cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Sanborn Field Experiment: Implications for Long‐Term Soil Organic Carbon Levels

With the potential for generating biofuels from crop residues, many scientists and policymakers are seeking data on what would be the long-term influence of biomass removal on soil organic matter levels. This paper shares the experience of 100 yr of various cropping systems management applications to soil organic carbon (SOC) levels on historic Sanborn Field. Established in 1888, Sanborn Field has employed monocultures and crop rotations to assess the influence of various treatments on crop yield, changes in soil properties, and long-term sustainability. Soil samples to nearly 1 m from 1915, 1938, 1962, and 1988 for selected cropping management practices were analyzed for SOC. In the initial design of the plot plan, residues from Sanborn Field were removed from plots to simulate the use of these materials in an animal production system. In 1950 the management program was changed to return residues to each specific plot and for increased utilization ofN fertilizers. Little increase in SOC was observed in samples from 1962, 12 yr after the return of residues. In many systems, surface SOC decreased from 1915 to 1962 with an increase for the 1988 samples. After initiation of residue return, manure only treatments nearly returned to 1915 SOC contents in the surface soil. This increase was a result of the nutrients from the manure in concert with the residues. SOC distribution over the time period for rotations did not follow the patterns of monocultures. It appears that an equilibrium level of SOC for some cropping systems takes about 30 to 40 yr to develop. Initial active carbon (AC) content assessment as a proxy for soil quality shows greater AC with manure and higher input management systems. The AC had a wide seasonal flux within a growing season as a function of temperature and moisture fluxes on microbial activity.
ALG gene expression and cell cycle progression

The evolutionarily conserved ALG genes function in the dolichol pathway in the synthesis of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide precursor for protein N-glycosylation. Increasing evidence suggests a role for these genes in the cell cycle. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, coordinate regulation of the ALG genes makes up the primary genomic response to growth stimulation; several features of the ALG genes' expression resemble mammalian early growth response genes. However, only the first gene in the pathway, ALG7, is downregulated in response to an antimitogenic signal that leads to cell cycle arrest and differentiation, suggesting that selective inhibition of the first gene may be sufficient to regulate the dolichol pathway for the withdrawal from the cell cycle. The availability of mutants in the early essential ALG genes has established functional relationships between these genes' expression and G1/S transition, budding, progression through G2 and withdrawal from the cell cycle. Analysis of the regulation of ALG7 has provided insights into how this gene's expression is controlled at the molecular level. Recent studies have also begun to reveal how ALG7 expression is linked to cell cycle arrest in response to antimitogenic cues and have identified G1 cyclins as some of its downstream targets. Since the functions of the ALG genes appear to be as conserved among eukaryotes as the cell cycle machinery, it is likely that these genes play a similar role in mammalian cell proliferation and differentiation.
Inactivation of the Na,K-ATPase by modification of Lys-501 with 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS).

Abstract The sodium pump or Na,K-ATPase, maintains the Na + and K + gradients across eukaryotic cell membranes at the expense of ATP. Incubation of purified canine renal Na,K-ATPase with 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS) inhibited the ATPase activity. Both the labeling of the protein and the loss or ATPase activity were prevented by co-incubation with ADP (acting as an ATP analog) or KCI. Only the α-subunit was labeled by SITS. The α-subunit from the inhibited enzyme was extensively digested with trypsin, and SITS-labeled peptides were purified by reverse-phase HPLC and sequenced. The amino acid sequence determined, His-Leu-Leu-Val-Met-X-Gly-Ala-Pro-Glu, indicated that SITS modifies Lys-501 (X) on the α-subunit of Na,K-ATPase.
Supersolidity of helium-4: Disordered scenarios

Abstract The discovery of the phenomenon of supersolidity in helium, a non-dissipative transport of 4He-atoms through 4He-crystals, is an amazing achievement in the low-temperature physics. A microscopic interpretation of the phenomenon of non-classical rotational inertia originally discovered by Kim and Chan remains highly controversial. The only direct observation of a superflow through solid 4He is the one reported recently by Ray and Hallock. First-principle simulations by Amherst-ETH-Alberta-CUNY collaboration, while unquestionably showing that a perfect hcp 4He crystal is not a supersolid, reveal disordered mechanisms of supersolidity: superfluid dislocations, grain boundaries, and ridges. Also possible is a metastable amorphous supersolid, the so-called superglass.
Racial diversity in uterine leiomyoma clinical studies

