cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Inmate Misconduct and Prison Returns with Facility Education Programs

Research Summary Participants and nonparticipants in Ohio prison education programs were compared in rates of misconduct during incarceration and prison returns after release. Propensity score matching was used to compare male nonparticipants with males who completed or started but did not complete GEDs, vocational training/apprenticeship programs, and college classes (each education group examined separately). More than 92,000 males were eligible for study, reflecting all men admitted to Ohio prisons between January 2008 and June 2012. Inmates who earned GEDs or completed college classes were less likely than nonprogram inmates to engage in violence during incarceration, whereas completing vocational training and apprenticeship programs had no such effect on any type of inmate misconduct examined. On the other hand, completing vocational training and apprenticeship programs, GEDs, or college classes at any point during incarceration coincided with lower rates of prison returns within 3 years after release. None of these benefits accrued to inmates who started but did not complete these programs/classes. Policy Implications The provision of GED programs and college classes to prison inmates may help to reduce levels of violence during incarceration, thus, providing safer facility environments for both inmates and staff. GED programs, college classes, and vocational training/apprenticeship programs may also help offenders to refrain from returning to prison, perhaps by providing knowledge and skills that enhance their employability in desirable jobs after release. The absence of comparable findings for inmates who started but did not complete these activities, however, underscores the importance of completion, providing incentive for state policy makers and correctional administrators to encourage inmates to complete these pursuits.
Characteristics of paediatricpediatric concussion patients utilisingutilizing emergency department services prior to initial concussion clinic evaluation

Objective To evaluate characteristics of paediatric concussion patients utilising the emergency department (ED) prior to initial concussion clinic evaluation. Design Prospective cohort. Setting Clinics of an American urban/suburban family practice (12/2014–04/2015). Subjects Consented concussion patients 8–18 years presenting to clinic within 3 days of injury (n=195; age=14.3, SD=2.1 years; female=42.3%). Intervention Participants completed a systematic evaluation at initial clinic visit and survey at 4-6 weeks (73.8% follow-up). Criterion variables included demographics, prior head injury, time of injury (TOI) factors, total symptom severity, Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) composites, one-month persistent symptoms, one-month Paediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL). Outcome measures ED visit before clinic evaluation (yes/no) served as the dependent variable. Results ED visits were reported for 12.8% (n=25) of participants. Amnesia (36.0% vs. 10.1%; p Conclusions Paediatric patients presenting to concussion clinic with 72 hours of injury who first visited an ED, have more dramatic symptoms at the TOI, yet do not appear to have any worse initial symptom severity, ImPACT scores, or one-month persistent symptoms or PedsQL than those who presented first to clinic. Future study should evaluate these relationships in larger samples. Competing interests The current study is funded in part by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. Ms. Fonseca is employed at the study setting. Ms. Phillips is employed at the study setting. Dr. Bloom is employed at the study setting.
The impact of considering land intensification and updated data on biofuels land use change and emissions estimates

The GTAP model has been used to estimate biofuel policy induced land use changes and consequent GHG emissions for more than a decade. This paper reviews the history of the model and database modifications and improvements that have occurred over that period. In particular, the paper covers in greater detail the move from the 2004 to the 2011 database, and the inclusion of cropland intensification in the modeling structure. The results show that all the changes in the global economy and agricultural sectors cause biofuels induced land use changes and associated emissions can be quite different using the 2011 database versus 2004. The results also demonstrate the importance of including land intensification in the analysis. The previous versions of GTAP and other similar models assumed that changes in harvested area equal changes in cropland area. However, FAO data demonstrate that it is not correct for several important world regions. The model now includes land intensification, and the resulting land use changes and emission values are lower as would be expected. Dedicated energy crops are not similar to the first generation feedstocks in the sense that they do not generate the level of market-mediated responses which we have seen in the first-generation feedstocks. The major market-mediated responses are reduced consumption, crop switching, changes in trade, changes in intensification, and forest or pasture conversion. These largely do not apply to dedicated energy corps. The land use emissions for cellulosic feedstocks depend on what we assume in the emissions factor model regarding soil carbon gained or lost in converting land to these feedstocks. We examined this important point for producing bio-gasoline from miscanthus. Much of the literature suggests miscanthus actually sequesters carbon, if grown on the existing active cropland or degraded land. We provide some illustrative estimates for possible assumptions. Finally, it is important to note the importance of the new results for the regulatory process. The current California Air Resources Board carbon scores for corn ethanol and soy biodiesel are 19.8 and 29.1, respectively (done with a model version that includes irrigation). The new model and database carbon scores are 12 and 18, respectively, for corn ethanol and soy biodiesel. Thus, the current estimates values are substantially less than the values currently being used for regulatory purposes.
Discrete-Time Flocking of Wheeled Vehicles With a Large Communication Delay Through a Potential Function Approach

Abstract In this chapter, we study the discrete-time flocking control problem for a multi-agent system consisting of nonholonomic vehicles. A distributed low gain control law is constructed for each vehicle based on the gradient of an artificial potential function. By a Lyapunov functional analysis, we show that, in the presence of an arbitrarily large communication delay, these low gain feedback laws result in flocking behavior when the low gain parameter is sufficiently small. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control laws by numerical simulation.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells Rock Around The Clock: Circadian Fate Control via TNF/ROS Signals.

