cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histone induced platelet aggregation is inhibited by normal albumin

Abstract Introduction Histones are small, nuclear proteins that serve to package DNA. Recent reports suggest that extracellular histones, including histone H4, may contribute to the pathogenesis of sepsis; they promote platelet aggregation and thrombosis when released into the circulation during inflammation or cell death. The mechanisms by which the body minimizes the deleterious effects of circulating histones are unclear. Because histones can bind to plasma proteins, including albumin, we hypothesized that normal albumin can prevent histones from activating platelets. Materials and Methods Platelets and platelet-free plasma were obtained from healthy, adult subjects. The dose-dependent effects of histone H4 on platelet aggregation were studied by optical aggregometry. The effects of native and albumin-depleted plasma (prepared by affinity chromatography) on histone-induced platelet aggregation were also assessed. The effects of normal and surface-neutralized albumin (through modification of carboxyl groups) on histone-induced platelet activation and aggregation were evaluated using flow cytometry and aggregometry. Results Histone H4 induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. This histone-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited by both plasma and human serum albumin in a dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, depletion of albumin from plasma reduced its ability to inhibit aggregation. Finally, surface neutralization of albumin decreased its ability to inhibit histone-induced activation and aggregation. Discussion These data suggest that normal albumin serves a role in preventing histone-induced platelet aggregation in a charge-dependent manner.
Pathways by Which Dietary Salt Affects Blood Pressure and the Nervous System

In their article in this edition of Hypertension , O’Donaughy and Brooks1 address a double controversy, that is, salt-sensitive hypertension and the role of the nervous system in long-term blood pressure control. Although both of these areas of research have avid opponents and proponents, there is an emerging understanding of the multifaceted mechanisms that underlie hypertension in humans and the importance of both dietary NaCl and the nervous system in hypertension. The role of dietary salt intake in hypertension has been widely debated in both the lay and scientific literature for over a half century, and the view of its role has shifted during that period. Much of the evidence against the pathogenic role of salt in hypertension is based on epidemiological and dietary interventional studies that did not discriminate between putative salt-sensitive and salt-resistant individuals. More selective studies have established that salt-sensitive changes in arterial pressure exist in many individuals and that these changes can result in significant health risks. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that salt sensitivity is present more frequently in hypertensive than in normotensive humans and that “normotensive” salt-sensitive individuals have a greater risk of developing hypertension with increasing age. Also, given the latest downward adjustment of the threshold for hypertension by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7), even modest dietary salt-related increases in arterial pressure will thrust into the hypertension category many more individuals than anticipated previously. Thus, salt sensitivity in blood pressure control is real and important. The mechanisms underlying hypertensive responses to chronic high-salt …
Palliative Care in the Treatment of Advanced Heart Failure

Heart failure is epidemic in developed countries and is expanding rapidly worldwide. Roughly 5% of patients with heart failure have end-stage disease that is refractory to medical therapy (stage D heart failure).1 Palliative care consultation relieves symptoms, improves patient satisfaction, and decreases the costs of care for these patients. Despite this, only a small fraction of end-stage heart failure patients receive palliative care consultation. In recognition of this, palliative/hospice care referral was recommended for end-stage heart failure (Level of Evidence 1A) in the most recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association heart failure guidelines.2 To identify evidence-based studies of palliative care in heart failure, we searched the Medline database for literature with the medical subject headings “heart failure” and “palliative care,” “supportive care,” or “symptom management” and found 394 results. We identified 92 systematic reviews, 44 of which were English-language systematic reviews published within the past 5 years. More than 5 million Americans have heart failure, with a yearly incidence estimated to be >500 000.3 The number of deaths due to heart failure in 2004 was 284 365, which exceeds the deaths due to lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and HIV/AIDS combined (Table 1).3–5 Even as the national death rate decreased by 2% from 1994 to 2004, deaths due to heart failure increased by 28%. View this table: Table 1. Incidence of and Number of Deaths Due to Heart Failure Compared With Other Common Causes of Death in the United States The yearly cost of heart failure was roughly $30 billion in 2006.6 The mean hospital length of stay is almost 6 days, and more than one third of patients are admitted for more than 5 days. Nearly half of the hospitalizations for heart failure exceed Medicare diagnosis-related groups reimbursement.7 Compared with all other patients, …
EVALUATING VENDOR-MANAGED INVENTORY (VMI) IN NON-TRADITIONAL ENVIRONMENTS USING SIMULATION

