cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting protein networks in cancer.

Characterization of the mutational landscape of tumors is important to understanding disease etiology but does not provide mechanistic insight into the functional role of specific mutations. A new study introduces a statistical mechanical framework that draws on biophysical data from SH2 domain–phosphoprotein interactions to predict the functional effects of mutations in cancer.
Profile of Biogenic Sedimentary Structures in Holocene Barrier Island--Salt Marsh Complex, Georgia: ABSTRACT

Biogenic sedimentary structures, many of which are characteristic of particular depositional environments, are abundant among Holocene barrier island-salt marsh habitats of coastal Georgia. The major environments represented are (1) beaches, including the shoreface, lower and upper foreshore, backshore, dunes, and washover fans; (2) salt marshes, consisting of the low marsh, high marsh, and salt pans; and (3) estuaries and tidal streams, including channel deposits, point bars, stream banks, and natural levees. Biogenic sedimentary structures in these environments consist of bioturbate textures and tracks, trails, burrows, and dwelling tubes, and are produced chiefly by polychaetes, gastropods, pelecypods, decapods, amphipods, and insects. Such structures, either singly or as assemblages of lebensspuren, are ordinarily sufficient to delimit major habitats. Further, most of these structures are capable of preservation, and many of them have been documented in the Pleistocene of Georgia and Florida. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2036------------
The frequency assignment problem: a solution via nonlinear programming

This paper gives a mathematical programming model for the problem of assigning frequencies to nodes in a communications network. The objective is to select a frequency assignment which minimizes both cochannel and adjacent-channel interference. In addition, a design engineer has the option to designate key links in which the avoidance of jamming due to self interference is given a higher priority. The model has a nonconvex quadratic objective function, generalized upper-bounding constraints, and binary decision variables. We developed a special heuristic algorithm and software for this model and tested it on five test problems which were modifications of a real-world problem. Even though most of the test problems had over 600 binary variables, we were able to obtain a near optimum in less than 12 seconds of CPU time on a CDC Cyber-875.
Multiplexed automated DNA sequencing directly from single bacterial colonies.

Sample preparation has been one of the major bottlenecks for large-scale DNA sequencing projects in terms of time and cost. To improve sample throughput and to integrate the front-end tasks to capi...
Evaluation of system reliability using expert opinions

Abstract The application of the expert opinion approach to problem identification and reliability evaluation of structural engineering systems is described in this paper. The general process of data acquisition by means of the expert opinion method is explained. The paper discusses the process of refinement of the collected data and statistical evaluation of results using several rounds of data collection from experts. The role of bias on the part of the expert, identification of different types of bias, strategies to control bias and the confidence of the expert in his/her response are also presented and discussed. The paper explains potential application of the method to structural system reliability evaluation and presents a specific case study on the reliability analysis of a utility network system.
On-chip high repetition rate femtosecond source

We show that a parametric frequency comb generated in a silicon-nitride resonator on-chip can be passively mode-locked to produce sub-200-fs pulses at a 99-GHz repetition rate.
Cohesive fracture and probabilistic damage analysis of freezing-thawing degradation of concrete

The durability of concrete with low-degradation aggregates due to cyclic freezing and thawing effect is experimentally studied by characterizing the variance of fracture energy with respect to the number of freeze/thaw (F/T) cycles. Cohesive fracture test is conducted for notched concrete beams subjected to different F/T cycles, and the fictitious crack model-based approach is employed to calculate the fracture energy from the testing data. The relationship between the relative fracture energy and the number of F/T cycles is established using the nonlinear regression analyses. Based on the three-parameter Weibull distribution model, the probabilistic damage analysis is conducted, and the life distribution diagrams are produced according to the probability of reliability/survival concept. The relationships between the life (i.e., the number of F/T cycles) and damage parameter for different probabilities of reliability are obtained, from which the service life of concrete due to cyclic freezing and thawing actions can be determined at any given reliability index. The validation and accuracy of the present models are demonstrated through comparisons between the predicted data by the present models and the test data. The present probabilistic damage model can serve as a reference for maintenance, design and life prediction of concrete structures with low-degradation aggregates in cold regions subjected to cyclic freezing and thawing actions.
Reaction of methanol on Si(111)-7 × 7

Abstract The reaction of methanol on silicon surfaces is significantly different than on transition metal surfaces. A combination of surface probes, high resolution EELS, TDS, and LEED, was used to follow the chemical transformation of methanol on Si(111)-7 × 7 between 80 and 1000 K. Dissociative adsorption proceeds readily at 80 K to form a strongly bound methoxy species (CH3O) and SiH. The methoxy is stable to > 700 K and decomposes to atomic oxygen and carbon at higher temperatures. The decomposition proceeds with the formation of SiH2, involving the breaking of SiSi bonds. Above the hydrogen desorption temperature, oxygen is found to occupy bridge bonded configuration, similar to that observed after oxygen exposure on the clean surface.
Probable Fijian Origin of Quartzose Temper Sands in Prehistoric Pottery from Tonga and the Marquesas