Objective To examine racial diversity in clinical studies on uterine leiomyomas included in a review of evidence-based practice because of the disproportionate burden of fibroids in Black women. Design Review of 106 studies cited in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) report on uterine leiomyomas. Setting Academic medical centers. Patient(s) None. Intervention(s) Estimation of the racial diversity of enrollment in studies on leiomyomas that did not report racial composition by two hypothetical models. Main Outcome Measure(s) Representation of Black women in studies from the AHRQ report. Result(s) Of the 106 analyzed studies, 81 studies did not report patients' race or ethnicity. Twenty-two of the 25 studies with reported race or ethnicity included Black participants. Analysis of studies reporting race and ethnicity, including studies specifically of African-American women, suggests that Black women comprise approximately half of all study participants. However, when estimating the proportion of Black women based on population demographics in each country, the representation of Black women in clinical leiomyoma studies appears to be closer to 15%. Conclusion(s) Most studies on uterine leiomyomas cited in the AHRQ evidence-based report did not report participation by race or ethnicity.
β Effect of Phosphorus Functionalities

Diphenylphosphinoyl (−P(O)Ph2) and diphenylthiophosphinoyl (−P(S)Ph2) respectively are modest and strong β-effect functionalities. When these groups are antiperiplanar to mesylate, the substrates solvolyze through unimolecular ionization. In contrast, substrates with the synclinal (gauche) arrangement react bimolecularly with solvent. The anti/gauche rate ratio is 440 for the oxide and 3.2 × 106 for the sulfide at 25 °C. The antiperiplanar sulfide in fact reacts 220 times more rapidly than the analogous cyclohexyl substrate at 25 °C, despite the strong electron-withdrawing nature of diphenylthiophosphinoyl. The α-secondary hydrogen/deuterium kinetic isotope effects of 1.21 for the anti oxide and 1.26 for the anti sulfide suggest high sp2 character in the transition state, as expected for stabilization by hyperconjugation in a vertical mechanism. Energies calculated at the MP2 level show that the geometry with the P−C bond parallel to the empty carbocation p orbital is more stable than the perpendicular ge...
Sequences learned without awareness can orient attention during the perception of human activity.

Human activity contains sequential dependencies that observers may use to structure a task environment (e.g., the ordering of steps when tying shoes or getting into a car). Two experiments investigated how people take advantage of sequential structure to understand activity and respond to behaviorally relevant events. Participants monitored animations of simplified human movement to identify target hand gestures. In the first experiment, participants were able to use predictive sequential dependencies to more quickly identify targets. In addition, performance was best at the point in time that followed the sequence. However, the second experiment revealed that how sequential structure affects detection depends on whether the sequence predicts the timing of target events. In all cases, sequence learning was observed without participants’ awareness of the sequential dependencies. These results suggest that human activity sequences can be learned without awareness and can be used to adaptively guide behavior.
Effect of anterior ganglia removal on phototaxis in the earthworm mbriscus terrestris)

One hundred and sixty earthworms were tested in an escape task. Half had their anterior ganglia removed 24 h prior to testing and half were intact. Half of each group was tested using a 100-W light source as the aversive stimulus, the remainder using a 150-W light source. Each subject was allowed a maximum of 5 min to escape following light onset. All subjects responded faster in the high light intensity condition. Subjects with their anterior ganglia removed escaped faster than controls under the 100-W light intensity condition, indicating the possibility that a specialized temporary lens-like and sensory cell activation follows anterior ganglia removal.
Influence of Non-Newtonian Models on Simulation of Aneurysm Hemodynamics

Aneurysm rupture rates are often associated with factors such as size, location, and patient specific risks such as age and health. However, the actual physiological causes of the pathogenesis, enlargement, and rupture are unclear. Many studies have shown aneurysm formation to be mechanically mediated. Hemodynamic forces such as wall shear stress (WSS), pressure, and flow patterns have been examined as causes for aneurysm development and eventual rupture [1]. Geometric factors such as the aneurysm size, shape, and aspect ratio may also be important in predicting rupture [2,3].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
In-situ and ex-situ structural analysis of phospholipid-supported planar bilayers using infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy

Abstract We report here both the in-situ and ex-situ study of phospholipids incorporated into supported planar bilayers using spectroscopic and imaging techniques. We have demonstrated the feasibility of using attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy for the insitu study of Langmuir monolayers at the air-water interface. This method results in a higher signal-to-noise ratio and more easily measured molecular orientation when compared with the external reflection infrared method previously developed. For ex-situ studies, we have demonstrated that a combination of IR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides detailed information concerning the conformation and distribution of the bilayer components. Our AFM images of the phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) show molecularly-resolved phospholipid headgroups existing in a well-ordered, hexagonal-type lattice with unit cell areas obtained from these images corresponding to molecular areas commensurate with those obtained by X-ray diffraction from analogous phospholipid single crystals. Our results demonstrate that the combination of IR and AFM is a powerful tool for structural investigation of supported planar bilayers.
miR-497 regulates neuronal death in mouse brain after transient focal cerebral ischemia

