cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining the materiality and spatiality of design scaffolds in computational making

Abstract As researchers focus more on engaging youth with advanced technologies to build computational skills, there is a need to develop tools that support youth to become creators of digital content rather than consumers of these technologies. Scholars refer to this shift in becoming creators of technology as computational making, which enables new forms of learning and thinking at the intersection of the physical and the digital. The interdisciplinary and multidimensional nature of computational making design processes means learners must negotiate their design idea across space, time, mode, and expertise. In this paper, we draw on multiple iterations of design and implementation work with wearable and locative technologies to investigate the affordances and challenges of design scaffolds in youths’ computational making design processes. We present examples from learning with electronic textiles and locative game design to illustrate the unique problem spaces of materiality and spatiality specific to computational making. Our insights highlight a significant need for sharing scholarship and design work on implementing design scaffolds in computational making contexts toward the collective goal of developing a system of design scaffolds to effectively support learners’ thinking across the interdisciplinary, multimodal problem spaces unique to computational making.
Reducing Hospital-acquired Pressure Injuries Among Pediatric Patients Receiving ECMO: A Retrospective Study Examining Quality Improvement Outcomes.

BACKGROUND Pediatric patients immobilized for certain procedures, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), are at high risk for developing hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). PURPOSE To evaluate the rate of HAPI occurrence in ECMO patients before and after implementation of prevention interventions. METHODS Patients younger than 18 years of age who were placed on ECMO from January 2012 through March 2020 were identified, and patient data, including the development of a stage 3, 4, or unstageable pressure injuries, were abstracted. From August 2018 through December 2018, HAPI prevention interventions were implemented, which included targeted HAPI prevention and ECMO provider education, fluidized positioner provider education, and the addition of 2 wound care interventions for ECMO patients. RESULTS Of the 120 ECMO patients identified, 5 (4.2%) developed a HAPI. All patients developed HAPI in the occipital region, and 1 patient developed an additional HAPI on their back. The median age of patients with HAPI was 1 month (interquartile range [IQR], 0.3-6.8 months). The median duration from ECMO cannulation to identification of HAPI was 9.5 days (IQR, 4.8-32.3 days). The median total run time was 4.9 days (IQR, 2.5-7.6 days): 8.5 days for patients who did develop a HAPI and 4.8 days for those who did not develop a HAPI (P = .02). The overall HAPI rate dropped from 4.8% of ECMO patients before quality improvement interventions to 0% of ECMO patients after quality improvement interventions. CONCLUSIONS The development of stage 3, 4, or unstageable HAPIs in pediatric ECMO patients was low (4.2%) over the period studied (January 2012 through March 2020). As of the time of this writing, no HAPIs occurred after implementation of provider education in 2018.
Jack pandemus – Cyber incident and emergency response during a pandemic

COVID-19 quickly gave rise to a newly expansive space wrought with unforeseen vulnerabilities. Cyber threat actors swiftly identified this space and immediately began seizing targets of opportunity...
Accidental belongings: poems and stories

Accidental Belongings is a collection of poems and short stories that, while encompassing subjects from jazz to food, from boating to painting, primarily attempts to address the many ways human beings interact with one another. Specifically, much of this collection examines relationships between couples and the myriad of emotion and action that may occur as a result of this always-changing unit.
Cell-cycle analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses flow cytometry measurement methods of the DNA content of Saccharomyces cerevisiae populations, although the analysis methods might be applicable to other yeasts with minor modifications. The chapter describes methods for staining yeast DNA with mithramycin, propidium iodide, and acriflavin. The bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) method, as adapted for yeast, is also described. The chapter discusses the mathematical analysis of yeast DNA histograms. Typical DNA histograms from a diploid strain of S. cerevisiae stained with mithramycin, acriflavine, and propidium iodide are displayed and cell-cycle fractions estimated from these histograms using Multicycle are summarized. Representative data obtained with each of the protocols and the subsequent mathematical analyses are compared in the chapter. All data were obtained from the same sample from an exponentially growing yeast population. In addition, an example is given in which the BrdUrd labeling technique is applied 10 measure the distributions of cell properties at specific points within the cell cycle.
Flume Experimentation and Simulation of Bedrock Channel Processes