Hematopoietic stem cell function is closely tied to circadian rhythms. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Golan et al. (2018) identify crosstalk between circadian hormone signals, the inflammatory cytokine TNF, and bone marrow macrophages as a key regulator of HSC proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal in the bone marrow.
Interface studies in heterostructured core-shell magnetoelectric nanocomposites

AbstractCore-shell magnetoelectric nanocomposite, comprising of spinel cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) core and perovskites barium titanate (BaTiO3) shell prepared by hydrothermal method have been reporte...
Ultrahigh Moments for a Brownian Excursion

Let X 1,…,X n be i.i.d., each with distribution minus one plus a Poisson with mean one. Set S 0 = 1, S i = S i − 1 + X i , the result of a walk with steps X i beginning at 1. We condition on S n = 0 and S i > 0 for i < n , that the excursion first hits 0 at time n. Set \(M = \sum\nolimits_{{i = 1}}^{n} {\left( {{{S}_{i}} - 1} \right)}\).We seek an asymptotic formula for \( E\left[ {\left( {_{k}^{M}} \right)} \right] \) where k = k(n).
What do functional genomics tell us about pathogenesis of AML

Abstract While molecular genetic abnormalities can tell us much about the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), these molecular genetics do not always explain drug resistance or sensitivity, leaving room for other mechanisms of tumor pathogenesis outside of genetic events. The Beat AML 1.0 project was a multicenter project to sequence and functionally query AML samples against over 120 drugs. The results have helped form disease models on how mutations affect disease phenotype and drug sensitivity and have assisted in identifying gene signature profiles that may facilitate selecting the most effective treatment options. However, there are factors outside of genetic abnormalities that affect disease pathogenesis. For example, tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment play a role in pathogenesis and represent therapeutic targets.
Producing Diverse and Segregated Spaces: Local Businesses and Commercial Gentrification in Two Chicago Neighborhoods:

AbstractGentrification processes may involve both racial and class demographic transitions. In these cases, questions about racial segregation and integration become particularly pertinent. Neighbo...
Dentin and Bone: Similar Collagenous Mineralized Tissues

Teeth are individual organs that consist of an exposed crown structure and an internally embedded root structure. Each tooth is an individual organ that, through location and function, is coordinated to form a highly ordered and symmetrical patterned unit known as the dentition. Humans have two successive sets of teeth, the primary dentition or baby teeth, which are replaced by the permanent dentition. The tooth forms three distinct mineralized extracellular matrices, enamel, dentin, and cementum, which are temporally and spatially integrated to form the hardest structure in the human body. The tooth crown is covered by an outer layer of enamel with an inner, more resilient mineralized dentin layer in juxtaposition, followed by an unmineralized predentin matrix adjacent to the dental pulp chamber. The root is covered by a thin outer layer of cementum over the inner layers of dentin and predentin. Therefore, the most abundant matrix of the tooth is dentin that covers both the crown and root structures. This chapter will discuss dentin, the mineralized connective tissue of the teeth, and compare and contrast its formation and structure with that of bone.
Generalizable sgRNA design for improved CRISPR/Cas9 editing efficiency.

MOTIVATION The development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technology has provided a simple yet powerful system for targeted genome editing. In recent years, this system has been widely used for various gene editing applications. The CRISPR editing efficacy is mainly dependent on the single guide RNA (sgRNA), which guides Cas9 for genome cleavage. While there have been multiple attempts at improving sgRNA design, there is a pressing need for greater sgRNA potency and generalizability across various experimental conditions. RESULTS We employed a unique plasmid library expressed in human cells to quantify the potency of thousands of CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNAs. Differential sequence and structural features among the most and least potent sgRNAs were then used to train a machine learning algorithm for assay design. Comparative analysis indicates that our new algorithm outperforms existing CRISPR/Cas9 sgRNA design tools. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The new sgRNA design tool is freely accessible as a web application, http://crispr.wustl.edu. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Voice or exit? Political corruption and voting intentions in Hungary

How does perceived political corruption affect electoral preferences? Scholarship of Eastern Europe addressed this question primarily through the study of observational data. This study contributes...
Earnings Riskiness and Residual Income Valuation

