cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Textured NiSe 2 Film: Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Full Water Splitting at Remarkably Low Overpotential with High Energy Efficiency.

Herein we have shown that electrodeposited NiSe2 can be used as a bifunctional electrocatalyst under alkaline conditions to split water at very low potential by catalyzing both oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions at anode and cathode, respectively, achieving a very high electrolysis energy efficiency exceeding 80% at considerably high current densities (100 mA cm−2). The OER catalytic activity as well as electrolysis energy efficiency surpasses any previously reported OER electrocatalyst in alkaline medium and energy efficiency of an electrolyzer using state-of-the-art Pt and RuO2 as the HER and OER catalyst, respectively. Through detailed electrochemical and structural characterization, we have shown that the enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to directional growth of the electrodeposited film that exposes a Ni-rich lattice plane as the terminating plane, as well as increased covalency of the selenide lattice which decreases the Ni(II) to Ni(III) oxidation potential. Thereby, the high efficiency along with extended stability makes NiSe2 as the most efficient water electrolyzer known to-date.
Fundamentals of Mechanical Behavior in Intermetallic Compounds — A Synthesis of Atomistic and Continuum Modeling

The fundamental aspects of deformation and fracture behavior of ordered intermetallics were investigated on the basis of quantum mechanical total-energy calculations and anisotropic elasticity theory for dislocations and cracks. These first-principles calculations were based on the local-density functional (LDF) theory. The LDF equations are solved either by full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FLAPW) method or by mixed-basis pseudopotential method. Our approach represents a major advance in applying LDF to solids, in which the LDF equations are solved without any shape approximation to the potential or charge density and a high degree of variational freedom (and precision) can be achieved. The calculated elastic constants, various shear fault energies, defect self-energies, and cleavage energies were used in conjunction with the continuum modeling of dislocations and cracks to predict the mechanical behavior and to understand the underlying electronic mechanism of observed mechanical properties.
Effective Social Media Use in Online Writing Classes through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles

Abstract This article explores how universal design for learning (UDL) principles can be used to effectively scaffold social media in online writing courses. It offers proposed best practices for user-centered design in online environments when using social media. These include offering alternative assignments, using accessible social media technologies, and encouraging students to critique social media’s affordances and constraints. Thus, readers may take away from this article some practical suggested approaches that can help support technologically enhanced classroom environments involving social media.
Local Anesthesia in MIT

Thyroid and parathyroid surgery was historically performed under local anesthesia. Due to the significant morbidity and mortality of general anesthesia and the absence of adequate medications for hyperthyroid conditions, local anesthesia was widely used to safely manage elderly and medically compromised patients and those with complicated thyrotoxicosis and large goiters (Spanknebel et al. 2005). Sir Thomas Peel (TP) Dunhill, in 1912, is generally credited with being the first surgeon to use local anesthesia for thyroid surgery (Dunhill 1912). As anesthesiologist experience grew and safe general anesthesia techniques were developed and refined, the practice of local anesthesia for thyroid surgery receded. During this time, local anesthesia in thyroid surgery was primarily being used in centers outside of the United States as a necessity rather than choice (i.e., lack of adequate resources or trained personnel, inability to provide postoperative care for critically ill patients (Spanknebel et al. 2005).
Work–Family Strain and Health Care For Children

Berkman and O’Donnell’s (Chap. 12) model of work–family strain ­provides a useful backdrop for an examination of family leave policies and parents of chronically ill children. About 15% of children in the USA are children with special health-care needs (CSHCN) (Bethell et al. Maternal and Child Health Journal 12:1–14, 2008), and their parents are at particularly high risk of employment instability and financial problems (Kuhlthau et al. Maternal and Child Health Journal 9:207–218, 2005; Looman et al. The Journal of Pediatric Health Care 23:117–125, 2009). Even the health-care needs of healthy children are substantial, and both the demands placed on parents of CSHCN and the destabilizing loss of control that their child’s illness generates create often unsustainable work–family strain. Until recently, however, US government work–family policies and programs were generally not designed to address the needs of employees with ill family members. In 1993, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) became the first federal law to do so. Because of FMLA’s limited reach, in 2004, California enacted the Paid Family Leave Insurance program, which has since been followed by a few similar programs in other states and by work on additional federal legislation. If strengthened, such programs have the potential to provide critical support for employed parents of CSHCN, as well as other employees with ill family members.
Re-engineering the Specialty Consult Paradigm: Extending the Generalist and Maximizing the Specialist Through Educational Reform

