cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patrones de asentamiento y distribución de recursos agrícolas en dos unidades políticas prehispánicas en los Llanos Occidentales de Venezuela

En el presente articulo analizamos la relacion entre la distribucion de recursos agricolas y la distribucion de la poblacion en las regiones de Gavan y Cedral, en Barinas (Venezuela), durante el periodo arqueologico Gavan Tardio (550-1000 a. d.). El objetivo de dicha evaluacion ha sido someter a prueba los dos modelos de evolucion social propuestos para explicar la naturaleza y desarrollo de las sociedades complejas prehispanicas barinesas. Ofrecemos informacion adicional que brinda nuevos elementos analiticos relacionados con la centralizacion demografica, la integracion politica y la guerra en estas regiones. Nuestros resultados indican que el grado de variabilidad de estas formas de organizacion social fue mayor que hasta el que ahora se ha considerado.
Preparation of Spherical, Submicrometer Oxide Particles by Hydrolysis of Emulsified Alkoxide Droplets

A new method for forming spherical, submicrometer ceramic oxide particles by the hydrolysis of emulsified alkoxide droplets is reported. Emulsions are formed of alkoxide droplets dispersed in an inert, polar solvent. The alkoxide droplets are hydrolyzed to form oxide particles by adding water to the emulsion. It was shown that individual droplets acted as microreactors and controlled the powder size, shape, and composition. Both single-oxide and mixed-oxide powders were formed by this technique.
Dependency and self-criticism located within the five-factor model of personality

Abstract The Dependency and Self-Criticism scales of the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) were studied in relation to the factors and facets of the NEO Personality Inventory. Regression models involving the five factors as predictors of the DEQ showed that Dependency is positively predicted by Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness and negatively predicted by Openness to Experience. Self-Criticism is positively predicted by Neuroticism, and negatively predicted by Extraversion. These relationships held controlling for sex and levels of depression. Regression involving the facets of Neuroticism, Extraversion and Openness provided discriminant validity for the DEQ constructs. Mood ratings corroborated the findings of the Neuroticism facets of the NEO-PI and suggested that Self-Criticism is intimately linked to depression while Dependency may be more closely related to anxiety.
Long-term event-free survivors after high-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation for low-grade follicular lymphoma

Although follicular lymphoma (FL) is generally responsive to conventional-dose chemotherapy, improved survival in patients with this disease has been difficult to demonstrate. High-dose chemo/radiotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) can improve response rates, although its effects on survival remain controversial. Between 1990 and 2003, we transplanted 49 patients with low-grade FL at our institution. Twenty-two patients (45%) had undergone histologic transformation at the time of ASCT. In all, 44 patients (90%) had relapsed disease and five patients (10%) were resistant to chemotherapy at the time of transplantation. After ASCT, 30 patients (61%) were in complete remission (CR). The median overall survival (OS) has not been reached, while the median event-free survival (EFS) is 2.4 years. At a median follow-up of 5.5 years (longest 12.4 years), a plateau has been reached with 56% of patients remaining alive, and 35% event-free. ASCT was well tolerated except for two (4%) treatment-related deaths. In multivariable analysis, CR after ASCT and age less than 60 years are the best predictors of EFS and OS. ASCT is thus a safe therapeutic approach in FL, resulting in long-term EFS and OS for some patients, even with transformed disease.
Influence of sequential prolonged periods of dark and light on pinitol concentration in clover and soybean tissue

The influence of prolonged dark periods on the concentration of pinitol in white clover (Trifolium repens L. ev. Regal Ladino) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] tissue was investigated. Clover and soybean plants were harvested periodically throughout continuous dark periods of 40 and 44 h, respectively, followed by 24 h of continuous light. The foliage and root tissue of clover and foliage tissue of soybeans were analyzed for the concentration of glucose, fructose, sucrose and pinitol. Pinitol concentration (mg/g dry weight tissue) was unchanged by the prolonged dark period followed by 24 h of continuous light compared to tissue of plants harvested at 0-h and plants receiving normal photoperiods. Concentrations of the carbohydrates, in the tissue were depleted by the prolonged dark period. However after 6 h of light, the concentration of these sugars increased to concentrations equal to 0-h harvested plant tissue and tissue of plants receiving normal photoperiods. These results indicate that pinitol probably does not function as a source of reserve energy comparable to sucrose, glucose, and fructose.
Vertical distribution of the zoobenthos in southeastern Lake Michigan with evidence of seasonal variation

SUMMARY. The vertical distribution of the zoobenthos in southeastern Lake Michigan was investigated monthly from May to November 1976. The organisms could be divided into two categories: one in which the majority of the population occurred in the upper 1 cm of substrate (Pontoporeia, naidids, chironomids, cyclopoids, harpacticoids, cladocerans, turbellarians, ostracods, rotifers, sphaeriids and gastropods) and one in which the majority of the population occurred deeper (immature tubificids without hair setae, Stylodrilus heringianus, enchytraeids, nematodes, and tardigrades). The vertical distribution of these infaunal forms showed a marked seasonal variation. They were found in the superficial sediments in the spring, but deeper in the sediments in the autumn. This trend coincided with the seasonal occurrence of a detrital layer that overlay the sandy substrate in the spring but was absent in the autumn.
Solid-State Production of Beneficial Fungi on Apple Processing Wastes Using Glucosamine as the Indicator of Growth.

