My Own Private Library: A Peek Inside the Personal Library of a Librarian

The article reviews several books about multiculturalism, including The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, Chanda\u27s Secrets by Allan Stratton and Jabberwocky by Christopher Myers

The Prediction and Relationship between Age, Ethnicity, Gender, and Quality of Life Using Self-Efficacy Scores among Stroke Survivors

Stroke is a serious illness that requires urgent attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether age, ethnicity, gender, and quality of life predict self-efficacy scores in stroke survivors. The theoretical foundation of the study was the social cognitive theory of perceived self-efficacy that was developed by Bandura. There were 4 specific research questions investigated. A correlational research design was used to sample 115 stroke survivors from several Arkansas rehabilitation facilities who completed a pilot study, demographic form, QOL rating scale, and the Daily Living Self-Efficacy Scale (DLSES). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was applied to identify the independent variables that served as significant predictors. The findings revealed that ethnicity, gender, and the quality of life did not predict self-efficacy scores when controlling for all other variables in stroke survivors. The independent variable age was statistically significant for both the QOL rating scale and the DLSELS scores. Age predicted DLSES and the QOL rate scale scores when controlling for all other variables among stroke survivors. This study may promote understanding for stroke survivors, make future research accessible through effective psychologically measured questionnaire interventions, and provide awareness of stroke exposure. This study enabled potentially positive social change through social services. Many issues were identified after stroke and the implications of research for practice were highlighted

Analysis of Texas Collegiate Mariachi Ensembles: Standard Repertoire and Genres

A standard prescribed music list exists for band, orchestra, and choral music ensembles in Texas K-12 music education. Presently, no prescribed music list exists for mariachi ensembles or degree plans in Texas at the collegiate level. This study used explanatory sequential mixed methods to examine the differences in seven Texas collegiate mariachi programs’ standard teaching and performance repertoire. The study explored the commonalities and differences in repertoire and balance of mariachi genres in instruction. The repertoire of diverse genres reflects influences associated with European, Caribbean, and Indigenous cultures and musical forms. Related issues of this study included music literacy, college readiness, vertical alignment, and transferability to four-year institutions. Research showed some regions in Texas have more robust K-12 mariachi programs than others, therefore demanding a more rigorous repertoire at their neighboring collegiate institutions. Good pedagogical practices were similar for all institutions, including a standard repertoire for each mariachi genre. Several complex genres were simplified for students not skilled in reading traditional musical notations. The findings implied high-quality musical, cultural, and language studies exist in the repertoire. The result of this research suggests that participation in collegiate mariachi programs encourages and empowers minorities in pursuing higher education. The study may inform collegiate mariachi directors who lack a background in mariachi music and non-native Spanish speakers, leading to continued research in collegiate mariachi curriculum

Development of a portable neutron coincidence counter for field measurements of nuclear materials using the advanced multiplicity capabilities of MCNPX 2.5.F and the neutron coincidence point model

Neutron coincidence counting is an important passive Nondestructive Assay (NDA) technique widely used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of nuclear material in bulk samples. During the fission process, multiple neutrons are simultaneously emitted from the splitting nucleus. These neutron groups are often referred to as coincident neutrons. Because different isotopes possess different coincident neutron characteristics, the coincident neutron signature can be used to identify and quantify a given material. In an effort to identify unknown nuclear samples in field inspections, the Portable Neutron Coincidence Counter (PNCC) has been developed. This detector makes use of the coincident neutrons being emitted from a bulk sample. An in-depth analysis has been performed to establish whether the nuclear material in an unknown sample could be quantified with the accuracy and precision needed for safeguards measurements. The analysis was performed by comparing experimental measurements of PuO2 samples to the calculated output produced using MCNPX and the Neutron Coincidence Point Model. Based on the analysis, it is evident that this new portable system can play a useful role in identifying nuclear material for verification purposes

