cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The selection of preschool for immigrant and native-born Latino families in the United States

With the national push to expand preschool education, there has been growing interest in understanding why Latino families are enrolled in preschool at lower rates than non-Latino families. This study applied the accommodations model by Meyers and Jordan (2006) to the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (n = 5,850) to provide a more nuanced understanding of the preschool selection of U.S.- and foreign-born Latino families. Results from this investigation underscored the similarities and differences that existed in the selection behaviors of different groups of families, while also highlighting important differences within the Latino population. In general, these differences within the Latino population cut across community language use, child factors, and parents' beliefs about school readiness. Moreover, after accounting for the various selection factors, there were no longer any consistent differences in the preschool enrollment rates between Latino children and their Black and White peers. When taken together, these findings suggest that careful attention must be paid to the heterogeneity in the experiences of Latino families in navigating the preschool market.
The Method of Multiple Scales for Ordinary Differential Equations

Various physical problems are characterized by the presence of a small disturbance which, because it is active over a long time, has a non-negligible cumulative effect. For example, the effect of a small damping force over many periods of oscillation is to produce a decay in the amplitude of an oscillator. A more interesting example having the same physical and mathematical features is that of the motion of a satellite around Earth. Here the dominant force is a spherically symmetric gravitational field. If this were the only force acting on the satellite, the motion would be periodic (for sufficiently low energies). The presence of a thin atmosphere, a slightly nonspherical Earth, a small moon, a distant sun, and so on, all produce small but cumulative effects which, after a sufficient number of orbits, drastically alter the nature of the motion.
Effects of low-oxygen atmospheres on impatiens seed germination

Eight cultlvars of Impatiens wallerana Hook, f. from three seed sources were tested on blotter paper and under water to compare germination characteristics. Germination under water reduced germination rate and germination meantime in all cultlvars except 'Super Elfin Orchid'. Germination percent after seven days was 15 to 55% lower in five of the eight cultlvars when germination took place under water. Results indicate little variability among cultlvars that were germinated under ideal conditions (on blotter paper), but much greater variability was found when the seeds were germinated under the severe condition of submergence in water, a condition likely to be encountered by impatiens seeds that are germinated by using current plug-production practices.
Changes in rainfed and irrigated crop yield response to climate in the western US

As the global population increases and the climate changes, ensuring a secure food supply is increasingly important. One strategy is irrigation, which allows for crops to be grown outside their optimal climate growing regions and which buffers against climate variability. Although irrigation is a positive climate adaptation mechanism for agriculture, it has a potentially negative effect on water resources as it can lead to groundwater depletion and diminished surface water supplies. This study quantifies how crop yields are affected by climate variability and extremes and the impact of irrigation on crop yield increases under various growing-season climate conditions. To do this, we use historical climate data and county-level rainfed and irrigated crop yields for maize, soybean, winter and spring wheat over the US to analyze the relationship between climate, crop yields, and irrigation. We find that there are optimal climates, specific to each crop, where irrigation provides a benefit and other conditions where irrigation proves to have marginal, if any, benefits. Furthermore, the relationship between crop yields and climate has changed over the last decades, with a changing sensitivity in the relationship of soybean and winter wheat yields to certain climate variables, like crop reference evapotranspiration. These two conclusions have important implications for agricultural and water resource system planning, as it implies there are more optimal climate conditions where irrigation is particularly productive and regions where irrigation should be reconsidered as there is not a significant agricultural benefit and the water could be used more productively.
The Light-induced Conductance Change in the Vertebrate Rod

The molecular structure of the light-modulated channel in the vertebrate rod is unknown and we remain far from being able even to postulate what it might be. By discussing what is presently known about the electrical properties and ion selectivity of the channel and what they might imply for channel structure, this paper attempts to narrow the range of possibilities.
Let's Eliminate Comprehensive Exams: An Application of Economic and Ethical Theory to a Practical Issue

Many graduate programs require students to take one or more comprehensive exams as a condition of completing the degree requirements. While the requirement may seem worthwhile on the surface, it results in inefficiencies, thus failing the utilitarian economic and ethical test. The author applies economic and ethical theory to the question and calls for elimination of the comprehensive exam requirement on ethical and economic grounds.
COUPLING OF THE NUCLEAR SPIN ALIGNMENT OF QUADRUPOLAR NUCLEI TO 3HE AT INTERFACES

Measurements of the relaxation of nuclear spin alignments have been carried out using NQR spin echo studies of powdered antimony in contact with liquid 3 He. This system differs from previous studies of the relaxation and magnetization coupling of 3 He at surfaces because the magnetizations < S z >≃ 0. The spin alignments < S z 2 > are the relevant dynamical variables. The analysis of the experimental results shows that the coupling of the nuclear spin alignment of the antimony nuclei to the magnetization of the 3 He nuclei is determined by the spectral density of the fluctuations of the spin-spin dipolar couplings at the interface. This power density is attributed to the zero-point motions (atom-atom and atom-vacancy exchange) of the 3 He atoms on the surface of the metal particles.
Career Pressures, Responsibility, Identity

