cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Short Fried-Rice-Eating Chinese MCs” and “Good-Hair-Havin Uncle Tom Niggas”: Performing Race and Ethnicity in Freestyle Rap Battles

This article shows how emcees create local meanings of race and ethnicity in freestyle rap battles. We demonstrate how performers attach new social meanings to race and ethnicity in verbal duels, even as they also reproduce normative meanings around gender and sexuality. Further, we suggest that the construction of local, alternative meanings around race and ethnicity might actually help support dominant racial hierarchies by relegating “blackness” suitable for only a limited set of domains. Despite the enduring nature of these broader racial hierarchies, we conclude that performances are activities in which individuals contest and negotiate the social meanings of identities. [performance, style, race/ethnicity, verbal duels, freestyle rap] jola_1052 116..133
Equal Protection and the Urban Majority.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education . On May 17, 1954, nine judges, sworn to defend a Constitution which guarantees equal protection of the laws, speaking for a country which declared its independence on the proposition that all men are created equal and which is fighting for moral leadership in a world predominantly populated by people whose skin color is other than white—these nine men unanimously concluded that segregated educational facilities are “inherently unequal.” Most of the members of this audience can probably still recall their feelings when they heard what the Supreme Court had done. Even those who were in full sympathy with the holding must nevertheless have been awed by the responsibility the Supreme Court had undertaken and shaken by some doubts whether the judicial institution could engage in a controversy so charged with emotion and bitterness without running the risk of political defeat and possible permanent impairment of judicial power.
Combined effects of shear stress and extracellular matrices on vascular differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

Sufficient vascularization of tissue is critical in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can act as an unlimited resource in providing vascular tissue given their ability to self-renew and differentiate into any cell type. However, controlled vascular differentiation remains a challenge due to an intricate, coordinated interaction of multiple factors. Soluble factors, extracellular matrices, cell-cell interactions, and hemodynamic forces all contribute to vascular development. We propose to investigate how mouse ESCs respond to the combined stimuli of fluidic shear stress and various extracellular matrices, especially in terms of arterial or venous specification.
Effects of Early and Late Rest Intervals on Performance and Overnight Consolidation of a Keyboard Sequence

Thirty-six nonmusicians practiced a five-element key-press sequence on a digital piano, repeating the sequence as quickly and accurately as possible during twelve 30-s practice blocks alternating with 30-s pauses. Twelve learners rested for 5 min between Blocks 3 and 4, another 12 learners rested for 5 min between Blocks 9 and 10, and the remaining 12 participants performed 12 blocks without an extended rest interval. All were retested following a night of sleep in six 30-s blocks with a 5-min rest interval between Blocks 3 and 4. Results show that the introduction of extended rest in the early and late stages of practice significantly affected rates of learning within and between sessions. Immediately following the 5-min rest intervals, participants showed large gains in performance, but only following early rest did participants continue to show improvements during training. Participants who rested early in practice also demonstrated the greatest overnight gains. Findings suggest that the temporal place...
Anticoccidial Efficacy of a New Polyether Antibiotic, Salinomycin, in Comparison to Monensin and Lasalocid in Battery Trials

Abstract Broiler chicks were given salinomycin in the feed at levels of 30 and 60 ppm in battery trials to measure the efficacy against six major species of Eimeria. Comparisons to non-medicated chicks (controls) and chicks given monensin at 50 and 100 ppm or lasalocid at 37.5 and 75 ppm were made. Factors measured were the severity of coccidia lesions, mortality, and weight gain. The efficacy of salinomycin, monensin, and lasalocid in preventing lesions differed in many respects. The lesion control of salinomycin at 60 ppm was excellent against E. acervulina, E. mivati, E. necatrix, and E. tenella, and slightly reduced against E. maxima and E. brunetti. The lesion control of monensin at 100 ppm was excellent against E. mivati and E. necatrix, and slightly reduced against E. tenella, E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. brunetti. The lesion control of lasalocid at 75 ppm was excellent against E. brunetti, slightly reduced against E. maxima, E. necatrix, and E. tenella, and lowest against E. acervulina. Based upon all measurements, salinomycin at 60 ppm was comparable or superior to monensin at 100 ppm and lasalocid at 75 ppm. At 30 ppm, salinomycin was more effective overall than monensin at 50 ppm or lasalocid at 37.5 ppm. The relative potency of each anticoccidial agent was clearly evident in these data.
PRO-POOR PRIMR: IMPROVING EARLY LITERACY SKILLS FOR CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN KENYA

