cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of the Internet by parents of middle school students: Internet rules, risky behaviours and online concerns

Using the Internet is a daily occurrence for parents and children in today's world. Although they use the Internet differently, many individuals may face online hazards that they may be ill equipped to deal with. To better understand Internet use and online behaviours, a study was conducted with 227 parents of early adolescent (ages 11 to 14 years) middle school students (grades 6, 7 and 8). Four important findings emerged: (1) parents are using the Internet like their children but have different online behaviours; (2) parents have Internet use rules at home; (3) parents are participating in risky Internet behaviours (electronic aggression, intentional online harassment and communication with online strangers); and (4) parents are concerned about their child's online safety, specifically about the exposure to sexually explicit materials and online strangers, but the majority of parents do not know where to report negative or unsafe Internet experiences. Nurses, clinicians, healthcare providers and other professionals can and do provide comprehensive care to families by identifying needs and areas of knowledge deficit. By asking Internet use questions, nurses and other professionals are able to develop plans of care for all family members that will promote Internet safety and healthy lifestyle choices. ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY: • Parents and children use the Internet differently with the majority of parents reporting that they have rules at home for Internet use and routinely check the computer histories so they can know where online their child has been. • Both parents and children are reporting that they are participating in risky online behaviours such as talking to strangers and using the Internet to harass someone intentionally. • Parents are concerned about the child's exposure to sexually explicit materials and online strangers, but the majority of parents do not know where to report negative or unsafe Internet experiences. Language: en
The ACS LCID Project: Quantifying the Delayed Star Formation in Leo A

We have obtained deep images of the Local Group dwarf irregular galaxy Leo A using the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys. From these images we have constructed the deepest ever color-magnitude diagram (CMD) for an irregular galaxy beyond the Magellanic Clouds. We derive the star-formation rate (SFR) as a function of time over the entire history of the galaxy. We find that over 90% of Leo A＊s star formation has occurred more recently than 8 Gyr ago. Our measurements are not inconsistent with a scenario in which all of the ancient star formation occurred prior to the end of the era of reionization, with subsequent suppression until lookback times corresponding to redshift z ＞ 1. However, given Leo A＊s strongly isolated state and its dynamical mass of  108 M, its large gas supply was more likely to have been merely heated than driven out of the galaxy altogether.
CGH microarray studies in idiopathic developmental/ cognitive impairment: association of historical and clinical features and the De Vries Score

Objective. Studies have confirmed that copy number variations(CNV) in the human genome contribute to the etiology of mentalretardation/ development delay/ congenital anomalies. We soughtto evaluate the use of a microarray in the context of a clinical geneticspractice, to determine if there were any specific clinical findingsthat predict the discovery of a CNV. Patients and methods. 334 caseswith idiopathic mental retardation/impairment/development delay/disability or a combination of these findings were studied using arraycomparative genomic hybridization (Signature Chip Version 4). Thesubjects had previously had a non diagnostic medical genetics evaluation.Clinical findings were collated by a chart review. Each patientwas scored according to a previously published clinical checklist by deVries and colleagues. Results. Of 334 patients, 8 were excluded due toa syndromic diagnosis being established by clinical and/or microarraytesting. Out of the remaining 326 patients, 33 (10%) showed CNVs,of which 5 were maternally inherited, 4 paternally inherited, 11 werede novo, and the origin of 13 remained unknown. The mean de Vriesscore was greater in the CNV group than in the non CNV group (4.17and 3.95, respectively). No patient in the CNV group had a score ofless than 3, while in the non CNV group, 12% of patients had scoresless than 3. Conclusions. The De Vries clinical score was higher inCNV cases compared to those with no CNV (p=0.04) but this differenceis unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Several features reachedstatistical significance of p<0.05 but we were unable to delineate patternsof features that might increase the yield of positive CNV results.
A new uracil nucleoside from Penicillium charlesii.

Abstract When cultured on a medium containing d -[ 14 C 6 ]glucose and dl -tartrate, Penicillium charlesii G. Smith synthesizes a polygalactofuranoside containing 14 C. Isotope from dl -[1, 4- 14 C 2 ]tartrate is also incorporated under identical growth conditions. The novel structure of the polyhexose led to an investigation of the acid-extractable nucleotides of the organism to determine whether unique nucleosides or nucleotide diphosphofuranosides might be present. The isolation and partial identification of one such compound is described.
Use of phospholipase A to compare phospholipid organization in synaptic membranes, myelin, and liposomes.

