cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Directed Differentiation of Primitive and Definitive Hematopoietic Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

One of the major goals for regenerative medicine is the generation and maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Until recently, efforts to differentiate hPSCs into HSCs have predominantly generated hematopoietic progenitors that lack HSC potential, and instead resemble yolk sac hematopoiesis. These resulting hematopoietic progenitors may have limited utility for in vitro disease modeling of various adult hematopoietic disorders, particularly those of the lymphoid lineages. However, we have recently described methods to generate erythro-myelo-lymphoid multilineage definitive hematopoietic progenitors from hPSCs using a stage-specific directed differentiation protocol, which we outline here. Through enzymatic dissociation of hPSCs on basement membrane matrix-coated plasticware, embryoid bodies (EBs) are formed. EBs are differentiated to mesoderm by recombinant BMP4, which is subsequently specified to the definitive hematopoietic program by the GSK3β inhibitor, CHIR99021. Alternatively, primitive hematopoiesis is specified by the PORCN inhibitor, IWP2. Hematopoiesis is further driven through the addition of recombinant VEGF and supportive hematopoietic cytokines. The resulting hematopoietic progenitors generated using this method have the potential to be used for disease and developmental modeling, in vitro.
Meadows on China: A Centennial Review

In november 1841 a young Englishman named Thomas Taylor Meadows, who had spent some three years studying chemistry and mathematics in Germany, happened to attend Professor Karl Friedrich Neumann's lectures on the Chinese language at the University of Munich. The young man “almost immediately gave up every other study” and prepared for the British service in China. Hardly more than a year later, at the beginning of 1843, Meadows arrived at the new crown colony of Hongkong. When George Tradescant Lay opened the first British consulate at Canton on July 23, Meadows was Senior Assistant and a year later became Interpreter. This made him, in modern parlance, the chief British intelligence officer at the leading treaty port. After a stretch of seven and one-half years at Canton, during which he reported the beginning in Kwangsi of the great domestic uprising later known as the Taiping Rebellion, Meadows became Interpreter at Shanghai (Jan. 1, 1852), and by the time the Taiping horde erupted down the Yangtze from Wuhan to Nanking in early 1853, he was well prepared to study them at first hand.
Remediación de suelos contaminados con plomo (11) por fitotecnologías correctivas - Medicago sativa L. (Alfalfa)

The concentration of lead varies and depends on the situation. Naturally the lead presents a concentration of 1 0-50mg/kg, but, activity human increases in 10 to 200 more; atmospheric lead approximates to 1 O~g/m3 of air; lead dissolved in water Bogota river (Colombian) a concentration of 49,77 KgPb/ day. Is used as a plant species acumulation a Medicago Sativa L. The soils of the Agricultural Center Marengo the Universidad Nacional of Colombia; Bogota headquarters, were used for experimentation, taking into account that said inside Center circulates an irrigation canal which is fed with water from the middle of the Bogota River basin. Collection of soils in situ, and his study was carried out in vitro in the Agustin Codazzi Geographical Institute.
Pulmonary Regurgitation- Is the Future Percutaneous or Surgical?

For decades, surgical replacement of the pulmonary valve has been seen as the gold-standard technique. Until the advent of Medtronic’s Melody valve, it was the only option. Whilst radical changes in surgical techniques have not been forthcoming, rapid and substantial developments in the techniques and available technology for percutaneous valves now cause us to ask if the gold-standard moniker now belongs in the cath lab. This manuscript explores the recent history and future of a revolution in this large area of congenital cardiac practice.
Prescription patterns in asthma patients initiating salmeterol in UK general practice: a retrospective cohort study using the General Practice Research Database (GPRD).

Background: An association between salmeterol, a long-acting β2-agonist (LABA), use and rare serious asthma events or asthma mortality was observed in two large clinical trials. This has resulted in heightened scrutiny of LABAs and comprehensive reviews by regulatory agencies.
Excitatory and Inhibitory Pathways for Anoxic Preconditioning Neuroprotection in Hippocampal Slices

The induction of tolerance against ischemia resulting from sublethal ischemic or anoxic insults has gained attention as a robust neuroprotective mechanism against conditions of stress such as anoxia/ischemia in heart and brain (Murry et al., 1986; Kato et al., 1992; Li et al., 1992; Liu et al., 1992; Walker et al., 1993; Perez-Pinzon et al., 1997). There are different preconditioning paradigms both in heart and brain. For example, variations in preconditioning paradigms include, the number of preconditioning insults, types of preconditioning insults, and time between preconditioning and the test insults.
The Influence of Thermo-Plastic Deformation on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Powder Metallurgy Materials