ABSTRACTChildren from low-income families are at risk of learning outcome difficulties, particularly in literacy. Various studies link poor literacy results with performance later in primary and secondary school, and suggest that poverty, literacy skills and weak instructional methods combine to drastically limit the educational opportunities for many poor children. The Primary Math and Reading (PRIMR) Initiative was designed to support the learning gains of Class 1 and 2 pupils in seven counties across Kenya. PRIMR uses a randomised controlled trial design to establish the effect of its intervention and employs basic literacy measures to estimate causal effects. This study shows that PRIMR has been effective for children from low-income families and that early literacy interventions can mitigate socio-economic effects. The findings suggest that efforts to improve literacy outcomes for the poor should begin early in primary school. Strategies for ensuring that instruction is equitable across socio-economi...
Functional Domains of the Yeast Splicing Factor Prp22p

The essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae PRP22 gene encodes a 1145-amino acid DEXH box RNA helicase. Prp22p plays two roles during pre-mRNA splicing as follows: it is required for the second transesterification step and for the release of mature mRNA from the spliceosome. Whereas the step 2 function of Prp22p does not require ATP hydrolysis, spliceosome disassembly is dependent on the ATPase and helicase activities. Here we delineate a minimal functional domain, Prp22(262–1145), that suffices for the activity of Prp22p in vivo when expressed under the natural PRP22 promoter and for pre-mRNA splicing activity in vitro. The biologically active domain lacks an S1 motif (residues 177–256) that had been proposed to play a role in RNA binding by Prp22p. The deletion mutant Prp22(351–1145) can function in vivo when provided at a high gene dosage. We suggest that the segment from residues 262 to 350 enhances Prp22p function in vivo, presumably by targeting Prp22p to the spliceosome. We characterize an even smaller catalytic domain, Prp22(466–1145) that suffices for ATP hydrolysis, RNA binding, and RNA unwinding in vitro and for nuclear localization in vivo but cannot by itself support cell growth. However, the ATPase/helicase domain can function in vivo if the N-terminal region Prp22(1–480) is co-expressed intrans.
Characterization of Domain-Peptide Interaction Interface A Generic Structure-based Model to Decipher the Binding Specificity of SH3 Domains

Extensive efforts have been devoted to determining the binding specificity of Src homology 3 (SH3) domains usually in a case-by-case manner. A generic structure-based model is necessary to decipher the protein recognition code of the entire domain family. In this study, we have developed a general framework that combines molecular modeling and a machine learning algorithm to capture the energetic characteristics of the domain-peptide interactions and predict the binding specificity of the SH3 domain family. Our model is not trained for individual SH3 domains; rather it is a generic model for the entire domain family. Our model not only achieved satisfactory prediction accuracy but also provided structural insights into which residues are important for the binding specificity. The success of our framework on SH3 domains suggests that it is possible to establish a theoretical model to decipher the protein recognition code of any modular domain.
Influence of cyanobacteria blooms on sediment biogeochemistry and nutrient fluxes

To explore the influence of cyanobacteria blooms on internal nutrient loading and sediment biogeochemistry, we conducted a 3 yr (2008–2010) field investigation in the upper Sassafras River, a shallow tidal freshwater tributary of Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. During 2010 a dense diazotrophic cyanobacteria bloom was accompanied by abnormally high pH (9.0–10.5) and supersaturated oxygen throughout the summer. With the persistence of high pH in the water column and organic matter inputs from sedimented phytoplankton detritus, flux rates of NH+4 and soluble reactive phosphate were significantly higher during the summer of the bloom year than the same period in nonbloom years. Although low summer N2-N flux rates generally coincided with reduced water-column NO−3 concentrations, the efficiency of nitrification was constrained by elevated pH that converted NH+4 to more toxic NH3. Denitrification was subsequently limited by nitrate supply, elevated pH, and the deepening of the oxic layer in the sediment. During blooms, we observed increases in bioavailable nutrient release from the sediment, coupled with decreases in inorganic N : P flux ratios and inhibition of N2 loss from the ecosystem. These changes in sediment nutrient recycling created positive feedbacks that may have fueled the prolonged blooms and selectively fostered growth of diazotrophic cyanobacteria.
Ant Colony System Algorithm for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Delivery and Pick-Up

Due to the increased demands for distribution/redistribution, recycling and repacking, there has been a significant change in the logistics process. This article presented an Ant Colony System (ACS) algorithm to solve a Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Delivery and Pick-up (VRPSDP). The objective of this problem is to determine the optimal set of routes to totally satisfy both the delivery and pick-up demand of the customer population. To solve the VRPSDP model, ACS approach is based in the pheromone strategy, inspired in the natural Ants behavior. This behavior is assigned to vehicles, which move along the route on which the pheromone intensity is strong. The ACS algorithm provides good solutions and shows that it is a competitive method related with other heuristics or meta-heuristics that have been proposed in literature.
Regeneration microelectrode arrays for direct interface to nerves