Dysfunction of the microRNA (miR) network has been emerging as a major regulator in neurological diseases. However, little is known about the functional significance of unique miRs in ischemic brain damage. Here, we found that miR-497 is induced in mouse brain after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and mouse N2A neuroblastoma (N2A) cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Loss-of-miR-497 function significantly suppresses OGD-induced N2A cell death, whereas gain-of-miR-497 function aggravates OGD-induced neuronal loss. Moreover, miR-497 directly binds to the predicted 3'-UTR target sites of bcl-2/-w genes. Furthermore, knockdown of cerebral miR-497 effectively enhances bcl-2/-w protein levels in the ischemic region, attenuates ischemic brain infarction, and improves neurological outcomes in mice after focal cerebral ischemia. Taken together, our data suggest that miR-497 promotes ischemic neuronal death by negatively regulating antiapoptotic proteins, bcl-2 and bcl-w. We raise the possibility that this pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of the ischemic brain injury in stroke.
General Learned Irrelevance: A Pavlovian Analog to Learned Helplessness

Abstract Two experiments tested the hypothesis that preexposure to random presentations of nontarget stimuli and reinforcers would retard subsequent acquisition of the key pecking response in the pigeon. In both experiments, the preexposures occurred in a different context than autoshaping. In Experiment 1, pigeons given random preexposure showed retarded acquisition in a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm, whereas pigeons preexposed to only the nontarget CSs or only the US did not differ from context-only exposed controls. In Experiment 2, pigeons administered random preexposure demonstrated retarded acquisition of instrumental autoshaping, whereas pigeons preexposed to both the nontarget stimuli and the reinforcer in separate sessions did not differ from controls. These results can be attributed neither to latent inhibition nor to the reinforcer (US-only) preexposure effect and are therefore interpreted as demonstrating “General Learned Irrelevance.” This general learned irrelevance effect may be related to some associative deficits seen in learned helplessness paradigms.
A simple solution of the van der Waerden permanent problem

The van der Waerden permanent problem was solved using mainly algebraic methods. A much simpler analytic proof is given using a new concept in optimization theory which may be of importance in the general theory of mathematical programming.
Relation between Knowledge and Memory: A Reminder That Correlation Does Not Imply Causality

Although many memory development researchers study knowledge differences, studies typically are correlational, rarely quantify knowledge, and usually compare only those with very advanced (experts) and elementary (novices) knowledge. The 2 reported studies investigated experimentally whether increased knowledge (as defined below) was causally related to improvements in recall by testing 8–11-year-old children (Experiment 1) or college students (Experiment 2) for knowledge and recall before and/or after they saw videotapes about birds. 4 different tests quantified knowledge: (1) Grouping—placing 45 birds into self-defined groups; (2) Listing—generating birds' names for 6 different categories (e.g., songbirds); (3) Facts—generating facts about each bird; (4) Matching—choosing the best category for each bird. Although knowledge and memory measures correlated significantly, and most knowledge measures improved significantly after the viewing of the videotapes, recall and strategies generally did not improve. Something else, such as knowledge restructuring or faster activation of related knowledge, may be necessary before knowledge can be utilized to facilitate recall.
Cooling Capacity Assessment of Semi-closed Greenhouses

Leading Dutch researchers have reported significant benefits of closed greenhouse systems. Ooteghem (2007) predicted reduced heating fuel consumption and increased crop yield. Opdam et al. (2005) found 19% primary energy use saving, 22% tomato production increase, 80% chemical reduction, and 50% irrigation water saving can be achieved in a closed greenhouse. This research proposes the development of a design analysis tool to determine cooling needs, and proper cooling capacity needed to minimize greenhouse ventilation economically for northern climate. A preliminary analysis shows that it is expensive to keep greenhouses in Ohio closed year round. Further analysis suggests that better return maybe achieved with semi-closed greenhouse designs instead of fully closed operation. For example, a 50% peak load design can meet the cooling needs 90% of a year. The proposed tool can be used to specify internal cooling capacity requirements for desired greenhouse closure level and determine heating requirement that can be compensated by recovered exhaust heat from cooling operation.
Disagreement, evidence, and agnosticism

In this paper, I respond to recent attempts by philosophers to deny the existence of something that is both real and significant: reasonable disagreements between epistemic peers. In their arguments against the possibility of such disagreements, skeptical philosophers typically invoke one or more of the following: indifference reasoning, equal weight principles, and uniqueness theses. I take up each of these in turn, finding ample reason to resist them. The arguments for indifference reasoning and equal weight principles tend to overlook the possibility of a certain kind of agnostic credal state which I call deep agnosticism, the possibility of which derails the arguments. The arguments for uniqueness theses tend to invoke a flawed understanding of the evidential support relation. When these problems and misunderstandings are brought into the light and corrected, the threat to reasonable disagreement vanishes.
A summer internship at a NAVFAC facility - an undergraduate engineering student perspective

The Navy is teaming up with California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)! Over the summer of 2010, The Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) hosted us, Sarah Manuel and Roxanne Acosta, two undergraduate Civil Engineering students, for eight weeks at Naval Base Ventura County: Port Hueneme in California. This summer internship is a part of a multi-year grant from the Offices of Naval Research (ONR) to expose undergraduate students to work being done by the U.S. Navy. This internship provided us with many opportunities to take part in engaging and interesting projects that have helped further hone our skills; both practical and technical. Our experience as interns at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) laboratory has exposed us to the many opportunities and challenges beyond the normal classroom. Spending eight weeks immersed in an environment in which we must work side by side with fellow engineers and scientists has helped us further establish a firm understanding of team work, efficient execution of assigned tasks, time management, and the overall understanding of the professional workplace culture.
Gender differences in sweat lactate.

