cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A web-based tool for managing the submission of student work

The electronic submission of student work is an issue that every computer science department must deal with in one way or another. Many departments use the least common denominator: email. Despite its convenience, email can be difficult to organize and large files can quickly fill up an instructor's inbox. This paper presents a web-based system that provides for the on-line submission and retrieval of student work. Students can upload their work from anywhere in the world with access to a web browser and an internet connection. It allows instructors and student graders access to the submitted files through a web browser. The instructor or grader can view submitted files sorted by assignment, by student, or by class, and download a single file or a group of files at once. This software is written with simplicity and usability in mind. The system is built upon free, open-source technologies, and is being made available to the community under the GNU General Public License.
You May Squeeze the Atoms But Don't Mangle the Surface!

Since the first prototype was developed in 1986, the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) has become an ever more powerful tool for characterizing surfaces. In his Perspective, de Lozanne charts recent progress in this field, and highlights the study by Lantz et al. , who are able to measure the force resulting from an incipient bond between the tip atom and the surface atom and to distinguish between different types of silicon atoms. For the first time, atomic resolution and a detailed measurement of these forces are obtained on the same surface.
African American Adult Children of Alcoholics: An Interview With J. Camille Hall, PhD, LCSW

One in eight Americans is an adult child of an alcoholic (ACoA; Grant, 2000). ACoA status puts such individuals at risk for a number of psychosocial difficulties: ACoAs have been found to be at inc...
The lysophosphatidylserine receptor GPR174 constrains regulatory T cell development and function

Regulatory T cell (T reg cell) numbers and activities are tightly calibrated to maintain immune homeostasis, but the mechanisms involved are incompletely defined. Here, we report that the lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS) receptor GPR174 is abundantly expressed in developing and mature T reg cells. In mice that lacked this X-linked gene, T reg cell generation in the thymus was intrinsically favored, and a higher fraction of peripheral T reg cells expressed CD103. LysoPS could act in vitro via GPR174 to suppress T cell proliferation and T reg cell generation. In vivo, LysoPS was detected in lymphoid organ and spinal cord tissues and was abundant in the colon. Gpr174−/Y mice were less susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis than wild-type mice, and GPR174 deficiency in T reg cells contributed to this phenotype. This study provides evidence that a bioactive lipid, LysoPS, negatively influences T reg cell accumulation and activity through GPR174. As such, GPR174 antagonists might have therapeutic potential for promoting immune regulation in the context of autoimmune disease.
The MANIAC Challenge: Exploring MANETs through competition

In this paper we discuss the MANIAC Challenge, a cooperative and competitive approach to MANET networking research. Our goal was to create an opportunity for researchers to come together and compete in a MANET-based competition where points were awarded for received traffic and deducted for use of node resources, including packet forwarding. Using software we created, each team built a participation strategy that allowed them to decide how much they would participate in forwarding traffic for other nodes. This exercise turned out to be a resounding success and a wealth of data was gathered about traffic patterns, network behavior, node behavior, and the impact of node participation strategies on the MANET. The major observations of this work are that location and hardware can affect node performance, node participation can affect the larger network in some circumstances, and node mobility patterns can vary based on the goal of the node.
Harmonic homeomorphisms of the closed disc to itself need be in w1,p, p < 2, but not w1,2

Harmonic maps u from the closed disc onto bounded convex sets of the plane obey u ∈ W 1,p,p < 2.
THE ROLE OF BIRADICALOID GEOMETRIES IN ORGANIC PHOTOCHEMISTRY

— Excited molecules tend to return to the ground state at biradicaloid geometries, i.e. those for which the simple MO description yields two non-bonding orbitals occupied by only two electrons in the ground state. The nature of electronic states at these geometries and the consequences for the course of photochemical reactions are summarized, using the cases of H2 and H4 as simple models. Several aspects of classification schemes for photochemical reactions are discussed. Detailed mechanisms of photocycloaddition, of adiabatic photochemical rearrangement of Dewar aromatics, and of luminol chemiluminescence are considered as examples.
SEX DETERMINATION IN DIPLOID-TRIPLOID CROSSES OF SPINACIA OLERACEA