The development and testing of a microelectrode array for implantation in the path of a regenerating nerve are underway. A silicon substrate perforated by an array of holes (via holes) is implanted between the deliberately severed ends of a nerve. Axons regenerate through the via holes and thus become spatially fixed with respect to microelectrodes located on the surface of the silicon. Processes were developed for the fabrication of thin-film iridium microelectrodes, micromachined via holes, and silicon nitride passivation layers. All fabrication methods were designed to be compatible with standard CMOS/BiCMOS processes to allow for on-chip signal processing circuits in future designs. The author provides an overview of these fabrication methods, the in vivo testing of passive neural interfaces, and a prototype active circuit version. >
Use of the Clinical Laboratory in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

Clinical laboratory tests have practical utility in the diagnosis of depression and in monitoring treatment. Research laboratory tests, though not a focus for this article, provide possible insights into the pathophysiology of depression. At present, pathognomonic tests for the diagnosis of depression do not exist, so the principal role of the laboratory in diagnosis is to establish the presence of disorders that resemble or cause depression. Clinical laboratory tests can assist in monitoring physiologic changes that might indicate resolution of the illness or impending relapse, and in monitoring therapeutic levels of medications. Treatment of depression can lead to side effects or toxicity that also warrant clinical laboratory testing.
Calcium Channel Function Regulated by the SH3-GK Module in β Subunits

Abstract β subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) regulate channel trafficking and function, thereby shaping the intensity and duration of intracellular changes in calcium. β subunits share limited sequence homology with the Src homology 3-guanylate kinase (SH3-GK) module of membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs). Here, we show biochemical similarities between β subunits and MAGUKs, revealing important aspects of β subunit structure and function. Similar to MAGUKs, an SH3-GK interaction within β subunits can occur both intramolecularly and intermolecularly. Mutations that disrupt the SH3-GK interaction in β subunits alter channel inactivation and can inhibit binding between the α 1 and β subunits. Coexpression of β subunits with complementary mutations in their SH3 and GK domains rescues these deficits through intermolecular β subunit assembly. In MAGUKs, the SH3-GK module controls protein scaffolding. In β subunits, this module regulates the inactivation of VGCCs and provides an additional mechanism for tuning calcium responsiveness.
Synergistic activation of the rat laminin γ1 chain promoter by the gut-enriched Kruppel-like factor (GKLF/KLF4) and Sp1

Laminin is a multifunctional heterotrimeric protein present in extracellular matrix where it regulates processes that compose tissue architecture including cell differentiation. Laminin gamma1 is the most widely expressed laminin chain and its absence causes early lethality in mouse embryos. Laminin gamma1 chain gene (LAMC1) promoter contains several GC/GT-rich motifs including the bcn-1 element. Using the bcn-1 element as a bait in the yeast one-hybrid screen, we cloned the gut-enriched Kruppel-like factor (GKLF or KLF4) from a rat mesangial cell library. We show that GKLF binds bcn-1, but this binding is not required for the GKLF-mediated activation of the LAMC1 promoter. The activity of GKLF is dependent on a synergism with another Kruppel-like factor, Sp1. The LAMC1 promoter appears to have multiple GKLF- and Sp1-responsive elements which may account for the synergistic activation. We provide evidence that the synergistic action of GKLF and Sp1 is dependent on the promoter context and the integrity of GKLF activation and DNA-binding domain. GKLF is thought to participate in the switch from cell proliferation to differentiation. Thus, the Sp1-GKLF synergistic activation of the LAMC1 promoter may be one of the avenues for expression of laminin gamma1 chain when laminin is needed to regulate cell differentiation.
Replacing Hay-mowing with Prescribed Fire Restores Species Diversity and Conservation Value in a Tallgrass Prairie Sampled Thrice: A 59-Year Study

Abstract We examined changes in plant species composition at Faville Prairie in southeastern Wisconsin, based on surveys in permanently-marked, 2 × 2 m quadrats in 1946–1948, 1976–1978 and 2005. Permanent quadrats were distributed across a wide soil moisture gradient. During settlement the site was never cultivated but was mowed for hay for several decades prior to 1946, and burned most years during the dormant season after 1946. Total species richness increased 47% between 1946–1948 and 2005, while species density per quadrat doubled. Only nine non-native species were present in 2005 and most were uncommon. Species density of habitat generalists increased nearly fourfold; moderate specialists increased 43%; and remnant specialists increased nearly twofold. Species density of endangered, threatened and special concern species (collectively conservation-dependent species) increased ninefold. Species density of C3 graminoids, C4 grasses, legumes, woody plants and forbs all increased through time. The majori...
Quantitative imaging and sigmoidoscopy to assess distribution of rectal microbicide surrogates.