Our futures in mind uploading: public perceptions and narratives

Advances in neurotechnology, have immense potential but also pose significant ethical challenges since they implicate fundamental human capacities such as identity, agency, and autonomy. Hence the development of neurotechnology is being prioritised by intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The aim is to ensure neurotechnology development is grounded in principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and is responsive to all stakeholders. While the public is a key stakeholder, research, and engagement with this audience is understudied. To address this gap, I implemented a multistage, multi-method, research programme which was informed by an e-Delphi study with multidisciplinary experts. My research used mind uploading as an exemplar for hypothetical future neurotechnology and contributes new data to an understudied field. To encourage participants to connect with mind uploading, I designed a novel data collection tool and method - a website that told the stories of two fictional mind uploaded characters. This method was effective in facilitating narrative transportation, engagement and character identification and illustrated important ethical themes such as personal identity, subjective experience, immortality, and embodiment. My results showed that while awareness of mind uploading has remained relatively static over the last few years, favourability towards the concept has significantly increased, reflected in an increasing number of people who would upload if their physical body was dying and search for meaning in this new afterlife. However, despite the increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) an afterlife as an avatar was unappealing and participants wanted a physical body the form of which was important. Reactions to the concepts of life extension and immortality indicated that an extended life span, which is potentially becoming more feasible, would be positively received, immortality less so. However, while the public could identify several benefits for mind uploading, primarily a continued connection to loved ones, they were clearly concerned how neurotechnology, particularly that which would augment our existing capabilities, might develop. Public concerns reflected those of policymakers and scientists including data protection, privacy, and security although public priorities sometimes differed. Participants confirmed the need for regulation to ensure neurotechnology is not discriminatory and does not create an even greater divide between the privileged and disadvantaged. There were clear indications of the public’s interest in mind uploading as an example of future neurotechnology which signposts future opportunities in public research and public science

Our futures in mind uploading: public perceptions and narratives

Advances in neurotechnology, have immense potential but also pose significant ethical challenges since they implicate fundamental human capacities such as identity, agency, and autonomy. Hence the development of neurotechnology is being prioritised by intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The aim is to ensure neurotechnology development is grounded in principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and is responsive to all stakeholders. While the public is a key stakeholder, research, and engagement with this audience is understudied. To address this gap, I implemented a multistage, multi-method, research programme which was informed by an e-Delphi study with multidisciplinary experts. My research used mind uploading as an exemplar for hypothetical future neurotechnology and contributes new data to an understudied field. To encourage participants to connect with mind uploading, I designed a novel data collection tool and method - a website that told the stories of two fictional mind uploaded characters. This method was effective in facilitating narrative transportation, engagement and character identification and illustrated important ethical themes such as personal identity, subjective experience, immortality, and embodiment. My results showed that while awareness of mind uploading has remained relatively static over the last few years, favourability towards the concept has significantly increased, reflected in an increasing number of people who would upload if their physical body was dying and search for meaning in this new afterlife. However, despite the increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) an afterlife as an avatar was unappealing and participants wanted a physical body the form of which was important. Reactions to the concepts of life extension and immortality indicated that an extended life span, which is potentially becoming more feasible, would be positively received, immortality less so. However, while the public could identify several benefits for mind uploading, primarily a continued connection to loved ones, they were clearly concerned how neurotechnology, particularly that which would augment our existing capabilities, might develop. Public concerns reflected those of policymakers and scientists including data protection, privacy, and security although public priorities sometimes differed. Participants confirmed the need for regulation to ensure neurotechnology is not discriminatory and does not create an even greater divide between the privileged and disadvantaged. There were clear indications of the public’s interest in mind uploading as an example of future neurotechnology which signposts future opportunities in public research and public science

Does the availability of snack foods in supermarkets vary internationally?

