cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solvent-Free Synthesis and Fluorescence of a Thiol-Reactive Sensor for Undergraduate Organic Laboratories

A green organic laboratory experiment was developed in which students synthesize a sensor for thiols using a microscale, solventless Diels–Alder reaction at room temperature or 37 °C. The molecular probe is easily purified by column chromatography in a Pasteur pipet and characterized by thin-layer chromatography and NMR spectroscopy. The thiol-reactive sensor becomes intensely fluorescent upon exposure to thiols from N-acetylcysteine, bovine serum albumin, or human hair (pretreated with a reducing agent to reveal cysteine thiols in α-keratin). This fluorescence is observable even with micrograms of probe.
Immunomodulatory cross-talk between conjunctival goblet cells and dendritic cells.

Goblet cells are secretory epithelial cells of mucosal tissues that confer protection from environmental agents or pathogens via expression and secretion of soluble mucins. Loss of these cells is associated with several chronic inflammatory disorders of the mucosa. Although demonstrated to transfer antigens from the luminal surface to stromal cells in the intestinal mucosa, it is not known if goblet cells contribute to the regulation of an immune response. In this study we report that similar to intestinal and respiratory mucosal epithelia, mouse ocular surface epithelia predominantly express the TGF-s2 isoform. Specifically, we demonstrate the ability of goblet cells to express TGF-s2 and increase it in response to Toll-Like Receptor 4 mediated stimulus in cultures. Goblet cells not only express TGF-s2, but are also able to activate it in a thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) dependent manner via their cell surface receptor CD36. Furthermore, goblet cell derived soluble factors that possibly include TGF-s2, alter dendritic cell (DC) phenotype to a tolerogenic type by downregulating DC expression of MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and CD40. Thus our study demonstrates goblet cells as a cellular source of active TGF-s2 in ocular mucosa and implicates their immunomodulatory function in maintaining mucosal immune homeostasis.
Structure and molecular organization of retinal photoreceptors.

A phylogenetic structural analysis in molecular dimensions of visual photoreceptors in a variety of animals is being made. These photoreceptors include structures from the eyespot-flagellum of the protozoan flagellates, to the more elaborate sensory cells of flatworms, the retinal cells of the compound eyes of anthropods, the molluscs, and the retinal rods and cones of the eyes of higher vertebrates, including man. In this study, the geometry of these photoreceptors and their fine structure has been analyzed by light and electron microscopy. These microscopic studies show that all of the photoreceptors are highly ordered, crystalline-like disks or tubes, which when cut in the right plane, are observed as lamellar structures with dimensions of 400 A. Microanalysis employing microspectrophotometry was then used to determine the concentration of the photosensitive pigment-complexes within a single retinal rod. The geometrical structural data and the concentration of rhodopsin was then used to calculate the surface area that would be required for all of the pigment molecules if they were associated with the lamellar surfaces. These calculations indicate that the rhodopsin molecules could all fit on all the lamellar surfaces, and that each molecule would have a diameter of the order of 50 A. The molecular weight of rhodopsin was also calculated from these data for frog and cattle rhodopsin, which give values of the order of 60 000 and 40 000, respectively. From these microscopic observations, it is possible to trace a phylogenetic structural development for a retinal rod, with flagellum-like processes which are a unique part of all of these photoreceptor structures. Since the photosensitive pigment-complex, rhodopsin, is an aqueous digitonin (1–2%) extract of the retinal rods, it has been used as a model system to study the photochemistry of the rhodopsin–digitonin complex. Such pigment-complexes form micelles, macromolecular aggregates, which possess the photochemistry and indicate a molecular organization similar to that of the retinal rod. These studies of the in situ, isolated, and solubilized photoreceptors, suggest that we are dealing with phase transitions as exhibited by liquid–crystalline states.
Metabolism of 14C-Labeled N2, N2, N4, N4 —Tetramethylmelamine in Male House Flies

In male Musca domestica L., N2,N2,N4,N4-tetramethylmelamine (TMM) was metabolized to N2,N2,N4trimethylmelamine and N2,N4-dimethylmelamine. The absence of the other isomeric trimethyl- and dimethylmelamines among the metabolites indicated that the dimethylamino group was demethylated in preference to the methylamino group. Since more than 80% of the originally injected TMM was recovered as metabolites containing the s-triazine ring, the main metabolic pathway was a demethylation and did not involve ring cleavage.
Transportation Fuels Policy Since the OPEC Embargo: Paved with Good Intentions