Quartzose temper sands included within fired clay bodies of certain prehistoric potsherds from Tonga and the Marquesas have mineralogical compositions wholly different from those of indigenous sands that occur as temper in other potsherds from the same sites but are indistinguishable from sands in potsherds collected from the Rewa Delta of Viti Levu in Fiji.
Metal-ATP binding. I. Thermodynamic data for adenosine-silver binding

Abstract A potentiometric method using silver concentration cells was used to follow free Ag + in silver-adenosine titrations at pH 5.6–5.8. A computer method was developed for the calculation of K 1 and K 2 in the formation of ML 2 when only free M is known. This method was applied to the silver-adenosine titration data at 10°, 17°, 25°, 33° and 40° to give ΔG °, ΔH °, and ΔS ° for each of the two steps in the formation of Ag + (adenosine) 2 at 25°. The implications of these data with regard to Ag-ATP binding are that metal-ring and metal-bridge forms would predominate in the Ag-ATP complex.
Influence of genetic background on albuminuria and kidney injury in Ins2+/C96Y (Akita) mice

Previous studies have shown that Akita mice bearing the Ins2+/C96Y mutation have significant advantages as a type I diabetes platform for developing models of diabetic nephropathy (DN; Gurley SB, C...
Concentration-dependent effects of fatty acids on warfarin binding to albumin

Abstract The interrelationships between fatty acid and warfarin binding to albumin were investigated. Various molar ratios of palmitic acid and oleic acid were added to defatted human albumin in the presence of warfarin, and the warfarin binding association constants, Ka, were calculated. Warfarin association constants increased from 0.84 × 105 M −1 to 3.66 × 105 M −1 as the oleic acid concentration increased from zero to three moles per mole of albumin and from 1.19 × 105 M −1 to 3.13 × 105 M −1 as the palmitic acid concentration increased from zero to two moles per mole of albumin. Larger amounts of either fatty acid progressively decreased the amount of warfarin bound in a noncompetitive fashion. In addition, two proteolytic fragments were utilized to define the location of the warfarin binding site on albumin. The warfarin site was located between loops 5 and 6 on the albumin molecule in close proximity to the secondary and tertiary binding sites of palmitic acid.
Search of extra space dimensions with ATLAS

If extra spatial dimensions were to exist, they could provide a solution to the hierarchy problem. The studies done by the ATLAS Collaboration on the sensitivity of the detector to various extra dimension models are reported in this document.
Radiographically Detectable Soft Tissue Calcification in Chronic Renal Failure

Soft tissue calcification is known to occur in association with chronic renal failure. This soft tissue calcification is frequently recognized microscopically, but infrequently identified radiographically. This paper reviews the role of chronic renal failure in soft tissue calcification and presents three case histories of chronic renal failure in dogs in which soft tissue calcification of the stomach, kidneys, and footpads was detected radiographically. In all three dogs, gastric-wall mineralization was visible radiographically as thin, linear, mineralized densities. Renal mineralization was seen radiographically in two of the dogs. One of the dogs had nodular mineral deposits in the footpads of all feet. Although microscopy confirmed the soft tissue calcification of these and other structures, there was poor correlation between microscopic and radiographic degrees of visceral soft tissue calcification. There was also poor correlation between the degree of calcium and phosphate imbalance and the extent of radiographic evidence of soft tissue calcification.
Comparative identification of prostanoid inducible proteins by LC-ESI-MS/MS and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Protein identification by MS is well-established. Mixtures of proteins from cell extracts are separated by either one- or two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and specific bands or spots are subjected to in-gel digestion and subsequent analysis by MS. The two most common types of ionization used in MS are electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). When ESI is used, the sample is typically analyzed by inline HPLC-ESI-MS/MS with fragmentation of individual digest peptides, followed by database comparison between theoretical and experimental fragmentation patterns. MALDI-MS analysis is based on peptide mass mapping, with mass measurements of the digest peptides searched against a database of theoretical digests. We give here the results of a comparison between ESI-ion trap and MALDI-TOF (time-of-flight) analysis of 11-deoxy,16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E(2) (DDM-PGE(2)) inducible proteins. Individual peptides identified by the two techniques differed, in general, but the resulting protein identification was the same. Slightly higher coverage of each protein was obtained by MALDI-TOF, but the MS/MS data were more definitive by requiring fewer peptides to assign a positive identification. Both methods effectively identified two proteins in the same gel band. The samples here are derived from a renal epithelial cell line (LLC-PK(1)) established from the New Hampshire minipig, a species poorly represented in the current database, and strategies and limitations for analyzing such species are discussed.
Theory of electron-phonon interactions in organic crystals. Effect on charge carrier transport

