cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
19 A NOVEL APPROACH TO COMPARING REPRODUCTIVE STAGE SERUM PROFILES IN MARES USING NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY AND AQUAPHOTOMICS

The capability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to detect biomolecules in aqueous solutions, a sub-field of NIR called aquaphotomics, has yet to be fully explored. Aquaphotomics references water absorbance patterns and wavelength shifts in the 1st overtone of the water spectrum as they change patterns with solute composition and concentrations. Recently, NIR was used as a rapid method for detecting oestrus in Holstein raw milk and for monitoring reproductive stages in urine of the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Near-infrared spectroscopy detects bond vibrations from organic molecules and water to create unique absorbance patterns, which are used to profile complex mixtures of biomolecules. The objectives of this study are to (1) characterise serum NIR spectral profiles for oestrus, metestrus, and diestrus in mares, and (2) determine if NIR can accurately decipher these reproductive phases from serum due to the biochemical effects of reproductive hormones. Mare oestrus cycles were assessed every other day by ultrasound and serum hormone analysis. Serum was collected via jugular venipuncture on day 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 of each cycle for 3 consecutive cycles from each mare. Radioimmunoassay analysis of reproductive hormones E2 and P4 was used to validate and characterise the NIR spectra. Spectra were collected from triplicate samples of 200 μL of serum in a 1-mm-path-length quartz cuvette with an ADS FieldSpec®3 spectrophotometer, at room temperature (22°C). Chemometric analysis (Unscrambler® X v.10.4; CAMO Software) included pretreatment with a Savitsky-Golay second-derivative function for visual inspection of spectral features and principal component analysis (PCA), after mean centering, for distinction of reproductive status. Spectral peaks at 1347, 1367, and 1465 nm were unique to serum collected from mares in oestrus exhibiting high E2 (11.87 to 16.88 pg mL−1). Early metestrus is characterised by prominent spectral peaks at 1383 and 1437 nm, corresponding to E2 levels (0.02 to 5.29 pg mL−1) and P4 levels (0.02 to 3.61 ng mL−1). Diestrus peaks were found at 1342, 1426, and 1473 nm, when P4 levels ranged from 5.14 to 9.60 ng mL−1. In our PCA models, 98% of the total variance in serum spectra between any pair of reproductive phases was described in only 3 spectral PCs, (PC1 = 83–86%, PC2 = 9–10%, PC3 = 2–5% of total variance). The PCA scores separated into distinct groups, indicating clear spectral profiles describing each reproductive phase uniquely. In conclusion, PCA analysis and spectral variances indicate that NIR, specifically aquaphotomics, has the theoretical capability to discriminate complex mixtures of biomolecules present in mare serum during oestrus, metestrus, and diestrus reproductive states. Study was supported by USDA-ARS Biophotonics Initiative grant #58-6402-3-018.
Der Grundumsatz von kleinen Vögeln (Spatzen, Kanarienvögeln und Sittichen)

Die in der thermisch neutralen Zone, in Perioden der geringsten Muskeltatigkeit und am Abend in Gruppen untersuchten Kanarienvogel und Sittiche zeigten 10 Stunden nach der letzten Nahrungsaufnahme einen durchschnittlichen Energieumsatz von 718 Cal. pro Quadratmeter Oberflache (K=10) und 24 Stunden. Unter ahnlichen Bedingungen betrug die Warmeproduktion von englischen Sperlingen 656 Cal. Bei 16° erreichte der mittlere Umsatzwert von Kanarienvogeln und Sittichen 1077 Cal. und von englischen Sperlingen 914 Cal. Daraus ergibt sich, das diese kleinen Vogel, mit ihrer hohen Zelltemperatur von etwa 42° C (im Gegensatz zu allen fruheren Ergebnissen)nicht einen hohen, sonderneinen auserordentlich niedrigen Grundumsatz aufweisen.
How School and District Leaders Access, Perceive, and Use Research:

This study examined how school and district leaders access, value, and use research. From a representative sample of school districts across the United States, we surveyed 733 school and district leaders as part of an effort to develop understanding of the prevalence of research use, the nature of leaders’ attitudes toward research, and individual and organizational correlates of research use. School and district leaders alike reported frequent use of research use and generally positive attitudes toward research. Leaders reported accessing research primarily through their professional networks. Those in certain roles, those pursuing or holding an advanced degree, and those who reported a strong organizational culture of evidence use reported higher levels of research use. These findings suggest that policy efforts to promote evidence use among education leaders will be welcomed but that policy makers need to take into account the prevalence of various types of research use in designing supports for eviden...
Should Clinicians Intervene If They Suspect That a Caregiver Whose Child Has Cancer Is at Risk of Psychological Harm

Compelling arguments suggest that pediatric oncologists who have concerns about the mental health and well-being of a child’s caregiver have a duty to intervene. These arguments are rooted in fundamental principles of beneficence
A Code-Based Approach to Unauthorized Access Under the Computer Fraud Abuse Act