The pattern of fatty acid release from rat synaptic membranes in the presence of phospholipase A2 (Vipera russelli) was compared to that from liposomes comprised of phospholipids. Phospholipase A2 more readily attacked myelin and synaptic membranes than liposomes prepared from total phospholipids derived from myelin. Although hydrolysis of liposomal phospholipids occurred in the absence of added calcium, the presence of 2mm CaCl2 or 2% bovine serum albumin significantly enhanced the phospholipase attack of liposomes, but not synaptic membranes or myelin. Phospholipase exhibited a marked preference for phospholipids containing docosahexaenoic acid (22∶6) in the synaptic membranes, while with liposomes the pattern of released fatty acid reflected the fatty acid composition in the two-position of the phospholipids. Although either calcium or albumin markedly increased the phospholipase hydrolysis of liposomes, neither affected the hydrolysis of synaptic membranes or the pattern of fatty acid release from liposomes. It was concluded that the nonlipid constituents, particularly the proteins, of biomembranes were responsible for the organization of the phospholipids and accounted for the observed differences between liposomes and synaptic membranes with respect to enzymic accessibility.
The physical chemistry of organic coatings revisited—viewing coatings as a materials scientist

Modern organic coatings are complex materials which must be observed and interpreted from the viewpoint of what has become known as Materials Science. Paints, as most of us first learned to name organic coatings, were originally designed and conceived as art forms. Visual artists developed their own applied colorants; part of an artist’s success depended on these skills (consider Leonardo da Vinci). Today, one’s skills as a materials scientist are perhaps the most crucial attributes of the true coatings scientist. Considering pigmented organic coating as random heterogeneous composite materials was the key to my research group’s contributions in improving the understanding of pigment volume concentrations (PVC) and critical PVC effects in coatings. Seeking to develop and improve electrochemical materials characterization techniques for measuring and predicting the corrosion protective properties of coatings has driven our research at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in this area. Analyzing the performance of protective coatings for exterior bronze statues and viewing these coatings from the materials requirements of the art conservator has directed our activities in conservation science. The use of the methods of modern electrochemical materials science has been the key to our development of Mg-rich primers for entirely Cr-free corrosion protection of aircraft alloys. Our work on developing methods to perform material measurements directly on coatings during their field use has directed our recent studies of embedded sensors in coatings. Our work in these areas will be reviewed and current results presented. Forecasts of future developments in these and other areas of coatings science will be presented, extrapolating from present developments in materials science. Incorporating materials concerns, especially the methods and concepts of nanomaterials science, into coatings science will be of paramount importance to future research and development in coatings.
Transfusion of Fresh Platelet Concentrates to Adult Patients with Thrombocytopenia

Fresh platelet concentrates were given to 18 adult patients on 68 occasions without adverse effect. The concentrates were prepared by means of a closed-system plateletpheresis technic which permitted rapid and frequent bleeding of donors. There was a direct relationship of the amount of platelets infused to the mean posttransfusion increment. Excellent hemostatic effect was noted in 84% of patients with active bleeding when the platelet increment was 40,000/mm3 or better. Transfusion of large numbers of platelet concentrates is effective in controlling or averting bleeding in adults with thrombocytopenia and is recommended on a therapeutic and prophylactic basis.
Bilateral filtering and adaptive tone-mapping for qualified edge and image enhancement

Most of high-contrast images are common with dark and bright area. It is difficult to present the detail on both dark and high light areas on display devices. In order to resolve this problem, we proposed a method of image enhancement to improve this image quality and used bilateral filter to keep the detail. In paper, we applied an appropriate algorithm to process images. At first, we use bilateral filter to separate image. One is large scale image and the other is detail image. Second, we made large scale image which was translated into histogram. In order to make the images divided into three stairs, such as lightness, middle-tone and darkness region. We decided two optimal threshold parameters. Finally, according to three images we use different tone-mapping method to process each stair. The tone-mapping method includes adaptive s-curve and gamma curve algorithms. The experiment results of this study revealed image detail and enhancement. To avoid contour phenomenon is in lightness region.
Bidirectional and efficient conversion between microwave and optical light

An optomechanical system that converts microwaves to optical frequency light and vice versa is demonstrated. The technique achieves a conversion efficiency of approximately 10%. The results indicate that the device could work at the quantum level, up- and down-converting individual photons, if it were cooled to millikelvin temperatures. It could, therefore, form an integral part of quantum-processor networks.
A highly selective and potent PTP-MEG2 inhibitor with therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) constitute a large family of signaling enzymes that control the cellular levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. A detailed understanding of PTP functions in normal physiology and in pathogenic conditions has been hampered by the absence of PTP-specific, cell-permeable small-molecule agents. We present a stepwise focused library approach that transforms a weak and general non-hydrolyzable pTyr mimetic (F2Pmp, phosphonodifluoromethyl phenylalanine) into a highly potent and selective inhibitor of PTP-MEG2, an antagonist of hepatic insulin signaling. The crystal structures of the PTP-MEG2-inhibitor complexes provide direct evidence that potent and selective PTP inhibitors can be obtained by introducing molecular diversity into the F2Pmp scaffold to engage both the active site and unique nearby peripheral binding pockets. Importantly, the PTP-MEG2 inhibitor possesses highly efficacious cellular activity and is capable of augmenting insulin signaling and improving insul...
Monolithic transformer with underlying deep silicon-oxide block