Powder metallurgy materials as a rule have porosity after sintering. Different pressure working processes (extrusion, pressing, forging, rolling etc.) are used to decrease porosity. Pressure working leads not only to consolidation of materials, but to changes in structure and substructure of materials, i.e. to variation of grain size and formation of dislocation substructure as well.
Genetic Fate-Mapping Approaches: New Means to Explore the Embryonic Origins of the Cochlear Nucleus

Greatly impacting the field of neural development are new technologies for generating fate maps in mice and thus for illuminating relationships between embryonic and adult brain structures. Until now, efforts in mammalian models such as the mouse have presented challenges because their in utero development limits the access needed for traditional methods involving tracer injection or cell transplantation. But access is no longer an obstacle. It is now possible to deliver cell lineage tracers via noninvasive genetic, rather than physical, means. The hinge-pin of these new "genetic fate mapping" technologies is a class of molecule called a site-specific recombinase. The most commonly used being Cre and Flp. Through the capacity to produce precise DNA excisions, Cre or Flp can act as an on-switch, capable of transforming a silenced reporter transgene, for example, into a constitutively expressed one. A reporter transgene is, in effect, transformed by the excision event into an indelible cell-lineage tracer, marking ancestor and descendant cells. The actual cell population to be fate mapped is determined by recombinase parameters. Being genetically encoded, Cre or Flp is "delivered" to specific cells in the embryo using transgenics--promoter and enhancer elements from a gene whose expression is restricted to the desired cell type is used to drive recombinase expression. Thus, recombinase delivery is not only noninvasive but also restricted to specific embryonic cells based on their gene expression phenotype, lending molecular precision to the selection of cells for fate mapping. Resolution in cell type selection has recently been improved further by making lineage tracer activation dependent on two DNA excision events rather than just one. Here, in what is referred to as "intersectional genetic fate mapping," lineage tracer is expressed only in those cells having undergone a Flp-dependent excision as well as a Cre-dependent excision, thus marking the embryonic cells lying at the intersection of two gene (Flp and Cre driver) expression domains. The field of hindbrain development, in particular, has seen great advances through application of these new approaches. For example, genetic fate maps of the cochlear nucleus have yielded surprising information about where in the embryonic hindbrain its constituent neurons arise and journey and what genes are expressed along the way. In this chapter, we detail materials and methods relevant to genetic fate mapping in general and intersectional genetic fate mapping in particular.
Do marriage problems affect fathering more than mothering? A quantitative and qualitative review.

The important question of whether marital problems disrupt fathering more than mothering is addressed in (a) a quantitative review of evidence on marital conflict and parenting in intact families, and (b) a qualitative review of research on mother and father involvement with their children following divorce. We conclude that (a) there is limited evidence that, relative to mothering, fathering is more likely to be affected by marital conflict, but suggest that (b) marital status (i.e., divorce) affects fathering notably more than it affects mothering. We further suggest that marital problems may disrupt father involvement which, in turn, weakens the quality of father-child relationships; there likely are multiple alternative pathways through which marriage problems affect parenting, including both "spillover" and "compensation"; researchers need to examine more carefully how marital problems disrupt coparenting; child age and gender may moderate linkages between the parental and marital subsystems; and coparenting, marital happiness, and the institution of marriage itself may be essential first avenues of intervention for those who wish to improve or maintain fathers' involvement with their children.
The associations between suicidality and mental health factors and pain interference in veterans being referred to primary care mental health integration.

Abstract In veterans being referred to a primary care-mental health integration (PCMHI) program, the Behavioral Health Laboratory, we sought to identify correlates of suicidal ideation severity and suicide attempts using the ideation-to-action framework among pain interference, psychiatric disorders, and treatment factors. Veterans (n = 17,176) referred to the Behavioral Health Laboratory received a structured assessment that included past-year suicidal thoughts and behaviors, psychiatric symptoms, substance use, psychotropic medication use, and mental health treatment utilization. Nearly 50% of participants reported at least passive suicidal ideation. While psychiatric symptoms differentiated passive ideators, active ideators, and suicide attempters from non-suicide ideators, there were no significant differences among active ideators and attempters. Additionally, attempters differed from passive ideators in terms of drug use, mental health treatment, psychotropic medication use, mania, and psychosis. Pain interference was significantly associated with suicidal ideation severity in bivariate analyses, but not for the adjusted analyses. PCMHI is a setting seeing a high rate of suicidal ideation and may serve as a critical setting to implement suicide prevention efforts.
Companion Animal Studies: Slipping Through a Research Oversight Gap.

In human subject research ethics, we appeal to principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. In laboratory animal studies, the three Rs (reduce, refine, replace) are key touchstones,...
Taking Risks: A Requirement of the New Superintendency.