Thirty years ago, Congress passed the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) to combat the emerging problem of computer crime. The statute’s core prohibitions targeted one who “accesses” a computer “without authorization” or who “exceeds authorized access.” Over time, incremental statutory changes and large-scale technical changes have dramatically expanded the potential scope of the CFAA. The question of what constitutes unauthorized access has taken on far greater significance than it had thirty years ago, and courts remain deeply divided on this question. This Article explores the text, purpose, and history of the CFAA, as well as a range of normative considerations that should guide interpretation of the statute. The Article concludes that courts should pursue a narrow and “code-based” understanding of unauthorized access under the CFAA—both in terms of what it means to access a computer without authorization and in terms of what it means to exceed authorized access. The CFAA has strayed far from its original purpose: Congress failed to define key terms in the CFAA, and courts have overlooked limiting principles within the statute. From a normative perspective, even if it is desirable to provide owners of networked computer systems with stronger legal protection for their systems, the CFAA’s unauthorized access provisions are not the proper vehicle for doing so.
An implementation of the tile QR factorization for a GPU and multiple CPUs

The tile QR factorization provides an efficient and scalable way for factoring a dense matrix in parallel on multicore processors. This article presents a way of efficiently implementing the algorithm on a system with a powerful GPU and many multicore CPUs.
Development and Validation of the Educational Technologist Competencies Survey (ETCS): Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

The purpose of this research was to identify the competencies of educational technologists by surveying the professionals within the field. The Educational Technology Competency Survey (ETCS) developed in this research was based on a conceptual framework that emphases the definition of educational technology and associated knowledge, skill, and ability statements (KSAs). Using the conceptual framework, the study was executed in four phases: (1) an extant review of relevant literature related to competencies of educational technology professionals, (2) job announcement analysis of 400 postings from five relevant databases, (3) extraction and merging of the KSA statements from the job announcements and relevant literature, (4) administration of the survey on a wide-variety of educational technology professionals (N = 219). One hundred seventy-six KSA competencies were derived from the process and organized into KSA statements. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability, and multivariate analysis of variance. The findings demonstrate key competencies such as instructional design, project management, learning theories, working in teams with diverse stakeholders, and twenty-first-century proficiencies. Discussion and recommendations for future research and practice are provided. The ETCS was found to be a valid and reliable measurement system for these data.
Caring for Women with Multiple Sclerosis Across the Lifespan.

Caring for women with multiple sclerosis (MS), whose first symptoms typically begin during the childbearing years, requires a comprehensive approach to management across a range of reproductive exposures, and beyond through menopause. This article summarizes what is known about the disease course in women with MS, how it differs from men, and the current state of knowledge regarding effects of reproductive exposures (menarche, childbearing, menopause) on MS-related inflammation and neurodegeneration. Recent findings regarding pregnancy-associated relapses in the treatment era, protective effects of breastfeeding, and care for women during the menopausal transition are reviewed. Then, updated recommendations to guiding women during childbearing—including pre-conception counseling, discontinuation of MS therapies, and management of postpartum relapses—are provided. Whenever possible, areas of uncertainty and avenues for future research are highlighted. From childhood through the postreproductive life stages, gender and hormonal exposures appear to shape an individual’s risk for MS, as well as the experience of living with MS.
“Hands on” versus “empty”: Supervision experiences of frontline child welfare workers

Abstract Quality supervision positively relates to frontline child welfare worker job satisfaction; worker empowerment and self-efficacy; the quality of client outcomes; and worker retention. Despite the importance of supervisory experiences, few studies describe workers' perceptions of their relationships and experiences with their supervisors. The study applied the tenet of self-perpetuating, reinforcing relationships within the social exchange theory to understand newly-hired workers' experiences of supervision. We used inductive, thematic analysis to examine interview data focused on workers' transitions from training to casework including their supervision experiences. The qualitative subsample (N = 38) was drawn from the Florida Study of Professionals for Safe Families (FSPSF), a statewide sample of recently-hired frontline child welfare workers. Approximately one half of workers considered their current supervisory experiences as “hands on” and cooperative while the remaining half, conversely, described them as “empty” and detached. Findings reflect interactions in four domains: supervisor availability and approachability; consistency of provided information; level of micromanagement; and level of support. Workers, regardless of their experiences, expected supervisors to be available, knowledgeable, micromanagers, and supportive. Congruent with self-perpetuating, reinforcing relationships, almost universally, workers with cooperative experiences had their expectations met in each domain while those with detached experiences struggled in each area. Findings yield implications for training to guide relationships between supervisors and newly-hired workers: provide “hands on” supervisors and “check in” with newly-hired workers; provide micromanagement, including periodic accompaniment on home visits; provide an agency-approved checklist to guide workers through case processes; and support workers holistically.
Subordinate Clause Word Order in Old French