This study provided empirical evidence that sufficient economic benefits could be achieved with the use of a tech nology-enabled vendor-managed inventory (VMI) system in a unique chain such that a firm could justify spending the money necessary to create the infrastructure to support it. The models, while based on a specific type of business, were still generic enough that the results could be generalized to many types of highly distributed, variable demand delivery systems. The study compared the costs of inventory systems used in practice by rural farm cooperatives to possible technology-enabled systems. Fuel delivery data from two agricultural cooperatives in Nebraska provided the basis for this study. The data were used to construct demand distribution for discrete event simulation models of conventional cooperative fuel delivery systems. The results generated from this base model were compared to the operating costs of a technology-enabled system under a variety of VMI implementation alternatives. Performance was measured in inventory costs, delivery costs and stockouts. The study found that VMI alternatives outperformed traditional delivery methods and that the use of such technology could be economically justified in many logistics prob lems dealing with variable demand patterns through the cost savings created.
Identifying Specific Learning Disability Is Responsiveness to Intervention the Answer

Responsiveness to intervention (RTI) is being proposed as an alternative model for making decisions about the presence or absence of specific learning disability. I argue that there are many questions about RTI that remain unanswered, and radical changes in proposed regulations are not warranted at this time. Many fundamental issues related to RTI are unresolved, and a better strategy may be to more rigorously implement existing identification criteria (e.g., discrepancy and psychological processing deficits) in a structured psychometric framework. Suggestions on how to modify present procedures are provided.
Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology : Volume I Application and Maintenance, Second Edition

When it was first published some two decades ago, the original Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology stood on technology's cutting-edge as the first comprehensive reference to assist the emerging science of tribology lubrication. Later, followed by Volume II, Theory and Design and Volume III, Monitoring, Materials, Synthetic Lubricants, and Ap
The Drosophila WIF1 homolog Shifted maintains glypican-independent Hedgehog signaling and interacts with the Hedgehog co-receptors Ihog and Boi

Hedgehog (Hh) family proteins are secreted signaling ligands whose short- and long-range activities transform cellular fates in multiple contexts in organisms ranging from metazoans to humans. In the developing Drosophila wing, extracellular Hh binds to cell-bound glypican heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and the secreted protein Shifted (Shf), a member of Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) family. The glypicans and Shf are required for long-range Hh movement and signaling; it has been proposed that Shf promotes long-range Hh signaling by reinforcing binding between Hh and the glypicans, and that much or all of glypican function in Hh signaling requires Shf. However, we will show here that Shf maintains short-range Hh signaling in the wing via a mechanism that does not require the presence of or binding to the Drosophila glypicans Dally and Dally-like protein. Conversely, we demonstrate interactions between Hh and the glypicans that are maintained, and even strengthened, in the absence of Shf. We present evidence that Shf binds to the CDO/BOC family Hh co-receptors Interference hedgehog (Ihog) and Brother of Ihog, suggesting that Shf regulates short-range Hh signaling through interactions with the receptor complex. In support of a functional interaction between Ihog and members of the Shf/WIF1 family, we show that Ihog can increase the Wnt-inhibitory activity of vertebrate WIF1; this result raises the possibility of interactions between WIF1 and vertebrate CDO/BOC family members.
Noise-predictive maximum-likelihood (NPML) detection for the magnetic recording channel

Sequence estimation detectors for the digital magnetic recording channel are described that are based on noise-predictive partial-response equalization. Called noise-predictive maximum-likelihood (NPML) detectors, they arise by imbedding a noise prediction/whitening process into the branch metric computation of a Viterbi detector. NPML detectors can be realized in a form that allows easy RAM table look-up implementation of the imbedded feedback. The noise prediction/whitening mechanism can also be applied to detectors using finite delay tree search algorithms instead of the Viterbi algorithm. Simulation results obtained for Lorentzian channels show that a judicious tradeoff between performance and state complexity and/or the length of the decision feedback leads to practical schemes offering substantial performance gains over both PRML and EPRML detectors. An important practical advantage of the family of NPML detectors is that they can be conveniently integrated into existing PRML architectures.
Cows, Crohn's and more : Is Mycobacterium paratuberculosis a superantigen?

The plausibility of a causal role of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in Crohn's disease has gone from controversial to compelling. This century old debate is resolving because of unfolding understanding of shared genetic susceptibilities for Crohn's and mycobacterial infection in addition to newer laboratory tests to detect MAP which have linked MAP and Crohn's. Mycobacterial heat shock proteins are associated with a multitude of "autoimmune" diseases, including Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and the initiating events of atherosclerosis. These heat shock proteins may come from MAP; this article postulates a causal role for MAP in multiple inflammatory and "autoimmune" diseases.
Prediction of Color Attributes Through Geometrical Modeling