Phonon modes in aromatic hydrocarbon crystals are classified to guide discussion of the electron-phonon interaction. The principal qualitative electron-phonon effects on charge carrier transport arise from the exchange integral variations due to lattice modes and from the binding energy due to frequency changes in out-of-plane molecular modes; other lattice and molecular modes have quantitative effects. The use of linear-response theory to calculate the conductivity for the two principal interactions is described. Each calculation embodies results applicable in the region intermediate between hopping and band transport, but as yet neither is completely analyzed in this region. Nevertheless, the fundamental processes governing charge carrier transport in these crystals now appear to be understood.
Pale poultry muscle syndrome

Muscle that exhibits a pale color, soft texture, and exudative nature (PSE) was first described by the swine industry. Some turkey breast muscle has been found to be lighter or paler than what is considered normal. A comparable phenomenon has also been observed in broiler chicken breast muscle. Similar to PSE pork, pale poultry muscles may have reduced water-holding capacity and higher drip loss than normal muscles. However, the lighter color poultry may also have normal water-holding and drip loss. Based on these findings, researchers have adopted the PSE term to describe pale avian muscle. The scientific literature describes porcine PSE as a much more severe meat quality defect than the poultry version. The genetic basis for the PSE syndrome between turkey and pork muscle also appears to differ. Finally, the halothane screening method used to detect PSE-susceptible live swine does not work when used to screen suspect turkeys or chickens. Most of the PSE-like avian muscle is usually chosen by researchers based on the color of the muscle. However, many factors affect muscle color and the literature shows substantial differences in research relative to the definition of pale and normal avian muscles. Therefore, we propose using other terminology than PSE when describing avian breast muscle that exhibits some degree of paleness, reduced water-holding capacity, and increased drip loss. Two recommendations are: pale chicken muscle or pale poultry muscle syndrome. Continued use of PSE to describe pale poultry meat may be misleading because the conditions in swine and avian resulting in the defect are not the same.
Effect of peripheral nerve on limb development.

The effect of peripheral nerve on limb growth and maturation has received little attention after the limb differentiation stage. This study used an amphibian model (Rana pipiens) to examine the effect of temporary denervation on the development of limb muscle and bone tissues. Quantitative microscopic techniques were employed to evaluate bone and muscle size and cellularity between denervated and control limbs. A 15% decrease in tibial length and a 17% decrease in cross-sectional area were foound in the temporarily denervated limbs as compared with the control limbs during the growing period studied. A 26% increase in tibial osteocyte density was found in the denervated limbs, although total osteocyte number was the same. The same differences were found on comparing less and more mature limbs from normal animals. Gastrocnemius muscle from temporarily denervated limbs had a 46% lesser cross-sectional surface area and a 66% greater muscle fiber density as compared with control limbs. Total muscle fiber number was the same. Similar findings were observed comparing limbs of different maturities from normal unoperated animals. This study suggests that the absence of peripheral nerves decreases the rate of bone maturation, which effect may be responsible for the diminished size of denervated limbs. This work demonstrates a model for regional growth disturbances that may aid in understanding such disorders as idiopathic leg length discrepancy, hemihypertrophy, clubfoot, and the limb deformities created by paralytic diseases.
Planets around massive white dwarfs

One of the models for the formation of planets around pulsars suggests that the pulsar formed from the merger of two white dwarfs and the planets from the resulting debris. It is pointed out here that, in such a scenario, a frequent end product would also be planets encircling a massive white dwarf. Attention is drawn to some massive, hot white dwarfs which may be the result of recent mergers, and suggest that these would be prime candidates to be searched for the presence of planets
THE PRACTICE OF AWARDING CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

(1989). THE PRACTICE OF AWARDING CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Community Junior College Research Quarterly of Research and Practice: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 23-31.
Transformational leadership, self‐efficacy, group cohesiveness, commitment, and performance

We tested a model proposing that transformational leaders build committed and high performing work groups by enhancing employee self‐efficacy and cohesiveness. Questionnaires were completed by 303 fire department personnel following preliminary in‐depth interviews with fire rescue personnel. After accounting for missing data, 271 responses were included in our data analysis. Results indicated support for the theoretical model in comparison to three alternative models that were considered. Implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed.
Perceived Rewards of Nursing Among Christian Nursing Students in Bangalore, India

Nurses in India face significant challenges and often migrate to practice nursing abroad. Few studies have focused on the rewards of nursing in India. The aim of this study was to illuminate perceived rewards of nursing among Christian student nurses in Bangalore, India. Photovoice, a participatory action methodology was used, and 14 Christian student nurses participated in the study. Thematic interpretation of photographs, journals, critical group dialog sessions, and observational field notes resulted in the identification of two main themes. These themes included intrinsic rewards and lifelong benefits of nursing in India.
The STABS, a measure of test anxiety for behavior therapy: Normative data.