Sweat rate may affect sweat lactate concentration. The current study examined potential gender differences in sweat lactate concentrations because of varying sweat rates. Males (n = 6) and females (n = 6) of similar age, percentage body fat, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) completed constant load (CON) cycling (30 min--approximately 40% VO2max) and interval cycling (INT) (15 1-min intervals each separated by 1 min of rest) trials at 32 (1) degrees C wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). Trials were preceded by 15 min of warm-up (0.5 kp, 60 rpms) and followed by 15 min of rest. Blood and sweat samples were collected at 15, 25, 35, 45, and 60 min during each trial. Total body water loss was used to calculate sweat rate. Blood lactate concentrations (CON approximately equal to 2 mmol.l-1, INT approximately equal to 6 mmol.l-1) and sweat lactate concentrations (CON and INT approximately equal to 12 mmol.l-1) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) at any time between genders for CON or INT. Overall sweat rates (ml.h-1) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between trials but were significantly greater (P < or = 0.05) for males than for females for CON [779.7 (292.6) versus 450.3 (84.6) ml.h-1] and INT [798.0 (268.3) versus 503.0 (41.4) ml.h-1]. However, correcting for surface area diminished the difference [CON: 390.7 (134.4) versus 277.7 (44.4) ml.h-1, INT: 401.5 (124.1) versus 310.6 (23.4) ml.h-1 (P < or = 0.07)]. Estimated total lactate secretion was significantly greater (P < or = 0.05) in males for CON and INT. Results suggest that sweat rate differences do not affect sweat lactate concentrations between genders.
Seasonal abundance and distribution of pelagic and demersal fishes in southeastern Alaska

Abstract We quantified seasonal and interannual variability of pelagic and demersal fishes available to marine predators in southeastern Alaska focusing on prey of the Steller sea lion ( Eumetopias jubatus ). Estimates of abundance were determined from echo integration mid-water trawl and demersal longline surveys. The dominant species were walleye pollock ( Theragra chalcogramma ) (average biomass 9057 t), Pacific hake ( Merluccius productus ) (1715 t), Pacific herring ( Clupea pallasii ) (1176 t), Pacific halibut ( Hippoglossus stenolepis ) (average catch rate 524 kg per 1000 hooks), Pacific cod ( Gadus macrocephalus ) (177 kg per 1000 hooks), sablefish ( Anoplopoma fimbria ) (120 kg per 1000 hooks), and sandpaper skate ( Bathyraja interrupta ) (26 kg per 1000 hooks). Of these species, seasonal differences in species abundance were detected for walleye pollock ( p = 0.03), Pacific cod ( p = 0.001) and sablefish ( p 350 mm) pollock are pelagic species. Adult and juvenile pollock and hake were found in open water, while herring, young-of-the-year (
On parity-violating three-nucleon interactions and the predictive power of few-nucleon EFT at very low energies

We address the typical strengths of hadronic parity-violating three-nucleon interactions in “pion-less” Effective Field Theory (EFT) in the nucleon-deuteron (iso-doublet) system. By analysing the superficial degree of divergence of loop diagrams, we conclude that no such interactions are needed at leading order, $\ensuremath {O}(\epsilon Q^{-1})$ . The only two distinct parity-violating three-nucleon structures with one derivative mix $\ensuremath ^2S_{\frac{1}{2}}$ and $\ensuremath ^2P_{\frac{1}{2}}$ waves with iso-spin transitions $ \Delta$ I = 0 or 1. Due to their structure, they cannot absorb any divergence ostensibly appearing at next-to-leading order, $\ensuremath {O}(\epsilon Q^0)$ . This observation is based on the approximate realisation of Wigner’s combined SU(4) spin-isospin symmetry in the two-nucleon system, even when effective-range corrections are included. Parity-violating three-nucleon interactions thus only appear beyond next-to-leading order. This guarantees renormalisability of the theory to that order without introducing new, unknown coupling constants and allows the direct extraction of parity-violating two-nucleon interactions from three-nucleon experiments.
711-4 Low Plasma Homocysteine Levels Predict Reduced Atheroma Burden in Patients Undergoing Coronary Interventions: Evidence from Intravascular Ultrasound