Understanding the distribution of microbicide and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) within the gastrointestinal tract is critical to development of rectal HIV microbicides. A hydroxyethylcellulose-based microbicide surrogate or viscosity-matched semen surrogate, labeled with gadolinium-DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) and 99mTechnetium-sulfur colloid, was administered to three subjects under varying experimental conditions to evaluate effects of enema, coital simulation, and microbicide or semen simulant over 5 h duration. Quantitative assessment used single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, and sigmoidoscopic sampling. Over 4 h, radiolabel migrated cephalad in all studies by a median (interquartile range) of 50% (29–102%; P<0.001), as far as the splenic flexure (~60 cm) in 12% of studies. There was a correlation in concentration profile between endoscopic sampling and SPECT assessments. HIV-sized particles migrate retrograde, 60 cm in some studies, 4 h after simulated ejaculation in our model. SPECT/CT, MRI, and endoscopy can be used quantitatively to facilitate rational development of microbicides for rectal use. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008) 83, 97–105; doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100236; published online 16 May 2007
Improving and sustaining quality of child health care through IMCI training and supervision: experience from rural Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy includes guidelines for the management of sick children at first-level facilities. These guidelines intend to improve quality of care by ensuring a complete assessment of the childs health and by providing algorithms that combine presenting symptoms into a set of illness classifications for management by IMCI-trained service providers at first-level facilities. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the sustainability of improvements in under-five case management by two cadres of first-level government service providers with different levels of pre-service training following implementation of IMCI training and supportive supervision. METHODS: Twenty first-level health facilities in the rural sub-district of Matlab in Bangladesh were randomly assigned to IMCI intervention or comparison groups. Health workers in IMCI facilities received training in case management and monthly supportive supervision that involved observations of case management and reinforcement of skills by trained physicians. Health workers in comparison facilities were supervised according to Government of Bangladesh standards. Health facility surveys involving observations of case management were carried out at baseline (2000) and at two points (2003 and 2005) after implementation of IMCI in intervention facilities. FINDINGS: Improvement in the management of sick under-five children by IMCI trained service providers with only 18 months of pre-service training was equivalent to that of service providers with 4 years of pre-service training. The improvements in quality of care were sustained over a 2-year period across both cadres of providers in intervention facilities. CONCLUSION: IMCI training coupled with regular supervision can sustain improvements in the quality of child health care in first-level health facilities even among workers with minimal pre-service training. These findings can guide government policy makers and provide further evidence to support the scale-up of regular supervision and task shifting the management of sick under-five children to lower-level service providers. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (c) The Author 2013; all rights reserved.
Is there a broader-deeper trade-off in international multilateral agreements?

It is commonly thought that there is a trade-off between the breadth and depth of multilateral institutions—that is , multilaterals that are more inclusive in their memberships will necessarily be shallower in their level of cooperation+ Using a multilateral bargaining model with self-seeking rational actors, I show that such a trade-off does not exist for a broad class of multilateral cooperation problems+ The conclusion that there is a broader-deeper trade-off follows from the assumption that the members of the multilateral must set their policies at an identical level+ The multi- lateral agreement modeled in this article allows states to set their policies at different levels+ Once this change is made, there is no broader-deeper trade-off, a finding that has obvious empirical and policy implications+ It explains why some regimes are created with fairly large memberships at the outset, and it calls into question the policy prescription of limiting membership of multilateral institutions to a small group of committed cooperators for the class of cooperation problems modeled in this article+
Employee Benefit Plan Language And Sponsor Misconception

The employee benefit plan marketplace is a multi-trillion dollar industry as measured by assets under management. Previous research suggests that even sophisticated plan sponsors and participants are uncertain about the details of their plan. The variety of fee types, (wrap fees, transaction fees, participant fees, and set-up fees) and the use of industry jargon can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. This paper is a case study of an actual deferred compensation plan. We examine the business law aspects of the relationship, particularly how the complexity of the product, coupled with the contract language, could lead to plan sponsor and participant misunderstanding.
Detection of Metallothionein (MT) Proteins with Radiolabeled [14C]Iodoacetamide

Carboxymethylation of protein samples prior to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is known to improve the transfer and detection of metallothioneins (MTs) on nitrocellulose membranes by Western blotting. Dissociation of metals from MTs by denaturing the samples with SDS, reduction of sulfhydryl (-SH) residues on MT-associated cysteines with dithiothreitol (DTT), and subsequent carboxymethylation of the cysteine residues with iodoacetamide overcome disulfide bond formation between MT molecules, preventing their aggregation, and allow for the electrophoretic transfer and detection of MTs by Western blotting. In the present study, advantage is taken of cysteine residue bond formation by the addition of 14C-radiolabeled iodoacetamide to the carboxymethylation process to validate β-emission autoradiography as an alternative method to Western blotting. The analysis of MTs by β-emission autoradiography suggests that treatment of neonatal rat primary astrocyte cultures with cadmi...
Multi-GeV Electron Beams at the BErkeley Lab Laser Accelerator