Three Trichoderma species, a Penicillium species, and a Rhizopus species were grown on apple pomace at 25 °C through solid-state fermentation. The effects of CaCO3, water, and nitrogen sources on the growth of selected fungi on apple pomace were investigated. Soluble protein and glucosamine contents of fermented pomace were measured as the parameters of fungal growth. The maximum growth of all fungi was established on apple pomace supplemented with 0.05 g of CaCO3, 2 mL of water, and 0.05 g of NH4NO3 or 0.3 mL of fish protein hydrolysate per gram of pomace. The optimal water activity of the medium for fungal growth was 0.96 at 25 °C. This research has provided a clear indication for using glucosamine as a proper indicator of fungal growth in heterogeneous solid-state systems. It also shows potentials for bioconversion of apple processing wastes by beneficial fungi into valuable bioinoculants that are being targeted for agricultural and environmental applications. Keywords: Apple pomace; bioinoculant; biom...
Psychometric testing of the Inner Strength Questionnaire: women living with chronic health conditions

The purpose of this article is to report the third phase of psychometric testing on the Inner Strength Questionnaire. The instrument is a comprehensive gender-specific measure of inner strength in women living with chronic health conditions. The study sample was composed of 281 women with self-reported chronic health conditions. The four-factor structure was supported with a total of 27 items with loadings 0.50 or greater. The reliability for the entire instrument (Version 4) was .91. The instrument takes approximately 10-12 minutes to complete and is at the Flesch-Kincaide reading level of fourth grade. Results can be used to plan or test interventions used to enhance strength-building health outcomes in women.
Effects of Stressor Predictability on Escape Learning and Sleep in Mice

Study objectives Controllable stress, modeled by escapable shock (ES), can produce significant alterations in post-stress sleep, including increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Recent work has demonstrated that post-stress sleep may be influenced by stressor predictability, modeled by predictive auditory cues. In this study, we trained mice with ES, either signaled (SES) or unsignaled (UES) by auditory cues, and investigated the effects of predictability on escape learning and sleep associated with ES. Design Adult male BALB/cJ mice were implanted for recording electroencephalography and activity via telemetry. After the mice recovered from surgery, baseline sleep recordings were obtained. The mice were then randomly assigned to SES and UES conditions. Both groups had control over the duration of footshocks (0.5 mA; 5.0 sec maximum duration) by moving to the non-occupied chamber in a shuttlebox. SES mice were presented tones (90 dB, 2 kHz, 10 sec maximum duration) that started 5.0 sec prior to and co-terminated with footshocks. UES mice were presented identical tones that were not synchronized to shock presentation. ES training continued for 2 consecutive days (EST1 and EST2) with 20 footshock presentations (1 min inter-stimulus intervals). Seven days after EST2, the animals were re-exposed to the training chamber (context) alone for 30 min. Measurements and results Escape latency was used to determine successful or unsuccessful escape learning. Sleep was scored for 20 h for baseline and on each treatment day. Freezing in the training context was scored as a behavioral index of fear. Nine of 14 SES mice successfully learned escape (SESl), and 5 failed to learn escape (SESf). Compared with baseline, SESl mice, but not SESf mice, showed significantly increased post-shock REM. All UES mice learned escape and showed enhanced post-shock REM. Freezing and sleep did not differ among groups on the context re-exposure day. Conclusions The results indicate that information available in a stressful situation can affect an animal's ability to learn an appropriate response and post-stress sleep. Citation Machida M; Yang L; Wellman LL; Sanford LD. Effects of stressor predictability on escape learning and sleep in mice. SLEEP 2013;36(3):421-430.
Binding of 5-(2′-[18F]fluoroenthyl)flumazenil to central benzodiazepine receptors measured in living baboon by positron emission tomography

Abstract 5-(2′-[ 18 F]Fluoroethyl)flumazenil ([ 18 F]FEF), a fluorine-18-labeled analogue of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil, was evaluated for use with positron emission tomography (PET). PET imaging of a baboon after i.v. injection of [ 18 F]FEF showed that the radiofluorinated ligand rapidly localized in vivo within benzodiazepine receptor-rich cerebral tissues, and that selective disposition was retained for over 2 h. Coinjection of unlabeled flumazenil (0.55 mg/kg i.v.) abolished the heterogeneous cerebral distribution of the tracer; receptor-specific uptake was reduced by approximately 95%. The fluorinated benzodiazepine antagonist was degraded in vivo only to polar radiometabolites that do not cross the blood-brain barrier. [ 18 F]FEF has advantages over existing PET radiopharmaceuticals, and is a promising radioligand for non-invasive evaluation of central benzodiazepine receptor binding in vivo.
How Does Arrestin Assemble MAPKs into a Signaling Complex