Objectives Elevated plasma homocysteine (HCY) is an important risk factor for premature coronary atherosclerosis. Intravascular ultrasound commonly demonstrates extensive plaque burden at “normal” reference sites in interventional patients, averaging 38% area reduction. We performed this study to determine if HCY levels predict which patients exhibit diffuse disease involving reference segments. Methods We measured plasma homocysteine (μmol/l)in 62 patients undergoing coronary interventions. Intravascular ultrasound was performed with a 30 MHz, 3,5 F probe, examining both target lesions and reference segments. A blinded core laboratory quantified four measures of atheroma burden — maximum and minimum plaque thickness (P min and P max ) respectively, plaque cross-sectional area (P area ), and percentage cross-sectional area reduction (CS Ared ). Results Measures of atheroma extent and distribution at target lesions were similar in both groups. However, at reference segments: ReferenceSegments P min (mm) P max (mm) P area (mm 2 ) CSA red (%) HCY l8 μmol/L 0.18 0.76 4.38 32.3% HCY g8 μmol/L 0.27 1.04 6.98 40.3% P value l0.0005 l0.0001 l0.0001 l0.0012 Strong statistical significance for a protective effect of a low homocysteine level persisted when controlling for age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and smoking in the two cohorts. Conclusions In interventional patients, low plasma homocysteine levels independently predict the presence of focal atherosclerosis with sparing of reference segments. These findings have potentially important implications for the clinical approach to intervention
A bacterial selection for the directed evolution of pyruvate aldolases

A novel bacterial in vivo selection for pyruvate aldolase activity is described. Pyruvate kinase deficient cells, which lack the ability to biosynthetically generate pyruvate, require supplementation of exogenous pyruvate when grown on ribose. Supplementation with pyruvate concentrations as low as 50 microM rescues cell growth. A known substrate of the KDPG aldolases, 2-keto-4-hydroxy-4-(2'-pyridyl)butyrate (KHPB), also rescues cell growth, consistent with retroaldol cleavage by KDPG aldolase and rescue through pyruvate release. An initial round of selection against 2-keto-4-hydroxyoctonate (KHO), a nonsubstrate for wild-type aldolase, produced three mutants with intriguing alterations in protein sequence. This selection system allows rapid screening of mutant enzyme libraries and facilitates the discovery of enzymes with novel substrate specificities.
Comparison of the size and morphology of UHMWPE wear debris produced by a hip joint simulator under serum and water lubricated conditions

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of lubricant on the size and morphology of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear debris produced by a hip joint simulator. Bovine serum and water were chosen as the lubricants for comparison. When bovine serum was used as lubricant, the majority of the wear debris produced was submicron sized and equiaxed or elongated in shape; no transfer film was found on the femoral heads. When water was used as lubricant, large pieces of thin UHMWPE flakes about 2–3 mm across were produced and patches of transfer films were observed on the femoral heads. These large flakes were comprised of numerous smaller thin flakes compacted together. While the size and shape of the wear debris produced with serum lubrication are similar to those reported from clinical studies in total hip replacement, the debris produced with water lubrication bears no resemblance to what has been seen clinically.
The Development and Preliminary Validation of the Olguin Diagnostic Test of Auditory Perception for Spanish Language-Oriented Children.

For a total sample of 95 first- and second-grade children with a Spanish-language orientation (SPLO) from a conservative middle-class suburban Southern California community, psychometric information is provided for a newly devised auditory perception test for children from an SPLO culture who are attempting to acquire basic reading, writing, and oral skills in standard American English. Involving both discrimination or reception and reproduction or expression of American English sounds in each of six linguistic categories of juncture, consonants, vowels, digraphs, airflow, and intonation, each of the corresponding scales of the auditory measure entitled the Olguin Diagnostic Test of Auditory Perception provides at least a modest estimate of internal-consistency reliability, and many of the scales furnish promise as valid indicators of the potential success of children from SPLO backgrounds in reading English as measured by a standardized achievement test. Additional research and developmental efforts with...
Thailand. Revolution interrupted: Farmers, students, law, and violence in northern Thailand . By Tyrell Haberkorn. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 2011. Pp. xvi + 165. Notes, Bibliography, Index.

