cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing Multiple Literacies in a Website Project

Jacky, an 11-year-old biliterate Latina, was the subject of this case study. She used her home funds of knowledge to become computer literate through the development of a website focused on Mexican heritage. The website, created via funds of knowledge drawn from the community, in turn involved families and the local community in computer technology. كانت جاكي وهي فتاة مزدوجة اللغة في الحادية عشر من عمرها موضوع حالة دراسية وهي استخدمت خزانة بيتها العلمية كي تتعلم كيفية استخدام الحاسوب من خلال تطوير موقع على الشبكة العالمية مركزة على التراث المكسيكي. وقد تم خلق الموقع بواسطة خزانة العلم المأخوذ من المجتمع وبالتالي دعا هذا العمل العائلات والمجتمع المحلي إلى أن يشاركوا في تقنية الحاسوب. 本个案研究的对象是积琪，她是一名具有两种语文读写能力的拉丁美洲裔中学十一年级学生。她利用家庭中的丰富知识，并透过发展一个以墨西哥文化遗产为主题的网站，学会了使用计算机的技巧。该网站首先是凭借来自社区的丰富知识所创制而成，其后再引起家庭和地方社区对计算机科技的参与。 Jacky, onze ans, bilingue latino-americaine est le sujet de cette etude de cas. Elle a utilise le fonds de connaissances disponibles dans sa famille pour developper des competences en informatique en construisant un site web consacre a l'heritage mexicain. Ce site, cree grâce au fonds de connaissances tirees de la communaute, a a son tour implique les familles et la communaute locale dans la technologie informatique. Объектом этого исследования была Джекки, одиннадцатилетняя двуязычная девочка латиноамериканского происхождения. Она использовала знания, полученные в семье, и овладев компьютером, создала собственный вебсайт, посвященный наследию предков-мексиканцев. Этот сайт, основанный на информации из этнической группы, к которой принадлежит семья девочки, в свою очередь привлек соседей и других членов местного сообщества к компьютерным технологиям. Jacky, una latina de once anos que es competente en ambos idiomas es el tema de este estudio. Ella uso sus conocimientos caseros para aprender a usar la computadora al desarrollar una pagina en la red sobre su herencia mexicana. La pagina en la red, creada usando el conocimiento de la comunidad, a su vez, involucro a las familias y la comunidad local en la tecnologia informatica.
Modeling Strategic Acquisition Policies: A Simulation of Executives' Acquisition Decisions

The acquisition policies of 42 executives were examined and were found to be individual or firm specific. The decision makers had poor insight into their own decision policies. Therefore, researche...
Digital UV/IR Photography for Tattoo Evaluation in Mummified Remains*

The presence and location of tattoos can be an important component in the identification of remains in the extended postmortem period if remnants of skin persist. However, when there is significant mummification, visualization of tattoos can be problematic. Multiple methods have been proposed to make tattoos more visible, but all have limitation. In this case report, a mummified body was discovered. The presumptive victim was reported to have a small tattoo on her hand but it was not visible to the naked eye. The hand was photographed using ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light. A tattoo matching the description was noted in the photographs. In contrast to film-based IR and UV photography, digital UV and IR photography allows rapid visual evaluation of results and optimization of image utility. The ability to quickly modify photographic parameters quickly greatly increases the utility of IR and UV photography in the autopsy suite.
Teaching Technical Vocabulary: Before, During, or after the Reading Assignment?:

When to teach technical terms in content area classes to maximize learning of their meanings was studied using 36 ninth-grade biology classes, 12 twelfth-grade government classes, and 12 twelfth-grade economics classes assigned randomly by subject area to one of three treatment conditions: (1) vocabulary instruction before reading, (2)glossary available during reading, or (3) vocabulary instruction after reading. The teacher of each class used investigator-constructed materials to teach 11 terms from a chapter in the assigned textbook while continuing to provide regular instruction related to the chapter. The materials of the "before" and "after" groups differed from those of the "during" group primarily by being presented with an overhead projector rather than on paper. Learning was assessed by requiring the students to write each definition when cued solely by the term itself. Posttest raw scores were converted to z-scores within each subject area, and zscores of class means were used in four main analyses of variance—one involving all 60 classes, two focusing on one grade level at a time, and one involving nine sets of 3 classes taught by the same teacher. No significant differences attributable to the time of instruction were found. Further analyses with student as the unit of analysis revealed a strong teacher effect. The main conclusion drawn was that, if the objective is the learning of definitions, the manner in which a content area teacher delivers vocabulary instruction is more important than when it is delivered. Among authors of methods texts in content area reading, a common recommendation is that difficult technical terms be taught before students do the reading assignment in which those terms are first used (Cheek & Cheek, 1983; Criscoe & Gee, 1984; Early, 1984; Herber, 1978; Readence, Bean, & Baldwin, 1985; Roe, Stoodt, & Burns, 1987; Shepherd, 1982; Singer & Donlan, 1980; Thomas & Robinson, 1982). The assumption is that some students will be unable to understand and learn from the textbook chapter or other reading selection well enough if the important technical terms have not been explained beforehand. 39
Utilization of unextracted soybeans by broiler chicks. 2. Influence of pelleting and regrinding on diets with infra red cooked and extruded soybeans.