A long line of research investigates whether the retail prices of electricity and natural gas send proper signals about scarcity in order to induce efficient consumption. Historically, regulated utilities have not designed tariffs that set marginal prices equal to marginal costs. Currently, some jurisdictions are opening the retail sectors to competition via "retail choice." These new regimes replace imperfect regulation with imperfect competition as the process by which retail tariffs are formed. We discuss the challenges in evaluating the efficiency of tariffs and present evidence of how pricing has changed in markets with retail choice.
Stimulation of limb cartilage differentiation by cyclic AMP is dependent on cell density.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) has been implicated in the regulation of limb cartilage differentiation. This study represents an attempt to clarify potential mechanisms by which cAMP might regulate chondrogenesis. We have found that the ability of cAMP to stimulate limb cartilage differentiation in vitro is dependent on cell density. Dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) elicits a striking increase in the accumulation of Alcian blue, pH 1.0-positive cartilage matrix, and a corresponding three- to fourfold increase in the accumulation of 35S-labeled glycosaminoglycans (GAG) by limb mesenchymal cells cultured in low serum medium at densities greater than confluence (i.e. micromass cultures established with 1-2 x 10(5) cells in 10 microliters of medium). Moreover, dbcAMP causes a striking (two- to fourfold) increase in the steady-state cytoplasmic levels of mRNAs for cartilage-characteristic type II collagen and the core protein of cartilage-specific sulfated proteoglycan in these high density, supraconfluent cultures. In contrast, cAMP does not promote the chondrogenesis of limb mesenchymal cells cultured at subconfluent densities (i.e. cultures initiated with 2.5-5 x 10(4) cells in 10 microliters of medium). In these low density cultures, dbcAMP does not promote the formation of cartilage matrix, sulfated GAG accumulation or the accumulation of cartilage-specific mRNAs. These observations suggest that cAMP may exert its regulatory effect in part by facilitating cell-cell communication during the critical condensation phase of chondrogenesis.
Digital piracy: Causes, consequences, and strategic responses

What should copyright holders do about the piracy of digital media? This paper first discusses the causes of piracy, with particular reference to the factors that lead consumers to engage in piracy en masse. Then it explores the consequences of piracy for copyright holders. The final section of the paper builds upon the proceeding sections to look at the different strategic responses copyright holders can adopt to deal with piracy. Given widespread digital piracy in Asia, these insights have particular relevance for the region.
Computer Modeling of Non-Isothermal Crystallization

A realistic computer model for simulating isothermal and non-isothermal phase transformations proceeding by homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation and interface-limited growth is presented. A new treatment for particle size effects on the crystallization kinetics is developed and is incorporated into the numerical model. Time-dependent nucleation rates, size-dependent growth rates and surface crystallization are also included. Model predictions are compared with experimental measurements of DSC/DTA peak parameters for the crystallization of lithium disilicate glass as a function of particle size, Pt doping levels, and water content. The quantitative agreement that is demonstrated indicates that the numerical model can be used to extract key kinetic data from easily obtained calorimetric data. The model can also be used to probe nucleation and growth behavior in regimes that are otherwise inaccessible. Based on a fit to data, an earlier prediction that the time-dependent nucleation rate in a DSC/DTA scan can rise above the steady-state value at a temperature higher than the peak in the steady-state rate is demonstrated.
Relative enhancement of ultrafast emission in gold nanorods

Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy has been employed to probe the ultrafast emission observed in gold nanospheres and nanorods. The decay of the emission was found to be ≤50 fs. The ultrafast emission from nanorods has been directly compared to that for nanospheres and the dispersion of the relative local field enhancement factor was obtained and compared with calculations. Measurements with both visible and ultraviolet excitations have been analyzed. These results give the first observation and analysis of the mechanism for the local field-enhanced ultrafast emission in gold nanorods and nanospheres.
Immortalization of human T lymphocytes after transfection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous human herpesvirus, has the ability to transform human B lymphocytes. No other cell type has been experimentally transformed by EBV, either by intact virions or naked viral DNA and subgenomic fragments. Two immortalized human T-lymphoblastoid cell lines have now been established by transfecting cord blood lymphocytes with purified B95-8 viral DNA enclosed in fusogenic Sendai virus envelopes (RSVE) and then exposing the cells to EBV from a P3HR-1 cell subclone. One of these lines, which has been fully characterized, is termed HBD-1. This line is positive for EBV DNA and expresses surface OKT11, OKT4, and Tac receptors, but not M-1, mu immunoglobulin chains, EBV receptors, or B-1 surface markers. The cells contain fully rearranged T-cell receptor genes and germline immunoglobulin genes. The karyotype of the cells is normal, they do not require interleukin-2 for growth, and do not contain human T-lymphotropic virus type I. However, the HBD-1 cells contain incomplete EBV genomes and express several EBV-determined antigens, including the early antigen type D, membrane antigens, but not EBV-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA). This association of the EBV genome with permanently growing hematopoietic cells of non B-cell lineage should prove useful in studies on the mechanism of EBV-mediated cell transformation.
Development of a nonviral gene delivery vehicle for systemic application.