Flume experiments can provide cost effective, physically manageable miniature representations of complex bedrock channels. The inherent change in scale in such experiments requires a corresponding change in the scale of the forces represented in the flume system. Three modeling approaches have been developed that either ignore the scaling effects, utilize the change in scaled forces, or assume similarity of process between scales. An understanding of the nonlinear influence of a change in scale on all the forces involved is important to correctly analyze model results. Similarly, proper design and operation of flume experiments requires knowledge of the fundamental components of flume systems. Entrance and exit regions of the flume are used to provide good experimental conditions in the measurement region of the flume where data are collected. To insure reproducibility, large-scale turbulence must be removed in the head of the flume and velocity profiles must become fully developed in the entrance region. Water-surface slope and flow acceleration effects from downstream water-depth control must also be isolated in the exit region. Statistical design and development of representative channel substrate also influence model results in these systems. With proper experimental design, flumes may be used to investigate bedrock channel hydraulics, sediment-transport relations, and morphologic evolution. In particular, researchers have successfully used flume experiments to demonstrate the importance of turbulence and substrate characteristics in bedrock channel evolution. Turbulence often operates in a self perpetuating fashion, can erode bedrock walls with clear water and increase the mobility of sediment particles. Bedrock substrate influences channel evolution by offering varying resistance to erosion, controlling the location or type of incision and modifying the local influence of turbulence. An increased usage of scaled flume models may help to clarify the remaining uncertainties involving turbulence, channel substrate and bedrock channel evolution.
The rejection Gibbs coupler: A perfect sampling algorithm and its application to truncated multivariate Gaussian distributions

A new Markov chain based algorithm for drawing samples from a desired distribution has been proposed. This algorithm, also known as the perfect sampling algorithm, can determine exactly when a Markov chain enters the equilibrium, and hence can output exact samples. We introduce a perfect sampling algorithm called the rejection Gibbs coupler for perfect sampling from bounded multivariate distributions. We demonstrate an application of the rejection coupler for generation of samples from truncated multivariate Gaussian distributions.
Power, social support and HIV-related service use: the roles of community and homelessness.

Retrenchment of the Welfare State is often premised on the assumption that social support or community caring capacity can substitute for formal health and social services. WE assert that the nature of this relationship depends on the nature of one's community. This paper examines social support and service use among gay and non-gay, homeless and domiciled people with HIV infection. In general, membership in the gay community is associated with greater use of formal services. Part of this relationship is explained, for homeless people, by one's level of access to social support. This suggests that, for this group, access to formal services can be improved by improving access to social support. Much of the relationship between membership in the gay community and use of services is not explained by social support and may be due to other factors such as the power of the gay community to create services for itself.
The MIT Lincoln Laboratory KASSPER algorithm testbed and baseline algorithm suite

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is investigating how to use a-priori information in an adaptive MTI radar under the DARPA-funded knowledge-aided sensor signal processing and expert reasoning (KASSPER) program. Our objective is to demonstrate an embedded processor and some algorithms capable of real-time space-time adaptive processing (STAP) enhanced by a-priori knowledge of terrain types, locations of clutter discretes and road layouts. The immediate goal is to realize a baseline system, which is a conventional STAP chain making no use of a-priori information. It is designed to allow the entire KASSPER community to insert new algorithm features that exploit a-priori knowledge. The paper describes both the hardware and the algorithms that are being coded to realize the baseline system. This baseline algorithm suite is intended to provide a reasonable starting point for adding a-priori knowledge in the form of new training schemes or new STAP algorithms to improve target detectability near the mainbeam clutter ridge.
Capella corona revisited : A combined view from XMM-Newton RGS and Chandra hetgs and LETGS

We present a combined analysis of the X-ray emission of the Capella corona obtained with XMM-Newton RGS and Chandra HETGS and LETGS. An improved atomic line database and a new differential emission measure (DEM) deconvolution method are developed for this purpose. Our new atomic database is based on the Astrophysical Plasma Emission Database and incorporates improved calculations of ionization equilibrium and line emissivities for L-shell ions of abundant elements using the Flexible Atomic Code. The new DEM deconvolution method uses a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique that differs from existing MCMC or χ2-fitting-based methods. We analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each individual instrument in determining the DEM and elemental abundances. We conclude that results from either RGS or HETGS data alone are not robust enough due to their failure to constrain the DEM in some temperature region or the lack of significant continuum emission in the wavelength band of the spectrometers, and that the combination of HETGS and RGS produces more stringent constraints on the DEM and abundance determinations. Using the LETGS data, we show that the recently discovered inconsistencies between the EUV and X-ray lines of Fe XVIII and XIX also exist in more highly charged iron ions, up to Fe XXIII, and that enhanced interstellar absorption due to partially ionized plasma along the Capella line of sight may explain some, but not all, of these discrepancies.
Impact and penetration resistance of network models of coated lightweight fabric shielding

There exist a wide range of applications for lightweight ballistic fabric shields, such as the protection of critical structural components in transport systems and the human body. However, some deficiencies are (1) the susceptibility to being abruptly severed by sharp objects, which completely eliminates the fabric's ability to stretch and absorb incoming kinetic energy and (2) environmental degradation of the fabric due to moisture, heat and sunlight, which is of growing concern, since many new fabrics have multiple purposes, such as electrical and chemical sensing, in addition to being part of a protective system. Because of these issues, the coating of fabric can be advantageous, however, it adds weight to the shielding system. Experiments on this type of coated fabric system are extremely time-consuming. Accord-ingly, this paper seeks to develop a computational framework using a coated network model in order to capture the basic characteristics of such systems. One aspect of the model's usefulness is that it can provide qualitative information to guide and reduce costly, time-consuming experiments. Three-dimensional numerical examples are given to illustrate the computational model. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cytometric methods to analyze thermal effects.