The residual income valuation model relies on book value, current earnings, and future earnings estimates to explain firm value. It is important to acknowledge, however, that even if two firms have identical current or forecasted earnings figures in dollars and cents, these figures do not convey identical information about each firm's residual income earning potential because each firm's earnings process is unique. Characteristics of the firm affect the riskiness of its earnings stream (i.e. the size of the range of earnings possibilities) therefore, since investors have risk preferences, this riskiness should affect firm value. This study extends the existing literature by focusing on risks inherent to earnings and demonstrating that firm specific measures of earnings risk enhance the residual income model's ability to explain stock market prices. In so doing, this study also helps our quest to better understand how earnings and earnings risk factors create value in the eyes of investors. The firm specific earnings risk measures considered in this study are the variability of earnings expectations, exposure to interest rate fluctuations, geographical diversification, operational diversification, and operating leverage. Using a sample of more than twenty thousand firm-years over the 1984 to 2002 time period, the empirical analysis finds that the residual income model's ability to explain market prices improves significantly with the addition of risk measurement variables. Not surprisingly, the results confirm that greater risk leads to lower firm value. Interestingly, however, the model allows us to dissect the individual effects of risk on the value of earnings and forecast levels, and the data suggests that while investors consistently price earnings as though they are risk averse, they show signs of risk seeking behavior with regard to forecasts.
Potential future changes in wildfire weather and behavior around 11 Canadian cities

Abstract It is now well accepted that global greenhouse gas emissions will result in drastic changes in climate and patterns of natural disasters such as wildfires in Canada and across the globe. This study quantifies potential future changes in wildfire regimes around 11 Canadian cities with high socio-economic value and historically exposed with low to high wildfire hazard. Changes in extreme wildfire weather and behavior are calculated under 2 and 3.5 °C of global warming with reference to a baseline historical time-period of 1989–2019. Results provide statistically significant evidence of an extended wildfire season and more frequent weather conducive for wildfires around the cities. This will result in more intense wildfires with higher head fire intensities surrounding all cities. The city of Nelson (British Columbia) is found to exhibit highest wildfire magnitudes in both historical and future climates. The city of Thunder Bay (Ontario) is projected with most significant increases in the occurrence frequencies of extreme wildfires where 50-year HFI events are projected to become 18-year and 9-year return period events under 2 and 3.5 °C of global warming respectively. A statistically significant evidence of an increasing numbers of future wildfire events requiring significant suppression resources is also found. Results highlight the need for adapting buildings and infrastructure in the cities in the face of projected future changes in wildfires.
Establishment of Normal Ranges of Upper Extremity Length, Circumference and Rate of Growth in the Pediatric Population

Introduction: Upper extremity length and circumference abnormalities are present in a number of conditions in the pediatric population. In most cases, upper limb hypoplasia and hypertrophy are diagnosed when one limb appears substantially different from the other during the physical examination. However, occasionally when this discrepancy exists it can be difficult to determine which limb is the abnormal one. The purpose of this study was to establish normal values for upper extremity length, circumference and rate of growth in children ages 0-17. …
Management of Metastatic Bladder Tumours

Urothelial cancer (UC) is among the most chemosensitive neoplasms of all the solid tumors. With multi-modality therapy for advanced disease, a subset of patients will achieve durable disease control. However, for the majority of patients with advanced disease, response durations to conventional treatment are relatively short. Recurrent UC tends to be very chemoresistant as highlighted by the modest response rates and poor outcomes with second-line treatment. Trials in both the first- and second-line settings have demonstrated that a ceiling in efficacy has likely been reached with cytotoxic drugs, particularly in unselected populations. Promising areas of investigation include integrating predictive biomarkers to optimize patient selection for specific systemic therapies, disrupting driving oncogenomic mutations and downstream signal transduction pathways, and co-targeting both tumor and the immune system or tumor stroma.
Compartment syndrome following use of tissue plasminogen activator for frostbite in the setting of concomitant diaphyseal tibia fracture.

Background Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a thrombolytic agent increasingly being employed for the treatment of acute frostbite. Although tPA has been shown with success to increase digit salvage rates, data on potential complications, including risk of hemorrhage, is limited. As a result, acute trauma is considered a contraindication to use in many institution-based protocols. Currently, there is a paucity in the literature regarding use of tPA for frostbite in patients with concomitant extremity fractures. Case presentation We report the case of a 36-year-old male treated with tPA for frostbite to digits of his bilateral hands in the setting of a concomitant diaphyseal tibia fracture. He subsequently developed acute compartment syndrome in his lower extremity. This was followed by emergent fasciotomy and staged fracture fixation with serial wound debridement and subsequent closure. Despite this complication, the patient went on to early radiographic and clinical union of his tibia fracture. His frostbite wounds healed without functional deficits. Conclusions In patients with severe frostbite injury with digital perfusion defects, tPA for thrombolysis may be indicated. Use of thrombolytics for frostbite in trauma patients or those with concomitant extremity fractures requires a multidisciplinary discussion regarding potential risks. Contingency planning is essential to ensure that potential bleeding complications, including development of compartment syndrome, are diagnosed and treated early. Given the paucity in the current literature regarding use of thrombolytics in trauma patients, further study is warranted to inform the surgical community on instances in which the benefits of tPA administration may outweigh the risks. Level of evidence Case report; Level V.
RETURNING TO THE RATE OF SPREAD OF EARLY FARMING IN EUROPE: COMMENT ON THE ARTICLE BY MANEN ET AL. (2019) IN RADIOCARBON