Multi-GeV electron beams from nonlinear laser-plasma acceleration were achieved in cm-scale plasma waveguides. Self-focusing caused trapping in multiple plasma periods. These processes are strongly parameter dependent, requiring precise plasma control for stable acceleration.
Laser Additive Manufacturing in GE

There has been an increasing interest given to laser additive manufacturing (LAM) in recent years from across the global. GE has been one of the leading industries engaging in this important area of technology for over two decades and achieved a great deal of success from both technical and commercial perspectives by solving some of the most challenging manufacturing problems. This presentation will present the chronicles of the technology development and representative applications in GE, as well as authors’ view of critical elements applying the laser additive manufacturing to broader industries.
Extraction of carrier signal based on fractal theory

Abstracted from time-domain and frequency-domain,the characteristics of the super-narrow-band carrier signal is quite sensible to noise.Based on fractal theory,this paper proposes a effective method for the characteristic abstraction of super-narrow-band carrier signal,and realizes signal recognition through experiment.The paper also introduces the method for signal transmission and abstraction of super-narrow-band carrier transmission equipment based on fractal theory.
Study on extraction technology for Shoumingshan Capsules by orthogonal design

Objective To establish the optimal extraction technology for Shoumingshan Capsules.Methods The orthogonal test was employed for selecting the optimum of extraction technology.The investigation factors were the consumption of water,time and times of extraction.The extraction technology of Shoumingshan Capsules was screened by the transfer rate of emodin and ratio of dry extraction were observed.Results The best extraction condition was as follow:8 times of water,extracted for 3 times,each time was 3 h.Conclusion The above mentioned extraction technology was feasible,stable,reasonable and replicable,the optimized extraction process of Shoumingshan Capsules was obtained.
Heat Treatment Process Discussion of Ball Screw Used in Mining Equipment

Ball screw is one of the key functional parts of the commercial units which has the functions of movement conversion and power transformation.It should have higher machining accuracy,more smooth operation and better accuracy holding property.The ball screw has been used in the HVD.driven cable reel equipment of the coal mine machinery.And material selection,manufacturing processing route of the preparation,heat treatment process and quality testing methods of ball screw is discussed,1t has a certain reference value for the heat treatment on the production of similar products.
Are minority children getting their fair share of dental services

A review is provided of available national survey data on oral health of minority and nonminority children, and their use of dental services. Minority children continued to have greater need of dental care but use fewer dental health services, measured by a variety of methods, including the frequency and number of visits, and the types of services provided, such as preventive or restorative services. A smaller percentage of minority children had dental insurance coverage. Findings must continually be presented to legislators and finding agencies.
Stellenwert der Gefäßendoskopie als Kontrollverfahren bei infrainguinalen Bypassoperationen

In einer prospektiven Studie wurden bei 50 infrainguinalen Bypassen die Befunde von Angiographie und Endoskopie bzg. der Aufdeckung intraop. Fehler verglichen. Bei 8 Patienten mit pathologischer Angiographie wurde der Befund 3mal endoskopisch bestatigt. 4 Defekte unterhalb der distalen Anastomose entzogen sich der endoskopischen Inspektion. Unter 42 unauffalligen Angiogrammen enthullte die Endoskopie 3 pathologische Befunde. Insgesamt erscheint die Gefasendoskopie sensitiver beim Aufdecken von Abnormitaten im Bypass, doch sie liefert keine Information uber den Abstrom.
Hydroxyl Availability in Aspen Wood After Dilute Acid Pretreatment and Enzymatic Saccharification

The production of cellulosic biofuels often leaves behind solid residues, which can be converted to useful co-products via chemical modification and processing. The objective of this study was to examine the changes in hydroxyl accessibility of a hardwood after the extraction of fermentable sugars (saccharification). Saccharification was performed on milled and dilute-acid pretreated aspen wood and resulted in a glucan-to-glucose conversion of 91%. The unhydrolyzed (solid) fraction was then analyzed for hydroxyl availability using an acetylation method, and the data were related to information of accessible pore volume evaluated using nitrogen adsorption. Different pore volumes were also created by oven-, air-, or freeze-drying of the samples. The results showed that more hydroxyls are available if the physical accessibility (pore volume) of a given substrate is better preserved. Upon saccharification, the accessible hydroxyls were reduced by at least half of that in untreated wood, while the specific pore volume increased 10 times. This finding suggests that future strategies for utilizing saccharification residues for co-products should tap the increased porosity and lower polarity of the substrate.
A Perspective on Appropriate Technology Transfers Problems and Propositions

