cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of deoxyhalosucrose derivatives with dextransucrase

Abstract Members of a series of deoxyhalosucrose analogs substituted at one, two, or three primary carbon atoms with bromine or chlorine were prepared. Dextransucrase isolated from Streptococcus sanguis was separately treated with 6-bromo-6-deoxysucrose, 6,6′-dibromo-6,6′-dideoxysucrose, 6,1′,6′-tribromotrideoxysucrose, and 6,6′-dichlorodideoxysucrose, in order to determine if they were inactivators. Variation in time of exposure, and in the concentration of the sucrose analogs, did not yield significant irreversible inactivation. In supplementary studies, it was found that the compounds serve as weak, reversible inhibitors.
Extensive introgression of Middle American germplasm into Chilean common bean cultivars

The genetic diversity of 95. representative Chilean common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces was analyzed using phaseolin seed protein and eight isozyme systems as genetic markers. Four types of phaseolin were found, “C”, “T”, “S” and “H”, in decreasing order of frequency. Each type had a different distribution between the Northern and Southern regions of the country. Nei’s genetic distance based on isozyme diversity indicated that a high percentage of the total variation found in this sample occurred between landraces and only a small percentage of the variation was detected within populations. Cluster analysis based on Nei’s genetic distance and a principal component analysis of isozyme frequencies did not detect a clear association between the geographic distribution of the landraces and their isozyme constitution. However, Nei’s genetic distance analysis clustered the bean landraces into two major groups which had a specific isozyme pattern, seed color, and seed size. The genetic analysis also detected a rare polymorphism for theMdh-2 locus, a null allele at theDiap-2 locus, and polymorphism for theAco-2 locus. The principal component analysis of isozyme frequencies showed that only 30% of the genotypes analyzed were similar to the Andean check and 5% of the samples were similar to Middle American check. This finding suggests a high frequency of hybridization between the Middle America and Andean gene pools in cultivated common bean from Chile.
Comparisons among quality measures in child care settings: Understanding the use of multiple measures in North Carolina's QRIS and their links to social-emotional development in preschool children

Abstract Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) include the assessment of classroom quality as one component of how early childhood programs are monitored and licensed in many states across the United States. However, varying measures and foci of quality exist and have led to challenges in accurately depicting program quality across programs and improvement efforts. The current validation study explores several measures of classroom quality and their associations with components and overall star ratings of the North Carolina QRIS and preschool children's social-emotional outcomes within center-based child care programs. Data for this study were collected in 2009, 10 years after the start of North Carolina's QRIS. Results indicate that individual levels of star ratings did not generally represent distinctive levels of classroom quality, but did differentiate classrooms at the lower and higher levels of quality. Structural features of the environments such as teacher education and teacher–child ratio were associated with classroom quality across these measures in the expected directions; however, teacher experience was not. Further, children's social-emotional outcomes were predicted to a varying degree by star levels and different aspects of classroom quality as represented by these various measures. Results are discussed in terms of the differing levels of quality and teaching processes in classrooms. Future directions for research are presented to contribute to an increased understanding of QRIS and children’ experiences in early care and education programs.
Maximizing profit on user-generated content platforms with heterogeneous participants

In this paper, we consider a user-generated content platform monetized through advertising and managed by an intermediary. To maximize the intermediary's profit given the rational decision-making of content viewers and heterogeneous content producers, a payment scheme is proposed in which the intermediary can either tax or subsidize the content producers. First, we use a model with a representative content viewer to determine how the content viewers' attention is allocated across available content by solving a utility maximization problem. Then, by modeling the content producers as self-interested agents making independent production decisions, we show that there exists a unique equilibrium in the content production stage, and propose a best-response dynamics to model the decision-making process. Next, we study the intermediary's optimal payment based on decisions made by the representative content viewer and the content producers. In particular, by considering the well-known quality-adjusted Dixit-Stiglitz utility function for the representative content viewer, we derive explicitly the optimal payment maximizing the intermediary's profit and characterize analytical conditions under which the intermediary should tax or subsidize the content producers. Finally, we generalize the analysis by considering heterogeneity in terms of production costs among the content producers.
Laboratory Efficacy of Florfenicol against Streptococcus iniae Infection in Sunshine Bass

Abstract An experimental feeding trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of florfenicol (FFC) in controlling Streptococcus iniae infection in sunshine bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis). Five dosage levels of FFC in medicated feed were administered daily: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 mg of active ingredient/kg of fish body weight. Treatment was started within 22–24 h postchallenge by waterborne exposure to virulent S. iniae. The FFC medication was continued for 10 consecutive days, followed by a 25-d posttreatment observation. At the conclusion of the experiment, FFC treatment significantly increased the survival of S. iniae-challenged sunshine bass from 4.2% in the nonmedicated (positive control) group to 69.2% in the 5-mg/kg dosage group, 86.7% in the 10-mg/kg group, and 94.2% in the 15- and 30-mg/kg groups. Survival was significantly higher in the 15- and 30-mg/kg treatment groups than in the 5-mg/kg treatment group; differences among the 10-mg/kg and higher dosage g...
Singular Value Decomposition Based Algorithm for Damage Detection in Composite Structures