The aim of the comment is to address the misrepresentations of our work on the Neolithic transitions that are found in a recent article by Manen and coauthors in Radiocarbon. There are a fair number of them as indicated in the comment. The purpose of the comment is (1) to set the record straight, (2) to clarify several misconceptions that have persisted in the literature for some time, and (3) to comment briefly on the convergence between our own recent regional modeling of the spread of early farming along the north coast of the West Mediterranean and the position currently held by Manen and coauthors.
RNA-Mediated Metabolic Defects in Microsatellite Expansion Diseases

Many incurable neurological and neuromuscular diseases are caused by microsatellite expansions consisted of 3–6 nucleotide repeat units. The expanded RNA and/or the translated proteins cause metabolic defects and toxicity at multiple cellular levels, and such dyshomeostasis has dramatic impacts on neuronal health. This review sets to provide new insights into RNA-mediated toxicity, repeat-associated non-ATG translation, microRNA-mediated pathology, nucleocytoplasmic transport alterations, and liquid-liquid phase separation in microsatellite expansion diseases.
Building OTT brand loyalty and brand equity: Impact of original series on OTT services

Abstract Since streaming over-the-top (OTT) services may make recommendations to consumers regarding what to watch, OTT services customize not just OTT original series consumption experiences, but OTT brand personality perceptions. This influences how brand equity and brand loyalty are built for these OTT brands. This study is interested in understanding a) How original series help build consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) toward OTT services and b) How the consumer-based brand equity model can explicate how OTT services build consumer brand loyalty and brand equity. The study includes a structural equation model that demonstrates that original series can be incorporated into a consumer-based brand equity model for OTT services. This offers further implications for creative arts management in building brand equity and brand loyalty.
Effect of irradiated fatty acids on the growth of Escherichia coli.

The relation between the inhibition of growth and the degree of oxidation of fatty acids and their esters was studied in cultures of Escherichia coli. The effects of ultraviolet irradiation on the formation of peroxides and other oxidation products were measured. (C.H.)
Policy Algebras for Hybrid Firewalls

Firewalls are a effective means of protecting a local system or network of systems from network-based security threats. In this paper, we propose a policy algebra framework for security policy enforcement in hybrid firewalls, ones that exist both in the network and on end systems. To preserve the security semantics, the policy algebras provide a formalism to compute addition, conjunction, subtraction, and summation on rule sets; it also defines the cost and risk functions associated with policy enforcement. Policy outsourcing triggers global cost minimization. We show that our framework can easily be extended to support packet filter firewall policies. Finally, we discuss special challenges and requirements for applying the policy algebra framework to MANETs.
The Two Faces of Progressive-Era Professions

This article argues for an understanding of the social impact of professionalization that takes account of the way a profession is embedded in a given social system. This approach assumes that the impact of professionalization varies depending on a given society's power relations. The essay uses Progressive-era conflicts in the growth of social work to delineate how power linked to funding helped create one professional persona. Such analysis is an important way for administrative-change proponents to understand how the political face of professionalization—the face tied to power over external rewards—affects attempts to construct new administrative roles.
Characterization of a cell division gene from Bacillus subtilis that is required for vegetative and sporulation septum formation.

Abstract We report the cloning and characterization of a cell division gene, herein designated divIC, from the gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis. This gene was previously identified on the basis of a temperature-sensitive mutation, div-355, that blocks septum formation at restrictive temperatures. We show that the divIC gene is a 125-codon open reading frame that is capable of encoding a protein of 14.7 kDa and that div-355 is a 5-bp duplication near the 3' end of the open reading frame. We also show that divIC is an essential gene by use of an in vitro-constructed null mutation. In confirmation and extension of earlier results, we show that divIC is necessary for both vegetative and sporulation septum formation, and we demonstrate that it is required for the activation of genes expressed under the control of the sporulation transcription factors sigma F and sigma E. The divIC gene is located 1.3 kb upstream of the coding sequence for the sporulation gene spoIIE. Between divIC and spoIIE is a 128-codon open reading frame whose predicted product contains a region of similarity to the RNA-binding domains of polynucleotide phosphorylase and ribosomal protein S1 from Escherichia coli and two putative tRNA genes for methionyl-tRNA and glutamyl-tRNA, the gene order being divIC orf128 tRNA(Met) tRNA(Glu) spoIIE.
Magnetic properties of GdBe13: effects of U substitutions