A method to improve the performance of on-chip monolithic transformers is presented. A transformer with a 20 /spl mu/m-deep silicon-oxide block beneath has a self-resonant frequency of 9.75 GHz and a quality factor of 10.1. These values are 72 and 124% better, respectively, than those of the same device built on 4.1 /spl mu/m-thick silicon oxide.
Parenting for foster parents

A parenting course for foster parents was described with a followup evaluation utilized to determine its effectiveness. The content of this broadbased course included learning theory, principles and techniques, communication skills, methods of conflict resolution, developmental considerations, and information about community services. Results of the evaluation suggested that most of the participants had found the course helpful and were using the knowledge acquired.
Boundary of the Basin of Attraction for Weakly Damped Primary Resonance

The dissipatively perturbed Hamiltonian system corresponding to primary resonance is analyzed in the case in which two competing stable periodic responses exist. The method of averaging fails as the trajectory approaches the unperturbed homoclinic orbit (separatrix). By using the small dissipation of the Hamiltonian (the Melnikov integral) near the homoclinic orbit, the boundaries of the basin of attraction are determined analytically in an asymptotically accurate way. The selection of the two competing periodic responses is influenced by small changes in the initial conditions. The analytic formula is shown to agree well with numerical computations.
High-grade bladder cancer: Association of the apparent diffusion coefficient with metastatic disease: Preliminary results

Purpose: To assess the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values obtained from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in distinguishing high-grade bladder cancer with and without metastatic disease. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with histologically confirmed high-grade bladder cancer who underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5T including DWI using b-values of 0, 400, and 800 sec/mm2 were assessed. Histologic findings and follow-up imaging were used to establish the reference standard in terms of metastatic disease. Two radiologists independently recorded ADC of all lesions following a training session, with their results averaged. Mann–Whitney U-test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for data analysis. Results: Metastatic disease was characterized as present or absent in eight and nine patients, respectively. ADC was significantly lower among cases with metastatic disease than among cases without metastatic disease, both within the entire cohort (1.07 ± 0.18 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 1.45 ± 0.22 × 10−3 mm2/s; P = 0.002) and within the subset of patients with muscle-invasive tumor (1.06 ± 0.19 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 1.45 ± 0.23 × 10−3 mm2/s; P = 0.017). Area under the ROC curve for identifying metastatic disease using ADC was 0.944, with optimal threshold of 1.21 × 10−3 mm2/s, which was associated with a sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 90.0%. Interreader agreement for ADC was excellent (ICC = 0.91). Conclusion: In this preliminary study, ADC was significantly different between cases of high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with and without metastatic disease. These results may have value in assessing the metastatic potential of patients with localized high-grade tumors of the bladder. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1478–1483. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wood properties and ring width responses to long-term atmospheric CO2 enrichment in field-grown loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.)

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were grown in the field, under non-limiting nutrient conditions, in open-top chambers for 4 years at ambient CO 2 partial pressures (pCO 2 ) and with a CO 2 -enriched atmosphere (+ 30 PapCO 2 compared to ambient concentration). A third replicate of trees were grown without chambers at ambient pCO 2 . Wood anatomy, wood density and tree ring width were analysed using stem wood samples. No significant differences were observed in the cell wall to cell lumen ratio within the latewood of the third growth ring formed in 1994. No significant differences were observed in the density of resin canals or in the ratio of resin canal cross-sectional area to xylem area within the same growth ring. Ring widths were significantly wider in the CO 2 -enrichment treatment for 3 of 4 years compared to the ambient chamber control treatment. Latewood in the 1995 growth ring was significantly wider than that in the ambient control and represented a larger percentage of the total growth-ring width. Carbon dioxide enrichment also significantly increased the total wood specific gravity (determined by displacement). However, when determined as total sample wood density by X-ray densitometry, the density of enriched samples was not significantly higher than that of the ambient chamber controls. Only the 1993 growth ring of enriched trees had a significantly higher maximum latewood density than that of trees grown on non-chambered plots or ambient chambered controls. No significant differences were observed in the minimum earlywood density of individual growth rings between chambered treatments. These results show that the most significant effect of CO 2 enrichment on wood production in loblolly pine is its influence on radial growth, measured as annual tree ring widths. This influence is most pronounced in the first year of growth and decreases with age.
Recovering Resources During Evenings and Weekends: A Quantitative Review of What Works

In the past decade, researchers have become more interested in the process of how individuals recover resources depleted during work. Recovery can occur during work breaks, evenings, weekends, vaca...
Stabilization effects in flow through helically coiled pipes

When a flow through a straight pipe is passed through a coiled section, two stabilizing effects come into play. First, in a certain Reynolds number range, the flow that is turbulent in the straight pipe becomes completely laminar in the coiled section. Second, the stabilization effect of the coil persists to a certain degree even after the flow downstream of the coil has been allowed to develop in a long straight section. In this paper, we report briefly on aspects related to these two effects.
Weak Versus Strong Domination in a Market with Indivisible Goods