Abstract Since the demonstrated applicability of behavior therapy to the treatment of anxieties, attention has been increasingly devoted to measuring and treating specific forms of anxiety. Test anxiety involves feelings of tension which interfere with learning and academic performance. Those afflicted often find the anxiety to be an obstacle to higher mental processes. In severe cases, a sensation of physical nausea may occur. Recent studies (Emery and Krumboltz, 1967; Katahn, Strenger and Cherry, 1966; Paul, 1964; Suinn, 1968a) have shown that Wolpe's (1958) desensitization method is particularly suitable for the treatment of test anxiety. By this method, the client is taught relaxation responses. The anxiety hierarchy is then developed, involving the identification and ranking of those situations which arouse anxiety in the client. The treatment plan then includes visualizing these situations while in a relaxed state. A survey of the literature makes it evident that behavior therapy treatment or research would be enhanced if a measure were available: (1) which could serve either as a diagnostic tool, or as an aid for the development of the anxiety hierarchy, (2) which had normative data reported, and (3) which had data showing the change in scores which would occur without treatment. The last named characteristic is particularly desirable for research studies reporting on improvements in clients by different treatment innovations where a control group is lacking. It is also valuable in individual clinic cases to enable the therapist to assess the rate of progress of specific clients in therapy. The Suinn Test Anxiety Behavior Scale (STABS) was devised and data gathered to provide an anxiety scale with the aforementioned characteristics.
Closing the Gap between Knowledge and Clinical Application: Challenges for Genomic Translation

Despite early predictions and rapid progress in research, the introduction of personal genomics into clinical practice has been slow. Several factors contribute to this translational gap between knowledge and clinical application. The evidence available to support genetic test use is often limited, and implementation of new testing programs can be challenging. In addition, the heterogeneity of genomic risk information points to the need for strategies to select and deliver the information most appropriate for particular clinical needs. Accomplishing these tasks also requires recognition that some expectations for personal genomics are unrealistic, notably expectations concerning the clinical utility of genomic risk assessment for common complex diseases. Efforts are needed to improve the body of evidence addressing clinical outcomes for genomics, apply implementation science to personal genomics, and develop realistic goals for genomic risk assessment. In addition, translational research should emphasize the broader benefits of genomic knowledge, including applications of genomic research that provide clinical benefit outside the context of personal genomic risk.
No Pain, Yet Gain Vicarious Organizational Learning from Crises in an Inter-Organizational Field

This study uses a social learning theory framework to explore how members of an inter-organizational field surrounding the chemical industry learned vicariously from crises. In this context, the article examines the four vicarious learning processes: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation. The article analyzes strategies used by the American Chemistry Council that correspond with these processes to explain why vicarious learning occurred among multiple organizations in the industry. Finally, the article suggests propositions for future research and discusses implications for practice.
Was the Titius-Bode series dictated by the minimum energy states of the generic solar plasma?

It has been shown previously that the Bode numbers and measured velocity ratios of the planets are accurately predicted by the eigenvalues of the Euler-Lagrange equations resulting from the variation of the free energy of the generic plasma that formed the Sun and planets. This theory is reviewed and extended to show that the equations make accurate predictions for all the major planets out to and including Pluto. The semimajor axes and velocity ratios of Pluto and Neptune are predicted exactly. The Bode numbers are shown to correspond to the roots of the first-order Bessel functions. The extrema of the roots of the zeroth-order Bessel function predict the ratios of the measured planetary velocities almost without error for the outer planets. Both sets of roots correspond to the same eigenvalue solution of the force-free equation. The eigenvalues are set by the initial energy input to the plasma nebula. Both the Titius-Bode series and Kepler's harmonic law are predicted by the relaxed state solution of the free-energy equation for the generic plasma that formed the Sun and planets. Newton's law of gravitation is not used in the calculations. The solution makes exact predictions for the outer planets where the Titius Bode series fails completely. >
Proteinases in molting fluid of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract Manduca sexta pharate pupal molting fluid contains more than 10 proteolytic enzymes that differ in relative mobility during electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate and gelatin. The major gelatin digesting enzyme was an endoprotease with an apparent molecular weight of 100 kDa. Gel filtration on a Sephacryl S-300 column resolved another endoprotease of similar size that digests azocoll and [ 3 H]casein. In addition we found an aminopeptidase-like enzyme (MW app 500 kDa) and at least three carboxypeptidase-like enzymes (MW app 10–60 kDa). Use of pseudosubstrates and inhibitors suggested the presence of both trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like enzymes with the former activity approx. 10-fold greater than the latter. However, none of the proteolytic enzymes were substantially inhibited by diisopropylphosphorofluoridate or phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride which are poteint inhibitors of trypsin and chymotrypsin. No carboxyl or sulfhydryl proteases were detected. The enzymes were most active in the neutral to alkaline pH range, but they were relatively unstable during storage which precluded their purification to homogeneity. Proteolysis of Manduca cuticular protein appears to involve a rather complex and unique mixture of endo- and exo-cleaving proteolytic enzymes.
Role of serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors in the psychotomimetic actions of phencyclidine.

