cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Bioavailability and Metabolism of Vitamin A and Its Precursors

In dealing with the problem of vitamin A deficiency in preschool children, the dietary intake required to satisfy the needs of a child for growth and the prevention of clinical symptoms of vitamin A deficiency should obviously be defined. At first glance, we are seeking a specific number, which appears to be a simple, easily resolvable task. In actuality, it is not a simple task at all, because the number keeps changing as a result of five major factors: 1) the bioavailability of vitamin A and its precursors in the diet, 2) nutrient interaction, 3) the presence, length, and severity of disease, 4) metabolic parameters — and in particular storage efficiency, the turnover of reserves, and recycling efficiency, and 5) statistical considerations. I wish first to consider each of these major factors, and then to suggest a new approach to vitamin A nutriture which might allow simplification of many of the complexities involved in assessing their importance.
Market based allocation of power in smart grid

In recent years, the concept of Smart Grid has generated much attention among the producers and consumers of electric power, the policy makers, as well as the researchers. Smart Grid technology promises to revolutionize the way in which electricity is produced, delivered, and utilized. However, it requires technological advancement in a number of interdisciplinary domains before complete benefits of smart grid can be realized. Significant among them are the technological advances to enable substantial increase in the use of renewable energy sources coupled with a massive increase in energy efficiency in not only generation but also in distribution and utilization. In particular, the usage of renewable energy sources is envisioned to result into a massively distributed power generation and distribution system composed of a large number of generating stations operating on disparate renewable technologies. Optimal allocation of existing energy resources becomes a challenge due to massively distributed nature of generation facilities and consumption sites, and due to uncertainty caused by inherent random fluctuations in generation. In this paper, a Market Based technique has been presented for carrying out the optimal allocation for efficient utilization of the energy produced in a Smart Grid. The Market Based Resource Allocation is a distributed technique inspired by the concepts from the economic market where resources are allocated to the activities through the process of competitive buying and selling. In the proposed technique, the energy consumers act as the potential buyers of the energy and the energy producers act as the sellers of energy. The paper evaluates the proposed Market Based technique via a number of simulated scenarios of energy consumers and producers in a Smart Grid. The proposed technique optimizes the energy production cost and the transmission loss of electricity as these costs are reflected in the bidding and asking prices of the consumers and the sellers respectively.
Self Realization and Meaning Making in the Face of Adversity: A Eudaimonic Approach to Human Resilience

This article considers a eudaimonic approach to psychological well-being built on the integration of developmental, existential and humanistic formulations as well as distant writings of Aristotle. Eudaimonia emphasizes meaning-making, self realization and growth, quality connections to others, self-knowledge, managing life, and marching to one's own drummer. These qualities may be of particular importance in the confrontation with significant life challenges. Prior formulations of resilience are reviewed to underscore the unique features of a eudaimonic approach. Empirical findings on meaning making and self realization are then reviewed to document the capacity of some to maintain high well-being in the face of socioeconomic inequality, the challenges of aging, and in dealing with specific challenges (child abuse, cancer, loss of spouse). Moreover, those who sustain or deepen their well-being as they deal with adversity, show better health profiles, thereby underscoring broader benefits of eudaimonia. How meaning is made and personal capacities realized in the confrontation with challenge is revealed by narrative accounts. Thus, the latter half of the article illustrates human resilience in action via the personal stories of three individuals (Mark Mathabane, Ben Mattlin, Victor Frankl) who endured unimaginable hardship, but prevailed and grew in the face of it. The essential roles of strong social ties and the capacity to derive meaning and realize personal growth in grappling with adversity are unmistakable in all three cases.
Nonresident Fathers’ Parenting Style and the Adjustment of Late-Adolescent Boys:

This study investigates the relation between nonresident fathers’ parenting style, mothers’ parenting style and behaviors, and depression and antisocial behavior in a sample of late-adolescent boys (n = 177). Hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Maternal psychological well-being was associated with fewer adolescent depression symptoms. When mothers had low or average amounts of aggravation in parenting, fathers’ more authoritative parenting was related to fewer depression symptoms in their adolescents. Maternal aggravation in parenting was associated with adolescent antisocial behavior. When mothers had low or average levels of authoritative parenting, fathers’ more authoritative parenting was related to less antisocial behavior in their adolescents.
Birth weight and mothers' adverse employment change.