1959.-Segregation for sex in spinach was studied in a series of diploid pistillate X triploid staminate crosses. The genetic data indicated that the functional gametes from staminate triploids were not confined to n and n + 1 types. Cytological analyses of progenies from a number of 2n 9 X 3n (XYY and XYY) & crosses revealed similar but non-homogeneous types of chromosome segregation. These crosses produced 49.3% diploids, 17.9% trisomics, 0.5% with 14 chromosomes, 1.2% with 16 chromosomes, 11.4% with 17 chromosomes, 18.9% triploids, and 0.8% with 19 chromosomes. The reciprocal crosses produced a higher percentage of aneuploid types including 1.7% with 15 chromosomes. Segregation for sex in each of the various chromosome numbered progeny of diploid-triploid crosses was presented and analyzed. IN STUDIES of sex determination in a series of crosses involving polyploid forms of Spinacia oleracea L., (n - 6), it was observed that the triploids were unusually fertile (Janick and Stevenson, 1955). In order to investigate this phenomenon and to study sex determination in this species further, genetic and cytological analyses of diploidtriploid crosses were undertaken. Dioecism in spinach has been shown to be controlled by a single factor pair or XY mechanism (Janick and Stevenson, 1954). The Y factor is male-determining and dominant since triploid and tetraploid plants of the constitution XXY and XXXY, respectively, are staminate (Janick, 1956) . MATERIALS AND METHODS.-All plants were grown in the greenhouse from September to June. Plants in which chromosome counts were to be made were grown in 21/2" X 21/2" X 5" plant-bands embedded in peat. Chromosome counts were made from root
Random integration of SV40 in SV40-transformed, immortalized human fibroblasts

We have studied the relationship between immortalization of SV40-transformed human embryonic fibroblasts and their SV40 integration sites. From several independently transformed cell pools, we have isolated clones which do not harbor unintegrated SV40 DNA. We have analysed whole-cell DNA from these clones, using the Southern blot method. Our results suggest that no specific integration sites in the cellular genome exist which are a prerequisite for the immortalization process. Although some integration sites were found to be predominant in pre-crisis clones, they could not be detected in the post-crisis clones. This suggests that none of these predominating sites is selected for during the crisis period.
Effects of Field Independence and Dogmatism on Reversal and Nonreversal Shifts in Concept Formation

40 St were administered the Dogmatism Test and a group Embedded Figures Test of field independence. Median splits on the two measures were employed to form 4 groups of 10 Ss each, representing the four possible combinations. All Ss were required to master an initial discrimination employing a concept formation task of the card-sorting variety. Subsequently, one-half of each sub-group was required to master the reversal of the initial task, whereas the other half of each sub-group was required to master a nonreversal task relative to the initial discrimination. This procedure resulted in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. It was predicted on various theoretical grounds that (1) reversal shifts are easier than nonreversal shifts; (2) field-independent Ss would demonstrate superior performance regardless of shift condition; (3) open-minded Ss would be more successful regardless of shift condition; and (4) that field-dependent closed-minded Ss would experience special difficulty with shifts regardless of condition...
Small intestinal submucosa gel as a potential scaffolding material for cardiac tissue engineering.

Abstract Cardiac tissue engineering typically utilizes protein-rich scaffolding materials and growth factors to improve cardiac tissue function in vitro and in vivo. The objectives of this preliminary study were (i) to investigate the potential of porcine small intestinal submucosa gel (SIS gel) in cardiac tissue engineering and (ii) to compare the function of tissues based on either SIS gel or Matrigel, a tumor-derived benchmark material. Neonatal rat cardiac cells were combined with either SIS gel or Matrigel and cultured on porous elastomeric scaffolds composed of poly(glycerol sebacate) for 13 days. Tissue function was assessed by measuring contraction rates twice daily. Tissue morphology was compared qualitatively by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Normalized troponin T expression (troponin T:DNA) was compared using image analysis. SIS gel constructs contracted at significantly higher rates than Matrigel constructs on days 8–11. Normalized troponin T expression was significantly higher in SIS gel constructs compared with Matrigel constructs. In summary, this research demonstrated that: (i) SIS gel can be used to create contractile engineered cardiac tissue; (ii) SIS gel produced engineered cardiac tissues with a more physiological contraction rate and higher phenotypic protein expression based on the basic in vitro examinations performed in this study.
Effects of age on radionuclide angiographic detection and quantitation of left-to-right shunts.

Abstract The usefulness of quantitative radionuclide angiography (RNA) in detecting left-to-right shunts and estimating shunt size in young children was assessed. The total population of 88 patients was divided into 2 groups: 23 patients 2 years of age and younger (mean 0.8 ± 0.6 [± standard deviation]) and 65 patients older than 2 years (mean 15 ± 15 years). The accuracy of 2 different RNA shunt estimation techniques, the gamma variate and the Stewart-Hamilton approach, were compared with the estimations obtained at cardiac catheterization using Fick (88 patients) and indocyanine green dye-dilution techniques (20 patients). Automated data processing algorithms were used to determine the RNA estimations, thereby avoiding the effects of operator judgment and subjectivity on shunt estimation. of the 88 patients, 16 had no shunt by Fick data (that is, estimation
Reversing growth deficiency in children: the effect of a community-based intervention.