This paper describes the fundamental restructuring of an academic medical center’s consultative process. The objectives include broadening generalists’ skills while using specialists in a targeted manner. Specialty care training traditionally focuses on the management of complex inpatient problems; outpatient services are regarded as an adjunct to inpatient management. The tempo and scope of specialty care does not integrate easily with service delivery in primary care settings. When generalists have a question they may: 1) try to find a specialist (often time consuming), 2) write a consult to the specialty clinic (inefficient for patients/loses teachable moment for generalist), or 3) attempt to manage the problem without specialty input (potentially resulting in extensive, unfocused or incomplete evaluations). We have shifted the specialty consult paradigm to value the outpatient consult above all other stable patients. Specialists developed service specific preconsult management strategies for routine specialty questions that frequently generate referrals. For clinical questions not covered by these strategies, consultants will evaluate the case over the phone or provide a brief consult with the patient and generalist during the outpatient clinic session. These real-time specialty consults maximize generalist learning through education around clinical issues relevant to generalist practice.
Polarization During Caustic Crossing

The limbs of hot stars are polarized due to electron scattering, but this polarization cancels out due to rotational symmetry. During microlensing, the star is amplified by different amounts across its surface so that the limb polarization no longer cancels out, but can be observable. Polarization can be much higher for a caustic crossing during microlensing by a binary lens than for a single lens.
Nancy Davis and Robert Robinson’s: Claiming Society for God: Religious Movements and Social Welfare in Egypt, Israel, Italy, and the United States

In their path-breaking and provocative book, Claiming Society for God: Religious Movements and Social Welfare in Egypt, Israel, Italy, and the United States, Nancy Davis and Robert Robinson show how the most prominent and successful religiously orthodox movements, rather than using armed struggle or terrorism, as much of post-9/11 thinking suggests, use a patient strategy of ‘‘bypassing the state’’—building vast grassroots networks of religiously based social service agencies, hospitals, schools, worship centers, and businesses—to make religion the cornerstone of society. The book, drawing on sociology, political science, and history, is the culmination of nearly two decades of research. In a series of award-winning articles, Davis and Robinson advanced ‘‘Moral Cosmology’’ theory. Their approach theorizes moral cosmology as a continuum, ranging from religious orthodoxy to modernism, on which people from all faiths or none can be placed. Importantly, unlike scholars who focus on doctrinal orthodoxy, they treat moral cosmology as an overarching orientation, with the religiously orthodox seeing God as the ultimate source of moral authority, while modernists view the individual as the locus of such authority. Davis and Robinson argue that the orthodox are inclined toward communitarianism in seeing themselves as part of a larger community with members subject to divine law and will. Their communitarianism entails ‘‘watching over’’ community members, giving it both a well-known ‘‘strict’’ side on sexuality, gender, and family and a less recognized ‘‘caring’’ side that looks out for those in need. The genius of Davis and Robinson’s treatment of orthodoxy, not as doctrinal, but as orientational is that it allows them to easily compare across faith traditions and countries in order to identify patterns. Thus, Claiming Society for God goes beyond Christianity in the West to chronicle religiously orthodox Islamic and Jewish movements in the Middle East. They show the strict and caring sides of four orthodox
James Madison, Justice Scalia, and Constitutional Interpretation

James Madison (1751–1836), so-called “Father of the Constitution,” held consistently throughout his long public career to a version of textualism regarding constitutional interpretation. It is surp...
Development of the Binary Number System and the Foundations of Computer Science

This paper discusses the formalization of the binary number system and the groundwork that was laid for the future of digital circuitry, computers, and the field of computer science. The goal of this paper is to show how Gottfried Leibniz formalized the binary number system and solidified his thoughts through an analysis of the Chinese I Ching. In addition, Leib- niz's work in logic and with computing machines is presented. This work laid the foundation for Boolean algebra and digital circuitry which was continued by George Boole, Augustus De Mor- gan, and Claude Shannon in the centuries following. Some have coined Leibniz the world's first
Oxygen saturations and neurodevelopmental outcomes in single ventricle heart disease.

Objectives To evaluate whether the degree of hypoxemia following stage-I and stage-II palliative surgeries predicts neurodevelopmental outcomes at 14 months of age in children with single ventricle congenital heart disease (SVCHD). Design We analyzed longitudinal data from two Pediatric Heart Network (PHN) randomized controlled trials, with a total of 328 subjects. Oxygen saturations, measured via pulse oximetry, at time of discharge from stage-I and stage-II surgeries were the primary predictors of interest, and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) scores at 14 months old were the primary outcome measure. Relevant covariates from previously-published PHN studies were also included in regression models. Results Oxygen saturations at time of discharge from stage-I and stage-II surgeries were not related to BSID-II scores. Having one or more oxygen saturation measurements below 80% was also not associated with BSID-II scores, and neither was change in oxygen saturations over time. These relationships were not altered by inclusion of relevant covariates. Conclusions In this large cohort of children with SVCHD, oxygen saturations post-stage-I and post-stage-II palliation surgeries as measured via pulse oximetry were not associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 14 months of age. The relationship between oxygen saturations and neurodevelopment in SVCHD is likely complex, and neurodevelopment is known to be affected by a number of factors. Pulse oximetry may also be an insufficient proxy for cerebral oxygen delivery. Clinically, pulse oximetry readings during the interstage and post-stage-II surgery periods are not a reliable predictor of future neurodevelopmental risk.
“Dealing with Diversity and Difference”: A DisCrit analysis of teacher education curriculum at a Minority Serving Institution