In this chapter, as in the last, the grammar of the 13th century prose text La Queste del Saint Graal is taken as the basis for discussion. In Table 3.2., we saw that the vast majority of embedded clauses in the text have SVX order (93% of the embedded clauses included in our sample); the only systematic exceptions to SVX are (1) que CV(S) orders, which occur in significant proportions, and (2) SpCV, which make a robust appearance in both conjunctional and nonconjunctional embedded clauses. However, I also take seriously the V(X)S clauses in nonconjunctional environments which, while statistically infrequent, appear to be instances of the construction termed “Stylistic Inversion” in Modern French. Table 4.1. summarizes the statistics presented more fully in Table 3.2. (Recall that verb-initial clauses introduced by the conjunction et and clauses introduced by relative qui are not included.)
Broadly Applicable Stereoselective Syntheses of Serrulatane, Amphilectane Diterpenes, and Their Diastereoisomeric Congeners Using Asymmetric Hydrovinylation for Absolute Stereochemical Control.

A stereogenic center, placed at an exocyclic location next to a chiral carbon in a ring to which it is attached, is a ubiquitous structural motif seen in many bioactive natural products, including di- and triterpenes and steroids. Installation of these centers has been a long-standing problem in organic chemistry. Few classes of compounds illustrate this problem better than serrulatanes and amphilectanes, which carry multiple methyl-bearing exocyclic chiral centers. Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric hydrovinylation (AHV) of vinylarenes and 1,3-dienes such as 1-vinylcycloalkenes provides an exceptionally facile way of introducing these chiral centers. This Article documents our efforts to demonstrate the generality of AHV to access not only the natural products but also their various diastereoisomeric derivatives. Key to success here is the availability of highly tunable phosphoramidite Ni(II) complexes useful for overcoming the inherent selectivity of the chiral intermediates. The yields for hydrovinylation (HV...
The Van Kampen Theorem

In this section X will denote a connected, locally path-connected, and semilocally simply connected space, so X has a universal covering, denoted u:\(\tilde X\)→X. All spaces will have base points, and all maps will be assumed to take base points to base points. The base point of X is denoted x, and the base point of \(\tilde X\) over x is denoted \(\tilde x\).
Trazodone-Induced Ventricular Arrhythmias: Fact or Artifact

So it is that the cardiovascular side-effects of all the antidepressants have been exaggerated. First, the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) became contraindicated for depressed, cardiac patients because of their food and drug interactions, even though in certain circumstances the MAOI’s lower blood pressure and increase coronary artery blood flow—pharmacologic characteristics that could prove most useful for certain compliant sub-groups of cardiac depressives.1,2 Next, data derived from animal studies and from cases of suicide or perisuicide committed by means of tri-tetracyclic overdose were used to overstate the cardiovascular dangers of this group of medications3,4,5.Then, lithium salts were implicated in cardio– pathology6,7,8, yet, there is still no absolute contraindication to their use in bipolar patients with heart disease. Recently, even trazodone, an antidepressant which came onto the market with a reputedly benign cardiovascular profile, has been reported as potentially cardiotoxic.9 In an anecdotal study, Janowsky has described two subjects (from a total group of 15) whose pre-existing ventricular arrhythmias were aggravated after beginning trazodone treatment for their depressions.
Obesity: Are shared medical appointments part of the answer?

Shared medical appointments, in which a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers meets with multiple patients in a group setting, may be an option for treating patients with obesity. To be effective, shared medical appointments need to address patients’ nutrition, physical activity, appetite suppression, stress management, and sleep.
Dual isotope evidence for sedimentary integration of plant wax biomarkers across an Andes-Amazon elevation transect

Abstract Tropical montane regions tend to have high rates of precipitation, biological production, erosion, and sediment export, which together move material off the landscape and toward sedimentary deposits downstream. Plant wax biomarkers can be used to investigate sourcing of organic matter and are often used as proxies to reconstruct past climate and environment in sedimentary deposits. To understand how plant waxes are sourced within a wet, tropical montane catchment, we measure the stable C and H isotope composition (δ13C and δD) of n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids in soils along an elevation transect and from sediments within the Madre de Dios River network along the eastern flank of the Peruvian Andes, draining an area of 75,400 km2 and 6 km of elevation. Soils yield systematic trends in plant wax δ13C (+1.75 and +1.31‰ km−1, for the C29 n-alkanes and C30 n-alkanoic acids respectively in the mineral horizon) and δD values (−10 and −12‰ km−1, respectively) across a 3.5 km elevation transect, which approximates trends previously reported from canopy leaves, though we find offsets between δ13C values in plants and soils. River suspended sediments generally follow soil isotopic gradients defined by catchment elevations (δ13C: +1.03 and +0.99‰ km−1 and δD: −10 to −7‰ km−1, for the C29 n-alkanes and C30 n-alkanoic acids respectively) in the wet season, with a lowering in the dry season that is less well-constrained. In a few river suspended sediments, petrogenic contributions and depth-sorting influence the n-alkane δ13C signal. Our dual isotope, dual compound class and seasonal sampling approach reveals no Andean-dominance in plant wax export, and instead that the sourcing of plant waxes in this very wet, forested catchment approximates that expected for spatial integration of the upstream catchment, thus with a lowland dominance on areal basis, guiding paleoenvironmental reconstructions in tropical montane regions. The dual isotope approach provides a cross-check on the altitudinal signals and can resolve ambiguity such as might be associated with vegetation change or aridity in paleoclimate records. Further, the altitude effect encoded within plant waxes presents a novel dual-isotope biomarker approach to paleoaltimetry.
Gate-Tunable Photoresponse Time in Black Phosphorus–MoS2 Heterojunctions