Today, Jacquard woven fabric producers are able to digitally control each warp yarn individually, pre-program the variable pick density and speed for each filling yarn, and automatically change a pattern without stopping the weaving process. Jacquard CAD systems dramatically reduce the time to produce fabric from the artwork or target design The process of weave/color selection for each area of the pattern is, however, still highly dependent on the CAD system operator who works from a particular color gamut. Multiple weaving trials are required to get a sample that matches the original artwork since the process requires the designer‘s subjective evaluation. The lack of automatic selection of weaves/color matching prompts this research. This paper addresses the development of a geometric model for predicting the color contribution of each warp and filling yarn on the fabric surface in terms of construction parameters. The combination of geometric modeling and existing color mixing equations enables the prediction of the final color of different areas of a Jacquard pattern. The model was verified experimentally and a close agreement was found between a color mixing equation and the experimental measurements.
Blocking layers for nanocomposite photoanodes in dye sensitized solar cells: Comparison of atomic layer deposition and TiCl4 treatment

Abstract Charge recombination at the electrode/electrolyte interface can be prevented by efficient blocking layers. Here, TiO2 blocking layers have been deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and TiCl4 treatment. The number of TiO2 ALD cycles was optimized for I−/I3− and Fc/Fc+ electrolytes. The optimized TiO2 ALD films' performance was compared with the TiCl4 treated films. TiCl4 treated films performed better than the ALD deposited films, attributed to reduction of the defects, which act as active sites of recombination.
The Intersection of Evaluation by Mediators and Informed Consent: Warning the Unwary

What should mediators tell parties before stepping into a requested decisional or evaluative role with respect to some aspect of the mediated case? Any mediator move away from facilitation and towards an arbitral role of suggesting the likely court outcome will have important repercussions. Mediator evaluations may bolster party self-determination - the first ethical standard of mediation - by leading to better-informed decision-making. On the other hand, mediator evaluations can give one party more leverage in the negotiation. The other party will experience increased pressure to settle and may lose face. With the giving of an opinion, the mediator may lose his credibility as a neutral. In cases where a mediator uses private caucuses, the mediator's opinion has certain inherent flaws as a result of being developed after ex parte communications, since parties are unable to rebut things they do not hear, things said or documents shown in private conversations between the mediator and one party. Such separate communications may impact the mediator's evaluation, making it different than what a judge might decide. What sort of warnings should be given to parties? When should the warnings be given? How does the concept of informed consent help in defining the mediator's responsibility to give adequate warnings? This article explores the dimensions of harm and benefit that can result from mediator opinion and makes practical suggestions about what mediators can do to minimize the harm and ensure informed consent by parties to the provision of mediator opinion and evaluation. In addition, the article examines the standard of care that should be used in providing a legal (or other) opinion.
Abstract 13: Suppression of Atherosclerosis by CD39

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombosis remains the leading cause of death in the United States. We investigated the role of CD39, a potent ecto-enzymatic regulator of platelet activation and leukocyte trafficking, in atherosclerosis. We generated mice deficient in CD39 on a hyperlipidemic, apoE -/- background and noted a two-fold higher plaque burden in when compared to apoE -/- controls ( P =0.003). We noted higher levels of circulating markers of platelet activation, soluble P-selectin (39%) and RANTES (60%), in the CD39-deficient mice ( P =0.003 and P =0.015, respectively, n=7-11). CD39-haploinsufficient mice had 1.8-fold greater enhanced platelet reactivity in response to ADP compared to controls ( P =0.03, n=3-8). Macrophages from CD39-deficient mice had significantly higher lipoprotein uptake in vitro . Correspondingly, CD39 overexpression in RAW cells inhibited scavenger receptor expression and lipoprotein uptake. Altered fluid mechanics contribute to atherosclerosis, with non-laminar shear stress enhancing regional plaque formation as seen in arterial bifurcations. We examined coronal sections of aortas from apoE −/− mice and observed that CD39 is poorly expressed in the endothelium in regions of turbulent blood flow, where plaque develops, supporting our hypothesis that endothelial CD39 can be induced by fluid phase shear forces. HUVEC treated with physiologic laminar shear stress (LS) (15 dynes/cm 2 ) had a 5.9-fold increase in CD39 protein ( P =0.004, N=3-7) and a concordant increase in nucleotidase activity ( P =0.03 N=3) compared to static controls (SS). We identified Kruppel like factor 2 (KLF2) as an upstream candidate for transcriptional regulation of CD39 induction by fluid shear forces. Silencing KLF2 in vitro led to a 55% decrease in CD39 mRNA induction with LS vs SS controls ( P =0.002, N=3-4). Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that KLF2 binds to the CD39 ( P =0.01, N=3) and this binding was further enhanced under laminar shear stress ( P =0.0007, N=3). These data show that CD39, an anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory enzyme is a critical regulator of atherosclerosis by modulating platelet, macrophage and endothelial function and mechanistically identify KLF2 as a direct, upstream regulator of CD39 expression.
Winning controllers for nonlinear air combat game with reduced dynamics

The Liapunov technique has been introduced in differential Games in a sequence of works over the last decade. Its applicability to the interface of two competitive semigames for combined objectives, and to the state prediction for the use in fcedback rontrollers are discussed in the attempt to avoid slow on-board digital-search solutions of t he state equations and control problems for the combat. The case is illustrated on the scenarir) i>f target reachinz bcforr being intercepted and intercepting before target is roached.
Exogenous androgen and non-directed hyperexcitability in castrated male guinea pig.

