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Purpose Short-term motivation encompasses specific, challenging and attainable goals that develop in the limited timespan. On the other hand, long-term motivation indicates a sort of continuing commitment that is required to complete assigned task. As short-term motivational problems span for a limited period of time, such as a session, therefore, they need to be addressed in real time to keep the learner engaged in the learning process. Similarly, long-term learners’ motivation plays an equally important role to retain the learner in the long run and minimize the risk of dropout. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to incorporate a comprehensive learner motivation model that is based on short-term and long-term aspects of the learners' motivation. This approach enables Web-based educational systems to identify the real-time motivational state of the learner and provide personalized interventions to keep the learners engaged in learning process. Design/methodology/approach Recent research regarding personalized Web-based educational systems demonstrates learner’s motivation to be an essential component of the learning model. This is because of the fact that low motivation results in either students’ less engagement or complete drop out from the learning activities. A learner motivation model is considered to be a set of perceptions and beliefs that the system has developed about a learner. This includes both short-term and long-term motivations of leaners. Findings This study proposed a framework of a domain independent learners’ motivation model based on firm educational theories. The proposed framework consists of two modules. The primary module deals with real-time identification of motivation and logging off activities such as login, forum participation and adherence to assessment deadline. Secondary module maintains the profile of leaners associated with both short-term and long-term motivation. A study was conducted to verify the impact of learners’ motivation model and personalized interventional strategies based on proposed model, using Systematical Information Education Method assessment standards. The results show an increase in motivational index and the characteristics associated with motivation during the conducted study. Originality/value Motivational diagnosis is important for both traditional classrooms and Web-based education systems. It is one of the major elements that contribute in the success of the learning process. However, dropout rate among online students is very high, which leads to incorporate motivational elements in more personalized way because motivated students will retain the course until they successfully complete it. Hence, identifying learner’s motivation, updating learners’ motivation model based on this identification and providing personalized interventions are the key for the success of Web-based educational systems.

We present a study of Higgs boson production in vector boson fusion and in association with a vector boson and its decay to two vector bosons, with a focus on the treatment of virtual loops and virtual photons. Our analysis is performed with the JHU generator framework. Comparisons are made to several other frameworks, and the results are expressed in terms of an effective field theory. New features of this study include a proposal on how to handle singularities involving Higgs boson decays to light fermions via photons, calculation of the partial Higgs boson width in the presence of anomalous couplings to photons, a comparison of the next-to-leading-order electroweak corrections to effects from effective couplings, and phenomenological observations regarding the special role of intermediate photons in analysis of LHC data in the effective field theory framework. Some of these features are illustrated with projections for experimental measurements with the full LHC and HL-LHC datasets., 32 pages, 14 figures

Adversariality in argumentation is typically theorized as inhering in, and applying to, the interactional roles of proponent and opponent that arguers occupy. This paper considers the kinds of adversariality located in the conversational roles arguers perform while arguing—specifically listening. It begins by contending that the maximally adversarial arguer is an arguer who refuses to listen to reason by refusing to listen to another’s reasons. It proceeds to consider a list of lousy listeners in order to illustrate the variety of ways that the conversational role of listener can be performed adversarially. Because conversational roles, while not adversarial by nature, can be enacted adversarially, arguers are properly subject to praise and blame for their performances of these roles. Thus, the paper concludes, argumentation theory stands in need of an articulated normative vocabulary and theory to codify, apply, explain, and justify the norms of listening governing, guiding, and appraising arguers’ performances of listening in argumentation.

Previous rat toxicity studies of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ), a water-soluble flavonol glycoside derived from rutin, revealed systemic yellow bone discoloration. This investigative study was conducted to determine the AGIQ metabolite(s) responsible for the discoloration. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were administered dietary AGIQ at doses of 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, or 5.0% (0, 1735.0, 3480.8, and 5873.7 mg/kg/day, respectively) for 14 days, followed by a 14- or 28-day recovery period. Measurements of quercetin in urine and quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, kaempferol, and 3-o-methylquercetin metabolites of AGIQ in bone (femur), white and brown fat, and cerebrum samples were conducted following the exposure period and each recovery period. Gross examination of the femur revealed yellow discoloration that increased in intensity with dose and was still present in a dose-related manner following both recovery periods. Quercetin, at levels correlating with AGIQ dose, was measured in the urine following the 14-day exposure period and, at lower concentrations, 14 or 28 days following cessation of AGIQ exposure. All four metabolites were present in a dose-dependent manner in the femur following 14 days of dietary exposure; only quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, and 3-o-methylquercetin were present during the recovery periods. Quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, and 3-o-methylquercetin were detected in white fat (along with kaempferol), brown fat (excluding quercetin due to analytical interference), and cerebrum samples, indicating systemic availability of the metabolites. Collectively, these data implicate quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, or 3-o-methylquercetin (or a combination thereof) as the most likely metabolite of AGIQ causing the yellow discoloration of bone in rats administered dietary AGIQ.