Abstract Introduction: The effect of a community health nursing intervention on children with growth deficiency (also called nonorganic failure to thrive or growth failure) was examined in a pretest and post-test experimental study. This study evaluated the impact of the intervention on growth quotients, children's diets, parent-child interaction, home environment, and mothers' perceived stress. Methods: The sample consisted of 39 children (ages 3 months to 3 years) with growth deficiency in weight or height for age, weight for height, or a decrease in growth across two percentiles. The children were enrolled in Special Supplemental Feeding Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics in county health departments and were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. After preliminary data were collected for the entire sample, a community-based intervention was administered to the experimental group during home visits. The intervention included education about nutrition and about parenting and community skills. Results: Data collected after the intervention by a research assistant blind to group assignment indicated positive changes (P ≤ .05) in the experimental group's growth quotients, home environments, and their mothers' perceived stress. Discussion: This study supports the community health nursing practice of teaching nutrition and child care during home visits to families of children with growth deficiency.
Merging the social and the material: Life histories of ancient mementos from Central Mexico

This article proposes a way to bridge the chasm dividing archaeological studies of material properties and materials analyses from those of materiality, i.e. the mutually constitutive relationships between people and objects. This approach is demonstrated through the reconstruction of the life histories of curated figurines from Xaltocan, Mexico. Critical to this inquiry is an understanding of the material properties of the figurines — including form, style, and fragmentation — as well as materials analysis, specifically neutron activation analysis, which offers evidence of their places of origin. Using a life history approach provides insight into the production of Xaltocan as a place and its residents as people enchained or linked to ancient Teotihuacan, through the movement of these figurines through space and time. Furthermore, it demonstrates that these figurines, often ignored as accidents of site formation processes, were actually a crucial form of material culture through which residents construct...
The Functional Diversity of Urban Neighborhoods

This research stresses the multiplicity of ways neighborhoods perform important social functions. The focus on a specific set of neighborhood roles has both heuristic and practical significance. By...
Simulation analysis of the performance of tunnel-gated stations for free-transfer assembly systems

Abstract Recently, a special form of parallel workstation known as a tunnel-gated station was developed to improve the performance of an automatic assembly system. This paper discusses the effects of different design factors on the performance of automatic assembly systems with tunnel-gated stations. These factors include: (1) the jam probability of the stations, (2) the repair time of the stations, (3) the balance of the line, (4) the buffer size between adjacent stations, and (5) the position of the tunnel-gated station in the combined buffer. A simulation model which includes transport delays associated with the transfer line is developed to study these factors. This paper attempts to provide general understanding into the significance of these different factors by presenting the analysis of a factorial experiment design based on the discrete event simulation results.
Leydig cell differentiation during maturation of the rat testis: A stereological study of cell number and ultrastructure

In an effort to further understand the basis for the changes in steroidogenesis known to occur during sexual maturation in the rat, we examined by quantitative morphologic methods the number and ultrastructure of Leydig cells in fetal rats (days 18-20 of gestation) and in rats from days 2 to 3 of age through adult. Quantitative light microscopic analyses indicated that Leydig cell number, when expressed per unit volume of testis, was very high in fetal rat testes, fell significantly in testes of days 2 to 3 rats, and subsequently rose significantly. When Leydig cell number was expressed per testis rather than per unit volume of testis, the results indicated that testes of fetal rats and rats of days 2 to 3 contained the same number of Leydig cells; after the neonatal period, significant increases in Leydig cell number per testis occurred in concert with increases in testis weight. Quantitative electron microscopic studies revealed significant differences in the ultrastructure of fetal and adult populations of Leydig cells. For example, Leydig cells of fetal and neonatal rats contained abundant lipid, whereas Leydig cells of weeks 7 to 8 and adult rats contained little. Stereological analyses also revealed dramatic changes in smooth endoplasmic reticulum and inner mitochondrial membrane surface areas during sexual maturation, both per cell and per testis. These findings are discussed with respect to the steroidogenic capacity of the testis during sexual maturation.
RESPONSE TO GIL ANIDJAR

I have approached each new writing by Gil with pleasurable anticipation, expecting to find in it a challenge to further thought. This essay has not been disappointing. Besides, here he has dealt wi...
Five Facets of Mindfulness and Psychological Health: Evaluating a Psychological Model of the Mechanisms of Mindfulness

There has been an increasing focus on determining the psychological mechanisms underlying the broad effects of mindfulness on psychological health. Mindfulness has been posited to be related to the construct of reperceiving or decentering, defined as a shift in perspective associated with decreased attachment to one’s thoughts and emotions. Decentering is proposed to be a meta-mechanism that mobilizes four psychological mechanisms (cognitive flexibility, values clarification, self-regulation, and exposure), which in turn are associated with positive health outcomes. Despite preliminary support for this model, extant studies testing this model have not examined distinct facets of mindfulness. The present study used a multidimensional measure of mindfulness to examine whether this model could account for the associations between five facets of mindfulness and psychological symptoms (depressive symptoms, stress, anxiety symptoms, alcohol-related problems) in a sample of college students (N = 944). Our findings partially support this model. We found significant double-mediated associations in the expected directions for all outcomes (stress, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms) except alcohol-related problems, and for each of the facets of mindfulness except observing. However, decentering and the specific mechanisms did not fully mediate the associations among mindfulness facets and psychological health outcomes. Experimental and ecological momentary assessment designs are needed to understand the psychological processes that account for the beneficial effects of mindfulness.
Abstract 1071: Epidermal growth factor induces anterograde lysosome trafficking via activation of p38