Abstract The core of a market in indivisible goods can be defined in terms of strong domination or weak domination. The core defined by strong domination is always non-empty, but may contain points which are unstable in a dynamic sense. However, it is shown that there are always stable points in the core, and a characterization is obtained. The core defined by weak domination is always non-empty when there is no indifference, and has no instability problems. In this case, the core coincides with the unique competitive allocation.
Cytoplasmic dynein-2: from molecules to human diseases

The dynein motor protein family is involved in a wide variety of functions in eukaryotic cells. The axonemal dynein class and cytoplasmic dynein-1 subclass have been well characterized. However, the cytoplasmic dynein-2 subclass of the family has only recently begun to be understood. We describe the entire dynein family but focus on cytoplasmic dynein-2. Dynein-2 consists of a heavy, an intermediate, a light intermediate, and a light chain. The complex appears to function primarily as the retrograde motor for intraflagellar transport. This process is important for the formation and maintenance of cilia and flagella. Additionally, dynein-2 has roles in the control of ciliary length and in non-ciliary functions. Mutations in the human dynein-2 heavy chain lead to cilia-related diseases.
The metal-nonmetal transition in islands on metal surfaces

Abstract A nonmetal to metal transition is observed with submonolayer Hg islands adsorbed on W(110) at 200 K using photoemission. This transition, in contrast to Hg adsorbed on Cu(100) or Ni(111), is observed to occur at lower coverages, as a result of the formation and increasing size of two-dimensional islands. Similar to free Hg clusters, Hg islands on W(110), once metallic, or semimetallic, exhibit a gradual transition to fully metallic mercury. The metal-nonmetal transition at surfaces and in free isolated clusters both appear to depend upon the average coordination of Hg atoms.
Comparison of Time Domain and Frequency Domain State Feedbacks

In this paper, we present explicitly the equivalence of the time domain and frequency domain state feedbacks shown in Figs. 1 and 2, respectively, as well as the dynamic state feedback and a modified frequency domain state feedback, from the closed-loop transfer function point of view. The difference of the two approaches are also shown.
A chemical and autoradiographic study of cellulose synthesis during the encystment of Acanthamoefca castellanii

Abstract When cells of Acanthamoeba castellanii are placed in a non-nutrient medium, they differentiate into cysts which possess cellulosic walls. In the present study, the source of the glucosyl unit for cyst wall cellulose was investigated by following the encystment of trophozoites grown in the presence of 14C-labeled fatty acids (uniformly labeled palmitate or oleate) or [3-3H]glucose. Cells were fractionated at the beginning and after 30 hr of encystment using a modified Schmidt-Tannhauser procedure. In cells grown on fatty acids, 90% of the labeled material was in the lipid fractions both before and after encystment with the total amount of label/cell changing very little. Both partial and complete acid hydrolysis of the glycogen of the acidsoluble fraction and the alkali-insoluble residue of the cyst wall indicated that the glucose of both fractions was not radioactive, although Acanthamoeba is known to have a functional glyoxylate pathway. Fractionation data of cells grown on [3H]glucose indicated a sevenfold increase in radioactivity in the wall insoluble fraction and a fivefold decrease in the acid-soluble fraction with the cpm/cell of the other fractions changing very little after 30 hr of encystment. Approximately 70% of the 3H-labeled material was recovered as glucose from the 30-hr wall insoluble fraction following complete acid hydrolysis. The specific radioactivity of glucose in the cyst wall insoluble fraction was the same as that of glycogen glucose isolated from the acid soluble fraction of trophozoites. Electron microscopic autoradiography showed that the majority of nonlipid radioactivity was due to glycogen in trophozoites. Autoradiograms failed to reveal Golgi bodies or any particular region of the cell as being the specialized site of cellulose synthesis. The results of the fractionation and autoradiographic studies are consistent with the concept that glycogen is a precursor of cyst wall cellulose, and that glucosyl units of glycogen and/or other glucose derivatives are converted to cellulose without significant dilution under the experimental conditions used.
Enhancement of the Stomatal Response to Blue Light by Red Light, Reduced Intercellular Concentrations of CO2, and Low Vapor Pressure Differences

The effects of environmental parameters on the blue light response of stomata were studied by quantifying transient increases in stomatal conductance in Commelina communis following 15 seconds by 0.100 millimole per square meter per second pulses of blue light. Because conductance increases were not observed following red light pulses of the same or greater (30 seconds by 0.200 millimole per square meter per second) fluences, the responses observed could be reliably attributed to the specific blue light response of the guard cells, rather than to guard cell chlorophyll. In both Paphiopedilum harrisianum, which lacks guard cell chloroplasts, and Commelina, the blue light response was enhanced by 0.263 millimole per square meter per second continuous background red light. Thus, the blue light response and its enhancement do not require energy derived from red-light-driven photophosphorylation by the guard cell chloroplasts. In Commelina, reduction of the intercellular concentration of CO2 by manipulation of ambient CO2 concentrations resulted in an enhanced blue light response. In both Commelina and Paphiopedilum, the blue light response was decreased by an increased vapor pressure difference. The magnitude of blue-light-specific stomatal opening thus appears to be sensitive to environmental conditions that affect the carbon and water status of the plant.
Temperature-Dependent Reproductive and Life Table Parameters of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Sugarcane