The first part looks at career challenges resulting with personal struggles testing one’s morality code. Films include Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), The Inheritance (2003), The Dinner (I nostri ragazzi) (2014), and Toni Erdmann (2016). The second part considers identity challenges due to job pressures, race, gender, and sexuality. The films include Office Space (1999), Reality (2012), Paterson (2016), and Moonlight (2016). The third part reflects on loss of privacy and cyber harassment, presenting some real cases, and following with film discussions on Disconnect (2012) and The Circle (2017). Science fiction films offer illustrations of our current fears and ethical concerns. Challenges due to the development of technology and artificial intelligence are discussed through films Sleep Dealer (2008) and Ex Machina (2015). The chapter ends with discussion on 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Kubrick’s sci-fi masterpiece retaining relevance even after half a century.
C-H Functionalization of Heteroarenes Using Unactivated Alkyl Halides through Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis under Basic Conditions.

C–H functionalization of electron-deficient heteroarenes using commercial unactivated alkyl halides through reductive quenching photoredox catalysis was developed. Mainstream approaches rely on the use of an excess of strong acids that result in regioselectivities dictated by the innate effect of the protonated heteroarene, leaving the functionalization of other carbons unexplored. We report a mild method under basic conditions that allows access to previously underexplored regioselectivities by relying on a combination of conjugate and halogen ortho-directing effects. Overall, this methodology gives quick access to a variety of alkylated heteroarenes that will be of interest to medicinal chemistry programs.
Obturator Bypass with Bovine Carotid Artery Graft: A Novel Twist to a Traditional Technique

When managing an infected groin, though rarely performed, a transobturator bypass remains an important alternative in the armament of a vascular surgeon. Autologous vein and synthetic PTFE are known conduit options for obturator bypasses, although the advantage of utilizing an autologous biological conduit when dealing with infection may not be an option for every patient. On literature review, bovine carotid grafts have been used in infrainguinal revascularizations with comparable results to autologous vein; however, no cases can be found for its use in obturator bypass thus far.
Exposure to Presidential Candidate Advertising on Television, Website, and Social Media During 23 Days of the 2016 Primary

This study examines self-reported presidential advertising exposure in young adults during a 23-day rolling cross sectional (RCS) survey fielded nationally from February 24 to March 17, 2016, durin...
Neoadjuvant Treatment With Müllerian-Inhibiting Substance Synchronizes Follicles and Enhances Superovulation Yield.

Mullerian-inhibiting substance (MIS), also known as anti-Mullerian hormone, is thought to be a negative regulator of primordial follicle activation. We have previously reported that treatment with exogenous MIS can induce complete ovarian suppression within 5 weeks of treatment in mice. To investigate the kinetics of the return of folliculogenesis following the reversal of suppression, we treated animals with recombinant human MIS (rhMIS) protein for 40 days in adult female Nu/Nu mice and monitored the recovery of each follicle type over time. Following cessation of MIS therapy, secondary, and antral follicles returned within 30 days, along with the normalization of reproductive hormones, including LH, FSH, MIS, and Inhibin B. Furthermore, 30 days following MIS pretreatment, the number of antral follicles were significantly higher than controls, and superovulation with timed pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation at this time point resulted in an approximately threefold increased yield of eggs. Use of the combined rhMIS-gonadotropin superovulation regimen in a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) mouse model, created by 4-vinylcyclohexene dioxide treatment, also resulted in a twofold improvement in the yield of eggs. In conclusion, treatment with rhMIS can induce a reversible ovarian suppression, following which a rapid and synchronized large initial wave of growing follicles can be harnessed to enhance the response to superovulation. Therapies modulating MIS signaling may therefore augment the response to current ovarian stimulation protocols and could be particularly useful to women with DOR or poor responders to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during in vitro fertilization.
Methamphetamine use association with pulmonary diseases: a retrospective investigation of hospital discharges in California from 2005 to 2011

Background Methamphetamine can have acute and long-term adverse health consequences. Our objective was to determine whether methamphetamine use is associated with more hospitalisation codes for asthma exacerbation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, pneumonia and acute respiratory failure (ARF). Methods The Health Care Utilization Project (HCUP) database includes retrospective inpatient discharge abstracts from 2005 through 2011 from the California state inpatient databases (SIDs). ICD-9 codes were used to identify hospitalisations for asthma exacerbation, COPD exacerbation, acute pneumonia, ARF and methamphetamine use from discharges with complete demographic data and ages 18 to 75 years. Adjusted rate ratios comparing methamphetamine users with nonusers were estimated separately for each pulmonary disease diagnosis by sex using negative binomial regression models. Results We included 21 125 249 inpatient discharges from 2005 through 2011 in California in our analysis; 182 766 (0.87%) had methamphetamine use. The rate ratio comparing pneumonia in discharges with methamphetamine use versus those without were 1.40 (95% CI 1.18, 1.67) for women and 1.18 (95% CI 1.04, 1.35) for men; comparing ARF 1.77 (95% CI 1.59, 1.98) for women and 1.24 (95% CI 1.12, 1.37) for men; and comparing COPD exacerbation 1.40 (95% CI 1.18, 1.67) for women and 0.90 (95% CI 0.79, 1.02) for men. Conclusions A positive association was found when comparing inpatient hospital discharge diagnoses for methamphetamine use and those for pneumonia and ARF in both sexes. This association was not seen when comparing discharge diagnoses for methamphetamine and those for asthma exacerbation in both sexes or COPD exacerbation in men. While future investigation for is warranted, this finding may help to further characterise the pulmonary toxicity of methamphetamine.
Internationalization and Accounting-Based Risk in the Restaurant Industry