Abstract NUMEROUS workers have reported on various ways to utilize unextracted soybeans in chick diets. These methods, which have included autoclaving, cooking, extruding, infra red cooking, and mechanical flaking and pelleting, have been extensively reviewed by Featherston and Rogler (1966) and White et al. (1967). The latter report was largely concerned with two processes for preparing unextracted soybeans, namely, infra red cooking and extruding. They found that these two methods of preparation supported maximum chick growth when compared to those fed diets containing solvent extracted soybean meal. The experiments reported herein were conducted to further evaluate these two methods of processing unextracted soybeans for broiler diets and to determine the influence of pelleting and regrinding on the nutritive value of diets containing various soybean preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Experiment 1. In this and the subsequent experiment in this report, solvent extracted soybean meal and raw whole soybeans were obtained from the
Longitudinal Study of Chronic Sarcoidosis with Low-Dose Maintenance Corticosteroid Therapy

A series of 181 patients with chronic persistent sarcoidosis for more than 5 years have been reviewed, with a mean follow-up period of 14 years, and 77% followed for more than 10 years. Efforts to identify more white patients meeting the criteria of such persistent disease were unsuccessful. Seventy-eight percent were black, and 69% were women. Pulmonary disease was the major manifestation in 70% and was present in 88%. The early major disease feature predicts the nature of the long-term manifestation in 94%. Ninety-four percent were treated with prednisone, with 63% for more than 5 years. Fifty-three percent required continued treatment, and of those receiving continued treatment, 91% were maintained on doses of no more than 15 mg daily and 65% on no more than 10 mg of prednisone daily. Relapses were frequent as prednisone was withdrawn, occurring at least once in 75% and several times in 51%. Low-dose prednisone treatment with 5-15 mg daily provides significant benefit. A mean treatment period of 8 years was observed (range: 10 days to 24 years). The benefits of treatment greatly exceed the infrequent complications. In Baltimore, chronic sarcoidosis with persistent disease seems to be more frequently encountered in black patients than in white patients.
Nanoparticles of gold on γ-Al2O3 produced by dc magnetron sputtering

Abstract This paper describes a one-step magnetron sputtering technique for the preparation of supported catalyst particles that has a number of advantages over existing methods. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique, a supported gold on γ -Al 2 O 3 oxidation catalyst has been prepared. This catalyst is as active as catalysts prepared via traditional chemical methods for the oxidation of carbon monoxide (TOF 1.1 conversions/surface Au atom/second at 300 K and 16% CO/8% O 2 /He). Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that this technique produces gold nanoparticles in a size range that is claimed in the literature to be most active (about 2 nm).
Issues on the future of R&D and innovation in the USA

The objective of this paper is to identify some of the issues that will have an impact upon the future of RD the human factor on which RD some international comparisons of RD and finally some relevant research issues are identified.
The Missing Pages of the Majority Opinion in Romer v. Evans

This Essay was prepared for the Fifth Annual Ira C. Rothgerber, Jr., Conference on Constitutional Law, "Gay Rights and the Courts: The Amendment 2 Controversy," at the University of Colorado School of Law in October 1996.The Essay argues that the Romer majority reached the correct result, but for reasons that it articulated only partially or not at all. It therefore goes on to provide the "missing pages" of the majority opinion in Romer. Two gaps, in particular, require filling. The first is the majority's failure to acknowledge Bowers v. Hardwick (478 U.S. 186 (1986)) and to respond to the dissent's arguments that Bowers logically requires that Amendment 2 be sustained. The second is the failure of both the majority and the dissent to discuss the implications for the constitutionality of Amendment 2 of the state's near plenary power over its political subdivisions.
The effect of fast electron scattering on determining the laser-induced electron divergence

Summary form only given. Characterization of the divergence of fast electrons accelerated by the interaction of an intense, ultrafast laser and an over-dense plasma is essential to the development of fast ignition. Numerical calculations using the hybrid-PIC code LSP and the Monte-Carlo code MCNP have been performed to determine which physical processes dominate the divergence of fast electron beams propagating in solid targets. The divergence is influenced by the electron acceleration mechanism, the pre-plasma that forms in front of the target and the self-generated fields associated with the electron beam. A canonical way to measure the electron beam divergence is by imaging the electron-stimulated K-alpha emission from buried fluorescent layers located at different depths within the target. Scattering of the electrons results in a transverse expansion of the electron distribution and consequently an increase in the diameter of the x-ray spot. We are conducting numerical calculations to establish the role of scattering on the fast electron distribution and x-ray emission, especially the effect on the angular deviation from collisions with ions. A source of electrons, based on the prescription of Debayle et al., is launched into the target and the subsequent density of the x-ray production and the electron energy deposition versus transverse distance is calculated at various depths. LSP indicates that the electron distribution is influenced by scattering, leading us to infer that other analyses that do not include fast electron scattering could be misleading. The angular divergence induced by scattering of electrons from different sources is estimated according to MCNP results.
DEFENDEX-ESPGX