Arrestins bind active phosphorylated G protein-coupled receptors, precluding G protein activation and channeling signaling to alternative pathways. Arrestins also function as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) scaffolds, bringing together three components of MAPK signaling modules. Here we have demonstrated that all four vertebrate arrestins interact with JNK3, MKK4, and ASK1, but only arrestin3 facilitates JNK3 activation. Thus, the functional specificity of arrestins is not determined by differential binding of the kinases. Using receptor binding-impaired mutant, we have shown that free arrestin3 readily promotes JNK3 phosphorylation. We identified key arrestin-binding elements in JNK3 and ASK1 and investigated the molecular interactions of arrestin2 and arrestin3 and their individual domains with the components of the two MAPK cascades, ASK1-MKK4-JNK3 and c-Raf-1-MEK1-ERK2. We found that both arrestin domains interact with all six kinases. These findings shed new light on the mechanism of arrestin-mediated MAPK activation and the spatial arrangement of the three kinases on arrestin molecule.
Network basics for telemedicine

Early telemedicine networks employed dedicated telecommunications circuits (e.g. leased digital lines) in which the sender and receiver were connected by a private circuit. More recently, the Internet has become widely available for general use, including telemedicine. The Internet was engineered to permit network paths to be shared by all users, so data transmission is fundamentally different from traditional, circuit-switched networks. Early telemedicine applications demonstrated the feasibility of Internet Protocol transmission. The basic performance criteria to use in evaluating newer digital communications technologies that carry both voice and data are: (1) bandwidth; (2) packet loss; (3) end-to-end delay; (4) jitter; (5) privacy and security. Network engineering involves performance trade-offs between the hardware, architecture, security and the budget available. A telemedicine application may be running over a network whose design is entirely under the user's control, or the application may employ some part of the Internet whose design is unknown to the user. If an application is not running to satisfaction, then a network engineer should be consulted.
Schistosoma mansoni and Haematoloechus medioplexus: Nucleosidediphosphatase localization in tegument☆

The distribution of nucleosidediphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.6) activity in the teguments of two trematodes, Haematoloechus medioplexus and Schistosoma mansoni, was determined by cytochemical methods. Enzyme activity was observed associated with the apical plasma membrane of the tegument of H. medioplexus and with the plasma membranes of the tegumental invaginations of S. mansoni. The NDPase activity is dependent on the presence on Mn2+ ions. In addition to its ability to hydrolyze a number of nucleoside diphosphates, the tegument of H. medioplexus hydrolyzed a number of nucleoside triphosphates. The tegumental invaginations of S. mansoni represented sites where a wider variety of phosphate esters, including nucleoside mono- and triphosphates, thiamine pyrophosphate, and sodium glycerophosphate, were hydrolyzed. The hydrolysis of these latter compounds was not dependent on the presence of Mn2+ ions, possibly indicating at least two enzyme systems associated with the tegument of S. mansoni. It is speculated that areas displaying NDPase activity represent sites of transport over which ions and molecules cross the tegument. No NDPase activity was associated with the teguments of two trematodes that reportedly display little or no ability for tegumental transport, Megalodiscus temperatus and Gorgoderina attenuata.
Interventional Radiology and Anesthesia

Interventional radiology (IR) encompasses a broad and expanding array of image-guided, minimally invasive therapies that are essential to the practice of modern medicine. The growth and diversity of these non-OR procedures presents unique challenges and opportunities to anesthesiologists and interventional radiologists alike. Collaborative action has led to better patient care and quality management. This discussion considers some angiographic and cross-sectional IR procedures in more detail and comments on some of the anesthesia choices and considerations. In addition, specific concerns regarding anesthesia in the area of IR are reviewed.
An E.S.R. study of some alkyl substituted benzene anion radicals : an experimental evaluation of the extent of vibronic interaction

E.S.R. studies of the proton hyperfine splitting in the anion radicals of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, iso-propylbenzene, t-butylbenzene, and p-xylene show that it is strongly dependent upon temperature. In the case of the monoalkylbenzenides there are two contributions to this observed temperature dependence. First, there is a rapid thermal averaging over two near-degenerate states which have different spin-density distributions. The energy separations between these two near-degenerate states have been measured for the above series of monoalkylbenzenides and are reported here. It is also possible to measure experimentally the spin-density distributions for the two states between which the averaging takes place. With this information one can obtain an experimental estimate of the extent of vibronic interaction which occurs in these systems. Such estimates are presented here and compared with those obtained theoretically. The second source of the strong temperature dependence of the proton hfs lies in t...
A Schema for Family-Centered Practice