Abstract We report magnetic susceptibility (as a function of temperature) and magnetization (as a function of applied field) measurements on (Gd1−xUx)Be13 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5. Various interesting features associated with the antiferromagnetic behav ior of GdBe13 and U-doped compounds are pointed out.
Interaction of C-Terminal Truncated Human αA-Crystallins with Target Proteins

Background: Significant portion of aA-crystallin in human lenses exists as C-terminal residues cleaved at residues 172, 168, and 162. Chaperone activity, determined with alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and bL-crystallin as target proteins, was increased in aA1–172 and decreased in aA1–168 and aA1–162. The purpose of this study was to show whether the absence of the C-terminal residues influences protein-protein interactions with target proteins. Methodology/Principal Findings: Our hypothesis is that the chaperone-target protein binding kinetics, otherwise termed subunit exchange rates, are expected to reflect the changes in chaperone activity. To study this, we have relied on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) utilizing amine specific and cysteine specific fluorescent probes. The subunit exchange rate (k) for ADH and aA1–172 was nearly the same as that of ADH and aA-wt, aA1–168 had lower and aA1–162 had the lowest k values. When bL-crystallin was used as the target protein, aA1–172 had slightly higher k value than aA-wt and aA1–168 and aA1–162 had lower k values. As expected from earlier studies, the chaperone activity of aA1–172 was slightly better than that of aA-wt, the chaperone activity of aA1–168 was similar to that of aA-wt and aA1–162 had substantially decreased chaperone activity. Conclusions/Significance: Cleavage of eleven C-terminal residues including Arg-163 and the C-terminal flexible arm significantly affects the interaction with target proteins. The predominantly hydrophilic flexible arm appears to be needed to keep the chaperone-target protein complex soluble.
Sedimentation of cells across hydrophobic interfaces

Abstract Threshold centrifugation speeds for sedimentation of cells placed over a layer of silicone fluid depend on the cell number in the sample. This and sedimentation speeds of cells are explained with a hypothesis that the cells aggregate in groups before crossing the interface of the silicone and aqueous media. The surface tension of the interface was determined by measuring the minimum centrifugation speed required to sediment a drop of silicone fluid through the culture media. A relationship was derived between the size of the cell aggregates and the minimum acceleration required for the cells to overcome this surface tension. This prediction has been experimentally verified; the threshold centrifugation speed is inversely related to the cell number in the centrifuge tube. It is shown that a cell sample containing several million cells per milliliter has an advantage over the lower density samples because the cells can not only be sedimented at a low speed with a smaller fraction of cells trapped in the interface, but the cell pellet also contains less aqueous media. The quantitative predictions depend on the mass densities of silicone fluids, cells, and aqueous media, as well as the cell number and sample volume.
Functional disorders of the nervous system as sequelae to trauma

Abstract Trauma to the psyche and soma is often followed by prolonged functional disabilities out of all proportion to the severity of the injuries suffered, and since this is by far more true in cases where compensation and litigation are involved, the post-traumatic syndromes take on greater socio-economic significance. In cases of head injury the post-traumatic triad of headache, dizziness and nervousness constitutes a veritable battle-ground for medicolegal opponents with expressions of opinion varying from malingering to widespread petechial hemorrhages in the brain. The chronic back invalid is figuratively roasted with never-ending local baking when the physiopathogenesis may either be psychogenic or occasionally an unsuspected dislocation of the nucleus pulposus. In the former instance local tissue pathology is envisaged and in the latter case a psychoneurosis pictured with local therapy as a psychotherapeutic aid. The gamut of neurotic and hysterical phenomena is enumerated with an attempt to evaluate them in the total setting as cases of post-concussion syndrome, traumatic neurosis or hysteria, compensation or litigation neurosis and malingering. Not infrequently fragments of each group are combined in a setting deserving the term of hystero-malingering. It is pointed out that after a reasonable period of convalescence (Kennedy, four months) a history of head injury does not always suffice to identify unremitting symptoms as exclusively post-concussional. Personality factors, social and economic data as well as the legal values involved must come in for close scrutiny as potential psychogenic factors in prolonging the alleged posttraumatic disabilities. Although psychotherapy is the dominant note in the handling of the post-traumatic functional disorders, a thoroughgoing clinical investigation for possible persistent organic defects must precede its institution. Explanation, suggestion and persuasion when meted out with patience and tolerance constitutes the reeducational program of psychotherapy which leads to rationalization and ultimate rehabilitation.
Introducing and engaging diverse high school students to biophotonics through multi-year courses