The psychotomimetic phencyclidine (PCP) alters various behavioural responses involving the serotonergic system including potentiating the discriminative stimulus effects of the phenethylamine hallucinogen, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM). The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that PCP directly interacts with the 5-HT2A receptor. PC12 cells, a neuronal cell line, were stably transfected with the cDNA encoding the rat 5-HT2A receptor (PC12–5-HT2A). In these cells PCP and the related compounds, ketamine and dizocilpine, did not increase [3H];inositol phosphate generation nor did they alter 5-HT-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. These compounds also did not display appreciable affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor labelled with [3H]ketanserin. The present study indicates that the behavioural responses to PCP, ketamine and dizocilpine do not involve a direct interaction of these compounds with the 5-HT2A receptor.
Occupational exposures among domestic and industrial professional cleaners.

Background Despite being a large part of the workforce, cleaners remain a relatively understudied occupational group in the USA. Aims The aims of this focus group study were to identify and characterize occupational exposures, symptoms and job tasks among domestic and industrial professional cleaners. Methods Twelve focus group sessions were conducted in Lubbock, TX, and Houston, TX. Participants were asked about their job tasks, type of products they use to clean, bodily symptoms, job training and work environment. Results Out of 99 attendees, 79 domestic and industrial cleaners participated actively in the focus group sessions. Three general themes emerged regarding cleaning professionals' work experiences: (i) job training, (ii) chemical exposure and use and (iii) competence. Domestic cleaners demonstrated significant skills deficit across each of these three themes as compared to industrial cleaners. Domestic cleaners reported more frequent exposure to respiratory irritants and sensitizers and also reported adverse respiratory symptoms as compared to industrial cleaners. Conclusions The results from this qualitative study are consistent with earlier findings from quantitative studies placing domestic cleaners at risk of exposure to chemicals that are respiratory irritants and/or sensitizers.
Blind separation of synchronous co-channel digital signals using an antenna array. II. Performance analysis

We have recently proposed a blind maximum likelihood approach for demodulating multiple co-channel digital signals received synchronously at an antenna array. This approach exploits the finite alphabet (FA) property of digital signals to simultaneously estimate the array response and symbol sequence for each signal. We have presented two computationally efficient block algorithms for computing the array response and signal estimates: iterative least-squares with projection (ILSP) and iterative least-squares with enumeration (ILSE). In this paper, we study the performance of these algorithms using both analysis and simulation. We derive the probability of error in detecting the signals under the assumption that the array responses are known. We use this probability to estimate the probability of error in the algorithms. Simulation results confirm that the detection error probability yields a good approximation to the performance of the blind algorithms.
Hydrodynamic Prediction of High Speed Microflows

Characteristics of gas flow in the transition regime are presented for microchannels for both subsonic and supersonic flows. A low speed pressure driven flow and two high speed flow cases through microchannels have been documented using a hydrodynamic finite element formulation with first order slip/jump boundary conditions. The subsonic flow case uses a channel of aspect ratio 5639, while for the high speed flow the microchannel has an aspect ratio of 5. Presented subsonic flow results are benchmarked with experiment and reported numerical model. The solution profiles for supersonic micro flow cases are compared to the published DSMC results. Numerical solution of the hydrodynamic model documents excellent shock capturing capability.
Performance and nutrient retention responses of broilers to dietary oxyhalogenic and ionic salts

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of 2 ionic and antimicrobial mixtures on broiler performance and nutrient retention. In experiment 1, male broilers were fed 6 diets in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment (5 cages/diet, 9 chicks/cage) from 0 to 21d of age. Diets with 2 nutrient densities [normal industry diet (ND) and a low nutrient density diet (82% of ND)] and 3 ionic and antimicrobial mixtures [none (control) or 1 of 2 formulations containing different mixtures of ionic salts and oxyhalogenic compounds (sodium salts of chlorite, chlorate, chloride, borate, sulfate, bromide, salicylate, and hydrogen peroxide) at 4.4 mL/kg of feed (mix A and B)]. Birds fed mix B (568.6 g) were heavier (P < 0.05) at 21d of age than birds fed the control diet (501.7 g) and BW of birds fed mix A (536.1 g) did not differ from mix B or controls. Phosphorus and nitrogen retention from 18 to 20 d in birds fed mix B (78.05% and 82.23%, respectively) was greater (P < 0.05) than birds fed mix A (60.21 and 71.22%, respectively) and birds fed mix A had greater (P < 0.05) retention than birds fed the control diet (45.94 and 69.06%, respectively). In experiment 2, chicks were fed either 4.4 mL of mix B/kg feed, a diet with salinomycin and bacitracin, or a control diet. Birds fed the control or mix B diet had greater (P < 0.05) BW at 18 d than birds on the antibiotic treatment, whereas diet or nutrient retention differences were not present at 42 d of age. In conclusion, the ionic and antimicrobial mixtures improved performance and nutrient retention in young broilers but these did not last until market age.
Coerced or Voluntary? The Repartimiento and Market Participation of Peasants in Late Colonial Oaxaca

This article challenges the traditional depiction of the late colonial repartimiento de comercio as a system of forced production and consumption. Employing a micro-economic analysis of the repartimiento's operation in Oaxaca, it argues that peasant participation in the alcaldes mayores' repartimientos was voluntary, not coerced, and that the repartimiento should be understood instead as a system of consumer and producer credit designed to operate under colonial conditions of high risk. Repartimiento credit was expensive, but it permitted peasants to participate more extensively in markets as consumers and producers. ‘Indians are capable of requesting the cargo of a flotilla, and [so] it is a vulgarity and a misunderstanding of the repartimiento to say that they are forced.’
Cognitive dysfunction and self-care decision making in chronic heart failure: A review of the literature:

Background:Memory and executive function may be associated with poorer self-care management behaviors (indicators of self-care decision making). Dysfunction of self-care decision making processes o...
Disposition of 2,4-dinitroaniline in the male F-344 rat.