Polycation vehicles used for in vitro gene delivery require alteration for successful application in vivo. Modification of polycations by direct grafting of additional components, e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), either before or after DNA complexation, tend to interfere with polymer/DNA binding interactions; this is a particular problem for short polycations such as linear, β-cyclodextrin-containing polycations (βCDPs). Here, a new method of βCDP polyplex (polycation/DNA composite structures) modification is presented that exploits the ability to form inclusion complexes between cyclodextrins and adamantane. Surface-PEGylated βCDP polyplexes are formed by self-assembly of the polyplexes with adamantane−PEG conjugates. While unmodified polyplexes rapidly aggregate and precipitate in salt solutions, the PEGylated βCDP polyplexes are stable at conditions of physiological salt concentration. Addition of targeting ligands to the adamantane−PEG conjugates allows for receptor-mediated delivery; galactosylated βCDP-based particles reveal selective targeting to hepatocytes via the asialoglycoprotein receptor. Galactosylated particles transfect hepatoma cells with 10-fold higher efficiency than glucosylated particles (control), but show no preferential transfection in a cell line lacking the asialoglycoprotein receptor. Thus, surface modification of βCDP-based polyplexes through the use of cyclodextrin/adamantane host/guest interactions endows the particles with properties appropriate for systemic application.
How does a community of learners maintain itself? Ecology of an innovative school

This article asks how a community of learners maintains itself with the inclusion of new generations, each of which must explore the issue of what the community is about. An example of how new parent volunteers joined an innovative public elementary school is used. Four models of community maintenance defining the relationship between the community and newcomers are described and analyzed on the basis of observational studies of an innovative school and review of the literature.
Meso-scale variations of the urban mixing height

Local variations in the summertime mixing height over metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri, are examined in order to evaluate the dynamical and thermodynamical influences of an urban area. Case studies employing aircraft, lidar, pilot balloon and radiosonde data from Project METROMEX show variations in the height of a temperature inversion which caps a deep mixing layer. A dome-like lifting of the inversion structure occurs over the urban-industrial center with subsidence of the inversion layer at the perimeter of the metropolitan area. The maximum amplitude of the dome occurs shortly after mid-day, suggesting that thermal influences are primarily responsible.
The effect of acute ethanol on dopamine metabolism and other neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus and the corpus striatum of mice

The effect of acute ethanol on the levels of NE, DA and its metabolites DOPAC and HVA, as well as on the levels of GABA, in the corpus striatum and hypothalamus were investigated in mice in the first two hours after acute ethanol administration. There was a marked increase in the concentration of DOPAC and HVA in the corpus striatum from 30 to 120 minutes after a dose of 3.5 g/kg of ethanol even though the concentration of DA was only elevated at 60 minutes after ethanol. A dose of 1.75 g/kg of ethanol did not increase DA levels 60 minutes after administration although it did increase the concentration of DOPAC and HVA at this time. In the hypothalamus a dose of 3.5 g/kg of ethanol did not change the concentration of NE or DA but did produce a marked increase in the levels of DOPAC and HVA at 60 and 120 minutes post ethanol. A lower dose of ethanol, 1.75 g/kg, produced the same effect 60 minutes after ethanol. Ethanol caused a dose-dependent accumulation of DOPA in the corpus striatum after inhibition of DOPA-decarboxylase suggesting an increased synthesis of DA. These data suggest that the increased concentrations of DA metabolites after ethanol is secondary to enhanced DA synthesis and turnover. The concentration of NE and GABA in the hypothalamus and the corpus striatum was unchanged at any time period after ethanol.
Hardware design experiences in ZebraNet

The enormous potential for wireless sensor networks to make a positive impact on our society has spawned a great deal of research on the topic, and this research is now producing environment-ready systems. Current technology limits coupled with widely-varying application requirements lead to a diversity of hardware platforms for different portions of the design space. In addition, the unique energy and reliability constraints of a system that must function for months at a time without human intervention mean that demands on sensor network hardware are different from the demands on standard integrated circuits. This paper describes our experiences designing sensor nodes and low level software to control them.In the ZebraNet system we use GPS technology to record fine-grained position data in order to track long term animal migrations [14]. The ZebraNet hardware is composed of a 16-bit TI microcontroller, 4 Mbits of off-chip flash memory, a 900 MHz radio, and a low-power GPS chip. In this paper, we discuss our techniques for devising efficient power supplies for sensor networks, methods of managing the energy consumption of the nodes, and methods of managing the peripheral devices including the radio, flash, and sensors. We conclude by evaluating the design of the ZebraNet nodes and discussing how it can be improved. Our lessons learned in developing this hardware can be useful both in designing future sensor nodes and in using them in real systems.
Illustrated study of flux patterns in SU(2) lattice gauge theory

Flux patterns in four-dimensional, SU(2) lattice gauge theory are studied with Monte Carlo simulation. The flux correlations associated with elementary, three-dimensional cubes are presented as stereo pictures of the flux vectors. Comparisons with lowest-order, weak-coupling, and U(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(1) Monte Carlo results are made. The fluctuations of the SU(2) theory are larger and more disordered than those of the comparison systems.
Determinants of safe food handling behaviors among middle school youth