SummaryA non-directed hyperexcitability, dependent on the level of androgen, has been described in the male guinea pig. An increase in the frequency of its occurrence took place after castration; and with the daily administration of testosterone propionate in amounts of 25 γ or more per 100 g body weight there was an immediate return to the level of the intact control. Injection of 12.5 γ of the hormone did not eliminate the increase which followed castration. The similarity of these results to other data bearing on the effect of testosterone on sexual behavior is noted.
Electron Ionization Mass Spectrum of Tellurium Hexafluoride

The electron ionization mass spectrum of tellurium hexafluoride (TeF6) is reported for the first time. The starting material was produced by direct fluorination of Te metal or TeO2 with nitrogen trifluoride. Formation of TeF6 was confirmed through cryogenic capture of the tellurium fluorination product and analysis through Raman spectroscopy. The eight natural abundance isotopes were observed for each of the set of fragment ions: TeF5+, TeF4+ TeF3+, TeF2+, TeF1+, and Te+, Te2+. A trend in increasing abundance was observed for the odd fluoride bearing ions, TeF1+ TeF2+ > TeF4+ > TeF6+, with the molecular ion TeF6+ not observed at all. Density functional theory based electronic structure calculations were used to calculate optimized ground state geometries of these gas phase species, and their relative stabilities explain the trends in the data and the lack of observed signal for TeF6+.
AEM Study of thin and Thick Film Metallization on AIN Substrates

Microstructural characterization of thin film (Au-Pt-Ti) and thick film (Mo-Mn) metallization on AIN substrates has been performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM), Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction (CBED) and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). The reaction mechanisms for both types of metallization methods are proposed. In particular, the microchemical and morphological nature of grain boundary penetration and precipitation within the AIN near the metallization interface has been examined.
IDENTIFICATION OF RABBIT ALLOTYPIC SPECIFICITY A1 BY AN ISOPRECIPITIN PRODUCED BY IMMUNIZATION WITH ANTIGEN-ANTIBODY COMPLEXES.

SummaryA new isoprecipitin for a rabbit γ-globulin allotype was found during attempts to produce rheumatoid factor-like activity in rabbits by immunization with specific typhoid-antityphoid complexes. This allotypic specificity, originally designated L, was subsequently found to correspond with Type E of Dubiski and Kelus, Type b of Oudin, and and was later reclassified Type A1 of Dray et al. This new antiserum facilitated the immunochemical study of allotypic specificities A1, A2, and A3, which are controlled at the a locus. The sensitized sheep cell agglutination reactions observed with the sera of some of the immunized rabbits appeared to be due to the isoprecipitin for the allotypic specificity A1 reacting with its antigen in the rabbit amboceptor used. The bentonite flocculation reactions observed with the sera of the immunized rabbits may be due to cross-reactions of the rabbit isoprecipitin and human γ-globulin, or to production of a different anti-γ-globulin antibody which reacts primarily with hu...
Heart transplant candidates rejected on psychiatric indications.

Abstract Heart transplantation necessarily involves allocation of a scarce resource. Seventy candidates for the operation were evaluated by a psychiatrist providing consultation for a transplantation team. Thirteen patients were determined to be unsuitable for the surgery owing to psychiatric factors. The psychiatric recommendation to the team for selection or nonselection was based on evaluation of the patient's ability to overcome such challenges of transplantation as waiting for a donor, psychological incorporation of the new organ, and, especially, compliance with the medical regimen. Certain DSM-III diagnoses proved to be major impediments to patient selection. Based on their experience, the authors present specific recommendations for assessing candidates.
Effectiveness of Urease Inhibitors Related to Enviromental Factors in Paddy Field

The effect of urease inhibitors, PPD, NBPT, HQ, were studied in laboratory and field on different soil under oxidized and reduced conditions, different temperature condition, and different rate of rice straw incorporated to soil. The effectiveness of PPD was the highest among 3 inhibitors, fol- lowed by NBPT. The rate of urea hydrolysis was found in the descending order of 35℃, 25℃, 45℃, 15℃. Rate of urea hydrolysis raised with increase of straw incorporated to soil, and approached to the maximum when the rate of rice straw at 3 mg/g soil. In a field experiment, the amendment of NBPT in- crease the recovery of Urea-N in rice plants and grain yield by 2.60%-7.52% and 5.70%-10.60% com- pared with the control, respectively.
Determining the Solar Inactivation Rate of BK Polyomavirus by Molecular Beacon