1. The disposition and metabolism of 2,4-dinitroaniline was studied in male F-344 rats following oral and i.v. administration. Gastrointestinal absorption was near complete and was not affected by dose (10–90 μmol/kg). Following either oral or i.v. administration, dinitroaniline was rapidly distributed throughout the tissues and showed no marked affinity for any particular tissue.2. 14C-dinitroaniline was readily cleared by metabolism to at least nine metabolites; radioactivity was excreted primarily in urine (70% dose) and to a lesser extent in faeces (25–30% dose). Clearance of radioactivity from the body was near complete in 3 days.3. As the whole-body half-life of dinitroaniline derived radioactivity in the rat was <3 h and there was no evidence for saturation of any mechanism of absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion in the dose range studied, 2,4-dinitroaniline appears to have little potential for bioaccumulation in animal tissues.4. Analysis of urine and bile detected nine metabolites of...
Deletion of murine choline dehydrogenase results in diminished sperm motility

Choline dehydrogenase (CHDH) cata- lyzes the conversion of choline to betaine, an important methyl donor and organic osmolyte. We have previ- ously identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human CHDH gene that, when present, seem to alter the activity of the CHDH enzyme. These SNPs occur frequently in humans. We created a Chdh / mouse to determine the functional effects of mutations that result in decreased CHDH activity. Chdh deletion did not affect fetal viability or alter growth or survival of these mice. Only one of eleven Chdh / males was able to reproduce. Loss of CHDH activity resulted in decreased testicular betaine and increased choline and PCho concentrations. Chdh / and Chdh / mice produced comparable amounts of sperm; the impaired fertility was due to diminished sperm motility in the Chdh / males. Transmission electron micros- copy revealed abnormal mitochondrial morphology in Chdh / sperm. ATP content, total mitochondrial de- hydrogenase activity and inner mitochondrial mem- brane polarization were all significantly reduced in sperm from Chdh / animals. Mitochondrial changes were also detected in liver, kidney, heart, and testis tissues. We suggest that men who have SNPs in CHDH that decrease the activity of the CHDH enzyme could have decreased sperm motility and fertility.— Johnson, A. R., Craciunescu, C. N., Guo, Z., Teng, Y.-W., Thresher, R. J., Blusztajn, J. K., Zeisel, S. H. Deletion of murine choline dehydrogenase results in diminished sperm motility. FASEB J. 24, 000 - 000 (2010). www.fasebj.org
Pretreatment with Isradipine, a Calcium‐Channel Blocker, Does Not Attenuate the Acute Behavioral Effects of Ethanol in Humans

The acute subject-rated, performance-impairing, and physiological effects of ethanol (0, 0.5, and 1 g/kg) were examined after pretreatment with isradipine (0, 5, and 10 mg) in nine healthy volunteers. Volunteers received 1 of the 9 ethanol-isradipine combinations during each of nine experimental sessions. Ethanol alone produced prototypical subject-rated drug effects (e.g., increased ratings of Drunk, Good effects, and Like drug) and impaired performance. Isradipine alone also produced significant subject-rated drug effects (e.g., increased ratings of Drug effect, Bad effects, High, and Stimulated), but did not impair performance. Isradipine pretreatment generally did not significantly alter the subject-rated or performance-impairing effects of ethanol. Isradipine alone, but not ethanol alone, significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The ethanol-isradipine combinations generally produced significantly greater decreases in blood pressure than were observed with isradipine alone. Breath-alcohol levels were significantly lower after isradipine pretreatment, which suggests isradipine altered the bioavailability of ethanol. The present findings extend previous studies with humans that examined the behavioral effects of ethanol after pretreatment with other calcium-channel blockers, including nifedipine, nimodipine, and verapamil. Whereas the available studies suggest that calcium-channel blockers would not be useful pharmacological adjuncts in the management of ethanol abuse, more research is needed. Future studies should use self-administration and drug discrimination procedures adapted for use with humans to determine if calcium-channel blockers can attenuate any of the behavioral effects of ethanol.
A very-low-fat diet is not associated with improved lipoprotein profiles in men with a predominance of large, low-density lipoproteins

