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In this study, we present a rapid, cost-effective Python-driven computer vision approach to quantify the prevalent “gloppiness” phenomenon observed in complex fluids and gels. We discovered that rheology measurements obtained from commercial shear rheometers do show some hints, but do not exhibit a strong correlation with the extent of “gloppiness”. To measure the “gloppiness” level of laboratory-produced shower gel samples, we employed the rupture time of jetting flow and found a significant correlation with data gathered from the technical insight panelist team. While fully comprehending the “gloppiness” phenomenon remains a complex challenge, the Python-based computer vision technique utilizing jetting flow offers a promising, efficient, and affordable solution for assessing the degree of “gloppiness” for commercial liquid and gel products in the industry.

Objective: To review the available literature and identify factors associated with successful outcomes after varicocele repair (VR) in the setting of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Methods: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles. Primary outcomes were return of spontaneous spermatogenesis, sperm retrieval rates (SRRs), and unassisted and assisted pregnancy rates. Histopathological subtypes, when available, were used for subgroup analysis. Results: A total of 16 articles were finally included. The average sample size was 43 and average duration of follow-up was 10.5 months. The average rate of primary spermatogenesis after VR was 27.3%. The average SRR, across five studies in men with NOA undergoing microscopic testicular sperm extraction status after varicocelectomy, was 48.9% vs 32.1% for the untreated cohort groups, and the average spontaneous pregnancy rate was 5.24%. Histopathology subtype was a significant contributing factor when analysed. Conclusion: Varicocele repair should be considered in men with NOA, as it may allow some patients to avoid assisted reproductive technologies and improves success rates when utilised.

Carbon disulfide (CS2) is a highly volatile neurotoxic species. It is known to cause atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease and contributes significantly to sulfur-based pollutants. Therefore, effective detection and capture of carbon disulfide represents an important aspect of research efforts for the protection of human and environmental health. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of two strongly luminescent and robust isoreticular metal organic frameworks (MOFs) Zr6(µ3-O)4(OH)8(tcbpe)2(H2O)4 (here termed 1) and Zr6(µ3-O)4(OH)8(tcbpe-f)2(H2O)4 (here termed 2) and their use as fluorescent sensors for the detection of carbon disulfide. Both MOFs demonstrate a calorimetric bathochromic shift in the optical bandgap and strong luminescence quenching upon exposure to carbon disulfide. The interactions between carbon disulfide and the frameworks are analyzed by in-situ infrared spectroscopy and computational modelling by density functional theory. These results reveal that both the Zr metal node and organic ligand act as the preferential binding sites and interact strongly with carbon disulfide.

Flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hold great promise as smart materials for specific applications such as gas separation. These materials undergo interesting structural changes in response to guest molecules, which is often associated with unique adsorption behavior not possible for rigid MOFs. Understanding the dynamic behavior of flexible MOFs is crucial yet challenging as it involves weak host-guest interactions and subtle structural transformation not only at the atomic/molecular level but also in a nonsteady state. We report here an in-depth study on the adsorbate- and temperature-dependent adsorption in a flexible MOF by crystallizing atomic gases into its pores. Mn(ina)2 shows an interesting temperature-dependent response toward noble gases. Its nonmonotonic, temperature-dependent adsorption profile results in an uptake maximum at a temperature threshold, a phenomenon that is unusual. Full characterization of Xe-loaded MOF structures is performed by in situ single-crystal and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and molecular modeling. The X-ray diffraction analysis offers a detailed explanation into the dynamic structural transformation and provides a convincing rationalization of the unique adsorption behavior at the molecular scale. The guest and temperature dependence of the structural breathing gives rise to an intriguing reverse of Xe/Kr adsorption selectivity as a function of temperature. The presented work may provide further understanding of the adsorption behavior of noble gases in flexible MOF structures.