We study the rise and decay times in BP-MoS2 heterojunctions through gate- and wavelength-dependent scanning photocurrent measurements. Our results have shown that the Schottky barrier at the MoS2-metal interface plays an important role in the photoresponse dynamics of the heterojunction. When the MoS2 channel is in the on-state, photo-excited carriers can tunnel through the narrow depletion region at the MoS2-metal interface, leading to a short carrier transit time. A response time constant of 13 {\mu}s has been achieved in both the rising and decaying regions regardless of the incident laser wavelength, which is comparable or higher than those of other BP-MoS2 heterojunctions as well as BP and MoS2 based phototransistors. On the other hand, when the MoS2 channel is in the off-state the resulting sizeable Schottky barrier and depletion width make it difficult for photo-excited carriers to overcome the barrier. This significantly delays the carrier transit time and thus the photoresponse speed, leading to a wavelength-dependent response time since the photo-excited carriers induced by short wavelength photons have a higher probability to overcome the Schottky barrier at the MoS2-metal interface than long wavelength photons. These studies not only shed light on the fundamental understanding of photoresponse dynamics in BP-MoS2 heterojunctions, but also open new avenues for engineering the interfaces between two-dimensional (2D) materials and metal contacts to reduce the response time of 2D materials based optoelectronic devices.
Reducing Delay in Group Reformation in WiFi Direct Networks Through Redundancy

The potential benefits of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) have led to the development of many protocols in order to control and optimize such networks. However, the automatic creation and evolution of ad hoc networks has yet to be exploited. A novel ad hoc protocol named WiFi Direct has been proposed and standardized by the WiFi Alliance with the objective of facilitating the interconnection of nearby devices. WiFi Direct provides high performance direct communication among devices and includes different energy management mechanisms. However, the current WiFi Direct implementations require user interaction for setting up and maintaining the connection. In this work, we exploit redundancy to enable the automatic and fast reconfiguration of WiFi Direct networks in response to network dynamics. We propose a proactive solution to unforeseen group owner failures in order to minimize the packet loss and network discontinuity time by setting up a redundant group on a second virtual network interface. Through emulation on Mininet-WiFi, we find that the proposed redundant scheme substantially decreases packet loss, providing almost continuous connectivity among nodes, which cannot be guaranteed through traditional WiFi Direct schemes. This is the first detailed work examining the auspicious potential of using an additional network interface to support network reformation using WiFi Direct.
AccessMedicine® Case Files Collection: A Review

AccessMedicine® Case Files Collection provides students, residents, faculty, and health care professionals with real patient-physician scenarios from nearly 1,200 cases in the biomedical sciences a...
Strategic Entry Decisions, Accounting Signals, and Risk Management

This study provides evidence that hedge accounting information under SFAS No. 133 is related to rivals’ entry decisions. Using detailed U.S. airline-industry data, I find that potential entrants are less likely to enter routes in which incumbents report higher accumulated other comprehensive income from fuel hedging, an indication of lower future production costs of the incumbents. This relation is stronger when incumbents have more annual report disclosures regarding their fuel hedging, and after SFAS No. 161, a systematic increase in risk management disclosure requirements is implemented. The findings accord with the notion that accounting information and disclosure are relevant to product-market competition, contributing to the financial reporting relevance and the proprietary costs literature.
806-P: Quantifying Carbohydrate Intake: A Reliable, Valid, Sensitive Alternative to 24-Hour Dietary Recall

Carbohydrate (carb) ingestion strongly influences postprandial glucose (PPG). With recent interest in the role PPG plays in A1c and diabetic complications, there are research and clinical needs to quantify routine carb consumption. The 24-hour dietary recall is the gold standard for estimating carbs eaten, but it is tedious and narrowly focused. We developed a simple self-report to measure carbs routinely consumed (CRC). We hypothesized that the CRC would: 1) be reliable, 2) correlate with the 24-hour dietary recall, 3) be sensitive to a PPG-lowering intervention, and 4) reflect changes in A1c. Adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 116; mean age: 56 ± 11.6 years; mean disease duration: 5.3 ± 3 years; mean A1c: 8.2 ± 1.0) participated in a clinical trial comparing weight reduction to PPG reduction. At baseline and 3-month follow-up, participants completed the CRC, 3 days of ASA24 dietary recall, and A1c. The CRC score was the sum of the number of servings of 16 different high-carb food classes eaten (e.g., dried fruits) in an average week. The CRC mean was 35.9 ± 16.1. One-week test-retest reliability (r) was .96 (p = .02). Validity: At baseline, carbs eaten by CRC and ASA24 dietary recall were correlated (r = .43, p Disclosure D. Cox: None. M.A. Moncrief: None. T. Banton: None. V.M. Ngo: None. H. Singh: None. A.M. Diamond: None. A.L. McCall: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01DK108957); Dexcom, Inc. (IIS-2016-047)
Abstract 482: Modeling PKP2 Mutation Associated Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy With CRISPR-edited iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes in Engineered Cardiac Tissues