Publisher Summary An investigation of thermal effects on cells is of critical interest to at least three diverse fields: (1) studies of the regulation of gene expression in the responses of cells to environmental stress; (2) the application of hyperthermia as a single or combined modality in the treatment of cancer; and (3) the identification of thermal artifacts (or effects) in studies of the biological effects of physical agents such as radiofrequency radiation and ultrasound. Hyperthermia in the 41°–45°C range causes a plethora of effects on most cellular organelles and functions. These effects range from the interaction of the plasma membrane with the extracellular matrix to protein aggregation with the nuclear matrix. Functional changes are observed in cytosol and the nucleoplasm. Several cytometric methods are used to assay the effects of hyperthermia on cells. The first assay, the amount of protein that coisolates with nuclei or nuclear matrices, measures a parameter that correlates with numerous heat effects on nuclear function such as inhibition of DNA repair, DNA synthesis, transcription, and processing of hnRNA. This parameter correlates very well with cell death in many cell lines, particularly those that do not die by apoptosis. The next parameter is the expression of heat-shock proteins whose nuclear localization and delocalization correlates with the development of thermotolerance and heat resistance. Another assay measures intracellular prooxidant capacity. One of the effects that can be induced by the exposure of cells to hyperthermia is an imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant status either by a reduced antioxidant function or an increased prooxidant function, or both.
Challenging Political Culture in Postwar Austria: Veterans' Associations, Identity, and the Problem of Contemporary History

This observation, registered by Marianne Enigl and Herbert Lackner, points to an incontestable and compelling feature of contemporary Austrian political culture: during the 1980s and 1990s, the first meaningful steps toward an Austrian Vergangenheitsbewaltigung developed out of a discussion of Austrians' military service during the Nazi era and its highly problematic association with wartime atrocities and genocide. Exploration of this important theme had been avoided throughout the period of the Second Republic by a carefully cultivated expression of public memory. The inherent tension between the internationally sanctioned notion of Austrian victimization during the Nazi years and the pride of many Austrian veterans in having performed their soldierly duties (Wehrpflichterfullung) had been a taboo subject.
Relativistic corrections to the triton binding energy

The influence of relativity on the triton binding energy is investigated. The relativistic three-dimensional version of the Bethe-Salpeter equation proposed by Blankenbecler and Sugar (BbS) is used. Relativistic (nonseparable) one-boson-exchange potentials (constructed in the BbS framework) are employed for the two-nucleon interaction. In a 34-channel Faddeev calculation, it is found that relativistic effects increase the triton binding energy by about 0.2 MeV. Including charge dependence (besides relativity), the final triton binding energy predictions are 8.33 and 8.16 MeV for the Bonn A and B potentials, respectively.
Upper Jurassic Radiolarian biostratigraphy of Stanley Mountain, Southern California Coast Ranges

Abstract Over 400 species of middle Oxfordian to uppermost Tithonian Radiolaria have been documented and illustrated from volcanopelagic strata overlying the Coast Range Ophiolite at Stanley Mountain in the Coast Ranges of southern California. The volcanopelagic succession at this locality consists of approximately 130 m of chert and siliceous mudstones with interbeds and lenses of manganiferous limestones. This succession is transitional with and overlain by, strata of the Great Valley Supergroup. Utilizing the radiolarian biostratigraphic zonation of Pessagno et al. for North America, these assemblages are assigned to Zone 2, Subzone 2 gamma (Middle Oxfordian) to Zone 4, Subzone 4 alpha (uppermost Tithonian). Faunas near the base of the section are Tethyan in character, but become Boreal higher in the succession. An exception to this pattern occurs in the uppermost part of the succession, suggesting a strong paleoceanographic or tectonic influence in the development of these assemblages.
Unmet needs in the management of acute myocardial infarction: role of novel protease-activated receptor-1 antagonist vorapaxar

Platelet activation with subsequent aggregation is a complex process leading to thrombus formation, which remains a key component for atherothrombotic manifestations, in particular myocardial infarction. Therefore, antiplatelet therapies are pivotal for the treatment of these patients. Current oral antiplatelet therapies used for secondary prevention of ischemic recurrences include aspirin and adenosine diphosphate P2Y12 platelet-receptor antagonists. However, despite these therapies, patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction remain at risk for ischemic recurrences. Therefore, more aggressive secondary prevention measures have been an area of research, including identifying additional targets modulating platelet-activation and -aggregation processes. Among these, thrombin-mediated platelet activation via protease-activated receptors (PARs) has been subject to extensive clinical investigation. Several PAR-1 receptor antagonists have been developed. However, vorapaxar is the only one that has completed large-scale clinical investigation. The present manuscript will provide an overview on the role of thrombin-mediated signaling, the impact of PAR-1 blockade with vorapaxar on ischemic and bleeding outcomes, and the potential role for vorapaxar in clinical practice.
A low temperature infra-red transmission cell.