Preparing teachers for diverse K-12 populations generally focuses on educating white women at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) to teach students of color. This approach often focuses exclusively on race/ethnicity and essentializes teachers of color at PWIs as diversity experts. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) graduate many teachers of color; yet, the continued focus on PWIs leaves unknown how these teachers experience diversity education. This paper explores how students at an MSI engage with the concept of dis/ability as a form of diversity. Informed by how dis/ability studies, critical race theory, and DisCrit intersect with curriculum studies, Schwitzmann examined her students’ written discussion board responses in a diversity course that she teaches at an MSI. She used multiple analytic tools to illuminate in their work the explicit mentioning of dis/ability, as well as affective encounters with equity and social justice outside the realm of discourse. She demonstrates how her students have varied understandings of difference even in a space that explicitly prioritizes social justice, equity, and diversity. Using DisCrit problematizes the assumption that experiences of being marginalized along one line of difference translate into an automatic understanding of diversity along another and highlights the affordances of centering dis/ability studies in diversity education.
The Analysis for Bump Resistance Improvement by Optimizing the Sputter Condition

Along with the advanced technology development, the tinier polyimide opening (PIO) and bump size are required. However, it will make the bump resistance (Rc) become higher which is closely related to the chip probing (CP) performance. In addition, the additional pre-oven method may have limited effect to improve it especially for advanced tech node. Therefore, this paper proposes some alternative approaches for Rc improvement through optimizing pre-etching chamber condition during the sputter process. First of all, the backside cooling method to cool down the temperature of wafer to reduce the outgassing reaction on surface is introduced. The aluminum (Al) pad pasting is another approach to avoid C, O element reaction by Al atoms covering generated by plasma bombard on Al pad. Furthermore, the optimal pasting count balanced by the Rc and throughput is studied in this paper as well. A novel concept presented is to utilize the hybrid gas in pre-etching chamber for bump Rc improvement, whose purpose is to induce reduction-oxidation reaction (redox reaction) by other gas to remove the oxidation on wafer surface. The experiment is performed by a test vehicle with small PIO, and the Rc results show that presented methods can effectively improve bump resistance. In addition, two kinds of experimental polyimide material with different glass transition temperature coefficient (Tg) are used to verify the feasibility of proposed methods.
Are You There, Cortex? It's Me, Acetylcholine

It is not well understood how associations between two temporally removed stimuli form. In this issue of Neuron, Guo et al. (2019) implicate basal forebrain cholinergic neurons as providing a link between auditory cues and the aversive outcomes they predict.
The Ethics of DTC Neurotechnologies: Mapping Out Social Questions in Advance of Technological Innovation.

In presenting the ethics of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Neurotechnologies, Kreitmair maps out the ethical landscape for a diverse range of DTC neurotechnologies. Some of these technologies are closely...
Right Heart Failure in a Cardiac Allograft Following Remote Transvenous Lead Extraction

Abstract A heart transplant recipient presented with right heart failure. He had a history of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and extraction before undergoing heart transplantation 4 years earlier. A large fistula was found between the left subclavian artery and vein. Following successful percutaneous fistula closure, symptoms and right ventricular function improved. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)
Examining the effect of principal leadership on student science achievement

The goal of this study was to estimate the relationships among principal leadership, teacher-related factors (e.g. job satisfaction, self-efficacy of teaching, and collaboration), and student achie...
Mid-mantle seismic anisotropy beneath southwestern Pacific subduction systems and implications for mid-mantle deformation

Abstract Observations of seismic anisotropy can offer relatively direct constraints on patterns of mantle deformation, but most studies have focused on the upper mantle. While much of the lower mantle is thought to be isotropic, several recent studies have found evidence for anisotropy in the transition zone and uppermost lower mantle (the mid-mantle), particularly in the vicinity of subducting slabs. Here we investigate anisotropy at mid-mantle depths in the Tonga-Kermadec, Sumatra, New Britain, New Hebrides, and Philippines subduction zones using the source-side shear wave splitting technique. We measure splitting of direct teleseismic S phases originating from deep events (>300 km) that have been corrected for the effect of upper mantle anisotropy beneath the seismic stations. We find evidence for considerable anisotropy at mid-mantle depths in all subduction systems studied, with delay times averaging ∼1.0–1.5 s. Several measurements originating from depths greater than 600 km exhibit delay times greater than 1 s, suggesting a significant contribution from anisotropy in the uppermost lower mantle. We combine our results with those documented in previous studies into a quasi-global set of source-side shear wave splitting measurements that reflect mid-mantle anisotropy. We document significant variability in the dominant fast directions both within and among individual subduction systems, suggesting different deformation geometries among different subduction systems. As further constraints on the elasticity and deformation of mid-mantle minerals become available, our dataset can be used to constrain patterns of mid-mantle flow associated with subduction.
Synaptic Vesicle Precursors and Lysosomes Are Transported by Different Mechanisms in the Axon of Mammalian Neurons