Abstract The restaurant industry has expanded into international markets remarkably well due to various benefits. However, there are also high risks involved in internationalization and it is important to consider the internationalization strategy from the risk perspective for the restaurant industry. The current study attempts to examine the relationship between restaurant firms' internationalization and accounting-based risk. This study analyzes data from U.S. restaurant firms by estimating accounting-based risk measured by the standard deviation of return on assets (ROA), and performing a Two-Way Fixed-Effects Model. The findings of this study reveal that although internationalization shows a curvilinear relationship (i.e., concave downward) with ROA risk, the major shape of the relationship may be more linear rather than curvilinear, partially explained by organizational learning theory. Restaurant firms might initially face challenges caused by inexperience in international operations in conjunction with an unfamiliar culture and may not immediately realize the risk-reduction effects. Thus restaurant executives involved in new international operations need to be very informed on risk management. This allows them to gain more confidence in pursuing internationalization strategies and ultimately enjoy the risk-reduction effects, acknowledging that more international operations can reduce restaurant firms' ROA risk in the long run. This finding provides important insights for international restaurant companies to better understand how their implementation of internationalization strategy may contribute to their firms’ accounting risks.
Evaluation of viability of E. coli O157: H7 on chlorine and lactic acid treated spinach leaves using combined propidium monoazide staining and real-time PCR

Abstract Sanitizer wash may induce bacterial pathogens on produce surfaces into a viable but-nonculturable (VBNC) state and may go undetected by conventional plating methods. This study investigated the effect of chlorine and lactic acid on the viability of E. coli O157: H7 on spinach leaves right after the treatment and during refrigerated storage using propidium monoazide staining and real-time PCR (PMA-qPCR). Baby spinach leaves inoculated with E. coli O157: H7 were washed with chlorine (100 ppm) and lactic acid (0.5%) for 5 min and 3 min, respectively. The residual effect of the treatments was examined by inoculating the sanitizer-treated leaves with the pathogen and allowing them to sit for up to 48 h at 4 °C. Chlorine and lactic acid wash resulted in the reduction in viable E. coli O157: H7 counts by 2.51 and 3.43 log CFU/g, respectively. After 48 h of refrigerated storage, viable E. coli O157:H7 population was significantly reduced by 2.86 log CFU/g on chlorine-treated leaves and by 4.42 log CFU/g on lactic treated leaves. This study emphasized the potential effect of chlorine and lactic acid in reducing viable E. coli O157: H7 population on produce surfaces.
Thermal transitions and mechanical relaxations in perfluorinated ionomers

Abstract This review provides a historical perspective on the assignments of the molecular origins of the thermal transitions and mechanical relaxations in perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers (PFSAs). Characterization of the thermal transitions in PFSAs has been done by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and dielectric spectroscopy, complemented by other techniques such as NMR, SAXS, neutron scattering, and FTIR. Significant progress has been reached within the past 20 years on the assignments of the principle thermal transitions and dynamic mechanical relaxations in PFSAs and continuing work is being done to investigate the effect of sidechain structure, equivalent weight, and processing conditions on the thermal properties of these ionomer membranes.
Correlated rigidity percolation in fractal lattices

Rigidity percolation (RP) is the emergence of mechanical stability in networks. Motivated by the experimentally observed fractal nature of materials like colloidal gels and disordered fiber networks, we study RP in a fractal network where intrinsic correlations in particle positions is controlled by the fractal iteration. Specifically, we calculate the critical packing fractions of site-diluted lattices of Sierpi\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ski gaskets (SG's) with varying degrees of fractal iteration. Our results suggest that although the correlation length exponent and fractal dimension of the RP of these lattices are identical to that of the regular triangular lattice, the critical volume fraction is dramatically lower due to the fractal nature of the network. Furthermore, we develop a simplified model for an SG lattice based on the fragility analysis of a single SG. This simplified model provides an upper bound for the critical packing fractions of the full fractal lattice, and this upper bound is strictly obeyed by the disorder averaged RP threshold of the fractal lattices. Our results characterize rigidity in ultralow-density fractal networks.
Wi-Fi Live-Streaming Centrifuge Force Microscope for Benchtop Single-Molecule Experiments