According to Cantor and Bernay (1992), “Risk taking is a critical factor of successful leadership” (p. 158). Surprisingly, however, the literature about the superintendency does not report that sup...
Standardizing test methods for performance evaluation of infrared thermographs intended for fever screening (Conference Presentation)

Infrared thermographs (IRTs) have been implemented for mass fever screening in public areas such as airports during outbreaks of infectious disease pandemics such as Ebola virus disease, yet the approach has not been entirely successful. There has been increasing evidence in the literature that IRTs can provide greater accuracy in estimating core body temperature, if qualified systems are used and appropriate procedures are consistently applied. In this study, we addressed the issue of system qualification by implementing and evaluating a battery of test methods for objective and quantitative performance assessment of two commercial IRTs based on a recent international standard (IEC 80601-2-59). We evaluated stability and drift, image uniformity, minimum resolvable temperature difference, and measurement accuracy of the IRTs and illustrated how experimental and data processing procedures affect results. For instance, we demonstrated that offset temperature compensation, achieved using an external blackbody, is essential to meet the standard’s recommendations for temperature drift and stability. Additionally, we identified methods that can be implemented to optimize IRT evaluation. As an example, we identified a less burdensome approach to characterize image uniformity with a single image acquisition of a uniform blackbody. Overall, the insights into thermograph standardization and acquisition methods provided by this study may improve the utility of this technology and aid in comparing IRT performance, thus improving the potential for high quality disease pandemic countermeasures.
Elucidation of de novo small insertion/deletion biology with parent-of-origin phasing.

The mechanisms underlying de novo insertion/deletion (indel) genesis, such as polymerase slippage, have been hypothesized but not well characterized in the human genome. We implemented two methodological improvements, which were leveraged to dissect indel mutagenesis. We assigned de novo variants to parent-of-origin (i.e., phasing) with low-coverage long-read whole-genome sequencing, achieving better phasing compared to short-read sequencing (medians of 84% and 23%, respectively). We then wrote an application programming interface to classify indels into three subtypes according to sequence context. Across three cohorts with different phasing methods (Ntrios = 540, all cohorts), we observed that one de novo indel subtype, change in copy count (CCC), was significantly correlated with father's (p = 7.1 × 10-4 ) but not mother's (p = .45) age at conception. We replicated this effect in three cohorts without de novo phasing (ppaternal = 1.9 × 10-9 , pmaternal = .61; Ntrios = 3,391, all cohorts). Although this is consistent with polymerase slippage during spermatogenesis, the percentage of variance explained by paternal age was low, and we did not observe an association with replication timing. These results suggest that spermatogenesis-specific events have a minor role in CCC indel mutagenesis, one not observed for other indel subtypes nor for maternal age in general. These results have implications for indel modeling in evolution and disease.
Teaching statistics online to prepare educators for evidence-based practice

As heavy emphasis is placed on evidence-informed teaching to improve educational practice, developing educators’ statistical literacy to facilitate data-driven decision-making becomes critical. How...
Influence of orientation and ferroelectric domains on the photochemical reactivity of La2Ti2O7

Abstract The effects of crystal orientation and ferroelectric domain structure on the photochemical reactivity of La2Ti2O7 have been measured. Electron backscattered diffraction was used to determine the orientations of the surfaces of crystals in a ceramic specimen, piezo-force microscopy was used to determine the domain structure, and the photocathodic reduction of silver from an aqueous silver nitrate solution was used to evaluate the photochemical reactivity. The reactivity is greatest on (001) surfaces (this is the orientation of the layers in this (110)p layered perovskite structure) while surfaces perpendicular to this orientation have the least reactivity. Complex domain structures were observed within the grains, but they appeared to have no effect on the photocathodic reduction of silver, in contrast to previous observations on other ferroelectrics. La2Ti2O7 is an example of a ferroelectric oxide in which the crystal orientation has a greater influence on the photochemical reactivity than polarization from the internal domain structure.
ALVEN: Algebraic learning via elastic net for static and dynamic nonlinear model identification

Abstract An algorithm is proposed that combines nonlinear feature generation and sparse regression to learn interpretable nonlinear models from noisy and limited data. This Algebraic Learning Via Elastic Net for Static and Dynamic Nonlinear Model Identification algorithm employs automated feature generation including families of ubiquitous chemical and biological nonlinear transformations. ALVEN balances model complexity and prediction accuracy through a two-step feature selection procedure, to produce an interpretable model useful for process applications while avoiding overfitting. The generalization to nonlinear dynamical systems, Dynamic ALVEN, is then described. The model accuracy of the algorithms is compared to well-established machine learning methods for a 3D printer and a chemical reactor.
Galvanic skin response characteristic of trauma survivors and applying signal processing techniques to improve its ability as a useful predictor in behavioral modeling