The application of molecular beacons (MB) that bind to precise sequences of mRNA provides a near-universal approach in detecting evidence of viral replication. Here, we demonstrate the detection of BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV), an emerging indicator of microbiological water quality, by a quantum dot-based MB. The MB allowed us to rapidly characterize the inactivation rate of BKPyV following exposure to a solar simulator (kobs = 0.578 ± 0.024 h–1, R2 = 0.92). Results were validated through a traditional cell-culture assay with immunofluorescence detection (kobs = 0.568 ± 0.011 h–1, R2 = 0.97), which exhibited a strong correlation to MB data (R2 = 0.93). Obtaining solar inactivation rates for BKPyV demonstrates the first use of a MB in characterizing a microbiological inactivation profile and helps assess the appropriateness of adopting BKPyV as an indicator organism for water quality.
Bankruptcy prediction in retail industry using logistic regression

In view of the failure of high-profile companies such as Circuit City and Linens n Things, Financial distress or bankruptcy prediction of retail and other firms has generated much interest recently. Recent economic conditions have led to predictions of a wave of retail bankruptcies (e.g., McCracken and O’Connell, 2009). This research develops and tests a model for the prediction of bankruptcy of retail firms. We use accounting variables such as inventories, liabilities, receivables, net income (loss), and revenue. Some guiding discriminate rule is given, and a few factors were identified as measures of a profitable company.
The Economics of God’s Creation

By God and for God all things were created, in heaven and on earth, seen and unseen. As proclaimed in the Nicene Creed, many Christians consider these truths central to the faith. Thus, creation is the cosmos of John 3:16 and should be of first-order interest to Christians. We are stewards of God’s creation. Meanwhile, it is now widely recognized that change in the natural environment can have an impact on the economy and that economic activity likewise commonly affects the biosphere. Over the last generation economists have thus begun paying considerably greater attention to questions of environmental valuation and management. The economics of God’s creation is therefore of increasingly general interest to Christian economists.
Assessing Consumers’ Valuations of Socially Responsible Products with Controlled Experiments

This chapter discusses the use of controlled experiments to study consumers’ valuations of socially responsible products. We review three common experimental methodologies: conjoint analysis, controlled laboratory experiments, and controlled field experiments. We contrast these methods with examples and highlight the strengths of each method. Despite the large literature on consumers’ valuations of social responsibility, few studies link consumers’ valuations with a company’s supply chain strategy. We present a recent study that fills this gap by utilizing a controlled laboratory experiment to investigate how the level of supply chain transparency may influence consumers’ valuations of a company’s social responsibility practices. We conclude by discussing a few interesting topics for future studies.
Measurement of the Yb I S 0 1 − P 1 1 transition frequency at 399 nm using an optical frequency comb

We determine the frequency of the Yb I $^{1}S_{0}\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{1}P_{1}$ transition at 399 nm using an optical frequency comb. Although this transition was measured previously using an optical transfer cavity [D. Das et al., Phys. Rev. A 72, 032506 (2005)], recent work has uncovered significant errors in that method. We compare our result of 751 526 533.49 $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}$ 0.33 MHz for the $^{174}\mathrm{Yb}$ isotope with those from the literature and discuss observed differences. We verify the correctness of our method by measuring the frequencies of well-known transitions in Rb and Cs, and by demonstrating proper control of systematic errors in both laser metrology and atomic spectroscopy. We also demonstrate the effect of quantum interference due to hyperfine structure in a divalent atomic system and present isotope shift measurements for all stable isotopes.
On Task Period Assignment in Multiprocessor Real-Time Control Systems

In real-time control systems, a well-known problem is the period assignment to individual tasks, in order to minimize the overall control cost while guaranteeing the task deadlines. In general, the control cost decreases in convex fashion with decreasing periods (increasing invocation rates). Many real-time control systems are increasingly implemented on multiprocessor platforms due to the increased performance requirements. In this paper, we consider the optimal period assignment problem on a homogeneous multiprocessor platform. The problem is intractable in nature. We analyze the performance of the approaches that first partition the tasks, before assigning periods to optimize overall cost on each CPU locally. Then we propose a technique which assigns the periods optimally by reducing the problem to a single-processor problem setting in the first step, and then applying the partitioning algorithms in the second step. Our experimental evaluation shows that the two variants of our proposed technique offer significant advantage, and exhibit a performance close to the theoretical bound achievable by any algorithm.
Swarm Gateway: Demo Abstract

