cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring Preservice Teacher Perspectives on Video Games as Learning Tools

AbstractDespite their popularity with learners, many K–12 teachers are reluctant to use video games as learning tools. Addressing issues surrounding this reluctance is important since the educational use of video games is supported by learning theory and an emerging research base. Specifically, this study adopts exploratory research as a means to examine the perceptions of preservice teachers before and after using a set of video games as teaching and learning tools. A convenience sampling method was used with 41 preservice teachers. Data collected came from a researcher-developed survey instrument that queried participants’ perceptions of the value of videogames as learning tools. Findings indicated that although a majority agreed that video games can support many specific teaching and learning tasks, many remain skeptical of their value in classroom settings, with many of those participants also doubting their ability to successfully integrate video games into their teaching. In terms of willingness to ...
Rapid procedure for the isolation of polyfunctional amino acids in elastin

Abstract A rapid technique for the isolation of the elastin crosslinks, desmosine, isodesmosine, and lysinonorleucine, is reported. Elastin hydrolysates were fractionated by ion-exchange chromatography using volatile buffers. 95% of the desmosine and 86% of the lysinonorleucine were recovered.
Tubule orientation and the fatigue strength of human dentin.

Abstract In this study the influence of tubule orientation on the strength of human dentin under static and cyclic loads was examined. Rectangular beams were sectioned from the coronal dentin of virgin extracted molars ( N = 83 ) and then loaded in quasi-static 4-point flexure or 4-point flexural fatigue to failure. The flexure strength, energy to fracture and fatigue strength were evaluated for specimens with the dentin tubules aligned parallel ( θ = 0 ° ) and perpendicular ( θ = 90 ° ) to the plane of maximum normal stress. Results from monotonic loading showed that both the flexural strength and energy to fracture of dentin specimens with θ = 0 ° were significantly greater than those with θ = 90 ° . Furthermore, the apparent endurance strength of dentin with θ = 0 ° (44 MPa) was significantly greater than that of the dentin with θ = 90 ° (24 MPa). The ratio of apparent endurance strength (for fully reversed loading) to the flexure strength for θ = 0 ° and θ = 90 ° was 0.41 and 0.28, respectively. Although the influence of tubule orientation was most important to mechanical behavior, the flexure strength and energy to fracture also decreased with an increase in tubule density. According to differences in the fatigue strength with tubule orientation, restorative practices promoting large cyclic normal stresses perpendicular to the tubules would be more likely to facilitate fatigue failure in dentin with cyclic loading.
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF CARBON NANOTUBES WITH DEFECTS

The high thermal conductivities of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) measured experimentally and predicted from theory suggest that they are good candidates for next-generation thermal management materials. The quantities of CNTs needed in applications preclude the use of pristine products. Limited work, however, has been done to study thermal transport in CNTs with defects. In this paper, the thermal conductivities of pristine CNTs and CNTs with various defect types (adatoms, single vacancies, double vacancies, and Stone-Wales) are systematically predicted using molecular dynamics simulation and a direct application of the Fourier law. We investigate the correlation between the thermal conductivity and defect energy.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
PXR: a xenobiotic receptor of diverse function implicated in pharmacogenetics.

The pregnane X receptor (PXR; NR1I2), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, regulates the expression of drug-metabolic enzymes and transporters involved in the responses of mammals to their chemical environment. The same enzyme and transporter systems are also involved in the homeostasis of numerous endogenous chemicals. The regulatory function of PXR is implicated in normal physiology and diseases, such as drug–drug interactions, hepatic steatosis, vitamin D homeostasis, bile acids homeostasis, steroid hormones homeostasis and inflammatory bowel diseases. As such, any genetic variations of this receptor could potentially have widespread effects on the disposition of xenobiotics and endobiotics. Knowledge concerning the genetic polymorphisms of PXR may help to understand the variations in human drug response and ensure safe drug use. The correlation of PXR genetic polymorphisms with several disease conditions also suggests that this receptor may represent a valid therapeutic for hepato-intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Ignorability and Parameter Estimation in Longitudinal Pharmacokinetic Studies

In the analysis of longitudinal pharmacokinetic data, both balanced (equal number of samples per subject) and unbalanced data are used. It is implicitly assumed that the process that caused the missing data can be ignored. A simulation study was performed to determine the effect of ignoring the missing data (i.e., "ignorability") on the accuracy and precision of parameter estimation in longitudinal pharmacokinetic studies. A two-compartment model with multiple intravenous bolus inputs was assumed. Subjects with balanced data sets had six samples, and those with unbalanced data had 1 to 5 samples missing (i.e., supplied in a decreasing order from 5 to 1 samples). The proportion of subjects with 1 to 5 samples missing varied from 25% to 75% in a fixed sample size of 100. The effect of ignorability was studied at intersubject variability ranging from 15% to 60% for a drug assumed to be dosed at its elimination half-life. One hundred replicate data sets of 100 subjects each were simulated for each missing data scenario. The accuracy of parameter estimation was not significantly affected by the amount of ignorable missing data at any given level of variability. However, the precision of parameter estimation was affected by the degree of "missingness."
Heterogeneity of neutral ribonuclease II and ribonuclease II-inhibitor complex from mouse skeletal muscle.

