The left ventricular outflow tract (LVOTO) malformations, aortic valve stenosis (AVS), coarctation of the aorta (COA), and hypoplastic left heart (HLH) constitute a mechanistically defined subgroup of congenital heart defects that have substantial evidence for a genetic component. Evidence from echocardiography studies has shown that bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is found frequently in relatives of children with LVOTO defects. However, formal inheritance analysis has not been performed. We ascertained 124 families by an index case with AVS, COA, or HLH. A total of 413 relatives were enrolled in the study, of which 351 had detailed echocardiography exams for structural heart defects and measurements of a variety of aortic arch, left ventricle, and valve structures. LVOTO malformations were noted in 30 relatives (18 BAV, 5 HLH, 3 COA, and 3 AVS), along with significant congenital heart defects (CHD) in 2 others (32/413; 7.7%). Relative risk for first-degree relatives in this group was 36.9, with a heritability of 0.71-0.90. Formal segregation analysis suggests that one or more minor loci with rare dominant alleles may be operative in a subset of families. Multiplex relative risk analysis, which estimates number of loci, had the highest maximum likelihood score in a model with 2 loci (range of 1-6 in the lod-1 support interval). Heritability of several aortic arch measurements and aortic valve was significant. These data support a complex but most likely oligogenic pattern of inheritance. A combination of linkage and association study designs is likely to enable LVOTO risk gene identification. This data can also provide families with important information for screening asymptomatic relatives for potentially harmful cardiac defects.

Elevated homocysteine increases the risk of neurocristopathies. Here, we determined whether elevating homocysteine altered the proliferation or number of chick neural crest cells that form between the midotic and third somite in vivo. Homocysteine increased the number of neural tube cells but decreased neural crest cell number. However, the sum total of cells was not different from controls. In controls, the 5-bromo-2 -deoxyuridine-labeling index was higher in newly formed neural crest cells than in their progenitors, paralleling reports showing these progenitors must pass the restriction point before undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Homocysteine decreased the labeling index of newly formed neural crest cells, suggesting that it inhibited cell cycle progression of neural crest progenitors or the S-phase entry of newly formed neural crest cells. Homocysteine also inhibited neural crest dispersal and decreased the distance they migrated from the neural tube. These results show neural crest morphogenesis is directly altered by elevated homocysteine in vivo.

Dunaliella strains were isolated from a key site for salt production in Vietnam (Vinh Hao, Binh Thuan province). The strains were identified based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) markers. The phylogenetic tree revealed these strains belong to the clades of Dunaliella salina and Dunaliella viridis. Results of this study confirm the ubiquitous nature of Dunaliella and suggest that strains of Dunaliella salina might be acquired locally worldwide for the production of beta-carotene. The identification of these species infers the presence of other Dunaliella species (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Dunaliella primolecta, Dunaliella parva), but further investigation would be required to confirm their presence in Vietnam. We anticipate the physiological and biochemical characteristics of these local species will be compared with imported strains in a future effort. This will facilitate selection of strains with the best potential for exploitation in the food, aquaculture and biofuel industries. The Dunaliella strains isolated and identified in this study are maintained at the Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, International University and will be made available for research and educational institutions

In EFL classrooms, teaching speaking is difficult because of limited time, students' inhibitions, and low participation. Incorporating VoiceThread into EFL speaking classes can help with students' anxiety and encourage shy students to participate in multiple conversations. It also motivates students as they can add images and videos to create presentations. Session DescriptionOne of the ultimate goals of Vietnam's Teaching and Learning Foreign Languages in The National Education System, Period 2008 -2020 Project (2008) states "by the year 2020 most Vietnamese youth whoever graduate from vocational schools, colleges and universities gain the capacity to use a foreign language independently" (p. 1). The project also indicates that in order to fulfill this goal, the integration of information technology in the classroom is a must. VoiceThread, a computer tool which is easily accessible, cost effective, and adaptable to many learning settings (Brunvand & Byrd, 2011) is extremely helpful in developing students' oral competency and encouraging students to speak. This presentation shows how it is possible to integrate VoiceThread into EFL speaking class by (a) guiding the participants through the process of setting up VoiceThread accounts, (b) familiarizing them with VoiceThread's basic functions, (c) demonstrating step-bystep a lesson plan which utilizes VoiceThread, and (d) suggesting inside and outside classroom speaking ideas using VoiceThread. The presenter will also allow time for a discussion on some pitfalls in integrating VoiceThread into EFL speaking class and encourage participants to share their own ideas of using VoiceThread.This presentation is intended for EFL high school teachers interested in incorporating pedagogical knowledge and skills with technology to enhance their ability to teach speaking.

In EFL classrooms, teaching speaking is difficult because of limited time, students’ inhibitions, and low participation. Incorporating VoiceThread into EFL speaking classes can help with students’ anxiety and encourage shy students to participate in multiple conversations. It also motivates students as they can add images and videos to create presentations