ABSTRACT The lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important pest of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) in southern Florida. Reproductive and life table parameters for E. lignosellus were examined at nine constant temperatures from 13 to 36 °C with sugarcane as the larval food source. The pre- and post-oviposition periods decreased with increasing temperatures and reached their minimums at 33 and 36 °C, respectively. The oviposition period was longest at 27 °C. The mean fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) were greatest at 30 °C and decreased with increasing or decreasing temperature. The net reproductive rate (R0) was greatest at 27 °C. The Briere-1 model best described the relationship between temperature and r. The generation (T) and population doubling times (DT) were shortest at 33 and 30 °C, respectively. The temperatures around 27 to 30 °C are most favorable for E. lignosellus population growth and ...
Modulated Reproductive Periodicity in Chelonia

After 15 yr tagging at the nesting ground of Chelonia mydas at Tortuguero, Costa Rica, 447 remigration returns have been recorded. These confirm previous indications that some Tortuguero females return to nest every 2 yr and some every 3 yr, with the latter being the more frequent cycle. Returns after absences of 4 yr are so frequent that it seems probable that a regular cycle of this magnitude also exists. Longer absences recorded (up to 9 yr) probably can be attributed to missed encounters or to weak site tenacity by the returning turtles. A growing list of two—time and three—time returns shows that although an individual usually maintains a constant cycle, modulation of this may occur, and that the change may be either from 3 to 2 yr, or vice versa. It is suggested that the modulation reflects ecological conditions on the feeding ground. A sudden extensive shift to a 2—yr cycle, by turtles that had been nesting on a 3—yr cycle, probably contributed to the heavy nesting that occurred in 1969, after several previous weak seasons.
Genetics and intelligence: Recent data

Abstract During the last three years, cognitive data have been reported for 4,639 pairings using the family design, 2,540 pairings using the adoption design, and 2,164 pairs of twins. Together, these extensive data point to less heritable influence on IQ than is indicated by the widely cited older data. The difference between the newer and older data could be due to environmental or genetic secular changes in the population or to methodological differences. Contrary to usual assumptions, the newer data also suggest that more of the environmental influences for parents and offspring and for older siblings operate within families (making family members different from one another) than between families (making family members similar to one another).
The Effects of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Vending Machine Sales on a University Campus

AbstractObjective: To determine the effects of a nutrition information intervention on the vending machine purchases on a college campus. Participants and Methods: Five high-use vending machines were selected for the intervention, which was conducted in the fall of 2011. Baseline sales data were collected in the 5 machines prior to the intervention. At the time of the intervention, color-coded stickers were placed near each item selection to identify less healthy (red), moderately healthy (yellow), and more healthy (green) snack items. Sales data were collected during the 2-week intervention. Results: Purchases of red- and yellow-stickered foods were reduced in most of the machines; moreover, sales of the green-stickered items increased in all of the machines. Conclusions: The increased purchases of healthier snack options demonstrate encouraging patterns that support more nutritious and healthy alternatives in vending machines.
Identification of the nature of reading frame transitions observed in prokaryotic genomes

Our goal was to identify evolutionary conserved frame transitions in protein coding regions and to uncover an underlying functional role of these structural aberrations. We used the ab initio frameshift prediction program, GeneTack, to detect reading frame transitions in 206 991 genes (fs-genes) from 1106 complete prokaryotic genomes. We grouped 102 731 fs-genes into 19 430 clusters based on sequence similarity between protein products (fs-proteins) as well as conservation of predicted position of the frameshift and its direction. We identified 4010 pseudogene clusters and 146 clusters of fs-genes apparently using recoding (local deviation from using standard genetic code) due to possessing specific sequence motifs near frameshift positions. Particularly interesting was finding of a novel type of organization of the dnaX gene, where recoding is required for synthesis of the longer subunit, τ. We selected 20 clusters of predicted recoding candidates and designed a series of genetic constructs with a reporter gene or affinity tag whose expression would require a frameshift event. Expression of the constructs in Escherichia coli demonstrated enrichment of the set of candidates with sequences that trigger genuine programmed ribosomal frameshifting; we have experimentally confirmed four new families of programmed frameshifts.
A Reactivity Index Study to Choose the Best Template for a Particular Zeolite Synthesis

The activity of different representative templating molecules along with zeolite framework is investigated using a range of reactivity indexes using density functional theory (DFT). From the values of local softness and the charge on the hydrogen atom of the bridging hydroxyl, resulting from the presence of aluminum in the framework, it is observed that the acidities of the aluminum containing zeolite type model systems are dependent on several characteristics which are of importance within the framework of hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle. We investigated the local softness of the interacting templates to compare their affinity with the zeolite framework cluster models. The cluster models are chosen to mimic the secondary building units of zeolite crystals for both silicalite and silica aluminates. The conformational flexibility was brought out as common features of those representative organic templates. The influence of the nature of the functional group and alkyl group on the electronic ...
Ovarian hormones influence territorial aggression in free-living female mountain spiny lizards.