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine key determinants (i.e. knowledge, perceived susceptibility, attitudes, confidence, behavioral intentions) associated with practicing health-protective behaviors that could inform development of programs and strategies for improving food handling behaviors of middle school youth. Design/methodology/approach – Middle schoolers (n=1,102; 50 percent boys) completed a questionnaire with the following topics: demographics, food safety knowledge, usual food safety behaviors, perceived susceptibility to foodborne illness, attitude toward food safety, confidence (self-efficacy) in practicing safe food handling procedures, and intended safe food handling behaviors. Findings – Middle schoolers had insufficient food safety knowledge ( ˜50 percent incorrect responses) even though most reported washing their hands before making a snack and washing fruits and vegetables before eating them. Spearman correlation analyses indicated that food safety knowledge and perceived s...
Colloidal transport of gold and silica in epithermal precious-metal systems: Evidence from the Sleeper deposit, Nevada

Bonanza-vein gold ore from the Sleeper deposit, Nevada, was deposited at a depth of less than 500 m and exhibits a characteristic texture of alternating colloform bands of fine-grained quartz and bands of opaline silica containing abundant electrum. Textural evidence indicates that the quartz bands recrystallized from a gel-like amorphous precursor, whereas the gold-rich bands were deposited originally as amorphous precipitate formed by the coagulation of colloidal silica and gold particles. Gold and silica precipitated initially as colloidal particles at deeper levels in the hydrothermal system and were mechanically transported upward by the hydraulic action of the ore-forming fluids. Coagulation of the colloidal particles may have been caused by solution cooling or boiling, and catalyzed by hydrated polycationic Al 3+ aqueous species. Transport of gold as colloidal particles in epithermal systems indicates that, at least in some instances, higher gold content is possible than in true solution. A gold-enriched ore fluid appears necessary to explain the origin of the bonanza-grade ore at the Sleeper mine, and the colloidal gold transport process locally might have played a role in the genesis of the more-common disseminated epithermal precious-metal deposits.
“I feel like I'm carrying a weapon.” Information and motivations related to sexual risk among girls with perinatally acquired HIV

Some adolescent girls perinatally infected with HIV (PIH) engage in sexual behavior that poses risks to their own well-being and that of sexual partners. Interventions to promote condom use among girls PIH may be most effective if provided prior to first sexual intercourse. With in-depth interviews, we explored gender- and HIV-specific informational and motivational factors that might be important for sexual risk reduction interventions designed to reach U.S. girls PIH before they first engage in sexual intercourse. Open-ended interview questions and vignettes were employed. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model guided descriptive qualitative analyses. Participants (20 girls PIH ages 12–16 years) had experienced kissing (n = 12), genital touching (n = 6), and oral (n = 3), vaginal (n = 2), and anal sex (n = 1). Most knew sex poses transmission risks but not all knew anal sex is risky. Motivations for and against condom use included concerns about: sexual transmission, psychological barriers, and partners’ awareness of the girl’s HIV+ status. Girls were highly motivated to prevent transmission, but challenged by lack of condom negotiation skills as well as negative potential consequences of unsafe sex refusal and HIV status disclosure. Perhaps most critical for intervention development is the finding that some girls believe disclosing one’s HIV status to a male partner shifts the responsibility of preventing transmission to that partner. These results suggest a modified IMB model that highlights the role of disclosure in affecting condom use among girls PIH and their partners. Implications for cognitive-behavioral interventions are discussed.
A gut-specific serine protease from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae is downregulated after blood ingestion.

A chymotrypsin-like serine protease gene (AgChyL) was cloned from the mosquito Anopheles gambiae by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based subtractive cDNA cloning strategy. AgChyL messenger RNA (mRNA) is abundant in the adult female gut prior to, and for 8 h following, a blood meal. During the peak of digestion, from 12 to 24 h following a blood meal, AgChyL mRNA abundance decreased to barely detectable levels. AgChyL mRNA was abundant again by 48 h following a blood meal. Recombinant pro-AgChyL was expressed in Escherichia coli. The pro-enzyme can be activated by trypsin. Activated AgChyL cleaves the synthetic chymotrypsin substrate succinyl-L-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-nitroanilide, but not two other synthetic chymotrypsin substrates or synthetic trypsin and elastase substrates. The potential role of AgChyL in the coordination of An. gambiae digestion is discussed.
On some filarial parasites of South American primates, with a description of Tetrapetalonema tamarinae n.sp. from the Peruvian tamarin marmoset, Tamarinus nigricollis (Spix, 1823).

