women ages 40 and older who ever received a mammogram and who received a mammogram within the past year. Results Although 86% of the respondents reported that they had once had a mammogram, only 48.5% had a mammogram within the past year. The strongest factor associated with having a mammogram within the past year was having an immediate family member diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by having insurance that covered a mammogram and lower perceived barriers to obtaining a mammogram. Respondents had low knowledge of breast cancer and mammography screening guidelines. They also perceived low susceptibility to breast cancer. Conclusions Nurses may influence the mammogram rates among Chinese American women by providing health education to family members of patients with breast cancer, reducing perceived barriers to mammogram, and seeking alternative payment mechanisms for patients who do not have insurance coverage for mammogram.
Effect of substrate temperature on poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite thin films deposited by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation

Abstract The effects of substrate heating on thin films deposited by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) were investigated. Substrates were heated at temperatures ranging from 315 to 425 K during depositions of neat poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and PMMA–carbon nanotube (CNT) composite thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology of deposited films, while gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to determine the extent of photon-induced degradation in the molecular weight of deposited polymer. Significant reductions in molecular weight were observed. Further information regarding the degradation behavior was obtained from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), where the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of native and MAPLE deposited PMMA samples were measured. A decrease in the surface roughness of deposited films was observed with increasing substrate temperature for both neat PMMA and PMMA–CNT composite films. At temperatures significantly lower than the measured Tg for the as-received PMMA, features in deposited films began to take on a disc-like structure. DSC analysis of the deposited species shows a decrease in Tg relative to the as-received material. This reduction in Tg is attributed to the degradation of the native polymer during the MAPLE process, as shown by GPC results. Surface roughness effects in both the neat polymer and composite films show a continuous decrease in roughness as a function of temperature, as observed by both profilometry and SEM. The final roughnesses of the composite films were significantly greater than those of the pure polymer films. It is speculated that this is the result of CNT agglomeration within the starting target solutions.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus and Working Memory in Recent-Onset Schizophrenia

Background Structural and functional abnormalities in frontal-parietal circuitry are thought to be associated with working memory (WM) deficits in patients with schizophrenia. This study examines whether recent-onset schizophrenia is associated with anatomical changes in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), the main frontal-parietal white matter connection, and whether the integrity of the SLF is related to WM performance. Methods We applied a novel registration approach (Tract-Based Spatial Statistics [TBSS]) to diffusion tensor imaging data to examine fractional anisotropy (FA) in the left and right SLF in 12 young adult patients with recent-onset schizophrenia and 17 matched control subjects. Results Schizophrenia patients showed lower FA values than control subjects across the entire SLF, with particular deficits on the left SLF. Fractional anisotropy values were correlated with performance on a verbal WM task in both patient and control groups in the left but not right SLF. Conclusions Recent-onset schizophrenia patients show deficits in frontal-parietal connections, key components of WM circuitry. Moreover, the integrity of this physiological connection predicted performance on a verbal WM task, indicating that this structural change may have important functional implications. These findings support the view that schizophrenia is a disorder of brain connectivity and implicate white matter changes detectable in the early phases of the illness as one source of this dysfunction.
Defensive Burying as a Function of Single-and Paired-Animal Testing Conditions

Summary Studied the relationship between single- and paired-animal testing in the defensive-burying situation. Twenty male Holtzman rats received defensive burying testing both individually and in pairs. Testing took place in a rectangular enclosure having a bedding-material floor. The discharge of a flashbulb served as the aversive stimulus. Individual testing resulted in significantly (p < .01) longer burying durations and greater accumulation of bedding material around the aversive stimulus. Whether Ss were individually tested before or after their paired-animal test session did not significantly influence their individual burying scores. Results indicate that individual Ss do not indiscriminately attack various aspects of the environment, and that the presence of a second animal shifts the focus of aggressive attention from the environment to the other animal.
The influence of dissolved gases on the adsorption of cinchonidine from solution onto Pt surfaces: an in situ infrared study