Females are aggressive in many species but relatively little is known about the hormonal basis of female aggression, especially in free-living animals. Female mountain spiny lizards aggressively defend territories from other females. Previously, we showed that plasma levels of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) are positively associated with levels of female aggression. Here, we manipulated hormone levels in free-living females and examined aggression expressed by females returned to their natural territories. Females received one of the following: (1) ovariectomy + empty implant (OVEX), (2) ovariectomy + T implant (T-IMP), or (3) sham surgery + empty implant (SHAM). OVEX females had reduced plasma levels of E but not T relative to SHAM females. T-IMP females had elevated plasma levels of T. Levels of display and aggression in OVEX females were reduced relative to SHAM females. T-IMP females had restored levels of display behavior although, unlike SHAM, no T-IMP females expressed the overt aggressive behavior of charging. These data are most consistent with the hypothesis that an ovarian factor such as E promotes female aggression, since ovariectomy reduced both plasma E and aggression but had no effect on plasma T. The results from the T-IMP females are also consistent with this hypothesis if we assume that the effects of T are due to aromatization to E in target tissues. The data do not rule out a role for T in promoting female aggression since T-implants resulted in elevated plasma T and restored display behaviors. This study represents one of the first studies examining the hormonal basis of female aggression in free-living females.
Black body radiation imploded inside a small cavity as an inertial confinement fusion driver

It is proposed to use black body radiation generated and imploded within a small cavity as a driver for inertial confinement fusion, with the thermonuclear target centered inside the cavity. By imploding the cavity the black body radiation confined in it is greatly amplified. The thermonuclear target placed inside the cavity in absorbing the energy from the incoming black body radiation is then ablatively imploded by this radiation. Since this radiation can have a rather short wave length, high density compression of the target seems to be attainable with relative ease. If the temperatureT in the cavity rises the energy absorbed by the target rises asT7.5 and most of the black body radiation is therefore absorbed by the target towards the end of the implosion process greatly increasing the power. To implode and thereby amplify the black body radiation inside the cavity requires a velocity not larger than ∼50 km/s. This comparatively low velocity permits to implode the cavity by laser- or charged-particle beams of modest power. The required rather low cavity implosion velocity should be also attainable using magnetic travelling wave projectile accelerators not longer than a few 100 meters, making the concept also attractive for impact fusion.
There you go again? Gary Sick, Ronald Reagan, and the Iranian revolution: a review article

(1991). There you go again? Gary Sick, Ronald Reagan, and the Iranian revolution: a review article. Iranian Studies: Vol. 24, No. 1-4, pp. 61-69.
Transthoracic versus Extrathoracic Esophagectomy: Mortality, Morbidity, and Long-term Survival

Abstract Extrathoracic esophagectomy for carcinoma is an acceptable substitute for transthoracic resection if it can be shown to have comparable or superior safety and no adverse effect on long-term survival. To test this hypothesis, we employed extrathoracic esophagectomy in 30 consecutive patients with carcinoma of the esophagus from January, 1978, to July, 1984. During this period, 65 comparable patients underwent transthoracic resection through a left thoracotomy for lower esophageal lesions or a right thoracotomy and laparotomy for upper thoracic lesions. Only patients with carcinoma limited to the gastric cardia were excluded from the study. Overall morbidity was higher in the extrathoracic than in the transthoracic group (13 of 30 or 43.3% versus 15 of 65 or 23.1%; p = 0.05), but the differences in hospital mortality (4 of 65 or 6.2% for the transthoracic group versus 4 of 30 or 13.3% for the extrathoracic group) and duration of hospital stay (17.4 ± 11.7 days for the transthoracic group versus 20.5 ± 13.4 days for the extrathoracic group) were not statistically significant. Considering all patients who either died or sustained a postoperative complication, we found significant differences favoring transthoracic resection in those subgroups of patients who were able to undergo primary reconstruction at the time of resection (12 of 57 or 21.1% versus 15 of 28 or 53.6%; p = 0.004), those with advanced Stage III lesions (11 of 47 or 23.4% versus 12 of 20 or 60%; p = 0.006), those with tumor of the lower esophagus (8 of 35 or 22.9% versus 6 of 10 or 60%; p = 0.04), and those with tumor that could be resected through a left thoracotomy (2 of 18 or 11.1% versus 17 of 30 or 56.7%; p = 0.002). Actuarial survival curves for all transthoracic and extrathoracic resections and separate analysis for Stage I and Stage III tumors revealed no statistically significant differences between these two techniques.
Adsorption and reaction of water on oxidized tungsten: thermal desorption and electron stimulated desorption measurements