A versatile apparatus is described which allows the infra-red absorption spectra of materials to be obtained at temperatures down to that of liquid helium 4.2°K. The observed spectrum is the usual transmission measurement obtained in the normal way without disturbing the optics of the spectrometer.Samples can be observed which are solid, liquid, or gas at ordinary temperatures. Solids and liquids are suitably supported and are surrounded by helium gas at the temperature of liquid helium in order to provide for heat removal from the sample by both gaseous conduction and convection. The temperature rise of the sample due to absorbed radiation is thus very small. Condensible gases may be deposited onto one side of the vacuum tight infra-red transparent windows bathed on the inner side by cold helium gas. Observations have been made for periods of forty-five minutes using a single charge of approximately 200 cc of liquid helium. Detailed features of construction and operation conform to the exacting requirements of very low temperature work.
SU‐GG‐T‐301: Replacing Film with Computed Radiography for Routine Linear Accelerator QA

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of using diagnostic computed radiography(CR) plates to replace radiographic films for linear accelerator QA. Method and Materials: Type C Fujifilm CR plate (size 25.2×30.3cm) was tested with image reader FUJIFILM FCR PROFECT CS. Spatial resolution of 10 pixels/mm was used for image reading. The image plate was used without the cassette for linear accelerator QA. Plate or film was setup on the treatment table at isocenter (100cm SSD). A 3mm thick Plexiglas template with stainless steel beads markers was placed over the plate and aligned to the light filed. Exposure of 10 mus or 40 mus was delivered to a 10×10cm and 20×20cm field respectively using a 6 MV photon. The spatial accuracy and spatial uniformity of the CRimage were evaluated and compared with Kodak X‐Omat V film. The distances measured in various directions on the CRimage and Kodak X‐Omat V film were compared with the actual distances on the template to evaluate the spatial accuracy and image distortion under different conditions. Results: The distance measured in three different directions had error within 1%. Good spatial accuracy and good spatial uniformity were observed. Results were comparable for both FUJI CR plate and Kodak film. Conclusion: Uses of CR plate for routine QA give a comparable result to that of film. Similar results were also observed when used for light field‐radiation field coincidence test, star shot tests and MLC picker fence test. Hence the FUJIFILM CR plate is suitable for the linear accelerator routine QA procedure. With the facing out of films in most hospital, CR plates commonly used in diagnostic radiology made a good and relatively inexpensive substitute for use in routine linear accelerator QA procedure.
L-arginine attenuates endothelial dysfunction in endotoxin-induced lung injury☆☆☆

Abstract Background: Pulmonary vasorelaxation to endothelium-dependent and independent agonists is dysfunctional in endotoxin-induced acute lung injury. L-arginine is the precursor to endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO), suggesting that arginine and NO are intimately linked. We hypothesized that L-arginine would attenuate endotoxin-induced dysfunction of guanosine 3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate-mediated pulmonary vasorelaxation. Methods: Concentration-response curves were generated for acetylcholine, calcium ionophore A23187, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in isolated phenylepherine-preconstricted pulmonary artery rings (10-9 to 10-6 mol/L) 4 hours after endotoxin (500 mg/kg intraperitoneal) or saline injection. The effect of L-arginine in vitro was determined with L- or D-arginine (50 mmol/L) 30 minutes before dose response. Results: Endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasorelaxation was dysfunctional after endotoxin injection as demonstrated by impaired responses to acetylcholine and A23187 (P
Chemistry and origin of minor and trace elements in selected vitrinite concentrates from bituminous and anthracitic coals