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), also known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C), is a leading cause of sudden death among young adults. Over half of ACM cases ...
Near-infrared fluorescence in robotic thyroidectomy

New imaging techniques using near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence in combination with remote access thyroidectomy have been studied in endocrine surgery to determine their utility, with the goal of reducing potential complications. Indocyanine green (ICG) imaging is a safe adjunct to remote access thyroid surgery. Nevertheless, experience with ICG is limited, and the caveats surrounding the use of ICG imaging in conventional thyroid surgery exist in remote access surgery as well. This report describes the various remote access techniques and considers the advantages and potential disadvantages of ICG in remote access thyroidectomy.
Resilience as a coping strategy for reducing auditor turnover intentions

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential counteracting influence of individual resilience levels on the tendency of role stressors, stress arousal and burnout to reduce job satisfaction and increase turnover intentions.,This study surveys 332 auditors from the offices of nine public accounting firms. The structural equations modeling procedures examine an expanded role stress model to assess the nature and extent of the role that resilience plays in reducing stress, burnout, job dissatisfaction and turnover intentions.,Resilience has a significant direct negative association with stress arousal and burnout, a significant indirect positive association with job satisfaction and a significant indirect negative association with turnover intentions.,As a cross-sectional study that incorporates self-report instruments, no definitive statements can be made about causality. However, the results extend the extant knowledge related of the role of resilience as a coping mechanism within the role stress paradigm in auditor work settings.,This study’s findings suggest the potential value of resilience training programs at public accounting firms to reduce staff burnout. In turn, reduced burnout has an increased likelihood ceteris paribus of increasing job satisfaction and reducing auditor turnover intentions.,This study’s findings suggest that resilience training for public accounting staff to reduce burnout may provide the organizational and personal benefits associated with enhancing job satisfaction and decreasing turnover intentions.
Perioperative Multimodal Anesthetic Care Incorporating Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Is Associated With Reduced Narcotic Use in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery performed in North America. As our knowledge of the importance in limiting narcotic use in postopera...
Mapping gauged Q-balls

Scalar field theories with particular $U(1)$-symmetric potentials contain nontopological soliton solutions called Q-balls. Promoting the $U(1)$ to a gauge symmetry leads to the more complicated situation of gauged Q-balls. The soliton solutions to the resulting set of nonlinear differential equations have markedly different properties, such as a maximal possible size and charge. Despite these differences, we discover a relation that allows one to extract the properties of gauged Q-balls (such as the radius, charge, and energy) from the more easily obtained properties of global Q-balls. These results provide a new guide to understanding gauged Q-balls as well as providing simple and accurate analytical characterization of the Q-ball properties.
Chiral Recognition of Dansyl Derivatives with an Amino Acid-Based Molecular Micelle: A Molecular Dynamics Investigation

In this study, the chiral separation mechanisms of Dansyl amino acids, including Dansyl-Leucine (Dans-Leu), Dansyl-Norleucine (Dans-Nor), Dansyl-Tryptophan (Dans-Trp) and Dansyl-Phenylalanine (Dans-Phe) binding to poly-sodium N-undecanoyl-(L)-Leucylvalinate, poly (SULV), were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) has previously shown that when separating the enantiomers of these aforementioned Dansyl amino acids, the L-enantiomers bind stronger to poly (SULV) than the D-enantiomers. This study aims to investigate the molecular interactions that govern chiral recognition in these systems using computational methods. This study reveals that the computationally-calculated binding free energy values for Dansyl enantiomers binding to poly (SULV) are in agreement with the enantiomeric order produced in experimental MEKC studies. The L-enantiomers of Dans-Leu, Dans-Nor, Dans-Trp, and Dans-Phe binding to their preferred binding pockets in poly (SULV) yielded binding free energy values of -21.8938, -22.1763, -21.3329 and -13.3349 kJ·mol-1, respectively. The D-enantiomers of Dans-Leu, Dans-Nor, Dans-Trp, and Dans-Phe binding to their preferred binding pockets in poly (SULV) yielded binding free energy values of -14.5811, -15.9457, -13.6408, and -12.0959 kJ·mol-1, respectively. Furthermore, hydrogen bonding analyses were used to investigate and elucidate the molecular interactions that govern chiral recognition in these molecular systems.
Visually guided chick ocular length and structural thickness variations assessed by swept-source optical coherence tomography.