This study presents a damage detection algorithm based on the proper orthogonal decomposition technique for health monitoring of composite structures. A finite element model of a carbon/epoxy composite plate is used to generate vibration data for healthy and damaged structures. Varying levels of stiffness reduction for the elements in the damaged zone of the structure simulate impact damage. Three damage locations (center of plate, fixed end, and free end) with three damage levels for each location are investigated. Different random excitation inputs are used to introduce variation in the loading conditions of the model. The results clearly show that damage presence, location, and severity can be detected using this algorithm.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Economics of Nursing

Pay-for-performance initiatives have renewed interest in payment reform as a vehicle for improving nurse staffing and working conditions in hospitals because of research linking investments in nursing and better patient outcomes. This article addresses the economics of nursing from a broad perspective that considers how both national policies such as hospital prospective payment and managerial decisions within institutions impact the outcomes of nurses and patients. Cost offsets are considered from the perspective of savings in patient-care resources that accrue from investments in nursing. Cost offsets are also considered from the perspective of the interactions among different strategies for investing in nursing, including the impact of staffing levels on patient outcomes with varying educational levels of nurses and varying quality of practice environments.
Identification of N-Hydroxy-para-aminobenzoic acid in a cyanotic child after benzocaine exposure

AbstractContext. Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) after exposure to benzocaine (BZC) has been reported for more than 50 years, however the pathophysiologic mechanism has not been previously established. Direct administration of BZC to blood does not produce MetHb. After topical use, due to the lipophilicity and rapid acetylation in the tissue, little BZC reaches the liver for hepatic biotransformation. However, isolated human livers have been shown to produce MetHb forming N-hydroxyl metabolites from BZC. We report a case of BZC-induced MetHb with the first identification and quantification of the reactive metabolite responsible for the oxidative stress: N-Hydroxy-Para-amino benzoic acid (N-OH-PABA). Case details. An 8 year old male was admitted to a hospital for an appendectomy. Several applications of BZC spray were used during multiple attempts at nasogastric tube placement. In various attempts to achieve local anesthesia, benzocaine spray was used in both nares and through the mouth aimed at the posterior or...
Malformations of the great arteries and heart in Arabian foals

Summary The data recorded from the clinical and physiological examinations of three male Arabian foals exhibiting cyanosis, depression and exercise intolerance are presented. The foals ranged in age from 10 days to 8 months. All displayed tachycardia and tachypnea and had loud pansystolic or continuous heart murmurs which were auscultable on both sides of the thorax but loudest on the left. Electrocardiography, blood gas analysis and right-sided cardiac catheterization were performed on each foal. Angiocardiograms were performed in two instances. An interventricular septal defect (VSD) was indicated in each case by a right ventricular pO2 which was greater than that in the right atrium. Samples taken from the right ventricular outflow tract demonstrated a further step-up in pO2, suggesting the existence of a great vessel which was common to both ventricles. Pressure recordings indicated the presence of right-sided hypertension and the absence of a systolic pressure gradient across the semilunar valve. No evidence of a normal pulmonary trunk wave form could be obtained. When quality radiographs were obtained, angiocardiography was of use in making the best possible premortem diagnosis. In each foal, a VSD and dextroposed aorta was diagnosed in conjunction with either a common truncus arteriosus, a pseudotruncus arteriosus or a tetralogy of Fallot. At necropsy, a variant of the tetralogy of Fallot — pulmonary atresia, patent ductus arteriosus, dextroposed aorta and VSD was found in each foal.
Prostate cancer biochemical recurrence stage for stage is more frequent among African-American than white men with locally advanced but not organ-confined disease.