Abstract Using either DEAE-cellulose chromatography or pH 4–6 isoelectric focusing, we have separated mouse skeletal muscle neutral RNAase II-inhibitor complex into two fractions (designated α and β).para-Hydroxymercuriphenylsulfonate-induced dissociation/inactivation of the inhibitor yields free RNAase II enzyme fractions with differing pH profiles, CM-cellulose chromatographic behavior and reactivity with the RNAase II inhibitor of human placenta. However, the free RNAase fractions react equally with purified inhibitor from skeletal muscle and are not separable by pH 8–9.5 isoelectric focusing. These data suggest that mouse skeletal muscle has two heterogeneous forms of RNAase II. Additionally, heterologous RNAase II inhibitors may be used as investigational tools when probing neutral RNAase II heterogeneity.
Production chains and aggregate output volatility

Abstract A production chain's aggregate output volatility depends upon a number of factors including the number of firms in a chain, the management strategy of the firms, the point at which products are differentiated, lead times, and the persistence of demand shocks. The influence of these factors is quantified here with an N -firm model of the production chain. Under pure production-to-stock (PTS), the firms in the chain respond simultaneously to a demand shock producing a positive covariance across firms that raises aggregate volatility. Under production to order (PTO), the chain's response to a demand shock is staggered but when demand shocks are persistent there is a catch-up effect that raises the volatility of each firm's production above that of a firm that under PTS. Nevertheless, PTO chains typically exhibit less volatility than PTS chains thanks to the covariance effect. Further simulations demonstrate that the production chain stabilizes as the number of production cycles in an observation period increases.
Dis-connections in “American” Citizenship and the Post/neo-colonial: People of Mexican Descent and Whitestream2 Pedagogy and Curriculum

Abstract In efforts to create “good” and “responsible” citizens, social educators have sought solutions (assimilation, acculturation, etc.) to the “problem” of racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity in U.S. society (Houser & Kuzmic, 2001). The “greater good” of this neo-colonial endeavor often focuses on maintaining the privileges of the white, upper middle class, whose cultural capital is the model of its hegemonic social normality (Cary, 2001). This article uses a postcolonial and cultural studies lens to challenge this denial of connected citizenship to historically colonized, subaltern groups in U.S. society, since being “American” has historically implied and still implicitly implies being “white” (Ladson- Billings, 2004). The main focus of this article is on Chicana/o educators as they reflect on their K-12 social studies experiences and how these experiences shaped their notions of their citizenship status in U.S. society. The narratives reveal an unequal, denied, racialized, and disconnected mem...
Structure-Activity Relationships among In Vivo Active Germacranolides

Abstract Nine structurally related germacranolides from Eupatorium semiserratum and Eriophyllum confertiflorum were assayed in two standard tumor systems (PS and KB) to determine the structural features required for in v ivo antileukemic activity. The moieties necessary for in vivo activity were found to be an α,β -unsaturated ester side chain adjacent to the Α γ -lactone and either a primary or secondary allylic alcohol or both.
Integrating incretin-based therapy into type 2 diabetes management.

1proposed that 6 other defects also contribute to glucose intolerance in T2DM. Among this “ominous octet” of defects, the role of the incretin hormones in the gastrointestinal system has been increasingly recognized. Known as the incretin effect, this phenomenon may be responsible for up to 70% of insulin secre tion in response to oral glucose or a meal in healthy individuals. 2 Of the in
Targeted gene delivery to telencephalic inhibitory neurons by directional in utero electroporation

Telencephalic inhibitory neurons originate in the ganglionic eminences and migrate to the cerebral cortex following a tangential trajectory, before they differentiate and integrate within the local circuitry. Current studies of interneuron development and function benefit from the use of knock-out and transgenic mice, whereas none take advantage of the versatility of in utero electroporation. Here, we show how in utero electroporation can be directed to the ganglionic eminences to specifically target gene expression to interneurons. Electroporation of GFP-encoding plasmids into the ganglionic eminences results in selective labeling of migrating interneurons during development. In the adult brain of electroporated animals, a wide variety of cortical, hippocampal and olfactory bulb interneurons are labeled. We also show that GFP-expressing interneurons can be visualized in living slices of adult cerebral cortex, where they display normal electrophysiological properties. Photostimulation studies using acute slices show that cortical GFP+ interneurons receive normal, layer-specific synaptic input, indicating that these neurons integrate within the local cortical circuitry. Ganglionic eminence-directed in utero electroporation is therefore an effective, rapid, and versatile method of selectively transfecting telencephalic interneurons, optimal for both developmental studies and adult functional studies.
Comparative Urodynamics of Appendiceal and Ureteral Mitrofanoff Conduits in Children