Summary BORC is a multisubunit complex previously shown to promote coupling of mammalian lysosomes and C. elegans synaptic vesicle (SV) precursors (SVPs) to kinesins for anterograde transport of these organelles along microtubule tracks. We attempted to meld these observations into a unified model for axonal transport in mammalian neurons by testing two alternative hypotheses: (1) that SV and lysosomal proteins are co-transported within a single type of "lysosome-related vesicle" and (2) that SVPs and lysosomes are distinct organelles, but both depend on BORC for axonal transport. Analyses of various types of neurons from wild-type rats and mice, as well as from BORC-deficient mice, show that neither hypothesis is correct. We find that SVPs and lysosomes are transported separately, but only lysosomes depend on BORC for axonal transport in these neurons. These findings demonstrate that SVPs and lysosomes are distinct organelles that rely on different machineries for axonal transport in mammalian neurons.
Yes, You Can Get a Job With That Major! Goal 5 Strategies for Facilitating, Assessing, and Demonstrating Psychology Students’ Professional Development:

The Summit on the National Assessment of Psychology was held on June 2016 to chart a path for assessing student achievement of the goals of the undergraduate psychology major. Our subcommittee was ...
Comment on Powers et al. Diabetes Self-management Education and Support in Type 2 Diabetes: A Joint Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Diabetes Care 2015;38:1372–1382

The recently published joint position statement authored by Powers et al. (1) defines when, what, and how diabetes self-management education and support should be provided for adults with type 2 diabetes, with aims to improve patient experience and care and to reduce diabetes-associated health care costs. We applaud the position statement’s emphasis on mental health assessment as a core component of diabetes care but are concerned and disappointed that referral to a mental health professional is recommended only on an “if needed” basis in their algorithm of care. Mental health care warrants equal priority in the interdisciplinary care of patients with diabetes, and we believe the American Diabetes Association (ADA) …
Results of a prospective cardiovascular disease prevention program.

Abstract The Cardiovascular Health Program (CHP) Registry is a 12-month, prospective study of therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC). Adult participants received comprehensive assessment of health behaviors and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Personalized TLC action plans addressed modifiable health behaviors for diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep. Participants attended a half-day interactive workshop and met face-to-face with certified health coaches four times over 6 months. Monthly telephonic coaching for 6 more months completed the intervention. Measured outcomes included adherence to behavioral prescriptions, anthropometrics, CVD-relevant laboratory tests, and for a subset of participants, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Of 965 participants, 648 (67%) completed the program and were included in the analysis. Participants were of mean age 55.4 ± 12.5 years, 57% women, and racially diverse. Adherence to prescribed TLC was substantial: dietary behaviors at goal rose from 53% to 86%, exercise 44% to 66%, perceived stress 65% to 79%, and sleep quality 28% to 49%. For participants with abnormal anthropometrics at baseline, there were improvements in body mass index in 63%, waist circumference (men 71%, women 74%), systolic BP 69%, and diastolic BP 71%. For participants with abnormal laboratory values at baseline, there were improvements in total cholesterol in 74%, LDL-cholesterol 65%, triglycerides 86%, fasting glucose 72%, and insulin resistance 71%. Improvements were not driven by prescribed medications. CIMT improved or showed no change in 70% of those measured, associated with significant improvements in sleep quality and longer total sleep time. Longer trials incorporating controls and major adverse CVD events are warranted.
Use of Portable Capillary Liquid Chromatography for Common Educational Demonstrations Involving Separations

High-performance liquid chromatography is one of the primary techniques covered in the undergraduate analytical chemistry curriculum. This technology report describes the use of a portable capillary-scale instrument that can provide similar performance to a benchtop instrument but generates less solvent waste and enables operation in nonlaboratory settings. Comparisons between the two instrument types were made for single-standard calibration analysis of caffeine in diet soda and aspirin content in over-the-counter tablets, with relative percent differences between the standards and samples under 5% for both instrument types and both samples. The capability to use the instrument in lecture and outreach demonstration activities was also explored. Portable instruments can serve similar pedagogical purposes to traditional instruments as well as provide a platform to introduce discussions on green analytical chemistry based on differences in solvent waste generation and power consumption.
Modified Combinatorial Design for Sparse NOMA System