Abstract Twelve hand-picked vitrinite concentrates and companion whole-coal samples were analyzed for trace and minor elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and direct-current-arc spectrographic techniques (DCAS). The vitrinite concentrates contained 94 to nearly 100 vol.% vitrinite compared to 71–95 vol.% in the companion whole coals. The ash contents of the vitrinite concentrates were 2 to more than 190 times less than the ash contents of the companion whole coals. Organic and inorganic affinities were determined by comparing the elemental concentrations in the vitrinite concentrates to the concentrations in the companion whole coals. The ratios of these concentrations for 33 selected elements are shown in Figure 1. Ratios greater than 1 indicate organic affinity, and ratios less than 1 indicate inorganic affinity. Br and W generally showed organic affinity in all samples in this study. In the nine samples from the eastern United States (Fig. 1A-C) less than one-fourth of the trace elements show organic affinity compared to nearly one-half for the three English and Australian samples (Fig. 1D). The elements that generally show organic affinity in the non-U.S.A. samples studied include As, Cs, Hf, and Ni, which have generally inorganic affinities in the U.S.A. samples, and Cr, Sb, Se, and U, which have mixed (both organic and inorganic) affinities, in the U.S.A. coals studied, has an inorganic affinity in the English coals studied. B shows organic affinity in the samples from the Illinois basin (Fig. 1C). For the samples studied, Ba shows organic affinity in the Appalachian basin bituminous coals (Fig. 1B), inorganic affinity in the Illinois basin coals, and overall mixed affinities. In all the samples studied, Cu, Mn, Na, Sr, Ta, V, and Zn show mixed affinities, and A1, Co, Eu, Fe, Ga, K, La, Mg, Sc, Si, Th, Ti, and Ub have generally inorganic affinity.
Pregnancy in a patient with Goodpasture syndrome and renal transplantation.

It has been suggested that vibroacoustic stimulation might be stressful to the fetus. The present study was designed to evaluate whether the stimulus induces passage of meconium in labor. Patients in labor at term with healthy fetuses and intact membranes were randomized to a vibroacoustic stimulation or sham test. The incidence of meconium was the same in both groups. Pregnancy outcome variables were also similar in both groups. In conclusion, vibroacoustic stimulation does not increase the incidence of meconium passage in labor of healthy fetuses.
Surface-associated proteins of wheat starch granules: suitability of wheat starch for celiac patients

Wheat starch is used to make baked products for celiac patients in several European countries but is avoided in the United States because of uncertainty about the amounts of associated grain storage (gluten) proteins. People with celiac disease (CD) must avoid wheat, rye, and barley proteins and products that contain them. These proteins are capable of initiating damage to the absorptive lining of the small intestine in CD patients, apparently as a consequence of undesirable interactions with the innate and adaptive immune systems. In this study, starch surface-associated proteins were extracted from four commercial wheat starches, fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography and gel electrophoresis, and identified by tandem mass spectrometry analysis. More than 150 proteins were identified, many of which (for example, histones, purothionins, and glutenins) had not been recognized previously as starch-associated. The commercial starches were analyzed by the R-5 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method to estimate the amount of harmful gluten protein present. One of these starches had a low gluten content of 7 ppm and actually fell within the range proposed as a new Codex Alimentarius Standard for naturally gluten-free foods (maximum 20 ppm). This low level of gluten indicates that the starch should be especially suitable for use by celiac patients, although wheat starches with levels up to 100 ppm are deemed safe in the proposed Codex standards.
Direct determination of the peptide content in microspheres by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A quantitative determination of peptides incorporated into poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was accomplished in a single step without pretreatment for extracting the peptide from the microsphere. The conventional extraction methods often underestimate the actual amount of peptide because of incomplete extraction from the microspheres or loss during the procedures. In this study, the microspheres dissolved in acetonitrile containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid were mixed with matrix solution containing the internal standard, and the peptide content was directly determined by MALDI-TOF MS. The drug content values determined by MALDI-TOF MS in both the leuprolide- and salmon calcitonin-incorporated microspheres were closer to the theoretical contents than those determined by the conventional extraction method. This method using MALDI-TOF MS could be a good alternative to time-consuming and less-accurate co...
Isovolumetric contraction period of the left ventricle. Results in a normal series and comparison of methods of calculation by atraumatic techniques.

Abstract The isovolumetric contraction period of the left ventricle (IVCT) was measured atraumatically by six different cardiographic methods in 50 normal young men. IVCT has been redefined as the total period of left ventricular contraction prior to ejection—i.e., the period of left ventricular mural tension + the period of rising cavitary pressure. The ACG detects the earliest inception of left ventricular systole; both for accuracy of indirect measurement and physiologically the onset of its upstroke appears to be the beginning of isometric contraction. Our results for this period are 70.9 ± 15.8 msec., with the ejection point calculated by deduction of the PTT from the carotid upstroke. The results of other methods of calculation and other points of measurement are compared and discussed.
Mathematical developments in the study of smectic A liquid crystals

Abstract We consider free energy functionals to model equilibrium smectic A liquid crystal configurations in the neighborhood of the nematic phase transition. We first look at the functional proposed by de Gennes based on the Ginzburg–Landau model for superconductivity, and consider its covariant formulations. We construct the focal conic solution and study its stability. We also study the role of chirality in the model of smectic A * . In the final part of the paper, we use an argument of symmetry breaking to model smectic phases as periodic solutions of an extend nematic theory.
Thymosin beta 4 mediates oligodendrocyte differentiation by upregulating p38 MAPK

Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a G-actin sequestering peptide, increases oligodendrogenesis and improves functional outcome in models of neurological injury. The molecular mechanisms of Tβ4 mediated oligodendrogenesis are unclear. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) regulates oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation and myelin gene expression in other models. Therefore, we investigated p38MAPK signaling pathways. We used primary rat neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and a mouse oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) line (N20.1 cells) to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Tβ4-enhanced oligodendrogenesis. NPCs were isolated from rat subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles (n = 12). Primary NPCs and N20.1 cells were grown in the presence of 0, 25, and 50 ng/mL of Tβ4 (RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals Inc, Rockville, MD) for 14 days. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot data showed significant induction of both expression and phosphorylation of p38MAPK with simultaneous inhibition of phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), leading to reduction of phosphorylation of c-Jun, a potent negative regulator of transcription of myelin genes. These effects were reversed with transfection of Tβ4siRNA. Our data indicate that Tβ4 treatment induces OL differentiation by inducing p38MAPK with parallel inactivation of ERK1 and JNK1, thus preventing the accumulation of phosphorylated c-Jun.
Willingness to Pay for Multiple Seafood Labels in a Niche Market

ABSTRACT Regulatory requirements and shifts in consumer preferences have resulted in seafood products bearing multiple information labels. Developing successful seafood marketing strategies requires an understanding of how multilabeled products influence consumer choices. We analyze preferences for four classes of seafood information labels including safety, quality, local, and ecolabels using data from a choice experiment for two seafood species. Data was collected at a grocery chain focused on niche markets in Portland, Oregon. Each label is found to have a significant influence on consumer choice, with local labels and ecolabels yielding the largest estimates of consumer mean willingness to pay. Ecolabels yield a wider range of individual willingness to pay estimates compared to the other labels, and preferences for the local label are not affected by the appearance of additional information labels on the same product. Results suggest opportunities for advancing niche market strategies, including the d...
Exploring to Predict Pipeline High-PH SCC Crack Growth Rates

A mathematical model was developed that enables the prediction of crack growth rate (CGR) of high pH stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of buried steel pipelines. The goal of developing the model is to use it to understand the relative CGRs of SCC-susceptible locations along a pipeline, so that a more reliable prioritization of these locations for direct examination becomes possible. The model, in its current status, was used to predict CGRs using two methods, with the anodic current density at the crack tip being expressed by: (1) the anodic polarization curve, and (2) the Butler-Volmer equation. The merits and shortcomings of these two methods were analyzed. The former method tends to yield large CGRs, while the latter has the flexibility to predict low CGRs. Even though the high pH chemistry in the disbonded region outside of a crack is often associated with a concentrated carbonate and bicarbonate solution buffer, the model predicted that when the CGRs are large, the predicted chemistry and potential at the crack tip can vary significantly with time, while they are somewhat stable when the CGRs are small.© 2008 ASME
Recent developments in the management of patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract Management of most patients with AD should be directed toward basic therapy—lubricants, moderate potency topical steroids, and antihistamines. Only the severe or unresponsive patient should be considered for management with some of the techniques that have been discussed previously. In part, this is because the addition of extra therapy will substantially decrease long-term compliance, increase the cost of medical care, and produce a dissatisfied patient. There are, however, definite situations in which dietary manipulation, topical and systemic antiseptics, dietary supplementation, and ultraviolet light may be useful. The uses of environmental control, biofeedback, and coal tar were not discussed but may also be useful in certain situations. Finally, all physicians should realize that Herpes simplex infection in patients with AD can be a serious and sometimes life-threatening problem. Rapid, accurate diagnosis is the key to effective management with the newer anti-viral agents.
DISPERSED PHASE CONCENTRATION EFFECT ON WATER VAPOR PERMEABILITY IN COMPOSITE METHYL CELLULOSE‐STEARIC ACID EDIBLE FILMS

Edible films of methyl cellulose, stearic acid and polyethylene glycol, made by the emulsion method, were constructed with varying volume fractions of stearic acid. These films were evaluated for water vapor permeability. There was a significant decrease in the water vapor permeability through these films with increasing stearic acid volume fractions up to 22%. Subsequent increase in the stearic acid volume fraction resulted in an increase in the water vapor permeability. This was attributed to inadequate filling of the void volume within the stearic acid crystallites by methyl cellulose-polyethylene glycol matrix. Very high water vapor permeability values were obtained for pure stearic acid films. Scanning electron microscopy revealed intercrystallite air passages. an empirical mathematical model adequately expressed the change in permeability of these heterogeneous films up to 22% stearic acid fractions.
Ethylidene derivatives of D-erythrose I. 2,3-O-ethylidene-β-D-erythrofuranose