1. The results of a survey of 194 Peruvian and Colombian primates for filarial infections are presented. Nine genera and 14 species of marmosets and monkeys are represented in the survey. A blood film survey revealed microfilariae in 82, of 42% of the animals. Adult worms were recovered from 21 of 61 dissected animals. The 209 adult worms belong to four species: Dipetalonema gracile, Dipetalonema caudispina, Tetrapetalonema marmosetae , and Tetrapetalonema tamarinae , a new species. 2. New host records for Dipetalonema gracile are: Tamarinus nigricollis, Cebus albifrons , and Saimiri boliviensis. Saimiri boliviensis is a new host for Dipetalonema caudispina . New hosts for Tetrapetalonema marmosetae are: Oedipomidas oedipus, Saimiri sciurea, S. boliviensis , and Ateles paniscus . 3. The adult worms and microfilaria of a new species of filarial worm, Teirapetalonema tamarinae , are described from a Peruvian tamarin marmoset, Tamarinus nigricollis .
Preharvest Food Safety

Preharvest food safety is essential for the protection of our food supply. The production and transport of livestock and poultry play an integral part in the safety of these food products. The goals of this safety assurance include freedom from pathogenic microorganisms, disease, and parasites, and from potentially harmful residues and physical hazards. Its functions should be based on hazard analysis and critical control points from producer to slaughter plant with emphasis on prevention of identifiable hazards rather than on removal of contaminated products. The production goal is to minimize infection and insure freedom from potentially harmful residues and physical hazards. The marketing goal is control of exposure to pathogens and stress. Both groups should have functional hazard analysis and critical control points management programs which include personnel training and certification of producers. These programs must cover production procedures, chemical usage, feeding, treatment practices, drug usage, assembly and transportation, and animal identification. Plans must use risk assessment principles, and the procedures must be defined. Other elements would include preslaughter certification, environmental protection, control of chemical hazards, live-animal drug-testing procedures, and identification of physical hazards.
A comparison of microstructural effects on two-body and three-body abrasive wear

Abstract The two-body abrasive wear resistance of steels can be altered by microstructural variations which have little effect on the bulk hardness. Three microstructural features which can improve the two-body abrasive wear resistance of steels are strengthening by the precipitation of alloy carbides (secondary hardening), undissolved carbides and large volume fractions of retained austenite. This work compares the effects of these microstructural constituents on the two-body and three-body abrasive wear resistances. The results indicate that microstructural features which improve the two-body wear resistance have a similar influence on the three-body wear resistance.
Heterogeneity of nephron function in disease: an initial step toward a probabilistic model

Abstract A statistical model is proposed for the increase in heterogeneity of function among nephrons, which is a consistent feature of chronic renal disease. The model shows that disease per se, affecting a fraction of the total nephron population and causing a decrease in total renal function, does not necessarily increase heterogeneity. A homeostatic process responds to the decreased total function by proportionately increasing the function of all nephrons. The result is increased heterogeneity.
Relationship among Self-Esteem, Psychological Reactance, and other Personality Variables:

69 women and 42 men responded to the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory, the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Hong Psychological Reactance Scale, and the Famous Sayings test. Also, subjects rated their happiness using a Likert scale. Men scored significantly higher than did women on the UCLA Loneliness, Hostility, and Psychological Reactance measures, and lower on the Conventional Mores and Social Acquiescence measures. Loneliness scores positively correlated with Psychological Reactance scores and negatively with Self-esteem and Conventional Mores scores and with happiness self-ratings for both sexes. Men who scored higher on Psychological Reactance tended to score lower on Conventional Mores. Happiness ratings correlated negatively with Psychological Reactance for all subjects and positively with Conventional Mores for men subjects only. Women's self-esteem scores correlated positively with self-ratings of happiness and negatively with Psychological Reactance, Hostility, and Fear of Failure. Finally, women's Psychological Reactance scores correlated positively with those on Bass's Fear of Failure scale.
An Energy Independent Electron Spin Precessor

The delivery on target of a polarized electron beam from a linear accelerator is straightforward. With circular accelerators this delivery becomes understandably more difficult. In order to maintain the polarization of an electron beam in a circular machine such as a synchrotron or pulse stretcher ring the electron spins must be oriented vertically so as to be parallel to the dominant guide fields. Extraction from these machines occurs in the horizontal plane so the extracted beam retains the vertical polarization. It is generally desirable to have not vertical but longitudinal polarization of the beam at the target; this requires a reorientation of the spins. The straightforward solution to this problem is to put a solenoid in the beam line to precess the spin into the horizontal plane followed by a horizontally deflecting dipole to precess the spin into the momentum direction. The angle of spin precession is energy dependent. What is needed is a method of varying the effective bend angle. One method used with polarized protons from the ZGS at Argonne involved a movable beam line. An alternative method is to utilize the noncommutativity of rotations in three dimensions. To do this requires two or more solenoids and twomore » or more dipoles. This paper discusses the theory and implementation of this method and describes a solenoid-dipole-solenoid-dipole configuration beam line suitable for the 4 GeV electron accelerator proposed by the Southeastern Universities Research Association.« less
Parent–Child Relationships in the Context of a Mid- to Late-Life Parental Divorce

There has been much research on the influence of parental divorce on children, but less is known about whether and how a later-life parental divorce influences the lives of adult children. Through qualitative interviews with 40 adult children of divorce—those whose parents divorced after they were 18 years of age— parent–adult child relationships were explored to determine if a mid- to late-life parental divorce affects the parent–child relationship. About half of the adult children reported a change to a negative relationship with one or both parents during the initial stages of the divorce. In addition, many discussed how their relationships with their parents evolved over time.
Web tool for estimating the cancer hazard rates in aging.