Revolution interrupted: Farmers, students, law, and violence in northern Thailand By TYRELL HABERKORN Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 2011. Pp. xvi + 165. Notes, Bibliography, Index. In this methodologically, conceptually, and politically daring text, Tyrell Haberkorn analyses northern Thai farmers' struggles around land tenancy, between the 1950 failed implementation of the Land Rent Control Act (LRCA) and the silencing of farmers' and students' dissident voices, which culminated with the 6 October 1976 violence. The book is based on several years (2001-08) of field research in both Chiang Mai and Bangkok and mostly revolves around textual sources. Interviews--the traditional tool of inquiry for an anthropologist like Haberkorn--are present in the text as supplements to archival materials. Consistently with Haberkorn's position as an 'activist scholar', the book operates on two interlacing and mutually supportive registers: one scholarly oriented, the other motivated by activist concerns. On the scholarship level, Haberkorn analyses, in the first three chapters of the book, the farmers' initial failure (1951) and later success (1974) in using the LRCA as a tool of struggle which posed both political and epistemological challenges to landowners' depictions of exploitative relations as benevolent patron-client interactions. In so doing, Haberkorn argues, the farmers emerged as subjects, not just objects, of the law and in collaborating with emerging student activists posed a revolutionary challenge to 'the system of domination using its own terms and strategies' (p. 51). Here resides the first major contribution of this book. Arguing that the farmers' revolutionary potential resides precisely in their adoption of the masters' tools--namely the law--and not the gun, the author expands scholarly conceptualisation of revolution and provides a compelling addition to critical peasant studies beyond prevalent categories of anti-state peasant revolts or 'weapons of the weak' forms of resistance. To prove the 'importance and revolutionary potential of the tenancy struggle' (p. 114), Haberkorn dedicates the remaining chapters to exploring counterrevolutionary practices adopted after 1974--most notably assassinations--and the often inconclusive investigations of these crimes. She presents them as 'symptoms of crisis' in the Gramscian sense, elites' responses to a state of siege. Challenged and cornered, reframed as greedy capitalists in judiciary courts and popular media, the landowners adopted, together with a variety of state actors, armed forces, and parastate groups, violent methods to interrupt the ongoing revolution: illegal means to keep the law at work. This paradox, she argues, expanded fragmentation and disunity inside the Thai state and created the condition for the erosion of the 'boundary between law and extrajudicial violence' (p. …
Nanoarchitectured LiMn2O4/Graphene/ZnO Composites as Electrodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

LiMn2O4 nanoparticles are facilely synthesized using a sol–gel processing method. Graphene is added to LiMn2O4 electrode aiming at increasing specific capacity and improving rate capability. In order to further improve cycling stability of LiMn2O4/graphene electrode, atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to deposit ultrathin ZnO coating composed of six ZnO ALD layers and modify the surface of either LiMn2O4/graphene electrode or individual LiMn2O4 particles to form nanoarchitectured LiMn2O4/graphene/ZnO electrodes. Both ZnO-ALD-modified LiMn2O4/graphene electrodes demonstrate enhanced cycling performance at 1C, retaining the final discharge capacity above 122 mA h g−1 after 100 electrochemical cycles, which is higher than 115 mA h g−1 of pristine LiMn2O4/graphene electrode and 109 mA h g−1 of bare LiMn2O4 electrode. The improved electrochemical performance of nanoarchitectured LiMn2O4/graphene/ZnO electrodes can be attributed to the cooperative effects from high electronic conductivity of graphene sheets to facilitate electron transportation and effective protection of ZnO ALD coating to restrict Mn dissolution and electrolyte decomposition.
Regulation of renal proximal and distal tubule transport: sodium, chloride and organic anions

Renal tubular transport and its regulation are reviewed for Na(+) (and Cl(-)), and for fluid and organic anions (including urate). Filtered Na(+) (and Cl(-)) is reabsorbed along the tubules but only in mammals and birds does most reabsorption occur in the proximal tubules. Reabsorption involves active transport of Na(+) and passive reabsorption of Cl(-). The active Na(+) step always involves Na-K-ATPase at the basolateral membrane, but the entry step at luminal membrane varies among tubule segments and among vertebrate classes (except for Na(+)-2Cl(-)-K(+) cotransporter in diluting segment). Regulation can involve intrinsic, neural and endocrine factors. Proximal tubule fluid reabsorption is dependent on Na(+) reabsorption in all vertebrates studied, except ophidian reptiles. Fluid secretion occurs in glomerular and aglomerular fishes, reptiles and even mammals, but its significance is not always clear. A non-specific transport system for net secretion of organic anions (OAs) exists in the proximal renal tubules of almost all vertebrates. Net transepithelial secretion involves: (1) transport into the cells at the basolateral side against an electrochemical gradient by a tertiary active transport process, in which the final step involves OA/alpha-ketoglutarate exchange and (2) movement out of the cells across the luminal membrane down an electrochemical gradient by unknown carrier-mediated process(es). Regulation may involve protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Urate is net secreted in the proximal tubules of birds and reptiles. This process is urate-specific in reptiles but in birds, it may involve both a urate-specific system and the general OA system.
Absorption of tetraethylammonium (TEA+) by perfused lobster intestine.