Chicks are an excellent model for studying myopia. To study the change of the ocular structures in chicks, ultrasound is mostly used. However, it suffers from limited spatial resolution. In this study, we investigated the axial length (AL) and the thickness of different ocular structures in chicks’ eye undergoing visually induced changes using a swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) system in vivo. Two groups of chicks wore a translucent plastic goggle (n = 6) over the right eye to induce form-deprivation myopia. Following 12 days of form deprivation, goggles were removed in one group of chicks (n = 3), and they were allowed to experience 5 days of unrestricted vision (recovery). Goggles remained in place for a total of 17 days for the remaining 3 chicks. A separate group of 3 chicks were untreated and served as normal control. Ocular dimensions were measured in control, myopic, and recovered eyes using an SS-OCT system. We found myopic chick eyes had significantly thicker AL, lens thickness (LT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and vitreous chamber depth (VCD), but significantly thinner retina thickness (RT) and choroid thickness (ChT) compared to the control eyes. Following 5 days of recovery, the cornea thickness (CT), retina pigment epithelium thickness (RPET), and ChT were significantly thicker, while the ACD and LT became significantly thinner compared to that of myopic eyes. SS-OCT can serve as a promising tool to provide measurements of the entire ocular structures, for evaluating the change of thickness and depth of different ocular structures in chicks in vivo. The change of AL in the myopic and recovered chick eyes can be attributed to the thickness alterations of different ocular structures. Altogether, this work demonstrated the feasibility of SS-OCT in chick myopic research and exhibited new insights into the changes of ocular structures in chicks experiencing myopia after unrestricted vision recovery.
Abstract 082: Oral Minocycline Reduces Blood Pressure and Restores Autonomic Balance in Chronic Ang II-Infusion Rat Model of Hypertension

Introduction: We have established that microglial activation and dysfunctional autonomic nervous system (ANS) are associated with Ang II hypertension (HTN). The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that oral delivery of minocycline (Mino), an anti-inflammatory antibiotic that crosses the blood brain barrier, would impact PVN microglia activation, improve autonomic function, and reverse HTN. Methods: SD rats irradiated and reconstituted with donor eGFP bone marrow (BM) cells were infused with saline or 200ng/kg/min Ang II S.C. for 7 wks. Additionally, rats received vehicle or Mino (50 mg/kg) by oral gavage. MAP was measured weekly by telemetry (n=3/group) and tailcuff (n=9/group). Spectral analysis of telemetry BP signal was performed for ZT12-13 at 3 wks to reveal autonomic balance. Results: Ang II increased MAP vs control (178±9 mmHg vs 104±2 mmHg; p Conclusions: These observations demonstrate that oral Mino treatment inhibits microglia activation, attenuates autonomic dysfuction and peripheral inflammation that arrests the progression of HTN. This suggests that Mino might be an effective therapeutic agent to target neurogenic HTN.
Modulation of myeloid proliferation and differentiation by monoclonal antibodies directed against a protein that interacts with the interleukin-3 receptor

Hematopoietic cells can be transformed through the acquisition of autocrine growth factor production. Because of their ability to inhibit autocrine growth, antibodies directed against the growth factor or its receptor may have therapeutic potential. However, these agents may also inhibit normal cell development. We have developed two monoclonal antibodies, 4G8 and 2F2, directed against a protein of 110 to 150 Kd that interacts with the interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor (R) complex. These antibodies inhibit IL-3-induced proliferation of nonleukemic and leukemic IL-3-dependent cell lines, as well as the autonomous growth of WEHI-3B in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest the possibility that anti-IL-3R antibodies may be useful in the treatment of some leukemias. However, the effect of anti-IL-3R antibodies on normal myeloid development in vitro has not been examined. We examined the effect of 4G8 and 2F2 on the growth in vitro of colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) colonies induced by IL-3, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), and macrophage-CSF (M-CSF). Our results show that while 4G8 and 2F2 inhibited CFU-GM colony formation induced by IL-3, they augmented colony formation induced by the other hematopoietins. 4G8 and 2F2 also enhanced G-CSF-induced proliferation of 32Dc13 and GM-CSF-induced proliferation of PT18, confirming that the effect on CFU-GM was a direct effect. Finally, 4G8 and 2F2 inhibited G-CSF-induced differentiation of 32Dc13, similar to low levels of IL-3; yet, neither 4G8 nor 2F2 blocked binding of G-CSF to its receptor. These results indicate that, in the absence of IL-3 and in the presence of other hematopoietins, 4G8 and 2F2 can function as weak IL-3 agonists. These studies suggest that antibodies such as 4G8 and 2F2, directed against components of the IL-3R, could potentially augment myeloid growth in vivo, rather than inhibit myeloid growth.
Analysis of the joggle-lap joint for automotive applications