AbstractWe report the cystometric and conduit pressure profilometric findings of 20 children for whom the Mitrofanoff principle was applied to the construction of 21 continent catheterizable urinary conduits. Mitrofanoff conduits were fashioned from ureter in 10 cases, appendix in 8, ileum in 1, stomach in 1 and a combination appendix and ureter in 1. Conduit pressure profiles showed that functional profile length correlated strongly with the static profile maximal Mitrofanoff closure pressure (p = 0.04) and dynamic profile maximal Mitrofanoff closure pressure (p = 0.02). There was a statistically significant difference between clinical continence rates for children above and below the functional profile length threshold of 2.0 cm. (p = 0.05). The zone of continence corresponded to the region of the conduit intramural tunnel. Only 2 of 21 conduits were incontinent but both were constructed with ureters implanted into bowel reservoirs. Compared to appendiceal conduits, ureteral conduits had a lower functio...
An efficient decision procedure for UTVPI constraints

A unit two variable per inequality (UTVPI) constraint is of the form a.x+b.y ≤ d where x and y are integer variables, the coefficients a,b ∈ {–1,0,1} and the bound d is an integer constant. This paper presents an efficient decision procedure for UTVPI constraints. Given m such constraints over n variables, the procedure checks the satisfiability of the constraints in O(n.m) time and O(n+m) space. This improves upon the previously known O(n2.m) time and O(n2) space algorithm based on transitive closure. Our decision procedure is also equality generating, proof generating, and model generating.
A comparison of WLS and LS reconstruction for PET

The realizable advantages from statistical reconstruction of positron emission tomography (PET) images remains an unsettled issue. Different iterative reconstruction schemes and convergence effects can lead to different levels of regularization in images. To assess the performance, an analytic approach was used to examine the noise levels of weighted least squares (WLS) and least squares (LS) image reconstruction under the same regularization. For certain non-trivial conditions on the error covariance (weighting) matrix, it was shown that WLS is equivalent to LS reconstruction in a mean square error sense, even when the sinogram noise is not uniform. Also, an approach was proposed for matching the regularization between WLS and LS iterative reconstruction. Computer simulations showed that WLS leads to only a marginally small reduction in noise compared to LS reconstruction at the same resolution.
EFFECT OF NON-DARCIAN FLOW ON TIME RATE OF CONSOLIDATION

Abstract The effect of non-Darcian flow on the consolidation behavior of clay soils is studied, and its role in the extrapolation of laboratory test results to field problems is evaluated. This is accomplished by postulating a reasonably general four-parameter velocity-gradient relationship which, by proper choice of parameters, is capable of characterizing much of the published experimental data; then, this relationship is combined with the standard assumptions of classical consolidation theory to develop a nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation, which is solved by use of a finite difference technique. The stability and convergence criteria for related linear and quasi-linear equations are empirically extended to the associated nonlinear equations, and a comparison is made between various explicit and implicit finite difference schemes, with the result that a sufficiently accurate and more economical numerical solution is obtained by use of an explicit scheme. Typical solutions for various specific cases confirm and offer an explanation for the well-known phenomenon wherein the time rate of consolidation is found to decrease as the load increment decreases; also, the thickness of the consolidating layer is shown to affect the dimensionless time rate of consolidation. These conditions indicate that laboratory consolidation test results can be applied to a field situation only if appropriate stress and thickness corrections are made.
Frequency-multiplexed in vivo multiphoton phosphorescence lifetime microscopy

A parallel implementation of multifocal multiphoton modulation microscopy allows simultaneous phosphorescent lifetime and intensity imaging in vivo at speeds 100 times faster than conventional configurations. Three-dimensional imaging of a phosphorescent quenching dye is also presented.
Influenza vaccination of recommended adult populations, U.S., 1989–2005 ☆

Summary Objective To assess influenza vaccination coverage among recommended adult populations in the United States. Methods Data from the 1989 to 2005 National Health Interview Surveys (NHISs), weighted to reflect the civilian, non-institutionalized U.S. population, were analyzed to determine self-reported levels of influenza vaccination among persons aged ≥65 years, persons with high-risk conditions, health care workers (HCW), pregnant women, and persons living in households with at least one identified person at high risk of complications from influenza infection. We stratified data by race/ethnicity to identify racial/ethnic disparities. Results Vaccination coverage levels among all recommended adult populations peaked in 2004, then declined in 2005 in association with the 2004–2005 vaccine shortage. Coverage for adults ≥65 years of age increased from 30.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.8–31.3) in 1989 to 70.0% (68.0–71.5) in 2004. In 2004, coverage was 40.7% (39.0–42.5) for all adults 50–64 years, 27.2% (24.6–29.9) for adults aged 18–49 years with high-risk conditions, 43.2% (39.9–46.6) for health care workers, 21.1% (19.1–23.4) for non-high-risk adults aged 18–64 years with a high-risk household member, and 14.4% (8.8–22.9) for pregnant women. Among each of the recommended adult sub-groups, vaccination coverage was higher for non-Hispanic whites compared to minority groups. Conclusions By 1997, influenza vaccination coverage had exceeded the national 2000 objective of 60% among persons aged ≥65 years, but by 2004 still remains well below the national 2010 target of 90%. Coverage levels for other groups targeted for influenza vaccination also are far short of the Healthy People 2000 and 2010 goals of 60% for persons aged 18–64 years with high-risk conditions, health care workers, and pregnant women. A concerted effort to increase provider adoption of standards for adult immunization, public awareness, and stable vaccine supplies are needed to improve influenza vaccination rates among recommended groups, and to reduce racial and ethnic disparities.
Depression care in the United States: too little for too few.