Combining synthesis, infrared spectroscopy, and ab initio modeling we show that the titanium-based porous framework Ti-MOF-74 has potential as an environmental nitric oxide (NO) scavenger, exhibiting an extraordinarily strong binding affinity and selectivity over other flue-gas components. The robustness upon exposure to water vapor and high flue-gas stack temperatures suggests that this material can perform well in an industrial environment. In-depth analysis of the Ti-NO bond indicates that the NO forms a strong covalent bond with the Ti. The process of this NO bond formation involves a reaction with the OH- capping groups of the Ti to form NOx groups, after which the excess NO binds to the open Ti metal sites. Ti-MOF-74 thus becomes, to the best of our knowledge, the first known porous framework that binds NO significantly stronger than water, providing novel avenues for environmental and physiological scavenging applications.

Modification of the external surfaces of metal-organic frameworks offers a new level of control over their adsorption behavior. It was previously shown that capping of MOFs with ethylenediamine (EDA) can effectively retain small gaseous molecules at room temperature. Reported here is a temperature-induced variation in the capping-layer gate-opening mechanism through a combination of in situ infared experiments and ab initio simulations of the capping layer. An atypical acceleration and increase in the loading of weakly adsorbed molecules upon raising the temperature above room temperature is observed. These findings show the discovery of novel temperature-dependent kinetics that goes beyond standard kinetics and suggest a new avenue for tailoring selective adsorption by thermally tuning the surface barrier.

Atomic-level understanding of the gate-opening phenomenon in flexible porous materials is an important step toward learning how to control, design, and engineer them for applications such as the separation of gases from complex mixtures. Here, we report such mechanistic insight through an in-depth study of the pressure-induced gate-opening phenomenon in our earlier reported metal-organic framework (MOF) Zn(dps)

Fluorosis has been regarded as a worldwide disease that seriously diminishes the quality of life through skeletal embrittlement and hepatic damage. Effective detection and removal of fluorinated chemical species such as fluoride ions (F−) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from drinking water are of great importance for the sake of human health. Aiming to develop water-stable, highly selective and sensitive fluorine sensors, we have designed a new luminescent MOF In(tcpp) using a chromophore ligand 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)pyrazine (H4tcpp). In(tcpp) exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for turn-on detection of F− and turn-off detection of PFOA with a detection limit of 1.3 μg L−1 and 19 μg L−1, respectively. In(tcpp) also shows high recyclability and can be reused multiple times for F− detection. The mechanisms of interaction between In(tcpp) and the analytes are investigated by several experiments and DFT calculations. These studies reveal insightful information concerning the nature of F− and PFOA binding within the MOF structure. In addition, In(tcpp) also acts as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of F− (36.7 mg g−1) and PFOA (980.0 mg g−1). It is the first material that is not only capable of switchable sensing of F− and PFOA but also competent for removing the pollutants via different functional groups., A robust In-MOF, In(tcpp), demonstrates sensitive detection of the fluorinated chemical species F− and PFOA via distinctly different luminescence signal change, and effective adsorption and removal of both species from aqueous solution.

We investigate the much debated mechanism that leads to an enhancement of the photoluminescence upon small aromatic molecule adsorption in the Zn-based metal–organic framework (MOF) material Zn2(bd...

We uncover the exact mechanisms that lead to a quenching of the photoluminescence in a Zn-based metal organic framework (MOF) material upon nitroaromatic molecule adsorption. We present evidence based on ab initio simulations, coupled with in situ IR spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements, showing that quenching occurs as the result of a shift of the lowest unoccupied orbital from the MOF host to the guest molecule. Our results provide a mechanistic understanding of quenching of photoluminescence in MOFs and are of importance for chemical sensing applications, where they aid the design of novel MOFs with increased sensing selectivity.