Galvanic skin conductance measurement has two components: the tonic skin conductance level (SCL) and the phasic skin response (GSR). While SCL reflects inter-individual variability and the instantaneous physiology and ambient conditions at the time of measurement, the phasic changes of the GSR is associated with emotional arousal and is widely used as a biomarker for behavioral studies. AURORA is a multi-site longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health to collect observations from trauma survivors over a period of one year with an overarching goal of understanding adverse posttraumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae (APNS). In AURORA, skin conductance measurement is done at the time of enrollment in the emergency department using an instrument developed by Mindfield Biosystems called eSense. This paper presents the preprocessing and quality assurance of these AURORA eSense skin conductance data and aims to identify the best parameter that can be used as a biomarker in understanding APNS among the AURORA sample.
X-Ray Jet, Counter-jet, and Trail of the Fast-moving Pulsar PSR B2224+65

I report the detection of linear X-ray features associated with PSR B2224+65, based on a new Chandra observation, plus two obtained ~6 and 12 yr earlier. This mid-aged pulsar is known for its extreme proper motion and its associated guitar-shaped optical nebula in the opposite direction. The main jet-like feature with the same proper motion is long and directed 62° away from the nebula, which is associated with a faint X-ray tail detected for the first time. Also now clearly revealed are the sharp forward edge and epoch-dependent substructures of the feature and its curvature near the pulsar, as well as a much fainter/shorter counter-jet. Magnetic field appears to play a central role in the formation of the features, which represent the synchrotron radiation of energetic particles leaked out from the bow shock nebula through small holes, produced probably by localized magnetic reconnection, and streaming along interstellar magnetic field lines.
Outcomes in chest feminization patients with a history of illicit hormone use and silicone injections

Transfeminine patients facing barriers to gender confirming surgery sometimes pursue illicit feminization procedures such as "street" hormones and silicone injections. These procedures often yield complications and disfigurement, making surgeons and insurance companies wary of secondary breast reconstruction. This clinical series assesses illicit treatment among our transfeminine breast surgery patients and describes the presentation, surgical approaches, and outcomes of each patient. A retrospective review of transfeminine patients who underwent chest feminization surgery with a single provider between March 2018 and March 2020 identified patients with a history of illicit hormones or silicone injections. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative diagnoses and symptoms, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Patients were contacted for a follow-up survey concerning outcomes and satisfaction. Of the 41 transfeminine patients reviewed, eight (19.5%) had previous illicit treatment. Seven (17.1%) used non-prescribed hormones, and three (7.3%) received silicone breast injections. Two patients presented with symptoms from silicone injections; the remaining were asymptomatic. Six patients underwent subglandular breast augmentation, one had a reduction mammoplasty, and one underwent an implant exchange. Only one patient had postoperative complications that healed without surgical intervention. This series emphasizes the need to assess the prevalence of silicone injections and illicit hormone use among transgender chest feminization patients. The use of these substances was relatively high in our population compared to national averages; however, there is a low risk of postoperative complications. Providers may perform breast surgery in patients with a history of illicit augmentation practices after careful evaluation and surgical planning.
JTZ-951 (enarodustat), a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, improves iron utilization and anemia of inflammation: Comparative study against recombinant erythropoietin in rat.

Abstract Anemia with inflammation-induced defective iron utilization is a pathological condition observed in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic inflammatory disease. There is no reasonable treatment for these conditions, because the effects of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) or iron supplementation in the treatment of anemia are insufficient. JTZ-951 (enarodustat) has been characterized as a novel, orally bioavailable inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH), and has been developed as a novel therapeutic agent for anemia with CKD. In this study, the effects of JTZ-951 on iron utilization during erythropoiesis and on anemia of inflammation were compared with those of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) using normal rat and rat model of anemia of inflammation. In normal rats, under conditions in which JTZ-951 and rHuEPO showed similar erythropoietic effect, repeated doses of JTZ-951 induced erythropoiesis while retaining the hemoglobin content in red blood cells, while administration of rHuEPO resulted in decrease in some erythrocyte-related parameters. As for iron-related parameters during erythropoiesis, JTZ-951 exhibited more efficient iron utilization compared to rHuEPO. A single dose of JTZ-951 resulted in decrease in hepcidin expression observed within 24 h after administration, but a single dose of rHuEPO did not. In a rat model of anemia of inflammation (also known as a model with functional iron-deficiency), JTZ-951 showed erythropoietic effect, in contrast with rHuEPO. These results suggest that, unlike rHuEPO, JTZ-951 stimulates erythropoiesis by increasing iron utilization, and improves anemia of inflammation.
Fundamental of the Subsurface System