Abstract The adsorption and decomposition of water, H 2 18 O, on an 16 O-oxidized W(100) surface have been examined over a wide temperature range (25–700 K) with thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), low energy ion scattering (LEIS) and electron stimulated desorption (ESD), and ESD ion angular distribution (ESDIAD). TDS is used to determine the coverage and the range of desorption temperature of H 2 18 O, and to identify desorption products from the oxidized W(100) surface, while ESD and ESDIAD are used to monitor the surface chemistry of H 2 18 O on the oxidized W(100) surface. ESD and ESDIAD data show no evidence for diffusion of H 2 18 O on the oxidized W(100) surface between 25 K and 120 K. TDS demonstrates that the majority of water adsorbed in the first monolayer at 25 K remains molecular and desorbs with a peak temperature of ∼ 155 K. However, both TDS and ESD measurements indicate that a very small percentage of H 2 18 O (∼8% of a monolayer) dissociates upon adsorption at 25 K to form adsorbed 16 OH and 18 OH. No stable OH species remains on the oxidized W(100) surface above about 350 K.
Osmolality and nonsynaptic epileptiform bursts in rat CA1 and dentate gyrus

In several clinical situations, such as hyposmolar states and hypoxia-ischemia, reductions in the size of the extracellular space are associated with increased seizure susceptibility. Nonsynaptic interactions provide a likely means of mediating the effect of extracellular space on seizure susceptibility. Synchronous bursting of CA1 hippocampal neurons occurs via nonsynaptic mechanisms in solutions containing very low {Ca2+} and excitatory amino acid antagonists. We tested the hypothesis that lowering the osmolality of the extracellular medium could induce nonsynaptic bursting in the dentate gyrus, even though it is normally resistant to this treatment. Extracellular field potentials were recorded in the dentate gyrus and CA1 area of rat hippocampal slices. In the low-{Ca2+} solution with normal osmolality, bursts of population spikes were recorded from the dentate gyrus in only 7% of the slices, but solutions with decreased osmolality induced bursting in 63%. Corresponding values for the CA1 area were 60 and 73%, respectively. Mannitol, which reversed the hyposmolar state, abolished bursting in both regions. This study demonstrates that reducing the size of the extracellular space by lowering extracellular osmolality can transform a seizure-resistant area into one that exhibits robust epileptiform activity.
An experimental investigation of negative wakes behind spheres settling in a shear-thinning viscoelastic fluid

We present detailed ex- perimental results examining "neg- ative wakes" behind spheres settling along the centerline of a tube con- taining a viscoelastic aqueous poly- acrylamide solution. Negative wakes are found for all Deborah numbers (2.43 ≤ De(c ˙ ) ≤ 8.75) and sphere-to- tube aspect ratios (0.060 ≤ a/R≤ 0.396) examined. The wake structures are investigated using laser-Doppler velocimetry (LDV) to examine the centerline fluid velocity around the sphere and digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) for full-field velocity profiles. For a fixed aspect
Permeability of Apricot Leaf Cuticle.

Although cutinized tissue in some form is the first barrier to the entry of chemicals into plants, direct measurements of the permeability properties of cuticular membranes are limited and qualitative (1, 5). From direct measurements on isolated cuticle Skoss (9) has reported that English ivy leaf cuticle is relatively impermeable to water, and that lemon leaf cuticle is impermeable to the sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, to the ammonium salt of dinitro-o-sec-butylphenol, and to silver and chloride ions. Similarly Orgell (7) has reported little, if any, penetration of isolated apricot leaf cuticle by "polar solutes in aqueous solution, e.g. acids, bases, salts, dyes, and miscellaneous other compounds." Adding to these his own observation that oils do not penetrate the upper cuticle of apricot leaves (11), van Overbeek (12) concluded that penetration of leaf cuticle by chemicals is unlikely. Mitchell, Smale, and Metcalf (5), however, accepting that cuticle in some form covers the entire aboveground surface of the plant, concluded that hydrated cuticle is permeable to a degree to water and to dissolved compounds associated with this water, and is highly permeable to nonpolar compounds. The objectives of this work were to quantitatively measure penetration through stomata-free isolated leaf cuticle and attempt to assess the importance of this entry pathway in intact plants; to measure the effect of substituent variation on penetration by the model compound a-chloroacetamide (ClCH,CONH2); and to seek a correlation between penetration and chloroform-water partitioning that might allow a prediction of leaf penetration rates of other compounds.
Differentiation of β-Sheet-Forming Structures: Ab Initio-Based Simulations of IR Absorption and Vibrational CD for Model Peptide and Protein β-Sheets