Inorganic semiconductor materials are best known for their superior physical properties, as well as their structural rigidity and stability. However, the poor solubility and solution-processability of these covalently bonded network structures has long been a serious drawback that limits their use in many important applications. Here, we present a unique and general approach to synthesize robust, solution-processable, and highly luminescent hybrid materials built on periodic and infinite inorganic modules. Structure analysis confirms that all compounds are composed of one-dimensional anionic chains of copper iodide (CumIm+22-) coordinated to cationic organic ligands via Cu-N bonds. The choice of ligands plays an important role in the coordination mode (μ1-MC or μ2-DC) and Cu-N bond strength. Greatly suppressed nonradiative decay is achieved for the μ2-DC structures. Record high quantum yields of 85% (λex = 360 nm) and 76% (λex = 450 nm) are obtained for an orange-emitting 1D-Cu4I6(L6). Temperature dependent PL measurements suggest that both phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence contribute to the emission of these 1D-AIO compounds, and that the extent of nonradiative decay of the μ2-DC structures is much less than that of the μ1-DC structures. More significantly, all compounds are remarkably soluble in polar aprotic solvents, distinctly different from previously reported CuI based hybrid materials made of charge-neutral CumXm (X = Cl, Br, I), which are totally insoluble in all common solvents. The greatly enhanced solubility is a result of incorporation of ionic bonds into extended covalent/coordinate network structures, making it possible to fabricate large scale thin films by solution processes.

We report the sequential, quantitative loading of transition-metal ions (Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+) onto the surface of rod-shaped anatase TiO2 nanocrystals in bimetallic combinations (6C2 = 15) to form M,M′-TiO2 nanocrystals. The materials were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–visible spectroscopy. TEM and XRD data indicate that the sequential adsorption of metal ions occurs with the retention of the phase and morphology of the nanocrystal. Atomistic models of the M,M′-TiO2 nanocrystals were optimized with density functional theory calculations. Calculated UV–visible absorption spectra and partial charge density maps of the donor and acceptor states for the electronic transitions indicate the importance of metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT) processes.

Background: Research on altered motivational processes in ADHD has focused on reward. The sensitivity of children with ADHD to punishment has received limited attention. We evaluated the effects of punishment on the behavioral allocation of children with and without ADHD from the United States, New Zealand, and Japan, applying the generalized matching law. Methods: Participants in two studies (Furukawa et al., 2017, 2019) were 210 English-speaking (145 ADHD) and 93 Japanese-speaking (34 ADHD) children. They completed an operant task in which they chose between playing two simultaneously available games. Rewards became available every 10 seconds on average, arranged equally across the two games. Responses on one game were punished four times as often as responses on the other. The asymmetrical punishment schedules should bias responding to the less punished alternative. Results: Compared with controls, children with ADHD from both samples allocated significantly more responses to the less frequently punished game, suggesting greater behavioral sensitivity to punishment. For these children, the bias toward the less punished alternative increased with time on task. Avoiding the more punished game resulted in missed reward opportunities and reduced earnings. English-speaking controls showed some preference for the less punished game. The behavior of Japanese controls was not significantly influenced by the frequency of punishment, despite slowed response times after punished trials and immediate shifts away from the punished game, indicating awareness of punishment. Conclusion: Punishment exerted greater control over the behavior of children with ADHD, regardless of their cultural background. This may be a common characteristic of the disorder. Avoidance of punishment led to poorer task performance. Caution is required in the use of punishment, especially with children with ADHD. The group difference in punishment sensitivity was more pronounced in the Japanese sample; this may create a negative halo effect for children with ADHD in this culture.

Effective capture of radioactive organic iodides from nuclear waste remains a significant challenge due to the drawbacks of current adsorbents such as low uptake capacity, high cost, and non-recyclability. We report here a general approach to overcome this challenge by creating radioactive organic iodide molecular traps through functionalization of metal-organic framework materials with tertiary amine-binding sites. The molecular trap exhibits a high CH3I saturation uptake capacity of 71 wt% at 150 °C, which is more than 340% higher than the industrial adsorbent Ag0@MOR under identical conditions. These functionalized metal-organic frameworks also serve as good adsorbents at low temperatures. Furthermore, the resulting adsorbent can be recycled multiple times without loss of capacity, making recyclability a reality. In combination with its chemical and thermal stability, high capture efficiency and low cost, the adsorbent demonstrates promise for industrial radioactive organic iodides capture from nuclear waste. The capture mechanism was investigated by experimental and theoretical methods., Capturing radioactive organic iodides from nuclear waste is important for safe nuclear energy usage, but remains a significant challenge. Here, Li and co-workers fabricate a stable metal–organic framework functionalized with tertiary amine groups that exhibits high capacities for radioactive organic iodides uptake.