It is known that the Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) system can achieve higher spectral efficiency and massive connectivity. However, due to the linear combination of modulated symbols, the surjective-only mapping is raised with uncertainty and excessive the complexity in decoding process. In this paper, a construction method of a sparse structure for downlink NOMA system based on a modified combinatorial design with balanced incomplete block design (BIBD) is proposed, aiming at building systems with different diversity and more users. Our scheme can provide a one-to-one mapping pattern with a sparser multiple access structure. Then the complexity of the design and multiuser detection (MUD) can be leveraged owing to the distinctive discretizing distribution in reconstructed BIBD. This new scheme can easily transmit a large number of users within this system. Finally, numerical simulations show that this scheme can deploy more than 50 users with relatively low complexity.
Got math attitude? (In)direct effects of student mathematics attitudes on intentions, behavioral engagement, and mathematics performance in the U.S. PISA

Abstract Academic performance is predicted by a multitude of demographic, contextual, cognitive, and noncognitive factors. The noncognitive factors predicting achievement in mathematics that have previously been investigated in depth are study skills, confidence, self-efficacy, and personality traits ( Kyllonen, 2012 ). Limited applied research has explored the predictive value of attitudes and beliefs in mathematics achievement using representative data of U.S. students. The current study uses the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain high school students’ performance in mathematics in large-scale assessment data by using the PISA 2012. Along with key demographic factors, results indicated that students’ attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control beliefs explained 21.1% of the variability in intentions to pursue and major in mathematics in the future, 59.4% of the variability in behavioral engagement with mathematics learning, and 30.7% of the variability in mathematics performance.The study results have implications on: (1) the applicability of an attitude-behavior framework in educational research for understanding academic performance, (2) the importance of perceived control and self-efficacy beliefs for predicting behavioral engagement in mathematics (e.g., paying attention in class, completing homework, studying for exams) and subsequent mathematics performance, and (3) the practical significance of students’ attitude towards mathematics on their intentions to pursue mathematics coursework in post-secondary education and possess math-relevant career aspirations.
Discrimination between oxygen and carbon monoxide and inhibition of autooxidation by myoglobin. Site-directed mutagenesis of the distal histidine.

Sperm whale myoglobin mutants were constructed using site-directed mutagenesis to replace the highly conserved distal histidine residue (His(E7)-64). His-64 was substituted with Gly, Val, Phe, Cys, Met, Lys, Arg, Asp, Thr, and Tyr, and all 10 mutant proteins expressed to approximately 10% of the total soluble cell protein in Escherichia coli as heme containing myoglobin. With the exception of His-64→Tyr, which did not form a stable oxygen (O2) complex, all mutant proteins could be reduced and bound O2 and carbon monoxide (CO) reversibly. However, removal of the distal histidine increased the rate of autooxidation 40–350-fold. The His-64→Gly, Val, Phe, Met, and Arg mutants all showed markedly increased O2 dissociation rate constants which were ∼50–1500-fold higher than those for wild-type myoglobin and increased O2 association rate constants which were ∼5–15-fold higher than those for the native protein. All mutants studied (except His-64→Tyr) showed ∼10-fold increased CO association rates and relatively unchanged CO dissociation rates. These altered O2 and CO association and dissociation rate constants resulted in 3–14-fold increased CO affinities, 10–200-fold decreased O2 affinities, and 50–380-fold greater M (KCO/KO2) values for the mutants compared to the wild-type protein. Thus, the distal histidine of myoglobin discriminates between CO and O2 binding by both sterically hindering bound CO and stabilizing bound O2 through hydrogen bonding. The increased autooxidation rates observed for the mutants appear to be due to a decrease in oxygen affinity and an increase in solvent anion accessibility to the distal pocket.
Pollination by Animals

Most species of flowering plants depend on animals, such as bees, to move their pollen and enable sexual reproduction, and most animal pollinators, in turn, depend on flowers as sources of food or other materials. Although the interaction is mutualistic, benefitting both plants and animals, it is not cooperation, because the best ‘interests’ of the two partners differ. Animal pollination is critical for crop and natural ecosystems and plays central roles in plant ecology and evolution. In particular, selection imposed by animal pollinators is thought to have driven the evolution of much of the floral diversity we see today. Most plant–pollinator relationships are not specialised, one-to-one mutualisms – a fact that should make pollination networks somewhat resilient to species extinctions. Nevertheless, recent pollinator declines have given rise to concerns about loss of pollination services to crops and wild plant populations. Key Concepts: Most flowering plant species depend on animals to transfer pollen from anthers (the male organs of flowers) to stigmas (the female organs) in order to produce seeds. Pollinating animals visit flowers to obtain resources: usually nectar or pollen, but sometimes oils, fragrances, resins or oviposition sites. The divergent ‘interests’ of plants and pollinators in the interaction explain such phenomena as unrewarding flowers and nectar-robbing insects. Recent pollinator declines are causing concern about the maintenance of pollination services to crops and wild plants. Pollination webs illustrating the linkages among plants and pollinators within a community show that reciprocally specialised interactions are rare. Numerous studies show that pollinators can exert selection on plant traits, but selection by plants on pollinator traits has been harder to demonstrate. Pollinators play an important role in the process of reproductive isolation and speciation in flowering plants. Keywords: angiosperms; evolution; mutualism; pollination web; natural selection; specialisation
Weird Ion...Weird Ion Channels Mediating Resistance to Fluoride Toxicity