Abstract The ability to apply controlled forces to individual molecules has been revolutionary in shaping our understanding of biophysics in areas as diverse as dynamic bond strength, biological motor operation, and DNA replication. However, the methodology to perform single-molecule experiments remains relatively inaccessible because of cost and complexity. In 2010, we introduced the centrifuge force microscope (CFM) as a platform for accessible and high-throughput single-molecule experimentation. The CFM consists of a rotating microscope with which prescribed centrifugal forces can be applied to microsphere-tethered biomolecules. In this work, we develop and demonstrate a next-generation Wi-Fi CFM that offers unprecedented ease of use and flexibility in design. The modular CFM unit fits within a standard benchtop centrifuge and connects by Wi-Fi to an external computer for live control and streaming at near gigabit speeds. The use of commercial wireless hardware allows for flexibility in programming and provides a streamlined upgrade path as Wi-Fi technology advances. To facilitate ease of use, detailed build and setup instructions, as well as LabVIEW-based control software and MATLAB-based analysis software, are provided. We demonstrate the instrument’s performance by analysis of force-dependent dissociation of short DNA duplexes of 7, 8, and 9 bp. We showcase the sensitivity of the approach by resolving distinct dissociation kinetic rates for a 7 bp duplex in which one G-C basepair is mutated to an A-T basepair.
The potential of hydrogen hydrate as a future hydrogen storage medium

Hydrogen is recognized as the “future fuel” and the most promising alternative of fossil fuels due to its remarkable properties including exceptionally high energy content per unit mass (142 MJ/kg), low mass density, and massive environmental and economical upsides. A wide spectrum of methods in H2 production, especially carbon-free approaches, H2purification, and H2storage have been investigated to bring this energy source closer to the technological deployment. Hydrogen hydrates are among the most intriguing material paradigms for H2storage due to their appealing properties such as low energy consumption for charge and discharge, safety, cost-effectiveness, and favorable environmental features. Here, we comprehensively discuss the progress in understanding of hydrogen clathrate hydrates with an emphasis on charging/discharging rate of H2 (i.e. hydrate formation and dissociation rates) and the storage capacity. A thorough understanding on phase equilibrium of the hydrates and its variation through different materials is provided. The path toward ambient temperature and pressure hydrogen batteries with high storage capacity is elucidated. We suggest that the charging rate of H2 in this storage medium and long cyclic performance are more immediate challenges than storage capacity for technological translation of this storage medium. This review and provided outlook establish a groundwork for further innovation on hydrogen hydrate systems for promising future of hydrogen fuel.
Graph analysis of proton conduction pathways in scandium-doped barium zirconate.

Understanding the relationship between the acceptor dopant size and proton conductivity in barium zirconate, BaZrO3, is important for maximizing efficiency in this promising fuel cell material. While proton conduction pathways with larger YZr′ and smaller AlZr′ defects have been explored, proton pathways with ScZr′, a defect of comparable size to the replaced ion, have not been investigated using centrality measures, periodic pathway searches, and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC). Centrality measures in BaSc0.125Zr0.875O3 highlight a trapping region by ScZr′ and scattered high centrality regions on undoped planes. Connected long-range high centrality regions are found mainly in undoped planes for BaAl0.125Zr0.875O3 and in the dopant planes for BaY0.125Zr0.875O3. The best long-range proton conduction periodic pathways in AlZr′ and ScZr′ systems travel between dopant planes, while those for yttrium-doped BaZrO3 remained on dopant planes. KMC trajectories at 1000 K show long-range proton conduction barriers of 0.86 eV, 0.52 eV, and 0.25 eV for AlZr′, ScZr′, and YZr′ systems, respectively. Long-range periodic conduction highway limiting barrier averages correlate well with the connectivity of the most central regions in each system but ignore diffusion around the dopant and through other high centrality regions. BaSc0.125Zr0.875O3 shows an intermediate overall conduction barrier limited by trapping, which earlier experiments and simulations suggest that it can be mitigated with increased oxygen vacancy concentration.
Single-cell analysis of the human pancreas in type 2 diabetes using multi-spectral imaging mass cytometry

SUMMARY Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a chronic age-related disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to the failure of pancreatic beta cells to compensate for increased insulin demand, typically associated with peripheral insulin resistance. However, despite decades of research, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying T2D remain poorly defined. Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) enables multiplexed assessment of the abundance and subcellular localization of multiple proteins on the same tissue section. Herein, we utilized IMC with a panel of 34 antibodies to quantify key markers of pancreatic exocrine, islet, and immune cells as well as stromal components. We employed this panel to analyze over 2.1 million cells from 16 pancreata obtained from donors with T2D and 13 pancreata from age similar non-diabetic controls. In the T2D pancreata, we observed significant alterations in islet architecture, endocrine cell composition, and surprisingly immune cell constituents. Thus, both HLA-DR positive CD8 T cells and macrophages were enriched intra-islet in the T2D pancreas. These efforts demonstrate the utility of IMC to investigate complex events at the cellular level in order to provide new insights into the pathophysiology of T2D.
Emerging Indoor Air Laws for Onsite Cannabis Consumption Businesses in the U.S