BackgroundCross-country differences in dietary behaviours and obesity rates have been previously reported. Consumption of energy-dense snack foods and soft drinks are implicated as contributing to weight gain, however little is known about how the availability of these items within supermarkets varies internationally. This study assessed variations in the display of snack foods and soft drinks within a sample of supermarkets across eight countries.MethodsWithin-store audits were used to evaluate and compare the availability of potato chips (crisps), chocolate, confectionery and soft drinks. Displays measured included shelf length and the proportion of checkouts and end-of-aisle displays containing these products. Audits were conducted in a convenience sample of 170 supermarkets across eight developed nations (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom (UK), and United States of America (US)).ResultsThe mean total aisle length of snack foods (adjusted for store size) was greatest in supermarkets from the UK (56.4 m) and lowest in New Zealand (21.7 m). When assessed by individual item, the greatest aisle length devoted to chips, chocolate and confectionery was found in UK supermarkets while the greatest aisle length dedicated to soft drinks was in Australian supermarkets. Only stores from the Netherlands (41%) had less than 70% of checkouts featuring displays of snack foods or soft drinks.ConclusionWhilst between-country variations were observed, overall results indicate high levels of snack food and soft drinks displays within supermarkets across the eight countries. Exposure to snack foods is largely unavoidable within supermarkets, increasing the likelihood of purchases and particularly those made impulsively.<br /

CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Can Mediate Suppressor Function in the Absence of Transforming Growth Factor β1 Production and Responsiveness

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells inhibit organ-specific autoimmune diseases induced by CD4+CD25−T cells and are potent suppressors of T cell activation in vitro. Their mechanism of suppression remains unknown, but most in vitro studies suggest that it is cell contact–dependent and cytokine independent. The role of TGF-β1 in CD4+CD25+ suppressor function remains unclear. While most studies have failed to reverse suppression with anti–transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in vitro, one recent study has reported that CD4+CD25+ T cells express cell surface TGF-β1 and that suppression can be completely abrogated by high concentrations of anti–TGF-β suggesting that cell-associated TGF-β1 was the primary effector of CD4+CD25+-mediated suppression. Here, we have reevaluated the role of TGF-β1 in CD4+CD25+-mediated suppression. Neutralization of TGF-β1 with either monoclonal antibody (mAb) or soluble TGF-βRII-Fc did not reverse in vitro suppression mediated by resting or activated CD4+CD25+ T cells. Responder T cells from Smad3−/− or dominant-negative TGF-β type RII transgenic (DNRIITg) mice, that are both unresponsive to TGF-β1–induced growth arrest, were as susceptible to CD4+CD25+-mediated suppression as T cells from wild-type mice. Furthermore, CD4+CD25+ T cells from neonatal TGF-β1−/− mice were as suppressive as CD4+CD25+ from TGF-β1+/+ mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CD4+CD25+ suppressor function can occur independently of TGF-β1

The Group B Streptococcal Adhesin BspC Interacts with Host Cytokeratin 19 To Promote Colonization of the Female Reproductive Tract

Streptococcus agalactiae, otherwise known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is an opportunistic pathogen that vaginally colonizes approximately one third of healthy women. During pregnancy, this can lead to in utero infection, resulting in premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, and stillbirths. Furthermore, GBS causes serious infection in newborns, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Previous studies have indicated that GBS antigen (Ag) I/II family proteins promote interaction with vaginal epithelial cells; thus, we hypothesized that the Ag I/II Group B streptococcal surface protein C (BspC) contributes to GBS colonization of the female reproductive tract (FRT). Here, we show that a ΔbspC mutant has decreased bacterial adherence to vaginal, ecto-, and endocervical cells, as well as decreased auto-aggregation and biofilm-like formation on cell monolayers. Using a murine model of vaginal colonization, we observed that the ΔbspC mutant strain exhibited a significant fitness defect compared to wild-type (WT) GBS and was less able to ascend to the cervix and uterus in vivo, resulting in reduced neutrophil chemokine signaling. Furthermore, we determined that BspC interacts directly with the host intermediate filament protein cytokeratin 19 (K19). Surface localization of K19 was increased during GBS infection, and interaction was mediated by the BspC variable (V) domain. Finally, mice treated with a drug that targets the BspC V-domain exhibited reduced bacterial loads in the vaginal lumen and reproductive tissues. These results demonstrate the importance of BspC in promoting GBS colonization of the FRT and that it may be targeted therapeutically to reduce GBS vaginal persistence and ascending infection