The emergence of family-centered practice, including family-based and family-preservation services, is a promising development in human services (Laird, 1995), with the potential to revitalize child-welfare agencies (Cole, 1995). The vigorous, diverse development of family-centered helping approaches in social work, family therapy, and other disciplines is producing a rich, but at times perplexing, variety of therapeutic approaches (see Hartman & Laird, 1983; Laird. 1995; Nichols & Schwartz, 1995). Family-centered practice's diversity presents practitioners with a problem: How does a family- centered helper find his or her way amid a dazzling assortment of options.
What Makes a Slogan Memorable and Who Remembers It

Abstract This study investigated linguistic and thematic characteristics of slogans and their influence on survey respondents' ability to identify the brand name associated with a slogan. The research also looked at audience characteristics, such as demographics, product usage, and media usage, which are related to recall ability. The study used a multi-stage content analytic procedure to select slogans used on a survey instrument. Findings indicated that amount and type of wordplay accounted for significant differences in correct identification rates, but that themes, years in use, and budget support did not. Additionally, younger respondents, men, and those who watched the most television were better able to recall slogans than others.
Insulin release dynamics from poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) hydrogel systems

Novel glucose-sensitive systems for the release of insulin from poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEM) micro-particles and nanoparticles decorated with glucose oxidase and catalase enzymes have been developed. The effect of polymer composition and loading conditions on the insulin loading efficiency and release was studied. The optimal conditions for loading insulin into PDEAEM microparticles were found to be at a loading pH of 5.6, particle to insulin mass ratio of 7:1, a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL insulin, and a collapsing pH of approximately 9.5. Microparticles exhibited a responsive (pH) or intelligent (glucose) release of insulin from a stimulus. Microparticles that had a nominal crosslinking ratio of 10% released a third of the insulin payload after a single stimulus, compared to nearly 70% for microparticles with a 3% crosslinking ratio. PDEAEM micro particles of 150 µm diameter showed promise as components of a system of automated, intelligent delivery method for insulin to type I diabetics.
Automotive carbon fiber: Opportunities and challenges

The carbon fiber industry is growing, with steadily increasing demand from the aerospace and defense markets as well as smaller markets such as sporting goods and construction materials. Infiltration of the automotive market remains a challenge, however, and so the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) FreedomCAR program has made the development of low-cost automotivegrade carbon fiber its highest priority for materials research. The DOE effort is currently focused on three objectives: developing low-cost carbon fiber precursors, low-cost conversion methods, and high-throughput fabrication processes.
Arousal from slices to humans

Most psychiatric and neurological disorders exhibit sleep disorders, and in some cases presage the disease. Study of the control of sleep and waking has the potential for making a major impact on a number of disorders, making translational neuroscience research on this area critical. One element of the reticular activating system (RAS) is the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), which is the cholinergic arm of the RAS, and projects to the thalamus to trigger thalamocortical rhythms and to the brainstem to modulate muscle tone and locomotion. We developed a research program using brainstem slices containing the PPN to tell us about the cellular and molecular organization of this region. In addition, we developed the P13 midlatency auditory evoked potential, which is generated by PPN outputs, preparation in freely moving rats. This allows the study of PPN cellular and molecular mechanisms at the level of the whole animal. We also study the P50 midlatency auditory evoked potential, which is the human equivalent of the rodent P13 potential, allowing us to study processes detected in vitro, confirmed in the whole animal, and tested in humans. This translational research program led to the discovery of a novel mechanism of sleep-wake control, pointing the way to a number of new clinical applications in the development of novel stimulants and anesthetics.
The Structure of a Eukaryotic Nicotinic Acid Phosphoribosyltransferase Reveals Structural Heterogeneity among Type II PRTases

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an essential cofactor for cellular redox reactions and can act as an important substrate in numerous biological processes. As a result, nature has evolved multiple biosynthetic pathways to meet this high chemical demand. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the NAD salvage pathway relies on the activity of nicotinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (NAPRTase), a member of the phosphoribosyltransferase (PRTase) superfamily. Here, we report the structure of a eukaryotic (yeast) NAPRTase at 1.75 A resolution (locus name: YOR209C, gene name: NPT1). The structure reveals a two-domain fold that resembles the architecture of quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferases (QAPRTases), but with completely different dispositions that provide evidence for structural heterogeneity among the Type II PRTases. The identification of a third domain in NAPRTases provides a structural basis and possible mechanism for the functional modulation of this family of enzymes by ATP.
Aspects of artificial photosynthesis. Photosensitized electron transfer and charge separation in redox active surfactant aggregates