Spin-resolved charge transfer dynamics at the interface of a Co(NH3)2-doped (001) anatase TiO2 nanowire and liquid water calculations based on density functional theory and density matrix formalism are considered. Three models with the same stoichiometry but different electronic structure are explored. While one model had no change to electron count and spin count (neutral model), the other two models were assigned a charge of 2+, one in a doublet and the other a quartet spin configuration. Co2+ is the most probable state for dopant in all models and Co acts as an electron acceptor. The optical absorption spectra show a rather unique pattern post 400 nm where the α and β absorptions happen independently at different frequency ranges. Essentially, the relaxation dynamics can be controlled as when an α electron is excited, there is a near zero probability of a β electron also undergoing an excitation and vice versa. The isolated exemption is between 400 and 650 nm in the neutral model. All the models absorb...

Management of pyogenic hepatic abscesses (PHA) varies among surgeons and institutions. Recent studies have advocated for first-line percutaneous drainage (PD) of all accessible hepatic abscesses, with surgery reserved as rescue only. Our study aimed to internally validate an established multimodal algorithm for PHA at a high-volume hepatopancreatobiliary center. Patients treated by the hepatopancreatobiliary service for PHA were retrospectively reviewed from 2008 through 2018. The algorithm defined intended first-line treatment as antibiotics for type I abscesses (3 cm), PD for type II (≥3, unilocular), and surgical intervention (minimally invasive drainage or resection, when possible) for type III (≥3 cm, multilocular). Outcomes were compared between patients who received first-line treatment following the algorithm

International audience; Gold nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit optical, catalytic, and physical properties that are scientifically fascinating and essential for many applications. However, the challenge is to synthesize and disperse ultra-small and highly stable NPs. We demonstrate here that isolated and ultra-small (~1 nm) Au NPs can be synthesized by photo-reduction of HAuCl4 inside thiol-functionalized MOFs, including MIL-101 (Cr) and a novel class of MOFs, MOF-808-SH. A combination of physical, imaging, spectroscopic measurements, and ab initio calculations confirms that the Au NPs are dispersed inside the bulk of the MOFs and demonstrate that the thiol group is critical to stabilize the Au NPs deeply inside individual pores which overcomes the major issue of external nucleation on the outer surfaces. The thiol-functionalized MOFs thus fulfill a dual purpose: they foster the nucleation of the Au NP and also provide confinement and a framework that keeps the NPs separate. Moreover, the stability of NPs is tested by a series of wet chemical processes (transmetalation) and photocatalytic water reduction. Spectroscopic and TEM studies of the system after these chemical tests show that the Au NPs are remarkably stable (

Background The behavioral sensitivity of children with ADHD to punishment has received limited theoretical and experimental attention. This study evaluated the effects of punishment on the response allocation of children with ADHD and typically developing children. Method Two hundred and ten children, 145 diagnosed with ADHD, completed an operant task in which they chose between playing two simultaneously available games. Reward was arranged symmetrically across the games under concurrent variable interval schedules. Asymmetric punishment schedules were superimposed; responses on one game were punished four times as often as responses on the other. Results Both groups allocated more of their responses to the less frequently punished alternative. Response bias increased significantly in the ADHD group during later trials, resulting in missed reward trials and reduced earnings. Conclusions Punishment exerted greater control over the response allocation of children with ADHD with increased time on task. Children with ADHD appear more sensitive to the cumulative effects of punishment than typically developing children.