Low birth weight has been linked at the aggregate level to unemployment rates and at the individual level to subjective distress. We hypothesize that maternal underemployment, including unemployment, involuntary part-time work, and low wage work predicts decreased birth weight. The relationship of birth weight to maternal employment changes during pregnancy was studied prospectively in 1,165 singleton first births in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data set. Controlling for other significant risk factors, women who shifted from adequate employment to underemployment had significantly lighter babies. Plausible mediators of this relationship were explored, including prenatal health care, gestational age, and mother’s weight gain, with results varying by type of underemployment. Two interactions also suggested that underemployment reduced the beneficial effect of mother’s weight gain on birth weight. These findings were partially replicated for low birth weight (< 2,500 grams), indicating the medical significance of the effect.
The effects of meeting a family therapy supervision team on client satisfaction in an initial session

Despite the wide use of live supervision in marriage and family therapy training, there have been no randomized trials comparing different variations of the practice. This randomized trial of 86 clients was designed to measure client satisfaction after an initial therapy session under two conditions: meeting the supervision team behind the observation mirror or not meeting the team. A mixed linear model analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between ‘meeting the team’ versus ‘not meeting the team’ and client satisfaction. There were no statistically significant differences in client satisfaction based on whether clients met the team or not. There was a trend toward greater satisfaction with the therapy session among clients who did not meet the supervision team.
Using Humorous Cartoons to Teach Mineral and Rock Concepts in Sixth Grade Science Class

Humor in the classroom has been shown to have many positive effects on attention, attitude, and engagement in higher order thinking skills. This study examined the effect on motivation and science performance of using humorous cartoons to teach mineral and rock concepts to sixth grade students as compared to more traditional methods. Four classes of students were randomly assigned to two groups, A (N = 30) and B (N = 33) that alternated between conditions for two units: minerals and rocks. Performance was determined using open-ended identical pretest/posttest instruments. Both groups received quality instruction on concepts addressed by the assessment, accessed the text, examined specimens, worked in cooperative groups, and attended class for equal amounts of time. Experimental procedures included viewing cartoons, interpreting the science facts, identifying the humor mechanism, improving cartoons, completing given cartoons, and creating original cartoons. Control procedures included lecture, discussion, written exercises and creation of a study outline. Students in the experimental condition exhibited higher motivation and significantly higher gain scores than students in the control condition (23.5% gain compared to 12.3%). Cohen's effect size was large, 0.953. Students' higher performance is attributed to their intense engagement with the content through the scaffolded cartoon activities.
Producing-resisting national borders in the United States, France and the Netherlands

Abstract Since the 1990s, governments in the United States, France, and the Netherlands have expanded their capacities to police their national borders against immigrants. The paper examines how such efforts have contributed to the growth of centralized policing agencies and the devolution of powers to individualized border enforcers (local police, service providers, nonprofit organizations, etc.). The paper argues that bordering strategies have closed some “holes” in national walls, but they have also introduced countless disagreements, disputes, and resistances by undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, national citizens, and frontline border enforcers. Many of these small resistances stay small and do not evolve into large contentious struggles. Others scale up and present more important challenges to government efforts. Rather than simply producing smooth governing machines that sharpen boundaries between the national citizen and the foreign Other, bordering strategies generate waves of small and big struggles that puncture and blur these facile boundaries.
The Legal Trajectory of the Palestinian Refugee Issue: From Exclusion to Ambiguity

The chapter discusses the exclusionary paradigms that have been adopted about Palestinian refugees. It reviews the many international peace agreements that have required implementation of refugee rights, while those rights are continually excluded from the framework of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.
Autogenous Bone Grafting of Hallux Sesamoid Nonunions

We first performed autogenous bone grafting for lesions of the hallux sesamoid in 1984. During the next 9 years, 21 patients (11 men and 10 women with an average age of 34 and 32 years, respectively) underwent this surgical procedure for symptomatic tibial hallux sesamoid non-unions. Successful bony union was achieved in all but two patients. The majority of patients obtained concomitant relief of preoperative symptomatology and returned to their preinjury level of activity. We believe that this procedure serves as an alternative to hallux sesamoid excision in selected cases.
Student's Perceptions of Social Presence in an On-Line Course Using Student Presentation Software

On-line education offers flexibility for today’s learner; however, they may perceive a lack of presence and engagement in this environment. Using the Community of Inquiry Model (COI) comprised of teacher, cognitive, and social presence, the authors examined perceptions of social presence among nursing students enrolled in five on-line courses. They also explored whether the use of oral/video software as a teaching strategy enhanced social presence. A Social Presence Scale developed by Gunawardena and adapted by Cobb was used to survey students. Findings revealed a significant relationship between social presence and instructor satisfaction; and the number of different interactive teaching techniques employed by the instructor, such as introductions with texts and pictures. The use of oral/video software, YouSeeYou®, was also noted to foster social presence among the respondents. As the components of the COI Model are interdependent, it was found that all three are needed to support student learning goals.
You Can't Always Get What You Want: Challenges in P2P Resource Sharing