Abstract Objectives. To determine whether outcome differences between African-American men (AAM) and white men with prostate cancer (PCa) will still be present if we control for stage in a large cohort of men. It is well established that AAM have a worse outcome from PCa than white men. Methods. We examined 848 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at Wayne State University, Karmanos Cancer Institute, between 1991 and 1995. The mean follow-up was 34 months (range 1.5 to 75). We included men with Gleason score 7 (4 + 3) with those men with Gleason score 8 to 10 for racial/ethnic comparisons. Results. AAM and white men diagnosed with organ-confined PCa demonstrated similar prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, Gleason grade, and biochemical recurrence. However, AAM diagnosed with non-organ-confined disease demonstrated higher PSA levels and a higher incidence of recurrence than did white men with non-organ-confined disease. There was a trend toward AAM having a greater proportion of high-grade lesions than white men when PCa was not organ confined. The evidence suggests that the difference in recurrence among AAM versus white men is based on pretreatment PSA, grade, extracapsular extension, and positive surgical margins. Seminal vesicle invasion predicted a worse prognosis equally for both AAM and white men. Conclusions. A difference in biochemical recurrence was not detected between AAM and white men with organ-confined PCa after radical prostatectomy. PSA was higher in AAM than in white men with pathologically locally advanced PCa, and the biochemical recurrence was greater. AAM had a greater percentage of high Gleason grade lesions compared with white men, and this difference approached statistical significance. We hypothesize that AAM have a more rapid growth rate of PCa, which may be responsible for these clinical findings. Further investigations of the biology of PCa are needed to understand these findings.
Stress-activated afferent inputs into the anterior parvicellular part of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus: Insights into urocortin 3 neuron activation

Urocortin 3 (Ucn 3) is a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor family, which plays a major role in coordinating stress responses. Ucn 3 neurons in the anterior parvicellular part of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVHap) provide prominent input into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), a well known satiety center, where Ucn 3 acts to suppress feeding and modulate blood glucose levels. In the present study, we first determined that Ucn 3 expression in the PVHap was stimulated by acute restraint stress. We then performed retrograde tracing with fluorogold (FG) combined with immunohistochemistry for Fos as a marker for neuronal activation after restraint stress to determine the stress-activated afferent inputs into the PVHap. Substantial numbers of FG/Fos double labeled cells were found in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the lateral septal nucleus, the medial amygdala, and a number of nuclei in the hypothalamus including the VMH, the arcuate nucleus, the posterior nucleus, and the ventral premammillary nucleus. In the brainstem, FG/Fos positive cells were found in the periaqueductal gray, the nucleus of the solitary tract, and the ventrolateral medulla. In conclusion, the present study showed that acute stress rapidly stimulates Ucn 3 expression in the PVHap and identified specific stress-sensitive brain areas that project to the PVHap. These areas are potentially important in mediating the stress-induced activation of Ucn 3 neurons in the PVHap.
Diurnal pattern of plasma growth hormone-binding protein in man.

The identification of specific GH-binding proteins (GH-BP) in human plasma, one of which is a fragment of the GH receptor, has added new complexity to the state of GH in the circulation. A major proportion of GH circulates in complexed form, which differs in kinetics and possibly bioactivity from free GH. Little is known about the regulation of the GH-BP, their constancy or variation in plasma, or plasma factors affecting GH binding. Consequently, the temporal pattern of bound and free GH in plasma is also unknown. Knowledge about possible spontaneous variability in GH-BP levels/activity is required for physiological investigations and comparative studies among different populations. To address these issues, we measured GH-binding activity in plasma every hour over a 24-h period in six normal adults (three men and three women). A standardized GH binding assay, employing incubation of plasma with [125I]GH and separation of bound from free GH by gel filtration, was used. GH-BP activity showed no significant...
Comparison of chlorine dioxide photochemistry in acetonitrile and water using subpicosecond pump probe spectroscopy

Abstract The photochemical reaction dynamics of chlorine dioxide (OClO) dissolved in water and acetonitrile are investigated using subpicosecond pump–probe spectroscopy. The spectral dynamics observed at 267 and 400 nm demonstrate that the quantum yield for geminate recombination of ClO and O to form OClO is reduced in acetonitrile relative to water. However, the dynamics at 800 nm are similar for both solvents consistent with ClOO rather than OClO being responsible for the evolution at this wavelength. The kinetics for ground-state ClOO production and decomposition are significantly slower in acetonitrile relative to water suggesting that solvent–solute hydrogen bonding is important in defining the ground state reactivity of this photoproduct.
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of leptin administration after gastric bypass.

Objective: Obese individuals have high levels of circulating leptin and are resistant to the weight-reducing effect of leptin administration at physiological doses. Although Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective weight loss procedure, there is a plateau in weight loss and most individuals remain obese. This plateau may be partly due to the decline in leptin resulting in a state of relative leptin insufficiency. The main objective of this study was to determine whether leptin administration to post-RYGB patients would promote further weight reduction. Design and Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of 27 women who were at least 18 months post-RYGB and lost on average 30.8% of their presurgical body weight. Subjects received either leptin or placebo via subcutaneous injection twice daily for 16 weeks, then crossed over to receive the alternate treatment for 16 weeks. Results: Weight change after 16 weeks of placebo was not significantly different from that after 16 weeks of leptin. No changes were observed in percent fat mass, resting energy expenditure, thyroid hormones, or cortisol levels. Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not observe a significant effect of leptin treatment on body weight in women with relative hypoleptinemia after RYGB.
Teaching Human Factors through Popular Music: A Series of Human Information Processing Demonstrations