In response to a recent article in the KDP Record on recruiting teachers of color, the author explores a recruitment factor that the earlier article does not address: what students of color have al...

In North America, many utility-scale turbines are approaching, or are beyond the half-way point of their originally anticipated lifespan. Accurate estimation of the times to failure of major turbine components can provide wind farm owners insight into how to optimise the life and value of their farm assets. In this study, data records from a wind farm have been used to estimate the reliability of wind turbine (WT) generators. For this study, non-parametric life data analysis, Weibull Standard Folio life data analysis, and ALTA Standard Folio life data analysis have been used to predict the reliability of the generators. The naive prediction interval procedure also has been used here to provide an approximate range for the remaining life of each generator. This study provides some insight into how reliable a subset of WT generators is and the lifetime distribution of individual generators. These outcomes may be leveraged further by the research community for companion applications like prognostic maintenance and investment decision support systems. This study also begins to investigate how electrical loads may influence turbine generator reliability. The work also illustrates a valuable example of how to estimate component remaining useful life based on truncated/limited data records.

Introduction: The MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) method was developed in 1989 in Russia and has spread world-wide to treat individuals with certain types reflex development deficits, behavior disorders, disorders of speech or language development, and learning disabilities. MNRI is based on techniques called “repatterning” or remodulation, meaning re-education, recoding the reflex nerve pathways specific for dynamic and postural reflex schemes. Objectives: Repatterning activates the extra pyramidal nervous system responsible for automatic mechanisms and processes, the extension of links between neurons, the growth of neural nets, myelination, and the creation of new nerve routing. This potential result was tested utilizing urinary measurements of the following neurotransmitters: epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, DOPAC, serotonin, 5-HIAA, glycine, taurine, GABA, glutamate, PEA, and histamine. Methods: Neurological impact of the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Method on the magnitude of changes in neurotransmitters was assessed by an external controlled and double-blind method using patients from one of the four diagnosis groups: 1) global developmental disorders; 2) cerebral palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Acute Brain Injury (ABI), and seizures; 3) ADD/ADHD; and 4) anxiety disorders. Results: The post-MNRI results in participants show a tendency for regulation of the above neurotransmitters resulting in their calming down, decrease of hypervigilance, stress resilience increase, improvements in behavioral and emotional regulation, positive emotions, and cognitive processes control. Conclusion: The application of the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Method as a therapy modality offers a novelty paradigm for the treatment using neuro- and immune-modulation technologies presenting a non-pharmaceutical approach, based on use of neurosensorimotor reflex circuit concept.

Quercetin and its glycosides possess potential benefits to human health. Several flavonols are available to consumers as dietary supplements, promoted as anti-oxidants; however, incorporation of natural quercetin glycosides into food and beverage products has been limited by poor miscibility in water. Enzymatic conjugation of multiple glucose moieties to isoquercitrin to produce alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ) enhances solubility and bioavailability. AGIQ is used in Japan as a food additive and has been granted generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status. However, although substantial genotoxicity data exist for quercetin, there is very little available data for AGIQ and isoquercitrin. To support expanded global marketing of food products containing AGIQ, comprehensive testing of genotoxic potential of AGIQ and isoquercitrin was conducted according to current regulatory test guidelines. Both chemicals tested positive in bacterial reverse mutation assays, and exposure to isoquercitrin resulted in chromosomal aberrations in CHO-WBL cells. All other in vitro mammalian micronucleus and chromosomal aberration assays, micronucleus and comet assays in male and female B6C3F1 mice and Sprague Dawley rats, and Muta™ Mouse mutation assays evaluating multiple potential target tissues, were negative for both chemicals. These results supplement existing toxicity data to further support the safe use of AGIQ in food and beverage products.