DEFENDEX-ESPGX is an interactive art object that combines real-time audio and video synthesis processing with physical interaction. DEFENDEX-ESPGX is designed to simulate the look and feel of 1950's technology. The content draws on nostalgic reference to bring about implied comparisons between the fearful culture of the Cold War and the culture of fear associated with the current War on Terror.
Experimental Determination of Rotor Foundation Parameters for Improved Critical Speed Predictions

Measurements on a large rotor dynamic test rig in the Turbomachinery Laboratory with a concrete and steel foundation have shown some critical speeds which can only be predicted if the foundation is included in the model. Mobility transfer function measurements on the foundation were made to obtain the required parameters for including the foundation in the rotordynamic computer model. These measurements eliminate the necessity for building a large finite element model of the foundation structure and allow the use of fast transfer matrix codes for modeling rotor bearing systems which have strong foundation participation. A method first described by Nicholas was used to get a set of equivalent bearing coefficients from a combination of the foundation parameters with the true bearing coefficients. Measurements made by the present authors show that the modal damping of the foundation can be obtained easily from the mobility curves, and that the improved critical speed predictions can be obtained in some cases by using only one foundation mode to calculate the equivalent bearing coefficients.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
Sounds of Belonging: U.S. Spanish-Language Radio and Public Advocacy . By Dolores Inés Casillas.

Sounds of Belonging: U.S. Spanish-Language Radio and Public Advocacy . Critical Cultural Communication Series. By Dolores Ines Casillas . (New York: New York University Press, 2014. xiv + 221 pp. Notes, bibliography, index. $25.00, paper.) S ounds of Belonging uses radio to speak directly to a key question in western history: How do people on the margin encounter and reshape market commodities? Dolores Ines Casillas gives voice to the history of a contemporary paradox: When American publics are openly hostile to Mexican migrants, how did Spanish-language listeners help create national corporate networks that voice and center undocumented migrants’ concerns and questions? The answer starts in Los Angeles. That is, Spanish-language radio’s triangular relationship between listeners, radio stations, and hosts dates back to … jrm259{at}txstate.edu
Optimal Sequencing of Urgent Surgical Cases

Optimal sequencing of urgent cases (i.e., selecting which urgent case should be performed first and which second) may enhance patient safety, increase patient satisfaction with timeliness of surgery, and minimize surgeons' complaints. Before determining the optimal sequence of urgent cases, an operating room (OR) suite must identify the primary scheduling objective to be satisfied when prioritizing pending urgent cases. These scheduling objectives may include: 1) perform the cases in the sequence that minimizes the average length of time each surgeon and patient waits; 2) perform the cases in the order that they were submitted; or 3) perform the cases based on medical priority, as prioritized by an OR director, or surgeons discussing the cases among themselves. We provide mathematical structure which can be used to program a computerized surgical services information system to assist in optimizing the sequence of urgent cases. We use an example to illustrate that the optimal sequence varies depending on the scheduling objective chosen.
CHAPTER 7 – Digital Electronics

A basic knowledge of digital electronics is required to stay connected to the changing field of engineering, which is increasingly dominated by the ubiquitous computers and digital circuitry of all kinds. Transmission of information in analog form (AM and FM) degrades the wave signals irreversibly. Digital signals can be transmitted perfectly, copied perfectly, and stored perfectly, which makes signal transmission easy. An analog signal becomes contaminated by noise that cannot be removed. Thus, changing the analog signal to a digital one will allow transmission of the original analog signal without degradation by noise. Even though logic gates are elementary building blocks, in complex digital systems such as the microprocessor and the computer, larger building blocks are common. These include flip-flops, memories, registers, adders, etc., which are basic arrangements of logic gates. Combinatorial logic, which is memoryless, has outputs that depend on present input values. Sequential logic building blocks incorporate memory; hence, outputs depend on present as well as on past input values. Sequential logic circuits include devices such as flip-flop memories, shift registers, and counters.
Are Discrimination and Social Capital Related to Housing Instability