F- specific ion channels of the newly discovered “Fluc” family act as F- exporters protect many microorganisms from the toxic effects of this environmentally pervasive halide. The channel is constr...
Quirky Constitutional Provisions Matter: The Tonnage Clause, Polar Tankers, and State Taxation of Commerce

In Polar Tankers, Inc. v. City of Valdez, the Supreme Court in 2009 struck down a City of Valdez levy that was in form a personal-property tax, but that primarily reached oil tankers using Valdez’s ports, on the ground that the levy violated the Tonnage Clause of the Constitution (“No State, shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage”). The Tonnage Clause, part of the constitutional structure intended to ensure federal primacy in regulating commerce, was once a staple of litigation, but Polar Tankers was the first Supreme Court case decided under the Clause since 1935. Polar Tankers provides the opportunity to revisit a clause that might now seem quirky, but that was unquestionably important in the first century of the Republic, that raises many intriguing interpretive issues, and that can still (as this case shows) have significant effect.
Efficacy of intramuscular meperidine hydrochloride versus placebo in experimental foot lameness in horses

Summary Reasons for performing study There are no peer reviewed, blinded controlled studies regarding the skeletal analgesic efficacy of intramuscularly administered meperidine in horses. Objectives Using an adjustable heart bar shoe model of equine foot pain, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that meperidine (pethidine) administered intramuscularly would prove more efficacious in alleviating lameness than a saline placebo. Study design Crossover pharmacodynamic experiment. Methods Eight healthy adult Thoroughbred horses randomly underwent weekly i.m. treatments 1 h after lameness induction: saline placebo (1 ml/45 kg bwt) or meperidine hydrochloride (1 mg/kg bwt i.m.). Heart rate (HR) and lameness score (LS) responses were assessed by a blinded observer every 20 min for 5 h after lameness induction and then hourly through 12 h after treatment. Jugular venous blood samples were obtained at -1, 0, 0:05, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h and were subsequently analysed for drug concentrations (lower limit of detection, 1 ng/ml). Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test were used to identify analgesic effects at a significance level of P<0.05. Results Mean (± s.e.) HR were lower in meperidine trials at 2.3, 3.3 and 3.7 h post administration (P<0.05). Mean LS were lower in meperidine trials at 2.0, 2.3 and 3.3 h post administration (P<0.05). Mean plasma (meperidine) peaked at 227 ± 52 ng/ml at 1 h post administration and decreased to 2.7 ± 0.3 ng/ml at 12 h post administration. In 3 of 8 subjects, plasma (meperidine) was below the lower limit of detection at 12 h after administration. Conclusions Intramuscular meperidine was more effective than the saline placebo but only for 2.0–3.7 h post administration compared with the 8–12 h durations of efficacy reported previously using this same model when horses were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Meperidine may be a suitable nonNSAID alternative analgesic for acute foot pain with efficacy lasting from 2–3 h after a single i.m. dose.
Imprisonment and (Inequality in) Population Health

This article extends research on the consequences of mass imprisonment and the factors shaping population health and health inequalities by considering the associations between imprisonment and population health-measured as life expectancy at birth and the infant mortality rate-and black-white differences in population health using state-level panel data from the United States (N=669), 1980-2004. Results show that imprisonment is significantly associated with poorer population health, though associations between imprisonment and infant mortality and female life expectancy are somewhat more consistently statistically significant than are associations with male life expectancy, and associations are more pronounced and statistically significant for blacks than they are for whites. Results also show, however, that increases in imprisonment are associated with decreases in the mortality rates of young black men. Thus, though imprisonment tends to be associated with higher mortality risk and greater black-white differences in mortality, it may, in the short-run, have some paradoxical mortality benefits for young black men.
Estrogen Response Elements Alter Coactivator Recruitment through Allosteric Modulation of Estrogen Receptor β Conformation

Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) activates transcription by binding to estrogen response elements (EREs) and coactivator proteins that act as bridging proteins between the receptor and the basal transcription machinery. Although the imperfect vitellogenin B1, pS2, and oxytocin (OT) EREs each differ from the consensus vitellogenin A2 ERE sequence by a single base pair, ERβ activates transcription of reporter plasmids containing A2, pS2, B1, and OT EREs to different extents. To explain how these differences in transactivation might occur, we have examined the interaction of ERβ with these EREs and monitored recruitment of the coactivators amplified in breast cancer (AIB1) and transcription intermediary factor 2 (TIF2). Protease sensitivity, antibody interaction, and DNA pull-down assays demonstrated that ERβ undergoes ERE-dependent changes in conformation resulting in differential recruitment of AIB1 and TIF2 to the DNA-bound receptor. Overexpression of TIF2 or AIB1 in transient transfection assays differentially enhanced ERβ-mediated transcription of reporter plasmids containing the A2, pS2, B1, and OT EREs. Our studies demonstrate that individual ERE sequences induce changes in conformation of the DNA-bound receptor and influence coactivator recruitment. DNA-induced modulation of receptor conformation may contribute to the ability of ERβ to differentially activate transcription of genes containing divergent ERE sequences.
VEB4: Early zygotic mRNA expressed asymmetrically along the animal-vegetal axis of the sea urchin embryo