Peer to peer sharing of physical goods in local communities seems like a promising concept, but platforms that offer these services have not yet reached critical mass. Based on a preliminary analysis of 15 interviews with residents of NYC about sharing in the local community, our results suggest that there is a disconnect between the kind of items that people would like to borrow and those that people would be willing to share. While people are most interested in expensive, infrequently used items, they indicated concern over liability for damages and trust of strangers. We discuss the trade-offs of introducing insurance through the platforms themselves and suggest potential alternate ways of facilitating exchanges of these items.
Influence of the Starchy Endosperm on α-Amylase Isozyme Levels in Barley

α-Amylase activity in malted barley seedlings is composed of the activities of the high-isoelectric point (pI) and low-pI α-amylase isozymes. In intact seedlings, the high-pI isozyme activity is ro...
Osteoarticular allograft reconstruction of post-traumatic defect of distal femur in a pediatric patient: A case report and literature review

Successful results of osteoarticular allografts in reconstruction of periarticular bone defect after tumor resection encouraged its utilization in post-traumatic defects. Here we describe a case of post-traumatic skeletal defect in a 4 year-old girl treated with osteoarticular allograft reconstruction. Due to severity of the associated soft tissue injury and contamination at presentation staged treatment with antibiotic spacer followed by the reconstruction was carried out. At the end of one year the patient achieved 'Musculoskeletal tumor society' functional score of 27 points and radiographic score of 93%. Reconstruction immediately after healing of soft tissues prevented development of any varus or valgus deformity of the knee. Our case demonstrates utility of osteoarticular allograft in a pediatric post-traumatic skeletal defect.
System level trade-offs of microprocessor supply voltage reduction

This paper examines the impact of decreasing microprocessor supply voltage on system efficiency and performance. While digital designers can decrease power consumption in a microprocessor by lowering its supply voltage, efficiency and performance trade-offs arise in the power supply that offset the power reduction. Conduction losses and switching losses in a buck converter are the primary losses in a switching voltage regulator, and they tend to increase with decreased output voltage. A lower supply voltage can cause control challenges, introduce sensitivity limitations, and reduce overall system efficiency. An efficiency and performance analysis is presented, based on a 12 V board-level power source employed with a low-output-voltage buck converter. The analysis demonstrates system-level limitations of supply voltage reduction.
Photocatalysis of ethanol oxidation by tetrachloroferrate(III) supported on Dowex 2‐X8

FeCl4− heterogenized on a Dowex 2-X8 anion exchange resin catalyzes the photooxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde under visible and near-UV irradiation (>345 nm). The rate of reaction is proportional to the oxygen partial pressure up to 1 atm. Oxidation is suggested to occur through the formation of 1-hydroxyethylhydroperoxide, initiated by the photodissociation of a chlorine atom. The hydroperoxide re-oxidizes the iron(II) species, both the oxidation and reduction steps producing acetaldehyde. This mechanism is consistent with the increases in yield with ethanol concentration in ethanol–toluene mixtures towards an asymptotic limit. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UVB-induced COX-2 transcription in mouse keratinocytes requires the Ebox, ATF/CRE and NF-IL6 responsive elements and is inhibited by the bioflavonoid apigenin.

2232 Chronic exposure to UV light is widely believed to cause the vast majority of squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas diagnosed in the United States each year. These UV-induced tumors and other types of tumors including breast, colon and lung overexpress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Cyclooxygenases are enzymes that are required for the synthesis of prostaglandins and prostaglandins are involved in tumor promotion and carcinogenesis. Several groups have shown that UVB-induced COX-2 expression and tumorigenesis in mouse skin can be reduced by selective COX-2 inhibitors. Apigenin is a bioflavonoid which is known to inhibit UV-induced skin carcinogenesis when topically applied to mouse skin. Therefore, we were interested in determining if a mechanism by which apigenin inhibits tumor formation in mouse skin exposed to UV light could be through the suppression of COX-2 expression. Exposure of the mouse 308 keratinocyte cell line to 500 J/m 2 of UVB light led to a 4-fold increase in COX-2 protein levels compared to cells that were sham-irradiated. This UV-induced expression of COX-2 was inhibited by apigenin in a dose dependent manner, with 50μM apigenin completely inhibiting the UVB-induction of COX-2. Northern analysis showed that steady state levels of COX-2 mRNA were elevated in UVB-exposed cells but significantly reduced in cells exposed to UVB followed by apigenin treatment. Additional experiments showed that apigenin did not inhibit the level of COX-1 mRNA. Transient transfection studies with a luciferase reporter construct containing 963 bp of the 5’-upstream flanking region of the mouse COX-2 gene demonstrated that apigenin inhibited UVB-induced COX-2 transcription. Luciferase assays utilizing a series of truncation mutants and point mutants of the murine COX-2 promoter showed that the Ebox, ATF/CRE and NF-IL6 responsive elements were required for UV-induced COX-2 expression in mouse keratinocytes. EMSA and supershift analysis with nuclear extracts from UVB-irradiated mouse keratinocytes showed that the USF1, USF2, CREB and C/EBP β transcription factors bind to their respective responsive elements. These results demonstrate that apigenin specifically inhibited UVB-induced COX-2 expression at the transcriptional level and that this agent may be a potent chemopreventive agent in the treatment of skin cancer.
Have Periprosthetic Hip Infection Rates Plateaued