Photosensitized electron transfer and charge separation have been demonstrated by steady-state and nanosecond laser flash photolysis in the presence of redox active surfactant aggregates prepared from CH/sub 2/==C(CH/sub 3/)-COO(CH/sub 2/)/sub 11/(C/sub 5/H/sub 4/N/sup +/)/sub 2/CH/sub 3/,Br/sup -/,I/sup -/ (RMV/sup 2 +/). Tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium chloride (Ru(bpy)/sub 3//sup 2 +/) has been used as a sensitizer. Forward electron transfer from excited Ru(bpy)/sub 3//sup 2 +/ to RMV/sup 2 +/ aggregates has been shown to be faster than that from Ru(bpy)/sub 3//sup 2 +/ to methylviologen (MV/sup 2 +/) in homogeneous solutions. Conversely, the undesirable back-reaction between the reduced electron acceptor RMV/sup +/ and the oxidized sensitizer Ru(bpy)/sub 3//sup 3 +/ has been found to be considerably retarded compared to the reaction between MV/sup +/ and Ru(bpy)/sub 3//sup 2 +/. Further, unlike MV/sup +/., RMV/sup +/. decayed by a two-step process. These results have been rationalized in terms of a mechanism which requires most of the photosensitized forward electron transfer to occur on the surface of RMV/sup 2 +/ aggregates. Subsequently, some of the oxidized sensitizer escapes the potential field of RMV/sup 2 +/ and charge recombination is retarded by electrostatic repulsions between the positively charged aggregates and Ru(bpy)/sub 3//sup 3 +/. 10 figures,more » 1 table.« less
Shoulder impingement revisited: evolution of diagnostic understanding in orthopedic surgery and physical therapy

"Impingement syndrome" is a common diagnostic label for patients presenting with shoulder pain. Historically, it was believed to be due to compression of the rotator cuff tendons beneath the acromion. It has become evident that "impingement syndrome" is not likely an isolated condition that can be easily diagnosed with clinical tests or most successfully treated surgically. Rather, it is likely a complex of conditions involving a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A mechanical impingement phenomenon as an etiologic mechanism of rotator cuff disease may be distinct from the broad diagnostic label of "impingement syndrome". Acknowledging the concepts of mechanical impingement and movement-related impairments may better suit the diagnostic and interventional continuum as they support the existence of potentially modifiable impairments within the conservative treatment paradigm. Therefore, it is advocated that the clinical diagnosis of "impingement syndrome" be eliminated as it is no more informative than the diagnosis of "anterior shoulder pain". While both terms are ambiguous, the latter is less likely to presume an anatomical tissue pathology that may be difficult to isolate either with a clinical examination or with diagnostic imaging and may prevent potentially inappropriate surgical interventions. We further recommend investigation of mechanical impingement and movement patterns as potential mechanisms for the development of shoulder pain, but clearly distinguished from a clinical diagnostic label of "impingement syndrome". For shoulder researchers, we recommend investigations of homogenous patient groups with accurately defined specific pathologies, or with subgrouping or classification based on specific movement deviations. Diagnostic labels based on the movement system may allow more effective subgrouping of patients to guide treatment strategies.
Denitrification in cropping systems at sub-zero soil temperatures. A review

Nitrogen (N) in agricultural fertilizers is denitrified by soil bacteria when oxygen is limited, which effectively removes plant-available N from the soil to the atmosphere. Reported denitrification rates range from 0 to 239 kg N ha−1 yr−1, and, depending upon environmental conditions and management, may reduce the amount of N available for crop growth by 27%. Denitrification in soils also results in emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a recognized pollutant that contributes to stratospheric ozone destruction and radiative forcing in the troposphere. Practitioners of sustainable agronomy aim to improve plant N-use efficiency and reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases by synchronizing N application and plant nutritional requirements. However, it is difficult to predict denitrification rates during and after the growing season based on current knowledge. High rates are consistently reported in irrigated cropping systems following heavy applications of fertilizer-N, but few studies report denitrification during the dormant season. Denitrification in winter may represent a significant sink for fertilizer-N in cropping systems, but further research at sub-zero soil temperatures is needed. Here, the three factors required for microbial denitrification: limited O2 availability, electron donors and electron acceptors, are reviewed based on soil research performed both above and below 0 °C. Gaps in the knowledge of denitrification rates in cropping systems, particularly when soils are frozen, are identified. Sustainable management of N in cropping systems such as greater N-use efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions could be advanced by greater understanding of denitrification in winter.
Thermodynamic study of the system yttrium+yttrium sesquioxide A refinement of the vapor pressure of yttrium

Abstract The mass effusion and mass spectrometric methods have been combined to measure over the temperature range 1340 to 2100 K the vapor pressure of solid and liquid yttrium and the partial pressure of yttrium in equilibrium with several metal solutions containing unsaturated and saturated amounts of sesquioxide. For pure yttrium the derived enthalpy of sublimation at 0 K is ΔHo(0) = (100 330 ± 500) cal mol−1. The yttrium component in both solid and liquid solution of metal containing saturated and unsaturated amounts of oxide shows negative deviations from Raoult's law. The activity against composition diagram at 2000 K is constructed for the chosen components Y and Y2O3. The lower phase boundary of the sesquioxide was determined in the temperature range 1831 to 2076 K by an isopiestic method and the results show a departure from ideal stoichiometry at all temperatures in this range and a composition of Y2O2·88 at the highest temperature.
Opponent-color units in the thalamus of the pigeon (Columba livia).