Background Altered sensitivity to positive reinforcement has been hypothesized to contribute to the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we evaluated the ability of children with and without ADHD to adapt their behavior to changing reinforcer availability. Method Of one hundred sixty-seven children, 97 diagnosed with ADHD completed a signal-detection task in which correct discriminations between two stimuli were associated with different frequencies of reinforcement. The response alternative associated with the higher rate of reinforcement switched twice during the task without warning. For a subset of participants, this was followed by trials for which no reinforcement was delivered, irrespective of performance. Results Children in both groups developed an initial bias toward the more frequently reinforced response alternative. When the response alternative associated with the higher rate of reinforcement switched, the children's response allocation (bias) followed suit, but this effect was significantly smaller for children with ADHD. When reinforcement was discontinued, only children in the control group modified their response pattern. Conclusions Children with ADHD adjust their behavioral responses to changing reinforcer availability less than typically developing children, when reinforcement is intermittent and the association between an action and its consequences is uncertain. This may explain the difficulty children with ADHD have adapting their behavior to new situations, with different reinforcement contingencies, in daily life.

Atomistic modeling of light driven electron dynamics are important in studies of photoactive materials. Spin-resolved electronic structure calculations become necessary when dealing with transition metal, magnetic, and even some carbon materials, intermediates, and radicals. An approximate treatment can be pursued in the basis of spin-collinear density functional theory. Most transition-metal compounds exhibit open shell nonsinglet configurations, necessitating special treatment of electrons with α/β spin projections. By separate treatment of electronic states with the α/β spin components one is able to describe a broader range of materials, identify new channels of relaxation and charge transfer, and provide knowledge for rational design of new materials in solar energy harvesting and information storage. For this methodology, named spin-resolved electron dynamics, spin-polarized DFT is used as the basis to implement nonadiabatic molecular dynamics. At ambient temperatures, the thermal lattice vibrations...

in memoriam Tobin Siebers # Introduction {#article-title-2} ### Questions Drawing on diverse interdisciplinary perspectives (encompassing literature, history, sociology, visual art, and, more recently, music), the field of disability studies offers a sociopolitical analysis of disability

We report the sequential, quantitative loading of transition-metal ions (Cr

The confined porous environment of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is an attractive system for studying reaction mechanisms. Compared to flat oxide surfaces, MOFs have the key advantage that they exhibit a well-defined structure and present significantly fewer challenges in experimental characterization. As an example of an important reaction, we study here the dissociation of water—which plays a critical role in biology, chemistry, and materials science—in MOFs and show how the knowledge of the structure in this confined environment allows for an unprecedented level of understanding and control. In particular, combining in-situ infrared spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, we show that the water dissociation reaction can be selectively controlled inside Zn-MOF-74 by alcohol, through both chemical and physical interactions. Methanol is observed to speed up water dissociation by 25% to 100%, depending on the alcohol partial pressure. On the other hand, co-adsorption of isopropanol reduces the speed of the water reaction, due mostly to steric interactions. In addition, we also investigate the stability of the product state after the water dissociation has occurred and find that the presence of additional water significantly stabilizes the dissociated state. Our results show that precise control of reactions within nano-porous materials is possible, opening the way for advances in fields ranging from catalysis to electrochemistry and sensors.

Coadsorption of multicomponents in metal–organic framework (MOF) materials can lead to a number of cooperative effects, such as modification of adsorption sites or during transport. In this work, we explore the incorporation of NH3 and H2O into MOFs preloaded with small molecules such as CO, CO2, and SO2. We find that NH3 (or H2O) first displaces a certain amount of preadsorbed molecules in the outer portion of MOF crystallites, and then substantially hinders diffusion. Combining in situ spectroscopy with first-principles calculations, we show that hydrogen bonding between NH3 (or H2O) is responsible for an increase of a factor of 7 and 8 in diffusion barrier of CO and CO2 through the MOF channels. Understanding such cooperative effects is important for designing new strategies to enhance adsorption in nanoporous materials.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocrystals are promising materials for photo-electrochemical water splitting. This study focuses on how surface dopant placement can affect the electronic properties. TiO2 anatase thin films are doped two ways: a cobalt ion replacing a surface titanium ion (surface ingrained) and a cobalt ion chemisorbed to two surface oxygen ions and two NH3 ligands. Specifically, when studying the binding pattern, the cobalt ion dopant changes from an electron acceptor for the surface ingrained model to an electron donor for the chemisorbed model. The optical absorption peaks of the surface ingrained model are attributed to p→d transitions and are much stronger when compared to the d→d transitions for the chemisorbed model. It is the conclusion of this computational study that one can alter the cobalt dopant on the anatase thin film to focus a positive or negative charge at the surface by changing the surface dopant location.