AbstractExisting studies examining social capital and housing instability have overlooked structural factors such as discrimination, providing an incomplete explanation of the relationship between social capital and housing instability. This study addresses this limitation by exploring how discrimination and social capital are related to housing instability. This study is a secondary analysis of data collected during the Atlanta Neighborhood Pilot study. The sample consists of mostly African American adults who resided in the Atlanta metropolitan area in 2013 (n = 691). After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, residential mobility, and public assistance, stepwise logistic regression identified social capital and discrimination as significant predictors of housing instability. Lower social capital and higher everyday discrimination scores were associated with increased odds for housing instability. Individuals 35 or older, those with annual incomes between $25,000 and $50,000, and those who ...
Hemangioendothelioma of the Testis: Second Reported Case

AbstractThe second case of hemangioendothelioma of the testis is reported and the pertinent pathologic findings are discussed.
The Binding of 2-Naphthamides to β-Cyclodextrin

On the basis of fluorescence spectral shifts, Madrid and Mendicuti have recently reported a binding constant (K) of 1965 (+/-159) for the 1:1 complex fonned between 2-methylnaphthoate (2-MN) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) at 298K [1]. This is considerably larger than the K value reported by Fraiji et al. for the 1:1 complex between 2-acetylnaphthalene (2-AN) and β-CD (581 +/-6) using fluorescence quenching experiments [2]. The former authors suggested that hydrogen bonding by the ester oxygen of 2-MN to the -OH groups on the CD cavity rim might account for this difference in K values. We synthesized 2-naphthamide (2-NA) and its N-methyl (2-MNA) and N,N-dimethyl (2-DMNA) derivatives to see if these guests would also show hydrogen bond stabilization of their 1:1 complexes with β-CD. Using naphthamide spectral shifts in the presence of β-CD, we have measured the K values for the binding of all three naphthamides to β-CD. We have also used molecular modeling of the 1:1 complexes to elucidate our experimental findings. We report herein the results of this work.
Labor out-migration and agricultural change in rural China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract The relationships between migration and agriculture represent a key aspect of rural restructuring in China and many other developing countries. Previous research largely generated mixed and incomplete findings on the effects of rural out-migration on agricultural change. Meta-analysis is considered as an important research strategy for comparing and integrating results from individual studies. Using a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approach, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent case studies of labor out-migration and agricultural change in rural China. The analysis revealed general contextual patterns of migration impacts on agriculture. Migration-induced agricultural change was mainly conditional upon the specific conjunctural configuration of a rural community’s economic development level or geographical locality, its land resources and dependence on agriculture, and whether the period under investigation was post-agricultural tax abolition. Overall, this meta-study provides the big picture of the complex migration–agriculture relationships in rural China, which is often missed in smaller-scale case studies. Such synthetic findings are particularly useful for informing evidence-based rural development planning and policy making.
Best Practices in Business Technology Management

Discussing specific best practices for making specific decisions, this book offers qualitative and quantitative methods, tools, and techniques for deploying and supporting all kinds of information technology. It identifies the range of technology decisions that managers make and the best practices that define good acquisition, deployment, and support decisions, all in an easy to absorb, conversational tone. The book covers the interrelated business technology alignment areas of business strategy as well as technology applications, architecture, infrastructure, support, acquisition, and organization. Each section ends with a summary of actionable best practices.
Improved accuracy of aboveground biomass and carbon estimates for live trees in forests of the eastern United States

Accurate estimation of forest biomass and carbon stocks at regional to national scales is a key requirement in determining terrestrial carbon sources and sinks on United States (US) forest lands. To that end, comprehensive assessment and testing of alternative volume and biomass models were conducted for individual tree models employed in the component ratio method (CRM) currently used in the US' National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The CRM applies species-specific stem volume equations along with specific gravity conversions and component expansion factors to ensure consistency between predicted stem volumes and weights, and additivity of predicted live tree component weights to match aboveground biomass (AGB). Data from over 76 600 stem volumes and 6600 AGB observations were compiled from individual studies conducted in the past 115 years – what we refer to as legacy data – to perform the assessment. Scenarios formulated to incrementally replace constituent equations in the CRM with models fitted to legacy data were tested using cross-validation methods, and estimates of AGB were scaled using forest inventory data to compare across 33 states in the eastern US. Modifications all indicated that the CRM in its present formulation underestimates AGB in eastern forests, with the range of underestimation ranging from 6.2 to 17 per cent. Cross-validation results indicated the greatest reductions in estimation bias and root-mean squared error could be achieved by scenarios that replaced stem volume, sapling AGB, and component ratio equations in the CRM. A change in the definitions used in apportioning biomass to aboveground components was also shown to increase prediction accuracy. Adopting modifications tested here would increase AGB estimates for the eastern US by 15 per cent, accounting for 1.5 Pg of C currently unaccounted for in live tree aboveground forest C stock assessments. Expansion of the legacy data set currently underway should be useful for further testing, such as whether similar gains in accuracy can be achieved in estimates of regional or national-scale C sequestration rates.
The impact of a federal cigarette minimum pack price policy on cigarette use in the USA