The gateway is a key component for sensor network deployments and the Internet of Things. Sensor deployments often tend towards low-power communication protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy or IEEE 802.15.4. Gateways are essential to connect these devices to the Internet at large. Over time though, gateways have gained additional responsibilities as well. Sensors expect gateways to handle device-specific data translation and local processing while also providing services, such as time synchronization, to the low-power device. As a centralized computing resource, the gateway is also an obvious location for running local applications which interact with sensor data and control nearby actuators. Today, vendors and researchers often create their own device-specific gateways to handle these responsibilities. We propose a generic gateway platform capable of supporting the needs of many devices. In our architecture, devices provide a pointer, such as a URL, to descriptions of their interfaces. The gateway can download the interface descriptions and use them to determine how to interact with the device, translating its data to a usable format and enabling local services to communicate with it. The translated data is provided to services including user applications, local logging, device status monitoring, and cloud applications. By simultaneously supporting communication with many sensors, our gateway architecture can simplify future sensor network deployments and enable intelligent building applications.
Life, Liberty, and (the Pursuit of) English

This chapter predominantly discusses the ideology of acquiring English that comes with resettling in an English-dominant society. The chapter shows that the participants’ attitudes toward English and English learning lead to frustrations, struggles, and hopes. The data analysis discusses how adults and children ‘talk’ about and ‘do’ things with English differently due to the perceived hierarchy of English and English literacy. Such perceptions are shaped by different ideological factors in their receiving context.
Visual Biofeedback and Game Adaptation in Relaxation Skill Transfer

This paper compares the effectiveness of two biofeedback mechanisms to promote acquisition and transfer of deep-breathing skills using a casual videogame. The first biofeedback mechanism, game adaptation, delivers respiratory information by altering an internal parameter of the game; the second, visual biofeedback, displays respiratory information explicitly without altering the game. We conduct a user study that examines visual biofeedback and game adaptation as independent variables with electrodermal activity, heart rate variability, and respiration as dependent variables. In particular, we evaluate these forms of biofeedback by their ability to facilitate acquisition of relaxation skills and promote skill transfer to subsequent stressful tasks. Our results indicate that game adaptation promotes skill acquisition and transfer more effectively than visual biofeedback, but that a combination of the two outperforms either in isolation. Combining visual and game biofeedback also results in faster learning of deep-breathing skills than either channel alone. Our study suggests that the two forms of biofeedback play different roles, with game adaptation being more effective in encouraging deep breathing, and visual channels helping players maintain the target breathing rate.
Information Sharing to Improve Retail Product Freshness of Perishables

We explore the value of information (VOI) in the context of a retailer that provides a perishable product to consumers and receives replenishment from a single supplier. We assume a periodic review model with stochastic demand, lost sales, and order quantity restrictions. The product lifetime is fixed and deterministic once received by the retailer, although the age of replenished items provided by the supplier varies stochastically over time. Since the product is perishable, any unsold inventory remaining after the lifetime elapses must be discarded (outdated). Without the supplier explicitly informing the retailer of the product age, the age remains unknown until receipt. With information sharing, the retailer is informed of the product age prior to placing an order and hence can utilize this information in its decision–making. We formulate the retailer’s replenishment policies, with and without knowing the age of the product upon receipt, and measure the VOI as the marginal improvement in profit that the retailer achieves with information sharing, relative to the case when no information is shared. We establish the importance of information sharing and identify the conditions under which substantial benefits can be realized.
Quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Avian Dried Blood Spots by Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography with Simple Liquid Extraction and Phospholipid Solid-phase Extraction Preparation

Here, a simple, reliable method for the quantification of the 16 EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dried blood spots is outlined using liquid extraction and phospholipid solid-phase ...
A longitudinal study of adolescents' socialization and identification as predictors of adult moral judgment development.

The typical themes of research on moral judgment development are contrasted with socialization and identification approaches. The value of the socialization and identification approaches for interpreting moral judgment development was assessed in a reanalysis of data from the Kohlberg 20-year longitudinal study of moral judgment development in boys and men. Five variables, relevant to the socialization and identification approaches, were assessed by teachers and/or parents when the subjects were adolescents: conscience strength, paternal iden tification, paternal involvement, maternal involvement, and maternal identifica tion. Conscience strength in adolescence was correlated with adolescent moral judgment development and was a predictor of subsequent development during adulthood. A similar pattern of results was obtained for measures of paternal identification and paternal involvement, but not for the corresponding maternal variables. The results are interpreted in terms of the value of a complementary theoretical perspective.
Agrobacterium- and Biolistic-Mediated Transformation of Maize B104 Inbred.