Human Information Processing (HIP) is an important component of human factors training and education because challenges of HIP are often the limiting factor in human performance. Demonstrations in which students personally experience the strengths and weaknesses of HIP are an effective pedagogical technique because of the salience of personal experience and the possibility of metacognitive insight. Using popular music as a content source adds an additional benefit because students and trainees of all ages and experience will be familiar with it and it is intrinsically motivating. These demonstrations are also easy and inexpensive to create and deliver. This paper presents a series of demonstrations using popular music that can be used to demonstrate each of the stages of HIP. The paper also describes possible methods and discussion points that can be used during and after the demonstration.
Long-term behavioral assessment of guinea pigs following neonatal pneumoperitoneum

Background Using guinea pigs, we previously demonstrated that pneumoperitoneum during pregnancy produces behavioral deficits in the offspring. In the current study, the purpose was to determine if CO2 pneumoperitoneum during the early postnatal period also produced behavioral anomalies.
An adaptive stochastic-based M-ary Modulation extension algorithm for short range wireless CRs

Increasingly, unlicensed devices demand access to the licensed wireless spectrum, raising the problem of spectrum scarcity. This problem can be addressed by allowing unlicensed devices opportunistic access. Because opportunistic devices regard licensed users as interference, channel Signal to Interference Noise Ratio (SINR) is an important consideration for transmission. Cognitive Radio (CR) technology allows devices to sense spectrum and dynamically allocate bits to channels with good SINR. In this paper we introduce a stochastic modulation algorithm called the Cognitive Radio Stochastic Modulation (CRSM), for use as an extension to established M-ary Modulation schemes in underlay channels with poor SINR. In this modulation scheme, in additive channels, both the transmitting and receiving CR sense the magnitude and variance of the interference energy in the channel. The transmitter uses deterministic signals as unique identifiers in manipulating the variance of the signal detected at the receiver. The detected change in variance, measured at the receiver, is indicative of the presence or absence of a signal. In this paper we determine the critical regions for the CRSM and introduce a probability of error model.
A tensiometer to measure wound tensile strength in situ

Abstract A new type of tensiometer has been designed and fabricated for in situ testing of tensile strength of wounds in viable animals. Its use has been demonstrated in an experiment in which 40 white New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of ten each. Two groups received 3000 rads cobalt-60 radiation to dorsums. Two weeks later all animals were wounded. One radiated and one control group were tested for tensile strength 6 days later and no difference was noted. However, in the group tested 10 days after irradiation, the tensile strength of the irradiated group was significantly lower. The accuracy of the tensiometer was illustrated by the uniformity of results, the lower coefficient of variation, and a standard error of less than 5 per cent for all groups.
A model of successful adaptation to online learning for college‐bound Native American high school students

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the conditions for Native American high school students that result in successful adaptation to an online learning environment.Design/methodology/approach – In total, eight Native American students attending high schools located on Montana Indian reservations, and one urban city, were interviewed. Participants completed online coursework through Montana Digital Academy (MTDA). A theoretical model illustrates the successful adaptation of Native students to online learning.Findings – Students' learning needs and the online learning environment were congruent. Course offerings at local high schools were limited, resulting in boredom and lack of challenge. Students wanted new and interesting coursework and learning online met those needs. Students worked at their own pace and ability levels and enjoyed the challenge, freedom, and independence resulting from learning online. Students who frequently missed school were easily accommodated.Practical implications –...
Kinematics of finite elastoplastic deformation

Abstract A model in which plastic deformation occurs as a result of crystallographic slip is used to derive a formula for decomposing a deformation gradient into parts attributable to elastic and plastic deformation processes. The dislocation kinematics are those in long use, for example by Rice (1971, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 19 , 433) and by Hill and Havner (1982, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 30 , 5). The analysis presented here differs from that given by these authors in that it concerns total deformation (and its elastic and plastic parts) rather than incremental deformation. The decomposition obtained is inherent in the physics of the deformation process, arising naturally when the spatial discreteness of the active slip planes is taken into account. Expressions for the decomposition components are obtained by means of volumetric averaging of contributions of elastic deformation and slip to the total deformation. The decomposition captures the effects of isoclinic orientation central to Mandel's (1973, Int. J. Solids Struct. 9 , 725) theory, but without introduction of the intermediate configuration that arises when the deformation is assumed to be expressible as though the plastic and elastic deformations occurred sequentially. Because no intermediate configuration arises, the established objectivity principle applies without modification and the concept of elastic embedding that is essential to proper selection of temporal rates is implemented quite naturally. Although the new decomposition is motivated by dislocation-mechanical considerations, the result is a continuum-mechanical expression that can be used in other contexts in which the sites of inelastic deformation are spatially separated in the material.
Immunocytochemical localization of the major glycoprotein of epididymal fluid from the cauda in the epithelium of the mouse epididymis.