Michael Nyman’s 1986 operaThe Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, with a libretto based on Oliver Sacks’s “clinical tale” of the same title, functions as a meta-opera at several levels: it is a book within an opera, a neurological case study within an opera, and an ongoing internal song recital within an opera. Most of all, it is a clinical tale—the only narrative medicine opera in the modern operatic repertoire. This essay draws connections between Nyman’s opera—a staged musical work based on one doctor’s subjective experience diagnosing a unique pathology—and a socially constructed model of disability. Nyman’s opera and subsequent scholarship on the piece would seem to humanize disability through the guise of narrative medical practice; but, actually, the medical model, with all its potential for devastation, remains in place throughout.

Cirque du Soleil produces sold-out performances worldwide on a nightly basis. They are a global circus featuring bodies from almost every continent and many nationalities, and it is universally acknowledged that the nouveau circus troupe’s performers seem to defy gravity and bodily physics. Musical otherness—here another extraordinary, multiplicitous body—comingles with bodily otherness in Cirque du Soleil’s productions, which intersect with turn-of-the-century side shows and freak shows. From cleaned-up hip-hop tracks to countertenors (La Nouba, 1999), and Tuvan throat singers to Bulgarian chorus (Worlds Away, 2012), the Cirque delivers a soundtrack so unrecognizable to the listener that the audience is normalized via the universal estranging effect of the music. Cirque du Soleil’s support of emergent artists such as freak show photographer Wayne Schoenfeld further reinforces the circus’s concrete practice of freakery in a visual context.

The new, interdisciplinary field of Disability Studies offers a sociopolitical analysis of disability, focusing on its social construction and shifting attention from biology to culture. Within music, disability has been shown to be a core feature of the musical identity of music makers (especially composers and performers), often an identity that is affirmatively claimed in the face of widespread stigma. It has also inflected reception of the lives and work of composers and performers. Although music is a famously nonrepresentational art form, scholars have shown that musical works represent disability in various ways. Furthermore, music has proven a fertile ground for exploring the contention within Disability Studies that disability (like gender) can be understood as a performance: something you do rather than something you are. In all of these ways, disability both shapes and is shaped by culture, including musical culture.

Using computational approaches, one is able to better understand electron transfer and specific atomistic behaviors in semiconductor materials; it is also more cost and time effective than experimental methods. If computed semiconductor characteristics show promise, experimentalists can synthesize and further examine the structure. Specifically, doping TiO2 thin film surfaces with platinum and ruthenium have shown great promise for efficient H2 production and is beneficial in comparison to other materials such as the pure silicon used for most of today's solar cells. In computational studies, TiO2 anatase thin film (100) surfaces are doped with platinum and ruthenium. The formulas used are Pt2Ti32O72H16 or Ru2Ti32O72H16 with the (100) crystallographic surface exposed and covered with a monolayer of water. Optimization is completed by density functional theory and Perdue Burke Ernzerhof, (PBE) in Vienna Ab-initio simulation package (VASP) software. The density of states, absorption spectra, and partial charge densities are compared between slabs doped by the two elements as well as Ti32 O72H16 with no dopant as a standard for reference. The information can be used to show the mechanism of how doping the titanium dioxide nanocrystals facilitates photoinduced charge transfer at the surfaces, which is useful in understanding photoelectrochemical water splitting. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

��� Life’s but a walking shadow; a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