Abstract The influence of different dissolved gases on the adsorption of cinchonidine from CCl 4 solutions onto polycrystalline platinum surfaces has been studied by in situ reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). It was observed that Ar, N 2 , O 2 , air, or CO 2 neither enhances the adsorption of cinchonidine nor damages cinchonidine adlayers once they have formed on the surface. On the other hand, H 2 plays a unique role, initially facilitating the uptake of cinchonidine, but later removing some of the resulting adsorbed cinchonidine from the platinum surface. It was also found that CO is a strong inhibitor, significantly retarding the adsorption of cinchonidine. Adsorbed CO can be removed by H 2 dissolved in the cinchonidine solution, a process that also boosts the adsorption of cinchonidine. O 2 can remove the surface adsorbed CO as well, but without facilitating cinchonidine adsorption. The cleanliness of Pt surfaces at different stages of the experiment was probed by CO adsorption. Possible correlations between the RAIRS results from the present study and reported data from catalytic studies are discussed.
Remittances from international migration: A review in perspective

Abstract Remittances—the portion of international migrant workers' earnings sent back from the country of employment to the country of origin—have come to play a central role in the economies of labor-sending countries. Recent research has tended to focus on enumerating the costs and benefits of remittances. This paper proposes an alternative perspective and delineates the “Remittances System” as a heuristic to clarify intermediate relationships between determinants and effects of remittances. Using the heuristic as a framework for review of recent literature concerning remittances, the paper identifies gaps in currently available research and argues for greater focus upon the social and political consequences of remittance flows.
Microeconomic foundations of corporate strategy

This paper examines several approaches to corporate strategic planning in the context of their relationship to the microeconomic theory of the firm, and discusses the implications of that theory for corporate strategy in general. Specifically, three types of analytical tools are discussed: (1) analytical portfolio models; (2) business simulation models; and (3) optimization models. Examples of how the three types of tools are used in corporate decision-making are given, and certain limitations are cited. The limitations include, for example, the inability of some of the models to deal with interdependencies across business units in production resources or output demand. Finally, the paper examines the approach to strategic planning known as the ‘strategy matrix’, which explicitly allows for interdependices across business units. The use of the strategy matrix by a major petroleum company is discussed in some detail.
A seasonal analysis of the nutritional condition of deep‐sea macrourid fishes in the north‐east Pacific

Of three common macrourids Coryphaenoides armatus and Coryphaenoides yaquinae were collected from 1995 to 1998 at an abyssal station, c. 220 km west of Point Conception, California in the north-east Pacific (4100 m depth). Coryphaenoides acrolepis was collected from 1997 to 1998 in the San Diego Trough (1200 m depth). Energy storage in all three species was primarily in the liver, which was up to 56% lipid (wet mass) and up to 96% triglyceride. No seasonal variation in nutritional condition was found for C. armatus or C. yaquinae. There was, however, a significant increase in muscle water content and liver lipid content and a significant decline in muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity for C. armatus between 1996 and 1998. Potential mechanisms for these interannual shifts are proposed. No seasonal variation in parameters was found for C. acrolepis but a small seasonal periodicity in feeding activity may have existed. The seasonal deposition of phytodetritus in the deep sea is of little or no consequence to these fishes.
A survey on PHR technology

Personal Health Records are starting to get more attention, as they have the potential to improve the quality of care and reduce healthcare costs. In this paper, the concepts behind PHRs and the advantages of using PHRs compared to other methods of medical record keeping are discussed. In particular, platform style PHRs that allow the easy incorporation of third party tools are examined, as they have the potential to allow medical data to be used in novel ways.
Effects of various chemicals on the metabolism of phosphate compounds in erythrocytes

Abstract Anion-exchange analysis has been utilized to determine changes in phosphate compounds of normal erythroeytes during incubation in vitro. The effects of addition to erythrocytes of ascorbic acid, acetylphenylhydrazine, azide, fluoride, and iodoacetate have been studied. Neither azide, ascorbic acid, nor acetylphenylhydrazine appreciably affected levels of various organic phosphates. Anion-exchange profiles obtained after incubation of erythrocytes with fluoride or iodoacetate are consistent with the view that the primary sites of inhibition of these agents are at the enzymes enolase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, respectively.
Photoperiod Study with Chicken Hens