This book along with its companion book (Yeh, 1999) are concerned with the mathematical description and numerical modeling of subsurface media. It is about the subsurface media that control the movement of fluids (including water, nonaqueous liquids, and gas), the migration of chemicals, the transfer of heat, and the deformation of media. It is about the physical laws that describe the flux of fluid, heat, and chemicals, and the relationship between stress and strain. It is about the chemical reactions along with fluid flows. It is about the biological interaction within the flow and thermal domain and among chemical constituents. It is about numerical methods needed to conduct simulations of both fluid flows and advection-dominant transport. In short, the study of the subsurface system is the investigation of major processes occurring in the subsurface and the interplay of these processes with the media through which they occur. Understanding the mechanisms controlling the occurrence of these processes and their interplay is the ultimate goal of this book because it provides a method for the prediction of the occurrence of these processes in the media. To make this goal possible, accurate numerical methods to efficiently and accurately approximate mathematical descriptions are of ultimate importance. Extensive coverage of finite element methods used in fluid flows was provided in a companion book (Yeh, 1999). The hybrid Lagrangian-Eulerian approaches best suited to deal with advection-dominant transport are included in this book.
To Kill a Matriarchy: Makədda, Queen of Ethiopia and Specters of Pauline Androprimacy in the Kəbrä Nägäśt

This article examines how the gendered language that is attributed to the apostle Paul, particularly what I call “androprimacy” (defined as male precedence however conceptualized and deployed), plays out in subtle ways in the narrative delegitimization of Makədda, the queen of Ethiopia, as recounted in the medieval Ethiopic Kəbra Nagaśt (The Glory of Kings). Accordingly, I bring gender-theoretical concepts and methods to bear on the objectives of this medieval text and argue that the major concern of its central section is to erode the right to rule of women as instantiated in the legendary figure of Makədda and not, as most scholars have suggested, to legitimate the Solomonic line following the overthrow of the Zagwe dynasty by Yekwənno ’Amlak in 1270.
ENERGY UTILIZATION OF ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES AND THEIR IMPACT ON US NATIONAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION

This paper discusses energy utilization and the power train efficiency of electric and electric/flywheel hybrid vehicles. The results of EVSIM (a digital simulation program) and test data obtained from a mini–computer controlled dynamometer facility are presented. It is shown that the marginal improvement in vehicle range that results from the application of regenerative braking does not justify the complexity of its controls. Similarly, the electric/flywheel hybrid is not an attractive and practical scheme because of its additional cost, complexity, and poor performance at constant speeds. It shows that even with coal as the prime energy source, an electric car is not energy conservative. Less coal is consumed when it is liquefied for use in an IC engine vehicle than when it is burned to generate electricity to provide the same transportation in an electric vehicle even with the most advanced nickel/zinc batteries.
Mother-Scholars Intellectualize the Private Sphere

Mother-scholars drive the feminist impulse to dismantle patriarchal binaries – namely, the sharp divide between the intellect and the maternal, the public and the private. For mother-scholars, maternal work is an intellectual endeavor. Because academic thinking plays a huge role in their careers, mother-scholars are committed to establishing an intellectual presence in their children’s education. Although school sites are technically public spaces, identifying the school as “their child’s” turns the school site into a perceived private space. This impels motherscholars to thoroughly evaluate their children’s education space
Quantitative analysis of carbohydrate residues of glycoproteins and glycolipids by gas—liquid chromatography

Abstract Many investigators have reported problems with the use of d -mannitol and other alditos as internal standards for gas chromatographic quantification of trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of methyl glycosides. Quantification of carbohydrate residues of glycoproteins and glycolipids requires neutralization of the products of dry acidic methanolysis. Silver carbonate and Amberlite IR-45 ion exchange resin (OH−) were compared as neutralization agents for 0.75 N HCL methanolysates (80°, 20 h). Only 4/2-17% of the d -mannitol internal standard was recovered when a 50 nmole equimolar mixture of d -mannitol and α-methyl glycosides was neutralized with silver carbonate. Addition of 0.1 ml of acetic anhydride or glacial acetic acid after silver carbonate neutralization did not prevent significant loss of d -mannitol, myo- inositol and perseitol at the 50 nmole level. There was no appreciable loss of d -mannitol internal standard, when compared to α-methyl glycosides, after IR-45 resin (OH−) neutralization. Resin neutralization allowed 10/2-200 nmoles of d -mannitol internal standard to be added to acidic methanolysates immediately after methanolysis and carried directly through the analytical procedure.
How Digital Media is Transforming Education

In the 21st century, we experience rapidly evolving digital media and technologies in use that are no longer new and are actually embedded in the fabric of daily life. Students today use these technologies to explore various information resources in and out of schools as they live with them in every facet of their lives. Educators must apply technology to guide and engage students through the experience of learning. Further, digital technology has transformed our larger society by becoming central to the act of experiencing all forms of information, writing, communicating, and multifaceted thinking, which are major concerns of schooling. This article describes and analyzes the impact of digital media in contemporary life in order to consider these impacts to achieve the objective of education. Educators cannot ignore the changes that digital media brings to our life and education. The goal of this paper is to trigger a rethinking of the impact of the digital media to our lives and encourage educators to contemplate a new form of instruction for students in the present and future digital age.
Advances in software specification and verification introduction to minitrack