Abstract Opponent units were recorded from nucleus rotundus of pigeon (Columba liviia) . These units responded with excitation or inhibition to light stimulation from selected portions of the visible spectrum. Units were classified as (+B − Y) and (−B + Y) opponent pairs and represented 15 per cent of the units isolated. All of the opponent units were located in the ventral portion of nucleus rotundus, where previously a concentration of inhibitory units was found.
Inhibition of uterine prostaglandin-F2α production by bovine conceptus secretory proteins☆

Abstract The effect of bovine conceptus secretory proteins (CSP) on uterine prostaglandin (PG)-F 2α production was evaluated in dairy cattle following injection of estradiol-17β. Intrauterine injections of dialyzed serum proteins (Control, n=5) or CSP (n=5) were administered from days 15 through 18 post-estrus. Following intrauterine treatments on day 18, all cows were injected with E 2 (3 mg) to stimulate uterine PGF 2α production. Plasma concentrations of progesterone (P 4 ) and 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF 2α (PGFM) were determined by RIA. The PGFM responses following E 2 challenge were decreased (p 4 and cycle length responses are discussed. Data suggest that proteins secreted by the bovine conceptus suppress uterine PGF 2α production during pregnancy recognition in the cow.
Resolution of microbial mixtures by free flow electrophoresis

The resolution of bacterial mixtures by free flow electrophoresis (FFE) was not affected by the position of the microbes on the growth curve and approximately 70% of the individual cells applied were recovered as viable cells. The dependence of bacterial electrophoretic mobility on the pH, salt concentration, and viscosity of the electrolyte was determined. Suspending media and running electrolyte were developed which allowed collection of samples of>99% purity within two minutes of introduction of a mixture of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Most bacterial strains migrated in a single band, although some migrated in more than one band. Escherichia coli was resolved from each of 10 different species. The considerable variation in mobility found in 21 different E. coli strains, however, appears to preclude use of FFE as a method of species identification.
Visualization and Composition Analysis to Quantify Mixing in a Screw Pyrolyzer

Characterizing the mixing effectiveness of systems or processes in granular applications is difficult due to ineffective sampling procedures and a lack of quantifiable measurement techniques. The mixing effectiveness of a screw pyrolyzer consisting of a binary mixture of 500–6350 μm red oak chips and 300–500 μm glass beads is evaluated using optical visualization and composition analysis techniques. The mass fraction of binary mixture samples is determined and the weighted sample variance from four outlet ports is used to evaluate the mixing effectiveness. The effect of dimensionless screw pitch on the mixing effectiveness is investigated at levels of p/D = 0.75, 1.25, and 1.75. Optical visualization is captured across the entire mixing region’s periphery allowing qualitative observations to be made, leading to the visual observation that increasing the dimensionless screw pitch increases the mixing effectiveness. Quantitative composition analysis utilizing a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical model confirms that increasing the dimensionless screw pitch from 0.75 to 1.25 results in a significant increase in mixing effectiveness. However, diminishing increases in mixing effectiveness were shown as the dimensionless screw pitch increased from 1.25 to 1.75, and statistically these two conditions could not be distinguished given the amount of data in this study. Results are compared to previous granular mixing measurement techniques found in the literature, and similar results are reported.© 2013 ASME
Failure rate of the minimum and maximum of a multivariate normal distribution

It is well known that if the parent distribution has a nonnegative support and has increasing failure rate (IFR), then all the order statistics have IFR. The result is not necessarily true in the case of bivariate distributions with dependent structures. In this paper we consider a multivariate normal distribution and prove that, the distributions of the minimum and maximum retain the IFR property.
Cosmic ray modulation near the onset and maximum phases of solar activity cycle 22

Using data obtained with neutron monitors we study the cosmic-ray modulation of the five-year developmental phase of solar activity cycle (SAC) 22. The main characteristics of the observed modulation are compared with those of cycle 19. The similarities and differences between the two cycles are noted. The data indicate that the amplitude of the observed modulation is larger at higher and lower primary rigidities than that for cycle 19, which still remains the most active cycle. The lowest ever monthly-mean counting rates were obtained in June 1991. Even so, based upon our prior experience, we expect the recovery of the cosmic ray intensity in SAC 22 to follow the pattern observed for cycles 20 and 18, rather than that for cycle 19.
Isotachophoretic and immunological analysis of venoms from sea snakes (Laticauda semifasciata) and brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) of different morphology, locality, sex, and developmental stages.

Sea snake venom: 1. 1. The venom compositions of sea snakes, Laticauda semifasciata, with different scale patterns were analyzed by isotachophoresis. The comparison showed quantitative rather than qualitative differences. 2. 2. Similarly, L. semifasciata venoms of Philippine and Japanese origins differed only in the quantity of certain proteins. 3. Spider venom: 3. Loxosceles reclusa venom apparatus extract is rich in neutral and acidic proteins but contains relatively small quantities of basic proteins. 4. 4. Differences in venom apparatus extract composition between nymph and adult (male or female) were detected by isotachophoresis. 5. 5. The extracts of male and female venom apparatus were very similar. 6. 6. Extracts of venom apparatus of spiders collected in locations separated by 100 miles were the same.
Oriented insertion of phi29 N-hexahistidine-tagged gp10 connector protein assemblies into C20BAS bolalipid membrane vesicles.