Objective To determine the prevalence and adequacy of depression care among different ethnic and racial groups in the United States. Design Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES) data were analyzed to calculate nationally representative estimates of depression care. Setting The 48 coterminous United States. Participants Household residents 18 years and older (N = 15 762) participated in the study. Main Outcome Measures Past-year depression pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy using American Psychiatric Association guideline-concordant therapies. Depression severity was assessed with the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report. Primary predictors were major ethnic/racial groups (Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Caribbean black, African American, and non-Latino white) and World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview criteria for 12-month major depressive episode. Results Mexican American and African American individuals meeting 12-month major depression criteria consistently and significantly had lower odds for any depression therapy and guideline-concordant therapies despite depression severity ratings not significantly differing between ethnic/racial groups. All groups reported higher use of any past-year psychotherapy and guideline-concordant psychotherapy compared with pharmacotherapy; however, Caribbean black and African American individuals reported the highest proportions of this use. Conclusions Few Americans with recent major depression have used depression therapies and guideline-concordant therapies; however, the lowest rates of use were found among Mexican American and African American individuals. Ethnic/racial differences were found despite comparable depression care need. More Americans with recent major depression used psychotherapy over pharmacotherapy, and these differences were most pronounced among Mexican American and African American individuals. This report underscores the importance of disaggregating ethnic/racial groups and depression therapies in understanding and directing efforts to improve depression care in the United States.
Functional recapitulation of transitions in sexual systems by homeosis during the evolution of dioecy in Thalictrum

Sexual systems are highly variable in flowering plants and an important contributor floral diversity. The ranunculid genus Thalictrum is especially well suited to study evolutionary transitions in sexual systems. Homeotic transformation of sexual organs (stamens and carpels) is a plausible mechanism for the transition from hermaphroditic to unisexual flowers in this lineage because flowers of dioecious species develop unisexually from inception. The single-copy gene PISTILLATA ( PI ), constitutes a likely candidate for rapid switches between stamen and carpel identity. Here, we first characterized the expression pattern of all B class genes in the dioecious species T. dioicum . As expected, all B class orthologs are expressed in stamens from the earliest stages. Certain AP3 lineages were also expressed late in sepal development. We then tested whether orthologs of PI could potentially control sexual system transitions in Thalictrum , by knocking-down their expression in T. dioicum and the hermaphroditic species T. thalictroides . In T. dioicum , we found that ThdPI-1/2 silencing caused stamen primordia to develop into carpels, resulting in male to female flower conversions. In T. thalictroides , we found that ThtPI silencing caused stamen primordia to develop into supernumerary carpels, resulting in hermaphroditic to female flower conversions. These phenotypes illustrate the ability for homeotic mutations to bring about sudden and potentially adaptive changes by altering the function of a single gene. We propose a two-step evolutionary model where transitions from hermaphroditic to unisexual plants in Thalictrum result from two independent mutations at a B class gene locus. Our PI knockdown experiments in T. thalictroides recapitulate the second step in this model: the evolution of female plants as a result of a loss-of-function mutation in a B class gene.
On the resources allocation problem

This paper investigates a method for allocating production resources to manufacturing tasks. The method is discussed with the help of a dynamic travelling salesman problem (DTSP), which has been formulated in order to model the conditions encountered in the manufacturing environment. The method approaches the DTSP using a decision-making procedure which can be adjusted with a number of decision parameters. The decision parameters affect the quality of the solution as well as the computational burden required for the procedure. The effect of these parameters is explained using a probability analysis. In addition, the paper investigates how to select proper values for the decision parameters with the aid of statistically designed experiments
Selection of Universal Primers for PCR Quantification of Total Bacteria Associated With Fish Fillets

An optimal universal primer pair DG74/RW01 for quantitative PCR detection of the mixed bacterial flora from fish fillets was selected from five pairs of primers. The minimum detection limits with GelStar™ and ethidium bromide (EB) used as agarose stains for DNA bands with these primers were found to be 5 and 1 × 102 CFU/PCR, respectively. The liner range of DNA amplification was from 50 to 1 × 105 with GelStar™ and from 5 × 102 to 1 × 105 with EB.
Modeling of the self-heating in STTRAM and analysis of its impact on reliable memory operations