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that acidic extracellular pH and activation of c-Met by the Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in the tumor microenvironment, have the ability to induce anterograde (outward) lysosome trafficking in prostate tumor cells, resulting in an increase in protease secretion and tumor cell invasion. Lysosome redistribution requires microtubules, sodium proton exchangers (NHEs) and PI-3K activity. These processes can be blocked by preventing anterograde lysosome trafficking using NHE inhibitors or anti-diabetic drugs belonging to the thiazolidinedione class. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is another growth factor that is commonly expressed in the tumor microenvironment, including prostate tumors, and is involved in activating a variety of processes leading to tumor progression. Upon binding of the EGF to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), a variety of cellular survival and stress pathways are activated, ultimately resulting in cytoskeletal changes and altered gene expression that contribute to the increased motility and invasion of tumor cells. Interestingly, we have found that EGFR activation also induces anterograde lysosome trafficking and scattering in DU145 prostate cancer cells by a mechanism that is dissimilar to that of HGF-induced lysosome movement. For instance, we have determined that EGF anterograde lysosome trafficking and scattering is dependent on the activity of the mitogen activated protein kinase p38α, but is not dependent on the activity of PI3K. Conversely, HGF mediated lysosome trafficking and scattering is dependent on the activity of PI3K. Additionally, EGF induced peripheral lysosome movement appears to be independent of the activity of NHE 1 and 3, but treatment with the broad acting NHE inhibitor, EIPA [5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride], prevented EGF induced anterograde lysosome trafficking and promoted a clustering of lysosomes around the nucleus, suggesting that multiple NHEs are involved in EGF mediated lysosome trafficking. This was accompanied by a reduction in cell invasion through reconstituted basement membrane in a transwell invasion assay. Also, EGF-induced lysosome repositioning was reversed by troglitazone, an anti-diabetic agent. Together, these data further implicate lysosome positioning as critical to the process of HGF and EGF mediated tumor invasion and provide insight into the mechanism by which EGF induces peripheral lysosome trafficking. This information further supports the notion that inhibition of lysosome repositioning is a potentially viable therapeutic target to block HGF- and EGF-induced tumor cell invasion. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1071. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1071
Determination of phenols in environmentally relevant matrices with the use of liquid chromatography with an enzyme electrode detector

A simple and rapid assay using HPLC with a tyrosinase-containing carbon paste electrode (Tyr-CPE) detector is demonstrated for the detection of phenol, p-cresol, p-methoxyphenol, and p-chlorophenol in environmental matrices. These compounds were measured in contaminated aqueous soil leachate samples or acetone/acetonitrile extracts of soil and sludge samples. The dynamic range for this assay was 2–30 ppm for phenol and p-cresol. In addition to analysis by the Tyr-CPE detector held at a reducing potential (−0.20 V), soil leachate and extracts were analyzed with the use of a carbon paste electrode (CPE) detector at oxidizing potentials (+1.0 V or +1.2 V). Compared to the CPE, the Tyr-CPE detector was very stable, showing a signal loss of only 28% over 24 h of continuous operation. In addition, the signal from the CPE degraded rapidly by 65% over 10 sequential injections, whereas the signal of the Tyr-CPE decreased by only 5% for the same number of sequential injections. Because of the minimal sample preparation for analysis of soil leachate samples, the herein-reported chromatographic system with biosensor detector could be further developed to complement portable tyrosinase enzyme electrode biosensors that detect total phenols in field settings. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 3: 161–169, 1999
Excess corporate cash: Follow the money

American corporations reportedly hold in excess of $1.7 trillion in cash as of July 2012. Can the broader concept of liquidity help us understand the current situation better? Since no benchmarks exist to de-termine excess liquidity on a corporate balance sheet, why do balance sheets still make most investors and analysts believe that corporations are holding too much cash? And the author makes a surprising revelation: Much of the cash buildup is concentrated in only 10 companies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laser in-situ synthesis of TiB2–Al composite coating for improved wear performance

Abstract The study involves in-situ synthesis of TiB 2 –aluminum composite coating using laser processing. The coating was synthesized by laser irradiating the pre-deposited Ti and B 4 C powder mixture on aluminum substrate that resulted in the formation of composite by in-situ reaction. The phase and micro-structural characterization of the coatings was conducted using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. A multi-physics based heat transfer model was developed using COMSOL™ to predict the thermal histories during the processing and explain the related microstructure evolution. The tribological properties of the coatings were investigated using a pin on disk method. The study revealed that the samples processed with higher laser energy (30 kJ/mm 2 ) yielded superior wear resistance comparatively. The wear mechanisms are discussed by post wear microstructure analysis.
Retrospective Evaluation of Anemia and Transfusion in Traumatic Brain Injury

Background:Despite clear evidence in critical care that blood transfusion has an adverse impact on outcome, neurosurgical textbooks still recommend transfusion of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to a hematocrit (HCT) of 30%. There is little empirical evidence to support this practice. The
EXAMINING THE ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS.