Abstract : An analytical model is developed to describe the response of the 'joggle-lap' joint to both tensile and bending loads. The model consists of a non-linear beam analysis which calculates stress profiles through the adherent thickness. A plane stress finite-element model was incorporated into the analysis to correctly determine the stress field in the adhesive zone where it was shown that beam analysis was less accurate. Elastic response of the 'joggle-lap' joint due to tensile loads was verified through experimental testing and ultimate loads were accurately predicted within experimental error. Maximum adherent flexural stress was found to determine joint failure. A parametric study was undertaken by using the verified analytical model and the results were recorded as a series of design curves.
Conventional Coplanar Waveguide

This chapter presents the closed form expressions for ?> eff and Z 0 for CPW variants and a brief explanation of iterative techniques to determine quasi-static ?> eff and Z 0 . A detailed analysis of CPW using the spectral domain method is given. An empirical formula for dispersion and synthesis formulas for dispersion and characteristic impedance are also provided. The characteristics of CPW with elevated or buried center strip conductor and with ground plane or center strip conductor underpasses are both discussed. The chapter concludes with a presentation of closed form expressions for ?> eff and Z 0 for CPW on cylindrical surfaces and the effect of metal thickness on ?> eff and Z 0 of conventional CPW.
Analysis of controlled multiplexing systems via stochastic control theory

Large controlled multiplexing systems can often be approximated by diffusion type processes, via weak convergence methods. The system is large in that there are many independent users, each generating cells according to a Markov modulated model. The "limit" equations can be viewed as a type of aggregation of the original system, and they are the basis of the actual numerical approximation for the control problem. The method and results well illustrate the power of current numerical methods in stochastic control to handle complex and realistic problems in applications. The numerical approximations have the structure of the original problem, but are generally much simpler. The control can occur in a variety of places. Various forms of the optimal control problem are explored, where the main aim is to control or balance the losses at the control with those due to buffer overflow. The numerical data shows that much can be saved by the use of optimal controls or reasonable approximations to them. We discuss various aggregation methods and control approximation schemes. There are qualitative comparisons of various systems with and without control and a discussion of the variations of control and performance as the systems data and control bounds vary. >
Fast subword permutation instructions using omega and flip network stages

This paper proposes a new way of efficiently doing arbitrary n-bit permutations in programmable processors modeled on the theory of omega and flip networks. The new om-flip instruction we introduce can perform any permutation of n subwords in log n instructions, with the subwords ranging from half-words down to single bits. Each omflip instruction can be done in a single cycle, with very efficient hardware implementation. The omflip instruction enhances a programmable processor's capability for handling multimedia and security applications which use subword permutations extensively.
Towards component-based software engineering

This paper presents a background and the state-of-the-art of component-based software engineering (CBSE hereafter), an emerging software technology aiming at developing high-quality software with lower cost. A number of research topics around CBSE are discussed which fit well into an upper-level software engineering course as student projects at small colleges. The paper starts with the rationales of CBSE after looking into software engineering practices for the past 30 years. The proposed solution involves the concept of highly reusable software components. Software development needs a revolutionary change: from writing code line by line to assembling pre-built, ready-tested components systematically. A component framework incorporating both syntax and semantics of reusable components is proposed. INTRODUCTION For the last 50 years, the technology for producing computer hardware has radically changed. At the early days, vacuum tubes and transistors were used. Since 1975, the integrated circuits (IC) and very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSI) have been used and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. A transistor is simply an on/off switch controlled by electricity. The integrated circuit combined dozens to hundreds of transistors into a single chip. A VLSI circuit then, is just millions of combinations of conductors, insulators, and switches manufactured in a single, small package. The integrated circuits (IC) and very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSI) make the basic building blocks from which faster and less expensive computers can be assembled (Figure 1). Permission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work or personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. To copy otherwise, to republish, to post on servers, or to redistribute to lists, requires prior specific permission and/or a fee. VRST 2000, Seoul, Korea © ACM 2000 1-58113-316-2/00/10 . . .$5.00 Copyright © 2000 by the Consortium for Computing in Small Colleges. Permission to copy without fee all or part of this material is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributed for direct commercial advantage, the CCSC copyright n tice and the title of the publicatio and its date appear, and notice is given that copying is by permission of the Consortium for Computing in Small Colleges. To copy otherwise, or to republish, requires a fee and/or specific permission. CCSC: Rocky Mountain Conference 183 Year Technology used in computers Relative performance/unit cost
Taxonomic Position in the Genus Brucella of the Causative Agent of Canine Abortion