Ni2+:NTA−PEG600-grafted glass surfaces are capable of immobilizing N-his6 gp10 connector protein assemblies from the phi29 DNA packaging motor and mediating their transplantation into bolalipid vesicles whose membrane thickness is compatible with the hydrophobic domain of the gp10 assemblies.
Calibration of chemical bonding between benzenedithiolate and gold: the effects of geometry and size of gold clusters

The effects of geometry and size of gold clusters on the chemical bonding between benzenedithiolate (BDT) molecule and gold clusters have been evaluated for several different BDT-nAu complexes. The original potentials were developed based on BDT-1, 2 Au complexes (Leng et al., J. Chem. Phys. 122(24), 244721 (2005)). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to calibrate the bond-stretching behaviour between BDT and gold atoms. It has been found that, to some extent, the shape of bonding curves depends on the gold cluster geometry and size. This is particularly obvious for the on-top bonding case. However this effect does not alter molecular packing structure on Au (111) surface and has only a minor effect on local bonding geometry. The Mulliken charge distribution at the bonding interface (i.e. among bonded atoms) also does not show any impact on the global packing structure. The pure chemical bonding, which was derived from the total DFT energy subtracting the non-bonded terms, dominates ...
Counting and sampling minimum (s,t)-cuts in weighted planar graphs in polynomial time

We give an O(nd+nlogn) algorithm computing the number of minimum (s,t)-cuts in weighted planar graphs, where n is the number of vertices and d is the length of the shortest s-t path in the corresponding unweighted graph. Previously, Ball and Provan gave a polynomial-time algorithm for unweighted planar graphs with both s and t lying on the outer face. Our results hold for all locations of s and t and weighted graphs, and have direct applications in computer vision.
Melatonin Administration to Blind People: Phase Advances and Entrainment

The purpose of this study was to test the phase-shifting and entraining effects of melatonin in human subjects. Five totally blind men were found in a previous study to have free-running endogenous melatonin rhythms. Their rhythms were remarkably stable, so that any deviation from the predicted phase was readily detectable. After determination of their free-running period and phase, they were given exogenous melatonin (5 mg) at bedtime (2200 hr) for 3 weeks, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The effects on the endogenous melatonin rhythm were assessed at intervals ranging from several days to 2 weeks. Exogenous administration of melatonin phase-advanced their endogenous melatonin rhythms. In three of the subjects, cortisol was shown to be phase-shifted in tandem with the melatonin rhythm. A sixth subject [one of the coauthors (JS)] was previously found to have free-running cortisol and temperature rhythms and was plagued by recurrent insomnia and daytime sleepiness. He had tried unsuccessfully to entrain his rhythms for over 10 years. After he took melatonin (7 mg at 2100 hr), his insomnia and sleepiness resolved. Determination of his endogenous melatonin rhythm after about a year of treatment demonstrated endogenous rhythms that appeared normally entrained. The treatment of blind people with free-running rhythms has many advantages for demonstrating chronobiological effects of hormones or drugs.
Social origin and college opportunity expectations across cohorts

Abstract This study describes the trends in the effects of social origin on the college opportunity expectations of three cohorts of high school seniors (1972, 1982, and 1992). We use the type and selectivity of the college(s) to which students submit an application as a manifestation of their educational expectations, or what they perceive to be a realistic set of post-secondary educational options, and report three main patterns. First, while the influence of parents’ education and income on the likelihood of applying to any college has remained about the same across cohorts, its influence on applying to a four-year college or a selective college has increased across cohorts. Second, although young women are increasingly more likely to apply to any college or a four-year college than men, they are not more likely to apply to selective colleges. Third, although minorities are more likely to apply to college than whites, net of other factors, this advantage has decreased across cohorts. These trends suggest that social origin continues to play an important role in determining the college opportunity expectations of high school seniors. The influence of changes in the broader opportunity structure, including educational and non-educational spheres, is also discussed.
Dalbavancin compared with vancomycin for prevention of Staphylococcus aureus colonization of devices in vivo