Background: We found previously that men with a predominance of large LDL particles (phenotype A) consuming high-fat diets (40-46% fat) ) show less lipoprotein benefits of low-fat diets (20-24% fat) than do men with a high-risk lipoprotein profile characterized by a predominance of small LDL (phenotype B) Furthermore, one-third of men with phenotype A consuming a high-fat diet converted to phenotype B with a low-fat diet. Objective: We investigated effects of further reduction in dietary fat in men with persistence of LDL subclass phenotype A during both high- and low-fat diets. Design: Thirty-eight men who had shown phenotype A after 4-6 wk of both high- and low-fat diets consumed for 10 d a 10%-fat diet (2.7% saturates) with replacement of fat with carbohydrate and no change in cholesterol content or ratio of polyunsaturates to saturates. Results: In 26 men, phenotype A persisted (stable A group) whereas 12 converted to phenotype B (change group). LDL cholesterol did not differ from previous values for 20-24%-fat diets in either group, whereas in the change group there were higher concentrations of triacylglycerol and apolipoprotein B: greater mass of HDL. large LDL-I. small LDL-III and LDL-IV, and HDL 3 : lower concentrations of HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I; and lower mass of large LDL-I and HDL 2 . Conclusions: There is no apparent lipoprotein benefit of reduction in dietary fat from 20-24% to 10% in men with large LDL particles: LDL-cholesterol concentration was not reduced, and in a subset of subjects there was a shift to small LDL along with increased triacylglycerol and reduced HDL-cholesterol concentrations.
A distributed framework for solving the Multiagent Plan Coordination Problem

We examine whether and how the Multiagent Plan Coordination Problem, the problem of resolving interactions between the plans of multiple agents, can be cast as a Distributed Constraint Optimization Problem (DCOP). We use ADOPT, a state-of-the-art DCOP solver that can solve DCOPs in an asynchronous, parallel manner using local communication between individual computational agents. We then demonstrate how we can take advantage of novel flaw-assignment strategies and plan coordination algorithms to significantly improve the performance of ADOPT on representative coordination problems. We close with a consideration of possible advances in framing our DCOP representation of the Multiagent Plan Coordination Problem.
Effect of hyperglycemia-hyperinsulinemia on whole body and regional fatty acid metabolism

The effects of combined hyperglycemia-hyperinsulinemia on whole body, splanchnic, and leg fatty acid metabolism were determined in five volunteers. Catheters were placed in a femoral artery and vei...
The Retrosigmoid Petrosal Fissure Transpeduncular Approach to Central Pontine Lesions.

Background The advent of improved surgical instruments and neuronavigation and descriptions of safe-entry zones have allowed neurosurgeons to resect brainstem lesions with an acceptable morbidity. The authors describe the technique of petrosal fissure dissection to the lateral transpeduncular safe-entry zone at the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) for resection of deep-seated central pontine pathologies. This approach allows the surgeon to obtain less cerebellar retraction and a more direct, more shallow, and shorter approach compared with the approach without opening this fissure. Methods An illustrative case is used to highlight the technique of dissecting the petrosal fissure to obtain a direct surgical corridor to the MCP. Anatomic dissections are used to define better the relative relationships of this fissure to the MCP and adjacent structures. Results Dissection of the petrosal fissure provides a direct trajectory to the lateral transpeduncular entry zone at the MCP and can enhance exposure of this structure, while minimizing morbidity to the corticospinal tract and cerebellum during approaches to central pontine pathologies. Conclusions For resection of lesions within the pons via the retrosigmoid craniotomy, dissection of the petrosal fissure allows for a more direct and shorter route to the central pontine and lateral pontine lesion compared with an approach without expansion of this potential space.
United States-Cuba Normalized Relations and the MLB Influence: The Baseball Coalition Committee

This note explores the past, present, and future of the path for Cuban baseball players into the MLB. Specifically, this note will explore the late-2014 agreement between the United States and Cuba to normalize relations and its anticipated impact on the MLB. Part I will explore on the historical context of the relationship between the two countries with a focus on the effect baseball has had on the relationship. Part II will draw attention to the MLB’s current policies and the turmoil Cuban baseball players must go through to make it to the big leagues. Part III will concentrate on the issues that are occurring on a regular basis because of the circuitous emigration process for Cuban baseball players to make the MLB. Part IV will explore the normalization of diplomatic relations agreement between the United States and Cuba. And Part V will explore a possible framework to enhance the safety involved with the emigration process and efficiency of the troubling emigration issue while utilizing the normalized relations platform to align incentives.
A modified cohesion model for CFD–DEM simulations of fluidization

Abstract CFD–DEM simulations are performed to study gas-fluidization of particles with van der Waals force cohesion for both Group A and Group C particles. The particle spring constant used in such CFD–DEM simulations is commonly much smaller than that for realistic particles used in experiments. For cohesive particles, the predicted flow patterns depend on the value of particle spring stiffness used in the simulations. This dependence can be explained through a simple analysis involving head-on collision of two particles. A modified cohesion model is then proposed and verified through simulations of two-particle collisions. Simulations of gas-fluidization of cohesive particles with this modified cohesion model reveal that the predicted distributions of bubble size are insensitive to particle stiffness for Group A particles. For Group C particles, except for substantially small particle stiffness, the flow patterns are preserved when smaller particle stiffness is used. The proposed model, which was deduced through analysis of binary collisions, provides satisfactory results for fluidization of Group A particles manifesting only mild cohesion; however, similar to the previous finding by Kobayashi et al. [Powder Technol. 248, 143–152 (2013)] with a simpler model, it is less accurate for Group C particles with strong cohesive interactions, where large agglomerates form.
Effect of sheet morphology on the scalability of graphene-based ultracapacitors.