Reviews the arrival of and technology supporting online ticketed-pass programs in libraries. These programs allow library patrons to reserve single-day tickets to local attractions of all kinds. Offerings began with traditional museums but now include science centers, zoos, gardens, performances, tours, classes, and more. Further discussed is the new service delivery paradigm this represents: complementary to in-house offerings, librarians are brokering and facilitiating public access to non-library resources in their region to meet member needs.

In this paper we examine several contrast-degrading static signature sources present in current terrestrial exoplanet Lyot Coronagraph/Telescope optical systems. These are: - Unnecessary optical surfaces, which increase cost, absorption, scatter, wavefront control and alignment issues. A suggested solution is to make every effort to investigate innovative solutions to reduce the number of optical surfaces during the early design phase. Consider free-form optics. - Diffraction from secondary support systems and classical hexagon segmented apertures, which masks the low IWA terrestrial exoplanets. A suggested mitigation is to investigate curved secondary support systems and a pinwheel architecture for the deployable primary aperture. - Polarization Fresnel and form birefringence aberrations, which distort the system PSF, introduce absorption, scatter and wavefront control issues. Mitigation is to reduce all ray-angles of incidence to a minimum, investigate zero-loss polarization compensation wavefront technology, and investigate metal thin film deposition processes required to minimize form birefringence in large-area high-reflectivity coatings. - Small-angle specular or resolved angle scattered light, which places a narrow halo of incoherent light around the base of the PSF. There is no requirement on mirror smooth-surface scatter. Investigate the physical source of the small angle scatter and develop mirror polishing and thin film deposition processes to minimize scatter.

alpha-Glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ) is highly absorbable and has been shown to possess antioxidative properties. Based on a favorable safety profile, it has been confirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compound by the FDA. Nevertheless, safety and toxicity information for AGIQ is still sparse. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the safety and toxicokinetics of AGIQ in a 90-day study in 60 male and 60 female Sprague-Dawley rats at dietary doses up to 5%. All animals survived until scheduled euthanasia with no clinical signs of toxicity in any animal. AGIQ was rapidly absorbed with metabolism to quercetin and quercetin glucuronide at all dose levels. Statistically significant changes were noted in some tissue weights and clinical chemistry analytes, without evidence of systemic toxicity. The most prominent finding was systemic dose dependent yellow discoloration of bones of treated animals. However, no changes were observed microscopically, and this observation was concluded as toxicologically insignificant. The overall lack of adverse clinical signs, changes in body weight, feed consumption, clinical pathology parameters, and histopathological endpoints in animals administered AGIQ supports no observable adverse effect levels (NOAEL) of 5.0% in diet for both male and female rats (3461 mg/kg/day and 3867 mg/kg/day, respectively).

Highlights • Bacterial cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) is used to produce a water soluble form of glycosylated isoquercitrin. • Genotoxicity battery on CGTase and sodium sulfate negative for mutations and DNA damage. • No evidence of systemic toxicity in 90-day rat toxicity study of CGTase., Introduction Microbiologically derived cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) is used commercially as a processing agent in manufacture of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Its toxic potential was evaluated in anticipation of use in the production of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin, a water-soluble form of quercetin. Methods Following OECD guidelines, CGTase, produced by Bacillus pseudalcaliphilus DK-1139, was evaluated in a genotoxicity battery consisting of a bacterial reverse mutation assay, an in vitro micronucleus (MN) assay and MN and comet assays using B6C3F1 male and female mice. These same genotoxicity assays were also conducted for sodium sulfate, a contaminant of CGTase preparation. In a 90-day Sprague Dawley rat toxicity study, CGTase was administered by gavage in water at daily doses of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day. Results CGTase did not induce mutations with or without metabolic activation in the bacterial reverse mutation assay. Formation of micronuclei was not induced in either in vitro or in vivo MN assays with or without metabolic activation. No induction of DNA damage was detected in male or female mouse liver, stomach, or duodenum in the comet assay. Sodium sulfate also tested negative in these same genotoxicity assays. In the 90-day repeated dose rat study there were no treatment-related adverse clinical or pathological findings. Conclusion The genotoxicity assays and repeated dose toxicity study support the safe use of CGTase in production of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin.

When those swept up in counterterrorism operations try to hold governments accountable for rights violations, legal secrecy doctrines such as the “state secrets privilege” and “public interest immunity” frequently derail their efforts. This article shows the effects of legal secrecy doctrines on efforts to hold officials accountable for rights violations in counterterrorism cases. It sets out the limits imposed by international human rights law on these secrecy doctrines, and it explores how these limits are handled in US and British courts. Finally, it sets out requirements in order for legal secrecy practices to comply with international human rights law.