This article explores the consequences and antecedents of mentoring relationships in business. A model is presented which addresses both the antecedents and consequences of mentoring, focusing on p...
The Stenger and Speech Stenger Tests in Functional Hearing Loss

Chaiklin and Ventry [1965] reported a high incidence of negative or equivocal results on the Stenger and Speech Stenger tests in the identification of functional hearing loss among subjects referre...
Strain Balance of multiple Strain Lactic Streptococcus Concentrated Cultures

Abstract The balance among strains of lactic streptococci in frozen concentrated cultures varied from that of corresponding conventional milk grown starters. The observations concerning strain balance were based on responses of the cultures to specific bacteriophages. If the bacteriophages affected the concentrated and conventional cultures differently, it was assumed that an alteration in strain balance had occurred. The alterations in strain balance may be partially responsible for variations in culture activity when comparing the acid-producing ability of the concentrated cultures to that of milk cultures. The strain balance of cultures grown in a broth medium with the pH automatically controlled at pH 6.0 differed from that of the same cultures grown in milk. The composition of the growth medium was responsible for altering the strain balance rather than growth with automatic pH control.
Characterization of Sintered Reaction-Bonded Silicon Nitride Processed by Microwave Heating

Sintered reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SRBSN) tiles were fabricated by using microwave and conventional heating. Materials from both processes were analyzed at various stages in their fabrication. Microwave processing resulted in a SRBSN material of higher density and strength than the conventionally processed material.
Accumulation and depletion of cadmium and lead in tissues and milk of lactating cows fed small amounts of these metals.

Groups of lactating cows were fed 0, 40, and 200 mg of added cadmium (as chloride) and 0, 100, and 500 mg of added lead (as acetate) per animal per day in separate experiments. Milk and blood were sampled periodically and analyzed for concentrations of metal ions. Metal feeding was discontinued after 3 mo, and selected animals were necropsied for tissue residue studies. Remaining animals were continued on control ration for another 3 mo and then killed and tissues obtained. Cadmium feeding did not produce a dose-related increase of this metal in blood, milk, or skeletal muscle. Liver and kidneys were the primary organs of cadmium accumulation, and concentration of cadmium in these organs continued to rise during 3 mo of feeding the control diet after the initial exposure period. Lead did not accumulate in skeletal muscle but showed a dose-related increase in blood, milk, bone, liver, and kidney. In most tissues there was a rapid decline of lead concentrations after cessation of treatment, except in bone. Low dietary intake of cadmium and lead do not produce an appreciable rise of these metals in edible products, e.g., milk or meat. Of the tissues analyzed, liver and kidney accumulate both cadmium and lead, and cadmium especially persists in these organs for long periods. Bone is the primary site of deposition for lead but not cadmium.
The effect of transverse energy on electronic bound states in heterostructure quantum wells

Using first-order non-degenerate perturbation theory, we derive an approximate expression for the average transverse energy of electrons populating the subbands of a two-dimensional electron gas confined in a heterostructure quantum well. We also perform detailed numerical calculations in a prototype AlGaAs/GaAs well, validate the theory and identify conditions under which this result reduces to the commonly used thermal approximation kBT.
Speciation of sulfur in humic and fulvic acids using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy

Abstract Sulfur species in soils and sediments have previously been determined indirectly using destructive techniques. A direct and more accurate method for S speciation would improve our understanding of S biogeochemistry. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was performed on purified humic and fulvic acids from terrestrial and aquatic environments. This methodology allows direct determination of S species using the relationship that exists with the energy required for core electron transitions and in some cases, correlation with additional spectral features. Soil, peat, and aquatic humic acids were dominated by sulfonates with an oxidation state of +5, but also contained ester-bonded sulfates with an oxidation state of +6. Leonardite humic acid contained ester-bonded sulfate and an unidentified S compound with an oxidation state of +4.0. In contrast, high-valent S in soil, peat, and aquatic fulvic acids was exclusively in the form of sulfonic acids. Reduced S species were also present in both humic and fulvic acids. XANES is a valuable method for the speciation of S in humic materials and of potential use in S speciation of unfractionated soils.
Sex differences in anger expression, depressed mood, and aggression in children and adolescents

The current study examined anger expression styles and their relationship to levels of depressed mood and aggressive behavior in male and female children and adolescents. Measures of anger, anger expression, and depressed mood were collected from both children and their parents. Hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that anger expression significantly predicted sadness but not aggression for females, after accounting for age and anger level. Among males, anger expression was important in predicting aggression but not sadness, whereas age and anger level best predicted sadness. These results suggest that age, anger level, and anger expression may be risk factors for depression and aggression among children and adolescents. Sex appears to be an important factor in anger expression styles and related depression and aggressive behavior.
Connective tissue: A body-wide signaling network?