Introduction Secondhand cannabis smoke, like secondhand tobacco smoke, creates unhealthy indoor air quality. Ventilation and engineering techniques cannot reduce this pollution to healthy levels, and complete smoke-free policies are the only way to provide healthy indoor environments. Even so, multiple state and local governments have begun to allow indoor smoking of cannabis in businesses. Methods A systematic search of Lexis Advance, NewsBank, and government websites for U.S. state and local laws passed between November 6, 2012 and June 10, 2020 that permit and regulate onsite cannabis consumption businesses was conducted in February–July 2020. Results In total, 6 of 11 states and the District of Columbia that legalized adult-use cannabis as of June 10, 2020 allowed onsite consumption and ≥56 localities within these 6 states allowed onsite cannabis consumption. Only 9% (5/56) of localities ban indoor smoking in these businesses; 23% (13/56) require indoor smoking to occur in physically isolated rooms. Other common local legal requirements address onsite odor control, ventilation/filtration, and building location. Conclusions The majority of the localities that allow onsite cannabis consumption do not explicitly prohibit smoking or vaping inside. Policymakers should be made aware that ventilation and other engineering interventions cannot fully protect workers and patrons. Health authorities and local leaders should educate policymakers on the science of secondhand smoke remediation and advocate for the same standards for secondhand cannabis smoking and vaping that apply to tobacco, particularly because other modes of cannabis administration do not pollute the air.
Beleuchtungsmittel und Farben

Bei jedem Beleuchtungsproblem bzw. jeder Beleuchtungsanlage haben wir drei Punkte zu unterscheiden: die Qualitat des Lichtes, die Intensitat und die Verteilung der Beleuchtung. Unter Intensitat der Beleuchtung verstehen wir die Lichtmenge pro Flacheneinheit; die Verteilung umfast die Richtung und Streuung des Lichtes; die Qualitat oder der spektrale Charakter des Lichtes ist lediglich eine Eigenschaft des Lichtes, wahrend die beiden anderen Faktoren Eigenschaften der Beleuchtung sind. Licht als solches konnen wir nur durch seine Qualitat, also sozusagen durch seine angeborenen Eigenschaften unterscheiden, die eng verbunden sind mit der Farbe des Lichtes. Licht von besonderer Qualitat ist stets von einer bestimmten Farbe; hingegen braucht Licht von gleicher Farbe nicht immer von gleicher Qualitat zu sein. Stets ist zu beachten, das der Sehvorgang ein „synthetischer“ ist. Das Auge kann z. B. durch Reflexion von einer farblosen Flache alle Wellenlangen der sichtbaren Sonnenstrahlung erhalten; obwohl diese Wellenlangen verschiedene Farbempfindungen (violett, blau, grun, gelb, orange, rot und alle Ubergangstone) hervorrufen mussen, ist die kombinierte Empfindung dennoch weis. Mischen wir ein blaugrunes und rotes Licht in geeigneter Zusammensetzung, so wird eine von diesem Lichtgemisch beleuchtete farblose graue Flache farblos bleiben.
Dietary sodium modulates mRNA abundance of enzymes involved in pituitary processing of proopiomelanocortin.

The messenger RNA abundance of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is increased in neurointermediate lobe (NIL) of rat pituitary when ingesting a high sodium diet (8%; HSD), as is the plasma concentration of the natriuretic peptide γ-melanocyte stimulating hormone (γ-MSH) derived from it. We examined whether the HSD also increases the mRNA abundance in rat NIL of proconvertases 1 and 2 (PC1, PC2), enzymes involved in the processing of POMC into γ-MSH. PC1 mRNA increased by 40% after two weeks of the HSD and by 84% after three weeks. PC2 mRNA increased by 40% after two weeks and by more than 3 fold after three weeks. These results for PC2 were confined to NIL as shown by in situ hybridization at one and two weeks, and were accompanied by a significant increase in NIL PC2 protein after three weeks of the HSD as measured by immunoblotting. The increases in PC1 and PC2 mRNA abundance were paralleled by an increase in POMC mRNA level in NIL. Plasma γ-MSH immunoreactivity averaged 35.1±3.3 fmol/ml in rats on the LSD, but increased to 70.9±4.8 fmol/ml after 3 weeks of the HSD (p < 0.002 vs LSD). These results confirm that the HSD increases the plasma concentration of γ-MSH, consistent with a role for it as a circulating natriuretic peptide. The increased NIL expression of PC1 and PC2 in parallel with POMC in response to the HSD suggests that these changes are part of the coordinated response to states of sodium surfeit.
Newton Method and Trajectory-Based Method for Solving Power Flow Problems: Nonlinear Studies