The neurotransmitter levels of representatives from five different diagnosis groups were tested before and after participation in the MNRI&reg, &mdash, Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Intervention. The purpose of this study was to ascertain neurological impact on (1) Developmental disorders, (2) Anxiety disorders/OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress disorder), (3) Palsy/Seizure disorders, (4) ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactive Disorder), and (5) ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) disorders. Each participant had a form of neurological dysregulation and typical symptoms respective to their diagnosis. These diagnoses have a severe negative impact on the quality of life, immunity, stress coping, cognitive skills, and social assimilation. This study showed a trend towards optimization and normalization of neurological and immunological functioning, thus supporting the claim that the MNRI method is an effective non-pharmacological neuromodulation treatment of neurological disorders. The effects of MNRI on inflammation have not yet been assessed. The resulting post-MNRI changes in participants&rsquo, neurotransmitters show significant adjustments in the regulation of the neurotransmitter resulting in being calmer, a decrease of hypervigilance, an increase in stress resilience, behavioral and emotional regulation improvements, a more positive emotional state, and greater control of cognitive processes. In this paper, we demonstrate that the MNRI approach is an intervention that reduces inflammation. It is also likely to reduce oxidative stress and encourage homeostasis of excitatory neurotransmitters. MNRI may facilitate neurodevelopment, build stress resiliency, neuroplasticity, and optimal learning opportunity. There have been no reported side effects of MNRI treatments.

The flux difference between a terrestrial exoplanet and a much brighter nearby star creates an enormous optical design challenge for space-based imaging systems. Coronagraphs are designed to block the star’s flux and obtain a high-dynamic-range image of the exoplanet. The contrast of an optical system is calculated using the point spread function (PSF). Contrast quantifies starlight suppression of an imaging system at a given separation of the two objects. Contrast requirements can be as small as 10^(−10) for earth-like planets. This work reports an analysis of the September 2017 Habitable Exoplanet Imaging Mission (HabEx) end-to-end optical system prescription for geometric and polarization aberrations across the 450 to 550 nm channel. The Lyot coronagraph was modeled with a vector vortex charge 6 mask but without adaptive optics (AO) to correct the phase of the Jones pupil. The detector plane irradiance was calculated for three states of the telescope/coronagraph system: (1) free of geometric and polarization aberrations; (2) isotropic mirror coatings throughout the end-toend system; and (3) isotropic mirrors with form birefringence on the primary mirror. For each of these three states the system response both with and without a coronagraph mask was calculated. Two merit functions were defined to quantify the system’s ability to attenuate starlight: (1) normalized polychromatic irradiance (NPI), and (2) starlight suppression factor (SSF). Both of these are dimensionless and their values are functions of position across the focal plane. The NPI is defined as the irradiance point-by-point across the detector plane with a coronagraph mask divided by the value of the on-axis irradiance without a coronagraph mask. The SSF is the irradiance point-by-point across the detector plane with a coronagraph mask divided by the pointby-point value of the irradiance across the detector plane without a coronagraph mask. Both the NPI and the SSF provide insights into coronagraph performance. Deviations from the aberration-free case are calculated and summarized in table 2. The conclusions are: (1) the HabEx optical system is well-balanced for both geometric and polarization aberrations; (2) the spatially dependent polarization reflectivity for the HabEx primary mirror should be specified to ensure the coating is isotropic; (3) AO to correct the two orthogonal polarization-dependent wavefront errors is essential.