Abstract Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although the number of revision cases is increasing, the prevalence of PJI as an indication for revision surgery, and the variability of this indication among surgeons and hospitals, is unclear. Methods The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System was used to identify 33,582 patients undergoing revision THA between 2000 and 2013. PJI was identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes. Volume was defined using mean number of revision THAs performed annually by each hospital and surgeon. Results PJI was the indication for 13.0% of all revision THAs. The percentage of revision THAs for PJI increased between years 2000 and 2007 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, P P = .001). Compared to medium-volume hospitals, the PJI burden at high-volume hospitals decreased during years 2000-2007 (OR = 0.58, P P P P = .618). Conclusion The burden of PJI as an indication for revision THA may be plateauing. High-volume institutions have seen decreases in the percentage of revisions performed for PJI over the complete study duration. Specific surgeon may be associated with the plateauing in PJI rates as high-volume surgeons in 2008-2013 were no longer found to be at increased risk of PJI as an indication for revision THA.
Utility of Store and Forward Teledermatology for Skin Patch Test Readings.

Background Teledermatology (TD) is the use of imaging technology to provide dermatology services at a distance. To date, studies assessing its application for grading skin patch test reactions have been lacking. Objectives The aim was to compare conventional, in-person (IP) grading of skin patch test reactions with store-forward TD. Methods Patients undergoing patch testing to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) screening series were invited to participate in this repeated-measures study. Photographs of the NACDG screening series patch sites were obtained at 2 time points (48-hour and final readings). Teledermatology assessments were completed by the same staff dermatologist who performed the IP readings; 48-hour and final TD photographs were viewed at weeks 4 and 8 after the IP encounter, respectively, to prevent recall bias. Staff dermatologists were blinded to IP grading results. The main outcome was percent agreement. Eight categories of agreement were created according to possible pairings of TD and IP reading results. Three final outcome groups of "success," "indeterminate," and "failure" were defined based on clinical significance. Results One hundred one participants completed the study. There were 7070 comparison points between IP and TD final readings. Excluding negative/negative agreement, there was "success" of TD in 54% of final readings. "Indeterminate" agreement with possible clinical significance was present in 40% of final readings. There was "failure" (definite clinical significance) in 6% of final readings. Conclusions Teledermatology may be a viable option for grading skin patch test reactions, particularly for clinicians who perform limited patch testing. However, a clinically significant "failure" rate of 6% and practical barriers to TD implementation may preclude its widespread use for skin patch testing in tertiary referral centers where large numbers of patches are tested per patient.
Working Alliance, Interpersonal Problems, and Depressive Symptoms in Tele-Interpersonal Psychotherapy for HIV-infected Rural Persons: Evidence for Indirect Effects.

Objective Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of depression, yet little is known about its therapeutic mechanisms. As a specific treatment, IPT has been shown to directly reduce depressive symptoms, although it is unclear whether these reductions occur via interpersonal changes. Within IPT, the potential role of the working alliance, a common factor, as a predictor of depression and interpersonal changes is also unclear. Method Participants were 147 depressed persons living with HIV in rural communities of 28 U.S. states enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. Seventy-five patients received up to 9 sessions of telephone-administered IPT (tele-IPT) plus standard care and 72 patients received standard care only. Two models were tested; one included treatment condition (tele-IPT vs. control) and another included the working alliance as independent variables. Results The first model found an indirect effect whereby tele-IPT reduced depression via decreased social avoidance. There was a direct effect between tele-IPT and reduced depression. In the second model, the working alliance influenced depressive symptom relief via reductions in social avoidance. Both goal and task working alliance subscales were indirectly associated with reductions in depressive symptoms, also through reductions in social avoidance. There were no direct effects involving the working alliance. Tele-IPT's influence on depressive symptom reduction was primarily through a direct effect, whereas the influence of working alliance depression was almost entirely via an indirect effect through interpersonal problems. Conclusion Study findings have implications for IPT when intervening with depressed rural people living with HIV/AIDS over the telephone.
The Law School¿s Fair Image