This paper analyzes the convergence properties and convergence region of a class of trajectory-based power flow methods. The convergence region of the trajectory-based method is a connected set and possesses the near-by property. The convergence region of Newton method and trajectory-based method in solving power flow problems are numerically investigated. Since the convergence region of trajectory-based method corresponds to the stability region of the nonlinear dynamic system, the stability regions of two dynamic systems are computed. The numerical results indicate that the stability region of the dynamic system possesses better geometry features than the convergence region of Newton method. These properties make the trajectory-based power flow method robust, especially on heavy loading conditions.
Alloreactive Memory T Cells Are Responsible for the Persistence of Graft-versus-Host Disease

Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is caused by a donor T cell anti-host reaction that evolves over several weeks to months, suggesting a requirement for persistent alloreactive T cells. Using the C3H.SW anti-C57BL/6 (B6) mouse model of human GVHD directed against minor histocompatibility Ags, we found that donor CD8(+) T cells secreting high levels of IFN-gamma in GVHD B6 mice receiving C3H.SW naive CD8(+) T cells peaked by day 14, declined by day 28 after transplantation, and persisted thereafter, corresponding to the kinetics of a memory T cell response. Donor CD8(+) T cells recovered on day 42 after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation expressed the phenotype of CD44(high)CD122(high)CD25(low), were able to homeostatically survive in response to IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 and rapidly proliferated upon restimulation with host dendritic cells. Both allogeneic effector memory (CD44(high)CD62L(low)) and central memory (CD44(high)CD62L(high)) CD8(+) T cells were identified in B6 mice with ongoing GVHD, with effector memory CD8(+) T cells as the dominant (>80%) population. Administration of these allogeneic memory CD8(+) T cells into secondary B6 recipients caused virulent GVHD. A similar allogeneic memory CD4(+) T cell population with the ability to mediate persistent GVHD was also identified in BALB/b mice receiving minor histocompatibility Ag-mismatched B6 T cell-replete bone marrow transplantation. These results indicate that allogeneic memory T cells are generated in vivo during GVH reactions and are able to cause GVHD, resulting in persistent host tissue injury. Thus, in vivo blockade of both alloreactive effector and memory T cell-mediated host tissue injury may prove to be valuable for GVHD prevention and treatment.
Body esteem, peer difficulties and perceptions of physical health in overweight and obese urban children aged 5 to 7 years

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between body mass index (BMI) and body esteem in young overweight and obese urban children, and to test peer relationship difficulties and perceived physical health as mediators of this relationship. METHODS: Child self-reported body esteem, and parent-reported child peer relationship difficulties (being bullied by peers and peer rejection) and physical health perceptions were obtained from 218 overweight and obese children aged 5-7 years (81% racial/ethnic minority, M BMI = 25.3) and their primary caregivers. RESULTS: Higher BMI was associated with lower body esteem for both girls and boys. This relation was mediated by poor physical health for boys but not for girls. Peer relationship difficulties did not mediate the observed association between BMI and body esteem in either group; however, girls with higher BMI experienced more bullying and being bullied by peers was associated with lower body esteem in girls. CONCLUSIONS: Intervening with perceptions of physical health may buffer overweight and obese boys from developing low body esteem in early childhood. Language: en
Effects of naringin on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells

Human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAFSCs) are a novel cell source for generating osteogenic cells to treat bone diseases. Effective induction of osteogenic differentiation from hAFSCs is critical to fulfil their therapeutic potential. In this study, naringin, the main active compound of Rhizoma drynariae (a Chinese herbal medicine), was used to stimulate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hAFSCs. The results showed that naringin enhanced the proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) of hAFSCs in a dose-dependent manner in the range 1-100 µg/ml, while an inhibition effect was observed at 200 µg/ml. Consistently, the calcium content also increased with naringin concentration up to 100 µg/ml. The enhanced osteogenic differentiation of hAFSCs by naringin was further confirmed by the dose-dependent upregulation of marker genes, including osteopontin (OPN) and Collagen I from RT-PCR analysis. The increased osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression and minimal expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) suggested that naringin also inhibited osteoclastogenesis of hAFSCs. In addition, the gene expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), β-catenin and Cyclin D1 also increased significantly, indicating that naringin promotes the osteogenesis of hAFSCs via the BMP and Wnt-β-catenin signalling pathways. These results suggested that naringin can be used to upregulate the osteogenic differentiation of hAFSCs, which could provide an attractive and promising treatment for bone disorders. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Notch3 is necessary for neuronal differentiation and maturation in the adult spinal cord