Abstract Objectives . Although active against free-floating bacteria, vancomycin displays a poor activity against organisms embedded within the biofilm surrounding implanted devices. Dalbavancin is a novel glycopeptide antibiotic with strong activity against staphylococci and a long half-life that allows for once-a-week dosing. The objective of this animal study was to examine the ability of dalbavancin and vancomycin to prevent Staphylococcus aureus colonization of devices. Methods. Twelve rabbits were randomized, in three groups of four each, to receive intravenous injections of dalbavancin, vancomycin or normal saline (control). Eight polyurethane catheter segments were subcutaneously implanted in the back of each rabbit, then inoculated with S. aureus . Rabbits were sacrificed a week later and explanted devices were cultured. Results . The rates of device colonization were comparable in the vancomycin (53%) and control (47%) groups, whereas only 28% of devices in the dalbavancin group became colonized. There was a trend (although not statistically significant) toward a lower rate of device colonization following receipt of dalbavancin vs. vancomycin ( P =0.07) or saline ( P =0.20). Conclusions: The demonstrated efficacy of dalbavancin in this animal study suggest that this novel antibiotic may have an important role in the prevention and treatment of device-related infection.
The Big-5 ± 2? The impact of cognitive complexity on the factor structure of the five-factor model

Abstract Despite the popularity and prevalence of the five-factor model (FFM) of personality, numerous questions regarding its psychometric properties have yet to be investigated. One issue of particular concern is the underlying premise that these five personality factors are universally shared by all individuals. The present study examined the impact of cognitive complexity on the FFM by directly assessing whether individuals with higher or lower levels of cognitive complexity have personalities comprised of a greater or lesser number of factors, respectively, than the five widely accepted factors outlined by the FFM. Results indicated that individuals with lower levels of cognitive complexity have personalities best described by a three-factor model, whereas individuals with higher levels of cognitive complexity have personalities best described by a seven-factor model. In light of these findings, the appropriateness of universally applying the FFM to individuals of differing levels of cognitive complexity is discussed.
Cyclic Storage: A Preliminary Assessment

The performance of a simplified water resource system consisting of a single surface reservoir and adjacent aquifer storage operated as a coupled flow buffering device is investigated on an annual scale to provide insight into the most important physical and climatic (streamflow) parameters governing cyclic storage performance. The hypo thetical system is fully characterized by aquifer capacity, pumping and recharge capacity, surface storage size, annual demand, and reservoir inflow statistics, including annual mean, coefficient of variation, skew coefficient, lag one correlation coefficient, and Hurst coefficient. System performance under a range of these parameters is reviewed via Monte Carlo simulation; for the cases considered system performance is almost always limited by total system storage (sum of surface and aquifer storage). A preliminary economic analysis indicates that the cost of providing flow buffering via development of subsurface storage is about an order of magnitude less than for surface storage in the cases considered.
Error-free coefficient realisation of recursive part via input-partitioned filter structure

A new filter structure is developed which allows precise coefficient implementation in the recursive part of the system. This is achieved by partitioning the input sequence into sets of inputs and realising the recursive part of the system into parallel subfilters with precise pole realisation.
Dispersion of a single hole in an antiferromagnet

We revisit the problem of the dispersion of a single hole injected into a quantum antiferromagnet. We applied a spin-density-wave formalism extended to a large number of orbitals and obtained an integral equation for the full quasiparticle Green's function in the self-consistent "non-crossing" Born approximation. We found that for $t/J \gg 1$, the bare fermionic dispersion is completely overshadowed by the self-energy corrections. We obtain a broad incoherent continuum which extends over a frequency range of $\sim 6t$ and a narrow region of width $O(JS)$ below the top of the valence band, where the excitations are mostly coherent, though with a small quasiparticle residue $Z \sim J/t$. Furthermore, we argue in this paper that two-magnon Raman scattering as well as neutron scattering experiments strongly suggest that the zone boundary magnons are not free particles since a substantial portion of their spectral weight is transferred into an incoherent background. We modeled this effect by introducing a cutoff $q_c$ in the integration over magnon momenta. We found analytically that for small $q_c$, the strong coupling solution for the Green's function is universal, and both effective masses are equal to $(4JS)^{-1}$. We further computed the full fermionic dispersion for $J/t =0.4$ relevant for $Sr_2CuO_2Cl_2$, and $t^\prime=-0.4J$ and found not only that the masses are both equal to $(2J)^{-1}$, but also that the energies at $(0,0)$ and $(0,\pi)$ are equal, the energy at $(0,\pi/2)$ is about half of that at $(0,0)$, and the bandwidth for the coherent excitations is around $3J$. All of these results are in full agreement with the experimental data.
'Mobile men with money': the socio-cultural and politico-economic context of 'high-risk' behaviour among wealthy businessmen and government officials in urban China.

China's transition from an injection drug‐driven HIV epidemic to one primarily transmitted through sexual contact has triggered concern over the potential for HIV to move into the non‐drug‐injecting population. Much discussion has focused on the migrant men of China's vast ‘floating population’ who are considered a high‐risk group. As a result, many men who frequently engage in high‐risk behaviour but are not included in this especially vulnerable group are evading HIV prevention messages. This paper highlights the socio‐cultural and politico‐economic factors that motivate many of China's wealthy businessmen and government officials, sometimes referred to as ‘mobile men with money’, to engage in such behaviour. Examination of the activities related to the work of these men reveals a situation where the confluence of a market‐oriented economy operating within a socialist‐style political system under the influence of traditional networking practices has engendered a unique mode of patron‐clientelism that br...