The most abundant protein in fluid from the mouse cauda epididymidis, designated CP 27, is a glycoprotein that migrates at approximately 27000 daltons on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Samples of CP 27 were isolated by preparative gel electrophoresis and were used to raise a guinea-pig polyclonal antiserum, which reacted with a single band on western blots of caudal epididymal fluid. This antiserum was used for immunocytochemical localization of CP 27 in histological sections of mouse epididymis using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase and protein A-gold methods. The most proximal staining with anti-CP 27 was in segment 6 of the distal caput epididymidis, where the lumen and a portion of the supranuclear cytoplasm of principal cells were stained. In contrast, in the distal corpus and cauda epididymidis (segments 8–11), there was pronounced staining of the luminal contents, stereocilia, and scattered cells identified as the “light” cells of the epididymal epithelium. Although CP 27 was found in the epididymal lumen of all segments distal to segment 6, the intensity of staining appeared to decline distally in the cauda epididymidis. Control sections exposed to pre-immune serum instead of anti-CP 27 showed no reaction. The results suggest that CP 27, the major glycoprotein of cauda epididymal fluid, is synthesized by principal cells of segment 6 of the distal caput epididymidis. CP 27 may be among the substances absorbed from the lumen by the light cells of the distal epididymis.
Sequences Downstream of the Erythroid Promoter Are Required for High Level Expression of the Human α-Spectrin Gene *

Alpha-spectrin is a membrane protein critical for the flexibility and stability of the erythrocyte. We are attempting to identify and characterize the molecular mechanisms controlling the erythroid-specific expression of the alpha-spectrin gene. Previously, we demonstrated that the core promoter of the human alpha-spectrin gene directed low levels of erythroid-specific expression only in the early stages of erythroid differentiation. We have now identified a region 3' of the core promoter that contains a DNase I hypersensitive site and directs high level, erythroid-specific expression in reporter gene/transfection assays. In vitro DNase I footprinting and electrophoretic mobility shift assays identified two functional GATA-1 sites in this region. Both GATA-1 sites were required for full activity, suggesting that elements binding to each site interact in a combinatorial manner. This region did not demonstrate enhancer activity in any orientation or position relative to either the alpha-spectrin core promoter or the thymidine kinase promoter in reporter gene assays. In vivo studies using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated hyperacetylation of this region and occupancy by GATA-1 and CBP (cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein). These results demonstrate that a region 3' of the alpha-spectrin core promoter contains a GATA-1-dependent positive regulatory element that is required in its proper genomic orientation. This is an excellent candidate region for mutations associated with decreased alpha-spectrin gene expression in patients with hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary pyropoikilocytosis.
A REVIEW OF RECENT OBSERVATIONS AND CURRENT THEORIES ON THE ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (DIFFUSE SCLERODERMA).

PROGRESSIVE systemic sclerosis is now recognized to be a systemic disorder of connective tissue with characteristic changes in the skin (scleroderma), synovium, and certain internal organs--notably the gastrointestinal tract (especially the esophagus), heart, lung, and kidney [2-131. While the disease may long appear to remain confined to the integument, in most cases there tends to be steadily, and at times rapidly, progressive systemic involvement which leads in many instances to death from myocardial and/or renal failure. Often there are variations in natural course sticiently definite to be considered indicative of periods of spontaneous remission and exacerbation in the disease.$, Despite an abundance of theories concerning etiology and pathogenesis, the fundamental nature of progressive systemic sclerosis (P.S.S.)$ remains obscure. We shall not review in detail the wealth of older and for the most part abandoned concepts,11 but be concerned instead chiefly with recent observations which suggest the existence of an immunologic abnormality in this disorder.
Weaning Ages of Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Fry in Indoor Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Abstract Weaning fry indoors to commercial starter feed reduces the feeding labor and risks related to live food production. Limited work has been done in determining the ideal weaning age in Lepomis species. Our objective was to determine the optimum weaning ages for bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and redear sunfish L. microlophus. Four age-weaning treatments with four replicates of 300 fish per unit were randomly assigned in 32 tanks. Treatments were initiated at 2, 6, 10, and 14 d post–nest exodus by co-feeding a commercial feed with live prey for 6 d. Thereafter, fish received only commercial feed until the experiment was terminated at 35 d. Production and survival at 35 d increased as weaning age increased. The production weights (means ± SEs) of bluegills weaned at 2, 6, 10, and 14 d were 4.3 ± 0.3, 18.9 ± 2.2, 27.3 ± 4.6, and 39.0 ± 1.1 g, and those for redear sunfish were 6.5 ± 1.2, 23.6 ± 3.0, 43.7 ± 2.7, and 56.5 ± 4.2 g. Survival rates were 31.3 ± 1.5, 50.2 ± 3.0, 59.8 ± 2.8, 78.9 ± 2.3% and 12.7...
Rapid screening of porphyrins using flow-injection analysis and visible laser fluorimetry