Notch receptors are key regulators of nervous system development and promoters of neural stem cells renewal and proliferation. Defects in the expression of Notch genes result in severe, often lethal developmental abnormalities. Notch3 is generally thought to have a similar proliferative, anti-differentiation and gliogenic role to Notch1. However, in some cases, Notch3 has an opposite, pro-differentiation effect. Here, we show that Notch3 segregates from Notch1 and is transiently expressed in adult rat and mouse spinal cord neuron precursors and immature neurons. This suggests that during the differentiation of adult neural progenitor cells, Notch signalling may follow a modified version of the classical lateral inhibition model, involving the segregation of individual Notch receptors. Notch3 knockout mice, otherwise neurologically normal, are characterized by a reduced number of mature inhibitory interneurons and an increased number of highly excitable immature neurons in spinal cord laminae I–II. As a result, these mice have permanently lower nociceptive thresholds, similar to chronic pain. These results suggest that defective neuronal differentiation, for example as a result of reduced Notch3 expression or activation, may underlie human cases of intractable chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain.
Effect of bromodeoxyuridine on the proliferation and growth of ethyl methanesulfonate-exposed P3 cells: Relationship to the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges

Although sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) analysis is recognized as an indicator of exposure to DNA-damaging agents, the results of these analyses have been confounded by the use of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) to differentially label the sister chromatids. Not only does BrdUrd itself induce SCE, it also modulates the frequency of SCE induced by certain DNA-damaging agents. In order to examine this effect of BrdUrd on SCE frequency, an indirect method which lends itself to measurements both with and without BrdUrd was employed. Human teratocarcinoma-derived (P3) cells were exposed to ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and cultured with increasing concentrations of BrdUrd for lengths of time corresponding to one, two, and three generations of cell growth. At each time point, the distribution of nuclei among the phases of the cell-cycle and cell growth were evaluated for each concentration and chemical. A statistical model was employed which tested both for the main effects of chemicals and culture times and for interactions between these factors. Both EMS and BrdUrd significantly affected the percentages of nuclei within the cell-cycle. Exposure to EMS resulted in decreases in the percentages of nuclei in G0 + G1 and increases in the G2 + M compartment. Exposure to BrdUrd affected the size of the G0 + G1 compartment as well as the percentage of S-phase nuclei. Cell growth was reduced as a consequence of increasing EMS concentration and as a function of BrdUrd concentration; the effects of these chemicals were more readily apparent at the later time points. Most importantly, for both the cell-cycle kinetics data and the cell growth data, no evidence of an interaction between the effects of EMS and the effects of BrdUrd was detected statistically. These results may be interpreted to mean that while both EMS and BrdUrd affect the induction of SCE, under the conditions of this experiment, the effects are additive rather than interactive.
Charcoal-catalyzed transfer of tritium into 3H2O from regiospecifically-labeled 2-hydroxyestradiol in the presence of thiols.

Abstract Charcoal was found to catalyze the release of 3H2O from [1-3H]2-hydroxyestradiol-17β ([1-3H]2-OHE2) or [4-3H]2-hydroxy-estradiol-17β ([4-3H]2-OHE2) and this effect was shown to occur in the presence of glutathione or other thiols and to depend on the concentration of free steroid. The radiometric assay for measuring the formation of 3H2O was not affected significantly by subsequent treatment of the incubation mixture with charcoal if the ratio of steroid to tissue (rat brain or liver microsomes) was low and only initial rates of 3H release were measured. 2-Hydroxyestradiol did not show the charcoal effect in the presence of tyrosinase, either when it was generated from its parent estrogen or added to the enzyme. The formation of 3H2O from [4-3H]2-OHE2 in the presence of glutathione was inhibited by ascorbic acid but the addition of dextran or albumin did not protect the catechol estrogen from the charcoal-catalyzed loss of tritium. The reaction with glutathione and charcoal occurred even at 4°C but other adsorbants such as alumina, silica or hydroxylapatite were without effect.
Anomalous behavior of evaporative H/He from 194 Hg compound nuclei

From measured cross sections for evaporative1H and4He, we have unfolded the separate effects of excitation energy (E) and spin (J) on the decay of194Hg. The analysis depends only on Bohr's independence hypothesis and on certain general features of the transmission coefficients for fusion. Evaporation-like emission of1H and4He increases rapidly with energy but decreases rather mildly with initial spin. Significant emission occurs even for very high spins where the calculated fission barrier is essentially zero. The equilibrium model for fission-evaporation competition is brought into question forE*≳98 MeV and J≳65 ħ.
Pro‐Cite as a Management Tool for a Travel and Tourism Collection

One of the fastest growing sectors of the United States economy is the service industry, and tourism is almost the largest segment of this business. Tourists spent $17.3 billion in Texas during 1987, which is a 6.9 percent share of the United States travel and tourism market. In 1987, the Texas state legislature created the new state Department of Commerce (DOC). According to the chairman of DOC, two of the major thrusts of its strategy are business development and tourism. The agency is financed with .5 percent of the state hotel tax revenue, which is approximately $6 million per year. This amount finances a toll‐free number for potential visitors to call requesting Texas travel information and an unprecedented national advertising campaign, including television commercials.
Estimating herd prevalence of bovine brucellosis in 46 U.S.A. states using slaughter surveillance