A computational approach for estimating the overall, population, and individual cancer hazard rates was developed. The population rates characterize a risk of getting cancer of a specific site/type, occurring within an age-specific group of individuals from a specified population during a distinct time period. The individual rates characterize an analogous risk but only for the individuals susceptible to cancer. The approach uses a novel regularization and anchoring technique to solve an identifiability problem that occurs while determining the age, period, and cohort (APC) effects. These effects are used to estimate the overall rate, and to estimate the population and individual cancer hazard rates. To estimate the APC effects, as well as the population and individual rates, a new web-based computing tool, called the CancerHazard@Age, was developed. The tool uses data on the past and current history of cancer incidences collected during a long time period from the surveillance databases. The utility of the tool was demonstrated using data on the female lung cancers diagnosed during 1975–2009 in nine geographic areas within the USA. The developed tool can be applied equally well to process data on other cancer sites. The data obtained by this tool can be used to develop novel carcinogenic models and strategies for cancer prevention and treatment, as well as to project future cancer burden.
A History of Complex Dynamics, from Schröder to Fatou and Julia.By Daniel S. Alexander. Wiesbaden (Vieweg).

Abstract All books, monographs, journal articles, and other publications (including films and other multisensory materials) relating to the history of mathematics are abstracted in the Abstracts Department. The Reviews Department prints extended reviews of selected publications. Materials for review, except books, should be sent to the Abstracts Editor, Professor David E. Zitarelli, Department of Mathematics, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, U.S.A. Books in English for review should be sent to Professor Paul R. Wolfson, Department of Mathematics, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19383, U.S.A. Books in other languages for review should be sent to Professor Catherine Goldstein, Bâtiment 425, Mathematiques, Universite de Paris-Sud, F-91405 Orsay Cedex, France. Most reviews are solicited. However, colleagues wishing to review a book are invited to make their wishes known to the appropriate Book Review Editor. (Requests to review books written in the English language should be sent to Prof. Paul R. Wolfson at the above address; requests to review books written in other languages should be sent to Prof. Catherine Goldstein at the above address.) We also welcome retrospective reviews of older books. Colleagues interested in writing such reviews should consult first with the appropriate Book Review Editor (as indicated above, according to the language in which the book is written) to avoid duplication.
Insight into structural, elastic, phonon, and thermodynamic properties of α-sulfur and energy-related sulfides: a comprehensive first-principles study

Earth-abundant and nontoxic sulfur (S) is emerging as a key element for developing new materials for sustainable energy. Knowledge gaps, however, still remain regarding the fundamental properties of sulfur especially on a theoretical level. Here, a comprehensive first-principles study has been performed to examine the predicted structural, elastic, phonon, thermodynamic, and optical properties of α-S8 (α-S) as well as energy-related sulfides. A variety of exchange–correlation (X–C) functionals and van der Waals corrections in terms of the D3 method have been tested to probe the capability of first-principles calculations. Comparison of predicted quantities with available experimental data indicates that (i) the structural information of α-S is described very well using an improved generalized gradient approximation of PBEsol; (ii) the band gap and dielectric tensor of α-S are calculated perfectly using a hybrid X–C functional of HSE06; (iii) the phonon and elastic properties of α-S are predicted reasonably well using for example the X–C functionals of LDA and PBEsol, and in particular the PBE + D3 and the PBEsol + D3 method; and (iv) the thermodynamic properties of α-S are computed accurately using the PBEsol + D3 method. Examinations using Li2S, CuS, ZnS, Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS), SnS, Sn2S3, SnS2, β-S8 (β-S), and γ-S8 (γ-S) validate further the crucial role of the van der Waals correction, thus suggesting the X–C functionals are PBEsol + D3 and PBE + D3 (and PBEsol in some cases) for sulfur as well as S-containing materials. We also examine the possibility by using the Debye model to predict thermodynamic properties of unusual materials, for example, α-S. In addition, the bonding characteristics and non-polar nature of α-S have been revealed quantitatively from phonon calculations and qualitatively from the differential charge density.
Application of normalized gray-scale correlation

Real-time gray-scale correlation in the spatial domain has been demonstrated previously using an acousto-optical (AO) correlator. This work demonstrates normalized gray-scale correlation as implemented on an AO correlator system capable of operating at real-time video rates. Motivation for using normalized gray-scale correlation is presented. The normalized correlation algorithm as implemented on the AO correlator is detailed. The entire real-time AO correlator system is described, including the electronic support hardware and the user interface. Since normalization requires a division operation, system numerical precision issues are addressed. Test results obtained in non-real time experiments are presented.
Decision Tree Assessment of Challenging Technologies for Mission to Europa