Abstract The principal product of the acidic rearrangement of 2,4- O -ethylidene- D -erythrose, and of the ethylidenation of D -erythrose in aqueous acid, is found to be 2,3- O -ethylidene- D -erythrose. The structure of this previously reported compound, which has been isolated in the crystalline β- D -furanose form, has been confirmed by unequivocal proof. The ethylidene ring of this D -erythrose acetal has a profound effect on the properties anticipated for a reducing sugar. Reactions of the aldehyde group are hindered, and hemiacetal formation gives only the β- D -furanose form; an α- D anomeric hydroxyl group would be sterically hindered. No mutarotation is observed, and acylation gives derivatives of the β- D anomer only.
Serum retinol, retinol-binding protein, and transthyretin in children receiving dialysis.

Objective We investigated the relationships of retinol (ROH), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and transthyretin (TTR) in children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our hypothesis was that levels of ROH and RBP would be elevated in children with ESRD. Methods and Patients We measured ROH, RBP, and TTR serum concentrations in a group of pediatric ESRD patients biannually. Children were grouped according to age and method of dialysis, i.e., hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD): HD1, aged Results No differences in ROH, RBP, TTR, or their ratios were found as a function of type of dialysis in groups PD2 and HD2. The ROH and TTR were significantly higher in PD1 than HD1 ( P = .01 and P = .003, respectively). No correlations were evident between ROH and RBP or TTR with length of time on dialysis, serum calcium, or serum creatinine, except for group PD2, in which ROH was positively correlated with RBP ( P = .025). There were no significant differences among any of the ratios in terms of age or method of dialysis. Conclusions The data indicate that children with ESRD exhibit elevated levels of serum ROH, RBP, and TTR, in proportions similar to those reported in the adult ESRD literature. Further study is needed to clarify the consequences of increased ROH in uremic children.
Ecoimmunity in Darwin's finches: invasive parasites trigger acquired immunity in the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis).

Background Invasive parasites are a major threat to island populations of animals. Darwin's finches of the Galapagos Islands are under attack by introduced pox virus (Poxvirus avium) and nest flies (Philornis downsi). We developed assays for parasite-specific antibody responses in Darwin's finches (Geospiza fortis), to test for relationships between adaptive immune responses to novel parasites and spatial-temporal variation in the occurrence of parasite pressure among G. fortis populations. Methodology/Principal Findings We developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the presence of antibodies in the serum of Darwin's finches specific to pox virus or Philornis proteins. We compared antibody levels between bird populations with and without evidence of pox infection (visible lesions), and among birds sampled before nesting (prior to nest-fly exposure) versus during nesting (with fly exposure). Birds from the Pox-positive population had higher levels of pox-binding antibodies. Philornis-binding antibody levels were higher in birds sampled during nesting. Female birds, which occupy the nest, had higher Philornis-binding antibody levels than males. The study was limited by an inability to confirm pox exposure independent of obvious lesions. However, the lasting effects of pox infection (e.g., scarring and lost digits) were expected to be reliable indicators of prior pox infection. Conclusions/Significance This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of parasite-specific antibody responses to multiple classes of parasites in a wild population of birds. Darwin's finches initiated acquired immune responses to novel parasites. Our study has vital implications for invasion biology and ecological immunology. The adaptive immune response of Darwin's finches may help combat the negative effects of parasitism. Alternatively, the physiological cost of mounting such a response could outweigh any benefits, accelerating population decline. Tests of the fitness implications of parasite-specific immune responses in Darwin's finches are urgently needed.
Status of Fish Passage Facilities at Nonfederal Hydropower Projects

Abstract The status of direct mitigation practices for fish passage was assessed as part of an ongoing, multi-year study of the costs and benefits of environmental mitigation measures at nonfederal hydroelectric power plants. Information was obtained from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, hydropower developers and state and federal resource agencies involved in hydropower regulation. Fish ladders were found to be the most common means of passing fish upstream; elevators/lifts were less common, but their use appears to be increasing. A wide variety of mitigative measures, including spill flows, narrow-mesh intake screens, angled bar racks and light- or sound-based guidance measures, is employed to prevent fish from being drawn into turbine intakes. Performance monitoring and detailed, quantifiable performance criteria were frequently lacking. Fifty-two of the 66 projects (82%) with operating downstream fish passage measures had no performance monitoring requirements; 50 of 71 project operators (70%...
A dipole with a tuned parasitic radiator

The electric field, the front/back ratio, and the input impedance of an antenna with a single, tuned, parasitic radiator at constant power are determined, with the newly available approximate second-order self- and mutual impedances used instead of the previous first-order values, which were much less accurate. Theoretical curves for the field and for the front/back ratio are compared with the experimental data of several investigators and it is shown that, if account is taken of significant factors, theory and experiment are in agreement.
Determination of Bendroflumethiazide in Plasma by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Fluorescence Detection