Making valid inferences about herd prevalence from data collected at slaughter is difficult because the observed sample is dependent on the number of animals sampled from each herd, which varies with herd size and culling practices, and the probability of a positive test result, which depends on variable within-herd prevalence levels as well as test sensitivity and specificity. In this study, brucellosis herd prevalence among beef cow-calf operations is estimated from slaughter surveillance data using a method that combines process modeling with Bayesian inference. Inferences are made for two populations; the first population comprises cow-calf beef herds in a typical U.S. state. The second population represents all beef herds in a collection of 46 low-risk states. The Bayesian Monte Carlo method used in this study links process model inputs to observed surveillance results via Bayes Theorem. The surveillance evidence across multiple years is accumulated at a discounted rate based on the probability of introducing new infection into an area. The process model's inputs include herd size, culling rate per herd, within-herd prevalence, serologic test performance, and the probability of successfully investigating positive results. The surveillance results comprise the number of cows and bulls tested at slaughter and the number of affected herds detected each year. The results find at least 95% confidence that brucellosis herd prevalence among beef cow-calf herds is less than 0.014% (3 per 21,500 herds) and 0.00081% (5 per 6,15,770) after 5 years of slaughter surveillance (with no detections of affected herds) in a typical U.S. state and across 46 low-risk U.S. states, respectively. These results were based on conservative modeling assumptions, but sensitivity analysis suggests only slight changes in the results from changing the assumed process model input values. The most influential analytic input was the probability of introducing new infection into a putatively brucellosis-free state or group of states.
PROBING GENOME MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS OF HUMAN RECQ1

The RecQ helicases are a highly conserved family of DNA-unwinding enzymes that play key roles in protecting the genome stability in all kingdoms of life. Human RecQ homologs include RECQ1, BLM, WRN, RECQ4, and RECQ5β. Although the individual RecQ-related diseases are characterized by a variety of clinical features encompassing growth defects (Bloom Syndrome and Rothmund Thomson Syndrome) to premature aging (Werner Syndrome), all these patients have a high risk of cancer predisposition. Here, we present an overview of recent progress towards elucidating functions of RECQ1 helicase, the most abundant but poorly characterized RecQ homolog in humans. Consistent with a conserved role in genome stability maintenance, deficiency of RECQ1 results in elevated frequency of spontaneous sister chromatid exchanges, chromosomal instability, increased DNA damage and greater sensitivity to certain genotoxic stress. Delineating what aspects of RECQ1 catalytic functions contribute to the observed cellular phenotypes, and how this is regulated is critical to establish its biological functions in DNA metabolism. Recent studies have identified functional specialization of RECQ1 in DNA repair; however, identification of fundamental similarities will be just as critical in developing a unifying theme for RecQ actions, allowing the functions revealed from studying one homolog to be extrapolated and generalized to other RecQ homologs.
Reflections on Technology-enhanced Assessment

Two potentially profound reforms intended to affect education are the subject of this special issue: (1) the emphasis on assessment to improve and certify learning, and (2) the use of technology in...
iSphere:A free-hand 3D modeling interface

Making 3D models should be an easy and intuitive task like free-hand sketching. This paper presents iSphere, a 24 degree of freedom 3D input device. iSphere is a dodecahedron embedded with 12 capacitive sensors for pulling-out and pressing-in manipulation on 12 control points of 3D geometries. It exhibits a conceptual 3D modeling approach for saving mental loads of low-level commands. Using analog inputs of 3D manipulation, designers are able to have high-level modeling concepts like pushing or pulling 3D surfaces. Our experiment shows that iSphere saved steps in the selection of control points in the review of menus and leading to a clearer focus on what to build instead of how to build it. Novices saved significant time learning 3D manipulation by using iSphere to making conceptual models. However, one tradeoff of the iSphere is its lack of fidelity in its analog input mechanism.
Contrast in somatic variables among traditional and modernized Maya females

The pattern of growth of body size variables and apical pulse rate have been suggested to be significant to cardiovascular status in adulthood. In order to investigate influences on the growth pattern of somatic variables in juveniles in contrasting environments, the relationships of body size variables, apical pulse, and age, and the patterns of family aggregations and of heritability of these were examined among juveniles in a modernizing society. Weight, height, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, and apical pulse were measured and weight/height2 was calculated for 431 urban and rural dwelling juvenile Maya females aged 9.5 to 20.4 years, and a sample of their mothers (n=96) living in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. In addition, comparisons were made of the somatic variables for urban and rural sibling pairs (n=89) and motherdaughter pairings (n=149). Weight, height, and skinfolds were consistently lower in rural juveniles, and urban-rural variation was noted in the pattern of growth. Urban-rural variation was evident in the patterns of family aggregation and heritability of body size variables. Family tendency was generally elevated in the urban sample, but with some major deviations. Urban-rural variations, correlations among the variables, and the patterns of family aggregation support the conclusion that different influences are operating in this population regarding development of height, of weight, and of subcutaneous fat deposition.