Unspecialized "loose" connective tissue forms an anatomical network throughout the body. This paper presents the hypothesis that, in addition, connective tissue functions as a body-wide mechanosensitive signaling network. Three categories of signals are discussed: electrical, cellular and tissue remodeling, each potentially responsive to mechanical forces over different time scales. It is proposed that these types of signals generate dynamic, evolving patterns that interact with one another. Such connective tissue signaling would be affected by changes in movement and posture, and may be altered in pathological conditions (e.g. local decreased mobility due to injury or pain). Connective tissue thus may function as a previously unrecognized whole body communication system. Since connective tissue is intimately associated with all other tissues (e.g. lung, intestine), connective tissue signaling may coherently influence (and be influenced by) the normal or pathological function of a wide variety of organ systems. Demonstrating the existence of a connective signaling network therefore may profoundly influence our understanding of health and disease.
Tumor suppressor and T-regulatory functions of Foxp3 are mediated through separate signaling pathways

Foxp3 is a nuclear transcription factor that is both a tumor suppressor factor and regulator of T-regulatory cell (Treg) function, and is a potential therapeutic target in both autoimmunity and cancer. In order to distinguish molecular pathways responsible for these separate Foxp3 functions, deletion mutants of Foxp3 proteins were transduced and analyzed for cytotoxic activity in human cancer cell lines Skov3, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and Jurkat. Human Foxp3 cDNA mutants were amplified and ligated to produce plasmids for direct cell transfection. Constructs were produced and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Lipofectamine 2000 was used for plasmid transfection. Foxp3 cells were then examined. The results of our experiments reveal retention of tumor suppressor function in the absence of NFAT binding and transcriptional activation required for Treg function. Our results have significant implications for the design of autoimmune and cancer therapies that target Foxp3 and Treg cells.
Targeted Disruption of the Mouse Estrogen Sulfotransferase Gene Reveals a Role of Estrogen Metabolism in Intracrine and Paracrine Estrogen Regulation

Elicitation of biological responses by estrogen in target tissues requires the presence of ER as well as receptor-active ligand in the local microenvironment. Though much attention has been devoted to the study of the receptor in estrogen target tissues, the concept is emerging that tissue estrogen sensitivity may also be regulated by ligand availability through metabolic transformation in situ. Here, we show that targeted disruption, in the mouse, of an estrogen metabolic enzyme, estrogen sulfotransferase (EST), causes structural and functional lesions in the male reproductive system. EST catalyzes the sulfoconjugation and inactivation of estrogen and is expressed abundantly in testicular Leydig cells. Although knockout males were fertile and phenotypically normal initially, they developed age-dependent Leydig cell hypertrophy/hyperplasia and seminiferous tubule damage. Development of these lesions in the testis could be recapitulated by exogenous E2 administration in younger knockout mice, suggesting that they arose in older knockout mice from chronic estrogen stimulation. Older knockout mice were also found to have reduced testis and epididymis weights but increased seminal vesicle/coagulating gland weight because of tissue swelling. Furthermore, total and forward sperm motility of older knockout mice was reduced by 60% and 80%, respectively, and these mice produced smaller litters compared with age-matched wild-type males. These findings establish a role for EST in the male reproductive system and indicate that intracrine and paracrine estrogen activity can be modulated by a ligand transformation enzyme under a physiological setting. Thus, inhibition of estrogen metabolic enzymes by environmental chemicals, as has been demonstrated recently for the human EST, may constitute a novel mechanism of endocrine disruption in vivo.
The purification of TEM-β-lactamase from cell extract using immobilized copper affinity chromatography

TEM-β-lactamase was purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography from E. coli cell extracts. It was hypothesized that this protein could be purified in one step due to the abundence of metal binding residues. A pH gradient eluted the cell extract proteins. EDTA treatment released TEM-β-lactamase. This procedure is much simpler than the current methods employed for TEM-β-lactamase purification.
Cash flow analysis for energy impacted local governments—a case study of mercer county, north dakota