The organic cation, tetraethylammonium (TEA+), is actively secreted by mammalian nephrons and crustacean urinary bladders by similar processes in both animal groups. These mechanisms consist of a basolateral Organic Cation Transporter (OCT family) that employs the transmembrane electrical potential as a driving force for organic cation uptake from the blood and a brush border secondary active transport process that exchanges luminal protons for TEA+. The present study examined the nature of 14C-TEA+ transport across the perfused intestinal epithelium of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, to ascertain whether the gut complemented the kidneys in the clearance of these organic metabolites from the blood. Unidirectional mucosa to serosa (M to S) 14C-TEA+ fluxes in anterior and posterior intestine were hyperbolic functions of luminal [TEA+] and significantly (P<0.01) exceeded the respective serosa to mucosa (S to M) fluxes. Luminal quinine (1 mM) significantly (P<0.05) inhibited M to S flux of the organic cation, while serosal addition of the drug had no effect on S to M transfer of TEA+. Reducing serosal pH from 7.20 to 6.02 significantly (P<0.01) stimulated M to S transfer of 0.1 mM 14C-TEA+, but significantly (P<0.05) lowered S to M transfer of the metabolite. Addition of 2.0 mM unlabelled serosal TEA+trans-stimulated the M to S flux of 0.1 mM 14C-TEA and doubled the transfer rate of the organic cation from lumen to blood compared to its transport in the absence of TEA+ in the bath. Results suggest that this organic cation is absorbed across lobster intestine by the combination of a brush border OCT-1-like transporter coupled with a basolateral H+/TEA+ exchanger. A working model is presented for intestinal organic cation absorption in crustaceans and compared to the secretory transport model for this class of metabolites previously reported for crustacean and mammalian kidneys. J. Exp. Zool. 307A, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fine tuning a well-oiled machine: Influence of NK1.1 and NKG2D on NKT cell development and function

Natural killer T cells (NKT) represent a group of CD1d-restricted T-lineage cells that provide a functional interface between innate and adaptive immune responses in infectious disease, cancer, allergy and autoimmunity. There have been remarkable advances in understanding the molecular events that underpin NKT development in the thymus and in the complex array of functions in the periphery. Most functional studies have focused on activation of T cell antigen receptors expressed by NKT cells and their responses to CD1d presentation of glycolipid and related antigens. Receiving less attention has been several molecules that are hallmarks of Natural Killer (NK) cells, but nonetheless expressed by NKT cells. These include several activating and inhibitory receptors that may fine-tune NKT development and survival, as well as activation via antigen receptors. Herein, we review the possible roles of the NK1.1 and NKG2D receptors in regulating development and function of NKT cells in health and disease. We suggest that pharmacological alteration of NKT activity should consider the potential complexities commensurate with NK1.1 and NKG2D expression.
Endogenous opioids encode relative taste preference

Endogenous opioid signaling contributes to the neural control of food intake. Opioid signaling is thought to regulate palatability, the reward value of a food item as determined by orosensory cues such as taste and texture. The reward value of a food reflects not only these sensory properties but also the relative value of competing food choices. In the present experiment, we used a consummatory contrast paradigm to manipulate the relative value of a sucrose solution for two groups of rats. Systemic injection of the nonspecific opioid antagonist naltrexone suppressed sucrose intake; for both groups, however, this suppression was selective, occurring only for the relatively more valuable sucrose solution. Our results indicate that endogenous opioid signaling contributes to the encoding of relative reward value.
Conduction Disorders after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Focused Review

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a less invasive approach to aortic valve replacement than traditional open chest surgery. It has been very successful in elderly and sick patients who might have otherwise been turned down for surgery. However, many patients who have the procedure develop conduction disease, including new LBBB or complete heart block, and may need permanent pacing or ongoing follow-up to monitor for worsening conduction problems. Here we discuss the risk for conduction disease with TAVI, identifying which patients may need a pacemaker or long-term rhythm follow-up, and methods to decrease the risk of worsening conduction.
A videophone psychosocial intervention for dementia caregivers.

Background/Objectives Available services and intervention programs for dementia caregivers are often underutilized because of issues such as cost, logistics, lack of knowledge about available services, or insufficient support from others. Information technologies offer the potential of removing these barriers and facilitating the ability of caregivers to access needed support. This project evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of technology-based psychosocial intervention among minority family caregivers of dementia patients. Design A feasibility and efficacy trial. Setting Participants' homes in the Greater Miami Community. Participants One hundred ten (56 Hispanic American and 54 African American) caregivers of patients with dementia. Intervention A technology-based multi-component psychosocial intervention was delivered in-home and via videophone technology over 5 months. The intervention was modeled after the REACH II intervention and targeted known areas of caregiver risk. Measurement Standardized measures of depression, caregiver burden, social support, and the caregivers' perception of the caregiver's experience were administered at baseline and 5 months post-randomization. Results Overall, caregivers who received the intervention reported a decrease in burden, an increase in perceived social support and positive perceptions of the caregiving experience. No effect was observed for depression. Most participants indicated that the intervention improved their caregiving skills and found the technology to be easy to use. Conclusions A technology-based format was feasible for delivering a multi-component intervention to minority family dementia caregivers. The intervention improved caregiver outcomes for both Hispanic and African American caregivers. The results suggest that technology may help eliminate disparities in access to caregiver intervention programs.
Rapid alterations in growth rate and electrical potentials upon stem excision in pea seedlings