We have analyzed a gene, designated VEB4, that is expressed transiently in very early blastulae of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Sequence analysis of the complete open reading frame shows that VEB4 encodes an unusual, highly charged protein with a pl of 9.55. We show here that VEB4 mRNA accumulate in a spatial pattern that is indistinguishable from that of two other recently described genes encoding metallo-endoproteases, SpAN, related to astacin and SpHE, the hatching enzyme (Reynolds et al. 1992). VEB4 and other members of this gene set encode the earliest strictly zygotic gene products that have been identified. The asymmetric accumulation of VEB4 mRNA in non-vegetal blastomeres of the 16 cell embryo and their descendants reflects the animal-vegetal maternal developmental axis.
The Personality of Chessplayers

(1985). The Personality of Chessplayers. Journal of Personality Assessment: Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 282-284.
Inaccuracy of Sex Determination in Guadalupe and Largemouth Bass on the Basis of External Characteristics

(1980). Inaccuracy of Sex Determination in Guadalupe and Largemouth Bass on the Basis of External Characteristics. The Progressive Fish-Culturist: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 116-117.
Formation of Raffinose and Stachyose in Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus)

SUCROSE, raffinose and stachyose have often been found together in Leguminosae1. Recently these sugars have been identified in dry Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus)2. Raffinose and stachyose can be derived from sucrose by successive condensations of α-D-galactopyranose units. For these reasons, it has been suggested that the co-occurrence of these sugars in plants is due to the existence of an enzyme mechanism capable of conducting transgalactosylation reactions with the primary alcoholic groups of the terminal D-glucose and D-galactose of sucrose and raffinose, respectively, as acceptors1,3. In analogy with the formation of sucrose in plants, D-galactose-1-phos-phate or D-galactose nucleotides have been suggested as intermediates in the formation of raffinose and stachyose from sucrose1,4. No proof for this hypothesis has been forthcoming, and it was of interest to test it by following the changes in free carbohydrates during the development of Lima beans.
Mixed connective tissue disease and radiation toxicity : A case report

BACKGROUND Several cases of long term radiation sequelae have been reported in patients with lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis after breast or chest wall irradiation. To the authors' knowledge, no experience with such complications in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) has been reported previously. METHODS A case of a woman with occult breast carcinoma metastatic to the axilla and preexisting MCTD is presented. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of the adverse effects of breast irradiation in a patient with MCTD. The pathophysiology of such radiation injury to specific anatomic structures and technical dosimetric considerations of the radiation therapy and radiation dose are analyzed. The relevant literature on other collagen vascular diseases with features related to MCTD is reviewed. RESULTS A moderate dose of radiation to the breast and regional lymphatics resulted in marked early and late toxicity to skin and subcutaneous tissues. The tissue injury was similar to that observed in patients with lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. The early skin reaction (moist desquamation) was related to the daily radiation dose delivered at the depth of the epidermis, and the late reaction (subcutaneous fibrosis) was related to the dose at the depth of the dermal capillaries and dermal connective tissue. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MCTD may develop exaggerated radiation reactions similar to those in patients with lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Although the incidence of such radiation reactions in patients with MCTD is difficult to assess, the risks and benefits of radiation therapy should be carefully weighed in these patients, particularly if an alternative therapy is available. If there is no alternative, judicious attention to radiotherapy technique may reduce or prevent skin toxicity. Cancer 1997; 79:612-8. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Signal enhancements produced from externally generated ‘carrier’ particles in electrothermal vaporization-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract An externally generated carbon particle aerosol produced from the pyrolysis of hexane vapor was introduced into an electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ETV-ICPMS) system in order to probe possible ‘carrier’ effects. Signal enhancements were seen upon the introduction of the externally generated aerosol for most metals studied. However, these enhancements were determined to be caused by changes in the plasma rather than increased transport from the ETV to the ICPMS. Because a pyrolyzed hydrocarbon was used to generate the aerosol, both hydrogen gas and carbon were introduced into the plasma. The source of the enhancements is believed to stem from an increased plasma temperature (from H 2(g) addition) which increases the kinetic energy of the ions and enhances the transmission through the ion lenses. The carbon may also contribute to improved ionization efficiencies for those analytes with ionization potentials between 8.5 and 11 eV. Thus, the addition of the externally generated aerosol did produce signal enhancements, but the effect is believed to be unrelated to analyte transport and instead dependent upon changes in bulk properties of the plasma.
Amrinone, isoproterenol and ouabain modification of cardiac K+ contracture