Direct imaging and spectroscopy of terrestrial exoplanets requires the control of vector electromagnetic fields to approximately one part in ten to the fifth over a few milliarc second FOV to achieve the necessary 10-10 intensity contrast levels. Observations using space telescopes are necessary to achieve these levels of diffracted and scattered light control. The highly reflecting metal mirrors and their coatings needed to image these very faint exoplanets introduce polarization into the wavefront, which, in turn affects image quality and reduces exoplanet yield unless corrected. To identify and create the technologies and the electro-optical/mechanical-spacecraft systems models that will achieve these levels, NASA is currently developing two mission concepts, each with their own hardware vision. These are: The Habex, a habitable planet explorer and the LUVOIR, a Large Ultra-Violet Optical-Infrared space telescope system. This paper reports the results of polarization ray-tracing the HabEx detailed optical prescription provided by the project to the authors in the fall of 2017. Diattenuation and retardance across both the exit pupil associated with the occulting mask and the exit pupil associated with the coronagraph image plane are given as well as the corresponding Jones pupil matrices. These are calculated assuming isotropic coatings on all mirrors. Analysis and physical measurements indicates that the specification of the primary mirror for exoplanet coronagraphs will need to include a constraint on spatially varying polarization reflectivity (anisotropic coatings). The Jones exit-pupil phase terms, phi XX and phi YY just before the occulting mask differ in shape and are displaced one from the other by about 10 milli-waves. This shows that A/O, which corrects for geometric path differences, cannot completely correct for wavefront errors introduced by polarization for this particular prescription for HabEx. We suggest that these differences may be corrected by adjusting the opto-mechanical design to change angles of incidence on mirrors and corrected by adjusting the design of the dielectric coatings on the highly-reflecting mirror surfaces. Super-posing the phase of XX onto the phase of YY and then correcting using A/O will assure maximum power transmittance through the system and best contrast. These aspects require further investigation.

Gardenia blue is widely used in Eastern Asia as a natural food colorant. To evaluate the genotoxic potential of gardenia blue, as well as genipin, the natural starting material from which it is produced, a GLP-compliant test battery was conducted according to OECD guidelines. No evidence of mutagenicity of gardenia blue was detected in a 5-strain bacterial reverse mutation assay, with or without metabolic activation; an equivocal response for genipin occurred in S. typhimurium TA97a without metabolic activation. In in vitro micronucleus and chromosome aberration assays, genipin tested positive under some test conditions; however, gardenia blue tested negative in both assays. In combined micronucleus/comet assays conducted in male and female B6C3F1 mice, exposure to genipin at doses reaching maximal toxicity (74 and 222 mg/kg bw/day for males and females, respectively) or gardenia blue tested up to the limit dose (2000 mg/kg bw/day) did not induce micronuclei in peripheral blood or DNA damage in several examined tissues. Modified (“reverse”) comet assays showed no evidence of DNA crosslinking potential of either genipin, known to form crosslinks with other macromolecules, or gardenia blue. Our results indicate that consumption of gardenia blue in food products does not pose a significant genotoxic concern for humans.

Myricitrin, a flavonoid extracted from the fruit, leaves, and bark of Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra SIEBOLD), is currently used as a flavor modifier in snack foods, dairy products, and beverages in Japan. Myricitrin is converted to myricetin by intestinal microflora; myricetin also occurs ubiquitously in plants and is consumed in fruits, vegetables, and beverages. The genotoxic potential of myricitrin and myricetin was evaluated in anticipation of worldwide marketing of food products containing myricitrin. In a bacterial reverse mutation assay, myricetin tested positive for frameshift mutations under metabolic activation conditions whereas myricitrin tested negative for mutagenic potential. Both myricitrin and myricetin induced micronuclei formation in human TK6 lymphoblastoid cells under conditions lacking metabolic activation; however, the negative response observed in the presence of metabolic activation suggests that rat liver S9 homogenate may detoxify reactive metabolites of these chemicals in mammalian cells. In 3-day combined micronucleus/Comet assays using male and female B6C3F1 mice, no induction of micronuclei was observed in peripheral blood, or conclusive evidence of damage detected in the liver, glandular stomach, or duodenum following exposure to myricitrin or myricetin. Our studies did not reveal evidence of genotoxic potential of myricitrin in vivo, supporting its safe use in food and beverages.

Ponatinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor with significant activity in heavily pretreated patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, is a CYP3A4 substrate. This open-label, nonrandomized, fixed-order crossover study evaluated the effect of multiple oral doses of rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, on the pharmacokinetics of ponatinib (45 mg, single dose). Twenty healthy adults received ponatinib on day 1, rifampin 600 mg alone on days 8-13, 15, and 16, and rifampin 600 mg with ponatinib on day 14. Rifampin decreased maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to time of last measurable concentration (AUC0-t ) and from time zero to infinity (AUC0-∞ ) of ponatinib by 42%, 59%, and 63%, respectively, with no effect on time to Cmax . The limits of the 90% confidence intervals of the estimated geometric mean ratios of ponatinib Cmax , AUC0-t , and AUC0-∞ did not fall within the 80-125% margins for equivalence, suggesting a statistically significant interaction. Coadministration of ponatinib with strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the possible risk of ponatinib underexposure, because the safety of ponatinib dose increases has not been studied in this context.