This work presents modeling of the self-heating effect in Spin Torque Transfer RAMs (STTRAM) and analyzes its impact on the functional reliability. We perform computational fluid dynamics based 3-D thermal simulation in Fluent© for STTRAM at 90nm technology and characterize the thermal profile considering write condition. The thermal analysis is connected to device and circuit simulators to estimate the effect of self-heating on two functional reliability metrics - read margin and sensing accuracy.
Denitrification of nitrified and non-nitrified swine lagoon wastewater in the suspended sludge layer of treatment wetlands ☆

One method for managing livestock-wastewater N is the use of treatment wetlands. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the magnitude of denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) in the suspended sludge layers of bulrush and cattail treatment wetlands, and (2) evaluate the impact of nitrogen pretreatment on DEA in the suspended sludge layer. The study used four wetland cells (3.6 m × 33.5 m) with two cells connected in series. Each wetland series received either untreated or partially nitrified swine wastewater from a single-cell anaerobic lagoon. The DEA of the suspended sludge layers of the constructed wetlands was measured by the acetylene inhibition method. The control DEA treatment for the sludge layer had a mean rate of 18 gN 2O-N g−1 sludge h−1. Moreover, the potential DEA (nitrate-N and glucose-C added) mean was very large, 121 gN 2O-N g −1 sludge h −1 . These DEA rates are consistent with the previously reported high levels of nitrogen removal by denitrification from these wetlands, especially when the wastewater was partially nitrified. Stepwise regression using distance within the wetland, wastewater nitrate, and wastewater ammonia explained much of the variation in DEA rates. In both bulrush and cattail wetlands, there were zones of very high potential DEA. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Push-Pull Piezo-Electric Oscillator Circuits

Comparative tests have been made of five different push-pull piezo-electric oscillator circuits. Two of these circuits use three-element tubes: (1) crystal in four-electrode mounting connected to the grids and anodes, (2) crystal in two-electrode mounting connected to the grids. The other circuits use four-element tubes, (3) screen-grid tubes with the crystal in a four-electrode mounting connected to the control grids and anodes, (4) space-charge-grid tubes, quartz crystal in four-electrode mounting connected to the control grids and anodes, (5) space-charge-grid tubes, crystal in two-electrode mounting connected to the control grids. These circuits have been tested at 90 kc for relative power output and variation of frequency with circuit constants. The type UX-210 tube was used with the circuits (1) and (2) and type UX-865 screen-grid tube with the circuits (3), (4), and (5). The ratios of the power outputs at 90 kc of the circuits (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) are 10.7, 9.6, 12.9, 1.68 and 1.0, respectively. The power output of circuit (3) at 315 volts with the grid bias through 2-megohm resistors was 0.50 watt at 90 kc. Using the same circuit with 450 volts on the anodes and the grid bias through chokes the power output was 5.20 watts. Considering the low frequency these are reasonable values. The power output of the circuits (4) and (5) is abnormally small, but this may be due to the fact that the UX-865 is not particularly well adapted for use in this type of circuit.
Insights into the Temperature‐Dependent “Breathing” of a Flexible Fluorinated Metal–Organic Framework

The framework expansion and contraction upon carbon dioxide uptake was studied in a partially fluorinated metal-organic framework, FMOF-2. The results show framework expansion and contraction (breathing) as a function of pressure and temperature. Even at temperatures as low as -30 °C, two phase transitions seem to take place with a pressure step (corresponding to the second transition) that is greatly dependent on temperature. This behavior is described by the model proposed by Coudert and co-workers showing that the material seems to undergo two phase transitions that are temperature-dependent. The isosteric heats of adsorption at high pressures show a minimum that is concurrent with the region of CO(2) loadings where the second pressure step occurs. It was deduced that these lower enthalpy values are a consequence of the energy cost related to the expansion or reopening of the framework. Lastly, the large and reversible breathing behavior may be a product of the combination of the high elasticity of zinc (II) coordination and the apparent high flexibility of the V-shaped organic building block.
Land use/land cover: inventory and change

Land use information is an important input to a host of planning decisions and for this reason has been gathered by various levels of government for many years. Existing land uses, because of their strong influence on how land will be used in the future, are a crucial element in the development of a land use or land development plan. They are also useful for purposes of tax assessment, for the development and implementation of zoning ordinances, and for various conservation activities. Perhaps most importantly land use data represent a base against which to measure change. Land use change data are necessary both for developing land use policies and for monitoring their effectiveness.
Plant Polyphenols and Their Role in Cancer Prevention and Chemotherapy