The Law School did not have an image problem when I matriculated in 1948. That is because it didn't have much of an image one way or the other. It had struggled through the war years with reduced enrollment and a very nice dean named Wilber Katz (pronounced "Kotz"). He taught Corporate Management and Finance, had a deep concern about the miasma of the then-existing Illinois criminal procedure (and did something about it), and was very happy to pass off the deanship to one of the Young Turks who had joined the faculty during and after the war. It was quite a group of young bloods. Edward Levi, using two huge volumes of unindexed and home-grown materials, was teaching a course called "Elements of the Law." None of us quite understood it, but were fascinated with both the course and him. He was Jekyll and Hyde: In class, he was master of the universe, with a needling sense of humor, and particularly ready to take on anyone who thought he knew all the answers. (I use the male gender advisedly; there were only three women in our class, and Levi was too chivalrous to trick them into his bag). Outside of class, he was meek and self-effacing, giving no one any premonitions of where he planned to go in his career. Walter Blum already was making a name for himself in the tax field. Harry Kalven, Jr., who had trouble getting his tenure piece written because he spent so much time with his students, and Bernard D. Meltzer, who had just come back from the Nuremberg War Crime Trials, rounded out the new kids on the faculty block. They had some peerless backstopping in the likes of Malcolm Sharp, who taught contracts and never heard a question or comment in class that wasn't "interesting" and worth pursuing; Charles 0. Gregory who taught torts and labor law, and never seemed to have a bad day; William Winslow Crosskey, who taught constitutional law in a way that fascinated his students, but didn't square with what the Supreme Court was saying about the Constitution; Sheldon Tefft, who taught property and who some of us believed had clerked for the judge who wrote the Rule in Shelley's Case; and Max Rheinstein, who taught comparative law to those who could wade through his marvelously
Field Testing and Numerical Modeling of Inflatable Structure for Underwater Applications

As humans explore greater depths of the earth’s oceans, there is a growing need for the installation of subsea structures. Deployable structures can provide a lightweight, compact solution to form large-span structures underwater. Upon inflation, these structures, attached by sensors, can morph into final shapes that are a hundred times larger than their original volume, which extends the former detection range and also provides long-term observation capabilities. This research takes the inflatable structure fundamental element, the inflated tube, and studies its behavior under bending load conditions. Initial scale models are built for the study of the mechanics of inflatable tubes. Numerical and experimental approaches are both developed to investigate the inflatable tubular behavior under concerted loading conditions. The numerical model is based on finite element theory and considers fluid-structure interaction effects under different conditions. The numerical results were compared with the experimental data, where the fractional error between those was found to be less than 15 %. This shows that the methods used in this research lay the foundation for underwater inflatable structure design and analysis.
DFT study of ortho, meta and para–pyridyl cations. Pyridynium found?

Abstract The phenyl cation has been the subject of many experimental and theoretical studies because of its importance in synthetic organic chemistry. Based on interesting experimental observations from the literature, we have computationally studied the electronic and structural effects of introducing a nitrogen atom into the aromatic ring (i.e., pyridyl rings) of phenyl cations at the M06–2X/6–311+G(d,p) level of theory. Introduction of the nitrogen at the meta and para positions destabilize the ion relative to phenyl cation by 4.61 and 5.97 kcal/mol, respectively. However, substitution at the ortho position greatly stabilizes the ion (by 16.22 kcal/mol). Analysis by Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) theory reveals that the stabilization may be traced to π -bond formation between the two adjacent atoms resulting from donation of the nitrogen lone pair to the electron-deficient carbon. The resulting ion, because of its similarity to the electronic structure of benzyne, may be considered to be a pyridynium ion. The stabilization provided by the nitrogen lone pair is also evident from analysis of the decomposition of precursor diazonium compounds where the barrier to decomposition (5.3 kcal/mol) to form the pyridynium ion is significantly lower than those leading to the unsubstituted phenyl cation and regioisomeric pyridyl cations.
Relationships among the Malagasy Lemurs

It has been very pertinently remarked by Charles-Dominique and Martin (1970) that comparisons of the Malagasy prosimians with other primates have generally been restricted to Lemur, or, more rarely, to other members of Lemurinae. Lemur has, in fact, become the stereotype of the group which, for no better reason than its restriction to Madagascar, has been regarded as the result of a single adaptive radiation; this supposition has, in turn, apparently discouraged the performance of an overall comparative analysis of the lemurs. Even those recent publications (e.g., Charles-Dominique and Martin, 1970; Tattersall, 1973a,b), which have hinted that the lemurs might form a less homogeneous group than traditionally supposed, have done little more than merely to make the suggestion.
Elastic Bending of Beams