Background Increasing cigarette prices reduce cigarette use. The US Food and Drug Administration has the authority to regulate the sale and promotion—and therefore the price—of tobacco products. Objective To examine the potential effect of federal minimum price regulation on the sales of cigarettes in the USA. Method We used yearly state-level data from the Tax Burden on Tobacco and other sources to model per capita cigarette sales as a function of price. We used the fitted model to compare the status quo sales with counterfactual scenarios in which a federal minimum price was set. The minimum price scenarios ranged from $0 to $12. Results The estimated price effect in our model was comparable with that found in the literature. Our counterfactual analyses suggested that the impact of a minimum price requirement could range from a minimal effect at the $4 level to a reduction of 5.7 billion packs sold per year and 10 million smokers at the $10 level. Conclusion A federal minimum price policy has the potential to greatly benefit tobacco control and public health by uniformly increasing the price of cigarettes and by eliminating many price-reducing strategies currently available to both sellers and consumers.
On the relative energies of simple metallic structures

Abstract The asymptotic form of the two-body interatomic potentials arising from pseudopotential theory, V(r) = V 0 cos ( 2k F r) (2k F r ) 3 , is used to discuss the relative cohesive energies of simple metallic structures. Use of this potential allows the thermodynamically preferred structure of a simple metallic element or solid solution at 0K to be determined as a function of valence only. The appropriate lattice sums are performed exactly for the f.c.c., h.c.p. (with ideal axial ratio) and b.c.c. structures. In addition, the approximate interplanar interaction of Blandin et al. is summed for polytypic structures. Two modifications of the potential are also considered. First, a phase shift of 2δ is used to obtain a potential of the form, V(r) = V 0 cos ( 2k F r) (2k F r ) 3 . Secondly, the interplanar interaction is adjusted to reflect conditions that might hold when polytypic structures other than f.c.c. and h.c.p. occur. Results for the relative energies of the structures are presented. These results are compared with the observed structures of metallic elements and random solid solutions.
Thrombolytic therapy: a review of the literature on streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator with implications for practice.

Abstract Thrombolytic therapy has had a major impact on the outcome of AMI patients. For the first time, medicine has a means of interrupting the process of myocardial necrosis and limiting the potential size of the infarction. For those patients who can receive thrombolytic therapy and who seek medical attention within the first few hours of infarction, the impact of successful thrombolysis on ventricular function is most substantial. Also, in some patients with continuing symptoms, benefit may be seen beyond the 3- to 6-hour time limit. However, the therapy is not yet perfect. No thrombolytic agent has consistently been able to attain reperfusion in more than 75 per cent of those treated. There are significant bleeding risks associated with these medications, and the best adjunctive therapy to prevent reocclusion has not been established. Nursing has also been significantly affected by the addition of thrombolysis to the coronary care and emergency units. The role of identifying appropriate patients, caring for the patient during thrombolysis, and dealing with complications of the therapy has added a new dimension to the nursing care of the infarction patient. In the era of nursing shortages, these additional tasks may be difficult to welcome with enthusiasm. However, when the possibility of discharging a patient from the coronary care unit with little or no myocardial damage is entertained, the additional burden of thrombolytic therapy seems well worth the effort.
Cross-section measurement of 9 Be( γ , n ) 8 Be and implications for α + α + n → 9 Be in the r process

Models of the $r$ process are sensitive to the production rate of ${}^{9}$Be because, in explosive environments rich in neutrons, $\ensuremath{\alpha}(\ensuremath{\alpha}n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){}^{9}$Be is the primary mechanism for bridging the stability gaps at $A=5$ and $A=8$. The $\ensuremath{\alpha}(\ensuremath{\alpha}n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){}^{9}$Be reaction represents a two-step process, consisting of $\ensuremath{\alpha}+\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{}^{8}$Be followed by ${}^{8}\text{Be}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){}^{9}$Be. We report here on a new absolute cross-section measurement for the ${}^{9}\text{Be}(\ensuremath{\gamma},n){}^{8}$Be reaction conducted using a highly efficient, ${}^{3}$He-based neutron detector and nearly monoenergetic photon beams, covering energies from ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=1.5$ MeV to ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=5.2$ MeV, produced by the High Intensity $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray Source of Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory. In the astrophysically important threshold energy region, the present cross sections are 40$%$ larger than those found in most previous measurements and are accurate to $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10%$ (95$%$ confidence). The revised thermonuclear $\ensuremath{\alpha}(\ensuremath{\alpha}n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){}^{9}$Be reaction rate could have implications for the $r$ process in explosive environments such as type II supernovae.
Deoxycholate Fractionation of Fibronectin (FN) and Biotinylation Assay to Measure Recycled FN Fibrils in Epithelial Cells