In discussions of the impact of technology transfer, writers have often failed to keep the comprehensive definition of technology transfer in mind. They have most often focuaed on the supply side of technology transfer and ignored the demand side of technology transfer. The authors present a view of 'appropriate' technology transfers that integrates both the demand and the supply dimensions. The authors examine LDC policies on technology transfers and the role they have played in Multinational Company Strategies in technology transfer. Proposals for making technology transfers more appropriate are offered.
Activation of TLR3 in the Trophoblast is Associated with Preterm Delivery

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize conserved sequences on the surface of pathogens and trigger effector cell functions. Previously, we described the expression of TLR3 by human trophoblast and their ability to respond to (Poly[I:C]). Here we evaluate the effect of Poly[I:C] on mouse pregnancy and characterize the local and systemic response. C57B/6 wild type (wt) and TLR3 knockout (TLR3KO) mice were treated with Poly[I:C] at 16.5 dpc and pregnancy outcome recorded. Morphologic changes, cytokines and chemokines levels in blood and utero-placental tissue were determined. NF-kappa B pathway was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. Poly[I:C] in C57B/6 wt mice caused preterm delivery within 24 hr (4.5 mg/kg). No effect was observed in TLR3KO mice. In addition, we observed local (placenta) and systemic (serum) response characterized by increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The NF-kappa B pathway was activated by Poly[I:C] in human and mice trophoblast cells. We report that Poly[I:C] induces preterm delivery via TLR3-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the trophoblast is able to recognize Poly[I:C] through TLR3 and respond to viral infection, modulating the immune system at the feto-maternal interface.
Interorganizational Systems and Competitive Advantages – Lessons from History

Global business constantly faces radical transformations stemming from advances in information technology (IT). The concept of gaining competitive advantages by linking information systems across o...
A Proposed Adaptive, Deliberative Decision Process

At the end of Chapter 6, we introduced a proposal for an approach to decision making in the wicked problem context that incorporates key elements of procedures required under the National Environmental Policy Act, known as the NEPA process (Council on Environmental Quality 1987, 2007), and the concept of learning networks as described by the National Research Council (1996). Figure 6.2, presented on page 126 of the previous chapter, depicts this approach.
A Comparison of Four Classification Systems Using Rule Sets Induced from Incomplete Data Sets by Local Probabilistic Approximations

This paper is a continuation of our previous research in which we compared four classification strategies using rule sets induced from incomplete data sets and global probabilistic approximations. In our current research we use local probabilistic approximations. In our incomplete data sets, missing attribute values are interpreted as lost values and “do not care” conditions. Our current results are that for symbolic data and numerical data with a few attributes, the best strategy is strength with support, while for data sets with many numerical attributes the best strategy is probability only. Our results for incomplete data sets with many numerical attributes are supported by only three data sets so further research is required.
Liberating the World from LIBOR: Implications for Non-Cleared Derivatives

Historically, the use of benchmarks, including LIBOR, in non-cleared over-the-counter transactions has been unrestrained. This lack of regulatory consideration is misaligned with the dominance of LIBOR in the over-the counter derivatives trading, as well as with a massive use of non-centrally cleared derivatives for hedging and speculation. Concerns over unprecedented use of LIBOR reached its peak when the benchmark manipulation became a centerpiece of several litigations involving high-profile financiers. In response to the pitfalls of the scandal-ridden LIBOR, in June this year the Alternative Reference Rates Committee recommended that market participants replace LIBOR with the broad Treasuries repo financing rate. The recommendation to gradually transition to a new risk-free rate was the first attempt to resolve problems surrounding the tainted benchmark on the national level in the US. This article discusses legal implications and risks around replacement of LIBOR in derivatives’ space. In particular, it contends that an abrupt switch from LIBOR to its risk-free alternative would result in a need to renegotiate a new benchmark, as well as remediate (or “repaper”) and collateralize millions of derivatives trades, which altogether may pose a significant threat to the industry. The article also voices concerns over calls to abandon LIBOR in a relatively short timeline, concluding that a halt to LIBOR would create a substantial repapering burden and additional margining costs for the entire market of non-centrally cleared derivatives.
Investigating the human response to the medieval climate anomaly in the Nebraska Sand Hills: A preliminary study in building occupation histories with OSL dating

Multiple periods of dune activation triggered by drought have occurred within the Nebraska Sand Hills, the most recent period occurred during the medieval climate anomaly (MCA; A.D. 900–1350). We present a pilot study where we have successfully adapted a standard chronology-building tool, optically stimulated luminescence dating, to investigate the effects of dune reactivation on human occupation history at two sites conventionally dated to the peri-MCA: Kelso (25HO23), a Plains Woodland site, and McIntosh (25BW15) a Central Plains tradition site. At both sites the maximum optical age of the cultural layer is congruent with radiocarbon ages of materials recovered. The optical ages yielded by samples collected near the Kelso and McIntosh sites, together with radiocarbon dated site materials, suggest that these sites were respectively occupied before and during the MCA sand dune migration. Both the Kelso and McIntosh sites are located near prominent water resources that may have acted as refuges during drou...
Antioxidant properties of select radiation mitigators based on semicarbazone and pyrazole derivatives of curcumin.