The notion of shear-force (or shear) and bending-moment diagrams was introduced by means of some examples in Sect. 2.4. Knowledge of the distribution of shear force and bending moment in a beam is essential for the determination of the stresses and the deflection of the beam. For this reason, the calculation of these diagrams is developed here systematically on the basis of differential equations of equilibrium analogous to Eq. ( 6.86) for axial forces and to Eq. ( 7.49) for torques.
A case study for Liberian agroforestry: science and the implementation of a co–management prospectus for agriculture and forestry

The climax vegetation of Liberia is a tropical rain forest and contemporary evaluations say that Liberia has one of the largest remnants of pristine forests in the world The demand for food timber non ndash timber forest products and mining however is taking a negative toll on the nation rsquo s forest and related natural resources Moreover improper implementation of projects and poor management are having precarious effects on land cover soil fertility and land productivity Because of these significant threats the aim of the research effort is to present a case study that investigates the bicameral contingents of agriculture and forestry on the Liberian biome This work quantifies the relative effects of forestry and agricultural land uses how they influence each other and why they should be addressed concomitantly The methodology involves use of information secured on Liberia over decades of study of the Country and surrounding areas by the authors and other researchers Data on rainfall forest exploitation traditional farming rubber production and reports from Government and donor agencies are analyzed and discussed In general the results show that although most agriculture and forestry practices are carried out separately and independently per policy and by law the two practices are mutually synergistic and should be managed in concert Forestry is a major foreign exchange earner but deforestation is having a negative effect on the land Agricultural data show that over the years post the Liberian civil war cassava production has increased but there is much production variability among rice and other crop plants with which involves traditional farming that accounts for the massive felling of trees and the opening up of vast forest acreages for farming and other extractive land use practices All data confirm that Liberia rsquo s land features are fragile and that every precaution should be taken to protect water soils and the land via plant cover Is that practice that must be developed via integrated land use policy for effective resource management and sustainable land use practices This research work presents corrective scientific and policy measures that should be pursued in managing the land for successful and sustainable agriculture and forestry
Management of ventricular aneurysms following myocardial infarction

Aneurysmectomy is the most effective form of therapy for patients with symptomatic aneurysms of the left ventricle following myocardial infarction. Operation should not be undertaken less than 2 months following myocardial infarction unless there is severe hemodynamic derangement. Circulatory assist devices, such as the intra-aortic balloon pump, have been of particular help in this group of severely ill patients. Results of elective aneurysmectomy performed 2 months or more following myocardial infarction are quite good, with the long-term outlook for the patient generally depending on the function of the uninvolved myocardium and the status of the remaining coronary circulation. When ventricular irritability results in life-threatening arrhythmia, aneurysmectomy must often be performed. The results in this group of patients have been somewhat disappointing, but newer techniques of localizing irritable foci may result in the development of more effective surgical procedures.
Immunohistochemical localization of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the sheep ovary and the synergistic effect of IGF-1 and FSH on follicular development in vitro and LH receptor immunostaining.

Abstract This study analyzed IGF-1 protein immunostaining in sheep ovaries, the effect of IGF-1 alone or associated with FSH on the culture of secondary follicles, and the immunostaining of LHR protein in antral follicles before and after culture. Ovaries were collected for IGF-1 protein analysis. In experiment 1, secondary follicles were cultured in α-MEM+ (control) or α-MEM+ supplemented with IGF-1 (10, 50 or 100 ng/mL). In experiment 2, follicles were cultured in the same media of experiment 1 plus 750 ng/mL FSH. Moreover, LHR immunostaining was analyzed in fresh antral follicles and after culture in 50 ng/mL IGF-1 + FSH. The IGF-1 protein was immunolocalized in oocytes from all stages of follicle development and in the granulosa cells from secondary and antral follicles. IGF-1 did not influence (P > 0.05) follicular viability and growth (experiment 1). However, in experiment 2, 50 ng/mL IGF-1 + FSH stimulated oocyte growth (P 0.05). In conclusion, the IGF-1 protein is present in all ovarian follicle stages in sheep. Moreover, the association between 50 ng/mL IGF-1 and FSH has a synergistic effect in vitro, increasing the percentage of fully grown oocytes and the intensity of immunostaining of LHR protein in oocytes and granulosa cells of cultured antral follicles.
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Inhibition Can Resensitize p53-Null Stem Cells to Cancer Chemotherapy