Abstract A new method is presented for the rapid measurement of fluorescence from microtrace amounts of total porphyrins in biological fluids. Rapid sample introduction and large sample throughput are accomplished by flow-injection analysis without prior extraction of the samples. Good detectability is achieved by taking advantage of the special properties of a laser to maximize fluorescence signal and using an optical fiber flow-cell to minimize background noise. Good selectivity is achieved by utilizing one of the visible lines of an argon-ion laser for fluorimetric excitation in the blue-green region of the spectrum. Further enhancement in detectability and selectivity is demonstrated by performing fluorimetric excitation of porphyrins in a cationic surfactant medium and in the yellow-red region of the spectrum, respectively. The usefulness of this method is demonstrated for the rapid screening of a mixture of porphyrin carboxylic acids in human urine and serum by measuring flow-injection peaks of the unextracted samples.
The Study of Boundaries in the Social Sciences

In recent years, the concept of boundaries has been at the center of influential research agendas in anthropology, history, political science, social psychology, and sociology. This article surveys some of these developments while describing the value added provided by the concept, particularly concerning the study of relational processes. It discusses literatures on (a) social and collective identity; (b) class, ethnic/racial, and gender/sex inequality; (c) professions, knowledge, and science; and (d) communities, national identities, and spatial boundaries. It points to similar processes at work across a range of institutions and social locations. It also suggests paths for further developments, focusing on the relationship between social and symbolic boundaries, cultural mechanisms for the production of boundaries, difference and hybridity, and cultural membership and group classifications.
Tourism-related drivers of support for protection of fisheries resources on Andros Island, The Bahamas

Fisheries resources in the Caribbean suffer intense pressure from overharvesting. Some of the most valuable fisheries in The Bahamas, such as queen conch (Strombus gigas), spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), and Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), are overexploited and require additional protection. Despite these pressures, we currently know very little about the factors that underlie local residents' support for such protection. We interviewed residents of Andros Island, The Bahamas to evaluate how perception of environmental impacts of tourism, perception of benefits of tourism for their quality of life, income generation from tourism, and education level influenced their willingness to support additional pro- tection of marine resources in the face of a growing tourism industry. We found that respondents supporting additional marine resource protection tended to perceive tourism as having negative impacts on marine resources and neutral to positive effects on their family's quality of life. Attending at least some college also positively influenced support for marine resource protection, although whether res- idents sold natural products to tourists did not appear to influence their stance on marine resource protection. Our results suggest education in a broad sense, and particularly education highlighting how tourism can both positively affect human well-being and harm marine resources, will promote public support for marine resource protection.
Uncovering the physics of flapping flat plates with artificial evolution

We consider an experiment in which a rectangular flat plate is flapped with two degrees of freedom, and a genetic algorithm tunes its trajectory parameters so as to achieve maximum average lift force, thus evolving a population of trajectories all yielding optimal lift forces. We cluster the converged population by defining a dynamical formation number for a flapping flat plate, thus showing that optimal unsteady force generation is linked to the formation of a leading-edge vortex with maximum circulation. Force and digital particle image velocimetry measurements confirm this result.
Predicted peak expiratory flow: differences across formulae in the literature

The study objectives were to examine the differences between Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) formulae in the literature and to assess the potential impact of those differences on the interpretation of clinical guidelines for asthma management. We calculated 100% PEF values for hypothetical patients at the 50(th) percentile for height and weight and classified the percent predicted PEF into severity groups according to national asthma guidelines. Choosing different formulae could give an 18 year old man a 100% predicted PEF as low as 501 L/min and as high as 730 L/min (delta = 229 L/min); and a 35 year old woman a classification of severe (46%) using one, but moderate (57%) using another. Predicted PEF varied widely across formulae and choice of formula may alter guideline-based care. We propose recently published population-based equations as the reference standard for future asthma guidelines.
Systemic mast cell degranulation increases mortality during polymicrobial septic peritonitis in mice

MCs are required for an effective host response during septic peritonitis. Local MC degranulation facilitates neutrophil recruitment, activation, and bacterial killing. However, the role of MCs located distant from the site of infection is unknown. We studied the temporal and spacial degranulation of MCs following CLP-induced septic peritonitis. The functional importance of systemic MC degranulation during infection was evaluated by compartment-specific MC reconstitution. Serum histamine, reflecting MC degranulation, was elevated 4 h after onset of septic peritonitis. Histologic examination revealed progressive MC degranulation in select tissues during the first 24 h of infection. MC-deficient Wsh mice, reconstituted only in the peritoneal compartment, had improved survival after CLP compared with controls. However, reconstitution in peritoneal plus systemic compartments worsened survival after CLP. IL-6 contributed to the detrimental effects of systemic MCs on survival, as mice systemically reconstituted with IL-6(-/-) MCs were more likely to survive than control mice. These results indicate that in contrast to the benefits of local MC activation during infection, systemic MC activation worsens survival during CLP-induced sepsis.
Regulation of Labellar and Tarsal Taste Thresholds in the Black Blowfly, Phormia Regina