Fifty-eight semicarbazone and pyrazole derivatives of curcumin have been developed as potential mitigation agents to treat acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Pyridyl (D12, D13), furyl (D56), and phenyl (D68) derivatives of curcumin semicarbazones were found to provide the highest dose modifying factors (DMF) with respect to survival in sub-TBI (bone marrowsparing) exposures in mouse models. To investigate the basis for the mitigating effects of these agents on ARS, we examined their oxidation potentials and radical scavenging properties in comparison to other semicarbazone and pyrazole curcumin derivatives with less effective DMFs. Comparisons between D12, D13, D56, and D68 and other semicarbazone and pyrazole derivatives of curcumin did not show a sufficient difference in reducing properties and hydrogen atom donating properties for these properties to be the basis of the dose modifying activities of these compounds. Therefore, their DMFs likely reflect structure-activity relationship(s),wherein interaction with key receptors or alteration of enzyme expression result in modifications of cellular or tissue responses to radiation, rather than on the derivatives’ ability to modify radiation-induced flux of free radicals through direct interaction with these radicals.
Hypoxic Regulation of Blood Flow in Humans

Vascular tone represents the balance between local vasodilator mechanisms which attempt to secure adequate blood flow for metabolic demand and neural vasoconstrictor reflexes attempting to maintain arterial pressure. Hypoxia alters vascular tone, shifting this balance in complex ways. Hypoxic vascular responses are not uniform across vascular beds and the mechanisms of hypoxic vasodilation appear to be tissue specific. In healthy humans, skeletal muscle vascular beds exhibit a graded vasodilation in response to hypoxia despite increases in sympathetic vasoconstrictor nerve activity. Previous studies have documented a number of vasodilator substances or systems that appear to be involved in this hypoxic vasodilation. My colleagues and I have conducted studies on the extent to which sympathetic vaso- constriction can mask hypoxic vasodilation, and how sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity interacts with local factors that mediate hypoxic vasodilation in humans. We have focused largely on β-adrenergic mediated vasodilation, noting that it produces some of its effects via a nitric oxide (NO) pathway. This review will explore the role of epinephrine in generating skeletal muscle vasodilation. How the many factors that determine vascular tone during hypoxic stress impact on the regulation of arterial pressure and how hypoxic vasodilation is altered in several pathophysiological conditions will be discussed.
Solubility Prediction by Recursive Partitioning

Purpose. To build and test a computational model for predicting small molecule solubility, to improve the cost-effectiveness of the selection of vendor compounds suitable for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) screening.
Three Tools for Managing an Infrastructure Portfolio of Capital Projects and Services

This Chapter presents a variety of tools, old and new, that systematically distinguishes among project delivery and finance methods. “Systematic” is the key. In today’s environment, there are too many “alternative” schemes to deliver public infrastructure, too many “acronyms” for these schemes (DBB, DB, PP, FT, CM-At-Risk, DBO, DBOM, Turnkey, Super-Turnkey, DBFO, BOT, BOO), and too little logic to distinguish among them. Tight public resources and taxpayer recognition that alternatives should be considered have produced a destructive environment in which self-interested groups argue for “their” form of experimentation, and in which “one-of-a-kind” procurements have become routine. Hidden in the background are a substantial decrease in the level of competition and a substantial increase in the costs incurred for the transaction (not the project, the transaction). Also hidden is the fact that in most “alternative” procurements, neither the owner, contractor, nor user is assured that better service, lower costs, or lower prices will follow.
Molecular Recognition between Aβ-Specific Single-Domain Antibody and Aβ Misfolded Aggregates.

Aβ is the toxic amyloid polypeptide responsible for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Prevention and elimination of the Aβ misfolded aggregates are the promising therapeutic strategies for the AD treatments. Gammabody, the Aβ-Specific Single-domain (VH) antibody, recognizes Aβ aggregates with high affinity and specificity and reduces their toxicities. Employing the molecular dynamics simulations, we studied diverse gammabody-Aβ recognition complexes to get insights into their structural and dynamic properties and gammabody-Aβ recognitions. Among many heterogeneous binding modes, we focused on two gammabody-Aβ recognition scenarios: recognition through Aβ β-sheet backbone and on sidechain surface. We found that the gammabody primarily uses the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) loop with the grafted Aβ sequence to interact with the Aβ fibril, while CDR1/CDR2 loops have very little contact. The gammabody-Aβ complexes with backbone binding mode are more stable, explaining the gammabody’s specificity towards the C-terminal Aβ sequence.
Mechanisms of Dysfunction in the Aging Vasculature and Role in Age-Related Disease

Advancing age promotes cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in the United States and many developed nations. Two major age-related arterial phenotypes, large elastic artery stif...
Imidazolidinones and Imidazolidine-2,4-diones as Antiviral Agents.