Abstract Four light regimens were used in completely enclosed houses. The regimens of light (L) and dark (D) cycles were: 14L:10D-1X, 2L:2D-6X, 2L:4D-4X and 2L:6D-3X per 24 hours. Light intensities were the same in all pens, 13 lumens per sq. m. the first 210 days and 22 lumens per sq. m. the last 154 days. There were no significant differences among treatments for percent hen day production of 75.2, 70.9, 72.1 and 74.0, respectively, for treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4. There were no significant differences for the percentages of AA or A grade eggs. There were no significant differences in mass egg weights. There was a significantly higher percentage of large or better egg size for treatment 2 over all others. Treatment 2 had a significantly lower percentage of medium eggs compared to treatments 1 and 3 and a significantly lower percentage of small eggs than any other group. Average Haugh units were significantly (P
Up‐regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and production of nitric oxide by the swarm rat and human chondrosarcoma

Production of nitric oxide by solid tumors may have important ramifications regarding tumor growth and potential metastasis. This study demonstrated that the chondrosarcoma of the Swarm rat has upregulated mRNA for inducible nitric oxide synthase and produces nitric oxide. These results were confirmed by (a) the, presence of a 4.4-kb band of mRNA detected by Northern blot using a probe for inducible nitric oxide synthase, (b) a 133-kDa band of prothein that was detected with either a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody to the inducible nitric oxide synthase of the murine macrophage. and (c) the detection of nitrites from the culture medium of freshly cultured, isolated chondrosarcoma cells. This study showed that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and the production of nitric oxide by the tumor can be increased by stimulation with endotoxin lipopolysaccharide and can be inhibited by inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors (L-N(g)-monomethyl arginine and aminoguanidine). Immunostaining confirmed the presence of inducible nitric oxide synthase within the tumor cells and appeared to localize the enzyme to the cytoplasm of the cells. A human chondrosarcoma was also shown to have an upregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase by both the detection of mRNA for inducible nitric oxide synthase and the presence of nitrites from the culture medium of the tumor in organ culture. Because the chondrosarcoma of the Swarm rat is a well differentiated solid tumor that rarely metas-tasizes, nitric oxide may be produced by the tumor to promote local growth by effects on vascular supply.
Taste responsivity of amygdaloid units in behaving rabbit: a methodological report.

Abstract A technique is described for studying unit electrophysiology of taste in the behaving animal. Preliminary observations on response patterns by amygdaloid units to four putative basic types of taste qualities (represented by sucrose, saline, acid, and quinine), which also vary in motivational properties, revealed evidence of units with exclusive or highly differential response to either sucrose or saline in food-deprived animals. Small quantities (0.3 ml) of these palatable tastants injected intra-orally evoked neural responses lasting 5–8 sec that did not relate directly to the characteristics of the oro-lingual reaction as detected electromyographically; such sensorimotor relations were found in units sampled in the globus pallidus. Some amygdaloid units displayed differential excitatory and inhibitory modes of response to different tastants. Other cells exhibited more phasic patterns of response lasting 1–2 sec to 2 or more tastants, including unpalatable acid and quinine. The results underscore the sensitivity of the technique to stimulus parameters of taste-processing, which is basic to the study of all neurobehavioral functions of taste stimuli.
Simulation of stochastic micropopulation models—IV. Snappers: Model implementation for genetic traits

The current paper concerning stochastic micropopulation simulations describes SNAPPERS, which serves as a framework for simulation models of the genetic transmission of disease. The versions described are implemented using the simulation shell, SUMMERS, which includes the generic commonalities of several micropopulation models. Population members in SNAPPERS move through states related to the individual's status relative to the genotype (phenotype). Features of the model include one or two major loci, polygenic and common familial contribution to the phenotype, assortative mating, and flexibility in defining gene action. The user can select from multiple ascertainment strategies for analysis of simulated families.
Activation of the intracellular glutathione system by oxydative stress during cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial perfusion

The glutathione (GSH) system is the main defence of tissues against free radicals and red blood cells (RBC) are the most efficient sites for GSH redox cycle activation.Total GSH was assayed during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in RBC and serum from the coronary sinus, peripheral arteries and veins in 18 children corrected of their cardiac defect. Our conclusions are: (1) RBC-GSH redox cycle is activated during heart ischaemia and reperfusion; (2) the activation of intracellular GSH system is preponderant compared with the extracellular one; (3) variations in intraerythrocytic total GSH during heart ischaemia and perfusion are detectable in peripheral veins and arteries, which can be the convenient sites for monitoring changes in the GSH cycle; and (4) increased total GSH levels are present in RBC before aortic crossclamping: at the beginning of mechanical ventilation in veins and, when CPB is started, also in arteries.
High‐Temperature Oxidation III . Zirconium and Hafnium Diborides