Regulation of taste thresholds in the blowfly, Phormia regina Meigen, was investigated by manipulating the nutritional status of the insect and determining the effect on labellar and tarsal taste thresholds. Two feeding paradigms were employed: single meals administered to hungry flies, and ad libitum feeding of aqueous sucrose solutions for 4–5 days. Flies which had fed on aqueous sucrose for several days exhibited high labellar and tarsal thresholds, with tarsal thresholds always higher than labellar thresholds. Food deprivation caused labellar and tarsal thresholds to decline. There was a positive logarithmic relationship between crop mass and labellar or tarsal thresholds. Consumption of single meals of aqueous sucrose caused increases in labellar thresholds similar to those for tarsal thresholds. Labellar thresholds in flies fed ad libitum were not affected by transection of the recurrent nerve (RN) or the median abdominal nerve (MAN). Tarsal thresholds, in contrast, were markedly attenuated by RN transection but not by MAN transection. Transection of the RN in hungry flies prior to feeding them a single meal did not prevent the normal post-prandial rise in labellar thresholds. In earlier experiments, RN transection has been shown to attenuate the post-prandial rise in tarsal thresholds. It appears that labellar and tarsal thresholds in the blowfly are similarly affected by consumption of aqueous sucrose. However, inhibitory feedback from the RN, which is partially responsible for elevation of tarsal thresholds after a meal, does not affect labellar thresholds. Additional, still unidentified, factor(s) may regulate both labellar and tarsal thresholds.
Rule-based Mamdani-type fuzzy modeling of skin permeability

Two Mamdani type fuzzy models (three inputs-one output and two inputs-one output) were developed to predict the permeability of compounds through human skin. The models were derived from multiple data sources including laboratory data, published data bases, published statistical models, and expert opinion. The inputs to the model include information about the compound (molecular weight and octonal-H"2O partition coefficient) and the application temperature. One model included all three parameters as inputs and the other model only included information about the compound. The values for mole molecular weight ranged from 30 to 600Da. The values for the log of the octonal-H"2O partition coefficient ranged from -3.1 to 4.34. The values for the application temperature ranged from 22 to 39^oC. The predicted values of the log of permeability coefficient ranged from -5.5 to -0.08. Each model was a collection of rules that express the relationship of each input to the permeability of the compound through human skin. The quality of the model was determined by comparing predicted and actual fuzzy classification and defuzzification of the predicted outputs to get crisp values for correlating estimates with published values. A modified form of the Hamming distance measure is proposed to compare predicted and actual fuzzy classification. An entropy measure is used to describe the ambiguity associated with the predicted fuzzy outputs. The three input model predicted over 70% of the test data within one-half of a fuzzy class of the published data. The two input model predicted over 40% of the test data within one-half of a fuzzy class of the published data. Comparison of the models show that the three input model exhibited less entropy than the two input model.
Design and Implementation of Mobile English Learning

With the rapid development of computer and the mobile communication technology, mobile learning arises at the historic moment, which makes people gain learning environment and resources anytime and anywhere. As English has the characters of weak systematic and trivial knowledge, we make a research of the development of resources to provide learners Flake Learning. Firstly, we make a research of Informal Learning Theory, Situated Cognition and Learning Theory and then discusses their guidance for mobile learning, Secondly, in order to realize Situated Learning, we design modularly learning resources and combine subject type with media formats, based on the characteristics of M-learning, Thirdly, we discuss the problem about interaction and question-answering and import the intelligent Q&A system to our design. Fourthly, under the guidance of above theories, we give a mobile English learning platform.
Intervertebral disk cooled bipolar radiofrequency (intradiskal biacuplasty) for the treatment of lumbar diskogenic pain: a 12-month follow-up of the pilot study.