Imidazolidinones and imidazolidine-2,4-diones are important classes of heterocyclic compounds that possess potent activities against several viruses such as dengue virus, enterovirus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The first imidazolidinone derivative as an anti-HIV agent was reported in 1996. Imidazolidinones inhibit HIV aspartic protease activity, and also act as CCR5 co-receptor antagonists. Significant effort has been devoted to the design of various imidazolidinone analogues that are active against drug-resistant HIV strains, with fewer side effects. Different scaffolds have been designed through both rational drug design strategies and computer-aided drug design. Imidazolidinones have been found to be potent against HIV, and preclinical studies are currently in progress. There are some reports of imidazolidinones as having both anti-HCV and anti-dengue virus activity, and more research has yet to be done along these lines. These compounds inhibit NS3 serine protease of HCV, and NS2B-NS3 protease of dengue virus. Pyridyl-imidazolidinones possess very specific and potent activity against human enterovirus 71 (EV71) by targeting the EV71 capsid protein VP1, and inhibiting viral adsorption and/or viral RNA uncoating.
Effect of engine size, speed, and dilution method on thermal stratification of premixed homogeneous charge compression–ignition engines: A large eddy simulation study:

High heat release rates limit the operating range of homogeneous charge compression–ignition engines to low and medium loads. Thermal stratification has been shown to stagger autoignition, lower he...
Ebook Rate of Use in OhioLINK: A Ten-Year Study of Local and Consortial Use of Publisher Packages in Ohio

This paper examines publisher ebook package use in the OhioLINK academic library consortium between 2007 and 2017 alongside use of the same titles at individual institutions. With nearly 100,000 titles acquired over 10+ years from three publishers and available to users at more than 90 institutions, the picture of ebook use this study presents is unique in its breadth and scope. The data show that, consortiumwide, close to 100 percent of titles were used, with their initial use overwhelmingly taking place within one year of their publication date. At individual institutions, the rate of use was far lower and never exceeded the rate of use of print books at the author’s own institution. These findings have important implications for how institutions approach ebook acquisition to maximize rate of use of ebook collections.
The Transmission and Bibliographic Study of the Pigafetta Account: Synthesis and Update

For its value as a historical source and as a singular piece of writing, Antonio Pigafetta’s account of the Magellan-Elcano expedition has appeared in diverse places, and over the centuries. Numerous scholars have worked to establish the history and nature of those editions and translations. This study pursues three objectives related to Pigafetta’s account: to articulate a synthesis of the publication history; to summarize the development of research on that transmission; and to identify trends, controversies and possible gaps in that scholarship.
Status from fighting? Reassessing the relationship between conflict involvement and diplomatic rank

Recent research has provided evidence that conflict improves a belligerent’s status. I argue that this finding is based on a specification error. The relationship between the CINC index, which is u...
Development and Implementation of a COVID-19 Respiratory Diagnostic Center.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory diagnostic centers (RDCs) have emerged as a health service model that offers symptom screening and provides diagnostic testing for patients. Primary care and outpatient medical directors as well as hospital leadership at the University of North
Chapter 55 – Bone Regeneration

Bone is among a select few tissues that are capable of regeneration in response to an insufficiency in the body. However, there are limitations to its regenerative potential when the defect is larger than a certain size. In this chapter, we highlight contemporary approaches to bone regeneration and their advantages and limitations. We then exploit a fracture healing model as a prototype for the regenerative process we seek to mimic, and offer stringent performance criteria to provide a framework for the rational design of a new generation of bone regenerative therapeutics. We follow this up with an exploration of recent advances involving various combinations of synthetics, biological factors and cells. Finally, we share our vision for bone regeneration as well as several current research studies that we believe are positive steps towards successful bone regeneration.
Immediate Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on CTSA TL1 and KL2 Training and Career Development

Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) TL1 trainees and KL2 scholars were surveyed to determine the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training and career development. The most negative impact was lack of access to research facilities, clinics, and human subjects, plus for KL2 scholars lack of access to team members and need for homeschooling. TL1 trainees reported having more time to think and write. Common strategies to maintain research productivity involved time management, virtual connections with colleagues, and shifting to research activities not requiring laboratory/clinic settings. Strategies for mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training and career development are described.