The oxidation of zone melted specimens of and was studied at temperatures of 1200°–2000°K and at oxygen partial pressures of 1–700 Torr in helium. Parabolic rate behavior was observed. For above 1400°K an activation energy of was determined. Below 1400°K the activation energy is much lower, and the mechanism of oxidation is different, probably because of the presence of boron oxide in the condensed phase. Below 1300°K, the parabolic rate constant appears to be directly proportional to oxygen partial pressure; at 1830°K, the rate constant is independent of oxygen pressure. For in the range 1480°–1870°K an activation energy of was observed. Around 1970°K, the transition temperature for the monoclinic to tetragonal phase change in , there is a sharp increase in the rate of oxidation. The parabolic rate constant for total oxygen consumption increases as the power of the oxygen partial pressure at 1630° and 1760°K.
Changes in income inequality and the black market premium

Is a high black market premium for US dollars associated with rising or falling income inequality within a nation? This paper empirically examines this issue within a cross section of countries and finds that the black market premium is strongly associated with rising income inequality as measured by changes in the Gini coefficient. Others have used the black market premium as a proxy to measure protectionist policies so a possible implication is that protectionist policies further skew the distribution of income within a country. However, other measures of protectionist policies are not associated with changes in income inequality. Instead, other factors which might drive the black market premium such as interest rate differentials appear to be more relevant in explaining why the black market premium is positively related with increases in income inequality.
ESD Around the World: United States

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a well-established advanced mucosal resection technique used in Japan, where it originated, and some other Asian countries. The technical difficulty and potentially higher rates of significant complications have been obstacles for its dissemination across the United States, on top of the lack of available equipment, candidate lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, and adequate training programs. Yet American physicians are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of ESD. Simplification of technique, modification of tools and materials, and improved availability of training opportunities are essential in order to accelerate the adoption of ESD in the United States.
An apolipoprotein preferentially enriched in cholesteryl ester-rich very low density lipoproteins.

Abstract One of the plasma apolipoproteins, rich in arginine and predominantly alpha-helical in conformation, is preferentially enriched in cholesteryl ester-rich very low density lipoproteins. The incidence of plasma lipoproteins that are enriched in the arginine-rich apolipoprotein appears to be a function of genetic, hormonal, and dietary factors and is high in hypothyroidism and type III hyperlipoproteinemia and in rabbits fed excess cholesterol. This apolipoprotein appears to be one of several involved primarily in the transport and metabolism of cholesteryl esters and/or cholesterol.
Dicing with siRNA.

Abstract Two new studies describe strategies for increasing the efficiency of RNA interference.
STUDIES of GROWH HORMONE BINDING AND INSULIN LIKE METABOLIC EFFECT IN ISOLATED RAT ADIPOCYTES

Adipocytes isolated by collagenase digestion from normal rat epididymal(EP), subcutaneous(SC), or retroperitoneal(RP) locations were selected for a study of human growth hormone(hGH) binding and metabolic activity. Scatchard analysis of 125-I-hGH binding was linear; binding affinities ranged from 2.1-3.5 × 109 M−1 and were not different, but the number of binding sites per cell were highest in EP(8,300), followed by SC(6,700), p<.05, and then RP fat(2,700), p<.01. The metabolic response of fat cells was evaluated by the incorporation of 14-C(U) glucose into adipocytes(without pre-incubation). With pituitary hGH, basal and maximally stimulated glucose incorporation was: EP=202±9 to 265±18 (31% increase, p<.05), SC=97±6 to 111±8 (17% increase), and RP=96±10 to 104±9 nMoles/106 cells(7% increase). Similar studies following biosynthetic hGH (supplied by Kabi Vitram) showed: EP=243±13 to 301±21(24% increase, p<.025), SC=120±17 to 139±31 (18% increase), and RP=110±10 to 104±12 nMoles/106 cells. Addition of hGH antibodies blocked the glucose incorporation in EP adipocytes using both pituitary and biosynthetic hGH, while insulin antibodies did not prevent this increase. We conclude that this insulin-like metabolic effect is caused by hGH, not an insulin-like impurity. EP fat cells demonstrated the highest number of binding sites and glucose incorporation, followed by SC and then RP fat cells. These results suggest different metabolic responses to hGH for adipose tissue from different locations.
Small Carborane Ligands as Tailorable Cp Surrogates. Halogenation, Alkylation, and Arylation at Metal and Cage Positions on CpX2M(Et2C2B4H4) Complexes (M = Ta, Nb)1