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology (CBST) has created various high school biophotonics research academies for both students and teachers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. These academies engage diverse students for 10 hours to over 350 hours per year for multiple years with an emphasis on learning the basics of biophotonics and then conducting original, team-based research. We have developed three versions of the academy, one focused on biology and biophotonics, one on cancer and biophotonics, and a third on plants and biophotonics. A fourth emphasis on biomedical engineering and biophotonics is planned. We have conducted one of these academies for three years and have had very good student retention and science fair winners. As part of our program we also have a summer academy for training teachers. Challenges have arisen amongst the various levels of Academies, chief among them sustainability. In the future, more extensive evaluation, curriculum consolidation, and widespread dissemination are critical.
Beauty, Ethnicity, and Age: Does Internalization of Mainstream Media Ideals Influence Attitudes Towards Older Adults?

Mainstream North American media promotes the message that attaining a thin, youthful appearance is central to a woman’s value and social role while appearing older is highly undesirable. However, appearance ideals and attitudes toward aging differ substantially across cultural and ethnic groups, which may influence the degree to which one internalizes media ideals and holds anti-aging attitudes. Consequently, this study examined the relationships between internalization of the youthful, thin-ideal appearance perpetuated by mainstream North American media and attitudes toward the elderly in a sample of 281 undergraduate females under the age of 30 attending a university in the Western United States. Specifically, European American (n = 115), Asian American/Pacific Islander (n = 74), Hispanic/Latina (n = 52), and African American (n = 42) women voluntarily completed self-report measures of internalization of media ideals and attitudes towards older adults. Attitudes towards the elderly were significantly more negative at higher levels of internalization of North American appearance ideals, independent of ethnicity. These data suggest that internalization of North American appearance ideals perpetuated by media are related to negative attitudes towards older adults. Future research should investigate the influence of negative attitudes about aging on behaviors toward older adults or one’s own aging process.
The Effects of Gendered Immigration Enforcement on Middle Childhood and Schooling

Drawing from an ethnographic study on Mexican immigrant fathers and their second-grade children, this article examines the masked realities behind current immigration policies that equate “illegal” with “Mexican immigrant” and how the enforcement of these policies, which overwhelmingly target Mexican immigrant men, affect immigrant children and their elementary schooling. I empirically illustrate how this oversimplified criminalization of Mexican immigrant men led to father-child separations, incredible stress for children, and the positioning of children as mediators in high-stakes encounters between the police and their parents. I highlight the need to strip back these masks to address and build upon students’ real-world experiences, including their immigration practices and family-based hybrid language practices, for this younger generation of DREAMers and U.S. citizens.
Detection of residual basal cell carcinoma by in vivo confocal microscopy.

background. Near-infrared reflectance-mode confocal scanning laser microscopy (RCM) represents a novel imaging technique for microscopic analysis of skin lesions and may provide a noninvasive modality for the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). objective. To determine the feasibility of detecting residual or clinically equivocal BCC using RCM. methods. In this pilot study, RCM was used in three cases to characterize the histologic features of index lesions in vivo. These were subsequently correlated with corresponding hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections obtained during Mohs micrographic surgery. results. Evaluation of clinically equivocal lesions by RCM revealed features characteristic of BCC, including tightly packed nests of elongated, monomorphic, polarized nuclei and subjacent ectatic blood vessels with lymphocytes undergoing margination and rolling. Conventional histology confirmed the presence of BCC in all cases. conclusion. We report the use of RCM in the confirmation of residual BCC in two cases and the tentative diagnosis with subsequent pathologic conformation of a third case in which a biopsy was previously inadequate. Our results demonstrate that confocal microscopy may facilitate diagnosis of BCC in vivo and warrant further prospective study to quantify the sensitivity and specificity of this rapidly evolving imaging modality.
Taking a Cue from Statistics Education

The American Statistical Association’s GAISE Report on introductory statistics for college students should serve as a model for thinking about introductory chemistry courses.
Do Axions Exist

We critically examine various existing experiments which could provide evidence for the axion. Although our conclusions regarding the existence of this particle are somewhat pessimistic, we discuss other possible experiments which could throw additional light on this question.
A new boundary element formulation for two- and three-dimensional thermoelasticity using particular integrals

New two- and three-dimensional BEM formulations are developed for steady-state and transient uncoupled thermoelasticity. These new procedures differ from previous work in that additional surface of volume integration is not required to incorporate thermal loads in the analysis. Instead, thermal body forces are introduced in the BEM system via particular integrals. The present formulation is implemented in a general-purpose multiregion system, and examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and versatility of the method.
Measurement of zinc and manganese K-shell ionization cross-sections by electron impact