Graphene is considered a promising ultracapacitor material toward high power and energy density because of its high conductivity and high surface area without pore tortuosity. However, the two-dimensional (2D) sheets tend to aggregate during the electrode fabrication process and align perpendicular to the flow direction of electrons and ions, which can reduce the available surface area and limit the electron and ion transport. This makes it hard to achieve scalable device performance as the loading level of the active material increases. Here, we report a strategy to solve these problems by transforming the 2D graphene sheet into a crumpled paper ball structure. Compared to flat or wrinkled sheets, the crumpled graphene balls can deliver much higher specific capacitance and better rate performance. More importantly, devices made with crumpled graphene balls are significantly less dependent on the electrode mass loading. Performance of graphene-based ultracapacitors can be further enhanced by using flat gr...
The Road to South Carolina: Intergovernmental Tax Immunity and the Constitutional Status of Federalism

In South Carolina v. Baker the Supreme Court struck a powerful blow at constitutional federalism. As a result of this landmark case, the question of whether issuing tax exempt bonds is a sovereign right of the states or a privilege they are accorded by the national government has been settled. Relying in part on precedent from Garcia, the Court determined that immunity is not a right under the Tenth Amendment. In addition, South Carolina established a new doctrine of intergovernmental tax immunity which formally accords superior powers to the national government. Taken together, these results have implications for the future course of intergovernmental fiscal policy as well as the basic character of the relationship between the national and state and local governments.
Dense breasts and legislating medicine.

As with accelerated drug approval, mandated disclosure of breast density has uncertain efficacy.
O(D-1) branching fraction from the reaction N(D-2) + O-2 -> NO((II)-I-2,v,J) + O(P-3,D-1)

The reaction N( 2 D) + O 2 → NO( 2 Π,v,J) + O( 3 P, 1 D) has been considered for many years as a possible source of O( 1 D) in the thermosphere. We have used the Cold Chemical Infrared Simulation Experiment (COCHISE) facility to determine an upper limit to the O( 1 D) branching fraction of this reaction by observing the absence of the radiative decay of O('D) and O 2 (b 1 Σ) produced by efficient energy exchange with O 2 . By carefully modeling the kinetic and fluid dynamics of the experiment, an upper limit of 0.02 ′ 0.02 was found for the branching fraction into the O('D) product channel.
PURIFICATION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING FACTOR FROM BEEF HYPOTHALAMUS.

SummaryThe LH-releasing factor (LH-RF) in crude acidic extracts of beef stalk-median eminence was purified. Extract was first subjected to extensive heat treatment to inactivate LH, and the pH was adjusted to neutrality to decrease contamination with protein. The resultant clear supernatant was placed on a column of sephadex G-25, and gel filtration was performed using 1 MH Ac as the solvent. LH-releasing activity was determined both by ovarian ascorbic acid depletion following i.v. injection of fractions into immature females pretreated with gonadotro-phins and by the increment in plasma LH activity which followed i.v. injection of extract into ovariectomized, estrogen progesterone-blocked rats. The peak of LH-releasing activity was found to overlap that of pressor activity but was displaced slightly so that some fractions with LH-releasing activity were devoid of pressor activity. Fractions with LH-releasing activity were devoid of ACTH-releasing activity even when the dose was increased to five times t...
Changes in domain structures of NdFeB permanent magnet after magnetization and temperature treatment

We studied the phase components and magnetic domain structure of sintered NdFeB permanent magnet after magnetization and high-temperature treatment using magnetic force microscopy(MFM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD) as well as high-coercivity Co-Cr magnetic probe,made an analysis of the effect of magnetization and heat treatment on the phase components and magnetic domain structures.It is found that magnetization and high-temperature treatment result in no changes in the phase components,but obvious changes occurs in the magnetic domain structure;open-circuit magnetic flux loss may attribute to the change of magnetic domain structures.
The "nutcracker" phenomenon: an unusual cause for renal varicosities with hematuria.

Abstract The “nutcracker” phenomenon refers to renal vein compression by the aorta and superior mesenteric artery where the vein courses in the fork formed at the bifurcation of these arteries. Renal varicosities with hematuria developed in our patient in response to obstruction of the renal vein at this site. Surgical exploration revealed the left renal vein to be compressed by and stretched over the abdominal aorta. This deformity was corrected by medial fixation of the kidney and excision of extensive renal varicosities involving periureteral and ovarian veins. The patient has experienced no further hematuria.