Dear Editor, In your respected Journal, we reported earlier on favorable 6-month follow-up results of the first prospective pilot study on intradiskal biacuplasty (IDB), cooled bipolar radiofrequency system for the treatment of diskogenic pain [1]. Many pain physicians across the country inquired about the 1-year outcomes of this procedure. As we reported earlier [1], 15 patients, 22–55 years old, underwent a one- or two-level IDB treatment of their painful lumbar intervertebral disks. We used strict selection criteria with history of chronic low back pain of >6 months and intolerance to sitting, back pain exceeding leg pain, concordant pain …
Level 2 Models Of A Distributed Information System Simulator

Progress has been made in the development of a distributed information system simulator (DISS). While several DISS component models have been developed, two related models -- an analytical model and a simulation model -- are presented herein for illustration purposes and to highlight their worth, especially in comparison with an available but IBM proprietary planning tool, acronymed Snapshot. Indeed, the comparison highlights some very interesting aspects of the Snapshot results, including some of its shortcomings. The models focus on Level 2 of a 4-level DISS framework; that is, they model the operation and use of resources within a single DISS node or central processing unit.
Failure of colchicine to improve short-term survival in patients with alcoholic hepatitis

Colchicine treatment was used in this randomized placebo-controlled trial in patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis [serum bilirubin greater than or equal to 5 mg/dL (85.5 mumol/L) mean, 17.5 +/- 7.5 mg/dL (299.25 +/- 128.25 mumol/L)]. Hospitalization mortality and morbidity and the effect on biochemical test results were the end points of the treatment. Patients in the two groups were evenly matched by demographics and laboratory test results. Mean time to study entry was less than 7 days from admission. The duration of the trial was 30 days. Thirty-six patients (24 men, 12 women) received colchicine (1 mg orally every morning) and 36 (25 men, 11 women) received an identical placebo. Seven (19%) colchicine-treated and six (17%) control patients died during the index hospitalization after a mean of 17.4 +/- 10.8 and 17.8 +/- 5.3 days, respectively (NS). During a 4-month follow-up period from entry into the trial, there were two additional deaths in each group. No differences between placebo- and colchicine-treated patients were observed in any of the laboratory parameters (serum bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, prothrombin activity, albumin, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and creatinine) that were followed up over the 30-day treatment period. The frequency of complications did not differ statistically between the two groups. This study showed no effect of colchicine treatment on mortality and morbidity of severe alcoholic hepatitis. Colchicine cannot be recommended for the treatment of patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
Explaining the Distribution of Franchised and Company-Owned Outlets in Franchise Systems

Agency theory research on franchising, to date, has posited linear effects of franchisor characteristics on the distribution of company-owned and franchised outlets in franchise systems. This study argues that many of these characteristics actually have curvilinear effects. Using pooled cross-sectional time series regression analysis on U.S. franchisors over the 1991-1994 period, this study tests the curvilinear effects of geographic dispersion, royalty rates, system growth rate, system size, franchise fee and initial investment on the proportion of outlets franchised.
Predictors of children's healthcare use: the value of child versus parental perspectives on healthcare needs

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between healthcare use and children’s healthcare needs as assessed from the perspectives of children themselves, parents, and healthcare practitioners. Research Design: We conducted a prospective cohort study in which service use was monitored for the 12 months before and after administration of a health survey. Subjects: We studied 384 parents and children aged 6 to 11 years enrolled for 2 years in a northern California health maintenance organization or a Medicaid managed care program in Rhode Island. Measures: Child and parent perspectives on needs were determined using the Child Health and Illness Profile, Child Edition (CHIP-CE). Plan administrative data were used to develop a treated morbidity index, which was based on diagnosis codes recorded by practitioners during the year before the survey and to obtain prospective measures of service use. Results: For both child- and parent-respondents, low satisfaction and comfort scale scores from the CHIP-CE were significant predictors of number of visits. CHIP-CE domain scales unrelated to future use were risk avoidance, resilience, and achievement. Multivariable regression using CHIP-CE information collected from children explained more variation in total physician visits than models that used parent-respondent data. The treated morbidity index was a weaker predictor of physician visits than the CHIP-CE scale scores. None of the domain scales were significant predictors of any emergency department use or any specialist use; however, the treated morbidity index was associated with any specialist use. Conclusions: A child’s sense of well-being and burden of symptoms predict future use. Perceived healthcare needs, as assessed by the CHIP-CE, is a better predictor of children’s service use than evaluated needs as assessed by physician-diagnosed disorders. Our results support the validity of using the responses of children aged 6 to 11 years as a measure of need for future health care.
A Primer on the Offshore Contract Drilling Industry

Mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) are specialized marine vessels used to drill subsea wells to find and produce hydrocarbons. The contract drilling industry is critical to the offshore oil and gas supply chain, and market dynamics are an important factor in the costs to drill an offshore well. In this article, an introduction to the industry is provided with an emphasis on the factors that influence rig day rates and market structure.
Historical Perspectives on Dyslexia

This article begins with an historical overview of the neurological aspects of dyslexia, which was originally seen as a member of the family of aphasias. That overview is followed by a brief review of familial and genetic factors in developmental dyslexia. The article then presents psycholinguistic models of dyslexia as they relate to the neurological concepts. Finally, the author reviews briefly the evolution of methods that have been successful in the remediation of dyslexia.