Abstract This paper provides the experimental measurement of Zn and Mn K-shell ionization cross-sections. The thin targets with thick substrate are used in the experiment. The influence of the reflected electrons from the substrate on the measurements has been corrected by means of a detailed calculation of electron transport. It is shown that the corrected K-shell ionization cross-sections of Mn are in good agreement with the existing experimental data. The paper also presents experimental data of Zn, which are measured for the first time in energy from near threshold to 25 keV.
Estimation of carbonate, total organic carbon, and biogenic silica content by FTIR and XRF techniques in lacustrine sediments

Major components of lacustrine sediments, such as carbonates, organic matter, and biogenic silica, provide significant paleoenvironmental information about lake systems. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques are fast, cost effective, efficient methods to determine the relative abundances of these components. We investigate the potential of these techniques using sediments from two large lakes, Lake Malawi in Africa and Lake Qinghai in China. Our results show statistically significant correlations of conventionally measured concentrations of carbonate (%CaCO3), total organic carbon (%TOC), and biogenic silica (%BSi), with absorbance in the corresponding FTIR spectral regions and with XRF elemental ratios including calcium:titanium (Ca/Ti), incoherent:coherent X-ray scatter intensities (Inc/Coh), and silicon:titanium (Si/Ti), respectively. The correlation coefficients (R) range from 0.66 to 0.96 for comparisons of FTIR results and conventional measurements, and from 0.70 to 0.90 for XRF results and conventional measurements. Both FTIR and XRF techniques exhibit great potential for rapid assessment of inorganic and organic contents of lacustrine sediments. However, the relationship between XRF-ratios or FTIR-absorbances and abundances of corresponding sedimentary components can vary with sediment source and lithology.
COMPARATIVE DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY OF SHOOTS OF JUVENILE AND ADULT HEDERA HELIX

A B S T R A C T Apices of adult Hedera helix have a larger meristematic area, composed of smaller cells, than those of the juvenile shoots. In shoot tips of juvenile plants, cell divisions in the subapical area occur over a longer portion of the shoot, and cell division is continued for a longer period of time. These features are reminiscent of GA-induced changes in other plants. It is suggested that in experiments designed to shift Hedera from the juvenile to the adult form, consideration should be given to agents which affect both rates of cell division and distribution of dividing cells in the young shoot. CONSIDERABLE EFFORT has been expended in the study of juvenility and one of the preferred experimental subjects has been Hedera helix L. (see reviews by Robbins, 1964; Stoutemeyer, 1964). Hedera displays such striking differences between juvenile and adult stages that these phases were once considered two different species. Some of the more obvious morphological differences are presented in Table 1. Intermediate characteristics may be found in shoots undergoing the transition from juvenile to adult. Previous investigations into the mechanism of transformation from one growth phase to another emphasized the physiological approach, using hormonal or day-length modification or similar treatments. Yet a cursory glance at
Basic Development of Hybrid Finite Element Method for Midfrequency Structural Vibrations

The theoretical development of a hybrid finite element method is presented. It combines conventional finite element analysis (FEA) with energy FEA (EFEA) to achieve a numerical solution to midfrequency vibrations. In the midfrequency range a system comprises some members that contain several wavelengths and some members with just a few wavelengths within their lengths. The former are considered long members, and they are modeled by the EFEA. The latter are considered short, and they are modeled by the FEA. The new formulation is based on deriving appropriate interface conditions at the joints between sections modeled by the EFEA and the FEA methods. The formulation for one flexural degree of freedom in colinear beams is presented in this fundamental development. The excitation is considered to be applied on a long member, and the response of the entire system is computed. Uncertainty effects are imposed only on the long members of the system. Validation cases for several configurations are presented. They compare closed-form analytical solutions to numerical results produced by the hybrid finite element method. Good correlation is observed for all analyses. The resonant behavior of the short members is captured correctly in the response of the system.
Analytic solution for adsorber breakthrough curves with bidisperse sorbents (zeolites)

A time-domain solution in the form of infinite series for the break-through curves is derived for zeolite adsorbers. Three diffusion steps are accounted for in the solution: external film, macropore, and micropore. The solution is based on the assumption that the concentration profiles in micropores and macropores are both parabolic. Based on the analytic solution, a simple criterion is given for the relative importance of the three individual mass transfer resistances. The adsorber behavior is determined by four independent dimensionless parameters. For the commercial zeolite sorbents, the bed behavior is dominated by two parameters: Henry's law constant (K) and the parameter M2, which is the product of the stoichiometric time (L/v) and the time constant for macropore diffusion (Dp/Ro2). The analytic solution is in good agreement with experimental data for the breakthrough curves of nitrogen and methane carried in helium in 5A zeolite beds. When reduced to monodisperse pores, the solution is also in good agreement with Rosen's exact solution.
Evaluation of Trained Teachers' Implementation of a Sex Education Curriculum.