Modern society is increasingly dependent on complex software systems for operating its critical infrastructures, including transportation, communication, finance, energy distribution, and healthcare. As a result, the consequences of failures are becoming increasingly severe. We believe that the growing recognition of risks and consequences of failures will lead to increasing use of rigorous specification and verification techniques for such systems.The Advances in Software Specification and Verification minitrack focuses on research and applications that will drive widespread use of rigorous specification and verification technologies, particularly for complex, large-scale systems. Topics include new specification and verification techniques, methods for scale-up to large systems, techniques for complexity reduction in specification and verification, integration of specification and verification methods, development of engineering practices and tools, and case studies.We accepted three papers for this year's minitrack that provide an excellent overview of current research in system specification and verification. The papers cover a number of emerging research areas, including use of box structures for system specification in the context of Strategic Information Systems Planning, integration of viewpoints, use-cases, and sequence-based methods for specification, and use of wrapping-based architectures and anomaly detection algorithms to achieve system-level analysis and verification. At least three external reviewers and both minitrack chairs refereed each of the submitted papers.
Newborn Adipokines and Birth Outcomes.

Background Adipokines can serve as a measure of adipose tissue activity. Although birthweight correlates with neonatal adiposity, findings for cord blood levels of adipokines and birth outcomes have been conflicted. Therefore, we determined the cross-sectional associations between adipokines measured in newborn dried blood spots (DBS) and birth outcomes. Methods The Upstate KIDS study enrolled mothers and infants from 2008 to 2010. Among infants whose parents consented to the use of residual DBS from newborn screening, 2397 singletons and 1240 twins had adipokine measurements from the Human Obesity Panel (R&D Systems) by Luminex. Odds ratios were estimated by multivariable logistic regression for risk of birth outcomes of preterm delivery (<37 weeks for singletons, <32 for twins) and small-for-gestational age (SGA <10th for singletons and <3rd for twins age- and sex-specific percentiles) by adipokine quintiles. Generalised estimating equations were applied to account for correlations between twins. Results Singletons in the lowest compared with the highest quintile of adiponectin were more likely preterm (adjusted odds ratio 3.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99, 5.34) and SGA (1.81; [95% CI 1.18, 2.77]). Similar associations were observed among twins. Resistin was associated with preterm birth (Q1 vs. Q5: 2.08; [95% CI 1.20, 3.62]) only among singletons. Adipsin had inconsistent associations after adjustment. Conclusions This large population-based study demonstrates that newborn DBS-measured adipokines are associated with birth outcomes, particularly preterm birth and SGA among those with lower adiponectin levels regardless of plurality.
Polar allele duplication for transcriptional analysis of consecutive essential genes: application to a cluster of Escherichia coli fatty acid biosynthetic genes

The genes encoding acyl carrier protein and several key fatty acid biosynthetic enzymes are clustered at min 24 of the Escherichia coli chromosome. This cluster of genes is not transcribed as a classical operon, but rather multiple promoters are present and each gene is cotranscribed with at least one other gene. Transcripts specific for single genes ar also present. Transcription of acpP, the gene encoding acyl carrier protein, has been studied in detail. The acpP gene was shown to be transcribed from at least two different promoters by Northern (RNA) blot, primer extension, and deletion analyses, and the major promoter was mapped. We tested whether multiple promoters are necessary to produce acyl carrier protein by use of a new method whereby a transcriptional terminator was integrated into the chromosome upstream of the intact acpP gene. By use of this method (called polar allele duplication), we demonstrate that the promoter located immediately upstream of the coding sequence is sufficient for synthesis of this very abundant protein.
Affective responses to physical activity in obese women: A high-intensity interval bout vs. a longer, isocaloric moderate-intensity bout

BACKGROUND: As the prevalence of obesity and inactivity continue to increase worldwide, the need for effective intervention strategies remains. Despite the well-known benefits of leading a physically active lifestyle, of those individuals classified as obese, only 3.0% of the women and 6.4% of the men trying to lose weight actually meet the 60 min/day physical activity guidelines for weight management (Bish et al., 2005). With lack of time being one of the most oft-cited reasons for not being active (King et al., 2000), the use of short-duration, high-intensity interval training (HIT) has been suggested as a time-efficient means to potentially address this problem (Gibala, 2007). However, the long-term sustainability of the HIT approach in non-athletic populations has not been investigated. Affective responses to bouts of exercise have been linked to exercise adherence (Williams et al., 2008) and, importantly, obese individuals have been found to report lower levels of pleasure in response to exercise than normal-weight and overweight individuals (Ekkekakis et al., in press). PURPOSE: Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the affective responses of obese women during a shorter, high-intensity interval session and a longer, isocaloric moderate-intensity session, in order to evaluate the appropriateness and practicality of implementing HIT exercise for this population. METHODS: Twenty-four obese and inactive women (mean age 39.25 years) first completed an incremental cycle ergometer exercise test to determine their ventilatory threshold (VT). They then completed two experimental exercise conditions that were counterbalanced: 1) a high-intensity interval session (HIT) that involved 4 intervals of cycling at 85% of VT for 2 min and 115% of VT for 3 min for a total of 20 min and 2) an isocaloric, moderate-intensity
Reading Tealeaves on the Potential Impact of the Privatization of Tea Estates in Rwanda