TP53 mutations are common in most human cancers, but few therapeutic options for TP53-mutant tumors exist. To identify potential therapeutic options for cancer patients with TP53 mutations, we profiled 127 FDA-approved chemotherapy drugs against human embryonic stem cells (hESC) in which we engineered TP53 deletion by genome editing. We identified 27 cancer therapeutic drugs for which TP53 mutations conferred resistance; most of these drugs target DNA synthesis or topoisomerase and cause DNA damage. We then performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in the TP53-null hESC in the presence and absence of sublethal concentrations of cisplatin and identified 137 genes whose loss selectively resensitized the p53-null cells to this chemotherapeutic agent. Gene ontology classification of the resensitizing loci revealed significant overrepresentation of spindle checkpoint pathway genes. Moreover, we confirmed that targeting ZNF207/BuGZ sensitizes p53-null hESC to cisplatin. These data indicate that targeted inhibition of spindle assembly checkpoints (SAC) and chromosomal organizing centers may provide a way to treat p53-deficient cancer cells with standard chemotherapy drugs. Development of small-molecule inhibitors of SAC proteins may be a useful strategy for rescuing DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics in TP53-mutant cancers. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that inhibition of spindle assembly checkpoints and chromosomal organizing centers may provide a new way to treat p53-deficient cancer cells with standard chemotherapy drugs.
Hepatotoxicity of acetaldehyde.

All known pathways of ethanol oxidation in the liver result in production of acetaldehyde. Until recently, however, the fate of this metabolite of ethanol has been rather neglected because of methodological difficulties in its measurement. However, recent technological advancements have permitted the development of acceptable methods to detect acetaldehyde in biological fluids. A number of studies have been initiated which already have documented profound involvement of acetaldehyde in the metabolic and toxic effects of ethanol. This is not an unexpected development, in view of the known chemical reactivity of this metabolite. In this paper, we shall particularly focus on some alterations after chronic ethanol consumption particularly in the liver.
Computing the effective permittivity of composite materials using a finite difference method

A finite difference method is used to determine the effective or average properties of a two-dimensional composite material. The host material and several inclusions dispersed through it have different values for the electric permittivity, and the problem is to compute the permittivity of the total structure. Results are explored as a function of the filling factor of the inclusions and of the mismatch between the permittivity values of the two constituent materials. The results are compared to the predictions of analytic, approximate effective medium methods. The calculations can be extended to treat a variety of electrostatic and magnetostatic problems.
FXR1, an autosomal homolog of the fragile X mental retardation gene

Fragile X mental retardation syndrome, the most common cause of hereditary mental retardation, is directly associated with the FMR1 gene at Xq27.3. FMR1 encodes an RNA binding protein and the syndrome results from lack of expression of FMR1 or expression of a mutant protein that is impaired in RNA binding. We found a novel gene, FXR1, that is highly homologous to FMR1 and located on chromosome 12 at 12q13. FXR1 encodes a protein which, like FMR1, contains two KH domains and is highly conserved in vertebrates. The 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of the human and Xenopus laevis FXR1 mRNAs are strikingly conserved (approximately 90% identity), suggesting conservation of an important function. The KH domains of FXR1 and FMR1 are almost identical, and the two proteins have similar RNA binding properties in vitro. However, FXR1 and FMR1 have very different carboxy-termini. FXR1 and FMR1 are expressed in many tissues, and both proteins, which are cytoplasmic, can be expressed in the same cells. Interestingly, cells from a fragile X patient that do not have any detectable FMR1 express normal levels of FXR1. These findings demonstrate that FMR1 and FXR1 are members of a gene family and suggest a biological role for FXR1 that is related to that of FMR1.
Chapter 91 – Respiratory Alkalosis

: Steady state blood CO2 levels remain relatively constant in compensated respiratory acidosis and alkalosis (i.e., CO2 in = CO2 out). Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis is associated with an increased blood pH, and a modestly decreased HCO3 – concentration. Renal compensation for respiratory alkalosis involves a decrease in HCO3 – reabsorption. The blood pH may be within the normal range in some mixed acid-base disorders. A mixed acid-base disturbance is indicated when the Pco2 and blood HCO3 – concentration are moving in opposite directions. Mixed acid-base distrubances can be additive, or subtractive. The bicarbonate buffer equation is shifted to the left in metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis can be due to either direct or reflex hypoxemic stimulation of the respiratory center, to pulmonary disease, or to excessive mechanical ventilation.
Culture, Society, Communication, and Language Evolving