Ab initio quantum mechanical computations of force fields (FF) and atomic polar and axial tensors (APT and AAT) were carried out for triamide strands Ac-A-A-NH-CH3 clustered into single-, double-, and triple-strand β-sheet-like conformations. Models with φ, ψ, and ω angles constrained to values appropriate for planar antiparallel and parallel as well as coiled antiparallel (two-stranded) and twisted antiparallel and parallel sheets were computed. The FF, APT, and AAT values were transferred to corresponding larger oligopeptide β-sheet structures of up to five strands of eight residues each, and their respective IR and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra were simulated. The antiparallel planar models in a multiple-stranded assembly give a unique IR amide I spectrum with a high-intensity, low-frequency component, but they have very weak negative amide I VCD, both reflecting experimental patterns seen in aggregated structures. Parallel and twisted β-sheet structures do not develop a highly split ami...
Predicting social psychological well-being following trauma: The role of postdisaster social support.

This longitudinal study assessed both the mobilization and deterioration dynamics of postdisaster social support and aid unfolding within the first 12 months after a natural disaster. These were the predictor variables hypothesized to influence various subsequent manifestations of survivors' social
cDNA cloning, expression and activity of a second human aflatoxin B1-metabolizing member of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily, AKR7A3.

The aflatoxin B 1 (AFB1) aldehyde metabolite of AFB1 may contribute to the cytotoxicity of this hepatocarcinogen via protein adduction. Aflatoxin B 1 aldehyde reductases, specifically the NADPH-dependent aldo-keto reductases of rat (AKR7A1) and human (AKR7A2), are known to metabolize the AFB1 dihydrodiol by forming AFB1 dialcohol. Using a rat AKR7A1 cDNA, we isolated and characterized a distinct aldo-keto reductase (AKR7A3) from an adult human liver cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence of AKR7A3 shares 80 and 88% identity with rat AKR7A1 and human AKR7A2, respectively. Recombinant rat AKR7A1 and human AKR7A3 were expressed and purified from Escherichia coli as hexa-histidine tagged fusion proteins. These proteins catalyzed the reduction of several model carbonyl-containing substrates. The NADPH-dependent formation of AFB1 dialcohol by recombinant human AKR7A3 was confirmed by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies produced using recombinant rat AKR7A1 protein were shown to detect nanogram amounts of rat and human AKR7A protein. The amount of AKR7A-related protein in hepatic cytosols of 1,2-dithiole-3-thione-treated rats was 18-fold greater than in cytosols from untreated animals. These antibodies detected AKR7A-related protein in normal human liver samples ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 μg/mg cytosolic protein. Northern blot analysis showed varying levels of expression of AKR7A RNA in human liver and in several extrahepatic tissues, with relatively high levels in the stomach, pancreas, kidney and liver. Based on the kinetic parameters determined using recombinant human AKR7A3 and AFB 1 dihydrodiol at pH 7.4, the catalytic efficiency of this reaction (k2/K, per M/s) equals or exceeds those reported for other enzymes, for example cytochrome P450s and glutathione S-transferases, known to metabolize AFB1 in vivo. These findings indicate that, depending on the extent of AFB1 dihydrodiol formation, AKR7A may contribute to the protection against AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity.
Postoperative incidence of incarcerated hiatal hernia and its prevention after robotic transhiatal esophagectomy

Transhiatal robot-assisted total esophagectomy (RE) has gained acceptance as a minimally invasive procedure with several clinical benefits. In this report, the authors describe their experience with the incidence of incarcerated hiatal hernia after RE. Between March 2007 and July 2009, 36 patients underwent RE at the authors’ institution. A retrospective chart review was performed, and data were abstracted including gender, age, weight at surgery, presenting symptoms, pathologic diagnosis, operative time, estimated blood loss, mortality, and postoperative complications. The study cohort consisted of 28 men and 8 women undergoing RE. Their average age was 65.4 ± 10.5 years, and their mean body weight was 86.2 ± 24.8 kg at surgery. A review of medical records indicated that 7 (19.4%) of the 36 patients had postoperative incarcerated hiatal hernias. Two of these patients had experienced two episodes of incarceration, which required reoperation. One patient died of complications related to hernia repair. Six (85.7%) of 7 patients had a preexisting diagnosis of hiatus hernia which was significantly higher in comparison to the incidence of this complication within the group of 29 patients without post-operative hernia incarcerations (11 of 29, 37.9%; Fisher’s exact p = 0.04). The results indicate that postoperative incarcerated hiatal hernia after RE is an infrequently reported, albeit serious, complication. A preexisting hiatal hernia may put patients at a higher risk of incarceration. According to the authors’ experience, a primary closure and reinforcement with mesh sutured to the gastric wall is recommended as a preventive measure. Diligent follow-up evaluation with regular computed tomography (CT) scans investigating likelihoods for incarceration is advisable, especially for patients with preexisting hernias.