The Poverty Reduction Strategy of the Government of Rwanda seeks to unlock the growth and poverty reduction potential of the tea sector through the privatization of tea estates. This paper uses the logic of causal inference and data from the 2004 Quantitative Baseline Survey of the tea sector to assess the potential impact of the privatization program. This entails a normalized comparison of productivity outcomes to account for household heterogeneity in terms of observable and non-observable determinants of these outcomes. The paper also compares living standards between tea and non-tea households. Three main findings emerge from the analysis. Productivity outcomes are generally better in the private sector than in the public sector. Male-headed households outperform female-headed households along all dimensions considered here. And tea households tend to be better off than non-tea households.
Application of replica plating and computer analysis for rapid identification of bacteria in some foods. I. Identification scheme

A method was devised and tested for a quantitative identification of microbial flora in foods. The colonies developing on the initial isolation plates were picked with sterile toothpicks and inoculated on a master plate in prearranged spacing and order. The growth on the master plates was then replicated on a series of solid-agar plates containing differential or selective agents. The characteristic growth and physiological responses of microbial isolates to penicillin, tylosin, vancomycin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, neomycin, colistin, and to S S Agar, Staphylococcus Medium No. 110, and Potato Dextrose Agar were recorded, together with Gram reaction and cell morphology. This information was then fed into an IBM 1410 digital computer which grouped and analyzed each isolate into 10 microbial genera, or groups, according to the identification key. The identification scheme was established by use of reference culture studies and from the literature. This system was used to analyze the microbial flora in dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) and ground beef. The method described in this article enables one to examine large numbers of microbial isolates with simplicity.
Achieving robust interchangeability of test assets in ATE systems

This paper identities the key issues that have made if so difficult to achieve asset interchangeability. Several of the historical attempts to solve the problem of asset interchangeability are described, along with an analysis of the reasons that they did not achieve the expected results. Specific topics that are covered are SCPI, VXIplug&play, IVI, ATLAS, and Measurement Subsystems. Principles associated with the ownership of interfaces will be outlined. Finally, a set of rules and principles will be discussed that must be applied to achieve robust asset interchangeability. Robust is defined as interchangeability that can be "guaranteed" without testing all TPSs against the modified test system.
Trafficking in Humans: The TIP Report

Human trafficking occurs throughout the world and is considered to be ‘modern day slavery’. To end such victimization, the United States began to take an aggressive stance against human trafficking by enacting the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) in 2000. Pursuant to the TVPA, the US government has attempted to assess the nature and extent of human trafficking. Since 2001, the US Department of State has compiled data on various forms of international human trafficking and published an annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. Within the report, countries are designated as Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2 Watch List, or Tier 3 depending upon whether they are taking active measures articulated in the TVPA to create strong laws, assist victims, and punish traffickers. Until this past year, 2010, the United States did not include itself within the report. Such an omission enabled other nations to challenge the objectivity of the tiered system. In June 2010, for the first time, the TIP Report included the United States in its analysis. This paper will review the positive and negative aspects of the TIP Report and indicate what the potential impact of the US’s self-analysis could be on future efforts to end worldwide human trafficking.
Platelet-endothelial interactions in inflamed mesenteric venules

The selectins are membrane glycoproteins promoting adhesive events between leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells. We have previously demonstrated that platelets roll on P-selectin expressed on stimulated endothelium. In this study, we wished to examine the function of both the platelet and endothelial selectins, P- and E-selectins, in mediating platelet-endothelial interactions during inflammation. We demonstrate, using intravital microscopic examination of venules inflamed with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), that resting platelets interact with both P- and E-selectins and that the leukocyte alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferases FucT IV and FucT VII do not provide platelets with selectin ligand activity. We also show that after thrombin activation of wild-type (+/+) platelets, platelet P-selectin can mediate interactions on a TNF-alpha-inducible endothelial ligand. To evaluate the potential role of platelet P-selectin in the recruitment of leukocytes to inflammatory sites, we reconstituted the bone marrow of mice deficient in both P- and E-selectins (P/E-/-) with wild-type (+/+) or P-selectin-deficient (P-/-) bone marrow containing megakaryocytic precursors. Providing +/+ platelets to P/E-/- mice by bone marrow transplantation did not rescue the immunodeficient phenotype, suggesting that platelet P-selectin does not have an active function in the recruitment of leukocytes into inflammatory sites. To participate in inflammatory or hemostatic responses, platelets may use the endothelial selectins.
Toward a New Understanding of Non-Academic Student Support: Four Mechanisms Encouraging Positive Student Outcomes in the Community College