Chemoprevention has been proposed as the good tool to target these high-risk cancer patients. Among various identified chemopreventive agents, plant polyphenols (PPs) have been shown to be safe and highly effective in inhibiting of carcinogen-induced mutagenesis and tumorigenesis in bioassays and animal models for different target organ sites. The compounds derived from the plants are of considerable interest among oncologists. PPs have been studied for their chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties against human cancer, including green tea polyphenols, genistein (found in soy), apigenin (celery, parsley), luteolin (broccoli), quercetin (onions), kaempferol (broccoli, grapefruits), curcumin (turmeric), etc. Whilst such naturally occurring polyphenols have been the subject of numerous mechanistic studies in cells, information on their clinical properties, which might help assess their promise as human cancer chemopreventive agents, is scarce. The more we discuss their molecular mechanisms and cellular targets, the better we could utilize these “natural gifts” for the prevention and treatment of human cancers. The abundance of flavonoids and related phenolics in the plant kingdom makes it possible that several hitherto uncharacterised agents with cancer preventive potential are still to be identified,whichmay constitute attractive alternatives to currently used chemopreventive drugs. In this article, the effective PPs against human cancers will also be discussed, with more emphases on the basic conceptions of phenolics with strong antioxidant activity.
Pay Attention to Valuation

In the article the two approaches to the market's valuation are considered. The first one is based on using of the model of alternative investments, which is the second approximation for the Fed's model. The role of the model of alternative investments has increased for last 25 years since it allows describing of about 88% of results. It is interesting to note that the Fed's model itself describes only 73% of the results during the last 25 years. The second approach is based on a new method of valuation - Relative Earnings Accumulation Rate. This method is put in practice in order to describe the concept of earnings accumulations for the stock market. It allows estimating a difference between relative rates of growth of earnings and market. It is shown that during periods of essential earnings accumulation, when the meaning of REAR exceeds 100%, the market's growth is moderate enough. But such conditions create the basis for further great long-term growth of the market. The latest reading of REAR shows that the market's growth is supported by REAR's growth. It is a positive sign. However, in order to keep the process of earnings accumulation in the future and to create the base for the long-term bull trend the earnings growth should essentially outstrip growth of the market. As the earnings growth in the coming decade could appear moderate enough, the potential for growth of the market can be sufficiently limited as well. All the above indicates the cyclic nature of the current bull trend of the market.
A Surrogate Accelerated Bayesian Inverse Analysis of the HyShot II Flight Data

Scenario reconstruction from a limited set of noisy measurements is a classical stochastic inversion problem. The objective of this paper is to infer the flight operating co nditions (altitude, speed, angle of attack, etc.) of an hypersonic air-breathng vehicle using pressure data collected within the engine. The fluid flow is dominated by strong shocks, turbulent boundary layers, recirculation regions and an accurate computation of the wall pressure is extremely time-consuming, requiring the solution of the compressible Reynolds-averaged NavierStokes equations. For this reason, the first objective is to b uild a surrogate model from a limited number full flow simulations; we compare three different approaches and validate the performance of these surrogates. The next step is to infer the flight conditions; we adopt a Baye sian framework and perform Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo analysis using the surrogate. To assess the quality of the estimates, we extract data from the same computational model used to build the surrogate to eliminate discrepancies associated to the assumptions used in the physical modeling of the actual vehicle. The results show encouraging accuracy in the flight condition estimate, but also suggest that only limited information can be extracted from engine data.
Vitamin D increases the human endosomal TLR response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis nucleic acids

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infects macrophages where it avoids elimination by interfering with host defense mechanisms. Type I IFNs are produced by activation of endosomal TLRs after recognition of nucleic acids. TLR importance is underlined by the fact that the TLR-adaptor molecule MyD88 pathway in macrophages is important in confining Mtb within phagolysosomes, mycobacterial clearance, and an adequate innate and adaptive immune response against Mtb. Vitamin D (VD) has a positive effect in macrophage activation, phagocytosis, restriction of Mtb growth, and killing of the mycobacteria. We aimed to characterize the endosomal TLR-signaling of human macrophages, as they are appear crucial in determining the fate of the disease, and explore if variations in Type I IFN responses correlate with differences in Mtb nucleic acids derived from different Mtb genotypes. Stimulation with DNA from Mtb of different lineages elicited differential NF-κB and IRF inflammatory responses in THP-1 derived macrophages. We also studied the effect of VD on these responses, as it is known to activate macrophages and enhance their antimycobacterial activity. Pretreatment with VD increased the response to DNA from HN878 and virulent strain H37Rv. It also enhanced the response to RNA from M. smegmatis and attenuated M. bovis strain BCG. No previous study has evaluated Type I or Type II IFNs response differences between different Mtb strains. This is of great importance as type I IFNs appear to strongly inhibit macrophages responsiveness to IFN-γ, and are associated with active TB. Understanding VD-mediated activation occurring at the pulmonary alveoli will impact the design of novel therapeutic and successful immunization strategies.
Reserve and Reserve-building activities research: key challenges and future directions

The concept of Cognitive Reserve has great appeal and has led to an interesting and important body of research. We believe, however, that it is unnecessarily limited by ‘habits’ of measurement, nomenclature, and intra-disciplinary thinking. A broader, more comprehensive way of conceptualizing Reserve is proposed that invokes a broader measurement approach, nomenclature that uses specific terms embedded in a theoretical model, and crosses disciplines. Building on this comprehensive conceptualization, we will discuss fruitful directions for future research.
Failure-to-rescue after injury is associated with preventability: The results of mortality panel review of failure-to-rescue cases in trauma.