Fibronectin (FN) is an extracellular matrix protein that is secreted by many cell types and binds predominantly to the cell surface receptor Integrin α5β1. Integrin α5β1 binding initiates the step-wise assembly of FN into fibrils, a process called fibrillogenesis. We and several others have demonstrated critical effects of fibrillogenesis on cell migration and metastasis. While immunostaining and microscopy methods help visualize FN incorporation into fibrils, with each fibril being at least 3 μm in length, the first study that developed a method to biochemically fractionate FN to quantify fibril incorporated FN was published by Jean Schwarzbauer's group in 1996. Our protocol was adapted from the original publication, and has been tested on multiple cell types including as shown here in MCF10A mammary epithelial and Caki-1 renal cancer epithelial cells. Using two detergent extractions, cellular FN is separated into detergent insoluble or fibril incorporated FN and soluble FN or unincorporated fractions. To determine whether fibrillogenesis utilizes a recycled pool of FN, we have used a Biotin labeled FN (FN-Biotin) recycling assay, that has been modified from a previous study. Using a combination of the recycling assay and deoxycholate fractionation methods, one can quantitatively demonstrate the extent of fibrillogenesis in cells under different experimental conditions and determine the source of FN for fibrillogenesis.
Human Beta Cells Generated from Pluripotent Stem Cells or Cellular Reprogramming for Curing Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by aberrantly high blood glucose levels caused by defects in insulin secretion or its action, or both, which affects approximately 30.3 million people (9.4% of the population) in the USA. This review will focus on using human β cells to treat and cure diabetes because β cells are absent, due to an autoimmune destruction, in type 1 diabetes or dysfunctional in type 2 diabetes. In order to generate enough functional β cells for diabetes treatment (0.1 to 1 billion cells to treat one patient), a basic science approach by mimicking what happens in normal pancreatic development must be closely aligned with engineering. Two general approaches are discussed here. The first one uses human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to perform directed differentiation of hPSCs to β cells. This is advantageous because hPSCs grow indefinitely, providing a virtually unlimited source of material. Therefore, if we develop an efficient β cell differentiation protocol, we can essentially generate an unlimited amount of β cells for disease modeling and diabetes treatment. The second approach is cellular reprogramming, with which we may begin with any cell type and convert it directly into a β cell. The success of this cellular reprogramming approach, however, depends on the discovery of a robust and efficient transcription factor cocktail that can ignite this process, similar to what has been achieved in generating induced pluripotent stem cells. This discovery should be possible through identifying the important transcription factors and pioneer factors via recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing. In short, a new renaissance in pancreas developmental biology, stem cell engineering, and cellular reprogramming for curing diabetes appears to be on the horizon. The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is slowly increasing worldwide. It is an autoimmune disease that destroys pancreatic β cells, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood glucose levels in the body. To overcome this deficiency in insulin-producing cells, scientists and researchers have been trying to generate functional β cells from either human pluripotent stem cells, using directed differentiation, or from other somatic cell types, using cellular reprogramming. Here, we discuss the various techniques that have been developed and implemented, both in vitro and in vivo, in the last 20 years. Current methods have some drawbacks, including low efficiency of generating functional β cells after differentiation or reprogramming. Therefore, future works in this field must include increasing the efficiency of functional β cell production, implementing the use of low-cost materials, and testing these methods in diabetic primates and humans.
Addressing the challenges of reoperative robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy

Sacrocolpopexy is the gold-standard repair for apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, over half of women with POP who undergo the surgery experience recurrence, particularly those with higher preoperative stage, younger age, and greater body weight. We address the challenges of repairing recurrent POP in a patient with a prior transabdominal mesh sacrohysteropexy.
Hydraulic stimulation of carotid artery baroreceptors as a likely cause of transient asystolic cardiac arrest during diagnostic angiography or surgical endarterectomy.

We describe two patients-both who underwent general anesthesia-in whom we theorize that hydraulic pressure on carotid artery baroreceptors resulted in transient asystolic cardiac arrest (TACA) during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Patient #1 was a 58-year-old female who experienced TACA in response to rapid injection of radiocontrast material into the carotid artery during diagnostic cerebral angiography. Her history was remarkable for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage at least 13 hr prior to angiography, radiographic evidence of intracranial hypertension, and baseline bradycardia, collectively suggestive of increases in baseline vagal tone. Potentially contributing to TACA, the patient had a 90° curve in the internal carotid artery, just distal to the carotid bifurcation and tip of the angiography catheter, that likely diminished runoff of injected contrast solution and, in turn, would have exacerbated any intracarotid pressure increases in response to injection. There was no evidence of increased baseline vagal tone in Patient #2, a 79-year-old female having carotid endarterectomy surgery. She experienced TACA immediately after full release of an occlusive clamp on the common carotid artery proximal to the now closed carotid arteriotomy, but while the internal carotid was still occluded. Of note, the carotid artery baroreceptors were not treated with local anesthetic in these patients, thus they should have retained much of their normal function. We describe the possible pathomechanisms involved in TACA in these patients, measures to diminish the likelihood of the phenomenon occurring in future patients, and methods for treating the asystole.
Use of a Clostridium difficile clinical prediction rule to facilitate antimicrobial stewardship