Voicing Gender: Castrati, Travesti, and the Second Woman in Early-Nineteenth-Century Italian Opera. By Naomi Andre. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 2006. 230 pp. It's 7:36 p.m. As I tighten the Ace bandage that flattens my breasts to my torso, I sympathize with a woman reflected in the mirror who complains that her facial stubble has rubbed off. Slipping into high-heeled loafers and a satin vest, I steal a glance at yet another costumed figure; she laughs and nibbles on green olives, careful not to spoil her full-skirted dress. In about twenty minutes she and I will sing a love duet, but she will fall for the tenor and perish before the night is through. In her book Voicing Gender: Castrati, Travesti, and the Second Woman in Early-Nineteenth-Century Italian Opera Naomi Andre confronts the complex issue of gender dynamics in primo ottocento opera. Although Andre asks a familiar, fundamental feminist question ("why do the heroines of Romantic opera die at the end?"), her study cleverly unpacks this query through a multivalent approach that incorporates not only documentary evidence about performers and performance practice but also a blend of postmodern criticism and personal experience. Rather than placing emphasis on female opera heroines' collective and untimely demise, Andre theorizes the phenomenon of the treble voice in opera, whether that voice emanates from the physical form of a heroic castrato, a cross-dressed mezzo such as the one I played above, or a swooning soprano diva. The voice, a fact of opera, passes through the singer's body and demands to be heard; yet listening to women in primo ottocento opera reveals a startling hybridity that is ripe for analysis. In Andre's words, her project "is a critical intervention in theorizing voice more historically and historicizing voice more theoretically" (12). She skillfully connects the history of castrati to sopranos en travesti, linking them to distinct types of women characters in Italian opera and, finally, to the heroines of post-1830 operas by Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi. To the burgeoning body of feminist opera scholarship of the past two decades Andre contributes a meticulously researched guide to an undersung period in Italian opera. The strength of the study lies in the author's willingness to theorize primo ottocento operatic voices as sites of power and meaning that deliver certain cultural codes, including gender ideologies, to audiences. Taking her cue from the discipline of art history, Andre adapts Baxandall's concept of "period eye"--"the skills based in cultural experience that a person brings to interpreting visual art of a certain period" (181)--to a similar, culturally informed way of listening. Andre's term "period ear" denotes the aural experience of the listener, who "takes into account other roles the performer has sung and infuses the action onstage with the added drama of this broader information." Accordingly, when a female opera singer en travesti stepped onto the stage to sing in the early nineteenth century, listeners experienced the haunting aural memory of the castrato, initiating a circular renegotiation of both the visual image of the performer and the sound of the voice. Indeed, Andre's study highlights the liminal spaces between binary pairs; aural-visual, male-female, onstage-offstage, and art-technique each breaks down when "period ear" enters into the analysis of primo ottocento operas and performances, rupturing established social and sexual codes (49). Andre has written her book using a thoroughly nonpositivist methodology, from the quasi-musical form of the book (prelude, chapters, interlude, chapters, coda) to its central idea, hearing women in opera. Instead of first selecting an opera and then deciding what to write about it, Andre brings multiple theories, scores, images, and pedagogical treatises to the writing table in her quest to understand how listening to women in the context of opera clarifies their roles as dramatic characters and as members of nineteenth-century society. …

Atomistic details of electron transfer in semiconductor materials are characterized for TiO2 thin film surfaces doped with nickel. A periodic slab model of eight atomic layers exposes the (1 0 0) crystallographic surface and is covered with a monolayer of water. The density of states, absorption spectra, partial charge densities, molecular dynamics, and non-adiabatic couplings are compared between doped and undoped models. Our results show that Ni doping improves several electronic properties including lowering the band gap, increasing visible light absorption, and shortening the relaxation time of holes rather than electrons, which maximizes charge separation. The different mechanisms of electron and hole dynamics are discussed. The computed characteristics of a doped semiconductor material have practical potential for increasing efficiency of a photo-electrochemical cells.

Alex Lubet has been a pioneer in the field of music and disability, and his recent monograph Music, Disability, and Society is a major contribution. The strength of Lubet’s book lies in the sense o...