Abstract An accurate, precise, and specific assay is described for the determination of bendroflumethiazide (BFTZ) in plasma. The procedure employs a C18 column, a mobile phase consisting of 35% acetonitrile in 0.015M phosphoric acid, and a fluorescence detector with a 254nm excitation filter and a 400nm emission filter. Furosemide is used as the internal standard. Using lml of plasma, this method can detect 10ng/ml of BFTZ.
The pledge of the computing professional: recognizing and promoting ethics in the computing professions

All of us in the computing community understand the importance of recognizing and promoting ethical behavior in our profession. Instruction in ethics is rapidly becoming a part of most computing-related curricula, whether as a stand-alone course or infused into existing courses. Both Computing Curricula 2005 and the current discussions on Computing Curricula 2013 recognize the significance of ethics, generally considering it a core topic across the various computing disciplines. Additionally, in their criteria for the accreditation of computing programs, ABET specifies that a student must attain by the time of graduation an understanding of ethical issues and responsibilities. What has been missing is a formal rite-of-passage ceremony to prompt student recognition and self-reflection on the transition from being a student to a computing professional. In 2009, seventeen faculty members and industry representatives from a wide range of institutions began to address this open problem by forming The Pledge of the Computing Professional [1], [2]. The Pledge exists to promote and recognize the ethical and moral behavior and responsibilities in graduates of computing-related degree programs as they transition to careers of service to society. The Pledge does not seek to define or enforce ethics --- this is the role of other organizations. Specifically, The Pledge is modeled after the Order of the Engineer [3] and provides a rite-of-passage ceremony at the time of graduation.
Association between High Tear Epidermal Growth Factor Levels and Corneal Subepithelial Fibrosis in Dry Eye Conditions

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common ocular diseases, affecting 14% to 33% of the population worldwide and accounting for a high percentage of patient visits to eye care practitioners.1–3 Evidence suggests that alterations in tear composition are responsible in part for the irritation symptoms and ocular surface disease that develops in DE.4,5 Indeed, a study report showed an association between increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in tears and the severity of irritation symptoms and ocular surface disease in DE, regardless of the etiology.6 Epidermal growth factor (EGF), secreted by the lacrimal gland, is one of the most abundant growth factors in human tears. EGF receptors are expressed by the corneal epithelium, keratocytes, and endothelium.7 EGF is a pleiotropic cytokine that can stimulate proliferation, migration, and adhesion of corneal epithelial cells during wound healing.8,9 In conjunction with TGF-β, it stimulates myofibroblastic differentiation and production of extracellular matrix by corneal keratocytes.10 In a survey of tear proteins in patients with DE conditions, the highest concentration of EGF was noted to be in the subset of patients with meibomian gland disease (MGD).6 We have reported that the presence of MG orifice metaplasia is associated with decreased tear clearance.11 Corneal complications, such as epithelial basement membrane disease, Salzmann's nodules, and subepithelial fibrosis are commonly observed in patients with MGD.12 These fibrotic changes are frequently located in the peripheral cornea that is in contact with the upper and lower tear menisci. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the presence of corneal subepithelial fibrosis and metaplasia of the MG orifice epithelium, two common findings in patients with chronic DE and MG disease, is associated with increased tear EGF concentration. The purpose of this study was to measure tear EGF concentrations in an asymptomatic control group and in with DE. Furthermore, the correlations between tear EGF concentrations, tear production and clearance, and severity of clinical parameters of DE, including corneal subepithelial fibrosis and MG orifice metaplasia, were determined.
Sex steroid hormones and macrophage function

Macrophages are versatile cells whose activities are programmed by environmental signals. In this review, we discuss the potential impact of sex steroid hormones on macrophage activation and production of various effector molecules. The evidence accumulated to date supports the postulate that estrogens, progesterone, androgens and testosterone profoundly influence host defense by controlling the ability of macrophages to participate in immune responses.
The Impact of Growth Control Regulations on Housing Prices in California

This paper examines the impact of growth controls on the price of new single-family homes. Four types of growth controls are discussed and each is found to have a significantly different impact on housing prices. Regulations that are imposed by one locality only are first compared to those that are imposed by a locality whose neighbors also control growth. In California, increases in house prices in communities with only local growth controls cannot be distinguished from communities that do not control growth. However, the 1969 to 1976 housing price increase in growth control jurisdictions located in extensively regulated housing markets is significantly higher than in local-only or no-control jurisdictions. In addition, controls that restrict the rate of development are compared to those that specify the quality of development. In the extensively regulated San Francisco Bay area, the 1969 to 1976 housing price increase was 35% higher in rate-controlled communities and 20% higher in quality-controlled communities than in no-control communities.