In this study, we assessed whether a Clostridium difficile clinical prediction rule could be used to facilitate antimicrobial stewardship in an acute care hospital. We found that patients with high...
5 – Word Processing

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses word processing. The phrase word processor is used in two different contexts, namely, hardware and software. Word processing is the electronic manipulation of words to construct documents. Document refers to any printed material, such as letters, contracts, and reports. It requires special software, which is sometimes referred to as a word processor or word processing package. Word processing software is available for all types of computers, so there is no special hardware required. However, sometimes the computers that are dedicated to the task of word processing are called word processors. They have special keys and other functions that make them easier to use with word processing software. Report preparation is the most visible and time-saving use of word processing. The user should take time to learn the capabilities of the word processor and then study the report format that is desired. With some careful planning, the time required for report preparation can be reduced significantly.
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty for endothelial decompensation after previous radial keratotomy.

Abstract Purpose To report Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for endothelial decompensation in an eye with previous radial keratotomy. Observations A history of radial keratotomy may hasten endothelial dysfunction. Previously reported surgical treatments include penetrating kerotoplasty and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Conclusions and Importance DMEK may be successfully used in post-RK eyes with good recovery of visual acuity and patient satisfaction.
An Assessment of Local Byproducts in Beef Finishing Diets in Honduras

ObjectivesRuminants effectively utilize animal and industrial production byproducts to create a high-quality and nutritionally-rich protein sources. Increasing the production of animal protein is a critical component of increasing food security within developing countries. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the potential development of cost-effective, nutritionally complete diets using local feedstuffs. Diets were designed to assess the gain potential of beef cattle in confined feeding systems across Honduras and the viability of local feedstuffs, rather than the intent of diet comparison.Materials and MethodsFive finishing diets were formulated using local Honduran feedstuffs such as palm kernel meal, poultry litter, and sugarcane for bulls in confinement. Diets were formulated on DM basis and targeted 13.5% CP. Cattle were Bos indicus crossed with Bos taurus and dairy type. Bulls were fed between 74 and 165 d with an average of 100 d. Initial BW ranged from 305 to 443 kg with an average of 369. Bulls were fed to a minimum of 400 kg (unshrunk final BW). All diets were analyzed using SAS PROC UNIVARIATE by treatment.ResultsConsidering all diets, dry matter intake ranged from 8.75 to 13.00 kg/d with an average of 10.81 kg/d; DMI increased with inclusion of roughage. Average daily gain ranged from 0.84 to 1.31 kg with an average of 1.08 kg; ADG increased for those diets with greater inclusions of corn. Final BW averaged 487 kg with a modest variability (CV = 7.90%). Gain to feed followed similarly to ADG; diets with greater energy were more efficient. Hot carcass weight ranged from 250 to 301 kg with an average of 264 kg. Dressing percent reported an interval of 54.03% to 58.01% with low variability (CV = 2.81%). The LM area and marbling score reported low variability (CV < 8%) with averages of 71.20 cm2 and 289, respectively. The 12th–rib back fat averaged 5.15mm ranging from 3.82 to 6.54 mm. Feed cost of gain ranged from $0.40 to $0.67/kg; FCOG was lower in the central region.ConclusionAll diets are viable options for Honduran producers to finish beef. Local byproducts can be blended with other feedstuff to reach sufficient protein and energy, demonstrating the role byproducts can have within Honduran beef finishing systems. Dressing percent driven by carcass weight was one of the most important factors affecting profitability. Results can be utilized to assess local feedstuffs and diets.
Pensions for State and Local Government Workers Not Covered by Social Security: Do Benefits Meet Federal Standards?

Federal law allows certain state and local governments to exclude employees from Social Security coverage if the employees are provided with a sufficiently generous pension. Approximately 6.5 million such workers were not covered by Social Security in 2018. Retirement systems for non-covered workers have become less generous in recent years, and a few plans could exhaust their trust funds within the next decade, putting beneficiaries at risk. This article examines data from a variety of sources to assess whether state and local governments currently satisfy the federal standards for retirement plan sufficiency and whether the standards ensure benefits equivalent to those from Social Security.
Dentists of tomorrow 2020: An analysis of the results of the 2020 ADEA Survey of U.S. Dental School Seniors.