Background Failure-to-rescue is defined as the conditional probability of death after a complication, and the failure-to-rescue rate reflects a center's ability to successfully “rescue” patients after complications. The validity of the failure-to-rescue rate as a quality measure is dependent on the preventability of death and the appropriateness of this measure for use in the trauma population is untested. We sought to evaluate the relationship between preventability and failure-to-rescue in trauma. Methods All adjudications from a mortality review panel at an academic level I trauma center from 2005–2015 were merged with registry data for the same time period. The preventability of each death was determined by panel consensus as part of peer review. Failure-to-rescue deaths were defined as those occurring after any registry-defined complication. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models between failure-to-rescue status and preventability were constructed and time to death was examined using survival time analyses. Results Of 26,557 patients, 2,735 (10.5%) had a complication, of whom 359 died for a failure-to-rescue rate of 13.2%. Of failure-to-rescue deaths, 272 (75.6%) were judged to be non-preventable, 65 (18.1%) were judged potentially preventable, and 22 (6.1%) were judged to be preventable by peer review. After adjusting for other patient factors, there remained a strong association between failure-to-rescue status and potentially preventable (odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval, 1.47–3.66) and preventable (odds ratio 14.84, 95% confidence interval, 3.30–66.71) judgment. Conclusion Despite a strong association between failure-to-rescue status and preventability adjudication, only a minority of deaths meeting the definition of failure to rescue were judged to be preventable or potentially preventable. Revision of the failure-to-rescue metric before use in trauma care benchmarking is warranted.
Gledati, misliti in razumeti film skozi filmsko glasbo

This article deals with film as an element that crosses a triple field: the field of vision, the field of thinking, and, finally, the field of understanding. If one observes this rationally, then a paradox certainly results - especially when one considers the idea that film is a complete illusion. Because of the magical outlook on the world through the movie, it is necessary to reverse the question and begin looking at the world through the perspective of the film. Contemporary people already do this, but they are not aware that they do. One’s perception of the world as ‘reality’ is a complete movie-delusion and is a construct par excellence. In this article, the author connects film and learning in three ways: learning from the movie, learning about the movie, and learning through media education. All three relationships are presented through the analysis of film music, which constitutes an additional, and perhaps the most emotional, component of film. The reflection of all this as a whole is contextualized within an awareness of film via the dimension of sound, by which the whole magic of movie-deception is just beginning.
Increasing Fractional Doses Increases the Probability of Benign PSA Bounce in Patients Undergoing Definitive HDR Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer.

Purpose Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) bounce is a temporary elevation of the PSA level above a prior nadir. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the frequency of a PSA bounce following high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer is associated with individual treatment fraction size. Methods and Materials Between 1999 and 2014, 554 patients underwent treatment of low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer with definitive HDR brachytherapy as monotherapy and had ≥3 subsequent PSA measurements. Four different fraction sizes were used: 950 cGy × 4 fractions, 1200 cGy × 2 fractions, 1350 cGy × 2 fractions, 1900 cGy × 1 fraction. Four definitions of PSA bounce were applied: ≥0.2, ≥0.5, ≥1.0, and ≥2.0 ng/mL above the prior nadir with a subsequent return to the nadir. Results The median follow-up period was 3.7 years. The actuarial 3-year rate of PSA bounce for the entire cohort was 41.3%, 28.4%, 17.4%, and 6.8% for nadir +0.2, +0.5, +1.0, and +2.0 ng/mL, respectively. The 3-year rate of PSA bounce >0.2 ng/mL was 42.2%, 32.1%, 41.0%, and 59.1% for the 950-, 1200-, 1350-, and 1900-cGy/fraction levels, respectively ( P =.002). The hazard ratio for bounce >0.2 ng/mL for patients receiving a single fraction of 1900 cGy compared with those receiving treatment in multiple fractions was 1.786 ( P =.024). For patients treated with a single 1900-cGy fraction, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year rates of PSA bounce exceeding the Phoenix biochemical failure definition (nadir +2 ng/mL) were 4.5%, 18.7%, and 18.7%, respectively, higher than the rates for all other administered dose levels ( P =.025). Conclusions The incidence of PSA bounce increases with single-fraction HDR treatment. Knowledge of posttreatment PSA kinetics may aid in decision making regarding management of potential biochemical failures.
A Novel Model of Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA)- Mediated up-Regulation of Embryonic/Fetal Globin Genes during Definitive Erythropoiesis.