Abstract Energy resource taxation policy has become a major issue in a number of energy producing areas and particularly in the western united States. This paper compares alternative energy taxation systems in terms of their implications for local governments and local planning. A fiscal impact simulation model is utilized to evaluate a severance-production tax system and, alternatively, an ad valorem property tax system. The results indicate that the form of taxation system adopted can have a major influence on the fiscal outlook for local governments in areas affected by large scale development projects and thus on the welfare of area residents. These results also suggest that local fiscal considerations should receive careful attention in local planning and policy formulation.
Pervaporation of emulsion droplets for the templated assembly of spherical particles: A population balance model

The emulsion droplet solvent evaporation method is used in the preparation of spherical particles, which form due to processes such as the clustering of nanocrystals or precipitation of polymers as the volume of solvent in the droplets decreases. A population balance model is presented to describe this transport of solvent from nanocrystal- or polymer-laden droplets in an emulsion that flows through a pervaporation unit. The solvent transport and lateral migration of droplets was simulated using a high-resolution finite-volume algorithm, which provided a smooth solution with second-order accuracy. Concentration gradients in the continuous phase become prominent when the resistance to solvent transport in the continuous phase dominates that in the membrane. In contrast, with the membrane resistance controlling the overall transport rate, a lumped capacitance assumption can be made and a simpler plug flow model would be sufficient. The simulations also indicate that the particle-size distributions are generally bimodal, and are broader for low dispersed-phase volume fractions and very low-solvent solubilities. Furthermore, the distributions show that radial diffusion of the particles occurs to a significant degree. Such simulations offer insight into how the solvent is removed from emulsion droplets as they flow down a pervaporation fiber and should be useful in the design of pervaporation systems for that purpose. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3975–3985, 2013
Chebyshev Expansion Methods for the Solution of the Extended Graetz Problem

Abstract The extended Graetz problem, a classical problem described by an equation with anon-self-adjoint second-order elliptic differential operator, is solved by two numerical methods based on Chebyshev expansions: A Chebyshev-finite difference method and a Chebyshev “finite” element method. The latter relies entirely on Chebyshev expansions; global in the bounded (radial) coordinate direction and local in the unbounded (axial) direction and proves to be more accurate than the Chebyshev-finite difference method in resolving singularities. Both methods can be applied to general type boundary-value problems involving second-order elliptic operators, have accuracy comparable to high order finite difference schemes and are operation cost efficient.
Global Spectral Methods in Gas Radiation: The Exact Limit of the SLW Model and Its Relationship to the ADF and FSK Methods

The exact form of the spectral line weighted-sum-of-gray-gases (SLW) model is developed as a limiting case of the classical SLW method when the number of gray gases in the classical model approaches infinity. Solutions of the exact SLW radiative transfer equation are obtained in the case of isothermal media. It is demonstrated that the accuracy of the exact SLW method is limited only by the accuracy of the absorption-line blackbody distribution function (ALBDF) correlations used for the characterization of the absorption spectrum. This work also theoretically and rigorously demonstrates for the first time the relationship among the SLW, absorption distribution function (ADF), and full spectrum k-distribution (FSK) models. The theoretical foundation is laid for the extension of the exact method in the case of nonisothermal media.
Rape myths and violence against street prostitutes

The experiences of prostitutes have been missing from studies of violence and rape, as has the problem of violence from studies of prostitution. Interviews here with 16 street prostitutes, most of whom are crack users, reveal an enormous amount of rape and violence against these women. Further, it is found that rape myths generally discussed in the literature uniquely come together around prostitutes to fuel both the violence and the devaluation that allows us to ignore such violence. Themes emerging from the interviews include: that people often see prostitutes as unrapeable; that no harm is done; that prostitutes deserve to be raped; and that all prostitutes are the same. This paper sees violence against prostitutes as an extreme case that sheds light on violence against women generally.
Market anticipation of merger activities: An empirical test

This paper empirically examines the possibility that there is leakage of information regarding a merger prior to the announcement of the first bid for the target firm. The tests for the existence of market anticipation are based on the behavior of variances implied in the premia of call options listed on the target firms' stocks. We conclude that the evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that the market anticipates an acquisition prior to the first announcement.
High-frequency measurements of total CO2 : Method development and first oceanographic observations

Abstract We developed a system to accurately, precisely, and rapidly measure total dissolved carbon dioxide ( T CO 2 ) in a continuously flowing seawater stream. The system is based on a gas-permeable membrane contactor, through which CO 2 evolved from an acidified seawater stream is continuously and quantitatively stripped by a flowing gas stream. The CO 2 content of this strip-gas stream, which is proportional to the TCO 2 of the seawater stream via a simple mass balance, is then analyzed using a non-dispersive infra-red (NDIR) gas analyzer. Laboratory results have shown that the system has an e-folding response time of 6 s and is able to resolve changes in signal with better than ± 0.1% precision. Independent coulometric analyses of check samples collected in the field, analyses of internal check samples, and analyses of certified reference materials have shown the accuracy of the system to be reliable to ± 0.1%. Coupled with the Lamont Pumping SeaSoar system, the T CO 2 system has yielded high spatial resolution distributions of T CO 2 across the New England shelfbreak front. These T CO 2 data, in conjunction with collocated P CO 2 measurements of similar resolution, allowed us to calculate total alkalinity ( T ALK ) at the high spatial resolution of the T CO 2 and P CO 2 measurements. While we cannot rule out or fully constrain the effects of mixing or variations in fresh water input, distributions of T ALK relative to T CO 2 , in the context of several independent lines of reasoning, indicated that biogenic calcium carbonate production may play an important role in shaping the T ALK and T CO 2 distributions in waters across the New England shelfbreak front.
Melatonin enhances guanylate cyclase activity in a variety of tissues.