This paper examines the ways in which academically vulnerable students benefit from non-academic support. By reviewing theories of student persistence as well as program evaluation literature, the author identifies four mechanisms by which nonacademic supports can improve student outcomes, including persistence and degree attainment. Programs associated with positive student outcomes seem to involve one or more of the following mechanisms: (1) creating social relationships, (2) clarifying aspirations and enhancing commitment, (3) developing college know-how, and (4) making college life feasible. Identifying these mechanisms allows for a deeper understanding of both the functioning of promising interventions and the conditions that may lead students to become integrated into college life. Notably, each of these mechanisms can occur within a variety of programs, structures, or even informal interactions. The paper concludes by discussing avenues for further research and immediate implications for colleges.
A New Combination in the Fern Genus Osmundastrum (Osmundaceae)

From eastern North America, the glandular pubescent variety of Osmunda cinnamomea L. var. glandulosa Waters (Osmundaceae) is transferred as Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (L.) C. Presl var. glandulosum (Waters) McAvoy.
Catecholamine histofluorescence using cryostat sectioning and glyoxylic acid in unperfused frozen brain." a detailed description of the technique

This paper presents a technique for glyoxylic acid-induced monoamine histofluorescence in 2% glyoxylic acid solution, warm-air dried and gassed at 100°C. Intense, well-localized catecholamine fluorescence is produced and all known catecholamine-containing structures are demonstrated. The fluorescence obtained by this method was evaluated by a variety of agents and was shown to be catecholaminergic in origin. In contrast to the Vibratome—glyoxylic acid technique, this procedure reliably produces thin, whole-brain sections of even thickness and allows protracted use of the tissue block. Because unperfused tissue is used, the technique can be applied to a broad variety of material, such as post-mortem tissue or invertebrate preparations. Alternate sections can be prepared for a variety of techniques requiring unperfused tissue (e.g., enzymatic localization, chemical assay, anatomical techniques). The reasons for choosing each of the parameters in the technique are discussed.
Experimental Study of Structure and Dynamics of Turbulent Stratified Jet

Stratified flows are frequently observed in environmental and oceanic applications, which often involve interaction of momentum and scalar flux. In this study, Particle Image Velocimetry and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence are applied to simultaneously measure the velocity and density fields of a turbulent jet discharged horizontally into an environment with density difference, for studying the mixing and entrainment process in stratified flows. The data are analyzed to gain understanding of the physical mechanism of vertical mixing (mixing along gravity direction) and horizontal mixing (mixing along horizontal direction) introduced by the turbulent jet flows. The dataset also provides a test platform for mixing models used in stratified flow simulations.© 2010 ASME
Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the great arteries in patients with congenital heart disease: an accurate tool for planning catheter-guided interventions

Background: Catheter-guided interventions are increasingly used for relief of lesions in patients with congenital heart disease. Exact anatomical imaging with measurement of the vascular structures is crucial in the planning of such interventions. This can be provided non-invasively and without radiation by contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA). Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of the measurements of the vessels obtained by CE-MRA in comparison to those obtained by conventional X-ray angiography (XRA). Methods: Measurements of the diameters of aorta and pulmonary arteries were performed retrospectively and blinded on the CE-MRA and XRA images, in comparable locations. The limits of agreement between the two methods were calculated. Results: Twenty-one CE-MRA and XRA were performed in 20 children with congenital heart disease, median age 4 years (1 day–13 years), weight 18 kg (3.2–74 kg). The time interval between CE-MRA and XRA was 2.6 ± 2.3 months. A total of 98 measurements, 38 of the aorta and 60 of the pulmonary arteries were performed on the images obtained by each technique. The correlation between CE-MRA and XRA measurements was excellent, r=0.97, p < 0.0001. The mean difference between the two techniques was 0.018 ± 1.1 mm; the limits of agreement −2.14 and + 2.18 mm. Similar agreement was found for measures of the aorta (r=0.97, mean difference 0.20 ± 1.08 mm) and of the pulmonary arteries (r=0.97, mean difference 0.048 ± 0.89 mm). Conclusions: CE-MRA provides accurate quantitative anatomical information, which highly agrees with XRA data, and can therefore be used for planning catheter-guided procedures.
Earnings profile and monitoring under asymmetric information

Abstract This paper considers a two-period wage contract model in which the firm has private information about productivity and chooses the intensity of monitoring the worker's effort. It shows that the optimal earnings job tenure profile is increasing.