The effects of amrinone, a new cardiotonic bipyridine derivative, were compared to those isoproterenol and ouabain on maintained K+-induced contracture of isolated cat ventricualr muscle. Peak K+induced contracture force was decreased by amrinone (5.3 × 10−4 M) and isoproterenol (10−6 M), 31 ± 10% (n = 4, P ⩽ 0.05) and 81 ± 5% (n = 4, P ⩽ 0.05), respectively, and increased by ouabain (5.0 x 10−7 M), 60 ± 6% (n = 4, P ⩽ 0.05). The effects of amrinone and ouabain on K+ contracture persisted during β-adrenergic blockade produced by nadolol (10− M) whereas isoproterenol's actions were attenuated. The effect of amrinone on K+-contracture force was concentration-related as was its modification of phasic isometric contractions (0.5 Hz). Resting tension, time to peak force and durection of isometric contraction were unchanged by amirone (5.3 × 10−6−1.6 × 10−3 M). Apparently, amrinone concomitantly Ca2+ release and sequestration or extrusion and thus the drug may not provoke cardiac toxicity by Ca2+ overload.
Gendered differences in parents' encouragement of sibling interaction: implications for the construction of a personal premise system:

Fathers' and mothers' encouragement of sibling interaction was examined in two-child families when the younger sibling was 5 weeks old and the older sibling about 22 months old and then approximate...
Proactive Transfer Pricing Risk Management in PATA Countries

ABSTRACT: Transnational corporations (TNCs) have long considered transfer pricing as a key tax concern. If stability in transfer pricing is a necessary condition for dynamic cross-border trading, then recent financial reporting changes, updated transfer pricing guidelines, and new reporting requirements for uncertain tax positions are destabilizing influences that must be addressed by companies in order to mitigate their transfer pricing-related exposures and risk. This study reports the results of a survey of tax executives from the four countries comprising the Pacific Association of Tax Administrators (PATA), three of which have transfer pricing regulations based on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The study seeks to explain how TNCs are managing their transfer pricing risks proactively in today's volatile environment, and if their actions are successful. Findings include contradictory evidence regarding audit risk reduction strategies recommended by tax authori...
Characterization of Campoletis sonorensis ichnovirus unique segment B and excision locus structure

Abstract Polydnaviruses (PDVs) are segmented, symbiotic, double-stranded DNA viruses that are vertically transmitted as proviruses within the genomes of some parasitoid Hymenoptera. The PDV associated with the ichneumonid wasp Campoletis sonorensis (CsIV) consists of 24 non-redundant DNA segments varying in size from ~6 to 20 kbp. CsIV segment B, one of the smallest genome segments, was sequenced and the excision sites of the proviral segment were characterized. The segment B sequence was 83.2% non-coding with only two open reading frames (ORFs). Some non-coding sequences have similarities to database sequences and were likely pseudogenic, but most were unrelated to known nucleic acid or predicted protein sequences. One ORF, BHv0.9, encodes a member of the rep gene family and was expressed only in parasitized insects while transcription of the other ORF could not be detected. Previously, a third region of the segment was shown to hybridize to 0.6 and 1.2 kb poly A+ RNAs from female wasps during virus replication ( Theilmann and Summers, 1988 ) but this region did not have an identifiable ORF in the determined sequence. In contrast to CsIV segment W, segment B had little repetitive sequence. The segment B proviral integration locus contains a 59 bp direct imperfect repeat. Further analyses of this integration locus demonstrated that segment B was excised from wasp genomic DNA with flanking sequences at the integration site rejoined after segment excision. The segment B ‘excision locus’ retained one of the two copies of the 59 bp repeat sequence with the other repeat present in the excised segment. The data indicate that Ichnovirus segments have distinctive characteristics possibly reflecting functional co-evolution between the wasp and individual types of polydnavirus segments.
On strong-motion uniform risk functionals computed from general probability distributions of earthquake recurrences

Abstract Uniform risk functionals, (e.g. Fourier and response spectrum, duration, etc.), have been defined and used for almost twenty years to describe, for each frequency, the values of the functional with equal probability of exceedance. Since then, improvements in estimating the risk functionals were made by including more refined descriptions of the earthquake faults, the uncertainties in estimating seismicities and maximum earthquake sizes, 18 and continuous updates of the empirical scaling of strong-motion amplitudes at a site. 19,34 Up till now, in the calculation of the risk functionals, the earthquake recurrences of a given size are always assumed to be Poissonian. This paper presents a method for replacing the Poissonian probability by more general and realistic probability functions to be used in the calculations of the uniform risk functionals.
Electrical characteristics of gallium arsenide “real” surfaces

GaAs single crystals real surface electrical characteristics, using pulsed field effect techniques