The objective of the present investigation was to determine if melatonin at physiological concentrations might have part of its mechanism of action through enhancement of guanylate cyclase (E.C.4.6.1.2) activity. Melatonin enhanced guanylate cyclase activity two-three fold in rat anterior pituitary, thyroid, testis, ovary, liver and small intestine at the 1 nanomolar concentration. Some stimulation of hepatic guanylate cyclase activity by melatonin was seen at concentrations as low as 1 picomolar. There was no stimulation of guanylate cyclase activity at concentrations below 1 picomolar. Maximal enhancement of guanylate cyclase activity was seen at the 1 nanomolar concentration of melatonin with no further enhancement being observed with increasing the concentration to the micromolar range. Thus, the data in the present investigation indicates that at concentrations at which melatonin is known to cause physiological effects, melatonin does cause an enhancement of the activity of the guanylate cyclase-cyclic GMP system.
Intraseasonal temperature variability in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere from the GPS radio occultation measurements

[1] In this study, we examine the detailed spatiotemporal patterns and vertical structure of the intraseasonal temperature variability in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) using the temperature profiles from the recent Global Positioning System radio occultation (GPS RO) measurements including the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) mission. The MJO-related temperature anomalies in the UTLS are smaller near the equator ( 1.2 K). Near the equator, the temperature anomalies exhibit an eastward tilt with height from the upper troposphere (UT) to the lower stratosphere (LS) and their magnitudes and signs are determined by the strength of convective anomalies and vertical pressure level. The subtropical temperature anomalies have similar magnitudes and patterns at a given location between the UT (250 hPa to 150 hPa) and the LS (150 hPa to 50 hPa) except for opposite signs that change around 150 hPa. The subtropical warm (cold) anomalies in the UT and cold (warm) anomalies in the LS are typically collocated with the subtropical positive (negative) tropopause height anomalies/cyclones (anticyclones) and flank or lie to the west of equatorial enhanced (suppressed) convection. We also compare the intraseasonal temperature variability in the UTLS related to the MJO between the GPS RO and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) measurements to highlight the new features of the GPS RO temperature anomalies and to evaluate the quality of the AIRS temperature in the UTLS considering the GPS RO temperature in the UTLS as the benchmark. Both AIRS and GPS RO have a very consistent vertical structure in the subtropical UTLS with a high correlation coefficient 0.92 and similar magnitudes. Both AIRS and GPS RO also show a generally consistent vertical structure of the intraseasonal temperature anomalies in the equatorial UTLS. However, GPS RO reveals many detailed fine-scale vertical structures of the equatorial temperature anomalies between 150 and 50 hPa that are not well captured by AIRS. Furthermore, the equatorial temperature anomalies are about 40% underestimated in AIRS in comparison to GPS RO, over the equatorial Indian and western Pacific Oceans for 250 hPa and over all longitudes for 100 hPa. The low sampling within the optically thick clouds and low vertical resolution near the tropopause may both contribute to these deficiencies of AIRS.
A Single Dose of Nicotine Enhances Reward Responsiveness in Nonsmokers: Implications for Development of Dependence

Background Tobacco smoking, driven by the addictive properties of nicotine, is the most prevalent preventable cause of death in the Western world. Accumulated evidence suggests that nicotine may increase appetitive responding for nondrug incentives in the environment. Methods To test this hypothesis, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of the effect of a single dose of transdermal nicotine on reward responsiveness in 30 psychiatrically healthy nonsmokers. A novel signal detection task in which correct responses were differentially rewarded in a 3:1 ratio was used to assess the extent to which participants modulated their behavior as a function of reward. Results Despite expected adverse effects such as nausea, nicotine significantly increased response bias toward the more frequently rewarded condition, at the expense of accuracy, independent of effects on attention or overall vigilance. Additionally, response bias on placebo was greater in participants who received nicotine in the first session, indicating that an effect of nicotine on reward responsiveness or reward-based learning persisted for at least 1 week. Conclusions These findings suggest that a single dose of nicotine enhances response to non-drug-related rewards in the environment, with lasting effects. This effect may contribute to reinforcement of early smoking behavior and development of nicotine dependence.