The gram-negative organism causing abortion in dogs was examined in parallel with cultures representative of the Brucella species and with Bordetella bronchiseptica. The organism fits into the genus Brucella and most closely resembles B. suis on the basis of its growth characteristics. It is of rough colonial morphology and is agglutinated by antisera prepared against rough Brucella. In mouse toxicity tests, no endotoxic activity could be demonstrated. In contrast to most Brucella cultures, it does not utilize erythritol. Electron microscopy showed a cell wall structure similar to that of other gram-negative organisms. The question of whether the organism should be designated Brucella canis, as proposed by Carmichael and Bruner, or Brucella suis biotype 5 is discussed. The authors favor the designation Brucella canis because the organism lacks the lipopolysaccharide antigen associated with the smooth agglutinogen and endotoxin, and it does not utilize erythritol.
Carotid endarterectomy using regional anesthesia in high-risk patients

Objective: We elected to compare the clinical outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) patients who were thought to be at increased risk for perioperative complications because of advanced age (>79 years), medical comorbidities and contralateral internal carotid artery occlusion to patients without these risk factors. Methods: A prospective series of 875 CEAs done using regional anesthesia were analyzed. All patients were operated upon under the direction of one neurosurgeon (REH). Clinical outcomes measures evaluated were any stroke, death or myocardial infarction within 30 days of operation. All patients were followed to a clinical endpoint and/or 6 weeks postoperatively. The incidence of adverse clinical outcomes in the suspected high-risk patients was compared to the incidence in the entire series using contingency table analysis (chi-square and Fisher's exact test). Results: A total of 20 strokes (2.3%), 4 myocardial infarctions (0.5%) and 3 deaths (0.3%) occurred within 30 days of CEA. None of the suspected risk factors was associated with a significantly (P<0.05) increased risk of perioperative morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: CEA using regional anesthesia can be performed in patients with advanced age, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease and contralateral ICA occlusion with acceptably low perioperative morbidity.
A three dimensional quantum reactive scattering study of the I+HI reaction and of the IHI− photodetachment spectrum

In this paper, we present the results of coupled channel hyperspherical reactive scattering calculations on the reaction I+HI→IH+I using a semiempirical potential surface. Only the J=0 partial wave is considered. The bimolecular reaction probability is found to exhibit two sharp resonant peaks at energies below threshold for direct reaction. The resonances are associated with transition state quantum numbers (ν1ν2ν3)=(100) and (200), and their energies are in excellent agreement with the result of L2 calculations due to Clary and Connor, and to Bowman and Gazdy. At higher energy the reaction is dominated by rotational threshold effects, and then below the HI(ν=1) energetic threshold, additional resonances are found which correspond to quantum numbers (002), (102), (202), and (302). Franck–Condon factors associated with photodetachment of IHI− have also been calculated, and these show mainly direct scattering threshold behavior at low energies (E<0.30 eV), with the (100) and (200) resonances contributing o...
The Voyager Missions to the Outer System

The twelve papers comprising this issue provide a review of the breadth of the scientific investigations which will be undertaken by the NASA Voyager Project. The objectives of the Voyager Missions are to conduct exploratory investigations of the Jupiter and Saturn planetary systems and of the interplanetary medium from Earth to Saturn. If all goes well, an extended mission will provide the first flyby investigation of Uranus and its newly discovered rings and interplanetary studies beyond 20 AU. Emphasis will be placed on comparative studies of the planets and satellites, on studies of the rings of Saturn and Uranus, and on interplanetary and interstellar studies at increasing distances from the Sun.
Recovery of a Heat Equation by Four Measurements at One End

We consider the reconstruction of a heat equation modeling the temperature distribution of a rod from readings at one end only. We assume that the rod, whose length is unknown, is totally buried except for a neighborhood of one of its ends, which is accessible for temperature measurements. We show that, under very mild restrictions, the heat coefficient and the length of the rod can be reconstructed from at most four measurements at one end.
FIXED AND DYNAMIC URETHRAL COMPRESSION FOR THE TREATMENT OF POST-PROSTATECTOMY URINARY INCONTINENCE: IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF?

Purpose: We reviewed the evolution of appliances and devices used for treating post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence.Materials and Methods: We used the MEDLINE to search the literature from 1966 to March 2000 and then manually searched bibliographies to identify studies that our initial search may have missed.Results: The evolution of treatment for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence may be traced back to the 18th century. Two main schools of thoughts simultaneously evolved. The first fixed urethral compression devices were constructed to enable urethral obstruction by fixed resistance. This outlet resistance allows voiding after intra-abdominal and intravesical pressure is elevated but it is sufficient to prevent leakage between urinations. The other school of thought preferred creation of dynamic urethral compression in which outlet resistance is not fixed but may be decreased when voiding is desired or elevated between urinations. Therapeutic fixed and dynamic urethral compression interventions m...
Horizontal Violence Among Nursing Students

In a research study student nurses in the clinical setting reported experiencing horizontal violence or "nurses eating their young." The types of behaviors most frequently encountered were emotional and verbal attacks. Some students did not report incidences of horizontal violence to their instructors, so it is important that the faculty be cognizant that such behaviors can occur and establish open communication to assist students in dealing with such behaviors.