Abstract This study evaluated the long-term implementation of the Understanding Sexuality (US) curriculum by teachers trained to use the curriculum. Cross-sectional written surveys were used to determine the extent to which teachers from 30 school corporations implemented US and factors related to this implementation. Although a majority of the schools (90.0 percent) and the teachers (66.7 percent) still utilize the US curriculum, many of the teachers failed to maintain implementation fidelity by modifying the lessons, using parts of the lessons, and integrating textbooks and other curricula into the module. The most important barriers to the implementation of US were insufficient time for sex education and the assignment of US trained teachers to other instructional areas. ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests revealed more favorable US perceptions and implementation practices among teachers who intended to attend a US reconvening workshop. Pearson product-moment correlation analyses revealed relationships betw...
On compactifiable strongly pseudoconvex threefolds

In contrast with the 2-dimensional case, we would like to exhibit here an example of a compactifiable strongly pseudoconvex threefold X such that a) the analytic Kodaira dimension κ(X)=3 and b) its exceptional subvariety S is projective algebraic; yet X is not quasi-projective.
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP): Revisiting the Efficacy of Sample Preparation, Sonication, Quantification of Sheared DNA, and Analysis via PCR

The “quantitative” ChIP, a tool commonly used to study protein-DNA interactions in cells and tissue, is a difficult assay often plagued with technical error. We present, herein, the process required to merge multiple protocols into a quick, reliable and easy method and an approach to accurately quantify ChIP DNA prior to performing PCR. We demonstrate that high intensity sonication for at least 30 min is required for full cellular disruption and maximum DNA recovery because ChIP lysis buffers fail to lyse formaldehyde-fixed cells. In addition, extracting ChIP DNA with chelex-100 yields samples that are too dilute for evaluation of shearing efficiency or quantification via nanospectrophotometry. However, DNA extracted from the Mock-ChIP supernatant via the phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (PCIA) method can be used to evaluate DNA shearing efficiency and used as the standard in a fluorescence-based microplate assay. This enabled accurate quantification of DNA in chelex-extracted ChIP samples and normalization to total DNA concentration prior to performing real-time PCR (rtPCR). Thus, a quick ChIP assay that can be completed in nine bench hours over two days has been validated along with a rapid, accurate and repeatable way to quantify ChIP DNA. The resulting rtPCR data more accurately depicts treatment effects on protein-DNA interactions of interest.
Factor analysis of the Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scales.

Observational coding systems are uniquely suited for investigating interactional processes in couples and families, but their validity in diverse populations is unknown. We addressed this issue by applying factor analysis to interactional data collected from couples in low-income neighborhoods and coded with the widely used Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scales (IFIRS). Our sample of 414 low-income, ethnically diverse newlywed couples each provided 24-min samples of problem-solving and social support behavior. Interrater reliabilities were strong, and the resultant factors--reflecting positive, negative, and effective communication--were very similar to those obtained with White middle-class samples. Additionally, couples were more negative, less positive, and less effective in problem-solving conversations than in socially supportive conversations, further supporting the validity of the IFIRS in this population. We conclude by discussing the strengths and shortcomings of the IFIRS when used in a low-income, ethnically diverse population.
Signal transduction of angiotensin II type 1 receptor through receptor tyrosine kinase.

Abstract In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, the angiotensin II (AngII) type-1 (AT 1 ) receptor generates growth-promoting signals via the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor system. This ‘transactivation’ mechanism now appears to be utilized by a variety of G-protein-coupled receptors in many cells. The AngII-induced EGF receptor transactivation leads to activation of downstream signaling molecules including Ras, ERK, c- fos , Akt/protein kinase B, and p70 S6 kinase. We propose three possible mechanisms may be involved in the transactivation, (i) an upstream tyrosine kinase, (ii) reactive oxygen species, and (iii) a juxtacrine activation of the EGF receptor ligand. Whether the EGF receptor signal transduction induced by AngII plays an essential role in cardiovascular remodeling remains to be investigated.
Developments In Lead-Salt Diode Lasers

Lead-chalcogenide diode lasers are useful as mid-infrared sources (2-1/2 <λ<30 µm), but have generally operated CW below 100K. A new materials system, PbEuSeTe, has been used to fabricate diode lasers operating from 10K (at 6.5 µm wavelength) up to 174K CW (at 4.4 μm) and up to 280K pulsed (at 3.8 µm). These are large optical cavity single quantum well devices grown by molecular beam epitaxy. These are currently the highest diode laser operating temperatures ever achieved at these wavelengths to our knowledge. Single ended output powers as high as 1 mW single mode (5 mW multimode) have been attained from mesa stripe diodes. These characteristics make these devices attractive for long wavelength fiber optic sensor/communications systems. The performance limits of these devices will be discussed.