Excision of the epicotyl base of pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedlings in air results in a fast drop in the growth rate and rapid transient membrane depolarization of the surface cells near the cut. Subsequent immersion of the cut end into solution leads to a rapid, transient rise in the epicotyl growth rate and an acropetally propagating depolarization with an amplitude of about 35 mV and a speed of approx. 1 mm · s−1. The same result can be achieved directly by excision of the pea epicotyl under water. Shape, amplitude and velocity of the depolarization characterize it as a “slow-wave potential”. These results indicate that the propagating depolarization is caused by a surge in water uptake. Neither a second surge in water uptake (measured as a rapid increase in growth rate when the cut end was placed in air and then back into solution) nor another cut can produce the depolarization a second time. Cyanide suppresses the electrical signal at the treated position without inhibiting its transmission through this area and its development in untreated parts of the epicotyl. The large depolarization and repolarization which occur in the epidermal and subepidermal cells are not associated with changes in cell input resistance. Both results indicate that it is a transient shut-down of the plasma-membrane proton pump rather than large ion fluxes which is causing the depolarization. We conclude that the slow wave potential is spread in the stem via a hydraulic surge occurring upon relief of the negative xylem pressure after the hydraulic resistance of the root has been removed by excision.
Laser Plasma Damage To Multilayer Mirrors

We have measured the response of W/C multilayers to x-ray fluxes on the order of 150 MW/cm 2 using laser generated plasmas and found that these multilayers will maintain near peak reflectivity for at least 1 ns but are eventually destroyed. A description of the experiments and data analysis methods is given. The results of the experiments will be compared with hydrodynamic code simulations.
Elimination of Candida albicans from kidneys of mice during short-term systemic infections.

Elimination of Candida albicans from kidneys of mice during short-term systemic infections. The candidacidal activity of kidneys, liver, and spleen's phagocytic systems was studied in mouse. Different strains of mice were inoculated intravenously (i.v.) with 1 to 2.6 × 10 4 viable Candida albicans . Elimination of the microorganisms from the kidneys, liver, and spleen were evaluated by enumeration of colony forming units (C.F.U.) recovered from homogenates of organs dissected within a short period of time (0 to 5 hr). The results indicated that the kidneys possess a capable phagocytic system which was able to eliminate the microorganisms as efficiently as those of liver and spleen. Furthermore, the ability of the liver and spleen phagocytic system as, well as that of kidneys were significantly enhanced when animals were treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) of mycobacterium bovis four weeks prior to induction of systemic infection with C. albicans .
A hybrid PACVD B4C/CVD Si3N4 coating for oxidation protection of composites

Abstract Plasma-assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (PACVD) B 4 C coating and a hybrid PACVD B 4 C/CVD Si 3 N 4 coating were deposited on a two-dimensional CC substrate. Oxidation behavior of coated and uncoated CC composites was studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) in both the isothermal and kinetic mode. The PACVD coating provided an excellent oxidation protection of the CC substrate at temperatures up to 900 °C, whereas the PACVD B 4 C/CVD Si 3 N 4 coating provided good oxidation protection at temperatures up to 1300 °C. Microstructural and chemical characterizations of coated composites were performed using EDS, FTIR, XPS, and XRD. A correlation between coating microstructure, composition and oxidation behavior is discussed.
Functional significance of alterations in cardiac contractile protein isoforms

Multiple closely related, yet distinct, isoforms exist for each of the cardiac contractile proteins. The isoform composition of the heart changes in response to developmental and physiologic cues. This paper reviews the molecular basis for cardiac contractile protein isoform diversity and the functional consequences of isoform shifts.
Is your “gene of interest” interesting?

Has a large-scale screen turned up a potential gene-of-interest that you know nothing about? Your computer is a portal to a wealth of information that can save you valuable time and resources. Freely available data can help to determine whether a particular gene is worthy of further research, and what direction that research should take. Presented here are approaches to mining the Internet, including searching popular model organism databases. The primer covers two typical scenarios: the gene of interest is well characterized, or mostly uncharacterized. Also featured are interviews with Monte Westerfield, PhD, Director of the Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN) online database, and Principal Investigator of the Human Protein Reference Database (HPRD) project, Akhilesh Pandey, MD, PhD.
Vowel information conveyed by consonant transitions

It is well established that information specifying place and manner of articulation for stop consonants is conveyed by the transitions of the vocalic segment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these transitions also convey information about vocalic duration. Accordingly, four series of synthetic stimuli were generated: three of the series consisted of CVC syllables in which the initial C transitions were set at durations of 30, 60, and 90 msec; a fourth series consisted of VC syllables. In all four series the duration of the steady‐state portion of the vowel was varied from 10 to 190 msec in 10‐msec steps. The final consonant was synthesized with transitions appropriate for an unreleased /d/. Listeners were asked to identify the final consonant as voiced or voiceless (/t/ or /d/). For vowel steady states of equal duration, the addition of initial consonant transitions caused a shift in the perceptual boundary between the voiced and voiceless categories. This outcome suggests how a portion of the initial “consonant” transition is used by the listener in computation of “vowel” duration, at least for the purpose of cueing the voicing distinction in final position.