Genetic transformation of maize inbred genotypes remains non-routine for many laboratories due to variations in cell competency to induce embryogenic callus, as well as the cell's ability to receive and incorporate transgenes into the genome. This chapter describes two transformation protocols using Agrobacterium- and biolistic-mediated methods for gene delivery. Immature zygotic embryos of maize inbred B104, excised from ears harvested 10-14 days post pollination, are used as starting explant material. Disarmed Agrobacterium strains harboring standard binary vectors and the biolistic gun system Bio-Rad PDS-1000/He are used as gene delivery systems. The herbicide resistant bar gene and selection agent bialaphos are used for identifying putative transgenic type I callus events. Using the step-by-step protocols described here, average transformation frequencies (number of bialaphos resistant T0 callus events per 100 explants infected or bombarded) of 4% and 8% can be achieved using the Agrobacterium- and biolistic-mediated methods, respectively. An estimated duration of 16-21 weeks is needed using either protocol from the start of transformation experiments to obtaining putative transgenic plantlets with established roots. In addition to laboratory in vitro procedures, detailed greenhouse protocols for producing immature ears as transformation starting material and caring for transgenic plants for seed production are also described.
On Nonisomorphic BIBD with Identical Parameters

Abstract In this paper, we assign to every BIBD a sequence and use it to compare BIBD's with the same parameters. We then explore examples of nonisomorphic BIBD's constructed from Ferrero pairs with isomorphic regular automorphism groups. A class of BIBD's with special sequences is also provided in the last section of this paper.
Reticulon 3 regulates very low density lipoprotein secretion by controlling very low density lipoprotein transport vesicle biogenesis.

Secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) by the liver is an important physiological process; however, the rate of VLDL secretion is determined by its transport from the endoplasmic reticulu...
Uncovering universal rules governing the selectivity of the archetypal DNA glycosylase TDG.

Thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) is a pivotal enzyme with dual roles in both genome maintenance and epigenetic regulation. TDG is involved in cytosine demethylation at CpG sites in DNA. Here we have used molecular modeling to delineate the lesion search and DNA base interrogation mechanisms of TDG. First, we examined the capacity of TDG to interrogate not only DNA substrates with 5-carboxyl cytosine modifications but also G:T mismatches and nonmismatched (A:T) base pairs using classical and accelerated molecular dynamics. To determine the kinetics, we constructed Markov state models. Base interrogation was found to be highly stochastic and proceeded through insertion of an arginine-containing loop into the DNA minor groove to transiently disrupt Watson–Crick pairing. Next, we employed chain-of-replicas path-sampling methodologies to compute minimum free energy paths for TDG base extrusion. We identified the key intermediates imparting selectivity and determined effective free energy profiles for the lesion search and base extrusion into the TDG active site. Our results show that DNA sculpting, dynamic glycosylase interactions, and stabilizing contacts collectively provide a powerful mechanism for the detection and discrimination of modified bases and epigenetic marks in DNA.
Thrombolysis for Venous Thromboembolism During Pregnancy: A Literature Review.

Background:Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state, conferring an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, treatment algorithms for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are ba...
An Overview of the NIST Cloud Computing Program and Reference Architecture

Cloud computing is the next step in the continued evolution of information systems. Cloud computing allows consumers to choose what service they want, how the services will be delivered, and provides usage based. The resource pooling and rapid provisioning of cloud services allow providers to more efficiently supply these resources. This results in the consumers’ needs being better met while at the same time using fewer resources (both physical assets and energy). To achieve these goals a better understanding of the implications of cloud computing along with interoperability, portability, and security standards is needed. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been tasked to help drive adoption of cloud computing by federal agencies through the identification and resolution of high-priority interoperability, portability and security issues.
The Kidney and Male Genitourinary System

Described in his obituary as the “acknowledged dean of renal physiology,” Smith certainly had a heroic view of the urinary system [2]. In the book cited [1], Smith describes the key role of renal function in allowing early evolutionary survival in water and subsequently on land as we pursued the long journey toward our current status as ambulatory, sapient human beings. But of course, there is more to the story than the kidney, and survival of the species truly depends on the integrity of the entire genitourinary system.
Creativity in Adolescence

This article explores the historical development of the study of creativity, along with the combination of components most experts presently agree likely influence creativity in adolescents. These components include the creator's aptitude, the creative process used, and the environment in which creativity occurs, all of which combine and interact to result in a product that is both novel and useful within a social context. Focusing on the developmental and social factors that powerfully impact creativity in adolescents, the roles intrinsic and extrinsic motivation play in fostering, or hindering, the creative adolescent in the process of generating a creative product are also evaluated. Recommendations for enhancing creativity in the home and school environments are offered. In addition, other controversial issues concerning creativity in adolescence, including specifically the relationship between creativity and intellectual giftedness and the nature versus nurture debate, are addressed. Finally, contemporary contributions from neuroscience regarding the brain structures supporting the creative process are briefly explored.
Differences in the Relation Between Perimetric Sensitivity and Variability Between Locations Across the Visual Field