(2016). Undergraduate Research: Viewpoints from the Student Side. Math Horizons: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 23-25.

This chapter highlights the linguistic study of Native American signed language varieties, which are broadly referred to as American Indian Sign Language (AISL). It describes how indigenous sign language serves as an alternative to spoken language, how it is acquired as a first or second language, and how it is used both among deaf and hearing tribal members and internationally as a type of signed lingua franca. It discusses the first fieldwork carried out in over fifty years to focus on the linguistic status of AISL, which is considered an endangered language variety but is still used and learned natively by some members of various Indian nations across Canada and the United States (e.g. Assiniboine, Blackfeet/Blackfoot, Cherokee, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Nakoda/Lakȟóta, and Mandan-Hidatsa). The chapter also addresses questions of language contact and spread, including code-switching and lexical borrowing, as well as historical linguistic questions.

Background Ischioanal fossa epidermoid cysts are uncommon masses of epithelial origin and are believed to be either congenital or the result of trauma. Surgical excision is preferred as opposed to incision and drainage because these masses may enlarge, recur, become infected, or undergo malignant transformation. Case This report describes a case of a 62-year-old woman who presented for evaluation of vaginal and perineal discomfort and fullness. Physical examination and computed tomography scan revealed a 7.1-cm cystic mass in the left ischioanal space. Transgluteal surgical excision was performed and pathology revealed an epidermoid cyst. The patient recovered with symptomatic improvement. Conclusions This report demonstrates a rare case of ischioanal fossa epidermoid cyst. In cases of rectal masses, cystic lesions should be considered. Thorough physical examination, imaging studies, and proper surgical management of these masses can improve patient symptomatology, prevent recurrence, and also decrease the risk of malignant transformation.

A need exists to prolong the release of rapidly metabolized peptides of a low molecular weight, while delivering this peptide without environmental interference. Previous studies have used bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model peptide to study release characteristics from alginate microcapsules. BSA is 66 kDa in size, while the peptide of interest here, connexin-43 carboxyl-terminus mimetic peptide (αCT1), is only 3.4 kDa. Such a change in size results in a much different set of release parameters. Our overall goal is a sustained release over a 24+ h period. Prolonged application of the peptide to a wound site to investigate therapeutic effects is ideal. As a result, a diffusion method using alginate microcapsules, along with the addition of poly-l-lysine and poly-l-ornithine, has been explored. We first aimed to establish and characterize our parameters through a set of parametric tests. Variations in polymer coating, change in pH, and changes in loading ratio have previously been shown to effect release using model compounds. Here we test specific changes in these parameters to show effects on the release of αCT1. Additionally, the microcapsules were attached to several biomaterials and surgical implants by ultraviolet cross-linking to study the effectiveness of attachment and delivery. Analysis and measurements using phase contrast microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize changes in microcapsule morphology.

Acrylamide is used in many industrial processes and is present in a variety of fried and baked foods. In rodent carcinogenicity assays, acrylamide exposure leads to tumour formation at doses lower than those demonstrated to induce genotoxic damage. We evaluated the potential of acrylamide to induce structural DNA damage and gene mutations in rodents using highly sensitive flow cytometric analysis of micronucleus and Pig-a mutant frequencies, respectively. Male F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice were administered acrylamide in drinking water for 30 days at doses spanning and exceeding the range of acrylamide exposure tested in cancer bioassays-top dose of 12.0 and 24.0mg/kg/day in mice and in rats, respectively. A positive control, N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, was administered at the beginning and end of the study to meet the expression time for the two DNA damage phenotypes. The results of the micronucleus and Pig-a assays were negative and equivocal, respectively, for male rats exposed to acrylamide at the concentrations tested. In contrast, acrylamide induced a dose-dependent increase in micronucleus formation but tested negative in the Pig-a assay in mice. Higher plasma concentrations of glycidamide in mice than rats are hypothesized to explain, at least in part, the differences in the response. Benchmark dose modelling indicates that structural DNA damage as opposed to point mutations is most relevant to the genotoxic mode of action of acrylamide-induced carcinogenicity. Moreover, the lack of genotoxicity detected at

Over time, accountability measurements in education have paralleled measurement systems that originated in the business sector. Reform efforts, such as the Baldrige criteria, have continued to demonstrate that the business paradigm has offered precious little in the way of classroom success, despite the publicity and funding these movements receive—a lesson that politicians and educators seem to have trouble learning, despite its influence in 20th-century education.