Purpose/objectives This study examines the journey of U.S. dental schools' predoctoral senior class of 2020, from the influences on and their motivations to pursue careers in dentistry, aspects of their dental school experiences, to plans upon graduation and the investment in their careers. Methods The study is an analysis of the results of the ADEA Survey of Dental School Seniors, 2020 Graduating Class. Each year, ADEA surveys senior predoctoral students from the accredited U.S. dental schools. Whenever feasible, the answers of the survey respondents from the 2020 class were compared with their 2015 counterparts. Results The analysis revealed that 46% of the 2020 respondents decided to become a dentist before going to undergraduate college, more than the proportion of those deciding while in college (42%). When it comes to preparedness to practice dentistry, the responses indicated a high level of readiness to go into the profession. Seventy-seven percent of survey participants reported the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect their plans after graduation. Between 2015 and 2020, the share of survey respondents who planned to go into advanced dental education immediately after graduation increased from 35% to 40%. Almost a third of the 2020 respondents who planned to go into private practice immediately upon graduation intended to join a Dental Service Organization (DSO). Grants and scholarships represented a higher share of the average funding for dental education for the 2020 respondents than five years ago. The share of respondents expecting to graduate without any loans to finance their dental degrees and predental education (educational debt) increased significantly, from 12% in 2015 to 17% in 2020. Conclusion(s) This research shows that during these uncertain times, U.S. dental schools continued their mission to train and graduate oral health professionals fully prepared to go into the profession.
Participant motivations for the Wyoming Prescribed Fire Council (PFC): Emergence from a regional void

On the Ground • Prescribed Fire Councils (PFCs) are different than Prescribed Burn Associations. • A regional void of PFCs exists in the northern Rockies and northern Great Plains. • We interviewed 14 founding members of the Wyoming PFC to understand their motivations. • Three themes were identified: 1) collaboration, 2) constraints, and 3) public perceptions. • There is a need for cross-boundary engagement and strategies for dealing with narrow burn windows.
Effect of Scleral Crosslinking Using Multiple Doses of Genipin on Experimental Progressive Myopia in Tree Shrews.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of scleral crosslinking (SXL) on slowing experimental progressive myopia in tree shrew eyes using sub-Tenon's injections of genipin (GEN) at different concentrations and number of injections. Methods Three or five sub-Tenon's injections of GEN at 0 mM (sham), 10 mM, or 20 mM were performed in one eye every other day starting at 18 days of visual experience. Form deprivation (FD) myopia was induced in the injected eye between 24 and 35 days of visual experience; the fellow eye served as control. Tree shrews were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: FD (n = 8); FD + 5 × sham injections (n = 6); FD + 3 × GEN injections at 10 mM (n = 6) and 20 mM (n = 6); and FD + 5 × GEN injections at 20 mM (n = 6). Refractive state and ocular dimensions were measured daily. Results Compared with the FD group, the sham-injected group showed a transient effect on slowing vitreous chamber elongation. With increasing GEN dose, SXL had an increasing treatment effect on slowing vitreous chamber elongation and myopia progression. In addition, SXL led to a dose-dependent shortening of the aqueous chamber depth and corneal thickening. Lens thickening was observed in the group with the highest concentration. Conclusions We have shown that SXL using GEN can slow axial elongation and myopia progression in tree shrews. The extent of this treatment effect was dose dependent. Several unexpected effects were observed (corneal thickening, decrease of the anterior chamber depth, and lens thickening), which require further optimization of the GEN delivery approach before clinical consideration. Translational relevance The results of this preclinical study suggest that scleral crosslinking using genipin can slow myopia progression.
Toward a set of trainable content on entrepreneurship education: a review of entrepreneurship research from an educational perspective

This is article is a literature review of four entrepreneurship journal published between 2000 and 2008. A content analysis of the literature review is categorized in four competencies to be included in entrepreneurship education processes. The article use Pratt (1998) teaching model to identify the teaching perspective that best fit each competency. The article elaborate teaching content from empirical research and suggest a sequence of how to present entrepreneurship content to new students.
A high sensitivity mechanical loss spectrometer

NRL scientists have developed an instrument that has extreme sensitivity to energy dissipation in mechanical resonators. It has many potential applications, including detecting and identifying low levels of both chemical impurities and structural defects. While previous instruments measured loss in a resonator to one part in ten, the new instrument measures mechanical loss to one part in 10/sup 4/ or better. Thus, the new spectrometer can separate low level signals from background signals that are several orders of magnitude larger.
Time-protein models for allergic reactions? A signal processing approach to allergies

The biological mechanism that produces allergies can be modeled as a stochastic system, where the input signals consist of allergens and the output signals are the measurable quantities related to symptoms. Allergens, such as milk, pollen and mold, consist of proteins and combinations of proteins. In an effort to identify the system, it is proposed that the output signal be considered as a function of time and allergen atoms, which we define to be the independent units of allergens. To accomplish this representation, we refer to realizable system representations to guide us in proposing a definition and an ordering for the allergen axis.