Purpose Perimetric sensitivities become more variable with glaucomatous functional loss. This study examines the extent to which this relation varies between locations, and whether this can be predicted by eccentricity-related differences in spatial summation. Methods Longitudinal series of visual fields from standard automated perimetry were obtained from participants with suspected or extant glaucoma. For each location in the 24-2 visual field, heterogeneous fixed-effects models were fit to the data, assuming that variability increased exponentially as sensitivity decreased. The predicted variability at each location was calculated when sensitivity was either 30 dB or 25 dB. Results Variability significantly increased with damage at all 52 locations. When sensitivity was 30 dB, variability increased with eccentricity, with P = 0.0003. The average SD was 1.54 dB at the four most central locations, versus 1.74 dB at the most peripheral locations. When sensitivity was 25 dB, variability did not vary predictably with eccentricity, with P = 0.340. The average SD was 2.36 dB at the four central locations, versus 2.24 dB at the most peripheral locations. Conclusions The relation between sensitivity and variability differed by eccentricity. Among healthy locations, variability was lower centrally, where the stimulus size is larger than Ricco's area, than peripherally. Among damaged locations, variability did not systematically vary with eccentricity. This could be because Ricco's area expands in glaucoma, such that stimuli were now smaller than this area at all locations.
Wavelength Locking of Multicast Signals Using Photo-Conductive Effect in Silicon Photonic Platform

We develop an automated wavelength locking of microring resonators for routing optical signals in unicast and multicast modes. The locking algorithm utilizes the photo-conductive effect of the integrated microheaters for tapless monitoring of the optical power coupled to the microring.
Enhancing chondrogenesis and mechanical strength retention in physiologically relevant hydrogels with incorporation of hyaluronic acid and direct loading of TGF-β

Abstract Cell-loaded hydrogels are frequently applied in cartilage tissue engineering for their biocompatibility, ease of application, and ability to conform to various defect sites. As a bioactive adjunct to the biomaterial, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has been shown to be essential for cell differentiation into a chondrocyte phenotype and maintenance thereof, but the low amounts of endogenous TGF-β in the in vivo joint microenvironment necessitate a mechanism for controlled delivery and release of this growth factor. In this study, TGF-β3 was directly loaded with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into poly- d , l -lactic acid/polyethylene glycol/poly- d , l -lactic acid (PDLLA-PEG) hydrogel, or PDLLA-PEG with the addition of hyaluronic acid (PDLLA/HA), and cultured in vitro. We hypothesize that the inclusion of HA within PDLLA-PEG would result in a controlled release of the loaded TGF-β3 and lead to a robust cartilage formation without the use of TGF-β3 in the culture medium. ELISA analysis showed that TGF-β3 release was effectively slowed by HA incorporation, and retention of TGF-β3 in the PDLLA/HA scaffold was detected by immunohistochemistry for up to 3 weeks. By means of both in vitro culture and in vivo implantation, we found that sulfated glycosaminoglycan production was higher in PDLLA/HA groups with homogenous distribution throughout the scaffold than PDLLA groups. Finally, with an optimal loading of TGF-β3 at 10 μg/mL, as determined by RT-PCR and glycosaminoglycan production, an almost twofold increase in Young’s modulus of the construct was seen over a 4-week period compared to TGF-β3 delivery in the culture medium. Taken together, our results indicate that the direct loading of TGF-β3 and stem cells in PDLLA/HA has the potential to be a one-step point-of-care treatment for cartilage injury. Statement of Significance Stem cell-seeded hydrogels are commonly used in cell-based cartilage tissue engineering, but they generally fail to possess physiologically relevant mechanical properties suitable for loading. Moreover, degradation of the hydrogel in vivo with time further decreases mechanical suitability of the hydrogel due in part to the lack of TGF-β3 signaling. In this study, we demonstrated that incorporation of hyaluronic acid (HA) into a physiologically stiff PDLLA-PEG hydrogel allowed for slow release of one-time preloaded TGF-β3, and when loaded with adult mesenchymal stem cells and cultured in vitro, it resulted in higher chondrogenic gene expression and constructs of significantly higher mechanical strength than constructs cultured in conventional TGF-β3-supplemented medium. Similar effects were also observed in constructs implanted in vivo. Our results indicate that direct loading of TGF-β3 combined with HA in the physiologically stiff PDLLA-PEG hydrogel has the potential to be used for one-step point-of-care treatment of cartilage injury.
Birthing life and death: women’s reproductive health in early twentieth-century Rio de Janeiro

This article explores women's reproductive health in early twentieth-century Rio de Janeiro, showing that elevated and sustained stillbirth and maternal mortality rates marked women's reproductive years. Syphilis and obstetric complications during childbirth were the main causes of stillbirths, while puerperal fever led maternal death rates. Utilizing traditional sources such as medical dissertations and lesser-used sources including criminal investigations, this article argues that despite official efforts to medicalize childbirth and increase access to clinical healthcare, no real improvements were made to women's reproductive health in the first half of the twentieth century. This, of course, did not make pregnancy and childbirth any easier for the women who embodied these statistics in their reproductive lives.
Comparing Collaborative and Cooperative Gameplay for Academic and Gaming Achievements.

This article reports an empirical study that explores gender differences in both cooperative and collaborative social gaming in relation to achievements and attitudes. Another aim was to compare st...