The intriguing possibility that conditions exist that could support the evolution of life, as we understand it, in the ice-covered oceans of Europa makes the exploration of that Jovian moon a significant priority in NASA’s solar system explorations. There is a need, therefore, to develop and demonstrate technologies and scientific methodologies that could be used to explore these extreme subice realms with the goal of establishing whether or not some form of life has evolved. A NASA search-for-life mission to Europa would involve site reconnaissance, site selection, landing, deep drilling through ice, small autonomous submersibles traversing the purported sea under the ice, and in-situ life detection. Many advanced technologies not currently available would be required. Identification and rank ordering of enabling technologies in a portfolio that can be developed for a certain specified research and development budget is crucial for mission success. This paper describes the results of utilizing a decision...
A new species of eleocharis (Cyperaceae) from The West Indies

Eleocharis liogieri, described as new from Santo Domingo and the Lesser Antilles, belongs to sect.Tenuissimae in the Cyperaceae.
Application of appropriateness criteria in outpatient transthoracic echocardiography.

Background Appropriateness criteria were applied to outpatient transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) studies. Methods Indications were rated as appropriate, inappropriate, or unclassifiable, considering provider-stated indications, previous TTE studies, symptom changes, and patient-stated indications. Clinically important new or unexpected findings were recorded. Results Of 368 TTE studies, 206 (56%) were appropriate, 31 (8%) were inappropriate, and 131 (35%) were unclassifiable. Appropriateness was not correlated with patient or provider demographics. In 288 cases with prior TTE studies, there were 92 (32%) important new findings and 63 (22%) unexpected findings, of which 20% were from inappropriately ordered and 31% from unclassifiable TTE studies. Appropriateness was not associated with new (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-3.18) or unexpected (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-3.52) findings. Provider type and level of training were not correlated with new or unexpected findings. Conclusions Many indications for TTE studies were unclassifiable. A high percentage of inappropriately ordered TTE studies yielded important information. Care must be taken in judging the value of TTE studies solely on the basis of appropriateness criteria.
Tadpole competition in a desert anuran community

Five interspecific competition experiments performed in artificial ponds under temporary pond-like conditions established that temporary and permanent pond tadpoles interact. Temporary pond species typically lowered survivorship and reduced progress towards metamorphosis of permanent pond tadpoles. These results suggest that competitive interactions may partially determine the local distribution of tadpoles in the Chihuahuan Desert by preventing some permanent pond anurans from using temporary ponds. Predation by Scaphiopus multiplicatus tadpoles (a temporary pond species) may also prevent permanent pond tadpoles from using temporary ponds.
Pharmakologie der Hautoberflächenlipide

In einer Ubersicht werden Beeinflussungsmoglichkeiten der Menge und Zusammensetzung der Haut- bzw. Kopfhaut- und Haarlipide durch Pharmaka dargestellt. Beeinflust werden kann die Lipidmenge, die Freisetzung von freien Fettsauren aus Triglyceriden und das Verhaltnis zwischen Talgdrusenlipiden und epidermalen Lipiden. Eine Reduktion der freien Fettsauren und der Lipidmenge deutet auf eine gunstige Beeinflussung der Acne vulgaris und der Seborrhoea oleosa capitis hin. Eine Abnahme der epidermalen Lipide last eine gunstige Beeinflussung der Kopfschuppenbildung annehmen. Bei einer Reihe von Pharmaka stellt die Beeinflussung der Lipidmenge und Zusammensetzung auch eine nicht angestrebte Nebenwirkung der Medikation dar. Pharmacology of Skin Surface Lipids Influence of drugs on the amount and composition of lipids of skin, scalp and hair is reviewed. Drugs can influence the amount of lipids, the liberation of free fatty acids from triglycerides and the ratio of sebaceous gland lipids and epidermal lipids. A reduction in the content of free fatty acids and the amount of lipids is indicative of a favorable influence on Acne vulgaris and Seborrhoea oleosa capitis. A reduction in the amount of epidermal lipids indicates favorable influence on dandruff. A number of drugs show undesirable side effects with respect to the amount and composition of lipids.
Uptake and Distribution of Ultrasmall Anatase TiO2 Alizarin Red S Nanoconjugates in Arabidopsis thaliana

While few publications have documented the uptake of nanoparticles in plants, this is the first study describing uptake and distribution of the ultrasmall anatase TiO2 in the plant model system Arabidopsis. We modified the nanoparticle surface with Alizarin red S and sucrose and demonstrated that nanoconjugates traversed cell walls, entered into plant cells, and accumulated in specific subcellular locations. Optical and X-ray fluorescence microscopy coregistered the nanoconjugates in cell vacuoles and nuclei.
Stirring Images: Fear, Not Happiness or Arousal, Makes Art More Sublime