Synthetic methods for the derivitization of sandwich complexes of the type CpCl2M(2,3-Et2C2B4H4) (M = Ta, Nb) have been further developed via regiospecific halogenation and alkylation at boron vert...
Cross-reactivity patterns of vaccinia-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes from H-2Kb mutants.

Limit-dilution cultures were used to select vaccinia-immune T-cell populations from bml and bm3 mutant mice that were not lytic for virus-infected targets expressing the Kb and Db MHC glycoprotein. Approximately 30% of virus-immune CTL were restricted in each case to Kbm1 and Kbm3, rather than to Db. Evidence of extensive cross-reactivity was found for these virus-immune CTL. Bm3 and bmll mice sharing one amino acid mutation from wild-type but differing by a second mutation seen only in bm3 are the most cross-reactive pair in their presentation of vaccinia. The bm1 and bm10 pair with dissimilar mutations from wild-type affecting the same CNBr fragment are also largely cross-reactive. However, 30% cross-reactivity is also found for bm1 and bm3, which differ in separate CNBr fragments. That mutants expressing amino acid substitutions in the same region of the peptide tend to show more evidence of cross-reactivity does not necessarily mean the T cells see linear arrays of amino acids on the MHC glycoprotein. For instance, Kbm1 and Kbm10 differ for three amino acids, but bm1 T cells are highly lytic for bm10 virus-infected targets. However, there is no cross-reactivity for Kbm1 and Kb, which differ at only two amino acids. The key to further understanding may rest with defining the nature of the conformational differences among the Kbm1, Kbm10, and Kb glycoproteins.
Factors affecting the assembly of some spherical viruses.

Abstract The reassembly of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus, brome mosaic virus, and broad bean mottle virus was examined under a variety of conditions. The experimental basis is presented for optimal reassembly occurring in terms of infectivity and sedimentation behavior when protein in 1 M NaCl near neutrality and RNA are mixed stoichiometrically prior to dialysis at about 4° against near-neutral low ionic strength solutions containing at least 5 × 10 −3 M MgCl 2 or various polyamines. The consequences of omitting divalent cations, lowering pH levels, and varying the ratios of protein and RNA are described. The reassembly process is discussed in terms of the conditions investigated and related particularly to the properties of natural cowpea chlorotic mottle virus.
Shirking and political support in the U.S. Senate, 1964–1984

Several empirical studies have suggested that legislators engage in a surprisingly large degree of on-the-job consumption, or ideological behavior. These findings cast doubt on the hypothesis that legislators can be modelled as though they seek to maximize political support. This paper attempts to determine whether commonly used proxies for ideology in fact represent behavior to which voters are averse. The results show that legislators who engage in more of this behavior lose general-election support without generally receiving compensating increases in partyprimary support. A corollary to this result is that voters punish shirking legislators significantly.
Distribution of α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase in normal rats☆

Abstract Over 95% of the soluble α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity of rat liver cell homogenate was found in the supernatant fraction, indicating an exclusively extraparticulate localization of this enzyme. Organ distribution measurements show the bulk of the enzyme to be in the skeletal musculature (87–95%), with appreciable amounts in the liver (4–12%) and kidney (1%). Only barely detectable activity was found in brain, heart, small intestine, lung, and spleen. Female rats exhibited a significantly higher enzyme content than males in liver (0.76 mg. vs. 0.19 mg.) and kidney (0.07 mg. vs. 0.04 mg.), and a tendency to be higher in skeletal muscle (5.5 mg. vs. 4.7 mg.). The significance of this sex difference in terms of total body fat content is discussed.