Persistence of fetal hemoglobin can ameliorate adult beta (β)-globin gene disorders such as sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) up-regulate embryonic/fetal globin gene expression in vitro and in vivo and have great therapeutic potential. We first studied the SCFA-responsiveness of embryonic and fetal globin gene expression during short-term culture in a murine primary cell model. Pooled erythroid fetal liver cells (eFLCs) from wild-type (wt) and human β-globin gene locus-containing mice were examined after treatment with SCFAs. Cells were cultured in basal media alone or in basal media plus propionate (5mm), butyrate (1mM), and/or insulin (2 U/mL) and erythropoietin (10 mg/mL, ‘ins/EPO’). Murine embryonic β-type globin gene expression, ((β H1 +e Y )/( β H1 +e Y +β MAJ )x100) was markedly increased at 72 hours in SCFA-treated wt eFLCs, from 1.7±1.2% at baseline to, at 72 hours, 4.88±2.21% in propionate, 5.40±3.39% in butyrate, 19.48±8.30% in butyrate & ins/EPO, compared with ins/EPO-only-treated wt eFLCs, at 0.3±0.3% (n ≥ 3 for each, p H1 globin (11/15, p We also investigated SCFA-associated phosphorylation of signaling molecules, notably STAT5 and p38, which had been described in other models of erythropoiesis. Western blotting of protein extracts from cultured eFLCs showed phosphorylation of STAT5 in ins/EPO- and butyrate & ins/EPO-, but not in butyrate-only-, treated cells. However, p38 was constitutively phosphorylated in all of these conditions. Inhibitors of p38 kinase activity, SB 203580 (5–100 μM) or PD 169316 (5–300 μM), added to each condition throughout culture, prevented SCFA-mediated induction of embryonic globin gene expression in a concentration dependent manner. Erythroid differentiation was also blocked by p38 inhibition. Our data suggest that SCFAs augment both pancellular embryonic globin gene expression and erythroid differentiation. However, in our model, p38 phosphorylation and kinase activity are not unique to SCFA treatment in eFLCs; p38-associated erythroid differentiation, common to eFLCs in all culture conditions tested, may be an essential precursor for additional, as yet uncharacterized, molecular triggers for SCFA-mediated reactivation of embryonic/fetal globin gene expression in eFLCs.
Effect of a Whole-Person Model of Care on Patient Experience in Patients With Complex Chronic Illness in Late Life:

Background:Patients with serious chronic illness are at a greater risk of depersonalized, overmedicalized care as they move into later life. Existing intervention research on person-focused care fo...
The Indirect Effect of Teachers’ Creative Mindsets on Teaching Creativity

Understanding how teachers’ implicit beliefs promote and inhibit students’ creativity has important implications for fostering creativity in the classroom. This study investigated whether the effect of teachers’ fixed creative mindset on their self-efficacy for teaching creativity was mediated by their perceptions of students’ potential and the degree to which this indirect effect varied by level of growth creative mindset. A sample of educators (N = 119) completed an online survey containing questions regarding creative mindsets, perceptions of students’ potential, self-efficacy for teaching creativity, and a set of relevant covariates. A moderated mediation analysis indicated that the more teachers believed creativity to be innate, the less teachers tended to perceive every student to possess creative potential. Consequently, teachers’ confidence in their ability to teach for creativity was diminished. Results from the corresponding tests of simple indirect effects indicated that this negative indirect effect of a fixed creative mindset was lessened by teachers’ growth creative mindset. Taken together, the findings suggest the likely significant role of teachers’ fixed and growth creative mindsets for fostering creativity in classroom.
Understanding barriers to healthy behaviors in black college men.

ABSTRACTObjective: Due to the short life expectancy of black men, it is important to understand what impacts health behaviors in this group so that interventions and programs can be developed to improve their health behaviors which may help in increasing the life expectancy of black men. The purpose of this study was to understand what perceived barriers exist for black college men that prevent them from engaging in healthy behaviors. Participants and Methods: Thirty-five black male students at a southern Historically Black College and University participated in five focus groups and four interviews. A qualitative analysis was used to analyze data for similar themes and codes. Results: Perceived barriers to engaging in healthy behaviors appear to be influenced by image, food cost, and education. Cues to action for not engaging in healthy behaviors appear to be related to role models. Conclusions: Black college men are not adequately informed or educated about elements that can impact their health and how ...
Proteins released from chick embryo fibroblasts in culture. II. Studies on cells in different states of culture.

Abstract A comparative study was made of the proteins released from embryonic chick fibroblasts in different states of culture. Electrophoresis of labeled protein in polyacrylamide gels revealed that several different components were released by cells cultured in the presence of fetal bovine, neonatal chick, or chicken serum. The same components were released whether the cells were growing or nongrowing. With cells infected with viruses of the avian leukosis complex, a large percentage of the released protein was identified as structural protein of virus. The labeled proteins of the nonviral fractions, although appearing in much smaller quantity, were identical in polyacrylamide electropherograms to the components released by normal cells.
Device synthesis topology for zinc oxide nanowire sensors

This paper describes two unique device topologies: single ZnO nanowire and array ZnO nanowire-based devices. Two device topologies have been fabricated and compared for their sensing performance. The single nanowire device has been fabricated through focused ion beam and e-beam lithography techniques while the SEM and EDAX analysis have been used to characterize the device. The IV characteristics of the ZnO nanowire-based array devices have been measured through a semiconductor parameter analyzer.