Which emotions underlie our positive experiences of art? Although recent evidence from neuroscience suggests that emotions play a critical role in art perception, no research to date has explored the extent to which specific emotional states affect aesthetic experiences or whether general physiological arousal is sufficient. Participants were assigned to one of five conditions-sitting normally, engaging in 15 or 30 jumping jacks, or viewing a happy or scary video-prior to rating abstract works of art. Only the fear condition resulted in significantly more positive judgments about the art. These striking findings provide the first evidence that fear uniquely inspires positively valenced aesthetic judgments. The results are discussed in the context of embodied cognition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Extended Year, Extended Contracts: Increasing Teacher Salary Options

Classrooms across the country are losing many of their best teachers in their first few years of teaching. One of the primary reasons given by teachers for leaving teaching is low salaries. Although teacher pay has increased nearly 20% over the last decade, it still remains lower than for. many other professions requiring a similar level of preparation. And, because of shifting demographics and a recession-hit economy, it is not likely to rise dramatically in the near future. One option for raising teachers' salaries within the confines of restricted state and local budgets is an extended contract made possible through year-round school schedules. This study reports on such an experiment, looking at issues of teacher satisfaction and burnout in extended-year contracts.
A stimulus-response relationship in unilateral neglect: the power function.

We have previously suggested that patients with unilateral neglect may be limited in their ability to sequentially attend or act upon stimuli. To assess the nature of this capacity limitation, we examined the relationship between number of stimuli presented on cancellation arrays and how many targets a patient with neglect cancelled. This relationship was systematic and described by a power function: targets cancelled=K (targets presented)B, in which the constant and exponent were derived empirically. Density of targets and time taken to cancel targets did not account for the relationship. Improvement on subsequent testing was reflected in an increase in the constant. However, the exponent of the power function did not change, suggesting that some critical aspect of her dysfunction remained the same. These data also imply that she had implicit knowledge of quantity of stimuli presented, and that this knowledge systematically influenced her explicit behavior.
Most Latino smokers in California are low-frequency smokers

Aims We examine the phenomenon of low-frequency smoking (non-daily smoking or smoking 5 cigarettes daily) among California Latinos and address its implications for addiction theory and population tobacco control. Design, settingandparticipants Datagatheredin2001and2003throughtheCaliforniaHealthInterviewSurvey(CHIS),the largest general health survey in California. The present study focused on Latino current smokers (n = 1254 for CHIS 2001; n = 946 for CHIS 2003). Measurement Latino smokers reporting either non-daily smoking or smoking 5 cigarettes daily were identified and grouped into one category: low-frequency smokers. Findings Weighted by population parameters, more than 70% of Latino smokers in California were found to be low-frequency smokers [70.7% (CI = 67.2%, 73.9%) in 2001 and 70.8% (CI = 67.1%-74.2%) in 2003]. This high proportion cut across all demographicdimensionsinbothsurveys,suggestingpervasivenessandreliabilityof thisphenomenon.Proportionsfor non-dailysmokersandlow-ratedailysmokerswere48.6%and22.1%in2001and54.9%and15.9%in2003.Inboth surveys, more than 80% of non-daily smokers consumed 5 cigarettes on their smoking days.Conclusions The fact thatmostLatinosmokersarelow-frequencysmokerscallsforanewtheoreticalframework—beyondwithdrawal-based theories—to account for the prevalence of this behavior on the population level. It also calls into question the harmreduction approach as a tobacco control strategy for California Latino populations. Strategies emphasizing that every cigarette can hurt, and encouraging complete cessation, seem more fitting for this group of smokers.
The 7-hydroxylation of dehydroepiandrosterone in rat brain

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important neurosteroid with multiple functions in the central nervous system including neuroprotection. How DHEA exerts its neuroprotection function has not been fully elucidated. One possible mechanism is via its active metabolites, 7alpha-OH DHEA and 7beta-OH DHEA. The purpose of this research is to understand how DHEA is metabolized to 7alpha-OH DHEA and 7beta-OH DHEA by brain tissue. DHEA was incubated with rat brain microsomes and mitochondria and the 7alpha-OH DHEA and 7beta-OH DHEA formed by these fractions were analyzed by LC/MS. For the first time, we observed that DHEA could be metabolized to 7alpha-OH DHEA and 7beta-OH DHEA in mitochondria but the formation of 7alpha-OH DHEA and 7beta-OH DHEA demonstrated different enzymatic kinetic properties. Adding NADPH, an essential cofactor, to mitochondria incubation mixtures increased only the formation of 7alpha-OH DHEA, but not that of 7beta-OH DHEA. Addition of estradiol to the incubation mixtures inhibited only the formation of 7alpha-OH DHEA, but not that of 7beta-OH DHEA. Western blot analysis showed that both microsomes and mitochondria contained cytochrome P450 7B. We also found that 7alpha-OH DHEA could be converted to 7beta-OH DHEA by rat brain homogenates. Our data suggest that 7alpha-OH DHEA and 7beta-OH DHEA are formed by different enzymes and that 7beta-OH DHEA can be formed from both DHEA and 7alpha-OH DHEA, although the overall level of 7beta-OH DHEA was very low.