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following: • List the kinds of evidence scientists invoke to explain the origin of language. • Explain how language development helped our human ancestors post-hunt more than during a hunt. • Discuss the role of narrative in human evolution and the evolutionary importance of recursivity in narrative. • Describe the changes in human vocal anatomy and the advantages and disadvantages of these changes. • Discuss the usefulness of framing as a model for understanding communication in contemporary humans and in nonhuman animals. Introduction In Chapter 4, we looked at fully modern language quite apart from its evolution. Now, in Chapter 5, we explore the evolution of communicative systems, with a specific focus on language. And whereas previous chapters have focused almost exclusively on human communication, in this chapter, I situate our species in the midst of our relatives, both close and distant. Most anthropologists regard evolution by natural selection as a foundational idea. In this chapter, we look at language as an evolutionary feature of humans. In the process, we explore the origins of human language, the benefits and risks to its development, and its distinguishing features that may have bolstered our development by facilitating complex social interactions and complex thought. What becomes clear as we explore these ideas is that modern human language and the modern human mind, in fact, evolved together. Although contemporary linguistic anthropology focuses little attention on evolution per se, broader anthropological and semiotic approaches to culture and communication explore all forms of animal communication that result from evolutionary processes . Thus, I provide relevant examples of animal communication as part of our discussion here. Communicative Systems Evolving Language is a capacity common to all members of the species Homo sapiens . This capacity is built into all of our brains, and it reflects our evolutionary heritage, particularly the semiotic systems of our forebears, including mammals like cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and primates (from the most primitive prosimians to monkeys, and especially apes). Thus, although language reflects and requires a fully human brain, neuroscientists looking at primate brains, and even birds’ brains, see traces of the communicative systems that preceded full-fledged language. For example, the brains of ravens (see Figure 5.1) have evolved in ways that facilitate their ability to learn complex communication systems (Emery and Clayton 2004; Reber et al. 2016).
Homicide-suicide across the lifespan: a mixed methods examination of factors contributing to older adult perpetration.

The purpose of this study is to determine how individual and contextual factors that contribute to homicide-suicide (HS) differ between young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults, and to de...
Foraminifera in tsunami deposits

Abstract The use of foraminifera in tsunami deposits is multifaceted and ranges from their straightforward use at identifying sediments on land that represent marine incursions to complex relations between foraminiferal assemblages in runup and backwash tsunami deposition on and offshore. Known historical or modern tsunami deposits are often used as a “proof of concept” to test the use of foraminifera in identifying certain characteristics of the tsunami itself. This could include determining the number of waves to sourcing the offshore wave excavation depths and transport distances that could be used to infer tsunami wave height. Just as important as understanding the bathymetry, geology, geomorphology, and climatology of the region, it is also paramount to develop an understanding of the distribution of foraminifera in the local environment. This modern distribution is fundamental to much of the research into tsunami and paleotsunami deposits. Tsunami deposits can be complex as they potentially source sediments and the foraminifera therein from open marine to freshwater and inland environments. Foraminifera within paleotsunami deposits have the added challenge of preservation potential as a result of the taphonomic processes occurring since the time of deposition. The number of studies that have completed thorough foraminiferal analyses of tsunami and paleotsunami deposits and the surrounding modern environment is growing, and new insights into their potential uses are still expanding.
Role of Molecular Structure in the Production of Water-Soluble Species by Photo-oxidation of Petroleum

Asphaltenes are high-boiling and recalcitrant compounds that are generally minor components of crude oil (∼0.1–15.0 wt %) but dominate the composition of heavily weathered spilled petroleum. These ...
Barriers and Opportunities for Promoting Health Professions Careers among Latinxs in the Midwest

Latinx populations experience health disparities and are underrepresented among health professionals. One strategy to address these health disparities includes increasing the proportion of Latinx h...
Levelized Cost of CO2 Captured Using Five Physical Solvents in Pre-combustion Applications

Abstract Aspen Plus v8.8 was used to perform techno-economic analysis (TEA) of a CO2 capture process from a typical fuel gas stream in a 543-MW pre-combustion power plant using five different physical solvents (Selexol, PEGPDMS-1, NMP, [aPy][Tf2N] and [hmim][Tf2N]). The process included a countercurrent packed-bed absorber operating under high-pressure over a wide range of temperatures and three pressure-swing flash drums for solvent regeneration. Two packings, Mellapak 250Y and IMTP50, were used and the Levelized costs of CO2 captured (LCOC) were calculated. The simulation results indicated that using Mellapak 250Y exhibited lower LCOC values than those when using IMTP50 for the five solvents under all conditions used as it offered better mass transfer. The CO2 capture process carried out at low temperatures showed lower LCOC values than those at higher temperatures due to the increased CO2 solubility in the solvents at lower temperatures, requiring smaller absorber diameter and lower solvent circulation rates, which offset the cooling requirements. Comparing the lowest LCOC values for the five solvents, the hydrophobic PEGPDMS-1 solvent was the most promising one compared to the other four solvents, due to its lowest capital and operating costs and noncorrosive, which enabled using less expensive materials for the process equipment.